bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil extracellular traps are involved in the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Xue Jing , Nian Miaomiao , Zhu Zeqin , Liang Yangyang , Hu Zhenyu , Jia Yuanyuan , Chi Shuhong , Chen Juan
Published: October 2024

Background
The excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has been demonstrated to be a pathogenic mechanism in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, whether NETs contribute to RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) and the underlying mechanisms driving NETs formation remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the involvement of NETs in RA-ILD and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Methods
Single-cell sequencing was used to identify changes in the quantity and function of neutrophils in the lung tissue of a zymosan A (ZYM)-induced interstitial pneumonia arthritis model, along with the detection of NETs components in the lung tissues. Additionally, nuclear receptor 4A3 (NR4A3) expression in HL-60 cells was interfered with to detect the effects on NETs components and the transformation of MRC-5 cells into myofibroblasts. The clinical relevance of plasma myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA), citrullinated histone 3 (Cit-H3), and cell-free DNA was evaluated in patients with RA-nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and RA-usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), RA-organizing pneumonia (OP), RA-other patterns, and healthy cohorts using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results
In the ZYM-treated SKG mouse model, which recapitulates key features of RA-ILD, an increased neutrophils population in lung tissue was primarily responsible for NETs formation. Mechanistically, interference with NR4A3 expression was found to promoted NETs formation in HL-60 cells, subsequently enhancing MRC-5 cell differentiation into myofibroblasts. Clinically, plasma levels of MPO-DNA and Cit-H3 were elevated in patients with RA-NSIP and RA-UIP compared to healthy subjects. ROC curve analysis further revealed that plasma MPO-DNA combined with RF and anti-CCP, as well as Cit-H3 combined with RF and anti-CCP, served as superior diagnostic panels for NSIP and UIP in RA-ILD patients, respectively.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that targeting NETs could provide a novel therapeutic approach for ILD in RA patients.
Utility of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 as a Biomarker in Cholestatic Infants with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Pandurangi Sindhu , Kim Michael E. , Noriega Nicolas , Conant Bradley , Seo JangDong , Mourya Reena , Shivakumar Pranavkumar , Peters Anna L. , Misfeldt Andrew , Chlebowski Meghan
Published: October 2024

Background:Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) is a novel biomarker for diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA), the most common cholestatic liver disease in infancy. There is a pressing need to determine the utility of MMP-7 levels in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) to avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures in this high-risk population. We investigated the utility of MMP-7 in discriminating BA from non-BA cholestasis in infants with CHD and whether MMP-7 elevation was present in infants requiring treatment for clinically significant PH.
Methods: This is a single center cross sectional study including infants <180 days of age with cholestasis and serum MMP-7 levels collected from 2019-2023. Demographic data and descriptive statistics were summarized with medians with interquartile ranges and frequencies with percentages. Median MMP-7 levels were assessed via Wilcoxon rank-sum test.
Results: A total of 149 patients were included. Patients with CHD had significantly elevated MMP-7 levels relative to the non-CHD cohort (50 vs. 34 ng/mL, p=0.009). Sub-analysis comparing infants with and without PH revealed significantly elevated median MMP-7 levels in those with clinically significant PH (125 vs. 39 ng/mL, p=0.010). CHD patients with PH had greater median MMP-7 compared to CHD patients without PH (154 vs 43 ng/mL, p=0.028).
Conclusions:Serum MMP-7 levels in infants with CHD-C were significantly elevated compared to those with cholestasis alone. MMP-7 may help identify non-BA cholestatic infants who have concurrent clinically significant pulmonary hypertension. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate this finding and establish CHD-specific MMP-7 cutoffs.
Genetic Evidence Supporting Causal Associations Between Viral Infections and Sjogren's Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Sheng-Xiao , Fan Chang-Hui , Jing Zhi-Nan , Zhang Yi-Wen , Zhang He-Yi , Cheng Ting , Wang Cai-Hong , Li Xiao-Feng
Published: October 2024

