bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Environment and Loading Rate on the Mechanical Properties of Float Glass: Statistical Examination of Ring-on-Ring Testing for Air and Tin-Exposed Surface
Authors: DAIRI walid , HAMIDOUCHE mohammed
Published: April 2024

This study examined ring-on-ring tests on float glass samples, analyzing how two different test speeds (0.3 mm/s and 0.165 mm/s) affected the tin and air sides of the glass. The tests were conducted under both dry and wet conditions, followed by statistical analysis of various parameters for each side of the glass. The findings revealed significant differences between the Eta and Beta values, as well as on the mean stress and medians, indicating varying results depending on the parameters studied. Statistical analysis was used to assess the significance of these differences, emphasizing the importance of considering test conditions and speeds when evaluating the mechanical properties of float glass. This research sheds light on the nuanced effects of environmental conditions and test parameters on the mechanical properties of glass, including on the mean stress and medians, providing a foundation for further exploration and applications in relevant industries.
Predicting Hospitalization Costs for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Fan Shiyu , Abulizi Abudoukeyoumujiang , You Yi , Huang Chencui , Yimit Yasen , Li Qiange , Zou Xiaoguang , Nijiati Mayidili
Published: April 2024

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis is a prevalent chronic disease associated with a significant economic burden on patients. Predicting costs can help rationalize the cost structure and manage expenses efficiently. Traditional models have limited predictive performance, but machine learning and big data analysis have shown promise in predicting hospitalization costs. By utilizing accurately predicting costs, medical resources could be allocated more effectively, thereby leading to better control of patient hospitalization costs.
Methods: This study selected data from the information system of a pulmonary hospital in the Kashgar between 2020 and 2022. A total of 9570 eligible pulmonary tuberculosis patients were included in the study. Multiple regression and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) prediction models were developed using SPSS 26.0 and Python 3.7, respectively. The training set included data from 2020 and 2021, while the test set comprised data from 2022. The models predicted seven costs related to pulmonary tuberculosis patients, including diagnostic cost, medical service cost, material cost, treatment cost, drug cost, other cost, and total hospitalization cost. The model's predictive performance was evaluated using R-square, Root Mean Squared Error, and Mean Absolute Error metrics.
Results: Among the 9570 pulmonary tuberculosis cases included in the study, the median and quartile of patient age are 67.00 (55.00, 74.00) years old; The median and quartile length of hospital stay for patients are 14.00 (11.00, 21.00) days, and the median and quartile of total hospitalization expenses are 13150.45 (9891.3419648.48) yuan. Material cost accounted for the highest proportion (30.25%) in the composition of total hospitalization cost, followed by drug cost (24.01%). Nine factors, including age, marital status, admission condition, length of hospital stay, initial treatment, presence of other diseases, transfer, drug resistance, and admission department, significantly influenced hospitalization costs for pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Excluding other cost, in both the training and test sets, the MLP model demonstrated higher R2 and lower RMSE and MAE results.
Conclusion: In conclusion, MLP can effectively leverage patient information and accurately predict various hospitalization costs, achieving a rationalized structure of hospitalization costs by adjusting higher-cost inpatient items and balancing different cost categories. The insights from this predictive model also hold relevance for research in other medical conditions.
Toward engineering lattice structures with the Material Point Method (MPM)
Authors: Giraldo-Londoño Oliver , Muñetón-López Rogelio A. , Barclay Paul L. , Zhuang Xiatian , Zhang Duan Z. , Chen Zhen
Published: April 2024

This study examins the potential of two variants of the material point method—the generalized interpolation material point (GIMP) and dual domain material point (DDMP) methods—in developing a robust computational framework for engineering lattice structures under different loading conditions. The study begins with assessing the ability of the two methods in predicting elastic buckling phenomena using column geometries with and without initial geometric imperfections. The results indicate that both methods effectively capture buckling phenomena when initial geometric imperfections are introduced. After this verification step, we create several models of tetrahedral lattice structures with varying strut diameter and orientation and subject them to quasi-static loading. We then validate the numerical results using laboratory test results. The results show that, while both methods accurately predict load-displacement curves in the pre-buckling regime, their predictive capabilities diminish in the post-buckling regime. Through visual comparison between the numerical and experimental deformed shapes, it appears that the discrepancies between model and experimental results are attributed to initial geometric imperfections in the lattices that occurred during 3D printing. We then establish a second set of lattice models where different types of initial geometric imperfections are considered. The results from these models show that imperfections have a negligible influence in the pre-buckling regime but affect the behavior considerably in the post-buckling regime. As a final step in this work, we subject the lattice models to impact loading and employ hyphotetical soft and stiff materials. These results show that the lattice stiffness, which depends on material stiffness, strut diameter, and orientation, significantly influences the ability of a lattice structure to resist impact. In particular, we find that a stiffer lattice (i.e., one made with a stiff material and thicker struts) is capable of absorbing more energy than a softer one during impact. Although material nonlinearities, inelasticity, and detailed contact formulations are not considered in this study, the findings obtained herein lay the groundwork for engineering lattice structures under extreme loading conditions through a simulation-driven framework based on particle-based methods.
Private Detection of Relatives in Forensic Genomics using Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: de Souza Fillipe Dias Moreira , de Lassus Hubert , Cammarota Ro
Published: April 2024

