bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ALGORITHM FOR GARBAGE TRUCK ROUTING IN CITIES WITH A FIXATION ON CONTAINER FILLING LEVEL
Authors: OLISKEVYCH Myroslav , DANCHUK Victor
Published: April 2023

An algorithm for optimizing the routes of a set of vehicles used for the collection and removal of municipal solid waste in a metropolis is proposed. The algorithm eliminates the problem of applying heuristic methods for multi-agent optimization, which is NP non-deterministic polynomial-time-hard. The application of the algorithm leads to a guaranteed exact solution. Through the application of restrictions on the carrying capacity of vehicles, the size of the input matrix representing the transport network can be reduced to an adequate size. This process uses statistical information about the filling levels of container waste bins. The algorithm is applied to an example of two megacities. The shortest routes are built for different numbers of points (from 12 to 72) on the route. The dependence of the total mileage on the number of involved vehicles is studied.
SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYSIS OF THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF URBAN VEHICLE ACCESS REGULATIONS
Authors: OGUNKUNBI Gabriel , MESZAROS Ferenc
Published: April 2023

Heavy motorisation in the wake of increasing urbanisation is one of the significant transport problems cities face today. There are practical measures under the panoply of urban vehicle access regulations (UVARs) used to stimulate sustainable mobility behaviour changes in the urban population and reduce reliance on passenger car travel. However, the adoption and implementation of such measures are often riddled with challenges, particularly building public acceptability and preserving social justice. Overcoming these challenges will also require cities to understand how the mobility needs of residents change over time. Considering the limitations of conventional data-collection and monitoring approaches, this study explored and analysed the public perception of UVARs over 12 years through natural language processing techniques using social media as a data source. The results show that UVARs are a prominent topic in public discussion and that the average sentiment expressed in tweets tended to be more positive than negative, with a gradual increase observed over the 12-year study period. In addition, the patterns observed in the data and the topics modelled were consistent with the events and talking points in society related to UVARs. Hence, this study demonstrates that social media data can help policymakers assess public sentiments during the ideation, design, implementation, and operational phases of UVARs and other transport policy measures.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MARKETING ON ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR RELATED TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN HANOI CITY
Authors: NHUNG Ngo Thi Hong , HAI Do Huu , DUNG Vu Tri , THONG Le Ngoc , TRUNG Pham Quang , CUONG Nguyen Hung
Published: April 2023

Dangerous and risky actions while traveling on traffic routes that threaten the health, spirit and life of vehicle drivers and others. However, to raise community awareness, make them care about traffic safety behavior takes time and influence attitudes to create behavior change in a sustainable way. Research based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior [1, 2] and the theory of social marketing was conducted to identify the factors influencing the road traffic attitudes and behaviors of people in Hanoi and the degrees of their influence. The results show that road traffic attitudes are affected, in descending order, by partnership, resources, distribution, promotion, price, product, and public. The road traffic behavior of people is determined, in descending order, by age, moderator variables (the law and the validity of the law and weather), attitude, and education level. Based on the results, several recommendations to government officials and policymakers have been made.
Applying Stamping Without Die to Micro-hole Array Processing
Authors: Hung Yung Chou , Hsu Ching Yun
Published: April 2023

Aluminum alloy (Al6061) sheet micro-hole processing is extensively used in smartphones, tablet PC, and smart wearable devices. The micro-hole processing is commonly performed using laser, micro drilling, microstamping, micro discharge, and chemical etching technologies. Micro-stamping technology is characterized by precision and rapid processing, but the precision positioning of the punch head and lower die is one of the major difficulties in micro-hole stamping, especially in manufacturing array micro-holes. This study used stamping without die technology. This technology uses an array punch head to punch the lower die holes on the base, then performs array micro-hole stamping. The experimental results show that a micro-hole array with 37 micro-holes were successfully manufactured and can be reproduced many times. Tapered array micro-holes with a high aspect ratio can be manufactured using this stamping without die technology; the micro-hole depth can be 260μm, the inlet diameter is 116μm, and the outlet diameter is 25μm. This study has successfully developed the feasibility of array micro-hole stamping technology.
Evaluating Intravenous and Intrathecal Administration of AAV Encoding ARSA Gene Therapy Approaches for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy in Minipigs
Authors: Mullagulova Aysilu , Shaimardanova Alisa , Solovyeva Valeriya , Mukhamedshina Yana , Chulpanova Daria , Kostennikov Alexander , Issa Shaza , Rizvanov Albert
Published: April 2023

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by demye-lination and motor and cognitive impairment due to the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA) or the saposin B activator protein (SapB). Current treatments are limited; however, gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for ARSA delivery has shown promising results. The main challenges for MLD gene therapy include optimizing AAV dosage, selecting the most effective serotype, and determining the best route of administration for ARSA delivery into the central nervous system. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AAV serotype 9 encoding ARSA (AAV9-ARSA) gene therapy when administered intrave-nously or intrathecally in minipigs, a large animal model with anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. By comparing these two administration methods, this study contributes to the understanding of how to improve the effectiveness of MLD gene therapy and offers valuable insights for future clinical applications.
New Physicochemical Methodology for the Determination of the Surface Thermodynamic Properties of Solid Particles
Authors: Hamieh Tayssir
Published: April 2023

