bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalysis of bifunctional Cr- and Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles toward selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and decomposition of high-density polyethylene
Authors: Nam Jeong-Woo , Pham Vy Ngoc , Ha Jeong Min , Shin Minjeong , Lee Hangil , Youn Young-Sang
Published: November 2022

Oxygen vacancies (Vo) present in CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) can effectively boost their photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet (UV) light. To improve photocatalytic performance, Cr- and Fe-doped CeO2 NPs with increased Vo were prepared using a simple method of doping Cr and Fe ions into CeO2 NPs, which was confirmed by an in-depth analysis of the structural and electronic changes. Through photocatalytic degradation (PCD) experiments with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), we found that the PCD rates of the two doped CeO2 NPs were approximately 1.6 times faster than that of the CeO2 NPs. In addition, the conversion of HMF to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) using the doped CeO2 NPs occurred only through the mechanism of the selective oxidation to 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA), with a conversion efficiency of 40%, exhibiting approximately 3.7 times better efficiency than using CeO2 NPs. Furthermore, we confirmed that the photocatalytic reaction with the two doped CeO2 NPs leads to the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) through C-H bond breakage in the polymer backbone of HDPE, resulting in the doped CeO2 NPs enhancing the decomposition rate of HDPE microplastics by more than 1.7 times compared to CeO2 NPs.
Investigation of chemical structure recognition by encoder-decoder models in learning progress
Authors: Nemoto Shumpei , Mizuno Tadahaya , Kusuhara Hiroyuki
Published: November 2022

Descriptor generation methods using latent representations of Encoder-Decoder (ED) models with SMILES as input is useful because of continuity of descriptor and restorability to structure. However, it is not clear how the structure is recognized in the learning progress of ED model. In this work, we created ED models of various learning progress and investigated the relationship between structural information and the learning progress. We showed that compound substructures were learned early in ED models by monitoring the accuracy of downstream tasks and input-output substructure similarity using substructure-based descriptor, which suggests that existing evaluation methods based on the accuracy of downstream tasks may not be sensitive enough to evaluate the performance of ED models few with SMILES as descriptor generation methods. On the other hand, we showed that structure restoration was time consuming, and in particular, insufficient learning led to estimation of a larger structure than the actual one. It can be inferred that determining the end point of the structure is a difficult task for the model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to link the learning progress of SMILES by ED model to chemical structures for a wide range of chemicals.
Targeting High Glucose-Induced Epigenetic Modifications at Cardiac Levels: The Role of SGLT2 and SGLT2 Inhibitors
Authors: Scisciola Lucia , Taktaz Fatemeh , Fontanella Rosaria Anna , Pesapane Ada , Surina Surina , Cataldo Vittoria , Ghosh Puja , Franzese Martina , Puocci Armando , Paolisso Pasquale , Rafaniello Concetta , Marfella Raffaele , Rizzo Maria Rosaria , Barbato Emanuele , Vanderheyden Marc , Barbieri Michelangela
Published: November 2022

Background:
Sodium-glucose co-transporters inhibitors showed many beneficial effects at the cardiovascular level. Several mechanisms of action have been identified. However, no data are reported on their capability to act via epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ability of SGLT2 inhibitors to induce protective effects at the cardiovascular level by acting on DNA methylation.
Methods:
To better clarify this issue, the effects of empagliflozin on hyperglycemia-induced epigenetic modifications were evaluated in human ventricular cardiac myoblasts AC16 exposed to hyperglycemia for 7 days. Therefore, effects of EMPA on DNA methylation of NF-κB, SOD2, and IL-6 genes in AC16 exposed to high glucose were analyzed by pyrosequencing-based methylation analysis. Modifications of gene expression and DNA methylation of NF-κB and SOD2 were confirmed in response to a transient SGLT2 gene silencing in the same cellular model. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) was performed to evaluate the occupancy of TET2 across the investigated regions of NF-κB and SOD2 promoters.
Results:
Seven days of high glucose treatment induced a significant demethylation in the promoter regions of NF-kB and SOD2 with a consequently high level in mRNA expression of both genes. The observed DNA demethylation was mediated by increased TET2 expression and binding to the CpGs island in promoter regions of analyzed genes. Indeed, empagliflozin prevented the HG-induced demethylation changes by reducing TET2 binding to the investigated promoter region and counteracts the altered gene expression. The transient SGLT2 gene silencing prevents the DNA demethylation observed in promoter regions, thus suggesting a role of SGLT2 as a potential target of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of empagliflozin in cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, our results demonstrated that empagliflozin, mainly acting on SGLT2, prevented DNA methylation changes induced by high glucose and provided evidence of a new mechanism by which SGLT2i can exert cardio-beneficial effects.
The prognostic value of radiomic features from pre- and post-treatment 18F-FDG PET imaging in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kim Soo Jeong , Choi Joon Young , Ahn Yong Chan , Ahn Myung-Ju , Moon Seung Hwan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is widely used for management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Combining the radiomic features of pre- and post-treatment FDG PET images may im-prove tumor characterization and prognostic predication. We investigated prognostic value of radiomic features from pre- and post-radiotherapy FDG PET images in patients with NPC.

