bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor on Male Infertility: A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Alsabhan Jawza F. , Almalag Haya M. , Alnuaim Lulu A. , Albaker Awatif B.
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Background: Multiple factors cause male infertility. To date, there is insufficient data to support claims that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect the effectiveness of infertility treatments or decrease fertility. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of male infertility caused by SSRI antidepressants.
Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of Saudi males who are currently or previously treated with SSRIs and attended infertility clinics in KSMC. Medical records of men in an infertility clinic were reviewed to screen the quality of sperm parameters in patients taking SSRIs.
Results: In total, 299 men were identified, of whom 29 (9.6%) were exposed to SSRIs, while 270 (90.4%) did not receive SSRIs, defined as the control infertile group. There was a significant difference between the non-SSRI group (34.2 ± 6.9 years) and SSRI group (41.5 ± 3.2 years), p < 0.001. Regarding sperm analysis and the use of SSRIs, the impact of SSRIs use showed no significant differences in sperm liquefaction (p = 0.1), motility (p = 0.17), viscosity (p = 0.16), and sperm count (p = 0.069) with escitalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine use.
Conclusion: SSRI medication use and the likelihood of developing infertility require larger prospective trials.
Pathophysiology-Based Management of Secondary Injuries and Insults in TBI
Authors: De Macedo Filho Leonardo Jose Monteiro , Figueredo Luisa Fernanda , Pedraza-Ciro Maria Camila , Villegas-Gomez Gustavo Adolfo , Hawryluk Gregory , Amorim Robson Luís Oliveira
Published: November 2023

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all ages; despite the advances, understanding pathophysiological responses after TBI is still complex, involving multiple mechanisms. Previous reviews have focused on potential targets; however, the research on potential targets has continuously grown in the last five years, bringing even more alternatives and elucidating previous mechanisms. Knowing the key and updated pathophysiology concepts is vital for adequate management and better outcomes. This article reviews the underlying molecular mechanisms, the latest updates, and future directions for pathophysiology-based TBI management.
Combination of Advanced Actuator Line/Disk Model and a High-Order Unstructured Finite Volume Solver for Helicopter Rotors
Authors: Yang Minghao , Li Shu , Pei Weicheng
Published: November 2023

In the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for rotorcraft, two significant challenges are resolving the complex vortex structures in rotor wakes, and representing the moving rotor blades in the ambient airflow. This study addresses the first challenge by using a third-order unstructured finite volume solver, which, compared to its second-order counterpart, has substantially lower dissipation. Consequently, even relatively coarse meshes are capable of resolving small vortices. With this background flow field solver, the second challenge is addressed by modeling each rotor as an Actuator Disk Model (ADM), or describing individual rotor blades as actuator lines, designated as the Actuator Line Model (ALM). Both of these models are equipped with an improved correction for aerodynamic losses at blade tips, which is thoroughly presented in the methodology section. The numerical experiments section centers on analyzing errors linked to various sampling approaches. Additionally, the article discusses comparisons between vortex theory and ALM, specifically regarding calculations for fixed-wing aircraft. Furthermore, high-order precision and parallel efficiency are exemplified in scenarios encompassing rotors engaged in both hovering and forward flight rotors. The results in this paper demonstrate that the combination of the ALM/ADM with the improved tip loss correction and the third-order finite volume solver presents a new way of developing efficient tools for the aerodynamic analysis of helicopter rotors.
Composite Medical Tabletops: Materials Testing and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Golewski Przemysław , Pietras Daniel , Sadowski Tomasz , Wit-Rusiecki Albin Michał
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests of CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced polymer) laminates, which allowed the development of numerical material models. The obtained data were used in a further stage to perform numerical simulations of four variants of medical tabletops differing, among other features, in the shape of the cross-section. Maximum deflections and effort in the composite material were analyzed. The final step was to perform a laboratory test for one of the tabletop versions, the results of which confirmed the correctness of the numerical calculations. This work is aimed at both researchers and designers involved in the practical application of fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites.
Fatal Hemoptysis Secondary to Severe Pulmonary Veins Stenosis and Fibrosing Mediastinitis following Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Burduloi Vladut Mirel , Corciova Flavia Catalina , Sargu Gabriela Dumachita , Chistol Raluca Ozana , Rusu Alexandra Cristina , Stan Cristinel Ionel
Published: November 2023

Fatal hemoptysis secondary to severe pulmonary veins stenosis is an exceptional late complication of radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. We report the case of a 53-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation treated by radiofrequency ablation and admitted in our center 6 months after the initial procedure because of aggravating dyspnea and fatigability. Transthoracic echocardiography showed moderate dilation of right heart cavities, severe pulmonary hypertension, and a turbulent flow in superior pulmonary veins. The cardiologist suspected pulmonary vein(s) stenosis and cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed with findings of severe stenosis of the right superior, right inferior and left inferior pulmonary veins, near-occlusion of the left superior pulmonary vein and the vein draining the apical segment of the right lower lobe. The CT scan also revealed soft tissue attenuation of the mediastinum posterior to the left atrium suggesting fibrosing mediastinitis together with parenchymal findings consistent with pulmonary venooclusive disease and an area of hemorrhagic infarction. Fatal hemoptysis occurred 3 days after the evaluation before any treatment was attempted. In conclusion, severe pulmonary stenosis remains a rare but severe complication of radiofrequency ablation. Prevention is the key element together with an early diagnosis as the entity is potentially life-threatening.
The prevalence of Covid-19 among pediatric age group in Duhok City, Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Mahdi Sara Ardalan Mahdi , Mustafa Abdullah Saeed , Khalid Rojeen Chalabi Khalid , Jamal Tamara Bassam
Published: November 2023

Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has become a global pandemic. Although children can contract the virus, they are generally less likely than adults to develop severe symptoms. Parents and caregivers should monitor their children for symptoms and seek medical attention if their child becomes ill. Practicing good hygiene and social distancing can help prevent the spread of the virus. Vaccines are available for children and can provide additional protection against COVID-19. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on children is crucial for developing effective public health strategies to control the pandemic.Objectives: The current study aims to determine the prevalence of Covid-19 in pediatric age group in Duhok province and Zakho city, in Kurdistan region. among the children who tested positive for IgG test. If IgG antibodies are detected in a person's blood sample, it suggests that they have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 at some point in the past and their immune system has responded by producing antibodies against the virus.Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken involving youngsters aged 5 to 12 years. The study encompassed a total of 330 participants, selected between October and December 2022. The children underwent testing to detect IgG antibodies. Moreover, a questionnaire was employed to gather demographic and individual information from each contributor.Results: Among the studied sample, 302/330 (91.5%) of children were positive to IgG antibody test. No gender difference for COVID-19 was found in pediatric age group. Case fatality rate was 0%. 22/302 (6.6%) cases were symptomatic during the infection. However, 282(93.4%) cases were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Covid-19 infection in pediatric age group has good prognosis compared to adults. Intensive care unit (ICU) and death are rare. High-risk groups should be targeted for education and immunization/vaccination. Furthermore, more studies are needed to be conducted in order to investigate the risk factors of the infection and to assess the awareness among the general population about the risk of infection.
Implementation of an Enhanced Multi-Factor Authentication Scheme with a Track and Trace Capability for Online Banking Platforms
Authors: Moepi Glen Lehlohonolo , Mathonsi Topside Ehleketani
Published: November 2023

One of the fastest growing customer service delivery platforms is online banking. However, the increasing number of attacks on online banking platforms is driving the banks to constantly review their security. This study developed an enhanced Multi-factor authentication scheme with a track and trace capability to reduce these threats. Five modalities of authentication were incorporated in the proposed scheme: The traditional username, password, personal identification number (PIN) and one-time PIN (OTP), augmented with fingerprints or facial scans, registered smart devices, and a time locked user's location. One of the scheme's most impressive accomplishments is its capacity to seamlessly detect undesired activities and send alerts in the form of secretly obtained photographs and location triangulation.
Philosophy of life in Soviet Russia: the works of Evgeniya Gertsyk
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia), Vorozhikhina Ksenia V.
Published: November 2023

The focus of the study is the problem of “entry” or “penetration” of pre-revolutionary philosophy into Soviet philosophy. On the example of the oeuvre of E.K. Gertsyk, the au­thor of “Memoirs” on the philosophers and writers of the religious and philosophical re­vival at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries, the translator of the works of F. Nietzsche, J. Huysmans, F. von Baader and others, the thinker who created her own version of the philosophy of life, it is shown how a representative of the culture of the Silver Age managed to reconcile with the Soviet reality. The article traces Gertsyk’s creative evolu­tion from the philosophy of the phenomenon, presented in her dissertation essay on the problem of the real world in the Kant’s philosophy (1904), to the philosophy of life; her interpretation of Kant’s epistemology is considered; the concept of a path (a key one in Gertsyk’s work) was analyzed on the basis of works written in the early Soviet years (the hagiographic treatise “On the Ways” (1917–1918), the essay “Edgar Poe” (1918–1927)); the influences of decisive importance for Gertsyk’s philosophical searches are considered (I. Kant, F. Nietzsche, L. Shestov, N. Berdyaev, V. Ivanov, A. Bergson and etc). The article focuses on the transitional stage of Gertsyk’s oeuvre, when there was an increase in religiosity and apocalyptic moods in her mindset, which in the 1930s was replaced by a departure from Christianity as a stronghold of the old culture and old values, justification and apologia for the new social reality, demonstrated by Gertsyk in the well-known letters “from there”, i.e. from the Soviet Russia, published on the pages of the Parisian journal “Sovremennye zapiski” and caused a mixed reaction in the emigrant community. The article shows what ideological attitudes allowed the par­ticipant of the decadent meetings and the interlocutor of Russian religious philosophers to accept the Soviet reality.
Taking ‘end’ seriously. Some remarks on the relation be­tween Kant’s concept of an end and the end in itself
Authors:   Universität Siegen (Germany), Porcheddu Rocco
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present paper is to show that a particular interpretation of the end in itself, which is widely accepted in research on Kant’s critical philosophy, is at least worth dis­cussing. I refer to the interpretation of the end in itself as a so-called existing end, i.e., something for the sake of which we perform an action but which we do not realize – sim­ply because it already exists. As I will argue, this interpretation does not take into account a crucial aspect of the end in itself, i.e., its property of being an end. Being an end, the end in itself must fit into the Kantian general definition of a practical end and must therefore be something to be realized.
Super-concise theses on the linguistic aspects of the theory of civilization-specific rationality
Authors:   RUDN University (Russia), Paribok Andrei V.
Published: November 2023

