bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in Facilitating Online Teaching for Secondary Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic, based on a case study in Sri Lanka.
Authors: de Silva Arosha Gertrude , de Silva Arosha Gertrude
Published: August 2022

This research aims to evaluate the challenges in facilitating online teaching for secondary education during the Covid-19 pandemic based on a case study in the western province of Sri Lanka. With the pandemic, teachers had to face many challenges concerning online teaching, as they were unprepared for the remote teaching process that was to follow. For this research, teachers were able to give an account of their experiences, challengers and the sacrifices that had to be made in adapting to this new method of teaching. A mixed method of data collection and analysis was used in this research, as both quantitative and qualitative methods in combination would provide a better understanding of research problem enhancing the validity of the results. Through the findings of this research, it was revealed that most schools and its teachers had embraced online teaching in the midst of the many challengers during Covid-19. Thereby it is vital that measures are taken to overcome and to mitigate the effects these challenges faced in online teaching, making it possible for teachers to deliver an online education for students that is on par with other technologically advanced education system.
Prevalence of depression in Systemic sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Yafei , Ming Jingyi , Guo Li , Fan Chaolin , Qi Panpan , Liu Chengcheng , Zhang Jianjiang
Published: August 2022

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease associated with increased functional impairment, body image distress due to skin lesions, and psychosocial comorbidity, particularly depression. However, there is substantial uncertainty concerning the prevalence of depression in SSc. We conducted a systematic review aiming to establish pooled prevalence levels of depression among adult SSc patients.Methods: We systematically reviewed databases including PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane database library from their inception to June 2018. Studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and the qualities of included studies were evaluated. The data were analyzed using Stata13 software and the random-effect meta-analysis was conducted on all eligible data.Results: A total of 30 studies including adult 2239 patients were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in SSc patients was 41% (95% CI: 34%-48%, P＜0.01). The depression score in SSc patients (standardized mean difference(SMD) = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.23-1.04, P＜0.05) was higher than in the control group.Conclusion: Depression is highly prevalent in adult SSc patients and these patients should be carefully monitored and a psychological assistance counselled whenever necessary. Medical staffs should also pay attention to the possible risk factors for depressive symptoms.Trial registration: Current Meta-analysis PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD 42018087380.
Growth, abundance, and diversity of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) pneumatophores in deforested and sand-filled mangrove forest at Eagle Island, Niger Delta Nigeria
Authors: Numbere Aroloye , Camilo Gerardo
Published: August 2022

Pneumatophore is a major channel of oxygen circulation in mangrove forest. It is hypothesized that soil condition, canopy cover and stagnant pool of water can influence pneumatophore growth. Pneumatophore abundance, diversity indices, microbial and chemical composition in sand-filled mangrove forest was studied. Six plots were established within a rectangular area measuring 4152.24m2 in a random block design to investigate the effect of soil conditions on pneumatophore growth. A total of 9,586 pneumatophores were physically counted and differentiated into four types namely 1-branch, 2-branch, 3-branch, and 4-branch pneumatophores. The ANOVA results shows that there is significant difference in the abundance of pneumatophore types (F3, 20 = 7.61, p < .001). The most abundant pneumatophore type is the one branch pneumatophore (n = 4747) while the least is the four branched pneumatophores. The stagnant pool site with silty and muddy soil has the most abundant pneumatophore growth whereas plots in the seashore site with sandy soil has the least abundant pneumatophores. In contrast, the seashore site has the highest diversity (H = 1.367) while the stagnant pool has the lowest diversity (H = 0.956). Metal concentration was higher in the stagnant pool site while microbial count is higher in the seashore site. The study shows that soil condition, canopy cover, stagnant pool plus tidal action influenced pneumatophore growth.
Design of novel Channel Propagation model for underwater acoustic wireless communication inside a tank
Authors: Panchal Sweta , Patel Sagar , Panchal Sandipkumar , Pabari Jayesh
Published: August 2022

The absorption of underwater acoustic signal travelling in tank filled with water having saturation of sodium chloride is demonstrated by model developed specifically for attenuation. The simulation results of developed model for attenuation is performed using soft computing technique like fuzzy logic (MATLAB). The acoustic signal propagation in underwater acoustic communication results in multipath signals, this occurs obstacle in communication. Due to physical geometry of bounded medium, the acoustic signal suffers from more reflections compared to unbounded medium like sea. The Multipath propagation model proposed path lengths of multiple reflected signals. Development of multipath propagation model helps to remove problem of ISI, latency time of protocol and arrival time lag. To remove such problems, knowledge of number of multipath components is of prime importance. The empirical relation is developed between range of communication and number of multipaths. Because behaviour of acoustic sensors is completely different under water than terrestrial sensors, this arises requirement for developing topology of sensor network. Thus the acoustic model is developed which is suitable to work at acoustic frequency and sustain losses that occurs due to physical phenomena. The area of coverage of received signal in terms of percentage is devised by wireless channel propagation model. Ultimately underwater acoustic signal channel propagation model is demonstrated that will help to focus on faithful underwater communication and accordingly proceed for its application.
Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of adult rats from nine locations in Hainan, China
Authors: Niu Lina , Zhang Guannan , Xuan Duanduan , Cao Peipei , Lu Zi , Chen Shaowen , Zhang Yong , Cui Xiuji , Lin Chong , Hu Shoukui
Published: August 2022

