bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Unplanned Admissions in Head and Neck Cancer Patients undergoing Oncological Treatment
Authors: Fahy Emer , Brooker Rachel , Fleming Jason , Patterson Joanne
Published: January 2023

Aim
Non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) often results in severe toxicities, which are detrimental to patient’s health and quality of life. There is limited published UK data on unplanned hospital admissions and reasons associated with admission. We aim to identify frequencies and reasons for unplanned hospital admissions, highlighting those patient groups who are most vulnerable.
Methods
A retrospective study of unplanned hospital admissions of HNC patients receiving non- surgical treatment was completed. An inpatient admission was defined as ≥ 1 night spent in hospital. To test potential demographic and treatment predictors of inpatient admission, a multiple regression model was constructed using the end point measure (unplanned admission), as the dependent variable.
Results
A cohort of 216 patients were identified, 38 of these patients (17%) required an unplanned admission. Treatment type was the only statistically significant predictor of in-patient admission. The majority of admissions were patients receiving chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (58%) with predominant reasons for admission being nausea and vomiting (25.5%) and decreased oral intake/dehydration (30%). Of the patients admitted, 12 had a prophylactic PEG placed pre-treatment, 18 of 26 admitted without prophylactic PEG required nasogastric tube feeding during their admission.
Discussion
Almost one fifth of HNC patients over this time period required hospital admission, the majority of which can be attributed to treatment toxicities when receiving CRT. This is concurrent with other studies which review the impact of radiotherapy versus CRT. Increased support and monitoring particularly focused on nutritional is required for patients with HNC who receive CRT.
Genetic parameter estimates for daily predicted gross feed efficiency and its association with energy-corrected milk in South African Holstein cattle
Authors: Madilindi Matome Andrias , Zishiri Oliver Tendayi , Dube Bekezela , Banga Cuthbert Baldwin
Published: January 2023

Genetic parameters for daily predicted gross feed efficiency (pGFE) and energy corrected milk (ECM) in the first three parities of South African Holstein cattle were estimated by repeatability animal models. Data comprised of 11,068 test-day milk production records of 1,575 Holstein cows that calved between 2009 and 2019. Heritability estimates for pGFE were 0.12 ± 0.06, 0.09 ± 0.04 and 0.18 ± 0.05 in early, mid and late lactation, respectively. Estimates were moderate for primiparous (0.21 ± 0.05) and low for multiparous (0.10 ± 0.04) cows. Heritability and repeatability across all lactations were 0.14 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.03, respectively. Genetic correlations between pGFE in different stages of lactation ranged from 0.87 ± 0.24 (early and mid) to 0.97 ± 0.28 (early and late), while a strong genetic correlation (0.90 ± 0.03) was found between pGFE and ECM, across all lactations. The low to moderate heritability estimates for pGFE suggest potential for genetic improvement of the trait through selection, albeit with a modest accuracy of selection. The high genetic correlation of pGFE with ECM may, however, assist to improve accuracy of selection for feed efficiency by including both traits in multi-trait analyses. These genetic parameters may be used to estimate breeding values for pGFE, which will enable the trait to be incorporated in the breeding objective for South African Holstein cattle.
Joint effect of human papillomavirus exposure, smoking and alcohol on risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zheng , Sun Peng , Dahlstrom Kristina R , Gross Neil , Li Guojun
Published: January 2023

Background: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are known risk factors for oral cancer. Researchers have examined each of these risk factors independently, but few have observed the potential risk of their interaction. In this study, we investigated the interactions among smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV exposure and their effect on risk of oral cancer.
Methods: Totally 377 patients with newly diagnosed oral cancer and 433 cancer-free controls who were frequency-matched by age and sex were included. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: Consistent with historical evidence, we found that oral cancer risk was independently associated with smoking (adjusted OR(aOR): 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.9), alcohol consumption (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-2.0), and HPV16 seropositivity (aOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 2.2-4.8), respectively. Additionally, we found that HPV16 seropositivity increased the risk of oral cancer in ever-smokers (aOR: 6.4, 95% CI: 3.3-12.7) and ever-drinkers (OR: 4.4, 95% CI: 2.6-7.3), while HPV16-seronegative ever-smokers and ever-drinkers had less than a twofold increase in risk of oral cancer (aORs: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8-1.7 and 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.4, respectively). Furthermore, the increased risk was particularly high for oropharyngeal cancer in HPV16-seropositive ever-smokers (aOR: 12.3, 95% CI: 5.7-26.3) and in HPV16-seropositive ever-drinkers (aOR: 9.8, 95% CI: 5.3-18.3).
Conclusion: These results suggest a strong combined effect of HPV16 exposure, smoking, and alcohol on oral cancer, which may indicate a strong interaction between HPV16 infection and smoking and alcohol consumption, particularly for oropharyngeal cancer.
Social media analytics and their applications to evaluate an activity in online health interventions using CRITIC and TOPSIS Techniques
Authors: Lin Yushan , Alshehri Yasser , Alnazzawi Noha , Abid Mohammad , Khan Samina A. , Jabeen Fouzia , Elwarfalli Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

