bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of frailty markers including a novel biomarker panel in emergency laparotomy: protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ng Hwei Jene , Quasim Tara , Rattray Nicholas J. W. , Moug Susan
Published: April 2023

Background

Emergency laparotomy (EmLAP) is one of the commonest emergency operations performed in the United Kingdom (approximately 30, 000 laparotomies annually). These potentially high-risk procedures can be life changing with frail patients and/ or older adults (≥ 65 years) having the poorest outcomes, including mortality. There is no gold standard of frailty assessment and no clinical chemical biomarkers existing in practice. Early detection of subclinical changes or deficits at the molecular level are essential in improving our understanding of the biology of frailty and ultimately improving patient outcomes. This study aims primarily to compare preoperative frailty markers, including a blood-based biomarker panel, in their ability to predict 30 and 90-day mortality post-EmLAP. The secondary aim is to analyse the influence of perioperative frailty on morbidity and quality of life post-EmLAP.

Methods

A prospective single centred observational study will be conducted on 150 patients ≥ 40 years of age that undergo EmLAP. Patients will be included according to the established NELA (National Emergency Laparotomy Audit) criteria. The variables collected include demographics, co-morbidities, polypharmacy, place of residence, indication and type of surgery (as per NELA criteria) and prognostic NELA score. Frailty will be assessed using: a blood sample for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis; preoperative CT abdomen pelvis (sarcopenia) and Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Patients will be followed up for 90 days. Variables collected include blood samples (at post operative day 1, 7, 30 and 90), place of residence on discharge, morbidity, mortality and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). The frailty markers will be compared between groups of frail (CFS ≥ 4) and non-frail using statistical methods such as regression model and adjusted for appropriate confounding factors.

Discussion

This study hypothesises that frailty level changes following EmLAP in frail and non- frail patients, irrespective of age. We propose that non- frail patients will have better survival rates and report better quality of life compared to the frail. By studying the changes in metabolites/ biomarkers in these patients and correlate them to frailty status pre-surgery, this highly novel approach will develop new knowledge of frailty and define a new area of clinical biomolecular research.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05416047. Registered on 13/06/2022 (retrospectively registered)
IL-4 induces CD22 expression to restrain the effector program of self-reactive virtual memory T cells
Authors: Dewals Benjamin , Yang Bin , Sanchez Guillem Sanchez , Lavergne Arnaud , Piedfort Ophelie , Peng Garrie , Aguirre Ariel Madrigal , Petrellis Georgios , Katsandegwaza Brunette , Isterdael Gert Van , Duyse Julie Van , Bai Qiang , Marichal Thomas , Machiels Bénédicte , Nitschke Lars , Najafabadi Hamed , King Irah , Vermijlen David
Published: April 2023

Parasitic helminths induce the production of interleukin (IL)-4 which causes the expansion of virtual memory CD8+ T cells (Tvm), a cell subset contributing to the control of viral coinfection. However, the mechanisms regulating IL-4-dependent Tvm activation and expansion during worm infection remain ill defined. We used single-cell RNA sequencing of CD8+ T cells to investigate IL-4-dependent Tvm responses upon helminth infection in mice. Gene signature analysis of CD8+ T cells identified a cell cluster marked by CD22, a canonical regulator of B cell activation, as a specific and selective surface marker of IL-4-induced Tvm cells. CD22+ Tvm were enriched for IFN-γ and granzyme A and retained a diverse TCR repertoire, while enriched in CDR3 sequences with features of self-reactivity. Deletion of CD22 expression in CD8+ T cells enhanced Tvm responses to helminth infection, indicating that this inhibitory receptor modulates Tvm responses. Thus, helminth-induced IL-4 drives the expansion and activation of self-reactive Tvm in the periphery that is counter-inhibited by CD22.
A strong Association between Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type - 1 (-657 4G/5G PAI-1) and the Development of Pre-eclampsia
Authors: El-Khawaga Omali Y. , Ahmed Hwyda , ElSaid Afaf , Shalaby Hend , refaat Manar
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia (P-EC) is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy, characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria. Deregulation of the coagulation cascade and hypofibrinolysis appears to play a role in the development of P-EC.
Methods: About 140 Egyptian pregnant women with a diagnosis of P-EC (patients' group) and 100 normotensive pregnant women not complicated by P-EC (a healthy control group) were collected. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using ARMS-PCR. The serum was used for biochemical parameters measurement.
Results: There is a strong significant (P < 0.0001) difference between PAI-1 5G/4G polymorphism among the patients and the control groups in the codominant model, high significant (P = 0.004) in the dominant model, high significant (P = 0.009) in the recessive model. Additionally, superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione levels were decreased in pre-eclamptic women when compared to normotensive ones. On the other hand, malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase levels were increased in the pre-eclamptic group when compared with normalized pregnant ones.
Conclusion: Our results showed that the mutated PAI-15G/4G polymorphisms may be associated with the development of P-EC in Egyptian women.
Experimental Investigation of efficiency enhancement in Solar Photovoltaic Systems under Partial Shading Conditions using Discrete Time Slime Mould Optimization
Authors: K Padmanaban , A Shunmugalatha , MS Kamalesh
Published: April 2023

