bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Variants of Cytokine Associated With Development and Complication of Type 2 Diabetes in a Group of Turkish Population
Authors: Ates Ilker , Guvenc Aysegul Kocatepe , Suzen Sinan , Irham Lalu Muhammad , Karakaya Asuman
Published: January 2024

Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic defect with an extreme enhancement of blood glucose level developed by the united effects of environmental and genetic factors and also related with micro and macrovascular complications. Researches pointed out the connections between disease and the inflammation. Cytokines have important role in administration of the homeostatic processes including tissue repair and inflammation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of some cytokine genes have an impact on the expression levels of these genes enhancing the risk of the disease development. Ultimate studies demonstrated several liaisons between cytokine gene polymorphisms and the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. In this research, we intended to elicit the feasible relationship between TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokine gene polymorphisms and development of Type 2 diabetes and the progression of the complications in Turkish subjects. The DNA specimens of all individuals are isolated then PCR-RFLP (Polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism) method was performed as genotyping analysis. Our data indicate that TNF-α (-308) and IL-1β (+ 3953) gene polymorphisms have significant effects on both development of the disease (3.27 and 2.15 respectively) and its complications (4.15 and 2.81 respectively). In regards to our results we suggest that TNF-α and IL-1β gene polymorphisms have an important role in developing and progressing of Type II diabetes in Turkish population.
Myoelectric motor execution and sensory training to alleviate chronic pain and regain movement in a paralyzed arm after an arm replantation: a case study
Authors: Kristoffersen Morten B. , Munoz-Novoa Maria , Buist Mirka , Emadeldin Mona , Reinholdt Carina , Ortiz-Catalan Max
Published: January 2024

Background
Following upper limb amputation, surgeries such as arm transplantation or replantation might be an option to restore function. After such surgeries, rehabilitation of the arm is needed. However, conventional rehabilitation is dependent on some volitional movement of the arm. If there is no or minimal movement of the arm, conventional rehabilitation might not be successful. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a novel combination of myoelectric motor execution (MME) and sensory training to reduce pain and improve upper limb function in a person with a highly impaired replanted arm.
Methods
The participant, a 72-year-old male, had his right arm replanted after a traumatic accident. No functional recovery was achieved following conventional rehabilitation and chronic neuropathic pain developed post-surgery. The participant then received 18 sessions of MME in which intended movements were decoded from the replanted arm’s myoelectric signals using machine learning and real-time feedback was provided on a screen. Nine sessions included sensory training using tactile grids where the participant discriminated different sensations.
Results
The participant regained active extension of the thumb (4 degrees), and regained active wrist movement (flex: 6 degrees, extend: 10 degrees), both of which were completely paralyzed prior the MME interventions. He also regained sensation in the thumb and fingers, and had a reduction in pain (weighted pain distribution 2.47 to 1.7)
Conclusion
MME is a novel virtual rehabilitation treatment which provides feedback using virtual limbs and serious games. MME combined with sensory training is a potential rehabilitation treatment for individuals with highly impaired arms which might ameliorate chronic neuropathic pain.
The Influence of Sn Content on the Electrochemical Performance and Discharge Characteristics of Al-0.2Mg-0.02In-0.04Ga-xSn-0.02Bi Alloy anodes in aluminum-air batteries
Authors: Quan Meng , Sui Yudong , Jiang Yehua , Xiao Tianxiang
Published: January 2024

This study examines the impact of varying Sn content on the microstructure, electrochemical performance, and discharge characteristics of the Al-0.2Mg-0.02In-0.04Ga-xSn-0.02Bi aluminum anode in an alkaline electrolyte. The purpose of this study is to examine the best quantity of Sn element addition to enhance the discharge performance of aluminum alloy anodes. The study utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the characteristics of the alloy's secondary phase and the morphology of corrosion. In addition, the electrochemical performance and discharge properties of the alloy anode were assessed using various methods, including self-corrosion rate, open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarisation, alternating current impedance, and constant current discharge tests. Incorporating Sn elements, where Sn atoms are dissolved in the aluminum matrix, results in a significant increase in the overpotential for hydrogen evolution. This leads to a reduction in self-corrosion rates and an improvement in discharge performance. Nevertheless, as the tin (Sn) content rises, the greater amount and larger size of tin-rich phases create galvanic cells with the aluminum matrix, resulting in higher rates of self-corrosion and reduced discharge performance. When the Sn content in the alloy anode is 0.03%, the overall performance is optimal. Its anode utilization rate and energy density are 91% and 4213 mWh g− 1 (at 50 mA cm− 2), respectively. Compared to the Sn-free aluminum alloy anode, they have been improved by 33.6% and 1626 mWh g− 1, respectively.
Geadephaga beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) from the sub-Antarctic Tierra del Fuego archipelago: Diversity, distribution and taxonomic key
Authors: Roig-Juñent Sergio , Griotti Mariana , Miras Diego , Carrara Rodolfo
Published: January 2024

