bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and binary adsorption experiments and modeling of arsenic and fluoride using activated carbon as adsorbent
Authors: Acharya Amrutha , jeppu gautham , Raju Girish Chikmagalur , Prabhu Balakrishna , Martis Alita Stephy , Ramesh Shrividya
Published: August 2023

Arsenic and fluoride are co-occurring contaminants in groundwater. This research investigated the competitive adsorption of arsenic and fluoride from aqueous solution on activated carbon. Batch experiments were used to study the behavior and efficiency of activated carbon to know the influence of adsorbent dosage, contact time, and solution pH of arsenic and fluoride in single and binary component systems. At optimum values, in single-component systems, activated carbon demonstrates efficient adsorption of arsenic and fluoride, achieving a percentage removal of 93.56% for arsenic and 72% for fluoride. Similarly, in binary-component systems, the percentage removal of As(V) is found to be 71.91%, while fluoride is removed at a rate of 90%. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic mode, which suggests chemisorption. Langmuir, Freundlich, Toth, Redlich Petersons, and Modified Langmuir Freundlich (MLF) models were used to interpret the single adsorption isotherm data. The maximum uptake of arsenic and fluoride was 3.58 mg/g and 2.32 mg/g, respectively. It was noted that the Modified Langmuir Freundlich isotherm model gave a better fit with higher R2 and lower RMSE values. Extended Langmuir and Extended Freundlich isotherm models were used to interpret the competitive adsorption data. The competitive studies showed selectivity of adsorption for As(V) > F which suggested that the affinity of activated carbon was greater towards As(V) than fluoride. Also, As(V) showed antagonistic behavior with F.
An efficient high-frequency direct organogenesis protocol of Mimosa pudica suitable for mass multiplication and transformation experiments
Authors: Kavane Aarti , Raval Kartik , Joshi Jignasa , BIshoyi Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2023

Mimosa pudica is a creeping perennial, flowering medicinal plant belonging to the family Mimosaceae. The plants have been well documented for their various valuable properties such as antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antimalarial, hyperglycemic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, anti-cancer and immune boosters. Due to the occurrence of various phytochemicals, the plant has been extensively used in AYUSH for the treatment of various ailments. Due to the immense medicinal properties of the plant and high exploitation, may lead to a high risk of drastic decreases in its population from natural habitats. Hence conservation of the plant is the utmost requirement by using plant tissue cultures protocols. In this investigation, we have developed a direct organogenesis protocol for the plant using apical meristem as the source of explant. From the tested 12 hormonal combinations; MPO4 (Kn 2.0 + BAP 1.0 + 2,4 D- 0.2 mg/lit) was able to generate a significantly higher number of multiple shoots (44.33/explant) and the lowest multiple shooting (0.67/explant) was noticed in MPO12 media. Out of 15 media combinations, the MPR10 (NAA 1.0 mg/lit) combination was the best for in-vitro rooting and was able to induce a significantly higher percentage (72.67% explants show rooting induction) of adventitious rootings, followed by MPR3 (IBA 1.5 mg/lit) media (62.67% 72.67% explants shows rooting). In this investigation, the rooted plants were successfully hardened to the field. The developed direct organogenesis protocol using apical meristem as an explant is the first time report for the mentioned plant and may be used for mass multiplication as well as plantlet production after genetic transformations.
Combination therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib with the HSP90 inhibitor onalespib as a novel treatment regimen for thyroid cancer
Authors: Mortensen Anja Charlotte Lundgren , Berglund Hanna , Papalanis Eleftherios , Spiegelberg Diana
Published: August 2023

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, affecting nearly 600,000 new patients worldwide. Treatment with the BRAF inhibitor sorafenib partially prolongs progression-free survival in thyroid cancer patients, but fails to improve overall survival. This study examines enhancing sorafenib efficacy by combination therapy with the novel HSP90 inhibitor onalespib In vitro efficacy of sorafenib and onalespib monotherapy as well as in combination was assessed in papillary (PTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid cancer cells using cell viability and colony formation assays. Migration potential was studied in wound healing assays. The in vivo efficacy of sorafenib and onalespib therapy was evaluated in mice bearing BHT-101 xenografts. Sorafenib in combination with onalespib significantly inhibited PTC and ATC cell proliferation, decreased metabolic activity and cancer cell migration. In addition, the drug combination approach significantly inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft model and prolonged the median survival. Our results suggest that the combination therapy of sorafenib and onalespib could be used as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of thyroid cancer, significantly improving the results obtained with sorafenib as monotherapy. This approach potentially reduces treatment adaptation while at the same time providing therapeutic anti-cancer benefits such as reducing tumor growth and metastatic potential.
Penconazole ameliorates drought stress in saffron by induction of antioxidative enzymes in fibrous roots
Authors: Nasiri Minoo , Niknam Vahid , Rahnama Hassan
Published: August 2023

