bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel rapid flood inundation method based on GIS combined with hydrodynamics in coastal and riverine regions
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Song Zhiyao , Wang Haocheng , Yue Songshan , Hu Di , Guo Fei
Published: July 2022

Under climate change, flood-induced inundation becomes frequent in low-lying coastal and riverine regions as a result of an increasing storm surge and sea-level rise. An efficient and robust inundation assessment model is necessary for flood control, coastal management and inundation evacuation. Due to the complexity and runtime consumption of hydrodynamic models, a series of rapid flood inundation methods (RFIMs) have been developed based on high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and advanced geographic information system (GIS) technology. However, a shortage of hydrodynamic mechanisms restricts the application of the RFIM. This paper proposes a novel rapid flood inundation method based on a combination of GIS and hydrodynamics for application in coastal and riverine regions. In a common-sense approach, the tidal flood flow first propagates along the river network and then diffuses from the network to the floodplain. First GIS-based algorithms are used to extract hydrodynamic model parameters from the DEM. Specifically, it includes the extraction of the flow network and the cross section bottom level on each flow segment, and the discretization of the main terrain into a triangulated irregular network (TIN) and the division of the catchments. Next, a one-dimensional hydrodynamic network model is applied to calculate flood flow propagation on the complex network. The model solves the full hydrodynamic equations to capture the dynamic process of flooding wave propagation such as wave amplification and damping. Last, a simple elevation-determined and domain-connected algorithm on the triangulated irregular network is implemented to obtain the extent of the flood inundation. The results indicate that the proposed method can estimate a reasonable flooding extent with a good degree of agreement with that by the three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. However, the runtime of the proposed method is significantly reduced by orders of magnitude at the same resolution compared to the runtime of the hydrodynamic model. Moreover, the effect of the banks, which is a difficult problem for many hydrodynamic models, can also be solved without local refinement of the grids. Therefore, our main conclusion is that the proposed RFIM is a useful tool for estimating inundation processes in coastal and riverine regions with limited input data and low computational burden.
Predictive value of SUA/SCr and IL-6 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer （ NSCLC ） undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Li kejie , Lv Qi-yuan , Xu Yu-yan , Shao Zhen-yong , Xie Rao-ying , Zou Chang-lin
Published: July 2022

Background and objectives: For patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. At present, TMN stage is still the most commonly used clinical prediction model, but in the real world, patients with the same stage receive the same mode of treatment, their survival will be significantly different. The aim of our study was to look for predictors of patient survival in addition to TMN staging. If all kinds of predictors can be combined, the survival prediction of patients can be greatly improved and the clinical treatment and medication can be guided.Methods：The survival differences of 147 lung cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between blood markers before treatment and patient survival.Results: Univariate COX regression analysis showed that gender, hemoglobin, MCV, NLR, Smoking Index，IL-6 and SUA/SCr were significantly correlated with survival in patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that IL-6 and SUA/SCr were prognostic factors for patients receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the AUC of SUA/SCr and IL-6 were 0.757 and 0.770, respectively, and the optimal cutoff points of SUA/SCr and IL-6 were 3.99 and 4.79, respectively.Conclusions：Our study shows that gender, hemoglobin, MCV, NLR, Smoking Index，SUA/SCr and IL-6 are related to survival of lung cancer patients. Il-6 and SUA/SCr are effective predictors of survival in lung cancer patients.
Drill-and-Prechop Technique: Modification of the Drill-and-Crack Technique for Mature Cataracts
Authors: Xu Mao , Qi Yongjun , Weng Yongde , Yang Yang , Deng Jianhua , Liu Wanjun , Mo Ting , Ye Xiangxiang
Published: July 2022

Background:There are some techniques for disassembly of hard nuclear.It is challenging in hard cataract surgery through microincision.The classic chop or prechop techniques often do not succeed,resulting in incomplete nuclear segmentation.The authors describe a new chop technique for removing hard nucleus cataracts in coaxial microincisional cataract surgery.Methods:We have termed this new technique“drill and prechop”.We create a deep hole (drill) in the central nucleus with the phaco tip and divide the nucleus (prechop) with the Nagahara chopper and the modified capsulorhexis forceps inside the hole.The chopper and the modified capsulorhexis forceps are spread apart laterally after they approach at the center of the nucleus, to create a complete fracture across the entire nucleus.Since January 2022, we have completed 27 eyes of 25 patients with hard nucleus cataract using this technique. Results:Complete segmentation of the hard nuclear into two hemispheres was implemented with this drill and prechop technique in all cases.The phaco time and energy decreased significantly.No intraoperative complication such as iris injury, anterior capsule tears, zonulysis, or posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss occurred during surgery.Conclusions:This technique simplifies the previous prechop techniques especially for hard nucleus in microincisional cataract surgery. The technique is efficient, safe and simple.Even inexperienced surgeons are able to quickly master this technique.
Chemical composition and bioactivity of oilseed cake extracts obtained by subcritical and modified subcritical water
Authors: Švarc-Gajic Jaroslava , Rodrigues Francisca , Moreira Manuela M. , Spigno Giorgia , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Morais Simone , Doresh Olena , Silva Ana Margarida , Bassani Andrea , Dzedik Valentin
Published: July 2022

