bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of cross-correlations between high concentrations of PM 2.5 and O 3 at different time scales to the COVID-19: two trends in BTH and PRD
Authors: Bao Bingyi , Li Youping , Liu Chunqiong , Wen Ye , Shi Kai
Published: September 2022

The air pollution in China currently is characterized by high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). Compared with single high pollution events, these double high pollution (DHP) events (both PM2.5 and O3 are above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) ) pose a greater threat to public health and environment. However, the studies on the temporal evolution and spatial differences of PM2.5-O3 DHP events is not comprehensive. In 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 provided a special time window to further understand the cross-correlation between PM2.5 and O3 deeply and thus provide theoretical support for the formulation of regional coordinated control strategies. In this paper, a novel method detrended cross-correlation analysis based on maximum time series of variable time scales (VM-DCCA) is established to compare the cross-correlation between high concentrations of PM2.5 and O3 in Beijing-Tianjin-Heibei (BTH) and Pearl River Delta (PRD) at different time scales. As a result, through DCCA, there is a long-term persistent behavior about the cross-correlation between PM2.5 and O3. Firstly, compared with non COVID-19 period, the PM2.5-O3 DCCA exponents decrease by 4.40% and 2.35% in BTH and PRD respectively during COVID-19 period. Further, through VM-DCCA, the VM-DCCA exponents in PRD weaken rapidly with the increase of time scales, and the decline range are about 23.53% and 22.90% at 28-hour time scale during the non COVID-19 period and COVID-19 period respectively. BTH is completely different. Without significant tendency, its VM-DCCA exponents is always higher than that in PRD at different time scales, which also suggests that the coordinated control of PM2.5 and O3 in BTH is more difficult than that in PRD. Finally, we consider the above results are manifestation of the self-organized criticality (SOC) theory of atmospheric system. The impact of meteorological conditions and atmospheric oxidation capacity (AOC) variation during the COVID-19 period on SOC state are further discussed.
Simultaneous loading of PCR-based multiple fragments on mouse artificial chromosome vectors in DT40 cell for gene delivery
Authors: Yamazaki Kyotaro , Matsuo Kyosuke , Okada Akane , Uno Narumi , Suzuki Teruhiko , Abe Satoshi , Hamamichi Shusei , Kishima Nanami , Togai Shota , Tomizuka Kazuma , Kazuki Yasuhiro
Published: September 2022

Homology-directed repair-mediated knock-in (HDR-KI) in combination with CRISPR-Cas9-mediated double strand break (DSB) leads to high frequency of site-specific HDR-KI. While this characteristic is advantageous for generating genetically modified cellular and animal models, HDR-KI efficiency in mammalian cells remains low. Since avian DT40 cells offer distinct advantage of high HDR-KI efficiency, we expanded this practicality to adapt to mammalian research through sequential insertion of target sequences into mouse/human artificial chromosome vector (MAC/HAC). Here, we developed the simultaneous insertion of multiple fragments by HDR method termed the simHDR wherein a target sequence and selection markers could be loaded onto MAC simultaneously. Additionally, preparing each HDR donor containing homology arm by PCR could bypass the cloning steps of target sequence and selection markers. To confirm the functionality of the loaded HDR donors, we constructed a MAC with human leukocyte antigen A (HLA-A) gene in the DT40 cells, and verified the expression of this genomic region by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and western blotting. Collectively, the simHDR offers a rapid and convenient approach to generate genetically modified models for investigating gene functions, as well as understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
Comprehensive study upon physicochemical properties of (bio)ZnO NPs
Authors: Król-Górniak Anna , Railean Viorica , Pomastowski Paweł , Płociński Tomasz , Gloc Michał , Dobrucka Renata , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J. , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: September 2022

In this study, for the first time, the comparison of commercially available chemical ZnO NPs and bio-ZnO NPs produced extracellularly by two different probiotic strains (Latilactobacillus curvatus MEVP1 [OM736187] and Limosilactobacillus fermentum MEVP2 [OM736188]) isolated from milk were performed. All types of ZnO NPs were characterized by comprehensive interdisciplinary approach including various instrumental techniques in order to obtain nanoparticles with suitable properties for further applications, i.e. biomedical. Based on the X- ray diffraction analysis results, all tested NPs exhibited the wurtzite structure with an average crystalline size distribution of 21.1 nm (CHEM_ZnO NPs), 13.2 nm (1C_ZnO NPs) and 12.9 nm (4a_ZnO NPs). The microscopy approach with use of broad range of detectors (SE, BF, HAADF) revealed the core-shell structure of bio-ZnO NPs, compared to the chemical one. The metallic core of 1C and 4a_ZnO NPs are coated by the specific organic deposit coming from the metabolites produced by two probiotic strains, L. fermentum and L. curvatus. Vibrational infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and mass spectrometry (LDI-TOF-MS) have been used to monitor the ZnO NPs surface chemistry and allowed for better description of bio-NPs organic coating composition (amino acids residues). The characterized ZnO NPs were then assessed for their photocatalytic properties against methylene blue (MB). Both types of bio-ZnO NPs exhibited goof photocatalytic activity, however, the effect of CHEM_ZnO NPs was more potent than 1C and 4a_ ZnO NPs. Finally, the colloidal stability of the tested nanoparticles were investigated based on the zeta potential (ZP) and hydrodynamic diameter measurements in dependence of the NPs concentration and investigation time. Overall results in present study suggest that used accessible source such us probiotic strains, L. fermentum and L. curvatus, for extracellular bio-ZnO NPs synthesis are of high interest. What is important, no significant differences between organic deposit (e.g. metabolites) produced by tested strains were noticed –both of them allowed to form the nanoparticles with natural origin coating. In comparison to chemical ZnO NPs, those synthetized via microbiological route are promising material with further biological potential once have shown high stability during 7 days.
Clinical observation of Liu-He-Dan in the treatment of limb pain and swelling after closed traumatic limb fractures
Authors: Li Mingxia , Wang Ke , Cheng Chen , Du Ying , He Lingxiao , Liao Dengbin , Hou Xiaoling
Published: September 2022

