bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate Visual Reproduction Negatively Correlates with Brain Entropy of Parahippocampal Gyrus and Inferior Occipital Gyrus in Bipolar II Disorder Adolescents
Authors: Liu Haiqin , Gao Weijia , Cao Weifang , Meng Qingmin , Xu Longchun , Kuang Liangfeng , Guo Yongxin , Cui Dong , Qiu Jianfeng , Jiao Qing , Su Linyan , Lu Guangming
Published: March 2023

Background
Brain entropy reveals complexity and irregularity of brain, and it has been proven to reflect brain complexity alteration in disease states. Previous studies found that bipolar disorder adolescents showed cognitive impairment. The relationship between complexity of brain neural activity and cognition of bipolar II disorder (BD-II) adolescents remains unclear.
Methods
Nineteen BD-II patients (14.63 ± 1.57 years old) and seventeen age-gender matched healthy controls (HCs) (14.18 ± 1.51 years old) were enlisted. Entropy values of all voxels of the brain in resting-state functional MRI data were calculated and differences of them between BD-II and HCs groups were evaluated. After that, correlation analyses were performed between entropy values of brain regions showing significant entropy differences and clinical indices in BD-II adolescents.
Results
Significant differences were found in scores of immediate visual reproduction subtest, trail making test and Stroop color-word test between the two groups. Compared with HCs, BD-II adolescents showed significant increased brain entropy in right parahippocampal gyrus and right inferior occipital gyrus. Besides, significant negative correlations between brain entropy values of right parahippocampal gyrus, right inferior occipital gyrus and immediate visual reproduction subtest scores were observed in BD-II adolescents.
Conclusions
The findings of the present study suggested that the disrupted function of corticolimbic system is related with cognitive abnormality of BD-II adolescents. And from the perspective temporal dynamics of brain system, the current study, brain entropy may provide available evidences for understanding the underlying neural mechanism in BD-II adolescents
CT findings and clinical characteristics in distinguishing renal urothelial carcinoma mimicking renal cell carcinoma from clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xin , Feng Xiao , Chen Yidi , Huang Fuling , Long Liling
Published: March 2023

Background: We aimed to characterize the clinical and multiphase computed tomography (CT) features, which can distinguish renal urothelial carcinoma (RUC) mimicking renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with collecting system invasion (CSI).
Methods: Data from 56 patients with RUC (46 men and 10 women) and 366 patients with ccRCC (262 men and 104 women) were collected and assessed retrospectively. The median age was 65.50 (IQR: 56.25–69.75) and 53.50 (IQR: 42.25–62.5) years, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on clinical and CT characteristics to determine independent factors for distinguishing RUC and ccRCC, and an integrated predictive model was constructed. Differential diagnostic performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results: The independent predictors for differentiating RUC from ccRCC were infiltrative growth pattern, hydronephrosis, heterogeneous enhancement, preserving reniform contour, and hematuria. The differential diagnostic performance of the integrated predictive model (AUC: 0.960, sensitivity: 92.1%, specificity: 89.3%) was better than that of the infiltrative growth pattern (AUC: 0.830, sensitivity: 71.9%, specificity: 92.9%), heterogeneous enhancement (AUC: 0.771, sensitivity: 86.3%, specificity: 67.9%), preserving reniform contour (AUC=0.758, sensitivity: 85.5%, specificity: 66.1%), hydronephrosis (AUC: 0.733, sensitivity: 87.7%, specificity: 58.9%), or hematuria (AUC: 0.706, sensitivity: 79.5%, specificity: 51.8%).
Conclusion: The CT and clinical characteristics showed extraordinary discriminative abilities in the differential diagnosis of RUC and ccRCC, which might provide helpful information for clinical decision-making.
Quantum neural network cost function concentration dependency on the parametrization expressivity
Authors: Friedrich Lucas , Maziero Jonas
Published: March 2023

Although we are currently in the era of noisy intermediate scale quantum devices, several studies are being conducted with the aim of bringing machine learning to the quantum domain. Currently, quantum variational circuits are one of the main strategies used to build such models. However, despite its widespread use, we still do not know what are the minimum resources needed to create a quantum machine learning model. In this article, we analyze how the expressiveness of the parametrization affects the cost function. We analytically show that the more expressive the parametrization is, the more the cost function will tend to concentrate around a value that depends both on the chosen observable and on the number of qubits used. For this, we initially obtain a relationship between the expressiveness of the parametrization and the mean value of the cost function. Afterwards, we relate the expressivity of the parametrization with the variance of the cost function. Finally, we show some numerical simulation results that confirm our theoretical-analytical predictions.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these two important aspects of quantum neural networks are explicitly connected.
Numerical Analysis of the flow field in the torque converter
Authors: WANG Lijun , WU Guangqiang
Published: March 2023

