bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for identifying warm fronts in Eurasia
Authors: Qin Yujing , Wang Jiachen , Lu Chuhan , Feng Mengru
Published: October 2023

Warm fronts often trigger significant weather changes, which play a role in numerous extreme weather incidents. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the location and characteristics of warm fronts to accurately forecast weather changes. This paper proposes a new objective method for identifying warm fronts in the Eurasia region using ERA-5 hourly reanalysis data. The method uses the appropriate thermal front parameter and warm advection threshold to identify the potential warm frontal zone, then determines the corresponding warm boundary according to the predominant wind direction within the frontal zone, and finally locates the warm front line along the warm boundary. By analyzing objective warm fronts in different weather processes, the strong correlation with weather systems and meteorological elements substantiates the effectiveness of the method. The substantial agreement with between objective warm fronts and manual identified ones further solidifies the reliability of the method. Furthermore, this method is applied to the long-term datasets covering Eurasia, enabling an exploration of the climatological characteristics of warm fronts in the region. The study reveals distinct seasonal patterns in warm front frequency, with the highest frequency occurring during winter and the lowest during summer. Warm fronts are notably active in Europe, the Siberian Plain, the Northeast China Plain extending to the Western Pacific during winter, spring and autumn. The dataset of warm fronts produced by this method proves valuable for climate change research.
Environmental Sensitivity and Knowledge: Before and After Viewing the Documentary “The Last Drop” Among High School Students
Authors: Dean Rachel
Published: October 2023

The United States Water Crisis examines freshwater scarcity in the West Coast of the nation. A quantitative survey methodology was implemented in this study to assess the knowledge and environmental sensitivity of high school students before and after viewing the environmental documentary, The Last Drop, produced by National Geographic. The Last Drop is a persuasive environmental documentary with the intent to encourage a reduction of water consumption and conservation of water sources across the globe. A Z-Score and T-test were both utilized in order to evaluate the statistical severity of the survey questions. Survey conclusions were statistically significant and helped to prove that the documentary aided in increasing environmental sensitivity and knowledge after viewing the documentary. This study helps to validate that media is relevant in altering student perception of environmental topics, and visual aids contribute to the overall understanding of the severity of environmental concerns. Conclusions align with surrounding research on environmental documentaries.
Shielding of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate in Aqueous Solution: Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Valleroy Corey , Wexler Carlos
Published: October 2023

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) exhibit a temperature dependent near infrared (NIR) exciton spectrum when solvated in water with the help of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactants. Since SWNTs are biocompatible and the NIR spectrum is in transparent window for biological tissue, this represents a potential means for sensing temperature inside cells. Here we seek to investigate a possible mechanism for this temperature dependence: changes in the water coverage of the SWNT as the surfactant structure changes with temperature. Using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations we observe for the conditions of our simulation that the SDS structure shield the SWNT effectively, with ~ 70% of water molecules removed from the first two adlayers; this coverage showing a modest temperature dependence. Although we are not able to directly show how this influences the NIR spectrum, this represents a possible pathway since there is a strong influence of the water environment on the excitons in SWNTs.
A large bird’s digestive tract has an opposite intersexual pattern than body size
Authors: Kwieciński Zbigniew , Tryjanowski Piotr , Zduniak Piotr
Published: October 2023

The appropriate structure of the digestive tract is crucial for individual adaptation to ecological conditions. In birds, the length of the small intestine, responsible for food absorption, is generally believed to be positively correlated with body size. In this study, we investigated the variation in small intestine length in the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), a monomorphic species without visible sexual dimorphism, but characterized by differing parental efforts, which can be reflected by the small intestine lengths between the sexes. Then, we examined the relationship between small intestine length, body size and condition within the sexes. Our findings show that male White Storks have significantly shorter small intestines than females, despite having larger body sizes than the latter. Furthermore, we found a strong relationship between body condition and small intestine length, but it was of a different nature in the two sexes. Males exhibited a previously unreported phenomenon, whereby improving body condition was associated with shortening small intestines, whereas females exhibited the opposite pattern. Moreover, in contrast to females, increasing body size in males resulted in significant small intestine shortening. These novel findings shed light on the anatomical adaptations of the digestive tract in birds.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals major genes, transcription factors and biosynthetic pathways associated with leaf senescence in rice under different nitrogen application
Authors: Zhang Yafang , Wang Ning , He Chenggong , Gao Zhiping , Chen Guoxiang
Published: October 2023

