bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Model Based Control Strategies for a Novel MISO PEM Fuel Cell Control Structure
Authors: Sharma Shubhanshu , Mullapudi Siva , Araga Ramya , Patle Dipesh S , Gara Uday Bhaskar Babu
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, the application of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is advancing as a popular renewable energy source. PEMFCs must operate at low temperatures, have high power density, and be easily implemented. These features contorted them into the most compelling type of fuel cell. However, PEMFCs need a strategy for maintaining the voltage at a desired operating point, specifically during the current variation. The present study proposes a novel Multiple-Input-Single-Output (MISO) control structure for a PEMFC system to improve its performance. This study focuses on airflow optimization and hydrogen consumption optimization, as the literature focuses more on airflow optimization for compressor or pump performance. To give an outlook, a two-input-two-output PEMFC system, with air and hydrogen flow rates as inputs and cell voltage and load current as outputs, is considered a two-input-single-output system by fixing the output resistance. The fractional order model is realized from the existing integer order MISO PEMFC system using a genetic algorithm as the optimization technique. The proposed control structure aims to control the output cell voltage by regulating the air and hydrogen inlet rates by designing various model-based controllers like PI, PID, MPC, and Predictive PID. The control performance is evaluated for set point tracking, disturbance rejection, inverse response rejection, and time delay compensation for the best combination of controllers based on ISE, IAE, and TV values. From the simulation results, the fractional-order system is observed to give better results than the integer-order system, with MPC showing the best results for controlling the stack voltage.
Distribution of Pb, Sr, U isotopic signature and multielement composition of sediment in Lake Balaton (Hungary) at a sediment trap deep dredged 40 years ago near Balatongyörök – Search for routes of recent pollution
Authors: Beyer Daniel E , Varga Mária , Fazekas Péter , Pánczél János K.
Published: September 2022

We studied the Pb, Sr, U isotopic composition and the concentration of toxic elements in sediment core samples collected in Lake Balaton at a sediment trap that was deep dredged in 1979, to analyze their changes in the last 40 years. Pb isotopic composition profiles of cores taken from the sediment trap showed a shift in 206Pb/207Pb from 1.206 ± 0.002 to 1.185 ± 0.002 going from bottom towards the top of the sediment, at 80–100 cm depth. Concomitantly Pb concentration together with Zn, Sb, Cu, Cd and Fe showed elevated, 2–4 times higher values in the top phase of the sediment. Calculated Pb isotopic composition of pollutant Pb fraction was 1.177 ± 0.005 in the case of the 206Pb/207Pb and 2.456 ± 0.004 for 208Pb/207Pb, which shows good agreement with literature data for lead ores in Poland and Germany, but it is distinct from literature data for leaded fuel concerning Middle and Eastern Europe. The marked change of the Pb signatures enabled the construction of a sediment deposition rate map. U and Mo showed a characteristic concentration peak in positioned exactly at the depth of Pb signature transition. Isotopic signature of U based on 234U and 235U also showed similar pattern. We suggest that the deposition of U and Mo can be related to cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Balaton in late1970s and early1980s.
Reduced live birth rate after frozen compared to fresh single poor cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective study
Authors: He Yuxia , Li Jingxiong , Liu Haiying , Liu Jianqiao , Zheng Haiyan , Chen Shiping
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The ongoing debate focuses on whether the freeze-all strategy is suitable for the general population or may be offered to specific subgroups of patients. This study aimed to compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between FET and fresh ET and evaluate the effectiveness of the embryo freezing strategy for a specific group of patients undergoing single poor cleavage-stage embryo transfer.
Methods
A total of 1,819 ET cycles that underwent single poor cleavage-stage embryo transfer between January 2014 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study and categorized into two groups according to the embryo processing methods: fresh ET group (n = 1124) and frozen ET group (n = 695).
Results
We found that the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in the fresh cycles than in the frozen cycles (32.38% vs. 22.30%, p = 0.000; 25.62% vs. 16.12%, p = 0.000, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the cycle type (fresh or frozen) still had a significant impact on the live birth rate (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.19–2.21, p = 0.002) after adjusting for potential confounders.
Discussion
FET was associated with a significantly lower risk of clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. For patients who are more likely to develop poor-quality cleavage embryos, such as women with previous low response or reduced ovarian reserve, it is suggested that fresh ET should be given priority to achieve better pregnancy and neonatal outcomes than FET if there are no special circumstances.
Impact of COVID-19 on outcomes of childhood severe malaria: A comparative of study pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods
Authors: Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed , Alao Michael Abel , Suleiman Bello Mohammed , Mokuolu Olugbenga Ayodeji
Published: September 2022

