bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the Characteristic Wavelength Parameter in 1D Leray-Burgers Equation with Physics-Informed Neural Network
Authors: KIM BONG-SIK , Choi Yuncherl , Lee Doo Seok
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we employ the Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) to estimate the practical range of the characteristic wavelength parameter α in the Leray-Burgers equation. The Leray-Burgers equation, a regularization of the inviscid Burgers equation, incorporates a Helmholtz filter with a characteristic wavelength α to replace the usual convective velocity, inducing a regularized convective velocity. The filter bends the equation’s characteristics slightly and makes them not intersect each other, leading to a global solution in time. By conducting computational experiments with various initial conditions, we determine the practical range of α >0 that closely approximates the solutions of the inviscidBurgers equation. Our findings indicate that the value of α depends on the initial data, with the practical range of α being between 0.01 and 0.05 for continuous initial profiles and between 0.01 and 0.03 for discontinuous initial profiles. The Leray-Burgers equation captures shock and rarefaction waves within the temporal domain for which training data exists. However, as the temporal domain extends beyond the training interval, data-driven forward computation demonstrates that the predictions generated by the PINN start to deviate from the exact solutions. This study also highlights the effectiveness and efficiency of the Leray-Burgersequation in real practical problems, specifically Traffic State Estimation.
Terahertz semiconductor laser chaos
Authors: Li Hua , Liu Binbin , Silvestri Carlo , Zhou Kang , Ma Xuhong , Wu Shumin , Li Ziping , Wan Wenjian , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhang Ying , Peng Junsong , Zeng Heping , Wang Cheng , Brambilla Massimo , Columbo Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

Chaos characterized by its irregularity and high sensitivity to initial conditions finds various applications in secure optical communications, random number generations, light detection and ranging systems, etc. Semiconductor lasers serve as ideal light platforms for chaos generations owing to the advantages in on-chip integration and complex nonlinear effects. In near-infrared wavelengths, semiconductor laser based chaotic light sources have been extensively studied and experimentally demonstrated. However, in the terahertz (THz) spectral range, due to the lack of effective THz light sources and high-speed detectors, chaos generation in THz semiconductor lasers, e.g., quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), is particularly challenging. Due to the fast intersubband carrier transitions, single mode THz QCLs resemble Class A lasers, where chaos can be hardly excited, even with external perturbations. In this work, we experimentally show a THz chaos source based on a sole multimode THz QCL without any external perturbations. Such a dynamical regime is characterized by the largest Lyapunov exponent associated to the temporal traces of the measured radio frequency (intermode beatnote) signal of the laser. The experimental results and chaos validation are confirmed by simulations of our model based on effective semiconductor Maxwell-Bloch Equations. To further understand the physical mechanism of the chaos generation in THz QCLs, a reduced model based on two coupled complex Ginzburg-Landau equations is derived from the full model cited above to systematically investigate the effects of the linewidth enhancement factor and group velocity dispersion on the chaotic regime. This model allows us to show that the chaos generation in the THz QCL can be ascribed to the system attaining the defect mediated turbulence regime. Our findings pave the way for the generation of controllable and integrated THz chaos sources, as well as potential applications.
Mapping the Temporal Landscape of Breast Cancer Using Epigenetic Entropy
Authors: shibata darryl , Monyak Daniel , Holloway Shannon , Gumbert Graham , Grimm Lars , Hwang Shelley , Marks Jeffrey , Ryser Marc
Published: October 2024

Although generally unknown, the age of a newly diagnosed tumor encodes valuable etiologic and prognostic information. Here, we estimate the age of breast cancers, defined as the time from the start of growth to detection, using a measure of epigenetic entropy derived from genome-wide methylation arrays. Based on an ensemble of neutrally fluctuating CpG (fCpG) sites, this stochastic epigenetic clock differs from conventional clocks that measure age-related increases in methylation. We show that younger tumors exhibit hallmarks of aggressiveness, such as increased proliferation and genomic instability, whereas older tumors are characterized by elevated immune infiltration, indicative of enhanced immune surveillance. These findings suggest that the clock captures a tumor's effective growth rate resulting from the evolutionary-ecological competition between intrinsic growth potential and external systemic pressures. Because of the clock’s ability to delineate old and stable from young and aggressive tumors, it has potential applications in risk stratification of early-stage breast cancers and guiding early detection efforts.
Efficacy and safety of givosiran in Japanese patients with acute hepatic porphyria: Clinical findings from an expanded access study
Authors: Ozaki Nobuaki , Goto Yoshie , Fujii Norihisa , Oyama Takuro , Frascello Karen , Camejo Ana , Adachi Tomohide
Published: October 2024

Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP), a rare genetic disorder, causes life-threatening porphyria attacks and chronic pain and impairs daily functioning and quality of life. Recently, a new siRNA therapy, givosiran, became available for AHP. This open-label, multicenter, single-arm study expanded access to givosiran and further explored its safety and efficacy in 10 Japanese patients with AHP. Participants received monthly subcutaneous injections of givosiran (2.5 mg/kg). Three patients were continued from the phase III ENVISION study of givosiran, and seven were newly recruited. Assessments comprised clinical AHP features, urinary aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG) levels, use of hemin to treat attacks, and the Givosiran Patient Experience Questionnaire (GPEQ). Urinary ALA and PBG levels remained at or below upper limits of normal levels throughout the study. The GPEQ showed symptomatic improvement in eight participants. Of the eight adverse events, five were deemed by the investigator to be related to givosiran. One patient experienced two attacks, which required urgent healthcare visits but no hemin use. Generally, the safety profile was consistent with that previously observed. All adverse events were nonserious, and no deaths occurred. The study indicates that monthly givosiran administration is safe and clinically useful in Japanese patients with AHP.
The impact of disclosure information level based on blockchain technology on the joint decision-making for carbon reduction and pricing in the fresh e-commerce supply chain
Authors: Jiang Yingmei , Mou Jinjin , Yang Xin , Wei Jinyu
Published: October 2024

The rapid expansion of the e-commerce market has led customers to pursue the convenience of shopping while concurrently heightening their focus on the safety of food products purchased through online channels.This consumer demand trend is one of the main reasons why blockchain technology is increasingly being applied to food information tracking in the fresh e-commerce sector. Based on observations of fresh e-commerce practices, we studythe role of blockchain in an environmentally friendly fresh e-commerce supply chain. Firstly, the positive and negative impacts of adopting blockchain technology on the operation of fresh e-commerce are considered. After providing quantitative descriptions on these impacts, we construct a two-echelonsupply chain game model under different power structures, with and without the adoptionof blockchain technology. Secondly, the optimal pricing, the optimal commission, the optimal per-unit carbon reduction, and the blockchain investment decisions for the supply chain are derived across different scenarios. Differences in supply chain performances before and after the adoption of blockchain technology under two power structures (decentralized decision-making and integrated decision-making) are contrasted, as well as the variations between two power structures before and after blockchain adoption. Finally, in the mathematical simulation section, we also analyzed the impact of the level of information disclosure based on blockchain on supply chain decisions and the conditions for adopting blockchain technology. We found some interesting results: When adopting the blockchain technology, integrated decision-making does not necessarily have an absolute advantage in terms of system profit and product price. Especially when only partial product information is disclosed, the advantage of this power structure in integrated decision-making is weakened. Compared with suppliers of fresh agricultural products, the intrinsic motivation for e-commerce platforms under the agency model to adopt blockchain technology is stronger. When the conditions for demand sensitivity factors or technology cost factors are met, integrated decision-making following the adoption of blockchain technology can outperform decentralized decision-making in every aspect.
Two-step grain boundary diffusion mechanism of a dopant accompanied by structural transformation
Authors: Yang Chuchu , Feng Bin , Futazuka Toshihiro , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: October 2024

Dopant diffusion along grain boundaries (GBs) plays a critical role in modulating the GB chemistry, which further governs the microstructures and properties of polycrystalline materials. Here, we have investigated atomistic GB dopant diffusion behaviors by directly tracing GB structures and chemistries in a Ti-diffused Al2O3 GB, using atomic resolution electron microscopy, spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Our observations unveiled that the dopant diffusion has induced a GB structural transformation. Furthermore, such structural transformation led to an unexpected dramatic variation of GB diffusion coefficients for Ti diffusion, which differ by two orders of magnitude in the two different GB structures. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the dopant diffusion and segregation phenomena in GBs, which renews our fundamental understanding towards the intricate nature of GB diffusion processes.
Analysis of factors influencing patient caregivers preparedness during the Neurosurgery ICU transition： A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wang Pei , Chen Yi , Ouyang Yan , Yu Peng , Li Bing , Yu Jiaohua , Zhan Yuxin
Published: October 2024

Background
This study aimed to investigate the preparedness of patient caregivers in the Neurosurgery ICU transition in China and its factors.
Method
This research involved a cross-sectional study utilizing the Care Preparedness Scale, the Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale-Family Member, and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale, which was carried out between May and July 2022. A total of 307 participants were recruited from five tertiary general hospitals across four provinces in China.
Results
The caregiver preparedness score was found to be 13.19 ± 4.822 (P < 0.05). Factors such as the patients' condition, self-care ability at the time of admission, caregivers' age, education level, income, understanding of the disease, stress levels, sources of information, and self-assessment of caregiving skills significantly influenced caregiver preparedness (P < 0.05). Additionally, caregivers' levels of uncertainty and anxiety were negatively associated with their preparedness (P < 0.01). A moderate negative correlation was observed between the CPS score and the PPUS-PM, while a mild negative correlation was noted between the CPS score and the SAS score. Conversely, a moderate positive correlation was found between the SAS score and the PPUS-PM score.
Conclusion
The level of care preparedness among participants was lower than the normal level. Interventions based on factors should be implemented to ensure the quality of ICU transitional care.
Dynamic Multimodal Information Encryption Combining Programmable Structural Coloration and Switchable Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Zou Gang , Feng Zeyu , Li Jialei , Yang Peng , Xu Xiangxiang , Wang Di , Li Jiahe , Zhang Chutian , Li Jingguo , Zhang Hongli , Chen Xin
Published: October 2024

