bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Performance Analysis and Optimization Design of the Pulp-Molding Machine Frame
Authors: Lou Junbin , Gong Yaping
Published: March 2022

The pulp-molding product is a new degradable and pollution-free packaging material replacing traditional packaging materials. Countries are strongly recommending that pulp molding machines are mainly used to produce pulp-molding products. The stability, efficiency, and rapidity of its products’ molding and processing quality are largely controlled by the structural dynamic mechanics of the molding-machine frame. The first-order natural frequency, the fundamental frequency, is an important index to measure the dynamic performance of its equipment. The Pulp-Molding Machine Frame molding machine was taken as an example to analyze the dynamic performance and optimize the design in the work. Based on finite elements, the beam structure was divided into finite elements, and the global independent generalized displacement coordinates of the equipment were extracted using multi-point constraint elements. The elastic dynamic model of the device was established by combining the Lagrange equation and the global independent generalized displacement coordinates, and the correctness of the theoretical model was verified by the finite element method. Finally, taking the first natural frequency as the optimization-design goal, the section size of the beam in the equipment was optimized by the particle-swarm optimization algorithm. The results can be used to analyze the dynamic performance and optimize the design of the molding machine at the pre-design stage.
Closed Loop Automated Critical Care Concept and Feasibility Study for Resuscitation in A Severe Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model of Shock in Swine
Authors: Patel Nathan TP , Goenaga-Diaz Eduardo J , Lane Magan R , Johnson M Austin , Neff Lucas P , Williams Timothy K
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUNDVolume expansion and vasopressors for the treatment of shock is an intensive process that requires frequent assessments and adjustments. Strict blood pressure goals in multiple physiologic states of shock (TBI, sepsis, and hemorrhagic) have been associated with improved outcomes. The availability of continuous physiologic data is amenable to closed loop automated critical care to improve goal directed resuscitation.METHODS5 adult swine were anesthetized and subjected to a controlled 30% estimated total blood volume hemorrhage followed by 30 minutes of complete supra-celiac aortic occlusion and then auto-transfusion back to euvolemia with removal of aortic balloon. The animals underwent closed loop critical care for 255 minutes after removal of the endovascular aortic balloon. The closed-loop critical care algorithm using proximal aortic pressure and central venous pressure combined with a fully autonomous algorithm providing programmatically control of pumps for titration of vasopressors and weight-based crystalloid boluses (5ml/kg) to maintain a mean arterial pressure between 60 - 70 mmHg.RESULTSDuring the 255 minutes of critical care the animals experienced hypotension (<60 mmHg) 15.29% (8.63% - 16.47% interquartile range), hypertension (>70 mmHg) 7.84% (6.67% - 9.02% interquartile range), and normotension (60 - 70 mmHg) 76.86% (76.86% - 81.18% interquartile range) of the time. Excluding the first 60 minutes of the critical care phase the animals experienced hypotension 1.03% (0.51% - 7.69% interquartile range) of the time. Median intervention rate was 8.47 interventions per hour (interquartile range: 7.76 - 9.18). The proportion of interventions was 61.54% (interquartile range: 61.11%-66.667%) weight-based crystalloid boluses and 38.46% (interquartile range: 33.33%-38.89%) titration of vasopressors.CONCLUSIONThis autonomous critical care platform, utilizing volume expansion and vasopressor titration in a model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, is effective at minimizing hypotension using goal-directed closed loop algorithms and device actuation. This descriptive study highlights the potential for this approach to deliver nuanced critical care in the ICU environment, thereby optimizing resuscitative efforts and expanding capabilities through cognitive offloading. Future efforts will focus on optimizing this platform through comparative studies, specifically evaluating the performance compared to manual critical care.
Endocrine Therapy Recommendation for Estrogen Receptor Positive (ER + ) Metastases Advanced Breast Cancer using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Lokare Reena , Patil Sunita
Published: March 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has shown tremendous contribution in various applications like Speech Recognition, Expert Systems, Computer Vision, Robotics, Gaming etc. Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms under AI address problems such as prediction, classification and regression. AI has touched many domains like Finance, Healthcare, Retail, Travel, Media etc. The results or the predictions generated by these algorithms are not easily accepted by the user with the apprehension as what AI promises, how can they guarantee it? Especially the Healthcare domain is facing a great challenge in accepting the results or the predictions with the concern, are AI results reliable, correct and ethical? Doctors or medical practitioners aren’t ready to treat patients on the basis of results or suggestions generated by AI algorithms. Hence, a technology which can explain how the results returned by AI algorithms are trustworthy, transparent and interpretable was strongly needed. This need has given rise to the latest technology-Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). With the use of XAI, all the predictions, classifications made by AI algorithms are explainable, auditable, comprehensive, validating and socially acceptable. This study will help medical practitioners and other researchers to use XAI for reliable, trustworthy and explainable results or suggestions provided by AI, ML, DL algorithms not only in healthcare but all other sectors adopting these technologies.
Semi-Supervised Learning For Quality Control Of High-Value Wood Products
Authors: Schubert Mark , Sonderegger Walter , Luković Mirko , Kläusler Oliver
Published: March 2022