Background
The collateral damages from measures adopted to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have been projected to impact negatively on malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Herein, we compared the prevalence and outcomes of childhood severe malaria during pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria.
Methods
This was a retrospective review of cases of severe malaria admitted from 1st January to 31st December 2019 (pre-COVID-19 period) and 1st January to 31st December 2020 (COVID-19 period). We extracted relevant information including demographics, duration of symptoms before presentation, forms of severe malaria, and outcomes of hospitalization (discharged or death).
Results
In the pre-Covid period, there were a total of 2312 admissions to the EPU and 1685 in the covid period representing a decline of 27%. In contrast, there were 263 and 292 severe malaria admissions in the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, respectively, representing an 11% increase in the absolute number of cases. The prevalence rates were 11.4% in the pre-COVID-19 period and 17.3% in the COVID-19 period representing an increase of 52% in the percentage differences. The mortality rate in COVID-19 period was higher than the pre-COVID-19 period ([10.3%;30/292 vs 2.3% 6/263], p < 0.001). The death rate increased by 350.0% during the COVID-19 period. A child is five times more likely to die from severe malaria in the COVID-19 era than in pre-COVID time (4.9, 95% CI 2.008, 11.982). In the COVID-19 era, presentation at a health facility was also delayed (p = 0.029), as were the odds of multiple features of severe malaria manifestations (p = 0.020).
Conclusion.
This study shows that the prevalence of severe childhood malaria increased by as high as11.0%, with a disproportionate increase in mortality compared to the pre-pandemic level. Most children with severe malaria presented late with multiple features of severe malaria probably contributing to the poor hospitalization outcomes (death) observed in this study.
First complete genome sequence of lumpy skin disease virus directly from a clinical sample in South India
Authors: Putty Kalyani , Rao Pachineella Lakshmana , Ganji Vishweshwar Kumar , Dutta Devasmita , Mondal Subhajit , Hegde Nagendra R. , Srivast Anand , Subbiah Madhuri
Published: September 2022

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), a notifiable disease listed by the World Organization for Animal Health and a fast fast-moving transboundary viral disease infecting cattle and buffaloes, was reported in India in 2019 and has since rapidly spread across the country. This study reports the first complete genome sequence and analysis of a pathogenic LSD virus (LSDV) from India (LSDV/208/PVNRTVU/2020) obtained by direct sequencing of a suspected clinical sample using Illumina and Nanopore sequencing technologies. The complete genome sequence of LSDV/208/PVNRTVU/2020 is 150445 bp long, codes for 156 putative genes and carries identical 2254 bp inverted terminal repeats at either ends. The unique features reported in the LSDV isolates from the recent outbreaks in Asia, namely, the insertions of 12 nucleotides in the viral G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and 27 nucleotides leading to duplication of 9 aminoacids in the extracellular enveloped virus-specific (EEV) genes were also conserved in LSDV/208/PVNRTVU/2020. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome sequence of LSDV/208/PVNRTVU/2020 revealed its close relation with Kenyan strains and clustered away from vaccine strains. Further analysis showed evidence of strong purifying selection without any recombination events. The data presented in this study could be useful for designing effective strategies such as developing rapid diagnostics and vaccines to control LSD.
Crystal anisotropy implications on the intrinsic magnetic and optical properties in van der Waals FePS3
Authors: Geraffy Ellenor , Zuri Shahar , Rybak Milosz , Horani Faris , Budniak Adam , Amouyal Yaron , Birowska Magdalena , Lifshitz Efrat
Published: September 2022

Antiferromagnetic (AFM) FePS3 has gained significant interest recently for its potential applications in spin-related devices. This study exposes, for the first time, the strong impact of lateral crystal distortion on the magnetic arrangement and optical properties of FePS3. X-ray diffraction measurements uncovered a local anisotropy along the a/b crystallographic plane, inducing a breakage in FePS3 inversion symmetry, which greatly impacts it’s electronic and optical transitions. This includes an unexpected band-edge circularly polarized recombination emission, exposing a splitting of states in degenerate symmetric points (K+/K-). Secondly, implementation of crystal anisotropy in spin-exchange interactions among Fe atom’s nearest neighbors revealed stabilized a zigzag-AFM arrangement tilted away from the a-axis. Also, temperature-dependent PL measurements reflect arrangement at low temperatures and the coexistence of zigzag or Neél at mid temperatures. Highlighting the importance of the inclusion of a crystallographic anisotropy parameter for the simulation of the experimental observations.
Rucaparib, a PARP inhibitor, enhances β-lapachone-induced pyroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Hengce , Guo Yueting , Chen Xiaoyang , Huang Zihan , Wang Shiyi , Liu Yingchun
Published: September 2022

β-lapachone (β-lap) is FDA-approved to be used in a clinical trial. Efficacy of β-lap associates with cancer cell death and alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment. However, the links are poorly understood. We show that β-lap treatment triggered caspase 1 activity, promoted cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and released IL-1β and IL-18, markers of pyroptotic cell death. To expand the therapeutic utility of β-lap, we here demonstrate the combination of β-lap with Rucaparib, a PARP inhibitor in NQO1+ pancreatic cancer cells. Rucaparib enhances β-lap lethality and activates gasdermin E/caspase 3- mediated pyroptosis. These data implicate β-lap-induced pyroptosis in anti-tumor immune responses and highlight new therapeutic strategies for resistant PDA.
Neurofilament-light chain quantification by SimoaTM and EllaTM in plasma from patients with dementia: a comparative study
Authors: Truffi Marta , Garofalo Maria , Ricciardi Alessandra , Ramusino Matteo Cotta , Perini Giulia , Scaranzin Silvia , Gastaldi Matteo , Albasini Sara , Costa Alfredo , Chiavetta Viola , Corsi Fabio , Morasso Carlo , Gagliardi Stella
Published: September 2022