The study of the surface thermodynamic properties of solid materials is primordial for the determination of the dispersive surface energy, polar enthalpy of adsorption and Lewis’s acid base properties of solid particles. Inverse gas chromatography technique (IGC) at infinite dilution is the best surface technique for the determination of the surface physicochemical properties of materials. (1) Background: This paper was devoted to study the surface properties of solid materials such as alumina particles by using IGC technique. (2) Methods: Different methods and molecular models such as spherical, cylindrical, van der Waals, Redlich-Kwong, Kiselev and geometric models, were used to determine the London dispersive surface energy of solid surfaces. Hamieh model was also used and highlighted the thermal effect on the surface area of solvents. (3) Results: The variations of the dispersive surface energy and the free energy of adsorption were determined for alumina particles as a function of the temperature as well as their Lewis’s acid base constants. Alumina surfaces were proved to exhibit a strong Lewis amphoteric character three time more basic than acidic (4) Conclusions: The new methodology based on Hamieh model gave the more accurate results of the physicochemical properties of the particle surfaces.
The Correlation between Chemical Compositions and Antimicrobial Properties of Sea Buckthorn
Authors: Sandulachi Elisaveta , Netreba Natalia , Macari Artur , Sandu Iuliana , Boestean Olga , Dianu Irina , Popa Sergiu
Published: April 2023

Due to the content of biologically active substances, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is of growing interest to scientists, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and consumers. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the chemical composition (Carotenoid content (CC), Ascorbic acid content (AAC), Total dry matters (TDM), Titratable acidity (TA), pH, Organic acids (OA)) and the Antibacterial effect (AA) (Diameter of the inhibition zone in mm of Bacillus pumilus) of four species of sea buckthorn (Clara, Dora, Cora, Mara), cultivated in the Republic of Moldova. The sea buckthorn species tested was found to have a different Carotenoid content (1.79±0.43 … 48.92±0.61 mg/100g), Ascorbic acid content (74.36±0.60 … 373.38±2.29 mg/100g), Organic acids (malic acid 5.8±0.02 ... 13.4±0.01 mg/100g, citric acid 0.08±0.00 ... 0.32±0.01 mg/100g, succinic acid 0.03±0.00 ... 1.1±0.00 mg/100g), Total dry matters (16.71±0.05 … 24.54±0.09 %), Total acidity (2.15±0.05 ... 8.76±0.00 %), and pH value (2.73±0.02 ... 3.00±0.07). The microbial activity of sea buckthorn, evaluated by the diameter of the inhibition zone, constituted for Bacillus pumilus (3.70…15.91mm/g-1 for whole sea buckthorn fruits and respectively 13.33…26.67 mm/g-1 for sea buckthorn puree).
Socio-Demographic Correlates of Barriers to Access Healthcare Services Among Children in Post-Communist Albania
Authors: Mone Iris , Vasil Suela , Alia Albano , Xinxo Sonela , Muça Kliton , Burazeri Genc
Published: April 2023

Access to healthcare services is an essential component of promoting public health and sustainable development. Our aim was to assess socio-demographic correlates of barriers to access healthcare services among children in Albania, a post-communist country in Europe. An online survey was conducted in September 2022, including a nationwide representative sample of 7831 schoolchildren (≈54% girls) pertinent to grades 6-9 from all regions of Albania. A structured and anonymous questionnaire was administered to all children inquiring about a range of potential barriers to access healthcare services. Overall, about 42% of the children reported that they had barriers to access healthcare services. There were no gender differences, but significant: ethnic differences (51% among Roma/Egyptian children vs. 42% among the general sample of the children); urban/rural differences (46% rural vs. 39% urban); and socioeconomic differences (52% among children with a lower maternal education vs. 31% among children with a higher maternal education; 66% among children from poor families vs. 35% among children with a higher family income). In transitional Albania, children residing in rural areas, children from Roma and/or Egyptian communities and especially those pertinent to low socioeconomic families report considerably more barriers to access healthcare services, which is a cause of concern.
Impact Of Tuned Oxidation on the Surface Energy of Sintered Samples Produced from Atomised B-Doped Al-Cu-Fe Quasicrystalline Powders
Authors: Kušter Monika , Kovač Janez , Samardžija Zoran , Komelj Matej , Semsari Parapari Sorour , Podlogar Matejka , Dubois Jean-Marie , Šturm Sašo
Published: April 2023

