bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twitter-based classification for integrated source data of weather observations
Authors: Purwandari Kartika , Cenggoro Tjeng Wawan , Chanlyn Sigalingging Join Wan , Pardamean Bens
Published: October 2022

Meteorology and weather forecasting are crucial for predicting future climate conditions. Forecasts can be helpful when they provide information that can assist people in making better decisions. People today use big data to analyze social media information accurately, including those who rely on the weather forecast. Recent years have seen the widespread use of machine learning and deep learning for managing messages on social media sites like Twitter. In this study, authors analyzed weather-related text in Indonesia based on the searches made on Twitter. A total of three machine learning algorithms were examined: support vector machine (SVM), multinomial logistic regression (MLR), and multinomial Naive Bayes (MNB), as well as the pretrained bidirectional encoder representations of transformers (BERT), which was fine-tuned over multiple layers to ensure effective classification. The accuracy of the BERT model, calculated using the F1-score of 99%, was higher than that of any other machine learning method. Those results have been incorporated into a web-based weather information system. The classification result was mapped using Esri Maps application programming interface (API) based on the geolocation of the data.
The new model for medicine distribution by combining of supply chain and expert system using rule-based reasoning method
Authors: Mufadhol Mufadhol , Mustafid Mustafid , Jie Ferry , Hidayah Yuni Noor
Published: October 2022

The medicine distribution supply chain is important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, because delays in medicine distribution can increase the risk for patients. So far, the distribution of medicines has been carried out exclusively and even some medicines are distributed on a limited basis because they require strict supervision from the Medicine Supervisory Agency in each department. However, the distribution of this medicine has a weakness if at one public Health center there is a shortage of certain types of medicines, it cannot ask directly to other public Health center, thus allowing the availability of medicines not to be fulfilled. An integrated process is needed that can accommodate regulations and leadership policies and can be used for logistics management that will be used in medicine distribution. This study will create a new model by combining supply chains with information systems and expert systems using the rule-based reasoning method as an inference engine that can be developed for medicine distribution based on a mobile hybrid system in the Demak District Health Office, Indonesia. So that a new framework model based on a mobile hybrid system can facilitate the distribution of medicines effectively and efficiently.
Resource optimization-based network selection model for heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Nayakwadi Nishanth Banu , Fatima Ruksar
Published: October 2022

The internet of things (IoT) environment prerequisite seamless connectivity for meeting real-time application requirements; thus, required efficient resource management techniques. Heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs) have been emphasized for providing seamless connectivity with high quality of service (QoS) performance to provision IoT applications. However, the existing resource allocation scheme suffers from interference and fails to provide a quality experience for low-priority users. As a result, induce bandwidth wastage and increase handover failure. In addressing the research issues this paper presented the resource-optimized network selection (RONS) method for HWNs. The RONS method employs better load balancing to reduce handover failure and maximizes resource utilization through dynamic slot optimization. The RONS method assures tradeoffs between high performance to high priority users and quality of experience (QoE) for low priority users. The experiment outcome shows the RONS achieves very good performance in terms of throughput, packet loss, and handover failures in comparison with existing resource selection methods.
Null-values imputation using different modification random forest algorithm
Authors: Mijwil Maad M. , Abdulqader Alaa Wagih , Ali Sura Mazin , Sadiq Ahmed T.
Published: October 2022

Today, the world lives in the era of information and data. Therefore, it has become vital to collect and keep them in a database to perform a set of processes and obtain essential details. The null value problem will appear through these processes, which significantly influences the behaviour of processes such as analysis and prediction and gives inaccurate outcomes. In this concern, the authors decide to utilise the random forest technique by modifying it to calculate the null values from datasets got from the University of California Irvine (UCL) machine learning repository. The database of this scenario consists of connectionist bench, phishing websites, breast cancer, ionosphere, and COVID-19. The modified random forest algorithm is based on three matters and three number of null values. The samples chosen are founded on the proposed less redundancy bootstrap. Each tree has distinctive features depending on hybrid features selection. The final effect is considered based on ranked voting for classification. This scenario found that the modified random forest algorithm executed more suitable accuracy results than the traditional algorithm as it relied on four parameters and got sufficient accuracy in imputing the null value, which is grown by 9.5%, 6.5%, and 5.25% of one, two and three null values in the same row of datasets, respectively.
Comparison of machine learning models for breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Kadhim Rania R. , Kamil Mohammed Y.
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death among women worldwide. Breast cancer can be detected early, and the death rate can be reduced. Machine learning techniques are a hot topic for study and have proved influential in cancer prediction and early diagnosis. This study's objective is to predict and diagnose breast cancer using machine learning models and evaluate the most effective based on six criteria: specificity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, F1-score and receiver operating characteristic curve. All work is done in the anaconda environment, which uses Python's NumPy and SciPy numerical and scientific libraries, and pandas and matplotlib. This study used the Wisconsin diagnostic breast cancer dataset to test ten machine learning algorithms: decision tree, linear discriminant analysis, forests of randomized trees, gradient boosting, passive aggressive, logistic regression, naïve Bayes, nearest centroid, support vector machine, and perceptron. After collecting the findings, we performed a performance evaluation and compared these various classification techniques. Gradient boosting model outperformed all other algorithms, scoring 96.77% on the F1-score.
Mapping of extensible markup language-to-ontology representation for effective data integration
Authors: Haw Su-Cheng , Chew Lit-Jie , Kusumo Dana Sulistyo , Naveen Palanichamy , Ng Kok-Why
Published: October 2022

