bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Factors Shaping Ectoparasite Communities on Heteromyid Rodents at Médanos de Samalayuca
Authors: Vital-García Cuauhcihuatl , Beristain-Ruíz Diana Marcela , Acosta Roxana , Marta Cinthia Ibeth Prieto , Gatica-Colima Ana Bertha , Aristizabal John F. , Valdez-Rubio Azucena , Escudero-Fragosso Carlos , Martínez-Calderas Jesús M.
Published: October 2023

Rodent ectoparasites are vectors to important pathogens for wildlife, domestic animals and even zoonosis. Nevertheless, distribution patterns of ectoparasites are not fully understood; habitat, season, and host-species are important predictors on distribution and prevalence. Heteromyids rodents are considered important reservoirs of diseases, given the presence of different ectoparasites and pathogens in them, they offer the opportunity to learn about the ecology of parasites. The aim of the present work was to survey ectoparasites associated to heteromyids rodents near to a National Protected Area in Chihuahua Mexico, south of the United States-Mexico border and asses the effect of ecological factors (season, vegetation type, host species, and host body condition) on parasite infestation. We sampled five different locations from January 2018 to July 2022; 845 heteromyid rodents were examined collecting 49 fleas and 33 ticks. Ectoparasites belonged to Siphonaptera and Ixodida orders, including three families Ixodidae (Riphicephalus sanguineus), Pulicidae (Pulex irritans), and Ctenophthalmidae (Meringins altipecten, M. dipodomys). Five species of host rodents were captured, Dipodomys merriami, D. ordii, Chaetodipus eremicus, C. hispidus and C. intermedius the last two species did not present any ectoparasites. Dipodomys merriami presented the highest flea and tick prevalence followed by D. ordii. We found parasitic partnerships between heteromyids according to the ecological factors. The infestation in C. eremicus is related to body condition, vegetation type, and sex; in D. merriami, it is related to vegetation type and season, while D. ordii did not present a clear pattern of infestation. Our results suggest that the infestation patterns of heteromyid rodents in desert habitats are species-dependent.
Transarterial chemoembolization versus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy as initial treatment for stage CNLC Ⅲa hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Benyi , Deng Min , Li Shaohua , Mei Jie , Lu Lianghe , Yu Chengyou , Zuo Zhijun , Guo Rongping , Wei Wei
Published: October 2023

Background
The Chinese Liver Cancer (CNLC) staging recommends transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as the standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with macrovascular invasion and without extrahepatic metastasis (CNLC IIIa). As a recently emerging approach, the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) compared to TACE in this group of patients is unclear.
Methods
From December 2016 to June 2020, patients diagnosed with CNLC IIIa stage HCC who underwent TACE (n = 91) or HAIC (n = 190) as their initial treatment were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce selection bias and other imbalances. Objective response rates (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), rate of subsequent resection, and safety were compared in these two groups.
Results
After PSM, 77 pairs of patients were matched. The ORR was higher in HAIC group than that of TACE group (29.9% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.013). Median progression-free survival of the HAIC group was longer than that of TACE group (4.7 vs. 1.4 months, P = 0.002), but there was no significant difference in the median OS between the HAIC and TACE groups (19.6 vs. 18.1 months, P = 0.122). The HAIC group also showed a better safety profile than the TACE group.
Conclusions
HAIC is an effective and safe option in the treatment of HCC patients with CNLC IIIa stage compared with TACE.
Bevacizumab improved prognosis for advanced EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma with brain metastasis receiving cerebral radiotherapy
Authors: Zhou YuanLiang , Li Jingchao , Li Yankang , Deng Guangchuan , Wang Qi , Qin Hongyue , Li Jianbin , li zhenxiang
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the combined use of bevacizumab could improve overall survival (OS) in patients with brain metastasis (BM) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing cerebral radiotherapy.
Materials and Methods:A total of 237 patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma and BM met the inclusion criteria for this retrospective study, including 102 patients in the bevacizumab treatment group and 135 in the non-bevacizumab group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify EGFR-mutated BM prognostic factors for these patients.
Results: At the end of the last follow-up period, 176 patients (74.3 %) had died, and the median overall survival (OS) was 34.2 months. We observed a significant difference in the median OS between the bevacizumab and non-bevacizumab groups (45.8 months vs 30.0 months, P <0.0001). Among the 178 (75.1%) patients who received cerebral radiotherapy, the median OS of patients in the bevacizumab + cerebral radiotherapy group was 45.8 months versus 32.0 months in the non-bevacizumab + cerebral radiotherapy group, respectively (P=0.0007). Patients treated with bevacizumab after cerebral radiotherapy had a longer median OS than patients treated with bevacizumab before cerebral radiotherapy (59.4 months vs 33.7months, P=0.0198). In the univariate analysis, smoking status, Lung-mol GPA scores, and bevacizumab therapy showed correlations (HR=1.450, P=0.045; HR=0.700, P=0.023; HR=0.499, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that bevacizumab therapy alone (hazard ratio [HR] =0.514; P<0.001) was independently associated with improved OS.
Conclusion: In patients with BM from EGFR-mutated NSCLC, cerebral radiotherapy with bevacizumab markedly improved OS. This improvement was more evident after cerebral radiotherapy.
Construction and properties of superhydrophobic materials using SiO 2 hybrid high fluorine epoxy polymers
Authors: HOU Cheng-Min , YAN Wei-Min , LI Na , BAI Yuan
Published: October 2023

