bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between hypoalbuminemia and mortality in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xuqin , Chu Huan , Zhou Huifei
Published: March 2023

The review aimed to assess if hypoalbuminemia can predict mortality in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched for relevant articles published up to 24 July 2022. Adjusted data were pooled to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Sensitivity and meta-regression analysis was conducted. Five studies with 5254 patients were included. Meta-analysis of all five studies demonstrated that hypoalbuminemia was a significant predictor of mortality after CRRT (OR: 1.31 95% CI: 1.07, 1.60 I2 = 72% p = 0.01). The results did not change on sensitivity analysis. On meta-regression, we noted that variables like age, male gender, BMI, percentage of diabetics, and pre-CRRT SOFA score had no statistically significant influence on the outcome. Data from a limited number of studies suggest that hypoalbuminemia before initiation of CRRT is an independent predictor of early mortality. Based on current evidence, it may be suggested that patients with low albumin levels initiating CRRT should be prioritized and treated aggressively to reduce adverse outcomes.
Biomarkers of oxidative stress and its nexus with haemoglobin variants and adverse foeto-maternal outcome among women with preeclampsia in a Ghanaian population: A multi-centre prospective study
Authors: Abdul Ganiwu , Osei-Wusu William , Asare Gordon Akuffo , Daud Samira , Opoku Stephen , Tamakloe Valentine Christian Kodzo Tsatsu , Frimpong Joseph , Sackey Benedict , Boadu Wina Ivy Ofori , Paintsil Vivian , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Wiafe Yaw Amo , Anto Enoch Odame , Addai-Mensah Otchere
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Haemoglobin variants and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with adverse fatal events of which oxidative stress may be an underlying factor. Oxidative stress (OS) among preeclamptic women with haemoglobin variants has been well established. It is, however, unclear whether haemoglobin variants induce OS to aggravate the risk of adverse foeto-maternal outcomes in pregnant women with preeclampsia. We measured the levels of OS biomarkers and determined the association between haemoglobin variants, and adverse foeto-maternal outcomes among pregnant women with PE.

Methods

This multi-centre prospective study recruited 150 PE women from three major health facilities in both Bono and Bono east regions of Ghana from April to December 2019. Haemoglobin variants; HbAS, HbSS, HbSC, HbCC, and HbAC were determined by haemoglobin electrophoresis. OS biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), vitamin C, and uric acid (UA) along with haematological and biochemical parameters were estimated using standard protocol. Adverse pregnancy complications (APCs) such as post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated liver enzymes, Low platelet count) syndrome, preterm delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and neonatal jaundice were recorded.

Results

Of the 150 pregnant women with preeclampsia, the distribution of haemoglobin AA, AS, AC, CC, SS and SC phenotypes were 66.0%, 13.3%, 12.7%, 3.3%, 3.3% and 1.3%, respectively. The most prevalent foeto-maternal outcomes among PE women were NICU admission (32.0%) followed by PPH (24.0%), preterm delivery (21.3%), HELLP syndrome (18.7%), and neonatal jaundice (18.0%). Except for vitamin C level which was significantly higher in patients with at least a copy of Haemoglobin S variant than those with at least a copy of Haemoglobin C variant (5.52 vs 4.55;p= 0.014), levels of MDA, CAT, and UA were not statistically significantly different across the various haemoglobin variants. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that participants with HbAS, HbAC, having at least a copy of S or C and participants with HbCC, SC, SS had significantly higher odds of neonatal jaundice, NICU admission, PPH and HELLP syndrome compared to participants with HbAA.

Conclusion

Reduced levels of vitamin C are common among preeclamptics with at least one copy of the HbC variant. Haemoglobin variants in preeclampsia contribute to adverse foeto-maternal outcomes with Haemoglobin S variants being the most influencing factor for PPH, HELLP, preterm labour, NICU admission, and neonatal jaundice.
A SWOT analysis of the development of health technology assessment in Iran
Authors: Behzadifar Masoud , Ghanbari Mahboubeh Khaton , Azari Samad , Bakhtiari Ahad , Rahimi Sara , Ehsanzadeh Seyed Jafar , Sharafkhani Naser , Moridi Salman , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: March 2023

Background

Health systems need to prioritize their services, ensuring efficiency and equitable health provision allocation and access. Alongside, health technology assessment (HTA) seeks to systematically evaluate various aspects of health technologies to be used by policy- and decision-makers. In the present study, we aim to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in developing an HTA in Iran.

