bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Exposures in Commercial Laundry and Dry Cleaning Industries and their Associative Cancers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Landskroner Emma , Tsai Candace Su-Jung
Published: September 2023

Background
The laundry and dry cleaning industries are critical for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in our daily lives. However, these industries have also been identified as sources of hazardous chemical exposure for workers, leading to potentially severe health implications. Despite mounting evidence that solvents like perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene are carcinogenic to humans, they remain the most commonly used solvents in the industry. In addition, while alternative solvents are increasingly being utilized in response to evidence of adverse health and environmental effects, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of the potential risks associated with exposure to these new agents.
Methods
A systematic scoping review was conducted to identify prevalent toxic substances in the commercial laundry and dry cleaning industries that workers are exposed to and, further, to identify gaps in the existing literature regarding those exposures and related cancer development. Reported study exposure values were compared with current occupational exposure limits and biological exposure indices.
Results
Most studies examined perchloroethylene exposure in the dry cleaning industry, with one notable finding being that genotoxic effects were found even below current occupational exposure limits. Separate studies on TCE and benzene presented varied exposure levels and health risks, raising concern due to their IARC Group 1 carcinogen classification. Lastly, data on alternative solvents was limited, with a lack of health outcome data and gaps in their exposure guidelines and carcinogenic classifications.
Conclusion
A gap in research exists regarding health outcomes, particularly cancer development, from solvent exposure in the dry cleaning industry. Most studies (66%) overlooked health implications, especially for emerging solvents. Further, results showed potential DNA damage from the established solvent, perchloroethylene, even below current occupational exposure limits, emphasizing the need to reevaluate safety limits. As alternative solvents like butylal and high-flashpoint hydrocarbons become more prevalent, investigations into the effects of their exposure are necessary to safeguard workers' health. This scoping review is registered with the Open Science Framework, registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Q8FR3
Silanized modified cellulose: Preparation and evaluation of O/W
Authors: Liu Wanyi , Fan Rong , Wang Wenxue , Liu pengtao
Published: September 2023

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are ideal Pickering emulsion stabilizers, but they have limitations due to their strong hydrophilicity. In this work, modified CNFs (M-CNFs) with a water contact angle of 93.1±0.6° were successfully prepared by methyl trimethoxysilane. Subsequently, the performance of the M-CNFs was characterized by crystallization performance determination (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), particle size determination, thermogravimetric analysis and so on. As well as, the O/W Pickering emulsions prepared with M-CNFs as a stabilizer has good performance in the diameter and particle size distribution, most droplet sizes can be maintained within 5μm, and unimodal distribution was presented. It can show more stable performance under medium and alkaline conditions (pH=7-11), and has certain anti-ion ability. Thus, this study has potential applications in coating, paint, sewage treatment and other fields.
Multimodal Transformer for Bearing Fault Diagnosis: A New Method Based on Frequency-Time Feature Decomposition
Authors: Li Kai , Wang Chen , Wu Haiyan
Published: September 2023

Bearing fault diagnosis technology enables early detection of faults and prevention of potential equipment failures. To fully utilize signal data, this paper introduces an innovative diagnostic model named Frequency-Time Multimodal Transformer (FTM-Transformer). It constructs two-dimensional frequency feature data and one-dimensional time-domain feature data, and incorporates a multimodal information fusion module comprehensively exploit the distinctive features of different modes of signals, thereby enhancing fault diagnosis accuracy. The FTM-Transformer model utilizes Multivariate Decomposition for Time and Frequency Features (MDTF) as the feature extraction module to analyze vibration signals from multiple sensors. MDTF employs Multivariate Variational Mode Decomposition (MVMD) to decompose the vibration signals into Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) and applies the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) to extract feature maps of these IMFs, while also analyzing statistical time-domain features of the IMFs to form feature vectors. Building upon this foundation, the FTMTransformer module is designed to effectively integrates the frequency-domain feature maps and time-domain feature vectors using a deep Transformer model. Experimental results on the bearing fault dataset from Case Western Reserve University demonstrate that the FTM-Transformer model achieves remarkable diagnostic accuracy, significantly outperforming traditional models such as Vision Transformer (ViT) and ResNet. Furthermore, transfer testing on the gear dataset from Southeast University validates the adaptability of the diagnostic model to other application scenarios, showcasing its superior performance. The proposed MDTF and FTM-Transformer methods offer a novel and effective solution to bearing fault diagnosis, contributing to improved equipment reliability and maintenance efficiency in various industrial applications.
Adipocytes play an etiological role in renal tubular epithelial cells of db/db mice
Authors: Wang Jiali , li Yuanyuan , Cao Fangfang , Yang Pei
Published: September 2023

Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and kidney damage interact with each other. Recent studies have shown that adipokines are closely related to the occurrence and development of DN, and are potential targets for treatment and prevention of complications. However, the potential interaction between adipocytokines and renal injury remains unclear. We investigated the mechanisms linking adipose tissue to DN. We assessed fat and renal functions in db/db and wild-type mice, and the effects of adipocyte-conditioned medium on cultured tubular epithelial cells. Mice were used to analyze changes in plasma BUN, creatinine, urine protein, and renal histology. Additionally, tubular epithelial cells were incubated with adipocyte-conditioned medium to investigate the effects on tubular epithelial cell apoptosis.
Genome-wide identification of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene family reveals the potential role in carbohydrate metabolism in peach
Authors: Fan Shihao , Wang Zhe , Xiao Yuansong , Liang Jiahui , Zhao Shilong , Liu Yihua , Guo Jian , Peng Futian
Published: September 2023

Background: Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) is essential for plant growth and development, linking trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) to carbon metabolism. However, little is known about the TPS gene family in peach and their potential roles in regulating carbohydrates in peach fruit.
Results: In this study, 9 TPS genes were identified in peach genome and named according to the homologous genes in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three subfamilies were identified, including TPSI, TPSII-1 and TPSII-2, which were also consistent with gene structure analysis. Considerable cis-elements were enriched in the promoters, including plant hormone related elements. Tissue specific analysis showed that these TPS genes were mainly expressed in leaf, stem and fruit, showing different expression patterns for each gene. In addition, during fruit development, the content of T6P was positively correlated with the expression of PpTPS7a and negatively with SnRK1 enzyme activity. Transient overexpression and silencing of PpTPS7ain peach fruit validated its function in regulating T6P content and SnRK1 activity.
Conclusions: The identified TPS genes and the potential function in regulating SnRK1 provide insights into carbohydrate metabolism in peach fruit.
Study on Coalbed Methane Extraction Mode of Cracked Soft Coal Seam with Sectional Hydraulic Fracturing in the Rock of Coal Seam Roof
Authors: WANG Bo , HOU Enke , MA Liang , DU Tianlin , CHEN Chongfen , YANG Jianchao
Published: September 2023

A coalbed methane extraction model using sectional hydraulic fracturing in the rock of the coal seam roof has been proposed to effectively manage soft, low-permeability coal seams in the Huaibei mining zone. The model utilizes stress-seepage-damage coupling to simulate the hydraulic fracturing process and the resulting fracture propagation. Numerical simulations have demonstrated that cracks in the rock of the roof can extend to the coal seam, allowing for effective extraction of coalbed methane.Physical similarity simulations were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed sectional hydraulic fracture method. The results showed that hydraulic fractures could develop in the roof rock both vertically and downwards, penetrating the soft and fractured coal seam. Productivity simulations were then used to analyze the efficiency of coalbed methane extraction and determine the optimal number of fracturing stages. The best drainage effect was achieved with a fracture spacing of 72~83 m.Engineering verification experiments were conducted, confirming the effectiveness of the sectional hydraulic fracture method for coalbed methane extraction in the Huaibei mining area where the coal is soft, cracked, and has weak permeability. Overall, the proposed method provides an effective solution for the extraction of coalbed methane from low-permeability, soft coal seams, with potential to benefit the energy industry in the Huaibei mining zone and beyond.
Global, regional, and national burdens of hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019 and joinpoint regression
Authors: Huang Chenyang , Wu Yaxin , Ji Dong , Wang Fu-sheng
Published: September 2023

Background: The global burden of hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis in children and adolescents must be understood and investigated.
Methods: The incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were extracted from the GBD database, and calculations were performed at global, regional, and national level. The joinpoint model was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and annual average percentage change (AAPC).
Findings: Globally, the prevalence of children and adolescents with hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis decreased from 125,053.98 × 10^3 in 1990 to 46,400.33 × 10^3 in 2019. Compared with 1990, the incidence of cirrhosis increased in low (95.51%) and low-middle SDI areas (26.47%), whereas it decreased in other SDI areas. The AAPC of prevalence has increased in low-middle SDI areas (AAPC 0.12 [95% CI: 0.04– 0.20]). At the regional level, the East Asia region has experienced the largest reduction. Conversely, Western Sub-Saharan Africa was the most serious region. Notably, South Asia was the only region where the AAPC of cirrhosis incidence (AAPC 0.77 [95% CI: 0.68–0.86]) increased.
Conclusions: Globally, the overall burden of hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis in children and adolescents has declined significantly, but the number of cirrhosis cases in low-middle and low-SDI areas has increased. The incidence in South Asia is rising, and the burden on Africa remains serious. Prevention and treatment of hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis in children and adolescents should not be ignored.
Identification of lymphophilic subtype in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using genetic signatures from large-scale genomic repertoires
Authors: Li Yin , Kang Xiaozheng , Wan Zhiyi , Zhang Ruixiang , Zhang Enli , Wang Zhen , Zheng Qingfeng , Chen Xiankai , Li Yong , Qin Jianjun , Xue Qi , Gao Shugeng , He Jie
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Driven by efforts to balance oncologic outcomes and perioperative morbidity, the individualized surgical management of oesophageal cancer (EC) lymph node metastases is evolving away from systemic lymph node dissections. Creating personalized treatment plans could become problematic when no genetic tests are available to detect aggressive tumors before surgery.METHODS: This cohort study was performed on 564 oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients across six next-generation sequencing studies. The genomic classifier for nodal metastasis risk prediction was generated by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression analysis with 10-fold cross-validation based on the selected different genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of the classification model.RESULTS: After excluding three patients with missing lymph node status, a total of 561 ESCC patients met the inclusion criteria: 335 (59.7%) with nodal-positive (NP) and 226 (40.3%) with nodal-negative (NN). Feature selection identified 112 mutated genes to predict patients with NP versus NN. The LASSO model identified NP patients with an accuracy of 86.45% and an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.95.CONCLUSIONS: Using molecular profiling to identify lymphophilic ESCC is feasible for creating personalized surgical plans in clinical decision-making.
Linking ATP and allosteric sites to achieve superadditive binding with bivalent EGFR kinase inhibitors
Authors: Heppner David , Wittlinger Florian , Ogboo Blessing , Shevchenko Ekaterina , Damghani Tahereh , Pham Calvin , Schaeffner Ilse , Oligny Brandon , Chitnis Surbhi , Beyett Tyler , Rasch Alexander , Buckley Brian , Urul Daniel , Shaurova Tatiana , May Earl , Schaefer Erik , Eck Michael , Hershberger Pamela , Poso Antti , Laufer Stefan
Published: September 2023

