bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the dynamic adjustment of agricultural water prices drive variation of the agricultural production？
Authors: Mu Lan , Wang Yuan , Xue Binrui
Published: February 2023

Regarding the relationship between value, resources, and environmental issues, how to use the principle of economic leverage to manage the demand for agricultural water resources has received increasing research attention. Yet, due to the complexity of how the water economy is structured and to uncertainty in how setting an agricultural water price will affect water demand responses, it is still unclear how to determine a reasonable way to charge for agricultural water. This study investigates the impact of water prices on regional cropping structure, irrigation water use, and environmental sustainability under different increasing price scenarios, using a positive mathematical programming (PMP) model based on GAMS software. The model was run and calibrated using 427 field survey data from the pilot areas in the Wei River Basin for the 2022 crop year. These pilot areas have been selected for comprehensive reform with regard to agricultural water pricing. Our results show that increasing the agricultural water price leads to the changing of crop planting structure in the study area and to the increase of water price elasticity. Furthermore, when the water price rose 200% and 400%, the pesticide input in site A decreased by 1.71% and 3.40%, respectively, and the fertilizer input in site B decreased by 1.05% and 2.03%, respectively. Therefore, our results support the positive role of implementing water price reform policies in the Wei River Basin, but additional policies are also needed to improve the motivation of farmers to save water.
Selenide-linked Polydopamine-Reinforced Hybrid Hydrogels with On-demand Degradation and Light-triggered Nanozyme Release for Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Li Wenjing , Bei Ying , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhu Jian , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhang Tingling , Liu Jieting , Wu Dan , Li Meng , Wu Yan , Gao Jie
Published: February 2023

Background
Multifunctional hydrogels with controllable degradation and drug release have attracted extensive attention in diabetic wound healing. This study focused on the acceleration of diabetic wound healing with selenide-linked polydopamine-reinforced hybrid hydrogels with on-demand degradation and light-triggered nanozyme release.
Methods
Herein, selenium-containing hybrid hydrogels, defined as DSeP@PB, were fabricated via the reinforcement of selenol-end capping polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels by polydopamine nanoparticles (PDANPs) and Prussian blue nanozymes in a one-pot approach in the absence of any other chemical additive or organic solvent based on diselenide and selenide bonding-guided crosslinking, making them accessible for large-scale mass production.
Results
Reinforcement by PDANPs greatly increases the mechanical properties of the hydrogels, realizing excellent injectability and flexible mechanical properties for DSeP@PB. Dynamic diselenide introduction endowed the hydrogels with on-demand degradation under reducing or oxidizing conditions and light-triggered nanozyme release. The bioactivity of Prussian blue nanozymes afforded the hydrogels with efficient antibacterial, ROS-scavenging and immunomodulatory effects, which protected cells from oxidative damage and reduced inflammation. Further animal studies indicated that DSeP@PB under red light irradiation showed the most efficient wound healing activity by stimulating angiogenesis and collagen deposition and inhibiting inflammation.
Conclusion
The combined merits of DSeP@PB (on-demand degradation, light-triggered release, flexible mechanical robustness, antibacterial, ROS-scavenging and immunomodulatory capacities) enable its high potential as a new hydrogel dressing that can be harnessed for safe and efficient therapeutics for diabetic wound healing.
Satellite Imagery Retrieval Based on Adaptive Gaussian Markov Random Field Model with Bayes Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Seetharaman
Published: February 2023

This paper introduces a novel method for satellite colour imagery retrieval, based on an Adaptive Gaussian Markov Random Field (AGMRF) model with the Bayes-driven Deep Convolutional Neural Network (AGMRF-BDCNN). The given input imagery is segregated into the structure, microstructure, and texture components, and the AGMRF-driven features and statistical features are extracted from the segregated components and are formulated as a feature vector of the query imagery. Cosine direction and Bhattacharyya distance measures are deployed to match the feature vector with the feature vector of the feature vector database. If the query imagery features match the feature-vector database's features, then the reference imagery in the database is marked and indexed. The indexed imageries are retrieved. Three different benchmark datasets, SceneSat, PatternNet, and UC Merced, have been used to validate the proposed AGMRF-BDCNN method. For the SceneSat dataset, the AGMRF-BDCNN method results in 0.2319 scores for ANMRR and 0.7156 scores for mAP; for the UC Merced dataset, it yields 0.2316 scores for ANMRR and 0.7816 scores for mAP; for PatternNet dataset, it achieves 0.2405 scores for ANMRR and 0.6979 scores for mAP. The obtained results are comparable to state-of-the-art methods.
Undergraduate dental student preferences for learning: a three-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Gatt Gabriella , Attard Nikolai J.
Published: February 2023

