bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The proliferating cell nuclear antigen gene (pcna) plays a key role in ovarian development in the ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda
Authors: Hua Songsong , Li Wanying , Du Zhengwei , Zhou Xinyu , Zhang Sichen , Zhang Huimin , Baloch Wazir Ali , Yan Binlun , Gao Huan
Published: August 2023

The ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda, has advantages in its rapid growth and strong environmental adaptability, and it is a good species for the biological research of crustaceans. To explore the function of the pcna gene in the ovarian development of crustaceans, we cloned the pcna (Ec-pcna) from E. carinicauda. The open reading frame of the pcna is 786 bp, and it encodes a total of 261 aa. A PCNA/RFC (replication factor C) domain exists at 208–254 aa, and according to a phylogenetic analysis, the amino acid sequence of Ec-pcna has the highest similarity with the pcna gene from Litopenaeus vannamei, and it is clustered into one branch with L. vannamei and Penaeus monodon. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression of pcna was highest in the ovarian tissue of E. carinicauda, and it was significantly higher than that of other tissues (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression level gradually increased in Stages I-III of ovarian development, with the expression level in Stage III being significantly higher compared to the other stages (p < 0.05). The protein overexpression analysis showed that the overexpression of the PCNA protein was due to an overexpression of cell cycle-related genes cdk2 and cyclin A, and accelerated ovarian development. Immunohistochemical results showed that pcna played an important role in the accumulation of exogenous nutrients. Moreover, the RNAi results showed that knocking down the expression of the pcna gene can significantly reduce the expression of the gene Vg, related to vitelline, indicating that pcna has a regulatory effect on the expression of Vg. Based on the results of flow cytometry, we speculate that the decreasing of vg expression level in the ovary may be caused by the inhibition of follicular cell polyploidization.This study showed that pcna plays an important role in the proliferation of ovarian cells and the accumulation of exogenous nutrients in E. carinicauda.
Microbiome transplant and host genetic background shape Daphnia tolerance: Implications for ecological and ecotoxicological effect assessment
Authors: El-Shehawy Rehab , Luecke-Johansson Sandra , Brindefalk Björn , Breitholtz Magnus , Gorokhova Elena
Published: August 2023

Background
Daphnia magna is a classic model in ecological, evolutionary, and ecotoxicological research. Despite global efforts to standardize cultures and experimental procedures, interclonal variability remains a limitation in interpreting and understanding responses to field and experimental conditions. Different microbiomes can lead to varying baseline responses of test organisms to stressors, making it challenging to distinguish between stressor-induced effects and inherent microbiome-driven variability. Here, we demonstrate that clone-specific microbiome composition is a significant part of the host tolerance to xenobiotics.
Results
To address the role of the gut microbiome in toxicity assessment, we developed a microbiota transplant approach and applied it to investigate how three D. magna clones respond to toxicity of hexavalent chromium. We found that interclonal variability in the lethality decreased in concert with the homogenization of taxonomic composition and metabolic capacity of the microbiome in the daphnid lines subjected to the microbiome transplant.
Conclusion
The microbiome was a primary driver of the host response to the toxicant; moreover, the direction of the response to the microbiome transplant was clone-dependent. In ecology and ecotoxicology, the microbiome transplantation approach can enhance the reproducibility of effect studies and robustness of ecological thresholds by limiting the confounding effect of microbiota composition. It also offers opportunities for research focused on how the microbiota shapes host physiology in health and disease.
Fabrication of vitrified bond diamond grinding wheel via UV-curing
Authors: Chen Zhaoqi , Xiao Na , Han Ping , Wang Zhao , Li Zhengxin
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an additive manufacturing UV-curing successful fabrication of vitrified bond diamond grinding wheel. High-performance vitrified bond was obtained by high-temperature melting of SiO2-B2O3-Al2O3-Na2O ceramic raw materials and used for grinding wheel preparation. UV-curing technology is characterized by high precision in shaping, fast processing speed, and superior quality, making it a promising technology for the fabrication of vitrified bond diamond grinding wheels. In order to meet the requirements for UV-curing of the grinding wheels, the preparation of vitrified bond slurry with high solid content and low viscosity was extensively investigated. The effects of dispersant, particle size of vitrified bond, and solid content on the viscosity of the slurry were systematically analyzed. Furthermore, in order to explore the optimal formulation of the grinding wheel, debinding and sintering conditions, sintering temperature, grit-to-bond ratio, and the evaluation of the grinding performance of the wheel on hard and brittle materials such as silicon carbide ceramic were studied. The results show that the vitrified bond diamond grinding wheel exhibits optimal comprehensive performance with a sintering temperature of 680°C and a grit-to-bond ratio of 7:3. The minimum surface roughness of the workpiece after grinding is 1.767 µm, the material removal rate is 5.08 mg/s, the grinding ratio is 9.78, and the friction coefficient is stabilized at about 0.5 during grinding. This paper provides guidance for the manufacture of vitrified bond diamond grinding wheels by UV-curing.
Effects of Low-Laser Therapy and LED- mediated Photobiomodulation on pulp canal volume of maxillary first premolars undergoing orthodontic tooth movement – A pilot study
Authors: Staverescu Raluca , Wong Alice , Petocz Peter , Foley Matthew , Dalci Oyku , Darendeliler M. Ali
Published: August 2023

