bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of organ failure and death in necrotizing pancreatitis
Authors: Yu Liqing , Xie Fengwen , He Cong , Li Nianshuang , He Wenhua , Lu Nonghua , Yu Bingjun
Published: October 2022

Background: Organ failure (OF) and death are considered the most significant adverse outcome in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). However, there are few NP-related studies describing the clinical traits of OF and aggravated outcomes.
Purpose: Our objective was not only to address the risk factors of OF and death in NP patients, but further identify simple parameters that can discriminate high-risk patients of NP to improve outcomes.
Methods: We performed a study of 432 NP patients from May 2017 to December 2021. All patients with NP were followed for 36 months. The primary end point was risk factors of OF and death in NP patients. The risk factors that were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.
Results: Patients of NP with OF or death were generally older, higher APACHE II score, longer hospital stay, longer ICU stay, as well as a higher incidence of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), shock and pancreatic necrosis. Independent risk factors related to OF included BMI, APACHE II score and SAP (P < 0.05). Age, shock and APACHE II score (P < 0.05) were the most significant factors correlated with the risk of death in NP patients. Notably, increased mortality was linked to the number of failed organs.
Conclusions: NP is a potentially fatal disease with a longer hospital or ICU stay. Our study reported that the incidence of OF and death in NP patients are 69.9% and 10.2%, respectively. BMI, SAP, APACHE II score, age and shock could be the risk factors of OF and death in NP patients. Clinicians should focus on these factors for early diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
Investigation of thermophysical and physicochemical characteristics of Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 - CaO - Na 3 AlF 6 flux for SMAW electrode coating
Authors: Gupta Alok , Singh Jaiveer , Chhibber Rahul
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the thermophysical, physicochemical, and electrical characteristics of electrode coatings developed for application in the weld joint of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The extreme vertices design technique has been used in this work to develop the Al2O3-SiO2-CaO-Na3AlF6-based SMAW electrodes. Twenty-six electrode coating compositions were formulated, and flux coatings were milled into a fine powder for further characterization. XRD technique was utilized to investigate the structure and phases of the coating composition, and the FTIR analysis technique was employed to determine the nature of bonds. The coating's thermal characteristics, including conductivity, diffusivity, and specific heat, were evaluated using hot disk equipment. Enthalpy change and thermal stability of flux coating were determined using the TGA technique. The precision LCR instrument was used further to examine the electrical characteristics of the flux coatings. In addition, a regression model has been developed for each coating property using statistical analysis and investigated a correlation between the properties and mineral interactions. Results reveal that the individual elements and their binary and tertiary interaction significantly influence the physicochemical, thermophysical, and electrical properties of the flux coatings.
NLRX1 knockdown attenuates pro-apoptotic signaling and cell death in pulmonary hyperoxic acute injury
Authors: Kim Hye Rin , Kim Mi Na , Kim Eun Gyul , Leem Ji Su , Baek Seung Min , Lee Yu Jin , Kim Kyung Won , Kang Min Jong , Song Tae Won , Sohn Myung Hyun
Published: October 2022

Hyperoxia is frequently used for treating acute respiratory failure, but it can cause acute lung injury. Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing family member X1 (NLRX1) is localized in mitochondria and related to reactive oxygen species production, inflammation, and apoptosis, which are the features of hyperoxic acute lung injury (HALI). However, the contribution of NLRX1 in HALI has not been addressed, so we designed to demonstrate the role of NLRX1 in hyperoxia. A murine model of HALI was generated in wild-type mice (WT) and NLRX1−/− mice by exposing them to over 95% oxygen for 72 h. As a result, NLRX1 expression was elevated in mice exposed to hyperoxia. In acute lung injury, levels of inflammatory cells, protein leakage, cell cytotoxicity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were diminished in NLRX1−/− mice compared to WT mice. In survival test, NLRX1−/− mice showed alleviated mortality under hyperoxic conditions, and apoptotic cell death and caspase expression and activity were reduced in NLRX1−/− mice. Furthermore, levels of MAPK signaling proteins ERK 1/2, JNK, and p38 were decreased in NLRX1-deficient mice than in WT mice exposed to hyperoxia. This study reveals that the genetic deficiency of NLRX1 dampens hyperoxia-induced apoptosis, suggesting NLRX1 acts as a pivotal regulator of HALI.
Design and implementation of three-layer mesoporous silica coating for tri-wavelength broadband antireflection by block copolymer assisted sol-gel method
Authors: Qu Jingxuan , Jia Hongbao , Wang Wenwen , Wang Ying , Zhu Shihai
Published: October 2022

A three-layer tri-wavelength broadband antireflective (AR) coating has been successfully fabricated on quartz substrate via a sol-gel route using acid-catalyzed silica sols. An ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide tribolock copolymer is used as template to prepare ordered mesoporous SiO2 films. Assisted by Filmstar thin film design software, film thickness for each layer is optimized on the basis of actual optical constants of the three mesoporous silica films. The three layers generate a reasonable refractive index gradient from air and thus the obtained AR coating possess high transmittance of 99.24%, 99.66% and 99.64% at 351 nm, 527 nm and 1053 nm, respectively. The mesoporous SiO2 films with tough skeleton despite different porosity endow the coating good abrasion-resistance, and 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane is further used to modify the surface of the AR coating, which can improve the experimental stability of the coating. This work provides beneficial references for AR coating production of sol-gel technique.
Clinical Efficacy of General Anesthesia Versus Local Anesthesia for Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Zhihua , He Jiahui , Cheng Huantong , Lin Shaohao , Zhang Peng , Liang De , Jiang Xiaobing , Cui Jianchao
Published: October 2022