Extensible markup language (XML) is well-known as the standard for data exchange over the Internet. It is flexible and has high expressibility to express the relationship between the data stored. Yet, the structural complexity and the semantic relationships are not well expressed. On the other hand, ontology models the structural, semantic and domain knowledge effectively. By combining ontology with visualization effect, one will be able to have a closer view based on respective user requirements. In this paper, we propose several mapping rules for the transformation of XML into ontology representation. Subsequently, we show how the ontology is constructed based on the proposed rules using the sample domain ontology in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and mondial datasets.
 We also look at the schemas, query workload, and evaluation, to derive the extended knowledge from the existing ontology. The correctness of the ontology representation has been proven effective through supporting various types of complex queries in simple protocol and resource description framework query language (SPARQL) language.
Deep learning approach analysis model prediction and classification poverty status
Authors: Yanto Musli , Wiyandra Yogi , Defit Sarjon
Published: October 2022

The problem of poverty is a scourge for every developing country coupled with the economic crisis that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of these problems is felt directly by the people in Indonesia, especially in the Province of West Sumatra. This study aims to predict and classify the level of poverty status by developing an analytical model based on the deep learning (DL) approach. The methods used in this study include the K-Means method, artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector Machine (SVM). The analytical model will be optimized using the Pearson Correlation (PC) method to measure the accuracy of the analysis. The variable indicator uses the parameters of population (X1), poverty rate (X2), income (X3), and poverty percentage (X4). The results of the study present prediction and classification output with a validity level of accuracy of 99.8%. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the proposed DL analysis model can present an updated analytical model that is quite effective in carrying out the prediction and classification process. The research findings also contribute to the initial handling of the problem of poverty.
Morphological distinction of the Ophioderma Müller & Troschel, 1840 species (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea: Ophiacanthida: Ophiodermatidae) from the Algerian west coast
Authors: LEBOUAZDA ZINEB , MEZALI KARIM , KHODJA IHCENE , SOUALILI DINA LILA
Published: October 2022

Ophioderma longicaudum (Bruzelius, 1805) is a very common brittlestar in the Mediterranean Sea that had been considered as a complex of cryptic species since 2009. Recently, five species were separated from this complex, but they remain morphologically very close. The aim of this study is to attempt for the first time to identify the species of Ophioderma found at the Algerian west coast, using morphological and morphometric analysis. A total of 67 individuals of Ophioderma species were collected from three stations at the Mostaganem coast (Salamandre, Stidia-East and Stidia-West) during 2020 and 2021 and between 1.5 and 8 m depth. The morphological features showed a strong variability between the analysed individuals. Some resembled O. hybridum Stöhr, Weber, Boissin & Chenuil, 2020, others O. zibrowii Stöhr, Weber, Boissin & Chenuil, 2020 and some O. longicaudum (Bruzelius, 1805). Few resembled O. africanum Stöhr, Weber, Boissin & Chenuil, 2020 or O. guineense Greeff, 1882. The morphometric study displayed a significant discrimination between individuals and confirmed the morphological results suggesting that.
Review of the Chinese species of the genus Scelimena Serville, 1838 (Tetrigidae: Scelimeninae: Scelimenini)
Authors: LAO CHUANGYU , KASALO NIKO , GAO FAN , DENG WEIAN , SKEJO JOSIP
Published: October 2022