Multimodal optamaterials are highly desirable due to their advantages in enhancing information security. Despite numerous reports that combines structural coloration and fluorescence (FL), independent modulation is still challenging, let alone accurately controlling the orthogonal relationship between the structural coloration pattern and the fluorescence / circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) pattern. Herein, we report a novel strategy which combines programable structural coloration and switchable fluorescence/CPL for multimodal information encryption. Using a photomask with aligned grating, two-dimensional (2D) programmable periodic patterns are fabricated on a polydiacetylene (PDA) gel film, which produces image in tunable structural colors. Introducing a chiral perovskite (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (NCs) fluorescence layer provides stimuli-responsive fluorescence and CPL. The giant dissymmetry factor (glum) value could reach as high as 1.3, which could be easily identified by naked eyes via left- and right-handed circularly polarized filters. Importantly, the structural coloration information and fluorescence patterns (including CPL pattern) could be independently modulated without mutual interference. Moreover, the structural coloration, fluorescence and CPL information could be selectively concealed or exposed by varying microstructure design of the cross-linked PDA gel or by acetonitrile treatment. Our findings demonstrate a smart multi-optical modal material towards higher-level anti-counterfeiting and information encryption.
Systemic impacts of disruptions at maritime chokepoints
Authors: Verschuur Jasper , Hall Jim
Published: October 2024

Global trade relies on a small number of strategic passageways, so-called maritime chokepoints, which are vulnerable to disruptions. Yet, the exposure of countries to these disruptions is not known, inhibiting adequate preparedness. Here, we quantify the systemic impacts of maritime chokepoint disruptions subject to a variety of hazards, including conflict, piracy, terrorist attacks, accidental blockages and climatic factors. USD190 billion of trade is expected to be disrupted each year at chokepoints, mainly attributed to geopolitical risk at the Taiwan Strait and Suez Canal, and a combination of hazards affecting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. We estimate that the expected economic risk of chokepoint disruptions, due to delays, rerouting and trade disruptions, is USD23.3 billion per year, driven by rerouting costs as a result of disruptions of the Suez Canal, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Panama canal, and countries being cut-off from trade in case of disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and Bosporus Strait. Countries most exposed to these economic risks are located in the Middle-East, Africa and Latin America. At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and climate change, our results help to quantify the implications of these risks, and can assist targeting of resilience interventions within global supply chains.
An experimental study on the effects of Electronic Medicinal Product Information on vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Puppo Federico , Carlson Jim Ingebretsen , Roca-Umbert Ana , Folkvord Frans , Lupiáñez-Villanueva Francisco
Published: October 2024

Although immunization through vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions, actual coverage of vaccination program has decreased rapidly over the last years due to increased vaccine hesitancy. Cognitive biases have been shown to play an important role in affecting vaccine hesitancy. In this study, we conducted a randomized-control trial (N = 2000, N = 1000 from Spain and N = 1000 from Bulgaria), where subjects were randomly assigned to one condition. The conditions differed by whether an electronic Product Information (ePI) was presented to the subjects and by the type of information that was focused to the patient. The current study showed that the provision of digital information in the form of an ePI has important consequences for achieving high vaccination rates. The main result suggests that providing vaccination information in the form of an ePI can increase patients’ vaccine hesitancy. This effect remained when positive and/or negative information in the ePI was focused to the patients. Additionally, we observe that vaccine hesitant individuals spend less time reading the ePI. We conclude, by relating the current study to the relevant literature, that information overload could be the main driver of vaccine hesitancy in the context of this study.
MGCN-SP: A Motif-based Graph Convolutional Network for Stock Prediction
Authors: Zhou Lei , Yu Jian , Yongchareon Sira , Wang Guiling , Liu Zhizhong , Zhang Yuqi
Published: October 2024

The prediction of stock market price trends has always been a challenging issue, attracting widespread attention from both economists and computer scientists. Recently, integrating stock prices with news data has been shown to be an effective strategy for enhancing the accuracy of the prediction task. Yet, many current methods fail to fully leverage the intricate inter-stock relationships inherent in stock news.Applying deep learning, especially Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs), to predict stock trends has demonstrated advanced performance. This method employs a message-passing architecture, enabling nodes to progressively aggregate information from neighboring nodes across multiple layers. In this paper, we propose a novel approach: the Motif-based Graph Convolutional Network for Stock Prediction (MGCN-SP). This model mitigates the over-smoothing problem by incorporating network motifs into the layer propagation process. Specifically, we first generate a motif graph by correlating stocks with stock news. Then, we encode the stock price information and stock news into features using the scaled dot product attention adapted from the transformer architecture. After that, we apply the motif-based graph convolutional network. This framework is designed to jointly refine the embeddings of both stock news and stock time series data using a transformer encoder and to estimate the likelihood of target movements. Finally, we conducted extensive implementation in the U.S. stock market, and the experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms some state-of-the-art approaches.
Effects of Kegel Exercises and Mindfulness Meditation on Postoperative Erectile Function in BPH Patients Undergoing HoLEP: A Prospective Study
Authors: Wang Rong , Ding Yue , Shen Yajun , Gu Lijuan , Yang Heyu
Published: October 2024

