bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of paired donors’ and recipients’ preoperative serum sodium on the prognosis of liver transplantation
Authors: Chen Yabin , Li Hao , Zhang Menggang , Wu Zeyu , Fang Haoran , Wen Peihao , Zhang Jiakai , Guo Wenzhi
Published: March 2024

Background
Dysnatremia is common in donors and recipients of liver transplantation (LT). However, the influence of dysnatremia on LT prognosis remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate effects of paired donors’ and recipients’ serum sodium on LT prognosis.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 248 patients who underwent orthotopic LT at our center between January 2016 and December 2018. Donors and recipients perioperative and 3-year postoperative clinical data were included. Delta serum sodium was defined as the donors’ serum sodium minus the paired recipients’ serum sodium.
Results
Donors with serum sodium > 145 mmol/L had significantly higher preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.01) and creatinine (Cr) (P < 0.01) than others, preoperative total bilirubin (TBIL) (P < 0.01), direct bilirubin (DBIL) (P < 0.01), BUN (P < 0.01), Cr (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the hyponatremia group of recipients than the other groups, but both of donors’ and recipients’ serum sodium had no effect on the LT prognosis. In the delta serum sodium < 0 mmol/L group, TBIL (P < 0.01) and DBIL (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in postoperative 1 week than the other groups, but delta serum sodium had no effect on the postoperative survival rates.
Conclusions
Dysnatremia in donors and recipients of LT have no effect on postoperative survival rates, hepatic and renal function, but recipients with higher serum sodium than donors have significantly poor hepatic function at 1 week postoperatively.
The associations between burnout with depression and anxiety among healthcare workers: A network analysis
Authors: Ge Qiqi , Feng Ji-Feng , Liu Yan-Jun , Wu Yi-Lin , Hu Ting , Zhou Xiao-Na , Liu Yun-E , Wang Wei
Published: March 2024

Healthcare professionals encounter notably elevated levels of work-related stress in comparison to individuals employed in other sectors. Such work stress frequently contributes to the development of burnout, depression, and anxiety among healthcare workers. However, there exists a lack of consensus in research regarding the associations between burnout with depression and anxiety in this population, impeding endeavors aimed at enhancing their mental well-being. The present study constructed a comprehensive network model that encompasses job burnout, depression, and anxiety, provided a clear depiction of the interrelationship among burnout, depression, and anxiety in symptomatic level. The findings indicate that "Psychomotor Problems", "Irritability", and "Collapse" function as bridge symptoms connecting burnout, depression, and anxiety network. The result recommended that interventions prioritize the alleviation of the "Irritability" symptom in individuals with anxiety, as this has the potential to reduce the risk of developing depression. Furthermore, the study constructed a network using principal components analysis which revealed that burnout symptoms cannot be distinguished from depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Assessment of the effectiveness of high-pressure water jet machining generated using self-excited pulsating heads
Authors: Szada-Borzyszkowska Monika , Kacalak Wojciech , Banaszek Kamil , Pude Frank , Perec Andrzej , Wegener Konrad , Królczyk Grzegorz
Published: March 2024

The article provides a analysis of pulsating water jets, utilizing three distinct head models. It research the impact of tool geometry on water velocity and pressure scientifically. The emergence of vortices due to increased flow through additional holes is identified as the primary cause of the observed pulsations. Laboratory tests contributed measured impulses at various pressures, revealing a direct correlation between longer impulses (ranging from 15 mm to 60 mm) and increased erosion potential. Notably, at 35 MPa, longer impulses exhibited a minor decrease in force deviation by 0.068. Additionally, the research indicates that pressure variations affect impulse frequencies: 0.55 ms at 15 MPa and approximately 1 ms at higher pressures, highlighting the dynamic nature of water streams based on applied pressures. The study emphasizes the exploitable aspects of self-excited pulsating heads, meticulously examining their design, parameter variations, and their impact on impulse generation. Such comprehensive research serves as a fundamental for enhancing the efficiency of surface pulsating water jet.
A Mathematical Explanation for Why Ratio-Based Isotopic Analyses are Commonly Misleading: Theory
Authors: Moots Kate , Nguyen Christina P. , Nguyen Catherine , Camacho Frank , Lindstrom Dan , Righetti Timothy L.
Published: March 2024

Stable mass isotopic ratios (such as 13C:12C, 15N:14N, 18O:16O 87Sr:86Sr and 34S:32S) are used to interpret archaeological, climate change, ecological, geological, and physiological studies. Most isotopic reports evaluate changes in observed isotopic ratios or ratio-based expressions over time or among treatments. To address concerns that ratios or ratio-based expressions may not produce conclusions that support known physiological or ecological principles, source (isotopic ratio of the material being added or lost) analyses are proposed as an alternative to statistically analysing observed isotopic ratios. Mathematically defined relationships between observed ratios, backgrounds (isotopic ratio of a system before any loses or gains), sources and total element concentrations as well as denominator vs. numerator relationships are presented. These mathematical relationships suggest that source-based approaches often produce conclusions that differ from ratio-based evaluations. Total element concentrations, necessary for source analyses, are presented in less than half of isotopic publications. Without evaluating total element, relative background and source ratios cannot be determined. Even, when total element data is available, researchers rarely conduct source analyses. This is unfortunate because determining sources solves most interpretive issues. Our goal is to advocate better methods when analyzing isotopic ratios in the thousands of mass isotope publications annually produced.
MiR-185-5p Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Gastric Carcinoma Cells Through Targeting the SMAD3 Pathway
Authors: Wu Guobin , Yang Anbo , Lai Shichao , Wang Ju , Wang Jiao
Published: March 2024

