bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microalgae colonization and trace element accumulation on the plastisphere of marine plastic debris in Monastir Bay (Eastern Tunisia)
Authors: Tarchi Mondher , Zaaboub Noureddine , Alsubih Majed , Brik Bochra , Martins Maria Virgínia Alves , Aleya Lotfi , Trabelsi Lamia
Published: September 2022

In this study, we examined the epiplastic microalgal community that developed on low-density polyethylene (LD-PE) plastic debris found in two distinct regions of the Monastir Bay (Tunisia): the coast exposed to anthropogenic discharges and the open sea in front of the Kuriat Islands. The analysis of trace elements accumulated in the plastisphere was also carried out. The collected plastispheres were predominantly composed of cyanobacteria. Chlorophytes and diatoms were also found. Euglenophyceae was also recorded but with comparatively low relative abundance (RA), whereas dinoflagellates were almost absent. The diatom showed a high diversity of species (25 species). Potentially harmful microalgae (PHM) were more abundant in the plastisphere than in seawater at all stations. For all coastal area stations, most of the PHM colonizing the plastisphere are potentially harmful cyanobacteria. For S1 (offshore station), the PHM community profile was characterized by the dominance of potentially harmful diatoms. The main potentially harmful cyanobacterium identified on the plastisphere was Phormidium sp. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. was the only potentially harmful diatom observed on the plastisphere. Accumulation of trace elements in plastisphere was higher than that in sediments. Trace elements in plastisphere are ranked with a very high contamination factor at all sites, according to the sequence Pb > Cu > Cd > Ni > Zn. The accumulation of trace elements in the plastisphere is highest near areas with harbor and industrial activities and the urban rejects zone.
Effect of preemptive treatment of esketamine versus sufentanil on hemodynamics in patients undergoing laryngeal microsurgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yi-ying , Yang Xin , Zhang Jianxi , Liang Xiaoshen , Zhang Shuai , Guo Qulian , Huang Chang-sheng
Published: September 2022

BackgroundːIn laryngeal microsurgery, the insertion of the suspension laryngoscope is a strong stimulus that may cause hemodynamic fluctuations and adverse cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of preemptive treatment with esketamine and sufentanil on maintaining hemodynamics and reducing the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events during the insertion of suspension laryngoscope.MethodsːIn this double-blind randomized controlled trial, patients undergoing general anesthesia for laryngeal microsurgery were randomly assigned (1:1) to esketamine 0.5 mg kg− 1(esketamine group) and sufentanyl 0.125 µg kg− 1(sufentanil group) before inserting the laryngoscope, respectively.ResultsːDuring the insertion of suspension laryngoscope, the incidence of bradycardia (HR < 60 beats/min) was 39.3% (22/56) in esketamine group, lower than 60.0% (33/55) in sufentanil group (P = 0.029). The incidence of hypotension (MAP < 65 mmHg) was 33.9% (19/56) in esketamine group, lower than 56.4% (31/55) in sufentanil group (P = 0.018). The frequency of hypotension in esketamine group was lower than that in sufentanil group (0.36 ± 0.52 vs 0.56 ± 0.50, P = 0.035). The time-weighted average of HR dropping above 30% of baseline was smaller in esketamine group than in sufentanil group (0.52 ± 2.06 vs 1.08 ± 2.77, P = 0.006).ConclusionsːThese findings showed that compared with preemptive treatment of sufentanil (0.125 µg kg− 1), esketamine (0.5 mg kg− 1) was effective in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events such as bradycardia and hypotension induced by insertion of suspension laryngoscope during the laryngeal microsurgery.Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000041187. Registered on 21/12/2020.
Lack of GPR180 ameliorates hepatic lipid depot via downregulation of mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Yoshida Ken , Yokota Kazuha , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Tsuda Hidetoshi , Matsumoto Ayumi , Mizukami Hiroaki , Iwamoto Sadahiko
Published: September 2022

Our previous genome-wide association study to explore genetic loci associated with lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Japan suggested four candidate loci, which were mapped to chr6, chr7, chr12 and chr13. The present study aimed to identify the locus involved functionally in NAFLD around the association signal observed in chr13. Chromosome conformation capture assay and a database survey suggested the intermolecular interaction among DNA fragments in association signals with the adjacent four coding gene promoters. The four genes were further screened by knockdown (KD) in mice using shRNA delivered by an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV8), and KD of G protein-coupled receptor 180 (Gpr180) showed amelioration of hepatic lipid storage. Gpr180 knockout (KO) mice also showed ameliorated hepatic and plasma lipid levels without influencing glucose metabolism after high-fat diet intake. Transcriptome analyses showed downregulation of mTORC1 signaling and cholesterol homeostasis, which was confirmed by weakened phosphorylation of mTOR and decreased activated SREBPs in Gpr180KO mice and a human hepatoma cell line (Huh7). AAV8-mediated hepatic rescue of GPR180 expression in KO mice showed recovery of plasma and hepatic lipid levels. In conclusion, ablation of GPR180 ameliorated plasma and hepatic lipid levels, which was mediated by downregulation of mTORC1 signaling.
Experimental analysis on the influence of the tool micro geometry on the wear behavior in gear hobbing
Authors: Hendricks Steffen , Kühn Felix , Troß Nico , Brimmers Jens , Bergs Thomas
Published: September 2022

