bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life in patients with inherited ataxia in Ireland
Authors: Menon Poornima Jayadev , Yi Tan Xin , Moran Sharon , Walsh Richard , Murphy Sinéad M , Bogdanova-Mihaylova Petya
Published: April 2023

Background: Inherited cerebellar ataxias (CA) are heterogeneous progressive neurological conditions associated with significant functional limitations. This study aimed to assess the implications of inherited CA on patients’ self-reported quality of life (QoL) and impairments in work and activities.
Methods: 129 individuals with ataxia responded to a survey focused on QoL. Health related QoL was measured using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey. An adaptation of the validated Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire was used to assess the effect of health on work productivity and ability to perform activities over the past week.
Results: Nine percent of respondents were currently employed. Individuals with inherited ataxia experienced significant activity impairment and 75% required professional or informal care. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was significantly worse in all areas for the individuals with inherited ataxia compared with Irish population normative values. Participants with Friedreich’s ataxia (n=56) demonstrated worse physical functioning then those with undetermined ataxia (n=55). Female gender, younger age at symptom onset, current employment, retirement due to age or ataxia and living in a long-term care facility were associated with higher sub-scores in different domains of HRQoL, while disease duration correlated with worse physical functioning sub-scores.
Conclusion: This study is the first cross-sectional study on HRQoL in patients with inherited ataxia in Ireland. It highlights high rates of unemployment, difficulty with daily activities and physical functioning limitations, which is worse than comparative international studies. Given the limited therapeutic options currently available, optimising HRQoL is an important aspect of managing ataxia.
Congenital central nervous system malformations in Hunan Province, China, 2016-2020
Authors: Zhou Xu , Xie Donghua , Peng Ying , Fang Junqun , Wang Hua
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of congenital central nervous system (CNS) malformations, provide some information for intervention programs to reduce the incidence of CNS malformations.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Birth Defects Surveillance System in Hunan Province, China, 2016–2020. Incidences of CNS malformations (number of cases per 1000 fetuses (births and deaths at 28 weeks of gestation and beyond)) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by year, gender, residence, and maternal age. Crude odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to examine the association of each maternal characteristic with CNS malformations.

Results

A total of 847755 fetuses (births and deaths)were registered, and 23420 birth defects were identified, including 1484 CNS malformations (which accounted for 6.34% of all birth defects). The incidence of CNS malformations was 1.75‰ (95%CI: 1.66,1.84). The incidence of CNS malformations at 28 weeks of gestation and beyond was 0.35‰ (95%CI: 0.31,0.39) (297 cases). The most frequent CNS malformations were hydrocephalus (462 cases, 31.13%), anencephaly (243 cases, 16.37%), spina bifida (220 cases, 14.82%), encephalocele (184 cases, 12.4%), holoprosencephaly (132 cases, 8.89%), cerebellar malformation (91 cases, 6.13%), corpus callosum agenesis (85 cases, 5.73%). CNS malformations were more common in males than females (1.53‰ vs. 1.28‰, OR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.07-1.34). Anencephaly (0.19‰ vs. 0.12‰, OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.11-2.28) and corpus callosum agenesis (0.12‰ vs. 0.07‰, OR=1.69, 95%CI: 1.07-2.67) were more common in males than females, too. Holoprosencephaly was more common in urban than rural areas (0.19‰ vs. 0.13‰, OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.02-2.02). Compared to mothers 25-29 years old, mothers <20 years old (OR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.31-2.46), 20-24 years old (OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.37), and ≥35 years old (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.37) were risk factors for CNS malformations; And mothers <20 years old was a risk factor for anencephaly (OR=2.51, 95%CI: 1.31-4.80) and encephalocele (OR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.37-5.43); Mothers 20-24 years old (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.09-1.82) or ≥35 years old (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.07-1.81) were risk factors for hydrocephalus. The pregnancy outcomes of most CNS malformations were deaths (1421 cases, 95.75%), and most CNS malformations-related deaths were therapeutic terminations (98.45%, 1399/1421).

Conclusion

In summary, we have described the epidemiological characteristics of CNS malformations. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain these phenomena. Our study is of great significance for CNS malformation intervention programs to reduce the incidence of CNS malformations.
Understanding genotype × environment interactions in potato production to guide variety adoption and future breeding strategies
Authors: Kwambai Thomas K. , Struik Paul C. , Gorman Monica , Nyongesa Moses , Rop Wilfred , Kemboi Edward , Griffin Denis
Published: April 2023