Recovery of bioactive compounds from biowaste is gaining more and more interest in circular economy models. The oilseed cakes are usually insufficiently exploited by most technologies since they represent valuable matrices abundant in proteins, minerals, and phytochemicals, but their use is mostly limited to feed ingredients, fertilizers or biofuel production. This study was thus focused on the exploration of new valorization pathways of oilseed cakes by subcritical water, representing a safe and economic alternative in the creation of value chains. Pumpkin, hemp, and flax seed cakes were treated with subcritical water in nitrogen and carbon-dioxide atmospheres, as well as in nitrogen atmosphere with the addition of acid catalyst. The degradation of carbohydrate fraction was studied by quantifying sugars and sugar degradation products in the obtained extracts. The extracts obtained under different conditions were further compared chemically with respect to total phenols and flavonoids, as well as to the content of individual phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the effects of subcritical water treatment conditions on antioxidant, antiradical and cytotoxic properties of thus obtained extracts were defined and discussed.
Comparative Metabolite Profiling of Four Polyphenol Rich Morus Leaves extracts in Relation to their Antibiofilm Activity against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Salem Mohamed A. , Salama Maha M , Ezzat Shahira M. , Hashem Yomna A.
Published: July 2022

Enterococci are a common cause of urinary tract infections. The severity of enterococcal infections is associated with their ability to form biofilm. Morus leaves are known as a natural antibacterial, however, their antibiofilm activity against enterococcus remains unveiled. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of four polyphenol-rich Morus leaves extracts (Morus nigra, M. rubra, M. macroura, and M. alba) to inhibit biofilm formed by enterococcal clinical isolates in relation to their metabolic profiling. Results revealed that 48% of the isolates formed strong biofilm, 28% formed moderate biofilm, 20% formed weak biofilm and only 4% did not form a biofilm, the strong biofilm-forming isolates were E. faecalis and hence were chosen for this study. The antibiofilm activity of the four polyphenol-rich Morus leaves extracts revealed that the M. nigra extract exhibited the highest percentage of biofilm inhibition followed by M. rubra then M. macroura and the least inhibition was detected in M. alba, results are in accordance with the phenolic and flavonoid content of each extract. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS identified 61 polyphenolic compounds in the four extracts. Further, multivariate analysis confirmed clear segregation of M. nigra from the other species suggesting disparity in its metabolome, with accumulation of flavonoids, anthocyanidins, phenolic acids and coumarin derivatives. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides were found to be positively and significantly correlated. In conclusion, M. nigra ethanolic extracts showed the highest phenolic content and antibiofilm activity and they could be developed as a complementary treatment for the development of antimicrobial agents.
Analysis and comparison of tear protein profiles in dogs using different tear collection methods
Authors: Ritchoo Sudpatchara , Havanapan Phattara-orn , Phungthanom Nuanwan , Rucksaken Rucksak , Muikaew Rattana , Sussadee Metita
Published: July 2022

Background: Tear proteomic analysis has become an important tool in medical and veterinary research. The tear collection method could influence the tear protein profile. This study aims to evaluate the protein profiles of dog tears collected using microcapillary tubes (MT), Schirmer tear strips (ST), and ophthalmic sponges (OS).Methods: The tear samples were collected using MT, ST, and OS. Tear protein profiles were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and the different protein spots' expression was compared. Fourteen protein spots were identified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).Results: Tear protein concentrations ranged from 2.80 to 4.03 μg/μL, with no statistically significant differences among collection methods. Protein expression in each collection method differed in terms of both the number and intensity of the spots. There were 249, 327, and 330 protein spots found from tears collected with MT, ST, and OS, respectively. The proteins albumin, haptoglobin, and lactoferrin identified from OS were found to have higher spot intensities than other methods of collection. The use of MT demonstrated the downregulation of nine proteins.Conclusions: The recent study supported that tear protein analysis is affected by different tear collection methods. Although ST is commonly used for tear collection, it provides insufficient information to study particular tear proteins.
Analysis of Efficiency and Linearity of Cascode Class-E Power Amplifier with Reconfigurable Filter Network for wirelesses Application
Authors: seema seema , Kumar Suresh
Published: July 2022

High gain and high-efficiency Cascode Class-E power amplifier (PA) with Reconfigurable Filter Network for wireless application system using 0.25µm GaN technology is presented in the paper. Cascode Class-E PA is combined with a transmission line and Micro strip inter digital capacitor (MICAP) to illustrate a harmonic balance matching technique. The PA is composed of two stages and adopts a current source inter digital microwave capacitor (CSTIMC) and Cascode Class-E. This technique also enhances the resonant circuits band properties. Micro strip inter digital capacitor (MICAP) helps to enhance an internal matching design. For maximum output power, drain efficiency, and PAE the fundamental and second harmonic impedances are to be accurately improved for the particular operating frequency. The results represent maximum output power of 43.1dBm, drain efficiency of 74.5 % and power added efficiency (PAE) of 67.8 %. The fundamental and second harmonic balance levels are adjusted at -21dBc to -16dBc. The simulated and the measured results of the proposed power amplifier show the right consistency.
Association of plant-based diet and estimated glomerular filtration rate in Iranian Kurdish population: The RaNCD Cohort Study
Authors: Moloudpour Behrooz , Jam Samira Arbabi , Darbandi Mitra , Janati Ali , Gholizadeh Masoumeh , Najafi Farid , Pasdar Yahya
Published: July 2022

