bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game Theory-Infused Hybrid CatBoost- Extreme Learning Machine model for Reliable Identification of Rice Leaf Diseases for Advancing Agricultural Surveillance
Authors: Pratap V. Krishna , Kumar N. Suresh
Published: March 2024

The global economy greatly relies on rice cultivation, yet the agricultural sector is primarily challenged by the prevalence of rice leaf diseases. This research introduces a novel Game Theory-Infused Hybrid CatBoost-Extreme Learning Machine (GT-CBELM) model tailored for the accurate and dependable detection of rice leaf diseases, thereby advancing agricultural surveillance practices. The proposed methodology harnesses cutting-edge image pre-processing methods, Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE), to enhance image quality and reveal critical disease-related details. The Grab Cut algorithm, achieves refined segmentation of disease-affected regions, leading to focused feature extraction and a substantial improvement in disease classification accuracy. Texture-specific features are extracted using the Grey Level Cooccurrence Matrix (GLCM) technique, effectively capturing essential structural information from affected areas. A groundbreaking contribution lies in the integration of game theory-based feature selection, empowered by the Banzhaf power index, which adeptly identifies relevant features while accounting for their inherent interdependencies, mitigating overfitting concerns and enhancing generalization capabilities. By seamlessly merging Game Theory with CatBoost algorithm’s robust categorical feature handling and ELM's pattern recognition process, the hybrid model excels in classifying three distinct rice leaf diseases brown spot, bacterial leaf blight, and leaf smut with remarkable precision and reliability. This innovative approach holds great promise for revolutionizing agricultural management strategies by enabling immediate and accurate disease identification, thereby contributing to enhanced crop health and agricultural productivity.
Assessing the 53-Year Epidemiological Trends of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in Northeastern Iran
Authors: Saghravanian Nasrollah , Tajdini Yasamin , Saeedi Pooya , Ghorbani Mahsa
Published: March 2024

Background
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents a significant global health concern, accounting for about 90% of all oral malignancies. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological trends of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in Northeast Iran over a 53-year period.
Methods
We obtained data on OSCC cases in Northeast Iran spanning 53 years (1970–2022), including demographic details such as age, sex, site, and histopathological grade. Descriptive analysis was conducted, and frequencies were compared using the chi-squared test to evaluate differences between sexes, age groups, cancer sites, and histopathological grades. Additionally, we assessed the associations of each OSCC site with age, sex, and histopathological grade. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, with a confidence interval of 95%.
Results
This study examined 13,769 cases, among which 507 were diagnosed with OSCC, accounting for 3.68% of the total cases. The mean age was 59.27 ± 14.94 years, with a significantly higher prevalence of OSCC among individuals older than 50 years (P < 0.001). There were nearly equal proportions of males and females, with the tongue being the most common site (28.4%), followed by the gingiva (26.4%) and buccal mucosa (19.5%). Grade 1 OSCC was significantly more prevalent (54%) than other grades. There was a significant association between sex and tongue SCC in females (P = 0.006) and between sex and lip SCC in males (P = 0.008). Prevalence in individuals above 50 was significant for tongue, buccal mucosa, gingiva, and lip (P = 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.028, respectively). In tongue, buccal mucosa, gingiva, and floor of the mouth, grade 1 was significantly more prevalent (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Our study revealed that OSCC predominantly affects individuals older than 50 years, with nearly equal prevalence between sexes. The most commonly affected sites are the tongue and gingiva, often exhibiting grade 1 histopathological findings. Enhanced community awareness of risk factors and regular oral examinations are essential for reducing the incidence of OSCC.
Soil moisture retrieval using GNSS signal-to-noise ratio data based on an improved optimal arc selection method
Authors: He Jiaxing , Zheng Nanshan , Ding Rui
Published: March 2024

Global Navigation Satellite System-interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR) can be used to monitor soil moisture by establishing a relationship between phase and soil moisture. Therefore, the accuracy of the phase value is very important. However, topography and vegetation can introduce errors in the phase values when processing the raw signal-to-noise ratio reflection component (SRC). This study proposes an optimal arc selection (OAS) method to overcome this limitation. The novelty of this method is the use of entropy to evaluate the accuracy of curve fitting and the use of a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to search for the optimal elevation range of SRC. We processed SNR data from 3 GNSS stations and provided the verification results through in-situ soil moisture measurements. The results showed that the phase values calculated using the OAS method were more accurate than those calculated using the conventional method. The new method improved the agreement between GNSS-derived soil moisture and in-situ measurements, with a reduction of 29% in root mean square error (RMSE) and 31% in mean absolute error (MAE). This suggests that the OAS method can improve the capacity of soil moisture retrieval in undulating terrain areas and promote the development of GNSS-IR.
A four-miRNA Signature as a Potential Biomarker of malignant mesothelioma patients from hand-spinning asbestos exposed area in Eastern China
Authors: Zhu Lijin , Ying Shibo , Su Xin , Yu Wenke , Yan Kaili , Shen Wei , Hu Shuaiyue , Jiang Zhaoqiang , Xia Hailing , Feng Lingfang , Zeng Yan , Chen Junqiang , Zhang Xing , Lou Jianlin
Published: March 2024

