bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure optimization of liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries based on particle swarm algorithm
Authors: Song Zhihao , Liu Xintian , Qian Kangfeng
Published: September 2022

If lithium-ion batteries are used under high temperature conditions for a long time, it will accelerate the aging of the battery, and the excessive temperature difference will also affect the consistency of the battery. The cooling system of the battery can make the battery work more safely, and it is important to optimize the heat dissipation of the Lithium-ion battery. It is difficult for batteries to improve the overall performance by optimizing only a single factor. Based on orthogonal analysis and response surface, the thermal performance of the cell was analyzed with five factors, such as runner thickness, runner width, inlet temperature, inlet flow rate, and ambient temperature. A particle swarm algorithm was used to optimize the parameters of the variables, and the best cooling performance can be obtained with the optimized parameters. Using this optimization method, the overall temperature of the cell can be reduced and the uniformity of temperature distribution can be improved. The strategy can be widely applied to improve the structure of the cell and reduce the analysis time.
Modified Proximal Point Algorithms for Variational Inclusion Problems on Hadamard Manifolds
Authors: Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Uddin Moin
Published: September 2022

In this article, we propose two modified proximal point algorithms for computing the solutions of theinclusion problems in the setting of Hadamard manifolds.In the first algorithm, we use line search method, whereas in second algorithm,we use simple self adaptive stepsize rule.We study the convergence analysis for both the algorithms under mild assumptions.We present a numerical example to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
MSC Classification: 47J22 , 47H05 , 58A05
Structures of LIG1 uncover a lack of sugar discrimination against a ribonucleotide
at the 3'-end of nick DNA
Authors: CAGLAYAN MELIKE , Tang Qun , Gulkis Mitchell
Published: September 2022

Ribonucleotides can be incorporated by DNA polymerases and the subsequent joining of 3'-OH and 5'-P ends in the phosphodiester backbone at the nick by DNA ligase during DNA replication and repair is critical for maintaining genome stability. Although it has been extensively studied for DNA polymerases across families, the sugar discrimination mechanism of a human DNA ligase at atomic resolution is entirely missing. Here, for the first time, we determine X-ray structure of DNA ligase I (LIG1) in complex with nick DNA containing rG:C at the 3'-end and capture the ligase at the final phosphodiester bond formation step of the ligation reaction involving an adenylate (AMP) release. Moreover, we show mutagenic end joining of the nick DNA substrate with preinserted 3'-rG:C by LIG1 in vitro. Our findings reveal an important source of ribonucleotides embedded in genomic DNA, which could come from the failure of LIG1 to discriminate against a ribonucleotide at the 3'-end during nick sealing step of DNA replication and repair.
A Smartphone-Based Disposable Hemoglobin Biosensor Based on Colorimetric Analysis
Authors: Meng Zhuolun , Tayyab Muhammad , Lin Zhongtian , Raji Hassan , Javanmard Mehdi
Published: September 2022

Hemoglobin is a biomarker of interest for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases such as anemia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. In this paper, we present a disposable biosensor that has the potential of being used in a setting for accurately quantifying hemoglobin levels in whole blood based on colorimetric analysis using a smartphone camera. Our biosensor employs a disposable microfluidic chip which is made using medical-grade tapes and filter paper on a glass slide in conjunction with a custom-made PolyDimethylSiloaxane (PDMS) micropump for enhancing capillary flow. Once the blood flows through the device, the glass slide is imaged using a smartphone equipped with a custom 3D printed attachment. The attachment has a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that functions as an independent light source to reduce the noise caused by background illumination and external light sources. We then use the RGB values obtained from the image to quantify the hemoglobin levels. We demonstrated the capability of our device for quantifying hemoglobin in Bovine Hemoglobin Powder, Frozen Beef Blood, and human blood. We present a linear model that specifies the relationship between the Red channel of the RGB values and Hemoglobin concentration.
Inclusion of sun dried brewer’s spent yeast to improves nutritive value, in vitro digestibility and rumen degradability of wheat straw
Authors: Terefe Geberemariyam , Walelgne Mulugeta , Fekadu Dereje , Kitaw Getu , Dejene Mesfin , Kehaliu Aeimro , Mekonne Bethlehem , Habteyesus Yohannse
Published: September 2022

