bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unique evidence of atypical lymphocytes and flower cells in indigenous Xikrin do Bacajá people infected with HTLV-2
Authors: Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , Gonçalves Janete Silvana Souza , Abreu Isabella Nogueira , Freitas Vanessa Oliveira , Lima Carlos Neandro Cordeiro , Botelho Bruno Sarmento , Sacuena Eliene Rodrigues Putira , Souza Ana Maria Almeida , Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres , Guerreiro João Farias , Ishak Ricardo
Published: June 2023

The presence of lymphocytic alterations in the blood of indigenous people infected with human T-lymphotropic virus 2 (HTLV-2) was investigated in peripheral blood smears from 25 indigenous people of the Xikrin do Bacajá ethnicity (11 men and 14 women) diagnosed with HTLV-2 infection by Western blot and qPCR. Smears were stained using the Leishman method and examined for lymphocyte morphology under an optical microscope. A group of 25 individuals seronegative for HTLV-1/2 infection were used as controls. Among the HTLV-2-infected group, six slides (24%) showed atypical lymphocytes (05 with atypical lymphocytes and 01 with petal-shaped nuclei usually referred to as flower cells). The finding was significantly different from that observed among the noninfected group, in which no lymphocytic alteration was observed (p=0.0223). This unique finding is reported for the first time among indigenous peoples and suggests that HTLV-2 infection may be associated with lymphocytic alterations, reinforcing the need for a larger and more detailed clinical study of people living with HTLV-2, particularly the indigenous populations of the Amazon in which the infection is hyperendemic.
Photocatalytic Wood Window for Indoor Urea Degradation
Authors: Huang Changzhu , Dai Wei , Deng Shimao , Wang Ranhao , Tian Yixin , ShangGuan Yangzi , Liang Jiaxin , Liu Xiaolin , Lin Jia , Chen Hong
Published: June 2023

Advanced smart devices for indoor organic pollutant treatment to ensure a clean indoor environment are highly important for sustainable human health. Herein, a functional wood window capable of photocatalytic degrading the indoor pollutants urea has been developed while maintaining good light transparency and gas exchanging capability. Benefiting from the photocatalytic oxygen (O2) reduction capacity of resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resin integrating with wood (RF@wood). The urea can be degraded entirely via the oxidation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) originating from the photocatalytic splitting of H2O2. By further employing a large-scale (150 mm × 200 mm) RF@wood window for the public bathroom urea pollution control, 100% urea removal efficiency is achieved within 1 h. This novel functional wood window for effective indoor atmospheric urea control may inspire future research on environmentally functional and intelligent furniture design.
Will Our Trousers Fit After the Quarantine? Effects of COVID-19 Lockdowns and Digital Social Support on Personal Health Choices
Authors: Banerjee Tannista , Nayak Arnab , Xing Yiyu
Published: June 2023

Background: In this paper, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 lock-downs on individual health choices, especially weight management. Method: Exploiting rich consumer-level data, we find that introducing the shelter-in-place (SIP) order leads to a significant increase in calorie consumption, an increase in the weekly number of calories burned via physical exercise (by 39.845 units), and a one percentage point reduction in the probability of being obese. Results: Result suggests that individuals with active text-based coach messaging are more likely to achieve their health investment goals compared with their inactive counterparts. Concretely, more digitally active people increase their inputs in managing calorie consumption by setting a more restrictive calorie budget than those receiving less text-based coach messaging. Conclusion: These results indicate that reducing obesity via these SIP orders and digital social support during the pandemic saved the U.S. health care system $1.47 billion. JEL codes: I12, I18, I31
Autophagy induces hair follicle stem cell activation and hair follicle regeneration by regulating glycolysis
Authors: Sun Pingping , Wang Zhan , Li Sixiao , Liu Shizhao , Gan Yuyang , Lin Zhen , Wang Hailin , Fan Zhexiang , Qu Qian , Hu Zhiqi , Li Kaitao , Miao Yong
Published: June 2023

Background
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are usually in a resting state and are activated during the transition from telogen to anagen phases to ensure that the hair follicle enters a new cycle. Macroautophagy/autophagy regulates stem cell metabolic behavior in tissues, and changes in HFSC metabolism directly affect HFSC activation and maintenance. However, the role of autophagy in the regulation of HFSC metabolism and function remains unclear.
Methods
Back hair of mice at different hair follicle cycle stages was collected, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect changes in HFSC autophagy levels in the hair follicle cycle. Mouse and human hair follicles were treated with rapamycin (Rapa, an autophagy activator) and 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor). The effects of autophagy on the hair follicle cycle and HFSC were investigated by imaging, cell proliferation staining, and HFSC-specific marker staining. The influence and mechanism of autophagy on HFSC metabolism were explored by RNA sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemical staining, and lactate and glucose detection. Finally, the influence of autophagy-induced glycolysis on HFSC and the hair follicle cycle was verified by proliferation, stem cell characteristics, and in vivo functional experiments.
Results
The HFSC autophagy level in hair follicles was highest during the transition from the telogen to the anagen phase. The inhibition of autophagy with 3-MA led to early entry into the catagen phase and a prolonged telogen phase, whereas Rapa promoted autophagy and hair growth. Autophagy activated HFSC by increasing the activity of HFSC lactate dehydrogenase (Ldha) and lactate production and transforming HFSC metabolism into glycolysis. The inhibition of Ldha expression counteracted the effects of autophagy.
Conclusions
These results demonstrated that autophagy activated HFSC by promoting the transition from HFSC metabolism to glycolysis, ultimately initiating the hair follicle cycle and promoting hair growth.
First identification of the day-night asymmetric inner edge of the Earth’s plasmasphere
Authors: Li Liuyuan , Yang Ling , Cao Jinbin , Yang Jungying , Berthelier Jean-Jacques
Published: June 2023