Background: Emerging infectious diseases are mainly dominated by zoonotic diseases and rats are potential reservoirs for zoonotic infectious diseases. It is essential for preventing and treating such diseases to understand the composition of gut microbial communities in rats. As a tropical island locating in the south of China, Hainan province has abundant rat species. Here, we examined the gut microbial composition in adult rats from Hainan province of China.Methods: A total of 162 fresh faecal samples were collected from adult wild rats, including three species (Rattus norvegicus, Leopoldamys edwardsi, and Rattus losea), from nine regions of Hainan province in 2018. We analyzed the composition of gut microbiota using the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.Results: We identified 4,903 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (30 phyla, 175 families, and 498 genera), which is different among distinct geographical distributions. Totally, Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla, followed by Bacteroidetes (15.55%), Proteobacteria (6.13%) and Actinobacteria (4.02%). The genus Lactobacillus (20.08%), unidentified_Clostridiales (5.16%), Romboutsia (4.33%), unidentified_Ruminococcaceae (3.83%), Bacteroides (3.66%), Helicobacter (2.40%) and Streptococcus (2.37%) were dominant in the samples. Among locations for rat species, the gut microbial communities were different in composition and abundance.Conclusion: This work provides information to identify microbial communities using for disease control in Hainan province.
Healthcare Predictive Analytics Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques: A Survey
Authors: Badawy Mohammed , Ramadan Nagy , Hefny Hesham Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Aim
This paper aims to present a comprehensive survey of existing machine learning and deep learning approaches utilized in healthcare prediction, as well as identify inherent obstacles to applying these approaches in the healthcare prediction domain.
Background
Healthcare prediction has been a significant factor in saving human lives in recent years. In the domain of healthcare, there is a rapid development of intelligent systems for analyzing complicated relationships among data and transforming them into real information for use in the prediction process. Consequently, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the healthcare industry. Thus comes the role of systems depending on machine learning as well as deep learning in the creation of steps that diagnose and predict diseases, whether from clinical data or based on images, that provide tremendous clinical support by simulating human perception and can even diagnose diseases that are difficult to detect by human intelligence.
Methods
The studies discussed in this paper have been presented in journals published by IEEE, Springer, and Elsevier. Machine learning, deep learning, healthcare, surgery, cardiology, radiology, hepatology, and nephrology are some of the terms used to search for these studies. The studies chosen for this survey are concerned with the use of machine learning as well as deep learning algorithms in healthcare prediction.
Results
A total of 40 working papers were selected and the methodology for each paper was clarified.
Conclusion
This paper presents a comprehensive survey as well as the current challenges in healthcare prediction. studies have shown that artificial intelligence plays a significant role in diseases diagnosing.
Using LEXSY plasmids for sodb1 gene silencing in Leishmania tropica parasites
Authors: Alhraki Fatema , Kassouha Morshed , Soukkarieh Chadi
Published: August 2022

Background: Genetic modifications and manipulations have topped the list of recent research, as they target the causes, not the results, and are currently considered one of the most powerful methodologies used to study the biology of the Leishmania parasites. These methods have expanded since the publication of the first study in which the genetic replacement of one of the Leishmania genes was done, which provided an opportunity to analyze and study the biology of the parasite genomically. In this study, the SODB1 gene was targeted by antisense RNA. This gene encodes one of the important enzymes in the infectivity of Leishmania tropica parasites within macrophages, which is the superoxide dismutase enzyme (SODB1).Methods: An inverted sequence of part of SODB1 ORF and 3’UTR were cloned in LEXSY plasmid, and after obtaining the silencing constructions, the Leishmania tropica parasites were transfected by electroporation. Western Blot analysis of SODB1 expression and the infectivity of these mutant parasites in human macrophages was studied and evaluated in comparison with a wild-type negative control and another control containing the GFP gene that codes for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP).Results: The results showed that using LEXSY plasmids for SODB1 gene silencing was efficient and the knocking-down was clear forasmuch the decrease in both infectivity and parasite load in human macrophages in vitro. On the other hand, western blot analysis revealed a lower expression level of SODB1 in the mutant parasites than wild-type. The results were subjected to statistical analysis and the decreases in the infectivity and parasites load of the mutant parasites were very significant in comparison with the wild-type.Conclusion: Our study confirms the efficiency of the produced silencing system, and the importance of the SODB1 enzyme in the amastigote parasites’ ability to grow and survive within the host's macrophages despite the presence of many other SODs enzymes. This is the first study that affirms the success of using the LEXSY gene expression system for gene silencing according to the antisense RNA approach. Thus, this work will allow using of the produced silencing system to target other important genes in Leishmania, and continue studying the knocked-down strain in vivo.
Manipulate Mechanism Design and Synchronous Motion Simulation for Helicopter Driving Simulator
Authors: Yao Shuangji , Wang Zhilong , Carbone Giuseppe , Yang Haojie , Ceccarelli Marco , Zhao Dingxuan
Published: August 2022