Drought stress significantly affects plant biochemical and physiological responses. We investigated the mitigating effects of penconazole (PEN) on drought stress by examining different concentrations (0, 15, and 25 mg/L). Saffron corms were subjected to varying drought levels (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/v). The results showed that PEN effectively ameliorated drought stress on plant growth. Corm dry weight increased significantly under drought stress at both PEN concentrations. MDA and H2O2 content, as stress markers, in leaves were well-controlled and consistently higher than in fibrous roots. PEN treatment reduced MDA content in fibrous roots under control and drought stress conditions. Fibrous roots exhibited higher SOD, POX, and CAT activities compared to leaves. PEN treatment induced upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, especially in root tissues. PPO enzyme activity increased in leaf and fibrous root tissues under PEN treatment and drought stress. Non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as total phenols, flavonoids, flavanols, and anthocyanins, were higher in leaves but did not show consistent trends under PEN treatment during drought stress. Overall, PEN alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress in saffron roots by enhancing CAT and SOD activities.
Alteration of Ascending Colon Mucosal Microbiota in Patients after Cholecystectomy
Authors: Fan Miao-Yan , Lu You , Cui Meng-Yan , Zhao Meng-Qi , Wang Jing-Jing , Jiang Qiao-Li , Lu Ying-Ying
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND
Cholecystectomy is an effective therapy for gallstones, however, the incidence of CRC has increased significantly in post-cholecystectomy (PC) patients. Whether it is related to the changed mucosal microbiota in ascending colon is still unclear.
AIM
To explore the association between gut microbiota and cholecystectomy.
METHODS
Mucosal biopsy samples were collected from 30 PC patients (the test group) with gallbladder stones and 28 healthy individuals (the control group) by colonoscopy. Subsequently, the test group was subdivided into the YMA group or SNR group(age over or under 60), DG group or NG group (with or without diarrhea) and Log group or Sht group(duration over or under 5 years) according to patients’ clinical characteristics. 16S-rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed and alpha diversity, beta diversity and composition analysis were determined. The Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database was used to predict the function of the microbiome.
RESULTS
The PC patients showed similar richness and overall composition with healthy controls, but PC patients over 60 years showed a different structure than those under 60 years. At the phylum level, the richness of Bacteroidetes was significantly higher in PC patients. Similarly, the genus Bacteroides, Parabacteroidesand Bilophila were remarkably more abundant in PC patients compared with the controls. In addition, the PC patients had significant enrichments in both metabolic pathways, including Lipopolysaccharide and vancomycin group antibiotics biosynthesis compared to the controls.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggested that mucosal microbiota was changed in PC patients, which may reveal new insight into therapeutic options for colorectal cancer and diarrhea after cholecystectomy.
Identification of molecular subtypes based on histone arginine methylation in bladder cancer
Authors: Guo Xiaobin , Li Jinrong , Liang Zhongxia , Wu Fulin , Lin Junhao , Huang Guihai , Li Yue , Li Ximing , Chen Zhi , Hao Nan , Li Wei
Published: August 2023

Background
​Histone arginine methylation is an important feature in bladder cancer that affects prognosis and therapeutic response. However, the investigation of molecular subtypes based upon histone arginine methylation is still being exploited.
Methods
From the TCGA database, we obtained the RNA sequencing and somatic mutation results of 412 bladder cancer patients. To identify molecular subtypes associated with histone arginine methylation, consensus clustering was performed. These histone arginine methylation-associated subtypes were compared in terms of prognosis, clinical features, immune cell infiltration, and somatic mutation profiles. Moreover, we utilized the CTRP and GDSC databases to examine how drug sensitivity is related to mRNA expression of HAM-related genes.
Results
Based on our findings, bladder cancer could be divided into histone arginine methylation-low (HAM-low) and histone arginine methylation-high (HAM-high) subtypes with distinctive clinicopathological characteristics, tumor microenvironment and prognostic. There is a dismal prognosis associated with high histone arginine methylation subtypes and a high frequency of oncogene mutations in these subtypes. Conversely, histone arginine methylation-low subtypes are associated with a better clinical outcome and a lower frequency of oncogene mutations. There was a correlation between the HAM-high subtype and the immune-hot phenotype, while the HAM-low subtype was associated with the immune-cold phenotype. As well, we develop and validate a prognostic model associated with histone arginine methylation that has good predictive power. The results of drug sensitivity tests revealed that HAM-related genes are associated with resistance to most drugs. A positive correlation was found between XAV939 or Cetuximab and HAM-related gene expression, suggesting that these agents may be beneficial to patients who fall into the HAM-high subgroup of BC patients.
Conclusion
​In summary, we have established a novel bladder classification based on histone arginine methylation subtypes. This classification has significant consequences for the estimation of prognosis and drug sensitivity, as well as the tumor microenvironment.
Metagenomic Investigations on Antibiotic Resistance and Microbial Virulence in Oil-Polluted Soils from China
Authors: Qaria Majjid A , Xu Chunyan , Hussain Arif , Nawaz Muhammad Zohaib , Zhu Daochen
Published: August 2023

