bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional in vivo monitoring of mycobacterial infections and therapeutic efficacy based on tissue-clearing technology CUBIC
Authors: Hakamata Mariko , Nishiyama Akihito , Inouchi Erina , Yokoyama Akira , Kaboso Shaban A. , Gebretsadik Gebremichal , Yamasaki Tomoya , Moro Hiroshi , Ozeki Yuriko , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Ohashi Riuko , Primm Todd P. , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Tainaka Kazuki , Matsumoto Sohkichi
Published: February 2023

Mycobacteria are a continuous threat to human health. They include various species, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), which is an intracellular parasite of mammals, and the most virulent and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), namely, M. avium, which are environmental bacteria causing intractable NTM diseases. An infection model of transparent zebrafish and fish-infectious M. marinum was established to better understand the in vivo behavior of mycobacteria under the pressure of host immune responses. However, the fish model does not fully replicate mammalian immunity. Here, we demonstrate that a clear, unobstructed brain/body imaging cocktail and computational analysis (CUBIC)-based infection (CUBIC-infection) analysis enables comprehensive mycobacterial profiling of the whole lung. We assessed the in vivo kinetics of mycobacterial infection along with fluorescent protein-expressing recombinant mycobacteria. We detected mycobacterium at a single bacterial level and counted bacterial numbers, which was comparable to the colony-forming units of organ homogenates. CUBIC-infection analysis distinguished in vivo spatiotemporal behavior of M. tuberculosis, M. tuberculosisvariant Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, and M. avium in mice. Furthermore, it monitored spatiotemporal information on the therapeutic efficacies of anti-tuberculosis drugs and an anti-lymphangiogenesis agent. Our data suggest that CUBIC-infection analysis is a powerful tool for understanding mycobacterial infections in mammals and developing therapeutic agents.
Optimization of Water and Fertilizer Management of Panax notoginseng Based on Changes in Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen and Enzyme Activities
Authors: yunfei tuo , xiangning liu , yang zheng , qian Wang , fei Wang , zhaoyi wang , xiaolan shi , mingjing ding , fangyuan shen , ping xiang , qiliang yang
Published: February 2023

At present, there is a lack of understanding of the dynamic characteristics of the carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activities of the soil microbial biomass of Panax notoginseng under irrigation and fertilization. We set up a field experiment with 3 irrigation and 4 fertilization levels for a total of 12 treatments plus a control in the micro-sprinkler Panax notoginseng farmland in Luxi County, Yunnan Province, from 2018 to 2020. The results showed that the soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activities increased from the rooting period to the flowering period, and then decreased in the fruiting period.The soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activities of Panax notoginseng reached the maximum values in the flowering period, while the minimum values were reached in the rooting period. There were significant positive correlations between the soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and enzyme activities during different growth periods under different water and fertilizer optimization management. This study revealed the tendency of the carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activities of the soil microbial biomass of Panax notoginseng with the growth periods. It also analyzed the optimal management of different water and fertilizer regimes and the Ci values of soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activities in different growth periods to determine the best water and fertilizer treatment methods in each growth period through the entropy value method combined with the TOPSIS method. The study found that the Ci values changed with the change in the fertilization level under the same irrigation level. The Ci values decreased and then increased with increasing irrigation water under the same fertilization level. These results showed that, in terms of the effect of different water and fertilizer treatments on the regulation of the soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activities in each growth period, the irrigation volume of 10 mm and fertilizer application of 8.00 kg.667− 1.m− 2 during the rooting period of Panax notoginseng were most effective, while an irrigation volume of 15 mm and fertilizer application of 8.00 kg.667− 1.m− 2 were more suitable for the seedling, flowering, and fruiting periods.
Molecular evolutionary model based phylogenetic and mutation analysis of SARS-CoV2 spike protein sequences from Asian countries: a phylogenomic approach
Authors: Said Kamaleldin B , Alsolami Ahmed , Alshammari Fawaz , Alshammari Khalid Farhan , Alazmi Meshari , Bhardwaj Tulika , Najm Mohammad Zeeshan , Singh Rajeev , Kausar Mohd Adnan
Published: February 2023

The lethal pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, posing serious risks to people. The clove-like spike (S) protein that distinguishes coronaviruses from other viruses is important for viral pathogenicity, evolution, and transmission. The investigation of the unique structural mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein among 34 Asian countries, as well as the resulting phylogenetic relationship, provided critical information in understanding the pathogenesis. This can be utilized for the discovery of possible treatments and vaccine development. The current study analysed and depicted phylogenetic and evolutionary models useful for understanding SARS-CoV-2 human-human transmission dynamics in Asian regions with shared land borders. Further, integrated bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the pathogenic potential and stability of 53 mutational positions among 34 coronavirus strains. Mutations at positions D614G, N969K and S884F have deleterious effects on protein function. These findings are crucial because the Asian mutations could potentially provide a vaccine candidate with co-protection against all SARS-CoV-2 strains. This region is vulnerable because of the high population density and the volume of domestic and international travel for business and tourism. These discoveries would also aid in the development of plans for governments and the general populace to implement all required biocontainment protocols common to all countries.
Sulfite excitation by photolysis to produce reducing species for 4-chloro-2- methylphenoxyacetic acid photo-reduction
Authors: Azarpira Hossein , Rasolevandi Tayebeh , Mahvi Amir Hossein
Published: February 2023