Method

This qualitative study was conducted using 45 semi-structured interviews from September 2020 to March 2021. Participants were selected from key individuals involved in health and other health-related sectors. Based on the objectives of the study, we used purposive sampling (snowball sampling) to select individuals. The range of length of the interviews was between 45 to 75 minutes. Four authors of the present study carefully reviewed the transcripts of interviews. Meanwhile, the data were coded on the four domains of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). Transcribed interviews were then entered into the software and analyzed. Data management was performed using MAXQDA software, and also analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results

Participants identified eleven strengths for HTA in Iran, namely the establishment of an administrative unit for HTA within the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME); university-level courses and degrees for HTA; adapted approach of HTA models to the Iranian context; HTA is mentioned as a priority on the agenda in upstream documents and government strategic plans. On the other hand, sixteen weaknesses in developing HTA in Iran were identified: unavailability of a well-defined organizational position for using HTA graduates; HTA advantages and its basic concept are unfamiliar to many managers and decision-makers; weak inter-sectoral collaboration in HTA-related research and key stakeholders; and, failure to use HTA in primary health care. Also, participants identified opportunities for HTA development in Iran: support from the political side for reducing national health expenditures; commitment and planning to achieve universal health coverage (on behalf of the government and parliament); improved communication among all stakeholders engaged in the health system; decentralization and regionalization of decisions; and capacity building to use HTA in organizations outside the MOHME. High inflation and bad economic situation; poor transparency in decisions; lack of support from insurance companies; lack of sufficient data to conduct HTA research; rapid change of managers in the health system; and economic sanctions against Iran are threats to the developmental path of HTA in Iran.

Conclusion

HTA can be properly developed in Iran if we use its strengths and opportunities, and address its weaknesses and threats.
Leveraging cross-view geo-localization with ensemble learning and temporal awareness
Authors: Ghanem Abdulrahman , Abdelhay Ahmed , Salah Noor Eldeen , Nour Eldeen Ahmed , Elhenawy Mohammed , Masoud Mahmoud , Hassan Ammar M. , Hassan Abdallah A.
Published: March 2023

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is unreliable in some situations. To mend the poor GNSS signal, an autonomous vehicle can self-localize by matching a ground image against a database of geotagged aerial images. However, this approach has challenges because of the dramatic differences in the viewpoint between aerial and ground views, harsh weather and lighting conditions, and the lack of orientation information in training and deployment environments. In this paper, it is shown that previous models in this area are complementary, not competitive, and that each model solves a different aspect of the problem. There was a need for a holistic approach. An ensemble model is proposed to aggregate the predictions of multiple independently trained state-of-the-art models. Previous state-of-the-art (SOTA) temporal-aware models used heavy-weight network to fuse the temporal information into the query process. The effect of making the query process temporal-aware is explored and exploited by an efficient meta block: naive history. But none of the existing benchmark datasets was suitable for extensive temporal awareness experiments, a new derivative dataset based on the BDD100K dataset is generated. The proposed ensemble model achieves a recall accuracy R@1 (Recall@1: the top most prediction) of 97.74% on the CVUSA dataset and 91.43% on the CVACT dataset (surpassing the current SOTA). The temporal awareness algorithm converges to R@1 of 100% by looking at a few steps back in the trip history.
Pandemic management impacts Slovak health care workers’ quality of life during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pacutova Veronika , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , Kizek Peter , Majernikova Sara Maria , de Winter Andrea F. , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to accepting a lot of various protective pandemic management-related measures (PanMan), which may have had a large impact on health care workers (HCWs) but evidence is scarce. We therefore explored the impact of measures during the second wave. We assessed the associations of PanMan with the Quality of Life (QoL) of hospital HCWs.

Methods

We collected data from 215 HCWs (77.7% females, mean age 44.4), who were working at the COVID-related departments of one large hospital in eastern Slovakia via a questionnaire, specifically developed in direct collaboration with them. We assessed PanMan related factors, such as COVID-19 experience, information overload, non-adherence of the public, work stress, barriers and facilitators of health care provision, and QoL related factors, such as impact on family life and activities, housekeeping, relationships with relatives and mental well-being. To analyse the data, we used logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender.

Results

PanMan greatly impacted the QoL of HCWs, in particular family life, housekeeping and mental well-being (odds ratio, 6.8–2.2). The most influential PanMan factors were COVID-19 experience (3.6–2.3), work stress (4.1–2.4) and barriers in health care provision (6.8–2.2). Perceiving work stress had a negative impact on all QoL domains, even on relationships with the greatest impact. Conversely, the PanMan factors reducing the negative impact on QoL were training and colleagues’ support (0.4–0.1).

Conclusion

PanMan had a strong negative impact on the QoL of hospital HCWs during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody suppresses colorectal cancer growth in an orthotopic transplant mouse model
Authors: Takasago Takeshi , Hayashi Ryohei , Ueno Yoshitaka , Ariyoshi Misa , Onishi Kana , Yamashita Ken , Hiyama Yuichi , Takigawa Hidehiko , Yuge Ryo , Urabe Yuji , Oka Shiro , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Tanaka Shinji
Published: March 2023

