bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential UV and chlorine disinfection induced change of biofilm-originated disinfection byproducts formation potential in drinking water distribution system: Effect of UV dose and influencing mechanism
Authors: Zhang Tuqiao , Li Chengzhuo , LIU XIAOWEI
Published: October 2022

To address the growing concern on biofilm-related disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formation in drinking water distribution system (DWDS), this study investigated the changes of biofilm-originated DBPs formation potential (bio-ori-DBPFP) in simulated continuous-flow DWDS under the impact of sequential UV and chlorine disinfection (UV/Cl2) under different UV doses and discussed the involved influencing mechanism. Overall, the bio-ori-DBPFP of pipeline following UV/Cl2 showed a more obvious change than that of pipeline following Cl2 (UV dose of 0 mJ/cm2). UV/Cl2 disinfection at UV dose of 80 mJ/cm2 produced pipeline biofilm with the minimum bio-ori-DBPFP as well as the lowest amount of protein and polysaccharide in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Bacterial community composition characterization together with metabolic function analysis indicated that dominant bacteria varied and metabolic function shifted due to UV/Cl2 disinfection. The correlation analysis suggested that UV/Cl2 disinfection induced a change in water matrix including organics, inorganics, bacteria, and components providing oxidation pressure for biofilm. These changed factors finally influenced the properties of biofilm EPS, which directly correlated with bio-ori-DBPFP.
Pholiota squarrosa lectin (PhoSL), a lectin binding to core-fucose specifically, inhibits HBV infection
Authors: Ouchida Tsunenori , Maeda Haruka , Akamatsu Yuka , Maeda Megumi , Takamatsu Shinji , Kondo Jumpei , Misaki Ryo , Kamada Yoshihiro , Ueda Masahiro , Ueda Keiji , Miyoshi Eiji
Published: October 2022

Glycosylation in host cells and viruses is an important factor in viral infection and a target for anti-viral therapy. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major pathogen causing acute /chronic hepatitis. To achieve the cure, new anti-HBV agents are needed. Here we found that Pholiota squarrosa lectin (PhoSL), a lectin that specifically binds core-fucose, inhibited HBV infection to a human NTCP-expressing HepG2 cell called C4, a cell line susceptible to HBV infection. PhoSL bound to HBV particles. Fut8KO-C4 cells markedly lost HBV infectivity, and addition of PhoSL facilitated the loss of infectivity. Furthermore, we found that PhoSL blocked the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a process enhancing HBV infection. Observation of the dynamics of fluorescent labeled PhoSL on C4 cells on the infection HBV showed that PhoSL-bound HBV was incorporated into host cells, suggesting that PhoSL could inhibit HBV infection after internalization. Since PhoSL reduced cccDNA formation, the process from internalization to cccDNA formation should be impaired by PhoSL. We believe that this finding should lead to development of new anti-HBV agents.
Longitudinal trajectories of suicidal ideation among Chinese medical students: the role of childhood trauma
Authors: Nan Jiang , Salina Nen , Chong Sheau Tsuey , Jiang HongJuan
Published: October 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to understand the longitudinal trajectory of suicidal ideation among Chinese medical students and the role of childhood trauma.
Methods: Using a whole-group sampling method, we assessed suicidal ideation in 2192 (male = 834, female = 1358) medical students on three occasions over a period of one year. The Self-rating Idea of Suicide Scale (SIOSS) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) were used to assess suicidal ideation and childhood trauma. The regression of mixed models was used to analyze the developmental trajectory of suicidal ideation.
Results: Chinese medical students scored higher on suicidal ideation than the general population, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trajectory of suicidal ideation among Chinese medical students was divided into two groups: a low-level, slowly rising group and a high-level, continuous group. The low-level, slowly rising group had a significant time effect (B=1.57, p<0.001) and showed a slowly increasing trend. Emotional neglect, somatic neglect, emotional abuse and somatic abuse all had significant positive predictive effects for the low-risk, slowly rising group (B=0.18-0.65, P<0.01).
Conclusion: The trajectory of suicidal ideation among medical students can be divided into a low-risk, slow-rising group and a high-risk, continuous group; the more emotional neglect, somatic neglect, emotional abuse and physical abuse experienced during childhood, the more likely medical students are to develop a high-risk, continuous state of suicidal ideation.
Antibacterial and In silico evaluation of Micro and Nanocurcumin, Assessment of Wound Healing Potentiality
Authors: Othman Amal S. , Ahmed Nashwa A. , Shamekh Israa M. , Haikal Mohnad A. , Eltayb Wafa A.
Published: October 2022

