bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the nexus between finance, government revenue, institutional quality and sustainable energy supply in West Africa
Authors: KOLAWOLE Kayode David , ABDULMUMIN Biliqees Ayoola , uzuner Gizem , SEYINGBO Oluwagbenga Abayomi , Lukman Adebayo-Oke ABDULRAUF
Published: August 2023

The present study examined the relationship between finance, government revenue, institutional quality and sustainable energy supply in West Africa countries over annual frequency period from 1990 to 2020. To achieve the outlined nexus between study variables, the present study leverages on a battery of panel analysis for robust inferences. The econometric estimators employed are panel random effect regression, generalized method of moment technique. Furthermore, panel Granger causality test is utilized to analyze the direction of flow among the variables for the study. Empirical results revealed that financial development is a significant determinant of energy supply in West Africa countries while a negligible effect was reported for institutional quality and sustainable energy supply. Thus, the present study concludes that finance from financial sector is important in ensuring sufficient energy supply. To this end, this study therefore, recommends that incentives should be given to financial institutions that fund energy generation and transmission as financial development is seen to be significant on energy supply.
The Dark Triad Moderates the Effect of Winning a Competitive, Creative Problem Solving Group Task on Oxytocin but Not Cortisol
Authors: Dow Gayle , Lipatova Olga
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in oxytocin and cortisol after winning or losing a competitive, group, creativity task and to determine if these changes were moderated by the Dark Triad (psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism). Oxytocin is a neuropeptide involved in the facilitation of social attachment, trust, positivity, and reduction of stress whereas cortisol is a glucocorticoid activated by stress, perceived threat, or decreases in social self-esteem. We hypothesized that, in a competitive group problem solving task, oxytocin levels would increase and cortisol levels would decrease but these effects would be lessened among those with the Dark Triad traits. To test this, 34 participants completed a Dark Triad measure then formed into small groups to compete in the spaghetti tower challenge, where the goal is to build the tallest freestanding tower that can support a marshmallow, within 18 minutes, using only hard spaghetti, string, and tape. Samples of their saliva were taken before and after the creative task, and the levels of oxytocin and cortisol in these samples were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Psychopathy (b = -.07, SE = .03, t(33) = -2.19, p = .04) Machiavellianism (b = -.04, SE = .02, t(33) = -2.14, p = .04), and Narcissism (b = -.05, SE = .02, t(33) = -2.28, p = .03) moderated the association of winning status on oxytocin while. None of the Dark Triad (psychopathy b = -.03, SE = .05, t(33) = 0.60, p = .56, narcissism b = -.01, SE = .03, t(33) = -0.33, p = .74, or Machiavellianism b = -.02, SE = .03, t(33) = -0.48, p = .64). moderated the association of winning status on cortisol. Our findings suggest that although the task was collaborative, the competitiveness and desire to win may have counteracted social bonding for those with Dark Triad tendencies. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Lectin Hemagglutination Assay of Seaweeds
Authors: VIJI VIJAYALEKSHMI , BRISCA BRISCA RENUGA
Published: August 2023

Lectins and Hemagglutinins are proteins/ glycoproteins, which have at least one non-catalytic domain that exhibits reversible binding to specific monosaccharides or oligosaccharides. Seaweed have lectins, which are proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin containing at least one non-catalytic domain that binds reversibly to specific mono or oligosaccharides. It may have been considered that binding specificity of lectins to some carbohydrates provokes to produce many unique biological activities, including cell agglutination, mitogenic activity, antibacterial activity and antitumor activity.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer and Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hinojosa-Gonzalez David , Zafar Affan , Saffati Gal , Kronstedt Shane , Zlatev Dimitar , Khera Mohit
Published: August 2023

Background:
Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease that urgently needs to address its treatment-related complications. By examining existing evidence on the association between Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) and dementia, this study contributes to the understanding of potential risks. We sought to analyze the currently available evidence regarding the risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease (PD) in patients undergoing ADT.
Methods:
A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed to identify studies published from the databases’ inception to April 2023. Studies were identified through systematic review to facilitate comparisons between studies with and without some degree of controls for biases affecting distinctions between ADT receivers and non-ADT receivers. This review identified 305 studies, with 28 meeting the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins I2%. Variables with an I2 over 50% were considered heterogeneous and analyzed using a Random-Effects model. Otherwise, a Fixed-Effects model was employed.
Results:
A total of 28 studies were included for analysis. Out of these, only 1 study did not report the number of patients. From the remaining 27 studies, there were a total of 2,543,483 patients, including 900,994 with prostate cancer who received ADT, 1,262,905 with prostate cancer who did not receive ADT, and 334,682 patients without prostate cancer who did not receive ADT. This analysis revealed significantly increased Hazard Ratios (HR) of 1.20 [1.11, 1.29], p < 0.00001 for dementia, HR 1.26 [1.10, 1.43], p = 0.0007 for Alzheimer's Disease, HR 1.66 [1.40, 1.97], p < 0.00001 for depression, and HR 1.57 [1.31, 1.88], p < 0.00001 for Parkinson's Disease. The risk of vascular dementia was HR 1.30 [0.97, 1.73], p < 0.00001.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the currently available evidence, it suggests that ADT significantly increases the risk of dementia, AD, PD, and depression.
Not too old to rock: ESR and OSL dating methods reveal Quaternary activity of the Periadriatic Fault
Authors: Prince Erick , Tsukamoto Sumiko , Grützner Christoph , Vrabec Marko , Ustaszewski Kamil
Published: August 2023

