bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creatine maintains mitochondrial integrity and protects against dysfunction in molecular systems involved in early epileptiform activity and cognitive impairment in young rats submitted to traumatic brain injury
Authors: Royes Luiz Fernando Freire , Busanello Guilherme Lago , Godinho Douglas , Nascimento Alexandre Seixas , Lima Gabriel Correa , Cunha Jane do Socorro dos Navegantes Marçal , Neto João Bento Torres , Sosthenes Marcia Consentino Kronka Sosthenes , Gomez-Pinilla Fernando , Krishna Gokul , Furian Ana Flavia , Oliveira Mauro Scneider , Fighera Michele Rechia
Published: December 2023

Despite the number of studies supporting the neuroprotective role of creatine in pathophysiology caused by traumatic brain injuries, there is insufficient knowledge of how this ergogenic compound may potentially affect brain-injury complications in adolescence. Thus, we hypothesized that creatine supplementation after a TBI could prevent from deleterious neurological effects such as memory deficits, mitochondrial disfunction and epileptiform activity. Our experimental data revealed, for the first time, that creatine supplementation (300 mg/kg, po) for two weeks after neuronal injury protected against spatial memory dysfunction (Barnes maze test), disruption of hippocampal theta/delta activity, and spontaneous epileptiform activity in 35-day-old rats submitted to severe fluid percussion injury (FPI). Interestingly, the FPI protocol did not cause cell loss (especially parvalbumin-positive neurons) in the CA1 and CA2/CA3 areas but induced mitochondria dysfunction (MTT, Δψ, SDH, complex II, COX, CS, CKm activity inhibition, and CKm immunoreactivity decrease), and mitochondrial oxidative stress (DCFH-DA oxidation, increased 4-hydroxynonenal levels, free -SH groups, and lower GSH levels). Creatine’s ability to maintain mitochondrial integrity protected against dysfunctions in molecular systems involved in cellular energy homeostasis (decreased PGC1 and TFAM immunoreactivity), Na+,K+-ATPase activity inhibition, and proteins related to brain plasticity (decreased BDNF, TrkB, and pCREB/CREB immunoreactivity) after FPI. These data suggest that epileptiform activity and cognitive dysfunction in young rats may, at least partly, result from alterations in surviving neurons interfering with creatine-induced secondary injury, which may be an excellent therapeutic strategy against toxicity induced by traumatic brain injury.
Growth Performance and Average Daily Gain (ADG) in Post-weaning Crossbred Saanen Kids and Crossbred Barbados Blackbelly Lambs: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Noor Syaheera , Ahamad Nurafizah , Rosli Nur Shuhaidah Ainaa , Adhan Ernie Muneerah Mohd
Published: December 2023

Live weight is the most common measurement to evaluate the growth performance of livestock for constructing their growth curve. The present study aims to measure the live weight and growth performance of post-weaning male and female crossbred Saanen kids and BBB lambs and to compare their ADG and FCR. Observations and recordings were conducted over as six-week period at UniSZA Pasir Akar Farm, involving a sample of ten crossbred Saanen kids and BBB lambs (n = 6 females, n = 4 males) respectively. The average live weight of crossbred Saanen males and females were the highest at week 5 with 19.1 ± 2.59 kg and 19.8 ± 3.49, respectively. The average live weight of crossbred BBB males and females also showed the highest at week 5 with 21.3 ± 4.6 kg and 21 ± 2.86 kg, respectively. The weeks' average live weight of both sex post-weaning crossbred BBB lambs was equally non-significant (p > 0.05). A substantial difference (P < 0.05) is observed in ADG values between female crossbred Saanen kids and BBB lambs. Lambs had 0.03 kg more ADG than kids. A significant difference (P < 0.05) exists in ADG between male Saanen kids and BBB lambs. Male lambs have 0.047 kg greater ADG than male kids. This finding suggests that breed, have influenced the growth performances, including average daily gain (ADG) and FCR, of both kids and lambs during their post-weaning phase.
The effect of baffle plate on pollutant dispersion inside an isolated street canyon by CFD modeling
Authors: He Guangxing , Wei Yu , Yi Fu Zhao
Published: December 2023

