bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Flow Sankey Diagrams for National Energy Planning in the Central American Region
Authors: Alberto NATHAN Márquez , FLORES HECTOR VILLATORO
Published: June 2022

This article addresses the development of energy flow diagrams in the Central American region, based on the World Energy Balance of 2019. The main objective is to provide a diagnosis on energy systems efficiency, as well as the components that integrate them. This will help identify the improvement areas for energy consumption reduction. The development of the energy flow diagrams follows a model established by the International Energy Agency (IEA), categorized by topics: primary energy resources, conversion technologies, and demand sectors. Additionally, the diagrams contain energy services and energy losses, calculated through the efficiencies found for each demand sector. Seven energy flow diagrams (one for each country: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama; and one for the whole region) were developed to represent the region’s energetic outlook regarding energy efficiency, primary energy resource consumption, and final energy consumption shown by demand sectors. An estimation of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions per country was done. This work may serve as a guide for energy planning, by tracking the energy flows to reduce energy losses and CO2 emissions by improving the low efficiency areas.
Individual and relational level factors perceived to influence risky sexual behaviours among Adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Qualitative research
Authors: Gebremariam semere , thupayagale-tshweneagae Gloria
Published: June 2022

BackgroundGlobally, adolescents aged between 10-19 years account for 1.2 billion (16%) of the world population, and nearly one fourth of the total population in Sub-Saharan Africa. The adolescents are facing with life-threatening health risks attributed to sexual and reproductive health issues such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS. The aim of this research is exploring factors at individual and relational level contributing to risky sexual behaviour among adolescentsMethodsQualitative research approach, using grounded theory was followed among adolescents and health professionals. Individual interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. A constant comparison method of data analysis was applied by following a Strauss and Corbin (1998) analysis process. The researcher conducted vigorous literature review to assure theoretical saturation and theoretical sensitivity.Resultsvarious biological , knowledge , attitude , skill gap on SRH, and behaviour of adolescents , family, Peer/partener related factors were perceived as drivers of risky sexual. Male dominance in deciding condom use, pressuring female to sexual activities, Exposing to sexual violence were a perceived as drivers to risky sexual behaviour specially in partner related factors.ConclusionIndividual level and relational level factors are influencing adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Adolescent should get training on SRH. Interventions at peer and partners level should be consider to enhance their life skill that enable to resist pressure from pees and their partners. Child parent communication SRH matters Should be promoted
The Impact of a Breast Cancer Educational Interventions in Ghanaian High Schools
Authors: Nsaful Josephine , Dedey Florence , Nartey Edmund , Labi Juliana , Clegg-Lamptey Joe Nat , Adu-Aryee Nii Armah
Published: June 2022

IntroductionGlobally breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths in 2020. Late presentation is the hallmark of breast cancer in Ghana for which ignorance and fear are the major reasons fuelled largely by myths and misconceptions. Breast cancer awareness and education needs to start early to bring about a change in knowledge, attitude and practices. However, Breast cancer awareness activities in Ghana have usually targeted adult women. This study assessed the impact of breast cancer education among adolescent high school girls in Ghana.MethodologyA pre- post-test quasi experimental study was conducted at two senior high schools. A self-administered pre-educational questionnaire was followed by an educational intervention consisting of a drama, PowerPoint lecture, question and answer session and distribution of breast cancer information leaflets. After 3 months the same questionnaire was administered as a post-education test to assess the impact of the educational intervention. The total score for each domain was categorised into adequate knowledge >50% and inadequate knowledge <50%.ResultsThe number of participants in the pre-test and post-test were 1043 and 1274; mean age was 16.0 ± 0.9 and 16.4 ± 2.7 years respectively. General knowledge on breast cancer at pre-education (29.1%) improved to 72.5% (p<0.001). Knowledge on signs and symptoms improved from 33.1% to 55% (p<0.001); knowledge on risk factors improved from 55.3% to 79.2% (p<0.001), and knowledge on breast self-examination and screening improved from 9.8% to 22.2% (p<0.001). The overall performance of the students improved from 17.2% to 59.4% (p<0.001).ConclusionThere is inadequate knowledge about breast cancer and self-examination among senior high school girls in Ghana. Our breast cancer educational intervention was effective in improving general knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms and breast self-examination. The overall knowledge base improved from 17.2% to 59.4% three months post intervention, accompanied by an increase in the reported practice of breast self-examination and a greater belief that breast cancer is curable. This study has demonstrated the need for a school breast cancer educational program and that breast cancer education in high schools is effective.
Relationship Between Youth Conduct Problems and Adulthood Suicidality: Mediating Effects of Personality on Patients with Mood Disorders
Authors: Wang Tsung-Yang , Chen Hsi-Chung , Hsu Cheng-Dien , Chen I-Ming , Liao Shih-Cheng , Chang Chiao-Erh , Chen Ying-Yeh , Chan Jen-Hui , Kuo Po-Hsiu
Published: June 2022

