bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ long term observation of Dendrophyllia ramea (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Salvati Eva , Provenzani Claudio , D’Ambrosi Andrea , Romano Elena , Santero William , Canese Simonepietro
Published: May 2022

An interesting site for the wider population of the coral Dendrophyllia ramea has been identified south-east of Syracuse (Sicilia Channel, Ionian Sea) at 75 water depth. Dendrophyllia ramea is a poorly known arborescent scleractinian coral, classified as ‘Vulnerable’ according to the Mediterranean IUCN Red List, listed in the Barcelona Convention (Annex B). To increase the knowledge about the ecology of the species, long-term in situ observations were carried out on two colonies using a specific homemade underwater recording system. D. ramea, in analogy with other Anthozoans of different environments, also showed a circadian rhythm of partial opening and closing of the polyps despite being strongly influenced by the intensity of the current. These aspects, of great interest to the ecology of this protected species, will be investigated with the aid of current meters to obtain a quantitative estimate of the intensity of the current. This project gave great results in terms of innovative research as well as the added value of trained GUE divers in these data collection activities, which are otherwise difficult to obtain.
Understanding the Uses, Approaches and Applications of Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Appiahene Peter , Afrifa Stephen , Kyei Emmanuel Akwa , Nimbe Peter
Published: May 2022

Sentiment Analysis (SA) is a field of text mining research that is still evolving. SA is the algorithmic treatment of text's opinions, sentiments, and subjectivity to determine if a text contains negative, positive, or neutral feelings. We present a thorough introduction to sentiment analysis. This approach is deduced in a simple, intuitive manner, and implementation advice is provided. The many types, uses, challenges and techniques for sentiment analysis, as well as examples, are also explored in this study. The major goal of this survey is to provide a near-complete picture of SA techniques and related topics, compare sentiment analysis and social network analysis in the latter section of the paper, highlighting the distinctions and how they can both be used along with brief information.
Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) with Scleral or Iris Fixation for Subluxated Intraocular Lenses and Glaucoma
Authors: Sharon Tal , Ben-Haim Liron Naftali , Dar Nimrod , Assia Ehud I , Belkin Avner
Published: May 2022

Purpose – To report on a combined surgical approach of IOL fixation and GATT for the treatment of subluxated IOLs and glaucoma.Methods – In this retrospective cohort, Charts of patients who underwent IOL-fixation combined with GATT between November 2019 and October 2021 were reviewed. Main outcome measure was surgical success, defined as a well-centered IOL and an IOP of 18mmHg or lower and either a 30% IOP reduction or a reduction in medications as compared to baseline. Complications and need for reoperation were recorded.Results – 8 patients who underwent GATT with IOL-fixation were included. Mean age was 80.88 years (range 73-90). The pathomechanism of subluxation for all patients was pseudoexfoliation. 5 cases underwent scleral-fixation, and 3 underwent iris-fixation. Mean follow-up was 6.5 months. The success rate was 100%. Mean baseline IOP was 19.75±6.38 mmHg on 3.38±0.74 medications. 3 patients were on an oral carbonic-anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) prior to surgery. Mean IOP at the end of follow-up was 13.43±4.43 mmHg on 0.63±1.19 medications, and none were on oral CAIs. No intraoperative complications occurred, transient hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage were the most common postoperative complications. All patients had a well-centered IOL. No patients needed any additional surgery. Mean BCVA was 0.62±0.7 at baseline and 0.40±0.31 at the end of follow-up. One patient with advanced glaucoma did not recover her VA, while other patients’ BCVA was either retained or improved.Conclusions – GATT can be combined with IOL-fixation to effectively reduce IOP and medication usage.
Tumor Control and Hearing Preservation after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannomas in Neurofibromatosis Type 2- A Retrospective Analysis of 133 Tumors GKRS for Vestibular Schwannoma in NF-2
Authors: Kris Gour Surya Sri , Pahwa Bhavya , Jagdevan Aman , Singh Manmohan , Kale Shashank , Agrawal Deepak
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This study was conducted with the aim to estimate long-term tumor control, hearing preservation rates in patients with NF2 related VS, retreatment success rate and assess the associated predictive factors .
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of NF2 associated VS who underwent GKRS between 2009 and 2020 and had a minimum follow up of 1 year. Loss of tumor control was defined as greater than 10% increase in volume in more than one follow up imaging or the need for retreatment in the form of repeat GKRS or surgery. Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to evaluate Actuarial tumor control and hearing preservation rates.
Results
85 patients with 133 VSs were included in the study. The mean age was 29.8 years. 57 tumors showed tumor regression, 35 showed stable disease and 23 progressed in size at last follow up. Actuarial tumor control rates after 1, 3, 5, and 9 years were 95%, 79%, 75% and 55% respectively with overall tumor control rate being 85%. Hearing worsened in 39 patients and Facial nerve dysfunction occurred in 4 patients. 5 tumors underwent retreatment with GKRS at a median duration of 27.6 months (19–36 months) following the first GKRS.
Conclusion
This is the largest radiosurgical series of NF2 associated VS reported till date. GKRS provides a high rate of long-term local tumor control with a low risk of neurological deprivation for patients with these tumors. The need for retreatment with GKRS although low, is associated with good tumor control and lesser complications.
Deterministic effects of pH in shaping soil resistome revealed by metagenomic analysis
Authors: Liu Zishu , Zhao Yuxiang , Zhang Baofen , Wang Jiaqi , Zhu Lizhong , Hu Baolan
Published: May 2022