Superhydrophobic surfaces have been extensively studied for their self-cleaning properties. However, most of the constructed superhydrophobic surfaces have problems of changing the surface morphology and color of paper/cloth. An extremely dilute superhydrophobic solution was prepared by hybrid assembly of aminated nano SiO2 and high fluorine epoxy polymer P(FOEMA-r-GMA). The preparation of superhydrophobic cotton (SHC) and superhydrophobic book paper (SHBP) were studied through the optimal construction conditions of solution impregnation method. The optimal construction conditions for SHC were as follows: the concentration of fluorinated epoxy polymer was 3 mg/mL, the soaking time was 5 hours, the drying time was 8 hours, and the drying temperature was 120oC. The maximum WCA is 158 ° ± 3o, and the minimum WRA is 4o ± 3o. SHC surface had good hydrophobic effect, acid and alkali resistance, self-cleaning effect, and its surface morphology remains basically unchanged. SHC could be used for oil water separation with a maximum oil water separation rate of 98.4%. The optimal construction conditions for SHBP were: the concentration of fluorinated epoxy polymer was 3 mg/mL, the soaking time was 9 hours, the drying time was 6 hours, the maximum WCA was 155o ± 3o, and the minimum WRA was 6o ± 1o. The hydrophobicity of SHBP was significantly improved, it would selective adsorbing oil from the oil water mixture and slightly reduce its smoothness.
Characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms in intensive care units and development of a mortality risk scoring tool for critically infected patients: A Retrospective Study from Shanxi, China
Authors: Ma Yanbin , Tang Yang , Kang Jianbang , Wang Shuyun , Song Yan , Yin Donghong , Cai Wanni , Liu Yujie , Duan Jinju , Wang Xiaoru
Published: October 2023

Background
Global concern surrounds high intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rates from pathogenic microorganism infections, particularly multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. These infections significantly impact patient treatment outcomes and quality of life. This study aims to survey microbial epidemiology in ICU patients, explore death risk factors in severe infections, and establish a mortality risk scoring model.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study in an ICU analyzed epidemiological characteristics, microbial profiles, antimicrobial susceptibility, and patient mortality risk. Mortality risk factors were classified using univariate and multivariate analyses. The model's calibration was internally validated and its discrimination determined by the Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AuROC).
Results
Between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, a total of 952 patients were enrolled with infections caused by microorganisms. From these patients, 1713 pathogenic microorganisms were isolated in total. The identified microorganisms included 451 gram-positive bacteria, 1140 gram-negative bacteria, 117 funguses, and 5 other protists. Among them are 646 strains of MDR bacteria. A scoring model was developed, which included factors such as infection with MDR bacteria, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), total bilirubin (TBLT), creatinine clearance (CCr), tumor, Gout & mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and disorders of consciousness. The performance of the model was evaluated and showed good discrimination and calibration.
Conclusion
This study analyzed the prevalence of pathogenic microorganism in the ICU of hospital and explored their risk factors with patient mortality. The Bacteriology profile and antimicrobial susceptibility of MDR bacteria were explored. A simplified predictive scoring tool was established to predict patient mortality with infections in ICU. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and predicting the mortality risk associated with pathogenic microorganism infections in ICUs.
Comparison of the inoculum effect of in vitro antibacterial activity of IMR and CZA against ESBL-, KPC- and AmpC-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Wang Xueting , Xiong Luying , Wang Yuan , Yang Kai , Xiao Tingting , Chi Xiaohui , Chen Tao , Zhou Yanzi , Lu Ping , Dilinuer Dilimulati , Shen Pin , Chen Yunbo , Xiao Yonghong
Published: October 2023

Objective
To evaluate effect of inoculum size of extended-spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing-, AmpC-producing-, and KPC-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae on the in vitro antibacterial effects of imipenem/relebactam (IMR) and ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA).
Methods
We compared the impact of inoculum size on IMR and CZA of eight clinical isolates and two standard isolates through antimicrobial susceptibility tests, time-kill assays and in vitro PK/PD studies.
Result
When inoculum size increased from 105 to 107CFU/mL, an inoculum effect was observed for 25% (3/12) and 66.7% (8/12) of IMR and CZA, respectively; time-kill assays revealed that the concentration of CZA increased from ≥ 4×MIC to 16×MIC to reach 99.9% killing rate against K. pneumoniae ATCC-BAA 1705(KPC-2-producing) and 60700(SHV-27-producing and DHA-1-producing). While for IMR, a concentration from 1×MIC to 4×MIC killed 99.9% of the four strains. When the inoculum size increased to 109CFU/mL, neither IMR nor CZA showed a detectable antibacterial effect, even at a high concentration. An in vitro PK/PD study revealed a clear bactericidal effect when IMR administered as 1.25g q6h when inoculum size increased.
Conclusion
An inoculum effect on CZA was observed more frequent than that on IMR. Among the β-lactamase-producing strains, the inoculum effect was most common for SHV-producing and KPC-producing strains.
Adding Letrozole to GH and GnRHa Increase Height in Girls with Short Stature: a hospital record-based retrospective study
Authors: Li Chenyang , Ma Hailu , Wang Xi , Nie Min , Mao Jiangfeng , WU Xueyan
Published: October 2023

