bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurse-patient Relationships: Implications for Retention in the PMTCT of HIV Programme
Authors: Abraham Susanna Aba , Clow Sheila Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Background
Relationships established between nurses and midwives, and their patients have far-reaching implications; the most significant being its impact on the health-related outcome of patients.
These relationships are especially relevant in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) programme as women, diagnosed with HIV navigate the emotional and psychological effects of their diagnosis while carrying pregnancies. This study aimed to explore the relationships between nurses, midwives and mothers diagnosed with HIV and its impact on retention in the PMTCT Programme.
Methods
An Appreciative Inquiry approach that employed qualitative research methods was conducted among twenty-four participants made up of 12 HIV positive mothers, and eight midwives and four community health nurses engaged in the PMTCT programme. Individual generative interviews were conducted among the mothers while paired interviews were conducted among the health professionals. Thematic analysis guided by Colaizzi’s approach was conducted.
Results
Three main themes emerged; Establishing Rapport, Journeying Together and Celebrating the Spoils. Nurse-patient relationships evolved as the women progressed along the PMTCT cascade. Establishing trust, setting mutuals goals, sharing emotional experiences and personal stories, and building clients’ self-worth positively impacted commitment to the nurse-patient relationship and retention in the programme. Termination of care was unsuccessful in some relationships as professional boundaries were blurred.
Conclusions
The nurse-patient relationship in the PMTCT programme evolved as the relationship progressed along the PMTCT cascade. Strengthening of the nurse-patient relationships was underscored by building trust through maintenance of confidentiality, setting mutuals goals, shared emotional experiences and personal stories, and building clients self-worth. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that professional boundaries are set and maintained to reduce the occurrence of overdependence of the clients and burnout of the nurses.
Selection of M7G-related lncRNAs in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and their prediction of immunotherapeutic efficacy
Authors: Zhong Shuangze , Chen Shangjin , Lin Hansheng , Luo Yuancheng , He Jingwei
Published: June 2023

Background:
Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. This study aims to develop new biomarkers for KIRC and explore the impact of biomarkers on the immunotherapeutic efficacy for KIRC, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of KIRC patients.
Methods:
Transcriptome data for KIRC was obtained from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified KIRC-related modules of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Intersection analysis was performed differentially expressed lncRNAs between KIRC and normal control samples, and lncRNAs associated with N(7)-methylguanosine (m7G), resulting in differentially expressed m7G-associated lncRNAs in KIRC patients (DE-m7G-lncRNAs). Machine Learning was employed to select biomarkers for KIRC. The prognostic value of biomarkers and clinical features was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed based on biomarkers and clinical features, and its efficacy was evaluated using calibration curves and decision curves. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the functional enrichment of biomarkers. Correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between biomarkers and immune cell infiltration levels and common immune checkpoint in KIRC samples.
Results:
By intersecting 575 KIRC-related module lncRNAs, 1773 differentially expressed lncRNAs, and 62 m7G-related lncRNAs, we identified 42 DE-m7G-lncRNAs. Using XGBoost and Boruta algorithms, 8 biomarkers for KIRC were selected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant survival differences in KIRC patients with high and low expression of the PTCSC3 and RP11-321G12.1. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that AP000696.2, PTCSC3 and clinical characteristics were independent prognostic factors for patients with KIRC. A nomogram based on these prognostic factors accurately predicted the prognosis of KIRC patients. The biomarkers showed associations with clinical features of KIRC patients, mainly localized in the cytoplasm and related to cytokine-mediated immune response. Furthermore, immune feature analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in immune cell infiltration levels in KIRC samples compared to normal samples, with a negative correlation observed between the biomarkers and most differentially infiltrating immune cells and common immune checkpoints.
Conclusion:
In summary, this study discovered eight prognostic biomarkers associated with KIRC patients. These biomarkers showed significant correlations with clinical features, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoint expression in KIRC patients, laying a theoretical foundation for the diagnosis and treatment of KIRC.
Evaluation of Downy Mildew Resistance in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Authors: Olaoye Dotun , Bhattarai Gehendra , Feng Chunda , Correll Jim , Shi Ainong
Published: June 2023

