bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing features of postural instability in Parkinson’s disease identified through wireless insole plantar pressure monitoring during daily living activities
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Herbers Cara , Zhang Raymond , Erdman Arthur
Published: August 2023

Postural instability (PI) is one of the most disabling motor signs of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and often underlies an increased likelihood of falling and loss of independence. Current clinical assessments of PD-related PI are based on a retropulsion test, which introduces human error and only evaluates reactive balance. There is an unmet need for objective, multi-dimensional assessments of PI that directly reflect activities of daily living in which individuals may experience PI. In this study, we trained machine learning models on insole plantar pressure data from 111 participants (44 with PD and 67 controls) as they performed static and active postural tasks of daily living. Models accurately classified PD from young controls (area under the curve (AUC) 0.99 +/- 0.00), PD from age-matched controls (AUC 0.99 +/- 0.01), and PD fallers from PD non-fallers (AUC 0.91 +/- 0.08). Utilizing features from both static and active postural tasks significantly improved classification performances, and all tasks were useful for separating PD from controls; however, tasks with higher postural threat were preferred for separating PD fallers from PD non-fallers.
Prognostic correlation and immune characteristics of a TAM cluster- related 8-gene risk signature in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Miao Shichen , Bian Chengyu , Wang Shanshan , You Huan , Zhou Yi , Fang Jun , Ni Qichao
Published: August 2023

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in the progression of and immune response to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aimed to explore the features of TAMs in TNBCs, construct a risk signature associated with TAM clusters, and verify their relationship with prognosis and immune-related characteristics. Primarily, we selected four TAM clusters and determined the prognosis-related clusters in TNBC based on single-cell RNA sequencing data. Subsequently, TAM-related prognostic genes were identified by univariate Cox regression analysis and an 8-genes risk signature was constructed by LASSO regression. The analysis of immune characteristics showed a significant association between the gene signature and stromal and immune scores as well as immune cells. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk signature was an independent prognostic factor for TNBC, and confirmed its predictive value for immunotherapeutic outcomes. The newly constructed nomogram integrating stage and TAM-based risk signatures exhibited favorable predictability and reliability for TNBC prognosis prediction. Finally, the increased expression of GPR34, one of the eight hub genes, was explored in TNBC using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Our study may allow discovering new independent prognostic factors, updating immunotherapeutic methods, and identifying effective therapeutic targets for TNBC.
Maximizing solar radiations of PV panels using artificial gorilla troops reinforced by experimental investigations
Authors: Abdelaal Ashraf K. , Alhamahmy Amira I. A. , Attia Hossam El Deen , El-Fergany Attia A.
Published: August 2023

The aim of this work is to maximize the solar radiations (SRs) by computing the optimal tilt angle (OTA) of photovoltaic (PV) panels by using gorilla troop algorithm (GTA) along with an experimental work that consists of three PV panels rated 100 W inclined at three different tilt angles (TAs). The three TAs are 28o, 30o, and 50o. These TAs are selected based on experience and after huge simulations and physical trials. The experimental data are recorded daily for a period of 181 days and the data showed that the TA of 28o is better than that at 50o and 30. The GTA computed the OTA as 28.445o which is in agree with that obtained from the experimental investigations that has a TA of 28o. The SR of the 28o TA is higher than that of the 50o TA by 59.3% and better than the TA of 30o by 4.5%. For the sake of comparison with the GTA with other 8 metaheuristic (MHTs) recent techniques are used to find the best OTA. Most of the 8 MHTs computed the OTA as 28.445o which is the same as computed from the GTA and matches that obtained from the experimental work has a value of 28o. The experimental recorded SR difference between the 28o TA and the 50o TA was 159.3% in only 181 days which signifies the importance of having correct TA for the PV tracker.
Characterization of optimal optogenetic stimulation paradigms to evoke calcium events in cortical astrocytes
Authors: Balachandar Lakshmini , Moncion Carolina , Diaz Jorge Riera
Published: August 2023

Understanding the roles of astrocytic calcium signaling in multiple brain regulatory mechanisms including metabolism, blood flow, neuromodulation and neuroinflammation has remained one of the enduring challenges in glial biology. To delineate astrocytic contribution from concurrent neuronal activity, it is vital to establish robust control and manipulate astrocytes using a technique like optogenetics due to its high cellular specificity and temporal resolution. Lack of an experimental paradigm to induce controlled calcium signaling in astrocytes has hindered progress in the field. To address this, in this study, we systematically characterize and identify light stimulation paradigms for inducing regulated, on-demand increases in astrocytic calcium in cortical astrocytes in MlC1-ChR2(C128S)-EYFP mice. We identified paradigms 20%, 40% and 60% (of T = 100s) to elicit robust calcium responses upon multiple stimulations, while the 95% paradigm exhibited a response only during the first stimulation. We also quantified several parameters, including peak height, Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM), and latencies, and observe that the 20% paradigm has the highest peak ΔF/F0 among the paradigms across all stimulations and the lowest FWHM during the first stimulation. Overall, the 20% paradigm is a favorable choice for eliciting robust astrocytic calcium responses in astrocytes while performing multiple stimulations.
Evidence for genetic causality between iron homeostasis and Parkinson's disease a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Hong , Wang Xie , Chang Ze , Zhang Juan , Xie Daojun
Published: August 2023