The usage of social media is increasing by leaps and bounds in our day-to-day lives. It affects daily routines and brings a lot of change in different departments like health and education systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare research and practice have been significantly impacted by the astounding growth of social media. Social media are changing health information management in several ways, from offering appropriate ways to enhance healthcare professional contact and share health-related knowledge and experience to facilitating the development of innovative medical research and wisdom. Social media analytics (SMAs) are efficient and effective interaction instruments that can be useful for both patients and clinicians in health interventions. Moreover, a significant portion of those involved in clinical practices (such as clinicians, professional colleges, and departments of health) are unaware of the importance of social media, its potential applications in their daily lives, as well as the possible consequences and how these will be handled. In the presented study, we proposed MCDM-based approaches known as “Criteria Importance Through Inter Correlation” (CRITIC) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) in order to identify the effective alternative among several options and make a better decision. After extracting features from the literature review, we choose six significant and relevant features and assign weights to them using CRITIC techniques while utilizing the TOPSIS technique to rank the alternatives based on their performance values. After the implementation of both methods and evaluation procedure, it is determined that the alternative with the highest score is placed at the top and called the "best alternative," while the alternative with the lowest score is placed at the bottom and called the worst alternative. Finally, we suggest a variety of research initiatives and new research areas where the aforementioned procedures becomes extremely useful in evaluating SMAs and their uses in online health interventions.
Multiple Switching and Bifurcations of In-phase and Anti-phase Periodic Orbits to Chaos Coexistence in a Delayed Half-center CPG Oscillator
Authors: Song Zigen , Xu Jian
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigate complex dynamical behaviors of a delayed HCO (half-center oscillator) neural system consisted of two inertial neurons. The neural system proposes two types of periodic orbits with in-phase and anti-phase spatiotemporal patterns that arise via the Hopf bifurcation of the trivial equilibrium and the homoclinic orbit (Homo) bifurcation of the nontrivial equilibrium. With increasing time delay, the periodic orbit translates into a quasi-periodic orbit and enters chaos attractor by employing the quasi-periodic orbit bifurcation. Further, the chaos attractor breaks and bifurcates into a pair of symmetry multiple-periodic orbits, which evolves into a pair of symmetry chaos attractors by the period-doubling bifurcation. The delayed HCO neural system presents multiple coexistence employing two classical bifurcation routes to chaos, i.e. the quasi-periodic orbit and period-doubling bifurcations. What is interesting is that the delayed HCO neural system proposes seven similar sequences (maybe up to infinity) of the bifurcation routes to chaos with the increasing of the variable bifurcation parameter τ. In the presented paper, we just exhibit 14 attractors’ coexistence induced by the multiple bifurcation routes, which includes periodic orbits, quasi-periodic orbits, chaos attractors, and multiple-periodic orbits.
Occludin regulates HIV-1 infection by modulation of the interferon stimulated OAS gene family
Authors: Torices Silvia , Teglas Timea , Naranjo Oandy , Fattakhov Nikolai , Frydlova Kristyna , Cabrera Rosalba , Osborne Olivia M. , Sun Enze , Kluttz Allan , Toborek Michal
Published: January 2023

HIV-1-associated blood brain barrier (BBB) alterations and neurocognitive disorders are frequent clinical manifestations in HIV-1 infected patients. The BBB is formed by cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU) and sealed together by tight junction (TJ) proteins, such as occludin (ocln). Pericytes are a key cell type of NVU that can harbor HIV-1 infection via a mechanism that is regulated, at least in part, by ocln. After viral infection, the immune system starts the production of interferons, which induce the expression of the 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) family of interferon stimulated genes and activate the endoribonuclease RNaseL that provides antiviral protection by viral RNA degradation. The current study evaluated the involvement of the OAS genes in HIV-1 infection of cells of NVU and the role of ocln in controlling OAS antiviral signaling pathway. We identified that ocln modulates the expression levels of the OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL genes and proteins and, in turn, that the members of the OAS family can influence HIV replication in human brain pericytes. Mechanistically, this effect was regulated via the STAT signaling. HIV-1 infection of pericytes significantly upregulated expression of all OAS genes at the mRNA level but selectively OAS1, OAS2 and OAS3 at the protein level. Interestingly no changes were found in RNaseL after HIV-1 infection. Overall, these results contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms implicated in the regulation of HIV-1 infection in human brain pericytes and suggest a novel role for ocln in controlling of this process.
Transcriptomic insights into the genetic basis of improved Fusarium crown rot resistance during wheat allohexaploidization
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Yunpeng , Guan Fangnian , Long Li , Wang Yuqi , Li Hao , Deng Mei , Zhang Yazhou , Pu Zhien , Li Wei , Jiang Qiantao , Wang Jirui , Wei Yuming , Ma Jian , Xu Qiang , Kang Houyang , Qi Pengfei , Yuan Zhongwei , Zhang Lianquan , Liu Dengcai , Zheng Youliang , Chen Guoyue , Jiang Yunfeng
Published: January 2023