Dry brewery spent yeast has high protein (43.5% CP) and metabolizable (14.3 MJ/kg DM) contents and it is an effective animal feed. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the chemical composition, invitro digestibility, and in situ degradability of sun-dried brewer’s yeast and wheat straw. Liquid brewer's waste yeast (BSY) and water were mixed at ratios of 1:5 each, respectively. The mixed debris was immersed for 7 hours in a 200-litter plastic bucket. The material was placed in a fixed location and given time to allow the biomass (residues) to settle in the foundation of the materials. Water accumulated above the biomass was easily removed by tilting the container after the BSY had been soaked with water. After washing the floor to get rid of any dust, the biomass was poured over the area to dry. After three days of sun drying, the dried brewery yeast was collected and removed by using a scraper. The dry spent yeast (DY) and wheat straw (WS) was milled (1-2mm) and mixed uniformly. Six treatments were made with different rates (DY0, DY10, DY20, DY30, DY40, and DY50 for DY: WS at 0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50, respectively) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Three cannulated Boran-Friesian steers with average body weight (480 kg) and age(42 months) were used to incubate samples for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The nylon bags were 6.5 by 14 cm and had a 50 µm pore. Ash, crude protein (CP), digestible organic matter in the dry matter, estimated digestible protein, and metabolizable energy contents were increased in proportion to dry yeast inclusion increased, while all fiber fractions were declined (P < 0.01). Chemical composition of wheat straw is improved by the addition of dry yeast (50%) and raising the concentrations of Ca, P, Cu, and Zn (P < 0.01) while lowering the other minerals (K and Fe). As dry yeast inclusion increased, the kinetics of DM, CP, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) breakdown similarly accelerated (P < 0.01). Therefore, we advise limiting the use of wheat straw can be improved with the inclusion of dry brewery spent yeast. However, feeding experiments are needed to verify the context of animal performances and economic returns.
Transcriptome analysis of the potential mechanisms regulating autophagy in matrine- treated IMCD3 cells
Authors: Yan Chenghua , Li Yanzhen , Kuang Wendong , Wang Rongliang , Niu Ling , Liao Yongcui , Ma Guangqiang , Jin Liang
Published: September 2022

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of renal cells, with the consequent formation of cysts and loss of renal function. Matrine has the effect of regulating autophagy, and is considered to regulate inflammatory responses and cyst formation. Therefore, in this study we focused on the pathological mechanism of matrine-regulated autophagy in polycystic kidney disease, and identified some autophagy-regulated genes. We also performed transcriptome sequencing of matrine-treated mouse renal epithelial cells (IMCD3). The pathway analysis results showed that signal transduction, including adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, Hippo signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway, which are closely related to autophagy, comprises the main pathological changes of IMCD3 cells treated with matrine. These results indicate that exaggerated autophagy participates in the pathological process of polycystic kidney disease, and may provide new insight for further basic research on PKD.
Is it acceptable to have a child? Revealing Chinese household carbon footprints from a demographic perspective using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) model
Authors: Wang Shuo , Dai Yuqi , Jin Wenli , Yang Fenglin , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

Calculating personal household carbon footprints is crucial to achieve carbon neutrality while accounting for the age transition and urban-rural and gender structures. However, such a calculation is rarely performed from a demographic perspective due to the need for elaborate consumption surveys and frequent population censuses. Here, we present an integrated framework coupled input-output analysis with a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) model to determine the personal household carbon footprint from a demographic perspective in China. We found that personal household carbon footprints in urban and rural China have grown continuously from 1997 to 2017. The urban and rural household carbon footprints increased from 1.58 and 0.63 tons/a·person to 2.43 and 1.41 tons/a·person, respectively. In 2017, the household carbon footprints of 15- and 65-year-olds were the highest, while those of 0- and 40-year-olds were the lowest. The indirect household carbon footprint of men was greater than that of women in all age groups, with the greatest difference between men and women observed in 2017 (0.075 tons/a·person). The total household carbon footprint of a 24-year-old individual (born in 1997) was 60.9 and 27.2 tCO2in urban and rural areas, respectively, which requires an equivalent of 71 and 32 trees to achieve carbon neutrality. Herein, we highlight that a range of policies that take consider different demographic characteristics are needed to effectively reduce the carbon footprint. The data and results presented in the paper provide policymakers with useful information for the formation of appropriate policies aimed at carbon footprint reduction from a demographic perspective.
Growth hormone protects oocytes from premature ovarian failure by alleviating apoptosis (GH protects oocytes from POF by alleviating apoptosis)
Authors: Hong Ziwei , Zhou Liying , Ji Hong , Xu Changlong , Yang Daowei , Yang Xiangjun , Wang Hailong
Published: September 2022