Objectives
To assess the effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and LED – mediated Photobiomodulation(LED-PBM) on pulp volume of maxillary first premolars.
Materials and Methods
Seventy-six micro-CT scans of maxillary first premolars were collected as part of two randomized clinical trials. All premolars were subjected to 150g buccal tipping force for 4 weeks. Twenty premolars received LLLT and 18 premolars had received LED-PBM while their contra-lateral teeth were served as controls. Premolars were then extracted as part of the treatment plan. The volume of the tooth roots and pulp canal were then analysed.
Results
The average pulp volume for premolars received LLLT and the controls were 19.71mm3 and 17.95mm3 respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.135). The average pulpal volume for LED-PBM premolars and the controls were 14.11mm3 and 15.65mm3 respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.193) either. Univariate analysis of variance indicated that the application of LLLT or LED-PBM does not result in statistical difference changes in pulpal volume. There was no correlation between pulp volume change and difference in the total amount of root resorption caters developed following the application of LLLT and LED-PBM.
Conclusion
No significant difference was found on the pulp canal volume of maxillary first premolars between experimental and control groups when LLLT or LED-PBM was applied for 4 weeks in addition to 150g of orthodontic force.
Clinical Relevance:
The use of LLLT or LED-PBM has no known effects on pulp tissues.
Chitosan for the control of Meloidogyne javanica and resistance induction in soybean
Authors: Schwan Vitor Vargas , Kuligoski Luisa Richart , Oliveira Juliana Santos Batista , Schwan-Estrada Kátia Regina Freitas , Dias-Arieira Cláudia Regina
Published: August 2023

Chitosan is an antimicrobial polysaccharide with potential to control nematodes and elicit plant defense responses. This study aimed to assess the effect of seed treatment with chitosan on the control of Meloidogyne javanica and resistance induction in soybean. In vitro and greenhouse experiments were performed to investigate the effects of chitosan treatments on nematode egg hatching rate, root penetration and reproduction, glyceollin production, and activation of the enzymes guaiacol peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and catalase (CAT). Chitosan inhibited in vitro egg hatching by up to 99%. Seed treatment reduced M. javanica penetration and development in soybean roots. There was an 81% reduction in nematode reproduction on roots. Seed treatment with chitosan induced the activation of the enzymes POX, PPO, PAL, and CAT as well as phytoalexin biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate that chitosan treatment of soybean seeds is effective in controlling M. javanica and inducing plant resistance.
Adrenocortical suppression in children with nephrotic syndrome treated with corticosteroids
Authors: Krishna Ganesh M , Dabas Aashima , Mantan Mukta , M Akshay Kumar , Goswami Binita
Published: August 2023

Background: While single morning cortisol values are used for screening, an ACTH stimulation test is more definitive to identify adrenocortical suppression in children with nephrotic syndrome.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled children (2-18 years) with both SSNS (n=27) and SRNS (n=25); those on daily prednsiolone or having serious bacterial infections or hospitalized were excluded. The primary objective was to determine prevalence of adrenocortical suppression in those on low dose alternate day steroids for more than 8 weeks or having received >2mg/kg/d for more than 2 weeks in past 1 year and currently in remission. A baseline morning fasting sample of serum cortisol was taken and 25 IU of ACTH (Acton Prolongatum*) injected intramuscularly and repeat serum cortisol sample was taken after 1 hour. All patients with 1 hr post ACTH cortisol <18.0 µgm/dl were diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to predict the prednisolone dose for adrenal insufficiency.
Results: 52 (33 males) children were enrolled (meanage 9.4years);proportion of adrenal insufficiency was 50% and 64% using baseline and poststimulationcutoffs. The total cumulative annual dose of prednisolone 0.22 mg/kg/day predicted adrenocortical suppression with AUC 0.76 (95% CI as 0.63-0.89), with a sensitivity of 63.9% and specificity of 81.3%.
Conclusions: A significant proportion of children with nephrotic syndrome were detected with adrenal insufficiency on ACTH stimulation test. A cumulative steroid intake of > 0.22 mg/kg/day emerged as a risk factor for predicting adrenocortical suppression.
Cancer drug sensitivity prediction from routine histology images
Authors: Dawood Muhammad , Vu Quoc , Young Lawrence , Branson Kim , Jones Louise , Rajpoot Nasir , Minhas Fayyaz
Published: August 2023

