bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic LN2 Treatment of Coal Samples from Coal Basin in Kazakhstan
Authors: Longinos Sotirios , Wang Lei , Loskutova Anna , Zhang Dichuan , Hazlett Randy
Published: June 2022

In recent years liquid nitrogen (LN2) fracturing technology has been investigated as a promising stimulating technique in coalbed methane (CBM) development. Using the immersion method, this study experimentally examines and illustrates the efficacy of LN2 cryogenic fracturing for a CBM reservoir in the Karaganda Basin of East Kazakhstan. Coal core plugs were frozen with LN2 under different lab-controlled conditions like the length freezing time (FT) and the number of freezing thawing cycles (FTC). Then these treated core plugs were subjected to uniaxial compressive strength test and SEM analysis for comparisons. The results from SEM analysis showed that the LN2 freezing-thawing process can augment the cryogenic fracture and the fracture interconnectivity. Moreover, uniaxial compressive test indicated that compressive strength is kept decreasing with successively increasing the number of freezing-thawing cycles and the same decreasing trend was observed with freezing time experiments compared with the coal sample without liquid nitrogen case.
Effect of Surface Wettability on the Miscible Behaviors Of Co2-Hydrocarbon in Shale Nanopores
Authors: Feng Dong , Chen Zhangxin , Zhang Zenghua , Li Peihuan , Chen Yu , Wu Keliu , Li Jing
Published: June 2022

The minimum miscible pressure (Pm) of CO2-hydrocarbon mixtures in nanopores is a key parameter for CO2-enhanced shale oil recovery. Although the miscible behaviors of CO2-hydrocarbon mixtures in nanopores have been widely investigated through the simulations and calculations, the heterogeneity of shale components with different affinity to hydrocarbons results in the deviation of traditional predictions and motivates us to investigate how the surface properties influence the CO2-hydrocarbon miscible behaviors in nanopores. In this work, we established a model and framework to determine the wettability-dependent physical phenomena and its impact on the Pm of CO2-hydrocarbon in shale nanopores. First, a generalized scaling rule is established to clarify the potential correlation between critical properties shift and wettability based on the analysis of microscopic interactions (fluid-surface interactions and fluid-fluid interactions). Second, a wettability-dependent SKR EOS is structured and a generalized and practical framework for confined phase behavior with different surface wettability is constructed. Subsequently, the Pm of CO2-hydrocarbon mixtures in confined space with various wettability is evaluated with our model. The calculated results demonstrate that the nanoconfined effects on Pm not only relate to the pore dimension but also depend on the contact angle. In an intermediate-wet nanopore, the minimum miscible pressure approaches the bulk value. In an oil-wet nanopore with a width smaller than 100nm, the minimum miscible pressure is suppressed by the confined effects, and the reduction is further strengthened with a reduction in pore dimension and increase of wall-hydrocarbon affinity. Our work uses a macroscopically measurable parameter (contact angle) to characterize the shift of critical properties derived from the microscopic interactions, and further construct a generalized and practical framework for phase behavior and minimum miscible pressure determination in nanopores with different surface properties. The method and framework can make a significant contribution in the area of upscaling a molecular or nanoscale understanding to a reservoir scale simulation in shale gas/oil research.
Effectiveness of the Animated Video Method in Vocabulary Learning: A Case Study of Noble Technical Institute in Arbil
Authors: Ridha Shivan Khudhur , Bostancı Hanife Bensen , Kurt Mustafa
Published: June 2022

This research evaluates the effectiveness of animated videos in vocabulary learning among Noble Technical Institute (NTI) students. Experimental research methodology was used with 40 students as the study subject, and the study subjects were picked randomly. After the pre-test was conducted for all the students, they were grouped into two categories for the treatment regime: those taught with animated video and the rest without animated video. Post-test was conducted after the lesson. The data were analyzed statistically, hence, bivariate, and univariate analyses were conducted. From the pre-test result, the highest score was 89 and the lowest score was 41 from the data of 40 students as a research subject. As for the posttest for those taught without animated video, the highest score was 91, the lowest score was 46, and the mean score was 70 from the data of 20 students as a research respondent / subject. Likewise, those taught with animated video recorded their highest score to be 98, the lowest score was 53 and the mean score was 76 from the data of 20 students as a research subject. The bivariate analysis shows that teaching with animated video (X2 = 0.0005, P-value= 15.675) was significant compared to teaching without animated video. From the questionnaire administered to the student, most of the students agreed that learning with animated video enhances assimilation, makes study more interesting, improve vocabulary learning, makes class interactive and makes learning of English to become faster. There are divergent views regarding learning with animated video being the best form of learning, few of the students agreed while some of the student did not agree to that. Conclusively, the result of this study shows that learning of vocabulary with the aid of animated video is very effective to aid students’ understanding and assimilation.
Comprehensive Analysis of CXCL genes in Human Kidney Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Junwen , Wang Rongjiang , Chen Yu , Fang Zhihai , Tang Jianer , Yao Jianxiang , gao jianguo , chen xiaonong , shi xinli
Published: June 2022

