bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noise-induced Hearing Loss and Hypertension Among Occupational Noise-exposed Workers: a Pilot Study Based on Baseline Data
Authors: Miao Long , Zhang Juan , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Noise is a widespread occupational hazardous factor affecting the health of workers in occupational health field. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hypertension are the important biological adverse effects caused by occupational noise exposure. This study aimed to determine the binaural high frequency (3, 4, and 6 kHz) threshold on average (BHFTA) and levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), to assess the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension and determine the factors influencing the risk of both, and to evaluate the association between NIHL and hypertension among occupational noise-exposed workers. Methods: Questionnaire and occupational health checkup were performed to collect the personal information and physical examination data. Finally, baseline data from 42,588 occupational noise-exposed workers were analyzed. Noise intensity in the workplaces was measured using sound level meter. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was measured at 3, 4 and 6 kHz using diagnostic audiometer. Moreover, blood pressure level was measured using automated sphygmomanometer. Results: The mean levels of BHFTA, SBP, and DBP were 23.09 ± 11.32 dB, 126.85 ± 15.94 mm Hg, 79.94 ± 11.61 mm Hg. Of the 42,588 subjects, the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension were 24.38% (n = 10,383) and 25.40% (n = 10,816). The results suggested that higher risk of NIHL and hypertension were more likely to be the subgroups of male gender, aged > 35 years, noise exposure time > 5 years, noise exposure level > 85 dB (A) and smoking. The BHFTA, SBP, and DBP levels increased with the age, noise exposure time and exposure level (Ptrend < 0.001). Besides, similar trends were also observed in the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension. Furthermore, there was a significant association of NIHL with hypertension. We found that 32.25% (n = 3,348) workers with NIHL had hypertension. The mean levels of SBP and DBP in NIHL workers were significantly higher than those with normal hearing (P < 0.001). Besides, workers with NIHL had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension than normal hearing workers (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.02-1.13). Conclusion: Our current findings suggest that the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension are high in the studied workers and occupational noise exposure is an important factor. Therefore, it is urgent to reduce noise exposure in the workplaces and to strengthen industrial noise monitoring.
Risk Stratification of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors by Nanostring Gene Expression Profiling
Authors: Nowak Klaudia , Formenti Kim , Huang Jingyang , Bigras Gilbert , Chu Quincy , Adam Benjamin A. , Izevbaye Iyare 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe risk assessment classification schemes for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) includes tumor site, size, mitotic count and variably tumour rupture. Heterogeneity in high risk GIST poses limitations for current classification schemes. Objective This study aims to demonstrate the clinical utility of risk stratification by gene expression profiling (GEP) using Nanostring technology. MEthodFifty-six GIST cases were analyzed using a 231 gene expression panel. GEP results were correlated with clinical and pathological data. The prognostic performance was assessed in 34 patients with available survival data using ROC curves, Kaplan Meier Survival curves and compared with traditional risk assessment schemes. Results Volcano plot analysis identified seven genes with significantly higher expression (FDR < .05) in high risk than in non-high risk tumors, namely, TYMS, CDC2, TOP2A, CCNA2, E2F1, PCNA, and BIRC5. Together, these transcripts exhibited significantly higher expression in high risk tumors than in intermediate ( P < .001), low ( P < .001), and very low ( P = 0.01) risk tumors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated area under the curve (AUC) to be 0.861 for the separation of high risk and non-high risk tumors. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated improved risk stratification (log-rank test P < .001) compared to the current risk assessment classification ( P = 0.18). Conclusion In addition to current clinical and histology-based risk classification for patients with GIST, gene expression may offer complementary prognostic information.