Background
This trial aimed to evaluate the combined effects of mindfulness meditation and Kegel exercises on the postoperative recovery of erectile function, psychological health, and urinary symptoms in patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for sexually active benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Methods
This multicenter, prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 113 sexually active patients aged 50–70 years who were diagnosed with BPH. The participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group, which followed a regimen of Kegel exercises combined with mindfulness meditation, or the observation group, which received standard postoperative care. Time to recovery of erectile and activity function and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The secondary outcomes focused on psychological health and symptom improvement, both of which were assessed via the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Self-Assessment Scale for Anxiety (SAS), with all these variables measured both preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.
Results
Compared with the observation group, the intervention group presented a significantly shorter recovery time for erectile and sexual activity (p < 0. 05). The IIEF scores at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the observation group (p < 0.05). The mental health and IPSS scores also significantly improved in the intervention group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Combining Kegel exercises with mindfulness meditation significantly improved erectile function recovery, psychological health, and urinary symptoms in sexually active BPH patients undergoing HoLEP.
Poor sleep quality, cardiometabolic risk factors and physical activity, among paramedical staff in Douala
Authors: Ndongo Jerson Mekoulou , Lele Elysée Claude Bika , Njoya Emmanuel Guillou Njimongna , Manga Léon Jules Owona , Tabunguia Ange Ulrich LeRoi , Bian William Mbang , Guessogo Wiliam Richard , Ahmadou . , Foko Pradel loick Kojom , Bilog Nadine Carole , Guyot Jessica , Ayina Clarisse Noel Ayina , Mandengue Samuel Honoré , Bongue Bienvenu , Ndemba Péguy Brice Assomo
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Paramedical personnel used to night shift predisposing them to poor sleep (PS) and its health consequences. Their work requests an important physical demand associated to physical activity (PA). This study aimed at determining prevalence of PS, its association with cardiometabolic risk factors (CFRs), and PA among paramedical staff.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses and medical-health technicians (MTH) in reference hospitals of Douala, Cameroon. PS and PA were assessed with standard questionnaires. CFRs included overweight, obesity, waist circumference (WC), Waist-to-height ratio (WhtR), Waist-to-hip ratios (WhR), hyperglycemia and sedentarity.
Results: A total of 331 participants were enrolled, including 53.4% nurses. The prevalence of PS was 68.3% with high prevalence in women (73.5%) and nurses (58.8%). CFRs in participants with PS were: obesity (34%), abnormal WC, WhtR and WhR (55.8%, 28.4%, 78.2%), sedentarity (65.5%), hyperglycemia (40.6%), and low PA (47.7%). PS was associated with MTH(OR: 0.48, P= 0.004), and seniority (OR= 1.67, P=0.03); and short sleep associated with MTH (OR= 2.4, P=0.0006). No association was found between with PS, PA and CFRs.
Conclusion: PS is a reality with alarming prevalence among paramedical staff, with high value in females and nurses. No associations were found with CRFs and PA.
Powder Diffraction Crystal Structure Determination Using Generative Models
Authors: Jin Shifeng , Li Qi , Jiao Rui , Wu Liming , Zhu Tiannian , Huang Wenbing , Liu Yang , Weng Hongming , Chen Xiaolong
Published: October 2024

Accurate crystal structure determination is critical across all scientific disciplines involving crystalline materials. However, solving and refining crystal structures from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data is traditionally a labor-intensive process that demands substantial expertise. Here we introduce PXRDGen, an end-to-end neural network that determines crystal structures by learning joint structural distributions from experimentally stable crystals and their PXRD, producing atomically accurate structures refined through PXRD data. PXRDGen integrates a pretrained XRD encoder, a diffusion/flow-based structure generator, and a Rietveld refinement module, solving structures with unparalleled accuracy in seconds. Evaluation on MP-20 dataset reveals a record high matching rate of 82% (1-sample) and 96% (20-samples) for valid compounds, with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) approaching the precision limits of Rietveld refinement. PXRDGen effectively tackles key challenges in PXRD, such as the localization of light atoms, differentiation of neighboring elements, and resolution of overlapping peaks. Overall, PXRDGen marks a significant advancement in the automated determination of crystal structures from PXRD.
Impact of ENSO on River Flooding in the Karnali River Basin of Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Tirtha Raj , Baniya Binod , Tang Qiuhong , Li He , Shrestha Suraj , Awasthi Ram Prasad , Gaffney Paul P.J. , Dhital Yam Prasad
Published: October 2024