The discovery of new inhibitory natural compounds targeting bacterial virulence is an important strategy to overcome resistance to traditional antibiotics, in the present study the antibacterial activity of micro and nano curcumin suspensions was investigated against four predominant bacterial pathogens, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilus. In vitro antibacterial assay indicated that nanocurcumin suspension displayed significant results. Molecular docking analysis was conducted to confirm the impact of curcumin on the quorum-sensing pathway in all bacterial groups, also the pharmacokinetic properties revealed that curcumin can be classified as a drug like compound. Wound model was employed for wound healing activity in four equal groups of male albino rats, their dorsal thoracic central regions were wounded with surgical blades. The individual groups were treated daily with 5% W/W of micro and nano curcumin lotions and soframycin ointment. Topical application of nanocurcumin lotion showed marked reduction on wound area compared to the control group as wound healing reached 98.8% on the 15th of injury. ANOVA test was performed to assess the significance of mean differences. The findings from this research indicate that nanocurcumin is effective in inhibiting bacterial infections and faster the process of wound healing.
Limitations and safety concerns related to the currently used cervical orthoses in preclinical emergency settings
Authors: Gherlea Dorin , Garyuk Grygoriy , Ianăş Florin , Blattert Thomas R.
Published: October 2022

Research question:Are the currently used cervical orthoses suitable for immobilizing the cervical spine for patients with preexisting ankylosing spondylitis, an anatomically short neck, or obesity?Materials and Methods:Tools, immobilization methods, completion time, sagittal displacement, and feedback on result were compared for one control and two severe case scenarios simulated on appropriately built manikins. Scenario 1 simulated a young patient who sustained a bicycle fall with no fracture. Scenario 2 simulated a short-necked middle-aged patient who met a vehicle accident and showed C7/T1 bilateral facet dislocation fracture. Scenario 3 simulated an elderly patient with preexisting ankylosing spondylitis who fell down stairs and sustained a C6/C7 non-displaced fracture.Results:For scenarios 1 and 2, the immobilization rate with the collar was 100% vs. 86%, average completion time was 90 s vs. 175 s, rate of attempts involving tool changes was 16% vs. 49%, rate of attempts with the collar forced in position was 0% vs. 32%, and proportion of cases with satisfactory results was 100% vs. 5%. For scenarios 1 and 3, the immobilization rate with the collar was 100% vs. 16%. For scenario 3, the rates of critical and highly critical sagittal deviation were 54% and 13.5%, respectively, while the efficiency of immobilization was 0%.Discussion and conclusion:Currently used rigid collars can increase the time on-scene and tamper with spinal alignment. They cannot be easily and safely applied to elderly, overweight patients and those with an anatomically short neck and can diminish the outcomes for these patients.
In-Situ Quality Assessment and Control in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) Using Laser Surface Profilometer and Deep Learning (DL) Techniques
Authors: Akhavan Javid , Lyu Jiaqi , Manoochehri Souran
Published: October 2022

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become one of the most popular manufacturing techniques in various fields. Their layer-by-layer printing process allows easier fabrication of complex geometries. However, the quality and accuracy of fabricated artifacts in these techniques have low repeatability. In the era of Industry 4.0 by using emerging sensory and data processing capabilities such as Laser Surface Profilometer (LSP) and Deep Learning (DL), it is possible to improve the repeatability and quality of AM processes. This work presents an in-situ quality assessment and improvement using LSP for data acquisition and DL for data processing and decision making. The utilized LSP module generates a point cloud dataset containing information about the top surface geometry and quality. Once the point cloud data is pre-processed, an improved deep Hybrid Convolutional Auto-Encoder decoder (HCAE) model is used to perform the artifact's quality measurement and statistical representation. The HCAE model's statistical representation is comprised of 9*9 segments, each including four channels with the segment's probability to contain one of four labels, 1) Under-printed region, 2) Normally printed region, 3) Over-printed region, 4) Empty region. This data structure plays a significant role in determining the commands needed to optimize the fabrication process. The implemented HCAE model's accuracy and repeatability were measured by a multi-label multi-output metric developed in this study. The assessments made by HCAE are then used to perform an in-situ process adjustment by manipulating the future layer's fabrication through the G-code modification. By adjusting the machine's print speed and feedrate, the control algorithm exploits the subsequent layer deposition, segment by segment. The algorithm is then tested with two settings that can cause defective parts: severe under-extrusion and over-extrusion conditions. Both test artifacts' quality advanced significantly and converged to an acceptable state by four iterations.
A novel method for analyzing the contribution of risk factors for the severity of Xiyanping Injection’s adverse events, 2004-2020
Authors: Zheng Rui , Chen Zhao , Guan Zhiyue , Zhao Chen , Cui Herong , Shang Hongcai
Published: October 2022