The Periadriatic Fault System (PAF) ranks among the largest post-collisional structures of the European Alps. Recent Global Satellite Navigation Systems data suggest that a fraction of the Adria-Europe convergence is still being accommodated in the Eastern Alps. However, the historical seismicity records along the easternmost segment of the PAF are ambiguous and instrumental records indicate that seismotectonic deformation is mostly concentrated in the adjacent Southern Alps and adjacent Dinarides. Both Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating methods can be used as ultra-low temperature thermochronometers. Due to their dating range (a few decades to ~ 2 Ma) and low closure temperature (below 100°C), the methods have the potential for dating shear heating during earthquakes in slowly deforming fault zones, such as the PAF. Since the saturation dose of the quartz ESR signals is larger than quartz and feldspar OSL, ESR enables establishing a maximum age of the events (assuming the resetting during seismic events was at least partial), while OSL allows finding their minimum age when the signal is in saturation. We collected fault gouge samples from 3 localities along the easternmost segment of the PAF. For ESR, we measured the signals from the Al center in quartz comparing the results from the single aliquot additive dose (SAAD) and single aliquot regenerative (SAR) protocols. For OSL, we measured the Infrared Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) signal at 50°C (IR50) and the post-IR IRSL signal at 225°C (pIRIR225) on potassium feldspar aliquots. Our dating results indicate that the studied segment of the PAF system accommodated seismotectonic deformation within a maximum age ranging from 1075 ± 48 to 541 ± 28 ka (ESR SAR) and minimum ages in the range from 196 ± 12 to 281 ± 16 ka (pIRIR225). The obtained ages and the current configuration of the structure suggest that the studied segment of the PAF could be considered at least as a potentially active fault.
Plow tillage with straw return improved corn yield by regulating canopy light interception and N distribution
Authors: Meng Xiangzeng , Zhang Shan , Wang Yongjun , Wang Lichun , Gao Hongjun , Lv Yanjie
Published: August 2023

Straw return offers an effective way to achieve soil sustainability. However, there is a limited amount of research addressing the impact of nitrogen application and straw return method on the vertical distribution of crop canopy and nitrogen allocation. The experiment was based on a long-term field experiment that started in 2011 and was conducted at the Halahai Comprehensive Experimental Station in Nong'an County, Jilin Province. Sampling was carried out in 2021 and 2022 to analyse the canopy distribution and nitrogen allocation of the maize hybrid Fumin 985 under two straw returning methods, no tillage with straw mulch (SM) and plow tillage with straw return (SP), and five nitrogen application rates: 0 (N0), 90 (N90), 150 (N150), 210 (N210), and 270 kg N ha− 1 (N270). The present study indicated that under a nitrogen application rate below N150, the yield was on average 11.66% − 24.34% higher in SP than in SM. This difference was mainly attributed to the variation in 1000-grain weight. Furthermore, SP maintained a higher leaf area index (LAI) and total radiation interception rate (RIR) during the grain filling stage with the same nitrogen application rate compared to SM. It also significantly increased post–flowering dry matter accumulation by 8.87% − 69.26% compared to SM. Additionally, SP significantly improved the proportion of grain dry weight and led to an increase of 10.35% − 16.04% in 1000-grain weight compared to SM. Moreover, SM increased the relative nitrogen content in grain, which in turn improved nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) and grain nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Finally, SP demonstrated a synergistic enhancement in yield and NUE under lower nitrogen application rates than SM. In summary, the combination of SP with nitrogen fertilizer application proves to be an effective method to achieve high yield and high efficiency maize production compared to SM.
Nutrition-immune-inflammation score (NIIS) plays an important role in the prognosis of external auditory canal carcinoma after surgery
Authors: Cheng Hao , Xu Jin-Hong , Li Yi-Hao , Wang Jing-Jing , Hao Meng-Di , He Jia-Qi , Xu Xue-Lian
Published: August 2023

