bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A polo-like kinase inhibitor identified by computational repositioning attenuates pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Imakura Takeshi , Sato Seidai , Koyama Kazuya , Ogawa Hirohisa , Niimura Takahiro , Murakami Kojin , Yamashita Yuya , Haji Keiko , Naito Nobuhito , Kagawa Kozo , Kawano Hiroshi , Zamami Yoshito , Ishizawa Keisuke , Nishioka Yasuhiko
Published: December 2022

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal fibrotic lung disease with few effective therapeutic options. Recently, drug repositioning, which involves identifying novel therapeutic potentials for existing drugs, has been popularized as a new approach for the development of novel therapeutic reagents. However, this approach has not yet been fully utilized in the field of pulmonary fibrosis.
Methods
The present study identified novel therapeutic options for pulmonary fibrosis using a systematic computational approach for drug repositioning based on integration of public gene expression signatures of drug and diseases (in silico screening approach).
Results
Among the top compounds predicted to be therapeutic for IPF by the in silico approach, we selected BI2536, a polo-like kinase (PLK) 1/2 inhibitor, as a candidate for treating pulmonary fibrosis using an in silico analysis. However, BI2536 accelerated mortality and weight loss rate in an experimental mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis. Because immunofluorescence staining revealed that PLK1 expression was dominant in myofibroblasts while PLK2 expression was dominant in lung epithelial cells, we next focused on the anti-fibrotic effect of the selective PLK1 inhibitor GSK461364. Consequently, GSK461364 attenuated pulmonary fibrosis with acceptable mortality and weight loss in mice.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that targeting PLK1 may be a novel therapeutic approach for pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting lung fibroblast proliferation without affecting lung epithelial cells. In addition, while in silico screening is useful, it is essential to fully determine the biological activities of candidates by wet-lab validation studies.
Impact of graft function on health status and quality of life in 112 very long-term survivors who received an HSCT for Inborn Errors of Immunity, a prospective study of the CEREDIH
Authors: Petit Audrey Françoise , Neven Bénédicte , Min Victoria , Mahlaoui Nizar , Moshous Despina , Castelle Martin , Allouche Maya , Stérin Arthur , Visentin Sandrine , Boucekine Mohamed , Shawket Alaa Mustafa , Picard Capucine , Auquier Pascal , Michel Gérard , FISCHER Alain , Barlogis Vincent
Published: December 2022

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) survival outcome has improved considerably and the indications have broadened. Subsequently, the issue of long-term quality of live (HRQoL) has become crucial. Our study focuses on the health and HRQoL of post-HSCT survivors . We conducted a multicenter prospective follow-up program enrolling IEI patients included in the CEREDIH (French IEI Reference Centers) registry, transplanted during childhood, before 2009. Answers from self-reported French Childhood Immune Deficiency Long-term Cohort (F-CILC) and 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaires were compiled. 112 survivors were included with a time median from HSCT of 15 years (range :5-37), 55% were transplanted for a combined immunodeficiency. We show that in patients evaluated prospectively at least 5 years after HSCT, 55% are still affected by a poor or very poor health status. Poor and very poor health status were correlated with an abnormal graft function defined as host or mixed chimerism and/or an abnormal CD3+ count and/or a diagnosis of chronic GVHD (Poor health: OR 2,6 CI 95%: 1,1-5,9 p:0,028 ; Very poor health : OR 3,6 CI 95%: 1,1-13, p:0,049 ). Poor health directly linked to a poorer HRQoL. Significant improvements made in graft procedures translated in better survival, but we show that about half of the survivors are affected by an altered health with a correlation to both abnormal graft function and impaired HRQoL. Future prospective studies will be needed to measure the impact of those improvements on long-term health status and HRQoL.
The efficiency of mother's cooperative supervision on physical fitness indicators of overweight and obese children in home-based sports exercises
Authors: Hasani Mahdis , Monfared Vahid , Hasani Motahareh , Shirazi Kambiz Karimzadeh , Far Majid Rahimi
Published: December 2022

Background
The presence of a companion can improve the quality and amount of physical activity in terms of the increase in motivation and vitality of training sessions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mothers' participation in the sports exercises of overweight and obese children, along with monitoring the exercises on the indicators of a child's physical fitness.
Methods
210 overweight and obese elementary school girls (from 10 to 12 years old) were included along with their mothers. All participants filled out the permission form before being randomly assigned to one of two intervention or control groups. The New York international exam, checkerboard test, and caliper were used to gauge the degree of musculoskeletal anomalies, whereas standard tests (pull-up, push-up, 1-mile run, sit and reach) were used to gauge signs of physical fitness. The standard MET/min method was used to evaluate and compare physical inactivity behaviors.
Results
In the collaborative monitoring group, by designing a special exercise program for mothers and children separately, the quality and amount of physical activity improved, and the average flexibility index after the intervention in the group where the mothers played the role of collaborative monitoring reached mean(SD) 23(6) cm, which is significant. It was the highest indicator, and no such difference was observed in the other group, where mothers only had a supervisory role.
Conclusion
Our study showed that when the mother's participation in her daughter's sports program is accompanied by doing sports with her, it results in much better and greater effects.
Solving the Explainable AI Conundrum: How to Bridge the Gap Between Clinicians Needs and Developers Goals
Authors: Bienefeld Nadine , Lüthy Rahel , Brodbeck Dominique , Boss Jens , Willms Jan , Azzati Jan , Blaser Mirco , Keller Emanuela
Published: December 2022