Background: Plant-based diet has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this hypothesis is raised that following a plant-based diet may improve the functioning of the kidneys. The aim of study was to determine the association between plant-based diet index (PDI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) cohort study on 9,746 participants aged 35-65 years, in western Iran. CKD was assessed by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The PDI was calculated based on food intake using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and The food items were distributed into 18 food groups. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratio (ORs).Results: 1,058 (10.86%) of participants had CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m2), and the mean of PDI was 54.22± 6.68. The mean of eGFR in the group with high PDI score was significantly higher than the group with low PDI score (forth quartile: 79.20± 0.36 vs. first quartile: 72.95± 0.31, P<0.001). Adherence to a plant-based diet was more prevalent in the higher socioeconomic status (P<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of CKD in the third and fourth quartile of PDI was 25% (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.62- 0.91) and 39% (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.48- 0.78, P trend<0.001) lower than the first quartile, respectively.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that having a plant-based diet may be preventing the development of CDK. However, further studies are recommended.
The effect of crocin on phenotype switching of murine macrophages depends on their polarization state at the time of exposure to crocin
Authors: Abdi Hakimeh , Roshanravan Marjan , Hosseinzadeh Hossein , mosaffa fatemeh
Published: July 2022

Background
Macrophages have plastic phenotypes. M1 macrophages release inflammatory cytokines and have microbicidal activities. M2 cells release anti-inflammatory cytokines and repair tissue damages. The imbalance between M1 and M2 responses has an important effect on many pathological events. Crocin is an antioxidant and can eliminate free radicals, the properties involved in its anti-inflammatory capacities. We investigated the effects of crocin on macrophages phenotype switching in view of their primary activation states.
Methods
The effect of crocin different concentrations on macrophage viability was evaluated by MTT. TNF-α and IL-6 secretion as well as iNOS/Arg-I ratio were measured in cells treated with crocin and or LPS + INF-γ (M1 inducers). The cytokine secretion levels and the ratio were also determined in cells concurrently treated with crocin and LPS + INF-γ or cells pretreated with crocin before M1 induction.
Results
Crocin did not show any toxicity at a concentration of 500 µM and lower. When M0 uncommitted macrophages were exposed to crocin (25–100 µM), it raised some M1 activity indicators including iNOS/Arg-I ratio and TNF-α secretion, but not IL-6. Crocin in concurrent treatment with LPS + INF-γ could halt raising in M1 indicators, iNOS/Arg-I ratio and TNF-α secretion. Pretreatment of cells by crocin before the addition of LPS + INF-γ, could not converse the M1 induction in macrophages and caused a further increase in iNOS/Arg-I ratio and TNF-α secretion.
Conclusion
It seems that crocin modulatory effects on macrophage M1/M2 phenotype switching at least partly depends on the presence or absence of inflammatory mediators and accordingly the preliminary state of macrophage commitment.
Tumor Doubling Time as Preoperative Predictor of Malignancy and Recurrence in Newly Diagnosed Meningioma
Authors: Miwa Yusuke , Sugawara Takashi , Kobayashi Daisuke , Maehara Taketoshi
Published: July 2022