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive malignant tumor of mesothelial origin that develops mainly in the parietal pleura or peritoneum and is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. MicroRNAs (miRNA) can be used as biomarkers in the in vitro diagnosis of tumors. To study the differential expression of miRNAs in MM patients and identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis, we sequenced miRNAs in MM formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue and compared it with adjacent normal tissue, and the expression of four miRNAs was validated using in situ hybridization. Moreover, the expression differences of these four miRNAs in the plasma were also compared between lung cancer (LC) patients, patients with pleural plaques (PP), asbestos-exposed (AE) subjects and healthy controls by qPCR. We found a total of 31 differentially expressed miRNAs in the tumor tissue of mesothelioma patients compared to the adjacent normal tissue, with 18 upregulated miRNAs and 13 downregulated miRNAs. The elevated expression of miR-19b, miR-26a, miR-26b, and miR-29a in FFPE tumor tissue was further validated in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) hybridization. Furthermore, the plasma expression levels of miR-19b and miR-29a in the mesothelioma group were significantly higher than those in any of the other four groups, and similar expression differences were found in miR-26a and miR-26b between the mesothelioma group and any other group except the LC group. Diagnostic value analysis indicated high sensitivity and specificity of these four miRNAs in distinguishing MM patients from PP patients, AE subjects, and healthy controls. Conclusively, miR-19b, miR-26a, miR-26b and miR-29a are potential blood biomarkers for the early or differential diagnosis of MM.
Double-Layer Superhydrophobic Coating: Enhanced Anti-Corrosion and Anti-Fouling Resistance through Star Cross-linking of FPI/POSS@POA/F-SiO 2
Authors: Liu Lijian , Wang Haihua , Hao Xixi , Zhang Qinghua , Fei Guiqiang , Duan Yihao , Sun Liyu
Published: March 2024

To address the escalating demand for anti-corrosive and anti-fouling solutions in marine environments, the development of superhydrophobic bilayer coating based on nanocomposite polymers applied to metal substrates is crucial. However, achieving concurrent anti-corrosive and anti-fouling functionalities remains a formidable challenge. In this study, a nanocomposite polymer coating was created through the star crosslinking of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and fluorinated polyimide (FPI) prepolymer. Subsequently, a double-layer coating featuring a superhydrophobic layer was fashioned using the aforementioned coating as the base layer. Following a 50-day salt spray test, both the FPI/POSS-4 coating and the double-layer superhydrophobic FPI/POSS@POA/F-SiO2 coating demonstrated exemplary corrosion resistance. The impedance modulus (|Z| 0.01 Hz) of FPI/POSS-4 and FPI/POSS@POA/F-SiO2 was 3.17 × 109 and 7.04 × 1010 Ω⋅cm2, respectively, surpassing that of pure FPI coating by approximately two to three orders of magnitude. The enhanced performance for the FPI/POSS-4 single-layer coating resulted from the POSS star crosslinking, which bolstered coating compactness, thereby creating a physical barrier akin to the “labyrinth effect.” This hindered corrosive media penetration, thereby extending the penetration path. Conversely, the latter double-layer coating relied on the exceptional shielding provided by the underlying nanocomposite polymer coating and the inhibitory effects of the superhydrophobic coating against corrosive media. Notably, the fabricated superhydrophobic coating exhibited robust mechanical durability, retaining its superhydrophobicity even after 100 cycles of sandpaper friction and 80 cycles of tape peeling. In addition, the superhydrophobic coating demonstrated self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties. This study offers a fresh perspective on the preparation of double-layer superhydrophobic coatings with outstanding anti-corrosive and anti-fouling attributes, showcasing their potential and prospective practical applications.
Construction of mesoporous silica nanodrug delivery system using chitooligosaccharide (CHO) for irinotecan delivery
Authors: Fan Jiashen , Song Han , Liu Shengkai , Chen Boyu , Huang Jin , Fu Yujie , Liu Zhiguo
Published: March 2024

In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) around of 50 nm with high specific surface area and pore volume were synthesized using chitooligosaccharide (CHO) as a template. The specific surface area and total pore volume of the as-synthesized MSNs is 1,443.7 m2g-1 and 2.17 cm3g-1, respectively. The anticancer drug irinotecan (CPT-11) was then efficiently loaded onto the MSNs. The surface of the drug loaded MSNs was further modified by the folic acid conjugated chitosan layer to enhance theirs target ability. The outside chitosan layers were very stable under neutral conditions, which can effectively prevent drug leakage. However, the outside chitosan layers are sensitive to pH conditions, which can be rapidly disassemble under acidic conditions. In vitro tests on folic acid conjugated chitosan modified MSNs loaded with CPT-11 against human breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) confirmed that folate receptor-mediated endocytosis successfully enhanced the cellular uptake of the MSNs and significantly improved CPT-11 control release process against cancer cells.
Tea intake and risk of incident kidney stone: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Jin , Li Ning , jun qiu , Pan Xiong , Liu Cai , Zhao Kun , Peng Yun
Published: March 2024