Gear hobbing is a well-established manufacturing process for cylindrical spur gears. The cutting edge of a hobbing tool is, among others, characterized by the cutting edge radius and the form-factor K. The magnitude of these parameters is ideally chosen based on the machining conditions given by the workpiece and cutting material, the cutting parameters as well as the gear and tool geometry. However, the influence of the cutting edge geometry on tool life and wear behavior is hardly known, which complicates an optimized tool design. Furthermore, the preparation process regarding the coating thickness distribution on the wear behavior is equally relevant. Therefore, the objective was to identify the influence of the cutting edge radius, the form-factor K and the preparation process on the wear behavior of gear hobbing tools made of powder metallurgical high speed steel (PM-HSS). Fly-cutting trials were performed as an analogy process for gear hobbing in order to study the wear behavior and identify the respective tool lives. The trials indicated that the form-factor K influences the wear behavior, while a variation of the cutting edge radius did not have a significant effect. A homogenous coating thickness could extend the tool life significantly.
Short and long term predictors of pain severity and interference in primary care patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression
Authors: Rambla Concepció , Aragonès Enric , Pallejà-Millán Meritxell , Tomé-Pires Catarina , López-Cortacans Germán , Sánchez-Rodríguez Elisabet , Miró Jordi
Published: September 2022

Background: Chronic pain and depression are frequent comorbidities in primary care. Depression and other clinical, psychological and social factors influence the clinical course of chronic pain.Objective: To study the short and long-term predictive factors of severity and interference of chronic pain in primary care patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and major depression.Methods: Longitudinal study of a cohort of 328 patients. The outcomes are severity and functional interference of pain (Brief Pain Inventory) measured at 3 and 12 months.Results: 83% participants were women; average age was 60.3 years (SD=10.2). In multivariate models, baseline pain intensity predicted pain intensity at 3 months (β= 0.48; 95% CI=0.30-0.67) and at 12 months (β=0.39; 95% CI=0.17-0.61). Also, pain >2 years of evolution predicted long term pain intensity (β=0.86; CI95%=0.05-1.66). Occupational status as active worker predicted lower intensity at 12 months (β=-0.78; CI95%=-1.53 ​​to -0.03). Baseline pain interference predicted interference at 3 and 12 months (β=0.25; 95%CI=0.09-0.41 and β=0.22; 95%CI=0.02-0.41, respectively). Pain >2 years predicted greater interference at 12 months (β=1.07; CI95%=0.24-1.89). Physical comorbidity (Duke Severity of Illness score) was associated with greater interference in the short term (β=0.02; CI95 %= 0.00-2.05). Occupational status as active worker predicted less interference throughout the follow-up (β=-0.72; CI95%=-1.34 to -0.11 and β=-0.95; CI95%=-1.70 to -0.21, at 3 and 12 months).With regard to the psychological variables, catastrophism (Pain Catastrophizing Scale) predicted greater pain intensity and interference at three months (β=0.35; 95% CI=0.03-0.68 and β=0.36; 95% CI =0.02-0.71), but not long term.Conclusion: In a sample of adults with chronic pain and depression, this primary care study has identified various prognostic factors that independently predict the intensity and functional interference of pain. These factors should be targeted for individualized interventions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02605278), registered 16/11/2015.
Optimal dose of normal saline for confirming correct peripheral venous access with precordial Doppler ultrasonography: a triple-blinded, randomized controlled study
Authors: Omori Ayaka , Otaki Yuji , Tanaka Motoi , Miyazu Mitsunori , Ohde Sachiko , Kojima Taiki
Published: September 2022

Precordial Doppler ultrasound technology can be utilized to confirm correct peripheral intravenous vascular (PIV) access in children. This study aimed to determine the minimally required dose of normal saline (NS) for confirming correct PIV access. Healthy children were randomly allocated to receive a 0.1 mL/kg, 0.3 mL/kg, or 0.5 mL/kg dose of NS injected via PIV access. Two independent raters judged the change in the recorded precordial Doppler sound test (S-test) before and after NS injection. Typically, rapid injection of NS increased the pitch of the heartbeat as the injection volume increased. Changes in blood flow velocity test (V-test) results were evaluated using a cut-off value of 1 cm/s. Both in the S- and V-tests, the detection rate of correct PIV access was lower with 0.1 mL/kg NS than with 0.3 mL/kg or 0.5 mL/kg. Logistic regression analysis showed that the positive results in both the S- and V-tests were significantly decreased with a 0.1 mL/kg NS; no significant difference was observed with a 0.3 mL/kg NS (reference dose: 0.5 mL/kg). These results suggest 0.3 mL/kg is a minimally required dose of NS for confirming correct PIV access. This study is registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000041330).
Plant hormones and metabolites related to the resistance response to feeding stimulation and leaf clipping control in Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.)
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Zhou Guona , Sun Tianhua , Wang Lifeng , Xu Qiang , Liu Junxia , Gao Baojia
Published: September 2022