Super-hydrophobic surfaces and coatings have stimulated a great deal of research, with the aim to achieve better wetting properties. Factors such as surface chemistry and roughness play an important role in changing the surface energy, which in turn leads to changes in the wettability. Here, we have analysed the time dependence of the oxide layer and possible surface adsorbates on the surface topography of an Al59Cu25Fe13B3 quasicrystalline material for changes to the wettability. The quasicrystalline matrix phase was 94 % of the sample volume, and covered by a very smooth, amorphous oxide layer. The AlB12 and AlFe2B2 boron-rich phases were embedded in the quasicrystalline material as a result of a 3 at.% boron addition, which makes atomisation of the material a simpler process. Under ambient conditions the sample was naturally covered by an oxide layer; therefore, it is referred to as “surfenergy”, to distinguish it from the conventional surface energy of a bare quasicrystal surface. The growth of the oxide layer with atmospheric ageing and annealing at 500° C in air for various times was investigated for both cases. The phase most prone to oxidation was the boron-rich AlFe2B2, which influenced the topography of the surface and accordingly the wetting behaviour of the specimen. We demonstrated that the surfenergy depends on the polar component, which is the most sensitive to the operating conditions. A correlation between the surfenergy components and the surface roughness was found. In addition, theoretical models to determine the wettability were included.
How Can We Promote COVID-19 Vaccination? - Comparison of the Potential Influence between Opt-out and Opt-in Defaults
Authors: Takebayashi Masaki , Namba Mira , Kaneda Yudai , Koyama Tatsuya , Miyashita Soichiro , Takebayashi Kurenai , Oonishi Motoki
Published: April 2023

Vaccination is the key infection control measure against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most municipalities in Japan have adopted an opt-in system for COVID-19 vaccination, but its background information is limited. We, therefore, aimed to examine the differences in vaccination coverages and their cancellation rates between opt-in and opt-out settings for COVID-19 vaccination in 10 cities in A prefecture, Japan. 10 cities in A Prefecture were surveyed by email as of 10 October 2021 on the vaccination coverage by age group (12 years and older) and the cancellation rate on the day of vaccination. We also checked on the complaints received in the opt-out group. Opt-out was adopted in one of the ten cities in which vaccination was designed for all household members aged 15-64, thus serving as the opt-out group. Vaccination coverage in the opt-out group was 88.2%-89.2% for the first dose and 84.9%-86.0% for the second dose at 95% confidence intervals in the comparable 20–64-year age group. In contrast, the overall opt-in group (nine cities, one of which did not have an identified vaccination rate) was 51.3%-83.6% for the first dose and 63.5%-74.8% for the second dose in the same age group. For the opt-out group, the cancellation rate on the day was 11.3% for the first dose and 3.7% for the second dose, which had a lower cancellation rate than that of the opt-out on influenza vaccines in previous studies, 71%. Meanwhile, the opt-in group did not monitor them. There were no complaints about default changes in the opt-out group. While there is room for further research, such as understanding the reasons for accepting the default change by residents in the opt-out group, it was suggested that making opt-out the default would promote COVID-19 vaccination.
Salivary Levels of Inflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Biomarkers in Periodontitis Patients with and without Acute Myocardial Infarction: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Authors: Thomas Biju , K. Subrahmanyam , Duarte Kimberly , Alsaegh Mohammed Amjed , Gopinath Divya , Kuriadom Sam Thomas , Narayanan Jayaraj , Desai Vijay B. , Khair Al-Moutassem Billah , Varma Sudhir Rama , Afrashtehfar Kelvin I.
Published: April 2023

Background: Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are pro-inflammatory biomarkers that quantify clinical and subclinical inflammation in cardiac ischemia in cardiac inflammation and disease. Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory marker associated with good health. The susceptibility of periodontitis patients to cardiovascular events needs to be evaluated.
Objective: This study aims to assess the levels of biomarkers in periodontitis patients with and without acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to controls.
Material and methods: Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory analytes were examined by collecting unstimulated saliva from three groups (n = 20/each): healthy individuals, individuals with stage III periodontitis, and post-myocardial infarction patients with stage III periodontitis. The samples were collected within 48 hours of AMI.
Results: Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in patients with periodontitis with and without AMI compared to controls, while CRP and MIP-1α were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis with and without AMI compared to controls. The highest titers for MIP-1α and CRP were detected among patients with periodontitis with and AMI.
Conclusion: Our study provides evidence of the association between periodontitis and salivary analytes that occur in tandem with cardiovascular disease. The lower levels of Adiponectin and higher levels of CRP and MIP-1α in patients with periodontitis indicate that this condition is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention for periodontitis patients to prevent cardiovascular events.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Dry Anaerobic Digestion Residues derived from Food and Agro Wastes in Lesvos Island
Authors: Xypolias Panagiotis , Vakalis Stergios , Daskaloudis Ioannis , Lekkas Dimitrios Francis
Published: April 2023