A new manipulate mechanism with automatic position reset function for helicopter driving simulator is proposed and developed. The motion platform of the driving simulator and the synchronous motion analysis are designed. The synchronous simulation research is carried out. By using the simulation method, the availability of the mechanism and the feasibility of synchronous motion are verified. It provides a new design scheme and develops synchronous motion analysis method for the manipulate mechanism of the helicopter driving simulator. Firstly, the mechanisms and models of the manipulate stick and the driving simulator are established. The mathematical modeling and kinematic derivation are carried out respectively. Secondly, the dynamic simulation of the manipulate mechanism is carried out and the driving simulator model is built by using MATLAB/Simulink. In order to control the attitude adjustment of the helicopter driving simulator, the mapping relationship between the manipulate mechanism and the 6-DOFs platform is established. And the effect of synchronous motion simulation is achieved. The simulation results show that the manipulate mechanism can perform the load simulation of the joystick by spring compression and is feasible to control the driving simulator. Comparing with formerly electric load simulation, this research provides us a new way to achieve manipulate stick load simulation by mechanism design for helicopter driving simulator. The simulation result curves verify the proposed research method is reasonable and practice for helicopter driving simulation.
Assessing the trend in low flows and the impact of climate change using the Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index and total runoff: A case study of Bintan Island, Indonesia
Authors: Santoso Heru , Marganingrum Dyah
Published: August 2022

Understanding the characteristics of low flows over time is critical to sustainable water resource management in Bintan, a small tropical island in Indonesia. Low flows are driven by precipitation and controlled by the soil and geological parameters of a catchment. A method that integrated the Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the calculated total runoff (TRO) was developed in order to analyze the change in low-flow intensity over time. This method included steps for the selection of an appropriate SPEI timescale and the development of low-flow intensity classes based on the TRO, and was used to assess the trend in low-flow intensity change in Bintan Island for 1981–2020 and the impact of climate change on low-flow intensity for 2031–2070. The results showed that low-flow intensity in the second half of the 1981–2020 period was 45% less than in the first half, with an estimated increase in low-flow volume of 405 mm (22.4%). The climate-change projection for 2031–2070 indicated an increase in low-flow intensity of 14% compared with 1981–2020, with an estimated 12% decrease in low-flow volume. The integrated method indicated a trend similar to that of a method using only the SPEI, but with better performance in estimating the low-flow volume change, thus providing a better understanding of how the low-flow intensity will change over time.
Pregnancy-specific responses to COVID-19 are revealed by high-throughput proteomics of human plasma
Authors: Gomez-Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Escobar Maria , Carvajal Javier , Echavarria Maria , Albornoz Ludwig , Nasner Daniela , Miller Derek , Gallo Dahiana , Galaz Jose , Arenas-Hernandez Marcia , Bhatti Gaurav , Done Bogdan , Zambrano Maria , Ramos Isabella , Fernandez Paula , Posada Leandro , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Jung Eunjung , Garcia-Flores Valeria , Suksai Manaphat , Gotsch Francesca , Bosco Mariachiara , Than Nandor , Tarca Adi
Published: August 2022

Pregnant women are at greater risk of adverse outcomes, including mortality, as well as obstetrical complications resulting from COVID-19. However, pregnancy-specific changes that underlie such worsened outcomes remain unclear. Herein, we profiled the plasma proteome of pregnant and non-pregnant COVID-19 patients and controls and showed alterations that display a dose-response relationship with disease severity; yet, such proteomic perturbations are dampened during pregnancy. In both pregnant and non-pregnant state, the proteome response induced by COVID-19 showed enrichment of mediators implicated in cytokine storm, endothelial dysfunction, and angiogenesis. Shared and pregnancy-specific proteomic changes were identified: pregnant women display a tailored response that may protect the conceptus from heightened inflammation, while non-pregnant individuals display a stronger response to repel infection. Furthermore, the plasma proteome can accurately identify COVID-19 patients, even when asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. This study represents the most comprehensive characterization of the plasma proteome of pregnant and non-pregnant COVID-19 patients.
Assessment of the oral health literacy and oral health behavior among nurses in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: AN Ran , Chen Wen feng , Li Siyu , Wu Zitong , Liu Meizi , Sohaib Muhammad
Published: August 2022

