bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of mutations on binding interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and neutralizing antibodies B38 and CB6
Authors: Barnes Jonathan E. , Lund Peik K. , Patel Jagdish Suresh , Ytreberg F. Marty
Published: July 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is the pathogen responsible for COVID-19 that has claimed over six million lives as of July 2022. The severity of COVID-19 necessitates understanding how it could evolve to escape potential treatments and ways to strengthen existing treatments. Here, we used the molecular modeling methods MD + FoldX and PyRosetta to study the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (S-RBD) bound to two neutralizing antibodies, B38 and CB6 and generated lists of antibody escape and antibody strengthening mutations. Our resulting watchlist with potential antibody escape mutations against B38/CB6 consists of 211/186 mutations across 35/22 S-RBD sites. Some of these mutations have been previously identified as significant in observed populations (e.g., N501Y). The list of potential antibody strengthening mutations that are predicted to improve binding of B38/CB6 to S-RBD consists of 116/45 mutations across 29/13 sites. These mutations could be used to improve the therapeutic value of these antibodies. Our results provide a basis for further studies on the effects of mutations in the S-RBD and antibodies.
Schematic Analysis and Fiducial Point of Tooth for Root Canal Therapy
Authors: Kim Dooyeol , Aldabbagh Mustafa , Makins Scott R. , Jacob Helder B. , Holland Julian N. , Jeong Ji Wook
Published: July 2022

Objectives To identify schematic relationships between root canal axis, the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), and the contour of the clinical crown’s facial surface in maxillary central incisors. Materials and Methods 72 radiographic images of extracted maxillary central incisors with previous root canal treatment were collected. Angles (tangent angle) between the root canal axis and lines tangent to fiducial points on the facial surface 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, and 5.5 mm cervical to the incisal edge were measured using ImageJ software. Facial-palatal CEJ widths were measured and divided into facial and palatal CEJ by the root canal axis. Generalized linear models were used to assess any relationship between CEJ widths and the constructed tangent angles. The Paired Difference T-test was performed to determine the ratio of palatal CEJ to facial CEJ widths. Results The correlation between CEJ width and angle measurements was statistically significant except at 3.5 mm (P < .05). The tangent angle values decreased from the most incisal point (22.8°) to the most cervical point (18.4°). The average value of total CEJ widths was 7.44 mm. Palatal CEJ was on average 0.22 mm greater than facial CEJ widths (P = 1.61e-6). Conclusions Using CEJ width and tangent angle of fiducial point, the root canal axis of the maxillary central incisor can be predicted. Clinical relevance Crown morphology can be applied to design a standardized endodontic access stent to aid in root canal therapy in maxillary central incisors when the canal is difficult to identify.
Exploring the role and expression pattern of WRKY transcription factor in the growth and development of Bletilla striata based on transcriptome
Authors: Li Qingqing , Huang Ceyin , Liu Chaobo , Jia Xueyan , Wen Weie , Li Lin , He Yihuai , Xu Delin
Published: July 2022

To explore the genetic mechanism of regulating growth and chemical biosynthesis is vital important for further studies and applications in medicinal herbs. WRKY type transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in the growth and development of plants. However, a comprehensive analysis of the WRKY family members in a valuable Chinese herbal orchid, Bletilla striata, or in other orchids, is limited. In this study, by applied bioinformatic programs, we screened 29 WRKY genes from former formed database and then identified their functions based on the sequences properties and explore their expression mode, and also identified some SSR molecular markers. Analysis showed that BsWRKY genes may work together to regulate plant growth and development. A single BsWRKY transcription factor may be involved in the regulation of several seemingly different processes in plants. BsWRKY genes play an important regulatory role in the synthesis of Coelonin, Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol, Dactylorhin A and Militarine. Taken together, these results provided a theoretical basis for further studies on the gene functions and regulatory mechanisms of what in B. striata.
FPR2 contributes to the dysfunction of inflammation resolution and neuronal excitability in focal cortical dysplasia type IIb and tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Huang Kaixuan , Wang Zhongke , He Zeng , Li Yang , Li Shujing , Shen Kaifeng , Zhu Gang , Liu Zhonghong , Lv Shengqing , Zhang Chunqing , Yang Hui , Yang Xiaolin , Liu Shiyong
Published: July 2022

