bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Pollution and Lung Cancer
Authors: Kusumawardani Ida Ayu Jasminarti Dwi , Indraswari Putu Gita , Komalasari Ni Luh Gede Yoni
Published: June 2023

Malignant lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared in 2013 that outdoor air pollution is a substance that is carcinogenic and contributes to lung cancer. This was supported by several studies which show an increased prevalence of adenocarcinoma, even in countries with a low prevalence of smokers. The presence of one or more substances in the air for longer periods or at higher concentrations than usual, which can potentially have negative effects, is called air pollution. Aside from carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), lead, ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter with <2.5 µm diameter (PM2.5) has been identified to be associated with the risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer was higher after prolonged exposure to PM2.5 regardless of age, gender, and smoking history. Exposure to air pollution is a significant factor in the onset and progression of lung cancer. Oxidative stress, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, inflammation, metabolism, epigenetic control, and signal transduction pathways are a few potential mechanisms of air pollution-induced lung cancer. Everyone, including the government and the general public, must implement strategies to stop the harmful effects of air pollution.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Interleukin-23 Levels in Lung Cancer: A Future Biomarker
Authors: Listiandoko Raden Dicky Wirawan , Setyawan Ungky Agus , Tri Wahju Astuti  , Djajalaksana Susanthy , Listyoko Aditya Sri , Ponco Arinto Yudi
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Lung cancer (LC) is the world's second leading cause of death due to malignancy. In Indonesia, LC is one of the top three malignancies. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the respiratory reflect changes in metabolism caused by disease and may be a biomarker of LC. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) has been known as a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the development and progression of cancer. This study aimed to identify levels of IL-23 and VOCs in LC patients.
Methods: This study involved 40 LC patients and 42 controls. VOCs were taken by the subject exhaling their third deep breath into the sample bag, which was immediately analyzed using an E-nose-based device. As for the IL-23, the cytokine was taken from the blood serum and then analyzed using the ELISA method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were performed to test data normality. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were conducted for variables. Spearman correlation and heat map were used to find the correlation between the observed gases and IL-23.
Results: The concentration of ozone (p = 0.000), ethanol (p = 0.000), formaldehyde (p = 0.000), toluene (p = 0.000), acetone (p = 0.000), ammonia (p = 0.000), ammonium (p = 0.001), nitrogen (p = 0.001) and methane (p = 0.000) in LC group differed with controls. The same outcome was also observed in comparing LC patients and control groups of IL-23 (p = 0.000). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum IL-23 with formaldehyde (p = 0.029), toluene (p = 0.014), and ammonia (p = 0.028) and a negative correlation with nitrogen (p = 0.011). Compared to the control group, all types of LC were observed to have higher levels of IL-23. A weak positive correlation was found in formaldehyde (Cv = 0.23), toluene (Cv = 0.23), and ammonia (Cv = 0.13). A weak negative correlation was obtained in acetone (Cv = -0.12), ammonium (Cv = -0.11), and nitrogen dioxide (Cv = 0.23).
Conclusion: Weak linear correlations were obtained between the cytokine and formaldehyde, toluene, ammonia, ammonium, and nitrogen dioxide. A higher IL-23 concentration was observed in the LC group than in the control group. The volatile concentration was significantly different between LC and control groups.
Deciphering the Coagulation Factors in Pulmonary Embolism Incident-Based Thorax Enhanced Chest CT in COVID-19 Patient
Authors: Pratiwi Wan Betty , Soeroso Noni Novisari , Tarigan Setia Putra , Abdullah Muntasir , Sembiring Rosita Juwita , Icksan Azizah Ghanie , Lubis Netty Delvrita , Eyanoer Putri Chairani
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism is associated with coagulopathy in COVID-19. It is one of the causes of death in COVID-19 cases and is often underdiagnosed in Indonesia because computed tomography-pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is not used as the gold standard. T
Methods: This study used a prospective analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The study participants were 45 COVID-19 patients admitted to Santa Elisabeth Hospital, Medan, from January to March 2021.  Patients were identified with moderate to severe degrees of COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer and subsequently instructed to undergo a thorax CT scan with IV contrast. The data was analyzed using dependent t-test statistical analysis. The p-value < 0.05 was noted as significant.
Results: Moderate to severe coagulation factor values in COVID-19 patients with mean + SD PT, APTT, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and platelets were 14.11; 30.65; 1172.14; 423.56 and 215.822, respectively. In this study, 22 (48.9%) patients experienced a pulmonary embolism, while the other 23 (51.1%) did not. No significant correlation was found between all coagulation factors and embolism (p > 0.05). The mean + SD well score for pulmonary embolism was 0.23 + 0.57.
Conclusion: Pulmonary embolism was detected in 22 patients (48.49%) with moderate to severe COVID-19 who developed hypercoagulation as indicated by the thorax CT scan with IV contrast. This case was quite common. In resource-constrained situations, a thorax CT scan with IV contrast may replace CTPA in diagnosing/detecting the presence of pulmonary embolism.
Development of a Robot Arm System for Additive Manufacturing Applications
Authors: Stamorean Laurentiu , Feier Anamaria , Firu Adrian Ciprian
Published: June 2023