Background
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that mainly targets exocrine glands. Previous studies have suggested potential associations between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis virus (HAV), and other viruses with SS, but the causal nature of these relationships remains uncertain. This study used Mendelian randomisation (MR) to examine the genetic causal association between viral infections and SS.
Methods
Genetic data for SS was sourced from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) database of individuals of European ancestry (1290 patients and 213,415 healthy controls). Genetic data for nine viruses, including EBV, HAV, COVID-19, human immunodeficiency virus(HIV), cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, Coxsackie virus, measles virus, and retrovirus, were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) served as the primary analysis method for MR Analysis, with Wald ratio, MR Egger, and weighted as supplementary analyses.
Results
MR analysis revealed causal associations between SS and five viral infections. Elevated VCA p18 antibodies against EBV, HAV, and COVID-19 were associated with increased SS risk, with respective odds ratios (OR) of 1.270 (95% CI: 1.043–1.550, p = 0.016), 1.163 (95% CI: 1.035–1.317, p = 0.009), and 1.109 (95% CI: 1.024–1.209, p = 0.013). Conversely, IgG antibodies against EBV and human immunodeficiency virus were associated with the reduction of SS risk, with ORs of 0.632 (95% CI: 0.430–0.921, p = 0.016) and 0.875 (95% CI: 0.787–0.972, p = 0.016) respectively. Sensitivity analysis did not reveal significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. No statistically significant associations were found between the other four viruses and SS risk (all p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that genetically predicted elevated levels of VCA p18 antibodies against EBV, HAV, and COVID-19 increase the risk of SS, while IgG antibody levels against EBV and HIV may confer protection. This study provides additional evidence for a link between viral infection and SS, aiding clinicians in identifying potential causative factors and thereby enhancing diagnostic specificity and sensitivity.
Expert System-Based Risk Zoning for Termite Infestation in Reservoirs
Authors: He Fangchan , Zhang Wenkai , Li Liqing , Bian Ke , LI Shiwei
Published: October 2024

Termite infestations are characterized by their concealment, recurrence, and long-term impact. Research on risk zoning of termite infestations in reservoirs is crucial for prioritizing termite control efforts and rationally allocating funds for treatment. Using termite-infested reservoirs in Nanyang City, Henan Province, as a case study, this research employed disaster risk theory and selected hazard degree indices for evaluation. The indices include surface activity characteristics, internal activity characteristics, and impacts on hydraulic structures. Additionally, hazard sensitivity indices were chosen, incorporating factors such as annual average temperature, annual precipitation, vegetation cover, topography, termite species, dam grade, management status, and treatment status. Based on these factors, an evaluation index system for termite infestation risk in reservoirs was established, along with models for hazard degree, sensitivity, and comprehensive evaluation. Utilizing ArcGIS for geographical processing and spatial analysis, a risk zoning map of termite infestation in the reservoirs of Nanyang City was generated. This map identified nine medium-sized reservoirs requiring urgent termite control, along with one large (Type I) reservoir and five medium-sized reservoirs that need enhanced inspections.
The burden of rheumatoid arthritis in China from 1990-2021: An analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Wu Qinglin , Wang Haiyang , Wu Ying , Tao Licheng , Wang Wuxia , Yin Shiyun , Tang Xiaohu
Published: October 2024

Objective
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the leading cause of disability and functional limitations in middle-aged and older adults. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the burden of disease associated with RA in China. This study comprehensively describes the prevalence and health loss associated with RA in China from 1990 to 2021, utilizing demographic and geographic variables. The findings of this study can inform effective health policy, healthcare resource allocation, and the optimization of patient management programs.
Methods
We utilized extensive data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to analyze the prevalence, mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of RA in China from 1990 to 2021. We conducted a disaggregated and comparative study by age, sex, and region. A comparison was subsequently made between the Chinese study results and global data, as well as data from Middle and High-middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI) countries with similar economic development to China.
Results
The age-standardized prevalence of RA in China increased by 17% from 1990 to 2021. Concurrently, there was a 22% reduction in mortality, a 33% decline in the YLL rate, a 17% increase in the YLD rate, and no change in the DALY rate. The majority of the burden associated with RA in China is attributable to disability. The YLL rate is higher than the global level and that observed in other Middle-SDI and High-middle SDI countries. There is a greater burden of disease in females across all indicators, and the DALY rate is higher in the middle-aged and older age groups, with a peak at 55–59 years of age. China's prevalence and DALY rates exceed the global average.
Conclusion
Systematic studies into the trends of RA burden, encompassing variations related to age and sex, are essential for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare providers in China. The early identification and management of RA, particularly among women and middle-aged to older adults, has the potential to significantly reduce the overall burden of the disease.
Predictive model of the surgical difficulty of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Han Mingyu , Guo Shihao , Ma Shuai , Zhou Quanbo , Zhang Weitao , Wang Jinbang , Zhuang Jing , Yao Hongwei , Yuan Weitang , Lian Yugui
Published: October 2024

