bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient production of salvianic acid A from L-dihydroxyphenylalanine through a tri-enzyme cascade
Authors: Yang Jiahui , Wei Wanqing , Gao Changzheng , Song Wei , Gao Cong , Chen Xiulai , Liu Jia , Guo Liang , Liu Liming , Wu Jing
Published: February 2023

Salvianic acid A (SAA), used for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, possesses several pharmacological properties. However, the current methods for the enzymatic synthesis of SAA show low efficiency. Here, we constructed a three-enzyme cascade pathway in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) to produce SAA from L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). The phenylpyruvate reductase (LaPPR) from Lactobacillus sp. CGMCC 9967 is a rate-limiting enzyme in this process. Therefore, we employed a mechanism-guided protein engineering strategy to shorten the transfer distances of protons and hydrides, generating an optimal LaPPR mutant, LaPPRMu2 (H89M/H143D/P256C), with a 2.8-fold increase in specific activity and 9.3-time increase in kcat/Km value compared to that of the wild type. Introduction of the mutant LaPPRMu2 into the cascade pathway and the optimization of enzyme levels and transformation conditions allowed the obtainment of the highest SAA titer (82.55 g L− 1) ever reported in vivo, good conversion rate (91.3%), excellent ee value (99%) and the highest productivity (6.88 g L− 1 h− 1) from 90 g L− 1 L-DOPA in 12 h. This successful strategy provides a potential new method for the industrial production of SAA.
Assessments of sarcopenia and its associated factors in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Foo Leng Huat , Wen Yin Siew , Kadir Azidah Abdul
Published: February 2023

Sarcopenia is considered to be an emerging public health problem worldwide, but very limited information concerning exits the influence of lifestyle factors and blood inflammation levels on sarcopenia among community-dwelling older populations in Asia, including Malaysia. A total of 230 apparently healthy community-dwelling Chinese middle-aged and older adults were included in the study. Validated questionnaires were used to assess dietary and lifestyle practices, while pro-inflammatory cytokine status was assessed by blood interleukin-6 concentrations (IL-6). Sarcopenia risk was assessed by the newly revised diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12.5% with similar pattern found between males and females. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age and higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of IL-6 were significantly associated with a greater risk of sarcopenia, after adjustments for potential known biological and body composition factors. The present findings indicate that older adults aged 70 years and above with higher inflammation levels had a significantly increased risk of sarcopenia. Hence, effective dietary and lifestyle intervention strategies should emphasize reducing the inflammation associated with aging to prevent the rapid loss of muscle mass and strength that can lead to sarcopenia.
Unsupervised Deep Learning for Rapid Subsurface Interface Identification using Geophysical Measurements
Authors: Wang Zan , Qi Shengwen , Liu Youshan , Zheng Bowen , Sun Peng
Published: February 2023

