bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional Values Education for Undergraduate Nursing Students: Developing A framework based on the professional values growth theory
Authors: Li Jialin , Li Xiaohan
Published: October 2023

Background: Education has been recognised as necessary in forming and internalising professional values. The system and teachers' content in existing educational institutions focus on developing students' knowledge, skills and practices. Still, the development of values has yet to achieve significant effects, leading to a crisis in students' professional identity.
Aims: To construct a professional values growth theory for undergraduate nursing students and develop a corresponding education framework.
Methods: Through the review, some English databases were searched using a systematic search strategy to collect relevant literature on professional values education. Based on the nursing professional values growth theory(Jialin Li, 2022), a theory of professional values growth of nursing undergraduates was developed using the method of theory derivation. Two rounds of expert meetings were conducted to review and revise an education framework of professional values of nursing undergraduates derived from that theory.
Findings: A total of 10 studies were included. The contents of two themes were analysed: theories and models and the current status of the professional values development of nursing students. The resulting professional values growth theory for undergraduate nursing students consists of five parts: key aspects, decisive opportunities, drivers, expressions (humanistic sentiments, moral emotions), and outcomes. A total of five experts in the relevant fields were invited to this study. After two rounds of expert meetings, an education framework for undergraduate nursing students was finally developed, which consists of four parts: education objectives, education process and content, environment and conditions, and evaluation.
Conclusion: The education framework developed in this study has practical implications for the development of professional values of undergraduate nursing students, providing educational strategies and methods for the growth and internalisation of professional values of undergraduate nursing students.
Assessment of Technological Performance Parameters in Intermittent Turning and Multi-Response Optimization of Cutting Conditions using DF, MOORA, VIKOR, and NSGAII coupled with VIKOR Methods
Authors: khelfaoui fethi , YALLESE Mohammed Athmane , BOUCHERIT Septi , OUELAA Nourdine , BELHADI Salim , Salem Sahbi Ben
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of input factors such as cutting speed (Vc), depth of cut (ap), feed rate (f), and tool nose radius (r) during intermittent turning (IT) of AISI D3 tool steel. Eight (08) output parameters were considered: motor power (Pm), cutting temperature (Ct), flank wear (VB), material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (Ra), cutting force (Fz), tangential vibration (Az), and sound intensity (Lp). The experiments were conducted using the Taguchi L9 (3^4) design with a triple-coated CVD carbide tool. A statistical analysis based on ANOVA was performed to quantify the effects of cutting factors on the output parameters. Processing the results using the RSM method enabled the development of mathematical models for different outputs, facilitating predictions. Finally, four (04) multi-objective optimization approaches were employed: DF, MOORA, VIKOR, and NSGA-II coupled with VIKOR, aiming to determine the optimal combination of cutting conditions. The four methods were analyzed and compared. The results obtained indicate that the DF approach suggests the best combination of inputs leading to the minimization of six (06) outputs (Ra, Pm, Ct, VB, Fz, and Lp). The MOORA approach emphasizes the minimization of vibrations (Az), while VIKOR yielded five outputs (Pm, VB, Ct, MRR, and Lp) that are better compared to the MOORA approach. The NSGA-II coupled with VIKOR approach exhibited the best productivity values (MRR).
The effect of substrate type on microscopic epibiont community diversity: A shoreline study from the Sea of Japan at Niigata, Japan
Authors: Kanavillil Nandakumar , Takada Y
Published: October 2023

Microscopic epibionts are an important component of intertidal ecosystems. Shortage of space drives these organisms to settle and grow on body/shell surfaces of intertidal organisms. In this study we test the hypothesis that epibiont communities vary significantly between shells belonging to different invertebrate species, and between natural shells and plastic surfaces. Epibiont community variations are caused by differences in shell size, roughness and mobility of the host organisms. Epibionts growing on fifteen different species belonging to Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Polyplacophora and Echinoidea, as well as plastic objects were collected from a rocky shore of the Sea of Japan at Niigata. Most epibionts collected were diatoms, and the highest epibiont density was recorded on the surfaces of the limpetCellana toreuma. The results showed epibiont species richness, diversity and density varied significantly with the host characteristics such as mobility, shell size and shell roughness. The shells of sessile organisms with large and smooth surfaces had a higher epibiont density, species richness and diversity than did shells of mobile organisms with small and rough shell surfaces. To conclude, epibiont species composition varies significantly between basibiont species, shell morphology, shell size, shell roughness, month of sampling and the mobility of the host.
Indigenous Indian Guggul extract augments saxagliptin effect against diabetes-induced complications
Authors: Jain Shalini , Sharma Mukesh Kumar , Chatterjee Sreemoyee , Gupta Nidhi
Published: October 2023