Background
External auditory canal carcinoma (EACC) was a rare malignant tumor. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the nutrition-immune-inflammation score (NIIS) and the prognosis of patients with resectable EACC.
Methods
A total of 45 resectable EACC patients diagnosed between July 2012 and May 2018 were enrolled from two medical institutions, and retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival rates. Log-rank test was used to assess the impact of NIIS and other prognostic variables on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate analyses were performed by using the Cox risk regression method.
Result
All 45 patients underwent surgical resection, and 17 of them received postoperative radiotherapy. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) for the EACC patients was 68.9% and 57.7%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) for the EACC patients were 55.6% and 51.1%, respectively. Local recurrence (LR) occurred in 16 (35.6%) patients. 12 (26.7%) patients had distant metastasis (DM). NIIS was calculated from body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocytes, albumin, and hemoglobin. Univariate analysis showed that NIIS (P = 0.005), Pittsburgh stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ (P = 0.017), nerve invasion (P < 0.001), and positive surgical margin (P = 0.002) were significant factors for PFS in EACC patients. In the statistics of OS, we found that NIIS (P = 0.004), Pittsburgh stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ (P = 0.010), nerve invasion (P < 0.001), and radiotherapy (P = 0.041) were significant factors.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that NIIS is an important biomarker that affects the prognosis of postoperative ESCC patients. In addition, for patients with resectable EACC, the absence of postoperative radiotherapy, advanced stage, positive surgical margins, and nerve invasion had a negative impact on prognosis.
Patterns of care at the end of life: A retrospective study of Italian patients with advanced breast cancer.
Authors: Giannubilo Irene , Battistuzzi Linda , Blondeaux Eva , Ruelle Tommaso , Poggio Francesca Benedetta , Buzzatti Giulia , D’Alonzo Alessia , Rovere Federica Della , Latocca Maria Maddalena , Molinelli Chiara , Razeti Maria Grazia , Nardin Simone , Arecco Luca , Perachino Marta , Favero Diletta , Borea Roberto , Pronzato Paolo , Mastro Lucia Del , Bighin Claudia
Published: August 2023

Objectives
To better understand the type of care offered to Italian patients with advanced breast cancer at the End-of-Life (EoL), we conducted a retrospective observational study. EoL was defined as the period of six months before death.
Methods
One hundred and twenty-one patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated at IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital who died between 2017 and 2021 were included. Data about patient, disease, and treatment characteristics from breast cancer diagnosis to death, along with information about comorbidities, medications, imaging, specialist evaluations, hospitalization, palliative care and home care, hospice admissions, and site of death were collected.
Results
98.3% of the patients received at least one line of active treatment at EoL; 52.8% were hospitalized during the selected period of time. Palliative (13.9%), psychological (7.4%), and nutritional evaluations (8.2%) were underutilized. Palliative home care was provided to 52% of the patients. Most of the patients died at home (66.1%) and fewer than one out of five (18.2%) died at the hospital. Among the patients who died at home, 27.3% had no palliative support.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that palliative care in EoL breast cancer patients is still inadequate. Only a minority of patients did access to Psychological and nutritional support While low nutritional support may be explained by the fact that typical symptoms of ABC do not involve the gastrointestinal tract, the lack of psychological support suggests that significant barriers still exist. Data on the site of death are encouraging, indicating that EoL management is increasingly home-centered in Italy.
Oral administration of resveratrol reduces oxidative stress generated in the hippocampus of Wistar rats in response to consumption of ethanol
Authors: Navarro-Cruz Addí Rhode , Juárez-Serrano Daniel , Arteaga Iván Cesar , Kammar-García Ashuin , Vera-López Obdulia , Lazcano-Hernández Martin , Pérez-Xochipa Ivonne , Badilla Orietta Segura
Published: August 2023

Chronic ethanol intake has been found to favor hippocampal deteriorationand alter neuronal morphological maturation; resveratrol has been suggested as an antioxidant that may counteract these effects.The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of resveratrol on oxidative stress markers and the endogenous antioxidant system in the hippocampus of Wistar rats administered ethanol. In this experimental study, we worked with male Wistar rats, 3 months old that were randomly assigned to control, Ethanol, or to Resveratrol groups for 2 months. Subsequently, the production of nitrites, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-alkenal as well as the enzymatic activity of SOD and CAT were quantified. Levels of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation products were significantly increased when ethanol concentration was increased compared to the control group, however, resveratrol treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress caused by high ethanol intake. The enzymatic activity studied did not present significant changes with respect to the controls. The results showed that there is a decrease in oxidative stress markers when resveratrol is administered in high alcohol consumption. It is concluded that resveratrol prevents oxidative stress induced by ethanol in the hippocampus by decreasing cellular lipid peroxidation, but not the activation of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes.
Digital Banking Financial Business Innovation Research and Index Analysis Focused on Collaborative Filtering Recommendation
Authors: Fu Haoran , Li Huahui
Published: August 2023