The paper presents the conceptualization and realization of a novel platform for additive manu-facturing, an industrial robot arm-based system for additive manufacturing applications. Tradi-tional 3D printers, especially those employing fused deposition modelling (FDM) processes, are restricted to depositing material in a single toolpath plane (e.g. x-y plane). The focus of this study was to explore the feasibility of integrating commercial off the shelf (COTS) additive manufac-turing technologies with a six degree of freedom industrial robot arm to yield a 3D additive manufacturing system with the capability to perform free-form six degree of freedom fused deposition modelling. The present paper presents the development of a platform from stage 0, i.e. materials to its use, and finally a printed product with the developed extruder.
Methodology of Labeling According to 9 criteria of DSM-5
Authors: Lee Geon-Ju , Park Da-Bin , Oh Ha-young
Published: June 2023

Depressive disorder is a disease that causes a decrease in daily function, and the prevalence of depressive disorder in Korea is the highest among OECD countries. However, due to lack of manpower and negative social awareness, timely treatment is not being performed properly. As a solution to this, AI counseling chatbots are emerging, and it is essential to use labeled datasets to create chatbots. Currently, many countries around the world, including Korea, use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, DSM-5, but there are no nine labeled datasets according to the DSM-5 depression disorder diagnosis criteria. This study collects sympathetic datasets, analyzes morphemes using Kind Korean Morpheme Analyzer and augments and builds a word dictionary using Word2Vec. As a result, we have labeled the dataset with nine criteria for diagnosing DSM-5 depressive disorder, which will enhance the performance of the counseling chatbot.
Influence on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Crushed Hazelnut Shell
Authors: Gálvez Nicole , Muñoz Grissel , Yanez Sergio J. , González Sandra , Pina Juan C.
Published: June 2023

Concrete production requires a significant amount of natural resources, with aggregates comprising between 55% and 80% of the total volume. However, over-exploitation of natural aggregates has led to the exploration of alternative materials for use in concrete production. In this study, crushed hazelnut shells were investigated as a partial replacement for fine aggregate, addressing the problem of natural resource depletion and offering a second use for this important agricultural waste product available in Chile. Hazelnut shells were incorporated in percentages of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% by weight of sand for water-cement ratios of 0.4 and 0.5. The compressive strengths at 7 and 28 days and bending tensile strengths at 28 days were determined, alongside physical properties such as workability, temperature, air content, fresh density, and hardened density of the concrete. Our findings show that replacing 2.5% of the fine aggregate with hazelnut shells led to higher compressive strength at 28 days, exceeding the strength of the standard specimens by 9.5%, whereas replacing 5% of the fine aggregate led to the highest bending tensile strength, exceeding the resistance of the standard specimens by 3.5%. Moreover, the 0.4 w/c ratio consistently led to better results for both compressive and bending tensile resistances, with fewer and lower reductions in mechanical resistances compared to the standard mixture. Our results suggest that concrete mixes with hazelnut shells as a replacement for fine aggregate at a percentage of up to 2.5% can be used in constructive systems with compression strengths lower than 17 MPa, and mixtures with up to 10% hazelnut shell replacement can be used in structures with tensile bending stress requirements lower than 6 MPa. Overall, the use of hazelnut shells as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete production presents an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution for the construction industry.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of 2-Month Exercise Intervention Effects in Sedentary Older Adults With Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Zhao Fei , Tomita Machiko , Dutta Anirban
Published: June 2023

The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2019 Diseases and Injuries Collaborators) found that diabetes significantly increases the overall burden of disease, leading to a 24.4% increase in disability-adjusted life years. Persistently high glucose levels in diabetes can cause structural and functional changes in proteins throughout the body, and the accumulation of protein aggregates in the brain is associated with the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD).To address this burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a combined aerobic and resistance exercise program was developed based on the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. The prospectively registered clinical trials (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04626453, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04812288) involved two groups: an Intervention group of older sedentary adults with T2DM and a Control group of healthy older adults who could be either active or sedentary. The completion rate for the 2-month exercise program was high, with participants completing on an average of 89.14% of the exercise sessions. This indicated that the program was practical, feasible, and well-tolerated, even during the COVID pandemic. It was also safe, requiring minimal equipment and no supervision. The exercise instructions were easy to understand, making them suitable for older adults with cognitive decline.The near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) based brain and muscle oxygenation study provided evidence on brain overactivation among older adults with T2DM, supporting the compensatory theory. It also demonstrated that the 2-month combined exercise intervention effectively reduced brain overactivation and contributed to improved cognitive function. Operational modal analysis showed an exercise-related effect on the very low-frequency hemodynamic oscillations cluster, which may be associated with better vascular muscle and/or perivascular neurogenic regulation. Furthermore, we personalized the exercise duration and interval based on muscle oxygenation during physical tasks, leading to improvements in muscle oxidative capacity within just two months. This finding has practical implications for physical therapists, as they can target muscle oxygenation changes during physical tests to prescribe appropriate exercise doses for enhancing physical performance.
Geometrized Vacuum Physics. Part I. Algebra of Stignatures
Authors: Batanov-Gaukhman Mikhail
Published: June 2023