Introduction: the predictive value for survival outcomes and mechanisms of the CXCL gene family in kidney Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC).Objective: We evaluated the predictive value for survival outcomes and mechanisms of the CXCL gene family in Kidney Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC). Methods: Transcriptional and survival data of CXCL genes in KIRC patients were retrieved from Oncomine and GEPIA databases to assess their functions. Mutations’ data were downloaded from the cBioPortal, while immune cell components data were obtained from TIMER databases. Enrichment analysis was performed using the STRING database. In vitro assays were performed to validate our findings. Results: A total of 8 CXCL (CXCL2/5/9/10/11/12/13/16) genes were found to be differentially expressed in KIRC tissues. Among them, only CXCL2 and CXCL5 had survival values. In vitro assays revealed that upregulated CXCL2 promotes renal cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Additionally, CXCL2 exhibited an effect on three KIRC immune cell components (B cells, CD4 T cells, and Neutrophils). After evaluating the miRNA sequences upstream of CXCL2, it was established that hsa-miR-532-5p/CXCL2 pathways are potentially involved in the regulatory mechanisms. Finally, we established a prospective signature (CXCL1/5/13) for improved survival outcomes among KIRC patients.Conclusion: Among KIRC patients, 8 CXCL genes were differentially expressed, however, only CXCL2 and CXCL5 exhibited a significant survival value. Upregulated CXCL2 promotes renal cancer cell progression.
Outcomes in Cirrhotic Patients Receiving Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Versus Repeat Paracentesis for Recurrent Ascites
Authors: Fearn Kenneth J. , Mayr Maximilian G. , Walter Carissa , Hunt Suzanne L. , He Jianghua , Wang Yu , Hill Jacqueline , Davis Charles B. , Everett Travis , Everett Trevor , Lemons Steve , Rohr Aaron , Alli Adam
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Many cirrhotic patients who cannot undergo liver transplantation are symptomatically treated for recurrent ascites with paracenteses and/or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). This study aimed to determine if there were reduced time between paracenteses, reduced hospital admissions from bacterial peritonitis, variceal bleeds, and hepatic encephalopathy for cirrhotic patients who did receive TIPS compared to those who did not receive TIPS.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016 at a single institution. Demographics, history, labs, paracenteses, TIPS, and hospitalization information were documented. Shared frailty and chi-square tests were used to determine time between paracenteses and hospitalization rates after the placement of TIPS. Results: 344 patients with refractory ascites were included. Cirrhotic etiology included alcohol (45%) and hepatitis C (37%). Ninety-two (27%) received TIPS. Patients averaged 26.2 days between paracentesis pre-TIPS and 51.5 days post-TIPS. The data suggest an association between TIPS and the risk of paracentesis for ascites (Chi-sqr=80.1 p<0.01). A sixty percent reduction in the risk of a paracentesis post-TIPS was observed in our particular sample. Rates of hospitalizations for adverse events were not different between patients with and without TIPS: bacterial peritonitis, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy.Conclusion: TIPS placement increased the time between paracentesis without increasing hospital admission rates for bacterial peritonitis, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy. This suggests that TIPS placement should be considered earlier in the cirrhotic disease process to improve symptomatic control which decreases the need for frequent paracentesis. Oxford Evidence Based MedicineLevel of Evidence: Level 3b, Retrospective Chart Review.
Deep learning-based algorithms for long-term prediction of chlorophyll-a in catchment streams
Authors: Baek Sangsoo , Abbas Ather , Park Minji , Cho Kyung Hwa
Published: June 2022

An accurate estimation of harmful algal blooms is imperative for surface water protection. Site-dependent models have been developed using deep-learning (DL) methods for chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) simulations. These DL models have been developed and evaluated using data from one site and hence are challenging to apply to other sites. Moreover, several factors affecting Chl-a concentration in stream waters were not considered. Herein, we developed and compared the performance of site-independent DL models for Chl-a simulations in the Nakdong River, South Korea. The DL-based models we developed can incorporate irregularly measured water quality observations, static physical features, and climate data measured at constant time steps. Our results indicate that the attention-based explainable DL model exhibited the best performance, with an R2 value of 0.85 at the training site and 0.52 at the test site, and can be used to develop regional water quality models.
How do phosphate and methionine affect distribution and chemical forms of cadmium in valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.)?
Authors: Dalir Neda , Rahimi Masoud , Schulin Rainer
Published: June 2022

Controlling the uptake and translocation of heavy metals in medicinal plants is crucial due to its strong impact on the safety and quality of derived medicinal plant products. This study investigated the effects of phosphate and methionine on the distribution and chemical forms of Cd in valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) roots and shoots. Seedlings were grown for two weeks in a Cd-free nutrient solution containing either 400 or 1200 µM phosphate and then exposed for 10 days to 10 µM Cd either in combination with 400 µM or no methionine in the nutrient solution. “Pectate- and protein-bound Cd” and “insoluble Cd phosphates” were the dominant Cd forms in sequential extractions of both, roots and shoots. Phosphate increased the fraction of “insoluble Cd phosphates” in the roots, but not in the shoots. Methionine strongly increased the soluble Cd fractions in roots and shoots. While it also increased the “pectate- and protein-bound Cd fraction” in the shoots, it decreased this fraction and the share of apoplastic Cd in the roots. The results indicate that methionine induced root-to-shoot Cd translocation by mobilizing Cd bound to root cell walls. This could help limit Cd accumulation in valerian roots grown for medicinal use.
Moss-associated nitrogen fixation across scales: from shoot to landscape
Authors: Levinsen Jørgen Ulrik Graudal , Michelsen Anders , Rousk Kathrin
Published: June 2022

