bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irreversible Airflow Limitation in Elderly Adults with a History of Severe Childhood Asthma – COPD-A, COPD-C or?
Authors: Savran Osman , Bønnelykke Klaus , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli
Published: November 2023

Background
According to the GOLD 2023 strategy paper, classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may include distinct COPD types. We applied the GOLD classification of COPD-A and COPD-C in a follow-up of a cohort of adults with a history of severe childhood asthma.
Methods
We performed a 60-year clinical follow-up of adults with a history of severe childhood asthma and a previous stay at an asthma care facility. COPD-A and COPD-C were defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and never-smoker or ever smoker, respectively. Factors possibly associated with irreversible airflow limitation, including demographics, dyspnea severity, blood eosinophil count (BEC), and concomitant diseases were examined.
Results
The final cohort comprised 232 individuals, of whom 30 and 23, respectively, were classified as COPD-A and COPD-C. Compared to those with no airflow limitation, both individuals with COPD-A and COPD-C more often had had at least one exacerbation in the past 12 months (Risk ratio [RR] 1.83 and RR 2.65, respectively). The COPD-C group had significantly higher MRC dyspnea score (p < 0.01) and higher BEC (p < 0.01) compared to those with no airflow limitation. Compared to COPD-C, COPD-A had higher FeNO (mean 29 [SD 28]). Finally, when comparing participants with COPD-A to COPD-C and participants without airflow limitation, the proportion having osteoporosis and depression were more than doubled.
Conclusions
In late adulthood, one in four with a history of severe asthma in childhood had developed COPD. COPD-A had higher FeNO, while COPD-C was associated with more dyspnea, higher BEC, and also the highest exacerbation risk.
Astaxanthin Rescues Memory Impairments in Rats with Vascular Dementia by Protecting Against Neuronal Death in the Hippocampus
Authors: Wei Na , Zhang Luoman , Xu Jing-Jing , Xue Rui , Ma Sheng-li , Sun Miao-miao , Chen Kui-sheng
Published: November 2023

Background
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a cognitive disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function resulting from cerebrovascular disease. The hippocampus, an important brain region for memory processes, is particularly susceptible to ischemic insults, leading to memory deficits in VaD. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment found in marine organisms, has shown potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying its protective effects in VaD and against hippocampal neuronal death remain unclear.
Methods
In this study, we utilized a rat model of VaD induced by CCH to investigate the therapeutic potential of astaxanthin. Memory impairments were assessed using Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. We also performed biochemical analyses to evaluate levels of hippocampal neuronal death and apoptosis-related proteins, as well as the impact of astaxanthin on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and oxidative stress.
Results
Our results demonstrated that astaxanthin significantly rescued memory impairments in VaD rats. Furthermore, astaxanthin treatment protected against hippocampal neuronal death and attenuated apoptosis. We also observed that astaxanthin modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, suggesting its involvement in promoting neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, astaxanthin exhibited antioxidant properties, mitigating oxidative stress in the hippocampus.
Conclusions
These findings provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic effects of astaxanthin in VaD. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying the actions of astaxanthin, this study highlights the importance of protecting hippocampal neurons and suggests potential targets for intervention in VaD. Further research is warranted to fully understand the therapeutic potential of astaxanthin and its application in the clinical treatment of VaD.
Association between smoking status and brain metastasis intervals and the prognosis of brain metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Zeng Weilin , Yan Xingyu , Wang Zheng , Xu Ke , Li Mo , Wang Tianlu , Song Yingqiu
Published: November 2023

Objective
This study aimed to explore the association between smoking status and brain metastasis intervals in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its impact on the survival time of patients with brain metastasis.
Methods
Data were collected from patients with NSCLC with brain metastases who were treated at our centre between January 2005 and December 2017. Clinical indices such as clinicopathological features and smoking status were collected, and patients were followed up (cut-off: 1 September 2022). According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 461 patients were analysed and matched using 1:1 propensity score matching. Non-smokers (n = 113), smoking cessation (n = 113), and smokers (n = 113) formed balanced groups, and the duration of brain metastasis and overall survival were compared between groups.
Results
There was a statistically significant difference between the non-smoking and smoking cessation groups (P = 0.001), as well as between the non-smoking and smoking groups (P < 0.001). The time interval of brain metastasis between the smoking cessation and smoking groups was not significantly different (P = 0.106). Statistically significant factors in the multivariate and univariate analyses showed that smoking status, clinical stage, lung cancer operation, chemotherapy, and chest radiotherapy were independent predictors of the time interval of brain metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that smoking status, driving gene mutations, and chest radiotherapy independently influenced survival after brain metastasis.
Conclusion
Smoking status in patients with NSCLC affected the interval of brain metastasis and survival after brain metastasis.
Insrr Regulates IFN-β through Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton Pathway in Rat Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Chunxiu , Ye Zhijian , Ju Ying , Huang Xiuxin , Wei Ke , Zhan Chenjie , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

