bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of hydroxychloroquine on activities of daily living and hand function in systemic sclerosis: results from an analysis of the EUSTAR cohort
Authors: Bellando-Randone Silvia , Wilhalme Holly , Bruni Cosimo , Czirjak Laszlo , Distler Oliver , Allanore Yannick , Cuomo Giovanna , Denton Christopher , Galdo Francesco Del , Gheorghiu Ana M. , RICCIERI VALERIA , Walker Ulrich , Truchet Marie Elise , Vonk Madelon C. , Foeldvari Ivan , Cerinic Marco Matucci , Furst Daniel E.
Published: January 2024

Background: To evaluate the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its impact on Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index(HAQ-DI), the Cochin Hand Function Status(CHFS) in a large SSc cohort.Methods:SSc patients from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) database treated with HCQ for at least 6 months were evaluated and compared to a propensity matched group of SSc patients not using HCQ. Demographic and clinical data, concomitant drugs, HAQ-DI and CHFS (at least 2 evaluations) were recorded and were the outcome variables of interest. Statistical analysis was performed using propensity score matching for age, gender, disease duration, corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, vasoactive drugs in a 3:1 control:HCQ ratio. Standard descriptive statistics and Student’s T-test and Chi-square test were used to assess the propensity-matched groups.ResultsOut of 17,805 SSc patients evaluated, 468 (2.6%) constituted the HCQ group. Among them, 50 (10.7%) had at least a baseline and follow-up HAQ-DI evaluation and 44 (9.4%) had at least a baseline and follow-up CHFS evaluation. Propensity matching assured that patients were matched for female gender (HCQ vs control 92.0% vs. 85.3%), mean age (49.8 vs. 50.0 years) disease duration (8.3 vs. 9.1 years), limited disease (55.3 vs. 62.6%) as well as background medications (all P>0.1. We did not find any significant differences among the two groups in change of HAQ-DI CHFS, over 365 days (all P>0.05)Conclusions:Results from the EUSTAR registry showed that HCQ was used by 2.6% of SSc patients. HCQ use did not improve the HAQ-DI, or CHFS, comparing HCQ users to non-HCQ users
Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Correlates of Social and Emotional Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic among U.S. Adults
Authors: Labossiere Stephane , Clevanne Julce
Published: January 2024

Background Studies examining racial/ethnic differences in social and emotional support during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States are limited. We examined racial/ethnic differences in the lack of social and emotional support during the pandemic in a large nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2020 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) of all adults who reported having social and emotional support needs during the pandemic (n = 16,637). We grouped the extent of social and emotional support received into three categories: always/usually, sometimes, and rarely/never. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine racial/ethnic differences in the lack of social and emotional support among adults 18 years and older.Results Approximately 8% of Non-Hispanic Whites, 12% of Non-Hispanic Blacks, 17% of Hispanics, and 17% of Non-Hispanic Asians reported that they rarely/never received social and emotional support during the pandemic. After controlling for several potentially confounding factors, Non-Hispanic Asians [adjusted odds ratio aOR: 2.93; 95% confidence interval CI: 2.27–3.77] and Non-Hispanic Blacks [aOR: 1.46; 95% (CI) 1.14–1.87] were significantly more likely than Non-Hispanic Whites to report rarely/never vs. always/usually receiving social and emotional support during the period under study.Conclusion Improving awareness of social and emotional support by including measures of social isolation and loneliness in national health surveys is needed. Addressing social and emotional barriers nationally needs to be a coordinated effort from the public, research community, and policymakers with the objective of advancing health equity.
Transcriptome analyses of dark-induced bleaching octocorals and improvement in octocoral RNA extraction
Authors: Wong Jing-Wen Michelle , Liu An-Chi , Lin Hsuan-Tung , Shinzato Chuya , Yang Sung-Yin , Yang Shan-Hua
Published: January 2024

Octocorals, vital components of reef ecosystems, inhabit a wide range of marine environments across various climate zones, spanning from tropical shallows to frigid deep-sea regions. Certain octocoral species, notably Lobophytum and Sinularia, are particularly intriguing due to their production of diverse metabolites, warranting continuous investigation. Octocorals harboring symbiotic algae are prone to bleaching when subjected to stressors like elevated temperatures and intense sunlight. Interestingly, octocorals with greater tolerance to water turbidity may experience reduced light exposure, which can disrupt photosynthesis and result in bleaching. However, in comparison to stony coral (scleractinian), our knowledge of octocorals' physiological resilience under various stressors remains limited, and the genetic expression of octocorals has been relatively understudied. To address these gaps, our study focuses on comparing the transcriptomes of healthy octocorals and those induced to bleach by darkness, specifically focusing on Lobophytum hsiehi. Additionally, considering the challenges posed by the high fluid content and rich bioactive compounds within octocorals, we have devised a universal protocol for RNA extraction from six different octocoral genera. We believe that the findings of this study, along with the developed RNA extraction method, will serve as valuable references for future research, particularly in the realm of octocorals.
Mice with deficiency in Pcdh15, a gene associated with bipolar disorders, exhibit significantly elevated diurnal amplitudes of locomotion and body temperature
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Inami Chihiro , Ikeda Ryosuke , Sawahata Masahito , Urata Shinji , Yamaguchi Sho , Kobayashi Yohei , Fujita Kosuke , Arioka Yuko , Okumura Hiroki , Kushima Itaru , Kodama Akiko , Suzuki Toshiaki , Hirao Takashi , Yoshimi Akira , Sobue Akira , Ito Takahiro , Noda Yukihiro , Mizoguchi Hiroyuki , Nagai Taku , Kaibuchi Kozo , Okabe Shigeo , Nishiguchi Koji , Kume Kazuhiko , Yamada Kiyofumi , Ozaki Norio
Published: January 2024

