bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-silico evaluation of the effect of set-up errors on dose delivery during mouse irradiations with a cell irradiator-based collimator system
Authors: Entezam Amir , Fielding Andrew , Ratnayake Gishan , Fontanarosa Davide
Published: April 2023

Set-up errors are a problem for pre-clinical irradiators that lack imaging capabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the potential set-up errors on the dose distribution for a mouse with a xenographic tumour irradiated with a Gammacell irradiator equipped with an in-house lead collimator with 10 mm diameter apertures. The EGSnrc Monte-Carlo (MC) code was used to simulate the potential errors caused by displacements of the mouse in the irradiation setup. The impact of the simulated set-up displacements on the dose delivered to the xenographic tumour and surrounding organs was assessed. MC dose calculations were performed in a Computed Tomography (CT) derived model of the mouse for the reference position of the tumour in the irradiation setup. The errors were added into the CT data and then the mouse doses for the corresponding shifts were recalculated and dose volume histograms (DVHs) were generated. The investigation was performed for 1 cm and 0.5 cm diameter tumours. The DVH resulting from introducing the maximum setup errors for 1 cm diameter tumours showed up to 35% reduced dose to a significant fraction of the tumour volume. The setup errors demonstrated an insignificant effect on doses for 0.5 cm diameter tumour irradiations. Setup errors were observed to have negligible impact on out of field doses to organs at risk. The dosimetric results presented herein verify the robustness of our collimator system for irradiations of xenograft tumours up to 0.5 cm diameter in the presence of the maximum setup errors.
Enhanced Disease Detection for Potato Crop using CNN with Transfer Learning
Authors: Mishra Harsh , Pandey Vishal , Kothari Deep , Gharat Mihir , Salvi Loukik
Published: April 2023

Potatoes are ubiquitous and the fourth most consumed staple food in the world. Moreover, the demand is growing daily as a result of the global market. Diseases such as late blight and early blight greatly affect the quality and quantity of potatoes. Interpreting these diseases manually is cumbersome, making it more difficult to identify which potato leaves are infected with one of the diseases. Fortunately, the diseases of the potato leaves can be determined based on the leaf conditions. Using heavy architectures for convolutional neural networks, like GoogleNet, Resnet15, VGG16, and Xception, this suggested study introduces a method that uses deep learning to categorize the two varieties of illnesses and produces a precise classifier. In the first 40 CNN epochs, we were able to attain 97% accuracy, proving the viability of the deep neural network strategy.Also, a deeper analysis of various model building techniques like transfer learning, ensemble, and non-transfer techniques are done and by comparing their accuracy scores the better technique suited for this problem statement is justified.
Abnormal Chromatin Remodeling Caused by ARID1A Deletion Leads to Malformation of the Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Liu Chang-Mei , Liu Pei-Pei , lu Shi-Ping , Li Xiao , Tang Gang-Bin , Liu Xiao , Dai Shang-Kun , Jiao Lin-Fei , Lin Xi-Wen , Li Xing-Guo , Teng Zhao-Qian , Han Chunsheng
Published: April 2023

ARID1A, an SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling gene, is commonly mutated in cancer and hypothesized to be a tumor suppressor. Recently, loss-of-function of ARID1A gene has been shown to cause intellectual disability. Here we generateArid1aconditional knockout mice and investigateArid1afunction in the hippocampus. Disruption ofArid1ain mouse forebrain significantly decreases neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) proliferation and differentiation to neurons within the dentate gyrus (DG), increases perinatal and postnatal apoptosis, leading to reduced hippocampus size. Moreover, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate cellular heterogeneity and reveal thatArid1ais necessary for the maintenance of the DG progenitor pool and survival of post-mitotic neurons. Transcriptome and ChIP-seq analysis data demonstrate that ARID1A specifically regulatesProx1by altering the levels of histone modifications. Overexpression of downstream targetProx1can rescue proliferation and differentiation defects of NSPCs caused by Arid1a deletion. Overall, our results demonstrate a critical role forArid1ain the development of the hippocampus and may also provide insight into the genetic basis of intellectual disabilities such as Coffin–Siris syndrome, which is caused by germ-line mutations or microduplication ofArid1a.
Use of Remote Sensing Techniques to Assess Water Storage Variations and Flood-Related Inflows for the Hawizeh Wetland
Authors: Alawadi Wisam , Raheem Zahraa A. , Yaseen Dina A.
Published: April 2023