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a versatile crop given its adaptation, production capacity and utilization, and therefore valuable in many different countries. In Kenya, potato is mainly grown by smallholder farmers for food and cash. Access to quality seed of adapted and acceptable varieties was limited. This led to public-private-partnerships with European seed companies working independently or with their Kenyan counterparts in introducing high-quality seed of new varieties. Some of these showed improved yield, quality and disease resistance. However, some European varieties were less adapted to the short photoperiods prevailing in Kenya than the late-blight resistant elite clones from South America, introduced by the International Potato Center (CIP). Traits that influence genotype adaptation can aid breeding cultivars or support their recommendation for certain production areas, but such traits have not been studied in detail for Kenya. This study sought to understand the adaptation of 50 contrasting genotypes from Europe, CIP and Kenya and the traits driving adaptation to four seasons and three altitudes. Genotypes showed a wide range of yields in all environments studied. The factor genotype explained most of the variance for total tuber yield (71.2%), plant height (49.3%) and area under the disease progress curve (25.1%) based on the Wald statistic, followed by season and the genotype by altitude interaction. Other traits studied hardly contributed to the understanding of the responses to the twelve testing environments. However, largest proportions of variances for days to 50% emergence, days to maturity and canopy development were accounted for by altitude.
Retailer`s optimal decision policy of a stochastic manufacturing process with rework process of defective items under two-level trade credit finance
Authors: Biswas Nipa , Abhishek Abhishek , Prakash Om
Published: April 2023

Though production facilities are advancing day by day, some imperfection in manufacturing process still remains. This paper develops a manufacturing system with rework process of defective items. We have assumed that the defective items are repairable and a portion of the reworked items is considered to be scrap. In model, it is proposed that demand of items, proportion of defective products and scrap rate are randomly distributed with known probability density function. In the model it is also assumed that the supplier of raw materials offers a delay period to the manufacturer and manufacturer extends a similar delay policy to his customers. The main objective of the system is to minimize the manufacturer's overall cost and to determine manufacturer's optimal replenishment policy. The optimal replenishment policies are also discussed with the help of some theorems. Numerical examples are illustrating the theoretical results and sensitivity of important cost parameters is discussed.
Clinical efficacy of arthroscopic-assisted anchor fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiang Zhou , Xiang Ming , Chen Guo , Yang Jinsong , Dai Fei
Published: April 2023

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and imaging outcomes of hook plate fixation versus arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with two anchors for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood III-V).
Methods: Ninety-eight patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood III-V) who were admitted between January 2016 and June 2022 were included in the study. Patients were treated with either arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using two anchors or open reduction and hook plate fixation. Radiological findings were recorded at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, and shoulder function was evaluated using the ASES and Constant scores. Pain was evaluated using the VAS score, and shoulder range of motion was recorded.
Results: The study included 79 male and 19 female patients, with 37 left-side and 61 right-side dislocations. The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 60 years, with a mean age of 37.6 years. Fifty-five patients underwent arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using two metal anchors, and 43 patients underwent open reduction and hook plate fixation. The mean follow-up period was 25.4 months. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the pain scores in the anchor group were significantly lower than those in the hook plate group. There was no significant difference in pain scores between the two groups at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the ASES and Constant scores in the anchor group were significantly higher than those in the hook plate group. There was no significant difference in ASES and Constant scores between the two groups at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the anchor group showed significantly better forward flexion and external rotation than the hook plate group. There was no significant difference in flexion and external rotation between the two groups at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. At 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after surgery, there was no statistical difference in internal rotation between the two groups.Two patients in the anchor group had complete loss of reduction at 1-month follow-up. One patient in the hook plate group had internal fixation loosening.
Conclusion: Arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using two metal anchors is an effective method for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. This technique provides earlier restoration of shoulder function with less pain compared to hook plate fixation, and it can reduce surgical trauma and improve surgical efficiency.
Revascularization of acute stent thrombosis caused by diarrhea after carotid artery stenting in an intermediate clopidogrel metabolizer
Authors: Wang Huaishun , Xu Longdong , Xiao Guodong , Qin Yan
Published: April 2023