Background: The formation of kidney stones is multifactorial and surveys have shown that not all fluids are equally beneficial in reducing the risk of kidney stones. Multiple studies have shown an association between tea intake and kidney stones. However, studies investigating the relationship between tea intake and the occurrence of kidney stones have been inconsistent.
Objective: To clarify this association, we conducted this analysis to determine the link between tea intake and kidney stones.
Study design: This study was a meta-analysis. PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Elsevier Science Direct, and Springer digital libraries were searched for studies reporting tea intake and kidney stones. A random-effects model was used to summarize the relationship between tea and kidney stones. The included articles were assessed for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.
Results: A total of ten articles and 14 studies (men and women) were retrieved, including 9 cohort studies, 5 case-control studies, with a total of 1,318,071 participants and of 22,963 kidney stone patient. The results showed that tea intake was negatively correlated with kidney stone, (combined odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81−0.91) with mild heterogeneity (I2=56.6.0%; P=0.005). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the results.
Conclusions: Tea intake was shown a potential protective effect on the development of kidney stones.
Traffic Sign board image Classification by using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Deshpande Abhinav V.
Published: March 2024

In this research paper, the comparison of various regional image enhancement methods is made with three-dimensional image quality statistics such as mean error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and image quality. (SSIM) Image quality. Image development activities can be carried out, especially in local regions. The criteria for choosing the best method are the characteristics of the mean square error (MSE) and cumulative mean square error (MSE) to noise ratio (PSNR), as well as the maximum measurement and image quality (SSIM). Classification of tasks from preliminary images using the pre-learning technique of deep convolutional neural network. Accuracy for testing and training image databases is 100%.
A Case of Septic Shock due to Kodamaea Ohmeri
Authors: Mao Min-nan , Cao Yu-fang , Zhang Ying-ai , Wang Ting
Published: March 2024

Kodamaea ohmeri is an emerging rare fungal pathogen that often infects patients with weakened immunity. Herein, we report a case of a patient with normal immune function infected with K.ohmeri. The patient presented with fever, shortness of breath and lethargic (accompanied by septic shock in one episodes) within two weeks. Chest roentgenography showed massive right-side pleural effusion and atelectasis, and left-side pneumonia. Thoracentesis yielded pleural effusion containing a nucleated cell count of more than 600·106·L-1. An bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture grew K.ohmeri. According to the result of drug sensitivity, voriconazole was used for anti-fungal treatment.The patient died after medical treatment. Early and accurate identification of K. ohmeri is critical to determining treatment options. Septic shock caused by severe fungal pneumonia requires early, aggressive and multidisciplinary treatment.
Can we protect pediatric burn patients from hypothermia in the operating room?
Authors: Sahutoglu Cengiz , Ozok Geylani , Bor Canan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Burns are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children, ranking third among injury-related deaths. Maintaining body temperature in burn patients is challenging, with the literature reporting an incidence of hypothermia up to 60%.
Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included 54 pediatric burn patients who underwent surgery in the pediatric surgery operating room between January 2016 and December 2019, comprising a total of 112 procedures. The hypothermia was defined as a decrease in body temperature below 36 °C. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I (patients with a body temperature below 36 °C) and Group II (body temperature ≥36 °C).
Results: The study included the patients with a mean age of 51.9 ± 43 months, and 49.1% were male. The hypothermia group exhibited a higher burn degree (25% vs 5%, p = 0.003) and percentage [13 (2-60) vs 7 (2-60), p = 0.045]. The total amount of crystalloids used (414 ± 350 mL vs 257 ± 288 mL, p = 0.038) was higher, and the operation time was longer (88 ± 65 min vs 46 ± 48 min, p = 0.006) in the hypothermia group. The incidence of hypothermia was 46.4%. Female gender (OR: 3.968, 95% CI: 1.249-12.609, p = 0.019) and longer operation time (OR: 1.016, 95% CI: 1.004-1.027, p = 0.007) were identified as risk factors for hypothermia.
Conclusion: In our patient cohort, the incidence of hypothermia was 46.4%. Female gender and longer operation time were independent risk factors for hypothermia.
Community structure and associated networks of endophytic bacteria in pea leaves during different developmental stages
Authors: MAO Xinqi , Zhang Xiaoyan , Hao Junjie , Wang Qiankun , Lv Xin , Li Jiang , Liu Quanlan
Published: March 2024