Explainable AI (XAI) is considered the number one solution for overcoming implementation hurdles of AI/ML in clinical practice. However, it is still unclear how clinicians and developers interpret XAI (differently) and whether building such systems is achievable or even desirable. This longitudinal multi-method study queries (n=112) clinicians and developers as they co-developed the DCIP – an ML-based prediction system for Delayed Cerebral Ischemia. The resulting framework reveals that ambidexterity between exploration and exploitation can help bridge opposing goals and requirements to improve the design and implementation of AI/ML in healthcare.
Reference proteomes of five wheat species as starting point for future design of cultivars with lower allergenic potential
Authors: Afzal Muhammad , Sielaff Malte , Distler Ute , Schuppan Detlef , Tenzer Stefan , Longin Friedrich
Published: December 2022

Wheat is an important staple food and its processing quality is largely driven by proteins. However, there is a sizable number of people with inflammatory reactions to wheat proteins, namely celiac disease, wheat allergy and the syndrome of non-celiac wheat sensitivity. Thus, proteome profiles should be of high importance for stakeholders along the wheat supply chain. We applied liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics to establish the flour reference proteome for five wheat species, ancient to modern, each based on 10 cultivars grown in three diverse environments. We identified at least 2,540 proteins in each species and a cluster analyses clearly separated the species based on their proteome profiles. Even more, >50% of proteins significantly differed between species - many of them implicated in products’ quality, grain-starch synthesis, plant stress regulation and proven or potential allergic reactions in humans. Notably, the expression of several important wheat proteins was found to be mainly driven by genetics vs. environmental factors, which enables selection and refinement of improved cultivars for the wheat supply chain as long as rapid test methods will be developed. Especially einkorn expressed 5.4 and 7.2-fold lower quantities of potential allergens and immunogenic amylase trypsin inhibitors, respectively, than common wheat, whereas potential allergen content was intermediate in tetraploid wheat species. This urgently warrants well-targeted clinical studies, where the developed reference proteomes will help to design representative test diets.
Relationship between recurrence and age in the diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma: clinical significance in pediatric patients
Authors: Kim Junu , Koo Ja Seung , Bang Ji-In , KIM JIN KYONG , Kang Sang-Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee-Hyun , Chung Woong Youn
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The diffuse sclerosing variant (DSV) is an aggressive variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), with higher prevalence in pediatric patients. However, due to its low incidence, few studies have assessed its characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between recurrence and age in the diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who were diagnosed with the DSV or conventional PTC (cPTC) after surgery at a medical center between May 1988 and January 2019. We compared the clinico-pathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of the DSV and cPTC groups, and between adult and pediatric patients with the DSV.
Results: Among the 24,626 patient records reviewed, 202 were patients diagnosed with DSV and 24,424 were diagnosed with cPTC. Recurrence rate was significantly higher in the DSV group compared to the cPTC group. Additionally, in the DSV group, recurrence rate was significantly higher in pediatric patients compared to adult patients. Moreover, we observed that the association between recurrence and age group showed different patterns between DSV and cPTC patients with restricted cubic splines (RCS). While both RCS curves showed a U-shaped distribution, the RCS curve tended to locate within the pediatric group.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that pediatric patients with the DSV are at a greater risk for recurrence compared to adult patients, and show a different pattern of recurrence risk according to age from that of cPTC.
PD-L1-related LncRNAs are Associated with Immune Microenvironment and Prognosis in Glioma
Authors: Feng Jie , Tu Ruxin , Liu Fangkun , Zhang Hao , Dai Ziyu , Wang Zeyu , Luo Peng , Zhang Jian , Liu Zaoqu , Xiao Gelei , Xia Zhiwei , Cheng Quan
Published: December 2022

Background
The expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can function as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of tumours, this research explored the effects of programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1) related lncRNAs on glioma.
Methods
Downloading gene expression profiles and clinicopathological information of glioma from TCGA and CGGA databases, 6 PD-L1-related lncRNAs were screened out through correlation analysis, Cox and LASSO regression analysis. The risk score model was established based on 6 PD-L1-related lncRNAs. Using GSVA and GSEA analyses to investigate the biological function. LINC01271 was selected as the target, and bioinformatics analysis and cell experiments in vitro were adopted to verify its effects on glioma.
Results
Risk scores based on 6 PD-L1-related lncRNAs (AL355974.3, LINC01271, AC011899.3, MIR4500HG, LINC02594, AL357055.3) can predict the prognosis of glioma(LGG and GBM). The high-risk score group has more typical malignant features in the immune-inflammatory microenvironment and is prone to be sensitive to anti-PD-1 treatment. The nomogram combining these lncRNAs and clinical parameters has good forecasting efficiency. LINC01271 expression can be used as a risk stratification index of glioma. Experiments in vitro confirmed its positive regulatory effect on the proliferation and migration of glioma cells.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the predictive value of the risk score model based on 6 PD-L1-related lncRNAs for glioma characteristics, prognosis and immunotherapy responsiveness. LncRNA LINC01271 can independently be used as a new target for prognosis evaluation and therapy of glioma.
Comprehensive analysis of the prognosis and immune infiltration of TMC family members in renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Tang Wenbin , Shi Zhiyuan , Zhu Yasheng , Shan Zhengda , Jiang Aimin , Wang Anbang , Chen Ming , Bao Yi , Ju Guanqun , Xu Weidong , Wang Junkai
Published: December 2022