Collaborative filtering recommendation is a technology that has rapidly appeared in information filtering and information systems in recent years. At present, it is widely used in commercial activities and has achieved very satisfactory results. The research of this article is based on the basic operating system method and the suggestion of the automatic recognition system (collaborative filtering recommendation), that is, customers purchase fixed deposits. Based on behavioral theory and new institutional arrangements, this article explores the influence and effect of the external development of external digital banks on the digital behavior of traditional commercial banks, and concludes that the development of digital banks has a positive impact on bank operations and product differentiation innovation. The economic pressure brought about by the development of digital banks first promoted the bank's product innovation, while the social pressure mechanism affected the bank's digital innovation in management and production. Social pressure has an impact on bank management and digital innovation. The improvement of financial business transparency and the diversification of financial products have also increased competition in the financial market. Accurately predicting customer preferences is crucial for financial business companies. The development of an effective classification model will not only help increase company profits, but also effectively reduce costs. In the user-based collaborative filtering system research algorithm, by establishing a time-series-based consumer network, determine the targeted influence relationship between users to find the neighbor set more accurately, and establish a time-series-based collaborative filtering algorithm to improve recommendation the accuracy of the algorithm.
The society of Information and the European citizens’ perception of climate change: natural or anthropological causes
Authors: Mata Fernando , Dos-Santos Maria , Cano-Díaz Concha , Jesus Meirielly , Vaz-Velho Manuela
Published: August 2023

The scientific community has reached a consensus on humans’ important role as causative agents of climate change; however, branches of society are still skeptical about this. Climate change is a key issue for humanity and only the commitment to change human attitudes and lifestyles, at the global level, can be effective in its mitigation. With this purpose, it is important to convey the right message and prevent misinformation to manipulate people’s minds. The present study aims to understand the factors shaping European citizens’ thoughts on the causes of climate change. Using data from the European Social Survey 10 collected in 2022, we fitted statistical models using the people’s thoughts on causes of climate change (natural, anthropogenic, or both) as dependent variables. As independent variables, we used the impact of the media through time spent on news and time spent on the internet, level of education, the level of trust in scientists, awareness of online or mobile misinformation, and gender. We concluded that the typical European citizen that believes in anthropogenic causes of climate change is a female, is more literate, trusts more in scientists, is younger, spends more time reading the news, and has more awareness of misinformation presence in online and mobile communications.
Mobile Anti-Theft and Privacy Protection Framework using Blockchain
Authors: Dubey Shivam , Eswari R. , Vamshi A.
Published: August 2023

It is impossible to imagine our lives with smart phones or mobile devices. Mobile phones are not just a means for communication today, people use mobile phone devices for entertainment as well as business. We store sensitive data in our smart phones, perform digital transactions and lot of other things. Due to the portable nature, these mobile devices are easy to be stolen or lost. Since these devices are an integral part of our life and contains sensitive personal and business data, it is very important to prevent their theft. There are several solutions available to prevent the mobile theft, but they have some limitations like data security, leakage of personal information or misuse of data by a malicious third party. In order to overcome these limitations, we propose a blockchain based mobile theft prevention system. The proposed solution uses blockchain and smart contracts for authentication, storing user data and tracking of mobile device. By introducing the blockchain in the system, we make it much more secure from user’s privacy and security point of view. The proposed system not only provides security and privacy to the user but also a platform to make the sale/purchase of the device and transfer the ownership to the other user as well.
Efficacy of active and passive virtual reality distraction during local anesthesia in children
Authors: Mohammed Oula Kara , Raslan Nabih
Published: August 2023

Objective
The aim of this study is to compare active distraction (playing video games) and passive distraction (watching cartoon videos) using a Virtual Reality (VR) device, in reducing pain associated with local anesthesia injection in children.
Materials and methods
This double-blind RCT included 82 healthy children (6–10 years old) who were divided equally into active distraction (AD) and passive distraction (PD) groups. Pain was assessed during and after the IANB injection using Wong-Baker FACES ® pain rating scale (WBF), Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Behavioral Pain Rating Scale, and heart rate (HR) monitoring. Mann-Whitney U and t-tests were used to achieve the statistical analysis.
Results
Injection-related pain assessment showed converging values for the two types of distraction where there were no significant differences between AD and PD groups according to subjective (P = 0.372 ˃ 0.05), and behavioral (P = 0.439 ˃ 0.05) scales. The HR changes (The difference between the highest HR value during the injection and the baseline HR value) showed no significant differences between the study groups (P = 0.245 ˃ 0.05).
Conclusion
The VR device reduces pain during local anesthesia in cooperative children regardless of the type of distraction with little advantage for active distraction over passive distraction.
Clinical significance:
The use of the VR device on children is considered an effective, safe, and non-pharmacological distraction technique.
Trial registration
Clinicaltrials, NCT05129943, (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05129943).
IMFD: The first online database of documentation on Marine fungi from India
Authors: KR Ranadive , BD Borse , DJ Bhat , KN Borse , AR Tuwar , NS Pawar , H Khare , N Jagtap
Published: August 2023