Background
Research in environmental resistome has been greatly facilitated by the use of the comprehensive database of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Through this approach, the high prevalence of multidrug efflux pump genes was recently found in various ecosystems and has raised concerns. Since most of the efflux pumps were driven by proton-motive-force (PMF), studying whether soil pH, i.e. proton activity, is a determinant in selecting multidrug efflux pump genes and thus shaping soil resistome is of great interest.
Results
Based on the distribution of soil pH in China, we collected soil samples from forest, cropland and grassland in four typical climatic areas with pH values ranging from 4.37–9.69. ARG profiles of 36 soil metagenomes and 41 metagenome-assembled genomes were obtained by using the SARG database and the ARG-OAPs pipeline. As the result, 264 ARG subtypes associated with 20 classes of antibiotics were identified, while multidrug resistance (69.72% of whole resistome abundances) and efflux pump (82.49%) were the dominant ARG category and resistance mechanism. Independent of sampling location, the abundance of multidrug resistance gene was decreased linearly with increasing pH over the given range, which contributed to almost the entire variation in ARG abundances. In addition, soil pH also determined the diversity, i.e. evenness, of ARGs, and thus explained 75.2% of the resistome variation in the variance partitioning analysis. On this basis, we investigated the relationship between ARGs and bacterial phyla using consistency and correlation analysis, as well as tested their assembly mechanisms using a neutral model, and found ARGs were naturally selected despite the neutral assembly of the bacterial community.
Conclusions
Our results revealed the deterministic effect of pH on shaping soil resistome, and infer that this is related to the selection of PMF-driven multidrug efflux pumps under high proton activity. Such natural changes in background ARGs deserve further attention.
Flow virometry for water-quality assessment: Protocol optimization for a model virus and automation of data analysis
Authors: Bischel Heather , Safford Hannah , Johnson Melis
Published: May 2022

Flow virometry (FVM) can support advanced water treatment and reuse by delivering near real-time information about viral water quality. But realizing the full potential of FVM in relevant applications relevant to water treatment and reuse requires consistent, optimized protocols to facilitate data validation and interlaboratory comparison—as well as approaches to protocol design that can extend the suite of viruses that FVM can feasibly and efficiently monitor. We address these needs herein. First, we optimize a sample-preparation protocol for a model virus using a fractional factorial experimental design. The final protocol for FVM-based detection of T4—an environmentally relevant viral surrogate—blends and improves on existing protocols developed using a traditional “pipeline”-style optimization approach. Second, we test whether density-based clustering can aid and improve analysis of viral surrogates in complex matrices relative to manual gating. We compare manual gating with results obtained through algorithmic clustering: specifically, by coupling the OPTICS (Ordering Points to Identify Cluster Structure) ordering algorithm with either manual or automated extraction of clusters from the OPTICS-ordered data. We demonstrate that OPTICS-assisted clustering can in some cases work as well or better than manual gating of FVM data—and is far faster and less labor-intensive. OPTICS-assisted clustering can also point to features in FVM data that are difficult to detect through manual gating alone. We demonstrate our combined sample-preparation and automated data analysis pipeline on tertiary-treated wastewater samples collected from a water-recycling facility and augmented with T4 and virus-sized fluorescent particles. As use of FVM for viral water-quality assessment expands, we recommend that this protocol be used to validate instrument performance prior to and alongside application of FVM on environmental samples. Widespread adoption of a consistent, optimized analytical approach that (i) centers on a widely available, easy-to-use viral target, and (ii) includes automated data analysis will bolster confidence in FVM as a reliable approach for microbial water-quality monitoring.
Left atrial dissection after a supra-annular mitral valve replacement for endocarditis
Authors: Noue Valentin de Villiers de la , Théry Guillaume , Faroux Laurent , Belkessa Nasreddine , Rubin Sylvain , Mourvillier Bruno , Goury Antoine
Published: May 2022