Purpose:Hepatocellular carcinoma, caused by Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus infections and other factors, is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Interferon exerts its biological function by inducing the expression of hundreds of Interferon-stimulated genes in the host cells, which are responsible for inhibiting the replication, transcription, and other important processes of Hepatitis B Virus. The aim of this study was to find the proto-oncogenes or oncogenes that can regulate Interferon-β and the mechanism by which the genes regulate Interferon-β, and to identify targets for gene therapy for rat hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods: We induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats by Diethylnitrosamine, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma was inhibited by metformin, troxerutin, or a combination of metformin and troxerutin. The concentration of Interferon-β was detected and observed whether the level of Interferon-β was positively or negatively related to hepatocellular carcinoma. Transcriptome sequencing and RT-PCR was performed to finally determine the target genes that regulate Interferon-β and their mechanisms of action.
Results: Various pathological and immunological results showed that we successfully induced and inhibited rat hepatocellular carcinoma. Insrr was identified as the genes capable of regulating Interferon-β by transcriptome sequencing and RT-PCR with statistical significance.
Conclusion: Our study reveals the mechanism by which Insrr regulates Interferon-β in HCC, and the regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway may be a potential target for HCC treatment.
Optimization of extraction and characterization of triterpenoids from wild Ganoderma lucidum in Guilin based on antioxidant capacity
Authors: Li Jing Rong , Qin Guanfeng , Mao Shihong , Xu Xin , Zhang Huayi , Zhu Jialin , Xu Biyun , Zhao Shengmei , Yin Zuocheng , Qiu Taotao
Published: November 2023

To obtain Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids (GLTs) with high antioxidant capacity, a new method of enzymatic extraction using pectinase and cellulase enzymes was developed and tested. The experiment involved single-factor exploration encompassing five variables: enzyme ratio, enzyme concentration, pH, temperature, and time. The GLTs extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the GLTs, which served as an evaluation index for extraction, was investigated using ELISA. The results unveiled the optimum conditions for enzymatic GLTs extraction, including an enzyme ratio of 2:1 (cellulase and pectinase), enzyme concentrations of 2.5%, enzymatic temperature of 30 ℃, enzymatic time of 30 min, enzymatic pH of 5.0, and a material-liquid ratio of 1:60 (g/mL). Under these conditions, the predicted value of the antioxidant capacity of GLTs was 0.12 µmol/mL, and the measured mean antioxidant capacity was 0.117 ± 0.011 µmol/mL. The close correspondence between the anticipated and actual detection values highlights the capability of the regression model to effectively optimize the extraction conditions. Subsequently, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed to identify the triterpenoids in the extracts of wild-cultivated Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum). The results showed that the extract from wild-cultivated G. lucidum contained 19 triterpenoid fractions, including ganoderic acid A, ganoderic enoic acid B, and lucidenic acid A. These findings suggest that enzymatic extraction is an efficient method for extracting GLTs with an improved capability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, and wild cultivated G. lucidum could potentially serve as a valuable natural source of triterpenoids.
A test of sexual dimorphism in deactivating plant defense and attraction of conspecifics in the four-eyed red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus)
Authors: Craig Emma , Goldman Max , Agrawal Anurag
Published: November 2023

Herbivorous insects frequently exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size and a variety of other traits. Such differences often lead to distinct behaviors, which may present themselves in insect responses to conspecifics, plant defenses, and feeding. Based on a previous study of a congeneric species, we hypothesized that sexual dimorphism may yield differences in how the host-specific red milkweed beetleTetraopes tetrophthalmus(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) deactivates milkweed defenses, a leaf trenching behavior in which beetles cut veins (laticifers) prior to feeding. We also predicted that beetles would display differences in their subsequent feeding patterns and attraction of conspecifics. Although beetles were size dimorphic (females were larger than males), we did not find consistent differences in the rates of trenching or feeding between males and females. Females did, however, cut more milkweed veins and attract more conspecifics than males. Sex differences in size and other traits were thus associated with some differential behaviors, but not strongly associated with the deactivation of plant defense.
Clinical features and prognosis of patients with soft tissue sarcoma in extremity and synchronous lung metastasis: A SEER analysis
Authors: Yang Xudong , Tang Jie , Zhao Kejia , Chen Manjun , Tian Yingsong , Chen Xiaobo
Published: November 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between clinical characteristics and risk of synchronous lung metastasis (SLM) in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas (ESTSLM) at the time of diagnosis and their prognosis.
Methods
Cases from 1975–2018 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and demographic, treatments and survival outcomes were analysed.
Results
533 of 7533 patients included in the analysis had SLM. Risk of lung metastasis was high with several variables including male gender, young age, white race, primary site in lower extremity or deep tissues, high differentiation grade, large tumor size, Ewing's sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and nodal metastasis. The 5 year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate and median survival of ESTSLM patients was 22.4% and 14 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that older adults, lack of primary site surgery and chemotherapy, and multi-site metastasis including the lungs, were risk factors (p < 0.05). Whereas chemotherapy improved short-term survival compared to survival without chemotherapy (2-year CSS rates of 36.2% vs 26.1%, p < 0.001), there were no survival benefits with metastasectomy (OS, p = 0.286; CSS, p = 0.627).
Conclusions
This is the first comprehensive study that unraveled lung risk factors and prognostic factors affecting metastasis in ESTSLM patients. The findings of this study may be useful for screening and management of patients with ESTSLM.
A Poisson Cokriging Modeling of Co-circulation of Mosquito-borne Diseases in Colombia
Authors: Payares-Garcia David , Osei Frank , Mateu Jorge , Stein Alfred
Published: November 2023

