bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extruder Component Repair on Extrusion Machine
Authors: Arwiyono Wiky Anjaya , Tjahjanti Prantasi Harmi
Published: March 2024

Practical work is a form of educational and vocational organization that is participated in by students so that students can work directly in the world of business, industry or fabrication. Practical work aims to prepare students to become productive people and be able to work directly in their respective fields. Students can also experience the production atmosphere experienced by professional engineering in a factory. This research process requires several materials and equipment as equipment in the design process as well as several methods. data collection and problem formulation in the form of morphological design. The method for repairing the screw extruder is re-poking the screw thread area which was proposed by the customer technician who said that the screw thread area was starting to wear out so it needed to be rejuvenated. Maintenance Preventive Maintenance. Re-priming or rejuvenating the threaded part because the threaded part has started to wear out. For example, in scheduling, for screw components until now there has been no regular maintenance or replacement to overcome damage. After the time of re-positioning the screw enters the turning stage to smooth the surface before the unevenness of the re-positioning or CV. Sumber Agung Widodo is a company that has complete manufacturing equipment that can produce various kinds of spare parts from various kinds of production machines. Various problems that often occur have an impact on the ongoing production process. Some of the causes include not only material factors, but human resource factors also influence production quality.
Autism-related gene intergenerationally regulates neurodevelopment and behavior in fish through non-genetic mechanisms
Authors: Clément Antoine , Merdrignac Constance , Puiggros Sergi Ruig , Brionne Aurélien , Nguyen Thaovi , Montfort Jerome , Guyomar Cervin , Dauvé Alexandra , Herpin Amaury , Jabaudon Denis , Colson Violaine , Murat Florent , Bobe Julien
Published: March 2024

Parental stress can impact progeny neurodevelopment and long-term behavior through gamete-mediated non-genetic inheritance (i.e., by mechanisms that do not involve transmission of genetic alleles). While intergenerational effects have been studied in males, maternal non-genetic mechanisms shaping long-term progeny behavior remain unknown in vertebrates. We focused on AUTS2, a gene maternally repressed in the fish oocyte following maternal stress and associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Here we show, using a model fish species, that maternal auts2a (the ortholog of human AUTS2) loss of function impacts progeny long-term behavior and modulates gene expression in neural cells during early neurodevelopment, including NDD-associated genes. We found that auts2a expression in the mother/oocyte regulates maternally-inherited factors, particularly transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators required for early embryonic development before zygotic genome activation. Our results unravel a non-genetic mechanism of maternal inheritance and shed new light on the intergenerational determinism of neurodevelopment and behavior in a vertebrate species. Moreover, we found that AUTS2 belongs to a group of 45 evolutionarily-conserved oocyte genes, associated with behavior and neurodevelopment in vertebrates and linked to severe human diseases, raising the question of the role of maternal factors in the determinism of NDDs.
The Efficacy and Mechanism of Kaempferol in Preventing perioperative neurocognitive disorders in the Elderly: Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Authors: Huang Enhao , LI Huadao , Han Hanghang , Liang Yubing , Huang Zijin , Qin Ke , Du Xueke
Published: March 2024

Objective:This research, founded on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation, seeks to elucidate the probable therapeutic effects of Kaempferol on perioperative neurocognitive disorders，along with its operational mechanism.
Methods:Key target points for the potential preventive effects of Kaempferol (Kae) on perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) were discerned through the Geo database and network pharmacology techniques. An animal model was established for PND through laparotomy. The model and therapeutic outcomes were verified using the Morris water maze (MWM) and Open field tests, subsequently, mechanisms of hub target regulation were confirmed through methods such as qPCR In vivo and in vitro experimental models were utilized to study the impact of Kae on microglial cell activation and inflammation, as well as Kae's rescuing effect on neuronal apoptosis, thereby exploring its neuroprotective action mechanism.
Results:Network pharmacology analysis revealed that Kae could potentially exert its therapeutic effect by regulating key targets such as p-AKT1, p-JUN, PPARG, and caspase-3. These targets primarily function within inflammation and immune modulation related pathways such as the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, TNF-α signaling pathway, and apoptosis. In vivo and in vitro model experiments demonstrated that Kae significantly influenced the activation and inflammatory response of microglial cells, indicating possible neuroprotective effects. Additionally, Kae was able to mitigate the apoptosis of primary neurons induced by LPS, a phenomenon that Kae rescues in a concentration-dependent manner.
Conclusion:By regulating key targets such as p-AKT1, p-JUN, PPARG, and caspase-3, Kaempferol might play a role in the prevention and treatment of PND, demonstrating neuroprotective and cognitive function improvement effects.
Sex Bias in Prediction and Diagnosis of Cardiac Surgery Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Demirjian Sevag , Huml Anne , Bakaeen Faisal , Poggio Emilio , Geube Mariya , Shaw Andrew , Gillinov A. Marc , Gadegbeku Crystal A.
Published: March 2024

