bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberoplasty Reduces Resistance Force in Dynamic Shoulder Abduction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study
Authors: Li Zhiyao , Ma Lifeng , Dai Yike , Yin Heyong , Diao Naicheng , Zhang Jingxin , Zeng Jizhou , Guo Ai
Published: February 2024

Background: Arthroscopic tuberoplasty is an optional technique for managing irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the resistance force during shoulder abduction in cases of irreparable rotator cuff tears and tuberoplasty.
Hypotheses: In shoulders with irreparable rotator cuff tears, impingement between the greater tuberosity (GT) and acromion increases the resistance force during dynamic shoulder abduction. Tuberoplasty is hypothesized to reduce this resistance force by mitigating impingement.
Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.
Methods: Eight cadaveric shoulders, with a mean age of 67.75 years (range, 63-72 years), were utilized. The testing sequence included intact rotator cuff condition, irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs), burnishing tuberoplasty, and prosthesis tuberoplasty. Deltoid forces and actuator distances were recorded. The relationship between deltoid forces and actuator distance was graphically represented in an ascending curve. Data were collected at five points within each motion cycle, corresponding to actuator distances of 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, and 60mm.
Results: In the intact rotator cuff condition, resistance forces at the five points were 34.25±7.73N, 53.75±7.44N, 82.50±14.88N, 136.25±30.21N, and 203.75±30.68N. In the IRCT testing cycle, resistance forces were 46.13±7.72N, 63.75±10.61N, 101.25±9.91N, 152.5±21.21N, and 231.25±40.16N. Burnishing tuberoplasty resulted in resistance forces of 32.25±3.54N, 51.25±3.54N, 75.00±10.69N, 115.00±10.69N, and 183.75±25.04N. Prosthesis tuberoplasty showed resistance forces of 29.88±1.55N, 49.88±1.36N, 73.75±7.44N, 112.50±7.07N, and 182.50±19.09N. Both forms of tuberoplasty significantly reduced resistance force compared to IRCTs. Prosthesis tuberoplasty further decreased resistance force due to a smooth surface, although the difference was not significant compared to burnishing tuberoplasty.
Conclusion: Tuberoplasty effectively reduces resistance force during dynamic shoulder abduction in irreparable rotator cuff tears. Prosthesis tuberoplasty does not offer a significant advantage over burnishing tuberoplasty in reducing resistance force.
Clinical Relevance: Tuberoplasty has the potential to decrease impingement, subsequently reducing resistance force during dynamic shoulder abduction, which may be beneficial in addressing conditions like pseudoparalysis.
Gender occupational segregation: the role of parents *
Authors: Smyk Magdalena , Magda Iga
Published: February 2024

We explore the role of parents in the choice of occupation of their children and the role of parents in gender occupational segregation. We construct an index of female-biased intensity of occupation and test whether there is a statistically significant relationship between the gender-biased intensity of occupations of parents and their children. We find there is a statistically significant correlation between fathers and their daughters: daughters of fathers who worked in more female – dominated occupations (with high female-biased intensity), are themselves more likely to work in more male-dominated occupations. Furthermore, we find such a correlation also between father’s and son’s index of female- biased intensity of their occupations, but this concerns only the youngest cohort, born after 1980s. There is no effect for mothers: even if mothers work in occupations with relatively high shares of women, this does not correlate with how intensively female-biased the occupations of their sons or daughters are.
JEL codes: J16, J13, J24
Hydrothermally synthesized various morphological CuO nanoparticles for stable and enhanced supercapacitor applications
Authors: Seethalakshmi M. , Shanthi M. , Dhanapandian S. , Ashokkumar K.
Published: February 2024

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method with different morphologies including nanorod, spherical, rock like and plate. Their structural properties, functional groups, surface morphology, pore size distribution and electrochemical properties were studied by different techniques like X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of orthorhombic structure with reduced crystallite size of 13.23 nm. The surface morphology and average particle size were identified by SEM. FTIR studies expressed the presence of vibrational bands in range of 493 cm-1 and 610 cm-1 ascribed to CuO bonds, respectively. XPS analysis showed the oxidation state of the presented elements in prepared sample. Typical pseudocapacitance behavior was recorded for CuO electrode, which shows the specific capacitance value of
197 Fg−1 at 10 mVs-1. The cyclic stability of synthesized electrode material showed the maximum of 77.24 % retention in the electrode. Moreover, the electrochemical impedance spectral analysis revealed the excellent rate-capability and reversible nature of the CuO electrode. In conclusion, the electrochemical properties of CuO nanoparticle electrodes proved their viable applicability for the development of high-performance supercapacitors.
Neonatal Pain Detection from Facial Expressions Using Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Fei , Zhang Chengcui , Dudding Katherine M. , Sanders Allyson N. , Lewis-Chumley Peyton , Kathryn Lenington
Published: February 2024

