bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of an iPad version of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS)
Authors: Costabile Teresa , Signoriello Elisabetta , Lauro Francesca , Altieri Manuela , Ziello Antonio Rosario , D’Ambrosio Alessandro , Bisecco Alvino , Maniscalco Giorgia , Bonavita Simona , Gallo Antonio , Morra Vincenzo Brescia , Lus Giacomo , Saccà Francesco , Russo Cinzia Valeria
Published: July 2022

Background: The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) is the most widely used screening tool for cognitive impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, the administration and scoring procedures of the paper version are time consuming and prone to errors. Aim of our study was to develop a tablet version of BICAMS (iBICAMS), and to assess its reliability compared to the paper version.Methods: We administered both BICAMS and iBICAMS to 139 MS patients in two different sessions. We compared scores on both versions using a paired t-test. We used a repeated measures ANOVA to test the impact of rater, order of administration and test-retest time on test-retest performances. We used the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) to assess the reliability between BICAMS and iBICAMS.Results: All three sub-tests of the BICAMS (SDMT, CVLT-II and BVMT-R) were different between the paper and the tablet versions. Order of administration influenced test-retest performances at the SDMT (p<0.001), CVLT- II (p<0.001) and BVMT-R (p<0.001). Intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) revealed a high level of agreement between the paper BICAMS and the iPad version for all three tests: SDMT (0.92), CVLT-II (0.83) and BVMT-R (0.82).Conclusions: Results suggest that using the iBICAMS guarantees a better adherence to standardized procedures in both administration and scoring phase of tests. The high reliability between the two versions and the inherent advantages of automated scoring, favor the iBICAMS as the most appropriate method.
Assessing the influence of transect interval in monitoring and analysis of shoreline change
Authors: Warnasuriya T.W.S.
Published: July 2022

Shoreline analysis helps to understand the coastal dynamism for decision making in coastal management. As there are still doubts in transect-based analysis, this study attempts to understand the influence of transect intervals in shoreline analysis. Shorelines were delineated on high-resolution satellite images in Google Earth Pro for twelve beaches in Sri Lanka under different spatial and temporal scales. Shoreline change statistics were calculated using Digital Shoreline Analysis System in ArcGIS 10.5.1 software under 50 transect interval scenarios and influence of the transect interval for shoreline change statistics were interpreted using standard statistical methods. Transect Interval Error was calculated with respect to the 1 m scenario as this has the best beach representation. Results revealed that there is no any significant difference (p > 0.05) of shoreline change statistics between 1 m scenarios and 50 m scenario in each beach. Further, it was found that the error was extremely low up to 10 m scenario and then after it was subject to fluctuate in an unpredictable manner (R2 < 0.5). Overall, the study concludes that the influence of the transect interval is negligible and 10 m transect interval is ideal in shoreline analysis for the highest efficacy in small sandy beaches.
Human pancreatic ductal organoids with controlled polarity provide a novel ex vivo tool to study epithelial cell physiology
Authors: Varga Árpád , Madácsy Tamara , Görög Marietta , Kiss Aletta , Susánszki Petra , Szabó Viktória , Dudás Krisztina , Farkas Gyula , Szederkényi Edit , Lázár György , Farkas Attila , Ayaydin Ferhan , Pallagi Petra , Maléth József
Published: July 2022

Epithelial ion and fluid secretion determine the physiological functions of a broad range of organs, such as lung, liver, or pancreas. The molecular mechanism of pancreatic ion secretion is challenging to investigate due to the limited access to functional human ductal epithelia. Patient derived organoids may overcome these limitations, however direct accessibility of the apical membrane is not solved. In addition, due to the vectorial transport of ions and fluid the intraluminal pressure in the organoids is elevated, which may hinder the study of physiological processes. To overcome these, we developed an advanced culturing method for human pancreatic organoids based on the removal of extracellular matrix that induced an apical-to-basal polarity switch also leading to reversed localization of proteins with polarized expression. The cells in the apical-out organoids had a cuboidal shape, whereas their resting intracellular Ca2+ concentration was more consistent compared to the cells in the apical-in organoids. Using this advanced model, we demonstrated the expression and function of two novel ion channels, the Ca2+ activated Cl− channel Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) and the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), which were not considered in ductal cells yet. Finally, we showed that the available functional assays, such as forskolin-induced swelling, or intracellular Cl− measurement have improved dynamic range, when performed with apical-out organoids. Taken together our data suggest that polarity-switched human pancreatic ductal organoids are suitable models to expand our toolset in basic and translational research.
Microencapsulation of rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil by Chitosan - gum Arabic and its application for the control of two secondary pests of stored cereals
Authors: Soltani Abir , Ncibi Sarra , Djebbi Tasnim , Sadraoui Insaf Ajmi , Abada Maha Ben , Chargui Hadhami , Hassine Khaoula , Laabidi Amina , Mahmoudi Hela , Majdoub Hatem , Ben-Jemâa Jouda Mediouni
Published: July 2022