The Indian Marine Fungal Database (IMFD) is the first on-line database of information on Marine fungi from India. The database contains 233 records from 52 families, 146 genera and 233 species, and can be accessed at www.fungifromindia.com. Every species from this industrially important group of fungi has been given a unique identity number that can be cited in publications where a new species is described. Every entry in this database has been linked with the globally recognized myco-database (www.mycobank.org). The IMFD is part of an Indian initiative to promote international biodiversity documentation and form a global network of databases on biological information.
Ursolic acid alleviates cholestasis by regulating Nrf2- UGT2B7/BSEP/MRP2 pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wang Xing , Xiong Wenqiang , Wang Xin , Qin Liying , Zhong Maolian , Liu Yan , Xiong Yuqing , Yi Xiaoyi , Wang Xiaosong , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2023

Human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 has been widely used in the study of liver and liver cancer. α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT) is a poison widely used in rodents to simulate human intrahepatic cholestasis. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, exhibits various pharmacological actions. However, the role of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)-uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT2B7)/bile salt output pump (BSEP)/multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) pathway in UA against cholestatic liver injury has not been cleared. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of UA on cholestatic liver injury and its potential mechanism. Compared with the control group, UA could increase the expression of Nrf2, UGT2B7, BSEP, and MRP2 in HepG2 cells by Rt-qPCR and Western Blot. This up-regulation was inhibited after silencing Nrf2. The results of pathological sections and biochemical indexes showed that UA could alleviate cholestatic liver injury induced by ANIT and significantly activate the mRNA and protein of UGT2B7, BSEP, and MRP2 in liver tissue. However, this activation was inhibited in rats silenced with Nrf2. We confirmed that UA can reduce cholestasis. And it's related to Nrf2-UGT2B7/BSEP/MRP2. Therefore, this study expands the understanding of the anti-cholestatic effect of UA and provides a new therapeutic target for cholestasis.
Post-Marketing Safety Concerns With Palbociclib A Disproportionality Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event
Authors: Cheng Qian , Shi Xuan , Zhao Yazheng , Zou Shupeng , Sun Minghui
Published: August 2023

Purpose:By using U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, the adverse reactions (ADRs) of palbociclib were mined through disproportionality analysis, so as to provide reference for rational use of palbociclib.Methods: Data mining of palbociclib-associated adverse events (AEs) was done by reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting odds ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinkage (MGPS) algorithms.Findings: At the SOC level, the four algorithms simultaneously detected 18 positive signals, and at the PT level, the four algorithms simultaneously detected 65 positive signals. The PTs that lead to severe outcome are mainly associated with pulmonary toxicity, hematological toxicity and myelosuppression. Palbociclib-associated AEs had a median onset time of 79 days (interquartile range [IQR] 20-264 days), with the majority occurring within the first 1, 2, 3 months, and one year of treatment.Implications:The study identified potential palbociclib side effects and offered warnings for high-risk AEs, providing further data for palbociclib safety studies in breast cancer patients. Nonetheless, prospective clinical trials are needed to validate these results and explain their relationship.
Multi-period early-warning precipitation identification method at the easily-waterlogged districts in Jiangxi province, China
Authors: Bai Hua , Wang Bingxiang , Li Bin , Liu Zhangjun , Wen Zhenyu , Zhang Yang , Xiao Feng , Xu Xinfa , Huang Yongfeng
Published: August 2023

Urban easily-waterlogged districts need more systematic monitoring as the key disaster-forming and managing spatial scale, hard to identify the early-warning precipitation (EP). We proposed new algorithms to extract the urban easily-waterlogged hilly and plain districts’ polygons in Jiangxi Province, China. The districts’ disaster risk level prediction model was built through eleven intelligent algorithms’ optimization based on the field survey data. The muti-period EP values were identified using the scenario simulation by the model and further verified compared to the government-issued ones. It indicated that 532 easily-waterlogged districts possessed sufficient sample representativeness, represented by the significant coefficient of variation ≥ 0.66 for slope, waterlogging disaster area, and depth. The fine Gaussian support vector machine and fine K-Nearest Neighbor algorithms performed higher prediction accuracies of more than 86% and 83% in the model construction and verification districts, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 6-hour severe waterlogging disaster’s EP medians were averaged to be 16.5-20.8, 31.5-35.8, and 35-39.3 mm differed among the optimum algorithms respectively, smaller than the government-issued ones. In comparison, the 1-, 3-, and 6-hour moderate waterlogging disaster’s EP medians were averaged to be 10.5-16.1, 25.5-31.1, and 29-34.6 mm respectively, larger than the issued ones.
Influence of anesthesia on lipidomic biomarkers in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement surgery
Authors: Li Lu , Zhang Wei , Li Chenxi , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of anesthesia on biomarkers of lipidomics in elderly patients with hip replacements.
Methods:
Elective hip replacement patients were randomly divided into general anesthesia group (group G) or spinal anesthesia group (group P). In group G, anesthesia was induced intravenously, ventilation was maintained with a laryngeal mask, and anesthesia was maintained with a combination of intravenous and inhaled agents. In group P, a single subarachnoid block with ropivacaine was administered. Venous blood samples(5 ml each) for analysis were collected from all patients before anesthesia, from group G after they fully awoke following surgery, from group P approximately 1 h after surgery.
Results:
In this study, a total of 42 plasma samples (24 from group G and 18 from group P) were analyzed by lipid spectrometry.
A total of 1190 chemical species of lipids were detected, including 619 species of phospholipids, 512 species of glycerol lipids (GLs), 15 species of sphingolipids (SLs), 20 species of free fatty acids (FFAs), and 24 species of sterol lipids (STs).
Compared with group P, group G showed increased levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), and triacylglycerol (TAG) and decreased levels of phosphatidylinositol (PI).
Conclusion:
The plasma lipidomic features of elderly hip arthroplasty patients were changed by anesthesia; these changes included increases in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), and triacylglycerol (TAG) and a decrease in phosphatidylinositol (PI) in group G compared to group P. The mechanism and pathophysiological correlates of these changes need further clinical study.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Chinese Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Between Wild and Hatchery Populations Based on SSR Markers
Authors: Han Ye , Li Lin , Ge Zheng , Li Xiuying , Liu Huiji , Chen Weiqiang , Liu Peng , Fan Lihe , Li Guanying
Published: August 2023

