bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are glucocorticoids truly effective in improving the clinical prognosis of HSV-1 encephalitis?
Authors: Xie Shuhua , Sun Wei , Lai Zhaohui , Zhu Yunhui , Lai Tianmin , Ye Jinchun , Liu Xianghong
Published: March 2024

Background
Survivors of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) commonly experience significant neurological sequelae, imposing a substantial burden on both society and families. The efficacy of glucocorticoids in treating patients with HSE remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of glucocorticoids in patients with HSE and analyze the clinical characteristics of this patient population.
Methods
This retrospective study evaluated the clinical characteristics, auxiliary examinations, and patient prognosis of HSE patients diagnosed with mNGS, and analyzed the prognosis of patients in both Glucocorticoid and Non-glucocorticoid groups. Assess the prognosis based on the improvement of GOS score and MMSE score at 1 and 3 months after discharge.
Results
A retrospective analysis was conducted in 29 HSE patients who met the criteria for GOS score improvement 3 months after discharge. The hormone group was better than the non-hormone group (2 (0–2) scores VS 1 (1–2) scores). There was no significant difference between the two groups in GOS score 1 month after discharge. However, no statistical difference was found in improving patient outcomes between the two groups.
Conclusion
Despite the hormone group not obtaining the anticipated positive outcomes, potentially due to the relatively limited sample size in this study, previous case series reports have indicated that corticosteroids, when used as an adjunct to acyclovir therapy, may enhance patient outcomes. Consequently, further extensive clinical studies involving multiple centers and larger sample sizes are warranted to investigate this matter further.
Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels in patients with cirrhosis: Implications for mucosal injury and varices
Authors: Miuma Satoshi , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Taura Naota , Kanda Yasuko , Matsuo Satoshi , Tajima Kazuaki , Takahashi Kosuke , Nakao Yasuhiko , Fukushima Masanori , Haraguchi Masafumi , Sasaki Ryu , Ozawa Eisuke , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: March 2024

Assessing small intestinal mucosal injuries in patients with cirrhosis is crucial. Here, we measured intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) levels, a useful marker of small intestinal mucosal injury, in patients with cirrhosis to determine their relationship with liver function and complications. The study included 71 patients with cirrhosis admitted for treatment of cirrhotic complications or hepatocellular carcinoma (cohort A, derivation cohort) and 104 patients with cirrhosis who received direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV (cohort B, validation cohort). I-FABP levels measured by ELISA were evaluated relative to hepatic reserve and compared with non-invasive scoring systems for diagnostic performance in cirrhotic complications. In Cohort A, the median I-FABP level was 2.80 ng/mL, which was significantly elevated in patients with reduced hepatic reserve (CTP grade A/BC: 2.33/3.17 ng/mL, p = 0.032) and complications with gastroesophageal varices (GEV) ((-)/(+): 1.66/3.67 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified I-FABP as the only factor contributing to the presence of GEV (OR; 3.278, p = 0.005), which outperformed noninvasive scoring systems for GEV diagnosis (sensitivity 84.6%; specificity 84.2%). Cohort B confirmed these findings with higher I-FABP levels in patients with reduced hepatic reserve (CTP grade A/BC: 2.46/3.64 ng/mL, p = 0.008); I-FABP was the only factor contributing to the presence of GEV (OR; 1.433, p = 0.028) with the highest discriminative ability (sensitivity 69.6%; specificity 63.8%). In conclusion, elevated small-intestinal mucosal injury in patients with cirrhosis was linked to reduced hepatic reserve and GEV. I-FABP levels may reflect portal hypertension and be useful for management of patients with cirrhosis.
Investigation of Zirconia Effect in Zr/CeO2- Al2O3 Catalyst for Diesel Soot Oxidation
Authors: Shukla Mritunjay Kumar , Bangwal Vibhuti , Dhar Atul , Bhaskar Thallada , Kumar Adarsh
Published: March 2024

The cost of diesel exhaust treatment is steadily rising, and soot particles in diesel engine exhaust have a negative impact on human health. The study uses efficient Zr/CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts as a substitute for noble metal catalysts to lower the process cost. A part of this is because of the ever-increasing scarcity of noble metal catalysts required for diesel oxidation catalysts. The current study focuses on an alternative diesel oxidation catalyst with efficiency similar to that of a noble metal catalyst but with a much lower cost. CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts are known for their oxygen storage capacity and high redox activity, making them suitable for soot oxidation. The addition of Zr to these catalysts has been shown to influence their structural and chemical properties, which significantly affect their catalytic behavior. Evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) was used to prepare 1, 3, and 5 wt% Zr supported mesoporous CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts. Morphological, structural, and physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalysts were examined using BET, Absolute Isotherm, SEM, -XRD, FTIR, TPR, and NH3-TPD. XRD, BET, and SEM data confirmed that the catalysts were mesoporous and low-crystalline while having a high surface area. The loose contacts soot oxidation activity test using TGA suggested that 50% oxidation of soot occurred at 390oC in the absence of a catalyst. T50 of CeO2-Al2O3 catalyzed soot oxidation was 296 oC. We observed a further drastic change in T50 of soot over 1, 3, and 5% Zr/CeO2-Al2O3, which were 220oC, 210oC, and 193oC, respectively. According to these results, incorporating Zr into the CeO2-Al2O3 catalyst greatly improved the oxidation process of soot.
Identification and verification of novel therapeutic agents for diabetic kidney disease based on exosome-targeted high-throughput chemical screening
Authors: Fujimoto Daisuke , Umemoto Shuro , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Kanki Tomoko , Hata Yusuke , Nishiguchi Yoshihiko , Date Ryosuke , Zhang Jingxuan , Kakizoe Yutaka , Izumi Yuichiro , Adachi Masataka , Kojima Hirotatsu , Mukoyama Masashi , Kuwabara Takashige
Published: March 2024