Background: Forensic analysis heavily relies on DNA analysis techniques, notably autosomal Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), to expedite the identification of unknown suspects through genomic database searches. However, the uniqueness of an individual’s genome sequence designates it as Personal Identifiable Information (PII), subjecting it to stringent privacy regulations that can impede data access and analysis, as well as restrict the parties allowed to handle the data.
Homomorphic Encryption (HE) emerges as a promising solution, enabling the execution of complex functions on encrypted data without the need for decryption. HE not only permits the processing of PII as soon as it is collected and encrypted, such as at a crime scene, but also expands the potential for data processing by multiple entities and artificial intelligence services.
Methods: This study introduces HE-based privacy-preserving methods for SNP DNA analysis, offering a means to compute kinship scores for a set of genome queries while meticulously preserving data privacy. We present three distinct approaches, including one unsupervised and two supervised methods, all of which demonstrated exceptional performance in the iDASH 2023 Track 1 competition.
Results: Our HE-based methods can rapidly predict 400 kinship scores from an encrypted database containing 2000 entries within seconds, capitalizing on advanced technologies like Intel AVX vector extensions, Intel HEXL, and Microsoft SEAL HE libraries. Crucially, all three methods achieve remarkable accuracy levels (ranging from 96% to 100%), as evaluated by the auROC score metric, while maintaining robust 128-bit security. These findings underscore the transformative potential of HE in both safeguarding genomic data privacy and streamlining precise DNA analysis.
Conclusions: Results demonstrate that HE-based solutions can be computationally practical to protect genomic privacy during screening of candidate matches for further genealogy analysis in Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG).
Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies causal plasma proteins in Interstitial lung disease
Authors: Yu Kunrong , Li Wanying , Long Wenjie , Li Yijia , Li Yanting , Liao Huili , Liu Jianhong
Published: April 2024

Background
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has exhibited limited overall treatment advancements, with scant exploration into circulating protein biomarkers causally linked to ILD and its subtypes beyond idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Therefore, our study aims to investigate potential drug targets and circulating protein biomarkers for ILD and its subtypes.
Methods
We utilized the most recent large-scale plasma protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) data detected from the antibody-based method and ILD and its subtypes’ GWAS data from the updated FinnGen database for Mendelian randomization analysis. To enhance the reliability of causal associations, we conducted external validation and sensitivity analyses, including Bayesian colocalization, bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis, and phenotype scanning.
Results
Genetic prediction levels of eight proteins were associated with the risk of ILD or its subtypes. Through a series of sensitivity analyses, three proteins were identified as priority proteins for circulating biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Specifically, CDH15(Cadherin-15)increased the risk of ILD༈OR = 1.32, 95%CI 1.16–1.49, P = 1.60×10− 6༉, and LTBR༈Lymphotoxin-beta receptor༉increased the risk of sarcoidosis༈OR = 1.39, 95%CI 1.20–1.61, p = 9.38×10− 6༉, while ADAM15 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15) were protective proteins for ILD༈OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.81–0.92, P = 1.59×10− 6༉and IPF༈OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.75–0.89). Moreover, no causal proteins for other ILD subtypes were found.
Conclusion
This study identified several new circulating protein biomarkers associated with the risk of ILD and its subtypes. It offers a new perspective for future research on the diagnosis and treatment of ILD and its subtypes.
Short-term outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Sigmoidectomy using the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System: A Comparison with Laparoscopic Surgery Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Akuta Sohei , Hirano Yasumitsu , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Yamato Misuzu , Yoshizawa Masatoshi , Tanaka Hiroto , Fujii Takatsugu , Okazaki Naoto , Ishii Toshimasa , Deguchi Katsuya , Hiranuma Chikashi , Aikawa Masayasu , Sato Hiroshi , Sakuramoto Shinichi , Okamoto Kojun , Kinugasa Yusuke , Koyam Isamu
Published: April 2024

Background
Colorectal cancer is a common and deadly form of cancer. Sigmoid colon cancer is the most prevalent type of colon cancer. Robotic-assisted surgical systems, like the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System, have attracted much attention in recent years. This study aimed to examine the safety of Senhance by comparing Senhance-assisted surgery with conventional laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon cancer.
Methods
This retrospective single-center study analyzed data from patients undergoing sigmoidectomies between March 2020 and 2023. Propensity score matching was employed to create comparable groups. Patient characteristics, short-term surgical outcomes, and pathological data were assessed. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo system.
Results
Prior to propensity score matching, there were differences between groups regarding the cancer stage. After matching, two groups comprising 17 patients each were comparable across various factors. The operative time was significantly longer in the Senhance-assisted group (235 min vs. 165 min, p = 0.002), underscoring the importance of optimizing surgical techniques. However, no significant differences were observed in blood loss, complications, or pathological characteristics between the groups.
Conclusions
Robotic-assisted sigmoidectomy using Senhance appears to be as safe as conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Article Type: Apigenin alleviated peritoneal dialysis-related peritoneal fibrosis by regulating pyroptosis
Authors: Xue Dandan , Luo Nana , Li Xiang , Jiao Zhanfeng , Zhang Yiming , Ma Xiaofen
Published: April 2024