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on the finite volume method (FVM) is used to simulate the three-dimensional viscous flow in a torque converter. The simulation result is in good coincidence with the test value and is analyzed theoretically. First, rotor enthalpy is applied to evaluate the hydraulic performance of the torque converter. It is effective to locate and classify hydraulic losses according to the drop in rotor enthalpy. Then, the mechanisms of the jet-wake and secondary flow are analyzed. There is strong coupling between the jet-wake and the secondary flow. The jet-wake flow begins with low-speed flow at the suction-core corner, which is transported to the suction side of the pump blade by the secondary flow. Finally, a prediction model of mainstream vorticity charging with pitch-wise and span-wise components is deduced from the momentum equation. The prediction model reveals that there is a positive mainstream vorticity in the first half of the pump flow channel and a negative value in the second half, which is consistent with the CFD result.
Risk factors for clinical stages of COVID-19 amongst employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worldwide over a period of 12 months.
Authors: Tinti Maria Carla , Guisolan Stéphanie Cécilia , Althaus Fabrice , Rossi Rodolfo
Published: March 2023

Background: Essential workers carry a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality than individuals working in non-essential activities. Scientific studies on COVID-19 risk factors and clinical courses for humanitarian aid workers (HAW) specifically are lacking. The nature of their work brings HAW in proximity to various populations, therefore potentially exposing them to the virus. The objective of this study is to assess severity degrees of COVID-19 in relation to multiple risk factors in a cohort of HAW.
Methods: retrospective cohort study of data collected by the Staff Health Unit of the International Committee of the Red Cross, over 12 months (February 2021 – January 2022). Prevalence of demographic and health risk factors and outcome events were calculated. Factors associated with disease severity were explored in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Resulting OR were reported with 95%CI and p-values from Wald Test. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.
Results: We included 2377 patients. The mean age was 39.5y.o. Two thirds of the patients were males, and 3/4 were national staff. Most cases (3/4) were reported by three regions (Africa, Asia and Middle East). Over 95% of patients were either asymptomatic or presented mild symptoms, 9 died (CFR 0.38%). Fifty-two patients were hospitalised and 7 needed a medical evacuation outside the country of assignment. A minority (14.76%) of patients had at least one risk factor for severe disease; the most recorded one was high blood pressure (4.6%). Over 55% of cases occurred during the predominance of Delta Variant of Concern. All pre-existing risk factors were significantly associated with a moderate or higher severity of the disease (except pregnancy and immunosuppression).
Conclusions: We found strong epidemiological evidence of associations between comorbidities, old age, and the severity of COVID-19. Increased occupational risks of moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 do not only depend on workplace safety but also on social contacts and context.
Cardiotoxicity of HER-2-targeted drugs when combined with other drugs: A systematic review and single-rate meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jiakun , Meng Zhengyuan , Xv Yidan
Published: March 2023

Objective: To assess the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events when HER-2-targeted drugs were combined with other drugs.
Methods: We looked through the literature on the cardiotoxicity of anti-HER-2 drugs in electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OVID and CNKI, from their inception to April 2022. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias and the Jadad scale were used to evaluate the risk of bias and quality of the studies, respectively. The meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.1.
Outcomes: We included 41 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in the meta-analysis, consisting of 56 groups and 31,934 patients. The meta-analysis revealed the following: 1) The incidence of cardiotoxicity in groups given monoclonal antibody treatment was 10%-14%, while in groups given antibody‒drug conjugates (ADC), it was 1%-5%, a significant difference (P<0.01). 2) When monoclonal antibodies were combined with chemotherapy, the incidence of cardiotoxicity under anthracycline-containing therapy (10.3%) was significantly higher than that under non-anthracycline-containing therapy (8.8%). 3) Significant differences were found between subgroups except the endocrine group and others, though this kind of difference might result from the different inclusion criteria of the original trials.
Conclusion: 1) When anti-HER-2 drugs are given together with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy, the incidence of cardiotoxicity is obviously higher than with other drugs. 2) Safety rewards could be gained if traditional monoclonal antibodies are replaced by ADCs. The detailed use of drugs requires joint efforts by oncologists and cardiologists.
A descriptive study of vCare: a virtual emergency clinical advisory and transfer service in rural and remote Australia
Authors: Dean Kimberley , Chang Cynthia , McKenna Erin , Nott Shannon , Hunter Amanda , Tall Julie , Setterfield Madeline , Addis Bridget , Webster Emma
Published: March 2023