The study was aimed at analyzing the genetic diversity and genetic structure of released populations and wild populations of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in the Tumen River Basin, and evaluating the effects of stock enhancement on the genetic diversity of wild populations. From 2014 to 2019, a total of 682 DNA samples from six wild populations and two hatchery populations were genotyped by using 10 pairs of self-developed microsatellite markers of chum salmon. Genetic diversity parameters and population structure were calculated by Cervus3.0, Structure2.3.4, Arlequin 3.5.2.2, GraphPad Prism and GenALEx 6.502. The results showed that the polymorphic information content (PIC) of 10 microsatellite loci ranged from 0.787–0.932, showing highly polymorphism. The average number of different alleles (NA) was 11.138 ± 0.999, the observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (HE) were 0.680 ± 0.058 and 0.784 ± 0.034, respectively. Shannon diversity index (I) was 1.872 ± 0.119. The inbreeding coefficient number (FIS) was 0.129 ± 0.054, indicating a certain degree of inbreeding. The population of chum salmon was divided into three groups by Bayesian genetic structure analysis and principal coordinate analysis, and there was significant genetic differentiation among the groups. AMOVA analysis revealed that most of the genetic variation came from within the population 87.77%, and 12.23% of the genetic variation came from between the populations. At present, the stock enhancement of chum salmon has no obvious effect on the genetic structure of wild population. Consequently, this study provides a scientific stock enhancement strategy as well as living resources database construction of O.keta.
Quinoline-based α-glucosidase inhibitors: synthesis, in vitro potency of inhibition, enzyme kinetics and in silico studies
Authors: Ghomi Minoo Khalili , Dastyafteh Navid , Montazer Mohammad Nazari , Noori Milad , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Hashemi Seyedeh Mahdieh , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: August 2023

In an attempt to find potential α-glucosidase inhibitors, a series of twenty new quinoline linked benzothiazole hybrids (8a-t) were synthesized in good yields from suitable reaction procedures and their chemical structures were analyzed by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR, and ESI-MS analysis. The synthesized derivatives further screened for their activity against α-glucosidase. Among them, compounds 8b, 8h, 8n and 8o exhibited remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 38.2 ± 0.3 to 79.9 ± 1.2 µM compared with standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 750.0 ± 2.0 µM). Enzyme kinetic studies of the most active compound (8h) indicated a non-competitive inhibition with Ki value of 38.2 µM. Moreover, the homology modeling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies were conducted to reveal key interactions between the most active compound 8h and the targeted enzyme. These results are complementary to the experimental observations. In order to predict the druggability of the novel derivatives, the pharmacokinetic properties were also applied. These findings could be useful for the design and development of new α-glucosidase inhibitors.
McAPRR2 : The Key Regulator of Domesticated Pericarp Color in Bitter Gourd
Authors: Tian Shouwei , Yang Jingjing , Zhang Xiaofei , Fu Yiqian , Zhang Jian , Zhao Hong , Xia Changxuan , Zhou Mengyang , Liu Pangyuan , He Weiming , wen changlong
Published: August 2023