Prolonged exposure of the peritoneum to peritoneal dialysis fluid, peritonitis, and peritoneal blood accumulation can cause peritoneal inflammation and injury, followed by progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to the cessation of peritoneal dialysis. Apigenin is an herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties. Our previous study found that apigenin could inhibit the process of peritoneal fibrosis, but whether apigenin could treat fibrosis by inhibiting pyroptosis is not known. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of apigenin against peritoneal mesothelial cell pyroptosis and fibrosis. First, we observed changes in peritoneal mesothelial cells using VX-765, an inhibitor of cellular pyroptosis. Western blotting, immunoblotting, and electron microscopy showed that cellular pyroptosis was significantly inhibited, and peritoneal mesothelial cell fibrosis was reduced accordingly. Secondly, when the cells were co-treated with high glucose medium and apigenin, apigenin attenuated the activation of cellular pyroptosis by decreasing the levels of Gasdermin D, NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammatory niche activation, caspase-1 and IL-1β and also inhibited the development of peritoneal fibrosis. Thus, our results suggest that apigenin plays a protective role against peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting pyroptosis.
Industrial multivariate time-series data anomaly detection incorporating attention mechanisms and adversarial training
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Chu Wenchao , Wu Xingfu , Zhou Lianlin , Wang Jiayi , Yang Hua , Li Zirui
Published: April 2024

To address the challenges faced in industrial anomaly detection, including data sample imbalance, lack of anomaly labels, and complex spatiotemporal relationships in high-dimensional data, this paper proposes a novel multi-modal time-series anomaly detection model that combines attention mechanisms and adversarial training. In this model, the first step involves utilizing graph attention mechanisms to extract sequence correlation features from multi-modal time-series data, which are then summed with the original data to form a dual-feature-based data representation. Subsequently, a self-supervised learning approach is employed to input this data representation into a variational autoencoder's encoding-decoding network for reconstruction. Anomaly detection is performed by analyzing the error between the input and reconstructed data. The model also employs spatiotemporal attention mechanisms and adversarial training during reconstruction to enhance feature extraction and model generalization. By comparing our proposed model to five commonly used baseline models, we demonstrate its effectiveness in detecting anomalies in scenarios involving high-dimensional data and imbalanced abnormal samples, demonstrating superior anomaly detection performance, as well as excellent performance on real industrial production and processing datasets.
Comments on System identification of an UAS model using a subspace method
Authors: Machado Raphaela Carvalho , Zúniga David Fernando Castillo , Souza Alain , Paixão Vítor , Rosado Thiago , Balthazar José Manoel , Goés Luiz Carlos Sandoval
Published: April 2024

The aim of this paper is providing an experimental procedure of system identification of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with fixed flexible wing using subspace identification techniques for dynamic systems. A reliable model is important for aerodynamic and flight control systems to comprehend the behavior of the system and to design a feedback loop that can be applied to minimize the effects of structural flexibility. In this scenario, this research is intended to identify a parametric model for a flexible aircraft from open-loop experimental data applying the DSR e algorithm. A flight test campaign was executed using the EOLO, a single engine aircraft with a wingspan of 4 m, weighing in total 8.87 kg. First, results related to identification using synthetic data are presented, in which preliminary estimated parameters based on Ground Vibration Test (GVT) were useful to validate the identified model. Then, the experimental results performed in open-loop operation reveal that subspace algorithms estimate a suitable state-space model covering the entire frequency range contained in the experimental data. It is important to highlight that a limiting factor for obtaining a representative model for the frequency range of interest from the collected data is having a persistently exciting condition for the input signals.
Geleneksel Kıbrıs Mutfağından Bir Örnek: Golifa (Koliva) (An Example of Traditional Cypriot Cuisine: Golifa (Koliva))
Authors: YILMABAŞAR Aysun , SARPER Fulya
Published: April 2024

