bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association and impact of SNPs in PNPLA3, TM6SF2 and MBOAT7 genes on prognosis factors of hepatocellular carcinoma with non-viral etiology
Authors: Samarasinghe Saumya Madushani , Hewage Asanka Sudeshini , Siriwardena Rohan , Tennekoon Kamani Hemamala , Niriella Madunil Anuk , de Silva Sumadee , Viswakula Sameera Dhananjaya
Published: December 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming a challenging global health concern with Asian and African countries carrying the highest burden of it. The rising prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated HCC is linked with unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary life styles. In addition, genetic predisposition may play a critical role in developing NASH-related HCC. Previous studies have identified that variants in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) and membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) genes are significantly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenicity among different populations. But there are no published reports on their impact on Sri Lankan NASH-HCC patients.
Methods: We conducted an exploratory study to evaluate the prevalence of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (PNPLA3 rs738409, PNPLA3rs2281135, PNPLA3 rs2294918, TM6SF2 rs58542926 and MBOAT7 rs641738) as genetic risk factors for NASH-HCC pathogenicity. We genotyped 48 NASH-HCC samples that were collected at a clinical setting and analyzed using statistical modelling to explore the impact of each SNP with tumor prognostic factors.
Results: We observed high frequencies in four out of five polymorphisms, namely PNPLA3 rs738409 (0.79, 95%CI 0.650-0.895), PNPLA3 rs2281135 (0.77, 95%CI 0.627-0.880), PNPLA3 rs2294918 (0.9, 95%CI 0.773-0.965) and MBOAT7rs641738 (0.85, 95%CI 0.722-0.939) among Sri Lankan NASH-HCC patients. Our analyses further demonstrated significant associations of PNPLA3variants with a total tumor diameter of NASH-HCC patients while PNPLA3 rs2294918 and MBOAT7 rs641738 had significant associations with single-nodular HCC. Of the five SNPs, we observed a strong correlation between PNPLA3 rs738409 and PNPLA3 rs2294918 through pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis.
Conclusion: Observed high frequencies of risk alleles among genotyped SNPs warrants the possibility of genetic predisposition as a risk factor for NASH-related HCC in the Sri Lankan setting.
A comparative analysis of the short-term effects of Babesia microti on rat hepatocytes in both in vitro and in vivo conditions
Authors: Jasik Krzysztof P. , Okla Hubert , Albertyńska Marta , Urbańska-Jasik Danuta , Kleczka Anna , Paluch Jarosław , Pol Przemysław
Published: December 2022

Human babesiosis is a disease reported mainly in North America, while its etiopathogenesis in Europe is less frequently described. However, according to the literature, human babesiosis in Europe is caused not only by Babesia divergens, as previously thought, but also by Babesia microti. Babesiosis is a parasitemia with varied symptoms, and potentially different organs can become dysfunctional during this disease. Since B. microti penetrates the blood during infection, the liver seems to be particularly exposed to these parasites, especially during the first phase of the disease. Considering the above, we aimed to investigate the effect of B. microti merozoites on hepatocytes. The study was carried out under in vitro and in vivo conditions to compare the different effects i.e. to focus on the direct effects of the protozoa on hepatocytes without the influence of associated cells in the living organism, including the immune system. In the study, we analyzed the effects of B. microti (ATCC 30221) on the liver of infected rats and the contact of the same line of B. microti with hepatocytes of the Clone 9 line (ECACC 88072203). The study was conducted at both microscopic and submicroscopic levels.
Using Dinoprostone Slow Release Vaginal Insert for Induction of Labor in Term-Pregnancy with Oligohydramnios: a prospective study from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen To Nhu Thi Ngo , Le Quang Thanh , Vuong Anh Dinh Bao , Nguyen Phuc Nhon , Nguyen Ngoc Tran Thi , Ho Quang Nhat
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Diurnal variations in quantitative pupillary reactivity in large hemispheric strokes
Authors: Kim Tae Jung , Lee Ji Sung , Park Soo-Hyun , Ko Sang-Bae
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the impact of diurnal variation on quantitative pupillary reactivity in stable patients with large hemispheric strokes. We included 35 patients with large hemispheric stroke without neurological worsening. Quantitative pupillometry was performed every 4 h. Pupillometer values for pupil size, percentage of constriction (%CH), constriction velocity (CV), dilation velocity (DV), and neurological pupil index (NPi) were collected. We evaluated changes in PLR parameters over time using linear mixed model analysis. Among the included patients (n = 35), 951 pupillometer measurements were analyzed. Significant diurnal variations were observed in pupil maximum size, %CH, CV, and DV at 4 AM compared with values at 8 PM. At 4 AM, patients had a significantly larger pupil (right [Rt] 3.59 vs 3.21 mm,P < 0.001; left [Lt] 3.51 vs 3.18 mm,P < 0.001) and higher %CH (Rt 31.48 vs 25.72,P < 0.001; Lt 31.42 vs 24.98,P < 0.001), CV (Rt 1.97 vs 1.68 mm/s,P < 0.001; Lt 1.98 vs 1.65 mm/s,P < 0.001), and DV (Rt 0.97 vs 0.84 mm/s,P < 0.001; Lt 0.94 vs 0.82 mm/s,P = 0.001). Pupillary dynamics demonstrated diurnal variations over 24 h within normal ranges in large hemispheric strokes without neurological worsening.
The Hakcheon-Chogok Megaturbidite in the Miocene Pohang-Youngduk Basin, SE Korea: high-gradient slope failure induced by a giant tsunami wave
Authors: Son Junghee , Cho Soonmi , Hwang In Gul
Published: December 2022