High spatial and temporal resolution remote sensing data are becoming readily available. This has made use of remote sensing to monitor and quantify spatiotemporal changes in surface waters feasible and efficient. In this paper, the remote sensing techniques which based on the spectral indices has been used to assess the changes in the submerged areas and water storages in the Hawizeh marsh (south of Iraq) during the 2019 f1ood. Two spectral indices; normalized difference water index (NDWI) and normalized difference moisture index (NDMI) were used for this purposes. Non-measured flood-related flows into the marsh has also been estimated through applying the water balance approach. The accuracy assessment made to the water areas extracted by the remote sensing indices showed an acceptable level of accuracy which reflected positively on the water inflows calculations. As the Hawizeh is transboundary marsh shared by Iraq and Iran, the remote sensing techniques allowed for the estimation of difficult-to-measure inflows from the Iranian side. The results of the water balancing revealed that the inflows from Iranian side to the marsh during the 5 months of the flood made up about 41.2% from the total water volume entering into the marsh.
Examining the effectiveness of the case study method to access attitudes toward palliative care among healthcare university students
Authors: Nakamura Megumi , Kukimoto Yukiko , Kobayashi Taeko , Maeda Kaoru , Fujiwara Makiko , Masuyama Shoko , Yasui Nagisa , Imai Shinya , Kano Hiroya , Maekawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2023

Background
Palliative care requires a culture of collaboration between healthcare professionals. Interprofessional education (IPE) can improve attitudes toward interdisciplinary teamwork and teamwork skills of healthcare students. This study aimed to assess the effect of a case study with a multi-disciplinary group discussion on students' attitudes to palliative care and their teamwork skills.
Methods
This pretest–posttest study was conducted as part of a mandatory course comprising 15 lectures for third-year students in a university in Japan. The participants were recruited at the beginning of the course. Students were assigned 18 different cases and created care plans based on their professional perspectives. The intervention group involved the EOL case, while the control group involved other cases. Data were collected before and after students participated in the case study. Three primary surveys were administered before and after the case study: Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale Form B Japanese version (FATCOD-B-J), Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), and Death Attitude Inventory (DAI). The Shapiro-Wilk test was used for assessing normality of the distribution. We examined the pre- and post-intervention changes in each outcome and the post-intervention group differences.
Results
We received 169 completed questionnaires. Comparisons of change between groups showed no significant differences. FATCOD-B-J for the EOL group showed significant differences; the post-intervention outcome increased in the perceptions of patient- and family-centered care. RIPLS scores of both groups significantly increased at the post-intervention outcome in the subcategory of teamwork and collaboration.
Conclusions
For pre-licensure healthcare students, the EOL case study with multidisciplinary group discussions is an effective approach to enhance students’ skills and knowledge about the needs of EOL patients and their family. Case studies are also a straightforward learning method to help students learn to work in interprofessional teams. We assume that the results of this study are highly feasible and versatile.
Case study of the use of the Matlab/Simulink tool in the management of coal combustion in Brazil's emission standards
Authors: Brandão Yago Fraga Ferreira , Santos Valdemir Alexandre dos
Published: April 2023

Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when fuel elements react with air, resulting in a large amount of heat emitting polluting gases. In thermoelectric plants, the energy used results from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or gas. Aiming at better environmental conditions and improvement in the use of fuel, we studied technical data on the composition of coal and technical data on combustion, such as reactions and factors that can influence the process. Were performed the mass and energy balances of the process. We used the emission levels for stationary sources, established by CONAMA (National Council for the Environment) to understand which gases are most harmful to the air. It was used as a database of the literature, establishing a tolerance of 5% for maximum deviations from valid results. After validation, the graphics of the SIMULINK/MATLAB tool were used for a visual response of the levels obtained in the analysis and the limits of CONAMA. The results obtained were within the tolerance, being considered acceptable, explaining the possible variations, also presenting a small amount of polluting gases observing the results of the gases that because more damage to the environment. Compared with the experimental results, the model elaborated on the developed algorithm was validated, and its graphic results showed a considerable difference between the analyzed sample and the limits established by CONAMA (above the limits), being able to be used to create a combustion management program.
Arginine and its metabolites stimulate proliferation, differentiation, and physiological function of porcine trophoblast cells
Authors: Li Shuai , Ye Xiangyang , Wen Xiaolu , Yang Xuefen , Wang Li , Xiao Hao , Gao Kaiguo , Jiang Zongyong
Published: April 2023

Arginine, which is metabolized into ornithine, proline, and nitric oxide, plays an important role in embryonic development. The present study was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism of arginine in proliferation, differentiation, and physiological function of porcine trophoblast cells (pTr2) through metabolic pathways. The results showed that arginine significantly increased cell viability (P<0.05). The addition of arginine had a quadratic tendency to increase the content of progesterone (P=0.06) and protein synthesis rate (P=0.03), in which the maximum protein synthesis rate was observed at 0.4 mM arginine. Arginine quadratically increased (P<0.05) the intracellular contents of spermine, spermidine and putrescine, as well as linearly increased (P<0.05) the intracellular content of NO in a dose-dependent manner. Arginine showed a quadratic tendency to increase the content of putrescine (P=0.07) and a linear tendency to increase NO content (P=0.09) in cell supernatant. Moreover, increasing arginine activated (P<0.05) the mRNA expressions for ARG, ODC, iNOS and PCNA. Furthermore, inhibitors of arginine metabolism (L-NMMA and DFMO) both inhibited cell proliferation, while addition of its metabolites (NO and putrescine) promoted the cell proliferation and cell cycle, the mRNA expressions of PCNA, EGF and IGF-I, and increased (P<0.05) cellular protein synthesis rate, as well as estradiol and hCG secretion (P<0.05).
Boundary corrections on multi-dimensional PDEs
Authors: González-Pinto S. , Hernández-Abreu D. , Pérez-Rodríguez S.
Published: April 2023

