bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Syndrome Reduces Long-term Survival In Colorectal Cancer Patients without affecting postoperative complications: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Zhu Ce , Cai Wentao , Zheng Jingwei , Yang Hui , You Tao , Chen Jian , Yu Yaojun , Shen Xian , Li Liyi
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with poor prognosis in many cancers. However, few studies have comprehensively analyzed the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the overall survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Our study aimed to comprehensively analyze whether MetS could affect postoperative complications and long-term survival in patients with CRC.Patients and methods: We included patients who underwent colorectal cancer resection at our center between January 2016 and December 2018 for this analysis. The propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce the bias. Dividing CRC patients into MetS and Non-MetS groups based on whether they had MetS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors affecting overall survival (OS).Results: A total of 268 patients were included in the study, of whom 120 patients were included for further analysis after propensity score matching. No significant differences were found in Clinicopathological features between the MetS group and Non-MetS group after matching. Patients with MetS had a shorter OS compared with non-MetS (P=0.027), however the postoperative complications were not significantly different between them. In multivariate analysis, We found MetS (hazard ratio [HR]=1.997, P=0.042), tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (HR=2.422, P=0.003), and intestinal obstruction (HR=2.761, P=0.010) were independent risk factors for OS. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome affects long-term survival of CRC patients without affecting postoperative complications.
A feasibility RCT as a first step towards evaluating effectiveness of a digital health dashboard in Preventive Child Health Care. A Mixed Methods approach
Authors: Weijers Miriam , Boumans Nicolle P.G. , Zwet Jonne Van der , Feron Frans J.M. , Bastiaenen Caroline H.G.
Published: May 2022

BackgroundWithin preventive Child Health Care (CHC) the 360°CHILD-profile has been developed. This multifunctional tool visualises and theoretically orders holistic health data in line with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. It is anticipated that evaluating effectiveness of the CHILD-profile within the preventive CHC-context is complex.MethodsDuring the first introduction of the CHILD-profile in CHC-practice, a feasibility RCT was executed to investigate RCT-procedures thoroughly and explore applicability of potential outcome measures for assessing accessibility an transfer of health information. CHC-professionals (n=38) recruited parents (n=30) who visited the CHC for their child (age 0- 16). Parents were randomised to “care as usual” (n=15) or “care as usual with, in addition, the availability of a personalised CHILD-profile during six months” (n=15). Quantitative data on RCT-feasibility were collected on recruitment, retention, response, compliance rates and outcome data on accessibility and transfer of health information (n=26). Subsequently, thirteen semi-structured interviews (5 parents, 8 CHC-professionals) and a member check focus group (6 CHC-professionals) were performed to further explore and gain deeper understanding of quantitative findings.ResultsThe used randomisation strategy, measurements and interventions were feasible. Recruitment of parents by CHC-professionals appeared to be problematic and influenced by organisational factors within the CHC-context like insufficient facilitation by CHC-management. The used outcome measures showed skewed outcome data with high percentages of positive scores in both groups and a low applicability of relevant items on accessibility and transfer of health information.ConclusionsThis Mixed Methods feasibility study enabled to gain a broad insight in the complexity of executing an RCT within the CHC-context. This context requires a more complex randomization strategy and trained research staff instead of CHC-professionals to recruit parents. Measures, potentially for evaluating CHILD-profile’s effectiveness, must be further explored and thoroughly piloted before proceeding the evaluation process. Overall findings revealed that executing an RCT within the context of evaluating CHILD-profile’s effectiveness in the CHC-setting will be much more complex, time-consuming and costly than expected. Alternative designs including Mixed Methods research must be considered for the next phases of the downstream validation process. Trial registrationNTR 6909; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6731
Feasibility and pilot study of effects of passive heat therapy on cardiovascular performance and laboratory values in older adults
Authors: Flynn Brigid , Vitztum Michelle , Miller Joshua , Houchin Abigail , Kim Jaromme , He Jianghua , Geiger Paige
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to ascertain if repeated heat therapy sessions in a hot tub (40.5o C) would be tolerated by older adults and result in cardiovascular benefit. The secondary purpose was to identify the utility of a noninvasive hemodynamic monitor while submerged in hot water.Methods: Fifteen volunteers > 50 years old underwent 8-10 separate 45-minute hot tub session over 14 days. Participants had maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and other cardiovascular data measured via exercise treadmill testing prior to and after all hot tub sessions. Participants also wore noninvasive fingertip volume clamp monitors while submerged in hot water that calculated systemic vascular resistance, heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac index in order to ascertain feasibility and utility of this data. Other laboratory studies were obtained pre- and post-intervention.Results: All participants completed the study protocol. We found no differences in the pre- to post-intervention VO2 max (p=0.842). The noninvasive hemodynamic monitors successfully recorded cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, heart rate and blood pressure. Only cardiac index had a trend of significance (p=0.044) with a decrease from 4 L/min to 3.54 L/min, however much of this trend can be attributed to one participant. Exercise duration was longer post-hot tub therapy (571 seconds versus 551 seconds; p=0.026). There were no differences in laboratory measurements.Conclusions: Repeated heat therapy via a hot tub along with pre- and post-intervention exercise stress testing is tolerated by older participants. However, 8-10 hot tub sessions did not result in positive changes in cardiovascular fitness or laboratory values.
Earthquake characteristics and structural properties of the Southern Tyrrhenian basin from full seismic wave simulations.
Authors: Nardoni Chiara , De Siena Luca , Magrini Fabrizio , Cammarano Fabio , Maeda Takuto , Mattei Elisabetta
Published: May 2022