Deep street canyons and unfavourable meteorological conditions usually induce high pollutant exposure.Two-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to investigate the impacts of vertical baffle plate on flow and pollutant dispersion inside an isolated street canyon. The simulate results were validated by wind tunnel experiment. The contrast model was established without baffle plate that defined as case 1. Other models with baffle plate with(0.005m,0.0075m,0.01m,0.0125m,0.015m,0.02m,0.03m) away from the canyon roof were defined as case 2 to case 8 respectively. All geometric models are 1:500 reduced scale in this paper. The numerical results reveal that baffle plate has significantly effect on flow patter and pollutant distribution in street canyon. For dimensionless average pollutant concentration, case 3 experience the greatest pollutant exposure reduction which followed by case 2. From case 4 to case 8, with increasing, pollutant dilution effect become increasingly weak. The study results are helpful for the prevention and control of pollutants in street canyon.
The role and value of coach mentoring dentists in difficulty
Authors: Gowers Philip , Louca Chris , Radford David , Vargas Carolina Machuca
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction The General Dental Council (GDC) regulates the UK dental profession and a dentist may be mandated to attend a ‘fitness to practice panel’ (FtP). In this study those dentists are referred to as a “dentist in difficulty” (DiD). Coaching and mentoring are recommended for the DiD to help them fulfil the conditions within a FtP so that they can continue to be a registered dentist. DiDs are stressed, suffer burnout, quit the dental profession and suicides occur. Other than some anecdotal evidence there is little published literature on DiDs worldwide and even less on the coach mentoring of DiDs.
Aim The aim of this study was to understand the lived-in experiences of CMs, their reasons for becoming a CM, their training and their coach mentoring techniques.
Methods Using a qualitative approach, eleven individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with CMs. Recorded interviews were transcribed and transcriptions were analysed using thematic coding to identify overarching themes.
Results Five themes and twenty-two subthemes were identified. All participants were compassionate, kind and empathetic, offering confidential, non-judgmental support. DIDs were considered not bad people, just that life had snowballed out of control and with a structured action plan, a willing mentee can fulfill the GDC conditions to continue to treat patients. Due to recent funding cuts, DiDs are currently mainly self-funded. The CMs believed that preventative coach mentoring should be available to all the profession.
Conclusion The analysis identified that currently, CMs found complex intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the DIDs. Coach mentoring was beneficial to both parties particularly to support DiDs to develop as safe, reflective, insightful practitioners. This research gave a unique insight into the most stressful period of their lives. Coach mentoring has an uncertain future. Diverse support, some unaccredited, is available to DIDs. More research is needed on coach mentoring from the mentees view.
A Genomics England haplotype reference panel and the imputation of the UK Biobank
Authors: Shi Sinan , Rubinacci Simone , Hu Sile , Moutsianas Loukas , Stuckey Alexander , Need Anna , Caulfield Mark , Marchini Jonathan , Myers Simon
Published: December 2023

We built a reference panel with 342 million autosomal variants using 78,195 individuals from the Genomics England dataset, achieving a phasing switch error rate of 0.18% for European samples, and imputation quality of r2 = 0.75 for variants with minor allele frequencies as low as 2×10-4 in White British samples. The GEL imputed UK Biobank GWAS analysis identified 70% of associations found by direct exome sequencing (p < 2.18×10-11), while extending testing of rare variants to the entire genome. Coding variants dominated the rare GWAS findings, implying less disruptive effects of rare non-coding variants.
Investigating the clinical course of patients with covid-19 and its relationship with receiving the vaccines administered at the COVID-19 center of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Yazdimoghaddam Hamideh , zardosht Roghayeh , Borzoee Fatemeh , Samadipour Ezat , Koushki Bita , SHahrestanaki Mohammad Keyvanlo , Navipour Elham , Quchan Arezoo Davarinia Motlagh
Published: December 2023

Background
Assessing and following up the clinical status of patients with COVID-19 can provide useful information for developing treatment algorithms to clarify treatment recommendations and improve patients’ stability after discharge. This study aimed to address the clinical course of patients with COVID-19 and its relationship with administration of recommended vaccines.
Methods
This cross-sectional study focused on 140 patients with COVID-19, selected based on convenience sampling, who were discharged from Vasei Hospital affiliated with Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences in between February 2022 and July 2022. Using a questionnaire, we assessed the recovery process and clinical course of patients 4 and 12 weeks after discharge. The data were analyzed in SPSS v. 24 at the significance level of 5%.
Results
Administration of the recommended vaccine doses and the recovery rate had a significant relationship in the second follow-up (P = 0.026), but not in the first follow-up. There was a significant relationship between the results of the PCR test in second period and the recovery rate in the first follow-up (P = 0.002), but there was no such significant relationship in the second follow-up (P = 0.51).
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that vaccination affects the level of immunity and the long-term recovery of patients with COVID-19.
Public attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccine certificates in Canada: a time series study
Authors: Zhu David T. , Hawken Steven , Serhan Mohamed , Graves Frank , Smith Jeff , Wilson Kumanan
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Since the beginning of the pandemic, numerous public health measures such as COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine mandates and vaccination certificates have been introduced to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Public opinion and attitudes towards these measures have fluctuated in response to the dynamic political, social, and cultural landscape of the pandemic.
Methods
We conducted a time-series study consisting of national cross-sectional surveys between November 2021 to March 2022 to evaluate the Canadian public’s attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccine certificates.
Results
When examining public sentiment towards COVID-19 vaccine certificates and proof of vaccination measures, there was a shift in responses over time. The proportion of participants “strongly supporting” these measures decreased from 66.0–43.1% between W25(Capacity Limits), –W32 (Mask Mandate Removed), whereas “strongly oppose” was the second most common response and rose from 15.9–20.6% during this same time period. Concurrently, when examining participants views surrounding mandates, many participants believed that their province was reopening at “about the right pace”, which remained relatively stable over time (33.0–35.4%) between W28 (Emergency Act)–W32 (Mask Mandate Removed).
Conclusion
Our study’s findings on the public’s attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccine certificates in Canada may aid to guide and streamline the implementation of future similar public health interventions. Future research should include extended follow-up and a more comprehensive examination of trust in government institutions and polarized perspectives on vaccine mandates.
Early Biomarkers in Hospitalized Patients as Predictors of Long-Term Post- COVID-19 Conditions: A One-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Nair Chithira V , Malavika K , Gutjahr Georg , Kulirankal Kiran G , Moni Merlin , Sathyapalan Dipu T
Published: December 2023