Pericarp color is a crucial commercial trait influencing consumer preferences for bitter gourds. However, until now, the gene responsible for this trait has remained unidentified. In this study, we identified a gene (McAPRR2) controlling pericarp color through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) utilizing the resequencing data of 106 bitter gourd accessions. McAPRR2 exhibits three primary haplotypes: Hap1 is wild type with green pericarp, Hap2 is SA and SEA type with green pericarp, and Hap3 is primarily SEA type with light green pericarp. McAPRR2 haplotype is significantly correlated with both pericarp color and ecological type. Importantly, McAPRR2 with the light green pericarp demonstrated a premature termination due to a 15 bp sequence insertion. The phylogenetic tree clustered according to pericarp color and ecological type, using SNPs located in the McAPRR2 gene and its promoter. High πwild/SEA and πSA/SEA values indicate high nucleotide diversity between wild and SEA types and between SA and SEA types in the McAPRR2 gene. The haplotypes, phylogenetic tree, and nucleotide diversity of McAPRR2 suggest that McAPRR2 has undergone domestication selection. This study identifies McAPRR2 as the key gene determining pericarp color in bitter gourds and introduces a novel insight that McAPRR2 is subject to domestication selection.
Palmitic acid activates GPRs/KLF7/HEY1 signal axis to promote the occurrence and development of endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Yang Bingqi , Yao Chen , Liu Jie , Hou Yanting , Liang Maodi , Chu Xiaolong , Tang Yihan , Wen Xin , Yuan Fangyuan , Peng Chaoling , Wang Cuizhe , Wang Jingzhou , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2023

Background:
Our previous study found that the increase of palmitic acid (PA) in serum after obesity is closely related to the development of endometrial cancer (EC), and the high concentration of PA can promote the biological behavior of EC cells by up-regulating the expression of KLF7, but the specific molecular mechanism are unclear.
Methods:
EC cells Ishikawa were treated with high concentrations(20μM and 50μM) of PA, the effects on the proliferative ability of Ishikawa cells were examined by CCK-8 and colony formation assay, and on the invasive and migratory ability of Ishikawa cells by transwell and scratch assay. RNA-Seq combined with double luciferase reporter gene experiment were used to confirm the key downstream target gene for KLF7. Constructing the model of obese mice with EC tumor, and collecting the endometrial tissues of EC patients and non-cancer individuals,we validated a possible molecular mechanism by which PA upregulation of KLF7 promotes EC development in vivo. The mRNA and protein expression levels of GPR40/120, KLF7 and HEY1 were detected in EC cells and tumor tissues by qRT-PCR and western-blot.
Results:
High concentrations of PA can up-regulate the expression of KLF7 through GPR40/120 and promote the biological behavior of EC cells. HEY1 may be a key downstream gene for KLF7 to promote the progression of EC. Under the state of obesity, the tumorigenesis ability of EC cells in mice was enhanced, and the expression of GPR40/120, KLF7 and HEY1 in tumor tissue increased. Up/down regulation of KLF7 can significantly enhance/weaken the tumorigenic ability of EC cells and promote/inhibit the expression of HEY1 in tumor tissues. The expression level of KLF7 and HEY1 in tumor tissues of EC individuals were significantly higher than that of non-cancer individuals.
Conclusions:
Increased PA content after obesity promotes the development of EC by activating the GPRs/KLF7/HEY1 signaling axis.
Pseudomonas beijingensis sp. nov., a novel species widely colonizing plant rhizosphere
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Liao Kaiji , Gu Yi-Lin , Wang Can , Li Jun-Zhou , Wei Hai-Lei
Published: August 2023

Three bacterial strains, FP830T, FP2034, and FP2262, were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of rice, corn, and highland barley plants in Beijing, Heilongjiang, and Tibet, respectively, in PR China. These strains are gram-negative, aerobic, and rod-shaped. They exhibited optimal growth at 28°C and pH 7.0 in the presence of 2% (w/v) NaCl and produced a diffusible fluorescent pigment under ultraviolet light when cultured on King's B plates. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and multilocus sequence data showed that FP830T, FP2034, and FP2262 belonged to the genus Pseudomonas and formed a distinct branch. The genome sizes of these three isolates ranged from 6.4 to 6.6 Mbp with a G+C content of 60.86-61.02 mol%. The orthologous average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strains FP830T, FP2034, and FP2262, along with their closest relatives, were not higher than 92.7% and 49.8%, respectively. These values were lower than the threshold range for prokaryotic species delineation. The dominant cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c). The major polar lipids detected were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, and aminophospholipids. Additionally, the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone (Q-9). Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic data, it was concluded that strains FP830T, FP2034, and FP2262 represented a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas. Therefore, the name Pseudomonas beijingensis sp. nov. was proposed for this novel species. The type strain was FP830T (=ACCC 62448T = JCM 35689T).
RouteMighty: Route Planning Software Engine For Abnormal Trucks Based On Graph Database Using Neo4j
Authors: Betkier Igor
Published: August 2023