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a mysterious disorder in women when the ovaries stop producing oocytes. Even though many causes are proposed as the pathogenesis of POF, the true underlying cause for the majority of POF cases has remained unidentified. Since POF severely interferes with fertility and it is a devastating diagnosis for women, itis necessary to develop new therapies to reduce the long-term health consequences from POF. To investigate the function and underlying mechanism of growth hormone (GH) in the development of ovaries, follicles, and oocytes under the condition of POF, we used the intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin to construct the POF mice model. Then, we assessed the function of GH in POF. Herein, we report that GH efficiently promoted the ovarian coefficient, development of follicles, and the number of oocytes. Mechanistically, GH prevented alternations of mitochondrial ultrastructure to stabilize the membrane potential, consequently reducing ROS level and early apoptosis of oocytes in POF mice. Furthermore, GH treatment stabilized the serum levels of Inhibin B (INHB) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and regulated the expressions of apoptosis-related factors, growth hormone receptor (GHR), and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF - I). Thus, we concluded that GH supplementation promotes mitochondrial biogenesis to protect the oocyte from POF through the GHR/IGF-I signaling pathway.
A comparative study on the transverse relationship of molars in early mixed dentition between skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion and Class Ⅰ occlusion
Authors: Liu Fangming , Liu Dongxu , Liu Yi , Huang Haiyun , Shi Xiaoyang
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study aims to compare the width and buccal–lingual inclination of the maxillary and mandibular first molar area between children with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion and children with normal occlusion from 7 to 9 years old.
Methods: A total of 60 childrenaged 7–9 years, 30 with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion and 30 with normal occlusion that had one or two impacted teeth, were selected. The cone-beam computed tomography was performed on all patients. The arch width, basal bone widthand buccal-lingual inclination were measured using MIMICS21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The measured data were tested using the independent-samples t test with SPSS21.0 software.
Results: The width of the maxillary basal bone in the skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion group (59.75 ± 3.14 mm) was statistically smaller than that in the normal group (62.39 ± 3.01 mm) (P ＜ 0.05）. The mandibular basal bone width in the skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion group (60.00 ± 2.56 mm) was statistically larger than that in the normal group (59.75 ± 3.14 mm) (P < 0.05). The width difference of maxillary and mandibular bases in the skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion group was (–0.25 ± 1.70 mm) and that in the control group was (4.33 ± 1.20mm); a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (P < 0.05). The buccal inclination of maxillary molars in the skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion group was (31.4 ± 8.9°) was significantly higher than that in the control group (17.64 ± 7.3°) (P< 0.01), and the lingual inclination angle of mandibular molars was (45.24 ± 8.3°). It was significantly higher than that in the normal group (37.96 ± 10.18°) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Transverse maxillary and mandibular discrepancies in the posterior area, and transverse dental compensation of maxillary and mandibular molars in the preliminary stage of mixed dentition were found in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion, which provides theoretical support for clinical diagnosis and treatment
Virus-like particle vaccines of Infectious bursal disease virus expressed in Escherichia coli are highly immunogenic and protect against virulent strain
Authors: Ji Pengchao , Li Tiantian , Wu Yanan , Shi Xuejian , Li Lu , Zhao Qi , Jiang Wenting , Wang Jiabin , Wang Panpan , Wang Tingting , Jiang Dawei
Published: September 2022

Objectives Infectious bursal disease virus
(IBDV) is a highly contagious, acutely infectious agent that causes immunosuppression in chickens. we expressed IBDV VP2 protein in Escherichia coli (E. coli) to develop an effective virus like particles (VLPs) vaccine and evaluated its immunogenicity.
Methods
The VLPs produced in E. coli were used as immunogen mixed with Montanide™ ISA 71VG, ISA 71RVG or white oil adjuvants. VLPs without adjuvant, commercial subunit vaccine, inactivated vaccine and attenuated vaccine were used as controls. These test vaccines were intramuscularly injected into 19-day-old SPF chickens, which were challenged with IBDV virulent strain at 30 days after vaccination.
Results
The adjuvants boosted antibody production, and the adjuvant groups (except white oil) produced higher antibody levels than the non-adjuvanted controls and the commercial vaccine groups. In terms of cellular immunity, the VLPs plus adjuvant combinations produced higher levels of cytokines, IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ, than the controls.
Conclusion
IBDV VLPs plus ISA 71RVG adjuvant can be used as an optimal vaccine combination for improving the immune efficacy of IBD subunit vaccines which can protect against virulent strain.
Urolithin A reduces amyloid-beta load and improves cognitive deficits uncorrelated with plaque burden in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ballesteros-Alvarez Josue , Nguyen Wynnie , Sivapatham Renuka , Rane Anand , Andersen Julie K
Published: September 2022

Background
In recent years, a burgeoning body of evidence has pointed to age-related dysfunction in neuronal autophagy as playing a prominent role in neuropathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the present study, we investigated the effects of urolithin A (UA), a metabolite generated from ellagic acid via its metabolism by gut bacteria, as an autophagy activator with potential neuroprotective activity.
Methods
WT and 3xTg-AD mice were administered long-term intermittent dietary supplementation with UA. Following evaluation of spatial learning and memory, associative learning and exploratory behavior, we employed fluorescence-based immunodetection of human Aβ42 + Aβ40 to determine Aβ plaque deposition and quantified Aβ42 in hippocampal and cortical homogenates via sandwich ELISA in 14-months old mice. Using neuronal cell types, we analyzed the effects of UA on the expression of autophagy genes and proteins and on lysosomal acidification. We treated mouse hippocampal cells with Aβ oligomers while inducing autophagy with UA and analyzed Aβ clearance.
Results
UA was found to prevent behavioral deficits in this model. It also decreased the Aβ plaque burden in areas of the hippocampus where these protein deposits are prominent in the model. Interestingly, correlation analyses demonstrate that Aβ plaque burden positively correlates with enhanced spatial memory in 3xTg mice on a control diet but not in those supplemented with UA. In contrast, Aβ42 abundance in cortical and hippocampal homogenates negatively correlate with spatial memory in UA-fed mice. UA was also found to extend lifespan in normal aging mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that UA is able to induce autophagy and to increase Aβ clearance in neuronal cell lines.
Conclusions
In summary, our data suggest that plaque formation may be a protective mechanism against neurodegeneration and cognitive decline and that targeting the generation of proteotoxic Aβ species might be a more successful approach in halting disease progression than targeting plaque formation. UA, likely via its actions as a autophagy inducer, is capable of removing Aβ from neurons and its dietary administration prevents the onset of cognitive deficits associated with pathological Aβ deposition the 3xTg AD mouse model as well as extending lifespan in normal aging mice.
Oral Health Status and Barriers to Oral Healthcare Among CP Children Attending a Health Care Center in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kachwinya S M , Kemoli A M , Owino R , Okullo I , Bermudez J , Seminario A L
Published: September 2022