Background Post-COVID-19 conditions represent a significant challenge in patient care, with symptoms persisting beyond three month’s post-recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of post-COVID-19 conditions at one year post-COVID-19 and identify predictive biomarkers and comorbidities for effective risk stratification.Methods A cohort of 120 adult patients, including 50 intensive care and 70 non-intensive care patients, was followed up at two weeks, six weeks, and one-year post-discharge using structured questionnaires. The study integrated comorbidities and laboratory biomarkers to forecast the risk for PCC.Results The median age of participants was 56 years, with 40% having moderate to severe comorbidities. A year post-recovery, 32.8% exhibited post COVID-19 conditions. The most common symptoms were constitutional (16%), respiratory (8.4%), and neuropsychiatric (2.5%). Bayesian network analysis indicated significant correlations between constitutional symptoms, rehospitalisation, and biomarkers including C-reactive protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, and albumin.Conclusion This study highlights the prolonged impact of post-COVID-19 conditions, one-year post infection. It highlights the role of specific biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, and albumin in tailoring individual patient care by advancing understanding in post-COVID-19 symptoms prediction. Our findings support the need for further research to refine these insights, which are pivotal for the ongoing care of patients in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Controlling a Longitudinal Autonomous Vehicle Using Modified Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Salih Ghaidaa Hadi
Published: December 2023

This paper presents two optimization algorithms for selecting the optimal Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller’s coefficients for a longitudinal dynamics vehicle system. The suggested optimization algorithms are the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Modified PSO (MPSO) algorithms, which use the Integral Absolute value Error (IAE) as a cost function to find the PID controller's coefficients. The optimal proposed controllers are compared in terms of optimized PID controller’s response specifications expressed in standards of maximum Overshoot (OS), Steady-State Error (SSE), Settling Time (ts) (2%), and Rise Time (tr). The obtained results show that a combined PID controller with the MPSO algorithm is more effective than an combined PID controller with the traditional PSO algorithm at controlling the vehicle's longitudinal dynamics system with an enhanced percentage of 2.5%.
Evaluation of Postgraduate Foundation Training for Dental Therapists:
Does participation enhance career prospects?
Authors: King Laura , Louca Chris , Radford David , Vargas Carolina Machuca
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the value of dental therapy foundation training (DTFT) in the UK and how participation influenced career prospects.
METHODS: The study used a survey incorporating open, closed, Likert scale and multiple-choice questions. Quantitative data were analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics v26. Analysis of qualitative data was undertaken by two researchers. Final themes and subthemes were confirmed following round table discussions.
RESULTS: 94 survey responses, 61 from DTs who had not undertaken DTFT (Group A) and 33 who had undertaken DTFT (Group B). Most respondents were female (95%) with a mean age of 33.8 and 32.9 years respectively. 58.3% of Group A respondents did not believe that completing DTFT would have enhanced their career prospects, whereas 63.6% of Group B said that they gained a position as a result of completing DTFT. Participation in DTFT increased perceived clinical confidence in Group B and 81.8% were likely to recommend DTFT to their peers. A total of 13 major themes and 12 subthemes were identified.
CONCLUSIONS: DTFT schemes were considered a valuable educational experience which increased clinical confidence. Participation may have enhanced career prospects. Barriers were encountered by DTs when seeking work, regardless of participation in DTFT.
Lifetime optimisation of integrated thermally- and electrically-driven solar desalination plants
Authors: Markides Christos , Winchester Benedict , Huang Gan , Beath Hamish , Sandwell Philip , Cen JiaJun , Nelson Jenny
Published: December 2023