The photo-reduction of MCPA by UV/Sulfite reduction process is the subject of this study. The optimal pH was (MCPA: Sulfite molar ratio of 3:1 and pH 11) after 20 min reaction time. The Impact of In UV/Sulfite process, the pseudo-first-order reaction constant decreases as concentration rises from 50 to 200. mg L− 1, Kobs and robs decreased and reached from 0.299 to 0.029 min− 1 and 14.95 to 5.80 mg L− 1 respectively. Also, the analysis of energy consumption using the kinetic model and IUPAC shows that with the increase in the concentration of MCPA from 50 to 200 mg L− 1, the amount of EEO from 0.821 to 6.54 kwh.m− 3 in the kinetic model and from 0.91 increases to 6.29 kwh.m−3 in the IUPAC model. in the decomposition of MCPA such as 2-prop-1-en-1-yloxyacetic acid (C5H8O3) and 1-ethoxyprop-1-ene (C5H10O) and hexa-1,3,5 -triene (C6H8), converted. These simple compounds have a high potential to become water and carbon dioxide. The improvement of biodegradability was investigated at 30 min reaction time and the amount of photo-reduction of MCPA, COD and TOC were 100%, 35% and 24%, respectively. In order to evaluate the toxicity of UV/Sulfite process effluent, the acute toxicity test by Kirby-Bauer disc was used, results showed that the zone of inhibition surrounding the disk reduced from 31 mm (without treatment) to 5 mm after treatment. As a Conclusion Sulfite/UV process had a good performance in converting toxic materials into degradable organic materials and the effluent toxicity to the environment was very low.
Two-year prognostic utility of plasma p217+tau across the Alzheimer’s continuum
Authors: Feizpour Azadeh , Doré Vincent , Doecke James D. , Saad Ziad S. , Triana-Baltzer Gallen , Slemmon Randy , Maruff Paul , Krishnadas Natasha , Bourgeat Pierrick , Huang Kun , Fowler Christopher , Rainey-Smith Stephanie R. , Bush Ashley I. , Ward Larry , Robertson Joanne , Martins Ralph N. , Masters Colin L. , Villemagne Victor L. , Fripp Jurgen , Kolb Hartmuth C. , Rowe Christopher C.
Published: February 2023

Background: Plasma p217+tau has shown high concordance with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET) measures of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, its association with longitudinal cognition and comparative performance to PET Aβ and tau in predicting cognitive decline are unknown.
Objectives: To evaluate whether p217+tau can predict the rate of cognitive decline observed over two-year average follow-up and compare this to prediction based on Aβ (18F-NAV4694) and tau (18F-MK6240) PET. We also explored the sample size required to detect a 30% slowing in cognitive decline in a 2-year trial and selection test cost using p217+tau (pT+) as compared to PET Aβ (A+) and tau (T+) with and without p217+tau pre-screening.
Design: A prospective observational cohort study.
Setting: Participants of the Australian Imaging, Biomarker & Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) and Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT).
Participants: 153 cognitively unimpaired (CU) and 50 cognitively impaired (CI) individuals.
Measurements: Baseline p217+tau Simoa® assay, 18F-MK6240 tau-PET and 18F-NAV4694 Aβ-PET with neuropsychological follow-up (MMSE, CDR-SB, AIBL-PACC) over 2.4 ± ﻿0.8 years.
Results: In CI, p217+tau was a significant predictor of change in MMSE (β = -0.55, p < 0.001) and CDR-SB (β =0.61, p < 0.001) with an effect size similar to Aβ Centiloid (MMSE β = -0.48, p = 0.002; CDR-SB β = 0.43, p = 0.004) and meta-temporal (MetaT) tau SUVR (MMSE: β = -0.62, p < 0.001; CDR-SB: β = 0.65, p < 0.001). In CU, only MetaT tau SUVR was significantly associated with change in AIBL-PACC (β = -0.22, p = 0.008). Screening pT+ CI participants into a trial could lead to 24% reduction in sample size compared to screening with PET for A+ and 6-13% compared to screening with PET for T+ (different regions). This would translate to an 81-83% biomarker test cost-saving assuming the p217+tau test cost one-fifth of a PET scan. In a trial requiring PET A+ or T+, p217+tau pre-screening followed by PET in those who were pT+ would cost more in the CI group, compared to 26-38% biomarker test cost-saving in the CU.
Conclusions: Substantial cost reduction can be achieved using p217+tau alone to select participants with MCI or mild dementia for a clinical trial designed to slow cognitive decline over two years, compared to participant selection by PET. In pre-clinical AD trials, p217+tau provides significant cost-saving if used as a pre-screening measure for PET A+ or T+ but in MCI/mild dementia trials this may add to cost both in testing and in the increased number of participants needed for testing.
Network attacks detection across infrastructures using an auto-labeling method and network-based Deep Inductive Transfer Learning approach
Authors: Vu Dinh-Minh , Nguyen Gia Bach , Tran Hoang Hai
Published: February 2023

