bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Car Occupant Injuries and Trends: Over Two Decades of Data from a National Trauma Registry
Authors: Goldman Sharon , Cohen-Manheim Irit , Radomislensky Irina , Savitsky Bella , Group Israel Trauma , Bodas Moran
Published: July 2023

Background
During the past two decades, there have been many changes in automotive and medical technologies, road infrastructure, trauma systems, and demographic changes which may have influenced injury outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine injury trends among hospitalized road casualties, specifically private car occupants.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed based on data from the Israel National Trauma Registry. The data included occupants of private cars hospitalized due to a traffic collision related injury between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2019. Demographic, injury and hospitalization characteristics and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Chi-squared (X2) test, multivariable logistic regression models and Spearman's rank correlation were used to analyze injury data and trends.
Results
During the study period, 21,173 private car occupants (14,078 drivers, 4,527 front passengers, and 2,568 rear passengers) were hospitalized in six level I trauma centers in Israel. The percentage of females hospitalized due to a car crash increased from 37.7% in 1998 to 53.7% in 2019. Over a twofold increase in hospitalizations among older adult drivers (ages 65+) was observed, from 6.5% in 1998 to 15.7% in 2018 and 12.6% in 2019. While no increase was observed for severe traumatic brain injury, a statistically significant increase in severe abdominal and thoracic injuries was observed among the non-Jewish population.
Conclusions
The outcomes provide a glance at injury and demographic trends among car occupants during the past two decades. The finding should be used in designing recommendations and interventions for reducing injury and disability among car occupants.
Fat quantification in the sacroiliac joint syndesmosis – a new semi- automatic volumetric approach
Authors: Poilliot Amélie , Zeissloff Louis , Ondruschka Benjamin , Hammer Niels
Published: July 2023

Fat is physiologically embedded within the interosseous ligaments in the posterior sacroiliac (PSIJ). This composite of fat and ligaments is hypothesised to serve a shock-absorbing, stabilising function for the sacroiliac joint and the lumbopelvic transition region. Using a novel Python-based software (VolSEQ), total PSIJ volume and fat volume was computed semi-automatically. Differences within the cohort and the viability of the program for the quantification of fat in routine CT scans were assessed. In 39 CT scans of heathy patients the PSIJ were first manually segmented as a region of interest (ROI) in OSIRIX. Within VolSEQ, ‘fat’ Hounsfield units (− 150 to − 50 HU) are selected and patient DICOM files of the patient and associated region of interest file from OSIRIX were imported and the pixel sub volumes were then automatically computed. Volume comparisons were made between sexes, sides and ages (≤ 30, 31–64 and > 65 years). PSIJ volumes in both software (VolSeq vs OSIRIX) were non-different (both 9.7 ± 2.8cm3; p = 0.9). Total PSIJ volume (p = 0.3) and fat volume (p = 0.7) between sexes was non-different. A significant difference in total PSIJ volume between sexes (p < 0.01) but not in fat volume (p = 0.3) was found only in the ≥ 65 years cohort. Fat volume within the PSIJ remains unchanged throughout life. PSIJ volume is sex-dependant after 65 years. VolSEQ is a viable and user-friendly method for sub-volume quantification of tissues in CT.
Role of endothelial hyaluronan in peritoneal membrane transport and disease conditions during peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Kamiya Keisuke , Hatayama Naoyuki , Tawada Mitsuhiro , Asai Akimasa , Yamauchi Mai , Kinashi Hiroshi , Kunoki Shunnosuke , Yamaguchi Makoto , Mizuno Masashi , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Banshodani Masataka , Ishimoto Takuji , Naito Munekazu , Kawanishi Hideki , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: July 2023

Peritoneal membrane dysfunction in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is primarily attributed to angiogenesis; however, the integrity of vascular endothelial cells can affect peritoneal permeability. Hyaluronan, a component of the endothelial glycocalyx, is reportedly involved in preventing proteinuria in the normal glomerulus. One hypothesis suggests that development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is triggered by protein leakage due to vascular endothelial injury. We therefore investigated the effect of hyaluronan in the glycocalyx on peritoneal permeability and disease conditions. After hyaluronidase-mediated degradation of hyaluronan on the endothelial cells of mice, macromolecules, including albumin and β2 microglobulin, leaked into the dialysate. However, peritoneal transport of small solute molecules was not affected. Pathologically, hyaluronan expression was diminished; however, expression of vascular endothelial cadherin and heparan sulfate, a core protein of the glycocalyx, was preserved. Hyaluronan expression on endothelial cells was studied in 254 human peritoneal membrane samples. Hyaluronan expression decreased in patients undergoing long-term PD treatment and EPS patients treated with conventional solutions. Furthermore, the extent of hyaluronan loss correlated with the severity of vasculopathy. Hyaluronan on endothelial cells is involved in the peritoneal transport of macromolecules. Treatment strategies that preserve hyaluronan in the glycocalyx could prevent the leakage of macromolecules and subsequent related complications.
Clinicopathological Profile of Neurotuberculosis in Children
Authors: Agrawal Poonam , satpathy saroj , AGRAWAL Hemang
Published: July 2023