Background : left atrial dissection is a rare and a potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. Multi-modal imagery is helpful for the diagnosis and to guide the treatment.Case presentation : we report the case of a 66-year-old patient who underwent a combined mitral and aortic valve replacement. She underwent a replacement of the aortic and mitral prosthetic valves and the implantation of a leadless pacemaker 4 weeks later because of a paroxystic third-degree atrioventricular block complicating an infectious endocarditis. After the second surgery, she developed a severe pulmonary oedema. The transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a left atrial wall dissection and the apparition of a false aneurysm. A synchronized cardiac CT-scan confirmed a false aneurysm behind the left atrium.Conclusions : multi-modal imagery including transoesophageal echocardiography and cardiac CT-scan is helpful for the diagnosis of left atrial dissection and to guide the treatment.
Deep Learning based IDS for Secured Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks using Fuzzy Genetic Approach
Authors: Subramani Shalini , M Selvi
Published: May 2022

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are consisting of a number of sensing nodes that are used to collect data from various environmental conditions and are used frequently when it comes to monitoring and regulating of the network environment. In this scenario, the presence of malicious nodes in the network will lead to challenges in the provision of communication security since it is considered as a significant issue in the successful delivery of the acquired data. Therefore, it is necessary to safeguard the network communication from the security threats by identifying the dangerous behaviours in each of the sensor nodes and then by isolating the malicious nodes. This can be accomplished by the deployment of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) at the sensor nodes. However, the existing security systems using IDSs are unable to attain sufficient detection accuracy even though the security models are developed using multiple strategies. To handle this issue, we have proposed a novel Intrusion Detection System (IDS) in this work by using a Convolution Neural Network based Deep Learning (DL) approach along with a fuzzy inference model. In this work, the proposed IDS keeps track of the network and system activities by using a Fuzzy Convolutional Neural Network (F-CNN) which is proposed in this paper to look for signs of malicious activities. In addition to this IDS, we propose a new A-Star search based Neuro-Genetic Secure Routing Algorithm (ASNGSRA) in order to increase the security of communication in WSNs. The proposed ASNGSRA framework also predicts the best optimal route in a secured way from the source to destination. The major advantages of the IDS based secured routing model with neuro-genetic route discovery process proposed in this paper include the increase in security, packet delivery ratio and network lifespan as well as the reduction in delay and energy consumption.
A Multi-Criteria Model For Sustainable Development Goals Using Fuzzy Goal Programming-Application For Egypt
Authors: Elrayes Amani , Badr Elsayed , Seidy Essam El , Rabie Aya
Published: May 2022

Background: Sustainable development necessitates the implementation of policies that integrate various competing economic, environmental, energy, and social objectives. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis using goal programming is a popular and widely used technique to study decision problems with multiple conflicting objectives. Fuzzy goal programming models are the most appealing choice since real-life situations frequently contain imprecise information. Results: This article proposes fuzzy goal programming model that combines optimal resource allocation with prospective goals for economic development, electricity consumption, employment, and greenhouse gas emission reduction in Egypt's primary economic sectors.The presented model analyses the prospects for improvement, the effort required, and the implementation of sustainable development strategies. The model also offers valuable insights to decision makers for both strategic planning and investment allocations towards sustainable development. We validate the model by applying it to Egypt's important economic sectors to meet the country's 2030 sustainable development goals. Conclusion: The model implies that Egypt's objective of GDP growth will not be met, and that further research and preparation is required. It also recommends that Egypt take some required measures in the direction of renewable technologies, such as solar and wind energy, which have enormous potential for achieving sustainability goals. This can also aid in meeting greenhouse gas emission targets, as well as meeting power consumption targets. The model also provides a quantitative and mathematical reason for additional investments in order to improve Egypt's energy portfolio composition.
Therapeutic role of kaempferol and myricetin in streptozotocin induced diabetes synergistically via modulation in pancreatic amylase, glycogen storage and insulin secretion
Authors: Al-Abbasi Fahad A. , Kazmi Imran
Published: May 2022

Aim
Kaempferol and Myricetin alone have promising benefits on diabetes and related complications, yet the effectiveness of cotreating the two compounds on diabetes have not been studied. The existing investigation was to study the combined anti-diabetic effect of kaempferol and myricetin in streptozotocin (STZ)-activated diabetes in rats.
Methods
To evaluate the antidiabetic activity, 36 Wistar rats were segregated into six groups; Normal, 50 mg/kg STZ-induced diabetes, and four (50 mg/kg kaempferol, 50 mg/kg myricetin, 25mg/kg kaempferol + myricetin, and 5mg/kg glibenclamide) compound-treated diabetic groups. The effects of co-treatment on parameters, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, liver enzymes, antioxidant biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokines were measured.
Results
The study revealed that combined treatment restored the assessed parameters including glucose levels, insulin levels, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative markers, and lipid and liver enzymes in diabetic rats.
Conclusion
The results indicate that cotreatment of kaempferol and myricetin has beneficial role against diabetes suggesting that cotreatment of these compounds can be used therapeutically in treating diabetes.
A Review of the 3D-Printing Applications in Ostomy Creation and Complex Intestinal Fistula Management
Authors: Soh Chien Lin , Pandiaraja Madhumitha , Powar Michael P
Published: May 2022