Background
Local anesthesia(LA) is recommended for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED), but satisfactory pain management is not mostly achieved.The goal of this study was to examine the clinical efficacy of PTED for lumbar disc herniation when performed under local anaesthetic versus general anesthesia (GA).
Methods
From August 2018 to August 2020, the clinical data of 108 patients treated with PTED were evaluated and separated into two groups: LA and GA. General information and clinical outcomes of patients were included. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded before operation, 1 week after operation, and 1 year after operation. In addition, VAS for back pain and leg pain on the second postoperative day were also recorded.
Results
We divided the patients into two groups: 72 in LA and 36 in GA. There were no significant differences in gender, age, course of disease, body mass index, surgical segment, duration of operation, intraoperative bleeding, time of fluoroscopy, length of hospital stay, total hospitalization cost reoperation, surgical satisfaction, Macnab satisfaction, complications, preoperative and 1 year postoperatively VAS for back pain and leg pain and ODI,VAS for leg pain on the second day and 1 week postoperatively between the two groups (P༞0.05). VAS for back pain in GA group on the second day postoperatively, as well as the VAS for back pain and ODI at one week postoperatively, were better than those in LA group. (P < 0.05). However, the total hospitalization cost in LA group was significantly lower than that in GA group (P < 0.05). Further analysis of different ages in the two groups showed that there were significant differences in the VAS for back pain on the second day postoperatively and ODI at 1 week postoperatively in the middle-aged group (45 ≤ Y ≤ 59), as well as the VAS for back pain on the second day postoperatively in the senior group (Y ≥ 60) (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant difference among other groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Long-term outcomes were similar for both PTED under LA and GA, while GA group had better short-term outcomes, especially in middle-aged and elderly patients.
Experimental Semiotics: A Systematic Categorization of Experimental Studies on the Bootstrapping of Communication Systems
Authors: Delliponti Angelo , Raia Renato , Sanguedolce Giulia , Gutowski Adam , Pleyer Michael , Sibierska Marta , Placiński Marek , Żywiczyński Przemysław , Wacewicz Sławomir
Published: October 2022

Experimental Semiotics (ES) is the study of "novel forms of communication which people develop when they cannot use pre-established communication" (Galantucci 2012). Thus, it tackles pragmatics in a “pure”, radical sense, capturing the process of creating the relation between signs and their interpreters as biological, psychological, and social beings (see e.g. Morris 1938 or the notion of “intermediary pragmatics” in Bar-On 2021). Broadly defined ES has arguably become the most prolific experimental approach in language evolution research. In our paper we report the results of a study on the scope of recent ES research concerned with the emergence of novel communication systems and evaluate the ways in which it is relevant to the study of pragmatics from an evolutionary perspective. We have coded for multiple levels across 13 dimensions related to the properties of the emergent communication systems or properties of the study designs – such as coordination versus referential tasks, modality of communication, the absence or presence of turn-taking, sample size or director/matcher role distribution. We discuss our findings and our classification, focusing on the advantages and limitations of those tendencies in ES, and in particular their ecological validity in the context of bootstrapping communication and the evolution of language.
A Regressive Machine-Learning Approach to the Non-linear Complex FAST Model for Hybrid Floating Offshore Wind Turbines with Integrated Oscillating Water Columns
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , M’zoughi Fares , Aboutalebi Payam , Garrido Izaskun , Garrido Aitor J.
Published: October 2022

Offshore wind energy is getting increasing attention as a clean alternative to the currently scarce fossil fuels mainly used in Europe’s electricity supply. The further development and implementation of this kind of technology will help fighting global warming, allowing a more sustainable and decarbonized power generation. In this sense, the integration of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT) with Oscillating Water Column (OWCs) devices arise as a promising solution for hybrid renewable energy production. In these systems, OWC modules are employed not only for wave energy generation but also for FOWT stabilization, cost-efficiency and prognosis. Nevertheless, analyzing and understanding the aero-hydro-servo-elastic floating structure control performance composes an intricate and challenging task. Even more given the dynamical complexity increase that involves the incorporation of OWCs within the FOWT platform. In this regard, although some time and frequency domain models have been developed, they are complex, computationally inefficient and not suitable for neither real-time nor feedback control. In this context, this work presents a novel control-oriented regressive model for hybrid OWC-FOWT platforms. The main objective is to take advantage of the predictive and forecasting capabilities of the deep-layered artificial neural networks (ANN), jointly with their computational simplicity, to develop a feasible control-oriented and lightweight model compared to the aforementioned complex dynamical models. In order to achieve this objective, a deep-layered ANN model has been designed and trained to match the hybrid platform’s structural performance. Then, the obtained scheme has been benchmarked against standard Multisurf-Wamit-FAST 5MW FOWT output data for different challenging scenarios in order to validate the model. The results demonstrate the adequate performance and accuracy of the proposed ANN control-oriented model, composing a great alternative for complex non-linear models traditionally used and allowing the implementation of advanced control schemes in a computationally convenient, straightforward and easy way.
Identification of hub genes and therapeutic siRNAs to develop novel adjunctive therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Li Na , Zhikai Xiahou , Li Zhuo , Zhang Zilian , Song Yafeng
Published: October 2022