Bivalent molecules consisting of groups connected through bridging linkers often exhibit strong target binding and unique biological effects. However, developing bivalent inhibitors with the desired activity is challenging due to the dual motif architecture of these molecules and the variability that can be introduced through differing linker structures and geometries. We report a set of alternatively linked bivalent EGFR inhibitors that simultaneously occupy the ATP substrate and allosteric pockets. Crystal structures show that initial and redesigned linkers bridging a trisubstituted imidazole ATP-site inhibitor and dibenzodiazepinone allosteric-site inhibitor proved successful in spanning these sites. The re-engineered linker yielded a compound that exhibited significantly higher potency (~60 pM) against the drug-resistant EGFR L858R/T790M and L858R/T790M/C797S, which was superadditive as compared with the parent molecules. The enhanced potency is attributed to factors stemming from the linker connection to the allosteric-site group and informs strategies to engineer linkers in bivalent agent design.
Serum PRO-C3 is useful for risk prediction and fibrosis assessment in MAFLD with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tang Liang-Jie , Sun Dan-Qin , Song Sherlot Juan , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Zhu Pei-Wu , Chen Sui-Dan , Karsdal Morten , Leeming Diana Julie , Jiang Pei , Wang Cong , Chen Qiang , Byrne Christopher , Targher Giovanni , Eslam Mohammed , George Jacob , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Zheng Ming-Hua
Published: September 2023

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the important factors associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and there are many similarities between the two in adverse outcomes. N-terminal propeptide of collagen type 3 (PRO-C3), as a biomarker of advanced fibrosis in MAFLD, may also predict the risk of future MAFLD with chronic kidney disease (MLKD) development.
Methods: A derivation and independent validation cohort of 750 and 129 Asian patients with biopsy-confirmed MAFLD were included. PRO-C3 concentration was measured and regression analyses were used to determine associations with MLKD. A derivative algorithm for MLKD risk prediction was evaluated with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results: The study included two Asian cohorts (MLKD: n=180; mean eGFR: 94.93 ml/min/1.73m2; median ACR: 6.58 mg/mmol). PRO-C3 was associated with the severity of MLKD and independently correlated to MLKD (adjusted odds ratio =1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.23, P<0.001). A new non-invasive score (named PERIOD) that included PRO-C3 predicted MLKD (AUROC of 0.842, 95% CI: 0.805-0.875); its accuracy, specificity, and negative predictive values were 80.2%, 85.1%, and 88.4%, respectively. In the validation cohort, the PERIOD score had good diagnostic performance (AUROC=0.807, 95% CI: 0.691-0.893) with similar results in all subgroups. In the MLKD subgroup, the accuracy for identifying advanced liver fibrosis was further improved by combining the PRO-C3-based ADAPT score with the Agile 3+ score (AUROC=0.90, 95% CI: 0.836-0.964, PPV=0.97).
Conclusions: PRO-C3 and the PERIOD score is useful for accurately predicting the risk of MLKD. PRO-C3 can also be used as a marker for assessing liver fibrosis in MLKD patients.
Workplace Stress and Performance Behavior among Private Sector School Teachers
Authors: Kiyani Abdur Rab Tariq , Fawad Sibtain , Amjid Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Employees working in many domains experience workplace stress and those related to academics are no exception in this regard. Workplace stress impacts the performance of teachers and the efficacy of a school. The study is led by the objective to examine the workplace stress and its relationship to the performance of teachers in terms of the behavioral outcomes of their job i.e., work involvement, employee efficiency and innovative behavior performing their job in private sector schools of district Karak, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Pakistan. In order to reach this objective, quantitative survey questionnaire was employed in the study to collect data from 120 teachers as a sample from different private sector higher secondary level schools. Pearson’s correlation analysis and regression analysis was applied on the data collected to obtain the statistical results of the study. The data analysis results suggest a significant negative relationship between workplace stress and performance. Further, workplace stress has a negative association with work involvement, employee efficiency and innovative behavior respectively. Future studies may include examining the effects of workplace stress on employee citizenship behavior with larger sample size and broader jurisdictions not only limited to education but also other spheres of businesses for a vast generalization.
Enhancing entanglement and non-Markovianity in an optomechanical system via atom quasi-random walk motion
Authors: Mohammadi Mahmoud , Jami Safa , Nezhad Mehdi Khazaei
Published: September 2023