A brief preliminary revision of the genus Scelimena Serville, 1838 (Tetrigidae: Scelimeninae: Scelimenini) from PR China is presented. Scelimena pyrroma Lao, Kasalo, Gao, Deng et Skejo sp. nov. is described from Hainan, Ding'an, based on a female holotype and a male paratype, and an additional photograph of a female in the natural habitat from Wuzhi National Nature Reserve (Wuzhi-shan Mountain). Specimens of this new species were hitherto reported from Hainan as S. dentiumeris (Hancock, 1907), a species endemic to Borneo. The new species is easily distinguished from its congeners by the presence of prominent yellow humeral tubercles and by the lateral pronotal spines directed forwards. The new species from Hainan and S. chinensis (Hancock, 1915) from Vietnam are assigned to Scelimena producta species group based on the similarity with S. producta (Serville, 1838), which is characterized by the humeral angles with tubercles, wide vertex, and toothed ventral margins of hind femora, while S. boettcheri Günther, 1938 from Palawan is assigned to Scelimena discalis species group, based on the tuberculated median carina. Scelimena dammermanni Günther, 1938, stat. nov., hitherto regarded as a subspecies of S. producta, is elevated to a species level because it lacks ventral spines on the hind legs, present in all S. producta individuals. New synonymy is established: Scelimena melli Günther, 1938, =Scelimena brevispina Cao et Zheng, 2011, syn. nov.; =Scelimena wulingshana Zheng, 1993, syn. nov.; =Eufalconoides guizhouensis Zheng et Shi, 2006, syn. nov. Scelimena melli, S. guangxiensis Zheng et Jiang, 1994 from southern China and S. kempi (Hancock, 1915) from NE India are assigned to S. bellula species group on the basis of similarity to S. bellula Storozhenko et Dawwrueng, 2015. Further research should determine whether S. spicupennis Zheng & Ou, 2003 represents a valid species or a synonym of another Scelimena species, as well as if S. nitidogranulosa Günther, 1938 and S. guangxiensis Zheng & Jiang, 1994 represent separate species or whether they are conspecific. Specimens of S. nitidogranulosa from Hainan reported by Liang & Zheng in 1998 are in fact Platygavialidium sinicum Günther, 1939. Scelimena songkrana Zha et Wen, 2017 is recorded from China for the first time. A key to Scelimena species found in PR China is also provided.
A review of the flightless genus Nanotermitodius Howden, 2003 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini)
Authors: SKELLEY PAUL E. , SMITH ANDREW B.T. , MORA-AGUILAR EDER F.
Published: October 2022

The genus Nanotermitodius Howden, 2003 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini) is reviewed and a new species described. Only two species are presently known in the genus, Nanotermitodius andersoni Skelley, Smith, & Mora-Aguilar, new species, and Nanotermitodius peckorum Howden, 2003, which both occur in Oaxaca, Mexico. A key and distribution map for the species are presented.
Nanoparticles-encapsulated miR-126 inhibits invasion and metastasis of lung cancer through epidermal growth factor receptor/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling via targeting of SOX4
Authors: Ma Junjie , Zhao Erbo , Wang Xing , Ma Jun
Published: October 2022

miR-126 is involved in lung cancer progression. This study explored effects of miR-126 with arsenic trioxide nanoparticles as a carrier on lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and possible molecular mechanisms. Four groups, including blank group, positive control group, miR-126
group, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/protein kinase B (AKT)/Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (EGFR/AKT/mTOR) signal pathway activation group (agonist group) were set. Positive control group was treated with anticancer drug paclitaxel. Cells in miR-126 group were transfected
with nanoparticle-encapsulated miR-126, while cells in the agonist group were treated with EGFR/AKT/mTOR signal pathway agonist. Cell metastasis, invasion, EGFR/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activity, expressions of N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-9, MMP-2, SOX4, EGFR, and AKT and mTOR were measured,
and relationship between miR-126 and SOX4 was investigated. Agonist treatment significantly increased metastasis, while miR-126 transfection significantly decreased cell invasion and metastasis (P < 0.05). Compared to blank and agonist group, the expressions of N-cadherin, Vimentin,
MMP-9, MMP-2, SOX4, EGFR, AKT, and mTOR were down-regulated in miR-126 group and PC group (P < 0.05). In contrast, E-cadherin was up-regulated (P < 0.05). miR-126 was bound to 3′UTR of SOX4. Moreover, the miR-126 decreased SOX4 protein, thereby inhibiting the EGFR
signaling pathway, suppressing EGFR to further inhibit AKT and mTOR expression, and finally inhibiting lung cancer progression. Its molecular mechanism is mainly related to suppression of EGFR/AKT/mTOR signaling.
Effect of 2-methoxyestradiol nanoparticles combined with propofol on hippocampal nerve cells and metabolism after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Xi Biao , Xue Yanan , Xie Jiawei , Li Yalan
Published: October 2022