Objective
Most meningiomas are benign and the indications for surgery are determined by size and symptoms, but some are malignant and have a high recurrence rate. Currently, no preoperative prognostic factors have been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Tumor doubling time (Td) is useful in predicting tumor prognosis.
Methods
Patients who underwent surgery for newly diagnosed meningioma at our hospital between 2007 and 2021 with preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging evaluation over a period of six months were included in this study. We calculated the Td from the preoperative MR images and examined the correlation between Td and WHO grade, MIB-1 SI and other conditions.
Results
A total of 269 newly diagnosed meningiomas were operated in the period, of which 62 met inclusion criteria. The median Td was 1082 days (54-8579 days) and MIB-1 SI was 2.45% (0.7–14.6%). Td and MIB-1 SI had a negative correlation (r=-0.319, p = 0.0122). MIB-1 SI was higher in patients with Td < 3 years than in patients with Td > = 3 (p = 0.005), and the incidence of high WHO grade (grade2) was higher in patients with Td < 1 year than in patients with Td > = 1 (p = 0.014).
Conclusions
Meningiomas with Td of less than 3 years had significantly higher MIB-1 SI, and tumors with Td of less than 1 year had higher likelihood of malignancy. Therefore, early treatment should be considered for the patients with short Td meningioma even if asymptomatic and further consideration could be given to radical resection at the time of surgery.
SARS-CoV-2-related intestinal infection: virological and histological evaluation of intestinal samples
Authors: Cuicchi Dajana , Gabrielli Liliana , Tardio Maria Lucia , Rossini Giada , D’Errico Antonietta , Viale PierLuigi , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Poggioli Gilberto
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Several observations have collectively suggested that enteric infections can occur in COVID-19 patients. However, the detection of viral RNA in gastrointestinal tissue samples has not been adequately investigated. Methods: Intestinal mucosal samples obtained by rectal biopsy in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate disease and from surgical specimens in COVID-19 patients who underwent intestinal resection were analysed with the primary objective of evaluating both SARS-CoV-2 RNA using real-time RT-PCR and its histological features. Results: Viral RNA was not detectable in any of the rectal biopsies performed (0/53). Histological examination showed no enterocyte damage, but slight edema of the lamina propria with mild inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Viral RNA was detected in 2 surgical specimens of the 6 examined, both of which were from patients with active neoplastic disease. Histological examination also pointed out abundant macrophages, granulocytes and plasmacells infiltranting the muscular layer and adipose tissue, and focal vasculitis. Conclusion: A weakened immune system, induced by neoplastic disease, could increase the risk of intestinal infection of SARS-CoV-2; mild-moderate COVID-19 may not be associated with rectal infection by the virus. More comprehensive autopsies or surgical specimens are needed to provide histological evidence of intestinal infection.
Source-specific risks apportionment and critical sources identification of potentially toxic elements in arable soils combining integrated positive matrix factorization model with multivariate analysis and machine learning classifiers: a case study of the Pannonia Basin
Authors: Škrbić Biljana D. , Buljovčić Maja , Antić Igor , Vágvölgyi Csaba
Published: July 2022

Understanding the source-specific ecological and human health risks and critical sources of arable soils by potential toxic elements (PTEs) is significant for urban contamination control and management. Comprehensive characterization of the arable soils used for organic and conventional agricultural management practice has been done for the first time in the Pannonian Basin, relating the levels of PTEs: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb and physicochemical characteristics. Pollution indices such as Igeo values for conventional agricultural management practice suggested that the investigated soil samples can be classified as ”unpolluted” or “moderate”, while for organic agricultural management practice samples were classified as “uncontaminated” to “heavy contaminated”. Integrated approaches applying Spearman correlation, positive matrix factorization, and multivariate analysis (PCA) were used to investigate relationships among PTEs and physicochemical properties of soils. PCA revealed that the identified PTEs’ pattern specified their distribution between soil samples intended for organic and conventional agricultural management practice while five different machine learning classifiers: Support Vector Machine, Bayesian Network, Multilayer Perceptron, Random Forest, and J48 which were used to develop test models intended to determine the type of soil agricultural practice have justified their high reliability to distinguish two types of management practice. Three main sources of PTEs were identified: natural, antropogenic, and agricultural sources, which accounted for 63.70%, 19.10%, and 17.20% of the total PTEs content, respectively. According to the occupational health risk assessed for the first time in studied agricultural region no potential non-carcinogenic risk is evidenced, while cancerogenic one was 8.41E-04 indicating potential risk.
TGF-β signaling pathway-based model to predict prognosis and immunity in osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Wu Zhouwei , Han Tao , Shen Zhihao , Xuan Jiangwei , Wang Xinwei
Published: July 2022

Background
The prognosis of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma is very poor, with long-term survival in < 20%. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) playing an important role in the metastasis and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. The aim of our study was to develop a TGF-β signaling pathway-based model to predict prognosis and immune status in osteosarcoma patients.
Methods
TGF-β related genes were comprehensively collected from several databases. The training cohort was downloaded from the TARGET database, while the validation cohort was extracted from GEO database. We identified differentially expressed TGF-β related genes between osteosarcoma patients with or without metastatic. We conducted cox regression to identify prognostic genes and developed the TGF-β based risk score. Then, we constructed a nomogram based on TGF-β based risk score, and conducted enrichment analysis to evaluate related genes and immune microenvironment. We used western blotting to detect the expression of genes. Statistical analysis was conducted by using R software and GraphPad Prism.
Results
We found four TGF-β related genes (MAPK1, MYC, PML and SLC2A8) which were associated with prognosis. Then we built a TGF-β based risk score for prognosis prediction and validated the good performance of this risk score system. We also developed a nomogram based on this risk score. In addition, we found cancer immunity was quilt different in low- and high-risk groups.
Conclusion
A novel risk score based on TGF-β was developed and can be used to predict prognosis time for osteosarcoma patients. Our research may also open an avenue for future studies of the relationships between TGF-β related genes and immunity.
Future tree survival in European natural forests depends on understorey diversity
Authors: Billing Maik , Thonicke Kirsten , Sakschewski Boris , von Bloh Werner , Walz Ariane
Published: July 2022