Background
Female sex has been recognized as a risk factor for cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI). The current study sought to evaluate whether female sex is a risk factor for CS-AKI, or modifies the association of peri-operative change in serum creatinine with CS-AKI.
Methods
Observational study of adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2000 and 2019 in a single U.S. center. The main variable of interest was registered patient sex, identified from electronic medical records. The main outcome was CS-AKI within 2 weeks of surgery.
Results
Of 58526 patients, 19353 (33%) were female; 12934 (22%) incurred AKI based on ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or ≥ 50% rise in serum creatinine (any AKI), 3320 (5.7%) had moderate to severe AKI, and 1018 (1.7%) required dialysis within 2 weeks of surgery. Female sex was associated with higher risk for AKI in models that were based on preoperative serum creatinine (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.29–1.42), and lower risk with the use of estimated glomerular filtration, (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86–0.95). The risk for moderate to severe CS-AKI for a given immediate peri-operative change in serum creatinine was higher in female compared to male patients (p < .0001 and p < .0001 for non-linearity), and the association was modified by pre-operative kidney function (p < .0001 for interaction).
Conclusions
The association of patient sex with CS-AKI and its direction was dependent on the operational definition of pre-operative kidney function, and differential outcome misclassification due to AKI defined by absolute change in serum creatinine.
On the Origins of Mass
Authors: Szweizer Moshe , Schlagbaum Rivka
Published: March 2024

Probability, as manifested through entropy, is presented in this study as one of the most fundamental components of physical reality. It is demonstrated that the quantization of probability allows for the introduction of the mass phenomenon. In simple terms, gaps in probability impose resistance to change in movement, which observers experience as inertial mass. The model presented in the paper builds on two probability fields that are allowed to interact. The resultant probability distribution is quantized, producing discrete probability levels. Finally, a formula is developed that correlates the gaps in probability levels with physical mass. The model allows for the estimation of quark masses. The masses of the proton and neutron are arrived at with an error of 0.02%. The masses of sigma baryons are calculated with an error between 0.007% and 0.2%. The W-boson mass is calculated with an error of 1.3%. The model explains why proton is stable while other baryons are not.
Resilience and Responses to El Niño Costero 2017: A Multidimensional Impact Analysis in Peru
Authors: ANGULO ELEAZAR CHUCHON , ORSINI JOSE ANTONIO MARENGO
Published: March 2024

This study examines the multifaceted impacts and responses to the El Niño Costero 2017 in Peru, emphasizing the event's socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural repercussions. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis approach, the research delves into the effectiveness of disaster management strategies implemented and their outcomes on community resilience. Key findings highlight the critical areas of vulnerability and the adaptive measures adopted, offering insights for enhancing future disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Estimation of fracture-strike azimuth by QVOA analysis validated by simulated seismic data of physical modeling
Authors: Chichinina Tatiana , Sabinin Vladimir , Avila-Carrera Rafael , Polovkov Viacheslav , Popov Dmitry , Ding Pinbo
Published: March 2024

Vertical fractures cause azimuthal anisotropy. To predict the fractures’ azimuth, we use anisotropy analysis of the seismic attribute QVOA. The QVOA means “Q Versus Offset (θ) and Azimuth (φ)”. Q is a quality factor. The inverse (or the reciprocal) of the quality factor (Q-1) is a measure of the attenuation of the seismic-wave energy. When analysing the azimuthal variation of attenuation, it is considered that a fractured reservoir can be represented as a model of a transversely isotropic medium with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI). We derive an updated QVOA method to achieve the highest accuracy in estimation of the fracture-strike angle. The method is based on a new formula for the Q-1(θ,φ)-attenuation function, which gives the highest accuracy in estimating the azimuth of fractures by the least-squares method (LSM). As a sought-for parameter, we consider the fractures’ azimuth (φ0). In the former version of QVOA method, we used a simplified approximation formula of the attenuation function in the form A + Bx + Cx2 (where x = sin2θ cos2(φ-φ0)), as well as its truncated approximation A + Bx. However, to achieve the highest accuracy in estimating fracture direction, it is best to use our new canonical formula of the attenuation function, which gives the best accuracy of 0.25 degrees, which is validated by simulated seismic data of physical modelling. To test our QVOA method we use seismic data simulated by ultrasonic experiment. An artificial sample of fractured rock is built in the form of a four-layer cake model, which is immersed in water. Inside this layer cake there is an insert with artificial vertical aligned cracks. The Q-data on the attenuation are estimated along three seismic lines with 3 azimuths of the source-receiver line, φ = 0°, φ = 45°, and φ = 90°. To estimate the fracture-strike φ0-azimuth, we use the least squares method (LSM), namely, we minimize the functional of the difference between the theoretical function Q-1(θ,φ) and the real attenuation estimated from seismic data. The canonical formula results in the smallest and the most stable error (compared to the older versions of QVOA-method). The maximal attenuation is obtained at the φ = 0°-azimuth, which is the direction orthogonal to the fracture strike; and the minimal attenuation is at the φ0 = 90°, which is the fracture-strike. Thus, the experiment fully confirms the QVOA-method.
Quality of life, functional impairment and healthcare experiences of patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Norway: An online survey
Authors: El-Salhy Magdy , Johansson Mads , Ekelund Miriam , Hatlebakk Jan Gunnar
Published: March 2024