Background
Rectal cancer robotic surgery is becoming more and more common, but evidence for predicting surgical difficulty is scarce. Our goal was to look at the elements that influence the complexity of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (R-TME) in the medical care of middle and low rectal cancer as well as to establish and validate a predictive model on the basis of these factors.
Methods
Within this multicenter retrospective investigation, 166 consecutive patients receiving R-TME between January 2021 and December 2022 with middle and low rectal cancer were included and categorized according to the median operation time. A nomogram was created to forecast the procedure's complexity after variables that could affect its difficulty were found using logistic regression analysis.
Results
Using R software, a total of 166 patients were randomly split into two groups: a test group (48 patients) and a training group (118 patients) at a ratio of 7 to 3. The median operation time of all patients was 207.5 min; patients whose operation time was ≥ 207.5 min were allocated to the difficult surgery group (83 patients), and patients whose operation time was < 207.5 min were allocated to the nondifficult surgery group. Multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), the gap between the tumour and the anal verge and the posterior rectal mesenteric thickness were independent predictors of surgical duration. A clinical predictive model was created and assessed employing the above independent predictors. The results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed the adequate discriminative ability of the predictive model.
Conclusion
Our study revealed that it is feasible to predict surgical difficulty by obtaining clinical and magnetic resonance parameters for imaging (the gap between the anal verge and the tumour, and posterior mesorectal thickness), and these predictions could be useful in making clinical decisions.
Real-world data analysis of survival outcomes of patients with primary mediastinal large B- cell lymphoma treated with upfront consolidative radiation therapy following immunochemotherapy
Authors: Lee Yong-Pyo , Cho Junhun , Ko Young Hyeh , Oh Dongryul , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Won Seog , Yoon Sang Eun
Published: October 2024

Background
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. PMBCL predominantly affects young adults and survival outcomes are favorable. Radiation therapy (RT) has been included in the primary treatment option for PMBCL, but intensified immunochemotherapy has raised doubts about this strategy. This study aimed to explore the role of consolidative RT in the primary treatment of PMBCL.
Methods
This single-center study retrospectively analyzed the survival outcomes of 65 newly diagnosed PMBCL patients. All 65 patients received rituximab-containing therapy. Patients in this study were divided into three groups based on their primary treatment: (1) EPOCH-R (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab) (n = 7), (2) R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) only (R-CHOP group, n = 31, and (3) R-CHOP with consolidative RT (R-CHOP + RT group, n = 27).
Results
The estimated objective response rates and complete remission rates for all patients were 86.2% and 63.1%, respectively. Median 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 72% and 81%, respectively. All patients in the R-CHOP + RT group achieved an objective response, with a complete remission rates of 59.3%. The R-CHOP + RT group demonstrated better PFS compared to those who did not receive consolidative RT (p = 0.028), although there was no significant difference in OS (p = 0.102). In particular, consolidative RT conferred a survival benefit to patients with initial bulky disease or those who had an insufficient end-of-treatment response. The predictive value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in assessing treatment response in PMBCL was revalidated, showing that patients who achieved a negative end-of-treatment PET-CT had significantly better survival outcomes than those who did not. One-fourth of the patients experienced disease relapse, and only 30% achieved long-term lymphoma control. The immune checkpoint inhibitor exhibited modest efficacy in this study.
Conclusions
R-CHOP is a useful alternative regimen when intensified chemotherapy is not feasible and consolidative RT should be considered in cases of initial bulky disease and insufficient end-of-treatment response.
The application of Contrast-enhanced US in distinguishing adrenal neuroblastoma from adrenal hemorrhage in infants
Authors: Lin Yanbing , Tang Zijian , Lin Zhouqin , Liu Lei , Fan Shumin , Feng Xia , Chen Meixi , Zhou Wenying , Lin Zhou , Zhou Luyao
Published: October 2024

Background
Neuroblastoma and hemorrhage are the two most frequently occurred in adrenal region in infants. However, their characterization and differentiation is challenging on baseline ultrasound (BUS). As an increasingly sophisticated tool, contrast-enhanced US(CEUS) is proposed for differentiating such lesions.
Objectives
To investigate the usefulness of CEUS in the differentiation of adrenal neuroblastoma and adrenal hemorrhage (AH) in infants less than 6 months old.
Materials and Methods
The imaging and medical records of 20 infants with adrenal lesions (including 11 neuroblastoma and AH in 9) were retrospectively reviewed. Four readers(two resident and two attending doctors) independently reviewed the images and the diagnostic performances were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The interobserver agreement was evaluated with κ value.
Results
There had differences between them on BUS and CEUS (all p < 0.05). CEUS yielded a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 0.571–0.995), specificity of 100% (95% CI 0.402–0.961), higher than BUS (sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 66.9%). The diagnostic performance of one resident and both attending doctors in terms of the area under the ROC curve (0.712 vs 0.995, 0.561 vs 0.884, and 0.621 vs 0.958, respectively), specificity and positive predictive value improved and sensitivity, negative predictive of all readers improved after CEUS (all p < 0.05). Indeterminate lesions reduced significantly (35.0% vs 25.0% in residents doctors, 25.0% vs 10.0% in attending physicians). The interobserver agreement increased from κ = 0.550 to κ = 0.824 after CEUS.
Conclusion
The diagnostic performance of CEUS in the differentiation of adrenal neuroblastoma from AH might be greatly improved compared with BUS.
Understanding and Addressing Prejudices Faced by Mentally Ill Individuals: A Multidimensional Analysis
Authors: Khan Mohammad Irfan
Published: October 2024