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an economically important leafy vegetable grown in the United States and world-wide. The downy mildew pathogen, Peronospora effusa (Pfs), is a major biotic constraint impacting spinach production and quality. The use of resistant cultivars is an economical management option especially in organic production systems. As new races of the pathogen continue to appear, there is a need to continue to select for resistance to the emerging races. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a set of spinach hybrids and F2 breeding populations for resistance to Pfs race 5 to develop a better understanding of the genetics of downy mildew resistance. Also, we screened 39 commercial spinach cultivars for resistance to a recently identified race, Pfs race 19. The genetics of resistance to Pfs 5 was determined by greenhouse inoculations of F1 progeny (individual crosses between near isogenic lines, NIL3 or NIL1 and susceptible genotype, Viroflay) and F2 population progeny (cross between Califlay and susceptible Viroflay). Two hybrids were examined for resistance to Pfs 5. The results indicated that resistance conferred at the RPF1 or the RPF3 loci in a heterozygous (Rr) condition to Pfs 5 was completely dominant. Also, Chi-square analysis of the segregation pattern in the F2 population showed that resistance to Pfs race 5 was conferred by a single dominant gene. A total of 22 out of 39 spinach commercial cultivars were resistant to the newly reported Pfs race 19 and could be used in breeding programs to develop new cultivars with resistance to Pfs 19.
Global estimates on the number of people blind or visually impaired by glaucoma: A meta-analysis from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Bourne Rupert , Bourne Rupert
Published: June 2023

Objectives: To estimate global and regional trends from 2000 to 2020 of the number of persons visually impaired by glaucoma and their proportion of the total number of vision-impaired individuals.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published population studies and grey literature from 2000 to 2020 was carried out to estimate global and regional trends. Moderate or severe vision loss (MSVI) was defined as a visual acuity of 6/60 or better but <6/18 (moderate vision loss) and visual acuity of 3/60 or better but <6/60 (severe vision loss). Blindness was defined as presenting visual acuity <3/60 or less than 10° visual field around central fixation.
Results: Globally, in 2020, 3.61 million people were blind and nearly 4.14 million were visually impaired by glaucoma. Glaucoma accounted for 8.39% (95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]: 6.54, 10.29) of all blindness and 1.41% (95% UI: 1.10, 1.75) of all MSVI. Regionally, the highest proportion of glaucoma-related blindness was found in high-income countries (26.12% [95% UI: 20.72, 32.09]), while the region with highest age-standardized prevalence of glaucoma-related blindness and MSVI was Sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2000 and 2020, global age-standardized prevalence of glaucoma-related blindness among adults ≥50 years decreased by 26.06% among males (95% UI: 25.87, 26.24), and by 21.75% among females (95% UI: 21.54, 21.96), while MSVI due to glaucoma increased by 3.7% among males (95% UI: 3.42, 3.98), and by 7.3% in females (95% UI: 7.01, 7.59).
Conclusions: Within the last two decades glaucoma has remained a major cause of blindness globally and regionally.
Evaluation of Microphysical Schemes of High-Resolution WRF-ARW Model in Windspeed Forecasting over a Complex Terrain Wind-farm Cluster in India
Authors: Choudhury Devanil , Keshav Bibhuti Sharan
Published: June 2023

Microphysical sensitivity experiments were conducted to forecast complex terrain windspeed over a windfarm cluster in Maharashtra, India using high-resolution WRF-ARW model with 6 km outer and 2 km inner domain during the month of June 2022. The simulations were compared to hub-height wind measurements from wind turbines data. Results showed that the WSM5 microphysical scheme produced the minimum absolute error for complex mountainous terrain, while Ferrier performed the worst, and produced the largest error in wind speed at a height of 120 meters. Moreover, planetary boundary layer and topographic representation also play a vital role in modeling complex terrain wind forecasts. The performance of other physical variables for different microphysical schemes remained almost similar with minor fluctuations. Our experiments suggest that the adopting high-resolution WRF-ARW model with suitable combinations of physical parameterizations especially WSM5 microphysical schemes can significantly improve windspeed forecasting over complex terrain wind sites.
Hemostatic capability of ultrafiltrated fresh frozen plasma compared to cryoprecipitate
Authors: Ichikawa Junko , Iba Toshiaki , Okazaki Ryouta , Fukuda Tomoki , Kodaka Mitsuharu , Komori Makiko , Levy Jerrold H.
Published: June 2023