Optomechanical cavities are one of the most important systems for observing quantum phenomena. In this paper, we investigated the quantum aspect of an optomechanical system made up of a two-level atom under two laser pump stimulation. One of the laser pumps drives the optical cavity, known as a longitudinal pump, while the second laser was used to excite the atom inside the cavity, directly and called as transverse pump. We observe the quasi-random walk of atom inside the cavity. Next, entanglement evolution among the atomic states and the other parts of the system with the von Neumann entropy measure was investigated. The study was done for distinctive atomic states in a strong coupling regime between the atom and field of cavity. Also, we investigated the evidence for non-Markovian behavior with trace distance measure. Our results demonstrate that the random walk of the atom can offer assistance to us to upgrade the entanglement between the inside atom mode and the other parts of the system for a long time. Furthermore, adding atomic motion provides evidence for the non-Markovian treatment of the system at the initial time.
Knowledge mobilization between food industry and public health nutrition scientists: learnings from a case study
Authors: Bouthillier Marie Le , Veilleux Sophie , Loignon Jeanne , Turcotte Mylène , Trudel Laurélie , Provencher Véronique
Published: September 2023

Background:
Improving the nutritional quality of the food supply make the access to nutritious foods easier, which enhance food habits and population health. Yet, knowledge mobilization initiatives between public health nutrition researchers and food industries are often not well considered and understood. This study explored key elements to consider in order that researchers can better mobilize nutritional scientific knowledge with food industries to encourage nutritive improvement of food products.
Method:
A qualitative approach of a case study was selected to answer the research question, using semi-structured interviews as the data collection technique. Quebec baking industry actors were shown a mock-up of an online mobilization platform sharing the results of the Food Quality Observatory describing the nutritional quality of breads offered in Quebec, Canada. They were asked to think aloud while exploring the web platform and being interviewed. Two coders analyzed the data using an inductive approach, starting with individual open coding, and then joining their analyses and forming thematic categories.
Results:
The final data consisted of 10 semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2019 and August 2020 (average duration of 95 minutes). Codes were agglomerated into four main themes: the industries background, the knowledge mobilization initiative, the product-related matters stemming from the information shared and the industries’ feeling of motivation. Within each theme, sub-themes were highlighted and related to the industries’ motivation to improve their products’ nutritional quality level. Specific to the case studied, this research also specified key considerations for sodium and fiber changes in bread.
Conclusion:
Other steps beyond using simple language and a website format could be taken to better mobilize scientific knowledge with food industries, such as providing more consumer information, using an integrated knowledge mobilization approach with consideration of ethics, working with communication professionals, collaborating with food science experts, and providing resources to act on shared information. Legislation such as the front-of-pack regulations could accelerate the pace of collaboration between researchers and industry. Overall, establishing a prior relationship with industries could help to better understand the themes highlighted in this study.
Classification codes: Public Health, Public Private, Policy Making, Research Institutions, Use of Knowledge
After the Flood: How Presidential Disaster Declarations Affect Long-Term Well-Being and Recovery for Homeowners
Authors: Costa Rodrigo , Bolte Edward , Sharp Colleen , Bowers Corinne
Published: September 2023

In the US, Presidential Major Disaster Declarations are a key factor to determine the availability of federal grants and low interest to support housing recovery. Without a Presidential Declaration, uninsured, lower-income disaster-struck households may be forced into large amounts of debt to cover home repair costs. In the long term, paying off this debt reduces households' consumption, leading to a reduction in well-being. While these facts have been documented in the literature on past disasters, this study provides a methodology to evaluate how Presidential Disaster Declarations may influence socioeconomic inequality in future disasters. The methodology also incorporates the effects of climate change as a multiplier that exacerbates these inequalities. We present a case study using the city of East Palo Alto in California and demonstrate how Presidential Disaster Declarations affect the disaster outcomes under multiple flood hazard scenarios. Results show that the issuance of a Presidential Disaster Declaration can reduce long-term consumption losses for lower-income households by more than 30%, and greatly reduce the disparity in consumption loss between low-income and high-income households. It is also shown that a 20-year return period flood without a Presidential Disaster Declaration may lead to greater long-term losses than a 100-year return period flood accompanied by a Presidential Disaster Declaration. The results of this study can help advocate for criteria for the issuance of Presidential Disaster Declarations that yield more equitable outcomes for the impacted communities.
Association of Systemic Inflammatory Markers with Postoperative Arrhythmias in Esophageal Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Xiao Hongbi , Lv Xiaoxia , Zhou Siding , Ren Qinglin , Zhang Ziang , Wang Xiaolin
Published: September 2023