Exosomes are important mediators of intercellular communication and play key roles in the regulation of pathophysiological processes. In diabetic kidney disease (DKD), it has been reported that macrophages recruited in the mesangial region may play pathogenic roles through inducing local inflammation in glomeruli. We focused on exosome-mediated crosstalk between mesangial cells (MC) and macrophages as a novel therapeutic target for DKD. Exosomes released from MC induced inflammation in macrophages and the effect was enhanced under high-glucose conditions. For discovering novel therapeutic agents which can inhibit such exosome-mediated mechanisms, drug repositioning is considered as aneffective tool. We established a unique screening strategy and screened agents to aim at maximizing their specificity and potency to inhibit exosomal mechanisms, along with minimizing their toxicity. We succeeded in identifying alvespimycin, an HSP90 inhibitor. Treatment of diabetic rats with alvespimycin significantly suppressed mesangial expansion, inflammatory gene activation including macrophage markers, and proteinuria. The inhibitory effect on exosome uptake was specific to alvespimycin compared with other known HSP90 inhibitors. MC-derived exosomes are crucial for inflammation by intercellular crosstalk between MC and macrophages in DKD, and alvespimycin effectively ameliorated the progression of DKD by suppressing exosome-mediated actions, suggesting that exosome-targeted agents can be a novel therapeutic strategy.
GaN multichannel devices with latch-induced sub-60 mV/decade subthreshold slope.
Authors: Kuball Martin , Shaji Akhil Kumar , Dalcanale Stefano , Uren Michael , Pomeroy James , Smith Matthew , Parke Justine , Howell Robert
Published: March 2024

AlGaN/GaN-based Superlattice Castellated Field Effect Transistors (SLCFET) are the foundation for high power RF amplifiers and switches for future radars, although their reliability is not yet well understood. Transistor latching is observed in GaN transistors for the first time. At the latching condition, drain current (ID) transits from an OFF-State value to high ON-State value sharply with a slope less than 60 mV/decade. Current-voltage (I-V), simulations and correlated electroluminescent (EL) emission at the latching condition indicates that triggering of fin width dependent localized impact ionization is responsible for latching. This localization is attributed to the presence of fin width variation arising due to variability in the fabrication process. The reversible and non-degrading nature of the latching condition is promising for next generation RF applications.
Research on geographic information update index of RTK location big data
Authors: Zeng Xiangqiang , Zhou Fengsong , Ao Minsi , Chen Chunhua
Published: March 2024

The research on RTK location big data is significant for updating geographic information and for the application of location big data. In this paper, we used the HNCORS RTK location big data from 2016–2018 to establish the user spatial activity index. We then analysed the correlation between the user spatial activity index and the remote sensing change patch data in Hunan Province. The results indicate a significant correlation between the user spatial activity index and remote sensing patch change data in most districts and counties of Hunan Province. Additionally, RTK user active areas coincide with geographic information change areas. This paper uses HNCORS RTK location big data to construct a model of geographic information updating index in Hunan Province. The model provides a decision-making basis for geographic information updating and remote sensing image coordination in the province.
Autism Spectrum Disorder gene prediction using Machine learning model and Human brain Spatiotemporal gene expression Data
Authors: ouardi Mouncef El , Houssaini Ahmed Saad Squalli , Oukabli Mohammed , Kisra Hassan , Abik Mounia , BENSAID Mounia
Published: March 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a clear evidence of genetic basis. Although the list of ASD risk genes is growing, it is still far from complete. Co-expression analysis showed convergence across multiple ASD-associated genes during mid-fetal development in the prefrontal cortex suggesting an important connection of risk gene activity in specific places at a precise time. In this study, we used a machine learning approach to predict ASD candidate genes using the genes labeled and spatiotemporal gene expressions in the human brain. We applied six machine learning method. Ultimately, we opted for the ANN model which gave us scores that surpassed those of the other models: AUC 88.6%, AUC_PR 71.38%, F1_score 67.5%. The genes identified by our model were validated in independent datasets of risk genes. The top-ranked genes included not only those known in ASD (for example UNC13A, CHD3, GRIk3) but also novel candidates such as SNORD112, Small nucleolar RNAs that have a role in the mechanism of the epigenetic imprinting process and EVX2, transcription factor that specify the neurotransmitter fates. Our method outperformed other ASD candidate ranking system. An ontological enrichment analysis of our risk genes predicts showed biological processes evidently relative to ASD including neuron projection development, neuron differentiation, neurogenesis, synaptic signaling and also other mechanisms such as regulation of RNA metabolic process. Our study reveals that spatiotemporal gene expression patterns in human brain can distinguish ASD risk gene. Our gene ranking system is therefore a helpful resource for prioritizing candidate autism genes.
Optimized Formulation and Realisation of Conductive Ink Specially Prepared for Flexible Substrate-Based Printed Electronic Circuits
Authors: Sarva Preethi Sudha , Karunanidhi Govardhan
Published: March 2024

