bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Immunological Characteristics of Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection in Hematologic Disease
Authors: Ikeda Daisuke , Fukumoto Ami , Uesugi Yuka , Tabata Rikako , Miura Daisuke , Narita Kentaro , Takeuchi Masami , Watari Tomohisa , Otsuka Yoshihito , Matsue Kosei
Published: June 2023

Prolonged viral shedding (PVS) occurs when severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not adequately cleared and has been associated with poor outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether the immunological and clinical characteristics of Omicron PVS in hematologic disease (HD) are identical to those of earlier variants. We retrospectively analyzed 160 patients with HD with Omicron breakthrough infections. Although the hospitalization rate was high (21.3 %), deaths attributable to COVID-19 occurred in only 2.5% of the cases. PVS developed in 36.9% of the evaluable patients. Factors such as B- and CD4+ T-cell depletion, recent use of anti-CD20 antibodies and bendamustine were found to be significant predictors of PVS. Analysis of T cell phenotypes showed an increase in exhausted CD4+ T cells in PVS, but not in CD8+ cells. Neutralizing activities against recombinant spike proteins for three Omicron subvariants were significantly reduced. Notably, despite the high frequency of PVS, many patients previously treated with anti-CD20 antibodies and bendamustine ultimately recovered. Late-onset interstitial pneumonia is a fatal complication that can occur regardless of viral clearance. Despite the use of high-dose corticosteroids and potent antivirals, the optimal treatment for PVS remains unclear and should be individualized until a more effective strategy is established.
Detection of APP gene recombinant in human blood plasma
Authors: Mitsunaga Shigeki , Fujito Naoko , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Imazeki Ryoko , Nagata Eiichiro , Inoue Ituro
Published: June 2023

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is believed to involve the accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain, which is produced by the sequential cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-secretase and γ-secretase. Recently, analysis of genomic DNA and mRNA from postmortem brain neurons has revealed intra-exonic recombinants of APP (gencDNA), which have been implicated in the accumulation of amyloid-β. In this study, we computationally analyzed publicly available sequence data (SRA) using probe sequences we constructed to screen APP gencDNAs. APP gencDNAs were detected in SRAs constructed from both genomic DNA and RNA obtained from the postmortem brain and in the SRA constructed from plasma cell-free mRNA (cf-mRNA). The SRA constructed from plasma cf-mRNA showed a significant difference in the number of APP gencDNA reads between SAD and NCI: the p-value from the Mann-Whitney U test was 5.14x10− 6. The transcripts were also found in circulating nucleic acids (CNA) from our plasma samples with NGS analysis. These data indicate that transcripts of APP gencDNA can be detected in blood plasma and suggest the possibility of using them as blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
CD22 is a potential target of CAR-NK cell therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Pingnan , Liu Tingdang , Dai Ximing , Xu Yien , Guan Tian , Hong Liangli , Zaib Tahir , Zhou Qi , Cheng Ke , Zhou Xiaoling , Ma Changchun
Published: June 2023

Background
Chimeric antigen receptor NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy is one of the most promising immunotherapies. Although it has shown a significant therapeutic effect in hematologic malignancies, few successes have been obtained in solid tumors. One of the major reasons is the lack of specific cell surface antigens. Here we identify CD22, a well-known tumor surface marker in hematologic malignancies, is expressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), possibly serving as a potential target of CAR-NK cell therapy.
Methods
The expression of 13 tumor cell surface antigens used clinically was analyzed in patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then according to RNA expression in 2 ESCC cell lines and 2 patients samples, CD22 was selected for further investigation. Following this, the expression of CD22 by immunofluorescence(IF) in ESCC cell lines and by immunohistochemistry(IHC) in 87 cases of human ESCC samples was detected respectively. On the basis of IHC results, the correlation between CD22 expression and clinical parameters was analyzed. As a proof, the efficacy of CD22-targeted CAR-NK cells against ESCC cell lines was performed.
Results
KYSE-140 and KYSE-150 cell lines displayed surface expression of CD22. IHC showed an 80.46% (70/87) positive rate in ESCC patient samples. Among these, cell membranous expression of CD22 was observed in 27.59% (24/87) patient samples. Expression of CD22 in ESCC was associated with lymph node metastasis while it is no related to the depth of tumor invasion and clinical stage. Engineered CD22-targeted CAR-NK cells exhibited inhibitory growth capability against ESCC cell lines (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
CD22 is a potential tumor surface antigen capable of being targeted by CAR-NK cells in ESCC. And potential therapeutics for ESCC may be developed based on immune cells expressing anti-CD22 CAR.
A metacontinuum model for phase gradient metasurfaces
Authors: Palma Giorgio , Iemma Umberto
Published: June 2023