In ancient records, discrimination of specific triggering events from sediment gravity flow deposits is very difficult due to multiple interactions between triggering events and similar sedimentary characteristics. For this study, we introduce the Hakcheon-Chogok Megaturbidite (HCM) in the Miocene Pohang-Youngduk Basin (PYB), providing an unusual opportunity to differentiate the triggering events. This megaturbidite is over 70 m thick in the proximal part and less than 4 m thick in the distal part. The diachronous stratigraphic position and distinct coarser sediments than that of the underlying and overlying successions suggest large-scale slope failure of the fine-grained foreset (more than 2 km 3). The occurrence of exotic granitic boulders, originating from the basement rock more than 1 km west of the present fan-apex are indicative of extreme sea-level run-up. The dispersal pattern and paleo-current direction suggest that the HCM flowed to the northeast, irrespective of the local depositional slope which show a radial distribution from the fan-apex. The distribution pattern almost perpendicular to the strike of the NW-SE trending transfer fault suggests that the HCM was triggered by a reflection flow of giant tsunami wave, resulting in large-scale failure of high-gradient (> 15˚in15˚in slope angle) fan-delta slope.
Confidence intervals from local minimums of objective function
Authors: DERMOUNE Azzouz , OUNAISSI Daoud , SLAOUI Yousri
Published: December 2022

The weighted median plays a central role in the least absolute deviations (LAD). We propose a nonlinear regression using (LAD). Our objective function f (a, l, s) is non-convex with respect to the parameters a, l, s, and is such that for each fixed l, s the minimizer of a → f (a, l, s) is the weighted median med(x(l, s), w(l, s)) of a sequence x(l, s) endowed with the weights w(l, s) (all depend on l, s). We analyse and compare theoretically the minimizers of the function (a, l, s) → f (a, l, s) and the surface (l, s) → f (med(x(l, s), w(l, s)), l, s). As a numerical application we propose to fit the daily infections of COVID 19 in China using Gaussian model. We derive confident interval for the daily infections from each local minimum.
Protein interaction network revealed by quantitative proteomic analysis elucidates TFIIB role in multiple aspects of the transcription cycle
Authors: O'Brien Michael , Ansari Athar
Published: December 2022

TFIIB is implicated in multiple aspects of eukaryotic transcription. To investigate the broader role of TFIIB in transcription, we performed quantitative proteomic analysis of yeast TFIIB. We purified TFIIB from soluble cell lysate and the chromatin fraction. TFIIB purified from the chromatin exhibits a number of interactions that explain its non-canonical roles in transcription. Apart from preinitiation components RNAPII, TFIIF and TFIIH, all three 3’ end processing-termination complexes; CF1, CPF and Rat1, are significantly enriched in chromatin-TFIIB preparation. These results explain the presence of TFIIB at the 3’ end of genes, its role in gene looping, and its newly identified role in termination of transcription. Presence of the Lsm complex as well as TREX complex subunit Sub2 in chromatin-TFIIB opens up the possibility of novel roles of TFIIB in synthesis-decay coupling and nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA. This multiplicity of functions may contribute to the preferential targeting of TFIIB during viral pathogenesis.
In-vitro efficacy ofsolanum incanum on Rhipicephalus appendiculatus
Authors: Mugumya obed
Published: December 2022

Herbal remedies have a long history of use for tick control. Solanum incanum ripe fruits are locally used to manage ticks. In this study, the effect of S. incanum fruit extracts on egg hatchability, inhibition of oviposition and larval mortality of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks was investigated. The reproductive efficiency of eggs laid by the ticks was determined. The highest number of eggs laid was recorded in the untreated control, whereas the lowest was in the control treated with amitraz. The number of eggs that were laid after treatment with the plant extract increased with increase in the extract concentration, that is, 20, 10 and 5% was 51.0262, 43.774 and 36.901%, respectively. The control treated with amitraz showed higher efficacy of 98.63556% whereas the untreated control had no effect on the ticks. S. incanum 5% showed higher efficacy of 33.49%, than 10 and 20%, which showed 19.405 and 7.833%, respectively. However, there was no significant differences in efficacies between the fruit extract concentrations. In the results obtained from the larval packet test (LPT), the control treated with amitraz was recorded with the highest mortality of 100% whereas the untreated control showed no significant larval mortality. There was high larval mortality recorded in all the three concentrations of S. incanum, of 100, 50 and 25 mg/ml with 97.969, 98.589 and 95.948%, respectively.
Distribution and diversity of birds in relation to urban landscape in city Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Sani Sayydah S. , Aslam Muhammad F. Raza
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Preparation of some new pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial (MIC and ZOI) activities, and cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cell line
Authors: Vahedi Mohammad Mehdi , Asghari Sakineh , Tajbakhsh Mahmood , Mohseni Mojtaba
Published: December 2022