Climate change heavily threatens forest ecosystems worldwide and there is urgent need to understand what controls tree survival and forests stability. There is evidence that biodiversity can enhance ecosystem stability1,2, however it remains largely unclear whether this also holds for climate change and what aspects of biodiversity might be most important.Here we apply machine learning to outputs of a flexible-trait Dynamic Global Vegetation Model to unravel the effects of enhanced functional tree trait diversity and its sub-components on climate-change resistance of temperate forests (video abstract).We find that functional tree trait diversity enhances forest resistance. We explain this with 1. stronger complementarity effects (~25% importance) especially improving the survival of smaller trees up to +16.8% (±1.6%) and 2. environmental and competitive filtering of trees better adapted to future climate (40%-87% importance).We conclude that functionally diverse forests better resist and adapt to future conditions. In this context, we especially highlight the role of functionally diverse understoreys as they provide the fundament for better survival of young trees and filtering of resistant trees in the future.
A proteomic screen of Ty1 integrase partners identifies the protein kinase CK2 as a regulator of Ty1 retrotransposition
Authors: Barkova Anastasia , Adhya Indranil , Conesa Christine , Asif-Laidin Amna , Bonnet Amandine , Rabut Elise , Chagneau Carine , Lesage Pascale , Acker Joël
Published: July 2022

Background. Transposable elements are ubiquitous and play a fundamental role in shaping genomes during evolution. Since excessive transposition can be mutagenic, mechanisms exist in the cells to keep these mobile elements under control. Although many cellular factors regulating the mobility of the retrovirus-like transposon Ty1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been identified in genetic screens, only very few of them interact physically with Ty1 integrase (IN).Results. Here, we perform a proteomic screen to establish Ty1 IN interactome. Among the 265 potential interacting partners, we focus our study on the conserved CK2 kinase. We confirm the interaction between IN and CK2, demonstrate that IN is a substrate of CK2 in vitro and identify the modified residues. We find that Ty1 IN is phosphorylated in vivo and that these modifications are dependent in part on CK2. No significant change in Ty1 retromobility could be observed when we introduce phospho-ablative mutations that prevent IN phosphorylation by CK2 in vitro. However, the absence of CK2 holoenzyme results in a strong stimulation of Ty1 retrotransposition, characterized by an increase in Ty1 mRNA and protein levels and a high accumulation of cDNA. ConclusionOur study highlights an important role of CK2 in the regulation of Ty1 retrotransposition. We provide the first evidence that Ty1 IN is post-translationally modified in vivo, as observed for retroviral INs, and demonstrate that CK2 strongly represses Ty1 mobility by inhibiting Ty1 transcription. The proteomic approach enabled the identification of many new Ty1 IN interacting partners, whose potential role in the control of Ty1 mobility will be interesting to study.
Treatment barriers among young adults living with a substance use disorder in Tshwane, South Africa
Authors: Nyashanu Tichaenzana , Visser Maretha
Published: July 2022

Background: Despite increasing substance use globally, substance use treatment utilisation remains low. This study sought to explore and measure substance use treatment barriers among young adults in South Africa. Methods: The study was done in collaboration with the Community-Oriented Substance Use Programme run in Tshwane, South Africa. A mixed methods approach employing focus group discussions with key informants (n = 15), a survey with a random sample of substance users receiving treatment (n = 206), and individual semi-structured interviews (n = 15) was used. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse data. Results: Contextual barriers seemed more prominent than attitudinal barriers in the South African context. Fragmented services, stigma-related factors, an information gap and lack of resources and support (contextual factors), perceived lack of treatment efficacy, privacy concerns, and denial and unreadiness to give up (attitudinal factors) were treatment barriers that emerged as themes in both quantitative and qualitative data. Culture and religion/spirituality emerged as an important barrier/facilitator theme in the qualitative data.Conclusion: Interventions need to embrace contextual factors such as culture, and more resources should be channelled towards substance use treatment. Multi-level stakeholder engagement is needed to minimise stigmatising behaviours and to raise awareness of available treatment services. There is a need for strategies to integrate cultural factors, such as religion/spirituality and traditional healing, into treatment processes so that they complementarily work together with pharmacological treatments to improve health outcomes.
Impact of seizures and antiseizure medication on survival in patients with glioma
Authors: Sathis Thinisha , Anuar Wan Muhammad Afnan Wan Airol , Chan Chet Ying , Audrey Christine , Fong Si Lei , Rajandram Retnagowri , Lim Kheng Seang , Narayanan Vairavan
Published: July 2022