Renal cancer is a common malignancy of the urinary system, and renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) is the most common pathological type. Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) protein is an evolutionarily conserved gene family containing 8 members, however there is still a lack of comprehensive analysis about TMC family members in RCCC. In this study, we analyzed the expression of TMC family members in RCCC from TCGA and investigated the prognosis values and immune infiltration of TMC family members in RCCC. We found that TMC2, TMC3, TMC5, TMC7 and TMC8 were significantly related with overall survival (OS) of RCCC patients. TMC3, TMC6, and TMC8 was positively correlated with the degree of immune infiltration in RCCC. Thus, the TMC family members might be regarded as novel biomarkers for predicting potential prognosis and immunotherapy targets in RCCC patients.
Factors Associated with Long Term Outcomes and Transient Intraocular Pressure Elevation in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery Using Kahook Dual Blades
Authors: Sakamoto Tomoaki , Nisiwaki Hirokazu
Published: December 2022

In this retrospective case-control study, we aimed to investigate the mid- to long-term outcomes and factors involved in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery using the Kahook dual blade (KDB). Of the 229 cases in which KDB was introduced as the glaucoma surgery since 2018 at the Tenri Hospital, 133 eyes of 98 patients who could be followed for more than 3 months were included. Intraocular pressure (IOP), drop scores, and reoperation need were evaluated on day(s) 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. Significant differences in IOP and drop scores were observed between the preoperative and 12-month postoperative time points (P < 0.001). The amount of IOP change was related to preoperative and day 1 IOP. Moreover, the drop score changes were related to the preoperative drop scores and age. Multivariate analysis of Spike's incidence factors showed a significant association with axial length, preoperative drop scores, and day 1 IOP. These results suggest that KDB is effective in lowering IOP or decreasing the drop score. Special attention to postoperative spike occurrence may be recommended for patients with a long axial length, high drop scores, and high IOP on day 1.
External Debt, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Quality in BRICS Countries: Novel Findings Based on The Load Capacity Factor
Authors: Samour Ahmed , ADEBAYO Tomiwa Sunday
Published: December 2022

Since the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the BRICS nations have had difficulty in achieving the SDG targets, since sustaining ecological integrity has been a struggle for them. As a result, this research utilized a holistic indicator defined as load capacity factor to assess environmental quality derived from two major ecological elements: ecological footprints and bio-capacity. There is insufficient evidence in the available literature to investigate the variables influencing the load capacity factor in terms of environmental quality. From 1990 to 2018, this study examines the influence of external debt and renewable energy usage in improving the load capacity factor in BRICS nations. The research used sophisticated panel data estimates that can handle cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity to assess the long-run relationship between the indicators. Furthermore, the study utilized MMQR to capture the association at different quantiles. The results illustrate that REC positively impacted the LCF in BRICS nations. In contrast, the findings illustrate that NREC, ED, and GDP adversely impact the LCF factor. These findings affirmed that REC positively and significantly influences promoting environmental sustainability in BRICS nations. While NREC, ED, and GDP have an adverse influence on the level of environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the MMQR results support both CCEMG and AMG long-run estimators. Based on these findings, the BRICS policymakers should design new policies to promote environmental sustainability by reinforcing the efficiency of energy systems and increasing the level of green energy investment.
ST3GalIV drives SLeX biosynthesis in gastrointestinal cancer cells and associates with cancer cell motility
Authors: Costa Ana Filipa , Senra Emanuel , Teixeira Andreia , Morais João , Pacheco Mariana , Faria-Ramos Isabel , Reis Celso A , Gomes Catarina
Published: December 2022

Expression of sialyl Lewis X (SLeX) is a well-documented event during malignant transformation of cancer cells, and largely associates with their invasive and metastatic properties. Glycoproteins and glycolipids are the main carriers of SLeX, whose biosynthesis is known to be performed by different glycosyltransferases, namely by the family of β-galactoside-α2,3-sialyltransferases (ST3Gals). In this study, we sought to elucidate the role of ST3GalIV in the biosynthesis of SLeX and in malignant properties of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cells. By immunofluorescent screening, we selected SLeX-positive GI cancer cell lines and silenced ST3GalIV expression via CRISPR/Cas9. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis showed that ST3GalIV KO efficiently impaired SLeX expression in most cancer cell lines, with the exception of the colon cancer cell line LS174T. The impact of ST3GalIV KO in the biosynthesis of SLeX isomer SLeA and non sialylated Lewis X and A were also evaluated and overall, ST3GalIV KO led to a decreased expression of SLeA and an increased expression in both LeX and LeA. In addition, the abrogation of SLeX on GI cancer cells led to a reduction in cell motility. Furthermore, ST3GalVI KO was performed in LS174T ST3GalIV KO cells, resulting in the complete abolishment of SLeX expression and consequent reduced motility capacity of those cells. Overall, these findings portray ST3GalIV as the main, but not the only, enzyme driving the biosynthesis of SLeX in GI cancer cells, with a functional impact on cancer cell motility.
Grid Connected Renewable Energy Source with Multi Objective Grey Wolf Optimization
Authors: Satyanarayana Vanam , Jayasankar Vairavasamy
Published: December 2022