To define changes in metabolic pathways in response to mandibulate insect feeding and to provide a reference for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of conifer resistance, Chinese pine ( Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) in good growth status in Huangtuliangzi Forest Farm Pingquan city, Chengde city, Hebei Province, was stimulated by 10 pine caterpillars ( Dendrolimus tabulaefomis Tsai et Liu) as feeding stimulation (FS) and leaf clipping control (LCC) as mechanical damage. The metabolome and total flavonoid content were measured in the needles at 0 (with no treatment, CK), 2, and 8 h after treatment. Plant hormones were measured with needles at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after different treatments. The plant hormones jasmonic acid (JA) and auxin (IAA) were upregulated within a short time (2 h) after treatment, showing an expression trend consistent with the corresponding substances in the metabolome. A total of 30.8% of flavonoids were identified by metabolomics analysis. Analysis of KEGG metabolic pathways for the different accumulated metabolites (DAMs) showed that the top pathway annotated and enriched for DAMs in comparison to 2 h after FS (marked as 2 h) and 2 h after LCC (marked as LCC 2 h) was flavonoid biosynthesis; the top pathway mainly annotated and enriched for DAMs in comparison to 8 h and LCC 8 h was the same. Thus, the flavonoid pathway is one of the main pathways involved in resistance formation in conifers, and JA and IAA are involved in the development of resistance and growth during biotic stress.
Salivary Huntingtin protein is uniquely associated with clinical features of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Parkin Georgia M. , Corey-Bloom Jody , Snell Chase , Smith Haileigh , Laurenza Angela , Daldin Manuel , Bresciani Alberto , Thomas Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2022

IntroductionMeasuring Huntingtin (Htt) protein in peripheral cells represents an essential step in biomarker discovery for Huntington’s Disease (HD), however to date, investigations into the salivary expression of Htt has been lacking.MethodIn the current study, we quantified total Htt (tHtt) and mutant Htt (mHtt) protein in matched blood and saliva samples using single molecule counting (SMC) immunoassays: 2B7-D7F7 (tHtt) and 2B7-MW1 (mHtt). Matched samples, and clinical data, were collected from 95 subjects: n=19 manifest HD, n=34 premanifest HD (PM), and n=42 normal controls (NC). ResultsTotal Htt and mHtt levels were not correlated in blood and saliva. Plasma tHtt was significantly associated with age, and participant sex; whereas salivary mHtt was significantly correlated with age, CAG repeat length and CAP score. Plasma and salivary tHtt did not differ across cohorts. Salivary and plasma mHtt were significantly increased in PM compared to NC; salivary mHtt was also significantly increased in HD compared to NC. Only salivary tHtt and mHtt were significantly correlated with clinical measures.Conclusions Salivary Htt is uniquely associated with clinical measures of HD and offers significant promise as a relevant, non-invasive HD biomarker. Its use could be immediately implemented into both translational and clinical research applications.
An evaluation of the ‘My Home Life’ Leadership Support programme for care home managers
Authors: Penney Sarah , Ryan Assumpta , Slater Paul , Meyer Julienne , Dewar Belinda , Owen Tom , Lynch Brighide
Published: September 2022

• Background:
Care homes are central to the provision of care for older people it is essential the leaders in this sector are supported to enhance the equality of care provided to these residents, often with multiple and complex needs and co-existing health conditions. The My Home life leadership support programme (MHL LS) is an innovative approach which enhances the culture of care in these settings. This study explored the findings of 298 participants who completed the programme in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Methods:
Data were analysed from two questionnaires which are routinely completed, by participants on the MHL LSP, the Assessment of Workplace Schedule (AWES) and the Perceptions of Workplace Change Schedule (POWCS). The results were categorised by factors identified by the exploratory factor analysis. This paper focuses only on the quantitative findings from pre- and post-questionnaires. The study also provides an updated factor analysis of the AWES and POWCS
• Results:
The results provide robust evidence of the overall positive impact of the MHL LS programme across the three participating countries. The key areas which MHL participants report significant change within their care homes are, recognition and regard of them and their staff, workload, quality of care and working relationships
• Conclusions:
Overall, this study has demonstrated a significant positive change in managers’ leadership skills and their perceptions on the impact of this for staff, relatives and residents.
An efficient blockchain-based anonymous authentication and supervision system
Authors: Liang Weiyou , Wang Yujue , Ding Yong , Zheng Haibin , Liang Hai , Wang Huiyong
Published: September 2022

