Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 33 in total

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  1. Diasporic Identity in Contemporary Sinophone Literature: The Role of Language and Cultural Elements
    Zhao Z
    J Psycholinguist Res, 2024 Feb 14;53(1):13.
    PMID: 38353779 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-024-10058-9
    Amidst the contemporary diasporic landscape in Sinophone literature, this research critically examines the nexus of language, culture, and identity. The study aims to analyze literary pieces composed in Sinophone languages across diverse diasporic communities and uncover the impact of language and cultural elements on the articulation and comprehension of diasporic identity. This paper used the following. comparative and typological research, an in-depth analysis of three Sinophonic texts, and contextual analysis. The subject of the study was three texts: The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan), Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (Dai Sijie), and The Woman Warrior (Maxine Hong Kingston). The results showed that In The Joy Luck Club, language and cultural facets unveil the characters' dual identity struggles due to living abroad, exemplified through code-switching's psychological tension. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress utilizes language and cultural details to underscore the significance of preserving heritage within the diaspora, with literary allusions amplifying this endeavor. In The Woman Warrior, language and cultural elements reflect the heroine's inner conflict as she navigates her dual cultural allegiance. This scholarly revelation deepens comprehension of how these aspects influence identity formation in the diaspora. These findings broaden the understanding of Sinophone diasporic literature, spotlighting shared trends in identity portrayal through language and culture. The research has theoretical value for literary, cultural, and anthropological studies and practical significance, potentially informing educational initiatives on diasporic literature and cultural diversity. This study's outcomes hold relevance for students, researchers, and cultural scholars exploring the role of language and culture in diasporic identity expression.
  2. Curcumin Modulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Reducing UNC119 Expression
    Zhao Z, Malhotra A, Seng WY
    J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 2019;38(3):195-203.
    PMID: 31679307 DOI: 10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2019029549
    UNCI 19 expression has been reported to be significantly higher in hepatic cancer cells (HCC). However, the clinical significance of modulating UNC119 expression in HCC is not well understood. The study described here aimed to explore the potential of curcumin in modulation of UNC119 expression in HCC by assessment with quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immune-histochemical analyses in HCC cell lines and tissues. The biological functions of UNC119 in the proliferation, growth, and cycle of tumor cells were analyzed both in vitro and in vivo. UNC119 expression was upregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues as indicated by comparison with normal liver cells and tissues. Cellular function assays showed that higher levels of UNC119 not only promoted proliferation but also enhanced HCC cell migration and invasion. UNC119 promoted progression of the cell cycle and significantly promoted HCC cell growth through the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway, and enhanced tumor migration and invasion by the TGF-β/EMT pathway. Curcumin efficiently inhibited HCC cell proliferation by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhabited migration and invasion by blocking the TGF-p/EMT signal pathway. Curcumin not only was beneficial for tumor remission but also contributed to the long-term survival of HCC-bearing mice. UNC119 was significantly upregulated and promoted cell growth in hepatic cancer cells and tissues by the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway and migration by TGF-β/EMT signal pathway. Curcumin treatment inhibited cell proliferation, growth, migration, and invasion by inhibition of those pathways.
  3. NGS-based likelihood ratio for identifying contributors in two- and three-person DNA mixtures
    Chan Mun Wei J, Zhao Z, Li SC, Ng YK
    Comput Biol Chem, 2018 Jun;74:428-433.
    PMID: 29625871 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2018.03.010
    DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling, serves as a standard procedure in forensics to identify a person by the short tandem repeat (STR) loci in their DNA. By comparing the STR loci between DNA samples, practitioners can calculate a probability of match to identity the contributors of a DNA mixture. Most existing methods are based on 13 core STR loci which were identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Analyses based on these loci of DNA mixture for forensic purposes are highly variable in procedures, and suffer from subjectivity as well as bias in complex mixture interpretation. With the emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, the sequencing of billions of DNA molecules can be parallelized, thus greatly increasing throughput and reducing the associated costs. This allows the creation of new techniques that incorporate more loci to enable complex mixture interpretation. In this paper, we propose a computation for likelihood ratio that uses NGS (next generation sequencing) data for DNA testing on mixed samples. We have applied the method to 4480 simulated DNA mixtures, which consist of various mixture proportions of 8 unrelated whole-genome sequencing data. The results confirm the feasibility of utilizing NGS data in DNA mixture interpretations. We observed an average likelihood ratio as high as 285,978 for two-person mixtures. Using our method, all 224 identity tests for two-person mixtures and three-person mixtures were correctly identified.