The quality control of wood products is often only checked at the end of the production process so that countermeasures can only be taken with a time delay in the event of fluctuations in product quality. This often leads to unnecessary and cost-intensive rejects. Furthermore, since quality control often requires additional procedural steps to be performed by a skilled worker, testing is time-consuming and costly. While traditional machine learning (ML) methods based on supervised learning have been used in the field with some success, the limited availability of labeled data is the major hurdle for further improving model performance. In the present study, the potential of enhancing the performance of the ML methods random forest (RF) and support vector machines (SVM) for quality classification by using semi-supervised learning (SSL) was investigated. Labelled and unlabeled data were provided by Swiss Wood Solutions AG, which produces densified wood for high-value wood products such as musical instruments. The developed approach includes labeling of the unlabeled data using SSL, training and 10k cross-validation of the ML algorithms RF and SVM, and determining the generalization ability using the hold-out test set. Based on the evaluation indices such as accuracy, F1-score, recall, false-positive-rate (FPR) and confusion matrices, it was shown that SSL could enhance the prediction performance of the quality classification of ML models compared to the conventional supervised learning method. Despite having a small data set, the work paves the way for future applications of semi-supervised ML for wood quality assessment.
Does Treatment Stigma Among Autistic Adolescents and Guardians of Autistic Adolescents Affect the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? An Observational Study
Authors: Oshita Emiko , Oshima Fumiyo , Hongo Minako , Guan Siqing , Nitta Yusuke , Shimizu Eiji
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThis study explores how treatment stigma of Autistic adolescents, and their guardians affects the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions.MethodsThe intervention group in the randomization consisted of Autistic adolescents, n = 23 (16 boys, 7 girls, mean age 12.8 years) and their guardians, n = 23 (1 male, 22 females, mean age 44.8 years). Their questionnaire data were used. The changes in the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation scale version 3 (BACEv3) before the intervention and other tests after the intervention were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.ResultsThe Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis showed that the BACEv3 of Autistic adolescents did not correlate with the change in any of the scales. Guardians' BACEv3 was significantly correlated with Autistic adolescents’ Autistic traits knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder characteristics and communication of adaptive behavior.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the presence of treatment stigma in Autistic adolescents does not affect CBT interventions. It was also suggested that guardianship treatment stigma did not reduce the effectiveness of CBT interventions for Autistic adolescents. These findings will help us to understand the role of treatment stigma in CBT interventions for Autistic adolescents and their guardians.Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN 000029851). Registered January 6, 2018.
Dissecting The Role Of Cell Signaling Versus CD8+ T Cell Modulation In Propranolol Antitumor Activity
Authors: Li Wei , Wan Jielin , Chen Cuiyu , Zhou Chengfang , Liao Ping , Hu Qian , Hu Jiali , Wang Yang , Zhang Yu , Peng Cong , Huang Yuanfei , Huang Weihua , Zhang Wei , He Yijing , Mcleod Howard L.
Published: March 2022

Preclinical and early clinical mechanistic studies of antitumor activity from the beta-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) blocker propranolol have revealed both cell signaling and immune function pathway effects. Intertumoral studies were performed using propranolol, a β1-AR selective agent (atenolol) and a β2-AR selective agent (ICI 118,551) in a preclinical in vivo model, as a step to dissect the contribution of cell signaling and CD8+ immunological effects on anticancer activity. We found that repression of β2-AR but not β1-AR signaling selectively suppressed cell viability and inhibited xenograft growth in vivo. Moreover, Western blot analysis indicated that the phosphorylation levels of AKT/MEK/ERK were significantly decreased following the inhibition of β2-AR. Furthermore, propranolol was found to activate tumor microenvironment with increased intratumoral frequency of CD8+ T cells, whereas neither selective β1 nor β2-AR blockers had a significant effect on the tumor immune microenvironment. Thus, the results of this mechanistic dissection support a predominant role of cell signaling, rather than the activation of CD8+ T cells, as the basis for propranolol antitumor activity.
“A Leader, That’s A Verb”: A Discursive Analysis of Lived Experience Leadership Per its Construction by People with Lived Experience
Authors: Stewart Stephanie , Kennedy Hamilton , Warner Terri , Edan Vrinda , Makuvachuma Dominic , Griffiths Scott , Scholz Brett , Roper Cath
Published: March 2022