Background
This scoping review aims to provide a summary of the use of 3D printing in colorectal surgery for the management of complex intestinal fistula and ostomy creation.
Methods
A systematic database search was conducted of original articles that explored the use of 3D-printing in colorectal surgery in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database and Google Scholar, from inception to March 2022. Original articles and case reports that discussed 3D-printing in colorectal surgery relating to complex intestinal fistulae and ostomies were identified and analysed.
Results
There were 8 articles identified which discussed the use of 3D-printing in colorectal surgery, of which 2 discussed ostomy creation, 4 discussed complex fistulae management and 2 discussed patient models.
Conclusion
3D printing has a promising role in terms of management of these conditions and can improve outcomes in terms of recovery, fluid loss and function with no increase in complications. The use of 3D printing is still in its early stages of development in colorectal surgery. Further research in the form of randomized control trials (RCTs) to improve methodological robustness will reveal its true potential.
Uniform coverage scanning path planning for magnetorheological polishing of complex surfaces
Authors: Li Weixing , Lu Mingming , Liu Yuyang , Gao Qiang , Du Yongsheng , Shan Mingxing , Zhang Limin
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a uniform coverage scanning path planning method for magnetorheological polishing of complex curved surfaces, which realizes the uniform removal of polished surface materials and further ameliorate the quality and effectiveness of optical surface polishing. The contact motion of abrasive grains is considered in the polishing process, and an efficient iterative approximation algorithm is used. On this basis, an efficient and accurate equal-error step size algorithm suitable for magnetorheological polishing of complex surfaces is applied. Fixed the value of the motion step to ensure that each approximation deviation is within the allowable error range of the allowable machining. At the same time, the relationship among residual height, radius of curvature and polishing line spacing is determined by mathematical operation, and the contact area map of the planned polishing path in the three-dimensional space was established. The effectiveness and superiority of the presented polishing path generation method compared to traditional paths in promoting material removal uniformity are verified by simulation and virtual machining. The results show that the planned polishing path is more suitable for complex surface polishing.
The effect of resource loss on depression and peritraumatic distress during the early period of the COVID-19: considering the pandemic-situational and social context
Authors: Lee Yubin , Hyun Yoorim , You Myoungsoon , Lee Heeyoung , Han Jin-Ok , Seo Suin
Published: May 2022

Background: The public experienced loss of resources, including their health and property during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory is a useful tool to explain the effect of resource loss on mental health. This paper examines the eﬀect of resource loss on depression and peritraumatic distress considering the situational and social context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applying COR theory. Methods: An online survey was conducted for Gyeonggi residents over eight days (5 October to 13 October 2020) when the second wave of the COVID-19 in South Korea declined; 2,548 subjects were included in the hierarchical linear regression analysis.Results: COVID-19 related experiences (infection /isolation /quarantine), resource losses (e.g., ﬁnancial burden, deterioration of health, and decline of self-esteem), and fear of stigma were related to elevated levels of peritraumatic distress and depression. A higher level of risk perception was associated with higher peritraumatic distress, and people with reduced income or job loss showed a higher level of depression. Social support was a protective factor for mental health.Conclusions: This study indicates that COVID-19-related experiences and loss of daily resources require attention when considering mental health parameters during COVID-19. Moreover, it is important to monitor the mental health of medically and socially vulnerable groups and those who have lost resources due to the pandemic and to provide these individuals with social support or ﬁnancial compensation.
Preclinical development of carrier-free prodrug nanoparticles for enhanced antitumor therapeutic potential with less toxicity
Authors: Shim Man Kyu , Yang Suah , Park Jooho , Yoon Jun Sik , Kim Jinseong , Moon Yujeong , Shim Nayeon , Jo Mihee , Choi Yongwhan , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: May 2022

