bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Redox Gene Regulator Rex Diverts Fermentation
In Concert with Low Charge Export in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Naradasu Divya , TAKANO Sotaro , Zhang Shu , Okinaga Toshinori , Tatsuji Nishihara , Nealson Kenneth , Okamoto Akihiro 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Microbial current production (MCP) coupled with fermentation metabolism emerges as critical for microbial electrochemical technologies. Unlike MCP associated with anaerobic respiration, a low amount of electron flux via MCP can impact the fermentation pathway and product yield. However, understanding the machinery for such an intriguing impact of MCP on fermentation remains unclear. Here, we report that the redox regulator protein (Rex), found in many Gram-positive bacteria, was activated by a low microbial current generation and affected the fermentation balance via pyruvate dehydrogenase upregulation in Streptococcus mutans. Although the coulombic efficiency of MCP was less than 0.02%, a significant shift in fermentation balance from ethanol to lactate production occurred in association with MCP to an electrode and with the reduction of a soluble electron acceptor flavin. Modeling metabolic flux in the wild type and the Δrex strains based on transcriptomics suggested that Rex protein was responsible for the shift in fermentation pathway through pyruvate dehydrogenase modification, resulting in increased ethanol concentration in the absence of MCP. Accordingly, deletion of the rex gene resulted in the loss of MCP-alteration of fermentation metabolic switch. Given that the rex gene is widely distributed in electrogenic bacteria, gene upregulation by MCP might be a prevalent mechanism.
Morphological identification, molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Argas persicus (Oken, 1818) (Acari: Argasidae) from domestic birds in eastern of Algeria
Authors: Rahmani Amira , Laatamna AbdElkarim , Yu Zhijun , Lafri Ismail , Herrada Zakaria , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Bakkes Deon K. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Argas persicus is soft tick commonly associated with poultry farms. It has a wide geographic distribution and colonizes different climate regions. Morphological identification of A. persicus has been reported worldwide, while genetic data regarding its molecular characterization is limited. The present study provides data on morphological identification, infestation prevalence and genetic characterization of A. persicuscollected on domestic birds in traditional farms from east of Algeria. Additionally, Argas samples originating from Gansu province in China were included for comparative molecular study. In total, 5,999 argasid ticks were collected from 186 farms in 18 localities from Setif region, from which, 1,518 (25.3%) ticks in 30 (16.13%) infested farms were examined and morphologically identified as A. persicus (the fowl tick). Furthermore, the 14 tick samples obtained from Gansu province (China) were morphologically identified as A. persicus. Molecular analysis of 30 Algerian samples (one tick from each infested farm) and 14 Chinese samples based on PCRs, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of three mitochondrial genetic markers (16S rRNA, 12S rRNA and cox1) confirmed morphological results where all samples belonged to A. persicus groups. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data showed that all Algerian samples and two Chinese samples belong to A. persicus sensu stricto (s.s.), while the remaining Chinese samples represented A. persicussensu lato (s.l.) (divergent lineage). The present study confirmed occurrence of A. persicus s.s. both in Algeria and China. In addition, interesting molecular data on the occurrence of a distinct Chinese lineage of A. persicus is reported.
Benefits of PLT for Cybersecurity Training
Authors: Chowdhury Nabin , Gkioulos Vasileios , Nystad Espen , Katsikas Sokratis 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The security of the communication systems, digital services and functionalities of Critical Infrastructures (CI) is more important now than ever. Many of today's energy providing infrastructures such as Smart Grids and Nuclear Power Plants rely on digitalized Industrial Control Systems. This, while facilitating data exchange and regular functions, has also rendered the infrastructures vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Additionally to installing security applications, ensuring that CI personnel is aware of cyber-threats and properly trained to cover all functions of their role is critical. For this purpose, several Cyber-Security (CS) training solutions have been proposed and adopted in recent years. While many advancements to CS training have been proposed in the literature, certain limitations are still present in current offerings. Current CS training and exercise offerings are often generalized to all audiences, as well as being inflexible and challenging to implement in many cases.Additionally, training participants are often not involved in the design or development of the exercises, which does not allow for tailored personalization and design of appropriate learning paths. In this work, we propose a framework for developing CS training exercises based on Personalized Learning Theory (PLT) concepts. Additionally, we develop and evaluate two different CS exercises with two different target groups developed using the framework. The results of the experiments and comparison with exercises conducted without using the framework show that the implementation of PLT concepts in the exercises had a significant effect on their effectiveness and outcome.
