bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence Structures Between Sovereign Credit Default Swaps and Global Risk Factors in Brics Countries
Authors: Rikhotso Prayer , Simo-Kengne Beatrice D.
Published: November 2021

This study examined the tail dependency structure of sovereign credit risk and three global risk factors in BRICS countries using copulas approach, which is known for its ability to provide the “true” tail correlation based on the correct marginal distribution. The empirical results show that global market risk sentiment comoves with sovereign CDS spreads across BRICS countries under extreme market events, with Brazil having the highest co-dependency followed by China, Russia, and South Africa. Furthermore, oil price volatility is the second biggest risk factor correlated with sovereign CDS spreads for Brazil and South Africa while exchange rate risk exhibits very small co-dependence with sovereign CDS spreads under extreme market conditions dominated by tail events. On the contrary, exchange rate risk is the second largest risk factor co-moving with China and Russia’s sovereign CDS spreads while oil price volatility exhibits the lowest co-dependence to CDS in these countries. Between oil price and currency risk, evidence of single risk factor dominance is found for Russia where exchange rate risk is largely dominant. These results suggest that BRICS policymakers might consider financial sector regulations that mitigate risks spill-over such as targeted capital controls when markets are distressed.
SQL and NoSQL Databases in the Context of Industry 4.0
Authors: de Oliveira Vitor Furlan , Pessoa Marcosiris Amorim de Oliveira , Junqueira Fabrício , Miyagi Paulo Eigi
Published: November 2021

The data-oriented paradigm has proven to be fundamental for the technological transformation process that characterizes Industry 4.0 (I4.0) so that Big Data & Analytics is considered a technological pillar of this process. The literature reports a series of system architecture proposals that seek to implement the so-called Smart Factory, which is primarily data-driven. Many of these proposals treat data storage solutions as mere entities that support the architecture's functionalities. However, choosing which logical data model to use can significantly affect the performance of the architecture. This work identifies the advantages and disadvantages of relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) data models for I4.0, taking into account the nature of the data in this process. The characterization of data in the context of I4.0 is based on the five dimensions of Big Data and a standardized format for representing information of assets in the virtual world, the Asset Administration Shell. This work allows identifying appropriate transactional properties and logical data models according to the volume, variety, velocity, veracity, and value of the data. In this way, it is possible to describe the suitability of SQL and NoSQL databases for different scenarios within I4.0.
Reservoir Computing with Delayed Input for Fast and Easy Optimization
Authors: Jaurigue Lina , Robertson Elizabeth , Wolters Janik , Lüdge Kathy
Published: November 2021

Reservoir computing is a machine learning method that uses the response of a dynamical system to a certain input in order to solve a task. As the training scheme only involves optimising the weights of the responses of the dynamical system, this method is particularly suited for hardware implementation. Furthermore, the inherent memory of dynamical systems which are suitable for use as reservoirs mean that this method has the potential to perform well on time series prediction tasks, as well as other tasks with time dependence. However, reservoir computing still requires extensive task dependent parameter optimisation in order to achieve good performance. We demonstrate that by including a time-delayed version of the input for various time series prediction tasks, good performance can be achieved with an unoptimised reservoir. Furthermore, we show that by including the appropriate time-delayed input, one unaltered reservoir can perform well on six different time series prediction tasks at a very low computational expense. Our approach is of particular relevance to hardware implemented reservoirs, as one does not necessarily have access to pertinent optimisation parameters in physical systems but the inclusion of an additional input is generally possible.
Bacterial Communities Associated with the Cycling of Non-Starch Polysaccharides and Phytate in Aquaponics Systems
Authors: Menezes-Blackburn Daniel , Al-Mahrouqi Nahad , Al-Siyabi Buthaina , Al-Kalbani Adhari , Greiner Ralf , Dobretsov Sergey
Published: November 2021

Aquaponics are efficient systems that associate aquatic organisms’ production and plants by recirculating water and nutrients between aquaculture and hydroponic tanks. In this study, we have characterised the bacterial communities in the fresh water aquaponics system that can mineralise polysaccharides and phytate by producing carbohydrate degrading enzymes and phytases, by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and in vitro culture techniques. Around 20% of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified were previously reported to carry fibre-degrading enzymes putative genes, namely β-glucanase (1%), xylanase (5%) or cellulases (17%). Ten % of the OTUs were previously reported to carry putative genes of phytases with different catalytic mechanisms, namely β-propeller (6%), histidine acid phytases (3%) and protein tyrosine phytase (<1%). Thirty-eight morphologically different bacteria were isolated from biofilms accumulated in fish and plant compartments, and identified to belong to the Bacilli class. Among these, seven could produce xylanase, 8 produced β-glucanase, 14 produced cellulase, and 11 isolates could secrete amylases. In addition, Staphylococcus sp. and Rossellomorea sp. could produce consistent extracellular phytate-degrading activity. The PCR amplification of β-propeller genes both in environmental samples and in the isolates obtained showed that this is the most ecologically relevant phytase type in the aquaponics systems used. In summary, the aquaponics system is abundant with bacteria carrying enzymes responsible for plant-nutrient mineralisation.
Fall Waterfowl Use of Bridgeport Reservoir, Mono County, California
Authors: House Deborah J.
Published: November 2021