El Niño and La Niña, collectively known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), play an important role in river flooding. This study investigates the relationship between ENSO and associated floods in the Karnali River Basin (KRB). A specific focus is placed on a comprehensive analysis of extreme flood events in El Niño and La Niña years, which would deepen the understanding of the influence of ENSO on hydrological and hydrodynamic processes. Precipitation and discharge data from 1962 to 2020 were obtained from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal. The hydrodynamic model (HEC-HMS & HEC-RAS) was used to simulate the extreme floods of 1983, 2000, 2014 & 2015 at the DHM hydrological station. The year of 2015 is a strong El Niño year, while 1983 and 2014 are La Niña years. In the El Niño year 2015, the annual precipitation was 1190 mm and the average annual discharge was 1130 m3/s. The instantaneous peak discharge for the extreme flood event was 4560 m3/s. However, in the same river basin, the annual precipitation during the La Niña years of 2014 and 1983 was 1413 mm and 1283 mm, respectively. The 1D and 2D HEC-RAS models were used to simulate the flood behaviors and analyze the river channel shift during the extreme flood event in August 2015. At the station in the Chisapani area, the observed peak discharge was 3354 m³/s while the model can well capture the peak flood discharge with a simulated peak of 3365 m³/s. The models further showed that the river channel shifted at 2,000 m intervals along both the river branches during the extreme flood event. This study highlights the impact of ENSO on precipitation and river flooding in Nepal.
Retrospective study on the characteristics of common urogenital tract pathogens in Beijing
Authors: Zhao Meimei , Jiang YongWei , Kong Xiaomu , Liu Yi , Gao Peng , Li Mo , Zhu Haoyan , Deng Guoxiong , Feng Ziyi , Ma Liang , Cao Yongtong
Published: October 2024

Background: This study aims to investigate the infection status of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) among male and female patients in Beijing, with the objective of providing a foundation for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: A comprehensive collection of 7,373 urine and vaginal swab samples was obtained from male and female patients admitted to the China-Japan Friendship Hospital between December 2019 and March 2024. The detection of MG-RNA, CT-RNA, NG-RNA, and UU-RNA was performed using a real-time fluorescent nucleic acid isothermal amplification assay (SAT). Subsequently, the infection status was analyzed across different variables, including sex, age, and diagnosis.
Results: The overall positive detection rates for MG, CT, NG, and UU among all patients were 2.70% (199/7373), 3.76% (277/7373), 1.84% (136/7373), and 21.99% (1621/7373), respectively. Notably, the detection rate of UU was significantly higher compared to the other three pathogens, with the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.01). Among male patients, the infection rates for MG, CT, NG, and UU were 2.76% (173/6268), 3.72% (233/6268), 1.99% (125/6268), and 16.16% (1013/6268), respectively. In females, the infection rates for MG, CT, NG, and UU were 2.35% (26/1105), 3.98% (44/1105), 1.00% (11/1105), and 55.02% (608/1105), respectively. The infection rate of UU in females was significantly higher than that in males, whereas the infection rate of NG was higher in males than in females. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: UU is the predominant infection of the urogenital tract in both male and female patients in the Beijing area. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance early screening and monitoring in clinical diagnosis and treatment, and to initiate early clinical intervention.
Levels and seasonal patterns of selected essential macro and micronutrients in commercial avocado varieties and soil nutrient status of avocado farms at Mojo and Melkassa sites, Ethiopia
Authors: Aregahegn Zeyede , Etissa Edossa , Bekele Israel , Abera Dejene
Published: October 2024

Avocado fruit is rich in essential nutrients, highly productive, and are recommended for combating malnutrition. This study focuses on the levels of essential macro- and micronutrients, seasonal patterns in commercial avocado varieties, and the soil nutrient status of avocado farms in Mojo and Melkassa, Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from commercial avocado farms in Mojo, and avocado leaf samples from the Hass, Fuerte, and Ettinger varieties were collected from both Mojo and the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center. The soil analysis from the Mojo avocado fields revealed high CEC (31.05–38.40 meq/100 g soil), a neutral to alkaline pH (7.49–7.78), low TN (0.06–0.10%), low to medium OC content (0.67–1.59%), medium Cu and Mn levels (0.67 ppm–0.85 ppm and 1.27 ppm–2.02 ppm, respectively), and very low Fe and Zn levels (0 ppm and 0.10 ppm–0.34 ppm, respectively). The concentration of nitrogen in the leaf tissue of the Hass variety at the Mojo site generally decreased from February to July but was consistent at the MARC site. Among the three avocado varieties (Hass, Fuerte, and Ettinger), the Hass variety exhibited the highest nitrogen levels, followed by Fuerte and Ettinger. The Pearson correlation analysis of avocado leaves reveals synergistic relationships between Mn, Cu, and Ca, as well as antagonistic interactions between TN and Zn and competition between Zn and Fe offering insights for optimizing nutrient management and promoting healthy avocado growth.
A clinical study of improved percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment of Kummell’s disease without neurological symptoms
Authors: Luo Wei , Zheng Yang , Chen Lianglong , Kang Fangjing , Liu Jicheng , Yang Jinghai
Published: October 2024