Objective
To observe the clinical effect of Liu-He-Dan on limb pain and swelling in patients with closed traumatic limb fractures in orthopedic perioperative period.
Methods
A total of 79 patients who received orthopedic surgery were divided into the control group undergoing routine orthopedic nursing and the experimental group undergoing the Infrared lamp and Liu-He-Dan external application.
Results
Compared with the control group, patients in the Liu-He-Dan group had shorter average time of hospital stay (p < 0.05). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores was much lower (p < 0.05). The levels of cellular inflammatory factors included C-reactive protein and white blood cell count were much lower (p < 0.001). The swelling of the affected limb was eliminated faster (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
External application of Liu-He-Dan can effectively relieve and eliminate limb pain and swelling after closed traumatic fracture of limbs.
Dysfunctional B cell and interferon signaling in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1
Authors: Oftedal Bergithe E. , Bruserud Øyvind , Berger Amund H. , Braun Sarah , Delaleu Nicolas , Dolan David , Royrvik Ellen C. , Artaza Haydee , Meager Anthony , Husebye Eystein S. , Wolff Anette S.B.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS-1) is a devastating autoimmune disease characterised by mutations in the AIRE gene. Because of failure of negative selection, these patients produce autoreactive B and T cells against affected tissues, which lead to a range of autoimmune manifestations. The rarity of APS-1 and inaccessibility of thymic tissue have limited immunological studies. We here hypothesized that lack of AIRE expression in thymus affect immune cells in blood.
Methods: Whole blood microarray analysis (N=16 APS-I patients vs 16 controls) and qPCR of molecules in affected pathways. Single cell sequencing of naïve B cells and flow cytometry analysis of a B cell panel in PBMCs to investigate properties of B cells in APS-I patients compared to age and sex matched healthy controls.
Results: We here show significant downregulation of B cell and IFN-I responses in APS-I patients compared to healthy donors in microarray and system biology deconvolution experiments. Single B cell transcriptomics support downregulation of several of the same molecules including CD74, CD40 and CD79A. Flow cytometry protein experiments revealed an imbalance of plasma (higher) vs transitional B cells (lower) in APS-I patients, followed up by a lower level of CD79b within transitional B cells in patients, but a non-consistent higher level of CD74 within this subset.
Conclusion: We found disturbances in blood immune cell subsets from APS-I patients. Harmonious lower blood cell levels of the B-cell associated CD79A/B were found compared to healthy controls, but further studies are needed to verify the consistency of our findings.
η 3 -allyl-Pd(II) complexes of 2-, 3- and 4-pyridylmethyl- coumarin esters
Authors: González-Montiel Simplicio , Velázquez-Jiménez René , Segovia-Pérez Raúl , Fragoso-Soto Willyfredo , Martínez-Otero Diego , Andrade-López Noemí , Salazar-Pereda Verónica , Cruz-Borbolla Julián
Published: September 2022