The Tierra del Fuego Archipelago (TFA), situated at the southern tip of South America, confronts ecological challenges attributed to human activities, leading to direct consequences on regional biodiversity. Despite certain areas within the TFA being recognized as global conservation priorities, our comprehension of its invertebrates’ biodiversity remains incomplete. Insects, particularly Geadephaga beetles, play a crucial role in natural and agricultural ecosystems due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and integral functions as predators and granivores. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive species list of Geadephaga beetles in the TFA, including a taxonomic key, illustrated images of adult specimens, and maps to enhance understanding of their distribution patterns. We report 52 Geadephaga species, including one Cicindelidae and 51 Carabidae, with ten newly recorded species and three new putative taxa. The distribution patterns of Geadephaga in the TFA indicate a higher diversity compared to other sub-Antarctic islands. Distinct patterns associated with the Sub-Antarctic Nothofagus forests, the Magellanic open moorlands, and the Patagonian steppe are identified, revealing the impact of climatic conditions on beetle diversity. This research significantly contributes to understanding the Geadephaga biodiversity and distribution patterns in the TFA, providing valuable tools for taxonomic identifications.
Quality of Life in Spinal Cord Injured Individuals After Surgery
Authors: Lima Deoclides , KAHOZI BENJAMIN SILWAMBA , Pokorny Gabriel , Almeida Nivaldo S. , Richard Douglas , Silva João Pedro G. , Araújo José William , Carneiro Geraldo S.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Spinal cord injury is a serious and often irreversible phenomenon that causes major disruption in the quality of life of affected patients, as it can cause severe limitations in performing day-to-day activities. Therefore, understanding the main factors that impact the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injuries is fundamental to finding the best rehabilitation alternatives. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study. The survey included posttraumatic SCI patients who underwent spinal surgery and attended spine clinics from April 2017 to December 2019. Demographic data, injury data and quality of life questionnaire (Pain Analog Scale and Short Form-36) scores were collected. The data were compared using ANOVA, and p values less than A value of 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results: Seventy patients—54 males and 16 females—were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 40 years. Patients with more severe lesions on the Frankel scale or with lesions in the cervical or thoracic regions had lower values in the physical condition subdomain. Conclusion: This study showed that patients with more severe injuries on the Frankel scale and those with injuries in the thoracic or cervical regions had worse functional capacity.
Association between ethylene oxide exposure and osteoporosis: a cross-sectional nationwide study of the US population
Authors: Wang Jin-zhou , Li Shan-shan , Pu Hong-yu , He Jiang-tao
Published: January 2024

Background
Ethylene oxide is widely used in a number of specific industrial and medical applications due to its powerful sterilization and disinfection capabilities and as a raw material for chemical products. However, ethylene oxide is a toxic substance, and prolonged exposure or exposure at high concentrations may be hazardous to human health. Animal studies have demonstrated an association between health hazards and ethylene oxide exposure. Currently, the relationship between ethylene oxide long-term exposure and osteoporosis is unclear. Our aim was to investigate the correlation between blood ethylene oxide (EtO) concentrations and osteoporosis among the general population of the United States.
Methods
We gathered data on blood EtO levels and BMD from 2208 participants from the 2017–2020 and 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The relationship between ETO and BMD was assessed using multivariable linear regression. To handle the nonlinearity, we fitted smooth curves. To better explain the nonlinearity, we employed a two-piecewise linear regression model. Threshold effects were determined through a two-part linear regression model.
Results
We found a negative linear connection between HbEO and BMD at all three testing locations. This negative correlation persisted even after quartile variables for HbEO were established. Those in the highest percentile of HbEO had decreases in total femur BMD of 0.03 g/cm2 and femoral neck BMD of 0.02 g/cm2, respectively, compared to those in the lowest quartile. However, there were differences in this unfavourable connection across a few categories.
Conclusions
The findings of our investigation indicate an inverse correlation between HbEO and BMD (bone mineral density) within the adult demographic of the United States. Additional inquiry is warranted to elucidate the exact physiological process by which exposure to HbEO leads to the development of osteoporosis.
Supervised machine learning for identification of glass properties: Towards structural Stability and performance
Authors: Bashir Abba , Terlumun Adagba. T , Malami Salim Idris , Jibril M. M , Usman A. G. , abba S.i , Hussain Saddam
Published: January 2024