Aerial surveys from 2003 to 2019 documented the abundance of waterfowl at Bridgeport Reservoir in Mono County, California, from September through mid-November. Waterfowl totals at Bridgeport Reservoir averaged 33,106 ± 4050 (standard error) in the fall. Annual peak counts averaged 10,474 ± 1349, ranging from a low of 2583 in 2014 to the highest single-day count of 23,150 in 2005. Bridgeport Reservoir is a man-made water body in the intermountain West that waterfowl use primarily a mid-migration stopover site, with peak numbers occurring in September. The dominant waterfowl species, the Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata), Gadwall (Mareca strepera), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Pintail (A. acuta), and Green-winged Teal (A. crecca), showed both unimodal and bimodal migration chronologies. Regional drought, as indicated by the Palmer drought severity index, combined with a downward trend in waterfowl numbers explained 61.4% of annual variation in fall waterfowl totals. These data may allow future assessment of change in waterfowl abundance at Bridgeport Reservoir in the context of local or regional conditions, and as influenced by climate change.
Penile Size in Term Neonates in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Meskele Kisu , Yesuf Aman , Fantahun Bereket , Meseret Fikir
Published: November 2021

Background: Proper genital examination including stretched penile size in neonates is important. Stretched penile size is different from one nation to another nation, it needs a standard for a particular population.Objectives: is to establish the standard penile size for term newborns in Ethiopia.Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on 221 term neonates delivered from March 1, 2020 to July 30, 2020 in St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) Results: The minimum and maximum measured penile length was 2.5, and 5 cm respectively with mean (± SD) of 3.28 ± 0.42. There was a weak positive correlation between stretched penile length and head circumference and body length. Neonates born via instrumental delivery had larger penile length.Conclusion: Mean stretched penile length in our study was 3.28 ± 0.42 cm. Based on our findings, penile length at ±2SD were 2.43 cm and 4.12 cm respectively.
Effects of autolyzed yeast on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry and microbiological parameters of weaned piglets in a tropical humid climate
Authors: Nogueira B.D. , Watanabe P.H. , de Mendonça Ingrid Barbosa , Andrade TIAGO , Araújo Lina , Pascoal Leonardo , Almeida J.M.S. , Guerra Ricardo , Silva I.N.G. da , Nepomuceno Rafael , Freitas E.R. , Morais D.N.
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of autolyzed yeast (AY) from fermentation of sugarcane on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry and microbiological parameters of weaned piglets of different weight categories. A total of 480 piglets were distributed in a 3 x 2 factorial design study, with three inclusion levels of AY (0, 4 and 8 g/kg) and two weight categories (light and heavy, 5.71 ± 0.21 kg and 6.99 ± 0.25 kg, respectively), i.e., 6 treatments with 8 replicates pen each. There was no significant interaction between weight category and linear or quadratic effect of AY levels on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry and microbiological parameters (P > 0.05). The dietary supply of AY for nursery piglets linearly decreased the monocytes concentration of the piglets at 63 days of age (P < 0.05). AY levels linearly increased the villus height, mucosal thickness, absorptive area and number of mitotic cells of the duodenum, as well as the villus height:crypt depth ratio, mucosal thickness and number of mitotic cells of the jejunum (P < 0.05). Heavy piglets had higher ADFI in all evaluated periods, as well as higher values of villus height in the duodenum, and mucosal thickness in the duodenum and jejunum than light animals (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of autolyzed yeast positively influences health status, intestinal morphometry and immunohistochemistry of nursery piglets. Heavy weaned piglets have higher feed intake and greater intestinal morfometry than light animals.
Identification of TUBB4A as a Prognostic Biomarker of Melanoma by Transcriptomic Data and in vitro Experiments
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Li Zhe , Liu Hui , Wu Qi , Sun Zhiqiang , Cao Yan , Gao Wei , Luo Judong , Liu Xuejun
Published: November 2021

Background

Melanoma is one of the most malignant skin carcinomas with high metastatic potential. Increasing evidences have demonstrated that β-tubulin 4A (TUBB4A) play key role in development and progression of several types of human cancer. However, the potential function of TUBB4A in cutaneous melanoma remains to be determined.
Methods

We first performed differential expression analysis between skin melanoma tissues and normal tissues from GEO and TCGA datasets, and then ran survival analysis to identify prognostic-related key genes. We went further to conduct the verification of in vitro biochemical experiments to explore the functional roles of key gene TUBB4A. Two small molecule inhibitors of TUBB4A, Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and Nocodazole, were used to examined the effect on apoptosis and cell cycle progression of melanoma cells.
Results

