bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative thermal infrared imaging in neurosurgery: machine learning approaches for advanced segmentation of tumors.
Authors: Cardone Daniela , Trevisi Gianluca , Perpetuini David , Filippini Chiara , Merla Arcangelo , Mangiola Annunziato
Published: October 2022

Surgical resection is one of the most relevant practices in neurosurgery. Finding the correct surgical extent of the tumor is a key question and so far several techniques have been employed to assist the neurosurgeon in preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue. Some of these methods are invasive for patients, not always allowing high precision in the detection of the tumor area. The aim of this study is to overcome these limitations, developing machine learning based models, relying on features obtained from a contactless and non-invasive technique, the thermal infrared (IR) imaging. The thermal IR videos of thirteen patients with heterogeneous tumors were recorded in the intraoperative context. After a baseline period, cold saline was injected, and the thermal pattern of the exposed cortex was recorded for two minutes. Time (TD)- and frequency (FD)-domain features were extracted and fed different machine learning models. Models relying on FD features have proven to be the best solutions for the optimal detection of the tumor area (Average Accuracy = 90.45%; Average Sensitivity = 84.64%; Average Specificity = 93,74%). The obtained results highlight the possibility to accurately detect the tumor lesion boundary with a completely non-invasive, contactless, and portable technology, revealing thermal IR imaging as a very promising tool for the neurosurgeon.
Behavior Change Communication is associated with human milk intake but not exclusive breastfeeding rate measured by deuterium-oxide turnover method among infants aged 4-5 months in rural Senegal
Authors: Diongue Ousmane , Diouf Adama , Ndour Pape Sitor , Faye Mane Hélène , Badiane Abdou , Thiam Mbeugué , Mama Olouwafemi Mistourath , Thiam El Hadji Momar , Dossou Nicole Idohou
Published: October 2022

Background: Breastfeeding promotion is widely recognized as one of the most cost-effective investments in promoting optimal child health, growth, and development. Several studies have shown that breastfeeding education and counselling interventions have a significant impact on improving breastfeeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates. However, very few studies have evaluated the association between breastfeeding educations on infant breast milk intake. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of behavior change communication provided by the Nutrition Enhancement Program (NEP) on infant breast milk intake and breastfeeding practices.
Methods: We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in 12 Local Communities in rural Senegal of which 6 located in the NEP intervention area and the remaining, in the non-intervention area. Breast milk intake and EBF were measured using the deuterium dose-to-mother isotope dilution in 140 mother-infant pairs aged 4-5 months. The 24-hour recall questionnaire was also use to assess EBF. The nutritional status of mothers and infants were measured by anthropometry. Student's t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test and McNemar test were used to compare means and percentages. A mixed model linear regression was performed to identify the associated factors of breast milk intake, measured by reference method.
Results: Breast milk intake was significantly higher in infants from the NEP area (994.7 ±197.3 g/d), compared to those from the non-NEP area (913.6 ± 222.8) g/d), p=0.023. Consumption of water from sources other than breast milk was not different between the groups. EBF rate measured by DTM was 37.0% and 28.4% in the NEP area and the non-NEP area, respectively. There was no difference on exclusive breastfeeding rate between the two areas regardless of evaluation method. Stunting and wasting were associated with lower milk intake of 119.1 g/d and 199.6 g/d respectively.
Conclusions: Breast milk intake of 4-5 months old infants is higher in the NEP area where breastfeeding education and counselling are provided to mothers compared to the non-NEP area. There was no influence of the intervention on EBF rates between the two areas. Lower breast milk consumption was associated with stunting and wasting.
Methyl Jasmonate Promotes the Growth of Rosa Roxburghii via Balanceing Pathways referring to Indoleacetic acid (IAA) and Triterpenes.
Authors: Ning Yuan , Ding Yun-kun , Chang Yuan-hang , Zhang Su , Fu Yu-jie
Published: October 2022

Exogenous phytohormones has become a common strategy to study plant stress and defense, which triggering complex and diverse cross-actions between endogenous phytohormones, which significantly regulate plant growth and defense. In this study, Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) promoted the most obvious growth phenotype among four different exogenous phytohormones, especially promoted the growth of roots obviously. Subsequently, principal component analysis between physicochemical indexes and MeJA treatment suggested that MeJA promoted the growth of R. Roxburghii. MeJA could increase the contents of JA-Ile, IAA and triterpenoids. qPCR results showed that key genes in the JA signal transduction pathway up-regulated trends. And tryptophan synthesis genes, ANTHRANILATE AYNTHASE α1/β1 (ASA1/ASB1), IAA receptor protein gene TIR1, as well as the IAA polar transport protein gene PIN2 were all up-regulated by MeJA treatment. While, seven key genes of triterpene synthesis pathway performed a similar up-regulated trends. The results of the chord diagram analysis indicated there might be possible mutual regulation relationship among exogenous MeJA, endogenous JA-Ile, IAA and triterpenoids. The correlation analysis among triterpenoids, IAA and JA-Ile suggested that exogenous MeJA could promote the growth of Rosa Roxburghii through regulating the JA signal tranduction pathway, synthesis and transport of IAA. At the meanwhile, MeJA promoted the synthesis of triterpenoids which could not only regulate the root growth, but also make Rosa Roxburghii a certain defense ability. Finally, we speculate that exogenous MeJA pushed endogenous JA-Ile and IAA involved in regulated the metabolism of triterpenoids, they together regulated the positive growth of plants.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Femtosecond-Enabled Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty and Standard Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (FEDS Study)
Authors: Sorkin Nir , Hatch Wendy , Mimouni Michael , Chew Hall , Rootman David , Slomovic Allan , Bujak Matthew , Chan Clara , Thorpe Kevin , Zuo Fei , Perez Mauricio , Stiuso Vera , Singal Neera
Published: October 2022

