bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Current State of Internet Videos Related to Spinal diseases in Mainland China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Chang , Li Wen , Chen Ge , Yin Yiran , Zhong Xiao , Zhang Dexiang
Published: July 2023

Background: Information about spinal diseases on the internet has not been extensively assessed. Our purpose was to collect and evaluate the online information of spinal diseases on common video-sharing platforms in mainland China.
Method: Three video-sharing platforms (Toutiao, Bilibili and TikTok) was independently queried for 10 common spinal diseases from April to May 2023 by three independent researchers using the Microsoft Edge web browser. Information about the videos and creators was recorded, and descriptive analyses of the overall and first 25 results were conducted.
Results: Totally 10,143 search results were retrieved by searching 10 spinal-related terms (6154 from Bilibili, 1884 from Toutiao, 2105 from TikTok). In the first 25 search results of 10 searched terms, a total of 270 videos (36.0%) were uploaded by certified orthopedic surgeons, with 222 videos (29.6%) uploaded by senior professional titles. 88% of the videos contained content of popular introduction (n = 660), while professional knowledge accounts for 47.9% (n = 359). Among them, diagnosis was the most content (23.9%, n = 179), and surgical technique was the least (2.9%, n = 22). Videos from TikTok contained higher proportion of certified orthopedic surgeons (77.6%), senior professional titles (69.2%) and professional knowledge (90.4%) than the other two video-sharing platforms.
Conclusion: Videos about spinal diseases on current video-sharing platforms are extensive but not comprehensive and professional, while the videos on TikTok may have relatively higher quality and accuracy. The proportion of certified orthopedic surgeons and professional knowledge is still low. The management and censorship need to be further improved to solve the problem of low-quality and attract more orthopedic surgeons to participate in online video creation.
An immunoinformatic approach to design siRNA molecules against SARS-CoV-2 double membrane vesicle formation and accessory genes
Authors: Nawaz Rabia , Arif Muhammad Ali , Ahmad Zainab , Ahad Ammara , Shahid Muhammad , Hassan Zohal , Husnain Ali , Aslam Ali , Mehmood Uqba , Khan Idrees
Published: July 2023

Background:The corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of recent most global pandemic. Its genome encodes various proteins categorized as non-structural, accessory, and structural proteins. The non-structural proteins, NSP1-16, are located within the ORF1ab. The NSP3, 4, and 6 together are involved in formation of double membrane vesicle (DMV) in host Golgi apparatus. These vesicles provide anchorage to viral replicative complexes, thus assist replication inside the host cell. While the accessory genes coded by ORFs 3a, 3b, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9c, and 10 contribute in cell entry, immunoevasion, and pathological progression.Methods:Thisin silicostudy is focused on designing sequence specific siRNA molecules as a tool for silencing the non-structural and accessory genes of the virus. The gene sequences of NSP3, 4, and 6 along with ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 were retrieved for conservation, phylogenetic, and sequence logo analyses. siRNA candidates were predicted using siDirect 2.0 targeting these genes. The GC content, melting temperatures, and various validation scores were calculated. Secondary structures of the guide strands and siRNA-target duplexes were predicted. Finally, tertiary structures were predicted and subjected to structural validations.Results:This study revealed that NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 6, 7a, 8, and 10 have high levels of conservation across globally circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. A total of 71 siRNA molecules were predicted against the selected genes. Following rigorous screening including binary validations and minimum free energies, final siRNAs with high therapeutic potential were identified, including 7, 2, and 1 against NSP3, NSP4, and NSP6, as well as 3, 1, 2, and 1 targeting ORF3a, ORF7a, ORF8, and ORF10, respectively.Conclusion:Our novelin silicopipeline integrates effective methods from previous studies to predict and validate siRNA molecules, having the potential to inhibit viral replication pathway in vitro. In total, this study identified 17 highly specific siRNA molecules targeting NSP3, 4, and 6 and accessory genes ORF3a, 7a, 8, and 10 of SARS-CoV-2, which might be used as an additional antiviral treatment option especially in the cases of life-threatening urgencies.
Geographical and seasonal variations of gravity wave activities in the upper mesosphere measured by space-borne imaging of molecular oxygen nightglow
Authors: Hozumi Yuta , Saito Akinori , Sakanoi Takeshi , Yue Jia , Yamazaki Atsushi , Liu Hanli
Published: July 2023