Classical and physics-based modelling is a basic way to describe how physical processes work, but it has many problems. For example, it uses a lot of computing power, takes a long time, and can't show how random and complicated processes work in glass science and engineering. On the other hand, machine learning (ML) models have been shown to get around this problem, especially when a precise and reliable estimate is needed. In this study, neural network (NN), adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), and robust linear regression (RLR) models were used to simulate the spring constant (K) at the junction of structural glass plates. The data from the experiment, which included axial load (N) and four different displacements (mm) and was collected in a total of 2879 cases, was pre-processed and split into 70% calibration and 30% verification. After that, sensitivity analysis was done, and 6 different model combinations (M1 through M6) were made. Based on the results of three performance evaluation criteria (R2, RMSE, and R), the ML model did well and could be trusted to estimate K. The ANN-M5, ANN-M6, ANFIS-M5, ANFIS-M6, KNN-M5, KNN-M6, RLR-M5, and RLR-M6 models, on the other hand, did 0.1 percent better than the rest. The model follows the latest best practices in machine learning and makes it possible to do experiments on low-power edge computing devices with minimal cost. KNN-M5 and KNN-M6 were the best models in terms of RMSE, but the confidence interval values showed that they were better than the best model (95%).
Discrepancies in temporal pCO2 variability from Earth System Models and pCO2-products related to high-latitude mixed layer dynamics and equatorial upwelling
Authors: Danek Christopher , Hauck Judith
Published: January 2024

The air-sea CO2 flux FCO2 is an important component of the global carbon budget and understanding its response to climate change is crucial to adjust mitigation pathways. Multi-linear regression supports the expectation that the balance between the CO2 partial pressures of air and the sea surface (pCO2) is the most important driver of temporal FCO2 variability. Discrepancies between state-of-the-art Earth System Models (ESMs) and gridded pCO2-products suggest that systematic biases exist across an ensemble of ESMs. In the equatorial regions, upwelling variability of carbon-rich water is biased in ESMs as modeled and observed sea surface temperature are generally uncorrelated. In the high latitudes, the climate change induced trend towards lighter sea water is overestimated in ESMs, which yields - in contrast to observations - shallower mixed layers over the contemporary period and hence a suppressed carbon supply from depth. While mixed layer depth variability and trends appear biased throughout the global ocean, this is not a determining factor for pCO2 variability in subtropical gyres. The results highlight the importance of accurately modeling hydrographic properties to obtain robust estimates of FCO2 and its variability.
The Exposome of Major Depressive Disorder in an Egyptian Sample: A Pilot Study
Authors: Deif Reem , Salama Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Background
Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been recognized as a global public health concern affecting the lives of 264 million people with increasing prevalence worldwide. Inspired by the exposomic research, this study aims to investigate the dynamic and complex interplay between different demographic, lifestyle, environmental factors and bimolecular factors that are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of MDD in a sample of Egyptian adults living in Cairo.
Methods
The sample included 107 adults from both genders between the ages of 18 and 50. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from different social and community platforms. Participants were excluded on the basis of having comorbid psychotic or neurodegenerative disorders, terminal conditions and cognitive disabilities that might interfere with their clinical presentation. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed and then refined to collect demographic, psychosocial, lifestyle and environmental data in addition to a mini mental state examination (MMSE). Additionally, the Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms and to generate a symptoms profile. The Arabic Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 7.0.2) was used to diagnostically differentiate between participants with MDD and healthy controls in addition to identifying cases of past episodes and recurrent episodes of MDD. Participants were also required to give blood samples for the examination of a wide range of biomarkers including EGF, FGF-2, FGF-9, FGF-21, FGF-22, IFN-γ, IGF-1, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, VEGFC, and VEGFD in addition to complete blood parameters.
Results
Results show several significant correlations between different inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers. Significant correlations were also established between different lifestyle factors and biomarkers, and MDD outcomes.
Conclusion
Despite its limitations, this study offers valuable insights about the complexity of MDD in an Egyptian sample combining psychosocial, environmental and biomolecular data. Such findings highlight the pressing need for a more personalized approach in the study of MDD. It shows real potential of investing in precision mental health research for the development and enhancement of personalized intervention and prevention strategies.
Machine-learning-based on multimodality radiomics analysis for the Preoperative Prediction for local relapse in osteosarcoma
Authors: Luo Zhendong , Liu Renyi , Li Jing , Li Yulin , Shen Xinping
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE:
This study aimed to identify patients with local relapse (≤ 2 years) in osteosarcoma after surgical resection and make better clinical decisions by constructing a preoperative predictive model based on radiograph and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A retrospective study of 92 consecutive patients (training set, n = 61; testing set, n = 31) with extremity high-grade osteosarcoma were enrolled. The imaging features for each patient were extracted from radiograph, multiparametric MRI (T1WI, T2WI and T1WI-CE). In order to select features, three steps including minimal-redundancy-maximum-relevance (mRMR), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and the random forest recursive feature elimination (RF-RFE) were performed. The classification performance was evaluated with four classifiers: extreme gradient boosting (XGB), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF). The receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the performance of the classifiers. DeLong’s test was utilized for comparing the AUCs.
RESULTS:
The performance (AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy) of four classifiers (RF, SVM, LR and XGB) using radiograph-MRI as image inputs were stable (all Hosmer–Lemeshow index > 0.05) with the fair to good prognosis efficacy. The RF classifier using radiograph-MRI features as training inputs exhibited better performance (AUC = 0.806, 0.868) than that using MRI-only (AUC = 0.774, 0.771) and radiograph-only (AUC = 0.613 and 0.627) in the training and testing sets (p < 0.05) while the other three classifiers showed no difference between MRI only and radiograph-MRI models.
CONCLUSION:
The tumoral radiograph and multiparametric MRI radiomics model can promisingly predict local relapse in extremity high-grade osteosarcoma. Our results highlighted the potential value of the tumoral radiomic model in osteosarcoma management.
WITHDRAWN: Epidemic patterns of the different influenza virus types and subtypes/lineages for 10 years in Chongqing, China
Authors: Fu Xiaoqing , Long Jiang , Xiong Yu , Li Zhifeng , Yang Jule , Tian Dechao , Li Zhourong , Yang Shuang , Qi Li
Published: January 2024