Drug sensitivity prediction models can aid in personalising cancer therapy, biomarker discovery, and drug design. Such models require survival data from randomized controlled trials which can be time consuming and expensive. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate for the first time that deep learning can link histological patterns in whole slide images (WSIs) of Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) stained breast cancer sections with drug sensitivities inferred from cell lines. We employ patient-wise drug sensitivities imputed from gene expression based mapping of drug effects on cancer cell lines to train a deep learning model that predicts sensitivity to multiple drugs from WSIs. We show that it is possible to use routine WSIs to predict the drug sensitivity profile of a cancer patient for a number of approved and experimental drugs. We also show that the proposed approach can identify cellular and histological patterns associated with drug sensitivity profiles of cancer patients.
Thermodynamic characteristics of Extreme Heat Waves over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Shi Ning , Liu Wencai , Huang Qilei
Published: August 2023

In August 2022, an exceptionally long-lasting heat wave (HW) affected the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin. This study uses the JRA55 daily reanalysis datasets to elucidate the daily heat budget of historical extreme HWs in this region. The HWs are generally characterized by the occurrence of anticyclonic circulation anomalies, which affect air temperature through both adiabatic and diabatic processes. On one hand, they induce evident descent motion in the entire troposphere, and the produced compression heating becomes the primary contributor. Simultaneously, the eastward warm advection is evident in the lower troposphere. On the other hand, more shortwave radiation reaches the ground surface, and the sensible heat flux becomes the important source of the diabatic heating before the onset of the HWs. After the peak day of the HWs, the accumulated excessive heat is primarily offset through the emission of longwave radiation and meridional thermal advection. The prolonged adiabatic heating processes and weakened diabatic cooling effect are the main factors contributing to the extreme persistence of the HWs in August 2022. The upper level portion of the anticyclonic circulation anomalies is linked to the strengthened South Asia High. After applying the state-of-art dynamic metric, i.e., local finite wave activity, we reveal that the formation of the anomalous South Asia High in August 2022 is associated with the Stokes drift flux, rather than the dispersion of Rossby wave energy. This characteristic sets it apart from other extreme HWs.
Accelerating MCM-41 One-Pot Synthesis Through Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Oliveira Marília R. , Barboza Yasmin T. , Silva Thauane S.L. , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Egues Silvia M. , De Conto Juliana F.
Published: August 2023

MCM-41 silica is widely utilized in various applications due to its unique textural and structural properties. Nonetheless, the presence of residual surfactant after synthesis poses a challenge to its effective application. This study explores the utilization of microwave irradiation as a promising approach for the one-pot synthesis and surfactant removal (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide - CTAB) of MCM-41, offering a fast and efficient methodology. The synthesis of MCM-41 was achieved within 0.5 to 1 hour, at a temperature of 60 ºC in a microwave reactor (Discovery SP, CEM). The study investigates the structural, chemical, morphological, and surface characteristics of MCM-41, analyzing the influence of synthesis time on these properties. To extract CTAB, ethanol was employed as a solvent at a temperature of 120 ºC for 6 minutes using a microwave reactor. The obtained particles, as well as the characterized textural and structural properties, validate the efficiency of the synthesis process, resulting in the production of MCM-41 within 36 minutes. Notably, this study presents the first instance of one-pot synthesis and surfactant removal from MCM-41 using a microwave reactor.
On the path planning method of polishing tool based on the abrasive belt flap wheel
Authors: Chen Keyan , Dai Xing , Zhang Xiaojian , Liu Chao , Ding Han
Published: August 2023

In the process of blisk polishing, path planning is a crucial approach to ensure machining efficiency and enhance polishing accuracy. However, existing path generation software does not take into account the large elastic deformation of the polishing tool and cannot guarantee consistent residual error after the processing path. To address these problems, a special effective methodology is proposed for developing an abrasive belt flap wheel (ABFW) polishing path, enhancing the polishing quality and improving the blisk. To this end, we first establish a motion envelope surface of the ABFW. Then, based on the radial material removal depth model of the ABFW, the amount of material removal is obtained at each contact point. Additionally, the maximum error minimization method is employed to iteratively optimize the solution, obtaining the polishing path for constant residual error. In the experiments, we find that compared to the polishing path generated by commercial software, the optimized polishing path is capable of achieving lower surface residual error and better surface quality.
Tobacco Use, Perceptions, and Characteristics of Adults Who Use IQOS® in the United States: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Noggle Brendan , Vansickel Andrea R. , Largo Edward G. , Magnani Pierpaolo , Heremans Annie
Published: August 2023