Lived experience leadership is championed as key to realising progressive change across the mental health sector. This article represents an effort to diminish the hermeneutical lacuna associated with lived experience leadership, and so redress an identified barrier to its advancement. Herein, we present an analytic account of the defining features of lived experience leadership. Interviews were conducted with 19 people identified by their peers as lived experience leaders regarding their views on lived experience leadership and related concepts such as power, authority, influence and leadership more generally. Per our discursive analysis of interview data, lived experience leadership is constituted by acts realised via the use of a specific type of power- people with lived experience’s experience-based and systems-informed knowledge of and fidelity to themselves as both individuals and as a collective- and directed towards increasing others’ access to this power. Results suggest how lived experience leadership might be distinguished from other similar practices, and may be utilised as a tool with which to promote its proliferation.
C-reactive Protein Levels and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Febuxostat Treatment in Patients with Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: Post-hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kojima Sunao , Uchiyama Kazuaki , Yokota Naoto , Tokutake Eiichi , Wakasa Yutaka , Hiramitsu Shinya , Waki Masako , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Kakuda Hirokazu , Hayashi Takahiro , Kawai Naoki , Sugawara Masahiro , Mori Hisao , Tsujita Kenichi , Matsui Kunihiko , Hisatome Ichiro , Ohya Yusuke , Kimura Kazuo , Saito Yoshihiko , Ogawa Hisao
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Inflammation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Hyperuricemia is associated with the activation of the Nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome. Here, we investigated whether inhibition of inflammation using febuxostat lowered the risk of cardiovascular events. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of the randomized trial, Febuxostat for Cerebral and CaRdiorenovascular Events PrEvEntion StuDy (FREED). In total, 1,067 patients (736 men and 331 women) were included in the analysis. We compared the serial changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels between febuxostat and non-febuxostat groups and assessed the correlation between the changes in uric acid (UA) and hs-CRP levels after febuxostat treatment. We also determined whether febuxostat could reduce a hard endpoint, defined as a composite of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Results: Serum UA levels in the febuxostat group were significantly lower than those in the non-febuxostat group after randomization (p<0.05). However, hs-CRP levels were comparable between the two groups during the study. No significant correlation was observed between the changes in UA and hs-CRP levels after febuxostat treatment. The hard endpoints did not differ significantly between the two groups. In patients with baseline hs-CRP levels > 0.2 mg/dL or those administered 40 mg of febuxostat, the drug did not reduce hs-CRP levels or decrease the hard endpoint. Conclusion: Febuxostat reduced the UA levels but did not affect the CRP levels, and therefore may fail to decrease cardiovascular outcomes after treatment. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT01984749).https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01984749
Comprehensive analysis of Six2-mediated transcriptional regulatory network in ccRCC
Authors: Tian Dayu , Shi Yang , Lei Li , Qiu Xiangmin , Song Tao , Li Qianyin
Published: March 2022

BackgroundSix2, a transcription factor, exerts an oncogenic role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Increased Six2 expression could enhance cancer metastasis. However, the regulatory action of Six2 remains unclear in cancer. The purpose of this study is to analyze the regulatory pattern and potential downstream effectors of Six2.MethodsFirstly, transcriptional data in TCGA-KIRC cohorts was used to analyze the relationship between Six2 expression and clinical information. Then, we analyzed Six2-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and constructed a prognostic model using the Lasso-Cox algorithm by integrating Six2 ChIP data and co-expressed genes. Next, we analyzed the clinical significance of this model and examined the DEGs between the high-and low-risk group. Finally, we intersected the GO and KEGG pathway results between Six2-related DEGs and risk-related DEGs to reveal biological functions in which Six2 is involved.ResultsSix2 was increased in RCC cells compared with normal kidney cells and upregulated Six2 was positively linked with clinical stage, M stage, and worse survival. Potential downstream effectors and biological functions regulated by Six2 were identified using in silico analysis. Meanwhile, a risk model based on 8 Six2 target genes was established to classify ccRCC patients into high-and-low groups. This risk model showed a reliable ability to forecast the overall survival of ccRCC patients. Shared enriched pathways were found between the Six2 high-and low-expression and risk groups, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, PI3K-Akt pathway, etc.ConclusionOur findings provide a promising prognostic indicator for ccRCC patients and help better understand the transcriptional role of Six2 in ccRCC.
Pressure Driven Rotational Isomerism in 2D Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Yin TingTing , Yan Hejin , Abdelwahab Ibrahim , Lekina Yulia , Lü Xujie , Yang Wenge , Sun Handong , Leng Kai , Cai Yongqing , Shen Ze , Loh Kian Ping
Published: March 2022

Multilayers consisting of alternating soft and hard layers offer enhanced toughness compared to all-hard structures. However, shear instability usually exists in physically sputtered multilayers because of deformation incompatibility among hard and soft layers. Here, we demonstrate that 2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIP) provide an interesting platform to study the stress-strain behavior of hard and soft layers undulating with molecular scale periodicity. We investigate the phonon vibrations and photoluminescence properties of Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites (RPPs) under hydrostatic compression using a diamond anvil cell. The C4 alkyl chain in RPP as the organic spacer buffers compressive stress by tilting (for n = 1 RPP) or step-wise rotational isomerism (for n > 1 RPP) during compression. By examining the pressure threshold of the elastic recovery regime across n = 1 to n = 4 RPP perovskites, we obtained molecular insights into the relationship between structure and deformation resistance in hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites.
Qualitative comparative analysis of the implementation fidelity of a workplace sedentary reduction intervention
Authors: Leonard Krista S. , Mullane Sarah L. , Golden Caitlin A. , Rydell Sarah A. , Mitchell Nathan R. , Koskan Alexis , Estabrooks Paul A. , Pereira Mark A. , Buman Matthew P.
Published: March 2022