Background
Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a chronic disease of cereals worldwide. Compared with tetraploid wheat, hexaploid wheat is more resistant to FCR infection, but little is known about the contributions of allohexaploidization to wheat FCR resistance. In this study, we compared FCR responses of 10 synthetic hexaploid wheats (SHWs) and their tetraploid and diploid parents and then further analyzed transcriptome data from two SHWs and their parents.
Results
We observed that stronger FCR resistance emerged immediately in the SHWs following allohexaploidization. The transcriptome analysis suggested that multiple defense pathways responsive to FCR infection were stronger in the SHWs than in the parents. In particular, dozens of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) genes, involved in lignin and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis, exhibited a higher degree of response to FCR infection in the SHWs. Physiological measurements later confirmed that PAL activities and SA and lignin contents of the stem bases of the SHWs were higher than those of the tetraploid parents.
Conclusion
Overall, these findings imply that the stronger FCR resistance of hexaploid wheat compared with tetraploid wheat is probably due to changes in PAL-mediated lignin and SA biosynthesis pathways after allohexaploidization.
Contact with primary care physicians among adults with pre-existing common mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: a registry-based study from Norway
Authors: Jensen Pia , Madsen Christian , Hauge Lars Johan , Gustavson Kristin , Lund Ingunn Olea , Pettersen Johanne Hagen , Knudsen Ann Kristin Skrindo , Reneflot Anne , Brandlistuen Ragnhild Eek , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur Anna , Ask Helga , Nesvåg Ragnar
Published: January 2023

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with pre-existing mental health problems may have experienced additional stress, which could worsen symptoms or trigger relapse. Objective: To investigate if the number of consultations with general practitioners (GPs) among individuals with a pre-existing common mental health problem during the pandemic differed from pre-pandemic years. Methods: Data on consultations with GPs among 18-65-year-olds registered with common mental health problems in 2017-2021 were retrieved from the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursement register. Based on data from the pre-pandemic years (2017-2019), we predicted the number of consultations per week for depression, anxiety disorder, phobia/obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders during the pandemic (March 2020-December 2021) among individuals with pre-existing mental health problems. The forecasted and observed trends in GP consultations per week during the pandemic were stratified by diagnosis, gender, and age groups. Results: The observed number of consultations for anxiety disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders were significantly higher than forecasted during extended periods of the two pandemic years. The differences were largest for PTSD (on average 37% higher in men and 47% higher in women during the pandemic), and for eating disorders among women (on average 87% higher during the pandemic). There were only minor differences between the predicted and observed number of consultations for depression and phobia/OCD. Conclusions: During the pandemic, individuals with a recent history of mental health problems were more likely to seek help for anxiety disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders, as compared to pre-pandemic years.
Performance Comparison of Lithium Polymer Battery SOC Estimation Using GWO-BiLSTM and Cutting-Edge Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Taş Göksu , Bal Cafer , Uysal Ali
Published: January 2023

In this study, the GWO-BiLSTM method has been proposed by successfully estimating the SOC with the BiLSTM deep learning method using the hyper-parameter values determined by the GWO method of the lithium polymer battery. In studies using deep learning methods, it is important to solve the problems of underfitting, overfitting, and estimation error by determining the hyper-parameters appropriately. EV, HEV, and robots are used more healthily with the successful, reliable, and fast SOC estimation, which has an important place in the Battery Management System. The success of the proposed method was verified by comparing the cutting-edge data-based deep learning methods and the BiLSTM method with the SOC estimation MAE, MSE, RMSE, and Runtime(s) metrics. In the comparison, the prediction successes of the BiLSTM method, which was trained with the optimal hyper-parameter values obtained by the GWO method, with the cutting-edge deep learning methods trained with the hyper-parameter values obtained through trial and error were compared. The GWO-BiLSTM method was the most successful method with RMSE of 0.09244% and R2 of 0.9987 values according to the average results of SOC estimation made with the lithium polymer battery data set, which was created by experiments performed at different discharge levels and is new in the literature.
Glycolaldehyde-derived advanced glycation end products promote macrophage proliferation via the JAK-STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Toyomura Takao , Watanabe Masahiro , Wake Hidenori , Nishinaka Takashi , Hatipoglu Omer Faruk , Takahashi Hideo , Nishibori Masahiro , Mori Shuji
Published: January 2023

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are heterogeneous proinflammatory molecules produced by a non-enzymatic glycation reaction between reducing sugars (and their metabolites) and biomolecules with amino groups, such as proteins. Although increases in and the accumulation of AGEs have been implicated in the onset and exacerbation of lifestyle- or age-related diseases, including diabetes, their pathophysiological functions have not yet been elucidated in detail.
Methods and Results: The present study investigated the cellular responses of the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 stimulated by glycolaldehyde-derived AGEs (Glycol-AGEs) known as representative toxic AGEs. The results obtained showed that Glycol-AGEs significantly promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells at a low concentration range (1-10 µg/mL) in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, neither TNF-α production nor cytotoxicity were induced by the same concentrations of Glycol-AGEs. The increases observed in cell proliferation by low concentrations of Glycol-AGEs were also detected in receptor triple knockout (RAGE-TLR4-TLR2 KO) cells as well as in wild-type cells. Increases in cell proliferation were not affected by various kinase inhibitors, including MAP kinase inhibitors, but were significantly suppressed by JAK2 and STAT5 inhibitors. In addition, the expression of some cell cycle-related genes was up-regulated by the stimulation with Glycol-AGEs.
Conclusions: These results suggest a novel physiological role for AGEs in the promotion of cell proliferation via the JAK-STAT pathway.
Ring-shaped traveling wave Zeeman decelerator for both light and heavy molecules
Authors: Ji Yabing , Liu Qing , Liu Yang , Yang Tao , Hou Shunyong , Yin Jianying
Published: January 2023