Objectives: Based on previous studies, analyze risk factors (age and combination) contributing to the severity of Xiyanping Injection’s (XYP) adverse events (AEs) by a novel method.
Methods: Total AEs linked to the use of XYP injection were classified as general or serious and analyzed in the China National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Information System (2004-2020). Data were analyzed with respect to age and herb-drug combination (ribavirin, ceftriaxone, penicillin sodium, ambroxol hydrochloride, clindamycin, cefoxitin sodium, azithromycin, ceftazidime, amoxicillin sodium and clavulanate potassium, levofloxacin hydrochloride, cefazolin sodium pentahydrate and cefuroxime) by variable importance for projection (VIP).
Results: 28599 AEs (general27037, severe 1562) relating to XYP’s combination were included. Based on the VIP value and correlation coefficient, the results showed that in 0-6 years old, XYP -ribavirin, -ceftazidime and -ambroxol hydrochloride combination indicate positive impact on the severity of AEs.
In 7-17 years old, XYP-cefoxitin sodium and -azithromycin combination tended to have general AEs. XYP-cefazolin sodium pentahydrate and -amoxicillin sodium and clavulanate potassium combination tended to have severe AEs. In 18-40 years old, XYP-cefoxitin sodium combination tended to have general AEs. Under the influence of XYP- ribavirin and -clindamycin combination, it tended to have severe AEs. In 41-65 years old, Under the influence of XYP-cefatriaxone, -penicillin sodium and -cefoxitin sodium combination, it tended to have severe AEs. In＞65 years old, XYP-RB, clindamycin and -amoxicillin sodium and clavulanate potassium combination tended to have general AEs. Under the influence of XYP-cefoxitin sodium and -ceftazidime combination, it tended to increase the severity of AEs. The two groups had the same impact on the severity of AEs.
Conclusions: VIP scores are useful in evaluating the risk factors affecting outcome indicators in clinical studies. It is recommended that clinical practitioners should pay attention to the metabolic characteristics of different age groups and strictly implement standardized operations such as medication interval and flushing.
Ocean Gravity Wave Split from the Meteotsunami at the Japan Trench Following the 2022 Tonga Volcanic Eruption
Authors: Ho Tung-Cheng , Mori Nobuhito , Yamada Masumi
Published: October 2022

The 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano excited an atmospheric Lamb wave, which induced a fast-traveling tsunami. This tsunami was driven by the pressure-forced wave traveling at the speed of the Lamb wave, and thus, was much faster than conventional tsunamis. This was the first case in which ocean bottom monitoring systems widely observed an air pressure-induced tsunami. The observation showed that the pressure-forced wave split after passing the Japan trench. Our simulations show that changes in water depth can amplify or decrease the pressure-forced wave. Simultaneously, an ocean gravity wave is generated due to the conservation of water volume. Because the ocean gravity wave was slower than the pressure-forced wave near Japan, it was separated from, and traveled behind, the pressure-forced wave. We reproduced the waveforms of different splitting stages observed by the stations near the Japan Trench.
Fine mapping of genes controlling pigments accumulation in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Chen Daozong , Jin Qingdong , Pan Jiangming , Liu Yi , Tang Yijia , E Yanrong , Xu Linshan , Yang Taihua , Qiu Jie , Chen Xiaodi , Wang Jing , Gong Deping , Ge Xianhong , Li Zaiyun , Cui Cheng
Published: October 2022

Purple/red appearance is one of the common phenotypic variations in leaves, stems, and siliques of oilseed rape (Brassica napusL.) but very rare in flowers. In this study, the causal genes for the purple/red traits in stems and flowers in two accessions of oilseed rape (DH_PR and DH_GC001, respectively) derived from the wide hybridization were fine mapped and candidate genes were determined by methods combined with bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and RNA-seq analysis. Both purple stem trait and red flowers trait were mapped to the locus as the AtPAP2 homologous genes (BnaPAP2.C6a and BnaPAP2.A7b, respectively) belonging to the R2R3-MYB family. Sequencing of the BnaPAP2.C6a gene in purple stem accession revealed several Indels and SNPs in its promoter region, intron 1 as well as exons. However, only a 211bp insertion was identified in promoter region of BnaPAP2.A7b of DH_GC001. Our results not only contribute to a better understanding of anthocyanin inheritance in B. napus, but also provide a useful toolbox for future breeding of cultivars with purple/red traits through combination of different functional alleles and homologs.
The impact of geographical and sociodemographic variation on access to Systemic Anti- Cancer Therapies for Secondary Breast Cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Pearson Sally Anne , Taylor Sally , Marsden Antonia , Dalton Jessica , Krishan Ashma , Yorke Janelle , Howell Sacha
Published: October 2022

Background:
The review aimed to investigate factors which influence receipt of systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT) for women with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer (SBC). We aimed to identify and examine individual, clinical and contextual factors related to geographical location and health care systems which may act as barriers and enabling factors.
Methods:
Studies were included which reported factors associated with receipt of treatment with SACT for women >18 years with an SBC diagnosis. Information sources searched were EBSCO CINAHL Plus, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) database. Assessment of methodological quality was undertaken using the using the JBI method and findings were synthesised using a narrative synthesis approach.
Results:
Fifteen studies published between 2009 and 2021 were included in the review. Overall treatment receipt ranged from 4% for immunotherapies to 83% for unspecified systemic anti-cancer therapies. Time to treatment ranged from median 54 days to 95 days with 81% of patients received treatment <60 days.
Younger women and women of white origin with a higher socioeconomic status had an increased likelihood of timely treatment receipt. Treatment receipt varied by geographical location and place of care was associated with variation in treatment receipt with women treated at teaching, research and private institutions being more likely to receive treatment in a timely manner.
Conclusions:
Our review was to our knowledge the first of its kind to identify and investigate factors associated with timely receipt of SACT for women with SBC. We identified a potential interaction between geographical location and place of care which adds to the existing literature. Findings should however be interpreted with a degree of caution due to the limitations identified. Further research is required to address these limitations.
Our review findings have practical implications for the development and piloting of targeted interventions to address specific barriers in a socio-culturally sensitive manner. Addressing geographical variation and place of care may require intervention at a commissioning policy level. Further qualitative research is required to understand the experience and of women and clinicians.
Other:
The review was undertaken as part of a PhD fellowship funded by The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation in collaboration with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) at The University of Manchester.
The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO CRD42020196490.
Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on allergic asthmatic mice: using a combined formula
Authors: Tsai Jaw-Ji , Yen Chung-Yang , Hsu Chun-Hsien , Yu Sheng-Jie , Chen Chao-Hsien , Liao En-Chih
Published: October 2022