Background: Stand and Move at Work was a 12-month, multicomponent, peer-led (intervention delivery personnel) worksite intervention to reduce sedentary time. Although successful, the magnitude of reduced sitting time varied by intervention worksite. The purpose of this study was to use a qualitative comparative analysis approach to examine potential explanatory factors that could distinguish higher from lower performing worksites based on reduced sitting time. Methods: We assessed 12-month changes in employee sitting time objectively using accelerometers at 12 worksites. We ranked worksites based on the magnitude of change in sitting time and categorized sites as higher vs. lower performing. Guided by the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, we created an indicator of intervention fidelity related to adherence to the protocol and competence of intervention delivery personnel (i.e., implementer). We then gathered information from employee interviews and surveys as well as delivery personnel surveys. These data were aggregated, entered into a truth table (i.e., a table containing implementation construct presence or absence), and used to examine differences between higher and lower performing worksites. Results: There were substantive differences in the magnitude of change in sitting time between higher (-75.2min/8h workday, CI95: -93.7, -56.7) and lower (-30.3min/8h workday, CI95: -38.3, -22.7) performing worksites. Conditions that were present in all higher performing sites included implementation of indoor/outdoor walking route accessibility, completion of delivery personnel surveys, and worksite culture supporting breaks (i.e., adherence to protocol). A similar pattern was found for implementer willingness to continue role and employees using face-to-face interaction/stair strategies (i.e., delivery personnel competence). However, each of these factors were also present in some of the lower performing sites suggesting we were unable to identify sufficient conditions to predict program success. Conclusions: Higher intervention adherence and implementer competence is necessary for greater program success. These findings illustrate the need for future research to identify what factors may influence intervention fidelity, and in turn, effectiveness. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02566317. Registered 2 October 2015, first participant enrolled 11 January 2016.
Prehospital Portable Ultrasound for Safe and Accurate Pre-hospital Needle Thoracostomy: A Pilot Educational Study
Authors: Dewar Zachary E. , Ko Stephanie , Rogers Cameron , Oropallo Alexis , Augustine Andrew , Pamula Ankitha , Berry Christopher
Published: March 2022

Background:Simulated needle thoracostomy (NT) using ultrasound would reduce potential injury, increase accuracy, and be as rapid to perform as the landmark technique following a brief educational session. Our objective was to determine if the use of an educational session demonstrating the use of handheld ultrasound to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff to facilitate NT is an effective way of increasing the safety and efficacy of this procedure for rural EMS providers.Methods:A pre/post educational intervention on a convenience sample of rural EMS paramedics and nurses. Measurement of location and estimated depth of placement of needle thoracostomy with traditional landmark technique was completed and then repeated using handheld ultrasound following a training session on thoracic ultrasound and correct placement of NT.Results:A total of 30 EMS practitioners participated. Seven were female (23.3%). There was a higher frequency of dangerous structures underlying the chosen location with the landmark technique 9/60 (15%) compared to the ultrasound technique 1/60 (1.7%) (p = 0.08). Mean time-to-site-selection for the landmark technique was shorter than the ultrasound technique at 10.7s (Range 3.35-45s) vs. 19.9s (range 7.8-50s), respectively (p < 0.001). There was a lower proportion of correct location selection for the landmark technique 40/60 (66.7%) when compared to the ultrasound technique 51/60 (85%) (p = 0.019). With ultrasound, there was less variance between the estimated and measured depth of the pleural space with a mean difference of 0.033 cm (Range 0-0.5 cm) when ultrasound was used as compared to a mean difference of 1.0375 cm (Range 0–6 cm) for the landmark technique (95% CI for the difference 0.73–1.27 cm; p < 0.001).Conclusions:Teaching ultrasound NT was feasible in our cohort. While time to site selection for ultrasound-guided NT took longer than the landmark technique, it increased safe and accurate simulated NT placement with fewer identified potential iatrogenic injuries.
Characterizing behavior changes in mice receiving splenectomy
Authors: Guan Jiao-Qiong , Zhang Pei-Sen , Zhang Wen-Chao , Zhang Bing-Qian , Wu Hai-Tao , Lan Yue , Yuan Ti-Fei
Published: March 2022

Background Spleen is critical for immunity. The spleen is the largest immune organ and immune center in the peripheral system. The relationship between behavior and immunity has been fully reflected in physiology and diseases, however, the role of the spleen in behavior is not clear. Methods To explore the potential effects of spleen on behavior, here we developed refined splenectomy procedure on C57BL/6J mice. And then systemically examined the changes in general locomotion, circadian rhythms, learning and memory, depression/anxiety-related behaviors. Results Interestingly, splenectomy has no significant effects on these baseline behavioral performances. To further understand the effect of spleen on stress susceptibility/resilience, we applied chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in our animal model. The behavioral performances of mice with splenectomy showed no differences from control animals following systemic challenge with CUMS. Conclusion These results suggested that splenectomy does not cause significant changes in baseline behavior performances in mice, which provides an important strategy in manipulating peripheral immunity for neuroscience research.
Change Rate in Serum Nitric Oxide May Affect Lenvatinib Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kawamura Atsushi , Uojima Haruki , Chuma Makoto , Shao Xue , Hidaka Hisashi , Nakazawa Takahide , Take Akira , Sakaguchi Yoshihiko , Numata Kazushi , Kako Makoto , Nozaki Akito , Azuma Shintaro , Horio Kazue , Kusano Chika , Atsuda Koichiro
Published: March 2022