Background Tuberculosis is common, especially in developing countries such as India. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Neurotuberculosis is the most severe and life threatening form of disease in children.Methods This was a prospective observational study, designed with the objective to study neurotuberculosis in paediatric age group. Detailed history, examination and outcome were collected in a predesigned proforma from patients under 14 years of age admitted with neurotuberculosis from October 2014 to October 2016. Data was analysed using Microsoft excel 2016.Results This study included 50 cases with male to female ratio of 1.4:1. The maximum incidence of neurotuberculosis was found in 6 months-3 years age group (58%). History of contact with known case was ascertained in 38% of cases, BCG scar was present in 62% of cases. The most common symptom was found to be fever (90% cases), followed by altered sensorium (70% cases), convulsion (64%). Mantoux test was found to be positive in 22% cases. Out of all cases 22% recovered completely, 30% cases died and 48% developed sequelae.Conclusion In children, clinical features remain inconclusive for diagnosing neurotuberculosis. Neurotuberculosis continues to be associated with high rate mortality in children of countries like India with high burden of TB.
Effectiveness and learning experience from undergraduate nursing students in surgical nursing skills course: A quasi- experiment study about blend learning
Authors: Li YanRan , Wang Pan , Li Wen , Li Shuwen , Su Dan , Zhang Ting
Published: July 2023

Background: Blended learning is increasingly being adopted, and yet a gap remains in the related literature pertaining to its skill performance, learning engagement and inner experience in undergraduate surgical nursing skills courses.
Objectives:
To investigate the changes in skills performance and learning engagement in the application of blended learning, and what it actually brings to nursing students
Design: The study uses an asynchronous, two-armed, mixed and quasi-experimental design.
Methods: The blended learning version of the course was offered to the 2019 class of 334 nursing undergraduates. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected after the course to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the course effects compared with the 304 nursing undergraduates of grade 2017 who adapted traditional learning. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS 26.0,and qualitative data were encoded using Nvivo11.0.
Results: There were significant differences in skill performance and learning engagement between the class of 2017 and 2019 (p<0.001). Combined with further analysis of the interview data, 3 first-level nodes and 8 secondary nodes were determined. Students’ opinions, comments and suggestions on the application of blended learning are refreshing.
Conclusion: Blended learning improves the learning effect and nursing students’ learning experience. The findings provide an effective foundation for promoting reform in nursing teaching via blended first-class curriculum construction.
Highly efficient, stable, and easily detachable cellulose based membrane system inspired by water hyacinth
Authors: Zhang Fang , Sun Yuxin , Qian Xinye , Tan Xiaoyan , Liu Peipei , Yao Zhong , Zheng Chunling , Hu Yonghong
Published: July 2023

A rapid extracted and concentrated system engineered by green polymers is attractive but there is still a challenge with respect to both materials and processes. Water hyacinth root cells have evolved as a biological membrane system that can transport and concentrate metal ions from water to the plant body rather than simply utilizing the intrinsic trapping properties of cellulose/lignin. This has inspired a novel biological membrane system (BMS), namely, a porous nanocellulose/lignin microdevice (NLMD) accommodated with a stripping agent that is dispersed in an organic phase. In practice, in water, metal ions can be efficiently transported through an organic membrane phase and finally locked in the NLMD, as demonstrated by extraction efficiency (3 min, ~ 90%), as well as high-enrichment (~ 27 times) toward Pb, Zn, and Cu ions. The NLMD was fabricated using nanocellulose and reinforced using lignin–polyamide epoxy chloropropane nanoaggregates that endow the high mechanical stability and good W/O interfacial affinity of the NLMD. Significantly, the BMS could be facilely detached via simple filtration and shape recovery, offering a high-performance and facile regeneration pathway that are hardly attainable by the conventional cellulose-based adsorbents.
Asthma and COPD management of patients with intellectual disabilities in Dutch general practice
Authors: Mastebroek Mathilde , Everlo Nadeem , Cuypers Maarten , Bischoff Erik , Schalk Bianca
Published: July 2023

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience overall poorer health and healthcare access than the general population. It is largely unknown how this applies to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management by general practitioners (GPs). In a ten-year retrospective matched cohort study, n = 34,429, we examined year prevalence of asthma and COPD in adult patients with and without ID and potential differences in the delivery of asthma and COPD disease management activities in Dutch general practices (2010–2019). We collected information on patient characteristics, comorbidity, consultation patterns, use and outcomes of asthma/COPD control questionnaires, spirometry measurement, pulmonology referrals, and prescribed medication. Asthma patients with ID suffered more frequently from obesity (53.2% vs. 39.5% without ID), and both asthma and COPD patients with ID were more frequently current smokers (45.2% vs. 22.1% without ID and 76.6% vs. 51.4% without ID, respectively). Compared with controls, the asthma patients with ID group received overall about twice the median number of practice consultations (42 vs. 23) and telephone consultations (16 vs. 8), and a statistically significant larger number of patients were prescribed antibiotics (69.9% vs. 54.5%). The asthma year point prevalence in patients with ID was, from 2014 onward, significantly higher (8.7% vs. 6.0% in 2019). For COPD, it was comparable in both groups. However, both asthma and COPD patients with ID appeared considerably younger in age than non-ID patients. Our findings warrant further research into the causes of the differences found for asthma and COPD and whether they also infer differences in the quality or the effectiveness of GP disease management, especially for young adults with ID.
Regenerating tropical forests are consistently affected by biological invasions across spatial scales
Authors: Zardetto Juliano , Siqueira Tadeu
Published: July 2023