Background
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neuromuscular condition diagnosed in childhood. CP as a form of disability, does not cause any specific oral disease. However, some oral conditions are more commonly associated with CP patients compared to the general population. The overarching aim of the current study was to determine the oral hygiene status, gingival status, and the prevalence of dental caries in children with CP attending a leading hospital institution for children with disabilities in Kampala, Uganda. Additionally, we determined the barriers faced by children with CP in accessing oral healthcare.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services Uganda (CoRSU) hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Our study population consisted of a convenient sample of 90 children diagnosed with CP aged 3–17 years and their caregivers. A validated and interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data of the participants. A modified World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form for those aged 3–17 years was used to gather data on oral health status. Descriptive statistics was conducted to summarize demographic variables. T-test, ANOVA, and chi-square tests were conducted to identify factors associated with oral health outcomes (plaque score, gingival bleeding, and dental caries). Critical value was set up at 5%.
Results
Our findings showed that only 32.2% of the children evaluated had adequate oral hygiene and gingival bleeding was present in 44.4% of them. The prevalence of dental caries for both deciduous and permanent dentition was 63.3%, with DMFT values of 3.8 (SD = 4.5). The most common barrier that the caregivers reported was the challenge in modality or transportation availability from the children’s homes to the health facilities (34.4%).
Conclusions
The present study shows that children with CP in Uganda have significant prevalence of oral diseases and face several barriers to oral healthcare. Results from this study aim at providing relevant support to advocate for a nationwide change in policy to improve access to dental care to decrease the burden of oral diseases in children with special healthcare needs.
The Risk Factors Associated with The Incidence of Genital Warts in Iran
Authors: Nikoo Sara Talebipour , Lotfi Ali
Published: September 2022

Objective:
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is an essential factor in managing diseases in the human population and increasing individuals' and society's health levels. Thus to increase our insufficient knowledge about proper prevention methods, we performed this study to assess the risk factors of the incidence of genital warts (GW).
Methods:
In this case-control study, we enrolled 120 women and divided them into two groups. Sixty women with GW were set in the case group, and 60 healthy women were set in the control group. Afterwards,s a questionnaire consisting of 13 questions regarding their life habituates was filled. The answers were analyzed using T-tests and chi-square test
Findings:
There was a statistically significant correlation between the incidence of GW and age (P-value=<0.001*), the years passed from first intercourse (P-value =0.02*), and the history of venereal diseases (P-value =0.03*). However, the correlation between this disease and smoking, use of contraceptive medications, use of barrier and gravidity methods, marriage, education, the job of the individual and her partner, and the type of intercourse was not statistically significant.
Conclusion:
It is interesting that although some factors may increase the risk of GW, some factors that one might reason should affect the prevalence of GW such as the use of barriers, marriage, and socioeconomics of the individuals had no significant effect on the prevalence of GW in this study.
Sleep-wake Disturbance following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Trajectory and Correlates
Authors: VEERAPUTHIRAN MUTHU , Gernat Jennifer , Yarlagadda Naveen , Bimali Milan , Matthews Ellyn E.
Published: September 2022

Adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) experience progressive physical and psychosocial distress in early stages post-HSCT, including sleep-wake disturbance (SWD), psychological distress, and fatigue. We conducted a longitudinal feasibility study to determine severity/trajectory of SWDs and investigated relationships among actigraphic sleep parameters, sleepiness, insomnia severity, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), anxiety, depression, and fatigue at 100 (T1), 150 (T2), and 180 days (T3) post-HSCT. Eight adults enrolled. Median total sleep time (TST) at T1–T3 days was adequate (7.24, 7.17, and 7.09 hours), but sleep efficiency (SE) was suboptimal (78.9%, 78.5%, 83.67%). Median Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores indicated minimal drowsiness and subclinical insomnia at T1–T3. Median FCR Inventory (FCRI) scores indicate diminishing FCR over time. Median scores across time for anxiety (48.05, 50.2, and 44.1) and depression (44.9, 41, and 41) suggest moderate–mild distress with slight fluctuations. Surprisingly, fatigue scores increased from T1–T3 (46, 50.9, and 52.1). Increases in ISI and FCRI scores were associated with modest increases in anxiety. Findings suggest the need to evaluate and address sleep, psychological distress, and fatigue in HSCT recipients. Larger studies to confirm prevalence of SWD and association with psychological factors are warranted.
Determination of immune factor levels in serum and local hematoma samples of osteoporotic fracture patients and clinical study of the effect of active vitamin D3 treatment on immune factor levels
Authors: Liu Sijia , Li Jianjun , Zhang Mingwei
Published: September 2022