Background
Focal cortical dysplasia IIb (FCDIIb) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) show the persistent neuroinflammation which promote epileptogenesis and epilepsy progression, suggesting that endogenous resolution of inflammation is inadequate to relieve neuronal network hyperexcitability. To explore the potential roles of formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), which is a key regulator of inflammation resolution, in epilepsy in FCDIIb and TSC. We examined the expression and cellular distribution of FPR2, and the effect of FPR2 signal pathway on the neuronal excitability.
Method
The expression of FPR2 and NF-κB signal pathway were examined by real-time PCR, western blots and analyzed via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The distribution of FPR2 was detected using immunostaining. The expression of resolvin D1(RvD1, the endogenous ligand of FPR2)was observed via ELISA. The calcium imaging was used to measure intracellular calcium concentrations in FPR2-affected rat cortical neurons. The effects of FPR2 on the electrophysiological properties of neurons was detected by the Whole-cell patch clamp recording. The Pearsoncorrelation test was used to evaluate the relation between the expression of FPR2, RvD1 and clinical variants.
Results
The expression of FPR2 and resolvin D1 (RvD1) were significantly lower in FCDⅡb and TSC cortical lesions than the controls and was negatively correlated with seizure frequency; specially, in dysplastic neurons; but, FPR2 was sparse in microglia and nearly absent in astrocytes. Further, NF-κB pathway activity was upregulated in FCDⅡb and TSC and restricted by the RvD1-FPR2, but FPR2 antagonist, WRW4 exerted the opposite effects. Beyond that, RvD1-FPR2 reduced [Ca2+] influx of cortical neurons, but WRW4 increased intracellular [Ca2+]i. Importantly, RvD1-FPR2 also regulated the neuronal excitability through reducing the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) with NR2A and NR2B decrease. However, both the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSC) of cortical neurons were not affected by RvD1 or WRW4 treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, these results suggest that the FPR2 was involved in epilepsy caused by FCDⅡb and TSC and FPR2 activation may contribute to control the epilepsy in FCDⅡb and TSC.
Influence of Non-Invasive Ventilation in an Adult Patient with Acute Epiglottitis: A Case Report
Authors: Bamadhaf Wail , AlRahma Ali , Ali Khalid , Hamoud Khaled
Published: July 2022

Background: Adult acute epiglottitis is a rare, life-threatening disease that requires prompt airway management, resuscitation, and stabilization. This case report discusses a patient with type ΙΙ respiratory failure due to acute epiglottitis, which was managed successfully with non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation in the emergency department.Case Presentation: We report a case of a male patient in his 30s who arrived at the emergency department complaining of sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath. He was found to be in severe respiratory distress. The patient’s condition improved dramatically after non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation, which prevented the need for endotracheal intubation. He was admitted to the ICU and discharged without complications five days later.Conclusion: Non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation may help manage moderate cases of acute epiglottitis with partial airway obstruction as a bridging therapy until other treatments have decreased edema, thus preventing the need for endotracheal intubation.
A full understanding of the ‘real’ conversion dynamic of green vegetation and its ecosystem service: quantity-quality and gain-loss perspectives
Authors: Yang Gaoyuan , Xiao Yi , Da Liangjun , Yu Zhaowu
Published: July 2022

Contexts. To quantify the ecosystem service (ES) changes caused by the dynamic of green vegetation (GV) during rapid urbanization, it is necessary to fully understand the ‘real’ conversion pattern of GV, yet key and ‘real’ conversion patterns within specific periods and contributions to GV quality remain poorly understood. Objectives. Here we use Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a mediator to represent GV quality. Land cover transfer matrix (LCTM) and urban greenspace dynamic index (UGDI) were employed to fully understand the GV dynamic from quantity-quality and gain-loss perspectives. The Pearl River Delta Metropolitan Region (PRDMR), one of the fastest urbanizing regions in the world, was selected as a case study. Results. We found that from 1990 to 2015, built-up land, forests and grasslands has the most dynamic conversion, and also has the most significant impact on NDVI. The NDVI value of the newly-built forest (0.29) was much lower than that of the lost forest (0.5), which demonstrate the value and importance of existing natural forest ecosystem, as newly-built forest does not provide the same quality of NDVI and ESs. Hence, we reconfirm and suggest that in regional ecological planning and management, in addition to creating new, higher quality GV, it is essential to protect existing natural forest ecosystems. Conclusions. The study proposed new and full perspectives, including quantity-quality and gain-loss angle of view, enhance the understanding of GV dynamic and can be used in other related analyses. Results also provide important theoretical bases for regional ecological planning and protection of existing natural forest ecosystems.
Relationship of skeletal class of malocclusion with some radiomorphometric indices of the mandible in short-face patients
Authors: Tofangchiha Maryam , Jabbarian Razieh , Sheikhdavoodi Nima , Ranjbaran Mehdi , Ajeli Ali , Baratali Saeed , Akafzadeh Negar
Published: July 2022