In this work, some novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives were synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, FT-IR and mass spectra data. These compounds exhibited good to high antioxidant activities (DPPH radical scavenging capabilities). Among them, compound 3h showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50= 15.34 μM) compared to ascorbic acid (IC50= 13.53 μM) as a standard compound. Their antibacterial activities were investigated against two Gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis, and S. aureus) and two Gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa, and E. coli). The results showed that compound 3i has the best antibacterial activity against Gram-positive B. subtilis (ZOI= 23.0±1.4 mm, MIC= 312 μM). Also, the cytotoxicity of these compounds was assessed against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), which compound 3f displayed the most cytotoxicity (IC50= 223.9 μM), in contrast with Lapatinib (IC50= 136.6 μM) as a known drug.
WITHDRAWN: Soil-Quality Status in the Reclaimed Land of Arid Region
Authors: Asmoay Ahmed , Mousa Ibrahim , Mohamed Ahmed
Published: December 2022

From the reclaimed land W-the western desert road, W-Mallawi district, El Minya Governorate of Egypt, sixteen soil samples were taken. The samples were physically and chemically analyzed in the USA, to evaluate the purity of the soil and its extracts using a variety of indices, including the soil quality index (SQI), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), base saturation percentage (BS%), summation pollution indexes (Psum), and the comprehensive ecological risk index (RI), which was also compared with guidelines from the food and agriculture organization (FAO). The findings indicate that (1) the pH changed from weakly to moderately alkaline, controlling the adsorption and heavy metal (HM) immobilization. (2) Soils are classified as calcareous if their CaCO3% content is greater than5%, with salinities varying from non-saline to moderately salty. (3) texture of 75% of the soil samples was clay, 25% was clay loam, Kaolinite minerals represented 25% of soil samples, and 75% of samples were montmorillonite minerals, depending on the relation of cation exchange capacity (CEC) with soils. (4) The predominance of SO4, Cl, & Ca is due to the degradation of carbonate and evaporite minerals in soil extracts. (5) exceeding N & P-compounds in extracts indicated the role of phosphate fertilizers, which added to the improvement of soil fertility. (6) Based on SQI readings, soil quality varied from poor to marginal, SAR revealed that there was no risk associated with sodium levels in soils, and according to BS percentages, soil fertility is low. (7) HM Contents had a low influence in soil extracts based on Psum & IR values. (8) Agriculture was more extensive in 2018 and 2020 than in 2022, which could mean that there was no farming throughout this growing season or harvest. (9) Due to the low fertility of the soil in the research location, it was advised not to apply phosphate fertilizers, which causes HM contamination in those soils that affect both animal and human health. Capsule: The Soil in the research sites were newly reclaimed as its quality is pivotal for agriculture.
Delineating groundwater flow-paths in fractured aquifers under hazardous environment using conceptual and geophysical modeling with a case study
Authors: Gemail Khaled S. , Ghoneimi Ashraf , Shebl Salah , Soliman Shokry , El-Sayed Kareem , Saleh Ahmed H.
Published: December 2022

Construction of landfills and open dumping of solid-waste above fracture-controlled aquifers can increase leachate concentrations, contaminating useable surface and shallow groundwater resources. In such cases, it is essential to define the hydrogeological processes and identify the pathways in the fractured aquifer system for contamination migration near the dumpsite. Abu Zaabal Quarry is a typical example where a solid-waste dumpsite was installed directly on fractured basalt around polluted groundwater ponds. To assess the vulnerability conditions in this complex environment, Seismic Refraction Imaging (SRI) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) were integrated with the available geological and hydrogeological information for delineating the effective fractured zones and to refine the site conceptual model of the potential pathways associated with solid waste leachates, The constructed resistivity and seismic images help to identify interflow zones in the basaltic protective zone and provide valuable information about the orientation and location of fractures feeding the ponds underneath the dumpsite. The presence of NW vertical fractures, which could provide a vertical hydraulic connection with the lower aquifer, allows the percolation of the leachate in the area around the dumpsite. These results show the advantage of using a combination of various geophysical methods for delineating the strikes of the prevailing fracture patterns and clarifying the pollution situation at typical composite landfills worldwide. The proposed conceptual groundwater flow model is critical for understanding hydrogeological and transport processes in such hazardous environments to achieve sustainable management of groundwater resources.
Correlation between Femoral Head Lateralization and Bone Morphology in Primary Hip Osteoarthritis Investigation performed at Matsudo City General Hospital
Authors: Inagaki Kenta , Hagiwara Shigeo , Kawarai Yuya , Terakawa Hiroakira , Miyamoto Syuichi , Suzuki Chiho , Yamagata Hiroyuki , Nakamura Junnichi , Ohtori Seiji , Iida Satoshi
Published: December 2022