The Solar PhotoVoltaic (SPV) systems are the trending and commercially reputable power source abundantly served by the nature to the mankind. Partial Shading Conditions (PSC) are one of the critical concepts in the SPV maximum power extraction. PSC’s are nonlinear and fuzzy in its attributes, as it is unpredictable. Hence, it has numerous Local Maximum Peak Power (LMPP) points. Although, a wide spread of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms are doing justice in locating the peak power points and stabilize the system, they are inadequate to locate the LMPP’s and the Global Maximum Peak Power (GMPP) point. This paper proposes a discrete time-based Slime Mould Optimization (SMO), providing an effective support to the buck converter based MPPT controller for SPV systems. The analysis and testament of buck converter in discrete domain alleviates the optimization in discrete samples, which accelerates the computation speed in locating the LMPP and GMPP. The proposed methodology is validated from the predominant parametric results like tracking time, power efficiency and the stability of the system under various PSC’s. The experimental implementations are performed in MATLAB simulations and experimented with dSPACE-MicroLabBox.
The Comparing on 4-chlorophenyl Sulfoxide Modified the Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for the Adsorption/Desorption of Pd (II) and Pt (IV) Ions
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Rongxin , Li Yuanlong , Shu Qijiang , Yang Tao
Published: April 2023

The reduced graphene oxide aerogel modified by 4-chlorophenyl sulfoxide was obtained by a simple self-assemble process under the basic reduction-oxide condition, then freeze-dried for future using. The prepared aerogel was shortly named 4CS-rGO, which was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, et al. 1 mg of 4CS-rGO composite was used as an adsorbent to adsorb Pd (Ⅱ) and Pt (Ⅳ) in 1.0 mL 4 mM Britton-Robinson buffer solution with various pH. The adsorption efficiency of Pd (Ⅱ) increased with the increase of pH, whereas the hydrolysis of Pd (Ⅱ) happened at pH 13, and the maximum adsorption efficiency of Pd (Ⅱ) was 91.82% at pH 12, which was mainly driven by electrostatic attraction. Besides, the adsorption behavior of the 4CS-rGO composite for Pt (Ⅳ) was explored to evaluate the possibility to isolate Pd (Ⅱ) and Pt (Ⅳ) ions by using aerogel. We found that, quite interestingly, hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction and van der Waals force can strongly conquer electrostatic repulsion driven Pt (Ⅳ) ions adsorption behaviour at pH 5, and Pt (Ⅳ) ions displaced by cationic surfactant. Moreover, a tighter Pt (Ⅳ) ions adsorption behaviour than Pd (Ⅱ) ions was observed while we used with/without 4-chlorophenyl sulfoxide modified the graphene to adsorb them respectively. While branched TBAB was easier and more effectively replaced the adsorbed Pt (Ⅳ) ions than strained CTAB.
Tuning of Auto Disturbance Rejection Controller Parameters Based on Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer
Authors: Gao Bingwei , Zhang Wei , Zheng Lintao , Zhao Hongjian
Published: April 2023

Aiming at the problem that auto disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) requires too many tuning parameters, this paper proposed an improved grey wolf optimizer algorithm to tune the parameters of ADRC, and used the ADRC with tuned parameters to control the electro-hydraulic position servo system. Based on the original grey wolf optimizer algorithm (GWO), the linear convergence factor was improved to a non-linear mode to optimize the optimization path, and according to the parameter adjustment advantages of particle swarm optimization, the learning factors were introduced in the process of updating the position to give the wolves consciousness to avoid local optima and improve the convergence speed. Through the test functions, simulation and experimental tests, it was found that the improved grey wolf optimizer had higher convergence accuracy, and the ADRC under the improved grey wolf optimizer parameters tuning could achieve the anti-interference control effect well.
Thrombotic risk in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hua Manqi , Chong Shan , Zhang Zhuo , Liu Qianxin , Hou Jingyi , Xiong Fei , Meng Huan , Cui Yimin , Xiang Qian
Published: April 2023

Background
Breast cancer is ranked as the most common cancer worldwide. The use of CDK4/6 inhibitors has improved the prognosis and has become a new strategy for hormone receptor -positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative breast cancer; however, such drugs have been found to increase the risk of thrombosis in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and this risk may be higher in the real-world setting. This study aimed to compare the thromboembolic risk of CDK4/6 inhibitors plus endocrine therapy (ET) and ET alone in RCTs and determine the incidence of thromboembolic events associated with the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in RCTs and in the real world.
Methods
PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 31, 2022, for RCTs and cohort studies of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with breast cancer. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and R version 4.2.2.
Results
A total of 13 RCTs and 9 real-world studies were identified and included in this analysis. RCTs only reported venous thromboembolic events (VTEs); VTEs occurred in 192 patients (2.1%) in the CDK4/6 inhibitor group and 55 patients (0.7%) in the control group. Compared with ET alone, receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors plus ET increased the risk of VTEs in patients with breast cancer, with an odds ratio of 2.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98, 3.59, p < 0.001). In real-world studies, the aggregate incidence rate of thromboembolic events was found to be 4.5% (95% CI: 2.2, 7.5).
Conclusions
CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with ET are associated with a significantly increased risk of VTEs in women with breast cancer compared with ET alone. The incidence of thromboembolic events was higher with CDK4/6 inhibitors in the real world than in RCTs.
Coconut husk fiber as a green sorbent for micro-solid phase extraction followed by HPLC- DAD analysis of trace triazole fungicides in environmental waters, soybean milks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages samples
Authors: Kachangoon Rawikan , Santaladchaiyakit Yanawath , Vichapong Jitlada
Published: April 2023