Mental illness stigma is a pervasive issue that transcends cultural and national boundaries, presenting substantial impediments to successful treatment, reducing key life opportunities, and exacerbating poor outcomes beyond the direct effects of the illness itself. This research primarily investigated the prejudices associated with mental illness, focusing on their combined manifestation through explicit and implicit biases. It aimed to demonstrate how these prejudices contribute to discrimination, thereby aggravating the primary symptoms of mental disorders. Additionally, the study explored the most efficacious intervention strategies aimed at mitigating these biases. The assumption was that participants with priorly direct contact with mentally ill individual would demonstrate significant reduction in their prejudice level. The sample (n = 408) consisted of Nepalese individuals from diverse demographic backgrounds, aged between 18 and 60. They initially completed the Prejudice towards People with Mental Illness (PPMI) scale measuring explicit prejudice, and the mental illness Implicit Association Test (IAT) assessing implicit prejudice. Subsequently, they were randomly assigned to one of four distinct groups: direct contact, indirect contact, education empowerment, and a control group; each incorporating interventions except control group. After two weeks of corresponding exposures, both tests were readministered to evaluate changes in scores. The differences in both scores were calculated to determine the impact of interventions. A Kruskal-Wallis test for changes across groups indicated there was a significant difference, \(\:\chi\:2\:\left(3,\:\:408\right)=(362.849;\:341.135),\:p<0.001\) for PPMI and IAT scores respectively. Post-hoc comparisons using Dunn’s method with a Bonferroni correction for multiple tests indicated that the mean changes in PPMI and IAT for the group engaging in direct contact with mentally ill individual were significantly lower than other groups. This implies that stigma reduction programs should incorporate direct interaction with individuals who have experienced mental illness. Given the uncertain long-term effectiveness of these interventions, it is essential to conduct extended research to evaluate their sustained impact.
Advancing Accuracy in Radiation Dosimetry: FISH Unveils Unified Method for Multi-Marker Dose Assessments
Authors: Chaurasia Rajesh Kumar , Shirsath K.B. , Desai U.N. , Bhat N.N. , Khan Arshad , Sapra B.K.
Published: October 2024

Accurate dose assessment following radiation disasters or accidents is crucial for informed medical interventions. Cytogenetic biomarkers, such as dicentrics, translocations, and chromosomal fragments, are essential for radiation biodosimetry in various exposure scenarios. However, quantifying these markers using separate staining and detection methods presents challenges in efficiency and consistency. This study aimed to quantify multiple cytogenetic markers, including dicentrics, one- and two-way translocations, and chromosomal fragments, from the same metaphases using Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) method (unified method). By enabling multimarker dose estimation from a single sample, this approach minimizes inter-experimental variation and improves overall accuracy. Independent calibration curves were generated for each marker, enabling precise dose estimation with smaller class intervals, in accordance with IAEA and ISO guidelines. The method was validated by estimating doses for five blinded samples using both standard cytogenetic methods and protein biomarkers (γH2AX and 53BP1). The multimarker approach yielded dose closest estimates with 2-7% variation from true doses, providing the most accurate results among all cytogenetic techniques. This unified FISH-based approach enhances the precision of dose estimation for both recent and past radiation exposures, offering a more reliable tool for diverse biodosimetry applications.
Selecting Countermeasures against Fake News using Large Language Models for Performance Elicitation
Authors: Pereira Pedro Horta , Costa João Varela da , Silva Miguel Mira da , Vieira Ana C.L.
Published: October 2024

Fake News is a real-world concern that affects our society, these kinds of publications can have various effects like financial or reputational repercussions, being the most dangerous considered crimes with possible high impact. To mitigate those effects, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) must consider multiple factors to properly evaluate the investigation and choose the right countermeasures to enforce. A rapid response is also a concerning endeavor, as the publications that constitute a crime must be mitigated as fast as possible. However, the impact of those countermeasures in the different scenarios is not known exactly. Here we demonstrate through the usage of intriguing Large Language Models (LLMs) capabilities to collect evidence to support the investigation, aiding the decision-making process, and reducing the time needed to reach a consensus for performance elicitation. We show our results by developing a prototype that incorporates AI input and the LEAs' knowledge and experience with a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model. Our solution is constructed to enable LEAs in new investigations to eliminate the dependency on stakeholders thus providing faster information in an automated way to mitigate this type of cybercrime.
Impact of irrigation with fipronil-contaminated waters on zucchini plants and their main insect pest, Aphis gossypii
Authors: Caccavo Vittoria , Brienza Monica , Semitsoglou Sofia , Buttiglieri Gianluigi , Rosamilia Roberto , Fanti Paolo , Battaglia Donatella , Trotta Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