We found that TUBB4A is markedly correlated to the overall survival of cutaneous melanoma patients. The co-expressed genes with TUBB4A are enriched in the melanoma-related pathways and function. Then, the experimental results showed that knockdown of TUBB4A inhibit the proliferation and migration of A375 and B16-F10 melanoma cells. Moreover, two small molecular agents targeting TUBB4A, Dihydroartemisinin and Nonocodazole, dpromote the apoptosis of melanoma cells and made the tumor cells significantly blocked in G2/M stage.
Conclusion

We identified and validated in vitro that TUBB4A may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma.
The Trend in Cesarean Myomectomies and The Risk of Obstetrical Complications in Korea
Authors: Kim Min Jeong , Lee Kyungeun , Park Jae Young , Jo Ji Hye , Park In Yang
Published: November 2021

Background

To evaluate the pregnancy outcomes and the risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes from cesarean myomectomy (CM) compared to cesarean section (CS)-only and to investigate the trend of surgeons in choosing CM.
Methods

A retrospective cohort study was done of all patients who underwent CS that was complicated with leiomyoma at two university hospitals from January 2010 to May 2020. All patients were categorized into the CM group or the CS-only group. We analyzed the demographic factors, obstetric factors, surgical outcomes, and possible risk factors for adverse outcomes between the two groups.
Results

A total of 438 women in the CS-only group and 341 women in the CM group were included. Women who underwent CS-only had significantly more history of a previous myomectomy and multiple leiomyomas compared to women who underwent CM. The gestational days at delivery and the pregnancy complications were significantly higher in the CS group. The mean size of the leiomyomas was larger in the CM group than in the CS only group (5.8 ± 3.2 cm vs 5.2 ± 3.1 cm, P = 0.005). Operation time and history of previous CS and preterm labor were higher in the CM group. It seems that preterm labor and abnormal presentation were relatively higher in the CM group than in the CS group due to the presence of leiomyoma. There were no significant differences in the pre and postoperative hemoglobin levels. The size of the leiomyoma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.162; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07 – 1.25; P < 0.001) and operation time > 60 minutes (OR = 2.461; 95% CI: 1.45 – 4.15) were significant independent predictors of adverse outcomes after CM.
Conclusions

Cesarean myomectomy is a reliable and safe approach to prevent the need for another operation for remnant leiomyoma. In this study, surgeons seemed to perform CM when uterine leiomyomas were large, the subserosal type, or few in number. Standardized treatment guidelines for myomectomy during cesarean section in pregnant women with uterine fibroids should be established.
Equity and Efficiency of Medical and Health Resource Allocation in Western China Based on Health Resources Agglomeration Degree and Malmquist Index
Authors: Qiu Ju , Yan Ruixia
Published: November 2021

Background: There is unequal distribution and low utilization efficiency of medical and health resources among regions in China for regional inequality social and economic development. The social and economic development in western China is relatively backward nationwide. The quantity and quality of medical and health resources have become a social problem in western China. This study aims to evaluate the equity and efficiency of health resource allocation in western China. Methods: The research data are extracted from China Statistical Yearbook ( 2009 – 2019 ). We choose the health resource agglomeration degree ( HRAD ) theory and Malmquist index to evaluate the equity and efficiency of health resource allocation in western China. The HRAD shows the impact of demographic and geographic factors on health resource aggregation. Results: From the latest data in 2019, the equity of medical and health resources allocation based on geographical area in Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Qinghai and Xinjiang is poor. The equity of medical and health resources allocation based on population allocation in Yunnan, Tibet, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang is poor. From 2009 to 2019, the equity of health resource allocation in western China are poor nationwide. The total factor productivity of Tibet, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang was less than 1, which were 0.994, 0.984, 0.974 and 0.994, respectively. The allocation of medical and health resources in western China is unfair. Conclusion: The government should pay attention to the horizontal flow of medical and health resources when investing in medical and health resources. Population and geographical factors should be taken into account when allocating health resources. The total factor productivity in the western region is greatly affected by the technological progress rate. We should increase investment in medical and health technology, and effectively optimize the equity and efficiency of medical and health resource allocation.
Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Gastroesophageal Reflux Adjusted for Obesity in Patients With Sleep Disorders: a Case-control Study
Authors: Kawaguchi Shimpei , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Kojima Yuichi , Ota Kazuhiro , Ozaki Haruhiko , Iwatsubo Taro , Hakoda Akitoshi , Sugawara Noriaki , Nishida Shinya , Tanaka Hironori , Mori Yosuke , Nakajima Noriyuki , Tanimura Hirohisa , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: November 2021