Encapsulation of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EO) on chitosan and gum Arabic matrix were prepared at different ratios with various concentrations of essential oil. The capsules were characterized by their encapsulation efficacy (EE%) and loading capacity (LC%). The cumulative release profiles were evaluated by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The chemical compounds for free and encapsulated essential oil were determined by GC-MS technique and the insecticidal toxicity against Tribolium castaneum and Oryzeaphilus surrinamensis was determined by fumigant bioassays. Results showed that capsules with ratio chitosan: gum arabic: EO (1: 1: 0.5) revealed the highest EE (45.8%) and LC (2.31%). In vitro release profiles demonstrated that encapsulated essential oil showed a sustained release especially for the ratio with high EO concentration. The major constituents of the rosemary essential oil were 1,8-cineole (39.67%), Camphor (18.04%), followed by borneol (10.52%) and α-Pinene (6.33%). After encapsulation numerous minor compounds have been missing during storage periods until identifying only 1, 8-cineole, α-terpineol and camphor after 60 days of storage. The fumigant tests demonstrated that encapsulated EO exhibited an effective control against insect pest during storage periods namely 30, 45, 60 days with 99%, 66%, 46% for T. castaneum and 100%, 84%, 82% for O. surrinamensis. This work supports the hypothesis that major essential oil components were responsible for its pesticidal activities over storage. Besides, toxicities against T. castaneum and O. surinamensis adults was mainly attributed to 1, 8-cineole.
Uncertainty quantification in mechanistic epidemic models via cross-entropy approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Cunha Americo , Barton David A W , Ritto Thiago G
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a data-driven machine learning framework for parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification in epidemic models based on two key ingredients: (i) prior parameters learning via the cross-entropy method and (ii) update of the model calibration and uncertainty propagation through approximate Bayesian computation. The effectiveness of the new methodology is illustrated with the aid of actual data from COVID-19 epidemic at Rio de Janeiro city in Brazil, employing an ordinary differential equation-based model with a generalized SEIR-type mechanistic structure that includes time-dependent transmission rate, asymptomatics, and hospitalizations. A minimization problem with two cost terms (number of hospitalizations and deaths) is formulated, and twelve parameters are identified. The calibrated model provides a consistent description of the available data, able to extrapolate forecasts over a few weeks, which makes the proposed methodology very appealing for use in the context of real-time epidemic modeling.
Research on Gravity Compensation System of Planetary Rover Based on Electrodynamic Suspension
Authors: Qiu Xue-song , Li Dong-sheng , Li Meng-xu , Sun Qian-yuan , Shang Kuo
Published: July 2022

In this paper, an electrodynamic levitation gravity compensation system based on a new type of annular Halbach array permanent magnet is proposed. The magnetic levitation force model is established using the equivalent expansion method, and the reliability of the model is verified by comparing the results of numerical calculation and simulation analysis. Through magnetic field simulation experiments, the effects of rotating speed and air gap on magnetic levitation force and eddy current loss are analyzed. The control model of the electric magnetic levitation system considering the vertical speed is investigated, and the hybrid control method of force and position is used to realize the stable magnetic levitation control. Finally, an experimental platform is built to verify the feasibility of the electric magnetic levitation system. The results show that the magnetic levitation force can be improved and the eddy current loss can be reduced by setting the rotating speed and air gap reasonably.
Corticotropin-releasing factor facilitates cytokine and chemokine activation in the sarcoma-derived cell line, J774
Authors: Kim Byung-Jin , Donkor Michael , Jones Harlan P.
Published: July 2022

Neuroendocrine factors found within the tumor microenvironment are considered targets for the regulation of carcinogenesis. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors have recently been identified to have agonists and antagonist effects on various human tumors, however, its role in tumor immunology is still unclear. Immunological markers such as toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokines and chemokines expressed by tumors and the tumor microenvironment can facilitate resistance against tumor development as well as promote tumor escape mechanisms. In the current study, we investigated the impact of CRF on TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression as well as its influence on the type of tumor cell associated cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-10) and chemokine (CCL3, CCL4, CCL17, CCL22, CXCL1, CXCL10) expression using quantitative real-time RT-PCR techniques. Our results demonstrate that CRF can elicit an induction of TLR-2 expression corresponding with IL-1β, and IL-6 cytokine and chemokines CCL3, CCL17 and CCL22. This report extends the potential role of CRF in modulation of the tumor microenvironment through regulation of tumor-associated immunological responses and raises the potential for CRF and its receptors as immunotherapeutic targets against carcinogenesis.
Leveraging rail-based mobile storage to increase grid reliability in the face of climate uncertainty
Authors: Moraski Jill , Popovich Natalie , Phadke Amol
Published: July 2022