[Objective] To investigate the clinical effect of improved percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for the treatment of Kummell’s disease without neurological symptoms.
[Methods] Thirty-nine Kummell’s disease patients without neurological symptoms, including 7 males and 32 females aged between 59 and 89, who received surgery on their T8-L5 vertebrae at our hospital from November 2022 to February 2024 were included in this study. Of them, 18 received the improved PVP surgery and 21 underwent the traditional bilateral PVP surgery. Both groups of patients had complete follow-up data for 6-15 months, averaging (9.28±1.99) months. Outcome measures included intraoperative bone cement leakage, bone cement injection volume, C-arm fluoroscopic frequency, operation time, visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before operation, 1d after operation, and at the last follow-up. The two surgical operations were approved by the Ethics Committee of Loudi Central Hospital in Hunan Province.
[Results] All the 39 patients were successfully operated and had complete follow-up data. ① The bone cement injection volume in the improved PVP group was significantly higher than that in the traditional PVP group (P＜0.01). ② The operation time and intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopic frequency of the improved PVP group were significantly less than those of the traditional PVP group (P＜0.05). ③ Both groups did not suffer nerve injury and other severe complications during operation. Bone cement leakage occurred in 12 patients (66.67%) of the improved PVP group and 16 patients (76.19%) of the traditional PVP group. The difference in bone cement leakage between the two groups was not significant (P＞0.05). ④ The VAS and ODI scores of both groups were significantly improved after surgery (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS and ODI scores 1d after operation and at the last follow-up between the two groups (P＞0.05).
[Conclusion] Both improved and traditional PVP have good effects and high safety in the treatment of Kummell’s disease without neurological symptoms. However, the former has advantages of shorter operation time, a lower C-arm fluoroscopic frequency, and higher bone cement injection volume.
Methylene Blue confers protection against hepatotoxicity induced by Cisplatin; the involvement of the interactions between iron-sensing proteins, NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, and oxidative stress
Authors: Attia Hany G , Elbaset Marawan A. , Mohamed Bassim M. S. A. , Moustafa Passant E. , Hussien Yosra Assem , Alasmari Saeed , El-Gendy Zeinab A. , Hessin Alyaa Farouk , Korany Reda MS , Fayed Hany M.
Published: October 2024

Cisplatin (Cisp) is a widely used cancer treatment that is effective and frequently included in treatment plans. Treatment plans that use large doses of Cisp or cumulative dosages, however, may cause liver damage. This study investigated the protective effects of Methylene Blue (Meth) against ‎cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar Albino rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control, cisplatin (CP, 8 mg/kg, IP), and two Meth-‎treated groups (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, IP) with CP‎. Cisplatin administration (8 mg/kg, IP) significantly impaired liver function, increased ‎oxidative stress, promoted apoptosis, and disrupted iron homeostasis. Treatment with ‎Meth at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg demonstrated dose-dependent ‎hepatoprotective effects. The higher dose (50 mg/kg) of Meth effectively restored liver ‎function markers, antioxidant status, and iron regulatory proteins (IRP2, TRF1, ferritin and NCOA4) in addition to ferritinophagy to levels comparable ‎with the control group. Meth treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, inhibited ‎apoptotic pathways, and modulated iron-related gene expression. The 50 mg/kg dose ‎consistently outperformed the 25 mg/kg dose across all measured parameters. These ‎findings suggest that Methylene Blue, particularly at higher doses, may serve as a ‎promising therapeutic agent in mitigating cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing ‎oxidative stress, regulating iron homeostasis, and inhibiting apoptotic pathways.‎
Morphological, biochemical content, antioxidant activity and molecular characterization of barberry genotypes growing naturally in central Türkiye
Authors: Sun Muammer , Yaman Mehmet , Sümbül Ahmet , Demirel Fatih
Published: October 2024

