bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
18F-FDG PET/CT Analysis of Early-Stage Lung Cancer Presenting as Pure Ground-Glass Opacity lung nodules for distinction of invasiveness.
Authors: Dong Chuning , Zhou Lianbo , Guo Honghui , Xuan Yin , Xiang Xin , An Rongchen , Zhang Xinlu , Xiang Hong , Li Xian , Jiang Yang , Ma Xiaowei , Wang Yunhua
Published: November 2023

Objective: In the past decade, as the increasing application of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) screening, pure ground-glass opacity nodules (pGGNs) are encountered more frequently. However, the clinical strategies for invasive and noninvasive pGGNs are different. Thus, in this study, we aimed to analyze the value and efficacy of the 18F-FDG PET/CT combined with HRCT for identifying the atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma.
Methods: The 18F-FDG PET/CT images and pathologic specimens of 90 patients with resected pGGNs at 2nd Xiangya Hospital in China between August 2013 and November 2019 were reviewed. The nodule size, density, metabolic parameters, and radiologic characteristic were assessed from 18F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT datasets. To investigate the invasiveness of the pGGNs lesions, we grouped AAH, AIS and MIA into the non-IAC group and IA into the IAC group. Then a mathematical model for predicting the invasiveness of pGGNs was established and assessed based on multivariate logistics regression.
Results: Of 90 pGGNs, 57 were non-IAC (63.3%, 29 were AAH and AIS, 28 were MIA), and 33 were IAC (36.7%). There is no significant difference between non-IAC and IAC groups in terms of age, sex, smoking history, periphery, bubble, or lobulation (p＞0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the maximum of CT value (CTmax), average standard uptake value (SUVmean), vessel pass, and speculation as independent predictors of invasiveness. The mathematical model we established as y=exp(x)/[1+exp(x)],x=1.445+1.184×length+0.009×mean attenuation+1.582×SUVmax, where e is the natural logarithm. When the cut-off value was set at 0.82, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of our model was 68.9%, 96.6%, and 83.3%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model was 0.881 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.807 to 0.955), which was higher than the model without 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters (AUC value of the model without 18F-FDG 0.848).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a nomogram to accurately discriminate the invasive status of the pGGNs by visual assessment and 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters. The predicting model could assist surgeons to make decisions for the treatment of patients with pGGN.
Musculoskeletal Comorbidities Predict Lung Function and Mortality in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Srid Meenakshi , Bodduluri Sandeep , O'Hare Lanier , Blumhoff Scott , Lara Maria del Pilar Acosta , Andrade Joao A. , Kim Young-Il , Luckhardt Tracy , McDonald MerryLynn , Kulkarni Tejaswini
Published: November 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease associated with high mortality. Low muscle mass, frailty and sarcopenia lead to functional impairment that negatively impacts quality of life and survival but are not used in clinical practice. We aimed to determine the association between Fat-free mass index (FFMI) and frailty on lung function and exercise tolerance and survival in patients with IPF.
In this study, 70 patients with IPF underwent assessment of body composition, lung function, six-minute walk distance (6MWD) testing, hand grip strength, quality of life (QoL) assessment by St. George’s Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and frailty assessment using the SHARE-FI tool. FFMI was calculated using pectoralis muscle cross-sectional area (PM-CSA) on CT chest images and the lowest quartile defined reduced muscle mass. Sarcopenia was defined as low FFMI and handgrip strength. Regression analyses were conducted to determine predictive value of frailty, low FFMI and sarcopenia on clinical outcomes. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the impact of FFMI and frailty score on survival.
The mean age was 70 years with moderate impairment in lung function (mean ppFVC- 68.5%, ppDLCO- 45.6%). Baseline forced vital capacity (p<0.001), diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (p=<0.01), 6WMD (p<0.05) were significantly lower in frail patients compared to non-frail patients. Frailty was a significant predictor of FVC, DLCO, 6MWD, SGRQ scores when adjusted for age, gender. Muscle mass and sarcopenia were significant predictors of FVC, DLCO, but not 6MWD or QoL scores. Frailty showed a significant association with increased mortality (HR 2.6, 95% CI- 1.1-6.7) adjusting for age and gender.
These conditions may represent a continuum of musculoskeletal dysfunction and early recognition may present an area for intervention in this cohort. The effect of musculoskeletal comorbidities on patients with other interstitial lung disease is yet to be assessed.
Optimized Inverse Problem of Eddy Current Testing for Flaws Angle Determination
Authors: GUESMI Mohamed , GUESMI Kamel , BENHADDA Nabil
Published: November 2023

The flaw propagation angle is a vital factor in the behavioral study of fractures, especially in the case of structures under dynamic or fatigue loading. In this paper, Eddy's current testing has been used with the finite element modeling method to determine the flaw angle for a two-dimensional axisymmetric problem in a gas tube. Moreover, the influence of the flaw angle on the sensor impedance during the scanning process is carried out. On the other hand, the inverse problem is optimized using one of the most recent and effective metaheuristic optimization algorithms called Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO).It allows for defining an optimized relationship between the flaw angle and the sensorimpedance. Simulations are carried out to validate the proposed approach and show its efficiency in accurately determining the flaw angle.
Robust Multipe Imputation with GAM
Authors: Templ Matthias
Published: November 2023

