bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etiopathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes in Patients from the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia: Association of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5 with Varying Levels of Obesity
Authors: Mir Mohammad Muzaffar , Alfaifi Jaber , Sohail Shahzada Khalid , Rizvi Syeda Fatima , Alghamdi Mushabab A. , Mir Rashid , Wani Javed Iqbal , Sabah Zia UL , Alhumaydhi Fahad A. , Alremthi Fahad Nasser , AlQahtani AbdulElah Al Jarallah , Alharthi Muffarah Hamid , Ishag Masoud , Elfaki Imadeldin , Sonpol Hany M. A.
Published: October 2023

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming a major global health concern, especially in poorer nations. The high prevalence of obesity and the ensuing diabetes is attributed to rapid economic progress, physical inactivity, consumption of high-calorie foods, and changing lifestyles.
Objectives. We investigated the role of pro-inflammatory chemokines; CCL1, 2, 4 and 5 with varying levels of obesity in T2DM in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia.
Materials and methods. 170 confirmed T2DM patients and a normal control group were enrolled. The demographic data, serum levels CCL-1, 2, 4 and 5 and the biochemical indices were assessed in patients and control groups by standard procedures.
Results. T2DM patients were divided into four groups: A (normal body weight), B (Overweight), C (obese), and D (highly obese). n controls. We observed that male and female control patients had similar mean serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL 1, 2, 4, and 5. Chemokines CCL1, CCL2, and CCL4 in the serum of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with normal or overweight body weights were significantly higher than the control group, regardless of gender. In T2DM individuals with obesity and severe obesity, the rise was most significant. There was a progressive rise in the concentrations of CCL1, 2, and 4 in T2DM) patients with increasing BMI. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM patient groups. The increase in CCL5 was more predominant in normal-weight people as compared to overweight and obese T2DM patients.
Conclusions.
Male and female control patients had similar serum levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL 1, 2, 4, and 5. The progressive rise in blood concentrations of three Pro-inflammatory chemokines; CCL1, 2, and 4 in T2DM patients with increasing BMI supports the idea that dyslipidemia and obesity contribute to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM patient groups. The selective and more pronounced increase of CCL5 in the T2DM group with normal BMI as compared to patients with varying degrees of obesity, was rather surprising. Further research is needed to determine if CCL5 under-expression in overweight and obese T2DM patients is due to some unexplained counterbalancing processes.
Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Employees' Creativity with Psychological Empowerment as Mediator
Authors:   University Teknologi MARA, Kampus Pahang, Malaysia, Ibrahim Nurshahira , Ismail Azman ,   Suleyman Demirel University, Turkey, Mat Norazila ,   Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Malaysia, Erhan Turgba
Published: October 2023

"Research Aims: This study examines the mediating effect of psychological empowerment on the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity in a financial organisation in Peninsular Malaysia. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative methods were employed in this study. Two hundred questionnaires were distributed to employees of Islamic financial institutions in Malaysia. Of these, only 153 questionnaires were usable. Random sampling and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) techniques were utilised in data analysis. Research Findings: The results of the analysis showed that psychological empowerment had an indirect effect on the impact of transformational leadership on employee creativity in the organisation under study. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The result aligned with Spreitzer's (1995) concept of self-motivation through increasing self-esteem and modifying resilience, which promotes motivational behaviour in organisations. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: Transformational leadership has been shown to be effective in addressing crises in organisational management. Leadership that applies this concept is able to sustain the organisation and its competitiveness over time, especially in Asia. Research Limitation & Implications: During the duration of this research, the data were collected only once. The sample for this study was obtained from a single organisation, and the only method used to collect data was a questionnaire. In times of globalisation and economic turmoil, practitioners can use the findings of this study to practice transformational leadership to sustain and support the vision and mission of an organisation. Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Psychological Empowerment, Employee Creativity, Islamic Financial Institutions"
Does Reputation Lead to Student Loyalty? The Case of a Private Higher Education Institution, a State University, and a Local College
Authors:   City College of Angeles, Lacap Jean Paolo G. , Cortez Jaime V. ,   University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga
Published: October 2023

"Research Aims: The current research aims to analyse (1) the direct interrelationships of higher education institutions' (HEIs) reputation, student satisfaction, and student loyalty; (2) the mediating effect of student satisfaction on the relationship between HEI reputation and student loyalty; and (3) the moderating role of HEI type (private HEI [PHEI], state university/college [SUC], local university/college [LUC]) on the links between HEI reputation and student satisfaction, HEI reputation and student loyalty, and student satisfaction and loyalty. Design/Methodology/Approach: All hypothesised relationships were analysed using partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Research Findings: The results revealed that (1) HEI reputation has a significant effect on student satisfaction and loyalty; (2) student satisfaction mediates the relationship between HEI reputation and loyalty; (3) a significant difference exists in the effect of reputation on student satisfaction between PHEIs and SUCs; and (4) significant difference exists on the effect of student satisfaction on loyalty between PHEIs and SUCs, and between PHEIs and LUCs. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The current study lends credence to using the S-O-R model as an appropriate framework in conducting predictive-causal studies that employ the PLS-SEM as the tool for data analysis. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: The current study presents findings which may be used by policymakers and administrators in crafting effective, goal-directed marketing plans for higher education institutions. Research Limitation & Implications: One limitation of this study is the geographic location of its sample. All of the participants were students in the Province of Pampanga, Philippines. Keywords: reputation, student satisfaction, student loyalty, higher education, multigroup analysis"
TAPHONOMY OF TINY TETRAPOD TRACKS IN AN EXAMPLE FROM THE LOWER PERMIAN (CISURALIAN) SŁUPIEC FORMATION (SW POLAND)
Authors: SADLOK GRZEGORZ
Published: October 2023