The article describes the linguistic conditionalities and correlations of four civilization-specific types of rationality: (1) The Great West (BZ), the heir of the ancient civilization. (2) The Afro-Asian (AA) civilization, in its current state represented by the populous Arab-Islamic world and a more ancient version of the Jewish culture. (3) The South Asian (SA) civilization, which is originated in the central part of the northern India, which defined the cultures of Indochina (except Vietnam) and earlier Indonesia. (4) The Far Eastern (DV) civilization formed in China, which spread to its neighboring countries. The author explores the correlations with the types of a developed writing based on the tiers of the linguistic structure of each of the civilizations, as well as the re­sults of the ultimate semantic-ontological transition. The only related theory belongs to Andrei Smirnov and is called the Logic-of-sense theory. Some of its results have found their application in the thoughts expressed in this paper.
The social dimension of the new atheism
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia), Korostichenko Ekaterina I. , Klimov Yaroslav I. ,   Ryazan State University (Russia)
Published: November 2023

The article examines the socio-political aspect of the new atheism. Within the framework of this phenomenon, initially associated with the four bestselling authors R. Dawkins, S. Harris, K. Hitchens, D. Dennett, who launched the “fight against religion” in the mid-2000s, a community and a weakly organized movement eventually formed. A number of connected questions are considered: characteristics of the phenomenon of new atheism (origins, sources, specifics); perception of atheism and new atheism by society in the USA and Great Britain; political views of key figures of the new atheism, external assess­ment of their political influence; views and activity of supporters, external assessment of the socio-political influence of the movement. The article focuses on the aspects of the new atheism as a movement in the USA and the UK. The author comes to the fol­lowing conclusions: the “creators” of the new atheism scarcely touch upon the socio-po­litical agenda in their activities (the main foreign policy interest is the fight against Is­lamic terrorism); currently, the new atheism as a movement and a community reacts to politics rather than forms it; not all actions of new atheists aimed at reducing the social and political presence of religion or at reducing discrimination against atheists achieve their goals; the main achievement of the new atheism movement is that atheism as a worldview ceases to be a marginal agenda, and non-believers receive a formalized, pos­itively colored identity for themselves. The latter is important in the context of discrimi­nation of non-believers against believers, which in the United States takes place both in the public consciousness and even at the highest political level.
“Endless humanism”, “natural” cosmopolitanism
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia), Sosna Nina N.
Published: November 2023

The article focuses on the symptomatic interpretation of some modern concepts that ap­peal to a cosmic order. Against the background of well-known “dark”, homeless systems proposed by such Western thinkers as Q. Meillassoux, K. Barad, D. Haraway, E. Thacker et al., trying to present pictures of a world “without us”, the author examines here anti-colonialist approaches that complement the conclusions of European and North American researchers in their own way. The author shows that the ideas of a direct connection be­tween a moral act and a cosmic order or humanity spilled throughout the cosmos, al­though it turns out that they cannot be considered as the basis for universal coexistence, can nevertheless act as an engine of practical communication. With all fluctuations in the terminology that they use, in which the interchangeability of cosmopolitanism, cos­mology and space is not uncommon, combined with attempts to maintain the specificity of the “local”, it seems that these different works obviously tend to construct a new spe­cial type of statement.
On the identity of Russian philosophy and philosophy in Russia
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia), Guseynov Abdusalam A.
Published: November 2023

The main idea of the article is that the concepts of “Russian philosophy” and “philosophy in Russia” are one and the same. The very differentiation of the latter is associated with the peculiarities of the historical development of Russian philosophy, the formation of which coincided with the European turn in the development of the Russian state, car­ried out in the process of reforms of Peter the Great. This differentiation was justified at the initial stage and lost its meaning with the acquisition of Russian philosophy of its independence by the end of the 19th century, the emergence of the original nationally ori­ented philosophical teachings in it. It is shown that the specificity of philosophy as a kind of knowledge and at the same time as a form of social consciousness gives rise to the di­versity of its specific manifestations, the unique identity of history and theory. It is con­cluded that the concept of Russian philosophy cannot be reduced to the history of Russian philosophy as a special research direction and academic subject within the subject field of professional philosophy. The question is raised about the specifics of national philosophy as a special kind of the latter.
From Philosophy of the Act to New Ethics: History of the Saransk Ethical Center Formation (Materials of the Round Table Discussion)
Authors:   National Research Mordovia State University, Zhadunova Natalia V. , Koval Ekaterina A. ,   National Research Mordovia State University, Martynova Marina D. ,   National Research Mordovia State University, Skripnik Anatoly P. ,   Physics and Technology Institute, a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MIPhI, Sychev Andrey A. ,   National Research Mordovia State University
Published: November 2023