Delineating subsurface interfaces is a crucial step in site selection and characterization for various subsurface applications, such as the geologic carbon sequestration, the radioactive waste disposal and hydrocarbon exploration and production. 3D seismic surveys are widely used for identifying subsurface interfaces and geologic features. Due to the large volumes and the complexity of seismic data, manual interpretation of subsurface interfaces is extremely time-consuming and the interpretation results can be greatly affected by the subjectivity of a particular interpreter. With the latest advances in deep neural networks (DNNs), automatic seismic interpretation methods based on DNNs emerged. Most of the DNN-based seismic interpretation methods are supervised learning methods, which require large amount of labeled data for network training. We have developed an unsupervised learning method with the deep fully convolutional networks (FCNs) for rapid subsurface interface identification based on self-learning algorithms, which does not require manual data labeling and specific training datasets. The unsupervised learning method can be broadly applied to any seismic images as the FCN in the proposed method is trained from scratch for each input seismic image. The proposed unsupervised learning method yields rapid identification of basic subsurface interfaces with relatively strong impedance contrast in seismic images. The proposed approach can assist in automatic subsurface interface identification in real time and greatly reduce the required time for subsurface imaging, avoiding subjectivity of a particular interpreter in conventional and supervised learning methods.
Temperament factors predict resilience in a non-clinical kindergarten population
Authors: Gonye Bianka , Stadler Helga , Kotyuk Eszter
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between resilience and temperament dimensions of emotionality, activity, sociability, and shyness in a sample of Hungarian kindergarten aged children (N=166). Since self-reported measures of resilience and temperament dimensions of emotionality, activity, sociability, and shyness does not exist in Hungarian language, we have developed parent-report questionnaires and assessed psychometric properties of these constructs.MethodsThe 10-item Hungarian Resilience Scale: Parental Ratings (HRS-P-10) was created based on the Hungarian adult resilience scale of Járai et al (2015). The 20-item EAS Temperament Survey for Children: Parental Ratings (EAS-P-20) was translated from English (Buss & Plomin, 1984). 166 parents filled out the above two questionnaires about their kindergarten-aged children and provided basic demographic information.ResultsReliability analysis confirmed that both questionnaires show appropriate internal consistency. The single scale structure of resilience was confirmed by factor analysis, and this construct is significantly (p<0.01) correlated with all four EAS temperament dimensions: emotionality (r = – .29), activity (r = .35), sociability (r = .32) and shyness (r = – .44).ConclusionsResults confirm that the HRS-P-10 and the EAS-P-20 are adequate parental questionnaires to be used in non-clinical studies with kindergarten-aged children. Results extend findings related to the link between childhood temperament and resilience and underline the importance of a multi-level, system-based approach to resilience.
First Principle Study of the Structural, Electronic, Magnetic and Magneto-optical Properties of Double Perovskites Ca 2 TMIrO 6 (TM=Fe, Co) Compounds
Authors: Touabia Ilham , Bouguerra Abdesselam , Guenez Wafa , chemam Faïçal
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to explore the electronic, magnetic, and magneto-optical properties of double perovskites Ca2FeIrO6 and Ca2CoIrO6 to examine their potential applications in spintronic and photovoltaic devices. The calculations were done using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave within the density functional theory. For the electronic exchange-correlation function, we used the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and GGA+U (Hubbard potential), and spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The study showed that Ca2FeIrO6 and Ca2CoIrO6 exhibit a monoclinic structure (space group P21/c). The structure relaxation shows an antiferromagnetic behavior in both systems with a magnetic moment of about 6.00 µB for Ca2FeIrO6 and 4.00 µB for Ca2CoIrO6 by using GGA+U approximation. GGA and GGA+U computations predict half-metallic behavior for both. The magneto-optical polar Kerr effect (MOKE) was examined by studying the variation of Kerr and ellipticity rotation. The Kerr rotation angle is 1.3° at 4.82 eV and −1.21° at 4.3 eV, and the ellipticity angle is −1.21° at 4.3 eV for Ca2FeIrO6. In the case of Ca2CoIrO6, the Kerr rotation angle is −1.04° at 4.05 eV; the significant Kerr rotation in both 1 Springer Nature 2021 L A T E X template Properties of the Double Perovskites Ca 2 TMIrO 6 (TM=Fe, Co) compounds may suggest the application of these materials in optoelec-tronics bias. The named compounds have the potential application in the field of spintronics and its devices, as in optoelectronics technologies.
Minimizing sperm oxidative stress using nanotechnology for breeding programs in rams.
Authors: Jurado-Campos Alejandro , Soria-Meneses Pedro Javier , Arenas-Moreira María , Alonso-Moreno Carlos , Rodríguez-Robledo Virginia , Soler Ana Josefa , Garde José Julián , Fernández-Santos María R
Published: February 2023

BackgroundArtificial insemination (AI) is a routine breeding technology in animal reproduction. Nevertheless, the temperature-sensitive nature and short fertile lifespan of ram sperm samples hamper its use in AI. In this sense, nanotechnology is an interesting tool to improve sperm protection due to the development of nanomaterials for AI, which could be used as delivery vehicles. In this work, we explored the feasibility of nanoemulsions of vitamin E (NE) for improving sperm quality during transport.ResultsWith the aim of evaluating this proposal, ejaculates of seven mature rams of Manchega breed were collected by artificial vagina and extended to 60 x 106spz/mL in Andromed®. Samples containing control and NE (12 mM) with and without exogenous oxidative stress (100 µM Fe2+/ascorbate) were stored at 22 and 15 ºC and motility (CASA), viability (YO-PRO/IP), acrosomal integrity (PNA-FITC/IP), mitochondrial membrane potential (Mitotracker Deep Red 633), lipoperoxidation (C11BODIPY 581/591), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA status (SCSA®) monitored during 96 hours. Our results show that NE could be used to maintain ram spermatozoa during transport at 15 ºC and 22 ºC for up to 96 h, with no appreciable loss of kinematic and physiological characteristics of freshly collected samples.ConclusionsThe storage of ram spermatozoa in liquid form for 2-5 days with vitamin E nanoemulsions may lead more flexibility to breeders in AI programs. In view of the potential and high versatility of these nanodevices, further studies are being carried out to assess the proposed sperm preservation medium on fertility after artificial insemination.
Interleukin 31 receptor alpha augments muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 3-driven calcium signaling and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma
Authors: Akkenepally Santoshi , Yombo Dan , Yerubandi Sanjana , Reddy G Bhanuprakash , McCormack Francis , madala Satish
Published: February 2023

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13 have been shown to induce asthma; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We observed a significant increase in the expression of IL-31RA, but not its cognate ligand IL-31 during allergic asthma. In support of this, IFN-γ and Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, upregulated IL-31RA but not IL-31 in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC). Importantly, the loss of IL-31RA attenuated AHR but had no effects on inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia in allergic asthma or mice treated with IL-13 or IFN-γ. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that IL-31RA functions as a positive regulator of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 3 expression and calcium signaling in ASMC. Together, these results identified a novel role for IL-31RA in AHR distinct from airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia in asthma.
Practical Utility of Liquid Biopsy for Evaluating Genomic Alterations in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lim Yoojoo , Jeong Seunghwan , Kyung Dongsoo , Yuk Hyeong Dong , Jeong Chang Wook , Lee Wookjae , Yoon Jung-Ki , Kim Hwang-Phill , Bang Duhee , Kim Tae-You , Kwak Cheol
Published: February 2023