Background
There have been rare data in Letrozole for height promotion in girls. This study aims to clarify the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with human recombinant growth hormone (rhGH), GnRHa and letrozole in improving the height of girls with short stature and advanced bone age.
Methods
This is a retrospective record-based study. Follow-up was conducted on girls with short stature who received rhGH, GnRHa and letrozole treatment at outpatient clinics in our hospital. Total of 29 subjects were included in this report. The control group includes 29 girls with short stature who received rhGH/GnRHa therapy.
Results
The predicted adult height before treatment (PAH1) was 155.38 ± 3.85 cm, and the PAH after treatment (PAH2) was 161.32 ± 3.72cm (t = 10.375, p < 0.001). The ΔPAH (the increment of predicted adult height) in the treatment group is 4 cm higher than that of the control group (5.85 ± 3.11cm VS. 1.82 ± 1.50cm, Z=-5.506, P < 0.001).There was a significant difference in the height SDS of BA before and after treatment (-1.30 ± 0.70 VS -0.008 ± 0.662, Z=-4.703, P < 0.001).And there was a significant difference in the height SDS of CA(0.015 ± 0.95 VS 0.276 ± 0.88, Z=-2.930, P = 0.003).There was a increasing BMI during therapy (from 19.34 ± 3.33 kg/m2 to 20.43 ± 4.12 kg/m2, Z = 2.065, P = 0.039).The height gain was 8.71 ± 4.46 cm, and the growth rate was 6.78 ± 3.84cm per year. No remarkable side effects were reported in the treatment group.
Conclusions
Combined treatment with GH, GnRHa and letrozole can enhance the adult height (AH) and PAH in short stature girls and no significant side effects were reported.
Multilayer factors associated with excess all-cause mortality during the Omicron and non-Omicron waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: time series analysis in 29 countries
Authors: Zou Fengjuan , Xiao Jianpeng , Jin Yingying , Jian Ronghua , Hu Yijun , Liang Xiaofeng , Ma Wenjun , Zhu Sui
Published: October 2023

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant excess mortality globally. However, the differences in excess mortality between the Omicron and non-Omicron waves, as well as the contribution of local epidemiological characteristics, population immunity, and social factors to excess mortality, remain poorly understood. This study aims to solve the above problems.
Methods
Weekly all-cause death data and covariates from 29 countries for the period 2015–2022 were collected and used. The Bayesian Structured Time Series Model predicted expected weekly deaths, stratified by gender and age groups for the period 2020–2022. The quantile-based g-computation approach accounted for the effects of factors on the excess all-cause mortality rate. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using alternative Omicron proportion thresholds.
Results
From the first week of 2021 to the 30th week of 2022, the estimated cumulative number of excess deaths due to COVID-19 globally was nearly 1.39 million. The estimated weekly excess all-cause mortality rate in the 29 countries was approximately 2.17 per 100000 (95% CI: 1.47 to 2.86). Weekly excess mortality rates were significantly higher in both male and female groups and all age groups during the non-Omicron wave, except for those younger than 15 years (P < 0.001).Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results. Positive associations with excess mortality were found for the constituent ratio of non-Omicron in all variants, new cases per million, positive rate, cardiovascular death rate, people fully vaccinated per hundred, extreme poverty, hospital patients per million humans, people vaccinated per hundred, and stringency index. Conversely, other factors demonstrated negative associations with excess mortality from the first week of 2021 to the 30th week of 2022.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 Omicron wave exhibited fewer excess deaths than the non-Omicron wave. Weekly excess mortality rates were significantly higher in both male and female groups and all age groups during the non-Omicron wave, except for those younger than 15 years. Factors such as the constituent ratio of non-Omicron in all variants, new cases per million, positive rate, cardiovascular death rate, people fully vaccinated per hundred, extreme poverty and some social factors were positively associated with excess mortality, while other factors showed negative associations.
Household satisfaction with health services and choice of response strategies to malaria occurrence: The case of mountain communities of Elgon in Uganda
Authors: Siya Aggrey , Egeru Anthony , Kalule John B. , Lukwa Akim Tafadzwa , Mutai Noah , Hartnack Sonja
Published: October 2023