Objective: To explore the effects of miR-185-5p on the migration, invasion and proliferation of human gastric carcinoma HGC-27 cells.
Methods: HGC-27 cells cultured to the logarithmic growth phase were divided into NC mimic group, miR-185-5p mimic (miR-mimic) group, NC inhibitor group and miR-185-5p inhibitor (miR-inhibitor) group. The changes in the migration and invasion capabilities of HGC-27 cells were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assays, respectively. The viability and proliferation capability of HGC-27 cells in each group were assessed by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay, respectively. The relative protein expressions of TGF-β1, SMAD3, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, Cyclin D1, PCNA and P21 in HGC-27 cells were determined using Western blotting.
Results: After HGC-27 cells were transfected with miR-inhibitor, the protein expressions of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, Cyclin D1, PCNA and P21 all rose,and the relative protein expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD3 decreased, and the migration distance of HGC-27 cells, the numbers of cells passing through the lower chamber and the basement membrane, the cell viability and the number of colonies formed were significantly increased. However, the above phenomena were reversed after overexpression of miR-185-5p in vitro.
Conclusion: The overexpression of miR-185-5p can, through targeting the SMAD3 pathway, inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells.
Highly Effective Bifunctional Electrocatalysts: Synthesizing NiCo 2 O 4 Nanostructures via Chemical Precipitation for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reaction
Authors: Sasmal Ananta , Gogoi Dipankar , Das T D
Published: March 2024

In this investigation, we successfully produced NiCo2O4 nanostructures using a simple chemical precipitation method, wherein we adjusted molarity concentration of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and precursor ratios of Ni and Co. Analysis of surface features revealed a diverse range of shapes, including particles, flowers, rods, and flakes. Notably, the NiCo2O4 nanorods (NCO3) demonstrated a significant threefold increase in BET surface area compared to NCO5. The alterations observed in the physical and chemical characteristics significantly influenced the electrocatalytic efficacy in alkaline environments for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In the context of the oxygen reduction reaction, NCO5 displayed a commencement potential of 0.72 V compared to the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), surpassing NCO4 by 110 mV, albeit falling short by 90 mV when compared to Pt/C, the standard benchmark material with a potential of 0.82 V. In terms of OER, NCO3 displayed a potential difference of 152 mV@10mA/cm2 compared to other NiCo2O4 materials and Pt/C. The increased level of activity observed can be attributed not only to the increased surface area but also to enhancements in electrical properties. This is supported by the lower charge transfer resistance measured in NCO3 (215.2 Ω.cm2) compared to NCO5 (350.2 Ω.cm2) as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
Field perturbation facilitates parallel electron paramagnetic resonance detection
Authors: Lee Chun Him , Korvink Jan , Jouda Mazin
Published: March 2024

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy stands out as a powerful analytical technique with extensive applications in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and material sciences. It proves invaluable for investigating the molecular structure and reaction mechanisms of substances containing unpaired electrons, such as metal complexes, organic and inorganic radicals, and intermediate states in chemical reactions. However, despite their remarkable capabilities, EPR systems face significant limitations in terms of sample throughput, as current commercial systems only target the analysis of one sample at a time. Here we introduce a novel scheme for conducting ultra-high frequency (UHF) continuous-wave EPR (CW EPR) targeting the EPR spectroscopy of multiple microliter volume samples in parallel. Our proof-of-principle prototype involves two decoupled detection cells equipped with high qualty factor Q = 104 solenoidal coils tuned to 488MHz and 589MHz, ensuring a significant frequency gap for effective radio frequency (RF) decoupling between the channels. To further enhance electromagnetic decoupling, an orthogonal alignment of the coils was adopted. The paper further presents an innovative radiofrequency circuit concept that utilizes a single physical RF channel to simultaneously conduct parallel EPR on up to eight cells. Parallel EPR experiments on two BDPA samples, each with a sample volume of 18.3 μL, registered signal-to-noise ratios of 255 and 252 for the two EPR measurement cells, with no observable coupling. The showcased prototype, built using cost-effective commercially available fabrication technology, is readily scalable and represents an initial step with promising potential for advancing sample screening with high-throughput parallel EPR.
Exploring the Relationship Between Anorexia and Therapeutic Efficacy in Advanced Lung Cancer Treatment: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Doshita Kosei , Naito Tateaki , Matsuda Suguru , Morita Meiko , Sekikawa Motoki , Miura Keita , Kodama Hiroaki , Yabe Michitoshi , Morikawa Noboru , Iida Yuko , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Ko Ryo , Wakuda Kazushige , Ono Akira , Murakami Haruyasu , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: March 2024