In this work, coconut husk fiber (CHF) as a green sorbent was developed for micro-solid phase extraction (µ-SPE) of trace determination of triazole fungicides from environmental water, soybean milks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages samples followed by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector analysis (HPLC-DAD). Five triazole fungicides, including myclobutanil, triadimenol, tebuconazole, hexaconazole, and diniconazole were selected as target analytes for µ-SPE. The extraction parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized using the one-parameter-at-a-time method including the amount of CHF biosorbent (100 mg), kind and concentration of surfactant (SDS, 10 mM), kind and volume of desorption solvent (methanol, 150 µL), and extraction time (10 min). The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the selected fungicides were 3.00 to 10.00 µg L− 1 and from 9.00 to 30.00 µg L− 1, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by measuring the recovery of the spiked samples. The satisfying recoveries of the four water samples ranged from 67.0–105.0%. Therefore, the µ-SPE using coconut husk fiber as a biosorbent was a simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, low cost and capable approach to analyze trace triazole fungicides in environmental waters, soybean milks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages samples.
Interdisciplinary collaboration in Serious Illness Conversations in patients with multiple myeloma and caregivers – A qualitative study
Authors: Myrhøj Cæcilie Borregaard , Viftrup Dorte Toudal , Jarden Mary , Clemmensen Stine Novrup
Published: April 2023

Background
There is growing evidence that conversations between healthcare professionals and patients with serious illness can improve the quality of end-of-life cancer care. Yet, there is lack of insight into how different professions collaborate to deliver serious illness communication as well as patients’ and caregivers’ perception of this collaboration between the nurse and physician. This study explores the interdisciplinary collaboration between nurses and physicians in serious illness conversations with patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma and their caregivers.
Methods
Eleven dyadic interviews were conducted with 22 patients and caregivers and two focus group interviews, one with four nurses and one with four physicians. Data analysis and reporting were conducted using reflexive thematic analysis within phenomenological epistemology.
Results
The interdisciplinary collaboration was characterized by three main themes: 1) Importance of relationships, 2) Complementary perspectives, and 3) The common goal.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinarity in serious illness conversations as it strengthens the use of existential and descriptive language in conversations involving medical, holistic, and existential issues. The use of broader language also reflects that interdisciplinary interaction strengthens each professional's expertise in patient care. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the patient’s and caregiver’s medical preferences and hopes, and values can be integrated into the treatment plan, which is the key to providing the best care for the patient and caregiver. It is recommended to make organizational changes to support continuity in patient–healthcare professional relationships, support interdisciplinary training, and a few minutes of preparation before the conversation and debriefing afterward to avoid fragmented and uncoordinated collaboration.
Broadband EPR spectroscopy of the ground electron state of the Fe4+ impurity ion in amethyst.
Authors: Tarasov Valery , Zaripov Ruslan , Scherbakov Victor
Published: April 2023

Fine structure of ground electron state of Fe4+ impurity ion in a natural amethyst crystal was studied by broadband electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in the frequency region of 34–500 GHz. It is established that energy levels scheme consists of ground quasi-doublet ⎜±2〉, quasi-doublet ⎜±1〉 and singlet with zero-field energies ±4.9 GHz, 435.2 ±45.4 GHz and 584 GHz, respectively. Parameters of effective spin Hamiltonian describing dependences of electron spin levels on magnetic field are determined.
Intergenerational transmission of preferences for redistribution
Authors: Leites Martín , Salas Gonzalo
Published: April 2023

We explore whether preferences for redistributive policies are transmitted from parents to children and study the empirical relevance of three modulators suggested by theoretical models: family income mobility, personality traits of parents, and the abilities of their children. We draw on a novel and rich dataset, the Longitudinal Study of Well-being in Uruguay, which contains information on parents' preferences for redistribution in the years 2011/12 and 2015/16 and their children's preferences in the year 2015/16. Firstly, we find that, on average, the intergenerational persistence of redistributive preferences is relatively high. Secondly, there is heterogeneity in the intergenerational transmission process associated with parents' learning. Finally, the intergenerational transmission of preferences is more relevant when intergenerational mobility is lower, parents have greater self-control, and children present higher abilities.
JEL Code: D31, D64, H23
The mechanism of copper deficiency on oxidative stress in liver of mice
Authors: Pan Zhiying , Deng Chengfeng , Shui Lian , Yin Heng , Liu Bing
Published: April 2023