Background: Lenvatinib is appropriate for reducing the production of nitric oxide (NO) and facilitating as block angiogenesis. However, to our knowledge, there are no data that support the correlation between NO and clinical response in patients who received lenvatinib therapy for HCC. Therefore, we investigated whether or not NO influence a therapeutic response and adverse events (AEs) after lenvatinib therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: This study was conducted using previously collected data from another study. We enrolled 70 patients who received lenvatinib for advanced or unresectable HCC. NO was measured by converting nitrate (NO3–) to nitrite (NO2–) with nitrate reductase, followed by quantitation of NO2– based on Griess reagent. To determine whether lenvatinib influences NO in unresectable HCC, we evaluated the influence of maximal therapeutic response and SAE on the change rate of NO from baseline after administration of lenvatinib.Results: After lenvatinib administration, a change rate in the NO from 0.27 to 4.16 was observed. There was no difference between the clinical response to lenvatinib and the change rate of NO (P = 0.193). However, the change rate of NO was significantly higher in patients with AEs than in those without AEs (P = 0.013). When a reduction in NO rate of < 0.8 was defined as a clinically significant reduction of NO (CSRN), the CSRN group had significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than the non-CSRN group (P = 0.040 and P = 0.005, respectively)ConclusionDecreased NO levels were associated with the occurrence of AEs and worse prognosis after lenvatinib administration. Change rate in serum NO can be used as predictive markers in patients receiving lenvatinib therapy for HCC.
Learning and Evaluating the Overlapping Role of Physics and Physiology in Perceiving Contrast and Resolution in Microscopy
Authors: Rajdeep Prashant , Patel Lajja , Trivedi Vismay , Panchal Preeti , Chaudhari Rinkesh , Parmar kinjal
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Contrast and resolution have been fascinating to the students, as both interweave physics and physiology. Both these entities can be studied beyond the limits of the textbook on hands-on basis.
Objective
Determining contrast and resolution through human perception and technological tools for their quantification and estimation of the degree of overlap between the two disciplines.
Materials & Methods
An opaque repository for compound microscope with a mobile holder was devised to capture the images of Leishman stained smear. Another receptacle was fabricated to hold different coloured filters against a light bulb, which projected on the microscope mirror through a connecting pipe. The images with a different sequence of filters were subjected to analysis by human eye and also by digital image processing techniques.
Results
Perception of contrast and resolution through human eye and digital processing shows overlapping of 82.57% for contrast and 76.40% for resolution. Furthermore, white colour light was preferred for both contrast and resolution independently as well as combined, with propensity for contrast above resolution.
Conclusion
By comparing the effect of different filters on contrast and resolution, the integrated role of physics and physiology can be studied. Simultaneously, the subjective selection of resolution or contrast by using low-cost filters can be an affordable approach to upgrade the microscope.
The association between Healthy Beverage Index and quality of life among overweight and obese women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rasaei Niloufar , Ghaffarian-Ensaf Rasool , Shiraseb Farideh , Fallah Melika , Gholami Fatemeh , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: March 2022