Background
Chemotherapy-induced anorexia is frequently observed in patients with advanced lung cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. This study explored the relationship between chemotherapy-induced anorexia and therapeutic outcomes in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 106 patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors between January 2019 and October 2022. The incidence of weight loss and its association with treatment efficacy was assessed in the chemotherapy-induced anorexia group. Chemotherapy-induced anorexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting were evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Progression-free and overall survival were used to measure treatment efficacy.
Results
Chemotherapy-induced anorexia was observed in 13.2% of patients. Patients with chemotherapy-induced anorexia showed significant weight loss at 6 and 9 weeks after treatment initiation compared to those in the non-chemotherapy-induced anorexia group. Progression-free and overall survival were shorter in the chemotherapy-induced anorexia group than in the non-chemotherapy-induced anorexia group, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusions
Chemotherapy-induced anorexia was associated with significant weight loss and reduced treatment efficacy in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. These findings suggest the need for aggressive supportive therapy for chemotherapy-induced anorexia to prevent weight loss and maintain therapeutic efficacy during platinum-based chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Overexpression of miR-126-5p in the serum of patients with systemic arterial hypertension is correlated with creatinine and platelets
Authors: Improta-Caria Alex Cleber , Nonaka Carolina Kymie Vasques , Aras Marcela Gordilho , Nunes Bianca Almeida , De Sousa Ricardo Augusto Leoni , Oliveira Edilamar Menezes , Roever Leonardo , Souza Bruno Solano Freitas , Aras-Júnior Roque
Published: March 2024

Background: Systemic arterial hypertension is a multicausal and multifactorial disease of high prevalence worldwide. The development, progression, and damage of target organs are associated not only with genetic and environmental factors, but also epigenetic factors, such as the regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs – including miRNA-1-3p, miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-126-5p have been described as potential biomarkers in hypertension, type 2 diabetes and obesity, but their role of in the development and progression of the disease has been little explored. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of these three miRNAs in the serum of hypertensive, diabetic and obese patients compared with a healthy group and correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters.
Methods:Using RT-qPCR, the expression of miRNA-1-3p, miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-126-5p was analyzed in the serum of 50 participants, control (n = 8), hypertensive only (n = 21), hypertensive in association with diabetes and obesity (n = 21).
Results:The expression of miRNA-126-5p was significantly high in the hypertensive group when compared to the control group (p= 0.0170), however there was no statistical difference when compared to the hypertensive, diabetic and obese group. MiRNA-1-3p and miRNA-21-5p showed no statistical differences between groups. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of miRNA-126-5p with creatinine and a negative correlation with platelets.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that miRNA-126-5p is overexpressed in the serum of hypertensive patients, and may have a potential as a biomarker of early target kidney injury.
Clinicopathological concordance of clinicians, Chat-GPT4 and ORAD for odontogenic keratocysts and tumours referred to a single New Zealand Centre- A 15-year retrospective study.
Authors: Kim Paul , Seo Benedict , De Silva Harsha
Published: March 2024

Background: This research aimed to investigate the concordance between clinical impressions and histopathologic diagnoses made by clinicians and artificial intelligence tools for odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and Odontogenic tumours (OT) in a New Zealand population from 2008-2023.
Methods: Histopathological records from the Oral Pathology Centre, University of Otago (2008-2023) were examined to identify OKCs and OT. Specimen referral details, histopathologic reports, and clinician differential diagnoses, as well as those provided by ORAD and Chat PT-4, were documented. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and concordance between provisional and histopathologic diagnoses was ascertained.
Results: Of the 34,225 biopsies, 302 and 321 samples were identified as OTs and OKCs. Concordance rates were 43.2% for clinicians, 45.6% for ORAD, and 41.4% for CHAT-GPT4. Surgeons achieved higher concordance rate (47.7%) compared to non-surgeons (29.82%). Odds ratio of having concordant diagnosis using CHAT-GPT and ORAD were between 1.4-2.8 (p<0.05). In differentiation between Ameloblastoma and OKC, CHAT-GPT4 had highest sensitivity at 75.9% and accuracy of 82.5%. For clinicians and ORAD the corresponding values were 66.7%/86.8% and 66.7%/84.9%, respectively.
Conclusion: Clinicians with surgical training achieved higher concordance rate when it comes to OT and OKC. CHAT-GPT4 and Bayesian approach (ORAD) have shown potential in enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Design of a drag-free control system for gravity field measurement satellite based on a cusped hall electric propulsion system
Authors: Cui Kai , Zheng Jialin , Xu Kai , Wang Hao , Chen Jing , Niu Xiang
Published: March 2024