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the relationship of skeletal class of malocclusion with some radiomorphometric indices of the mandible in short-face patients.
Materials and Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 179 short-face patients between 17 to 30 years who sought orthodontic treatment during 2013 to 2020. The gonial and antegonial angles, and type and depth of antegonial notch were assessed bilaterally on traced panoramic radiographs. The correlation between radiomorphometric indices and class of malocclusion was analyzed by SPSS version 25 (alpha = 0.05).
Results
The mean size of gonial angle was significantly different among the three classes of malocclusion (P < 0.001), and the largest gonial angle was recorded in class III, and the smallest in class I patients. The mean size of antegonial angle and antegonial depth were not significantly different among the three classes of malocclusion (P > 0.05). The difference in the mean size of gonial and antegonial angles was not significant between males and females (P > 0.05). However, the mean antegonial depth in males was significantly greater than that in females (P < 0.001). Type I antegonial notch was more common in females than males at both sides. Age had no significant correlation with gonial angle, antegonial angle, or antegonial notch depth (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Facial growth pattern in short-face patients can be predicted with antegonial angle.Also there is significant correlation of skeletal class of malocclusion with size of gonial angle.
Clinical Relevance:
The present results emphasized on the role of antegonial angle in prediction of facial growth pattern in short-face patients, and revealed significant correlation of skeletal class of malocclusion with size of gonial angle.
Discovery of the mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine based on functional magnetic resonance imaging and omics
Authors: He Ke , Li Chong , Li Xinyi , Wu Yang , Xie Xiaoming , Yang Jiju , Zhang Fan , Yue Yang , Hao Huifeng , Zhao Shaokun , Li Xin , Tian Guihua
Published: July 2022

Migraine is one of the most prevalent and disabling neurological disease. The current treatments are limited. Acupuncture is a promising complementary and replacement therapy, but further clinical evidence is needed. Besides, the influence of acupuncture on migraine is not an immediate effect, the mechanism of this effect is not clear yet. This study is to provide further clinical evidence for the anti-migraine effects of acupuncture and explore the mechanism. Herein, a randomized controlled trial (48 participants in total; 10 normal controls and 38 migraineurs) was performed. The 38 migraine patients were divided into blank control, sham acupuncture, and acupuncture. The baseline characteristics were assessed for 2 weeks before the study. After that, patients were subjected to two courses of treatment, each of which lasted 5 days, with an interval of 1 day between the two courses (11 days in total). Outcome data collection, fMRI measurement, and blood sample collection were performed before and at the end of the treatment period. Effectiveness of treatment was evaluated using pain questionnaire. The fMRI data was analysed. Blood plasma was collected for metabolomics and proteomics studies. Results showed that acupuncture effectively relieves migraine symptoms, and not merely via the placebo effect. The anti-migraine mechanism involves a complex network which is related to regulating the blood oxygen levels, reversing brain energy imbalance and regulating inflammation. Brain regions of migraineurs affected by acupuncture include the limbic system and default mode network, and regions involved in cognitive and emotional processing of pain, sleep, and attention.
Fexinidazole interferes with the growth and structural organization of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Zuma Aline Araujo , de Souza Wanderley
Published: July 2022

Fexinidazole is a heterocyclic compound that constitutes the first 100% oral treatment drug for African trypanosomiasis. Its effectiveness against T. brucei encouraged the investigation of its antiparasitic potential against T. cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease. Although previous studies addressed the antitrypanosomal effects of fexinidazole, none used electron microscopy to identify the main target structures of T. brucei or T. cruzi. In this work, we used microscopy techniques to analyze the ultrastructural alterations caused by fexinidazole in different developmental stages of T. cruzi. In addition to inhibiting T. cruzi proliferation, with IC50 of 1 µM for intracellular amastigotes, fexinidazole promoted massive disorganization of reservosomes, the detachment of the plasma membrane, unpacking of nuclear heterochromatin, mitochondrial swelling, Golgi disruption and alterations in the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex. Together, these observations point to fexinidazole as a potential drug leader for further development of chemotherapy against Chagas disease.
Nuclear SSR-based Genetic diversity and STRUCTURE analysis of Greek Tomato ecotypes and the Greek Tomato Database (GTD)
Authors: Bibi Androniki C , Marountas John , Katsarou Konstantina , Kollias Anastasios , Pavlidis Pavlos , Goumenaki Eleni , Kafetzopoulos Dimitris
Published: July 2022

Tomato is cultivated in Greece for more than 200 years, even though is not native. Along with a favorable environment for the crop all the year round, Greece has become a major competitor in tomato production around Europe. However, there is an increasing demand to improve tomato crop. People have devoted a significant effort for crop improvement via phenotypic screening resulting in a large number of tomato ecotypes. An increasing demand to clarify the relationships among local tomato genotypes utilizing the most preferred molecular markers the Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR-markers) is the main objective of this study. Twenty-nine tomato ecotypes cultivated in Crete, Greece were genotyped utilizing eleven simple sequence repeat (SSR) along with the Structure analysis of the germplasm. A neighbor-joining dendrogram of the 29 ecotypes was produced. The statistical analysis proved that 58% of the genetic variation (p < 0.0001) resided among populations and 42% (p < 0.0001) resided within populations. The Structure analysis indicated that nine ancestral populations are hidden inside the group of ecotypes tested, using Evanno’s method. The final objective was make these data publicly available through the first Greek relational database (GreekTomatoDatabase-GTD). GTD was developed making publicly available all the methodology around the analysis performed, the first molecular fingerprint of 29 tomato ecotypes grown in Crete, Greece, as well as phenotypic and viral information.
Preclinical investigation of expanded human adipose–derived stem cell dosage and timing for improved defecation function in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Mori Ryota , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Fujino Shiki , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Yukimoto Ryohei , Ogino Takayuki , Takahashi Hidekazu , Uemura Mamoru , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: July 2022