  4. Metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma on the fine-needle aspiration cytology of cervical lymph node in an elderly patient, with FISH confirmation: A case report
    Zhao Z, Takano A, Lim AST, Lim TH, Selvarajan S
    Malays J Pathol, 2020 Apr;42(1):115-119.
    PMID: 32342940
    INTRODUCTION: Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) usually occurs in adolescents and young adults, and most frequently arises in the extremities.

    CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of metastatic alveolar RMS from a nasal primary to cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in an elderly patient, diagnosed on the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. Smears showed malignant round cells featuring focal rhabdoid appearance, with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation further supported by immunocytochemical stains. Diagnosis of alveolar RMS was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) identifying FOXO1 gene involvement with dual colour break-apart probes at locus 13q14.

    DISCUSSION: The differential diagnosis for a small round blue cell tumour in the elderly generally includes metastatic small cell carcinoma, lymphoma, malignant melanoma, RMS, desmoplastic small round cell tumour and Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumour. Subtle morphological analysis and expression pattern of immunostaining for skeletal muscle differentiation led to the diagnosis of RMS. Cytogenetic testing on the FOXO1 gene rearrangement helps definite subtyping of alveolar RMS.

  5. Fulltext The vulnerability assessment and obstacle factor analysis of urban agglomeration along the Yellow River in China from the perspective of production-living-ecological space
    Yang L, Meng H, Wang J, Wu Y, Zhao Z
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0299729.
    PMID: 38578727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299729
    Urban agglomerations are sophisticated territorial systems at the mature stage of city development that are concentrated areas of production and economic activity. Therefore, the study of vulnerability from the perspective of production-living-ecological space is crucial for the sustainable development of the Yellow River Basin and global urban agglomerations. The relationship between productivity, living conditions, and ecological spatial quality is fully considered in this research. By constructing a vulnerability evaluation index system based on the perspectives of production, ecology, and living space, and adopting the entropy value method, comprehensive vulnerability index model, and obstacle factor diagnostic model, the study comprehensively assesses the vulnerability of the urban agglomerations along the Yellow River from 2001 to 2020. The results reveal that the spatial differentiation characteristics of urban agglomeration vulnerability are significant. A clear three-level gradient distribution of high, medium, and low degrees is seen in the overall vulnerability; these correspond to the lower, middle, and upper reaches of the Yellow River Basin, respectively. The percentage of cities with higher and moderate levels of vulnerability did not vary from 2001 to 2020, while the percentage of cities with high levels of vulnerability did. The four dimensions of economic development, leisure and tourism, resource availability, and ecological pressure are the primary determinants of the urban agglomeration's vulnerability along the Yellow River. And the vulnerability factors of various urban agglomerations showed a significant evolutionary trend; the obstacle degree values have declined, and the importance of tourism and leisure functions has gradually increased. Based on the above conclusions, we propose several suggestions to enhance the quality of urban development along the Yellow River urban agglomeration. Including formulating a three-level development strategy, paying attention to ecological and environmental protection, developing domestic and foreign trade, and properly planning and managing the tourism industry.
  6. Real-time and visual sensing devices based on pH-control assembled lanthanide-barium nano-cluster
    Liu M, Li H, Bai L, Zheng K, Zhao Z, Chen Z, et al.
    J Hazard Mater, 2021 07 05;413:125291.