Background and aims Endophytic bacteria of leaves play a crucial role in plant development, but how structure and co-occurrence networks within these communities respond to seed and soil microbial communities is unknown.
Methods To address this, endophytic bacteria of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedling leaves (SL) after growing 3 and flowering leaves (FL) after 6 weeks were studied using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene.
Results Richness and diversity of endophytic bacteria of FL were similar to non-planted soil (NS) and were higher than SL and seeds (S), while those of SL endophytic bacteria were similar to S. PCoA analysis showed endophytic bacterial community was dynamic during the developmental stage. At the genus level, Bacteroides was enriched and dominant at SL and decreased at FL, whereas Pantoea, Helicobacter and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002 tended to be enriched and dominant at FL. Interestingly, the endophytic bacterial community at FL was similar to those at NS. Besides, S and SL networks both had higher modular structures than FL network. Among networks constructed by the combined dataset, the ecosystem of S – SL, S – FL and SL - FL had more microbial interaction than other ecosystems (SL – NS and FL - NS), while the SL – NS and FL - NS ecosystems showed the higher modularity indicating the more special and resistant to secondary extinction species existed.
Conclusions In our present study, bacteria from seeds and soils play a critical role for endophytic bacterial community of pea leaves at its developmental stage.
The first report of rot disease of onion occurred by Pseudomonas kitaguniensis, causing severe rot symptoms at lower temperatures.
Authors: Tsuji Mizue , Sato Moe , Fuji Shin-ichi
Published: March 2024

In early spring of 2020–2022, rot symptoms were observed on onion growing in Iwate and Akita Prefectures. The symptoms exhibited water-soaking rot on leaves, or light brown soft rot on leaf sheaths and bulbs, bringing death of whole plants. From lesions, LOPAT group IVa bacteria were isolated. Based on pathogenicity, bacteriological properties, and sequences of 16S rRNA and housekeeping genes, isolates were identified as Pseudomonas kitaguniensis. This is the first report of bacterial rot of onion caused by P. kitaguniensis. P. kitaguniensis caused strong rot on onion bulbs at 15–25 ºC than 30 ºC, different from other closely related species.
A Novel Intelligent Model Based on Optimal Jumps for Creating Data Sampling from Big Dataset
Authors: Zayed Mohammed , Ba-Alwi Fadl , Alsohybe Nabeel , AL-Gaphari Gheleb
Published: March 2024

The pervasiveness of big data has revolutionized the landscape of information technology (IT), offering a wealth of insights and opportunities for various sectors, including healthcare, education, and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the sheer volume and complexity of big data pose challenges in extracting meaningful knowledge. To address this, we propose a novel model for optimal sample selection, enabling efficient extraction of representative subsets from big data. The proposed model, based on optimal jumps, dynamically adapts the clustering process to enhance the efficiency of data sampling. We employ the Adjusted Rand Index (ARI) to evaluate the similarity between clusters and guide the selection of new data in each iteration This model holds the potential to significantly enhance the utilization of big data while reducing computational demands. The proposed could run on big datasets and the samples taken represents the dataset.
Resistance and Regime Relationship In Flow Through Porous Media Considering the Effects of Porosity, Wall and Tortuosity
Authors: Anjali C. , Jyothy S. Aruna , Kumar G. N. Pradeep
Published: March 2024

A reliable relationship between Resistance coefficient (λ) and Reynolds number (Re) which are primarily functions of characteristic length and characteristic velocity, proved to be a probable solution for many problems related to porous media flow. Due to intricate and tortuous structure of porous media, defining characteristic length and characteristic velocity is very complicate and hence expressed in terms of influencing parameters. This paper presents results of an experimental study on relationship between λ and Re with a special emphasis on characteristic length and characteristic velocity. Experimentation is carried out using a specially fabricated permeameter with water as fluid medium and seven sizes of coarse gravel, five sizes of river sand and three sizes of glass spheres as porous media. To make the findings more reliable, the expressions relating λ and Re are subjected to porosity, tortuosity and wall effect corrections.
Pseudoplagiostoma perseae sp. nov. causes leaf spot disease on avocado leaves in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chao-jung , Chen Jin Liang , Tzean Shean Shong , Ni Hui Fang
Published: March 2024

Leaf spot disease is commonly found on leaves of avocado plants in avocado orchards in Taiwan. Needle-like spots with yellow halos appear on diseased avocado leaves at the incipient stage, and these spots gradually enlarge and become brown lesions with black-brown centers. The causal agent of this disease is unknown. A Pseudoplagiostoma species was collected from these leaf spots. Evaluation of morphological traits and phylogenetic analysis using the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer operon, β-tubulin, and partial large subunit of ribosomal DNA markers identified this fungal species as a novel species, Pseudoplagiostoma perseae sp. nov. A pathogenicity test was conducted on three avocado cultivars, ‘Choquette,’ ‘Hall,’ and ‘Hung Shin Yuan.’ After 2 weeks of inoculation, needle-like leaf spots appeared on all three cultivars, and P. perseae was re-isolated from the spots of all inoculated leaves, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. This is the first report describing the novel species P. perseae, which was validated as the causal agent of avocado leaf spot disease.
Observation of tunable topological polaritons in a cavity waveguide
Authors: Gao Zhen , Zhao Dong , Wang Ziyao , Yang Linyun , Zhong Yuxin , Xi Xiang , Zhu Zhenxiao , Gong Maohua , Tu Qingan , Meng Yan , Yan Bei , Shang Ce
Published: March 2024