Maintaining reliability is a key challenge for electric grids as they endure more frequent extreme weather and utilize larger amounts of variable renewable energy in response to the climate threat. With traditional reliability approaches becoming less viable, alternatives are being sought. We examine using the U.S. rail system as a kind of nationwide backup grid, in which containerized batteries, or rail-based mobile energy storage (RMES), are shared among regions to meet demand peaks, improve resilience, and relieve transmission congestion. Such an approach could also accelerate decarbonization of the rail sector. We find that RMES is a feasible reliability solution and quantify its cost-effectiveness relative to reliability-driven investments in stationary storage and transmission infrastructure. While no technical barriers exclude mobile storage from electricity markets, addressing interconnection and cost challenges and revising regulatory frameworks will be needed to deploy it at scale.
A Tiny Baby Intubation Team Improves Endotracheal Intubation Success Rate but Decreases Residents’ Training Opportunities.
Authors: Gariépy-Assal Laurence , Janaillac Marie , Ethier Guillaume , Pennaforte Thomas , Lachance Christian , Barrington Keith , Moussa Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Objective: Assess the educational and clinical impact of a tiny baby intubation team (TBIT).Study Design: Retrospective study comparing endotracheal intubation (ETI) performed: pre-implementation of a TBIT (T1), six months post-implementation (T2), and four years post-implementation (T3).Results: Post-implementation of a TBIT, first attempt success rate in tiny babies increased (44% in T1 vs. 59% in T2; p=0.046) and the proportion of ETIs performed by residents decreased (53% in T1 vs. 37% in T2; p=0.002). After an educational quality improvement intervention (prioritizing non-tiny baby ETIs to residents, systematic simulation training and ETI using videolaryngoscopy), residents’ overall (63% in T2 vs. 79% in T3; p=0.03) and non-tiny baby ETI success rate improved (63% in T2 vs. 82% in T3; p=0.02).Conclusion: A TBIT improves success rate of ETIs in ELBW infants but decreases educational exposure of residents. Educational strategies helps maintain residents’ procedural exposure without impacting on quality of care.
Mixed sedimentary characteristics and genetic mechanism of Canglangpu Formation of the Lower Cambrian in the eastern Sichuan basin, SW China
Authors: Tong Zebin , Hu Zhonggui , Li Shilin , Huang Yufei , Zuo Yunan , Zhu Yixin , Pang Yulai , Dong Qingmin
Published: July 2022

The mixed sediments of the Canglangpu Formation in the Eastern Sichuan basin are widely developed and exhibit good exploration prospects. However, relevant research and understanding in this field are still insufficient. Further research on the mixed sediments of the Canglangpu Formation is of great significance to the exploration of mixed reservoirs in this area. During the depositional period of the Canglangpu Formation, the study area experienced two complete transgression-regression cycles, with obvious stratigraphic differentiation between the upper and lower parts. The lower part consists mainly of sedimentary carbonate diamictite, while the upper part is mainly composed of sedimentary clastic diamictite, distributed in the coastal-neritic shelf sedimentary environment. A model was established to identify the electrical response of the mixed sedimentary rocks in the study area based on the observations of typical outcrop profiles, identification of thin rock sections, and drilling and geological logging data. In addition, a diagram for the classification of mixed sediments suitable for the Canglangpu Formation was proposed by combining lithofacies characteristics with logging facies data. Mixed rocks in the study area can be divided into nine classes, namely sandstone, carbonate rocks, mudstone, carbonate sandstone, argillaceous sandstone, sandy carbonate rock, argillaceous carbonate rock, sandy mudstone, and Carbonate mudstone. The study area is dominated by mixed sedimentation with a typical facies-change. In fact, the sedimentary environment of the study area is a mixed coastal-detrital and shelf-carbonate sequence. In addition, two mixed sedimentary facies, five subfacies, and 12 microfacies were identified. The mixed sediments of the Canglangpu Formation, under the special background of alternating uplifts and depressions, show obvious characteristics of ring-like development around underwater paleo-heights. The main factors controlling the formation of mixed layers are vertical tectonic movements and sea-level changes.
Global perturbation of stratospheric water and aerosol burden by Hunga eruption
Authors: Khaykin Sergey , Podglajen Aurelien , Ploeger Felix , Grooß Jens Uwe , Tencé Florent , Bekki Slimane , Khlopenkov Konstantin , Bedka Kristopher , Rieger Landon , Baron Alexandre , Godin-Beekmann Sophie , Legras Bernard , Sellitto Pasquale , Sakai Tetsu , Barnes John , Uchino Osamu , Morino Isamu , Nagai Tomohiro , Wing Robin , Baumgarten Gerd , Gerding Michael , Duflot Valentin , Payen Guillaume , Jumelet Julien , Querel Richard , Liley Ben , Bourassa Adam , Hauchecorne Alain , Ravetta François , Clouser Benjamin , Feofilov Artem
Published: July 2022

The eruption of the submarine Hunga volcano in January 2022 was associated with a powerful blast that injected volcanic material to altitudes up to 58 km. From a combination of various types of satellite and ground-based observations supported by transport modeling, we show evidence for an unprecedented increase in the global stratospheric water mass by 13% as compared to climatological levels, and a 5-fold increase of stratospheric aerosol load, the highest in the last three decades. Owing to the extreme injection altitude, the volcanic plume has circumnavigated the Earth in only one week and dispersed nearly pole-to-pole in three months. The unique nature and magnitude of the global stratospheric perturbation by the Hunga eruption ranks it among the most remarkable climatic events in the modern observation era, with a range of potential persistent repercussions for stratospheric composition and climate.
Albarella's example to tackle climate change - a grain of hope
Authors: Zanella Augusto
Published: July 2022