Background Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world and the application of nitrogen fertilizer is an effective means of ensuring stable and high rice yields. However, excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer not only causes a decline in the quality of agricultural products, but also leads to a series of environmental costs. Nitrogen reutilisation is closely related to leaf senescence, and nitrogen deficiency will lead to early functional leaf senescence, whereas moderate nitrogen application will help to delay leaf senescence and promote the production of photosynthetic assimilation products in leaves to achieve yield increase. Therefore, it is important to explore the mechanism by which nitrogen affects rice senescence, to search for genes that are tolerant to low nitrogen, and to delay the premature senescence of rice functional leaves.Results The present study was investigated the transcriptional changes in flag leaves between full heading and mature grain stages of rice (O. sativa) sp. japonica ‘NanGeng 5718’ under varying nitrogen (N) application: 0 kg/ha (0N), 240 kg/ha (MN), and 300 kg/ha (HN). Compared to MN condition, a total of 10427 and 8177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in 0N and HN, respectively. We selected DEGs with opposite expression trends under 0N and HN conditions for GO and KEGG analyses to reveal the molecular mechanisms of nitrogen response involving DEGs. We confirmed that different N applications caused reprogramming of plant hormone signal transduction, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism and photosynthesis pathways in regulating leaf senescence. Most DEGs of the jasmonic acid, ethylene, abscisic acid and salicylic acid metabolic pathways were up-regulated under 0N condition, whereas DEGs related to cytokinin and ascorbate metabolic pathways were induced in HN. Major transcription factors include ERF, WRKY, NAC and bZIP TF families have similar expression patterns which were induced under N starvation condition.Conclusion Our results revealed that different nitrogen levels regulate rice leaf senescence mainly by affecting hormone levels and ascorbic acid synthesis. Jasmonic acid, ethylene, abscisic acid and salicylic acid promote early leaf senescence under low nitrogen condition, ethylene and ascorbate delay senescence under high nitrogen condition. In addition, ERF, WRKY, NAC and bZIP TF families promote early leaf senescence. The relevant genes can be used as candidate genes for the regulation of senescence. The results will provide gene reference for further genomic studies and new insights into the gene functions, pathways and transcription factors of N level regulates leaf senescence in rice, thereby improving NUE and reducing the adverse effects of over-application of N.
Sex Differences in the Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Outcomes of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Large Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Po-Tso , Hseu Shu-Shya , Fuh Jong-Ling , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Chen Shih-Pin , Chen Wei-Ta , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Wang Yen-Feng
Published: October 2023

Background
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is associated with considerable functional disability and potentially fatal complications, and it is uncertain whether men and women should be managed differently. We aimed to determine sex differences in clinical profiles and treatment outcomes in spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of consecutive spontaneous intracranial hypotension patients enrolled from a tertiary medical center between December 1997 and January 2021 and followed up for at least three months. Medical records and imaging findings were reviewed. The outcome of treatment responses to epidural blood patches and risks of subdural hematoma and surgical drainage were measured.
Results
In total, 442 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (165M/277F, mean age 40.3 ± 10.0 years) were included in the analysis. Men had longer delays between disease onset and initial hospital presentation (20.8 ± 21.5 vs. 38.2 ± 67.4 days, P = .002), and were less likely to have nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and tinnitus compared with women (all P < .05) despite comparable radiologic findings. Among the 374 patients treated with epidural blood patches, men were more likely to fail the first epidural blood patch (58.0% vs. 39.0%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.2 [95% confidence interval = 1.4–3.3], P < .001). However, the cumulative response rates to up to two epidural blood patches were similar in men and women (86.2% vs. 87.7%, P = .680). Men were at a higher risk of having subdural hematoma (29.7% vs. 10.8%, OR = 3.5 [95% CI = 2.1–5.8], P < .001). Among patients with subdural hematoma, men had greater thickness (12.8 ± 4.3 vs. 8.1 ± 5.9 mm, P < .001) and were more likely to receive surgical drainage (55.1% vs. 10.0%, OR = 11.0 [95% CI = 3.0-41.3], P < .001) than women. Two of the three patients with mortality or significant disability were men, and the only death in women was attributed to the underlying malignancy.
Conclusions
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension in men is characterized by a delayed presentation, poorer response to the first epidural blood patch, and a higher risk of subdural hematoma. Caution should be exercised in the management of men with spontaneous intracranial hypotension, and more aggressive measures, such as early and/or multiple epidural blood patches, may be helpful.
Expression of m7G RNA methylation regulators in osteoarthritis and their predictive markers
Authors: Huo Zhenhui , Hao Kuo , Wang Xingkai , Fan Chongyi , Kong Lingce , Chang Bo , Niu Yingzhen , Wang Fei
Published: October 2023

