bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SYSTEM OF DUAL TRAINING OF ENGINEERING PERSONNEL FOR KNOWLEDGE-BASED ENTERPRISES AND HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES
Authors: Gryshko Igor A. , Stepin Alexey V.
Published: October 2021

Background. Nonconformity of training of qualified engineers for high-tech companies with the requirements of high-tech manufacturing industries in Ukraine.
Objective. The purpose of the paper is to develop a three-stage system of dual education for Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and companies “Boeing Ukraine” and “Progresstech-Ukraine” that will be focused on efficient trainings of future technicians to solve applied engineering and technological tasks for the above-mentioned companies.
Methods. Analysis of successful cooperation of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, “Boeing Ukraine” and “Progresstech-Ukraine” aircraft corporations in the sphere of implementation of higher education concepts using dual form of education.
Results. It is shown that the implementation of the dual education for graduate students, where theoretical studies are augmented by solution of applied engineering problems will boost the number of high-skilled engineers available for hire by hi-tech companies. The advantages of dual education for both sides of recruiting process are discussed. It is noted that the implementation of dual education in universities has a complex multi-level structure, where the role of the instructor and the teacher should be treated as one of the most important one. A recent success in the cooperation between the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, the “Boeing Ukraine” and “Progresstech-Ukraine” shows the advances and the achievements in higher education driven by the dual education strategy.
Conclusions. System analysis of engineering and technological problems of aviation companies of Ukraine showed that the qualification of the graduates does not meet the requirements of high-tech companies. Therefore, the main goal of a multi-layer dual education, that was jointly developed by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, “Boeing Ukraine” and “Progresstech-Ukraine”, is to train qualified specialists for the solution of everyday practical and technological tasks that are common for “Boeing Ukraine” and “Progresstech-Ukraine”. Cooperation of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, “Boeing Ukraine” and “Progresstech-Ukraine” was launched in 2012. Since that time, more than 130 Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute graduates have become engineers of these corporations. Joint dual education master’s degree “Dynamics and Strength of Machines” was certified by European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE). The broadening of the three-level system of dual education offered by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, “Boeing Ukraine” and “Progresstech-Ukraine” to the multi-disciplinary level has a good potential and will be beneficial not only for the educational institutions but also for the high-tech companies.
OBTAINING AND PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITIONS OF UREA GREASES AND THEIR COMPONENTS ON THE BASIS OF VEGETABLE OILS
Authors: Safronov Oleg I.
Published: October 2021

Background. In recent years, requirements for the properties of lubricants and their components are increasing. Attention is paid to the impact of lubricants on the environment. Urea greases fully meet the high requirements for the properties of lubricants. The development of greases of this class and vegetable oil-based additives should solve the environmental problems of their use.
Objective. The purpose of the paper is development of urea greases and their components using raw materials of plant origin.
Methods. A number of protective additives to lubricants were obtained by epoxidation of vegetable oils and introduction of nitrogen-containing fragments on the carbonyl group and epoxy ring. Amidation of triacylglycerides of vegetable oils with ethylenediamine synthesized monoaminoamides of fatty acids of linear structure. Urea thixotropic systems are synthesized by the interaction of polyisocyanate with fatty acid monoaminoamides in petroleum oil. Synthesized additives in various quantities were introduced into the composition of the investigated products in order to check the operational properties of the finished greases.
Results. The obtained greases are characterized by a high level of mechanical and colloidal stability. Their composition and chemical structure were established by a set of spectrometric methods of analysis. The upper temperature limit of application of the synthesized urea in the range of 150–200 °С is established by the method of derivatographic analysis. It is established that the combination of urea thickener and vegetable oil-based additives allows obtaining urea greases with high thermal stability, improved protective and antioxidant characteristics. The use of environmentally friendly oleochemical products in the composition of the thickener and lubricant additives improves the biodegradability of the developed grease composition.
Conclusions. It is shown that the proposed series of vegetable oil transformations allows obtaining ready-made compositions of urea greases and their components using raw materials of natural origin. The obtained products have satisfactory operational properties and according to some indicators industrial analogues prevail. This allows us to recommend the developed urea oils as substitutes for commercial products.
Towards Unification of General Relativity and Quantum Theory: Dendrogram Representation of the Event-Universe
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei , Shor Oded , Felix Benninger
Published: October 2021