Geographical and seasonal variations of gravity wave events in the upper mesosphere were investigated from the nightglow imaging data obtained by the Visible and near-Infrared Spectral Imager (VISI) on the Ionosphere, Mesosphere, upper Atmosphere and Plasmasphere (IMAP) onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The nadir-imaging data of the O2(0-0) atmospheric band (762 nm) with the typical emission peak around 95 km altitude, is used to investigate small-scale waves (horizontal wavelength less than ~100 km) on a global scale. To detect gravity wave events, the variance of hi-pass filtered nightglow images within a local 100 km circle was evaluated with a threshold three times the standard deviation from the average variance of the background level. A data screening algorithm that evaluates a variance of upwelling contamination light emission was also introduced to remove contaminated data. Applying the variance filter and data screening algorithm to a nearly three years data set, from November 2012 to August 2015, occurrence maps of wave events for four seasons were derived. Middle to high latitudes in the summer hemisphere show higher occurrence with three longitudinal maxima. These summer hemisphere enhancements are likely attributed to poleward propagating waves from subtropical regions generated by convective activities. The occurrence map also shows several seasonal hot spots, e.g., over the southern Andes in the local winter, and the Indochina peninsula in boreal spring. Gravity wave hot spots were found near both orographic sources and regions of strong convection.
Identification of ATF3 as a novel protective signature of quiescent colorectal tumor cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Lu Xi , Zhong Lei , Lindel Emma , Veanes Margus , Guo Jing , Zhao Miao , Salehi Maede , Swartling Fredrik , Chen Xingqi , Sjoblom Tobias
Published: July 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death in the world. In most cases, drug resistance and tumor recurrence are ultimately inevitable. One obstacle is the presence of chemotherapy-insensitive quiescent cancer cells (QCCs). Identification of unique features of QCCs may facilitate the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies to eliminate tumor cells and thereby delay tumor recurrence. Here, using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we classified proliferating and quiescent cancer cell populations in human colorectal cancer spheroid model and identified ATF3 as a novel signature of QCCs which could support cells living in a metabolically restricted microenvironment. RNA velocity further showed a shift from the QCC group to the PCC group indicating the regenerative capacity of the QCCs. Our further results of ATAC-Seq genomic tracing, STING analysis, and evaluation on TCGA COAD datasets build a conclusion that ATF3 can interact with DDIT4 and TRIB3 at transcriptional and translational level. In addition, decreasing the expression level of ATF3 could enhance the efficacy of 5-FU on CRC MCTS models. In conclusion, ATF3 was identified as a novel marker of QCC, and combining generic drugs targeting PCC with an option to target QCC by reducing ATF3 expression levels may be a promising strategy for more efficient removal of tumor cells.
Neural Machine Translation and Post-editing: Improving translation of domain specific English terms for a low resource language
Authors: Asadi Vahid , Shokpour Nasrin , O'Neill Shirley , Dann Christopher , Wang Jenny
Published: July 2023

Neural Machine Translation (NMT) has demonstrated salient enhancement and quality output in various aspects, but issues remain when translating specific terms across domains when data are heterogeneous or dealing with rare phrases. To explore this, the translation system for the language pair: English and Persian, was considered, since low resource languages like Persian require more effort and attention to provide accurate translation when dealing with texts in specific domains. An aligned parallel terminology database was created in the Information Technology domain, where all terms were manually annotated. Data were selected from a collection of parallel sentences from the OPUS repository. Terms in the source and the target language were identified and annotated manually. After training an NMT model, the system was manually evaluated on the effectiveness of the application of instance selection to retrieve sentences. Its use led to an overall enhancement in post-editing, thereby achieving a better translation. Besides gaining insights into errors and system performance, this method provides guidance for setting priorities for future extensions and improvements for machine translation. It also sheds light on the use of instance selection across different scenarios in relation to low resource languages like Persian to achieve an overall high quality term translation accuracy.
Predictive value of SIRI and SII for metastases in RCC: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Arı Emre , Köseoğlu Hikmet , Eroğlu Tolga
Published: July 2023

Background:
Prediction of possible postoperative metastases of renal cell carcinoma is a compelling challenge for clinicians. In this prospective cross-sectional clinical study we aimed to determine the efficiency of the preoperative hematological markers namely SIRI (systemic inflammatory response index) and SII (systemic inflammatory index) for renal cell carcinoma to predict the possibility of postoperative metastases.
Methods:
72 patients who were diagnosed with RCC and underwent surgery in Urology Clinic of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital or were included in the treatment planning in the Medical Oncology Clinic of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between July 2022 and January 2023 were included in the study. All cases with diagnoses of renal cell carcinoma were obtained from the hospital records. Patients with secondary malignancy, hematological or rhemotological disorders or ones with the recent blood product transfusion or diagnoses of infection within the 1-month-time of diagnoses were excluded. The data within complete blood counts analysed just before the time of renal biopsy or surgery were analysed for SIRI and SII calculations. A total of 22 metastatic and 50 non-metastatic RCC patients were included. SIRI and SII values were compared among groups to seek the change of values in case of meastatasis and in non-metastatic patients a cut-off value were sought to indicate malignancy before pathological diagnosis.
Results:
Mean age of non-metastatic RCC patients were 60.12+/-11.55 years and metastatic RCC patients were 60.25+/-11.72. Histological sub-types of the RCC specimens were clear cell (72%), chromophobe cell (17%), papillary cell (7%) and others (4%). Median SIRI values for non-metastatic and metastatic groups were 1.26 and 2.1 (mean+/-S.D. 1.76 +/-1.9 and 3.12+/-4.22 respectively (p<0.05). Median SII values for non-metastatic and metastatic groups were 566 and 1434 (mean+/-S.D. 870 +/-1019 and 1537+/-917) respectively(p<0.001).
Conclusions: SIRI and SII indexes seem to show a moderate efficiency to show metastases in RCC.
Trial Registration: -
Approved by the Health Sciences University Istanbul Health Practice and Research Center, Clinical Research and Ethics Committee (22.07.2022/Desicion Number: 235)
The comparative analysis of the clinicopathologic and CT features of hepatitis B virus- positive and negative intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients with different pathological degree differentiation
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Yu Dan , Gu Xintao , Li Jiansun , Chen Jiaqi , Zou Yuanqiang , Liao Jinyuan
Published: July 2023