Taming more species of molecules with large density is a long-standing goal in molecular science. Heavy molecule (> 100 amu) is of particular interest for precision measurements. However, decelerating a fast-moving beam of heavy molecules to rest remains challenging for Zeeman deceleration. Additionally, the traditional approach of pulsed Zeeman decelerator suffers from serious molecular loss during deceleration, significantly limiting its potential applications. Herein, we present a ring-shaped traveling wave Zeeman decelerator (RTWZD) featured with true three-dimensional smoothly-moving magnetic potential wells that directly solve the above intractable problems. With this approach, not only the density of the molecule can be greatly increased but also the range of molecular species for Zeeman deceleration can be extended from light to heavy. The performance of the RTWZD is characterized with both the theoretical analysis and the numerical calculation, where a group of atoms and molecules such as 7Li, 32O2, 88Sr19F and 174Yb19F are employed as testers. Losses in the traditional Zeeman decelerator can be avoided, yielding more than two orders of magnitude improvement in molecular density. These characteristics of the RTWZD make it an ideal toolbox to produce cold and dense atomic/molecular samples, enabling promising prospects for cold collision, sympathetic cooling, and precision measurement.
Relationship of the structural, mechanical and tribological behavior among TiCN, BCN, and CrAlN coatings in the fatigue life of AISI 1045 steel for automotive industry
Authors: Jácome Juan Francisco Correa , Angulo Julio César Caicedo
Published: January 2023

This work links the relationship between the structural, morphological, mechanical and tribological behaviors with the rotary fatigue life performances of AISI 1045 steel substrates coated with Titanium Carbo-nitride (TiCN), Chromium Aluminum Nitride (CrAlN) and Boron Carbon Nitride (BCN) through PVD. Appropriate conditions of the deposition of the coatings allowed to obtain improved properties. These coatings were deposited on AISI 1045 steel substrates. Singular layers of the different coatings were used, with a stable layer thickness of ~ 3 µm. The influence of the coating type on the crystal structure, bond energies, and microstructural properties were established by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties such as hardness and modulus of elasticity of the coatings were determined by nanoindentation. Tribological characterization techniques were used to determine friction coefficients. For the rotary fatigue test, the following ratios, 70%, 65%, 60% and 55% of the ultimate stress value, were chosen to determine the applied stress levels. For all three coatings an increase in fatigue strength was found: 9.625% for TiCN, 4.215% for BCN and 3.954% for CrAlN. The increase in mechanical properties together with the lower presence of residual stresses in the coatings justifies the increase in fatigue resistance.
Comparative Study of Water Quality Assessment of Kanke Dam and Dhurwa Dam in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Authors: PRASAD SANDEEP , VERMA SHREYA
Published: January 2023

The present work deals with the Comparative study of Water Quality Assessment of two water body’s sample collected from three sites of the Kanke Dam and the Dhurwa Dam in Ranchi. The drinking water supply to the major population of Ranchi depends on the Kanke Dam. It is therefore essential to monitor the water Quality at regular intervals of time. Water samples from the various parts of the dams were collected and analysis was carried out on the parameters such as pH, Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Dissolved oxygen and Biological Oxygen Demand. The ranges of various parameters of water of both areas under-studied obtained were pH (7.19–7.45), Conductivity (114.8- 441.5 µs/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (67.42–265.2 mg/L), Total Alkalinity (44–147 mg/L), Total Hardness (64.8–145 mg/L), Calcium (7.85–52.8 mg/L), Magnesium (3.72–11.70 mg/L), Chloride (6.97–54.90 mg/L) and DO (3-8.40 mg/L) and BOD (2.10–2.80 mg/L). The study reveals that some analytical aspects are higher than the prescribed limit by the WHO and BIS standard. The Methodology for water quality assessment is taken from BIS standard method for the various parameters. Some of the sampling sites of the dams can be categorized as hyper eutrophic that indicates the water at that site is unfit for domestic use. The outer skirt of the dam is shrunk considerably due to the aggressive rapid urbanization process and uncontrollable encroachment. We need to spread awareness among people in order maintain these water body free from pollution.
Causal effect of racial bias in machine learning algorithms affecting user persuasiveness & decision-making: An Empirical Study
Authors: Sengupta Kinshuk , Srivast Praveen Ranjan
Published: January 2023