Isoeugenol Affects Expression Pattern of Conidial Hydrophobin Gene RodA and Transcriptional Regulators MedA and SomA Responsible for Adherence and Biofilm Formation in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Gupta Lovely , Sen Pooja , Bhattacharya Asish K , Vijayaraghavan Pooja 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the major pathogenic fungal species, causing life-threatening infections. Due to a limited spectrum of available antifungals, exploration of new drug targets as well as potential antifungal molecules has become pertinent. Rodlet layer plays an important role in adherence of fungal conidia to hydrophobic cell surfaces in host, which also leads to A. fumigatus biofilm formation, contributing factor to fungal pathogenicity. From decades, natural sources have been known for the development of new active molecules. The present study investigates effect of isoeugenol on genes responsible for hydrophobins (RodA), adhesion as well as biofilm formation (MedA and SomA) of A. fumigatus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC and IC50) of isoeugenol against A. fumigatus were determined using broth microdilution assay. The IC50 results showed reduced hydrophobicity and biofilm formation after treatment with the compound and electron micrograph data corroborated these findings. The qRT-PCR showed a significant downregulation of genes RodA, MedA, SomA and pksP involved in hydrophobicity and biofilm formation. SwissADME studies potentiated drug-like propensity for isoeugenol which formed four hydrogen bonds with low binding energy (-4.54 Kcal/mol) at the catalytic site of RodA protein studied via AutoDock4. Hence, the findings conclude that isoeugenol inhibits conidial hydrophobicity and biofilm formation of A. fumigatus and further investigations are warranted in this direction.
Evaluation of spatter particles, metal vapour jets, and depressions considering influence of laser incident angle on melt pool behaviour
Authors: Tsubouchi Kotaro , Furumoto Tatsuaki , Yamaguchi Mitsugu , Ezura Atsushi , Yamada Shinnosuke , Osaki Mototsugu , Sugiyama Kenji 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Building of practical parts involves the application of metal-based laser powder bed fusion using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) owing to its high-precision manufacturing. However, the quality of the built parts obtained via the PBF-LB/M processes varies with the building conditions, and a thorough understanding of the building mechanism has not been achieved owing to the complex and interrelated process parameters involved. The incident angle of the laser beam, which changes on the platform during the laser beam scan owing to the designed three-dimensional data, is among the principal parameters that affects the building aspects. In this study, the melt pool in the singletrack formation during the PBF-LB/M processes was visualised using a high-speed camera, and the influence of the laser incident angle on the ejection characteristics of spatter particles formed around the laser-irradiated area was investigated. Consequently, the spatter particles and metal vapour jet behaviour varied with the laser incident angle. There was a reduction in number of spatter particles owing to the origin of the incident direction being from behind the laser irradiation area. In addition, the laser incident angle also affected the melt pool morphology because of the depression in the melting. Furthermore, the burial depth of the pores varied with the laser incident angle, and is related to the depth of the depression during the melt pool formation.
Substrate preferences, phylogenetic and biochemical properties of proteolytic bacteria present in the digestive tract of Nile tilapia
Authors: Hossain Tanim Jabid , Das Mukta , Ali Ferdausi , Chowdhury Sumaiya Islam , Zedny Subrina Akter 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Vertebrate intestine appears an excellent source of proteolytic bacteria for industrial and probiotic use. We therefore aimed obtaining the gut-associated proteolytic species of Nile tilapia. We’ve isolated twenty six bacterial strains from its intestinal tract, seven of which showed exoprotease activity with the formation of clear halos on skim milk. Their depolymerization ability was further assessed on three distinct proteins including casein, gelatin and albumin. All the isolates could successfully hydrolyze the three substrates indicating relatively broad specificity of their secreted proteases. Molecular taxonomy and phylogeny of the proteolytic isolates were determined based on their 16S rRNA gene barcoding which suggested that the seven strains belong to three phyla viz. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, distributed across the genera Priestia, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia, Providencia and Micrococcus. The isolates were further characterized by a comprehensive study of their morphological, cultural, cellular and biochemical properties which were consistent with the phylogenetic annotations. To reveal their proteolytic capacity alongside substrate preferences, enzyme-production was determined by the diffusion assay. The Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Micrococcus isolates appeared most promising with maximum protease production on casein, gelatin and albumin media respectively. Our findings present valuable insights into the phylogenetic and biochemical properties of gut-associated proteolytic strains of Nile tilapia.