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar will continue to grow in smart power systems through 2050, according to energy predictions. Due to the intermittent nature of these energy sources, using a grid entirely made of renewable resources is extremely unreliable and may result in certain operational problems. It is significantly important in applications and industry since the fundamental purpose of optimization is to find the best practical solution to a particular problem of interest. In this study, we suggest using the multi-objective Grey Wolf Optimizer (MOGWO), a more recent meta-heuristic that draws inspiration from the hunting habits and social structure of grey wolves, to optimize fuzzy controllers for mobile autonomous robots. The integration of storage facilities contributes to the upkeep of system balance Integration of storage facilities contributes to the preservation of system equilibrium. To analyze and discuss the proposed technique based on MOGWO and give simulation results for a two-wheeled autonomous mobile robot.
Heterogeneity of TPIT expression in ACTH-secreting extra-pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) supports the existence of different cellular programs in pancreatic and pulmonary NETs
Authors: Uccella Silvia , Leoni Eleonora , Kaiser Simon , Maragliano Roberta , Valerio Alessandro , Libera Laura , Tanda Maria Laura , Volante Marco , Diviani Dario , Rosa Stefano La
Published: December 2022

Extra-pituitary ACTH secretion is associated with a variety of neoplastic conditions and may cause the so-called ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS). The clarification of the mechanisms of extra-pituitary ACTH expression would provide potential therapeutic targets for this complex and severe disease. In the adenohypophysis, the transcription factor TPIT, co-operating with other molecules, induces POMC expression and ACTH production. However, no data is currently available on the presence and role of TPIT expression in extra-pituitary ACTH-producing neoplasms. This study was designed to explore TPIT expression in a series of pulmonary and pancreatic ACTH-producing tumors, either CS-associated or not.
41 extra-pituitary ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) were included in the study, encompassing 32 NETs of the lung (LuNETs), 7 of the pancreas (PanNETs) and 2 pheochromocytomas. Of these, 9 LuNETs, all PanNETs and the two pheochromocytomas were CS-associated. For comparison, 6 NETs the pituitary gland (PitNETs), and 35 ACTH-negative NETs (15 Lu-NETs and 20 PanNETs) were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry with specific anti-TPIT antibodies and quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed using standard protocols.
TPIT expression was completely absent (protein and mRNA) in PanNETs, pheochromocytomas, and all ACTH-negative NETs. In contrast, it was expressed in 16/32 LuNETs, although with lower levels than in PitNETs. No definite relationship was found between immunohistochemistry TPIT expression and NET grade or the presence of Cushing syndrome.
This study further highlights the clinical and biological heterogeneity of extrapituitary ACTH secretion and suggests that the differences between ACTH-secreting PanNETs and LuNETs may mirror distinct molecular mechanisms underlying POMC expression. Our results point towards the recognition of a real corticotroph-like phenotype of ACTH-producing LuNETs, that is not a feature of ACTH-producing PanNETs.
U.S. Youth Use of the BIDI ® Stick Disposable E-Cigarette: The Importance of Establishing Device Specific Prevalence Data in Regulating Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
Authors: McKeganey Neil , Patton Andrea , Marza Venus , Barnard Gabriel
Published: December 2022

Background
In the light of the finding from the 2022 U.S. National Youth Tobacco Survey that disposable e-cigarette devices are the most widely used e-cigarette devices amongst U.S. youth use there is an important need to identify which disposable devices may be driving that increase. In this paper we report the results of research designed to estimate the prevalence of youth and underage young adult use of one of the leading disposable e-cigarette brands currently on sale within the U.S.
Methods
Crosssectional online survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,215 youth (1317 years) recruited via the IPSOS probability-based KnowledgePanel and 3,370 young adults aged 18 to 24 - amongst whom 1,125 were aged 18 to 20.
Results
Amongst youth aged 13 to 17, 0.91% [95% CI: 0.44–1.68] reported having ever used a BIDI® Stick branded product and 0.04% [95% CI: 0.00-0.38] reported currently using a BIDI® Stick branded product. Amongst those young adults aged 18 to 20, 3.90% [95% CI: 2.49–5.81] reported having ever used a BIDI® Stick product whilst 0.60% [95% CI: 0.17–1.55] reported they now use a BIDI® Stick product “every day” or “some days”.
Conclusions
The low prevalence of youth and underage adult current use of the BIDI® Stick ecigarette suggests that this product is not responsible for the recent growth in the use of disposable e-cigarettes by youth within the U.S. as demonstrated by the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey.
Comparison of physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from Lycium barbarum L. at different tree ages
Authors: Wang Ningli , Wang Han , Meng Hao , Guo Xinyu , Pei Dong , Yang Yingli , Liu Jianfei , Di Duolong
Published: December 2022