The risk of malignant tumor progression has been a concern associated with the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody (anti-TNFα mAb). On the contrary, recent observational studies have reported negatively on this risk and instead suggested that anti-TNFα mAb acts as a tumor suppressor in inflammatory carcinogenesis models and subcutaneous transplant models of colorectal cancer. However, no consensus has been established regarding the actual effects of anti-TNFα mAb on malignant tumors. Here, we aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of anti-TNFα mAb on the tumor microenvironment in the absence of intestinal inflammation in a colorectal cancer orthotopic transplant mouse model suitable for tumor microenvironment assessment. The orthotopic transplantation model was developed by transplanting CT26 cells into the cecum of BALB/c mice. Changes in tumor size and weight were recorded 3 weeks after transplantation, and the tumor microenvironment was assessed via RNA sequencing and immunohistological staining. In the orthotopic transplant model, the administration of anti-TNFα mAb led to a reduction in colorectal cancer. The RNA sequencing analysis showed upregulation of immune-related pathways and apoptosis and suppression of stromal- and tumor growth-related pathways. Additionally, Gene Ontology analysis showed inhibition of angiogenesis. Immunohistochemical staining showed inhibition of tumor growth, increase in apoptosis, suppression of stromal response, suppression of angiogenesis, enhancement of tumor immunity, and reduction in the number of tumor-associated macrophages. Anti-TNFα mAb acts as an inhibitor of tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment of a colorectal cancer orthotopic transplant mouse model.
Characterisation of the antiviral RNA interference response to Toscana virus in sand fly cells
Authors: Alexander Akira J. T. , Salvemini Marco , Sreenu Vattipally B. , Hughes Joseph , Telleria Erich L. , Ratinier Maxime , Arnaud Frédérick , Volf Petr , Brennan Benjamin , Varjak Margus , Kohl Alain
Published: March 2023

Toscana virus (TOSV) (Bunyavirales,Phenuiviridae,Phlebovirus,Toscana phlebovirus) and other related human pathogenic arboviruses are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. TOSV has been reported in nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea among other regions. Infection can result in febrile illness as well as meningitis and encephalitis. Understanding vector-arbovirus interactions is crucial to improving our knowledge of how arboviruses spread, and in this context, immune responses that control viral replication play a significant role. Extensive research has been conducted on mosquito vector immunity against arboviruses, with RNA interference (RNAi) and specifically the exogenous siRNA (exo-siRNA) pathway playing a critical role. However, the antiviral immunity of phlebotomine sand flies is less well understood. Here we were able to show that the exo-siRNA pathway is active in aPhlebotomus papatasi-derived cell line. Following TOSV infection, distinctive 21 nucleotide virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) were detected. We also identified the exo-siRNA effector Ago2 in this cell line, and silencing its expression rendered the exo-siRNA pathway largely inactive. Thus, our data show that this pathway is active as an antiviral response against a sand fly transmitted bunyavirus, TOSV.
Effect of Epsom Salt Concentration and Dry-Mix Composition on Bonding Properties of Magnesium Oxysulfate
Authors: Meenakshi
Published: March 2023

Non-hydraulic magnesium oxysulfate cement has many superior properties than ordinary portland cement and it draws much research interest due to energy saving and environment protection considerations. It is formed by the exothermic reaction between lightly calcined MgO and MgSO4·7H2O (epsom salt) solution. This heat is responsible for cracking and makes the product unsound. The incorporation of inert filler can overcome this problem by absorbing the excess heat. In present work, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of dry-mix composition (MgO: inert filler) and gauging solution epson (MgSO4·7H2O) concentration on cementing properties of magnesium oxysulfate cement. The results show that a 1:1 dry-mix composition of MgO and dolomite with 25º Be concentration of magnesium sulfate works best in the cementing action of magnesium oxysulfate.
Computational Insights on Solvation and Hydrogen Bonding Studies of Indomethacin
Authors: Yogeswari B. , Deivanayaki S. , Banu A. Sajitha , Jayanthi E.
Published: March 2023

Over a long time, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a vital role in medical field. Indomethacin is a NSAID mainly used against inflammation and pain. But the poor solubility of indomethacin limits its therapeutic usage. Hydrotropy is a solubilization technique used to enhance the drug solubilization. Microscopic solvent effect is considered to be a part of hydrotropy in which hydrogen bond (H-bond) networks are formed with an isolated molecule with solvent molecules such as water. A comprehensive theoretical investigation was performed under density functional theory (DFT) to explore the isolated and monohydrated indomethacin complexes. The geometries were optimized on B3LYP method with 6-311G (2d,2p) basis set. The interaction energies of hydrated indomethacin complexes were computed by correcting the basis set superposition error. Natural bond orbital (NBO) study was performed in order to deepen the knowledge on O-H···O and C-H···O type H-bonds. A linear relationship between H-bond length and the stabilization energy (E(2))was observed in the solvated indomethacin complexes with a correlation coefficient of 0.8346. It identifies maximum E(2) (95.33 Kcal/mol) in INDO-12 complex. The molecular electrostatic potential mapping (MESP) for the optimized structures was also analyzed.
Isolated Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Dendrophthoe falcata: A Review
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Chhatwal Rajni Johar , Prasad Ashok K. , Mehta Shilpika Bali
Published: March 2023

Dendrophthoe falcata is one of the hemiparasitic plants that belong to the mistletoe family Loranthaceae. Since ancient times, Dendrophthoe falcata extracts have been recognized for their medicinal importance and many of them have been used as traditional remedies for treatment of ailments like ulcers, impotence, asthma and wounds. As a result, the significance of this plant inspired us to conduct a literature review on the biochemical significance of its isolated phytochemicals. So, in the present review, an inclusive account of phytochemicals and biological activities of leaf, stem and fruit extracts of D. falcata are included in view of the many related recent findings.
Comparison of Porous Carbon Electrodes Derived from Madhuca longifolia Leaves by Hydrothermal Technique and Direct Pyrolysis Techniques
Authors: Priya M. Shanmuga , Rajalakshmi R.
Published: March 2023