Multiple imputation of missing values is a key step in data analytics and a standard process in data mining. Non-linear imputation methods ones comes into play whenever the linear relationship between a response and predictors cannot be linearized. One kind of popular non-linear methods are Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and an extension of GAM, namely GAMLSS, where each parameter of the distribution (e.g., mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis) can be modeled as a function of predictors.
However, non-robust methods such as standard GAM's and GAMLSS's can be swayed by outliers, leading to outlier-driven imputations. This can apply concerning both representative outliers - those true yet unusual values of your population - and non-representative outliers, which are mere measurement errors.
Robust (imputation) methods effectively manage outliers and exhibit remarkable resistance to their influence, providing a more reliable approach to dealing with missing data.
A new robust imputation algorithm is introduced. This innovative solution addresses three significant challenges with robustness. (1) It uses a robust bootstrap to manage model uncertainty when imputing a random sample, (2) it incorporates robust fitting to reinforce accuracy, and (3) it takes into account imputation uncertainty in a resilient manner. Furthermore, any complex model for any variable with missingness can be considered and run through the algorithm.
For the employed real-world datasets and the conducted simulation study, the novel algorithm imputeRobust demonstrates superior performance in comparison to other prevalent methods.
Using the Ordinal Probit regression model to study the addiction of young people to the game (PUBG) and its impact on family cohesion.
Authors: Farag Eyaman Musa Farag
Published: November 2023

This research is based on a set of main objectives, which are to identify the most influential factors on family cohesion using the Ordinal Probit regression model and to determine which independent variables positively contribute to the dependent variable. Additionally, the study aims to test hypotheses that suggest that the Ordinal Probit regression model is the most appropriate statistical method for analyzing study data, and that certain variables related to young people addicted to the video game ‘PUBG’ (gender, age, education level, social status, occupation, type device to play, time of entry into the game, number of hours of play, method of play, Motivation for using the game, and places of play) have an impact on family cohesion. The study was conducted with a confidence level of 95% and a sample size of 384 individuals, and its type is simple random sampling. The research found a number of results, including that the Probit model is a suitable method for the data. It also showed that variables (gender, age, social status, favorite device to play, number of hours played, and motive for play) have the most significant impact on family cohesion and are important in interpreting the dependent variable (family cohesion). The highest contribution was found to be from the number of hours of play with 49.75%, followed by age at 12.02%, then the motives for play at 9.94%, followed by social status, gender, and method of play consecutively.
Peritoneal Dialysis Related Peritonitis: Insights From a Long-Term Analysis of an Italian Center
Authors: Nardelli Luca , Scalamogna Antonio , Ponzano Federico , Sikharulidze Anna , Tripodi Federica , Vettoretti Simone , Alfieri Carlo , Castellano Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Background
Peritonitis is a common and severe complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). For comparative analysis standardized definitions as well as measurements and outcomes are crucial. However, most PD-related peritonitis studies have been using heterogenous definitions and variable methods to measure outcomes. The ISPD 2022 guidelines have revised and clarified numerous definitions and proposed new peritonitis categories and outcomes.
Methods
Between 1st January 2009 and 31st May 2023, 267 patients who started PD at our institution were included in the study. All PD-related peritonitis episodes that occurred in our unit during the study period were collected. The new definitions and outcomes of ISPD 2022 recommendations were employed.
Results
The overall peritonitis rate was 0.25 episode/patient year. Patient cumulative probability of remaining peritonitis-free at one year was 84.2%. The medical cure and refractory peritonitis rates were equal to 70.3 and 22.4%, respectively. Culture-negative peritonitis accounted for 25.6% of all specimens. The rates of peritonitis associated death, HD transfer, catheter removal and hospitalization were 6.8%, 18.3%, 18.7% and 64.4%, respectively. Relapsing, repeat, recurrent and enteric peritonitis accounted for 7.8%, 6.8%, 4.1% and 2.7% of all episodes, respectively. Catheter insertion, catheter related and pre-PD peritonitis were 4.2, 2.1 and 0.5%.
Conclusions
The implementation of PD-related peritonitis reports using standardized definitions and outcome measurements is of paramount importance to enhance clinical practice and to allow comparative studies.
Kernel-based Algorithms for Image Classification: A Review
Authors: Liang Xijun , Du Shenyu , Duan Yuqian , Chen Yuelin , Zhu Kaili , Yin Yue , Jian Ling
Published: November 2023