Effect of Wealth Inequality on Child and Infant Mortality in Togo
Authors: PELENGUEI Essohanam , PILO Mikémina 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
At birth, individual has a health capital that depends on family, environmental and personal characteristics which depreciates over time requiring investment. It’s in this sense that this article aims to analyze the effect of wealth inequality on infant and child mortality in Togo. This effect is accessed by a semi-parametric proportional hazard duration model of Cox. According to the model estimation which is based on data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) carried out in Togo in 2017, the results obtained shows in one hand that high wealth inequality contributes to increasing the risk of mortality of children under five. In other hand, the results show that the possession of a source of drinking water, the possession of health insurance by the mother, the mastery of the use of new information technologies and communication reduce the risk of infant and child mortality. In view of these results, policies to reduce wealth inequalities could help reduce the risk of infant and child mortality in proportions ranging from 0.075 to 0.264.
JEL classification: I14, D63, C14
Urban biotope classification incorporates urban forest and green infrastructure for improved environmental land-use planning in Mexico City
Authors: Toledo-Garibaldi María , Puric-Mladenovic Danijela , Smith Sandy M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Urban forests are recognized worldwide as the most critical component of green infrastructure due to their capacity to provide various environmental goods and services. As cities continue to expand and their environmental problems intensify, there is a growing need for urban forests and green infrastructure to be better incorporated into strategic land-use planning, especially in developing cities. The first step in building an urban forest management plan is to capture characteristics of the urban forest and how these change across the built environment. Here, we used an urban biotope approach to classify urban forest and environmental characteristics in Mexico City. We sampled 500 fixed-area randomly stratified plots across the city to characterize urban forest structural and compositional variables. PCA and the broken-stick method were used to reduce the number of 25 urban forest variables down to five significant principal components that accounted for 78% of the data's cumulative variation. Ward's method helped classify biotopes into a hierarchical system with seven finer-level biotopes defined by urban forest characteristics (Dunn = 0.09, AC = 0.98), nested within two broader-level biotopes defined by forest canopy conditions (Silhouette = 0.59, AC = 0.99). A no-tree canopy biotope was extracted from sampling locations with no trees. The biotopes derived here can fundament biotope mapping, support decision-making in urban forest planning, including the identification of available planting spaces, tree diversity targets, and canopy protection. Our work in Mexico City demonstrates how the biotope approach can be adapted and used to better incorporate urban forests and green infrastructure into future management planning for any city.
Association between antibiotics and asthma risk among adults aged over 40: a nationally representative retrospective cohort study
Authors: Choi Jiwon , Park Sun Jae , Park Young Jun , Hong Jaeyi , Jeong Seogsong , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Sung Min , Song Jihun , Cho Yoosun , Park Sang Min 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Several previous studies reported that antibiotic exposure in early life could lead to asthma in early childhood. However, the association between antibiotic use and the risk of asthma in the adult population is yet unclear. Our study aims to investigate the association between antibiotic use and asthma in adults.
Methods
National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data, which included 40 years or older aged subjects who have health screening examination data in 2005–2006, were used. Antibiotic exposure was examined from 2002 to 2006 and in total 256,698 participants with a mean age of 55.66 years were followed up from 2007 to 2019. During the follow-up period, 47,500 participants occurred asthma. To assess this association between antibiotic use and newly diagnosed asthma, the multivariable cox proportional hazards regression model was used. The considered covariates included residence status, body mass index, the number of healthcare visits, previous atopic dermatitis history, previous allergic rhinitis history, and infectious diseases.
Results
Participants with antibiotics use for ≥ 91 days showed a higher risk of asthma (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77-2.00), with a clear dose-dependent association (p for trend < 0.001). Furthermore, ≥ 4 antibiotic classes used group had an increased risk of asthma (aHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.58–1.76) than those who used only one antibiotic class. In our sensitivity analysis with wash-out period and shifting the index date, increased risk of asthma incidence and clear dose-response relationship according to antibiotics use have remained.
Conclusions
The clear dose-response pattern in antibiotics use and asthma may suggest that the management of proper antibiotic use in adults may lower the risk of asthma in the future.
Quality of Life Changes in Taiwanese Dentofacial Deformity Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Ng Jing Hao , Lee I-Chen , Liu Becky Chiang-Lin , Ko Ellen Wen-Ching 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The evaluation of orthognathic surgery (OgS) is shifting towards a coherent approach for patient care that balances objective clinician-defined measures with patient-centred outcome assessments, including health-related quality of life (QoL). This aim of this study adds to the pool of literature in East Asian subjects by studying the longitudinal QoL changes in Taiwanese patients with dentofacial deformities (DFD) undergoing OgS, using two standardized questionnaires at three different treatment stages.
Materials and Methods
This prospective cohort study comprised 113 consecutive Taiwanese OgS patients who underwent surgical-orthodontic treatment between 2015 and 2018. The subjects completed SF-36 and OHIP-14 standardized questionnaires with one additional aesthetics question at one month before OGS (T1), 3 months (T2) and at debond (T3). All responses were screened, and 90 valid questionnaires included for analysis. Additional subgroup comparisons were made between Class II and Class III patients, symmetric and asymmetric patients, surgery-first approach and orthodontics-first approach, presence or absence of genioplasty, genders, and younger and older patients.