Background The smoke-free heated tobacco product IQOS® was introduced in the United States (US) in 2019 and authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration as a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) in 2020. The aim of this study was to describe selected sociodemographic characteristics of adults who used IQOS® (AUI), tobacco use patterns relevant to IQOS® use (e.g., tobacco use history, exclusive and dual-use, switching from cigarette smoking, etc.), risk perceptions of IQOS®, and understanding of IQOS® MRTP messages among AUI.Methods The IQOS® cross-sectional Postmarket Adult Consumer Study was a study of AUI aged ≥ 21 years who were recruited from an IQOS® consumer database via direct mail and emails. Participants completed the online survey between September and November 2021.Results The survey was completed by 645 current and 43 former AUI who had used at least 100 Marlboro® HeatSticks® prior to the assessment. Of the 688 participants, 61% were male, 73% were non-Hispanic white, and the mean age was 45. The vast majority (99%) of AUI had ever smoked combusted cigarettes before first trying IQOS®. At the time of assessment, 49% were still smoking after an average of 1 year of IQOS® use. Among those, 83.6% smoked fewer cigarettes compared to before first trying IQOS®. Among all AUI, over 80% had never used a cessation treatment or had not used it in the past 12 months. Approximately 80% of AUI demonstrated correct understanding of the MRTP message.Conclusions This study is the first to provide evidence that IQOS® can help adult smokers in the US completely switch away from cigarettes or reduce smoking.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Early Synucleinopathy in Rats Induced with Preformed Fibrils
Authors: Patterson Joseph , Kochmanski Joseph , Stoll Anna , Kubik Michael , Kemp Christopher , Duffy Megan , Thompson Kajene , Howe Jacob , Cole-Strauss Allyson , Kuhn Nathan , Miller Kathryn , Nelson Seth , Onyekpe Christopher , Beck John , Counts Scott , Bernstein Alison , Steece-Collier Kathy , Luk Kelvin , Sortwell Caryl
Published: August 2023

Examination of early phases of synucleinopathy when inclusions are present, but long before neurodegeneration occurs, is critical to both understanding disease progression and the development of disease modifying therapies. The rat alpha-synuclein (α-syn) preformed fibril (PFF) model induces synchronized synucleinopathy that recapitulates the pathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can be used to study synucleinopathy progression. In this model, phosphorylated α-syn (pSyn) inclusion-containing neurons and reactive microglia (major histocompatibility complex-II immunoreactive) peak in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) months before appreciable neurodegeneration. However, it remains unclear which specific genes are driving these phenotypic changes. To identify transcriptional changes associated with early synucleinopathy, we used laser capture microdissection of the SNpc paired with RNA sequencing (RNASeq). Precision collection of the SNpc allowed for the assessment of differential transcript expression in the nigral dopamine neurons and proximal glia. Transcripts upregulated in early synucleinopathy were mainly associated with an immune response, whereas transcripts downregulated were associated with neurotransmission and the dopamine pathway. A subset of 29 transcripts associated with neurotransmission/vesicular release and the dopamine pathway were verified in a separate cohort of males and females to confirm reproducibility. Within this subset, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to localize decreases in the Syt1 and Slc6a3 transcripts to pSyn inclusion-containing neurons. Identification of transcriptional changes in early synucleinopathy provides insight into the molecular mechanisms driving neurodegeneration.
Quantification of immune and inflammatory response cells and beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) expression in radicular cysts of primary and permanent teeth
Authors: Bertasso Amanda Silva , Esquiche Jorge , Jorge Olívia Santana , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra da , Lucisano Marilia Pacífico , de Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino , Silva Evânio Vilela da , Silva Léa Assed Bezerra da , Filho Paulo Nelson
Published: August 2023

Objectives
To quantify mast cells, mature and immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells, mature and immature Tregs, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, and hBD-3 expression in radicular cysts of primary and permanent teeth and to evaluate the relationship between radiographic lesion size and the intensity of hBD-3 staining.
Material and Methods
19 radicular cysts of primary teeth and 17 of permanent teeth were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for quantification of immune and inflammatory response cells and for evaluation of hBD-3 and its relationship with the radiographic lesion size. The results were analyzed using D'Agostino & Pearson, Mann–Whitney, t-test, Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's post-test, at 5% significance level.
Results
All the evaluated cell types were detected in all radicular cysts. Cysts of primary teeth showed higher expression of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (mature and immature), B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes (p < 0.05), whereas those in permanent teeth showed higher expression of T lymphocytes, immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes (p < 0.05). hBD-3 was expressed in primary teeth similarly in the capsule and epithelium (p > 0.05), whereas in permanent teeth the expression was higher in the capsule (p < 0.05). In primary teeth, hBD-3 expression in small lesions was higher than in large lesions (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells were the predominant cells in radicular cysts in primary teeth whereas T lymphocytes were more abundant in permanent teeth. hBD-3 was expressed in the epithelium/capsule in both primary and permanent teeth. In primary teeth, a direct relationship was observed between hBD-3 expression and radicular cyst size.
Clinical Relevance
The present study should provide a better understanding of radicular cysts, which would be useful for devising targeted treatment techniques and immunologically active materials for endodontic use.
Remediation of a Multi-metal Contaminated Soil under Quinoa Cultivation by Green Synthesized Zinc, Copper and Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Zarrabi Amir , Ghasemi-Fasaei Reza , Ronaghi Abdolmajid , Zeinali Sedigheh , Safarzadeh Sedigheh
Published: August 2023