Background: The present study is an online survey to determine the quality of life and functional impairment caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the healthcare experiences of IBS patients in Norway, which has not been done previously.
Methods: An author-developed, online questionnaire using Microsoft Forms program was applied. The questionnaire comprised 52 questions. The questionnaire was posted from 1 March to 17 April (a 48-day period) on the Norwegian Gastrointestinal Association website and in its magazine and social media posts.
Results: The questionnaire was completed by 2727 patients. Of these patients 327 were excluded because they have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor. IBS reduced the quality of life in 97% of affected patients, including the social life in 90% and the sexual life in 69%. The unemployment rate of IBS patients in Norway was 29%, which is more than 8-fold higher than that of the general population, and 94% of IBS patients reported that IBS impaired their work/study performance. About half of the patients had to discuss their abdominal symptoms with their general practitioner (GP) more than 10 times and wait more than 1 years before being diagnosed. Only 34% and 48% were satisfied with the help they received from their GP and gastroenterologist, respectively. Only 18% and 43% of the IBS patients felt that their GP and gastroenterologist, respectively, were sufficiently knowledgeable about IBS. Only 21% of the IBS patients was satisfied with the treatment they received.
Conclusions: IBS markedly reduces the affected patient’s quality of life and their working productivity. IBS patients are generally dissatisfied with the clinical management they receive from GPs and gastroenterologists.
Changes in the outer nuclear layer and choroidal vascularity during the manifest and quiescent phases of acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Lim Gyeongsoo , Kim Kyung Tae , Kim Dong Yoon , Chae Ju Byung , Seo Eoi Jong
Published: March 2024

To investigate alteration of outer nuclear layer (ONL) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in different status of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). A retrospective review of 65 CSC eyes with subretinal fluid (manifest CSC) and 40 control eyes was conducted in a single tertiary university hospital. Differences in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ONL, and CVI were compared. CVI was assessed both in the entire choroid (CVI-EC) and around the 1,500μm leakage area (CVI-1500). Measurements were repeated after the subretinal fluid resorption (quiescent CSC), and compared. CSC eyes showed worse BCVA, thinner ONL and greater CVI than controls. Quiescent CSC showed a recovery of ONL compared to the manifest CSC, along with the BCVA improvement. The resolution of the CSC revealed a decrease across all three choroidal areas (total, stromal and luminal), with a more pronounced reduction in the stromal than in the luminal choroidal area, leading to an increase in the CVI. This phenomenon was shown in both CVI-EC and CVI-1500. Conclusively, ONL thickness can be used as a quantitative biomarker for photoreceptor function in CSC. Increased CVI may reflect a disease activity. The stromal choroidal area is particularly sensitive in illustrating leakage from the choroidal vasculature.
Neuroprotective effects of arterial albumin in acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion after endovascular therapy (NAIS-LVO): Rationale, design, and protocol for a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Du Kangjie , pan sihu , Liu Shuling , Wang Sifei , Luo Leilei , Xu Yongbo , Cao Chen , Chen Jian , Ji Xunming , Wei Ming
Published: March 2024

Background
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is an acute brain injury caused by sudden occlusion of a blood vessel, leading to interrupted blood flow. Endovascular therapy is the most effective way to restore blood flow. Although blood flow is restored in some patients, their clinical prognosis remains unsatisfactory. Albumin has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of AIS through various mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of local arterial infusions of 20% human serum albumin solution as an adjuvant therapy after endovascular therapy in patients with AIS.
Methods
This is a prospective clinical trial for testing the use of 20% human serum albumin solution injected via the artery after thrombectomy in patients with AIS. The study is divided into two stages. The first stage will explore the maximum safe dose according to the 3 + 3 dose increment principle; seven dose groups will be set up, with the maximum dose being 0.60 g/kg. After recanalizing the occluded blood vessel, 20% human serum albumin solution will be injected into the internal carotid artery region through an arterial catheter for 30 min. The second stage involves including at least 15 additional participants to complete safety trials at the maximum safe dose determined in the first stage. The primary outcome of this study will be symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. The secondary safety outcomes are death from any cause, intracranial hemorrhage, adverse reactions, severe adverse reactions, albumin-induced heart failure, pulmonary interstitial edema, and inflammatory anaphylaxis. The efficacy outcomes include the proportion of patients with a modified Rankin Scale of 0–2 on day 90 after randomization, the progression of cerebral infarction volume, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score after surgery.
Conclusion
This prospective clinical trial explores the safety and efficacy of arterial infusion of an albumin solution after occlusive vessel opening in AIS. The results will provide data parameters for subsequent tests on the arterial infusion of albumin solutions.
Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05953623, registered on 20/07/2023.
Analysis of risk factors of postoperative complication for non-small cell lung cancer Sub-heading Risk factors of postoperative complication
Authors: Motono Nozomu , Mizoguchi Takaki , Ishikawa Masahito , Iwai Shun , Iijima Yoshihito , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: March 2024