Short-term or permanent reduction in cerebral blood flow can lead to cerebral ischemia, and if it persists, it can lead to necrosis and cell death. Reperfusion is restoration of blood supply, but it may further aggravate the damage of ischemic brain tissue. Propofol has characteristics
such as rapid recovery, continuous infusion, and no accumulation. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is a HIF-1-α inhibitor and reduces cell apoptosis. The brain ischemia-reperfusion hippocampal nerve cell model was in this study prepared in vitro. Samples were randomly assigned
into control group (control), cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) group, propofol group (Propofol), 2ME2 nanoparticle group (2ME2-NPs), and combination group (Propofol+2ME2-NPs). The changes of cell proliferation and apoptosis activities were analyzed in each group, which included changes
of Survivin expression, changes of intracellular Adenosine monophosphate, diphosphate, and triphosphate (AMP, ADP, and ATP, respectively) changes of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) Analysis also included secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α, and detection of HIF-1α
and NF-κB expression. Results revealed that, CIR hippocampal nerve cell proliferation decreased, apoptosis activity increased, while Survivin expression increased. Moreover, ATP, ADP and AMP contents decreased, while secretion of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α
increased, MDA increased, and SOD decreased. HIF-1α and NF-κB expressions increased. Propofol and 2ME2 nanoparticles promoted hippocampal neurons proliferation after CIR brain injury, inhibit the apoptotic activity, and reduce the expression of apoptotic protein Survivin.
ATP, ADP and AMP content increased, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased, MDA decreased, SOD activity increased, HIF-1α and NF-κB decreased. The and combined group had a more significant effect. 2ME2 nanoparticles combined with propofol can inhibit HIF-1α
and secretion of inflammatory factors by regulating oxidative stress and NF-κB signaling pathways, promoting the proliferation of hippocampal neurons, inhibiting apoptosis, and restoring cell energy and helping to restore nerve cell function.
Tribological behavior of nanosecond laser-textured leaded Ni-rich NiTi shape mamory alloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Shi Guangfeng , Li Lunxiang , Yu Zhenglei , Cao Qing , Zhang Jian , Xu Zezhou , Guo Yunting , Jia Bochao , Zhang Zhihui , Liu Jiabao
Published: October 2022

NiTi alloys with pseudoelastic properties at room temperature were fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes. The tribological behavior of nanosecond laser-textured leaded LPBF-fabricated NiTi alloys under dry conditions was investigated. The results showed that the reduction
in friction coefficient were derived from the fabrication of the bionic tree frog toe end structure formed by nanosecond laser compared with the un-textured surface. The synergetic effects of pseudoelastic properties of LPBF-fabricated NiTi alloys and nanosecond laser surface texturing (LST)
on the tribological performances were investigated in detail. The maximum rate of decrease of friction coefficient was 82% when the textured area density was 54.7% and then the mechanism of wear reduction was further studied. Experimental results indicated that the formation of tribo-oxide
layers was critical for increasing friction reduction and wear resistance. The implementation of biomimetic hexagonal micro-textures on the surface of LPBF-fabricated NiTi alloy exhibited excellent wear resistance.
Computational study on the mechanical properties of lotus-type nanoporous magnesium under uniaxial tension and compression
Authors: Zhu Wenjie , Wang Chaoyong , Li Wei , Ma Xingtao
Published: October 2022

In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to study the mechanical property of lotus-type nanoporous magnesium (Mg) under uniaxial tension and compression. Initial structure was treated by simulated annealing to obtain the stable state of surface atoms around the
pore. After annealing, the porosity decreases and the atoms on the surface are in a disordered state due to rearrangement. Using the Voigt-Reuss-Hill (VRH) formula, we have deduced the elastic moduli based on calculated elastic constants for the annealed structure. The structure was declared
as ductile according to Pugh criterion. Uniaxial tension and compression simulations were used to study the relationship among the stress–strain curves, the atomic crystalline phases and the vacancies-strain curves. For lotus-type nanoporous Mg, the main crystalline phases were also
studied, combined with disordered atoms. The evolution of pore morphology is also different in the three directions. The shapes of pores after tension or compression are mainly cylindrical, elliptical and rhombic. The results of uniaxial tension and compression show that the faster the vacancy
increases, the faster the stress decreases, and the number of vacancies is closely related to the change of atomic crystalline phases.
The evaluation, management, and outcome about an experience with low velocity penetrating injuries
Authors: Xu Zhou , Lu Yunsong , Li Heng , Peng Dailiang , Jiang Xuwei , Hao Yuqing , Liu Yamin , Kou Yubin
Published: October 2022