Following Smolin, we proceed to unification of general relativity and quantum theory by operating solely with events, i.e., without appealing to physical systems and space-time. The universe is modelled as a dendrogram (finite tree) expressing the hierarchic relations between events. This is the observational (epistemic) model; the ontic model is based on p-adic numbers (infinite trees). Hence, we use novel mathematics—not only space-time but even real numbers are not in use. Here, the p-adic space (which is zero dimensional) serves as the base for the holographic image of the universe. In this way our theory relates to p-adic physics; in particular, p-adic string theory and complex disordered systems (p-adic representation of Parisi matrix for spin glasses). Our Dendrogramic-Holographic (DH) theory matches perfectly with the Mach’s principle and Brans-Dicke theory. We found surprising informational interrelation between the fundamental constants, h, c, G, and their DH-analogues, h(D), c(D), G(D). DH-theory is part of Wheeler’s project on the information restructuring of physics. It is also a step towards the Unified Field theory. The universal potential V is nonlocal, but this is relational DH-nonlocality. V can be coupled to the Bohm quantum potential by moving to the real representation. This coupling enhanced the role of the Bohm potential.
Active Sensor Algorithm Approach to Optimize Nitrogen Rate Fertilization in Cotton Production
Authors: De Marchi Jonnas , Brandao Ziany , Machado Thiago , Shiratsuchi Luciano
Published: October 2021

Variable nitrogen(N) rate fertilization based on remote sensing is challenging for cotton production fields, but active crop canopy sensors (ACS) appear as an alternative to make this practical on farm since they can be used at night as well. The crop spatial variability in inherent in crop production in general, and not on-the-go solutions can be used with this type of active sensing technologies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of two vegetation indices to identify the N requirement variability for cotton plants and to develop prototype algorithms for topdressing nitrogen variable rate on commercial and experimental areas, using the N-sufficiency methodology based on virtual reference. The concept of virtual reference is to use a histogram to characterize the vegetation index of properly fertilized plants without establishing an N-rich plot as a reference strip. The experiment was conducted in strips with four different N rates (0, 45, 90 and 180 kgN ha-1) during the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 crop seasons in partnership with large cotton producers in Mato Grosso and also in experimental area of Embrapa Agrosilvopastoral. Two algorithms for variable rate nitrogen fertilization for cotton were developed, namely: 1) N recommendation algorithm for cotton in commercial production system: N rate (kg.N ha-1) = -234.79 ISN2 + 49,879 ISN + 195.15; R² = 0.97; and 2) for cotton grown in experimental area: N dose (kgN ha-1) = -174.73 ISN2 - 107.21 ISN + 306.78; R² = 0.94.
Systematic human learning by literature and data mining for feature selection in machine learning
Authors: Sufriyana Herdiantri , Wu Yu Wei , Su Emily Chia-Yu
Published: October 2021

We proposed a learning algorithm for human to conduct literature and data mining for causal factor discovery. The applicability is to select features for a machine learning prediction model, including but not limited to that using real-world, time-varying data from electronic health records. This protocol is relatively quick to find potentially actionable predictors for a clinical prediction while dealing with high dimensionality in big data. However, this protocol might not find a potentially novel cause, since this only exhaustively examines the existing evidences in a single study. The key stages consisted of systematic human learning, causal diagram construction, data preprocessing, causal inference modeling, and development and validation of a prediction model to describe the explainability.
Bioconversion of Carbon Monoxide to Formate Using Artificially Designed Carbon Monoxide:Formate Oxidoreductase in Hyperthermophilic Archaea
Authors: Lim Jae Kyu , Yang Ji-In , Kim Yun Jae , Park Yeong-Jun , Kim Yong Hwan
Published: October 2021

Ferredoxin-dependent metabolic engineering of electron transfer circuits has been developed to enhance redox efficiency in the field of synthetic biology, e.g., for hydrogen production and for reduction of flavoproteins or NAD(P)+. Here, we present the bioconversion of carbon monoxide (CO) gas to formate via a synthetic CO:formate oxidoreductase (CFOR), designed as an enzyme complex for direct electron transfer between noninteracting CO dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase using an electron-transferring Fe-S fusion protein. The CFOR-introduced Thermococcus onnurineus mutant strains showed CO-dependent formate production in vivo and in vitro. The formate production rate from purified CFOR complex and specific formate productivity from the bioreactor were 348 ± 34 μmol/mg/min and 90.2 ± 20.4 mmol/g-cells/h, respectively. The CO-dependent CO2 reduction/formate production activity of synthetic CFOR was confirmed, indicating that direct electron transfer between two unrelated dehydrogenases was feasible via mediation of the FeS-FeS fusion protein.
Integrative proteogenomic characterization of early esophageal cancer
Authors: Li Lingling , Jiang Dongxian , Zhang Qiao , Liu Hui , Qin Zhaoyu , Xu Fujiang , Shen Dan , Wang Haixing , Guo Chunmei , Feng Jinwen , Liu Yang , Chen Weijie , Zhang Xue , Bai Lin , Tian Sha , Tan Subei , Xu Chen , Song Qi , Liu Yalan , Zhong Yunshi , Chen Tianyin , Zhou Pinghong , Zhao Jian-Yuan , Hou Yingyong , Ding Chen
Published: October 2021