Background
The relationship between risk factors of common postoperative complications after pulmonary resection, such as air leakage, atelectasis, and arrhythmia, and patient characteristics, including nutritional status or perioperative factors, has not been sufficiently elucidated.
Methods
One thousand one hundred thirty-nine non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent pulmonary resection were retrospectively analyzed for risk factors of common postoperative complications.
Results
In a multivariate analysis, male sex (P = 0.01), age ≥ 65 years (P < 0.01), coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P < 0.01), upper lobe (P < 0.01), surgery time ≥ 155 minutes (P < 0.01), and presence of lymphatic invasion (P = 0.01) were significant factors for postoperative complication. Male sex (P < 0.01), age ≥ 65 years (P = 0.02), body mass index (BMI) < 21.68 (P < 0.01), coexistence of COPD (P = 0.02), and surgery time ≥ 155 minutes (P = 0.01) were significant factors for severe postoperative complication. Male sex (P = 0.01), BMI < 21.68 (P < 0.01), thoracoscopic surgery (P < 0.01), and surgery time ≥ 155 minutes (P < 0.01) were significant risk factors for postoperative air leakage. Coexistence of COPD (P = 0.01) and coexistence of asthma (P < 0.01) were significant risk factors for postoperative atelectasis. Prognostic nutrition index (PNI) < 45.52 (P < 0.01), lobectomy or extended resection more than lobectomy (P = 0.01), and surgery time ≥ 155 minutes (P < 0.01) were significant risk factors for postoperative arrhythmia.
Conclusion
Low BMI, thoracoscopic surgery, and longer surgery time were significant risk factors for postoperative air leakage. Coexistence of COPD and coexistence of asthma were significant risk factors for postoperative atelectasis. PNI, surgery time, and surgical procedure were revealed as risk factors of postoperative arrhythmia. Patients with these factors should be monitored for postoperative complication.
Trial registration:
The Institutional Review Board of Kanazawa Medical University approved the protocol of this retrospective study (approval number: I392), and written informed consent was obtained from all patients
A Phenome-Wide Association Study of Uterine Fibroids Reveals a Marked Burden of Comorbidities
Authors: Edwards Digna Velez , Jasper Elizabeth , Mautz Brian , Hellwege Jacklyn , Piekos Jacqueline , Jones Sarah , Zhang Yanfei , Torstenson Eric , Pendergrass Sarah , Edwards Todd L
Published: March 2024

The burden of comorbidities in those with uterine fibroids compared to those without fibroids is understudied. We performed a phenome-wide association study to systematically assess the association between fibroids and other conditions. Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Synthetic Derivative and Geisinger Health System Database, two electronic health record databases, were used for discovery and validation. Non-Hispanic Black and White females were included. Fibroid cases were identified through a previously validated algorithm. Race-stratified and cross-ancestry analyses, adjusting for age and body mass index, were performed before significant, validated results were meta-analyzed. There were 52,200 and 26,918 (9,022 and 10,232 fibroid cases) females included in discovery and validation analyses. In cross-ancestry meta-analysis, 389 conditions were associated with fibroid risk with evidence of enrichment of circulatory, dermatologic, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and sense organ conditions. The strongest associations within and across racial groups included conditions previously associated with fibroids. Numerous novel diagnoses, including cancers in female genital organs, were tied to fibroid status. Overall, individuals with fibroids had a marked increase in comorbidities compared to those without fibroids. This novel approach to evaluate the health context of fibroids highlights the potential to understand fibroid etiology through studying common biology of comorbid diagnoses and through disease networks.
Integration and Evaluation of Implementation Strategies to Improve Guideline-Concordant Bladder Cancer Surveillance
Authors: Zubkoff Lisa , Ismail A. Aziz Ould , Jensen Laura , Haggstrom David A , Kale Soham , Issa Muta M , Tosoian Jeffrey J , Siddiqui Mohummad Minhaj , Bloomquist Kennedi , Kimball Elisabeth R , Zickmund Susan , Schroeck Florian R
Published: March 2024