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate changes in systemic and local immune factors, namely, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in patients with and without osteoporotic fractures and to explore the effects of active vitamin D3 treatment on immune function and fracture prognosis in patients with osteoporotic fractures.
Method
The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured before the operation. After the operation, the patients in the control group were treated with conventional fracture treatment and calcium supplementation, and the patients in the treatment group were treated with calcium plus active vitamin D3 in addition to conventional fracture treatment. The serum of each patient was collected on the 7th day after the operation.
Results
The expression levels of the three immune factors(IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in the fracture end hematoma samples were significantly positively correlated with those in the serum samples (P < 0.05). The mean values of the serums of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the osteoporosis group were significantly higher than those in the non-osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). The average number of hematomas in the osteoporosis group was significantly higher than that in the non-osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). The results for the active vitamin D3 treatment group were significantly lower than those for the control group (P < 0.05). The mean wrist function score of the active vitamin D3 treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The average fracture healing time of the treatment group was significantly shorter than that of the control group ( P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The relative expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the fracture end hematoma samples was positively correlated with the corresponding levels of these immune factors in the serum samples. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum and fracture end hematoma samples of the osteoporotic fracture patients were higher than those of the non-osteoporotic fracture patients. Active vitamin D3 treatment promoted fracture healing by affecting the levels of these immune factors.
Hypoxic trophoblasts secreted exosomes promote autophagy through TINCR to impair angiogenesis and drive preeclampsia
Authors: Ying Xiang , Wu Dong , Jin Xiao , Mei Shuang , Wang Kai , Wu Quan , Wang Xipeng , Li Xiao
Published: September 2022

Pathological hypoxia/oxidative stress of placenta is a major cause in preeclampsia. Autophagy dysregulation has recently been linked to aberrant placental vascular function in preeclampsia [1, 2] while the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we found exosomal TINCR derived from trophoblasts exposed to hypoxia-oxidative stress induced placental vascular dysfunction through evoking excessive autophagic activation of endothelial cells related to preeclampsia. Specifically, umbilical cord serum- and plasma-derived exosomal TINCR levels were elevated in preeclampsia determined by microarray-based transcript analyses and qRT-PCR, which may be caused by trophoblasts releasing exosomes containing TINCR into circulation under pathological hypoxia conditions of the placenta. These exosomal TINCR impaired placental vascular function by promoting excessive autophagy of endothelial cells involved in preeclampsia-like symptoms both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, the autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) partially reversed exosomal TINCR's effect on placental vascular dysfunction and preeclampsia symptoms. Mechanistically, TINCR promoted autophagy in endothelial cells by regulating miR-424/ ATG5 axis as a competing endogenous RNA. Therefore, preeclampsia was associated with the overactivation of endothelial cell autophagy by trophoblast-derived exosomal TINCR in regulating placental vascular function, indicating that targeting autophagy such as HCQ is a novel strategy for preeclampsia treatment.
Environmental enrichment enhances learning and memory after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Siqiu Chen , Li Xinran , Sun Xun , Zang Qian , Zhu Huquan , Liu Yaozu
Published: September 2022

We investigated the therapeutic effect of environmental enrichment (EE) on traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sixty 8-week-old SD rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated (sham group), sham + EE standard environment (STD), TBI group, and TBI + EE. Sham + EE and TBI + EE groups recovered in environmental enrichment areas after surgery, whereas the Sham and TBI groups recovered in STD. Modeling repeatability was assessed using acute neurology. The effect of EE on the differentiation of neural cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus was analyzed using immunofluorescence, whereas the cognitive learning ability of rats was analyzed using the Morris water maze test. Brain damage based on cortical lesions was assessed using HE. The expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, three nerve growth factors, and three inflammatory factors in brain cortical tissue were analyzed using western blot. Fluorescence staining revealed that EE exerted its effect by promoting the proliferation of neuronal cells in the dentate gyrus of the rat hippocampus. The Morris water maze experiment showed that EE + TBI improved the cognitive function, learning, and memory of rats after brain injury. At 19 d, the cortical damage area of rats in the EE + TBI group had significantly reduced. Also, EE improved the cognitive function and long-term memory of rats. EE treatment further significantly increased NGF expression, neurotrophins-3, VEGF, BDNF, and IL-10 in the cerebral cortex after TBI. Also, EE significantly improved the nerve recovery and vascular structure in rats. IL-1β and TNF-α expression were lower in the EE + TBI group than in the EE group. In general, EE treatment can accelerate brain injury repair through revascularization, promotes the growth of residual neuronal axons, and improve neuroinflammation.
Methodology for integrating SuDS in urban planning; the case of Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Rojas María Isabel , Abarca-Álvarez Francisco Javier , Niño-Soto Alexander Stward
Published: September 2022

