bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BCAS: A Blockchain Model for Collision Avoidance to Prevent Overtaking Accidents on Roads
Authors: Malik Nadeem , Altaf Saud , Abbas Muhammad Azeem
Published: October 2022

Overtaking at high speeds, especially on non-divided roadways, is a leading cause of traffic accidents. During overtaking maneuvers, humans are more likely to make mistakes due to factors that cannot be predicted. For overtaking operations in autonomous vehicles, prior research focused on image processing and distant sensing of the driving environment, which didn't consider the speed of the surrounding traffic, the size of the approaching vehicles, or the fact that they could not see beyond impediments in the road. The past researches didn't focus on the speed of the surrounding traffic or the size of the approaching vehicles. Moreover, most of the techniques were based on single agent systems where one agent manages the source vehicle's (autonomous) mobility within its surroundings. This research conducts a feasibility study on a remote Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication framework based on Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) to improve overtaking safety. This work also tries to improve safety by introducing a blockchain-based safety model called BCAS (Blockchain-based Collision Avoidance System). The proposed multi-agent technique strengthens the ability of real-time, high-speed vehicles to make decisions by allocating the total computation of processing responsibilities to each agent. From the experimental results, it is concluded that the proposed approach performs better than existing techniques and efficiently covers the limitations of existing studies.
A Review on Impacts, Resistance Pattern and Spoilage of Vegetables Associated Microbes
Authors: Yousuf Wajiha , Yousuf Javaid , Din Saif Ud , Nafees Maisoor Ahmed , Razaq Abdul , Hussain Babar
Published: October 2022

Vegetable spoilage produces various microbes of different origins like parasites, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. This causes infections and diseases in vegetables, and later on, when humans eat these vegetables; diseases induce in humans. So, to prevent human diseases, the symptoms of various infections in vegetables must be known. Moreover, the conditions supporting the infections in vegetables must be understood. So that spoiled vegetable consumption can be prevented. Sometimes spoiled vegetables are regarded as disease free and suitable for consumption. These misconceptions sometimes lead to lethal human diseases, which in history led to major outbreaks. The antimicrobial resistance is faced by microbes which deteriorate the situation and make the cure of diseases.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Concentration & its Impacts on Human Health (2010-2022)
Authors: Sarwar Faiza , SHirazi Safdar Ali , Ain Qurat Ul , Khanum Farheen , Rana Qammar Shabbir , Khan Farah
Published: October 2022

Nitrogen is one of chemical gases which has drastic impact on human health. It is also renowned globally as a major component of climate change. Lahore city has been selected as the study area to conduct this research. The basic objective of this study is to assess the temporal and seasonal change of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) concentration in the study area and its effects on human health. For this purpose, the two-phase methodology has been adopted. In the first phase, primary and secondary datasets were collected through an online questionnaire and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), respectively, while in the second phase, satellite imageries were acquired from NASA Earth Observatory (NEO). An online questionnaire survey was conducted for a better understanding and assessment of NO2 effects on inhabitants. The interpolation technique was applied to show a temporal change in Concentration of NO2 from 2010-2022 and for seasonal change in 2022. Findings of this research showed that NO2 levels are high during winters as compared to summers. Whereas, temporal analysis from 2010-2019 revealed that high dense columns of NO2 were found in 2019 & 2020 and less dense columns were found in 2019, whereas this concentration declined due to the arrival of COVID from 2020 to the end of 2021. The main reason of this decline is the lack of transport or industrial exhaust due to lockdown by COVID. The results of the questionnaire indicate that people encountered diverse health problems due to long- and short-term exposure to NO2. Moreover, this study helps to display the drastic impacts of NO2 concentration on human health and the natural environment.
Review on Performance Analysis of Three Control Techniques for Buck Converter feeding a Resistive Load
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Ahmad Dr. Fiaz
Published: October 2022

In power systems, DC/DC converters are used to reduce or improve the dc voltage level. A dc/dc converter's major difficulty is controlling the output dc voltage closer to the desired set-point voltage at the load and input voltage fluctuation. Designers aim for better efﬁciency, reduced harmonics, and higher power while keeping converter size and power under safe limits. Several control techniques are used in dc/dc converters to overcome the problems mentioned above. This paper compares the transient performance of three control techniques, namely proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, fuzzy logic control (FLC), and sliding mode control (SMC) methods, after a brief introduction of these techniques. Secondly, the three techniques have performed simulation results of a buck converter feeding a resistive load. Comparative analyses are presented for various conditions such as input voltage and load variation tests. It is observed that SMC outperforms the other two methods for both simulation scenarios.
Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder Scale and its Psychometric Properties
Authors: Ijaz Tasmia , Bano Dr. Zaqia
Published: October 2022