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative treatment to carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis. Acute stent thrombosis (ACST) is an extremely rare complication but can have devastating consequences. Although many cases have been reported, the best treatment is still in doubt. In this study, we report the treatment of ACST caused by diarrhea in an intermediate clopidogrel metabolizer. We also review the literature and discuss appropriate treatment strategies for this rare event.
Development of quantitative RT-qPCR one step assay for detection of Hepatitis Delta Virus
Authors: Queiroz Jackson Alves da Silva , Roca Tárcio Peixoto , Souza Rutilene Barbosa , de Souza Luiz Fellype Alves , Passos-Silva Ana Maísa , Silva André Luiz Ferreira da , Silva Eugênia de Castro e , Borzacov Lourdes Maria Pinheiro , Rampazzo Rita de Cássia Pontello , Pereira Soraya dos Santos , Dantas Thor Oliveira , Salcedo Juan Miguel Villalobos , Matta Daniel Archimedes da , Vieira Deusilene
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis Delta is a disease caused by exposure to hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis D (HDV) viruses, usually with a more severe clinical outcome when compared to an HBV monoinfection. To date, the real prevalence of HDV infection is underestimated and detection methods are poorly available, especially in more endemic regions. Therefore, a one-step RT-qPCR method for quantification of HDV-RNA was developed. Biological samples were selected between 2017–2023 from patients at the Ambulatório Especializado em Hepatites Virais of the Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical de Rondônia and Serviço de Assistência Especializada and underwent the test developed by this study and a second quantitative RT-qPCR assay. The slope of the initial quantitative assay was − 3.321 with an efficiency of 100.04% and amplification factor equal to 2. Analysis of the repeatability data revealed a Limit of Quantification of 5 copies/reaction and Limit of Detection (95%) of 2.83 copies per reaction. In the diagnostic sensitivity tests, there was an accuracy of 97.44% when compared to the reference test. This assay proved to be highly efficient and reproducible, making it a valuable tool to monitor hepatitis Delta patients and assess the risk of disease progression, as well as the effectiveness of treatment.
A case study of place-based education in practice using philosophical perspectives
Authors: Nelson Bryanna , Wang Hui-Hui , Hains Bryan
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this paper is to establish clarity of the definitions in the field by analyzing three cases of place-based education through the lens of the following educational philosophies: essentialism, progressivism, and social reconstructionism. The goal of this paper is to create a distinct definition between place-based education and other models to reduce confusion in the literature and strengthen the use of place-based education as it benefits both students and the surrounding community. By clearly defining place-based education from other models, the pedagogy can be implemented and studied using a succinct set of parameters, creating cohesion in the field. Additionally, the strengthening and adoption of a universal definition aids in teacher professional development and education by reducing barriers to entry that result from discipline-specific training.
Soliton solution, breather solution and rational wave solution for a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation with Darboux transformation
Authors: Fan Chengcheng , Li Li , Yu FJ
Published: April 2023

In recent years, more and more scholars use Darboux transform(DT) method to solve soliton equation, which become a hot topic in soliton theory. In this paper, the exact solutions of generalized nonlinear Schrödinger(GNLS) equation are obtained by using DT. We derive some expressions for the 1-solitons, 2-solitons and n-soliton solutions of the GNLS equation via constructing special Lax pairs. And we choose different seed solutions and solve the GNLS equation to obtain the soliton solutions, breather solutions and rational wave solutions. Based on these obtained solutions, we consider the elastic interactions and dynamics between two solitons.
Sugarcane nitrogen nutrition estimation with digital images and machine learning methods
Authors: You Hui , Zhou Muchen , Zhang Junxiang , Peng Wei , Sun Cuimin
Published: April 2023

The color and texture characteristics of crops can reflect their nitrogen (N) nutrient status and help optimize N fertilizer management. This study conducted a one-year field experiment to collect sugarcane leaf images at tillering and elongation stages using a commercial digital camera and extract leaf image color feature (CF) and texture feature (TF) parameters using digital image processing techniques. By analyzing the correlation between leaf N content and feature parameters, feature dimensionality reduction was performed using principal component analysis (PCA), and three regression methods (multiple linear regression; MLR, random forest regression; RF, stacking fusion model; SFM) were used to construct N content estimation models based on different image feature parameters. All models were built using five-fold cross-validation and grid search to verify the model performance and stability. The results showed that the models based on color-texture integrated principal component features (C-T-PCA) outperformed the single-feature models based on CF or TF. Among them, SFM had the highest accuracy for the validation dataset with the model coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9264 for the tillering stage and 0.9111 for the elongation stage, with the maximum improvement of 9.85% and 8.91%, respectively, compared with the other tested models. In conclusion, the SFM framework based on C-T-PCA combines the advantages of multiple models to enhance the model performance while enhancing the anti-interference and generalization capabilities. Combining digital image processing techniques and machine learning facilitates fast and nondestructive estimation of crop N-substance nutrition.
Outdoor activities and behaviors increase the vulnerability of school-age children to malaria infections in south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Kihwele Fadhila , Gavana Tegemeo , Makungu Christina , Msuya Hajirani Musa , Govella Nicodemus James , Mlacha Yeromin P. , Chaki Prosper Pius , Sunguya Bruno Fokas
Published: April 2023