Background
Allergic asthma occurs worldwide and is particularly prevalent in westernized countries characterized by chronic airway inflammation resulting in airway hyperresponsiveness. The house dust mites (HDM) including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus are major sources of sensitization and triggering allergic symptoms in asthmatic patients. The Der p 2 is a major allergen and the predominant source of causative respiratory disorders which induce airway inflammation and bronchial constriction in mite-allergic patients. Few studies evaluate the ameliorating effects of modified Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan (modified LWDHW) on allergic asthma.
Methods
This study aimed to investigate the immunological mechanisms of modified LWDHW on the inhibitory effects of airway inflammation, signal transduction, inflammatory cytokine production, Th2 cell proliferation, and bronchial obstruction in Der p 2-induced asthmatic mice.
Results
At least ten active ingredients were contained in the formula of modified LWDHW- 1217A and 1217B. Results showed that the immunoglobulin generations (Der p 2 specific- IgE and IgG1), inflammatory cytokine productions (IL-5 and IL-13) in the Sera and BALF could be down-regulated, and the Th1-cytokine productions (IL-12 and IFN-γ) be increased after immunotherapy with modified LWDHW of 1217A or 1217B. The inflammatory cell infiltrations (macrophages, eosinophils, and neutrophils) in the airway and the expressions of TH2-related genes (IL4, IL5, and IL13), TH2-related transcription factor (GATA-3), and neutrophil chemotactic chemokine (IL8) in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice were significantly decreased after the immunotherapy. The Th1/Th2 polarization had been identified that the IL-4+/CD4+ T cells were downregulated and IFN-γ+/CD4+ T cells were increased. The airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine inhalation of Penh values was significantly decreased in the treated groups. There were significant improvements in the bronchus histopathology after immunotherapy with 1217A or 1217B which were evaluated by tracheal thickness, inflammatory cell count, and tracheal rupture of mouse lung.
Conclusions
It revealed that 1217A or 1217B could regulate the immune responses and improve pulmonary function. Data suggests that modified LWDHW of 1217A or 1217B have the potential for use as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of mite allergen Der p 2-induced allergic asthma.
Integrating animal experiment, mass spectrometry and network-based approach to reveal the improving sleep quality of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and γ-aminobutyric acid mixture
Authors: Ren Airong , Wu Tingbiao , Wang Yarong , Fan Qing , Yang Zhenhao , Zhang Shixun , Cui Guozhen
Published: October 2022

Background
Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS), which is widely consumed as a medicine and food dual-use plant in some regions of Asian countries, has various health benefits. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinaceous amino acid, is one of the major neurotransmitter inhibitors that has a relaxant function. In this study, a system pharmacology approach was proposed to evaluate the effects of a mixture composed by ZSS and GABA (ZSSG) on sleep improvement.
Methods
Mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 10) and received either no treatment or sodium pentobarbital or sodium barbital with Diaz or ZSSG. The effects of ZSSG on improving sleep quality were evaluated in mice. The major ingredients of ZSSG were analyzed by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Network-based ingredient-insomnia proximity was applied to explore its major ingredients.
Results
The results showed that ZSSG displayed significant effects on decreasing sleep latency and prolonging sleep duration in sodium pentobarbital-induced sleeping mouse model (P < 0.05). ZSSG significantly enhanced the brain content of GABA in mice. In addition, ZSSG also significantly decreased sleep latency-induced by sodium barbital in mice (P < 0.05). With the network-based ingredient screening model, four active ingredients and three pairwise ingredient combinations were discovered from ZSSG among 85 ingredients in ZSSG identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS.
Conclusion
These data demonstrated that ZSSG improved the sleeping quality of mice. The potential four active ingredients and three pairwise ingredient combinations could serve as quality markers associated with insomnia. The network-based framework may open up a new avenue for the discovery of active ingredients of herbal medicine for treating complex chronic diseases, such as insomnia.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes in mixed antenatal care modality implementing telemedicine in the southwestern region of Colombia
Authors: Escobar María Fernanda , Gallego Juan Carlos , Echavarria María Paula , Fernandez Paula , Posada Leandro , Salazar Shirley , Gutierrez Isabella , Alarcón Juliana
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Contingency measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to routine prenatal care for pregnant women, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications due to poor prenatal follow-up, especially in those patients at high obstetric risk. This prompted the implementation and adaptation of telemedicine.
Objective: We aim to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcomes of patients who received prenatal care in-person and by telemedicine.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of pregnant women who received exclusive in-person and alternate (telemedicine and in-person) care from March to December 20202, determining each group's maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Results: A total of 1078 patients were included, 156 in the mixed group and 922 in the in-person group. The patients in the mixed group had a higher number of prenatal controls (8 (6-9) vs 6 (4-8) p<0.001), with an earlier gestational age at onset (7.1 (6-8.5) vs 9.3 (6.6-20.3), p<0.001), however, they required a longer hospital stay (26 (16,67%) vs 86 (9,33%), p=0.002) compared to those attended in-person; there were no significant differences in the development of obstetric emergencies, maternal death or neonatal complications.
Discussion: Incorporating telemedicine mixed with in-person care could be considered as an alternative for antenatal follow-up of pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries with barriers to timely and quality health care access.
Modular DNA-origami-based nanoarrays enhanced cell binding-affinity through “lock-key” interaction
Authors: Mao Miao , Lin Zhun , Chen Liang , Zou Zhengyu , Zhang Jie , Dou Quanhao , Wu Jiacheng , Chen Jinglin , Wu Minhao , Niu Li , Zhang Yuanqing
Published: October 2022

