bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pay-it-forward to increase testing for hepatitis B and C: a community-led randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Tang Weiming , Zhang Ye , Li Jianjun , Xie Yewei , Wu Dan , Ong Jason , Marley Gifty , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Lu Haidong , Zou Fei , Smith Jennifer , Tucker Joseph , Geng-Feng Fu
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing rates remain low in China, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Pay-it-forward involves having a person receive a free test with community-generated messages and then asks if those who received a free test would like to donate money or test to support subsequent other people to also receive free testing. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a pay-it-forward strategy with active community participation to promote HBV and HCV testing among MSM in China. We undertook a two-arm superiority cluster-randomized trial led by MSM community-based organizations in two cities in the Jiangsu Province, China. As part of the intervention, MSM peers were actively involved in planning and leading the trial. Enrolled MSM were randomized to the pay-it-forward (intervention) and standard-of-care (control) arms in groups of ten. Men randomized to the pay-it-forward arm received free HBV and HCV testing and were offered a chance to pay-it-forward by donating money to support the testing of another anonymous person. In the standard-of-care arm, each participant paid for their HCV and HBsAg antibody rapid test at US $7.7/test. Only the staff who performed data analyses were blinded. The primary outcome was the proportion of men tested for HBV and HCV. We pre-specified sub-analyses based on substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and people older than 30 years. The trial was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR 2100046140). Between March and October 2021, 322 MSM were randomized to the pay-it-forward (n=160) and standard-of-care (n=162) arms. HBV and HCV rapid testing was notably higher in the pay-it-forward arm (59.4%) than in the standard-of-care arm (25.3%) (proportion difference (PD) 34.4%, 95% CI lower bound 26.9%). Sub-analyses demonstrated that the pay-it-forward intervention was effective among people who use substances, people with risky sexual behaviors, and older individuals. Among men in the pay-it-forward arm, 101/160 (63%) donated some amount to future participants, and the total donation amount covered over half (68%) of the test cost in the pay-it-forward arm. Economic evaluation found that the pay-it-forward model was cheaper than the standard of care, considering economic or financial costs per person tested. The pay-it-forward approach improved HBV and HCV testing among an at-risk populations in a resource-constrained environment. Pay-it-forward model appeared to be managed successfully in a real-world setting, especially as a part of community-led efforts to reach higher-risk populations.
Labor Market Costs for Long-Term Family Caregivers. The situation of caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury in Switzerland
Authors: Ruoss Monica , Brach Mirjam , Barzallo Diana Pacheco
Published: December 2022

Background
Family members are key in the provision of care to persons facing disability. To undertake the role as caregivers, they face many costs, being the setback in the labor market one of the most relevant.
Methods
We analyze comprehensive data from long-term family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland. Using information about their working situation before and after becoming caregivers, we estimated the reduction in working hours and the associated income loss.
Results
On average, family caregivers reduced their working hours by about 23% (8.4 hours per week), which has a monetary value of CHF 970 per month (EUR 845). Women, older caregivers, and less educated caregivers have a much higher opportunity cost in the labor market. In contrast, family members who care for a person that works have a much lower impact on their working status. Interestingly, the reduction in their working time is only a third of the extra work they face as caregivers.
Conclusion
Health and social systems rely on the unpaid work of family caregivers. To guarantee their long-term involvement, family caregivers need to be recognized for their work and potentially compensated. Without family caregivers, it is very unlikely societies can cope with the increasing need for care, as professional services are limited and expensive.
A Numerical Example of Russell's Paradox and Its Novel Geometric Properties
Authors: Pan Xiandi
Published: December 2022

There are some paradoxes in the composition relationship between point-line-plane-space. I found that a numerical example of Russell's paradox- ∅Pan -can solve these problems. ∅Pan is a set group that all its sets are mutually included. Geometric ∅Pan has remarkable properties that all its lines are mutually included and mutually iterated, and the same as planes and spaces. Visualization models for these geometric set groups were established through cross-composing timelines, cross-monitoring screens, and cross-sharing cyberspaces, respectively. These findings demonstrate that sets/objects can mutually include and geometries/objects can mutually iterate. I anticipate the present paper to be a starting point for a novel kind of set group and algebraic geometry.
How to Predict the Financial Prospects of a Rainwater Harvesting System——An Innovative Approach Based on Catchment Fraction
Authors: Shiguang Chen , Hongwei Sun , Qiuli Chen , Song Liu , Xuebin Chen
Published: December 2022