Background: Despite the several studies evaluated the association between patterns of beverage consumption with different components of quality of life separately, the findings are controversial. In addition, none of them examined all components of quality of life together in relation to patterns of beverage consumption. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the association between healthy beverage index (HBI) and quality of life among overweight and obese women. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 210 obese and overweight women were chosen from health centers in Tehran, Iran. Using reliable and verified standard protocols, data on beverage intake, socio-demographic, physical activity, and anthropometric variables were assessed. Based on past studies, the predetermined HBI was estimated. Serum samples were used to determine biochemical characteristics. Quality of life was assessed using SF-36 questionnaires.Results: There was a significant association between total QoL score with T2 tertile of HBI in model 2 adjustment (β: 13.11, 95% CI: 1.52, 24.69, P-value= 0.027). general health had a significant negative association with T2 (β: -5.83; 95% CI: -11.48, -0.18; P-value= 0.043) and T3 (β: -6.20; 95% CI: -12.37, -0.03; P-value= 0.049). Women with more adherence of HBI, have the high physical functioning score and there was a significant upward trend with the movement from the second to the third tertile (7.74 vs 0.62) (P-trend=0.036). There was a significant positive association between mental health with T3 of HBI (β: 4.26; 95% CI: 1.51, 5.98; P-value= 0.015) and a significant increasing trend was observed with increasing tertiles (P-trend= 0.045).Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a significant association between total QoL score and its components with HBI among overweight and obese women. However, additional well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Carbonic Anhydrase IX Stratifies Patient Prognosis and Identifies Nodal Status in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using a Targeted Imaging Strategy
Authors: Huang Wenhui , Wang Kun , Huang Weiyuan , He Zicong , Zhang Jingming , Zhang Bin , Xiong Zhiyuan , Gillen Kelly McCabe , Li Wenzhe , Chen Feng , Yang Xing , Zhang Shuixing , Tian Jie
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Accurate identification of nodal status enables adequate neck irradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, most conventional techniques are unable to pick up occult metastases, leading to underestimation of tumor extensions. Here we investigate the clinical significance of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) in human NPC samples, and develop a CAIX-targeted imaging strategy to identify occult lymph node metastases (LNMs) and entranodal extension (ENE) in animal studies. Methods: 211 NPC samples are stained for CAIX and clinical outcomes are analyzed. The metastatic murine models are generated by foot pad injection of NPC cells, and a CAIX-targeted imaging agent (CAIX-800) is intravenously administered. We adopt fluorescence molecular tomography and ultrasonography (US)-guided spectroscopic photoacoustic (sPA) imaging to perform in vivo studies. Histological and immunohistochemical characterization are carried out via node-by-node analysis. Results: For clinical samples, 90.1% (91/101) primary tumors, 73.3% (66/90) metastases and 100% (20/20) local recurrences are CAIX positive. In metastases group, 84.7% (61/72) nodal metastases and 22.2% (4/18) organ metastases are CAIX positive. CAIX expression in primary tumors is significantly associated with NPC stage and prognosis. For animal studies, CAIX-800 based fluorescence imaging achieves 81.3% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity in detecting occult LNMs in vivo, with a minimum detectable diameter of 1.7 mm. Coupled with CAIX-800, US-guided sPA imaging could not only detect subcapsular deposits of metastatic cancer cells two weeks earlier than conventional techniques, but also successfully track pathological ENE. Conclusion: CAIX remarkably expresses in human NPCs and stratifies patient prognosis. In preclinical studies, the CAIX-800 based imaging strategy successfully identifies occult LNMs and tracks early stage of pathological ENE. This attractive method shows great translational potential, allowing medical workers to longitudinally monitor nodal status and helping to reduce unnecessary nodal biopsy for NPC patients.
Deepfakes and Scientific Knowledge Dissemination
Authors: Doss Christopher , Monschein Jared , Shu Dule , Wolfson Tal , Kopecky Denise , Fitton-Kane Valerie A. , Bush Lance , Tucker Conrad
Published: March 2022

Science misinformation on topics ranging from climate change to vaccines have significant public policy repercussions. Artificial intelligence-based methods of altering videos and photos (deepfakes) lower the barriers to the mass creation and dissemination of realistic, manipulated digital content. The risk of exposure to deepfakes among education stakeholders has increased as learners and educators rely on videos to obtain and share information. We detail the results of the first study to understand the vulnerabilities of education stakeholders to science deepfakes and the characteristics that moderate vulnerability. We ground our study in climate change and survey individuals from five populations spanning students, educators, and the adult public. Our sample is nationally representative of three populations. We found that 33% to 50% of individuals cannot distinguish between authentic videos and deepfakes. All populations exhibit vulnerability to deepfakes, but vulnerability varies with age, political orientation, and trust in information sources. Adults and educators exhibit greater vulnerability compared to students, indicating that those providing education are especially susceptible. Vulnerability increases with more exposure to potential deepfakes, suggesting that deepfakes become more pernicious without interventions. Our results suggest that focusing on the social context in which deepfakes reside is one promising strategy for combatting deepfakes.
Anatomical relationship between the omohyoid muscle and the internal jugular vein on ultrasound guidance
Authors: Xiong Zhaodong , Yang Yun , Wang Xinqiang , Mao Weiliang , He Tongyun
Published: March 2022

Background: Internal jugular vein catheterization is widely used in clinical practice, and there are many related studies on internal jugular vein catheterization. However, the omohyoid muscle, which is adjacent to the internal jugular vein, is a rarely mentioned muscle of the superficial subhyoid muscle group. The purpose of this study is to explore the anatomical relationship between the omohyoid muscle and the internal jugular vein on ultrasound guidance and provide a theoretical reference for jugular puncture and catheterization.Methods: The study included 30 volunteers who were placed in the supine position at head tilt angles of 30°, 45° and 60° angles measured from the top of the head to the left side of the bed. A high-frequency ultrasound probe (6-14 Hz) was used to examine the plane of the sternocleidomastoid triangle (PST), which is formed by the sternocleidomastoid bone and the clavicular head. The upper edge of the clavicle and plane of the lateral sternocleidomastoid margin (PSL) to the right omohyoid muscle (OM) and the right internal jugular vein (IJV) were observed and recorded for statistical analysis.Results: There were statistically significant differences in the number of overlapping cases of OM and IJV at each body angle between the PST and PSL groups. There were statistically significant differences between the OM and IJV centre point angles and the left horizontal position of the PST and PSL at different body angles.Conclusion: The traditional middle route puncture point is the apex of the sternocleidomastoid triangle, which can effectively avoid injury to the omohyoid muscle, to an extent.Trial registration: ChiCTR2000034233. Registered 29 /06/2020.
Biosynthesis of glutamic acid by immobilized Pseudochrobactrum saccharolyticum in a cowpea waste medium
Authors: Adegoke Olaposi O , Kareem Sarafadeen O , Balogun Saka A , Adeogun Abideen I
Published: March 2022