Engine oil spills have been associated with a wide range of human health problems. However, little is known about the effects of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on soil microbial communities. In this study, three samples were collected from oil-polluted soils (OPS) and one control soil (CS), from Taolin town, China, near the old engine’s scrapes were used. The aims of this study were to conduct metagenomic sequencing and subsequently perform resistome and Virulome analysis. We also aimed to validate antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes and antibacterial sensitivity profiles among the isolates from oil polluted soils. The OPS microbial community was dominated by bacterial species compared to the control samples which were dominated by metazoans and other organisms. Secondly, the resistosome and virulome analysis showed that ARGs and virulence factors were higher among OPSs microbial communities. Antibiotic susceptibility assay and qPCR analysis for ARGs and virulence factors showed that the oil polluted soil samples had remarkably enhanced expression of these ARGs and virulence genes. Our study suggests that oil pollution contributes to shifting microbial communities to more resilient types that could survive the toxicity of oil pollution and subsequently became more resilient in terms of higher resistance and virulence potential.
Dust events control nitrogen cycling and nitrate/(per)chlorate relationships on Mars
Authors: Fu Xiaohui , Mao Wenshuo , Wu Zhongchen , Zhang Jiang , Ling Zongcheng , Liu Yang , Zhao Yu-Yan , Liu Jiacheng , Cui He , Changela Hitesh , Ni Yuheng , Yan Fabao , Michalski Joseph
Published: August 2023

Nitrogen is an important part of any biosphere/organic cycling, but aspects of the nitrogen cycle for Mars are quite unclear. Nitrate and (per)chlorate have been detected in sedimentary rocks and aeolian sediments in Gale crater on Mars as well as in martian meteorites. Their occurrences have implications for global nitrogen/chlorine cycles and the habitability on Mars. However, the origins of nitrate and (per)chlorate, and their possible formation are not well understood. Interaction between the atmosphere and surface of Mars during dust events have cause electrostatic discharge (ESD). By simulating this process in a Mars chamber, nitrate and (per)chlorate can form from halite precursors under martian atmospheric conditions. The obtained nitrate/(per)chlorate ratio (0.28 ± 0.19) is in agreement with Gale crater observations (0.23 ± 0.12), which is much lower than in terrestrial Mars analogues and the products of other pathways proposed for Mars. The electrochemistry during Mars dust events represents a new nitrogen fixation mechanism, which may also act as a crucial part of global nitrogen cycling on present-day Mars even throughout the whole Amazonian period. These nitrate salts in martian dusts potentially provide an accessible source of nitrogen for possible organic molecule formation on Mars.
Selection, characterization and in vivo evaluation of novel CD44v6-targeting antibodies for targeted molecular radiotherapy
Authors: Mortensen Anja Charlotte Lundgren , Berglund H. , Segerström L. , Hofström C. , Persson H. , Nygren P-Å. , Nilvebrant J. , Frejd F. , Nestor M.
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Factors influencing the postoperative flexion angle in cruciate-sacrificing rotating platform of total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Matsuoka Daisuke , Inagaki Yusuke , Mawarikado Yuya , Ogawa Munehiro , Seko Munehito , Fujii Tadashi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: August 2023

Background
Various factors affect the improvement of range of motion (ROM) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are few reports specific to cruciate-sacrificing rotating platform (CSRP) TKA. In this study, factors affecting postoperative ROM improvement of CSRP TKA were investigated.
Methods
The study included 79 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral CSRP TKA at our institution. The group with an improvement of 5 degrees or more (Δflexion angle) than the preoperative was defined as the good Δflexion group (38 knees), and that with less than 5 degrees was defined as the poor Δflexion group (41 knees). The assessments were performed one day and one year after surgery. Factors including rest and walking pain, knee flexion and extension angle, isometric knee extension strength, the five subscales of KOOS, α, β, γ and δ angles, FTA, and condylar twist angle were assessed. Unpaired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and chi-square test were used to test differences between the good and poor Δflexion groups. Multiple logistic regression examined the association between each factor and the dependent variables (good Δflexion or poor Δflexion).
Results
Significant differences in the preoperative knee flexion, postoperative knee flexion, preoperative knee extension, and postoperative knee extension angles, postoperative KOOS pain and activity of daily living, β, ɤ angles were observed between the good and poor Δflexion groups. The model chi-squared test revealed that the ɤ angle was significantly affected with Δ flexion angle.
Conclusions
With the CSRP TKA, flexion insertion of the femoral component was associated with postoperative flexion ROM improvement.
RGB-D Salient Object Detection Based on Feature Extraction and Integration Convolutional Capsule Network
Authors: Xu Kun , Guo Jichang
Published: August 2023