Topological polaritons characterized by light-matter interactions have become a pivotal platform in exploring new topological phases of matter. Recent theoretical advances unveiled a novel mechanism for tuning topological phases of polaritons by modifying the surrounding photonic environment (light-matter interactions) without altering the lattice structure. Here, by embedding a dimerized chain of microwave helical resonators (electric dipole emitters) in a metallic cavity waveguide, we report the experimental observation of tunable topological phases of polaritons by varying the cavity width which governs the surrounding photonic environment and the strength of light-matter interactions. Moreover, we experimentally identified a new type of topological phase transition which includes three non-coincident critical points in the parameter space: the closure of the polaritonic bandgap, the transition of the Zak phase, and the hybridization of the topological edge states with the bulk states. These results reveal some remarkable and uncharted properties of topological matter when strongly coupled to light and provide an innovative design principle for tunable topological photonic devices.
Bridging Computational Predictions and Empirical Data: Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Mutational Impacts and Evolution
Authors: Shaukat Muhammad Arslan , Nguyen Thanh Thi , Hsu Edbert B. , Yang Samuel , Bhatti Asim
Published: March 2024

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has unleashed a global health crisis, demanding advanced research into its genomic mutations and their consequences. Our study combines computational models and empirical validation to predict the effects of these mutations, aiming to understand their impact on the virus's behaviour, including its transmissibility and immune escape mechanisms. Utilising advanced prediction tools, we analysed mutations across the virus's genome, focusing on changes to both structural and non-structural proteins. This approach identified key mutations likely to influence protein functionality and the virus's evolution. Our findings, integrating computational predictions with real-world data, offer insights into SARS-CoV-2's evolutionary path and its implications for developing vaccines and therapies. We highlight the necessity of ongoing genomic surveillance and the combined use of computational and empirical methods to stay ahead of viral mutations. This study not only deepens our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 but also lays groundwork for future research on viral evolution and pandemic response strategies, emphasizing our approach's potential to inform public health decisions and research priorities.
The Relationship Between Temperament with Nutritional Status and Anthropometric Measurements: A Cross-Sectional Study in Adult Individuals
Authors: İÇER Mehmet Arif , ÇELİK Elif , KAYACAN Aybike Gizem , Karadağ Makbule Gezmen
Published: March 2024

Background
This study was planned to evaluate the relationship between temperament, anthropometric measurements, and nutritional status in adults.
Method
This study was conducted on 1317 individuals (673 women and 644 men) aged between 18 and 55. Participants younger than 18 years and older than 55 years, illiterate, pregnant, and lactating women were excluded. Descriptive information, dietary habits, and anthropometric measurements of the participants were questioned, the Nine Types of Temperament Scale was administered to the individuals, and food consumption records were obtained from the individuals with a 24-hour retrospective reminder method.
Results
It was found that the frequency of consuming three main meals was higher than that of consuming one in individuals with a high Type 9 temperament score. Type 2 scores of obese participants were higher than those of lean and normal body weight; Type 8 scores of overweight participants were higher than those of normal body weight. Daily dietary intake of protein, riboflavin, folate, vitamins K and C, calcium, iron, cholesterol, calcium, iron, and cholesterol were negatively correlated with Type 1 score; protein, magnesium, iron, zinc, and water intake were negatively correlated with Type 2 score. Type 3 score was negatively associated with dietary carbohydrate (CHO) (%), dietary magnesium, iron, and zinc intake, and positively associated with water consumption. There was a positive correlation between daily dietary cholesterol intake and Type 8 score and a negative correlation between the percentage of fat consumption and Type 9 score.
Conclusions
The study's results indicate significant relationships between temperament types, dietary habits, and anthropometric measurements. In this context, considering temperament types while planning the diet of individuals may be a new approach.
A Comparative Study on Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles from Different Industrial and Bio-Wastes
Authors: Girgis Maher M. , Fathy Nady A. , Farrag Mostafa , Elnahas Mohammed A.
Published: March 2024

Hydroxyapatite (HAP), as a bioceramic substance, is indispensable for medical bone repair and replacement. As a result, it has a wide range of research and application opportunities in materials science and biomedicine. This study spotlights the feasibility production of sustainable HAP from diverse waste sources to showcasing their potential utilities for environmentally friendly applications and reduced ecological impacts. Thus, cement kiln dust, eggshell and buffalo bone wastes were applied for preparing main HAP precursors such as calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate and non pure HAP in bone, respectively. During reaction of diammonium hydrogen phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4) with extracted calcium sulfate; HAP was obtained via microwave and hydrothermal routes, while chemical precipitation route was performed in case of calcium nitrate extracted from eggshell. Non pure HAP in bone was treated by three methods; i.e., subcritical water process, alkaline hydrothermal hydrolysis and thermal decomposition to produce pure HAP samples. Characterization of HAP obtained was performed using XRD, FTIR, XPS, TGA, N2 adsorption-desorption at -196oC and SEM analyses. CaSO4-CKD and Ca(NO3)2-eggshell were successfully prepared HAP samples with rough surfaces composed of spherical particles into porous HAP with a high total surface area (93.8-150.3 m2/g), whereas HAP obtained from buffalo bone exhibited the lowest porosity (12.9–34 m2/g). The prepared samples outperformed the purchased HAP sample in terms of surface and textural qualities, with a Ca/p ratio of around 1.66, comparable to natural HAP. Conclusively, the calcium supplies derived from CKD and eggshells are superior suited to produce highly porous HAP samples than calcium sources derived from buffalo bones.
Velocious: A Resilient IoT Architecture for 6G based Intelligent Transportation System with Expeditious Movement Mechanism
Authors: S Delsi Robinsha , Amutha B
Published: March 2024