We performed a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of 756 trace-tumor-samples from 124 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma phase (ESCC) patients, covering 9 histopathological stages in 3 phases as nontumor phase (NT phase), intraepithelial neoplasia phase (IEN phase), and ESCC phase. Proteogenomics elucidated the stage-specific molecular characterization and defined the cancer-driving waves along with the mutation accumulation in EC progression. The integrated multi-omics uncovered the chromosome 3q gain was the key event in the transmit from the NT to IEN phase, disclosed the top mutation of TP53 enhanced cell cycle and DNA replication in the IEN phase, and revealed the ESCC phase mutations of AKAP9 and MCAF1 elevated glycolysis and Wnt signaling, respectively. Furthermore, the trajectory analysis identified 6 major tracks related to different clinical features during ESCC progression. Growingly enhanced and hyperphosphorylated phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1, S203) was detected and considered as a drug target in ESCC progression. Collectively, this study provides insight into the understanding of ESCC molecular mechanism and a valuable resource for the development of therapeutic targets.
MEK Pathway Inhibition Increases the Efficacy of a PI3K and HDAC Inhibitor in Endometrial Cancer Cells
Authors: Polymeros Konstantinos , Guttery David S. , Macip Salvador , Moss Esther L.
Published: October 2021

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the commonest gynaecologic malignancy in many countries and its incidence is rising. Although excellent prognosis is associated with early stage disease, response to systemic treatment for metastatic or recurrent EC is often low and treatment options are limited.Aims-Methods: The aim of the study was to propose improved targeted drug treatments suitable for subsequent testing in pre-clinical models of EC. Cell proliferation assay (MTS) was used to assess viability of EC cell lines following treatment with drug inhibitors and Western blotting to explore the effect of inhibitors in molecular pathways. Results: We identified that CUDC-907, a PI3K and HDAC inhibitor, was the most effective monotherapy treatment of a panel of drugs screened in EC cells. Moreover, several combination treatments showed synergism in EC cell lines, with the most efficacious being CUDC-907 combined with the MEK inhibitor PD0325901. This indicates that simultaneous inhibition of two main oncogenic pathways, PI3K and MEK, could improve drug sensitivity in EC.Conclusions: In summary, we propose a range of targeted inhibitory drugs, alone or in combination, showing in vitro efficacy in endometrial cancer cells, which could provide novel therapeutic strategies for advanced EC.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Global and Local Climate Datasets on Modeling Species Distribution at Continental and Landscape Scales
Authors: Liao Chi-Cheng , CHANG Chi-Ru , CHEN Yi-Huey
Published: October 2021

Species distribution model based on global and local climate datasets were hypothesized to have advantages on projecting distribution range at continental and landscape scales, respectively. Random Forest (RF) and principle components analysis (PCA) aimed to project potential distribution range and to construct climate space of Bretschneidera sinensis in continental East Asia (CEA) and northern Taiwan (NTWN) based on the WorldClim and local climate datasets. Geographical extent of the endangered species at continental scale was available to be projected by RF based on the WorldClim dataset, whereas isolation and fragmentation of natural habitat had not been presented by the projection map in CEA. At landscape scale, projection map of RF in NTWN based on the WorldClim dataset presented gridded distribution far from empirical distribution pattern, while that based on local climate dataset presented a distribution pattern relevant to elevation and topography. PCA had revealed climate differentiation between continental and island populations. Evidently, local climate dataset is essential for identifying ecological adaptation of island population at geographical margin of the endangered species. Meteorological data interpolated and altitudinal adjusted by empirical elevation lapse rate calculated for each watershed had captured climate heterogeneity in mountainous area, whereas it generated huge number of gridded cells that is not available to expand this method to continental region. Global climate dataset has the advantage on modeling geographical extent of plant species at continental scale, while local climate dataset used for modelling species distribution enables conservationists to delineate reliable conservation areas in fragmented natural habitats at landscape scale.
Carbon Monoxide Modulation of Microglia-neuron Communication: Anti-neuroinflammatory and Neurotrophic Role
Authors: Soares Nuno L. , Paiva Inês , Bravo Joana , Queiroga Claudia S. F. , Melo Bernadete F. , Conde Silvia V. , Romão Carlos C. , Summavielle Teresa , Vieira Helena L.A.
Published: October 2021