The Earth’s plasmasphere controls the lifetime of high-energy particles in the radiation belts and ring current regions (e.g., “killer electrons” with MeV energy). Although the configuration of plasmasphere has been studied for decades, its inner edge has not been identified so far, so that different inner edges of plasmasphere are assumed in different models. It is also assumed that the plasmaspheric inner edge or nearby plasma density is the same at all magnetic local times. Here, we show the day-night asymmetric image of the plasmaspheric inner edge and nearby plasma density from multi-satellite observations. By analyzing the lowest cutoff altitude of plasmaspheric hiss observed by Van Allen Probes and the lowest boundary of hydrogen and helium ions measured by DEMETER satellite, we find that the inner edge of the nighttime plasmasphere (altitude ~ 1274.3km) is higher than the daytime (~ 637.1km), but the ion’s density near the daytime inner edge is larger than the nighttime. These findings reveal the natural configuration of the Earth’s plasmasphere and supply key evidences for the modelling of the plasmasphere and its coupling regions such as ionosphere.
Aplastic anemia in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma complicated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Fei , Xiao Yiwei , Hai Rui , Chen Xiaodong , Liu Shanshan , Zhou Xiangyu
Published: June 2023

Background:It is uncommon to come across instances of aplastic anemia in individuals suffering from papillary thyroid carcinoma complicated by Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Here, a unique case is presented.Case presentation:A 23-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for “a lump in his right neck”. Laboratory tests revealed a decrease in white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelet count. Bone marrow aspiration showed extremely low hematopoietic cell hyperplasia. Simultaneously, the levels of thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies were significantly elevated. Ultrasound of the neck revealed bilateral thyroid nodules. Moreover, fine-needle aspiration biopsy showed atypical the presence of proliferative thyroid epithelial cells. Even after implementing various treatments hematopoietic function could not be restored. However, following thyroidectomy, the patient's WBC, RBC, and platelet counts gradually returned to normal.Conclusions:Here, we present a case that thyroid cancer complicated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may affect hematopoietic function.
Central Diabetes Insipidus in A Young Man with Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors: A case report
Authors: Shih Chi-Wei , Chen Chien-Chou , Sung Chih-Chien
Published: June 2023

Background
Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) in patients with intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) could develop due to suprasellar involvement or postoperative complication after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). However, it is important to early recognize the pre-existing CDI caused by GCTS with normal sodium (Na+) level before surgery.
Case presentation
A 25-year-old male presented with progressive fatigue, weakness, polydipsia and loss of libido in the past one year. Laboratory finding was unremarkable without hypernatremia. Hormonal testing indicating anterior pituitary insufﬁciency. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed two mass lesions in the sellar/suprasellar and pineal regions with obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient developed polyuria with hypernatremia after 6-hour fasting and TSS with incisional biopsy. Diagnosis of intracranial GCTs with CDI was confirmed by pathology and desmopressin test. Without surgical damage to posterior pituitary or tumor resection which might led to postoperative CDI, pre-existing CDI before surgery could be unrecognized by normal serum Na+ and unrestricted water intake.
Conclusions Clinicians should notice the typical manifestations of intracranial GCTs, especially in CDI, to avoid potential complications. Fluid restriction before surgery is a risk factor to develop hypernatremia caused by CDI that was masked by polydipsia before surgery.
ALS-associated mutation disturbs amyloid fibril formation of TIA-1 prion-like domain
Authors: Inaoka Daigo , Miyata Tomoko , Makino Fumiaki , Ohtani Yasuko , Ekari Miu , Kobayashi Ryoga , Imamura Kayo , Kodama Takashi , Yoshida Norio , Kato Takayuki , Namba Keiichi , Tochio Hidehito , Sekiyama Naotaka
Published: June 2023

T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) is a key component of stress granules with an intrinsically disordered region called the prion-like domain (PLD). TIA-1 PLD forms phase-separated droplets that subsequently transition into amyloid fibrils. However, the structural basis of TIA-1 PLD amyloid fibril formation has not been elucidated. We investigated the amyloid fibril structure of TIA-1 PLD using cryo-electron microscopy and found structural features that ensure the reversibility of the fibrils, including a kinked backbone conformation, a polar zipper, and a proline-mediated cross-b structure. We also determined the amyloid fibril structure with the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated G355R mutation and found that G355R disrupts the tight conformation surrounding G355 in the wild-type fibril structure, resulting in destabilized and delayed amyloid fibril formation. The structural disturbance of amyloid fibril formation by G355R may contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS.
Estimation of Bio-energy Potential in Northwestern India Using Crop Residue
Authors: Meena Seeta Ram , Meena Guman Singh
Published: June 2023