We attempted to consider Albarella island as a model for estimating the ability of humans and the capacity of the environment to react to climate change. On its 550 hectares, this island hosts management centers, 2800 private homes, several restaurants and hotels, shops, public and private swimming pools, a golf course, beaches, green areas equipped to satisfy the 2,000 stable inhabitants and more than 110,000 annual tourists. We collected data on the following variables: 1) net storage of the semi-natural ecosystems; 2) diet of humans staying on the island; 3) fossil energy currently used to keep the island economically active; 4) electricity demand; 5) waste produced and 6) transportation. A dynamic simulation model of the island’s CO2 equivalent emissions proposes two scenarios that illustrate how these variables can change over the next 10 years if the management remains that of the present days, or switching to all photovoltaics, proposing new diets to inhabitants and tourists, planting trees on half of the island’s lawns. In the second case, CO2 eq emissions lowered to a level of 50 years ago (10 kt y-1). Taken to the level of planet Earth, the model nurtures a seed of hope.
Upregulation of CENPM is associated with poor clinical outcome and suppression of immune profile in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Cheng , Liu Yi-Fu , Xi Ping , Nie Ye-Chen , Sun Ting , Gong Bin-Bin
Published: July 2022

Background: The response of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) to immunotherapy is still not durable, suggesting that the immune landscape of ccRCC still needs to be refined, especially as some molecules that have synergistic effects with immune checkpoint genes need to be explored.Methods: The expression levels of CENPM and its relationship with clinicopathological features were explored using the ccRCC dataset from TCGA and GEO databases. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis was performed to validate the expression of CENPM in renal cancer cell lines. ROC curves, Kaplan-Meier analysis, COX regression analysis and Nomogram construction were used to systematically evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of CENPM in ccRCC. Besides, single gene correlation analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, genetic ontology (GO), kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to predict the biological behaviour of CENPM and the possible signalling pathways involved. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of the crosstalk between CENPM and immune features in the tumor microenvironment was performed based on the ssGSEA algorithm, the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm, the TIMER2.0 database and the TISIDB database.Results: CENPM was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tissues and renal cancer cell lines and was closely associated with poor clinicopathological features and prognosis. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that CENPM may be involved in the regulation of the cell cycle in ccRCC and may have some crosstalk with the immune microenvironment in tumors. The ssGSEA algorithm, CIBERSOPT algorithm suggests that CENPM is associated with suppressor immune cells in ccRCC such as regulatory T cells. The ssGSEA algorithm, CIBERSOPT algorithm suggests that CENPM is associated with suppressor immune cells in ccRCC such as regulatory T cells. Furthermore, the TISIDB database provides evidence that not only CENPM is positively associated with immune checkpoint genes such as CTLA4, PDCD1, LAG3, TIGIT, but also chemokines and receptors (such as CCL5, CXCL13, CXCR3, CXCR5) may be responsible for the malignant phenotype of CENPM in ccRCC. Meanwhile, predictions based on the TIDE algorithm support that patients with high CENPM expression have a worse response to immunotherapy.Conclusions: The upregulation of CENPM in ccRCC predicts a poor clinical outcome, and this malignant phenotype may be associated with its exacerbation of the immunosuppressive state in the tumor microenvironment.
Axillary Web Syndrome after Surgery for Breast Cancer
Authors: Chou Ya-Hui , Liao SuFen , Chen Dar-Ren , Chen Shou-Tung
Published: July 2022

Porpose The aims of this study were to identify (1) the incidence and risk factors for axillary web syndrome (AWS) 4 weeks after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for individuals with breast cancer (BC), and (2) whether early-intervention physical therapy (PT) could reduce the recurrence of AWS.Methods A retrospective review of patients with BC receiving ALND and patients with AWS referred to receive PT twice weekly between January 2019 and December 2020 was performed.Results A total 173 breast cancer patients receiving ALND were enrolled. The incidence of AWS was 18%, and the time to diagnosis was 26.3 days. There was a predominant difference in age (p=0.004), number of removed lymph nodes (p = 0.044), and whether they were receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p =0.002) between patients with and without AWS. These 3 factors were associated with an increased risk of developing AWS. Initial shoulder flexion and abduction were 132.1˚ and 123.4˚, respectively. After 14.8 PT sessions, shoulder flexion and abduction improved to 172.3˚ and 171.8˚, respectively. Improvement in shoulder ROM was 40.2˚ and 48.4˚ in flexion and abduction, respectively, which was significant (p < 0.001).Conclusion Younger age, higher number of removed lymph nodes and receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of developing AWS. Early intervention with a PT program could effectively restore shoulder function and decrease the incidence of AWS in long-term follow-up.
The Effect of Autoclave Aging with Different Surface Polishing Systems on the Surface Properties, Phase Transformation and Flexural Strength of Monolithic Zirconia
Authors: AKYILDIZ Gülşah , DUYMUŞ Zeynep YEŞİL
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of autoclave aging with different surface polishing systems on the surface properties, phase transformation and flexural strength of monolithic zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 disc-shaped specimens with a diameter of 15 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm were prepared from monolithic zirconia block (Prettau Zirkonzahn). The specimens were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8). The groups; control (only glazing), polished with Meisinger polishing kit and polished with OptraFine polishing kit. After the polishing, each group was divided into two and one of each group was aged in an autoclave. Surface roughness of specimens by profilometer device, surface microhardness by Vickers microhardness test, three-dimensional surface images by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), surface properties by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), phase transformations by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were analyzed.Finally, the flexural strengths were evaluated. RESULTS: The effects of surface polishing applied on monolithic zirconia specimens on surface roughness, microhardness, flexural strength and phase transformation were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The highest surface roughness was detected in the group that applied the Meisinger polish kit. The effect of autoclave aging on the phase transformation was significant (p<0.05), but the effect on surface roughness, microhardness and flexural strength was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It was observed that the surface polishing systems applied to the monolithic zirconia specimens affected the surface properties, phase transformation and flexural strength. It was determined that the aging process in the autoclave did not affect the surface properties and flexural strength, but affected the phase transformation.
Research on analytical method of forming force of external spline cold roll-beating
Authors: Ma Qun
Published: July 2022