Elaiophylin Targets EIF4B to Regulate the Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lijuan Gao , Chen Yongshun , Li Bin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Esophageal cancer remains a dominating cause of cancer-associated death and has shown a sharp increase of more than 6-fold increase rates all over the world. It is divided into two main pathological types: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Most of the patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage with distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Thus, it is urgent for us to identify new more effective drugs to improve the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. Elaiophylin is a novel autophagy inhibitor at the late stage, which is a C2 symmetric macrolides separated from Streptomyces Niger. It was proved to have anti-tumor ability of various of cancers, yet little is known whether it could inhibit the progression of esophageal squamous cancer. The study is aimed to explore the effect of Elaiophylin on ESCC.
Methods

The protein expression level was detected by western blot assay. The viability of ESCC cells was detected by CCK8 assay. The proliferation rate was measured by ki67 and BrdU immunofluorescent staining. The migratory ability of ESCC cells was identified by transwell assay. The apoptosis rate of ESCC cells was explored by Annexin V/PI analysis. And the genes might be regulated by Elaiophylin was analyzed by RNA-seq assay and human cancer pathway phosphorylation antibody array then verified by RT-qPCR and western blot assay. The experiments in vivo were conducted by subcutaneous into tumor in BALB/C-Nu mice.
Results

In the study, we firstly found that the Elaiophylin was an autophagy inhibitor at the late stage in ESCC cells which is consistent with the previous studies. In addition, Elaiophylin can inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCCs, and accelerate its apoptosis. And the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway was inhibited by Elaiophylin, the mRNA and protein expression level of EIF4B was both downregulated by Elaiophylin. In addition, When PI3K/AKT and autophagy signaling pathway was inhibited, the expression of EIF4B was subsequently abrogated. Mechanistically, silencing of EIF4B could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells and promoted apoptosis, which could be rescued by EIF4B-OE. Moreover, EIF4B overexpression suppressed the apoptosis, while increased the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells which resulted from Elaiophylin. Also, the EIF4B overexpression reversed the autophagic inhibition caused by Elaiophylin. Finally, Elaiophylin could inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer in vivo compared to the control group.
Conclusions

Together, our results indicated that Elaiophylin is an autophagy inhibitor governing growth and migratory ability of ESCC cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibit the proliferation of esophageal tumor in vivo. simultaneously, and identified EIF4B as a target of Elaiophylin, which might provide a new therapeutic strategy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
The Evolutionary Conserved TLDc Domain Defines a New Class of (H+)V-ATPase Interacting Proteins
Authors: Eaton Amity Fenn , Brown Dennis , Merkulova Maria 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We recently found that nuclear receptor coactivator 7 (Ncoa7) and Oxr1 interact with the proton-pumping V-ATPase. Ncoa7 and Oxr1 belong to a group of proteins playing a role in the oxidative stress response, that contain the conserved “TLDc” domain. Here we asked if the three other proteins in this family, i.e., Tbc1d24, Tldc1 and Tldc2 also interact with the V-ATPase and if the TLDc domains are involved in all these interactions. By co-immunoprecipitation, endogenous kidney Tbc1d24 (and Ncoa7 and Oxr1) and overexpressed Tldc1 and Tldc2, all interacted with the V-ATPase. In addition, the purified TLDc domains of Ncoa7, Oxr1 and Tldc2 (but not Tbc1d24 or Tldc1) interacted with V-ATPase in GST pull-downs. At the amino acid level, the point mutations G815A, G845A and G896A in conserved regions of the Ncoa7 TLDc domain abolished interaction with the V-ATPase, and S817A, L926A and E938A mutations resulted in decreased interaction. Furthermore, poly-E motifs present upstream of the TLDc domain in Ncoa7 and Tldc2 enhancedshow a (nonsignificant) trend towards enhancing the interaction with V-ATPase. Our principal finding is that all five members of the TLDc family of proteins interact with the V-ATPase. We conclude that the TLDc motif defines a new class of V-ATPase interacting regulatory proteins.
The Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) To Reduce Impulsivity and Aggression in Adults With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities: The tDCS-RIADD Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Khalifa Najat , Hawken Emily R , Bickle Andrew , Jones Jessica , Ayub Muhammad 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Challenging behaviours, in particular aggressive behaviours, are prevalent among people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Predictors of challenging behaviours are numerous, including past history of aggression, poor coping skills and impulsivity. Factors like motor or Rapid Response Impulsivity (RRI), have neurobiological underpinnings that may be amenable to change via neuromodulation using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).
Methods

This study aims to determine the efficacy of anodal tDCS in reducing RRI and incidents of aggression in people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) in residential or hospital settings. Using a single blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial design, adults with IDD, with a history of impulsivity leading to aggression, will be randomised to receive either repetitive anodal or sham tDCS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Outcome measures assessing impulsivity and aggression, will be collected for up to one month following the last tDCS session.
Discussion

The results of this study may pave the way for developing targeted interventions for impulsivity and aggressive behaviours in people with IDD.
Vegetation Cover Change Associated With Changes in Hydro-Climatic Variables in Northern Sub-Saharan Africa in Recent Decades.
Authors: Ogou Faustin Katchele , Igbawua Tertsea 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The environmental change in Northern Sub-Saharan Africa (NSSA) remains a challenge in relation with hydro-climatic variations and the low adaptation capacity of the region. The present study investigates the vegetation cover (NDVI) change associated with variations in hydro-climatic indicators over the period 1982–2015. The conventional statistical techniques such as the linear and multiple regressions, Mann-Kendall test, Sen’slope and the Pearson’s correlation were employed. The vegetation cover based on vegetation (NDVI) and hydro-climatic data were used. Trends in vegetation cover and hydro-climatic variables had monotonically increased except for the soil moisture that had monotonically decreased in the region. The proportion of significant positive (negative) changes were 46.78% (8.10%), 38.13% (0.34%), 52.12% (0.10%), 82.86% (0.00%) and 10.54% (38.27%) for NDVI, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, temperature and soil moisture, respectively. The low vegetation dominated the NSSA region with a proportion of about 32% of the total area coverage. The vegetation classes including low coverage, very high coverage, and extreme high coverage exhibited increasing trends. Meanwhile, moderate coverage and high coverage exhibited decreasing trends. The area-averaged precipitation and temperature were positively correlated with the NDVI; however, the area-averaged soil moisture showed negative association with NDVI. Except the precipitation and Significant positive (negative) correlations of NDVI with the precipitation, temperature and soil moisture at the 5% level occupied 1.67% (11.59%), 3.37%(26.19%) and 10.24% (6.75%), respectively. However, the combine effects of hydro-climatic variables are better for the monitoring of vegetation cover. This confirms that the vegetation cover is influenced by many factors.
Machine Learning Approach to Analyze the Different Optical Properties of FBGs
Authors: Dey Koustav , Nikhil V. , Roy Sourabh 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A generalized machine learning (ML) approach is proposed and demonstrated to analyse the various optical properties such as effective refractive index, bandwidth, reflectivity and wavelength of the Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). For this purpose, three commonly used FBG variants namely conventional, π phase-shifted and chirped FBG have been taken into consideration. Furthermore, the reflected spectra of those types of FBGs were predicted using a common tool. An exact spectrum was able to reproduce using this proposed model. This simple and fast-training feed-forward artificial neural network can predict the output for unknown device parameters along with the non-linear and complex behaviour of the spectrum minutely.