The biological activity is related to the content of active substances, and the accumulation of active substances is closely related to the tree age. The relationship between the physicochemical characteristics and biological activities ofLycium barbarumpolysaccharides (LBPs) and tree ages was studied in this study. The physicochemical characteristics of LBPs at second (Y2), fourth (Y4), sixth (Y6), eighth (Y8), tenth (Y10) and fifteenth (Y15) tree ages, such as total carbohydrate content (TCC), protein content (PC), uronic acid content (UAC), monosaccharide composition, molecular weight distribution, infrared characteristics were determined. And effects of LBPs of different tree ages on PC12 cells and APRE-19 cells function were evaluated in vitro. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in PC of LBPs at different tree ages. The UAC and TCC of LBPs from Y4 to Y10 were not significantly different, but were significantly higher than those in Y2 and Y15. LBPs of different tree ages showed similar preliminary structural characteristics. Compared with the LBPs of other tree ages, the LBPs of Y4, Y6, Y8 and Y10 had a good role in resisting oxidative stress. These results indicated that molecular weight, TCC and UAC of LBPs had important effects on their antioxidant activity in vitro. The accumulation of UAC and TCC in LBPs was closely related to tree age. The physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of LBPs fromY4 to Y10 were better than Y2 and Y15. Therefore,Lycium barbarumL. from Y4 to Y10 should be selected when preparing LBPs.
Design and Implementation of a Real-Time Face Recognition System Based on Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Chang Chih-Yung , santra Arpita Samanta , Chang I-Hsiung , Wu Shih-Jung , Roy Diptendu Sinha
Published: December 2022

This paper mainly discusses the asymmetric face recognition problem where the number of names in a name list and the number of faces in the photo might not be equal, but each face should be automatically labeled with a name. The motivation for this issue is that there had been many meetings in the past. After each meeting, the participant took group photos. The meeting provided only a corresponding name list of participants without one-to-one labels. In the worst case, the group photo might mix with the faces that were not participating in the meeting. Another reason for asymmetric face recognition is that some meeting personnel did not appear in photos because they assisted in taking pictures. This paper proposes an Asymmetric Face Recognition Mechanism, called AFRM in short. Initially, the proposed AFRM adopts the Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to detect and extract all faces from photos. Next, AFRM extracts the features from each face using the convolution feature map (Conv_FF) and adopts the features to partition the faces into different classes. Then the AFRM applies the statistic-based mechanism to map each name in the name list to each face class. According to this mapping, each face will be associated with one name. To quickly identify a face during the meeting, the AFRM applies the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) to represent the features of each face. During the new meeting, the proposed AFRM can extract the feature of one face and then adopts KNN to derive the features. Experimental results show that the proposed mechanism achieves more than 97% accuracy without one-to-one name and face labeling.
Native T1 high region and left ventricular ejection fraction recovery in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nabeta Takeru , Takigami Yu , Eda Yuko , Maemura Kenji , Oki Takumi , Fujita Teppei , Iida Yuichiro , Ikeda Yuki , Ishii Shunsuke , Inoue Yusuke , Ako Junya , Yazaki Mayu
Published: December 2022

Native T1 mapping is used to assess myocardial tissue characteristics without gadolinium contrast agents. The focal T1 high-intensity region can indicate myocardial alterations. This study aimed to identify the association between the native T1 mapping including the native T1 high region and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Patients with newly diagnosed DCM (LVEF of < 45%) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with native T1 mapping were included in the analysis. Native T1 high region was defined as a signal intensity of > 5 SD in the remote myocardium. Recovered EF was defined as a follow-up LVEF of ≥ 45% and an LVEF increase of ≥ 10% after 2 years from baseline. Seventy-one patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Forty-four patients (61.9%) achieved recovered EF. Logistic regression analysis showed that the native T1 value (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99; P = 0.014) and the native T1 high region (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05–0.55; P = 0.002), but not late gadolinium enhancement, were independent predictors of recovered EF. Compared with native T1 value alone, combined native T1 high region and native T1 value improved the area under the curve from 0.703 to 0.788 for predicting recovered EF. Myocardial damage, which was quantified using native T1 mapping and the native T1 high region were independently associated with recovered EF in patients with newly diagnosed DCM.
Evaluation of stability of mainstream ANAMMOX: Long-term operated A3O process
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Lee Woo Hyoung , Bae Sungwoo , Gil Kyungik
Published: December 2022