Autism spectrum disorder scale was developed for the use of diagnoses purpose of autism. This scale is consisting of 15 items in Pakistan’s indigenous language Urdu. Most autism assessment tools are available in English and were developed by Western cultures; however, when those tools are used in different cultures, biased results can be evident. So, a culture-friendly tool was dire need to be developed. A scale was developed and administered to individuals (N=143) with autism using standard procedures from item pooling to standardization of scale. The sample was selected from different cities in Pakistan through a convenient sampling technique. Rotated component matrix analysis, factors loading, sample adequacy KMO and CFI tests were performed using SPSS and AMOS. The convergent validity test demonstrated that there is a significant correlation (r=0.81, p=.00) at the 0.01 alpha level with CARS on the sample of n=50. The indigenous scale also confirmed good test-retest reliability (r=0. 950, p=.000) at a 0.01 alpha level, which indicated that the scale is a valid and reliable measure for diagnosing individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. This scale can be used by researchers, psychologists, and psychiatrists for the general population to measure the prevalence and for diagnosis.
Impact of Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors on Relapse among Persons with Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Shujaat Jawwad Muhammad , Riaz Dr. Muhammad Akram , Riaz Muhammad Naveed , Akhtar Dr. Masud , Chaudhry Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal
Published: October 2022

The present study was conducted to explore the impact of behavioral factors on relapse among drug addicts and moderating role of psychological factors. The study was carried out on male drug addicts from different cities in Punjab. The sample was comprised of (N = 200) male drug addicts. The sample was selected by using purposive sampling. The General Health Questionnaire, Patient Depression Questionnaire PHQ-9, Drug Abuse Screening Test-10, Perceived Stigma of Substance Abuse Scale, Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and The Advance Warning of Relapse Questionnaire were used in the current study. Alpha coefficients and correlation matrix for all variables were computed. Moderation analysis further revealed that perceived stigma significantly moderated the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse severity and warning of relapse. The family function also moderated the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse severity and the sign of degeneration. It was found that Perceived stigma significantly moderated the relationship between alcohol and drug abuse severity and warning of relapse.
Serum Levels of IGF-I, HGF, TGFβ1, bFGF and VEGF in Thyroid Gland Tumors.
Authors: Veselý D , Astl J , Laštůvka P , Matucha P , Šterzl I , Betka J
Published: October 2022

IGF-I, HGF, TGFbeta1, bFGF and VEGF are involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid gland tumors and their growth. We decided to find whether changes in the production of these cytokines by thyroid tumor cells are reflected by changes of their peripheral blood. Using ELISA kits, we measured the concentrations of growth factors in the peripheral blood serum in 28 patients with thyroid gland tumors (14 adenomas, 14 papillary carcinomas) and compared these concentrations with those in healthy people. We found significantly lower serum levels of IGF-I in patients with thyroid adenoma compared to the healthy population. Serum levels of HGF and bFGF were significantly higher in patients with thyroid adenoma and papillary carcinoma compared with those in healthy subjects. Serum concentrations of TGFbeta1 and VEGF were not significantly different in any groups of investigated subjects. Changes in the production of these cytokines by thyroid gland tumor cells are reflected in their peripheral blood levels, but these levels also depend on a number of other physiological and pathological processes in the organism. However, significant differences of HGF and bFGF serum levels can be explained by their very high production by thyroid tumor cells and by their strong effect on the follicular and endothelial cell proliferation.
Coronary Vessel Response to Physical Stimuli in Isolated Rat Hearts: the Role of Fuel Utilized by Tissues.
Authors: Pagliaro P , Gattullo D
Published: October 2022

In isolated rat hearts which can or cannot utilize fatty acids (FA) as substrates the coronary responses to an increase in flow were studied under three different conditions: a) control, during perfusion with glucose-enriched Tyrode solution which allowed the hearts to utilize long-chain FA from the endogenous pool, b) during forced utilization of glucose obtained with oxfenicine, an inhibitor of long-chain FA oxidation, and c) during restored utilization of FA obtained with the addition of hexanoic acid which bypasses the blockade induced by oxfenicine. A step increase in coronary flow (50 %) induced an increase in coronary perfusion pressure whose initial slope (first 60-80 s) was similar in all the conditions of buffer perfusion, thereafter the pressure tended to further increase under control conditions (buffer a), but to decrease during oxfenicine (buffer b). The addition of hexanoic acid to the perfusion solution (buffer c) abolished the effect of oxfenicine. Steady-state conditions were reached after four minutes of increased flow, when perfusion pressure increased by about 70 and 65 % under control conditions and during hexanoate, respectively, but only by 45 % during oxfenicine. In isolated rat hearts during inhibition of FA utilization, an increase in flow elicited a reduced increase in perfusion pressure that resulted in delayed coronary dilation. It follows that the resulting shear stress is substrate-sensitive.
Effect of Saccharina latissima Extract on the Antioxidant System Parameters of Rat Blood After Exposure to Carbendazim
Authors: Melnikova M. V. , Kashuro V. A. , Batotsyrenova E. G. , Kubarskaya L. G. , Zolotoverkhaia E. A. , Kolbasova T. A. , Vakunenkova O. A. , Gladchuk A. S.
Published: October 2022