Microglia, the ‘resident immunocompetent cells’ of the central nervous system (CNS), are key players in innate immunity, synaptic refinement and homeostasis. Dysfunctional microglia contribute heavily to creating a toxic inflammatory milieu, a driving factor in the pathophysiology of several CNS disorders. Therefore, strategies to modulate the microglial function are required to tackle exacerbated tissue inflammation. Carbon monoxide (CO), an endogenous gaseous molecule produced by the degradation of haem, has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, pro-homeostatic and cytoprotective roles, among others.ALF826A, a novel molybdenum-based CO-releasing molecule, was used for the assessment of neuron-microglia remote communication. Primary cultures of rat microglia and neurons, or the BV-2 microglial and CAD neuronal murine cell lines, were used to study the microglia-neuron interaction. An approach based on microglial-derived conditioned media in neuronal culture was applied. Medium derived from CO-treated microglia provided indirect neuroprotection against inflammation by limiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of reactivity markers (CD11b), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the secretion of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, nitrites). This consequently prevented neuronal cell death and maintained neuronal morphology In contrast, in the absence of inflammatory stimulus, conditioned media from CO-treated microglia improved neuronal morphological complexity, which is an indirect manner of assessing neuronal function. Likewise, the microglial medium also prevented neuronal cell death induced by pro-oxidant tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). ALF826 treatment reinforced microglia secretion of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and adenosine, mediators that may protect against t-BHP stress in this remote communication model. Chemical inhibition of the adenosine receptors A2A and A1 reverted the CO-derived neuroprotective effect, further highlighting a role for CO in regulating neuron-microglia communication via purinergic signalling.Our findings indicate that CO has a modulatory role on microglia-to-neuron communication, promoting neuroprotection in a non-cell autonomous manner. CO enhances the microglial release of neurotrophic factors and blocks exacerbated microglial inflammation. CO improvement of microglial neurotrophism under non-inflammatory conditions is here described for the first time.
High expressions of CD10, FAP and GPR77 in CAFs are associated with chemoresistance and worse prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Tong Yilin , Zhao Zehua , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Wentao , Zhu Yanmei
Published: October 2021

Background
As neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has been successfully introduced in gastric cancer (GC), more biomarkers are needed to evaluate the efficacy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is associated with chemoresistance and prognosis. Three biomarkers, CD10, fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) and G-protein-coupled receptor 77 (GPR77), have been proved to express in CAFs. However, their predictive values for efficacy of NCT and prognosis in gastric cancer is unknown.
Methods
Totally, specimens of 171 locally advanced gastric cancer patients who underwent NCT and D2 radical gastrectomy and matched preoperative biopsy specimens were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor regression grade (TRG) is reevaluated according to Mandard TRG. Expressions of CD10, FAP and GPR77 in CAFs before NCT (pre-) and after NCT (post-) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Survival curves on overall survival (OS) were obtained by Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were analyzed by log-rank test. Associations between categorical variables were explored by chi-square test or Fisher's exact method. Univariable and multivariate analyses were performed by logistic regression model and Cox proportional hazard regression model.
Results
High expressions of post-CD10, post-FAP, post-GPR77 and pre-CD10 were related to worse TRG (all p<0.05). In multivariable analysis, post- and pre-FAP were independent predictive factors to TRG (p<0.010). Post-CD10 (p=0.032) and post-FAP (p=0.013) were related to OS in univariable analysis, but none of biomarkers were independent prognostic factors in multivariable analysis.
Conclusions
Expressions of CD10, FAP and GPR77 in CAFs were related to chemoresistance and overall survival, and these biomarkers have predictive values for tumor regression and prognosis in locally advanced gastric cancer patients.
From biobank and data silos into a data commons: convergence to support translational medicine
Authors: Asiimwe Rebecca , Lam Stephanie , Leung Samuel , Wang Shanzhao , Wan Rachel , Tinker Anna , McAlpine Jessica N. , Woo Michelle , Huntsman David , Talhouk Aline
Published: October 2021

Background
To drive translational medicine, modern day biobanks need to integrate with other sources of data (clinical, genomics) to support novel data-intensive research. Currently, vast amounts of research and clinical data remain in silos, held and managed by individual researchers, operating under different standards and governance structures; a framework that impedes sharing and use of data. In this article, we describe the journey of British Columbia’s Gynecological Cancer Research Program (OVCARE) in moving a traditional tumour biobank, outcome unit, and a collection of data silos, into an integrated data commons to support data standardization, data, and resources sharing under collaborative governance, as a means of providing the gynecologic cancer research community in British Columbia access to tissue samples and associated clinical and molecular data from thousands of patients.
Results
Through several engagements with stakeholders from various research institutions within our research community, we identified priorities and assessed infrastructure needs required to optimize and support data collections, storage and sharing, under three main research domains: 1) biospecimen collections, 2) molecular and genomics data, and 3) clinical data. We further built a governance model and a resource portal to implement protocols and standard operating procedures for seamless collections, management and governance of interoperable data, making genomic, and clinical data available to the broader research community.
Conclusions
Proper infrastructures for data collection, sharing and governance is a translational research imperative. We have consolidated our data holdings into a data commons, along with standardized operating procedures to meet research and ethics requirements of the gynecologic cancer community in British Columbia. The developed infrastructure brings together, diverse data, computing framework, as well as tools and applications for managing, analyzing, and sharing data. Our data commons bridges data access gaps and barriers to precision medicine and approaches for diagnostics, treatment and prevention of gynecological cancers, by providing access to large datasets required for data-intensive science.
Sustainability of Biodiesel Production and Usage: The Case of Romania
Authors: Stanica-Ezeanu Dorin , Paunescu Loredana-Maria
Published: October 2021