Objectives To optimize seasonal influenza control and prevention programs in regions with potentially complicated seasonal patterns.
Methods Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the etiology of influenza, and chi-square tests were used to compare the epidemic patterns among different influenza virus types and subtypes/lineages.
Result From January 2010 to December 2019, a total of 63,626 ILI cases were reported in Chongqing and 14,136 (22.22%) were laboratory-confirmed influenza cases. The positive rates of influenza A and influenza B, which were 13.32% and 8.86%, respectively. The positive rate of influenza A reached the highest in winter (23.33%), while the positive rate of influenza B reached the highest in spring (11.88%). Children aged 5-14 years old had the highest positive rates of influenza. The influenza virus types/subtypes positive was significantly different by seasons and age groups (p＜0.001), not by gender (p=0.436). The vaccine strains were matched to the circulating influenza virus strains in all other years except for 2018 (circulating strain was B/Yamagata).
Conclusions The study showed significant variations in epidemic patterns, including seasonal epidemic period and age distributions, among different influenza types, subtypes/lineages in Chongqing. Influenza vaccines matched well to the circulating influenza virus strain. In order to prevent and mitigate the influenza outbreak in this area, high risk population, especially children aged 5-14 years, should be encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza before the epidemic season.
Evaluation and simulation of athlete training techniques using optical imaging technology based accelerometer
Authors: Jingchen Zhang
Published: January 2024

Traditional acceleration sensors are widely used in training and evaluation, but they have some limitations, such as accuracy and applicability. Optical imaging technology is considered a potential alternative method due to its high accuracy and comprehensiveness. However, there is currently a lack of research on the application of optical imaging technology in the evaluation of athlete training techniques. In order to evaluate the performance of optical imaging technology and traditional accelerometer in athlete training technology evaluation, real-time data collection of athlete movements was conducted using traditional accelerometer and optical imaging equipment. Traditional acceleration sensors require more caution during the implantation process, while optical devices can obtain data through non-contact means, which allows athletes to train more naturally and comfortably without being disturbed by external factors. The research results show that acceleration sensors based on optical imaging technology perform better in terms of accuracy. Optical imaging technology can provide more accurate pose recognition and joint angle measurement, which is beneficial for enhancing the analysis of technical details. By comparing the data from traditional acceleration sensors and optical imaging technology, we can gain a deeper understanding of the athlete's movement patterns and technical level.
Terrihabitans rhizophilus sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of plant in temperate semi-arid steppe
Authors: Bao Runze , Guo Huiling , Liang Yungang , Tang Kai , Feng Fuying , Meng Jianyu
Published: January 2024