This article is the first part of a scientific project under the general title "Geometrized Vacuum Physics". This study is based on two main postulates: 1) independence of the propagation velocity of electromagnetic waves in vacuum from their frequency; 2) the constancy of the averaged zero vacuum balance, associated with the assertion that only mutually opposite formations are born from vacuum, so that on average they completely compensate for each other's manifestations. In this part of the "Geometrized Vacuum Physics" the foundations of the Algebra of Stignatures are laid, which is the mathematical and logical foundation of the entire project. In the next articles of this project it will be shown that the Algebra of Stignatures can be used for the development of "zero" (vacuum) technologies, algebraic genetics, vacuum cosmology, the vacuum standard model of "elementary particles", vacuum gravity and levitation, vacuum energy, ethics and aesthetics and many other branches of knowledge. At the end of this article, one of the many possible applications of the Algebra of Stignatures is given, in particular, the basics of the stignature-spectral analysis are outlined, with the help of which the possibilities of communication channels can be significantly expanded.
Domestic Reuse Status of Invasive Turtle Species Trachemys scripta in South Korea
Authors: Baek Hae-jun , Cho Soyeon , Seok Minjeong , Shin Joo-won , Kim Dae-in
Published: June 2023

The pond slider (Trachemys scripta) was designated as an invasive alien species in South Korea in 2001. Although the prevention and control of invasive species have received considerable atten-tion worldwide, studies on the current status and effective management of T. scripta in South Korea are lacking. This study aimed to elucidate the status of domestic reuse of T. scripta and provide effective management suggestions. Analysis of the National Institute of Ecology's “Na-tionwide Survey of Non-native Species in Korea” conducted from 2015 to 2022 confirmed the habitats of 1,440 T. scripta individuals at 295 sites. T. scripta is the most frequently observed among invasive turtles identified in the Korean Peninsula. To determine the reuse of T. scripta, 13 tradi-tional markets were surveyed; five markets were confirmed to have T. scripta. Although the exact distribution route is unknown, individuals living or abandoned in the region might be resold in the market. T. scripta is mostly sold for ritual purposes. Moreover, T. scripta accounted for 31% of freshwater turtles abandoned between 2019 and 2022. Their continuous reuse has been confirmed 22 years after their designation as an invasive alien species. Therefore, effective and fundamental management measures for T. scripta are required.
Investigation of the Microenvironment, Land Cover Characteristics, and Social Vulnerability of Heat-Vulnerable Bus Stops in Knoxville, Tennessee
Authors: Lee Sangwon , First Jennifer
Published: June 2023

Extreme heat is a climate, public health, and environmental justice issue. This case study examined public transit exposure and vulnerability to extreme heat by investigating the microenvironment, land cover characteristics, and social vulnerability of heat-vulnerable bus stops in Knoxville, Tennessee. The community’s temperature and Heat Index information, bus stop point data, land cover characteristics data, and the microenvironment of bus stops (i.e., trees and shelters) were processed and mapped with ArcGIS Pro. The pictures of the microenvironment of the bus stop were collected from Google Maps, and the social vulnerability of the area where the bus stops are located was investigated by analyzing the Center for Disease and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index. Results found that the most heat-vulnerable bus stops were concentrated in West Knoxville, South, North, Northeast, and Northwest Knoxville. In addition, the most heat-vulnerable bus stops were concentrated in commercial complexes and areas a large number of systematically marginalized populations reside.
Categorizing Critical Factors of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Implementation Globally
Authors: Al Fatais Abdullah Mohammed , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a systematic literature review that identifies critical factors impacting the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) worldwide. The study utilizes two databases, ProQuest and Compendex, as well as Google Scholar. The study identified eight dimensions that illustrate the critical factors of AMT adoption and implementation: education, planning, top management know-how, technical know-how, business, economic impact, regulations, and social impact. The results highlight a research gap in understanding the need for effective integration among these eight dimensions in developed and developing economies. Consequently, the study recommends the adoption of a broader perspective that considers the role of integration and interaction between critical factors in each category and their impact on AMT implementation. The systematic literature review conducted in this study reviews several critical factors related to the adoption and implementation of AMT.
Comprehensive Assessment of Biomass Properties for Energy Usage Using Near-infrared Spectroscopy and Spectral Multi-Preprocessing Techniques
Authors: Shrestha Bijendra , Posom Jetsada , Shrestha Bim Prasad , Sirisomboon Panmanas
Published: June 2023