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) performed by moss-associated colonizing cyanobacteria is among the main sources of new nitrogen (N) inputs in pristine subarctic ecosystems. Moisture is the primary driver of BNF in cyanobacteria associated with mosses. Yet, knowledge of BNF and its potential drivers on smaller spatial scales is lacking. To address these knowledge gaps, we measured BNF along vertical layers (segments) representing different depths and age along moss shoots of two dominant species, Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens over 6 weeks. Mosses were collected along a steep precipitation gradient in subarctic Northern Sweden, and factors known to affect BNF like contents of iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and molybdenum (Mo), as well as pH were analysed. BNF capacity varied significantly and profoundly along the moss shoots and the precipitation gradient, and was highest in H. splendens and in mosses collected at the high end of the precipitation gradient. Contents of Fe, Mo and N generally increased with segment depth while P concentrations decreased and pH was stable across segments. While differences in BNF along the precipitation gradient were clear and largely explained by the importance of moisture for moss-associated BNF, nutrient content also seemed to affect BNF in mosses, although less pronounced. P. schreberi showed highest BNF in the middle segment, while BNF in H. splendens was highest in the lowest segments. Differences in cyanobacterial communities and different nutrient requirements may explain species specific BNF responses. This should be considered when aiming to upscale BNF to ecosystem level.
Biosynthesis of MnFe2O4@TiO2 magnetic nanocomposite using Oleaster tree bark for efficient photocatalytic degradation of humic acid in aqueous solutions
Authors: Derakhshani Elham , Naghizadeh Ali , Derazkola Sobhan Mortazavi
Published: June 2022

The presence of humic acid compounds in water resources, as one of the precursors of Trihalomethanes and Holoacetic acids, causes health problems for many communities. The aim of this study was to investigate the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of Humic Acid using MnFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles produced by green synthesis method. The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts and the study of their catalytic performance is a relatively new topic. Many chemical techniques have been proposed for the synthesis of MnFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles, but green synthesis has received much attention due to its cheapness, simplicity and non-toxicity. The properties of synthesized nanoparticles were determined by SEM, FT-IR, XRD, EDS and DLS analysis. The results of the study showed that under optimal experimental conditions (pH = 3, nanocomposite dose = 0.03 g/L, humic acid initial concentration = 2 mg/L and contact time = 20 minutes) it is possible to achieve maximum degradation of humic acid. and MnFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles have high efficiency for removing humic acid from aqueous solutions under UV light.
Bilirubin is a superior biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and differential diagnosis from benign liver disease
Authors: Lei Yan , Lu Xiaolan , Jiang Yao , Tang Wei , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2022

We analyzed the difference in serum level of bilirubin between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and benign liver disease (BLD) patients. We established a novel diagnostic model combining bilirubin, protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in diagnosing HCC. When the bilirubin level increased, the positive-predictive value (PPV) of bilirubin in the diagnosis of HCC decreased, while the negative predictive value (NPV) increased. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the novel diagnostic model were 0.935 and 0.862 in the diagnosis of HCC and HCC < 3.0 cm (sensitivity 82.45% and 71.58%, specificity 95.77% and 93.45%), which was significantly higher than PIVKA-II, AFP, or both in the diagnosis of HCC and HCC < 3.0 cm (P < 0.001), and the AUC value of the novel diagnostic model further increased in the diagnosis of HCC and HCC < 3.0 cm with serum level of PIVKA-II ≥ 40 mAU/mL and/or AFP ≥ 20 ng/mL(0.965 vs. 0.935 and 0.910 vs. 0.862 ). In conclusion, bilirubin was a superior biomarker in the diagnosis of HCC. The combination of bilirubin, PIVKA-II, and AFP has superior diagnostic value for HCC and early-stage HCC.
The Impact of Tranexamic Acid on Brain Contusion and Intra-Parenchymal Hemorrhage in Patients with Head Injury
Authors: Fakharian Esmaeil , Kalahroudi Masoumeh Abedzadeh- , Atoof Fatemeh , Nouranipour Voorya , Azadbakht Javid
Published: June 2022