Methods

Quantitative radiomic features of primary tumors were extracted from the FDG PET images of 145 NPC patients and the delta values were also calculated. The study population was divided randomly into two groups, the training and test sets (7:3). A random survival forest (RSF) model was adopted to perform analyses of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

There were 37 (25.5%) cases of recurrence and 16 (11.0%) cases of death during a median follow-up period of 54.5 months. Both RSF models with clinical variables and radiomic PET features for PFS and OS showed comparable predictive performance to RSF models with clinical variables and conventional PET parameters.

Conclusions

Tumoral radiomic features of pre- and post-treatment FDG PET and the corresponding delta values may predict PFS and OS in patients with NPC.
β1,3-galactosyltransferase on chromosome 6 is essential for the formation of Lewis a structure on N- glycan in Oryza sativa
Authors: Jung Jae-Wan , Kim Seong‑Ryong
Published: November 2022

β1,3-galactose is the component of outer-chain elongation of complex N-glycans that, together with α1,4-fucose, forms Lewis a structures in plants. Previous studies have revealed that N-glycan maturation is mediated by sequential attachment of β1,3-galactose and α1,4-fucose by individual β1,3-galactosyltransferase (GalT) and α1,4-fucosyltransferase (1,4-FucT), respectively. Although GalT from several species has been studied, little information about GalT from rice is available. I therefore characterized three GalT candidate genes on different chromosomes in Oryza sativa. Seeds of rice lines that had T-DNA insertions in regions corresponding to individual putative GalT genes were obtained from a Rice Functional Genomic Express Database and plants grown until maturity. Homozygotes were selected from the next generation by genotyping PCR, and used for callus induction. Callus extracts of two independent T-DNA mutant rice which have T-DNA insertions at the same gene on chromosome 6 but in different exons showed highly reduced band intensity on a western blots using an anti-Lewis a antibody. Cell extracts and cultured media from suspension culture of the one of these mutant rice were further analysed by N-glycan profiling using matrix-associated laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). Identified N-glycan species containing β1,3-galactose from both cell extracts and cultured media of knock-out mutant were less than 0.5% of total N-glycans while that of WT cells were 9.8% and 49.1%, respectively. This suggests that GalT located on rice chromosome 6 plays a major role in N-glycan galactosylation, and mutations within it lead to blockage of Lewis a epitope formation.
Preoperative pericardial hematoma in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD): Do we need an adjusted treatment?
Authors: Kaufeld Tim , Beckmann Erik , Rudolph Linda , Krüger Heike , Natanov Ruslan , Arar Morsi , Korte Wilhelm , Schilling Tobias , Haverich Axel , Martens Andreas , Shrestha Malakh
Published: November 2022

Objective
An acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is a critical emergency and remains one of the most challenging diseases in cardiothoracic surgery. The existence of a pericardial hematoma caused by an aortic rupture can dramatically reduce the chances of survival [1–4]. We assessed the surgical outcome of a high-risk group of patients with AAAD and a pericardial hematoma.
Methods
In this study we included 430 Patients (67% male; median age: 64 years) who received surgical treatment between January 2000 and January 2018 at our facility for acute aortic dissection DeBakey type I. We divided the cohort in two groups: Group A consisted of high-risk patients with a pericardial hematoma (n = 162) and Group B of patients without pericardial hematoma (n = 268).
Results
Patients with a preoperative pericardial hematoma had a significantly higher requirement for preoperative mechanical resuscitation (A: 21%; B: 1.5%; P: <0.001) and were relevantly more frequently admitted to the operation theater with an intubated status (A: 19.8%; B: 8.6%; P: <0.001). The incidence of visceral malperfusion differed significantly between both groups (A. 11.7%, B. 6:0%; P. 0.034). Limited aortic arch repair (proximal aortic arch replacement) was preferred in the high-risk group (A: 51.9%; B: 40.3%; P: 0.020). However, survival time was generally reduced in these patients (A: 7.5 y; B: 9.9 y)
Conclusion
AAAD patients with preoperative pericardial hematoma present themselves in potentially lethal conditions, with a significantly higher rate of visceral malperfusion. Despite the existence of this risk factor, a limited arch repair was favored. According to our data, based on the surgeon’s decision, a limited aortic repair is preferred in these compromised cases. Our study reveals that extended aortic surgery might contribute substantially to a favorable outcome.
Larvicidal activity assessment for anticholinesterase insecticides against laboratory and field strains of Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Ayoub Haytham A. , Khairy Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Anticholinesterase insecticides are widely applied in crop protection programs for the chemical control of Egyptian cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis).Therefore, the continuous evaluation for the insecticidal activity against sensitive (laboratory) and resistance (field) strains is very important to reconsider their applicability. Herein, the larvicidal activity of carbamate esters (methomyl) and organophosphorus (chlorpyrifos) was evaluated via feeding bioassay technique under laboratory conditions against second instar larvae of the Egyptian cotton leafworm (spodoptera littoralis). The results reviled that the larvicidal activity for the laboratory strain was higher than the field strain for both methomyl (LC50 = 413.0 ppm, LC50 = 581.49 ppm) and chlorpyrifos (LC50 = 219.73 ppm, LC50 = 275.94 ppm) insecticides. Moreover, the resistance of chlorpyrifos (RR = 1:1.26) was lower than that for methomyl (RR = 1:1.41) in laboratory and field strains, respectively.
[8] and [10]-Gingerol reduces urothelial damage in ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis via JAK/STAT/FOXO signaling pathway via IL-10
Authors: Ferreira Francisco C. S. , Clementino Marco , Rodrigues Francisco A. P. , Veras Herlice N. , Martins Dainesy S. , Queiroga Marcus L. , Lima Mikael A. , Silva Dayara O. , Freitas Thiago M. , Ribeiro Samilly A. , Mota Mario R. L. , Silva James A. , Lima Aldo A. M. , Havt Alexandre
Published: November 2022