Biowaste management is in the center of attention in recent years, due to the increased focus on Circular Economy practices. Recent management solutions promote exploration for small and medium scale processing and monitoring practices. In this context, two pathways of biowaste valorization are analyzed: composting and anaerobic digestion. This study focuses on energy production with the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of anaerobic residues from biogas production. Lesvos has numerous processing facilities and olive mills, and therefore Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) are the main biowaste streams in the island, along with olive tree pruning, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sludge from wastewater treatment facilities. Most studies present applications on specific types of biowaste, while this study aims to co-treat several biowaste streams. A holistic experimental set-up that combines aerobic and anaerobic treatment strategies was developed taking into consideration the hydrothermal treatment of AD digestate along with locally available biowaste, like OMWW, sludge etc. A main target objective is to investigate if solid fraction could have a high heating potential In addition, HTC was able significantly to reduce the COD of OMWW while resulting in hydrochars with increased heating values.
Review of the need for the reforming medical education, Republic of Armenia
Authors: Bazarchyan А. А. , Hovhannisyan S. G. , Yerimyan G. А. , Torosyan A. G.
Published: April 2023

Medical education is a fundamental link in the formation of qualified medical personnel. At different periods of development of the health care system, the system of education of health workers was also revised and improved. The article describes the stages of formation and development of the system of postgraduate education of medical workers in Armenia. To assess the current situation and the necessity to update the current system of postgraduate medical education, we conducted a survey in which participated the clinical residents, employees, and heads of departments, medical workers, leading specialists and representatives of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.
Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Using Modified Hummers Method for Cathode Electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Raheema Mazin Hasan , Jaber Ghufran S.
Published: April 2023

In this research, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is prepared  through the Hummers method with a slight change in some of the work steps, thus, a new method has been created for preparing carbon nanotubes which is similar to the original Hummers method that is used to prepare graphene oxide. Then, the suspension carbon nanotubes is transferred to a simple electrode position platform consisting of two electrodes and the cell body for the coating and reduction of the carbon nanotubes on ITO glass which represents the cathode electrode while platinum represents the anode electrode. The deposited layer of carbon nanotubes is examined through the scanning electron microscope technique (SEM), and the images throughout the research show the formation of carbon nanotubes. In the second part of the research, a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)  is prepared to utilize carbon nanotube as the cathode electrode, titanium oxide nanoparticles as the anode electrode by using a natural dye (pomegranate dye). The assembled dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is tested by two electrodes potentiostat using Xenon light source and all parameters are established; Vocp, Imax, Vmax, Isc and calculated full factor and conversion efficiency.
Removing Toxic Dyes from Aqueous Medium by Trichoderma-Graphain Oxide Aerogel
Authors: Ali Shaimaa Satae M , Al-Shammari Rana Hadi Hameed , Al-Mamoori Ayad M.J.
Published: April 2023

Toxic dyes are commonly discharged into waste waters and dyes are extensively used in the textile industry so it is necessary to find out efficient and eco-friendly method for treating waste waters resulting from industrial effluences. To achieve this aim the fungus Trichoderma sp. is employed into two lines: first line was self – immobilized fungal pellets in (Czapek – Dox medium) to adsorbs two dyes crystal violet, congo red by concentrations 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06 mg/L to both dyes, PH 2, room temperature with shaker in ( hrs.2,hrs.4,hrs.24) , by Uv- Visible spectrum . the removal efficiency of 0.05 mg/L crystal violet by Trichoderma sp was 96%. but there was no removal by congo red. The second line was immobilizing fungal mycelium to Graphain oxide free – standing aerogel to increase efficiency of adsorption. The decolorization of toxic dyes solution was detected by the change in the adsorption Uv- Visible spectrum and scanning microscopy analysis which revealed that there was dye adsorption on fungal mycelium surface. After treatment of crystal violet with 20 mg Graphain oxide -fungi aerogel in the condition PH 2, room temperature with shaker in time (hrs.2 ,hrs.4 , hrs.24 ) removal percentage to crystal violet was increasing with to raise concentrations the dye crystal violet until reaching the maximum removal percentage 97% in hrs.4 in 0.05mg/L concentrate , and it increased the efficiency of other concentrations . In contrast, according to congo red there was no color removal in any concentration within treatment time since congo red surface carries both negative and positive charges and causes electrostatic attraction, therefor, the adsorption reduced or does not occur.Trichoderma sp. is considered a selective  removal to basic dyes and could be employed to remove dyes from industrial effluents.
In vivo evaluation the efficiency of nitazoxanide with cationic Gemini surfactant on Cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Ahmed Zeinab , Kandeel Eman M. , Abdelmaksoud Hagar F. , Aboushousha Tarek , Badr Entsar E.
Published: April 2023