Background: Provision of critical care in rural areas is challenging due to geographic distance, smaller facilities, generalist skill mix and population characteristics. Virtual emergency clinical advisory and transfer service (vCare) is a novel service developed to utilize telehealth to overcome these challenges. We describe patient encounters with vCare from initial referral to destination and survival, and to provide insights into strengths and weaknesses of the service as well as areas for further educational and research opportunities.
Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed all patients using vCare in rural and remote Australia for advice and/or inter-hospital transfer for higher level of care between February and March 2021. Data, extracted from electronic medical records and descriptively analyzed, included patient demographics, clinicians involved, resources utilized, transfer features, escalation of care, post-transfer care and survival.
Results: 1,672 critical care patients were supported by vCare, with children (12.5%), adults (50.5%) and older people (36.9%) evenly split between genders. Clinicians mainly referred to vCare for trauma (15.1%), cardiac (16.1%) and gastroenterological (14.8%) presentations. A referral to vCare led to an escalation of invasive intervention, skill and resources for patient care. vCare cameras were used in 19.2% of cases. Overall, 68% (n=1,144) of patients required transfer. Of those, 95% were transferred to major regional hospitals and 12% required secondary transfer to higher acuity hospitals. Of high-urgency referrals, 42.6% did not receive high priority transport. Imaging most requested included CT and MRI scans (37.2%). Admissions were for physician (33.1%) and surgical care (23.3%). The survival rate was 99%.
Conclusion: vCare was used by staff in rural and remote facilities to support decision making about delivery of care to patients in a critical condition. Its strengths lie in the provision of timely escalation of care, streamlined patient transfer and assisting patients in accessing care close to home. However, it does not replace the role of clinicians on the ground. Utilization of telehealth tools, such as cameras, was unexpectedly low and other weaknesses included limited high priority transfers, high proportion of secondary transfers and heavy reliance on regional sites for specialty care and imaging.
The glioblastoma suppression effect of recombinant Newcastle disease virus harboring the PTEN gene delivered intravenously to a U87 MG PTEN mutant glioblastoma cell-bearing orthotropic mouse model
Authors: Kim Seonhee , Jung Bo-Kyung , An Yong Hee , Piao Shuyu , Kim Minsoo , Jang Sung Hoon , Jang Hyun , Kim Cuk-Seong
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and is associated with a low survival and high recurrence rate. Deletions and mutations in phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor gene, are associated with therapeutic resistance. In this study, we constructed a recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rNDV) overexpressing human PTEN (rNDV-PTEN) in GBM cells. PTEN overexpression decreased cell proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis in U87 MG cells. GBM tumorigenesis was also examined in vivo using orthotopic mouse models. rNDV and rNDV-PTEN crossed the blood–brain barrier to reach the GBM in the brain. A reduction in GBM size in mice treated intravenously with rNDV-PTEN was confirmed by in vivo and magnetic resonance imaging. PTEN overexpression increased mTOR dephosphorylation and decreased autophagy. As a result, the levels of pre-apoptotic markers such as caspases 3, 8, and 9 and Bax were increased in PTEN-overexpressing GBM cells. Taken together, these results suggest that PTEN overexpression via rNDV treatment promotes apoptosis of GBM cells by disrupting mTOR signaling and autophagy, suggesting a new strategy to treat GBM.
Molecular Insight into the Genetic structure and Banding pattern Analysis of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) with Random Amplified Microsatellites (RAMs)
Authors: Khan Md Mahmudul Hasan , Rafii Mohd Y. , Ramlee Shairul Izan , Jusoh Mashitah , Mamun Md Al , Kundu Bimal Chandra
Published: March 2023

Background
A set of 44 selected Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) accessions was sampled from 11 distinct populations of four geographical zones to assess the genetic drift, population structure, phylogenetic relationship, and genetic differentiation linked with ISSR primers. In Malaysia, this is an exotic legume introduced from Africa and having tremendous nutritional values and diverse usages.
Methods and Results
The amplification of genomic DNA with 32 ISSR markers detected an average of 97.64% polymorphism while 35.15% and 51.08% polymorphism per population and geographical zone, respectively. Genetic diversity estimated by Shannon’s information index (I) = 0.177 (average) and populations under Gombe showed maximum diversity (I = 0.271) with 90.98% polymorphism. Analysis of molecular variance revealed significant variation within population 75% and between population 25% whereas within region 84% and between region 16%. The study also divulged total genetic variation Ht = 0.1781 closer to within population diversity (Hs = 0.1155). Among the population, Cancaraki revealed 40.39% polymorphism while the average polymorphism was 35.15%. The Bidillali exposed greater number of locally common band i.e., NLCB (≤ 25%) = 25 and NLCB (≤ 50%) = 115 were shown by Cancaraki while the lowest was recorded as NLCB (≤ 25%) = 6 and NLCB (≤ 50%) = 72 for Roko and Maibergo, accordingly. The highest PhiPT value was noted between Roko and Katawa (0.405*) whereas Nei’s genetic distance was maximum between Roko and Karu (0.124). The genetic differentiation among population Gst = 0.3514 (35.14%) leaving 65.86% of genetic variation leads to within-population with gene flow of Nm = 0.9229. Based on Nei’s genetic distance, a radial phylogenetic tree was constructed that assembled the entire accessions into 3 major clusters for further confirmation unrooted NJ vs NNet split tree analysis based on uncorrected P distance exposed the similar result. Principal coordinate analysis showed variation as PC1 (15.04%) > PC2 (5.81%). Mantel test exposed a significant correlation among genetic and geographic distance of accessions. STRUCTURE analysis (Bayesian) grouped the accessions into 3 major genetic components based on best ΔK = 3 and admixture population.
Conclusions
The current study leads to prompting the genetic improvement and future breeding program by maximum utilization and better conservation of existing V. subterranea accessions in this subtropical environment.
Effect of Modified Surface of Cotton Straw Nanocellulose and Their Application for Removal of Lead from Aqueous Solution
Authors: . Sheetal , Pal Jitender
Published: March 2023