Objective. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked neuromuscular disorder caused by various defects in the dystrophin gene and still no universal therapy. This study aims to identify the hub genes unrelated to excessive immune response but responsible for DMD progression and explore therapeutic siRNAs, thereby providing a novel treatment.
Methods. Top ten hub gene for DMD were identified from GSE38417 dataset by using GEO2R and PPI network based on Cytoscape analysis. The hub genes unrelated to excessive immune response were identified by GeneCards, and their expression was further verified in mdx and C57 mice at 2 and 4 months (M) by (RT-q) PCR and western bloting. Therapeutic siRNAs were deemed as those that could normalized the expression of the validated hub genes in transfected C2C12 cell.
Results. 855 up-regulated and 324 down-regulated DEGs were screened from GSE38417 dataset. Five of the top 10 hub genes were considered as the candidate genes unrelated to excessive immune response, and three of these candidates were consistently and significantly up-regulated in mdx mice at 2M and 4 M when compared with age-matched C57 mice, including Col1a2, Fbn1and Fn1. Furthermore, the three validated up-regulated candidate genes can be significantly down-regulated by three rational designed siRNA (p<0.0001), respectively.
Conclusion. COL1A2, FBN1, and FN1 may be novel biomarkers for DMD, and the siRNAs designed in our study were help to develop adjunctive therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The effects of repeated therapeutic administration of artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine on haematological markers in healthy mice.
Authors: Audu David , Ajoke  , B Patel Vinood , F.M Mshelbwala , Adewunmi B Idowu
Published: October 2022

Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) is readily available in malaria-endemic nations, leading to repeated usage of the drug by undiagnosed persons. Repeated ACT therapy in non-infected individuals may affect blood cells. In this study, we examined how repeated therapeutic use of artesunate-amodiaquine (A/A) and artemether-lumefantrine (A//L) when not infected could alter haematological parameters. This experiment used 100 male BALB/c mice randomly distributed into 5 groups: non-infected and Plasmodium berghei NK65 infected groups treated with therapeutic dosages of A/L and A/A 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X and 6X consecutive times and the control group. Blood was collected for haematological analysis one week after 1X, 2X, 3X and 6X exposure periods. The findings show Packed cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), and Red Blood Cell counts (RBC) were reduced (p>0.05) non-significantly in the non-infected group treated with either A/L or A/A six consecutive times compared to control and Infected group. In addition, white blood cell count (WBC) increased in infected and non-infected mice treated with A/L or A/A 1X, 2X, 3X, and 6X times, with a significant increase in non-infected mice treated with A/L (p < 0.01) and A/A (p < 0.001) for three consecutive times. The increase in WBC was caused predominantly by Lymphocyte rise, but a decrease in neutrophils was observed. These findings indicate that repeated therapeutic use of A/L and A/A without infection could result in a haematological alteration. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to enlighten the public on the need to repeatedly screen for malaria parasites before every drug usage.
Aberrant adenosine signaling in patients with focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Guo Mengyi , Zhang Jing , Wang Jing , Wang Xiongfei , Gao Qing , Tang Chongyang , Deng Jiahui , Xiong Zhonghua , Kong Xiangru , Guan Yuguang , Zhou Jian , Boison Detlev , Luan Guoming , Li Tianfu
Published: October 2022

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a common malformation of cortical development, is frequently associated with pharmacoresistant epilepsy in both children and adults. Adenosine is an inhibitory modulator of brain activity and a prospective anti-seizure agent with potential for clinical translation. Our previous results demonstrated that the major adenosine-metabolizing enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK) was upregulated in balloon cells (BCs) within FCD type IIB lesions, suggesting that dysfunction of the adenosine system is implicated in the pathophysiology of FCD. In our current study, we therefore performed a comprehensive analysis of adenosine metabolism and signaling in surgically resected cortical specimens from patients with FCD type I and type II via immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis. Adenosine metabolism was assessed by quantifying the levels of the key enzymes of adenosine metabolism, i.e., ADK, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and 5’-ectonucleotidase (CD73). Adenosine signaling was assessed by quantifying the levels of adenosine A2Areceptor (A2AR) and putative downstream mediators of adenosine, namely, glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Within lesions in FCD specimens, we found that the adenosine-metabolizing enzymes ADK and ADA, as well as the adenosine-producing enzyme CD73, were upregulated. We also observed an increase in A2AR expression, as well as a decrease in GLT-1 levels and an increase in mTOR levels, in FCD specimens compared with control tissue. These results suggest that dysregulation of the adenosine system is a common pathologic feature of both FCD type I and type II. The adenosine system might therefore be a therapeutic target for the treatment of epilepsy associated with FCD.
A Novel Approach for Brake Emission Estimation based on Traffic Microsimulation, Vehicle System Dynamics, and Machine Learning Modeling
Authors: Rahimi Mostafa , Bortoluzzi Daniele , Candeo Stefano , Biral Francesco , Wahlström Jens
Published: October 2022