Evolution of printable, flexible and wearable electronics has given scope for Printed Electronic Technology (PET) in the field of electronics manufacturing. The implementation of inkjet printing technology to printable electronic devices, including field-effect transistors, photovoltaics, RFID tags, and displays, has gained greater attention recently. Several researchers propose conductive ink formulations to suit inkjet printing, including conductive polymers, carbon, graphene, organo-metallic compounds, metal precursors, and metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticle suspensions based on silver are the most promising candidate for inkjet printing based on PET owing to their lowest resistivity of all metallic elements. The formulation of silver conductive ink for flexible electronic devices and the realisation of an electronic circuit using the formulated ink are reported in this paper. Silver nanoparticles are synthesized via a chemical reduction process to provide a formulation with a homogeneous shape, size, crystal state, and good dispersion. Silver nanoparticles of size 30-50nm were synthesized and combined with binders and capping agents to form conductive ink. The resistance of the conductive ink pattern was measured as 2.06Ω after sintering for 24 hours @ 60ºC. The formulated ink exhibited good electrochemical reliability and electrical conductivity. The proposed economical synthesis and ink formulation technique would serve as a boon to the field of printed electronics. Further, the material properties can be easily tuned by introducing chemical modifiers into the conductive ink tailored to suit the application to enhance its adhesion or durability. Formulated conductive ink was used to realise electronic circuits to showcase the conductivity, stability and adhesion properties.
Efficient identification of a flow-induced crystallization model for injection molding simulation
Authors: Saad Sandra , Cruz Camilo , Régnier Gilles , Ammar Amine
Published: March 2024

Most commercial software used to simulate the injection molding process of semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers do not explicitly take into account the polymer crystallization, which could lead to errors in the estimations of filling as well as warpage and shrinkage. This is mainly due to the common complexity of the models used to describe crystallization and the challenging respective model parameter identification under injection molding conditions. To close this gap, in this work we use a simple thermo-mechanical crystallization model to describe the flow-induced and quiescent crystallization of an unreinforced semi-crystalline thermoplastic material during injection molding. The crystallization model is implemented in the commercial software Autodesk Moldflow Insight 2021 using the Solver API feature alongside crystallization-dependent viscosity, PVT and solidification models. The model parameters were identified using a calibration workflow that employs surrogate models representing the simulated pressure results to perform a multi-objective optimization. The filling predictions as well as the calculated pressure fields are presented using the calibrated model parameters in comparison to those measured during the actual injection molding of a polyoxymethylene (POM) part using different process conditions. The results show major improvements in the estimations of the time-depending pressure field as well as the level of filling of the produced parts.
Translation and psychometric validation of the Arabic version of the Sexual Risky Behaviours Scale (SRBS)
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Maalej Emna , Hakiri Abir , Cheour Majda , Hallit Souheil
Published: March 2024

Background
Providing an accurate, simple and quick-to-administer Arabic-language measure of sexual risky behaviour may help provide a clear overview of the prevalence and risk factors of this issues among Arabic-speaking communities, and implement evidence-informed strategies aiming at promoting health, providing relevant information about STIs, and facilitating access to health services in Arab countries. To this end, the present study proposes to validate the Arabic-language version of the Sexual Risky Behaviours Scale (SRBS) in a sample of native Arabic-speaking young adults from the general population of Tunisia.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the period from January 1st 2024 to March 1st 2024. The data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire, which was distributed to potential participants using the snowball sampling technique.
Results
Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported a one-factor solution. The SRBS total scores exhibited robust internal consistency, with McDonald omega coefficient of .84 and a Cronbach alpha coefficient of .83. Furthermore, multi-group CFA analyses examining the sex-based measurement invariance of the SRBS showed that the Arabic version of the scale holds similar factor structure between male and female respondents. Males displayed significantly higher SRBS scores that females. Finally, our findings supported good convergent and concurrent validity of the Arabic SRBS based on significant positive correlations with measures of proneness to risk-taking, impulsivity, and depression.
Conclusion
Clinicians, counsellors and researchers working in Arab settings are now encouraged to use the Arabic-language SRBS in their routine practices and for conducting more research on the topic, so that prevention activities can be more effectively implemented.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Supported Interventions to Address Health Disparities in Pediatric Populations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Myers Carlie N. , Rao Meera , Densley Sebastian , Bandi Rishiraj , Diaz Daniella , Sacca Lea
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE: To assess the scope of Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) and CHIP funded interventions to minimize pediatric health disparities.
METHODS: The authors searched Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science using keywords and terms related to Medicaid, Medicare, CMS, public health insurance, pediatric, and health disparities. Full-text, peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2013-2023 focusing on pediatric patients with interventions to reduce health disparities funded by CMS were included. The review of the literature databases was completed over one month, ending in June 2023. Articles were screened for eligibility by the primary author and senior author. Co-authors carried out data tabulation and extraction.
RESULTS: Four peer-reviewed, full-text studies published in English between 2013-2023 that focused on pediatric patients (0-18 years old) with public health insurance with interventions to reduce health disparities funded by CMS were included in the review. Study designs included one randomized control study, one intervention study, one cross-sectional study, and one policy statement. Patient sample sizes ranged from 129 to 36,000, including racial/ethnic minorities, low-income families, Medicaid-insured children and adolescents, and Children’s Health Insurance Program recipients.
CONCLUSION: Few studies exist examining CMS-funded interventions to minimize pediatric health disparities. Federal-funded programs, specifically CMS, can dismantle health inequities by addressing SDoH impacting minoritized and marginalized pediatric patients.
Using Machine Learning Techniques for Diagnosing
and Analysing Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of
the Jaw (MRONJ)
Authors: Jamshidi Alireza , Moztarzadeh Omid , Baghalipour Nasimeh , Najdaghi Soroush , Davani Delaram Narimani , Jamshidi Mohammad (Behdad) , Hauer Lukas
Published: March 2024