The field of kernel learning methods has made significant strides since their inception in the 1990s. These methods involve mapping data from the original input space to a higher-dimensional feature space using an implicitly determined nonlinear mapping through a kernel function. In the feature space, a linear model is constructed, enabling the fusion of statistical information and the geometric structure of data samples.
Kernel methods have demonstrated their effectiveness in various computer vision applications, including remote sensing image analysis, face recognition, and online scene classification. However, traditional kernel methods face challenges in image classification, such as computational complexity and the design of appropriate kernel functions for complex image features. To address these limitations, we explore two approaches: online kernel learning and the integration of deep learning architectures with kernel methods. We present advancements and applications in image classification tasks, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of kernel learning methods and identify future research directions in this domain.
Design of compact HTS bandpass filter operating above 100K by using dual-mode resonators with high selectivity
Authors: Wang Litian , Liu Bingyan , Qian Lirong , Xiong Yang , Li Cuiping , Li Dan , Tian Yahui , Li Honglang
Published: November 2023

In this manuscript, a miniature HTS bandpass filter (BPF) with multi-transmission zeros (TZs), high selectivity, and great attenuation of stopband is presented. A couple of dual-mode resonator (DMR) is employed to achieve the proposed BPF, which can be characterized by using the classical even-odd mode analysis technique. The presented cascaded DMR can excite four resonant modes which can be individually managed. Plus, a pair of intrinsic transmission zero can be yielded at both the lower and upper edges of the passband which results in sharp shirt performance. As an example, the HTS BPF is designed, fabricated, and tested, in which the center frequency is centred at 3.95 GHz and the 3-dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) is 2.5%. The proposed HTS BPF is implemented by using Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 (Tl-2212) thin films which are fabricated by two-step processing and the superconducting critical temperatures (Tc) of the HTS films can reach 103K. The design methodology is confirmed since the experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical results, showing desired bandpass characteristics, high selectivity, and the attenuation of lower and upper stopbands above − 50 dB. Further, the circuit size is only 0.4 cm2.
The Optimization Problems of a Quadratic Hermitian Matrix-valued Function with the Constraint of Matrix Equations
Authors: Lan Yawen , Yuan Yongxin
Published: November 2023

Let Ω={X∈Cn×p| AX=B, XH=K, and AA+B=B, KH+H=K, AK=BH}, and let f(X)=(XC+D)M(XC+D)∗−G be a given quadratic Hermitian matrix-valued function. In this paper, we first establish a series of closed-form formulas for calculating the extremal ranks and inertias of f(X) subject to X∈Ω by applying the generalized inverses of matrices. Further, we present the solvability conditions for X∈Ω to satisfy the matrix equality (XC+D)M(XC+D)∗=G and matrix inequalities (XC+D)M(XC+D)∗> G(≥ G, < G, ≤ G)to hold, respectively. In addition, we provide closed-form solutions to two Löwner partial ordering optimization problems on f(X) subject to X∈Ω.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 15A03; Secondary 15A09; 15A24; 15A63.
HCEC: An effective Hybrid CNN-Ensemble classifier forHyperspectral Image classification
Authors: Pathak Diganta Kumar , Kalita Sanjib Kumar , Bhattacharya Dhruba Kumar
Published: November 2023

This article proposes a hybrid classifier for hyperspectral image(HSI) integrating the merits of two prominent classifiers: convolution neural network(CNN) and ensemble learning method. Both of them have evidence of efficient recognition capability of finding patterns from data. The ensemble model performs recognition using the salient features extracted by CNN. A modified version of Alexnet compatible with HSI datacube has been adopted as the CNN model. Three ensemble methods have been applied for recognition: adaptive boosting(adaboost), random forest(RF), and extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost). Two base learners have been used with adaboost: decision tree and support vector machine(SVM). Experiments have been performed on three benchmark datasets: Indian Pines,University of Pavia and Kennedy Space Centre, which mostly include land cover of agriculture, forest, soil, rural, and urban area. Experimental results establish the superiority of CNN with adaboosthybrid method where SVM is used as the base learner.
Effect of long-term combined use of antipsychotics on ventricular repolarization index
Authors: Liu Qiong , yuan xiaoping , Sheng Chengdong , Cai Weixun , Geng Xuhong , Liu Huanzhong , Song Suqi
Published: November 2023