The continental Lower Permian Słupiec Formation (the Sudetes Mountains, southwestern Poland) is well known for the occurrence of fossilized tracks of Early Permian tetrapods. Previous reports have focused on the taxonomy of tracks and their producers. The track assemblage was apparently missing the footprints of amphibians and thus such tetrapods were thought to be truly absent in the Słupiec Early Permian paleohabitat. The present paper utilizes the results of experiments and field surveys in order to test a possibility that tracks of tiny tetrapods (e.g., with body mass < 9 g), including amphibians, could be missing due to taphonomic filtration. The experimental tests were performed to investigate the following: (1) the interplay between the sizes of the penetrator (representation of trackmaker’s pes and manus) and the particles within the substrate, with emphasis on how the size interplay affects the lamina-modification mechanism, e.g., lamina-piercing by sand versus lamina compaction/displacement by sand or clay; (2) undertrack production in laminated sandy substrates by tiny tetrapods; and (3) the taphonomic impact that biofilm may have on the occurrence of tiny tetrapod tracks in clay. The results of experimental tests and the field survey suggest that tiny tetrapod tracks (e.g., amphibians) may be underrepresented in the Słupiec Formation track assemblage due to negative taphonomic filtration.
Geochemical Composition Variations and Tectonic Implications of the Baoligaomiao Formation Volcanic Rocks from the Uliastai Continental Margin, Southeast Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Tang Jianzhou , Zhang Zhicheng , Ji Zejia
Published: October 2023

The Permo-Carboniferous tectonic evolution in the Uliastai continental margin (UCM), north of the southeast central Asian Orogenic Belt, remains controversial. This work examined the geochemical composition of the felsic volcanic rocks from the lower and upper part of the Baoligaomiao Formation in the UCM. Zircon U-Pb ages reveal that the Baoligaomiao Formation has a long-lived eruption duration, from ca. 285 to 328 Ma. The lower part (ca. 328–310 Ma) of the Baoligaomiao Formation is dominated by clastic and pyroclastic rocks with subordinate intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks, whereas the upper part (ca. 307–285 Ma) mainly consists of felsic volcanic rocks and pyroclastic rocks. Calculations reveal that the felsic volcanic rocks from the lower part have low zircon saturation temperatures (TZr = 747℃–795℃), whereas those from the upper part exhibit high TZr (ca. 793℃–930℃). Zircons from the lower part exhibit high εHf(t) values and 176Lu/177Hf ratios, in contrast to the low εHf(t) values and 176Lu/177Hf ratios of zircons from the upper part. Those petrogeological and geochemical shifts might support the tectonic switch model in the UCM at the end of the Carboniferous, providing new constraints on the Late Carboniferous closure of the Hegenshan Ocean.
Mirror, Mirror, Who’s the Greatest Power of them All?
Authors: Fuller Emily
Published: October 2023

In the broader field of trauma theory, trauma is often characterised as an event that is physical, violent, and sporadic. However, feminist trauma theorists have argued that there are other forms of trauma inflicted by ideological systems such as patriarchy, resulting in less transparent versions of the traumatic. Fantasy literature, particularly children’s fantasy, has a potential to construct new visions of society that transcend these patriarchal systems for their young female heroines, and to reveal the functions of patriarchal trauma. By applying feminist trauma theory to children’s fantasy literature, this article exposes the subtler and more nuanced ways in which trauma operates, extending beyond understandings of physical and overt violence. The article offers a close reading of Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor books (2017-2020)—a seminal Australian series that has risen to acclaim for its inclusivity, unconventional representations of gender, and creative world-building since its debut. I argue that Townsend repurposes the tropes of the fantasy genre in the Nevermoor series to hold a mirror to the harmful effects of patriarchy and the gendered violence it perpetuates. As a result, it rejects the common characterisation of trauma as overtly physical, violent, and sporadic. Rather, the series suggests that the representation of trauma in children’s literature, especially middle-grade fiction, is also gendered, and the direct consequence of patriarchy.
Development and Optimization of a High-Frequency Axial-Torsional Composite Percussion Drilling Tool for Enhanced Impact Technology
Authors: Yang Haili , Yang Yinglin , Huang YueXiang , Zhang Hengjing , Xie Liangliang
Published: October 2023