Objectives
To compare outcomes of femtosecond-enabled deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (FE-DALK) and standard deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (S-DALK).
Methods
An open-label, randomized controlled trial (Kensington Eye Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) including 100 eyes of 97 participants with either keratoconus or corneal scarring, randomized to either FE-DALK (n = 48) or S-DALK (n = 49). Primary outcomes: postoperative astigmatism and surgically induced corneal astigmatism (SIA) – both at 15 months. Secondary outcomes: 6-, 12- and 15-month postoperative uncorrected- and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, steep and flat keratometry, manifest sphere and astigmatism, rate of conversion to penetrating keratoplasty (PK), big-bubble success, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell count and complications.
Results
In intention-to-treat analysis, mean postoperative astigmatism in the FE-DALK (n = 30) and S-DALK (n = 30) groups at 15 months was 7.8±4.4 D and 6.3±5.0 D, respectively (p = 0.282) with an adjusted mean difference of 1.3 D (95% CI -1.08,+3.65). Mean SIA (arithmetic) was 9.2±7.8 and 8.8±5.4 D, respectively (p = 0.838) with a mean difference of 0.4 D (95% CI -3.13,+3.85). In an analysis of successful DALK cases only, mean postoperative astigmatism in the FE-DALK (n = 24) and S-DALK (n = 20) groups at 15 months (after excluding 4 eyes with AEs) was 7.3±4.4 and 6.2±4.9 D, respectively (p = 0.531) with an adjusted mean difference of 0.9 D (95% CI -1.94,+3.71). Mean SIA (arithmetic) was 9.1±7.8 and 7.9±4.6 D, respectively (p = 0.547) with a mean difference of 1.2 D (95% CI -2.70,+5.02). Comparison of secondary outcomes showed only weak statistical evidence.
Conclusions
In this randomized controlled trial, FE-DALK and S-DALK showed comparable functional and anatomical outcomes.
Hadoop Distributed File System for Big data analysis
Authors: Almansouri Hatim , Masmoudi Youssef
Published: October 2022

Hadoop is framework that is processing data with large volume that cannot be processed by conventional systems. Hadoop has management file system called Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) that has NameNode and DataNode where the data is divided into blocks based on the total size of dataset. In addition, Hadoop has MapReduce where the dataset is processed in Mapping phase and then reducing phase. Using Hadoop for big data analysis has been revealed important information that can be used for analytical purpose and enabling new products. Big data could be found in many different resources such as social networks, web server logs, broadcast audio streams and banking transactions. In this paper, we illustrated the main steps to setup Hadoop and MapReduce. The illustrated version in this work is the latest released of Hadoop 3.1.1 for big data analysis. A simplified pseudo code is provided to show the functionality of Map class and reduce class. The developed steps are applied with a given example that could be generalized with bigger data.
Financial News Summarisation using Transformer Neural Network
Authors: Patel Parth Mihir
Published: October 2022

Transformer architecture, which is based on self-attention mechanism, revolutionised the field of NLP in 2017. It overcame many of the limitations of sequential and iterative approach of the previous popular architectures like LSTM. Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT), which is a type of transformer model, is one of the most powerful neural network architectures for the purpose of text summarisation. This paper elaborates how and why GPT-2 can be used for financial news summarisation.
What is the impact of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion on the midfacial soft tissues? A prospective three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry study
Authors: Krijt Laura L. , Kapetanović Aldin , Sijmons Wouter , Bruggink Robin , Baan Frank , Bergé Stefaan J. , Noverraz René R.M. , Xi Tong , Schols Jan G.J.H.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the midfacial soft tissue changes of the face in patients treated with Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE).

Materials & Methods

3D facial images and intra-oral scans (IOS) of 29 patients (22 women, 7 men, mean age 25.9 years) were obtained before expansion (T0), immediately after completion of expansion (T1), and one year after expansion (T2). The 3D images were superimposed and two 3D distance maps were generated to measure the midfacial soft tissue changes: immediate effects between timepoints T0-T1 and overall effects between T0-T2. Changes of the alar width were also measured and dental expansion was measured as the interpremolar width (IPW) on IOS.

Results

The soft tissue in the regions of the nose, left of philtrum, right of philtrum and upper lip tubercle demonstrated a statistically significant anterior movement of 0.30mm, 0.93mm, 0.74mm and 0.81mm, respectively (p < 0.01) immediately after expansion (T0-T1). These changes persisted as an overall effect (T0-T2). The alar width initially increased by 1.59mm, and then decreased by 0.08mm after one year, but this effect was not significant. The IPW increased by 4.58mm and remained stable one year later. There was no significant correlation between the increase in IPW and alar width (r = 0.35, p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that MARPE results in significant but small changes of the soft tissue in the peri-oral and nasal regions. However, the clinical importance of these findings is limited.