In recent years, there is a rapid growth in nanotechnology. This study's goals were to first modify the nanocellulose surface using titanium dioxide (TiO2) to become nanocomposite and then determine how well a nanocomposite adsorbs lead ions from water. Nanocellulose was synthesized from the cotton straw residue using chemical and mechanical methods. The layer of titanium dioxide is coated on nanocellulose. The nanocomposite of titanium dioxide was characterized by using FTIR, XRD, and FESEM. The results showed that Ti-O-Ti bonding was observed at 505.02 cm-1. The structure of the nanocomposite is much more disordered and irregular. The presence of a 65 % anatase phase and 32 % rutile phase is found in the crystalline particle of the nanocomposite. The crystal structure of the nanocellulose and nanocomposite is found with particle sizes 18 nm and 83 nm. The nanocomposite was utilized to absorb lead ion concentration from the aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity of nanocomposite was analyzed with kinetics, isothermal and thermodynamic models. Kinetic parameters show that the pseudo 2nd order (R2=0.98) nonlinear kinetic model is the best fitted and in isotherm model Langmuir (R2=0.99), Elovich (R2=0.99) and Baudu (R2=0.99) isotherms were well suited for the adsorption of lead ions. Thermodynamic parameters resulted in Gibbs free energy decreasing with temperature.
Groundwater level prediction in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India using Bayesian Neural Networks
Authors: Rekapalli Rajesh , GATHALA VINOD MATHEWS , N PurnachandraRao , Begum Shaik Kareemunisa
Published: March 2023

Groundwater level and rainfall measurements from 37 borewells in the Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India from 2002 to 2021 were analysed using Bayesian Neural Networks (BNN) to comprehend the predictability. We found chaotic dynamics in the groundwater and rainfall data, but a dominant trend component was seen in the groundwater from phase plots. Dynamics suggest the presence of self-organized criticality/chaos in the groundwater changes over decadal time scales. We used BNN prediction models (i) Non-linear Autoregressive (NAR) (ii) Non-linear Input Output and (NIO) (iii) Non-linear Autoregressive Exogenic Input (NARX) to predict the groundwater level changes with rainfall as an exogenic input. We noticed ~ 94 to 95% prediction accuracy with the NAR model with optimal inputs and ~ 1% improvement with added exogenic input. Interestingly, the study indicates that the (i) dynamics of the groundwater differ significantly from rainfall and temperature in the region (ii) the Non-Linear Autoregressive Model considered based on the self-organized dynamics of groundwater level changes is robust in providing prediction accuracy up to ~ 95% (iii) dynamics of rest of the 5% may be due to the presence of extreme events, whose dynamics are closely related to random processes of the changes attributed to randomly varying manmade and weather changes.
A Digital Workflow for Mini-Implant–Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander Construction
Authors: Hsu Li-Fang , Moon Won , Chen Shih-Chin , Chang Kelvin Wen-Chung
Published: March 2023

Background

Non-surgical mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion, or midfacial skeletal expansion, is a paradigm-shifting concept that in recent years has expanded the envelope of orthopedic movement in the transverse direction for adult patients. Although adding mini-screws to a rapid palatal expander is not complicated, accurate and successful expansion strongly depends on the device’s position and its relation to the resisting structures of the maxillofacial complex.

Case presentation

This article presents a digital workflow to locate the optimal position of the Midfacial Skeletal Expander (MSE) device in a CBCT-combined intraoral scan file and describes how to transfer the MSE position intra-orally with properly sized bands during the device fabrication. The complete digital workflow of MSE fabrication and its application for a Class III orthognathic surgical case is presented in detail.

Conclusions

This report describes a completely digital process that can accurately position the MSE device according to the orientation and morphology of maxillary basal bone, which is crucial in adult cases demand maxillary expansion.
Application of Left Ventricular Endomyocardial Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Fang Chuangsen , Lan Ming
Published: March 2023

Background: The clinical features of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy (MCM) are diverse. It can present as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis of MCM is challenging and usually based on biopsy.
Case presentation: The 30-year-old man was admitted to hospital due to dyspnea for 1 month and edema of both lower extremities for 1 week. Echocardiography suggested a whole heart enlargement, a whole heart diminished function. Renal impairment and diabetes were observed. Coronary angiography showed single-vessel disease (90% stenosis in the ostium of a small marginal branch). Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy was performed.
Conclusion: Myocardial histopathology demonstrated a large number of abnormal mitochondrial accumulation, so the diagnosis was considered as mitochondrial cardiomyopathy.
Familial Confounding of Internalising Symptoms and Obesity in Adolescents and Young Adults; A Co-Twin Analysis
Authors: Campbell Alexander , Ferreira Lucas Calais , Hahn Elisabeth , Spinath Frank , Hopper John , Young Jesse
Published: March 2023