Background:
The severity and prognosis of an array of inflammatory diseases have been predicted using systemic inflammatory indices, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII). This study sought to determine how preoperative systemic inflammatory indicators affected postoperative arrhythmia (PA) in esophageal cancer patients and whether they could be predicted.
Methods:
In a retrospective study, laboratory-related parameters were gathered and examined in 278 postoperative esophageal cancer patients (non-PA = 221, PA = 57). We established a 1:1(41:41) model following a propensity score matching (PSM) investigation of preoperative and intraoperative predictors of PA. The ability of inflammatory makers on the first post-esophagectomy day to distinguish PA from postoperative non-arrhythmia (non-PA) by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis.
Results:
On the first post-esophagectomy day, there was a significant difference between non-PA and PA in the white blood cell and neutrophil. The growth in the white blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes following surgery also differed significantly, and there was a greater difference between PA and non-PA in terms of NE%, NLR, dNLR, LMR, and SII. After PSM, on the first post-esophagectomy day, there was a considerable rise in neutrophils and WBC. The following variables were substantially different between non-PA and PA : NE%, NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII. On the first post-esophagectomy day, it was found that WBC, NE, NE%, NLR, dNLR, LMR, and SII had the AUC that were higher than 0.500 in terms of the ROC, with NLR and SII having the highest AUC (AUC = 0.661). The indicators were subjected to binary logistic regression analysis, which increased the indicators' predictive ability (AUC = 0.707, specificity = 0.507, and sensitivity = 0.877).
Conclusion:
On the first post-esophagectomy day, systemic inflammatory indicators were significantly correlated with both PA and non-PA, and high SII and NLR are reliable markers of PA.
TACE-HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib compared to HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib in the conversion efficacy of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Xinhua , Feng Xu , Qi Shiguai , Shi Zheng-rong
Published: September 2023

Objective
To evaluate whether transarterial chemoembolization combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib can improve the effect of conversion therapy.
Background
At present, the success rate of transformation therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is low. There is an urgent need to develop better treatment options for these patients.
Methods
the data of 47 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed, including TACE-HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib group (n = 20) and HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib group (n = 27). The effective rate, conversion rate and adverse events of the two groups were compared.
Results
there was no significant difference in the conversion rate, objective remission rate and disease control rate of TACE-HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there was significant difference in the frequency of conversion therapy (P < 0.0001). TACE-HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib significantly reduced the frequency of conversion therapy. In terms of safety, neither group experienced any grade 3–4 AE. TACE-HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib group had significantly fewer complications in terms of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia compared to the HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib group.
Conclusions
There was no significant difference in conversion rate, objective remission rate, disease control rate and progression-free survival time between TACE-HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib in the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma compared with HAIC combined with tislelizumab and lenvatinib. However, it significantly reduces the number of conversion therapy, which may reduce the incidence of hematological related complications, which has a certain practicability.
Examining determinants of control of metabolic syndrome among older adults with NCDs receiving service at NCDs clinic plus: multilevel analysis.
Authors: Suapumee Nongnuch , Seeherunwong Acharaporn , Wanitkun Napaporn , Chansatitporn Natkamol
Published: September 2023

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older adults with hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases by 2.5 times and type 2 diabetes by five times. This study aimed to explain the multilevel relationships between health service system factors and individual-level factors influencing the control of MetS among older adults with NCDs receiving health care services at the NCD Clinic Plus of hospitals in 1 year.
Methods
This cross-sectional analytical study employed a systematic sampling method to have two groups of samples from 4 regions of Thailand: 1) 600 older adults having at least one diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia and receiving services at NCDs Clinic Plus and 2) 12 nurses in charging of the NCDs Clinic Plus at the hospitals providing services to these patient samples. Data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression analysis.
Results
Only 24% of older adults with NCDs could control their MetS within one year. Receiving service from NCDs Clinic Plus at the hospitals providing complete MetS screening was significantly correlated with the MetS control (OR = 1.76, 95% CI [1.06, 2.92]). Older adults who were female and who had polypharmacy had a 66% (OR = .34, 95% CI [.22, .53]) and a 54% (OR = .46, 95% CI [.29 − .71]) reduction chance in MetS control. Older adults, who were ≥ 80 years old, labor-employed, healthy dietary patterns, and medication adherence increased chances of controlling MetS by 2.38 times (95% CI [1.12, 5.05]), 2.14 times (95% CI [1.03, 4.42]), 1.61 times (95% CI [1.06–2.46]), and 3.18 times (95% CI [1.51, 6.70]), respectively.
Conclusion
Health service provision at the NCD Clinic Plus should include MetS screening, polypharmacy assessment, dietary pattern assessment, and following-up on medication adherence every time older adults with NCDs come for the services. Especially to control the MetS in older adults with NCDs having high risks for MetS, the service should pay particular attention to those who are female, labor-employed, and take polypharmacy.
Green synthesis and characterization of Ruthenium oxide nanoparticles using Gunnera perpensa for potential anticancer activity against MCF7 cancer cells
Authors: Mfengwana Polo-Ma-Abiele Hildah
Published: September 2023