Kıbrıs mutfağı kültürel zenginliğine geçmişten günümüze Ada’da hüküm süren uygarlıklardan ve içinde bulunduğu Akdeniz havzası etkisinde ulaşmıştır. Kıbrıs adasının hem Kuzey toplumları hem de Güney toplumları tarafından yapılan Golifa her iki toplum içinde sembolik anlam taşıyan önemli bir yiyecektir. Çalışmada Kıbrıs mutfak kültüründe özel gün gastronomisi olarak yer edinmiş Galoifa ve onun lezzet bileşenlerinden anason, susam ve garacocçco (çörekotu) baharatları aktarılmaktadır. Ada mutfak kültürü bilgi ve deneyimine sahip, 20 kültür aktarıcısı ile yapılan yüz yüze görüşmelerde Golifa’nın Kıbrıs toplumu için ne anlam ifade ettiği ve geçmişinin nereye kadar dayandığı ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Golifa’nın uygulama aşamalarının kayıt altına alınması ile hem Kıbrıs gastronomi literatürünün genişletilmesine hem de gelecekte unutulmasının önüne geçmek ve yeni nesillere aktarılmasına katkı sağlamak hedeflenmiştir. Golifa’nın bir porsiyon üzerinden besin değerleri hesaplanmış ve önemli fonksiyonel beslenme özellikleri ortaya konulmuştur. Çalışmada Golifa’nın asırlar öncesine dayandığı söylenebilmektedir. Günümüze kadar geleneksel Kıbrıs mutfağında yerini korumuştur. Geleneksel Kıbrıs Mutfak kültüründe bolluk ve bereketin simgesi olarak önemli bir yere sahip olan Golifa özel gün gastronomisi olarak yeni yılı karşılamak üzere yapılan inanış ve ritüeller içeren iki toplumlu sosyal yapının ortak bir kültür mirasıdır. Golifa besin öğeleri ve lif açısından oldukça zengindir. Ergenlik çağındaki gençlere, yetişkinlere ve yaşlılara önerilebilir.
Unutulmaz Çay Turizmi Deneyimi (Memorable Tea Tourism Experience)
Authors: ÖZER Kübra , ACUNER Elif
Published: April 2024

Turistler yapmış oldukları seyahatler sonucunda deneyim elde etmektedirler. Yaşanılan deneyimin turistlere vermiş olduğu mutluluk, tatmin, memnuniyet ne kadar artarsa turistlerin deneyimi unutulmaz olarak addetmesi o kadar yüksek olmaktadır. Turistlerin unutamadıkları deneyimler gelecek seyahat planlamalarına ışık tutmaktadır. Yaşanılan unutulmaz turizm deneyimi kişiden kişiye farklılık göstermektedir ve çeşitli turizm türlerinde de deneyimi unutulmaz kılan unsurlar benzer şekilde farklıdır. Bu çalışmada çay turizmine katılan turistlerin yaşadıkları deneyimi unutulmaz kılan unsurların neler olduğunun belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Turistlerin yaşamış oldukları deneyime ilişkin detaylı bilgi almak amacıyla nitel araştırma yaklaşımından olgu bilim deseni tercih edilmiş ve veriler yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği ile elde edilmiştir. Rize destinasyonunda çay turizmine katılan turistlerin belirlenmesi için amaçlı örnekleme yöntemi ve kartopu örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çay turizmine sınırlı sayıda kişinin katılması ve elde edilen verilerin tekrara başlaması sebebiyle 10 kişi ile görüşme sağlanmıştır. Görüşme sonunda elde edilen veriler MAXQDA 22 programında analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler tümdengelimci veri analiz tekniğinden betimsel analizden faydalanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda çay turizmini unutulmaz kılan unsurlar arasında bilgi edinmek, hedonik bir deneyim yaşamak, yerel kültür, doğa, faaliyetlere bizzat katılım sağlama yer almaktadır. Çalışma bulguları sonucunda çay turistlerinin yaşadıkları deneyimi unutulmaz kılmak için uygulayıcılara çeşitli önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
A Neighbourhood Unit for Equitable Resilience
Authors: Lamb Zachary , Vale Lawrence J.
Published: April 2024

The early twentieth-century concept of the neighbourhood unit aimed to use spatial planning to redress problems associated with that era of urbanization in the US and Europe, including car traffic, pollution, and social alienation. We ask how this influential and controversial concept
might be adapted to address today's most vexing urban challenges: climate change hazards and widening inequality. Drawing on a diverse array of global case studies, we argue that the neighbourhood can be a unit for 'equitable resilience', but only if we reconceptualize neighbourhoods in significant
ways. First, 'neighbourhood' must be defined more capaciously to include not just the middle-class enclaves envisioned by Clarence Perry and other early neighbourhood planning advocates, but also places that are home to disadvantaged residents, from mixed-income communities to public housing,
informal settlements, and manufactured home parks. Second, for neighbourhood interventions to bring lasting equitable resilience, they must be linked to analysis and action on wider spatial and political scales. Finally, to ensure resilience will be equitable, neighbourhood scale interventions
must link built environment changes to institutional changes that improve conditions in the domains of livelihoods, environmental safety, governance, and security from displacement. In short, to be units for equitable resilience, neighbourhoods must help residents build the power to act in
the face of climate change and other threats.
El último clavo en el ataúd del cartesianismo. El Uno heideggeriano y la noción de “trasfondo” en Charles Taylor y Hubert Dreyfus
Authors: Loyola Cortés Rudyard Mauricio
Published: April 2024