We compare the performance across different locations of systems employing photovoltaic (PV) panels, flat-plate and evacuated-tube solar-thermal (ST), and hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors to fulfil the energy demands (both thermal and electrical) of multi-effect distillation (MED) desalination plants. We consider large- (1700 m3/day), medium- (120 m3/day) and small-scale (3 m3/day) MED plants.
We find a strong dependence of both the capacity and configuration of the solar collectors used on both the cost of sourcing electricity from the grid and the specific collector employed. We find mean grid-electricity fractions range from 47%, for the lowest grid-cost location, to 2.5% for the highest grid-cost location. We find that systems using PV-T and ST collectors meet between 49% and 62% of the hot-water demand at these locations, respectively. We find lifetime costs for the smallest-, medium- and largest-scale plants' energy-generation systems as low as 0.209, 3.35 and 50.8 million USD, respectively, corresponding to specific costs of 6.37, 2.55 and 2.74 USD/m3.
We find that systems using solar collectors, when optimised for the lowest specific cost, result in associated CO2eq emissions equal to, or higher than, those associated with grid-driven reverse osmosis. These results highlight the need to consider the environmental footprint of these systems, not only their cost, to ensure that desalination is in-line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6).
ABA-responsive small RNAs contribute to drought stress memory by regulating antioxidant activity and lignification
Authors: Khoshniat Parisa , Rafudeen Muhammad Suhail , Seifi Alireza
Published: December 2023

Previously we showed that a single exogenous application of Abscisic acid (ABA) on Arabidopsis in early developmental stages results in enhanced plant biomass and drought tolerance in the adult plants. Here we tested the hypothesis that small RNAs (sRNAs), including micro RNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), contribute to the observed ABA effects. We sequenced sRNA populations in Arabidopsis plants that were sprayed with ABA or water at the cotyledonary stage at two time-points, 4 hours and 14 days after spraying. Analyses of the sRNAs revealed that at 4 hours, four miRNA families, miR408, miR398, miR397, and miR393, were significantly down-regulated by the ABA application. These miRNAs are all copper-induced miRNAs, which are known to be involved in the regulation of antioxidant enzymes and lignification metabolic pathways. After 14 days, miR395 and miR169 families were up-regulated, while miR399 and miR827 families were down-regulated in ABA-treated plants. These miRNAs are mostly characterized as regulators of macronutrient uptake. We identified 77 and 30 differentially expressed siRNA loci in the first and second time-points respectively. Interestingly, a majority of these ABA-responsive siRNAs were found to be mainly associated with the non-coding regions of the genome, as well as with genes related to photosynthesis, particularly those encoding light-harvesting complex proteins. In summary, our data suggest that ABA-responsive miRNAs contribute to the positive effects of ABA by increasing plant antioxidant capacity and lignification in the short-term while increasing nutrient uptake in the long term.
Hierarchical Bayesian Adaptive Lasso Methods on Exponential Random Graph Models
Authors: Han Dan , Modisette Vicki , Forthofer Melinda , Paul Rajib
Published: December 2023

The analysis of network data has become an increasingly prominent and demanding field across multiple research fields including data science, health, and social sciences, requiring the development of robust models and efficient computational methods. One well-established and widely employed modeling approach for network data is the Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM). Despite its popularity, there is a recognized necessity for further advancements to enhance its flexibility and variable selection capabilities. To address this need, we propose a novel hierarchical Bayesian adaptive lasso model (BALERGM), which builds upon the foundations of the ERGM. The BALERGM leverages the strengths of the ERGM and incorporates the flexible adaptive lasso technique, thereby facilitating effective variable selection and tackling the inherent challenges posed by high-dimensional network data. The model improvements have been assessed through the analysis of simulated data, as well as two authentic datasets. These datasets encompassed friendship networks and a respondent-driven sampling dataset on active and healthy lifestyle awareness programs.
Oral low-dose cyclophosphamide with endocrine therapy through effects on Tregs in TLSs may improve clinical response in elderly metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Zhao Yuze , Wang Shuo , Lv Shuzhen , Liu Xiaojun , Li Weiping , Song Yuguang , Rong Dongwen , Zheng Peiming , Huang Hongyan , Zheng Huixia
Published: December 2023