Neurofilament light chains (NfL) are neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins whose plasmatic concentrations have been explored as a clinically useful marker in several types of dementia. Plasma concentrations of NfL are extremely low, and just two assays are commercially available for their study: one based on the SiMoA™ technology and one based on Ella™. We thus studied plasma levels of NfL with both platforms to check the correlation between them and to assess their potential in the diagnosis of dementia. Plasma NfL levels were measured on 50 subjects: 18 healthy controls, 20 Alzheimer’s disease, and 12 frontotemporal dementia patients. Ella™ returned plasmatic NfL levels significantly higher than SiMoA™, however the results were strongly correlated (r = 0.94), and a proportional coefficient of 0.58 between the two assays was calculated. Both assays detected higher plasma NfL levels in patients with dementia than in the control group (p < 0.0001) and allowed their discrimination with excellent diagnostic performance (AUC > 0.95). No difference was found between Alzheimer’s and Frontotemporal dementia either using SiMoA™ or Ella™. In conclusion, both the analytical platform resulted effective in analysing plasma levels of NfL. However, the correct interpretation of results requires the precise knowledge of the assay used.
Women’s knowledge of perceived severity of illness predicting healthcare seeking behaviour for antenatal, postnatal care, and institutional delivery services. Findings from a National Survey in Afghanistan
Authors: Tawfiq Essa , Azimi Mohammad Daud , Feroz Aeraj , Hadad Ahmad Shakir , Soroush Mohammad Samim , Jafari Massoma , Yaftali Marzia Salam , Saeedzai Sayed Ataullah
Published: September 2022

Background
The importance of healthcare seeking for women’s health is well documented. However, less is known how women’s knowledge of perceived severity of illness affects healthcare seeking behaviour. This study examined the associations of women’s knowledge of perceived severity of illness with healthcare seeking behaviour for maternal health services.
Methods
Data were used from the Afghanistan Health Survey 2018. Women’s knowledge in terms of knowing danger signs or symptoms related to maternal health was assessed. The signs or symptoms a woman was expected to name were bleeding, swelling of the body, headache, fever, or any other danger sign or symptom (e.g., high blood pressure). A categorical variable on knowledge was created. The outcome variables were defined as ≥ 4 ANC vs. 0–3 ANC; ≥ 4 PNC vs. 0–3 PNC visits; institutional vs. non-institutional deliveries. A multivariate regression model was applied.
Results
Data were used from 9,190 ever-married women, aged 13–49 years, who gave birth in the past two years. It was found that only 22% and 2% of women sought healthcare for ≥ 4 ANC, ≥ 4 PNC visits, respectively. Fifty six percent of women had institutional deliveries. Multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratios (ORs) for ANC visits were 1.76(95%CI;1.53–2.04), 2.25(95%CI;1.97–2.58), and 2.81 (95%CI:2.35–3.35) in women who knew 1, 2, and 3–5 signs or symptoms, respectively, compared to women who knew none. The ORs for PNC visits were 1.81(95%CI:1.12–2.93), 2.22(95%CI:1.42–3.48), and 3.37(95%CI:2.02–5.62) in women who knew 1, 2, and 3–5 signs or symptoms, respectively, compared to women who knew none. The ORs for institutional deliveries were 1.38(95%CI:1.22–1.56), 1.80(95%CI:1.59–2.04), and 1.97(95%CI:1.64–2.37) in women who knew 1, 2, and 3–5 signs or symptoms, respectively, compared to women who knew none. It was found that in women who did not use at least 4 ANC, 4 PNC visits, or institutional deliveries, 27%, 33%, and 23% of them, respectively, said that it was unnecessary to seek healthcare. Main perceived barriers mentioned, were distance to clinics, financial constraints, and lack of female staff.
Conclusion
Health interventions are needed to promote women’s knowledge of perceived severity of illness, and to address perceived barriers in accessing maternal health services.
Metropolitan and Non-Metropolitan Cancer Survivors’ Health Behaviour Change Barriers and Desired Supports
Authors: Maxwell-Smith Chloe , Cohen Paul , Platell Cameron , Saunders Christobel , Tan Jason , Makin Gregory , Nightingale Sophie , Lynch Craig , Sardelic Frank , McCormick Jacob , Hardcastle Sarah
Published: September 2022

Purpose.
Cancer survivors are at risk of comorbidities, with those in non-metropolitan areas being particularly susceptible. Survivors identify unique barriers and supports to facilitate change, which may differ across survivors’ geographical classification.
Methods.
Survivors from metropolitan (n = 103) and non-metropolitan (n = 80) areas in Australia described barriers and suggested supports for physical activity and dietary change via open-ended survey items. Responses underwent thematic analysis.
Results.
Survivors’ barriers were primarily motivational and social. Survivors suggested change supports that corresponded with barriers, encompassing accountability, information from health professionals, and supportive social environments. Non-metropolitan survivors expressed logistical barriers and desired health professionals’ support.
Conclusion.
Novel insights have revealed the importance of social influences in supporting behavioural change. As poor motivation was a primary barrier across health behaviours and locations, programs may focus on strengthening commitment for change and harnessing the value of local support networks.
New geologic paleoseismological observations along the Acipayam−Serinhisar Fault zone, SW Anatolia
Authors: Hançer Mete , Kenanoglu Nebil , Akyol Erdal
Published: September 2022