Background:Assessment of genomic alterations in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients has become an important process for treatment decisions, but traditional tissue-based evaluation can be challenging.
Methods:To evaluate the clinical utility of liquid biopsy for the evaluation of genomic alterations in CRPC, we have prospectively collected plasma samples from patients being treated for clinically confirmed CRPC. The cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from the plasma samples were analyzed using AlphaLiquid®100-HRR panel. Available archival tumor tissue samples were also collected and analyzed using the same panel.
Results:Plasma samples from a total of 87 patients were included in this study. Somatic mutations from cfDNA were detected in 78 (89.7%) of all 87 CRPC patients. Somatic mutations were detectable regardless of the presence of overt metastasis, or concomitant treatment given at the time of plasma sample collection. 23 patients were found to have known deleterious mutations in HRR genes from their cfDNA. 11 patients were additionally found to have possibly pathogenic mutations calculated by pathogenicity prediction algorithm. Archival tissue samples were available in 33 (37.9%) of the patients, 31 from prostate and 2 from metastatic bone lesions, collected a median of 2 years before the blood sample collection. Tissue sequencing was able to yield an NGS result in only 51.5% of the tissue samples. The general sensitivity of cfDNA for detecting somatic mutations discovered from tissues was 71.8%, but important somatic/germline mutations in HRR genes were found in higher concordance (100%).
Conclusions:Liquid biopsy can be a reasonable substitute for tissue biopsy in CRPC patients for evaluating genomic alterations.
Quantitative analysis of cellular morphology during in vitro decidualization
Authors: Ant Luciana , Dily François Le , Beato Miguel , Saragüeta Patricia
Published: February 2023

Decidualization is a differentiation process involving shape reorganization from a fibroblast to an epithelioid-like appearance of endometrial stromal cells. Specificities of these cells impede the use of existing automated tools to follow morphological changes during differentiation; we therefore developed a simple but accurate methodology to quantify the phenotypical changes that occur in an in vitro decidualization system.
The approach consists of the analysis of the circularity of the cells directly from light microscopy images. Here, we used this methodology to follow the effects of progesterone or progestin R5020 in combination with estradiol (E2) and cAMP on inducing the decidualization of human endometrial cells. We further implemented a statistical model to detect the differences in the kinetics of decidualization of the two hormonal stimuli before all the cell population acquired the decidual phenotype. We found that 2 days afterstimulation are sufficient to detect statistical differences in morphology between decidualization induced and control cells. Here, we detail the model and scripts in order to provide a useful, practical and low cost tool to evaluate morphological aspects of endometrial stromal differentiation.
Deep eutectic solvent as fluorescence probe for trace analysis of lanthanum ion
Authors: Samadi-Maybodi Abdolraouf , Hemmatidoust Karim
Published: February 2023

In this work, the deep eutectic solvent (DES) was prepared by mixing three reactants of choline chloride, urea and ethylene glycol. Fluorescence property of DES with different mole ratio of choline chloride, urea and ethylene glycol were investigate. The effect of water molecule and temperature on the fluorescence intensity of DES was also studied. The prepared solvent was used as an efficient fluorescence probe for the determination of lanthanum ions. This method is based on the reduction of fluorescence emission intensity of eutectic solvent in the presence of lanthanum ions. Results clearly revealed that the fluorescence emission of eutectic solvent is decreased by increasing of lanthanum ions concentration with good linearship. The linear dynamic range of the method was obtained between 0.01 to 5 mg L-1 with detection limit of 8.8 mg L-1. The interference of foreign species was also studied. This method is feasible, rapid, and accurate way for the determination of trace analysis of lanthanum (III).
Feasibility of Stone Recurrence Risk Stratification Using the Recurrence of Kidney Stone (ROKS) Nomogram
Authors: Kavoussi Nicholas L , Silva Alexandre Da , Floyd Chase , McCoy Allison , Koyama Tatsuki , Hsi Ryan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: We sought to assess the performance of the Recurrence of Kidney Stones nomogram for risk stratification of recurrence in a retrospective study.
Materials and Methods: We performed a case-control study of 200 patients (100 with and 100 without subsequent recurrence) who underwent kidney stone surgery between 2013-2015, with at least 5 years of follow-up. We analyzed the performance of the 2018 ROKS nomogram via area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC) for predicting 2- and 5-year stone recurrence. We evaluated the nomogram’s ability to stratify patients based on low or high risk of recurrence at: a) an optimized cutoff threshold (i.e. optimized for both sensitivity and specificity), and b) a sensitive cutoff threshold (i.e. high sensitivity (0.80) and low specificity). Time-to-recurrence data were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method.
Results: The ROKS nomogram demonstrated fair ability to predict recurrence at 2 and 5 years (ROC-AUC of 0.67 and 0.63, respectively). At the optimized cutoff threshold, recurrence rates for the low and high-risk groups were 20 % and 45% at two years, and 50% and 70% at five years, respectively. At the sensitive cutoff threshold, the corresponding recurrence rates for the low and high-risk groups was of 16% and 38% at two years, and 42% and 66% at five years, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant recurrence-free advantage between the groups for both cutoff thresholds (p<0.01, Fig. 2).
Conclusions: The ROKS nomogram could serve as a tool for recurrence risk stratification into lower and higher risk groups and facilitate adherence to risk-based follow-up protocols.
The influence of bolus of methylprednisolone on post- orthognathic surgery symptoms: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Giulia Amodeo , Edoardo Cerbelli , Annalinda Pisano , Luciana Minieri , Domenico Scopelliti
Published: February 2023