The Internet of Things [IoT] has provided fascinating solutions in various fields. As the significant usages of IoT in smart cities incorporate almost all the domains such as healthcare, Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V), Energy sector, home automation, pollution monitoring, garbage collection, gardening, environment, road and rail transportation, education, public and private sector organization, etc., the need for developing an intelligent IoT architecture for every domain is a paramount criterion. In this research, we are interested in designing and developing, an IoT architecture, Velocious, which will provide a fast and speedy transportation system without delay and with a greater obstacle avoidance mechanism. The integration of sensors and actuators with a cognitive level of thinking based on circumstances leads to decisions with reasoning using the explainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) concept. The procedure of data acquisition, data transferring, and data interpretation requires a federated learning concept with context awareness where the location, time, and situation act as the prime context in decision-making. It can be purported that the development of a smart city relies on different sectors, and consequently the development of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), highly relies on expansion. Development, penetration, and growth of IoT technologies with seamless integration with other domain architectures too. To lead a smart and safe travel with fuel consumption, obstacle avoidance, and traffic management decisions are mandated with explainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) which could be built in Velocious. This research provides Velocious to be applicable to incorporate integrating all the necessary information required for setting up decisions and making rules. These types of rules can also be viewed as a rule set with proper explanations in decision-making in critical circumstances. Meanwhile, the developed Velocious IoT architecture can also be integrated seamlessly with other IoT architectures for smart Energy, smart health care, etc., for the development of smart cities.
Open Abdomen Versus Primary Closure in Non-Trauma Patients: A Weighted Analysis of a Single Center Experience
Authors: Bunino Francesca Margherita , Zulian Davide , Famularo Simone , Mauri Giulia , Persichetti Giorgia Willy Ladini , Fabbro Daniele Del
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn the last few years the open abdomen (OA) gained popularity in emergency general surgery. Our aim was to compare OA vs definitive primary closure (DC) in patients who underwent surgery for abdominal emergencies in a single referral center.MethodsEmergency laparotomies (EL) from 2017 and 2023 were reviewed and stratified in OA and DC. Differences were balanced by inverse probability weighting (IPW), and 90-day mortality estimated. Subgroup analysis was carried out for patients with Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) > 26, bowel obstruction (BO), bowel ischaemia (BI) and gastro-intestinal tract perforation (GIP).ResultsOf 320 patients, 167 were DC and 153 OA. Groups were different for ASA, Comorbidities, transfusions rate (TR), P-Possum score (PP), MPI, clinical frailty score (CFS), diagnosis and resection. Two balanced pseudo-populations were created by IPW. The 90-days survival rate was 50.8% for DC and 60.8% for OA (HR 0.79CI:0.40–1.55 p:0.502). At the Cox regression, CFS (HR1.125,95%CI:1.01–1.25,p:0.033) and BI (HR5.531,95%CI:2.37–12.89, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality. TR (OR3.44,CI:1.44–8.23, p < 0.006) and length of stay in ICU (LOS_ICU) (OR1.13,CI:1.07–1.20,p < 0.001) were associated with major complications. OA did not modify mortality in case of BO, MPI > 26, and GIP. OA (HR0.056,95%CI:0.01–0.22,p = 0.001), and large bowel resection (HR6.442,95%CI:1.28–32.31,p = 0.040), were predictors of longer survival in the subgroup of patients with BI.ConclusionsOA was not related to a higher complication rate or higher mortality, but it resulted in a longer hospital stay and it did not improve the rate of ostomy. Only in the BI group the superiority of OA was established.
Unveiling the humanistic burden of C3 glomerulopathy in Italy: a narrative medicine multicentre project
Authors: Cappuccio Antonietta , Daina Erica , Gesualdo Loreto , Stea Emma Diletta , Pisani Antonio , Marino Antonella , Lamanna Gaetano , Tringali Edoardo , Tondolo Francesco , Pani Antonello , Floris Matteo , Pasini Andrea , Mastrangelo Antonio , Spoleti Fabrizio , D’Agostino Chiara , Greco Erika , Marini Maria Giulia , Vivarelli Marina
Published: March 2024