This research examines the use of streamlined multimodal machine learning (ML) models to predict and assess key factors contributing
to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), particularly in patients undergoing treatment for osteoporosis
or cancer. Our approach aims at harnessing these ML models to enable early diagnosis and precise identification of significant
risk factors, creating a foundation for real-time, proactive strategies that could mitigate the onset and progression of MRONJ.
Through detailed analysis and validation, we propose an innovative framework that integrates ML insights with clinical practices,
ultimately enhancing patient care and quality of life by steering clear of potential complications associated with MRONJ.
Agnostic B cell selection approach identifies antibodies against K. pneumoniae that synergistically drive complement activation.
Authors: Rooijakkers Suzan , Lans Sjors van der , Bardoel Bart , Kerkman Priscilla , Ruyken Maartje , de Haas Carla , Baijens Stan , Muts Remy , Scheepmaker Lisette , Aerts Piet , Wout Marije Van 't , Marijnissen Renoud , Schuurman Janine , Beurskens Frank
Published: March 2024

Antibody-dependent complement activation plays a key role in the natural human immune response to infections. Currently, the understanding of which antibody-antigen combinations drive a potent complement response on bacteria is limited. Here, we develop an antigen-agnostic approach to stain and single-cell sort human IgG memory B cells recognizing intact bacterial cells, keeping surface antigens in their natural context. With this method we successfully identified 29 unique antibodies against K. pneumoniae, a dominant cause of hospital-acquired infections with increasing antibiotic resistance. Combining genetic tools and functional analyses, we reveal that the capacity of antibodies to activate complement on K. pneumoniae critically depends on their antigenic target. Furthermore, we find that certain antibody combinations can act synergistically to activate complement on K. pneumoniae. Understanding the molecular basis of effective complement activation by monoclonals or combining antibodies to mimic a polyclonal response could accelerate the development of antibody-based therapies against problematic infections.
Assessment of a Smartphone App to Assist Patients in Identification of Neurological and Cardiac Emergencies: The Emergency Call for Heart Attack And Stroke (ECHAS) Study
Authors: Dhand Amar , Mangipudi Rama , Varshney Anubodh , Crowe Jonathan , Ford Andria , Sweitzer Nancy , Shin Min , Tate Sam , Haddad Haissam , Kelly Michael , Muller James , Shavadia Jay
Published: March 2024