Fully Convolutional Neural Networks (FCNs) have shown advantages in the salient object detection (SOD) by using the RGB images or RGB-D images. However, there is a object-part dilemma since most FCNs inevitably lead to an incomplete segmentation of the salient object. Although the Capsule Network(CapsNet) is capable of recognizing a complete object which has better performance, it is highly computational demanding and time consuming. In this paper, we propose a novel Feature Extraction and Integration Convolutional Capsule Network(FEICaps) based on Convolutional Capsule Network for dealing with the object-part relationship, with less computation demanding. First and foremost, RGB features are extracted and integrated by using the VGG backbone and feature extraction module. Then, these features, integrating with depth images by using Feature Depth Module(FDM), are upsampled progressively to produce a feature map. In the next step, the feature map is fed into the Feature-integrated convolutional Capsule Network(FiCaps) to explore the object-part relationship. The FiCapsextracts object-part features by using convolutional capsules with locally-connected routing and predicts the final salient map based on the deconvolutional capsules. Experimental results on four RGB-D benchmark datasets show that the proposed method outperforms 23 state-of-the-art algorithms.
High temperature dielectric breakdown and energy storage properties of polyetherimide nanocomposites improved by hindering molecular motion
Authors: yang lingyu , Min Daomin , Gao Ziwei , Yang Liuqing , Zhu Yuanwei , Liu Wenfeng
Published: August 2023

Polyetherimide (PEI) has excellent thermal and electrical properties, and is widely used as a dielectric material for high-temperature high-power film capacitors in power systems, new energy vehicles and other fields. However, as the operating temperature increases, the electrical conductivity increases and the breakdown strength decreases, reducing the energy storage density of capacitors significantly and limiting the practical applications. To clarify the influencing mechanism of high temperature on breakdown properties and energy storage performance of dielectrics, this paper establishes a charge transport and molecular displacement modulated (CTMD) breakdown model based on the expansion movement of molecular chain segments to investigate change regularity in charge transport and molecular chain motion of PEI nanocomposites (PNCs) at high temperatures. The results show that at high temperatures of 100°C, PEI PNCs with an appropriate nanoparticle content (3wt%) show a 5.35% reduction in maximum internal temperature, a 28.79% reduction in maximum molecular displacement and an 11.20% increase in breakdown strength compared to pure PEI. Nano-doping can effectively increase the difficulty of molecular segment motion, thereby reducing the excitation volume in which they provide energy for charge transport. Thus, charge transport is inhibited, current density is reduced and excess Joule heat is avoided. Eventually, high temperature dielectric breakdown and energy storage properties of PEI PNCs can be significantly improved.
Understanding vulnerability through variability: a longitudinal twin study linking sex differences in neurodiversity, neurodevelopment and X-linked genetic mechanisms.
Authors: Wierenga Lara , Zabihi M. , Drunen Lina van , Meulen Mara van der , Achterberg Michelle , Rutherford Sage , Marquand Andre , Crone Eveline A.
Published: August 2023

Background: There are marked sex/gender differences in the prevalence and expression of neurodiversity. Yet, it is unclear how sex/gender related mechanisms may affect differences in expression of symptoms. In the present study we test whether previously reported greater male than female variability in neuroanatomy is related to sex differences in X-linked mechanisms and may explain behavioral and cognitive variation in neurodiversity. Method: The present study included a longitudinal twin study (N=990 twins; 56% monozygotic, 7-14 yo). Results: Greater male than female variability was most pronounced in structure and development of cortical surface area. Twin modeling results support a significant role of X-chromosome expression related to neuroanatomical variation. In addition, normative modeling analysis, showed that deviations in brain anatomy were associated to neurodiverse behavior. Conclusions: These findings together highlight the importance of studying sex and gender linked mechanisms in the brain and mental illness beyond mean group modeling.
Quality of Life in the Community Versus Rehabilitation Hospital Setting During COVID-19 Quarantine in Shanghai, China.
Authors: Ferland Amanda , Zhang Zhe’An , Sun Tian’Bao , Bai Chen’Yuan , Ma Xia , Geng Su’Ping
Published: August 2023