Background
In rural Africa, access to health services is often limited by factors ranging from economics to culture. Additionally, climate change is noted to severely undermine the fragile health systems of such regions. Consequently, climate sensitive diseases including malaria will severely impact human livelihoods and wellbeing. Measuring satisfaction with health service delivery in such areas provides an opportunity to improve the resilience of health systems to such threats. Additionally, understanding factors associated with the choice of response strategies to malaria especially at household level provides an opportunity to design context specific interventions. .
Methods
In this study, we used polytomous latent class analyses to group the participants ‘responses and an additive Bayesian modelling networks to explore satisfaction with health service delivery as well as factors associated with response strategies of households to malaria. We did this with focus on the rural parts of Uganda in Mount Elgon region. A cross sectional study design was employed including use of a semi-structured questionnaire with sections including; perceptions on climate change, perceptions on malaria, coping with malaria and perceptions regarding health service delivery. In total, 200 responds were recruited into the study.
Results
We found that approaches to malaria control and management at household level include; use of traditional (54.5%), private (20.5%) and publicly available services (25%). Regarding satisfaction with health services, 66.6% of the respondents were satisfied with health service components of information flow, drug/vaccine access and accessibility. Type of housing, livelihood sources, previous malaria experience and health services were strongly associated with responses to malaria occurrence at household level. The rest of the factors were weakly associated with malaria responses at household level.
Conclusion
The indigenous interventions utilized by households to manage and control malaria were largely dependent on their satisfaction with health service delivery components. Interventions thus ought to leverage on the local existing knowledge to optimize outcomes and ensure sustainable health. Future studies should focus on larger areas of Elgon and other mountainous areas so as to allow for comparable results.
Can Performance-Based Budgeting Improve Corporate Innovation? Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: wang xueping , wu yuanyuan
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the correlation between performance-based budgeting and corporate innovation in China, utilizing a quasi-natural experiment. The study reveals a significant rise in patents among firms headquartered in provinces that have implemented performance-based budgeting compared to those that have not. The increase is particularly pronounced for firms operating in provinces facing higher financial pressure and stronger government audits. The positive impact of performance-based budgeting on corporate innovation is particularly noteworthy in state-owned firms, firms exhibiting good corporate governance practices, or firms facing high financial constraints. Collectively, the evidence implies that performance-based budgeting can serve as a catalyst for corporate innovation.
JEL: H61; M21; M41
Cross-kingdom RNAi adds a new layer of communication to the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Lanfranco Luisa , Silvestri Alessandro , Ledford William , Fiorilli Valentina , Votta Cristina , Scerna Alessia , Tucconi Jacopo , Mocchetti Antonio , Grasso Gianluca , Balestrini Raffaella , Jin Hailing , Rubio-Somoza Ignacio
Published: October 2023

Cross-kingdom RNA interference (ckRNAi) is a mechanism of interspecies communication where small RNAs (sRNAs) are transported from one organism to another, where they silence target genes in trans1-9. ckRNAi is well established in pathosystems1-9 and has also been observed in a small number of mutualistic interactions10,11. Fungal and oomycete pathogens, as well as symbiotic bacterium, send sRNAs into host cells to hijack host RNAi machinery by loading into host AGO proteins in order to silence host target genes. Previous research from our group has suggested the possibility of ckRNAi occurring in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis (AMS)12, the most widespread and ancient symbiosis on Earth13. Here, we show that a specific sRNA from the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (Rir2216) is loaded into an AGO1 silencing complex from the host plant Medicago truncatula, leading to cleavage of a host target transcript encoding for the MtWRKY69 transcription factor. MtWRKY69 is downregulated in arbusculated cells in mycorrhizal roots and MtWRKY69 overexpression led to a reduced AM colonization level, indicating that its silencing is relevant for AMS. Thus, we present the first experimental evidence of the molecular mechanism of fungus to plant ckRNAi in AMS.
Physico-chemical, Heavy Metal and Microbial Analysis of Wastewater Discharged from Selected Laboratories in Bowen University, Nigeria
Authors: Akintunde Emmanuel . A. , Atobatele Bukola . O. , Akinola Omowumi . T. , Olufunmilayo Olawole , Olutona Oladele
Published: October 2023

The improper discharge of chemical compounds from laboratory activities into the natural environment can lead to the pollution of water resources and risks to human health. Physical, chemical, heavy metals, and microbial analyses of wastewater from selected Bowen University Laboratories were carried out to ascertain the magnitude of the effects of its pollution on entire students, staff, and the environment. The physicochemical parameters were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Concentrations of metals were determined utilizing a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Quality assurance techniques involved blank determination, recovery analyses, and calibration of standards were applied. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data interpretations which indicated significant differences at a 95% level. The contents range of metals were: 0.345 – 7.651, 3.644 – 9.296, 54.986 – 84.749, 0.012 – 10.222, 8.032 – 12.031, and 1.001 – 23.265 µg/ml for Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn respectively, while Cd was not detected at all in the samples. Their increase in mean concentration was in this order: Fe > Zn >Mn >Pb > Cr > Cu > Cd. Microbial analysis methods were also done where gram stain reaction, biochemical tests, and fermentation tests were used to identify the pure isolate in the sample. The work has shown that almost all physicochemical parameters monitored were either within or below the limit set by the Federal Ministry of Environmental for industrial effluent. From microbial studies, the most occurring bacteria was Protues miraculous while Enterobacter cloacae, Streptococcus sp, and Salmonella sp are the least occurring organism that has the potential to become pathogens and cause a wide range of diseases. It is therefore recommended that periodic assessment of both physicochemical, metals, and microbial analysis of the wastewater in the laboratories should be carried out, as this would be helpful in the early detection of any future degradation.
IRF5 promotes the polarization of M1 macrophages and aggravates lung inflammation in connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) by regulating IFN-β
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Ming Qianwen , Wang Xiaohong
Published: October 2023