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is an endocrine metabolic disorder leading to impaired glucose utilization. This disease is managed by both commercial drugs and herbal products eliciting various interactions. The evaluation of one such interaction between saxagliptin (SAXA, substrate of CYP3A4), and guggul extract (GE) from Commiphora wightii is done in this present study. The concomitant administration of the SAXA with GE had restored otherwise increased blood glucose and biochemical parameters’ levels more effectively as compared to the solely consumed SAXA or GE. These results were corroborated by histopathological evaluation where the combination treatment showed better mitigation of hepatic, renal and pancreatic tissue damage that occurred due to induced diabetes. Furthermore, CYP3A11 mRNA (murine homolog to human CYP3A4) expression levels were observed to be reduced to non-diabetic levels in combination therapy which was otherwise unachievable. The molecular docking studies predicted improved interaction between CYP3A4 and bioactive content of GE, i.e., guggulsterone E-Z (G E&Z), possessing binding energy = -9.96 kcal/mol along with SAXA, confirming the co-existence of both the ligands at different binding sites of the metabolizing enzyme. The synergistic interactions of GE and SAXA helped in better restoration of tissue damage and CYP3A11 mRNA expression levels caused by induced diabetes.
Distally based sural flaps for soft tissue defects following traumatic osteomyelitis of lower leg and foot
Authors: Luo Shunhong , Ni Jiangdong , Dong Zhonggen , Peng Xiao , Shi Shimu , Luo Zhaobiao , Tao Shibin , Wei Jianwei
Published: October 2023

This retrospective study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for osteomyelitis recurrence and introduce our experiences in treating traumatic osteomyelitis in the lower leg and foot. We retrospectively reviewed data from 174 patients with distally based sural flaps for treating traumatic osteomyelitis with soft tissue defects in the lower leg and foot from November 2003 to February 2021. Possible risk factors for osteomyelitis recurrence were compared between the osteomyelitis control and recurrence groups. A total of 162 (93.1%) flaps survived uneventfully, while 12 (6.9%) flaps developed partial necrosis. All patients were followed up with an average period of 72.8 months. There were 152 patients (87.4%) in control group and 22 patients (12.6%) in recurrence group. The recurrence rates of osteomyelitis were significantly higher when the patient's age was 40 years or more and the duration was 10 weeks or more (P < 0.05). C-M type IV osteomyelitis was also significantly associated with osteomyelitis recurrence (p = 0.049). This flap combined with appropriate osteomyelitis treatment was an effective method to treat traumatic osteomyelitis of lower leg and foot with a soft tissue defect. Both patient age ≥ 40 years old and C-M type IV osteomyelitis were nonnegligible risk factors for osteomyelitis recurrence.
Long-term renal outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: 10-year experience in a single medical center in Taiwan
Authors: Tien Ya Chih , Liu Chao-Han , Kor Chew-Teng , Hsiao Kai-Hung
Published: October 2023

Objective.
To investigate the clinical characteristics and long-term renal prognosis of lupus-associated nephritis in Taiwan to better understand the presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asian populations.
Methods.
Data from Changhua Christian Hospital Clinical Research Database were retrospectively reviewed from Jan. 2010 until Dec. 2021. Patients diagnosed with SLE were included and categorized depending on their renal involvement. The incidence rate and risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were analyzed in both groups.
Results.
A total of 2184 eligible SLE patients were included for analysis. Of those, 293 patients developed renal involvement, with a higher risk of CKD/ESRD development than those without renal involvement. The medium time from renal involvement to CKD and ESRD development was 5.12 (IQR: 0.86–8.54) and 6.19 (IQR: 2.92–9.42) years. The cumulative incidence rate of CKD was 46.6%, 54.5%, and 63%, respectively and that of ESRD was 4%, 7%, and 11% at 1, 2, and 5 years after renal involvement, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed the associated factors for CKD development were renal involvement, age, hypertension, presence of serositis, and use of cyclosporine, steroid, and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, while cyclophosphamide significantly affected ESRD development.
Conclusion.
In this Taiwanese population, patients with renal involvement were at higher risk to develop CKD than those without renal involvement. Moreover, ESRD development was observed in patients with renal involvement. Further study on this populations and longer follow-up durations are necessary to gain a better understanding of SLE.
Research on the Implementation Method of Situational Awareness Strategy by Fusing Computational Migration Models
Authors: ZUO Xuebin , YANG Fan , YANG Wenjie
Published: October 2023

With the exponential growth of the scale of domain monitoring data, the existing situational awareness technology suffers from low efficiency of processing data, long transmission time, and slow warning response. To address these problems, this paper proposes a situational awareness strategy (Computational Migration Situational Awareness (CMSA)) that incorporates the computational migration model. First, the strategy introduces a computational migration model, based on Monte Carlo-Shannon mathematical ideas, using sensors to collect heterogeneous monitoring data from multiple sources in real time, and distributing the collected data to each synaptic node in the edge layer; then, the strategy extracts the eigenvalues of the data, and then obtains the eigenvalue matrix; finally, it introduces the Modified Cosine Similarity algorithm, which analyzes the collected data from the levels of perceiving, understanding, and predicting and makes decisions accordingly. data is analyzed from three levels of perception, comprehension and prediction, and decisions are made accordingly. The experimental results show that the CMSA strategy is able to reduce the data transmission and comparison time by 35.3% compared with the existing methods, and also improves the comparison accuracy by 20.22%.
Optimization Design of Kinematic Couplings for Improving Repetitive Positioning Accuracy of Opto-mechanical Assemblies
Authors: Fan Zhihao , Yang Kaike , Yuan Bo , Yin Kangcheng , Sun Qingchao , Mu Xiaokai , Sun Wei
Published: October 2023