The use of green synthesis methods for RuONPs is gaining attention due to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and availability. However, reports on the green synthesis and characterization of RuONPs are limited compared to other metal nanoparticles. The green synthesis and characterization of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles (RuONPs) using Gunnera perpensa leaves water extract as a reducing agent is reported in this study. The RuONPs were characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-VIS). MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the RuONPs against MCF7 and Vero cell lines. The characterization results revealed the presence of crystalline and amorphous forms of RuONPs, functional groups associated with G. perpensa leaves, and both spherical and rod-like structures. The cell culture results indicated a low anticancer efficacy of RuONPs against MCF7 and Vero cell lines, suggesting that RuONPs may not be a good lead for anti-cancer drugs. This study highlights the potential of using green synthesis methods to produce RuONPs and their characterization, as well as their cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
Facile synthesis and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles from Archachatina marginata shell as potential solution to antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Atanda Saburi Abimbola , Shaibu Olarewaju Rafiu , Agunbiade Foluso Oyedotun , Arotiba Omotayo
Published: September 2023

The growing resistance to existing antimicrobial formulations poses a great concern for global public health and demand development of alternatives. Chitosan was synthesized from Archachatina marginata shell and characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Energy Dispersive X Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and its antibacterial activity assessed against Staphlococcus aureus(-haemolytic and clinical strain), Staphylococcus saprophyticus DSM 18669, Escherichia coli 0157, Klebsiella pneumonia EO1 16S ribosomal RNA gene, and Salmonella typhi ATCC 13311. FTIR revealed hydroxyl, carbonyl and amide as the main functional groups. XRD identified crystalline features while SEM images indicated grainy surface with clustering of uneven particles with TEM images showed polygonal particles, rod-like structures and spherical voids on the surface with diameters ranging from 5.80 to 31.05 nm. EDXRF and EDS indicated calcium, carbon, and oxygen as main elements. Chitosan produced highest inhibition zone of 39 mm against Staphylococcus saprophyticus DSM while there was no effect on Salmonella typhi ATCC 1331 and Minimum inhibitory concentration was between 0.0781 and 0.3125 mg/mL for tested strains. Chitosan antibacterial activity compared favourably to Levofloxacin, a synthetic drug as a benchmark. This suggests that chitosan from Archachatina marginata shell is a potential antibacterial agent for multiple applications.
Deep Learning disconnectomes to accelerate and improve long-term predictions for post-stroke symptoms
Authors: Matsulevits Anna , Coupe Pierrick , Nguyen Huy-Dung , Talozzi Lia , Foulon Chris , Nachev Parashkev , Corbetta Maurizio , Tourdias Thomas , de Schotten Michel Thiebaut
Published: September 2023

Deep learning as a truly transformative force is revolutionizing a wide range of fields, making a significant difference in medical imaging, where recent advancements have yielded some truly remarkable outcomes. In a connected brain, maps of white matter damage — otherwise known as disconnectomes — are essential for capturing the effects of focal lesions. However, the current tools for obtaining such information are prohibitively slow and not admitted for clinical usage. Here, we have explored the potential of deep-learning models to accurately generate disconnectomes in a population of stroke survivors.
We trained a 3D U-Net algorithm to produce deep-disconnectomesfrom binary lesion masks. This artificial neural network was able to capture most information obtained in conventional disconnectomes, i.e., statistical maps filtering normative white-matter networks, but output a deep-disconnectome 170 times faster – compared to disconnectome computation with the state-of-the-art BCBToolkit software. Moreover, the deep-disconnectomes were challenged to predict cognitive and behavioral outcomes one-year post-stroke. In an additional cohort of N=139 stroke survivors, N=86 neuropsychological scores were predicted from deep-disconnectomes achieving, on average, 85.2% of accuracy and R²= 0.208. The deep-disconnectomes predictivity power outperformed the conventional disconnectome predictions for clinical scores.
In summary, we have achieved a significant milestone for clinical neuroimaging by accelerating and ameliorating the creation of disconnectome maps using deep learning. By integrating deep learning into the management of stroke, one of the most prevailing catalysts for acquired disabilities, we deepen our understanding of its impact on the brain. This novel approach may offer potential avenues for acute intervention, ultimately enhancing patients' overall quality of life.
Recovery of Cobalt from Cathode of Lithium-Ion Battery Materials by Using Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Li Xin , Li Yin , Qiao Qian , Yu Honghao , Wang Kun , Li Nianping , Sun Yuanrun , Wang Bingtian , Xing Wenpeng
Published: September 2023