An alarming number of cyber attacks have been witnessed in recent years, especially during COVID-19 epidemic. Many prevention measures have been proposed as a defense line for a network infrastructure, including Intrusion Detection System (IDS). A variance of IDS using Machine Learning and Deep Learning to detect network anomalies is gaining promising results. However, this approach also poses limitations regarding the indigenous dataset acquisition or the ability to apply a model learned from a benchmark dataset to different network infrastructures. Therefore, this paper proposes a reliable automatic labeling method for a new network dataset, and a Deep Transfer Learning model to detect both known and unknown attacks across different network infrastructures, then compares with other approaches. Network attacks detection using auto-labeling and network-based Deep Learning The obtained results reveal an outstanding performance of Transfer-Learning model, in comparison with non Transfer-Learning method, on two benchmark datasets (NSL-KDD, CIC-IDS2017) and a self-captured simulated network dataset using the auto-labeling approach. Furthermore, the model is verified to retain both new and old knowledge after the transfer learning process, which has not been mentioned in other studies, focusing only on learning new knowledge ability.
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of early-stage HER2 low-expression breast cancer:A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Liu Chang-Gen , Mao Yan , Li Yi-Fan , Ma Tian-Yi , Lv Meng , Lv Zhi-Dong , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Liu Xiang-Ping , Wang Hai-Bo
Published: February 2023

Background: Owing to the emergence of drugs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), remarkable prognostic enhancement has been seen for patients with HER2-positive breast carcinoma. However, anti-HER2 medicines are applicable merely to individuals with HER2-positive tumors, and the benefit for those with low HER2 expression is unclear. The DESTINY-Breast04 phase III and RC48 clinical trial results showed the benefit of antibody-drug couples for low HER2-expressing individuals with breast carcinoma. Hence, the purposes of the present work are to explore the clinicopathological traits and prognostic differences in the HER2-low expression Chinese population with early-stage breast carcinoma.
Methods: Data from the database of the Breast Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were collected from January 2008 to December 2017. We screened a total of 4,598 patients, of which 2,837 had HER2-0 tumors and 1,761 had HER2-low tumors. Additionally, clinicopathological characteristics, survival, and prognostic information were obtained. Difference comparisons were made between HER2-0 and HER2-low groups regarding the clinical traits and outcomes.
Results: In contrast to HER2-0 tumors, the HER2-low tumors were linked to an older median age at diagnosis, T1 tumors, N1 stage, a higher Ki-67 index, as well as inferior histological grade. Insignificant inter-group difference was noted regarding overall survival (OS), although the HER2–0 group exhibited better disease-free survival (DFS) than the HER2-low group for the entire (P = 0.003), lymph node-negative (P = 0.009) and HR-positive (P = 0.007) populations. According to the multivariate regression finding, low HER2 expression was an inferior DFS prognostic factor in the HER2-negative population with early-stage breast cancer (HR, 1.294; 95% CI, 1.035–1.619; P = 0.024).
Conclusions: The clinical traits of the HER2-low tumors differed from those of HER2–0 tumors. HER2-low is an inferior prognostic factor for disease progression in early-stage breast cancer.
Clinical characteristics and novel ZEB2 gene mutation analysis of three Chinese patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome
Authors: HAN Xiao , ZHANG Qian-juan , WANG Cheng-cheng , HAN Bing-juan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a pathogenic variant of the ZEB2 gene. The main clinical manifestations include special facial features, Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), global developmental delay and other congenital malformations. Here, we summarize the clinical characteristics and genetic mutation analysis of three Chinese patients with MWS.
Patients and Methods:The clinical characteristics of the patients were monitored and the treatment effect was followed up. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and analyzed by sequencing. Whole exome sequencing was then performed.
Results: Three novel ZEB2 gene mutations were identified in 3 patients (c.1147_1150dupGAAC, p.Q384Rfs*7, c.1137_1146del TAGTATGTCT, p.S380Nfs *13 and c.2718delT, p.A907Lfs*23). They all had special facial features, intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities and other symptoms. After long-term regular rehabilitation treatment, the development quotient of each functional area of the patient was slightly improved.
Conclusion: Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of ZEB2 and enriched our understanding of the clinical features of MWS. It also shows that long-term standardized treatment is of great significance for the prognosis of patients.
Effect of blood transfusion on TNFα, IL-1, and IL-6 cytokine gene expression in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair patients
Authors: Chegini Azita , Valizadeh Samad , Samiee Shahram , Zandpazandi Sara , Behnaz Faranak
Published: February 2023