The fast expansion of the Internet, as well as people's concern for personal privacy and security, have raised the expectations for the identity authentication process. Although current controlled anonymous authentication techniques may provide anonymous authentication and supervision, they are inefficient. The one issue is the high processing cost of presenting and verifying the certificate. Another issue is that a single certification authority (CA) cannot reply timely when there are various requests for certificates and tracing fraudulent users. This article presents an efficient blockchain-based anonymous authentication and supervision system (EAAS) to overcome these issues. In comparison to previous solutions, our EAAS system adopts a double-layer CA architecture to address the issue that a single CA cannot react to a large number of requests in a short period of time. Additionally, it reduces the computational cost, making certificate presentation and verification more effective. Security analysis indicates that the proposed scheme enjoys anonymity, traceability, unlinkability, and can resist forgery attacks. The theoretical and experimental comparison demonstrates its practicality in terms of presenting and verifying the certificate.
Development of a genetic risk score to predict the risk of hypertension in European adolescents from the HELENA study
Authors: Pérez-Gimeno Gloria , Seral-Cortes Miguel , Sabroso-Lasa Sergio , Esteban Luis Mariano , Lurbe Empar , Béghin Laurent , Gottrand Frederic , Meirhaeghe Aline , Muntaner Manon , Kafatos Anthony , Molnár Dénes , Leclercq Catherine , Widhalm Kurt , Kersting Mathilde , Nova Esther , Salazar-Tortosa Diego F. , Gonzalez-Gross Marcela , Breidenassel Christina , Sinningen Kathrin , De Ruyter Thaïs , Labayen Idoia , Rupérez Azahara I. , Bueno-Lozano Gloria , Moreno Luis A.
Published: September 2022

Background: Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have previously been associated with blood pressure (BP) levels, in adults and children. A combination of SNPs, forming a genetic risk score (GRS) could be considered as a useful genetic tool to identify individuals at risk of developing hypertension from early stages in life. Therefore, the aim of our study was to build a GRS being able to predict the genetic predisposition to hypertension in European adolescents. Methods: Data were extracted from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) cross-sectional study. A total of 869 adolescents (53 % female), aged 12.5-17.5, with complete genetic and BP information were included. The sample was divided into altered (³ 130 mmHg for systolic and/or ³ 80 mmHg for diastolic) or normal BP. Based on the literature, a total of 1.534 SNPs from 57 candidate genes related with BP were selected from the HELENA genome wide association study database.Results: From 1534 SNPs available, An initial screening of SNPs univariately associated with BP (p < 0.10) was established, to finally obtain a number of 16 SNPs significantly associated with BP (p < 0.05) in the multivariate model. The unweighted GRS (uGRS) and weighted GRS (wGRS) were estimated. To validate the GRSs, the area under the curve was explored using ten-fold internal cross-validation for uGRS (0.796) and wGRS (0.803). Further covariates of interest were added to the analyses, obtaining a higher predictive ability.Conclusions: Both GRSs, could be useful to evaluate the genetic predisposition to hypertension in European adolescents.
A Fast Task Planning System for 6R Articulated Robots Based on Inverse Kinematics
Authors: Lai Yuan-Lung
Published: September 2022

Robots are becoming increasingly popular in workplaces to work next to humans and may always need humans to program them for tasks. Technicians could make mistakes that cause unexpected consequences. Robots bring eventful impacts to the workplace, benefiting from the advantages of implementing any technology should be based on the premise of safety. This work proposes a systematic method to establish a postprocessor module for any specified 6R Articulated Robot. Instead of obsessively emphasizing to achieve the desired locations and orientations by hand guiding grab and drag a robotic arm for operation in teaching mode, the significant end-effector poses are calculated to form a new path for the joints efficiently in this study. Since robotic motion control is usually a complex system whose users must be well trained and acquainted with using them. There is a need for a GUI solution that can provide convenient and intuitive robotic motion control on the current location of the user independently, easy setup, arrangement, adjustment, and monitoring robot motion tasks. The proposed system simplifies the interaction between the technician and the industrial robotic arm in the case of robotic motion control and tracking at a distant location. The presented method is fully adapted to alternate between joint angles and end-effector poses on a graphic user interface system. Examples with specified posture and predefined movements are demonstrated for corroborating the algorithm. The results show considerable efficiency and reliability in path planning and are fully supported for automatic path generation.
Synthesis of prebiotic organics from CO2 by catalysis with meteoritic and volcanic particles
Authors: Peters Sophia , Semenov Dmitry , Hochleitner Rupert , Trapp Oliver
Published: September 2022

The emergence of prebiotic organics was a mandatory step toward the origin of life. The significance of the exogenous delivery versus the in-situ synthesis from atmospheric gases is still under debate. We experimentally demonstrate that iron − rich meteoritic and volcanic particles activate and catalyze the fixation of CO2, yielding the key precursors of life − building blocks. This catalysis is robust and produces selectively aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons, independent of the redox state of the environment. It is facilitated by common minerals and tolerates a broad range of the early planetary conditions (150 − 300°C, ≳9 bars, wet or dry climate). We find that up to 3 ⋅ 108 kg/year of prebiotic organics could have been synthesized by this large-scale process from the CO2 in the atmosphere on Hadean Earth.
Application of response surface methodology for methylene blue removal using an innovative ZIF-8/NiFe2O4/ halogen lamp system
Authors: faraji afsaneh , mehrdadi nasser
Published: September 2022