In this study, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed using no pre-processing, traditional preprocessing, multi-preprocessing 5 range, multi-preprocessing 3 range, genetic algorithm (GA), and successive projection algorithm (SPA) to assess the higher heating value (HHV) and ultimate analysis of grounded biomass for energy usage employing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A novel approach was utilized based on the assumption that using multiple pretreatment methods across different sections in the entire NIR wavenumber range would enhance the performance of the model. The performance of the model obtained from 200 biomass samples for HHV and 120 samples for ultimate analysis was compared, and the best model was selected based on the coefficient of determination of validation set, root mean square error of prediction, and the ratio of prediction to deviation values. Based on model performance results, the proposed HHV model from GA-PLSR, and the N and O models from the mul-ti-preprocessing PLSR 5 range method could be used for most applications, including research, whereas the C and H models from GA-PLSR performance is fair and applicable only for rough screening. The overall findings highlight that the multi-preprocessing 5-range method, which was attempted as a novel approach in this study to develop the PLSR model, demonstrated better accuracy for HHV, C, N, and O, improving by 4.1839%, 8.1842%, 3.7587%, and 35.9404%, respec-tively. Therefore, it can be considered a reliable and non-destructive alternative method for rap-idly assessing biomass properties for energy usage and can also be used effectively in biomass trading. However, due to the smaller number of samples used in the model development, more samples are needed to update the model for a robust application.
Wireless Device with Energy Management for Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation (CLDBS)
Authors: Matheus Nordi Tiago , Augusto Ginja Gabriel , Gounella Rodrigo , Talanoni Fonoff Erich , Colombari Eduardo , M. Alcântara Moreira Melkzedekue , Afonso Jose A. , Monteiro Vitor , Afonso Joao L. , Carmo João Paulo
Published: June 2023

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective and safe medical treatment that improves the lives of patients with a wide range of neurological and psychiatric diseases, and has been consolidated as a first-line tool in the last two decades. Closed loop deep brain stimulation (CLDBS) pushes this tool further by automatically adjusting the stimulation parameters to the brain response in real-time. This paper presents a CLDBS with 2 stimulation channels and 2 acquisition channels. Each channel has a low-noise amplifier (LNA) buffer in differential configuration to eliminate the DC signal component of the input. Energy management is efficiently done by the control and communication unit. The battery supports almost 9 hours with both the acquisition and stimulation circuits active. If only the stimulation circuit is used as an Open Loop DBS (OLDBS), the battery can hold sufficient voltage for 24 hours of operation. The whole system is low-cost and portable and therefore it could be used as a wearable.
Stripping Enhanced Distillation – a Novel Application in the Renewable CO2 to Dimethyl Ether Production and Purification
Authors: Dikic Vladimir , Zubeir Lawien , Saric Marija , Boon Jurriaan
Published: June 2023

The transition towards a CO2 neutral industry is currently spurring many new developments regarding processes for the conversion of CO2, or CO2-rich streams, into platform molecules such as methanol and dimethyl ether (DME). New processes give rise to new separation challenges, as well as novel opportunities for joint optimization of reaction and separation. In this context, the separation of CO2 and DME can be performed very efficiently using the newly developed concept of Stripping Enhanced Distillation (SED). SED is a distillation process that utilizes an additional stripping component (clearing gas) to promote the separation in the column. SED benefits from the utilization of the feedstock components as a clearing gas that can afterwards be recycled back to the conversion unit with the vapor distillate. Strongly improving the separation performance in the column, this approach also removes the need for external stripping mediums and in addition this recycle approach may significantly reduce the demand on the conversion unit upstream of SED. The benefits of using SED are demonstrated for two different processes for DME synthesis: (i) CO2 – DME separation after the Sorption Enhanced DME Synthesis (SEDMES) process, using hydrogen as clearing gas, and (ii) CO2 – DME separation after direct DME synthesis via dry reforming (DIDR), using methane as clearing gas. For the different cases, it is shown that, with minimal adaptations, the energy consumption for distillation is reduced by 20-30%, while product losses are minimized at the same time.
The Structure and Content of the Response Text in the Indonesian Language Textbook for Class VII Junior High School
Authors: Noermanzah Noermanzah , Suryadi Suryadi , Sagita Fitria Dewi , Arta Gres Uli , Permadi Citra Dwi
Published: June 2023

Response text is one of the texts that must be mastered by junior high school students. To understand the response text, it is necessary to study the structure and content of the response text first. For this reason, the research objective is to describe the structure and content of response texts to Itam and U books in Indonesian textbooks for Class VII Middle Schools. The research method uses the qualitative content analysis method of the Mayring model. Data collection techniques used documentation techniques sourced from Indonesian language textbooks for Class VII Middle Schools published by the Center for Curriculum and Books. The main instrument is the researcher assisted by data tabulation and coding. Data were analyzed using the Mayring content analysis model. The results of the study show that the structure of the response text to Itam and U books in Indonesian language textbooks for Class VI Middle Schools are context, description, and assessment. Context as the part that contains the introduction of the book to be responded to. The description contains a more detailed explanation of the contents of the book, from story ideas, plot, to the characters. While the assessment contains the reader's personal assessment of the book, including its shortcomings, strengths, and suggestions for the book.
Age-standardization and Standard Population
Authors: Hong Dongui , Lee Sohyae , Jung Kyu-Won , Shin Aesun
Published: June 2023