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems are one of the most promising technologies for water supply and economic viability is often a major barrier to their implementation. In order to develop a generic method to assess the economic viability of decentralized RWH systems at a regional level, this paper investigates the effect of variations in building characteristics on the economic performance of rainwater harvesting systems in regions where the water tariffs and rainfall distribution characteristics are fixed. This paper simulated the financial efficiency (expressed as a benefit-cost ratio) of a large number of decentralized RWH systems in Guangzhou, China. It is found that the financial efficiency of RWH systems is closely related to the catchment fraction (the ratio of rainfall catchment surface to total floor area). Based on this dimensionless parameter, explicit equations expressing the financial efficiency of RWH systems were derived using a nonlinear regression method. In addition, the validity of the analytical equations was verified by the root mean square error test, normality test, and error distribution test. This analytical solution provides a simple and generic method for forecasting the investment potential of rainwater harvesting systems. The developed methodology can also be adapted to other regions merely the variations of local water price and rainfall data need to be considered.
Barriers to viral load suppression among HIV-positive adolescents in antiretroviral therapy: a retrospective cohort study in Tanga, Tanzania
Authors: Mushy Stella Emmanuel , Mtisi Expeditho , Mkawe Simon , Mboggo Eric , Ndega John , Yahya-Malima Khadija I. , Ngalesoni Frida , Muya Aisa
Published: December 2022

Background: Despite lower rates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescents in Tanzania, the number of adolescents living with HIV is increasing. Generally, adolescents are lagging in achieving the “Third 95” target that focuses on suppressing the viral load to 95% of those on treatment. This study aimed to describe factors independently associated with viral load non-suppression among HIV-positive ART-experienced adolescents in care and treatment health services facilities supported by Amref Health Africa Tanzania in the Tanga region.
Methods: A retrospective review of routinely collected HIV program records was carried out. We extracted data from the CTC2 database that included age, sex, BMI, WHO HIV staging, marital status, ART duration, VLS, regimen, facility level, and Dolutegravir (DTG)-based drug. Descriptive analysis using frequencies was carried out to describe the study participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Multiple logistic regression was done to adjust for factors associated with viral load non-suppression. Viral load non-suppression was defined as viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml.
Results: 2493 (98%) adolescents were on first-line ART, and 2286 (89.68%) participants were virally suppressed, while 263 (10.32%) had viral load non-suppression (≥ 1000 copies/ml). In addition, 2322 (91.09%) of participants on ART were using DTD-related drugs; of them, 92.76% were virally suppressed. Not using DTG-related drugs (OR: 13.89, 95% CI 6.44 – 16.96) and hospital facility level (OR: 3.53, 95% CI 1.39 – 8.99) were independently associated with increased odds for not achieving viral load suppression. In addition, adolescents aged between 15 – 19 years were more likely associated with viral load suppression (OR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.30 – 0.97).
Conclusion: 10.32% of the adolescents on ART did not achieve viral load suppression, not using DTG-related drugs, and the hospital facility level increased the odds of not achieving viral load suppression. The use of DTG-related drugs significantly lowered viral load. HIV intervention strategies should be improved to ensure DTG utilisation in all PLHIV on ART and techniques used by health centres are disseminated to the hospital facility level.
Empagliflozin-associated postoperative mixed metabolic acidosis. Case report and review of pathogenesis
Authors: Sitina Michal , Lukes Marek , Sra Vladimir
Published: December 2022

Background
Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2 inhibitors is a rare, relatively new and potentially fatal clinical entity, characterized by metabolic acidosis with normal or only moderately increased glycemia. Its mechanisms are not completely understood, but involve increased ketogenesis and complex renal metabolic dysfunction, resulting in both ketoacidosis and hyperchloremic acidosis. We report a rare case of fatal empagliflozin-associated acidosis with profound hyperchloremia and review its pathogenesis.
Case presentation
A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with empagliflozin underwent an elective hip replacement surgery. Since day 4 after surgery, he felt generally unwell, which resulted in cardiac arrest on the day 5. Empagliflozin-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis resulting in severe hyperchloremic acidosis was identified as the cause of cardiac arrest.
Conclusions
This case documents the possibility of severe SGLT2 inhibitors-associated mixed metabolic acidosis with prevailing hyperchloremic component. Awareness of this possibility and a high degree of suspicion is crucial for correct and early diagnosis.
Optimal Design of Multilayer Radar Absorbing Materials: A Simulation-Optimization Approach
Authors: Yao Huiming , Yang Jiapeng , Li Han , Xu Jianchun , Bi Ke
Published: December 2022

Multilayer radar absorbing materials with light weight, strong absorption, and wide absorption bandwidth are urgently demanded with the increase of electromagnetic pollution. However, the current design methods with only simulation operation or optimization strategy are not comprehensive. Here, a simulation-optimization approach including electromagnetic simulation and numerical calculation is proposed based on the interaction between different software, in which the homogeneous medium substitution method is presented to simplify the complicated structures. Besides, return loss and impedance matching of different layer structures are investigated. From the simulated results, it can be found that the structures with better impedance matching have superior absorbing performance. The optimal method shows the advantages of fast and efficient, which has tremendous potential for various applications, such as military stealth and electromagnetic wave elimination.
Alternative splicing in mouse brains affected by psychological stress is enriched in the signaling, neural transmission and blood-brain barrier pathways
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Wang Feiran , Yang Xiuju , Ren Zongyao , Chen Chao
Published: December 2022