Fipronil is a long-lasting, broad-spectrum insecticide with low residual activity and high efficacy at low concentrations. Due to its widespread use and long half-life, fipronil can persist during wastewater treatment and is found even in surface waters. When released into the environment, it can accumulate over time and can lead to concentrations in soil and plant tissues that are harmful to both target and non-target organisms. Effective removal of fipronil is crucial in agricultural settings. Prolonged environmental exposure to this insecticide may contribute to the development of pesticide resistance and cross-resistance to other insecticides used for pest control in agro-ecosystems. As the reuse of treated wastewater and sewage sludge presents challenges and opportunities for farmers, this study investigates the effects of irrigation with environmentally relevant doses of fipronil on zucchini plants and their main insect pest, Aphis gossypii. The fitness costs of A. gossypii reared on plants irrigated with fipronil and their resistance to higher doses of fipronil and to pyrethrins were investigated in the laboratory. Traces of fipronil were found in the zucchini leaves, but not in the flowers, after 35-days of cumulative exposure. A decrease in nymph-to-adult survival and a dose-dependent reduction in the fecundity of A. gossypii feeding on contaminated host plants was observed. Also, aphids that ingested fipronil from the host plant exhibited the same mortality rate as the control group when exposed to a sub-lethal dose of fipronil. However, when natural pyrethrins were used, there was a significant increase in resistance to this insecticide. Our results demonstrate the potential for fipronil to accumulate in plant tissues and highlight the risk of changes in insecticide susceptibility in insect pests. This suggests a need for a holistic approach to the complex dynamics of wastewater reuse in agriculture.
Inflation, income distribution nexus. A pathway to Nigeria's long term socioeconomic development. A chain rule effect
Authors: Abang Samuel Oweh , Ebi Bassey Okon , Eke Felix Awara
Published: October 2024

This study is aimed at analyzing income distribution as a pass through for the effect of inflation on socio-economic development in Nigeria. Annual time series data from 1981 to 2023 was utilized. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds testing procedures was used including pre and post-test to ensure the accuracy of this method. Additionally, the chain rule was equally used to determine the transmission mechanism (channel) and the interactive level of income distribution on socio-economic development. The results indicates the presence of a long-run relationship among inflation, income distribution, and socio-economic development, as confirmed by ARDL Bounds test. The result shows that inflation has a negative but significant impact on socio-economic development in Nigeria with income distribution serving as a transmission channel (mechanism). Based on these findings, it is suggested that the government should implement various strategies and policies, including redistribution policies, plans that will promote socio-economic development.
JEL classification: E31, D30, O11, C1
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Low-Profile 3 GHz Microstrip Patch Antenna with High Return Loss and Low VSWR
Authors: Nazari S.m. Jawwad , Islam Mehrin , Khan Lamima , Masud Rahman , Rahman Aminur
Published: October 2024

The rapid spread of wireless services and technological progress have led to a surge in demand for wireless networks. Public and private sectors are heavily in need of low-profile, reasonably priced antennas that are easy to manufacture. Microstrip patch antennas are low-profile antennas that can be utilized for a variety of wireless applications because they are easy to design, cost effective and easy to fabricate. This study describes a novel 2.9 GHz narrowband antenna with nearly zero reflected power. The 2.9 GHz antenna with a return loss of -49.95 dB, and a VSWR below 1.01 in the operating band. This represents a good performance in the S-band applications such as satellite communication, weather radar, maritime radar, 5G etc. The antenna exhibits a directivity of 5.855 dBi, a gain of 5.080 dBi and a radiation efficiency of -0.7743 dB. By modifying the patch size, feedline in both fabricated and simulated antennas the impedance matching, return loss of this antenna structure has been optimized. FR4 material used as a substrate ensures a low-cost during manufacturing. In the study, an equivalent circuit model tuned to the novel antenna structure was also proposed and compared with the electromagnetic simulation result to validate the proposed circuit model.
Vertical Growth of Rhenium Disulfide on rGO Empowers Multi-Signal Amplification for Ultrasensitive MiRNA-21 Detection
Authors: Ouyang Ruizhuo , Huang Ying , Ma Yuanhui , Ye Tai , Liu Xi , Wang Ying , Zhao Yuefeng , Jiang Yuqin , Miao Yuqing , Liu Baolin
Published: October 2024