Results
The cohort was comprised largely of skeletal Class III patients (84.4%) and showed significant improvements in OHIP-14 and Aesthetic score from T1 to T3. Pre-surgical orthodontic decompensation leads to a decrease in QoL. Patients who have undergone genioplasty have better generic health QoL than those without genioplasty at T3. Male DFD patients have better generic oral health and aesthetics QoL than female DFD patients. Age does not appear to affect generic health, generic oral health and aesthetics QoL at any time during OgS treatment.
Conclusion
OgS has positive effects on generic health, generic oral health and aesthetics QoL in DFD patients. The effect of asymmetry on QoL in OgS patients remains an area that requires further research in order to clarify conflicting results in the literature. Future studies should explore the long-term stability of QoL effects.
Clinical Relevance:
Prospective evaluation with contemporaneous questionnaire surveys at appropriate time points could better reflect the fluctuations of QoL and treatment variables throughout the surgical-orthodontic treatment.
Myeloid Trem2 orchestrates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated inflammation and HCC progression by reprogramming recruited macrophages
Authors: Wang Xuehao , Wang Ziyi , Zhang Yu , Han Sheng , Li Xiangdong , Nie Huiling , Jiao Chenyu , Xia Nan , Yu Wenjie , Chen Minhao , Wang Hao , Chen Xuejiao , Chen Xiaoyuan , Pu Liyong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Several studies have initially explored the possible role of Trem2 in NASH progression, but the confounding of cellular targeting and differences and limitations in research methods have obscured the precise identity of Trem2. Based on Trem2Flox, Trem2△mye, Trem2creERT Rosa26Tdtomato mice feeding with AMLN/CDAHFD60-driven NASH-HCC progression, we clearly delineate the full-time dynamic landscape of NAFLD-NASH-HCC regulated by myeloid-derived trem2: the absence of myeloid Trem2 leads to the pro-resolution program reprogramming of Ly6Chi monocytes/infiltrating macrophages recruited by NAFLD was partially terminated, resulting in accumulation and proliferation of monocytes and infiltrating macrophages, thereby exacerbating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Termination of the pro-resolution program resulted in increasing susceptibility to liver fibrosis while impairing Trem2-dependent exocytosis program, inhibiting TGFβ secretion and partially counteracting inflammation-driven activation of stellate cell. Furthermore, myeloid Trem2 deficiency blocks NASH-HCC occurence while reversing the infiltration of Eomes+PD1+CD8+ T cells, thus playing a key role in the progression of NAFLD-NASH-HCC. Our study broaden a new horizon for elucidating how myeloid Trem2 regulates chronic inflammatory liver disease and the corresponding tumor drivens.
Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) for intraoperative margin control on surgical specimens in breast conserving surgery
Authors: Hatzipanagiotou Maria Eleni , Huber Deborah , Thede Elisa , Scheiter Alexander , Fernandez-Pacheco Miriam , Hetterich Madeleine , Ripoll Blanca Roca , Ortmann Olaf , Seitz Stephan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
As breast-conserving surgery (BCS) has become standard for treatment of early breast cancer, the need for new technologies to improve intraoperative margin assessment has become clear. Close or positive margins during BCS lead to additional surgeries, treatment delay, additional stress for patients and increasing healthcare cost. Automated three-dimensional breast ultrasound (ABUS) systems are meant to overcome the shortcomings of hand-held ultrasound (HHUS). In this study we investigate the feasibility of ABUS to conduct ultrasound on surgical specimens in breast conserving therapy.
Methods
In this monocentric, non-interventional study, specimens of 40 women were examined via ABUS. A construction with isotonic saline solution, gel pads and ABUS membranes was invented by our team to produce images of breast cancer specimens using ABUS. Evaluation of the ABUS images was carried out by two independent physicians trained on ABUS evaluation.
Results
ABUS was conducted on 40 specimens. 90% of the generated images were of high quality. Measured tumor sizes with ABUS were bigger than measured tumor size with HHUS (mean tumor size 22.9 vs. 18.1 mm, CI 2.38–7.35, p < 0.05). The mean difference between the ABUS tumor size and the pathological tumor size was 1.8 mm (CI -0.84-4.53, p = 0.17). The mean difference between the HHUS tumor size and the pathological tumor size was 3.2 mm (CI -5.35- -1.03, p = 0.005).
Conclusion
ABUS seems to be a suitable method to conduct specimen ultrasound. Further studies are required to evaluate the accuracy of ABUS for intraoperative margin assessment and possible implementation in clinical work routine.