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common disease of the hip in adults and its etiology is divided into two groups: primary or idiopathic. Although acetabular dysplasia is the most frequent reason for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in Japan, primary OA has increased recently. Although there are two types of femoral head migration in primary OA: superior and medial, there are some patients with prominent femoral head lateralization. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between femoral head lateralization and bone morphology of the acetabulum and proximal femur using radiographic factors in primary OA of the hip.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted between 2008 and 2017 to assess 1308 hips with OA who underwent primary THAs at our institute. The diagnostic criteria for primary OA were Crowe type 1, Sharp’s angle < 45°, and center-edge (CE) angle > 25°. We classified patients with primary OA into two groups based on femoral head lateralization: group L with lateralization or group N without. Radiographic factors included Sharp’s angle, CE angle, acetabular inclination, acetabular depth ratio (ADR), acetabular head index (AHI), and femoral neck-shaft angle (FNA), all examined on an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph. Femoral neck anteversion was calculated using computerized axial tomography.
Results
Primary OA was diagnosed in 210/1308 hips (16.1%) (group L: 112 hips [8.6%]; group N: 98 [7.5%]). Patient demographics were not significantly different. Radiographic factors with observed significant differences between group L and group N were average CE angle (33.0° vs 35.1°, respectively, p = 0.009), ADR (251.6 vs 273.4, p < 0.001), AHI (77.2 vs 80.4, p < 0.001), and FNA (136.9° vs 134.8°, p = 0.012).
Conclusions
This investigation suggests that primary OA with femoral head lateralization demonstrated specific identifiable radiographic characteristics in the acetabulum and proximal femur that might contribute to hip joint instability such as the dysplastic hip.
Trial registration:
The research protocol for this study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the authors’ affiliated institutions in compliance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. Written informed consent was obtained from all participating subjects.
Comparative analysis of frequency ratio, information value and analytical hierarchy process statistical models for landslide susceptibility mapping in Kashmir Himalayas
Authors: Aziz Kainat , Sarkar Shantanu , Sahu Paulami
Published: December 2022

Kashmir Himalaya have witnessed numerous mass wasting events in the last few decades leading to the degeneration of its paleoenvironment. The frequency of these events has increased manifold due its intricate geology and the ongoing developmental work and other anthropogenic activities taking toll on the geo-environment of the valley. This work presents comparative performance of three statistical models in geographic information system (GIS) environment for developing landslide susceptible map (LSM) in and around the Gool area of Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir union territory, India. The total of 365 landslides were spotted in designated area masking 0.909 km2 of study area. 11 causative factors were evaluated for generating LSM which include slope, aspect, curvature, drainage density, relative relief, distance to fault, distance to road, stream power index, land use land cover, topographic wetness index and lithology. Both the remote sensing data and ancillary datasets has been utilized to compile spatial database. Statistical models like frequency ratio (FR), information value (Inv) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) are utilized to develop LSM for the area. The sensitivity analysis of the receiver operator curve (ROC) are used to estimate the accuracy of the models. The ROC validated results revealed an accuracy of 0.80, 0.80 and 0.74 for Inv, FR and AHP respectively. The accuracy and efficiency findings suggest that all models can provide a credible map of landslide susceptibility for the study region; however, the FR and Inv models are somewhat more accurate than the AHP model.
The effect of broccoli extract and soy isoflavones on endometrial implants and oxidative parameters in female rat model of endometriosis
Authors: Sabetian Soudabeh , Dialameh Parimah Archin , Tanideh Nader , Gharesifard Behrooz , Ahmadi Moslem , Valibeigi Maryam , Kumar Perikala Vijayananda , Siahbani Sarah , Jahromi Bahia Namavar
Published: December 2022

Background: Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity that is associated with chronic pelvic pain, subfertility and 1-3% increased risk of ovarian cancer. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of broccoli extract (BE) alone and in combination with soy isoflavones (SI) on endometrial implants in female rat.
Method: In this study, endometriosis was induced surgically in 40 mature female rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups that were treated by oral gavage for 6 weeks with 0.5 ml of saline 0.9%/day (control group), BE (3000 mg/kg/day), SI (50mg/kg/day), BE/soy isoflavones (BE 3000 mg/kg/day + soy isoflavones 50mg/kg/day) and diphereline as a standard medication (3 mg/kg) intramuscularly. At the end of treatments, the volume and histopathology of the endometrial implants were compared among the 5 groups. The serum levels of oxidative parameters including Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were also compared between the groups.
Results: The volume of the implants significantly decreased in diphereline group (p = 0.002). The histopathological grade of endometrial implants in BE/SI and diphereline group were significantly decreased compared to the control group (p = 0.001). The serum levels of SOD in BE group were enhanced significantly in comparison to the control group (p = 0.034).
Conclusion: BE in combination with SI decreased the growth and histopathologic grades of transplanted endometrial implants. These herbal compounds may have the potential to be used as an alternative medication for the treatment of endometriosis
Evaluation of the efficiency of WARSEM model and the effect of fillslope information on changing the model results
Authors: Motazeh Alireza Ghomi , Naghdi Ramin , Salimi Edris Taghvaye , AKAY Abdollah Emin
Published: December 2022