Climate change is possibly the biggest challenge facing cities today. The consequences of this phenomenon have led to the need to rethink urban models, so that the presence of water and green spaces can serve as a tool to make cities more resilient. In recent years, SuDS have been implemented to alleviate environmental problems caused by soil sealing and the effects of climate change. Their effectiveness has been demonstrated in cities around the world, however, the level of implementation is in most cases limited to mitigating the effects caused by inadequate urban planning. Some countries are going a step further by proposing actions to integrate the SuDS into different urban plans with the so-called ‘Water Sensitive Urban Design’. In Mediterranean countries it is even more necessary to advance in this direction, as both the topographical characteristics of the cities and the intense rainfall are generating serious environmental problems. In the case of Spain, there are hardly any proposals related to the integration of SuDS in planning. This paper proposes a methodology for this in the different urban plans existing in this country, which can be extrapolated to other Mediterranean countries such as France and Italy. This methodology will help to enhance the use of SuDS in cities and will generate considerable progress in sustainable planning.
Triage performance of human gene EPB41L3 and HPV 16/18 viral DNA methylation among hrHPV positive women: a cohort study
Authors: Rezhake Remila , Wang Yan , Shen Guqun , Zhao Xuelian , Pan Qinjing , Zhang Xun , Arbyn Marc , Zhang Yuanming , Zhao Fanghui , Qiao Youlin
Published: September 2022

Background: Methylation-based biomarkers show promise in triaging hrHPV positive women, however, more evidence from population-based prospective studies is required to confirm its utility in real-world settings.
Methods: 2000 women from Xinjiang, China were screened for cervical cancer in 2018 and annually followed-up until 2020. Swab samples of baseline hrHPV positive women were used to perform a methylation test targeting the host gene EPB41L3 and HPV16/18 DNA L1/L2 regions. Triage accuracy and predictive values of the methylation test were evaluated in comparison with HPV16/18 and cytology triage using cross-sectional and 24-months outcomes.
Results: Overall methylation positivity was 12.4% among hrHPV positive women, and test positivity increased by the histology lesions (7.7% in normal, 9.1% in CIN1, 62.5% in CIN2, 75.0% in CIN3 and 100% in cancer cases, ptrend<0.05). Women being methylation positive at baseline had a significantly higher risk of hrHPV persistence at 12-month and 24-month follow-up (RR12M=1.9, 95%CI: 1.4-2.5 and RR24M=1.7, 95%CI: 1.1-2.5). The specificity of methylation (92.1%) was substantially higher than either HPV16/18 (78.7%, p<0.001) and cytology (79.2%, p <0.001). For CIN2+, the cross-sectional triage sensitivity of methylation appeared slightly higher than HPV16/18 but less than cytology triage with values of 70.6%, 64.7%, and 94.1% respectively (pexact=1.000, and pexact=0.213 respectively) .The longitudinal sensitivity of methylation over 24-month follow-up was 56.0%, as compared to 64.0% (pexact=0.688) for HPV16/18 and 76.0%, (pexact=0.125) for cytology. Methylation test showed high positive predictive values for CIN2+ (41.4% at baseline and 50.0% at 24-month follow-up), while the CIN2+ risk of methylation negative women (cNPV) remained considerable (2.5% at baseline and 6.9% at 24-month follow-up).
Conclusions: Methylation could improve triage specificity and colposcopy efficiency, and predict elevated risk of hrHPV persistence and CIN2+ during 24-month follow-up, suggesting that DNA methylation could be a useful triage tool for hrHPV positive women. Women negative by either methylation, HPV16/18 or cytology would still require careful follow-up.
Manufacturer’s Online Marketplace Choice Considering Behavior-Based Pricing
Authors: Wang Tao
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Redox Gene Regulator Rex Diverts Fermentation
In Concert with Low Charge Export in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Naradasu Divya , TAKANO Sotaro , Zhang Shu , Okinaga Toshinori , Tatsuji Nishihara , Nealson Kenneth , Okamoto Akihiro
Published: September 2022