One of the sustainable approaches to remove heavy metals (HMs) is the use of green metal nanoparticles. In this study, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles were prepared by green synthesis method as an environmentally friendly method using Arizona cypress leaf extract and nitrate salts of Zn, Cu, and Fe. The nanoparticles at two rates of 0.5 and 1% were added to a soil contaminated with 100 mg kg-1 of each Zn, nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) to investigate and compare their influence on the uptake of the HMs by quinoa. According to the results, the lowest shoot and root uptakes of all four HMs were observed following the application of Cu nanoparticles (1%). The lowest metal uptake belonged to Ni in shoot and Pb in roots which were 19.06 and 20.82 (μg pot-1), respectively. Most likely due to the lowest specific surface area observed (11.42 m2 g-1), the highest uptake of Ni, Pb and Cd by the plant was occurred after the application of Fe nanoparticles. Likewise, as a good accumulator, the quinoa was able to absorb considerable quantities of Ni in the root (144.94 μg pot-1) and Zn in the shoot (452.1 μg pot-1). The findings of this study showed that the synthesized Cu nanoparticles had the highest adsorption capability of HMs compared to other tested nanoparticles, which was most probably due to having the highest specific surface area (147.66 m2 g-1) and the smallest particle size (32.26 nm).
Diagnostic Value of 3D Volume Measurement of Central Pulmonary Artery Based on CTPA Images in the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zhao Wanwan , Guo Jialing , Dong Ningli , Hei Huanhuan , Duan Xiaoyi , Shen Cong
Published: August 2023

Background This retrospective study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of volume measurement of central pulmonary arteries using computer tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for predicting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Methods A total of 59 patients in our hospital from November 2013 to February 2023 who underwent both right cardiac catheterization and CTPA examination were included. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), mean PAP (mPAP), and diastolic PAP (DPAP) were acquired. Patients were divided into two groups: non-PAH (18 cases) and PAH (41 cases). The diameters of the main pulmonary artery (DMPA), right pulmonary artery (DRPA), and left pulmonary artery (DLPA) were measured manually. A 3D model software was used for the segmentation of central pulmonary arteries. The cross-sectional areas (AMPA, ARPA, ALPA) and the volumes (VMPA, VRPA, VLPA) were calculated. A comparative analysis of the parameters of central pulmonary arteries between the two groups was performed. Through the ROC curves, the optimal cutpoints of the CTPA parameters for predicting PAH were identified. Additionally, we correlated the parameters from CTPA images with those from RHC. A multiple linear regression model with a forward-step approach was adopted to integrate all statistically significant CTPA parameters for PAH prediction.
Results All parameters (DMPA, DRPA, DLPA, AMPA, ARPA, ALPA, VMPA, VRPA, and VLPA) exhibited significantly elevated in the PAH group in contrast to the non-PAH group (P < 0.05). The one-dimensional measurements (DMPA, DRPA, DLPA), two-dimensional measurements (AMPA, ARPA, ALPA), and three-dimensional measurements (VMPA, VRPA, VLPA) of CTPA images all showed a positive correlation with the RHC results (mPAP, DPAP, SPAP), all with P < 0.05. Particularly, for the MPA and RPA, 3D CTPA parameters showed superior correlation coefficients compared to their one-dimensional and two-dimensional counterparts. The ROC analysis indicated that the volume measurements were more accurate and provided a greater area under the curve compared to the diameter and sectional area measurements. The predictive equations for mPAP, DPAP, and SPAP were formulated as [8.178 + 0.0006 * VMPA], [1.418 + 0.0005 * VMPA], and [-11.137 + 0.0006*VRPA + 1.259 * DMPA], respectively.
Conclusion The 3D volume measurement of the central pulmonary artery based on CTPA images outperforms the traditional diameter in predicting PAH.
Barriers and facilitators to thirst symptom management for patients with heart failure: A qualitative study
Authors: liu hui , CHEN Qiongshan , ZHENG Yingjun
Published: August 2023

Background: Thirst in patients with heart failure is commonly overlooked by health providers despite its high prevalence and great detriment. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to thirst symptom management for patients with heart failure from the perspectives of nurses.
Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with nurses working in cardiology department and cardiac care unit were conducted in a tertiary hospital between March 2023 and May 2023. A content analysis was used to analyze data. The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines were followed.
Results: A total of 11 nurses participated in this study. Six main themes were identified: positive attitude (beneficial for recovery, improve treatment compliance, improve quality of care, establish mutual trust), negative attitude (increase workload, insufficient awareness, insufficient available interventions), supportive beliefs (beginning to gain attention from leaders), unsupportive beliefs (lack of standardized procedures, stress from coworkers, stress from patients), facilitators (systematic training，evidence-based nursing，adequate staffing, support of the leaders, establish systematic daily work pattern，severe thirst) and barriers (patients' distrust and low cooperation, heavy clinical workload, lack of human resources, lack of training).
Conclusions: This study provides an understanding of barriers and facilitators to the delivery of thirst symptom care. Training sessions and standardized procedures are required to enable nurses for thirst symptom management. Tailored education is also critical because most HF patients do not understand why they are restricted from drinking water due to lack of associated knowledge.
Eccrine poroma and eccrine porocarcinoma were found at the same site on the scalp. A case report and review of literature
Authors: Song Ying-hua , Chen Dan , Cai Wei-na , Zhang Liang
Published: August 2023