Background:Identifying the relevant factors for suicidality in individuals with conduct problems is a public health concern, especially if they develop mood disorders. This study investigates the relationship between youth conduct problems and adulthood suicidality, and to further explore the mediating effects of personality on this relationship.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was administered to 308 individuals aged 20-65 years, including psychiatric outpatients with mood disorders and healthy controls. The Composite International Diagnosis Interview was used to evaluate conduct problems in youth and suicidality (i.e., suicide plan and suicide attempt) in the past year. Personality traits were assessed using Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised for extraversion and neuroticism. Multiple-mediator analysis was used to investigate the mediation effects of personality traits on the relationship between conduct problems and suicidality.Results:The average age of enrolled participants was 31.6 years. 39.2% reported suicidality and 43.2% reported conduct problems in youth. Participants who were diagnosed with mood disorders (p < 0.001) and reported having conduct problems (p = 0.004) were associated with high suicidality. Multiple-mediator analysis showed that conduct problems in youth increased the risk of adulthood suicidality through the indirect effects of higher neuroticism (suicide plan: OR = 1.30, BCA 95% CI = 1.04–1.83; suicide attempt: OR = 1.27, BCA 95% CI = 1.05–1.66).Conclusion:The relationship between youth conduct problems and adulthood suicidality exerted minimal direct effect after personality traits were included in the model. The indirect effect of neuroticism might be a pivotal finding for designing proper intervention strategies to reduce the risk of suicide.
Phospholipase D1 promotes astrocytic differentiation through the FAK/AURKA/STAT3 signaling pathway in hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Kang Min-Jeong , Jin Nuri , Park Shin-Young , Han Joong-Soo
Published: June 2022

Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) plays a crucial role in cell differentiation of different cell types. However, the involvement of PLD1 in astrocytic differentiation remains uncertain. In the present study, we investigate the possible role of PLD1 and its product phosphatidic acid (PA) in astrocytic differentiation of hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) from hippocampi of embryonic day 16.5 rat embryos. We showed that overexpression of PLD1 increased the expression level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocyte marker, and the number of GFAP-positive cells. Knockdown of PLD1 by transfection with Pld1 shRNA inhibited astrocytic differentiation. Moreover, PLD1 deletion (Pld1−/−) suppressed the level of GFAP in the mouse hippocampus. These results indicate that PLD1 plays a crucial role in regulating astrocytic differentiation in hippocampal NSPCs. Interestingly, PA itself was sufficient to promote astrocytic differentiation. PA-induced GFAP expression was decreased by inhibition of signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) using siRNA. Furthermore, PA-induced STAT3 activation and astrocytic differentiation were regulated by the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/aurora kinase A (AURKA) pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that PLD1 is an important modulator of astrocytic differentiation in hippocampal NSPCs via the FAK/AURKA/STAT3 signaling pathway.
A Machine Learning-based Characterization Framework for Parametric Representation of Nonlinear Sloshing
Authors: Luo Xihaier , Kareem Ahsan , Yu Liting , Yoo Shinjae
Published: June 2022

There is a growing interest in developing a parametric representation of liquid sloshing inside a container stemming from its practical applications in modern engineering systems. The resonant excitation due to sloshing, on the other hand, can cause unstable and nonlinear water waves, resulting in chaotic motions and non-Gaussian wave profiles. This paper presents a novel machine learning-based framework for nonlinear liquid sloshing representation learning. The proposed method is a parametric modeling technique that is based on sequential learning and sparse regularization. The dynamics are categorized into two parts: linear evolution and nonlinear forcing. The former advances the dynamical system in time on an embedded manifold, while the latter causes divergent behaviors in temporal evolution, such as bursting and switching. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated using an experimental dataset of liquid sloshing in a tank under horizontal excitation with a wide range of frequencies and vertical slat screen settings immersed in the tank perpendicular to the excitation.
Assessment of important cardiovascular risk factors using ML methods: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pella Zuzana , Lohaj Oliver , Pella Dominik , Paralič Ján
Published: June 2022

Background: High prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are global problems. Many countries focus their healthcare on secondary treatment, and primary prevention is in the background. Focusing on risk factors (RF) screening of CVD in personalized medicine has great potential for the future. We present a methodology for identification of important RF as well as the potentially new once. Materials and Methods: We worked with the dataset of patients hospitalized in the East Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Košice. The file contained 808 records, complete history, laboratory tests, ECG, echocardiography, and selective coronary angiography. We analyzed the importance of variables based on CART, Random forest, and Logistic regression algorithms (binary classification) and propose a new weighted agglomerative attribute importance metric. After selection of potentially important, but less known RF we re-deployed the CART algorithm on selected combinations of risk factors, while the target attribute was divided into six original classes corresponding to the severity of the coronarography finding.Results: Selected important variables based on the proposed metric are in accordance with known results, but also pointed to some potentially relevant RF such as fibrinogen. The experiments confirmed that fibrinogen might have the potential to help determine cardiovascular risk. However, its impact is debatable, but its potential increases if it is potentiated by factors other than HDL. We also concluded that higher HDL levels might have a cardio protective effect. Conclusions: Our study proposed original methodology for identification of important RF and in depth analysis of potentially interesting new RF. Results showed that fibrinogen could be one of the critical risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Experimental results suggest that there may be others besides traditional RF of CVD, such as the fibrinogen and HDL levels we investigate. Still, studies with a larger patient population are needed to draw significant conclusions.
Fabrication of a 3D supramolecular Cd(II)-coordination polymer as a luminescent sensor for detection of sulfamethazine
Authors: Singh Amita , Shi Chunchun , Zhao Ling , Xu Jia-Jia , Lu Lu , Kumar Abhinav
Published: June 2022