Genetic factors significantly influence the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. However, the specific pathogenic mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully elucidated. Recent extensive genomic studies implicate the protocadherin related 15 (PCDH15) gene in the onset of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD). To further investigate the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders, we developed a mouse model lacking Pcdh15. Notably, although PCDH15 is primarily identified as the causative gene for Usher syndrome, which leads to visual and auditory impairments, our Pcdh15 homozygous deletion mice (Pcdh15-null) did not show observable structural abnormalities in either the retina or inner ear. However, the Pcdh15 heterozygous deletion mice (Pcdh15-het) exhibited enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity, reduced prepulse inhibition, and diminished cliff avoidance behavior. These observations aligned with symptoms observed in various psychiatric patients and certain psychiatric disease mouse models. Specifically, the hyperactivity may mirror manic episodes in BD. To achieve a more physiological, long-term quantification of the hyperactive phenotype, we implanted nano tag® sensor chips in the animals, enabling continuous monitoring of both activity and body temperature. During the light-off period, Pcdh15-null exhibited elevated activity and body temperature compared with those of wild-type mice (WT). However, we observed a decreased body temperature during the light-on period. Comprehensive brain activity was visualized using c-Fos mapping, assessed during the activity and temperature peak and trough. There was a stark contrast between the distribution of c-Fos expression in Pcdh15-null and WT brains during both the light-on and light-off periods. These results provide valuable insights into the neural basis of the behavioral and thermal characteristics of Pcdh15-deletion mice. Therefore, Pcdh15-deletion mice can be a novel model for BD with mania and other psychiatric disorders, with a strong genetic component that satisfies both construct and surface validity.
A barley pan-transcriptome reveals layers of genotype-dependent transcriptional complexity
Authors: Waugh Robbie , Guo Wenbin , Schreiber Miriam , Marosi Vanda , Bagnaresi Paolo , Chalmers Kenneth , Chapman Brett , Dang Viet , Dockter Christoph , Fiebig Anne , Fricano Agostino , Fuller John , Haaning Allison , Haberer Georg , Himmelbach Axel , Jayakodi Murukarthick , Jia Yong , Jørgensen Morten , Kamal Nadia , Langridge Peter , Li Chengdao , Lu Qiongxian , Lux Thomas , Mascher Martin , Mayer Klaus , McCallum Nicola , Milne Linda , Muehlbauer Gary , Padmarasu Sudharsan , Pedas Pai , Pillen Klaus , Pozniak Curtis , Sato Kazuhiro , Schmutzer Thomas , Scholz Uwe , Schüler Danuta , Simkova Hana , Skadhauge Birgitte , Stein Nils , Wang Penghao , Wonneberger Ronja , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Zhang Guoping , Cattivelli Luigi , Spannagl Manuel , Bayer Micha , Simpson Craig , Zhang Runxuan
Published: January 2024

A pan-transcriptome describes the transcriptional and post-transcriptional consequences of genome diversity from multiple individuals within a species, revealing an assortment of functions that drive biological outcomes. We developed a barley pan-transcriptome using twenty inbred genotypes representing domesticated* barley diversity by generating and analysing extensive short- and long-read RNA sequencing datasets from multiple tissues. To overcome single reference bias and facilitate downstream analyses we constructed genotype-specific reference transcript datasets (RTDs) and integrated these into a linear pan-genome framework to create a single pan-RTD. Categorising transcripts based upon presence or absence across genotypes defined them as core (expressed in all), shell (absent in one or more) or cloud (expressed in only one). Focusing on the core we observed significant transcript abundance variation among tissues and between genotypes. We show that drivers of transcript abundance variation in this category include RNA processing, gene copy number, large structural rearrangements and degree of conservation of promotor motifs. We reveal conserved patterns of co-expression module-tissue correlations encompassing distinct biological functions, as well as frequent functional diversification. We complement the pan-transcriptome by integrating extensive and diverse replicated public RNA-seq datasets from the reference cultivar (cv.) Morex into a comprehensive gene-expression atlas
High-ambition climate action in all sectors can achieve 65% greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the United States by 2035
Authors: Zhao Alicia , O'Keefe Kowan , Binsted Matthew , McJeon Haewon , Bryant Adriana , Squire Claire , Zhang Mengqi , Smith Steven , Cui Ryna , Ou Yang , Iyer Gokul , Kennedy Shannon , Hultman Nathan
Published: January 2024