A high-frequency axial-torsional composite percussion drilling tool is designed to enhance the drilling efficiency by delivering high-frequency axial and torsional impact loads directly to the drill bit. The impact performance and influencing factors of the tool are analyzed via the large eddy simulation method, and a scaled-down experiment on the pulse nozzle structure is conducted. The analysis reveals that after design optimization, the tool achieves high-frequency axial and torsional impacts of 421 and 284 Hz, respectively, at an inlet flow rate of 30 kg/s. Additionally, the unilateral amplitudes of the axial and torsional impact loads reach 1511 N and 19.3 N·m, respectively, with a pressure drop of 2.998 MPa. Furthermore, the similarity degree between the parameters derived from the experiment and numerical analysis is close to or exceeds 70%, demonstrating the reliability and precision of the numerical analysis results. Overall, this study sets a baseline for high-frequency impact technology, paving the way for further advancements in drilling efficiency.
Secured Transportation and Distribution of Examination Papers Using IOT and AI
Authors: Jaiman Akash , Sharma Aniva , Jaiman Vikas , Porwal Naveen
Published: October 2023

In today’s scenario of India most of the youth is preparing for some competitive exam. If we think behind 15–20 years the number of candidates appearing for competitive exams were in thousands but as the population is increasing exponentially in India day by day the number of candidates is increasing in lacks. We can observe by daily newspapers that most of the competitive exams are facing paper leak problems. Although online examination systems are more effective and secure as compared to offline examination systems because it’s not easy to open the question paper before the time starts. On the other hand there are also various consequences where the examination process can be hacked online. But the main issue with online examination process is to lack of resources to conduct parallel examination of millions of candidates, lack of techno enabled exam centers in small cities etc. Our focus is to propose a system in which offline examination can be conducted at most of the govt. and private centers in metro cities as well as small techno backward cities with reduced possibility to leak the paper before commencement of examination.
Clinical description and epigenetic profiling of a new Danish OCD case-control cohort
Authors: Staunstrup Nicklas Heine , Starnawska Anna , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Nissen Judith Becker
Published: October 2023

Background
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent and severe neuropsychiatric disorder, with cardinal features being obsessions and compulsions. The complex nature of OCD has complicated efforts to identify its causal mechanisms, however, genetic and epigenetic factors have been proposed to contribute to the pathophysiology of the disorder. The aim of the study was to provide a clinical description of a novel OCD case-control cohort created to study epigenetic risk factors and lifetime epigenetic trajectories associated with OCD.
Methods
The cohort consisted of 138 OCD cases and 151 control ethnical Danish individuals. Mental health status for all study participants was evaluated according to selected parts of the K-SADS-PL diagnostic instrument. Additionally, baseline OCD symptoms, Children’s Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CYBOCS) scores, insight, avoidance behavior, doubt, responsibility, sensitivity, social aspects, school functioning, medication, and family occurrence of psychiatric and somatic disorders information was collected for OCD cases. Blood genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) levels were quantified with Illumina’s EPIC methylation array at birth and at adolescents for all study participants.
Results
This work provides a clinical description of the cohort, and the first results from OCD epigenome-wide association studies performed at two developmental stages: neonatal and adolescent. We have identified several DMRs to be associated with OCD diagnosis (Šidák-adjusted DMR p-value < 0.05), both at birth and adolescence, including three DMRs overlapping across the two developmental stages. The DNAm change in the overlapping DMRs was observed to be in the same direction and two of the findings (ZFP57, PIWIL1) had previously been associated with OCD and treatment response. Furthermore, the third DMR associated with OCD at both stages was annotated to POU6F2, a gene previously suggested to be involved in schizophrenia and autism development.
Conclusions
Overall, our data suggests that differences in DNAm levels in genes implicated in mental illness are associated with OCD diagnosis, and that some of these epigenetic signals can be detected both at birth and at adolescence. Future studies using the same cohort will aim at investigating longitudinal changes in epigenomic trajectories associated with the disorder and its treatment outcomes.
Global warming short-term trends due to population growth providing feedback estimates: A CO2 doubling temperature opposing rate model
Authors: Feinberg Alec
Published: October 2023