Brake wear is known as the primary source of traffic-related non-exhaust particle generation. Its generation rate is influenced by parameters at different levels: subsystem (type of brakes, pads, materials, etc.), system (vehicles’ dynamics, driving style etc.) and suprasystem (road geometries, traffic parameters, etc.). At the subsystem level, we proposed a neural network brake emission modeling, trained and validated through emission data collected from a reduced-scale dynamometer. At the system level, a model of a car dynamics was developed to calculate the wheels’ brake torques and angular velocities. At the suprasystem level, the traffic behavior in a sensitive urban area was characterized experimentally and simulated in a traffic microsimulation software. The vehicle traffic-based records were used to calculate the vehicle dynamic quantities, converted into brake emission through the neural network. To examine the overall traffic impacts on brake emission, the total number of brake wear particles was estimated regarding the route choice in the sensitive area and in the whole transportation network. The findings of this study showed significant impacts of brake wear on air pollution. The ground-truth brake emission estimation in a real area provides fundamental information to the decision-makers to better insight into the rate of non-exhaust emissions generation.
Investigation of antibiotic resistant vibrios associated with shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farms
Authors: Das Prabina , Swaminathan T. Raja , Mohandas Sowmya P , Anjana J. C , Manjusha K. , Preena P. G.
Published: October 2022

For the sustainable farming of disease-free and healthy shrimps, antimicrobial usage is frequent nowadays in shrimp-cultured system. This could lead to the emergence of severe antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the whole ecosystem. Considering the serious impact of global AMR, the present study was focused to investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant vibrios among infected shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) from two brackish-water cultured farms. Diverse species of vibrios viz. V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae, V. mimicus and V. fluvialis and other isolates such as Aeromonas hydrophila, A. salmonicida and Shewanella algae were also recovered from the shrimps on TCBS medium.Shannon wiener diversity index, H’ (loge) was found to be 1.506 for the isolates from farm 1 and 1.69 for those from farm 2. V. alginolyticus was found to be the most resistant isolate by showing MAR index of 0.60 followed by V. mimicus (0.54) and V. parahaemolyticus(0.42). Among the 35 antibiotics of 15 different classes tested, tetracyclines, beta lactams and cephalosporins were found as the most resistant antibiotic classes. An increased altered resistance phenotype and a drastic change in MAR index were noticed after plasmid curing. Since the studied shrimp samples are of significance in food sector and plasmid-borne AMR is evident among the isolates, public health is also alarming. This baseline information will help the authorities to curb the antimicrobial use and pave the way for establishing new alternative strategies by undertaking multidimensional “One-Health” approach.
Impact of FINRA 2241
Authors: Bhattacharya Rajeev
Published: October 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effect of different protein diet on the prognosis of children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Authors: LI HUI , FENG KAI
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore the association of different protein diet with the recurrence/recurrent rash of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and to analyze the potential risk factors for recurrence of HSP.

Methods

A total of 72 children with HSP treated in Beijing Children's Hospital from January to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. According to the different protein diets, the children were divided into an animal protein group with 32 children and a plant protein group with 40 children. The clinical data of the children were collected, including general data, times of skin rash recurrence, the incidence of HSP recurrence, and the incidence of renal lesions. The daily protein intake of the children was recorded by questionnaire and followed up for 8 weeks after discharge.

Results

There were no statistical difference between animal protein group and plant protein group in times of skin rash recurrence, the incidence of HSP recurrence, and the incidence of renal lesions of children (p > 0.05). However, the protein intake of animal protein group was significantly higher than that of plant protein group (p < 0.05), which did not affect the recurrence of HSP (p > 0.05). In addition, respiratory infection at the beginning of the disease was potential risk factors for the recurrence of HSP in children (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is no significant association between animal or plant protein diet and the recurrence of HSP or skin rash. Timely avoidance of infection after cure may help to reduce the recurrence rate of HSP in children.
Prudent walk in dimension six and higher
Authors: Heydenreich Markus , Taggi Lorenzo , Torri Niccolò
Published: October 2022

We study the high-dimensional uniform prudent self-avoiding walk, which assigns equal prob- ability to all nearest-neighbor self-avoiding paths of a fixed length that respect the prudent condi- tion, namely, the path cannot take any step in the direction of a previously visited site. We prove that the prudent self-avoiding walk converges to Brownian motion under diffusive scaling if the dimension is large enough. The same result is true for weakly prudent walk in dimension d > 5.
A challenging property of the high-dimensional prudent walk is the presence of an infinite- range self-avoidance constraint. Interestingly, as a consequence of such a strong self-avoidance constraint, the upper critical dimension of the prudent walk is five, and thus greater than for the classical self-avoiding walk.
Mathematics Subject Classification: 82B41 · 60G50
Studying the modal coupling effect on the FRF response to the non-classically damped structures
Authors: Suleiman Hisham , Afra Hamid , Abdeddaim Mahdi , Bouzerd Hamoudi
Published: October 2022