Background
Obesity and internalising disorders, including depression and anxiety, often co-occur. There is evidence that familial confounding contributes to the co-occurrence of internalising disorders and obesity in adults. However, its impact on this association among young people is unclear. Our study investigated the extent to which familial factors confound the association between internalising disorders and obesity in adolescents and young adults.
Subjects/methods
We used a matched co-twin design to investigate the impact of confounding by familial factors on associations between internalising symptoms and obesity in a sample of 4,018 twins aged 16 to 27 years.
Results
High levels of internalising symptoms increased the odds of obesity for the whole cohort (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 5.4), and in females (AOR=3.3, 95%CI 1.3, 8.9), but not in males (AOR=2.3 95%CI 0.6, 7.9). In the paired analysis, we found internalising disorders were associated with an increased between-pair odds of obesity (AOR 3.9, 95%CI 1.2, 13.1), but the within-pair association attenuated to the null after controlling for familial confounding. Sex-stratified analyses indicated high internalising symptoms were associated with increased between-pair odds of obesity in females (AOR 7.8, 95%CI 1.5, 40.8), but this attenuated to the null after adjusting for familial confounding. We found no evidence of between or within-pair associations for males and weak evidence that sex modified the association between internalising symptoms and obesity (likelihood ratio test p= 0.037).
Conclusions: Shared early environmental and/or genetic variants among twins partially confound the association between internalising symptoms and obesity in adolescent and young adult females. Internalising symptoms and obesity were not associated in adolescent and young adult males. Prevention and treatment efforts should address individual and familial determinants of obesity, particularly targeted at female adolescents and young adults with internalising disorders and those with a family history of these disorders.
The genomic signature of resistance to platinum-containing neoadjuvant therapy based on single-cell data
Authors: Sui Qihai , Hu Zhengyang , Jin Xing , Bian Yunyi , Zhang Huan , Liang Jiaqi , Yang Huiqiang , Lin Zongwu , Wang Qun , Zhan Cheng , Chen Zhencong
Published: March 2023

Background
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) becomes the first-line option for advanced tumors, while patients who are not sensitive to it may not benefit. Therefore, it is important to screen patients suitable for NACT.
Methods
Single-cell data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) before and after cisplatin-containing (CDDP) NACT and cisplatin IC50 data of tumor cell lines were analyzed to establish a CDDP neoadjuvant chemotherapy score (NCS). Differential analysis, GO, KEGG, GSVA and logistic regression models were performed by R. Survival analysis were applied to public databases. siRNA knockdown in A549, PC9, TE1 cell lines, qRT-PCR, western-blot, cck8 and EdU experiments were used for further verification in vitro.
Results
485 genes were expressed differentially in tumor cells before and after neoadjuvant treatment for LUAD and ESCC. After combining the CDDP-associated genes, 12 genes, CAV2, PHLDA1, DUSP23, VDAC3, DSG2, SPINT2, SPATS2L, IGFBP3, CD9, ALCAM, PRSS23, PERP, were obtained and formed the NCS score. The higher the score, the more sensitive the patients were to CDDP-NACT. The NCS divided LUAD and ESCC into two groups. Based on differentially expressed genes, a model was constructed to predict the high and low NCS. CAV2, PHLDA1, ALCAM, CD9, IGBP3 and VDAC3 were significantly associated with prognosis. Finally, we demonstrated that the knockdown of CAV2, PHLDA1 and VDAC3 in A549, PC9 and TE1 significantly increased the sensitivity to cisplatin.
Conclusions
NCS scores and related predictive models for CDDP-NACT were developed and validated to assist in selecting patients who might benefit from it.
P, N, Si synergistic flame-retarding water polyurethane coating with superior flame retardancy and hydrophobicity
Authors: Zhou jianhua , Dong Fangxin , Liu Chen , Lu Kai
Published: March 2023

Water polyurethane with flame retardant and hydrophobic properties was synthesized by in situ polymerization using 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-[N, N-bis-(2- hydroxyethyl-amino-methyl)]-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO-DAM) as flame retardant modifying agent, hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as hydrophobic modifying agent. FT-IR and TEM characterized the chemical structure and morphology of modified WPU. The effects of DOPO-DAM and PDMS dosage on the performance of modified WPU were investigated. The tensile strength for the modified WPU films first increased and then decreased with increasing of DOPO-DAM dosage. Incorporating DOPO-DAM and PDMS into WPU significantly enhanced flame retardancy, as evidenced by the reduction in peak heat release rate, total heat release rate, total smoke production, effective heat of combustion, and carbon dioxide production rate. The scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that the good flame retardancy of modified WPU was due to the synergistic effect of P, N and Si elements. Afterward, modified WPU as a finishing agent was coated on polyester fabric. The experimental results of LOI and the vertical burning test indicated that when the dosage of DOPO-DAM was 6 wt% in modified WPU, after-flame time, after-glow time, damage length and LOI values of the coated polyester fabric were 7.0 s, 0.0 s, 8.5 cm and 26.2%, respectively. In addition, with the increased PDMS dosage in modified WPU, the water contact angle of the coated fabrics showed an upward trend and remained stable. The addition of PDMS not only improved the flame retardancy of the coated fabric but also had a good effect on hydrophobicity.
Identification and Discrimination of Volatiles Associated With Chalkbrood Infection in European Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera), Eastern Australia
Authors: FINSTROM MICHAEL SIMONE , ANGOVE MICHAEL , BROOKS PETER , GERDTS JODY
Published: March 2023