This paper using simplistic methods, estimates feedback values from normalized population and energy consumption correlated short-term trends to global warming. As well, CO2 doubling temperature, and anthropogenic heat release (AHR) dynamic short-term trends estimates are provided. Estimates are made from 1975 to 2021. The following normalized rates were found: 0.0204/year for global warming, 0.0209/year for CO2 increases, 0.0107/year for population growth, and 0.0124/year for energy consumption. These rates indicate that CO2 and global warming are increasing by a factor of 1.9 times faster than population growth, and 1.65 times faster than energy consumption. Short-term trend analysis indicates that by 2047, the feedback amplification may reach a value of 2.3-2.4. This is estimated to be equivalent to an average feedback value of 3.3Wm-2/K. Results also finds that the energy consumption rate is slightly higher than the population growth rate by a factor of 1.159. Energy consumption leading to AHR estimates on global warming are also provided for 2021 and 2050.
A proposed opposing rate model indicates that the CO2 doubling temperature dynamic short-term trend may have reduced over time, while feedback amplification has increased proportionately. Trend analysis also suggests a feedback tipping point in this period was likely not present.
Estimates indicate that population growth can reach 10 billion people by 2047. Results then show yearly global warming dynamic increases could be reduced by about half under a worldwide zero population growth scenario.
This analysis is performed without sophisticated computer modeling and can help climatologists provide initial approximations and policymakers make more informed decisions with improved confidence regarding future population growth and energy consumption global warming issues.
Long-term longitudinal changes in astigmatism and their effect on refraction development in school-age children in southern China
Authors: Chen Wuhe , Qin Zhuoer , Zheng Qianlan , Yu Xinping , Chen Jie
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To investigate longitudinal changes in astigmatism in school-age children and to explore the effect of astigmatism on refraction development.
Methods: The medical records of patients with long-term follow-up data from 2006 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who were 6-10 years old at initial visit and 16 years old at last assessment were selected for analysis. The enrolled patients had a cylinder refraction of 0.75 or greater. Astigmatism was analyzed in clinical notation and vector notation(J0, J45). The related factors of changes in astigmatism and sphericalequivalent per year and the interaction between the two were analyzed.
Results: A total of 3101 patients(median age 9 years at initial visit) were followed up for an average of 7 years(IQR, 6–8 years). The mean cylinder refraction at initial examination was 2.11±1.18Dand decreased to 2.08±1.18Dat 16 years old, which was statistically(p=0.034) but not clinically significant. The Oblique astigmatism(J45, 0.005D/y) increased and with-the-rule astigmatism(J0, -0.008D/y) decreased. A lower magnitude of astigmatism and more myopia of the SE at the initial visit were associated with a greater increase in astigmatism magnitude(p<0.001). A higher magnitude of initial astigmatism was associated with less progression in spherical equivalent(p<0.001).
Conclusion: In southern Chinese children, the mean cylinder power decreased slightly from 6-10 to 16 years of age, accompanied by a progression of the oblique axis and a reduction of with-the-rule axis. The presence of myopia at baseline was a risk factor for astigmatism progression. However, high astigmatism seems to prevent reductions in the spherical equivalent.
Diabetes-Related Risk Factors and Survival among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Breast, Lung, Colorectal, or Prostate Cancer
Authors: Laurberg Tinne , Witte Daniel Rinse , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Eliasson Björn , Bjerg Lasse
Published: October 2023

Premature death in diabetes is increasingly caused by cancer. The objectives were to estimate the excess mortality when individuals with type 2 diabetes(T2D) were diagnosed with cancer, and to examine the impact of modifiable diabetes-related risk factors. This longitudinal nationwide cohort study included individuals with T2D registered in the Swedish National Diabetes Register between 1998–2019. Poisson models were used to estimate mortality as a function of time-updated risk-factors, adjusted for sex, age, diabetes duration, marital status, country of birth, BMI, blood pressure, lipids, albuminuria, smoking, and physical activity. We included 690,539 individuals with T2D and during 4,787,326 person-years of follow-up 179,627 individuals died. Overall, the all-cause mortality rate ratio was 3.75 [95%confidence interval(CI):3.69–3.81] for individuals with T2D and cancer compared to those remaining free of cancer. The most marked risk factors associated to mortality among individuals with T2D and cancer were low physical activity, 1.59(1.57–1.61) and smoking, 2.15(2.08–2.22), whereas HbA1c, lipids, hypertension, and BMI had no/weak associations with survival. In a future with more patients with comorbid T2D and cancer diagnoses, these results suggest that smoking and physical activity might be the two most salient modifiable risk factors for mortality in people with type 2 diabetes and cancer.
National threat speaks louder for words than for actions: Examining Chinese public’s multi-level climate risk perceptions and their attitudes/behaviors
Authors: Jia Hepeng , Pan Yeheng , Xie Yu
Published: October 2023

High climate risk perception drives positive climate attitudes. However, the Chinese public has perceived low climate-related threats but still had high recognition of anthropological climate change and strong support for climate policies. To solve this puzzle, this study extended the theory of multi-level risk perceptions to investigate how personal, societal, and national levels of risk perceptions may have influenced people’s climate attitudes and behavior willingness differently. Based on a national survey, this study found that a strong statism inclination shapes respondents’ climate attitudes and intentions for climate-friendly behaviors, albeit in different ways. The respondents prioritized national interests when thinking of climate change, whereas personal benefits gained importance when respondents considered taking action. This study provides crucial clues to understand better the public mindset about climate change in the world’s biggest emitter besides theoretical implications.
Reducing health care associated Infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit through Quality Improvement approach, Tibebe-Ghion Specialized Teaching Hospital, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia – Mirror of the Health Care Quality
Authors: Gelaw Tesfaye , Gessesse Alamirew , Yehuala Amare , Belay yiheyis , Tilahun Shitahun , Mengste Senay , Zeleke Zebenay , Getahun Ibrahim , Azeze Mensur , Berihun Aemiro , Akalu Bezza , Muluye Behayilu , Demil Minichil , Muhammed Sefina
Published: October 2023