Background
This student-centred prospective cohort study evaluated the impact of multimodal teaching methods on student performance in the theoretical domain of dental studies.
Methods
Dental students answered anonymous questionnaires indicating their preferences and opinions three times over three consecutive academic years. Data collected included gender, course, year of study and most frequent and preferred learning modality. Survey responses from Google Forms were analysed with SPSS 20.0 software (IBM Company, Chicago, IL, USA). Scale responses were tested with the Mann-Whitney U test against gender, program and year of study. Grades obtained from structured examinations held in the third academic year were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test according to the teaching method employed. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
The response rate was high (> 80%) throughout the study. Acceptance of online modalities increased over time (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = < 0.001) and 75% of students requested that online teaching modalities be maintained. Significant differences in gender, course of study, year of study and discipline taught were observed (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). Females differed from males by favouring online modalities and face-to-face lectures, respectively, and clinical year students opted to retain pre-recorded online lectures. Recorded lectures resulted better for teaching core knowledge (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, p = 0.034), while face-to-face lectures were better for teaching applied knowledge (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, p = 0.043). Student responses to open-ended questions identified the need for a blended approach with in-person lecturing as an opportunity to socialise and avoid mental health issues. Although preferences varied, students showed a willingness to influence their learning and changes in curriculum, a predilection for self-directed learning and the need for freedom in engaging with resources and content.
Conclusions
In the context of this study, online teaching modalities resulted in comparable examination performance and improved student satisfaction. This highlights the need for a blended approach to teaching.
Soret-effect induced phase-change in chromium nitride semiconductor film
Authors: Shuang Yi , Mori Shunsuke , Yamamoto Takuya , Hatayama Shogo , Song Yun-Heub , Hong JinPyo , Ando Daisuke , Sutou Yuji
Published: February 2023

Phase-change materials such as Ge-Sb-Te (GST) exhibiting amorphous and crystalline phases can be used for phase-change random access memories (PCRAM). GST-based PCRAM has been applied as a storage-class memory; however, its relatively low ON/OFF ratio and large Joule heat energy for the RESET process (amorphization) significantly limit the storage density. This study proposes a novel phase-change nitride, CrN, with a much wider programming window (ON/OFF ratio more than 105) and lower RESET energy (a 90 % reduction from GST). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a unique phase-change from low resistive cubic CrN into high resistive hexagonal CrN2 induced by the Soret-effect. The proposed phase-change nitride could greatly expand the scope of conventional phase-change chalcogenides and offer a new strategy for next-generation PCRAM, enabling a large ON/OFF ratio, low energy, and fast operation.
Correlates of e-cigarette use susceptibility among never-smoking youth: A cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yan Ruilin , Liu Yanhong , Huang Li , Li Yanrou , Huang Yun , Tong Jing , Deng Yongzheng , Yuan Qing
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Identifying youth at risk of future e-cigarette use is crucial for informing effective prevention strategies. The current study aims to examine the correlates of e-cigarette use susceptibility among never-smoking youth from four levels: personal, psychological, parental, and social factors.
Methods
This Cross-sectional study recruited 2487 never-smoking students (aged 12–17 years) from 15 junior and high schools in the Bao'an District of Shenzhen, China from October to December 2021. E-cigarette susceptibility was measured by two items assessing the possibility to use e-cigarettes in the future and willingness to use if offered by a friend. Random-effects logistic regression models were used to explore risk factors of e-cigarette use susceptibility from four levels.
Results
Of the 2487 youth who never smoked, 5.5% (n = 136) were susceptible to e-cigarette use. The regression model identified the following correlates of e-cigarette susceptibility: perceptions of e-cigarettes, perceived social support, parental style, pro- and anti-tobacco information exposure, SHS exposure, and friends using e-cigarettes. Youth believing it is not easy to get addicted to e-cigarettes (aOR = 2.19; 95%CI: 1.21–3.96; p = 0.010), having father rejection (aOR = 2.38; 95%CI: 1.22–4.65; p = 0.011), having SHS exposure at home for 5–7 days (aOR = 2.04; 95%CI: 1.24–3.37; p = 0.005), noticing e-cigarette advertising (aOR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.22–2.65; p = 0.003), and having friends using e-cigarettes (aOR = 2.59–5.28; 95%CI: 1.76–14.73; p < 0.001) were more susceptible to e-cigarette use. Youth thinking e-cigarette use less attractive (aOR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.37–0.83; p = 0.005), having high social support (aOR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.24–0.97; p = 0.041), and noticing the effects of e-cigarette use (aOR = 0.53; 95%CI: 0.36–0.78; p = 0.001) were less susceptible to e-cigarette use.
Conclusions
Youth' susceptibility to e-cigarette use is affected by multiple factors. A multi-level approach involving personal, psychological, parental, and social environment factors is needed to prevent youth from e-cigarette initiation.
Expression of RNA-binding motif protein 3 is increased in gastric adenocarcinoma but unrelated to prognosis of patients
Authors: Melling Nathaniel , Uzunoglu Faik Güntac , Ghadban Tarik , Tachezy Michael , Hajek André , Izbicki Jakob Robert , Grupp Katharina
Published: February 2023