SFI is the abbreviation for Sharp force injuries, which is an injury inflicted by cutting or stabbing. This study evaluated 20 cases of SFIs with early diagnosis and management, including visit time, details of the demographic, wounded organs, surgical procedure, and outcomes. 20 cases
of patients with penetrating injuries registered in our hospital from Apr 2015 to Nov 2016 were enrolled in the present study. The evaluation, management, and outcome of the injuries were recorded. The retrospective analysis was manipulated in terms of 20 SFIs patients admitted within 18 months.
More than half of the (10) patients presented within 2 h of the injury, 8 patients within 4 h, 2 more than 6 h. All patients were in the age group of 21–30 years with no females. Knife stabbing (100%) was the mechanism of injury. Colon (50%) was the most commonly injured organ, followed
by intestine injury (40%) and liver injury (30%). The mortality rate was 10%. Laparotomy was negative in two cases (10%). Wound sepsis (10%) was the common complication. All intestine and gastric injury were managed with primary repair, splenic, and kidney lesions were managed conservatively,
as hollow organs required exploratory laparotomy in all cases. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment may improve outcomes for most patients.
Research on glucose oxidase nanoparticles combined with dexmedetomidine in regulating oxygen metabolism and improving damaged cells in hypoxic-ischenmia reperfusion brain damage
Authors: Wang Jun , Fang Meng , Li Jingjing
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to assess GOX-NPs (glucose oxidase nanoparticles) combined with dexmedetomidine in regulating oxygen metabolism and improving the damaged cells in HIRBD (hypoxic-ischenmia reperfusion brain damage, HIRBD). Model of hippocampal neurons injured by hypoxia and
reoxygenation was prepared in vitro. The groups were randomly divided into control set, DEX (dexmedetomidine) set, GOX-NPs (glucose oxidase nanoparticles) set and set of DEX and GOX-NPs. Proliferative and apoptotic activity, expression of Cyt-c (cytochrome-c) and APAF-1 (Apoptotic protease
activating factor-1), quantity of total adenine nucleotide, activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and SOD (Superoxide dismutase), and expression of HMGB1 (High mobility group box 1 protein) were all observed, proliferation was prompted in DEX set and GOX-NPs set, while apoptotic activity
was restrained. The expressions of Cyt-c and APAF-1 (Apoptotic protease activating factor-1) were restrained. ROS content was reduced, and SOD activity was increased, and HMGB1 presentation was reduced. The action in the DEX and GOX-NPs sets was notable, while proliferation of nerve cells
in cerebral injury with hypoxia and reoxygenation was prompted by oxidase nanoparticles combined with dexmedetomidine, and apoptosis was restrained. The energy metabolism was improved effectively through restraining inflammatory pathway and oxidative stress. The nerve cells in the cerebral
injury with hypoxia and reoxygenation was effectively improved.
Role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media combined with polystyrene nanoparticles in rat osteomyelitis and macrophage polarization
Authors: Pan Deyue , Ji Renchen , Yin Peng , Chen Guang
Published: October 2022

This study aimed at investigating the potential role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media (BMSC-CM) incorporated with polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) in inflammatory response in osteomyelitis and clarifying its underlying mechanism. BMSCs were collected from 25
osteomyelitis and healthy rats, and their conditioned media (CM) were collected. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to determine the expression levels of inflammatory factor IL-10, while the BMSCs were identified by surface antigens. After treatment of BMSCs, BMSC-CM, and BMSC-CM
with PS-NPs, flow cytometry was conducted to assess apoptosis of inflammatory cells and macrophage polarization-specific protein, and mRNA expressions were detected. The expression level of IL-10 was up-regulated in the osteomyelitis rats. With primary BMSCs in a long spindle shape, the MSCs
were positive for CD44 (99.87%) and negative for antigen CD34 (4.32%). The BMSC-CM combined with PS-NPs caused increased macrophage polarization-related genes (BMP-2, MCP-1, iNOS, CD206, Arg-1, TGF-β) with decreased IL-10 expression. The BMSC-CM combined with PSNPs might inhibit
the polarization of BMSCs to macrophages and alleviate inflammation in osteomyelitis.
Polystyrene nanoparticles carrying miR-375 alleviate inflammatory response of intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells via NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Teng , Wang Tonghao , Xu Baoshan
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of miR-375-loaded polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) in inflammatory response within nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) in intervertebral disc. RT-qPCR was used to determine the miR-375 expression in the intervertebral disc NPCs
and tissues from patients with inflammatory reaction. After transfection of PS-NPs carrying miR-375, MTT and flow cytometry experiment were conducted to assess proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of inflammatory cells in the intervertebral disc. The relationship between miR-375-loaded
PS-NPs and NF-κB pathway was analyzed using a luciferase reporter assay. miR-375 expression was decreased in inflammatory cells and intervertebral disc NPCs. Administration of PS-NPs carrying miR-375 resulted in decreased proliferation rate of NPCs when promoting cell apoptosis.
PS-NP inhibitor in return suppressed apoptosis of NPCs in the intervertebral disc. The expression of NF-κB pathway was directly regulated by miR-375 PS-NPs and participated in the inflammatory response of intervertebral disc NPCs. Down-regulation of miR-375 induced continuous
proliferation of inflammatory cells in the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc and hindered cell apoptosis. miR-375 PS-NPs can inhibit the inflammatory response of NPCs on intervertebral disc through NF-κB pathway, which provides a new direction for nano-therapeutics for inflammatory
responses of intervertebral disc NPCs.
The mechanical and thermodynamic properties of the tetragonal Mo5SiB2 and Mo5Si3 phase under high pressure: a first-principles study
Authors: Gao Huang Zai
Published: October 2022

The mechanical and thermodynamics properties of Mo5Si3 and Mo5SiB2 have been investigated by using the first-principle calculations. The cell structure parameters with pressure are briefly discussed. The values of micro-hardness and melting
point of both Mo5SiB2 and Mo5Si3 are studied. In addition, both composite alloys’ elastic constants Cij and elastic modulus (B, G, E) are close to increase linearly with pressure. The B/G ratios
and Cauchy pressure (C12–C44) were also investigated by this method, and the results suggest that pressure can improve the ductility properties of both alloys. The Poisson’s ratio indicates that the two alloys are bonded mainly metallic. Finally,
the Debye temperature with pressure concluded from elastic constants was studied, and the temperature dependence of thermodynamic properties, including the entropy, constant volume heat capacity (CV), enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy, are also studied and discussed.
Dihydro-artemisinin inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation and induces apoptosis through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/akt pathway
Authors: Qiu Mingyao , Xie Yusheng , Wu Haiqin , Lin Mingxia
Published: October 2022