This in vitro study evaluated the potential hemostatic effect of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) ultrafiltration on clotting factors, coagulation parameters, and plasma properties. ABO-specific units of FFP (n = 40) were prepared for the concentrated FFP and cryoprecipitate. Plasma water was removed from FFP by ultrafiltration using a dialyzer with a pump running at a 300 ml/min. The aliquot of each concentrated FFP after 50, 100, 200, and 250 ml of fluid removal were served for the standard coagulation assay, measurement of clotting activity, and plasma properties to compare those parameters of cryoprecipitate. Concentrated FFP contained 36.5% of fibrinogen in FFP with a mean concentration of 7.2 g/L, lower than the cryoprecipitate level. The levels of factor Ⅷ (FⅧ), von Willebrand factor (vWF): antigen (Ag), and vWF: ristocetin cofactor (Rco) were also lower in concentrated FFP, whereas the levels of factor Ⅴ, factor Ⅸ, factor ⅩⅢ, antithrombin and albumin was higher in concentrated FFP. Maximum clot firmness (MCF) in thromboelastometry was approximately one-half of that in cryoprecipitate. Although the levels of vWF: Ag, vWF: Rco, and FⅧ differed depending on the ABO blood types, fibrinogen levels, and MCF were not significantly different among the ABO blood groups in FFP and concentrated FFP.
Alterations of the intestinal microbiome and metabolome in women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yun Haifeng , Wang Xinxin , Wei Changjiang , Liu Qiuhong , Yan Lixian , Li Na , Zhang Guoxing , Cui Dawei , Liu Rui
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more common in women, and many reports of sex differences have been reported in various aspects of RA. However, there has been a lack of specific research on women's gut flora. To assess the association between the gut flora and RA patients, this study combined the microbiome with metabolomics.
Methods: Fecal samples from RA patients and healthy controls were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. Nontargeted liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry was used to detect metabolites in fecal samples. We comprehensively used various analytical methods to reveal changes in intestinal flora and metabolites in female patients.
Results: The gut flora of RA patients was significantly different from that of healthy women. The abundance of Bacteroides, Megamonas and Oscillospira was higher in RA patients, while the abundance of Prevotella, Gemmiger and Roseburia was lower than that of healthy women. Gemmiger, Bilophila and Odoribacter represented large differences in microflora between RA and healthy women and could be used as potential microorganisms in the diagnosis. Fatty acid biosynthesis was significantly different between RA patients and healthy women in terms of metabolic pathways. There were different degrees of correlation between the gut flora and metabolites. Lys-Phe-Lys and heptadecasphin-4-enine can be used as potential markers for RA diagnosis. There was an extremely significant positive correlation between Megamonas, Dialister and rheumatoid factors (RF), which was found for the first time.
Conclusions: These findings indicated that alterations of these gut microbiome and metabolome may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of RA patients.
The Antidepressant Effect of Magnolol on Depression-like Behavior of CORT-treated Mice
Authors: Xu Chi , Ye Jiayu , Sun Yanting , Sun Xiujian , Liu Jing-gen
Published: June 2023

Although the antidepressant effect of magnolol has been revealed in previous reports, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the antidepressant effect of magnolol on corticosterone-induced (CORT-induced) depressed mice was investigated in vivo. After 21 days of CORT induction, the mice showed marked depressive-like behaviors, with a decrease in sucrose preference score and an increase in immobility time in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST). Pretreatment with either magnolol (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist nor-BNI (10 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented CORT-induced depression-like behavior and reduced CORT-induced dynorphin (DYN A) elevation in the hippocampal DG. However, no depression-like behavior was observed in mice with KOR downregulation in the DG. We further found that upregulation of DYN A in the DG caused depression, which was blocked by intraperitoneal injection of nor-BNI and modulated by magnolol. The present study demonstrated that magnolol could ameliorate CORT-induced depression-like behaviors, by modulating the DYN A/KOR system in the DG of the hippocampus.
Suicide deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, by region, gender and age, March 1, 2020-June 30, 2022
Authors: Faust Jeremy , Renton Benjamin , Du Chengan , Shah Sejal , Chen Alexander , Li Shu-Xia , Lin Zhenqiu , Black Tyler , Krumholz Harlan
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed substantial mental health stressors leading to concerns about an increased suicide risk. To investigate this issue, we investigated suicide mortality rates in the United States from March 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022, comparing them with data from the pre-pandemic period of January 2015 through February 2020. Suicide mortality in the United States was 3% below expected levels during the study period. However, there was an increased suicide incidence in adults ages 18–34 years. The concerns that the pandemic contributed to an overall marked increase in suicide risk is not supported by this analysis, but young adults did experience an increase.
Authoritative Parenting and Adolescents’ Digital Citizenship Behaviors: Sequential Mediation of Parental Fairness and Self-Disclosure
Authors: Morales-Álvarez Agustín , Valdés-Cuervo Angel Alberto , Parra-Pérez Lizeth Guadalupe , Grijalva-Quiñonez Christian Samhir
Published: June 2023

Background.
Parenting-related factors are associated with adolescents’ online behavior. However, the relationship between the adopted parenting style and digital citizenship behaviors, as well as the variables underlying this relationship, needs to be clarified. Hence, this study examined the relationship between authoritative parenting and digital citizenship behaviors and explored the mediating roles of perceived parental fairness and self-disclosure in adolescents.
Methods.
A total of 709 Mexican (52% female, M = 14.6, SD = 1.90) middle and high school students in northwest and southwest Mexico were recruited for this study. Latent structural equation modeling was performed to assess the direct and indirect relationships between variables controlling for gender.
Results.
The results showed a positive association between authoritative parenting, parental fairness, self-disclosure, and digital citizenship behavior. In addition, parental fairness, self-disclosure, and digital citizenship behaviors. In addition, parental fairness and self-disclosure partially mediated the association between authoritative parenting and digital citizenship.
Conclusions.
These findings suggest that authoritative parenting and adolescents’ perceptions of parental fairness play an important role in adolescents' self-disclosure and development of digital citizenship behaviors.
A study conducted in breast cancer cells found that (valproic acid) inhibits CIP2A/C-MYC/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling molecules and PD-L1
Authors: Zeinali Elahe , Bagheri Vahid , Rostami Esmaeil , mansouri atena , Sarab Gholamreza Anani
Published: June 2023