    PMID: 33588337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125291
    Real-time and visual monitoring of pollutants in the air is of great importance since they are usually cannot be seen, smelled, or touched. Lanthanide nano-cluster is a kind of luminescent sensor for various species. However, controlling synthesis of lanthanide nano-cluster remains experimentally challenging. In this work, four series of lanthanide-barium (Ln-Ba) nano-clusters of Dy2Ba (1), Tb2Ba2 (2), Ln4Ba3 (Ln = Tb, 3a; Eu, 3b), Tb4Ba4 (4) were assembled through precisely controlling the pH of the reactant solutions. The work features the first example that the number of cluster's nuclei changes regularly with the pH. Moreover, investigation reveals that nano-cluster 3a is a highly selective and sensitive sensor towards acetylacetone (acac) and aniline. Interestingly, easy-to-use sensing devices of test paper, agarose gel, and five kinds of film on CaCO3, polyfoam, coin, mask, and wall that based on 3a were fabricated by facile methods. The seven sensing devices showed remarkable ability to sense aniline and acac vapors with visibility to the naked eyes. This is the first work on multiple real-time and visual sensing devices based on the lanthanide nano-cluster.
  7. Emergence of MXene and MXene-Polymer Hybrid Membranes as Future- Environmental Remediation Strategies
    Khosla A, Sonu, Awan HTA, Singh K, Gaurav, Walvekar R, et al.
    Adv Sci (Weinh), 2022 Dec;9(36):e2203527.
    PMID: 36316226 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203527
    The continuous deterioration of the environment due to extensive industrialization and urbanization has raised the requirement to devise high-performance environmental remediation technologies. Membrane technologies, primarily based on conventional polymers, are the most commercialized air, water, solid, and radiation-based environmental remediation strategies. Low stability at high temperatures, swelling in organic contaminants, and poor selectivity are the fundamental issues associated with polymeric membranes restricting their scalable viability. Polymer-metal-carbides and nitrides (MXenes) hybrid membranes possess remarkable physicochemical attributes, including strong mechanical endurance, high mechanical flexibility, superior adsorptive behavior, and selective permeability, due to multi-interactions between polymers and MXene's surface functionalities. This review articulates the state-of-the-art MXene-polymer hybrid membranes, emphasizing its fabrication routes, enhanced physicochemical properties, and improved adsorptive behavior. It comprehensively summarizes the utilization of MXene-polymer hybrid membranes for environmental remediation applications, including water purification, desalination, ion-separation, gas separation and detection, containment adsorption, and electromagnetic and nuclear radiation shielding. Furthermore, the review highlights the associated bottlenecks of MXene-Polymer hybrid-membranes and its possible alternate solutions to meet industrial requirements. Discussed are opportunities and prospects related to MXene-polymer membrane to devise intelligent and next-generation environmental remediation strategies with the integration of modern age technologies of internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, machine-learning, 5G-communication and cloud-computing are elucidated.
  8. Does intraoperative fluoroscopy improve acetabular component positioning and limb-length discrepancy during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty? A meta-analysis
    Sun C, Lee WG, Ma Q, Zhang X, Zhao Z, Cai X
    J Orthop Surg Res, 2023 Aug 08;18(1):586.
    PMID: 37553600 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04023-w
    BACKGROUND: The positioning of implant components for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is essential for joint stability, polyethylene liner wear, and range of motion. One potential benefit of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA is the ability to use intraoperative fluoroscopy for acetabular cup positioning and limb-length evaluation. Previous studies comparing intraoperative fluoroscopy with no fluoroscopy during DAA have reported conflicting results. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative fluoroscopy improves component positioning compared to no fluoroscopy during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty.

    METHODS: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted. We searched Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang database in May 2023 to identify studies involving intraoperative fluoroscopy versus no fluoroscopy during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. Finally, we identified 1262 hips assessed in seven studies.

    RESULTS: There were no significant differences in terms of acetabular cup inclination angle (ACIA, P = 0.21), ACIA within safe zone rate (P = 0.97), acetabular cup anteversion angle (ACAA, P = 0.26); ACAA within safe zone rate (P = 0.07), combined safe zone rate (P = 0.33), and limb-length discrepancy (LLD, P = 0.21) between two groups.

    CONCLUSION: Even though intraoperative fluoroscopy was not related to an improvement in cup location or LDD. With fewer experienced surgeons, the benefit of intraoperative fluoroscopy might become more evident. More adequately powered and well-designed long-term follow-up studies were required to determine whether the application of the intraoperative fluoroscopy for direct anterior total hip arthroplasty will have clinical benefits and improve the survival of prostheses.