Modelling the response of seismic wavefields to sharp lateral variations in crustal discontinuities is essential for the application of seismic tomography and the correction of path effects in earthquake source characterization. Researchers generally focus on travel times and amplitudes of a limited number of phases, simplifying the underlying physics and reducing computational times. However, this approach offers insufficient resolution across oceanic basins while leaving a large part of the information contained in seismic records unexploited. Here, we model the sensitivity of wave propagation to crustal structural variations in the Southern Tyrrhenian basin by fitting the data produced by the Accumoli earthquake (Central Italy, 2016) and recorded at the national INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) network. As a result, we reconstruct the velocity, Moho, and sediment structures in the basin and improve estimates of earthquake-source characteristics. P-, S- and coda-wave are first modelled and fitted to data acquired by a single station in Sicily; then, the procedure is extended to seismic receivers of the INGV network that contour the basin. The optimal fits are obtained using a deep Moho (~ 18 km) in the middle of the basin and a crustal pinch between the basin and the continental crust in Sicily. The deep Moho corresponds to the Issel Bridge, a portion of continental crust trapped between the Vavilov and Marsili volcanic centres. The Accumoli earthquake is optimally described using a boxcar source time function with a rise time of 6 s, a depth of 7.3 km, and the radiation pattern previously identified by INGV. Correlation analyses performed on data recorded across the network demonstrate the improvement in P-, S- and coda waveform fitting relative to previous Moho models obtained inverting single-phase observations. The early S-wave coda comprises trapped and reverberating phases that are particularly sensitive to crustal interfaces. With our approach, full-waveform simulations become a viable strategy for the inversion of Moho depths across the Southern Tyrrhenian using regional earthquakes.
Histopathological and molecular alterations induced by cigarette smoke inhalation in pulmonary tissue of mice and its amelioration by aqueous Ocimum Sanctum leaf extract
Authors: Ranawat Pavitra , Kaur Navdeep , Koul Ashwani
Published: May 2022

Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic bronchitis, and a massive amount of oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to determine the modulatory effects of Holi Basil/Tulsi, (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract on cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary damage in mice. Cigarette smoke (CS) inhalation increased the levels of pulmonary lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species and decreased the levels of glutathione. Histoarchitectural alterations and enhanced tissue lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in pulmonary tissue was distinctly indicative of damage. Enhanced mucin production was also observed through mucicarmine and Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining. Increased expression of MUC5AC was also observed. Alterations in the lung were also evident through FTIR studies. Administration of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (80mg/kg b.w) to CS exposed mice ameliorated these alterations to a greater extent. These findings are suggestive of the fact that Ocimum sanctum leaf extract effectively modulated CS-induced deleterious effects on pulmonary tissue.
Machine Learning for Prognosis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Based on Pyroptosis Regulators
Authors: Yang Chen , Yu Tian , Li QingWen , Lin Qin
Published: May 2022

Background
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) was one of the most common cancers in in genitourinary system. Pyroprosis was a process of programmed cell death and pyroprosis modification pattern has been found significant impact on the occurrence and development in ccRCC. However, the mechanism and potential roles of pyroprosis modification pattern in ccRCC remained unclear.
Methods
There were 740 patients from from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene-Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Unsupervised algorithm was employed to classify patients into different groups and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was utilized to establish the risk score. The prognosis model was then constructed by collaborating the patients’ characteristics via plotting nomogram and the performance of our model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
Two different PRG clusters were established and there were 578 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were extracted from the two PRG clusters. Patients were divided into two PRG gene clusters according to their expression of extracted DEGs afterwards. Ten significant DEGs were screened between two PRG gene clusters via LASSO and their coffecients were calculated to establish the risk score. The ROC curve of disease-free survival (DFS) for 1 year, 3 years and 5 year in testing cohort were 0.670, 0.636 and 0.651, respectively. Patients in low risk score group were found more sensitive to most chemotherapeutic drugs.
Conclusion
In this study, prognosis modification pattern was identified a non-negligible role in ccRCC. A prognosis model was established to estimate the prognosis of patients with ccRCC and the evaluation for drug sensitive can guide more effective chemotherapy strategies.
Unraveling The Complexities of Urban Flood Hydraulics Through AI
Authors: Mehedi Md Abdullah Al , Smith Virginia , Hosseiny Hossein , Jiao Xun
Published: May 2022