Acrolein is the main toxic metabolite of Ifosfamide (IFO) that causes urothelial damage by oxidative stress and inflammation. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism of action of gingerols, Zingiber officinale bioactive molecules, as an alternative treatment for ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Female Swiss mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control; IFO; IFO + Mesna; and IFO + [8]- or [10]-gingerol. Mesna (80 mg/kg, i.p.) was given 5 minutes before, 4 and 8 hours after IFO (400mg/kg, i.p.). Gingerols (25 mg/Kg, p.o.) were given 1 hour before and 4 and 8 hours after IFO. Animals were euthanized 12 hours after IFO injection. Bladders were submitted to macroscopic and histological evaluation. Oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) or myeloperoxidase assays, respectively. mRNA gene expression was performed to evaluate Mesna and gingerols mechanisms of action. Mesna was able to protect bladder tissue by activating NF-κB and NrF2 pathways. However, we demonstrated that gingerols acted as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent stimulating the production of IL-10, which intracellularly activated JAK/STAT/FOXO signaling pathway.
Systematic analysis of paralogous regions in 41,755 exomes uncovers clinically relevant variation
Authors: Steyaert Wouter , Haer-Wigman Lonneke , Pfundt Rolph , Hellebrekers Debby , Steehouwer Marloes , Hampstead Juliet , de Boer Elke , Stegmann Alexander , Yntema Helger , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Brunner Han , Hoischen Alexander , Gilissen Christian
Published: November 2022

We devised a new method (Chameleolyser) that accurately identifies single nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number variants and ectopic gene conversion events in duplicated genomic regions using whole-exome sequencing (WES) data. Application to a cohort of 41,755 WES samples yielded 20,432 rare homozygous deletions and 2,529,791 rare SNVs, of which we can show that 338,084 are due to gene conversion events. None of the SNVs are detectable using regular analysis techniques. Validation by high-fidelity long-read sequencing in 20 samples confirmed >88% of called variants. Focusing on variation in known disease genes led to a direct molecular diagnosis in 25 previously undiagnosed patients. Our method can readably be applied to existing WES data.
Determination of fumigant toxicity of single, binary and tertiary mixtures of three essential oils against Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: KIRIŞIK Musa
Published: November 2022

In this study, three essential oils extracted from sage (Salvia officinalis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and daphne (Laurus nobilis L.) were used against the adult Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) pest, one by one and more Then, fumigant toxicity of binary (1:1) and tertiary (1:1:1) mixtures was investigated under laboratory conditions. The results showed that all essential oils tested, both alone and in all binary and tertiary mixtures, had fumigant toxicity on adult F. occidentalis. Mortality rates of 3–5 day old adults of F. occidentalis increased with increasing concentration from 20 to 100 µL/L. In the entire study, binary and tertiary mixtures of the oils were more successful than the individual application. At a dose of 10 µL/L, all binary and tertiary mixtures of the oils caused 100% mortality at all exposure time periods. However, in the application where sage oil was fumigated for 24 hours and applied alone, the mortality rate remained below 100%. The highest synergistic effect was found in triple essential oil mixtures (sage + daphne + thyme) with 1.0 µL/L air LC50 value in all application doses, counted after 48 hours. Our overall results show that binary and tertiary mixture of all tested essential oils are promising candidates for protection against western flower thrips.
Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy may strengthen the placental anti-inflammatory response
Authors: Önal Mesut , Kocaman Adem , Katirci Yunus , Ayas Bulent , Ozdemir Ayse Zehra , Kocak Idris
Published: November 2022