An experimental study of antioxidant parameters in rats after exposure to carbendazim was carried out to study the effect of their pharmacological correction by an intragastric administration of Saccharina latissima extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg for 14 days. The extract under study was found to reduce the activity of lipid peroxidation and promote the neutralization of hydrogen peroxide.
Disorders in the Functional State of the Central Nervous System, Intestinal Peristalsis and Microbiocenosis in Experimental Barbiturate Poisoning
Authors: Tropskaya N. S. , Kislyakova E. A. , Vilkova I. G. , Gurman Yu. V. , Kislitsyna O. S. , Zerebtzov A. V. , Borodina Ye. N. , Chernen'kaya T. V. , Popova T. S.
Published: October 2022

Following a single administration of sodium thiopental in high doses (85 mg/kg intraperitoneally), the animals demonstrated the absence or weakening of reflexes at the levels of the spinal cord, medulla oblongata, bridge and midbrain and cerebral cortex over the period of one day. Other signs included a pronounced hypothermia, a decrease in the respiratory rate and a violation of its rhythm, a distinct tendency to bradycardia. On days 1-3 after the administration of sodium thiopental, a restoration of the respiratory rate, heart rate, body temperature, and the functional state of the central nervous system at various levels was observed, with the exception of the cerebral cortex. In the long term, following the administration of sodium thiopental for up to 21 days, a depression of the functional state of the central nervous system at the level of the cerebral cortex, violation of coordinated propulsive peristalsis of the small intestine and intestinal microbiocenosis were detected. Hence, in experimentally simulated barbiturate poisoning, not only is the suppression of the functions of the central nervous system observed, but also significant and prolonged restructuring of the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract.
Small Bowel Electrical Activity in an Experimental Model of Hypochlorhydria
Authors: Vilkova I. G. , Tropskaya N. S. , Chernen'kaya T. V. , Popova T. S.
Published: October 2022

Variations in the basic parameters of the electrical activity of the small intestine in rats were studied using an experimental model of hypochlorhydria caused by an intragastric administration of rabeprazole for 16 days. Hypochlorhydria was found to lead to an increased duration of irregular electric activity and a reduction in the period of quiescence, which indicates an increase in uncoordinated contractions of the small intestine. A decrease in the number of migrating myoelectric complexes and, consequently, a partial suppression of propulsive peristalsis contributes to an excessive bacterial overgrowth in the proximal small intestine.
Chinchilla lanigera — a promising model in biomedicine
Authors: Petrov D. V. , Ivanov A. A. , Panina E. V. , Petrova N. V. , Laryushina N. A.
Published: October 2022

The article presents a brief overview of the prospects for using the long-tailed chinchilla as a model in biomedical research.
Hormonal and Metabolic Status of Male Rats with Metabolic Syndrome Model Induced by Interruption of Breastfeeding in the Early Postnatal Period
Authors: Shpakov A. O. , Bondareva V. M. , Derkach K. V.
Published: October 2022

A short-term deprivation of rat pups from breastfeeding in the early postnatal period leads to MS at the age of 4-6 months. However, this neonatal MS model requires optimization and a detailed study into the metabolic and hormonal parameters of adult animals. The aim of the work was to study these parameters in adult male rats deprived of breast milk at the age of 19-21 days, which was achieved by treating lactating females with bromocriptine. Adult male rats showed an increased body weight and adipose tissue, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and hyperleptinemia. These animals had reduced levels of testosterone, free thyroxine, and total triiodothyronine, with an increase in the thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thus, a short-term deprivation of breastfeeding in adult rats leads to the development of MS and endocrine dysregulations.
Biological activity of fulvic acid: prospects of application in medicine
Authors: Benderskiy N. S. , Safronenko A. V. , Kudelina O. M. , Gantsgorn E. V. , Krishtopa A. V. , Golubeva A. O. , Babyuk S. E.
Published: October 2022

The group of natural organic compounds referred to as humic substances are increasingly attracting attention both in Russia and globally. These compounds exhibit a fairly extensive range of biological properties, thus finding successful application in animal husbandry, agriculture and veterinary medicine. Fulvic acid represents one of the most prominent representatives of this group of substances. The chemical and biological properties of fulvic acid make it a promising candidate for application in traditional medicine and as a basis for the development of modern pharmacological preparations.
Evaluation of the Effect of Phyto-Adaptogens on the Performance Capability of Outbred Female Mice
Authors: Alekseeva Yu. S. , Meshcheryakova Yu. N. , Shmakova Ya. V. , Bolotova V. Ts.
Published: October 2022

The effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides and Schisandra chinensis extracts in doses of 10, 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg were studied. The actoprotective activity the studied adaptogens was assessed on outbred female mice in a forced swim test with a load of 10% of the animal's body weight. Dry extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus (50 mg/kg), Rhaponticum carthamoides (10 mg/kg) and Schisandra chinensis (25 mg/kg) were found to exhibit the most pronounced actoprotective activity.
Is transcendental healing of painful memories possible? a reflection on the role of pastoral counseling and storytelling
Authors: Okeke Joseph , FOkoye Felix
Published: October 2022