An earthquake of M = 5.6 occurred on the 20 March 2019 in Acipayam, Denizli has caused extensive damages of infrastructures, located in a seismically active area at the southwest Anatolian fault system, in Türkiye. The causative fault (Acipayam-Serinhisar fault zone) has not shown on the active fault map of Türkiye and it has been discovered first time by this study. Identification of active faults is vital for understanding the tectonic setting of the region, and to develop the safe urban planning. The earthquake occurred on the Acipayam segment of this fault zone, which is divided into two separate segments. Three trenches were excavated for paleoseismological studies on this segment. The charcoal samples collected from the trenched exposures were dated by radiocarbon method. The data proposed three seismic events, which caused a surface rupture, at BC 235 − 95, AD 1227 − 1263 and AD 1471 − 1738. Considering the last two seismic events, this fault segment produced two surface rupture earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 and 6.5, 350 years apart.
A dynamical system with fixed-time convergence for solving the split feasibility problem
Authors: Liu Kaiping , Che Haitao , Li Meixia
Published: September 2022

In this article, we first transform the split feasibility problem into the fixed point problem, and focus on a novel dynamical system to solve the fixed point problem. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the dynamical system is revealed. Under mild conditions, we derive that the solution of proposed method globally converges to the solution of the split feasibility problem. Furthermore, the convergence time of the dynamical system can be upper bounded which is independent of any initial state. Finally, numerical experiments on signal processing and image restoration are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and competitiveness of proposed method.
Molecular characterization suggests kinetic modulation of expression of accessory viral protein, W, in Newcastle disease virus infected DF1 cells
Authors: Nayak B Nagaraj , Rajagopal Kalaimagal , Shunmugasundaram Revathi , Rao Pachineella Lakshmana , Vaidyanathan Saraswathy , Subbiah Madhuri
Published: September 2022

Viruses adopt strategies to efficiently utilize their compact genome. Members of the family Paramyxoviridae, exhibit a cotranscriptional RNA editing mechanism wherein polymerase stuttering generates accessory proteins from Phosphoprotein (P) gene. Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, expresses two accessory proteins, V and W, by RNA editing. While P and V proteins are well studied, very little is known about W protein. Recent studies confirmed W protein expression in NDV and the unique subcellular localization of W proteins of virulent and avirulent NDV. We characterized the W protein of NDV strain Komarov, a moderately virulent vaccine strain. W mRNA expression ranged between 7 and 9% of total P gene transcripts similar to virulent NDV. However, W protein expression, detectable by 6 hours, peaked at 24 hours and dropped by 48 hours post infection in DF1 cells indicating a kinetically regulated expression by the virus. The W protein localized in the nucleus and by mutations, a strong nuclear localization signal was identified in the C-terminal region of W protein. The viral growth kinetics study suggested neither supplementation of W protein nor subcellular localization pattern of the supplemented W protein influenced viral replication in vitro similar to that noticed in avirulent NDV. A cytoplasmic mutant of W protein localized in cytoplasm unlike specific mitochondrial colocalization as recorded in velogenic NDV strain SG10 indicating a possible role of W protein in determining the viral pathogenicity. This study describes for the first time, the distinct features of W protein of moderately virulent NDV.
Age-dependent effects on palate volume and morphology during orthodontic RME treatment
Authors: Kinzinger Gero Stefan Michael , Lisson Jörg Alexander , Buschhoff Charlotte , Hourfar Jan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) shows different age-dependent effects: It has been shown that RME leads to a parallel expansion prior to the age of 10, while later and especially from the age of 12, a V-shaped expansion happens (transverse: anterior > posterior, horizontal: inferior > superior). However, it is not clear to what extent these effects influence palatal volume and morphology, and eventually maxillary functional space. The aim of the present study was to examine possible age-related effects of treatment with a dental anchored RME appliance upon volume and width/height ratio of the anterior and posterior palate.

Materials and Methods

60 children and adolescents with documented treatment histories after RME were divided into three equal groups according to age at treatment begin (PG 1: < 10 yrs, n = 20; PG 2: 10 ≤ 12 yrs, n = 20; PG 3: > 12 yrs, n = 20). Maxillary dental casts before and after therapy were digitized. Changes in palatal volume were determined using 3D analyses.

Results

In all patients, the palatal volume increases significantly after RME. Older patients experienced smaller increases in total and posterior volume in absolute and percentage terms. The anterior palate volume increases are almost equal in all patients. Since palatal width increases more markedly than palatal height, the width/height-ratio always increases. Except for the posterior region in PG 3, its increase is significant in all groups, both anteriorly and posteriorly. After successful RME, the palatal morphology appears normal anteriorly in PG 1, PG 2 and PG 3, and rather steep posteriorly in PG 3.

Conclusions

RME treatment with identical force application causes different, age-dependent effects upon palate volume and morphology. Width changes have a greater influence on palate volume than height changes.