In present study, porous conducting functional carbon material was prepared from Madhuca longifolia leaves by hydrothermal and direct pyrolysis techniques. Further, the prepared carbon materials from different techniques were activated to enhance their physico-chemical, morphological and electrochemical properties. The synthesized conductive carbon materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction studies, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. To evaluate the electrochemical performance of the prepared carbon material, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge studies were carried out in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte in a three-electrode system. Compared to carbon material synthesized via the hydrothermal process (82.85 F/g), the capacitance of 173.75 F/g found in the Madhuca longifolia biowaste precursor obtained via direct pyrolysis is quite satisfactory. Thus, Madhuca longifolia derived functional carbon can be used as green, low-cost electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Opportunities for mesoporous silica aerogels in parabolic trough collectors
Authors: Berquist Zachary , Lenert Andrej
Published: March 2023

There has recently been a renewed interest in mesoporous silica as an insulation material for use in linear concentrated solar receivers, but there has not yet been an evaluation of their performance in next-generation receiver designs. Here, we model the performance of a linear annular tube receiver insulated by mesoporous silica (MS) aerogels across a range of temperatures (400-700ºC) and pressures (ambient to high vacuum). We first model heat loss reduction methods to improve the performance of MS-based linear solar collectors such as optimizing the density and thickness, incorporating plasmonic nanoparticles, and operating the solar receivers under vacuum. As a test-case, we use parabolic trough focusing technologies to evaluate the collector efficiency of the MS-based receiver designs. To do so, we use a previously established framework for the optical efficiency of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs). We compare the potential gains in collector efficiency of the heat loss reduction methods compared to the current state-of-the-art MS-based receiver design. Lastly, we evaluate the efficacy of a tandem receiver design that incorporates both MS and select air-stable selective absorbers (SA). Our findings show that the collector efficiency of MS-based receivers integrated with PTCs can be increased by 2-5% by simply optimizing the thickness and density of the MS. Additionally, SA-based receivers are expected to outperform MS-based receivers for temperatures 550°C and below, but MS-based receivers are significantly more efficient at 700°C. Lastly, tandem SA/MS-based receivers are unlikely to provide any improvement to the collection efficiency. Our results here can guide future developments of linear MS-based solar receivers.
Geomorphic Indicators of Folds Lateral Growth Using Satellite Images
Authors: Sissakian Varoujan K. , Abdullah Lanja H. , Abdulkareem Balanbo N.
Published: March 2023

Visual interpretation of satellite images is a very significant technique to recognize and interpret structural features, which indicate lateral growth of folds, the origin of folds, and dating of folds using the exposure dating method. In this study, Landsat 8 (ESSRI) and Google Earth images are used to recognize structural features at Pira Magroon, Surdash, and Azmar anticlines in the Sulaimaniyah vicinity, Kurdistan Region, north of Iraq. The mentioned anticlines are outstanding geomorphological and structural features in the Sulaimaniyah vicinity. The recognized and interpreted structural features include: en-echelon folding, domes, and Neotectonic indication. All these features are discussed in detail with many images to show the discussed cases, most of the interpreted data and presented figures are never mentioned previously.
Managing False Lumen Patency in Chronic Thoracic Aortic Dissecting Aneurysms With Coil Embolization
Authors: Vaidya Yash Pradeep , Abdul Rahman Naveed , Kannan Arul Manu , Feghali Anthony , Shaw Palma M. , Costanza Michael James
Published: March 2023

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has become the preferred modality of treatment of complicated type B aortic dissections. However, persistent pressurization of the false lumen can lead to negative aortic remodeling with aneurysmal dilation. Described herein is the coil embolization technique that can be used to manage this complication and a review of the literature on the recent development of management options.
Socio-Economic Consequences of the Transition to Organic Agriculture and Its Impact on Ecotourism
Authors: KARABASSOV Rassul , NURMAGANBETOV Kairat , BODAUKHAN Kairat , KULMAGANBETOVA Aisulu , ORYNBEKOVA Gulnar , OMARKHANOVA Zhibek
Published: March 2023

In recent decades, the growing interest of consumers in visiting relatively less commercialized natural areas has contributed to the growth of ecotourism. The impact of mass and uncontrolled ecotourism on natural resources has increased significantly. However, research in the field of ecotourism is fragmentary, creating gaps in the modern understanding of this topic. The author tries to restore the relationship between loyalty and ecological and careful recognition, attachment to places and healthy lifestyles that contribute to the development of ecotourism, because the integration of organic agrotourism and rural tourism, organic agriculture and non-toxic and healthy environment helps tourists to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy rural life and meet the needs of healthy and a leisurely lifestyle. The aim of the study is to analyze the socio-economic consequences of the transition to organic agriculture in the Republic of Kazakhstan and its impact on ecotourism. With the growing interest and awareness of the ecological environment, ecotourism is becoming more and more popular, but it still creates problems for the sustainable development of the environment. To solve such problems, it is necessary to review the literature on ecotourism and identify important research topics and areas for future research.
The first Grushin eigenvalue on cartesian product domains
Authors: Luzzini Paolo , Provenzano Luigi , Stubbe Joachim
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we consider the first eigenvalue

