bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergent indicator changes in different exercise states in non-hypertensive individuals and patients with hypertension
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Youlong , Gao Junqing , Li Min , Fa Jingjing , Ding Xinyue , Yang Chenhao , Zhang Lingxiao , Luan Yuling , Xia Yinjuan , Wang Mingyu , Li Qingli , Xing Lina , Liu Zongjun
Published: January 2023

BackgroundHypertension is a kind of clinical syndrome, characterized by the increase of systemic arterial pressure. There is a lack of identifiable triggers and predictors of hypertensive disease in response to treatment at rest and during exercise. In this study, a mathematical model was used to screen and compare the indicators and related changes at rest and during exercise between normotensive and hypertensive individuals.MethodsBlood pressure and ultrasound-related indicators, blood biochemical indicators and metabolic compounds were collected and logistic regression model and Principal component analysis (PCA) were used to explore the differences of indexes at rest and in different exercise states in healthy and hypertensive patients. An indicator change map for hypertension is established.ResultsThe results reveal that hypertension is not only related to oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction and fatty acid oxidation, but also involves various amino acid metabolism. The defined mathematical models and indicators changes during exercise might be helpful for early screening of hypertension and future studies are needed to explore their value on prevention and control of hypertension.ConclusionThe research shows that the main regulation indicators at different exercise states differ significantly in the normal group and the hypertensive group. The key indicators of the normal group are blood pressure and ultrasound related indicators, while those of the hypertensive group are metabolites related to lactic acid metabolism, glycolysis, aerobic oxidation and lipid metabolism.
Clinical and Psychosocial Factors associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study from a Lower-Middle-Income Country
Authors: Zahid Nida , Martins Russell Seth , Dawood Zaiba , Zahid Wajeeha , Azam Iqbal , Ikram Mubasher , Hassan Aneesa , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Asad Nargis , Jabbar Adnan Abdul , Akhtar Shabbir , Siddiqui Moghira Iqbaluddin , Awan Mohammad Sohail , Ahmad Khabir
Published: January 2023

Introduction
The disease course of head and neck (H&N) cancers can severely impair patients’ quality of life (QoL). In Pakistan, a South Asian lower-middle-income country (LMIC), psychosocial factors may be associated with QoL. Thus, we aimed to assess QoL and associated factors amongst patients with H&N cancers in Pakistan.
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted amongst adult (≥ 18 years) patients with H&N cancer who were ≥ 4 weeks post-initiation of treatment. The survey assessed QoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires), mental health outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and social support (Enriched Social Support Instrument). Multivariable linear regression was used for analysis.
Results
A total of 250 patients (mean age: 51.6 years) were included. The majority of patients were married (87%) and living with multigenerational/extended family households (53%). On multivariable linear regression, ongoing cancer treatment (beta coefficient: -13.93), having a tracheostomy (-10.02), and receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (-8.17) were significantly associated with poorer global QoL. Additionally, poorer QoL was associated with depression (-24.37) and anxiety (-13.34). However, having more household family member was associated with better global QoL (0.34).
Conclusion
The QoL of patients with H&N cancer in Pakistan is affected by both the nature of cancer treatment as well as sociocultural factors such as household size. Given that poorer QoL is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, there is a need to develop and implement psychosocial interventions to improve QoL of patients with H&N cancer in Pakistan, particularly during active treatment.
Sturm-Liouville problems with a boundary condition depending affinely or quadratically on an eigenparameter
Authors: Aliyev Yagub
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Heat extremes in Western Europe are increasing faster than simulated due to missed atmospheric circulation changes
Authors: Vautard Robert , Cattiaux Julien , Happé Tamara , Singh Jitendra , Bonnet Rémy , Cassou Christophe , Coumou Dim , D'Andrea Fabio , Faranda Davide , Fischer Erich , Ribes Aurélien , Sippel Sebastian , Yiou Pascal
Published: January 2023

Over the last 70 years, extreme heat has been increasing at global scale [1,2], with a rapid rate in several regions including Western Europe [3]. Climate models broadly capture heat trends globally [1], but exhibit systematically weaker extreme heat trends than observations in Western Europe [4-6], together with a weaker summer warming [7,8]. The causes of this mismatch, confirmed here by the analysis of 273 latest generation coupled climate simulations, among which only a handful of them overpass observed trends, are not well understood. Here we use a circulation analogue approach [9,10] to identify the dynamical contribution to temperature trends [11-12], and show that a substantial fraction (1.0°C [0.4°-1.6°C] of 3.4°C per global warming degree) of the trend is due to circulation changes, largely due to increases in southerly flows over Western Europe. Their rapid increase in frequency (+63% [20%-106%] since 1950) and persistence (+45% [12%-77%]) are not captured by any of the 32 climate model flow simulations analyzed. The few simulations reaching the observed warming trends in extreme heat have weak dynamical changes, with a decrease in occurrence of southerly flows, indicating that they capture the warming trend for the wrong reasons. These model biases in circulation trends can be due to a systematically underestimated or erroneous representation of the circulation response to external forcing, or to a systematic underestimation of interdecadal variability, or both. The former implies that projections are too conservative, the latter that we are left with deep uncertainty regarding the pace of future summer heat in Europe: the current strong recent trend could weaken or increase in future decades. This calls for caution when interpreting climate projections of heat extremes over Western Europe, in particular in view of adaptation to heat waves.
Single-cell multi-omics analysis identifies two distinct phenotypes of newly-onset microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Nishide Masayuki , Nishimura Kei , Matsushita Hiroaki , Edahiro Ryuya , Inukai Sachi , Shimagami Hiroshi , Kawada Shoji , Kato Yasuhiro , Kawasaki Takahiro , Tsujimoto Kohei , Kamon Hokuto , Omiya Ryusuke , Okada Yukinori , Hattori Kunihiro , Narazaki Masashi , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: January 2023