Acoustic metamaterials and metasurfaces often present complex geometries and microstructures. The development of models of reduced complexity is fundamental to alleviate the computational cost of their analysis and derivation of optimal designs. The main objective of this paper is the derivation and validation of a metacontinuum model for phase gradient-based metasurfaces. The method is based on the transformation acoustics framework and defines the metasurface in terms of anisotropic inertia and bulk modulus. Thermal and viscous dissipation effects in the metacontinuum are accounted for by introducing a complex-valued speed of sound. The model is implemented in a commercial FEM code, and its predictions are compared with numerical simulations on the original geometry and also using an equivalent boundary impedance approach. The results are examined for an exterior acoustics benchmark and for an in-duct installation in terms of transmission coefficient with the four-pole matrix method. The metacontinuum model gives solid results for the prediction of the acoustic properties of the examined metasurface samples for all the analyzed configurations, as accurate as the equivalent impedance model on which it is based and outperforming it in some circumstances.
Exploration of interaction existing between Methyl Chavicol and Bovine Serum Albumin using Spectroscopic and molecular modelling techniques
Authors: Singh Anju , Sinha D K , Verma Meenakshi , Thakur Sourbh , Awasthi Abhishek , Thakur Kamal Kishor
Published: June 2023

Methyl Chavicol (MC), also known as 1-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylbenzene, estragole, or p-allyl anisole is a specific metabolite that can be found in the essential oils of both culinary and medicinal plants. It has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties. In order to determine the binding mechanism and conformational changes of the in vitro interaction of MC with bovine serum albumin (BSA), several biophysical techniques as well as molecular modelling methods have been used. The fluorescence emission from BSA in the presence of MC at three distinctive temperatures was measured using 290nm excitation wavelength. BSA's intrinsic fluorescence has been quenched by MC via a static process. The absorption peak shifts as a result of the development of the MC-BSA complex. Binding of MC with BSA caused conformational alterations, as seen by the fluorescence, UV- absorption, circular Dichroism, and FT-IR data. The values of the binding constants get increased as the temperature rises, indicating a stable complex formation under these conditions. Further, Site II, of BSA, has been discovered to have the strongest MC binding affinity and hydrophobic interactions have been hypothesized to be the dominant interaction type in the BSA-MC complex because of the positive levels of enthalpy and entropy changes.
Optimizing Hydropower Station Scheduling: A Multi-Objective Real-Time Approach
Authors: Zhou Enjiang , Liu Xiao , Meng Zhihang , Yu Song , Mei Jinxiu , Qu Qiang
Published: June 2023

Efficiency improvement in power generation and navigation for grid-connected hydropower stations has emerged as a significant concern due to challenges such as discrepancies between declared and actual ship arrival times, as well as unstable power generation. To address these issues, this paper proposes a multi-objective real-time scheduling model. The proposed model incorporates an energy storage mechanism and prediction mechanism .Using XGBoost, the actual arrival time of the boat to the water station is predicted. Furthermore, an energy storage mechanism is introduced to stabilize power generation by charging the power storage equipment during surplus generation and discharging it during periods of insufficient generation at the hydropower station. We design a new scheduling objective metric. The proposed model employs the Non-Dominated Sorting Beluga Whale Optimization (NSBWO) algorithm, which combines the Elitist Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO), to optimize and solve the real-time discharge flow scheduling in hydropower stations across different time periods.Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model in ship expected arrival time prediction and downstream flow scheduling, exhibiting higher prediction accuracy and better solutions. This research contributes a theoretical basis and provides a practical reference solution for addressing hydropower generation scheduling problems.
Faults prediction and monitoring of complex processes using an ensemble of machine learning regression models: application to the Tennessee Eastman Process
Authors: REZGUI Wail , REZKI Nafissa , KERROUCHI Slimane
Published: June 2023

Modern industrial installations are a source of big amount of data, these data serve as a means of monitoring and control and can also be used for the prediction of the parameters characterizing the supervised process and thus the anomalies. For this, there are several machine learning regression models that can be considered in order to select the best prediction tool. Our study consists in selecting the best means of prediction of the different operating parameters of the Tennessee Eastman (TEP) process. Indeed, this consists in selecting the best model that can ensure an efficient and cost-effective prognosis and predictive monitoring system. Four regression models were considered during our comparative study: the Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Decision Tree Regression (DTR) and Ensemble of Learners approaches for Regression (ELR). As evaluation criteria, we chose the MSE regression error by re-substitution, the MSE regression loss for the cross-validation kernel, the optimization of the hyper-parameters and the training time.
Coherently driven quantum features using a linear optics-based polarization-basis control
Authors: Ham Byoung
Published: June 2023