Background.
Evaluating the impact of C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) on quality of life (QoL) and its humanistic burden is critical to a deeper understanding of the condition in clinical practice. This Narrative Medicine (NM) project collected C3G narratives to investigate QoL and humanistic challenges associated with C3G and to gain insights for a more profound knowledge of this disease.
Methods.
The project was conducted in Italy from January to October 2023 and involved eight hospital-based centres and two C3G patient associations. Illness plots and parallel charts were collected through the project website, along with a survey to collect sociodemographic and QoL data. Narratives were analysed using MAXQDA software and interpretive coding.
Results.
Seventeen adult patients with C3G and 14 informal caregivers participated in the project, along with 12 treating nephrologists who wrote 15 parallel charts. On receiving the diagnosis, 36% of patients and 20% of caregivers reported feeling anxious, while 46% of patients and 50% of caregivers expressed disbelief. Nephrologists experienced anxiety in 20% and found the diagnosis a challenging moment in 26% of parallel charts. Concerns about C3G evolution were reported by 25% of patients and 40% of caregivers and nephrologists, while reassurance was expressed by 42% of patients and 60% of caregivers and nephrologists. Treatments were defined as burdensome by 33% of patients and hopeful by 17%. Patient and caregiver satisfaction with the care pathway was reported by 58% and 60%, respectively, while 45% of patients, 18% of caregivers and nephrologists in 40% of parallel charts called for more research funding and therapies. C3G significantly impacted work for 50% of patients, resulting in an average loss of 52.7% of working days. The impact on social activities and relationships varied, with 40% of patients reporting a low impact and 40% a moderate to high impact.
Conclusions.
This project marked the first Italian NM initiative on C3G. NM has shown to be a valuable tool for understanding the C3G illness experience and raising awareness about the living with this condition.
A multistakeholder eDelphi consensus on geriatric rehabilitation care for Chinese older adults in contexts of flooding
Authors: Balikuddembe Joseph Kimuli , Zheng Yafang , Fu Pengbo , Ogaya Jerico B , III Don Eliseo Lucero Prisno
Published: March 2024

Background: Rehabilitation care is indispensable in promoting the healthy lives of people as they grow older, especially when they are experiencing an increasing burden of disabling conditions, like in the aftermath of floods and disaster emergencies. We engaged experts to seek their consensus on the interventions that were identified in a prior systematic review for enhancing geriatric rehabilitation care (GRC) for Chinese older adults to manage or live with disabling health conditions induced by floods.
Methods: We conducted the eDelphi consensus study drawing a composition of international experts across diverse professional fields both within and outside China. Using a pilot-tested and Qualtrics-generated eDelphi survey that contained 31 statements on interventions identified earlier in a systematic review a priori, experts were invited by email to independently rate them based on a 5-point Likert scale in two rounds (R1 and R2).
Results: Of the 200 eDelphi experts who were initially invited to participate in the study, 50 and 44 completed R1 and R2, respectively. A majority of them were male (R1 = 64% and R2 = 61.4%), Chinese (R1 = 68% and R2 = 70.5%), and work in disaster risk reduction field (R1 = 38% and R2 = 36.4%). Expert consensus at ≥=70% was only attained on 4 and 9 statements in R1 and R2, respectively. In R2, consensus dwelt on interventions for promoting timely psychosocial care, adequate resource allocation, as well as social support and participation.
Conclusions: While this eDelphi study contributes knowledge on promoting GRC in China and other contexts that witness ageing population and extreme climate events like floods, it agitates for further research, especially on the interventions that did not attain ≥50% consensus in R2.
Cognitive Reserve Modulates Mental Health in Adulthood
Authors: Porricelli Daniele , Tecilla Margherita , Pucci Veronica , Rosa Elisa Di , Mondini Sara , Cappelletti Marinella
Published: March 2024

Cognitive Reserve (CR) reflects acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout life, and it is known for modulating cognitive efficiency in healthy and clinical populations. CR, which was initially proposed to explain individual differences in the clinical presentation of dementia, has subsequently been extended to healthy ageing, showing its role in cognitive efficiency also during middle age. Recently, CR has been linked to affective processes in psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, major depressive and anxiety symptoms, and psychological distress, suggesting its potential role in emotional expression and regulation. Whether the role of CR in mental health extends to non-pathological adults, and whether this is only relevant in older age is not yet clear. The aim of this work was therefore to explore the relationship between CR and mental health in healthy adults, with a focus on middle adulthood (40–60). In a sample of 96 participants, we found a positive association between CR and mental health outcomes, such that a higher cognitive reserve index corresponded to fewer mental health reported symptoms. Specifically, a higher CR reflecting professional activities was associated with lower stress levels, especially in middle agers. Taken together, these data therefore suggest that engaging occupations may help maintain a robust mental health, especially by reducing stress symptoms during middle age. These results broaden previous findings suggesting that CR relates to affective components of mental health in middle aged and older adults.
Ten Years’ Real-Life Experience on the Use of Multikinase Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Jerkovich Fernando , Capalbo Soledad , Abelleira Erika , Pitoia Fabián
Published: March 2024