Under the next cycle of target setting under the Paris Agreement, countries will be updating and submitting new nationally determined contributions (NDCs) over the next two years. To this end, there is a growing need for the United States to assess potential pathways toward a new, maximally ambitious 2035 NDC. In this study, we use an integrated assessment model with state-level detail to model existing policies from both federal and non-federal actors, including the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and key state policies, across all sectors and gases. Additionally, we develop a high-ambition scenario, which includes feasible, new and enhanced policies from these actors. We find that existing policies can reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 44% (with a range of 37% to 52%) by 2035, relative to 2005 levels, and the high-ambition scenario can deliver net GHG reductions up to 65% (with a range of 59% to 71%) by 2035. This level of reductions would provide a basis for continued progress toward the country’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal.
Cybersecurity analysis on precision time protocol
Authors: Piffaretti Diego Wallace Martins , Santos Anderson Fernandes Pereira dos , Dias Gabriela Moutinho de Souza
Published: January 2024

Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks are pervasive threats to modern network systems, potentially disrupting critical services and cause significant financial and operational damage. This article presents a DoS attack specifically targeting the precision time protocol (PTP), which is a fundamental protocol for achieving precise time synchronization in distributed systems. This attack uses an unusual packet injection flood technique. Through a comprehensive analysis, we highlight the vulnerabilities, operational disruptions, and potential countermeasures available for mitigating the consequences of DoS attacks on PTP.
Short – Term Outcome After Use of Perianal Cleansing Cream After Open Diathermy Hemorrhoidectomy: a Single Center Retrospective Study on a Consecutive Cohort of Patients
Authors: Lisi Giorgio , Mastrangeli Maria Rosaria , Spoletini Domenico , Campanelli Michela
Published: January 2024

Background
The healing of hemorrhoidectomy wounds is a main concern of surgeons and patients. Various modalities can improve the quality of wound care after surgery. Several types of surgery, antibiotics and topical agents, such as solutions and ointments, have been evaluated. The current research investigates the effects of cleansing cream in the post – operative management after open diathermy hemorrhoidectomy in terms of wound healing and post – operative pain.
Methods
Between January 2022 and December 2022, 70 consecutive patients underwent open diathermy hemorrhoidectomy for III- and IV- degree hemorrhoids using a cleansing cream postoperatively and were evaluated.
Results
70 patients with third- (n = 46, 65%) and fourth- degree (n = 24, 35%) hemorrhoids were consecutively enrolled. The mean operative time was 21 minutes (range, 17 to 41 min). No intraoperative complications were detected. HSS and VAS score decreased over the time and all patients achieved complete wound healing at the last follow-up despite three of these developed posterior anal fissure. All patients had returned to normal activities (range, 10 days to 15 days).
Conclusion
The results suggest the safety and the effectiveness in terms of post operative pain and wound healing of cleansing crema after open diathermy hemorrhoidectomy. Further multicenter study comparing different ointments are needed to confirm this finding.
Network analysis of the relationship between non-suicidal self-injury, depression, and childhood trauma in adolescents
Authors: Lei Hui , Yang Yanci Yanga , Zhu Ting , Zhang Xiaocui , Dang Junhua
Published: January 2024

Background
Non-suicidal self-injury seriously harm the physical and mental health of adolescents. The aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between non-suicide self-injury, depression, and childhood trauma from the perspective of symptoms in adolescents.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four junior high middle schools and collected 2640 valid questionnaires. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), depressive symptoms, and childhood trauma were assessed using the Adolescent Self-Harm Scale, the Childhood Depression Scale, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, respectively. A network analysis was performed.
Results
In the network, NSSI, depressive symptoms and childhood trauma are closely related. Negative Self Esteem in the depressive symptoms and emotional Abuse in the childhood trauma categories were the most central nodes. Negative self-esteem and negative mood were directly connected to NSSI, other nodes of depressive symptoms appeared to be indirectly connected to NSSI through these two nodes. Emotional Abuse was the only node in the childhood trauma categories directly connected to NSSI. The shortest pathways form other categories of childhood trauma (physical neglect, physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse) to the NSSI through the effect of emotional abuse.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that targeting negative self-esteem, negative mood and emotional abuse as intervention targets may alleviate depression and reduce NSSI in adolescents to the greatest extent.
Salt-Separated Strategy for Construction of Hollow Carbon Nanospheres with Tunable Size Based on α- Cyclodextrin
Authors: Xing Ye , Li Haichao , Wang Yanan
Published: January 2024

Hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNs) have attracted much attention in the field of science and technology for their excellent properties; however, developing a versatile synthesis strategy for the preparation of HCNs remains a great challenge. The successful manipulation of size and shell thickness of HCNs is essential to meet their structural varieties and practical applications. Herein, HCNs were prepared directly from the renewable α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD) by a novel and simple salt-separated strategy with direct carbonization method is reported. The synthesis differs from the traditional template method in that it is characterized by the introduction of salt for separation and protection, the carbonization does not require the passage of protective gas, and the salt can be recycled. Thus, this method is very cost-effective and environmentally benign. In addition, the HCNs size in this system can be adjusted on demand by simply adjusting the concentration of α-CD, thus realizing that the HCNs size is adjustable in the range of 90–700 nm and adjustable shell thickness in the range of 20–250 nm. This work provides a new insight into the preparation of high-performance carbon materials in an environmentally friendly manner.
Effects of low inspired oxygen fraction during alveolar recruitment maneuver on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xiao Yijun , Liu Dan , Wang Chaoyang , Li Qin , Liu Hanlin , Li Rongyuan , Yang Conmin , Gong Huaqu , wu wei , liu yinghai
Published: January 2024