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among leading causes of debility and death at a global scale. Current study aims at investigating the possible advantage of administrating Tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients with post-TBI brain contusion and intra-parenchymal hemorrhage (IPH). Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients who had brain contusion/IPH according to their on-admission brain CT scan, referring to Shahid Beheshty Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences in 2018-2021. The patients were randomly allocated to either intervention group (receiving 1g/100ml stat dose of TXA through an antecubital vein access) or control group (receiving placebo via a similar route). TBI severity determined by GCS scoring, and ICH volume and compression effect on admission CT scan, 24 hours, and 72 hours after treatment, and 3-month outcome estimated by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were assessed.Results: There was no significant difference between patients’ age, gender, TBI etiology (traffic collision or fall from height), and skull fracture between study subgroups. Compression effect (defined as adjacent sulci effacement and cistern obliteration) from ICH, new focus of ICH, brain edema before, and 24/72 hours after TXA administration were not significantly different between intervention and placebo subgroups. The alterations in ICH volume from pre-intervention to 24/72 hours post-intervention were similar between intervention and placebo subgroups (p >0.05). Majority of participants (82.5%) showed a good 3-month neurological outcome according to GOS, but that was not significantly different between study subgroups. One case of death occurred in each subgroup, and both of them died after hospital discharge. Conclusion: TXA neither have preventive effect against in-hospital post-TBI hemorrhage enlargement nor on neurological outcomes 3 month after hospital discharge.Trial registration: This study was registered on the IRCT site under the number IRCT20190422043339N1 Registered 3 December 2021, http://www.irct.ir/trial/39008.
Epigenetic impact of a 1-week intensive multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Kaliman Perla , Cosín-Tomás Marta , Madrid Andy , Roque-López Susana , Llanez-Anaya Elkin , Papale Ligia A. , Alisch Reid S. , Davidson Richard J.
Published: June 2022

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, i.e., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) are associated with a wide range of long-lasting diseases and shorter life expectancy. We recently described a 1-week residential group program, based on mindfulness training, artistic expression and EMDR group therapy, that significantly reduced PTSD-related symptoms and increased attention/awareness-related outcomes in adolescent girls with multiple ACEs in a randomized controlled study (Roque Lopez et al., 2021). Since epigenetic mechanisms (i.e., DNA methylation) have been associated with the long-lasting effects of ACEs, the present report extends these prior findings by exploring genome-wide DNA methylation changes following the program. Saliva samples from all participants (n=44) were collected and genomic DNA was extracted prior (T1) and following (T2) the intervention. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using the MethylationEPIC beadchip array (Illumina) revealed 49 differentially methylated loci (DML; p-value < 0.001; methylation change >10%) that were annotated to genes with known biological processes linked to early childhood adversity (i.e., neural, immune, and endocrine pathways, cancer and cardiovascular disease). DNA sequences flanking these DML showed significant enrichment of transcription factor binding sites involved in inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and brain development. Methylation changes in SIRT5 and TRAPPC2L genes showed associations with changes in trauma-related psychological measures. Results presented here suggest that this multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple victimization modulates the DNA methylome at sites of potential relevance for health and behavioral disorders associated with ACEs.
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from the Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiong , Wang Zhonghua , Shen Yalin , Song Xiaona , Benghezal Mohammed , Marshall Barry J. , Tang Hong , Li Hong
Published: June 2022

Background: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic susceptibility in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China is not determined. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns of H. pylori isolates there. Results: A total of 153 (38.5%) H. pylori strains were successfully obtained from 397 patients in People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region. The overall resistance rates were as follows: clarithromycin (27.4%), levofloxacin (31.3%), metronidazole (86.2%), amoxicillin (15.6%), tetracycline (0%), furazolidone (0.6%), and rifampicin (73.2%). Only 2.0% of H. pylori isolates were susceptible to all tested antimicrobials, with mono resistance, dual resistance, triple resistance, quadruple resistance, and quintuple resistance being 18.3%, 44.4%, 18.3%, 12.4%, and 4.6%, respectively. The resistance rates to levofloxacin (40.5%) and amoxicillin (21.5%) in strains isolated from female patients were significantly higher than those from male patients (21.6% and 9.5%, respectively). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that H. pylori resistance rates to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and rifampicin were high, whereas resistance to amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone was infrequent in Chinese Tibet Autonomous Region. The high resistance to rifampicin warns further investigation of its derivative, rifabutin.
Single Tube Multiplex PCR, Liquid Hybridization, and ELISA (Multiplex NAT-ELISA) for rapid detection of HIV, HBV, and HCV in the window period.
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Batheja Gunjan , Verma Hriday Narayan , Seth Pradeep
Published: June 2022