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease that places an increasing burden on modern society. Synovial inflammation plays an important role in osteoarthritis. Therefore, new approaches or techniques for the diagnosis of OA are urgently needed. 7-methylguanosine (m7G) is one of the most common forms of base modification in post-transcriptional regulation. Studies have reported that m7G is involved in the development of different diseases. However, the function of m7G RNA methylation regulators in synovial tissue remains unclear, and the expression and predictive value of m7G RNA methylation regulators are rarely reported. So new studies are needed to fill this gap.
Methods
Firstly, 40 m7G RNA methylation-related genes were selected from the four pathways of the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) database and compared with the GSE55457 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to obtain gene expression profiles and clinical information. And 25 related genes were obtained. These genes were analyzed for functional enrichment, protein-protein interactions (PPI), and correlation among regulators. Six differential genes were also selected after the differential analysis of the 25 m7G RNA methylation-related regulators in OA and normal patients. The expression of differential genes in OA patients and the correlation between regulators were analyzed. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of m7G related genes in distinguishing OA patients from healthy population.
Results
We found that these genes are mainly involved in RNA metabolism, RNA cap binding, and the formation of RNA cap-binding complexes, and that the regulation of RNA cap formation has a strong impact on gene regulation. Then we identified 6 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 25 genes between OA and normal people, confirming for the first time that SNUPN and NUDT11 were associated with early diagnosis and prediction of OA.
Conclusions
The regulators of m7G RNA methylation play a crucial role in the advancement of OA and hold promise in terms of prognosis. However, the clinical effects of these biomarkers on OA need further study.
Improving Quality of Analysis by Suppression of Unwanted Signals Through Band- Selective Excitation in NMR Spectroscopy for Metabolomics Studies
Authors: Singh Upendra , Al-Nemi Ruba , Alahmari Fatimah , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Jaremko Mariusz
Published: October 2023

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy stands as a preeminent analytical tool in the field of metabolomics. Nevertheless, when it comes to identifying metabolites present in scant amounts within various complex mixtures of plants, honey, milk, and biological specimens, NMR-based metabolomics presents a formidable challenge. This predicament arises primarily from the fact that the signals emanating from metabolites existing in low concentrations tend to be overshadowed by the signals of highly concentrated metabolites within NMR spectra. To tackle the issue of intense sugar signals overshadowing the desired metabolite signals, an optimal pulse sequence with band-selective excitation has been proposed for the suppression of sugar’s moiety signals (SSMS). This sequence serves the crucial purpose of suppressing unwanted signals, with a particular emphasis on mitigating the interference caused by sugar moieties' signals. We have implemented this comprehensive approach to various NMR techniques, including 1D 1H presaturation (presat), 2D J-resolved (RES), 2D 1H-1H Total Correlation Spectroscopy (TOCSY), and 2D 1H-13C Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC) for the samples of dates-flesh, honey, a standard stock solution of glucose, and nine amino acids, and fetal bovine serum. The outcomes of this approach have been significant. The suppression of the high-intensity sugar signals has considerably enhanced the visibility and sensitivity of the signals emanating from the desired metabolites. This, in turn, enables the identification of a greater number of metabolites. Additionally, it streamlines the experimental process, reducing the time required for the comparative quantification of metabolites in statistical studies in the field of metabolomics.
C-C,N,S treats atrial fibrillation through regulating inflammatory procession: a study of network pharmacology research and gene set enrichment analysis validation
Authors: Yang Shuo , Wang Lianxin , Hu Yuanhui
Published: October 2023

Triangle drug combination of Citrus medica L.var.sarcodactylis Swingle, Naradostachys jatamansi DC. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (C-C,N,S) is usually appeared in atrial fibrillation-treating (AF) decoction and has good clinical effects. However, the core pathological process and mechanism of C-C,N,S intervening AF is unclear. So we intend to use network pharmacology and gene set enrichment analysis to explore the potential mechanism. We detected all compounds of C-C,N,S from CNKI database, predicted its bioactive compounds and potential anti-AF targets from related online platforms and databases. Then through PPI network, gene expression analyses, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on anti-AF targets, we determined the potential mechanism of C-C,N,S treating AF. Finally we used gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to validate the therapeutic effect of C-C,N,S. In conclusion, the therapeutic effect of C-C,N,S treating AF was focused on anti-inflammation. C-C,N,S can regulate inflammatory process and inhibit atrial remodeling and fibrosis through regulating TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway (MAPK signaling involved in) and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Some genes regulated by specific herbal medicine explained reason of the combination.
Interim 18F-FDG-PET based response-adaptive dose escalation of proton therapy for head and neck cancer: a treatment planning feasibility study
Authors: Garrido-Hernandez Guillermo , Henjum Helge , Winter René Mario , Alsaker Mirjam Delange , Danielsen Signe , Boer Camilla Grindeland , Ytre-Hauge Kristian , Redalen Kathrine Røe
Published: October 2023