Two new boundary correction techniques are proposed in order to mitigate the order reduction phenomenon associated to the numerical solution of initial boundary value problems for parabolic Partial Differential Equations in arbitrary spatial dimensions with time dependent Dirichlet boundary conditions. The new techniques are based on the idea of discretizing the PDE problem at the boundary points as similarly as possible as for the interior points of the domain. These new techniques are considered for the time integration with W-methods based on Approximate Matrix Factorization. By suitably modifying the internal stages of the methods on the boundary points, it is illustrated by numerical testing with time dependent boundary conditions that the new boundary correction techniques are able to keep the same accuracy and order of convergence that the method reaches in the case of homogeneous boundary conditions.
Exploring the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Extract in the Treatment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Li Guangjin , Qiu Jingjing , Wang Chen , Cui Limei , Wang Junxin , Chen Liang , Song Xicheng , Yang Yujuan , Sun Yan
Published: April 2023

Backgrounds:Anincreasing people are suffering from sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and facing great psychological and physical stress. Although the extract of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) has been widely used to treat SNHL for many years, underlying pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear.Methods:Active ingredients of EGb and compounds targets were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). SNHL-related genes were obtained from GeneCards. Venny 2.1 was used to select common targets between active ingredients of EGb and SNHL, and Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Cytoscape was used to construct a network map to assess the relationship between active ingredients, interacting targets, and signaling pathways, and Chem3D, AutoDock Tools, and PyMol were employed to perform molecular docking between active ingredients and hub genes. Besides, House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells were treated with cisplatin and EGb to verify target genes by quantitative Real-time PCR (q-PCR).Results:Venny diagram showing that SNHL and EGb had a total of 64 intersecting targets (core targets). The results of GO and KEGG analysis indicated that 64 core targets were involved in regulating of biological process, stabilization of cell membranes and organelles, protein binding, and diverse signaling pathways. According to the cytoscape and PPI network analyses, three genes (GSK3B, NOS3 and AKT1) and nine kinds of corresponding ingredients (kaempferol, quercetin, sesamin, luteolin, isorhamnetin, isogoycyrol, laricitrin, syringetin and chryseriol) were picked. Molecular docking demonstrates protein binding models for intersection genes and effective ingredients. Eventually, the results of q-PCR experiments further revealed that GSK3B, NOS3 and AKT1 genes exerted their functions in treatment of SNHL by EGb.Conclusions:Our findings indicate the mechanisms of action of EGb in treating SNHL. There are five active components, including luteolin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and sesamin. Those ingredients exert their effects through regulating three genes (GSK3B, NOS3 and AKT1), which are involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
Awareness and Utilization of Smoking Cessation Clinics in Saudi Arabia, Findings from the 2019 Global Adult Tobacco Survey
Authors: Monshi Sarah S. , Alanazi Abdullah M. M. , Alzahrani Ali M. , Alzhrani Abdulrhman A. , Arbaein Turky J. , Alharbi Khulud K. , Alqahtani Mansour Z. , Elkhobby Ahmed A. , Almazrou Aljoharah M. , Al-Zalabani Abdulmohsen H. , Alzahrani Ali. H
Published: April 2023

Background
Tobacco use remains a leading cause of premature death. To combat tobacco use, the Ministry of Health (MOH) improved access to smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) by developing fixed SCCs and mobile SCCs, which move based on demand across locations. The goal of this study was to investigate awareness and utilization of SCCs among tobacco users in Saudi Arabia and the factors that influence their awareness and utilization.
Method
This cross-sectional study used the 2019 Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Three outcome variables were employed, including tobacco users’ awareness of fixed SCCs, mobile SCCs, and utilization of fixed SCCs. Several independent variables were examined, including sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco use. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results
1,667 tobacco users were included in this study. There were 60%, 26%, and 9% of tobacco users who were aware of fixed SCCs, aware of mobile SCCs, and visited fixed SCCs, respectively. The likelihood of being aware of SCCs increased among users residing in urban areas (fixed SCCs: OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.31–2.68; mobile SCCs: OR = 2.09; CI = 1.37–3.17) while it decreased among those reported self-employed (fixed SCCs: OR = 0.31; CI = 0.17–0.56; mobile SCCs: OR = 0.42; CI = 0.20–0.89). The likelihood of visiting fixed SCCs increased among educated tobacco users aged 25–34 (OR = 5.61; CI = 1.73–18.21) and 35–44 (OR = 4.22; CI = 1.07–16.64) while the odds of visiting SCCs decreased among those who were working in the private sector (OR = 0.26; CI = 0.09–0.73).
Conclusion
The decision to quit smoking must be supported by an effective healthcare system that provides accessible and affordable smoking cessation services. Knowing the factors that influence the awareness and utilization of SCCs would help policymakers dedicate efforts targeting those who desire to quit smoking yet face limitations in using SCCs.
Evaluation of short-term clinical and imaging outcomes of porous coated trabecular titanium cup manufactured with electron beam melting technique in primary total hip arthroplasty: prospective study of 236 cases
Authors: CHEN Guo , WANG Yicheng , YI Linhong , MA Zou , BI Mengna , LI Zhong , HAN Jie , LU Lisha , ZHANG Shangshang , SHEN Hai , ZHANG Huiwu , ZENG Fanwei , ZHANG Peng , SI Yan
Published: April 2023