The formation, development, and survival of the placenta are critical for the successful conclusion of pregnancy. Placental oxidative stress, inflammation, and other possible threats may adversely affect the development of the placenta. Magnesium, known to be a potent anti-inflammatory, may have positive effects on placental development. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties of magnesium. 12 normal and 12 magnesium supplementation-used patients were included in the study. After delivery, placentas were collected, and Bcl-2, Ki-67, and Collagen IV expression levels were analyzed immunohistochemically. While there was a statistical difference in Bcl-2 and Collagen IV expression levels, no difference was found in Ki-67 expression levels. Anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties were seen in the magnesium supplementation-used patients. Using magnesium during pregnancy may be beneficial in terms of placental development.
Long-term outcome of CO 2 insufflation in thoracoscopic esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study Short title: Outcome of CO 2 insufflation in esophagectomy
Authors: Otsuka Koji , Goto Satoru , Ariyoshi Tomotake , Yamashita Takeshi , Saito Akira , Kohmoto Masahiro , Kato Rei , Motegi Kentaro , Yajima Nobuyuki , Murakami Masahiko
Published: November 2022

Background
Thoracoscopic esophagectomy, with CO2 insufflation as a prerequisite, is increasingly performed for esophageal cancer. However, there is limited evidence on the influence of CO2 insufflation on the long-term postoperative survival. We aimed to estimate long-term outcomes with or without CO2 insufflation during thoracoscopic esophagectomy.
Methods
We enrolled 182 patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between January 2003 and October 2013 and categorized them into two groups: with and without CO2 insufflation. The primary endpoint was the 5-year overall survival (5y-OS). Secondary endpoints included other long-term (i.e., 5-year relapse-free survival [5y-RFS] and 5-year cancer-specific survival [5y-CSS]) and short-term (i.e., surgical and non-surgical complications and 30-day reoperation) outcomes.
Results
Follow-up until death or the 5-year postoperative period was 98.9% complete (median follow-up duration: 6 years, in survivors). After adjusting for age and sex, the analyses showed no significant differences in 5y-OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–1.40), 5y-RFS (0.79, 0.49–1.31), and 5y-CSS (0.74, 0.43–1.27). For short-term outcomes, significant intergroup differences in the thoracic operative time (p = 0.02), thoracic blood loss (p < 0.001), postoperative length of stay (p < 0.001), and atelectasis (p = 0.004) were observed, and the results of sensitivity analysis were similar to the main results.
Conclusions
CO2 insufflation in thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer seemingly does not change the long-term prognosis and is possibly safe in other thoracic procedures.
Light Weight Plasters Containing Vermiculite and FGD Gypsum Wastes for Sustainable and Energy Efficient Building Construction Material
Authors: Maiti Soumitra , Jain Neeraj , Malik Jaideep , - Aakriti
Published: November 2022

Development of light weight plasters for mortar rendering utilizing FGD gypsum have been reported here. Lightweight plasters prepared using FGD gypsum and exfoliated vermiculite were characterized and studied in detail for interior wall applications. Different gypsum vermiculite plasters (GVP) with variable amounts of vermiculite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TG-DTG). The physicochemical and mechanical properties of all the samples are determined and considered to be efficient for interior applications. An optimum mix composition was selected based on its compressive strength, water absorption and porosity. Water absorption and porosity studies restrict the usage of GVP only to interior wall purposes. The acoustic performance of the materials revealed good sound absorption (α = 0.65). Plasters exhibit satisfactory durability under severe conditions of winter and summer weather. GVP shows excellent fire resistance under BS 476–1997 fire resistance classification with thermal conductivities (< 0.161 W/mK) much lower than standard building materials, which makes them fit for energy efficient insulation materials. These studies depict the efficient utilization of thermal power plant waste, FGD gypsum in interior wall insulation for mortar rendering and can be further extended to exterior construction applications by reducing water absorption.
Atmospheric Correction of FG5 Absolute Gravimetry Data using Measured Air Pressure
Authors: Zhai Dulin , Liu Ziwei , Bai Lei , Zhou Hao , Gou Jianing
Published: November 2022