Biological invasions are complex scale-dependent processes. Metacommunity ecology provides the means to understand the effects of invasive non-native species (INNS) because it explicitly considers how local and regional processes interact to drive the three main components of biodiversity: alpha, beta, and gamma. White-popinac (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) is a widely distributed INNS in regenerating forests in the Atlantic Forest (Brazil). White-popinac invasions results in a particular spatial structure as the species forms dense and homogeneous patches, instead of spreading individuals throughout invaded areas. Here we took advantage of this unique spatial configuration formed by patches of native forest, regenerating areas, and patches of white-popinac to investigate how local and regional dynamics of plant (meta-)communities under natural regeneration are affected by white-popinac. We conducted replicated multi-strata surveys in 131 communities distributed among 29 meta-communities of regenerating forests that had different ages of white-popinac invasion. We found (i) mirrored responses among local and regional scales: at both scales, native species richness decreased with the increase of invasion age, whereas INNS richness increased; and (ii) β-diversity of native species decreased with the increase of invasion age, showing that time-advance of invasion led to a homogenizing effect. We also found evidence that the advance of white-popinac patches towards regenerating forests increases with time and proximity to the forest fragment, which likely had indirect effects on regenerating communities by reducing the size of the regenerating area. Our results indicate that the effects of white-popinac invasions on regenerating forests can be so vigorous that they propagate from the local to the regional scale, via a decrease in β-diversity. We reinforce the importance of considering multiscale approaches on assessing effects of white-popinac invasions.
Clustering Method for Time-Series Images Using Quantum-Inspired Computing Technology
Authors: Matsuda Yu , Inoue Tomoki , Kubota Koyo , Ikami Tsubasa , Egami Yasuhiro , Nagai Hiroki , Kashikawa Takahiro , Kimura Koichi
Published: July 2023

Time-series clustering is a powerful data mining technique for time-series data in the absence of prior knowledge about the clusters. This study proposes a novel time-series clustering method that leverages a simulated annealing machine, which accurately solves combinatorial optimization problems. The proposed method facilitates an even classification of time-series data into clusters close to each other while maintaining robustness against outliers. We compared the proposed method with a standard existing method for clustering an online distributed dataset and found that both methods yielded comparable results. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied to a flow measurement image dataset containing noticeable noise with a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 1. Despite a small signal variation of approximately 2%, the proposed method effectively classified the data without any overlap among the clusters. In contrast, the clustering results by the standard existing methods displayed overlapping clusters. These results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Development of ZnO Adorned Glassy Carbon Electrode for Voltammetric Sensing and Electro-Kinetic Investigations of Antihypertensive Drug Efonidipine
Authors: Agarwal Rinky , Jhankal Deependra , Yadav Rajesh , Sharma D K , Jhankal Krishna
Published: July 2023

The fast, accurate, and affordable determination of efonidipine (EFO) is the need of the time for human mental health. In this work, we proposed a ZnO-adorned glassy carbon electrode (ZnO/GCE) for the voltammetric sensing and electro-kinetic investigations of efonidipine in pharmaceutical samples. ZnO-decorated glassy carbon electrode exhibit enhanced electro-catalytic activity, higher surface area, rapid electron transfer rate, and enhanced electrical conductivity, these properties result in an amplified peak current response for the electro-reduction of EFO. The ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by a simple and economical sol-gel method and characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS techniques. The electro-kinetic studies of efonidipine on the ZnO fabricated glassy carbon electrode was investigated using CV, EIS, LSV, DPSV, and Chronocoulometry techniques. The diffusion-controlled electro-reduction of EFO produced three well-defined peaks in the cyclic voltammograms. The various electro-kinetics parameters like diffusion coefficient (Do), heterogeneous rate constant (Kh), electron transfer coefficient (α), and surface coverage (Γ) were evaluated and the mechanism of electro-reduction was proposed. The peak current in LSV and DPSV techniques shows a linear relationship with the concentration of EFO in the range of 0.14–0.98 µmolL− 1 with detection limits of 0.21 and 0.07 µmolL− 1, respectively. The proposed ZnO/GCE sensor demonstrates a cost-effective and environmentally compatible approach for the detection of efonidipine in pharmaceutical samples.
Anti-α-glucosidase, anti-proliferative and anti-enterovirus 71 activity of secondary metabolites identified from Grifola frondosa
Authors: He Junqiang , Xiong Wenyu , Zhao Lina , Liu Bin , Huang Ying
Published: July 2023