Background
The specific etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, is still unclear, and it is currently believed that its main pathological basis is a decrease in dopamine concentration in the striatum of the brain.Although many previous studies have suggested that iron, as an important nutrient, is involved in the development of PD, there has been a lack of validated genetic evidence on whether there is a causal association between iron homeostasis indices (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, and TSAT) and PD.
Methods
We used Mendelian randomization (MR) as an analytical method to efficiently assess the genetic association of exposure and outcome, based on the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) data so far, for the causal association between iron homeostasis indicators and Parkinson's disease, controlling for confounders, by using genetic instrumental variables, that is, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are randomly assigned and are not subject to any causative effect.
Results
By coordinated analysis of 86 SNPs associated with iron homeostasis markers and 12,858,066 SNPs associated with PD, a total of 56 SNPs were finally screened for genome-wide significance of iron homeostasis associated with Parkinson's disease.The results of the IVW analysis suggested that total iron binding capacity ( β= -0.142; 95%Cl = -0.197 to 0.481; P = 0.4138421 ), transferrin saturation ( β= -0.316 ; 95%Cl = -0.861 to 0.229; P = 0.2553290 ), ferritin ( β= -0.387 ; 95%Cl = -1.179 to 0.405; P = 0.33783807 ) were not genetically causally associated with PD, iron ( β= -0.524; 95%Cl = -0.046 to -0.002; P = 0.03191512 ) was considered to have genetic causality with PD. Cochran's Q test for MR-IVW suggested that TIBC ( P = 0.1618872), TSAT ( P = 0.7099448), ferritin ( P = 0.09768154), iron ( P = 0.8557510) were not heterogeneous with the results of Mr analysis of PD. MR-PRESSO global test showed that TIBC ( P = 0.404), TSAT ( P = 0.759), ferritin ( P = 0.113), iron ( P = 0.87 ) were not detected the presence of horizontal pleiotropy.
Conclusion
Our study found that of the four iron homeostasis markers, TIBC, TSAT, and ferritin were not genetically causally associated with PD, whereas there was a genetically causal association between serum iron and PD, and the increase of serum iron level may reduce the risk of PD.
Modeling subcellular specificity in the developing retina
Authors: Perez Ross , Park Yong , Hirano Arlene , Brecha Nicholas , Frankfort Benjamin , Zuniga-Sanchez Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

The precise wiring of the nervous system relies on neurons extending their processes at the right time and place to find their appropriate synaptic partner. The mechanisms that determine when and where neurons extend their neurites during synaptogenesis remains a central question in the field. In the present study, we developed a cell culture system coupled with live imaging to investigate the wiring mechanisms in the developing nervous system. We focused on horizontal cells which are interneurons in the mammalian outer retina known to synapse selectively to distinct photoreceptors. Our data shows cultured horizontal cells extend neurites in a similar manner as in vivo with horizontal cells isolated from young mice extending more complex processes compared to those from adult retinas. In addition, horizontal cells cultured alone do not extend neurites and require other retinal cells for neurite extension suggesting that there must be extrinsic cues that promote neurite outgrowth. Moreover, these extrinsic cues do not appear to be solely secreted factors as supernatant from wild-type retinas is not sufficient to promote neurite outgrowth. In summary, we established a new system that can be used to decipher the mechanisms involved in neuronal wiring of the developing central nervous system.
Accounting for albedo to identify climate positive tree cover restoration
Authors: Hasler Natalia , Williams Christopher , Denney Vanessa Carrasco , Ellis Peter , Shrestha Surendra , Hart Drew Terasaki , Wolff Nicholas , Yeo Samantha , Crowther Thomas , Werden Leland , Cook-Patton Susan
Published: August 2023