In this present research, magnetic nanoparticles of ZIF-8/NiFe2O4 were synthesized using a green and simple method to photodegrade methylene blue in presence of visible-light irradiation. The structures and morphologies properties of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and PL for individual ZIF-8, NiFe2O4, and ZIF-8/NiFe2O4 materials. Response surface method (RSM) by considering the central composite design (CCD) was used to design the experiments and optimize the process. The F-value (248.26) and p-value < 0.0001 imply that the model is significant. The obtained RSM model with R2 = 0.996 showed a satisfactory correlation between the predicted values and experimental results of MB removal. The maximum decolorization efficiency of MB was obtained under the optimum experimental conditions of 0.044 g/100mL catalyst dose, 5 mg/L initial dye concentration, 150 min irradiation time, and dye solution pH of 7.4.
Genetic analysis of low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma of the breast that progressed to high-grade metaplastic carcinoma
Authors: Kawachi Kae , Tang Xiaoyan , Kasajima Rika , Yamanaka Takashi , Shimizu Eigo , Katayama Kotoe , Yamaguchi Rui , Yokoyama Kazuaki , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Furukawa Yoichi , Miyano Satoru , Imoto Seiya , Yoshioka Emi , Washimi Kota , Okubo Yoichiro , Sato Shinya , Yokose Tomoyuki , Miyagi Yohei
Published: September 2022

Low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma (LGASC) is a rare type of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MBC) with an indolent clinical course. A few cases with high-grade transformation have been reported; however, their genetic alterations remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the somatic genetic characteristics of LGASC with transformation to high-grade MBC. Whole-genome sequencing analysis was performed on five MBCs from four patients, including one case with matching primary LGASC and lymph node metastatic tumor consisting of high-grade MBC with a predominant metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma pattern (MSC) that has progressed from LGASC, and three de novo MSC. Both LGASC and its associated MSC, unlike de novo MSC, had no TP53 mutation and tended to have fewer structural variants than de novo MSC. Both LGASC and its associated MSC had common mutations and copy number alterations, including GNAS R844C, which shows an increase in its allele frequency in MSC. These results indicated that LGASC and its associated MSC were ancestry clonal and that clonal selection occurred during progression. MSC associated with LGASC had additional pathogenic deletions of multiple tumor suppressor genes caused by, for example, SMAD4–DCC fusion. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, followed by Sanger sequencing, confirmed this fusion transcript in both LGASC and its associated MSC; however, chimera proteins were not detected by Western blotting. SMAD4 protein expression had already decreased at the stage of LGASC, which may have contributed to the tumorigenesis of LGASC. In conclusion, not only LGASC but also its associated high-grade MBC may be genetically different from de novo high-grade MBC. The progression from LGASC to high-grade MBC may concern the concentration of the driver mutation caused by clonal selection and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.
The breast surgeon in the molecular era: the PD-1 single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs11568821 and rs2227981 as a novel prognosis model in a triple-negative breast cancer patient
Authors: Boguszewska-Byczkiewicz Katarzyna , Wow Thomas , Szymańska Bożena , Kośny Michał , Kolacinska-Wow Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between polymorphisms rs11568821 C/T and at rs2227981 G/A in the programmed cell death 1 gene (PDCD1) and the clinicopathologic characteristics of triple negative breast cancer patient (TNBC). Material and Methods: The study included 30 TNBC patients and 30 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed with allelic discrimination using PCR with TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Results: The presence of CC/CT in rs11568821and GG/AG in rs2227981 were not associated with the risk of progression of TNBC. The correlation between rs11568821 minor allele distribution and risk of TNBC has borderline significance (p=0.0619). The rs2227981 polymorphism has a significant association with grade G (G3, p=0.0229). There was a trend toward significance (p=0.063448) in the minor allele presentation and Ki67>20% for rs2227981. Other clinical features (e.g. age, TNM stage) did not significantly correlate with the rs11568821 or the rs2227981 polymorphism. Conclusion: rs2227981 is associated with grading; hence PDCD1 can be used as a prognostic marker in TNBC.
Study on the infrasound characteristics of the Tonga volcano in Chinese Mainland on January 15, 2022
Authors: LIU SHUANGQING , XUE YAN , CHEN SONG , YAO HUIQIN , JIN DALI , WANG YIXI , LI YUE
Published: September 2022