Background
Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) plays a vital role in proinflammatory M1 macrophages and is involved in their polarization. We aimed to explore the mechanism of action by which IRF5 participates in lung inflammation in connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD).
Methods
mRNA and protein levels were determined by qRT‒PCR and Western blotting. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were conducted to confirm the targeted relationship between IRF5 and interferon (IFN)-β. ELISA was performed to measure the levels of proinflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β). IRF5 and CD86 expression levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. The nuclear location of IRF5 was detected by immunofluorescence. A double luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm that IRF5 targets the IFN-β promoter. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was conducted to assess the histopathology of the lung.
Results
IRF5 and IFN-β levels in peripheral blood were increased in CTD-ILD patients. IRF5 enhanced IFN-β expression by directly binding to its promoter. IRF5 promoted the M1 polarization of macrophages by activating IFN-β. MS19 suppressed IFN-β expression by inhibiting the activation of IRF5. MS19 repressed the IRF5-induced promotion of LPS-treated RAW264.7 cell M1 polarization. MS19 improved lung inflammation in CTD-ILD model mice by inhibiting the polarization of M1 macrophages via the IRF5/IFN-β axis.
Conclusion
IRF5 activated IFN-β transcription by targeting the IFN-β promoter, ultimately promoting the polarization of M1 macrophages and aggravating inflammation in CTD-ILD, and the effects were reversed by MS19 treatment.
Fluid absorption during flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with intelligent control of renal pelvic pressure: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deng Xiaolin , Chen Yijian , Song Leming , Du Chuance , Tan Wanlong
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate fluid absorption and its influencing factors during flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with intelligent control of renal pelvic pressure (RPP).
Methods: A total of 80 patients with upper urinary tract calculi underwent flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with intelligent control of RPP and were randomly divided into four groups. The RPP of Groups A, B, and C were set at -5 , 0 and 5 mmHg, respectively. Conventional flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with uncontrolled pressure served as control Group D. The perfusion flow rate was set at 100 ml/min in the four groups, with 20 patients in each group. The fluid absorption was measured by 1% ethanol every 10 minutes. Operation time, stone-free rate, and complications were recorded.
Result: Seventy-three patients were finally included in the RCT. The general and preoperative data of the patients were comparable between the groups. The fluid absorption of Groups A, B, and C was significantly less than that of Group D (P < 0.01). Fluid absorption and operation time were positively correlated, and the correlation coefficients R were 0.864, 0.896, 0.918, and 0.947, respectively (P<0.01). The fluid absorption of patients with vomiting, fever and ureteral injury was greater than that of patients without complications in the four groups (P < 0.01). In different groups, fluid absorption was greater in patients with ureteral injury PULS 1-3 than in noninjured patients (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION: Flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with intelligent control of RPP effectively reduces the absorption of perfusion fluid. Operation time and ureteral injury are also key factors affecting perfusion fluid absorption.
Influence of global DNA-methylation on chondrogenic fate during digit development
Authors: Chimal-Monroy Jesus , Perez-Maldonado Mario , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Ximena , Marín-Llera Jessica
Published: October 2023

Precise regulation of gene expression is of utmost importance during cell fate specification. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism that plays a significant role in gene expression regulation that recruits proteins involved in gene repression or inhibits the binding of transcription factors to DNA during cell commitment to regulate cell fate. Limb development is a well-established model for understanding cell fate decisions, and the formation of skeletal elements is coordinated through a sequence of events that control chondrogenesis spatiotemporally. It has been established that epigenetic control plays a crucial role in cartilage maturation. However, further investigation is required to determine its position in the earliest stages that direct cells to the chondrocyte lineage. This study investigates how the global DNA methylation environment affects cell fate divergence during the early chondrogenic events of the chondrocyte lineage. Our research has shown for the first time that inhibiting global DNA methylation in interdigital tissue with 5-azacytidine results in the formation of an ectopic digit. This discovery suggested that DNA methylation and demethylation dynamics could change the fate of cells that were supposed to die and redirect them toward chondrogenesis induction. Our vitro findings indicate that global DNA methylation is integral in regulating precartilage condensation formation by controlling cell proliferation, cell adhesion, and proapoptotic genes. As a result, the dynamics of methylation and demethylation are crucial in governing the development of chondrogenesis and cell death during digit formation.
Association between the time of initial relapse and subsequent relapses in patients with childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Inoki Yuta , Nishi Kentaro , Osaka Kei , Kaneda Tomoya , Akiyama Misaki , Sato Mai , Ogura Masao , Kamei Koichi
Published: October 2023