Background: Strengthening malaria control activities in Tanzania has dramatically declined human malaria infections. However, the burden is now higher among school-age children, but with the inconsistency of evidence on risk factors and underlying causes for such an epidemiological shift. This study explored activities and behaviors that increase the vulnerability of school-age children to transmission risk.
Methods: Twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in three districts of Rufiji, Kibiti and Kilwa in south-eastern Tanzania. Sixteen FGDs worked with school-age children (13 to 18 years) and eight FGDs with their parents.
Results: Routine domestic activities such as fetching water, washing kitchen utensils, cooking, recreational activities such as playing and watching television as well as studying were the reported activities that kept school-age children outdoors late into the evening and therefore, likely to predispose them to malaria infection. Likewise, the social and cultural events such as initiation ceremonies and livelihood activities also kept this age group outdoors from late evening to early night and sometimes past midnight hours. Parents migrating to farms from December to June, leaving behind school-age children unsupervised and the behavior of children sprawling legs and hands while sleeping were also mentioned as drivers increasing school-age children’s vulnerability to infectious mosquito bites.
Conclusion: The risky activities, behaviors, and social events mostly occurring outdoors increase school-age children's vulnerability to malaria infections. The evidence presented calls for the urgent need to integrate outdoor malaria vector control measures into the existing interventions to control infection before bedtime. That will speed up efforts toward having society free of malaria by 2030.
Catalytic Performances of VPO/SBA-15 Catalysts for Ammoxidation of Dichlorotoluenes
Authors: Zhao Dongmei , Tang Wanjun , You Qingliang , Li Tingcheng , Sun Lang , Xie Guangyong
Published: April 2023

Vanadium phosphorus oxide (VPO) was immobilized on SBA-15 via a facile impregnation process. The structure and VPO species on SBA-15 were characterized by XRD, TEM, BET, FTIR and XPS techniques. It was found the VPO/SBA-15 catalysts maintained the two-dimensional hexagonal structure of SBA-15, and the supported VPO species existed in a highly dispersed amorphous state. VPO/SBA-15 catalyst was tested for the ammoxidation of dichlorotoluenes (DCT) to corresponding dichlorobenzonitriles (DCN) in a lab-scale tube reactor. Compared with VPO/SiO2 (large-pore silica-supported VPO), VPO/SBA-15 exhibited appreciable enhancement in the catalytic performance due to the unique channel structure of SBA-15. The yield and selectivity toward 2,4-DCN increased by 7% and 6%, while toward the sterically hindered 2,6-DCN increased by 7% and 13%, respectively.
Fabrication and characterization of multiphase bituminous materials for cold region pavements
Authors: Wang Di , Falchetto Augusto Cannone , Zhang Fan , Riccardi Chiara , Sun Yuxuan
Published: April 2023

In this study, the low temperature creep properties of multiphase bituminous materials (binder, mastic, Fine Aggregate Matrix - FAM, and mixture) were experimentally evaluated, and the impact of size effect on FAM and mixture specimen was also assessed. First, the mix design of mastic and FAM were performed based on the reference mixture AC 22 TS. The mathematical adaptation to the boundary sieve method was applied to calculate FAM gradation and binder content. Next, a preparation method was proposed to produce Fine Aggregate Matrix (FAM) in a laboratory environment, and scale-up slab samples were also fabricated for FAM and mixture specimens to evaluate the size effect phenomenon. Finally, three-point bending (3PB) creep tests were conducted on the multiphase bituminous specimens with different dimensions at -6°C, -12°C, and − 18°C with a modified Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) device and a dynamic loading machine, depending on the sample size. Results indicate that the creep stiffness of the FAM was close to mixtures and much higher than the one observed in binder and mastic. The proposed fabrication approach provides a satisfactory method for preparing a representative FAM phase in the mixture, while the air voids can be easily adjusted during the slab compaction procedure. This study supports the idea of using FAM to discriminate asphalt mixtures for cold regions. The correlation between up-scaled FAM and mixtures specimens is recommended to be further investigated, including different mixture types and corresponding FAM.
Physical environment features that predict outdoor active play can be measured using Google Street View images
Authors: Boyes Randy , Pickett William , Janssen Ian , Swanlund David , Schuurman Nadine , Masse Louise , Han Christina , Brussoni Mariana
Published: April 2023

Childrens’ outdoor active play is an important part of their development. Play behaviour can be predicted by a variety of physical and social environmental features. Some of these features are difficult to measure with traditional data sources. This study investigated the viability of a machine learning method using Google Street View images for measurement of these environmental features. Models to measure natural features, pedestrian traffic, vehicle traffic, bicycle traffic, traffic signals, and sidewalks were developed in one city and tested in another. These models performed well for features that are time invariant, but poorly for features that change over time, especially when tested outside of the context where they were initially trained. This method provides a potential data source for the development of prediction models for a variety of physical and social environment features using publicly accessible street view images.
Exploring the potential role of diquarks in hadronization using semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering on nuclear targets
Authors: Brooks William K , Fassi Lamiaa El , Chetry Taya
Published: April 2023