Infection with cryptosporidiosis endangers the lives of many people with immunodeficiency, especially HIV patients. Nitazoxanide is one of the main therapeutic drugs used to treat cryptosporidiosis. However, it is poorly soluble in water, which restricts its usefulness and efficacy in immunocompromised patients. Surfactants have an amphiphilic character which indicates their ability to improve the water solubility of the hydrophobic drugs. Our research concerns the synthesis of new cationic Gemini surfactants that have the ability to improve the solubility of the drug Nanazoxide. So, we synthesized cationic Gemini surfactants. N1,N1,N3,N3-tetramethyl-N1,N3-bis(2-octadecanamidoethyl)propane-1,3-diaminium bromide (CGSPS18) and 2,2‘-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(N-(2-octadecanamidoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoethane-1-aminium) dichloride (CGSES18) and the detection of their chemical composition by spectroscopic methods, as well as studying the properties of their surfaces and their toxicity. Furthermore, the efficacy of nitazoxanide in infected mice was studied in conjunction with three different doses of surfactants. To assess the effect of nitazoxanide and surfactants, the infection was parasitologically counted before and after treatment, and the intestinal, liver, and lung tissues were also examined histopathologically. In this study, it was found that the combination of the drug nitazoxanide with surfactants, especially the compound (CGSPS18) at a concentration of 25% increased the efficacy and resulted in a percentage reduction of 90.8%. Histopathological examination revealed that the group treated with the drug nitazoxanide in combination with CGSPS18 showed the best results exhibiting an almost normal villous pattern. This study demonstrated an increase in the effectiveness of nitazoxanide when combined with surfactants, and this suggests a promising future for the use of surfactants as an adjunct to enhance the effectiveness of nitazoxanide for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompromised patients, particularly HIV patients.
Human languages trade off complexity against efficiency
Authors: Koplenig Alexander , Wolfer Sascha , Meyer Peter
Published: April 2023

One of the fundamental questions about human language is whether all languages are equally complex. Here, we approach this question from an information-theoretic perspective. To this end, we conduct a large scale quantitative cross-linguistic analysis of written language by training a language model on more than 6,500 different documents as represented in 41 multilingual text collections, so-called corpora, consisting of ~3.5 billion words or ~9.0 billion characters and covering 2,069 different languages that are spoken as a native language by more than 90% of the world population. We statistically infer the entropy of each language model as an index of (un)predictability/complexity. We compare complexity rankings across corpora and show that a language that tends to be more complex than another language in one corpus also tends to be more complex in another corpus. This constitutes evidence against the equi-complexity hypothesis from an information-theoretic perspective, but also unveils a complexity-efficiency trade-off: high entropy languages are information-theoretically more efficient because they tend to need fewer symbols to encode messages. Our findings additionally contribute to debates about language evolution/diversity by showing that this trade-off is partly shaped by the social environment in which languages are being used.
Association of Macular Outward Scleral Height with Axial Length, Macular Choroidal Thickness and Morphologic Characteristics of the Optic Disc in Chinese Adults
Authors: Li Menghan , Xu Hannan , Ye Luyao , Zhou Siheng , Xie Jiamin , Liu Chen , Zhu Jianfeng , He Jiangnan , Fan Ying , XU XUN
Published: April 2023

Purpose
To identify the relationship of macular outward scleral height (MOSH) with axial length (AL), macular choroidal thickness (ChT), peripapillary atrophy (PPA), and optic disc tilt in Chinese adults.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 1088 right eyes of 1088 participants were enrolled and assigned into high myopia (HM) and non-HM groups. MOSH was measured in the nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior directions using swept-source optical coherence tomography images. The clinical characteristics of MOSH and the association of MOSH with AL, macular ChT, PPA, and tilt ratio were analyzed.
Results
The mean age of participants was 37.31 ± 18.93 years (range, 18–86 years), and the mean AL was 25.78 ± 1.79 mm (range, 21.25–33.09 mm). MOSH was the highest in the temporal direction, followed by the superior, nasal, and inferior directions (all p < 0.001). The MOSH of HM eyes was significantly higher than that of non-HM eyes, and it was positively correlated with AL in the nasal, temporal, and superior directions (all p < 0.001). Macular ChT was independently associated with the average MOSH (B = − 0.190, p < 0.001). Nasal MOSH was positively associated with the PPA area and the presence of a tilted optic disc (both p < 0.01). Eyes with a higher MOSH in the superior (odds ratio [OR], 1.008; p < 0.001) and inferior directions (OR = 1.006; p = 0.009) were more likely to have posterior staphyloma.
Conclusion
MOSH is an early indicator of scleral deformation, and it is correlated positively with AL and negatively with ChT. A higher nasal MOSH is associated with a larger PPA area and the presence of a tilted optic disc. Higher MOSH values in the superior and inferior directions were risk factors for posterior staphyloma.
Crystal structures of 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13
Authors: Liu Shenping , Sommese Ruth , Nedoma Nicole , Stevens Lucy , Dutra Jason , Wang Yang , Garnsey Michelle , Clasquin Michelle
Published: April 2023

Hydroxysteroid 17-beta-dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) is a hepatic lipid droplet-associated enzyme that is upregulated in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Recently, there have been several reports that predicted loss of function variants in HSD17B13 protect against the progression of steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we report the first known crystal structures of full length HSD17B13 in complex with its NAD+ cofactor and with small molecule inhibitors from two distinct series. These structures provide insights into a mechanism for lipid droplet-associated proteins anchoring to membranes as well as a basis for HSD17B13 variants disrupting function. Two series of inhibitors interact with the active site residues and the bound cofactor similarly, yet they occupy different paths leading to the active site. These structures provide ideas for structure-based design of inhibitors that may be used in the treatment of liver disease.
What we should consider to facilitate recovery of the hematological profile in all patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy: The role of preoperative intravenous ferritin treatment
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Park Sung Eun , Hong Tae Ho
Published: April 2023