Background
Nephrotic syndrome relapse within 6 months is a known risk factor for steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome/frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (SDNS/FRNS), but the risk of early development of SDNS/FRNS and initiation of immunosuppression therapy remains unknown.
Methods
Patients with childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who had the first relapse within 6 months were enrolled. We analyzed the relationship between the time of the first and second relapse, incidence of SDNS/FRNS, and initiation of immunosuppression therapy.
Results
Forty-five patients were enrolled. Twenty out of 23 patients (87%) with a first relapse within 30 days after discontinuing initial steroid therapy experienced a second relapse within 30 days after discontinuing steroid therapy. Additionally, most patients in this group (96%) experienced a second relapse within 6 months after the onset and were diagnosed as SDNS/FRNS at this time. In this group, the incidence of SDNS/FRNS development within 6 months was 96%. In contrast, the incidence of SDNS/FRNS development within 6 months and 12 months was 18% and 41%, respectively, in patients with a first relapse more than 30 days after steroid discontinuation. The incidence of initiation of immunosuppressive agents within 6 months and 12 months was 83% and 91%, respectively, in the former group and 14% and 27%, respectively, in the latter group.
Conclusions
Most patients with a first relapse within 30 days after discontinuing steroid therapy developed SDNS/FRNS and were administered immunosuppressive agents within 6 months. Thus, it may be reasonable to start immunosuppression therapy in this group without waiting for the second relapse.
Distributed power analysis attack on SM4 encryption chip
Authors: Gong Haoran , Ju Tailiang
Published: October 2023

Encryption chips are specialized integrated circuits that incorporate encryption algorithms for data encryption and decryption, ensuring data confidentiality and security. In China, the domestic SM4 algorithm is commonly utilized, as opposed to the international AES encryption algorithm. These widely implemented encryption standards have been proven to be difficult to crack through crypt analysis methods Currently, power consumption side-channel attacks are the most prevalent method. They involve capturing power consumption data during the encryption process and subsequently recovering the encryption key from this data. The two leading methods are Differential Power Analysis (DPA) and machine learning techniques. DPA does not necessitate prior knowledge but relies heavily on the number of power consumption curves. With only 50 power consumption data points, theaccuracy is a mere 80%. Machine learning methods require prior knowledge, achieving an accuracy rate above 95% with only 30 power traces?, albeit with training times typically exceeding 15 minutes. In this paper, a distributed energy analysis attack approach was presented based on Correlation Power Analysis (CPA). The power consumption data was divided into 16 subsets, with each subset corresponding to 8 bytes of the key. By training each subset separately, the 8-byte key’s corresponding power consumption data is reduced to only 100 dimensions, resulting in a 76% decrease in cracking time and a 3% improvement in cracking accuracy rate.This article also trains a more complex 256 classification model to directly crack the final key, achieving a success rate of 28% in cracking 128-bit passwords with only 1 energy trace
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of IgA nephropathy patients with hyperuricemia
Authors: Qi Chenchen , Liu Xudong , Mao Jing , Zhang Sen , Ye Lan , Wang Xuan , Peng Jianan , Zhou Xiaoling
Published: October 2023

Objective: To understand the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) complicated with hyperuricemia, and to analyze the effect of serum uric acid on the prognosis of IgAN.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 718 IgAN patients with diagnosis confirmed by renal biopsy and follow-up of more than 1 year was performed. At least two serum uric acid (SUA) levels were recorded measurements of during the follow-up period at intervals of 0.5–1 year. Time-average SUA (TA-SUA) was calculated according to the area under the curve during the follow-up period. The study’s primary end-point was doubling of creatinine or end-stage renal disease. Four groups (Q1–Q4) were divided according to baseline uric acid and TA-SUA quartile spacing from low to and the association of high uric acid level with prognosis in IgAN patients was assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results: Compared with the other three groups, the clinical and pathological features of patients in Q4 were more severe in both the SUA and TA-SUA groups. SBP, DBP, MAP, baseline SUA, high SUA and high TS-SUA, eGFR, ALB, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, and renal tubular atrophy/interstromal fibrosis were all identified risk factors for IgA nephropathy progression by univariate Cox regression model analysis. Multivariate results suggested that baseline SUA was not an independent risk factor for renal prognosis in IgAN patients after adjustment for clinical variables such as eGFR. High TA-SUA is an independent risk factor for renal prognosis in IgAN patients.
Conclusion: High uric acid levels IgAN patients with high uric acid levels present more severe clinical features and pathological damage. TA-SUA is as an independent risk factor for renal prognosis in IgA nephropathy patients. Baseline SUA level is not an independent risk factor for renal prognosis in IgAN patients after renal function adjustment.
A Numerical Investigation of the Thermal Behavior of Different Phase Change Materials in Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Authors: KAN Mehmet
Published: October 2023