Restoring tree cover is a prominent natural climate solution1–3, but can decrease albedo and lead to global warming in some places4–10. Existing assessments of the mitigation potential from restoring tree cover 2,3,11,12 poorly account for albedo due to a lack of spatial data. Here we produce a global 500-m map that incorporates albedo and maximum carbon storage to quantify the net climate impact (CO2e) of restoring tree cover. We find that albedo offsets some of the carbon storage benefit across most of the globe. Contrary to prior work, albedo is not of greatest concern in boreal forests. Rather, arid biomes have a greater proportion of net negative climate areas (e.g., 61% in temperate savanna versus 10% in boreal forests). Accounting for albedo across previously published opportunity maps reduces total maximum CO2e by up to 37%. However, the magnitude of the offset varies substantially across the landscape, highlighting the importance of spatially refined estimates. Encouragingly, on-the-ground projects to restore tree cover are concentrated in climate-positive areas, but the majority (64%) still face a minimum 10% albedo offset. Thus, strategically deploying restoration of tree cover for maximum climate benefit requires accounting for albedo, and the maps herein facilitate this.
Effect of xylo-oligosaccharide on in vitro proliferation of lactic acid bacteria from rabbits
Authors: Guo Hai-ying , Yang Jian-xia , Gong Gui-zhen , Zeng Lin-zhi , Zhu Yuan-ting , Wang Yi-xin , Chen Lan-yue , Chen Yang , Zuo Yong
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to explore the impact of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) on the in vitro proliferation of ninety-four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains derived from the rabbit gut. LAB strains with a strong capability to utilize XOS were identified. The molecular mechanisms of XOS metabolism by LAB strains and their probiotic characteristics were investigated based on whole genome sequencing and phenotypic analysis. The results revealed that XOS efficiently promoted the proliferation of thirty-four LAB strains (36.2%, 34/94), among which Lactobacillus sp. YT155 exhibited remarkable XOS metabolism. The genomic sequence of strain YT155 revealed two gene clusters, namely xylABCPRT and xylCFGHT, which were predicted to be associated with XOS consumption. Moreover, strain YT155 displayed excellent tolerance to various conditions, including temperatures ranging from 37℃ to 50℃, pH levels from 5.0 to 10.0, salinity levels from 2–6%, and exposure to gastric and intestinal fluids. Lactobacillus sp. YT155 demonstrated strong antagonistic capabilities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, along with a high antioxidant ability, as evidenced by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging rates of 100.39% ± 1.82% and 34.09% ± 1.57%, respectively. Furthermore, strain YT155 exhibited sensitivity to nine commonly used antibiotics and was devoid of transferable resistance genes. Collectively, XOS emerges as a promising prebiotic for rabbit farming, promoting the proliferation of intestinal beneficial microbes. Lactobacillus sp. YT155, with its proficiency in XOS metabolism and excellent probiotic characteristics, holds potential for syngistic applications with XOS as a synbiotic for the prevention of rabbit diarrhea.
Serial Changes in Diffusion Tensor Imaging Metrics and Therapeutic Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-traumatic Headache and Depression: A Case Report
Authors: Yun Young-Ji , Kim Gi-Wook
Published: August 2023

Background: Post-traumatic headache is a common symptom of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This case study reports the therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in mTBI patient with headache and depression through objective serial changes of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
Case presentation: The 51-year-old man complained of a headache despite conventional treatment for 13 months. We applied 15 times rTMS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We checked the pain and depression through numeric rating scale (NRS) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) when admission, discharged, and 1 month after discharge. DTI was performed 3 times; before, during-day of rTMS 6th stimulation, and after-day of rTMS 15th stimulation. Then the reconstructed white matter related to pain and depression was obtained. NRS and BDI showed significant improvement and it was maintained one year after discharge. DTI-based metrics of the white matters related to pain and depression gradually increased before - during - after rTMS.
Conclusions: Studies focused on examining changes in pain, depression and DTI-based metrics of white matter are rare. This case is significant in that not only pain and depression improved after the rTMS, but also serial changes in white matter were observed in DTI.
Timing and sequence of permanent tooth emergence in Hungarian children
Authors: Kapusi-Papp Zsuzsa , Máth János , Nemes Judit Ágnes
Published: August 2023

Objectives
The aim of this study was to provide new population-specific standards for permanent tooth emergence in a large sample of Hungarian children.
Materials and methods
In this cross-sectional survey records of students from 8 randomly selected elementary schools and 2 kindergartens were examined. Data obtained from 2948 children (1487 boys and 1461 girls), aged between 4 and 15 years, were analyzed statistically. Probit regression analysis was used to calculate medians and percentiles of emergence ages for each tooth except 3rd molars for boys, girls and for the total sample.
Results
Permanent teeth were found to emerge earlier in girls than in boys. The difference was statistically significant for all teeth, except the mandibular central incisor. The greatest difference was observed in the case of mandibular canines. The emergence of mandibular teeth preceded maxillary ones, except premolars. No statistically significant differences were found between the right and left sides. The emergence sequence of permanent teeth was different for the two sexes.
Conclusions
This is the first time we report data on the eruption of permanent teeth from Hungary. The findings of this survey seem to correspond to earlier studies performed in Caucasian child populations. We experienced deviations compared to international standards.
Clinical relevance:
The population-specific data reported in this paper can serve as standards in paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and forensic age estimation when assessing permanent tooth emergence in Hungarian children.
Genome-wide identification, gene cloning, subcellular location and expression analysis of the OPR gene family under salt stress in sweetpotato
Authors: Li Wenxing , Li Yongping , Xu Yuan , Kumar Sunjeet , Liu Yi , Zhu Guopeng
Published: August 2023