  9. Vegetation restoration effects on soil carbon and nutrient concentrations and enzymatic activities in post-mining lands are mediated by mine type, climate, and former soil properties
    Yuan C, Wu F, Wu Q, Fornara DA, Heděnec P, Peng Y, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2023 Jun 25;879:163059.
    PMID: 36963687 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163059
    Vegetation restoration is a widely used, effective, and sustainable method to improve soil quality in post-mining lands. Here we aimed to assess global patterns and driving factors of potential vegetation restoration effects on soil carbon, nutrients, and enzymatic activities. We synthesized 4838 paired observations extracted from 175 publications to evaluate the effects that vegetation restoration might have on the concentrations of soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as enzymatic activities. We found that (1) vegetation restoration had consistent positive effects on the concentrations of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus on average by 85.4, 70.3, 75.7, 54.6, 58.6, 34.7, and 60.4 %, respectively. Restoration also increased the activities of catalase, alkaline phosphatase, sucrase, and urease by 63.3, 104.8, 125.5, and 124.6 %, respectively; (2) restoration effects did not vary among different vegetation types (i.e., grass, tree, shrub and their combinations) or leaf type (broadleaved, coniferous, and mixed), but were affected by mine type; and (3) latitude, climate, vegetation species richness, restoration year, and initial soil properties are important moderator variables, but their effects varied among different soil variables. Our global scale study shows how vegetation restoration can improve soil quality in post-mining lands by increasing soil carbon, nutrients, and enzymatic activities. This information is crucial to better understand the role of vegetation cover in promoting the ecological restoration of degraded mining lands.
  10. Proteomic map of the differentially expressed proteins in the skin of Ctenopharyngodon idella against Aeromonas hydrophila infection
    Ali S, Dawar FU, Ullah W, Hassan M, Ullah K, Zhao Z
    Fish Shellfish Immunol Rep, 2023 Dec 15;5:100122.
    PMID: 38023345 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsirep.2023.100122
    The skin mucus of fish is an important part of the innate immune system, which is poorly understood at the proteomic level. The study established a complete map of the proteins in the skin mucus of Ctenopharangdon idella (C. idella) and discussed the Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) after Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) infection. Using Label Free Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, a total of 126 proteins were identified as differentially expressed, 89 proteins of which were upregulated, and 37 proteins were downregulated. Functional annotations of DEPs showed that the upregulated proteins in the skin mucus of the treated group were mostly associated with complement system and cytoskeleton proteins, whereas downregulated proteins were associated with metabolism. The key upregulated immune proteins were transferrin variant C, lysozyme g, annexin A11, 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 8, hypothetical protein ROHU_000884, 60S ribosomal L7a, calpain-2 catalytic subunit-like protein, calpain-9-like protein, complement component C9, complement C3, cathepsin S, cathepsin Z, 14 kDa apolipo, heat shock protein and intelectin, whereas, leukocyte elastase inhibitor, annexin A11, C-factor-like protein, biotinidase isoform X1 and epidermal growth factor receptor substrate 15-like were the downregulated proteins. Moreover, we for the first-time report proteins such as coactosin, lamin-B2 and kelch 12, which were never reported in fish. Our study directly pointing out the possible immunological biomarkers in the skin mucus of C. idella after A. hydrophila treatment. Each of the protein we report in this study could be used as base to establish their mechanism of action during bacterial infection that may contribute to the strategies against bacterial prevention and control in fishes.
  11. Tryptophol Improves the Biocontrol Efficacy of Scheffersomyces spartinae against the Gray Mold of Strawberries by Quorum Sensing
    Zhao Z, Wei Y, Zou X, Jiang S, Chen Y, Ye J, et al.
    J Agric Food Chem, 2023 Dec 02.
    PMID: 38041637 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06676
    Previously, we reported that marine yeast Scheffersomyces spartinae exhibited biocontrol efficacy against the gray mold of strawberries caused by Botrytis cinerea. Herein, tryptophol, a quorum-sensing molecule, was identified in the metabolites of S. spartinae. Subsequently, we found that 25 μM tryptophol promoted population density, biofilm formation, and cell aggregation of S. spartinae. Furthermore, 25 μM tryptophol improved the biocontrol efficacy of S. spartinae against B. cinerea in vitro and in the strawberry fruit. Under a scanning electronic microscope, tryptophol facilitated colonization and biofilm formation on strawberry wounds, showing that tryptophol increased the biocontrol efficacy of S. spartinae via quorum sensing. Transcriptome analysis revealed that tryptophol upregulated the gene expression of SDS3, DAL81, DSE1, SNF5, SUN41, FLO8, and HOP1, which was associated with cell adhesion or biofilm formation. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to report that tryptophol improved the biocontrol efficacy of S. spartinae via quorum sensing.