λ
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

{\lambda_{1}(\Omega)}

of the Grushin operator

Δ
G

:=

Δ

x
1

+

|

x
1

|

2
⁢
s

⁢

Δ

x
2

{\Delta_{G}:=\Delta_{x_{1}}+\lvert x_{1}\rvert^{2s}\Delta_{x_{2}}}

with Dirichlet boundary conditions on a bounded domain Ω of

ℝ
d

=

ℝ

d
1

+

d
2

{\mathbb{R}^{d}=\mathbb{R}^{d_{1}+d_{2}}}

. We prove that

λ
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

{\lambda_{1}(\Omega)}

admits a unique minimizer in the class of domains with prescribed finite volume, which are the cartesian product of a set
in

ℝ

d
1

{\mathbb{R}^{d_{1}}}

and a set in

ℝ

d
2

{\mathbb{R}^{d_{2}}}

, and that the minimizer is the product of two balls

Ω
1
*

⊆

ℝ

d
1

{\Omega^{*}_{1}\subseteq\mathbb{R}^{d_{1}}}

and

Ω
2
*

⊆

ℝ

d
2

{\Omega_{2}^{*}\subseteq\mathbb{R}^{d_{2}}}

.
Moreover, we provide a lower bound for

|

Ω
1
*

|

{\lvert\Omega^{*}_{1}\rvert}

and for

λ
1

⁢

(

Ω
1
*

×

Ω
2
*

)

{\lambda_{1}(\Omega_{1}^{*}\times\Omega_{2}^{*})}

.
Finally, we consider the limiting problem as s tends to 0 and to

+
∞

{+\infty}

.
An ARL-Unbiased Modified np-Chart for Autoregressive Binomial Counts
Authors: Morais Manuel Cabral , Wittenberg Philipp , Cruz Camila Jeppesen
Published: March 2023

Independence between successive counts is not a sensible premise while dealing, for instance, with very high sampling rates.
After assessing the impact of falsely assuming independent binomial counts in the performance of np-charts, such as the one with 3-σ control limits, we propose a modified np-chart for monitoring first-order autoregressive counts with binomial marginals.
This simple chart has an in-control average run length (ARL) larger than any out-of-control ARL, i.e., it is ARL-unbiased.
Moreover, the ARL-unbiased modified np-chart triggers a signal at sample t with
probability one if the observed value of the control statistic
is beyond the lower and upper control limits L and U.
In addition to this, the chart emits a signal with probability

γ
L

{\gamma_{L}}

(resp.

γ
U

{\gamma_{U}}

) if that observed value coincides with L (resp. U).
This randomization allows us to set the control limits in such a way that the in-control ARL takes the desired value

ARL
0

{\operatorname{ARL}_{0}}

, in contrast to traditional charts with discrete control statistics.
Several illustrations of the ARL-unbiased modified np-chart are provided, using the statistical software R and resorting to real and simulated data.
The effect of encomir-93 mimic transfection on the expression of miR-93 and PSA and androgen receptor in prostate cancer LNcap cell line
Authors: Mokhtari Hossein , Ebrahimi Ali , Nejati Mohaddeseh , Barartabar Zeinab , Damchi Mehdi , Khonakdar-Tarsi Abbas , Zahedi Mahlagha
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men with high mortality rate which is a major concern for men’s health. However, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. miR-93 is an important oncogene which may have important function in prostate cancer.So, this study aimed to predict that encomir-93 mimic transfection on the expression of miR-93 and PSA and AR in prostate cancer LNcap cell line.

Methods

Lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP) was cultured and then miR-93 mimics was designed, synthesized and the transfected to LNCaP. The expression level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and androgen receptor (AR) was determined via Real-time PCR after treated with 15 pmol of miR-93 mimics.

Results

miR-93 mimic transfection led to significant increase in PSA and AR expression in comparison with control group (p≤0.05).

Conclusions

The miR-93 and its target genes has important role in PCa progression via enhancement in PSA and AR expression. Further research on the function of the miR-93 and its target genes in tumorgenesis and progression PCa could be helpful for the treatment of prostate cancer.
On finding a penetrable obstacle using a single electromagnetic wave in the time domain
Authors: Ikehata Masaru
Published: March 2023

The time domain enclosure method is one of the analytical methods for inverse obstacle problems governed by partial differential equations in the time domain.
This paper considers the case when the governing equation is given by the Maxwell system
and consists of two parts. The first part establishes the base of the time domain enclosure method
for the Maxwell system using a single set of the solutions over a finite time interval
for a general (isotropic) inhomogeneous medium in the whole space. It is a system of asymptotic inequalities
for the indicator function which may enable us to apply the time domain enclosure method to the problem of finding unknown penetrable
obstacles embedded in various background media. As a first step of its expected applications, the case when
the background medium is homogeneous and isotropic is considered and the time domain enclosure method is realized.
This is the second part.
The dose limits of teeth protection for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy based on the early oral health-related quality of life
Authors: Yang Jing , Yang Liping , Han Qian , Zhang Yangyang , Tao Zhenchao , Zhou Yan , Zhang Peng , Wang Ru , Sun Bin , He Jian , Gao Jin
Published: March 2023