Background Despite guideline recommendations, our prior work revealed that more than half of low-risk bladder cancer patients within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) undergo too many surveillance procedures and about a third of high-risk patients do not undergo enough procedures. Thus, we developed and integrated implementation strategies to improve risk-aligned bladder cancer surveillance for the VA system.Methods In prior work we conducted an Implementation Mapping process to develop nine implementation strategies: change record systems, educational meetings, champions, tailoring, preparing patients to be active participants, external facilitation, remind clinicians, audit & feedback, and a blueprint. In this work, we integrated these strategies as improvement approaches across four VA sites. The primary outcomes were qualitatively measured implementation outcomes, including appropriateness, acceptability, feasibility, and sustainability. Exploratory outcomes were quantitatively measured and included clinicians’ recommendations for guideline-concordant bladder cancer surveillance intervals.Results Changing record systems via a template in the electronic health record (EHR) was most impactful. Educational meetings and champions were critical for the integration of the strategies. The ability to tailor strategies contributed to clinician buy-in. Preparing patients to be active participants was helpful for clinicians and patients but time-consuming. Facilitation was key to launching the strategies. Some sites used and valued clinician reminders in the form of cheat sheets and posters, but this varied across sites. For low-risk patients, clinicians recommended guideline-concordant surveillance about 65% of the time at baseline, and this improved to 70% during evaluation. Across all risk groups, recommendations for guideline-concordant surveillance intervals were already present in more than 85% of baseline encounters and did not change. All sites sustained use of the changed EHR system, while sustainability of the other strategies was variable.Conclusions In general, strategies were successfully integrated and found to be appropriate, acceptable, and feasible. Future work should assess the impact of the improvement approaches on clinical care processes, particularly on reducing overuse of surveillance procedures among low-risk patients, as our study was not designed or powered to formally assess this outcome.Trial Registration The implementation strategies were not considered a healthcare intervention on human participants by the governing funding agency and IRB. Rather, they were seen as quality improvement interventions. Thus, this study did not meet criteria for a clinical trial and was not registered as such.
AntiDiarrhea and Central Nerval System Activity of Methanolic Extract of Holarrhenna antidysenterica (L.)
Authors: Kundu Milton Kumar , Mallick Samir , Rahman Md. Ahsanur , Islam Md Rabiul , Reza Md Shahin
Published: March 2024

Diarrhea is a public health problem in developing countries. There are various useful plants plays important role to show antidiarrheal activity. In this study we are paying attention on the methanolic extract of Holarrhenna antidysenterica for its antidiarrheal effects on different anti-diarrheal animal models. At the same time we also observed whether it has any effects on the central nervous system. The antidiarrheal activity of methanol extract of seed of Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) at dose 1200, 1400 and 1600 mg/kg was assessed on experimental animal and all these three doses decreased the total number of fecal dropping in castor oil induced diarrhoea. There were no significant results found in the inhibition of fluid accumulation in the intestine at 1400 and 1600 mg/kg dose. There was delayed the gastrointestinal transit time observed in mice for 1600 mg/kg dose of extract. The plant extract was also assessed on the central nervous system using a number of neuropharmacological experimental models in mice. The Extract at 1600 mg/kg showed significant decreased standing activity in the open field test. In hole board test, the number of movement and defecation significantly increased for the extract 1600 mg/kg but no activity for head dipping for both of these doses had seen. There was also increased the movement in hole cross test for the Extract 1600 mg/kg body weight.
Intestinal and peritoneal lesions in pigs with wounded umbilical outpouchings transported to the abattoir
Authors: Jørgensen Benjamin Meyer , Jensen Tina Birk , Becker Cecilie Brandt , Flyger Christoffer Kirkelund , Christensen Maja Vive , Birch Andreas , Jensen Henrik Elvang
Published: March 2024

Background
Umbilical outpouchings (UOs) in pigs are of welfare and production concern in Danish pig herds. One of the challenges is the transportation of these animals due to the size of the UOs and ulcerations on them. With certain precautions and an approval from a veterinarian, pigs with UOs may be transported, however, UOs are associated with several intra-abdominal lesions, e.g. peritonitis and incarceration, which may worsen during the process of transportation. The prevalence and characterization of intra-abdominal lesions associated with UOs following transportation has not been investigated. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate lesions associated with the intestines and peritoneum in slaughter pigs with wounded UOs following transportation to an abattoir.
Results
A cross-sectional study involving three conventional Danish pig herds was conducted comprising 96 slaughter pig with wounded UOs transported to an abattoir. Following slaughter the UOs with accompanying intestines were examined pathologically. Three distinct morphological categories were present; hernia, enterocystoma and herniating enterocystoma. Intra-abdominal lesions were present in 72% of the animals, representing 65% (44/68) of the hernias, 77% (10/13) of the enterocystomas,, and 100% (15/15) of the herniating enterocystomas. Several different lesions were found like bleedings, acute/chronic peritonitis and hypertrophy of the intestinal muscular layers.
Conclusions
The prevalence of intra-abdominal lesions in pigs transported with a wounded UO was found to be high independent of the underlying condition, and it is clear that these pigs possess a vulnerable group of animals, especially during physical stressful situations like transportation. More information is needed regarding the prevalence of intra-abdominal lesions in UO pigs without wounds on the UO. The results provide valuable knowledge, that can be used when examining and evaluating UO pigs before transportation.
Plasma miR-3192-5p is a Potential biomarker associated with spinal tuberculosis patients
Authors: Dai Jie , Li Jiong , Xiang Gang , Gao Qile , Wang Yunjia , Xiao Lige , Yang Guanteng , Zhang Hongqi
Published: March 2024