Background: The association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease has been reported in multiple studies and meta-analyses. Although obesity has been cited as a common risk factor for both conditions, in Far East Asia, sleep apnea is often attributed to craniofacial anatomy, and patients with obstructive sleep apnea are not necessarily obese. In the present study, we investigated whether there is an association between obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux after adjusting for obesity.Method: The subjects were 230 patients with sleep disorders who visited the Sleep Center at Osaka Kaisei Hospital between May 2016 and November 2017. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. They were diagnosed with sleep disorders by a respiratory specialist, and all patients with suspected OSAS underwent polysomnography/portable monitoring. BMI was measured from the height and weight of all patients, and they were categorized into three groups: non-obese OSAS, obese OSAS, and control (non-OSAS). The presence or absence of reflux esophagitis in each group was compared using the Los Angeles classification.Results: There were 138 patients in the obese OSAS group, 71 patients in the non-obese OSAS group, and 21 patients in the control group. There was a greater prevalence of reflux esophagitis both in the obese and non-obese OSAS groups compared with the control group (both p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis including other factors showed that alcohol consumption was the most significant factor in the non-obese OSAS group (p<0.05), but the severity of OSAS as measured by the Apnea-hypopnea Index was not a significant factor (p=0.64).Conclusions: In patients with sleep disorders, OSAS is associated with gastroesophageal reflux regardless of obesity. Alcohol consumption is also a major factor in non-obese patients with OSAS. Since alcohol consumption is associated with the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastroesophageal reflux is associated with the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, regular upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is thought to be necessary in patients at risk.
Tribology of The Sock-Skin Interface – The Influence of Different Fabric Parameters On Sock Friction
Authors: DeBois Ian , Agarwal Esha , Kapoor Ashish , Mathur Kavita
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this parametric design of experiments was to identify and summarize how the influence of knit structure (single jersey vs. terry), fiber composition (polyester vs. cotton), fiber linear density (30/1 Ne vs. 18/1 Ne & 1/150/34 vs. 2/150/34), and yarn type (filament vs. spun) affected the frictional profile across the sock-skin interface, and then relate these factors to friction blister incidence. Friction testing trials were completed against both a polypropylene probe and a synthetic skin material (Lorica soft®) to determine if there was a difference in friction based on interface interaction. Friction testing was completed by sliding a probe across the inside bottom surface of the sock (the part that is usually in-contact with the bottom of the foot) while instantaneously measuring the frictional force every tenth of a second. For both trials (plastic probe and synthetic skin), in the dry condition, knit structure was found to be the most prominate fabric parameter affecting the frictional force experienced at the sock-skin interface. It was also determined that fiber linear density, and yarn type are tertiary factors affecting the frictional force measured at the sock-skin interface. Finally, in the dry state, it was determined that fiber composition had seemingly no effect on the frictional force experienced at the sock-skin interface.
US Local Public Health Department Spending Between 2008 and 2016 Did Not Increase for Communities in Need
Authors: Reszczynski Olivia , Connolly John , Shultz Kaitlyn , Kelly Sheila , Mitra Nandita , Hom Jeffrey , Venkataramani Atheendar , Chaiyachati Krisda H.
Published: November 2021

BackgroundGreater US local public health department (LPHD) spending has been associated with decreases in population-wide mortality. We examined the association between changes in LPHD spending between 2008 and 2016 and county-level sociodemographic indicators of public health need.MethodsMultivariable linear regression was used to estimate the association between changes in county-level per-capita LPHD spending and 2008 sociodemographic indicators of interest: percent of population that was over 65 years old, Black, Hispanic, in poverty, unemployed, and uninsured. A second model assessed the relationship between changes in LPHD spending and sociodemographic shifts between 2008 and 2016.ResultsLPHD spending increases were associated with higher percentage points of 2008 adults over 65 years of age (+$0.53 per higher percentage point; 95% CI: +$0.01 to +$1.06) and unemployment (+$1.31; 95% CI: -$2.34 to -$0.27). Spending did not increase for communities with a higher proportion of people who identified as Black or Hispanic, or those with a greater proportion of people in poverty or uninsured, using either baseline or sociodemographic shifts between 2008 and 2016.ConclusionFuture LPHD funding decisions should consider increasing investments in counties serving disadvantaged communities to counteract the social, political, and structural barriers which have historically prevented these communities from achieving better health.
Similarity Matrix-Based Anomaly Detection for Clinical Intervention
Authors: D’Mello Ryan , Melcher Jennifer , Torous John
Published: November 2021