Background
Among treatment options for fecal incontinence, none are curative. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents, but most preclinical studies of their effectiveness for anal function have used autologous or allogeneic ADSCs. Here, we investigated the effectiveness, timing of administration, and required dosage of human (h)ADSCs for clinical application.
Methods
A 10-mm balloon catheter was used to induce anal sphincter injury in immunodeficient mice in three groups: ADSC (hADSCs injected after injury), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; injected after injury), and control (uninjured). The effects of different timing and number of hADSCs administered was compared among groups using defecation status and pathological evaluation.
Results
In terms of defecation status, groups receiving ≥ 1 × 104 hADSCs immediately after injection showed improvement. Pathological images showed that compared with the PBS group, the thinnest part of the sphincter was thicker for animals that received ≥ 1 × 104 hADSCs, and fibrosis of the sphincter was notable in those treated with 1 × 103 hADSCs or PBS. Furthermore, although administration of hADSCs at 30 days following injury yielded no pathological signs of improvement, defecation status was improved.
Conclusions
hADSC administration in a mouse model of anal sphincter injury was effective. Injection of ≥ 1 × 104 hADSCs was necessary to improve defecation status, an effect detected in both the acute and chronic phases.
Acute and preventive treatment of COVID-19 related headache: A series of 100 patients
Authors: García-Azorín David , García-Ruiz Claudia , Sierra-Mencía Álvaro , Gonzalez-Osorio Yésica , Recio-García Andrea , González-Celestino Ana , García-Iglesias Cristina , Planchuelo-Gómez Álvaro , Echavarría-Iñiguez Ana , Peral Ángel L Guerrero
Published: July 2022

BackgroundHeadache is a common manifestation of post-coronavirus disease (COVID) condition. We aimed to describe the need and effectiveness of acute and preventive medications in a series of 100 consecutive patients evaluated in a headache unit. MethodsObservational descriptive study with a series of cases design. Patients with confirmed COVID diagnosis that were referred due to headache following COVID were included. Patients were evaluated and treated by headache experts. The study included patients infected between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2022. Demographic variables and clinical information at the moment of the treatment use were gathered. Response to treatment was evaluated according to pain freedom response two hours after the use of the acute medication, and in the case of the preventive medication, the 50%, 30% and 75% responder rates were calculated. ResultsPatients were aged 48.0 (standard deviation (SD): 12.4), were female (84%) and had prior history of headache (56%), anxiety (42%), sleep disorders (37%), and depression (26%). The mean time between the infection and the evaluation was 7.2 (SD: 4.0) months. The most common headache phenotype was holocranial (63%), frontal (48%), pressing (75%), of moderate intensity (7 out of 10), and accompanied by photophobia (58%). Acute medication was required by 93%, being paracetamol (46%) the most frequently used drug, followed by ibuprofen (44%). The drugs with the higher proportion of 2-hour pain-freedom response were dexketoprofen (58.8%), triptans (57.7%), ibuprofen (54.3%) and paracetamol (43.1%).Preventive treatment was required by 75% of patients. The most frequently used drugs were amitriptyline (66%), anesthetic blockades (18%) and onabotulinumtoxinA (11%). The drugs with the higher 50% responder rate were amitriptyline (45.5%), mirtazapine (50%) and anesthetic blockades (38.9%). The higher 75% responder rate was experienced following onabotulinutoxinA (18.2%) and the higher 30% responder rate was obtained following amitriptyline and onabotulinumtoxinA (72.7%). ConclusionsThe majority of patients required acute medication, with triptans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being the therapies with the best results. Three quarters of patients required preventive medication. The most frequently used drug was amitriptyline, which obtained the best results. In some treatment-resistant patients, anesthetic blockades and onabotulinumtoxinA were also beneficial.
Evidence of Transgenerational Effects on Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Multigenerational Space-Time Cluster Detection
Authors: Steed Rebecca , Bakian Amanda , Smith Ken Robert , Wan Neng , Brewer Simon , VanDerslice James
Published: July 2022