Based on the barometric data that recorded by the seismic monitoring network in Chinese Mainland, the primary infrasonic periods and relative arrival times of 462 stations are obtained with the aid of Meyer’s wavelet decomposition, Welch’s periodogram spectrum estimation and waveform cross-correlation, etc. By extracting the seismic Rayleigh waves of two IRIS stations in the South Pacific and comparing them with the synthetic seismograms, the time of the first two large volcanic eruptions and the largest volcanic eruption are credibly deduced, and then the travel times and propagation speeds of the primary infrasonic waves are obtained. In order to further explain the subsequent confused infrasound phases on pressure, a series of numerical simulations with the acoustic-gravity wave propagation equation are successfully applied to yield highly similar waves corresponding to the barometric records, which indicates that the eruption source contains more than 10 events in an hour. From the above analysis, major conclusions are obtained as followings: (1) the primary pressure disturbance of the Tonga volcano eruption appears to be a simple bulge; however, it is in fact a complex wave composed of multiple eruptions. Its largest eruption is about 13 minutes later than the first large eruption of the very day. (2) Besides the tropospheric propagation, a clear infrasonic phase that propagates in the stratosphere is also observed in some stations, and its amplitude is about a fifth of the primary infrasound. The waves propagating in the stratosphere may have been apparently delayed because of travelling against the westerly wind. (3) The group velocity of the primary infrasound wave from the troposphere is about 308m/s. Its average period is 70 minutes, and its wavelength is about 1300km. Its arrival deviation at each station is negatively correlated with the difference of the near-surface air temperature between North China and South China. However it is challenging to accurately estimate the parameters of the subsequent waves propagating in the stratosphere or along the other side of the Earth due to their low SNR, even though it would be roughly estimated that the speed of the propagation in the stratosphere is only about 225m/s. (4) The phenomenon that there are much smaller periods and later arrivals at the stations within 200km around Beijing may be related to the significant cooling with 12℃ change, which appears from Ulantoba, Outer Mongolia, to Beijing and begins from the noon of January 15 in Beijing time.
Microvessel network, CGRP and NPY distribution, and CBCT image assessments of the mandibular canal between dentulous and edentulous cadavers using principal component analysis
Authors: Takiguchi Masachika , Sato Iwao , Ueda Yoko , Kawata Shinichi , Nagahori Kenta , Omotehara Takuya , Yakura Tomiko , Li Lian , Itoh Masahiro
Published: September 2022

Objectives
This study focused on the detailed distribution of microvessels in the mandibular canal (MC) and the localized expression of neurotransmitters to assess the relationship between microvessel supply and MC structure using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for safe and reliable dental implant treatment.
Materials and methods
In this study, mandibles from 45 sides of 23 human cadavers aged 76–104 years were examined microscopically, immunohistochemically and by CBCT analysis. These data were further evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA).
Results
The MC structure was classified into three types, including complete (57.0%, 228/400), partial (33.8%, 135/400) and unclear (9.2%, 37/400), for dentulous and edentulous subjects. Calcitonin gene-related peptide- and neuropeptide Y-positive reactions were mainly found in the inferior region of the MC. PCA results revealed that developed capillaries were mainly localized in the molar regions.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that microvessels express neurotransmitters on the vasa nervorum of the inferior alveolar nerve and vein and artery. These irregular large microvessels are mainly located in dentulous subjects, which may provide useful information for dental implant treatment.
Clinical Relevance:
The microvessel supply pattern might signify a risk of pain in the molar and premolar regions in dentulous and edentulous subjects undergoing CBCT analysis of the MC for dental implant surgery based on oral health-related quality of life.
A novel negative selection algorithm with hypercube interface detectors for anomaly detection
Authors: Gu Ming , Li Dong , Gong Lanlan , Liu Jia , Liu Shulin
Published: September 2022

Negative selection algorithms play an important role in anomaly detection. Interface detectors are a special negative selection algorithm that completely eliminates outer holes, but there are detection blind areas. In this paper, a novel negative selection algorithm with a hypercube interface detector is proposed. It uses self-sample clusters to construct self space, and boundary self-sample clusters to describe the interface detector. It eliminates the detection blind area and improves the detection rate. To validate the performance of the proposed method, experiments were conducted using the iris dataset, the skin segmentation dataset, and the Breast Cancer of Wisconsin (BCW) dataset. Experimental results show that the proposed method in this paper has a higher detection rate, lower false alarm rate, and fewer detectors than other anomaly detection methods for the same parameters.
Use of C-reactive protein to guide antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dias Raphael Figuiredo , Paula Ana Clara Rivetti Bitencourt , Hasparyk Ursula Gramiscelli , Coutinho Marcos de Oliveira Rabelo Bassalo , Alderete João Rafael Assis , Kanjongo Júlia Chihondo , Silva Renata Aguiar Menezes , Guimarães Nathalia Sernizon , Silva Ana Cristina Simões e , Nobre Vandack
Published: September 2022

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase marker used in clinical practice to identify and monitor inflammatory and infectious processes. Recent data suggest that CRP might be useful in guiding antibiotic therapy discontinuation among critical care patients. This meta-analysis analyzed the benefits and risks of CRP-guided protocols to define antibiotic therapy discontinuation in hospitalized patients in comparison with standard treatment. Methods: Studies were searched in four databases: Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and LILACS. The reference lists of the articles retrieved, and related review studies were hand-screened to find eligible trials that might have been missed. Primary endpoints included the duration of antibiotic therapy for the index episode of infection. The secondary endpoint was the all-cause hospital mortality and infection relapses. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Random effects were used to pool the mean differences and odds ratio of individual studies. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021259977).Results: The search strategy retrieved 5209 titles, out of which 03 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. 727 patients were analyzed, of whom 278 were included in the intervention group and 449 were included in the control group. 55,7% of all patients were women. Meta-analysis indicated that experimental groups (CRP-guided) had a shorter duration of antibiotic therapy (days) [MMD= -1.82, 95%IC -3.23; -0.40], with no difference in mortality [OR =1.19 95%IC 0.67-2.12] or occurrence of infection relapse [OR =3.21 95%IC 0.85-12.05] between the two groups. Conclusion: The use of CRP-guided protocol reduced the total amount of time required for antibiotic therapy when compared to standard protocols of treatment in hospitalized patients with an acute bacterial infection. We did not observe statistical differences in mortality and infection relapse rates.
Polynomial Convergence Rates of Piecewise Deterministic Markov Processes
Authors: Roberts Gareth O. , Rosenthal Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2022