Background
Image-driven dose escalation to tumor subvolumes has been proposed to improve treatment outcome in head and neck cancer (HNC). We used 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) acquired at baseline and two-three weeks into treatment (interim) to identify biologic target volumes (BTV). We assessed the feasibility of interim dose escalation to the BTV with proton therapy by simulating the effects to organs at risk (OARs).
Methods
We used the semiautomated just-enough-interaction (JEI) method to semi-automatically identify BTVs from 18F-FDG-PET images from nine HNC patients. Between baseline and interim FDG-PET all patients received photon radiotherapy. BTV was defined by assuming that lasting standardized uptake value (SUV) at interim reflects tumor radioresistance. Using Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems), we simulated the effects of a 10% (6.8 Gy(RBE1.1)) dose escalation to the BTV with protons and compared results with proton plans without dose escalation.
Results
At interim 18F-FDG-PET, radiotherapy resulted in reduced SUV compared to baseline. However, there was a spatial overlap between high-SUV regions at baseline and interim that allowed definition of the BTV. Proton therapy planning demonstrated that dose escalation to the BTV was feasible while the increases in median and max dose to OARs remained below 2.0 Gy(RBE1.1) and 1.0 Gy(RBE1.1), respectively.
Conclusion
Our in silico analysis demonstrated the potential for response-adaptive dose escalation to the BTV with proton therapy based on interim 18F-FDG-PET. This approach may give more efficient treatment to HNC with radioresistant tumor subvolumes without increasing normal tissue toxicity. Further studies in larger cohorts are required to determine the full potential for interim 18F-FDG-PET-guided dose escalation of proton therapy in HNC.
Do metacognitive performances of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) correlate positively with inhibitory control?
Authors: Subias Lorraine , Katsu Noriko , Yamada Kazunori
Published: October 2023

Metacognition is the ability to monitor and control cognitive processes. It enables awareness of what one does (or does not) know and is associated with consciousness. Potential metacognitive abilities have been revealed in some primate species. This study investigated how nine Japanese macaques’ impulsivity to look inside a tube containing a reward of varying quality correlated with their tube-checking behaviour in metacognition testing. In a tube task, apes and macaques showed higher tube content-checking behaviour when unaware of which tube held a reward. Intriguingly, even when aware of the reward’s location, they periodically inspected the tubes, especially when a more appealing reward was at stake, akin to humans verifying their knowledge (the passport effect). Some critics argue that this behaviour can be explained by lower-order processes such as a lack of inhibition. Results indicated that impulsivity to look increased as reward quality improved. However, macaques displaying unnecessary tube inspections in metacognitive tests showed less impulsivity. This result counters the notion that excessive looking in the tube task is solely due to a lack of inhibition. Inhibitory control seems crucial for the emergence of metacognition, making it a vital question to address.
Factors influencing health-seeking behaviors and self-care practices among Black-African Caribbean people living with type 2 diabetes: A community-focused qualitative study.
Authors: Sapkota Raju , Knight-Davidson Pamela , Roberts Justin , Pardhan Shahina
Published: October 2023

Background/Aim: To examine factors influencing the uptake and use of diabetic services amongcommunity-dwelling Black African-Caribbean people living in the UK.
Methods: Nineteen individuals of African-Caribbean heritage, over the age of 50 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, took part in three ninety-minute focus group interviews (FGIs). These interviews were facilitated by a community-based health champion and a researcher of African-Caribbean ethnicity. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, coded in NVivo software, and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.
Results: Culturally specific and nonspecific (generic) themes were identified. Culturally specific themes included the normalization of diabetes within the community and a discordant perception about what constitutes healthy eating such as the belief that food not grown organically, or that unfamiliar food is not healthy. Participants were found to be inclined to either substitute or complement diabetes medications with cultural herbal remedies. Participants were generally found to be sceptical about the effectiveness of prescribed medications. There was a lack of confidence and/or trust in medical-centric advice received from healthcare practitioners, often exacerbated by their conflicting messages. Participants also expressed that healthcare practitioners do not always listen to or understand Black people’s culture and needs and reported that there was a lack of culturally appropriate diabetes education and training programs for their community. Generic themes included difficulties and frustrations in getting doctor’s appointments, short appointment times, self-indiscipline, and poor motivation for engaging in physical exercise and healthy eating.
Conclusion: Several cultural/community-related factors influence good control of diabetes, including knowledge and understanding of diabetes and the uptake of healthcare services in African-Caribbean people living in the UK, alongside more general individual and system-related barriers. Addressing these issues is imperative in designing a culturally sensitive diabetes education program for these people. The program's effectiveness could be enhanced by delivering it in accessible formats at the community level and utilizing racially concordant health champions or community ambassadors.
Genome Structure and Characteristics of a Second Distinct Alphabaculovirus from Spodoptera litura
Authors: Gao Weisong , Liu Xingjian , Gao Xintao , Wu Tong , Wei Shuang , Zhang Zhifang , Zhang Huan , Li Yinü
Published: October 2023

Background
Spodoptera litura is a harmful pest that feeds on over 80 species of plants, which can be infected and killed by Spodoptera litura nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltNPV). SpltNPV-C3 is a clone from type C SpltNPV, observed and collected in Japan. Compared with type A or type B SpltNPV, SpltNPV-C3 can cause rapid mortality of S. litura larvae.
Methods
In this research, occlusion bodies (OBs) and occlusion-derived viruses (ODVs) of SpltNPV-C3 were purified, and OBs were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). ODVs were observed under a transmission electron microscope (TEM).
Results
Both of OBs and ODVs show typical nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) morphological characteristics.The genome of SpltNPV-C3 was sequenced and analyzed, and the total length was 148,634 bp (GenBank accession:780426) with a G + C content of 45%. A total of 149 ORFs were determined to encode ORFs. Based on the core genes of baculovirus, a phylogenetic tree of 90 baculoviruses was constructed. LC‒MS/MS was used to analyze the proteins of SpltNPV-C3; 34 proteins were found in the purified ODVs, 15 of which were core proteins. The complexes of Per os infectivity factors 1, 2, 3 and 4 (PIF-1, 2, 3 and 4) were predicted with the help of the AlphaFold multimer and predicted conserved sequences in PIF-3. SpltNPV-C3 is a valuable species because of its virulence, and this research will be beneficial for pest control by analyzing the genome and proteins of SpltNPV-C3.
Exploring local knowledge on soil quality indicators, climate variability, and farming productivity: a case of farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Nyambo Siphamandla , Manyevere Alen , Mashamaite Victor
Published: October 2023