Este artículo indaga acerca de la noción de “trasfondo” (background) en la filosofía de Charles Taylor y busca complementarla con las reflexiones de Hubert Dreyfus. Esta noción busca contrarrestar el representacionismo cognitivo, que tuvo un tremendo impulso con Descartes y que fue perpetuado por la epistemología moderna. El representacionismo, para Taylor, nos abre a antropologías basadas en ontologías de la desvinculación (dualismo y monismo mecanicista) y esta impronta influye decididamente en la filosofía moderna y contemporánea pese a corrientes filosóficas que afirman superarlo. Para Dreyfus, la noción de “trasfondo” se vincula con nuestras prácticas sociales y el polémico Uno heideggeriano (das Man) es su lugar privilegiado de trasmisión; es también aquello que derrumbaría definitivamente el legado representacionista cartesiano.
Fruit phytochemicals: antioxidant activity and health-promoting properties
Authors: Danyo Emmanuel Kormla , Ivantsova Maria
Published: April 2024

Synthesized in plants, polyphenols are powerful antioxidants and protect against stressful conditions. We aimed to identify different kinds of phytochemicals in fruits and provide detailed information on the roles they play in promoting good health in the human body. We also discussed the biological activities of phytochemicals found in several fruits.

Google Scholar and PubMed databases were used to search for relevant information that could assist in answering our research questions. We selected and reviewed both research and review articles related to the purpose of our study.

Fruits contain numerous antioxidants which neutralize the negative impact of free radicals on the body. Free radicals are destructive species that can be produced during normal body metabolism or come from exogenous sources such as smoking or exposure to radiation. Due to their unstable nature, they can cause damage to cellular macromolecules, resulting in the development of degenerative diseases. Phytochemicals are diverse groups of bioactive compounds found in fruits that have potent antioxidant activity and exhibit several health-promoting properties in both in vivo and in vitro studies. There are two major groups of antioxidants: natural (or dietary) antioxidants and synthetic antioxidants. Natural antioxidants have gained much popularity in recent times because of the safety concerns surrounding the use of synthetic antioxidants.

The consumption of fruits plays a critical role in disease prevention, especially diseases resulting from oxidative damage to cells. The inclusion of fruits in one’s daily diet helps improve their overall wellbeing.
Designing Indonesian Maternal and Child Health Mobile Applications using User-Centered Design
Authors: Adidharma Achmad Fikri , Shelim Nadya , Anqita Shanika Tysha , Handayani Putu Wuri
Published: April 2024

The high maternal mortality rate in Indonesia has led the Indonesian government to develop a mobile application for maternal and child health (MCH). However, this application received a bad rating on the applications distribution platform, and even some of its features could not function properly. Therefore, this study aims to design the MCH application. This study used the user-centered design (UCD) methodology with three iterations and applied Shneiderman's eight golden rules. Participants involved in the data collection and evaluation process were health workers, health experts, and pregnant women. The first iteration's evaluation will produce a low-fidelity prototype (wireframe), whereas the second and third iteration's evaluations will produce a refined high-fidelity clickable prototype. The resulting prototype has several major features, including notes entry, information and education, reminders, a blood supplement tablet tracker, and monitoring of fetal development. Evaluation in the first iteration utilized interviews to validate the wireframe, whereas the second and third iterations utilized usability testing and system usability scale (SUS). In the second iteration, the final SUS score was 71.2, or "good," while in the third iteration, the final SUS score was 85.4, or "excellent." This research is expected to contribute to two areas: serving as a reference for pregnancy application interface designs, especially for MCH applications, as well as the improvement and development of pregnancy health applications using the UCD methodology.
Assessment of heavy metal and other chemical pollution in Lake Tana along urban peripheries, Ethiopia
Authors: Sishu Feleke Kuraz , Melese Tigist Berhau , Aklog Dagnachew
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the heavy metals (HMs) and other constituents in Lake Tana around the Gulf of Bahir Dar City. The water sample was collected from areas receiving drainage water and a reference sample was collected from areas away from the urban impact, both during dry and wet seasons. Pollution sources and levels were determined using pollution indices and GIS spatial analyses. All in situ parameters were in the recommended range of the USEPA aquatic and WHO drinking water guidelines. The level of dissolved P was recorded between 0.03 and 0.9 mg/l and the level of N-NO3 ranged from 0.05 to 1.01 mg/l indicating that the limits were above USEPA aquatic criteria. The HMs varied from 0.08 to 2.85 mg/l for Cu, 0.10 to 1.60 mg/l for Fe, 0.04 to 0.22 mg/l for Cr, and Mn was below detection. Cr and Fe were above the aquatic and drinking water guideline limit. Spatially, pollution was more significant in areas receiving drainage. Also, except Cu and Fe, other parameters were higher in the rainy season indicating storm runoff pollution. The overall pollution indices of water quality status, such as water quality index 63, heavy metal pollution index 3.1, and nutrient pollution index 4.7, indicated the quality level of water to be alarming. Therefore, comprehensive regulatory and waste management practices are needed.
Matrine Enhances the Antitumor Efficacy of Chidamide in CTCL by Promoting Apoptosis
Authors: He Xinglan , Wang Guanyu , Wang Yimeng , Zhang Chunlei
Published: April 2024

Background:

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare group of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma originating from the skin, which is characterized by T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Chidamide, a Chinese original antineoplastic agent with independent intellectual property
rights, and matrine, an extract of Chinese herbal medicine, both have been reported to exert effects
on the treatment of tumors individually. However, chidamide combined with matrine has not
been tested for the treatment of CTCL.