This research aims to study the effect of neglecting modal decoupling due to Rayleigh's lightly non-classical damping hypothesis when investigating the frequency response functions of the non-classically damped systems. Also, the present work examines how modal coupling impacts the energy transfer between the different damped modes of these systems. This study considers the modal analysis of non-classically damped linear dynamic systems by introducing damping devices into multi-degree freedom frame systems. This study presents three methods for solving the quadratic eigenvalue problem of the non-classically damped systems: The state-space method for obtaining the exact solution, the lightly non-classical method for the undamped complex eigenvalue problem, and Adhikari's iteration method to solve the original space problem. The results of decoupling the modes of the non-classically damped system using the modal assurance coefficient and plotting the frequency and phase responses are discussed. This study proposes an example of a multi-degree freedom frame system with an introduced external damper with three variations to illustrate the modal decoupling of non-classically damped systems.
Dynamics of two-qubit quantum nonlocality in a Heisenberg chain model with the intrinsic decoherence
Authors: Mohamed A.-B. , Aldosari F. M. , Eleuch Hichem
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the dynamics of two-spin nonlocality generation in a Heisenberg XXX chain with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) and Kaplan-Shekhtman-Entin-Wohlman-Aharony (KSEA) interactions. We analyze the two-spin nonlocality dynamics by using uncertainty-induced nonlocal-ity, maximal Bell inequality, and log-negativity. We demonstrate that a separable two-spin Heisen-berg XXX chain state, induced by two-spin antiferromagnetic interaction as well as x-component of DM and KSEA interactions, could evolve to maximal two-spin nonlocality state. The ability of preserving the maximal uncertainty-induced nonlocality can be enhanced by increasing the coupling strength of the spin-spin interaction coupling. The hierarchy principle is maintained for the two-spin Bell nonlocality and log-negativity entanglement. The two-spin log-negativity dynamics exhibits the phenomenon of sudden death and birth as a result of the intrinsic decoherence, which also causes a reduction in the two-spin nonlocalities. The two-spin uncertainty-induced nonlocality is more robust , against the intrinsic decoherence, than the other types of the nonlocality. The results indicate that by boosting the two-spin antiferromagnetic interaction, the produced nonlocalities (resulting from the DM and KSEA x-component interactions) can be shielded from the intrinsic decoherence effect.
Identifying Factors Affecting Depressive Symptoms and Incidence of Mental Health Diagnosis within 1 Year among 2SLGBTQ+ Youth During COVID-19 Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Dharma Christoffer , Grace Daniel , Logie Carmen , Abramovich Alex , Mitsitakis Nicholas , Baskersville Bruce , Chaiton Michael
Published: October 2022

Purpose: There is a lack of longitudinal studies that examine changes in mental health among 2SLGBTQ+ youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, using a Canadian cohort of young 2SLGBTQ+ (16-29 years old), weidentified the factors that predicted increases in self-reported depressive symptoms scores (n = 882) and those that predicted incidence in diagnosis of mental health problems within 1 year among a subset of the cohort who were never diagnosed with mental health problems at baseline (n = 344) using machine learning techniques.
Methods: Random Forest regression and classifier were used to identify factors associated with the outcomes. Data were split into training and test sets; Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and area under the curve (AUC) were used as the criteria to evaluate model performance on the test set.
Results: The top ten predictors of each outcome were identified, nine of them were the same for both outcomes. These shared nine variables were: self-rated mental health (SRMH), adverse childhood experiences (ACE), depressive symptoms, stressful life, internalized homophobia, outness, community connectedness, enacted stigma, and perceived sexual stigma at baseline. Some predictors had a unique non-linear relationship with the outcomes.
Conclusion: These analyses suggest that 2SLGBTQ+ specific factors (such as outness) and one’s psychological well-being were the most important factors in predicting one’s future mental health. Social identities such as gender or sexuality appeared to be less significant in affecting one’s mental health. More studies with larger samples are needed to better understand some of the complex non-linear associations.
Leveraging propionate-induced growth inhibition in Corynebacterium glutamicum to evolve improved methylmalonyl-CoA-dependent polyketide production
Authors: Keasling Jay , zhan chunjun , Lee Namil , Lan Guangxu , Dan Qingyun , Cowan Aidan , Wang Zilong , Baidoo Edward , Kakumanu Ramu , Luckie Bridget , Kuo Rita , McCauley Joshua , Haushalter Robert
Published: October 2022