Background
Resistant cells are a critical problem that reduce treatment efficacy of breast cancer. Nowadays, CIP2A and PD-L1 are considered as theraputical challenges in breast cancer, because of responsible for drug resistance and immune evasion respectively. Hence, identifying agents to suppress these factors is great of interest. Specifically, epigenetic drugs can be an effective approach to alter the behavior of genes.
Objective
The objective of this study is to evaluate the drug effects and molecular mechanisms of valproic acid (VPA) as a HDAC inhibitor, particularly its effect on CIP2A and PD-L1 in breast cancer MCF-7 cell line.
Materials and Methods
In this study, MCF-7 cells were treated with various concentration of VPA for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. The rate of cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Finally, gene expressions of CIP2A, c-MYC, PI3K, Akt, mTOR and PD-L1 were analyzed by real time PCR and ΔCT method.
Result
VPA showed a growth inhibitory effect in MCF-7 cell line. This effect is achieved by decreasing the expression levels of CIP2A oncogene and its downstream signaling molecules i.e. c-MYC, PI3K, Akt and mTOR. In addition to being a CIP2A targeting agent, VPA also inhibits PD-L1 in MCF-7 cell line.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that VPA can be a novel approach to combat with challenges caused by CIP2A and PD-L1, thereby alone or in combination with existing therapies could be promising strategy to get more efficiencies in treatments for breast cancer patients.
Protocol for an ABT study: the role of emotional processing in Art Brut therapy for college students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liang Qianrong , Zhong Weiwei , Ye Jiarong , Qiu Hongzhong , Dong Junjie , Shen Heyong
Published: June 2023

Background
COVID-19 is both a global health emergency and a major psychological crisis event, and its negative effects on college students' mental health continue to persist after more than three years. Previous studies[1, 2] suggest that the overall psychological health status of students in colleges has been poor during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among those vulnerable to emotional problems. Interventions are needed to improve the psychological health of college students. This study was designed to determine the potential role of art brut therapy as a positive psychological health approach for university students.
Methods
A sample of university students (n = 120) will be recruited and assigned to an Offline Art Brut Group (OFABG), Online Art Brut Group (OABG), or a control group (CG) with no intervention. Prior to inclusion in the Time 1 assessment, potential subjects will be screened for eligibility requirements via an online survey. Once recruited, participants will finish the Time 1 assessment; then, the two experimental groups will receive art brut therapy once a week for 16 weeks. After the 16-week intervention, subjects will complete the Time 2 assessment. Every assessment will include both psychological and physiological measures. Symptom Checklists 90 (SCL-90) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) will be used to measure the psychological effects of art brut therapy in college students, while the level of cortisol in saliva samples and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in blood samples will be used to examine the physiological effects.
Discussion
This study will articulate the impact of art brut therapy on both psychological conditions and physiological markers associated with emotions, and it will also explore the feasibility and effectiveness of online art brut therapy. The results will determine the efficacy of a low-cost, easy-to-implement, accessible and engaging psychological health intervention for university students with emotional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200062802, August 19th, 2022.
Tyrosinase Enzyme Purification and Immobilization from Pseudomonas sp. EG22 Using Cellulose Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles: Characterization of Bioactivity in Melanin Product
Authors: El-Aziz Salim Mohamed Abd , Faraag Ahmed Hassan Ibrahim , Ibrahim Ayman Meselhi , Albrakati Ashraf , Bakkar Marwa Reda
Published: June 2023

Melanin is a brown-black pigment produced by a variety of organisms and has significant roles in various biological processes such as insect cuticle sclerotization, wound healing, and fruit ripening. The tyrosinase enzyme catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to melanin. Research on this enzyme and its derivatives has revealed promising uses in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The aim of this research is to purify and immobilize the tyrosinase enzyme from Pseudomonas sp. EG22 using cellulose-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Various techniques, such as UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Zeta Sizer Nano ZS, and FTIR, were utilized to examine the synthesized nanoparticles. According to the findings, the nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape with an average diameter of 12 nm. Furthermore, they possessed a negative surface charge, as evidenced by a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.260 and a surface potential of -55.7 mV. The antibacterial and anticancer bioactivity of the enzyme's melanin product is also investigated. Results of the study indicated optimum tyrosinase activity at pH 6 and 35°C and increased with increasing tyrosine concentration. The results indicate that by immobilizing the tyrosinase enzyme on cellulose coated magnetic nanoparticles, its stability can be improved, enabling longer usage. Moreover, this method could prove beneficial in increasing the production of melanin. Produced melanin showed potential antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strain of Citrobacter freundii. The potential of melanin pigment to decrease cell survival and induce apoptosis in initiation cells was demonstrated. When treated with the IC50 concentration, HepG2 cells showed reduced resistance to melanin pigment.
Pulsatile tinnitus relieved by ear pressure case report
Authors: Kmeid Elio , Romanos Michael , Faddoul Sami
Published: June 2023