A 3D supramolecular coordinated polymer with formula [Cd2(L)2(bib)(H2O)2] (1) (H2L = 4,4’-(1,2-phenlenebis(methyleneoxy))dibenzoic acid and bib = 1,4- bis(1-imidazoly)benzene), has been synthesized and characterized. A one-dimensional (1D) chain structure of 1 with poly-rotaxane was confirmed by a single crystal X-ray approach. This structure was woven for reaching a 3D supramolecular architecture held by hydrogen-bonded and packing intermolecular interactions between adjacent motifs. The luminescence sensing experiments indicates that it is a fluorescent sensor for the detection of antibiotics in 1. It is a highly sensitive/selective polymer towards sulfamethazine (SMZ) that revealed a low detection limit of 1.05 ppm with a high KSV value of 2.98 × 103 M− 1. Its antibiotics sensing mechanism was also studied by theoretical calculations.
Establishment of an optimized orthotopic bladder cancer model in mice
Authors: Cai Jinming , Xie Zhiwen , Yan Yilin , Huang Zhengnan , Tang Pengfei , Cao Xiangqian , Wang Zeyi , Yang Chenkai , Tan Mingyue , Zhang Fang , Shen Bing
Published: June 2022

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies of the genitourinary system. Our orthotopic murine BC model provides a tool that is predictable, reproducible, and convenient for exploring tumour initiation, progression, and therapeutic mechanisms. Here, we constructed an optimized orthotopic BC model in male C57BL/6 mice utilizing microsyringes to inoculate them with a murine BC cell line (MB49). Anesthetised mice were inoculated with an MB49 cell suspension (10 µL) at approximately 5×106/mL. The whole process of modelling was observed and monitored every 3 days for 21 days utilizing HE staining and transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS). In this study, the model showed excellent success rates for tumour formation (96.67%) and metastatic rate (89.66%). Compared to the control group (sham operation), mice in the modelling group had serous cachexia, visible haematuresis and weight loss (all P < 0.05). The lungs, liver, ureter and kidneys were found to have tumour metastasis. Moreover, the average survival time (19.73 ± 1.69 d) of modelling mice was significantly shorter than that of the control mice (P < 0.05), which remained alive. Our study established a method using microsyringes to inject murine BC cells into the bladder wall, creating a stable transplantable BC model in mice.
Supplemental N-acyl homoserine lactonase alleviates intestinal disruption and improves gut microbiota in broilers challenged by Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Ou Jingseng , Ye Hui , Cao Qingyun , Zhang Changming , Dong Zemin , Feng Dingyuan , Jianjun Zuo
Published: June 2022

Background
Salmonella typhimurium challenge causes a huge detriment to chicken production. N-acyl homoserine lactonase (AHLase), a quorum quenching enzyme, potentially inhibits the growth and virulence of Gram-negative bacteria. However, it is unknown whether AHLase can protect chickens against S. typhimurium challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AHLase on growth performance and intestinal health in broilers challenged by S. typhimurium. A total of 240 one-day-old female crossbred broilers (817C) were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 replicates/group): negative control (NC), positive control (PC), and PC group supplemented with 5, 10 or 20 U/g AHLase. All birds except those in NC were challenged with S. typhimurium from 7 to 9 d of age. Parameter analysis was performed on d 10 and 14.
Results
The reductions (P < 0.05) in body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) in challenged birds were alleviated by AHLase addition especially at 10 U/g. Thus, samples from NC, PC and PC plus 10 U/g AHLase group were selected for further analysis. S. typhimurium challenge impaired (P < 0.05) intestinal morphology, elevated (P < 0.05) ileal inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-8) expression, and increased (P < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity on d 10. However, AHLase addition normalized these changes. Gut microbiota analysis on d 10 showed that AHLase reversed the reductions (P < 0.05) in several beneficial bacteria (e.g. Bacilli, Bacillales and Lactobacillales), along with increases (P < 0.05) in certain harmful bacteria (e.g. Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia/Shigella) in PC group. Furthermore, AHLase-induced increased beneficial bacteria and decreased harmful bacteria were basically negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with the reductions of ileal IL-1β and IL-8 expression and serum DAO activity, but positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the increased BW and ADG. Functional prediction revealed that AHLase abolished S. typhimurium-induced upregulations (P < 0.05) of certain pathogenicity-related pathways such as lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, shigellosis, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection of gut microbiota.
Conclusions
Supplemental AHLase attenuated S. typhimurium-induced growth retardation and intestinal disruption in broilers, which could be associated with the observed recovery of gut microbiota dysbiosis.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with the impairment of beta-cell response to glucose in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Umano Giuseppina , Galderisi Alfonso , Aiello Francesca , Martino Mariangela , Camponesco Ornella , Sessa Anna Di , Marzuillo Pierluigi , Papparella Alfonso , Giudice Emanuele Miraglia del
Published: June 2022