Corynebacterium glutamicum is a promising host for production of valuable polyketides. Propionate addition, a strategy known to increase polyketide production by increasing intracellular methylmalonyl-CoA availability, causes growth inhibition in C. glutamicum. The mechanism of this inhibition was unclear prior to our work. Here we provide evidence that accumulation of propionyl- and methylmalonyl-CoA induces growth inhibition in C. glutamicum. We then show that growth inhibition can be relieved by introducing methylmalonyl-CoA-dependent polyketide synthases. With germicidin as an example, we used adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to leverage the fitness advantage of polyketide production in the presence of propionate to evolve improved germicidin production. Whole genome sequencing revealed mutations in germicidin synthase (Gcs), which improved germicidin titer, as well as mutations in citrate synthase, which effectively evolved the native glyoxylate pathway to a new methylcitrate pathway. Together, our results show that C. glutamicum is a capable host for polyketide production, and we can take advantage of propionate growth inhibition to drive titers higher by evolution.
Laser Printed Microelectronics
Authors: Yang Liang , Hu Hongrong , Scholz Alexander , Feist Florian , Marques Gabriel , Kraus Steven , Bojanowski N. Maximilian , Blasco Eva , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Aghassi-Hagmann Jasmin , Wegener Martin
Published: October 2022

Printed organic and inorganic electronics continue to be of large interest for sensors, bioelectronics, and security applications. Many printing techniques have been investigated, albeit often with typical minimum feature sizes in the tens of micrometer range and requiring post-processing procedures at elevated temperatures to enhance the performance of functional materials. Herein, we introduce laser printing of the semiconductor ZnO and the metals Pt and Ag by laser-induced hydrothermal synthesis and multi-photon reduction, respectively, as a facile process for fabricating printed functional electronic devices with minimum feature sizes below 1 µm. Importantly, no sintering of any sort needs to be performed after laser printing; the focused laser light itself induces the necessary local sintering during the printing process. To demonstrate the versatility of our approach, we show functional diodes, memristors, and a physically unclonable function based on a 6×6 memristor crossbar architecture. In addition, we realize functional transistors by combining laser printing and inkjet printing.
Extracellular vesicles from adult Fasciola gigantica provide clues for new vaccine targets against fascioliasis
Authors: Sheng Zhao-An , Wu Cui-Lan , Wang Dong-Ying , Zhong Shu-Hong , Yang Xi , Rao Guo-Shun , Peng Hao , Feng Shi-Wen , Li Jun , Huang Wei-Yi , Luo Hong-Lin
Published: October 2022

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by helminths are important in parasite-host communication. However, little is known about the character and contents of Fasciola gigantica EVs. A better understanding of EVs released by F. gigantica will help reveal the mechanism of F. gigantica-host interaction and aid in the search for new vaccine candidates for fascioliasis control.
Methods: We used ultracentrifugation to purify two different populations of EVs (15K EVs and 100K EVs) from adult F. gigantica culture media. The morphology and size of the purified EVs were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ZETASIZER NANO ZSP. With the aim of identifying diagnostic markers or potential vaccine candidates, proteins within the isolated 100K EVs were analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics (LC-MS/MS). Then, mice were vaccinated with ESPs, 15K EVs, 100K EVs, and rFg-HSP70 combined with alum adjuvant followed by challenge infection with F. gigantica metacercariae. Fluke recovery and antibody levels were used to evaluate vaccine protection.
Results: TEM analysis and Nanoparticle tracking analysis indicated successful isolation of two subpopulations of EVs (15K EVs and 100K EVs) from adult F. gigantica culture supernatants using differential centrifugation. A total of 755 proteins were identified in the 100K EVs. Exosome biogenesis or vesicle trafficking proteins, ESCRT pathways proteins,as well as exosome markers, heat shock proteins and 14-3-3, were identified in the 100K EVs. These results indicate that the isolated 100K EVs were exosome-like vesicles. The functions of the identified proteins may be associated with immune regulation, immune evasion, and virulence. Mice immunized with F. gigantica ESP, 15K EVs, 100K EVs, and rFg-HSP70 exhibited a fluke burden reduction of 67.90%, 60.38%, 37.73%, and 56.6%, respectively, compared with the adjuvant control group. The vaccination of mice with F. gigantica 100K EVs, 15K EVs, ESP, and rFg-HSP70 induced significant production of specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in sera.
Conclusion: This study suggests that proteins within the exosome-like vesicles of F. gigantica have immunomodulatory, immune evasion, and virulence functions. This knowledge may lead to new strategies for immunotherapy, vaccination, and the diagnosis of fascioliasis.
A novel self-assembled gel protects against endoscopic resection- induced colonic ulcers: a randomized clinical trial A novel gel that could promote ulcer healing
Authors: Zhou Tianyu , Xu Lei , Mao Xinli , Jin Haifeng , Cen Li , Wang Chunren , Yang Minyi , Gu Binbin , Zhang Yu , Dong Caijuan , Xin Linying , Lv Bin , Yu Chaohui , Shen Zhe
Published: October 2022