The use of digital phenotyping methods in clinical care has allowed for improved investigation of spatiotemporal behaviors of patients. Moreover, detecting abnormalities in mobile sensor data patterns can be instrumental in identifying potential changes in symptomology. We propose a method that temporally aligns sensor data in order to achieve interpretable measures of similarity. These computed measures can then be used for anomaly detection, baseline routine computation, and trajectory clustering. In addition, we apply this method on a study of 695 college participants, as well as on a patient with worsening anxiety and depression. With varying temporal constraints, we find mild correlations between changes in routine and clinical scores. Furthermore, in our experiment on an individual with elevated depression and anxiety, we are able to cluster GPS trajectories, allowing for improved understanding and visualization of routines with respect to symptomology. In the future, we aim to apply this method on individuals that undergo data collection for longer periods of time, thus allowing for a better understanding of long-term routines and signals for clinical intervention.
The Prevalence of Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moradi Ghobad , Soheili Marzieh , Rashti Roya , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Nouri Elham , Zakaryaei Farima , Amini Elnaz Ezzati , Baiezeedi Sheno , Ahmadi Sanaz , Moradi Yousef
Published: November 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in transgender and LGBT people and determine their pooled estimates worldwide.Methods: Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, PsycInfo) were searched from April 2000 to July 2021. The pooled, subgroup, and cumulative analyses were executed using the random-effects model in Stata 16. Results: Ten studies, including eight studies on Four transgender people and two studies on 2150 LGBTs, were included. The pooled prevalence of HCV and HBV in all transgender populations globally were 9% (95%CI: 3- 15%) and 11% (95%CI: 2- 20%), respectively. The corresponding prevalence in male-to-female transgender people were estimated as 5% (95%CI: 1- 9%) and 6% (95%CI: 3- 10%), respectively. These estimates in American transgenders were 10% (95%CI: 5- 25%) and 16% (95%CI: 8- 23%), respectively. Conclusion: This study was identified the overall prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in transgender people, which were higher than those in the general population. Thus, this group of sexual minorities was at higher risk for HBV and HCV infections, and it was necessary to develop, design, and implement a protocol for providing services related to HBV and HCV infections, such as a hepatitis B vaccination program and treatment of hepatitis C along with screening and designing appropriate interventions in transgender people.
Progesterone Inhibits LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress Through Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway in Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Cui Luying , Zhang Qi , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Heng , Dong Junsheng , Li Jun , Qian Chen , Li Jianji
Published: November 2021

Background
Postpartum uterine infection can lead to endometrial inflammation and oxidative damage. Progesterone makes the animal more susceptible to uterine infection. Progesterone has been proved to play an anti-inflammatory role in inhibiting uterine innate immunity, and to reduce tissue oxidative damage. But the effect of progesterone on the oxidative damage of bovine endometrium has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of progesterone (1, 3, and 5 ng/mL) on oxidative damage in primary bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEEC) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli.
Results
Compared with the LPS group, there were decreases (P < 0.05) in the levels of reactive oxygen and malondialdehyde, and increases (P < 0.05) in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in the cotreatment groups of progesterone and LPS. The cotreatment of LPS and P4 upregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundance of antioxidant genes and the key protein levels in Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, and promoted the Nrf2 protein to enter the nucleus. The use of progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone reversed the antioxidative effect of progesterone.
Conclusions
Progesterone protects BEEC from LPS-induced oxidative damage by activating Nrf2/Keap1 pathway through progesterone receptor.
PI3K/AKT Pathway Promotes Keloid Fibroblasts Proliferation by Enhancing Glycolysis Under Hypoxia
Authors: Wang Qifei , Yang Xin , Ma Jianxun , Xie Xiang , Sun Yimou , Chang Xu , Bi Hongsen , Xue Hongyu , Qin Zelian
Published: November 2021

Background

Keloids are disfiguring fibro-proliferative disorders characterized by glucose metabolism reprogramming, namely elevated glycolysis and compromised oxidative phosphorylation. Our previous study demonstrated altered glucose metabolism and enhanced phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in keloid fibroblasts (KFb) under hypoxic conditions. However, whether the PI3K/AKT pathway influences KFb cell function by regulating glucose metabolism under hypoxic conditions remains unclear.
Results

Our findings revealed that when the PI3K/AKT pathway was inactivated with LY294002 under hypoxia, the protein expression of glycolytic enzymes GLUT1, HK2, PFKFB3, PGK1, ENO1, PKM2, and LDHA decreased under hypoxia, while the amount of mitochondria and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) increased, and mitochondrial ultrastructure in KFb remained unchanged. The key parameters of extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) markedly diminished, and those of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) significantly increased after inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. When the PI3K/AKT pathway was suppressed, the levels of ROS and mitochondrial ROS were significantly increased. Meanwhile, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were inhibited, and apoptosis was increased when the PI3K/AKT pathway was blocked. Additionally, cell proliferation was compromised when KFb were treated with both SC79 (an activator of the PI3K/AKT pathway) and 2-DG (an inhibitor of glycolysis), compared to the SC79 group. Moreover, a positive feedback mechanism was demonstrated in the PI3K/AKT pathway and HIF-1α.
Conclusions

Our data collectively demonstrated that the PI3K/AKT pathway promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in KFb under hypoxia by regulating glycolysis, indicating that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway could be a therapeutic target for keloids.
Comprehensive identification of protein orthologs facilitated an understanding of the phylogenomics, protein conservation and phosphorylation of Ascoviridae species
Authors: Shi Yanhua , Lin Weiping , Wang Guohui , Zhao Punan , Huang Guo-hua , Hou Dianhai
Published: November 2021