Methods:

Both HH and Hut78 CTCL cell lines were treated with chidamide (0.4 μmol/L), matrine
(0.6 g/L), or chidamide combined with matrine for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability was estimated
by MTS assay at each time point. Flow cytometry was then conducted to detect cell apoptosis.
The exact mechanism of chidamide combined with matrine on CTCL cells was detected by Western
blotting and further validated in xenograft models of NOD/SCID mice.

Results and Discussion:

Compared to the single drug, chidamide combined with matrine showed
a more significant effect on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction on CTCL cells both in
vitro and in vivo. The results from the in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that matrine could enhance
the anti-tumor effect of chidamide by increasing the protein expression of cleaved caspase-
3 and decreasing the expression of E-cadherin, NF-κB, p-Bad, and Bcl-2 to activate apoptosis.

Conclusion:

Our data have demonstrated chidamide combined with matrine to exhibit elevated antitumor
activity in both CTCL cells and xenograft models of NOD/SCID mice, which may be a potential
treatment option for CTCL.
Theranostic and Combined Approaches Exploiting Multifunctional Gold Nanoclusters in Tumoral Ecosystems: A Paradigm Shift in Precision Oncology
Authors: Prajapati Shatrudhan , Yadav Shikha , Khan Javed
Published: April 2024

:

Malignant tumors pose a significant threat to human life and well-being because of
their rising occurrence and size. The current treatment methods and diagnostic techniques employed
in clinical practice are inadequate for effectively treating tumors. Fluorescence, photothermal
effects, radiosensitization, and biocompatibility are only a few instances of the unique
photonic and physicochemical properties exhibited. Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are nanomaterials
that possess modest dimensions, typically measuring approximately 3 nm, and are
composed of a limited number of particles. AuNCs have three primary functions in practical
applications: serving as imaging agents, drug transporters, and therapeutic agents. This article
discusses nanosystems. The text emphasizes the promise of AuNCs for tumor theranostic and
combination treatment while also acknowledging any existing limitations. Lastly, it is anticipated
that the information presented here will serve as a valuable tool for researchers in this sector,
resulting in novel perspectives and, ultimately, a wider adoption of AuNCs in pharmaceuticals.
This study focuses on the expansion of diagnostic applications in cancer therapy by utilizing
AuNC-based devices, made possible by the use of dynamic or passive tumor targeting techniques.
The utilization of AuNCs has been thoroughly investigated for their prospective applicability
as light-activated and radiation agents. Furthermore, they have been investigated as
nanocarriers for transporting anticancer drugs. The medications can either bind to the closure
receptor or be linked to the AuNCs through various techniques, showcasing their extensive potential
for therapeutic applications.
177Lu-PSMA-617 Radioligand Treatment in Elderly Patients with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety Assessment
Authors: Sahin Ertan , Elboga Umut , Cimen Ufuk , Okuyan Merve , Cayirli Yusuf Burak
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of
177Lutetium-Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (177Lu-PSMA-617) radioligand treatment
(RLT) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients with aged older than
75 years.

Methods:

A total of 37 patients with mCRPC aged older than 75 years treated with 177Lu-
PSMA-617 were included in this study.

:

Pre-therapy and post-therapy biochemical, metabolic, and clinical response results and Hb,
TLC, platelet, serum creatinine and bilirubin levels were checked to evaluate the therapeutic
efficacy and toxicity profile. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events was used
for grading adverse events caused by 177Lu-PSMA-617 treatment.

Results:

The mean age of the patients included in the study was 79.8±2.9 (76-92). The number
of 177Lu-PSMA-617 treatment cycles ranged from two to four, and the mean administered radioactivity
dose was 5.6±0.8 GBq per cycle. Partial biochemical response (PR) and partial metabolic
response (PMR) were observed in 11 (29.7%) and 15 (40.6%) patients after treatment,
respectively. Although improvement in ECOG scores was observed in 5 (13.5%) patients after
treatment, it was not statistically significant. Grade 2 and 3 Hb toxicity was observed in 10
(27%) and 2 (5.4%) patients, respectively. Grade 2 leukocytopenia in six patients, Grade 1
thrombocytopenia in six patients, and Grade 2 serum creatinine toxicity in five patients were
seen after the treatment. On the other hand, no patients developed liver toxicity and grade 3 or 4
leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia or creatinine toxicity.