It was tested whether bacteria immobilized on maize cob and corn husk might produce glutamic acid from cowpea waste. Glutamic acid synthesis was tested in bacteria isolates. Organic materials (corn cob and husk) were used as immobilization matrix and then used to produce glutamic acid. The effects of bead size, weight, and reusability were investigated. Glutamic acid production was best with a 2 mm bead size and a 3 kg bead weight. For the surface morphological view of the materials, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used. The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The validity of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the analysis of amino acids was determined, as well as the quantities of amino acids present. Immobilized Pseudochrobactrum saccharolyticum produced the highest amount of glutamic acid (9.4 g/L). The bacteria cells that had been immobilized were reused over and over again with no noticeable loss of activity. Nineteen amino acids were found, and these amino acids were separated by HPLC analysis. The outcome of the FTIR study revealed a large number of peaks, revealing the glutamic acid's complicated structure. This research found that bacteria immobilized on corn cobs and husks may successfully use lignocellulolytic materials to generate glutamic acid.
Profile genome-wide DNA methylation of human granulosa cells in primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Wang Lina , Gu Baoxia , Zhao Yan , Lu Cuiling , Hu Yahui , Ma Rui , Yin Baoli , Zhang Cuilian , Gao Huafang , Zhen Xiumei
Published: March 2022

Background
Premature ovarian failure which leads to loss of fertility and low level of estrogen have serlously affected women's physical and mental health, especially, women of child-bearing age. The etiology remains unclear. DNA methylation, as a key epigenetic modification might play an importan role in primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). We explore the whole DNA methylation of POI by whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), and find the pattern of DNA methylation in POI and analyze the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) genes related POI.
Methods
According to clinical and experimental standards, follicular fluid samples were collected from three women with POI and three women with normal ovarian reserve (NOR). Ovarian granulosa cells were purified from each follicular fluid sample. Whole genomic DNA methylation sequencing of the granulosa cells was performed by WGBS.
Results
We obtained whole-genome methylation maps of human granulosa cells. The average percentages of methylated cytosines in CG contexts exceeded 99%, in CHG and CHH contexts was less than 1%. The average methylation level in CG was about 80%, in CHG and CHH was less than 0.4%. there was no significant difference in CpG methylation level between NOR and POI. But there were DMRs between two groups. Distribution of DMRs was enriched in promoter and exon. Differentially methylated genes were used to perform Gene ontology(GO) analysis and enriched in GO items of cellular process, biological regulation, metabolic process, developmental process,binding and catalytic activities.
Conclusion
DNA methylation plays a critical role in POI and serve as resources for further investigation in the future.
Similar But Different: High Prevalence Of Synesthesia In Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)
Authors: Poerio Giulia , Ueda Manami , Kondo Hirohito M.
Published: March 2022

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a complex sensory-emotional experience characterized by pleasant tingling sensations originating at the scalp. ASMR is triggered in some people (called ASMR-responders) by stimuli including whispering, personal attention, and crisp sounds (termed ASMR triggers). Since its inception, ASMR has been likened to synesthesia, but convincing empirical data directly linking ASMR with synesthesia is lacking. In this study, we examined whether the prevalence of synesthesia is indeed significantly higher in ASMR-responders than non-responders. A sample of working adults and students (N = 648) were surveyed about their experience with ASMR and common types of synesthesia. The proportion of synesthetes who were classified as ASMR-responders was 52%, whereas 22% of ASMR-responders were also synesthetes. These results suggest that: (1) over half of those identifying as synesthetes also experience ASMR, and (2) that synesthesia is up to four times as common among ASMR-responders as among non-responders (22% vs. 5%). Findings also suggest a prevalence rate for ASMR of approximately 20%. Overall, the co-occurrence of ASMR and synesthesia lends empirical support to the idea that ASMR may be driven by synesthetic mechanisms, but future research would benefit from examining how ASMR and synesthesia are different, as well as similar.
Study on the Network Pharmacological Mechanism of Huanglian Wendan decoction in the treatment of Depression
Authors: Pan Yujing , Wang Junpeng , Gao Jin , Li Haoyang , Chen Hao
Published: March 2022