Objective Antipsychotics can prolong the time of ventricular repolarization. Multiple-drug interactions may increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
It is generally recommended to avoid the combination of drugs that prolong ventricular repolarization or drugs that interact with pharmacokinetics, but in the real world,the combination is inevitable. We retrospectively analyzed heart rate, QRS duration, QT, QTc, TpTe, TpTe, TpTe / QRS, TpTe / QT, TpTe / QTc in consecutive patients with schizophrenia, cardiac electrophysiological balance index (iCEB), iCEBc,and compared with QTc interval to evaluate more effective alternative indexes and to explore the safety of long-term combined use of antipsychotics. And the significance of arrhythmia induced or aggravated by the change of ventricular repolarization index.
Methods Patients with schizophrenia who take drugs in combination. 12-lead synchronous ECG examination was collected every 2-4 weeks. The electrocardiogram with the most significant abnormal changes each year was used to measure the duration of the QRS wave and to measure and calculate a series of ventricular repolarization indexes. The types and times of arrhythmias were observed, the types and doses of drugs taken were recorded, and the hematological indexes were monitored and compared with those of the previous year.
Results When the patients were treated with antipsychotics for 5 years, There was no significant difference in gender effect on RR interval. The duration of the QRS wave in males was longer than that in females. TpTe, TpTe/QRS TpTe/QT, TpTe/QTc, iCEB, and iCEBc increased significantly with the prolongation of hospital stay, while TpTe, TpTe/QRS, TpTe/QT, and TpTe/QTc more obvious changes in such indicators appeared in female patients( P < 0.01). The changes in iCEB and iCEBc were more significant in males ( P < 0.01). The incidence of arrhythmia within 5 years was 2.5%, 6.25%, 6.25%,6.25% and 5%, respectively. More than 90% of patients treated with antipsychotics did not have any arrhythmias. No TdP syncope, or other cardiovascular symptoms were found in all patients.
Conclusion Long-term combined use of antipsychotics had no significant effect on ventricular depolarization (QRS duration). iCEB, iCEBc, TpTe, TpTe/QT, TpTe/QTc, and TpTe/QRS prolonged with increasing treatment time.Among them, the gender differences were significant for TpTe, TpTe / QTc, TpTe / QT, iCEB, and iCEBc. The arrhythmic rate was low within the observed 5 years, and the prolongation of the ventricular repolarization index did not significantly increase the incidence of arrhythmia.
Prognostic Value of Metabolic Tumor Volume for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Definitive Radiotherapy without Chemotherapy: A Modern Experience
Authors: Berkowitz Aviva , III William R. Bodner , Cheng Haiying , Halmos Balazs , Ohri Nitin
Published: November 2023

Purpose:
Optimal treatment techniques and expected outcomes are largely undefined for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) who are ineligible for combined modality therapy. We describe outcomes for a modern series of patients treated with radiotherapy alone and explore prognostic factors in this setting.
Methods:
We reviewed patients treated with thoracic radiotherapy alone for stage IIB-IIIC NSCLC (May 2014 - February 2021). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Clinical characteristics, including molecular markers and metabolic tumor volume (MTV), were tested as predictors of PFS and OS using Cox proportional hazards modeling.
Results:
Forty-five patients met eligibility criteria. Median follow-up duration for living patients was 21.8 months. Twenty-seven patients developed disease progression, and 27 died. Median PFS duration was 6.0 months; median OS was 14.9 months. Eight patients received salvage immunotherapy after progression.
MTV was the only statistically significant predictor of PFS (HR [after log10 transformation] = 2.03, 95% CI 1.04-4.00, p=0.039) and OS (HR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.10-5.31, p=0.028). Median PFS for patients with low MTV was 8.9 months, and 5.0 months for those with high MTV. Median OS for patients with low MTV was 27.2 months, and 8.9 months for those with high MTV.
Conclusion:
Volumetric disease burden may be an important prognostic factor for LA-NSCLC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy without chemotherapy. As many of these patients are eligible for immunotherapy, trials combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy should be explored for this population.
The Impact of Innovativeness in Hospitality Industry Service Operation on Guest Satisfaction in Hurghada City Resorts
Authors: Yousry Fahd Mohamed , Saad Sameh Gamal , Mohamed Fatma Abdelaal
Published: November 2023

Service innovation is essential for improving service and increasing guest satisfaction. Aside from the significance of technology and tangible products, innovation increases guest satisfaction by stimulating their five senses perception. To produce Service Innovation, Service-Dominant Logic highlights the role of innovativeness in service delivery in accordance with guest perception. This study aims to explore the impact of innovativeness on guest satisfaction in the case of resort operations as qualitative research. A set of propositions are generated based on relevant works of literature and an approximate of one thousand reviews on the TripAdvisor website. The reviewers were international guests of 20 resorts in Hurghada City. The thematic analysis with deductive approach was employed to determine the key themes of Innovativeness that influence guest satisfaction. The findings suggest a conceptual model about the influences of 1) Innovative Humane Hints, 2) Innovative Mechanic Hints and 3) Innovative Functional Hints on the guest’s Transaction-Specific Satisfaction. The model explains how guests perceive innovativeness through the five senses and their evaluation on the innovativeness of the operations. The study addresses the importance of innovativeness in service operation management to satisfy guest expectation.
The air quality before-and-after COVID-19 in Tunisia: A case study of the month of May between 2018 and 2023
Authors: Arif Abderrazak
Published: November 2023

The global coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) reduced air pollution despite the economic, social and health disruptions that it caused on a global scale. We aimed to study the sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) variability, which are the main air pollutants. We used the data from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite to analyze the atmospheric concentrations of these pollutants in three Tunisian regions: the North, the Centre, and the South, before and after the onset of this global pandemic; we compared them with the results from other countries. We examined also the relationship between meteorological variables and these pollutants; the results showed a return to normal levels from May 2022, indicating a decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the meteorological variables that affect these air pollutants.
RETRACTED: An Exami̇nati̇on of the Effects of Technology Use İn Musi̇c Educati̇on and Trai̇ni̇ng on Academi̇c Achi̇evement: a Meta-analysis Study
Authors: Kalkanoglu Burcu
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
PSYCHOLOGICAL STRATEGIES AND ITS IMPACT ON EMPLOYEE INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY IN KNOWLEDGE INTENSIVE SECTORS
Authors:   Researcher, MA Clinical Psychology, Amity University, Noida., Bansal Dipasha
Published: November 2023