Background
The 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase (OPR) enzyme is crucial for the synthesis of jasmonates (JAs) and is involved in the plant stress response. However, the OPR gene family in sweetpotato, an important horticultural crop, remains unidentified.
Results
In this study, we employed bioinformatics techniques to identify nine IbOPR genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes could be divided into Group I and Group II. Synteny analysis indicated that IbOPR evolution was driven by tandem duplication, whole-genome duplication (WGD), and segmental duplication events. The promoter sequences of IbOPRs were found to be associated with stress and hormonal responses. Additionally, we successfully cloned four IbOPRs from "Haida HD7791" and "Haida HD7798" using homologous cloning technology. These sequences were 1203 bp, 1200 bp, 1134 bp, and 1137 bp in length and encoded 400, 399, 377, and 378 amino acids, respectively. The protein sequence similarity between the salt-tolerant variety "Haida HD7791" and the salt-sensitive variety "Haida HD7798" was determined to be 96.75% for IbOPR2, 99.75% for IbOPR3, 92.06% for IbOPR6, and 98.68% for IbOPR7. Phylogenetic analysis categorized IbOPR2 and IbOPR3 proteins into Group II, while IbOPR6 and IbOPR7 proteins belonged to Group I. Subcellular localization experiments showed IbOPR2 present in the peroxisome, while IbOPR3, IbOPR6, and IbOPR7 proteins were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Salt stress induction experiments demonstrated that IbOPR2, IbOPR3, and IbOPR7 were significantly upregulated only in 'Haida HD7791' after 6 hours. In contrast, IbOPR6 was induced in 'Haida HD7798' at 6 hours but inhibited in 'Haida HD7791' at later time points (12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), highlighting functional differences in salt stress responses.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that IbOPR2 may play a crucial role in sweetpotato's response to salt stress by participating in JAs synthesis. These results provide a foundation for future functional analyses of OPR genes in sweetpotato.
Altered Gravity Effects on Growth and Morphology of Wolffia globosa: Implications for Bioregenerative Life Support Systems and Space-based Agriculture
Authors: Romano Leone Ermes , Loon Jack J.W.A. , Izzo Luigi Gennaro , Iovane Maurizio , Aronne Giovanna
Published: August 2023

Understanding the response of plants to varied gravitational conditions is vital for developing effective food production in space bioregenerative life support systems. This study examines the impact of altered gravity conditions on the growth and morphological responses of Wolffia globosa, assessing its potential as a space crop. Although an experiment testing the effect of simulated microgravity on Wolffia globosa has been previously conducted, for the first time, we investigated the effect of multiple gravity levels on the growth and morphological traits of Wolffia globosa plants. The plant responses to simulated microgravity, simulated partial gravity (Moon), and hypergravity environments were evaluated using random positioning machines and the large-diameter centrifuge.
As hypothesised, a slight reaction to different gravitational levels was observed in the growth and morphological traits of Wolffia globosa. The relative growth rates (RGR) of plants subjected to simulated microgravity and partial gravity were reduced when compared to those in other gravity levels. The morphological analysis revealed differences in plant dimensions and frond length-to-width ratios under diverse gravity conditions.
Our findings showed that Wolffia globosa is responsive to gravitational changes, its growth and morphological adaptations being slightly influenced by varying gravitational environments. As for other crop species, growth was reduced by the microgravity conditions; however, RGR remained substantial at 33%/day.
In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of Wolffia globosa as a space crop and its adaptability to diverse gravitational conditions, contributing to the development of sustainable food production and bioregenerative life support systems for future space exploration missions.
Passive Treatment of Wastewater Generated During the Enrichment of Potash Ores
Authors: Glushankova Irina , Rudakova Larisa , Khayrulina Elena , Bogush Anna , Perevoshchikova Anna
Published: August 2023

Large amount of solid and liquid waste is a serious issue associated with potash mining and processing. Potash ore enrichment generates solid halite waste, clay-salt slurry, and industrial wastewater with a high content of water-soluble salts. The «environmentally friendly» storage of such waste is a difficult technological issue. Highly mineralised water is stored on the surface and discharged into slurry storage, while some of the effluent is recycled during the production process. Over the long period of slurry storage operation at the Verknekamskoe Potash Deposit, water filtration through the dam and the slurry storage base has created a stable flow of highly mineralised water into the surface water and groundwater. The slurry storage facilities that are currently in use cannot completely fulfil the protective environmental functions. This study provides scientific rationale for the potential use of slurry reservoirs as wastewater treatment facilities. The findings show that there are fewer suspended solids in clarified water: purification efficiency is greater than 99.9%. In the clarified circulating brine, the content of mineral impurities is reduced: the content of chloride ions decreases by 46%, and the content of dry residue decreases by 45.6%. Based on the findings, the study provides recommendations for the construction and new design of a slurry storage that can be used as a treatment facility on the territory of the Verkhnekamskoe Potash Deposit in order to reduce the negative environmental impact.
Corrosion Behaviors of Ni-Cr Alloys in O2 , H2O and H2O+O2 Gases at 700°C and the Effect of Temperature
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Jiang Chengyang , Zhang Jianqiang
Published: August 2023