Objective: Despite improvements in maxillary and mandibulary osteotomy, complications still result around 20 %. Post and intra-operative standard therapies, based on the use of betametasone and tranexamic acid, could help to minimize the onset of side-effects. The aim of our study was to compare the role of a supplementary bolus of methylprednisolone rather than the standard therapy in the onset of postoperative symptoms.
Methods: We enrolled 10 patients, affected by Class II and III Dentoskeletal, submitted to our institution for maxillomandibular repositioning osteotomy between October 2020 and April 2021. Patients were divided in 2 groups as following: 5 patients (group A) received standard therapy consisting in the administration of 4 mg of Betamethasone, intraoperatively, and 1 gr of tranexamic acid in two administrations. The remaining five patients (Group B) received a supplementary bolus of 20 mg methylprednisolone before the end of the surgery.
All patients received, in the postoperative period, 4 mg of Betamethasone every 12 hours, for 3 days. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated with questionnaire evaluating speaking discomfort, pain when swallowing, feeding discomfort, drinking discomfort, swelling, ache. Each parameter was associated to a numeric rating scale ranging from 0 to 5.
Results: We observed that patients treated with a supplementary bolus of methylprednisolone (Group B) had a statistically significative reduction of all post-operative symptoms as compared with patients of Group A (p<0.05, **p<0.01 Figure 1).
Conclusion: Our study highlighted that the additional bolus of methylprednisolone improved all of the 6 parameters investigated by the questionnaire submitted to our patients, resulting in a faster recovery and improvement of the patient’s compliance to surgery. Further studies with larger population are needed to confirm our preliminary results.
Prediction of radiomics-based machine learning for specific dosimetric verification of pelvic intensity modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Ni Qianxi , Chen Luqiao , Zhu Jun , Yang Xiaohua
Published: February 2023

Background: Machine learning (ML) and deep learning(DL) technology has been used widely in the quality assurance. Due to the complexity of intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)technology, the implementation of patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) before the treatment has become an essential part in the IMRT. Therefore, this paper is aim to establish the different machine learning classification predict models of gamma pass rates for specific dosimetric verification of pelvic IMRT plan which based on the radiomic features and to explore the best prediction model.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of the 3D dosimetric verification results based on measurements with gamma pass rate criteria of 3%/2 mm and 10% dose threshold of 196 pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans was carried. Prediction models were established by extracting radiomic features data. Four machine learning algorithms, random forest, support vector machine, adaptive boosting and gradient boosting decision trees, were used to calculate the AUC value, sensitivity and specificity respectively. The classification performance of the four prediction models were evaluated.
Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the random forest, support vector machine, adaptive boosting, and gradient boosting decision trees models were 0.93,0.85,0.93,0.96, and 0.38,0.69,0.46, and 0.46, respectively. The AUC values for the random forest model and the adaptive boosting model were 0.81 and 0.82, respectively, and the AUC values for the support vector machine and gradient boosting decision tree models were 0.87.
Conclusions: Machine learning methods based on radiomics can be used to establish a prediction model of gamma pass rate for specific dosimetric verification of pelvic intensity modulated radiotherapy. The classification performance of support vector machine model and gradient boosting decision trees model is better than that of random forest model and adaptive boosting model.The prediction model for a specific site is helpful to improve the performance of the model.
Image recognition of sports dance teaching and auxiliary function data verification based on neural network algorithm
Authors: Lin Yuchuan
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, physical dance is widely spread in the society as an emerging sport. Dance movement is favored by people because of its unique social function and fitness effect. For dance teaching, dance movement analysis can help optimize and improve the existing dance movements and the understanding and inheritance of traditional dance movements. With the rise of online teaching, intelligent identification and analysis of dance movements can promote the better development of sports dance teaching. However, the relevant research in this area is still very scarce. As the basis of this kind of research, there is an urgent need for dance motion recognition technology. Based on this background, this paper by introducing neural network algorithm for dance teaching sports image special recognition design, the algorithm can combine feature extraction technology to process video, extract the dance movements in the target data set, then for the extraction of cumulative feature extraction operation, in order to accumulate all the collected target features, so as to further complete the gradient histogram acquisition. Through the design experimental test, the cumulative feature image extraction results obtained through the algorithm are obviously better than the traditional image recognition results, so the design rationality and effectiveness of the algorithm are proved, and the sports dance teaching can be specially assisted. This paper designs an effective auxiliary image recognition algorithm by introducing the neural network algorithm into the field of sports dance teaching.
Foliage Litter Decomposition of the Three Selected Indigenous Agroforestry Tree Species Jimma Zone Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Kasu , Estifanos Solomon , kebede Dargo
Published: February 2023