Aims The mutated strain of the new coronavirus, the OMICRON virus, began to spread in Shanghai in early April 2022. The government adopted a quarantine policy that lasted for two months. This study is looking at the effect that this specific time period had on mental health and quality of life (QOL) for the people of Shanghai 2022.
Methods Patients, caregivers, and community members who did not suffer from Covid-19, but did experience the closure of the city, completed 281 valid questionnaires either online or on paper within one week of unblocking. Questionnaires included 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and the Short Form-12 (SF-12).
Results 281 valid questionnaires were completed; females 111, males 170, with an age range of 14 to 92,52.32 ± 16.26. Gender and subject’s education had no significant effect on depression or anxiety. For source, more patients in the rehabilitation setting scored＞9 on PHQ and GAD questionnaires (PHQ 28%, GAD 16%) than the other 2 groups, and a significant difference was found in PHQ score (p value=0.032), while the GAD difference was not significant (p value=0.339). For age, more participants from group 1 (age 19-39) scored ＞9 on PHQ and GAD questionnaires (PHQ 29%, GAD 16%) compared to the other 2 groups. A significant difference was found in PHQ score (p value=0.022), while the GAD difference was not significant (p value=0.392). Regarding populations, there was also significant differences in PCS12 scores between patients and community members, p value <0.0001; patients and caregivers have significant differences, p value <0.0001; caregivers and community members have no significant differences, p value is 0.9434. There is significant difference in PCS12 scores between patients and caregivers, p value < 0.0001. Regarding age, group 1 (age 19-39) and group 3 (age 60+) have significant difference in PCS12 scores, p value < 0.0001; and group 1 and group 2 (age 40-59) have no significant difference, with the p value 0.3903.
Discussion/Conclusion This cross-sectional study looking at quality of life in three different populations of Shanghai residents during Covid-19 lockdown demonstrated no significant differences in overall QOL between people living in the community versus those living in a rehabilitation hospital setting. There were significant differences specifically in physical functional scores (PCS12) and depression scores (PHQ-9) between patients in the rehabilitation setting when compared to their caregivers or community members. Patients demonstrated decreased physical functioning and increased levels of depression. More surprisingly, there were differences in depression and anxiety scores between age groups in all populations, with younger Shanghai residents demonstrating increased levels of depression and anxiety when compared to older residents following lockdown.
Mitochondrial SIRT3 as a Protective Factor against Cyclosporine A-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Jo Min Jee , Bae So Yeon , Ahn Shin Young , Ko Gang Jee , Kwon Young Joo
Published: August 2023

Sirtuin3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial deacetylase, has been shown to be involved in various kidney diseases. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of SIRT3 in cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were transfected with Flag-tagged SIRT3 for SIRT3 overexpression or SIRT3 siRNA for the inhibition of SIRT3. Subsequently, the cells were treated with cyclosporine A (CsA) or vehicle. Wild-type and SIRT3 knockout (KO) mice were randomly assigned to receive cyclosporine A or olive oil. Our results revealed that CsA treatment inhibited mitochondrial SIRT3 expression in MDCK cells. Inhibition of SIRT3 through siRNA transfection exacerbated apoptosis, impaired the expression of the AMP-activated protein kinase-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (AMPK-PGC1α) pathway, and worsened mitochondrial dysfunction induced by CsA treatment. Conversely, overexpression of SIRT3 through Flag-tagged SIRT3 transfection ameliorated apoptosis, increased the expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2, and restored the mitochondrial regulator pathway, AMPK-PGC1α. In SIRT3 KO mice, CsA treatment led to aggravated kidney dysfunction, increased kidney tubular injury, and accumulation of oxidative end products indicative of oxidative stress injury. Overall, our findings suggest that SIRT3 plays a protective role in alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction caused by CsA through the activation of the AMPK-PGC1α pathway, thereby preventing further kidney injury.
A prediction model of sperm retrieval in males with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia for microdissection testicular sperm extraction
Authors: Zheng Yi , Li Ding-Ming , Jiang Xiao-Hui , Bai Heng-Zhou , Zhao Gui-Cheng
Published: August 2023

Patients with Idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (iNOA) can achieve fertility by extracting testicular sperm through microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). But more than half of iNOA patients still cannot benefit from mTESE. In recent years, some studies had reported that serum hormones may be related to the outcome of sperm retrieval, but few had been verified. We hope to obtain a predictive method that is convenient for clinical application and can help judge the outcome of sperm extraction before implementing mTESE. We performed a retrospective analysis of NOA patients who underwent mTESE in the same andrology center from June 2020 to November 2022. A total of 261 patients with complete data were collected, logistic regression analysis was performed and a predictive model was constructed. Then, from December 2022 to May 2023, one prospective cohort of 48 NOA patients who met the inclusion criteria from the same center, were recruited to validate the risk prediction model. We successfully constructed a logistic regression model to predict the outcome of iNOA patients undergoing mTESE and found that higher serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were associated with failure sperm retrieval, resulting in an AMH cut-off of 2.60 ng/ml. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.811, the sensitivity was 0.870, and the specificity was 0.705. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the threshold probability was above 4%, and unnecessary mTESE could be reduced using this model. In a prospective cohort at the same center, 85.42% (41/48) of iNOA patients correctly identified the mTESE outcome using this model. A logistic regression model with AMH as an independent predictor can predict mTESE outcomes in iNOA patients. Preoperative selection of mTESE in patients with iNOA using this model had clinical benefit in reducing unnecessary surgery. The model demonstrated good accuracy in a small prospective cohort validation.
Comparing the impact of emergency cash transfer payments during the COVID pandemic on coping among Australian young adults with and without pre-existing mental disorders: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Islam Md Irteja , Lyne Elizabeth , Freeman Joseph , Martiniuk Alexandra
Published: August 2023