Background: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA or triple A) is a localized enlargement of the aorta in the abdominal region, with a diameter of 3 cm or more and also 50% larger than normal. AAA is the most common form of aortic aneurysm, about 85% of which occur below the kidneys, at the level, or above the kidneys. In case of aortic rupture, the patient's mortality rate will be 85% to 90%. It is estimated that about 0.2% of blood recipients have a systemic inflammatory response. Considering the vital need of aortic aneurysm patients for blood transfusion, we evaluated the gene expression changes of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 and 6 (IL-1 and 6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in these patients before anesthesia, after anesthesia, at different intervals after transfusion until the patient's discharge time.
Materials and methods: On the time intervals of before anesthesia, after anesthesia, and before blood transfusion in the operating room, 24 and 48 hours after blood transfusion (pact cells) in the ICU and surgery department, and at the time of discharge, gene expression sampling was performed. The samples were taken and the total RNA was extracted. To quantitatively measure the genes of transcription factors, Real-time PCR was performed. T-test was used to analyze the gene expression after calculating fold change.
Results: IL-1 gene expression increased in 24 hours after blood transfusion (24 h)(P=0.0376) and discharge time (P=0.0301), after anesthesia (AA) (P=0.235), and 72 hours after blood transfusion (P=0.1667).
IL-6 gene expression changes after blood transfusion showed increased expression 24 hours after blood transfusion(P=0.046), and at the time of discharge (P=0.0473). TNF-α gene expression increased after anesthesia (AA) (P=0.699), in 24 hours after blood transfusion (24 h) (P=0.0625), 72 hours after blood transfusion (P=0.0121), and discharge time (P=0.0141).
Conclusion: These changes showed IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expression increased 24 h after transfusion and upon discharge.
Effect of intercavernous sinus drainage pattern on exactness of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling results in foretell the area of Cushing’s disease tumors
Authors: Jiao Henan , Bi Jiajia , Li Xueyuan , Zhu Xuqiang , Ma Siqi , Song Yu , Yan Dongming
Published: February 2023

Background
Cushing’s disease(CD) is originatedfromimmoderatedischarge of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from tumor cells, which leads to adrenal cortical hyperplasia and excessive glucocorticoid secretion, resulting in disordered metabolism of various substances, and hypercortisolism. The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of the intercavernous sinus drainage pattern on ability of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) to predict tumor location in patients with CD.
Methods
The clinical data of 50 patients with CD who experienced BIPSS in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between August 2018 and April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Data included the patients’ basic preoperative clinical data, preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of the pituitary gland, BIPSS results, grading of the intercavernous sinus drainage pattern, and intraoperative determination of tumor location. A chi-square test was performed to evaluate the correlates with the actual tumor lateralization during transsphenoidal surgery in both symmetric and asymmetric intercavernous sinus drainage patterns. In the asymmetric drainage pattern, a chi-square goodness-of-fit test was conducted for two classified variables: whether the mean nondominant side/peripheral ACTH ratio was greater than 1, and whether the tumor was located on the nondominant side. The mean nondominant side/peripheral ACTH ratio was defined as a.
Results
BIPSS results showed that the right side of the intercavernous sinus drainage pattern was much more likely to be the dominant side [21 cases (42.0%)] than the left side [11 cases (22.0%)]. In symmetric drainage patterns, BIPSS prediction of tumor lateralization waslargelyrelatedto intraoperative tumor location (p < 0.001). In asymmetric drainage patterns, tumor lateralization was related to a (p = 0.034). The tumor was located on the nondominant side when a was greater than 1 and on the dominant side when a was less than 1.
Conclusion
The intercavernous sinus drainage pattern influences the accuracy of BIPSS for prediction of tumor location in Cushing’s disease. The combination of intercavernous sinus drainage pattern and the comparison of nondominant IPSS with the peripheral ACTH gradient can be used for accurate prediction of tumor location CD.
Comparison of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR technique with Oxford Nanopore Technologies Next-Generation-Sequencing for identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Ahmadi Zahra , Maleki Ali , Eybpoosh Sana , Fereydouni Zahra , Tavakoli Mahsa , Kashanian Setareh , Asadi Laya , Nemati Amir Hesam , Salehi-Vaziri Mostafa
Published: February 2023

Background; The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their potential to endangering the global health, has increased the demand for a fast-tracking method in comparison to the Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) as a gold standard assay, particularly in developing countries. This study was designed to evaluate the performance of a commercial multiplex Real-Time PCR technique (GA SARS-CoV-2 OneStep RT-PCR Kit) for identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern compared to Oxford Nanopore Next-Generation-Sequencing assay.
Materials and Methods; A total of 238 SARS-CoV-2 positive respiratory samples from different waves of COVID-19 in Iran were randomly included in this study. To determine the SARS-CoV-2 VOC, the samples were analyzed via the commercial triple target assay, GA SARS-CoV-2 OneStep RT-PCR Kit, and Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) as well.
Results; The results revealed good concordance between GA SARS-CoV-2 OneStep RT-PCR Kit and NGS for identification of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. GA SARS-CoV-2 OneStep RT-PCR Kit identified Wuhan, Alpha and Delta variants with 100% relative sensitivity and specificity. Regarding Omicron subvariants of BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/5 the relative sensitivity of 100%, 100% and 81.5% and the relative specificity of 95.3%, 93.5%, and 100% were observed.
Conclusion; Overall, GA SARS-CoV-2 OneStep RT-PCR Kit can be used as a rapid and cost-effective alternative to NGS for identification of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Ultrabroadband Dispersion of Third-Order Terahertz Nonlinearities
Authors: Jepsen Peter Uhd , Zhou Binbin , Rasmussen Mattias , Yan Siqi , Noori Narwan Kabir , Nagy Oliver , Ding Yunhong , Lange Simon Jappe
Published: February 2023