Background: Both eccrine poroma (EP) and eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) are accessory tumors originating from the eccrine glands. The former is a benign progression and the latter is a malignant tumor. We here report a case of these two diseases at the same site on the scalp of the same person.
Case presentation: A 52-year old male patient complained that a few nodules were found on the top of his head. Two years after surgical excision, some other nodules appeared near the primary site and a skin ulcer formed in the surgical wound area. He was finally sent into hospital and followed the steps in the MOHS surgical procedure to remove all the skin lesions. Pathological analysis of the final excised tissue showed EP and EPC results, respectively.
Conclusion: EP and EPC are often misdiagnosed by clinicians. These two diseases were found at the same site on the scalp of the same person, which is very rare. Early diagnosis and early surgical treatment are the keys to a good prognosis.
Contextual Information Aggregation and Multiscale Feature Fusion for Single Image De-Raining in Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zhao Jia , Chen Ming , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Han Longzhe , Liu Bosheng
Published: August 2023

Needle image de-rain the existence of non-uniform rain density, noise misjudgment, and other problems, proposed a context information aggregation and multi-scale feature fusion generative adversarial network(CMGAN) single image de-rain method. Firstly, design the encoding, context information aggregation, and decoding structures to form the generator network, extract features by convolution, expand the convolution to aggregate context information effectively, and transposing convolution to restore the image. Enhance the model's capability to perceive image details, enabling it to accurately analyze image information and reconstruct image content.; secondly, design the multiscale feature fusion discriminator network, and capture the image's different details through the convolution kernel of different scales. Enhance the model's capacity to capture image details by integrating feature maps from various scales, enabling it to effectively discern between authentic and manipulated images.; finally, a new refinement loss function is proposed to reduce the grid artifact generation, and Lipschitz constraints are added to further reduce the imaging gap. In this study, the model's performance is assessed using peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity as evaluation metrics, and the experiments undertaken on real and synthesized rain images show that the method exhibits excellent rain removal performance.
Can The Balanced Combination of Eco-innovation, Foreign Investments, And Carbon Emission In Space and Time Develop Economic Growth And Simultaneously Preserve the Quality Environment?
Authors: Amara Dhekra Ben , Qiao Jiajun
Published: August 2023

Environmental concerns have steadily caught attention as economic growth has developed more rapidly. Eco-innovation, foreign investment, and carbon emissions have lately climbed to the top of research topics since they influence environmental quality. Nevertheless, there is scarce knowledge about the spatial perspective and the impact of the combined mechanisms of eco-innovation, FDI, and carbon emissions in developing nations. This paper uses the geographic Durbin model to examine the combined effect of eco-innovation, carbon emission, and FDI effects on GDP in nine MENA countries from 2000 to 2019. The study results are as follows: (i) Eco-innovation, FDI, and carbon emissions positively and directly impact GDP, (ii) carbon emissions are the most critical driver that impacts economic growth, and (iii) the balanced combination of driving factors of economic growth positively and directly impacts GDP. Therefore, this balanced combination effect impacts economic growth, improves environmental quality, and embarks on a sustainable transition path.
Classifier Approach for Word Sense Disambiguation System with a Focus to Improve the Translation Accuracy
Authors: Gupta Bineet Kumar , Maurya Archana Sachindeo , Abraham Ajith , Husain Mohammad , Ali Arshad , Alshmrany Sami
Published: August 2023

Machine Translation (MT) is a crucial application of (NLP) Natural language Processing. This MT technique automatic and based on computers. One of the most modern techniques adopted in MT is machine learning (ML). Over the past few years, ML has grown in popularity during MT process among researchers. Ambiguity is a major challenge in MT. Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) is a common technique for solving the ambiguity problem. ML approaches are commonly used for the WSD techniques and are used for training and testing purposes. The outcome prediction of the test data gives encouraging results. Text classification is one of the most significant techniques for resolving the WSD. In this paper, we have analyzed some common supervised ML text classification algorithms and also proposed a “hybrid model” called “AmbiF.” We have compared the results of all analyzed algorithms with the proposed model “AmbiF. The analyzed supervised algorithms are Decision Tree, Bayesian Network, Support Vector Machines, K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression. The range of accuracy for all the algorithms that were examined is between sixty-eight and eighty-four percent. To improve the accuracy of the AmbiF model, we have merged the Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, and Naïve Bayes classifier Approach. For testing the model, we have used the ten-fold cross-validation test method. The AmbiF model’s accuracy has been reported eighty-five percent. Comparing the AmbiF model to all other analyzed supervised ML classification algorithms, it has also demonstrated great precision, recall, and F-score. WEKA's machine learning tool is used to analyze the algorithms and the AmbiF model.
Clinical course and new renal scar development in children with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Tafazoli Nooshin , Naseri Mitra
Published: August 2023