Pure nickel and four binary Ni-Cr (5, 10, 20 and 30 wt%) alloys were exposed to Ar-20O2, Ar-20O2-20H2O and Ar-20H2O (vol.%) at 700°C. In dry/wet O2, three Ni-Cr alloys (5, 10 and 20 wt%) formed a three-layered structure: an external NiO layer, an inner oxide layer of NiO + Cr2O3 and an internal oxidation zone (IOZ) with Cr2O3 dispersed. The Ni-30Cr alloy formed a continuous chromia layer, with locally outer NiO islands. In pure water vapor, all alloys underwent internal oxidation, nickel metal expulsion and NiO formation. Compared with the results at 650°C, increasing the temperature to 700°C did not alter the morphology of the oxide scale, but enhanced the scale growth kinetics. A significant difference between these two temperatures was that the strong retarding effect of water vapor on NiO formation in oxygen at 650°C became insignificant at 700°C. However, in water vapor only condition, NiO formation remained much slower at both temperatures. The effects of water vapor and oxygen partial pressure on NiO formation of different alloys and the effect of temperature on scale growth kinetics and morphology were discussed.
Cellulase with Bacillus velezensis improves physicochemical characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of two-stage solid-state fermented corn germ meal
Authors: Chen Long , Guo Yang , Liu Xin , Zheng Lin , Wei Bingdong , Zhao Zijian
Published: August 2023

Corn germ meal (CGM) is one of the major byproducts of corn starch extraction. Although CGM has rich fiber content, it lacks good protein content and amino acid balance, and therefore cannot be fully utilized as animal feed. In this study, we investigated the processing effect of cellulase synergized with Bacillus velezensis on the nutritional value of pretreated CGM (PCGM) in two-stage solid-state fermentation (SSF). High-throughput sequencing technology was used to explore the dynamic changes in microbial diversity. The results showed that compared with three combinations of B. velezensis + Lactobacillus plantarum (PCGM-BL), cellulase + L. plantarum (PCGM-CL), and control group (PCGM-CK), the fourth combination of cellulase + B. velezensis + L. plantarum (PCGM-BCL) significantly improved the nutritional characteristics of PCGM. After two-stage SSF (48 h), viable bacterial count and contents of crude protein (CP) and trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein (TCA-SP) all were increased in PCGM-BCL (p < 0.05), while the pH was reduced to 4.38 ± 0.02. In addition, compared with PCGM-BL, the cellulose degradation rate increased from 5.02 to 50.74%, increasing the amounts of short-chain fatty acids (216.61 ± 2.74 to 1727.55 ± 23.00 µg/g) and total amino acids (18.60 to 21.02%) in PCGM-BCL. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed significant dynamic changes in microbial diversity. In the first stage of PCGM-BCL fermentation, Bacillus was the dominant genus (99.87%), which after 24 h of anaerobic fermentation changed to lactobacillus (37.45%). Kyoto Encylopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the pathways related to the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, cofactors, and vitamins accounted for more than 10% of the enriched pathways throughout the fermentation period. Concisely, we show that cellulase can effectively improve the nutritional value of PCGM when synergized with B. velezensis in two-stage SSF.
Efficient Fluoride Removal Using Nano MgO: Synthesis, Mechanisms, and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Liu BoWen , Ai Li , Lei Ming , Lin Hongfei
Published: August 2023

In this study, highly efficient fluoride removal of nano MgO was successfully synthesized using a simple hydrothermal precipitation method. CTMAB was used as a surfactant, and its long-chain structure tightly wrapped around the precursor crystal of basic magnesium chloride, inhibiting the growth of the precursor crystals, reducing their size and improving the dispersion of the crystals, enhancing the adsorption of nano MgO to fluoride. The adsorption performance of nano MgO for fluoride was investigated through the discussion of adsorption isotherms and kinetics,. The results indicate that the adsorption behavior of fluoride by magnesium oxide can be described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity for fluoride was determined to be 122.27 mg/g. Additionally, factors that may affect the adsorption performance in practical applications, such as pH and competing ions, were also examined. Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses demonstrated that the nano MgO exhibited preferential adsorption of fluoride through specific inner-sphere complexation. The defluorination mechanisms of the nano MgO mainly included Mg2+-O defect, pore filling, ion exchange, and surface adsorption. The experimental findings unequivocally demonstrate the remarkable potential of the employed nano MgO in the efficacious removal of fluoride.
In silico study to identify novel NEK7 inhibitors from natural source by a combination strategy
Authors: Zhang Heng , Lu Chenhong , Yao QiLong , Jiao Qingcai
Published: August 2023