Hadronization, which is the process by which an energetic colored quark evolves into a color-singlet hadron in Quantum Chromodynamics, can be studied both in small nuclei and large nuclei, and the comparison of the differences between those two systems provides information about the hadronization mechanisms on femtometer distance scales. It can be argued that this process is well understood for light meson production on nuclei, but data from HERMES and CLAS for baryon production present puzzling patterns that are not well described by models. Herein we suggest that this might be due to the presence of diquarks in the protons and neutrons making up these nuclei.
Guiding the postoperative radioactive iodine-131 therapy for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma according to the prognostic risk groups：a SEER-based study
Authors: Yang Yuping , Yi Kun , Han Shanshan , Lin Zijing , Zeng Bin , Shi Yanling , Ming Jia
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The effectiveness of iodine-131(131I) therapy in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) of various stage is controversial. This study aimed to use prognostic risk groups to guide 131I therapy in patients with PTC after radical thyroidectomy.
Methods: Data of 53484 patients with PTC after radical thyroidectomy were collected from the Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were divided into subgroups according to MACIS system and regional lymph node involvement. The prognostic role of 131I therapy was investigated by comparing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models in different subgroups.
Results: Sex, age, tumor size, invasion, regional lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis was related to the survival of patients with PTC. If MACIS<7, 131I treatment didn’t affect the cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate. If MACIS ≥7, 131I therapy didn’t work on CSS rate for patients with N0 or N1a<5 status; 131I therapy had improved CSS rate for patients in the N1a≥5 or N1b status. If patients with distant metastasis, invasion, or large tumor, 131I therapy didn’t improve CSS rate for patients in N0 or N1a<5 stage.
Conclusion: After radical thyroidectomy, if MACIS<7, patients with PTC could avoid 131I therapy. If MACIS ≥7, patients in the N0 or N1a<5 could avoid 131I therapy; those in the N1a≥5 or N1b stage should be given 131I therapy. Among them, all patients with distant metastasis should be given 131I therapy.
Epilepsy as the Symptom of a Spinocerebellar Ataxia 13 in a Patient Presenting with a Mutation in the KCNC3 Gene
Authors: Li Shao , Shang Dandan , Du Yanjiao , Li Yan , Liu Ruihua
Published: April 2023

Background:The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous Group of neurodegenerative diseases, among which SCAl3 is a rare subtype, and its pathogenic gene is the KCNC3 gene. At present, the incidence of SCA13 is still unclear, and only two cases have been reported in the Chinese population. We report a case of SCA13 with ataxia and epilepsy as the clinical manifestations. The diagnosis was confirmed by full-exome testing.
Case presentation:A 17-year-old young patient was unable to carry out many sports activities since childhood, and had repeated episodes of unconsciousness in the past 2 years. Neurologic examination revealed poor coordination of the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain performed cerebellar atrophy. Gene detection indicated that the patient had a heterozygous mutation of c.1268G>A in the KCNC3 gene (chr19:50826942). Urgent treatment with antiepileptic therapy was initiated; her seizures resolved shortly thereafter, and she remains seizure-free.The patient's condition had no obvious progress and aggravation with 1 year follow-up.
Couclusion:This case report suggests that ataxia patients with unknown causes, especially children and young onset patients, it is necessary to actively improve cranial MRI and genetic detection to make a clear diagnosis.Young patients with ataxia initially characterized by epilepsy and extrapyramidal system should first consider the possibility of SCA13.
Pulsed Vacuum Osmotic Dehydration (PVOD) of Fermented Beetroot: Modeling and Optimization by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Staniszewska Izabela , Nowak Konrad W. , Danuta Zielinska , Konopka Iwona , Zielinska Magdalena
Published: April 2023

Fermented beetroots can be osmotically dehydrated and then dried to make a nutritious snack known as fermented beet chips. To ensure the best product quality, it is necessary to determine optimal parameters of osmotic dehydration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the optimal parameters of pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration (PVOD) of fermented beetroot slices. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize PVOD and improve the efficiency of the process. The experimental parameters considered: (T) processing temperature (20 < T < 40°C), (SC) sugar concentration (40 < SC < 60%), (VT) vacuum impregnation time (10 < VT < 50 min) and (ST) slice thickness (2 < ST < 6 mm). PVOD was optimized in terms of properties of beetroot tissue (hardness, HT, redness, a*T, water loss, WL, solid gain, SG) and osmotic solution (dry matter content, DMS, redness, a*S). The optimum qualities of beetroot tissue (HT=202.0 N, a*T=11.8, WL = 55.5%, SG = 7.1%) and osmotic solution (DMS=57.3%, a*S=38.9) were obtained at T = 20°C, SC = 60%, VT = 10 min, ST = 6 mm and T = 40°C, SC = 60%, VT = 50 min, ST = 2 mm, respectively.
Two wavelet multipliers and Landau-Pollak-Slepian operators on locally compact abelian groups associated to right-H-translation invariant functions
Authors: Nayak Santosh Kumar , Paul Swaraj
Published: April 2023