Purpose: to define the resolution rate of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in on-to-three-year follow-up, and determine the new renal scar development.
Methods: This longitudinal study was performed in children < 18 years with high-grade VUR from March 2003 to 2022. Patients who underwent radionuclide cystography 12-36 months after the diagnosis of VUR enrolled in the study and the resolution rate of VUR was calculated. Those who performed technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scans as baseline and follow-up were evaluated for new renal scarring. In the third part of the investigation, the role of different confounders was evaluated in the resolution rate of VUR and the appearance of new renal scarring. In addition, renal scarring at initial evaluation was calculated in total eligible cases who underwent a Tc-99m DMSA scan.
Results: Of 216 eligible cases, 68 (31.5%) and 43 (19.9%) patients entered the study's first and second parts, respectively. They included 50% girls, with a median age at diagnosis of 31 months. Surgical interventions were performed at follow-up in 18 patients (26.5 %). Total, spontaneous, and surgical resolution rates of VUR per person at one –three-year follow-ups were 19.1% (n=13), 16 % (n=8), and 27.8 % (n=5), respectively. Renal scars and severe renal scarring were found in 135 (80.8%) and 86 (51.5%) out of 167 eligible cases, respectively. New renal scars appeared in 46.5% of patients.
Resolution or downgrading of VUR did not correlate with age at presentation, gender, type and laterality of VUR, pyelonephritis at follow-up, and presentation as prenatal hydronephrosis (P> 0.05 for all). Lack of appearance of new renal scar significantly was more frequent in-group not presented compared to those presented by prenatal hydronephrosis (67.7% compared to 16.7%, respectively; P=0.005). Resolution of VUR was significantly more common in KUUs with VUR grade V than IV (26.5% compared to 7.8%, respectively; P = 0.026). Spontaneous resolution of VUR was reported in five patients (38.5%) presented with prenatal hydronephrosis, and three cases (5.5%) by other clinical presentations (P=0.005).
Conclusions: High-grade VUR persists in the majority of cases after one-three-year follow-ups and about half of patients develop new renal scars. The resolution of VUR is significantly more common in KUUs with VUR grade V than in IV. In addition, spontaneous resolution happened more frequently in cases presented by prenatal hydronephrosis than in other manifestations. Further investigations need to determine cases who are at risk for developing new renal scar and persistent VUR.
Early combination therapy of COVID-19 in high-risk patients
Authors: Orth Hans Martin , Flasshove Charlotte , Berger Moritz , Hattenhauer Sandra Tessa , Biederbick Kaja , Mispelbaum Rebekka , Klein Uwe , Stemler Jannik , Fisahn Matthis , Doleschall Anna , Baermann Ben-Niklas , Königshausen Eva , Tselikmann Olga , Killer Alexander , de Angelis Clara , Gliga Smaranda , Stegbauer Johannes , Spuck Nikolai , Silling Gerda , Rockstroh Jürgen , Strassburg Christian , Brossart Peter , Panse Jens , Jensen Björn-Erik , Luedde Tom , Boesecke Christoph , Heine Annkristin , Cornely Oliver , Monin Malte Benedikt
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Prolonged shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been observed in immunocompromised hosts. Early monotherapy with direct-acting antivirals or monoclonal antibodies, as recommended in the international guidelines, does not prevent this with certainty. Dual therapies might therefore act synergistically.
Methods
This retrospective, multicentre study compared treatment strategies for corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) with combinations of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and/ or mABs during the Omicron surge. Co-primary endpoints were prolonged viral shedding (≥106 copies/ml at day 21 after treatment initiation) and days with SARS-CoV-2 viral load ≥106 copies/ml. Therapeutic strategies and risk groups were compared by odds ratios and Fisher’s tests or Kaplan-Meier analysis and long-rank tests. Multivariable regression analysis was performed.
Results
144 patients were included with a median time of SARS-CoV-2 viral load ≥106 copies/ml of 8.0 days (IQR 6.0-15.3). Underlying haematological malignancies (HM) (p=0.03) and treatment initiations later than five days after diagnosis (p<0.01) were significantly associated with longer viral shedding. Viral shedding was prolonged in 14.6% (n=21/144), especially in patients with underlying HM (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.2-9.9; p=0.02). Clinical courses of COVID-19 were mild to moderate with only few adverse effects potentially contributed to combination treatment.
Conclusion
Early combination treatment of COVID-19 effectively prevented prolonged viral shedding in 85.6% of cases. Considering rapid viral clearance rates and low toxicity, individualized dual therapeutic approaches may thus be advantageous in high-risk patients.
Experiences of Dietetic Interns Taking a Trauma-Informed Care Educational Intervention
Authors: Torres-Cruz Roxana , Gonzales-Pacheco Diana , Byham-Gray Laura D. , Rothpletz-Puglia Pamela
Published: August 2023