To obtain a more accurate gravity field model, gravity field measurement satellites use the drag-free control system to minimize the residual disturbance force of the satellite and improve the measurement accuracy of the gravity field. To meet the drag-free control accuracy, these tasks propose the requirements of wide continuous throttling ability, low noise, and rapid response for the propulsion system, which acts as the actuator of the control system. This research takes a cusped hall electric propulsion system as the research object and constructs a component-level propulsion system model based on experimental data. The drag-free control system design and simulation are conducted with the theory of orbital dynamics, atmospheric drag model, and control method based on the extended state observer. The simulation results show that the slow thrust response speed of the propulsion system limits the bandwidth of the control system, resulting in the control accuracy not meeting the mission requirements. To solve this problem, a thrust response speed optimization method based on coordinated control of input parameters of the propulsion system is proposed. The results show that the thrust response speed is improved and the bandwidth of the control system is increased after the coordinated control of the flow rate and the voltage, which makes the residual accelerations of the satellite meet the drag-free control requirements of the gravity field measurement satellite.
Fluctuation trend of inflammatory indexes related to gestational diabetes mellitus from second trimester to third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Mingming Xu , Linlin Tang , Yaping Wang
Published: March 2024

Objective: to explore the changes of serum inflammatory bodies (NLRP3), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and thioredoxin binding protein-2 (TBP-2) in pregnant women at 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and their correlation with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and neonatal weight.
Materials and methods: in this study, 65 pregnant women with gestational diabetes who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in our hospital from December 2022 to June 2023 were randomly selected as GDM group, and 65 pregnant women without gestational diabetes mellitus at the same gestational week were selected as normal group (nude 65). The pregnancy information and serum samples of pregnant women at 24 and 36 weeks of gestation were collected. The levels of NLRP3, IL-1Ra and TBP-2 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to explore their changes during pregnancy. The changes of NLRP3, IL-1Ra and TBP-2 at 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy in GDM pregnant women and their correlation with GDM were analyzed.
Results: in the general data, pre-pregnancy BMI, neonatal weight, gestational hypertension and macrosomia were associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, and the difference was statistically significant. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant change in NLRP3, IL-1Ra and TBP-2 in normal group, but in GDM group, the expression level of IL-1Ra increased, while the expression level of NLRP3 and TBP-2 decreased in serum samples at 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, but the changes of NLRP3, IL-1Ra and TBP-2 were positively correlated with each other at 36 weeks of gestation. The levels of NLRP3, IL-1Ra and TBP-2 in pregnant women in normal group were lower than those in GDM group, and the birth weight of newborns increased with the increase of NLRP3 and TBP-2 and decreased with IL-1Ra. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLRP3 was an independent influencing factor of GDM. The ROC curve analysis of GDM predicted by NLRP3 at 24 weeks of pregnancy showed that NLRP3 had good predictive value for GDM (AUC=0.720,95%CI was 0.630-0.809), and the combination of NLRP3, IL-1Ra and TBP-2 also had good predictive value for GDM.
Conclusion: the changes of NLRP3, IL-1Ra and TBP-2 run through the 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, so they play an important role in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus and neonatal weight.
COPB2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through regulation of YAP1 nuclear translocation
Authors: Wu Biao , Wu Yumeng , Liu Yifei , Chen Hongjian , Zhao Wenjing , Liu Jibin , Zhang Xiubing , Xu Jian , Wang Yilang , Guo Xianlin , Chen Xudong , Zhang Suqing
Published: March 2024

The Hippo pathway has been shown to be upregulated in many cancer patients. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), an oncogene and core factor of the Hippo pathway, plays a key role in tumorigenesis and progression. Although YAP1 is a vital oncogene in HCC progression, its nuclear localization prevents its consideration as a potential therapeutic target. Recently, studies have reported that COPB2 also plays a critical role in HCC development, but its mechanism of action is unclear. Here, we found that COPB2 affects the drug sensitivity of HCC cells to DDP by regulating YAP1 nuclear translocation and stability. More importantly, COPB2 combined with YAP1 expression was related to overall postoperative survival in HCC patients and was an independent prognostic factor. The established nomogram and artificial neural network models also highlighted the prognostic value of these two genes for HCC patients. In summary, our findings suggest that COPB2/YAP1 affects the drug sensitivity of HCC cells to DDP and that targeting COPB2/YAP1 may be a promising strategy for the precision treatment of HCC.
Cultivars and method of application influences the effect of silicon on incidence and damage of phloem feeders, induction of defense reaction, attraction of natural enemies and yield in black gram (Vigna mungo L.)
Authors: Saw Gouranga , Nagabovanalli Prakash , Jeer Mallikarjuna , R.K Murali-Baskaran
Published: March 2024