We consider piecewise-deterministic Markov processes such as the Bouncy Particle sampler, on target densities with polynomial tails. Using direct drift condition methods, we provide bounds on the polynomial order of the processes' convergence rate to stationary, on both one-dimensional and high-dimensional state spaces, in both total variation distance and f-norm.
The First-time Absence of the Chandler Wobble since 2015 and its Implications for Excitation Processes
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryuji , Furuya Masato
Published: September 2022

The Chandler Wobble period is considered a single time-invariable constant, ~ 1.2 years. To confirm the time-invariability of the Chandler period, we preliminarily estimated the Chandler period using 50 years’ long space geodetic data under the minimum excitation assumption. Unexpectedly, the estimated period has been shortened by more than 60 days since about 2005, which we consider unreal but significant. Moreover, by simple least-squares modeling, we found the Chandler Wobble started to be weaker in 2005 and almost disappeared in 2015. We interpret these results in both excitation and wobble domains as caused by the absence of the Chandler Wobble for the first time in the observation history. Assuming no excitations of the Chandler Wobble since 2005, the rather abrupt damping suggests that the Q-value is below 25, and that the excitation power of the Chandler Wobble should be greater than previously thought. Meanwhile, although the atmosphere and ocean are currently believed to be the excitation sources of the Chandler wobble, the available atmospheric and oceanic angular momentum functions do not show any temporal changes in terms of the excitation power around the Chandler frequency even after 2005, and cannot explain the recent anomaly of the Chandler Wobble.
Association of the rapid decline in kidney function with the rapid deterioration of health-related quality of life in chronic kidney disease: finding from the KNOW-CKD study
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Kim Da Woon , Rhee Harin , Song Sang Heon , Park Sue Kyung , Kim Soo Wan , Kim Yeong Hoon , Sung Suah , Oh Kook-Hwan , Seong Eun Young
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) according to the decline in kidney function. HRQOL was assessed using the Short from-36 questionnaire composed of a physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS). The rapid decline of kidney function was defined as a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of > 3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. The rapid deterioration of HRQOL was defined as higher than the median of the changes in HRQOL values. Among 970 patients, 360 (37.1%) were in the rapid kidney function decline group. In 720 patients who were 1:1 propensity score-matched, the baseline eGFR was not significantly different between the non-rapid and rapid kidney function decline groups. Compared with the baseline PCS, the 5-year PCS decreased in the non-rapid and rapid kidney function decline groups before and after PSM. Five-year MCS significantly decreased only in the rapid kidney function decline group. In propensity score-matched patients, rapid decline in kidney function was significantly associated with the rapid deterioration of PCS (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.07–2.05; P = 0.018) and MCS (OR:1.89; 95% CI:1.36–2.62; P < 0.001). The rapid decline in kidney function was associated with the rapid deterioration of HRQOL in CKD patients.
Pandemic Policing and Public (Non)compliant Behaviour: Data from Nigeria
Authors: Shodunke Aliu Oladimeji , Oladipupo Sodiq Abiodun , Adeoti Sheriffdeen Olasunkanmi , Olorede Abdulgafar Abidemi , Alowolodu Adebusayo Joel , Seriki Oriyomi Oluwasegun , Akindele Ayobami Habeeb , Isiaka Adam Folorunsho , Adebayo Glory David , Mbanefo Onyinye Faith
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesThe unprecedented nature of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown order projected to contain the pandemic and the global use of the police to enforce the order has necessitated the investigation of public (non-compliant) behavior and police intervention (misconduct). Given that the phases of easing the lockdown and reopening of the economy were already underway in Nigeria in September 2020, four months post-lockdown, this period was deemed suitable to collect the data. Data DescriptionThe data consists of 30 participants’ (25 individuals and five police personnel) views regarding the reasons that exacerbated the violation and the ‘alleged’ unethical practices of police personnel while enforcing the lockdown. However, it benefits the broader scientific community in areas such as policing, disaster risk reduction, pandemic management and public administration. It is valuable in police reforms against unethical practices and gives clear policy directions to policymakers and authorities in managing future public health emergencies. Also, it is useful in understanding the public awareness about the pandemic and public (mis)trust and disposition towards the government authorities on the obedience to law and public health safety advisories to contain a pandemic.
Efficient Maintenance of Highway Cover Labelling for Distance Queries on Large Dynamic Graphs
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Wang Qing
Published: September 2022