A series of 2-, 3- and 4-pyridylmethyl-coumarin esters ligands (1–3) and their η3-allyl palladium complexes (1-Pd – 3-Pd) have been designed, synthetized and characterized. NMR analysis of compounds 1-Pd – 3-Pd indicated the presence of the allyl fragment. The molecular structure of 2, 3 and 1-Pd was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The molecular structure 1-Pd reveals that coumarin ligand (2) is coordinated to the palladium center via a monodentate fashion through the nitrogen atom of the pyridinyl fragment while the allyl group is binding via a η3 fashion in an overall square-planar geometry completed with a chloride atom. An investigation of intermolecular interactions in crystal packing via a Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots analyses showed a wide variety of intermolecular contacts such as H•••O and H•••N hydrogen bonding, π•••π stacking, C–H•••π and carbonyl (lone pair)•••π interactions that generated polymeric arrays.
Combining Deep Features and Hand-crafted Features for Abnormality Detection in WCE Images
Authors: Amiri Zahra , Hassanpour Hamid , Beghdadi Azeddine
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a computer-aided method is proposed for abnormality detection Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) video frames. Common abnormalities in WCE images include ulcers, bleeding, Angiodysplasia, Lymphoid Hyperplasia, and polyp. In this paper, deep features and Hand-crafted features are combined to detect these abnormalities in WCE images. There are no sufficient images to train deep structures therefore the ResNet50 pertained model is used to extract deep features. Hand-crafted features are associated with color, shape, and texture. They are extracted from the region of interest (ROI), i.e. suspicious region. The expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm is used to extract more distinct areas in the background as ROI. The expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm is configured in a way that can extract the area with a distinct texture and color as ROI. The EM algorithm is also initialized with a new fast method which leads to an increase in the accuracy of the method. We also used a novel idea to reveal unexpected color changes in the background due to existing lesions as a feature set. A large number of features are created by the method, so the minimum redundancy maximum relevance approach is used to select a subset of more effective features. These selected features are then fed to a Support Vector Machine for classification. The results show that the proposed approach can detect mentioned abnormalities in WCE frames with the accuracy of 97.82%
Wild foods contribute to higher dietary diversity in India
Authors: Cheek Jennifer , Lambrecht Nathalie , Braber Bowy den , Rasmussen Laura , Akanchha Nirali , Govindarajulu Dhanapal , Jones Andrew , Chhatre Ashwini
Published: September 2022

Wild foods, from forests and common lands, can contribute to food and nutrition security. Previous studies have established correlations between forests and dietary diversity. We use matching, a rigorous, quasi-experimental method, and monthly-interval data to assess the contribution of wild foods to women’s diets. We collected 24-hour recall data from 570 households monthly from November 2016 to November 2017 in two districts in East India. We found that wild foods contributed positively to diets, especially in June and July when consumption of wild foods was highest. Women who consumed wild foods had higher average dietary diversity scores (12 and 15% higher in June and July, respectively) and were more likely to consume nutrient-dense, dark green leafy vegetables, than women who did not eat wild foods. Our results show that access to wild foods is critical to addressing undernutrition in rural India.
Chromogenic amide and CHEF-based emissive receptors for Cu 2+ & Co 2+ , as well as biological anions including the notorious CN - : The impact of a molecular chameleon, enticing early career beginners
Authors: Amputu Martha , Naimhwaka Johannes , Uahengo Veikko
Published: September 2022

A rich-in-amide receptors, acrylamide-N’phenylhydrazine carbothioamide-based fluorescent probe (MA) was synthesized via a simple and one-step procedure of Schiff base condensation reaction. The structure was characterized via spectroscopic methods of 1H NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence methods. In addition, the bench-top applications on the detection of cations and anions, in DMSO, were carried out visually and spectroscopically. As a result, MA displayed colorimetric activities once anions or cations were added, observable by naked eye detectable colour changes. The probe turned out to discriminate cations such as Cu2+, Co2+, Fe3+ and Fe2+ via colour changes, which was complemented by the changes in UV-Vis titration spectra for each individual titration. Moreover, the addition of anions (F−, AcO−, CN− and OH−) to MA had colorimetric impacts observable by naked eyes, and complemented by spectral changes upon UV-Vis analysis. The probe was fluorometrically responsive to the addition of cations (Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Fe2+) and anions (F−, AcO−, CN− and OH−), both in DMSO, which have all resulted in chelation-based fluorescence enhancement (CHEF), with Co2+ and AcO− complexes exhibiting high affinity of the host-guest species. Thus, MA proved to be a potential chromogenic-fluorogenic probe, which could be used in monitoring the presence of specific cations and anions, in aqueous soluble solvent of DMSO.
Nasal swab mRNA expression profile associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children: Integrated RNA-Seq dataset analyses
Authors: Miyagi Yoshifumi , Kin Kentoku , Satake Eiichiro
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infectious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although evidence associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is increasing but the pathogenesis and mechanism of disease progression are not fully understood yet. This study aimed to elucidate nasal swab gene expression profiles in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using six publicly available nasal swab RNA-Seq datasets for pediatric patients (0–20 years old), we performed bioinformatics analyses on 223 patients, including 56 pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and 167 controls. We divided the patients into three groups according to their ages (0–4, 5–10, 11–20-year-old) and detected 44 differentially expressed genes in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pathway analysis revealed that these genes are associated with defense responses to viruses and innate immune responses. Among these 44 genes, we identified four representative genes (OSBPL8, RELCH, NUPR1, and RUBCN) that were novel and strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. Our study suggests that the expressions of these genes in nasal lesions may contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19, which is specific to children.
Global Trends and Prospects in Research of Artificial Cornea Over Past 20 Years: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis
Authors: Cai Youran , Zhou Jiaxin , Xu Xuyang , He Bingbing , Zou Wenjin
Published: September 2022