Grifola frondosa, an edible and medicinal resource, is widely used as functional foods worldwide. To explore bioactive compounds against α-glucosidase, human tumor cells and enterovirus 71 (EV71), eight compounds were isolated from G. frondosa by chromatographic column. Among the isolated compounds, heptadecanoic acid, uridine and adenosine exhibited potent inhibition activity against α-glucosidase, ergosterols and ergosterol−5,8-peroxide showed anti-proliferative activity on tumor cells, while ergosterol and methyl linoleate displayed inhibition against the replication of EV71. Also, to our knowledge, this is the first study to report that fatty acids in G. frondosa showing potent inhibition against α-glucosidase and EV71. Further molecular docking results revealed that the active compounds in G. frondosa form hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactive and π-stacking with the active sites on the surface of α-glucosidase, CASP3 and VP1 proteins, thus promoting the active compounds to combine with the target protein to form a stable complex, thus playing an antagonistic role. Our results provide a new active compound and mode of action for G. frondosa to treat diabetes, cancer and EV71-infected patients.
Understanding Touchscreen-based Image Exploration for Screen Reader Users
Authors: Joh Hwayoen , Lee Yunjung , Park Sohyeon , Oh Uran
Published: July 2023

Recently, researchers have studied improving the accessibility of image exploration for peoplewith visual impairments. While most of the studies haveworked on making a tactile version of an image or providing audio feedback upon touch, it is still difficult to find and locate specific elements, particularly when thesize of the target is small. In this paper, we focusedon investigating how screen reader users interact withsmall items on an image on touchscreen devices. Withthis goal, we conducted a single-session user study with 12 participants who are screen reader users where theywere asked to share their prior experience with zoomfunctionality and map applications, try an existing mapapplication, and perform image exploration tasks withthree different exploration techniques. Findings suggest that providing a hint on which cell the item is locatedwhen the screen is divided into 2 × 2 grid and zoomfunction were considered helpful during the exploration.Based on the findings, we share implications for mak-ing image exploration task more accessible for screenreader users.
Hysteroscopy in the new media: quality and reliability analysis of hysteroscopy procedures on YouTubeTM.
Authors: Libretti Alessandro , Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Saponara Stefania , Corsini Christian , Aquino Carmen Imma , Savasta Federica , Tizzoni Eleonora , Troia Libera , Surico Daniela , Angioni Stefano , Remorgida Valentino
Published: July 2023

Background
Hysteroscopy plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing various intrauterine pathologies. However, its execution can be influenced by patients' perception and understanding, which are often shaped by digital resources such as YouTube™. Given its popularity and accessibility, YouTube™ has the potential to greatly influence patients' knowledge and expectations about this procedure, highlighting the need for accurate and reliable information.
Purpose
This study aims to assess the reliability and quality of hysteroscopy information available to patients on YouTube™. Understanding the nature of information patients’ access can help address their fears and potential misunderstandings about the procedure, consequently reducing the likelihood of suspension or postponement due to anxiety.
Methods
A comprehensive analysis of YouTube™ was conducted, simulating the search process of a patient seeking information about hysteroscopy. The study evaluated the reliability and quality of 90 out of the first 100 hysteroscopy-related videos on YouTube™, scored by four gynecologists – two experienced hysteroscopists and two trainees. The videos were assessed for reliability and quality using the mDISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) scores.
Results
The average mDISCERN and GQS scores for the evaluated videos were below the optimal 3 points, highlighting the lack of fluency, comprehensiveness, and reliability of the available information. Notably, while videos produced by experts, including doctors and professional channels, had higher scores, they still fell short of the minimum score of 3. These videos also weren't considered more suitable for either patients or trainees. Videos that were assessed as reliable (mDISCERN ≥ 3) were observed to be longer and were more frequently produced by doctors. These videos were suggested more to trainees rather than patients. Similarly, videos deemed as fluent and comprehensive (GQS ≥ 3) were longer and were more often recommended to patients.
Conclusions
While YouTube™ is a widely used source of medical information, the quality and reliability of hysteroscopy videos on the platform are poor. The strategic use of selected, high-quality hysteroscopy videos can enhance procedure success and alleviate patient fears. However, the unsupervised discovery of information by patients could potentially lead to procedure failure or an elevated level of stress due to misleading or incorrect information.
Unveiling the Molecular Landscape: Network Analysis of Genes, Proteins, and Transcription Factors in Primary Progressive and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis for Unraveling Disease Progression and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Sharifi Armin , Radak Mehran , Mohamadi Hossein , Fallahi Hossein , Rahimi Zohreh
Published: July 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to various neurological symptoms. The disease has different types, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS), each with its own clinical characteristics and prognosis. The exact cause of MS is not known, but it is believed to result from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of individuals with varying disease durations in multiple sclerosis, comparing those who experienced earlier mortality with those who lived longer. By elucidating the factors influencing disease progression and severity, we anticipate that our findings will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field, with the potential to inform future research and clinical practices aimed at improving patient outcomes in MS. In this study, we used microarray data from postmortem brain tissue samples available from NCBI and used a system biology approach to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with PPMS and SPMS. We performed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to identify common proteins and modules involved in the pathogenesis of the two diseases. Additionally, we analyzed the interaction between transcription factors (TFs) and DEGs to identify potential regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis was conducted to investigate the biological processes and pathways affected by the DEGs. Our analysis identified a total of 153 common DEGs between PPMS and SPMS. These DEGs were involved in various biological processes such as cell adhesion, regulation of apoptotic process, inflammatory response, and protein phosphorylation. The PPI network analysis revealed key proteins, including MSN, ROS1, CD4, and NR4A1, which may play important roles in the pathogenesis of both diseases. We also identified TFs that interacted with the DEGs, highlighting their potential regulatory roles. Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PPMS and SPMS. By identifying common DEGs, PPIs, and TFs, we contribute to the understanding of shared pathways and potential therapeutic targets for these neurodegenerative disorders. Further research is warranted to validate and explore the functional significance of these findings.
Monitoring of sepsis by HNL Dimer in plasma and the comparison with current biomarkers
Authors: Venge Per , Peterson Christer , Xu Shengyuan , Larsson Anders , Johansson Joakim , Tydén Jonas
Published: July 2023