Analysis of orthology is important for understanding protein conservation, function and phylogenomics. This study performed a comprehensive identification of Ascoviridae orthology based on identification of 366 ascoviridae protein homologue groups and phylogenetic analysis of 34 non-single copy proteins. Our fondings revealed 90 newly annotated proteins, five new identified Ascoviridae core proteins and 14 Ascovirus core proteins. Moreover, a phylogenomic tree of 11 ascoviridae species was inferred based on the concatenation of 35 of 45 Ascoviridae ortholog groups. In combination with phosphoproteomic results and conservation estimations, 30 conserved phosphorylation sites on 17 phosphoproteins were identified from a total of 176 phosphosites on 57 phosphoproteins from Heliothis virescens ascovirus 3h (HvAV-3h), supplying potential research targets for exploration of the detailed role of these protein in the regulation of viral infection mechanisms. This study would facilitates further Ascoviridae genome annotation and comparison and other functional genomic investigations.
Analysis of Electromagnetic Force And Formability of Tube Electromagnetic Bulging Based On Convex Magnetic Field Shaper
Authors: Wu Weiye , Qiu Li , Abu-Siada A. , Wang Chenglin , Jiang Jinbo
Published: November 2021

In order to solve the problems of non-uniform axial deformation and thinning of wall thickness in traditional tube electromagnetic bulging, a method of tube electromagnetic bulging based on convex magnetic field shaper is proposed in this paper. The electromagnetic-structure coupling model is constructed by using COMSOL software, and the influence of convex magnetic field shaper structure on radial and axial electromagnetic force, axial deformation uniformity and wall thickness reduction is analyzed, and compared with traditional tube electromagnetic bulging. The results show that by using this method, the axial deformation uniformity is increased by 4.2 times, and the relative wall thickness is reduced by 33%. Obviously, this method of tube bulging can effectively overcome the problems existing in traditional tube electromagnetic bulging and promote the wide application of electromagnetic forming technology.
Radiologic Cervical Parameters To Determine Ligamentous Injuries in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis – Are They Different?
Authors: Teuber Henrik , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Muthirakalayil Melvin , Yin Luxu , Eisenkrein Harry , Hildebrand Frank , Kobbe Philipp , Sprengel Kai , Mica Ladislav , Alkadhi Hatem , Pape Hans-Christoph , Pfeifer Roman
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Cervical ligamentous injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may be difficult to detect, even with the utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence AS has on various radiologic parameters used to detect traumatic and degenerative pathologies of the cervical spine. Methods: A matched, case-control retrospective analysis of patients with AS and controls without AS admitted at two level-1 trauma centers was performed. All patients were admitted via shock room and received a polytrauma CT. Study patients were included if they had no injury to the cervical spine. Twenty-four CT parameters of atlanto-occipital dislocation/ instability, traumatic and degenerative spondylolisthesis, basilar invagination, and prevertebral soft-tissue swelling were assessed. Study patients were matched by age and sex. Results: A total of 78 patients were included (AS group, n=39; control group, n=39). The evaluated cervical radiologic parameters were largely within normal limits and showed no significant clinical or morphologic differences between the two groups. Conclusion: In this analysis, CT measurements pertaining to various cervical pathologies were not different between patients with and without ankylosing spondylitis. Parameters to assess for atlanto-occipital dislocation/ instability, spondylolisthesis, or basilar invagination may reliably be used in patients with AS.
Finite Element Analysis and Comparative Study of 4 Kinds of Internal Fixation Systems for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Children
Authors: li ziyu , Zhou Jianqiang , Li Zhijun , Zhang Shaojie , wang xing , Li xiaohe
Published: November 2021

Background: Spinal injury in children usually occurs in the cervical spine region. Anterior fixation of lower cervical spine has been applied in the treatment of pediatric cervical spine injury and disease due to its stable and firm mechanical properties. This study performed finite element analysis and comparison of 4 different anterior cervical internal fixation systems for children, and explored more stable methods of anterior cervical internal fixation in children. Methods: A finite element model of 6-year-old children with lower cervical spine C4/5 discectomy was established, and the self-designed lower cervical spine anterior locking internal fixation system ACBLP and the children’s anterior cervical internal fixation system ACOP, ACVLP, ACSLP plate screws were fixed and loaded on the model. 27.42N•m torque load was applied to each internal fixation model under 6 working conditions of anteflexion, backward flexion, left flexion, right flexion, left rotation and right rotation, to simulate the movement of the cervical spine. The activity and stress distribution cloud diagram of each finite element model was obtained. Results: In the four internal fixation models of ACOP, ACVLP, ACSLP, and ACBLP, the mobility of C4/5 segment basically showed a decreasing relationship, and the mobility of adjacent segments increased significantly. In the Mises stress cloud diagram of the cervical spine of the four models, the vertebral body and accessories of the ACBLP model born the least stress, followed by ACSLP; The steel plate and screws in the ACVLP internal fixation model were the most stressed; The stress of the internal fixation system (plate/screw) in all models increased in the order of ACBLP, ACSLP, ACVLP, and ACOP.Conclusions: ACBLP internal fixation system had obvious advantages in anterior internal fixation of lower cervical spine in children, C4/5 had the smallest degree of movement, relative displacement was minimal, the stress on the pedicle was the least while the stress on the plate screw was relatively the smallest.
A low-cost environmentally friendly approach to isolate lignin containing micro and nanofibrillated cellulose from Eucalyptus globulus bark by steam explosion
Authors: NADER Saad , BROSSE Nicolas , KHADRAOUI Malek , FUENTEALBA Cecilia , ZIEGLER-DEVIN Isabelle , QUILÈS Fabienne , MAURET Evelyne , CHATEL Sofiane EL KIRAT
Published: November 2021