  12. Pimecrolimus 1% cream for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis with a focus on children and sensitive skin areas
    Luger T, Chu CY, Elgendy A, Ibrahim SBBK, Murashkin N, Ranjan S, et al.
    Eur J Dermatol, 2023 Oct 01;33(5):474-486.
    PMID: 38297923 DOI: 10.1684/ejd.2023.4556
    This systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus vs other topical treatments in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on children and sensitive skin areas. An SLR was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases on January 15th, 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with pimecrolimus as a study arm. Another SLR performed on October 5th, 2020 identified RCTs with a crisaborole study arm. Direct pair-wise meta-analysis was used to compare pimecrolimus with vehicle, tacrolimus or topical corticosteroids (TCS; n = 27 studies). Outcomes included Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score 0/1 up to week 6 and adverse events. Pimecrolimus was more efficacious than vehicle in achieving IGA 0/1 up to week 6 in children, and similar safety profiles were observed with pimecrolimus and vehicle in children and the mixed population, including on sensitive skin. No significant differences in efficacy and safety were observed between pimecrolimus and tacrolimus 0.03%. Efficacy and safety were similar for pimecrolimus and mild medium potency TCS; mildly potent steroids caused transient epidermal thinning in sensitive skin areas (not seen with pimecrolimus). Pimecrolimus can be considered as a first-line option for mild-to-moderate AD, particularly in children and sensitive skin areas.
  13. β-coronavirus infectious diseases: recommended strategies for the prevention and control of transmission
    He G, Sun Z, Zhao Y, Zhang S, Chen H, Zhao Z, et al.
    Int J Clin Exp Pathol, 2020;13(5):1060-1065.
    PMID: 32509079
    In recent years, the incidence and mortality of infectious diseases in China are increasing. Infectious diseases, especially new infectious diseases, seriously threaten people's lives. Recent works found that most of the emerging infectious diseases come from wild life. At the same time, the impact of human activities on the environment has further deteriorated the living environment of wildlife. However, with the conducted in-depth research on virus, human beings increase the risk of getting infected. Taking Beta Coronavirus as the example, we analyzed the transmission risks of coronavirus in the prevention and control of the outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, and recommend the prevention and control strategies before, during and after the viral outbreak. Additional works are urgently needed to better define the biological and epidemiological characteristics of these viruses.
  14. Fulltext Conventional machine learning and deep learning in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis using neuroimaging: A review
    Zhao Z, Chuah JH, Lai KW, Chow CO, Gochoo M, Dhanalakshmi S, et al.
    Front Comput Neurosci, 2023;17:1038636.
    PMID: 36814932 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2023.1038636
    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory degradation and cognitive function impairment in elderly people. The irreversible and devastating cognitive decline brings large burdens on patients and society. So far, there is no effective treatment that can cure AD, but the process of early-stage AD can slow down. Early and accurate detection is critical for treatment. In recent years, deep-learning-based approaches have achieved great success in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. The main objective of this paper is to review some popular conventional machine learning methods used for the classification and prediction of AD using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The methods reviewed in this paper include support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), convolutional neural network (CNN), autoencoder, deep learning, and transformer. This paper also reviews pervasively used feature extractors and different types of input forms of convolutional neural network. At last, this review discusses challenges such as class imbalance and data leakage. It also discusses the trade-offs and suggestions about pre-processing techniques, deep learning, conventional machine learning methods, new techniques, and input type selection.
  15. A carbon conductive filament-induced robust resistance switching behavior for brain-inspired computing
    Yu T, Wang D, Liu M, Lei W, Shafie S, Mohtar MN, et al.
    Mater Horiz, 2024 Mar 04;11(5):1334-1343.