Background: This paper aims to evaluate the sustainability of biodiesel, a renewable fuel used as a blending component in diesel fuel. This study describes the current situation in Romania where the European Union (EU) settlement regarding the blending ratio of biodiesel and compliance with environmental protection specifications are applied. The evaluation covers the whole biodiesel value chain, from rapeseed production through biodiesel synthesis and combustion.Results: Our evaluation process takes into account three elements of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. The overall result of this research is that, despite Romania’s high potential for biodiesel production and use, the sustainability of biodiesel is low as a result of the Romania’s government strategy, combined with biodiesel prices on the international market and the interests of Romanian refinery owners.Conclusions: Our prediction is that the current situation will remain over the next decade, owing to economic factors such as the decline in rapeseed crops, a key raw material for biodiesel manufacturing, and the higher cost of biodiesel produced in Romania. Another factor could be Romania's implementation of EU regulations aimed at replacing diesel engines with electric ones. If this decision is implemented, diesel fuel and, implicitly, biodiesel will be phased out of the vehicle fuel market.
Refining Community Grid Management in Medium/High-Risk Regions when SARS-COV-2 Delta Variant Attack in Yangzhou: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zhu Pingting , Wu Qiwei , Liu Xinyi , Chen Chen , Ji Qiaoying , Xu Ting
Published: October 2021

Background: Community grid management has been proved to be effective in the outbreak, but previous studies have all been carried out in China's first-tier cities, while Yangzhou, as a second-tier city, seemed to have deficiencies in epidemic control. The aim of this research was to understand the experiences and feelings of residents and social workers in the grid, so as to develop more detailed community grid management strategies in the context of mandatory quarantine.Methods: Qualitative research was conducted with 21 residents and 10 social workers based on a semi-structured qualitative interview guide. Thematic analysis was employed to analysed data.Results: The outbreak has put pressure on both residents and social workers, and the implementation of community grid management has revealed many deficiencies, such as quarantine strategies, human resource management, material supply and information transmission. As the four overarching themes identified from the analysis: “inadequate quarantine strategies may create greater risks”, “human resource management in the grid is considered lagging”, “duplicate/missing information” and “another way to meet daily needs. Conclusions: This study used the perspective of residents and social workers within the grid to help explained why there was still confusion in the seemingly tight management. Analysed the quarantine strategy, human resources management, supply chain and information technology. Flexible and responsive community grid management was conducive to reducing the risk of transmission and economic losses.
Meteoric Beryllium-10 in Miocene permafrost and the onset of persistent polar aridity in East Antarctica
Authors: Verret Marjolaine , Trinh-Le Cassandra , Dickinson Warren , Norton Kevin , Lacelle Denis , Christl Marcus , Levy Richard , Naish Tim
Published: October 2021

Continental scale ice sheets have occupied Antarctica since the major global cooling across the Eocene/Oligocene boundary (~33.9 Ma). However, the timing and nature of the transition to a relatively stable and persistent terrestrial East Antarctic Ice Sheet that characterizes the modern environment remains disputed. Although proxy data show global surface temperatures remained significantly warmer through the late Miocene than today, the hypothesis that the upper elevations of the McMurdo Dry Valleys remained under a hyper-arid polar climate since the mid-Miocene has persisted. Here, we constrain the onset of polar aridity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys region using meteoric Beryllium-10 as a tracer of water infiltration in mid-Miocene and late Quaternary-age soils at three sites situated >1000 m a.s.l.. Our results show that meteoric Beryllium-10 infiltrated the soils for a period after sediment emplacement ~15.0 – 14.0 Ma, terminating at ~6.0 Ma. Reconstruction of climate from paleo-active layer thickness and threshold of mobility of meteoric Beryllium-10 suggests that at 6.0 Ma, summer temperatures were 7 – 10°C with annual precipitation >10 mm. Polar aridity at high elevations has persisted since ~6.0 Ma, well after previous reconstructions (13.8 – 12.5 Ma). Together, our findings indicate that high elevations of the McMurdo Dry Valleys experienced interval(s) of warm-wet climate between ~14.0 – 6.0 Ma which reconciles observations of coastal warmth and reduced ice in the Ross Embayment.
Tao-Hong-Si-Wu Decoction improves depressive symptoms in model rats via restorations of neural transmitters and ameliorations of BDNF-CREB-arginase I axis disorders
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Li Zeng , Shen Chuanpu , He Jinzhi , Wang Longfei , Di Lei , Rui Bin , Li Ning , Zhicheng Liu
Published: October 2021

Background

Depressive disorder (DD) has become a global health problem. Applications of Chinese medicine have been demonstrated to be potential in the treatment of DD. Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (TSD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula is widely used to treat ameliorate anemia, liver and heart dysfunctions, and inflammation. Such symptoms are also associated with DD. Hence, our initial hypothesis was to observe and explore the targets of the effect of TSD on DD.
Methods