Background
The main purpose of the study is to assess the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insulin secretion in children with obesity.
Methods
We retrospectively enrolled children and adolescents who attended our pediatric clinic because of obesity and OSA. Glucose homeostasis was assessed through standard 2-hour OGTT. Nocturnal cardio-respiratory polygraphy was performed for OSA diagnosis. Twenty-two patients underwent a 3-hour OGTT test to investigate insulin secretion and sensitivity though the oral-minimal model.
Results
seventy-seven children were included in the study. Based on OSA severity, the cohort was divided into three groups (29 mild, 29 moderate, and 19 severe OSA). The group with mild OSA showed lower 30-minutes glucose(p = 0.01), 60-minutes glucose(p = 0.03), and prevalence of elevated 1-hour glucose (10.4% versus 44.8% in moderate and 31.6% in severe OSA,p = 0.01). The odds for elevated 1-hour plasma glucose was 6.2 fold (95%CI 1.6–23.4) higher in children with moderate and severe OSA compared to mild OSA (p = 0.007) independent of confounders. Spearman test revealed a positive correlation between 30-minutes plasma glucose and AHI (r = 0.31,p = 0.01), ODI (r = 0.31,p = 0.009), and mean desaturation (r = 0.25,p = 0.04). The exploratory study included 22 subjects (7 mild,9 moderate, and 6 severe OSA). The group with mild OSA showed a higher dynamic, static, and total insulin secretion compared to those with moderate and severe OSA (p < 0.0001,p = 0.007,p = 0.007,respectively). AHI was significantly correlated to dynamic insulin secretion (r=-0.48, p = 0.02).
Conclusions
OSA might impair beta-cell function reducing the pool of promptly releasable insulin in obese children and adolescents, in the absence of an effect on insulin sensitivity.
Two-stage optimization layout of grasping points for sheet metal part based on GSA-Kriging model
Authors: Zhu Chenxi , Wan Xiao-Jin , Zhou Zhengjie
Published: June 2022

Automobile flexible sheet metal parts are prone to produce non-negligible grasping deformation, which influences the location accuracy of the part during robot assembly operation, and choosing an appropriate layout of grasping points is an important means to reduce the grasping deformation for sheet metal parts. It is challenging to optimize the layout of grasping points efficiently and accurately because of the large number of robot fingers due to a large size sheet part. In order to improve the optimization efficiency and reduce the computational cost, this paper proposes a two-stage optimization design method for the layout of grasping points based on GSA-Kriging surrogate model. Firstly, the number of robot fingers and their feasible range are determined according to the stability of robotic grasping operation and the degree of deformation at different positions. Then according to the position distribution of grasping points, they are divided into two stages for optimization. Finally, GSA-Kriging surrogate model and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) are used to find the optimal layout of grasping points. In this paper, the layout of grasping points optimization of a certain car door sheet part is utilized as a case to validate the proposed method. The result shows that the GSA-Kriging surrogate model is more accurate and more stable than Kriging and other surrogate models. At the same time, the two-stage optimization method improves the optimization efficiency while reducing the calculation cost and burden.
A novel immune checkpoint score system for prognostic evaluation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Yusheng , Lin Xuan , Zou Xuan , Qian Yunzhen , Liu Yu , Wang Ruijie , Wang Xu , Yu Xianjun , Liu Chen , Cheng He
Published: June 2022

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) remains a lethal malignancy making the detection of novel prognostic biomarkers urgent. Limited studies have investigated the predictive capability of immune checkpoints in PAAD. Here, we presented a risk score system based on three immune checkpoints (OX40/TNFRSF4, TNFSF14 and KIR3DL1) through LASSO and Cox regression analyses for prognostic prediction. The risk score model was an independent prognostic factor and performed well regarding overall survival (OS) predictions among PAAD patients. A nomogram was established to facilitate the risk model application in clinical prognosis. Immune cells including naive B cells, CD8+ T cells and Tregs were negatively correlated with the risk score. Additionally, the risk score was associated with expression of immune checkpoint genes, immunogenic cell death related genes and somatic mutations. Glycolysis processes, IL-2-STAT5, IL-6-STAT3, and mTORC1 signaling pathways were enriched in the high-risk score group. Furthermore, scRNA-seq data confirmed that TNFRSF4, TNFSF14 and KIR3DL1 were expressed on immune cells in PAAD samples. We then identified OX40 as an independent prognosis-related gene, and a higher OX40 expression was associated with increased survival rate and immune environment change. In 84 PAAD clinical specimens collected from our center, we confirmed that higher OX40 mRNA expression levels were related to a good prognosis. The protein expression of OX40 on tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), endothelial cells and tumor cells was verified in PAAD tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) method. Overall, our findings strongly suggested that the three-immune checkpoint score system might be useful in the prognosis and design of personalized treatments for PAAD patients. Finally, we identified OX40 as an independent potential biomarker for PAAD prognosis prediction.
Developmental assessment of infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Sheta Sahar , Amin Omnia R , Elkateb Ahmed , Toukhy Noha El , Sayed Shaimaa
Published: June 2022