Introduction: A molecular assay based on single-tube multiplex PCR, liquid hybridization and indirect ELISA has been designed for rapid detection of HIV-1 & 2, HCV, and HBV in plasma samples (multiplex NAT-ELISA) during the window period of these infections.Methods: Nucleic acid extracted from the virus standards and blood donor plasma samples were amplified by conventional reverse transcription-PCR with a mixture of optimized concentrations of forward and biotinylated reverse primers followed by liquid hybridization of immobilized denatured biotinylated amplicons with digoxigenin-labeled specific probes and indirect ELISA to measure hybridization signals colorimetrically. The performance of Multiplex NAT-ELISA was validated by Analytical Sensitivity, Analytical Specificity, and by the “Accuracy” (Trueness) of the assay.Results: Performance characteristics of the assay were established. Analytical sensitivity (LOD95) was 17 IU/ml (10 geq/ml) for HIV-1) 13 IU/ml (73 geq /ml) for HBV, and 15 IU/ml (66 geq/ml) for HCV. A comparison of the assay with the serological screening tests for HIV/HCV antibodies and HBsAg shows a concordance of 98%. Five serologically negative samples yielded HBV DNA in 4 samples and HCV RNA in one sample by NAT-ELISA.Conclusions: Multiplex NAT-ELISA assay described here is performed on individual donations. The main advantage of the assay is the interdiction of HIV/HCV/HBV virus infections offering a significantly higher sensitivity for detecting blood-borne infections at an affordable cost (less than US$ 5 per sample). Moreover, it has analytical sensitivity that matches that of Procleix Ultrio System and Cobas TaqScreen MPX.
Improving Network Lifetime in Wireless Body Area Network for Health Monitoring
Authors: Chavva Subba Reddy , Edara Deepak Chowdary , Sreeniva Bharath
Published: June 2022

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) is one of the promising technologies for monitoring patient health in real-time. WBANs, routing has a critical part to play to transfer data to sink node or base station. SIMPLE protocol, data transfer to sink node from sensor nodes using multi-hop routing via parent node. The election of this parent node is centered on the distance and residual energy. It has less network lifetime because more nodes die with less time. To increase the network lifetime, Sugeno-Fuzzy Inference System (SuFIS) technique used for election of parent node. The proposed method is to choose the parent node based on residual energy, distance and the alive nodes in every round of the network using SuFIS. Nodes in a network that have the highest sensor value are the parent node of the data flow in that network. The proposed method gives a better network lifetime to compare with existing state-of-art methods SIMPLE and M-ATTEMPT.
Highly anisotropic geometrical Hall effect via f-d exchange fields in doped pyrochlore molybdates
Authors: Ueda Kentaro , Fukuda Hikaru , Tokura Yoshinori , Kaneko Yoshio , Karube Kosuke , Taguchi Yasujiro , Kurihara Ryosuke , Miyake Atsushi , Tokunaga Masashi
Published: June 2022

When a conduction electron couples with a non-coplanar localized magnetic moment, the real-space Berry curvature is exerted to cause the geometrical Hall effect, which is not simply proportional to the magnetization. So far, it has been identified in the case mostly where the non-coplanar magnetic order is present on the sublattice of conduction electrons. Here, we demonstrate that the geometrical Hall effect shows up even without long-range magnetic order of conduction electrons, as induced by non-coplanar exchange fields from the localized magnetic moments, in hole-doped pyrochlore molybdates. We find that the geometrical Hall effect is markedly anisotropic with respect to the applied magnetic field direction, which is in good accordance with the field-dependent magnitude and sign change of the real-space scalar spin chirality of local Tb moments. These results may facilitate the understanding of emergent electromagnetic responses induced by the Kondo-like coupling between conduction electrons and local spins in a broad material class.
Serum proteomic profiling reveals MTA2 and AGO2 as novel prognostic biomarkers associated with disease activity and adverse outcomes in multiple myeloma
Authors: Apipongrat Dollapak , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Prayongratana Kannadit , Intharanut Kamphon , Laoruangroj Chonlada , Silpsamrit Panachai , Nathalang Oytip
Published: June 2022

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Several studies have demonstrated usefulness of the proteomic approach to identify potential biomarkers in various malignancies; however, data in patients with MM are limited. Identifying novel biomarkers that can reliably indicate disease activity, progression and patient outcomes remains a major challenge. This study aimed to identify potential prognostic biomarkers corresponding to MM disease activity and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes.Methods: Serum proteomic profiles of patients and age-matched controls were analyzed. The expression of the candidate proteins was confirmed using an NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. In the verification and validation phases, the concentration of the candidate biomarkers was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the association of the proposed biomarkers with clinical outcomes was assessed.Results: Focused on newly diagnosed MM and relapsed/refractory MM, 23 upregulated and 15 downregulated proteins were identified. The top two proteins, metastasis-associated protein-2 (MTA2) and argonaute-2 (AGO2), were selected for further verification and validation studies as candidate biomarkers. We found that both MTA2 and AGO2 showed significantly higher levels in the disease active states compared with the remission states (p < 0.001). Regardless of the patient treatment profile, high MTA2 levels were associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.008, HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.01-5.11). Conversely, high AGO2 levels were associated with IgG and kappa light-chains isotypes and bone involvement features (p < 0.05), and associated with prolonged time to response (TTR, p = 0.046, HR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.02-8.40) among patients with MM.Conclusion: MTA2 and AGO2 proteins were firstly identified as potential serum biomarkers providing diagnostic and prognostic values. Elevated levels of those biomarkers were associated with adverse outcomes in patients with MM. Implementing serum MTA2 and AGO2 may be beneficial due to its simplicity, shortening turn-around time, being less painful, and able to perform in a routine laboratory.
A novel target for cancer therapy on the RNA stimulation by FUBP1- interacting repressor (FIR) via TFIIH/P62
Authors: Kitamura Kouichi , Hoshino Tyuji , Okabe Atsushi , Fukuyo Masaki , Rahmutulla Bahityar , Tanaka Nobuko , Kobayashi Sohei , Tanaka Tomoaki , Shida Takashi , Ueda Mashiro , Minamoto Toshinari , Matsubara Hisahiro , Kaneda Atsushi , Matsushita Kazuyuki
Published: June 2022