Language data and models demonstrate various types of bias, be it ethnic, religious, gender, or socioeconomic. AI/NLP models, when trained on the racially biased dataset, AI/NLP models instigate poor model explainability, influence user experience during decision making, and thus further magnify societal biases, raising profound ethical implications for society. The motivation of the study is to investigate how AI systems imbibe bias introduced in data and further produce unexplainable discriminatory outcomes. This implication of the study will aid in understanding how machine learning models imbibe bias from data and try to influence individuals' articulateness of system outcomes due to bias features. The design of the experiment involves studying the counterfactual impact of racial bias features present in language datasets and its associated effect on the model outcome. A mixed research methodology is adopted to investigate the cross implication of biased model outcome on user experience effect on decision-making through controlled lab experimentation. The findings provide foundation support for correlating the importance of carry-over an artificial intelligence model solving NLP task due to biased concept presented in the dataset. Further, the research outcomes justify the negative influence on users' persuasiveness1 that leads to altering the decision-making quotient of an individual when trying to rely on the model outcome to act. The paper bridges the gap across the harm caused in establishing poor user trustworthiness due to an inequitable system design and provides strong support for researchers, policymakers, and data scientists to build responsible AI frameworks within organizations.
1 Refer to abbreviation in appendix for more explanation
The introduction of digital imaging for retinopathy of prematurity screening is independently associated to higher disease detection: a real-life study
Authors: Desurmont Marie-Gwenola , Bremond-Gignac Dominique , Torchin Héloïse , Vacherot Brigitte , Jarreau Pierre-Henri , Daruich Alejandra
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To evaluate whether retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) diagnosis was modified after the introduction of wide-field imaging for ROP screening compared to previously used binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) in real-life conditions.
Methods: Records of consecutive premature newborns screened for ROP in a level-3 reference center, over two 1-year periods, were retrospectively reviewed. Screening was performed by ophthalmologists using BIO in 2014, and digital wide-field retinal imaging (PanocamTM pro) in 2019. Systemic factors potentially influencing the occurrence of ROP were investigated using uni- and multivariable linear regression followed by stepwise forward regression.
Results: Records of N=297 patients were analyzed (N=159 in 2014 and N=138 in 2019). The proportion of ROP diagnosed at any stage, over the total number of neonates screened, was significantly higher in 2019 (n=46/138, 33.1%) compared to 2014 (n=11/159, 6.9%) (p<0.0001). Most neonates presented with mild forms of ROP during both 1-year periods analyzed. After adjustment for all parameters influencing ROP occurrence, the variables contributing independently to the diagnosis of any stage of ROP were birth weight (p=0.002), duration of mechanical ventilation (p=0.028) and wide-field fundus camera assisted screening (p<0.001).
Conclusions: After adjusting for many recognized systemic factors influencing the development of ROP, screening by wide-field digital retinal imaging was independently associated to higher ROP detection.
Gelatin Cryogels Enriched with Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Characterization and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: VARLIK Simge , BAYRAK Gülsen , DEMİRÇELİK Işık PERÇİN
Published: January 2023

Cryogel, which is a frequently used polymer material in recent years, has begun to be evaluated together with alternative treatment methods. Especially, therapeutic effectiveness of cryogels has been gradually increased with the contribution of biocompatible materials and plant ingredients. Natural polymers are known for their high biocompatibility, so there are many studies focusing on the relationship between structure and function in plant-based biopolymers. As a result, various dressing materials including gelatin, alginate, chitosan (CS), inorganic materials have been developed as biopolymers. In this study, gelatin-based cryogels containing three different concentrations of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree plant) oil (TTO-GCry) were synthesized under the specified conditions and characterization studies were carried out Their antibacterial activity was evaluated by using two bacterial strains (E.coli and S. aureus). As a result of the evaluation, the antibacterial effectiveness of the developed cryogels on E. coli was between 21–50%, and on S. aureus it was between 28–72%. It can be stated that an increase in the amount of tea tree oil within the cryogel leads to an increase in its antibacterial effectiveness. This cryogel, which has antimicrobial properties, is composed of natural materials and has an environmentally-friendly structure. Its macroporous structure allows it to be used for multifunctional purposes, especially as a hemostatic agent in emergency situations and as a wound dressing material in wound healing.
The Characteristic properties of the Solar Activities during the Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Kaplan Kaan
Published: January 2023

Solar cycle 24 began in December 2008 and finished December 2019. Solar activities during this period was observed. Magnetic field intesity is given with the help of the Wilcox Solar Observatory Sunspot numbers are presented with the data obtained from WDC-SILSO, Royal Observatory. Sunspot number comparison with previous cycles is exhibited. Sunspot area distribution is created with the data obtained from the Max Planck Institute. Flare Index intensity is indicated and the data is presented by the Kandilli Observatory at Bogazici University. Hemisphere asymmetries in terms of sunspots and solar flare index are calculated. T he number of solar flares that occur at the highest intensity (X-class) during this cycle are presented and the data obtained from the NOAA/SWPC. The characteristics of Coronal Mass Ejection events are given with using the LASCO coronagraph operated on SOHO mission. From Space Weather Canada, Solar radio flux distribution and comparison with previous cycle was studied.
Effects of sedentary activity and physical activity on bone mineral density and fat in America: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2018
Authors: Lin Zhao , Shi Guang , Liao Xun , Luo Xue , Liu Wei , Cai Xiyu , Zhan Hongrui
Published: January 2023