A new ternary deep-eutectic solvents, consisting of Choline chloride, ethylene glycol and benzoic acid, were designed for efficient leaching valuable metals from commercial cathode materials lithium oxide of spent lithium-ion batteries. The influence of experiment parameters on the leaching of cobalt was systematically investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. The leaching kinetics were elucidated in detail. The leaching efficiency of cobalt reached almost 100%, when the temperature is 170 ℃, the time of 3 h, and the molar ratio of the choline chloride: ethylene glycol: benzoic acid of 1:1.6:0.4. The kinetics Co leaching showed good agreement to the shrinking core model, in which the diffusion of solid product layers was the limiting step, and the apparent activation energy was about 77.22 kJ/mol. Infrared spectroscopy indicated that hydrogen donors provided multiple ligands to facilitate the solubilization of cobalt. The SEM analysis of the leachates showed that the edge of particles changed significantly, the particle size decreased, and the dissolution process appeared. The simultaneous realization of high efficiency, green process is expected to bring the DES into practical application for recovery of cathode from spent lithium-ion batteries.
Instant premix for steamed cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) pudding: Effect of foam-mat and air-oven drying on flour and end product characteristics
Authors: Alifa Nicholas Ojonugwa , Adeboyejo Folasade Olabimpe , Aworh Ogugua Charles
Published: September 2023

The effect of foam-mat and air oven drying on nutritional, functional, colour, rheology and microstructural properties of instant cowpea premix for production of moin-moin, a popular tropical protein-based meal, was investigated. In addition, the sensory properties of moin-moin prepared from the premixes were comparatively evaluated with traditionally produced moin-moin and the one produced from commercial cowpea flour. Foam-mat dried premix produced moin-moin of significantly higher nutritional quality than the oven-dried premix and the commercial cowpea flour. Furthermore, foam-mat dried products had higher bulk density, wettability, emulsion and foam capacity. Commercial cowpea flour had higher hydrophilicity, whereas the premixes had higher oil absorption capacities. Loss of desirable colour properties as evidenced by higher a* and b* values in oven-dried premix occurred. Pasting properties were significantly affected by drying method with the oven-dried premix having the highest tendency to retrograde and disintegrate. Microstructure of the premixes and cowpea flour showed distinct differences in their uniformity and granule size. Comparatively, moin-moin from the premixes had higher nutritional properties, but were less preferred in terms of sensory quality attributes than the one prepared conventionally and from commercial cowpea flour.
Effect of soil management on carbon stock and soil aggregation in a natural recovery area and surrounding systems, Brazil
Authors: Alcântara Laiza Coelho , Neves Isabela , Rosset Jean Sérgio , Ozório Jefferson Matheus Barros , Panachuki Elói , Castilho Selene Cristina Pierri , Schiavo Jolimar Antonio , Farias Paulo Guilherme da Silva , Souza Camila Beatriz da Silva , Santos Wesley Vieira , Marra Leandro Marciano
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to quantify total organic carbon (TOC), carbon of humic substances (HS), and their stocks and evaluate the soil structural stability of areas with different uses under sandy loam soil textureSoil samples were collected from three areas and a reference area: Permanent Pasture (PP), No-Till (NT), Private Natural Heritage Reserve in the process of natural regeneration (RPPN) and Native Forest (FN). Dry mass analysis, carbon stock quantification, chemical fractionation of soil organic matter and soil aggregation were carried out. The NF area had the highest deposition of ML. The PP and NT areas had the highest Bd. TOC and Stock-C contents were higher in PNHR, followed by NF, and STRATI was also higher in the regeneration area, and ΔStock-C was positive only in this area. The NT, PNHR, and NF areas had a higher proportion of C-FA than C-HA, but the fraction with the highest representation in all areas was C-HUM. The PP, PNHR, and NF areas obtained the best aggregate stability indicators, such as WMD, GMD, SI, and OLev, as well as a higher proportion of macroaggregates, with the NT area having low aggregate stability. In general, recovery of C contents was observed in recent years in the area of PNHR, leading to a greater storage of C, which shows a quantitative recovery of C in the soil in this area after four years of natural regeneration. Furthermore, the PP and NT areas present a lower capacity for C sequestration, mainly due to the management conditions imposed on the areas.
PD-1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy or Lenvatinib in advanced gallbladder cancer: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Song Hao , Ma Hong-yan , Xiao Yi , Liang Xiao-lu , Liu Guo-hua , Xu Hao , Tan Xiao-yu , Liu Bin
Published: September 2023