Unique rhenium disulfide/reduced graphene oxide (ReS2/rGO) nanoframeworks were synthesized with a hierarchical layered and porous structure for the ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) by empowering multi-signal amplification strategy of catalytic hairpin self-assembly-hybridization chain reaction (CHA-HCR). The layered and porous nanostructures endowed ReS2/rGO with a larger specific surface area and more active sites through connecting vertical ReS2 with rGO which was preferable for promoting the electron transfer over electrode surface because of a conductive network. This nanoframework facilitated the loading of adequate gold nanoparticles to fix the capture probe via Au-S bond. In the presence of the target miRNA-21, the CHA-HCR double amplification reaction could be triggered to generate a long double strand with methylene blue (MB) embedded inside. The electrochemical sensing platform was thus empowered by the unique ReS2/rGO nanoframeworks to detect miRNA-21 in the range of 1 fM ~ 100 pM with the remarkably enhanced sensitivity through detecting the significantly amplified signal from the REDOX reaction of MB inside the long chain. The verification of the miRNA-21 detection in real blood samples further proved the great potential of this new method with the limit of detection reduced down to 0.057 fM and opens a new window for ReS2 in developing sensitive biosensors for early clinical cancer diagnosis.
Innovative Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring by Using Multiband Split Ring Resonator Monopole Antenna (MSRRMA)
Authors: Mohamed EL Hawary , Eldamak Angie R. , Elsheakh Dalia N.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a multiband, compact monopole antenna based on an irregular curved shape of split ring resonator design MSRRMA to enable continuous monitoring of human blood glucose concentration level without requiring invasive blood samples. The proposed sensor resonates at frequencies of 0.94, 1.5, 3, 4.6, 6.3 and 7.2 GHz, with reflection coefficient impedance bandwidths ≤-10 dB at 4%, 3.5%, 65%, and 50%, respectively. Two cells of SRR metamaterial shape are used to create notches at 1.7 GHz and 4.4 GHz. The proposed monopole antenna is constructed using a cost-effective FR4 substrate with dimensions of 35 × 50 × 1.6 mm³. The 3D electromagnetic simulation using computer simulation technology (CST) software is employed to simulate the proposed antenna sensor with a human finger phantom model, measuring the sensor's sensitivity to blood glucose concentrations. The finger phantom model is positioned at various angles around the antenna to detect frequency changes relevant to blood glucose content monitoring. In experimental research, a real human finger is placed around the proposed sensor to measure resonant frequency, magnitude, and phase changes. The proposed sensor is fabricated to validate the results, highlighting its benefits and superiority in sensitivity compared to alternative methods in the literature.
Chemical degradation vs. creep loading vs. hydration process in cement-based materials immerged in seawater characterized with a multiscale model
Authors: El-Khoury Marinelle , Grondin Frédéric , Roziere Emmanuel , Cortas Rachid , Chehade Fadi Hage
Published: October 2024

Upon contact with seawater, concrete undergoes degradation caused by the diffusion of aggressive ions into its porous network and their reaction with cement hydration products. In addition, time-dependent deformations occur resulting from long-term operational use and mechanical loading. The analysis of these coupled chemo-mechanical phenomena is complex and requires the development of innovative approaches. A micro-mechanical model has been developed to analyze these phenomena at the microscopic scale. A multi-scale approach has been performed for the evaluation of their effects in mortars. Creep loading is opposite to the chemical degradation due to seawater ingress and to the cement hydration evolution at early ages. After 3 days of loading, the model can reproduce the experimental measurements as the chemical reactions occur slowly, but differences are larger during the first 3 days. The contradictory effects of the formed phases balance each other out, resulting in similar creep behaviour in tap water and seawater. It indicates that to limit the failure risk of offshore concrete structures it is necessary to reduce the loading at early ages during the first days of seawater attack.
Exploring Harm Reduction Advice for Prescription Stimulants on Reddit
Authors: Johnson Benjamin , Thomas Natalie , Salom Caroline
Published: October 2024

Background
Psychostimulants such as amphetamine salts and methylphenidate are commonly prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, their non-medical use is also prevalent. Both medical and non-medical use of these substances can lead to a range of side effects. Despite this, there is limited research on harm reduction strategies employed by individuals who use prescription stimulants. This study, therefore aimed to explore the harm reduction strategies discussed by individuals using prescription stimulants on Reddit, to provide insights into how these strategies are shared and implemented.
Methods
A multi-site qualitative analysis was conducted on discussions from four subreddits: r/ADHD, r/drugs, r/stims, and r/nootropics. The data were collected and analysed to identify common themes and strategies related to harm reduction.
Results
Across all subreddits individuals emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, staying hydrated, and practicing good sleep hygiene as crucial components of their harm reduction practices. Redditors on r/drugs, r/nootropics and r/stims frequently recommend various substances, such as depressants, vitamins, and minerals, to mitigate the side effects of stimulants. In contrast, r/ADHD focused more on consulting healthcare professionals and adjusting medication regimens.
Conclusions
This study highlighted the significant role of online communities in sharing harm reduction strategies and supporting individuals in managing their stimulant use. This study provides important insights for healthcare professionals to inform support and guidance for both medical and non-medical use of prescription stimulants.
Agora: A Distributed Language Model framework with API-call Support for Integrated Climate Forecasting
Authors: Udrescu Alexandra , Popovici Dan-Matei
Published: October 2024