Kinematic coupling, as an efficient form of connection, is frequently employed for the repeated assembly and accurate positioning of replaceable opto-mechanical assemblies within high-power solid-state laser systems. During the kinematic coupling process, uncertainties in the mechanical behavior within the contact region often hinder the attainment of consistent positioning accuracy, potentially leading to an inability to meet operational requirements. This study aims to enhance the repetitive positioning precision of opto-mechanical assemblies kinematic couplings. To achieve this goal, a predictive model for repetitive positioning accuracy is established, accounting for uncertainties in contact region forces. Based on this model, an optimization design of kinematic couplings is conducted to mitigate these challenges. Initially, accounting for uncertainties in mechanical parameters within the contact region, we formulate a static analysis computational model to elucidate the probabilistic distribution of these parameters. Subsequently, employing Hertz contact theory and Holm-Archard wear theory, we quantify the elastic deformation and equivalent wear for each contact region through the calculation of normal pressures. Building upon this foundation, we establish a predictive model for repetitive positioning accuracy. Finally, optimization design is carried out on the friction coefficient of contact surfaces and the structural dimensions of positioning elements. The proposed optimization design is validated through experimental verification. The findings demonstrate that optimization of structural dimensions and contact surface friction coefficients resulted in enhanced repetitive positioning accuracy of 35.9%, effectively ameliorating the assembly quality. This study contributes a quantifiable analytical approach to the prediction and optimization design of repetitive positioning accuracy in kinematic couplings.
On the intersection graph of idealizations
Authors: Shirmohammadi Nematollah , Mahmoodi Akram
Published: October 2023

Let R be a commutative ring with identity. The intersection graph of ideals of a ring R is an undirected simple graph denoted by Γ(R) whose vertices are in a one-to-one correspondence with non-zero proper ideals and two distinct vertices are joined by an edge if and only if the corresponding ideals of R have a non-zero intersection. Let M be a unitary non-zero R-module and let R ⋉ M be the idealization of M in R. In this paper, we are interested in investigating some graph-theoretic properties of the intersection graph of idealization. We first determine the set of ideals of the Zp2 ⋉ Zp2 and Zpq ⋉ Zpq, for distinct prime numbers p and q. We then obtain necessary and sufficient conditions on the ring R and the module M such that Γ(R ⋉M) is planar. In fact, we prove that Γ(R ⋉ M) is planar if and only if R is a field and dimR(M) ≤ 2, or Max(R) = {m1, m2}, m1 ∩ m2 = 0, m2 M = 0 and dimR/ m2 (M) = 1, or M is a simple module and R has only one non-trivial ideal.
MSC 2010: 13A15, 05C75
Nomogram for predicting prolonged postoperative ileus after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Guo Fangliang , Sun Zhiwei , Wang Zongheng , Gao Jianfeng , Pan Jiahao , Zhang Qianshi , Ren Shuangyi
Published: October 2023

Background: Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is a common complication after colorectal surgery that increases patient discomfort, hospital stay, and financial burden. However, predictive tools to assess the risk of PPOI in patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection have not been developed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict PPOI after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Methods: A total of 548 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for mid­low rectal cancer at a single tertiary medical center were retrospectively enrolled between January 2019 and January 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze potential predictors of PPOI. The nomogram was constructed using the filtered variables and internally verified by bootstrap resampling. Model performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve, and the clinical usefulness was evaluated by the decision curve.
Results: Among 548 consecutive patients, 72 patients (13.1%) presented with PPOI. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that advantage age, hypoalbuminemia, high surgical difficulty, and postoperative use of opioid analgesic were independent prognostic factors for PPOI. These variableswere used to construct the nomogram model to predict PPOI. Internal validation, conducted through bootstrap resampling, confirmed the great discrimination of the nomogram with an area under the curve of 0.738 (95%CI: 0.736-0.741).
Conclusions: We created a novel nomogram for predicting PPOI after laparoscopic low anterior resection. This nomogram can assist surgeons in identifying patients at a heightened risk of PPOI.
Enhancing Spam Email Classification Using Effective Preprocessing Strategies and Optimal Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Ghogare Pramod P. , Dawoodi Husain H. , Patil Manoj P.
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a content-based spam email classification by applying various text preprocessing techniques like Stopping, Stemming, and Lemmatization. NLP techniques have been applied to preprocessing techniques to avoid loss of information while preprocessing. Machine learning algorithms like Naïve Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) are applied to classify an email as ham or spam. The pre-processing technique used in this model has greatly enhanced the classification results. Two standard datasets Enron and SpamAssassin are used to evaluate the performance of the models. On the Enron dataset, it scored an impressive accuracy of 98.3%, and on the SpamAssassin dataset, it provided an even greater accuracy of 99.2%. These outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of preprocessing techniques for the classification of spam emails. Further, the proposed model's accuracy was validated using a dataset of personal emails sourced from Yahoo mailbox. The Yahoo inbuilt classifier offered an accuracy of 89%, however, the proposed models provided a staggering 97% accuracy on the personal email dataset. The experiment on the personal email dataset indicates the model's suitability for real-world email contexts, indicating its potential effectiveness in spam email categorization.
A Novel Polymer Enabled by Polymerized Small Molecule Strategy for Tumor Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xie Xin , Wang Ke , Zeng Jie , Xu Miao-Yan , Qu Xin-Hui , Xiang Zheng-Bin , Tou Fang-Fang , Huang Shaorong , Han Xiao-Jian
Published: October 2023

Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are effective method for tumor treatment. However, the limited variety and quantity of photothermal agents (PTAs) and photosensitizer (PSs) are still major challenges. Moreover, the cell apoptosis mechanism induced by PDT and PTT is still elusive. A fused-ring small molecule acceptor-donor acceptor′ donor-acceptor (A-DA′D-A) type of Y5 (Scheme 1) has a narrow band-gap and strong light absorption. Herein, we used Y5 to polymerize with thiophene unit to obtain polymer PYT based on polymerized small molecule strategy, and PYT nanoparticles (PYT NPs) was prepared via one-step nanoprecipitation strategy with DSPE-PEG2000. PYT NPs had excellent biocompatibility, good photostability, high photothermal conversion efficiency (67%) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capacity under 808 nm laser irradiation (PYT NPs + NIR). In intro and in vivo experiments revealed that PYT NPs + NIR had the ability to completely ablate tumor cells. It was demonstrated that cell apoptosis induced by PYT NPs + NIR was closely related to mitochondrial damage. This study provides valuable guidance for constructing high-performance organic PTAs and PSs for tumor treatment.
Exploring the bioactives and the mechanism of Aegle marmelos in the treatment of Inflammatory bowel disease through network pharmacology and molecular docking approach
Authors: Shah Bhagyabhumi , Solanki Nilay
Published: October 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are recurrent inflammatory conditions that occur in the gastrointestinal tract, and current treatment does not have satisfactory results, we still need newer therapies to combat the complex pathogenesis of IBD. Herbal medicines have been used for years to cure IBD. One of the plants from Ayurveda, Aegle marmelos (AM), commonly known as Bael and belonging to the family Rutaceae has ethnomedicinal properties in treating IBD due to its various phytochemicals. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of AM remain to be elucidated. In the study, 46 effective compounds and 358 targets of AM were identified and further analyzed, 80 hub targets depending on the degree were considered effective against IBD. Through the Cyto Hubba plugin of Cytoscape (3.10.0), we identified AKT1, SRC, MAPK3, MAPK1, EGFR, IL6, TNF, HSP90AA1, and CASP3 as the top 10 hub targets that may contribute to the mechanistic role of AM in treating IBD. Aegeline, auraptene, bergapten, imperatorin, marmesin, and nodakenin were the potent compounds of AM and the molecular docking studies with the hub target depict their higher binding affinity to PI3K, AKT, and EGFR. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggest that PI3-AKT signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and MAP Kinase signaling pathway are the major pathways correlating with AM in combating IBD. The network pharmacological and molecular docking approach unveils the mechanism of AM in alleviating IBD through the EGFR-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway, stating its multi-component, multi-targeted therapeutic efficacy through multiple pathways.
Sudan Blue II Dye loaded modified MCM-48: Colorimetric, Paper Strip, and Fluorescent Sensor for Cu 2+ ion
Authors: Kalita Sarojmoni , Das Diganta Kumar
Published: October 2023

In this work, Sudan Blue II dye is successfully grafted on the walls of chloro-functionalised MCM-48. The synthesized probe selectively detect Cu2+ ion by fluorescence spectroscopy. The probe designated as SB@modMCM-48 was characterized by various spectroscopic methods including FT-IR, SEM, EDX and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, etc. The fluorescent intensity of the probe is quenched by 14 times in presence of Cu2+ ion. The fluorescent detection is reversible, selective with low detection limits. The LOD and Ka (association constant) was calculated to be 1.45 × 10− 10 M and 5.38 × 107 M− 1 respectively with a linear range of detection. The addition of Cu2+ ion to the probe solution also imparted a visual color change. Paper strip sensor was also developed for naked eye detection of Cu2+. The low LOD limits, binding stoichiometric constant, etc. point towards high affinity of Cu2+ towards the nanosensor. Interestingly, the Cu2+:sensor complex selectively sense amino acid cysteine in its aqueous solution, with a limit of detection of 10.46 × 10− 8 M.
Extraction of cellulose microfibers from waste fallen leaves and fabrication of a degradable composite film for packaging applications
Authors: Chanthavong Vinitsa , Prabhakar M. N. , Lee Dong-Woo , Song Jung Il
Published: October 2023