Patients with autoimmune vasculitis present with diverse organ-threatening symptoms, but the underlying immunological basis of the clinical heterogeneity remains poorly understood. We conducted single-cell transcriptome and surface proteome analyses using CITE-seq on 109,350 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CyTOF on 737,794 PBMCs from newly-onset patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and age-matched healthy donors. Increased proportions of activated CD14+ monocytes, CD14+ monocytes expressing interferon signature genes (ISGs), cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, and killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)+ CD8+ T cells were distinctive features of MPA. Patient-specific analysis classified MPA into two groups characterized by CD14+ monocyte signature gene expression (MPA-MONO) and ISG expression (MPA-IFN). The MPA-MONO group was characterized by a high proportion of activated CD14+ monocytes, which persisted before and after immunosuppressive therapy. Patients in this group had a high rate of relapse and were clinically defined by increased monocyte ratio in the total PBMC count and high C-reactive protein titers. The MPA-IFN group was characterized by a high proportion of ISG+ CD14+ monocytes, which significantly decreased following treatment. Patients in this group showed good response to immunosuppressive therapy and were clinically defined by high serum interferon-alpha concentrations, renal symptoms, and high myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) titers. Our findings identify the immunological phenotypes of MPA and provide clinical recommendations for personalized treatment based on accurate prognostic prediction.
Combined cerium and zinc oxide nanoparticles induced hepato-renal damage in rats through oxidative stress mediated inflammation
Authors: Adeniyi Olola Esther , Adebayo Olayinka Anthony , Akinloye Oluyemi , ADARAMOYE Oluwatosin Adekunle
Published: January 2023

The toxicity profiles of nanoparticles (NPs) used in appliances nowadays remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the toxicological implications of cerium oxide (CeO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs given singly or in combination on the integrity of liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were assigned equally into four groups and treated as: Control (normal saline), CeO2NPs (50µg/kg), ZnONPs (80µg/kg) and [CeO2NPs (50µg/kg) + ZnONPs (80µg/kg)]. The NPs were administered intraperitoneally thrice weekly for four consecutive weeks. Results showed that administration of CeO2 and ZnO NPs (Singly) increased serum AST and ALT by 29% & 57%; 41% & 18%, and co-administration by 53% and 23%, respectively. CeO2 and ZnO NPs increased hepatic and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) by 33% and 30%; 38% and 67%, respectively, while co-administration increased hepatic and renal MDA by 43% and 40%, respectivelyThe combined NPs increased hepatic NO by 28%. Also, CeO2 and ZnO NPs, and combined increased BAX, interleukin-1β and TNF-α by 45, 38, 52%; 47, 23, 82% and 41, 83, 70%, respectively. Histology revealed hepatic necrosis and renal haemorrhagic parenchymal in NPs-treated rats. Overall, NPs elicited oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and kidney of the rats.
Hierarchical structures of hematopoietic stem cells and their bone marrow niches are measured via immune privilege
Authors: Furuhashi Kazuhiro , Kakiuchi Miwako , Ueda Ryosuke , Reizis Boris , Owens David , Frangos John , Robson Simon , Fujisaki Joji
Published: January 2023

Stem cells reside in specialized regulatory microenvironments, termed niches, at several different locations within tissues1-3. The differential functions of heterogeneous stem cells and niches are important given increasing clinical application of stem cell transplantation and cancer immunotherapy. It remains unknown whether hierarchical arrangements amongst stem cells and distinct niches exist, and are responsible for aspects of immune tolerance. Here, we propose novel hierarchical arrangements within hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bone marrow (BM) niches, that dictate both regenerative potential and immune privilege. High level nitric oxide-generating (NOHi) HSCs are refractory to immune attack; and exhibit “delayed” but robust long-term reconstitution. Such highly immune-privileged, primitive NOHi HSCs are present at distinct capillaries, characterized by primary cilia and high levels of the immune-checkpoint molecule CD200. These capillaries regulate regenerative functions of NOHi HSCs through cilia/CD200/eNOS/autophagy signals, further mediating immune-protection. Notably, described niche constituents, sinusoidal cells and Type H vessels2-10, co-localize with less immune-privileged and less potent NOLow HSCs. Therefore, we have identified highly immune-privileged, “late-rising” primitive HSCs and characterized immune-protective niches constituted of specialized vascular domains. Our studies suggest the niche may orchestrate stem cell hierarchy with immune tolerance, delineating future immunotherapeutic targets.
Site-directed placement of three-dimensional DNA origami
Authors: Martynenko Irina , Erber Elisabeth , Ruider Veronika , Dass Mihir , Yin Xin , Posnjak Gregor , Altpeter Philipp , Liedl Tim
Published: January 2023