This study examines the contributions of pastoral counseling and storytelling in healing and restoring painful memories. The study applies Louw's life story and Lartey's relationship-oriented models as the theoretical framework. The data were collected through participant observation, document analysis, and the researchers' long years of experience in pastoral ministry and counseling. The finding reveals that storytelling remains a powerful tool for healing wounded memories. The pastoral counseling and storytelling create a safe space for seekers to interact, find the emotional strength to reignite healing processes, reclaim their volition, and create retrospection that reconnects the healing seekers with their painful memories. The study recommends that government should prioritize memory healing programs, partner with the Church, chiefs, and relevant organizations through sponsorship, provide counseling centers for hurting men to voice out and seek healing in their communities, regulate churches, and reduce violence shown on the South African media in the name of telling our stories or entertainment.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN ULAR TANGGA MATEMATIKA PADA MATERI BANGUN RUANG SISI LENGKUNG
Authors: Istiadah Yeti , Khabibah Siti
Published: October 2022

Pendidikan merupakan kebutuhan pokok manusia. Hal ini dikarenakan dalam pendidikan setiap individu akan melakukan proses pembelajaran untuk memperkaya pengetahuan, membentuk kepribadian serta pengembangan keterampilan baik jasmani maupun rohani. Penelitian ini diawali dengan melakukan wawancara kepada salah satu guru mata pelajaran matematika di MTs Darul Ulum Sumber Penganten Jogoroto. Wawancara bertujuan untuk mencari informasi tentang masalah yang berkaitan dengan pembelajaran matematika. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan hasil pengembangan media pembelajaran ular tangga matematika pada materi bangun ruang sisi lengkung kelas IX yang meliputi aspek kevalidan, kepraktisan, dan keefektifan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah Research and Development model Borg and Gall yang terdiri dari tujuh tahapan. Subjek uji coba yang digunakan adalah kelas IX – C yang berjumlah 17 siswa. Penelitian yang dikembangkan dinyatakan memiliki kualitas baik dengan hasil berikut: 1) Valid dengan skor 3,43; 2) Praktis dengan rata-rata skor 3,68; dan 3) Efektif dengan ketuntasan klasikal sebesar 82,35%.
Monocyte to HDL Ratio in Preeclamptic Patients: Can It Be a Predictive Marker?
Authors: YILDIRIM KÖPÜK Şule , NACİ Nida , ÖZCAN Canan , ULU İpek
Published: October 2022

Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe and high – risk pregnancy complication for both the mother and fetus. Generalized inflammation is a prominent feature of PE. Based on the proinflammatory property of monocytes and the contrary anti-inflammatory mechanism of High-density lipoprotein (HDL), monocyte count to HDL ratio (MHR) could be used as a new marker of systemic inflammation. Our aim is to evaluate the relationship between PE and MHR in terms of diagnosis of PE.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study was recruited preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women in the third trimester of gestation (n=69 and n= 71, respectively).

Results: Maternal age (years), gravity, and body mass index (BMI) were similar in the two groups. The gestational week at delivery was significantly earlier in the PE group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Fetal weight in PE was significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.001). Monocyte counts were comparable between the two groups (0.76 ± 0.28 vs. 0.76 ± 0.71; p = 0.25). The mean HDL level of PE patients was lower than the control group, but it was not statistically significant (63.87 ± 15.3 vs. 68.23 ± 13.5; p = 0.77). The monocyte/HDL ratio was higher in the PE group, but this increment did not reach statistical significance (12.5 ± 5.9 vs. 10.9 ± 4.3, p = 0.08).

Conclusion: MHR might be a new marker of inflammation and oxidative stress. The present study did not reach a result indicating a diagnostic marker of PE. Further studies with more cases are needed to evaluate the relationship between MHR and PE.
Electromagnetic interactions in regulations of cell behaviors and morphogenesis
Authors: Sun Guogui , Li Jiong , Zhou Wei , Hoyle Rosalie G. , Zhao Yue
Published: October 2022

Emerging evidence indicates that the cellular electromagnetic field regulates the fundamental physics of cell biology. The electromagnetic oscillations and synchronization of biomolecules triggered by the internal and external pulses serve as the physical basis of the cellular electromagnetic field. Recent studies have indicated that centrosomes, a small organelle in eukaryotic cells that organize spindle microtubules during mitosis, also function as a nano-electronic generator in cells. Additionally, cellular electromagnetic fields are defined by cell types and correlated to the epigenetic status of the cell. These interactions between tissue-specific electromagnetic fields and chromatin fibers of progenitor cells regulate cell differentiation and organ sizes. The same mechanism is implicated in the regulation of tissue homeostasis and morphological adaptation in evolution. Intercellular electromagnetic interactions also regulate the migratory behaviors of cells and the morphogenesis programs of neural circuits. The process is closely linked with centrosome function and intercellular communication of the electromagnetic fields of microtubule filaments. Clearly, more and more evidence has shown the importance of cellular electromagnetic fields in regulatory processes. Furthermore, a detailed understanding of the physical nature of the inter- and intracellular electromagnetic interactions will better our understanding of fundamental biological questions and a wide range of biological processes.
Research of childhood tuberculosis in suspected populations by molecular methods: A multicenter study in China
Authors: Li Chunling , Wang Shifu , Yu Hui , Wang Jiangxia , Deng Jikui , Wang Hongmei , Hua Chunzhen , Zhuo Zhiqiang , Chen Lei , Hao Jianhua , Gao Wei , Zhang Hong , Zhang Ting , Xu Hongmei , Wang Chuanqing
Published: October 2022