Background: Health-care-associated-infections are infections occurring while receiving health care, that first appear 48hours or more after hospital admission, or within 30days of receiving health care.
Objective: Measure the impact of quality improvement interventions on health-care-associated-infection in the Neonatal Unit of Tibebe – Ghion Hospital.
Method: We conducted pre – post Interventional Study between February 01, 2022 and May 01, 2023. Multifaced interventions; implementing recommended minimum NICU standards, re-enforcing WHO IPC Guideline and Hand Hygiene practice, were introduced. NICU Standards achieved, Hand hygiene compliance, WHO IPC guideline Implementation and Health-care-associated-infections were surveyed. Comparison of Health-Care-associated-infection rates before and after the intervention was conducted.
Results: Recommended NICU Design standards status was improved from 8% pre-intervention to 79% and 79.5% during and post-intervention respectively. Hand Hygiene compliance in the unit was 10% pre-intervention and improved to 79.5% and 81.3% during and post-intervention respectively. The WHO IPC implementation status was 15% pre-intervention and maximized to 58% both during and post-intervention. These package of interventions were associated with reduction of Health-Care-associated-Infections. (X2 (Degree of Freedom = 1, Sample Size = 432) = 8.2, p = .004.)
Conclusions: Infection Prevention practice, Hand Hygiene Compliance and improving NICU Design standards were associated with decrease in health-care-associated-infection rates.
Posterior Fixation of Gastric Tube With Fibrin Sealant in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Promising Method to Prevent Revision Surgeries
Authors: Kizilkaya Mehmet Celal , Gokay Rıdvan , Mutlu Arda Ulas , Sonmez Suleyman , Yılmaz Serhan , Kocatas Ali , Saracoglu Can , Aytac Erman
Published: October 2023

Background
We aim to assess the effects of gastric posterior fixation with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in aspects of 12th -month body mass index and gastric volume.
Methods
The patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between January 2019 – February 2021 were divided into two groups preoperatively. The first 75 patients were appointed to the posterior fixation group, and the second 75 were to the control group. Changes in gastric volume and body mass index were assessed in the postoperative 12th month.
Results
There were 110 patients in the final analysis. Fifty-four patients had posterior fixation, and 56 had only laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The posterior fixation group was superior in terms of total weight loss rate (39.1% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.001) and less gastric volume increase rate (39.8% vs. 164.7%, p < 0.001) in the postoperative 12th -month.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that posterior fixation with fibrin sealant in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a promising method for preventing weight regain and creating a need for revision surgery.
An Efficient Algorithm with Fast Convergence Rate for Sparse Graph Signal Reconstruction
Authors: Cao Yuting , Jiang Xue-Qin , Wang Jian , Zhou Shubo , Hou Xinxin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we consider the graph signals are sparse in the graph Fourier domain and propose an iterative threshold compressed sensing reconstruction (ITCSR) algorithm to reconstruct sparse graph signals in the graph Fourier domain. The proposed ITCSR algorithm derives from the well-known compressed sensing (CS) by considering a threshold for sparsity-promoting reconstruction of the under- lying graph signals. The proposed ITCSR algorithm enhances the performance of sparse graph signal reconstruction by introducing a threshold function to determine an suitable threshold. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the suitable parameters for the threshold can be automatically determined by leveraging the sparrow search algorithm (SSA). Morever, we analytically prove the convergence property of the proposed ITCSR algorithm. In the experimental, numerical tests with synthetic as well as 3D point cloud data demonstrate the merits of the proposed ITCSR algorithm relative to the baseline algorithms.
Growth, leaf anatomy, and photosynthesis of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings in response to four light-emitting diodes and high pressure sodium lamp
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Liao Baopeng , Li Fangjun , Eneji A. Egrinya , Du Mingwei , Tian Xiaoli
Published: October 2023