Background: A lot of research have been focused on the area of the artificial cornea, in our study, a bibliometric analysis was performed on the artificial cornea to identify the global key research fields and trends over the past 20 years.
Methods: Publications about artificial cornea were retrieved and downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2002 to 2021. Citespace and VOSviewer were used to analyze countries, institutions, authors, and related research areas.
Results: A total of 829 eligible publications were analyzed. The USA was the most productive country for artificial cornea, followed by China and Canada. Harvard University was the most prolific institution in this field. Cornea published most of the studies in this area and Dohlman CH was the most cited author.
Conclusions: Bibliometric analysis in our study firstly provides a general perspective on the artificial cornea, which can be helpful to further explore the issues in the rapidly developing area.
Data-driven Direct Diagnosis of PV Connected Batteries
Authors: Dubarry Matthieu , Cortez Nahuel Costa , Matthews Dax
Published: September 2022

Photovoltaic systems are providing a growing share of power to the electric grid worldwide. To mitigate resource intermittency issues, new systems are increasingly being paired with battery energy storage for which ensuring long and safe operation is critical. Unlike more typical battery applications, these batteries will undergo sporadic usage which will prevent the application of traditional diagnosis methods. This work proposes a new methodology for opportunistic diagnosis using machine learning algorithms trained directly on photovoltaic battery charging data. The training was performed on synthetic voltage data under different degradations calculated from clear-sky model irradiance data. Validation was performed on synthetic voltage responses calculated from plane of array irradiance observations for a photovoltaic system located in Maui, HI, USA. An average RMSE of 2.75% was obtained for more than 10,000 different degradation paths with 25% or less degradation on the cells.
Machine learning models for objective evaluation of visual acuity based on pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials
Authors: Chen Jian Zheng , Li Cong Cong , Chen Tao , Wang Xiao Cheng , Zhang Zuo Ming , Su Yu Ting , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2022

Background

To explore the development of machine learning models for objective evaluation of visual acuity based on pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (PRVEPs) as a reference for improving medical selection and identification methods for aircrew visual function.

Methods

Twenty-four volunteers were recruited and forty-eight eyes were divided into four groups of 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4 (decimal vision) according to visual acuity. The relationship between visual acuity, peak time, or amplitude of P100 that was recorded at 5.7°, 2.6°, 1°, 34′, 15′, and 7′ visual angles was analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the effectiveness of the P100 peak time and amplitude as objective indicators of visual acuity at different viewing angles. Based on meaningful P100 peak time and amplitude, four machine learning algorithms were used to construct objective assessment models for visual acuity, and the efficacy of different models was compared by repeated sampling comparisons and ten-fold cross-validation.

Results

The main effects of P100 peak time and amplitude between different visual acuity and various viewing angles were statistically significant (P<0.05). Visual acuity in general was negatively correlated with peak time and positively correlated with amplitude. The peak time initially shortened with increasing examination angle and gradually lengthened after the minimum value was reached at 1°. At the 1° visual angle, there were statistically significant differences when comparing the peak times between the vision groups with each other (P<0.05), and the amplitudes of the vision reduction groups were significantly lower than that of the 1.0 vision group (P<0.05). The correlations between peak time, amplitude, and visual acuity were all highest at 1° (r = 0.740, 0.438). For different binarization classifications of visual acuity, the maximum area under the ROC curves (AUC) of the peak time or amplitude at all visual angles was higher than 0.8 (P < 0.001). Among the objective assessment models of visual acuity constructed by different machine learning algorithms, multilayer perceptron (MLP) had the best performance in distinguishing 1.0 from 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4 visual acuities, with an accuracy of 93.75% for ten-fold cross-validation.

Conclusions

The P100 peak time and amplitude obtained at multiple views of PRVEPs are correlated with visual acuity; machine learning models based on this can be used to assist in the objective evaluation of visual acuity.
PTEN overexpression and nuclear beta-catenin stabilization promote morular differentiation through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell-like properties in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Saegusa Makoto , Yokoi Ako , Hashimura Miki , Oguri Yasuko , Matsumoto Toshihide , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Nakagawa Mayu , Ishibashi Yu , Ito Takashi , Ohhigata Kenshuke , Harada Youhei , Fukagawa Naomi
Published: September 2022

Background: Although a lack of functional PTEN contributes to tumorigenesis in a wide spectrum of human malignancies, little is known about the functional role of its overexpression in the tumors. The current study focused on PTEN overexpression in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca).
Methods: The functional impact of PTEN overexpression was assessed by Em Ca cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted using 38 Em Ca with morular lesions.
Results: Em Ca cell lines stably overexpressing PTEN (H6-PTEN) exhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features, probably through b-catenin/Slug-meditated suppression of E-cadherin. PTEN overexpression also inhibited cell proliferation, accelerated cellular senescence, increased apoptotic features, and enhanced migration capability. Moreover, H6-PTEN cells exhibited cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties, along with high expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and CD44s, a large ALDH 1high population, enriched spheroid formation, and b-catenin-mediated upregulation of cyclin D2, which is required for persistent CSC growth. In clinical samples, immunoreactivities for PTEN, as well as CSC-related molecules, were significantly higher in morular lesions as compared to the surrounding carcinomas. PTEN score was positively correlated with expression of nuclear b-catenin, cytoplasmic CD133, and CD44v6, and negatively with cell proliferation. Finally, estrogen receptor-a(ERa)-dependent expression of Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phophoprotein-50 (EBP50), a multifunctional scaffolding protein, acts as a negative regulator of morular formation by Em Ca cells through interacting with PTEN and b-catenin.
Conclusion: In the abscess of ERa/EBP50 expression, PTEN overexpression and nuclear b-catenin stabilization promote the establishment and maintenance of morular phenotype associated with EMT/CSC-like features in Em Ca cells.
Parametric Optimization of Turning Process for Hard HSS M2 Material to Minimize Resultant Tool Vibration
Authors: Pawar Krupal Prabhakar
Published: September 2022