Purpose
To evaluate objective response rates (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR-DTC). Additionally, to compare: i) ORR and PFS among patients treated with lenvatinib and sorafenib; ii) ORR and PFS among patients receiving lenvatinib as first-line vs. second-line and; iii) adverse effects (AEs) observed in patients treated with these medications.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of RR-DTC adult patients treated with TKIs at the Division of Endocrinology, University of Buenos Aires (March 2011-November 2023).
Results
Among 43 patients included in the study, 32 received sorafenib (30 as first-line and 2 as second-line), while 29 received lenvatinib (12 as first-line and 17 as second-line). The median PFS and OS for the entire cohort were 32.7 and 39.0 months, respectively. Lenvatinib demonstrated a significantly higher ORR compared to sorafenib (37.9% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.008). However, both drugs exhibited similar median PFS (23.2 vs. 16.0 months, p = 0.419). No significant difference was observed in ORR and PFS between patients receiving first-line vs. second-line lenvatinib. Sorafenib-treated patients experienced higher rates of hand-foot skin syndrome (69% vs. 41%, p = 0.032) and alopecia (25% vs. 3%, p = 0.018), whereas lenvatinib-treated patients had higher rates of proteinuria (31% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) and grade 3 hypertension (31% vs. 9%, p = 0.034).
Conclusion
TKIs demonstrated efficacy and tolerability comparable to real-world data in RR-DTC. PFS was not statistically different between sorafenib and lenvatinib. Our study will help guide physicians in making informed decisions regarding treatment sequencing with TKIs in these patients.
The effect of typicality training on costly safety behavior generalization
Authors: Kesim Işık E. , Pittig Andre , Wong Alex H. K.
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives: Typicality asymmetry in generalization refers to the enhanced fear generalization when trained with typical compared to atypical exemplars. Typical exemplars are highly representative of their category, whereas atypical exemplars are less representative. Individual risk factors, such as trait anxiety, attenuate this effect, due to the high level of threat ambiguity of atypical exemplars. Although recent research provided evidence for generalization of safety behavior, it is unclear whether this generalization also follows typicality asymmetry. This study examined 1) whether participants exhibited typicality asymmetry in the generalization of safety behavior and 2) whether this effect would be attenuated by individual risk factors, such as intolerance of uncertainty and trait anxiety.
Methods: Participants were trained with either typical (Typical group, n = 53) or atypical (Atypical group, n = 55) exemplars in a fear and avoidance conditioning procedure. Participants acquired differential conditioned fear and costly safety behavior to the threat- and safety-related exemplars. In a following Generalization Test, the degree of safety behavior to novel exemplars of the same categories was tested.
Results: The Atypical group showed greater differential safety behavior responses compared to the Typical group. Higher trait anxiety was associated with lower differential safety behavior generalization, driven by an increase in generalized responding to novel safety-related exemplars. Limitations: This study used hypothetical cost instead of real cost.
Conclusions: Training with atypical exemplars led to greater safety behavior generalization. Moreover, individuals with high trait anxiety show impaired safety behavior generalization.
Areas of GPR application in researches of historical masonry structures
Authors: Jasieńko Jerzy , Raszczuk Krzysztof , Frąckiewicz Piotr
Published: March 2024

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is currently one of the most rapidly developing non-destructive testing method. Widely used in civil engineering and structural engineering, it is also often applied in the field of monument preservation. Since the historic substance is not as homogeneous and predictable as currently used, the use of GPR for its investigation is a challenge for researchers. This study seeks to assist researchers in determining the feasibility of employing GPR for addressing specific challenges related to masonry monuments. The paper compiles case studies on investigations of masonry historic structures using GPR. The problems were systematized and divided according to the GPR application areas. Then the authors created a special masonry research model, which was modified accordingly and examined with a hand-held GPR to verify the conclusions gathered in the scope of the research study. At the end, followed by a discussion, the analysis of the effectiveness of the application of this device in individual areas was carried out.
Evaluation of Sample Pooling for Gene Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: A Simulation Study
Authors: Chen Heng , Cheng Yue , He Xun , Zhou Yuzhen , Xie Wenjun , Shen Danyun , He Zhiqun , Li Ruidan , Liu Weixuan , Wang Liang , Zhang Xuejun , Zhao Xiang
Published: March 2024

COVID-19 continues to pose a significant public health threat, requiring ongoing epidemiological and genomic surveillance. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is commonly utilized for monitoring viral evolution at high-cost. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) pooling test have been have been demonstrated to increase molecular testing throughput effectively during the pandemic, while pooling sequencing shows promise as a cost-effective tool for monitoring virus variants. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of sample pooling for viral gene sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, 72 original raw data of gene sequencing results with different lineages were collected and combined to create simulated samples based on five pooling strategies. A bioinformatics tool based on Freyja was utilized to analyze the variant composition of these 70 simulated pooled samples. The genetic composition of the pooled samples mostly recovered the variant compositions of the original samples, with discrepancies between the top X results (where X is the number of original samples included in the mixture)and the complete results (P < 0.05).Variations were observed in the calculation method for the top X results (P < 0.05) but not in the complete calculation approach (P > 0.05) across the five pooling strategy groups. Some original samples of suboptimal quality were not accurately identified. The present results indicated that sample pooling coupled with streamlined genotyping offers a promising approach for cost-effective gene sequencing of SARS-CoV-2, which will aid in genomic surveillance efforts against COVID-19.