The paper tells about the history of the development of ethical education and research in the field of ethics in Saransk on the basis of the Department of Ethics (Ogarev Mordovia State University). The organizer of the ethical center and the founder of the scientific school in the field of moral philosophy in the second half of the 1970s was R.I. Alexandrova. Thanks to her energy and enthusiasm, the Department of Ethics became a place of attraction for students, graduate students, teachers who were interested in moral problems. For repre­sentatives of the center, the fundamental theoretical basis for research was the philosophy of act, which goes back to the Bakhtin’s ideas. The main subject of the study – the moral foundations of an environmentally significant act – was determined by Alexandrova’s works devoted to the relationship between morality and nature. Traditions, atmosphere, problems of the Saransk Ethical Center developed not only in the process of teaching and at the offi­cial events of the department, but also in the course of the work of an informal philosophi­cal society, the most prominent participants of which were O.V. Breikin, V.A. Pisachkin, A.P. Skripnik, A.V. Smolyanov and others. At this time, the problems of environmental ethics, moral ideal, moral evil are being developed. The formation of the next generation of representatives of the center in the 2000s (M.D. Martynova, A.A. Sychev, N.V. Zhadunova, E.A. Koval, etc.) was greatly influenced by ethical schools, which were held under the guid­ance of R.G. Apresyan. They made it possible to establish contacts between ethical centers and form a single community of ethics researchers from Russia and neighboring countries. The basic direction of the center’s work during this period remains environmental ethics, but the space for research is gradually expanding due to new and relevant topics for modern so­ciety. There is a steady trend towards interdisciplinary research. Modern studies of the Sa­ransk Ethical Center, on the one hand, continue and develop the traditions of the scientific school, established back in the 70s of the last century (environmental ethics, philosophy of the act), but, on the other hand, are aimed at solving dilemmas that arise in connection with the accelerating development of science and technology and social changes. At the mo­ment, the focus of research is the ethics of big data and the “new ethics”.
RETRACTED: Automotive Tracking System with Signal Lost Compensation
Authors: Lopes Gabriel Barcellos Kretli , Bueno Leandro
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
RETRACTED: Vehicle Tracking System using Sensor Fusion with Signal Loss Compensation
Authors: Lopes Gabriel Barcellos Kretli , Bueno Leandro
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Exonuclease-III assisted the target recycling coupling with hybridization chain reaction for sensitive mecA gene analysis by using PGM
Authors: Du Yan , Xiu Ning
Published: November 2023

In the field of neonatal infections nursing, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major bacterial pathogen. Here, we present a portable biosensor for MRSA detection that is both highly sensitive and portable, owing to its implementation on the personal glucose meter (PGM) platform. The H probe was fixed on the magnetic bead for mecA gene analysis. A blunt 3’ terminus appeared in the MBs-H probe when the mecA gene was present. Exonuclease-III (Exo-III) recognized the blunt terminus and cleaved it, freeing the mecA gene and so facilitating target recycling. In the meantime, the remaining H probe-initiated hybridization chain reaction (HCR), which led to the desired signal amplification. Portable quantitative detection of mecA gene is possible because PGM can read the quantity of invertase tagged on HCR product. After optimizing several experimental parameters, such as the concentration of Exo-III and incubation time, the constructed sensor is extremely sensitive, with a detection limit of 2 CFU/mL. The results from this sensitive PGM-based sensor are in agreement with those obtained from plate counting methods, suggesting that it can be used to accurately assess the MRSA content in artificial clinical samples. In addition, the PGM sensor can significantly cut down on time spent compared to plate counting techniques. The manufactured sensor provides a promising option for accurate identification of pathogenic bacteria.
Photoacclimation of Corals in the Turbid Waters of the Northern Malacca Straits, Malaysia
Authors: MUBIN Nur Ain Amani ABDUL , SALLEH Sazlina , KAMPHOL Nadthikphorn , MOHAMMAD Mahadi , JONIK Michelle Glory G , CHEAH Wee , HOSSAIN Md Solaiman
Published: November 2023

Reefs in the Northern Straits of Malacca are exposed to low-light conditions mainly due to sedimentation. Corals can be found in the urban reefs of Pulau Kendi (PK) and Pulau Songsong (PS). Rapid Light Curves (RLCs) measurements were performed in situ using a Diving Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometer to investigate the photoacclimation of hard corals in the turbid waters of non-protected reefs in PK and PS. Despite the high turbidity at both sites, high derived maximum photochemical efficiency values (Fq′/Fm′(max)) were observed in all coral species at PK (0.77 to 0.80) and PS (0.70 to 0.76). Corals in PS had lower photosynthetic efficiency (α) ranged from 0.08 to 0.09 and maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) ranged from 62.88 ± 6.16 to 136.11 ± 5.70 compared to those in PK (α range: 0.26–0.32; rETRmax range: 102.93 ± 138.41–138.4 ± 5.1). These differences were associated with low non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) (0.08 ± 0.00–0.23 ± 0.00) and symbiont density (0.05 ± 0.00 cells cm2 x 106 – 0.23 ± 0.06 cells cm2 x 106) in PS. The results indicate that coral physiology varies significantly among sites and species, and corals can acclimate to changes in the environment. However, the extent of acclimation depends on light availability in their habitat, which may play a critical role in their survival and persistence in harsh environments.
Possible correlation of selected immune genes of tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon with respect to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection
Authors: Saravanan P. , Praveena P. Ezhil , Bhuvaneswari T. , Otta Subhendu Kumar
Published: November 2023