Background hepatitis B is a risk factor for the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The prognosis of HBV-related ICC remains to be further investigated.
AimsTo investigate the clinical, pathological and imaging features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of hepatitis B virus-positive and -negative patients.
MethodsData from January 31, 2012 to December 31, 2019 of 138 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into hepatitis B virus-positive group (group A[n=66]) and virus-negative group (group B[n=72]), and the patients were divided into well-to-moderately differentiated group and poorly differentiated group according to pathological differentiation degree. The differences in clinical, imaging characteristics and the progression-free survival between groups were statistically analyzed.
Results There were significant differences in gender, age, HBs antibody, HBc antibody, CA125 and AFP between the two groups (P<0.05); tumor distribution site, maximum diameter, plain scan density, blunting of the inferior hepatic angle, peritumoral bile duct dilatation, vascular encasement invasion, intrahepatic bile duct dilatation and abdominal lymphadenopathy between the two groups (P<0.05); There were statistical differences in tumor plain scan density and signs of vascular encasement and invasion between the two groups with well-to-moderately differentiated tumors (P<0.05); there were statistical differences in tumor plain scan density, signs of vascular encasement and lymphadenopathy between the two groups with poorly differentiated tumors (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in postoperative PFS between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion The clinical and imaging features of ICC of hepatitis B virus-positive and -negative patients are different, and there is little difference in postoperative disease-free survival time.
Multinomial machine learning identifies independent biomarkers by integrated metabolic analysis of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Fu Meijiao , He Ruhua , Zhang Zhihan , Ma Fuqing , Shen Libo , Zhang Yu , Duan Mingyu , Zhang Yameng , Wang Yifan , Zhu Li , He Jun
Published: July 2023

Background
Small-molecule metabolite variations may reflect etiologies of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and serve as biomarkers of ACS. Major confounders may exert spurious effects on the relationship between metabolism and ACS. It aims to identify independent biomarkers for different types of ACS by integrating of serum and urinary metabolomics.
Methods
We performed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics study on serum and urine samples from 44 patients with unstable angina (UA), 77 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and 29 healthy controls (HC). Multinomial machine-learning-based integrated metabolite profiling and assessment of the confounders were used to integrate a biomarker panel for distinguishing the three groups.
Results
Different metabolic landscapes were portrayed for HC vs. UA, HC vs. AMI, and UA vs. AMI. Specifically, ACS risk was associated with metabolites increasing in alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, and butanoate metabolism. An integrated model dependent on ACS, including 2-ketobutyric acid, SM (d18:1/20:0) of serum, and argininosuccinic acid, N6-Acetyl-L-lysine of urine, demarcated different ACS patients, providing a C-index of 0.993 (HC vs. UA), 0.941 (HC vs. AMI), and 0.930 (UA vs. AMI). Moreover, the four metabolites dynamically altered with ACS severity and positively or negatively correlated with ACS phenotypes.
Conclusion
The integration of serum and urinary metabolites provided an independent diagnostic biomarker panel for ACS.
Spin-Polarized Majorana Zero Modes in Proximitized Superconducting Penta-Silicene Nanoribbons
Authors: Ribeiro R. C. Bento , Correa J. H. , Ricco L. S. , Shelykh I. A. , Continentino Mucio A. , Seridonio A. C. , Minissale M. , Lay G. Le , Figueira M. S.
Published: July 2023

We theoretically investigate the possibility of obtaining Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in penta-silicene nanoribbons (p-SiNRs) with induced \textit{p}-wave superconductivity. The model explicitly considers an external magnetic field perpendicularly applied to the nanoribbon plane, as well as an extrinsic Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC), in addition to the first nearest neighbor hopping term and \textit{p}-wave superconducting pairing. By analyzing the dispersion relation profiles, we observe the successive closing and reopening of the induced superconducting gap with a single spin component, indicating a spin-polarized topological phase transition (TPT). Correspondingly, the plots of the energy spectrum versus the chemical potential reveal the existence of zero-energy states with a preferential spin orientation characterized by nonoverlapping wave functions localized at opposite ends of the superconducting p-SiNRs. These findings strongly suggest the emergence of topologically protected, spin-polarized MZMs at the ends of the p-SiNRs with induced \textit{p}-wave superconducting pairing, which can be realized by proximitizing the nanoribbon with an \textit{s}-wave superconductor, such as lead. The proposal paves the way for silicene-based Majorana devices hosting multiple MZMs with a well-defined spin orientation, with possible applications in fault-tolerant quantum computing platforms and Majorana spintronics.
A Deep learning framework for domain generation algorithm based malware detection
Authors: Abhiram P , Anver S R , Rahiman M Abdul
Published: July 2023