Surface proteins of cells are generally recognized through receptor-ligand interactions (RLIs) in disease diagnosis, but their nonuniform spatial distribution and high-order structure lead to low binding-affinity. Constructing nano-topologies that match the spatial distribution of membrane proteins to improve binding-affinity remains a challenge. Inspired by the multi-antigen recognition of immune synapses, we developed modular DNA-origami-based nanoarrays with multivalent aptamers. By adjusting the valence and inter-spacing of the aptamers, we construct specific nano-topology to match the spatial distribution of target protein clusters and avoid potential steric hindrance. We found that the nanoarrays significantly enhanced the binding-affinity of target cells, and synergistically recognize low-affinity antigen-specific cells. In addition, using DNA nanoarrays for the detection of clinical circulation tumor cells successfully verified its precise recognition ability and high affinity RLIs. Such nanoarrays will further promote the potential application of DNA materials in clinical detection and even cell membrane engineering.
Structure of a G protein-coupled receptor with GRK2 and a biased ligand
Authors: Xu H. Eric , Duan Jia , Liu Heng , Ji Yujie , Yuan Qingning , Li Xinzhu , Wu Kai , Gao Tianyu , Zhu Shengnan , Jiang Yi , Yin Wanchao
Published: October 2022

Phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) by GPCR kinases (GRKs) desensitizes G protein signaling and promotes arrestin signaling, which is also modulated by biased ligands. Molecular assembly of GRKs to GPCRs and the basis of GRK-mediated biased signaling remain largely unknown due to the weak GPCR-GRK interactions. Here we report the complex structure of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) bound to GRK2, Gαq, and an arrestin-biased ligand, SBI-553, at a resolution of 2.92 Å. The high-quality density map reveals the clear arrangement of the intact GRK2 with the receptor, with the N-terminal helix of GRK2 docking into the open cytoplasmic pocket formed by the outward movement of the receptor TM6, analogous of the binding of G protein to the receptor. Strikingly, the arrestin-biased ligand is found at the interface between GRK2 and NTSR1 to enhance GRK2 binding. The binding mode of the biased ligand is compatible with arrestin binding but is clashed with the binding of a G protein, thus provide an unambiguous mechanism for its arrestin-biased signaling capability. Together, our structure provides a solid model for understanding the details of GPCR-GRK interactions and biased signaling.
Design of a new unsymmetrical bis(imino)pyridine Schiff-base complexes with ionic liquid group immobilized on nano-magnetite particles in catalyzing green reactions of Chromenes as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst: optimization using Taguchi methodology
Authors: Mohammadian Reza , Sandaroos Reza , Allahresani Ali
Published: October 2022

A new unsymmetrical Cobalt complex containing ionic liquids (ILs) group immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2was prepared and characterized by H-NMR, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TGA, XRD, and VSM analyses. The experimental design was performed using the Taguchi method to reduce costs and time. We examined four levels of solvents, solvent amounts, temperatures, and catalyst amounts. Software Minitab was used to evaluate each parameter's impact on the sample reaction of Chromene. Using data analysis, it was determined that solvent, solvent amount, temperature, and catalyst amount contributed 33.20, 15.00, 22.33, and 28.12%, respectively, to the efficiency of the reaction. The derivatives of Chromenes were synthesized at achieved optimum conditions. The presence of ionic liquid groups increased the solubility of the heterogeneous catalyst in green solvents, which increased the efficiency and reduced the reaction time.
Contrast-enhanced CT-based Radiomics for the Differentiation of Anaplastic or Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma from Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: A Pilot Study
Authors: Moon Jayoung , Lee Jeong Hoon , Roh Jin , Lee Da Hyun , Ha Eun Ju
Published: October 2022