In order to determine the force and energy parameters of cold roll-beating of external spline, the characteristics of deformation zone in cold roll-beating are analyzed. The parameters and position of the deformation zone change with the movement of the Roller, the contact arc and the reduction are very small, and there is an incomplete deformation zone in the initial stage of cold roll-beating. An analytical method for calculating the unit pressure and deformation force is proposed. A cold roll-beating process is discretized into an infinite number of cold rolling processes with complex sections. The analytical formulas of unit pressure and deformation force in cold rolling are given, and the unit pressure value and its distribution characteristics are determined. In order to verify the analytical method, the finite element model of cold roll-beating is established and the forming force of cold roll-beating is calculated. The horizontal milling machine is modified to carry out the cold roll-beating experiment, and the cold roll-beating forming force was measured. The predicted results of the analytical formula are compared with the simulation and measured results. The results show that the maximum error of radial force is about 7% and 4% respectively, and the variation curve of radial force is basically consistent, but the time of one cold roll-beating process is slightly shorter. The analytical method correctly predicts the magnitude and change process of cold roll-beating forming force.
A Lightweight System for High-efficiency Edge-Cloud Collaborative Applications
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Ma Wenting , Li Hao , Tang Hongyi , Yuan Xiaohang , Hao Yuan , Xiao Jun , He Hongshun , Liu Wei , Zhou Zhiheng
Published: July 2022

With the development of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, ubiquitous IoT devices and the generated data increase the computational consumption dramatically. In industry, more and more manufacturers attempted to upgrade their manufacturing/assembly lines with sensors to achieve automated and intelligent workshops. Yet, to handle the massive and complicated data generated by end-point devices, technical companies started to utilize edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI). However, the shortcomings of AI in computing efficiency have become an obstacle when applying AI to edge devices. The majority of production systems need to run multiple applications for different detection tasks simultaneously. These tasks require edge nodes capable of managing threads/processes at the least cost to save computational consumption as much as possible. Thus, it is of great significance to improve the edge computing system whilst the presence of performance requirements and the limited computing resources. We intended to tackle the issues by focusing on optimizing the system structure and the complexity of the AI models. First and foremost, we proposed a distinctive cloud-edge collaborative framework composed of one universal block (UB) deployed on the edge devices and multiple parallel task-specific blocks (TSBs) on the cloud servers. This framework makes it possible to only deploy low-cost edge devices on the spots. To cooperate with the edge-cloud framework, we also introduced a pruning method that can reduce the model parameters without lowering the performance, making the system more efficient.
Screening and characterization of vaginal Lactobacillus strains as probiotic candidates
Authors: Zhu Chennuo , Huang Baoqi , Yu Changhao , Che Yuqing , Wu Dan , Wu Yue , Song Ping , Zhao Ye
Published: July 2022

Lactobacillus iners is often associated with increased risk of adverse gynecological and obstetric outcomes, such as vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Lactobacillus strains from the vagina of healthy women were screened for inhibitory activity against L. iners. Four active strains were identified, whereby L. gasseri H87 exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against L. iners, followed by L. rhamnosus H23. All four strains inhibited the growth of potential pathogens of the gastrointestinal, urogenital and reproductive tract, and were capable of co-aggregating with the cells of the tested pathogens to varying degrees. H23 and H78 exhibited survival rates above 80% under in vitro conditions simulating the vaginal, gastric and intestinal environment. The four strains showed good auto-aggregation of more than 30%. H23 and H87 also exhibited good co-aggregation of more than 30% with Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. Safety assessment showed that the four strains had the usual antibiotic susceptibility profile and did not produce hemolysins. Considering that H87 exhibited a better performance as a probiotic, we investigated the antibacterial substance produced by H87, and identified a bacteriocin with a molecular weight of 6.5 kDa. Based on strain characteristics and beneficial properties, we confirmed its ability to prevent/treat vaginal dysbiosis and maintain a healthy vaginal ecosystem. Therefore, we believe that H87 is a promising candidate for human trials.
Ocular Surface Microbiome in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Suwajanakorn Orathai , Puangsricharern Vilavun , Kittipibul Thanachaporn , Chatsuwan Tanittha
Published: July 2022