Changes in atmospheric pressure affect atmospheric density, which is a key factor affecting high-precision gravity measurement. Currently, atmospheric correction of absolute gravity measurements uses the empirical admittance value recommended by the International Association of Geodesy (− 0.3 µGal/mbar); however, the actual admittance value changes with atmospheric mass and time. In this study, we determine the effect of using measured admittance values for absolute gravity correction. First, high-precision relative gravimeters (OSG-057, CG5) are used for continuous gravity measurement. Then, air pressure measured by the FG5 absolute gravimeter is used to obtain the atmospheric admittance using the iterative least squares method, which is compared with the theoretical atmospheric admittance. Taking FG5-257 as an example, we use the measured admittance for atmospheric correction of absolute gravity at four different elevations (Lhasa, Nagqu, Gar, and Suining, China). The results are as follows. 1) FG5-257 can accurately calibrate the Lhasa OSG-057 superconducting gravimeter with precision of 0.01% and a scale factor of − 77.001 ± 0.007µGal/V. 2) According to co-location measurements in Lhasa, CG5 and OSG measured admittance values exhibit comparable precision (0.332 ± 0.0029 µGal/mbar and − 0.332 ± 0.0004 µGal/mbar, respectively), indicating that the time-variable gravity field can be obtained by CG5 without co-location with superconductive gravimeters. 3) After correction using the measured admittance, changes in inter-group dispersion and measurement precision are approximately 0.01 µGal; however, the effect on the measurement results does not exceed 1 µGal, which is equivalent to the measurement precision of FG5. Therefore, measured admittance values are only recommended for atmospheric correction of high-precision absolute gravity measurements.
Difference in Expression Profile of Compact and Expanded-Type Equine Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes
Authors: Shen Yingchao , Ulaangerel Tseweendolmaa , Davshilt Toli , Ren Hong , Wang Xisheng , Yi Minna , Tian Shuyue , Dugarjaviin Manglai , Bou gerelchimeg
Published: November 2022

Background: Typically, 60% of oocytes recovered from equine follicles are with expanded cumuli, 30% are with compact cumuli, and 10% are degenerated. Studies have proved that equine oocytes with expanded cumuli (Ex COCs) and oocytes with compact cumuli (Cp COCs) are of different developmental competence and therefore, need different maturation time in vitro. To better understand the gap in developmental competence, we compared the expression of some growth factors and hormone-related genes in Ex COCs and Cp COCs.
Methods: We tested the expression of some hormones and growth factors in Ex- and Cp-COCs by qPCR and immunofluorescence, and the influence of the growth factors and hormones on equine IVM.
Results: As a result, we found that the expression patterns of FSHR, LHR,IGF1R, IGF2R, ESR1, ESR2, BMPR1, BMPR2, and ALK5 are different in two types of COCs and among BMP15, GDF9, Estrogen, and IGF2, the addition of Estrogen and IGF2 are beneficial to equine IVM.
Conclusions: This study indicates that the differential expression pattern of growth factors and hormone-related genes might be responsible for the difference in developmental capacity of two types of COCs. This work provides clues for improving the equine IVM system.
Comprehensive analysis of the relevance of the CELF gene family to prognosis and immune infiltration in brain glioma
Authors: tan tanlijie , Mo Liyi Mo , Ren Longxin , Yi Lan , Yang Nanyang , Li Guoqing , Meng Lijuan
Published: November 2022

Background
The CELF gene family is a set of highly conserved genes that encode a family of RNA-binding proteins in human tissues and participate in posttranscriptional modifications. The CELF gene family has been reported to be associated with a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer. However, the expression, function and clinical relevance of CELF family members in glioma remain uncertain because of the lack of relevant studies.
Materials & methods
Bioinformatics analysis was used to determine the prognostic value and immune infiltration associations of CELF gene family members in glioma. Transcription and survival data related to CELF gene family members in glioma patients were obtained from the Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and cBioPortal databases.
Results
The results revealed that compared to that in normal tissues, the expression of CELF2-6 was notably lower but that of CELF1 was higher in glioma tissues. Survival analysis using the GEPIA database revealed that high transcript levels of CELF1 were associated with unfavourable OS in all patients with LGG. Conversely, high CELF3/4/5 levels predicted favourable OS in these patients.
Conclusion
This study implied that CELF1/3/4/5 are new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for LGG.
Prevalence, associated risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157 isolated from cow milk and milk products and hygienic practices in selected towns of the Oromia region, Ethiopia
Authors: Sarba Edilu Jorga , Wirtu Wakuma , Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Borana Bizunesh Mideksa , Marami Lencho Megersa
Published: November 2022

Background
Escherichia coli is a major foodborne illness pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and E. coli O157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Methods
Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, 145 questionnaires were administered to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detect E. coli and E. coli O157:H7. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-level E coli prevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed.
Results
E. coli was detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.9–37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) was E.coli O157. E. coli contamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI: 34.0– 61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI: 30.1–39.4%) and in cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI: 14.6–43.9%) than in yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI: 2.9–24.8%). For the animal-level E. coli contamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk products E.coli contamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All of the 42 E.coli isolates tested were multidrug resistant.
Conclusions
The occurrence of E. coli is high, while that of E. coli O157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence of E. coli, as well as the high coliform count, and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.
Social Networking Sites Use and Restricted Eating Among College Students: The Mediating Effect of Appearance Perfectionism and the Moderating Effect of Self-focus
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Gong Huoliang
Published: November 2022