In agroforestry land use system soil productivity is maintained through the decomposition of tree species biomass input mainly foliage’s litter material. The quality of foliage litter material could be considerably varied among species. Hence, better soil management decision in agroforestry land use system remains on identification and use of the desirable species biomass input based on their decomposition characters. A study was conducted to evaluate the decomposition pattern of foliage litter materials of three selected indigenous agroforestry tree species grown in Jimma town Boye nursery site, southwest Ethiopia. In the study single exponential model was employed to determine the decay rate of decomposing litter materials as the dependency of degradation rate on some litter chemical quality indices examined by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results showed that, C.macrostachyus decomposed significantly faster than both F.vata and E.abyssinica with rate constant (k) of 0.0400 day− 1 (C. macrostachyus) and 0.0233 day− 1 for both F.vata and E.abyssinica with t respective 17.3 and 29.7days taken to loss 50% of original dry matter. The explained variation in rate of decomposition among the tested species was found to be due to the effects of some litter chemical quality parameters. Accordingly Cellulose and C/N ratio were identified as impeding biochemical parameters whereas Phosphorus and Nitrogen were identified as facilitators. Among the species, E.abyssinica reported to be the best species to return higher amount of nitrogen within a short time period followed by C.macrostachyus and F.vasta, respectively. The accelerated decomposition of C.macrostachyus may limit its potential for long-term build-up of soil fertility. Alternatively, E.abyssinica majorly and F.vasta in some cases should be considered for long-term build-up of soil organic carbon.
Lenalidomide overcomes the resistance to third-generation CD19-CAR-T cell therapy in preclinical models of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Jin Zhen , Xiang Rufang , Qing Kai , Li Dan , Liu Zhao , Li Xiaoyang , Zhu Hongming , Zhang Yunxiang , Wang Lining , Xue Kai , Liu Han , Xu Zizhen , Wang Yingxiao , Li Junmin
Published: February 2023

Purpose：Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells against CD19 have been proven to be effective in treating B-cell hematological malignancies. However, the efficacy of this promising therapy is limited by many factors.
Methods： In this study, the germinal center B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB-DLBCL) cell line OCI-Ly1, and patient-derived xenografted (PDX) mice (CY-DLBCL) were used as the CAR-T cell-resistant model. Meanwhile, the activated B-cell-like (ABC) DLBCL cell line OCI-Ly3 and PDX mice (ZML-DLBCL) were defined as the CAR-T sensitive model. The enhancement of CAR-T cell function by lenalidomide (LEN) was examined in vitro and in vivo.
Results：Lenalidomide effectively enhanced the function of third-generation CD19-CAR-T cells by polarizing CD8+ CAR-T cells to CD8 early-differentiated stage and Th1 type, reducing CAR-T cell exhaustion and improving cell expansion. It was further demonstrated that CAR-T cells combined with LEN substantially reduce the tumor burden and prolong the survival time in various DLBCL mouse models. LEN was also found to promote the infiltration of CD19-CAR-T cells into the tumor site by modulating the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusion: In summary, the results of the present study suggest that LEN can improve the function of CD19-CAR-T cells, providing a basis for clinical trials using this combination therapy against DLBCL.
Socioeconomic impacts of flooding and its coping strategies in Nigeria: Evidence from Dagiri community, Gwagwalada area council of Abuja
Authors: Badamosi Abiola Peace , Olutumise Adewale Isaac , Olukoya Obafemi Paul , Adegoroye Ademola , Aturamu Oluyede Adeleke
Published: February 2023

Dagiri, a community in the Gwagwalada area council, has been ravaged by floods. The most recent which took place on 25th July 2020 was devastating and had severe impacts on the community. This study focuses on the socioeconomic implication of the 2020 flood in the Dagari community. To achieve the specific objectives, a number of methodologies were employed such as map analysis, questionnaire survey, oral interviews, and site observations. Presentation of results was done using percentages, tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and photos. The land cover is mostly residential with urban infrastructures. A flood hazard map was created from which analysis revealed that about 87% of the area is at risk of flooding, though the severity of vulnerability varies from low vulnerable areas to highly vulnerable risk zones. The socioeconomic impacts were duly measured using some sustainable development indicators, and the result revealed that flooding had numerous socio-economic impacts on the community, ranging from income, education, agriculture, sanitation, infrastructures and properties. The coping strategies adopted by some community members were also very inadequate, while a high number of them are not employing any coping strategies at all. Therefore, we recommend a regulated and scientifically coordinated aggregate mining from the river and also relocation of households living in high-risk flood zones. The government should invest more in flood (disaster) management with the recent challenge of climate change.
Leptin reduces autophagy and improves the survival of human chondrocytes induced by inflammation through the mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Li Ping , Li Junnan , Yang Qiming , Lu Yang , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2023