Background.
Spinal tuberculosis (STB) accounts for approximately 50% of all bone and joint tuberculosis cases, and the understanding of the molecular mechanism of spinal tuberculosis remains limited. Accurate biomarkers are needed to diagnose spinal tuberculosis, which will help manage the incidence of spinal tuberculosis. The gold standard for the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis requires biopsies of the lesions, which often cause the lesions to spread or delay the timing of anti-tuberculosis therapy. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop noninvasive diagnostic tools. As a candidate diagnostic marker of spinal tuberculosis, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have the characteristics of easy detection, good stability, and strong tissue specificity.
Methods.
The gene expression database was utilized to compare the expression of miRNAs between patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis and undiagnosed patients, and the interaction between miRNAs and target genes was analysed to explain their expression and function. A protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network was further constructed. In bioinformatics analysis, RT‒qPCR was used to verify the expression of miRNAs in the BMSC cell line. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed by using plasma miRNAs from 12 patients with spinal tuberculosis and 12 healthy controls, and its clinical diagnostic value was evaluated.
Results.
We identified six novel miRNAs as potential candidate diagnostic biomarkers for patients with spinal tuberculosis. In addition, the predicted target genes provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying spinal tuberculosis.
Conclusion.
There was a stable and significant difference in the expression of miR-3192-5p between STB and healthy controls. Our findings may provide reliable candidate biomarkers for the precise diagnosis and individualized treatment of STB and the development of further clinical applications in STB.
Advantages of three-dimensional echocardiography over TAPSE/sPAP for the assessment of right ventricular–arterial coupling in precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Lv Guangjie , Li Ai-li , Zhai Ya-nan , Li Lei , Deng Mei , Lei Jie-ping , Tao Xin-cao , Gao Qian , Xie Wan-Mu , Zhai Zhen-guo
Published: March 2024

Background:
As a well-adopted surrogate of Right ventricular-arterial coupling (RVAC), the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio (TAPSE/sPAP)has limitations, especially when pulmonary artery pressure cannot be accurately estimated by tricuspid regurgitation or when the TAPSE is reduced after cardiac surgery, such as pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) coupling parameters could compensate for the deficiency of TAPSE/sPAP in assessing RVAC in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients.
Methods:
Fifty-nine patients with precapillary PH were retrospectively recruited. The "gold standard" of RVAC was derived from right heart catheterization (RHC) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). 3DE coupling parameters included right ventricular end-systolic maximum elasticity (3DE Ees), pulmonary artery effective elasticity (3DE Ea) and storke volume/end-systolic volume (3DE SV/ESV) for RVAC. The relationships between echocardiographic RVAC parameters and RHC-CMR coupling standard were analyzed by Pearson’s test and Bland‒Altman test. Multivariate ordinal regression analysis was used to identify echocardiographic parameters associated with prognostic risk stratification. 24 CTEPH patients were enrolled to explore the changes of echocardiographic RVAC parameters before and after PEA.
Results:
The 3DE coupling parameters showed a strong correlation and good agreement with the RHC-CMR coupling standard. The TAPSE and sPAP were moderately related to the RHC-CMR coupling standard, but their consistency was poor, with a significant bias of 0.44 (95% CI: 0.374, 0.511). TAPSE/sPAP was only associated with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) in CTEPH patients before PEA (r=-0.605, -0.758, P < 0.001), but 3DE SV/ESV remained moderately correlated with PVR and mPAP before and after PEA (r =-0.614, -0.655, P < 0.001). The TAPSE/sPAP was the strongest predictor of prognostic risk after multivariate regression analysis.
Conclusion: 3DE-derived coupling parameters can noninvasively evaluate the RVAC of precapillary PH. 3DE SV/ESV is superior to TAPSE/sPAP in evaluating postoperative condition of CTEPH patients. However, TAPSE/sPAP has advantages in predicting the prognosis of patients with precapillary PH.
Performance Evaluation of Aerial Drone to Ground Communication Links using Adaptive Modulation and Coding Techniques
Authors: GADHIRAJU SAI SHRUTHI , SARKAR MAHASWETA , NAGARAJ SANTOSH
Published: March 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used to develop wireless technologies for ground communications. These technologies are continuously advancing and are expected to improve further in the near future. Conventional communication systems need sophisticated and costly infrastructure, along with time-consuming installation processes. In contrast, a UAV-assisted wireless communication system ensures a cost-effective wireless connection to devices without the requirement for cumbersome infrastructure installation. Wireless communication systems integrated with low-altitude UAVs offer faster deployment, increased mobility, easy re-configuration, and are expected to provide higher quality communication channels with shorter range line-of-sight (LOS) connectivity compared to High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) like hot air balloons or terrestrial systems. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the UAV-to-Ground system is impeded by unforeseeable obstacles, which impact the integrity of the communication connection between drones and ground users. This letter explores the application of adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) in Aerial-to-Ground (A2G) networks. Our objective is to assess the network capacity and downlink data rates, as well as achieve optimal performance. This study also covers a comprehensive assessment of path loss, Signal-to-Noise ratio, delay, and throughput performance on terrestrial users linked to airborne drones in various environments. In addition, we conducted research on the link parameters that control the switching of modulation and coding rates on the downlink of the A2G channel.
Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Solar-Powered Irrigation in the Middle East
Authors: Khalaf Kamil , Salam Ahmed Abdel , Attiya Bashar
Published: March 2024