The present investigation is related to parametric optimization of the turning process of high-speed steel M2 grade material. The main aim of the present investigation was to minimize the resultant vibration during the turning process of HSS (M2) on the CNC Machine. In this study, the whole experimentation has done in dry conditions. The process parameters selected for the investigation were Cutting Speed, Feed Rate, Depth of Cut, and resultant tool vibration selected as a quality response characteristic. The material HSS M2 hardness during experimentation was 62-64 HRC. This hardness is selected for the study because this is the actual hardness of the drill tool. The MINITAB 17 software is employed to generate results and data analysis. The turning process optimization is done using Taguchi Method and ANOVA analysis. It is concluded that the feed rate is the most significant machining parameter which affects the resultant vibration signal. The optimum level of process parameters is cutting speed= 180 mm/min, feed rate= 0.1 mm/rev, and depth of cut = 0.4 mm (*if use PCBN insert with 0.8 nose radius).
Circularity in Plastic Waste Management: A Cross-country Comparison between Japan and Sri Lanka
Authors: Ono Sayaka , Sirisena Aluthduwe Hewage Harshi Tharangika , Visvanathan Chettiyappan
Published: September 2022

Sri Lanka, a South Asian country, with a developing economy, is grappling with surging plastic pollution. Japan, on the other hand, is a developed country with a systematic waste management system. Both countries have similarities in terms of being island nations. Japan’s existing plastic waste management (PWM) strategies are a pointer for Sri Lanka to improve the circularity along the plastic value chain. In this study, the aspects of quantitative data related to the plastic value chain, plastic recycling technologies, plastic recycling businesses, policies, and regulations related to plastic waste management, and public awareness strategies in plastic waste management are compared between the two countries Sri Lanka and Japan. The methodology included the literature review and survey conducted using questionnaires, especially to fill the information gap that is identified during the literature review. Japan is practicing all the stages of the plastic value chain, including virgin plastic production, whereas virgin plastic production is absent in Sri Lanka. Technological and policy advancements like the application of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in plastic waste management in Japan can be used as a means of achieving circularity in the Sri Lankan plastic waste management sector. The well-established informal plastic recycling industry in Sri Lanka is a significant feature compared to Japan’s formal plastic recycling industry. The school curriculum in Japan which includes ways of creating awareness on plastic waste management is a proactive action to combat plastic pollution, which is another idea for Sri Lanka to emulate its endeavor to reach circularity in plastic waste management.
The Experiences of Social Scientists in Medical Education Research: A Narrative Inquiry
Authors: Kang Nia , McMurtry Angus , Moreau Katherine
Published: September 2022

Although medical education research (MER) has been gaining recognition as an important area of research, the need for a social sciences perspective in such research is not always well understood. Available literature on the career progression of researchers in MER - with regards to factors like academic promotion and job satisfaction - have been largely limited to clinician or biomedical researchers. Thus, this narrative study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of social scientists developing careers within MER units housed in Canadian medical schools. It included semi-structured interviews with six faculty members of MER units in three Canadian medical departments. The data was then thematically analyzed, revealing the following themes: 1) challenges are systematic in nature but rewards tend to be interpersonal; 2) the development of MER units have helped improve social scientists’ experiences in MER; 3) interdisciplinary and interprofessional interactions act as both the greatest challenge and reward of a social scientist’s career in MER; 4) social scientists’ perceived experiences in MER are influenced by their perceived impact on institutional change; and 5) social scientists in MER retain and advocate for their identity as social scientists, but individual differences exist in the perceived gratification of advocacy work. The findings suggest the need for more interprofessional collaborations within and outside of MER to support systematic change in favour of an inclusive research environment, especially in departmental leadership and decision-making roles. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to implement standards within medical departments to recognize the contributions of social scientists to knowledge translation and mentorship.
Determinants of Non-Oil Import in Nigeria From 1981 – 2016
Authors: Quadri Salisu Temitope
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the determinant of non-oil import in Nigeria from 1981 – 2016 using Hechscher Ohlin theory. Different diagnostic test was carried out which include unit root test, co-integration test and Error correction model. The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Philip-Peron unit root test was also carried out to check the long run and short run relationship of the variables. Co-integration test was carried out to determine if there is the existence of a long-run association between the variables. The ECM method was used to provide the relationship between the explanatory variables and the dependent variable. The ECM results revealed that factor abundance, gross domestic product and inflation are statistically significant while exchange rate and total reserve are statistically insignificant. Also, the result of the study revealed that all the explanatory variables are positively related to non-oil import in Nigeria except gross domestic product which is negatively related to non-oil import.
Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the uterine cervix identified on the liquid-based cytology: a case report
Authors: Tang Xiao , Feng Min , Shen Yangmei , Chen Qijun
Published: September 2022