This study indicated the novel impaired mechanism of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription that causes cancer development. Human transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) is an essential factor with a seven-subunit core, including the P62 subunit, and is pivotal for DNA repair and transcription. Three RNA polymerases (RNAPs), RNAPI, II and III, possess a common RPB6 subunit that interacts with P62 of TFIIH. The FUBP1-interacting repressor (FIR) is a transcriptional suppressor of c-myc via suppressing DNA helicase activity of TFIIH. This study showed that FIR contains a highly conserved acidic string region, like the region of the RPB6 subunit of RNAPI. Knockdown of FIR by siRNA suppressed P62 expression in vivo in cancer cells. The isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements revealed the molecular interaction between the authentic FIR rather than FIRΔexon2, a dominant-negative splicing form of FIR that lacks the transcriptional repression domain exon2, and P62. Furthermore, knockdown of FIR and FIRΔexon2 by siRNA led to dynamic changes in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) expression assessed by RNA-seq analysis. A qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that FIR and FIRΔexon2 significantly changed the expression of numerous rRNAs on specific chromosomes. Moreover, small molecular chemical compounds against FIR and FIRΔexon2 were screened among 23,275 chemicals by Natural Product Depository (NPDepo) Array at RIKEN (Japan). Among them, BK697 that potentially binds FIR and FIRΔexon2 significantly inhibited tumor cell growth with the suppression of ribosomal proteins, FIR, and FIRΔexon2 expression. In summary, FIR and FIRΔexon2 provide a novel insight into cell proliferation by stimulating dynamic ribosome biosynthesis and a hint of therapeutic strategy.
K fragment, a PCR-based vector for antibiotic resistance gene hunting
Authors: Salih Hanife , Oryaşın Erman , Bozdoğan Bülent
Published: June 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important health issue in the world. To evaluate and predict, known and unknown resistance genes that are responsible for AMR should be identified and characterized. Unlike known genes, unknown genes are difficult to detect. In this study, we generated the plasmid of K fragment (pKF) from pUC19 vector by removing multiple cloning site (MCS) and adding Prom-RBS sequence. pKF was used for amplification of K fragment that contains RBS and promoter at both directions and plasmid origin of replication. The functionality of added Prom-RBS sequence and K fragment as a cloning vector was tested by cloning chloramphenicol resistance gene amplicon and erythromycin resistance gene from genomic DNA, respectively. Cloning of them confirmed the usability of this newly developed cloning method with K fragment. K fragment is a PCR based and antibiotic resistance gene-free cloning vector. It allows cloning of resistance genes at all orientations just by changing restriction enzymes for primers and fragmentation. This method enables the microbiological and molecular characterization of cloned genes. We expect the use of K fragment for cloning of resistance genes from different environments without cultivation. It will contribute to fighting AMR by identification of resistance genes before their dissemination.
Thematic analysis of smokers’ attitudes towards lung cancer screening using spiral CT scanning
Authors: Ahmed Farheen
Published: June 2022

Background
Spiral CT scanning can be used to screen current smokers who may be at higher risk of developing lung cancer. However, there is little understanding on whether smokers would be more likely to attend for lung cancer screening if this option were available.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with nine at-risk smokers were conducted.
Results
The results of the thematic analysis showed that though most participants displayed a positive attitude towards lung cancer screening, they seemed to identify more with the barriers than the facilitators and would therefore not attend for screening. Two themes were identified: (1) Smokers’ beliefs and misconceptions and (2) Fear of screening outcome. These encompassed participants lower cancer risk perceptions, fatalistic beliefs, lack of trust in health professionals and their fears associated with being screened and receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Conclusion
Therefore, in order to maximise screening uptake, greater focus is needed on understanding how these barriers affect smokers’ decision-making processes before investment into a national screening programme is made.
The implementation of anthropometric measurement in designing the ergonomics work furniture
Authors: Silviana Silviana , Hardianto Andy , Hermawan Dadang
Published: June 2022