Background: Oral health is important for general health, nurses are expected to possess good oral health awareness and work together for public oral health promotion, but there is scarce information available on oral health literacy and oral health behavior among nurses.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate oral health literacy and behaviors of nurses, analyze the association between oral health literacy with demographic variables and oral health behaviors.Design: An exploratory research approach was used.Methods: A cross-sectional study in one tertiary hospital was conducted using a short-form Health Literacy in Dentistry-14 (HeLD-14) and a 16-items oral care behaviors questionnaire. Information about the subjects’ demographic details including age, gender, place of residence, marital status, marital status, education level, monthly household income, working experience, etc. were collected. Multivariable regression was used to identify the association of oral health literacy with demographic variables and oral health behaviors.Results: A total number of 317 nursing nurses participated in the survey, with a mean OHL score of 36.72, SD10.531, 21.8% were categorized as good,34.1% medium and 44.2% poor oral health literacy; monthly household income, self-rated oral health, brushing time, use of fluoride toothpaste, and regular oral examination were the influencing factors of oral health literacy among nurses.Conclusion: The overall oral health literacy of the nurse population is at a moderate to low level. These findings may help to map and design an oral health education intervention to improve oral health literacy amongst nurses, especially nurses with low monthly household income and poor self-assessed oral health status. Nursing administrators and nursing educators should pay more attention to the oral health status of the nurse population.
Effect of coal type on the physical properties and CO 2 adsorption performance of activated coke prepared by a single-step method under flue gas atmosphere
Authors: Yan Min , Zhou Binxuan , Chen Binjian , Gao Yan , Ma Chunyuan
Published: August 2022

Activated coke is considered to be one of the promising CO2 adsorbents. It could be prepared using coals by a single-step method, but the physical properties and CO2 adsorption performance of activated coke were significantly different when using different ranks of coals. In this study, six typical coals covering lignite, sub-bituminous coal, bituminous coal and anthracite were selected to prepare powdered activated coke (PAC) by a single-step method under flue gas atmosphere. The pore structure, surface morphologies and surface functional groups of the prepared PACs were characterized and the yield was calculated. The CO2 adsorption performance and adsorption selectivity for CO2 / N2 was experimented and analyzed. Results show that the PAC prepared from lignite had the maximum specific surface area of 479 m2/g, the most abundant oxygen-containing functional groups and the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.35 mmol/g at 0°C and 1.2 bar, but the yield of 48.41% was slightly less than others. Then followed by the PAC prepared from sub-bituminous coal. For PACs prepared from bituminous coal, the specific surface area, oxygen-containing functional groups and CO2 adsorption capacity were all decreased and greatly affected by the caking property. The PAC prepared from strong-caking coal, such as Xinwen coal, was unsuitable for PAC preparation. The PAC prepared from anthracite had the similar physical properties and CO2 adsorption performance with PAC prepared from medium-caking bituminous coal, but the yield of 72.17% was the most. Moreover, the prepared PACs presented good adsorption selectivity for CO2 / N2, which indicated the feasibility in practical applications. These conclusions could provide references for preparation of PACs using coals as the raw materials by the single-step method under flue gas atmosphere.
Rockburst grade probability prediction models based on PSO parameter optimization
Authors: Du Chenglei , Pan Yucong , Yin Xin , Gao Feng
Published: August 2022

Rockburst is a complex dynamic hazard in underground engineering, with the characteristics of sudden, random and destructive, seriously threatening the safety of construction personnel and mechanical equipment, limiting the project schedule. This paper collects 403 groups of rockburst cases, extracts four representative rockburst prediction indicator data, and uses LOF algorithm to process the outliers in the data sets. The processed data are used to test the prediction performance of ensemble models and decision tree models. Meanwhile, Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the prediction models. The results show that the prediction performance of the ERT models is better than that of the RF models and the decision tree models; the CART-ERT model has the highest prediction accuracy of 0.9375, which is better than the other eight prediction models. Finally, ADASYN algorithm is used to synthesize minority classes of samples to reduce the impact of class imbalance of rockburst samples. It can be found that after using the ADASYN algorithm to synthesize samples, the prediction performance of the models is improved. The prediction models adopted in this paper calculate the occurrence probability of rockburst of different grades, which has important guiding significance for rockburst prevention and control.
Assessment of decomposition on the integrity and stability of post-mortem mRNA
Authors: Thornton Roxanne , Hutchinson Erin Frances , Edkins Adrienne Lesley
Published: August 2022

Objective:Molecular information derived from RNA species has the potential to contribute to tissue specific identification, body fluid identification and post-mortem interval estimation. However, the reliability and validity of post-mortem RNA for the purpose of forensic identification is questionable. To determine the stability and purity of post-mortem RNA, sternal bone tissue was excised fromGallus gallusandCercopithecus pygerythrusremains at five stages of decomposition (Fresh, Bloat, Active Decay, Advanced Decay and Dry Bone). Two RNA preservation methods, namely the commercially available RNAlaterand the traditional -80 °C were evaluated and RNA purity and integrity were measured by UV absorbance and quality by RT-qPCR.Results:Animal models provide insights into the rapid degradation of RNA within an experimental setup of stages of degradation. Following the bloated stage (stage 2) of decomposition, RNA fragments and RT-qPCR amplification decreases. A positive correlation (p value0.001) existed between the probability of DNA and/protein contamination and increased post-mortem interval. The results recommend against the sampling of RNA from advanced decomposed remains or remains where no circumstance of death and/or history is recorded. This study served as a proxy for development of methods later applied to unidentified human remains admitted to the South African Forensic Pathology Services at various stages of decomposition with no accompanied history or circumstance of death.
Impact of clay modifier on structure, thermal, mechanical and transport properties in polyurethane/Maghnite nanocomposites as barrier materials
Authors: MRAH Lahouari , khiati Zoulikha
Published: August 2022