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) abnormal proliferation can trigger myocardial fibrosis, which is closely related to a variety of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on CF growth through PI3K/AKT with angiotensin II (AngII). CCK-8 method
and EdU were used detect cell proliferation, and flow cytometry assessed apoptosis of CFs. The PI3K and AKT expressions were determined, whilst immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR measured α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) level. With rat CFs exhibiting typical fibroblast
morphology and nuclei in spindle, oval or polygonal shape, these cells were positive for the fibroblast marker vimentin. Treatment with AngII resulted in increased proliferation of CFs, but the proliferation declined in the presence of DHA (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the AngII group had
lower apoptosis of CFs than blank and DHA groups with highest apoptosis observed in the DHA group. α-SMA increased at the mRNA and protein levels after Ang II treatment and decreased after DHA treatment (p < 0.05). Importantly, the Ang II upregulated PI3K and AKT in
CFs (p < 0.05) and the increase was abrogated by DHA administration with lowest levels (p < 0.05). Ang II activates PI3K/Akt in normal CFs, as administration of DHA can inhibit the effect of Ang II, thereby inhibiting proliferation of CFs induced by AngII and inducing apoptosis.
IS A CONFEDERATION BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE WITH JORDAN A VIABLE ARRANGEMENT?
Authors: Bar‐Tal Daniel
Published: October 2022

The present article considers the viability of a confederation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority with Jordan as a realistic solution to the ongoing conflict between Israeli Jews and Palestinians. It presents the background and the course of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, with a description of the present situation in order to understand the possible solutions to the conflict. I also explore several ideas of how to peacefully resolve the conflict that is entertained at present. A special focus is on the proposal of Alon Ben‐Meir (2022) about building a confederation delineated in the Spring issue of this journal. Thus, in the second part, the concept of confederation is described and three barriers to its implementation are elaborated. The first discusses the approach of presenting a rational plan, whereas in reality, participants in conflict develop a sociopsychological repertoire that serves often as a barrier to the solution. The second comment elaborates on the complex nature of reconciliation that cannot be required as a necessary precondition for the solution of the conflict. The third comment pertains to the asymmetry of the parties in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict that is a serious barrier to the implementation of the phases of the proposed confederation. Finally, I describe briefly the different proposals that are on the table at present and evaluate their feasibility.
COMMENTS ON ALON BEN‐MEIR'S “THE CASE FOR AN ISRAELI‐PALESTINIAN‐JORDANIAN CONFEDERATION, WHY NOW AND HOW”
Authors: Saras Issa
Published: October 2022

This essay draws attention to some of the current conditions in Palestine as these relate to, and potentially affect, the arguments contained in Alon Ben‐Meir's (2022) recent proposal for an Israeli‐Palestinian‐Jordanian Confederation. In contrast to the level of free speech in Israel, the situation in Palestine is significantly more guarded and less understood abroad. I argue that this should be taken into account in any and all proposals for conflict resolution between the two peoples. My aim is to highlight some important aspects of the proposal and encourage Israelis and Palestinians alike to investigate more deeply what is happening in Palestine in order to assist in generating policy solutions that consider the concerns and the goals of both peoples in the context of a permanent solution to their conflict.
Renal thrombotic microangiopathy and nephrotic proteinuria induced by intravitreal injection of aflibercept for diabetic macular edema
Authors: Kikuchi Yawara , Odashima Yoshimi , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Oda Tomoyasu , Tanaka Fumitaka , Oikawa Hiroki , Ishigaki Yasushi , Asahi Koichi
Published: October 2022

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFIs) are used to treat malignant neoplasms and ocular diseases by inhibiting angiogenesis. Systemic use of VEGFIs has various side effects, including hypertension, proteinuria, and thrombotic microangiopathy, but adverse events due to intravitreal injection of VEGFIs have not been fully clarified. Although age-related macular degeneration was initially the most common target of intravitreal injection of VEGFIs, it has also been applied sporadically for diabetic macular edema in recent years. Proteinuria following intravitreal injection of VEGFIs would be reversible. In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), however, it would be difficult to determine whether kidney damage arises from the clinical course of DM or from intravitreal injection of VEGFIs for diabetic macular edema.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old woman with a 20-year history of type 2 DM began intravitreal injection of VEGFI (aflibercept, 2 mg every 4 weeks) for treatment of diabetic macular edema 2 years previously. She presented with leg edema, hypertension, and nephrotic-range proteinuria 14 months after the first injection. Histological examination of renal biopsy specimens revealed diabetic nephropathy with renal thrombotic microangiopathy probably associated with intravitreal injection of VEGFI. The patient’s nephrotic syndrome completely improved at 6 months after simply discontinuing aflibercept.