Assembling hybrid substrates with nanometer-scale precision and molecular addressability enables advances in such distant fields as material research and biosensing. As such, the combination of lithographic methods with 2D DNA origami self-assembly has led, among others, to the development of photonic crystal cavity arrays and the exploration of sensing nanoarrays where molecular devices are patterned on the sub-micron scale. Here we extend this concept to the third dimension through mounting 3D DNA origami onto nano-patterned substrates followed by silicification to provide mechanical and chemical stability. Our versatile and scalable method relying on self-assembly at ambient temperatures offers the potential to 3D-position any inorganic and organic components that are compatible with DNA architectures. This way, complex and 3D-patterend surfaces designed on the molecular level while reaching macroscopic dimensions could supersede energy-intensive manufacturing steps in substrate processing.
Microglial P2X4 receptors promote ApoE degradation and contribute to memory deficits in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Hua Jennifer , de Paco Elvira Garcia , Linck Nathalie , Maurice Tangui , Desrumaux Catherine , Manoury Bénédicte , Rassendren François , Ulmann Lauriane
Published: January 2023

Numerous evidence support that microglia contributes to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. P2X4 receptors are ATP-gated channels with high calcium permeability, which are de novo expressed in a subset of reactive microglia associated to various pathological contexts, contributing to microglial functions. P2X4 receptors trafficking to the plasma membrane is tightly regulated and are mainly localized in lysosomes. Here, we investigated the role of P2X4 in the context of Alzheimer disease (AD). Using proteomic, we identified ApoE as a specific P2X4 interacting protein. We found that P2X4 regulates lysosomal cathepsin B activity promoting ApoE degradation; P2rx4 deletion results in higher amount of intracellular and secreted ApoE in both BMDM and microglia from APPswe/PSEN1dE9 brain. In both human AD brain and APP/PS1 mice, P2X4 and ApoE are almost exclusively expressed in plaque associated microglia. In 12 months old APP/PS1 mice, genetic deletion of p2rx4 reverses topographical and spatial memory impairment and reduces amount of soluble small aggregates of Aß1-42 peptide, while no obvious alteration of plaque associated microglia characteristics is observed. Our results support that microglial P2X4 promotes lysosomal ApoE degradation, indirectly altering Aß peptide clearance, which in turn might promote synaptic dysfunctions and cognitive deficits. Our findings uncover a specific interplay between purinergic signaling, microglial ApoE, sAß species and cognitive deficits associated with AD.
Optimization of diesel engine performance and emission using waste plastic pyrolytic oil by ANN and its thermo economic assessment
Authors: Panda Achyut Kumar , Rout Saroj Kumar , DAS AMAR KUMAR
Published: January 2023

The current study focuses on the engine performance and emission analysis of a 4 stroke compression ignition engine powered by medical waste plastic oil (WPO) followed by their optimization study and economic analysis. Engine tests were conducted using WPO blended diesel at various proportions to acquire required data for training the ANN model, which enables better prediction for the engine performance by making use of the standard back-propagation algorithm.Considering supervised data obtained from repeated engine tests, an artificial intelligence-based model of ANN was designed to select different parameters of performance and emission as output layers, at the same time engine loading and different blending ratio of the test fuels were taken as the input layers. The ANN model was built up making use of 80% of testing outcomes for training. The ANN model forecasted engine performance and exhaust emission with regression coefficients (R) at 0.989–0.998 intervals and a mean relative error from 0.002% to 0.348%. Such results illustrated the effectiveness of the ANN model for estimating emissions and the performance of diesel engines. This study demonstrates the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to forecast a multi-component fuel mixture, which is novel and reduces the amount of experimental effort required to determine the engine output characteristics. Moreover, the economic viability of the use of 20WPO as an alternative to diesel was justified by thermo-economic analysis.
Construction of Emergency Preparedness Evaluation Index System of public for Major Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Delphi Study
Authors: Wei Wei , Liu Yubei , Zhou Na , Tian Min , Xie Longsheng , Watson Roger , Dai Fengling , Hu Weili , Chen Yanhua
Published: January 2023

Objective
To construct a scientific and comprehensive emergency preparedness evaluation index system of public for major emerging infectious diseases (MEIDs).
Methods
Based on the global national-level emergency preparedness index framework and a literature review, a preliminary index system was constructed. From June 2022 to September 2022, a panel of 20 experts from the fields of public health, infectious diseases, disease control, and psychology participated in the study. They rated the importance of pre-defined indicators using a five-point Likert scale. The index inclusion criteria were: mean scores of importance > 3.5, coefficient of variation < 2.5, and full mark rate > 20%. According to the feedback of each round of experts, the indicators of the index system were revised.
Results
After two rounds of expert consultation, the evaluation index system reached a consensus. The expert authority coefficient of consultation was 0.88 and 0.90. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance of expert consultations was 0.294 and 0.322, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Finally, the emergency preparedness evaluation index system of public for major emerging infectious diseases was ultimately formed, including five first-level indicators, 20 second-level indicators and 53 third-level indicators.
Conclusion
The evaluation index system established by experts was reasonably scientific and could be used as a tool to evaluate the emergency preparedness of public for major emerging infectious diseases. At the same time, it could provide a reference for future education and training.
Comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveals NK cell exhaustion and unique tumor cell evolutionary trajectory in non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Cuimin , Wang Chun , Pang Ruifang , Liu Huanyu , Yin Weihua , Chen Jiakang , Tao Lili
Published: January 2023

Background

Nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NK-NPC) has a strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The role of NK cells and the tumor cell evolutionary trajectory in NK-NPC remain unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the function of NK cell and the evolutionary trajectory of tumor cells in NK-NPC by single-cell transcriptomic analysis, proteomics and immunohistochemistry.