The plastics industry is increasingly using renewable natural polymers, with cellulose being the most popular choice because of its large market size of 211 billion USD. Nonetheless, the extraction of cellulose in economically viable forms, especially in micro- and nanoforms, continues to pose a challenge for researchers. To address this issue, a recent study focused on extracting cellulose microfibers (CMFs) from agro biomass to reduce costs. Alkaline peroxide treatment was used to extract microcellulose from waste fallen dried leaves. The resultant CMFs were 45.8 µm in size, with spectral peaks of 3,339 cm− 1 and 2,890 cm− 1 corresponding to the hydrogen bond O-H, and C-H of cellulose respectively. CMFs were used to reinforce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and make CMF/PVA composite films using the solution casting method. Various percentages of CMFs (5–15%) were tested, with the resultant composites having chemical interaction bonds at 3,260 cm− 1 and 2θ = 19.6° diffraction peaks. The tensile strengths of the optimized CMFs were 80.37 MPa and 2.51 GPa, accompanied by a decrease of 9.37% elongation at break. The CMFs significantly enhanced biodegradation by approximately 21.44%, highlighting their potential environmental benefits in plastic film production. In summary, this study provides insights into economically obtaining microcellulose and designing biodegradable plastics for packaging applications. The utilization of renewable natural polymers such as cellulose in the plastic industry is imperative for promoting eco-friendly practices. The findings of this study offer a promising solution for this problem.
All lactose-oxidizing enzymes of Pseudomonas taetrolens, a highly efficient lactobionic acid-producing microorganism, are pyrroloquinoline quinone- dependent enzymes
Authors: Lee Seung Soo , Oh Yu-Ri , Jang Young-Ah , Han So Yeon , Eom Gyeong Tae
Published: October 2023

In previous and present studies, four enzymes (GCD1, GCD3, GCD4, and MQO1) have been found to act as lactose-oxidizing enzymes of Pseudomonas taetrolens. To investigate whether the four enzymes were the only lactose-oxidizing enzymes of P. taetrolens, we inactivated gcd1 and gcd4 of P. taetrolens ∆gcd3 ∆mqo1. Compared to the wild-type strain, the lactobionic acid (LBA)-producing ability of P. taetrolens ∆gcd1 ∆gcd3 ∆gcd4 ∆mqo1 was only slightly decreased, implying that P. taetrolens possesses more lactose-oxidizing enzymes. Interestingly, the four lactose-oxidizing enzymes were all PQQ-dependent. To identify other unidentified lactose-oxidizing enzymes of P. taetrolens, we prevented the synthesis of PQQ in P. taetrolens by inactivating the genes related to PQQ synthesis such as pqqC, pqqD, and pqqE. Surprisingly, all three knocked-out strains were unable to convert lactose to LBA, indicating that all lactose-oxidizing enzymes in P. taetrolens were inactivated by eliminating PQQ synthesis. In addition, external PQQ supplementation restored the LBA production ability of P. taetrolens ∆pqqC, comparable to the wild-type strain. These results indicate that all lactose-oxidizing enzymes in P. taetrolens are PQQ-dependent.
Interpretable Machine Learning in Predicting Drug-Induced Liver Injury among Tuberculosis Patients: Model Development and Validation Study
Authors: Xiao Yue , Chen Yanfei , Huang Ruijian , Jiang Feng , Zhou Jifang , Yang Tianchi
Published: October 2023

Background: This study aimed to develop and validate an interpretable prediction model for Drug-Induced Liver Injury during tuberculosis treatment.
Methods: Using a dataset of TB patients from Ningbo City, the models were developed using eXtreme Gradient Boosting, random forest, and logistic regression algorithms. Features were selected using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method. The model's performance was assessed through various metrics, including receiver operating characteristic and precision-recall curves. Calibration and clinical utility were also evaluated. Variable contributions were interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanations and Partial Dependence plots.
Results: Of 7,071 TB patients (median age: 47 years; 68.0% male), 16.3% developed DILI. Calibration showed minimal brier score differences among algorithms (0.003 to 0.004). XGBoost had the highest recall at 0.742, while random forest and logistic regression posted 0.675 and 0.649, respectively. All models demonstrated enhanced clinical utility in the validation set. SHAP analysis for XGBoost highlighted prior DILI instances as a significant risk. Elevated alanine aminotransferase ratios were linked to DILI in both XGBoost and random forest models.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study introduces an interpretable prediction model for assessing DILI risk among TB patients. The model's interpretability shed light on the significance of patients' disease history and ALT levels. This model holds potential for advancing personalized risk assessment and enhancing patient care in the context of TB treatment.
Assessing the conformity of single-use food plastic packaging products to the applicable standards: A seven-year study of tests conducted at the Ghana Standards Authority
Authors: Kwansa Victor Charles , Essandoh Helen M. , Dwumfour-Asare Bismark , Awuah Esi
Published: October 2023