Northwestern India is mainly agrarian produced around 384.25MT/year crop residue out of that 116 MT/year burnt in the field and released lot of pollutants such as CO2, CO, CH4, NOx, NMVOC, PM2.5, PM10 and other which contribute to climate change. In present paper, Introduction of energy and bioenergy in India, estimation of crop residue and bioenergy potential for each state of North-West India is discussed. India generates around 620.27 MT/year crop residues. Northwestern India alone produced 384.25 Mt/year or 62% of India crop residues. Bio-energy potential for northwestern India is 6657.29 PJ per year. States having higher bio-energy potentials are (1) Uttar Pradesh (2020.45 PJ per year), (2) Maharashtra (962.74 PJ per year), (3) Punjab (935.54 PJ per year), (4) Gujarat (598.4 PJ per year) (5) Haryana (610.94 PJ per year), (6) Rajasthan (578.59 PJ per year).The total power demand of India in 2018 was 1212 Twh and bio-fuel potential of northwestern India is 832.16 Twh, which can be satisfy around 68.66 percentage power demand of India annually.
Novel algorithms for improved detection and analysis of fluorescent signal fluctuations
Authors: Stopper Gebhard , Caudal Laura C. , Rieder Phillip , Gobbo Davide , Stopper Laura , Felix Lisa , Everaerts Katharina , Bai Xianshu , Rose Christine R. , Scheller Anja , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: June 2023

Fluorescent dyes and genetically encoded fluorescence indicators (GEFI) are common tools for visualizing concentration changes of specific ions and messenger molecules during intra- as well as intercellular communication. Using advanced imaging technologies, fluorescence indicators are a prerequisite for the analysis of physiological molecular signaling. Automated detection and analysis of fluorescence signals requires to overcome several challenges, including correct estimation of fluorescence fluctuations at basal concentrations of messenger molecules, detection and extraction of events themselves as well as proper segmentation of neighboring events. Moreover, event detection algorithms need to be sensitive enough to accurately capture localized and low amplitude events exhibiting a limited spatial extent. Here, we present two algorithms (PBasE and CoRoDe) for accurate baseline estimation and automated detection and segmentation of fluorescence fluctuations.
Development of Entrustable Professional Activities for Entry-level Dietitians in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Meng-Chuan , Kuo Su-E , Chin Huei-Min , Chang Hui-Ping , Chang Chiao-I , Yang Chih-Wei
Published: June 2023

Background Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) successfully link competencies with everyday practice in the training of health care professionals. Herein, we report on the nationwide development of EPAs and the competencies of entry-level dietitians receiving postgraduate clinical training programs.Methods The consensus process comprised three phases. The approach involved identifying core tasks for entry-level dietitians, holding national workshops and obtaining feedback from experts to form EPA drafts, and conducting a consensus meeting to construct EPAs framework and EPA/competency domain matrix. A total of 101 nutritionists or dietitian educators from teaching hospitals nationwide participated in the workshops (n = 101). Among the participants, experts (n = 31) were invited to join the competency-based medical education taskforce of Taiwan Dietitian Association (TWDA), provide feedback on drafted EPAs, and attend the consensus meeting using the nominal group technique (NGT). During NGT, any proposal for changes of the drafted EPAs or competencies, including adding, removing, and amending, had to be seconded by an additional expert before being further discussed sufficiently and voted on, with rates of agreement of consensus reached being set at ≥ 50%.Results We reached a consensus on seven core EPAs for entry-level dietitians. Each EPA was mapped to specific tasks and corresponding core competencies by developing an EPA/competency matrix. Among the seven EPAs, three were related to clinical nutrition care, two were related to the provision of dietetic services, one was related to group education on disease-specific nutrition, and one was related to nutrition care in the residential long-term care of the teaching hospital.Conclusions Development of the seven core EPAs as well as the EPA/competency matrix was accomplished by a solid consensus process that would offer goals for the expected progression and augment competency-based training for entry-level dietitians. Future study will be needed to test feasibility of implementing training and assessment of the core EPAs and their efficacy in teaching hospitals of Taiwan.
Corticosteroids for hospitalized patients with severe/critical COVID-19: a retrospective study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zhuang Rongjuan , Xia Hongli , Xu Li , Li Anmao , Liu Zhiqiang , Chen Jiacheng , Zong Kaican , Peng Hailang , Liu Bin , Wu Huizi , Huang Lan , Yang Hongwei , Luo Chun , Luo Chen , Yin Yuting , Guo Shuliang
Published: June 2023