Differential diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma/poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (ATC/PDTC) from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is crucial in patients with large thyroid malignancies. This study creates a predictive model using radiomics feature analysis to differentiate ATC/PDTC from DTC. We compared the clinicoradiological characteristics and radiomics features extracted from a volume of interest on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) between the groups. Estimations of variable importance and variable selection were performed via modeling using the random forest quantile classifier. The diagnostic performance of the model with radiomics features alone had the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve value of 0.883. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 81.7%, 93.3%, 97.7%, 64.5%, and 84.6%, respectively, for the differential diagnosis of ATC/PDTC and DTC. The model with both radiomics and clinicoradiological information showed the AUROC of 0.908, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 82.9%, 97.6%, 99.2%, 67.1%, and 86.5% respectively. Distant metastasis, moment, shape, age, and gray-level size zone matrix features were the most useful factors for differential diagnosis. Therefore, we concluded that a radiomics approach based on contrast-enhanced CT features can potentially differentiate ATC/PDTC from DTC in patients with large thyroid malignancies.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin discloses acute tubular injury after surgery in canine patients
Authors: Teran Karla Alejandra Hidalgo- , Carvalho Marileda Bonafim , Junior Alceu Afonso Jordão , de Nardi Andrigo Barboza , Tovar Ana Maria Fernanda Ramires-
Published: October 2022

Canine patients needing surgical intervention are at risk of developing acute kidney injury, whose clinical manifestation it's late. The search for early diagnostic methods revealed the Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a novel biomarker for detecting acute tubular injury (ATI). Considering the hypothesis that dogs with cancer are more likely to develop ATI, related to the different interventions throughout the surgical process, a prospective longitudinal study (from the preoperative to the immediate postoperative period) of 17 clinically stable dogs indicated for surgical procedure. The serum creatinine, urinary density, and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio, which are traditional indicators for kidney disease, the serum, and urine NGAL biomarkers, were evaluated. The sample collections were performed three times: 12 to 24 hours before surgery, 48 hours, and 96 hours after surgery. The results showed a significant increase in urinary NGAL in 11 of 17 dogs, 48 hours after surgery, while traditional markers showed no significant change, and no related clinical signs were observed. Thus, confirming the study's hypothesis, NGAL proved helpful for the early detection of silent events of attacks on renal tubular integrity.
A Prospective Pharmacogenetic Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Low-Dose Ondansetron (A 5-HT3 Antagonist) to Treat Heavy and Very Heavy Drinkers With Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Johnson Bankole , Alho Hannu , Addolorato Giovanni , Lesch Otto , Reich Jack , Liu Lei , Schuyler Vinzant
Published: October 2022

This 6-month, double-blind, randomized, Phase-3 clinical trial of individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) assessed the efficacy of ondansetron 0.33 mg/twice daily (AD04) vs placebo at reducing the Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days (PHDD) among a genetic subgroup with variations at the serotonin transporter and 5-HT3A/5-HT-3B receptors who consumed <10 Standard Drinks/Drinking Day (DDD) (heavy drinkers) or ≥10 DDD (very heavy drinkers) at baseline. At Month 6, the least square (LS) mean change in PHDD from baseline was 8.5% greater in the AD04 group compared with placebo (LS mean (SD): -46.7% (2.7%), 95%CI: -52.1% to -41.2% vs. -38.1% (2.9%), 95%CI: -43.8% to -32.5%; p=0.03) with an almost significant effect (LS mean difference: 7.0%, p=0.07) for Months 5 and 6 combined. At Month 6, for the ADO4 group compared with the placebo group, heavy drinkers had improved psychosocial function (OR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.03-11.45, p=0.04), and fewer AUD symptoms (Mild: AD04 group 33% vs. placebo group 39%; Severe: AD04 group 10% vs. placebo group 24%) (p=0.05). This study showed promise for AD04 as a precision medicine treatment for heavy drinkers with a genetic subtype of AUD.
Micropropagation of iraca palm ( Carludovica palmata Ruiz y Pav)using a temporary immersion system
Authors: Minchala Nube , Hoyos Rodrigo , Correa Guillermo
Published: October 2022

Carludovica palmata is a neotropical plant with a promising potential for the agroindustry. It is an important source of fibers used to manufacture hand-made goods. Colombia is one of the leading countries in the production this species, however, it lacks efficient techniques for its propagation. We developed a protocol for massive micropropagation of C. palmata using Temporary Immersion Bioreactor (TIB) system. Immersion frequency, immersion times, culture medium volume, and explant density were evaluated using a split-split-plot design. The variables evaluated were number and length of shoots and roots, number of leaves, and explants dry weight. The performance of three micropropagation systems, BIT, semi-solid medium, and liquid medium, were evaluated using generalized randomized block design. Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium with 1,0 mg L− 1 of 6-Benzylaminopurine, 0,5 mg L− 1 of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid, and 20 g L− 1 of sucrose added to it was used. Results obtained was frequency 12 h with immersion time 1 min improved the length of both shoots and roots, as well as the number of leaves and dry weight. Volume of 20 ml/explant was found to be adequate condition to increase the number and length of shoots, the number of leaves, and the dry weight. According to the optimization module, the factors levels that will maximize the evaluated variables are immersion frequency 12 h and immersion time 1 min, with 175 mL of culture medium per bioreactor and density of 10 explants. In conclusion, TIB was shown to be efficient for massive micropropagation of C. palmata compared with conventional methods.
Research on Key Technology of Coal and Rock Cutting State Identification
Authors: Zhang Meichen , Zhao Lijuan , Shi Baisheng
Published: October 2022