Failure to recognize symptoms of neurological and cardiac emergencies lead to prehospital delays and reduced access to efficacious therapies. We created a smartphone application to help individuals to recognize symptoms requiring emergency evaluation for stroke or myocardial infraction (MI). ECHAS assesses the risk of stroke, MI, or related conditions through evidence-based questions and finger-tapping test. Here, in patients who presented with stroke or MI symptoms to the Emergency Department (ED), we tested the sensitivity of ECHAS to identify patients in whom ED evaluation was appropriate. In 202 patients (57 stroke, 145 MI), ECHAS had 0.98 sensitivity for identifying such patients and 1.0 sensitivity for identifying patients who were admitted to the hospital. Patients reported that the app was fast and usable, taking 111 seconds (SD 60) for stroke and 60 seconds (SD 33) for MI. ECHAS is a sensitive and usable digital medicine tool that now needs prospective clinical validation.
Plasma neurofilament light, glial fibrillary acid protein, and phosphorylated tau 181 as biomarkers for neuropsychiatric symptoms and related clinical disease progression
Authors: Rabl Miriam , Zullo Leonardo , Lewczuk Piotr , Kornhuber Johannes , Karikari Thomas K , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Bavato Francesco , Quednow Boris B , Seifritz Erich , von Gunten Armin , Clark Christopher , Popp Julius
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common in older people, may occur early in the development of dementia disorders, and have been associated with faster cognitive decline. Here, our objectives were to investigate whether plasma levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (pTau181) are associated with current NPS and predict future NPS in non-demented older people. Furthermore, we tested whether the presence of NPS combined with plasma biomarkers are useful to predict Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and cognitive decline.
METHODS
One hundred and fifty-one participants with normal cognition (n=76) or mild cognitive impairment (n=75) were examined in a longitudinal brain aging study at the Memory Centers, University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland. Plasma levels of NfL, GFAP, and pTau181 along with CSF biomarkers of AD pathology were measured at baseline. NPS were assessed through the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), along with the cognitive and functional performance at baseline and follow-up (mean: 20 months). Linear regression and ROC analyses were used to address the associations of interest.
RESULTS
Higher GFAP levels were associated with NPS at baseline (β=0.23, p=.008). Higher NfL and GFAP levels were associated with the presence of NPS at follow-up (β=0.29, p=.007 and β=0.28, p=.007, respectively) and with an increase in the NPI-Q severity score over time (β=0.23, p=.035 and β=0.27, p=.011, respectively). Adding NPS and the plasma biomarkers to a reference model improved the prediction of future NPS (AUC 0.73 to 0.84, p=.007) and AD pathology (AUC 0.79 to 0.86, p=.006), but not of cognitive decline (AUC 0.79 to 0.84, p=.068).
CONCLUSION
Plasma GFAP is associated with NPS while NfL and GFAP are both associated with future NPS and NPS severity. Considering the presence of NPS along with blood-based AD-biomarkers may improve diagnosis and prediction of clinical progression of NPS and inform clinical decision-making in non-demented older people.
Anticoagulation Therapy After Reperfusion Treatment for Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation-Related Acute Ischemic Stroke—A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Fang , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Fan , Wu Xiangbin , Dai Tingmin , Kuang Jie , Cheng Zhijuan , Chen Weiping , Yin Min , Wang Kai , Guo Tinghao , Zeng Guoyong , Tu Jianglong
Published: March 2024

Objective
To understand anticoagulation therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with related atrial fibrillation (AF) after receiving reperfusion treatments in the real world.
Methods
This retrospective study collected basic clinical data, the initiation time of anticoagulation therapy, treatment plans, and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), or a combination of IVT and EVT from January 2019 to January 2022 in four tertiary hospitals in Jiangxi Province. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing anticoagulation therapy in these patients.
Results
A total of 410 patients met the selection criteria, including 168 (41.0%) in the IVT group, 144 (35.1%) in the EVT group, and 98 (23.9%) in the IVT + EVT group. Initiation of anticoagulation therapy within 14 days post-AIS was found in 175 patients in total (42.7%), which is significantly different in three groups (49.7% in IVT group, 30.3% in EVT group, and 20.0% in IVT + EVT groups, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that prior use of antiplatelet drugs was more common in patients receiving early anticoagulation therapy (OR = 0.122, 95% CI: 0.065–0.228, P < 0.01). Patients receiving no anticoagulation had higher-3- days post-reperfusion NIHSS score (OR = 1.109, 95% CI: 1.073–1.147, P < 0.01) and more in-hospital hemorrhagic transformation (OR = 2.572, 95% CI: 1.423–4.648, P < 0.01). Of all patients, 281 had a favorable 90-day prognosis [mRS score 0–2], including 152 (86.9%) in the early anticoagulation group and 129 (54.9%) in the late anticoagulation group (P < 0.01). Postoperative 90-day outcomes included 25 (6.1%) cases of recurrent ischemic stroke (P = 0.55) and 27 (6.6%) bleeding events (p = 0.32).
Conclusions
Early initiation of anticoagulation therapy improves 90-day outcomes in nonvalvular AF post-related AIS patients with related AF after receiving reperfusion treatments; however, the initiation of anticoagulation in most patients might be much later than the currently recommended timing in real world.
Eco-friendly control of disease-transmit mosquito vectors using the mosquito fish Gambusia affinis and low dosages of Mukia maderaspatana extracts
Authors: Mathalaimuthu Baranitharan , Sethupathi Amarnath Pandian , Kaliyamoorthy Kumar , Hari Irrusappan , Satnami Pinku , Jayapal Gokulakrishnan
Published: March 2024

In many countries, mosquitoes pose a serious threat to public health, and managing mosquito populations is one of the most difficult aspects of mosquito control programmes. There is a need for decision biological active molecules to control mosquito in order to prevent dengue virus transmission. In the present investigation, ethanol and methanol using mosquitocidal compounds isolated against disease-transmitting mosquitoes. The highest preliminary larvicidal effective was found in the methanol leaf extract of Mukia maderaspatana (MLE-M. maderaspatana), followed by Trigonella foenum, Phyllanthus niruri, Senna auriculata, Justicia adhatoda, Andrographis paniculata, Hybanthus enneaspermus, Cardiospermum corundum and Azadirachta indica. The MLE and ELE-M. maderaspatana had the highest mortality rates at 48 hours, with LC50 values of 4.46 ppm and 60.55 ppm against An. stephensi, respectively. The phytochemical studies by quantitative and qualitative methods were MLE and ELE-M. maderaspatana, showed presence of saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, flavaonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycosides, coumorins, and steroid. The functional groups where FT-IR analysis was found included secondary profiling, which is obviously a phytochemical and may function as a geranylgeraniol molecule. It is evident from the Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum that MLE-M. maderaspatana was the source of the geranylgeraniol compound. MLE-M. maderaspatana exhibited a more potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS+, H2O2 tests than ascorbic acid. The primary component of the 26 MCCs found in the MLE-M. maderaspatana was geranylgeraniol. The results so show that MLE-M. maderaspatana, a component from a medicinal plant, may be a more effective mosquito control agent than readily available insecticides.
Erchen Decoction regulates AMPK pathway in the treatment of metabolic syndrome induced by second-generation antipsychotics based on network analysis
Authors: Su Yujing , Luo Chao , Zhang Beibei , Yu Tianyue , Zhang Jianming , Chen Jianhua
Published: March 2024