Background
Patients undergoing lung surgery face an increased risk of postoperative atelectasis and pulmonary complications, primarily due to one-lung ventilation, low tidal volume, and high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). The alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) effectively reduces atelectasis; however, using pure oxygen during this procedure may attenuate its beneficial effects. Moreover, the effects of this procedure fade over time. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of the ARM with a low FiO2 (0.4) in preventing atelectasis and associated postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs).
Methods
Overall, the included 120 patients scheduled for thoracoscopic lung surgery randomly divided into two groups. All patients received similar anesthesia management and mechanical ventilation during surgery. Before extubation, the ARM with a continuous positive airway pressure of 20 cmH2O for 15–20s was administered with an FiO2 of 1.0 in group C and an FiO2 of 0.4 in group L. The primary outcome was the incidence of atelectasis and other pulmonary complications within 7 days after surgery. Atelectasis was assessed using postoperative chest radiography or computed tomography findings and lung ultrasound scores (LUSs).
Results
The incidence of PPCs within 7 days of surgery was not significantly different between the two groups. Eighteen patients in group C had pulmonary complications within 7 days after surgery, and 11 had respiratory failure. In group L, 13 patients had pulmonary complications within 7 days after surgery, and four had respiratory failure. There were no significant differences in the LUSs before anesthesia between the two groups. However, the LUSs were significantly lower in group L than in group C 1 h after extubation.
Conclusions
The incidence of pulmonary complications in both groups within 7 days after surgery was similar. However, the incidence of postoperative respiratory failure was less, and atelectasis in the early postoperative period was reduced when the ARM was conducted with an FiO2 of 0.4.
Trial registration
This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn). first registration in 27/04/2022 and registration number ChiCTR2200059216.
The association of vitamin D and fibrotic disease: a Mendelian randomization Study
Authors: Xie Qingqing , Wang Mi , Zhao Xu , Lu Yiwei , Li Menglan , He Xinyi , Shuai Shiquan
Published: January 2024

Previous observational studies have suggested a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of fibrotic disease. However, the results may be influenced by various factors, including reverse causation. To investigate the causal relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the risk of fibrotic disease, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We conducted a comprehensive analysis using genome-wide association study summary statistics for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and five fibrotic diseases: systemic sclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, skin scarring and fibrosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. We screened SNPs significantly associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels as preliminary instrumental variables excluding SNPs associated with potential confounding factors. We utilized MR-PRESSO to identify potential horizontal pleiotropy effects. After removing outliers, we conducted MR analysis on the remaining SNPs. Furthermore, a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results. This study reveals that there is no established causal relationship between genetically predicted vitamin D concentration and the risk of fibrotic diseases. Consequently, the role of vitamin D as a potential intervention and monitoring tool for fibrotic diseases may not have practical clinical significance.
An empirical study of the Flag Rugby game programme to promote gross motor skills and physical fitness in 5-6 year old preschool children
Authors: Shi Zuozheng , Yang Xulin , Zhang Xinru , Zhu Weihua , Dai Yuxin , Li Jian
Published: January 2024

Introduction To investigate the effects of flag rugby classes on the development of gross motor skills and physical fitness in 5-6 year old preschool children.
Methods Using the flag rugby sessions as an intervention, a total of 56 preschool children aged 5-6 years (57.14% girls) were randomly selected to participate in class A and class B to see the effects of the flag rugby sessions on their gross motor skills and physical fitness.
Results After 12w exercised，in the comparative analysis of subjects' gross motor and physical fitness test results.We found that the ExG differed significantly(P<0.01) in the test results of gross motor and physical fitness,and a 2(group: ExG,ConG)×2(time: 0w,12w) repeated measures ANOVA was performed and found was interacted significantly(P<0.001) in Total Locomotor Subject Score(F=38. 287, p=0.000, ES=0.415),Total Object Control Subject Score(F=164.453, p=0.000, ES=0.753),Total Gross Motor Score (F=192.409, p=0.000, ES=0.781),and found was interacted significantly (P<0. 05) in grip strength (F=5.030, p=0.029, ES=0.085),sitting forward flexion (F=6.957, p=0.011, ES=0.114),15m obstacle run (F=4.185, p=0.046, ES=0.072),balance beam walk (F=7.504, p=0.008, ES=0.122).In the comparative analysis of the results of gross motor tests and physical fitness in subjects of different sexes, the differences in Total Object Control Subject Score (F=5.200,P=0.027,ES=0. 850), grip strength (F=5.971,P=0.018,ES=0.866), sitting forward bending (F=5.854,P=0.019,ES=-0.863) and 15m obstacle run (F=4.230,P=0.045,ES=- 0.824) had significant (P<0.05) main effects of gender.
Conclusion The 12-week flag rugby game programme can comprehensively and effectively promote the development of gross motor skills and physical fitness in preschool children aged 5-6 years, and there are certain gender differences in promoting the development of children's gross motor skills and physical fitness, which is in accordance with the law and characteristics of physical and mental development of children's sports,We propose to incorporate it into the physical education curriculum for preschool children aged 5-6 years and better development of gross motor and physical fitness in children.
A new Palaeolithic chipped stone tool technology from Southeast Anatolia: the Haydar tool
Authors: Kodaş Ergül
Published: January 2024