Background
The previous acetabular surface manufacturing technology provides a suitable surface for bone ingrowth into cementless cups, but there were already some literatures reporting failure cases due to sintered titanium beads and titanium fiber mesh. Electron beam melting (EBM) technology has been used in manufacturing trabecular titanium acetabular cups with high porosity, pore size suitable for bone ingrowth, low elastic modulus and high friction coefficient. Objectives We study and evaluate the clinical and imaging outcomes of porous coated trabecular titanium cup manufactured with electron beam melting technique with a relatively large sample, in order to provide evidence-based basis for its clinical application.
Methods
Two hundred and thirty-six patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using porous coated trabecular titanium cup from January 2019 to June 2021 in the Department of Joint Surgery of our hospital were selected. General date, imaging information, functional scores and complications were collected to evaluate the early clinical efficacy of the cup.
Results
All patients were followed up for 17–46 months, with an average of (26.2 ± 9.2) months. At the last follow-up, the preoperative HSS score increased from 43.7 ± 6.8 to 85.6 ± 9.3 points with statistical significance (P < 0.01). The preoperative WOMAC score improved from 59.2 ± 5.8 to13.1 ± 3.5 points, with statistical significance(P < 0.01). 92.3% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the clinical outcome. The cup survival rate at the last follow-up was 100%.
Conclusions
It can provide patients with satisfactory short-term clinical and imaging results in primary total hip arthroplasty to use porous coated trabecular titanium cup manufactured by electron beam melting technology based on structural optimization design. The acetabular cup has good initial stability, a high survival rate and good bone ingrowth, which can significantly improve the pain and function of the affected hip.
Petrographic and geochemical analyses of Late Bronze and Iron Age pottery assemblages from Arslantepe (Malatya, Türkiye): Insights into the local organization of the production and extra- regional networks of exchange
Authors: Fragnoli Pamela , Manuelli Federico
Published: April 2023

In this paper we analyzed Late Bronze and Iron Age pottery assemblages from the site of Arslantepe (Malatya, eastern Türkiye) by combining thin-section petrography and X-ray wavelength dispersive fluorescence. Following an introduction to the site and an overview of the archaeological and historical evidence, the analysis is presented, and the outcomes discussed in the wider framework of the Syro-Anatolian and eastern Mediterranean regions. The results show elements of both continuity and change over the 2nd millennium and until the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. On a local level, the use of volcanic-based recipes for the production of painted vessels represents the most striking element of continuity. In contrast, noteworthy elements of changes relate to an increased exploitation of southern deposits for material supply and the standardization of paste recipes for cooking pots. Remarkable results also pertain to extra-regional exchanges: The Late Bronze Age Red-Lustrous Wheel-made Ware found at the site is imported from Cilicia, while the wares of foreign tradition from the Middle Iron Age levels are mostly locally produced.
Reproductive Studies on Paphia textile - Paratapes textilis - (Gmelin 1971): An Indicator of Aquaculture Management along the Egyptian waters of the Red Sea and Suez Canal
Authors: Farghaly Marwa , Ali Tamer El-Sayed , Mitwally Hanan M. , Razekb Fatma A. Abdel
Published: April 2023

Understanding the reproductive biology of aquatic biota is essential for better management and sustainability of coastal ecosystems and aquaculture development. The bivalve Paphia textile (Gmelin 1971) also known as Paratapes textilis, has an economic value in Indo-Pacific waters and the Red Sea. P. textile suffers from extensive fishing and exploitation. The current work aims to study the reproductive cycle of P. textile for the first time in the Egyptian waters of the Red Sea. Samples were collected monthly from two saline lakes at the Suze Gulf from December 2019 to November 2020. As part of the comprehensive research study, sex ratio, condition index, sexuality, histological analysis of the gonad maturity stages, shell size at maturity, and gonad index, were used to investigate the reproductive cycle. The results revealed that the sex ratio was male biased possibly due to anthropogenic stressors. Paphia textile has dioecious sexuality and hermaphroditism is lacking. The condition index in winter and spring indicates periods dominated by mature individuals. Five reproductive maturity stages were assigned for P. textile males and females. The prevailing warm water year-round could be the reason behind the lack of successive stages of gonad maturity and periodicity. The study indicates that gonad development is a function of temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll. The Paphia textile shell sizes at which 50% of the population reached maturity ranged between 28 mm and 34 mm for females and males, respectively. A gonad index indicates the ripe stages. Study findings suggest the most suitable temperature for aquaculture spawning is between 20 ◦C and 30 ◦C in subtropical waters, and fishing should be prohibited at sizes less than 28.60 mm in general for males and females for better management and sustainability of this aquatic resource.
Feather’s composition of South polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) using WDXRF
Authors: Bighetti G. P. , Souza R. C. , Carvalho H. R. A. , Silva C. C. , Torres J. P. M.
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the feathers’ composition of South polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) using WDXRF, evaluating the concentration of essential and non-essential elements in the feathers, and dividing it into rachis and barb parts. We collected South polar skuas feathers from Hennequin Point, King George Island, South Shetland, Antarctic Peninsula in January of 2013. Our results show that 18 elements were observed in the composition of the feathers, with a different concentration between the rachis and barbs, qualitatively and quantitatively. Only 3 elements observed were classified as non-essentials but still mostly elements do not have a function described in the literature to the feathers. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that uses this technique to evaluate the concentration of different elements in the feathers. The findings of this study highlight the use of alternative techniques to biomonitoring elements in the ecosystem and bring baseline information for future studies.
Relocation and Stress Analysis of the 2018 Mandali-Sumar Earthquake Sequence, Iraq-Iran Border
Authors: Al-Kaabi Muntadher , Hantoosh Dania , Abdulnaby Wathiq
Published: April 2023