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of leptin on human chondrocytes in vitro from the autophagy regulated by the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway.
Methods: Human articular chondrocyteswere isolated and cultured. Chondrocytes were identified by Toluidine blue staining and Col II immunocytochemistry staining. Chondrocytes were assigned into the blank group, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) group, leptin group, leptin+IL-1β group, leptin+leptin antagonistgroup, and leptin+leptin antagonist+IL-1β group. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected byCell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and flow cytometry respectively. Cell autophagy was detected by Monodansylcadaverine(MDC) staining and mRFP-GFP-LC3fluorescence microscopy was utilized to evaluate autophagy rates.
Results: The result of CCK8 assay presented the cell proliferation rate of had no difference between the leptin group and the blank group, and IL-1β group was lower, leptin+IL-1β group was in the middle. In flow cytometry, the apoptosis rate of the leptin+IL-1β group was the lower than IL-1β group. MDC-positive staining cells and the level of autophagy showed despite the autophagy rate was increased in IL-1β group, but in leptin+IL-1β group, the autophagy rate was decreased. Quantitative real-time PCR(QRT-PCR) and Western blotting showed the mRNA expressions of Atg5 and Atg7 and the protein expressions of LC3B were corresponded with the level of autophagy. But the expressions of mTOR protein was opposite changed.
Conclusions: IL-1β could inhibit human chondrocyte proliferation and up-regulation of the level of autophagy. Leptin could attenuate the effect of IL-1β on chondrocytes and down-regulation the autophagy, the mechanism may be related to the mTOR signaling pathway.
Molecular epidemiology and phylodynamic analysis of enterovirus 71 in Beijing, China, 2009-2019
Authors: Li Jie , Liang Zhichao , Huo Da , Yang Yang , Li Renqing , Jia Lei , Wang Xiaoli , Huang Chun , Wang Quanyi
Published: February 2023

Background: Enterovirus 71(EV71)-associated hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) decreased dramatically in Beijing, during 2009-2019. This study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, evolutionary dynamics, geographic diffusion pathway and other features of EV71 in Beijing, China.
Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of EV71-associated HFMD and its causative agent in Beijing, China during 2009-2019. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods based on the EV71 genome were used to determine the evolution features, origin, spatiotemporal dynamics. Positive selection sites in the VP1 gene were identified and exhibited in the tertiary structure. Bayesian birth-death skyline model was used to estimate effective reproductive number (Re).
Results: EV71-associated HFMD decreased greatly in Beijing. From 2009 to 2019, EV71 strains prevalent in Beijing shared high homology in each gene segment and evolved with a rate of 4.99*10-3 substitutions per site per year. Genetic diversity of EV71 first increased and peaked in 2012 and then decreased with fluctuations. The time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of EV71 in Beijing was estimated around 2003, when the EV71 strains were transmitted to Beijing from the east China. Beijing played a crucial role in seeding EV71 to central China as well. Two residues (E145Q/G, A293S) under positive selection were detected from both VP1 dataset and P1 dataset. They were embedded within the loop of the VP1 capsid and were exposed externally. Mean Re estimate of EV71 in Beijing was about 1.007.
Conclusion: With a decreased genetic diversity, EV71 was no longer the primary causative agent of HFMD in Beijing in recent years. Beijing and the east China played a crucial role in seeding EV71 to other regions in China. Low Re estimate of EV71 in Beijing implied that strategies of prevention and control of HFMD were performed effectively.
Transcutaneous carbon dioxide measurements in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgery: A prospective observational study
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Nan , Kong Qiuyue , Huang Shaokang , Wang Xian , Yang Chun , Liu Cunming , Ding Zhengnian , Liu Shijiang
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate the accuracy of transcutaneous CO2 pressure (PTCCO2) monitoring and the correlation between it and arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2), so as to determine PaCO2 in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgery.
Methods: 50 patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgery were enrolled in this study. PaCO2, end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2), and PTCCO2 values were measured at 4 time points: before pneumoperitoneum, 30 mins, 60 mins and 90 mins after pneumoperitoneum, respectively. The differences of PaCO2 – PETCO2 and PaCO2 - PTCCO2 were calculated. Paired t test, Bland–Altman method, correlation and regression analysis, as well as Fisher’s exact test were employed for the data analysis.
Results: Totally 157 samples were obtained. The mean (SD) of PaCO2, PETCO2 and PTCCO2 were 55.5 (7.2) mmHg, 42.3 (5.2) mmHg and 51.9 (84) mmHg, respectively. The absolute difference of PaCO2－PETCO2 was 13.20 ± 4.43 mmHg and 4.35 ± 2.56 mmHg for PaCO2－PTCCO2 (P < 0.0001). And the correlation coefficient (r) between PaCO2 and PETCO2 was 0.79 (r2 = 0.62, P < 0.0001) , whereas that value between PaCO2 and PTCCO2 was 0.91 (r2 = 0.83, P < 0.0001). Meanwhile, the linear regression between PaCO2 and PETCO2 was PETCO2 = 0.60×PaCO2＋9.10 (P < 0.0001), whilst the counterpart between PaCO2 and PTCCO2 was PTCCO2 = 1.07×PaCO2－7.30 (P < 0.0001). The 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of PaCO2 versus PETCO2 was 4.53 to 21.88 mmHg and -3.18 to 10.48 mmHg for PaCO2 versus PTCCO2.
Conclusion: PTCCO2 monitoring provided greater accuracy to estimate PaCO2 in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgery as compared to PETCO2 .
A hybrid approach based on multi-criteria decision making and data-based optimization in solving portfolio selection problem
Authors: Doaei Meysam , Dehnad Kazem , Dehnad Mahdi
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a two-phase approach based on multi-criteria decision making and multi-objective optimization is developed to solve the problem of optimal portfolio selection. In the first phase, the initial selection of suitable companies for investment is done by considering the criteria extracted from the literature review. In the second phase, a multi-objective mathematical optimization model is developed to determine the optimal investment in each company according to risk and return criteria. In order to deal with uncertainty conditions, a data-based approach is used, which is one of the newest applied methods in this field. According to the obtained results, it is observed that cash adequacy ratio with score 0.1604 is the most important criterion and operating profit with score 0.004 is the least important one. In the alternative prioritization section, it is concluded that Shraz, Shavan, Shenft and Vanft companies have a high priority for investment. In solving the mathematical model under certain conditions, it is observed that the Pareto members 152, 154 and 193 have the smallest distance from the ideal solution (0.0121) and therefore each of them can be used as the final solution. In solving the problem under uncertain conditions, numerical scenarios resulting from changes in the prioritization of companies based on the coefficient v is used in the VIKOR model. After solving the model, it is observed that the impact of different scenarios on corporate investment is not negligible and consequently investors need to pay attention to this fact.
Insilico Identification of MHC displayed Tumor Associated Peptides in Ovarian Cancer for Multi-Epitope Vaccine Construct
Authors: Dobhal Shivashish , Chauhan Kanchan , Kumar Sachin , Shikha Sristy , Jogi Mukesh K , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Anuj , Jaiswal Varun K. , Kumar Pramod
Published: February 2023