Cancer remains a significant health problem and stands as one of the primary causes of death worldwide. NEK7, a NIMA-related protein kinase, plays a crucial role in spindle assembly and cell division. Dysregulation of the NEK7 protein contributes to the development and progression of various malignancies, such as colon cancer and breast cancer. Therefore, the inhibition of NEK7 shows promise as a potential clinical target for anticancer therapy. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of high-quality NEK7 inhibitors. In this study, we utilized virtual screening, molecular docking, silicon-based pharmacokinetics, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA)-based binding free energy calculations to comprehensively analyze effective natural inhibitors that target NEK7 within the current framework. By employing molecular docking, including semi-flexible and flexible docking methods, we identified three natural products as hit compounds with binding modes similar to the active control dabrafenib. ADME/T predictions indicated that these hit molecules exhibited lower toxicity when administered orally. Additionally, through DFT calculations, we determined that the popular compound (-)-balanol possessed high chemical activity. Finally, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations and energy decomposition revealed that the hit compounds displayed superior binding energy compared to the active control and demonstrated higher affinity. Based on the findings of our current research, we conclude that these newly discovered natural inhibitors may serve as parent structures for the development of more potent derivatives with promising biological activities. However, further experimental validation is necessary as part of subsequent investigations.
Hypothyroidism induces the expression of atherosclerosis markers in Psammomys obesus
Authors: Neggazi Samia , Hamlat Nadjiba , Berdja Sihem , Boumaza Saliha , Smail Leila , Beylot Michel , Aouichat-Bouguerra Souhila
Published: August 2023

Thyroid hormones (TH) have several effects on the cardiovascular system. A slight decline in TH levels has harmful effects on the vascular system. The current study aimed to investigate whether a decrease in TH plasma levels was responsible for the expression of some atherosclerosis markers. Experimental hypothyroidism was induced in Psammomys obesus by administering 0.03% carbimazole in their drinking water for five months (M5). The animals were sacrificed at M5, and histopathological analysis of the thoracic aorta and thyroid gland was performed after Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of the angiotensinogen (Agt) gene and the genes implicated in cholesterol metabolism regulation in the liver and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was determined by qRT-PCR. Finally, we assessed the in vitro proliferation rate of VSMCs derived from the aortas of the two groups of animals. Hypothyroidism was associated with increased expression of Agt in the liver and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr) and Acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (Acat) 1 genes (cholesterol synthesis and esterification pathway) in VSMCs, with failure to increase efflux pathway genes (ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member (Abcg) 1 and 4) in these vascular cells. Moreover, reduction in TH induces aortic endothelial cell and subendothelium hypertrophy, and disorganization of the media with rupture of the elastic fiber network. All these results suggest that hypothyroidism can lead to atherosclerosis through the alteration of the physiology of VSMCs, mainly the phenotype switch and gene expression modification involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism.
Long-term results of a phase II study of two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 plus oxaliplatin for cT4 or N2-3 gastric cancer
Authors: Ito Shunichi , Kuramochi Hidekazu , Serizawa Akiko , Ota Masaho , Katagiri Satoshi , Maeda Shinsuke , Hosoda Kei
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the long-term survival outcomes from our previous study: the phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 plus oxaliplatin for cT4 or N2-3 advanced gastric cancer.
Methods
The patients with clinical T4 and/or N2 or more lymph nodes received two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 plus oxaliplatin (oxaliplatin at 130 mg/m2 on day 1 and S-1 at 80–120 mg/day for 2 weeks, q 3 weeks), followed by gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. The final preplanned analysis of long-term outcomes, including overall and relapse-free survival, was performed. This trial has been completed and registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry under number UMIN 000024656.
Results
Between May 2016 and March 2019, 30 patients were enrolled. All patients could complete the protocol. After a median follow-up of 50 months for surviving patients, the 3-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were 80.0% and 76.7%, respectively, at the last follow-up in March 2023, whereas the 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were 72.7% and 73.0%, respectively.
Conclusion
Two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 plus oxaliplatin, followed by D2 gastrectomy, was associated with relatively good long-term oncologic outcomes for patients with high-risk gastric cancer.
Research on the Spatial-Temporal Coupling Characteristics between China's Net Carbon Sink of Cultivated Land Use and Grain Yield
Authors: Wang Qinxuan , Zhang Yuchi , Yao Lili
Published: August 2023

In order to alleviate the increasingly severe climate warming problem, countries are actively promoting low-carbon economic transformation. Cultivated land use activities have dual effects of carbon emission and carbon absorption. An in-depth analysis of China’s net carbon source/sink of cultivated land use and its relationship with grain yield can provide decision-making references for ensuring food security and achieving China's "30.60 dual carbon" goal. Taking China's 31 provinces as the research unit, the net carbon sink of cultivated land use between 1991 and 2021 was calculated, the driving factors of carbon emission from cultivated land use were analyzed, the spatial-temporal characteristics of carbon emission and net carbon sink were pictured, and the improved Tapio coupling index was used to explore the relationship between the net carbon sink of cultivated land use and grain yield. The results showed that: (1) The carbon emission of cultivated land use showed an upward first and then downward trend, reaching a peak of 81.0579 million tons in 2015. Among the factors influencing carbon emissions of cultivated land use, the efficiency and economic factors have the most significant positive and negative effects on the carbon emission reduction of cultivated land use, respectively. (2) In the past 31 years, the net carbon sink of cultivated land use has increased from 404.595 million tons to 666.848 million tons, and China's cultivated land use system has always been in a state of carbon sinks. (3) At the national level, the net carbon sink of cultivated land use and grain yield are growth coupling or yield-dominant coupling in most years. The types of coupling at the regional level are varied but still dominated by growth coupling. Typically, provinces have a balanced relationship between the increased net carbon sink of cultivated land use and the increase in grain yield. Accordingly, the transformation of cultivated land use should be accelerated, the industrial structure of the plantation industry should be optimized, reasonable cultivated land protection policies should be formulated, and the reduction of carbon sources and increase of carbon sinks in large emitting provinces should be promoted by classification and batch.
Study on an improved intelligent visual monitoring method of water inrush in complex construction environment of tunnels and engineering application
Authors: Wang Sheng , Li Liping , Cheng Shuai , Jin Hao , Wen Tao
Published: August 2023