Quantum entanglement generation is generally known to be impossible by any classical means. According to Poisson statistics, coherent photons are not considered quantum particles due to the bunching phenomenon. Recently, a coherence approach has been applied to interpret quantum features such as the Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) effect, Franson-type nonlocal correlation, and delayed-choice quantum eraser, where the quantum feature is due to basis-product superposition at the cost of 50% photon loss. For this, it has been understood that a fixed sum-phase relation between paired photons is the bedrock of quantum entanglement. Here, coherently driven quantum features of the HOM effects are presented using linear optics-based polarization-basis control. Like quantum operator-based destructive interference in the HOM theory, a perfectly coherent analysis shows the same photon bunching of the paired coherent photons on a beam splitter, whereas individual output intensities are uniform.
Mechanical properties and microscopic characteristics of fly ash–slag composite backfill
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Xiangdong , Shuai Pang , Su Lijuan , Cai Guanjun
Published: June 2023

The strength of the backfill is crucial for safe and efficient mining, and the cementing material is the key to obtaining a strong backfill. In this paper, industrial waste was used as a raw material, into which basis basalt fibres of different lengths and dosages were incorporated. First, the influencing factors were determined through orthogonal test designs. The optimum water–cement ratio and basalt fibre dosage and length were obtained, and thereby the complete proportion of the backfill material was obtained. The compressive strength and slump of the backfill material mixed with basalt fibres were investigated, and the interfacial mechanism of the backfill material was analysed at the microscopic level using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the degrees of influence of the different factors on the mechanical properties of the backfill material decreased in the following order: water–cement ratio > fibre dosage > fibre length. Furthermore, there were different degrees of interaction among them. Under the best test proportion, that is, when the water–cement ratio was 2, the fibre dosage was 2%, and the fibre length was 6 mm, the slump was 210 mm, and the compressive strength was 5.03 MPa. The mechanical properties were the best at this time. Through data regression, the relationship between the fibre dosage and the average peak stress was established, and the full curve expression for the uniaxial compressive stress–strain of the BFGF specimen was obtained. According to a microscopic characterisation analysis, the slag formed C-S-H gel, which contributed to the early-stage strength of the filling material; fly ash and coal gangue contained a large amount of aluminium, which formed hydrated aluminosilicate with a framework structure, and this contributed significantly to the later-stage strength of the backfill material. The addition of basalt fibres reduces the internal defects of the backfill, allowing the internal pore structure of the backfill to be optimised and the compressive strength to be increased. The results of this study have been successfully implemented in actual projects. Additionally, they provide a reference for similar mine management projects and have considerable promotion and application value.
10 Years of Antenatal Hydronephrosis Experience Comparing Two Different Guidelines
Authors: Ensari Esra , Yavaşcan Önder , Alparslan Caner , Öncel Elif Perihan , Maden Aslıhan Arslan , Demir Belde Kasap , Alaygut Demet Eğlenoğlu , Özdemir Tunç
Published: June 2023

Background: With the increasing use of antenatal sonography, fetal hydronephrosis has been reported more frequently. It is important to distinguish infants with significant illness that require long-term follow-up or surgery, from those with transient hydronephrosis and minimum need for invasive investigations.
Methods: We aimed to compare the results prepared by the CAKUT Working Group of the Turkish Society of Pediatric Nephrology (TSPN) in the 2015 TSPN CAKUT Guideline with the Tepecik AH Guideline results that were previously utilized in our hospital. The patients were examined in two groups, as Group 1 (Tepecik AH Guideline) and Group 2 (TSPN CAKUT Guideline). Additional imaging needs and numbers, radiation exposures, and surgical requirement rates were compared between the groups.
Results: The VUR detection rate (38.5%) for voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), which was less in the patients in Group 2, was significantly higher than in the patients in Group 1 (13.4%) (p=0.0002). It was found the patients who were determined to be abnormal with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DTPA) were similar in Group 1 (28.5%) and Group 2 (26.4%) (p=0.11). More obstruction was diagnosed in the patients in Group 2 (68.8%) with DTPA than in Group 1 (29.4%) (p=0.0001). The median radiation exposure (500 mrem) in Group 1 was significantly higher than in Group 2 (200 mrem) (p<0.001). It was found that significantly fewer patients were operated on in Group 2 (21.9%) than in Group 1 (34.2%) (p=0.005).
Conclusions: The TSPN CAKUT Guideline appears to be a less invasive, simpler, low-radiation exposure guide.
Calibration and uncertainty analysis of integrated SWAT-MODFLOW model based on iterative ensemble smoother method for watershed scale river-aquifer interactions assessment
Authors: Yifru Bisrat Ayalew , Lee Seoro , Lim Kyoung Jae
Published: June 2023