The bacterial strain was isolated from the rhizosphere of Elymus dahuricus Turcz. in temperate semi-arid steppe, located in the northern of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Strain PJ23T is Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, light-pink, short rod-shaped, and does not form spores. Cell growth could be observed at 4-29 ℃ (optimum, 24 ℃), pH 6.0-8.6 (optimum, 8.0) and in the presence of 0-5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.5 %). The major fatty acids of strain PJ23T were Summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω6c and/or C18:1 ω7c) 39.42 %) and C16:0 (9.60 %). The polar lipid profile was composed of phosphatidylcholine, two unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified aminophospholipid, and two other unidentified polar lipids. The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. Phylogeny on full length of 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved from the genomes showed that, the strain was closely related to Terrihabitans soli IZ6T and Flaviflagellibacter deserti SYSU D60017T with the sequence similarities of 96.79% and 96.15%, respectively. The G+C content was 65.23 mol% calculated on draft genome sequencing. Between the strains PJ23T and T. soli IZ6T, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) was 73.39 % and 15.7 %, these values are lower than the proposed and generally accepted species boundaries of dDDH and ANI. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic characteristics, strain PJ23T represents a novel species of Terrihabitans, for which the name Terrihabitans rhizophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PJ23T (= KCTC 92977T=CGMCC 1.61577T).
Efficiency Estimation of Complex Networks and Regional Economic Development Based on GIS Optical Remote Sensing Technology
Authors: Li Jun , Li Dongsheng
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a method for estimating global network efficiency based on fractal characteristics, which uses complex network topology to solve the problem of low efficiency and complex calculation of fractal characteristics. Analyzed the relationship between network efficiency and node relevance, integrated the fractal characteristics of complex network topology, and improved the overall efficiency, and proposed a fast judgment method of complex network fractal characteristics based on node relevance. The experimental results show that the method can accurately and effectively estimate the network efficiency, and the calculation time is reduced by more than 90% compared with the original method. Then this article analyzes the development of regional technology and economy, and the development of regional circular economy is a strategic choice for China to realize the transformation of the second economic growth mode. Like any economic model, the development of a regional circular economy is also a strategic choice to realize the transformation of the second economic growth mode. In practice, the technical support of the regional circular economy does not come from one or more technological innovations. The resulting technology cluster is an organic whole with key technologies as the core, interconnected, mutually promoted, and mutually restrictive, that is, the technology of institutional innovation. It exists objectively in the region and is the material basis for supporting circular economy. According to the characteristics of fractal, the network efficiency of complex networks is improved and applied to regional economic development. It is used to solve the shortcomings of complex network calculation and long time, so as to improve regional economic construction, promote regional economic development, and make contributions to regional economy.
Application of Low Resolution Face Recognition Based on Infrared Spectral Imaging in Motion Training Action Analysis
Authors: Jinglong Ding
Published: January 2024

As a conscious activity, the importance of sports in social life is self-evident. However, how to use modern scientific and technological means to improve sports fun and athletes' competitive ability has become the current research hotspot. The current sports detection system has a high restriction on Athletes' movements. Therefore, it is an inevitable direction of future development to integrate intelligent technology into sports movement detection, and face recognition technology has become the best choice with its unique technical advantages. This paper constructs an application system that combines the low-resolution face recognition technology of the Internet of things with sports training action analysis. The system determines the design idea of the system framework by optimizing the face recognition model and the embedded algorithm, and the Softmax loss function is applied to the system to optimize the recognition accuracy and credibility. In addition, the system determines the parameter response value by analyzing the elbow and knee joints in the video. Finally, according to the test of system reliability, it is found that the system with GPU as the processor has the lowest resource occupancy and the highest reliability, which indicates that the system not only avoids the problem of low accuracy of traditional identification equipment, but also makes the action detection result more reliable.
Investigation of shared molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis and heart failure via integrated analysis of multiple microarray data
Authors: Chen Dongling , Song Yinwei , Zhang Huaiqi , Ye Yang
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study aimed to mine shared genes and related molecular mechanisms of sepsis and heart failure (HF).
Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in sepsis and HF samples were identified using discovery datasets (GSE28750 and GSE57345). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of the DEGs was performed to identify sepsis- and HF-related gene coexpression modules. Shared genes of the two diseases were identified, followed by functional enrichment analysis, protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and expression validation using validation datasets (GSE65682 and GSE84796). Moreover, diagnostic performance, immune cell infiltration, and gene set enrichment analyses for hub-shared genes were conducted.
Results: In total, 5407 and 2042 DEGs in sepsis and HF samples, respectively, were identified based on GSE28750 and GSE57345. WGCNA revealed five sepsis-related modules containing 2972 genes and three HF-related modules containing 982 genes; 170 shared genes of the two diseases were obtained. Four hub-shared genes of the two diseases were identified, including RRS1, IMP4, RPLP0, and NOP16, by PPI analysis and expression validation with external datasets. The four hub-shared genes had high diagnostic performance, with AUC [Editor1] values higher than 0.7 in the four datasets. Moreover, there was a significantly negative correlation between RRS1 and M0 macrophages and between IMP4 macrophages and plasma cells in the two diseases; these genes were significantly enriched in ribosome assembly and biogenesis processes.
Conclusion: Four genes, RRS1, IMP4, RPLP0, and NOP16, may be key common regulators in sepsis and HF and serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these two diseases.
Abbreviations are typically defined the first time the term is used within the abstract and again in the main text and then used exclusively throughout the remainder of the document. Please consider adhering to this convention. The target journal may have a list of abbreviations that are considered common enough that they do not need to be defined.
Laboratory study on use of lime and waste materials in improving geotechnical properties of clay
Authors: Juneja Gaurav
Published: January 2024