Widely used single-use food plastic packaging products in Ghana present health and safety risks to consumers. The study analyses seven years of data from the Ghana Standards Authority Polymer laboratory to identify food plastic packaging product types used in Ghana and non-conformities with GS 173:2018 and GS 1186:2018. Employing a retrospective design, as well as descriptive, correlational, regression, ANOVA, and risk assessment analyses, the research evaluates the safety and quality of single-use food plastic packaging products tested from 2016 to 2022. According to the data, recycled PE Carrier Bags accounted for 50.2%, while HDPE and LDPE plastics comprised 37.1% and 12.7%, respectively. The regression analysis emphasized the importance of controlling thickness in plastic manufacturing to ensure desired Elongation at Break and Tensile Strength properties. The overall migration of non-volatile residues from the single-use HDPE, LDPE, and recycled PE Carrier bag products using Acetic Acid and Ethanol showed no statistically significant difference. The study concludes that plastic packaging for food in Ghana is safe, as non-volatile residue migration well below the 5mg/l maximum specification. The GSA and other relevant stakeholders need to remain vigilant and undertake continuous monitoring and surveillance to ensure overall product safety and compliance to standards.
Gut microbiome composition is related to anxiety and aggression score in companion dogs
Authors: Pellowe Sarita D. , Zhang Allan , Bignell Dawn R. D. , Peña-Castillo Lourdes , Walsh Carolyn J.
Published: October 2023

Background
There is mounting evidence for a link between behaviour and gut microbiome composition in several animal models and human health. However, the role of the gut microbiota in the development and severity of behavioural issues in companion dogs is not yet fully understood. In this work, we investigated the relationship between gut microbiome composition and aggression or anxiety in pet dogs. Pet dogs (n = 48) were assigned to higher or lower anxiety and aggression groups based on their owner’s responses to the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Then the gut microbiome of each animal, sequenced from microbial DNA extracted from fecal samples, was assessed for association with the dog’s assigned behavioural group using multiple approaches.
Results
While minimal differences in relative abundance were seen between behavioural groups, we were successful in predicting behavioural group based on gut microbiome composition using machine-learning based approaches and compositional balances. The generated models were particularly successful when distinguishing higher and lower anxiety dogs. The genus Blautia was identified across all our analyses, suggesting a strong link between this genus and anxiety in pet dogs.
Conclusions
This study builds on a growing area of research of great interest to dog owners, trainers, and behaviour professionals, and provides insight into specific bacteria that are linked to increased anxiety and aggression in pet dogs. Further research is required to identify bacteria to the species level, and to better understand the specific role of Blautia in the canine gut-brain axis.
Severe convective storms' reproduction: Empirical analysis from the marked self-exciting point processes point of view
Authors: Galbo Giada Lo , Chiodi Marcello
Published: October 2023

The paper focuses on the evaluation of hailstorms’ and thunderstorms winds’ events in the United States of America, in the period from 1996 to 2022, from the marked spatio-temporal self-exciting point processes point of view. The aim of the present article is the assessment and description of the spatio-temporal spontaneous and reproducing activity of severe hailstorms’ and thunderstorms winds’ processes. Though possibly the spatio-temporal dynamics of the underlying spatio-temporal process are not exactly evaluable according to the self-exciting processes’ theoretical framework, the present application shows how the spatio-temporal pattern is well-fitted and clearly explainable, according to the flexible semi-parametric ETAS model fitting.
Alamandine: Protective Effects Against Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury-Induced Renal and Liver Damage in Diabetic Rats
Authors: CENGIZ AYSE NURANSOY , OZHAN ONURAL , TANRIVERDI LOKMAN HEKIM , DOGRU FEYZI , YILDIZ AZIBE , POLAT ALAADIN , VARDI NIGAR , PARLAKPINAR HAKAN
Published: October 2023

Backround / Objectives: Alamandine (ALA), a heptapeptide discovered in 2013 within the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Given the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in society and its comorbidities, especially renal failure, which significantly impairs quality of life, this study aims to investigate the protective effects of ALA against renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetic rats.
Methods: Forty-eight 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced by administering a single intraperitoneal dose of 50 mcg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were divided into four groups. Right nephrectomy was performed through dorso-lateral incisions in all rats, followed by the left renal vessels were occluded for 1 hour to induce ischemia. Reperfusion of the left kidney was initiated by removing the clamp, allowing 24 hours of reperfusion.
Results: Histopathological examination of kidney tissues revealed necrotic changes and tubular dilatation in the I/R group, which were significantly reduced in the ALA+I/R group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased immunoreactivity of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and caspase-3 in the I/R group, whereas the ALA+I/R group demonstrated significantly lower immunoreactivity for these markers. Liver histology showed irregular hepatocyte cords and sinusoidal dilatation in the I/R group, while the ALA+I/R group exhibited preserved classical lobular structure with reduced histopathological changes.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the protective effects of ALA on renal and liver tissues against damage induced by renal I/R injury in a diabetic background. Moreover, ALA exhibits protective effects against liver damage resulting from renal I/R injury.
Classification using Hyperdimensional Computing: A~Review~with~Comparative Analysis
Authors: Vergés Pere , Heddes Mike , Nunes Igor , Givargis Tony , Nicolau Alexandru
Published: October 2023