This study article investigates the relationship between psychological tactics and their impact on employee innovation and creativity in knowledge-intensive industries. To remain competitive and adapt to quickly changing markets, todays business landscape necessitates ongoing innovation and creativity. Knowledge-intensive industries, defined by their reliance on intellectual and psychological capital, require effective measures to stimulate employee innovation. This research explores the impact of several psychological methods, such as intrinsic motivation, autonomy, psychological safety, and mindfulness, on improving employee innovation and creativity. Organizations can better create interventions to cultivate a culture of innovation within knowledge-intensive sectors if they understand the interplay between these initiatives and employee outcomes.
Capital structure and practices of accrual-based earnings management among non-financial Vietnamese listed firms
Authors: Duc Hieu Pham , Ha Anh Hoang
Published: November 2023

This paper’s primary goal is to examine the influence of a firm’s capital structures on practices of accrual-based earnings management by doing empirical research covering 51 non-financial Vietnamese listed companies during a period from 2013 to 2022. To estimate accrual-based earnings management practices, the modified Dechow and Dichev (2002) model was mobilized. Then, a regression between earnings management estimated values based on accruals and a group of capital structure variables and control variables that are hypothesized to influence earnings management practices is performed. The feasible generalized least square model is used to address econometric issues. Empirical results reveal that activities for managing accrual-based earnings indicate a considerable adverse influence from institutional ownership. However, other hypothesized variables that are management ownership, ownership concentration, foreign ownership, and leverage do not have a determinant sign as expected. ROA, one of five control factors, has a favorable impact on accrual-based earnings management practices, whereas company size has a negative impact. The study provides useful information to investors and stakeholders for their making investment decisions in Vietnam. The empirical findings are also based for recommendations to control earnings management practices at Vietnamese listed enterprises to enhance accounting information quality, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the Vietnam Stock Exchange.
An angle-based leak detection method using pressure sensors in water distribution networks
Authors: Yu Huimin , Zhou Hua , Weng Xiaodan , Long Zhihong , Shao Yu , Yu Tingchao
Published: November 2023

Leak detection has significant implications for the long-term stable operation of water distribution networks (WDNs). This study presented a novel leak detection method by calculating the angular variance between a pressure vector and other vectors in the database, to evaluate the presence of an anomaly in a network. The top priority for this method was to establish a reliable dataset collected from the pressure sensors, which is generated by EPANET 2.2. Numerous node water demand data in normal conditions were generated by the Monte Carlo method, and leak conditions with various leak flows were simulated by creating leak holes in the pipes. Through learning the composite normal and abnormal data in a certain proportion, the angle-based outlier detection model was employed to identify abnormal events. This angle-based method was applied in an actual WDN and the identification performance for anomalies was compared with that of previous detection methods. The results indicated that the novel method proposed in this study could significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of leak detection compared to the threshold-based and distance-based detection methods.
Phosphorus removal from ore waste in aqueous solution with different mass of ore waste adsorbent from the Johor mine site
Authors: Abdullah Noorul Hudai , Nizam Wazif Hilmi Ahmad , Norhisham Muhammad Habil Izzuddin , Husaimi Nur Audrizety , Ngadiman Norhayati , Salim Nur Atikah Abdul , Abu Hassan Norzainariah , Muslim Nur Husna
Published: November 2023

Mine waste management is becoming a growing global environmental concern for mining industries all over the world. Due to the abundance of ore waste from mining industries, this study aimed to observe the possibility of using ore waste to remove phosphorus from a solution. Although phosphorus is one of the essential elements for plant life, excessive phosphorus in water becomes one of the environmental issues, e.g., eutrophication. This study analysed the prediction contour of removal efficiency with the mass of adsorbent needed under different initial concentrations of solution. The batch experiment used an aqueous solution of 5 mg/L using potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) at different masses of adsorbent (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g). The highest removal efficiency for phosphorus using 10 g of adsorbent is 54.3%. The data verified that the pseudo-second-order model (0.9976) fitted well. The adsorption between ore waste adsorbent and phosphorus was chemical sorption, whereas the analysis of isotherm models fitted the Freundlich model, with the occurrence of multilayer adsorption on the adsorption surface. The ability of ore waste to remove phosphorus was successful. This approach is one of the alternatives to enhance tertiary wastewater treatment technologies.
Angiotensin-(1-7) Improves Islet β-cell Dedifferentiation by Activating
PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Pathway
Authors: Guo Hao , Guo Dandan , An Min , Zhang Ruonan , Wang Caixia , He Junhua
Published: November 2023

Background:

Islet β-cell dedifferentiation may be the main cause of reduced insulin secretion.
Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] can attenuate high glucose-induced apoptosis and dedifferentiation
of pancreatic β-cell, but the specific signal transduction pathway and mechanism are not
yet clear.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ang-(1-7) on high glucose-induced islet
β-cell dedifferentiation by activating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Protein kinase B/ Forkhead
box transcription factor O1 (PI3K/Akt/FoxO1) signaling pathway.