The DD model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in rats. The measurements of body weight and behavioral tests were performed to confirm the success of modeling and observe the effect of TSD on the model animals. A gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic analysis was conducted to reveal the metabolic characteristics related to the curative effect of TSD. Serum serotonin and arginase I (Arg I), which are associated with the key feature metabolites responsible for the effect of TSD on depression, were assessed by an ELISA assay. Proteins in the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/ Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling, which lead to the regulations of Arg I, were analyzed using Western blot assay.
Results

Body weight losses and increased immobility durations in the behavioral tests were observed in the CUMS rats while such features were attenuated in the TSD-treated rats. General decreases in serum amino acids and energetic metabolites were found in CUMS rats. Significant increased ornithine and urea, the products of arginase degradation, were also characterized in the DD-mimicked rats. These metabolic dysregulations were reversed in the TSD-treated groups. Upregulated Arg I and downregulated serotonin were observed in the model group but the dysregulations were improved in the TSD-treated groups. Compared with the blank control, lower expressions of BDNF, TrkB, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), p-ERK, and CREB were found in the hippocampus of CUMS rats. Expressions of the proteins were restored in all the TSD-treated groups.
Conclusions

TSD improves depression-like symptoms in CUMS rats, which may be primarily related to its effect both on enhancing the release of neural transmitters such as glycine and serotonin and on the improvement of disorders of the BNDF-CREB-Arg I axis.
Effects of extreme water levels on water quality in a large shallow eutrophic lake (Changhu Lake, China)
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Yang Jun , Li Tao , Zhu Jianqiang , Liu Zhangyong
Published: October 2021

Changhu Lake, a large shallow eutrophic lake in central China, experienced an extreme low water level event from November 2015 to January 2016 followed by an extreme high water level event in July 2016. In this study, we examined the effects of two extreme water levels on the nutrient status of Changhu Lake over five years. The nutrient concentrations in Changhu Lake showed significant interannual variations and the water quality of sites in the western part of Changhu Lake was better compared to sites at the outlet of the lake. In late 2015, the effect of low water levels led to a significant increase in nutrient concentrations. After July 2016, however, the high water level occurred leading to a marked decrease in nutrient concentrations. These changes in nutrient parameters were strongly related to the water level fluctuations. The dilution effect was the key process that determined the variations of nutrient parameters in Changhu Lake. As extreme water levels are likely to become more frequent during the twenty-first century, this work may provide some insights into the conservation and management of lake ecosystems in the face of climate change and human activity.
Scaling Up Tobacco Cessation within TB Programmes: Findings from a Multi-Country, Mixed-Methods, Implementation Study.
Authors: Elsey Helen , Azdi Zunayed Al , Regmi Shophika , Baral Sushil , Fatima Razia , Feroze Fariza , Huque Rumana , Karki Jiban , Khan Dost Mohammad , Khan Amina , Khan Zohaib , Li Jinshuo , Noor Maryam , Arjyal Abriti , Shrestha Prabin , Ullah Safat , Siddiqi Kamran
Published: October 2021

Background: Brief behavioural support can effectively help TB patients to quit smoking and improve their outcomes. In collaboration with TB programmes in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, we evaluated implementation and scale-up of cessation support using four strategies: i) brief tobacco cessation intervention ii) integration of tobacco cessation within routine training iii) inclusion of tobacco indicators in routine records and iv) embedding research within TB programmes.Methods: We used mixed methods of observation, interviews and routine data within WHO’s ExpandNet framework for scale-up. We aimed to understand the extent of, and strategies which facilitated vertical scale-up (institutionalisation) within 59 health facility learning sites in Pakistan, 18 in Nepal and 15 in Bangladesh and horizontal scale-up (increased coverage beyond learning sites). We observed training and surveyed 169 TB health workers to measure changes in their confidence to deliver cessation. Routine TB data from the learning sites was analysed to assess delivery of the intervention and use of TB forms revised to report smoking status and cessation support provided. A purposive sample of TB health workers, managers and policymakers were interviewed (Bangladesh: n=12; Nepal n=13; Pakistan n=19;). Costs of scale-up were estimated using activity-based cost-analysis. Results: Routine data indicated health workers in learning sites asked all TB patients about tobacco use and offered them cessation support. Qualitative data showed use of intervention materials, often with adaptation and partial implementation in busy clinics. Short (1-2 hours) training integrated within existing programmes increased mean confidence to deliver cessation by 17% (95% CI: 14% to 20%). A focus on health system changes (reporting, training, supervision) facilitated vertical scale-up. Dissemination of materials beyond learning sites and changes to national reporting forms and training indicated horizontal scale-up. Embedding research within TB health systems was crucial for horizontal scale-up and required dynamic use of tactics e.g. alliance-building, engagement in wider policy process, use of insider-researchers, and deep understanding of health system actors and processes. Conclusions: System-level changes within TB programmes may enable routine delivery of cessation support to TB patients. These strategies are inexpensive and, with concerted efforts from TB programmes and donors, tobacco cessation can be institutionalised at-scale.
Study on the effects of Polyphyllin I and Curcumin on liver cancer based on the cross-action of ferroptosis and energy metabolism
Authors: Yu Shuxian , Gao Wenhui , Zeng Puhua , Lu Mingxuan , Tan Xiaoning , Zhang Zhen , Liu Zhuo , Hou Zongwei , Liu Jiyong
Published: October 2021