Chalkbrood disease in honey bees is caused by the fungal pathogen Ascosphaera apis. Transmission occurs when developing larvae are fed brood food containing infectious spores. These spores germinate in the larval gut producing hyphae which penetrate the larval cuticle and can sporulate on the cadaver. Infection with A. apis can trigger changes in larval volatile profiles, producing chemical cues that influence colony behaviour. For example, the production of phenethyl acetate by infected larvae is known to elicit cannibalism and/or removal in highly hygienic honey bees providing a colony level protection from chalkbrood disease however, recent evidence in Australia suggests that hygienic behaviour is failing to confer chalkbrood resistance. To better understand this host-pathogen relationship the present study identified semiochemicals produced by infected larvae and measured the response of bees from hygienic colonies in a field assay. In field trials, bees from hygienic colonies responded to brood cappings topically treated with phenethyl acetate within three hours, significantly faster than cappings treated with phenethyl alcohol or gamma decalactone. Gamma decalactone, was associated with uncapping at 24 hours in hygienic colonies, but this response appears insufficient to influence colony level disease. These findings indicate that A. apis in Australia does produce phenethyl acetate and that hygienic bees are able to discriminate and respond to the compound. However, more research is needed to better understand the host-pathogen relationship in the Australian context in order to pursue genetic improvement of honey bee stocks for disease resistance.
Correlation analysis of FT3/FT4 and frailty in elderly patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Qu Jiling , Ji Siqi , Zhou Ting , Sun Huiping , Xue Mengxin , Qi Minghui , Hou Ping , Wang Chuntao , Liu Yongbing
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To explore the effect of thyroid hormone (TH) on the risk of frailty in elderly patients with CHD.
Methods: Fried scale was used to assess frailty of participants. The predictive value of TH for frailty was determined using the patient's operating characteristic curve. Univariate analysis was used to examine potential factors affecting frailty. Multivariate logistic regression model was utilized to analyze the relationship between TH and frailty.
Results:A total of 277 elderly patients with CHD were included in the study, of which 29.96% were in a state of frailty. FT3/FT4 predicted frailty with the largest area under the curve of 0.634. Unordered multinomial logistic regression analysisshowed that a lower T3 level was a risk factor for pre-frailty (P < 0.05). Lower levels of T3, FT3, and FT3/FT4 were risk factors for frailty (P< 0.05) after adjusting for demographic variables and blood indexes.
Conclusion: The predictive value of FT3/FT4 for frailty was more accurate than that of a single index. Moreover, T3≤1.095nmol/L, FT3≤4.085pmol/L, and FT3/FT4≤0.336 were shown to be the influencing factors of frailty, while T3≤1.095nmol/L is an independent risk factor pre-frailty. Suggesting new ideas for the prevention and treatment of frailty in elderly patients with CHD.
The association between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation, endothelium and glycocalyx disorders in children with sepsis.
Authors: Fernández-Sarmiento Jaime , Hernández-Sarmiento Ricardo , Salazar María Paula , Barrera Sofia , Castilla Valeria , Duque Catalina
Published: March 2023

Background
Endothelial inflammation and activation in sepsis can alter albumin synthesis and increase its loss. In these patients, hypoalbuminemia tends to be associated with worse outcomes. The consequences of hypoalbuminemia for the microcirculation of children with sepsis are unknown. We evaluated the association between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation disorders, endothelial activation and glycocalyx degradation in this group of patients.
Methods
This was an observational, analytical, prospective cohort study in children with sepsis hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The primary outcome was the association between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation disorders using a perfused boundary region (PBR) > 2.0 µm on sublingual video microscopy or plasma biomarkers (syndecan-1, angiopoietin-2). The secondary outcomes were the association between hypoalbuminemia, microcirculation disorders, the inflammatory response and the need for mechanical ventilation.
Results
Out of the 1,180 admissions to the PICU during the study period, 125 patients with sepsis were included. The median age was 2.0 years (IQR 0.5–12.5), and the main focus of infection was respiratory. Children with hypoalbuminemia had more abnormal microcirculation with a higher PBR flow corrected (2.16 µm [IQR 2.03–2.47] vs. 1.92 [1.76–2.28]; p = 0.01) and more 4–6 µm capillaries recruited (60% vs. 40%; p = 0.04). The low albumin group that had the worst PBR had the most 4–6 µm capillaries recruited (rho 0.29; p < 0.01), 48% higher Ang-2 (p = 0.04), worse annexin A5 (p = 0.03) and no syndecan-1 abnormalities (p = 0.21). Children with hypoalbuminemia and a greater percentage of blood volume in their capillaries needed mechanical ventilation more often (56.3% vs. 43.7%; aOR 2.01 95% CI 1.38–3.10 :p < 0.01). Children with corrected hypoalbuminemia had improved PBR levels (aOR: 0.17: p5% CI 0.04–0.75; p = 0.02), shorter PICU stays (p = 0.01) and lower mortality (p = 0.02).
Conclusions
In children with sepsis, an association was found between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation changes, vascular permeability and greater endothelial glycocalyx degradation. Hypoalbuminemia correction was associated with a recovered glycocalyx, shorter hospital stay and lower mortality.
Enhanced Decentralized Federated Learning based on Consensus in Connected Vehicles
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Dong Zehui , Xu Zhiwei , Liu Siyuan , Tian Jie
Published: March 2023