Terahertz (THz) radiation sources based on two-color femtosecond plasmas in air is becoming a mature technology for coherent spectroscopy and strong-field physics across the extended THz range to several tens of THz, or photon energies >100 meV. Here we highlight the performance of THz time-domain spectroscopy using such sources with examples of reflection spectroscopy of single-crystal gallium arsenide (GaAs) and transmission spectroscopy of thin-film fused silica (amorphous SiO2) using air-biased coherent detection (ABCD). We present our implementation of solid-state biased coherent detection (SSBCD) with >30 THz bandwidth and minimum probe energy requirements in the sub-nanojoule range. We use a back-to-back measurement with ABCD and SSBCD as a novel method to measure the absolute value and dispersion of the relevant third-order nonlinearity χ(3) (-(2ω±Ω);ω,ω,Ω) for fused silica (SiO2) and silicon nitride (SiN) across the Ω/2π=1-40 THz frequency range. We demonstrate that vibrational modes in SiO2 in the THz range leads to strong, resonant enhancement of the nonlinearity. The method presented here for measurement of higher-order nonlinearities induced by ultrabroadband THz radiation will be advantageous for advanced pulse detection concepts and promising for static, pump-probe and nonlinear multidimensional spectroscopy.
Temporal and Institutional Trends in Robotic Surgery
Authors: Pordal A , Guerra JD , Morin D , Patil Sachin , Jacobs MJ , Oppat W
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Robotic surgery has become increasingly prevalent in general surgery practice. While previous studies have shown the safety and efficacy of robotic assistance in laparoscopic general surgery procedures, few studies have evaluated the temporal and regional trends in implementation. In our retrospective population-based study, we aim to evaluate the national trends in robotic surgery.

Methods

National Inpatient Database (NIS 2009–2014) was used to identify adults who underwent robotic assisted surgery (ICD 9 codes 17.41 to 17.49). Robotic procedures related to seven abdominal organ systems were compared against the trends of Urology, Gynaecologic, and Orthopedic robotic procedures. Discharge weights were applied to calculate National temporal trends separated by hospital size, teaching status and US geographic region.

Results

894,163 patients received a robotic assisted procedure between 2009 and 2014 with 64% increase in utilization. The largest percent change was witnessed in biliary robotic procedures with 2984% change in utilization, followed by hernia (1376%). Lowest percent change was witnessed in esophageal procedures with 114% increase. Medium sized hospitals had the largest change in robotic utilization (41%), with large institutions seeing 18% decrease. Gastric procedures were the most common robotic procedure performed at small institutions (7917 total cases; 316%). Large institutions saw an overall decrease in gastric (-47%), esophageal (-17%), small and large intestinal (-16%), and hepatic (-7%) robotic procedures. Rural non-teaching hospitals saw the largest increase in robotic surgery (274%). Urban non-teaching hospitals saw a decrease of 29%. While urban teaching institutions saw a 20% and 6% increase in gynecological and urological procedures, an overall decrease was seen in esophageal (-10%), gastric (-12%), intestinal (-11%), hepatic (-17%), biliary (-10%), pancreatic (-11%) and hernia procedures (-14%). Biliary procedures saw the largest increase in rural institutions (740 cases; 392%), followed by hernia (144% increase). South region of the nation had the largest increase in robotic procedures (23%). No change was seen in the use of robotic surgery in the northeast region with the midwest and west seeing an overall decrease (-4% and − 22%, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the increase in use of robotics for both general and specialty surgery, with an increase in utilization over time. Increased incidence of robotic surgery in smaller, rural institutions with overall decrease in larger, urban teaching hospitals suggests increasing comfort in robotic surgery in the community setting. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the factors associated with increased utilization in smaller institutions.
Plant Type and Antidesiccants Influence Longevity of Cut Pepper Stems for Floriculture Applications
Authors: Stommel John R. , Dougherty Laura E. , Collins Paul J. , Wien Christian , Uva Richard
Published: February 2023

In the floriculture trade, cut pepper (Capsicum annuum) stems are typically grown for their fruit to add color contrast to the foliage and blossoms of conventional floral arrangements. Stems are commonly stripped of foliage because leaves wilt rapidly. Three divergent plant types and commercial hydration protection spray products were evaluated to identify effective vase life treatments and new pepper lines that combine both fruit and foliar interest with an acceptable postharvest cut stem life. Three inbred US Department of Agriculture pepper breeding lines with a tall vigorous growth habit and black foliage were selected for evaluation as cut stems. Line 190-2 produced upright, tabasco-like fruit; 191-1 produced upright, clustered, round fruit; and 196-1 was fruitless. Three commercial spray treatments Crowning Glory (FLCG), Finishing Touch, and Aqua Finish Clear (AFC) were evaluated on treated cut stems stored at 10 and 23 °C. The pepper breeding line had the greatest influence on cut stem foliage and fruit vase life. The fruitless line, 196-1 exhibited an extended vase life in comparison with fruited lines. Cold storage extended the vase life of cut stems. FLCG reduced foliage vase life at 23 °C, and AFC extended foliage vase life of the fruitless line 196-1. Relative to foliage, fruit exhibited greater resistance to desiccation, with glossier fruit of 191-1 desiccating more rapidly than fruit of 190-2. Similar trends were noted when cut stems were stored at 10 °C for 7 days and moved to 23 °C. However, in 2022 trials, the vase life of 190-2 was shortened, and those of 191-1 and 196-1 were extended, highlighting the influence of preharvest factors on vase life. The results demonstrate that cut stems of new pepper lines with vigorous upright growth habits and black-pigmented foliage, together with diverse fruit morphology, provide innovative possibilities for stunning cut flower arrangements.
Native gold from the Crocoite pit of the Berezovsky ore field (Middle Urals)
Authors:   LLC ‟Berezovsky rudnik”, Ponomarev Vladimir Sergeevich , Farrakhova Nadezhda Nikolaevna ,   LLC ‟Berezovsky rudnik”, KroPaNtsev Sergey Yur’evich ,   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS
Published: February 2023