Psychological stress increases the risk of major psychiatric disorders. Psychological stress on mice was reported to induce differential gene expression (DEG) in mice brain regions. Alternative splicing is a fundamental aspect of gene expression and has been associated with psychiatric disorders but has not been investigated in stressed brain yet. This study investigated changes in gene expression and splicing under psychological stress, the related pathways, and possible relationship with psychiatric disorders. RNA-seq raw data of 164 mouse brain samples from 3 independent datasets with stressors including chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), early life stress (ELS), and two-hit stress of combined CSDS and ELS were collected. There were more changes in splicing than in gene expression in the ventral hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex, but stress-induced changes of individual genes by differentially spliced genes (DSGs) and DEGs could not be replicated. In contrast, pathway analyses produced robust findings: stress-induced DSGs were reproducibly enriched in neural transmission and blood-brain barrier systems, and DEGs were reproducibly enriched in stress response-related functions. The hub genes of DSG-related PPI networks were enriched in synaptic functions. The corresponding human homologs of stress-induced DSGs were robustly enriched in AD-related DSGs as well as BD and SCZ in GWAS. These results suggested that stress-induced DSGs from different datasets belong to the same biological system throughout the stress response process, resulting in consistent stress response effects.
The establishment of transient expression systems and their application for gene function analysis of flavonoid biosynthesis in Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower)
Authors: Xian Bin , Xi Ziqing , Ren Chaoxing , Yan Jie , Chen Jiang , Pei Jin
Published: December 2022

Background: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an important economic crop and traditional medicine riching in flavonoids, which can significantly improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Thus, many candidate genes for safflower flavonoid biosynthesis were cloned. However, due to the lack of homologous gene expression system, gene function research can only be carried out in model plants. It is necessary to establish gene function identification protocol in safflower.
Results: In this study, using safflower callus as experimental material, Agrobacterium transient expression system and bilolistic transient expression system were established. In the Agrobacterium transient expression system, the highest transformation rate were obtained at original Agrobacterium density of OD600 0.4, concentration of OD600 0.6, infection for 20 min, co-culture for 3 d, and AS concentration at 100 μmol·L-1. In biolistic transient expression system, the highest transformation efficiency were observed at 1350 psi helium pressure, -0.8 bar vacuum degree, 6.5 cm flight distance, the bombardment once, 3 μg·shot-1 of plasmid amount, and 100 μg·shot-1 of gold particles amount. These two transient expression systems were used for the gene function analysis of CtCHS1 as an example. After overexpression, the relative expression of CtCHS1 was increased, especially in the Agrobacterium-transformed callus. The content of some flavonoids also changed, naringenin and genistein were significantly increased in Agrobacterium-transformed callus, and luteolin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside and apigenin derivative were significantly decreased in biolistic-transformed callus.
Conclusion: Using safflower callus as the experimental material, Agrobacterium transient expression system and bilolistic transient expression system with high expression efficiency were successfully established, and demonstrating that both transient expression systems can be used to verify gene function. The safflower callus transient expression system will be a useful methods for further analysis in gene function analysis of flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower.
Utility of M-mode ultrasound for pupillary assessment in patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Fu Maoliang , Liu Xinyan , Yu Dapeng , Meng Wenwen , Guo Xiuyan , Geng Xihua , Liu Ziwei , Song Xuan
Published: December 2022

Background
Pupillary assessment is an important index to evaluate changes in the conditions of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study assessed the utility of M-mode ultrasound as a non-invasive bedside assessment to evaluate pupillary light reflex (PLR) sensitivity in patients with TBI.
Methods
This is a prospective observational study of patients with TBI. Patients were divided into brisk, sluggish, or absent groups based on their PLR sensitivity. M-mode ultrasound was performed according to standard operation guidelines using a standardized light stimulus.Pupillary diameter (PD) and PLR sensitivity were recorded. At the same time, the pupil was examined by M-mode ultrasound, and the diameter and pupillary contraction time (PCT) were measured at rest, ipsilateral opposite PLR, and contralateral opposite PLR.
Results
A total of 150 participants were included. In the briskgroup, during the ipsilaterallight reflex, the left and right PCTs were 0.09 ± 0.02s and 0.10 ± 0.09s, respectively, and the pupillary diameter variation rates (PDVRs) were 0.36 ± 0.10 and 0.35 ± 0.09. In the sluggish group, during the ipsilateral light reflex, the left and right PCTs were 0.20 ± 0.05s and 0.19 ±0.03s, respectively. PDVRs were 0.18 ± 0.07 and 0.19 ± 0.11, respectively. In the brisk group, the cut-off value of PDVR of ipsilateral PLR was 0.205, AUC value was 0.957, and sensitivity and specificity were 95.3% and 90.8%, the cut-off value of PDVR of contralateral PLR was 0.146, AUC value was 0.962, and sensitivity and specificity were 95.3% and 86.2%.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated the usefulness of M-mode ultrasound for quantitative evaluation of pupillary changes. It is a simple, rapid, and objective method that can accurately monitor PD and sensitivity to light reflex, especially in patients with eyelid edema or TBI, where pupils cannot be examined visually.
Local fuzzy rough set model over two universes and its reduction
Authors: Xie Linlin , Lin Guoping , Li Jinjin , Kou Yi
Published: December 2022