This study presents a rare case of pulsatile tinnitus. A middle-aged woman presented with new-onset pulsatile tinnitus that resolves upon applying pressure anterior to the helix root. Upon detailed physical exam, we observed congestion and hyperermia on the affected side. CT angiography of the head and neck revealed an arteriovascular malformation along the temporal artery. The patient underwent successful treatment with endovascular embolization.
The Skin Microbiome Stratifies Patients with Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma and Determines Event-Free Survival
Authors: Licht Philipp , Dominelli Nazzareno , Kleemann Johannes , Pastore Stefan , Müller Elena-Sophia , Haist Maximilian , Hartmann Kim Sophie , Stege Henner , Bros Matthias , Meissner Markus , Grabbe Stephan , Heermann Ralf , Mailänder Volker
Published: June 2023

Background: Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that are characterized by the presence of clonal malignant T cells in the skin, with Mycosis fungoides (MF) being the most common entity. The role of the skin microbiome for MF development and progression are currently poorly understood.
Methods: We used shotgun metagenomic profiling, real-time qPCR and T cell receptor sequencing to compare lesional and nonlesional skin of 20 patients with early and advanced MF that were treated at two independent German skin cancer centres. Additionally, Staphylococcus aureus and other bacterial species were isolated from MF skin for functional profiling and to investigate the S. aureus virulence factor spa.
Results: We identified a subgroup of MF patients that exhibited a substantial dysbiosis on MF lesions with concomitant outgrowth of S. aureuson plaque while the other MF patients presented with a balanced microbiome on lesional skin. Dysbiosis and S. aureus outgrowth were accompanied with ectopic levels of cutaneous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and increased adaptation of the outgrowing, plaque-derived S. aureus strains, which may have resulted in or contributed to these microbiome perturbations. Furthermore, the plaque-derived S. aureus strains showed a reduced susceptibility towards antibiotics and an upregulation of the virulence factor spa, which also exhibited a potential gain-of-function mutation, that may render it highly potent to activate the NF-κB pathway. Last, we observed a restricted T cell receptor repertoire and a reduced event-free survival in patients with dysbiosis on MF lesions.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that virulent, outgrowing S. aureus strains fuel pathogenesis in the MF patient subgroup with dysbiosis, possibly via highly potent spa that activates the NF-κB pathway. We therefore provide a solid basis for the role of the skin microbiome for MF progression and pave the way for potential microbiome modulating treatments specifically targeting S. aureus to prevent MF disease progression.
Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Predicting Traffic Accident Severity (Case Study: United Kingdom from 2010 to 2014)
Authors: Rezashoar Soheil , Kashi Ehsan , Saeidi Soheila
Published: June 2023

One of the social problems is that a large number of people lose their lives on the roads in traffic crashes every year. Accidents with high costs, social and cultural consequences affect human societies. This article has considered the geographical characteristics, speed, pavement, weather, lighting, date and time, the purpose of travel, vehicle specifications, etc., to classify the severity of slight and fatal_serious accidents occurring on the highways of Britain. In this paper, python and machine learning algorithms were used after receiving the relevant data on the kaggle website, about 252 thousand records, and 32 independent variables between 2010 and 2014. The results showed that Naïve Bayes (Total) with an accuracy of 75.10%, Support Vector Machine with an accuracy of 75.05%, and Neural Network with an accuracy of 74.59% were predicted with reasonable accuracy. The proposed algorithms of this paper can be used by most departments and traffic and transportation organizations of the country as practical tools for decision-making to use and implement road safety methods. Indeed, in circumstances where it is impossible to experience practical issues due to economic and technical constraints, these models represent reality and provide an understanding of how the system behaves.
Effect of Nano-BN on Friction and Wear Properties of AlN Plate
Authors: Xiong Sang , Zhang Jiaxi , Wu Chao
Published: June 2023