This paper combined the field test sampling, construction technology of complex coal seam, virtual prototype technology, bidirectional coupling technology, data processing theory, image fusion method, and the deep learning theory. It focuses on the key technologies of the coal and rock cutting state identification, such as "the acquisition and processing of the coal and rock cutting state data information set, sample expansion, identification and classification". The EDEM and RecurDyn were used to build the high-precision three-dimensional simulation model of complex coal seam and the bidirectional coupling model between shearer cutting parts, and the simulation group was set based on the actual cutting state of the shearer. Based on the simulation results of Discrete Element Method-Multi Flexible Body Dynamics (DEM-MFBD), the one-dimensional original vibration acceleration signals of the key components of the shearer cutting part were determined, including spiral drum, rocker arm shell, and square head. After transforming one-dimensional original signal data into the time-frequency images by STFT, morphological wavelet image fusion technology was used to realize the effective fusion of characteristic information of spiral drum, rocker arm shell, and square head under different working conditions. The basic database for coal and rock cutting state recognition was also constructed to provided original samples with rich and precise characteristic information for the expansion of recognition system data. Based on the deep learning theory, a DCGAN-RFCNN recognition network model with strong ability to perceive the cutting state information of coal and rock and rapid recognition and classification was constructed. Also, the experimental platform of shearer cutting coal and rock was built, where the coal and rock cutting state recognition network was trained and tested based on the migration learning theory. Through the statistical test results, the accuracy of coal and rock cutting state recognition is 98.64%, which realizes the accurate recognition of coal and rock cutting state.
Role of astronomical forcing in shaping the 41-kyr glacial cycles
before the Middle Pleistocene Transition
Authors: Watanabe Yasuto , Abe-Ouchi Ayako , Saito Fuyuki , Kino Kanon , O'ishi Ryouta , Ito Takashi , Kawamura Kenji , Chan Wing-Le
Published: October 2022

Glacial cycles during the Early Pleistocene (EP) are characterized by a dominant 41-kyr periodicity and amplitudes smaller than those of glacial cycles with ~ 100-kyr periodicity during the Late Pleistocene (LP). However, it remains unclear how the 41-kyr glacial cycles during EP respond to Earth’s astronomical forcings. Here we employ a three-dimensional ice-sheet model to simulate the glacial cycles at ~ 1.6–1.2 Ma and analyse the phase angle of precession and obliquity at each deglaciation. We show that each deglaciation occurs at every other precession minimum, when obliquity is large. This behaviour is explained by a threshold mechanism determined by ice-sheet size and astronomical forcings. The lead-lag relationship between precession and obliquity controls the length of each glacial/interglacial period. The large amplitudes of obliquity and eccentricity during this period help to establish robust 41-kyr glacial cycles. These findings support the combined role of astronomical forcings common for both EP and LP.
Study on Dynamic Behavior and Vibration Reduction Performance of BPNES
Authors: Song Weizhi , Zhou Hui , Zhang Chenjun , Liu Zhien , Lu Chihua
Published: October 2022

Nonlinear energy sink (NES) can transfer energy efficiently and unidirectionally through target energy transfer (TET). However, its performance is sensitive to the excitation intensity. When the excitation is lower than the trigger threshold, the performance of NES will be greatly reduced. When the excitation exceeds the trigger threshold, its performance will decrease with the increase of the excitation. At the same time, strong excitation may lead to high branch response of the linear oscillator (LO) under harmonic excitation, which will make the vibration worse. In view of those, NES with negative stiffness is proposed to improve the vibration reduction performance under low disturbance. Meanwhile, 2DOF parallel nonlinear energy sink (PNES) is used to ensure the performance under strong excitation. Two important indexes of bistable NES (BNES), the threshold of the transition from intra-well periodic vibration to inter-well chaotic vibration, and the strongly modulated response (SMR) trigger threshold of BNES, are analyzed in this paper. The parameters of bistable parallel nonlinear energy sink (BPNES) are optimized, and the vibration performance of BPNES and cubic stiffness NES (CNES) is compared. The analysis results show that, the performance of BPNES is better than that of CNES under both impulse and harmonic excitation.
Spatial and temporal coupling analysis of water resources-urbanization-ecological environment in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Dong Guanghua , Gu Xiang , Wang Lunyan , Li Huimin , Guo Yinju , Dai Boxin
Published: October 2022