The fuzzy information system over two universes formalizes a data table corresponding to two universes as well as their relations. Although many analyses have focused on this topic, the existing models are mixed with some uncertain factors in the process of given relation, and it is unnecessary to analyze the fuzzy objects with small membership degree. This motivates us to develop a better method to handle complex data. This paper proposes a local fuzzy rough set model over two universes, then further analyzes its properties and decision rules. Moreover, the reduction method of the model is being studied. The experiment results show that the proposed model has better performance in classfication and decision making.
Spatial planning and management to control multi-ecological environmental problems: A case study of Anshan city, Liaoning, China
Authors: Zhang Tingshuang , Liu Miao , Li Chunlin , Chen Tan , Hu Yuanman , Yin Hongyan , Du Yan
Published: December 2022

Context
Many efforts have been made to control the eco-environmental problems caused by urbanization and industrialization. Meanwhile, spatial pattern and process studies are of global interest and typically focus on one certain environmental or ecological process.
Objectives
Conduct scientific planning to solve and prevent multiple eco-environmental problems.
Methods
By using multi-process models and spatial statistical methods, including CMAQ and SWAT models, we analyzed the process and spatial distribution of pollutants and identified critical control areas and landscape managements to prevent environmental pollution and ecological damage events.
Results
The models we proposed can effectively identify the link between pollutants and land use. According to the relationships of eco-environmental process and landscape, we combined the administrative districts and land use, then we divided 67 landscape control units for air pollution discharge, water pollution discharge, soil heavy metal pollution, and ecological space. For each partition, we proposed management and control measures for each region to solve the hydrological atmospheric, edaphic and ecological problems.
Conclusion
s This integrated method can provide guidance and scientific support for spatial planning or ecological construction, especially in China.
Efficacy of a smartphone application for helping individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus manage their blood glucose: a trial protocol
Authors: Tang Hongxia , Qin Hua , Zhang Mingjiao , Zhang Jihong , Tan Huiwen , Chen Mengjie , Kong Laixi , Guo Maoting , Hu Fenghui , Wang Qin , Wang Xiaoxia , Zhang Kun , Xiong Zhenzhen
Published: December 2022

Background: China has the largest number of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the world, and most lack knowledge about glycemic control and health management. This trial will examine whether a smartphone application can improve blood glucose management among individuals with T2DM.
Methods: This will be a multicenter randomized controlled trial conducted in outpatient endocrinology clinics at two tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, China. The trial will enroll smartphone-literature individuals at least 18 years old who have been diagnosed with T2DM based on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of at least 7.0%. Individuals will be randomly assigned to receive routine care with standard education about T2DM and glycemic control (Control), routine care as well as weekly telephone reminders to self-monitor blood glucose (Reminder), routine care and a smartphone application providing information about glycemic control and health management with T2DM (App), or the combination of routine care, the smartphone application and weekly telephone reminders (App+Reminder). After six months of these interventions, participants will be analyzed for the primary outcome of HbA1c as well as the secondary outcomes of blood glucose monitoring frequency, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, diabetes-related medical costs, disease progression or improvement, knowledge about diabetes, health beliefs related to diabetes, diabetes self-management behavior, and satisfaction with the smartphone application.
Discussion: This trial will determine whether a smartphone application can improve glycemic management among Chinese with T2DM. The findings may help guide the development of effective applications in China and elsewhere.
Trial registration: The trial was prospectively registered on January 17, 2021 at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) under registration number ChiCTR2100042297.
Total hip arthroplasty using the conjoined tendon-preserving posterior (CPP) approach, the modified posterior approach
Authors: Ozawa Yuto , Osawa Yusuke , Seki Taisuke , Takegami Yasuhiko , Kato Daisaku , Okamoto Masanori , Imagama Shiro
Published: December 2022

Background
The conjoined tendon-preserving posterior (CPP) approachis a modified posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) that preserves the short external rotator muscles and most ischiofemoral ligaments. The objective of the present study was to compare the short-term clinical outcomes, complications, and imaging evaluations of CPP and posterior approaches in THA.
Methods
This retrospective study included 72 patients: 30 patients with 36 hips who underwent THA with the CPP approach (CPP group) and 42 patients with 55 hips who underwent THA with the standard posterior approach (PA group). Assessment tools included operative times, blood loss, preoperative and postoperative one-year Harris Hip Scores (HHS), postoperative complications, and implant placement angles between the groups.
Results
The CPP approach had a significantly longer operative time and greater blood loss compare to the PA group. Preoperative and postoperative HHS were not significantly different between groups. Considering complications, the posterior approach group had one case each of dislocation and infection, and the CPP group had two cases of sciatic nerve palsy, but the difference was not significant. Cup anteversion, inclination and stem anteversion were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusion
Functional outcomes, complication rate, and implant placement angles were comparable between CPP and standard posterior approaches. The CPP approach has the potential to reduce dislocations, but attention should be paid to sciatic nerve palsy.
Targeting PHB1 to inhibit castration-resistant prostate cancer progression in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Junmei , Zhang Ranran , Su Tong , Zhou Qianqian , Gao Lin , He Zongyue , Wang Xin , Zhao Jian , Xing Yuanxin , Sun Feifei , Cai Wenjie , Wang Xinpei , Désaubry Laurent , Han Bo , Chen Weiwen
Published: December 2022