Background
Transgenerational epigenetic risks associated with complex health outcomes, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have attracted increasing attention. Transgenerational environmental risk exposures with potential for epigenetic effects can be effectively identified using space-time clustering. Specifically applied to ancestors of individuals with disease outcomes, space-time clustering characterized for vulnerable developmental stages of growth can provide a measure of relative risk for disease outcomes in descendants.
Objectives
(1) Identify space-time clusters of ancestors with a descendent with a clinical ASD diagnosis and matched controls. (2) Identify developmental windows of ancestors with the highest relative risk for ASD in descendants. (3) Identify how the relative risk may vary through the maternal or paternal line.
Methods
Family pedigrees linked to residential locations of ASD cases in Utah have been used to identify space-time clusters of ancestors. Control family pedigrees of none-cases based on age and sex have been matched to cases 2:1. The data have been categorized by maternal or paternal lineage at birth, childhood, and adolescence. A total of 3,957 children, both parents, and maternal and paternal grandparents were identified. Bernoulli space-time binomial relative risk (RR) scan statistic was used to identify clusters. Monte Carlo simulation was used for statistical significance testing.
Results
Twenty statistically significant clusters were identified. Thirteen increased RR (> 1.0) space-time clusters were identified from the maternal and paternal lines at a p-value < 0.05. The paternal grandparents carry the greatest RR (2.86–2.96) during birth and childhood in the 1950’s -1960, which represent the smallest size clusters, and occur in urban areas. Additionally, seven statistically significant clusters with RR < 1 were relatively large in area, covering more rural areas of the state.
Conclusion
This study has identified statistically significant space-time clusters during critical developmental windows that are associated with ASD risk in descendants. The geographic space and time clusters family pedigrees with over 3 + generations, which we refer to as a person’s geographic legacy, is a powerful tool for studying transgenerational effects that may be epigenetic in nature. Our novel use of space-time clustering can be applied to any disease where family pedigree data is available.
Comparison of sensitization pattern to dust mite allergens between atopic dermatitis patients and dogs and non-specific reactivity of canine IgE to storage mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Authors: Song Hangyeol , Lee Jongsun , Jeong Kyoung Yong , Cheon Doo-Sung , Park Jung-Won
Published: July 2022

House dust mite is common cause of atopic dermatitis (AD) both in human and dogs. Detection of serum IgE to allergen is commonly used to diagnose allergic diseases. However, false-positive reactions due to cross-reactivity and non-specific reactivity may lead to misdiagnosis. We compared human and canine IgE reactivities to mite component allergens. Canine IgE-reactive components of D. farinae and T. putrescentiae were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Recombinant proteins were produced and IgE reactivities to component allergens were assessed by ELISA and inhibition assays using sera from AD patients and dogs. Canine IgE-reactive proteins (Der f 1, Der f 11, Tyr p 4, Tyr p 8, Tyr p 11, Tyr p 28) were identified by proteome analysis. The majority of patients were sensitized to Der f 1 (93.3%) and Der f 2 (86.7%). Dogs showed high sensitization to Der f 2 (94.1%) and Der f 18 (84.6%). Both patients and dogs showed low IgE binding frequency to Tyr p 8, 43.3% and 4% respectively. The ELISA inhibition study indicated that canine IgE reactivity to T. putrescentiae is mostly due to non-specific reaction and cross-reaction with D. farinae. Different IgE sensitization patterns were shown between allergic human and dogs with AD, especially to Der f 18 in Korea for the first time. Furthermore, non-specific canine IgE reactivity to storage mite indicates the possible misdiagnoses. Standardizations focused on the major canine allergen content of extracts should be developed. This will allow precision diagnosis and individuated treatments for each patient and atopic dog.
Robotic radical distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer using the soft coagulation scissors technique
Authors: Yamashita Yoshito , Tatsubayashi Taichi , Okumura Koichi , Sakura Yusuke , Miyamoto Takumi
Published: July 2022

We developed a new technique for safe and precise lymph node dissection in robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer using monopolar curved scissors with soft coagulation, called the “soft coagulation scissors technique.” Its technical details are as follows: a long bipolar grasper in the first arm and monopolar curved scissors in the third arm are mainly used for D2 lymph node dissection, maximizing robotic arm articulation usage. The monopolar curved scissors were energized in the soft coagulation mode of the ValleylabTM FT10 energy platform (group A; n=29) or in the forced coagulation mode with effect1/power limit 15W of the ERBE VIO®dV (group B; n=9) which was confirmed to be equivalent to the soft coagulation mode, and the tissue was dissected with scissors while being energized. Large blood vessels were precoagulated with a long bipolar grasper and dissected with the monopolar curved scissors. Therefore, a wide surgical field was developed using Cadiere forceps in the fourth arm and an internal organ retractor, enabling quick precoagulation with the relatively free long bipolar grasper. Thirty-seven patients with advanced gastric cancer underwent robotic distal gastrectomy using this technique. There was no difference in surgical outcomes between group A and group B. The median volume of estimated blood loss was 10 g, and none of the patients had intra-abdominal infections, including pancreatic fistula. The soft coagulation scissors technique enables safe and precise lymph node dissection in robotic distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer and could be a standard surgical technique for robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Optimal prediction of cloud spot instance price utilizing deep learning
Authors: Nezamdoust Seyed Soroush , Pourmina Mohammad Ali , Razzazi Farbod
Published: July 2022

Cloud platforms frequently provide a variety of virtual machine models (VMs) with varying types and capacities, allowing users to select instances that best suit their needs. Cloud providers have devised a system for maximizing the utilization of redundant computing resources, whose costs fluctuate dynamically depending on supply and demand. "Spot pricing" is a common term for this, the user must make a suitable offer that is higher than the spot price to use this instance. Accurate spot price prediction enables users to prepare ahead of time for the bid price and run time to increase the method's reliability. To solve this critical challenge of predicting future pricing, we utilize a consistent and robust deep learning model. When compared to other sophisticated methods, the test results reveal that our proposed method performs better and more accurately.
Has COVID-19 pandemic worsened quality of life of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A longitudinal disease activity-controlled study
Authors: Rosa Ilenia , Conti Chiara , Zito Luigia , Porcelli Piero
Published: July 2022