As one of the typical geological hazards that is very difficult to prevent, the monitoring and early warning technologies and methods of water inrush are increasingly becoming a hot research problem during the deep-buried and long tunnels construction. Aiming at its unpredictability and strong suddenness, the intelligent analysis method based on machine vision was introduced to monitor the hazard intuitively. According to the characteristics of a strong interference of tunnel construction environment, a new frame difference and background subtraction visual analysis algorithm was proposed. Meanwhile, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed algorithm were verified by the borehole water inrush video. Then, the proposed method was used to conduct video surveillance on PDK170 + 671 of the parallel heading. The occurrence location of water inrush was effectively identified, and the water inflow was predicted according to the pixel point area, which provides a solution for real-time and continuous monitoring of water inrush.
Will the growing rod surgery change the cervical balance in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis? A case-control retrospective study based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Han Bo , Hai Junrui Jonathan , Hai Yong , Wang Yingjie , Yang Yihan , Liu Yuzeng , Zhou Lijin , Yin Peng , Ding Hongtao , Pan Aixing
Published: August 2023

Purpose: We aimed to analyze the cervical sagittal alignment change following the growing rod treatment in early-onset scoliosis (EOS) and identify the risk factors of sagittal cervical imbalance after growing-rod surgery of machine learning.
Materials and Methods: EOS patients from our center between 2007 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters include the cervical lordosis (CL), T1 slope, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), primary curve Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis (TK), C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis (C7-S1 SVA) and proximal junctional angle (PJA) were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively and at the final follow-up. The parameters were analyzed using a t-test and χ2 test. The machine learning methodology of a sparse additive machine (SAM) was applied to identify the risk factors that caused the cervical imbalance.
Results:138 patients were enrolled in this study (96 male and 42 female). The mean thoracic curve Cobb angle was 67.00±22.74°. The mean age at the first operation was 8.5 ±2.6yrs. The mean follow-up was 38.48±10.87 months. CL, T1 slope, and C2-7 SVA increased significantly in the final follow-up compared with the pre-operative data. (P<0.05). The CL and T1 slope increased more significantly in the group of patients who had proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) compared with the patients without PJK (P<0.05). The location of the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) and single/dual growing rod had no significant influence on the sagittal cervical parameters (P>0.05). According to the SAM analysis of machine learning algorithms, Postoperative PJK, more improvement of kyphosis, and T1 slope angle were identified as the risk factors of cervical sagittal imbalance during the treatment of growing rod surgery.
Conclusions: The growing rod surgery in EOS significantly affected the cervical sagittal alignment. Postoperative PJK and more improvement of kyphosis and T1 slope angle would lead to a higher incidence of cervical sagittal imbalance.
RETRACTED: Prophylactic effect of curcumin against tartrazine-induced structural, biochemical, and genetic alteration in male rats
Authors: Laila Ibrahim Ibrahim , Diab Marwa Mohamed , Mohamed Samar kassem
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Top Burr Thickness Prediction Model in Milling of Thin-Wall Workpiece considering tool and workpiece deformation
Authors: Ma Junjin , Wang Baodong , Zhao Bo , Zhang Dinghua , Cui Xiaobin , Pang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

In aviation and weapon industry, aluminum alloy thin-walled workpiece are widely used, and milling is a common manufacturing process for these thin-walled workpiece. In milling, many burrs generate on the entrances and exits of cutting tool on workpiece surface, which affects machining quality, assembly accuracy and produces more seriously tip discharge effect. To investigate the burr formation mechanism, an analyzed model of top burr thickness considering the tool deflection angle and workpiece deformation is proposed to elaborate the burr formation process in milling of thin-walled workpiece. In this process, top burr formation process is analyzed and the burr thickness is expressed by the motion relationship between cutting tools and workpieces. Then, based on energy theory, a top burr thickness predicted model considering the tool deflection angle and workpiece deformation in milling of aluminum alloy thin-walled workpiece is proposed. Subsequently, under the determined milling condition, the top burr thicknesses are calculated for verification. Finally, several milling experiments are carried out for validating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model. Experimental results show that the predicted top burr thicknesses are in good agreement with the measured value in milling, and the prediction accuracy of the top burr thickness by proposed model reached 96.5%.
Detection of Cyber Attacks on Smart Grids Using Improved VGG19 Deep Neural Network Architecture and Aquila Optimizer Algorithm
Authors: Mhmood Ahmed Abdulmunem , Ergül Özgür , Rahebi Javad
Published: August 2023