Background
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is currently the main challenge for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, and there is an urgent need to find novel therapeutic targets and drugs. Prohibitin (PHB1) is a multifunctional chaperone/scaffold protein that is upregulated in various cancers and plays a pro-cancer role. FL3 is a synthetic flavagline drug that inhibits cancer cell proliferation by targeting PHB1. However, the biological functions of PHB1 in CRPC and the effect of FL3 on CRPC cells remain to be explored.
Methods
Several public datasets were used to analyze the association between the expression level of PHB1 and PCa progression as well as PCa patient outcomes. The expression of PHB1 in human PCa specimens and PCa cell lines was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and western blotting. Then both the biological roles of PHB1 in castration resistance and underlying mechanisms were investigated by gain/loss-of-function analyses. Next, in vitro and in vivo a series of experiments were conducted to investigate the anti-cancer effects of FL3 on CRPC cells as well as the underlying mechanisms.
Results
PHB1 expression was significantly upregulated in CRPC and was associated with poor prognosis. PHB1 promoted castration resistance of PCa cells under androgen deprivation conditions. PHB1 is an androgen receptor (AR) suppressive gene and androgen deprivation promotes the PHB1 expression and its nucleus-cytoplasm translocation. FL3, alone or combined with the antiandrogen drug Enzalutamide (ENZ), suppressed CRPC cells especially ENZ-sensitive AR+ CRPC cells both in vitro and in vivo. By targeting the PHB1 protein, FL3 promoted its trafficking from plasma membrane and mitochondria to nucleus, which in turn inhibited AR signaling as well as MAPK signaling, but promoted apoptosis.
Conclusion
Our data indicated that PHB1 is abnormally upregulated in CRPC and involved in castration resistance and provided a novel rational therapeutic approach for CRPC.
Identification of key biomarkers and immune infiltration in Minimal Change Disease: Novel Insights from bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Tang Anqi , Yang Mengfan , Wu Ling , Zhao Liangbin , Xu Bojun , Huang Youqun , Xie Dengpiao , Li Mingquan , Li Yan
Published: December 2022

Background
Minimal change disease (MCD) is not a simple immune disease, and its pathogenesis has not been elucidated because of its complexity in terms of the glomerular microenvironment and genetic susceptibility. Hence the therapeutic approach is equally imprecise.
Methods
We downloaded GSE108109 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for bioinformatic analyses. Genome-wide expression analysis (GSEA) and functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was applied to assess the level of immune infiltration patterns of diseases. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. Hub genes were intersected with immune-related genes downloaded from the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) to obtain key genes. In addition, the expression levels of key genes were validated in the Kidney Interactive Transcriptomics webpage and Nephroseq database. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to explore the value of key genes for MCD diagnosis.
Results
1029 DEGs were screened, of which 493 were up-regulated, and 536 were down-regulated. GSEA analysis revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in three pathways, including T-cell receptor signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and B-cell receptor signaling pathway. In addition, 17 of the 21 immune cell types were significantly different in MCD compared to the normal group. A total of five key genes (ISG15, IRF1, OAS1, RSAD2, BST2) were shown to play essential roles in the immune response. Among them, IRF1, OAS1, RSAD2, and BST2 were highly expressed in podocytes.
Conclusions
In this study, bioinformatics analysis revealed new insights into MCD: (1) Immune cell infiltration analysis provided new evidence and clues to the molecular mechanisms of MCD. (2) Key genes such as ISG15, IRF1, OAS1, RSAD2 and BST2 may contribute to the immunopathological process of MCD development.
Discover the Active Constituents and Mechanism of Yiqi Qubai Decoction (YQD) in Treating Vitiligo based on Serum Pharmacochemistry Combining Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Zebrafish Experiment
Authors: Cui Lijun , Ma Cui , Shi Wenqing , Yang Chen , Wu Jiangping , Wu Zhenghua , lou Yuefen , Fan Guorong
Published: December 2022