Background
The present longitudinal study aimed to investigate the burden of disease activity change on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the two different pandemic waves in 2020 and 2021.
Methods
A sample of 221 IBD patients (recruited during March- May 2020 for T0 and March-May 2021 for T1) was included. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (Impact of Event Scale-Revised, IES-R) and HRQOL (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, IBDQ) were assessed.
Results
Post-traumatic COVID-19-related symptoms (IES-R) were not significantly different across the disease activity-related groups. Conversely, IBDQ was consistently higher in patients with persistent quiescent disease activity compared to the other groups, as expected. Even after controlling for baseline IES-R, repeated-measures ANCOVA showed a non-significant main effect of time (p = .60) but a significant time-per-group interaction effect with a moderate effect size (η2 = .08).
Conclusions
During the two different phases of pandemic restrictions, IBD-specific HRQOL was modified by disease-related factors such as disease activity, rather than by the post-traumatic symptoms of COVID-19. This lends further weight to the need of developing an evidence-based, integrated, biopsychosocial model of care for patients with IBD to identify subjective and objective factors that affect the burden of disease.
Interest Pressures and Carbon Taxation: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vrolijk Kasper
Published: July 2022

Many economies implement carbon taxation to reduce emissions, but some groups may influence government to change policy in their favor. How influential are these interest pressures? This paper proposes a new methodology to measure interest pressures, merging insights from preference, expenditure, lobbying cost, and corruption data with newly collected data on public and private pressures from Vietnam. I show that interest pressures can largely account for observed changes in carbon taxation and that government adopted inefficient carbon taxation as a result of those pressures. The findings highlight the necessity for efficient representative institutions, which allows firms (through associations) and households (residential groups) to lobby government and receive information about the policy. Results also submit that absent lobbying regulation, firms and other interest groups resort to informal linkages to influence government, suggesting the essence of improving regulation to promote transparency and equity in lobbying among interest groups. Lastly, results suggest that policy inter-dependencies matter and that governments may implement carbon taxation inefficiently if it cannot sufficiently address economic constraints resulting from other policies.
The role of temperature in reproductivity trade-offs and life span in a winter-adaptive arthropod
Authors: Feng Lichao , Du Zhiqi , Chen Ting-Wen , Wu Donghui , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2022

Temperature plays a key role in the development and population maintenance of arthropods, especially for those living in cold environments. In the temperate zone, one of the most common soil-dwelling arthropods is Collembola. Instead of tracking warm and thermal temperature ranges, some Collembola species are psychrotrophic, i.e., they are well-adapted to lower temperatures. We investigated Desoria ruseki (Isotomidae), a Collembola species widely distributed in high latitudes in the Palearctic and adapted to winter, to determine the crucial temperature conditions for the sustainability of field populations of this winter-adaptive arthropod. We incubated the adult individuals of the species at six temperatures ranging from − 5°C to 30°C for 98 days. We found that 0°C and 5°C, corresponding to the temperatures when the species is active in the field between late autumn (November) and early spring (April), were the best temperatures for the survival of the lab individuals. However, they died out quickly at temperatures above 20°C without laying eggs. In contrast, the species could lay eggs between 0℃ and 15℃: the higher the temperature was, the earlier they laid eggs. In addition, longer periods were needed for juveniles to hatch from eggs at lower temperatures. Our study indicates that, rather than colder conditions, hotter environments are likely to be more detrimental to the winter-adaptive Collembola species, thereby suggesting major threats to biodiversity at high latitudes under the current global warming regimes.
Transcriptomic analysis of pepper roots (Capsicum annuum) under phosphorus deficiency
Authors: Salazar-Gutiérrez Daizha , Villicaña-Torres María Claudia , Mendívil Abraham Cruz , Heredia José Basilio , Lightbourn-Rojas Luis Alberto , León-Félix Josefina
Published: July 2022