Background
To estimate the association between the administration of corticosteroids and all-cause mortality of hospitalized patients with severe/critical Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods
We conducted this study at six tertiary hospitals in the area of Chongqing, China. Clinical records from all consecutive adult subjects admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection from 1 November 2022 to 20 January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. In-hospital and 28-day mortality were analyzed before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Logistic regression model and cox regression model was used to further examine the relationship between corticosteroid treatment and the risk of mortality.
Results
A total of 406 severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients were included in this study. They were divided into the corticosteroids group (231, 56.9%) and non-corticosteroids group (175, 43.1%) according to corticosteroids use (0.5-1mg/kg/d methylprednisolone or any corticosteroid at equivalent dose, no more than 10 days). Corticosteroid treatment did not reduce in-hospital mortality in overall cohorts (36.4% vs.28.0%) and matched cohorts (32.5% vs.34.5%). Univariate analysis showed that the 28-day mortality in the corticosteroids group was significantly higher than that in the non-corticosteroids group [hazard ratio (HR), 0.706; 95% CI, 0.507–0.983; p = 0.039] in the overall population. When the multivariate analysis was further used to control confounders, the results showed that corticosteroids were not associated with improved 28-day mortality (HR, 1.121; 95% CI, 0.641–1.959; p = 0.689). With PSM, similar results were obtained with univariate and multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
Corticosteroids in hospitalized patients with severe/critical COVID-19 did not reduce mortality in the overall population.
Individualized brain radiomics-based network tracks distinct subtypes and abnormal patterns in prodromal Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hua Lin , Huang Canpeng , Gao Fei , Yuan Zhen
Published: June 2023

Individuals in the prodromal phase of Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibit significant heterogeneity and can be divided into distinct subtypes based on clinical symptoms, pathological mechanisms, and brain network patterns. However, little has been done regarding the valid subtyping of prodromal PD, which hinders the early diagnosis of PD. Therefore, we aimed to identify the subtypes of prodromal PD using the brain radiomics-based network and examine the unique patterns linked to the clinical presentations of each subtype. Individualized brain radiomics-based network was constructed for normal controls (NC; N = 110), prodromal PD patients (N = 262), and PD patients (N = 108). Data-driven clustering approach using the radiomics-based network was carried out to cluster prodromal PD patients into higher-/lower-risk subtypes. Then, the dissociated patterns of clinical manifestations, anatomical structure alterations, and gene expression between these two subtypes were evaluated. Clustering findings indicated that one prodromal PD subtype closely resembled the pattern of NCs (N-P; N = 159), while the other was similar to the pattern of PD (P-P; N = 103). Significant differences were observed between the subtypes in terms of multiple clinical measurements, neuroimaging for morphological changes, and gene enrichment for synaptic transmission. Identification of prodromal PD subtypes based on brain connectomes and a full understanding of heterogeneity at this phase could inform early and accurate PD diagnosis and effective neuroprotective interventions.
Identification of super-enhancers regulatory network mediates the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia
Authors: Hu Yingying , Xu Run , Feng Jing , Zhang Qingwei , Zhang Lifu , Chen Ximing , Du Menghan , Chen Zhouxiu , Liu Xin , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2023

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a prevalent metabolic disorder and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. According to recent discoveries, super-enhancers (SEs) play a role in the increased expression of genes that encode important regulators of both cellular identity and the progression of diseases. However, the underlying function of SEs in the development of HLP is still unknown. We performed an integrative analysis of H3K27ac ChIP-seq data and RNA-seq data obtained from liver tissues of mice under a low-fat diet (LFD) and high-fat diet (HFD) from the GEO database. The rank ordering of super enhancers algorithm was employed for the computation and identification of SEs. A total of 1877 and 1847 SEs were identified in the LFD and HFD groups, respectively. The SE inhibitor JQ1 was able to potently reverse lipid deposition and the increased intracellular triglyceride and total cholesterol induced by oleic acid (OA), indicating that SEs are involved in regulating lipid accumulation. Among the identified SEs, 278 were considered as HFD-specific SEs (HSEs). Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of HSEs-associated genes revealed that they are mainly involved in lipid metabolism and transcription regulation. Tsku was a highly ranked HSEs-associated differentially expressed genes. JQ1 reversed the elevated Tsku mRNA level induced by OA treatment, whereas there was no significantly change with JQ1 alone. The results above indicate that the HSE regulatory network is involved in the pathogenesis of HLP, suggesting that it could be a promising target for future treatments for HLP.
Aspartate-β-hydroxylase as a promising prognostic and therapeutic biomarker for HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jingtao , Wang Zongwen , Ren Xiaohang , Zhu Qiankun , Zhang Yao , Ma Shuoheng , Liu WenYu , Zeng Shicong , Zhai Bo
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a key factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, effective treatments to improve prognosis are still lacking. Aspartate plays a critical role not only in tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, but also in the tumor immune microenvironment. A deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HBV-positive HCC in terms of the role of aspartate-related genes may contribute to the development of targeted methods for prevention and treatment.
Methods: Transcriptomic data and clinical information on HCC samples from TCGA, GEO, and ICGC databases were obtained for assessing prognosis and variable genetic information. We collected a total of 79 clinical samples, including 66 cases of HBV-positive HCC and 13 cases of HBV-negative HCC, along with corresponding clinical information. Subsequently, ASPH immunohistochemical staining was performed on the samples, enabling the analysis of ASPH expression and its prognostic implications for the patients. In vitro, we demonstrated the effect of ASPH expression on malignant progression of HCC by examining the proliferation, invasion, and migration of various hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Transcriptomic data were analyzed to confirm potential mechanisms and validated by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.
Results: Clinical prognostic models can influence the prognosis of HBV-positive HCC patients. ASPH acts as an independent factor affecting prognosis in HBV-positive HCC patients, but not in HBV-negative cases. In vitro, knockout of ASPH inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of tumor cells, while its overexpression exhibited a promoting effect. Mechanistically, ASPH demonstrates a close correlation with disulfidoptosis and tumor immunity. Notably, we have identified ASPH can regulate the expression of SLC7A11, NCKAP1, and mTOR. Moreover, the expression of ASPH can be associated with the infiltration of immune cells in tumor tissues.
Conclusions: Our research established the optimal model to predict the prognosis of HBV-positive HCC patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ASPH plays a critical role in the prognosis, immunological microenvironment, and drug sensitivity of HBV-positive HCC patients. Disulfidoptosis and tumor immunity are possible mechanisms of ASPH function.
Groundwater potential zones Modeling using GIS, remote sensing, and AHP Method in the Guigou basin, Morocco
Authors: Hairchi Khalid El , Brahim Youssef Ben , Saadi Omar , Ouiaboub Lahcen , Limame Abdelhak , Nouayti Abderahim , Nouayti Nourdine
Published: June 2023