Co-circulation of diseases is a public health concern phenomenon as it often informs of population cross-exposure, susceptibility, and cross-protection dynamics. While it commonly occurs, spatial analysis predominately focuses on understanding the individual character of the involved diseases, often neglecting any contributions of co-circulating conditions. This study explores the spatial dynamics and interactions among Zika virus (ZIKV), Dengue virus (DENV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) within the context of co-circulation in the Andean region of Colombia, a tropical and subtropical area highly affected by mosquito-borne diseases. We used Poisson cokriging, a geostatistical method tailored to handle count data (cases), account for the heterogeneous distribution of the population and integrate auxiliary information in the form of count variables. Our results show that Poisson cokriging effectively mitigates the impact of highly variable population densities in the Andean region, producing refined and denoised risk estimates. Likewise, by incorporating information from co-infection, we improved the individual risk estimates and refined the identification of high-risk areas. Our findings show that disease hotspots primarily emerge in municipalities characterized by high rates of co-circulation, coupled with suboptimal water coverage, hygiene conditions, and crowded living environments. We anticipate that the outcomes of this study will contribute to a better understanding of disease co-circulation. In the context of the mosquito-borne disease syndemics in the Andean region, it may offer insights for evidence-based public health strategies.
Conjugating Representations in PGL(k, C) into PGL(k, R)
Authors: Miller Jared
Published: November 2023

The space of representations of a surface group into a given simple Lie group is a very active area of research and is particularly relevant to higher Teichmuller theory. For a closed surface, classical Teichmuller space is a connected component of the moduli space of representations into PSL(2, R) and [Fock-Goncharov:2006] showed that the space of positive representations into PSL(k, R) coincides with the Hitchin component. In this paper we study representations of finitely generated groups into PGL(k, C) and determine necessary and sufficient conditions for such a representation to be conjugate into PGL(k, R). In this way, we identify representations in the larger representation variety which are conjugate in PGL(k, C) to a representation in hom(pi_1 (Sigma), PGL(k, R)) / PGL(k, R).
the Value of Chest CT scan Findings in Predicting Mortality and ICU Admission in COVID-19 in the Elderly
Authors: Zandieh Zhale
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken many people’s lives globally, which has been worse in vulnerable groups. The elderly showed higher mortality rate during the pandemic, compared with other age groups. A Chest Computed Tomography (CT) scan has been implemented as a diagnostic tool in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the mortality increased in the presence of some chest CT scan manifestations.
Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. 411 COVID-19 patients, aged 60 years and above, analyzing demographic characteristics (age and gender), the severity (ICU admission, non-ICU admission), the outcomes (deceased or recovered), and chest CT scan findings (typical, indeterminate, and atypical) in this population.
Results: 411 patients entered the study; 52.3% females, 47.7% males. The average age of the total population was 73.5± 8.75 years. 19% of the patients were admitted to ICU. 24.8% of the subjects did not survive. 76.1% of subjects showed typical chest CT scan findings of COVID, while 15.6 were indeterminate and in 8.3% atypical. The mortality rate of 60-75 years was 19.8%, and 76-80, and >80 were 34% and 35.4% respectively. Mortality with typical findings was 21.4%, and with indeterminate findings, 28.1%, while with atypical was 50%. Mortality in ICU admitted patients was 78.2%. The frequencies of atypical finding in ICU cases was 15.4%, and in non-ICU cases was 6.6%.
Conclusion: Mortality significantly increased with age and ICU admission. Atypical chest CT scan findings were accompanied by higher mortality and ICU admission that proved their poor prognostic value.
MeSH terms: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Computed Tomography, Aged, Mortality, Prognosis
Varietal characterization of different hybrid variety of maize in Lamjung, Nepal
Authors: Sah Pappu Kumar , yadav Pankaj Kumar , Ojha Ankit
Published: November 2023