As urbanization increases across the globe, urban flooding is an ever-pressing concern. Urban fluvial systems are highly complex, depending on a myriad of interacting variables. Numerous hydraulic models are available for analyzing urban flooding; however, meeting the demand of high spatial extension and finer discretization and solving the physics-based numerical equations are computationally expensive. Computational efforts increase drastically with an increase in model dimension and resolution, preventing current solutions from fully realizing the data revolution. In this research, we demonstrate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML) methods including the emerging deep learning (DL) to quantify urban flooding considering the lower part of Darby Creek, PA, USA. Training datasets comprise multiple geographic and urban hydraulic features (e.g., coordinates, elevation, water depth, flooded locations, discharge, average slope, and the impervious area within the contributing region, downstream distance from stormwater outfalls and dams). Classifiers such as logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN) are used to identify the flooded locations. Deep neural networks (DNN)-based regression model is used to quantify the water depth. The values of the evaluation matrices indicate satisfactory performance both for classifiers and DNN model (F-1 scores- 0.975, 0.991, 0.892, and 0.855 for binary classifiers; root mean squared error- 0.027 for DNN regression). This approach is a significant step towards resolving the complexities of urban flooding with a large multi-dimensional dataset in a highly computationally efficient manner.
Are we on time? Bibliometric analysis of natural disasters and their financial effects.
Authors: Velasquez Jorge Antonio Sepulveda , Henríquez Boris Pastén , Griñen Pablo Tapia
Published: May 2022

Natural disasters have increased both in frequency and severity, but research related to their effects on the financial market has not. Through a bibliometric approach, we seek to examine the current state and trend of scientific research related to the financial effects of natural disasters. We find evidence that, the Paris Agreement in 2014 and COVID-19 in 2020, have boosted the growth of research of this type. However, if we consider the multiplier effect of climate change on natural disasters, it could be that this growth is insufficient, therefore, it is urgent to maintain it, without forgetting the deepening of this type of research. This could provide guidance in the creation of more and better financial tools to face these future natural disasters.
Next-Generation Morphometry for pathomics-data mining in histopathology
Authors: Boor Peter , Hölscher David , Bouteldja Nassim , Joodaki Mehdi , Russo Maria , Lan Yu-Chia , Sadr Alireza , Cheng Mingbo , Tesar Vladimir , von Stillfried Saskia , Klinkhammer Barbara , Barratt Jonathan , Floege Juergen , Roberts Ian , Coppo Rosanna , Costa Ivan , Buelow Roman
Published: May 2022

Pathology diagnostics relies on the assessment of morphological features by trained experts, which remains subjective and qualitative. Modern image analysis techniques, particularly deep learning, provide a possible solution, sometimes exceeding human capabilities, e.g., mutation prediction directly from histology.
49 However, categorical model outputs are of limited use for further downstream analyses and limited interpretability. Here we developed a framework for large-scale histomorphometry (FLASH) which performs semantic segmentation and subsequent large-scale extraction of interpretable morphometric features. Two internal and three external, multi-centre cohorts of kidney biopsies were used to generate 40 million data points. Association with clinical data confirmed previous concepts, e.g., the importance of tubular atrophy for kidney function decline, and revealed unexpected findings, such as glomerular tuft hypertrophy in biopsies from patients with vs. without nephrotic range proteinuria. Single-structure analysis identified distinct glomerular populations and morphometric phenotypes along a trajectory of disease progression and features were independently associated with long-term clinical outcomes in IgA nephropathy. These data provide the concept for Next-generation Morphometry (NGM), opening new possibilities for
comprehensive quantitative pathology data mining, i.e., pathomics, enabling augmented research and diagnostics.
Children and adolescents with ASD treated with CBD-rich cannabis exhibit significant improvements particularly in social symptoms: an open label study
Authors: Hacohen Micha , Stolar Orit , Berkovitch Matitiahu , Elkana Odelia , Kohn Elkana , Ariela Hazan , Hymman Eli , Sobol Yael , Waissengreen Danel , Gal Eynat , Dinstein Ilan
Published: May 2022