This study aims to model the groundwater storage areas in the Guigou basin using Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and AHP methods. Eight thematic maps of lithology, slope, rainfall, rock fracture, Fractional impervious surfaces, LU/LC, soil and drainage were respectively classified and weighted and then used to create the map of potential groundwater storage areas. The results have shown that the area of Medium, high, and very high potential zones make up 66.38%, 11.43%, and 0.048% of the total, respectively, while medium and low potential zones make up 22.14% and 0.002% of the total. The obtained results have been validated with 51 wells in the study area. It indicates a clear correlation between the groundwater potential zones and the wells depth, This relationship between depth and location of drilled wells is particularly clear; in fact, the majority of shallow wells are found in places with high potential, whilst the majority of deep wells are found in areas with low potential.
Recommendation via Entering a Human Conversation
Authors: Galitsky Boris , Ilvovsky Dmitry
Published: June 2023

We propose a novel way of the conversational recommendation where instead of asking user questions to acquire her preferences, the recommender tracks her conversations with other people, including customer support agents (CSA) and joins the conversation only when there is something important to recommend and the time is correct to do so. Building a recommender that joins a human conversation (CRS), we propose information extraction, discourse and argumentation analyses, as well as dialogue management techniques to compute a recommendation for a product and service that is badly needed by the customer, as inferred from the conversation. A special case of such conversations is considered where the customer raises his problem with a CSA in an attempt to resolve at, along with receiving a recommendation for a product with features addressing this problem. Performance of CRS is evaluated in a number of human-human and human-chatbot dialogues and demonstrates that CRS is efficient and less intrusive way to provide high relevance and persuasive recommendations.
Determination of Groundwater Potential Zones on the Eastern Slope of Mount Cameroon using Geospatial Techniques and Seismoelectric Method
Authors: Njumbe Lionel Junior Ngome , Lordon Anatole Eugene Djieto , Agyingi Christopher M.
Published: June 2023

In complex hard-rock terrain where the population suffers from water scarcity, the use of site-specific single-method surface geophysical survey to prospect for groundwater is a common practice. However, this has not completely solved the problem of drilling dry wells. To combat this failure, geospatial data and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) are being used as supporting techniques to increase the chance of success. This study had the aim of generating groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) map of the complex strato-volcanic terrain of Buea by integrating geospatial techniques, AHP and the seismoelectric method. Six factors influencing groundwater recharge were used to define the groundwater potential zones. Via the AHP and weighted overlay methods, five classes of groundwater potential zones were delineated: very poor, poor, moderate, good, and very good. More than half of the study area has good to very good groundwater potential. Lastly, the GWPZ model is validated with an iso-conductivity map from a seismoelectric survey and existing static water level data. The iso-conductivity map revealed four main conductivity zones that correlate positively with the GWPZ map. The northwestern part of the study area is characterised by moderate groundwater potential, poor formation conductivity and dry boreholes. There is an uneven distribution of groundwater and variable water table depth in the area. The results of this study are very encouraging, and the integrated approach used has proven to be efficient in determining groundwater potential zones in complex volcanic terrain.
Apixaban and Clopidogrel in a fixed-dose combination: Formulation and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Al-Shami Ni'meh , Naseef Hani , Kanaze Feras
Published: June 2023