Climate variability and soil degradation threaten livestock and crop production globally, and the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is not exempt. However, little is documented on indigenous perceptions and knowledge held by the farmers concerning the interactive impact of climate variability and soil quality on livestock and crop productivity. The current study used semi-structured questionnaires and interviews to gather local knowledge about the impact of soil quality indicators (SQI) and climate variability on farm productivity among 162 farmers in the Raymond Mhlaba municipality of Eastern Cape Province. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the association between the knowledge of SQI and farming experience or age of the farmer, except for soil organic matter (p = 0.047) and soil biology (p = 0.018). The prolonged drought, low rainfall, and poor soil quality were the major causes of the decline in production. Changes in grazing management and the addition of chemical fertilizers were mentioned to perpetuate soil erosion gullies, increase soil acidity and compaction, and lower soil moisture. According to the participants, adopting crop and livestock practices such as rotation, manure, and compost application improved soil moisture, fertility, and general agricultural productivity amid the observed climate variability. Therefore, the results provide a solid background for various stakeholders (i.e., decision-makers, policymakers, and scientists) to create agricultural practices tailored to farmers’ understanding that will assist them in mitigating the effects of climate variability and land degradation.
Avifaunal diversity of Timbi Irrigation Reservoir, Vadodara, Gujarat, India with an Annotated Checklist of Threatened Species
Authors: Patel Hiren J. , Bhatt Dhaval M. , Naria Keyur H. , Valodkar Chandni M. , Padate Geeta S.
Published: October 2023

The research presents a consolidated checklist, for the avifauna of Timbi Irrigation Reservoir (TIR), Gujarat, India. We identified 241 species of these, one is Endangered i.e., Steppe Eagle, and 13 are Near Threatened, such as Ferruginous duck and bar-tailed Godwit. The records include a first record of Indian Eagle Owl and Little Bittern, 86 winter migrants, and 2 passage migrants from Vadodara. The significant number of species compiled herein places this wetland among the most species-rich reservoirs of Gujarat, which falls under the Central Asian Flyway, especially regarding areas not predominantly covered by forest. Presently the wetland is facing severe threats from various anthropogenic pressures caused due to unplanned waste disposal and land conversion. In terms of species composition, this is a community typical of an ecotone environment, featuring many species characteristic of the West Indian freshwater wetlands. Hence, we provide detailed information on the avian diversity of TIR along with new taluka records. The high population of migratory as well as wetland birds in this area emphasizes the urgent need for the conservation of this rural wetland.
Estimation of the Gutenberg-Richter seismic hazard parameters: a way to take into account isolated earthquakes - Application to the Alps domain.
Authors: Dutfoy Anne
Published: October 2023