Background
Nanomedicine has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. The most representative nanomedicine used in clinic is PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin DOXIL®, which is first FDA-approved nanomedicine. However, several shortcomings, such as low drug loading capacity and tumor targeting, difficulty in mass production and quality control (QC) and potential toxicity of carrier materials, have hindered the additional clinical translation of nanomedicines. In this study, we report a preclinical development process of the carrier-free prodrug nanoparticles designed as an alternative formulation to overcome limitations of conventional nanomedicines in the terms of technical- and industrial-aspects.
Results
The carrier-free prodrug nanoparticles (F68-FDOX) are prepared by self-assembly of cathepsin B-specific cleavable peptide (FRRG) and doxorubicin (DOX) conjugates without any additional carrier materials, and further formulated with Pluronic F68, resulting in high drug loading (> 50%). The precise and concise structure allow mass production with easily controllable QC, and its lyophilized powder form has a great long-term storage stability in low, room and accelerated condition. With high cathepsin B-specificity, F68-FDOX induce a potent cytotoxicity preferentially in cancer cells, whereas their cytotoxicity is greatly minimized in normal cells with innately low cathepsin B expression. In tumor models, F68-FDOX efficiently accumulates within tumor tissues owing to enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and subsequently release toxic DOX molecules by cathepsin B-specific cleavage mechanism, showing a broad therapeutic spectrum with significant antitumor activity in three types of colon, breast and pancreatic cancers. Finally, the safety of F68-FDOX treatment is investigated after single-/multi-dosage into mice, showing greatly minimized DOX-related toxicity.
Conclusions
Collectively, these results provide potential preclinical development process of an alternative approach, new formulation of carrier-free prodrug nanoparticles, for clinical translation of nanomedicines.
Accuracy and feasibility of a novel fine hand motor skill assessment using computer vision object tracking
Authors: Kim Bokkyu , Neville Christopher
Published: May 2022

Computer vision-based 3D motion capture systems are useful for human movement kinematic evaluation. We developed a computer vision-based 3D motion capture system by tracking an object manipulated by a hand to assess fine hand motor function. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and feasibility of this system to assess fine hand motor skill learning. We conducted four different experiments to test the accuracy and feasibility of this system. We used two action cameras with high resolution and high frame rate. We tested our system's accuracy in estimating the 3D positions of a static object and a moving object in different directions. We tested the feasibility of this system to assess fine hand motor skill learning in four non-disabled young adults. This clinical feasibility experiment used a standard motor skill learning experimental design. We utilized color-based object detection and tracking. Our results support that this computer vision-based motion capture system is accurate in reconstructing the 3D positions of a moving object. Also, we demonstrated that the system can be used to quantify the kinematics of the target object movements to evaluate fine hand motor skill learning. Future studies are needed to establish the reliability and validity of this system to assess fine hand motor skills in patient populations.
Ab initio calculation of real solids via neural network ansatz
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Zhe , Chen Ji
Published: May 2022

Neural networks have been applied to tackle many-body electron correlations for small molecules and physical models in recent years. Here we propose a new architecture that extends molecular neural networks with the inclusion of periodic boundary conditions to enable ab initio calculation of real solids. The accuracy of our approach is demonstrated in four different types of systems, namely the one-dimensional periodic hydrogen chain, the two-dimensional graphene, the three-dimensional lithium hydride crystal, and the homogeneous electron gas, where the obtained results, e.g. total energies, dissociation curves, and cohesive energies, outperform many traditional ab initio methods and reach the level of the most ac- curate approaches. Moreover, electron densities of typical systems are also calculated to provide physical intuition of various solids. Our method of extending a molecular neural network to periodic systems can be easily integrated into other neural network structures, highlighting a promising future of ab initio solution of more complex solid systems using neural net- work ansatz, and more generally endorsing the application of machine learning in materials simulation and condensed matter physics.
A network pharmacology approach and validation experiments to investigate the mechanism of the Chinese medicine Wen-Dan Decoction in the treatment of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis
Authors: Qi Baochuang , Li Chuan , Wu Yipeng , Xu Yongqing , Wang Yi , Li Mingjun , Shi Xiangwen , Lv Qian , Pu Luqiao , Fan Xinyu
Published: May 2022

Objective: The present work studied the mechanism of action of Wen-Dan Decoction in treating steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head (SINFH) via network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.Methods: The microarray dataset GSE123568 (peripheral blood), which includes 30 SINFH patients and 10 non-SINFH samples (after using steroids), is included in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify key SINFH-related genes. To investigate the functions of key SINFH-related genes, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed. We constructed a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network based on the STRING database. In addition, we screened active components in Wen-Dan Decoction and their possible role in treating hormonal osteonecrosis using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) Database. Subsequently, the potential mechanisms of action of Wen-Dan Decoction in the treatment of SINFH obtained via network pharmacology analyses were validated in in vivo experiments.Results: A total of 608 DEGs were obtained (230 upregulated, 378 downregulated). In GO functional enrichment analysis, SINFH-related genes were mainly involved in neutrophil activation and immune response, and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that SINFH genes were mainly associated with cytokine receptor interactions, lipids and atherosclerosis, and tuberculosis. In addition, a total of 147 active ingredients were obtained for Wen-Dan Decoction, of which the core ingredient was quercetin, an active ingredient in licorice. Meanwhile, 277 target genes were identified for the treatment of SINFH with Wen-Dan Decoction, and NCF1, PTGS2, and RUNX2 were selected as core target genes. Furthermore, the results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) on peripheral blood and bone tissue samples from SINFH patients and non-SINFH samples showed that PGTS2 and NCF1 were upregulated in patient blood and necrotic bone tissues. In quercetin-treated mice, the appearance of femoral head necrosis was significantly improved, and micro-CT suggested that the bone density was significantly better. Finally, the results of qRT–PCR analysis of peripheral blood and femoral bone tissue from a mouse model of SINFH treated with quercetin showed that PGTS2 and NCF1 levels were downregulated compared with those of controls, which was consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis.Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the genes and related pathways involved in SINFH and shows that PTGS2 and NCF1 could be used as potential drug targets in SINFH.
A Double-NURBS Approach to the Generation of Trochoidal Tool Path
Authors: Chang Chia-Hao , Huang Ming , Yau H. T.
Published: May 2022