    PMID: 38175571 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01762a
    Memristors have revolutionized the path forward for brain-inspired computing. However, the instability of the nucleation process of conductive filaments based on active metal electrodes leads to the discrete distribution of switching parameters, which hinders the realization of high-performance and low-power devices for neuromorphic computing. In response, a carbon conductive filament-induced robust memristor is demonstrated with variation coefficients as low as 3.9%/-1.18%, a threshold power as low as 10-9 W, and 3 × 106 s retention and 107 cycle endurance behaviors can be maintained. The recognition accuracy for Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) handwriting is as high as 96.87%, attributed to the high linearity of the iterative updating of synaptic weights. The demodulation and storage functions of the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) are demonstrated by programmable pulse modulation. Notably, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images allow the observation of carbon conductive filament paths formed in the low resistance state. First-principles calculations analyze the energetics of defects involved in the diffusion of carbon atoms into MoTe2 films. This work presents a novel guideline for studying memristor-based neuromorphic computing.
  16. Fulltext Impact of the Inflow Population From Outbreak Areas on the COVID-19 Epidemic in Yunnan Province and the Recommended Control Measures: A Preliminary Study
    Sun Z, He G, Huang N, Chen H, Zhang S, Zhao Z, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2020;8:609974.
    PMID: 33344408 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.609974
    Background: COVID-19 developed into a global pandemic in 2020 and poses challenges regarding the prevention and control capabilities of countries. A large number of inbound travelers from other regions could lead to a renewed outbreak of COVID-19 in the local regions. Globally, as a result of the imbalance in the control of the epidemic, all countries are facing the risk of a renewed COVID-19 outbreak brought about by travelers from epidemic areas. Therefore, studies on a proper management of the inbound travelers are urgent. Methods: We collected a total of 4,733,414 inbound travelers and 174 COVID-19 diagnosed patients in Yunnan province from 21 January 2020 to 20 February 2020. Data on place of origin, travel history, age, and gender, as well as whether they had suspected clinical manifestations for inbound travelers in Yunnan were collected. The impact of inbound travelers on the local epidemic was analyzed with a collinear statistical analysis and the effect of the control measures on the epidemic was evaluated with a sophisticated modeling approach. Results: Of the 174 COVID-19 patients, 60.9% were not from Yunnan, and 76.4% had a history of travel in Hubei. The amount of new daily cases in Yunnan was significant correlated with the number of inbound travelers from Hubei and suspected cases among them. Using Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model analysis, we found that the prevention and control measures dropped the local R0 down to 1.07 in Yunnan province. Conclusions: Our preliminary analysis showed that the proper management of inbound travelers from outbreak areas has a significantly positive effect on the prevention and control of the virus. In the process of resettlement, some effective measures taken by Yunnan province may provide an important reference for preventing the renewed COVID-19 outbreak in other regions.
  17. Fulltext An exploratory simulation study and prediction model on human brain behavior and activity using an integration of deep neural network and biosensor Rabi antenna
    Pham NT, Bunruangses M, Youplao P, Garhwal A, Ray K, Roy A, et al.
    Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e15749.
    PMID: 37305516 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15749
    The plasmonic antenna probe is constructed using a silver rod embedded in a modified Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) ad-drop filter. Rabi antennas are formed when space-time control reaches two levels of system oscillation and can be used as human brain sensor probes. Photonic neural networks are designed using brain-Rabi antenna communication, and transmissions are connected via neurons. Communication signals are carried by electron spin (up and down) and adjustable Rabi frequency. Hidden variables and deep brain signals can be obtained by external detection. A Rabi antenna has been developed by simulation using computer simulation technology (CST) software. Additionally, a communication device has been developed that uses the Optiwave program with Finite-Difference Time-Domain (OptiFDTD). The output signal is plotted using the MATLAB program with the parameters of the OptiFDTD simulation results. The proposed antenna oscillates in the frequency range of 192 THz to 202 THz with a maximum gain of 22.4 dBi. The sensitivity of the sensor is calculated along with the result of electron spin and applied to form a human brain connection. Moreover, intelligent machine learning algorithms are proposed to identify high-quality transmissions and predict the behavior of transmissions in the near future. During the process, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.3332(±0.2338) was obtained. Finally, it can be said that our proposed model can efficiently predict human mind, thoughts, behavior as well as action/reaction, which can be greatly helpful in the diagnosis of various neuro-degenerative/psychological diseases (such as Alzheimer's, dementia, etc.) and for security purposes.