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) of shrimp is a highly virulent pathogen, which can bring mass mortality and thereby severe economic loss to the industry. Though shrimp has a less developed immune system, several gene components have been discovered which play certain and specific roles. Defense response of shrimp with respect to particular pathogen such as WSSV needs to be understood. The current study investigated the physiological changes and gene expression pattern with respect to silencing of Relish, IAP or Rab7 in Penaeus monodon by gene specific dsRNA followed by flow cytometry analysis after WSSV infection. RNAi has been used as a powerful tool to analyze the gene function in worms, shrimps, insects and plants. Knockdown of specific defense genes by dsRNA treatment and functional pattern of other intact genes were observed through expression analysis and flow cytometry. Penaeus monodon signal transducer and activator of transcription (PmSTAT) gene expression was found to be up regulated in case of dsRNA knocked down of either Penaeus monodon Relish transcription factor (PmRelish), inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) explaining important role of STAT in immunity. Crustin expression was significantly down regulated in dsIAP and dsRelish injected animal. PmRelish and Crustin expression was up regulated in Rab7 silenced P. monodon. Necrosis and early apoptosis were high in PmRelish silenced P. monodon suggesting possible role of PmRelish in apoptosis pathway. Similarly, individual dsRNA silenced shrimp cells showed distinct phenotypic changes. The study indicates distinct inter-relationship between different defense genes while acting synergistically to provide overall protection against shrimp WSSV.
Weather Variability and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Uncovering Associations with Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature Changes
Authors: Lin Jing-Chi , Lin Chun-Yen , Wu Chien-sheng , Lien Frank , Lin Ko-ming , Chang Ting-Hui , Lin Kuan-Yu , Yang Hui Ching
Published: November 2023

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of weather on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity using registry data from the Taiwan Rheumatology Association Clinical Electronic Registry (TRACER), a mobile application used to record disease activity and medication in selected centers.
Methods
A total of 567 patients with RA were included in this study, with data on disease activity score, 28 joint-count erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), and medication (including disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) recorded in TRACER. Weather data were obtained from the observation data inquiring system of the Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan. GEE statistical models were used to analyze the association between patient's DAS28-ESR, medication and weather data.
Results
Of the 567 RA patients included in the study population, 75% were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 52 years (range 15–84 years). The mean DAS28-ESR was 3.8 (range 0.2-8.0) in bDMARDs users and 3.6 (range 0.2–7.8) in DMARDs users. The results revealed that atmospheric pressure and temperature changes, rather than sunshine hours and relative humidity, were significantly associated with RA disease activity (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the value of TRACER as a tool for recording valuable data on daily practice, which can be exported for statistical analysis. Our findings suggest that weather changes, particularly atmospheric pressure and temperature changes, are associated with RA disease activity, especially in those patients with positive rheumatoid factors (RF).
Techno-economical evaluation of three methods for stripping gas recovery in gas dehydration by unit of Khark petrochemical complex
Authors: Abdehvand Arman Mohammadi , Haghi Mahdi , Hosseinirad Ebrahim
Published: November 2023

The presence of water vapor in natural gas poses several issues including corrosion, blockages, and reduced pipeline capacity. The gas dehydration is a crucial process to reduce the water content and mitigate these problems. In this paper, glycol dehydration unit of Khark Petrochemical Company (KPC) has been simulated using Aspen Hysys v11.0 process simulator. At first, the simulation results has been validated with the design data and affecting parameters on the dehydration unit performance were identified through sensitivity analysis and their effects on the produced dry gas was investigated. The results showed that increasing the solvent circulation rate, stripping gas flow rate and reboiler temperature leads to more water removal rate. Secondly, the several options are suggested for stripping gas recovery and capital and operating expenditure for each option has been estimated and techno-economical evaluation of stripping gas recovery was carried out. Our techno-economic analysis reveals that about 0.7 MMSCFD stripping gas can be recovered from regeneration towers by increasing the operating pressure of regenerator and separating water from stripping gas. In the optimum option (sending the stripping gas to low pressure feed gas compressor), this project requires about 80,000 $ capital cost and has 1.7 MM$ annual revenue.
Measuring Personal Emergency Preparedness: Validation of the Emergency Preparedness Checklist Across Three Samples
Authors: Talisman Nicholas W. , Rohrbeck Cynthia , Moore Phillip J. , Marceron Jennifer E. , Burns Katherine M
Published: November 2023