Silicon, a quasi-essential nutrient element, is well known for imparting tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. The present studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of silicon with two methods of application viz., soil drenching and foliar application against phloem feeders under field conditions for two seasons on two different black gram cultivars. Among the cultivars, Vikral responded better to silicon treatment (orthosilicic acid) than Pratap Urd 1 with reference to in reduction of population of phloem feeders and enhancement of defence enzyme activity, silicon uptake, total sugars and total phenols and yield in both the seasons. Among the application methods, soil drenching (2 mLL− 1 of OSA) proved to be the superior method of administration to record significantly low population of phloem feeders, increased activity of defence enzymes and total sugars, total phenols content, improved activity of coccinellids and yield in both the seasons. However, it holds good with foliar application (2 mLL− 1 of OSA) method. Both silicon application methods of OSA were significantly superior than insecticidal check and untreated control treatments. Deposition of Si was the highest in the leaves of black gram (1.541%) when OSA was administered through soil than foliar (1.451%) and untreated control (0.891% endogenously available Si). Highest benefit: cost ratio recorded in soil drenching of OSA @ 2 mLL− 1 (1.88 and 1.93) surpassed BC ratio of recommended insecticidal check (1.65 and 1.72) during winter and summer seasons, respectively. Both the application methods of OSA proved significantly superior over insecticidal check with respect to management of phloem feeders in black gram including enhanced grain yield, coccinellids activity and induced biochemical defence as well as lowest cost of cultivation, which can be easily incorporated with other practices for eco-friendly, sustainable management of phloem feeders in black gram.
The influence of neutral MDP-Na salt on dentin bond performance and remineralization potential of etch-&-rinse adhesive
Authors: Li Mingxing , Zheng Haiyan , Xu Yuedan , Qiu Yuan , Wang Yinlin , Jin Xiaoting , Zhang Zhengyi , Zhang Ling , Fu Baiping
Published: March 2024

Objectives.
To investigate the effect of neutral 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-Na salt on the dentin bond strength and remineralization potential of etch-&-rinse adhesive.
Methods.
Two experimental etch-&-rinse adhesives were prepared by integrating varying weight percentages (0wt%, 20wt%) of neutral MDP-Na into a base primer. A commercial etch-&-rinse adhesive Adper Single Bond 2 (SB, 3M ESPE) was used as control. Following this, microtensile bond strength (MTBS) was evaluated after subjecting the samples to 24 h of water storage or a 6-month incubation in artificial saliva. Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry was used for assessment of the degree of conversion of the experimental adhesives and the adsorption properties of MDP-Na on the dentin organic matrix. Furthermore, the efficacy of neutral MDP-Na in facilitating the remineralization of two-dimensional collagen fibrils and the adhesive–dentin interface was investigated using transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction.
Results.
The addition of MDP-Na into the primer increased both the short- and long-term MTBS of the experimental adhesives (p = 0.000). No difference was noted in the degree of conversion between the control, 0 wt% and 20 wt% MDP-Na-containing groups (p = 0.336). The intra- and extra-fibrillar remineralization of the two-dimensional collagen fibril and dentin bond hybrid layer was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction when the primer was added with MDP-Na.
Conclusions.
The use of neutral MDP-Na results in high-quality hybrid layer that increase the dentin bond strength of etch-&-rinse adhesive and provides the adhesive with remineralizing capability. This approach may represent a suitable bonding strategy for improving the dentin bond strength and durability of etch-&-rinse adhesive.
Acceptance of Virtual Patients as a Continuous Professional Development Approach among Practicing Nurses in Primary Health Care Settings in a Low-Income Country: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Nyiringango Gerard , Fors Uno , Tumusiime David K , Forsberg Elenita
Published: March 2024

Background: Virtual patients are an educational technological approach used in healthcare education. Its distinctive features have rendered virtual patient technology appealing for the training of medical and healthcare students, particularly in the enhancement of clinical reasoning. Virtual patients are less often applied for continuous professional development for practicing healthcare providers, and there is a scarcity of studies exploring this possibility. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of nurses for using virtual patients as a continuous professional development approach.
Method: The study used a quasi-experimental design. The study was conducted in ten primary healthcare settings in Rwanda. Among 76 nurses who consented to participate in the study, 56 completed the intervention and responded to the study questionnaire. Following a one-week program of continuous professional development on four non-communicable diseases, the study used a self-administered questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3 to collect data. Descriptive statistics including median, minimum, and maximum were used as the major analysis of participants' responses. The study also used a correlation test to assess the relationship of variables.
Results: Across all items in the questionnaire, the median response tended towards either agree or strongly agree, with only a minority number of participants expressing strong disagreement, disagreement, or neutrality. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between perceived usefulness and behavior intention (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings indicate an acceptability and behavioral intention of adopting virtual patients as an alternative continuous professional development approach among nurses working at health centers in Rwanda or other locations with similar contexts.
Ultrasound - assisted synthesized multi-phase copper vanadate (Cu 3 V 2 O 8 /Cu 2 V 2 O 7 /Cu 0.4 V 2 O 5 ) shape-controlled nanoparticles as electrode material for energy storage applications
Authors: Gowrisankar G. , Mariappan R. , Palani E. , Krishnamoorthy E.
Published: March 2024