This cross-sectional, age-gender matched study included 20 eyes of non-diabetic subjects (non-DM group) and 60 eyes of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM group). Subgroups of DM were classified by diabetic retinopathy (DR) staging into no DR (DM-no DR), non-proliferative DR (DM-NPDR), proliferative DR (DM-PDR), and by glycemic control (well-controlled DM; HbA1c<7%, poorly-controlled DM; HbA1c≥7%). Conjunctival swabs were performed for ocular surface microbiome analysis using conventional culture and next-generation sequencing analysis (NGS). A higher culture-positive rate was found in DM (15%) than in non-DM group (5%) (p-value=0.437). Pathogenic organisms and antibiotic-resistant strains were detected in the DR groups (DM-NPDR and DM-PDR). The NGS analysis showed that potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, Neisseriaceae, Escherichia-Shigella, and Pseudomonas predominated in DM, especially in DR. There was dissimilarity in the ocular surface microbiome between DM and non-DM groups. The subgroup analysis showed that the DR group had significantly different microbial community from DM-no DR and non-DM groups (p-value<0.05). The microbial community in the poorly-controlled DM was also significantly different from well-controlled DM and non-DM groups (p<0.001). Using the NGS method, our study is the first to signify the importance of DR and glycemic control status, which affect the changes in the ocular surface microbiome.
Prolonged body weight gain, lifestyle changes and health-related quality of life in children during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Azrak Maria , Fasano M. Victoria , Avico Ana , Sala Marisa , Casado Carla , Padula Marcela , Kruger Ana , Malpeli Agustina , Andreoli Maria
Published: July 2022

Background
further investigation is needed to define the long-term impact of pandemic lockdown in children.
Objectives
to examine changes in body mass index z-score (zBMI), lifestyle, Health-Related Quality of Life and proportion of overweight or obesity (OW/OB) in 6- to 9-year-old children in Argentina.
Methods
observational study with baseline measurements prior to lockdown and follow-up after eight months of strict restrictive measures (November 2020, first visit, n = 144) and after ten months of partial reopening (September 2021, second visit, n = 108). Anthropometric changes from baseline to first visit in lockdown group (LG) were compared with a historical control group (HCG, n = 134). Follow-up visits included anthropometric measures, lifestyle questionnaire and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.
Results
Change in zBMI was higher in LG [median, IQR: 0.46 (-0.00; 0.83)] vs HCG [median, IQR: 0.02 (-0.31; 0.27)]; p < 0.001, particularly in children with pre-existing OW/OB. In LG, zBMI was higher at first and second visit vs baseline (p < 0.001) and in second visit vs first visit for boys (p = 0.037) but not for girls. The proportion of children with OW/OB increased from baseline (43.5%) to first (56.5%) and second visit (58.3%) (p = 0.029). Unlike girls, the proportion of boys with OW/OB increased from baseline to first and second visit (p = 0.045). Change in zBMI was higher in children with less healthy habits (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Weight gain was not reversed and continued to increase in boys when lockdown measurements were eased, although sedentary behaviors decreased and quality of life improved, indicating that the effects of pandemic lockdown are difficult to reverse.
Therapeutics of urticaria: results from a hospital-based multicenter study in China
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Lin-Feng , Shi Xiao-Dong , Shen Yi-Wei
Published: July 2022

Background: Therapeutics of urticaria in Chinese outpatients remain to be illustrated.Objectives: To investigate clinical treatment of outpatients with urticaria, and provide theoretical evidence for selection of medication regimens.Methods: In this hospital-based multicenter study, urticaria outpatients filled in a questionnaire at initial visit and were followed-up (once per week, for 4 weeks).Results: 1715 urticaria outpatients were recruited and 647 completed 4- week’s follow-up. Their total UAS7 was reduced (27.44 at baseline, 16.87 in 1 week, 12.39 in 2 weeks, 7.21 in 3 weeks, 4.2 in 4 weeks). 71.8% patients recovered from urticaria (therapy was highly effective in 11%, whereas effective in 14.2%). The second-generation H1 antihistamines (sgAHs) (at conventional dose) were the most commonly prescribed drugs, with ebastine, levocetirizine and olopatadine being the leading ones (41.1%, 36.2%, and 16%, respectively). Combinations of several antihistamines (649 cases, 37.8%) at conventional dose were far more common than a single drug at escalated dose (59 cases, 3.4%). The combination of ebastine with levocetirizine was the most frequent options (18.25%, 313 cases), followed by combination of ebastine with compound glycyrrhizin (18.2%, 312 cases). The usage rates of tripterygium glycoside (19.6%), hydroxychloroquine (17.2%) and system application glucocorticoids (5.5%) in angioneurotic edema were much higher than in dermographic urticaria and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Conclusions: This study identifies curative therapy for Chinese outpatients with urticaria. The sgAHs, especially ebastine, are the most commonly prescribed drugs. Olopatadine has fast-acting and curative effects. Compound glycyrrhizin holds potential as a versatile collaborator.Combinations of several antihistamines at conventional dose is common.
An automated network slicing at edge with software defined networking and network function virtualization – A federated learning approach
Authors: Rakkiannan Thamilselvan , Ekambaram Gothai , Palanisamy Natesan , Ramasamy Rajalaxmi Rajammal , Muthusamy Suresh , Loganathan Ashok Kumar , Panchal Hitesh , Thangaraj Kokilavani , Ravindaran Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2022