Light is a critical factor of plant growth and development, particularly in controlled environments. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become a reliable alternative to conventional high pressure sodium (HSP) lamps because they are more efficient and versatile light sources. In contrast to well-known specialized LED light spectrums for vegetables, the appropriate LED lights for crops such as cotton remain unknown. In this growth chamber study, we selected and compared four LED lights with varying percentages (26.44-68.68%) of red light (R, 600-700 nm), combined with other lights, for their effects on growth, leaf anatomy and photosynthesis of cotton seedlings, using HSP as a control. The total photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was 215±2 μ mol/m2·s for all LEDs and HSP. The results showed significant differences in all tested parameters among lights, and the percentage of far red (FR, 701-780 nm) within the range of 3.03-11.86% was positively correlated with plant growth (characterized by leaf number and area, plant height and diameter, and total biomass), palisade layer thickness, photosynthesis rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs). The ratio of R/FR (4.445-11.497) negatively influenced the growth of cotton seedlings, and blue light (B) suppressed stem elongation but increased palisade cell length, chlorophyll content and Pn. The LED 2 was superior to other LED lights and HSP. It had the highest ratio of FR within the total PPFD (11.86%) and the lowest ratio of R/FR (4.445); LED 2 may therefore be used to replace HPS under controlled environments for the study of cotton at the seedling stage.
Temperature and stress field analysis of 7075 aluminum alloy laser-MIG composite welding
Authors: Zhang Defen , Ran Qingzheng , Zhu P. , Jiang P.G. , Lv Y. , Tang S. , Chen X.W. , Xie W.L.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, Simufact.Welding simulation software is used to simulate the temperature field and stress field of 6 mm thick 7075 aluminum alloy laser-MIG composite welding, and the influence of different welding process parameters on the temperature field and stress field is explored for simulation and analysis. By using welding simulation software, a numerical simulation model is established, and reasonable welding process parameters are selected to analyze the simulation results. The influence law of welding parameters on temperature field and stress field of laser-MIG composite welding of 7075 aluminum alloy was explored, plotting the temperature field distribution of the weldment during heating and cooling, and analyzing the temperature change of the molten pool and the nearby area in each time period. The thermal cycle curves of each point on the workpiece were recorded and compared with the simulation results to verify the accuracy of the temperature field simulation. A cloud diagram of the dynamic change characteristics of stress in the workpiece during welding heating and cooling is drawn to analyze the influence of welding process parameters on the residual stress in different directions.
Acute cardiac complications in patients admitted with Community-acquired pneumonia in an Internal Medicine ward
Authors: Farinha Inês , Cunha Alexandra , Rodrigues Ricardo , Saraiva André , Reigota Rita , Gonçalves João , Rua João , Gomes Bráulio , Melo João , Costa Filipa
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUNG: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most frequent causes of hospital admission and it is associated with acute cardiac events. The goal was to assess the incidence, risk factors and impact of acute cardiac events on hospital stay and mortality in patients hospitalized due to CAP in 2018. METHODS: Cardiac complications were defined as: new or worsening heart failure, arrhythmia, or myocardial infarction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Factors with a univariate significance level of p < 0.10 were included in a multivariate regression model and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 270 patients were included (median age: 84y). The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension (76.3%) and chronic heart failure (40.4%). Forty-three percent of patients developed at least one cardiac complication. Mean CURB-65 score was 2.65 (SD 1.05) and 2.33 (SD 1.16) for patients with and without cardiac events, respectively. Mean duration of hospital stay was significantly higher in patients with cardiac complications (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in hospital mortality. Factors included in the multivariate regression were previous history of heart failure, arterial hypertension or atrial fibrillation, blood urea nitrogen > 7mmol/L, age ≥ 65y, arterial pH < 7.35 and arterial pCO2 > 45mmHg. Previous history of heart failure was significantly associated with the incidence of acute cardiac events (OR 2.7; 95%CI 1.5–4.7). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac events are frequent in CAP hospitalized patients and significantly increase the duration of hospital stay. CURB-65 score and previous history of heart failure are associated with this outcome.
ANTsX neuroimaging-derived structural phenotypes of UK Biobank
Authors: Tustison Nicholas J. , Yassa Michael A. , Rizvi Batool , Cook Philip A. , Holbrook Andrew J. , Sathishkumar Mithra T. , Tustison Mia G. , Gee James C. , Stone James R. , Avants Brian B.
Published: October 2023