During the Palaeolithic, a wide variety of tool technologies and typologies are known to have emerged. Some of those technologies were used over large areas for long periods, while others were geographically restricted and more regionalized. The Haydar tool recovered from the Haydar open-air settlement in Mardin province can be interpreted as a particular and more regional tool techno-typology. This unifacial tool, which is as large as a typical handaxe, can be included in the Levallois concept because of its form and production technic.
Expanding molecular diagnostic coverage for tuberculosis by combining computer-aided chest radiography and sputum specimen pooling: a modeling study from four high burden countries
Authors: Codlin Andrew James , Vo Luan Nguyen Quang , Garg Tushar , Banu Sayera , Ahmed Shahriar , John Stephen , Abdulkarim Suraj , Muyoyeta Monde , Sanjase Nsala , Wingfield Tom , Iem Vibol , Squire Bertie , Creswell Jacob
Published: January 2024

Background
In 2022, fewer than half of persons with tuberculosis (TB) have access to molecular diagnostic tests for TB due to their high costs. Studies have found that computer-aided detection using artificial intelligence (AI) for chest X-ray (CXR) and sputum specimen pooling can each reduce testing costs. We modeled the combination of both strategies to estimate potential savings in consumables that could be used to expand access to molecular diagnostics.
Methods
We obtained Xpert testing and positivity data segmented into deciles by AI probability scores for TB from community- and healthcare facility-based active case finding conducted in Bangladesh, Nigeria, Viet Nam and Zambia. AI scores in the model were based on CAD4TB version 7 (Zambia) and qXR (all other countries). We modeled four ordinal screening and testing approaches involving computer-aided CXR to indicate individual and pooled testing. Setting a false negative rate of 5%, for each approach we calculated additional and cumulative savings over the baseline of universal Xpert testing as well as the theoretical expansion in diagnostic coverage.
Results
In each country, the optimal screening and testing approach was to use AI to rule out testing in deciles with low AI scores and guide pooled and individual testing in persons with moderate and high AI scores, respectively. This approach yielded cumulative savings in Xpert tests over baseline ranging from 50.8% in Zambia to 57.5% in Nigeria and 61.5% in Bangladesh and Viet Nam. Using these savings, diagnostic coverage theoretically could be expanded by 34–160% across the different approaches and countries.
Conclusions
Using a combination of AI and CXR to inform different pooling strategies may optimize TB diagnostic test use, and could extend molecular tests to more people who need them. The optimal AI thresholds and pooled testing strategy varied across countries, which suggests that bespoke screening and testing approaches may be needed for differing populations and settings.
Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction or stenosis using dacryoendoscopy
Authors: Li Hongxun , Li Jiagen , Zhang Lei , Yang Lihong , Zhao Yun , Zhao Hong , Pan Ye
Published: January 2024

Silicone intubation has emerged as a common option to address nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) or stenosis. Although dacryoendoscope has increased the success rate of silicone intubation, the success rates were significantly different. Furthermore, no study has comprehensively assessed the risk factors of treatment failure after silicone intubation. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of dacryoendoscopic-assisted laser dacryoplasty with silicone intubation (DLDI) for the management of NLDO or stenosis, and to identify the factors associated with treatment failure. A total of 522 patientswith NLDO or stenosis who underwent DLDI from December 2019 to December 2021 at Tianjin Eye Hospital were considered for enrollment. The overall anatomic success rate was 84.8% for the entire cohort at the 2-year follow-up. In the multivariable model, a higher risk of failed DLDI surgery was associated with a history of chronic dacryocystitis (HR=3.07; P < 0.001) and a longer duration of epiphora than 1 year (HR=2.67; P < 0.001). Of the 522 patients, 37 patients (7.1%) had surgery-related complications. DLDI is an effective minimally invasive technique for treatment in patients with distal NLDO or stenosis. Factors associated with higher risk of reoperation include a longer duration of epiphora and a history of chronic dacryocystitis.
Transcription factor ZmDof22 enhances drought tolerance by regulating stomatal movement and antioxidant enzyme activities in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Cao Liru , Feiyu Ye , Fahim abbas Muhammad , Ma Chenchen , Pang Yunyun , Zhang Xin , Zhang Qianjin , Lu Xiaomin
Published: January 2024