This paper presents RouteMighty, a software application developed in Python for the efficient planning of routes for abnormal vehicles, such as those that are overweight or oversized. The software utilizes a dedicated graph structure implemented in Neo4j to optimize the route planning process. The application consists of numerous functions that validate the passability of infrastructure, such as bridges, tunnels, and narrow roads, ensuring that routes are safe and efficient. Additionally, RouteMighty is highly scalable, and it can easily be integrated with existing web mapping services, enabling users to access accurate, up-to-date information about road conditions and infrastructure. The software has been tested extensively, and the results show that it significantly improves the planning process for abnormal vehicles, reducing travel time and costs, while improving safety. Overall, RouteMighty represents a significant advancement in the field of route planning for abnormal vehicles, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way that such vehicles navigate complex road networks.
Hierarchical Structure for Semantic Segmentation of Roadway Images with Limited Visibility Using Deep Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: An Anthony , Mohan Manoah , Leppo Joshua , Haigh Emily , Tran Truong
Published: August 2023

The field of autonomous driving leaves minimal margins for error. Ensuring that self-driving vehicles possess the ability to accurately perceive their surroundings, even amidst conditions of limited visibility, is of utmost importance. We propose a novel approach to enhance the precision of object detection on the road during limited visibility driving or roadway conditions. The initial step involves the classification of the driving condition of an input image, and then, the corresponding semantic segmentation model will process the image to distinguish objects. Our dataset consists of roadway images depicting 20 distinct objects amidst adverse limited visibility conditions. The experimental results validate our approach, with the proposed method displaying quality accuracy levels for training, validation, and testing data. Our classification model achieved 100% accuracy. Particularly, the proposed methods achieved final mean IoU scores of 57.3%, 32.0%, 49.4%, and 47.8%, respectively, for FOG, NIGHT, RAIN, and SNOW conditions when using the U-NET model for segmentation. These mean IoU results are better than the traditional nonhierarchical training methods, which utilize the same U-NET structure.
A multi-scale digital twin for adiposity-driven insulin resistance in humans: diet and drug effects
Authors: Herrgardh Tilda , Simonsson Christian , Ekstedt Mattias , Lundberg Peter , Stenkula Karin G. , Nyman Elin , Gennemark Peter , Cedersund Gunnar
Published: August 2023

Background
The increased prevalence of insulin resistance is one of the major health risks in society today. Insulin resistance involves both short-term dynamics, such as altered meal responses, and long-term dynamics, such as the development of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance also occurs on different physiological levels, ranging from disease phenotypes to organ-organ communication and intracellular signaling. To better understand the progression of insulin resistance, an analysis method is needed that can combine different timescales and physiological levels. One such method is digital twins, consisting of combined mechanistic mathematical models. We have previously developed a model for short-term glucose homeostasis and intracellular insulin signaling, and there exist long-term weight regulation models. Herein, we combine these models into a first interconnected digital twin for the progression of insulin resistance in humans.
Methods
The model is based on ordinary differential equations representing biochemical and physiological processes, in which unknown parameters were fitted to data using a MATLAB toolbox.
Results
The interconnected twin correctly predicts independent data from a weight increase study, both for weight-changes, fasting plasma insulin and glucose levels, and intracellular insulin signaling. Similarly, the model can predict independent weight-change data in a weight loss study with the weight loss drug topiramate. The model can also predict non-measured variables.
Conclusions
The model presented herein constitutes the basis for a new digital twin technology, which in the future could be used to aid medical pedagogy and increase motivation and compliance and thus aid in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance.
Available but inaccessible: Patient experiences during the first two years of a primary care-based medical cannabis program at an academic medical center
Authors: Freitag Eloise , Zolotov Yuval , Annam Jayabhargav , Labins Jaquelin , Yamada Jaclyn , Jillani Syeda Masharab , Arnsten Julia , Slawek Deepika
Published: August 2023

Background
Medical cannabis use and public acceptance in the United States have increased over the past 25 years. However, access to medical cannabis remains limited, particularly for underserved populations. To understand how patients experience medical cannabis accessibility, we measured medical cannabis use and barriers to use after medical cannabis certification in an urban safety-net academic medical center.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients seen in Montefiore’s Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP) from 2017 to 2019. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, as well purchase history of medical cannabis, were extracted from electronic medical records. We also administered a phone questionnaire to a subset of patients to assess usage patterns, effectiveness, and barriers to medical cannabis use.
Results
Among 562 patients who were newly certified for medical cannabis between 2017 and 2019, 45% purchased medical cannabis, while 55% did not. Patients who purchased medical cannabis were more likely to be white and have private insurance or Medicare. Unregulated cannabis use and current tobacco use were less common among those who purchased medical cannabis. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, unregulated cannabis use remained negatively associated with purchasing medical cannabis. Patients reported that affordability and dispensary accessibility were their main barriers to purchasing medical cannabis.
Conclusion
Among patients certified for medical cannabis use, fewer than half purchased medical cannabis after certification. Improving access to medical cannabis is crucial for ensuring equitable access to regulated cannabis, and to reducing unregulated cannabis use.