Hyperdimensional computing (HD), also known as vector symbolic architectures (VSA), is an emerging and promising paradigm for cognitive computing. At its core, HD/VSA is characterized by its distinctive approach to representing information using high-dimensional random vectors. The recent surge in research within this field gains momentum from its remarkable computational efficiency and ability to excel in few-shot learning scenarios. Nonetheless, the current literature is deficient in providing a comprehensive comparative analysis of various methodologies since each method uses a different benchmark to evaluate its performance. This gap obstructs the monitoring of the field's state-of-the-art advancements and acts as a significant barrier to its overall progress. To address this gap, this review not only offers a conceptual overview of the latest literature but also introduces a comprehensive comparative study of HD/VSA classification techniques. Our exploration starts with an overview of the strategies proposed to encode information as high-dimensional vectors. These vectors serve as integral components in the construction of classification models. Furthermore, we evaluate diverse classification methods as proposed in the existing literature. This evaluation encompasses techniques such as retraining and regenerative training to augment the model's performance. To conclude our study, we present a comprehensive empirical study. This study serves as an in-depth analysis, systematically comparing various HD/VSA classification approaches using two benchmarks, the first being a set of seven popular datasets used in HD/VSA and the second consisting of 121 datasets extracted from the UCI Machine Learning repository.To facilitate future research on classification with HD/VSA, we open-sourced the benchmarking and the implementations of the methods we review. Our findings yield significant insights. Firstly, encodings based on key-value pairs emerge as optimal choices, boasting superior accuracy while maintaining high efficiency. Secondly, iterative adaptive methods demonstrate remarkable efficacy, potentially complemented by a regenerative strategy depending on the specific problem. Moreover, we show how HD/VSA is able to generalize while training with a limited number of training instances. Lastly, we demonstrate the robustness of HD/VSA methodologies by subjecting the model memory to a large number of bit-flips. Our results illustrate that the model's performance remains reasonably stable until the occurrence of 40\% of bit flips, where the model's performance is drastically degraded. Overall, we have performed a thorough performance evaluation on different methods and have observed a positive trend in both evaluation and execution time.
Feasibility study of radiomics combined with CT and clinical features for early diagnosis of PTC-CLNM
Authors: 韩 露 , Hou Jie , Qin Xue , Yuan Zhongyu , Zheng Guangying , Peng Jiaxuan , Jin Hui , Gong Xiangyang
Published: October 2023

Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an indolent tumor, but central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) occurs at an early stage. Early diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma central lymph node metastases (PTC-CLNM) is very important for patient prognosis. So, the purpose of this study is to construct a multi-dimensional early diagnosis model by combining traditional computed tomography (CT) imaging features, clinical features and radiomics features, so as to improve the early diagnosis ability of PTC-CLNM and improve the treatment effect of PTC.
Methods: A total of 226 patients with PTC who underwent head and neck or thyroid enhanced CT examinations in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January 2021 to February 2022 were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into training set (n=180) and validation set (n=46). Imaging histologic features of individual patient were derived from pre-operative plain scan, enhancement scan arterial phase and intravenous phase images. Radiomics and multi-dimensional models were constructed using support vector machine. The properties of the multi-dimensional model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) on the training and test sets, and its utility for clinical purposes was assessed by Decision Curve Analysis (DCA).
Results: A total of 930 radiomics features were extracted from the three-phase CT images of each patient, from which 8 features related to CLNM were filtered. Four clinical factors (sex, age, and long and short diameters of tumors) were significantly associated with CLNM. The areas under the ROC curves for the training and validation sets in the multi-dimensional model were 0.870 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.818-0.921) and 0.819 (95% CI = 0.681-0.956), respectively. Decision curve analysis showed that the multidimensional model had better clinical utility than the other models.
Conclusion: The multi-dimensional radiomics model combined with traditional CT imaging features, clinical risk features and radiomics features is meaningful toward early diagnosis of Central neck node Metastasis in patients with PTC.
Surface water processes in coping with anthropogenic impact in a coastal Eastern Mediterranean region
Authors: Abboud N. , Matar Z. , Maatouk E. , Kazpard V. , Wazne M.
Published: October 2023