In recent years there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of CBD-rich cannabis treatment for children with ASD. Several open label studies and one double blind placebo-controlled study have reported that CBD-rich cannabis is safe and potentially effective in reducing disruptive behaviors and improving social communication. However, previous studies have mostly based their conclusions on parental reports without the use of standardized clinical assessments. Here, we conducted an open label study to examine the efficacy of 6 months of CBD-rich cannabis treatment in children and adolescents with ASD. Longitudinal changes in social communication abilities and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) were quantified using parent report with the Social Responsiveness Scale and clinical assessment with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). We also quantified changes in adaptive behaviors using the Vineland, and cognitive abilities using an age-appropriate Wechsler test. Eighty-two of the 110 recruited participants completed the 6-month treatment protocol. While some participants did not exhibit any improvement in symptoms, there were overall significant improvements in social communication abilities as quantified by the ADOS, SRS, and Vineland with larger improvements in participants who had more severe initial symptoms. Significant improvements in RRB were noted only with parent reported SRS scores and there were no significant changes in cognitive scores. These findings suggest that treatment with CBD-rich cannabis can yield improvements, particularly in social communication abilities, which were visible even when using standardized clinical assessments. Additional double-blind placebo-controlled studies utilizing standardized assessments are highly warranted for substantiating these findings. Lay summary: Previous studies have reported that treatment with CBD-rich cannabis may reduce aberrant behaviors and improve social communication when measured with parent reported measures. Here we performed standardized clinical assessments before and after 6 months of treatment with CBD-rich cannabis. Both parent and clinician measures demonstrated that participants improved significantly in social skills, a core symptom of ASD. These encouraging results suggest that CBD-rich cannabis may be an effective treatment for at least some individuals with ASD.
Developmental changes in writing dynamics and its Relationship with ADHD and ASD Tendencies: A Preliminary study
Authors: Megumi Akiko , Suzuki Akiko , Shin Jungpil , Yasumura Akira
Published: May 2022

Many cognitive elements are involved in handwriting. However, it has not yet been clarified how handwriting changes as cognitive ability improves. This study is a preliminary study of the cognitive activity of handwriting and attempts to clarify the changes in handwriting between children and adults. This study investigated the relationship between development changes in writing dynamics and the tendency of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/autism spectrum disorder (ADHD / ASD) in typical developing participants. This study is a preliminary study of handwritten cognitive activity and attempts to reveal changes in handwriting between children and adults. We also investigated the relationship between ADHD, ASD tendency, and writing dynamics, where cognitive specificity is pointed out, in participants with typical development.A pen tablet was used to examine developmental changes in writing dynamics. Participants included 27 children and 26 adults. They wrote 30 hiragana words dictated by a Japanese woman on a pen tablet. The write process data were collected on writing time, writing pressure, on-screen coordinates, and pen angle, from the writing process. In addition, participants answered a questionnaire to investigate trends in developmental disorders. We analyzed the writing dynamics of hiragana characters to investigate the differences between children and adults. They differed in writing speed which suggested developmental changes in writing dynamics. Correlation with developmental disorders suggests that ASD and ADHD affect writing dynamics. Writing dynamics showed the specificity of ASD and ADHD, which suggests that it may serve as an index for screening these conditions.
Prevalence of and factors associated with unmanageable pain levels in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Costa Daniela Sofia Albino , Cruz Eduardo B , Lopes David G , Silva Catarina Nunes , Henriques Ana Rita , Luis Diogo , Branco Jaime , Canhão Helena , Rodrigues Ana M
Published: May 2022

Background: Pain due to knee or hip osteoarthritis (HKOA) is the most common symptom for seeking health care given its interference on daily activities, social and occupational participation. The goal of this study is to estimate the prevalence of unmanageable pain levels (UPL) among people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (HKOA), characterize this population and identify factors associated with UPL, and compare therapeutic strategies used by people with UPL versus manageable pain levels (MPL).Methods: We analyzed a representative sample of 1081 participants with a validated diagnosis of HKOA, from the population-based study EpiReumaPt. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related data were collected in a structured interview. Pain intensity (NPRS) data were collected in a medical appointment. UPL was defined as a mean pain intensity in the previous week of ≥5 points on 11-point numeric pain rating scale. Intake of regular medication for pain relief (last month), physiotherapy and surgery were considered as therapies for pain management. The factors associated with UPL were analyzed with logistic regression (p<0.05, 95%CI). To assess the effects of unmanageable pain levels in the HOOS/KOOS activities of daily living and quality of life subscales and in the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms, linear and logistic regression were used. All analysis were weighted.Results: The estimated prevalence of UPL among people with HKOA was 68.8%. UPL was associated with being female (odds ratio (OR)=2.36, p<0.01), being overweight (OR=1.84, p=0.035) or obese (OR=2.26, p=0.006), and having multimorbidity (OR=2.08, p=0.002). People with UPL reported worse performance in activities of daily living and lower quality of life (β=-21.28, p<0.001 and β=–21.19, p<0.001, respectively) than people with MPL. People with UPL consumed more NSAIDs (22.0%, p=0.003), opioids (4.8%, p=0.008), paracetamol (2.7%, p=0.033), and overall analgesics (7.3%, p=0.013) than people with MPL. A higher proportion of people with UPL underwent physiotherapy (17.5%, p=0.002) than people with MPL.Conclusion: These results indicate that most people with HKOA have poor control of pain, highlighting the need for further research and implementation of effective interventions.
Association between Diet History and Symptoms of individuals having recovered from COVID-19
Authors: Sahloul Talaat M. , sahloul Ola T.
Published: May 2022