Command and control server, also known as C2 or C&C related cyberat-tacks have sharply grown in recent years. Attackers typically use a domain generating algorithm (DGA) to generate domain names in a random fashion for their C&C servers automatically. As a result, a thorough investigation into the identification of DGA domains has been conducted. On the other side, a lot of anti-malware programmes rely on network whitelisting, hashing, or static string verification. These strategies are fundamental for usage with those risky malware attacks, which can conceal their existence and employ various techniques to evade detection. A two-level model makes up the suggested deep learning framework. First, features from the domain names are generated using a feature generator. Next, DGA domains are distinguished from other domain types, and last, the clustering phase is utilised to pinpoint the type of those DGA domains. This paper demonstrates how the suggested system can efficiently extract the attributes from the domain names, as well as group, categorise, and detect harmful domains with more precision. When compared to other models, the proposed model performs better.
Synthesis, and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC) From Corncob /PVA Based Bio nanocomposite
Authors: Esubalew Getahun , Tiruneh Asnake Helia
Published: July 2023

The study has been carried out to investigate the effect of incorporating corncob cellulose nanocrystals in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix with the aim of enhancing the mechanical properties of PVA for reinforcement purposes. Cellulose nanocrystals were extracted from corncob by the method of sulfuric acid hydrolysis, with the objective of achieving maximum yield (41.8%) of cellulose nanocrystal found at the parameter interaction of 65wt.% sulfuric acid concentration,45℃ reaction temperature, and 60 minutes of hydrolysis time. Fourier transform infrared showed that Cellulose nanocrystals prepared from the hydrolysis of the isolated cellulose in the sulfuric acid had needle-shaped morphology, an average length of 170.3nm, and a crystallinity index of 79.3%. The crystallinity index obtained from x-ray diffraction for cellulose nanocrystal was found higher than extracted cellulose with a value of 79.3% and 76.4% respectively. Thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis showed that the degradation temperature of the cellulose nanocrystals reached around 327℃, which was higher than that of the raw corncob and extracted corncob cellulose. Nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting technique using 2, 4, and 6 wt% cellulose nanofillers, using pure PVA as the basis for the study. Parameters such as tensile strength, elongation, and elastic modulus were studied, and significant improvements in the properties of polyvinyl alcohol films containing cellulose nanofillers were observed. The tensile strength and modulus of PVA-reinforced nanocellulose composites were significantly improved with increasing nanocellulose loading. Therefore, dispersing 6% by weight of nanocrystalline cellulose in polyvinyl alcohol polymer increased tensile stress by 17.9% and modulus by 67.15%. 6 wt. The increase in elongation at break was 56.7% when using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Thermogravimetric analysis results of 6 wt% CNC-enhanced PVA show that high weight loss (approximately 84% weight loss of total weight) occurred in the temperature range from 265.6 to 491.61°C.
Mapping of Population Growth Influence on Land Use Transformation from 1994-2015 in Madaba Governorate, Jordan
Authors: Sarayreh Hind , Hayek Wissam , Thneibat Ahmed , Ibrahim Majed
Published: July 2023

Madaba Governorate, the second-largest wheat-producing region in Jordan, is vital for ensuring food security. Hence, its case study could reveal valuable insights to address land use and food security challenges. This study focuses on the conversion of agricultural lands into urban areas in the Madaba Governorate and elaborates on its correlation with population growth. Land use and land cover (LULC) data from 1994, 2004, and 2015 were used in the Markov model to predict future changes in 2025 and 2035 with 80% accuracy (kappa coefficient). The results revealed a significant urbanization trend during the next decade by projecting a 6% increase in urban areas and an 11.81% decrease in agricultural lands. This scenario necessitates the development of sustainable land use planning and management strategies to address population-driven LULC dynamics. Moreover, the study also emphasizes water resource management in this water-scarce region. Recommendations encompass restraining urban sprawl, protecting agricultural lands, and implementing water conservation measures. These findings offer valuable insights to land use planners, policymakers, and stakeholders in Madaba Governorate for sustainable development. The study further integrates spatial analysis and socioeconomic factors to depict a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interactions between population growth, land use changes, and water resources of the region.
Growing Season Convective Systems in the U.S. Corn Belt in Relation to Land Use-Land Cover and Synoptic Patterns
Authors: Hiestand Mikael P. , Carleton Andrew M. , Cervone Guido
Published: July 2023