UK Biobank is a large-scale epidemiological resource for investigatingprospective correlations between various lifestyle, environmental, and geneticfactors with health and disease progression. In addition to individual subject information obtained through surveys and physical examinations, a comprehensive neuroimaging battery consisting of multiple modalities provides imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) that can serve as biomarkers in neuroscience research. In this study, we augment the existing set of UK Biobank neuroimaging structural IDPs,obtained from well-established software libraries such as FSL and FreeSurfer, with related measurements acquired through the Advanced Normalization Tools Ecosystem. This includes previously established cortical and subcortical measurements defined, in part, based on the Desikan-Killiany-Tourville atlas. Also included are morphological measurements from two recent developments: medial temporal lobe parcellation of hippocampal and extra-hippocampal regions in addition to cerebellum parcellation and thickness based on the Shannem ananatomical labeling. Through predictive modeling, we assess the clinical utility of these IDP measurements, individually and in combination, using commonly studied phenotypic correlates including age, fluid intelligence, numeric memory,and several other sociodemographic variables. The predictive accuracy of these IDP-based models, in terms of root-mean-squared-error or area-under-the-curve for continuous and categorical variables, respectively, provides comparative insights between software libraries as well as potential clinical interpretability. Results demonstrate varied performance between package-based IDP sets and their combination, emphasizing the need for careful considerationin their selection and utilization.
A Novel Nomogram for Predicting Mucosal Healing in Crohn's Disease in Children
Authors: Wang Enhui , Han Lina , Guo Jing , Zhang Mingyu , Xu Lingfen
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To analyze the clinical risk factors and establish a non-invasive nomogram clinical prediction model for mucosal healing in children with Crohn's disease.
Methods:The clinical data of patients aged 1–14 years with Crohn's disease were retrospectivelyanalyzed. Patients were divided into the mucosal healing and non-mucosal healing groups. General data, clinical symptoms, and laboratory examination results of the two groups were compared. The risk factors affecting mucosal healing were analyzed statistically, and nomogram models were established.
Results: From January 2011 to June 2023, a total of 74 patients who were continuously diagnosed with Crohn's disease and underwent endoscopy and follow-up after treatment were included in the study. There were 41 patients in the mucosal healing group and 33 in the non-mucosal healing group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR),and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) were independent risk factors for mucosal healing; thus, they were included in the prediction model. A nomogram was constructed based on the results of the multivariate analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of this model was 0.942 (95% confidence interval: 0.842–0.950). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed that the decision graph had good calibration (P=0.708).
Conclusion:A nomogram model was established based on three related factors (ESR, PLR, and CAR), which can be used to predict mucosal healing in children with Crohn’s disease after treatment, thus reducing the frequency of endoscopic examination.
Metabolic Basis for the Microbial Oxidation of Atmospheric Methane
Authors: Schmider Tilman , Hestnes Anne Grethe , Brzykcy Julia , Schmidt Hannes , Schintlmeister Arno , Roller Benjamin , Söllinger Andrea , Schmidt Oliver , Polz Martin , Richter Andreas , Svenning Mette , Tveit Alexander
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric methane oxidizing bacteria (atmMOB) constitute the sole biological sink for atmospheric methane and have been discovered worldwide over the past decades. Still, insufficient knowledge about the metabolic basis of atmMOB, caused by the lack of pure cultures, limits our ability to manage, study, and exploit the atmospheric methane sink and thus to fight the 21st century methane surge. Here we combine filter cultivation, trace gas oxidation, 15N2-incorporation experiments, and comparative proteomics, to assess the potential of seven methanotrophic species to grow on atmospheric methane. Four species, three of which are outside the canonical atmMOB group USCα, enduringly oxidized atmospheric methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide with distinct substrate preferences over a 12-month growth period "on air". Despite this mixotrophy and high specific affinities for methane, the estimated energy yields of the atmMOB were substantially lower than previously assumed necessary for cellular maintenance, contradicting the basic energy premise for atmMOB. Comparative proteomics indicate major physiological adjustments to grow “on air” as the atmMOB allocated their proteomes to decrease energy intensive processes, including biosynthesis, and increase investments into trace gases oxidation. Our work outlines the metabolic basis of atmMOB, microorganisms that exploit the atmosphere as energy and carbon source while mitigating the potent greenhouse gas methane.
Consciousness transitions during epilepsy seizures through the lens of Integrated Information Theory
Authors: Baglivo Fabricio H. , Campora Nuria , Mininni Camilo J. , Kochen Silvia , Lew Sergio E.
Published: October 2023

Consciousness is one of the most complex aspects of human experience. Studying the mechanisms involved in transitions and in different levels of consciousness is one of the greatest challenges of neuroscience. In this study we use a measure based on computing the integrated information using an autoregressive system (ΦAR) to evaluate dynamic changes during consciousness transitions. This index is applied to an intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) dataset collected from 6 patients that suffer from refractory epilepsy. These records were obtained during resting state and during the crisis. Networks outside epileptogenic regions were created in order to study the ΦAR index evolution when a crisis is detected. By using the Consciousness Seizure Scale (CCS) we show that changes on ΦAR are significantly correlated with changes in the reported states of consciousness.
Prediction of Machine Tool Spindle Assembly Quality Variation Based on the Stacking Ensemble Model
Authors: Liu Min-Sin , Kuo Ping-Huan , Chen Shyh-Leh
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a stacking ensemble model to predict the assembly quality variation of machine tool spindles. The model uses data from 925 single-spindle inspections and extracts evaluation metrics from multiple domains to extract valuable information. Feature selection is performed using a correlation model to identify important features, and various lightweight supervised learning algorithms are applied to analyze the data. To further enhance the model's performance, a stacking ensemble approach is proposed, which combines algorithms. The proposed ensemble model achieves an accuracy rate of 85.47%, a precision rate of 86.44%, a recall rate of 85.64%, and an F1 value of 86.04%. The results demonstrate that the proposed stacking ensemble model is an effective approach for predicting the assembly quality variation of machine tool spindles, using the data available.
Psychometric properties of the environmental determinants of health questionnaire: development and validation of the English version in Nigeria
Authors: Sabo Abdulwali , Kuan Garry , Abdullah Sarimah , Kuay Hue San , Kueh Yee Cheng
Published: October 2023