Radiation-related teeth damage is a common complication in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) that seriously affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). However, few studies have focused on protecting teeth function. This study aimed to calculate dental dose limits based on OHRQoL. Analysis was performed on 96 NPC patients who received RT (all received routine pre-radiotherapy dental interventions in our department). Based on the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), OHRQoL was assigned into poor (<46) and good condition groups (≥46). The binary logistic regression analysis model was used for single-factor and multivariate analyses to identify the independent factors affecting OHRQoL. The cut-off value of dose received by teeth was obtained by drawing a receiver operating characteristic curve. NPC patients experienced a decline in OHRQoL following RT (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis of GOHAI revealed that the average dose of maxillary anterior teeth, the average dose received by the oral cavity, tumor volume (GTVnx), and liking of the sweet food all affected GOHAI (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the average dose of maxillary anterior teeth and liking sweet food were independent factors that influenced the OHRQoL of NPC patients with RT. When the average dose received by maxillary anterior teeth is greater than 28.78 Gy, and there is a tendency in sweet food, the OHRQoL will deteriorate. NPC patients who received RT had a better OHRQoL if the average dose to maxillary anterior teeth was limited to less than 28.78 Gy and the intake of high-sugar foods was reduced.
miR-30b-5p targeting GRIN2A inhibits hippocampal damage in epilepsy
Authors: Zheng Hu , Wu Liuyang , Yuan Huisheng
Published: March 2023

GRIN2A is associated with epilepsy (EP); however, its regulatory mechanism involving upstream miRNA (miR-30b-5p) has been overlooked. In this study, we aimed to identify the regulatory mechanism of the miR-30b-5p/GRIN2A axis in EP. Hippocampal neurons isolated from mice were incubated in magnesium-free medium for 48 h to establish anin vitroEP model. Anin vivomodel of EP was constructed by the intraperitoneal injection of atropine into mice. Nissl staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate pathological injuries in the hippocampal CA1 regions of mice. The CCK8 assay confirmed that miR-30b-5p overexpression restored the suppressed proliferative capacity of hippocampal neurons exposed to magnesium-free conditions. Caspase-3 activity assay revealed that miR-30b-5p overexpression abrogated the increased apoptosis of hippocampal neurons under magnesium-free conditions. In anin vivomodel of EP, miR-30b-5p overexpression reversed pathological injuries in the hippocampal CA1 regions of mice and abrogated the increased apoptosis in the EP mouse model. Luciferase assays and western blotting confirmed that miR-30b-5p targeted GRIN2A, thereby inhibiting GRIN2A expression. Overall, miR-30b-5p can protect against cell proliferation and attenuate apoptosis in hippocampal neurons under magnesium-free conditions by targeting GRIN2A.
Soil macrofauna under laying hens’ grazed fields in two different agroecosystems in Portugal
Authors: Soares Pedro R. , Guilherme Rosa , Conceição Antónia , Galhano Cristina
Published: March 2023

Although chickens can improve the chemical properties of soil through the deposition of excreta, their effects on soil macrofauna are poorly known. This work assessed the effects of grazing indigenous laying hens on soil macrofauna of two agroecosystems in Portugal: an organic horticultural field and a conventional orchard. At the horticultural field, laying hens were used to control weeds and the results were compared with those of two other weed control treatments: mechanical (rototiller) and thermal (flame weeding). At the orchard, the effects of hens were compared to that of the orchard understory vegetation, as a control. Soil epigeic macrofauna was collected in both locations, and earthworms were only collected in the horticultural field. Relative to the other treatments, grazing in the horticultural field increased the density of earthworms in the medium term (ranging from 150 to 625 earthworms/m2), without harming the density and diversity of epigeic macrofauna. However, at the orchard, the grazed soils presented lower soil epigeic macrofauna diversity, as well as significantly lower density of spiders than the control (4.67 vs 8.67 individuals/sample, respectively). These results suggest that the grazing effects can be affected by several factors, including the type of agroecosystem and farm management. Further research is required to optimize grazing management in different farming systems, considering animal density and grazing duration, thus ensuring the best contributions of chickens to soil fertility.
Experimental Study of Thermal Resistance Values of Natural Fiber Insulating Materials under Different Mean Temperatures
Authors: Le Duong Hungh Anh , Pásztory Zoltán
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally study the thermal resistance (RSI value) of building insulation materials made mainly from natural fiber. Natural fibrous materials or renewable resources and their reinforcement composites are currently being used in building and construction as a potential solution to significantly reduce thermal load and energy consumption. The RSI value is used in describing the thermal efficiency of insulating material and in an analysis of heat transfer through the structural components of a building (such as walls, roofs, and windows) under steady-state conditions. In this study, the thermal resistance values of several samples made from coir fiber, rice straw fiber, energy reed fiber, and coconut wood were calculated from the thermal conductivity which was measured at mean temperature of 20°C, using the heat flow apparatus. The lowest RSI value was recorded in the phenol-formaldehyde polymer composites reinforced by rice straw fiber (0.115 m2·K·W-1) and coir fiber (0.128 m2·K·W-1) due to the relative thinness of the tested samples (8 and 12 mm). However, these samples can be used as an additional layer in multi-layered assemblies because of their low thermal conductivity value. The highest RSI value was reported on the binderless coir fiber panel (0.909 m2·K·W-1) at the thickness of 50 mm. Another investigation examined the relationship between RSI value and mean temperature to observe the influence of variations of ambient temperature on the heat resistivity of building insulation materials. Practical data showed the decreased linear proportion between thermal resistance and specific mean temperatures increased from 0 to 40°C. It is apparent that an increase in the interior and exterior temperature of a building significantly influences the thermal resistance of its insulation materials. Based on the experimental study, once the thermal conductivity coefficient of each sample was determined, the calculated RSI value was a valuable parameter to evaluate the thermal resistant effectiveness of a multi-layered installation, which allows us to investigate practically the effect of the thickness of additional layers from different insulating materials used in building envelopes.
Performance of Cement–Fly Ash Masonry Mortar with Sand from Mine Overburden as an Environment-Friendly Alternative to Conventional Fine Aggregate
Authors: A. S. Menaka , R. G. Robinson , K. Ramamurthy
Published: March 2023