Strong RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) has recently been described to be linked to overall survival in many different cancer types. To better understand the impact of RBM3 expression in preneoplastic and neoplastic gastric tissue, RBM3 protein expression was analyzed on a pre-existing tissue microarray containing normal gastric epithelium, gastric dysplasia, and primary gastric adenocarcinoma specimens. Nuclear RBM3 expression was detectable in various intensities in benign gastric epithelium. Increased nuclear RBM3 expression was found in preneoplastic and neoplastic as compared to normal gastric epithelium (P < 0.0001 each). In detail, strong RBM3 expression were found in 63.6% of dysplasia and 56.8% of cancers. These data suggest a role of RBM3 in gastric carcinogenesis – however - high RBM3 expression was unrelated to clinic-pathological features of tumors and overall survival of patients.
Carcinogenic effect of adenosine deaminase(ADA) in human tumors
Authors: Zhou Fangye , Luo Yupeng , Xiong Haoran , Zhang Guangjie
Published: February 2023

Adenosine deaminasa (ADA) is a type of protease that is encoded by protein coding genes.Human diseases caused by ADA gene deletion or mutation are mainly serious combined diseases of immunodeficiency and autosomal recessive diseases, etc.But cancer analysis between ADA gene and cancer is not available.Using some databases TCGA, GEPIA, UALCAN, cBioportal, DAVID and others, we first analyzed ADA gene expression in different cancer patients and found that there are significant differences in ADA gene expression in some cancer patients.Therefore, there may be a certain relationship between ADA gene and tumorigenesis.ADA is increased regulation in eight cancers and decreased in three cancers.Furthermore, we analyzed these 11 tumors and observed ADA gene change in 11 tumors.In KIRC, PAAD and THYM tumours ADA expression was associated with infiltration of CD8+T cells and cancer fibroblasts.KEGG and GO have shown that ADA enriches primarily the immune response, signaling pathway and antigen binding.The ADA gene was correlated with some human tumors.Our study showed a comprehensive understanding of the important role of ADA in some tumors.
Identifying patient subgroups with different trends of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after elective knee arthroplasty
Authors: Golinelli Davide , Grassi Alberto , Sanmarchi Francesco , Tedesco Dario , Esposito Francesco , Rosa Simona , Rucci Paola , Amabile Marilina , Cosentino Monica , Bordini Barbara , Fantini Maria Pia , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: February 2023

Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly being used to assess the effectiveness of elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, little is known about the change over time of PROMs scores in these patients. The aim of this study was to identify the trajectories of quality of life and joint functioning, and their associated demographic and clinical features in patients undergoing elective TKA.
Methods
We conducted a prospective, cohort study in which PROMs questionnaires (Euro Quality 5 Dimensions 3L, EQ-5D-3L, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Patient Satisfaction, KOOS-PS) were administered to patients undergoing elective TKA before surgery, and at 6 and 12 months after surgery at a single center. Latent class growth mixture models were used to analyze the patterns of change in PROMs scores over time. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the association between patient characteristics and PROMs trajectories.
Results
A total of 564 patients were included in the study. Our analysis highlighted differential patterns of improvement after TKA. Three distinct PROMs trajectories were identified for each PROMs questionnaire, with one trajectory characterizing the best outcome. Female gender appears to be associated with a presentation to surgery with worse perceived quality of life and joint function than males, but also more rapid improvement after surgery. Having an ASA score greater than 3 is instead associated with a worse functional recovery after TKA.
Conclusion
Our results suggest three main PROMs trajectories in patients undergoing elective TKA. Most patients reported an increase in quality of life and joint functioning at 6 months and a stabilization afterwards, while other subgroups present more heterogeneous trajectories. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential clinical implications of these results.
N-doped rutile TiO2 composite g-C3N4 with Z-Scheme boosts photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light
Authors: Li Jianxin , Wang Yuhua , Song Haixiang , Guo Yao , Hu Shuaishuai , Zheng Huibin , Zhang Shiding , Li Xianchang , Gao Qianqian , Li Chengbo , Zhu Zunwei , Wang Yitong
Published: February 2023

The photocatalysis technology is one of the recent research hotspots to solve a series of social problems such as energy crisis and environmental pollution. It is an important way to improve the photocatalytic efficiency by constructing heterojunction and improving the utilization rate of sunlight. In this paper, N-doping rutile TiO2 (N-rTiO2) and graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4), as cheap, stable and non-toxic catalysts, were successfully composited. Although N-rTiO2 could not meet the hydrogen production condition, after formed a Z-scheme heterojunction with g-C3N4, which improved the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance by 2.57 times compared with pristine g-C3N4. Moreover, a DFT calculation has analyzed the band structure, density of state, work function, differential charge density and Bader charge distribution of samples to reveal the photocatalytic mechanism. It is further proved that the formation of Z-scheme effectively promotes the improvement of photocatalytic performance. This study provides a feasible idea for designing and expanding new and cheap photocatalysts in the renewable energy fields.
This study efficient hybrid catalysts for other applications in the renewable energy fields.
Global C4 distribution estimate constrained by observations and optimality theory
Authors: Luo Xiangzhong , Zhou Haoran , Satriawan Tin , Tian Jiaqi , Keenan Trevor , Sitch Stephen , Smith Nicholas
Published: February 2023