The productivity of an employee has a crucial role for the company. The higher the level of productivity, the higher the profit they can provide for the company. Ergonomic furniture is one of the supporting examples in increasing employee productivity. Designing ergonomic furniture is the effort taken by the company to boost the employee's productivity. The ergonomic furniture can provide comfort to the employee and minimize the occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The provided coziness will increase the level of concentration so that the performance of the employee will be increased too. The existence of ergonomic furniture will offer benefits to the company. Therefore, companies are required to provide adequate facilities and infrastructure to support employee activities. One of the company's facilities is a table and chairs. Tables and chairs must be designed ergonomically, considering that both facilities will continually be used within 8 hours per day. This research aims to utilize anthropometric measurement as a design tool for ergonomic work furniture. The anthropometric measurement was conducted on 85 employees and used 11 body dimensions as a parameter. These body dimensions consist of a supine hand, sitting, forward pinch-grip reach, elbow height, shoulder width, pelvic width, buttock-knee length, knee height, shoulder height, sitting, length of elbow to toe, thigh clearance, and palm width. The 5th percentile was used for four dimensions in this research, while the rest used 95th. The results of this research are expected to minimize the possibility of various health problems caused by the un-ergonomic working furniture so that the employee's performance will be improved too
Developing capacity sharing strategy for vehicular networks with integrated use of licensed and unlicensed spectrum
Authors: Albonda Haider , Al-Majdi Kadhum , Abbas Bahaa
Published: June 2022

A widely deployed cellular network, supported by direct connections, can offer a promising solution that supports new services with strict requirements on access availability, reliability, and end-to-end (E2E) latency. The communications between vehicles can be made using different radio interfaces: One for cellular communication (i.e., cellular communication over the cellular network based on uplink (UL)/downlink (DL) connections) and the other for direct communication (i.e., D2D-based direct communications between vehicles which allows vehicular users (V-UEs) to communicate directly with others). Common cellular systems with licensed spectrum backed by direct communication using unlicensed spectrum can ensure high quality of service requirements for new intelligent transportation systems (ITS) services, increase network capacity and reduce overall delays. However, selecting a convenient radio interface and allocating radio resources to users according to the quality of service (QoS) requirements becomes a challenge. In this regard, let’s introduce a new radio resource allocation strategy to determine when it’s appropriate to establish the communication between the vehicles over a cellular network using licensed spectrum resources or D2D-based direct connections over unlicensed spectrum sharing with Wi-Fi. The proposed strategy aims at meeting the quality of service requirements of users, including reducing the possibility of exceeding the maximum delay restrictions and enhancing network capacity utilization in order to avoid service interruption. The proposed solution is evaluated by highlighting different conditions for the considered scenario, and it is demonstrated that the proposed strategy improves network performance in terms of transmitted data rate, packet success rate, latency, and resource usage
The lived experiences of elderly women accused of witchcraft in a rural community in South Africa
Authors: Motsoeneng Molefi
Published: June 2022

This study examines the experiences, fear of being killed, and reactions towards accusations of elderly women, accused of witchcraft. The respondents were elderly women with an average age of 65 years who had retired in rural South Africa. They responded to semi-structured interview questions, aimed at documenting the accusations and insults, hurled at them daily by members of community. Thematic analysis indicated the community’s hostile reaction towards the women. The following themes and corresponding sub-themes were established: demographics, cultural factors, with sub-themes of old age and circumstances, surrounding death; and socio-economic factors, with sub-themes of poverty, unemployment, and jealousy. Based on their personal experiences, the community did not have concrete evidence of their accusations, which stemmed from external factors, over which they had no control. These findings were explained as being the authorities not protecting victims against all accusations. These accusations of witchcraft happened despite the protection of the constitution, the bill of rights and relevant legislation. In conclusion the law enforcement agencies must enforce the law to protect the elderly women in the communities.
Performance assessment of sewage treatment plants using compliance index
Authors: Ramkumar D. , Jothiprakash V. , Patil B. N.
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to infer the performance assessment of sewage treatment plants (STPs) using the compliance index (CI). The methodology includes three steps, (1) estimation of performance indicators from the quality test, parameter test, and conformity test, (2) hypothesis testing of non-conformity, and (3) hypothesis testing using the non-parametric test. The CI integrates the results of the above nine tests through a scoring system based on individual performance. The study area, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), India, treats its domestic sewage through seven centralized STPs located in different zones. The influent and effluent parameters, such as flow rate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature, were studied in this work. The removal efficiency (RE) analysis shows the efficiency of BOD, COD, and TSS varies between 96.67 and 97.30%, 84.55 and 89.70%, and 94.04 and 95.81%, respectively, and indicates that all STPs are performing well. The proposed CI infers that all STPs perform well and comply with NMMC standards, except one STP, namely Airoli. Interestingly, RE analysis shows that Airoli STP's BOD is the third-best compared to all other STPs. This study shows that the CI method can infer the performance of STPs better than RE and help the administrators to plan, execute, operate, and maintain STPs to achieve total sanitation in megacities.
A framework for optimal rank identification of resource management systems using probabilistic approaches in analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Gorripati Ravi , Thakur Mainak , Kolagani Nagesh
Published: June 2022