Background: Phosphorus (P) is an important nutritional element needed by plants. Roots obtain P as inorganic phosphate (Pi), mostly in H2PO-4 form. It is vital to plants a sufficient supply of Pi since it participates in important processes like photosynthesis, energy transfer, protein activation, amongst others. The physicochemical properties and the adsorption of Pi to organic material usually makes the bioavailability in soil low causing that crops and undomesticated plants experience variations in accessibility or even a persistent phosphate limitation. There is little information on the influence of Pi availability in an important economic crop such as pepper. Methods and results: In this study, transcriptome data from pepper roots under low-Pi stress was analyzed in order to identify Pi starvation-responsive genes and their relationship with metabolic pathways and functions. An overall of 62 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; gene ontology analysis showed DEGs classification into 48 functional categories demonstrating the diversity of genes responding to the stress. The most relevant down regulated DEGs were related to rhythmic process, catalytic activity, and cellular anatomical entity; whereas the up-regulated DEGs were associated to cellular process, biological regulation, metabolic process and response to stimulus categories. KEGG enrichment revealed that metabolic pathways such as porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism was down-regulated, and galactose metabolism and fatty acid metabolism were up-regulated. Conclusion: Present results indicate that bell pepper follows diverse processes related to low Pi tolerance regulation, such as remobilization of internal Pi, alternative metabolic pathways to generate energy and regulators of root development.
Diabetes-associated cognitive decline in mice with genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease, not in wild type
Authors: Carús-Cadavieco Marta , López Inés Berenguer , Canelo Alba Montoro , Serrano-Lope Miguel , Fuente Sandra González de la , Rodrigo Alba Fernández , Saido Takaomi , García Ana Frank , Venero Cesar , Esteban José , Guix Francesc , Dotti Carlos
Published: July 2022

A significant number of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) develop cognitive deficits over time that in some cases could lead to dementia. It remains to be identified the diabetes-related factors or comorbid conditions that drive the association and how they work. In this manuscript, we show that 14-15 month-old hAPP NL/F mice, a knock‐in mouse model of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (that is, they generate Aβ42 at an early age but do not show symptoms of the disease until they are old), but not wild type, develop behavioural deficits that correlate with electrophysiological and dendritic spine changes when affected by T2DM. The deficits are not paralleled by higher levels of toxic forms of amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ﻿) or by neuroinflammation but by a reduction in γ﻿-secretase activity, in turn accountable, among other consequences, for a reduction in the levels of the synaptogenesis regulator protein PSD95, and by increased phosphorylation of Tau at epitopes of dendritic spine targeting. RNAseq analysis of the cerebral cortex of wild type and hAPP NL/F, with and without T2DM, revealed the significant downregulation of hypoxia inducible factor 3 (HIF-3α) in the hAPP NL/F diabetic mice only, a decrease that was also observed at the protein level. The main conclusion of this work is that T2DM will trigger or accelerate cognitive illness fundamentally in those individuals who already have a genetic predisposition to AD. A second conclusion is that the cognitive disorders produced by diabetes in these individuals are not due to the excess of toxic forms of Aβ but to other causes, including loss of function of γ﻿-secretase. The third conclusion is that an alteration of the response to hypoxia through Hif3α would be mediating the negative effects of T2DM in the brain.
Successful treatment of psoriasis with secukinumab constructed a new homeostasis of gut microbiome
Authors: Du Xueshan , Yan Cong , Kong Shuzhen , Che Delu , Peng Bin , Zhu Longfei , Geng Songmei , Guo Gun
Published: July 2022

Background: Secukinumab (an interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitor) has been reported to be able to alter gut microbiome composition in psoriatic patients. However, it still remains unclear the gut microbiota alteration and related functional changes caused by successful secukinumab therapy in psoriatic patients. In this study, fecal samples from healthy people as comtrol (H; n=35), psoriatic patients without therapy (BT; n=32) and patients after 5-month successful secukinumab treatment (AT; n=11) were collected., Then gut microbiomes were investigated using next-generation sequencing targeting 16S ribosomal RNA. Results: Successful secukinumab therapy caused a significantly elevated microbiota richness and biodiversity, as well as an alteration in the gut microbiota composition than psoriasis without therapy and healthy control. The psoriatic patients after secukinumab successful therapy showed a microbiota profile characterized by increased proportions of the phylum Firmicute, families Comamonadaceae and Erwiniaceae, and a reduction in the phylum Bacteroidota, compared to the other two groups. Besides, we discovered that secukinumab treatment group exhibited more significant abundance in contains mobile elements phenotype, form biofilms phenotype, gram positive phenotype, and less abundance in gram negative phenotype and potentially pathogenic phenotype by BugBase. Functional analysis showed the different COG pathways and KEGG pathways such as downregulated cardiovascular diseases pathway and upregulated infectious diseases between secukinumab therapy group and the other two groups.Conclusions: Secukinumab therapy enhanced the diversity of gut microbiota and altered the composition of the gut microbiome, which actually may construct a more stable homeostasis of gut microbiome with less potentially pathogenicity.
WITHDRAWN: Stability mechanisms of hydrocarbon flames in small spaces
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: July 2022