Background:Many studies show that people who eat a balanced diet have stronger immunity. The present work aimed to identify the effects of the diet history of COVID-19 patients having recovered from the disease on the occurrence and severity of symptoms.Methods: The study sample consisted of 346 individuals aged 20–65 years. Participants’ data and answers to an electronic questionnaire regarding their diet history and symptoms were collected. The study focused on four hard symptoms (fever, body pain, cough, and dyspnea) to investigate the relationship between these symptoms and the consumption of specific immunity foods. Results:Symptoms were reported by 88.1% of the participants eating none of the foods investigated, whereas 85.54% and 85.55% of the individuals with little or intensive food intake, respectively, experienced symptoms. Conclusions:Intake of specific functional foods might slightly reduce the occurrence of some symptoms.
Modulatory effect of sodium butyrate on anticancer activity of abemaciclib in MDA-MB- 231 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Elnozahi Neveen A. , ELAziz Esraa A. Abd , Helmy Maged W. , Bistawroos Azza E.
Published: May 2022

Triple negative is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with its treatment limited only to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The effect of abemaciclib and /or sodium butyrate on MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells was investigated. Using MTT assay, IC50 for the growth inhibitory effect of abemaciclib, sodium butyrate, and their combination were 14.55 μM, 7.08 mM, 3.743 mM, respectively. The combination showed a synergistic interaction with a decrease in IC50 to 2.55 μM of abemaciclib and 3.74 mM of butyrate. Three replica of four groups of cancer cells were treated for 48hr with IC50 of either abemaciclib or butyrate or their high or low doses combinations. A fifth group was treated with complete medium and served as control. Cell migration, protein expression level of cyclinD1, E2F2 transcription factor, phosphorylated AKT, nuclear factor kabba B (NF-κB), cyclin dependent kinase-2 (CDK2), retinoblastoma (Rb), p16INK4a, p53 and mRNA level of CDK2, p16INK4a and p53 were assessed in all treated groups. Combination treatment of abemaciclib and butyrate showed a significant attenuation of cell metastasis. The combination treatment was associated with a decrease in E2F2, CDK2, and NF-κB protein level together with an attenuation in AKT phosphorylation level. The combination also showed an elevation in Rb, p16INK4a, together with a reversal of DNA hypo-methylated state. Although abemaciclib monotherapy failed to alter CD1 or P53 levels, the combination significantly reduced CD1 level together with an increase in P53 level. In conclusion, combining butyrate with abemaciclib augmented its antiproliferative and antimetastatic effect and induced apoptotic activity.
New globally distributed bacteria with high proportions of novel protein families involved in sulfur and nitrogen cycling
Authors: Gong Xianzhe , Rio Alvaro Rodriguez del , Xu Le , Langwig Marguerite , Su Lei , Sun Mingxue , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , De Anda Valerie , Baker Brett
Published: May 2022

Microbes are the most abundant form of life on Earth and play crucial roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. Despite their crucial role, our understanding of microbial diversity and physiology on the ocean floor is limited. To address this gap in knowledge, we obtained 55 novel bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from coastal and deep sea sediments. Phylogenomic analyses revealed they belong to four new and one poorly described bacterial phyla. Comparison of their rRNA genes with public databases revealed they are all globally distributed. These novel bacteria are capable of the anaerobic degradation of polysaccharides and proteins, and the respiration of sulfur and nitrogen. These genomes code for an unusually high proportion (~ 9, and up to 20% per genome) of protein families lacking representatives in public databases. Hundreds of these protein families are predicted to be co-localized with genes for sulfur reduction, nitrogen cycling, energy conservation, and the degradation of organic compounds. These findings expand our understanding of microbial diversity and link previously overlooked gene families with key metabolic processes in the oceans.
Intermediate C=O Formation Is the Bottleneck of Overall Water Splitting on Carbon Nitride
Authors: Wu Ji , Liu Zhonghuan , Lin Xinyu , Jiang Enhui , Zhang Shuai , Huo Pengwei , Yan Yan , Zhou Peng , Yan Yongsheng
Published: May 2022