Summary
We compared the relationship between sedentary activity (SA) and physical activity (PA) with bone mineral density (BMD) and body fat percentage in the United States and found a negative association between SA and BMD and a positive association with body fat percentage. a positive association between PA and BMD and a negative association with body fat percentage.
Introduction
SA and PA are associated with changes in skeletal parameters and body fat percentage, and we aimed to investigate and compare the relationship between SA, PA and bone mineral density (BMD) and body fat percentage in men and women.
Methods
We assessed the relationship between SA, PA and BMD and body fat percentage in 9249 Americans aged 20-80 years (mean age 38.26 ± 11.39 years) from NHANES 2011-2018.BMD and body fat percentage were measured by dual-energy X-ray bone densitometry (DXA). We used multiple linear regression models to examine the relationships between SA, PA and total BMD and total body fat percentage, adjusted for a large number of confounding factors.
Results
After adjusting for race/ethnicity, age, alcohol and smoking behavior, body mass index (BMI), total protein, blood calcium, blood uric acid, cholesterol, blood phosphorus, and blood urea nitrogen, SA was negatively associated with total BMD (β =-0.002 95% CI: -0. 003-0.001, P < 0.001) and SA was positively associated with total lipid percentage (β =0.149 95% CI: 0.111-0.186, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between multiple PAs and BMD and a negative correlation between multiple PAs and percent body fat.
Conclusions
Our results show that physical activity is a key component of maintaining bone health in both men and women and is strongly associated with lower body fat percentages. Sedentary activity has deleterious effects on skeletal homeostasis and is strongly associated with increased body fat percentage. Healthcare policymakers should advise people to be less sedentary and more physically active in the prevention of osteoporosis and obesity.
Hazard Experiences, Concerns and Responses in Coastal Municipalities and Communities: Insights from Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Heim Amy , Charles Anthony
Published: January 2023

The majority of the human population lives adjacent to coastal waters, where in recent years, climate change has both exasperated existing hazards and produced new hazards for coastal communities. Due to the key role municipalities play in addressing hazards faced by coastal communities, it is important to understand the relationship between the municipal level and the community level, in order that more can be done to alleviate community concerns over hazards. This study incorporates a hazard survey conducted across 21 coastal communities in Nova Scotia, Canada. For each community, municipal documents (by-laws/policies/plans) were compared with community experiences obtained in the survey. While municipal documents play a key role in how a community responds to a hazard, our study shows that municipal by-laws/policies do not always reflect the concerns of coastal communities. This may explain why communities have a high degree of concern regarding specific hazards. Municipalities are typically aware of, and have plans to, address hazards of concern to coastal communities, but turning these plans into reality is difficult due to financial constraints and lack of political support. The results discussed in this paper have broad applicability, as many of the hazards and community circumstances observed here are shared by coastal communities across the globe.
New charged anisotropic solution on paraboloidal spacetime
Authors: Patel Rinkal , Ratanpal B. S. , Pandya D. M.
Published: January 2023

New exact solutions of Einstein's field equations for charged stellar models by assuming linear equation of state $ P_r=A(\rho-\rho_{a}) $, where $ P_r $ is the radial pressure and $ \rho_{a} $ is the surface density. By assuming $ e^{\lambda} = 1+\frac{r^2}{R^2} $ for metric potential. The physical acceptability conditions of the model are investigated, and the model is compatible with several compact star candidates like 4U 1820-30, PSR J1903+327, EXO 1785-248, Vela X-1, PSR J1614-2230, Cen X-3. A noteworthy feature of the model is that it satisfies all the conditions needed for a physically acceptable model.
A phase 1b study of the allosteric extracellular FGFR2 inhibitor alofanib in patients with pretreated advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Tsimafeyeu Ilya , Statsenko Galina , Vladimirova Liubov , Besova Natalia , Raskin Grigory , Rykov Ivan , Mochalova Anastasia , Utyashev Igor , Gorbacheva Svetlana , Kazey Vasily , Gavrilova Evgenia , Dragun Nadezhda , Moiseyenko Vladimir , Tjulandin Sergei , Artamonova Elena
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Alofanib is a small-molecule allosteric extracellular FGFR2 inhibitor. We report safety and preliminary efficacy from the first-in-human phase 1b study of alofanib in heavily pretreated patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Methods
The standard dose-escalation design 3 + 3 aimed to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Alofanib was administered daily intravenously 5 days on, 2 days off. There were five dose levels (50–350 mg/m2). All patients received alofanib until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Results
21 patients were enrolled. Patients were predominantly male (71%), 67% had 2 and more metastatic sites, including liver metastases (43%), 19% had ECOG PS 2, and were heavily pretreated (86% had previous 2 and more treatment lines). During dose escalation, no dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and MTD was not defined. 15 (71.4%) patients had at least one adverse event associated with the treatment (TRAE). Grade 3 or higher TRAEs were observed in 6 patients (28.6%). The most common TRAEs included reactions immediately after administration, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, arthralgia, and headache. The median progression-free survival and overall survival was 3.63 (95% CI 1.58–5.68) and 7.0 (95% CI 3.82–10.18) months, respectively. The 6- and 12-month overall survival rates were 57.1% and 33.3%. Disease control rate was 68% with one durable partial response.
Conclusions
The MTD has not been reached and dose of 350 mg/m2, 5 days on, 2 days off has been declared as RP2D. Alofanib showed acceptable tolerability and preliminary signs of clinical activity in the late-line treatment of metastatic gastric cancer.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT04071184
Investigation of the mechanism of novel molten salt electrolysis of Cu2S at 473 K for the production of Cu metal and elemental S
Authors: Lee Tae-Hyuk , Kang Hee-Nam , Lee Jin-Young , Kang Jungshin
Published: January 2023