By using a coset of closed subgroup, we define a generalization of directionally sensitive variant Fourier like transform for locally compact abelian (LCA) topological groups. Further we have showed that this transform have some resembles with short time Fourier transform (STFT). For particular choices of LCA group and its closed subgroup, this operator gives directional STFT of function with respect to some windows. That means the present theory extends the theory of directional STFT in LCA groups. We study the interesting properties of two wavelet multipliers on locally compact abelian topological groups associated to this transform, known as generalized two wavelet multipliers, and show that these operators are Lp-bounded for 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞, and are in Schatten-von Neumann classes, Sp. For S1 class we obtain their traces, and finally determine the connection between generalized two wavelet multipliers and generalized Landau-Pollak-Slepian operators.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 47G10, 47G30, Secondary 42C40.
Sunspot Observations at the Eimmart Observatory: Revision and Supplement
Authors: Vokhmyanin Mikhail , Zolotova Nadezhda
Published: April 2023

Digital images of sunspot drawings of the archives of Georg Christoph Eimmart stored at the National Library of Russia are analyzed to obtain sunspot group numbers and sunspot areas as well as heliographic positions. Overall, more than a hundred drawings were processed. The impact of drawing and reproduction uncertainties and of the aims of historical observations are considered. The sunspot positions are compared to those reported by contemporary astronomers of the Maunder minimum. The restored sunspot group numbers and latitudes are compared to those extracted by Hoyt and Schatten as well as Hayakawa et al. The persistence of long-lived sunspots over several solar rotations is discussed.
Identification of novel phytochemicals from Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower as a prospective inhibitor targeting the 3CLpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 using computational approaches.
Authors: Das Subhadeep , Satapathy Sagarika , Acharya Diptikanta , Sahu Sushil Kumar
Published: April 2023

Hibiscus rosa sinensis had an infinite resources of phytochemicals, which had emerged as solutions for different health-related issues such as anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and wound healing activity as proved in past clinical studies. Focusing on the current situation, an incessant increase in daily COVID-19 cases and struggled to discover effective treatment measures for SARS-CoV-2 had led to a global health catastrophe. Upsurge in COVID-19 cases had revealed a pattern characterised as a first, second, third wave and beyond, this cycle of new SARS-CoV-2 variant transmission needed to be terminated by selecting a propitious effective target, and the 3CL protease enzyme (3CLpro or Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 acts as a possible target. The objective of this study is to investigate the phytochemicals identified in Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower for their potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties virtually, targeting the 3CLpro or Mpro, which regulates viral pathogenesis. The present research protocol includes molecular docking of 34 phytochemicals identified from the Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower and targeted against the active site of the 3CLpro enzyme. Computational analysis revealed that the top 3 ligands, cyanidin-3-sophoroside-5-glucoside (-10.9 kcal/mol), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid isodecyl octyl ester (-10.1 kcal/mol) and rutin (-9.3 kcal/mol) had better binding affinity as compared to the control inhibitor remdesivir (-8 kcal/mol). Further investigation in terms of ligand-protein interaction, physiochemical, ADMET and drug-likeness parameters showed that cyanidin-3-sophoroside-5-glucoside possessed promising properties and could act as a potentially effective drug candidate. However, our study needs to be supported by in vitro and in vivo evaluation to determine the precise mechanism of inhibitory action.
TP53 or CDKN2A/B covariation in ALK/RET/ROS1-rearranged NSCLC is associated with a high TMB, tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and poor prognosis
Authors: Jiang Bin , Hu Liwen , Dong Daling , Guo Zixin , Wei Wei , Wang Chao , Shao Weikang , Ma Ting , Chen Yanhui , Li Qingyun , Hu Weidong
Published: April 2023

Introduction: ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas with TP53 mutations have more unstable genomic features, poorer ALK-TKI efficacy and a worse prognosis than ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas with wild-type TP53. Here, we examine the gene variations that co-occur with ALK/RET/ROS1 rearrangements in NSCLC and the corresponding tumor immune microenvironment, as well as their association with prognosis.
Methods: A total of 155 patients with ALK/RET/ROS1 fusions were included retrospectively. Tumor genome mutation analysis was performed by next-generation sequencing. PD-L1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were assessed by multiplex immunohistochemistry. The correlations among gene covariation, the tumor immune microenvironment, and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed.
Results: Among the 155 patients, concomitant TP53 mutation appeared most frequently (31%), followed by CDKN2A/B copy number loss (15%). The ALK/RET/ROS1 fusion and TP53 or CDKN2A/B covariation group had more males and patients with stage IV disease (p<0.001, p=0.0066). Patients with TP53 or CDKN2A/B co-occurrence had higher tumor mutation burdens and more neoantigens (p<0.001, p=0.0032). PD-L1 expression was higher in the tumor areas of the TP53 or CDKN2A/B co-occurring group (p=0.00038). However, the levels of CD8+, CD8+PD1-, and CD8+PD-L1- TILs were lower in the tumor areas of this group (p=0.043, p=0.029, p=0.025). In the TCGA NSCLC cohorts, the top 2 mutated genes were CDKN2A/B (24%) and TP53 (16%). The TP53 or CDKN2A/B co-occurring group had higher tumor mutation burdens and shorter OS (p<0.001, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Patients with co-occurring TP53/CDKN2A/B variations and ALK/RET/ROS1 rearrangements are associated with high TMB, more neoantigens, an immunosuppressive microenvironment and a worse prognosis.
Comparison of pharmacokinetics and safety of albuvirtide in healthy subjects after intravenous drip and bolus injection
Authors: Qin Huiling , Yao Cheng , Zhang Wei , Hu Wei , Liu Yuantao , Yu Shuchang , Xie Dong , Hu Min , Ye Jun
Published: April 2023