Clinical Relevance

MARPE is an effective treatment modality to expand the maxilla without notably affecting the midfacial soft tissues.
Crop rotation and inoculation increase soil bradyrhizobia population, soybean grain yields, and profitability
Authors: Sanzovo Alisson Wilson Santos , Silvestre Danilo Augusto , Goes Kelly Campos Guerra Pinheiro , Volsi Bruno , Constantino Leonel Vinicius , Bordin Ivan , Telles Tiago Santos , Andrade Diva Souza
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims Crop rotation systems and rhizobial inoculation are strategies to increase yield through organic matter addition and modulation of microbial diversity, yet the extent to which these agricultural practices change soil Bradyrhizobium populations, soybean grain yield and economic benefits to farmers are unclear. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the interaction between crop rotation and inoculation of soybean (Glycine max) cultivated in two contrasting soils (clayey and sandy soil) on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) components, grain yields and profits.
Methods Field experiments with a three-year crop rotation system were carried out to compare effects of inoculation soil chemical attributes, the of bradyrhizobia most probable number (MPN) and diversity, soybean nodulation, grain yield and economic value.
Results The crop management system did not affect the soil MPN of bradyrhizobia, which was altered by the soil sampling time, with higher values during the postharvest period for the summer crops. In clayey soil, soybean nodulation was influenced by crop rotation. The grain yield of inoculated soybean in clayey soil was higher than that in sandy soil.
Conclusion The soybean response to inoculation is influenced by cropping history. Crop rotation and inoculation of soybean is a strategy for improving BNF components, grain yields and profits. Over time, diversified production systems with crop rotation and inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria will make great contributions to environmental and economic sustainability.
p53 Dry Gene Powder Enhances Anti-cancer Effects of Chemotherapy against Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Muramatsu Naomi , Ichikawa Misa , Katagiri Tomoko , Taguchi Yumi , Hatanaka Takashi , Okuda Tomoyuki , Okamoto Hirokazu
Published: October 2022

Dry gene powder is a novel gene-delivery system, which is inhalable and not infectious with high gene expression. Previously, we showed that the transfection of p16INK4a or TP53 by dry gene powder resulted in growth inhibitions of lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that dry gene powder containing p53- expression-plasmid DNA enhanced the therapeutic effects of cisplatin (CDDP) against MPM even in the presence of endogenous p53. Furthermore, our results indicated that the safe transfection with a higher plasmid DNA (pDNA) concentration suppressed MPM growth independently of chemotherapeutic agents. Dry gene powder may rescue chemoresistance and provide a new therapeutic alternative for MPM patients without safety concerns over “vector doses”.
Tribological properties of 100% cellulose nanofiber (CNF) molding under dry- and boundary lubrication-conditions at CNF/steel contacts
Authors: Okubo Hikaru , Nakae Ryota , Iba Daisuke , Yamada Kazushi , Hashiba Harumi , Nakano Ken , Sato Kaisei , Sasaki Shinya
Published: October 2022

Recently, the cellulose nanofiber (CNF), which is a pure, plant-derived material, has attracted considerable attention owing to its excellent mechanical properties such as low weight (one-fifth that of steel) and high Young’s modulus (five times that of steel) as a fiber. Novel methods for producing 100% CNF bulk structural materials have been developed. However, the tribological properties of CNFs have never been investigated although their mechanical properties are well-known, which are comparable to those of some of the conventional structural materials. Herein, the tribological properties of a novel biomass material, 100% CNF molding, were investigated under dry- and boundary-lubrication conditions at various temperatures for CNF/steel contacts. The friction test results showed that the friction coefficient and wear volume of the CNF molding increased with the test temperature for the CNF/steel tribopair under the dry-sliding conditions. Conversely, upon the lubrication with pure-poly-alfa-olefin, no significant temperature dependence of the friction and wear properties was observed. The surface analytical results revealed that the amorphization of the CNF molding progressed on the worn surface, especially under the dry-sliding conditions at a relatively high temperature. All the results suggested that the friction and wear performance of the 100% CNF moldings strongly depend on the sliding test conditions, and the amorphization process of the CNF molding can affect its friction and wear performance.
Pilot molecular assessment for components and capability of Northern Nile crab Potamonautes niloticus soft tissue extract for reduction of early obesity markers
Authors: Galal-Khallaf Asmaa , Shetaia Aya , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Zou Xiaobo , Sakr Hanem H. , Chen Lei , Shehata Awad , Guo Zhiming , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Mohammed-Geba Khaled
Published: October 2022