Photosynthesis of C4 plants responds to climate change differently than the more common C3 plants, due to their unique anatomic and biochemical characteristics. The different response is expected to cause a change in global C4 distribution, however, current C4 distribution models are inadequate to predict that as they are based on a temperature-only hypothesis and lack observational constraints. Here, we used a global database of photosynthetic pathways, satellite observations and a photosynthetic optimality theory to produce a new observation-constrained estimate of C4 distribution. We found that global C4 coverage stabilized at 11.2% of the vegetated land surface during 1992 to 2016, as a net effect of C4 grass decrease due to elevated CO2 and C4 crop increase, mainly from maize expansion. Using an emergent constraint approach, we estimated that C4 contributed 12.5% of global photosynthetic carbon assimilation, a value much lower than previous estimates (~ 20%) but more in line with the mean of an ensemble of dynamic global vegetation models (14 ± 13%). By improving the understanding of recent global C4 dynamics, our study sheds insight on the critical and previously underappreciated role of C4 plants in modulating the global carbon cycle in recent history.
Effect of home and community-based services on older adults’ depressive symptoms in China: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Xu Tingke , Huang Zishuo , Huang Yucheng , Zhu Yue , Cheng Dayi , Fu Yating , Zhang Xiangyang , Chen Chun
Published: February 2023

Background
As the phenomenon of ageing continues to intensify, home and community-based services (HCBSs) have become of increasing importance in China. However, few studies have assessed the impact of HCBSs utilization on depressive symptoms among older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between HCBSs utilization and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults.
Methods
This study included 7,787 older adults (≥ 60years old) who were recruited within the framework of the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). HCBSs utilization was assessed via the question, “What kind of HCBSs were being utilized in their community?”. Data were analyzed using generalized hierarchical linear models.
Results
Of the 7,787 participants, 20.1% (n = 1,567) reported they utilized HCBSs, and 36.7% (n = 2,859) were currently with depressive symptoms. After adjusting for individual- and province-level covariates, the HCBSs utilization was found to be associated with depressive symptoms (OR = 1.189, 95% CI:1.043–1.356, p < 0.01) among older adults. Additionally, the depressive symptoms were associated with gender, residence, educational level, marital status, number of chronic diseases, self-rated health, smoking, and provincial GDP per captia.
Conclusions
This study found HCBSs utilization might be a protective factor against depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults. It is important that the government provides targeted HCBSs at the community level to address the unmet care needs of older adults to reduce the occurrence of negative emotions and consequently the depressive symptoms.
Liraglutide attenuates palmitate-induced apoptosis via PKA/β-catenin/Bcl-2/Bax pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells
Authors: Cheng Lanlan , Xu Yijing , Long Yueming , Yu Fangmei , Li Gui , Zhang Qiu , Lu Yunxia
Published: February 2023

Liraglutide (LRG), one agonist of glucagon-like peptide-1, has multiple lipid-lowering effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus, however, studies on the role of LRG in saturated fatty acid-induced bone loss are limited. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether LRG reduces palmitate (PA)-induced apoptosis and whether the mechanism involves PKA/β-catenin/Bcl-2/Bax in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations of PA, LRG, or pretreated with Exendin 9–39 and H89, cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cAMP levels, apoptosis and the expression of protein kinase A (PKA), β-catenin, cleaved-Capase 3, Bcl2-Associated X Protein (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) along with expression of Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) were evaluated. PA treatment inhibited cell proliferation and cAMP levels, elevated intracellular ROS levels and promoted apoptosis, increased protein expressions of RANKL, Bax and Cleaved-Caspase3, meanwhile decreased protein expression of OPG and Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner. LRG inverted PA-induced apoptosis, increased cAMP levels, promoted expression of p-PKA, p-β-catenin and reversed these gene expression via increasing GLP1R expression. Pretreatment of the cells with Exendin 9–39 and H89 partially eradicated the protective effect of LRG on PA-induced apoptosis. Therefore, these findings indicated that LRG attenuates PA-induced apoptosis possibly by GLP1R-mediated PKA/β-catenin/Bcl-2/Bax pathway in MC3T3-L1 cells. Our results point to LRG as a new strategy to attenuate bone loss associated with high fat diet beyond its lipid-lowering actions.
A Systematic Comparison of Human Mitochondrial Genome Assembly Tools
Authors: Mahar Nirmal Singh , Satyam Rohit , Gupta Ishaan , Sundar Durai
Published: February 2023