Background: Despite limited research on refractory and/or endocrine therapy failure in elderly metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients, a prior study did show that low-dose oral cyclophosphamide (CY) can improve the overall survival rate of MBC, possibly through immunoregulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). We performed a preliminary investigation of the combination of endocrine therapy (ET) with oral low-dose CY as salvage therapy in elderly patients with peripheral blood regulatory T cell analyses. In addition, we evaluated the association of tumor tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) with therapeutic outcomes.
Patients and Methods:
HR+/HER2˗ advanced breast cancer patients who received low-dose CY combined with ET or ET only from April 2015 to August 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The primary outcome was the clinical control rate (CCR), and the secondary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). Circulating T lymphocyte subpopulations represented by Tregs were monitored during treatment by flow cytometry methods. TLS diagnosis was confirmed by hematoxylin–eosin staining of pretreatment specimens, and CD3, CD4, and Foxp3 were stained using Opal multicolor immunofluorescence.
Results:85 patients received CY + ET and 50 patients received ET only were enrolled, CCR was 73% (62/85) vs. 70% (45/50), and objective response rate (ORR) was 28% (24/85) vs. 24% (12/50). No deaths occurred during the study period. The median PFS time was 13 vs. 11 months (P = 0.03). In the CY + ET group, the decreases in CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+ T cells (P<0.001) were favorable for both clinical control and prolonged PFS (P < 0.001), compared with patients without TLSs, those with TLSs were more likely to have better clinical control and PFS (mean time=6 months), and a higher level of Treg cells in TLSs pretreatment correlated with longer PFS (P=0.043).
Conclusions: Oral low-dose CY combined with standard ET exerts immunological regulation by decreasing Treg to achieve improved clinical responses. Moreover, patients with TLSs might benefit more from such therapy than those without TLSs, and a high Treg count in TLSs before treatment predicts better therapy efficacy.
Optimization of a photovoltaic pumping system
Authors: Lemrabotte Khairiye , Ahmed Yarba , Hamed Mouna ben , Benbouhenni Habib , Colak Ilhami , N’Dango Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Renewable and clean energy is the guarantee of the continuation of practical life on earth and the preservation of the environment because fossil energy becomes difficult to obtain over time and its resources are limited.Inthis article, solar energy is used as a source of energy production, but the conversion efficiency of this energy is low so we used methods to ameliorate the stability and efficiency of the system such as the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and direct torque control with an intelligent speed regulator based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm, these optimization techniques have proven their characteristics in terms of stability and efficiency of the photovoltaic pumping system which needs to be developed particularly in remote areas where there is no electricity.
TC-MSNet: A Multi-feature Extraction Neural Framework for Automatic Modulation Recognition
Authors: Wang Yang , Feng Yongxin , Song Bixue , Tian Binghe , Qian Bo
Published: December 2023

In the approaches of Automatic Modulation Recognition (AMR), modulation modes with similar characteristics are prone to be confused by the adverse factors such as noise, inevitably bringing challenges to the accuracy of recognition. Aiming at this kind of problems, this paper proposes TC-MSNet which is a novel multi-scale spatial-temporal features collaboration neural network based on deep learning. TC-MSNet extracts the Temporal Correlation (TC) features and the Multi-Scale Spatial (MSS) features respectively for enhancing the diversity of features extraction, meanwhile, a fusion strategy constructed with convolu-tional attention mechanism implement sufficiently collaboration of multi-scale features. Additionally, the Bilinear-Pooling Mechanism (BPM) is adopted to capture the differentiation of fine-grained features, eliminating the confusion among distinct modulation modes to promote AMR accuracy. The simulation experimental results show that, on the RML2016.10a and RML2016.10b, the proposed TC-MSNet not only has better performance compared with existing deep learning-based AMR methods but also possesses stronger ability to eliminate confusion of similar features.
Identification and quantification of leakage into the carbonate aquifer by using non- isotopic environmental tracers and hydro-chemical modeling
Authors: Zilberbrand Michael , Mirlas Vladimir , Gimburg Alexander , Anker Yaakov
Published: December 2023

Groundwater transfer estimation between aquifers and aquitards is essential for water resources management. While artificial tracer application is in most cases not regionally feasible, natural tracer utilization can supply the required regional groundwater transfer delineation. A Paleocene-Eocene thermal episode caused an anomaly of barium and silica concentrations in the Eocene aquitard that are used as natural tracers for the identification and quantification of leakage into the Turonian aquifer through the Senonian aquiclude. The leakage was found to be concentrated in the vicinity of the Menashe syncline north of the Yarkon-Taninim basin, which is the main source of the underground groundwater supply in Israel. The two tracers indicated leakage volume balance estimations of more than 3.8*106 m3 yr-1 and 18.9*106 m3 yr-1, which correspond to the PHREEQC hydro-chemical modeling results. The leakage salinity was assessed to be low; therefore, it will not damage the high-quality groundwater in the Turonian aquifer that is exploited for the potable water supply.
Middle cranial fossa non-cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: 20 years of experience
Authors: Su Xin , Song Zihao , Tu Tianqi , Ye Ming , Ma Yongjie , Zhang Hongqi , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2023