Cyber attacks against Smart Grids (SG) have harmful effects. The first function of a defensive system is to provide an intelligent system to detect intrusions. The nature of attacks against smart grids is very complex, so the intrusion detection system must be able to detect complex attacks. Lack of balancing and optimization of deep learning methods are the main challenges for many intrusion detection systems. This research presents an intelligent intrusion detection system for a smart grid based on Game Theory, Swarm Intelligence, and Deep Learning (DL). First, the proposed method balances the training samples with a conditional DL technique based on Game Theory and CGAN. Secondly, the Aquila Optimizer (AO) algorithm selects features. The third step involves mapping the selected features on the dataset and coding reduced-dimension samples into RGB color images, which are used to train the VGG19 neural network. In the fourth step, the AO algorithm optimally adjusts meta-parameters to reduce the error of the VGG19 neural network. Tests performed on the NSL-KDD dataset show that the proposed method's accuracy, sensitivity, and precision in detecting attacks are 99.82%, 99.69%, and 99.76%, respectively. The CGAN method balances the dataset and increases the accuracy, sensitivity, and precision of the proposed method compared to the GAN method in detecting attacks on the smart grid. Experiments show that the proposed method more accurately detects attacks than deep learning methods such as VGG19, CNN-GRU, CNN-GRU-FL, LSTM, and CNN.
Identification of a novel Gene Signature and potential mechanisms related to Targeted Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on integrating bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Guo Tingting , Wang Youpeng , Sun Hongfa , Wei Miao , Zhao Ziyin , Zhong Wenqing , Zhang Bin , Han Bing
Published: August 2023

Ajuvant therapy with molecularly targeted drugs has become the effective treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While Hypoxia often induces changes in the tumor immune microenvironment and affects the progression of targeted drug resistance, there is a critically unmet need for effective identification of drug resistance progression to reverse targeted drug resistance. Herein, we identified 64 sorafenib-resistance genes for hierarchical clustering of 374 HCC patients in the TCGA database. The functional enrichment between low (LR-group) and high (HR-group) resistance groups was explored through GO, KEGG, GSVA, ssGSEA, CIBERSORT, XCELL and three hypoxia scoring formula. It was found that the upregulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), higher hypoxic scores and lower CD8 + T cell infiltration in HR-group. we further identified that HR-group had higher CD8 + T cell exhaustion, and the immune checkpoints of CD8 + T cell involved in tumor antigen recognition disorders significantly increased. Furthermore, form hypoxia-related resistance gene signature (HDRGs)(including 9 key genes),we derive a risk score: the score correlates strongly with hypoxia, targeted drug resistance, CD8 + T cell infiltration and exhaustion and is accurately verified in TCGA, ICGC and GAO’ HCC Cohort. Additionaly, experimental verification showed that ADM were upregulated under hypoxia, so knockdown of ADM can inhibit EMT under hypoxia and increase the sensitivity of Lenvatinib. Collectively, this study reveals that hypoxia-induced dysfunction of CD8 + T cells causes drug resistance, which can be effectively predicted by our HDRGs, and broadly leveraging this risk score to provide guidance for tumor targeting and combination immunotherapy.
CRP as an early indicator for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy for cancer: a single tertiary gastro-esophageal center study
Authors: Ri Motonari , Tzortzakakis Antonios , Sotirova Ira , Tsekrekos Andrianos , Klevebro Fredrik , Lindblad Mats , Nilsson Magnus , Rouvelas Ioannis
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To determine the relationship between postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) as an early indicator of anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
Methods
We reviewed patients diagnosed with esophageal or esophagogastric junctional cancer who underwent esophagectomy between 2006 and 2022 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated relative risk for AL by calculating Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The cut-off values for CRP were based on the maximum Youden’s index using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results
In total, 612 patients were included, with 464 (75.8%) in the non-AL (N-AL) group and 148 (24.2%) in the AL group. Preoperative body mass index and the proportion of patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 3 were significantly higher in the AL group than in the N-AL group. The median day of AL occurrence was the postoperative day (POD) 8. Trends in CRP levels from POD 2 to 3 and POD 3 to 4 were significantly higher in the AL than in the N-AL group. An increase in CRP of ≥ 4.65% on POD 2 to 3 was an independent risk factor for AL with the highest OR of 3.67 (95%CI 1.66–8.38, p = 0.001) in patients with CRP levels on POD 2 above 211 mg/L.
Conclusion
Early changes in postoperative CRP levels may help to detect AL early following esophageal cancer surgery.