Methods:

The mouse islet β-cell line MIN6 cells were passaged and cultured and randomly divided
into five groups: control (Con) group, high glucose (HG) group, HG with Ang-(1-7) group, HG
with Ang-(1-7) and specific MasR antagonist A-779 group, and HG with Ang-(1-7) and PI3K inhibitor
LY294002 group. After 48 hours, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was detected
by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels
of β-cell-specific factors (Pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (Pdx1), v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma
oncogene homolog A(MafA)) and endocrine progenitor cell-specific factors (Octamer
binding transcription factor 4(Oct4), Nanog) were measured by Real Time-PCR and Western blot.
The factors of protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway (Akt, p-Akt, Fox-
O1, p-FoxO1) were determined by Western blot.

Results:

We observed for the first time that high glucotoxicity can induce dedifferentiation of pancreatic
islet β-cell, causing a decrease in insulin secretion levels and expression of Pdx1, MafA, p--
FoxO1, and p-Akt and an increase in expression of Oct4 and Nanog. After Ang-(1-7) intervention,
insulin secretion levels and expression of Pdx1, MafA, p-FoxO1 and p-Akt were increased, and
the levels of Oct4 and Nanog were reduced. However, A-779 and LY294002 could reverse this effect.
During these processes, the total Akt and total FoxO1 expression did not change significantly.

Conclusion:

Ang-(1-7) may prevent high glucose-induced pathological dedifferentiation of pancreatic
β-cell by activating the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.
Drug Repurposing: Insights into Current Advances and Future Applications
Authors: Bhatia Trisha , Sharma Shweta
Published: November 2023

Drug development is a complex and expensive process that involves extensive
research and testing before a new drug can be approved for use. This has led to a
limited availability of potential therapeutics for many diseases. Despite significant advances
in biomedical science, the process of drug development remains a bottleneck, as
all hypotheses must be tested through experiments and observations, which can be timeconsuming
and costly. To address this challenge, drug repurposing has emerged as an innovative
strategy for finding new uses for existing medications that go beyond their original
intended use. This approach has the potential to speed up the drug development process
and reduce costs, making it an attractive option for pharmaceutical companies and
researchers alike. It involves the identification of existing drugs or compounds that have
the potential to be used for the treatment of a different disease or condition. This can be
done through a variety of approaches, including screening existing drugs against new disease
targets, investigating the biological mechanisms of existing drugs, and analyzing data
from clinical trials and electronic health records. Additionally, repurposing drugs can
lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets and mechanisms of action, which
can enhance our understanding of disease biology and lead to the development of more
effective treatments. Overall, drug repurposing is an exciting and promising area of research
that has the potential to revolutionize the drug development process and improve
the lives of millions of people around the world. The present review provides insights on
types of interaction, approaches, availability of databases, applications and limitations of
drug repurposing.
Curcuminoids Modulated the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in LoVo
and HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Qian , Ding Yanting , Ou Ying , Li Manjing , Jithavech Ponsiree , Buranasudja Visarut , Sritularak Boonchoo , Xu Yichun , Rojsitthisak Pornchai , Han Junsong
Published: November 2023

Background:

Curcuminoids, including curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdesmethoxycurcumin,
are natural polyphenolic compounds that exhibit various biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
and anticancer activities. Dysregulation of the interleukin (IL)-6-mediated Janus kinase/signal
transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway is closely associated with the development
of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods:

Here, we have evaluated the modulation of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway of curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin,
and bisdesmethoxycurcumin in LoVo and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells with a single molecular array
(Simoa), western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and pathway analysis system.

Results:

The study showed that curcuminoids suppressed the amount of IL-6 in LoVo and HT-29 colorectal
cancer cells. Meanwhile, curcuminoids inhibited the expression of inflammation regulator-related microRNA
(miRNA). We also found that the expression of total STAT3 was downregulated by curcuminoids. Moreover,
the pathway analysis system showed that curcuminoids inactivated the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Taken
together, we demonstrated that the anti-cancer activities of curcuminoids against colorectal cancer are due to
the modulation of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 cascade.

Conclusion::

Curcuminoids could be a promising anti-cancer agent for the treatment of human colorectal cancer.
Zang Siwei Qingfei Mixture Alleviates Inflammatory Response to Attenuate Acute Lung Injury by the ACE2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice
Authors: Lei Si , Wu Shangjie
Published: November 2023

Background:

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious lung disease characterized by acute
and severe inflammation. Upregulation of ACE2 and inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway
attenuate LPS-induced ALI.