In the present study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites based on maghnite as an inorganic reinforcing phase were synthesized. The result of this study was to evaluate the gas barrier property of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material containing clay nanoparticles. The preparation of the thermoplastic polyurethane prepolymer with NCO terminations was carried out by the in situ solution polymerization method. The clay was previously modified by intercalating 12-aminododecanoic acid NH2(CH2)11COOH (12-Mag) molecules. The polyethylene glycol / tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate (PEG/TPI) matrix was extensively compatibilized with the organo-modified clay, 12-Maghnite. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of the use of organoclay on the development of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites composed of 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt% organoclay. The results obtained by XRD, by Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy (TEM, SEM) revealed that the modified maghnite was well dispersed at 1 wt% in the polyurethane matrix. Thermogravimetric (TG) tests have shown that the nanocomposites samples also have better thermal stability. Using the membrane separation test device, gas permeability was examined. Significant improvements in barrier properties were observed. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated as a function of the clay filler used and the TPU matrix.
Response Times of Degenerately Doped Semiconductor Based Plasmonic Modulator
Authors: Vinnakota Raj , Dong Zuoming , Briggs Andrew , Banks Seth , Wasserman Daniel , Genov Dentcho
Published: August 2022

We present a transient response study of a semiconductor-based plasmonic switch. The proposed device operates through active control and modulation of localized electron density waves i.e., Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) at degenerately doped In0.53Ga0.47As based PN++ junctions. A set of devices are designed and fabricated, and their optical and electronic behaviors are studied both experimentally and theoretically. Optical characterization shows far-field reflectivity modulation, a result of electrical tuning of the SPPs at the PN++ junctions for mid-IR wavelengths with significant 3dB bandwidths. Numerical studies using a self-consistent electro-optic multi-physics model are performed to uncover the temporal response of the devices’ electromagnetic and kinetic mechanisms facilitating the SPP switching at the PN++ junctions. The numerical simulations show strong synergy with the experimental results, validating the claim of possible electrical tunability of the device with a 3dB bandwidth as high as 2GHz. Thus, this study confirms that the presented SPPD architecture can be implemented for high-speed control of SPPs through electrical means, potentially providing a pathway toward fast all-semiconductor plasmonic devices.
Aggregation and Carbon Stabilization in Constructed Technosols Under an Urban Milpa System
Authors: Abbruzzini Thalita F. , Mora Lucy , Loredo-Jasso Ulan U. , Vargas Ceres Perez , Prado Blanca
Published: August 2022

The dynamics of organic C pools in constructed soils for urban farming, and how these pools interact with the mineral phase to form stable aggregates, may provide important information regarding their ability to store and sequester carbon. Technosols produced from concrete and excavation waste combined with wood chips, compost, and biochar (C + WCB and E + WCB, respectively), and an all-organic control treatment (WCB), were analyzed two years after the establishment of an urban milpa system. The size distribution and stability of aggregates, the distribution of C in aggregate size fractions, and the molecular composition of their organic and mineral phases were investigated. All treatments were mostly composed of macroaggregates (80–90% of the total aggregate size distribution), with 2–8% of microaggregates and a variation of 4–14% for the silt + clay fraction. Differential allocation of C in aggregate size fractions was observed when comparing C + WCB and E + WCB Technosols, while this element was more evenly distributed in the aggregate fractions of the WCB control treatment. The presence of recalcitrant and labile C compounds in silt + clay size fractions of C + WCB evidenced its heterogeneity in terms of C cycling potential. Moreover, the E + WCB showed a higher preservation of recalcitrant C compounds in microaggregates and silt + clay fractions. Thus, the proposed Technosols presented a significant potential to stabilize C in aggregate size fractions, and may contribute to long-term C storage while providing an on-site strategy for the final disposal of this type of urban waste.
Low Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels Are Associated with High Comorbidity of Metabolic Diseases in Subjects with Severe Obesity
Authors: Kubo Haremaru , Sawada Shojiro , Satoh Michihiro , Asai Yoichiro , Kodama Shinjiro , Takahashi Kei , Kaneko Keizo , Imai Junta , Katagiri Hideki , Sato Toshihiro , Tomiyama Seitaro , Seike Junro
Published: August 2022

Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays important roles in metabolic functions, especially in adulthood. Additionally, obese subjects are reportedly predisposed to having low absolute IGF-1 levels. However, the prevalence and clinical characteristics of obese subjects with low IGF-1 levels are unknown. We examined 64 severely obese subjects (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2), with no history of endocrinological disorders, receiving inpatient care. IGF-1 levels were interpreted based on the IGF-1 standard deviation score (SDS) clinically used and standardized by age and sex (low IGF-1 group; ≤ -2.0 SDS and standard IGF-1 group; -2.0 < and < +2.0 SDS). Notably, 26.6% of severely obese subjects had low IGF-1. Body fat mass and percentage, but not BMI, were significantly higher in the low than in the standard IGF-1 group. Furthermore, natural log-transformed high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and the frequencies of dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia were higher in the low IGF-1 group. Moreover, among the subjects without diabetes, fasting glucose levels were significantly higher in the low IGF-1 group. Stepwise variable selection procedure revealed body fat percentage to be a parameter most strongly associated with low IGF-1. Thus, low IGF-1 levels may be an important marker of adiposity-associated metabolic disorders in severely obese patients.
Escape of two-DOF dynamical system from the potential well
Authors: Engel A. , Ezra T. , Gendelman Oleg , Fidlin A.
Published: August 2022

We consider the escape of initially excited dynamical system with two degrees of freedom from a potential well. Three different benchmark well potentials with different topology are explored. The main challenge is to reveal the basic mechanisms that govern the escape in different regions of the parametric space and to construct appropriate asymptotic approximations for the analytic treatment of these mechanisms. In this study, numerical and analytical tools are used to classify and map the different escape mechanisms for a variety of initial conditions and to offer the analytic criteria predicting the system’s behavior for those cases.
Characteristics of Maxillary Sinus Ostia and Its Correlation With Anatomic Variations of the Osteomeatal Complex and Demographic Parameters
Authors: Eberliköse Hacer , Yılmaz Derviş , Gülen Orhan
Published: August 2022

Objectives
Knowledge of the anatomy and variations of the maxillary sinus is essential for high surgery success. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the primary maxillary ostium (PMO) and accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) in association with demographic and sinonasal findings using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a statistically highly reliable population.
Materials and Methods
The CBCT images of 385 patients were examined. The prevalence, localization, and height of PMO and AMO were evaluated with respect to sex, Schneiderian membrane (SM) thickness, concha bullosa, Haller Cells, and septal deviation.
Results
Analysis showed that the mean PMO diameter was 1.42 ± 0.62 mm. Although 11.6% of the PMO was in the inferior region, 60.4% was in the middle and 28% in the superior region. The mean AMO diameter was 2.55 ± 1.25 mm. Although 45.4% of the AMO was in the inferior region, 48% was in the middle and 6.6% in the superior region. Moreover, SM thickness seemed to influence the height.
Conclusion
The effect of age and SM on the height and diameter of PMO was found to be statistically significant.A significant positive relationship was found between PMO and AMO height. Also, a significant relationship was observed between the presence of AMO and septum deviation.
Clinical Relevance
: The presence of AMO, PMO diameter, and height should be added to the preoperative evaluation criteria for the success of sinus floor evaluation. Especially, sinonasal and demographic conditions should be carefully examined preoperatively for the long-term success of the surgery.
Comprehensive IR and NMR research of a newly Synthesized derivative of Imidazole–1,3,4–Oxadiazole
Authors: Sharma Palvi , Verma Kapil Kumar , Thakur shivalika , Kumari Ravina , Dalwal Vikrant
Published: August 2022

Background
Due to their critical applications in several domains or diseases, the compounds imidazole and oxadiazole have attracted a lot of interest. Oxadiazole is an anti-tussive, anti-inflammatory, anaesthetic, vasodilator, anti-helmintic, anti-allergic, and anti-platelet drug. Imidazole is an antifungal, anti-protozoal, and antihypertensive drug. The purpose of this study is to synthesize and characterize the derivative by using FTIR and 1H-NMR. The derivatives synthesis was completed. Ethyl 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) acetate is made in the first stage, and 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) acet-hydrazide is made using this Ethyl 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) acetate. The subsequent addition of 3-methoxybenzaldehyde followed by the addition of acetic anhydride led to the formation of the desired compounds. Studies using FTIR were conducted. Studies using 1H-NMR were also carried out.
Result
As a result, IR and 1H-NMR were used to characterise the synthesised material. A synthetic derivative's structure was established.
Conclusions
In conclusion, imidazole serves as the starting ingredient for the synthesis. The IR and NMR investigation was appropriately conducted, and this technique yields satisfactory results.
Predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules based on conventional ultrasound and elastography: the value of predictive models in a multi-center study
Authors: Zhang Ying , Huang Qiong-Yi , Wu Chang-Jun , Chen Qi , Xia Chun-Juan , Liu Bo-Ji , Liu Yun-Yun , Zhang Yi-Feng , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: August 2022