Network slicing allows heterogeneous applications can be launched across different domain using virtualized resources. The virtualized resources are created on the physical infrastructure. The orchestrator is essential for coordination of network slice management. The overhead in the slice orchestrator is reduced by distributed approach. The slice template act as a design specification template for the creation of network slices. This template can be predicted using federated learning, in which local models are trained with the generated data and global model is trained with local model parameters. Then the global parameters are updated in the local model for further learning. The federated model uses the SDN capability to learn the local model data distribution and hence enhance global SDN federated controller prediction accuracy for network slices. This process can be automated with the help of slice template with the predicted pattern. The parameters of the slice template are directly proportional to the performance of the slice orchestrator and prediction of future slice demands. The edge devices with its local model communicate with the global SDN federated model to satisfy the requirement of dynamic network slicing. The request on-demand services can be provided as virtual network function using network function virtualization. The optimal resource allocation for the requested slice can be done with statistical modeling of observed traffic and autoscaling can be carried out. Experimental studies reveal that the proposed network slicing with federated approach minimal response time with maximal orchestrator scalability.
Magnetic nanocellulose: Influence of structural features on conductivity and magnetic properties
Authors: Mustapić Mislav , Bafti Arijeta , Glumac Zvonko , Pavić Luka , Skoko Željko , Šegota Suzana , Klaser Teodoro , Nedeljković Robert , Amiralian Nasim , Masud Mostafa , Shahriar Md Hossain , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: July 2022

Magnetic cellulose (MC) is prepared by hydrolysis of iron precursors in an aqueous dispersion of cellulose nanofibres. A thin, flexible film was then prepared by removing the water and drying the sample in a hot press at 110°C followed by the removal of the water. Structural analysis of MC was performed and correlated with the measurement of electromagnetic properties. The magnetic cellulose showed high magnetic saturation of 68 emu/g with characteristic superparamagnetic behaviour, and conductivity in a range of semiconductors, with an increase of DC conductivity with increasing temperature. Modification of cellulose with Fe3O4 has a positive effect on the DC conductivity and lower limit that needs to be exceeded to achieve a stable and sustainable conductivity in the range of ~5-20 ×10-9 (Ω cm)-1 @30 °C is 65 wt% of the Fe3O4 for studied MC composites. The surface roughness of the magnetic cellulose shows a dynamic change with increasing temperature, which is closely related to the enhancement of MC conductivity. A theoretical model of the conductivity is calculated based on continuous 2D percolation and shows an interesting agreement with the experimental results.
PDGFRB and NOTCH3 mutations are detectable in a wider range of pericytic tumors, including myopericytomas, angioleiomyomas, glomus tumors, and their combined tumors
Authors: Iwamura Ryuji , Komatsu Kazuki , Kusano Midori , Kubo Chisachi , Inaba Yuna , Shiba Eisuke , Nawata Aya , Tajiri Ryosuke , Matsuyama Atsuji , Matoba Hisanori , Koga Kaori , Takeda Maiko , Itami Hiroe , Hisaoka Masanori
Published: July 2022

Pericytic tumors are subclassified as myopericytomas, myofibromas, angioleiomyomas, and glomus tumors according to the current World Health Organization classification and form a continuous morphological spectrum including those with combined morphology. However, no widely accepted criteria for classifying tumors with combined morphology are available. Recent studies have identified platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRB) gene mutations in a subset of myofibromas, myopericytomas, and myopericytomatoses, but not in angioleiomyomas. NOTCH receptor 3 (NOTCH3) mutations have been reported in a subset of infantile myofibromatoses. We investigated PDGFRB and NOTCH3 mutations in 41 pericytic tumors of variable morphology, including some combined forms, to assess their potential role in classifying pericytic tumors. Our results show these mutations to be present in a variety of pericytic tumors, such as myopericytomas (PDGFRB, 3/11; NOTCH3, 4/11), myopericytomatoses (1/2, 1/2), myofibromas (3/6, 0/6), angioleiomyomas (2/13, 3/13), and glomus tumors (5/9, 1/9). Point mutations were identified in three tumors in PDGFRB exon 12 (Y562C, S574F, and G576S), twelve tumors in PDGFRB exon 14 (M655I, H657L, and N666K), and nine tumors in NOTCH3 exon 25 (A1480S/T, D1481N, G1482S, T1490A, E1491K, G1494S and V1512A). All PDGFRB mutations and NOTCH3 G1482S, T1490A and G1494S mutations were classified as ‘deleterious/damaging’ by more than four out of six pathogenicity prediction tools in silico. Five mutation-positive tumors, including myopericytoma-angioleiomyoma, myopericytomatosis-myofibroma, myofibroma-myopericytoma, and angioleiomyoma-myopericytoma, were of combined morphology. Thus, we found PDGFRB and NOTCH3 mutations to be detectable in a much wider variety of pericytic tumors than previously reported, and confirmed myopericytomas, myofibromas, angioleiomyomas, and glomus tumors as members harboring PDGFRB or NOTCH3 mutations. Our results thus suggest that PDGFRB or NOTCH3 mutations are not useful for subclassifying members of the pericytic tumor family.
Protection of haematopoietic progenitor cell donors: an updated overview of the European landscape
Authors: Worel Nina , Ibáñez Jacinto Sánchez , Bokhorst Arlinke , Chandrasekar Akila , Domínguez-Gil Beatriz , Cruz Jorge Gayoso , Kaminski Artur , Lomero Maria del Mar , López-Fraga Marta
Published: July 2022