Objectives: The objective of this study is to provide examples of situations in which the relative ranking of age-standardized rates depends on the choice of standard population and to emphasize the importance of selecting an appropriate standard population.Methods: Mathematical methods are used for elaborate variance in the ranking of the age-standardized rates. Examples from the international comparisons of suicide rates and regional comparisons of cancer incidence in Korea were used.Results: The worldwide ranking of suicide rates for the Republic of Korea varies depending on the choice of the standard population (OECD standard vs. WHO standard). Similarly, the rank of South Korean cancer incidence rates by region also varied depending on the selected standard population (2000 mid-year population vs. 2020 mid-year population). This phenomenon has been demonstrated using coordinate space and vectors.Conclusions: An appropriate standard population should be selected according to the research purpose since there is no established recommendation. As conclusions may vary depending on the selection of the standard population, it is important to pay attention to the interpretation of the results.
Educação e Inovação Social: A Formação Recíproca
Authors: Ferreira Batista Leonardo , Helal Diogo Henrique
Published: June 2023

Contexto do caso: Este caso para ensino discute a relação entre educação e inovação social, a partir de um dos episódios da série brasileira de documentários “Destino: Educação – Escolas Inovadoras” (Canal Futura), veiculada pela Globoplay, refletindo como a educação está associada à inovação social na prática. O documentário referido aborda o Projeto Âncora, escola localizada em Cotia/SP, em função de suas características inovadoras em destaque no contexto brasileiro.
Dilema do Caso: Com uma perspectiva freireana de aprendizagem transformativa, o caso, ao enfatizar uma Educação autônoma que contribui para a emancipação dos envolvidos, busca responder ao seguinte dilema: “A Educação pode gerar inovação social?”.
Fechamento do caso: As iniciativas discutidas permitem encaminhar a discussão nos dois sentidos: da Educação para a inovação social e vice-versa. Docentes de Ensino Superior em Administração, Gestão Pública, Pedagogia e cursos afins podem utilizar o caso em disciplinas que trabalhem direta ou indiretamente as temáticas discutidas.
 
Palavras-chave:Educação, Inovação Social, Abordagem Freireana, Mudança Social, Caso para Ensino.
The effects of culture-expanded, non-cryopreserved adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) on neurological and immunological paradigms in females with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a phase I/II clinical trial
Authors: Arab Fahimeh Lavi , Yousefi Forouzan , Naderi-Meshkin Hojjat , Mirahmadi Mahdi , Nikkhah Karim , Amiri Houshang , Erfani Marjan , Ayoobi Fatemeh , Tabasi Nafiseh Sadat , Nikkhah Ali , Mahmoudi Mahmoud
Published: June 2023

Objective
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their immunomodulatory, neurogenerative and self-renewal features have achieved fascinating prospects in regenerative medicine. Adipose tissue is an optimal source of MSCs because of the high abundance and high proliferative rate of MSCs in this tissue. To date, MSCs utilized for curing of MS have been cryopreserved, almost derived from bone marrow, and infused at standard doses (1–2×106 cell/Kg).
Methods
Here, we explored the safety, tolerability and functionality of fresh and high dose (4.4×106 cell/Kg) autologous adipose tissue MSCs (AT-MSCs) in 10 female patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS, EDSS = 4–6). To this end, we assessed adverse events of AT-MSCs administration 9 months following transplantation. Additionally, we measured the number and volume of lesions, as well as the number of contrast-enhancing lesions from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Furthermore, we evaluated the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), depression, and quality of life status of the patients over 9 months. Also, the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs was investigated by evaluating gene expression of inflammatory (IL1, IL6, IL17, IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β, IL4, IL10, FOXP3) cytokines besides the proportion of peripheral blood T regulatory cells as important modifier cells in hemostasis of autoimmune responses in MS diseases.
Results
In our study, high doses of non-cryopreserved AT-MSCs were successfully administrated into 10 SPMS patients during two injections seven days apart. Our findings have shown that AT-MSCs have no serious side effects after one year. Furthermore, we noted the efficacy of AT-MSCs in terms of reduction of numbers and volume of T2-FLAIR lesions, ameliorating of EDSS, and improvement in psychological criteria. Moreover, the immunomodulatory effects of AT-MSCs were confirmed by enhancing of Tregs population and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as lowering inflammatory cytokines in patients.
Conclusion
Administration of high-dose (4.4×106 cell/Kg) of non-cryopreserved autologous adipose tissue MSCs (AT-MSCs) is safe and tolerated well in SPMS patients. Furthermore, AT-MSCs can be considered as an efficient treatment to stop or even reverse neurological manifestations in the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis.
Trial registration
: This clinical trial study was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Reference: IRCT20091127002778N1 at 2018-01-10).
New insights on ENSO teleconnection asymmetry and ENSO forced atmospheric circulation variability over North America
Authors: Sutton Margaret , Larson Sarah , Becker Emily
Published: June 2023