Yiqi Qubai Decoction (YQD) is composed of four herbs, namely, Astragalus propinquus Schischkin, Akebiae Fructu, Leonuri Fructus, and Caragana Sinica Roots. For decades, the decoction has been utilized in the form of granules for the treatment of vitiligo in China, with a remarkable curative result and widespread recognition among patients. However, the chemical contents and active substances of YQD absorption into the plasma, as well as its mechanism of vitiligo treatment, remain unknown. This problem was solved based on serum pharmacochemistry combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and zebrafish experiments. First, the chemical components of YQD in vitro and the absorption components in rat plasma were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Second, network pharmacology was integrated with molecular docking analysis to reveal the active ingredients and a putative mechanism for YQD vitiligo treatment. Finally, an in vivo zebrafish experiment validated the impact of enhancing melanin synthesis. A total of 44 chemical constituents and 36 absorption compounds, consisting of 4 prototype components and 32 metabolites were identified. Network pharmacology studies demonstrated that apigenin, astraisoflavan, akebia saponin D, genkwanin glucuronidation metabolites, and apigenin-glucuronidation metabolites might be the key active components of YQD for the treatment of vitiligo, while AKT1, mTOR, and MAPK1 may serve as the key targets. The main functional pathways involving these key targets include PI3K-AKT-mTOR, PI3K-AKT-FoxO, and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking analysis found that the active components have a high affinity for AKT1, MAPK1, and mTOR. YQD could accelerate the new generation of melanin in zebrafish, which is of great significance for treating vitiligo. Our research not only looked at the absorptive and possibly useful ingredients and mechanisms of YQD for treating vitiligo, but it also confirmed the anti-vitiligo impact and served as a reference for further research, development, and application of YQD.
Does the level of obesity impact on the respiratory function in adults?
Authors: LoMauro Antonella , Tringali Gabriella , Codecasa F , Abbruzzese L , Sartorio Alessandro , Aliverti Andrea
Published: December 2022

Obesity is frequently associated to breathing disorders. In order to investigate if and how the level of obesity impact on the respiratory function, 10 obese class 2 (median age: 51 years; BMI: 38.7 kg/m2, 5 females), 7 obese class 3 patients (41 years; 45.7 kg/m2, 3 females) and 10 non-obese subjects (49 years; 23.9 kg/m2, 5 females) were studied. Patients were characterized by abdominal obesity, with abdominal volume occupying the 40% and 42% in class 2 and 3, being higher (p<0.001) than non-obese group (31%). Spirometry and lung volumes did not differ between the two classes, while the supine position induced an important reduction of functional residual capacity. At rest, breathing frequency was higher in class 3 (19 breaths/min, p=0.025). In supine position obese patients breathed with higher minute ventilation (class 12.1: L/min, class 2: 11.4 L/min) and lower ribcage contribution (class 3: 4.9%, class 2: 6.1%) than non-obese subjects (7.5 L/min, p= 0.001 and 31.1%, p=0.003, respectively), indicating thoracic restriction. Otherwise healthy obesity might not be characterized by restrictive lung pattern. Other sign of restriction could be poor thoracic expansion at rest in supine position, resulting in increased ventilation. Class 3 obesity made respiratory rate further increase.
Comparative Study of Woody Species Composition, Diversity, Structure and Regeneration Status in Traditionally Managed Coffee Agro-forestry System Adjacent to Natural Forest in Gimbo District, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Getachew , Mulatu Kassahun , MEKONNEN Desta Firdu
Published: December 2022

Diversity of woody species in natural forests has been threatened by unwise use of forest resources globally. This study was conducted to assess the woody species diversity, structure and regeneration status in the traditionally managed coffee agro-forestry system adjacent to natural forest. The study used vegetation inventory, focus group discussion and key informant interview. Vegetation data were collected from 60(sixty) sample plots (30 from natural forest and 30 from traditionally managed coffee agro-forestry). A sample plot of 20 mx20 m was used for tree and five sub plots in the main plot were used to collect seedling/sapling and shrubs. The result revealed that a total of 75 (53 from natural forest and 22 from coffee agro-forestry system) woody species belonging to 33 were found in the study area. Rubiaceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae were the dominant families in natural forest while Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Araliaceae, Moraceae and Boraginaceae are dominant families in coffee ago-forestry system. Sorensen’s coefficient of similarity (SS) (42.76%) indicated similarity of species composition between natural forests and traditionally managed coffee agro-forestry was low. Diversity indices revealed that evenness, Shannon’s and Simpson diversity in natural forest were significantly higher than (p < 0.001) in traditionally managed coffee agro-forestry system. The result also shows that the traditionally managed coffee agro-forestry system has negatively influenced the composition, diversity, and structure and regeneration status of woody species in the study area. Thus, appropriate shade tree management need to be implemented to simultaneously improve the productivity of coffee and conserve woody species diversity in traditionally managed coffee agro-forestry system.
High-Performance and Low-Noise Front-End Electronics for GRAPES-3 Muon Telescope
Authors: Ramesh K. , Gupta S.K. , Hariharan B. , Hayashi Y. , Jagadeesan P. , Jain A. , Kawakami S. , Mohanty P.K. , Nayak Pranaba K. , Oshima A. , Reddy L.V. , Zuberi M.
Published: December 2022