Background: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComa) occurring in the female genital tract are rare, typically found in the uterine corpus. PEComa occurring in the cervix are extremely rare, and very few cases have been reported till now.Cytological diagnosis of cervical PEComa is even rarer. So far, only two cases of PEComa diagnosed by conventional cervical smears have been reported.
Case presentation: A 55-year-old postmenopausal women presented with abnormal vagina discharges for three months. Then, a liquid-based cytology test was performed. Microscopically, some loosely cohesive epithelioid cells were uniform with abundant clear cytoplasm, showed predominantly round or oval nuclei with finely stippled chromatin, and distinct round nucleoli were visible in some cells, notably with numerous melanin pigments in the cytoplasm. The cytopathological features were well correlated with cell blocks and histopathological findings. Upon immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were positive for HMB45, TFE3, focally positive for MelanA, while negative for muscle marker. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed TFE3 gene rearrangement. The final pathological diagnosis was PEComa identified by the liquid-based cytology, cell blocks, immunohistochemistry and FISH. The patient underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and was followed up for two years with no evidence of disease.
Conclusion: The cytologic characteristics of the tumor may provide sufficient clues for diagnosing a PEComa, including loosely cohesive, epithelioid morphology with abundant clear cytoplasm or eosinophilic cytoplasm, low-grade nuclear atypia, cytoplasmic melanin pigment. That will help cytopathologists recognize this rare tumor that occurred in the cervix, combined with results of other detection methods, can achieve the definitive diagnosis of PEComa.
Persistent bacteremia predicts poor outcomes among neutropenic patients with carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bloodstream infections receiving appropriate therapy
Authors: S Abi Manesh , George Mithun Mohan , Bhanuprasad Kundakarla , John Grace Mary , Korula Anu , Abraham Aby , Mathews Vikram , Kulkarni Uday Prakash , Shankar Chaitra , Premkumar Prasanna Samuel , Chacko Binila , Subramani K , Varghese George M , Balaji V , George Biju
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Identifying persistent bacteremia early in patients with neutropenia may improve outcome. This study evaluated the role of follow-up blood cultures (FUBC) positivity in predicting outcomes among patients with neutropenia and carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bloodstream infections (CRGNBSI).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study conducted between December 2017 and April 2022 included patients more than 15 years old with neutropenia and CRGNBSI, who survived for ≥ 48 hours, receiving appropriate antibiotic therapy and had FUBCs. Patients with polymicrobial bacteremia within 30 days were excluded. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Persistent bacteremia, septic shock, recovery from neutropenia, prolonged or profound neutropenia, requirement of intensive care and dialysis, and initiation of appropriate empirical therapy were also studied.
Results
The 30-day mortality rate was 47.7%. Persistent bacteremia was common in our patient cohort (43.8%). The median time for sending a FUBC was 2 days (IQR, 1–3 days). Patients with persistent bacteremia had higher mortality than those without (56.76% versus 32.1%; p < 0.001). Appropriate initial empirical therapy was given to 70.9%. Recovery from neutropenia occurred in 57.4% while 25.8% had prolonged or profound neutropenia. Sixty-nine percent had septic shock and needed intensive care; 12.2% of patients required dialysis. Non-recovery from neutropenia (aHR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.53–7.23), presence of septic shock (aHR, 4.42; 95%CI, 1.47–13.28), requirement of intensive care (aHR,3.12;95%CI, 1.23–7.93), and persistent bacteremia (aHR,1.74; 95%CI, 1.05–2.89) significantly predicted poor outcomes in multivariable analysis.
Conclusion
FUBC showing persistent bacteremia predicted poor outcomes among neutropenic patients with carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bloodstream infections (CRGNBSI) and should be routinely reported.
Bile metabolites as diagnostic biomarkers for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang DengYong , Zhao GuanRu , Sun Wanliang , Wang Dongdong , Zhou Shuo , Liu Zhong , Lu Zheng
Published: September 2022