Background
Non-cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) involving the sphenoid bone are rare entities that are easily confused with one another due to the complex structure and high variability of the venous system around the middle cranial fossa.
Methods
We present a large retrospective study on middle cranial fossa non-CS DAVFs and review the literature on DAVF treatment in this location as well as relative anatomy.
Results
15 patients had DAVFs involving the lesser sphenoid wing and 11 patients had DAVFs involving the greater sphenoid wing. Six patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage (23.1%, 6/26). The most common symptoms were eye symptoms (38.5%, 10/26). 19 patients were treated with trans-arterial embolization (TAE) using liquid embolic agents and two patients were treated with transvenous embolization (TVE) using Onyx or in combination with coils. Surgical disconnection of the drainage veins was performed in five patients, with three cases experiencing unsuccessful TAE. Anatomic cure was achieved in 92.3% of the patients (24/26). 12 patients had DSA and clinical follow-up from 3 months to 27 months. There was one recurrence (8.3%) of the fistula in the patient two months after the initial complete occlusion.
Conclusions
The majority of patients can be cured endovascularly. Laterocavernous sinus DAVFs may not be embolized by transvenous approach via the cavernous sinus because there is often no connection between them in most patients. A small percentage of patients may require surgical ligation to be cured.
Longitudinal BMI change and Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Taeyun , Shin Sun Hye , Kim Hyunsoo , Im Yunjoo , Cho Juhee , Kang Danbee , Park Hye Yun
Published: December 2023

Background
Littie is known about the association between longitudinal body mass index (BMI) change and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 116,463 COPD patients aged ≥ 40, with at least one health examination 2 years before and 3 years after COPD diagnosis (January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019). The main exposure was a BMI percentage change. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was initial severe exacerbation.
Results
BMI decreased > 5% in 14,728 (12.6%), 80,689 (69.2%) maintained BMI, and 21,046 (18.1%) increased BMI > 5% after COPD diagnosis. Compared to maintenance group, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for all-cause mortality was 1.70 in BMI decrease group (95% CI:1.61, 1.79) and 1.13 in BMI increase group (95% CI:1.07, 1.20). In subgroup analysis, longitudinal decrease in BMI showed a stronger effect on mortality as baseline BMI was lower, while an increase in BMI was related to an increase in mortality only in obese COPD patients with aHRs of 1.18 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.36). The aHRs for the risk of severe exacerbation (BMI decrease group and increase group vs. maintenance group) were 1.30 (95% CI:1.24, 1.35) and 1.12 (95% CI:1.07, 1.16), respectively.
Conclusions
A decrease in BMI over time was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and severe exacerbation in a dose-dependent manner in patients with COPD. This was most significant in underweight patients. Regular monitoring for weight loss might be an important component for COPD management.
Silicone Auricular Prosthesis Rehabilitation Anchored on Extraoral Implants Using 3d Digital Workflow: a Case Report
Authors: Birnfeld Heitor Ribeiro , Choer Ana Moraes Furst , Freddo Angelo Luiz , Stelter Grazielle Oliveira , Corsetti Adriana
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE
The maxillofacial prosthesis can be a valuable way to rehabilitate lost facial structures, such as the absence of the outer ear due to congenital anomalies. We report a case of reconstruction of the outer ear in a patient with microtia grade III using an auricular prosthesis anchored on extraoral osseointegrated implants through a 3D digital workflow.
METHODS
The patient was evaluated by the oral surgery team and referred to the maxillofacial prosthesis service for auricular rehabilitation with a silicone prosthesis anchored on extraoral implants through a 3D digital workflow using a bar-clip system for retention.
RESULTS
The patient remains under follow-up, and there are no complaints related to the use of the prosthesis. After 3 years, no changes were observed in the color of the auricular prosthesis or the stability of the implants.
CONCLUSION
Auricular prostheses are an excellent alternative in the rehabilitation of patients with facial deformities. They offer safety in use due to their strong retention, as well as favorable aesthetics. Advances in technology provide better and predictable results in rehabilitation with auricular prostheses anchored on extraoral implants. Digital planning is an innovative approach in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery that uses advanced technologies for the planning, simulation, and execution of dental or craniofacial implant procedures.
Prediction of rock tensile-shear fracture propagation and crack interaction
Authors: Li Mingliang , Li Kegang , Qin Qingci , Wu Shunchuan , Yue Rui , Zhang Xuepeng
Published: December 2023

The interaction and influence between various rock cracks (unequal and noncolinear) are the root cause of fracture in natural rock bodies. In this study, to analyze the interaction law of such cracks, elastic mechanics and the principle of distributed dislocation were superimposed to calculate the mechanical parameters and expressions of the tip stress intensity factor (SIF) and equivalent SIF of two tensile-shear cracks subjected to far-field force. The effects of secondary crack characteristics on the interactions of SIFs at the main crack tip were theoretically analyzed. Then, a secondary crack inclination angle prediction model was established based on the PSO-LSTM theory. The calculated SIF was found to be consistent with the results of the classical Kachanov method and SIF handbook, which further verified the correctness of the derived expression. The results of this study can provide theoretical guidance for evaluating the stability of underground rock excavation projects.
Dynamic Evolution Mechanism of Dual-Channel Supply Chain for Green Products Based on Equilibrium Price
Authors: Zhao hua , Feng Yu , Li Ping , Wu Zhuoran
Published: December 2023