Background In pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), the duodenum and upper jejunum responsible for iron absorption are removed, which can lead to massive hemorrhage during surgery and cause iron deficiency anemia after PD. The aim of this study was to evaluate overall changes in hematologic profiles of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Effect of preoperative intravenous ferritin treatment on recovery of anemia after surgery was also investigated.Methods From March 2021 to December 2021, patients who underwent curative PD at our institution due to periampullary lesions were enrolled. They were divided into two groups according to whether or not ferritin was administered before surgery. In the IV ferritin group, all patients had been routinely administered with 1000 mg of ferric carboxymaltose intravenously once about 3–7 days before the operation day. Contrarily, patients in the control group did not receive intravenous ferritin before PD. Changes in hematological profile were measured preoperatively and at 5, 14, and 30 days postoperatively. Clinical results of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Additionally, a subgroup analysis was performed for selected non-anemic patients who had preoperative hemoglobin level of 12.0g/dl or higher to compare changes in hematologic profiles between the two groups.Results Thirty patients of the IV ferritin group and 34 patients of the control group were analyzed. Although no difference was observed in postoperative complications or mortality, hemoglobin and iron levels were recovered significantly faster at two weeks postoperatively in the IV ferritin group than in the control group. Ferritin levels were consistently higher in the IV ferritin group throughout the postoperative period. In subgroup analysis conducted for non-anemic patients, hemoglobin levels were recovered significantly faster and maintained higher in the IV ferritin group throughout the postoperative period, although baseline levels of hemoglobin were similar between the two groups. In addition, the length of intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter in the IV ferritin group than in the control group.Conclusions Preoperative intravenous ferritin treatment might be effective in facilitating recovery of hematologic profiles of patients during the recovery period after PD regardless of the presence of preoperative anemia, thus preventing postoperative iron deficiency anemia.
Dynamic modeling and experimental study on a bowling manipulator
Authors: Pan Xueting , Liu Yang , Cheng Lifen , Feng Weiwei
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a training method for improving the effectiveness of bowling sports training, which involves utilizing a bowling robotic arm. The mechanics of the robotic arm were analyzed to establish a kinematics and dynamics model for a three-degree-of-freedom robotic arm. The motion trajectory planning of the robotic arm was carried out, and the kinetic characteristics of the bowling robotic arm were analyzed using Robotics Toolbox and the Lagrange functional equilibrium method. The positive and inverse kinematics of the robotic arm were solved, and the motion trajectory was simulated using the D-H parameter method and SimMechanics software. The APAS video analysis method and a 3D high-speed photographic analysis system were used to conduct the bowling training. The experimental results demonstrate the correctness and reliability of the dynamics model. The proposed training method for the bowling robotic arm is significant in guiding the daily training of bowling players and improving their competitive level.
Structure guided mimicry of an essential P. falciparum receptor-ligand complex enhances cross neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Sriniva Prakash , Yanik Sean , Venkatesh Varsha , Parker Michelle , Diouf Ababacar , Sarkar Deepti , Miura Kazutoyo , Long Carole , Boulanger Martin
Published: April 2023

Invasion of human red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) merozoites relies on the interaction between two parasite proteins, apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2)1,2. Antibodies to AMA1 confer limited protection against P. falciparum in non-human primate malaria models3,4. However, clinical trials with recombinant AMA1 alone (apoAMA1) saw no protection, likely due to inadequate levels of functional antibodies5–8. Notably, immunization with AMA1 in its ligand bound conformation using RON2L, a 49 amino acid peptide from RON2, confers superior protection against P. falciparum malaria by enhancing the proportion of neutralizing antibodies9,10. A limitation of this approach, however, is that it requires the two vaccine components to form a complex in solution. To facilitate vaccine development, we engineered chimeric antigens by strategically replacing the AMA1 DII loop that is displaced upon ligand binding with RON2L. Structural characterization of the fusion chimera, Fusion-FD12 to 1.55 Å resolution showed that it closely mimics the binary receptor-ligand complex. Immunization studies showed that Fusion-FD12 immune sera neutralized parasites more efficiently than apoAMA1 immune sera despite having an overall lower anti-AMA1 titer, suggesting improvement in antibody quality. Furthermore, immunization with Fusion-FD12 enhanced antibodies targeting conserved epitopes on AMA1 resulting in greater neutralization of non-vaccine type parasites. Identifying epitopes of such cross-neutralizing antibodies will help in the development of an effective, strain-transcending malaria vaccine. Our fusion protein design is a robust vaccine platform that can be enhanced by incorporating polymorphisms in AMA1 to effectively neutralize all P. falciparum parasites.
Health-related quality of life and its predictive factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in southwest Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hashemi Sakineh , Farahbakhsh Sahar , Aghakhani Zahra , Hemati Nazi , Hashemi Somayeh
Published: April 2023