Large-scale emergencies such as natural and human-made disasters (e.g., hurricanes, terrorist attacks) have profound, deleterious effects on human well-being, including loss of life, physical injury, psychological trauma, and financial devastation. Personal or household emergency preparedness can mitigate the impact of these disasters. Effective and psychometrically sound measures of preparedness are critical to identifying individual differences in these behaviors and testing theories of emergency preparedness. However, there are few personal preparedness measures appropriate for all disaster types, and fewer still with evidence of reliability and validity. This paper describes the development and psychometric validation of a new Emergency Preparedness Checklist (EPC), using three separate samples -- university undergraduates, adults living in the DC Metro Area, and a nationwide sample of adults with physical disabilities – to demonstrate its potential generalizability. Across samples, the EPC had high levels of internal consistency and demonstrated concurrent validity. In addition, research with the EPC has shown that it is related to other constructs (e.g., perception of disaster threat, self-efficacy for emergency preparedness) as expected based on disaster theories. These findings support the EPC’s utility in research on disasters and preparedness.
Preliminary screening of plant essential oils from an oceanic climate zone (NW Spain) for the control of equine cyathostomins
Authors: Garduño Roberto González , Vázquez María Sol Arias , Monteiro Cristiana Cazapal , Sánchez-Andrade Rita , Paz-Silva Adolfo
Published: November 2023

Cyathostomins are gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) that affect equines in many parts of the world. Due to anthelmintic resistance (AR), it is necessary to search for control alternatives. The objective of the study was to carry out a screening of 26 essential oils (EOs) from plants to determine in vitro their action on cyathostomins. Essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation from leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of the selected species and used against the eggs of cyathostomins by means of the tests of egg hatching and larval motility inhibition. For each EO, different concentrations were prepared (250, 125, 62.5, 31.3, 15.6, 7.8, 3.9, 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.24 mg/mL). Oxfendazole at 2.5% mixed with closantel 5% was used as positive control, and PBS served as negative control. Cyathostomin eggs were obtained from feces of infected horses and infective larvae were recovered after de coproculture. The in vitro test was carried out 36 hours after the challenge con the EOs. The highest production of EOs was obtained from leaves of bay, eucalyptus, mallow and basil, as well as from seeds of black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, anise, and peel of orange and cloves, cumin and Lawson’s cypress. The oils extracted from laurel leaves, ground cinnamon, anise, cumin, and coriander seeds had a very high effect on cyathostomins eggs up to doses lower than 3.9 mg/mL. Therefore, in addition to the uses in other species such as fungi and bacteria, the use of EOs in the control of nematode eggs gives greater importance as alternative control.
It is the habit not the handle that affects tooth brushing. Results of a randomised counterbalanced cross over study
Authors: Deinzer Renate , Eidenhardt Zdenka , Sohrabi Keywan , Stenger Manuel , Kraft Dominik , Sick Bernhard , Götz-Hahn Franz , Bottenbruch Carlotta , Berneburg Nils , Weik Ulrike
Published: November 2023

Objective:
To assess the effect of the toothbrush handle on video-observed toothbrushing behaviour and toothbrushing effectiveness
Methods:
This is a randomized counterbalanced cross-over study. N = 50 university students brushed their teeth at two occasions, one week apart, using either a commercial ergonomically designed manual toothbrush (MT) or Brushalyze V1 (BV1), a manual toothbrush with a thick cylindrical handle without any specific ergonomic features. Brushing behaviour was video-analysed. Plaque was assessed at the second occasion immediately after brushing. Participants directly compared the two brushes regarding their handling and compared them to the brushed they used at home.
Results:
The study participants found the BV1 significantly more cumbersome than the M1 or their brush at home. (p < 0.05). However, correlation analyses revealed a strong consistency of brushing behavior with the two brushes (0.71 < r < 0.91). Means differed only slightly (all d < 0.36). These differences became statistically significant only for the brushing time at inner surfaces (d = 0.31 p = 0.03) and horizontal movements at inner surfaces (d = 0.35, p = 0.02). Plaque levels at the gingival margins did not differ while slightly more plaque persisted at the more coronal aspects of the crown after brushing with BV1 (d = 0.592; p 0.042)
Discussion:
The results of the study indicate that the brushing handle does not play a major role in brushing behavior or brushing effectiveness.
Zhen-Wu-Tang decoction ameliorates lupus nephritis by diminishing renal tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells via suppressing IL15/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liang Chunling , Wei Yuyan , Luo Yini , Qin Fenglian , Chen Yuchao , Liu Huazhen , Qiu Feifei , wu Junbiao , Liu Yuntao , Dai Zhenhua
Published: November 2023