River-aquifer interaction is a key component of the hydrological cycle that affects water resources and quality. Recently, the application of integrated models to assess the interaction has been increasing. However, calibration and uncertainty analysis of coupled models has been a challenge, especially for large-scale applications. In this study, we used PESTPP-IES, an implementation of the Gauss-Levenberg-Marquardt iterative ensemble smoother, to calibrate and quantify the uncertainty of an integrated SWAT-MODFLOW model for watershed-scale river aquifer interaction assessment. SWAT-MODFLOW combines the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a widely used watershed model, with a three-dimensional groundwater flow model (MODFLOW). The calibration performance of the model was evaluated, and the uncertainty in the parameters and observed ensemble, including the uncertainty in forecasting groundwater levels, was assessed. The results showed that the technique could enhance the model performance and reduce uncertainty. However, the results also revealed some limitations and biases, such as overestimating the groundwater levels in most monitoring wells. These biases were attributed to the limited availability of groundwater level in the first year of the calibration and the uncertainty in groundwater flow model parameters. The river-aquifer interactions analysis shows that water exchange occurs in almost all cells along the river, with most of the high-elevation areas receiving groundwater and flatter regions discharging water to the aquifer. The study showed that PESTPP-IES is a robust technique for watershed-scale river-aquifer modeling that can ensure model calibration and parameter uncertainty analysis. The findings of this study can be used to improve water resources management in watersheds and help decision-makers in making informed decisions.
Implications of AI innovation on economic growth: a panel data study
Authors: Gonzales Julius Tan Sarcilla
Published: June 2023

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) across firms and industries warrants a line of research focused on determining its overall effect on economic variables. As a general-purpose technology, for example, AI helps in production, marketing, and customer acquisition of firms, increasing their productivity and consumer reach. Aside from these, other effects of AI include enhanced quality of services, improved work accuracy and efficiency, and increased customer satisfaction. Hence, this study aims to gauge the impact of AI on the economy, specifically on long-run economic growth. This study conjectures a significantly positive relationship between AI and economic growth. To test this hypothesis, this study makes use of a panel dataset of countries from 1970 to 2019, and the number of AI patents as measure of AI. A text search query is performed to distinguish AI patents from other types of innovations in a public database. Employing fixed effects and GMM estimation, this paper finds a positive relationship between AI and economic growth, which is higher than the effect of the total population of patents on growth. Furthermore, other results indicate that AI’s influence on growth is more robust among advanced economies, and more evident towards the latter periods of the dataset.
Triglyceride glucose-body mass index and hypertension risk in Iranian adults; a population-based study
Authors: Nikbakht Hamid Reza , Najafi Farid , Shakiba Ebrahim , Darbandi Mitra , Navabi Jafar , Pasdar Yahya
Published: June 2023

Background
Insulin resistance (IR) and obesity are risk factors for hypertension; triglyceride-glucose (TyG) is known as a surrogate for IR. The present study investigated the association between the triglyceride-glucose body mass index (TyG-BMI) index and the risk of hypertension in Iranian adults.
Methods
This study was conducted on a sample of 8,610 participants from the baseline phase of the Ravansar non- communicable diseases (RaNCD) in Iran. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between TyG-BMI and hypertension. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to estimate the predictive power of TyG-BMI for hypertension.
Results
A total of 4176 men and 4434 women with an average age of 46.74 years were examined. The anthropometric indices were significantly higher in hypertensive than normotensive subjects (P < 0.001). The level of physical activity was significantly higher in the bottom quartiles (P < 0.001). The odds of hypertension in the highest quartile and 3.10 (95% CI: 2.28, 4.16) times significantly higher than the bottom quartile of the TyG-BMI index. The discriminating ability of TyG-BMI to predict blood pressure was 61% (AUC: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.63), and higher than BMI and TyG.
Conclusion
The TyG-BMI index is associated with an increase in the odds of hypertension. Therefore, the TyG-BMI index can be a new clinical index for early diagnosis of hypertension. Lifestyle modifications such as weight control through physical activity and a healthy diet can help improve IR and prevent hypertension.
Effects of collagen supplementation on body composition and muscle strength in Korean adults aged 50 years and older
Authors: Park Jeong Bin
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Insufficient protein intake can accelerate the loss of muscle mass as one ages. A decrease in muscle mass leads to an increase in fat mass, creating a vicious cycle that can result in sarcopenic obesity. Previous studies that have used collagen as a supplementation, which accounts for about 30% of the body's protein, have combined it with resistance exercise.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of collagen supplementation on body composition in individuals over the age of 50, while maintaining their daily activity levels constant.
DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled trial
PARTICIPANTS: Participants were assigned to either the collagen group (n=42) or the placebo group(n=42).
MEASUREMENTS: Collagen supplementation (14g of collagen) and placebo product (xanthan gum) were offered to collagen group and placebo group respectively, once a day. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants were instructed to maintain their dietary intake and physical activity levels, which were evaluated through a 3-day food record analysis and an international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) analysis, respectively.
RESULTS: 74 participants in the collagen group (n=37) and placebo group (n=37) completed the follow-up, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of physical activity levels. The collagen group showed a significant reduction in total body fat mass compared to the placebo group, as evidenced by both BIA (P=0.021) and DEXA (P=0.041) measurements. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of muscle mass.
Conclusion: From this study, the consumption of collagen supplementation is effective in reducing fat mass, which is significant in preventing sarcopenic obesity after middle age.
Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Optimal Dosage Prediction of Olaparib When Co-administered with CYP3A4 Modulators and in Patients with Hepatic/Renal Impairment
Authors: Gao Dongmei , wang Guopeng , Ren Jiawei , Wu Honghai
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and trough concentration (Ctrough) at steady-state of olaparib (OLA) in Caucasian, Japanese and Chinese. On top of that, the PBPK model was then combined with the mean and 95% confidence interval to predict optimal dosing regimens of OLA when co-administered with CYP3A4 modulators and administered in patients with hepatic impairment based on safety and efficacy PK threshold Cmax (< 12500 ng/mL) and Ctrough (772–2500 ng/mL). Here, the population PBPK model of OLA has been successfully developed and validated based on the prediction good consistent with the clinically observed data. The ratio of prediction to observation for Cmax and Ctrough was between 0.5 and 2.0. The dosing regimens of OLA should be reduced to 100 mg BID and 150 BID, respectively, when dosed with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Additionally, the PBPK model also suggested that OLA should be permitted with CYP3A4 inducer (strong or moderate).The PBPK model also suggested that dosing regimens of OLA should be reduced to 200 mg BID and 150 mg BID in patients with moderate hepatic and renal impairment. In addition, in patients with severe hepatic and renal impairment, dosing regimens of OLA were suggested to be reduced to 100 mg BID by the PBPK model. Overall, the present PBPK model can identify the optimal dosing regimens in multiple clinical situations.
Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals the Key Molecular Players in Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Zhu Ying , Tang Nie
Published: June 2023