Large Language Models (LLMs) have achieved remarkable performance in a wide range of natural language processing (NLP) tasks and are increasingly applied to domain-specific challenges. However, integrating external knowledge into LLMs, thus allowing them to reason outside of their training data remains a significant hurdle. Additionally, the deployment of LLM-based systems demands substantial GPU resources, limiting the scalability of open-source solutions and driving a shift towards proprietary models, such as those from OpenAI and Amazon's Claude. In this paper, we present Agora, a system built on open-source language models for generating climate and agricultural forecasts and recommendations. Agora is designed to seamlessly integrate third-party API data, scale efficiently across diverse recommendation tasks, and operate on commodity GPUs without sacrificing performance. Moreover, Agora is trained to intelligently orchestrate API calls, enabling it to reason about data dependencies in user queries and dynamically determine the necessary API interactions.
Unintended Pregnancy Among Antenatal Women at A Tertiary Maternity Hospital in Sierra Leone: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Kanu Alieu , Bah Abdul Karim , Orsi Michele , Jalloh Iye Pateh , Turay Fatmata Yeanoh , Kanu Sulaiman , Somigliana Edgardo , Jalloh Fatima , Ezeanochie Michael , Jalloh Mohamed Bella
Published: October 2024

Background
Unintended pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with far-reaching consequences for maternal and child health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of unintended pregnancy among antenatal women at a tertiary maternity hospital in Sierra Leone.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,005 pregnant women attending their first antenatal visit at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, Freetown, from March to June 2024. Participants were selected using systematic sampling. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.
Results
The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 31.8% (95% CI: 29.0-34.7%), with 30.0% mistimed and 1.8% unwanted. Factors independently associated with unintended pregnancy included age below 20 years (aOR: 3.57, 95% CI: 2.30-5.55, p<0.001), non-married status (aOR: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.60-5.36, p<0.001), and unemployment or student status (aOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.25-2.42, p=0.001). Women who communicated with their partner about pregnancy (aOR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.07-0.16, p<0.001) and whose pregnancy was desired by their partner (aOR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03-0.09, p<0.001) had significantly lower odds of unintended pregnancy.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of unintended pregnancy, particularly among younger, unmarried, and economically vulnerable women, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Enhancing partner communication and male involvement in family planning could significantly reduce unintended pregnancies. These findings could inform the development of comprehensive reproductive health strategies in Sierra Leone and similar settings.
A Study on the Organizational Socialization Process of Early Career Office Workers in Large Companies
Authors:   Human Engagement Institute, Jeong Hong-Jeon , Lee Jin Gu
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of early-career employees who joined large companies as office workers and to identify the process by which they are socialized into the organization to create a theoretical model. In order to explore the research question and achieve the research purpose, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 12 early-career employees with less than 5 years of experience as office workers in the top 1,000 domestic companies.
The main findings are as follows: As a result of analyzing the experiences of early-career employees as they socialize and adapt to the organization, 133 concepts, 44 subcategories, and 20 categories were derived. The theory generated from this study explains the process and outcomes of early career employees' socialization into the organization, including the following: Early-career office workers were socialized into the organization through the stages of ‘exploring and anticipating, trying to integrate, facing difficulties, growing and changing at work, adjusting expectations and needs, and socializing in different ways.’ In addition, ‘identifying values and needs’ and ‘taking time for oneself’ occurred several times throughout the socialization process, and through these times of reflection and recovery, the study participants adjusted their expectations and needs and changed their socialization aspects
Autonomie und Automation
Authors: Lenhard Johannes
Published: October 2024

U ovom članku predstavljene su dvije opcije kako se filozofija tehnike može pozicionirati da bi tematizirala odnos između autonomije i automatizacije. Dvije opcije mogu se ukratko nazvati »mogućnošću« i »stvarnošću« i dobro su poznate u filozofiji tehnike. U glavnom dijelu ovoga članka tvrdi se da tzv. autonomna tehnika filozofiju tehnike postavlja pred (novi) izazov jer sada posebnu ulogu igra autonomija modela. Ovo čini pojam autonomije relevantnim za razvojni proces tehnologije i time doprinosi novoj komponenti u odnosu između autonomije i automatizacije. To znači da analiza čini nužnim dodatno pozicioniranje filozofije tehnike, naime, svojevrsnu zajedničku djelatnost s filozofijom znanosti.
Hegel on the Russian Revolution and its Stalinist Aftermath
Authors: Copilaș Emanuel
Published: October 2024

Hegelova filozofija revolucije naširoko je proučavana i o njoj se mnogo raspravljalo. Neki znanstvenici vide Hegela kao smarajućega branitelja postojećih političkih poredaka, dok drugi ističu njegovu entuzijastičnu, premda djelomičnu, podršku Francuskoj revoluciji, kao i mnogim modernim revolucijama ili pobunjeničkim pokretima, kako starim tako i modernim. Slijedeći ovu posljednju liniju argumenta, moj rad nastoji dati hegelijansko tumačenje ruske revolucije, uzimajući u obzir važne aspekte kao što su subverzivna dinamika hegelijanskih političkih koncepata, odnos između klase i države u Hegelovoj političkoj filozofiji, izrazito antifeudalni karakter ruske revolucije, te, konačno, stabilizacija i distorzija ruske revolucije pod staljinističkim režimom, koji se, hegelovski rečeno, može promatrati kao novi oblik apsolutne slobode (teror) usmjeren na rješavanje glavne društvene dileme modernosti kako ju je identificirao Hegel u svojim Osnovnim crtama filozofije prava, naime siromaštvo.
Research on an improved deadbeat model predictive current control of double three-phase open-winding permanent magnet motor
Authors: Sha Ou , Tang Hongyu
Published: October 2024