Background: Although associated with high en bloc and complete resection rates, endoscopic resection, which is widely performed for gastrointestinal mucosal and submucosal lesions, may cause bleeding and perforation. However, novel agents are being introduced to minimize these complications.
Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, single blind, controlled trial, participants who underwent colonic endoscopic resection across four hospitals in China were randomly assigned to the control or experimental group(1:1 ratio); the gel was used after colonic endoscopic resection in the latter. Participants were instructed to report adverse events on the first day, 14th day, and one-month post-intervention. Repeat endoscopy was performed at two-week follow-up to confirm resection site healing.
Results: Of the 92 screened participants, 73 completed the study. Each ulcer bed was successfully coated with the gel over an 87.4±13.4% area within approximately three minutes in the experimental group. The calculated healing rates were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (84.7±10.8% vs. 72.6±16.0%, P=0.0004). No severe relative adverse event occurred during follow-up.
Conclusions: This novel gel is a safe, effective, and convenient agent that promotes wound healing after colonic endoscopic resection. And we recommend application of this gel to protect the ulcer bed in daily clinical practice.
Trial registration This trial has been registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100053692).
Comparative proteomic analysis of glomerular proteins in IgA nephropathy and IgA vasculitis with nephritis
Authors: Kaga Hajime , Matsumura Hirotoshi , Saito Ayano , Saito Masaya , Abe Fumito , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Odaka Masafumi , Komatsuda Atsushi , Wakui Hideki , Takahashi Naoto
Published: October 2022

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and IgA vasculitis with nephritis (IgAVN) are related glomerular diseases characterized by marked similarities in immunological and histological findings. We herein performed a comparative proteomic analysis of glomerular proteins in IgAN and IgAVN.
Methods: We used renal biopsy specimens from 6 IgAN patients without nephrotic syndrome (NS) (IgAN-I subgroup), 6 IgAN patients with NS (IgAN-II subgroup), 6 IgAVN patients with <10% of glomeruli with crescent formation (IgAVN-I subgroup), 6 IgAVN patients with ≥20% of glomeruli with crescent formation (IgAVN-II subgroup), and 5 control cases. Proteins were extracted from laser microdissected glomeruli and analyzed using mass spectrometry. The relative abundance of proteins was then compared between groups. An immunohistochemical validation study was also performed.
Results: More than 850 proteins with high confidence were identified. A principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between IgAN and IgAVN patients and control cases. In further analyses, 546 proteins that were matched with ≥2 peptides were selected. In comparisons with the control group, higher levels (>2.6 fold) of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM), complements (C3, C4A, C5, and C9), complement factor H-related proteins (CFHR) 1 and 5, vitronectin, fibrinogen chains, and transforming growth factor-β inducible gene-h3 were observed in the IgAN and IgAVN subgroups, whereas lower levels (<0.3 fold) of hornerin were noted in the IgAN and IgAVN subgroups. Furthermore, the abundance of C9 and CFHR1 was significantly higher in the IgAN group than in the IgAVN group. The abundance of some podocyte-associated proteins was significantly lower in the IgAN group than in the IgAVN group. The abundance of some podocyte-associated proteins and glomerular basement membrane (GBM) proteins was also significantly lower in the IgAN-II subgroup than in the IgAN-I subgroup. Among the IgAN and IgAVN subgroups, talin 1 was not detected in the IgAN-II subgroup. This result was supported by immunohistochemical findings.
Conclusions: The present results suggest shared molecular mechanisms for glomerular injury in IgAN and IgAVN, except for enhanced glomerular complement activation and podocyte injury in IgAN. Differences in the protein abundance of podocyte-associated and GBM proteins between the IgAN subgroups may be associated with the severity of proteinuria.
Impact of prior immune checkpoint inhibitor and its tumor response on ramucirumab and docetaxel for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tanizaki Satoshi , Matsumoto Kinnosuke , Tamiya Akihiro , Taniguchi Yoshihiko , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Uchida Junji , Ueno Kiyonobu , Kawachi Hayato , Tamiya Motohiro , Yanase Takafumi , Suzuki Hidekazu , Okishio Kyoichi
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Ramucirumab (RAM) and docetaxel (DOC) are commonly used after first-line therapy including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, it is important to evaluate sequential strategies of RAM and DOC following various type of treatments; however, those remain unknown. We aimed to elucidate the impact of front-line treatments including ICI, cytotoxic agent (CTx), bevacizumab (BEV), and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) on RAM and DOC efficacy.
Methods
We recruited patients with NSCLC who received RAM and DOC and compared the groups with and without prior ICI, CTx, BEV, and TKI, respectively. By tumor response to such treatments, the patients were further classified into “complete response (CR) + partial response (PR),” “stable disease.” and “progressive disease”groups, respectively. We compared RAM and DOC efficacy among these groups.
Results
237 patients were registered. In the group with prior ICI, the objective response rate and disease control rate were significantly higher than those without prior ICI (p = 0.012 and 0.028, respectively), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was also significantly longer (p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in PFS between the groups with and without CTx, BEV, and TKI. Multivariate analysis revealed that prior ICI was an independent factor associated with better PFS. Futheremore, the prior ICI group showing CR + PR significantly prolonged PFS compared to the group without prior ICI (p = 0.013).
Conclusion
RAM and DOC efficacy may be enhanced when ICIs are administered in the prior line and especially show good tumor response.
Women's Labor Force Exits during COVID-19: Differences by Motherhood, Race, and Ethnicity
Authors: Lim Katherine , Zabek Mike
Published: October 2022