Nano-BN/Si, BN/Al2O3 composite lubricants was prepared by a hydrothermal stirring synthesis method. Orthogonal experiments were conducted by changing the mass fraction of Si and Al2O3. Extreme pressure and wear resistance performance of nano-BN lubricants was investigated the four-ball machine method, and the effect of nano-BN on the friction and wear performance of AlN plates were studied by the multifunctional friction and wear tests. SEM, EDS and XPS were used to characterize the wear morphology and element distribution on the wear surface of the steel balls and the sliding AlN plates, the wear and friction mechanism of nano-BN/Si, BN/Al2O3 as anti-wear additives contained in the nanocomposite lubricants between the metal friction pairs was proposed. The excellent tribological performance of the BN composite lubricants attribute to the synergistic effect between nano-Si particles or Al2O3 particles and layered nano-BN particles, which accelerates the formation of solid lubrication film composed of BN, Si, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 on the surface of the AlN plate, thus reducing the wear between friction pairs.
Small target detection algorithm based on attention mechanism and data augmentation
Authors: Wang Jiuxin , Liu Man , Su Yaoheng , Yao Jiahui , Du Yurong , Zhao Minghu , Lu Dingze
Published: June 2023

The detection of masks is of great significance to the prevention of occupational diseases such as infectious diseases and dust diseases. For the problems of small target size, large number of targets, and mutual occlusion in mask-wearing detection, a mask-wearing detection algorithm based on improved YOLOv5s is proposed in present work. First, the ultra-lightweight attention mechanism module ECA was introduced in the Neck layer to improve the accuracy of the model. Second, the influence of different loss functions (GIoU, CIoU, and DIoU) on the improved model was explored, and CIoU was determined as the loss function of the improved model. Besides, the improved model adopted the label smoothing method at the data processing stage, which effectively improved the generalization ability of the model and reduced the risk of overfitting. Finally, the influence of data augmentation methods (Mosaic and Mixup) on model performance was discussed, and the optimal weight of data augmentation was determined. The proposed model was tested on the verification set and the mean precision (mAP), precision, and recall are 92.1%, 90.3%, and 87.4%, respectively. The mAP of the improved algorithm is 4.4% higher than that of the original algorithm.
Seasonality and light: drivers of abundance, species richness, and diversity in the soil seed bank of a woodland savanna
Authors: Silva-Zagatto Solange do Santos , Weiser Veridiana de Lara
Published: June 2023

Understanding the composition of the soil seed bank, as well as the influence of seasonality and light on seed germination, is crucial for comprehending how changes in these conditions impact the recruitment of new individuals in the aboveground community, the dynamics of natural regeneration, and responses to disturbances. In this study, we investigated the effects of seasonality and light on the abundance, species richness, and diversity of the soil seed bank. The study was conducted in the woodland savanna of Glebe II, located within the Aimorés Wildlife Refuge, which is part of the Mosaic of Conservation Units of São Paulo State Savanna, in southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the soil seed bank using the seedling emergence method in both dry and rainy seasons. Soil was collected from 25 permanent plots, divided equally. One part was placed for germination in a nursery with a polyethylene screen cover, providing 14% shading (light treatment), while the other part was placed in a nursery with a polyethylene screen cover, providing 70% shading (shady treatment). Abundance, species richness, and diversity were evaluated for each season and treatment. Our results revealed greater abundance and species richness in the soil seed bank collected during the rainy season and maintained under shady treatment. In contrast, we observed greater diversity in the soil seed bank collected during the dry season and maintained under light treatment. These findings demonstrate that seasonality and light conditions have distinct effects on different attributes of the soil seed bank in the woodland savanna.
Sports despite masks: No negative effects of FFP2 face masks on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in children
Authors: Weigelt Annika , Schöffl Isabelle , Rottermann Kathrin , Wällisch Wolfgang , Müller³ Sarina Katrin , Dittrich Sven , Hübner Matthias Jens
Published: June 2023