Purpose. Albuvirtide (ABT) is the first long-acting HIV fusion inhibitor originally developed in China, blocking the invasion of HIV-1 virus into target cells. This study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and safety of ABT following a single intravenous (IV) bolus injection or intravenous drip in healthy Chinese subjects.Methods. A single-center, randomized, open-label, single-period, parallel phase I clinical trial was conducted. 30 subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups in a ratio of 1:1:1. After an overnight fast, all subjects received a single dose administration of 320 mg ABT by intravenous drip for 45 min (Group A) or bolus injection for 0.5 min (Group B) or bolus injection for 3 min (Group C). ABT plasma concentrations were analyzed using validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Noncompartmental analysis was used to evaluate PK parameters.Results. The median value of time to reach maximum concentration was 0.75 h in group A and 0.16 h in both group B and C, elimination half-life, mean residence time, apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution was similar among three groups. The 90% confidence intervals of geometric mean ratios of PK parameters for group B and C relative to group C are mainly within 85–120%. All AEs in this study were mild, according to the CTCAE guidelines and the study investigator’s judgement.Conclusion. ABT bolus injection for 0.5 min and 3 min are expected well tolerated and to have similar pharmacokinetic characteristics as IV drip for 45 min, thus offering potential clinical benefits.
Finite element modeling of the hydrogen atom distribution on dented pipeline for hydrogen transport under cyclic loading
Authors: Zhao Jian , Cheng Frank
Published: April 2023

Repurposing existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport requires an accurate assessment of the distribution of hydrogen (H) atoms at surface defects such as dents under frequent pressure fluctuations encountered on gas pipelines. In this work, a 3-dimensional finite element-based model was developed to determine the stress/strain and H atom concentrations at an unconstrained dent on an X52 steel pipe experiencing denting, spring-back and cyclic loading processes. As expected, a stress/strain concentration generates at the dent center, while the cyclic loading reduces the stress level and shifts the stress concentration zone from the dent center along the circumferential direction. As the dent depth increases, the maximum H atom concentration is further shifted from the dent center to the side. A coincident relationship between the maximum H atom concentration, von Mises stress, hydrostatic stress and plastic strain does not exist. Pressure fluctuations decrease both the stress and H atom concentrations, providing a beneficial effect on reduced risk of the dented pipelines to hydrogen embrittlement in high-pressure hydrogen gas environments. Further analysis shows that the indenter size has little influence on the H distribution in the dent area.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of robot-assisted gait training in patients with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Klobucká Stanislava , Klobucký Robert , Valovičová Katarína , Šiarnik Pavol , Kollár Branislav
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND To date, there have been no published studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in adolescent and adult patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The study´s aim was to analyse the cost-effectiveness of RAGT versus conventional kinesiotherapy (CON) from the health care provider’s perspective.METHODS We expressed the cost-effectiveness of RAGT in the Lokomat® system after analysing the costs and effects of RAGT and conventional therapy through the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) based on a bicentric randomised controlled study, in which we demonstrated that the intensive RAGT regimen is more effective than conventional therapy in terms of improvements in gross motor functions in adolescent and adult patients with bilateral spastic CP.RESULTS According to the calculated ICER ratio for Lokomat®, an additional improvement per unit of effect (1% in GMFM), compared to conventional therapy, results in an average cost increase of EUR70.38 per patient in a therapeutic block consisting of 20 TUs (Therapeutic Units).CONCLUSION However, from the comprehensive analysis of the results and evaluation of the long-term effects, it follows that RAGT applied in adolescent and adult patients with bilateral spastic CP is not only more effective in terms of evaluation of monitored clinical parameters, but in the long term it is also more cost-effective compared to conventional therapy.
Assessment of Formaldehyde as a Larvicidal Agent against the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Curculionidae: Coleoptera)
Authors: Mohamed Hussein Farid , Ahmed Ahmed Waheed , Abdel-Hameid Naglaa Fekry
Published: April 2023

Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is widely regarded as the most serious pest of the date palm in worldwide, causing massive losses in palm crop and related industries. To prevent re-infestation, a promising chemical injection for effective control treatment at particularly high invested levels is required. Five different concentrations solution of formaldehyde in water were used to investigate the formaldehyde- RPW response. Results revealed that the concentration of 16% exhibited a remarkable effect on newly hatching and 2nd instar larvae of R. ferrugineus among all concentrations after 10 days exposure to poisoned medium. Data showed that there was significant increase in larval mortality by increasing the duration of exposure to formaldehyde. Data revealed that formaldehyde is potent against the larvae, thus, it could break down the life - cycle of R. ferrugineus and might be involved in the control programs of R. ferrugineus as a protective or curative material. In terms of LC50, the toxicity of formaldehyde on newly hatched larvae was the most effective. The time needed to cause mortality was decreased with increasing the concentration of the formaldehyde. Also, exposure of RPW to ascending concentrations of formaldehyde had significant effect between tested concentrations when applied on 4th instar larvae. The total lipids and total carbohydrates content decreased in all concentration treatments, while, no or slight decrease occurred in total protein, compared with those recorded in the control.
Characterizing Soil Permeability based on Response of Groundwater Level to River Stage using Regional Database
Authors: Kim Bokyung , Lee Jiyeong , Park Keunbo , Lee Junhwan
Published: April 2023

The coefficient of permeability (k) is an important soil property for various flow-related problems and site characterization. In this study, a new method for estimating kis proposed based on the response of groundwater level (GWL) to changes in river stage (RS). Focus was given on establishing a method to characterize regional permeability using local database without additional experimental testing procedure. For this purpose, the GWL-RS correlation model was introduced and adopted to establish a k correlation model based on the time response of GWL to RS. The effect of time delay between GWL response and RS was introduced into the process of characterizing k. The proposed method was calibrated using measured datasets of GWL and RS obtained from 17 different regions. Based on the results of comparison and calibration with measured datasets, a modification factor was established and introduced to achieve better match between estimated and measured values. To check the applicability of the proposed method, datasets from five different regions in US were collected and adopted into the comparison. It was confirmed that measured and predicted soil permeabilities were in reasonably close agreement.
The association between serum uric acid levels and the risk of cognitive dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shang Miaomiao , Wang Meijuan , Cui Qian , Song Dongmei , Wang Wenqing , Xue Jing , Xu Guomei , Sun Dandan
Published: April 2023

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to increased risk of cognitive dysfunction, and serum uric acid levels plays an important factor in cognitive dysfunction. However, optimal serum uric acid levels in patients with AF remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship of serum uric acid and cognitive dysfunction in patients with AF.
Methods: 583 patients were conducted in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Shandong Province, China from February 2020 to November 2022. Cognitive dysfunction was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The relationship between serum uric acid levels and the risk of cognitive dysfunction in patients with AF was analyzed using smoothing spline fitting model and threshold analysis.
Results: The average serum uric acid levels of 583 patients was (383.26±110.11)μmol/l, and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction was 79.76%. There was a non-linear relationship between serum uric acid levels and the risk of cognitive dysfunction in patients with AF, and the inflection point was 352μmol/l. At the left of the inflection point, the relationship was significant (OR=1.02, 95%CI=1.00-1.04). At the right of the inflection point, there was no statistical difference (P=0.101).
Conclusion: When the serum uric acid levels is less than 352 μmol/L, the risk of cognitive dysfunction increases by 2% for each unit increases in serum uric acid levels in patients with AF. The study provides evidence for the treatment of serum uric acid levels in patients with AF.
Generation and characterization of a knock-in mouse model for Spastic Tetraplegia, Thin Corpus Callosum, and Progressive Microcephaly (SPATCCM)
Authors: Ratz Megan L. , Leary Greg , Grindeland Andrea , Silvius Derek , Guter Joseph , Kavanaugh Michael P. , Gunn Teresa M.
Published: April 2023

SLC1A4 (solute carrier family 1 member 4, also referred to as ASCT1, Alanine/Serine/Cysteine/Threonine-preferring Transporter 1) is a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter. It is highly expressed in many tissues, including the brain, where it is expressed primarily on astrocytes and plays key roles in neuronal differentiation and development, maintaining neurotransmitter homeostasis, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) neurotransmission, through regulation of L- and D-serine. Mutations in SLC1A4 are associated with the rare autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder spastic tetraplegia, thin corpus callosum, and progressive microcephaly (SPATCCM, OMIM 616657). Psychomotor development and speech are significantly impaired in these patients, and many develop seizures. We generated and characterized a knock-in mouse model for the most common mutant allele, which results in a single amino acid change (p.Glu256Lys, or E256K). Homozygous mutants had increased D-serine uptake in the brain, microcephaly, and thin corpus callosum and cortex layer 1. While p.E256K homozygotes showed some significant differences in exploratory behavior relative to wildtype mice, their performance in assays for motor coordination, endurance, learning, and memory was normal, and they showed no significant differences in long-term potentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that some aspects of SLC1A4 function in brain development are conserved between mice and humans, but the impact of the p.E256K mutation on cognition and motor function is minimal in mice.