Localized short-period studies suggest that differences in surface heat fluxes between croplands and remnant forest of the U.S. Corn Belt—the dominant Land Use-Land Cover (LULC) types– influence convective cloud formation in the warm season, primarily around crop-forest boundaries. However, an investigation on climatic timescales is needed to help improve understanding of convective climate in relation to LULC. We use spatial cluster analysis to compare convective systems (CS) from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project’s Deep Convection Tracking Database to a cropland LULC database for the summer growing seasons (May 1-September 30) of 1999–2007. Spatial-temporal patterns of CS are analyzed with respect to sub-season phenology and LULC type from the National Land Cover Database, and synoptic pressure patterns. The findings indicate two statistically significant clusters of Corn Belt CS; one over the central croplands and the other around crop-forest boundaries in the southeastern area. The clustering of CS, while varying in frequency, remain spatially consistent across sub-seasons and synoptic type. These results suggest a consistent influence of LULC on CS in the Corn Belt that is modulated by synoptic type to either suppress (e.g., via synoptic-scale subsidence) or enhance (via mid-tropospheric upward vertical motion) the frequency of convective clouds and cloud systems. These LULC related CS clusters are likely the result of Non-Classical Mesoscale Circulations resulting from spatial heterogeneities in the surface energy budget and surface roughness between cropland and remnant forests. This study’s results will help inform future modelling projects required to determine these hypothesized LULC-synoptic mechanisms.
Iot-Based on Boiler Fuel Monitoring System: A Case of Raha Beverages Company Limited, Arusha-Tanzania
Authors: NTAMBARA Boniface , Nyambo Devotha , Solsbach Andreas
Published: July 2023

RAHA Beverages Company (RABEC) is one of the banana wine production companies that utilize fuel in steam production in Arusha-Tanzania where fuel data conditions like temperature, pressure, discharge, fuel level, and gas leakage with humidity were a challenge to monitor them which provoked boiler malfunction and plant breakdown. Today, RABEC manually uses a dropping stick into the fuel tank to monitor fuel data conditions which is time-consuming and gives inaccurate readings, inefficiency, fuel economy discrepancy, and accidents. This study aimed to design and develop an IoT-based fuel monitoring system. The flow meter, ultrasonic level, thermistor fuel temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors were used to gather fuel information where GSM module was employed to send fuel data messages to the operator’s phone. An AT mega 328 microcontroller was used to process and analyze the fuel data and send them to the Thing Speak IoT platform using Wi-Fi connectivity. The results showed that when the fuel level was less than the threshold value, an operator was alerted by a refilling message via GSM technology. At 0.1Psi pressure, fuel temperature of 120℃, and 80% humidity, the system notifies the operator by an alert message to check injector pressure and if the fuel-air mixture was perfect. In addition, these data were observed on LCD and ThingSpeak webpage. To conclude, the developed system proved the best performance with a 99.98% of success rate with high accuracy, security, and efficiency rate compared to the current monitoring system.
The oral sensory organs in Bathochordaeus stygius (Tunicata Appendicularia) are unique in structure and homologous to the coronal organ
Authors: Le Mai-Lee Van , Müller Lisa-Marie , Stach Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background
Appendicularia consists of approximately 70 purely marine species that belong to Tunicata the probable sister taxon to Craniota. Therefore, Appendicularia plays a pivotal role for our understanding of chordate evolution. In addition, appendicularians are an important part of the epipelagic marine plankton. Nevertheless, little is known about appendicularian species, especially from deeper water.
Results
Using µCT, scanning electron microscopy, and digital 3D-reconstruction techniques we describe three pairs of complex oral sensory organs in the mesopelagic appendicularian Bathochordaeus stygius. The oral sensory organs are situated at the anterior and lateral margin of the mouth and inside the mouth cavity. A single organ consists of approximately 70 secondary receptor cells that project apical cilia through a narrow hole in the epidermis. The receptor cells are innervated by branches of the second brain nerve.
Conclusions
Based on position, morphology, and innervation we suggest that the oral sensory organs are homologues of the coronal organs in other tunicates. We discuss the hypothesized homology of coronal organs and the lateral line system of primary aquatic vertebrates. The complex oral sensory organs of B. stygius unique in tunicates could be adaptations to the more muffled environment of the mesopelagic.
The efficacy of the use of atropine in children with pallid breath holding spells: can cardiac pacemaker implantation be avoided?
Authors: Donné Marieke , Vandekerckhove Kristof , De Wilde Hans
Published: July 2023

1. Purpose
Reflex anoxic seizures are an overreaction of the vagal system, resulting in bradycardia or brief cardiac arrest. Because of self-limiting character of the spells with no complications on short or long term, treatment is only necessary in case of frequent spells or severe clinical presentation. Treatment options are medication such as atropine or the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker, with the latter being invasive and entailing risk for important complications. We investigated atropine treatment and aimed to examine if pacemaker placement can be avoided.
2. Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients treated in our center for severe reflex anoxic seizures with atropine sulphate from January 2017 until May 2023, and compared our results to those in the literature.
3. Results
In our population, 100% of the patients reported adequate symptom management after atropine treatment, with complete resolution in 10%. Minor side effects were reported in 70%, with need for change of treatment in one patient (10%). Severe complications were not reported, unlike up to 40% of permanent or severe complications after pacemaker placement.
4. Discussion
Atropine is a safe and efficient treatment to manage the symptoms, with similar success rate to pacemaker implantation. However, pacemaker implantation entails a substantial risk for complications. This might be considered redundant for a benign and temporary condition, when other efficient treatment options are possible.
A meta-analysis report on the prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in cattle and buffalo in India from 1980-2020
Authors: K Gayathri , S Anandu , Verma Med Ram , KA Yashica , R Balaji , M Sankar , Tanuj GN , Tewari Anup Kumar , SJ Siju , Samanta Subhamoy
Published: July 2023