Microbial current production (MCP) coupled with fermentation metabolism emerges as critical for microbial electrochemical technologies. Unlike MCP associated with anaerobic respiration, a low amount of electron flux via MCP can impact the fermentation pathway and product yield. However, understanding the machinery for such an intriguing impact of MCP on fermentation remains unclear. Here, we report that the redox regulator protein (Rex), found in many Gram-positive bacteria, was activated by a low microbial current generation and affected the fermentation balance via pyruvate dehydrogenase upregulation in Streptococcus mutans. Although the coulombic efficiency of MCP was less than 0.02%, a significant shift in fermentation balance from ethanol to lactate production occurred in association with MCP to an electrode and with the reduction of a soluble electron acceptor flavin. Modeling metabolic flux in the wild type and the Δrex strains based on transcriptomics suggested that Rex protein was responsible for the shift in fermentation pathway through pyruvate dehydrogenase modification, resulting in increased ethanol concentration in the absence of MCP. Accordingly, deletion of the rex gene resulted in the loss of MCP-alteration of fermentation metabolic switch. Given that the rex gene is widely distributed in electrogenic bacteria, gene upregulation by MCP might be a prevalent mechanism.
Morphological identification, molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Argas persicus (Oken, 1818) (Acari: Argasidae) from domestic birds in eastern of Algeria
Authors: Rahmani Amira , Laatamna AbdElkarim , Yu Zhijun , Lafri Ismail , Herrada Zakaria , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Bakkes Deon K.
Published: September 2022

Argas persicus is soft tick commonly associated with poultry farms. It has a wide geographic distribution and colonizes different climate regions. Morphological identification of A. persicus has been reported worldwide, while genetic data regarding its molecular characterization is limited. The present study provides data on morphological identification, infestation prevalence and genetic characterization of A. persicuscollected on domestic birds in traditional farms from east of Algeria. Additionally, Argas samples originating from Gansu province in China were included for comparative molecular study. In total, 5,999 argasid ticks were collected from 186 farms in 18 localities from Setif region, from which, 1,518 (25.3%) ticks in 30 (16.13%) infested farms were examined and morphologically identified as A. persicus (the fowl tick). Furthermore, the 14 tick samples obtained from Gansu province (China) were morphologically identified as A. persicus. Molecular analysis of 30 Algerian samples (one tick from each infested farm) and 14 Chinese samples based on PCRs, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of three mitochondrial genetic markers (16S rRNA, 12S rRNA and cox1) confirmed morphological results where all samples belonged to A. persicus groups. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data showed that all Algerian samples and two Chinese samples belong to A. persicus sensu stricto (s.s.), while the remaining Chinese samples represented A. persicussensu lato (s.l.) (divergent lineage). The present study confirmed occurrence of A. persicus s.s. both in Algeria and China. In addition, interesting molecular data on the occurrence of a distinct Chinese lineage of A. persicus is reported.
Benefits of PLT for Cybersecurity Training
Authors: Chowdhury Nabin , Gkioulos Vasileios , Nystad Espen , Katsikas Sokratis
Published: September 2022

The security of the communication systems, digital services and functionalities of Critical Infrastructures (CI) is more important now than ever. Many of today's energy providing infrastructures such as Smart Grids and Nuclear Power Plants rely on digitalized Industrial Control Systems. This, while facilitating data exchange and regular functions, has also rendered the infrastructures vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Additionally to installing security applications, ensuring that CI personnel is aware of cyber-threats and properly trained to cover all functions of their role is critical. For this purpose, several Cyber-Security (CS) training solutions have been proposed and adopted in recent years. While many advancements to CS training have been proposed in the literature, certain limitations are still present in current offerings. Current CS training and exercise offerings are often generalized to all audiences, as well as being inflexible and challenging to implement in many cases.Additionally, training participants are often not involved in the design or development of the exercises, which does not allow for tailored personalization and design of appropriate learning paths. In this work, we propose a framework for developing CS training exercises based on Personalized Learning Theory (PLT) concepts. Additionally, we develop and evaluate two different CS exercises with two different target groups developed using the framework. The results of the experiments and comparison with exercises conducted without using the framework show that the implementation of PLT concepts in the exercises had a significant effect on their effectiveness and outcome.
Effect of Wealth Inequality on Child and Infant Mortality in Togo
Authors: PELENGUEI Essohanam , PILO Mikémina
Published: September 2022

At birth, individual has a health capital that depends on family, environmental and personal characteristics which depreciates over time requiring investment. It’s in this sense that this article aims to analyze the effect of wealth inequality on infant and child mortality in Togo. This effect is accessed by a semi-parametric proportional hazard duration model of Cox. According to the model estimation which is based on data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) carried out in Togo in 2017, the results obtained shows in one hand that high wealth inequality contributes to increasing the risk of mortality of children under five. In other hand, the results show that the possession of a source of drinking water, the possession of health insurance by the mother, the mastery of the use of new information technologies and communication reduce the risk of infant and child mortality. In view of these results, policies to reduce wealth inequalities could help reduce the risk of infant and child mortality in proportions ranging from 0.075 to 0.264.
JEL classification: I14, D63, C14
Urban biotope classification incorporates urban forest and green infrastructure for improved environmental land-use planning in Mexico City
Authors: Toledo-Garibaldi María , Puric-Mladenovic Danijela , Smith Sandy M.
Published: September 2022