Background
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused financial hardship and psychological distress among young Australians. This study investigates whether the Australian Government’s emergency cash transfer payments – specifically welfare expansion for those unemployed prior to the pandemic (known in Australia as the JobSeeker Coronavirus Supplement) and JobKeeper (cash support for those with reduced or stopped employment due to the pandemic) – had a positive impact on individual’s level of coping during the coronavirus pandemic among those with and without mental and neurodevelopmental disorders (including anxiety, depression, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Methods
The sample included 902 young adults from the last three waves (8, 9C1, 9C2) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), a nationally representative cohort study. Random-effects models were used to assess the impact of emergency cash transfer payments on 18-22-year-old’s self-rated coping, stratifying the analysis by those with and without mental disorders. All models were adjusted for gender, employment, location, family cohesion, history of smoking, alcohol intake, and COVID-19 test result.
Results
Of the 902-sample analysed, 85% reported fair-to-high levels of coping, 19% had mental or neurodevelopmental disorders, 40% received the Coronavirus Supplement and 16% received JobKeeper. Analysing the total sample demonstrated that participants who received the JobKeeper payment were more likely to have a higher level of coping compared to those who did not receive the JobKeeper payment. Stratified analyses demonstrated that those with pre-existing mental or neurodevelopmental disorder obtained significant benefit from the JobKeeper payment on their level of coping, compared to those who did not receive JobKeeper. In contrast, receipt of the Coronavirus Supplement was not significantly associated with higher level of coping. Among those with no mental health disorder, neither the Coronavirus Supplement nor JobKeeper had a statistically significant impact on level of coping.
Conclusion
These findings suggest the positive impacts of cash transfers on level of coping during the pandemic were limited to those with a pre-existing mental or neurodevelopmental disorder who received JobKeeper.
Less berries and more pods: losers and winners of chronic disturbance in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Espinosa Carlos Ivan , Jara-Guerrero Andrea , Castillo-Escobar Judith , Cueva-Ortiz Jorge , Gusmán-Montalván Elizabeth , Stimm Bernd , Hildebrandt Patrick , Escudero Adrián
Published: August 2023

Although chronic disturbance is widely recognized as a main driver in the loss of diversity of tropical forests, their consequences in other attributes of the diversity such as functional dimensions still need to be clarified, especially in those traits associated with the dispersal process of plants. Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic disturbance on the community functional traits of a seasonally dry tropical forest, and their potential effects on the frugivores community. We characterized eight traits related to seed dispersal and calculated the community weight mean and functional diversity indices for trees and the whole woody community. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the effects of the disturbance on the community weight mean, functional diversity, and the abundance and diversity of fruits as resources for wildlife. Our results revealed that, the dominance of plants with costly fruiting species was reduced with disturbance. The functional richness and divergence were reduced with the disturbance, mainly in the qualitative traits. Finally, the availability of resources was slightly different between groups of dispersers, observing a general pattern of reduction in the availability and richness of fruits with the disturbance. Our results suggest that the changes in vegetation richness and abundance are not random but the result of filtering on traits related to dispersal costs and their subsequent ability to withstand environmental stress. The observed changes in vegetation have a direct effect on the availability of resources for frugivorous species, which in the medium term can generate a cascading effect on the ecosystem.
Urban surface classification using self-supervised domain adaptive deep learning models and its application in urban environment studies
Authors: Ding Xiaotian , Fan Yifan , Li Yuguo , Ge Jian
Published: August 2023

Changed urban surface and human activities in urban areas have led to serious environmental problems globally, including deteriorated local thermal/wind environments and air pollution. In this study, we proposed and validated a domain adaptive land cover classification model, to automatically classify Google Earth images into pixel-based land cover maps. By combining the domain adaptation and self-supervised learning technique, we extend the model’s generalization ability even trained with a small dataset. Furthermore, we explored the impact of land surface composition on the local meteorological parameters and air pollutant concentrations. Urban surface information was extracted around weather stations and air quality monitoring stations from three most developed urban agglomerations in China, including Beijing, Shanghai and the great bay area (GBA). Correlation analysis results show that air temperature has a strong positive correlation with neighbor artificial impervious surface fraction, with Pearson correlation coefficients higher than 0.6 in all areas except for the spring in the GBA. The correlation is much weaker and variant for air pollutants. This work provides an efficient method for urban land cover extraction which will be of great value for assessing the urban surface composition, quantifying the impact of land use/land cover, and facilitating the development of informed policies.
Molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of Iranian Murid rodents inferred from mitochondrial cytochrome b gene
Authors: Afzali Yaser Amir , López-Antoñanzas Raquel
Published: August 2023