The reduction of fossil fuel consumption is widely supported across various sectors. The agriculture sector presents a significant opportunity for sustainable solutions, electricity consumption is substantial for water pumping and irrigation. Solar power emerges as a promising alternative, particularly in the Middle East, renowned for its abundant solar resources. This study conducts a financial assessment integrating solar power into agricultural irrigation within the region. The proposed solar water system utilizes monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules to power a centrifugal pump, transferring water from 10-meter-deep wells to a 40 m3 surface tank. This system, with an initial investment cost of $25,058, was analyzed for economic feasibility in four locations: Bahtim (Egypt), Suwyban (United Arab Emirates), Ash Shibaniyah (Qatar), and Wadi Al Dawaserm (Saudi Arabia). Among these locations, the United Arab Emirate stands out for its substantial exposure to solar radiation, averaging 175 kWh/m2/day. The study emphasizes the importance of site-specific analysis over solely relying on a nation's economic status. Simulations conducted using the PVSYST program revealed that while the system performs less effectively in the Gulf regions due to the extreme temperatures, it achieves a high performance of 67.9% in Egypt. The system proves to be quite profitable in Egypt, with a payback period of 7.8 years and a net present value of $7175.37. The successful implementation of this solution fosters collaboration between stakeholders, decision-makers, and Egyptian authorities, collectively contributing to environmental protection by transitioning agriculture away from fossil fuel reliance.
Coupled Surcharge-Vacuum Preloading Consolidation with PVDs Including Time-Variable Discharge Capacity Under Varying Permeability in Smear Zone
Authors: Kharsyiemiong Khrawboklang , Sawant Vishwas A , Mittal Satyendra
Published: March 2024

Prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) accelerate the consolidation process by providing extra drainage channels to the soil system to dissipate pore-water pressure. Coupled surcharge-vacuum preloading is a reliable and successful approach for enhancing the engineering properties of compressible soft soils. Most analytical solutions for surcharge-vacuum consolidation with PVDs need to meet realistic conditions during the consolidation process, such as multi-stage time-dependent surcharge preloading, nonlinear permeability distribution in the smear zone, and time-varying discharge capacity of the drain. This study presents a simple solution, including the conditions mentioned above achieved through the numerical method using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method (RK4) and evaluating the average excess pore pressure, average degree of consolidation, and settlement for different possibilities of the variation of the discharge capacity during the consolidation process. Comparisons are made between the instantaneous and time-dependent surcharge preloading. The faster rate of construction of surcharge preloading expedited the consolidation process and potentially reduced the influence of well resistance. Compared to the existing research and measured data from observation in the field, the proposed solution showed a good agreement. A parametric study is conducted for various values of decay constant of discharge capacity, smear zone size, spacings between PVDs, smear zone permeability ratio, initial drain permeability ratio, vacuum loss along the drain depth, and different distributions of permeability in the smear zone. For a given decay constant of discharge capacity, during the consolidation process, the results showed that the consolidation in the soil system is faster in the case of small smear zone size, small spacings between PVDs, low smear zone permeability ratio, and higher initial drain permeability ratio.
The birds of the archaeological sites of the Acropolis area (Athens, Greece)
Authors: Tsounis Lambros , Tsounis Gregory
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of the present study is to highlight the avifauna present in the archaeological sites surrounding the Acropolis, while emphasizing the importance of these areas as vital wildlife habitats in the historical centre of Athens, the largest city in Greece. This objective extends to raising awareness and prompting immediate action by government agencies to initiate sustainable management practices for the archaeological sites. The present research centred on recording the avifauna of the archaeological sites of the Acropolis for the first time. During the period of 2000–2023, 145 bird species in total were recorded in the study area. Of these, 53 species (36.5%) are passage migrants (PM), 11 species (7.5%) are summer visitors (SV), 27 species (18.6%) live permanently in the area (R), 35 species (24.1%) are winter visitors (WV), and 18 species (12.4%) are occasional visitors (OV). Given these findings, the study area appears to be an important stopover for birds during their migration, as well as an important place for a large number of birds to find shelter within the centre of Athens. These characteristics set the archaeological sites of the Acropolis apart from world cultural heritage monuments and world natural heritage monuments.
On-Orbit Mission Overview of the Low Power Hall Thruster Propulsion System aboard Venμs Satellite
Authors: Katz-Franco Daniel , Lev Dan , Shoor Boaz , Davidson Amoz , Zimmerman Raul , Appel Leonid , Rinski Vladislav , Berkman Sapir , Baron Dror , Herscovitz Jacob
Published: March 2024