Advanced researches on connected vehicles have recently targeted to the integration of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks with Machine Learning (ML) tools and distributed decision making. Federated learning (FL) is emerging as a new paradigm to train machine learning (ML) models in distributed systems, including vehicles in V2X networks. Rather than sharing and uploading the training data to the server, the updating of model parameters (e.g., neural networks’ weights and biases) is applied by large populations of interconnected vehicles, acting as local learners. Despite these benefits, the limitation of existing approaches is the centralized optimization which relies on a server for aggregation and fusion of local parameters, leading to the drawback of a single point of failure and scaling issues for increasing V2X network size. Meanwhile, in intelligent transport scenarios, data collected from onboard sensors are redundant, which degrades the performance of aggregation. To tackle these problems, we explore a novel idea of decentralized data processing and introduce a federated learning framework for in-network vehicles, C-DFL( Consensus based Decentralized Federated Learning), to tackle federated learning on connected vehicles and improve learning quality. Extensive simulations have been implemented to evaluate the performance of C-DFL, that demonstrates C-DFL outperforms the performance of conventional methods in all cases.
Glandular secretory trichomes formation mechanism study on synthesis and storage of terpenoids in lavender
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Wang Di , Li Hui , Bai Hongtong , Sun Meiyu , Shi Lei
Published: March 2023

Background: Lavender belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is an aromatic plant that is widely grown as an ornamental plant. The chemical components of lavender are characterized by the presence of monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoidsand other irregular types. These main compounds are primarily synthesized and stored in an epidermal secretory structure, glandular secretory trichomes (GSTs).
Results: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are responsible for the aroma characteristics of plant oil that drive consumer preference. It is usually regarded as a characteristic character in the classification of aromatic plants. Interestingly, VOCs are synthesized and stored in GSTs. In this study, we measured the VOCs of four lavenders by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Among them, 66 volatile organic compounds were identified, flowers were the main site of accumulation of VOCs and its prominent components were linalyl acetate and linalool. In Lamiaceae, GSTs usually include peltate glandular trichomes (PGTs) and capitate glandular trichomes (CGTs), like Perilla frutescens, peppermint, Ocimum basilicum, thyme, oregano, etc. But there were no reports about GSTs in lavender until now. We also examined the developmental processes of PGTs, it included the head and the stalk region, the head cells have a secretory, VOCs are produced by these secretory cells. Based on a reference genome from ‘Jingxun 2’, several genes related to GSTs belonged to R2R3-MYB subfamily had been identified. These results will give a directive sense for GSTs engineering and molecular breeding of lavender for targeting VOCs.
Conclusions: In this study, we used HS-SPME-GC/MS to identify VOCs of these lavenders. We analyzed the formation of GSTs in lavender and compared quantity and diameter size of four lavenders. In the meanwhile, we found four candidate genes belonging to R2R3-MYB family.
Changes in the epidemiology of acute mastoiditis according to the implementation of pneumococcal vaccination in a Spanish population
Authors: Manzanares Ángela , Aguilera-Alonso David , Santos-Sebastián Mar , Escobar María , Vigil-Vázquez Sara , Martínez Felipe González , Moreno Gracia Aránguez , Cercenado Emilia , Saavedra-Lozano Jesús
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of acute mastoiditis over a 20-year period (2000-2019) in the pediatric population attended in our institution, and to evaluate changes in the etiology according to the implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV).
Methods: Retrospective, observational study including children < 16 years diagnosed with acute mastoiditis between January 2000 and December 2019 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain). The study was grouped into four 5-year periods (2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2019) and the percentage change (PC) in the incidence rate and in the prevalence of each microorganism isolated were estimated to characterize trends, with log-transformed data models.
Result: 219 episodes from 209 patients were included. The incidence rate of AM remained stable during the study period, with an average of 2.2 cases/10,000 emergency department visits/year. There was a significant decrease in the prevalence of S. pneumoniae (PC: -22.4% [95% CI: −34.9, -7.4]; p=0.025), from 19% in the pre-PCV period (2000-2005) to 9% in the last period. Serotypes contained in the PCV13 significantly decrease from 92% in the pre-PCV13V period to 33% in the post-PCV13V period (p=0.022). S. pyogeneswas the main microorganism isolated in the last study period, showing a significant increase in its prevalence from 5% in the third to 19% in the last period (p=0.046).
Conclusions: Although the incidence of AM in children remained stable in our study, the prevalence of S. pneumoniae significantly decreased in the post-PCV era, with S. pyogenesbecoming the main microorganism isolated after the implementation of PCV13.
Shocker: An Improved Optimization-Based Method for the Generation of Patient-Specific Models of Purkinje Networks
Authors: Berg Lucas Arantes , Rocha Bernardo Martins , Oliveira Rafael Sachetto , Sebastian Rafael , Rodriguez Blanca , de Queiroz Rafael Alves Bonfim , Cherry Elizabeth , Santos Rodrigo Weber dos
Published: March 2023