Background
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a refractory primary cancer. Some patients are prone to recurrence even after surgical resection. Chemotherapy is the most common non-surgical treatment used in these patients. The emergence of PD-1(programmed cell death protein 1) inhibitors and targeted therapy have provided an additional option for many advanced tumors.
Methods
This was a retrospective study of patients with advanced GBC treated at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital between June 2019 and June 2022. The patients receiving a PD-1 inhibitor(Tislelizumab) with chemotherapy or with Lenvatinib were retrospectively analyzed. RECIST1.1 (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors) was used as the efficacy evaluation standard. The overall survival(OS), progression-free survival(PFS), objective response rate(ORR), disease control rate(DCR), tumor marker CA199 were evaluated.
Results
61 patients with advanced GBC were included in the study. Including 32 patients received Tislelizumab plus GS(Gemcitabine and TS-1) chemotherapy, 29 patients received Tislelizumab combined with lenvatinib. Tislelizumab plus GS group median overall survival(OS) and progression-free survival(PFS) were 19.64 ± 11.81 (95% CI: 16.47–25.20) and 15.44 ± 13.42 (95% CI: 12.08–22.25) months. Tislelizumab plus Lenvatinib group median overall survival and progression-free survival were 13.06 ± 9.41 (95% CI: 9.72–16.63) and 10.34 ± 10.03 (95% CI: 6.56–14.13) months. The objective response rate, disease control rate were 59.38%, 81.3% with a Tislelizumab plus GS group, signifcantly longer than plus Lenvatinib group. Treatmentrelated adverse events were similar between two group.
Conclusion
Tislelizumab plus GS chemotherapy provides a safe and more efficient treatment option for advanced GBC patients.
The radial solutions for a class of Kirchhoff type equation with variable exponent
Authors: Chu Changmu , Yu Ying
Published: September 2023

This paper is concerned with the following Kirchhoff type equation\begin{equation*}\label{eq0.1}\left\{\begin{array}{ll}-(a+b\int_{B}|\nabla u|^{2}dx)\Delta u=u^{q(x)-1}, &\ \ \mbox{in}\ \ B,\\ u\geq0, &\ \ \mbox{in}\ \ B,\\ u=0, &\ \\mbox{in}\ \ \partial B, \end{array} \right.\end{equation*}where $a\geq0$, $b>0$ are real numbers and $B$ is the unit ball in $\R^3$, $q(x)=q(|x|)$ is a continuous radial function satifying $2<\mathop {\min }\limits_{x \in \overline{B}}q(x)=q_-<4
4$. By means of variational methods and a priori estimate, we prove the existence and multiplicity of radial solutions to this problem.
Mathematics Subject Classification 2010: 35J20, 35J62, 35Q55.
Exploring wild, underutilized, and neglected edible plants in West Java, Indonesia: Ethnobotanical assessment, use trends, and potential for improved nutrition
Authors: Rahayu Yen Yen Sally , Dwiartama Angga , Rosleine Dian , Irsyam Arifin Surya Dwipa
Published: September 2023

Background
As one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, Indonesia contains over 19,000 plant species, including wild, underutilized, and neglected edible plants (WUNEPs). These WUNEPs complement people’s diets and substitute for common vegetables, particularly in rural areas. However, in West Java, the biodiversity of WUNEPs is declining, which coincides with public health issues related to malnutrition. Because they often contain higher levels of micronutrients than domesticated crops, WUNEPs can be used as a healthy dietary alternative, especially given the growing prevalence of micronutrient deficiency and diet-related diseases among the Indonesian population. Despite the potential benefits of addressing these issues, limited research has been conducted on this topic. This study aims to document the diversity of WUNEPs in rural West Java, assess communities’ perceptions regarding their availability and importance, and determine factors influencing their consumption.
Methods
The ethnobotanical surveys involved interviewing 20 purposively selected key informants with sound traditional knowledge of useful WUNEPs. The nutritional compositions of these foods, obtained from literature and analysis, are discussed, as is their contribution to the recommended dietary allowances of certain nutrients for men and women. Information regarding the perceptions, attitudes, and correlates of WUNEP consumption was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire from 107 Sundanese women in three villages in the region.
Results
The study documented 53 species of WUNEPs from 27 families, including leafy vegetables, spices/condiments, fruits, roots/tubers, and flowers. The documented WUNEPs have superior nutritional value and provide essential nutrients compared to common vegetables. Most respondents agreed that consumption has declined due to reduced availability, a lack of knowledge regarding the identification and nutritional benefits of the species, time constraints, and a preference for improved varieties. The main motivations for using WUNEPs were their availability as free food, medicinal value, nostalgic value, and preferred taste. WUNEP consumption frequency among the studied Sundanese communities is not associated with age, body mass index, dietary diversity, occupation, or household expenditure.
Conclusions
WUNEPs can potentially improve diets and create a more sustainable food system. As natural resources decline, promoting biodiversity for improved nutrition and ensuring their sustainable use is important. This requires collaboration among communities, governments, and stakeholders.