Background
Zhen-Wu-Tang (ZWT), a traditional herbal formula, has been recommended for treating lupus nephritis (LN) in clinic, but the mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. Here we aimed to define the immunological mechanisms underlying its effects on LN.
Methods
In this study, murine LN was induced by a single injection of pristane, while in vitro TRM cells differentiated in the presence of IL-15/TGF-β. The 24h-urine protein, serum creatinine (Scr), serum anti-dsDNA Ab, H&E stain and renal depositions of IgG/complement 3 (C3) were measured to evaluate renal injury and function. Immunoassays, including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and ELISA, were performed to quantify TRM cells, macrophages polarization and STAT activation both in vivo and in vitro.
Results
We found that ZWT or mycophenolate mofetil treatment significantly ameliorated kidney injury in LN mice by decreasing 24-h urine protein, Scr and anti-dsDNA Ab. ZWT also improved renal histology and reduced the deposition of IgG and C3. In addition, ZWT downregulated renal desmin expression. Moreover, it significantly reduced the number of renal CD8+ TRM in LN mice while decreasing expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ, but not ki67, in renal CD8+ TRM cells. Consistent with in vivo results, ZWT-containing serum inhibited TRM cell differentiation induced by IL-15/TGF-β ex vivo, but it had no effect on ki67 expression. Importantly, ZWT reduced the number of total F4/80+CD11b+ and CD86+, but not CD206+, macrophages in the kidney of LN mice. Interestingly, ZWT decreased IL-15 protein expression in the kidney tissue of LN mice. Further, it mainly suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3 in CD8+ TRM cells in vitro.
Conclusions
We have provided the first evidence that ZWT decoction can be used to improve LN outcome by reducing CD8+ TRM cells via inhibition of IL-15/STAT3 signaling.
Exploring the microbiota to better understand pancreatic cancer physiology
Authors: Chen Anli , Zhao Feng , Wu Xiaotian , Deng Xiangyu , Yang Jiali , Xue Jianjiang
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide and its global burden of disease is increasing year by year. This study explores the microbiota of pancreatic cancer patients with the aim of better understanding the physiology of pancreatic cancer. A total of 14 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 14 patients with chronic pancreatitis were included, and serum samples and lesion tissues of both groups were obtained under the premise of informed consent. Fresh stool samples were collected from 29 pancreatic cancer patients, and gut microbial data from normal control populations were obtained from the SRA database (SRA data number: SRP150089).16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the microbial profile and diversity of feces and lesion tissue samples. The results showed that the expression levels of tumor markers CA242 and CA199 were lower in the chronic pancreatitis than in the pancreatic cancer (P < 0.05); the pancreatic cancer patient group showed increased gut microbial α diversity and decreased number of beneficial bacteria compared with the healthy control group; meanwhile, the pancreatic cancer group showed increased tumor microbial α diversity and altered species composition compared with the chronic pancreatitis; In addition, the expression level of CA242 was positively correlated with Acinetobacter (P < 0.05).The microbiota of patients with pancreatic cancer is specifically altered, and Acinetobacter may be a marker for early screening for pancreatic cancer.
Growing of perfect single-crystal epitaxial films of (Si 2 ) 1-x (GaN) x solid solutions on Si (111) substrates from the liquid phase
Authors: Saparov Dadajon , Saidov A. S. , Usmonov Sh. N. , Ishniyazov T. T. , Kalanov M. U. , Akhmedov A. M.
Published: November 2023

The technological capabilities of the method of liquid-phase epitaxy from a limited volume of Sn solution-melt for obtaining films of substitutional solid solution (Si2)1−x(GaN)x on Si (111) substrates are shown. The grown films had a single-crystal structure with (111) orientation, n-type conductivity with a resistivity of ρ ~ 1.38 Ω∙cm, a carrier concentration of n ~ 3.4∙1016 cm− 3, and a charge carrier mobility of µ ~ 133 cm2/(V⋅sec). The relatively narrow width (FWHM = 780 arcsec) and high intensity (2⋅105 pulses/sec) of the main structural reflection (111)Si/GaN indicate a high degree of perfection of the crystal lattice of the epitaxial layer (Si2)1−x(GaN)x. The photosensitivity region of p-Si–n-(Si2)1−x(GaN)x heterostructures covers the photon energy range from 1.2 to 2.4 eV, with a maximum at 1.9 eV.
Cystatin C and sarcopenia index are associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death among adults in the United States
Authors: Wang Tianbo , Zhu Yuxin , Liu Xiaohan , Zhang Yue , Zhou Shihang , Zhang Zhen , Wu Jin , Huang Gang , Xu Junbo
Published: November 2023