Clinical Relevance

It is preferable to use an RME prior to the age of 10 if homogeneous changes of the anterior and posterior palate regarding maxillary symmetry and functional space are desired.
Magnitude and predictor factors of opportunistic infections among adult treatment users at universty of Gondar, 2019
Authors: Agezew Tsegaw , Tadesse Abilo , Derseh Lemma , Yimer  , Fetene Getnet
Published: September 2022

Background: Opportunistic diseases cause morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons. There is evidence of death on the predictors of opportunistic infections among people living with HIV in the study areas.
Objective: This study was conducted to determine the magnitude and predictors of opportunistic diseases among adults enrolled in the University of Gondar specialized Hospital HIV/AIDS care and Treatment services centre.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was implemented. Simple random sampling methods were employed to select follow-up chart of the patients. A total of 315 medical records were reviewed from University of Gondar specialized referral hospital. Socio-demographic and clinical data including diagnosis of opportunistic diseases were collected from the medical records. Period prevalence of opportunistic diseases over five years of period was determined. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of opportunistic infections.
Results: A total of 315 study participant medical records were reviewed from their follow-up charts. The majority of 186 (59%) were female. The median age was 35 years with an interquartile (IQR) of (30–40) and the median duration of antiretroviral treatment were 42 months with IQR of (32-56). The overall prevalence of opportunistic infections was estimated 21.9% with (95% confidence interval (CI, 17.5-26.3). Isoniazid preventive therapy coverage was 76.8%.Using logistic regression multivariate analysis with SPSS Cotrimoxazol prophylaxis (AOR=0.24,95% CI = 0.07-0.86)and base line CLINICAL stage(AOR=2.9,95%CI=1.58-5.34),were independent predictors of opportunistic infection.
Conclusions and recommendations
Opportunistic diseases were found to be high among HIV infected adults in Gondar specialized referral hospital. Proactive identification, management, and prevention of opportunistic diseases needs strengthen, especially among females, ambulatory or bed-ridden, and patients with low CD4 cell count.
Low-cost and fusion compressive sensing multiclass-image encryption for batch image processing
Authors: Sha Yuwen , Mou Jun , banerjee santo , Jahanshahi Hadi , Cao Yinghong
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a low-cost multi-image cryptography system is investigated for Internet of Multimedia Things (MoIT) to acquire and transmit multiclass-image signals, such as grayscale, color and 3D images (Stereolithography format). Compression sensing (CS) is first introduced to solve the limitation of computing and storage resources faced by detectors when sampling data from different scenarios. The batch data after sampling are fused into 3D cubes, and the confusion-diffusion framework is used to encrypt them in 3D space to ensure the privacy of information during transmission. For confusion procedure, a novel technique, like 3D jigsaw puzzles, is designed to improve the efficiency of scrambling. Furthermore, a new nonlinear primitive is proposed based on Three-input majority gate (TIMG), and the nonsequential diffusion path generated by DepthFirst-Search (DSF) is used for diffusion operation. Experimental results and extensive security analysis show that the proposed encryption technique combined with the implementation of 3D space significantly improves the security and efficiency of batch image processing.
Prognostic prediction of subjective cognitive decline in major depressive disorder based on immune biomarkers: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Meiti , Wei Zheyi , Huang Qinte , Yang Weijie , Wu Chenglin , Cao Tongdan , Zhao Jie , Lyu Dongbin , Wang Fan , Zhou Ni , Huang Haijing , Zhang Mengke , Chen Yiming , Xu Yi , Ma Weiliang , Chen Zheng , Hong Wu
Published: September 2022

Objective
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is highlighted in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), which impairs objective cognitive performance and worsens the clinical outcomes. Immune dysregulation is supposed to be the potential mechanism of cognitive impairment. However, the peripheral immune biomarkers in patients troubled with MDD and SCD are not conventionally described.
Methods
A prospective-observational study was conducted for 8 weeks. Subjective cognitive function was measured using the Chinese version of the 20-item perceived deficits questionnaire-depression (PDQ-D) and depression symptoms were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17). Luminex assays were used to measure 48 immune cytokines in plasma at baseline. Integrating these results and clinicopathological features, a logistic regression model was used to develop a prognostic prediction.
Results
Totally, 114 patients were enrolled in this study. Among the patients who completed follow-up, 56% (N = 50) had residual subjective cognitive decline, and 44% (N = 50) did not. The plasma levels of FGF basic, INF-γ, IL-1β, MCP-1, M-CSF and SCF were increased and the levels of IL-9, RANTES and PDGF-BB were decreased in the SCD group. Additionally, Basic FGF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and SCF were positively correlated and IL-9, RANTES, and PDGF-BB were negatively correlated with the PDQ-D scores after treatment. Notably, combinations of cytokines (SCF and PDGF-BB) and PDQ-D scores at baseline showed good performance (The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.818) in the prediction of subjective cognitive decline.
Conclusion
A prognostic model based on protein concentrations of SCF, PDGF-BB, and scores of PDQ-D showed considerable accuracy in predicting residual subjective cognitive decline in depression.
Structural dynamics in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Calvaresi Valeria , Wrobel Antoni , Toporowska Joanna , Hammerschmid Dietmar , Doores Katie , Bradshaw Richard , Parsons Ricardo , Benton Donald , Roustan Chloe , Reading Eamonn , Malim Michael , Gamblin Steve , Politis Argyris
Published: September 2022

SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein mediates receptor binding and subsequent membrane fusion. It exists in a range of conformations, including a closed state unable to bind the ACE2 receptor, and an open state that does so but displays more exposed antigenic surface. Spikes of variants of concern (VOCs) acquired amino acid changes linked to increased virulence and immune evasion. Here, using HDX-MS, we identified changes in spike dynamics that we associate with the transition from closed to open conformation, to ACE2 binding, and to specific mutations in VOCs. We show that the RBD-associated subdomain plays a role in spike opening, whereas the NTD acts as a hotspot of conformational divergence of VOC spikes driving immune evasion. Alpha, beta and delta spikes assume predominantly open conformations and ACE2 binding increases the dynamics of their core helices, priming spikes for fusion. Conversely, substitutions in omicron spike lead to predominantly closed conformations, presumably enabling it to escape antibodies. At the same time, its core helices show characteristics of being pre-primed for fusion even in the absence of ACE2. These data inform on SARS-CoV-2 evolution and omicron emergence.
[18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT in differentiated thyroid cancer: Diagnostic performance, uptake values and comparison with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT
Authors: MU XINGYU , Huang Xiaoxue , Jiang Zewen , Li Meng , Jia Lulu , Lv Zhongyuan , Fu Wei , Mao Jingsong
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Preoperative Thalamus Volume is not associated with preoperative cognitive impairment (preCI) or postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD)
Authors: Fislage Marinus , Feinkohl Insa , Borchers Friedrich , Pischon Tobias , Spies Claudia D. , Winterer Georg , Zacharias Norman , Consortium BioCog
Published: September 2022

Background
A growing body of literature suggests an important role of the thalamus in cognition and neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to elucidate whether the preoperative thalamic volume is associated with preoperative cognitive impairment (preCI) and predictive for postoperative cognitive dysfunction at 3 months (POCD). We also examined if postoperative changes in thalamic volume can be observed in patients with POCD.
Methods
We enrolled 301 patients aged 65 or older and without signs of dementia, who were undergoing elective surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted prior to surgery. Freesurfer (version 5.3.) was used to automatically segment the thalamus volume. A neuropsychological test battery was administered before surgery and at a 3 month follow up. It contained the computerized tests Paired Associate Learning (PAL), Verbal Recognition Memory (VRM), Spatial Span Length (SSP), Simple Reaction Time (SRT), the pen-and-paper Trail-Making-Test (TMT) and the manual Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT). A reliable change index was used determine preCI and POCD. For statistical analyses, multivariable logistic regression models were applied. Age, sex and intracranial volume were inserted into the models as covariates.
Results
Of 301 patients who received a presurgical neuropsychological testing and MRI, 34 (11.3%) had preCI. 89 patients (29.5%) were lost to follow-up. The remaining 212 patients received a follow-up cognitive testing after 3 months, of whom 25 (8.3%) presented with POCD. Neither preCI (p = 0.14) nor in POCD (p = 0.87) were statistically significantly associated with patients’ preoperative thalamus volume.
Conclusions
Presurgical thalamus volume was not associated with preCI or POCD. In our cohort we could not show an association of thalamus volume as biomarker candidate with preCI or POCD.
Graph theoretical measures of fast ripple networks improve the accuracy of post-operative seizure outcome prediction
Authors: Weiss Shennan Aibel , Fried Itzhak , Wu Chengyuan , Sharan Ashwini , Rubinstein Daniel , Sperling Michael , Staba Richard
Published: September 2022

Fast ripples (FR) are a biomarker of epileptogenic brain, but when larger portions of FR generating regions are resected seizure freedom is not always achieved. To evaluate and improve the diagnostic accuracy of FR resection for predicting seizure freedom we compared the FR resection ratio (RR) with FR network graph theoretical measures. In 23 patients FR were semi-automatically detected and quantified in stereo EEG recordings during sleep. MRI normalization and co-registration localized contacts and relation to resection margins. The number of FR, and graph theoretical measures, which were spatial (i.e., FR rate-distance radius) or temporal correlational (i.e., FR mutual information), were compared with the resection margins and with seizure outcome We found that the FR RR did not correlate with seizure-outcome (p > 0.05). In contrast, the FR rate-distance radius resected difference and the FR MI mean characteristic path length RR did correlate with seizure-outcome (p < 0.05). Reflex testing of positive FR RR patients using either FR rate-distance radius resected difference or the FR MI mean characteristic path length RR reduced seizure-free misclassifications from 44–22% and 17%, respectively. These results indicate that graph theoretical measures of FR networks can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the resection of FR events for predicting seizure freedom.
First examination of the influence of Y 3+ ions on the structural, physical and optical properties of strontium phosphate glasses
Authors: Bouabdalli El Mahdi , Jouad Mohamed El , Touhtouh Samira , Hajjaji Abdelowahed
Published: September 2022