Methods

NK-NPC (n=3) and normal nasopharyngeal mucosa cases (n=3) were collected for proteomic analysis. Single-cell transcriptomic data of NK-NPC were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE162025). Quality control, dimension reduction and clustering were based on Seurat software (v4.0.2) process and batch effects were removed by harmony (v0.1.1) software. Normal cells of nasopharyngeal mucosa and tumor cells of NK-NPC were identified using copykat software (v1.0.8). Cell-cell interactions were explored using CellChat software (v1.4.0). Tumor cell evolutionary trajectory analysis was performed using SCORPIUS software (v1.0.8). Protein and gene function enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler software (v4.2.2).

Results

A total of 161 differentially expressed proteins were obtained between NK-NPC (n = 3) and normal nasopharyngeal mucosa (n = 3) by proteomics (log2 fold change>0.5 and P value <0.05). Most of proteins associated with the nature killer cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway were downregulated in the NK-NPC group. In single cell transcriptomics, we identified three NK cell subsets (NK1-3), among which NK cell exhaustion was identified in the NK3 subset with high ZNF683 expression (a signature of tissue-resident NK cell) in NK-NPC. Moreover, the trajectory analysis revealed that the evolutionary trajectory of NK-NPC tumor cells was associated with the status of EBV infection (active or latent). The analysis of cell-cell interactions uncovered a complex network of cellular interactions in NK-NPC.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the NK cell exhaustion might be induced by upregulation of inhibitory receptors on the surface of NK cells in NK-NPC. Treatments for the reversal of NK cell exhaustion may be a promising strategy for NK-NPC. Meanwhile, we identified a unique evolutionary trajectory of tumor cells with active status of EBVinfection in NK-NPC for the first time. Our study may provide new immunotherapeutic targets and new sight of evolutionary trajectory involving tumor genesis, development and metastasis in NK-NPC.
Identification of targetable genomic profiling of breast cancer brain metastases identifies alterations and genomic signatures relevant to immune-checkpoint and PARP inhibitors
Authors: Palmieri Carlo , Giannoudis Athina , Sokol Ethan , Bhogal Talvinder , Ramkissoon Shakti , Razis Evangelia , Bartsch Rupert , Shaw Jacqui , McGregor Kimberly , Clark Allison , Huang Richard
Published: January 2023

Understanding the genomic landscape of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) is key to elucidating their cause and developing novel treatments. In this study, comprehensive genomic profiling was performed on 822 BCBMs, 11,988 local breast cancer (BC) biopsies and 15,516 non-central nervous system (N-CNS) metastases (all unpaired samples). Clinically-relevant genomic alterations were significantly enriched in BCBMs compared to local BCs and N-CNS metastases. Homologous recombination deficiency as measured byBRCA1/2alteration prevalence and loss-of-heterozygosity and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) biomarkers [Tumour mutation burden (TMB)-High, Microsatellite instability (MSI)-High,PD-L1/L2)] were significantly more prevalent in BCBM than local BC and N-CNS. High PD-L1 protein expression was observed in ER-negative/HER2-negative BCBMs (48.3% vs 50.0% in local BCs, 21.4% in N-CNS). Collectively, our data highlights that a high proportion of BCBMs are potentially amenable to treatment with targeted therapeutic agents including PARP inhibitors and ICIs.
Epistatic interactions promote resistance against direct-acting antivirals targeting the HCV NS3 protein
Authors: Zhang Hang , Quadeer Ahmed Abdul , McKay Matthew
Published: January 2023

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) provide efficacious therapeutic treatments for chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, emergence of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) can greatly affect treatment outcomes and impede virological cure. While multiple DRMs have been observed for all currently used DAAs, the evolutionary determinants of such mutations are not currently well understood. Here, by considering DAAs targeting the nonstructural 3 (NS3) protein of HCV, we present results suggesting that epistasis plays an important role in the evolution of DRMs. Using a sequence-based fitness landscape model that we validate using experimental data, we identify specific DRMs that are associated with strong epistatic interactions, and these are found to be enriched in multiple NS3-specific DAAs. We further demonstrate, using evolutionary modelling, that the identified DRMs involve compensatory mutational interactions that facilitate relatively easy escape from drug-induced selection pressures. Our results indicate that accounting for epistasis is important for designing future HCV NS3-targeting DAAs.
Assessment of the DASH-TOP Shared decision-making intervention using the decisional conflict scale: A mixed- method study
Authors: León‑García Montserrat , Humphries Brittany , Morales Pablo Roca , Gravholt Derek , Eckman Mark H. , Bates Shannon M. , Suárez Nataly R. Espinoza , Xie Feng , Alonso‑Coello Pablo , Perestelo‑Perez Lilisbeth
Published: January 2023

Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity and death. The use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), despite being the standard of care to prevent VTE, comes with some challenges. Shared decision-making (SDM) interventions are recommended to support patients and clinicians in making preference-sensitive decisions. The quality of the SDM process has been widely assessed with the decisional conflict scale (DCS). Our aim is to report participants’ perspectives of each of the components of an SDM intervention (DASH-TOP) in relation to the different subscales of the DCS.
Methods
Design: A convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design.
Participants: The sample consisted of 22 health care professionals, students of an Applied Clinical Research in Health Sciences (ICACS) master program.
Intervention: We randomly divided the participants in three groups: Group 1 received one component (evidence -based information), Group 2 received two components (first component and value elicitation exercises), and Group 3 received all three components (the first two and a decision analysis recommendation) of the SDM intervention.
Analysis: For the quantitative strand, we used a non-parametric test to analyze the differences in the DCS subscales between the three groups. For the qualitative strand, we conducted a content analysis using the decisional conflict domains to deductively categorize the responses.
Results
Groups that received more intervention components experienced less conflict and better decision-making quality, although the differences between groups were not statistically significant. The decision analysis recommendation improved the efficacy with the decision-making process, however there are some challenges when implementing it in clinical practice. The uncertainty subscale showed a high decisional conflict for all three groups; contributing factors included low certainty of the evidence-based information provided and a perceived small effect of the drug to reduce the risk of a VTE event.
Conclusions
The DASH-TOP intervention reduced decisional conflict in the decision -making process, with decision analysis being the most effective component to improve the quality of the decision. There is a need for more implementation research to improve the delivery of SDM interventions in the clinical encounter.
Simultaneous preconcentration and determination of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) in food and environmental samples by the application of chelate adsorption on Amberlite XAD-1180
Authors: TOPUZ Berrin , ALTINIŞIK Ece Talya
Published: January 2023

A simultaneous preconcentration and determination procedure for solid phase extraction on AXAD-1180 as 2,6-dimethlmorpholinedithiocarbamate (DMMDTC) chelates and spectrophotometric determinations of Cu (II), Ni (II), and Co (II) in food and environmental samples is proposed in the present work. The effect of some SPE parameters, such as reagent amount, sample pH, eluent type, concentration, and volume, sample and eluent flow rate, and sample volume, on trace metal ion recovery (R%) for the method developed in the standard model solution medium was investigated. Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) retained as DMMDTC complexes on Amberlite XAD-1180 were eluted with 10 mL of 1 M HNO3 (in acetone). Foreign ions were also studied individually on the recovery of trace metal ions using the developed method. Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) ions were preconcentrated and separated from the sample using the developed SPE method, and their concentrations were simultaneously determined using the UV-VIS spectrophotometric method. The spectrophotometric determination was made by measuring the absorbance of colored chelates of metal ions complexed with DMMDTC in a surfactant medium (1% Triton X-100) at wavelengths of 460, 328, and 342 nm for Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II), respectively. To test the method's accuracy, certified reference materials (CRM 1204 waste water and TMDA-70.2 Ontario lake water) were analyzed using the proposed method, and metal recoveries were calculated to be between 97.1% and 100.7%. The proposed method worked well with the wheat flour sample. Wheat flour has Cu(II) and Ni(II) contents of 2,16 µgmL− 1 and 0,56 µgmL− 1, respectively.
Plant beneficial bacterium promotes plant growth by altering social networks of bacteria in the rhizosphere
Authors: Liu Yan , Xu Zhihui , Xun Weibing , Štefanič Polonca , Yang Tianjie , Miao Youzhi , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ruifu , Shen Qirong , Mulec Ines Mandic
Published: January 2023

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a green solution to emerging food production challenges but the knowledge of their role in shaping phylogenetic and social relationships of bacterial rhizosphere community is lacking. We here address this gap in knowledge by following effects of Bacillus velezensis SQR9, the commercially important PGP rhizobacterium, on rhizosphere community focusing on Bacillus species. Results show that SQR9 dramatically shifts phylogenetic and social relationships in the rhizosphere enriching moderately related and swarming compatible Bacillus species with decreased carbon resource niche overlap. By combining Bacillus isolates from the SQR9 treated rhizosphere with SQR9 into multispecies consortia we confirm in hydroponic systems and soil experiments that relatedness-based sociality and competition for carbon resources represent fundamental knowledge for the intelligent design of efficient PGP consortia. The work contributes toward sustainable agriculture by providing the first insight in PGPR’s sociality effects in the rhizosphere and their importance for PGP consortia design.
Integrating Cybersecurity Concerns in Functional Safety Assurance of AI-Based Automotive Functions
Authors: Lami Giuseppe , Merola Francesco
Published: January 2023