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related sea surface temperature variability in the eastern equatorial Pacific drives an extratropical large-scale atmospheric response. The atmospheric response is a key driver of global climate variability, with the strongest impact occurring during Northern Hemisphere winter. The degree to which atmospheric circulation variability is altered during ENSO events, in comparison with atmospheric circulation variability during ENSO-neutral conditions, is the focus of this study. Two multi-century, CESM1-CAM4 simulations are compared: a fully coupled experiment (CTRL), and a partially decoupled experiment in which ENSO is dynamically suppressed (NoENSO) so that the mean state is not biased towards a particular ENSO phase. We present evidence that the rectification of ENSO and its teleconnections onto the mean state lead to an underestimation of the asymmetry of ENSO teleconnections. Analyses also show that ENSO displaces 500hPa geopotential height (Z500) variability away from the central northern U.S. and southern Canada, resulting in less variability during ENSO years than ENSO-neutral years. Additionally, we find that estimating the ENSO-forced change in Z500 variance compared to ENSO-neutral years requires a surprisingly large sample of ENSO-neutral years. The results imply that a substantially longer record–roughly an order of magnitude longer in length–is needed to fully capture the statistics of ENSO’s teleconnected impacts over North America than suggested in previous studies.
Two-step diagnostic method in diagnosing periodic fever with aphtha stomatitis, pharyngitis and lymphadenitis, a practice from China
Authors: Liang Cong , He Zhen , A Yong-fu , Chen Jun-Zhu , Zeng Wei-kun , Jin Hui , Tao Shu-yu , Li Yu , Ke Zhi-Yong
Published: June 2023

Objective
Periodic fever with aphtha stomatitis, pharyngitis and lymphadenitis (PFAPA) is an inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent fever, which mainly affects children and has a high rate of missed diagnosis in China. This study is set to summarize the clinical features of PFAPA children and to develop a feasible diagnostic method.
Methods
Base on our previous experience, a two-step method consisting of preliminary assessment with disease recognition and subsequent verification was used when diagnosing PFAPA in children. The clinical data of the PFAPA children diagnosed from June 17, 2020 to November 3, 2022 were collected and summarized, and the two-step diagnostic method was validated according to the CARRA-PFAPA diagnostic criteria.
Results
A total of 260 children with periodic fever were included in this study, 8 of them did not meet the criteria of suspected PFAPA. Of the rest, 29 lost follow-up and 9 had no more episode during follow-up. One child was excluded from PFAPA by prednisone trial. The children diagnosed with PFAPA had recurrent fever beginning at a median age of 30 months, but diagnosis was made at 13 months later. The cycle duration was 30 days and the attack lasted 4 days. Exudative tonsillitis, oral ulcer, cervical adenitis and abdominal pain were presented in 93.6%, 51.4%, 43.9% and 33.1%, respectively. Leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein were presented in 88.6% and 91.2% of the children during fever episode, and all returned to normal when reexamined in the interval. Cytokines were detected in 36 cases during episodes, interleukin-6 increased in all cases, interferon-γ increased in most cases, but all returned to normal during asymptomatic interval. The height and weight of the children were lower than those of normal. 39.5% of the children had a positive family history. If criteria “normal growth and development” removed, only 15 of the 213 children diagnosed with PFAPA did not fulfill the CARRA-PFAPA criteria for less than 6 episodes at the time diagnosing, but all up to the standards in follow-up.
Conclusion
PFAPA should be considered for children with recurrent fever, especially those with tonsil exudation. The two-step diagnostic method provides the indications for corticosteroid use, and thus may be appropriate in clinical practice.
Non-equilibrium dynamics of spin-lattice coupling
Authors: Staub Urs , Ueda Hiroki , Mankowsky Roman , Paris Eugenio , Sander Mathias , Deng Yunpei , Liu Biaolong , LeRoy Ludmila , Nag Abhishek , Skoropata Elizabeth , Wang Chennan , Ukleev Victor , Perren Gérard Sylvester , Dössegger Janine , Gurung Sabina , Abreu Elsa , Savoini Matteo , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Razzoli Elia , Patthey Luc , Lemke Henrik , Johnson Steven
Published: June 2023