As far as numerous researchers concern, the main source of the sediment in forests is roads and its related elements. Due to the importance of the issue, research has been done in this regard exceedingly. M any researchers around the world have studied and evaluated various models. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of the WARSEM model in the study area. In order to achieve this goal, in addition to determining the appropriate correction factor to calibrate the model, evaluating the effect of fillslope factors on the accuracy of the results of WARSEM model in study area was desirable too. Study area was a part of Hyrcanian forests in Northwest of Iran. After recording fixed information along the road, field work done during a whole year because it was decided to use natural rainfall showers in the study process. The field observations indicated that the amount of sediment in the study area was high nevertheless the WARSEM has about 24% overestimate in the study area. So the number of 0.241supposed as calibration index for study area based on bringing the R2, NS and RMSE closer to acceptable values. Also, Results showed that the amount of fillslope sediment does not cause a significant change in the overall results. Therefore, the opinion of the model designers is also valid in the study area.
Flow dynamics and heat transfer characterization of confined multiple jets impinging on a complex surface
Authors: Barbosa F. V. , Teixeira S. F. C. F. , Teixeira J. C. F.
Published: December 2022

Submerged and confined multiple jet impingement is widely implemented in cooling applications since it provides high heat transfer coefficients and heat transfer uniformity. Its performance depends on several variables that make it complex and difficult to control. To understand the physical phenomena and characterize the flow field, an in-depth study using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique and heat transfer sensors is conducted in this study. The PIV measurements provide relevant data, but their accuracy depends on an effective experimental setup and a careful selection of the most appropriate tracer particles. Therefore, this work presents the experimental apparatus and comprises an analysis of the efficiency of different seeding particles. The results demonstrate the complexity of the jet flow impinging on a step surface, which induces a strong flow reversal that affects the jet flow development and the interaction with the adjacent jets. The large-scale structures induced in the vicinity of the target plate are captured by the PIV, as well as the strong fountain flows generated between the adjacent jets. This increased turbulence leads to an increase in heat transfer which is measured by the heat flux sensors, corresponding to a Nusselt number 25% greater for the case of a 2 D step plate. Through this study, relevant insights for several engineering applications that use multiple jet impingement are provided, highlighting that the combination of PIV and heat flux sensors is appropriate to characterize the jet’s flow dynamics and the heat transfer of this complex process.
Assessment of the Change of Antiemetic Prophylaxis From a Double Combination to a Triple Combination in Oncology Patients With High Dose Carboplatin Chemotherapy
Authors: Marta Albanell-Fernández , Ángela Pérez Sánchez , Inés Monge Escartín , Gisela Riu Viladoms , Carmen Rodríguez Mues Mª , Lourdes Corominas Bosch Mª , Neus Basté Rollán , Noemí Reguart , Maribel Reyes Roxana , Lydia Gaba García , Dolors Soy Muner , Esther Carcelero San Martín
Published: December 2022

Purpose:To compare the effectiveness of netupitant/palonosetron and dexamethasone triple combination(TC) therapy versus ondansetron/dexamethasone double combination(DC) therapy as antiemetic prophylaxis in patients with solid tumors after a moderated emetic regiment of carboplatin AUC≥4. As a secondary endpoint, in TC group we evaluated the effectiveness of changing NEPA administration timing from 1 hour to 15 minutes before chemotherapy.
Methods:Single institution prospective study in which assignment to groups was not randomized. Patients receiving carboplatin AUC≥4 enrolled the study. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) was evaluated using MASCC antiemetic tool, in acute (<24h) and delayed phase (24–120h), in DC vs TC. Results were analyzed using χ2 test.
Results:Two-hundred four completed questionnaires (CQ) were analyzed, 76 belonging to DC and 128 to TC. The proportion of patients who remained emesis-free was superior for TC-treated group compared to DC, either in acute (99.2% vs 92%, p=0.0109) and delayed phase (97.6% vs 90.5%, p=0.042). Likewise, a higher proportion of TC-treated patients compared to DC, remained nausea-free for the first 24 hours after treatment (90.6% vs 72%, p=0.0005) and after 120 hours (82.3% vs 63.5%, p=0.0031). Comparison of the change in NEPA administration time showed similar effectiveness in terms of CINV control (81.6% vs 74.5% p=0.70).
Conclusions:A triple antiemetic combination should be used in carboplatin AUC≥4 regimens. TC showed superiority in early and delayed CINV control, with no significant differences among different cancer types. Change in NEPA administration timing has beneficial implications; it allows NEPA to be administered at hospital, before chemotherapy session, instead of at home.
Flyrock risk assessment in blasting operations
Authors: Davarzani Mohammad Reza , Ataei Mohammad , Sereshki Farhang
Published: December 2022