Background
The environmental determinants of health (EDH) have a significant impact on people's physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Everyone needs access to environmental resources of all types, including food, materials, and energy, to survive. However, there is no valid and reliable instrument available that can be used to evaluate individuals' perceived levels of EDH. Hence, the purpose of this study was to create a short, self-reported measure for evaluating perceived EDH.
Method
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university undergraduate students in Nigeria. The respondents were selected using a convenience sampling method to evaluate their perceptions regarding EDH. To determine the psychometric properties of the newly created EDH scale, the Content Validity Index (CVI), Face Validity Index (FVI), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Composite Reliability (CR), Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Cronbach's alpha, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were all computed.
Results
The study involved 300 respondents in the EFA (males 55.7%, females 44.3%) and 430 respondents in the CFA (males 54.0%, females 46.0%). In the EFA, two constructs were identified (the natural environment and the built environment). The EFA model was able to explain 63.57% of the total cumulative variance, and the factor correlation was 0.671. The Cronbach's alpha values of the two constructs were 0.918 (natural environment) and 0.935 (built environment). In the CFA, some modifications were done on the measurement model. The final re-specified measurement model showed that the EDH scale, which has two constructs and 18 items, has adequate construct validity (CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.938, SRMR = 0.046, RMSEA = 0.052, and RMSEA p-value = 0.344). The CRs were 0.845 (natural environment) and 0.854 (built environment). The ICCs were 0.976 (natural environment) and 0.970 (built environment).
Conclusion
The results show that the newly created EDH has sufficient construct validity and may be utilized to assess participants' perceptions of their level of EDH. It is strongly encouraged that this instrument be examined in populations with different age ranges and other demographic characteristics.
Exploring the impact of PEGylation on pharmacokinetics: a size-dependent effect of polyethylene glycol on prostate specific membrane antigen inhibitors
Authors: Liu Yang , Xia Li , Li Haiyang , Cai Ping , Tang Sufan , Feng Yue , Liu Guangfu , Chen Yue , Liu Nan , zhou Zhijun
Published: October 2023

Background.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a target has gained increasing attention. This research aims to investigate and understand how altering size of PEG impacts the in vitro and in vivo behavior and performance of PSMA inhibitors, with a specific focus on their pharmacokinetic characteristics and targeting properties.
Results.
Two 68Ga-labeled PSMA-targeted radiotracers were developed, namely [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD, with varying sizes of polyethylene glycol (PEG). [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD had excellent affinity for PSMA with IC50 being 8.06 ± 0.91, 6.13 ± 0.79 nM, respectively. Both tracers enabled clear visualization of LNCaP tumors in PET images with excellent tumor-to-background contrast. They also revealed highly efficient uptake and internalization into LNCaP cells, increasing over time. The biodistribution studies demonstrated that both radioligands exhibited significant and specific uptake into LNCaP tumors. Furthermore, they were rapidly cleared through the renal pathway, as evidenced by [68Ga]Ga-PP4-WD and [68Ga]Ga-PP8-WD showing a 10-fold and a 5-fold less in renal uptake, respectively, compared to [68Ga]Ga-Flu-1 in 30 min. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that PEG size significantly impacted tumor-targeting and pharmacokinetic properties.
Conclusions.
These radiotracers have demonstrated their effectiveness in significantly reducing kidney uptake while maintaining the absorbed dose in tumors. Both radiotracers exhibited strong binding and internalization characteristics in vitro, displayed high specificity and affinity for PSMA in vivo.
Beware of Leigh Syndrome Pedigrees with MT-ATP6 Mutation Whose Primary Diagnosis is Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Li Yike , Liu Yang , Du Ziyu , Zhou Kaijin , Mao Bin , Zhang Lu , Yu AYong
Published: October 2023

purpose:Maternally Inherited Leigh Syndrome (MILS) is a group of systemic diseases caused by defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). We aim to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of MILSpedigree with MT-ATP6 mutation who were first diagnosed with RP.Methods:This study included a family pedigree consisting of a proband with visual blurring symptoms, his mother with similar symptoms, and a father who was asymptomatic. The medical history was asked, and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit-lamp, wide-field fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual evoked potential (VEP) and whole exome sequencing were performed. In addition, brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and physical examination were performed for the mother and child.Results:Whole exon sequencing showed that the proband carried mitochondrial MT-ATP6 gene mutation. The proband's mother carried an 8993T>G heterozygous mutation, with a heterozygous mutation load of 86%, which was inherited from the proband's mother (heterozygous mutation load of 62%). This gene is the primary pathogenic gene of MILS. The patient was diagnosed with MILS after a complete physical examination and imaging examination.Conclusions:This study suggests that RP can be the cause of the first visit of MILS patients. Therefore, ophthalmologists should be alert to MILS when they find patients with clinical symptoms of the nervous system in the face of RP patients. MT-ATP6 mutation is one of the causes of RP, and its pathogenic mechanism has not been clearly explained. In the future, the research and intervention of MT-ATP6 mutation may provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of MILS-related RP.