Urban forests are recognized worldwide as the most critical component of green infrastructure due to their capacity to provide various environmental goods and services. As cities continue to expand and their environmental problems intensify, there is a growing need for urban forests and green infrastructure to be better incorporated into strategic land-use planning, especially in developing cities. The first step in building an urban forest management plan is to capture characteristics of the urban forest and how these change across the built environment. Here, we used an urban biotope approach to classify urban forest and environmental characteristics in Mexico City. We sampled 500 fixed-area randomly stratified plots across the city to characterize urban forest structural and compositional variables. PCA and the broken-stick method were used to reduce the number of 25 urban forest variables down to five significant principal components that accounted for 78% of the data's cumulative variation. Ward's method helped classify biotopes into a hierarchical system with seven finer-level biotopes defined by urban forest characteristics (Dunn = 0.09, AC = 0.98), nested within two broader-level biotopes defined by forest canopy conditions (Silhouette = 0.59, AC = 0.99). A no-tree canopy biotope was extracted from sampling locations with no trees. The biotopes derived here can fundament biotope mapping, support decision-making in urban forest planning, including the identification of available planting spaces, tree diversity targets, and canopy protection. Our work in Mexico City demonstrates how the biotope approach can be adapted and used to better incorporate urban forests and green infrastructure into future management planning for any city.
Association between antibiotics and asthma risk among adults aged over 40: a nationally representative retrospective cohort study
Authors: Choi Jiwon , Park Sun Jae , Park Young Jun , Hong Jaeyi , Jeong Seogsong , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Sung Min , Song Jihun , Cho Yoosun , Park Sang Min
Published: September 2022

Background
Several previous studies reported that antibiotic exposure in early life could lead to asthma in early childhood. However, the association between antibiotic use and the risk of asthma in the adult population is yet unclear. Our study aims to investigate the association between antibiotic use and asthma in adults.
Methods
National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data, which included 40 years or older aged subjects who have health screening examination data in 2005–2006, were used. Antibiotic exposure was examined from 2002 to 2006 and in total 256,698 participants with a mean age of 55.66 years were followed up from 2007 to 2019. During the follow-up period, 47,500 participants occurred asthma. To assess this association between antibiotic use and newly diagnosed asthma, the multivariable cox proportional hazards regression model was used. The considered covariates included residence status, body mass index, the number of healthcare visits, previous atopic dermatitis history, previous allergic rhinitis history, and infectious diseases.
Results
Participants with antibiotics use for ≥ 91 days showed a higher risk of asthma (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77-2.00), with a clear dose-dependent association (p for trend < 0.001). Furthermore, ≥ 4 antibiotic classes used group had an increased risk of asthma (aHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.58–1.76) than those who used only one antibiotic class. In our sensitivity analysis with wash-out period and shifting the index date, increased risk of asthma incidence and clear dose-response relationship according to antibiotics use have remained.
Conclusions
The clear dose-response pattern in antibiotics use and asthma may suggest that the management of proper antibiotic use in adults may lower the risk of asthma in the future.
Quality of Life Changes in Taiwanese Dentofacial Deformity Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Ng Jing Hao , Lee I-Chen , Liu Becky Chiang-Lin , Ko Ellen Wen-Ching
Published: September 2022

Objectives
The evaluation of orthognathic surgery (OgS) is shifting towards a coherent approach for patient care that balances objective clinician-defined measures with patient-centred outcome assessments, including health-related quality of life (QoL). This aim of this study adds to the pool of literature in East Asian subjects by studying the longitudinal QoL changes in Taiwanese patients with dentofacial deformities (DFD) undergoing OgS, using two standardized questionnaires at three different treatment stages.
Materials and Methods
This prospective cohort study comprised 113 consecutive Taiwanese OgS patients who underwent surgical-orthodontic treatment between 2015 and 2018. The subjects completed SF-36 and OHIP-14 standardized questionnaires with one additional aesthetics question at one month before OGS (T1), 3 months (T2) and at debond (T3). All responses were screened, and 90 valid questionnaires included for analysis. Additional subgroup comparisons were made between Class II and Class III patients, symmetric and asymmetric patients, surgery-first approach and orthodontics-first approach, presence or absence of genioplasty, genders, and younger and older patients.
Results
The cohort was comprised largely of skeletal Class III patients (84.4%) and showed significant improvements in OHIP-14 and Aesthetic score from T1 to T3. Pre-surgical orthodontic decompensation leads to a decrease in QoL. Patients who have undergone genioplasty have better generic health QoL than those without genioplasty at T3. Male DFD patients have better generic oral health and aesthetics QoL than female DFD patients. Age does not appear to affect generic health, generic oral health and aesthetics QoL at any time during OgS treatment.
Conclusion
OgS has positive effects on generic health, generic oral health and aesthetics QoL in DFD patients. The effect of asymmetry on QoL in OgS patients remains an area that requires further research in order to clarify conflicting results in the literature. Future studies should explore the long-term stability of QoL effects.
Clinical Relevance:
Prospective evaluation with contemporaneous questionnaire surveys at appropriate time points could better reflect the fluctuations of QoL and treatment variables throughout the surgical-orthodontic treatment.