PurposeSeizures are a common presenting symptom among patients with low- and high-grade glioma. However, the impact and inter-relationship between the presence of seizures, anti-seizure medication and survival are unclear. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of seizures and identified the pattern and relationship of anti-seizure medication on survival in our cohort of patients with glioma.MethodsWe evaluated all glioma patients who underwent treatment at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) between 2008 to 2020. Demographic and clinical data of seizures and pattern of ASM administration in comparison to overall survival were analyzed.ResultsA total of 239 patients were studied, with a minimum of one year clinical follow-up post-treatment. The mean survival for low-grade glioma was 122 months whereas high-grade glioma was 47 months. One-third of our glioma patients (n=72) presented with seizures. All patients with seizures and a further 49.2% of patients without seizures were started on anti-seizure medication preoperatively. Seizure and Levetiracetam (LEV) were significantly associated with OS on univariate analysis. However, only LEV (p=0.019; HR 0.53;95%CI: 0.31-0.90) was significantly associated with OS on multivariate analysis. Once ASM was adjusted for relevant factors and each other, LEV was found to be protective in all grade gliomas (p=0.012; HR 0.50; 95% CI: 0.30-0.86) and specifically high-grade gliomas (p=0.00; HR 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25-0.77). ConclusionsPre-operative seizures among patients with glioma indicated a better overall prognosis. The administration of ASM, specifically LEV demonstrated a significant survival advantage in our retrospective cohort of patients.
Host defence peptide LEAP2 contributes to antimicrobial activity in a mustache toad (Leptobrachium liui)
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Chi-Ying , Ma Li , Seah Rachel Wan Xin , Ding Guo-Hua
Published: July 2022

The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is an essential molecule in host immunity against harmful pathogens. In this study, LEAP2 gene (Ll-LEAP2) cDNA was cloned and sequenced from the Chong’an Moustache Toad (Leptobrachium liui). The predicted amino acid sequence of Ll-LEAP2 comprises a signal peptide, a mature peptide, and a prodomain. From sequence analysis, it was revealed that Ll-LEAP2 belongs to the cluster of amphibian LEAP2 and displays high similarity to the Tropical Clawed Frog (Xenopus tropicalis)’s LEAP2. Our study revealed that Ll-LEAP2 mRNA transcripts were expressed in various tissues with the kidney having the highest mRNA expression level. As a result of Aeromonas hydrophila infection, Ll-LEAP2 underwent a noticeable up-regulation in the skin while down-regulated in the intestines of X. tropicalis. The chemically synthesized Ll-LEAP2 mature peptide was selective in its antimicrobial activity against several in vitro bacteria. Additionally, Ll-LEAP2 can kill specific bacteria by disrupting bacterial membrane and hydrolyzing bacterial gDNA. This study is the first report on the antibacterial activity and mechanism of amphibian LEAP2.
Migraine type-dependent patterns of brain activation after facial and intranasal trigeminal stimulation
Authors: Haehner Antje , Gossrau Gudrun , Bock Franziska , Hummel Thomas , Iannilli Emilia
Published: July 2022

In migraine, the trigeminal nerve is intimately involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. We hypothesized that alterations in the sensory trigeminal activation in migraine would be reflected by EEG-derived event-related potentials (ERP). We aimed to investigate differences in the temporal and spatial processing of trigeminal stimuli between interictal migraine patients and healthy subjects. ERP to trigeminal stimuli were recorded at 128-channels to allow localization of their cortical sources with high temporal resolution. Seventeen patients with episodic migraine without aura, with episodic migraine with aura, and 17 healthy subjects participated in the study. The first branch of the trigeminal nerve was stimulated using intranasal chemical (CO2), cutaneous electrical, and cutaneous mechanical (air puff) stimuli. Analyses were performed with regard to micro-state segmentation, ERP source localization, and correlation with the patients’ clinical characteristics.Topographical assessments of EEG configurations were associated with the pathological condition. The source analysis revealed altered trigeminal-sensory response patterns in the precuneus, temporal pole, and cerebellum for both migraine groups during the interictal phase. The estimated current source density was positively correlated with migraine disease duration, indicating brain functional and structural changes as a consequence of the disease. Hyperactivity of the cerebellar posterior lobe was observed as a specific trigeminal response of migraine patients with aura. In conclusion, our results suggest the presence of brain changes accompanying the advancement of migraine as an expression of dysfunctional central pain processing. Hence, we identified EEG patterns in response to mechano-/chemosensory stimuli that can serve as biomarkers of migraine.
Reintroduction of mowing on a steep slope increases species diversity of a grassland after abandonment
Authors: YAMADA Susumu , YOSHIDA Wakana , IIDA Minori , KITAGAWA Yoshiko , MITCHLEY Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Semi-natural grasslands on steep slopes often show high plant species diversity, probably due to the water and nutrient limitations that prevent the growth of dominant species and decrease interspecific competition. Traditional management practices like mowing help to maintain species diversity, whereas land abandonment reduces diversity by increasing competition from dominant species and reducing seedling recruitment. The reintroduction of management can reverse species diversity declines, but suitable grassland restoration programs are scarce in Japan. To study the effect of short-term abandonment on seedling ecology, we monitored the vegetation of a Susogari grassland that had been abandoned for 3 years; the grassland occupies a steep slope (ca. 50°) on a hillside above paddy fields. We monitored the vegetation before abandonment, in the 3rd year of abandonment, and in the 1st and 2nd years after restoration of mowing management. Emergence and survival of seedlings was monitored for 18 months after reintroduction of management. We monitored 1183 seedlings of grassland species and non-target annuals in ten 1-m2 plots. After mowing was reintroduced, most grassland species reappeared or increased in the first and second years. Few seedlings of perennial plants and no seedlings of annuals flowered. An exotic species, Solidago altissima, had a lower survival rate (10%) than grassland species (>30%), and all but two grassland species survived over the 18-month period. Our findings suggest that a steep slope acts as a strong filter that inhibits the establishment of non-target species while enhancing persistence of target grassland species.
A Broad Learning-Based Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control Approach for Indirect Matrix Converter-Driven Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motors
Authors: Yang Weilin , Fan Yongqiang , Xu Dezhi , Pan Tinglong , Dong Yue
Published: July 2022