Depending on the time period and geographical location, the collection of seismic data has been more or less exhaustive and systematic. Thus, seismic catalogues contain some isolated seismic events. This information is usually excluded from the inference process of the recurrence model. In this paper, we assume that earthquakes are modelled by a stationary Poisson point process, under the Gutenberg-Richter assumption. We propose a way to take that information into account by adapting the expression of the likelihood of the Poisson point process. In addition, we consider that the completeness magnitude varies in time.
Does Dexamethasone implant Combination with Aflibercept monotherapy have an effect on 1-year outcomes in treatment-naive Diabetic Macular Edema with Inflammatory Biomarkers?
Authors: OZSAYGILI Cemal , BAYRAM Nurettin
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of the combination of aflibercept and dexamethasone implant (CT) against aflibercept monotherapy (AM) in treatment-naive diabetic macular edema (DME) patients with serous macular detachment and hyperreflective foci.
Methods
This study included 82 eyes of 82 patients with treatment-naive DME who completed the follow-up period of 12 months. All patients had optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers of an inflammatory DME phenotype. Patients were consecutively selected and classified into two groups. The CT group consisted of 39 eyes treated with aflibercept therapy and initially combined with a single-dose dexamethasone implant. The AM group consisted of 43 eyes treated with aflibercept alone. The primary outcome measures of the study were the mean reduction of the central macular thickness (CMT) and total macular volume parameters (TMV) and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
Results
In both groups, the patient characteristics including age, gender, duration of diabetes, HbA1c levels, phakic percentage, and diabetic retinopathy status were similar (P > 0.05). The mean reduction in CMT and TMV was significantly higher in the CT group compared to the AM group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively), while mean letter gains were not significantly higher (P = 0.240) at the end of the study. In the CT group, 8 eyes (20.5%) showed a transient IOP increase, and 18% of patients developed cataract. In subgroup analysis, the mean letter gain in pseudophakic eyes was significantly higher (12.5 in the CT vs. 9.3 in the AM group, P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The CT, where inflammation is prominent, can provide faster recovery. The pseudophakic eyes seem to be the ideal patient group for CT.
LASSO-Based Machine Learning Model for Prediction of Liver Failure in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Undergoing TACE
Authors: Li Jinlong , Li Zhi , Liu Chengyu , Wang Xiaojuan , Li Shaoteng , Gao Fengxiao , Chen Yanan , Wang Jitao , Liu Dengxiang
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a commonly used method for the nonsurgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, it can cause liver failure with rapid progression and high mortality.
METHODS
We organized and analyzed the data of patients with HCC undergoing TACE at our hospital. Screening indicators related to liver failure were analyzed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to establish a predictive model.
RESULTS
Prothrombin activity (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)], 0.965 [0.931–0.997]; p = 0.040), tumor number (OR [95% CI], 2.328 [1.044–5.394]; p = 0.042), and vascular invasion (OR [95% CI], 2.778 [1.006–7.164]; p = 0.039) are independent risk factors for liver failure after TACE. The prediction model established based on these results had areas under the curve of 0.821 and 0.813 for the training and validation groups, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The prediction model established using LASSO regression can predict the risk of liver failure after TACE and confirm whether patients with advanced HCC can benefit from TACE.
Differential expression profile of master regulators of gene expression- Serine-arginine rich splicing factor family in Oral Cancer
Authors: Sharma Sakshi , Mittal Manasi , Shukla Akanksha , Khan Jiyauddin , Dinand Veronique , Saluja Daman
Published: October 2023

Oral cancer has become a major health concern affecting a large fraction of the Indian population accounting for over 30% of all the cancers reported. Despite the advanced treatment options available, delayed diagnosis and poor clinical outcome still remains a challenge. Ser-Arg (SR) rich splicing factors are important regulators of gene expression and play a critical role in splicing- constitutive as well as alternative, mRNA metabolism and its export. Aberrations in these splicing factors have been implicated in various diseases including cancers. In this study, we have examined the expression profile of Ser-Arg rich splicing factor family (SRSF1-SRSF12) in 23 cancerous cell lines of various origins, oral cancer patient samples (n=40), healthy controls (n=26) and multiple healthy adult tissues (n=16) using quantitative Real Time PCR. We observed tissue-specific expression levels of different SR splicing factor family members in healthy adult tissues. Interestingly, splicing factors- SRSF3, SRSF10, and SRSF11 were significantly upregulated in patients with late-stage of oral cancer compared to patients with pre-malignant or early-stage of oral cancer. Similarly, SRSF3 and SRSF10 were also upregulated in oral cancer cell lines. Our results indicate a crucial role of SRSF3 and SRSF10 in cancer progression.
Using a New Model Reduction Controllers Technique for Design a Large-Scale Linear Systems
Authors: Monika Monika , Mishra Sudhansu Kumar
Published: October 2023

A innovative technique is introduced for decreasing the complexity of linear dynamical systems of higher order systems. Here, a generalized technique for grouping of poles is employ to find the reducing order plant’s denominators polynomial and numerator of polynomial is determine the using of time moment matching method. The algorithm for the grouping of generalized poles ensures that the maintenance of steadiness and prominent poles from the original system within the plant of reduced order. The suggested technology is supported by performances of error matrices such as many integrals error like absolute error, square error, time-weighted of absolute error and relative square error. A moment matching approach is used to create proportional integral derivative and lead/lag compensators using the simplified plant's transfer function. The original large-scale system is then modified to incorporate this controller, yielding a closed-loop response that closely resembles the characteristics response of the targeted references model.
Polymyxin Resistant, ESBL Producing Escherichia coli From Urban Waterbodies of Berhampur, India: A Report
Authors: Dwibedy Sambit K. , Padhy Indira , Mohapatra Saswat S.
Published: October 2023