Micro- and Nano-Fibrillated Cellulose (MNFCs) have gained an increasing attention due to their remarkable properties but their production usually requires an intensive multi-step process. This study proposes to find a novel approach involving steam explosion for the production of lignin-containing micro- and nano-fibrillated cellulose (L-MNFCs) using Eucalyptus globulus bark as a new lignocellulosic feedstock. Eucalyptus globulus bark was first pre-treated in alkali conditions by steam explosion in alkaline conditions (200°C, 8 min) or by conventional alkaline cooking in a rotating autoclave (170°C, 60 min), refined and then grinded until the formation of gels. The chemical composition (Ionic chromatography, FTIR-ATR) of the pulps and morphology of the products (Morfi Neo, Optical and Atomic Force Microscopies (AFM), suspension turbidity) have been studied. Nanopapers were produced from lignin-containing microfibrils to investigate the mechanical properties. Results obtained showed that steam explosion produced pulps with slightly higher lignin content (≈ 9 %), containing shorter fibers (≈ 400 µm) and higher amounts of fine elements (≈ 86 %) compared to conventional alkali cooking (≈ 5 %, ≈ 560 µm and 66 %, respectively). AFM images of SteamEx L-MNFC gels showed a web-like structure containing lignin nanoparticles.
Performance of RC Cast-in-Place Buildings During The November 26, 2019 Albania Earthquake
Authors: Marinković Marko , Baballëku Markel , Isufi Brisid , Blagojević Nikola , Milićević Ivan , Brzev Svetlana
Published: November 2021

This paper documents performance of cast-in-place reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in the Durrës during Albania earthquake of 26th of November 2019 (MW 6.4). Both mid- and high-rise RC buildings were affected by the earthquake, experiencing structural and/or non-structural damage and even collapse in some cases. The authors performed a reconnaissance study after the earthquake and were involved in seismic assessment of buildings in the affected area. Besides the observations related to physical damage related to RC buildings, the paper also presents results of a statistical analysis of damaged RC buildings in the Durrës city. The discussion in the paper is focused on damage patterns and failure mechanisms that are relevant for the seismic response of RC structures. Most common damage pattern is related to masonry infill walls, which experienced damage and failure in some cases, and affected the performance of adjacent RC columns due to the infill/frame interaction. Taller RC framed buildings (10 storeys and higher) were expected to have RC shear walls; however, these walls were reportedly absent in the damaged buildings of this type. In some cases, masonry infill walls (instead of RC shear walls) were used in the elevator shaft areas, which resulted in inadequate seismic performance. Two case study buildings were presented in detail to illustrate seismic behaviour of cast-in-place RC buildings. The case study is based on field observations after the earthquake and a detailed seismic assessment study. Finally, relevant lessons and recommendations are presented in light of the observed performance of RC buildings.
Disparities in Fruit and Vegetable Intake at the Intersection of Gender and Education in Northern Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vogt Thomas , Gustafsson Per E
Published: November 2021

Background: Even though the existence of inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption has been well established, it is not clear how it is patterned across intersections of multiple social positions and identities. This study aims to investigate disparities in fruit and vegetable intake between groups at the intersection of education and gender in northern Sweden, and to estimate the discriminatory accuracy of the intersectional groups.Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2018 Health on Equal Terms survey conducted in four regions in northern Sweden was used (N=21,853). Four intersectional groups were created: high and low educated men, and high and low educated women. Prevalence differences corresponding to joint, referent, and excess intersectional inequalities, were estimated using linear binomial regression for three binary outcome variables: inadequate fruit and vegetable intake combined, inadequate fruit intake, and inadequate vegetable intake. The analysis was adjusted for potential confounders. The discriminatory accuracy of the intersectional groups was estimated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results: Low educated men had the highest prevalence of inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables combined (81.4%), fruits (53.5%), and vegetables (54.2%), while high educated women had the lowest (47.7%, 28.6%, and 19.2% respectively). The joint disparities between high educated women and low educated men were both significant and substantial for all outcome variables (34.6 pp, 28.7pp, and 34.9pp respectively, adjusted). They were mostly explained by the two referent disparities for gender and education – the part of the joint disparity explained by differences in gender and education, respectively. An inconsistent direction, magnitude, and significance between outcomes was observed for the excess intersectional disparity - the part of the joint disparity not explained by either referent disparity (-5.5pp, 0.1pp, and 3.9pp respectively, adjusted). The discriminatory accuracy of the intersectional groups was moderate (0.67, 0.64, and 0.66 respectively).Conclusion: An intersectional approach can provide a more detailed view of inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption between groups combining several social positions. The moderate discriminatory accuracy observed here suggests that interventions and policies aiming to reduce diet inequalities should not solely be targeted at certain groups, but also be universal.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Evaluation of Diluted Lipid Emulsion as Lubricant for Improved Guidewire Removal in a Neonatal Population.
Authors: Rens Matheus F.P.T. van , Paramban Ratheesh , Francia Airene L.V. , Singh Kalpana , Chandra Prem , Mahmah Mohamad Adnan , Thome Ulrich H. , Spencer Timothy R.
Published: November 2021