Copper (Cu) is an essential metal required for many physiological processes and biological reactions. Liver is the main organ of metabolism of Cu, and is also the site where synthesis of some metalloproteins. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of Cu deficiency on the liver, and to evaluate the changes in liver oxidative stress levels to reveal its possible impact mechanisms. Mice were feed to a nutritional Cu-deficiency diet from weaning and injected with copper sulphate (CuSO4) intraperitoneally to correct Cu deficiency. Cu deficiency resulted in reduced liver index, liver histological alteration and oxidative stress, decreased the contents of Cu and ALB, elevated ALT and AST concentrations in serum together with decreased mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 pathway related molecules (Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1), increased mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1. However, the supplement of CuSO4 significantly ameliorated the changes mentioned above. Our results indicate that Cu deficiency can cause hepatic damage in mice is associated with the activation of oxidative stress and inhibition of Nrf2 pathway.
Global Trends in Research of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Over Past Two Decades: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Tan Yu , Yu Yanqiao , Luo Jinwen , Zhao Xiaohan , Liu Min , Li Min , Liu Wei , Ma Xiaojuan , Shi Dazhuo
Published: April 2023

After a successful percutaneous coronary intervention, a large number of patients with acute coronary syndrome are still suffering from coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), which has become a global health threat. Over the past two decades, CMD-related studies have increased rapidly. This field, however, lacks bibliometric studies. In this research, we used bibliometric analysis to summarize hotspots and trends in scientific and clinical research on CMD. Web of Science Core Collection database was used to collect CMD-related research. Each study was analyzed bibliometrically and visually. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were performed to generate knowledge maps. Over the past two decades, research on CMD has exploded. Scholars have concentrated on the long-term effects of CMD on a variety of cardiovascular disorders with poor prognoses, such as acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. In the meantime, despite the availability of many invasive and non-invasive tests, the anticipatory detection of CMD during the hypoperfusion phase of myocardial ischemia may be the windfall of future research.
Early research trends on ChatGPT: a review based on Altmetrics and science mapping analysis
Authors: Raman Raghu , lathabhai hiran , Diwakar Shyam , Nedungadi Prema
Published: April 2023

In the three months following its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT, the LLM bot employing deep learning algorithms to generate human-like responses, has been the subject of numerous research articles (n=385). Identifying early attention to this research is highly intriguing. As citations for these publications may take time to accumulate, our study focused on examining the early attention of ChatGPT research using the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS), a composite attention score developed by Digital Science. Our findings from the total set of publications and the top publications according to the highest AAS scores reveal the following trends: (i) The United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom are the top countries that published most of the top research articles related to ChatGPT. (ii) The most frequently mentioned source titles include journals like Nature, Science, and preprint sources like medRxiv and arXiv. (iii) Among the fields of research (FoR) to which ChatGPT publications align, 'information and computing sciences' and 'biomedical and clinical sciences' received the highest mentions. (iv) Five major clusters were identified in the network formed by the interlinkage of FoRs. (v) The most prominent themes discussed in top articles within these five clusters include ChatGPT usage in medical writing and determining ChatGPT's role in scientific publishing. (vi) Scientists are found to be the major user category demonstrating the highest level of interest in ChatGPT research. By capturing these early trends in both ChatGPT research and the early attention to this research, our work offers valuable insights for ChatGPT enthusiasts, researchers, and policymakers in fields such as biomedical sciences, scientific publishing, and many others.
Identifying different patterns of emotional dysregulation in adult ADHD
Authors: Martz Emilie , Weiner Luisa , Weibel Sébastien
Published: April 2023

Background: Emotional dysregulation (ED) is a core intrinsic feature of adult presenting Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the clinical expressions of ED are diverse and several questionnaires have been used to measure ED in adults with ADHD. Thus, to date, the characteristics of ED in adult ADHD remain poorly defined. The objective of this study is to identify the different patterns of ED in adults with ADHD.
Methods: A large sample of 460 newly diagnosed adults with ADHD were recruited. Patients
completed a total of 20 self-reported questionnaires. Measures consisted in the several facets of ED, but also other clinical features of adult ADHD such as racing thoughts. A factor analysis with the principal component extraction method was performed to define the symptomatic clusters. A mono-dimensional clustering was then conducted to assess whether participants presented or not with each symptomatic cluster.
Results: The factor analysis yielded a 5 factor-solution, including “emotional instability”, “impulsivity”, “overactivation”, “inattention/disorganization”, “sleep problems”. ED was part of two out five clusters and concerned 67.52% of our sample. Among those patients, the combined ADHD presentation was the most prevalent. Emotional instability and impulsivity were significantly predicted by childhood maltreatment. The ED and the “sleep problems” factors contributed significantly to the patients’ functional impairment.
Conclusions: ED in ADHD is characterized along emotional instability and emotional impulsivity and significantly contribute to the functional impairment. However, beyond impairing symptoms, adult ADHD may also be characterized by functional strengths such as creativity.
Vectorial bent functions and Linear Codes from Quadratic Forms
Authors: Xie Xianhong , Ouyang Yi , Mao Ming
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we study the vectorial bentness of an arbitrary quadratic form and construct two classes of linear codes of few weights from the quadratic forms. Let $q$ be a prime power, $m$ be a positive integer and $Q:\F_{q^m}\rightarrow\F_q$ be a quadratic form. We first show that $Q$ is a vectorial bent function if and only if $Q$ is non-degenerate and $(q+1)m$ is even (i.e. either $q$ is odd or $m$ is even). Furthermore, if $2\mid (q+1)m$ and $Q(x)= \sum\limits_{i=0}^{m-1} \Tr_{q^m/q}(a_i x^{q^i+1})\ (a_i\neq 0)$, we show that $Q$ is vectorial bent if and only if the associated additive polynomial $L_Q(x)=\sum_i (a_i + a_{m-i}^{q^{i}}) x^{q^i}$ is a permutation polynomial over $\F_{q^m}$. If there is only one $a_i\neq 0$, we recover the constructions of Sidelnikov, Dembowski-Ostrom and Kasami of quadratic vectorial bent functions. We then construct two classes of linear codes $\C'_Q$ and $\C_Q$ over $\F_q$ from $Q$ and completely determine the weight distributions of our codes, showing that they are two-, three- or four-weight codes and contain optimal codes satisfying the Griesmer and Singleton bounds.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 94B05, 15A63, 94A60.
Distributed Backward Pumped Raman Amplifier Gain Enhancement: New Approaches
Authors: Mustafa Fathy M. , Kholidy Hisham A. , Sayed Ahmed F. , Aly Moustafa H. , Elmisery F. A.
Published: April 2023