One of the most prevalent gynaecologic malignancies with the greatest fatality rate is ovarian cancer. By recognizing the potential of immune system, immunotherapies have brought about a revolution in the treatment of cancer. However, interactions of malignant, non-malignant, and immune cells in the peritoneal cavity form a unique TME which is less explored in terms of immunosuppression. Less tumour mutational burden and strong immunosuppression in peritoneal TME leads to poor outcome of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and CART cell therapy in ovarian cancer. Therefore, alternative immunotherapeutic strategies are of utmost importance to achieve sound clinical success. The development of peptide vaccines based on tumor-associated antigens (TTAs) displayed in ovarian cancer cells can be a potential target to provoke an anti-tumor immune response and subsequent clearance of tumour cells. This insilico study was conducted to find out potential epitopes for a peptide vaccine construct using the immunopeptidomics landscape of ovarian carcinoma. In this investigation, we have selected MUC16, IDO1, FOLR1, and DDX5 for epitope prediction. Potential epitopes for B-cells, Helper T-lymphocytes (HTL) and Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) were predicted on the basis of antigenic, allergenic, and toxic properties to design a multiepitope construct. The insilico evaluation of physicochemical properties and higher order structural analyses of the final construct revealed a potential vaccine candidate. The designed vaccine construct may be employed as a therapeutic immunization candidate for ovarian malignancies either alone or in combination with ICI. However, further in vitro and animal experimentation is required to establish the efficacy of the vaccine candidate.
Clinical outcomes and safety analysis for PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy in HER2 negative advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Tang Lin , Wu Qiang , Ma Changsheng
Published: February 2023

Background and purpose: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor has been approved as second or later-line treatment in advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy (combination therapy) with chemotherapy monotherapy as second or later-line treatment in AGC.
Methods: The clinical data of patients with AGC with human epidermal growth factor receptor (her2) negative and receiving combination therapy or chemotherapy monotherapyas second or later-line treatment was retrospectively collected. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and the occurrence of adverse reactions (AEs) were evaluated between two groups.
Result: A total of 107 patients were enrolled in current study. Fifty-seven patients received combination therapy, and fifty patients received chemotherapy monotherapy. After at least 2 cycles of treated, ORR and DCR in combination therapy group were higher than monotherapy group (37.1% vs 4.3%, P<=0.001; 82.3% vs53.2%, P<=0.001). Median PFS and median OS in combination therapy group were significantlly longer than monotherapy group (9.20 months vs 3.07 months, P<=0.001; 10.47 months vs 7.80 months, P<=0.001). The rate of any grade AEs in combination therapy group was significantlly higher than monotherapy group (98.4% vs 85.1%, P=0.024). There was no treatment-related death in two groups.
Conclusions: Compared with chemotherapy monotherapy, the PD-1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy as second or later-line treatment in Her2 negative AGC can prolong OS and PFS and improve DCR. However, the incidence of all AEs in combination therapy group was significantly higher than chemotherapy monotherapy group.
Super-hydrophobic silane functional cardanol based sustainable polybenzoxazine-silica hybrids: Thermal, flame resistant and oil-water separation properties
Authors: Subramani Devaraju , Reddy Tenali Gangadhar , G Mukesh
Published: February 2023