Lamjung is one of major maize producing region with limited availability of spring hybrid maize varieties. This research examine the performances of ten different hybrid varieties using Randomized Complete Block Design in spring season. The highest days to emergence of seedlings was in RAMPUR HYBRID-16 (9.67 days) and the lowest days to emergence was in RML145/RL197 (6.67 days). The highest plant germination percentage was in RML145/RL197 and PVAEQH-1 (50%) and the lowest plant germination percentage was in RAMPUR HYBRID-14 (27.22%). The plant height was significantly higher in RAMPUR HYBRID-12 (245.33 cm) followed by RML83/RML146 (136 cm) and lowest in PVAEQH-1(191.80 cm) whereas the leaf area index were significantly higher in RML145/RL197 (4.86). Phenological behavior like days to 50% tasseling (61 days) and silking (67 days) were significantly earlier in PVAEQH-1 and silking tasseling interval lower in RAMPUR HYBRID-14 (4.33 cm). Yield attributing characteristics like cob length higher in RAMPUR HYBRID-10 (19.267cm) and PVAEQH-1 (19.167 cm), cob diameter higher in CML491/CLWQHZN51 (5.148 cm) and RML145/RML2 (5.318 cm), number of rows/cobs was higher in RAMPUR HYBRID-16, CML491/CLWQHZN51, number of kernels/rows higher in CML491/CLWQHZN51, RML83/RML146. Shelling % was higher in RAMPUR HYBRID-10(69.64) and lower in RML83/RML146(57.81). Thousand grain weight were found significantly higher in CAH1511 (250.23 gm) followed by RAMPUR HYBRID-10 (231.77 gm), RML145/RL197(230.17 gm). Grain yield was significantly higher in RML145/RL197 (7.20 mt/ha) followed by RML83/RML146 (7.13 mt/ha), RML145/RML2(6.58mt/ha), PVAEQH-1(6.25mt/ha), RAMPUR HYBRID-10(6.11 mt/ha), CAH1511 (5.76 mt/ha), CML491/CLWQHZN51(5.68mt/ha), RAMPUR HYBRID-16(5.39mt/ha), RAMPUR HYBRID-12 (5.07 mt/ha)and lower in RAMPUR HYBRID-14 (3.95 mt/ha). The results indicated the among ten hybrid varieties RML145/RL197 and RML83/RML146 were high yielding so the farmers of mid hill specially in Lamjung can cultivate these varieties.
Test and analysis of mechanical properties of poplar branches
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhou Hongping , Jing Shouxiang , Cui Wangbing , Wang Miao
Published: November 2023

The mechanical properties of poplar branches are the basis for designing and optimizing the working parameters of branch pruning and crushing machinery. In this paper, a precision microcomputer-controlled electronic universal testing machine was used to test the tensile, compression, bending, and shear mechanical properties of poplar branches. The test results suggested that the elastic constitutive relationship of the stress-strain curves of poplar branches under longitudinal compression, transverse compression, and bending conformed to Hooke's law, and longitudinal tensile and shear exhibited plastic damage; the anti-failure strength, anti-failure elastic modulus and external work of poplar branches under longitudinal compression were greater than those under transverse compression. Meanwhile, the analysis results indicated that there was an exponential function positive correlation between longitudinal tensile strength and longitudinal tensile work, a polynomial exponential function positive correlation between longitudinal compressive strength and longitudinal compressive work, a power function positive correlation between transverse compressive proportional ultimate strength and transverse compressive work, and an exponential function positive correlation between bending strength and bending work; meanwhile, there was a polynomial function positive correlation between the peak shear force and the cross-sectional area of the sample, and there was an exponential function positive correlation between the shear work and the cross-sectional area of the sample. Additionally, the external work required to destroy poplar branches can be estimated using the established regression equation. The study results of this paper provide important data support for poplar branch pruning and crushing simulation tests and machine power selection.
Investigation of anticorrosive property of epoxy phenolic coating by AC-DC-AC method
Authors: chen xiaoting , yao Zhiguo , He; Junhua , su liling , zhang shengyuan
Published: November 2023

In this study, the degradation of epoxy phenolic coating used for heat resistant application is induced by AC-DC-AC method, and degradation degree evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS).Experimental results demonstrate that AC-DC-AC method did accelerate the failure of coatings. Results also showed good concordance between low frequency impedance modulus and DC current. Moreover, characterization of parameters, such as polarization potential, duration, and coating thickness with respect to the electrochemical behavior of coating are proposed.
Clindamycin is superior to cefazolin prophylactic regimen in a general trauma reference hospital - a comparative retrospective study
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Souza da , Silva Angel Adriany da , Santos Maiara Raíssa dos , Pastore Maria Eduarda , Silva Natália Assolari da , Telles Joao Paulo , Tuon Felipe Francisco
Published: November 2023

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) are among the most common adverse events in the hospital setting. clindamycin is an option to the use of cefazolin, already recommended in the literature although few studies evaluate its effectiveness. due to the increase in cost, since October 2019, cefazolin has been replaced by clindamycin in our hospital. This study aimed to analyze the impact of using clindamycin compared to cefazolin in the prophylaxis of SSI.
Methods: The authors executed a cross-sectional study of patients submitted to surgical procedures with antimicrobial prophylaxis between October 2018 and October 2021. The primary outcome was surgical site infection. Data from medical records included gender, age, type of surgery, surgical specialty, surgery wound, bacteria isolated, surgical complications, hospital readmission, and death. A comparison between means was made by the t-student test. For dichotomous variables, the chi-square was performed.
Results: 12,238 surgical procedures were included, 6,776 with clindamycin and 5,462 with cefazolin. There was no difference in surgical wound classification in both groups. The SSI rate in the group cefazolin was 1.9% (n=104) and 1.2% (n=85) in the group clindamycin [OR 1.65, CI95% 1.19 – 2.15, (p<0.001)]. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. Gram-positive cocci were 60% in the group cefazolin and 57% in the group clindamycin. distribution of MRSA was similar between both groups.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a lower SSI rate with clindamycin. Despite the retrospective design, we may conclude that clindamycin is a feasible option for cefazolin.
BotCL：A Social Bot Detection Model Based on Graph Contrastive Learning
Authors: li yan , Gong Daofu , Hu Qian , li zhenyu , lu haoyu
Published: November 2023