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was long considered incapable of decomposing pure water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen without the addition of small molecule organics, albeit the superior visible-light response and proper band structure that fulfills the demand of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we unexpectedly observed a collective C = O bonding during continuous photocatalytic overall water splitting on single-phased g-C3N4 catalyst (denoted CN) by isotopic-labelled (16O/18O) in-situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and in-situ near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS). Such an inert C = O bonding directly hinders the further OER steps, resulting in a negligible O2 production on CN. As carbon sites on CN were occupied via the surface fluorination, intermediate C = O bonding was vastly minimized on surface fluorinated CN catalyst (denoted F-CN). As a result, the resulting champion F0.1-CN catalyst exhibited excellent overall water splitting activity with the order-of-magnitude improved H2 evolution rate compared to the pristine CN catalyst and continuous O2 evolution upon both white light and AM1.5G simulated solar irradiation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further suggest an optimized OER pathway on neighboring N atoms by C-F interaction, which effectively avoids the excessively strong C-O interaction or weak N-O interaction on the pristine CN and enhances the stability of formed *OH on the N site of F-CN.
CircXRN2 suppresses tumor progression and glycolysis in human bladder cancer through activating the Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Feifan , Lin Juntao , Chen Xianwu , Zhou Xuejian , Zhang Yan , Yu Yanlan , Fan Mengjing , Cai Yueshu , Xiang Jiayong , Huang Shihan , He Ning , Hu Zhenghui , Ding Guoqing , Jin Xiaodong
Published: May 2022

Background
Bladder cancer (BCa) is the fourth most common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis worldwide. Further exploration and research are needed for unmasking the underlying roles and molecular mechanism of circular RNAs. In the current study, our findings showed that circXRN2 suppresses tumor progression and glycolysis in human bladder cancer through activating the Hippo signaling pathway.
Methods
RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) followed by circRNA sequencing confirmed circXRN2 as the research object. Overexpression of circXRN2 and knockdown of TAZ/YAP further verified the biological functions in T24 and TCCSUP. RIP, immunoprecipitation and co-immunoprecipitation were used to elucidate the interaction between circXRN2 and LATS1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter experiment were employed to ensure the regulatory roles of the Hippo pathway in transcriptional activity. Seahorse metabolic analyzer was used to evaluate glycolytic rate.
Results
CircXRN2 is aberrantly downregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. CircXRN2 inhibits proliferation and migration of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, circXRN2 serves as a negative regulator in glycolytic metabolism. Mechanically, circXRN2 prevents LATS1 from SPOP-mediated degradation by binding to the SPOP-related degron and then activates the Hippo signaling pathway to exert various biological functions. CircXRN2-LATS1-Hippo regulatory axis modulates cell proliferation, migration and glucose metabolism in human bladder cancer.
Conclusions
CircXRN2 suppresses tumor progression and glycolysis in human bladder cancer through activating the Hippo signaling pathway. Our results indicated novel therapeutic targets and provided promising strategies for clinical intervention in human bladder cancer.
Monte Carlo dosimetry of a new GZP3 60Co high dose rate brachytherapy source
Authors: Wu Junxiang , Kang Shengwei , Wang Pei , Li Jie , Wang Xianliang
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe purpose of this work is to obtain the dosimetric parameters of a new GZP3 60Co source currently launched by Nuclear Power Institute of China for use in their high dose rate brachytherapy systems.MethodsThe Monte Carlo software Geant4 and EGSnrc were employed to derive accurate calculations of the dosimetric parameters of the new GZP3 60Co brachytherapy source in the range of 0–10 cm, following the formalism proposed by American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) reports TG43 and TG43U1. The results were compared with the two Monte Carlo code to verify the accuracy of the data. The source was located in the center of a 30 cm radius theoretical sphere water phantom.ResultsFor channel 1 and 2 of the new GZP3 60Co source, the results of dose rate constant (Λ) were 1.115 cGy h− 1 U− 1 and 1.112 cGy h− 1 U− 1, and for channel 3 were 1.116 cGy h− 1 U− 1 and 1.113 cGy h− 1 U− 1 by Geant4 and EGSnrc, respectively. The radial dose function in the range of 0.25 ~ 10.0 cm in a longitudinal direction was calculated and the fitting formula for the function were obtained. The polynomial function for the radial dose function and the anisotropy function with a θ of 0°~175° and an r of 0.5 ~ 10.0 cm were obtained. The curves of the radial function and the anisotropy function fit well compared with tow Monte Carlo software.ConclusionThese dosimetric data sets can be used as input data of the TPS calculations and quality control for the new GZP3 60Co source.
Targeting a novel liver-bone communication by SIRT2 for osteoporosis treatment
Authors: lin longshuai , Guo Zengya , He Enjun , Wang Difei , Zhang Yingting , Guo weihong , wei qian , Li Jingchi , Wo lulu , He Ming , Zhao Qinghua
Published: May 2022