Trochoidal milling becomes a popular strategy in high-speed rough milling, thanks to its advantages in lowering cutting force (and tool wear) and increasing tool life. However, it also suffers from the disadvantages of low cutting efficiency and prolonged machining time due to its reduced cutter-workpiece engagement in the cutting area and the idle tool path in the non-cutting area. In this paper, a new trochoidal tool path generation method is proposed based on a double-NURBS curve. Unlike traditional circular trochoidal tool path that combines circular and linear paths to approximate the trochoidal path, the double-NURBS tool path can truly represent a trochoidal path with C2 continuity throughout the entire tool path. In the front cutting area, the control points of the NURBS are modified to increase the cutter-workpiece engagement angles; in the rear non-active area, the NURBS curve is modified to shorten the non-cutting distance and the machining time. Degree elevation of the NURBS circle from 2 to 3 maintains C2 continuity to ensure the machining is smooth throughout all transitions. Cutting force simulations and pocket machining experiments are carried out to validate that the proposed double-NURBS approach deliver the expected result and performance.
Enhancing the performance of moment frames using a dumbbell-shaped rocking shear wall with additional devices
Authors: Massumi Ali , Piri Mehrdad , Nematnezhad Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Studies have shown that the high cost of repairing damaged structures and the time it takes to rebuild them after an earthquake, especially in densely populated cities, impose severe financial and economic pressures on countries. To solve this problem, rocking systems were introduced as new systems to improve the seismic performance of structures. In these systems, the rocking wall is allowed to rock and elastic devices are used to provide self-centering and dissipate the seismic energy. The advantages of this system include low structural damages, ease in performing structural repairs as well as reducing the costs regarding them. In the current study, the geometry of an existing rocking shear wall attached to three- and nine-story moment-resisting frames was investigated by reducing the rocking wall’s thickness in height and also by adding border elements to the wall as dumbbells. The models were designed according to common seismic codes and then were analyzed through nonlinear time-history analysis when subjected to a series of modified near-field ground motions. According to the results, it was observed that besides exhibiting desired behavior through the combination of prestressed cables and energy dissipating elements, the modified rocking shear wall improved the performance level of the structures and reduced the amount of concrete used by 36 and 20% in 3- and 9-story models. The new system with a modified rocking wall had on average a higher fundamental period, higher base shear, and more properly distributed plastic hinges. This was because of less concrete usage, as well as deploying less prestressed cables compared to the conventional model.
Systemic immune-inflammation index within the first postoperative hour as a predictor of severe postoperative complications in upper abdominal surgery: A retrospective single- center study
Authors: Jiao Yang , Zhang Xiao , Liu Mei , Sun Yu'e , Ma Zhengliang , Gu Xiaoping , Gu Wei , Zhu Wei
Published: May 2022

Background
Systemic pro-inflammatory factors play a critical role in mediating severe postoperative complications (SPCs) in upper abdominal surgery (UAS). The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been identified as a new inflammatory marker in many occasions. The present study aims to determine the association between SII and the occurrence of SPCs after UAS.
Methods
Included in this study were 310 patients with upper abdominal tumors who received UAS and subsequently were transferred to the anesthesia intensive care unit between November 2020 and November 2021 in Nanjing Drum Hospital. SPCs, including postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events, postoperative infections and delirium, were recorded during the hospital stay. The clinical features of the patients with and without SPCs were compared by Student’s t-test or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Risk factors associated with SPC occurrence were evaluated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to establish a cut-off level of SII value to predict SPCs.
Results
Of the 310 patients receiving UAS, 103 patients (33.2%) presented at least one SPC, including PPCs (n = 62), adverse cardiovascular events (n = 22), postoperative infections (n = 51), and delirium (n = 5). Blood samples were collected for SII and other laboratory measurements before operation and within the first hour after operation. Both preoperative SII and 1-h postoperative SII in patients with complications were significantly higher than those in patients without significant SPCs. Multivariate analysis showed that 1-h postoperative SII was an independent predictor for SPCs occurrence (OR = 1.000, 95% CI 1.000–1.000), together with 1-h postoperative C-reactive protein, 1-h postoperative arterial lactate, 1-h postoperative oxygenation-index and older age. The ROC curve showed that the optimal cutoff value of 1-h postoperative SII to predict SPC was 754.6078×109/L, with an 88.3% sensitivity and a 29% specificity.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated an association between the higher level of 1-h postoperative SII and SPCs, suggesting that 1-h postoperative SII may be a useful tool for identifying patients at risk of developing SPCs.
Composition of the core and differential bacterial microbiomes in the gut compartments of the Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa
Authors: Guzman Juan , Junca Howard , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: May 2022