Background
Erchen Decoction (ECD) has garnered clinical recognition for its efficacy in managing metabolic syndrome (MetS) induced by second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Despite its therapeutic success, the intricate pharmacological mechanisms underpinning ECD's action remain to be elucidated.
Methods
To predict protein interactions within the pharmacological framework of ECD, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the shared targets between ECD components and MetS. Subsequently, we conducted Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses on the common targets of ECD, SGAs, and MetS. A component-core target visualization network was developed for clearer representation. Molecular docking simulations were performed using Autodock Vina 1.2.0, and corroborative animal experiments were undertaken to validate ECD's mechanisms of action.
Results
Our research identified 221 potential targets of ECD, 1027 MetS-related targets, and 361 targets associated with clozapine and olanzapine. A PPI network was established from 79 intersecting targets of ECD and MetS. Analyses of 23 shared targets among ECD, SGAs, and MetS highlighted the AMPK pathway as potentially pivotal in the treatment of SGAs-induced MetS. The visualization network suggested ADRA1A, AHR, NR3C1, and SLC6A4 as core targets. In silico molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of naringenin, baicalein, and quercetin in ECD with the NR3C1 and SLC6A4 targets. In vivo, ECD mitigated olanzapine-induced MetS in rats, accompanied by reduced expression of AMPK and SREBP1 in the liver.
Conclusions
Our findings propose that ECD may exert its therapeutic effects by targeting NR3C1 and SLC6A4 and modulating the AMPK pathway in the treatment of MetS induced by SGAs. These insights are in congruence with the results obtained from molecular docking and animal model studies.
MRI-based radiomics feature combined with tumor markers to predict TN staging of rectal cancer
Authors: liu zhiyu , Zhang Jinsong , Wang Hongxuan , Chen Xihao , Song Jiawei , Xu Dong , Li Jipeng , Zheng Minwen
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive ability of MRI-based radiomics combined with tumor markers for TN staging in patients with rectal cancer and to develop a prediction model for TN staging.
Methods: A total of 190 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent total mesorectal excision at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University between January 2016 and December 2020 were included in the study. An additional 54 patients from a prospective validation cohort were included between August 2022 and August 2023. Preoperative tumor markers and MRI imaging data were collected from all enrolled patients. The 190 patients were divided into a training cohort (n=133) and a validation cohort (n=57). Radiomics features were extracted by outlining the region of interest (ROI) on T2WI sequence images. Feature selection and radiomics score (Rad-score) construction were performed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis (LASSO). The postoperative pathology TNM stage was used to differentiate locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/4 or N1/2) from locally early rectal cancer (T1/2, N0). Logistic regression was used to construct separate prediction models for T-stage and N-stage. The models' predictive performance was evaluated using DCA curves and calibration curves.
Results: The T staging model showed that Rad-score, based on 8 radiomics features, was an independent predictor of T staging. When combined with CEA, tumor diameter, mesoretal fascia (MRF), and extramural venous invasion (EMVI), it effectively differentiated between T1/2 and T3/4 stage rectal cancers in the training cohort (AUC 0.87 [95% CI: 0.81-0.93]). The N-staging model found that Rad-score, based on 10 radiomics features, was an independent predictor of N-staging. When combined with CA19.9, degree of differentiation, and EMVI, it effectively differentiated between N0 and N1/2 stage rectal cancers. The training cohort had an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.91). The calibration curves demonstrated good precision between the predicted and actual results. The DCA curves indicated that both sets of predictive models could provide net clinical benefits for diagnosis.
Conclusion: MRI-based radiomics features are independent predictors of T-staging and N-staging. When combined with tumor markers, they have good predictive efficacy for TN-staging of rectal cancer.
Title Mining Association Rules to Determine the Over-spending Behavior Among Low Income Households in Malaysia
Authors: Azmi Amira Najiha , Bakar Azuraliza Abu , Othman Zulaiha Ali , Sani Nor Samsiah
Published: March 2024

Overspending behavior in a household can significantly affect the financial burden, debt accumulation, stress, and economic problems. Spending behavior is one of the financial literacy indicators that empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, budget effectively, and plan for the future. This study proposes an association rules mining approach to investigate the spending behavior among households with income below 40% (B40) in Malaysia. For this purpose, we employ the Apriori algorithm on 2016 and 2019 Malaysia households' income and expenditure survey data obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia to discover over-spending items that occurred in household expenditure. The results showed that up to three associated overspending items were discovered based on several support and confidence settings. There are significant changes in spending behavior in the 2016 and 2019 data. Besides food as the main overspending item in 2016 data, other items such as miscellaneous items, restaurants and hotels, and services were overspent in 2019 data. Moreover, three associated items were found only in the 2019 data. This finding benefits the government in improving financial literacy or implementing effective initiatives to improve the nation's living standards.
Study on Age-Period-Cohort Effects of Cognitive Abilities among Chinese Older Adults based on the Cognitive Reserve Hypothesis
Authors: Yang Qian , Yu Tong
Published: March 2024