Objective:

To explore whether Zang Siwei Qingfei Mixture inhibits the development of ALI
through the ACE2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Methods:

Alveolar type II epithelial cells (AEC II) were identified by immunofluorescence staining
and flow cytometry. C57BL/6J mice were treated with LPS to establish an ALI model. Cell viability
was assessed using CCK8 assays. The levels of ACE, ACE2, p-p38/p38, p-
ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-JNK/JNK, p-IκBα/IκB-α, p-NF-κBp65 were analyzed by Western blotting.
ELISA was applied to detect the levels of TNF-a, IL-6, AGT, and Ang1-7. HE staining was used to
observe lung injury. The mRNA expression of ACE, ACE2, and Mas was measured by RT-qPCR.

Results:

AEC II cells were successfully isolated. Treatment with the Zang Siwei Qingfei Mixture
resulted in a decrease in ACE, p-p38/p38, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-JNK/JNK, p-IκBα/IκB-α,
p-NF-κBp65 levels, while increasing ACE2 levels. Zang Siwei Qingfei mixture also led to a reduction
in TNF-α, IL6, and AGT levels, while increasing Ang1-7 level. Histological analysis
showed that Zang Siwei Qingfei Mixture treatment improved the alveolar structure of ALI mice
and reduced inflammatory infiltration. The pretreatment with MLN-4760, an ACE2 inhibitor,
resulted in opposite effects compared to Zang Siwei Qingfei Mixture treatment.

Conclusion:

Zang Siwei Qingfei mixture attenuates ALI by regulating the ACE2/NF-κB signaling
pathway in mice. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the development of improved
ALI treatments.
Natural Plant Products Mediated Prevention of Cancer Facilitated
through Immune Suppression of Treg Cells
Authors: Mukherjee Oishi , Rakshit Sudeshna , Shanmugan Geetha , Sarkar Koustav
Published: November 2023

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and numerous methods have been tested
and used to figure out an optimum way of treatment. Besides targeted therapy, immunotherapy
has proven to be effective by controlling certain immune cells. Traditional cancer therapy is met
with the consequences of adverse side effects that have been a major issue for treatment; hence, a
leap towards naturally occurring immunomodulators was taken to develop safer methods of treatment.
One of the major immune cells responsible for the growth of tumors is regulatory T cells
(Tregs). To maintain immunological homeostasis, Treg dampens abnormal immune responses to self
and non-self-antigens. The transcription factor FoxP3 is responsible for their lineage specification
and takes part in the production of immunosuppressive cytokines like IL10, IL35, and TGFb. This
helps cancer cells to proliferate without the restriction of different immune cells like CD8+T cells,
dendritic cells, monocytes/macrophages, B cells, and natural killer cells. Hence, targeting Tregs to
provide unhindered immunosurveillance has proven to be a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy.
This review mainly focuses on some common naturally occurring immunomodulators derived
from plant products that have earned their place as immunotherapeutic agents, along with some of
their ability to suppress Tregs that can be used as an effective way to treat cancer.
Label-free and Colorimetric Sensitive Detection of SNPs Based on Catalytic Beacon and RNase Cleavage Reaction
Authors: Yu Zhaojiang , Zhao Chunxue
Published: November 2023

Background:

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important hallmarks in various
pathological activities, especially genetic and inherited diseases, and detecting them with accuracy,
high throughput and low cost becomes increasingly necessary.

Methods:

Herein, we have developed a new label-free and sensitive detection method for SNPs
assay. Due to its favorable traits, the method presents an excellent performance. Briefly, the peroxidase-
mimicking catalytic activity of G-quadruplex-hemin DNAzymes ensures label-free and colorimetric
SNPs detection. At the same time, the RNA enzyme of the specific cleavage action can
easily achieve the recycling of RNA enzyme and signal amplification.

Results:

In this study, the P-hemin DNAzyme with target DNA could catalyze the H2O2-mediated
oxidation of ABTS to cause an observed color change compared to mutant DNA. The sensitivity
and detection range of the DNA biosensor was achieved through the signal amplification program
of special binding and cleavage of RNase H. A linear dependence of the absorbance at 420 nm on
the concentrations between 0.5 and 50 nM was obtained (R2=0.965), and the detection limit was
8.76 nM.

Conclusion:

A new strategy for signal amplification process based on RNase cleavage reaction
and Catalytic Beacon was constructed. Collectively, the developed SNPs assay might be extended
to a broad range of clinical early diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases.
Polymersomes as Next Generation Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: Recent
Advances, Patents, Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Goel Surya , Singh Ruchi , Tonk Megha
Published: November 2023

Background:

Polymersomes (PS), self-assembled nanostructures formed by amphiphilic block copolymers, have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their
unique properties and versatile applications in the fields of drug delivery and biomedicine. They
are being prepared for a wide range of complex medicinal compounds, including nucleic acids,
proteins, and enzymes. Polymersomes have lately been used as vehicles for delivering varied
therapeutic substances and regulating ROS (reactive oxygen species). Due to their immunogenic
features, polymersomes could play a critical role in enhancing subunit vaccine and drug delivery
against COVID-19 infection.

Objective:

The prime purpose of this manuscript is to furnish an extensive overview of polymersomes, highlighting their recent advances, fabrication methods, characterization techniques,
and pharmaceutical applications.