A fundamental study to understand the mechanism of the novel electrolysis of chalcocite (Cu2S) in a cuprous chloride (CuCl) – potassium chloride (KCl) molten salt was conducted to develop an efficient and environmentally friendly copper (Cu) metal production process. To measure the estimated decomposition voltage of the Cu2S feedstock and supporting electrolyte, the redox potentials of CuCl and Cu2S in the CuCl – KCl molten salt were measured using cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. The redox potential of CuCl was analyzed by considering impurities, phases, and molecular structures. The estimated decomposition voltages of Cu2S and CuCl in the CuCl – KCl molten salt were 0.31 and 0.75 V at 473 K, respectively. In addition, the electrolysis of Cu2S was conducted using a Cu cathode and carbon (C) anode in the CuCl – KCl molten salt under an applied current of 0.043 A at 473 K for 24 h. After electrolysis was completed, Cu metal with a purity of 99.99 % and elemental S were obtained with a current efficiency of 98.6 % without sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas generation. Therefore, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the production of Cu metal through an efficient and environmentally friendly method using the electrolysis of Cu2S is feasible.
Monolithic three-dimensional (3D) integration of two-dimensional (2D) field effect transistors
Authors: Jayachandran Darsith , Pendurthi Rahul , Trainor Nicholas , Han Ying , Redwing Joan , Yang Yang , Das Saptarshi
Published: January 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) integration is an emerging technology that is revolutionizing the semiconductor industry. On one hand, it enables the packaging of more devices per unit volume, also referred to as “More Moore”, while on the other hand, it empowers multifunctionality, also known as “More than Moore”, both of which are key toward the development of low-cost, energy-efficient, and high-performance smart electronic systems. While silicon-based 3D integrated circuits (ICs) are already commercially available, there is limited effort on 3D integration of emerging nanomaterials such as two-dimensional (2D) materials despite their novel functionalities that may benefit many applications. Here we demonstrate monolithic 3D integration of a large volume (in excess of 600 transistors in each tier) of aggressively scaled field effect transistors (FETs) based on monolayer MoS2 at low-thermal budget (with processing temperature < 185 °C). We also realize 3D circuits and demonstrate multifunctional capabilities including sensing, memory storage, as well as logic gates in any tier across the 3D stack. We believe that our demonstration will pave the path for more sophisticated, highly dense, and functionally divergent ICs with a larger number of tiers integrated monolithically in the third dimension.
Determinants of Rural Households’ Non-farm Participation in West Ethiopia; Empirical evidence from Horo Guduru Wollega Zone
Authors: Tesgera Wakuma Dufera , Beyene Amsalu Bedemo , Wakjira Temesgen Kebede
Published: January 2023

Farm and non-farm activities are playing an important role in improving the lives of rural families. However, non-farming activities are determined by various factors. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the variables that affect non-farm participation. Both a descriptive and an econometric model were used to analyze this issue. Mean and percentage were used as descriptive methods, while the binary probit model was used to try to explain the econometric model. Variables such as age, distance to market, access to credit, training, land size, membership in iqub, and marital status significantly determine non-farm participation. The recommendation of the results of this study was that the government should focus on gender equality, land tenure, providing various pieces of training, and establishing infrastructure connecting rural and urban areas such as roads, electricity, and telephone services to improve the livelihood of rural families.
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Recipients in Saskatchewan: A Patient-Oriented Realist Evaluation
Authors: Azizian Amir Reza , Skrapek Candace , Andreas Brenda , Farthing Gerald , Yasinian Maryam , Muhajarine Nazeem , Verrall Tanya , Hartness Collin , Vanstone Jason , Groot Gary , Carr Tracey
Published: January 2023