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon, possessive, and highly metastasizable malignancy of the adrenal cortex. Using bioinformatics analysis of microarray datasets, this work is intended to uncover important molecular entities and pathways complicated in ACC metastasis. Three datasets (GSE90713, GSE143383, and GSE19750) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, comprising a total of 226 ACC samples and healthy controls. A collection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) linked with ACC and ACC metastases was found using differential gene expression analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed enriched pathways such as "Staphylococcus aureus infection," "Phagosome," "Cell adhesion molecules," and "Pathways in cancer," indicating potential mechanisms underlying ACC metastasis. Hub genes with potential involvement in ACC metastasis were discovered by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, includingGAPDH,MYC,VEGFA,CDC20,CCL2,MMP9,ITGAM,DLGAP5,KIF2C, andFCGR3A.CCL2,CDC20,DLGAP5,KIF2C,MMP9, andMYCwere shown to be substantially linked with the prognosis and overall survival of ACC patients by survival analysis. A network was identified between targeted hub genes and DEmiRs. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of ACC metastasis as well as potential therapeutic targets for further targeted therapies. The identified hub genes and pathways may also have implications for the understanding and treatment of other types of cancer.
Causal Effects of Gut Microbiome on Autoimmune Liver Disease: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Fu Yugang , Li Jiacheng , Zhu Yingying , Chen Chong , Liu Jing , Gu Simin , Zheng Yiyuan , Li Yong
Published: June 2023

Background
Epidemiological studies have indicated a potential link between the gut microbiome and autoimmune liver disease (AILD) such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The relationship between the gut microbiome and autoimmune liver disease is still uncertain due to confounding variables. In our study, we aim to shed light on this relationship by employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach.
Methods
We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using the R package "TwoSampleMR". The exposure data consisted of genetic variants associated with 194 bacterial traits obtained from the MiBioGen consortium. Summary statistics for AILD were obtained from the GWAS Catalog website. Furthermore, a series of sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the initial MR results.
Results
There were two, four and three bacteria traits associated with an increased risk of AIH. PBC, and PSC respectively. In contrast, there were five, two and five bacteria traits associated with a decreased risk for AIH, PBC and PSC. Notably, the genus_Clostridium_innocuum_group showed a negative association with AIH (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.93), and the genus_Actinomyces was found to be genetically associated with a decreased risk of PSC (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42–0.90).
Conclusions
Our study identified the causal impact of specific bacterial features on the risk of AILD subtypes. Particularly, the genus_Clostridium_innocuum_group and the genus_Actinomyces demonstrated significant protective effects against AIH and PSC respectively. These findings provide further support for the potential use of targeted probiotics in the management of AILD.
Design aspects and Performance analysis of Multicarrier Waveform contenders of 5G and beyond Wireless Networks
Authors: Jolania Smita , Sindal Ravi , Saxena Ankit
Published: June 2023