Cosmic Ray Laboratory -- TIFR, Ooty, India is operating the largest tracking muon telescope as a component of the GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS at phase -- 3) experiment. The basic building blocks of the telescope are proportional counters (PRCs), a large number of which are fabricated in-house for the planned expansion of the existing muon telescope to double its area and enhance the solid angle coverage from 2.3\,sr to 3.7\,sr as well as achieving higher sensitivity for studying space weather and atmospheric phenomena, cosmic ray composition, etc. The existing muon telescope consists of 3712 PRCs, and after the planned expansion which requires an additional 3776 PRCs, the area of the telescope will increase from the present 560\,m$^2$ to 1130\,m$^2$. Each of the PRCs would need to be individually equipped with front-end electronics for processing the output signals. The output pulses from PRCs are extremely feeble, and their charges are in the order of $\sim$100\,pC. The tiny signal has to be isolated from potential sources of noise before its processing. High-performance, ultra-low noise, and cost-effective electronics are designed, developed, and mass-produced in-house for about 8000 channels of PRCs. The quality of data is improved significantly by interfacing the new electronics with PRCs of the existing muon telescope due to improved signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, and the data acquisition is made effective as a result of multifold improvement achieved by avoiding undesired interruptions in the data.
Analysis of Effect and Necessity of Perforated Pipes by Type of Runoff in Bio-retention
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Gil Kyungik
Published: December 2022

As urbanization progresses, the impervious area has rapidly been increasing. Accordingly, the need to build eco-friendly water circulation system is demanding. In particular, in order to prevent flooding caused by the increasing impervious area and to prevent non-point pollution damage from rainfall runoff, low impact development (LID), which is based on nature solution had been developed. Bio-retention which is one of many LID technologies have been installed in several regions in Korea. That is consisting of a soil layer with plants, a sand layer, and a gravel layer, and at the same time reducing nonpoint pollutants by adding planting soil layer in the underground penetration process. The design elements and parameters of such bio-retention include the soil layer, width, depth, water quality treatment capacity, and types of vegetation. Perforated pipes have not been considered to factor the design of the system. However, the current manual provided by the Korean government agency for non-point pollution reduction facilities (Ministry of Environment, 2020) does not well describe the storage effect or pollutant reduction effect when a perforated pipe is installed, and it is not clear on what kind of basis the perforated pipe be installed, and the standards about the perforated pipes are not determined as well. Therefore, the effect of perforated pipes in the bio-retention according to the types of runoff is studied through rainfall monitoring and its analysis in the bio-retention in this study. And then comparative study with international case studies was made with these results.
Suitability of Acacia decurrence Fiber Morphology For Pulp and Paper Making
Authors: ABARA LAMESA
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the fiber properties of Acacia decurrence as an alternative raw material quality evaluation for pulp and paper production. Trees from an even-aged stand with a similar stem diameter class were selected randomly. Wood discs were cross cut systematically from a log at the bottom (10%), middle (50%), and top (90%) position along the merchantable height, as well as a block of wood (2cmx2cmx2cm), was taken from pith to periphery: at near pith (10%), middle(50%), and near bark (90%) of disk radius. Fiber properties were determined, and their change with tree height and distance from the pith to the bark were evaluated. The fiber length, fiber width, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness were measured while the derived fiber values were computed from the measured fiber dimensions. All the data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the overall means were 1.37mm, 39.60µm, 9.68µm, 1.93µm, 0.39, 35.38, 24.82, and 0.09 for fiber length, fiber width, lumen diameter, cell wall thickness, Runkle ratio, slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and wall coverage ratio, respectively. A.decurrence was found to fulfill most of the derived fiber values for pulp and paper production, as any part of the tree portion along tree heights and from the pith to the periphery can be utilized for pulp and paper production.
Herbivore-Dependent Induced Volatiles in Pear Plants Cause Differentialattractive Response by Chrysoperla Externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: VALLE D. , MUJICA V. , Gonzalez A.
Published: December 2022

While chemical control is still the primary strategy for insect pest management in fruit production, alternative strategies such as biological control need to be incorporated. Biological control may benefit from the behavioral manipulation of natural enemies using volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Among these, herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) provide potential tools for attracting or retaining predators and parasitoids of insect pests. In southern South America, the pear psylla Cacopsylla bidens (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) has become a major pest in pear orchards. In this study, we identified VOCs emitted by pear plants in response to attack by C. bidens and compared these with VOCs induced by a leaf-chewing insect, Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Moreover, we evaluated the behavioral response of Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to HIPVs from pear plants damaged by either herbivore. Plants damaged by the pear psylla emitted VOC blends with increased amounts of aliphatic aldehydes. In contrast, leafroller damage resulted in increased amounts of benzeneacetonitrile, (E)-4,8-dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene, ꞵ-ocimene and caryophyllene. In olfactometer bioassays, larvae of C. externa were attracted to herbivore-damaged plants when contrasted with undamaged plants. When plant odors from psylla-damaged were contrasted with those of leafroller-damaged plants, C. externa larvae preferred the former, also showing shorter response lag-times and higher response rates when psylla-damaged plants were present. Our results suggest that psylla-induced aliphatic aldehydes may be used as prey-specific chemical cues by chrysopid larvae. Our findings contributes to the general notion of using semiochemicals as tools for attracting and retaining natural enemies in agroecosystems.
Sex Differences in Friendships and Loneliness in Autistic and Non-Autistic Children Across Development
Authors: Libster Natalie , Knox Azia , Engin Selin , Geschwind Daniel , Parish-Morris Julia , Kasari Connie
Published: December 2022