The waste materials such as fly ash, construction demolition waste and plastic waste are generated in tremendous quantities and are dumped haphazardly thereby causing irreparable damage to the environment. Proper utilization of these wastes particularly in the construction sector will protect the environment from their harmful effects and will prove to be economical by the preservation of precious natural resources. This paper presents an investigation on utilization of lime, fly ash and construction demolition waste individually and in combination with each other for the stabilization of poor soil. The utilization of plastic waste along with soil-fly ash-construction demolition waste-lime composite was further investigated. The samples for unconfined compressive strength and split tensile strength were compacted at optimum moisture content to maximum dry density which was obtained from standard Proctor compaction tests. The samples were tested after 7 days, 28 days and 56 days curing periods. The results reveal that addition of admixtures increases the unconfined compressive strength and split tensile strength and the optimum mixes were selected based upon 7 days unconfined compressive strength. The increase in strength with addition of admixtures depends on the type of admixture used and formation of new minerals which can be observed from XRD graphs. The soaked California bearing ratio tests were conducted on the optimum mixes and soil-fly ash-C&D waste-lime mix was selected as the best sub-grade material compared to other material combinations based upon economical and environmental considerations.
Multi-objective Optimization and Development of Mathematical Model for Process Parameters of AmaranthGrains using Regression Analysis
Authors: Patil Sagar Dnyandev , Khot Aniket B. , Hatte Prafulla R
Published: January 2024

Purpose - There are several ways to heat amaranth grains, including oven puffing, gun puffing, extrusion puffing, oil puffing, pan popping, etc. Because of its size, puffing characteristics, poor volume expansion ratio, etc., amaranth grains cannot be popped in an oven, gun, extrusion, oil, or pan. In this study, the amaranth grains were popped or puffed using a Special Purpose Machine (SPM) with a heating plate. This device was created to get around all of the earlier listed restrictions. The temperature, angle, nozzle hole size, heating plate material, and other factors all affect the quality of amaranth grains. Major quality indicators of amaranth grains are the Popping Yield, Ratio of Volume Expansion, and Sensory Score. These quality indicators are examined for the effect of process characteristics on them. Therefore, these characteristics are complete to conduct additional research. The purpose of this study is to examine the more important process variables that affect the quality indicators of Amaranth grains.
Methodology – For examining how different process variables affect the grain quality of amaranth, the Taguchi method was used. The significant factors were found using Minitab 17 software.
Findings – The design of the experiment has been improved for the major process parameters, according to the experimental analysis and optimization study. To conduct the experimental research, L16 Orthogonal Array has been acquired. The original setup (P4Q2R3S2) for the GRA technique had a GRG of 0.778. By utilizing a new optimum combination (P3Q4R3S2), it was raised to 0.790. It indicates that the grade has increased by 1.89%. As a result, design factors have been successfully optimized utilizing the Gray Relational Analysis approach to produce improved machine parameters for the Lahi machine.
Originality: The Gray Relational Analysis approach used to for multi objective optimization which gives 1.89% improvements in quality of grains.
Rational design of ROS scavenging and fluorescent gold nanoparticles to deliver siRNA to improve plant resistance to Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Wu Honghong , Qi Jie , Li Yanhui , Xue Yao , Li Guangjing , Xu Wenying , Xie Zhouli , Gu Jiangjiang , Li Zhaohu
Published: January 2024