In this novel study, complex phases of copper vanadium oxides, including Cu3V2O8, Cu2V2O7, and Cu0.4V2O5, were synthesized using an ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation technique and evaluated as suitable electrodes for energy storage devices that exhibit pseudo-capacitive behavior.The structural properties investigation of CuV, CuV + 0.3%PVP and CuV + 3%PVP nanoparticles at 400 oC. The XRD patterns confirm monoclinic crystal system with multi-phase nature of copper vanadate’s further morphology have been optimized with stabilizing and shape-directing agent Polyvinylpyrrolidone (CuV + 0.3%PVP and CuV + 3%PVP) only at elevated temperature 400℃. The electrochemical behavior of CuV + 0.3%PVP and CuV + 3%PVP were observed under cyclic voltammetry (CV),Galvanostatic charge and discharge (GCD) and Electronic impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Most significantly, the shape-controlled copper vanadate nanoparticles (CuV + 3%PVP) exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance, demonstrating a notable specific capacitance increased significantly23.2% improvement. The specific capacitances of CuV and CuV + 3%PVP nanoparticles are 211.09 F/g 260.4 F/g respectively, an impressive energy density of 107.25 Wh/kg and power density of 297.9W/kg at 0.5 A/g. Thus, copper-vanadate materials may be observed as capable short time e high voltage electrode for pseudo capacitor applications.
Porous carbon nanosheets from coal tar pitch for zinc ion hybrid capacitor
Authors: Wei Feng , Liu Qingyun , Zhang Jiadong , Ren Ziquan , Zhang Linlin
Published: March 2024

As a by-product of coal chemical industry, it is very suitable to be used as carbon precursor to prepare carbon materials because of its rich aromatic hydrocarbons. However, the preparation of carbon materials often uses a lot of metal oxides and strong alkali, which will not only cause corrosion to the equipment, but also produce wastewater. Herein, the mixture of bicarbonate and hydrogen oxalate was used as template and activator to synthesize porous carbon nanosheets, which presents high specific surface area of 784.8 m2 g− 1 and multiple ion transport channels. Due to those merits, the PCNS2 cathode displays superior zinc ion storage performance, such as high specific capacity of 210.1 F g− 1, excellent energy density and power output of 83.3 Wh kg− 1 and 17.2 kW kg− 1 and long cycle life with capacity retention of 98.57% after 11000 cycles. This work provides an avenue to prepare porous carbon nanosheets for energy storage devices.
Effects of dietary Bacillus velezensis LSG2-5 on digestion, intestinal morphology, microflora, and related gene expression in Rhynchocypris lagowskii Dybowski
Authors: Li Shao-hua , Zhang Yu-rou , Lin Li-li , Zhang Dong-ming , Zhang Tian-yi , Zhu Wen-li , Jiang Dan , Li Yuxin , Wang Sibu , Wang Xin , Wang Qiu-ju , Chen Yu-ke
Published: March 2024

The study was to investigate at how Bacillus velezensis LSG2-5 from the host intestine affected the
digestive function, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, and expression expression of tight junction protein genes in Rhynchocypris lagowskii Dybowski. Different doses of B. velezensis LSG2-5 were added to diets, namely control (0 CFU/g), B-6 (106 CFU/g), B-7 (107 CFU/g), B-8 (108 CFU/g) and B-9 (109 CFU/g) groups. Fish (mean weight: 9.98 ± 0.05 g) were fed for 56 days. The trypsin, lipase, amylase, γ-glutamyltransferase, Na+-K+-ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver and intestines of the treatment groups considerably increased in comparison to the control group (p<0.05), according to the results. Contrasted with the control group, the muscle layer thickness, lamina propria width, intestinal fold height, and fold breadth of the B-7, B-8, and B-9 groups increased considerably (p<0.05). Intestinal ZO-1, Claudin-3, and APN mRNA expression levels displayed significant up-regulation trends (p<0.05). The profusion of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Cyanobacteria in intestines first increased and then decreased. In contrast, the abundance of Firmicutes showed an opposite trend. In summary, adding 107~109 CFU/g of B. velezensis LSG2-5 to feed can improve the intestinal health of R. lagowskii Dybowski.
A predictive model of symptoms for pain in independently living frail older people in palliative care
Authors: Veen Suzan van , Drenth Hans , Hobbelen Hans , Krijnen Wim , de Graaf Everlien , Finnema Evelyn
Published: March 2024

Background: Pain assessment is a necessary step in pain management in older people in palliative care. In older people, pain assessment can be challenging due to underreporting and atypical pain manifestations by other distressing symptoms. Anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, dyspnoea, and bowel problems correlate with pain in palliative care patients. Insight into these symptoms as predictors may help to identify the underlying presence of pain. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for pain in independently living frail older people in palliative care.
Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, community-care nurses from multiple organizations across the Netherlands included eligible patients (life expectancy < 1 year, aged 65+, independently living and frail). The outcome pain and symptoms were assessed by means of the Utrecht Symptom Diary. Also, demographic and illness information, including relevant covariates age, sex and living situation, was collected. Multivariable logistic regression and minimum Akaike Information Criterion(AIC) were used for model development and Receiver Operating Characteristics(ROC)-analysis for model performance. Additionally, predicted probability of pain are given for groups differing in age and sex.
Results: A total of 157 patients were included. The final model consisted of insomnia(Odds Ratio[OR]=2.13, 95% Confidence Interval[CI]=1.013-1.300), fatigue(OR=3.47, 95% CI=1.107-1.431), sex(female)(OR=3.83, 95% CI=2.111-9.806) and age(OR=-1.59, 95% CI=0.922-1.008) as predicting variables. There is an overall decreasing trend for age, older persons suffer less from pain and females have a higher probability of experiencing pain. Model performance was indicated as fair with a sensitivity of 0.74(95% CI=0.64-0.83) and a positive predictive value of 0.80(95% CI=0.70-0.88).
Conclusion: Insomnia and fatigue are predicting symptoms for pain, especially in women and younger patients. The use of a symptom diary in primary care can support the identification of pain.
Application of Electrochemical Methods to Assess the Stability and Investigation of Factors Influencing the Ancient Copper-Arsenic Artefacts from 3rd Millennium BC
Authors: Bakhshandehfard Hamidreza , Pourzaghan Vahid , Emami Mohammadamin
Published: March 2024