Background: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Polyphyllin I(PPI) and Curcumin(Cur) on human liver cancer HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells. Methods: Download the hepatocellular carcinoma specimens and normal control specimens from the TCGA database, take the intersection with ferroptosis-related genes, and screen the differentially expressed ferroptosis genes; again, make the intersection with the selected differential genes related to energy metabolism; conduct survival analysis; construct prognosis Risk scoring model and evaluation of model performance; through molecular docking to verify the binding effect of PPI, Cur and Ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase subunit M2(RRM2), SRC(SRC), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha(ACACA) and other genes. Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were cultured in vitro, PPI and Cur intervened, and Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) was used to detect cell inhibition rate; FeRhoNox-1 fluorescent probe staining to observe the intracellular Fe 2+ status; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release Experiment to detect cell LDH release rate; JC-1 staining to detect mitochondrial membrane potential; reactive oxygen species(ROS) kit to detect ROS level;Western blotting (WB) to detect RRM2 and SRC , ACACA and other genes protein expression levels. Results: Through screening, 25 differential genes related to ferroptosis and energy metabolism in liver cancer were obtained;; through survival analysis, three ferroptosis-related genes, such as RRM2, SRC, and ACACA, were obtained，the results showed that these three genes showed high expression and predicted poor overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS); molecular docking results showed that PPI, Cur It has good affinity with RRM2, SRC and ACACA. The results of in vitro experiments show that PPI and Cur inhibit cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner ( P <0.01). PPI and Cur can significantly increase the intracellular Fe2+ concentration, LDH release rate and intracellular ROS levels of HepG2, HepG2.2.15 ( P <0.01), and the effect on mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly lower than that of the blank group ( P <0.01), and significantly down-regulated the protein expression levels of RRM2, SRC, and ACACA ( P <0.01). Conclusion: The high expression of RRM2, SRC, ACACA and other three genes related to ferroptosis and energy metabolism in liver cancer indicate poor OS and DFS; PPI and Cur can up-regulate the LDH release rate, ROS and Fe 2+ levels of liver cancer cells, and down-regulate the cell mitochondrial membrane potential and other methods to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells; and down-regulate the expression of RRM2, SRC, ACACA and other proteins to affect the prognosis of liver cancer.
A Novel Fuzzy Approach to Gas Pipeline Risk Assessment Under Influence of Ground Movement
Authors: Malinowska Agnieszka , Cui Ximin , Salmi Ebrahim Fathi , Hejmanowski Ryszard
Published: October 2021

The gas transport infrastructure is frequently localized in areas subjected to anthropogenic movements and strains. The potential impact of such deformations on the gas pipeline in the aspect of its damaging can be properly assessed by, e.g. by predicting strains, taking into account the causes of terrain movement. On the other hand the hazard is also related to technological factors like design of the pipeline. The presented method is based on artificial intelligence methods allowing for evaluation of probability of failure risk in gas supply pipeline sections. The Mamdani fuzzy inference was used in the study. Uncertainty of variables characterizing the resistance of the gas pipeline and predicted continuous deformations of ground surface were accounted for in the model by using triangular-shaped membership functions. Based on the surface deformations and gas pipeline resistance and the inference model one can make prediction when the gas pipeline is hazarded. The proposed model can contribute to the protection, cost optimization of the designed pipelines and to the repairs of the existing gas pipelinesTrial registration number and date of registration: COAL-D-21-00255, 27.09.2021
Evaluation of Neonatal Cardiopulmonary and Anthropometric Indices: A Key Predictive Clinical Biomarker for Neonatal Health Status
Authors: Olowe Gideon T. , Ovuakporaye Simon I , Nwogueze Bartholomew C. , Oyovwi Mega O. , Odokuma Emmanuel I. , Emojevwe Victor
Published: October 2021

Background

Neonatal mortality has been reported as a major societal health menace across the globe. Hence, this study, which adopted a hospital-based cross-sectional type of experimental research design, aimed at examining the clinical indication of some selected cardiopulmonary and anthropometric indices as key predictive clinical biomarkers for neonatal survival. The subjects were divided into three groups; experimental Group 1 consisted of 80 pre-term neonates within 28 weeks; experimental Group 2 consisted of 80 pre-term neonates within 33 weeks; and the control group, which consisted of 80 apparently healthy, term neonates. For each subject selected, cardio-pulmonary parameters and anthropometric variables were obtained daily and compared. ANOVA, correlation coefficients, and linear regression were used to compare statistical measures. A discrimination accuracy test of previous records using cut points available from previous models was conducted for ease of estimating the possibility of neonatal survival from assayed variables.
Results