The 2018 Mandali-Sumar earthquake sequence has started in January 2018 at the Iraq-Iran border within the Low Folded Zone of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt. To study the fault that is responsible for this earthquake sequence, the relocation of 32 earthquakes was conducted. In addition, moment tensor solutions of 9 large earthquakes were collected to know the fault motion and stress regime in the study area. The Computer Programs in Seismology (CPS) was used to analyze waveform data taken from 33 seismic stations located in Iraq and Iran to relocate earthquakes. The location of the earthquake sequence based on the IRSC bulletin shows a scattered spatial distribution, but the results of the relocations show that the earthquakes of the sequences are aligned in a longitudinal feature parallel to an anticline limb located in Ilam and Kermanshah provinces near the Iraqi border. The moment tensor solutions indicate that the sequence is related to a thrust fault with a 342º strike direction, 35º NE dip angle, and 76º rake angle. The TENSOR program was used to perform formal stress inversion of moment stress axes, which revealed that the azimuth of the maximum horizontal stress axis is 63º. The epicenters of the sequence are located between the Mountain Front Fault to the NE and the Zagros Foredeep Fault to the Southeast. We believe that the 2018 Mandali-Sumar earthquake sequence is related to displacement on the surface of the Zagros Foredeep Fault within the uppermost basement and the lowermost Phanerozoic cover.
A study on the design of a fitness furniture and its Finite element analysis
Authors: Guo Wenlong , He Jiarong , Li Kezhong , Zhang Jijuan , Zhang Zhongfeng
Published: April 2023

Objectives. To explore the demand for fitness furniture and the feasibility of its fitness function in the context of the current adaptation of home fitness equipment to the home environment.
Methods. Taking the growing demand for home fitness as the background, the problems of current home fitness equipment and home environment are analysed, the design path of fitness furniture is explored, and the fitness armchair is used as an example for design practice and Finite element analysis (FEA) simulation verification.
Results. The design is based on the human movement during fitness, the user's usage and emotional needs and the characteristics of the home environment and domestic space, as well as a combination of design factors such as shape, functionality, safety, versatility and ergonomics. We have designed fitness furniture that meets the needs of fitness and fits into the home environment.
Conclusion. The design of home fitness furniture must take into account the unity between the user, the fitness furniture and the home environment in order to facilitate comfortable and safe fitness activities in the home and to create a harmonious home environment.
High intensity exercise preconditioning influences on steroid hormones following the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model
Authors: Nourshahi Maryam , Mirghaisari Maryam , Talebi-Garakani Elahe , Soleimani Maryam , Alvandi Masomeh , Farahmand Fattaneh
Published: April 2023