Yttrium-ions-doped strontium phosphate-based glasses were prepared by following the classical melt quenching method. This study focuses on discovering the influence of the yttrium dopant on the physical, optical, and structural characteristics of synthesized glasses. The structural analyzes were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR). All of the examined samples exhibit an amorphous character, according to XRD. FTIR absorption spectra revealed that the phosphate network depolymerized, which increased with the level of Y2O3 as the metaphosphate units decreased and the pyrophosphate species increased. The measured density values were used to evaluate the physical characteristics of the glasses samples. The density decreased from 2.108 to 2.099 g/cm3, while the molar volume values increased from 60.974 cm3/mol to 62.641 cm3/mol, when the yttrium concentration content increased from 0.0 mol. % to 1.5 mol. %. The optical measurement shows that the band gap for the energy values decreased from 6.528 to 5.754 eV, showing the alteration of the structure of strontium phosphate by an effect of the yttrium content. In addition, it was concluded that the refractive index of the samples rises with the yttrium oxide content and is inversely related to their optical band gap. Moreover, when the number of Y3+ ions is increased, the electronic polarizability increases. The improvement of electronic polarizability gives a good medium for non-linear optical applications. The amount of Y3+ ions present has a linear connection with the optical basicity of the materials studied. As a result, the studied glass materials could be useful in photonic applications.
Analysis and forecasting drought characterisation with using Markov chain model
Authors: Javadinejad Safieh , Dara Rebwar , Krause Stefan , Riyahi Majid , Mohammadi Abdoreza , nasseri mohsen
Published: September 2022

Drought is one of the inseparable parts of climate fluctuations that cause a lot of damage every year. Considering the effects of drought on different parts of the environment, agriculture, natural resources, wildlife, etc., its prediction can be useful for managing the crisis and reducing the damages caused by it. In the current research, monthly drought was calculated based on the standard precipitation index in several stations in the south of Iran during the years 1980–2020; Then, using the Markov chain, monthly drought was predicted for the years 2020 to 2040. According to the results, most of the stations have normal, moderate and severe drought conditions. The transition probability matrix showed that in all stations, the probability of passing from a certain state to the same state and the probability of passing from wet to dry state is high; But the probability of transition from dry to wet is low. Also, the predictive results were measured at different stations with different levels of accuracy. In addition, the results showed that the highest probability of drought in the years 2020–2040 is related to normal, moderate and severe classes, and at the level of the studied area, from class one to seven, the 13.4, 26.81, 27,74, 37.11, 4.76, 2.88, and 0.70% of the predicted months drought will happen respectively.
From motor protein to toxin: Mutations in the zonula occludens toxin (Zot) of Vibrio cholerae phage CTXɸ suggest a loss of phage assembly function
Authors: Ma Long , Roux Simon , Hua Xiaoting , Wang Yong , Loh Belinda , Leptihn Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Prophages, i.e. dormant viruses residing in bacterial cells, are not just passive passengers in the bacterial host. Several prophage-encoded genes have been shown to be contributors to bacterial virulence by mediating antimicrobial resistance or by providing toxins. Other prophage genes exhibit beneficial effects on the host by modulating e.g. motility or biofilm formation. In this study, we used an in vivo phage assembly assay and tested an extensive array of single point mutations or their combinations found in Zot, the zonula occludens toxin encoded by the Vibrio cholerae phage CTXɸ. The assay makes use of the highly homologous Zot-like protein g1p of the filamentous Coliphage M13, a motor protein that mediates the trans-envelope assembly and secretion of filamentous phages. We also measured the in vitro ATP hydrolysis of purified proteins, and quantified virus production in V. cholerae mediated by Zot or the Zot-like protein of the two Vibrio phages CTXɸ and VFJɸ. In addition, we investigated sequence variations of the Walker motifs in Vibrio species using bioinformatics method, and revealed the molecular basis of ATP binding using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation based on the structure predicted by AlphaFold2. Our data indicates that g1p proteins in Vibrio can easily accumulate deleterious mutations and likely lose the ability to efficiently hydrolyse ATP, while the CTXɸ Zot was further exapted to now act as an auxiliary toxin during the infection by Vibrio cholerae.
Experimental evaluation of the performances of multi-sensors ultrasonic deployment geometries
Authors: EYEMBE Luc IHONOCK , Essiben Jean-François Dikoundou , Joe Yong Sun
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a sensor spacing estimation model and a new deployment geometry are proposed to evaluate the performance of an ultrasonic sensor array according to the deployment geometry. The proposed spacing estimation model is based on the probability of false detection alarms, aperture angle and sensor range. We have proposed a design technique for the elliptical deployment geometry by giving expressions for its parameters. A practical method of calibrating the ultrasonic sensors was designed to reduce the measurement errors. An experiment was carried out, and the data collected was then analyzed statistically. An evaluation of the performance of an ultrasonic sensor array with linear and circular deployment geometry with and without our method was done and then compared to our proposed deployment geometry which was combined with the proposed method. The results show that the proposed geometry combined with the proposed method performs better than the circular and linear geometry with a correlation of 0.9997, RMSE of 2.8056, MAPE of 1.3966 and standard deviation of 0.2891. These results show the importance of the choice of deployment geometries for an application.
Definition of the symbiovar viciae in the species Rhizobium azibense and biogeographic implications
Authors: Shamseldin Abdelaal , Peix Alvaro , Velázquez Encarna
Published: September 2022