The stability of the ANAMMOX (Anaerobic ammonium oxidation) process for the side-stream has been proven worldwide, but the stability for the mainstream has not yet been proven. Most studies in previous mainstream ANAMMOX research have only focused on nitritating ammonium nitrogen at a low concentration. This study did not nitritate low-concentration nitrogen during the mainstream ANAMMOX process, but changed the idea to bringing the nitrite source from the recycle water. Since the recycle water contains a high concentration of nitrogen, nitritation reaction is stably induced, and the nitrite nitrogen is used as a substrate source necessary for the mainstream ANAMMOX reaction. In this study, the results of about 1500 days of successful operation at the lab scale were summarized, and the necessary operating factors and data were successfully derived at the real scale.
What is the impact of post-COVID-19 syndrome on health-related quality of life and associated factors: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Mastrorosa Ilaria , Duca Giulia Del , Pinnetti Carmela , Lorenzini Patrizia , Vergori Alessandra , Brita Anna Clelia , Camici Marta , Mazzotta Valentina , Baldini Francesco , Chinello Pierangelo , Mencarini Paola , Giancola Maria Letizia , Abdeddaim Amina , Girardi Enrico , Vaia Francesco , Antinori Andrea
Published: December 2022

Background.
After the acute phase, symptoms or sequelae related to post-COVID-19 syndrome may persist for months. We aim to measure their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to investigate influencing factors, among patients, previously hospitalized and not, followed up to 12 months.
Methods.
We present the cross-sectional analysis of a prospective study, including patients referred to the post-COVID-19 service. Questionnaires and scales administered at 3, 6, 12 months were: Short-Form 36-item questionnaire (SF-36); Visual Analogue Scale of the EQ5D (EQ-VAS); in a subgroup, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Linear regression was used to assess for the presence of a trend over time by month of evaluation after the acute infection (continuous measure in month); two different linear regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with HRQoL.
Results.
We considered the first assessment of each participant (n = 572): 235 (41%), 175 (31%) and 118 (21%) patients were evaluated 3 months [median 3.5 (IQR 2.9-3-9)], 6 months [5.6 (5.0-6.5)], and more than 6 months [9.6 (8.3–14.7)], after the acute infection, respectively. The mean scores in SF-36 and in EQ-VAS were significantly lower than the Italian normative values and remained stable over time, except the mental components score (MCS) of the SF-36 and EQ-VAS which resulted in lower ratings at the last observations. Female gender, presence of comorbidities, and corticosteroids treatment during acute COVID-19, were associated with lower scores in SF-36 and EQ-VAS; patients previously hospitalized (54%) reported higher MCS. Alterations in BAI, BDI-II, and PSQI, evaluated in a subgroup of 265 participants, were associated with lower ratings in SF-36 and EQ-VAS.
Conclusions.
This study provides evidence of a significantly bad perception of health status among persons with post-COVID-19 syndrome, associated with female gender and, indirectly, with disease severity. In case of anxious-depressive symptoms and sleep disorders, a worse HRQoL was also reported. A systematic monitoring of these aspects is recommended to properly manage the post-COVID-19 period.
Torsion Behavior of Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Box Girders with Openings
Authors: Eltaly Boshra , EL_Sayed Medhat , Meleka Nageh , kandil Kamel
Published: December 2022

An experimental test program consisting of eleven reinforced concrete box girders with a length of 1300 mm, a cross-section of 350 x 350 mm and 200 x 200 mm an inner cross-section was carried out. Four control specimens were tested: two as box girders, one solid beam and one box girder with an opening. Two specimens with openings were retrofitted with steel plates and CFRP around the opening and two specimens without openings were retrofitted longitudinally with steel plates and CFRP sheets. Two specimens were strengthened with U-shaped steel plates and CFRP sheets. One specimen was strengthened with longitudinal and U-shaped CFRP sheets. All the specimens were tested under pure torsion up to failure. To validate the finite element model, numerical models were used and their results were compared to experimental results. After verification, different variables were studied such as the influence of the opening location, number of openings, area of the opening, change in longitudinal and transverse steel amount, and strengthening around the opening. The comparative study revealed that the number of openings and their dimensions are the most important factors influencing the torsional moment. Also, the strengthening around the opening compensates the torsional strength that was lost due to the opening.
Susceptibility of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Natural Products and Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Joo Jin Ho Joo , Hussein Khalid Abdallah
Published: December 2022

Background:Synthetic insecticides have a direct adverse effect on the natural enemies and long-term residual effects causing serious environmental pollution as well. The public awareness for a clean environment increased the attention on developing alternative eco-friendly approaches. This study aimed to detect the effect ofBeauveria bassiana,Metarhizium anisopliae, and natural products of plant-extract origin on the fall armywormSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions.Results:The drench-bioassay results showed that mortality of larvae byB. bassianaKACC40224 increased from 10% to 80% as the dose was increased from 10 × 105to 10 × 109conidia ml−1. However, mortality byM. anisopliaeKACC40029 reached maximally 60% at the dose of 10 × 109conidia ml−1. All natural-extract products tested against the insect pest were effective, except lavender oil, they caused mortality varied between 10% and 100%. Rosemary oil was found to be the most effective essential oil, showing 10% to 100% mortality indices at a concentration of 0.1 and 0.2% (v/v), respectively.S. frugiperdaeggs tend to be more susceptible to entomopathogenic fungi rather than the larvae. The essential oils exhibited significant insecticidal properties against the larvae ofS. frugiperda.Conclusion:This study could help in the development of potential biopesticides for the environment-friendly management of the fall armywormS. frugiperdapest and emphasize the advantages of entomopathogenic fungi application.
Novel development of Lecanicillium lecanii-based granules as a platform against malarial vector Anopheles culicifacies
Authors: Sogan Nisha , Kala Smriti , Kapoor Neera , Nagpal B. N , Ramlal Ayyagari , Nautiyal Aparna
Published: December 2022