The proliferation of social bots on social networks presents significant challenges to network security due to their malicious activities. While graph neural network models have shown promise in detecting social bots, acquiring a large number of high-quality annotated accounts remains challenging, impacting bot detection performance. To address this issue, we introduce BotCL, a social bot detection model that employs contrastive learning through data augmentation. Initially, we build a directed graph based on follower relationships, utilizing semantic, attribute, and structural features of accounts as initial node features. We then simulate account behaviors within the social network and apply two data augmentation techniques to generate multiple views of the directed graph. Subsequently, we encode the generated views using relational graph convolutional networks, achieving maximum homogeneity in node representations by minimizing the contrastive loss. Finally, node labels are predicted using Softmax. The proposed method augments data based on its distribution, showcasing robustness to noise. Extensive experimental results on the Twibot-20 and Twibot-22 datasets demonstrate that our approach surpasses state-of-the-art methods in terms of performance.
The assessment of the magnitude and associated factors of psoriasis
Authors: Abza Fantahun
Published: November 2023

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder resulting from a genetic predisposition combined with environmental triggers characterized by sharply demarcated erythematosus whitish scaly plaques. May be associated with psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases. The prevalence is about 2% of the world’s population. Two peaks in the age of onset have been reported: Early-onset psoriasis at 20-30 years of age and Late-onset psoriasis at 50-60 years of age & equal in both sexes.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of psoriasis from October 2021 to June 2022 at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Addis Ababa.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from October 2021 to June 2022. A total sample size of 422 patients aged from 11 and above years was included in the study. Then using SPSS version 21.0 The data was entered and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was done to characterize the study participants. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the crude and independent predictors of the dependent variable. AOR with 95% CI was used to determine the independent predictors of psoriasis. Statistically, a significant association was considered at a p-value <0.05.
Result: In this study, the magnitude of psoriasis was found to be 6.01% (95% CI:11.6,18.7). Moreover, in the multivariable logistic regression model educational status AOR (95% CI): =0.054, (0.01-0.30). And patients themselves AOR (95%CI): =34.90, (8.27-147.30) stress history were significant predictors of psoriasis.
Conclusion: In this study 6.01% of patients were found to have psoriasis disease. Therefore, the finding needs to give great attention to strengthening national skin disease prevention and control services and implementation of public health policies on awareness, prevention, and treatment of psoriasis patients to keep care of skin and not neglect the disease contact health facility services.
Underlying Mechanisms of Metformin-associated Lactic Acidosis, Visceral Fat, and GERD Progression: A Case Study
Authors: AbuHamdia Abrar , Senaratne Mithum , Singh Priyansha , Shahbaz Tooba
Published: November 2023

Background: Metformin is a routinely prescribed medication for diabetes. Recently, physicians started to prescribe it for a variety of conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It has adverse effects, just like any other medication; lactic acidosis is an uncommon but lethal side effect. The goal of this study was to illustrate the mechanisms of action of metformin in inducing lactic acidosis as well as two undetermined effects, including visceral obesity and the progression of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Methods: We present a case of a 23-year-old female with GERD who was treated with metformin for PCOS. We observed the emergence of lactic acidosis symptoms, as well as some unexpected symptoms such as visceral fat, and the advancement of GERD from equilibrium to acute, which lasted for up to a year after stopping metformin.
Results: We found that metformin advanced GERD from an equilibrium to an acute condition in the presence of stress and a history of GERD. Furthermore, gastrointestinal issues have persisted even after a year of discontinuing metformin.
Conclusion: We demonstrated that, despite metformin's powerful effects on the gastrointestinal system, it cannot primarily cause lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis had developed as a result of metformin interacting with other factors, such as stress and a history of GERD. Our work is the first to capture metformin's connection with GERD; more research is needed to investigate that association and identify the long-term mechanism of metformin, particularly in individuals who have experienced lactic acidosis.
RansomCillin: Leveraging NTFS Spare Space to Recover from Ransomware Attacks
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuya , Fujima Himari , Kumamoto Takako , Yoshida Yunko
Published: November 2023