Sepsis is a growing problem worldwide and associated with high mortality and morbidity. The early and accurate diagnosis and effective supportive therapy are critical for combating mortality. The aim of the study was to compare the kinetics of four biomarkers in plasma in patients admitted to ICU including sepsis and during antibiotics treatment. Methods The biomarkers evaluated were HBP (Heparin-binding protein), HNL Dimer (Human Neutrophil Lipocalin), HNL Total and PCT (Procalcitonin). Plasma was obtained at admission to ICU and during follow-up at days 2 and 3. Antibiotic treatment was started or reviewed on admission to ICU. The results were compared to SOFA and KDIGO-scores and to survival. 277 patients admitted to ICU were included of which 30% had sepsis. The other groups were categorized as miscellaneous, other medical and trauma. Results The plasma concentrations of all four biomarkers were highly elevated with the highest concentrations in sepsis patients. During the follow-up period HNL Dimer decreased already day 2 and further so day 3 (p < 0.00001) in contrast to unchanged concentrations of the other three biomarkers. HNL Total showed the strongest relationships to the clinical scores (p < 0.0001) and was by multiples regression analysis independently related to these scores. Conclusion The neutrophil specific biomarker HNL Dimer seems to be a superior means to monitor the response to antibiotic treatment in ICU patients and confirms earlier findings of a rapid decline after adequate antibiotic treatment in sepsis. HNL Total reflects epithelial cell activity in the body and is an interesting biomarker for the management of organ failure in such patients.
Synergism between Tocotrienol and i-PRF in HFSCs proliferation: an in-vitro study
Authors: Contractor Murtaza Mohemadali , Bhate Kalyani , Kheur Supriya , Kharat Avinash , Samuel Sherwin , U Manoj Kumar
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is an early onset of hair loss found in both males and females. With an increase in stress and hormonal imbalances, the need for a better and faster alternative to today’s medicine for alopecia is increasing. Adding an adjunct like Aloe Vera to the gold standard platelet concentrate in the treatment of alopecia may boost hair growth. To find an optimum concentration and evaluate the synergism between Aloe Vera and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) is the aim of this in-vitro study.
Materials & Method: Hair follicles from an individual suffering from AGA were prepared and stored in an incubator. Stem cell characterization was done and stem cells were multiplied. Hair follicle-derived stem cells (HFSCs) were subjected to different concentrations of Aloe Vera, i-PRF, and i-PRF with Aloe Vera in different Petri dishes.
Result: Aloe Vera group shows an increase in HFSCs proliferation up to a certain concentration, after that it shows cell senescence. I-PRF on other hand shows a direct relation between concentration and cell proliferation. The combination group at a particular concentration shows double the cell proliferation than the rest of all.
Conclusion: Alopecia and its treatment are in a wide range and have evolved with time. No single treatment modality can be sufficient to treat a disease at its best. Adjunct therapy when incorporated into the standard treatment results in faster and better hair growth. Also, the optimization of the concentration of any product is of great value.
Electric Field Tuning of a Nickel Zinc Ferrite Resonator by Non-Linear Magnetoelectric Effects
Authors: Popov Maksym , Machi Alexander , Inman Jerad , Bidthanapally Rao , Saha Sujoy , Qu Hongwei , Jain Menka , Page Michael R. , Sriniva Gopalan
Published: July 2023