Background: This study aimed to establish predictive models based on features of Conventional Ultrasound (CUS) and elastography in a multi-center study to determine appropriate preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules with different risk stratification based on 2017 Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System by the American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS) guidelines.Methods: Five hundred forty-eight thyroid nodules from three centers pathologically confirmed by the cytology or histology were retrospectively enrolled in the study, which were examined by CUS and elastography before fine needle aspiration (FNA) and surgery. Characteristics of CUS of thyroid nodules were reviewed according to 2017 ACR TI-RADS. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to develop the prediction models based on the different risk stratification of CUS features and elastography which were statistically significant. Values of predictive models were evaluated regarding the discrimination and calibration.Results: Binary logistic regression showed that patients’ age, taller-than-wider, lobulated or irregular boundary, extra-thyroid extension, microcalcification and the elastic parameter of Virtual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) max were independent predictors for thyroid malignancy (p<0.05) in the ACR model and showed the area under the curve (AUC) in training (0.912) and validation cohort (internal and external: 0.877 vs 0.935). Predictive models showed predictors in ACR TR4 and TR5 for malignancy and diagnostic performance of AUC in training, internal and external validation cohort respectively: the VTIQ max (p < 0.001) with AUC of 0.809 vs 0.842 vs 0.705 and the age, taller than wide, VTIQ max variables with AUC of 0.859 vs 0.830 vs 0.906 in validation cohort. All predictive models have better calibration capabilities (p>0.05).Conclusions: Predictive models combined CUS and elastography features would aid clinicians to make appropriate preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules among different risk stratification. The elastography parameter of VTIQ max has the priority in distinguishing thyroid malignancy with moderately suspicious (ACR TR4).
Global trend and risk factors of the disease burden for pharynx and larynx cancers between 1990 and 2019: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Huang Ao , Wu Xing-liang , Song Jia , Wang Yu-Ting , Yao Yin , Liu Zheng , Wang Heng
Published: August 2022

Background: Pharynx and larynx cancers (PLCs) are the most frequent cancers in head and neck and significantly affect the quality of life of patients. A detailed study examining the mortality rate and etiology of PLCs is lacking.Methods: Data on mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to explain the dynamic change in age-standardized mortality and DALY rates at multiple levels. Results: Between 1990 and 2019, the total number of deaths due to PLCs increased by 60.7%, from 192.38 thousand in 1990 to 309.16 thousand in 2019, and the total DALYs due to PLCs increased by 49.41%, from 5.91 million in 1990 to 8.83 million in 2019. The age-standardized mortality rate declined for larynx cancer and nasopharynx cancer but increased slightly for other pharynx cancer. The global burden of PLCs was significantly higher in men aged 50 to 70 years. Countries with relatively low sociodemographic index (SDI) had the greatest disease burden. The leading risk factors for mortality due to PLCs were smoking and alcohol use in different SDI regions, and the influence of risk factors was significant in men.Conclusion: Countries with relatively low SDI and middle-aged and older men had the greatest burden of PLCs. Building better health care systems in relatively low SDI countries and improving strategies of alcohol control should be a priority in health policy.
Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Proteins from Coffee Green Beans: Effects of Process Variables on the Protein Integrity
Authors: Prandi Barbara , Massimo Martina , Tedeschi Tullia , Rodríguez-Turienzo Laura , Rodríguez Óscar
Published: August 2022