The family Muridae represents the largest, most diverse and successful of all groups of mammals. Here we infer the phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography for the Iranian murid rodents, which consist in 17 species distributed in two subfamilies and six genera. Molecular dating analyses using a relaxed Bayesian molecular clock support the monophyly of Murinae and Gerbillinae and allow to set up a divergence date between them around 18.86 Ma (Million years ago). According to our results, murines may have originated approximately 13.49 Ma and the diversification of most of their evolutionary lineages may have taken place between 10–4 Ma, which is consistent with the fossil record. Our results provide strong support for the tribes Apodemyini and Rattini (Murinae) but the monophyly of the genus Meriones belonging to the Gerbillinae is questioned. Historical biogeographic analysis supports a Paleotropical origin for the Iranian murids, likely found in central and eastern Iran (Desert and Xeric Shrubland ecoregion). From there they dispersed to colonize the Afrotropical, Indomalayan and Palearctic realms. All in all, Iran seems to have acted as a corridor for faunal exchanges between the Afrotropic and Saharo-Arabian realms and the Indomalayan realm as well as between Central Asia and the Mediterranean regions.
Testing the evolutionary driving forces on display signal complexity in an Asian agamid lizard
Authors: Lin Yusong , Qiu Xia , Fu Jinzhong , Peters Richard , Qi Yin
Published: August 2023

Elucidating the factors behind the evolution of signal complexity is essential in understanding animal communication. Compared to vocal and color signals, dynamic display signals only start to attract attention recently. In this study, we tested the social complexity and background noise hypotheses on the evolution of dynamic display signal complexity. We collected displays videos from twelve populations across the distribution range of the Asian agamid lizard, Phrynocephalus przewalskii. Their various components (tail coil, tail lash, body turning, and limb flapping) were quantified. Furthermore, we measured the population density and sexual size dimorphism (SSD), as estimates of social complexity, and vegetation height, as estimate of background noise. Using linear mixed models, we tested associations between measurements of signal component variability (e.g. coefficient of variation of maximum speed Limb flapping), display (as a whole) complexity (e.g. Component change rate) and estimates of social complexity and background noise. Several significant associations were detected, including between CV of maximum speeds of body turning/limb flapping and SSD (negative), between component change rate and background noise (positive). Several other associations were sex-dependent and the trends were often opposite between the sexes. Our data are consistent with both social complexity and background noise hypotheses, and our research provides direct evidence on the level-specific links among display complexity, social complexity and background noise.
Glass Ornament in the Late Islamic Period: Composition of Glass Bangles from Northern Qatar
Authors: Cheng Qian , Rehren Thilo , Ogutu Julius , Carter Robert Andrew
Published: August 2023

Glass ornaments such as bangles are widely distributed along trade routes between the East and West, indicating interactions and exchange between manufacturing and consumption sites. In the Persian Gulf region, numerous glass bangles have been excavated from late 2nd millennium CE contexts, but rather few of these have been studied with scientific analysis. Here, we report data of 56 representative samples from assemblages found at seven coastal sites of northern Qatar that date between the 18th and 20th centuries CE, analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Based on the chemical compositions combined with their respective colours, the assemblage represents six different glass provenances, including one subgroup from the Levant, one subgroup from Mesopotamia, and another two subgroups using different plant types as fluxes, with their sand source similar to Sasanian glasses from Central Iraq between the 3rd and 7th centuries CE, and two high-alumina subgroups associated with an Indian origin. The paper also compares the Qatar bangles with others from the Islamic world and India to discuss differences and similarities of them.
Effects of eye exercises of acupoints on visual symptoms and tear film stability in dry eye patients
Authors: Li Yue , Jiang Li , Huang Guangyi , Li Jinfen , Xiong Jiawei , Liao Tao , Huang Hui , He Wenjing , Zhou Zhou , Lv Jian , Chen Qi , Li Lili , Lan Qianqian , Li Min , Lu Peng , Xu Fan
Published: August 2023

Background
To explore the therapeutic benefits of eye exercises of acupoints (EEA) for dry eye disease.
Methods
This study was divided into three groups, which were dry eye without EEA group, dry eye with EEA group and pre-clinical dry eye with EEA group. First, we assessed the improvement of symptoms in dry eye patients by evaluating the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire before and after EEA. Then, we studied the changes in the signs of dry eye before and after EEA, including Schirmer I test (SIT), fluorescein breakup time (FBUT), first and average non-invasive tear breakup time (F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT). Lipid layer thickness (LLT), number of total and incomplete blinks were measured by LipiView. Finally, we observed the difference of objective visual quality before and after EEA, namely MTF cutoff and Strayer ratio (SR).
Results
In dry eye with EEA group, OSDI scores decreased significantly after EEA (P < 0.05). FBUT, LLT after EEA increased significantly compared to preintervention (P < 0.05), F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT after EEA prolonged significantly compared to preintervention (P < 0.001), MTF cutoff and SR after EEA improved significantly compared to preintervention (P < 0.05). However, in this group, there was no increase in tear secretion and no change in blink frequency (P > 0.05). Besides, in the dry eye without EEA group, the above indicators did not show significant changes in both tests (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The potential regulatory effect of EEA provides a good protective effect on visual symptoms of dry eye patients and actively promotes tear film stability.
Trial registration
This trial was registered in China Clinical Trial Center on June 19, 2023, registration number is ChiCTR2300072604.
Application of Rain Classroom and PAD Class Blended Learning in a Surgical Nursing Course: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lv Hui , Luo Qianying , Luo Guirong , Meng Minglv , Qin Yan
Published: August 2023