Rivers are progressively being exposed to increased anthropogenic pollution stresses that are undermining their designated-uses and affecting sensitive coastal areas. In this study, three adjacent Eastern Mediterranean coastal rivers Ibrahim, Kaleb and Beirut were evaluated. Water quality samples were collected in dry and wet season from different sampling sites along the river from the source to the outlet that represent a gradient of increased urbanization. The spatio-temporal variability of the physio-chemical properties, heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Cd) and organic matter (DOC) were statistically analyzed to better understand the contribution of point and non-point pollution sources. The three rivers (Beirut, Kaleb and Ibrahim) show a similar behavior in calcium and carbonate alkalinity due to the carbonate mineral weathering effect so they are of calcium bicarbonate type due to their calcareous geological nature. The speciation of anions was affected by temporal variation. Moreover, it is obvious that Beirut River has a different behavioral characteristic where the water is of a sulfate type water with a preferable metal-OM complexation mainly with lead, zinc and copper whereas Kaleb and Ibrahim are considered to be of a nitrate phosphate type with a preferable metal inorganic complexation specially copper that has a consistent behavior in both type of waters. This difference is attributed to the urbanization effect highly impacting Beirut River.
Identification of molecular subtypes and prognostic features of breast cancer based on TGF-β signaling-related genes
Authors: Wang Mei-Huan , Gao Yue-Hua , Qu Jia , Zhang Wei-hua
Published: October 2023

Purpose:The TGF-β signaling system is well understood to be involved in numerous cancer progressions, including cell invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and TGF-β targeting drugs offer great promise as cancer therapies. However, the role of TGF-β in prognostic categorization and breast cancer (BC) treatment is unknown.
Methods: First, we used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database to create a predictive model that included five TGF-signaling-related genes (TSRGs). GSE161529 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus collection was collected to perform single-cell analysis to further describe these TSRGs. Furthermore, based on five TSRGs, an unsupervised algorithm was used to stratify two groups of immunity and overall survival (OS) in BC patients. More research was conducted on the differences in pharmaceutical therapy and tumor microenvironment among different patient groups and clusters.
Results: The predictive model for BC contains five TSRGs: FUT8, IFNG, ID3, KLF10, and PARD6A, with single-cell analysis revealing that IFNG is primarily expressed in CD8+ T cells. Consensus clustering separated BC patients into two clusters, with cluster B having a longer OS and a better prognosis. Immunoassays revealed larger amounts of cluster B immune checkpoints and immune cells, implying that they would respond better to ICIs.
Conclusion: Our findings supports accurate prognostic classification and efficient individual care strategies for BC patients by highlighting the possible significance of TGF-β signaling pathway for BC prognosis.
Efficacy of total glucosides of paeony on Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a propensity-matched study
Authors: Li Qi , Yu Honghong , Yu fangyuan , Jin Ziyi , Geng Linyu , Feng Xuebing
Published: October 2023

Background To evaluate the real-world efficacy of total peony glycoside (TGP) treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of TGP (administered for a minimum of 3 months) in SLE patients hospitalized to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between 2009 and 2021, using propensity score matching method. A total of 244 patients were included, of which differences in variables between the TGP-treated and non-TGP-treated groups were compared. To minimize the effect of confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied. Results Baseline variables were similar between the TGP and non-TGP groups, except for lower rates of cyclophosphamide and tripterygium glycoside administration in the TGP group. The median follow-up times for the two groups were 28.9 and 24.8 months, respectively. Compared with the control group, TGP treatment resulted in significantly improved musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous involvement. Meanwhile, patients in the TGP group exhibited elevated serum albumin levels and reduced total bile acid levels even after adjustment (OR = 2.43 and 2.44, p < 0.01). Conclusion TGP has shown potential beneficial in certain SLE patients, particularly those with musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous manifestations, as well as individuals liver dysfunction. Trial registration The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (No. 2022-220-02).
Comparative Investigation of Hellenistic Period Fortification Structures in Ayasuluk Hill and Şirince Valley
Authors: NOBERİ Cansu , BARANAYDIN Fırat
Published: October 2023

During the Archaic and Classical periods, the acropolis of the city, which grew around Artemision and towards Mount Pion, was presumably Ayasuluk. After the Persian domination, Hellenistic activity continued on the Ayasuluk hill for a while. Afterwards, the city was moved by Lysimakhos between the mountains of Pion and Koressos. Pion and Koressos which dominate almost all the angles seen by Ayasuluk. However, not a single point is within the field of view of these two hills. The valley of Şirince, which was the bed of a large river in geologic periods to the east of Ayasuluk Hill, is only within the field of view of Ayasuluk Hill. This study, which examines the connection between the Hellenistic period fortification structures of Ayasuluk Hill and Şirince Valley, which constitute the subject of this study, firstly dates these two fortification structures by using archaeological methods. Then, it makes assertions on their construction techniques and material supply. With the help of different disciplines, samples taken from different parts of two regions are examined by using SEM and XRD analyzes. According to the analysis results, it has been proved that the building materials used in Ayasuluk Hill and Şirince Valley are similar.