The research of childhood tuberculosis is inadequate in china. The cross-priming amplification (CPA) of specific DNA in clinical samples is increasingly adopted for the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis. In this study, a multicenter research was performed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of childhood tuberculosis in suspected populations mainly by CPA method. 851 children suspected of tuberculosis were enrolled in seven centers across China. All samples were tested by a CPA method and 159 subjects were tested by Xpert MTB/RIF and liquid culture method in parallel to assess the reliability of the CPA method. A positive result in any one of the three methods provided a definitive diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection. The MTBC-positive rate was 9.5% (81/851) by the combined methods; 93.8% of the cases were detected by CPA technology (76/81). The rate of pulmonary infection was significantly higher than that of extrapulmonary infection (7.1%, 60/851 vs 2.5%, 21/851; P < 0.001). Scrofula was the predominant type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The MTBC positive rates in 12-18-year-old group (middle school), was 28.4% (23/81), higher than in those under-six-year-old (preschool; 39/525) and the 6~11-year-old (primary school; 18/235) groups combined (P < 0.001). The MTBC positive rate in patients with a clear history of tuberculosis exposure was significantly higher than in cases in which there was no history of tuberculosis contact(35.3%, 18/51 vs 7.8%, 61/782; P < 0.001). In conclusion, this multicenter investigation showed that pulmonary tuberculosis and extrapulmonary tuberculosis are not uncommon in children in China, with teenagers being particularly susceptible to infection. The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in children is higher than that of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. History of exposure to tuberculosis is a high risk factor for childhood tuberculosis.
NGS in the clinical microbiology settings
Authors: Pitashny Milena , Kadry Balqees , Shalaginov Raya , Gazit Liat , Zohar Yaniv , Szwarcwort Moran , Stabholz Yoav , Paul Mical
Published: October 2022

We hypothesized that targeted NGS sequencing might have an advantage over Sanger sequencing, especially in polymicrobial infections. The study included 55 specimens from 51 patients. We compared targeted NGS to Sanger sequencing in clinical samples submitted for Sanger sequencing. The overall concordance rate was 58% (32/55) for NGS vs. Sanger. NGS identified 9 polymicrobial and 2 monomicrobial infections among 19 Sanger-negative samples and 8 polymicrobial infections in 11 samples where a 16S gene was identified by gel electrophoresis, but could not be mapped to an identified pathogen by Sanger. We estimated that NGS could have contributed to patient management in 6/18 evaluated patients and thus has an advantage over Sanger sequencing in certain polymicrobial infections.
Long coverage with drug-eluting stents is superior to spot coverage for long femoropopliteal artery disease: PARADE II study
Authors: Park Jong-Il , Ko Young-Guk , Lee Yong-Joon , Lee Seung-Jun , Hong Sung-Jin , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Hong Myeong-Ki , Yu Cheol-Woong , Rha Seung-Woon , Park Jong-Kwan , Min Pil-Ki , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Lee Sang-Rok , Park Sang-Ho , Choi Dong-Hoon
Published: October 2022

Background

The efficacy of spot stenting using drug-eluting stents (DES) for the treatment of long femoropopliteal (FP) lesion is unknown. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of long full coverage vs. spot coverage with DES for long FP artery disease.

Methods

This multicenter randomized trial compared long DES vs. spot DES for FP lesions longer than 150 mm. All lesions were treated with paclitaxel-eluting stents (Zilver PTX). The primary endpoint was primary patency at 12 months.

Results

The study was terminated early after an interim analysis. A total of 103 patients (55 in the long DES group; 48 in the spot DES group) were eligible for analysis. There were no significant differences in baseline and lesion characteristics between groups. Total stent length was longer in the long DES group than in the spot DES group (225.6 ± 67.2 vs. 131.3 ± 48.7 mm, p < 0.001). Technical success was achieved in all patients. There was a trend toward a higher primary patency rate at 12 months in the long DES group than in the spot DES group (87.5% vs. 67.5%, p = 0.120). The rate of survival free from target lesion revascularization was significantly higher in the long DES group than in the spot DES group (91.7% vs. 72.0%, p = 0.044). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, spot DES [hazard ratio (HR) 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–5.12, p = 0.021] and postdilation (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.79, p = 0.018) were identified as independent predictors for loss of patency at 12 months post-procedure.