Background
Mitochondria are the cell organelles that produce the majority of the chemical energy required to power the biochemical reactions of the cell. Despite being a part of a eukaryotic host cell, the mitochondria contain a separate genome whose origin is linked with the endocytosis of a prokaryotic cell by the eukaryotic host cell and encodes separate genomic information throughout their genomes. Mitochondrial genomes accommodate essential genes and are regularly utilized in biotechnology and phylogenetics. Various assemblers capable of generating full mitochondrial genomes are being continuously developed. These tools often use whole-genome sequencing data as an input containing reads from the mitochondrial genome. Till now no published work has explored the systematic comparison of all the available tools for assembling mitochondrial genome using short-read sequencing data. This evaluation is required in order to identify the best tool that can be well optimized for small-scale projects or even national-level research.
Results
Here we present a benchmark study of ten mitochondrial assembly tools capable of producing mitochondrial genomes for whole genome paired-end sequencing data. Simulated and real whole genome sequencing data was used as an input for these assemblers. Each of these publicly accessible tools are containerized as docker images to ensure the reproducibility. Our findings demonstrate that the examined assemblers have various computing requirements and degrees of success with the input datasets.
Conclusions
Based on the overall performance metrics and consistency in assembly quality for all sequencing data, MToolBox performed the best. However, among all the assemblers for simulated datasets, NOVOPlasty consumed the smallest amount of runtime and processing resources. Therefore, NOVOPlasty may be more practical to use when there is a big sample size and a lack of computational resources. Besides, as long read sequencing gains popularity, mitochondrial genome assemblers that can use long read sequencing data must be developed.
Experiences and challenges with the new European Clinical Trials Regulation
Authors: Patrick-Brown Thale D.J.H. , Bourner Josephine , Kali Sabrina , Trøseid Marius , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Olliaro Piero , Olsen Inge Christoffer
Published: February 2023

Background

The new European Medicines Agency (EMA) Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), based on the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR EU 536/2014), came into full effect on 31 January 2022 and was intended to provide an easier, more streamlined approach to the registration of clinical trials taking place in Europe. Using the experience gained on the new regulatory framework from three multi-national European clinical research studies of outbreak-prone infectious diseases, this article describes the advantages and shortcomings of the new clinical trial submission procedure.

Methods

We report the time to approval, size of the application dossier, and number of Requests for Information (RFIs) for each study. We also explore the experience of each study within the regulatory framework and its use of CTIS to document the real-world, practical consequences of the system on individual studies. The study assesses the experience of three multi-country studies conducted in Europe working within the EU and non-EU regulatory environments.

Results

While the time to regulatory and ethical approval has improved since the implementation of the new regulation, the timelines for approvals are still unacceptably slow, particularly for studies being conducted in the context of an evolving outbreak. Within the new regulatory approval procedure, there is evidence of conflicting application requirements, increased document burden, barriers to submitting important modifications, and debilitating technical hurdles.

Conclusions

CTIS promised to lower the regulatory administrative bar, but unfortunately this has not been achieved. There are challenges that need to be urgently confronted and addressed for international research collaborators to effectively manage health crises in the future. While the impact on multi-national outbreak research is clear, the limitations and delays imposed by the system, which raise challenging ethical questions about the regulation, are prejudicial to all clinical research, especially publicly funded academic studies. The objective of this work is to help improve pan-European clinical trials.

Trial Registration

This paper references experiences gained during management of three pan-European trials: EU-SolidAct’s Bari-SolidAct (CT No. 2022-500395-99-00) and AXL-SolidAct (CT No. 2022-500363-12-00), and MOSAIC (CT No. 2022-501132-42-00).
IOD-NaTx, a scorpion Nav channel toxin induces apoptosis and inhibits growth of highly aggressive breast cancer cells
Authors: Khademi Zahra , Ayat Hoda , Elahian Fatemeh , Ahadi Ali Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Metastatic breast cancer is the most lethal cancer in women that involved various molecular mechanisms. Nav1.5, a voltage-gated sodium channels, is overexpressed in high metastatic breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of a new Na+ channel blocker, IOD-NaTx toxin from scorpion. IOD-NaTx toxin contains 66 amino acids that forms three disulfide bonds, converse with other Na+ channels. It was expressed recombinantly in E.coli and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. The cancer cell cytotoxicity was investigated by MTT assay and IC50 of rIOD-NaTx was determined 8µM. Morphological properties of apoptotic cells were observed following toxin treatment. Cell cycle arrest in sub-G1 and increasing amount of p53 mRNA expression also confirmed apoptosis induction in toxin treated cells. IOD-NaTx significantly inhibited mRNA expression of several critical genes involved in breast cancer progression, AKT1, VEGF, LIF, TNF-α. The association of these genes with Nav1.5 channel and PI3K/AKT pathway suggests that IOD-NaTx may affect dufferent pathways through inhibittion of this channel. Fluorescent microscopy analysis showed IOD-NaTx interacte with cancer cells and could penetrate to cells. Therfore, recombinant IOD-NaTx can be considered as an therapeutic cell penetrating peptide for targeting breast cancer cells.
Construction and application of knowledge base for hydropower station operation and maintenance based on ontology
Authors: Zhang Binqiao , Li Shuyu , Zhao Hongwei , Dong Xiaoying
Published: February 2023