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the potential association between cystatin C, creatinine, and the sarcopenia index (SI) and cardiovascular and all-cause death in general population.
Methods
Data of participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 1999 to 2004 were used and all participants were followed up regularly until December 31, 2019. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to investigate the potential association between the potential risk factors and cardiovascular and all-cause death. Restricted cubic spline regression was conducted to evaluate the potential nonlinearity between potential risk factors and death.
Results
In this study, 9894 participants with a mean age of 45.64 years were enrolled and followed up for a mean duration of 15.62 ± 4.68 years. About 50.3% were men and a total of 2681 all-cause deaths and 691 cardiovascular deaths were recorded. In multivariable Cox models, higher cystatin C level (≥ 0.877 vs. <0.659) was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death (HR:3.36, 95% CI: 2.06–5.46, p < 0.001) and all-cause death (HR:2.71, 95% CI: 2.17–3.38, p < 0.001). However, lower SI (< 88.41 vs. ≥125.52) was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR:2.56, 95% CI: 1.88–3.49, p < 0.001) and all-cause death (HR:2.45, 95% CI: 2.07–2.90, p < 0.001). Additionally, a J-shaped curve association was found between cardiovascular and all-cause death and creatinine.
Conclusions
Cystatin C and SI are associated with cardiovascular and all-cause death in general population in the United States. There is a J-shaped curve association between creatinine and cardiovascular and all-cause death among US adults.
Cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease incidence and all-cause mortality: the modifying role of diet quality
Authors: Norouzzadeh Mostafa , Teymoori Farshad , Farhadnejad Hossein , Moslehi Nazanin , Mirmiran Parvin , Rahideh Seyedeh Tayebeh , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: November 2023

Background
This study examines the potential long-term interaction between smoking and diet as modifiable risk factors concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and all-cause mortality in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study framework.
Method
The study followed 955 smokers from the third and fourth examinations and collected dietary data using a food frequency questionnaire to calculate three different diet quality indices (DQIs): DQI-international, DQI-revised, and Mediterranean-DQI. Current smokers were classified according to smoking intensity and pack-year index. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the HR (95% CI) of the impact of DQIs, smoking status, and their interaction on CVD incidence and all-cause mortality.
Result
Over a follow-up period of almost 8 years, 94 cases of CVD (9.8%) and 40 cases of mortality (4.2%) were documented. Although no significant association was found between adherence to the DQI-I and DQI-R indices and the studied outcomes, the study found that lower diet quality based on the Med-DQI was associated with a higher risk of mortality among current smokers (HR: 3.45; 95%CI:1.12, 10.57). Light smokers with higher scores on the DQI-I and DQI-R, compared to heavy smokers with poor diet quality, had a lower risk of CVD incidence (HR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.35, 0.83) and mortality (HR: 0.20; 95%CI:0.05, 0.77), respectively. Smoking cessation reduced mortality risk (HR: 0.35; 95%CI:0.12, 1.03), and this risk reduction was greater when accompanied by improved diet quality (HR: 0.10; 95%CI:0.02, 0.45).
Conclusion
Improving diet quality and quitting smoking can lower the risk of CVD and mortality for smokers.
Effects of extreme weather events on agriculture and women's food security in Cameroon
Authors: Takamgno Célestin Sikubé , Maisonnave Hélène , SIKUBE Nina FOTSO MAYAP
Published: November 2023

This study evaluates the socioeconomic and gendered impacts of extreme weather events on food security in Cameroon by combining an estimation of changes in agricultural yields because of climate change in the country with quantitative modelling. The estimations are modelled using an autoregressive distributed lag, while a computable general equilibrium model in which agricultural production is differentiated by agroecological zones is used to assess the economy-wide impacts. We find that the high savannah and bimodal forest zone are the zones most affected by climate shocks regardless of the scenario tested and that female workers are the most affected, irrespective of their level of skill. Food insecurity is worsened, especially among female-headed households living in rural areas. These results help us to better assess the differentiated impacts of climate change to formulate more targeted adaptation policies.
JEL Classification: Q54; Q18; J16; C68; O55
Optimizing packaging materials for prolonged freshness of marigold loose flowers
Authors: MB Viresh , Jain Ritu , Sethi Shruti , Singh MC , Tiwari AK , Singh Babita , Lekshmy S , Prabha Ratna , Bana RS
Published: November 2023

The primary challenge for the freshly harvested flowers is their perishable nature, which severely limits their shelf life, typically ranging from 2 to 3 days, depending on prevailing meteorological conditions. The short storage life and poor keeping quality are the principal constraints in marigold marketing. To tackle the twin challenges, the present research was conducted to identify suitable packaging materials for extending the storage life and preserving the quality of loose marigold flowers when stored under both ambient (30 ± 2º C) and cold (5 ± 1º C) environments. Five different packaging materials, namely, muslin cloth, poly propylene woven bag, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and shrink-wrap were used. The study was carried out in the Completely Randomized Design (factorial) with two replications. Greatest improvement in shelf life of marigold loose flowers was achieved using shrink-wrap (19.0 days) and HDPE (18.5 days) in cold storage. Marigold loose flowers packed in shrink wrap, either under ambient or cold storage, exhibited the longest shelf life (4.5 and 19.0 days, respectively). Additionally, shrink-wrapped flowers demonstrated superior characteristics such as flower diameter, brightness, moisture content, carotenoid content, membrane stability index, enzyme activity, as well as reduced shrivelling, weight loss, and respiration rate. In the like manner, shrink-wrapped flowers also exhibited the highest levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase activity. The use of shrink-wrap effectively delayed the senescence of marigold flowers by regulating enzymatic activities, ensuring freshness under both room temperature and cold storage conditions. The present study reports an important outcome that shrink wrap not only improves shelf life considerably but highlights that it maintains the physiological and biochemical properties of marigold for a significant period.