Background:
When the COVID-19 vaccination program started in Saskatchewan, Canada, there was a need to understand what worked or did not work during the vaccination pilot phase that took place in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert to plan for improved vaccine uptake. This evaluation study had three objectives: a) to document the vaccination implementation plan in the three pilot sites; b) to understand how, for whom, in which circumstances, and why the plan led to vaccine uptake from the perspectives of eligible vaccine recipients; and c) to establish program theories that could be adapted to multiple settings.
Methods:
We conducted a patient-oriented realist evaluation of the Saskatchewan’s vaccination pilot phase that happened from December 2020 to March 2021. The study comprised of three iterative phases, including developing initial program theories (IPTs) by reviewing literature as well as Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccination delivery plan (phase one), testing the IPTs by conducting interviews with vaccine recipients (phase two), and developing final program theories (PTs) by refining the IPTs (phase three). Three patient and family partners were fully engaged at each phase. A retroductive approach was used to analyze qualitative data.
Results:
Virtual interviews were performed with six participants representing each group of eligible vaccine recipients (ICU/ED physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers; long-term care [LTC] managers and healthcare workers; and family members and care givers of LTC residents on behalf of LTC residents). In the three final PTs, 12 contextual factors and 14 casual mechanisms resulted in an intermediate outcome of vaccine willingness or hesitancy which then led to vaccine uptake as an outcome of interest. Communication (e.g., social media, internal and external sources of communication) and trust (e.g., in leadership and medical professionals), were the most prominent contextual factor and causal mechanism, respectively.
Conclusions:
Our final program theories displayed the complexity and interconnectedness of contexts and mechanisms. Some mechanisms were activated for some participants, and not for others, depending on their circumstances which consequently affected vaccine uptake. These findings suggest the need for more tailored strategies to address vaccine recipients’ specific needs and conditions.
Impact of diabetes mellitus severity, treatment regimen and glycaemic control on atrial fibrillation prevalence. A report from the Non-invasive Monitoring for Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation (NOMED-AF) prospective cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Gumprecht Jakub , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Sokal Adam , Średniawa Beata , Stokwiszewski Jakub , Zdrojewski Tomasz , Rutkowski Marcin , Grodzicki Tomasz , Kaźmierczak Jarosław , Opolski Grzegorz , Kalarus Zbigniew
Published: January 2023

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the mechanism(s) by which DM affects AF prevalence remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus severity (expressed as its known duration), antihyperglycemic treatment regimen and glycaemic control on AF prevalence.

Methods:

From the representative sample of 3014 participants (mean age 77.5, 49.1% female) from the cross-sectional NOMED-AF study, 881 participants (mean age 77.6 ± 0.25, 46.4% female) with concomitant DM were involved in the analysis. AF was screened using a telemonitoring vest for a mean of 21.9 ± 9.1 days.

Results:

The mean DM duration was 12 ± 0.35 years, but no significant impact of DM timespan on AF prevalence was observed. No differences in the treatment pattern (oral medication vs insulin vs both oral + insulin) among the study population with and without AF were shown (p = 0.106). Metabolic control reflected by HbA1c levels showed no significant association with AF and silent AF prevalence (p = 0.635; p = 0.094). On multivariate analyses, age (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.35, 95%CI: 1.18-1.53, p<0.001), p=0.042), body mass index (BMI; OR 1.043, 95%CI: 1.01-1.08, p=0.027) and LDL<100 mg/dl (OR 0.64, 95%CI: 0.42-0.97, p=0.037) were independent risk factors for AF prevalence, while age (OR 1.45, 95%CI: 1.20-1.75, p<0.001), LDL<100 mg/dl (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.23-0.82, p=0.011), use of statins (OR 0.51, 95%CI: 0.28-0.94, p=0.031) and HbA1c ≤6.5 (OR 0.46, 95%CI: 0.25-0.85, p=0.013) were associated with silent AF prevalence.

Conclusions:

Diabetes duration, diabetic treatment pattern or metabolic control per se did not significantly impact the prevalence of AF, including silent AF detected by prospective continuous monitoring. Independent predictors of AF were age, BMI and low LDL levels, with statins and HbA1c ≤6.5 being additional independent predictors for silent AF.
Trial registration: NCT03243474
Repeatability of a surface electromyography (EMG) protocol for the analysis of the Masseter and anterior Temporalis muscles during maximum clenching
Authors: Saracutu Ovidiu Ionut , Pollis Matteo , Cagidiaco Edoardo Ferrari , Ferrari Marco , Manfredini Daniele
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the repeatability of a surface electromyographic (EMG) device designed for the analysis of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles.

Materials and Methods

30 TMD-free healthy individuals (20 females and 10 males; mean age 44 years, range 16–60 years) took part in the study and underwent three sessions of EMG recordings. Each trial consisted of two distinct recordings: i) the patient is asked to clench with maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), with two cotton rolls interposed between the dental arches; ii) the patient is asked to repeat the same clenching activity without the cotton rolls. The signal from the four electromyographic probes provides six indices based on the differences between the test on cotton rolls and on dentition. Recording trials were performed at five minutes intervals, with the patient sitting upright in a chair and without detaching the electrodes between trials.

Results

The Global Index, which comprehends the main parameter measured by the EMG, resulted to be the most reliable value. The POC MM and IMPACT indices showed weak-to-medium correlation levels between the three trials.

Conclusions

The investigation provided data on the correlation levels between different recording trials performed with a chairside EMG device. Findings showed a very wide range of correlation values for the various indices proposed by the manufacturer.

Clinical Relevance

The clinical usefulness of the applied protocol remains questionable. Further studies should test the repeatability of EMG findings gathered with this device under various circumstances, in a more heterogeneous population.