It is difficult to directly obtain pathological diagnosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). Analysis of bile in the pCCA microenvironment, based on metabolomics and statistical methods, can help in clinical diagnosis. Clinical information, bile samples, blood liver function, blood CA199, CEA, and other indicators were collected from 33 patients with pCCA and 16 patients with gallstones. Bile samples were analyzed using non-targeted metabolomics methods, and a clinical diagnosis model was constructed using multivariate analysis technology. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment and differential metabolite remodeling, we explored changes in the pCCA pathway and potential therapeutic targets. There were significant differences in patient blood TBIL, ALT, AST, TBA, CA19-9, and CEA indices (p<0.05, |log2(fc)|≥1) between two groups. A significant correlation was found between these different indicators by Spearman's analysis. The clinical parameters were correlated with mass-to-charge ratios of 305 (Positive Ion Mode, POS) and 246 (Negative Ion Mode, NEG) in the metabolic group (| r | ≥ 0.7, P ≤ 10–7). Cross-validation and external validation results showed that the recognition accuracy of the multivariate receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) discriminant model for pCCA was 0.991 (POS) and 1 (NEG). The differential metabolites significantly affected bile secretion, cofactor biosynthesis, and amino-acid metabolism. Bile metabolomics combined with statistical analysis techniques can be used to accurately diagnose pCCA.
A Latent Class Analysis of Health Behavior Changes after Cancer Diagnosis among Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivors
Authors: Esqu Blanca Noriega , George Sara St. , Moreno Patricia , Lee Tae , Munoz Edgar , Lad Thomas , Pollack Allan , Hollowell Courtney , Ramirez Amelie , Penedo Frank
Published: September 2022

Purpose
We aimed to identify subgroups of Hispanic/Latino (H/L) cancer survivors with distinct health behavior patterns and their associated sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial characteristics.
Methods
Baseline data was used from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an enhanced patient navigation intervention in H/L cancer survivors. Participants (n = 278) completed the Lifestyle Behavior Scale and validated questionnaires on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), supportive care needs, distress, and satisfaction with cancer care. Latent class analysis was used to determine the latent classes and associated characteristics.
Results
Three latent classes emerged: Class 1 (survivors who increased health behaviors [e.g., exercising and eating healthy] since diagnosis); Class 2 (no changes in health behaviors since diagnosis); and Class 3 (a “mixed class,” with a higher or lower engagement across various health behaviors since diagnosis). Participants in class 1 were significantly more educated and less likely to be foreign born. Participants in class 2 were significantly older and more likely to have prostate cancer. H/L cancer survivors in class 3 had a significantly lower income, were less educated, and reported greater unmet supportive care needs, more distress, and poorer HRQOL.
Conclusions
Survivors who report engaging in health behaviors less frequently since diagnosis may be experiencing psychosocial challenges and health disparities.
Implications for Cancer Survivors:
Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors may benefit from screening for social determinants of health and mental health needs, prompt referral to supportive care services, community resources and public services, and participating in culturally-informed psychosocial interventions to address their unique needs.
Fast and simple evaluation of the chemical composition and macroelements of xylem and bark of sweet cherry branches based on FTIR and XPS
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Jiang Yahua , Liu Yu , Li Quan
Published: September 2022

The branch waste of sweet cherry trees is an organic byproduct that is inevitably produced during the pruning process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyze and compare the differences in the chemical composition and the presence of macroelements of sweet cherry branches. The FTIR absorption spectra were analyzed, and the following absorption peaks were found: 1632 cm-1 for lignin, 1740 cm-1and 1244 cm-1 for hemicellulose, and 1316 cm-1 for holocellulose. The results showed that the lignin content in the bark was higher than that in the xylem, and the content of hemicellulose and holocellulose in the xylem was higherthan that in the bark. The XPS survey showed that the contents of C-C (9.89% and 15.59%, respectively) and C=O (31.52% and 15.59%, respectively) in xylem and bark were quite different; the xylem had a higher cellulose content, while the bark had a higher lignin content. In the xylem, the proportion of C-O was the largest (12.55%), while in the bark, the proportion of C=O was the highest (5.93%). The research results are significant for revealing the chemical composition and structural morphology of the xylem and bark of sweet cherry branches.
RADIAÇÃO TÉRMICA E A FÓRMULA DE PLANCK
Authors: Gontijo Lucas , Rodrigues Clóves
Published: September 2022

THERMAL RADIATION AND PLANCK’S FORMULA. In this paper, theoretical and experimental research on blackbody thermal radiation is discussed and historically ordered. The main thermal radiation equations following Planck’s revolutionary idea are obtained using the formalism of statistical mechanics. These equations, already well known, are deduced in a very detailed and didactic way in order to facilitate the reader’s understanding. The consequent results of Planck’s formula for blackbody radiation are analyzed: the limits of the average energy for frequencies tending to zero and infinity, Stefan’s law and Wien’s displacement law.
A New Approach for Multivariate Data Analysis in Interlaboratory Comparisons Based on Multidimensional Scaling and Robust Confidence Ellipse
Authors: Leal Luiz Henrique , Rocha Werickson
Published: September 2022