To further improve the fast and stability of indirect matrix converter- driven permanent magnet linear synchronous motor control system, a nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control algorithm based on disturbance observer is proposed in this paper. First, to realize the fast and accurate tracking control of the position reference signal, a nonlinear fast terminal sliding mode is introduced; secondly, to reduce the effects of load perturbations and parameter variations on the control effect, a broad learning-based disturbance observer is designed for feedforward compensation of disturbances to make full use of the excellent nonlinear approximation capability of broad learning; finally, simulation models are built on the MATLAB/Simulink platform, and the results are verified by comparing with other control methods.
Impact of antibiotic stewardship and implementation of infection control on prevalence of surgical site infections in a large tertiary-care hospital in Haiphong city
Authors: Ory Jérôme , Minh Quang Le , Tien Hung Phan , Hai Vinh Vu , Careno Elodie , Price Tatiana , Andrieux Alexandre , Crouzet Julien , Dunyach-Rémy Catherine , Laureillard Didier , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Sotto Albert
Published: July 2022

Background
Few point prevalence surveys (PPS) have been conducted in Vietnam on SSIs or antimicrobial use in surgery. We performed PPSs of surgical site infection (SSI) before and after antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) and infection control (IC) in a Vietnamese tertiary-care hospital.
Method
ASP and IC practices were implemented in operating rooms and the orthopedic department including antibiotic training, skin preparation, hand hygiene, gloves and sterile instruments, and SSIs risk factors. A PPS of SSIs and AMS was performed in January 2016 according to Center Disease Control methods, before ASP and IC, and in December 2019. Information recorded included surgical, antibiotic prophylaxis, microorganisms and SSI risk factors. Skin preparation compliance assessed preoperative washing and antisepsis.
Results
SSI prevalence was 7.8% in 2016 versus 5.4% in 2019 (p = 0.7). Significant differences were found for diabetes mellitus, NNIS score, scheduled surgery and prophylactic antibiotics. A third-generation cephalosporin was prescribed more than 48 hours after surgery for most patients in both periods. Skin preparation compliance increased from 54.4–70.5% between assessments.
Conclusions
The decreased SSI, although non-statistically significant, warrants continuing this program. Vietnamese hospital must provide comprehensive IC education to healthcare-workers addressing standard precautions and establish IC policies.
NMR studies of Sugammadex formulations complexes with steroidal neuromuscular blockers drugs Rocuronium and Vecuronium
Authors: Santos Marcus Paulo Alves dos , Camargo Priscila Goes , Macedo Fernando , Oliveira Felipe , Rezende Carlos
Published: July 2022

Sugammadex a modified γ-cyclodextrin forms strong water-soluble complexes with steroid neuromuscular blockers (NMBs) such as Rocuronium and Vecuronium, creating a concentration gradient that favors the displacement of these drugs from the neuromuscular junction to the plasma, quickly reversing the neuromuscular obstruction. This work described the comparative evaluation between two formulations of Sugammadex solution from Blau Farmacêutica S/A compared to reference formulation Bridion®, by NMR 1H and DOSY techniques. The formulations were evaluated in presence of Rocuronium and Vecuronium in the stoichiometric proportions of 1:1 and 1:0.4 for both NMBs. NMR 1H spectra of the formulations Blau and Bridion® did not show significant variations of chemical shifts showing similar physicochemical parameters. Chemical shifts and diffusion coefficients of NMBs were influenced by the presence of Sugammadex when compared to NMBs formulations in the absence of any cyclodextrin, directly demonstrating the strong intermolecular interaction and associated with the host molecule in a high proportion. No significant variation in the diffusion coefficients of the key components between formulations in the presence of NMBs in the equimolar 1:1 and 1:04 w/w ratios was observed. The constants Ka and KD were determined and presented 16.7 and 0.06 mM values respectively, according to literature for this system.
Comparison of Five DNA Extraction Methods in Peganum harmala L., Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb., and Potentilla reptans L
Authors: Salehi Zahra , Rezaei Arezou , Amirahmadi Atefe , Farrokh Parisa , Ghasemian Javad
Published: July 2022