In the operations management of hydropower stations, there is a problem that a large amount of multi-source heterogeneous structured and unstructured data are challenging to manage and reuse effectively. To improve knowledge organization and collective knowledge sharing, we introduce ontology-based knowledge modeling into the knowledge management and knowledge services of hydropower stations. Specifically, it defines an ontology-based knowledge representation model and constructs a detailed example of ontology knowledge representation and an ontology knowledge base, focusing on three key aspects of hydropower stations, i.e. operation and maintenance of equipment, fault warning and emergency planning. Furthermore, this paper proposes an ontology comprehensive similarity algorithm (OCSA), based on which an ontology-driven visualization application for hydropower knowledge retrieval, prediction and warning, and emergency drill is implemented. Through real-world case studies, the feasibility and effectiveness of the ontology-based knowledge base construction method and critical technology application for hydropower operation and maintenance are demonstrated, improving hydropower stations' knowledge management and application capability.
Integrated cervical secretion proteome and metabolome reveal key elements and regulatory pathways in patients with cervical insufficiency
Authors: Wang Jie , Xu Jiacheng , Qin Yan , Liu Hongli , Xie Lumei , Chao Bingdi , Chen Miaomiao , He Jie , Tao Yuelan , Luo Xin , Qi Hongbo
Published: February 2023

Background: Cervical insufficiency (CI) is when the cervix appears progressively and painlessly shortened, dilated and funnel-shaped before a full-term pregnancy. This could be attributed to various reasons that hinder the carrying of pregnancy to term and cause abortion or premature birth in the middle and late trimesters of pregnancy. However, its potential pathogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the possible pathogenesis of CI through the changes of proteins and metabolites in cervical secretions.
Methods: In this study, cervical secretions from pregnant women with CI (n=6) and normal pregnant women (n=6) in the second trimester were collected. The changes of proteins and metabolites in cervical secretions were identified by LC-MS/MS, and the differential proteins and metabolites were further analyzed.
Results: Compared with the normal pregnant women, 95 differential proteins and 117 differential metabolites were detected in patients with CI.The proteomic results showed that 26S proteasomes family members (e.g. PSMC1, PSMC4, PSMC6, PSMD4, etc.) were down-regulated in the CI group, and were widely involved in inflammatory response and Wnt signaling pathway. Increased expression of fructose-1, 6-biphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, and decreased expression of phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1), an important enzyme of glycolysis, were also observed in the CI group. Additionally, our metabolomic analysis revealed high expression of sugars and gluconeogenic substrates (S-isopentene-L-cysteine and ketones) in the CI group.
Conclusions: The inflammatory response and EMT regulated by 26S proteasome and other differential proteins may involved in the occurrence and development of CI by destroying the barrier of cervical epithelium. At the same time, enhanced gluconeogenesis could provide energy for both processes. These findings could help improve pregnancy outcomes in women with cervical insufficiency.
Consequences of asymmetric mutational pressure for the dynamic of linear B-cell epitopes repertoire of Influenza A virus neuraminidase rearrangement
Authors: Khrustalev Vladislav Victorovich , Stojarov Aleksander Nicolaevich , Shen Chenguang , Khrustaleva Tatyana Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2023

All available full-length nucleotide sequences of avian Influenza A virus neuraminidase coding region were analyzed and compared with those of N1 and N2 isolated from viruses infecting human and swine. Nucleotide usage bias analysis showed that in most of the coding regions of N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, and N9 isolated from viruses infecting birds, as well as in those of N1 isolated from viruses infecting human and swine, asymmetric A-bias in fourfold degenerated sites is stronger than in coding regions of N1 isolated from birds and in those of N2 isolated from birds, human, and swine, where the level of U is close to the level of A. In twofold degenerated sites from third codon positions, there is a strong asymmetric U-bias in coding regions of N4, N5, and N8 isolated from viruses infecting birds, as well as in those of N1 and N2 isolated from viruses infecting human, swine, and birds, while in coding regions of N9 isolated from birds, there is strong C-bias, and in sequences of N3, N6, and N7 the usage of C is quite close to the level of U. Asymmetric mutational pressure was one of the sources of amino acid replacements that resulted in an equal percentage of sites with appeared and disappeared linear B-cell epitopes in N1, N2, N4, and N5 (33.62–35.33% vs. 32.41–36.45%), but in a stronger tendency to disappear for B-cell epitopes of N3, N6, N7, N8, and N9 of avian viruses (8.74–28.77% vs. 28.96–38.89%).
Association of Ocular Surface and Meibomian Gland Alterations with Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Wear
Authors: Colak Dilan , Kocabeyoglu Sibel , Karakaya Jale , Irkec Murat
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To evaluate silicone hydrogel contact lens (SH-CL) effects on the meibomian glands, corneal structure, and ocular surface parameters. Methods: Fifty SH-CL wearers for at least 6 months, and 50 sex and age-matched control subjects were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Visual display terminal (VDT) work and CL wear duration were questioned, ocular surface and tear functions were evaluated using OSDI questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and Schirmer test. Corneal sensitivity was measured with Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry. Meibography and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed to evaluate meibomian glands and corneal structure. Intergroup comparisons were made using the Chi-square test, Wilcoxon test, or Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: In the CL group, TBUT was shorter (P=0.01), corneal fluorescein staining (P=0.04), OSDI scores (P<0.001), and meiboscores (P<0.001) were higher than the control group. The biomicroscopic evaluation revealed meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in 34% of the CL group and 20% of the control group, which was not statistically significant (P>0.05). IVCM showed that endothelial cell density was lower (P=0.01) and polymegethism was higher (P<0.001) in the CL group. Subbasal nerve density and corneal sensitivity measurements were similar in the two groups (P>0.05). The longer VDT work duration was associated with increased CFS in the CL group (P=0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that SH-CL wear increased DED symptoms, especially in longer VDT work duration. Meibography revealed significantly worse results in SH-CL wearers. SH-CL-related DED seems to be more associated with MGD rather than neurosensorial alterations.
Study on in-plane/out-of-plane seismic performance of opening infill wall-RC frame structure with a new type of flexible connection
Authors: Zhang Maohua , Zhang Maohua , Junnan DING , Wei Jin , Kang Ding
Published: February 2023