Phase change materials (PCM) are widely used in thermal energy storage systems due to their high heat storage properties. However, due to the low thermal conductivity of PCMs, different surface areas are employed in order to increase the amount of energy. One of these methods is to use fins with high thermal conductivity. This study numerically investigated the thermal behavior of different PCMs (paraffin, paraffin wax, polyethylene glycol 6000) during the melting process in a thermal energy storage system with 15 fins. A FOX 50 heat flow meter was used for thermal conductivity measurements of these PCMs, and TA DSC Q200 (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) devices were used for specific heat measurements. The thermal property data of these measured PCMs were used in a time-dependent analysis. With the PCM data obtained, time-dependent thermal analyses were carried out using the Ansys-Fluent program based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. The effect of these different PCMs on the melting processes was investigated by using water at 75oC in a 15-fin thermal storage system by observing their thermal behavior in the thermal energy storage system. In addition, cost analyses were conducted by determining the required amount of PCMs for the thermal storage system.
Spatial and temporal variability of soil microbial community in the Carpathian biosphere reserve
Authors: SYMOCHKO Lyudmyla , KILIÇ Kenan , DOĞAN Hakan Mete , KILIÇ Kenan
Published: October 2023

In this study, the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors on the soil microbiome in the primitive forest ecosystems of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Shyrokoluzhansky massif) in Ukraine was been investigated as temporal variation. These unique ecosystems have a model value for investigating the distinctive soil microbiota, such as the structure of their microbial communities, the number of major ecological groups, and their spatial variability. For this aim, microbial communities in the soil were been researched in the years 2008 and 2018 by field sampling, and georeferenced field data has been collected for mapping process in geographic information systems (GIS). Microbiological studies on soils in the research area were been carried out according to the general methods used in soil microbiology. Spatial distribution of microbial communities was been transformed to interpolated raster maps for the years 2008 and 2018 by utilizing Kriging interpolation method in GIS. The relationships of soil microbial communities with elevation, climate, and soil variables were also investigated by utilizing available climate (annual mean temperature and annual precipitation amount), elevation, and soil (sand-silt-clay, organic matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity) raster maps. Statistical analyses were been conducted by utilizing test of normality (Shapiro–Wilks), descriptive statistics, t-test, correlation, and linear regression analyses. Significant increases in the number of microorganism communities were been detected from 2008 to 2018, with the most significant increases seen in oligotrophs and pedotrophs, followed by ammonifiers and bacteria. While ammonifiers and bacteria constituted the first group similar to each other in terms of the number of microorganisms, the second group was been formed by pedotrophs and oligotrophs. The differences between these two groups of microorganisms also reflected in their relationships with the independent variables. The strongest associations with microorganism communities were been found between elevation, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), precipitation and temperature variables. While ammonifiers and bacteria showed a negative relationship with elevation, CEC and precipitation, and a positive relationship with temperature, pedotrophs and oligotrophs showed a positive relationship with altitude, CEC and precipitation and a negative relationship with temperature. Strong relationships were been modeled. Temperature and precipitation values also increased significantly between 2008 and 2018, giving some clues about how global warming affects the geographical distribution of microorganism communities. *Corresponding author. E-mail Addres: kenankilic@ohu.edu.tr
The microstructure and properties evolutions of porous Inconel718 alloy by selective laser melting
Authors: Wang Zhiyun , Zhao Zhanyong , Bai Peikang , Ren Juanna , Liu Baosheng , Naik Nithesh , Liu Bin , Qu Hongqiao
Published: October 2023

Nickel-based porous materials possess excellent mechanical properties and can be utilized in the fabrication of diverse lightweight structural materials, holding great potential for applications in the aerospace and automotive sectors. This study focuses on the preparation of porous Inconel718 alloy through selective laser melting and investigates the influence of heat treatment (standard heat treatment, homogenization heat treatment, and homogenization + standardization heat treatment) on the microstructure and properties of the alloy. Inconel718 is a precipitation-strengthened, high-temperature nickel-based alloy. The results indicate that the compressive properties of the porous structures were significantly improved through homogenization heat treatment (the compressive property and energy absorption capacity were increased by 21.8% and 40.4%, respectively). This enhancement can be attributed to the dissolution of a considerable amount of δ phases (Ni3Nb) and Laves phase ((Ni,Cr,Fe)2(Nb,Mo,Ti)) as the solution temperature increased, thereby releasing the strengthening phase -forming element Nb, These Nb elements diffuse uniformly at a high solution temperature, and a large number of nano-sized γ" phases (Ni3Nb) are precipitated in the alloy grains, playing a role of dispersion strengthening and making the strength increase significantly. Moreover, after homogenization heat treatment, the dislocation density is decreased, the crack sensitivity is decreased, and the toughness of the alloy is increased. Consequently, homogenization heat treatment facilitates the dispersion, which thus strengthens the alloy and enhances its compression performance. This study holds significant theoretical and practical implications as it contributes to the advancement of fundamental research on porous high-temperature nickel-based alloys and broadens their range of applications.
Synthesis, structure, Hirschfeld surface analysis and Molecular docking studies of polymorphus of 4-amino 3-nitrobenzoic acid
Authors: Narmanova F. S. , Turaev Kh. Kh. , Kasimov Sh. A. , Ibragimov A. B. , Normamatov A. S. , Balakrishnan C. , Mengnorov I. J. , Eshimbetov A. G. , Ashurov J. M.
Published: October 2023