Comparative Modeling And Enzymatic Affinity of Novel Haloacid Dehalogenase From Bacillus Megaterium Strain BHS1 Isolated From Alkaline Blue Lake In Turkey
Authors: Wahhab Batool Hazim Abdul , Wahab Roswanira Ab. , Edbeib Mohamed Faraj , Hood Mohammad Hakim Mohammad , Hamid Azzmer Azzar Abdul , Al-Nimer Marwan Salih , Kaya Yilmaz , Huyop Fahrul 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This is the first structural model of L-haloacid dehalogenase (DehLBHS1) isolated from alkalotolerant Bacillus megaterium BHS1, which has been known to degrading halogenated environmental contaminants. The study suggested five important key amino acid residues of DehLBHS1, namely Arg40, Phe59, Asn118, Asn176 and Trp178 important for catalysis and molecular recognition of haloalkanoic acid. Alkatolerant DehLBHS1was modeled by I-TASSER with the best C-score 1.23. Model validation was carried out utilising PROCHECK to produce the Ramachandran map with 89.2 percent of its residues were found in the most preferred region, indicating that the model was appropriate. The Molecular docking (MD) simulation found that the DehLBHS1 preferred 2,2DCP more than other substrates and formed one hydrogen bond with Arg40 and minimum energy -2.5 kJ/ mol. Molecular dynamics has verified the substrate preference towards 2,2DCP based on RMSD, RMSF, Gyration, Hydrogen bond and Molecular distance. This structural knowledge from DehLBHS1 structural perspective gives insights into substrate specificity and catalytic function to exploit DehLBHS1 of BHS1 strain in degrading 2,2-DCP in the polluted alkaline environments.
Proximal Femur Versus Acetabular Extra-articular Resection of the Hip Joint for Primary Malignant Bone Tumors : A Retrospective Comparative Review of 33 Cases
Authors: Housset Victor , Anract Philippe , Babinet Antoine , Auberger Guillaume , Biau David 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Introduction Extra-articular resection (EAR) of the hip joint is prone to significant complications and morbidity. Thus, this study evaluates the cumulative incidences and main reasons of reoperation following EAR of primary bone tumors of the hip to determine whether the outcomes are different between EAR of the pelvis and that of the proximal femur. Patients and methods Thirty-three patients presented with a PMBT of the proximal femur or pelvis were included in this study. Among all PMBTs, 58% originated from the pelvis and 42% were from the proximal femur. Twenty patients had chondrosarcomas (61%), 10 had osteosarcomas (30%), and 3 had sarcomas of another histological subtype (9%). Results The mean follow-up was of 76 months (range: 24–220 months). The cumulative probabilities of revision for any reason was 52% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30%–70%) five years after surgery. The five-year cumulative probabilities of revision were 13% (95% CI: 4%–27%), 24% (95% CI: 10%–42%) and 34% (95% CI: 14%–56%) for mechanical, infectious and tumoral reasons, respectively. The five-year cumulative probabilities of revision for any reason were 78% (95% CI: 37%–94%) and 14% (95% CI: 2%–38%) for the pelvis and proximal femur, respectively ( p = 0.004). Posterior column preservation was significantly associated with more mechanical complications even after adjusting for the resection site ( p = 0.043). Conclusion Half of patients undergoing EAR of the hip joint for PMBT of the proximal femur or acetabulum will require another operation. EAR of the pelvis is associated with significantly worse outcome than EAR of the proximal femur.
Phosphoproteome Profiling of Mouse Liver During Normal Aging
Authors: Liu Jiang-Feng , Wu Yue , Yang Ye-Hong , Wu Song-Feng , Liu Shu , Xu Ping , Yang Juntao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAging is a complex biological process accompanied by a time-dependent functional decline that affects most living organisms. Omics studies help to comprehensively understand the mechanism of aging and discover potential intervention methods. Old mice were frequently obese with a fatty liver. MethodsWe applied mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics to obtain a global phosphorylation profile of liver in mice aged 2 or 18 months. A total of 5,685 phosphosites in 2,335 proteins were filtered for quantitative analysis. Phosphoproteome weakly separated young and old mice. ResultsCombining kinase prediction, kinase-substrate interaction analysis, and KEGG functional enrichment analysis, we observed high phosphorylation of fatty acid biosynthesis, b-oxidation, and potential secretory process, together with low phosphorylation of Egfr-Sos1-Araf/Braf-Map2k1-Mapk1 pathway and Ctnnb1 during aging. Proteins with differentially expressed phosphosites seemed more directly related to aging-associated fatty liver phenotype compared to the differentially expressed transcripts. Phosphoproteome may observe distinctive biological functions lost in transcriptome and proteome. ConclusionsIn summary, we constructed a phosphorylation-associated network in the liver of mice during normal aging, which may help to discover novel anti-aging strategies.