Conclusions

Long DES were more effective than spot DES for treating long FP lesions.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02701881.
Perivascular mechanical environment: A narrative review of the role of externally applied mechanical force in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Authors: Yamaguchi Takashi , Morino Katsutaro
Published: October 2022

Atherosclerosis is promoted by systemic factors, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, which cause atherosclerosis in blood vessels throughout the body. However, atherosclerotic lesions are characterized by their frequent occurrence in specific vessels and sites. Blood vessels are exposed to various mechanical forces related to blood pressure and flow. Although shear stress promotes the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions, the pathogenesis of site specificity of atherosclerosis is not sufficiently explained by shear stress. We propose the concept of a perivascular mechanical environment (PVME). Compelling evidence suggests that site specificity in atherosclerotic lesions depends on a distinct local PVME. Atheroprone arteries, such as the coronary artery, are markedly affected by externally applied mechanical force (EMF), whereas atheroprotective arteries, such as the internal thoracic artery, are less affected. Recent studies have shown that the coronary artery is affected by cardiac muscle contraction, the carotid artery by the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage, and the abdominal aorta and lower extremity arteries by musculoskeletal motion. We speculate that the thoracic cage protects the internal thoracic artery from EMF owing to a favorable PVME. Furthermore, evidence suggests that plaque eccentricity is provided by EMF; plaques are frequently observed on an external force-applied side. In each vascular tree, site-specific characteristics of the PVME differ substantially, inducing individual atherogenicity. From the perspective of the mechanical environment, hemodynamic stress occurs in an inside-out manner, whereas EMF occurs in an outside-in manner. These inward and outward forces apply mechanical load individually, but interact synergistically. The concept of a PVME is a novel pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and also might be a pathogenesis of other arterial diseases.
Factors influencing clinicians' willingness to use an AI-based clinical decision support system
Authors: Choudhury Avishek
Published: October 2022

Background

Given the opportunities created by artificial intelligence (AI) based decision support systems in healthcare, the vital question is whether clinicians are willing to use this technology as an integral part of clinical workflow.

Purpose

This study leverages validated questions to formulate an online survey and consequently explore cognitive human factors influencing clinicians' intention to use an AI-based Blood Utilization Calculator (BUC), an AI system embedded in the electronic health record that delivers data-driven personalized recommendations for the number of packed red blood cells to transfuse for a given patient.

Method

A purposeful sampling strategy was used to exclusively include BUC users who are clinicians in a university hospital in Wisconsin. We recruited 119 BUC users who completed the entire survey. We leveraged structural equation modeling to capture the direct and indirect effects of “AI Perception” and “Expectancy” on clinicians' Intention to use the technology when mediated by “Perceived Risk”.

Results

The findings indicate a significant negative relationship concerning the direct impact of AI's perception on BUC Risk (ß = −0.23, p < 0.001). Similarly, Expectancy had a significant negative effect on Risk (ß = −0.49, p < 0.001). We also noted a significant negative impact of Risk on the Intent to use BUC (ß = −0.34, p < 0.001). Regarding the indirect effect of Expectancy on the Intent to Use BUC, the findings show a significant positive impact mediated by Risk (ß = 0.17, p = 0.004). The study noted a significant positive and indirect effect of AI Perception on the Intent to Use BUC when mediated by risk (ß = 0.08, p = 0.027). Overall, this study demonstrated the influences of expectancy, perceived risk, and perception of AI on clinicians' intent to use BUC (an AI system). AI developers need to emphasize the benefits of AI technology, ensure ease of use (effort expectancy), clarify the system's potential (performance expectancy), and minimize the risk perceptions by improving the overall design.

Conclusion

Identifying the factors that determine clinicians' intent to use AI-based decision support systems can help improve technology adoption and use in the healthcare domain. Enhanced and safe adoption of AI can uplift the overall care process and help standardize clinical decisions and procedures. An improved AI adoption in healthcare will help clinicians share their everyday clinical workload and make critical decisions.
Lifestyle changes and risk of tuberculosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Park Jiho , Yoon Ji Hyun , Ki Hyun Kyun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Hyungjin
Published: October 2022

We investigated the impacts of lifestyle changes, namely, smoking, alcohol intake, and exercise, on the development of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A retrospective population-based cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance system database. We examined subjects diagnosed with T2DM and without previous history of TB between 2009 and 2012 who underwent two serial health examinations. The study participants were classified into each of the four groups based on changes in the patterns of smoking, alcohol intake, and exercise at the time of the second examination. The outcome of the study was newly diagnosed TB in patients with T2DM. Among 1,659,804 included subjects, TB was newly diagnosed with 10,288 subjects. Both consistent smokers (HR 1.406; 95% CI 1.333–1.483) and new smokers (HR 1.185; 95% CI 1.063–1.320) had a higher TB risk than smoking quitters (HR 1.107; 95% CI 1.009–1.216) and never smokers. Both consistent heavy drinkers (HR 1.281; 95% CI 1.172–1.399) and heavy drinking quitters (HR 1.247; 95% CI 1.147–1.356) had a higher TB risk than new heavy drinkers and never drinkers. With respect to exercise, persistent non-exercisers (HR 1.309; 95% CI 1.72–1.399) and exercise quitters (HR 1.164; 95% CI 1.066–1.271) had a higher TB risk than new exercisers. In the subgroup analysis, a significant interaction was observed between lifestyle changes and age. We found that lifestyle changes were associated with development of TB in patients with T2DM. These results suggest that lifestyle management could be a valuable strategy for control of TB in Korea.
Biodegradation of 2-4-6 trichlorophenol by sequencing batch reactors (SBR) equipped with a rotating biological bed and operated in an anaerobic-aerobic condition
Authors: Ghochlavi Nahid , Aghapour Ali Ahmad , Khorsandi Hassan
Published: October 2022