The nature of nonlinear magnetoelectric (NLME) effect has been investigated at room-temperature in single-crystal Zn substituted nickel ferrite. Tuning of the frequency of magnetostatic surface wave (MSSW) modes under an applied pulsed DC electric field/current has been utilized to probe the effect. The frequencies of the MSSW modes at 8–20 GHz were found to down shift by 400 MHz for an applied DC power P of 100 mW and the frequency shift was the same for all of the MSSW modes and linearly proportional to P. A model is proposed for the effect and the NLME phenomenon was interpreted in terms of a reduction in the saturation magnetization due to the DC current. The estimated decrease of magnetization with applied electric power, estimated from data on mode frequency versus P, was − 2.50 G/mW. The frequency tuning efficiency of the MSSW modes due to NLME effects in the ferrite resonator was found to be 4.1 MHz/mW which is an order of magnitude higher than the shift reported for M-type strontium and barium hexaferrite resonators investigated earlier and has the potential for miniature, electric field tunable, planar microwave devices for the 8–20 GHz frequency range.
Well-managed urbanization could halve nitrogen pollution in China
Authors: Gu Baojing , Deng Ouping , Wang Sitong , Ran Jiangyou , Huang Shuai , Zhang Xiuming , Duan Jiakun , Zhang Lin , Xia Yongqiu , Reis Stefan , Xu Jiayu , Xu Jianming , de Vries Wim , Sutton Mark
Published: July 2023

Halving nitrogen pollution is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, how to reduce nitrogen pollution from multiple sources remains a grand challenge. Here we show that reactive nitrogen (Nr) pollution could be roughly halved by well-managed urbanization in China by 2050, with emissions of NH3, NOx and N2O to air declining by 44%, 30% and 33%, respectively, and Nr to water bodies by 53%. Urbanization shifts population from rural to urban areas and promotes large-scale and crop-livestock coupled farming, which reduces non-point source pollution from rural sewage and agriculture. Although rural-to-urban migration increases point-source nitrogen emissions in metropolitan areas, regional air and water quality can be improved by reducing upstream and regional total Nr losses, with increased opportunities to control of point source emissions vs. diffuse emissions. Approximate US$ 61 billion would be required for additional urban waste treatment, agricultural land consolidation and livestock relocation, as well as upgrading industrial facilities. However, the overall benefits are calculated at US$ 245 billion due to increases in agricultural productivity and improvements in environmental quality. Such a large benefit-to-cost ratio suggests the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of halving Nr pollution through urbanization, and this would make significant contributions to achieving several SDG targets.
Optimizing Regression Testing with AHP-TOPSIS Metric System for Effective Technical Debt Evaluation
Authors: Zarrad Anis , Bahsoon Rami , Manimaran Priya
Published: July 2023

Regression testing is essential to ensure that the actual software product confirms the expected requirements following modification. However, it can be costly and time-consuming. To address this issue, various approaches have been proposed for selecting test cases that provide adequate coverage of the modified software. Nonetheless, problems related to omitting and/or rerunning unnecessary test cases continue to pose challenges, particularly with regard to technical debt (TD) resulting from code coverage shortcomings and/or overtesting. In the case of testing-related shortcomings, incurring TD may result in cost and time savings in the short run, but it can lead to future maintenance and testing expenses. Most prior studies have treated test case selection as a single- or two-objective optimization problem. This study introduces a multi-objective decision-making (MODM) approach to quantify and evaluate TD in regression testing. The proposed approach combines the analytic-hierarchy-process (AHP) method and the technique of order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) to select the most ideal test cases in terms of objective values defined by the test cost, code coverage, and test risk. This approach effectively manages the software regression testing problems. The AHP method was used to eliminate subjective bias when optimizing objective weights, while the TOPSIS method was employed to evaluate and select test-case alternatives based on TD. The effectiveness of this approach was compared to that of a specific multi-objective optimization method and a standard coverage methodology. Unlike other approaches, our proposed approach always accepts solutions based on balanced decisions by considering modifications and using risk analysis and testing costs against potential technical debt. The results demonstrate that our proposed approach reduces both TD and regression testing efforts.
2022 MSC: 00-01, 99-00
Selenium-Integrated Conjugated Oligomer Nanoparticles with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for NIR-II Imaging-Guided Cancer Phototheranostics In Vivo
Authors: Yang Lele , Gao Yijian , Wei Jinchao , Cheng Zehua , Wu Sijia , Zou Liang , Li Shengliang , Li Peng
Published: July 2023