Following data collection, sorting, and analysis, the study found a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in average systolic blood pressure (SBP) values of preterm neonates when compared with term neonates. This, however, was the reverse for DBP, which was proved to have increased in preterm neonates compared to term neonates. The study also observed a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in RR and OSL levels of preterm neonates compared to term neonates.
Conclusion

In conclusion, cardiopulmonary and anthropometric status could be useful predictive biomarkers in clinical trials to provide insight into the extent of compromise in newborn health. This will help to minimize the death of neonates by ensuring a better treatment protocol/regimen is given. A corroborative study with an event-driven approach that assays more molecular or other non-physiological variables is recommended.
Characterization of Bacterial Community of Rumen in Dairy Cows With Laminitis
Authors: Gao Jian , Liu Bo , Li Shuang , Mu Ruiying , Zhang Naisheng , Hu Xiaoyu , Fu Yunhe
Published: October 2021

Background: Laminitis- an inflammation of lamella, could cause great economic loss to dairy industry, which has attracted wide attention around the world. In recent years, microbiota is considered as one of the vital parts that played significant role in various diseases processes. However, current studies are far from sufficient. Aim of this study is to explore the characteristics of ruminal microbiota in laminitis cows. Methods: The serum of bovines with or without laminitis was collected to detect concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lactic acid, and histamine, and the ruminal fluid was collected for 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Results: The results showed that a significant increase in LPS and lactic acid levels in laminitis group comparing to control group cows. In addition, the higher abundance of bacteria that -riches acid-enhancing metabolites, namely, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Saccharofermentans, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-009, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-008, Clostridium papyrosolvens and Ruminococcaceae bacterium AE2021 were detected in the rumen fluid from laminitis bovines. Conclusions: This article confirmed that difference of rumen microbiota were occurred in rumen between health and laminitis bovines. The elevated abundance of bacteria that riches acid- enhancing metabolites, as well as increased the concentration of lactic acid and LPS could be harmful factors to bovines and increase risks of laminitis.
Characterization and Modeling Study on Softening and Seepage Behavior of Weakly Cemented Sandy Mudstone After Water Injection
Authors: Guo Junting , Teng Teng , Zhu Xiaoyan , Wang Yuming , Li Zhaolong
Published: October 2021

Water injection induced rock softening and the associated water seepage characteristics are the common and basic problems in hard roof pressure relief, underground reservoir construction and the prevention of mine water disaster. In this paper, a series of laboratory studies was carried out to investigate these characteristics with the weakly cemented sandy mudstone collected from Shendong Buertai coal mine, China. The characteristics of water softening and the stress-seepage interactions in saturated weekly cemented sandy mudstone were directly obtained. Then a modification method of the constitutive model for rock mass considering the softening effect and a stress-damage-driven model for permeability evolution were established. Research results show that water saturation reduces the tensile strength, compressive strength and cohesion by 56%, and reduces the elastic modulus by 28%. The hydraulic effect on Poisson’s ratio and internal friction angle is negligible. The relationship between the permeability of weakly cemented sandy mudstone with complete compaction deformation is to be divided into three stages of seepage shielding, seepage surge and seepage recovery. Rock permeability in each stage has a negative exponential relationship with the effective stress. This research provides a theoretical basis for the researches of hydro-mechanical couplings on weakly cemented sandy mudstone, which is insightful for rock engineering practice.
A Combined Proteomics and Metabolomics Profiling to Investigate the Genetic Heterogeneity of Autistic Children
Authors: Shen Liming , Zhang Huajie , Lin Jing , Gao Yan , Liu Xukun , Chen Margy , Khan Naseer Ullah , Tang Xiaoxiao , Hong Qi , Feng Chengyun , Zhao Yuxi , cao xueshan
Published: October 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become one of the most common neurological developmental disorders in children. However, the study of ASD diagnostic markers faces significant challenges due to the existence of heterogeneity. Methods: In this study, genetic testing was performed on children who were clinically diagnosed with ASD. Children with ASD susceptibility genes and healthy controls were studied. The proteomics of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as plasma metabolomics were carried out. Results: The results showed that although there was genetic heterogeneity in children with ASD, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in plasma, PBMCs, and differential metabolites in plasma could still effectively distinguish autistic children from controls. The mechanism associated with them focus on several common and previously reported mechanisms of ASD. Limitations: The number of samples carrying risk genes in omics research is limited. In further research, a large sample size is required. A group of children who have been diagnosed with ASD but have not been detected to carry risk genes should also be included.Conclusion: The biomarkers for ASD diagnosis could be found by taking DEPs and differential metabolites into consideration. Integrating omics data, glycerophospholipid metabolism and N-glycan biosynthesis might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ASD.