With the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and heightened market competition, the development and sale of green products have assumed a pivotal role in the operations of manufacturers. However, due to the constraints of bounded rationality within firms, the issue of dynamic pricing may rise. In light of this context, this paper employs a dual-channel framework to investigate the manufacturer’s green product development and pricing problem over a continuous timeframe. In this framework, the manufacturer markets traditional products through offline retailers while simultaneously launching green products via an online platform. In recognition of the practicality of multi-period operations, we also take online delay time lag, price adjustment speed, green input level, and consumer channel loyalty into account and explore their impacts on the equilibrium price of the dual-channel supply chain of green products. Utilizing the eigenvalue method, we delve into the dynamic pricing game and ascertain the existence of the unique Nash equilibrium point. Our research establishes critical thresholds for delay time lags and green inputs. Beyond these thresholds, equilibrium destabilizes, resulting in price unpredictability. Furthermore, we identify a crucial maximum for the rate at which manufacturers modify prices for green products in online markets. If this adjustment rate falls below the threshold, the system maintains stability. Additionally, both the extent of green inputs and the customer channel loyalty of manufacturers significantly impact both equilibrium stability and the resulting price within the system.
Spatial health risk assessments of nickel in the groundwater (qanat) of a mining-impacted area: Unveiling hidden treats to vulnerable consumers
Authors: Salehi Fatemeh , Esmaeilbeigi Milad , Kazemi Ali , Sharafi Saeed , Sahebi Zahra , Asl Ali Ghanavati
Published: December 2023

This study examined the health risk associated with nickel (Ni) in the groundwater (qanat) of South Khorasan, Eastern Iran. A total of 110 stations were included in the study, comprising 62 wells, 40 qanats, and 8 springs in the summer of 2020. Initially, the collected samples were tested for temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC). Subsequently, the samples were filtered and treated with nitric acid (HNO3) to measure the concentration of Ni using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hazard quotient (HQ) and non-carcinogenic risk assessments were employed to evaluate the potential risks of Ni to the inhabitants. The findings revealed that the concentration of Ni ranged from 0.02 to 132.39 µg l− 1, and only two stations exhibited Ni concentrations above the WHO standards (20 µg l− 1). The results demonstrated that 98.21% of the sampled locations had HQ values below one, indicating negligible risk, while 1.78% of the stations exhibited HQ values of one or higher, representing a high non-carcinogenic risk for water consumers. Overall, the concentration of nickel in the groundwater of South Khorasan exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) limit solely in the Halvan station, posing a non-carcinogenic risk for the residents in that area, and therefore, additional efforts should be made to provide healthier groundwater to consumers in this region.
The effect of digital finance on wage inequality: Evidence from manufacturing firms in China
Authors: Liu Peisen , Chen Shiqi
Published: December 2023

Reducing wage gap is crucial to reducing income inequality and promoting economic growth. This study examines the impact of digital finance on wage inequality using national panel data of 273,635 manufacturing firms in China from 2011 to 2015. Findings show that digital finance increases wage inequality, with the highest positive effect observed for the depth of digital finance usage, followed by digital finance coverage, and the lowest effect seen for digitalization in inclusive finance. The robustness and endogeneity tests confirm these findings. Digital finance contributes to wage inequality by alleviating financing constraints. The effect of digital finance on wage inequality varies by firm size, age and ownership. Digital finance has a negative effect on disadvantaged groups in the financial market and exacerbates financial exclusion for small, new, and private firms, leading to wage inequality. Specifically, the positive effect of digital finance on wage inequality is stronger for large firms than for small and medium-sized (SMEs), and old firms than for new firms and foreign firms than for private firms. However, digital finance has no effect on wage inequality in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This study provides evidence on how optimising digital finance can help narrow income inequality and promote economic growth.
JEL classification: D82, O38, J31
Gastrodenol suppresses NLRP3/GSDMD mediated pyroptosis and ameliorates inflammatory diseases
Authors: Wang Yunshu , Chen Peipei , Ji Sen-lin , Wang Jing , Liu Zhuo , Wang Tingting , Xu Yun
Published: December 2023

Pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory programmed cell death, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. This process is primarily mediated by the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). Gastrodenol (Bismuth tripotassium dicitrate, GAS) is a mineral compound which is used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori. In this study, GAS was found to exhibit protective effects against classical pyroptosis in macrophages. Specifically, GAS effectively inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, GAS inhibited NLRP3 oligomerization and reduced the oligomerization of adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC). In mouse models, GAS treatment demonstrated remarkable attenuation of pyroptosis-mediated inflammatory diseases, including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic mice, and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced peritonitis. These findings collectively establish GAS as a potent inhibitor of pyroptosis and propose a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of NLRP3-GSDMD mediated diseases.
Enhancing Persian Text Summarization Using the mT5 Transformer Model:A Three-Phased Fine-Tuning Approach and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Abadi Vahid Nejad Mahmood , Ghasemian Fahimeh
Published: December 2023