Obesity is a serious global problem that is considered a great pandemic. It was related to many non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Crab (Crustacea: Decapoda) is one of the healthiest sea foods all over the world, being very rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially in the female gonads and hepatopancreas. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the anti-obesity effect for the soft tissue extract of the female Nile crab Potamonautes niloticus. The chemical constituents of methanol extract from crab´s meat and soft Dichloromethane were evaluated using Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometryand Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Also, the effect of this extract on obesity induced in zebra fish adults was studied in vivo, using real time PCR (qPCR) quantification of different lipid-metabolizing enzymes´ genes. More specifically, these analyzed transcripts were for enzymes related to de novo lipogenesis [i.e., fatty acids synthase (FASN) and acetyl- CoA carboxylase alpha (accα)]; adipogenesis [i.e. diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (dgat2)]; and lipid catabolism through β-oxidation [i.e. acetyl-CoA oxidase 1 (acox1)]. Moreover, the body contents of free cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were assessed. The results showed that the extract contains amino acids such as cyclo-(Ala-4-hydroxy-Pro, Ile-pro, isoleucyl-proline, cyclo-(Leu-Leu), cycloleucylleucine, valyl-Leucine, L-valyl-L-phenylalanine, cyclo(L-leucyl-L-phenylalanyl), cyclo-[Tyr-(4-hydroxy-Pro)], and leucyl-phenylalanine); long chain unsaturated fatty acids such as (9-octadecenoic acid, 13-keto-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid, (+/-)-11-Hydroxy-5Z,8Z,12E,14Z,17Z-Eicosapentaenoic acid, and (.+/-.)-17-hydroxy-4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,15E,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid); long chain saturated fatty acids such as (3-Hydroxyoctadecanoic Acid and 1-stearoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine); sphingolipids; fatty amide; and Monoacylglycerol. Furthermore, injection of crab extract to adult zebrafish induced a significant decrease of TG levels and the expression of the gene of the primary enzymes’ genes related to fatty acids β-oxidation, i.e., acox1. Meanwhile, crab extract injection induced significant down-regulation in the key lipogenic enzymes´ genes, i.e. accα, fasn, and dgat2. Therefore, P. niloticus soft tissue extract showed promising ingredients and capabilities that could reduce obesity through interference with lipids´ synthesis and stimulation of lipids´ degradation. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate the mechanism of action of Nile crab bioactive ingredients on obesity and other related health problems, such as T2DM.
Antiviral Therapy Inhibited HBV-reactivation and Improved Long-term Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Radiofrequency Ablation for HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jian , Shen Hao , Huang Shengyu , Lin Jianbo , Yan Zhenlin , Qian Guojun , Lu Zhenghua , Wan Xuying , Zhang Fabiao , Wang Kui , Zhang Yongjie , Li Jun
Published: October 2022

Background: The study aimed to examine the impact of antiviral therapy (AVT) on hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and long-term outcomes after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods: Data on 538 consecutive patients who underwent PRFA for early-stage HBV-related HCC between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to adjust for differences in baseline features between AVT and non-AVT groups. Tumor recurrence and overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Tumor recurrence patterns were also investigated. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors of viral reactivation.
Results: After PSM, 215 pairs of patients were generated. The AVT group had a lower 1-, 3-, and 5-year tumor recurrence rates (24%, 55%, and 67% vs 33%, 75%, and 85%, respectively) and a higher 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates (100%, 67%, and 59% vs 100%, 52%, and 42%, respectively) than non-AVT group (P<0.001 for both). Additionally, the intrahepatic distant recurrence and the later recurrence beyond 2 years after PRFA were significantly reduced in the AVT group compared with the non-AVT group (111/215 vs. 78/215, P=0.001; 39/109 vs. 61/91, P=0.012, respectively). HBV reactivation developed in 10.8% of patients after PRFA. AVT was identified as one of the independent risk factors of viral reactivation (odd ratio: 0.061, 95% confidence interval: 0.018-0.200).
Conclusions: AVT reduced recurrence rate and improved OS of HBV-related HCC patients undergoing PRFA, possibly by inhibiting viral reactivation and then decreasing intrahepatic distant recurrence and late recurrence.
Comprehensive chemical profiling of two Dendrobium species and identification of anti-hepatoma active constituents from Dendrobium chrysotoxum by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Xia Jie , Jiani Yu , Jiahao Fang , Ganggui Lou , Feng Yin , Zhongyu Xu , Yuan Yuan , Tinggang Zhang , Zongsuo Liang , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: October 2022