Fixed-dose combination (FDC) products represent a novel, safe, and cost-effective formulation. Combined use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications is common among comorbid cardiovascular patients. This study aimed to formulate FDC tablets for Apixaban and Clopidogrel, as prophylaxis and treatment of thrombo-embolic events. FDC tablets were developed by combining small tablets of Immediate-Release (IR) Clopidogrel 75 mg and Extend-Release (ER) Apixaban 5 mg through direct compression and wet granulation. Particularly, Apixaban tablets were developed using design expert software, and various types and concentrations of polymers were entered. For Clopidogrel tablets, various diluents were used to develop the formulation. Then, the dissolution profile for each formula was studied. Finally, the optimized formulations were encapsulated within hard gelatin capsules. Apixaban formulation followed zero-order with super case Ⅱ transport mechanism as the dominant mechanism of drug release. The Apixaban drug release rate was affected by the type and concentration of the polymers in the formulation (P < 0.05). As the HPMC concentration was increased, Apixaban release was retarded. For, Clopidogrel, the formulated tablets with spray-dried lactose filler and sodium stearyl fumarate lubricant were found to be stable with good properties. In conclusion, the optimum formulation yielded IR of Clopidogrel and ER of Apixaban for 24 hours with the desired in vitro drug dissolution.
Cognitive impairment is induced by BDNF-TrkB signaling mediating synaptic damage and reduction of amino acid neurotransmitters in heart failure rats
Authors: Wang Lei , Lu Ziwen , Teng Yu , Pan Weibing , Li Yang , Su Sha , Chang Jingling , Zhao Mingjing
Published: June 2023

Background Heart failure (HF) is often accompanied by cognitive impairment (CI). Yet, the underlying molecular mechanism is still not fully understood. Methods A HF model was prepared by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery of the rat for 8 weeks. Echocardiography and morris water maze were performed to evaluate cardiac and cognitive function. Electron microscopy was conducted to quantify postsynaptic density (PSD) thickness, length, and cleft width of synapses. Thirteen neurotransmitters were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, and proteins associated with the BDNF-TrkB pathway were determined by Western blot. The intervention of BDNF siRNA in fetal rat cortical neurons was chosen for further validation of the BDNF-TrkB pathway. Results HF rats passed through the original platform position in the probe trials fewer times and took more time and distance to reach the platform in the reversal phase compared with Sham rats; also, they had reduced thickness and length of PSD and increased synaptic cleft width. Expression of BDNF, TrkB, PSD95, and VGLUT1 was significantly decreased in HF rats brain. In addition, compared with Sham rats, amino acids were significantly reduced with no changes in the acetylcholine and monoamine neurotransmitters. Further examination showed that the number of synaptic bifurcation and the expression of BDNF, TrkB, PSD95, and VGLUT1 were all decreased in the neurons that interfered with BDNF-siRNA compared with those in the negative control neurons. Conclusions These data suggest that CI in HF is regulated by BDNF-TrkB signaling, mediating synaptic damage and reduction of amino acid neurotransmitters.
The Layout of Plantar Loading with Centers of Gravity Balance and Rearfoot Posture in Daily Lives of Taiwanese College Elite Table Players
Authors: Chow Tong-Hsien , Lee Yu-Ling
Published: June 2023

Background
Table tennis is an asymmetric sport involving the powerful forward swing of the upper limbs depends on the solid support of the lower limbs. The foot drive really affects the weight balance and stroke accuracy even though the distance and momentum of the lower limb displacement are limited within a limited range. Given that previous research on table tennis has typically focused on the footwork and stroke performance of professional players, the study aimed to investigate the daily static and dynamic plantar load distribution as well as the centers of gravity balance and rearfoot posture among Taiwanese college elite table tennis players.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of 70 elite males and 77 same-gender amateur table tennis players aged 19 to 21 years from Taiwanese universities. The JC Mat optical plantar pressure analyzer was applied to determine the plantar load distribution along with arch index (AI) and centers of gravity balance. Assessment of rearfoot postural alignment was mainly used to contrast the performance of the centers of gravity balance.
Results
The static arch indices of both feet in the elite group were symmetrical and considered normal arches during their non-training and non-competition daily lives. Their static plantar loads were symmetrically concentrated on the bipedal lateral metatarsals as well as shifted to the medial and lateral heels and the lateral metatarsals during the walking midstance phase. Additionally, the plantar loads were mainly applied to the bipedal medial and lateral heels during the transitional changes between both states. Elite athletes had symmetrical and evenly distributed centers of gravity on both feet when standing statically, along with symmetrical rearfoot angles and neutral position of the subtalar joint even though they were statistically lower than those of the amateur athletes.
Conclusions
The daily static and dynamic foot patterns of Taiwanese college elite table tennis players were characterized by plantar load distribution on the lateral metatarsals and the entire calcaneus along with balanced centers of gravity and normal rearfoot posture. This foot and posture layout outlines the excellent athletic performance of the foot and ankle in professional athletes.
WITHDRAWN: Production of Acarbose From Actinoplanes Species Isolated From Termite Mound for Treatment of Type Two Diabetes
Authors: Ekundayo Fatuyi Olanipekun , Olabanji Bukola Olayinka , Adedayo Bukola Christiana , Akindele Adeola Matilda , Efe Isunu Lucky
Published: June 2023