Hydrocarbon flames are typically quenched when confined within small spaces. Computations are conducted and experiments are performed to understand the stability mechanisms of hydrocarbon flames in small spaces. The effects of different factors on flame stability are investigated. The factors affecting combustion characteristics are determined for hydrocarbon flames in small spaces. The results indicate that the axial conduction within the wall has a major effect on the operating limits of the small-scale combustion system. Even a small wall thermal conductivity results in significantly higher required flow rates to maintain stabilized combustion, whereas when the axial wall conduction is ignored, the minimum required flow rate disappears. There exists a narrow range of flow velocities that allow stabilized combustion in millimeter-scale combustion systems. The flow rate has a strong effect on flame stability. Fast flows decrease the rate of heat transfer upstream and can cause blowout. Slow flows can also cause loss of flame stability by making conductive heat transfer so dominant that the reaction zone is spread, and the external heat losses become too large compared to heat generation to sustain combustion. An optimum flow velocity for greatest flame stability exists. Millimeter-scale combustion systems with small plate-separation distances suffer from axial heat transfer through the walls, reducing the maximum fluid temperature and flame stability. Millimeter-scale combustion systems with large gaps slowly transport heat axially to preheat the feed, resulting in a late flame ignition and possible blowout. Combustion in small spaces can offer advantages. Aside from the larger radial heat transfers, faster ignition can happen, and low temperatures could be envisioned that could be beneficial for nitrogen oxides reduction. However, loss of flame stability due to blowout or extinction and high wall temperatures are main issues that require careful thermal management.
Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns in adult patients according to the WHO AWaRe Classification: A multi-facility cross-sectional study in primary healthcare hospitals in Zambia
Authors: Mudenda Steward , Chomba Mary , Chabalenge Billy , Hikaambo Christabel Nang’andu , Banda Michelo , Daka Victor , Zulu Annie , Matafwali Scott
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Indiscriminate prescribing and using of antibiotics has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To reduce this problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the ‘Access’, ‘Watch’, and ‘Reserve’ (AWaRe) classification of antibiotics that promotes antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). In Zambia, there are gaps in practice regarding prescribing antibiotics based on the AWaRe protocol. This study assessed antibiotic prescribing patterns in adult in-patients in selected primary healthcare hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using 388 patient medical files from September 2021 to November 2021 five general hospitals namely; Chawama, Matero, Chilenje, Kanyama, and Chipata. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Results: Of the selected medical files, 52.3% (n = 203) were for male patients. Overall, the prevalence of antibiotic use was 82.5% (n = 320)which was higher than the WHO recommendation of a less than 30% threshold. The most prescribed antibiotic was ceftriaxone (20.3%), a Watch group antibiotic, followed by metronidazole (17.8%) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (16.3%), both belonging to the Access group. Furthermore, of the total antibiotics prescribed, 41.9% were prescribed without adhering to the standard treatment guidelines. Conclusion: This study found a high prescription of antibiotics (82.5%) that can be linked to non-adherence to the standard treatment guidelines in primary healthcare hospitals. The most prescribed antibiotic was ceftriaxone which belongs to the Watch group, raising a lot of concern. There is a need for rational prescribing of antibiotics and implementation of AMS programs in healthcare facilities in Zambia, and this may promote surveillance of irrational prescribing and help reduce AMR in the future.
WITHDRAWN: Mechanism of process intensification by microchannel reactors
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: July 2022

The unique advantages of microchannel reactors are enhanced heat transfer due to the large surface area-to-volume ratio, and enhanced mass transfer. The good heat transfer properties allow a precise temperature control of reactions. However, the mechanisms for the effects of design factors on heat transfer characteristics are still not fully understood. This study relates to a thermochemical process for producing hydrogen by the catalytic endothermic reaction of methanol with steam in a thermally integrated microchannel reforming reactor. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted to better understand the consumption, generation, and exchange of thermal energy between endothermic and exothermic processes in the reactor. The effects of wall heat conduction properties on heat transfer characteristics and reactor performance are investigated. The results indicate that the yields and selectivity can be improved by using microchannel process technology at more extreme parameters. Process intensification may be achieved using microchannel process technology where chemical processors are employed that are characterized by parallel arrays of microchannels. Processes are intensified using microchannel process technology by decreasing transfer resistance between process fluids and channel walls. Process intensification allows for use of more active catalysts than conventional processes, greatly increasing the throughput per unit volume. As a result of process intensification, overall system volumes can be reduced by about ten to one hundred-fold or more when compared to conventional hardware.
ESTUDO TEÓRICO E EXPERIMENTAL DE ESTRUTURA E REATIVIDADE RELACIONADO AO METABOLISMO E TOXICIDADE DO PARACETAMOL
Authors: Borges Rosivaldo , osta Wanda S. C, , Holanda Luiz , Sousa Alanna , Vale Joyce , Alves Cláudio N. , Silva Albérico , Gurrão Ellen
Published: July 2022

THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY RELATED TO METABOLISM AND TOXICITY OF PARACETAMOL. An experimental and theoretical approach on oxidative metabolism of paracetamol was applied for the pharmaceutical chemistry learning. Classical reactions, functional group identification, structural parameter, and chemical reactivity using frontier orbitals and Fukui index were used explaining the main products between N-acetyl-p-benzosemiquinone (NAPQI) and thiolic compounds. The chemoprotection mechanisms by N-acetyl-cysteine on high dosage of paracetamol are consistent with theoretical and experimental results. The methods also described the relationship between the chemical reactivity of quinone-imine system and the induced-toxicity of paracetamol by Michael reaction. These results can be applied in experimental pharmaceutical chemistry teaching