Background Quality of life (QoL) is an important measure in health assessment. It is impacted by several factors in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients which are not entirely clear. This aims of study was evaluation of factors affecting QoL in SLE patients.Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 140 Iranian SLE patients of Hafiz Hospital. Questionnaire Lupus Quality of Life (LupusQoL) was used to evaluate the quality of life. The patients were evaluated with this questionnaire during 4 weeks in eight dimensions of health, emotional health, body image, pain, planning, intimate relationships and the burden of others. Predictive factors of LupusQoL were evaluated using multivariate linear regression.Results The total mean QoL Score was 65.5 ± 22.4.The highest score of SLE patients' quality of life is related to planning 78.36 ± 25.03 and the lowest score of QoL was related to emotional 54.70 ± 30.51.The results of multivariate analysis showed that duration of disease (β:-1.14, 95% CI:-1.6,-0.61, P:0.001), physical activity(β:-13.2, 95% CI:-20.8,-5.4, P:0.001), kidney involvement (β:-10.38, 95% CI:-17.61,-3.15, P:0.03) and skin involvement(β:-9.5, 95% CI:-18.1,-0.77, P:0.023) were significantly related to the total mean QOL score of SLE patients.Conclusion The findings confirmed that the SLE patients enjoy the middle QoL which can be due to the various factors of disease activity, different bodily systems involvement, and local, cultural, national, and racial aspects.
A Phase 1 Study of Cabozantinib and Trifluridine/Tipiracil in metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dayyani Farshid , Balangue Jasmine , Valerin Jennifer , Keating Matthew J. , Zell Jason A. , Taylor Thomas H. , Cho May T.
Published: April 2023

This study determined the safety and Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) of the multi-kinase inhibitor cabozantinib in combination with trifluridine/tipiracil (TFT/TPI) in refractory metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). Single institution investigator-initiated phase 1 study using 3 + 3 design. Eligible mCRC patients had received prior standard regimens. Cabozantinib was given orally (p.o.) at 20 mg (dose level [DL] 0) or 40 mg (DL 1) daily on days 1–28, and FTD/TPI p.o. at 35 mg/m2 on days 1–5 and 8–12 every 28 days. Fifteen patients were enrolled. Median age 56 years (31–80), male (12/15), ECOG 0/1 = 9/6. Three patients were treated at DL 0 and another nine were treated at DL 1, none exhibiting a DLT. Most common any grade (G) treatment related adverse events (TRAE) were diarrhea (50%), nausea (42%), neutropenia (42%), fatigue (33%) and rash (25%). G3-4 TRAE were neutropenia (25%) and thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, weight loss (each 8%). No serious TRAE or G5 were reported. The RP2D was determined to be DL 1. Median PFS was 3.8 months (95% CI 1.9–6.8) and disease control rate was 86.7%. The combination of cabozantinib and TFT/TPI is feasible and tolerable at standard doses and showed encouraging clinical activity in refractory mCRC. ClinicalTrials.Gov: NCT04868773
Improvement and implementation of central sterile supply department training programme based on action research
Authors: Hu Ting , Huang Juanli , Jiang Sixing , Hu Ruixue , Huang Yongdeng , Pan Wei
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aimed to improve and implement the central sterile supply department (CSSD) training programme through action research and to evaluate its effect.
Material and Methods: Action research was considered the theoretical frame. The problems that occurred in training were identified following scenario analysis, interviews, group discussions, and expert consultation to develop improvement measures. The training programme characterized by CSSD was developed in the spiral circular process of “Plan-Act-Observe-Reflect”.
Results: After the two rounds of training, the CSSD nurses significantly improved their professional knowledge, skills, and satisfaction with training compared with those before improvement (P < 0.05). The nurses’ overall satisfaction with the training and their performance improved.
Conclusions: The implementation of the training programme designed based on action research can improve CSSD nurses’ professional knowledge and skills and increase their enthusiasm for learning, laying the foundation for CSSD talent development.
Clinician perspectives, attitudes, and experiences with eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy: A systematic review
Authors: Morrison Natalie May Virginia , Morrison Ben William , Mahlberg Justin
Published: April 2023

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is considered a gold standard treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions underpinned by trauma exposure. Despite EMDR’s evidence-base it remains under prescribed. This systematic review examined clinician perceptions of, and experiences with, EMDR to elucidate the reasons for under prescription. A systematic search of PsycInfo, PsychArticles, Psychology Database, Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify literature on clinician perceptions of, attitudes towards, and prescription behaviours for, EMDR therapy. Seven studies met criteria for inclusion, however following initial quality appraisal only five were retained. Collectively the quality of the research appeared to be of low-moderate standard. The participant samples were varied across mental health disciplines with the majority of clinicians practicing in the USA. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed approaches were used. Themes highlighted pragmatic obstacles to EMDR prescription including knowledge limitations, training access issues, and minimal post-training support. Additional themes suggested clinicians are hesitant to train in new modalities and that EMDR clinicians may be exposed to workplace bullying and harassment. EMDR under prescription will need to be addressed using a combination of increased resources and education at the individual and workplace/discipline levels.
Blinding assessment of manual therapy interventions of the back in Swiss graduate students: a blinding feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Laguna Javier Muñoz , Nyantakyi Emanuela , Bhattacharyya Urmila , Blum Kathrin , Delucchi Matteo , Klingebiel Felix Karl-Ludwig , Labarile Marco , Roggo Andrea , Weber Manuel , Radtke Thomas , Puhan Milo A , Hincapié Cesar A
Published: April 2023