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis is a zoonotic helminthic disease caused by the meta-cestode stage of a tapeworm belonging to the genus Echinococcus (family Taeniidae). CE is found in both human and animal populations throughout the world. Here we analysed the prevalence of CE in cattle and buffalo in India from 1980–2022 separately. Data mining was carried out from various databases such as Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Springer's, Science Direct, Krishikosh, Indianjournals.com, J-Gate@ Consortium of e-Resources in Agriculture (CeRA) under ICAR, symposia, research abstracts of conferences, seminars, and other published literatures ranging from 1980 to 2020. The meta-analysis was performed using the R package. Cochran’s test and statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity among the data. The results of the study were graphically represented by the forest plots. The total prevalence rate of CE in cattle and buffalo is estimated to be 15% in cattle and 13% in buffalo and the highest occurrence of cyst is observed in buffalo lungs. The prevalence is comparatively higher than the reports from neighboring countries. Even though, CE is an important infectious disease of livestock, there are only few reports on data analysis and epidemiological investigations conducted in cattle and buffalo. These data are critical for implementing better control and preventive measures. The prevalence rate necessitates public health education and awareness about the disease's dangers, as well as education on proper animal slaughtering techniques, prevention of feeding dogs with viscera from home-slaughtered animals, prevention of direct contact with dogs' faeces, enforcement of meat inspection legislation, improved veterinary services, and as well as treating, vaccination of dogs and domestic animals.
Outcomes of Older Patients with Malnutrition and Malnutrition–Sarcopenia in the Emergency Department: A 3-Month Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Lin Pei-Ying , Wang Tse-Yao , Chen Ying-Ju , Huang Hsien-Hao , Yen David Hung-Tsang
Published: July 2023

Objectives
Malnutrition and sarcopenia are both associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes in older people. The emergency department (ED) is a unique and crucial part of geriatric care. Clinical evaluation of malnutrition-sarcopenia syndrome (MSS) in the ED setting and its impact on prognosis after ED visits remain to be elucidated. This study aims to determine the associations of malnutrition, sarcopenia and MSS with subsequent prognoses and geriatric conditions.
Design
This was a prospective observational study between August 2018 and October 2021.
Setting
This study was conducted in the ED observation room of a medical center.
Participants
Patients 65 years and older who were observed or treated in the observation room of the ED for any indication were screened within the first 24 hours of ED presentation and asked to participate.
Measurements
Sarcopenia and nutritional status were assessed. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews, hospital record reviews, and the CGAs. The differences in demographic characteristics and clinical variables among the groups of patients ≥65 years old with or without sarcopenia, malnutrition, or MSS were evaluated. Outcome data obtained during the 3-month period following the initial ED visit were also analyzed.
Results
In total, 650 enrolled older patients were divided intosix groups: normal (n=168), malnutrition-risk-without-sarcopenia (n=141), malnutrition-without-sarcopenia (n=36), sarcopenia-with-normal-nutritional status (n=71), sarcopenia-with-malnutrition-risk (n=137), and MSS (n=97). Mortality after ED visits at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups was significantly different amongthe six groups (p<0.05). The Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test discerned that the MSS group had the lowest survival probability (p=0.016) at 1-month follow-up, and the malnutrition without sarcopenia group had the lowest survival probability (p=0.002) and a higher revisit probability (p=0.049) at 3-month follow-up.
Conclusions
Older patients with malnutrition without sarcopenia have the highest mortality and ED revisit rates at a 3-month follow-up after an ED visit. Early detection of malnutrition, including MSS, in the ED could enable ED physicians to collaborate with geriatric specialists to initiate a particular nutritional modality in pursuit of improved outcomes, particularly mortality and revisit rates.
Characteristics of mandibular anterior alveolar bone in patients with different degrees of periodontitis: a retrospective study based on CBCT
Authors: Yang Qi , Han Minxuan , Fan Zixin , Tang Pengzhou , Jiang Yue , Li Lu
Published: July 2023