Background
Autistic children have been shown to have lower friendship quality, less complete definitions of friendships, and higher levels of loneliness than their non-autistic peers. However, no known studies have explored sex differences in autistic children’s understanding of friendships and perceptions of loneliness across development. Non-autistic children begin to prioritize affection and intimacy in friendships during adolescence, and adolescent girls, regardless of diagnosis, report having higher friendship quality than boys. Higher friendship quality is further associated with reduced loneliness in autistic and non-autistic children. Here, we explored how autistic and non-autistic boys and girls describe their friends, define the meaning of friendship, and experience feelings of loneliness across development.
Methods
This mixed-methods study analyzed the transcribed clinical evaluations of 58 autistic children (29 girls) matched to 42 non-autistic children (21 girls) on age and IQ. Transcripts were coded for four themes that children used to define friendships – personality, companionship, dependability, and intimacy – and for perceived loneliness. We then compared these codes across diagnosis, sex, and age. Thematic analyses were further implemented to gain a more holistic understanding of children’s reported friendships and perceived loneliness.
Results
Girls, regardless of diagnosis, were more likely than boys to refer to personality when defining the meaning of friendship, and the likelihood of referring to dependability and intimacy increased with age. Most children reported having at least one friend, though several autistic adolescents reported not having friends or were uncertain whether they had friends. While autistic and non-autistic boys and girls were equally likely to report feeling lonely at times, several autistic girls and boys reported being frequently lonely.
Limitations:
This study was a secondary data analysis. The standardized set of questions on the ADOS limited the amount of information that children provided about their friendships and perceptions of loneliness.
Conclusion
As with non-autistic children, autistic children acquire a more complex understanding of friendship throughout development. However, as children begin to prioritize dependability and intimacy in friendships, autistic adolescents may have difficulty developing friendships characterized by these themes. While the friendships of autistic girls are qualitatively similar to those of non-autistic girls, they are as likely as autistic boys to report feelings of loneliness.
Antibiotic elution from cement: an in vitro study
Authors: Graff Christy , Crick Bradley , Tang Rebecca
Published: December 2022

Background Prosthetic joint infection is a serious complication of total hip replacement. Cement removal during two stage revisions can be associated with significant morbidity. Exposing new surface area of cement may achieve therapeutic antibiotic elution.
Methods Five blocks containing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and vancomycin were stored in normal saline at 37C and allowed to reach steady state. Different interventions to expose new surface area were performed at six weeks.
Results Post intervention, blocks with the greatest increase in surface area showed the greatest increase in vancomycin levels, the highest increase being 641.77% compared with the control (5.88%).
Conclusions This study confirms antibiotics remain trapped within PMMA after elution ceases. Further release of vancomycin from cement occurs after exposing new surface area. This seems proportional to the exposed surface area size.
Spatial Assessment of Post COVID Water Quality Status of Turag River for Sustainable Water Resource Management in Bangladesh
Authors: Mukar Mirza Md Tasnim , Rukiya Quazi Umme , Mukarram Tahsin , Das Anutosh
Published: December 2022

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on human life and the environment, especially freshwater ecosystems. Despite its many effects, the pandemic has increased the quality of the environment, making it possible to recover devastated ecosystems. During the lockdown period of COVID some improvements in environmental quality was observed in different parts of the world by many researchers. Due to increased manufacturing and urbanization over the past few decades, Dhaka's periphery rivers have become heavily polluted. Hence in this study an attempt has been taken to depict the post covid surface water quality status of heavily polluted Turag river in Bangladesh. So, for the first time, a GIS-based spatial analysis of water quality index was used to try to measure 16 water quality parameters (pH, EC, temperature, turbidity, salinity, TDS, DO, Na+, K+ Ca2+, Mg2+ Cl−, Cu, Pb, Fe, Cd) in the water of the river Turag. So, it could be used as a point of reference for future research in Bangladesh. At first WQI for the collected samples were calculated and it was observed that all the sampling stations water quality status were extremely poor since WQI > 100. Kriging method of interpolation was used to predict the engulfing WQS and visually present those using GIS maps. The upshots of this study is extremely alarming as 100% of the observed samples WQS exceeded the standard limits. On the basis of these findings, we advocated the immediate implementation of appropriate water management methods and policies in order to manage and protect the water resources.