BackgroundD. nobileandD. chrysotoxumwere important species of the genusDendrobiumand has great economic and medicinal value. The material basis of the medicinal effect ofD. nobileandD. chrysotoxumis still unclear, and the biomarkers associated with the anti-cancer are not entirely clear so far. There is no scientific, universal and measurable quality control system, which greatly restricts the development of theDendrobiumindustry. This study focused on the comprehensive chemical profiling of twoDendrobiumspecies and identification of anti-hepatoma active constituents fromDendrobiumchrysotoxum by Network Pharmacology. Results Chemical profiling showed that altogether 65 phytochemicals were identified fromD. nobileandD. chrysotoxum, with major classes as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, bibenzyls and phenanthrenes. About 18 compounds were identified as the important differential metabolites inD. nobileandD. chrysotoxum. Furtherly, CCK-8 results showed that the extracts of stems and leaves ofD. nobileandD. chrysotoxumcould inhibit the growth of Huh-7 cells, and the anti-hepatoma activity of extracts were dose-dependent. Among the extracts, the extract ofD. chrysotoxumshowed significant anti-hepatoma activity. To find the material basis and mechanisms underlying the anti-hepatoma activity ofD. chrysotoxum.By constructing and analyzing the compound-target-pathway network, five key compounds and nine key targets were obtained. The five key compounds were chrysotobibenzyl, chrysotoxin, moscatilin, gigantol and chrysotoxene. The nine key targets GAPDH, EGFR, ESR1, HRAS, SRC, CCND1, HIF1A, ERBB2 and MTOR could be considered as the core-targets of the hepatoma activity ofD. chrysotoxumto hepatoma. Conclusions In this study, mass spectrometry-based molecular networking and multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to screen 18 differential metabolites inD. nobileandD. chrysotoxum. CCK-8 results showed thatD. nobileandD. chrysotoxumextracts could inhibit the growth of Huh-7 cells. The molecular network revealed chrysotobibenzyl, chrysotoxin, moscatilin, gigantol and chrysotoxene were identified as core components ofD. chrysotoxumon anti-hepatoma. This study compared the chemical composition differences and anti-hepatoma activities between the whole herbs ofD. nobileandD. chrysotoxum, and revealed the anti-hepatoma effects ofD. chrysotoxumand its potential underlying therapeutic mechanisms in a multi-target and multi-pathway manner.
Prevalence of chronic periodontitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and its correlation with peritoneal dialysis-related complications
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Deng Hai , Sun Kristine , Huang Zehui , Wei Shan , Lin Yunyao , Song Zhongchen , Liu Yingli
Published: October 2022

Objective:The microinflammatory state can influence the occurrence of dialysis-related complications in dialysis patients. Chronic periodontitis(CP), in which plaque biofilm is considered to be the initiating factor, is a chronic infectious disease in the oral cavity. It is still uncertain whether CP affects the microinflammatory state in peritoneal dialysis(PD) and the occurrence of dialysis-related complications.The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the periodontal index and clinical parameters in peritoneal dialysis patients with CP and dialysis-related complications, including peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(CCEs). Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study, and 76 patients undergoing PD were enrolled. Clinical parameters,the occurrence of PD-related complications and periodontitis-related indicators, including the gingival index(GI), plaque index(PLI), probing depth(PDD) and clinical attachment loss(CAL),were collected.Correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between periodontal or clinical parameters and the occurrence of PD-related complications.
Results:All the patients had different degrees of periodontitis (mild 9.2%, moderate 72.4%, severe 18.4%); PPD was inversely related to serum albumin (r=-0.235, p=0.041);CAL has a negative correlation with serum C-reactive protein(rs=-0.242, p=0.035); PLI was positively correlated with serum calcium(r=0.314, p=0.006). Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that CAL was a risk factor for the occurrence of PDAP. There was no correlation between periodontal parameters and CCEs or poor prognosis.
Conclusion:CP is universally present in PD patients, and the presentation of periodontitis influences the systemic inflammatory state, nutritional status and calcium and phosphorus metabolism in PD patients. CP is a risk factor for PDAP.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Edge Computing Offloading Algorithm for Software-Defined IoT
Authors: Zhu Xiaojuan , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Jinwei , Zhao Bao , Zhang Shunxiang , Wu Cai
Published: October 2022

With the amount of data generated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices increase dramatically, the insufficient computing ability of terminal devices becomes obvious when processing massive computing tasks. The computing tasks need to be offloaded from resource-constrained devices to edge servers with stronger computing capability. It is a challenge for computing offloading to achieve global optimization with multiple objectives such as minimizing task completion times, optimizing energy consumption and maintaining load balancing as the network state and task demands dynamically change. This paper presents optimized edge computing offloading algorithm for software-defined IoT. First, to provide global state for making decisions, a software defined edge computing (SDEC) architecture is proposed. The edge layer is integrated into the control layer of software-defined IoT, and multiple controllers share the global network state information via east-west message exchange. Moreover, an edge computing offloading algorithm in software-defined IoT (ECO-SDIoT) based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed. It enables the controllers to offload the computing task to the most appropriate edge server according to the global states, task requirements, and reward. Finally, the performance metrics for edge computing offloading were evaluated in terms of unit task processing latency, load balancing of edge servers, task processing energy consumption, and task completion rate, respectively. Simulation results show that ECO-SDIoT can effectively reduce task completion time and energy consumption compared with other strategies.
Molecular recognition of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with three essential partners: exploring possible immune escape mechanisms of viarl mutants
Authors: cheng yan , Zheng Dan , Zhang Derong , Guo Du , Wang Yueteng , Liu Wei , Liang Li , Hu Jianping , Shi Hubing , Luo Ting
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 epidemic is raging around the world, including the emergence of viral mutant strains such as Delta and Omicron, posing severe challenges to people's health and quality of life. Full understanding life cycle of the virus in host cells helps to reveal inactivation mechanism of antibody and provide inspiration for the development of a new-generation vaccines. In this work, molecular recognitions and conformational changes of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) mutants (i.e., Delta, Mu and Omicron) and three essential partners (i.e., membrane receptor hACE2, protease TMPRSS2 and antibody C121) both were compared and analyzed using molecular simulations. Water basin and binding free energy calculations both show that the three mutants possess higher affinity for hACE2 than WT, exhibiting stronger virus transmission. The descending order of cleavage ability by TMPRSS2 is Mu, Delta, Omicron and WT, which is related to the new S1/S2 cutting site induced by transposition effect. The inefficient utilization of TMPRSS2 by Omicron is consistent with its primary entry into cells via the endosomal pathway. In addition, RBD-directed antibody C121 showed obvious resistance to Omicron, which may have originated from high fluctuation of approaching angles, high flexibility of I472-F490 loop and reduced binding ability. According to the overall characteristics of the three mutants, high infectivity, high immune escape and low virulence may be the future evolutionary selection of SARS-CoV-2. In a word, this work not only proposes the possible resistance mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 mutants, but also provides theoretical guidance for the subsequent drug design against COVID-19 based on SP structure.
Performance Analysis of Doubly Fed Induction Generator in Wind Energy Conversion System by Controlling Active and Reactive Power
Authors: Belayneh Beza Abebe , Tuka Milkias Berhanu
Published: October 2022