Background: Medical management of neonates is often predicated upon safe and reliable vascular access which may be related to physiological monitoring, medical treatment, supportive therapy and diagnostic or procedural purposes. For this, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are deemed safe to provide vascular access and infusion related therapy in the neonatal intensive care setting. Purpose: PICCs are associated with a reduced incidence of complications compared to short peripheral catheters. Despite a reduced complication rate, the impact for the patient has to be considered severe. Difficult PICC guidewire removal during the insertion procedure is known to cause catheter damage, resulting in leakage or breakage of the catheter itself. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the incidence of therapy failure related to the use of preflush fluids (normal saline (NSS) versus diluted lipid solution(DLS)) used before PICC guidewire removal. Method and Setting: This was a retrospective observational study and performed on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Women’s Wellness and Research Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. The single site study included 507 neonates who required intravenous therapy. Results: The results show that the use of a diluted lipid preflush resulted in significantly less therapy failures, compared with the control group. This remains significant after adjusting for day of insertion, gestational age, birth weight and catheter type.Conclusion: DLS preflush demonstrated a benefit over the use of a NSS preflush to enhance PICC guidewire removal in patients admitted to the NICU. The risk for the development of maintenance-related complications leading to premature removal of the device, decreased significantly if the preflush DLS was used. During the study period no known complications related to the used lipid solution were identified. Implications for Practice and Research: This study is the first of its kind ever published in international literature and supports the enhancement of guidewire removal by using a diluted lipid preflush. When the requirement for vascular access is most pertinent, using a diluted lipid preflush is a safe and effective method to remove the guidewire in order to facilitate long-term vascular access amongst the neonatal population.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Profile of Lipid Mediators In Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Do Khanh Van , Hjorth Erik , Wang Ying , Jun Bokkyoo , Kautzmann Marie-Audrey I. , Eriksdotter Maria , Schultzberg Marianne , Bazan Nicolas G
Published: November 2021

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) develops into dementia over a period of several years, during which subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are used as intermediary diagnoses of increasing severity. Chronic neuroinflammation resulting from insufficient resolution is involved in the pathogenesis of AD and is associated with cognitive impairment. Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (LMs) that promote the resolution of inflammation may be valuable markers in AD diagnosis and as therapeutic targets.Methods: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze pro-resolving and pro-inflammatory LMs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with cognitive impairment ranging from subjective impairment to a diagnosis of AD, and correlated to cognition, CSF tau and β-amyloid (Aβ), and an inflammation biomarker (YKL-40). Results: RvD4, neuroprotectin D1, MaR1, and RvE4 were lower in AD and/or MCI compared to SCI. The pro-inflammatory LTB4 and 15-HETE were higher in AD and MCI, respectively, while PGD2 and PGE2 were decreased in AD, compared to SCI. RvD4 was also negatively correlated to AD tangle biomarkers. Many differences were dependent on gender.Conclusion: In this exploratory study of the lipidome in CSF of AD, MCI and SCI, the results indicate a gender-dependent shift in the LM profile from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in progression to AD, suggesting that it may be of use as a biomarker when followed by confirmation by replication studies.
Underlying mechanisms of Electroacupuncture against Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury: Reduces Cell Apoptosisand Pyroptosis by Regulating Caspase-3 and Caspase-1
Authors: Cai Li , Yao Zeng-Yu , Yang Lu , Xu Xiu-Hong , Luo Meng , Dong Miao-Miao , Zhou Guo-Ping
Published: November 2021

BackgroundCell apoptosis and pyroptosis are the primary forms of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and these two cell death methods are both regulated by the caspase gene family. Electroacupuncture can reduce the neuronal damage caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. We hypothesized that inhibition of Caspase-1/Caspase-3 could be the mechanism of electroacupuncture against pyroptosis and apoptosis after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. MethodsThe cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model of C57 and Caspase-1/Caspase-3 gene knockout mice was established by longa’ s method. Electroacupuncture was conducted at acupoints Chize (LU5), Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zusanli (ST36) 1.5 hours after ischemia/reperfusion injury for 20 minutes, and observation was carried out after 24h. Neurological deficit scores evaluated the neurological function, cerebral infarction volume was observed by TTC staining, neuronal apoptosis index was measured by TUNEL, and the protein expression of Caspase-1 and Caspase-3 was detected by Western blot assay. ResultsCompared with I/R group, EA group showed lower neurological deficit score, smaller cerebral infarction volume and lower degree of nerve cell injury (P<0.05). In EA group, the protein expression of Caspase-3 in C57 and caspase-1 knockout mice and Caspase-3 in C57 and caspase-3 knockout mice were lower than that in I/R group (P<0.05). ConclusionsElectroacupuncture plays a neuroprotective role by inhibiting the protein expression of Caspase-1 and Caspase-3, and reducing the activation of cell apoptosis and pyroptosis.