Interlaboratory comparisons (IC) present a challenge related to multivariate data analysis. ISO 13528:2015 is a reference document for interlaboratory comparisons. This standard does not provide descriptions of statistical methods for multivariate analysis and, according to our best knowledge, there is no practical guidance for the organizing and evaluation of multivariate data analysis for interlaboratory comparisons available. Due to this reason, some researchers have made efforts to develop methodologies that make it possible to analyze multivariate data in IC. Generally, these approaches are based dimensionality-reduction methods like principal component analysis. This paper proposes a new approach to reduce the dimensionality of large data set and check the performance of laboratories based on multidimensional scaling (MDS) and robust confidence ellipse/ellipsoid (RCE). MDS is a multivariate analysis technique that allows grouping laboratories according to their similarity in a Euclidean space. On the other hand, RCE is a statistical method for outlier detection in a multivariate data set. In this work, it is proposed combine MDS and RCE to evaluate laboratory proficiency in interlaboratory comparison. This methodology was compared with the multivariate z-score and both methodologies identified the same outlying laboratories. This preliminary result indicates that MDS/RCE is promising for classifying IC results.
Assessing the state of rainwater for consumption in a community in dire need of clean water: Human and health risk using HERisk
Authors: Tenebe Imokhai Theophilus , Emenike PraiseGod C. , Babatunde E.O. , Neris J. B. , Fred-Ahmadu Omowunmi H. , Dede-Bamfo Nathaniel , Etu Egbe-Etu , Ogarekpe Nkpa M. , Emakhu Joshua , Benson Nsikak U.
Published: September 2022

This study examines the case of Ekpoma community, Edo State, Nigeria, where roof-harvested rainwater is the primary source of water for drinking and domestic purposes. Eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc, were detected in rainwater samples, collected and analyzed from 54 sampling locations across the community. The elemental concentrations were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and compared using the regulatory standards of the World Health Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Nigerian Drinking Water Quality Standards. The PTEs detected in the rainwater samples can be attributed to the nature of the materials used in the roof catchment systems, storage tank conditions, anthropogenic effects from industrial and agricultural processes, and fossil fuel emissions. However, only 20% of the evaluated samples contained PTE concentrations below the allowable regulatory limits. Spatio-temporal health risk analysis conducted using HERisk software showed that children in the development phase (1–18 years) are most vulnerable to health risks in the community. After age 18, the risk increased by approximately 10% and remained constant until old age. In addition, the evaluation of the studied sites showed that 33% of the evaluated sites had negligible carcinogenic risks, while the other 61% were sites with low carcinogenic risks to residents.
Modelling Parkinson's Disease in C. elegans: Strengths and Limitations
Authors: Ma Liang , Li Xi , Liu Chengyu , Yan Wanyao , Ma Jinlu , Petersen Robert B. , Peng Anlin , Huang Kun
Published: September 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor system and
progressively worsens with age. Current treatment options for PD mainly target symptoms, due to our limited
understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of PD. A variety of preclinical models have been developed
to study different aspects of the disease. The models have been used to elucidate the pathogenesis and for testing
new treatments. These models include cell models, non-mammalian models, rodent models, and non-human
primate models. Over the past few decades, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been widely adopted as a
model system due to its small size, transparent body, short generation time and life cycle, fully sequenced
genome, the tractability of genetic manipulation and suitability for large scale screening for disease modifiers.
Here, we review studies using C. elegans as a model for PD and highlight the strengths and limitations of the
C. elegans model. Various C. elegans PD models, including neurotoxin-induced models and genetic models,
are described in detail. Moreover, methodologies employed to investigate neurodegeneration and phenotypic
deficits in C. elegans are summarized.
Characteristics of BAY 2599023 in the Current Treatment Landscape of
Hemophilia A Gene Therapy
Authors: Pipe Steven W. , Arruda Valder R. , Lange Claudia , Kitchen Stephen , Eichler Hermann , Wadsworth Samuel
Published: September 2022

Hemophilia A, a single gene disorder leading to deficient Factor VIII (FVIII), is a suitable candidate for gene therapy. The aspiration is for single administration of a genetic therapy that would allow production of endogenous FVIII sufficient to restore hemostasis and other biological processes. This would potentially result in reliable protection from bleeding, and its associated physical and emotional impacts. Gene therapy offers the possibility of a clinically relevant improvement in disease phenotype and transformational improvement in quality of life, including an opportunity to engage in physical activities more confidently. Gene therapy products for hemophilia A in advanced clinical development use adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors and a codon optimized B-domain deleted FVIII transgene. However, the different AAV-based gene therapies have distinct design features such as choice of vector capsid, enhancer and promoter regions, FVIII transgene sequence and manufacturing processes (summarized in the graphic abstract). These, in turn, impact patient eligibility, safety and efficacy. Ideally, gene therapy technology for hemophilia A should offer bleed protection, durable FVIII expression, broad eligibility and limited response variability between patients, and long-term safety. However, several limitations and challenges must be overcome. Here, we introduce the characteristics of the BAY 2599023 (AAVhu37.hFVIIIco, DTX 201) gene therapy product, including the low prevalence in the general population of anti-AAV-hu37 antibodies, as well as other gene therapy AAV products and approaches. We will examine how these can potentially meet the challenges of gene therapy, with the ultimate aim of improving the lives of patients with hemophilia A.