When an earthquake occurs, the seriously damaged infill walls have an adverse impact on frame due to infill-frame interaction. Some codes suggest that the infill walls should be isolated from frames or use a flexible connection construction, but these applications may reduce OOP (out-of-plane) stability and increase the risk of OOP collapse. In this study, a new type of flexible connection is adopted for the opening infill wall-RC frame structures. The infill wall-RC frame structures with rigid connection, traditionally flexible connection and new type of flexible connection in this context were examined experimentally and numerically, and their IP and OOP after IP (in-plane) damage seismic performance were compared. As a result of the study, the new type of flexible connection effectively reduces IP damage of the infill walls and undesirable infill-frame interaction. Compared with rigid and traditional connection, the frame with new flexible connection improves the energy dissipation capacity by about 37.8% and 3.5%, respectively. At the same time, the OOP strength and stiffness of the new flexible connection increased by 119.8% and 104.2% in the same prior IP drift ratio than that of traditional flexible connection. It is thought that the steel cable structure can improve the restraint of frames on infill walls, which is beneficial to development of OOP horizontal arch mechanism.
Intensive Care Management and Outcome of Women with Hypertensive Diseases of Pregnancy at a tertiary Care Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Authors: Hilowle Nasra Mohamud , Ahmed Said Abdirahman , Ali Khadija Yusuf , Ali Abdijalil Abdullahi , Waberi Mohamud Mire , Hassan Mohamed Sheikh , Hassan Mohamed Omar
Published: February 2023

Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy remains severe disease burden in developing countries and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for both mother and the baby. This study highlights the level of morbidity and mortality associated with hypertensive pregnant mothers admitted to intensive care unit. Methods: - This retrospective study was conducted in Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital from February 2019 to July 2022. The study focused on the different complications, managements and final outcomes of hypertensive pregnant mothers admitted to the Intensive care unit. Results: The mean age of studied patients was 25 ± 8years. Considering the comorbidities, 38 out of 71 patients had comorbid conditions, including a previous history of gestational hypertension 26(36.6%), a history of previous pre-eclampsia 8 (11.2%) and history of diabetics 4(5.6%). The most common reason for being taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) was having a seizure (n = 33, 46.5%), followed by having very high blood pressure (n = 20, 28.2%), and being confused (n = 18, 25.3%). Regarding the clinical characteristics of these patients, those in their 3rd trimester were the most common among them. The majority of patients, on the other hand, were primigravida (n = 53, 74.6%), and nulliparous (n = 50, 70%). Infection was the most common maternal complication during ICU admission (66.7%), followed by cardiac-related arrhythmia (66.7%), bleeding (48%), acute renal failure (18.4%), HEELP syndrome (16.4%), severe anemia (9.6%), and stroke (8.7%). Despite the fact that less than 10% of patients had severe anemia necessitating transfusion during admission, 51 (71.8%) received a transfusion for other reasons, such as severe bleeding or dialysis. 10 (14.1%) needed hemodialysis due to acute renal failure. On the other hand, 65 (91.5%) needed mechanical ventilation. For the delivery, 70 (99%) had a cesarean section, while 1 (1%) had a vaginal delivery. Out of those who had a cesarean section, 75.7% had it under general anesthesia, while the remainder (24.3%) had it under spinal anesthesia. Unfortunately, 11.1% of these patients died, and 88.9% were discharged. There were associations between mortality and some complications, especially acute renal failure (p-value less than 0.02) and infection (p-value less than 0.003). Conclusion: A hypertensive women hospitalized to an intensive care unit (ICU) have high morbidity and mortality rates. For a subsequent sizable multi-central investigation, these data serve as the foundational research.
Path Integral for Graphene quasiparticles in the presence of two plane wave fields
Authors: Moures Nadjiba , Boudjedaa Tahar , Benzair Hadjira
Published: February 2023