In the contemporary era, grappling with the vast expanse of big data presents a formidable obstacle, particularly when it comes to extracting vital information from extensive textual sources. The constant influx of news articles from various agencies necessitates an enormous amount of time to digest comprehensively. A viable solution to address this challenge lies in the realm of automatic text summarization, which is a pivotal and intricate endeavor within the field of natural language processing. Text summarization involves transforming pertinent textual content into a concise format that reduces its word count without compromising its underlying meaning. In recent years, transformers have emerged as a prominent force in the landscape of natural language processing, particularly in the realm of text summarization. This research endeavors to harness the power of transformers by training the mT5-base model on a three-step fine-tuning phase on Persian news articles. Subsequently, reinforcement learning via the PPO algorithm is integrated with the fine-tuned model. Finally, we evaluate the model's performance in summarizing Persian texts, shedding light on its efficacy in addressing the formidable task of distilling meaningful insights from a sea of textual data. Our model has set a new benchmark in the field of Persian text summarization, achieving outstanding ROUGE scores of 53.17 for ROUGE-1, 37.12 for ROUGE-2, and 44.13 for ROUGE-L. These remarkable results reflect a significant advancement in the quality of Persian text summarization, signaling a promising era of more refined and context-aware summaries.
A robust four CpGs-based prognostic risk score model predicts survival and guides therapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shen Si , Ning Bo , Bai Jin , Yuan Qing , Wang JinHao , Wang Meng , Wang Quannian , Liu Ying , Dong Qingyang , Zhang Pengcheng , Wang Xinxing , Chen Gang , Cao Yang
Published: December 2023

Background
Accurate prognostic prediction in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients remains challenging owing to its heterogeneity and intra- and inter-pathological variability. Numerous prognostic models for HNSCC have been developed; however, they have limited prediction performances. Moreover, DNA methylation (DNAm) plays important roles in the regulation of gene expression and abnormal DNAm is a hallmark of cancers.
Methods
Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC dataset, we first identified CpGs associated with overall survival (OS) by differential analysis followed by univariate Cox regression analysis. Then, candidate prognostic CpGs that regulate gene expression directly and indirectly by modulating TF activity were determined using a linear regression model or MethReg integrative analysis. Finally, Lasso penalized Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to screen prognostic CpGs and construct the FCPRscore model. Kaplan–Meier curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and nomogram were applied to assess the prognostic value of FCPRscore. Moreover, the performance of FCPRscore was compared with nine existing models and validated in an external dataset consisting of three cohorts. The potential utility of FCPRscore for guiding therapy was also investigated.
Results
The FCPRscore based on four CpGs (cg02409878, cg01984743, cg23867673, and cg01995815) was constructed and can stratify patients into two risk subgroups with significantly different OS. The FCPRscore showed good generalizability on the independent validation dataset, and achieved better performance compared with nine existing RNA/DNAm-based prognostic models. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the FCPRscore is an independent prognostic factor and can enhance the predictive power of established clinical predictors, such as TNM stage. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and other molecular characteristics were significantly distinct between risk subgroups, and the low-risk group showed a more immune-active TME compared with the high-risk group. Moreover, the low-risk group may be more sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, while the high-risk group benefited more from chemotherapy.
Conclusions
Our study proposed a robust prognostic model of HNSCC, FCPRscore, which could serve a prognostic factor and a promising tool to guide therapy decisions for patients with HNSCC.
Comparison of the intubation time between McGRATHTM MAC size 1 and size 2 blades for infants: an observational study
Authors: Uchinami Yuka , Fujita Noriaki , Mizunoya Kazuyuki , Yokota Isao , Morimoto Yuji
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether the McGRATHTM MAC size 1 blade, which has become available in recent years, reduced the tracheal intubation time in infants compared to that of the McGRATHTM MAC size 2 blade.
Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study included patients aged < 1 y who underwent cardiac surgery under general anesthesia. Cases in which the McGRATHTM MAC size 2 blade was used were classified as MAC2 and those in which the McGRATHTM MAC size 1 blade was used as MAC1. The primary endpoint was the difference in time required for tracheal intubation. The results were adjusted for confounding factors (patient weight, career of intubation provider, and risk of difficult tracheal intubation). Other variables included the first successful tracheal intubation rate, number of tracheal intubations, Cormack classification, and adverse events during tracheal intubation.
Results: In total, 94 patients met the inclusion criteria, 26 met the exclusion criteria¸ thus 68 patients were analyzed. The median time to tracheal intubation was significantly shorter for MAC1 than for MAC2. (23.5 s vs. 27.0 s; hazard ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.08, 2.95). The adjusted time to tracheal intubation was also significantly shorter in the MAC1 group than in the MAC2 group (hazard ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.00, 2.89). No secondary endpoint showed significant differences.
Conclusions: For tracheal intubation in cardiac surgery in infants, using the McGRATHTM MAC size 1 blade may reduce the tracheal intubation time compared to the McGRATHTM MAC size 2 blade.