The backward Raman amplifier (RA) can considered as one of the best solutions for optical communication, especially in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology. They reduce the nonlinear effects, have low noise figure and a wide frequency range. The work in this paper aims to reduce the attenuation of optical signal due to its propagation optical fiber and increase both amplifier gain and output signal power. Two backward Raman models are proposed. Proposal one model consists of two cascaded RAs and the other (proposal two) consists of three cascaded RAs. Three backward pump power levels 200, 400, and 600 mW are used to simulate the models with the three types of fibers: single-mode fiber (SMF), Truewave, and Freelight, at an amplifier length of 100 km. Proposal two achieves a maximum gain of 31 dB at 600 mW pump power 600 mW using Truewave optical fiber, with 27.7 dBm maximum output signal power. This proposal is evaluated showing 11.15% gain enhancement and 200 mW saved power when compared to previously published work.
Plasmodium falciparum malaria exposure and carriage associate with reduced γδ T-cells and NK cell responses to infected red blood cells in vitro
Authors: Kouriba Bourèma , Daou Modibo , Arama Charles , Ouédraogo Nicolas , Niaré Karamoko , Keita Yamoussa , Sissoko Sibiri , Ouologuem Boucary , Arama Seydou , Doumbo Ogobara , Sauerwein Robert , Scholzen Anja
Published: April 2023

Background
Innate immune cells including γδ T-cells and NK cells are directly activated by Plasmodium falciparum parasites and contribute to the control of parasitaemia. The aim of this study was to determine whether a history of parasite exposure and/or carriage affect innate immune cell responses in vitro to P. falciparum infected red blood cells (PfRBC).
Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 61 Malian children aged 5 to 15 years at the start of the transmission season, and 10 malaria-naïve Dutch adults. Parasite carriage at the start of the transmission season was assessed by PCR and microscopy for Malian children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with PfRBC to assess cytokine production and degranulation of innate lymphocytes (γδ T-cells, CD3+CD56+ cells and NK cells) by flow cytometry.
Results
Granzyme B production in response to PfRBC was observed by all three innate cell subsets in Malian children, as were IFNγ production by γδ T-cells and NK cells and γδ T-cell degranulation. However, both IFNγ production and degranulation by γδ T-cells, CD3+CD56+ cells and NK cells were significantly lower compared to malaria-naïve Dutch adults. Moreover, children with ongoing P. falciparuminfection showed significantly reduced PfRBC-specific IFNγ production and degranulation by γδ T-cells and NK cells as compared with those with undetectable parasitaemia by PCR and microscopy. Reduced degranulation responses by γδ T-cells and NK cells were already observed for children with submicroscopic parasitaemia as compared to those with negative PCR.
Conclusions
Malian children show reduced P. falciparum-specific innate IFNγ production and cytotoxic degranulation, which were further negatively impacted by ongoing infections of microscopic but also submicroscopic parasitaemia.
Post-operative segmental cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: risk factors, clinical implications and therapeutic considerations.
Authors: Sturiale Carmelo Lucio , Auricchio Anna Maria , Valente Iacopo , Vacca Alessandro , Pennisi Giovanni , Ciaffi Gabriele , Albanese Alessio , Olivi Alessandro , Trevisi Gianluca
Published: April 2023