The aim of the research is to study the features of the morphology and chemical composition of native gold from the Crocoite pit at the Uspenskaya mountain of the Berezovsky gold ore field. Research methodology. Analytical studies were carried out in the laboratory of the PCRM IGG UB RAS, Ekaterinburg. The chemical composition of native gold and hypergene minerals was analyzed using a JSM-6390LV scanning electron microscope by Jeol with an INCA Energy 450 X-Max 80 energy dispersive attachment by Oxford Instruments. The same device was used to take photographs of minerals in the backscattered electron mode. Results. It has been established that gold forms two generations, which differ from each other both in morphology and size, and in chemical composition. The average standard of gold of the first generation is 789‰, the second generation is 9530 / 00. In addition to native gold, we found golden silver among the samples. Native gold associates with goethite and beudantite, filling space or forming complex shapes in these minerals. The first generation of gold is represented by thin curved plates with uneven edges; branching wires and thicker, irregularly shaped segregations similar to small nuggets. The size of the first generation segregations is approximately 500 μm. The second generation of gold has a predominant grain size of about 10 μm and is present on almost all grains of the first generation, forming dendrites, thin wires, small, flat flakes, elongated grains of irregular shape. Conclusions. Most of the studied noble metal of the first generation from the samples from the Crocoite pit most likely refers to native gold of the gold-polymetallic-quartz association. The second generation of gold was formed as a result of hypergenesis processes.
Modernization of technologies for the development of ore deposits using substandard raw materials
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Valiev Niyaz Gadym ogly , Maslennikov Stanislav Aleksandrovich ,   Institute of Service and Entrepreneurship (Branch) of DSTU, Sharipzyanova Gyuzel’ Kharryasovna ,   Moscow Polytechnic University, Dzaparov Vyacheslav Khamatkanovich ,   North Caucasian Mining and Metallurgical Institute (State Technological University), Liskova Mariya Yur’evna ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University
Published: February 2023

The purpose and relevance of the work. The article is devoted to the urgent problem of strengthening the mineral resource base of industry by involving substandard ores and tailings of their processing in the production. The purpose of the research is to find ways to modernize field development technologies. Methodology. According to the reporting data, a critical analysis of the completeness of the extraction of reserves and the effectiveness of the applied development systems is carried out. Based on the analysis of technology options, an engineering forecast of the ways of development of depressed enterprises is made. Results and scope. A reference is given on the history of ore development in the regions. The reason for the low rates of extraction from the subsurface is the discrepancy between the x development technologies and the principles of resource conservation with the transfer of reserves to the inactive category. The role of SCGMI in the theory and practice of lead and zinc leaching is shown. The information about the project of development of a deposit of balance ores by leaching is given. A reference is given on the practice of developing the Bykogorskoye deposit by leaching off-balance ores. The explanation of the increased losses and dilution of ores and the negative impact on the environment is given. The indicators of the quality of mined ores are given. A scheme is recommended for the development of North Caucasian deposits by leaching ores in blocks and tailings of enrichment in disintegrators. Quantitative indicators of metal extraction into solution are given. The results of the study may be in demand in the extraction of metals from technologically opened ores. Conclusions. The conditions of the regions of the North Caucasus correspond to the combined technology of the development of fertilizers with the extraction of metals from rich ores at the plant and the leaching of poor ores in blocks and tailings of enrichment in activators of the disintegrator type
An improved deconvolution beamforming algorithm for acoustic imaging of low signal-to-noise ratio sound sources in reverberant field
Authors: Guo Wenyong , Chen Hantao , Xia Jing , Li Xiaofeng , Cao Chenghao
Published: February 2023

Most of the existing acoustic imaging studies in reverberant field ignore the influence of signal-to-noise ratio. As a result, commonly used beamforming algorithms in reverberant backgrounds have poor imaging accuracy for low signal-to-noise ratio sound sources. In response to that problem, an improved adaptive beamforming algorithm called SC-DAMAS is put forward in this paper. The algorithm replaces the free-field Green's function with the impulse response function, making the algorithm more suitable for acoustic imaging of low signal-to-noise ratio in a reverberant environment. Besides, the comparative simulation results with the conventional beamforming method and orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm-based DAMAS, as well as sound source acoustic imaging experiments are carried out to analyze its effectiveness. It is indicated that, in the reverberation field, the SC-DAMAS has no obvious sidelobes and achieves higher positioning accuracy for acoustic imaging of low signal-to-noise ratio sound source than the abovementioned counterparts, and its imaging test result is consistent with the actual situation, which verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and Folate Level: Possible Risk Factors in the
Progression of Chronic Heart and Kidney Disorders
Authors: Mohan Aditi , Kumar Ravi , Kumar Vivek , Yadav Mahendra
Published: February 2023