The next generation wireless network has to cope with the diversified requirements like high data rate, improved quality of service, heterogeneous traffic, low latency and high reliability in the limited available spectrum. With the objective of enhancing the spectrum efficiency and providing the diverse services, the design of air interface needs to be considered. The waveform to be implemented at the physical layer in 5G must be able to perform in high dense networks with high throughput. The key challenge in selecting the modulation waveform is that it must be flexible, spectral efficient and compatible with the service required. In this paper various design parameters of most suitable multi carrier waveform: Filtered Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (F-OFDM), Universal Frequency Division Multiplexing (UFMC), Filter Bank Multi Carrier (FBMC), and Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) have been investigated and analyzed. Parameterized waveforms are simulated and performance analysis on the basis of Bit error rate (BER) and Power Spectral Density (PSD) is presented. In addition to this the compatibility and complexity of the modulation technique in different 5G use cases is elaborated.
Principle, equipment and applications of line-scanning infrared thermographic NDT
Authors: Vavilov V. P. , Chulkov A. O. , Nesteruk D. A. , Kladov D. Yu.
Published: June 2023

The Line Scan Thermography (LST) technique for thermal nondestructive testing (TNDT) uses continuous heating from an incandescent (quartz) linear tube heater. This provides a continuous linear inspection with a lower noise level than the classical single area Xenon flash TNDT technique. The basic theory of the LST technique is described, along with a description of a special, self-propelled LST device. It is shown that TNDT processes using a moving heat source can be evaluated by solving simpler, static TNDT problems using flash heating. An example of the experimental detection of hidden corrosion in steel is presented. The LST method is recommended for the continuous inspection of large objects, especially flat, cylindrical and/or conical shapes.
Understanding health systems challenges in providing Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) care in a hub and spoke model: A qualitative analysis to improve AHD care program in Malawi.
Authors: Maphosa Thulani , Denoeud-Ndam Lise , Kapanda Lester , Khatib Sarah , Chilikutali Llyod , Matiya Eddington , Munthali Boswell , Dambe Rosalia , Chiwandira Brown , Wilson Bilaal , Nyirenda Laywell , Chikwapulo Bongani , Tiam Appolinaire , Katirayi Leila
Published: June 2023

Background
Despite tremendous progress in improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and access to ART, many patients have advanced HIV disease (AHD). AHD patients, whether initiating ART or representing care after disengagement, have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. EGPAF launched an enhanced care package using a hub and spoke model to optimize AHD care in Malawi. This model improved supplies availability and appropriate linkage to care. We utilize a hub-and-spoke model to share the health facility challenges and recommendations on the AHD package for screening and diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment, and adherence support.
Methods
This qualitative study assessed facility-level experiences among healthcare workers (HCWs) and lay cadres (LCs) providing AHD services to patients through the intervention package. The study population included HCWs and LCs supporting HIV care at four intervention sites. Eligible study participants were recruited by trained Research Assistants with support from the health facility's nurse to identify those most involved in supporting AHD patients. A total of 32 in-depth interviews were conducted. Thematic content analysis identified recurrent themes and patterns across participants’ responses.
Results
While HCWs and LCs stated that most medications are often available in both hub and spoke sites, they reported that sometimes there are limited supplies and equipment to run samples and tests necessary to provide AHD care. More than half of the HCWs stated that AHD training sufficiently prepared them to handle AHD patients at both hubs and spoke levels. The HCWs and LCs reported weaknesses in the patient referral system within the hub-and-spoke model in providing linkage of care to facilities, specifically noting improper referral documentation, incorrect labeling of samples, and inconsistent availability of transportation. While HCWs felt that AHD registers were time-consuming, they remained motivated as they thought they provided better patient services.
Conclusions
These findings suggest the importance of offering more comprehensive AHD services. The enhanced AHD program addressed weaknesses in service delivery through decentralization and providing services through a hub and spoke model, improved supplies availability, and strengthened linkage to care. Additionally, addressing the recommendations from service providers and patients is essential in improving health and survival among AHD patients.
Mechanisms of the plastoquinone pool oxidation in the dark after illumination
Authors: Vilyanen Daria , Naydov Ilya , Ivanov Boris , Kozuleva Marina , Borisova-Mubarakshina Maria
Published: June 2023

Oxidation of the PQ-pool in leaves, intact chloroplasts and isolated thylakoids after its reduction by flash of light intensity 3000 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 for 1.5 s was studied as a time-dependence in the dark of area above curve of fluorescence, Afl. The fluorescence was excited with the same flash applied after dark intervals from 0.1 s to 10 min. The samples were either dark-adapted or pre-illuminated with a continuous light. The results showed a two-phase kinetic of Afl across all samples, consistent with prior findings in thylakoids without added electron acceptors and in leaves. A comprehensive analysis of the kinetics in isolated thylakoids conducted under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with or without Fd and NADP+, and in the presence of catalase, enabled the proposition of mechanisms responsible for the observed two phases. Our findings suggest that the “fast” phase is likely a combination of residual electron flow from the PQ-pool to downstream acceptors and the oxidation of PQH2 by the superoxide radical, formed during illumination and preserved in thylakoid membrane. The "slow" phase involves the oxidation of the PQ-pool through slow autocatalytic reactions with molecular oxygen, and this oxidation is enhanced in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The role of the above processes in intact chloroplasts and leaves is discussed.
Acute effects of a warm-up intervention on pain, productivity, physical capacities and perceptions among vineyard workers: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Larinier Nicolas , Vuillerme Nicolas , Jadaud Alexandre , Malherbe Solène , Giraud Eymeric , Balaguier Romain
Published: June 2023