There is an increasing demand for fine aggregate for use in concrete and mortar. In this study, sand extracted from mine overburden from two locations through the wet-sieving process was used as alternative fine aggregate in mortar. The behavior has been benchmarked with mortar using conventional river sand and coarse and fine sand obtained from crushed stone. Combination mortar with ordinary portland cement and Class C fly ash was used as a binder. The sand-to-binder ratio was fixed as 3, as per ASTM C270-19ae1, Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry, whereas the fly ash–to–cement ratio was varied from 0.75 to 3. The water required to achieve a constant flow value of 110 ± 5 % was determined. The water retention of fresh mortar and dry density, compressive strength, and drying shrinkage of hardened mortar were determined. Mortar mixtures with sand from mine overburden with a fineness modulus of 2.36 conformed to the water retention requirement of ASTM C91/C91M-18, Standard Specification for Masonry Cement, whereas very fine sand did not satisfy. Masonry mortar with different mixture proportions and fineness modulus of fine aggregate resulted in a range of compressive strengths, satisfying a wide range of mortar designations as per ASTM C270-19ae1, BS EN 998-2, Specification for Mortar for Masonry - Part 2, and IS 2250, Code of Practice for Preparation and Use of Masonry Mortars. For mortar with a fine aggregate of different origins (river sand, crushed stone coarse sand, sand from overburden with fineness modulus 2.67, 3.01, and 2.36, respectively), a marginal variation in drying shrinkage across strength was observed. The maximum drying shrinkage of the higher fly ash–to–cement ratio of the mixture with finer sand was 1,600 microstrain.
The Ethnography of Gender
Authors: Kotrosits Maia
Published: March 2023

In her 1998 article “The Lady Vanishes,” Elizabeth Clark issued a challenge to the foundationalisms of feminist historiography of Late Antiquity through developments in poststructuralist theory. This article proposes its own reorientation to historical work on gender, but it does so now in light of recent developments in Black feminist, transgender, and postcolonial feminist studies, arguing gender should be understood as always within colonialism and racialization. It describes the way gender appears in the linked projects of the medicalized body and ethnographic discourses, both in antiquity and modernity, and asks about the political stakes and ambivalent histories attending gender as an analytically separable facet of experience. It also offers a brief reframing of the Proto-gospel of James and select scholarship on late ancient Christianity to offer a constructive redirection for the field of Late Antiquity.
Effect of Laser-Textured Surface of Ti6Al4V on Frictional Wear Behavior
Authors: M.H. Zul  , Ishak@Muhammad Mahadzir , R.M. Nasir  , M.H. Aiman  , M.M. Quazi
Published: March 2023

The need for titanium and its alloys has led to a significant increase in commercial manufacturing, although this material’s poor tribological qualities have been a drawback. The present study was to determine the effect of laser-textured surfaces to enhance Ti6Al4V surface wear performance. The sample underwent laser texturing based on pre-set parameter values at 15 W power at a laser scanning speed of 200 mm/s with a frequency of 50 kHz. The surface morphological and topological profile of laser-textured Ti6Al4V was characterized with also the surface microhardness. A comparative appraisal of wear rate (WR) and coefficient of friction (COF) for related samples of as-received Ti6Al4V and laser-textured Ti6Al4V was performed under dry and oil sliding conditions. The results revealed that the formation of oxidation due to the frictional force and plastic displacement plays a role of abrasive to the laser-textured surface and may result in increasing the COF. The wear rate of the laser-textured surface of Ti6Al4V exhibited 88.31% improvement compared to the as-received Ti6Al4V in the dry sliding wear test. It was proved that Ti6Al4V could benefit from LST to gain effectively enhanced wear performance.
Sistematización del proceso de investigación y análisis de la administración y gestión de un proyecto de danza, movimiento humano y salud: Líneas de trabajo en salud y prevención primordial de Danza Universitaria
Authors: Revuelta Sánchez Inés , Muñoz Fatjó Jimena , Elizondo Ramírez Karen , Quinteros Chavarría Káril , Solórzano Álvarez Crizzley
Published: March 2023