Wind energy has emerged as one of the sustainable power sources having extraction of maximum power as its major challenge. Thus the main purpose of this paper is to get the best control mechanisms for maximum power extraction in Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) based wind turbine. The proposed techniques used allow the generator to track the optimal operation points under a variable condition upon the model of DFIG, Wind Turbine, Machine and Grid Side Convertors, and controllers. This is carried on the MATLAB-Simulink platform with the main control algorithms of a Proportional-Integral (PI) Controller, Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC), Sliding Mode Controller (SMC), and Super Twisted Sliding Mode Controller (STSMC). The most extensively used conventional PI controller in the real wind sector having a high overshoot with a prolonged settling time requires modification for every change in reference pattern. Hence, to ensure robustness against external disturbances, FLC and SMC are applied. However, it is found that the conventional SMC has a chattering problem. To improve it, the STSMC technique is implemented showing an improved performance of settling time, overshoot, and rise time for active power control. It is seen that PI has a settling time of 1.0351 sec while an overshoot is 3.9 %. Whereas, FLC has a settling time of 0.8021 sec with an overshoot of 2.8 %. Finally, STSMC has a settling time of 0.3314 sec and an overshoot of 2.2 %. This leads to the conclusion that the STSMC controller has better dynamic performance than others do.
Examining Reactivity to Intensive Longitudinal Ecological Momentary Assessment: 12-month Prospective Study
Authors: Cajita Maan Isabella , Rathbun Stephen L. , Shiffman Saul , Kline Christopher E. , Imes Christopher C. , Zheng Yaguang , Ewing Linda J. , Burke Lora E.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To examine the association between intensive, longitudinal ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and self-reported eating behaviors.

Methods

Secondary analysis of the EMPOWER study—a 12-month observational study that examined the microprocesses of relapse following intentional weight loss using smartphone-administered EMA—was conducted. Participants were asked to complete four types of EMA surveys using a mobile app. For this analysis, only the number of completed random EMA surveys was used. Using linear mixed-effects modeling, we analyzed whether the number of completed random EMA surveys was associated with changes in self-reported dietary restraint, dietary disinhibition, and susceptibility to hunger measured using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ).

Results

During the 12-month study, participants completed a mean of 1,062 random EMA surveys (range: 673-1,362). The number of completed random EMA surveys was not significantly associated with TFEQ scores. However, there was a marginally significant main effect of the number of EMA surveys on disinhibition (p = 0.08) and an interaction between study interval and the number of EMA surveys on restraint (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Intensive longitudinal EMA did not influence self-reported eating behaviors. The findings suggest that EMA can be used to frequently assess real-world eating behaviors with minimal concern about assessment reactivity. Nonetheless, care must be taken when designing EMA surveys—particularly when using self-reported outcome measures.
Level of evidence: Level III, prospective observational study
Rasch analysis of the Chinese version of the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhong Jing , Ma Hai-Yan , Wang Xue-Mei , Huang Xiao-Jie , Xu Ming-Zhi
Published: October 2022

Objective
To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS) in the Chinese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) using Rasch analysis.
Method
The sample consisted of 283 patients with MDD (69% females). The Rasch model was applied to examine the overall fit of the Chinese version of CUDOS and the fit of the 18 items to the Rasch model. Dimensionality, item-model fit, differential item functioning (DIF), reliability, ordering of response categories and targeting were tested to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of CUDOS.
Results
Rasch analysis demonstrated the unidimensionality of the Chinese version of CUDOS. Of the 18 items, three items (item 4, item 5, item 6) showed misfit in the model. After merging item 4 into item 3 and item 6 into item 5, the overall model fit improved. The person separation index (PSI) was 3.0 and the person reliability coefficient was 0.90. No evidence of significant differential item functioning(DIF) was found when associated with gender and age. No disordered category and threshold of the rating response were observed, which meant the response categories setting was reasonable. The mean ability of person was − 0.53.
Conclusion
The results suggested that the Chinese version of CUDOS has acceptable psychometric properties. In order to improve the quality and applicability of the Chinese version of CUDOS, the merging of item 4 into item 3 and item 6 into item 5 are suggested.
Artificial intelligence for prediction of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension using electrocardiography
Authors: Kocabay Gonenc , Kivrak Tarik , Tuncer Turker , Dogan Sengul , kobat mehmet ali
Published: October 2022