A resource management system is likely to succeed if stakeholders get involved in analyzing and choosing from the alternatives. The present work deals with multi-criteria decision models to evaluate rain water harvesting (RWH) structures. Standard practice is to acquire the weights for criteria from stakeholders using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to predict the RWH structures' performance and rank them. Challenges in this process are that the data collection is laborious and time-consuming, considers limited stakeholders' opinions, and suffers from lower confidence factors. This work proposes a probabilistic approach to AHP using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to model uncertainty. The proposal is to collect multiple assessments instead of a single judgment from knowledgeable stakeholders (KSH) with customized questionnaires and to compute the relative importance of criteria using pairwise comparisons. Stochastically similar assessments within the range of these samples are then generated using different distribution functions to compute the performance of the RWH structures. The computed performance correlated well with common stakeholders' (CSH) opinions in the case study involving 10 existing RWH structures with seven different criteria, for all the distributions. The mean relative error with the proposed method is approximately 21% less than the existing point estimate method.
Water quality monitoring using remote sensing, Lower Manyame Sub-catchment, Zimbabwe
Authors: Muhoyi H. , Gumindoga W. , Mhizha A. , Misi S. N. , Nondo N.
Published: June 2022

The Lower Manyame Sub-catchment (LMS) is one of the most heavily polluted in Zimbabwe. Its waters are valuable for irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes. LMS has serious eutrophication problems emanating from human activities within it, and lakes Manyame and Chivero upstream. Data collected from October 2018 to April 2019 were used to test an integrated methodology based on field measurements and remote sensing. This study illustrates the production of multitemporal spatialised maps of total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations from satellite data acquired from Sentinel-2. The analysis confirmed the pollution (eutrophic and organic matter) status of LMS water, for the period considered by this research. As a result, careful land planning must be done through the joint operation of local authorities, regional agencies and regional institutions, since Manyame River is a tributary of the Zambezi River (a transboundary river).
Histomorphological Evaluation of Non-Neoplastic Lesions of Uterine Cervix and a Correlation of the Lesion with the Clinical Factors
Authors: Periasamy Panneerselvam , Dhanaraj Prem Charles , Ulaganathan Manohar , Renuka Remya Rajan , Pandiyan Rajesh
Published: June 2022

Aim:

This study investigates the prevalence of non-malignant lesions of the cervix
among various biopsy samples.

Methods:

This case study consists of 50 cases of cervical biopsy over almost two years. The case
history and clinical details of the patients were obtained.

Results:

60% of the cases that participated in this study reported white discharge per vaginum as a
common clinical symptom. 4 cases (8%) showed koilocytic changes specific to the human papillomavirus
during the study. Only 2% of the non-specific cervicitis showed lymphoid aggregates.
Endocervical changes projected papillary endocervicitis with 9 cases (18%), squamous metaplasia
with 7 cases (14%), and nabothian follicle cyst with 3 cases (6%).

Conclusion:

It has been concluded that 50 cases were studied histologically, which had adequate
representation of both ecto and endocervical tissue. Moreover, 31-40 years of age of patients
showed the highest percentage of non-neoplastic lesions of the cervix when compared to other age
groups.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting at Circuit Resonance with Active Inductor
(CRAI)
Authors: Zalke Jitendra B. , Pandey Sandeepkumar R. , Kavishwar Radhika T.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Most of the proposed interface circuits use bulky inductors to enhance the key performance parameter i.e., power transfer efficiency. This sets constraints on the design of power conditioning circuitry for constrained IoT applications.

Objective:

To replace the bulky physical inductor with area optimized components suitable for integrated circuit realization with reduced silicon footprint for constrained applications like Internet-of-Things (IoT).

Method:

This paper presents the implementation of Circuit Resonance with Active Inductor (CRAI) technique based interface circuit design to deliver the maximum power generated from the Piezoelectric Energy (PEH) source to the load.

Results:

Compared to the conventional FWBR technique, the proposed CRAI technique improves ≈2X power delivered to the load.

Conclusion:

The proposed work presents an inductor-less interface circuit for PEH. An active inductor (gyrator) is used to induce ‘IP’ rejection at the PEH circuit resonant frequency to enhance the performance parameters. Since the proposed technique is based on active inductor, it can be easily fabricated in small integrated circuit (IC) packages, allowing integration with state-of-the-art constrained IoT applications. CRAI technique based on the rejection of ‘IP’ at the resonance using active inductor is first reported here. The proposed concept is non-adiabatic, but it could be used for constrained self-powered autonomous IoT applications and it could be of importance in guiding the design of new interface circuits for PEH.
FAMILIA LILAEACEAE
Authors:   Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Novelo Alejandro
Published: June 2022

Familia con un género y una sola especie dulceacuícola de amplia distribución en el continente americano. Frecuentemente se le ha tratado dentro de la familia Juncaginaceae. En la región de esta Flora se ha encontrado la única especie.
FAMILA COMPOSITAE: TRIBU TAGETEAE
Authors:   Departamento de Botánica, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Villarreal Q. José Ángel
Published: June 2022

La tribu, sensu stricto, comprende unos 20 géneros y unas 260 especies concentradas en las regiones más áridas de América, especialmente abundantes en México. Algunos representantes se han cultivado tradicionalmente como plantas de ornato y de uso ceremonial por sus flores llamativas. Las Tageteae han sido ubicadas como parte de Helenieae y de Heliantheae en diversas ocasiones; en el sentido tradicional constituyen un grupo monofilético. En estudios recientes algunos autores han propuesto ampliar sus límites para incluir varios conjuntos adicionales. Para el área de estudio se reconocen nueve géneros con 36 especies.