Introducción: En el contexto de una compañía profesional de danza, la pandemia ha generado cambios en las dinámicas de trabajo existentes tanto a nivel de áreas profesionales como de gestión.
Propósito: Mostrar las acciones tomadas por una compañía profesional de danza en relación con la organización y la gestión para posicionar su quehacer al servicio de la sociedad a través del proyecto Líneas de trabajo en salud y prevención primordial de Danza Universitaria, surgido de la coyuntura de la COVID-19.
Metodología: Sistematización de una experiencia de carácter exploratorio comprendida entre los meses de agosto del 2020 a octubre 2021, cuyos hallazgos reportados son el resultado de un proceso de recolección y organización de datos.
Resultados: Se obtuvo información detallada y precisa sobre cada aspecto relacionado a la organización y administración del proyecto.
Sistematización: Contextualización y análisis de la compañía Danza Universitaria, su recurso humano, visiones y prácticas dancísticas, al posicionar la danza como destreza de movimiento para la salud integral y abarcar el rol de profesionales de la danza para desembocar en los procesos administrativos y de gestión de la compañía.
Conclusiones: Se esclarecen las dimensiones del proyecto como un sistema integrado en la comunidad y se visibiliza la capacidad de respuesta de este a las necesidades del entorno y al aporte de la danza y del movimiento para la salud integral.
Recomendaciones: Valorar este proyecto como un espacio único que ha servido como objeto de estudio y parte de una experiencia académica que aporta al desarrollo y la gestión de las artes, el movimiento humano, la educación y la salud.
Beauty Standard Perception of Women: A Reception Study Based on Foucault’s Truth Relations and Truth Games
Authors: Gürkan Hasan , Serttaş Aybike
Published: March 2023

This study discusses how television viewers’ definitions of beauty are affected by advertisements. The media effects on the perception of beauty and truth are explained in detail as the investigation unfolds. In November 2021 and May 2022, the study collected data through individual interviews with 22 women aged 18 to 63. The data gleaned from these interviews was interpreted with Stuart Hall’s coding-encoding theory using Peircein trichotomy and Foucault’s truth relations and truth games. The study found that one of the new functions of advertising is to enable female viewers to make personal evaluations of physical beauty standards and concluded that beauty is not truth but is a construct manufactured by advertisements. Female audiences read women shown in ads with multiple dimensions of significance and sensibility to experience the presentation and re-presentation of the women.
Reconocimiento y sostenimiento en el tiempo del/la sujeto/a víctima de la Guerra Sucia por el Estado mexicano (2000-2018)
Authors: Mora-Galleguillos Gabriel
Published: March 2023

En el artículo se analiza el sostenimiento en el tiempo del/la sujeto/a víctima de la violencia política en México durante la Guerra Sucia a partir de una estratégica teórica y metodológica de análisis genealógico de dispositivo con enfoque performativo para el periodo que trascurre entre los años 2000 y 2018. Las reflexiones fueron el resultado parcial de una investigación asociada al proyecto Tecnologías Políticas de Memoria (Tecnopol), identificando diferentes procesos de construcción de la subjetividad de víctima que se centró en la revisión de documentos técnico-morales y técnico-legales producidos por un dispositivo de reconocimiento, clasificación y reparación estatal. Se puede concluir que es posible afirmar que la construcción de la víctima no ha sido un solo tipo de sujeto ni es un proceso lineal y progresivo.
Leticia indígena: construcción territorial indígena en la ciudad
Authors: Echeverri Juan Alvaro
Published: March 2023

Este artículo presenta informaciones sobre la población indígena urbana en Leticia (Amazonía colombiana) en relación con autores que han afirmado que la urbanización indígena corresponde a un modelo de alta movilidad entre la ciudad y los territorios extra-urbanos, donde las viviendas urbanas son parte de un sistema de “habitaciones multi-situadas” (multi-sited dwellings). Nuestros datos revelan una población indígena urbana que lleva mucho tiempo establecida en la ciudad, sin vínculos activos con los territorios de origen y poco acceso a la tierra en la zona periurbana. Las poblaciones más antiguas magütá (tikuna) y cocama y la inmigración temprana de gente de centro configuran la población indígena periurbana de Leticia, que tiene visibilidad política y territorial desde la década de 1980 con el reconocimiento legal de sus territorios y autoridades. La población indígena urbana es más del doble de la población indígena periurbana, pero los primeros apenas han cobrado visibilidad política desde la década de 2010, con la creación de un cabildo indígena llamado CAPIUL. En la zona periurbana, existe un número de nodos que hacen parte de un circuito de intercambios ceremoniales que se han articulado con estos nuevos actores político-territoriales de la ciudad y que se denomina “el camino del tabaco”. Los circuitos de habitaciones multi-situadas que no encontramos conectando las viviendas urbanas con los territorios extra-urbanos —si lo miramos solo desde el punto de vista de grupos étnicos o de parentesco— los venimos a encontrar en una nueva forma de construcción política y territorial que conecta los actores urbanos con los asentamientos periurbanos.