In this present paper, we calculate the Green function for graphene quasiparticles which is described by the massless Dirac equation in interaction with one plane wave field and with two plane wave fields in particular configuration according to the supersymmetric path integral formulation. The calculation are simplified by using two identities one bosonic and the other fermionic. Analytic expressions for these Green functions are given and the wave functions are presented for the two considered cases.
P A C S: 03.65.Ca, 03.65.Ge, 03.65.Pm.
Correlates of cost-related medication rationing and non-adherence among cancer survivors in the US
Authors: Chido-Amajuoyi Onyema G. , Osaghae Ikponmwosa , Agogbuo Ogechi , Undavalli Chaitanya , Onyeaka Henry , Ghoweba Mohamed , Egbe Tiffany , Koya Rama , Frase Larry , Akinboro Oladimeji
Published: February 2023

Purpose: This study aims to describe the characteristics of cancer survivors who are at heightened risk of adopting cost-saving behaviors as a means to cope with financial hardship.
Methods: Study data were derived from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between cost-related medication rationing and non-adherence and the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of US cancer survivors.
Results: A total of 2594 cancer survivors were respondents. As income increased, the odds of medication rationing and non-adherence decreased. Cancer survivors aged 65 years and older were less likely to skip or take less medication to save costs than those aged < 45 years. Compared to respondents with health insurance coverage, those without health insurance coverage were over two folds (aOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.07-5.29) more likely to skip medications (aOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.07-5.29) and take less medication (aOR: 3.53, 95% CI: 1.62-7.72) to save cost. Current smokers were more likely to skip medications (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.13-3.48) or take less medication (aOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.16-3.42) to save money compared to never-smokers.
Conclusions: Cancer survivors who skip or ration medications are more likely to be younger, low-income, current smokers, with no health insurance coverage. Results call for multi-pronged interventions targeting at-risk groups identified in this study.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: Smoking cessation, expanding insurance coverage for cancer survivors, and furthering ongoing governmental-level efforts aimed at reducing drug prices can help tackle financial hardship and improve outcomes for cancer survivors
Patient’s and healthcare provider’s experiences with Opioid Maintenance Treatment (OMT): A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Steiro Asbjorn , Hestevik Christine Hillestad , Muller Ashley (Ley)
Published: February 2023

Background
Opioid Maintenance Treatment (OMT) is the gold standard for people with opioid dependence but drop-out can be high. Understanding both patients and health personnel’s experiences with the treatment can provide valuable information to improve the quality of OMT and to increase acceptability and accessibility of services. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the knowledge base of experiences of patients and health care providers, in order to inform the Norwegian Directorate of Health’s national guideline process.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis. We first conducted a systematic literature search in electronic databases. Among the 56 studies that met inclusion criteria, we extracted data about study contexts and populations to assess relevance to our research question and on data richness, then purposively sampled to arrive at a manageable sample. Two researchers independently extracted and coded data in Nvivo, and we used the Andersen’s healthcare utilization model to organize and develop codes into four main domains. We assessed the methodological quality of the included studies, and our confidence in findings using CERQual.
Results
After a literature search retrieved 56 references, we included and analyzed 24 qualitative studies of patients’ and health providers’ experiences with OMT services. We found that stigma was a cross-cutting theme that linked the four domains of Andersen’s healthcare utilization model. Stigma from people outside OMT was a barrier to seeking out and remaining in treatment. Both patients and health personnel perceived that the OMT system contributed to further stigma. OMT services itself was a source of stigma and communication and staff-patient relations were either facilitators or barriers to treatment compliance. Inadequate knowledge and competence among health care providers was a barrier as reported by both patients and providers, which affected the availability and quality of OMT. Patients also had expectations related to non-medical treatment outcomes of OMT such as employment, housing and social relationships. Patients continuously balanced positive expectations of OMT, and negative outcomes related to stigma.
Conclusion
These results show the need for increased competence in relational work, among OMT personnel, to improve the quality and to avoid stigma and negative attitudes among health providers. OMT should also have a holistic approach to meet patients' non-health-related needs, as these seem to be crucial for treatment compliance and outcomes.
Seasonal Fluctuation in the Floristic Diversity of Prashar Alpine Pasture, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Authors: KUMAR AKSHAY
Published: February 2023

Seasonal fluctuation in the plant diversity provide basis for devising suitable strategies for management and conservation of the plant resources. Accordingly, a study was conducted to understand the plant diversity of Prashar alpine pasture, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh during the year 2017 between 2550–2750 m elevation ranges. The study was carried out on seasonal basis. The study was carried out in summer season in May, rainy season in August and winter season in November. A total of 44 plant species belonging to 24 families and 35 genera were recorded in summer season, a total of 72 plant species belonging to 28 families and 58 genera were recorded in rainy season and a total of 13 plant species belonging to 6 families and 10 genera were recorded in winter season from the study area. Dominant families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae and Polygonaceae. A total of 56 medicinal plant species recorded from the pasture, out of which two species viz; Roscoea alpina and Selinum vaginatum fall in the category of threatened plants.