Venµs is a satellite launched in 2017, for super-spectral Earth imaging and Electric Propulsion System (EPS) demonstration. In this paper we overview EPS design and operation throughout all five mission phases, from open/closed-loop orbit control, through orbit descent (720→410 km), orbit maintenance under high drag environment, to orbit raising (410→560 km). The EPS consisted of two throttleable Hall thrusters, PPU, Propellant Management Assembly (PMA), and a 9 liter propellant tank carrying 16 kg of Xenon. Both thrusters operated in the 300–550 W power range, generated a combined total impulse of 158.1 kN-sec and consumed all propellant. Two methods are described to compute the remaining propellant mass – “Bookkeeping” and “PTV” methods. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed in light of the Venµs mission. Thruster performance was measured on-orbit using the “Orbit Determination” method and compared to laboratory experiments conducted on the ground with identical thrusters. The measured performance on-orbit was found to be on average lower by up to 5% than the performance measured on the ground. Lastly, we present several repeating events in which the propulsion system suffered from sudden beam-outs or ignition difficulties. We present the methods used to construct a solution and implement it.
Cathepsin K promotes bone invasion of pituitary adenomas via interacting with TLR4 to mediate RANKL expression
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Wang Guoqi , Wang Peng , Zhao Jian , Han Wenjing , Mu Yiming , Gu Weijun
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the regulation and mechanism of Cathepsin K (CTSK) in bone invasive pituitary adenomas (BIPAs).
Experimental Design: A total of 1437 patients with pituitary adenomas were included and followed up. RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR were used to analyze to detect CTSK expression. The impact of CTSK on cellular proliferation, bone matrix degradation, and osteoclasts differentiation was determined by gain/loss of function experiments in vitro and vivo. The exploration of signaling pathway was determined by molecular biology experiments.
Results: Here, we reported a significant fraction (~10%) of pituitary adenoma patients developed bone invasion. Bone invasion was correleted with tumor recurrence. Shorter recurrence free survival was found in BIPA patients. CTSK expression was increased in BIPA patients and strongly associated with worse prognosis. Increased CTSK expression promoted pituitary adenoma cell proliferation via activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and bone invasion via increasing osteoclast differentiation in vitro and in vivo. CTSK inhibitor (odanacatib) could inhibit pituitary adenoma cell proliferation and bone invasion in vitro and in vivo. CTSK promoted osteoclast differentiation by promoting the RANKL expression of MC3T3-E1 cells through interaction with TLR4.
Conclusion: CTSK may become a novel predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target for BIPAs.
Assessing the mitigation of Pb toxicity by the synergistic application of Oxalic acid and salicylic acid on maize plants
Authors: Gupta Minoti , Kumar Swantantar , Mishra Raghvendra Kumar , Dwivedi Vinay
Published: March 2024

We investigated the effects of Pb, oxalic acid (OA), and salicylic acid (SA) on the physiological and biochemical markers of maize (Zea mays L.) plants. The plants of Zea mays were subjected to treatments for 15, 30, and 45 days at doses of Pb at 0.5 mM, SA at 25 mg/l, and OA at 25 mg/l and SA+OA at 25 mg/l each. Plants under Pb stress displayed decreased relative water content, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and xanthophyll pigments, total carbohydrate content as well as growth metrics. SEM demonstrated that the stomatal conductance of Zea mays plants during Pb stress was decreased. The Zea mays plants had increased stomatal conductance in addition to improved growth metrics on the combined application of SA and OA. In Zea mays, the heavy metal Pb increased O2- generation, H2O2, and oxidative damage. On the other hand, SA + OA treatment of Zea mays plants reduced the adverse effects of heavy metals by decreasing oxidative stress, which resulted in suppressed O2- production and H2O2, as well as elevated SOD and GPOX enzyme activity. The application's exceptional efficacy in lowering Pb toxicity in maize plants suggests that OA + SA can enhance plant growth and development at the physiological level.
Validation of the Charlson Comorbidity Index for the prediction of 30-day and 1-year mortality in an extensive hip fracture cohort
Authors: de Haan Eveline , Oosten Benthe van , Rijckevorsel Veronique. A.J.I.M. , Kuijper T. Martijn , de Jong Louis , Roukema Gert R.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
The aim of our study wasto validate the original Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and adjusted CCIas prediction model for 30-day and 1-year mortality after hip fracture surgery. The secondary aim of this study was to verify each variable of the CCI as a factor associated with 30-day and 1-year mortality.
Methods: A prospective database of two level II trauma teaching hospitals in the Netherlands was used. The original CCI from 1987 and the adjusted CCI from 2011 were calculated based on medical history. To validate the original CCI and the adjusted CCI from 2011, the CCI was plotted against the observed 30-day and 1-year mortality, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.
Results:
In total,3523 patients were included in this cohort study. The mean of the original CCI in this cohort was 5.1 (SD±2.0) and 4.6 (SD±1.9) for the adjusted CCI. The AUCsof the prediction modelswere 0.674 and 0.696 for 30-day mortality for the original and adjusted CCIs, respectively. The AUCsfor 1-year mortality were 0.705 and 0.717 for the original and adjusted CCIs, respectively.
Conclusions: A higher original and adjusted CCI is associated with a higher mortality rate. The AUC wasrelatively low for 30-day and 1-year mortality for both the original and adjusted CCIscompared to other prediction models for hip fracture patients in our cohort. The CCI is not recommended for the prediction of 30-day and 1-year mortality in hip fracture patients.