As people become more aware of the connection between health and nutrition, there has been a rise in interest in wild fruit species that are natural, contain a high amount of nutrients, and are helpful to one's health. One of the wild fruit species with a natural distribution in Türkiye, and historically used for medicinal purposes due to its rich composition, is Berberis crataegina DC. Various parts of the plant, including its roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits, have been utilized in traditional medicine, while its fruits are also consumed in various forms as food. This study aimed to characterize the morphological, biochemical, and molecular traits of B. crataegina DC. genotypes naturally growing in the Kayseri region, located in central Türkiye. The fruit weight of the genotypes ranged from 0.047 to 0.137 g, fruit width from 3.06 to 4.64 mm, and fruit length from 5.80 to 9.05 mm. Similarly, the leaf traits of the genotypes exhibited wide variation. Leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, and petiole thickness varied between 22.56 and 39.20 mm, 5.98 and 14.45 mm, 4.51 and 11.84 mm, and 0.35 and 0.68 mm, respectively. The total phenolic content ranged from 190.53 to 297.55 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content from 82.03 to 203.89 mg QE/100 g, total anthocyanin content from 4.54 to 11.76 mg cyn-3 gluc/100 g, and total antioxidant capacity between 57.76% and 87.93%. A principal component analysis (PCA) of 11 traits identified four principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1. The first four components accounted for 71.89% of the total variation, with PCA1 explaining 23.48%, PCA2 18.68%, PCA3 16.39%, and PCA4 13.34%. ISSR molecular analysis using nine markers revealed a band count ranging from 4 to 13, polymorphic band count between 3 and 10, and polymorphism rates from 61.54–100%, with band lengths ranging from 200 to 1000 base pairs. According to the UPGMA dendrogram based on molecular analyses, the genetic similarity between the genotypes ranged from 0.64 to 1.00, with B2 and B13 being the most similar genotypes. In conclusion, the Kayseri region is rich in B. crataegina DC. genotypes with wide genetic variation. The genotypes identified in this region may serve as valuable genetic resources for future studies.
Mobile Ransomware Detection Leveraging Swarm Intelligence and Machine Learning: A KELM-Based Approach
Authors: Khurma Ruba Abu , Alazab Moutaz , Xiao Yaning , Sood Keshav , Yu Shui , Jan Tony , Shah Mohd Asif , Mallik Saurav
Published: October 2024

Mobile dependence amplifies privacy risks associated with advanced malware threats such as ransomware, Trojan horses, botnet and spyware. Ransomware, in particular, encrypts those portable devices, demanding payment for access, presenting a critical challenge for user privacy, economic stability, and corporate trust. This paper proposes an effective strategy leveraging machine learning and swarm intelligence. Our strategy incorporates the Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) for efficient data processing and a Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO) algorithm for optimal parameter selection. The paper also highlights the most important features for accurate detection and shows the potential risks associated with these threats, such as unauthorized access to personal information , changes to phone and network data, and gaining deep control over the device. While the KELM algorithm is used to classify the mobile applications (apps) as either ransomware or non-ransomware, the SCSO functionality looks for the best features and ideal values for the KELM hyperparameters. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system, we used a dataset comprising 1000 real-world samples collected from diverse platforms including Koodous, Virus Total, HelDroid, and RansomProper security projects, as well as benign applications obtained from the official Google Play Store. The experiments were then divided into two parts: the evaluation of the SCSO swarm size and the inquiries into the hybridization of the logarithmic operator. To identify ransomware, the optimal SCSO version with the KELM is utilized, and its efficacy is contrasted with other traditional machine learning methods. When compared to other algorithms, the suggested (SCSO-KELM) performs better in terms of several evaluation metrics, including promising convergence characteristics. The proposed method outperforms others in various metrics.
Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for recurrence or metastases in colorectal cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Serrano-Segura Judith , Fuentes Araceli , Florensa Didac , Godoy Sofia , Miret Carme , Godoy Pere
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives:
Diabetes has been associated with the risk of colorectal cancer, but its role as a risk factor for recurrence or metastasis is unknown. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the risk of pre-existing diabetes in the progression of colorectal cancer, whether local recurrence or metastasis.
Methods
A summary synthesis was performed in accordance with the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guideline. The MeSH terms used were diabetes, colorectal neoplasm and metastasis. The studies should include diabetes as a pre-exposure to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, investigate local recurrence or metastasis of colorectal cancer and be an original observational primary investigation.
Results
From 626 identified studies, 9 cohort studies were selected, including a total of 16,855 patients. An association of diabetes with a shorter time to recurrence was found in prospective studies of patients with colon cancer only (n = 8,103; HR = 1.35; 95% CI:1.04–1.77). The relationship was not significant in studies with patients with both colon and rectal cancer (n = 1,923) and patients with rectal cancer only (n = 1,950). Regarding the incidence of recurrence, one European study with patients with rectal cancer (n = 53) found an association of diabetes with a significantly higher local recurrence, although not with metastasis. In a study of non-European patients with colon cancer (n = 1,923), no differences were found in the incidence of recurrences based on diabetes status.
Conclusions
Diabetes may play a prognostic role in colon cancer. Diabetes may be a risk factor for cancer recurrence in Europe, but not in other parts of the world.
Application of novel triazolium-containing hydrogels to cotton fabrics: Evaluation of their flame retardancy and antibacterial properties
Authors: Söyler Nejmi , Dalbaşı Eylen Sema , Türkmen Hayati
Published: October 2024

A novel series of triazolium ionic salts were synthesised and characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermal degradation kinetics and activation energy of the ionic salts were studied using Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Starink methodologies. The results indicated that the thermal degradation mechanism of the synthesised triazolium flame retardants is influenced by the mono- and dicationic triazolium rings with different alkyl chain lengths. The activation energy increased with the decrease in the alkyl chain length and the addition of a triazolium ring. Triazolium-containing hydrogels were prepared and applied to cotton fabrics to enhance their flame-retardant and antibacterial properties. The vertical flammability test results confirmed that PBDIL12_20, which contained 20 wt% dicationic ionic salt, exhibited the highest flame retardancy among the tested samples. All the cotton fabrics treated with the triazolium hydrogels exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, achieving bacteriostatic rates of > 99%. This study presents a novel method for the development of flame-retardant and antibacterial cotton fabrics, which can be used in protective clothing to safeguard skin from fire and health hazards.
Metagenomic Analysis Identifying a Polymicrobial Pulmonary Infection in a Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Duan Jing , Ding Jie , Zhang Yingxin , You Zhiqing , Li Ding , Chen Chao
Published: October 2024