Automated vehicles are characterized by intelligent functions (many developed using AI-based solutions), autonomy, and high connectivity with the external environment. The high connectivity of AV opens relevant cybersecurity issues due to many potential attack surfaces. Cybersecurity attacks' effects on AV may also determine severe risks in terms of functional safety due to vehicles' high automation and autonomy. Functional safety assurance of AV cannot be disjoint from the analysis and treatment of cybersecurity concerns. In this paper, we define a methodology called ISCA (Integrated Safety and Cybersecurity Assurance) aimed at integrating, in a systematic manner, cybersecurity concerns into the functional safety assurance process of AI-based functions of AV. The ISCA methodology focuses on the emerging scenario-based approach for testing AI-based vehicle functions and is based on creating variants of the scenarios used for functional safety testing. The variants are derived from the original scenarios modified by the effects of highly risky cyberattacks that can occur during the scenario execution. The risk assessment of cyberattacks is based on the fuzzy logic mechanism. ISCA represents a possible way to strengthen the scenario-based functional safety assurance of AI-based vehicle functions by integrating cybersecurity concerns.
Synchronized Oscillations of Carbon Nanotubes Dispersed in Solution
Authors: Fukumoto Makoto , Akai Ryunosuke , Yoshida Yume , Sakuma Shin-nosuke , Ono Hayato , Mori Rintaro , Sano Masahito
Published: January 2023

Although synchronized oscillations are found in a variety of systems and living organisms in nature, there has been no report on technologically important materials. We have observed by a fluorescence microscope that a large number of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in an aqueous mixture of the surfactant and dye execute synchronized oscillations spontaneously. The movement was quantified to give a power spectrum, revealing a single, sharp synchronization peak at 20 Hz. It was found not to be affected nor created by external vibrations. The surfactant concentration dependence demonstrates that the Kuramoto model is applicable to describe the CNT synchronization. It is always associated with the power-law noise, indicating the presence of complex heterogeneous networks. These results suggest a highly cooperative form of the sparse CNT network connected with variable linkages.
Urine-derived bladder cancer organoids (urinoids) as tool for cancer longitudinal response monitoring and therapy adaptation
Authors: Viergever Bastiaan , Raats Daniëlle , Geurts Veerle , Mullenders Jasper , Jonges Trudy , Heijden Michiel (S.) Van der , Es Johan van , Kranenburg Onno , Meijer Richard
Published: January 2023

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancer-types worldwide. Generally, research relies on invasive sampling strategies. Here, we generate bladder cancer organoids directly from urine (urinoids). In this project, we establish 12 urinoid-lines from 22 patients with non-muscle and muscle-invasive bladder tumors, with an efficiency of 55%. The histopathological features of the urinoids accurately resemble those of the original bladder tumors. Genetically there is a high concordance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (92.56%) and insertions and deletions (91.54%) between urinoids and original tumors. Furthermore, urinoids show sensitivity to bladder cancer drugs, similar to their tissue-derived organoid counterparts. Genetic analysis of longitudinally generated urinoids from one patient receiving systemic immunotherapy, identify alterations that may guide the choice for second-line therapy. Successful treatment adaptation was subsequently demonstrated in the urinoid-setting. Therefore, urinoids can advance precision medicine in bladder cancer as a non-invasive platform for tumor pathogenesis, longitudinal drug-response monitoring, and therapy adaptation.
A Novel Perspective for M-Polynomials to Compute Molecular Descriptors of Borophene Nanosheet
Authors: Xavier D. Antony , Ismail Rashad , Ghani Muhammad Usman , karamti Hanen , Baby Annmaria , Varghese Eddith Sarah , Nair Theertha
Published: January 2023

Nanomaterials feature exceptional, one-of-a-kind qualities that might be used in electronics, medicine, and other industries. Due to their unique photonic, electrical, catalytic, and magnetic capabilities as well as their use in helping immunotherapy, drug carriers, biosensors, electronic devices, etc., two dimensional materials are becoming considerably more important. Two-dimensional nanomaterials called borophene have a variety of intriguing characteristics. In the fields of chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, and condensed matter physics, they left an indelible impression thanks to their astounding physical and molecular characteristics. The concept of modelling the structure of a molecule or chemical network to a chemical graph and then quantitatively analysing the resulting graph with the aid of topological descriptors was a major advance in the fields of mathematics and chemistry. Topological descriptors are used in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, information technology, biology, quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR), quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR), and many more. New descriptors that more closely connect with the structural characteristics of a chemical structure are being developed by researchers working on this idea. Finding a chemical graph's structural descriptors may be done in a variety of ways. It is discovered that the M-polynomial is a very versatile and quick method for computing the degree-based descriptors of chemical graphs or networks. The degree-based descriptors of the $\beta_{12}$-Borophene nanosheet are established in this study utilising the M-polynomial technique. At the conclusion, the numerical and graphical comparison based on the identified analytic expressions is also provided.
Are You Better Than Me? Social Comparisons in Carrion Crows (Corvus corone)
Authors: Federspiel Ira G. , Schmitt Vanessa , Schuster Richard , Rockenbach Courtney , Braun Anna , Loretto Matthias-Claudio , Michels Corinna , Fischer Julia , Mussweiler Thomas , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: January 2023