Background: Recently, marked advances in surgical and medical care for infants with congenital heart disease led to a growing population with a high risk of developmental delay. We aimed to identify developmental delay in these infants and its risk factors. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study on 100 infants with congenital heart disease. Developmental assessment was done by using Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. We searched for risk factors for developmental delay in these infants. Correlations were conducted between the degree of developmental delay and the potential risk factors. To our knowledge, this study has not been conducted in developing countries before.Results: The median age of the study group is 12.5 months, while by using Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale; it is equivalent to 9.5 months. There was a statistically significant developmental affection in infant who had risk factors.Conclusions: Developmental delay is a common complication in infants with congenital heart disease. It has many risk factors; some of them could be modifiable. Thus, early screening for developmental delay and its risk factors are of a great value. This could help in applying preventive measures and early interventional programs. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale is a reliable tool in determination of developmental delay.
Muscle and adjacent subcutaneous fat thicknesses of the gastrocnemius medialis and rectus femoris and the relationship with countermovement jump and v-cut test performance in young elite basketball players
Authors: Lisón Juan Francisco , García-Herreros Sergio , Ricart Borja , Godoy Eduardo Jorge , Nozal Sara , Cotolí-Suárez Pedro , Jordán-López Jaime , Amer-Cuenca Juan José , Salvador-Coloma Pablo
Published: June 2022

The countermovement jump (CMJ), the V-cut test, the muscle thickness (MT) and the adjacent subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and rectus femoris (RF) are important physiological indicators for success in basketball. The aims of this study were to obtain normative data regarding CMJ and V-cutperformance and ultrasound measurements, evaluate between-age-category and between-gender differences in these data and examine the relationships between physical tests and ultrasound measurements. The measurements were recorded in a sample of 131 elite basketball players (66 males) who played in three age-categories (U14, U16, or U18).We performed two-way analysis of covariance tests and age-adjusted partial correlation analyses. U16 and U18 males showed better performance in the CMJ and V-cut tests and lower GM and RF SFT compared to the U14 males (p ≤ .001) and to age-category equivalent female players (p ≤ .001). Comparisons between the females did not show significant differences in any of the study variables. V-cut and GMSFT variables explained 53.3% of the variation for the CMJ result in males (p < .01). This study reports normative data from CMJ and V-cut tests and ultrasound measurements of different age-category male and female elite youth basketball players. Furthermore, it is the first to show the association and predictive role of subcutaneous fat thickness in physical performance.
Benchmarking integration of single-cell differential expression
Authors: Nguyen Hai , Baik Bukyung , Yoon Sora , Park Taesung , Nam Dougu
Published: June 2022

Integration of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data between different samples has been a major challenge for analyzing cell populations. However, strategies to integrate differential expression (DE) analysis of scRNA-seq data remain underinvestigated. Here, we benchmarked 41 methods for integrative DE analysis of scRNA-seq data. Batch-effects, sparsity of data, and heterogeneity of samples substantially impacted the performance of DE analysis. Several methods that yielded high performances were suggested based on various simulations and real data analyses. In particular, the bulk RNA-seq tool edgeR incorporating the observation weights and the scRNA-seq tool MAST showed overall good performances. Remarkably, analysis for a specific cell type outperformed that of large-scale bulk sample data in prioritizing disease-related genes and pathways.
Investigation on the behavior of bridge piers considering rocking isolation constructed on non-plastic silts and sands using 1g shaking table tests
Authors: Irani Arash Esmatkhah , Hajialilue-Bonab Masoud , Sarand Fariba Behrooz , Katebi Hooshang
Published: June 2022

Occurred damages on the bridge piers during earthquakes lead to significant financial losses worldwide every year and can cause social problems by disrupting traffic flow and transportation services. Rocking isolation of foundations is one of the damage reduction approaches to avoid structural damage on piers by transferring plastic hinges from piers to underlaying soil media. However, the behavior of rocking foundations on sands and clays has been studied comprehensively in past years; the behavior of these foundations on non-plastic silts has not been investigated well in the literature. In this research, the characteristic seismic behavior of a bridge pier considering rocking isolation is evaluated using small-scale physical modeling tests. To this aim, eight shaking table tests are conducted where both sandy and silty material are employed as the soil media. In addition to the effects of the underlying soil, the effects of the critical contact area ratio of the foundation and frequency of input motions are evaluated. Achieved results indicate that the considered bridge pier shows the same behavior trend for underlying silty soil and sandy one. However, because of the frequency-dependent behavior of silts and larger damping properties of such material, pier attracts lower accelerations and higher moments in non-plastic silty soil. Therefore, the achieved results show that the proposed design approaches of rocking foundations that are mostly extracted based on experimental studies on sands (or rarely on clay) can lead to non-conservative designs in silty soils.
IGF2BP3 binding circGNB1 promotes the malignant phenotype of GSCs via miR-515-5p/miR-582-3p mediated XPR1 expression change
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Xu Jinkun , Li Hao , Zhao Junshuang , Hu Jinpeng , Zhao Xiang , Zong Shengliang , Guo Zhengting , Li Xinqiao , Jiang Yang , Jing Zhitao
Published: June 2022