In this work, an effort has been made to develop silane functional cardanol based polybenzoxazine-silica hybrid material for high thermal, flame resistant, super hydrophobic and oil-water separation applications. Silane functional cardanol based benzoxazine (C-aptes) monomer is synthesized using cardanol, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and paraformaldehyde through Mannich condensation reaction. Later, C-aptes and various weight percentages (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 wt. %) of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) solution is coated on cotton fabric/ or filter paper and polymerized via thermal induced ring opening polymerization. The developed Poly(C-aptes)-silica hybrid materials are utilized to check their molecular structure, thermal, flame resistant, hydrophobic, oil-water separation properties. Data attained from thermal, flame resistant, and hydrophobic studies, conferred that the prepared eco-friendly hybrid poly(C-aptes)-silica revealed higher properties with superior oil-water separation behaviour over the neat PBZ matrices. Consequently the developed sustainable bio-based poly(C-aptes)-silica hybrid materials will be able to useful in hydrophobic coatings and oil-water separations.
Variational Mode Decomposition for Deep Convolutional Neural Networks in Underwater Acoustic Communication
Authors: Jiang Yuanjie , Chen Yuda , Xing Xuefeng
Published: February 2023

Recently, the application of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) in underwater acoustic communication has become a growing research hotspot. However, it is hindered by the large amounts of training data required to achieve a complex communication system. In this paper, we propose a novel approach of combining variational mode decomposition (VMD) and DCNN networks to address this issue. Considering filter-bank multicarrier (FBMC) technologies offer promising performance in terms of spectral efficiency and robustness to interference, and the Bellhop model is also capable of providing effective and accurate communication data, this study adopts FBMC technologies for signal modulation and Bellhop models for communication data. The results show that the VMD-DCNN equalizer has a lower BER compared with the other seven contrast methods, thus further promoting the application and development of VMD-DCNN technologies in underwater acoustic communications.
Text mining of veterinary forums for epidemiological surveillance supplementation
Authors: Munaf Samuel , Swingler Kevin , Brülisauer Franz , O’Hare Anthony , Gunn George , Reeves Aaron
Published: February 2023

Web scraping and texting mining are popular computer science methods deployed by public health researchers to augment traditional epidemiological surveillance. However, within veterinary disease surveillance, such techniques are still in the early stages of development and have not yet been fully utilised. This study presents an exploration into the utility of incorporating internet-based data to better understand the smallholder farming communities within Scotland, by using online text extraction and the subsequent mining of this data. Web scraping of the livestock fora was conducted, in conjunction with text mining of the data in search of common themes, words and topics found within the text. Results from bi-grams and topic modelling uncover four main topics of interest within the data pertaining to aspects of livestock husbandry: Feeding, breeding, slaughter, and disposal. These topics were found amongst both the poultry and pig sub-forums. Topic modeling appears to be a useful method of unsupervised classification regarding this form of data, as it has produced clusters that relate to biosecurity and animal welfare. Internet data can be a very effective tool in aiding traditional veterinary surveillance methods, but the requirement for human validation of said data is crucial. This opens avenues of research via the incorporation of other dynamic social media data, namely Twitter and Facebook/Meta, in addition to time series analysis to highlight temporal patterns.
3D microprinting of inorganic porous materials by chemical linking-induced solidification of nanocrystals
Authors: Song Minju , Kim Yoonkyum , Baek Du San , Gu Da Hwi , Cunning Benjamin , Yang Seong Eun , Heo Seung Hwae , Lee Seunghyun , Yoo Jung-Woo , Joo Sang Hoon , Ruoff Rodney , Son Jae Sung
Published: February 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) microprinting is considered a next-generation manufacturing process for the production of microscale components; however, the narrow range of suitable materials, which include mainly polymers, is a critical issue that limits the application of this process to functional inorganic materials. Herein, we develop a generalised microscale 3D printing method for the production of purely inorganic nanocrystal-based porous materials. Our process was designed to solidify all-inorganic nanocrystals via immediate dispersibility control and surface linking in the nonsolvent linker bath and thereby created multibranched gel networks. The process works with various inorganic materials, including metals, semiconductors, magnets, oxides, and multi-materials, not requiring organic binders or stereolithographic equipment. Filaments with a diameter of sub-10 µm are printed into designed complex 3D microarchitectures, which exhibit full nanocrystal functionality and high specific surface areas comparable to those of typical aerogels. This approach enables the manufacture of a very broad range of functional inorganic materials.
Numerical investigation of performance of mirrored Bessel beam in turbulence
Authors: Bayraktar Mert , Chib Salma , Belafhal Abdelmajid
Published: February 2023

We study scintillation and bit error rate performance of mirrored Bessel beams through turbulent atmosphere in this article. We benefit from numerical method to model the atmosphere. Since scintillation plays a vital role in optical wireless applications, reduction in this term provides better performance in these systems. Bearing in mind this, our results indicate that it is possible to decrease scintillation by increasing beam order to three when strong turbulent conditions are satisfied. In addition, we observe that argument of Bessel beam has more dominant role than beam order in moderate turbulence. Lastly, mirroring brings us a slight advantage in case of bit error rate. Results of this study can be beneficial for optical link designers.