Background
Cognitive abilities are key indicators of healthy aging. Nowadays, China has gradually entered a stage of deep aging, and the elderly population with age-relate cognitive decline has significantly increased. However, previous research on cognitive abilities based on long-term time trends has been relatively few among Chinese older adults. This study aims to explore the cognitive abilities changes and group differences among Chinese older adults aged 65 to 105 based on three-time dimensions of age, period, and birth cohort.
Methods
The 8 waves of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) are used from 1998 to 2018. To avoid perfect collinearity in the time dimension, the study employ Hierarchical APC-Cross-Classified Random Effects Model (HAPC-CCREM) to examines age-period-cohort effects on the cognitive abilities among Chinese older adults. the age is set as fixed-effect, while the period and birth cohorts are set as random-effect, and explore the significant factors that impact the cognitive abilities of Chinese older adults based on the Cognitive Reserve Hypothesis.
Results
At the fixed-effect level, demographics factors, health behaviors, self-rated health, subjective well-being and childhood adversity significantly impact cognitive ability among Chinese older adults. Age effects are significant, and cognitive abilities show an inverted “U”-shaped curve with age. At the random-effect level, period effects are significant, with the overall cognitive levels show a gradual annual increase among Chinese older adults Since 2008. Cohort effects are also significant, where the overall cognitive levels of the earlier-born cohorts in the first six groups show an increasing trend. Conversely, the overall cognitive levels of later-born cohorts in the latter five groups show a declining trend. Notably, the period effects significantly promote the cohort effects.
Conclusions
The Cognitive Reserve Hypothesis support the significance of the majority of impacting factors. the cognitive abilities show an accelerating decline with increasing age, following an evolutionary trajectory in accordance with physiological principles among Chinese older adults. The cognitive abilities show a monotonic increasing trend year by year since 2008, further validating the Flynn effect among Chinese older adults. The first six earlier-born cohorts show an increasing trend in cognitive abilities, supporting the hypothesis of pathological state compression. Therefore, the cognitive abilities of the five later-born cohorts show a declining trend, supporting with the hypothesis of pathological state expansion.
UK Reproducibility Network: Open and Transparent Research Practices Survey
Authors: Hughes-Noehrer Lukas , Bonn Noémie Aubert , de Maria Marcello , Evans Thomas Rhys , Farran Emily K. , Fortunato Laura , Henderson Emma L. , Jacobs Neil , Munafò Marcus R. , Stewart Suzanne L. K. , Stewart Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

Openness and transparency in the research process are a prerequisite to the production of high quality research outputs. Efforts to maximise these features have substantially accelerated in recent years, placing open and transparent research practices at the forefront of funding and related priorities, and encouraging investment in resources and infrastructure to enable such practices. Despite these efforts, there has been no systematic documentation of current practices, infrastructure, or training and resources that support open and transparent research in the UK. To address this gap, we developed and conducted the Open and Transparent Research Practices survey, a large-scale audit study completed by research-active staff in UK research institutions to better understand existing practices, needs, support, and barriers faced when implementing open and transparent research. The data presented here capture responses from over 2,500 research-active staff based at 15 institutions affiliated with the UK Reproducibility Network. The data provide a snapshot of open research practices that can be used to identify barriers, training needs, and areas that require greater investments.
Enhancing the public value of mobile fintech services through cybersecurity awareness antecedents: A novel framework in Jordan
Authors: Alhanatleh Hasan , Khaddam Amineh , Abudabaseh Farah , Alghizzawi Mahmoud , Alzghoul Amro
Published: March 2024

The study aimed to link cybersecurity awareness and its antecedents to discover the level of public value of using mobile financial services from the perspective of ‘citizens in the government context in Jordan. The quantitative approach was customized to serve the purposes of this study. A convenience sampling method was used based on 550 e-survey Jordanians from whom data were collected. A total of 449 responses were used in the analysis process. A structural equation model was specified to evaluate the developed research model. The results revealed that all hypotheses are accepted at less than P<0.001, cybersecurity awareness and predictions of financial services systems play a significant role in determining the use of financial services systems and generating the value of using financial services. Moreover, combining cybersecurity awareness with public value theory is an important approach to measure the performance of government institutions, especially in the financial services industry. Therefore, these results can be used to develop financial services and meet Jordanians’ requirements. Therefore, providing well-understood dimensions that influence the value of microfinance service use among Jordanians is a necessary process that probably ensures long-term sustainability of microfinance services. Finally, future efforts can explore the benefits and challenges of adopting digital transformation technologies in the public sector and financial services. Furthermore, the term government resilience is likely provided new insights to enhance public administration performance based on technology trends. Digital transformation, integrating government flexibility with the existing research model may influence the overall value of Mobile Fintech Services in Jordan.
The Sacred Groves of the Serpent Gods: ‘Sarpakavus’ of Kerala as Indigenous Ecology
Authors:   Senior Research Fellow, Christ University., B Devika
Published: March 2024