Vicia faba L. (faba bean) is a legume cultivated worldwide which commonly establishes effective symbiosis with the symbiovar viciae of species from the Rhizobium leguminosarum phylogenetic group. However, on the basis of the rrs, recA and atpD gene phylogenies, in this work we identified a strain named EFBRI 42 nodulating V. faba as Rhizobium azibense. This is the first report on the nodulation of Vicia by R. azibense which commonly nodulates P. vulgaris and to date encompasses strains harbouring the nodC genes typical of the symbiovars gallicum and phaseoli. However, the strain EFBRI 42 carries a nodC gene typical of the symbiovar viciae for which we report here by the first time this symbiovar in R. azibense. This finding showed the existence of symbiotic genes horizontal transfer events during the coevolution of R. azibense with P. vulgaris and V. faba in their respective distribution centers of Mesoamerica and the Middle East.
Brain dynamics predictive of response to psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Vohryzek Jakub , Cabral Joana , Lord Louis-David , Fernandes Henrique , Roseman Leor , Nutt David , Carhart-Harris Robin , Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten
Published: September 2022

Psilocybin therapy for depression has started to show promise, yet the underlying causal mechanisms are not currently known. Here we leveraged the differential outcome in responders and non-responders to psilocybin (10mg and 25mg, 7 days apart) therapy for depression - to gain new insights into regions and networks implicated in the restoration of healthy brain dynamics. We used whole-brain modelling to fit the spatiotemporal brain dynamics at rest in both responders and non-responders before treatment. Dynamic sensitivity analysis of systematic perturbation of these models enabled us to identify specific brain regions implicated in a transition from a depressive brain state to a heathy one. Binarizing the sample into treatment responders (> 50% reduction in depressive symptoms) versus non-responders enabled us to identify a subset of regions implicated in this change. Interestingly, these regions correlate with in vivo density maps of serotonin receptors 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A, which psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, has an appreciable affinity for, and where it acts as a full-to-partial agonist. Serotonergic transmission has long been associated with depression and our findings provide causal mechanistic evidence for the role of brain regions in the recovery from depression via psilocybin.
Exploring in a climbing task during a learning protocol: a complex sense-making process
Authors: Ganachaud Clément , Ganière Caroline , Hacques Guillaume , Rochat Nadège , Seifert Ludovic , Adé David
Published: September 2022

A large body of literature has highlighted the role of exploration in skill acquisition, with much of it showing that variable practice conditions encourage exploration. However, how learners make sense as they explore contrasting learning conditions remains unclear. Our study, rooted in the enactive approach tested a twofold hypothesis: (1) exploration takes different forms specified by the general dimensions of sense-making activity and (2) the specification of these general dimensions is related to the practice conditions. Our study focused on a climbing task over a 10-session learning protocol. Twelve sports sciences students participated under variable and constant practice conditions. First, two steps were drawn from the course-of-action research program: (1) documenting the climbers’ lived experience during previews and climbs with video recordings of their activity and self-confrontation interviews and (2) identifying the general dimensions of intentions, perceptions and actions using thematic analysis. On this basis, a quantitative analysis was then conducted to identify phenomenological clusters (PhC) through a hierarchical cluster analysis of the general dimensions. Last, the distributions of these PhC for the first and last sessions of the learning protocol were compared. Our results showed singular distributions of the four PhC identified in both previews and climbs between the first and last learning sessions. This supports our first hypothesis by highlighting the four PhC, two for the preview and two for the climb. Our results did not support the second hypothesis, however, of a link between PhC and practice conditions in that no condition-specific PhC were identified.
Enhanced biodegradation of polylactic acid and cellulose acetate nanocomposites in wastewater: Effect of TiO2 and β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Goñi-Ciaurriz Leire , Durán Adrián , Peñas Francisco J , Vélaz Itziar
Published: September 2022

Currently, there is a global concern about the environmental problems related to plastic wastes. Cellulose acetate (CA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are the most frequently used biopolymers in the food packaging industry. In this work, TiO2 nanoparticles and β-cyclodextrin (βCD) have been incorporated into nanocomposite films made of PLA and CA and then evaluated under biodegradation assays in wastewater to assess the effects of both additives on the biodegradability of films. TiO2 nanoparticles clearly enhanced the biodegradability of CA and PLA; PLA-TiO2 nanocomposites disappeared after 60 days, whereas plain PLA remained present after 100 days. The presence of the additives provided an exponential growth to BOD profiles. FTIR spectra showed a much faster deacetylation of CA for the nanocomposites than for the bare CA, and XRD diffractograms showed that PLA nanocomposites became more amorphous than bare PLA. The thermal resistance of CA and PLA nanocomposites substantially decreased, while plain matrices remained fairly stable up to 60 days. SEM micrographs of CA and PLA nanocomposites presented voids and larger surface erosion than the plain matrices. βCD modification of TiO2 nanoparticles seems to have a protective effect on the biodegradation of the polymers with respect to the unmodified TiO2.