Background: Screening and accurate diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension(CTEPH) are critical for managing the progression and preventing associated mortality; however, there are no tools for this purpose. We developed and validated an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for predicting CTEPH using electrocardiography (ECG).
Methods: ECG signals were obtained from 54 regular and 23 CTEPH patients to test the technique. A dataset was created by converting the ECG results to digital. The 12-channel ECG signal received from 77 individuals is 924x1300 in size. The end-point was the diagnosis of CTEPH. By applying the suggested Nigerian motif pattern method to this data set, we obtained a feature matrix of 924x15010. FSCmRMR algorithm determined the most influential 947 characteristics among 15010 features and obtained a matrix of 924x947. We used a decision tree, SVM(Support Vector Machine), and KNN(K-Nearest Neighbour )algorithms to classify the selected most weighted features.
Results: We achieved 98.05% success with the decision tree algorithm, 99.89% with the SVM algorithm, and 99.67% with the KNN algorithm. AI algorithm focused on each patient's S-wave, P-wave, and T-wave by QRS complex characteristics.
Conclusion: The AI algorithm demonstrated high accuracy for CTEPH prediction using 12-lead and single-lead ECGs.
Altered spontaneous brain activities in maintenance hemodialysis patients with cognitive dysfunction and the construction of cognitive function prediction models
Authors: Sun Qing , Zheng Jiahui , Zhang Yutao , Wu Xiangxiang , Jiao Zhuqing , Xu Lifang , Shi Haifeng , Liu Tongqiang
Published: October 2022

Trial registration:The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second People's Hospital of Changzhou City (KY032-01).
OBJECTIVE: To measure changes in spontaneous brain activity in maintenance hemodialysis patients (MHD) with cognitive impairment (CI) base on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and predict cognitive function in maintenance hemodialysis patients by combining spontaneous brain activity and clinical indicators.
METHODS: We selected 50 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at the Second People's Hospital of Changzhou City from September 2020 to December 2021; 28 healthy volunteers were recruited during the same period, and all subjects underwent neuropsychological testing and rs-fMRI. MHD patients were divided into MHD-CI group and MHD-NCI group according to neuropsychological testing score. Data analysis was performed after image preprocessing to explore spontaneous brain activity changes in differential brain regions of MHD-CI patients and to analyze the correlation between spontaneous brain activity and clinical variables. Back propagation neural network (BPNN) was used to predict cognitive function.
RESULTS: Compared with the MHD-NCI group, the patients with MHD-CI had more severe anemia and higher urea nitrogen levels, the lower mALFF values in the left postcentral gyrus, lower mfALFF values in the left inferior temporal gyrus, and greater mALFF values in the right caudate nucleus (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the mALFF values in the left postcentral gyrus of MHD patients were significantly positively correlated with hemoglobin levels (r = 0.551, p = 0.000) and MOCA scores (r = 0.457, p = 0.001), negatively correlated with urea nitrogen (r = –0.519, p = 0.000). left temporal inferior gyrus mfALFF values were significantly negatively correlated with urea nitrogen levels (r = –0.523, p = 0.000) and positively correlated with MOCA scores (r = 0.295, p = 0.038). The right caudate nucleus mALFF values were negatively correlated with MOCA scores (r = -0.455, p = 0.001). Based on quantifiable influencing factors, we construct different BPNN prediction models, indicating that the diagnostic efficacy of the model which inputs were hemoglobin, urea nitrogen and mALFF value in the left central posterior gyrus is optimal(R2=0.8054).
CONCLUSION: In summary, the left inferior temporal gyrus and left postcentral gyrus might be the critical regions affecting cognitive function in MHD-CI patients, and correction of anemia and adjustment of urea nitrogen levels might help prevent CI in MHD patients. Combined with rs-fMRI not only reveals the neurophysiological mechanism of cognitive impairment, but also can serves as a neuroimaging marker for the diagnosis and evaluation of cognitive impairment in patients with MHD.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 paralogues ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 in satellite cells are essential for myogenic differentiation
Authors: Steingruber Laura , Krabichler Florian , Franzmeier Sophie , Wu Wei , Koch Marco , Schlegel Jürgen
Published: October 2022