Comparing oneself to others is a key process in humans that allows individuals to gauge their performances and abilities and thus develop and calibrate their self-image. Very little is known about its evolutionary foundations. A key feature of social comparison is the sensitivity to other individuals’ performance. Recent studies on primates produced equivocal results, leading us to distinguish a ‘strong’ variant of the social comparison hypothesis formulated for humans from a ‘weak’ variant found in non-human primates. Here, we focus on animals that are distantly related to primates but renowned for their socio-cognitive skills, birds from the family Corvidae. We were interested in whether crows’ task performances were influenced i) by the presence of a conspecific co-actor performing the same discrimination task and ii) by the simulated acoustic cues of a putative co-actor performing better or worse than themselves. Crows reached a learning criterion quicker when tested simultaneously as compared to when tested alone, indicating a facilitating effect of social context. The performance of a putative co-actor influenced their performance: crows were better at discriminating familiar images when their co-actor was better than they were. Standard extremity, i.e., how pronounced the difference was between the performance of the subject and that of the co-actor, and category membership (i.e., affiliation status and sex), of the putative co-actors had no effect on their performance. Our findings are in line with the ‘weak’ variant of social comparison and indicate that elements of human social comparison can be found outside of primates.
The landscape of the long non-coding RNAs in developing mouse retinas
Authors: Yu Dongliang , Wu Yuqing , Zhu Leilei , Wang Yuying , Sheng Donglai , Zhao Xiaofeng , Liang Guoqing , Gan Lin
Published: January 2023

Background The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators of diverse biological processes. Nevertheless, a global view of its expression and function in the mouse retina, a crucial model for neurogenesis study, still needs to be made available.
Results Herein, by integrating the established gene models and the result from ab initio prediction using short- and long-read sequencing, we characterized 4,523 lncRNA genes (MRLGs) in developing mouse retinas (from the embryonic day of 12.5 to the neonatal day of P28), which was so far the most comprehensive collection of retinal lncRNAs. Next, derived from transcriptomics analyses of different tissues and developing retinas, we found that the MRLGs were highly spatiotemporal specific in expression and played essential roles in regulating the genesis and function of mouse retinas. In addition, we investigated the expression of MRLGs in some mouse mutants and revealed that 97 intergenic MRLGs might be involved in regulating differentiation and development of retinal neurons through Math5, Isl1, Brn3b, NRL, Onecut1, or Onecut2 mediated pathways.
Conclusions In summary, this work significantly enhanced our knowledge of lncRNA genes in mouse retina development and provided valuable clues for future exploration of their biological roles.
TNFα induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in monocytic cells through ACSL1/JNK/NF- kB signaling pathways
Authors: Al-Roub Areej , Akhter Nadeem , Al-Rashed Fatema , Wilson Ajit , Alzaid Fawaz , Al-Mulla Fahd , Sindhu Sardar , Ahmad Rasheed
Published: January 2023

Background
Studies have established the association between increased plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and adipose tissue inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was elevated in obesity and is involved in the induction of MMP-9 in monocytic cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism was incompletely understood. As per our recent report, TNFα mediates inflammatory responses through long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1). Therefore, we further investigated the role of ACSL1 in TNFα-mediated MMP-9 secretion in monocytic cells and macrophages.
Methods
Monocytic THP-1 cells and macrophages were used to study MMP-9 expression. mRNA and protein levels of MMP-9 were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively, and its biological activity was determined by zymography. Signaling pathways were studied using Western blotting, inhibitors, and NF-kB/AP1 reporter cells.
Results
We found that THP-1 monocytic cells and macrophages displayed increased MMP-9 mRNA expression, as well as biologically active protein secretion after incubation with TNFα. Inhibition of ACSL1 in the cells with triacsin C significantly reduced MMP-9 secretion. However, inhibition of β-oxidation and ceramide biosynthesis was not affected by TNFα-induced MMP-9 production. Using small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown, we further confirmed that TNFα-induced MMP-9 secretion was significantly reduced in ACSL1-deficient cells. Moreover, TNFα-mediated MMP-9 expression was significantly reduced by inhibition of ERK1/ERK2, JNK, and NF-kB signaling pathways. We further observed TNFα-induced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK1/ERK2, and NF-kB. On the other hand, inhibition of ACSL1 reduced TNFα-mediated phosphorylation of JNK, c-Jun, ERK1/2, and NF-kB in THP-1 monocytic cells. In addition, increased NF-κB/AP-1 activity was inhibited in triacsin C-treated cells.
Conclusion
Altogether, our findings suggest that ACSL1/JNK/ ERK/NF-kB axis plays an important role in the regulation of MMP-9 induced by TNFα in monocytic THP-1 cells and macrophages.
A PhC-SOA based cancerous cell detection biosensor
Authors: Moshfe Sajjad , Zarei Mahtab
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we present a novel method to design an ultra-small photonic integrated biosensor to detect cancerous cells. The proposed biosensor is based on the self-phase modulation in PhC-SOA, inducing a frequency shift on a pulse traveling through the device. The amount of the frequency chirp depends on the group velocity of the active medium waveguide being determined by the refractive index of the microfluidic infiltrating the holes around the waveguide. The refractive index of the microfluidic is also determined by the cell type that can be normal or cancerous. Since the refractive index of a cancerous cell is higher than that of a normal one, the group index of the waveguide and the output chirp will decrease. By measuring the amount of the output chirp, we can detect the cell type. The Simulation results showed that for a 0.02 change in the refractive index of the cell, a 3.71 nm central wavelength shift occurred for a 10-ps 71-mW gaussian pulse input with a central wavelength of 1533.53876 nm. In terms of the wavelength shift, the sensitivity and figure of merit are 185.5 and 530, respectively. To detect the cell type, we integrated a PhC channel drop filter to drop the chirped signal due to the cancerous cell infiltration. Designing an appropriate PhC-CDF leads to achieving an ultra-small cancerous detection cell biosensor with more than 97% precision.
Examination of thrombolytic and anticoagulant activities of purified fibrinolytic enzyme extracted from Cochliobolus hawaiiensis under solid state fermentation
Authors: Abu-Tahon Medhat Ahmed , Abdel-Mageed Ahmad Mohammad , Ghareib Mohamed , Housseiny Manal Maher , Abdallah Wafaa E.
Published: January 2023