Background
According to statistics, there are about 350 million patients with depression in the world, causing serious social and economic burden. Huanglian Wendan decoction has a certain clinical effect on depression. This study is based on network pharmacology and molecular docking to study the mechanism of Huanglian Wendan decoction in the treatment of depression.
Method
The active components and action targets of Huanglian Wendan decoction were obtained by searching the literature in database, and the related targets of depression were obtained. protein interaction network was constructed by STRING database, component-target network was constructed by Cytoscape3.9.0 software, enrichment analysis was carried out in KEGG database and R software package clusterprofiler, and molecular docking between active components and key antidepressant targets was carried out by AUTODOCK molecular docking software.
Result
We obtained 180 active components of Huanglian Wendan decoction and 171 targets related to depression, among which IL-6, JUN, TNF, TP53 and VEGFA may be the key targets of depression. Through the enrichment analysis of KEGG pathway, we obtained 58 signal pathways related to depression. Molecular docking showed that luteolin could form the best complex with IL-6 and TP53, beta-carotene could form the best complex with JUN and VEGFA, and kaempferol could form the best complex with TP53.
Conclusion
The antidepressant mechanism of Huanglian Wendan decoction may be related to its regulation of inflammatory factors and their activities, and has the potential to be called a complementary or alternative therapy for clinical depression.
Guillain-Barré syndrome and SARS-COV2 coronavirus. Vaccinate or get infected with COVID? What poses less risk?
Authors: Gallego María Dolores Calabria
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Among the neurological diseases possibly associated with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) infection, Guillain-Barré syndrome has been postulated since the start of the pandemic, even more so when vaccination has also come into play.Objectives: A bibliographic review is carried out to assess the true risks of suffering Guillain-Barré syndrome secondary to vaccination against SARS-COV2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection and of developing it secondary to SARS-COV2 infection.Material and methods: A search for articles was carried out in the PubMed-MEDLINE database between June 2021 and July 2021.Results: The scarcity of studies that can provide solid evidence stands out, with most of the publications being clinical case reports or case series. Two epidemiological studies with contradictory results stand out.Conclusion: With the information currently available, it is not possible to conclude that there is an association between SARS-COV2 infection or secondary to vaccination with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Therefore, the recommendation to avoid vaccination for fear of a recurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome does not seem to be normative at the present time.
Origin and significance of the human DNase repertoire
Authors: Mori Giulia , Delfino Danila , Pibiri Paola , Rivetti Claudio , Percudani Riccardo
Published: March 2022

The human genome contains four DNase1 and two DNase2 genes. The origin and functional specialization of this repertoire are not fully understood. Here we use genomics and transcriptomics data to infer the evolutionary history of DNases and investigate their biological significance. Both DNase1 and DNase2 families have expanded in vertebrates since ~650 million years ago before the divergence of jawless and jawed vertebrates. DNase1, DNase1L1, and DNase1L3 co-existed in jawless fish, whereas DNase1L2 originated in amniotes by tandem duplication of DNase1. Among the non-human DNases, DNase1L4 and newly identified DNase1L5 derived from early duplications that were lost in terrestrial vertebrates. The ancestral gene of the DNase2 family, DNase2b, has been conserved in synteny with the Uox gene across 700 million years of animal evolution,while DNase2 originated in jawless fish. DNase1L1 acquired a GPI-anchor for plasma membrane attachment in bony fishes, and DNase1L3 acquired a C-terminal basic peptide for the degradation of microparticle DNA in jawed vertebrates. The appearance of DNase1L2, with a distinct low pH optimum and skin localization, is among the amniote adaptations to life on land. The expansion of the DNase repertoire in vertebrates meets the diversified demand for DNA debris removal in complex multicellular organisms.
Characterization of microtubule associated protein tau isoforms and Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in normal sheep (Ovis aries) - relevance to their potential as a model of Alzheimer’s disease.
Authors: Davies Emma S. , Morphew Russel M. , Cutress David , Morton A. Jennifer , McBride Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that accounts for up to 80% of all dementias. Characterised by deteriorations of memory and cognitive function, the key neuropathological features are accumulations of β-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau, as ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’ respectively. Despite extensive study, however, the exact mechanism underlying aggregate formation in Alzheimer’s disease remains elusive, as does the contribution of these aggregates to disease progression. Importantly, a recent evaluation of current Alzheimer’s disease animal models suggested that rodent models are not able to fully recapitulate the pathological intricacies of the disease as it occurs in humans. Therefore, increasing attention is being paid to species that might make good alternatives to rodents for studying the molecular pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. The sheep (Ovis aries) is one such species, although to date there have been few molecular studies relating to Alzheimer’s disease in sheep. Here, we investigated the Alzheimer’s disease relevant histopathological characteristics of twenty-two sheep, using anti-β-amyloid (Abcam 12267 and mOC64) and phosphorylation specific anti-tau (AT8 and S396) antibodies. We identified numerous intraneuronal aggregates of both β-amyloid and tau that are consistent with early Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology. We confirmed the expression of two 3-repeat (1N3R, 2N3R) and two 4-repeat (1N4R, 2N4R) tau isoforms in the ovine brain, which result from the alternative splicing of two tau exons. Finally, we investigated the phosphorylation status of the serine396 residue in thirty sheep, and report that the phosphorylation of this residue begins in sheep aged as young as two years. Together, these data show that sheep exhibit naturally occurring β-amyloid and tau pathologies, that reflect those that occur in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This is an important step towards the validation of the sheep as a feasible large animal species in which to model Alzheimer’s disease.