Background:Glioma is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been verified to mediate diverse biological behaviors in various cancers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore novel circRNAs and elucidated relative molecular mechanism in functional phenotypes, which might be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic approach for glioma.Methods:QRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of circGNB1, miR-515-5p, miR-582-3p, XPR1 and IGF2BP3. MTS, transwell, EDU, neurosphere formation and limiting dilution assays were carried out to detect the functional phenotypes of GSCs derived from glioma patients. RIP, RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to confirm the underlying molecular mechanisms. Intracranial xenograft was established to determine how circGNB1 impacted in vivo.Results:CircGNB1 was upregulated in glioma and closely associated with the low poor prognosis. Functional assays demonstrated that circGNB1 overexpression promoted glioma cell viability proliferation, invasion, and neurosphere formation. Mechanistically, circGNB1 upregulated the expression of oncogene XPR1 via acting as a sponge for miR-515-5p and miR-582-3p. The following experiments proved XPR1 could promote the malignant phenotype of GSCs via upregulating IL6 expression and activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Moreover, the RNA binding protein IGF2BP3 could bind to and maintain the stability of circGNB1, thus promoting the effects of circGNB1 on GSCs.Conclusions:Our study reveals that circGNB1 plays a crucial role in promoting tumorigenesis and malignant progression in glioma, which provides a promising cancer biomarker.
Clinical outcomes of new multifocal intraocular lenses with hydroxyethyl methacrylate and comparative results of contrast sensitivity
Authors: Lee Yongwoo , Choi Chulyoung , Moon Kun , Jeong Yongjin , An Sangil , Lee Jemyung , Lee Jongho , Seong Mincheol
Published: June 2022

Background
We investigate the performance of new hydrophobic diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) with hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and compare their optical quality, contrast sensitivity, and subjective glare.
Methods
Medical records of patients who underwent routine simple cataract surgery and insertion of an existing multifocal IOL (TFNT, TF group) or a new multifocal IOL (CNWT, CN group) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data was collected 2 months postoperatively and included optical quality analysis system (OQAS) indices, contrast sensitivity, and subjective degrees of glare.
Results
135 eyes of 135 patients were included (CN group, 71; TF group, 64). The CN group showed stable visual acuity and a defocus curve. The indices of OQAS did not show a significant difference between groups. Contrast sensitivity was significantly better in the CN group at all degrees, including the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (p = 0.01). The subjective glare survey showed better results for the CN group, with the proportion of patients reporting no glare as 9.9% and 3.1% in the CN and TF groups, respectively. The proportion of patients who reported severe glare was 11.3% in the CN group and 25.0% in the TF group. Although the follow-up period was only 2 months, glistening, surface scattering, and posterior capsule opacity were not observed in any patient.
Conclusions
The new multifocal IOL with HEMA is safe, and provides stable visual acuity as well as superior contrast sensitivity, over the prior IOL.
Effects of high-dose glucose-insulin-potassium on acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing reperfusion therapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Huiruo , Liu Rugang , Yin Hang , Xu Feng , Chen Yuguo , Li Chuanbao
Published: June 2022

Background: Normal glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) did not improve clinical outcomes in ACS patients in today’s reperfusion era; however, whether high-dose GIK appeared any cardioprotective function remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of high-dose GIK on clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing reperfusion therapy.Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of science, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception until April 26, 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared high-dose GIK and placebos in ACS patients receiving reperfusion therapy. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and the secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), heart failure, reinfarction, phlebitis, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, secondary reperfusion, serum glucose and potassium, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT).Results: Eleven RCTs with 884 patients were eventually included. Compared with placebos, high-dose GIK markedly reduced MACEs (RR 0.57, 95%CI 0.35 to 0.94, p<0.05) and the risk of heart failure (RR 0.48, 95%CI 0.25 to 0.95, p<0.05), also improved LVEF (MD 2.12, 95%CI 0.32 to 3.92, p<0.05) at 6 months. However, no difference was observed in occurring all-cause mortality at 30 days (RR 0.90, 95%CI 0.35 to 2.28, p=0.82) or 1 year (RR 0.57 95%CI 0.22 to 1.51, p=0.26). Additionally, high-dose GIK was significantly associated with higher occurrence of phlebitis (RR 4.78, 95%CI 1.36 to 16.76, p<0.05), hyperglycemia (RR 9.06, 95%CI 1.74 to 47.29, p<0.01) and hypoglycemia (RR 6.50, 95%CI 1.28 to 33.01, p<0.05), but not reinfarction (RR 0.74, 95%CI 0.36 to 1.50, p =0.40), hyperkalemia (RR 5.99, 95%CI 0.79 to 45.27, p=0.08) or secondary reperfusion (RR 0.91, 95%CI 0.72 to 1.14, p=0.41). As for oxidative stress-lowering function, high-dose GIK markedly reduced SOD activity (SMD -0.77, 95%CI -1.28 to -0.26, p<0.05), but not activity of GSH-Px (SMD 0.34, 95%CI -0.16 to 0.83, p=0.18) or CAT (SMD 0.35, 95%CI -0.14 to 0.84, p=0.16).Conclusions: Patients with ACS receiving reperfusion therapy showed reduction in MACEs and heart failure, improvement of LVEF, as well as good oxidative stress-lowering efficacy in response to high-dose GIK. Simultaneously, higher occurrence of several complications such as phlebitis, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia accompanied, also a trend to an increase in serum potassium appeared. Furthermore, patients’ all-cause mortality did not modulate any benefits associated with exposure to high-dose GIK. More trails with long-term follow-up are stilled demanded to further verify its efficacy and security to provide powerful evidences for clinical practice.
Spatially resolved epigenome-transcriptome co-profiling of mammalian tissues at the cellular level
Authors: Fan Rong , Zhang Di , Deng Yanxiang , Kukanja Petra , Bartosovic Marek , Su Graham , Bao Shuozhen , Liu Yang , Xiao Yang , Ma Sai , Rosoklija Gorazd , Dowrk Andrew , Mann J. , Leong Kam , Boldrini Maura , Castelo-Branco Goncalo
Published: June 2022