Identifying drought stress regulatory genes is essential for the genetic improvement of maize yield. Deoxyribonucleic acid binding with one finger (Dof), a plant-specific transcription factor family, is involved in signal transduction, morphogenesis, and environmental stress responses. In the present study, by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and gene coexpression network analysis, 15 putative Dof genes that respond to drought and rewatering were identified from maize. A real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that these 15 genes were strongly induced by drought and ABA treatment, and among them, ZmDof22 was highly induced by drought and ABA treatment. Its expression level increased nearly 200 times after drought stress and more than 50 times after ABA treatment. After the normal conditions were restored, the expression levels were almost 100 times and 40 times those before treatment, respectively. The Gal4-LexA/UAS system and transcriptional activation analysis indicate that ZmDof22 is a transcriptional activator regulating maize drought tolerance and recovery ability. Further, overexpressed transgenic and mutant plants of ZmDof22 by CRISPR/Cas9 show that the ZmDof22 improves maize drought tolerance by promoting stomatal closure, reduces water loss, and enhances antioxidant enzyme activity by participating in the ABA pathways. Taken together, our findings laid a foundation for further functional studies of the ZmDof gene family and provided insights into the role of the ZmDof22 regulatory network in controlling drought tolerance and recovery ability of maize.
Comparative Simulation Studies on the Countercurrent Multi-Stage Solid-Liquid Extraction of Soybean Oil by Ethanol and Hexane
Authors: Oshin Temitope Alaba , Abhulimen Kingsley E. , Abadi Jerry C. , Adekanye Timothy A.
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the need for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to hexane, the conventional solvent for oil extraction. Hexane, while efficient in dissolving oil, poses neurotoxicity risks and stems from nonrenewable sources. In contrast, ethanol, produced via biotechnological methods, offers a promising alternative due to its minimal environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and safety profile. The objective of this work is to compare the performance of hexane and ethanol in the extraction of soybean oil, employing simulation techniques rather than traditional laboratory experiments. The research develops a mathematical model for a countercurrent multistage solid-liquid extraction process, specifically tailored for soybean oil extraction, and simulates the process using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results reveal that hexane exhibits a higher initial extraction rate, especially over a 90-minute simulation period, though ethanol demonstrates comparable efficiency. Moreover, ethanol consistently showcases higher extraction efficiency relative to hexane when considering solvent-to-solid mass ratios. In conclusion, both hexane and ethanol extraction prove practical with ethanol holding advantages in terms of safety and extraction efficiency. These simulation findings serve as a valuable foundation for subsequent laboratory experiments which can contribute to the validation and refinement of the simulation model.
Towards Real-Time Non-Preemptive Multicast Scheduling in Reconfigurable Data Center Networks
Authors: Zhang Fanlong , Liu Jianglong , Wu Yuhang , Chen Quan , Chai Yuan , Wang Zhuowei
Published: January 2024

Multicast has emerged as a primary communication pattern in datacenter networks due to the increasing demand for distributed data-parallel applications. To accelerate multicast traffic, the emerging reconfigurable circuit technology, which can establish circuit connections among switches, has been proposed as a promising paradigm for datacenter networks. This paper investigates how to accelerate the non-preemptive multicast flows in a demand-aware manner in reconfigurable datacenter networks. Firstly, we introduce the problem of scheduling circuit switches to minimize the average completion time and prove it to be NP-hard. To address the conflicts between different multicast flows under the bandwidth constraint, we consider the concept of splitting multicast flows and propose a two round matching algorithm. Additionally, to further reduce the average completion time, we introduce a method to utilize the remaining capacity of the ToR switches by splitting the unscheduled flows. The proposed algorithm is proved to have an approximation ratio of $2\sqrt{2n}$, where $n$ represents the number of Top-of-Rack (ToR) switches. Finally, the extensive simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in reducing the average completion time of flows compared to state-of-the-art algorithms.
Electrochemical characteristics and damage mechanism in scrubber washing water of UNS N08367 with plasma ion nitriding and electropolishing
Authors: Kim Seong-Jong , Hwang Hyun-Kyu
Published: January 2024

In this investigation, electropolishing and plasma ion nitriding were applied to super austenitic stainless steel for the purpose of improving its corrosion and pitting resistance. Electrochemical experiment were conducted with washing water collected directly from the ship’s scrubber. After electropolishing, the surface roughness was improved by about 73.6% compared to mechanical polishing. Following plasma ion nitriding, expanded austenite and chromium nitride were observed on the surface, and the thickness of the nitrided layer was measured as about 10 μm. A hysteresis loop was observed in the cyclic potentiodynamic polarization curves of mechanical polishing and electropolishing, and the areas were calculated as 23.33mW/cm2 and 0.17mW/cm2, respectively. The polarization curve of plasma ion nitriding presented perfect passivation characteristics. Accordingly, mechanical polishing and electropolishing revealed local corrosion, whereas plasma ion nitriding presented a tendency towards general corrosion. In the mechanical polishing, electropolishing, and plasma ion nitriding, the corrosion current densities were 0.665 ㎂/cm2, 0.093 ㎂/cm2, and 16.47 ㎂/cm2, respectively, and the maximum damage depth was observed to grow progressively smaller from plasma ion nitriding to electropolishing and then mechanical polishing
Experimental study of design and manufacture for CFRP bamboo rat tooth bionic drill bit
Authors: Su Fei , Liu Xing , Che Yan , Zhang Ke , Ding Xun
Published: January 2024