Introduction:
Face masks were recognized as one of the most effective ways for preventing the spread of the COVID-19-virus in adults, the benefits of wearing those were extended to children and adolescents and led to limited physical education (PE) lessons or cancellation of them. This further decreased the amount of physical activity available to children and adolescents during the pandemic. However, there is little published data on the potential adverse effects on wearing the most effective and partially mandatory FFP2/N95 face-masks during PE or physical activity (PA) in this age. Even though the pandemic has been declared as passed by the WHO, the rise of a new pandemic and thus the use of face-masks for limiting its spread is inevitable, so we need to be prepared in a better way for alternative options to lockdown and limitation of PA in such a scenario.
Material and Methods
20 healthy children aged 8–10 years performed two identical cardiopulmonary exercise tests as an incremental step test on a treadmill within an interval of two weeks, one time without wearing a protective mask and one time wearing a FFP2 mask. The cardiopulmonary exercise parameter and especially the endexpiratory gas exchange for oxygen and carbon dioxide (petO2 and petCO2) were documented for each step, at rest and 1 minute after reaching physical exhaustion.
Results
12 boys (mean age 8.5 ± 1.4 years) and 8 girls (mean age 8.8 ± 1.4 years) showed no adverse events until maximal exertion. The mean parameters measured at peak exercise did not differ significantly between both examinations (mean Peak VO2 = 42.7 ± 9.5 vs 47.8 ± 12.9 ml/min/kg, mean O2pulse 7.84 ± 1.9 ml/min vs. 6.89 ± 1.8, mean VE/VCO2slope 33.4 ± 5.9 vs. 34.0 ± 5.3). The most significant difference was the respiratory exchange rate (RER, 1.01 ± 0.08 vs 0.95 ± 0.08). The measured respiratory gases (end tidal O2 and CO2) decreased respectively increased significantly into nearly each step wearing an additional FFP2-mask without reaching levels of hypercapnia or hypoxia.
Conclusion
In this study, no significant differences of the cardiorespiratory function at peak exercise could be discerned when wearing a FFP2/N95 face mask. While the end-tidal values for CO2 increased significantly and the end-tidal values for O2 decreased significantly, these values did never reach pathological levels. Furthermore, the children terminated the exercise at a lower RER and heart rate (HR) suggesting a subconscious awareness of the higher strain. Since the detrimental effects of limiting sports during the pandemic are well documented, stopping PE lessons altogether because of the minor physiological effects wearing these masks instead of simply stopping pushing children to perform at their best seems premature and should be reconsidered in the future.
Preoperative Cross-Sectional Area and Thickness of Pancreatic Stump as Possible Predictors of Pancreatic Fistula and Pseudocyst following Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Obana Ayato , Sato Yoshinobu , Iwasaki Kenichi , Koyama Motoi , Suwa Tatsushi
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This retrospective study investigates the association between the preoperative radiographic measurements of pancreatic thickness, cross-sectional area and the postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (DP) patients.
Methods
A total of 27 patients who underwent DP between May 2019 and February 2022 were included. Preoperative thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) measurements of pancreatic thickness and cross-sectional area were analyzed for their potential role in predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and pseudocyst formation.
Results
Our findings revealed a significant correlation between pancreatic thickness and amylase levels in the drain fluid on postoperative day one (POD1). Furthermore, pancreatic thickness emerged as a robust predictor for the formation of postoperative pancreatic pseudocysts. Notably, no significant association was observed between the cross-sectional area of the pancreas and either the drain amylase levels or pseudocyst formation.
Conclusions
These findings accentuate the potential role of preoperative CT evaluation, specifically the measurement of pancreatic thickness, in predicting the risk of POPF and pseudocyst formation after DP. It can contribute to tailored perioperative procedures and strategic patient management, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. The present study underscores the importance of incorporating radiographic assessments into preoperative planning for patients undergoing DP.
Online Learning Experience of University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine in Greece
Authors: Andrie Elisabeth K. , Kostaki Evangelia – Georgia , Sakellari Evanthia , Leontopoulou Sophie , Lagiou Areti
Published: June 2023

Purpose. The aim of the study was to develop and validate an instrument for exploring students'skills and beliefs about online learning experience during COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate sociodemographic characteristics associated with students’ skills and believes of online learning.
Methods. A 15-item questionnaire was developed and administered to 1,103 undergraduate students at University of West Attica and University of Ioannina during 2021. The survey requested demographic and socioeconomic information and information related to online learning beliefs and skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factor analysis, estimation of factors’ reliability and validity and univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis were carried out using Stata 13.1 and SPSS 23.0 programs.
Results. A total of 1.103 valid questionnaires were retrieved. 73.6% of the students were females, 56.8% aged 18-21 years old and 95.9% had Greek nationality. Factor analysis identified 2 factors, interpreted as “general beliefs about online learning,” and “acquisition of skills”. The Cronbach alpha of the instrument was 0.934. Multivariable regression analysis showed that males, students aged > 21 years old, those with Greek nationality and those who were very satisfied with their living conditions during quarantine reported having more confidence in prerequisite “skills”. Moreover, students aged > 21 years old, those studying non-health sciences, those who were very satisfied with their living conditions and those whose decision concerning their place of residence was influenced by health reasons related to the pandemic and financial reasons, had more positive “beliefs” about online learning.
Conclusions. Our study will help decision-makers understand students' attitudes and motivation toward online learning and improve ongoing online courses.
Plasma disinfection procedures for air and surfaces in emergency service vehicles - a field trial at the German red cross
Authors: Schaal Tom , Schmelz Ulrich
Published: June 2023