The Bazman district constitutes one of the four districts of Iranshahr City in the Sistan and Baluchistan province of Iran. This study examines the conduct of arsenic copper alloys in chloride environments. Electrochemical methods were used to investigate the corrosion rate of 5As alloys and ancient alloys from Spidej Bazman. Tafel plots (LSV) were used to determine corrosion rate, corrosion current density, and CV method for oxidation conditions. Different percentages of the alloy showed different corrosion rates. The behavior of chlorides on the corrosion of these alloys was investigated via soil solution sampling of Spidej Bazman at pH 10.85 with both manufactured and ancient alloys. Four types of corrosion morphology were identified in the arsenic bronze works of this site. These alloys' corrosion mechanism was investigated, and Type (I) corrosion was observed. To test corrosion behavior, the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique was employed. Electrochemical testing using line scan voltammetry demonstrated that the rise in chloride promotion efficiency led to greater migration of the arsenic element from the alloy. Corrosion morphology evident in artefacts unearthed from this site suggests persistent corrosion and bronze disease.
Study of the Magnetocaloric Effect and Critical Behavior in Double Perovskite Manganese Oxides Pr 1.5 A 0.5 Mn 2 O 6 (A=Mg, Ba)
Authors: Yun Huiqin , Li Ze , Jin Xiang , Zhao Jianjun , Liu Jingshun
Published: March 2024

In this study, polycrystalline samples of Pr2Mn2O6 (parent phase) and Pr1.5A0.5Mn2O6 (A = Mg, Ba) were prepared using the high-temperature solid-phase reaction method. The effects of Mg and Ba doping on magnetocaloric properties and critical behavior of the parent phase were systematically investigated. Under a magnetic field of 7 T, the relative cooling power (RCP) values for this sample series were approximately 483.46 J·kg− 1, 428.22 J·kg− 1, and 479.88 J·kg− 1, respectively. The critical behavior analysis revealed that the parent phase showed short-range exchange interactions, while Pr1.5A0.5Mn2O6 (A = Mg, Ba) exhibited long-range exchange interactions. The temperature dependence of the order parameter n was studied under different magnetic fields, confirming the phase transition types and validating the accuracy of the critical exponents obtained. The research findings suggest that both the parent phase and Ba-doped ceramics at the A-site hold promise as magnetic refrigeration materials.
Robert's uterus with adenomyosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Rao Yangyang , Chen Min , LI Yiju
Published: March 2024

Purpose To provide the differential diagnosis and determine the treatment of Robert's uterus with adenomyosis, a rare uterine malformation.
Methods A patient who had Robert’s uterus with adenomyosis was admitted to our hospital in December 2022; we analyzed and summarized her case.
Results Ourpatient complained of progressively worsening primary dysmenorrhea over 3 years and lower abdominal pain lasting for 2 days. Her level of carbohydrate antigens 125 (CA125) was 372.10 U/mL. Examinations in several hospitals indicated that she had a single-horned uterus as well as a residual horned uterus. In our hospital, we found the malformation described by Robert. This was corrected by open abdominal surgery as follows:During the procedure, pelvic adhesions were first isolated, then the closed uterine cavity and adenomyosis were resected. Subsequently, the left ovarian endometriosis cyst was resected, and right tubal ligation was performed. After surgery, three injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone A (GnRH-A) were given, which lowered the patient’s CA125 to 14 U/mL and normalized her condition.
Conclusion In this work, wepioneered a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of Robert's uterus with adenomyosis andprovide a valuable reference for clinical practice.
RETRACTED: Survey of public representations of animal biodiversity
Authors: Hiernaux Quentin , Goovaerts Sophie-Anne , Mandroux Thomas
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested the removal of their preprint from Research Square, due to current circumstances that make preprinting challenging at this time. The author's request does not imply errors or misconduct.
Ultrasensitive determination of quercetin using electrochemical sensor based on nickel-doping Zinc-based zeolite imidazole frame with a four-point star morphology
Authors: Gu Jianxia , Wei Yankun , Li Yongxia , Wei Tingting , Jin Zhanbin
Published: March 2024