Model predictive current control has high control accuracy and good control performance, and has been widely applied in the control strategy of dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motors. This article proposes an improved deadbeat model predictive current control (DMPCC) method by analyzing the mathematical model of a dual three-phase open-winding permanent magnet synchronous motor. One inverter predicts and calculates the optimal voltage vector through the deadbeat model, while the other inverter calculates the optimal voltage vector through the value function rolling optimization. This method reduces the computational workload of the controller, avoids the delay problem of the traditional model predictive current control (MPCC) method, improves the system's response speed, effectively suppresses the current in the harmonic sub-plane, and reduces torque ripple. The simulation results have verified the accuracy and speed of the above control method.
Research on dynamic vibration absorption technology for power equipment based on energy degradation
Authors: Song Jiming , Ma Jiangang , Qiu Ning , Zhao Yalin , Wang Lv , Yao Jiao
Published: October 2024

Aiming at the low-frequency line spectrum noise characteristics of power equipment noise, based on the principle of energy degradation, this paper combines the energy degradation sound insulation structure with the dynamic vibration absorption technology for the first time and applies it to the research field of noise control of power equipment in substations. Dynamic vibration absorption technology is used to effectively control low-frequency vibration and noise. Considering that there is an upper limit to the capacity of DVA, the sound-vibration energy degradation design of the transformer is completed by setting a sound insulation structure on the outside of the original transformer housing. It is analyzed that the vibration energy of the sound insulation structure in the specific frequency band is significantly reduced compared to the transformer housing, realizing efficient degradation of the vibration energy of the transformer housing and effective isolation of sound radiation. Through the optimized design of dynamic vibration absorption for the sound insulation structure, the structural sound isolation ability at the target frequency is further strengthened, and the system noise radiation level is greatly reduced under the action of multiple mechanisms at the target frequency, verifying the feasibility and high efficiency of the optimal DVAs energy degradation design of the transformer.
SWMMLIDopt: a tool for optimization of low-impact development (LID) measures using the SWMM model
Authors: Mohsen Hassan Abdalla Elhadi , Sivertsen Edvard , Tamm Ottar , Werner Adrian , Koivusalo Harri , Helness Herman
Published: October 2024

The present study introduces the SWMMLIDopt tool that aims to optimize the implementation of low-impact development (LID) measures for stormwater management. The developed tool utilizes the capabilities of the stormwater management model (SWMM) and provides a user-friendly interface for conducting multi-objective optimization of the selection and placement of LID measures in urban catchments. The features and capabilities of the developed optimization tool are demonstrated on two urban catchments in Northern Europe, Norway and Finland. The catchments exhibit different catchment sizes and characteristics, complexities and constraints demonstrating the flexibility of the tool. The selection and placement of LID measures within the study catchments were optimized according to two criteria: (1) minimizing the peak flow and (2) minimizing the cost. The generated Pareto-fronts for the study catchments allow for the evaluation of optimal scenarios based on the trade-offs between the two selected criteria. The results obtained using SWMMLIDopt demonstrate its efficacy in optimizing LID measures in urban stormwater management that will aid practitioners in designing cost-effective and climate resilient infrastructure.
Utilizing statistical distribution tests to develop rainfall intensity–duration–frequency curves for enhanced hydrological analysis in Kirkuk city, Iraq
Authors: Hussein Ameer Hashim , Kasim Mustafa Najdat
Published: October 2024

Rainfall intensity is considered one of the basic factors in designing hydrological models based on rainstorm data. The objective of this research is to employ novel intensity–duration–frequency curves and develop empirical equations for rainfall intensity in the city of Kirkuk. The reduction formula adopted by the Indian Meteorological Department was used to divide the maximum daily rainfall for short periods of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h. Three key methods of frequency analysis (lognormal distribution, log Pearson type III distribution, and Gumbel extreme value distribution) were utilized to formulate a statistical relationship based on rainfall intensity data from between the years 1981 and 2023 for a gauging station upstream of the Kirkuk city basin to provide the best data set for all periods of 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, and 2 years. Research has shown that the logarithmic distribution is the best fit for modelling the relationship between the annual maximum rainfall at Kirkuk station and duration of the rainfall. The goodness-of-fit results indicate that the lognormal distribution statistically outperforms other distribution models. Hence, the generated rainfall intensity, duration, and frequency curves that were developed led to estimating the intensity of precipitation to build forecasting and hydrological behaviour of the Kirkuk city basin.