Background
Polymicrobial pulmonary infections, common in immunocompromised patients, often manifest more severe symptoms than monomicrobial infections. Clinical diagnosis delays may lead to mortality, emphasizing the importance of fast and accurate diagnosis for these patients. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), as an unbiased method capable of detecting all microbes, is a valuable tool to identify pathogens, particularly in cases where infections are difficult to diagnosis using conventional methods.
Case presentation:
A 50-year-old male patient was admitted due to cough, expectoration and dyspnea. CT scan revealed diffuse inflammatory and cavernous lung lesion, and blood examination suggested a polymicrobial infection. However, no etiology was found by routine examination. mNGS of bronchoalveolar lavage simultaneously detected the presence of Pneumocystis jirovecii, Aspergillus fumigates, Nocardia farcinica, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The patient was successfully treated with compound sulfamethoxazole, cefoperazone/sulbactam, moxifloxacin, voriconazole, and ganciclovir. The patient recovered after two weeks of anti-infection therapy and maintained good health at a six-month follow-up.
Conclusion
For immunocompromised patients with multiple infections and atypical symptoms, mNGS emerged as a reliable approach to pathogen detection and guiding antibiotic therapy.
Increased kidney length in mild urinary tract dilatation is a significant prognostic factor for non-resolution
Authors: Ishimori Shingo , Fujimura Junya , Nishiyama Atsushi , Morisawa Takeshi
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Even asymptomatic and mild urinary tract dilatation (UTD) that does not resolve may harbor the potential for progression of the severity of UTD, which suggests the need for continued observation. However, no studies have investigated factors contributing to the persistence or non-resolution of mild UTD.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study of children who were newly diagnosed with mild UTD during the neonatal period from 2013 to 2021. They were evaluated by periodic kidney ultrasound until 3 years old. Sonographic reference values of kidney length were evaluated according to estimation formulas, and sonographic kidney volume was calculated using kidney length, width, and depth.
Results
This study included 33 children with mild UTD, which involved 58 kidney units. These units were graded as UTD P1 in 23 and UTD P2 in 35 units. Sonographic kidney length and volume were significantly higher in kidneys with UTD P2 that did not resolve during 3 years than in those that resolved at 3, 6 months and 1 year. The time to resolution of UTD P2 in kidneys with a length > 0.7 standard deviations at 3 months and > 1.2 standard deviations at 6 months was significantly longer than that in kidneys with a length ≤ 0.7 standard deviations at 3 months (p < 0.01) and ≤ 1.2 standard deviations at 6months (p = 0.01).
Conclusions
Increased sonographic kidney length in UTD P2 is a prognostic factor for non-resolution of kidney pelvic dilatation.
Trial Registration
UMIN Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN 000013286 (https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000015493), with the registration date of February 26, 2014.
Assessment of hemoglobin response to iron folate supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women attending public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A prospective follow-up study
Authors: Admass Zeleke Endalew , Gessesse Abraham Dessie , Ayalsew Haimanot Andualem , Leminie Abebaye Aragaw , Wondimu Diresibachew Haile
Published: October 2024

Background
Iron-folate supplementation is a common recommended strategy for reducing the incidence of anemia in pregnant women. However, studies on the hemoglobin response to iron folate supplementation and factors associated with the effectiveness of the intervention in developing countries, including Ethiopia, are limited.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the hemoglobin response to iron folate supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women attending public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods
A prospective follow-up study was conducted in public hospitals in Addis Ababa between May 1, 2023, and March 30, 2024. A total of 410 participants were selected via systematic random sampling. The data collection methods included participant interviews, medical record reviews, laboratory tests, and anthropometric assessments. Statistical analyses were carried out via SPSS Version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the profile of the study participants. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to identify significant associations.
Results
A total of 59.7% of pregnant women exhibited an inadequate hemoglobin response to iron-folate supplementation, and 17% remained anemic despite supplementation. Early ANC booking (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.4–4.2), iron-folate intake for more than two months (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6–4.2), adequate dietary diversity (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1–5.6), and primiparity (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4–4.2) were significantly associated with an adequate hemoglobin response.
Conclusion
The response of hemoglobin to iron-folate supplementation is low. Promoting early antenatal care, prolonged iron-folate supplementation, and ensuring adequate dietary diversity are crucial to improve the hemoglobin response in pregnant women. Efforts to increase awareness and accessibility to these key factors can help reduce the burden of anemia during pregnancy and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.