Conclusions

This is a precious report of pathologically investigated renal thrombotic microangiopathy leading to nephrotic syndrome due to intravitreal injection of aflibercept for diabetic macular edema in a patient with type 2 DM. Renal function and proteinuria should be monitored in diabetic patients who receive intravitreal injection of a VEGFI. If kidney damage develops independent of the clinical course of DM during intravitreal injection of a VEGFI, renal biopsy should be performed and intravitreal VEGFI injection discontinued.
Ownership of individual-level health data, data sharing, and data governance
Authors: Piasecki Jan , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: October 2022

Background

The ownership status of individual-level health data affects the manner in which it is used. In this paper we analyze two competing models of the ownership status of the data discussed in the literature recently: private ownership and public ownership.

Main body

In this paper we describe the limitations of these two models of data ownership with respect to individual-level health data, in particular in terms of ethical principles of justice and autonomy, risk mitigation, as well as technological, economic, and conceptual issues. We argue that undifferentiated application of neither private ownership nor public ownership will allow us to resolve all the problems associated with effective, equitable, and ethical use of data. We suggest that, instead of focusing on data ownership, we should focus on the institutional and procedural aspects of data governance, such as using Data Access Committees (DACs) or equivalent managed access processes, which can balance the elements of these two ownership frameworks.

Conclusion

Undifferentiated application of the ownership concept (private or public) is not helpful in resolving problems associated with sharing individual-level health data. DACs or equivalent managed access processes should be an integral part of data governance. They can approve or disapprove data access requests after considering the potential benefits and harms to data subjects, their communities, primary researchers, and the wider society.
One novel ACOT7–NPHP4 fusion gene identified in one patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report
Authors: Zong Xin , Kang Zhijie , Huang Dan , Zhang Xuehong , Gao Yuan , Wang Haina , Li Weiling , Yan Jinsong
Published: October 2022

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy that accounts for approximately 20% of adult ALL. Although ALL complete remission (CR) rate has increased to 85–90% after induction chemotherapy, 40–50% of patients eventually relapsed. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the outcomes of ALL via accurate diagnosis and individualized treatments, which benefits in part from molecular biomarkers. Here, we identified a new fusion gene, Acyl-CoA Thioesterase 7–Nephrocystin 4 (ACOT7–NPHP4), in a 34-year-old patient with ALL. The fusion gene contributed to chemoresistance to doxorubicin and acted as a new molecular marker.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old male patient was diagnosed with ALL (common B cell) based on clinical manifestations and laboratory results. Although the patient received two cycles of the hyper-CVAD-L regimen as chemotherapy, the induction treatment failed. Because of the refusal of further treatments, the patient died of rapid progression of ALL one month later. Finally, a new fusion transcript, ACOT7–NPHP4, was detected in the patient’s lymphoblastic leukemia cells via RNA sequencing.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a patient with ALL carrying an ACOT7–NPHP4 fusion gene. These findings may help understand the impact of ACOT7–NPHP4 in clinical molecular monitoring and drug resistance to doxorubicin; furthermore, its leukemogenesis will be essential to explore in future.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the synergistic effect of polymyxin–rifampicin combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mahamad Maifiah Mohd Hafidz , Zhu Yan , Tsuji Brian T. , Creek Darren J. , Velkov Tony , Li Jian
Published: October 2022

Background

Understanding the mechanism of antimicrobial action is critical for improving antibiotic therapy. For the first time, we integrated correlative metabolomics and transcriptomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to elucidate the mechanism of synergistic killing of polymyxin–rifampicin combination.

Methods

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and RNA-seq analyses were conducted to identify the significant changes in the metabolome and transcriptome of P. aeruginosa PAO1 after exposure to polymyxin B (1 mg/L) and rifampicin (2 mg/L) alone, or in combination over 24 h. A genome-scale metabolic network was employed for integrative analysis.

Results

In the first 4-h treatment, polymyxin B monotherapy induced significant lipid perturbations, predominantly to fatty acids and glycerophospholipids, indicating a substantial disorganization of the bacterial outer membrane. Expression of ParRS, a two-component regulatory system involved in polymyxin resistance, was increased by polymyxin B alone. Rifampicin alone caused marginal metabolic perturbations but significantly affected gene expression at 24 h. The combination decreased the gene expression of quorum sensing regulated virulence factors at 1 h (e.g. key genes involved in phenazine biosynthesis, secretion system and biofilm formation); and increased the expression of peptidoglycan biosynthesis genes at 4 h. Notably, the combination caused substantial accumulation of nucleotides and amino acids that last at least 4 h, indicating that bacterial cells were in a state of metabolic arrest.

Conclusion

This study underscores the substantial potential of integrative systems pharmacology to determine mechanisms of synergistic bacterial killing by antibiotic combinations, which will help optimize their use in patients.