The section of bamboo eaten by bamboo rats is smooth and clean, which is due to the unique lower front teeth of bamboo rats. Based on this, a new tool was designed to reduce the defects in CFRP processing. An experimental comparison is conducted between the new bionic tool and the conventional dovetail and fine-toothed tool. The results show that the bionic new tool has smaller axial force and delamination factor, and the defect formation rate is slowed down under the bionic new tool. The bionic tool significantly inhibits the defect formation and improves the hole making quality of CFRP. But the drilling temperature of the new bionic tool is higher than that of the dovetail - fine tooth tool. Additionally, the comparison test of the new bionic tools with diameters of 12mm and 6mm found that the closer the tool tooth structure is to the true size of the bamboo rats lower front teeth, the better the processing effect of CFRP.
The etiology of trauma in geriatric traumatic patients refer to an academic trauma center: a cross sectional study
Authors: Pishbin Elham , Zakeri Hosein , Kakhki Behrang` Rezvani , Ghashghaee Hanieh , Sadrzadeh Sayyed Majid , Sadeghi Masumeh , Moradi Elnaz Vafadar
Published: January 2024

Geriatric trauma refers to injuries sustained by elderly individuals, typically those aged 65 years and older. The management of geriatric trauma in the Emergency Department requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the physiological changes associated with aging, as well as the increased vulnerability and complexity of injuries in this population. This is a cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the etiology of trauma in geriatric patients referred to the ED of level-1 an academic center. All patients with complaints of trauma are evaluated, patients over 65-years enrolled in the study. 319 patients were investigated, 49/8% male and 50/2%female.The most common underlying diseases are high blood pressure, diabetes type 2 and ischemic heart diseases. The most common trauma cause was falling from a same level (48/9%), followed by a fall from a height (16/6%), accident with cars (16%) and motorcycles (9/1%). The most common injury was extremities trauma (71/5%) following head trauma (13/2%) and chest trauma (6%). The severity of injury in extremity was more in women, and chest trauma was more sever in men. According to our results, the fall and subsequent car accident had the highest frequency as a cause of trauma in elderly patients admitted to our academic trauma center. Hypertension and diabetes have also been the most common underlying diseases. Head and neck injuries are life-threatening and critical in a larger number of patients than other injuries, and protecting them can be effective in reducing mortality and serious injuries in elderly trauma patients.
Biochemical and Histochemical Assessment of the Protective Effects of Aqueous and Ethanol Fruit Extracts of Phoenix Dactylifera on Mercury-induced Liver Toxicity
Authors: Abubakar Musa Garba , Agbon Abel Nosereme
Published: January 2024

Background: Mercury is a highly toxic metal that causes severe damage to the body system of humans and animals that establish contact with it. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruits have been documented to possess several pharmacological abilities and have been used in traditional medicine worldwide. The present study was aimed at assessing the protective effects of aqueous and ethanolic fruit extracts of Phoenix dactylifera L. on mercury-induced liver damage toxicity in Wistar rats.
Design; A total of forty-five (45) Wistar rats of male sex (80 – 125g) were randomly divided into nine groups (I-IX) of five (5) rats each. Group 1 served as the control and was administered distilled water (2 ml), group II was administered mercury chloride (HgCl2) only at 5 mg/kg body weight; group III was pretreated with silymarin at 100 mg/kg then followed by HgCl2 at 5 mg/kg; groups IV and V were pretreated with aqueous fruit extract of Phoenix dactylifera (AFPD) at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively, followed by HgCl2 at 5 mg/kg; groups VI and VII were pretreated with ethanol fruit extract of Phoenix dactylifera (EFPD) at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively, followed by HgCl2 at 5 mg/kg, while groups VIII and IX were treated with AFPD and EFPD only at 1000 mg/kg respectively. After two weeks of oral administration, the animals were humanely sacrificed using cervical dislocation method, and blood samples were collected through the jugular vein for biochemical studies (liver serum enzymes: Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP); and oxidative stress markers, (MDA, SOD, CAT, and GPx). Tissue samples of the liver were collected and processed for histochemical (Gordon and Sweet) stain analysis.
Results: The results of the present study showed that toxicity and oxidative stress were induced by the significantly (p < 0.05) increased levels of ALP and MDA when compared to the control. Histochemical analysis revealed severe degenerative changes in the liver. Extracts (AFPD and EFPD) of P. dactylifera preserved liver serum enzymes and antioxidant enzyme activities to levels similar to that of the control. The effects of HgCl2 toxicity were ameliorated as observed by the remarkably decreased levels of MDA and significantly increased activity of SOD, as well as preserved histoarchitecture of the liver parenchyma when compared to the HgCl2-treated group. The protective activities of the extracts of Phoenix dactylifera could be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the constituent phytochemicals, such as flavonoids.
Conclusion: Thus, these extracts could be potential candidates for use in the management and treatment of mercury-induced liver diseases in our localities.
Domestic Animal Inflicted Neurotrauma – A Retrospective Analysis Of Five Years Neurosurgical Experience In A Tertiary Care Centre Of Northern India
Authors: Verma Rajat
Published: January 2024