  18. Hybridization state transition-driven carbon quantum dot (CQD)-based resistive switches for bionic synapses
    Yu T, Fang Y, Chen X, Liu M, Wang D, Liu S, et al.
    Mater Horiz, 2023 Jun 06;10(6):2181-2190.
    PMID: 36994553 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00117b
    As an emerging carbon-based material, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have shown unstoppable prospects in the field of bionic electronics with their outstanding optoelectronic properties and unique biocompatible characteristics. In this study, a novel CQD-based memristor is proposed for neuromorphic computing. Unlike the models that rely on the formation and rupturing of conductive filaments, it is speculated that the resistance switching mechanism of CQD-based memristors is due to the conductive path caused by the hybridization state transition of the sp2 carbon domain and sp3 carbon domain induced by the reversible electric field. This avoids the drawback of uncontrollable nucleation sites leading to the random formation of conductive filaments in resistive switching. Importantly, it illustrates that the coefficient of variation (CV) of the threshold voltage can be as low as -1.551% and 0.083%, which confirms the remarkable uniform switching characteristics. Interestingly, the Pavlov's dog reflection as an important biological behavior can be demonstrated by the samples. Finally, the accuracy recognition rate of MNIST handwriting can reach up to 96.7%, which is very close to the ideal number (97.8%). A carbon-based memristor based on a new mechanism presented provides new possibilities for the improvement of brain-like computing.
  19. Fulltext Exploring How Low Oxygen Post Conditioning Improves Stroke-Induced Cognitive Impairment: A Consideration of Amyloid-Beta Loading and Other Mechanisms
    Zhao Z, Hood RJ, Ong LK, Pietrogrande G, Sanchez Bezanilla S, Warren KE, et al.
    Front Neurol, 2021;12:585189.
    PMID: 33841293 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.585189
    Cognitive impairment is a common and disruptive outcome for stroke survivors, which is recognized to be notoriously difficult to treat. Previously, we have shown that low oxygen post-conditioning (LOPC) improves motor function and limits secondary neuronal loss in the thalamus after experimental stroke. There is also emerging evidence that LOPC may improve cognitive function post-stroke. In the current study we aimed to explore how exposure to LOPC may improve cognition post-stroke. Experimental stroke was induced using photothrombotic occlusion in adult, male C57BL/6 mice. At 72 h post-stroke animals were randomly assigned to either normal atmospheric air or to one of two low oxygen (11% O2) exposure groups (either 8 or 24 h/day for 14 days). Cognition was assessed during the treatment phase using a touchscreen based paired-associate learning assessment. At the end of treatment (17 days post-stroke) mice were euthanized and tissue was collected for subsequent histology and biochemical analysis. LOPC (both 8 and 24 h) enhanced learning and memory in the 2nd week post-stroke when compared with stroke animals exposed to atmospheric air. Additionally we observed LOPC was associated with lower levels of neuronal loss, the restoration of several vascular deficits, as well as a reduction in the severity of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) burden. These findings provide further insight into the pro-cognitive benefits of LOPC.
  20. Effectiveness, safety, initial optimal dose, and optimal maintenance dose range of basal insulin regimens for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analysis
    Luo Y, Xia J, Zhao Z, Chang Y, Bee YM, Nguyen KT, et al.
    J Diabetes, 2023 Apr 10.
    PMID: 37038616 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13381
    AIMS: To investigate the effectiveness, safety, optimal starting dose, optimal maintenance dose range, and target fasting plasma glucose of five basal insulins in insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to February 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was adopted. The registration ID is CRD42022319078 in PROSPERO.

    RESULTS: Among 11 163 citations retrieved, 35 publications met the planned criteria. From meta-analyses and network meta-analyses, we found that when injecting basal insulin regimens at bedtime, the optimal choice in order of most to least effective might be glargine U-300 or degludec U-100, glargine U-100 or detemir, followed by neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH). Injecting glargine U-100 in the morning may be more effective (ie, more patients archiving glycated hemoglobin 

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