This study showed that the use of social networking sites would deepen individuals' unhealthy restrictions on their own diet, and the use of social networking sites will further deepen individuals' restrictive diet through their tendency to pursue appearance perfection. However, increased self-focus by individuals may discourage appearance perfectionists from adopting unhealthy eating control behaviors.
Clinical Profiles and Mutation Landscapes of Meningiomas with Different Growth Rate
Authors: Cheng Ye , Bai Jie , Wu Xiaolong , Xu Xin , Chen Zhenlin , Song Yiming , Geng Haoming , Xu Lixin , Zhou Yiqiang , Wang Leiming , Zhang Lei , Xiao Xinru
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Meningiomas are common primary central nervous system tumors. Although complete surgical resection is still the main therapeutic strategy, gene phenotypes, DNA methylation and chromosome copy number variations (CNVs) are also key factors in prognostication and growth rate prediction. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between growth rate and specific gene mutations, DNA methylation and CNVs to provide a reference for surgeons and establish individual treatment strategies.
Method
From Jan 2020 to Sept 2021, 50 meningioma patients underwent surgical resection. According to our criteria, 26 patients belonged to the fast growth (FG) group, in which the growth rate was over 4 mm/year. The other 24 patients belonged to the slow growth (SG) group, in which the growth rate was slower than 2 mm/year. Genomic DNA samples from fresh tumor tissue were collected, and gene mutations, DNA methylation and chromosome CNVs were also analyzed separately.
Result
Different age and grade distributions were found between FG group and SG group. The mutation rates of LGI1, YEATS4 and BRAF were significantly higher in the FG group than in the SG group. The mutation rates of other genes were found descriptively different between the FG group than in the SG group. In addition, descriptively differences in DNA methylation and the rate of CNVs were found between the FG and SG groups.
Conclusion
Gene phenotypes, DNA methylation and CNVs can be used to predict the growth rate of meningioma, which has a higher power for predicting tumor biological characteristics than the WHO classification in meningiomas. These findings will aid surgeons in setting up individual treatment strategies.
Resveratrol Exerts Antitumor Effects on Pancreatic Cancer by Inhibiting Notch Signaling Induced by Chronic Stress
Authors: Wang Guotai , Jiang He , Yu Tiantian , Li Ning , Wang Pengli , Ma Qingyong , Duan Wanxing
Published: November 2022

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound found in plants that has a variety of pharmaceutical uses. However, its molecular mechanisms in tumor progression are not fully understood. Chronic stress refers to the nonspecific systemic reaction that occurs when the body is stimulated by various internal and external negative factors over a long time. Chronic stress and its related hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine (NE) play a crucial role in tumor progression. Currently, the exact role of chronic stress in pancreatic cancer is unknown. The Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in pancreatic carcinogenesis. The present study focuses on the effect of resveratrol on NE-induced pancreatic cancer progression. The results indicate that NE could induce acinar cell conversion into acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). Furthermore, we found that NE enhanced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and promoted Notch1 protein expression. In addition, resveratrol inhibited pancreatic cancer by suppressing chronic stress-mediated Notch signaling. Overall, our study suggests that resveratrol may serve as an effective adjuvant therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Forced convective hybrid nanofluid flow through annular sector duct
Authors: Ahmed Farhan , Akbar Noreen Sher , Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: November 2022

The studies of hybrid nanofluid i.e the combination of nanofluid (nano particles plus water) with another nano particles, become most importance due to enhancement in the heat transfer rate. Here we study the fully developed forced convective flow properties of hybrid nanofluid through annular sector duct by taking CuO-water as the nanofluid with Cu nano particles. The contribution of CuO nano particles in the water keeps to be fixed to 10%, whereas the contribution of Cu nano particles takes 0-10% in this study. During the study, it has been concluded that the percentage enhancement in heat transfer rate is comparably more to fanning friction factor, when we increase the contribution of Cu nano particles in the nanofluid CuO-water. Furthermore, same observation has been noticed in the case of heat transfer rate, when shape factor of the nano particles changes.
Effect of TiC particles addition on tribological behavior of ductile iron
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zhang Wei , Qu Yingdong , Dong Shulin , Li Rongde , Zhou Guoping , Chen Ruirun , Wang Qi , Sun Wei , Li Guanglong
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In order to improve the wear resistance of ductile iron, different contents of TiC particles are added into ductile iron used lost foam casting and the tribological behavior of ductile iron is studied through a ball-on-disk sliding test. It is found that with the increase of TiC content, the pearlite content gradually increases, which is attributed to TiC accelerating the diffusion of carbon atoms to cementite and promoting the heterogeneous nucleation of cementite. The increase of pearlite content and the second phase strengthening caused by TiC improve the hardness and tensile strength of ductile iron. Ductile iron has the best tensile strength (498 MPa) and hardness (168 HV1) with a TiC content of 1 wt.%. The wear resistance also increases with increasing TiC content. The wear volume is reduced from 0.14 mm3 to 0.03 mm3, and the main wear mechanism changes from adhesive wear to abrasive wear. The oxide layer produced by frictional heat on the worn surface and the hardened layer produced by strain hardening on the subsurface further improve the wear resistance. Therefore, the wear resistance of ductile iron is affected by the changes of microstructure before and after wear.
A flexible ultra-highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensor for basketball motion monitoring
Authors: Gao Huijie , Chen Tiangeng
Published: November 2022