At present, the electrochemical trace detection (picomole per liter level) with high sensitivity of quercetin is rare. In this work, the nickel-doped zinc-based zeolite imidazole framework with a four-point star morphology (Ni-ZIF-8-S) was successfully prepared by simple stirring and pH adjusting at room temperature. The strategies of nickel doping and morphology control endow Ni-ZIF-8-S with large specific surface area, unique hierarchical pore structure (micropores and mesopores), abundant active sites and excellent electron transport ability. Therefore, under optimal conditions, the electrochemical sensor based on Ni-ZIF-8-S can detect quercetin with a very high sensitivity of 622.0 µA µM− 1 and limit of detection is as low as 48 pM, which realizes ultrasensitive quantitative determination of quercetin in picomole per liter level. In addition, the proposed sensor also shows other excellent analytical performances, including good reproducibility, anti-interference and stability. As expected, the electrochemical sensor based on Ni-ZIF-8-S can perform quantitative detection of quercetin in complex real samples (urine) with acceptable results. The prepared sensor can be potentially applied in monitoring and quality control of quercetin.
Strategic Data Navigation: Information Value-based Sample Selection
Authors: Balogh Csanád Levente , Pelenczei Bálint , Kővári Bálint , Bécsi Tamás
Published: March 2024

Artificial Intelligence represents a rapidly expanding domain, with several industrial applications demonstrating its superiority over traditional techniques. Despite numerous advancements within the subfield of Machine Learning, it encounters persistent challenges, highlighting the importance of ongoing research efforts. Among its primary branches, this study delves into two categories, being Supervised and Reinforcement Learning, particularly addressing the common issue of data selection for training. The inherent variability in informational content among data points is apparent, wherein certain samples offer more valuable information to the neural network than others. However, evaluating the significance of various data points remains a non-trivial task, generating the need for a robust method to effectively prioritize samples. Drawing inspiration from Reinforcement Learning principles, this paper introduces a novel sample prioritization approach, applied to Supervised Learning scenarios, aimed at enhancing classification accuracy through strategic data navigation, while exploring the boundary between Reinforcement and Supervised Learning techniques. We provide a comprehensive description of our methodology, while revealing the identification of an optimal prioritization balance and demonstrating its beneficial impact on model performance. Although classification accuracy serves as the primary validation metric, the concept of information density-based prioritization encompasses wider applicability. Additionally, the paper investigates parallels and distinctions between Reinforcement and Supervised Learning methods, declaring that the foundational principle is equally relevant, hence completely adaptable to Supervised Learning with appropriate adjustments due to different learning frameworks. Project page and source codes are available at: https://csanad-l-balogh.github.io/sl_prioritized_sampling/.
An Optimization Method for Accelerating UAV Trajectory Planning
Authors: Liu Yinghuang
Published: March 2024

Trajectory planning is a very important task in the flight of UAVs. Through trajectory planning, the autonomous flight of UAVs can be realised and the flight efficiency and safety can be improved. Particle swarm algorithm is a commonly used trajectory planning method, but there are some shortcomings in practical applications, such as easy to fall into local minimal values and other problems. Therefore, previous research on particle swarm trajectory planning has been carried out and some improved algorithms have been proposed. However, there are still some problems with these algorithms, such as excessive computational power and slow convergence speed.
To address these problems, this paper proposes a method for deep residual learning to optimise the problem of local minima and slow convergence of traditional particle swarm trajectory planning. Specifically, a complete mathematical model for UAV path planning is established in this paper, and path planning results are obtained using the conventional improved particle swarm algorithm by means of cubic spline interpolation. Thereafter, to address the problems that path planning based on the particle swarm optimisation algorithm tends to reach local optimality at a later stage and the slow convergence speed of the improved algorithm, this paper introduces a deep residual learning network to improve the convergence speed and stability of the particle swarm algorithm. Finally, the performance of the algorithm before and after the improvement is compared according to four benchmark test functions. The simulation results show that the improved particle swarm algorithm has a significant enhancement in the late search capability.
Security-Aware Resource Allocation in Fog Computing using a Meta-Heuristic Algorithm
Authors: Mohammadi Mina , Bahrani-Pour Fatemeh , Ebrahimi-Mood Sepehr , Farshi Mohammad
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the number of smart devices and wireless data transmissions has increased worldwide.
These emerging applications and services require not only extensive computing capabilities and high battery power, but also elevated data transmissions as well.
Nonetheless, the computing capacity of this equipment is constrained,
resulting in significant consequences on the performance and operating costs of services in 5th-generation
wireless networks.
Recent advantages of Fog computing have increased the use of this model to fulfill above requirements in the IoT context.

A new Fog computing network model has been proposed in order to address these issues by providing cloud computing services at the network's edge.
In Fog computing, mobile devices are not required to offload all their tasks to remote and central servers. However, since other users are exposed to offloaded tasks, they are vulnerable to malicious attacks and eavesdropping.

In this paper, we investigate security-aware resource allocation in device-to-device based fog computing systems.
In order to enhance task offloading, a novel multi-objective function is proposed to optimize delay and
energy savings compared to local computing, as well as security breach costs.
In order to address this issue, a modified version of the NSGA-II algorithm is proposed that employs sigma scaling.

According to the results, the defined objective function is successful in optimizing objectives simultaneously.
Using sigma scaling made the NSGA-II algorithm better at spreading out solutions.
Moreover, the algorithm's exploration and exploitation capabilities are well controlled.