Creating a safe environment is one of the most main indicators in any project. This research has been carried out with the aim of identifying the risks related to flyrock in blasting operations in the road construction project in hard rock. Flyrock is one of the destructive consequences of blasting operations, which occurs in the form of uncontrolled and unintentional flyrock fragments out of the blast area with high energy and speed. These stone pieces Sometimes their hit of people and Equipment can lead to irreparable injuries. 54 flyrock events were identified and prioritized with the help of experts and review of scientific records and observation and inspection. A fault tree was created for the risk of flyrock that was analyzed as a top event. The opinions of 10 experts on the probability rate of flyrock were completed using the method of linguistic variables. Experts were awarded points using the significance coefficient table of each expert. Using mathematical relations, the consensus of experts was calculated fuzzily. The resulting numbers were fuzzy using the relationships. The probability rate of the flyrock event was calculated under uncertainty 0.4907.
Intraoperative nerve monitoring during minimally invasive esophagectomy and 3-field lymphadenectomy: Safety, efficacy and feasibility
Authors: Gopinath Srinivas Kodaganur , Jiwnani Sabita , Valiyuthan Parthiban , Parab Swapnil , Niyogi Devayani , Tiwari Virendrakumar , Pramesh CS
Published: December 2022

Purpose
To demonstrate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of intraoperative monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerves during thoracoscopic and robotic 3-field esophagectomies.
Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of our initial experience with intra operative nerve monitoring during minimally invasive 3-field esophagectomies. Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database and electronic medical records. To compare outcomes between IONM and non IONM group Fischer’s exact test was used. All patients underwent a minimally invasive(VATS/Robotic) transthoracic esoohagectomy with a neck anastomosis (McKeown procedure). Intraoperative nerve monitoring was carried out under general anesthesia with assisted ventilation and avoiding use of neuromuscular blockers during the period of nerve monitoring.
Results
24 patients underwent nerve monitoring during minimally invasive 3-field esophagectomy. 15 patients were operated thoraco-laparosopically and 9 patients underwent a robotic-assisted procedure. 8/24 (33.3%) patients had vocal cord paresis in the immediate post op period. When we compared this to a historical cohort operated in the preceding 5 years in the same institution, we demonstrated a 26% reduction in nerve palsy rate(p-0.08). On follow-up, 6/8 patients reported returning to a normal voice.
Conclusions
Intra-operative neuro monitoring (IONM) is feasible during minimally invasive 3- field esophagectomy. Using this can potentially lead to a reduced rate of recurrent nerve palsies and a higher nodal yield.
Employing QSAR to design synthetic accessible TRPM8 Inhibitors
Authors: Mendonça Carla Caroline Ribeiro , Viana Jéssika Oliveira , Jordão Alessandro Kappel , BARBOSA EUZEBIO
Published: December 2022

In this work, 53 α-phenylglycine amides were analyzed by a diverse range of in silico approaches like activity cliff, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and 3D-QSAR model construction. The analysis assisted the design new compounds that could potentially inhibit the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8). This non-selective cation channel has a link with some diseases such as migraine, overactive bladder, and prostate cancer. A hybrid QSAR model, with acceptable figures of merit (R2adj = 0.87, Q2LOO = 0.86, Q2ext = 0.75), was used to predict the pIC50 for various designed structures. The synthetic routes employed in previous works was used to guide structure planning ensuring synthetic accessibility. Druglikeness properties were analyzed by the SwissADME website to filter out non-suitable compounds. It was possible to create four prototypes with higher pIC50. All designed compounds can be readily synthesized and tested for TRPM8 inhibition.
Aspirin inhibited the Warburg effect induced by Ni-refining fumes via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in Beas-2B cells
Authors: Gao Ying , Zhang Tong , Zhang Dan , Wang Sheng-Yuan , Wang Yue , Yu Cui-Ping , Wang Rui , Yang Shi-Kuan , Li Li-Na , Yao Wen-Xue , Wu Yong-Hui
Published: December 2022

The natural metal nickel (Ni) can be found in the air, water, sediment, and soil. Although epidemiological research and experimental data have shown that nickel is linked to lung cancer, the precise mechanism of nickel carcinogenesis is unclear. We investigated whether Ni-refining fumes stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and caused the Warburg effect in Beas-2B cells, then if aspirin could protect the cells. The findings demonstrated that Beas-2B cells were significantly toxicated by Ni-refining fumes. With the increase of Ni-refining fumes concentration, the proteins and mRNAs level of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were significantly increased and Warburg effect-related proteins: pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), monocarborxylat transporter 1 (MCT1) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) also increased significantly. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity was reduced and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was increased. When given the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV-939, Warburg effect-related proteins expression can be inhibited. Aspirin at various concentrations could improve the relative viability of cells exposed to nickel refining fumes, with 2.5 mmol/L aspirin providing the most significant protection (P<0.05). Compared with the nickel staining group, aspirin treatment significantly decreased the expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and Warburg effect-related proteins whereas it inhibited the production of ROS, too.
A cell-free circulating panel of microRNA as a promising non-invasive biomarker for prostate cancer
Authors: Manoj Anveshika , Ahmad Mohammad Kaleem , Prasad Gautam , Kumar Durgesh , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Kumar Manoj
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Fixed Point Theorems for Upper Semicontinuous Set-valued Mappings in p-Vector Spaces
Authors: Yuan George Xianzhi
Published: December 2022