Steroid hormones improve clinical and pathological symptoms using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, exercise seems to play an important role in increasing hormones such as 17beta-estradiol and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). In the present study, we evaluated whether 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) prior to induction of EAE increased 17beta-estradiol and ERβ and attenuate the severity of symptoms and/or disease progression in the EAE model. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into exercise (EX) and control (Con) groups. After 4 weeks of training, EAE was induced in half of the Con and the EX groups. The EAE-EX group after EAE induction trained for two more weeks. The EX group trained for 6 weeks. Six weeks of HIIT increased 17beta-estradiol and ERβ in the EX group compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The EAE-EX group had a significant increase in 17beta-estradiol and ERβ and a significant decrease in clinical symptoms compared to the EAE group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, the EAE group had a significant decrease in ERβ (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. Our data demonstrate that 6 week of HIIT increased 17beta-estradiol and ERβ in the cerebellum tissue. These hormones are associated with decrease clinical outcomes and further research is required to examine potential clinical relevance.
Ophthalmic Findings in Patients with Autosomal Recessive Lamellar Ichthyosis due to TGM1 Mutations in an Isolated Population
Authors: Macriz-Romero Nicole , Vera-Duarte Guillermo Raúl , Guerrero-Becerril Jesús , Chacón-Camacho Oscar F. , Astiazarán-Osornio Mirena , Zenteno Juan Carlos , Graue-Hernández Enrique O.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To describe the ocular clinical characteristics of a group of Mexican patients with lamellar ichthyosis (LI) arising from TGM1 pathogenic variants.
Methods: Ophthalmological exploration, pedigree analysis and genetic screening were performed in patients with an established clinical diagnosis of lamellar ichthyosis from families located in a small community in the Southeast of Mexico.
Results: Nine patients with LI in five families were identified. There were 6 affected females. All patients (9/9) demonstrated eye lid abnormalities with eight patients showing lid margin abnormalities. Madarosis was present in only 3 individuals and corneal scarring was documented in 2. All 9 individuals carried biallelic TGM1 variants, either homozygously or as compound heterozygous.
Conclusion: Ocular anomalies are common in individuals with TGM1-related LI. The occurrence of a variety of private or rare mutations hampers the identification of a genotype-phenotype correlation for ocular anomalies in this disorder.
An oxidative stress-related lncRNA prognostic risk model for thyroid cancer
Authors: 龙 亚红 , Mi Yan xia , Zhang Wan-chun , Jin Jian-hua
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Oxidative stress-elated genes (OSRGs) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been reported to be associated with cancer prognosis, but the prognostic role of oxidative stress-related lncRNAs (OSRlncRNAs) in thyroid cancer (THCA) is unclear.
Methods:RNA-sequencing data and OSRGs were downloaded from public databases. Differentially expressed OSRGs (DE-OSRGs) were identified by limma or DESeq2 packages. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to screen OSRlncRNAs. Furthermore, prognostic risk model was constructed by Cox and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analyses. A nomogram was further developed. Moreover, functional enrichment analyses were performed on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-risk groups. Finally, a lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed to analyze the regulatory relationship of model lncRNA.
Results: The prognostic risk model based on two OSRlncRNA (DPP4-DT, SAP30-DT) was constructed. The predictive power of the nomogram was accurate and reliable (c-index = 0.942). The neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, thyroid hormone synthesis, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions pathways are important in THCA. The co-expression network results showed that 88 DEGs were regulated by DPP4-DT.
Conclusion:The prognostic risk model constructed based on two OSRlncRNA (DPP4-DT, SAP30-DT) could effectively predict the prognosis of THCA patients and provided insights for new personalized prediction and treatment for THCA patients.
Monte Carlo simulation of the Varian TrueBeam flattened-filtered beams using a surrogate geometry in PRIMO
Authors: Rodriguez Miguel , Sempau Josep , Brualla Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

Background: Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport for medical linear accelerators (linacs) requires accurate knowledge of the geometrical description of the linac head. Since the geometry of Varian TrueBeam machines has not been disclosed, the manufacturer distributes phase-space files of the linac patient-independent part to allow researchers to compute absorbed dose distributions using the Monte Carlo method. This approach limits the possibility of achieving an arbitrarily small statistical uncertainty. This work investigates the use of the geometry of the Varian Clinac 2100, which is included in the Monte Carlo system PRIMO, as a surrogate.
Methods: Energy, radial and angular distributions extracted from the TrueBeam phase space files published by the manufacturer and from phase spaces tallied with PRIMO for the Clinac 2100 were compared for the 6, 8, 10 and 15 MV flattened-filtered beams. Dose distributions in water computed for the two sets of PSFs were compared with the Varian Representative Beam Data for square fields with sides ranging from 3 to 30 cm. Output factors were calculated for square fields with sides ranging from 2 to 40 cm.
Results: Excellent agreement with the Varian Representative Beam Data was obtained for the simulations that employed the phase spaces distributed by Varian as well as for those that used the surrogate geometry, reaching in both cases Gamma (2%, 2 mm) pass rates larger than 99%, except for the 15 MV surrogate. This result supports previous investigations that suggest a change in the material composition of the TrueBeam 15 MV flattening filter. In order to get the said agreement, PRIMO simulations were run using enlarged transport parameters to compensate the discrepancies between the actual and surrogate geometries.
Conclusions: This work sustains the claim that the simulation of the 6, 8 and 10 MV flattening-filtered beams of the TrueBeam linac can be performed using the Clinac 2100 model of PRIMO without significant loss of accuracy.
Genetic evidence for a causal relationship between innate leukocytes and risk of digestive system cancers in East Asians and Europeans
Authors: Zhu Jiahao , Pang Xiangyi , Wang Xin , Wang Ren , Lian Jie , Xu Benjie , Ji Shengjun , Lu Haibo
Published: April 2023