Methods:

The article has been amassed using several online and offline manuscripts from reputed journals, books, and other resources. Besides this, various user-friendly interfaces, like Pubmed, Google Scholar, etc, have been utilized to gather the latest data about polymersomes. This
domain encompasses recent advancements in the realm of innovations about the delivery of
drugs through polymeric vesicles. This field involves innovations or developments in nanocarrier systems as they are efficaciously employed to deliver the desired moiety to the targeted site.

Results:

PS have been discovered to exhibit remarkable promise in addressing various challenges associated with inadequate bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, dosing frequency, and diminished toxic effects. Over the past decade, such nanovesicles have been effectively employed
as a complementary approach to address the issues arising from poorly soluble medications.
However, this domain still requires further focus on novel breakthroughs.

Conclusion:

Polymersomes demonstrate unparalleled potential as innovative carriers, exhibiting
remarkable versatility and exceptional biocompatibility. This concise review underscores their
extraordinary prospects in diverse fields, accentuating their distinctive attributes and opening
new avenues for groundbreaking applications.
Different Sources of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A
Comparison of Subchondral, Mandibular, and Tibia Bone-derived
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Hong-Yu , Guan Shu-Yuan , Yu Si-Han , Zhou Ya-Chuan , Zheng Li-Wei , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2023

Background::

Stem cell properties vary considerably based on the source and tissue site
of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The mandibular condyle is a unique kind of craniofacial bone
with a special structure and a relatively high remodeling rate. MSCs here may also be unique to
address specific physical needs.

Objective::

The aim of this study was to compare the proliferation and multidirectional differentiation
potential among MSCs derived from the tibia (TMSCs), mandibular ramus marrow (MMSCs),
and condylar subchondral bone (SMSCs) of rats in vitro.

Methods::

Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by CCK-8, laser confocal, and cell
scratch assays. Histochemical staining and real-time PCR were used to evaluate the multidirectional
differentiation potential and DNA methylation and histone deacetylation levels.

Results::

The proliferation rate and self-renewal capacity of SMSCs were significantly higher than
those of MMSCs and TMSCs. Moreover, SMSCs possessed significantly higher mineralization
and osteogenic differentiation potential. Dnmt2, Dnmt3b, Hdac6, Hdac7, Hdac9, and Hdac10
may be instrumental in the osteogenesis of SMSCs. In addition, SMSCs are distinct from MMSCs
and TMSCs with lower adipogenic differentiation and chondrogenic differentiation potential. The
multidirectional differentiation capacities of TMSCs were exactly the opposite of those of SMSCs,
and the results of MMSCs were intermediate.

Conclusion::

This research offers a new paradigm in which SMSCs could be a useful source of
stem cells for further application in stem cell-based medical therapies due to their strong cell renewal
and osteogenic capacity.
Curcumin Suppresses M2 Macrophage-derived Paclitaxel Chemoresistance through
Inhibition of PI3K-AKT/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Deswal Bhawna , Bagchi Urmi , Kapoor Sonia
Published: November 2023

Background:

Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women worldwide. The development of chemoresistance
that leads to recurrence and mortality remains a major concern. M2-type tumor-associated macrophages
(TAMs), present in the breast tumor microenvironment, secrete various cytokines and growth factors that induce
chemoresistance. Curcumin, isolated from Curcuma longa, is known to sensitize cancer cells and increase
the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutic agents. However, the effect of curcumin on the chemoresistancegenerating
ability of M2 TAMs is not known.

Objective:

The study aimed to determine whether curcumin could modulate M2 macrophages and suppress their
ability to induce resistance to paclitaxel in breast cancer cells.

Methods:

THP-1 cells were differentiated to M2 macrophages using PMA and IL-4/IL-13 in the presence or
absence of curcumin in vitro. The effect of the conditioned medium of M2 macrophages on inducing resistance
towards paclitaxel in MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells was analyzed by cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis,
wound healing and transwell migration assays. RT-PCR analysis was used to determine the mRNA expression of
anti-inflammatory cytokines in M2 macrophages. The effect of curcumin on TGF-β, pAKT, and pSTAT3 in M2
macrophages was analyzed by western blotting.

Results:

Our data revealed that the M2 macrophages polarized in the presence of curcumin lacked the ability to
generate chemoresistance to paclitaxel in breast cancer cell lines. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the expression
of TGF-β to be highest amongst M2 macrophage-secreted cytokines. We observed that purified recombinant
TGF-β generated chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. We found that curcumin treatment abrogated the expression
of TGF-β in M2 macrophages and suppressed their ability to induce chemoresistance in breast cancer cells.
STITCH analysis showed strong interaction between curcumin and AKT/STAT3 pathway. Mechanistically, curcumin
inhibited PI3K/AKT/STAT3 signaling in M2 macrophages. Western blot analysis revealed that M2 TAM
CM, but not curcumin-treated macrophage CM, activated COX2/NF-κB in breast cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that curcumin reduced the chemoresistance-generating ability of M2 TAMs. The
study has revealed a non-cancer cell-autonomous mechanism by which curcumin partly overcomes the chemoresistance
of paclitaxel in breast cancer.