Single crystals of 4-amino-3-nitrobenzoic acid polymorphic structure (4-A3NBA-P) suitable for X-ray analysis were obtained by the slow evaporation method. New compound structure were studied by IR and UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, as well as Hirshfeld surface analysis and Molecular Docking. Two independently crystallographically distinct molecules that differ only slightly in their geometrical properties make up the compound's asymmetric unit. Depicts the compound's packing diagram, which is made up of four molecules of 4-A3NBA-P. The previously reported 4-A3NBA-P belongs to the monoclinic crystal system with centric space group P21/c (at 100 K) and one molecule in the asymmetric unit, whereas the crystal packs in the triclinic system with a centrosymmetric space group Pī. The cumulative expanse of the Hirschfeld surface encompasses 362.65 Å2. Within this intricate mosaic, a substantive 41.9% is ascribed to interactions of the O•••H/H•••O ilk, while a notable 21.8% is attributable to H•••H interactions. According to molecular docking experiments, the ligand has a strong propensity to bind to KDM4 proteins and the binding energy has improved. The obtained antimicrobial activity data attest that the compounds under study have some antibiotic potential and can be used to make preparations to slow the growth and development of pathogenic bacteria.
Dapagliflozin treatment is associated with a reduction of epicardial adipose tissue thickness and epicardial glucose uptake in human type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cinti Francesca , Leccisotti Lucia , Sorice Gian Pio , Capece Umberto , D'Amario Domenico , Lorusso Margherita , Gugliandolo Shawn , Morciano Cassandra , Guarnieri Andrea , Guzzardi Mariangela , Mezza Teresa , Capotosti Amedeo , Indovina Luca , Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Iozzo Patricia , Crea Filippo , Giordano Alessandro , Giaccari Andrea
Published: October 2023

Objective: We recently demonstrated that treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) leads to an increase in myocardial flow reserve in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The mechanism by which this occurs is, however, unclear. One of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease is inflammation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). Since the latter is often increased in type 2 diabetes patients, it could play a role in coronary microvascular dysfunction. It is also well known that SGLT-2i modify adipose tissue metabolism.
We aimed to investigate the effects of the SGLT-2i dapagliflozin on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and metabolism in T2D patients with stable coronary artery disease and to verify whether these changes could explain the observed myocardial flow changes.
Methods: We performed a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial including 14 patients with T2D randomized 1:1 to SGLT-2i dapagliflozin (10 mg daily) or placebo. The thickness of visceral (epicardial, mediastinal, perirenal) and subcutaneous adipose tissue and glucose uptake were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment initiation by 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp.
Results: The two groups were well-matched for baseline characteristics (age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, BMI, renal and heart function). Dapagliflozin treatment significantly reduced EAT thickness by 19% (p= 0.03). There was a significant 21.6% reduction in EAT glucose uptake during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in the dapagliflozin group compared with the placebo group (p=0.014). We did not observe any significant effect on adipose tissue thickness/metabolism in the other depots explored.
Conclusions: SGLT-2 inhibition selectively reduces EAT thickness and EAT glucose uptake in T2D patients, suggesting a reduction of EAT inflammation. This could explain the observed increase in myocardial flow reserve, providing new insights into SGLT-2i cardiovascular benefits.
Microwave radiation-induced interfacial gradient effect of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite for enhancing mechanical performance
Authors: Zhang Huifang , Zhi Jieying , Lu Xiaoxuan , Peng Xuanzhi , Gao Xiaoqing , Yang Yv , Liu Zixuan , Cao Yang , Liu Qichao , Sun Youyi
Published: October 2023

A new carbon fiber/polyamide12 (CF/PA12) composite with ordered orientation is fabricated by combining with 3D printing and microwave radiation. It is found that the tensile strength and modulus of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite with microwave radiation are obviously improved by 23.8% and 10.2% comparing with the original specimen, respectively. The effect of microwave radiation on micro-structure and fiber-matrix interface of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite are investigated by nanoindentation and 3D X-ray computed tomography. The enhanced mechanical properties are mainly attributed to the microwave radiation-induced interfacial gradient effect of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite. The work does not only confirm the formation of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite with good mechanical properties, but also comprehensively clarifies the mechanism of the microwave radiation effect on 3D printing polymer composite based on carbon fiber.
Practice on Framework for Product Quality Analysis Based on User Feedback Data
Authors: Chen Kexuan , Zhang Yanbin , Jiang Chao , Hu Tao , Wang Wei , Su Bin
Published: October 2023

Online products generate vast amounts of user feedback data, which has become crucial for companies to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. This paper proposes the FPQA-UFD (framework to analyze product quality based on user feedback data) using data mining algorithms, natural language processing, multi-classification methods, and statistical analysis, providing detailed data support for product development teams' decision-making. The framework effectively extracts information from user feedback, accurately dividing 305,311 user feedback data into 44 effective topics and extracting explanatory keywords. A multi-classification experiment achieved a classification accuracy and recall rate of 83%. This study offers valuable insights for businesses and academia to enhance decision-making and software development through user feedback analysis.