Background
Immune dysregulation plays an important role in cancer onset and development. The causal relationships between innate leukocytes prior to cancer and the risk of digestive system cancers remain unknown. This study assesses the causal correlations between white blood cells (WBC) and digestive system cancer risk in East Asians and Europeans.
Methods
Summary-level data of WBC-related genetic variation were extracted from Biobank Japan (107,964 and 62,076 participants), and a recent large-scale meta-analysis (563,946 participants). Summary-level data for the cancers were obtained from Biobank Japan (212,978 individuals) and the FinnGen consortium (178,802 participants). Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed in East Asians and Europeans separately.
Results
Univariable MR analysis demonstrated the significant association between circulating eosinophil counts and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the East Asians (odds ratio (OR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69–0.92, P = 0.002) and a suggestive relationship in the European population (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97, P = 0.013). An inverse suggestive association was observed between levels of basophil and risk of gastric cancer (GC) in East Asians (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72–0.97, P = 0.019). The multivariable MR analysis showed the independent causal effect of eosinophil count on CRC risk in East Asians (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.57–0.92, P = 0.009) and Europeans (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70–0.92, P = 0.002). Circulating basophils served as the negative causal factor in GC risk in East Asians (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67–0.94, P = 0.007).
Conclusions
Our MR analyses reveal the genetically causal effect of blood eosinophils on decreased risk of CRC in both Europeans and East Asians, and of basophils on decreased risk of GC in Europeans.
A Novel Nested Production Function Approach
Authors: Pal Samidh
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a new nested production function that is specifically designed for analyzing capital and labor intensity of manufacturing industries in developing and developed regions. The paper provides a rigorous theoretical foundation for this production function. The analysis shows that the production function can be used to accurately estimate the level of capital and labor intensity in industries, as well as to analyze the capacity utilization of these industries.
Conservation status of vascular epiphytes in the Neotropics
Authors: Carmona-Higuita Maria Judith , Mendieta-Leiva Glenda , Gómez-Díaz Jorge Antonio , Villalobos Fabricio , Ramos Flavio Nunes , Elias João Pedro Costa , Jiménez-López Derio Antonio , Zuluaga Alejandro , Holst Bruce , Kessler Michael , Mathieu Guido , Zizka Alexander , Zotz Gerhard , Krömer Thorsten
Published: April 2023

The Neotropical realm hosts some of the Earth’s most species-rich biodiversity hotspots, with vascular epiphytes significantly contributing to this diversity. However, many regions of the Neotropics where epiphytic species of restricted distribution are reported coincide with threatened ecosystems, such as the tropical montane cloud forest. Moreover, epiphytes may be especially vulnerable to land use and climate change impacts due to their dependence on host trees. We assessed the conservation status of vascular epiphytes in the Neotropics for the families that represent over 80% of the global epiphyte diversity (Araceae, Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae, and Polypodiaceae) and identified geographical centers of accumulation of threatened epiphyte species. We gathered information from free-access web repositories, specific epiphytic plant databases, and scientific and grey literature. We assessed the extinction risk of 11,446 epiphyte species following IUCN Red List guidelines, using Criterion B (geographic range size). We found nearly 60% (6,721 species) to be threatened, with 1,766 critically endangered (CR), 3,537 endangered (EN), and 1,418 vulnerable (VU). The threatened species are mainly found in the centers of endemism of vascular epiphytes in Central America, the northern Andes, and the Atlantic Forest. Our study emphasises that the centers of threatened species largely coincide with diversity hotspots, highlighting epiphytes as an especially vulnerable group that requires urgent conservation actions.
Harvest Maturity and Preharvest Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Treatment Effects on Cold-induced Ethylene Production of ‘Gala’ Apples
Authors: Cai Wanlinghe , Al Shoffe Yosef , Park DoSu , Watkins Christopher B.
Published: April 2023

Cold storage is a commonly adopted technology to maintain quality and extend shelf life; however, depending on the cultivar, ethylene production can be enhanced by short-term cold treatments. In this study, index of absorbance difference (IAD) values, which reflect skin chlorophyll concentrations of cold-influenced ripening patterns, of ‘Gala’ apples were investigated. Fruit that were untreated or treated with aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), which is a plant growth regulator that inhibits ethylene production of fruit, were harvested from a commercial orchard. Two IAD value categories 0.6 to 0.8 and 0.2 to 0.4 were chosen from a single harvest in 2019, whereas in 2020, the fruit in categories 0.6 to 0.8 and 0.2 to 0.4 were chosen for two harvests separated by 1 week, respectively. In 2019, only ethylene production was measured. In 2020, ethylene production, respiration, internal ethylene concentration (IEC), flesh firmness, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC), and malonyl 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (MACC) concentrations of fruit kept in air at 20 °C or stored at 0.5 °C for 21 days and then transferred to 20 °C were measured. The results were different from those described in the literature for cold-enhanced ethylene production of ‘Gala’ apples. Although ethylene production occurred without cold exposure of untreated fruit, exposure of fruit to 0.5 °C for 21 days resulted in more rapid and higher ethylene production rates and IEC than for fruit kept at only 20 °C. Ethylene production was suppressed by the preharvest AVG treatment, especially in 2020. The rates of respiration and softening of non-AVG treated fruit were enhanced by cold treatment. The effects of cold treatment were more significant for less mature fruit as indicated by higher IAD values.
Mucormycosis and Role of COVID-19 in its Pathogenicity in India: A Review
Authors: Basu Chiradeep , Bhattacharyya Subarna
Published: April 2023