Cobalamin is an essential molecule for humans; it is exceptionally important for various
body functions, including deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and cellular energy production. Vegans
are more vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency than natives with moderate consumption of animal
dietary supplements or people with inadequate nutritional patterns. However, the long-term effects
of sub-medical deficiency have not been thoroughly studied, but they may have a negative impact
on the cardiovascular system, pregnancy outcomes, and vascular, renal, cognitive, bone, and eye
health. Alongside the statin remedy, that is a powerful approach for CVD prevention. Another approach
is related to the B nutrition substitution remedy with folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12
are extensively practised nowadays. There is a tremendous interest in plasma homocysteine (tHcy)
as a cardiovascular hazard factor. However, current research in the field of its prevention is more
inclined toward confirming the benefit of tHcy-reducing remedy with vitamin B12. Thus, while folic
acid fortification is primarily aimed at reducing neural-tube defects, it may also play a significant
role in the primary prevention of CVD by lowering tHcy. Folate and B-vitamins play important
roles in CVD prevention and nutrition policy implementation. Patients affected with
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or end-stage Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) experience a tremendous
cardiovascular threat that may also further lead to death. As a result, routine monitoring of
vitamin B12 levels is likely to be beneficial for the early detection and treatment of metabolic vitamin
B12 deficiency, as well as the prevention of heart-related diseases.
Comparative Evaluation of 99mTc-Octreotide for Diagnostic Accuracy Assessment and Localization of 177Lu-DOTA-TATE in Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Ahmed Naseer , Ammar Ayesha , Bashir Kahkashan , Fatima Shazia , Zia Muhammad , Saeed Muhammad Adnan , Faheem Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Neuroendocrine tumors, due to uncommon and multi-centric origin, pose a clinical challenge for their diagnosis and treatment. Developing countries where Ga-68 DOTA-TOC/NOC PET imaging is very limited and costly, 99mTc based SSR imaging can be used as the key tool for its diagnosis and assessment of therapy response. Hence we used two different 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals for NET imaging designated as RP-1 and RP-2 for clinical assessment and peptide receptor therapy response of 177Lu-DOTA-TATE by manually synthesized acetate buffer. 99mTc- labeled RP-1 and RP-2 sensitivity, specificity; positive and negative predictive values were calculated and compared by SPECT/CT images for utilization in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Method:

Sodium-pertechnetate was used for labeling both radiopharmaceuticals, while 177Lu nca (0.04 N HCl) DOTA-TATE was synthesized by 0.1M ammonium acetate/ascorbic acid. 75 patients of known primary NET imaging with RP-1 and RP-2 were evaluated for SRR avidity and 3 were selected for PRRT. All images were correlated with 68Ga-DOTA-TOC scan, histopathology, CT and/or MRI reports.

Results:

Out of 75 patients, the somatostatin receptor imaging of 39 patients of neuro-endocrine was performed with RP-1, found 23 as true positive, 7 as true negative with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 71.87%, 100%, 100% and 43.75%, whereas 36 images with RP-2 calculated 22 T/P, 6 as T/N, 8 as F/N, with 75.8%, 100%, 100% and 50% respectively. Their 177Lu-DOTA-TATE SPECT/CT revealed specific localization of therapeutic radionuclide.

Conclusion:

99mTc-imaging of RP-2, as compared to RP-1, had better efficiency and sensitivity and could effectively be used as an alternative to Ga-68 DOTA/TOC PET imaging and Lu-177 DOTA-TATE PRRT therapy response evaluation.
Issues and Challenges in Pharmacovigilance of Herbal Formulations
Authors: Pai Vasudev , Subraya Chandrashekar Kodangala , Holavana Halli Nanjundaiah Aswatha Ram , Kamath Venkatesh , Kunhikatta Vijayanarayana
Published: February 2023

Pharmacovigilance is important for generating accurate safety of herbal medications information.
The present methods were designed for synthetic medications and will need to be modified
to account for the unique characteristics of medicinal plants. The objective of pharmacovigilance
is to identify, measure, and explain adverse effects or other potential drug-related issues associated
with herbal, traditional, and complementary therapies, as well as to avoid them. Required
data for pharmcovigilance of herbal drugs and formulation were obtained from electronic sources
(google scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), several textbooks. The keywords used to
search for various journal publishers such as Willey Online Library, Springer, Wolters Kluwer and
Elsevier were closely monitored. This review article covers all the relevant information on issues
and challenges in pharmacovigilance of formulation covering Herbal drugs.
Artificial Intelligence in Drug Regulatory Submissions in India
Authors: Shukla Vikesh Kumar , Mittal Manvi Kumar
Published: February 2023