Graphical Abstract
Research protocol for impact assessment of a project to scale up food policies in the Pacific
Authors: Patay Dori , Trieu Kathy , McKenzie Briar , Ramanathan Shanthi , Hure Alexis , Bell Colin , Thow Anne-Marie , Allender Steven , Reeve Erica , Palu Aliyah , Woodward Mark , Waqa Gade , Webster Jacqui
Published: October 2022

Background

One of the challenges for countries implementing food policy measures has been the difficulty in demonstrating impact and retaining stakeholder support. Consequently, research funded to help countries overcome these challenges should assess impact and translation into practice, particularly in low-resource settings. However, there are still few attempts to prospectively, and comprehensively, assess research impact. This protocol describes a study co-created with project implementers, collaborative investigators and key stakeholders to optimize and monitor the impact of a research project on scaling up food policies in Fiji.

Methods

To develop this protocol, our team of researchers prospectively applied the Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT). Activities included (i) developing a logic model to map the pathway to impact and establish domains of benefit; (ii) identifying process and impact indicators for each of these domains; (iii) identifying relevant data for impact indicators and a cost–consequence analysis; and (iv) establishing a process for collecting quantitative and qualitative data to measure progress. Impact assessment data will be collected between September 2022 and December 2024, through reports, routine monitoring activities, group discussions and semi-structured interviews with key implementers and stakeholders. The prospective application of the protocol, and interim and final research impact assessments of each project stream and the project as a whole, will optimize and enable robust measurement of research impact.

Discussion

By applying this protocol, we aim to increase understanding of pathways to impact and processes that need to be put in place to achieve this. This impact evaluation will inform future projects with a similar scope and will identify transferable and/or translatable lessons for other Pacific Island states and low- and middle-income countries.
Combination of albumin-to-globulin ratio and plasma fibrinogen is a sensitive tool for preoperative screening of infected nonunion in patients undergoing reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Zhen , Mao Haijun , Xu Guangyue
Published: October 2022

Background

Accurate preoperative diagnosis of infected nonunion remains a challenge. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic potential of novel biomarkers for infected nonunion.

Methods

A cohort of 275 patients who underwent surgery for suspected septic nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation were enrolled. Preoperatively analyzed clinical parameters included white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), albumin, globulin, albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), plasma D-dimer, plasma fibrinogen, platelet count (PC), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity, and specificity were utilized to compare the diagnostic potential of those biomarkers.

Results

The WBC count and levels of CRP, ESR, NLR, MLR, PLR, PC, plasma D-dimer, plasma fibrinogen, and globulin in infected nonunion patients were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in aseptic patients. The albumin and AGR levels of the infected nonunion group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the aseptic group. The ROC curve analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of AGR and plasma fibrinogen was good. The combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen had the highest area under the curve (AUC) (0.916). The sensitivity and specificity were 70.27% and 91.04% for AGR, and 67.57% and 84.08% for plasma fibrinogen, respectively. The combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen showed a sensitivity of 86.49% and specificity of 92.54%. In patients with comorbidities, the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen was also good.

Conclusions

AGR and plasma fibrinogen are promising biomarkers to improve the diagnosis of infected nonunion. The combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen is a sensitive tool for screening infected nonunion.
Postural habits and lifestyle factors associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in China: results from a big case–control study
Authors: Yang Jingfan , Huang Sizhe , Cheng Mengyuan , Tan Weiqing , Yang Junlin
Published: October 2022

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent type of scoliosis affecting children between the ages of 10–16 years. However, risk factors for AIS, particularly the modifiable ones, are still largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the associations of lifestyle and social environment factors with AIS in Chinese schoolchildren.

Methods

This is a matched case–control study based on survey data collected from school-based scoliosis screening program. We used conditional logistic regression models to describe the relative risk of AIS incidence for each variable in the analyses. To examine the independent effect of each factor on developing AIS, a multivariate conditional logistic regression was conducted and odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age and other significant variables.

Results

Overall, 2538 participants from 49 schools were included in this study, comprising 1269 AIS cases and 1269 controls. Mean age of the study population was 13.4 years ± 1.06 (range 10–18). One thousand five hundred and fifty (61.1%) of the study subjects were girls. After adjusting for other significant factors, inappropriate desk heights, either too low (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.04–1.90) or too high (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.09–2.38), standing with anterior pelvic tilt (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.41–5.28), and sleeping on the right side (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.00–1.91), remained associated with elevated AIS risks. In contrast, sitting normally and classroom sitting positions change regularly were associated with lower odds of AIS. The adjusted ORs were 0.69 (95% CI 0.50–0.96) for sitting normally, and 0.72 (95% CI 0.53–0.98) for sitting positions change.

Conclusions

This is the first study to address the associations between desk heights and AIS and showed inappropriate desk heights were related to increased AIS risks. To protect school children from developing AIS, stakeholders are advised to consider introducing height-adjustable desks in the class, changing students’ sitting positions in the classroom on a regular basis, and implementing educational programs to help students maintain correct sitting postures.