2-4-6 Trichlorophenol (TCP) is toxic, carcinogenic, and resistant to biodegradation. In this study, a rotating biological bed (RBB) was used to improve the efficiency of Sequencing batch reactors (SBR), and it was operated in sequential anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Biofilm growth on media of rotating biological bed was also confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In this study, the effect of 2-4-6 trichlorophenol concentration (5–430 mg/L), hydraulic retention time (HRT) (12–30 h), the number of operating cycles per day (6–12 cycles/d), the type of combination of anaerobic and aerobic processes and the presence of a rotating biological bed and its rotation were studied. SBR equipped with a rotating biological bed (SBR-RBB) with the sequential anaerobic-aerobic operation in optimal operating conditions (TCP: 430 mg/L, cycles/d: 8, and HRT: 6 h) can remove nearly 100% of TCP and more than 95% of TP and COD. The role of the presence of an RBB in removing TCP, TP, and COD was 7, 20, and 23%, respectively. The role of rotation of RBB also was 23%, 10, 21, and 62%, respectively. So, SBR-RBB, with the sequential anaerobic-aerobic operation, was able to remove higher concentrations of TCP (430 mg/L) in a shorter HRT (6 h) with higher efficiency (nearly 100%) compared to previous studies. Therefore, for the first time in this study, the biological treatment of 430 mg/L of TCP is reported by a biological process.
Economic and ecological benefit evaluation of geothermal resource tax policy in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Jianmin Zhang , Yaya Hou , Xiaoxuan Kao
Published: October 2022

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source, and geothermal heating is a livelihood project, so a resource tax can protect resources and regulate prices. Reasonable geothermal energy resource tax collection standards are conducive to high-quality industrial development. This paper takes 15 provinces and cities that clearly levy geothermal resource taxes in China as the research object, constructs an System Dynamics model of geothermal resource tax, and studies the impact of geothermal resource tax on the income of geothermal enterprises and CO2 emission reduction. Then, the forecast simulates the economic and environmental benefits brought about by the use of geothermal resources from 2021 to 2035. The research results show that using geothermal resources for heating can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, and the higher the proportion of geothermal use is, the greater the CO2 emission reduction before 2035. The fifteen provinces and cities that clearly levy geothermal resource taxes will find it difficult to achieve corporate profits at the current residential heating utilization price and geothermal energy resource tax rate; that is, to achieve a balance of income and expenditures for geothermal enterprises without financial subsidies, the price of geothermal heating will be significantly higher than the heating price of traditional central heating and the price of electric self-heating.
Determinants of load capacity factor in an emerging economy: The role of green energy consumption and technological innovation
Authors: Liu Xuan , Olanrewaju Victoria Olushola , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , El-Naggar Mohamed F. , Alrashed Mohammed M. , Kamel Salah
Published: October 2022

Brazil’s ability to provide safe and dependable resources that can assist the nation achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2060 will have a significant impact on the nation’s sustainable development. Therefore, this study performs ARDL and frequency domain causality tests to evaluate the effect of disintegrated energy, technological innovation and economic growth on load capacity factor in South Africa between 1990 and 2018. The ARDL bounds test affirms a long-run interrelationship between the selected indicators in South Africa. The long-run elasticities show that economic expansion and nonrenewable energy deteriorate ecological quality, while green energy and technological innovation significantly boost ecological quality. The results of the frequency causality show that in the long-term, renewable energy, economic growth, technological innovation and nonrenewable energy Granger cause load capacity factor suggesting that the regressors can forecast the environmental quality in South Africa. Overall, these results demonstrate the significance of renewable energy in the fight against ecological deterioration. According to the aforementioned findings, South Africa’s environmental damage may be greatly reduced by renewable energy.
DNA methylation loci identification for pan-cancer early-stage diagnosis and prognosis using a new distributed parallel partial least squares method
Authors: He Qi-en , Zhu Jun-xuan , Wang Li-yan , Ding En-ci , Song Kai
Published: October 2022

Aberrant methylation is one of the early detectable events in many tumors, which is very promising for pan-cancer early-stage diagnosis and prognosis. To efficiently analyze the big pan-cancer methylation data and to overcome the co-methylation phenomenon, a MapReduce-based distributed and parallel-designed partial least squares approach was proposed. The large-scale high-dimensional methylation data were first decomposed into distributed blocks according to their genome locations. A distributed and parallel data processing strategy was proposed based on the framework of MapReduce, and then latent variables were further extracted for each distributed block. A set of pan-cancer signatures through a differential co-expression network followed by statistical tests was further identified based on their gene expression profiles. In total, 15 TCGA and 3 GEO datasets were used as the training and testing data, respectively, to verify our method. As a result, 22,000 potential methylation loci were selected as highly related loci with early-stage pan-cancer diagnosis. Of these, 67 methylation loci were further identified as pan-cancer signatures considering their gene expression as well. The survival analysis as well as pathway enrichment analysis on them shows that not only these loci may serve as potential drug targets, but also the proposed method may serve as a uniform framework for signature identification with big data.
Gene co-expression network analysis revealed novel biomarkers for ovarian cancer
Authors: Kasavi Ceyda
Published: October 2022