Conclusion:

177Lu-PSMA-617 treatment was a safe and effective treatment option for properly
selected elderly mCRPC patients.
Mechanism of NLRP3 Activation, Associated Cardiovascular Complications and Update on its Inhibitors Acting as Cardioprotective Agents
Authors: Ehtaishamul Haque Syed , Khan Aamir , Iqubal Ashif
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are a major healthcare issue worldwide
and are accountable for significant mortality and morbidity. Despite advancements in
cellular, molecular, physiological and pathological understanding, a comprehensive
understanding of CVDs is still lacking. Hence, a better understanding of pathological
changes is needed to develop a potential cardioprotective agent. In recent times,
NLRP3 inflammasome has been extensively studied in various disease conditions,
including CVDs. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been found to be
positively correlated with various CVDs, such as hypertension, angina, arrhythmia,
cardiac fibrosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, etc. Moreover, a number of
NLRP3 inflammasome activators have been explored for their role in CVDs, and the
outcomes of these studies are found to be promising. Therefore, in the present
manuscript, we have discussed the structural component of NLRP3 inflammasome, its
molecular mechanism of activation, and the outcome of various NLRP3 inflammasome
inhibitors in CVDs. We found that NLRP3 inflammasome is an indispensable player of
pathogenesis in CVDs, and thus, targeting this inflammasome can be an effective
approach for managing and treating these diseases.
The Influence of Student Initial Ability on Mathematics Learning Achievement Viewed from Critical Thinking Aspect
Authors: Narpila Suci Dahlya , Br Ginting Siti Salamah , Daulay Irma Sari , Nasution Salimah Angreiny
Published: April 2024

There are many factors why the quality of education in Indonesia is low, and one of them is the learning process. Many factors affect the quality of the learning process, one of which is the initial ability of mathematics. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether student initial ability has any influence on mathematical achievement from the point of view of critical thinking. This research is a survey research with simple regression analysis which selected the sample of 52 out of 109 students from the first semester of the UINSU Medan Mathematics Education Study Program in 2022/2023 academic year. The instrument used in this study was a written test in the form of multiple choices, and the collected data would be analyzed descriptively and inferentially. First, a classical assumption test consisting of a normality test and a linearity test was carried out, which was then followed by a simple regression analysis and the determination coefficient. Meanwhile, to test the hypothesis, the researcher used t test. From the results of data processing, it was found that initial abilities had a significant influence on mathematics learning achievement in terms of critical thinking skills. From the regression analysis, it was found that the regression equation Y = 40.929 + 0.589X which showed a positive correlation between initial ability and student achievement. In addition, it was also found that initial ability had an influence of 67.6% on learning achievement so it is necessary to improve initial ability to achieve high-quality learning achievement.
Incidence, Risk, and Clinical Course of New-Onset Diabetes in Long COVID: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Talanki Ananya Sri , Bajaj Neha , Trehan Twinkle , Thirunavukkarasu Sathish
Published: April 2024

Background

COVID-19, an infectious disease pandemic, affected millions of people globally, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Causing further concern, significant proportions of COVID-19 survivors endure the lingering health effects of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen that causes COVID-19. One of the diseases manifesting as a postacute sequela of COVID-19 (also known as “long COVID”) is new-onset diabetes.

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine the incidence of new-onset diabetes in patients with long COVID and assess the excess risk compared with individuals who tested negative for COVID-19. The study also aims to estimate the population-attributable fraction for COVID-19 as a risk factor for new-onset diabetes in long COVID and investigate the clinical course of new-onset diabetes cases.

Methods

This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases will be systematically searched to identify articles published between December 2019 and July 2024. A comprehensive search strategy for each database will be developed using a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms, subject headings, and text words to identify eligible studies. Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (only control arms) involving patients with COVID-19 of any age, with follow-up data on new-onset diabetes in long COVID, will be considered for inclusion. Controls will comprise individuals who tested negative for COVID-19, with or without other respiratory tract infections. Three independent reviewers (AST, NB, and TT) will perform article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of the studies. A fourth reviewer (ST) will review the identified studies for final inclusion in the analysis. The random-effects DerSimonian-Laird models will be used to estimate the pooled incidence proportion (%), incidence rate of diabetes (per 1000 person-years), and risk ratio (with 95% CIs) for diabetes incidence.

Results

A total of 1972 articles were identified through the initial search conducted in August 2023. After excluding duplicates, conducting title and abstract screening, and completing full-text reviews, 41 articles were found to be eligible for inclusion. The search will be updated in July 2024. Currently, data extraction is underway, and the meta-analysis is expected to be completed in August 2024. Publication of the study findings is anticipated by the end of 2024.