Graphs in real-world applications are typically dynamic that undergo rapid changes in their topological structure over time by either adding or deleting edges or vertices. However, it is challenging to design algorithms capable of supporting updates efficiently on dynamic graphs. In this paper, we devise a parallel fully dynamic labelling method to reflect changes on graphs for efficient shortest-path distance computation, a fundamental problem in graph theory. At its core, our solution accelerates query processing through a fully dynamic distance labelling with a limited size but providing a good approximation to bound online searches on dynamic graphs. Our parallel fully dynamic labelling method leverages two sources of efficiency gain: landmark parallelism and anchor parallelism. Furthermore, it can handle both incremental and decremental updates efficiently using a unified search approach and a bounded repairing inference mechanism. We theoretically analyze the correctness, labelling minimality and time complexity of our method, and also conduct extensive experiments to empirically verify its efficiency and scalability on 10 real-world large networks.
Allelochemicals-based expansion of Elsholtzia densa Benth. hindering plants’defense function: case study of Hordeum vulgare L.
Authors: Zhou Xijie , Xiao Yunxing , Ma Danwei , Xie Yusi , Wang Yu , Zhang Hong , Wang Yanan
Published: September 2022

Background The root extracellular trap (RET) comprising root border cells (RBCs) and their secretions are plants' first line of defense to resist external stress. Since soil microorganisms are closely related to nutrient circulation, this study chooses a poisonous weed Elsholtzia densa Benth. (E. densa) in alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) to explore the mechanism of its rapid expansion. Methods Bioassays and pure agar suspension air culture methods are used to determine the effects of the decomposing substances of E. densa on the RBCs characteristics of the plateau crop highland barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), soil nutrients, soil enzyme activities, and soil bacteria, using microscopic techniques and biochemical analysis techniques.Results The decomposing allelopathic effect of the E. densa mainly occurs in the early stage of decomposing, with its decomposing solution thickening the RBC’s mucilage layer and decreasing the RBC’s activity and even apoptosis. The decomposed product of the E. densa changes the diversity of the soil bacterial and species composition, affects soil nutrient content, and increases the activities of various extracellular enzymes.Conclusions During the expansion, the E. densa releases allelochemicals to its surroundings interfering with the surrounding plants' defense function and directly inhibiting their growth. At the same time, the stubble's decomposition changes soil microbial activities, enriches the soil nutrients, and forms a self-interested soil environment. Eventually, the E. densa gains an edge over the competition.
Spatial and temporal rainfall variability in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
Authors: Orozco-Montoya Ricardo A. , Penalba Olga. C.
Published: September 2022

Rainfall in the moist Tropical Caribbean region (MTCR) in Costa Rica occurs practically throughout the year, with the quarters June–August (JJA) and December–February (DJF) concentrating over 70% of annual rainfall. On the other hand, in March–April and September–October, it rains below 100mm per month. This seasonal rainfall behavior makes the region ideal for producing bananas (Musa spp) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) for export (10% and 8% of total exports in 2021, respectively). A national-scale study determined that agriculture in the MTCR is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate changes. However, the climate in this region has been poorly studied so far. This research analyzed the spatial and temporal variability of annual, monthly, and seasonal (DJF, JJA, SO) rainfall in the MTCR and how they change in the study period based on quality-checked series of daily rainfall from 28 weather stations in two periods: 1985‒2009 and 1997‒2019. The results show that rainfall regimes in the region are variable in space and throughout the year, with peaks occurring close to the mountain range and minimum values close to the coast. Trends were statistically significant in the period 1985‒2009 with a predominance of significant positive trends in DJF, and significant negative trends in SO. No significant trends (positive or negative) were observed in the period 1997–2019. JJA rainfall has uneven regional distribution and presents a positive and significant trend in the mountain region. This paper contributes to filling the knowledge gap in rainfall seasonality, variability, and trends in a region where banana and pineapple commercial plantations are fundamental to the country´s economy thus providing information to decision-making in the agri-food sector to reduce the negative impacts of changing rainfall regimes.
An Association of CSF Apolipoprotein E glycosylation and amyloid-beta 42 in individuals who carry the APOE4 allele
Authors: Meuret Cristiana , Hu Yueming , Smadi Sabrina , Xian Haotian , Martinez Ashley , Krauss Ronald M. , Nedelkov Dobrin , Yassine Hussein N
Published: September 2022

Carrying the Apolipoprotein E (apoE) ε4 allele is associated with an increased risk of cerebral amyloidosis, but the degree to which apoE glycosylation affects its development is not clear. In a previous pilot study, we identified distinct total and secondary isoform-specific cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) apoE glycosylation profiles, with the apoE4 isoform having the lowest glycosylation percentage (E2 > E3 > E4). In this work, we extend the analysis to a larger cohort of individuals (n = 106), utilizing matched plasma and CSF samples with clinical measures of AD biomarkers. The results confirm the isoform-specific glycosylation of apoE in CSF, resulting from secondary CSF apoE glycosylation patterns. CSF apoE glycosylation percentages positively correlated with CSF Aβ42 levels (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001). These correlations were not observed for plasma apoE glycosylation. CSF total and secondary apoE glycosylation percentages also correlated with the concentration of CSF small high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles which we have previously shown to be correlated with CSF Aβ42 levels and measures of cognitive function. Desialylation of apoE3 purified from CSF showed increased binding affinity to heparin. These results indicate that apoE glycosylation has a new and important role in influencing brain Aβ metabolism and can be a potential target of treatment.