E. coli is a Gram-negative, lactose fermenting, rod-shaped, commensal that inhabits homeothermic animals' lower gut and is also abundantly present in the environment as an opportunistic pathogen. Polymyxin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide considered the last line of antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli. However, polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are increasingly becoming common in clinical isolates across the globe including India. In Odisha, there is no published report of polymyxin-resistant bacterial strains from environmental samples, even though their isolation from the clinical samples is quite abundant. In this surveillance study carried out in the urban waterbodies of Berhampur city, we found 19 polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative bacterial isolates, of which 3 were identified as E. coli using different biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Among the 3 E. coli isolates, one showed MDR phenotype and produced extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) enzyme. PCR screening for the presence of mcr1, mcr-3, and mcr-9 genes yielded negative results among the E. coli isolates suggesting other possible mechanisms of polymyxin resistance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MDR, ESBL-producing, polymyxin-resistant E. coli isolate from environmental samples of Odisha. The rise and spread of these MDR pathogens cause many life-threatening infections. These bacteria often make their way to the environment due to the lack of adequate control measures and improper management of clinical wastes. So proper management and surveillance of these bacteria is essential.
Knowledge And Attitude Towards Home Quarantine Instructions and Association with Covid-19 Infection History in Malaysia
Authors: Jiun Choo Shea , Tao Chang Chee , Keat Chan Huan , Hassan Muhammad Radzi Abu , Hamdan Muhammad Hazmi , Ting Cheong Ai , Noh Fatin Nadhirah Mat , Mustafa Nur Syahmina Uzma
Published: October 2023

Introduction: As COVID-19 entered the endemic phase, a large cohort of individuals infected with COVID-19 were required to undergo home quarantine. These individuals must adhere to home quarantine instructions and be equipped with appropriate knowledge to recognize the warning signs of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the public knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions and their association with a history of previous COVID-19 infections.
Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional study conducted among the public in Malaysia. All Malaysian adults over 18 years of age were included. The structured questionnaire consisted of four domains: (1) demographic data; (2) knowledge about home quarantine instructions; (3) knowledge of deterioration signs of COVID-19; (4) attitude towards home quarantine instructions. Knowledge regarding home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs was measured using “True,” “False,” or “I’m not sure.” Attitude towards home quarantine instructions was measured using a five-point Likert Scale, from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”
Results: 1,036 respondents were analyzed, comprised mostly of females (743, 71.6%) with a history of COVID-19 (673, 64.9%) In the knowledge domain, 80% of the respondents answered 9 out of 11 home quarantine instructions statements correctly. 457 (44.1%) were unaware or unsure about the minimum distance of the infected individual's bed from the rest of the occupants in a shared bedroom. The respondents reported relatively weaker knowledge of identifying anuria (162, 44.5%), ingestion problems (191, 52.5%), and immobility (195, 53.6%) as warning signs of COVID-19 deterioration. Most respondents demonstrated positive attitudes towards home quarantine instructions. Respondents with a previous history of COVID-19 infections had better knowledge than COVID-19 naïve individuals.
Conclusion: The respondents’ knowledge and attitudes towards most home quarantine instructions were satisfactory. However, weak knowledge was detected for several uncommon COVID-19 warning signs. Besides, knowledge regarding physical distancing in room sharing and movement limits within the house was unsatisfactory, necessitating the inclusion of such aspects in future educational initiatives.
The influence of rosiglitazone on quality of life and prognosis of early-stage glottic laryngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Liu Yifan , Jia Jintang , Wang Hongrui
Published: October 2023

We aimed to clarify influence of rosiglitazone on quality of life and prognosis of early-stage glottic laryngeal carcinoma patients. The control group was treated with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation, and the observation group was additionally given rosiglitazone, 4 mg, 2 times/d. Treatment continued for 6 months. After treatment, the fundamental frequency perturbation and amplitude perturbation presented depletion and the harmonic-to-noise ratio presented increase in observation group relative to control group. Total effective rate was 80.31% in observation group and 77.14% in control group (P > 0.05). Peripheral blood immune makers CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8 + and NK cell levels in observation group presented elevation relative to control group, while CD8 + level presented depletion. The incidence rates of adverse reactions were lower in observation group than control group. The median survival time in control group was 33 months, and that in observation group was 47 months (P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate was 77.14% (27/35) in observation group and 54.29% (19/35) in control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, rosiglitazone can prolong the survival of early-stage glottic laryngeal carcinoma patients, improve their immune function and quality of life, and reduce adverse reactions during treatment, which is an ideal treatment plan.
Divergenz zwischen Stimmrecht und wirtschaftlicher Betroffenheit in Aktiengesellschaften
Authors:   , Wentz Jasper
Published: October 2023