Satellite cells (SCs) are stem cells and myogenic determinants of skeletal muscles. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity correlates with myogenic properties of SCs, and the paralogues ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 are expressed in human SCs. ALDH1 serves as the pacemaker enzyme in retinoic acid (RA)-driven differentiation and acts as a ROS scavenger to protect against oxidative damage. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of ALDH1 regulation in SCs and its impact on RA-driven myogenesis remain elusive.
We analysed the impact of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 activity on myogenesis of the murine myoblast cell line C2C12. Both, ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 are pivotal factors in myogenic differentiation, since CRISPR/Cas9-edited single ALDH1a1 or ALDH1a3 knock-out, respectively, impaired experimentally induced myogenic differentiation, as assessed by serum withdrawal, while successive recombinant re-expression of ALDH1A1 or ALDH1A3, respectively, in the corresponding ALDH1 paralogue single knock-out cell lines, recovered the differentiation potential. Loss of differentiation in both single knock-out cell lines was restored by treatment with RA analogue TTNPB, while RA receptor antagonization by AGN 193109 inhibited differentiation of wildtype cell lines, supporting the idea that RA receptor-signalling is pivotal for myogenic differentiation which is accomplished by the ALDH1 paralogues. However, overexpression of ALDH1 paralogues, or disulfiram treatment to inhibit ALDH1 enzymatic activity, not only increased ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 protein levels but also induced subsequent differentiation of C2C12 cells independently from serum withdrawal, indicating that ALDH1 dependent myogenic differentiation relies on different cellular conditions, and that yet unknown, RA-independent signalling pathways, may also be involved in myogenic differentiation.
OMA1 maintains the stemness of glioma stem cells by inducing mitochondrial fission/fusion imbalance
Authors: Li Jun jun , Xiong Cui , Zhu Kai , Jiang Cheng , Wang Min jie , Zhou Zi jie , Tang Nan , Wang Si qi , Shu Peng wei , Yuan Hong liang , Xiong Zhi yong , Li Jin song , Liang Tao , Wang Xuan , Jiang Xiao bing
Published: October 2022

Background:Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main cause of tumorigenesis, recurrence, and drug resistance and ultimately result in poor clinical outcomes.An imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics is an important manifestation of tumorigenesis. Based on increasing evidence, excessive fission and reduced fusion are common features of many tumors. However, the precise functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of OMA1 in the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis for CSCs remain unknown.Methods:High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics were used to select the target molecule, OMA1, and the expression and prognostic significance of OMA1 were analyzed in patients with glioma using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The role of OMA1 in regulating mitophagy in gliomas was evaluatedin vitroandin vivo. OMA1 expression in clinical glioma specimens was evaluated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results:Glioma stem cells had higher OMA1 expression and distinct mitochondrial morphology than differentiated tumor cells. OMA1 mediated mitochondrial fission, induced mitophagy in tumor cells, and promoted glioma stem cell stemness maintenance via mitophagy. Interestingly, glioma stem cells displayed a unique oxidative phosphorylation dependence. OMA1 promoted tumor progression in glioma cellsin vitroandin vivo. Mechanistically, OMA1 promoted mitophagy and maintained Pink1 stability through the Pink1/Parkin signaling pathway. Finally, OMA1 promoted tumor immune escape by upregulating PD-L1 expression.Conclusion:OMA1 promotes phenotype maintenance of glioma stem cells by regulating oxidative phosphorylation homeostasis through the Pink1-Parkin-ROS axis. Overall, OMA1 may be beneficial as a therapeutic strategy for gliomas.
Taxonogenomics of Culturomica massiliensis gen. nov., sp. nov., and Emergencia timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov.: two new bacterial species isolated from human stool microbiota
Authors: HAMAME Afaf , WASFY Reham MAGDY , LO Cheikh Ibrahima , FENOLLAR Florence , RAOULT Didier , FOURNIER Pierre-Edouard , HOUHAMDI Linda
Published: October 2022

Two new bacterial strains, Marseille-P2698 (= CSUR P2698 = DSM 103121) and Marseille-P2260 (CSUR P2260 = DSM 101844 = SN18), were isolated from human stools by the culturomic method. We used the taxonogenomic approach, to fully describe these two new bacterial strains. The Marseille-P2698 strain was a Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium. The Marseille-P2260 strain was a Gram-positive, motile, spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium. Major fatty acids found in Marseille-P2698 were C15:0 iso (63%), C15:0 anteiso (11%), and C17:0 3-OH iso (8%). Those found in Marseille-P2260 strain were C16:00 (39%), C18:1n9 (16%) and C18:1n7 (14%). Strains Marseille-P2698 and Marseille-P2260 had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 91.50% with Odoribacter laneus, and of 90.98% and 95.07% with Odoribacter splanchnicus and Eubacterium sulci, respectively. The exhibited digital DNA-DNA Hybridization values lower than 20.7%, and Orthologous Average Nucleotide Identity values lower than 73% compared to their closest related bacterial species O. splanchnicus and E. sulci respectively. Phenotypic, biochemical, phylogenetic, and genomic results obtained by comparative analyses provided sufficient evidence that both of the two studied strains Marseille-P2698 and Marseille-P2260 are new bacterial species for which the names Culturomica massiliensis gen. nov., sp. nov., and Emergencia timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov. were proposed, respectively.
Extended circle criterion for determination of gain and phase margins of Lur’e systems
Authors: Delavar Abolfazl , Haeri Mohammad
Published: October 2022

The main goal of the present work is proposing a new approach to determine stability margins for a class of nonlinear systems. In particular, we propose a new approach to find the gain and phase margins of Lur’e type nonlinear systems with higher accuracy. To do so, we use multi-section extended circle criterion which is based on Lyapunov stability theorem. To find more precise values of the stability margins, an optimization problem is defined and solved using a nonlinear estimator. Two examples are provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and compare the results to those of the existing methods.