Emerging spatial technologies including spatial transcriptomics and spatial epigenomics are becoming powerful tools for profiling cellular states in the tissue context. However, current methods capture only one layer of omics information at a time precluding the possibility to examine the mechanistic relationship across the cental dogma of molecular biology. Here, we present two spatial multi-omics technologies for spatially resolved genome-wide joint mapping of epigenome and transcriptome by co-profiling chromatin accessibility and gene expression (spatial-ATAC-RNA-seq) or histone modification and gene expression (spatial-CUT&Tag-RNA-seq) on the same tissue section at a resolution near single cells. They were applied to embryonic and neonatal mouse brain as well as adult human brain to map how epigenetic states or modifications regulate cell type and dynamics in tissue. Although distinct tissue features were identified by either spatial epigenome or spatial transcriptome alone with high concordance, we observed their differential roles in defining cell states. In general, epigenetic state proceeds the development of transcriptional phenotype in relation to epigenetic lineage priming. We also observed high expression canonical markers such as PROX1 in the granular cell layer of the human hippocampus showed low chromatin accessibility that corresponded to a low level of RNA turnover rate, highlighting a divergent need for open chromatin or transcription to control cell identity and dynamics. Spatial epigenome-transcriptome co-profiling is a highly informative tool to study the mechanism of gene expression regulation in tissue and may enable a wide range of applications in life science and biomedical research.
Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm of the urinary bladder: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Yuanhao , Li Ning , Zhu Xingwang , Wang Yixiang , Liu﹡ Yili
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe urinary bladder's mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm is a sporadic malignant tumor. Because of its rare incidence rate, the optimal treatment options for patients with mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm of the urinary bladder remain unknown.Case presentationA 61-year-old man was diagnosed with bladder cancer by cystoscopy due to painless gross hematuria. The patient then underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. The postoperative pathological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed a mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm of the urinary bladder with small cell carcinoma and urothelial. The patient finally received radical cystectomy and cisplatin plus etoposide chemotherapy. There was no recurrence and metastasis three months after the operation.ConclusionThis case is a rare and high-risk pathological type of bladder malignant tumor. After radical cystectomy and postoperative adjuvant treatment, there was no tumor recurrence and metastasis three months after the operation. Radical cystectomy is still the preferred treatment for high-risk bladder cancer without distant metastasis.
Propensity-matched analysis of Ki67 to predict postoperative survival in resectable gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients
Authors: Lu Weidong , Zhang Suxiang , Dong Zhuanxia , Yang Zefeng , Zhao Jian , Wang Jie , Wang Yusheng
Published: June 2022

Objective: To investigate the predictive effect of Ki67 on postoperative overall survive (OS) of patients with resectable gastric stromal tumors (GISTs).Methods: The clinicopathological data and survival status of 281 GIST patients (224 cases of pure gastrointestinal stromal tumor (P-GIST)) and 57 cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor with other malignant tumors (OMT-GIST)) were retrospectively analyzed; propensity matching analysis and Cox univariate and multivariate analyses were used to verify the predictive effect of Ki67 on OS in patients with resectable GIST.Results: The OS rate differed significantly between P-GIST and OMT-GIST (P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the best cutoff value of Ki67 was 12.5%. Before and after propensity matching the Ki67 >12.5% and Ki67 ≤12.5% groups, there were significant differences in OS (P=0.002, P=0.003). The univariate analysis showed that tumor diameter, local and distant metastasis, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , tumor position, and Ki67 were associated with OS (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that Ki67 was an independent prognostic factor in GIST patients (P=0.039). Cutoff value 12.5% of Ki67 could not predict the survival outcome of patients with total GIST (T-GIST) (281 cases) or OMT-GIST (57 cases) (P=0.078, P=0.575).Conclusion: Ki67 can be used to evaluate the postoperative survival outcomes of patients with resectable GIST. The recommended Ki67 cutoff value is 12.5%; however, it is only suitable for P-GIST. OMT-GIST has a poorer prognosis than P-GIST.
Clinicopathology and prognosis of mesonephric carcinomas
Authors: Min Rui , Sun Shuai , Li Fan , Xia Qing , Yan Su , Han Yuexin , Li Nan
Published: June 2022