Background
Cockroaches carry a diverse bacterial community in their guts, and certain bacterial clades are unique to this environment. The gut microbiome of the Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa has not been studied in detail, and there is evidence from culture experiments that this cockroach carries a unique microbial community. Here we present the results of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in the foregut, midgut and hindgut of G. portentosa to identify the most abundant lineages and to assess the bacterial diversity of each gut compartment.
Results
The hindgut showed the highest bacterial diversity, with a mean Shannon-Wiener index of ~ 4, compared to ~ 2 in the foregut and ~ 3 in the midgut. Lineages of the families Oscillospiraceae and Christensenellaceae (phylum Firmicutes, class Clostridia) together with specific members of the phyla Verrucomicrobiota, Pseudomonadota, Fusobacteriota and Bacteroidota were predominant in the hindgut. The genus Entomobacter (family Acetobacteraceae) and certain subclades of the family Lactobacillaceae formed the core microbiome of the foregut, whereas the taxonomic groups well represented in the midgut were members of the family Spirochaetaceae, certain lineages of the classes Gammaproteobacteria and Clostridia, and the phylum Bacteroidota. A number of abundant sequences found particularly in the hindgut could not be classified in taxonomic ranks lower than order or class, strongly suggesting that these represent yet undescribed taxa.
Conclusions
Bacteria of the family Lactobacillaceae were abundant and prevalent in the foregut and midgut of G. portentosa, but the hindgut was largely dominated by anaerobic clades such as members of the phyla Fusobacteriota and Bacteroidota, the classes Desulfovibrionales and Desulfobacterales, and the family Peptostreptococcaceae.
Transition to a new nursing information system embedded with clinical decision support: a mixed-method study using the HOT-fit framework
Authors: Yue Zhai , Zhenghong Yu , Qi Zhang , Wei Qin , Chun Yang , Yuxia Zhang
Published: May 2022

Background
Nursing information systems embedded with standardized nursing language and clinical decision support have been increasingly introduced in health care settings. User experience is key to the adoption of health information technologies. Despite extensive research into the user experience with nursing information systems, few studies have focused on the interaction between user, technology and organizational attributes during its implementation. Guided by the HOT-fit framework, this study aimed to investigate nurses’ perceptions and experiences with transition to a new nursing information system (Care Direct) two years after its first introduction.
Methods
This is a mixed-method study using an embedded design. An online survey was launched to collect nurses’ self-reported use of the new system, perceived system effectiveness and experience of participation in system optimization. Twenty-two semi structured interviews were conducted with twenty nurses with clinical or administrative roles. The quantitative and qualitative data were merged using the Pillar Integration Process.
Results
Nurses had medium-level perceptions of system effectiveness and participation in system development. They demonstrated good system use behavior and generally positive experiences with management and technical support. Eight main categories emerged from the integrated findings, which were further condensed into three themes: perceptions on system content, structure and functionality; perceptions on interdisciplinary and cross-level cooperation; and accepting the new thing.
Conclusions
Effective collaboration between clinicians, administrators and technical staff is required during system promotion to enhance system usability and user experience. Clear communication of organizational missions to staff and support from top management is needed to smooth the system implementation process and achieve broader system adoption.
One’s trash is someone else’s treasure: Sequence read archives from Lepidoptera genomes provide material for genome reconstruction of their endosymbionts
Authors: Twort Victoria Gwendoline , Blande Daniel , Duplouy Anne
Published: May 2022