The pathophysiologic role of liver in bone metabolism remains largely unknown. Here, we uncover a novel liver-bone axis regulated by hepatocyte SIRT2. We firstly demonstrated that liver-specific SIRT2 deficiency (SIRT2-KOhep) obviously inhibits osteoclastogenesis and alleviates osteoporosis in aged and postmenopausal osteoporosis mouse models. Mechanistically, leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) was identified as the functional cargo in hepatocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which is required for the protection of SIRT2-KOhep against osteoclastogenesis. In hepatocytes, SIRT2-KOhep up-regulates the expression of LRG1 in hepatocyte-derived sEVs (sEVs-LRG1) through increasing acetylation of H4K16. The sEVs-LRG1 is transfered to bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs) to suppress osteoclast differentiation through directly inhibiting nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Therapeutically, treating ovariectomized mice with SIRT2 pharmacological inhibitor AGK2 or sEVs purified from LRG1-overexpressed AML12 hepatocytes obviously attenuated osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. In accordance, sEVs derived from either human LRG1high plasma or hepatocytes with SIRT2 inhibition may markedly inhibit human osteoclast differentiation. Importantly, the clinical data showed that the plasma sEVs-LRG1 was positively correlated with bone mineral density and negatively related with bone resorption marker in patients. Therefore, drugs targeting the hepatocyte-osteoclast communication, including hepatocyte SIRT2 and sEVs-LRG1, should be considered as promising therapeutic strategy for primary osteoporosis.
Blood glucose changes in general and spinal anesthesia
Authors: Al-Fawaris Ma'moun , Al-jaser Youssef , Kahal Fares , Torbey André , Rakmani Najwa
Published: May 2022

Background: Medical literature describes how several metabolic and hormonal changes occur while undergoing different kinds of Anesthesia. This study aims to compare the effects of general and spinal anesthesia on blood glucose.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 254 patients from Al-Zahrawi Hospital. The patients were divided into three groups: patients with diabetes - patients without diabetes - patients with gestational diabetes. Blood glucose levels were measured before surgery and in the first and second hours after surgery, for patients undergoing both general and spinal anesthesia.Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the average blood glucose levels before and after surgery in patients with diabetes undergoing the two types of anesthesia: general anesthesia - spinal anesthesia. There were no statistically significant differences in the average blood glucose levels before and after surgery in non-diabetic patients, undergoing the two types of anesthesia: general anesthesia - spinal anesthesia. There were no statistically significant differences in the average blood glucose before and after surgery in patients with gestational diabetes, according to the two types of anesthesia: general anesthesia - spinal anesthesia.Conclusion: There are no clear differences between general and spinal anesthesia in affecting the levels of blood glucose. It is reasonable to suggest that blood glucose levels should be monitored during surgery in patients undergoing general or spinal anesthesia and during the 6, 12, and 24 postoperative hours.
Dual Energy CT Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque using Novel Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide in Hyperlipidemic Rabbits
Authors: Sato Hideyuki , Fujimoto Shinichiro , Kawaguchi Yuko O. , Nozaki Yui O. , Tomizawa Nobuo , Kudo Ayako , Takahashi Daigo , Kumamaru Kanako , Kogure Yosuke , Aoki Shigeki , Minamino Tohru
Published: May 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine whether the use of dual energy CT (DECT) facilitated the visualization of carboxymethyl-diethylaminoethyl dextran magnetite ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (CMEADM-U) accumulation in arteriosclerotic lesions using hyperlipidemic rabbits.
Methods
CMEADM-U at 0.5 mmol Fe/kg was administered to Watanabe hereditary atherosclerotic (WHHL) rabbits (n = 6, 24 sections) and New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits (n = 2, 6 sections). After 72 hours, DECT was performed to prepare virtual monochromatic images (VMI: 35keV, 70keV) and an iron-based map. Subsequently, the aorta was collected, and hematoxylin & eosin staining, berlin blue staining, and RAM11 immunostaining.
Results
DECT images were prepared to evaluate the association with CMEADM-U accumulation. In the WHHL rabbits, CMEADM-U accumulation was not observed at 70 keV. However, CMEADM-U accumulation consistent with an arteriosclerotic lesion was observed at 35 keV and the iron-based map. On the other hand, in the NZW rabbits, there was no CMEADM-U accumulation in any images. Further, there were significant differences in the iron-based map value at the site of accumulation among the grades of expression on berlin blue staining and RAM11 immunostaining. In addition, there was a good correlation at 35kev and iron-based map value (r = 0.42, p < 0.05).
Conclusion
DECT imaging for CMEADM-U facilitated the assessment of macrophage accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions in an in vivo study using a rabbit model of induced aortic atherosclerosis.
Bi-Phasic Quasistatic Brain Communication for Fully Untethered Connected Brain Implants
Authors: Chatterjee Baibhab , Nath Mayukh , K Gaurav Kumar , Xiao Shulan , Jayant Krishna , Sen Shreyas
Published: May 2022