Background: Mesonephric adenocarcinoma (MNA) and Mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (MLA) are rare malignant tumors of the female genital tract with extremely similar histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics. Differential diagnosis is therefore challenging, and experience in treatment and prognosis is lacking.Methods: We collected clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical and follow-up information from 2 patients with mesonephric carcinomas (1 case of MNA and 1 case of MLA). A total of 139 cases of MNA and MLA were obtained from PubMed and CNKI through keyword searches. The clinicopathological features and prognostic information of 141 cases of mesonephric carcinomas werecompared and analyzed. This detailed review of the literature provides a comprehensive overview of currently knownmesonephric carcinomas.Results: The median ages of MNA and MLA patients were 51 and 59 years, respectively. The most common clinical symptoms of both patients were irregular vaginal bleeding. Microscopically, these tumor cells are mostly arranged in mixed patterns, such as tubular, glandular and glomeruloid patterns. Tubular and glandular patterns are the most frequently described. MNA is characterized by mesonephric remnants adjacent to tumor tissue. Immunohistochemical staining is positive GATA3, PAX-8 and CD10 expression and negative ER, PR and P16 expression. TTF-1 expression is most common in MLA. The most common genetic change is KRAS gene mutation. The five-year survival rates of MNA and MLA are 73.5% and 68.5%, with recurrence rates of 33% and 58% and median times to recurrence of 20 and 12 months, respectively. Age affects the survival prognosis of MNA and MLA (P=0.04, P<0.01), and there is a significant difference in the DFS K-M survival curve between MNA and MLA (P<0.01).Conclusions: The typical microscopic morphology and expression of immunomarkers support the diagnosis of MNA and MLA. Microscopically, mesonephric remnants adjacent to tumor tissue and immunohistochemical marker TTF-1 expression are key for the differential diagnosis of MNA and MLA. The recurrence and metastasis rates of MLA are much higher than those of MNA, and the prognosis is poor. Age is an important factor influencing the survival and prognosis of MNA and MLA. The most effective treatment for mesonephroid tumors remains to be further elucidated.
Evaluation of the Drying Kinetics of Swirling Fluidized Bed Drying and Performance Assessment on the Nutritional Properties of Bentong Ginger
Authors: Subramaniam Sarmilaah Dewi , Mudalip Siti Kholijah Abdul , Halim Luqman Abdul , Basrawi Firdaus , Azman Nurul Aini Mohd
Published: June 2022

Bentong ginger (BG), grown in a high-altitude area of Bentong, Malaysia, has a similar scientific name to the common ginger species and has been patented by the Malaysian government. BG is known for its larger size and pungent taste and is nutritionally rich in antioxidants such as gingerols, which are responsible for a wide range of pharmacological and physiological effects in human health. This study presents the effect of swirling fluidized bed drying (SFBD) compared with oven drying (OD) and freeze-drying techniques (FD) on the drying kinetics, antioxidant potential, and 6-gingerol concentration of BG. The Midilli-Kucuk model showed the best fit at explaining the thin layer drying behavior of the BG for OD and SFBD, whereas the Page model showed the best fit for FD. The experimental results showed that SFBD reduces the total drying time (250 min) and energy consumption (160.4976 kWh/kg) with higher drying rate (0.1813 g/min) and moisture diffusivity (2.4317 × 10-10 m2/s). In addition, the dried BG sample from the SFBD exhibited a slightly higher DPPH inhibition (89.2%) and the best option to preserve the 6-gingerol compound (2.626 mg/mL) in the Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) analysis. Thus, the SFBD approach proved to be a feasible method for drying ginger.
Profitability of Agricultural Micro and Small-Scale Enterprise in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Endris Ebrahim , Kassegn Andualem
Published: June 2022

The contribution of micro and small enterprises is limited as the majority are financially constrained and half of them dropout from business in 2014/15 from Amhara Region. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the profitability of agricultural micro and small-scale enterprises in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Primary data was collected from 271 sample enterprises, key informants, and focus group discussions. The study employed descriptive and econometrics models for the data analysis. The financial ratio shows that the return on asset, return on owner equity and net profit margin were 0.1601, 0.2768, and 0.1520 birr, respectively. The result of the probit model estimation shows that 6 variables, namely enterprise age, manager education level, credit use, input availability, owners’ aspiration, and frequency of extension contact significantly and positively influenced the probability of MSEs being profitable. The second hurdle model, the truncation model showed that enterprise age, manager education level, record keeping, access to input, and frequency of extension contact significantly affected the extent of agricultural MSEs' profitability. Therefore, enhancing knowledge, skill, and aspirations of enterprise owners, improving financial access and outreach, providing financial bookkeeping training and practice, creating reliable integration with input producers, and frequent extension support to enhance the profitability and sustainability of enterprises.