This study investigates an innovative method to combat ransomware, leveraging the New Technology File System (NTFS) spare space in Windows operating systems. The focus is on RansomCillin, a tool designed for effective data recovery after ransomware attacks. The methodology entailed a simulated environment using prevalent ransomware strains to assess RansomCillin's file recovery success, time efficiency, data integrity, and system performance impact. Results showed RansomCillin's high effectiveness in restoring encrypted files with minimal system disruption. Despite its promising performance, the study is limited to NTFS file systems and specific ransomware families, indicating the need for broader application in future research. This work suggests a paradigm shift in ransomware mitigation strategies, emphasizing proactive recovery and continuous adaptation to evolving cyber threats. RansomCillin's development and testing highlight its potential as a practical solution in the ongoing battle against ransomware.
Neurocognitive Outcome Following Tuberculous Meningitis Treatment in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rakasiwi Muhammad Ilham Dhiya , Burhan Erlina , Putra Afid Brilliana , Amin Ihya Fakhrurizal , Wiratara Nadhif
Published: November 2023

Background Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is an infectious diseases of the central nervous system that are still a global health challenge, including Indonesia. Patients who survive after experiencing TBM have a risk of functional, neurocognitive and psychological disorders that will affect daily activities. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive review of data on neurocognitive outcome after TBM infection in adults.Method We conducted a systematic literature search to identify studies addressing cognitive outcomes in adult TBM patients. Following a systematic literature search (Pubmed, Scopus, Ebsco), studies underwent duplicate screening by independent reviewers to assess eligibility for inclusion. Three independent reviewers extracted data from included studies.Result Among the article identified, 7 studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting on cognitive outcomes for 364 adults with TBM. All studies followed the patients for 12 months or more. Three studies used Mini-Mental State Examinations (MMSE) to assess cognitive function, while other studies used a variety of tools: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), neuropsychological (NEUROPSI), and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). All studies reported an improvement in cognitive function after completion of TB therapy. Two studies comparing TBM with HIV, and showed TBM patients with HIV had worse cognitive outcomes than those without HIV.Conclusion Cognitive function assessment tools in TBM patients are diverse and after approximately 12 months of follow-up in patients on TB therapy, there was improvement in cognitive function. Standardized reporting of neurocognitive outcomes will be essential to improve data quality and data-sharing potential.
Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna with Star Trek insignia-based side slot edge for ultra-wideband applications
Authors: Figueredo Raimundo Eider , De Oliveira Alexandre Maniçoba , Justo João Francisco
Published: November 2023

This article presents a Vivaldi Antipodal Antenna (AVA) with lens and radiating side cavities based on the Star Trek insignia, called Star Trek Side Edge Radiation (STSER-AVA). The objective was to improve parameters to make the radiation of the proposed antenna more directive. To this aim, the development is focused on reducing the squint of the central radiation beam and the side lobe level (SLL), as well as increasing the gain compared to a Conventional AVA. To achieve the objective, using an optimized design. The proposed antenna with or without a lens reached the target with a squint of -2.0 degrees, at 3.90 GHz the antenna with a lens achieved better gain (9.42 dB), but with a greater reduction in SLL of -10.73 dB compared to the lens less antenna. The results were obtained with computational electromagnetic simulations and experimental measurements.
Computation of entanglement entropy in inhomogeneous free fermions chains by algebraic Bethe ansatz
Authors: Bernard Pierre-Antoine , Carcone Gauvain , Crampé Nicolas , Vinet Luc
Published: November 2023

The computation of the entanglement entropy for inhomogeneous free fermions chains based on q-Racah polynomials is considered. The eigenvalues of the truncated correlation matrix are obtained from the diagonalization of the associated Heun operator via the algebraic Bethe Ansatz. In the special case of chains based on dual q-Hahn polynomials, the eigenvectors and eigenvalues are expressed in terms of symmetric polynomials evaluated on the Bethe roots.
Generalized Heisenberg-Weyl groups and Hermite functions
Authors: Celeghini Enrico , Gadella Manuel , del Olmo Mariano A.
Published: November 2023

A generalisation of Euclidean and pseudo-Euclidean groups is presented, where the Weyl-Heisenberg groups, well known in quantum mechanics, are involved. A new family of groups is obtained including all the above-mentioned groups as subgroups. Symmetries, like self-similarity and invariance with respect to the orientation of the axes, are properly included in the structure of this new family of groups. Generalized Hermite functions on multidimensional spaces, which serve as orthogonal bases of Hilbert spaces supporting unitary irreducible representations of these new groups, are introduced.
Newton mechanics, Galilean relativity, and special relativity in $\alpha$-deformed binary operation setting
Authors: Chung Won S. , Hounkonnou Mahouton Norbert
Published: November 2023

We define new velocity and acceleration having dimension of (Length)^{\alpha}/(Time)(Length)α/(Time) and (Length)^{\alpha}/(Time)^2,(Length)α/(Time)2, respectively, based on the fractional addition rule. We discuss the formulation of fractional Newton mechanics, Galilean relativity and special relativity in the same setting. We show the conservation of the fractional energy, characterize the Lorentz transformation and group, and derive the expressions of the energy and momentum. The two body decay is discussed as a concrete illustration.
Orographic Effects on Berry Morphology and Chemical Composition of Carignan and Grenache Noir Grapes
Authors: Sánchez-Ortiz A. , Castro-Nadal J. , Lampreave M. , Mateos M.A. , Mateo-Sanz J.M. , Sok V.
Published: November 2023