Trauma Informed Care (TIC) approaches recognize the impact of trauma on patients' health and their ability to engage in therapeutic relationships. TIC training should follow the same principles as students may have a trauma history. This educational intervention explored the experiences and attitude changes among dietetic interns (DIs) taking TIC training and developed recommendations for trauma-informed teaching practices. A multi-method interpretative phenomenological design was employed for this educational intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine Hispanic female DIs completing their supervised practice at Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) dietetic internship program. The intervention consisted of three modules, and pre-and post-intervention surveys were administered. According to statistical analysis, four out of the eight statements showed significant changes in attitude with a large effect size. The analysis revealed five main themes: 1) Change of attitude, where interns became more aware of implicit bias and personal identity; 2) The teaching approach was comfortable enough to share and discuss complex topics; 3) Inquiry-based learning, highlighting the value of topics for dietetic practice and self-reflection; 4) Emotionally engaged, with interns experiencing various emotions and recognizing the importance of trigger warnings; 5) Recommendations for future training. This educational project contributes to the literature on TIC education among DIs. The findings emphasize the need for integrating TIC principles into TIC educational interventions and provide valuable insights into the safest methods for teaching TIC in dietetic internships. The recommendations derived from this project can guide the development of effective TIC teaching practices in healthcare education.
The JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib regulates Th cell profiles and humoral immune responses in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Bi Zhuajin , Zhang Qing , Gao Huajie , Ge Huizhen , Zhan Jiayang , Gui Mengcui , Lin Jing , Li Yue , Ji Suqiong , Yang Mengge , Bu Bitao
Published: August 2023

Background
Tofacitinib, a first-generation Janus kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its role in myasthenia gravis (MG) has not yet been clearly explored.
Methods
Here, we investigated the effects of tofacitinib on experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in vivo and in vitro. Besides, the effects of tofacitinib were studied in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with MG in vitro.
Results
The results revealed that tofacitinib administration ameliorated the severity of EAMG rats by restoring the balance of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2/Th17/Treg subsets and reducing the secretion of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies by B cells. After treatment with tofacitinib in vitro, the percentage of Th1 cells and IgG-secreting B cells was significantly decreased, whereas regulatory T cells were significantly upregulated in mononuclear cells (MNCs) of EAMG rats, which were consistent with the results observed in PBMCs of MG patients. Furthermore, tofacitinib might inhibit CD4+ T cells differentiated into Th1 through decreasing phosphorylated signal transducers and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1) but promoted Treg cell differentiation through increasing phosphorylated Stat5 in MNCs from EAMG rats in vitro.
Conclusions
We concluded that tofacitinib could regulate humoral immune responses and Th cell profiles in MG, thus providing a promising therapeutic candidate for MG treatment.
Deep Learning Application in Image-based Modeling
Authors: Guo Junyi
Published: August 2023

Image-based modeling refers to the process of constructing a three-dimensional (3D) model based on a set of two dimensional (2D) images. With the development of computer vision and related technologies, image-based modeling has shown considerable potential in recent years. Traditional image-based modeling techniques, such as photogrammetry, structure from motion (SfM), and multi-view stereo (MVS) have some flaws and limitations that prevent widespread application of the technology such as a high demand of high-quality images, specific angular perspectives, and limited replication similarity. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly advancements in deep learning, provides more chances for image-based modeling. The ability of deep learning algorithms to learn from vast amounts of data, generalize to new scenarios, and adapt to the complexities of the real world has unlocked new possibilities for generating more accurate and detailed 3D models from 2D images. This paper will introduce traditional image-based modeling techniques and discuss the potential of deep learning methods in image-based modeling technique and its future development prospects.
Subclinical hypothyroidism associated obesity assessment and its impact on developing cardiovascular diseases among child bearing age females; a cross sectional study
Authors: Hewage Nawoda , Wijesekara Udaya , Perera Rasika
Published: August 2023

Background
Previous investigations have demonstrated an association between alterations in body metabolism and development of visceral obesity as a result of subclinical hypothyroidism. The objective of the current investigation was to understand the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and several obesity metrics, including a body shape index (ABSI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body round index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and hip index (HI) and to examine how this relationship may impact the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among women of childbearing age.
Methods
A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken with 282 females aged 18–35 years from Sri Lanka's rural and suburban regions. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference) were obtained and biochemical parameters (fasting insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, thyroid profile) were measured. The anthropometric and biochemical data were compared between the SCH and euthyroidism (EU) groups for both normal weight and overweight/obese participants.
Results
The overall prevalence rates of SCH, EU, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and HOMA-IR were 40.42%, 59.57%, 24.46%, and 73.40%, respectively. Females with SCH exhibited higher mean values for all the obesity indices (ABSI, VAI, BRI, BMI, WHR, WHtR, WC, HC, HI) compared to those with EU, surpassing the normal threshold values (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant prevalence of CVD risk variables (HOMA-IR, low HDL, hypertriglyceridemia) was observed among SCH participants (p < 0.05). VAI demonstrated the highest area under curve (AUC) and sensitivity for assessing SCH and CVD compared to other obesity measures, while ABSI and WHtR were also identified as effective indices for identifying above pathophysiology. Furthermore, VAI exhibited a significant correlation (p < 0.05) with all CVD risk variables among the study participants.
Conclusions
VAI, ABSI, and WHtR are reliable and trustworthy measurement for identifying SCH and CVD in young females and there is an increased likelihood of developing CVD among females with SCH and visceral adiposity.