Women had larger increases in labor force exits than men during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increases were particularly large among women living with children. After controlling for detailed job and demographic characteristics, we find that the pandemic led to significant excess labor force exits among women living with children under age six. We also find evidence of larger increases in exits among lower-earning women living with school-aged children. The presence of children also predicted larger increases in exits during the pandemic among Latina and Black women relative to White women. Overall, we find evidence that pandemic induced disruptions to childcare, including informal care from family and friends, led to additional labor force exits by lower earning women and women of color.
JEL Numbers: J16, J70, H31, I14, I18
The bioinvasion of lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) in Brazilian waters: An urgent necessity to create strategies to contain the expansion of the species in Brazil
Authors: Hidenburgo Israel , Martins Déborah Elena Galvão , Klautau Alex Garcia Cavalleiro , Marceniuk Alexandre Pires , Santos Wagner Cesar Rosa dos , Silva Kátia Cristina de Araújo , Barbosa José Milton , Alves-Júnior Flavio de Almeida
Published: October 2022

The lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) is considered the most well-established fish species in non-native regions around the world, causing severe environmental damage and risks for the food chain. In Brazil, the lionfish was reported for the first time in 2014 in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and currently, the P. volitans was observed in more seven States, being its high level of occurrence in the Northern region, which contains an immense biodiversity that has not been totally cataloged yet. Based on that, this study aims to ratify the occupation and permanent residence of the lionfish in the Great Amazon Reef System (GARS), which is an alert for the urgent need for developing control strategies for this invasive species in Brazil. The new specimens were collected in the State of Amapá, between 2021 and 2022, during commercial lobster fishing, using the method of “Caçoeira”, covering between 70 and 100 meters of depth, while for the snapper was collected with the manzuá, between 78 and 102 meters of depth. In the laboratory, the individuals were measured in total length (TL) and total weight (TW). We analyzed 21 specimens of P. volitans from the GARS, the TL ranged from 21,5 to 35,6 cm with an average of 29,43 cm, while the TW ranged from 150,0 to 733,0 g, with an average of 413,8 g. These adult specimens reinforce the stabilization of the lionfish, which have probably completed reproductive cycles in the region, requiring an urgent action by environmental agencies to control the invasion of the lionfish in Brazil, becoming a future environmental impact on native biodiversity.
Effects of potassium monopersulfate on nitrification activity and bacterial community structure of sponge biocarrier biofilm in Litopenaeus vannamei aquaculture system
Authors: Luan Yazhi , Wang Yang , liu Chao , Lv Libin , Xu Ailing , Song Zhiwen
Published: October 2022

Effects of potassium monopersulfate (KMPS) on nitrification activity, growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei and bacterial community structure of sponge biocarrier with pre-cultured biofilm (SBBF) were analyzed through shaking flask experiments and L. vannamei aquaculture experiment. The change of ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) and nitrite oxidation rate (NOR) of SBBF under six KMPS concentration treatments (0 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 2 mg/L, 3 mg/L, 4 mg/L and 5 mg/L) was studied, the results showed that the AOR and NOR of SBBF treated with high concentrations of KMPS (3 mg/L, 4 mg/L and 5 mg/L) were significantly lower than those of the control group (CK) (p < 0.05). However, compared with the first dosing of NH4Cl and NaNO2, the inhibition of KMPS on AOR and NOR was weakened after the second and third dosing times. The L. vannamei aquaculture experiment was set to four concentrations of KMPS (0 mg/L, 2 mg/L, 4 mg/L, 8 mg/L), the results showed that with the increase of KMPS dosage, the average and peak concentrations of NH4+-N and NO2−-N in each system significantly increased (P < 0.05). The final body weight of shrimps significantly decreased (P < 0.05), high dose (8.0 mg/L) of KMPS reduced the survival rate by 9.33% than CK. High-throughput sequencing analysis of the biofilm structure showed that the relative abundance of Nitrospirota, Nitrosomonas and Nitrococcus, which is related to nitrogen cycling, and beneficial bacteria including Firmicutes and Bacilli decreased with the addition of KMPS (p < 0.05).
A Study of Axiomatizability And Decidability of the Mathematical Structures
Authors: Sheikhaleslami Zahra
Published: October 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Human lung carcinomas synthesize immunoregulatory glucocorticoids
Authors: Brunner Thomas , Merk Verena , Grob Leonie , Fleischmann Achim
Published: October 2022

The need for new options in lung cancer treatment inevitably leads back to basic research. The tumor itself and the tumor environment especially the interaction with the immune system need to be better understood to develop targeted therapies. In the context of lung cancer glucocorticoids (GC) are mainly known as a combination drug to attenuate side effects of chemotherapies. However, endogenous extra-adrenal GC have been shown to substantially regulate local immune responses within various tissues, including the lung. In this study we investigated whether primary lung tumors have maintained the capacity to synthesize GC and may thereby regulate anti-tumor immune responses. We show that several non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cell lines express key steroidogenic enzymes and synthesize bioactive GC under steady state conditions. We also demonstrated that tumor-derived GC can inhibit splenic T cell activation, thus demonstrating their immunoregulatory potential. Moreover, steroidogenic enzymes were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in tissue sections of different human lung tumors, further strengthening the idea that human lung carcinomas regulate their microenvironment by releasing immunoregulatory GC.