Extracting high-yield, high-quality DNA from plant samples is challenging due to the presence of the cell wall, pigments, and some secondary metabolites. The main CTAB method, two of its modified protocols (beta-mercaptoethanol or ammonium acetate were eliminated), the modified Murray and Thompson method, and the Gene All kit were statistically compared based on the quantity and quality of the total DNA (tDNA) extracted from fresh and dried leaves of three medicinal herbs P. harmala, T. ramosissima, and P. reptans. The suitability of the tDNAs for molecular studies was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the fragments of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) in nuclear DNA and the trnL-F region in chloroplast DNA. Some significant differences were found between the tDNAs extracted by five extraction methods. With the exception of P. harmala, where the PCR of both the ITS fragments and the trnL-F region worked successfully in all DNA samples, but only the ITS fragments, not the chloroplast trnL-F region, were amplified in the DNA samples of T. ramosissima and P. reptans. The chloroplast trnL-F region was amplified only in DNA samples extracted from fresh and dried leaves of the three studied herbs using the commercial kit. Gene All kit, the main CTAB method, and its modified protocols were the less time-consuming protocols that yielded DNA suitable for downstream PCR vis-a-vis the modified Murray and Thompson method.
Trio-pharmacophore DNA-encoded Chemical Library for Simultaneous Selection of Fragments and Linkers.
Authors: Cui Meiying , Gaillez MIchelle Patino , Nguyen Dzung , Heiden Stephan , Lin Weilin , Thompson Michael , Reddavide Francesco , Chen Qinchang , Zhang Yixin
Published: July 2022

The split-and-pool method has been widely used to synthesize chemical libraries of a large size, albeit without the possibility of meaningful quality control. In contrast, a self-assembled DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) allows us to construct an m x n-member library by mixing an m-member and an n-member pre-purified sub-libraries. Herein, we report a trio-pharmacophore DEL (T-DEL) of m x l x n members through assembling three pre-purified and validated sub-libraries. The middle sub-library is synthesized using DNA-templated synthesis with different reaction mechanisms and designed as a linkage connecting the fragments displayed on the flanking two sub-libraries. In spite of assembling three fragments, the resulting compounds do not exceed the up-to-date standard of molecular weight regarding drug-likeness. The utility of T-DEL has been demonstrated in linker optimization for known binding fragments against trypsin and carbonic anhydrase II and de novo selections against matrix metalloprotease-2 and − 9.
Natural Language Processing in Court Order Scrutiny
Authors: Maitra Arunima , S. Sandhya
Published: July 2022

With an increasing number of court orders coming in daily, it has become difficult for the legal teams to keep up with the case updates. The most time-consuming and inevitable part is to read the legal order again and again until all relevant points are noted. Minimizing the time spent to gather all the facts of the order can speed up the analysis process. Hence, there arises a need for a search system which can resolve this problem by generating a concise and comprehensive report of the court order. In this paper, we propose to create a pipeline that will extract key information from the court orders, analyze the sentiment from the linguistic elements and summarize the important passages pertaining to the final judgement in the order. The project will create a Data Lake, populated with artifacts and related data / meta data which will accumulate over time and become invaluable to the legal department.
A systematic review of economic evaluations of pharmacological treatments for adults with chronic migraine
Authors: Khanal Saval , Underwood Martin , Naghdi Seyran , Brown Anna , Duncan Callum , Matharu Manjit , Mistry Hema
Published: July 2022

Background and aimsChronic migraine is a common neurovascular brain disorder with substantial economic costs. We performed a systematic review to identify economic evaluations of pharmacological treatments for adults with chronic migraine.MethodsWe undertook systematic literature searches using terms for migraine/headache and prophylactic drug interventions, combined with economic/cost terms where appropriate. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently assessed the citations and abstracts, and full-text articles were retrieved. A review of study characteristics and methodological quality was assessed. ResultsSixteen citations met the inclusion criteria and were model-based cost-utility studies evaluating: Botox (n=6); Erenumab (n=8); Fremanezunab (n=2); and Galcanzunab (n=1) as the main treatment. They varied in their use of comparators, perspective, and model type. Botox was cost-effective compared to placebo with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) ranging between £15,028 (€17,720) and £16,598 (€19,572). Erenumab, Fremanezunab and Galcanzunab when compared to Botox, was associated with ICERs ranging between £59,712 ($81,080) and £182,128 (€218,870), with the ICERs above the most common willingness-to-pay thresholds (WTPs). But they were cost-effective within the commonly used WTPs among the population for whom the previous treatments including Botox were failed. Three studies compared the cost-effectiveness of Erenumab against the placebo and found that Erenumab was dominant. All studies performed sensitivity analyses to check the robustness of their results. None of the findings from the included articles were generalisable and none of the included studies fulfilled all the criteria mentioned in the CHEERS 2022 reporting checklist and Phillips’s checklist for economic models. ConclusionsEvidence to support the cost-effectiveness of pharmacological treatments of chronic migraine in the adult population using Botox and Erenumab were identified. Our findings suggest that both Botox and Erenumab, are cost-effective compared to placebo; although Erenumab had more incremental economic benefits compared to Botox, the ICERs were above the most common willingness-to-pay thresholds. Hence, Erenumab might be an acceptable treatment for chronic migraine for patients whom other treatments such as Botox do not work. Further research is needed to help characterise the data to adequately structure and parameterise an economic model to support decision-making for chronic migraine therapies.