Conclusions

The study findings should provide valuable insights to inform both clinical practice and public health policies regarding the effective management of new-onset diabetes in patients with long COVID.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/54853
Development and Evaluation of a Clinician-Vetted Dementia Caregiver Resources Website: Mixed Methods Approach (Preprint)
Authors: McLaren Jaye E , Hoang-Gia Dat , Dorisca Eugenia , Hartz Stephanie , Dang Stuti , Moo Lauren
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

About 11 million Americans are caregivers for the 6.7 million Americans currently living with dementia. They provide over 18 billion hours of unpaid care per year, yet most have no formal dementia education or support. It is extremely difficult for clinicians to keep up with the demand for caregiver education, especially as dementia is neurodegenerative in nature, requiring different information at different stages of the disease process. In this digital age, caregivers often seek dementia information on the internet, but clinicians lack a single, reliable compendium of expert-approved digital resources to provide to dementia caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to create a dementia caregiver resources website to serve as a hub for user-friendly, high-quality, and expert-reviewed dementia educational resources that clinicians can easily supply to family caregivers of people with dementia.

METHODS

An interdisciplinary website development team (representing dementia experts from occupational therapy, nursing, social work, geriatrics, and neurology) went through 6 iterative steps of website development to ensure resource selection quality and eligibility rigor. Steps included (1) resource collection, (2) creation of eligibility criteria, (3) resource organization by topic, (4) additional content identification, (5) finalize resource selection, and (6) website testing and launch. Website visits were tracked, and a 20-item survey about website usability and utility was sent to Veterans Affairs tele-geriatrics interdisciplinary specialty care groups.

RESULTS

Following website development, the dementia caregiver resource website was launched in February 2022. Over the first 9 months, the site averaged 1100 visits per month. The 3 subcategories with the highest number of visits were “general dementia information,” “activities of daily living,” and “self-care and support.” Most (44/45, 98%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the website was easy to navigate, and all respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the resources were useful.

CONCLUSIONS

The iterative process of creating the dementia caregiver resources website included continuous identification, categorization, and prioritization of resources, followed by clinician feedback on website usability, accessibility, and suggestions for improvement. The website received thousands of visits and positive clinician reviews in its first 9 months. Results demonstrate that an expert-vetted, nationally, and remotely available resource website allows for easy access to dementia education for clinicians to provide for their patients and caregivers. This process of website development can serve as a model for other clinical subspecialty groups seeking to create a comprehensive educational resource for populations who lack easy access to specialty care.
Correction: Improving the Engagement of Underrepresented People in Health Research Through Equity-Centered Design Thinking: Qualitative Study and Process Evaluation for the Development of the Grounding Health Research in Design Toolkit (Preprint)
Authors: Bazzano Alessandra N , Noel Lesley-Ann , Patel Tejal , Dominique C Chantel , Haywood Catherine , Moore Shenitta , Mantsios Andrea , Davis Patricia A
Published: April 2024

UNSTRUCTURED
Evaluation of financial support workshops for patients under state pension age suffering from DCM: A UK Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Rujeedawa Tanzil , Karimi Zahabiya , Wood Helen , Sangeorzan Irina , Smith Roy , Sadler Iwan , Martin-Moore Esther , Gardner Adrian , Demetriades Andreas , Sinha Rohitashwa , Grahovac Gordan , Bateman Antony , Deakin Naomi , Davies Benjamin
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a form of slow-motion and progressive spinal cord injury caused by spinal cord compression secondary to degenerative pathology, leads to high levels of disability and dependence, and may reduce quality of life. Significant transient and long term change to earnings do occur and can thrust individuals into poverty. People with DCM (PwDCM) face many challenges accessing state financial assistance. This can have a cumulative negative financial effect due to the association between DCM and low socioeconomic index.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess if delivering workshops centred around access to financial support, could assist PwDCM, living in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

A series of two virtual workshops was targeted at accessing financial support for English patients under the state pension age, with an anonymised survey delivered to participants after each session. The first session was on Universal Credit (UC) and the second on Disability Financial Support (DFS). Survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and free text answers underwent inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The average rating on the utility of UC was 9.00/10, with the mean score of wanting further sessions being 8.67/10. Pre-session confidence levels were 5.11/10 rising to 8.00/10. 56% of participants requested one-to-one sessions (5/9). For DFS, the average session utility rating was 10/10, with the desire for further sessions rated as 8.71/10. Pre-session confidence levels were 4.43/10 rising to 9.57/10. A total of 43% of participants requested one-to-one sessions (3/7). Following inductive thematic analysis, themes regarding the delivery, occurrence and context emerged. One participant gave negative feedback which included the length of the session and perceived problems around confidentiality and data protection.

CONCLUSIONS

The pilot series was largely perceived as a success, with participants finding them useful and increasing their self-rated confidence in navigating the UK financial support system. Given the small sample size, it is hard to predict the success of future sessions but with the lessons learnt from the pilot, Myelopathy.org are keen to host future sessions and explore options to extend the intervention to other countries. Finally, given that the hurdles in accessing financial support extend beyond DCM, such workshops may be relevant to other organisations.