Zentrales Forschungsanliegen der vorliegenden Abhandlung ist die Erörterung der Probleme, welche sich für die Corporate Governance einer Aktiengesellschaft ergeben, wenn abweichend vom gesetzlichen Optimalbild eine Divergenz zwischen dem Stimmrecht des Aktionärs und dessen wirtschaftlicher Betroffenheit vorliegt. Der von seinen Entscheidungen nicht proportional betroffene Aktionär soll als Corporate Governance Akteur in den Blick genommen werden. Wieso aber lohnt sich eine erneute Befassung mit einem Problem, welches Easterbrook und Fischel bereits 1983 als ein solches identifiziert haben? Zum einen ist die internationale und deutsche Corporate Governance Debatte erheblich vorangeschritten. Steckte diese zum Zeitpunkt des Aufsatzes „Voting in Corporate Law“ noch in den Kinderschuhen, hat sie sich heute zu einem eigenen Forschungsfeld entwickelt, welches Juristen und Ökonomen in aller Welt beschäftigt. Der nicht proportional betroffene Aktionär wird in das durch diese Forschungsströmung entwickelte moderne Corporate Governance System eingeordnet. Zum anderen sind vor allem durch die Entwicklung vielfältiger Finanzderivate im Rahmen der sogenannten „derivatives revolution“ die Möglichkeiten durch schuldrechtliche Vereinbarungen eine entsprechende Disproportionalität zu erzeugen erheblich gestiegen. Während Easterbrook und Fischel noch feststellten „[…] it is not possible to seperate the voting right from the equity interest“, gestatten moderne Finanzprodukte es Aktionären, ihre wirtschaftliche Betroffenheit und zugleich deren Verhältnis zu ihrer Stimmrechtsmacht fast beliebig auszugestalten. Die Zusammenschau aus einer erheblich diffizileren Corporate Governance Debatte in Verbindung mit einer neuen Vielzahl an Möglichkeiten eine Disproportionalität zwischen Stimmrecht und wirtschaftlicher Betroffenheit zu erzeugen, gibt der Thematik die notwendige Aktualität, die eine vertiefte Befassung anzeigt. In Abgrenzung zu den bislang in diesem Themenkreis erschienenen Arbeiten, welche sich vor allem isoliert mit den Folgen für das Stimmrecht bzw. den einzelnen Anteilseigner befassen, thematisiert die vorliegende Abhandlung vor allem die Auswirkungen, welche die Trennung von Stimmrecht und wirtschaftlicher Betroffenheit für die Corporate Governance Struktur der Aktiengesellschaft nach sich ziehen kann. Auf diese Weise wird die Problematik der Ausübung disproportionaler Stimmrechte in die Erkenntnisse der Corporate Governance Theorie eingeordnet und insbesondere auch die ökonomischen Folgen selbiger herausgearbeitet. Die so gewonnenen Ergebnisse verdeutlichen den gesetzgeberischen Handlungsbedarf.
Development of the technology of milk sauce with the addition of guarana
Authors: Khamitova A. S. , Nurgalieva B. M. , Beloglazova C. E. , Rysmukhambetova G. E. , Ivanova L. M.
Published: October 2023

One of the ways to improve the taste characteristics and increase the nutritional value of cooked meat, fish and poultry dishes is to include various sauces in their composition. Traditionally, the composition of sauces includes wheat flour, vegetables, spices. Nowadays powdered plant compositions of polysaccharides (PS), such as locust bean gum and guarana, have gained wide popularity. Based on the organoleptic studies performed, samples of milk sauce with the addition of guarana in concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 % have been selected, which have been compared with a control sample made using wheat flour. The introduction of 0.5 % guarana into the composition of the milk sauce does not change the level of the mass fraction of fat in the sample, and the addition of 1.0 % guarana has increased the mass fraction of fat by 2.05 times compared to the control. Replacing wheat flour with a polysaccharide in the studied samples with the addition of guarana at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 % has reduced the level of mass fraction of solids by 8.3 and 7.9 % and titratable acidity by 3.6 and 5 °T, respectively. According to generally accepted microbiological indicators, prototypes of milk sauce with guarana correspond to regulatory documentation. In the developed sauces, the content of proteins has decreased by 22.19 %, fats – by 2.46 %, carbohydrates – by 54.76 %, which led to a decrease in energy value by an average of 32.16 %. Thus, milk sauce with the addition of guarana can be recommended as a dietary product for preventing obesity, improving lipid metabolism, and lowering cholesterol levels. In the course of determining the economic efficiency of introducing milk sauce with guarana into production, it has been found that the profit amounted to 9628.26 thousand rubles with an annual production capacity of 677.76 tons per year.
Política agrária no Brasil: uma análise situacional e socioambiental de projetos de assentamento
Authors: Quintão Braga Matheus , Ferreira Lorentz Juliana , Ferreira Jéssica , Carvalho Nogueira da Gama Rafael , Silva Henriques Bruno , Rezende Santana José Ubiratan , Calijuri Maria Lúcia
Published: October 2023

Este manuscrito procurou abordar a situação da política agrária no Brasil, com foco nos projetos de assentamento. Inicialmente, traçou-se um histórico das políticas de distribuição de terras, que moldaram o cenário atual. Os dados foram apresentados considerando biomas, estados, tamanho e áreas vulneráveis. Os governos Fernando Henrique Cardoso e Luís Inácio Lula da Silva se destacam com a maior criação de projetos de assentamento (476.000 e 614.093, respectivamente). A Amazônia lidera na quantidade de assentamentos (2.583) e famílias assentadas (518.025), seguida pela Caatinga, Cerrado, Mata Atlântica e Pampa, enquanto o Pantanal possui 35 assentamentos e 2.851 famílias. Assentamentos com menores áreas encontram-se no Nordeste e Sul. Médios distribuídos, principalmente, no centro-norte e grandes na região Norte. Há 7.411 assentamentos em áreas vulneráveis, expondo famílias a riscos socioambientais.