Introduction- Neurotrauma from animal interactions, including domestic incidents, is underexplored and inadequately documented. The aim of this study is to explore epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of neurotrauma caused by domestic animals. Methods- Reviewed data from 23 neurotrauma patients (January 2017–2021) due to domestic animal incidents. Analysed outcomes using Glasgow Outcome Scale and SPSS 28 software. Results- During the study, 118 out of 7602 neurotrauma patients (1.6%) experienced animal-related trauma, with 95 from animal vehicle collisions/wild animal attacks and 23 from domestic animals (study population). The mean age of study population was 48 ± 17.5 years, with 8.6% paediatric cases and 69.6% males. The majority (86.9%) were rural residents. On presentation, 60.9% had head injuries, 34.8% had spine injuries, and 4.3% had both. Of head injury cases, 64.3% had severe TBI (GCS < 8). A Rotterdam CT score ≥ 5 correlated with unfavourable outcomes (p = 0.03) and mortality (p = 0.05). Surgery (4 cases) significantly improved Rotterdam CT scores (p = 0.001). Among CT score ≥ 5 cases, conservative management led to mortality, while surgery resulted in good outcomes (p = 0.001). Most of spine injuries fell into ASIA Grade C. Discussion- Animal-related trauma incidence varies globally, ranging from 1–2.7% in developed nations and around 0.2% in developing nations. Munivenkatappa et al.in 2013, reported an incidence of 0.4% in Bangalore. In our neurotrauma ward, it ranks as the fourth most common cause of inpatient admission. Severe TBI were prevalent within it causing high mortality rate. Rotterdam CT Score proved valuable in assessing the need for surgery, correlating positively with the requirement for intervention. It reliably predicted outcomes in head injury patients and demonstrated excellent predictive ability for mortality. Conclusion-Distinct consideration for domestic animal-related neurotrauma is crucial. The Rotterdam CT Score proved valuable in assessing the need for surgery, correlating positively with the requirement for intervention.
Comparing and analyzing the differences between SERMs retinochoroidopathy and Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: a new pathogenic hypothesis
Authors: yu donghao , an jianbin
Published: January 2024

Background：Because Tamoxifen Retinopathy and Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (Mac Tel-2) have similar manifestations, many researchers are identifying and exploring the mechanisms of the two diseases. Here we report a patient with selective estrogen receptor modulators(SERMs)-induced retinochoroidopathy. And she has a history of tamoxifen and toremifene use , presenting the classic phenotype of TR. It is the first time, we use comprehensive examination to observe one patient.
Case presentation: A 52-year-old woman presented gradual and progressive visual acuity decrease of both eyes about 1 year. She had received oral tamoxifen followed by toremifene for 57 months. Indocyanine green angiography(ICGA), optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA), electrooculogram(EOG), revealed salient distinct from Mac Tel-2 phenotype in patient’s choroidal. The patient’s ocular vessels did not show any tendency to proliferate, so we serve the cessation of anti-estrogen drugs as her treatment.
Conclusion: Combined with the positive results of increasing choroidal thickening, ICGA hypofluorescence, and decreased Arden ratio, SERMs-induced retinopathy is considered to be a type of retinochoroidopathy.
Assessing Klebanoff's Data
Authors: Smits Alexander
Published: January 2024

In 1955, Klebanoff published the first full set of turbulence stress measurements in a zero pressure gradient boundary layer (Klebanoff 1955). These results have achieved landmark status, and they are still widely used for comparisons with measurements and computations. The purpose of this paper is to show that these data are inaccurate in a number of ways, and that more recent data drawn from experiments and DNS should be used instead for future comparisons.
Development of a determination method for six silymarin in powdered milk thistle extract
Authors: Lan Tao , zhang wenyu , zhou qi , huang jinli , yu congcong , luo shihui , zhao xi , he ruikun
Published: January 2024

This study aims to develop a user-friendly and efficient high-performance liquid chromatography method for the detection of six silymarin in powdered milk thistle extract. On the basis of existing standard methods, a simpler prepared mobile phase was used, and the gradient program of mobile phase was optimized. The effectiveness of this method was verified through methodological investigations such as instrument precision experiments, stability experiments, repeatability experiments, and spiked recovery experiments. The method was applied to the detection of 42 batches of actual samples of powdered milk thistle extract. Under optimized mobile phase and gradient elution conditions, six silymarin compounds in powdered milk thistle extract could be effectively separated from the matrix with baseline resolution. There was a good linear relationship between the concentration of the six silymarin compounds in the range of 5~150 μg/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 25 mg/kg. The precision, stability, and repeatability of the method were all below 5%, and the recovery rates at three spiked levels range from 92% to 108%, with RSDs below 4%, indicating its excellent precision and stability. This method was user-friendly and efficient, with good accuracy, making it suitable for the analysis and detection of real samples. During the actual sample testing, significant variations were observed in the content of the six silymarin compounds among different products. The establishment of this method can be utilized for quality control of powdered milk thistle extract products.