Collective excitations that involve both vibrational and magnetic characters, arising from strong coupling between the lattice and spins, are of fundamental interest in ultrafast manipulation of magnetization. Although previous experimental studies have successfully observed the spin dynamics of a coherent electromagnon that reflects this coupling, the associated atomic motions have not been directly observed. Here we use time-resolved X-ray diffraction to directly measure both the ultrafast structural motion and the associated spin dynamics following the excitation of a coherent electromagnon by an intense THz pulse in a multiferroic hexaferrite. Comparing the dynamics of the two different components, one striking outcome is the different phase shifts relative to the driving field, gives deeper insights into the excitation process of electromagnons. The observation of combined lattice and magnetization dynamics of the electromagnon resonance paves the way to access the magnetoelectric coupling strength in ultrafast timescales, which remains a missing fundamental parameter for ultrafast control of magnetism.
A case series on recurrent and persisting IgA vasculitis (Henoch Schonlein purpura) in children
Authors: Marro Julien , Williams Chloe E.C , Pain Clare E , Oni Louise
Published: June 2023

Background
IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is a small vessel vasculitis that is more common in childhood. Very limited evidence exists on patients who experience an atypical disease course. The aim of this study was to describe a cohort of children diagnosed with recurrent or persisting IgAV to identify any themes associated with their disease course and areas of unmet needs.
Methods
A single centre retrospective study of children diagnosed with recurrent or persisting IgAV at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (Liverpool, UK). Clinical data, including features at presentation and during follow up, potential triggers, abnormal laboratory and histology results, treatment and outcome at last clinical review were retrospectively collected. Key themes were identified.
Results
A total of 13 children met the inclusion criteria (recurrent disease, n = 4; persisting disease, n = 9). Median age at first presentation was 10.2 years [2.6–15.5], female:male ratio 1.2:1. Children in the atypical cohort were significantly older than a larger cohort of children who followed a non-complicated disease course (median age 5.5 years (range [0.6–16.7], p = 0.003). All children re-presented with a purpuric rash (either recurring or persisting), accompanied by joint involvement in 92% of patients (12/13). Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were used in 8/13 (62%) children. The median time from first presentation to diagnosis of atypical disease was 18.4 months [5.3-150.8] and the time from first presentation to treatment was 24.1 months [1.8–95.4]. Use of corticosteroids was significantly higher in children with renal involvement (p = 0.026). During follow up, 8/13 (62%) children were admitted at least once, whilst 10/13 (77%) had re-presented at least once to the emergency department. Five (38%) children were referred to psychology services and 7 (54%) children reported feelings of frustration.
Conclusions
This series describes some characteristics of a small cohort of children with atypical IgAV. It also identifies unmet needs in children with atypical IgAV, which includes delays in diagnosis and lengthy waits for treatment, lack of high-quality evidence regarding treatment choices and a high unrecognised disease burden. Further research is needed to study this subgroup of children as evidence is lacking.
Optimization of Multi-Objective Process Parameters of TIG-MIG Hybrid Welding On EN24 Mild Steel Material Using the Grey-Based Taguchi Method
Authors: Tesfaye Fasil Kebede , Getaneh Ayitenew Mogninet
Published: June 2023

Metal Industry and Machine Technology Development Enterprise is Ethiopia's leading manufacturing industry, producing a diverse range of industrial machinery and products. The main welding process used to join the products is MIG welding, which has several flaws, including low weld-metal toughness, spatter formation, undercut formation, and finally poor tensile strength and toughness. The company also uses TIG welding, which uses an inert gas to produce less smoke and fumes. While this technology produces precise welds, it is a time-consuming operation with a lower production rate. As a result, a special type of welding process is required that incorporates the properties of both types of welding processes. As a result, the hybrid TIG-MIG welding configuration was proposed. The optimization of process parameters of EN24 mild steel material for TIGMIG hybrid welding is presented in this paper. The test was carried out on a 6 mm EN24 mild steel plate. The butt joint configuration was used. MIG welding current, TIG welding current, MIG welding voltage, TIG welding voltage, and welding gun travel speed were used as process parameters. A single-level L27 orthogonal array is used to optimize process parameters. Tensile and hardness tests are used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the weld joint. The optimum level setting of the test, according to the mean effect plot of GRG, is MIG welding current of 200 A, MIG welding voltage of 15 V, TIG welding current of 200 A, TIG welding voltage of 18 V, and welding gun travel speed of 5 mm/s. The significant process parameters were investigated using ANOVA. MIG welding current and MIG welding voltage were significant factors in the ANOVA, with percentage contributions of 44.19% and 49.20%, respectively. Five confirmation tests were performed, and the results show that the mean grey relational grade of the conformation test was 0.7594, which falls within the 90% confidence interval, indicating that the experiment is reliable. Finally, MIG welding, TIG welding, and TIG-MIG hybrid welding processes were compared, with the results indicating that TIG-MIG hybrid welding has the highest hardness and tensile strength of all. Based on the findings, it is possible to conclude that the company should use the hybrid welding method to improve the weld joint's hardness and tensile strength.
Identification of gene regulatory networks affected across drug-resistant epilepsies
Authors: Aronica Eleonora , Romagnolo Alessia , Mills James , Anink Jasper , Godard Patrice , Rajman Marek , Mühlebner Angelika , Skelton Andrew , Eyll Jonathan van , Dedeurwaerdere Stefanie , François Liesbeth
Published: June 2023