Objectives
To investigate the alveolar bone characteristics of mandibular anterior teeth in patients with periodontitis and provide guidance for clinical treatment.
Materials and Methods
100 patients with periodontitis were selected and grouped according to the degrees of alveolar bone resorption, age, gender, and tooth type. The total number of teeth in the included population was 542, with a mean age of 44.59 and a male-to-female ratio of 1.02:1. The labial thickness of the alveolar bone, the degree of alveolar bone resorption, angulation between the long axis of teeth and alveolar process, alveolar bone height and density of the mandibular anterior teeth were measured.
Results
Among the 100 included patients with periodontitis, 33 patients were classified as mild periodontitis, 30 patients as moderate periodontitis, and 37 patients as severe periodontitis. There were significant differences in alveolar bone morphology between these three groups. Compared with the mild and moderate groups, the severe group showed that the alveolar bone in the half of the root crown was thickened, the alveolar bone height was decreased, the cancellous alveolar bone density was increased, and the cortical alveolar bone density was decreased. The resorption of alveolar bone was characterized by greater resorption of proximal bone than that of labial bone with increased bone loss. There were also differences in alveolar bone characteristics among patients of different ages, genders, and tooth types.
Conclusions
The morphology of the alveolar bone of the mandibular anterior teeth changed accordingly with the degree of periodontitis. Labial alveolar bone thickness and cortical alveolar bone density were negatively correlated with the degree of periodontitis, while alveolar bone height and cancellous alveolar bone density were positively correlated with the degree of periodontitis.
Clinical Relevance
These results allow clinicians to better understand the alveolar bone morphology of the mandibular anterior teeth in patients with periodontitis, facilitating better treatment design and avoiding complications.
A genome-wide association study identifies a locus associated with knee extension strength in older people
Authors: Terao Chikashi , Ito Shuji , Takuwa Hiroshi , Kakehi Saori , Someya Yuki , Kaga Hideyoshi , Kumahashi Nobuyuki , Kuwata Suguru , Wakatsuki Takuya , Kadowaki Masaru , Yamamoto Soichiro , Abe Tkafumi , Takeda Miwako , Ishikawa Yuki , Liu Xiaoxi , Otomo Nao , Suetsugu Hiroyuki , Koike Yoshinao , Hikino Keiko , Tomizuka Kohei , Momozawa Yukihide , Ozaki Kouichi , Isomura Minoru , Nabika Toru , Kaneko Haruka , Ishijima Muneaki , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka , Tamura Yoshifumi , Uchio Yuji , Ikegawa Shiro
Published: July 2023

Sarcopenia is a common skeletal muscle disease in older people. Lower limb muscle strength is a good predictive value for sarcopenia; however, little is known about its genetic components. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for knee extension strength in a total of 3,452 Japanese aged 60 years or older from two independent cohorts. We identified a significant association in TACC2 (transforming acidic coiled-coil-containing 2) (P = 4.2 × 10− 8). TACC2, encoding a cytoskeleton-related protein, is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, and is reported as a target of myotonic dystrophy 1-associated splicing alterations. These suggest that changes in TACC2 expression are associated with variations in muscle strength in older people. The association was consistently observed in young and middle-aged subjects. Our findings would shed light on genetic components of lower limb muscle strength and indicate TACC2 as a potential therapeutic target for sarcopenia.
Evaluation of Landsat 9 and Sentinel 2 satellites in estimation of cotton leaf area index using M5 tree model
Authors: Mazidi Maryam , Hessam Moosa , Khalili Ghorban , Komaki Chooghi Bayram
Published: July 2023

The availability of satellite data has caused a continuous increase in the accuracy of spatial information and provides significant conditions for monitoring cultivation in large areas. LAI is used as an important parameter using remote sensing techniques for simple crop growth modeling. In this article, estimation of LAI, as a common vegetation cover index, through the collection and field measurements of LAI, and comparison with the multispectral data of Landsat 9 operational terrain imager (OLI) and Sentinel 2 multispectral instrument were done with the minimum percentage of clouds to extract LAI. The relationship between plant indices as an independent variable and field LAI as a dependent variable was searched using linear multivariate regression and M5 tree regression methods. LAI calculated with plant indices is not very accurate and needs to be modeled and recalculated using spectral indices. Considering the non-linearity of the relationship between LAI and spectral reflectance, linear multivariate regression showed almost satisfactory results, and in the best conditions, this relationship has a correlation coefficient of 75.46 and 72.91, with an error of 0.229 and 0.308, respectively, for the Landsat 9 and Sentinel 2. LAI estimation using machine learning techniques is suitable and very capable for observing LAI developments and increases the accuracy of calculations.
Wireless Power Transfer Efficiency Optimization Tracking Method based on Full Current Mode Impedance Matching
Authors: Xu Yuanzhong , zhang yuxuan , Wu Tiezhou
Published: July 2023

Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology is a contactless wireless energy transfer method with wide-ranging applications in fields such as smart homes, the Internet of Things (IoT), and electric vehicles. Achieving optimal efficiency in wireless power transfer systems has been a key research focus. In this paper, we propose a tracking method based on full current mode impedance matching for optimizing the efficiency of wireless power transfer. This method enables efficiency tracking in WPT systems and allows seamless switching between continuous conduction mode and discontinuous mode, expanding the efficiency detection capabilities of the wireless power transfer system. The proposed method is simulated in the MATLAB software environment to validate its feasibility and effectiveness. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method enables optimal efficiency tracking in wireless power transfer systems while extending the detection capabilities, thereby offering practical value and potential for widespread application.
Analysis of deformation mechanism of rainfall-induced landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area: Piansongshu Landslide
Authors: WANG Hui , ZOU Jianhua , LV Peng , WANG Xinghua , TAN Zefu , CHENG Longfei , WEI Qiang
Published: July 2023