Mucormycosis is a rising cause of invasive fungal infection but difficulty in diagnosis is the biggest detriment to early diagnosis. Rhinocerebral zygomycosis is most prevalent leading to vascular invasion, tissue necrosis, or even death. Rhizopus arrhizus is the most common causative agent of the disease, found on decaying organic matter but disease from Cunninghamella and Rhizomucor species should not be overlooked. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to increasing patients of diabetes mellitus whose post-COVID immunocompromised state coupled with steroid use has led to rising numbers of mucormycosis patients in India. The establishment of a standard for permissible levels of microbial load in indoor environments has been suggested.
Analysis of Oral rehydration Salt Citrate Drink on Selected Physiological Variables of Endurance Athlete
Authors: Sushma Kumari , Padmakar Padmakar
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Endurance is the ability to do something for long period of time without fatigue. Proper body electrolyte balance is most important during any endurance activities. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to analyze Oral Rehydration Salt Citrate (ORS) drink on physiological variables of endurance athlete. Methodology: Ten females aged between 18 and 25 years athletes from LNIPE, Gwalior were selected for this study. Physiological variables were body weight, total body water (TBW), total body potassium (TBK), plasma fluid, and mineral and performance was taken as another variable. Data Analysis: It was found that intake of ORS before and during the endurance activity was better than the plain water or nothing. Result: It also found that TBW, minerals, plasma fluid, and TBK reduction were less after intake of ORS and result of less electrolyte reduction leads to better performance.
Analyzing firm-specific factors affecting the financial performance of insurance companies in South Africa
Authors: Sthembiso Msomi Thabiso , Nzama Smangele
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect that firm-specific factors have on the financial performance of South African insurance companies. This paper looked at the performance of 36 insurers that are publicly traded and have quantifiable markets from 2008 to 2019. The return on assets (ROA) was calculated as a function of the financial performance in this study. While the firm size, leverage ratio, premium growth rate, liquidity ratio, and tangibility of assets were examined as dependent factors using the panel data regression technique, the premium growth rate, liquidity ratio, and tangibility of assets were explored as independent variables. According to the findings of the regression analysis, other firm-specific factors, with the exception of leverage and liquidity ratios, do not have a statistically significant influence on the financial performance of South African insurance companies. A negative and insignificant association was discovered between premium growth rate and ROA at –0.0023 and tangibility of assets and ROA at –0.0113. There was a strong positive and significant relationship between liquidity ratio and ROA at 0.0927, while the size had a positive but insignificant relationship with ROA at 0.0039. Leverage ratio and ROA had a negative but significant relationship at –0.1512. This study suggests that the use of automated systems and insured techs will be advantageous in cutting costs associated with policyholder enrollment, claims agreement, and even easily achieved tailor-made policy initiatives.
Dynamics of 137Cs concentrations in agricultural products after the Chernobyl accident: cereals, potato, and vegetables
Authors: Fesenko S. V. , Prudnikov P. V. , Isamov N. N. , Emlyutina E. S. , Epifanova I. E. , Shubina O. A.
Published: April 2023

The paper continues the cycle of publications addressed to the study of regularities of 137Cs content changes in agricultural products after the Chernobyl accident. The aim of the studies was to analyze the information describing changes in the 137Cs concentrations in agricultural animal forage: hay, haylage, silage and green fodder in the southwestern districts of the Bryansk region affected by the contamination after the ChNPP accident. The data on countermeasures in the fodder production are given and the system of radiological monitoring of fodder contamination is described. It is shown that the dynamics of changes in the 137Cs concentrations in fodder was mainly determined by the dynamics of implementation of remedial measures. The effective halflives of 137Cs concentration in forages during the first period after the accident (1987-1990) varied from 0.57 to 2.7 years. Subsequently (1991-2021) the decrease in feed contamination slowed down and the half-lives ranged from 8.0 to 50.0 years and longer depending on the scope of remediation and the characteristics of the plants used for the animal feed production.
Deferred Payment Facility- A Mechanism to Ease Purchase Decisions
Authors: Sengupta Ashok , Usmani Asad K. , Vishwakarma Suchita , Anees Mohammad , Singh Gajraj
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 epidemic has some beneficial effects. In the contemporary financial technology-based era, deferred payment is the latest feature of consumer purchase behavior. This study aims to better understand the variables that lead customers in Lucknow to use this facility to transact and buy goods and services. The majority of the study's core data came from 200 respondents has selected using a purposive sampling approach. Descriptive analysis has used to explore the variables driving customers to choose the purchase now-pay later form of payment. The analysis' conclusions show that the amount spent yearly on products acquired through this mechanism is greatly influenced by education, an increase in consumer demand for goods, and a rise in the level of life for people who use it.. The rises in spending also indicates the customers' purchasing choices. The study's findings imply that improving financial inclusion, reducing interbank diversity in payment methods, increasing information availability and accessibility, and making later payment options available in retail establishments and other places can all contribute to better outcomes.