Wireless communication and powering in a brain implant for freely moving subjects has been a research area of paramount importance in the recent past due to the multitude of medical, neuroscientific and societal applications that it can unveil. Unfortunately, traditional electromagnetic (EM) fields are significantly absorbed in the brain tissue, making it imperative to explore alternative modalities of signal transfer. Recently investigated ultrasonic, optical and magneto-electric modes of communication/powering suffer from large transduction losses when converting electrical energy to other forms of energies (and vice versa) during field transduction, leading to high end-to-end system loss (> 80 dB). To solve the challenge of powering and communication in a brain implant with low end-end channel loss, we present Bi-Phasic Quasistatic Brain Communication (BP-QBC), which achieves < 60 dB worst-case end-to-end channel loss at a channel length of ~55 mm, by using Electro-quasistatic Signaling that avoids transduction losses due to no field-modality conversion. BP-QBC utilizes dipole coupling based signal transmission within the brain tissue using differential excitation in the transmitter (TX) and differential signal pick-up at the receiver (RX), and uses electroquasistatic (EQS) signaling for low-leakage and low-power. Understanding that the EQS signal transfer through the brain channel occurs through AC electric fields, while the primary source of power consumption is due to galvanic DC currents arising from the finite conductivity of brain tissues, we propose to block the DC current paths through the tissue using a DC-blocking capacitor without significantly affecting the bi-phasic AC communication at EQS frequencies. The power consumption in the BP-QBC TX is only 0.52 μW at 1 Mbps (with 1% duty cycling), which is within the range of harvested power from an external wearable to the brain implant through the EQS brain channel, and is ~41× lower than traditional Galvanic Human Body Communication at 1 MHz. Furthermore, unlike optical and ultrasonic techniques, BP-QBC does not require sub-cranial interrogators/repeaters as the EQS
signals can penetrate through the skull and has enough strength due to the low loss channel. Such low end-to-end channel loss with high data rates enabled by a completely new modality of brain communication and powering has deep societal and scientific impact in the fields of neurobiological research, brain-machine interfaces, electroceuticals and connected healthcare.
THE EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM AS A TOOL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST
Authors:   Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Abramova M. , Vladimirova D. ,   Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Davyborets, E. ,   Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok
Published: May 2022

The policy of the Eastern vector, announced by the leadership of the state, necessitated the development of effective mechanisms for its implementation. To date, a set of tools has been developed for the development of the Far East and attracting foreign partners to cooperation, which is included in the key objectives of this policy. Russia's "turn to the East" is beneficial not only for itself, but also for Asian states that are also interested in cooperation. Trade and economic relations will not only contribute to stability and prosperity in the Asian region, but will also mark the formation of a new multipolar world, as well as a new community in Eurasia. In this regard, it is difficult to overestimate the role and importance that the Eastern Economic Forum performs. It is not only a powerful tool for attracting investments in the development of the Far East, but also a platform for dialogue between authoritative representatives of the states of the Asia-Pacific region. The authors analyze the WEF that have been held in the Far East since the foundation of the forum and up to the present. The exceptional role that they performed for the well-being of the studied territory is emphasized. The functions performed by the WEF for Russian and foreign citizens, as well as the Far Eastern territories, are being studied. The object of the study is the Russian Far East. The subject is the Eastern Economic Forum as a tool for the development of the Far East. The purpose of the article is to analyze the role and place of the Eastern Economic Forum in the implementation of the policy of "turning Russia to the East". Research methodology. An interdisciplinary approach suitable for a comprehensive analysis of socio-economic and cultural aspects of international platforms for dialogue, which is the forum, is used in the research. Based on the comparative method, the results of the annual forums held in the Far East are compared. General scientific methods are also used – analogy, analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, etc., which allow not only to identify the factual side of the issue under study, but also to trace it in dynamics
Methodological proposals for assessing and improving the energy security of heat supply systems in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Baikal State University, Irkutsk, Bergen D.
Published: May 2022

Energy security issues are becoming increasingly important due to the aggravation of the political and economic situation in the world. The development of a methodology for assessing the energy security of heat supply to determine its level is necessary for public authorities. The subject of the study is a set of theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of improving the energy security of heat supply in the Russian Federation. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for assessing the level of energy security of the heat supply system (ESHSS) for its application in order to assess the impact of planned measures in the field of heat supply on improving energy security. The methodological basis of the study is presented by a systematic approach and private-scientific methods: comparative analysis, indicative analysis, statistical methods. The system of indicators of energy security of heat supply at the federal and regional levels is defined in the article based on the consideration of heat supply as an economic system included in the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation. The proposed system includes twelve indicators grouped into four components of ESHSS: consumer, industrial, economic and environmental safety. The methodology for assessing the level of energy security of the heat supply system at the federal and regional levels, including a system of indicators, is proposed in the article. The final level of EBST is defined as normal, pre-crisis or crisis, according to the developed methodology. The limits of values for the three levels of ESHSS are calculated for each indicator using statistical methods. The determination of the final level of ESHSS is carried out according to the results of the scoring. To improve state regulation, it is proposed to use the developed methodology for assessing the energy security of the heat supply system in the formation of the fuel and energy complex development program in the part relating to the development of heat supply systems. For example, the reduction of norms of negative impact and waste disposal will lead to the formation of economic entities in the field of heat supply of material interest in the transition to the use of renewable energy sources