Background
Cerebral venous sinus thromboses (CVSTs) are rare complications of neurosurgical interventions and their management remains controversial as most of cases appears clinically silent.
Here, we analyzed our institutional series of patients with CVSTs evaluating clinical and neuroradiological characteristics, risk factors, and outcome.
Materials and methods
From the analysis of our institutional PACS, we collected a total of 59 patients showing postoperative CVSTs after supratentorial or infratentorial craniotomies. For every patient, we collected demographics and relevant clinical and laboratory data. Details on thrombosis trend were retrieved and compared along the serial radiological assessment.
Results
A supratentorial craniotomy was performed in 57.6% of cases, an infratentorial in 37.3%, while the remaining were a single cases of trans-sphenoidal and neck surgery (1.7%, respectively). A sinus infiltration was present in almost a quarter of patients, and in 52.5% of cases the thrombosed sinus was exposed during the craniotomy.
Radiological signs of CVST were evident in 32.2% of patients, but only 8.5% of them developed a hemorrhagic infarct. CVST-related symptoms were complained by 13 patients (22%), but these were minor symptoms in about 90%, and only 10% experienced hemiparesis or impaired consciousness. The majority of patients (78%) remained completely asymptomatic along the follow-up. Risk factors for symptoms occurrence were interruption of preoperative anticoagulants, infratentorial sinuses involvement and evidence of vasogenic edema and venous infarction. Overall, a good outcome was observed in about 88% of patients at follow-up.
Conclusions
CVST is a complication of surgical approaches in proximity of dural venous sinuses. CVST usually does not show progression and courses uneventfully in the vast majority of cases. The systematic use of post-operative anticoagulants seems to not significantly influence its clinical and radiological outcome.
Spherical Derivatives and Normal Functions
Authors: Wei Dongmei , Xu Yan
Published: April 2023

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
Let $k$ be a positive integer and $C>0$ an constant, and let $\varphi:[0,1)\to (0,\infty)$ be smoothly increasing. A meromorphic function $f$ in the unit disk is called a $\varphi$-normal function if $\sup_{z\in \Delta}\frac{f^{\#}(z)}{\varphi(|z|)}<\infty$. In this paper, we prove that $f$ is a $\varphi$-normal function if $|f^{(k)}(z)|/(\varphi(|z|)^{k}(1+|f(z)|^{k+1}))\geq C$ ($z\in \Delta)$. Also, the similar results for normal functions and $\alpha$-normal functions are given.
2000Mathematics subject classification:30D45
Voltammetric Study and Kinetic Stability of Nitro Anion Radical in Aqueous Media of Two New Sulfonylhydrazone Derivatives with Potential Anti-Chagas Activity
Authors: Almeida Lígia Scandoglieri , Chiavassa Luísa Donatto , Brito Charles Lima , Gatti Fernando Moura , Trossini Gustavo Henrique Goulart , La-Scalea Mauro Aquiles
Published: April 2023

Two new sulfonylhydrazone derivatives, analogues of nitrofurazone, with potentially antichagasic biological activity were studied by cyclic voltammetry, having glassy carbon as working electrode, in aqueous media aiming at a better understanding of their redox mechanism that can be related to the biological action, being classically characterized by charge transfer processes. In an acidic medium, an irreversible cathodic peak corresponding to the formation of hydroxylamine derivative was observed, being linearly displaced with the decrease in the acidity of the medium to more negative potential values. In alkaline medium, the reduction was independent of the pH, registering the formation of the reversible \(\text{R-N}{\text{O}}_{2}/\text{R-N}{\text{O}}_{2}^{-}\) couple. The half-life of the nitro-anion radical was experimentally estimated and corroborated by simulation with Digisim.
Effect of fertilization and container size on the quality of “Sangre de Drago” (Croton urucurana Baill.) seedlings in a plug + 1 production system.
Authors: Martin Mariana , Castro Damian César , Gabriel Paola Marisel , Micheloud Norma Guadalupe , Álvarez Norma Hortensia , Buyatti Marcela Alejandra
Published: April 2023

“Sangre de Drago” (Croton urucurana Baill.) is a native tree of South America with high value for urban afforestation or the restoration of riparian forests. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of container size and fertilization on the quality of seedlings produced in a plug+1 system. In the establishment phase, the impact of container size (110 mL or 250 mL) and fertilization (with or without) on seedling quality were evaluated before transplanting into bigger containers. In the rapid growth phase, the effect of container size (1 L, 1.5 L, and 3.5 L) on survival and seedling quality was evaluated. At the end of each phase, seedling quality was evaluated through morphological and physiological attributes. Data were analyzed through linear models, generalized linear models, and nonlinear regressions. In the establishment phase, seedlings grown in 250 mL containers with fertilization showed the best performance in morphological and physiological variables and the Dickson quality index. In the rapid growth phase, seedlings grown in 3.5 L containers showed the highest values in total height, stem diameter, total dry weight, Dickson quality index, and the lowest mortality at the end of the experiment. We recommended 250 mL containers with fertilization in the establishment phase until the seedling can be lifted with its intact root ball. We then transplant it into 3.5 L containers for the rapid growth and hardening phases until out-planting.
Exact and approximate solutions of Dirac-Morse problem in curved space-time
Authors: de Oliveira M. D. , Schmidt Alexandre G. M.
Published: April 2023