Regulatory affairs are one of the most crucial connections between the pharmaceutical
company and the other stakeholder’s or regulatory agencies such as FDA, EMA, etc. Strategies in
drug approval and marketing to assure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the drug follow the
guidelines and laws stated under the drug and cosmetic act 1940 and rules 1945. Their primary responsibility
is to keep the company in compliance with changing guidelines, which necessitates
constant monitoring of the most recent industry updates. Drug regulation is a complex process as
every country has its own set of documentation that must be done while regulatory submissions.
From drug development and drug approval to drug commercialisation, there is a large amount of
documentation that must be completed with accuracy, which can be challenging for the professional
to complete, therefore, this leads to the introduction of the concept of big data that can be incorporated
which will map the regulations according to 5vs model of big data. Thus, to make it more
efficient, we can work big data with artificial intelligence to ease the process using natural language
processing. This concept will map all the rules and guidelines together and make a cluster of
similar rules together. Now, users can use the tool to locate the data of interest in a single site in a
more comprised universal language that can be accessed by any professional to complete the task
in the given time schedule.
The Impact of Policy on Principals’ Leadership and Management Skills and Student Achievement in Rural Secondary Schools: A South African Case Study
Authors: Zenda Rekai
Published: February 2023

Background:

Globally, policy and leadership and management skills of principals that are congruent foster future-focused learning and guide teachers and students towards a passion for learning and for growing creatively and collaboratively.

Methods:

The qualitative research was undertaken and the Cultural-Historical Activity theory was used as a theoretical lens to determine the impact of policy on principals’ leadership and management skills and student achievement.

Results:

The results showed that policy and leadership and management skills enabled school principals to effectively implement, assess, monitor learning activities, enhanced student behaviour and provision of resources.

Conclusion:

Implications uncovered in this research include providing school principals with access to training courses to improve their understanding of the teaching and learning methodologies to enhance student achievement, particularly in science.
Features of Legal Regulation and Circulation of Cryptocurrencies: Foreign Experience
Authors:   A.V. Generalov Russian State Academy of Intellectual Property, Generalov A.V.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the article was to study the approaches of foreign countries inrelationtothelegalregulation and circulation of cryptocurrencies. To achieve this goal, the method of chronological researchwasused, during which an analysis of the legislative framework of a number of foreign countries, their methodologyfor developing laws, policies and legal frameworks in relation to cryptocurrencies was carriedout. Thepeculiarities of the development of the ecosystem of cryptocurrencies and startups in the use of cryptocurrenciesontheterritory of a particular country, as well as the relationships that arise between intermediaries, startupsandinvestors in these countries, are studied. The opinions of experts, politicians, scientists concerningthefutureprospectsof cryptocurrencies in the legal field of foreign countries are noted. Complementing this withanassessment oftherisks and prospects in the use and integration of such a new "technological phenomenon". It is concludedthatcryptocurrencies will be able to become part of the global system if aspects of the licensingactivitiesof exchanges, as well as the administration, issuance of virtual currencies, storage and management of thirdpartiesbecomeacoordinated and controlled process.
Chromosomal Abnormalities in Infertile Greek Men: A Single Institution’s Experience
Authors: Kouvidi Elisavet , Tsarouha Haralambia , Katsidi Christina , Zachaki Sophia , Nitsos Nikolaos , Samourgianidi Sofia , Pantou Amelia , Leandros Lazaros , Kanavakis Emmanouel , Mavrou Ariadni
Published: February 2023

Chromosomal abnormalities represent a significant genetic cause of male infertility because they impair spermatogenesis. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of chromosomal abnormalities in Greek men with infertility. Four hundred eighty-eight infertile men (27 azoospermic, 168 with oligospermia -98 mild, 57 moderate, 13 severe- and 293 with normospermia) undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) between 2016-2022 were enrolled in the study. Thirty-eight fertile men were also studied. Chromosomal analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed using standard cytogenetic techniques. 21/488 (4.3%) of men tested had an abnormal karyotype; 13 (2.7%) had sex chromosome abnormalities and 8 (1.6%) had autosomal ones. No chromosomal aberration was detected in the control group. The frequency of chromosomal alterations was significantly higher in azoospermic men than in men with oligospermia and normospermia (37% vs 4.2% and 1.4% respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, in men with oligospermia, cytogenetic abnormalities were more common in the severe group (7.7%) followed by the moderate (5.25%) and the mild group (3%). The results of the study are by the literature. Karyotyping is suggestive especially in oligospermic /azoospermic men and before proceeding to IVF. The advent of high throughput sequencing technologies and genome-wide association studies will contribute to discovering novel promising genetic factors involved in male infertility.
Toward a Comprehensive Model of the Pragmatization of Lexical Uniqueness with Reference to Iraqi Arabic
Authors: Kadhim Basim Jubair
Published: February 2023

This study attempts to propose a comprehensive model to analyze the pragmatization of lexically unique utterances. The previous three models, idiomaticity, social construction, and pragmatic generalization are viewed and modified as stages of the proposed comprehensive model. Additionally, certain core observations have been introduced such as the cognitive aspects of pragmatics and the conceptualization of new contexts. It is argued that there is a new type of conversational implicature introduced by the present study. This is referred to as “coded implicature” due to fact that it is generated within a very narrow context that could be only between the speaker and the listener for the first time. Based on the coded implicature, new contexts are produced, utterances are conventionalized to be interpreted and socially conceptualized and finally pragmatically generalized.