Background
This study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic activity of acarbose produced by Actinoplanes specie isolated from selected soils in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Acarbose produced by Actinoplanes utahensis was purified consecutively with dialysis, gel filtration and high-performance liquid chromatography, the test isolate can be exploited for large scale production of acarbose.
Results
Seven Actinoplanes species (Actinoplanes missouriensis, Actinoplanes utahensis, Actinoplanes aureus, Actinoplanes ramoplaninifer, Actinoplanes rhizophilus Actinoplanes auranticolour and Actinoplanes teichomyceticus.) isolated from termitary soils were screened based on the colonial morphology, microscopic, ability to assimilate carbon from various sugars. and their ability to produce acarbose. The isolates were able to produce acarbose, but Actinoplanes utahensis had a higher acarbose activity. The blood glucose level of the experimental rats reduced significantly from > 250mg/dL before treatment to ˂115mg/dL after treatment. The hematology results also showed a deviation in the red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocyte counts and platelet counts. The red blood cell values reduced during the experiment, the white blood cells and Neutrophils increased while the lymphocytes reduced in the diabetic group during the experiment but there was a significant improvement to normalcy after treatment.
Conclusions
Actinoplanes utahensis has the highest ability to produce acarbose which can act as an antidiabetic drug for the treatment of type two diabetes.
A Data-driven Long-Short Term Load Forecasting with LSTM-RNN Networks
Authors: Waheed Waqar , Xu Qingshan
Published: June 2023

Operations and planning of power systems significantly rely on accurate load forecasts specifically after the
penetration of renewable energy resources. However, temporal relationships in load data are challenging to capture using
traditional statistical and machine learning methods. The application of recurrent neural networks, and more specifically
long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, to the modeling of sequence data with extensive temporal relationships has
yielded promising results. In this paper, we present a model for predicting future loads using a recurrent neural network
with long short-term memory.Effective demand response and distributed renewable energy sources can be better integrated
with this technology, which is crucial for the smart grid's stability and power demand estimation. However, it is
difficult to perform energy prediction with high accuracy because of influencing elements like climate, society, and
seasonality. We evaluate the accuracy of the model by using demand data collected from the German utility. The proposed
LSTM-RNN model exhibits significantly lower error rates in 1-24 hours and yearly load forecasts than conventional machine
learning techniques. In addition, the model is able to make accurate predictions despite receiving inadequate or noisy
inputs. Our findings imply that LSTM-RNN could be used in practice for effective load forecasting.
Effects of Magnetic Monopole and Quantum Flux Field on Eigen Value Spectrum Embedded with Yukawa Potential Including Central Potential
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin , Dutta Barnali , Nayek Sujay Kr.
Published: June 2023

The effect of Point like Global Monopole (PGM) topological defects on the energy eigenvalues of quantum systems embedded in Inverse Square Plus Yukawa (ISPY) potential under the influence of Aharonov-Bohm flux field has been studied here. ISPY potential is the superposition of inverse quadratic plus Yukawa potential. The radial part of the Schrödinger equation, a homogenous linear second-order differential equation, is solved under the framework of Asymptotic Iteration Method (AIM). Greene-Aldrich approximation scheme has been used to approximate the centrifugal barrier term which helps to find out the solutions of the Schrödinger equation for arbitrary l states. It is seen that, energy levels of a quantum system is significantly affected by the global effects of the point like global monopole, flux field and effective potential field.
PACS number(s): 03.65.-w, 03.65.Ge, 03.65.Vf
Prevalence of multimorbidity and its association with socioeconomic status in Chinese older adults over time: Evidence from CHARLS 2011-2018
Authors: Liu Qin , Lu Jiehua
Published: June 2023

Background:
Previous studies on association between socioeconomic status and diseases mainly focused on a single disease. As people age, they are more likely to suffer from multiple coexisting chronic diseases, known as multimorbidity. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of multimorbidity and its association with socioeconomic status among older adults in China from 2011 to 2018.
Methods:
Four waves of cross-sectional data of people aged 60 and above were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011 to 2018 were used for secondary analysis. The prevalence of multimorbidity was calculated by descriptive analysis, while the association between socioeconomic status and multimorbidity was analyzed using the Logistic Regression Model and the Negative Binomial Regression Model.
Results:
The prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults in China demonstrated an increasing trend over the years, from 46.16% in 2011 to 57.50% in 2018. Significant association was detected between the socioeconomic status and multimorbidity of older adults, which was manifested as the higher the socioeconomic status, the higher the likelihood of being multimorbid. However, the influence of socioeconomic status on multimorbidity gradually disappearing and subsequently reappearing in a reversed direction over time.
Conclusions:
Multimorbidity has become a critical health problem that should not be ignored for older adults in China, and the relationship between socioeconomic status and multimorbidity may be changing over time, which needs to be further explored with data over a longer time span.
Value of 18F-FCH PET/CT for Diagnosing and Differentiating Hyperplasia From Adenoma
Authors: Li Mengdan , Liu Shuang , Wang Xiaohui , Yang Lu , Wang Zhengjie , Xu Lu , Jing Xingguo , Pang Hua
Published: June 2023