Flexible sensors with high sensitivity, a low detection limit, an extensive working pressure range, and a rapid reaction have garnered considerable interest in recent years due to their critical role in developing wearable intelligent sports monitoring devices. In this work, we reported a flexible and sensitive capacitive pressure sensor by using flexible electrodes with nylon textile and an thin dielectric layer. The sensor comprises an upper nylon textile with electrode, an thin polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) dielectric layer in between, and a lower nylon textile with electrode. The sensor has an extremely high sensitivity of 33.5 kPa-1, a low detection limit of 0.84 Pa, a quick reaction time of 27 ms, and exceptional stability over 100,000 cycles. With their superior overall performance, capacitive sensors have effectively proved their enormous potential for basketball motion monitoring.
Identification of spiro-acridine derivatives as fungi chitinase inhibitor by target fishing and in vitro studies
Authors: Viana Jéssika de Oliveira , Souza Eden Silva e , Sbaraini Nicolau , Vainstein Marilene Henning , Gomes Joilly Nilce Santana , Moura Ricardo Olímpio , Barbosa Euzébio Guimarães
Published: November 2022

The concept of “one target, one drug, one disease” is not always true, as compounds with previously described therapeutic applications can be useful to treat other maladies. Acridine derivatives have several potential therapeutic applications. In this way, identifying new potential targets for available drugs is crucial for the rational management of diseases. Computational methodologies are interesting tools in this field, using rational and direct methods. Thus, this study focused on identifying other rational targets for acridine derivatives by employing inverse virtual screening (IVS). This analysis revealed that chitinase enzymes can be potential targets for these compounds. Subsequently, we coupled molecular docking consensus analysis to screen the best chitinase inhibitor among the acridine derivatives. We observed that 3 compounds displayed potential enhanced activity as fungal chitinase inhibitors, showing that compound 5 is the most active molecule, with an IC50 of 0.07 µg. In addition, this compound demonstrated a good interaction with the active site of chitinases from Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichoderma harzianum. Therefore, this study recommends IVS as a powerful tool for drug development. The potential applications are highlighted as this is the first report of spiro-acridine derivatives acting as chitinase inhibitors that can be potentially used as antifungal and antibacterial candidates.
Computational Network Analysis of Host Genetic Risk Variants of Severe COVID-19
Authors: Alsaedi Sakhaa B. , Mineta Katsuhiko , Gao Xin , Gojobori Takashi
Published: November 2022

Background: Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous human host genetic risk variants that play a substantial role in the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Although these genetic risk variants significantly increase the severity of COVID-19, their influence on body systems is poorly understood. Therefore, we aim to interpret the biological mechanisms and pathways associated with the genetic risk factors and immune responses in severe COVID-19. We perform a deep analysis of previously identified risk variants and infer the hidden interactions between their molecular networks through disease mapping and the similarity of the molecular functions between constructed networks.
Results: We designed a four-stage computational workflow for systematic genetic analysis of the risk variants. We integrated the molecular profiles of the risk factors with associated diseases, then constructed protein-protein interaction networks. We identified 24 protein-protein interaction networks with 939 interactions derived from 109 filtered risk variants in 60 risk genes and 56 proteins. The majority of molecular functions, interactions and pathways are involved in immune responses; several interactions and pathways are related to the metabolic and cardiovascular systems, which could lead to multi-organ complications and dysfunction.
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of analyzing molecular interactions and pathways to understand the heterogeneous susceptibility of the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2. We propose new insights into pathogenicity analysis of infections by including genetic risk information as essential factors to predict future complications during and after infection. This approach may assist more precise clinical decisions and accurate treatment plans to reduce COVID-19 complications.
Modelling Uncertainties for Automated and Connected Vehicles in Mixed Traffic
Authors: Sun Yuchao , Cummins Liam , Ji Yan , Stemler Thomas , Pritchard Nicholas
Published: November 2022

The disruptive nature of automated and connected vehicles (AVs and CAVs) poses increasing risks to infrastructure planning. Predicting their exact impact is impossible because of many unknowns. We address these uncertainties by establishing the upper and lower bounds of performance. An optimisation algorithm was used to guide the simulations so the bounds can be found within a reasonable timeframe. Three AV/CAV models, each given a wider range of parameters than human-driven vehicles (HDVs), were mixed with HDVs in microsimulations. Results show improvements to traffic operations, more so to the freeways than arterial roads, with CAVs offering the most improvement. Our demand sensitivity analysis also estimates the extra demand they can accommodate while maintaining the current delay time.
Probability analysis and Mapping Seismic Acceleration Scale in Lorestan Province by determining method
Authors: Beiranvand Peyman
Published: November 2022