Background:Maternally inherited bacterial symbionts are extremely widespread in insects. They owe their success to their ability to promote their own transmission through various manipulations of their hosts’ life-histories. Many symbionts however very often go undetected. Consequently, we have only a restricted idea of the true symbiont diversity in insects, which may hinder our understanding of even bigger questions in the field such as the evolution or establishment of symbiosis.Results:In this study, we screened publicly available Lepidoptera genomic material for two of the most common insect endosymbionts, namely Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, in 1 904 entries, encompassing 106 distinct species. We compared the performance of two screening software, Kraken2 and Metaphlan2, to identify the bacterial infections and using a baiting approach to reconstruct endosymbiont genome assemblies. Of the 106 species screened, 20 (19%) and nine (8.5%) were found to be infected with either Wolbachia or Spiroplasma, respectively. Construction of partial symbiotic genomes identified the Wolbachia supergroup B to be the most prevalent. While, Spiroplasma positive samples generally fell into three clades. Conclusions:Our results indicate that many of the host-symbiont associations remain largely unexplored, with the majority of associations we identify never being recorded before. This highlights the usefulness of public databases to explore the hidden diversity of symbiotic entities, allowing the development of hypotheses regarding host-symbiont associations. The ever-expanding genomic databases provide a diverse databank from which one can characterize and explore the true diversity of symbiotic entities.
Efficacy of alogliptin/metformin fixed-dose combination tablets and vildagliptin/metformin fixed-dose combination tablets on glycemic control in real-world clinical practice for the patients with type 2 diabetes: A multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel group, comparative trial
Authors: Abe Tomoe , Takeda Yasutaka , Sakuma Ichiro , Okada Mizuho , Sasaki Ayaka , Bessho Ryoichi , Sato Mao , Kitsunai Hiroya , Takiyama Yumi , Sakurai Masaru
Published: May 2022

Background: This study was aimed to compare the efficacy of two combination tablets of DPP-4 inhibitors and metformin with different dosages, alogliptin/metformin (AM) and vildagliptin/metformin (VM), on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel group, comparative trial. After a run-in period of treatment with metformin alone, a total of 59 Japanese outpatients with T2D, aged 20-79 years with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 6.5-10% were randomly assigned to 12-week AM treatment, alogliptin 25 mg/metformin 500 mg combination tablet orally once a day, or VM treatment, vildagliptin 50 mg/metformin 250 mg combination tablet orally twice a day. The primary endpoints were the changes in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels from baseline to week 12 between the two groups. Blinded intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) was performed between weeks 10 and 12. Incidence of adverse events during the study were also evaluated. Results: In all, 52 participants were analyzed. Significant decreases in HbA1c and FPG levels from baseline to week 12 were observed in both treatment groups. However, there were no significant differences between the AM and VM groups in the change in HbA1c level (–0.3% and –0.4%, P = 0.309) or the FPG level (–9.0 mg/dL and –15.0 mg/dL, P = 0.789). The isCGM revealed that both treatments achieved the recommended glycemic target range. No adverse events, such as severe hypoglycemia, were observed in either group.Conclusions: We concluded that there were no significant differences in the efficacy of two combination tablets of DPP-4 inhibitors and metformin with different dosages on glycemic control in patients with T2D.Trial registration: The study was approved by University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry on the 23rd of August 2018 (Registration No. 000033867).
EZH2-mediated epigenetic activation of the CCL22/CCR4 causing EMT process remodeling in cervical carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Li , Tian Sijuan , Chang Jie , Quan Shimin , Yang Ting , Zhao Minyi , Wang Li , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2022

Purpose It has been found the regulatory functions of EZH2 in promoting the immune disturbance and tumorigenesis in cervical cancer (CC). Our previous study has found that the chemokine CCL22 and its receptor CCR4 are elevated in CC tissues. The present study aims to investigate the potential role of EZH2-induced epigenetic activation of CCL22/CCR4 and caused EMT remodeling in CC. Methods and results CCL22 and CCR4 were significant up-regulated in CC samples compare to normal cervix tissues, an obvious induction of promoter DNA methylation levels of CCL22 and CCR4 were shown in CC tissues. Demethylation could reactivate the transcription activity of CCL22 and CCR4. DNMT3A directly binds to the CCL22 and CCR4 promoter regions in vitro. Down-regulation the expression of EZH2 in CC cell lines could induce DNMT3A expression augment, induced CCL22 and CCR4 promoters’ methylation level as well, caused CCL22 and CCR4 mRNA expression decreased. Moreover, in an in vivo assay, the expression profile of EZH2 regulates the expression of CCL22/CCR4 through DNMT3A was consistent with the cellular level. In EZH2-silenced CC cells, migration was reduced, levels of EMT related markers, including vimentin, slug, snail and β-catenin, were all reduced, and ZO-1 increased. In DNMT3A-silenced CC cells, migration was induced and vimentin, slug, snail and β-catenin were all induced, ZO-1 reduced. Inhibition of CCL22 protein significantly decreased migration of CC cells and vimentin, slug, snail and β-catenin, increased ZO-1. Conclusion EZH2 thus appears to regulate CCL22/CCR4 expression via epigenetic activation, causing EMT process remodeling in CC progression, making EZH2 and CCL22/CCR4 be potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CC patients.