Study design
Single center, two-parallel group, blinding feasibility randomized controlled trial.
Background
Clinical trials of manual therapy interventions for back pain face methodological challenges regarding blinding of assigned interventions. We assessed blinding of participants and outcome assessors in a methodological randomized trial of two manual therapy interventions of the back and explored factors influencing perceptions about intervention assignment.
Methods
In a doctoral-level Introduction to Epidemiology course on 7–8 November 2022, 24 healthy students were randomly allocated (1:1) to active or control manual therapy interventions. The active manual therapy group (n = 11) received soft tissue mobilization of the lumbar musculature. The control group (n = 13) performed deep breathing exercises while receiving light touch over the thoracic region. The primary outcome was blinding feasibility of study participants immediately after intervention, derived from a 5-point scale and measured by the Bang blinding index (Bang BI), with values ranging from − 1 (opposite guessing) to 1 (complete unblinding), with 0 indicating random guessing (50% correct). Secondary outcomes included blinding feasibility of outcome assessors and factors influencing perceptions about intervention assignment in participants and outcome assessors, explored via thematic analysis.
Results
24 participants were analyzed following an intention-to-treat approach. 55% of participants in the active manual therapy group correctly identified their group allocation beyond chance immediately after intervention (Bang BI: 0.55 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.25 to 0.84]), and 8% did so in the control manual therapy group (0.08 [95% CI, -0.37 to 0.53]). Bang BIs in outcome assessors suggested adequate blinding, with indices of 0.09 (-0.12 to 0.30) and − 0.10 (-0.29 to 0.08) for perceived allocation of active and control manual therapy participants, respectively. Blinding estimates were limited due to imprecision and suboptimal generalizability to real-world clinical settings. Participants and outcome assessors reported varying factors related to perceived intervention arm allocation.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that blinding of participants and outcome assessors immediately after a one-time manual therapy intervention is feasible in randomized controlled trial settings. Careful thinking and consideration of blinding in manual therapy intervention trials is warranted and needed.
Trial registration:
Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ― currently under Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) review.
Three-dimensional semiconductor detector array ArcCHECK for radiation detection and quality assurance of medical linear acceleration
Authors: Deng Jia , Huang Yun , Liu Shengyan , Zhao Yaolin , Wu Xiangyang
Published: April 2023

Monitoring the radiation is an integral aspect of the physical practice of linear accelerators used in medical facilities to identify and treat radiation exposure. It is challenging for conventional two-dimensional dose test methodologies to meet the testing requirements of the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) irradiation technology. This study aimed to analyze multiple dose variations and mechanical correctness in linac operation using the ArcCHECK phantom and verify the accuracy of the method to improve the efficiency and precision of accelerator radiation monitoring.
Polygalasaponin F ameliorates middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal ischemia in rats through inhibiting TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yao , Li Han-Zhou , Yang Yan , Feng Lei , Yuan En-Ze , Liao Jia-Bao , Zhao Jie , Xin Xiao-Chi , Lv Shu-Quan , Fang Xi-Xing , Wen Wei-Bo , Cui Huan-Tian
Published: April 2023

Polygalasaponin F (PGSF), an oleanane triterpenoid saponin extracted from Polygala japonica, has been demonstrated with neuroprotective effect. However, the therapeutic effects and mechanism of PGSF on focal ischemia remain unknown. In this study, we first established a rat model of focal ischemia using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to evaluate the therapeutic effect of PGSF intervention and to investigate the impact of PGSF on the thioredoxin-interacting protein/NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (TXNIP/NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. Secondly, brain neuron cells were isolated, and the cells received oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) culture to establish the cell injury model in vitro. The mechanism of PGSF on the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway was further validated. Our results showed that PGSF treatment reduced neurological scores, brain tissue water content and infarct volume and ameliorated the pathological changes in cerebral cortex in MCAO-induced focal ischemia rats. The TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels decreased in MCAO-induced focal ischemia rats after PGSF treatment. Moreover, PGSF down-regulated the protein expressions of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in MCAO-induced focal ischemia rats. Meanwhile, PGSF treatment reduced the levels of apoptosis, ROS, inflammatory cytokine and TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins (TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18) in OGD/R-induced neuronal injury cells. Finally, PGSF treatment also inhibited the interaction between NLRP3 and TXNIP in vitro. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the therapeutic effects of PGSF on MCAO-induced focal ischemia rats. Moreover, the neuroprotective mechanism of PGSF on focal ischemia was associated with the inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.