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government mandated that universities use information technology to reform and innovate the teaching environment, teaching methods, and teaching models, and adopt online and offline teaching models to improve teaching quality.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the application effect of Rain Classroom combined with Presentation-Assimilation-Discussion [1] Class blended learning based on constructivism in a surgical nursing course.
Design: A cross-sectional survey.
Setting: Medical university in China.
Participants: The participants were 212 nursing undergraduates.
Methods: The participants were divided into two groups: the control group receiving the traditional teaching model and the observation group receiving blended learning. Pre-and post-class questionnaires were conducted.
Results: Student scores for the comprehensive assessment, independent learning ability, and self-efficacy in the observation group were statistically significantly higher than those in the control group. Satisfaction with the teaching modelwas higher in the observation group than in the control group.
Conclusions: Rain Classroom with PAD Classeffectively improved teaching quality, students’ academic performance, self-learning ability, and self-efficacy, and increased satisfaction with teaching methods.
Does transcranial direct current stimulation enhance visual working memory? A replication study
Authors: Jiang Shuangke , Jones Myles , von Bastian Claudia
Published: August 2023

In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation has been highlighted as a possible intervention to induce cognitive benefits, including on visual working memory (VWM). However, findings are inconsistent, possibly due to methodological issues. A recent high-profile study by Wang et al. (2019) reported that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over posterior parietal cortex (PPC), but not over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), selectively improved VWM capacity but not precision, especially at a high VWM load. Given the broad implications of this finding, it is imperative to test its replicability. Thus, in the current pre-registered conceptual replication study, we accounted for the key potential methodological issues in the original study and tested an adequate number of subjects required to demonstrate the previously reported effects (n = 48 compared to n = 20). Participants underwent counterbalanced PPC, DLPFC and sham stimulation before completing 360 trials of a continuous orientation-reproduction task. We failed to replicate the selective effect of PPC stimulation. Instead, our results showed little credible evidence for effects of tDCS regardless of stimulation region and VWM load. The absence of tDCS effects was largely supported by substantial to strong Bayesian evidence. Therefore, our results challenge previously reported benefits of anodal PPC-tDCS on VWM.
Comparison of the level of physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Authors: Líška Dávid , Kobesová Alena , Rutkowski Sebastian , Oplatková Lenka , Sýkora Jozef , Pupiš Martin , Novák Jakub , Šarkanová Ivana , Urbářová Eliška , Rutkowska Anna
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with limited physical activity of most of the world's population. This cross-sectional prospective study aimed to assess the levels of physical activity (PA) of university students in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia after COVID using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). A total of 2635 students were recruited, and their PA levels were measured using the IPAQ-SF between September and December 2022. PA measured by metabolic equivalent (MET) scores, varied between the three countries: Slovakia median MET-minutes/week score 4459.9; Czech Republic 3838.8 Poland 3567.1. The results of the post hoc analysis revealed that there were significant differences in MET-minutes/week values between the Czech Republic and Poland (p<0.035) as well as between the Czech Republic and Slovakia (p<0.037). The analysis of energetic expenditure during walking revealed that students from the Czech Republic and Slovakia had higher median MET-min/weeks values (Czech 2284.1; Slovak 2467.1) compared to their Polish (1536.1) peers (p<0.001). Polish cohort presented with significantly higher BMI (p<0.001) than Czech and Slovak groups (BMI Czech: 22.3; Slovak 22.8; Polish 23.8). Compared to available pre-COVID studies it seems that the total level of PA in the observed cohorts has not returned to the pre-COVID levels and the students remain less active.
Identification of a cuproptosis-associated gene signature and Peptidylprolyl isomerase C as therapeutic target in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Zhou Bin , Sha Shanshan , Yang Liu , Fu Yangxue , Tan Lulu , Sun Shuomin , Li Jun , Huang Changzheng , Dong Liyun , Tao Juan
Published: August 2023

Cutaneous melanoma is widely known to be the most lethal of skin tumors. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered cell death form which is related to the process of oxidative phosphorylation. However, the exact involvement of cuproptosis in melanoma is unknown. Our research explored the potential relationship between cuproptosis-related genes with prognosis, immune microenvironments, and treatments of melanoma. The cuproptosis regulators differ substantially in melanoma and normal tissues. Additionally, cuproptosis regulators are associated with melanoma. The newly established cuproptosis-related gene signature (CGS) could effectively predict overall survival (OS) of melanoma, and a novel nomogram combining clinical characteristics with CGS was constructed. Further, CD8 + T cells, Tfh cells, B cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells were correlated with the CGS. Among the CGS, Peptidylprolyl isomerase C (PPIC) was most associated with melanoma’s poor prognosis and drug resistance. PPIC can promote melanoma progression by enhancingmelanoma cell invasiveness and decreasing CD8 + T cell activation. The current study revealed the correlation between CGS with melanoma prognosis, immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. Moreover, our study provided new data that supports PPIC as a potential and efficient biomarker for OS prognosis in the treatment of melanoma.