Purpose Agriculture is one of the sectors that are the most concerned by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Workplace physical activity programs are one of the most promising solutions to prevent adverse consequences of MSDs such as pain or impairment in physical capacities. Despite the growing interest to the implementation of warming-up sessions before the working day, the available evidence of their effectiveness is still scarce. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to investigate the acute effect of a warm-up session on pain, work performance, and physical and psychosocial capacities among vineyard workers; (2) to determine the warm-up modality the most beneficial to vineyard workers.Methods A cluster randomized study was implemented among French vineyard workers. A 15min single session of warm-up was implemented among four groups corresponding to four different conditions: (1) hybrid warm-up intervention (HWU); (2) dynamic warm-up intervention (DWU); (3) stretching warm-up intervention (SWU); (4) no warm-up intervention (CONTROL). A total of 92 vineyard workers were included in the analysis.Results DWU showed increased performance, increased heart rate, better readiness to work and lower workload than the CONTROL. HWU showed a better readiness to work. SWU showed better work quality. However, the three different warm-up protocols did significantly not differ from the CONTROL group in terms of perceived pain intensity, and physical capacities.Conclusion The present findings confirm some beneficial acute effects on performance, heart rate and perceptions of a single warm-up session performed before pruning. The DWU seems to be the warm-up modality the most beneficial to vineyard workers.Trial registration: NCT05425693. Registered 06/16/2022 in ClinicalTrials.gov
Extracellular vesicles of the probiotic bacteria E. coli O83 activate innate immunity and prevent allergy in mice
Authors: Schabussova Irma , Schmid Anna Marlene , Razim Agnieszka , Wysmolek Magdalena , Kerekes Daniela , Haunstetter Melissa , Kohl Paul , Brazhnikov Georgii , Geisler Nora , Thaler Michael , Krčmářová Eliška , Šindelář Martin , Hrdý Jiří , Schmidt Katy , Nejsum Peter , Whitehead Bradley , Palmfeldt Johan , Schild Stefan , –Kanada Alksandra Inić , Wiedermann Ursula
Published: June 2023

Background
E. coli O83 (Colinfant Newborn) is a Gram-negative (G-) probiotic bacterium used in the clinic. When administered orally, it reduces allergic sensitisation but not allergic asthma. Intranasal administration offers a non-invasive and convenient delivery method. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and provides direct access to the airways, which are the target of asthma prevention. G- bacteria such as E. coli O83 release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) to communicate with the environment. Here we investigate whether intranasally administered E. coli O83 OMVs (EcO83-OMVs) can reduce allergic airway inflammation in mice.
Methods
EcO83-OMVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterised their number, morphology (shape and size), composition (proteins and lipopolysaccharide; LPS), recognition by innate receptors (using transfected HEK293 cells) and immunomodulatory potential (in naïve splenocytes and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells; BMDCs). Their allergy-preventive effect was investigated in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation.
Results
EcO83-OMVs are spherical nanoparticles with a size of about 110 nm. They contain LPS and protein cargo. We identified a total of 1120 proteins, 136 of which were enriched in OMVs compared to parent bacteria. Proteins from the flagellum dominated. OMVs activated the pattern recognition receptors TLR2/4/5 as well as NOD1 and NOD2. EcO83-OMVs induced the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in splenocytes and BMDCs. Intranasal administration of EcO83-OMVs inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness, and decreased airway eosinophilia, Th2 cytokine production and mucus secretion.
Conclusions
We demonstrate for the first time that intranasally administered OMVs from probiotic G- bacteria have an anti-allergic effect. Our study highlights the advantages of OMVs as a safe platform for the prophylactic treatment of allergy.
Risk factors of secondary cancer in laryngeal, oropharyngeal, or hypopharyngeal cancer after definitive therapy
Authors: Nishimura Goshi , Takahashi Hideaki , Sano Daisuke , Arai Yasuhiro , Hatano Takashi , Kitani Yosuke , Oridate Nobuhiko
Published: June 2023