The need for disinfection in ambulances is high as medical procedures are performed inside the cars and patients may have open wounds that pose a high risk of infection. The application of reactive products from air's oxygen and water vapor, brought to reaction through cold plasma, can be a solution to the discrepancy in surface hygiene. The cell membrane of the microorganisms is perforated by the charged particles of the cold plasma. This is impossible in human cells because proteins in the form of enzymes break down the cold plasma and protect the cells. An ambulance was contaminated in 8 places. Samples were taken at each site and two surfaces of approximately 8x8 cm were sealed and marked. Both surfaces were contaminated with an Enterococcus faecium suspension of 8.5x107CFU/mL by applying the suspension with a sterile cotton swab. Then, the disinfection process was applied. The PLASMOCAR® device was placed in the front work surface and operated for 30 minutes using the vehicle's onboard voltage. During operation, doors and windows were closed and the vehicle's air conditioning was active. The surfaces for bacterial counts were sampled after the disinfection process was completed. A reduction of 3.73 log levels in initial bacteria was achieved in the rescue vehicle for Enterococcus faecium, equivalent to a 10-4-fold reduction in bacteria, eliminating up to 99.99% of the initial microorganisms. This makes the process suitable as a continuously "background" procedure to support and relieve established disinfection procedures. The established disinfection procedures per hygiene plan should be recognized as soon as mechanical cleaning of surfaces is needed. The use of PLASMOCAR® provides additional security and significantly reduces the background risk of transmitting microorganisms through cross-contamination and aerosols, a relevant benefit for staff and patients.
Acne Vulgaris Severity Analysis Application
Authors: Nethravathi B , Aradita C , Veeranna S , Patil Vikram , Nagaraj Sushruth , Kulkarni Suvanta A
Published: June 2023

The most common skin problem, acne vulgaris, may have serious financial and psychological implications for individuals who have it, thus it's crucial to have an accurate grading system for effective treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based skin image analysis has gained a lot of relevance in recent years, particularly for analyzing and assessing the skin images captured by mobile phones. The difficulty in accurately assessing the severity of acne lies in the similarity of lesion appearances and the challenge of counting lesions. The study suggested a mobile app that can identify different forms of acne to solve this problem by using photos of facial skin. This study employed the You Only Look Once (YOLO) deep learning algorithm to find and identify acne. Comedone, papule, pustule, and nodule are the four forms of acne vulgaris taken into consideration. The dataset used to train and test the model is taken from the ACNE04 dataset and a private dataset from the dermatology OPD of JSS Medical Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. The app showed positive outcomes in severity analysis, showing dermatologist-level diagnosis. This application could be a valuable tool for clinicians with a smart phone to assess acne severity quickly and conveniently, anywhere and at any time.
Effect of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on miRNA-17-5p Expression and PI3K/Akt/mTOR/GSDMD Signaling Pathway in a Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Song Hanbing , Liu Hongpeng , Lee Pengfei , Lee Zhigang , He Linqin , Chen Qipeng , Tang Zonghan , Fei Wang , Lee Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic knee joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and joint damage, with pain and joint deformity as the primary clinical manifestations. Emerging literature indicates that pyroptosis plays a pivotal role in the progression of KOA. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially Duhuo Jisheng Decoction has exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential in the treatment of KOA. However, it remains unclear whether it can affect pyroptosis and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we established a rat model of KOA, and the Lequesne MG score confirmed the successful establishment of the arthritis model, demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in KOA treatment. Histopathological analysis showed a reduction in pathological damage to the synovial tissue of knee joints in Duhuo Jisheng Decoction treatment groups. Moreover, Duhuo Jisheng Decoction exhibited a regulatory effect on inflammatory factors in joint effusion. Consistent beneficial effects of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction were also observed in IL-1β induced SW1353 cells in vitro. We found that Duhuo Jisheng Decoction upregulated the expression of miR-17-5p. Both Duhuo Jisheng Decoction or overexpression of miR-17-5p can suppress the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the cleavage of GSDMD invlovled in pyroptosis. Together, our results suggest that Duhuo Jisheng Decoction regulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway via miRNA-17-5p, thereby affecting the expression of pyroptosis key protein GSDMD. These findings contribute to our understanding of the relevant mechanisms in the treatment of KOA and provide insights into the application of TCM in managing KOA.
Does trade openness increase CO2 emissions in Africa? A revaluation using the composite index of Squalli and Wilson
Authors: MIGNAMISSI Dieudonné , TEBENG Eric Xaverie POSSI , TCHINDA Arnold Dilane MOMOU
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to provide new evidence on the relationship between trade openness and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Africa. Based on recent data and an uncommon and more informative composite indicator of trade openness proposed by Squalli and Wilson (2011), we use an augmented Stochastic Impact by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model. Empirical evidence using the Two Stage Least Square estimation (2SLS) validates the “pollution haven” hypothesis and shows that trade openness increases CO2 emissions in Africa. However, the elasticity varies greatly depending on the different measures of trade openness used. Moreover, we find that trade openness is associated with an increase in CO2 emissions in North Africa, South Africa and West Africa, but rather has a negative effect on CO2 emissions in East Africa and in Central Africa. Furthermore, the quantile regression approach shows that the effect of trade openness is increasing on the Q10th, Q25th, Q50th, and Q75th quintiles, but decreasing at the Q90th quintile, thus highlighting the "scale effect". The results obtained are robust even when using other indicators of environmental quality.
JEL classification: F18; F64; N57; N77; Q56.