In this work, we analyze the Dirac-Morse problem with spin and pseudo-spin symmetries in deformed nuclei. So, we consider the Dirac equation with the scalar U (r) and vector V (r) Morse-type potentials and tensor Hellmann-type potential in curved space-time whose line element is of type ds2 = (1 + α2 U (r))2 (dt2 − dr2 )− r2 dθ2 − r2 sin2θdφ2 . From the effective tensor potential Aeff(r) = λ/r + α2 λU(r)/r + A(r), that contain terms of spin-orbit coupling, line element and electromagnetic field, we analyze dirac’s spinor in two ways: (i) in the first, we solve the problem approximately considering A ef f (r) not null; (ii) in the second analysis, we obtain exact solutions of radial spinor and eigenenergies considering Aeff(r) = 0. In both cases, we consider two types of coupling of vector and scalar potentials, with spin symmetry for V (r) = U (r) and pseudo-spin symmetry for V (r) = −U (r). We analyzed the effect of coupling the electromagnetic field with the curvature of space in eigenenergies and radial spinor.
Impact of free vibration on the T-beam deck slab bridge
Authors: Pathak Shubham , Nallasivam K
Published: April 2023

Due to its simplicity in design, construction, and upkeep, the T-beam bridge is the most popular and widely used type of bridge. When it comes to establishing connectivity over both short and long distances, this kind of bridge is more widely used. The mechanisms of vibration resonance for a T-beam deck slab bridge subjected to a moving load series are being probed. the purpose of this article is to calculate the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the Bridge under a variety of cross-sections, material qualities, and support situations. Using the finite element method, this paper attempts to compare the natural frequencies caused by free vibration in a girder and slab and a full-structure T-beam Deck Slab bridge. In finite element software like ANSYS, the bridge is analysed as a three-dimensional model. The natural frequencies and mode shapes of the model would give us the minimum time period and maximum frequency of the bridge on ANSYS software.
The relationships between novel biomarkers Lp-PLA2 and CTRP-3 and MACCE in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 40-65 years: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yanhong , Wang Shixin , Li Jian , Fu Yu , Chen Pengsheng , Zhang Jiao , Sun Li , Zhang Rui , Li Xiaoli , Liu Lingling
Published: April 2023

Background: Adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) has been confirmed as one of the major and severe complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients aged 40-65 years, and it is also reported as one of the major causes of death in T2DM patients. Accordingly, the biological markers of MACCE in T2DM patients aged 40-65 years should be found urgently.
Methods: The retrospective cohort study comprised 979 individuals of T2DM aged 40-65 years. To be specific, 116 subjects developed MACCE during the follow up. The clinical examination and the measurement of blood laboratory parameters were performed. Univariate and multivariate factors were adopted to analyze the correlation between Lp-PLA2, CTRP-3 and MACCE in T2DM patients aged 40-65 years. The diagnostic efficacy of the respective index was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC).
Results: After a median 84 months follow-up [42, (32-54)], the levels of new inflammatory factors Lp-PLA2, CTRP-3 and other traditional index of blood lipids such as LDL-C and ApoB were abnormally expressed in MACCE patients of the positive group of T2DM patients aged 40-65 years. Age-adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that Lp-PLA2 (HR=1.008, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.006-1.009, P < 0.01) and CTRP-3 (HR=0.943, 95% CI: 0.933-0.954, P < 0.001) were independently correlated with occurrence of MACCE. ROC curve analysis showed that Lp-PLA2 and CTRP-3 could strongly predict the occurrence of MACCE (area under ROC (AUC)= 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77-0.85, P < 0.001) (AUC=0.91, 95% CI: 0.89-0.93, P < 0.001). Combined Lp-PLA2 with CTRP-3 can predict the occurrence of MACCE well (AUC=0.94, 95% CI: 0.93- 0.96, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and CTRP-3 were abnormally expressed in MACCE patients of T2DM patients aged 40-65 years, and both of them were correlated with the occurrence of MACCE. The combined detection of Lp-PLA2 and CTRP-3 could improve the diagnostic efficacy of MACCE in T2DM patients aged 40-65 years.
Quantifying Acetylene Mole Fraction in Rich Flat Laminar Premixed C2H4/Air Flames
Authors: Zhao Wanxia , Alwahabi Zeyad , Dally Bassam
Published: April 2023

Mid-infrared laser polarization spectroscopy (IRPS) has been applied to measure the mole fraction of acetylene in rich premixed laminar C2H4/Air flat flames at equivalence ratios (Φ) of 1.7, 2.1, and 2.3, and under atmospheric pressure. The detection was conducted by probing the ro-vibrational P(19) transition at ~ 3.1 µm. The total collisional broadening coefficient of C2H2 was approximately 0.074 cm− 1atm− 1 and varied within a range of 0.5% under different flame conditions, which made the effect of linewidth not obvious in the CH4/air flame. The calculated mole fraction of C2H2, using the Chemkin model, at Φ = 1.3 and 1.5 was used to calibrate the recorded IRPS signal intensities at different Height Above Burner (HAB). A single scaling factor was then used to quantify the measured C2H2 at highly sooting conditions, Φ = 1.7, 2.1, and 2.3, with a Limit of Detection (LoD) of 35 ± 5 ppm. The first observed C2H2 mole fraction appeared at HAB of 3 mm and measured as 2003 ppm, 2217 ppm, and 2495 ppm, for Φ = 1.7, 2.1, and 2.3, respectively. The mole fraction increased as the HAB increased to reach the maximum value of 2296 ppm, 2807 ppm, and 3478 ppm, for Φ = 1.7, 2.1, and 2.3, respectively, up to HAB of 5 mm. It was observed that the C2H2 mole fraction reaches a plateau region at HAB of ~ 8 mm. The production of C2H2 has been observed to be subject to a critical gas temperature of 1400 ± 30 K. The critical soot inception temperature, where the first incepted soot particles are observed, is the same as the gas temperature where \({\chi }_{{{C}_{2}H}_{2}}^{max}\) was detected, namely at 1500 ± 30 K. These measurements and calibration procedure demonstrate a plausible technique to probe other flames and to better understand soot inception and its correlation with C2H2.
Modeling and Optimization of Aloe-Vera Static Shearing by Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network Methods
Authors: Rabbani Hekmat , Sohrabi Negin , Gholami Rashid
Published: April 2023