The goal of this paper is to establish a general fixed point theorem for upper semicontinuous set-values mappings in p-vector spaces (p∈(0, 1]), which include topological vector spaces as a special class. These new results provide an answer to Schauder conjecture in the affirmative under the setting of p-vector spaces for set-valued mappings, which would be fundamental for nonlinear functional analysis in mathematics.
AMS Classification: 47H04, 47H10, 46A16, 46A55, 49J27, 49J35, 52A07, 54C60, 54H25, 55M20
A Novel Scaffold Based on Biopolymers and Gallium-Containing Hydroxyapatite as Green Technology
Authors: Alves Fândessan Costa , Morais Alan Ícaro Sousa , Santos Ariane M. S. , Lima Idglan Sa , Silva Albert S. , Garcia Ramón R. P. , Braga Aluska N. S. , Osajima Josy A. , Silva-Filho Edson C
Published: December 2022

Waste generated by the textile industry is one of the primary pollutants in aquatic environments. It is estimated that about 10 to 15% of the dyes used do not chemically interact with the fabric fibers, with a loss of this pollutant in the wastewater. One of the alternatives for pollutant removal is the adsorption process, which is viable compared to other separation methods. There is a range of materials that are used in adsorption processes. Among them, polysaccharides have numerous advantages regarding their use: they are non-toxic, abundant in nature, biodegradable, hydrophilic, and have several other properties. The study aimed to investigate a novel scaffold based on biopolymers and gallium-doped hydroxyapatite for dyes removal in an aqueous solution. The scaffold was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), swelling and adsorption tests. From the XRD, the gallium presence did not change the crystal structure of hydroxyapatite. The FTIR and TG spectra of the scaffold indicate that there were interactions between the precursor materials in the production of the same by shifting the characteristic bands and increasing thermal stability. SEM showed essential characteristics for the application of scaffolds in the adsorptive process through the presence of pores on the upper side and the inner surface of the scaffold. Open and interconnected pores with average diameters in the range of 60 mm on the upper and lateral face surface and 40 mm on the inside of the scaffold were observed. A more significant number of pores were observed inside, thus influencing the adsorption. In addition, EDS was possible to qualitatively prove the presence of precursor elements for the formation of the scaffold. It is concluded that the scaffolding was successful and showed excellent potential for removing Remazol Blue RGB and Remazol Red with adsorption of 341.41 ± 6.82 and 584.89 ± 23.39 mg/g, respectively.
Optimizing and Reliability Analysis by Firefly and Genetic Algorithms for a Quadcopter
Authors: Gholami AmirHossein , Dehaghi Mahdi Bagherian , Imani Kazem
Published: December 2022

Quadcopters are a special type of unmanned aerial vehicle, which have received a lot of attention today due to their various applications in various fields. Quadcopters, due to their high functionality, the presence of various high-tech elements in them, along with special flight standards, etc., have set the conditions in such a way that the occurrence of any breakdown and fault, even a small one, will incur huge costs. Therefore, reliability estimation is of special importance for these systems. In addition, due to the limitation of financial resources and mass for the quadcopter, the design of a system should be done in such a way as to achieve the highest possible amount of reliability based on our limited resources. In this article, we have tried to obtain the best possible answers by using optimization algorithms while calculating the reliability. In order to increase the reliability of a system, there are several methods including increasing the quality of parts and components, using surplus components, increasing the quality of parts and components the use of surplus components and redesigning the system. In this article, an attempt has been made to increase the reliability of the quadcopter by using redundant components, and for this purpose, firefly algorithms have been used, and genetic algorithms have been used to validate and validate the results obtained. Finally, after running the algorithms 20 times, the optimal reliability values of 0.99925 using the firefly algorithm and 0.99999 using the genetic algorithm were obtained.
Wie stehen (angehende) Lehrpersonen zum Pornografiekonsum von Schüler:innen?
Authors: Gigl Julia , Stark Rudolf , Gawrilow Caterina
Published: December 2022

Viele Jugendliche kommen aufgrund der digitalen Verbreitung pornografischen Materials immer früher mit Pornografie in Kontakt, obwohl der Zugang zu Pornografie für Minderjährige verboten ist. Es gibt viele Forschungsbelege, die zeigen, dass die Nutzung von Pornografie durch Jugendliche negative Wirkungen haben kann. Deswegen ist eine sogenannte Pornografie-Kompetenz wichtig, die niedrigschwellig an Schulen eingeführt bzw. unterrichtet werden sollte. Lehrpersonen könnten beim Aufbau dieser Kompetenz eine unterstützende Rolle einnehmen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, einen Einblick in die Einstellungen von Lehrpersonen zu gewinnen, wie im schulischen Rahmen mit dem Thema Pornografienutzung durch Jugendliche umgegangen wird bzw. werden soll. Dazu wurden 118 Lehrpersonen, Referendar:innen sowie Schulleiter:innen mittels eines Onlinefragebogens befragt. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass das Thema im Schulalltag wenig präsent ist und heterogen wahrgenommen wird. Lehrpersonen befürworteten eine Thematisierung von Pornografie an der Schule, sahen sich aber nicht unbedingt in der Verantwortung, diesbezüglich selbst Gespräche zu führen oder Angebote zu machen. Sie zeigten sich offen für neutrale Personen, die die Aufbereitung des Themas übernehmen könnten. Die befragten Lehrpersonen schätzten sich prinzipiell eher kompetent ein, mit dem Pornografiekonsum von Schüler:innen umzugehen. Einige bemängeln den ungenügenden Zugang zu hilfreichen Ressourcen. Über die Hälfte der Befragten äusserte den Wunsch nach unterstützenden Angeboten. Es scheint daher sinnvoll, Weiter- und Fortbildungen anzubieten. Zusätzlich sind Aufklärungsarbeit und niederschwellig erreichbare Unterstützungsangebote für Lehrpersonen wünschenswert.
Koloniale Theatralität
Authors: Skwirblies Lisa
Published: December 2022