A variation in the climatic parameters of an orographic vineyard influences the growth and development of vines and grapes. Understanding the effects of this is highly beneficial in determining how viticulture practices can be modified to enhance grape quality. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of in-row grape position, altitude and vigour on berry morphology and grape maturity. The effects of vigour, altitude and in-row grape position on berry weight and diameter, titratable acidity, pH and sugar concentration of Carignan and Grenache noir grapes grown in a vineyard located in Priorat were investigated in the 2021 vintage. The results show that Carignan grapes with a lower vigour demonstrated a higher sugar concentration, berry weight and diameter, as well as lower titratable acidity, while the Grenache noir grapes with a lower vigour achieved only a higher sugar concentration. The grapes at high altitude had a higher sugar concentration in Carignan and higher titratable acidity in Grenache noir. Outer-row grapes of Carignan were characterised by lower titratable acidity and a higher sugar concentration, berry weight and diameter, while the outer-row grapes of Grenache noir displayed lower berry diameter, and a higher pH and sugar concentration. Vigour and in-row grape position have stronger effects on berry morphology and chemical composition than altitude. Sugar concentration is more susceptible than other parameters to be influenced by variability in the vineyard conditions.
Effect of Irrigation with Treated Municipal Wastewater on Vitis vinifera L. cvs. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon blanc in Commercial Vineyards in the Coastal Region of South Africa - Vegetative Growth, Yield and Juice Characteristics
Authors: Hoogendijk K. , Myburgh P.A. , Howell C.L. , Lategan Vink , Hoffman J.E.
Published: November 2023

A long-term trial was conducted in commercial vineyards in the Coastal region of South Africa to assess the impact of treated municipal wastewater irrigation on vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon blanc grapevines were irrigated using treated municipal wastewater from the Potsdam wastewater treatment works for 11 years. Grapevines were either rainfed (RF), irrigated with treated municipal wastewater via a single dripper line (SLD) or received twice the volume of wastewater via a double dripper line (DLD). Grapevine responses were measured from the 2013/14 to 2017/18 seasons. Although high amounts of K+, Na+ and Cl- were applied via wastewater irrigation, it did not result in excessive uptake by plants and did not affect vegetative growth or yield negatively. Irrigation reduced water constraints throughout the growing season compared to RF conditions, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon. Consequently, SLD and DLD grapevines produced stronger vegetative growth and higher yields compared to RF. Results showed that the availability of irrigation water (albeit of relatively low quality) in regions where grapevines are usually grown under dryland conditions can increase grapevine productivity whilst maintaining good fruit quality. However, the water can vary in its availability as well as its quality over a short period of time. Plant and soil water status should be monitored regularly to avoid over-irrigation. Implementing low frequency irrigation scheduling with a sufficient leaching fraction will allow adequate time between irrigation applications for soils to aerate and organic material to decompose. Irrigation water, soils and grapevine leaves should be analysed to ensure that chemical parameters conform to recommended thresholds and norms.
Detection and Quantification of Grapevine Bunch Rot Using Functional Data Analysis and Canonical Variate Analysis Biplots of Infrared Spectral Data
Authors: Cornelissen R.J. , Le Roux N.J. , Gardner-Lubbe S. , Aleixandre Tudo J.L. , Nieuwoudt H.H.
Published: November 2023

Grapevine bunch rot assessment has economic significance to wineries. Industrial working conditions require rapid assessment methods to meet the time constraints typically associated with grape intake at large wineries. Naturally rot-affected and healthy white wine grape bunches were collected over five vintages (2013 to 2016, 2020). Spectral data of 382 grape must samples were acquired using three different, but same-type attenuated total reflection mid-infrared (ATR-MIR) ALPHA spectrometers. The practical industrial problem of wavenumber shifts collected with different spectrometers was overcome by applying functional data analysis (FDA). FDA improved the data quality and boosted data mining efforts in the sample set. Canonical variate analysis (CVA) biplots were employed to visualise the detection and quantification of rot. When adding 90 % alpha-bags to CVA biplots minimal overlap between rot-affected (Yes) and healthy (No) samples was observed. Several bands were observed in the region 1734 cm-1 to 1722 cm-1 which correlated with the separation between rot-affected and healthy grape musts. These bands connect to the C=O stretching of the functional groups of carboxylic acids. In addition, wavenumber 1041 cm-1, presenting the functional group of ethanol, contributed to the separation between categories (severity % range). ATR-MIR could provide a sustainable alternative for rapid and automated rot assessment. However, qualitative severity quantification of rot was limited to only discriminating between healthy and severe rot (> 40 %). This study is novel in applying FDA to correct wavenumber shifts in ATR-MIR spectral data. Furthermore, visualisation of the viticultural data set using CVA biplots is a novel application of this technique.
UMA NOVA ERA DA INCORPORAÇÃO DE ÁTOMO DE FLÚOR EM COMPOSTOS ORGÂNICOS: MÉTODOS MODERNOS E USO DA ESPECTROSCOPIA DE RESSONÂNCIA MAGNÉTICA DE 19F
Authors: Chiari Cassia , Tormena Cláudio
Published: November 2023