Objective:Due to the different surgical approaches for hyperplasia and adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism, accurate preoperative diagnosis and identification are key factors affecting the surgery.18F-FCH PET/CT imaging is one of the effective methods for preoperative localization of hyperparathyroidism and can quantify parathyroid function by metabolic parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic and differential value of18F-FCH PET/CT for hyperplasia and adenoma.Methods:This was a retrospective analysis of data related to 63 patients undergoing18F-FCH PET/CT at the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between December 2017 and December 2022. All procedures were completed, and postoperative pathological data were available for all patients. Comparison of laboratory parameters such as PTH and serum calcium between different patients to assess whether hyperplasia and adenoma can be distinguished based on laboratory indices, and analysis of PET/CT diagnosis and differences in metabolic parameters based on individual parathyroid lesions.The Mann–Whitney U test and binary logistic stepwise regression analysis were also used for univariate and multivariate analyses of information related to hyperplasia and adenomas, and the indicators found to be significant on multivariate analysis were used to determine cutoff values by receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results:A total of 75 parathyroid lesions were ultimately removed postoperatively in 63 patients, including 41 hyperplasia and 34 adenoma, and multiple lesions were present simultaneously in 9 patients. There were no significant differences in laboratory parameters between the different patient groups (P > 0.05). Based on the analysis of individual lesions, the sensitivity of PET/CT for the diagnosis of hyperplasia was 68.29% and that of adenoma was 97.06%. The sensitivity of PET/CT for adenoma was significantly higher than that of hyperplasia, and the size of the lesion may be the main factor affecting the sensitivity; in terms of differences in metabolic parameters, dual-phase SUVmax, MTV and TLG were significant in univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis showed the delayed TLG (cut-off value of 6.421) was a more reliable index for differentiating hyperplasia from adenoma (P=0.002).Conclusion:The diagnostic value of18F-FCH PET/CT for adenoma is higher than that of hyperplasia. Delayed TLG can differentiate hyperplasia from adenoma at the imaging level and help in the selection of clinical treatment options.
A cost-efficient synergistic behavior liquid-liquid extraction and spectrophotometric determination of silver(I) coupled with N'',N'''-bis[(E)-(4-fluorophenyl)methylidene] thiocarbonohydrazide: An industrial approach of analysis of real environmental samples
Authors: Nalawade Avinash M. , Nalawade Rekha A. , Patange Sandip M. , Nalawade Milind R. , Shejwal Rajendra V. , Anuse Mansing A. , Kamble Ganesh
Published: June 2023

Intention of our work is to develop cost-efficient, instant, sensitive and synergistic liquid-liquid extraction and spectrophotometric method for determination of silver(I) coupled with N'',N'''-bis[(E)-(4-fluorophenyl)methylidene] thiocarbonohydrazide i.e. bis-(4-fluoroPM)TCH and pyridine. The reagent (bis-(4-fluoroPM)TCH) and synergent pyridine instantly forms stable faint yellow colored complex with silver(I) at room temperature having composition 1:2:2 (M:L:Py) and quantitatively extracted into iso amyl acetate at pH 5.0. The extracted species exhibits absorption maximum at 375 nm against reagent blank. Experimental conditions were optimized and Beer’s law was observed in the concentration range of 1.0 to 7.0 µg mL− 1 of silver(I) and optimum concentration range obtained from Ringbom’s plot was found to be 2–6 µg mL− 1. The composition of silver(I)–bis-(4-fluoroPM)TCH–pyridine adduct was established by slope ratio, molar ratio & Jobs method. Molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity value of silver(I) chelate were 1.08 x104 lit/mol cm and 0.001µg/cm2 respectively. Selectivity of method was enhanced by use of suitable masking agents. Method has been successfully applied for determination of silver(I) in thin films, nano powders, hypo solutions, photographic wastes, X ray washings, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic mixtures. Accuracy of method was judged by using AAS which tested the validity of method.
Sucrose Recovery from Diluted Cane Molasses by Using Mass-transfer to The Third Liquid Layer at Contacting with Ethanol
Authors: OTANI Taketo , ANDO Hiroki , MIZUTA Kei , NII Susumu
Published: June 2023

A simple rate-based method for recovering sucrose from sugarcane molasses is proposed, focusing on the feasibility of continuous processing. When ethanol is gently poured onto diluted molasses, sucrose is transferred to ethanol along with water, resulting in the formation of a distinct third layer composing sucrose positioned between the ethanol and diluted molasses. Although the third liquid layer is metastable and dissipates when vigorously stirred, its sucrose concentration reaches a level suitable for sucrose crystal formation. Consequently, by continuously withdrawing the third layer while supplying ethanol to the diluted molasses, a semi-continuous operation for sucrose recovery from diluted molasses is achieved. To predict the concentration changes of sucrose over time within the third liquid layer, simple mass-transfer models based on diffusion and axial dispersion are employed. While the prediction yields limited success, it underscores the significance of mass-transfer from the liquid jet in the third layer and the role of mild mixing within the layer in facilitating its growth and interior mass-transfer. This study presents the first description of the effective utilization of the third liquid layer in solvent extraction and a method to control its formation and mass-transfer for sugar recovery from molasses.