Während sich in den letzten Jahren ein allgemeines und breiteres Interesse in der deutschen Gesellschaft an der eigenen Kolonialgeschichte entwickelt hat und auch am Theater derzeit verstärkt die deutsche Kolonialgeschichte thematisiert wird, ist die Theaterwissenschaft dahingegen auffällig still, wenn es um die Themenfelder und Analysekategorien Kolonialismus oder Postkolonialismus geht. Bis auf wenige wichtige Ausnahmen gibt es kaum einschlägige Publikationen zur Verwobenheit von Theater- und Kolonialgeschichte, und Erika Fischer-Lichte et al. propagieren in ihrem Sammelband The Politics of Interweaving Performance Cultures (2014) bereits das Ende eines noch nicht wirklich begonnenen Postkolonialismus in der Theaterwissenschaft. [...]
Combined effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and biochemical composition of Tetradesmus obliquus (Turpin) M.J. Wynne
Authors: AKGÜL Füsun , AKGÜL Rıza
Published: December 2022

Microalgae have many biotechnological applications in various industries including food and feed, fertilizer, biofuel, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, and wastewater treatment. Since hey produce secondary metabolites under stress conditions such as pigments, carotenoids, hydrocarbons, and vitamins, investigating the effects of stress factors on growth parameters and biochemical composition of microalgal biomass is needed in producing bioproducts.
In this paper, the combined effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and the protein/amino acid and Lipid-FAMEs profiles of microalgae Tetradesmus obliquus (MAKUMACC-037) were investigated.
Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency reduced the algal growth. Biochemical composition was changed in a nitrogen and phosphorus dependent manner.
High concentration of protein and lipid were associated with increased nitrogen and phosphorus concentration However, the FAMEs profiles were changed depending on only the nitrogen concentration.
The Undergraduate Students’ Difficulties in Writing Thesis Proposal
Authors: Fauzan Umar , Hasanah Nur , Hadijah Siti
Published: December 2022

The purposes of this research were to find out the students’ difficulties in developing a paragraph and to understand the students’ difficulties in implementing the writing elements in writing their undergraduate thesis proposals. This research used the descriptive qualitative method. The instrument used in this research were interviews, documentation, and Oshima & Hogue’s Paragraph Rubric. The research subject was 7 eighth-semester students of UINSI Samarinda. The data were collected from the background of the study of the student’s undergraduate thesis proposals and analyzed with the Miles and Huberman Model. The result showed that the difficulties in developing a paragraph experienced by the students were related to too specific and too general topic sentences, poor supporting sentences, the absence of concluding sentences, inconsistent topic discussion, and inharmonic sentences. At the same time, the students’ difficulties shown in implementing the writing elements were found in the organization (the failure to run the sentences smoothly), vocabulary (informal phrases, redundancy, unclear word), grammar (singular and plural error, wrong word choice errors, missing word error, article error, subject-verb agreement error, fragment error, conjunction error, wrong word form error, wrong word order error, and preposition error), and mechanics (capitalization error, punctuation error, and spelling error). The causes of these problems were the interference of students’ native language and the lack of knowledge about the rules of the development of paragraph and writing elements.
Constructing Teacher Identity: Pre-Service Teacher Resilience in School-based Practicum Experiences
Authors: Krisdianata Yoannes Yuka , Mbato Concilianus Laos
Published: December 2022

Constructing teacher identity is important for pre-service teachers, especially when taking part in teacher training practicums in school. Nonetheless, they faced many adversities, such as passive students, negative emotions, and anxiety. Therefore, pre-service teachers need to be aware of their capacity for resilience. This study aimed to discover the resilience factors pre-service teachers had in coping with the problems found in teacher training practicums in schools in constructing their teacher identity. A mixed-method study from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was employed to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The participants reported that they faced hard times but displayed high resilient ability. It was influenced by their perseverance, ability to reflect,  adaptive help-seeking,  responses to the negative affect, and emotional regulation. The resilient ability supports the teacher identity construction after conducting a teaching practicum in school. Further research needs to consider the number of participants, gender, age, and the school levels where the teaching practicums are conducted to gain more perspectives on pre-service teachers’ resilience.