Plasma chylous degree detection based on machine learning and hyperspectral techniques
Authors: Wei Siqi , Liu Yafei , Lian Suyun , Huang Haijun , Cheng Hao , Li Mengshan , Guan Lixin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Blood transfusion is a critical medical treatment, which is performed to save patients’ lives. Chylous blood had high fats. The transfusion of chylous blood into a patient can cause the blockage of micro-vessels. Most blood collection stations are not equipped with the equipment for the detection of chylous blood, and the detection is usually performed with direct observation through the human naked eye, which is prone to certain human errors. Only a few large blood collection stations use the equipment for the detection of chylous blood. In this study, plasma hyperspectral data were collected to detect and identify chylous plasma. The data were preprocessed using the multiple scattering correction (MSC) method and then classified using four classification algorithms, including random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor KNN), Perceptron, and stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithms. First, the healthy and chylous plasma samples were classified into simple dichotomies. The best algorithm was identified by comparing the results of classification algorithms. The results showed that the random forest algorithm-based classification model had the best effect.Then, the chylous plasma was subdivided into different degrees of chylous plasma, which were less separable.A random forest algorithm-based plasma chylous degree detection model was established. Finally, 10 important spectral bands, including 1192.45 nm, 1182.9 nm, 946.98 nm, 1202.01 nm, 1080.93 nm, 1278.41 nm, 1237.03 nm, 991.65 nm, 1020.35 nm, and 1697.8 nm, were selected by band selection. After adjusting the parameters to optimize the model, the prediction accuracy of the whole band was 0.89. This study suggested that hyperspectral technology could identify chylous plasma and could be used to improve its detection efficiency in biomedicine, blood donation centers, human function tests, and other aspects. Filling the gap between machine learning and hyperspectral technology.To provide a new method for the diagnosis of chylous plasma.
Wangbi Tablet Regulates the Osteogenic Homeostasis by MiR335-5p through the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway and the RANK/RANKL/OPG System: An in Vivo Animal Study
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Sun Longji , Zheng Huilan , Tao Qingwen , Yan Zeran , Zhou Tongliang , Li Hong , Bian Yuting , Gan Chang , Wang Jianming 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated how the classic Chinese patent drug Wangbi tablet (WBT) for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regulates the osteogenic homeostasis through miR335-5p through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the RANK/RANKL/OPG system.
METHODS: The kidney deficiency pattern modeling rats were established by using castration operation. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was performed on rats for joint modeling. WBT and methotrexate (MTX) gavage interventions were used according to the group situation and body weight. The ankles of the rats were reconstructed in three dimensions using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The relative expressions of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, β-catenin, DKK1, RUNX2, DICER1, TRAP6 and NFATC1 in rat ankle bone tissues were measured using Western-Blot (WB).
RESULTS: In this study, we found that WBT promoted the expression of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, β-catenin and miR335-5p, decreased the expression of DKK1, promoted the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, increased the expression of osteogenic markers Runx2 and DICER1, and also regulated the RANKL/OPG balance in the affected joint bone tissue. The expression of osteogenic markers TRAP6 and NFATC1 was decreased, and the bone destruction of rats in CIA group and kidney deficiency pattern CIA group was improved.
Conclusion: WBT can promote the expression of miR335-5p, inhibit the expression of DKK1, regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the RANK/RANKL/OPG system in the ankle bone tissue of CIA and kidney deficiency pattern CIA rats, and regulate the balance of osteoclasts to treat bone destruction in RA.
Eco-friendly fire-retardant finishing of Cotton fabric with mixture of Ammonium Sulfamate and Sodium Stannate
Authors: Pal Ayan , Samanta Ashis Kumar , Kar Tapas Ranjan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The present work describes application of mixture of Ammonium Sulfamate (AS) and Sodium Stannate (SS) on 100% cotton woven fabric for imparting eco-friendly Fire-Retardant (FR) finish without any harmful effect investigating fire retardant properties with respect to Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), physical characteristics, inclined plan flammability test etc. The aim of the present work was to obtain LOI value around 30 or above with minimum char length and minimum loss of fabric tenacity. The treatment was carried out by impregnation of AS followed by SS in an aqueous solution and then drying at 1100C for 5 min and curing at 1500C for 4 min. After preliminary study with different concentrations (keeping total added chemical around 20%-24%) for AS and SS, final results indicated that 16% AS + 8% SS in combination renders LOI 38.30 and char length- 6.7 cm and around 30% loss of fabric tenacity. Preliminary investigation has also confirmed that 16% AS + 8% SS combination shows a synergistic effect as LOI value obtained by this chemical combination (16% AS + 8% SS) is higher than LOI value obtained by same % of application of AS or SS alone. Characterization of FR treated cotton was done by surface topography by SEM, functional groups by analysis of FTIR, element identification by XPS etc. Analysis of thermal behaviour by TGA confirms that after said FR treatment the residual char formation has increased by almost 25% and decomposition temperature of cellulose has been lowered considerably indicating a good fire-retardant property.