Knowledge of plants' mechanical properties and behavior is one of the essential factors in the design of harvesting and post-harvesting devices. In this study, horticulture, medicinal, and food plants of Aloe Vera were cut using a flat blade. Aloe Vera leaves are cut from the cross-section, and the force and energy required for cutting them were measured using Zwick /roll universal testing machine. The effect of cutting angle (0, 30, and 45 degrees), cutting speed (150, 250, 350, and 450 mm/min), and thickness of Aloe Vera leaves (1, 2, and 3 cm) on the force and energy required for cutting were investigated. To achieve this, response surface methodology was used, the results of which were compared with the artificial neural network method. The results of this study indicated that by increasing the cutting angle, cutting rate, and thickness of the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant, the energy required for its cutting decreased. The most optimal case for cutting the Aloe Vera plant in the case of cutting angle is 45 degrees, the cutting speed is 450 mm/min, and the thickness of Aloe Vera leaves is 3 cm, in which the required energy for cutting and cutting force is equal to 3.45 J and 4.99 N respectively. This study showed that Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is suitable for evaluating optimum conditions in Aloe Vera cutting experiments and is more accurate than the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method.
Methodology to find malware super-spreader on the web infrastructure
Authors: Kim Sungjin
Published: April 2023

The Internet is an open platform and provides a diffusion network, thus enabling easy malware dissemination. Prior studies have focused on how social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter are harnessed for diffusing malware extensively. They have also analyzed various inter-correlations between follower-followee in malware delivery behaviors. However, the findings cannot sufficiently explain malware distribution networks. The aim of this study is to find high-degree nodes that perform core roles in spreading malware on malware distribution networks. To do so, I first built a system to gather malicious URLs that participated in malware distribution. Second, I comprehensively learned the properties of malicious URLs. For instance, attackers construct the geolocation between landing sites that users first access and exploit sites that launch attacks in a different manner. Different geographic locations make it difficult for defenders to detect and block core malicious URLs. Hence, defenders need to search for other malicious URLs at possible control locations. Third, all websites involved in malware distribution were reconstructed into a network with nodes. Each node was assigned a risk. For instance, the contamination rate of malware that propagates through Google with many users definitely differs from that of websites with few users. Based on this approach, a method for measuring the overall risk of malware distribution networks was proposed. This model helps in finding significant nodes that largely influence malware diffusion.
Computational model and simulations of contact angle and geometry effects on centrifugal microfluidic step-emulsification
Authors: Fahland Maximilian , Mishra Rohit
Published: April 2023

The generation of droplets in microfluidic systems is extensively applied in various chemical and biological applications. For two-phase immiscible micro-droplet formation, both actively and passively driven systems being employed. Active systems typically include pump-based, magnetic actuation or centrifugal flow control-based methods that employ cross-flowing, flow-focusing or co-flowing microfluidic architecture to assist formation. Numerical modelling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) allows for an in-silico approach in the understanding of the micro-droplet formation behaviour and the effect of several parameters on the size and rate of droplet formation. Although several such models have been presented previously for pump driven cross-flowing, flow focusing or co-flowing microfluidic architectures, systems typically employing centrifugal actuation methods are limited. We investigate here a CFD method for modelling and simulating step-emulsification of water-in-oil, on a centrifugal microfluidics platform. The effects of contact angles, supply channel geometry and capillary number were studied using the numerical model and compared to experimental data from previous work.
Long run non-linearity in CO2 Emissions: The I(2) Cointegration Model and the Environmental Kuznets Curve
Authors: Kivedal Bjørnar Karlsen
Published: April 2023

I use the I(2) cointegration model in order to assess the empirical relevance of the environmental Kuznets curve for CO2 emissions in the US between 1960 and 2014. This takes the non-linearity of CO2 emissions into account by allowing for using data that are integrated of order two, I(2), directly in the model. This provides an extensive dynamic analysis of the relationship between emissions and economic growth as postulated by the environmental Kuznets curve both in the short, medium and long run. The results indicate that the main driver behind the non-linear shape of US CO2 emissions in the long run is an increase in emissions caused by energy use and a decrease caused by more trade and using less polluting energy sources. GDP only have short run effects. Hence, I do not find evidence in favor of a long run relationship between economic development and the concave shape of emissions as suggested by the environmental Kuznets curve.
JEL classification: C32; Q43; Q56