Cardiac Purkinje networks are a fundamental part of the conduction system and are known to initiate a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. However, patient-specific modeling of Purkinje networks remains a challenge due to their high morphological complexity. This work presents a novel method based on optimization principles for the generation of Purkinje networks that combines geometric and electrical accuracy in branch size, bifurcation angles, and Purkinje-ventricular-junction activation times. Three biventricular meshes with increasing levels of complexity are used to evaluate the performance of our approach. Purkinje-tissue coupled monodomain simulations are executed to evaluate the generated networks in a realistic scenario using the most recent Purkinje/ventricular human cellular models and physiological values for the Purkinje-ventricular-junction characteristic delay. The results demonstrate that the new method can generate patient-specific Purkinje networks with controlled morphological metrics and specified local activation times at the Purkinje-ventricular junctions.
Cytoplasmic Signalling by Major Histocompatibility Class-I Proteins Modulates Synaptic Glutamate Receptors
Authors: Eyford Brett A. , Lazarczyk Maciej J. , Varghese Merina , Choi Kyung Bok , Arora Hitesh , Munro Lonna , Pfeifer Cheryl G. , Sowa Allison , Dickstein Daniel R. , Dickstein Dara L. , Jefferies Wilfred A. , Kari Suresh
Published: March 2023

AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins regulate synaptic signalling. Here we describe the importance of the cytoplasmic tail of MHC-I for its role in the central nervous system (CNS) in synaptic signalling and the modulation of synaptic glutamate receptor expression. We demonstrate that Y321F mutation of the conserved cytoplasmic tyrosine in MHC-I affects expression of the AMPAR, GluA2/3, and alters phosphorylation of a number of kinases, including Fyn, Lyn, p38, ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3, and p70 S6 kinase. These data elucidate the important role of MHC-1 on AMPAR function and modifications to the cytoplasmic tail of MHC-1 can alter synaptic strength, plasticity and learning and memory.
Characterization of materials in the late 15th century Ottoman period Animal Encyclopedia and detection of deterioration products by HPLC-DAD
Authors: GÜZEL Emine TORGAN , KARADAG Recep , BAYDAR Nil
Published: March 2023

There are many manuscripts in institutions that preserve and exhibit works such as museums, galleries, and libraries. These manuscripts are of great value because of their witnessing to the past and the historical and cultural significance they have accumulated. In addition to the organic nature and natural aging of the paper, which is generally used as the primary carrier material in these works, other materials used in the manuscripts are an obstacle to their preservation and reaching future generations. In this study, the animal encyclopedia consisting of 62 volumes, which was the first encyclopedia written on behalf of animals from the end of the 15th century to the beginning of the 16th century (1487–1501) of the Ottoman period, was examined archeometrically. A total of 40 samples consisting of paper, ink, dye and leather samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) technique with diode array detector. After all, information on material characterization and deterioration product(s) was obtained. As a result of the analysis, vanillic acid, and its derivatives due to the natural aging of the paper and chrysophanic acid and its derivatives caused by fungi, which are the result of unfavorable environmental factors, were determined. It was concluded that the ink used in the manuscripts was iron-gall ink. In addition, it was determined that madder, weld, buckthorn, redwood, rhubarb or dock plants were used as dyestuffs. Also, it was determined that the leather samples were tanned with the vegetable tanning method using tannins. It is inevitable that this study will guide conservation experts in restoration and conservation studies.
Studies on the reproductive behaviour of Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Savadatti Eurekha , Ginnu Sreenivas Adoni , Jalamagana Ashoka , Hosamani Arunkumar , Desai Bheemsain Rao Krishna Rao , Dibburahalli Aswathanarayana Subbanna , Mariyanna Lakshmikanth
Published: March 2023

Reproductive behavioural studies on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) were investigated at temperature 27 ± 2ᵒC and Relative humidity of 65–70% and photoperiod of 12L: 12D at Department of Agricultural Entomology UAS, Raichur. Adult emergence of moths was observed throughout the day. Wherein, 22.5 per cent of moths emerged during photophase (6.00pm to 5.00am) and 77.50 per cent of moths emerged during scotophase (18.00 to 12.00). Calling behaviour of S. frugiperda females observed from one to eight days. Female started calling from 2nd hour of scotophase (19.00) and terminated at 11th hour of scotophase (04.00). The mean number females called was maximum at 6th hour of scotophase in three-day old moth. None of the females called during 1st hour of scotophase. Mating of S. frugiperda observed throughout scotophase up to 8 days. The results showed that highest mating occurred in three day old moths. These studies provide valuable information for indentation of sex pheromones and also helps in semiochemical based pest management.