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) has unique geological conditions that result in the formation of landslides. These landslides are prone to instability when exposed to external factors like rainfall. This study focuses on the Piansongshu landslide in the TGRA and aims to analyze the internal deformation mechanism of rainfall-induced landslides, providing valuable insights for landslide prevention and control. The study begins with field geological investigations to analyze the macroscopic deformation signs and deformation mechanisms of the landslide. GeoStudio numerical simulation software is employed to assess landslide stability, considering changes in internal seepage fields and stability under varying rainfall conditions. The results indicate that with continuous rainfall, a transient saturation zone appears on the slope's surface and extends downwards. The accumulation front edge's infiltration line protrudes towards the surface in areas with greater deformation. The stability coefficient of the landslide's secondary shear surface exhibits more significant variation compared to the overall sliding surface. Higher rainfall intensity and duration lead to a greater decrease in the stability coefficient. Different types of rainfall also impact stability differently. Over time, as rainfall infiltrates, the slope safety coefficient gradually decreases. Even after rainfall ceases, the stability coefficient continues to decline, requiring time for recovery until it reaches a stable state.
In Silico Docking Study of Guttiferones; Q-S from Malabar Tamarind Fruit Rind Against SARS-Cov-2 Omicron Spike Protein with Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential, Phenolic Content and HPTLC Fingerprinting of Its Total Extract
Authors: Khojah Hanan , Ismail Ahmed
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread and is now the predominant variant worldwide. Its key feature is its ability to evade immunity from natural infection or vaccines, owing to its numerous mutations in the spike protein. In contrast, medicinal plants have been utilized as alternative therapies to alleviate certain signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19. In this study; Malabar tamarind, which belongs to the Clusiaceae family, was studied for HPTLC fingerprint for its total methanolic extract, quantitative determination of its total phenolics and flavonoids, in-vitro evaluation of its antioxidant potential, followed by molecular docking study of three of its reported natural metabolites; Guttiferones Q, R and S, in order to measure their affinity against the target site of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike Protein
(2) Methods: Total phenolic content was evaluated by Folin-Catechu assay, flavonoids by aluminum chloride assay. Antioxidant potential was estimated by DPPH assay, while the in silico docking study was processed with the use of Azithromycin as a reference drug
(3) Results: Tamarind exhibited a free radical-scavenging activity of 71.75 % inhibition. The molecular docking results suggested that Guttiferone R has the highest binding affinity, alongside predicted binding energy of -8.67 kcal/mol and an RMSD value of 1.07 Å compared to Azithromycin, a reference compound, which has binding affinity of -8.90 kcal/mol and an RMSD value of 1.20 Å.
(4) Conclusions: Guttiferone R has the strongest potential as a drug candidate, based on its high binding affinity and low RMSD value, which suggests that it has a stable binding mode.
CT characteristics of bronchopulmonary abnormalities caused by pepper aspiration
Authors: Liang Zhang-rui , Fu Bin-jie , Xiao Yang , Li Yi-shi , Chu Zhi-gang
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To investigate the computed tomography (CT) characteristics of bronchopulmonary abnormalities caused by pepper aspiration for improving diagnosis.
Materials and methods: From January 2016 to September 2022, 28 adult patients with confirmed obstructive pneumonia caused by pepper aspiration were enrolled. The CT characteristics of bronchial changes and pulmonary lesions caused by pepper were analyzed and summarized.
Results: Among the 28 patients, the most common symptom was cough (26, 92.9%), followed by expectoration (23, 82.1%). Bronchoscopy examination revealed that the pepper was mainly located in the right lower lobe bronchus (18, 64.3%), followed by the left lower lobe bronchus (5, 17.9%). In combination with bronchoscopy results, the pepper in bronchus was manifested as circular or V/U-shaped high density, localized soft tissue, and flocculent opacification in 8 (28.6%), 16 (57.1%), and 3 (10.7%) cases on CT images, respectively. The bronchial wall around the pepper was thickened with localized occlusion (19, 67.9%) and stenosis (9, 32.1%). Regarding the adjacent bronchi without pepper, extensive wall thickening with stenosis and/or occlusion were found in 23 (82.1%) cases. Distal pulmonary lesions frequently involved two or three segments (21, 75.0%) and mainly presented as patchy consolidation or atelectasis (24, 85.7%).
Conclusion: In combination to history of eating pepper and clinical symptoms, bronchopulmonary abnormalities caused by pepper should be highly suspected if U/V shaped and annular high density or localized soft tissue density was detected in the lower lobe bronchus, with extensive bronchial wall thickening, stenosis, or occlusion, and consolidation or atelectasis in multiple distal lung segments.