Bacterial diseases are one of the common issues to result in crop loss world-widely, and the increasing usage of chemical pesticides has caused the occurrence of resistance in pathogenic bacteria and environmental pollution problems. Nanomaterials mediated gene silencing is started to display powerful efficiency and environmental friendliness for improving plant disease resistance. However, the internalization of nanomaterials and the physiological mechanism behind nano-improved plant disease resistance are still rarely understood. Herein, we engineered the polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized gold nanoparticles (PEI-AuNPs) with fluorescent property and ROS scavenging activity to act as siRNA delivery platform. Besides the loading, protection and delivering of nucleic acid molecules in plant mature leaf cells by PEI-AuNPs, its fluorescent property further enables the traceability of the distribution of the loaded nucleic acid molecules in cells. In addition, PEI-AuNPs delivery system successfully mediated defense regulated gene silencing, thus improving plant disease resistance by reducing bacterial number, balancing ROS content, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and improving chlorophyll fluorescence performance. Our results showed the benefits of AuNP-based RNAi technology in improving plant disease resistance and the potential of plant nanobiotechnology to protect agricultural production.
Can bone scintigraphy play a role in identification and assessment of vertebral compression fractures?
Authors: Arnon-Sheleg Elite , Weiner Daniel , Haj Saeda , Rod Alon , Rahamimov Nimrod
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the role of bone scintigraphy (BS) in identifying and assessing the age of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).
Methods: A total of 190 patients with VCFs, eligible for vertebral augmentation surgery, underwent computed tomography (CT) and BS. The CT and scintigraphic patterns of 2966 vertebrae were compared.
Results: The CT and BS findings were concordant in the majority of cases (95.5%), including 84.4% normal vertebrae, 6.4% acute VCFs, and 4.7% chronic VCFs. However, in 37 patients, 45 occult acute VCFs were only detected on BS and not on CT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that these patients were older and had lower bone density compared to the rest of the study population. Additionally, 40 patients had acute VCFs visible on CT but with no increased or low intensity uptake on BS. These cases were associated with a shorter time period between trauma and BS, a higher prevalence of male patients, and higher bone density. Acute VCFs with no increased uptake or low levels of uptake were found within six days of the trauma.
Conclusion: BS provides valuable information about the age of VCFs, detects radiologically occult fractures, and can serve as a cost-effective alternative to MRI. To avoid missing acute VCFs, BS should be performed six days or more after the injury.
How to Nudge towards Continuous Sustainable Improvement: The ABCs of Productivity Award
Authors: Mohammadian Behzad , Pishdar Mahsa , Matin Hassan Zarei
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the redesign of a productivity award in the value chain, aiming to provide a comprehensive strategic framework for organizations dedicated to excellence. A notable challenge is identified in the absence of industry-specific models tailored to sector characteristics. In response, the ABCs of Productivity Award is introduced to catalyze sustainable continual improvement in value chains. The research utilizes methodological synthesis, incorporating a comprehensive case analysis across three structured phases. The first phase explores key success factors and conducts a methodical comparative assessment of the current productivity evaluation system against international and national models. This phase lays the foundational bedrock for enhancements in the next phase, involving different focus group deliberations. Informed by insights from the investigative phase, these sessions contribute to preliminary adjustments, forming a blueprint for transformative development. The third phase encompasses a diligent tripartite validation process, involving qualitative, quantitative, and pilot study components. The culmination reveals the scientific meticulous construction of the ABCs of Productivity Award, could be benchmarked in every single industry to create sustainable value while considering various issues that involve different stakeholders. This methodology has been applied to develop national award of Iran’ mining industry and the potential deficits are adjusted in this way and make it efficacious for benchmarking.
EduCodeVR: Design and Evaluation of VR Educational Software for Teaching Programming through Implementing Smart Control of Farms and Traffic
Authors: Jin Zean , Bai Yulong , Song Wei
Published: January 2024

Virtual reality (VR) technology provides innovative learning methods for science, technology, engineering , art and mathematics (STEAM) education by simulating real scenes. This study focuses on how to use the Arduino UNO microcontroller for graphical programming and hardware interfacing in VR environment. Through this approach, students can engage in the intelligent management of farms and traffic in a virtual setting, thereby gaining an in-depth understanding of the practical applications of microcontrollers and cultivating students’ programming skills and innovation abilities. We designed the course, learning achievement test and virtual reality system usability test for programming beginners The test results indicate that this VR software effectively promotes users’ STEAM literacy and computational thinking, demonstrating the immense potential of applying VR technology in STEAM education. Through this innovative teaching method, students not only acquire knowledge but also enjoy the pleasure of immersive learning.
Unveiling Therapeutic Frontiers: DON/DRP-104 as Innovative Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitors Against Carcinoma-Associated Hereditary Angioedema Shocks - A Comprehensive Molecular Dynamics Exploration
Authors: Oduro-Kwateng Ernest , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: January 2024