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer and remains the leading cause of death of all gynecologic oncologic disease. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, and the identification of effective and predictive biomarkers are invaluable for the development of diagnostic and treatment strategies. In the present study, a differential co-expression network analysis was performed via meta-analysis of three transcriptome datasets of serous ovarian adenocarcinoma to identify novel candidate biomarker signatures, i.e. genes and miRNAs. We identified 439 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and reconstructed differential co-expression networks using common DEGs and considering two conditions, i.e. healthy ovarian surface epithelia samples and serous ovarian adenocarcinoma epithelia samples. The modular analyses of the constructed networks indicated a co-expressed gene module consisting of 17 genes. A total of 11 biomarker candidates were determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of gene expression of module genes, and miRNAs targeting these genes were identified. As a result, six genes (CDT1, CNIH4, CRLS1, LIMCH1, POC1A, and SNX13), and two miRNAs (mir-147a, and mir-103a-3p) were suggested as novel candidate prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer. Further experimental and clinical validation of the proposed biomarkers could help future development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic innovations in ovarian cancer.
A metagenome-wide association study of the gut microbiota in recurrent aphthous ulcer and regulation by thalidomide
Authors: Wang Xiang , Xiong Kexu , Huang Fan , Huang Jinqun , Liu Qin , Duan Ning , Ruan Huanhuan , Jiang Hongliu , Zhu Yanan , Lin Lin , Song Yuefeng , Zhao Maomao , Zheng Lichun , Ye Pei , Qian Yajie , Hu Qingang , Yan Fuhua , Wang Wenmei
Published: October 2022

Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU), one of the most common diseases in humans, has an unknown etiology and is difficult to treat. Thalidomide is an important immunomodulatory and antitumor drug and its effects on the gut microbiota still remain unclear. We conducted a metagenomic sequencing study of fecal samples from a cohort of individuals with RAU, performed biochemical assays of cytokines, immunoglobulins and antimicrobial peptides in serum and saliva, and investigated the regulation effects of thalidomide administration and withdrawal. Meanwhile we constructed the corresponding prediction models. Our metagenome-wide association results indicated that gut dysbacteriosis, microbial dysfunction and immune imbalance occurred in RAU patients. Thalidomide regulated gut dysbacteriosis in a species-specific manner and had different sustainable effects on various probiotics and pathogens. A previously unknown association between gut microbiota alterations and RAU was found, and the specific roles of thalidomide in modulating the gut microbiota and immunity were determined, suggesting that RAU may be affected by targeting gut dysbacteriosis and modifying immune imbalance. In-depth insights into sophisticated networks consisting of the gut microbiota and host cells may lead to the development of emerging treatments, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics.
The role of cuproptosis-related gene in the classification and prognosis of melanoma
Authors: Liu Jin-Ya , Liu Le-Ping , Li Ze , Luo Yan-Wei , Liang Fang
Published: October 2022

Background

Melanoma, as one of the most aggressive and malignant cancers, ranks first in the lethality rate of skin cancers. Cuproptosis has been shown to paly a role in tumorigenesis, However, the role of cuproptosis in melanoma metastasis are not clear. Studying the correlation beteen the molecular subtypes of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and metastasis of melanoma may provide some guidance for the prognosis of melanoma.

Methods

We collected 1085 melanoma samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) databases, constructed CRGs molecular subtypes and gene subtypes according to clinical characteristics, and investigated the role of CRGs in melanoma metastasis. We randomly divide the samples into train set and validation set according to the ratio of 1:1. A prognostic model was constructed using data from the train set and then validated on the validation set. We performed tumor microenvironment analysis and drug sensitivity analyses for high and low risk groups based on the outcome of the prognostic model risk score. Finally, we established a metastatic model of melanoma.

Results

According to the expression levels of 12 cuproptosis-related genes, we obtained three subtypes of A1, B1, and C1. Among them, C1 subtype had the best survival outcome. Based on the differentially expressed genes shared by A1, B1, and C1 genotypes, we obtained the results of three gene subtypes of A2, B2, and C2. Among them, the B2 group had the best survival outcome. Then, we constructed a prognostic model consisting of 6 key variable genes, which could more accurately predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of melanoma patients. Besides, 98 drugs were screened out. Finally, we explored the role of cuproptosis-related genes in melanoma metastasis and established a metastasis model using seven key genes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, CRGs play a role in the metastasis and prognosis of melanoma, and also provide new insights into the underlying pathogenesis of melanoma.