Cochliobolus hawaiiensis Alcorn AUMC 8606 was chosen from the screened twenty fungal species as the potent producer of fibrinolytic enzyme on skimmed-milk agar plates. The greatest enzyme yield was attained when the submerged fermentation (SmF) conditions were optimized, and it was around (39.7 U/mg protein). Moreover, Upon optimization of fibrinolytic enzyme production under solid state fermentation (SSF), the maximum productivity of fibrinolytic enzyme was greatly increased recorded a bout (405 U/mg protein) on sugar cane bagasse. The yield of fibrinolytic enzyme by C. hawaiiensis under SSF was higher than that of SmF with about 10.20 fold. The purification procedures of fibrinolytic enzyme caused a great increase in its specific activity to 2581.6 U/mg protein with an overall yield of 55.89%, 6.37 purification fold and molecular weight of 35kDa. Maximal activity was recorded at pH 7 and 37oC. The enzyme showed the highest affinity towards Fibrin, with Vmax of 240 U/ml and an apparent Km value of 47.61 mmol. Mg2+ and Ca2+ moderately induced fibrinolytic activity, while Cu2+ and Zn2+ greatly suppressed the enzyme activity. The produced enzyme is categorized as serine protease and non metalloprotease due to the great suppression in its activity by using phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and thylenediamine-tetraacetat, respectively. The purified fibrinolytic enzyme showed efficient thrombolytic and antiplaetlet aggregation activities by completely prevention and dissolution of the blood clot which confirmed by microscopic examination and amelioration of blood coagulation assays. These findings suggested that the produced fibrinolytic enzyme is a promising agent in management of blood coagulation disorders
Optimization of Ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions for Pigment Compounds of the Brown Algae Sargassum angustifolium using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sourkohi Niloofar Aghajanpoor , Babakhani Aria
Published: January 2023

Purpose
In this study, the extraction of Sargassum angustifoliumbrown alga pigments was investigated by ultrasound to identify process variables and optimize the extraction conditions.
Methods
Experimental design using central composite design (CCD) with four independent variables including the percentage of ethanol concentration (at three levels of 50, 75 and 100), extraction time (at three levels of 10, 20 and 30 minutes), solid-liquid ratio (at three levels 1: 5, 1:10 and 1:15) and the power of ultrasound (at three levels 80, 240 and 400 watts) was performed for the responses of chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids and fucoxanthin.
Results
The results showed that the highest amount of total fucoxanthin and carotenoids was obtained in 75% ethanol, duration 20 minutes, solid-liquid ratio 1:5 and ultrasonic power of 240 watts. In the mentioned optimal conditions, fucoxanthin and total carotenoids were 0.42 and 1.11 mg/g, respectively.
Conclusion
The values obtained in the experiment have a logical relationship with the values predicted by the software, which indicates the appropriateness of the models used.
Preparation and characterization of nano Muscovite by intercalation method for adsorption of heavy metals from polluted water
Authors: Rashed M. N. , Arifien A. S.A. , El-Dowy F. A.
Published: January 2023

In this work, nanomuscovite adsorbents were prepared via intercalation with different organic intercalates (DTAB- TTAB- DTPA- PA- PN). The prepared nanoadsorbents were used to evaluate the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ from polluted water. Best nanomuscovite was prepared by Muscovite with DTPA. The selected nanomuscovite was characterized by XRD, TEM, EDX, FTIR and BET surface area. The maximum Cd2+ and Pb2+ removal efficiency of the prepared nanomuscovite ( 91.5% Cd and 97% Pb ) was observed at intial metal concentration 50 ppm, pH 6 for Pb2+ and pH 7 for Cd2+, adsorbent dosage 0.2 g, contact time 60 min, and solution temperature 25oC. Isotherm models (Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubunin–Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models) were applied for the adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on nanomuscovite adsorbent. The Langmuir isotherm model was well-fit by the adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on nanomuscovite. The kinetics of adsorption were validated using the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion models.. Adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on nanomuscovite follows a pseudo-second order kinetic model in all four of the kinetic models. Thermodynamics parameters of Cd and Pb adsorption indicated exothermic and spontaneous processes for Cd2+ and Pb2+. The obtained results were applied to the real wastewater which indicated high Cd and Pb removal.