Human plasma kallikrein (PKa) is a member of the serine protease family and serves as a key mediator of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), which is known for its regulatory roles in inflammation, vasodilation, blood pressure, and coagulation. Genetic dysregulation of KKS leads to Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), which is characterized by spontaneous, painful swelling in various body regions. Importantly, HAE frequently coexists with various cancers. Despite substantial efforts towards the development of PKa inhibitors for HAE, there remains a need for bifunctional agents addressing both anti-cancer and anti-HAE aspects, especially against carcinoma-associated comorbid HAE conditions. Consequently, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the anti-glutamine prodrug, isopropyl(S)-2-((S)-2-acetamido-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propanamido)-6-diazo-5-oxo-hexanoate (DRP-104), and its active form, 6-Diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), recognized for their anti-cancer properties, as novel PKa inhibitors. Utilizing structure-based in silico methods, we conducted a comparative analysis with berotralstat, a clinically approved HAE prophylactic, and sebetralstat, an investigational HAE therapeutic agent, in Phase 3 clinical trials. Inhibiting PKa with DON resulted in heightened structural stability, rigidity, restricted protein folding, and solvent-accessible loop exposure, contributing to increased intra-atomic hydrogen bond formation. Conversely, PKa inhibition with DRP-104 induced restricted residue flexibility and significantly disrupted the critical SER195-HIS57 arrangement in the catalytic triad. Both DON and DRP-104, along with the reference drugs, induced strong cooperative intra-residue motion and bidirectional displacement in the PKa architecture. The results revealed favorable binding kinetics of DON/DRP-104, showing thermodynamic profiles that were either superior or comparable to those of the reference drugs. These findings support their consideration for clinical investigations into the management of carcinoma-associated HAE.
Short report of potential Myelinogenesis effects of taper up-off of opium tincture in rodent model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dezhakam Hossein , Dezhakam Ani , Dezhakam Amin , Dezhakam Shani , Haghighatfard Arvin
Published: January 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common demyelinating autoimmune diseases that affects the central nervous system and is characterized by major immune-mediated myelin and axonal damage or axonal loss explicable to the absence of myelin sheaths. Here we present the early findings of the gene expression study of meylinogenesis-related genes of MS rat models which were treated with a novel protocol of taper up-off of opium tincture.
The study included normal Lewis rats, MS rat models by induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) without treatment, and MS rat models with a novel protocol of taper up-off treatment of opium tincture called Dezhakam-step-time (DST) in different dosages. RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized from the spinal cord tissue. Gene expression analysis was conducted for eight genes as markers of myelinogenesis (OLIG1, OLIG2, MBP, MYRF, PLP1, PMP22, EGF, and UGT8) using the Real time PCR.
All eight genes were down-regulated in EAE models vs. healthy controls and all eight genes were up-regulated after the taper up-off treatment of opium tincture. The most over-expression of myelinogenesis-related genes was revealed at higher dosages of opium tincture.
These are the early results of a gene expression study in a multiple sclerosis model treated with opium tincture. It seems that the opium tincture method may induce the activation of myelinogenesis in EAE models which could lead to a potential treatment for improvement of neural dysfunctions in MS patients.
Effects of metformin on the glucose regulation, lipid levels and gut microbiota in in high-fat diet with streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: zhou xuan , Zhou Jian , Ban Qingfeng , Zhang Mei , Ban Bo
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Among anti-diabetic drugs, metformin may regulate blood glucose through affect gut microbiotas, however, the potential mechanism between glucose regulation and gut microbiota were not clear. The study was to evaluate the effect of metformin on the the glucose regulation, lipid levels and gut microbiota in high-fat diet with streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (HFD/STZ-T2DM) rats.
Methods
Thirty experimental male rats were divided into three groups, which were fed normal diet for the first week. The first group was the control group (10 individuals), the second group and the third group were given high-fat diet to establish the diabetes model at the 2–7 weeks of feeding, the second group was the diabetes control group (10 individuals); The third group was given metformin, that is, metformin group (10). The body weight of rats in each group was measured weekly, and the levels of OGTT, HbA1C, TG, TC and LDL-C in venous blood were monitored 42d later. Acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid were collected from the stool of rats the day before the end of the experiment, and microbial DNA was extracted. At the end of the experiment, the weight of liver, kidney, spleen and thymus tissue was measured, and the pathological analysis of pancreatic tissue was performed.
Results
The results showed that the rats gavaged with metformin significantly improving the blood glucose, serum lipids, accompanied by altering of short-chain fatty acids levels and intestinal microbiota (P < 0.05). Compared to the diabetic rats, the metformin may through increased the specific probiotics to improving the the hypoglycemic effects of the oral antidiabetic drugs. The damages of liver and kidney were well improved in the rats gavaged with metformin.
Conclusions
The metformin may be a good alternative to oral drugs for delaying progression of diabetic complications.
Optimal Sizing of a Hybrid Microgrid System for a Rural Area of Algeria
Authors: Bacha Badis , Ghodbane Hatem , Terki Nadjiba , Hamiane Madina , Charrouf Omar , Betka Abir , Bacha Aymene
Published: January 2024

Renewable energy systems have replaced systems that use fossil fuels in many applications in different regions of the world. This is seen in the increasing use of solar and wind energy as the two most important sources for producing environment-friendly and economically convenient electrical energy. The fluctuating and unstable nature of renewable energy sources makes this type of energy complex to exploit, and related research has therefore mainly focused on Control and optimization. This work proposes an optimized configuration of two hybrid systems designed for a microgrid network with the aim to improve the power supply in isolated areas and provide a low cost, more reliable, and sustainable source of electricity for rural communities that may have limited access to traditional power grids. These hybrid setups consist of an initial system that caters for 10 houses which is then extended to serve 20 houses. Both setups utilize solar and wind energy sources, energy storage batteries, and a diesel generator. Real data collected in the Biskra region in the southeast of Algeria, is used. Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is applied to achieve the optimal size of the hybrid system components through the weighted sum multi-objective approach, whereby three factors, namely, Cost of Electricity, Loss of Power Supply Probability, and Dummy Excess are combined into one objective function. Results of simulation show that the proposed approach achieves highly satisfactory values for the electricity prices in the 10- house and 20-house scenarios, with estimates of 0.15829 $/Kwh and 0.42112 $/Kwh, respectively.