Second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging in the range of 1000–1700 nm has great prospects for in vivo imaging and theranostics monitoring. At present, few NIR-II probes with theranostics properties have been developed, especially the high-performance organic theranostics material remains underexploited. Herein, we demonstrate a selenium-tailoring method to develop high-efficient NIR-II imaging-guided material for in vivo cancer phototheranostics. Via selenium (Se)-tailoring strategy, conjugated oligomer TPSe-based nanoparticles (NPs) achieve bright NIR-II emission up to 1400 nm and exhibit a relatively high photothermal conversion efficiency of 60% with good stability. Moreover, the TPSe NPs demonstrate their photothermal ablation of cancer cells in vitro and tumor in vivo with the guidance of NIR-II imaging. It is worth noting that the TPSe NPs have good biocompatibility without obvious side effects. Thus, this work provides new insight into the development of NIR-II theranostics agents.
Pediatric urogenital schistosomiasis diagnosed in France
Authors: percheron lucas , Leblanc Claire , Ulinski Tim , Fila Marc , Malvy Denis , Bacchetta Justine , Guigonis Vincent , Debuisson Cecile , Launay Elise , Martinez-Casado Edouard , Morand Aurelie , Decramer Stephane , Berry Antoine
Published: July 2023

Introduction:
Schistosomiasis affects approximately 230 million people worldwide. With the rise of international travel and immigration from endemic areas, there is an increase incidence of imported urinary schistosomiasis cases in France witch raise the risk of indigenous cases as observed in Corsica. European pediatricians are not used to this pathology. The objective of this study is to provide a better description of the clinical and paraclinical characteristics and the evolution of affected children.
Material and methods:
We contacted all French pediatric centers that may have treated children with urinary schistosomiasis, between 2013 and 2019, through the French pediatric nephrology society and the pediatric infectious pathology group. Age, sex, comorbidities, initial and follow-up clinical, biological and radiological characteristics were collected retrospectively.
Results:
A total of 122 patients from 10 different centers were included. The median age was 14 years and the sex ratio M/F was 4:1. Hematuria was present in 82% of the patients while urinary tract abnormality were found in 36% of them. 14 patients (11%) presented with complicated form of urinary schistosomiasis including 10 patients with renal failure. All patients received treatment with praziquantel, which was well tolerated and led to clinical resolution of the disease in 98% of cases.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis, management and follow-up of genital schistosomiasis must be improved, particularly by implementing systematic screening of patients returning from endemic areas, conducting renal ultrasounds and searching for nephrological complications such as renal failure and persistent proteinuria. A prospective study to evaluate long-term complications is essential.
A Network Analysis of Gaming Motivations and Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms among Heterogeneous Low-Risk and High-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Chen Shiyun , Zhu Shimin
Published: July 2023

Background.
The increasing prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents has become a global concern, and gaming plays a large role in many adolescents’ lives. While prior research emphasised the significance of investigating IGD through an etiological lens, the interconnections between diverse gaming motivations and IGD symptoms in adolescents remain inadequately understood. This study explored the associations between distinct gaming motivations and IGD symptoms by conducting network analysis among heterogeneous low- and high-risk adolescents.
Methods.
Data from a two-year school-based survey was used (N = 2,148). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify adolescents with low- and high-risk IGD. A network analysis was conducted to examine and compare the associations between gaming motivations and IGD symptoms among low- and high-risk adolescents.
Results.
Three IGD profiles were identified in two time points, classifying adolescents with healthy transitions as low-risk and those with deteriorating transitions as high-risk. Three gaming motivations (i.e., ‘Daily entertainment’, ‘I am good at it’, and ‘Improvement of ability and mindset’) were identified as protective motivations. Two others, ‘Enjoy being in the gaming world’ and ‘Preoccupation’, were identified as bridge nodes in high-risk adolescents. Three core nodes (i.e., ‘Sense of victory’, ‘Enjoy being in the gaming world’, and ‘Sense of achievement’) were identified in both low-risk and high-risk groups.
Conclusion.
Findings suggest that not all gaming motivations contribute to the development of IGD in adolescents. High-risk adolescents showed unique bridge nodes between motivations and IGD symptoms. Future interventions should consider gaming motives to address IGD among adolescents.
Augmentation of nitrogen management reduce nitrogen stress and enhance productivity of super-seeder sown wheat under rice residue incorporation
Authors: Raising L Peace , Singh Virendra Pratap , Chandra Subhash , Shukla Anil , Pareek Navneet , Zhiipao R Rustum , Re Kadapa Sreenivas , Duo Hriipulou , Dorjee Lham , Karthik Rayapati , Singh V.K
Published: July 2023