Background
Our previous research showed that a high rate of secondary carcinogenesis is observed during follow-up after transoral surgery in patients with early-stage laryngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancers. We speculate that the contributing factors are alcohol drinking, smoking, and aging; however, we could not provide clear evidence. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for secondary carcinogenesis in patients with these cancers, particularly factors associated with drinking and/or smoking.
Methods
The medical records of all-stage laryngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer patients who had undergone definitive treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Assessments included visual and endoscopic observations of the primary site, enhanced cervical CT or US of the primary site and regional lymph nodes, PET-CT, and enhanced whole-body CT. Clinical characteristics were compared in patients with and without secondary carcinogenesis and in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer and patients with other cancers.
Results
Hypopharyngeal cancer was an independent risk factor for secondary cancer. The 5-year incidence rate of secondary cancer was 25.5%, 28.6%, and 41.2% in laryngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancers, respectively. Radiotherapy was defined as an independent risk factor in hypopharyngeal cancer patients with secondary cancers. No direct correlation was found between secondary carcinogenesis and alcohol consumption, smoking, or aging.
Conclusions
Patients with hypopharyngeal cancer require close follow-up as they are at high risk of developing secondary cancer, possibly because out-of-field radiation exposure may induce systemic secondary carcinogenesis in hypopharyngeal cancer patients with genetic abnormality induced by alcohol consumption.
The saltier Atlantic-fresher Pacific trend enhanced by oceanic processes
Authors: Lu Ying , Li Yuanlong , Lin Pengfei , Cheng Lijing , Liu Hailong , Duan Jing , Wang Fan
Published: June 2023

Broad-scale salinity changes have been observed in oceans since the mid-20thcentury. One salient feature is the salinity increase of the Atlantic Ocean (AO) in contrast to the salinity decrease of the Pacific Ocean (PO). Our analysis of observational datasets suggests that this “saltier Atlantic-fresher Pacific” (SAFP) trend occurs primarily in the upper 800 m of the 45°S-45°N band, with notable impacts on regional sea level and ocean stratification. In addition to the surface freshwater fluxes stressed by existing studies, heat- and wind-driven oceanic processes have also vitally contributed to this pattern. Specifically, sea surface warming leads to poleward migration of outcrop zones of the thermocline, while changes in surface winds and overturning circulations cause upper-layer convergence in low- and mid-latitudes. These processes drive basin-scale salt redistribution that involves substantial salinity increases in the 45°S-45°N band of the AO but much weaker signatures in the PO. These effects are confirmed by sensitivity experiments of an ocean-sea ice model. Although climate models can broadly replicate the SAFP pattern, they tend to underestimate the AO salinity increase due to model biases in salinity climatology. This work highlights the essence of ocean processes in the response of ocean salinities to climate change and provides a benchmark for climate models.
Impact of the prognostic nutritional index on renal replacement therapy–free survival and mortality in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Lee Yu-Fu , Lin Pei-Ru , Wu Shin-Hwar , Hsu Hsin-Hui , Mao I-Chieh , Kor Chew-Teng
Published: June 2023

The survival of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is highly dependent on their nutritional status. This retrospective cohort study investigated the correlation between the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and clinical outcomes of critically ill patients with AKI receiving CRRT. We analyzed data from 2076 critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit at Changhua Christian Hospital, a tertiary hospital in central Taiwan, between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2021. All these patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. Through Cox proportional hazard model and propensity score matching, the relationship between PNI and renal replacement therapy–free survival (RRTFS) and mortality was examined. The results revealed that patients in the high PNI group had significantly higher RRTFS rates and higher survival rates compared with those in the low PNI group. Although parenteral nutrition (PN) did not provide significant survival benefits, long-term PN may improve the nutritional status and reduce mortality in AKI patients on CRRT. Therefore, PNI, which measures albumin and lymphocytes, is a simple and effective method that can be used to assess nutritional status and predict outcomes in clinical settings.
The Molecular Docking Study of Interaction of Newly Synthesised Benzamide Appended by Pyrazolone Derivatives as Ligand Molecule With the Target Protien 6lu7 of Novel Corona Virus
Authors: V Smt. PAVITHRA , S SUDHA B
Published: June 2023

Plants and bioactive compounds have played an important role in the development of several clinically useful therapeutic agents since time immemorial. The global health emergency of novel COVID-19 is due to severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). As if now there are no approved drugs for the treatment of corona viral disease (COVID-19), although some of the drugs have been tried. The virtual interaction of the COVID-19 main protease in complex with the inhibitor N3 (Research Collaborators for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank [PDB] ID: 6LU7), Hence this is chosen as target protein molecule. The newly synthesised compounds of benzamide appended pyrazolones derivatives are made as ligand molecules. The synthesis of these organic ligand molecules is done through four steps using different reagents and different environmental conditions. In this article we have discussed the interaction of our synthesized ligands with the target protein molecule using autodock tools. Firstly, the ligands were prepared using commercial ACD/chemsketch tool in PDB format. Desired protein target 6LU7 is downloaded from Protein Data Bank. Further protein optimization done by removing co-ordinates and hetero atoms, energy minimization of protein is done by swiss PDB viewer 4.1.0. To change the file format open babel 2.4.1 is used. Docking of protein and ligand is done using autodock 4.2 and the results are visualized by pymol and tabulated using the Lamarckian genetic algorithm. After docking comparative study of the binding energies, inhibitory constant and hydrogen bonding of all interactions were discussed and tabulated for the good results.