Due to geographical location, climatic conditions and geological situation, Iran is among the worst countries in the world in crisis conditions. Because it is located in seismic zones and has always witnessed devastating earthquakes, every year, due to natural disasters, losses and casualties enter the country. Undoubtedly, urban development, regardless of this phenomenon, will lead to more financial and life losses. Incomplete and sometimes inaccurate estimates of the maximum earthquake acceleration on the structure during its useful life are among the most important causes of damage to structures. Lorestan province, located in the west of the country, is of great importance due to its large population, historical and cultural significance and its location near the five active faults. Therefore, seismic probability assessment is considered necessary for the accurate estimation of possible earthquake parameters for the seismic design of the structure. For this reason, data were collected and refined such as fault profiles and earthquake catalogs for seismicity of the area. Using reductions and analytic relationships, we investigated the maximum horizontal acceleration in a 250km radius. Then earthquake zoning maps were provided for Lorestan province. The results show that most of the Lorestan province has a high probability level (PGA > 0.2g). The expected minimum acceleration in the region of 0.15g and a maximum of 0.701g is within the city of Dorud, which is not far from being conceivable because the region has suffered major Zagros earthquakes (earthquake 7.4 in 1909). The center of Lorestan province, Khorramabad city, is located in the area with a high probability level of about 0.3g. According to the results, it was found that the northwest strip to the southeast of the province, which includes the Oshtorinan, Borujerd, Dorud, Azna and parts of the Aligudarz, has the highest potential for earthquake hazard.
Learning heterogeneous reaction kinetics from X-ray movies pixel-by-pixel
Authors: Bazant Martin , Zhao Hongbo , Deng Haitao , Cohen Alexander , Lim Jongwoo , Li Yiyang , Fraggedakis Dimitrios , Jiang Benben , Storey Brian , Chueh William , Braatz Richard
Published: November 2022

Reaction rates at spatially heterogeneous, unstable interfaces are notoriously difficult to quantify, yet are essential in engineering many chemical systems, such as batteries [1] and electro-catalysts [2]. Experimental characterizations of such materials by operando microscopy produce rich image datasets [3, 4, 5, 6], but data driven methods to learn physics from these images are still lacking due to the complex coupling of reaction kinetics, surface chemistry, and phase separation [7]. Here, we show that heterogeneous reaction kinetics can be learned from in-situ scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) images of carbon-coated lithium iron phosphate (LFP) nanoparticles. Combining a large dataset of STXM images with a thermodynamically consistent electrochemical phase-field model, PDE-constrained optimization, and uncertainty quantification, we extract the free energy landscape and reaction kinetics and verify their consistency with theoretical mod els. We also simultaneously learn the spatial heterogeneity of the reaction rate, which closely matches the carbon-coating thickness profiles obtained through auger electron microscopy. Across 180,000 image pixels, the mean discrepancy with the learned model is remarkably small (<7%) and comparable to experimental noise. Our results open the possibility of learning nonequilibrium material properties beyond the reach of tra ditional experimental methods and offer a new non-destructive technique for characterizing and optimizing heterogeneous reactive surfaces.
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Just4Us, a Counseling and Navigation Intervention to Promote Oral HIV Prophylaxis Uptake Among PrEP-Eligible Cisgender Women
Authors: Teitelman Anne , Tieu Hong-Van , Chittamuru Deepti , Shaw Pamela A. , Nandi Vijay , Davis Annet , Lipsky Rachele , Darlington Caroline K. , Fiore Danielle , Koblin Beryl A.
Published: November 2022

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among cisgender women in the United States is low. Just4Us, a theory-based counseling and navigation intervention, was evaluated for preliminary efficacy in a pilot randomized controlled trial with PrEP-eligible women (n = 83). The comparison arm was a brief information session. Surveys were completed at baseline, post-intervention and at 3 months. In the study sample, 79% were Black and 26% were Latina.
At 3 months follow-up, 45% made an appointment to see a provider about PrEP; only 13% received a PrEP prescription. There were no differences in PrEP initiation by study arm (9% Info vs 11% Just4Us; CI 1.07). Knowledge was significantly higher in the Just4Us group at post-intervention. Analysis revealed high PrEP interest with many personal and structural barriers along the PrEP continuum. Just4Us is a promising PrEP uptake intervention for cisgender women. Further research is needed to tailor intervention strategies on individual circumstances and barriers.
Clinicaltrials.gov registration:
NCT03699722: A Women-Focused PrEP Intervention (Just4Us)