Haematopoietic progenitor cell donation from bone marrow and mobilised peripheral blood obtained from related and unrelated donors is an established procedure. The donation process in general has proven to be safe, but in rare cases severe and even fatal events have been reported. The present study aimed at providing a description of the current situation of donor protection measures in Council of Europe member states. A specific questionnaire was developed to compile information on donation activities, graft sources, legal frameworks, donor protection measures, collection of donor outcome data, and long-term follow-up of paediatric and adult related and unrelated donors. The outcome of this survey served as a basis for elaborating the Recommendation CM/Rec(2020)6 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on establishing harmonised measures for the protection of haematopoietic progenitor cell donors.
User’s engagement through social media advertisements: a comparative study on micro-scale industry
Authors: Pal Sayak , Thilaka N , Tripathi Nitesh , Kayal Sharmila
Published: July 2022

Before Digital Media, there were limited avenues for small-scale business to promote their business, thus they were unable to scale up. But with the emergence of Digital Media technologies, democratic platforms such as Social Media became popular among these micro-scale enterprises as a medium for promotion as they were free and provided them a worldwide reach through networking. One of the obvious ways of assessing the caption of particular content on an Online platform is to assess user engagement. It helps in understanding the overall effectiveness of particular promotional content. For this purpose, Facebook and Instagram posts were analyzed for a specific period of time and a datasheet was prepared after rigorous observation and coding. The study concluded that to a large extent there is a significant positive relationship between user engagement and conversion rate. Also, higher forms of engagement i.e., comments and queries were seen in posts that confirmed purchase intention.
Machine Learning Prediction of Preterm Birth: An Analysis of Facility-Based Paper Health Records in Uganda
Authors: Memon Shaheen , Wamala Robert , Kabano Ignace
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Preterm Birth (PTB) is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality in Uganda. Machine Learning (ML) can be used to identify women at risk of PTB in time for medical intervention and adequate preparation by mothers. Methods: We utilized data from paper-based maternal health records at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Uganda. A case-control method was employed, where for every woman who experienced a PTB, a woman without PTB and delivered in the same day was selected as a control. Treatment of missing data was done using Random Forest imputation. Variable Importance was analyzed using Random Forest. The following classification methods were applied in the prediction of PTB: Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Naïve Bayes (NB). Performance of methods was investigated using prediction accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: 1,540 women were included in the study, where 770 women had experienced PTB, and 770 women formed the controls. According to variable importance analysis, number of antenatal care visits had the biggest impact on PTB. SVM had the highest accuracy in predicting PTB at 64% (sensitivity 64% and sensitivity 63%). Conclusions: Prediction of PTB using paper-based records in a developing country yielded similar results to studies done using electronic health records in developed countries. The predictive power could be low in this study due to fewer variables available from routinely collected ANC data. The inclusion of significant variables in the maternal records could potentially increase predictive power.
Glomerular mTORC1 activation was associated with podocytes to endothelial cells communication in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Liu Xiaotian , Mao Zhaomin , Yuan Mo , Li Linlin , Tan Ying , Qu Zhen , Yu Feng
Published: July 2022

Objective
This study was initiated to evaluate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway involved in renal endothelial- podocyte crosstalk of lupus nephritis (LN) patients.
Methods
We compared the kidney protein expression patterns of 10 LN patients with severe endothelial- podocyte injury and 3 ones with moderate endothelial- podocyte injury on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney tissues using label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for quantitative proteomics analysis. GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analyses were performed based on protein intensity levels of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in each patient. Enriched mTOR pathway was selected, and the activation of mTOR complexes in renal biopsied specimens were further verified in 176 LN patients.
Results
Compared with the moderate group, 230 proteins were up-regulated and 54 proteins were down-regulated in severe group. Further GO enrichment analysis was enriched in the “positive regulation of mTOR signaling” pathway. The glomerular activation of mTORC1 was significantly increased in severe group than that in moderate group (P = 0.034) and it was located in podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells, respectively. The glomerular activation of mTORC1 was positively correlated with endocapillary hypercellularity (r = 0.289, P < 0.001) and significantly increased in patients with both endocapillary hypercellularity and FPW > 1240 nm (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Glomerular mTORC1 was highly activated in patients with both glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity and podocytes injury, which might be involved in endothelial to podocyte communication in lupus nephritis.