The demand for proteins is constantly increasing and green extraction methodologies are needed to achieve environmental sustainability goals. The recovery of the by-products of the agri-food chain has also become a priority from a circular economy perspective. Some by-products are still little exploited for the extraction of proteins, such as coffee by-products. In this work, various innovative extraction technologies were applied to recover the protein fraction from the non-compliant coffee green beans (CGB), using a methodological approach that allowed to correlate the process parameters with the final quality of the extracted proteins. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique has been shown to have a minor impact on the quality of the proteins, thanks to the possibility of refrigerating the system, while the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) shows a certain degree of degradation due to the high temperatures reached. The results indicate that strict temperature control is required during alkaline extraction to preserve the quality of the protein fraction.
age is the main prognostic factor regarding functional outcome in intertrochanteric fracture
Authors: Babagoli Mazyar , Soleimani Mohammad , Golbakhsh Mohammadreza , Shafiei Seyyed Hossein , Raeini Amirhossein Ghaseminejad
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The type of fracture, type of surgery, and patient comorbidities affect the possibility of achieving the best postoperative outcome in intertrochanteric fractures. We aim to evaluate the effect of the patient’s clinical and paraclinical condition before and after surgery on postoperative functional outcomes with the Harris hip score instrument.Design: RetrospectiveSetting: single-centerPatient/Participants: This study included 310 patients undergoing intertrochanteric fracture surgery at one center from November 2016 to September 2020.Intervention: Patient demographic, comorbidity and pre and postoperative laboratory data, complication, and Harris Hip Score data were collected.Main Outcome Measurements: Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the effect of demographic characteristics (sex, age, type of fracture regarding AO/OTA classification, height, weight, body mass index), habitual and past medical history( hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, thyroid malfunction, cancer, osteoporosis, smoking) lab data (Complete blood cell, blood sugar, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine (Cr), Na, and K ), surgery-related factors (Anesthesia time and type, intraoperative blood transfusion, postoperative blood transfusion, and operation time), duration of admission to surgery and anticoagulant consumption after a median of 29.84 months (range: 5-69.4 months ) follow-up on Harris Hip Score of patients undergoing intertrochanteric fracture surgery.Results: When Harris Hip Score compared between following characteristics the distribution was significant: AO/OTA classification (p=0.037), sex (p=0.017), hypertension (HTN) (p=0.001), Diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.038), Anticoagulant consumption (p=0.01), smoke (p=0.000), osteoporosis (p=0.001), anesthesia type (p=0.003), age (p=0.000), hemoglobin (Hb) before surgery (p=0.004), height (p=0.000), BUN before surgery (p=0.010), and Δ Na (p=0.046). in multivariable regression age is the main prognostic factor and Age >69.5 is prognostic factor for poor and fair Harris Hip Score.Conclusion: To improve the functional outcomes in IT fractures, the patient-related factors (underlying disease and the use of drugs, anemia status as well as electrolytes) and fracture type should be considered. Among the all these, age remains the main prognostic factor.Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III.
miR-5088-5p inhibitor reduces radiation-induced malignancy by decreasing Slug
Authors: Seok Hyun Jeong , Choi Jae Yeon , Yi Joo Mi , Bae In Hwa
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Radiotherapy is widely used for cancer treatment, but paradoxically, surviving cancer cells can become malignant, leading to tumor recurrence or metastasis. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy, efforts to reduce radiation-induced malignancy are absolutely necessary. As a tool, microRNA simultaneously regulates the expression of multiple target mRNAs, so it has significant potential as an effective therapeutic agent. The main objective of this study is to elucidate the malignant mechanism of radiation-induced miR-5088-5p and to prove the efficacy of miR-5088-5p inhibitor for mitigating malignancy, thereby demonstrating its applicability as a therapeutic agent to increase the efficiency of radiotherapy.
Methods
To analyze the relationship between radiation and miR-5088-5p expression, miR-5088-5p levels were determined by qRT-PCR in the plasma of breast and lung cancer patients with or without radiotherapy. MSP and qMSP assays were used to confirm the methylation of radiation-induced miR-5088-5p. To determine whether miR-5088-5p inhibitor reduces radiation-induced malignancy by decreasing Slug, we used wound healing, invasion, sphere formation, Western blot, qRT-PCR assays, and in vivo mouse xenograft metastatic model.
Results
It was confirmed at both the cellular and animal model that miR-5088-5p, which showed higher expression in the plasma of breast cancer and lung cancer patients with radiotherapy, enhances tumor malignancy by enhancing its expression through hypomethylation of its promoter by radiation. On the other hand, it was shown that miR-5088-5p inhibitor reduced the mechanism of radiation-induced malignancy.
Conclusions
Collectively, miR-5088-5p inhibitors have shown potential as a combination therapy to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness by reducing radiation-induced malignancy.
Endoscope-Assisted Manipulation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Provide a Novel Solution for Eliminating Septum and Inner Membrane Leading to Reducing Recurrence
Authors: Hong Kun-Ting , Hsu Shih-wei , Chen Chao-Hsuan , Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Chen Yuan-Hao , Ju Da-Tong , Tang Chi-Tun
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE: The canonical burr-hole craniostomy with drainage (BHC-D) has been main treatment for the chronic subdural hematoma. However, complicated situation such as organized clot or compartmentation may mandate the recurrent chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Our team has introduced a novel technique applying the endoscope for tearing inner membrane and septum in addition to evacuating the hematoma in the subdural space where the in-line visualization not being accessed. The novel concept of practice may provide a clinical value with optimizing the future recurrence. MATERIALS and METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-nine cases of CSDH were enrolled and analyzed. Among them, 13 were endoscopically treated and the surgery details were recorded. The 0- degree and 30-degree, 2.7 mm endoscope (Storze, Turlington, Germany) were applied after a BHC. The arachnoid knife for microsurgery is utilized for tearing the inner membrane to open up the compartments. The demographic data including comorbidities, surgical parameters and follow up of images were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with non-endoscope-assisted operated patients (non-Endo group), the 13 endoscope-assisted membranectomy (EM) patients (Endo group) demonstrated no difference with regard to gender, age, body mass index (BMI), trauma and other diseases, or use of anticoagulation agent. Although the surgery time spent for the Endo patients were longer (128.53 ± 49.56 min) than non-Endo group (65.18 ± 32.89 min), intriguing, no recurrence was found among Endo group, while high to 6.5% happened among the non-Endo patients in outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our proposed endoscope-assisted membranectomy (EM) has provided a practical technique aiming to reduce recurrence and optimize the surgical outcome.