The in-situ management of rice straw incorporation is now an essential practice in the rice-wheat cropping system with the growing adoption of super-seeder among farmers. However, the effect of nutrient immobilization due to incorporation of massive organic residues at the initial stage of the decomposition is a major constraint for better yield and productivity. This study investigates the effect of bio-decomposer, nitrogen (N) level, and N scheduling on N immobilization status, dry matter, N accumulation, and remobilization and productivity in super-seeder sown wheat for two consecutive years (2020-21 and 2021-22). The experiment was laid in split-plot design with two factors in the main plot viz., without (B0) and with (B1) application of bio-decomposer and nitrogen levels 150 (N1) and 180 (N2) kg ha− 1; and three N splits (%) in sub-plot viz., 50: 25:25 (S1), 40: 30: 30 (S2), and 30 :35:35 (S3) and replicated thrice. N content and uptake at pre- and post-anthesis were recorded significantly higher with N2 and S1 compared to N1 and S2 and S3 in both the years. Post-anthesis N accumulation (post-NA) and N remobilization (NR) with N2 was significantly higher to the tune of 22% and 17% than N1. Dry matter accumulation (DMA) at anthesis and harvest with N2 was significantly higher by 5.7%, while with S1 there is an improvement of 6.2% over S3. The grain yield with N2 and S1 significantly improved by 8.3% and 10.9% (two years mean) compared to N1 and S3, respectively. Soil urease activity was significantly enhanced with the application of microbial formulation (bio-decomposer), N2, and S1 in comparison to B0, N1 and S3 at 30 and 60 DAS (days after sowing). Hence, the present study revealed that the application of microbial-formulation and higher N level coupled with higher proportion of basal N could be propounded for sustainable production and higher productivity. Besides, use of bio-decomposer also improved soil health. The result presented here assumes great significance in proper utilization and conservation of rice residue under rice-wheat cropping system.
Bclaf1-induced HIF-1α accumulation under normoxia enhances PD-L1 treatment resistances via Bclaf1-CUL3 complex
Authors: Yao Bowen , Lu Ye , Li Yazhao , Bai Yixue , Wei Xinyu , Yang Yuanyuan , Yao Demao
Published: July 2023

Bcl-2-associated transcription factor-1 (Bclaf1), an apoptosis-regulating protein of paramount significance, orchestrates the progression of various malignancies. This inquiry reveals the heightened expression of Bclaf1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, where its elevated levels are conspicuously linked to escalated tumor grades and diminished survival rates. Moreover, novel Bclaf1 exhibits a surge in expression within HCC patients who were not sensitive to the combined treatment of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in contrast to patients who chose such regiment and tumors got weak. Notably, the overexpression of Bclaf1 profoundly fosters HCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, while the conditioned medium derived from these overexpressing cells strikingly enhances the tube-formation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, compelling evidence demonstrates that Bclaf1 attenuates the expression of prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2) and governs the stability of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) under normoxic conditions, without exerting any influence on transcription, as determined by western blotting and RT-qPCR analyses. Subsequently, employing Co-Immunoprecipitation, we validate the reciprocal interaction between Bclaf1 and Cullin 3 (CUL3), whereby Bclaf1 actively up-regulates the ubiquitination and degradation of PHD2. Western Blot and RT-qPCR analyses suggest that programmed death ligand-1(PDL1) is one of the downstream responders to HIF-1α in HCC. In conclusion, this groundbreaking investigation unveils the pivotal role of Bclaf1 in promoting PDL1 transcription,and in promoting the accumulation of HIF-1α under normoxic conditions through its binding to CUL3, thereby facilitating the ubiquitination and degradation of PHD2.
Integrated analysis of tumor microenvironment features to establish a diagnostic model for papillary thyroid cancer by using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing technology
Authors: Wang Yizeng , Song Wenbin , Li Yingxi , Liu Zhaoyi , Zhao Ke , Jia Lanning , Wang Xiaoning , Jiang Ruoyu , Tian Yao , He Xianghui
Published: July 2023

Purpose Characterizing tumor microenvironment by using single-cell RNA sequencing has been a promising strategy for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, a few studies have focused on diagnosing papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) through this technology. Therefore, our study explored tumor microenvironment (TME) features and identified potential biomarkers to establish a diagnostic model for papillary thyroid cancer.Methods The cell types were identified using the markers from the CellMarker database and published research. The CellChat package was conducted to analyze the cell-cell interaction. The SCEVAN package was used to identify malignant thyroid cells. The SCP package was used to perform multiple single-cell downstream analyses, such as GSEA analysis, enrichment analysis, pseudotime trajectory analysis, and differential expression analysis. The diagnostic model of PTC was estimated using the calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic curves, and decision curve analysis. RT-qPCR was performed to validate the expression of candidate genes in human papillary thyroid samples.Results Eight cell types were identified in the scRNA-seq dataset by published cell markers. Extensive cell-cell interactions like FN1/ITGB1 existed in PTC tissues. We identified 26 critical genes related to PTC progression. Further, eight subgroups of PTC tumor cells were identified and exhibited high heterogenicity. The MDK/LRP1, MDK/ALK, GAS6/MERTK, and GAS6/AXL were identified as potential ligand-receptor pairs involved in the interactions between fibroblasts/endothelial cells and tumor cells. Eventually, the diagnostic model constructed by TRPC5, TENM1, NELL2, DMD, SLC35F3, and AUTS2 showed a good efficiency for distinguishing the PTC and normal tissues.Conclusions Our study comprehensively characterized the tumor microenvironment in papillary thyroid cancer. Through combined analysis with bulk RNA-seq, six potential diagnostic biomarkers were identified and validated. The diagnostic model we constructed was a promising tool for PTC diagnosis. Our findings provide new insights into the heterogenicity of thyroid cancer and the theoretical basis for diagnosing thyroid cancer.