Mosquitoes are infectious vectors of a wide range of pathogens and parasites thereby transmitting several diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and Japanese Encephalitis posing a major public health concern. Mostly synthetic insecticides are usually applied as a primary control strategy to manage vector-borne diseases. However excessive and non-judicious usage of such chemically derived insecticides has led to serious environmental and health issues owing to their biomagnification ability and increased toxicity towards non-target organisms. In this context, many such bioactive compounds originating from entomopathogenic microbes may serve as an alternative and environmentally benign tool for vector control. In the present paper, the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium lecanii was processed to make the granules. Developed 4% LL granules have been characterized using the technique of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The developed formulation was also subjected to an accelerated temperature study at 40° C and was found to be stable for 3 months. Further, GCMS of the L. lecanii was also performed to screen the potential biomolecules present. The developed formulation was found to be lethal against Anopheles culicifacies with an LC50 value of 11.836 µg/mL. The findings from SEM and histopathology also substantiated the mortality effects. Further SEM EDX studies revealed that treated mosquitoes have lower nitrogen content which is correlated to a lower level of chitin whereas the control one has higher chitin content and healthy membranes. The developed LL granule formulation exhibited high toxicity against Anopheles mosquitoes due to its selective toxicity, thereby minimizing the toxicity toward non-target organisms. The granule formulations can be used as an effective biocontrol strategy against malaria-causing mosquitoes.
Multivariate analysis of seizure outcomes after resective surgery for focal epilepsy: a single-center study on 833 patients
Authors: Meng Qiang , Liu Yong , Ren Yutao , Wu Hao , Zhang Jiale , Li Huanfa , Dong Shan , Jing Jiangpeng , Liu Xiaofang , Du Changwang , Zhang Hua
Published: December 2022

The predictors of long-term seizure outcomes after resectivesurgery for focal epilepsy, for an update on the features of good and poor outcomes is investigated. A retrospective study of patients with focal epilepsy undergoing resectivesurgery from March 2011 toApril 2019 was performed. There were 3 groups according to the seizure outcomes: group A, seizure freedom; group B, seizure improvement; group C, no improvement. Five comparisons were performed: comparison 1, A vs. B and C; comparison 2, A vs. B; comparison 3, A vs. C; comparison 4, B vs. C; comparison 5, A and B vs. C. Predictors of seizure outcomes were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of all 833 patients, 561 (67.3%) patients remained seizure-free at the last follow-up, 203 (24.4%) patients had seizure improvement, and 69 (8.3%) had no improvement. The mean follow-up duration was 5.2 years (range: 2.7 to 9.6). Predictors of better outcomes included epilepsyduration <5 years (comparisons 1-3), localized discharge (comparisons 1 and 2), no. of antiepileptic drugs at surgery <3 (comparison 5), and temporal lobe resection (comparisons 1 and 3). However, predictors of worse outcomes included intracranial haemorrhage in infancy (comparisons 1 and 2), interictal abnormal discharge (comparisons 1 and 2), intracranial electrode monitoring (comparisons 1 and 2), and acute postoperative seizure (all comparisons). Our study suggests that resectivesurgery for focal epilepsy has satisfactory outcomes. Short epilepsy duration, localized discharge, and temporal lobe resection are positive predictors of seizure freedom. Patients with these predictors are intensivelyrecommended for surgery.
Propofol mediates miR-199a/PAK4 axis to regulate the proliferation, invasion and migration of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Yu Rui-Long , Li Kai , Liu Jia-Jun
Published: December 2022

Objective
To investigate if inhibitory effects of propofol on proliferation, invasion and migration of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells was associated with the regulation of miR-199a/PAK4 axis.
Methods
Human NSCLC A549 and H1299 cells were treated with propofol of different concentrations at different time points. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to evaluate miR-199a expression. A549 and H1299 cells were divided into Control, Propofol, Propofol + miR-NC and Propofol + miR-199a inhibitor groups. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were examined by CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell, respectively. Western blotting was used to measure the protein expression of PAK4. Xenograft model was established in nude mice to observe if propofol can mediate miR-199a expression to regulate the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumor.
Results
Propofol can effectively enhance the expression of miR-199a in NSCLC. Compared with Control group, H1299 and A549 cells in Propofol group decreased in viability, invasion and migration, and increased in apoptosis. The inhibitory effect of propofol on NSCLC growth was reversed by miR-199a. In comparison with Propofol group, Propofol + miR-199a inhibitor group was declined in miR-199a expression and increased in PAK4 protein expression. According to dual-luciferase reporter assay, PAK4 was a target gene of miR-199a. Experiment in vivo revealed propofol can inhibit the growth and reduce the weight of xenograft tumor, which can be reversed by miR-199a inhibitor.
Conclusion
Propofol can suppress PAK4 expression by inducing miR-199a up-regulation, thereby inhibiting the proliferative, invasive and migrating abilities of NSCLC.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics on the Litopenaeus vannamei growth performance, hemolymph factors, and physicochemical parameters
Authors: Azhdari Seyed Mehrdad Hasani , Tavabe Kamran Rezaei , Pournaki Shirin Kazemzadeh , Hosseni Seyed Vali , Bagheri Dara , Javanmardi Sina , Azhdari Ashkan , Frinsko Mike
Published: December 2022