The worship of nature and natural entities has a rich and profound history in most ancient cultures that thrived on the planet. However, as civilizations advanced with technological and scientific innovations, the interconnectedness between nature and human beings gradually declined, and mankind separated itself from its natural habitats. But in many cultures across the world, communities still embody pantheistic traditions, thus showing a sustainable way of living with nature to the rest of the world. This paper explores the tradition of serpent worship and the practice of maintaining sacred groves known as ‘sarpakavus’ in the South Indian state of Kerala. ‘Sarpakavu’, translated as ‘the sacred grove of serpent gods’, are small but dense pockets of biodiversity that are believed to be the abode of serpent gods. Beyond cultural significance, these groves serve as hotspots of ecological diversity. This research delves into the cultural, ecological, and performative aspects of serpent worship within these spaces. focusing on the elaborate rituals of performance and worship associated with the serpent deities, the paper positions ‘sarpakavus’ (sacred serpent groves) of Kerala as an example of indigenous ecology that shows a model of a symbiotic way of living with nature. As Kerala is currently undergoing a rapid urbanization process of building highways, railways, and ports, this research highlights the need to protect and conserve the tradition of maintaining the existing ‘sarpakavus’ and their importance in sustaining the ecological balance of the region.
Variables ambientales asociadas a la distribución de dos especies de Magnolia (Magnoliaceae) de los Andes colombianos
Authors: Santa-Ceballos Juan Pablo , Restrepo-Riaño Maria Antonia , Montoya Jorge Ignacio , Giraldo Jorge A. , Serna-González Marcela , Urrego Giraldo Ligia Estela
Published: March 2024

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Algunas especies de Magnolia presentan una distribución muy restringida, situación que las hace altamente vulnerables a la extinción, teniendo en cuenta la degradación actual causada por las actividades humanas. Poco se conoce sobre el efecto de las variables ambientales y el uso del suelo en sus poblaciones naturales. Por lo que, este estudio analiza la distribución de dos especies de Magnolia en peligro de extinción, Magnolia jardinensis y M. yarumalensis, y su relación con variables ambientales y de cobertura del suelo.
Métodos: Se realizaron recorridos de campo en los Andes noroccidentales de Colombia, donde se georreferenciaron individuos de ambas especies. Además, se recurrió a registros de herbarios y bases de datos globales (GBIF) para obtener información sobre su ubicación. Se empleó información topográfica, de cobertura y de clima (WordClim): temperatura máxima del mes más cálido (Tmax), temperatura mínima del mes más frío (Tmin), precipitación anual (PPT), precipitación del trimestre más húmedo (PTH) y la precipitación del trimestre más seco (PTS).
Resultados clave: Los resultados indican que la distribución geográfica de estas especies es restringida y con variaciones en rangos altitudinales (M. jardinensis: 1995-2667 m s.n.m.; M. yarumalensis: 1648-2760 m s.n.m.). Aunque ambas especies se asocian a ambientes húmedos y muy húmedos, se observaron diferencias significativas entre la precipitación de los sitios donde crecen ambas especies (M. jardinensis: 2363.94 mm/año, 752.33 mm PTH, 384.73 mm PTS; M. yarumalensis: 2464.88 mm/año, 814.21 mm PTH, 356.25 mm PTS). Además, una proporción considerable de los árboles crece en áreas afectadas por actividades humanas, tales como vegetación secundaria, pastos limpios y plantaciones forestales.
Conclusiones: La restricción en los rangos de distribución y las condiciones de perturbación aumentan su riesgo de extinción, especialmente dado el aumento de temperatura en el contexto del cambio climático actual. Ambas magnolias podrían considerarse como especies con poblaciones extremadamente pequeñas.
Modifikasi E-Learning UNY (Besmart) Berdasarkan Hasil Analisis Metode WebQual 4.0 dan Importance-Performance Analysis
Authors: Almadina Nazela Ulhaqy , Surjono Herman Dwi
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk (1) mengetahui nilai perbedaan (gap) antara harapan dengan kinerja dari kualitas e-learning UNY (Besmart); (2) mengetahui indikator apa saja yang perlu dipertahankan dan dilakukan perbaikan dari e-learning UNY (Besmart); (3) merancang modifikasi menu e-learning UNY (Besmart) sesuai dengan harapan pengguna yaitu mahasiswa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dengan metode WebQual 4.0. Hasil penelitian (1) Variabel usability memiliki kesenjangan sebesar -0.57, variabel information quality sebesar -0.12, dan variabel service interaction quality sebesar -0.19; (2) Terdapat 4 indikator yang termasuk prioritas untuk dilakukan perbaikan, yaitu mengenai kemudahan dalam memahami navigasi, kemudahan dalam menggunakan, tampilan yang menarik, dan memiliki kesan positif bagi pengguna; (3) Modifikasi menu Besmart dilakukan dengan memfokuskan pada tampilan yang menarik dengan kemudahan dalam memahami navigasi dan menggunakannya serta memberikan kesan positif bagi para pengguna.