A NEW ERA OF INCORPORATION OF FLUORINE ATOM ON ORGANIC COMPOUNDS: MODERN METHODS AND USE OF 19F MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY. During the last decades, the incorporation of the fluorine atom in organic molecules suffered an increase, mainly in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, due to the unique properties of the fluorine atom and the desired behaviour of the molecules resulting from fluorination processes. We present the rise and historical evolution of both fluorination agents, nucleophilic and electrophilic agents, and the three fluorination conditions, nucleophilic, electrophilic and neutral (radical) conditions. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of fluorination agent and condition are highlighted employing modern methods of fluorination, along with the presentation of the author’s mechanistic proposals and discussion of the scope of the reaction. Green chemistry, more sustainable procedures and the use of alternative methods are gaining more attention and are the challenges of the fluorination of organic compounds. 19F NMR technique is also highlighted as a powerful tool for structural elucidation, intermediates identification and reaction monitoring. 1D and 2D NMR experiments involving fluorine are widely employed in biological areas and need to be more widespread in organic synthesis to help face the challenges of this area.
A mathematical model and microcontroller-based method for measuring dielectric permittivity and discharge characteristics with Arduino ATmega 328: a case study in a physics laboratory
Authors: Putra Valentinus Galih Vidia , Ngadiyono
Published: November 2023

A microcontroller-based measuring instrument and a new mathematical model are used to investigate capacitor permittivity and dielectric materials' charge-discharge characteristics. In this study, a prototype capacitive permittivity measurement apparatus for dielectric materials was carefully developed using an Arduino microcontroller, a resistor, and a capacitor. The experimental setup comprises a capacitor-resistor circuit, wherein a 5-volt power supply sourced from the microcontroller interfaces with a computer. During the charging process, a comprehensive evaluation of model-data alignment was performed, yielding values of 0.54252156, 0.9951, and 111.2508701 for the sum of squares error (SSE), the coefficient of determination (R-squared), and the sum of squares total (SST), respectively. Similarly, the analysis extended to the discharging process, unveiling values of 5.10174756, 0.962805684, and 137.1647082 for SSE, R-squared, and SST, respectively. These findings confirm the accuracy of the microcontroller that was programmed by incorporating a model in precisely measuring the relative permittivity of dielectric materials and capacitance values, with an R-squared value above 0.95 following capacitor literature benchmarks. The novelty of this study is that this configuration enabled the precise assessment of both permittivity and the charge-discharge characteristics of the dielectric materials within the capacitor. This methodology made it possible to accurately measure the permittivity and charge-discharge characteristics of dielectric materials within a capacitor. The scientific significance of this research lies in its ability to provide a carefully developed instrument capable of investigating the permittivity of dielectric materials and capacitor capacitance measurements. Scholars, international engineering communities, and academics can use this technological breakthrough to advance research into dielectric material properties and capacitor characteristics.
Regional-scale flood impacts on a small mountainous catchment in Thailand under a changing climate
Authors: Rojpratak Sawitree , Supharatid Seree
Published: November 2023

Extreme rainfall and flooding are common during the summer monsoon season in Thailand. In this study, we utilized Robust Empirical Quantile Mapping (RQUANT) to correct the bias in precipitation, and total runoff data obtained from the latest Couple Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) for the upper Lam Takong river basin. Five different methods were employed to estimate the river discharge and four estimations based on Budyko functions. Our analysis revealed that the ‘Total runoff’ method yielded the most accurate representation of the observed discharge. Impacts of change in land use are examined in terms of compound roughness. The Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) precipitation under medium-emission (SSP2-4.5) and high-emission (SSP5-8.5) scenarios is projected to increase by 5.74 and 10.91%, respectively. Correspondingly, the discharges are expected to increase by 4.57 and 11.05% for the far-future periods. In general, the Flo-2D model satisfactorily simulated the water level in the main channel but it underestimated small inundation depth (<0.5 m) across the floodplain. Comparing inundation maps among different scenarios and timelines, changes in the inundation area were relatively small (0.05%), especially when compared to changes in floodplain storage (6.85%) due to the mountainous nature of the river basin.
Ai Fratelli Polacchi - poetyckie świadectwa pobytu Legionu Mickiewicza we Włoszech
Authors: P i e t r z a k - T h é b a u l t Joanna
Published: November 2023

Four poems by Italian little known (or rather unknown at all) poets are published in annex to Władysław Mickiewicz’s Mémorial de la Légion Polonaise de 1848 créée en Italie par Adam Mickiewicz, Paris 1877. They have been ‘carefully’ preserved by Mickiewicz himself, despite he burnt a lot of papers before leaving for Constantinople in 1855. These poems, offered to Mickiewicz in 1848 while passing with his Legion from empoli to Milan, are average examples of the Italian patriotic poetry of the ‘second romanticism’ and three of them were translated and published in Polish as late as in 1961. It would be interesting to investigate more about how many literary testimonies of this ideological and military enterprise still remain in old prints and in manuscripts.