Effects of two probiotics, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) and Lactobacillus plantarum (RITCC 1273) on the Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae were investigated. Bacillus (B1)106 and (B2) 3×106 CFU.L− 1 and Lactobacillus (L1) 105 and (L2) 3×105 CFU.L− 1) were added to water in 5 treatments of different combinations of B1, B2, L1, and L2 to determine water quality, Hemolymph indices, salinity stress, growth rate, and productive parameters. after that, shrimps were transferred to seafood processing and quality control lab to evaluate shelf-life and quality change during freezing preservation at -18℃ for 90 days. Nutritional values, pH, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Total volatile nitrogen determination (TVB-N), Water holding capacity (WHC), drip loss, and texture profile were evaluated. According to the results, water quality remained almost the same during the aquaculture phase of the experiment and no significant changes were observed in the pH, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and nitrite-nitrogen of water. Growth performance tests indicated that T1 (105 L*3×106 B CFU.L− 1) had the highest weight gain (WG), survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR), and relative feed conversion efficacy (RFC). T4 (3×105 L*106 B CFU.L− 1) indicated lowest triglyceride (274.51 ± 17 mg/dL) and highest cholesterol level (3581.61 ± 1222 mg/dL) significantly. Storage of shrimps demonstrated that the best performance belongs to T4 which had the highest WHC (31.9 ± 7.8%) and lowest drip loss (4.7 ± 0.4%) among treatments at day 60. Overall, our results showed interaction of B. subtilis and L. Plantarum significantly improves shrimp's growth rate, and helps to improve some of the chemical characteristics during storage at -18℃.
Impact of anomalous Eurasian blocking activities on the East Asian Meiyu rainfall
Authors: Xu Zitian , Yang Xiu-Qun , Tao Lingfeng , Sun Linyuan
Published: December 2022

An extreme East Asian Meiyu rainfall in both amount and duration occurred along Yangtze River valley during June-July of 2020, however, possible mid-high latitude signatures causing this super Meiyu have not been well identified. This study explores the cause of the Meiyu rainfall from the aspect of anomalous Eurasian blocking activities with a two-dimensional blocking index, using the Japanese 55-yr Reanalysis for 1979–2020. The major findings are as follows. Variabilities of the Eurasian blocking activities are primarily characterized by a tripole pattern with three centers over the Baltic Sea, the Ural Mountain, and the Sea of Okhotsk, respectively. The tripole pattern is associated with two zonally-oriented Rossby wavetrains which may originate from the rainfall anomaly in Central Europe. Corresponding to a positive phase of the tripole pattern, the northern wavetrain through energy dispersion tends to induce an anomalous anticyclone (i.e., enhanced blocking) over the Sea of Okhotsk, while the southern wavetrain tends to induce an anomalous cyclone over the Sea of Japan which is conducive to the southward intrusion of more high-latitude cold airs. Consequently, a meridional dipole anomalous circulation pattern over the northeastern Asia is formed, favoring more East Asian Meiyu rainfall. In 2020, the Eurasian blocking activities exhibit a significantly positive phase of the tripole pattern and considerably contribute to the super Meiyu. The results identified in this study highlight the importance of the Eurasian blocking activities in the East Asian Meiyu and provide a new perspective for the prediction of the Meiyu rainfall with mid-high latitude signatures.
Evolutionary Algorithm with Machine Learning Enabled Color Texture Image Segmentation and Classification Model
Authors: Maheswari G. Uma , Selvam L. , SAMMETA NARESH
Published: December 2022

Many image processing and computer vision algorithms rely on image segmentation. Typically, images are too complex to segment using standard image processing techniques. It consists of a wide range of colour, texture, and shape from correlation. A different labelling of the boundary or region develops a difficult task to segment techniques. Color, shape, and texture descriptors are used in the problem assignment for advanced image segmentation techniques. The purpose of this article is to describe the Evolutionary Algorithm with Machine Learning Enabled Color Texture Image Segmentation and Classification (EAML-CTISC) model. The EAML-CTISC model's main goal is to accurately segment and classify images. The EAML-CTISC model primarily performs image pre-processing to improve image quality. The EAML-CTISC model then combines biogeography-based optimization (BBO) with Shannon entropy-based image segmentation to determine the region of interest. A colour co-occurrence matrix (CCM) model-based feature extraction technique is also used. Finally, for image classification, a gravitational search algorithm (GSA) with an autoencoder (AE) model is used. Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and Jaccard Index all have average values of 99.01%, 95.66%, and 95.46%, respectively. This result demonstrated that the EAML-CTISC proposed approach effectively performs orchard images better than the existing approach. The experimental result analysis of the EAML-CTISC algorithm can be tested utilizing a set of benchmark images. The comparison study stated the enhanced performance of the EAML-CTISC approach over recent approaches.