Since the process of urbanization development is inextricably linked to water resources and ecological environment, it is necessary to explore the coupled and coordinated relationship between urbanization, water resources and ecological environment in order to realize the ecological protection and high-quality development strategy of the Yellow River Basin. This paper constructs an urbanization index system based on population, space, economy, and society, a water resources system index system based on water resources status, water supply status, and water use efficiency, and a comprehensive ecological environment index system based on ecological environment pressure, ecological environment status, and ecological environment protection, and establishes a coupled coordination degree model to study the development levels of urbanization, water resources, and ecological environment and the relationship among them in the nine provinces of the Yellow River Basin from 2009 to 2017. The results show that: 1) the water resource system in the Yellow River Basin shows a fluctuating upgrading trend, the level of urbanization is rising steadily, and the development trend of ecological environment level varies, with Shandong being the best and Qinghai the worst; 2) The overall coordination of urbanization-water resources-ecological environment in the Yellow River Basin has been on the rise, showing a distribution of “high in the east and low in the west”. This suggests that: for the upstream provinces the market needs to be mobilized for water allocation, the downstream needs to be upgraded in the water conservation segment, Qinghai, Gansu and Henan provinces need to speed up the urbanization process and make up for the shortcomings, and for the basin as a whole the efficiency of environmental management must be further improved.
Estimating the likelihood of carrying pathogenic variants in the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes: a validation of the BOADICEA model
Authors: Møller Nanna Bæk , Boonen Desirée Sofie , Feldner Elisabeth Simone , Hao Qin , Larsen Martin , Lænkholm Anne-Vibeke , Borg Åke , Kvist Anders , Törngren Therese , Jensen Uffe Birk , Boonen Susanne Eriksen , Thomassen Mads , Terkelsen Thorkild
Published: October 2022

Background: The Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm (BOADICEA), now a part of CanRisk, is a comprehensive risk prediction tool for breast and/or ovarian cancer (BOC) with a high accuracy to predict the likelihood of carrying pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1 and BRCA2. BOADICEA version 6 also includes PVs in PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, BARD1, RAD51C and RAD51D, but the accuracy of its predictions remains to be investigated.
Methods: The study included 2,033 individuals counselled at clinical genetics departments in Denmark on suspicion of hereditary susceptibility to BOC. All counselees underwent comprehensive genetic testing by next generation sequencing of BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, BARD1, RAD51C and RAD51D. Predicted likelihoods of PVs were obtained from BOADICEA v6.1.0. The accuracy of predictions was examined by calibration using the observed-to-expected ratio (O/E) and by discrimination using the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC).
Results: BOADICEA remained well-calibrated after addition of the additional genes. Thus, the O/E was 1.07 (95% CI 0.94-1.22) for all genes in the model combined. At sub-categories of predicted likelihood, the model performed well with only limited misestimation at the extremes of predicted likelihood. The ability to discriminate between carriers and non-carriers of PVs was acceptable with an AUC of 0.70 (95% CI 0.66-0.74), although discrimination was better for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (AUC 0.79) than for the other genes (AUC 0.59).
Conclusion: BOADICEA remains a valid decision-making aid for determining which individuals to offer comprehensive genetic testing on the suspicion of hereditary susceptibility to BOC.
Immediate word recall in cognitive assessment can predict dementia using machine learning techniques
Authors: Fayemiwo Michael Adebisi , Olowookere Toluwase Ayobami , Olaniyan Oluwabunmi Omobolanle , Ojewumi Theresa Omolayo , Oyetade Idowu Sunday , Freeman Shannon , Jackson Piper
Published: October 2022

Background:Dementia, one of the fastest-growing public health problems, is a cognitive disorder known to increase in prevalence as age increases. Several approaches had been used to predict dementia, especially in building machine learning (ML) models. However, previous researches showed that though most models developed had high accuracies, they suffered from considerably low sensitivities. The authors discovered that the nature and the scope of the data used in this study had not been explored to predict dementia based on cognitive assessment using ML techniques. Therefore, we hypothesized that using word-recall cognitive features could help develop models for the prediction of dementia through ML techniques and emphasized assessing the models' sensitivity performance.
Methods:Nine distinct experiments were conducted to determine which responses from either Sample Person (SP’)s or proxy’s responses in the “word-delay,” “tell-words-you-can-recall,” and “immediate-word-recall” tasks are essential in the prediction of dementia cases, and to what extent the combination of the SP’s or proxy’s responses can be helpful in the prediction of dementia. Four ML algorithms (K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)) were used in all the experiments to build predictive models using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS).
Results: In the first scenario of experiments using “word-delay” cognitive assessment, the highest sensitivity (0·60) was obtained from combining the responses from both SP and proxies trained KNN, Random Forest, and ANN models. Also, in the second scenario of experiments using the “tell-words-you-can-recall” cognitive assessment, the highest sensitivity (0·60) was obtained by combining the responses from both SP and proxies trained KNN model. From the third set of experiments performed in this study on the use of “Word-recall” cognitive assessment, it was equally discovered that the use of combined responses from both SP and proxies trained models gave the highest sensitivity of 1·00 (as obtained from all the four models).
Conclusion:It can be concluded that the combination of responses in a word recall task as obtained from the SP and proxies in the dementia study (based on the NHATS dataset) is clinically useful in predicting dementia cases. Also, the use of “word-delay” and “tell-words-you-can-recall" cannot reliably predict dementia as they resulted in poor performances in all the developed models, as shown in all the experiments. However, immediate-word-recall is reliable in predicting dementia, as seen in all the experiments. This, therefore, shows the significance of immediate-word-recall cognitive assessment in predicting dementia and the efficiency of combining responses from both SP and proxies in the immediate-word-recall task.