Epilepsy is a chronic and heterogenous disease characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures, that are commonly resistant to antiseizure medications. This study is the first to apply a transcriptome network-based approach across epilepsies aiming to improve understanding of molecular disease pathobiology, recognize affected biological mechanisms and apply causal reasoning to identify novel therapeutic hypotheses. This study included the most common drug-resistant epilepsies (DREs), such as temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS), and mTOR pathway-related malformations of cortical development (mTORopathies). This systematic comparison characterized the global molecular signature of epilepsies, elucidating the key underlying mechanisms of disease pathology including neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, brain extracellular matrix and energy metabolism. In addition, specific dysregulations in neuroinflammation and oligodendrocyte function were observed in TLE-HS and mTORopathies, respectively. The aforementioned mechanisms are proposed as molecular hallmarks of DRE with the identified upstream regulators offering novel opportunities for drug-target discovery and development.
Improving adolescents’ dietary behavior through teacher-delivered cancer prevention education: A school-based cluster randomized intervention trial in urban Rajasthan
Authors: Mittal Ankit , Rustagi Neeti , Thirunavukkarasu Prasanna , Ghosh Santu , Raghav Pankaja
Published: June 2023

Background
Dietary practices are one of the most common modifiable risk factors for cancers. Foods rich in dietary fibres are considered protective, and fast & junk foods are risk for common cancers. Adolescence period is marked by habit formation and is thus suited for delivering behavioral intervention. Schools offer an optimal setting for planning and executing these interventions to a large number of adolescents.
Objective
To assess the effectiveness of a classroom-based teacher delivered cancer prevention education in improving dietary behaviors among school going urban adolescents.
Methods
A cluster randomized trial was conducted in government secondary and senior secondary schools with schools as clusters. A sample of 1024 students was estimated from 16 schools with 1:1 allocation in control and intervention group. Student’s self-reported dietary behaviors for eating healthy and avoiding unhealthy foods, and their determinants as per theory of planned behavior framework were recorded. Two teachers from each of 8 intervention schools were trained to deliver cancer prevention education to students within regular school curriculum with focus on dietary behaviors.
Results
A total of 1096 students from 8 intervention and 8 control group schools completed the study. The study recorded significant improvement in scores of students from intervention group (IG) compared to control group (CG) for their attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention towards consuming healthy and avoiding unhealthy foods. The intervention was found effective in significantly improving the proportion of students for limiting fried food, fast food, packed food and sugar sweetened beverages (OR:1.65, 95%CI:1.10,1.47, p:0.015), and consuming fruits and vegetables daily (OR:1.72, 95%CI:1.19,2.50, p:0.004).
Conclusion
Classroom-based cancer prevention education delivered through teachers during regular working hours is effective in improving dietary behaviors and its determinants among adolescent students. Thus, we recommend integrating a section focusing on role of diet towards cancer prevention and other life-style diseases in existing school curriculum.
Trial Registration:
The trial was registered under Clinical Trial Registry-India with registration number CTRI/2018/12/016586.
Subclinical hypothyroidism predicted adverse cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Tan Qiang , Ming Chen , Hongmei Yang , Yao Guo
Published: June 2023

Background
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) increases the risk of cardiovascular events; however, the influence of SH on the prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the association between SH and cardiovascular events in patients with HFpEF.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, patients with HFpEF were divided into euthyroidism group (n = 413) and SH group (n = 79) according to the serum level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Patients were followed-up with for at least 30 months. The primary endpoint was a composite of adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death and re-hospitalization.
Results
The rate of composite cardiovascular events was higher in the SH group than in the euthyroidism group (54.49% and 26.36%, respectively; p < 0.001). The higher risk of cardiovascular events in the SH group was primarily due to a higher risk of re-hospitalization compared to the euthyroidism group (45.56% and 20.58%, respectively; p < 0.001). The rate of cardiovascular death was higher in the SH group than in the euthyroidism group (13.92% and 5.81%, respectively; p = 0.017). Cox proportional hazards regression showed that SH (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.921, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.139–3.240), TSH level (HR = 1.025, 95% CI = 1.010–1.054), age (HR = 1.017, 95% CI = 1.002–1.034), left ventricular ejection fraction (HR = 0.975, 95% CI = 0.953–0.996), atrial fibrillation (HR = 1.581, 95% CI = 1.083–2.307), eGFR (HR = 0.987, 95% CI = 0.978–0.997), and New York heart association grade (HR = 2.342, 95% CI = 1.649–3.326) were independent predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with HFpEF (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions
SH was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events and death in patients with HFpEF.