Current clinical tools to assess neonatal pain, including various pain scales such as Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS), are overly reliant on nurses’ subjective observation and analysis. Emerging deep learning approaches seek to fully automate this, but face chal- lenges including massive training data and computational resources, and potential public mistrust. Our study prioritizes facial information for pain detection, as facial muscles exhibit distinct patterns during pain events. This approach, using a single camera, avoids challenges associated with multimodal methods, such as data synchronization, larger training datasets, deployment issues, and high computational costs. We propose a deep learning-based neonatal pain detection framework that can alert a neonate pain management team when a pain event occurs, consisting of two main components: a transfer learning-based end-to-end pain detection neural network, and a manual assessment branch. The proposed neural network requires much less data to train and can evaluate whether a neonate is in a pain state based on facial information only. Additionally, the man- ual assessment branch can specifically handle the borderline/hard cases where the pain detection network is less confident. The integration of both machine detection and manual evaluation can increase the recall rate of true pain events, reduce the manual evaluation effort, and increase public trust in such applications. Experimental results show our neural network sur- passes state-of-the-art algorithms by at least 25% in accuracy on the MNPAD dataset, with overall framework accuracy reaching 82.35% with integration of manual assessment branch.
A Novel Hybrid Dehazing and Illumination based Approach for Preprocessing, Enhancement and Segmentation of Lung Images using Deep Learning
Authors: Yadav Shashank , Kumar Upendra
Published: February 2024

Medical images are affected by various complications such as noise and deficient contrast. To increase the quality of an image, it is highly important to increase the contrast and eliminate noise. In the field of image processing, image enhancement is one of the essential methods for recovering the visual aspects of an image. However segmentation of the medical images such as brain MRI and lungs CT scans properly is difficult. In this article, a novel hybrid method is proposed for the enhancement and segmentation of lung images. The suggested article includes two steps. In the 1st step, lung images were enhanced. During enhancement, images were gone through many steps such as de-hazing, complementing, channel stretching, course illumination, and image fusion by principal component analysis (PCA). In the second step, the modified U-Net model was applied to segment the images. We evaluated the entropy of input and output images, mean square error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), gradient magnitude similarity deviation (GMSD), and multi-scale contrast similarity deviation (MCSD) after the enhancement process. During segmentation we used both original and enhanced images and calculated the segmentation accuracy. We found that the Dice-coefficient was 0.9695 for the original images and 0.9797 for the enhanced images.
Role of liver augmentation prior to hepatic resection – standards, procedures and indications in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria
Authors: Yilmaz Elif , Torsello Giovanni F. , Hosseini Ali Seif Amir , Zygmunt Anne-Christine , Lorf Thomas , Keck Jan , Schild-Suhren Stina , Wellge Björn , Oberhuber Rupert , Kollmar Otto , Ghadimi Michael , Bösch Florian
Published: February 2024

Purpose
For primary and secondary liver tumors oncological resection remains a chance of cure. Augmentation of functional liver tissue may be necessary to preserve sufficient future liver remnant (FLR). Clinical decision-making on liver augmentation techniques and indications may differ internationally. Thus, this study aims to identify standards of liver augmentation in high-volume centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Methods
Using a web-based survey, 48 hospitals in Germany, Switzerland and Austria were invited to report their surgical indication, standard procedures, and results of liver augmentation.
Results
Forty (83.3%) of the hospitals invited participated. Most of the hospitals were certified liver centers (55%), performing complex surgeries such as liver transplantation (57.5%) and ALPPS (80%). The standard liver augmentation technique in all countries was portal vein embolization (PVE; 56%), followed by ALPPS (32.1%) in Germany or PVE with hepatic vein embolization (33.3%) in Switzerland and Austria. Standard procedure for liver augmentation did not correlate with certification as liver center, performance of liver transplantation or ALPPS. Surgical indication for PVE varied depending on tumor entity. Most hospitals rated the importance of PVE before resection of cholangiocarcinoma or colorectal metastases as high, while PVE for hepatocellular carcinoma was rated as low.
Conclusion
The survey gives an overview of the clinical routine in high-volume centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. PVE seems to dominate as standard technique to increase the FLR. However, there is a variety in the main indication for liver augmentation. Further studies are necessary evaluating the differing PVE techniques for liver augmentation.
Aortic Valve Replacement with Sutured Valves in the Elderly: Does the Absolute Valve Size Matter?
Authors: Omoregbee Benjamin , Elhassan Hind , Kesieme Emeka , Ngaage Dumbor
Published: February 2024

Background: The objective during Sutured aortic valve replacement (AVR) is to implant the largest possible valve. Root enlargement to allow implantation of larger valves is not without risks in the elderly. This study investigates the influence of small-size sutured valves on medium and long-term outcomes in the elderly in this era where sutureless valves could be an alternative based on their design.
Methods: We retrospectively collected and verified data for 1,097 patients who were ≥65 years old and underwent Isolated AVR at our institution from January 2010 to January 2022. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures or root enlargements were excluded. Based on implanted valve sizes, patients were divided into: Group A (19-21mm) and Group B (23- 29mm).
Results: Most patients were in Group B 739 (67%) compared to Group A which had 358 (33%) patients. Group A patients were younger, predominantly female, with smaller body surface area, and higher mean Logistic EuroSCORE. Biological valves were implanted in most patients. Although, there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the groups. The Kaplan Meier 5- and 10-year survival rates were 77 % and 49% for group A versus 81% and 62% for group B (p=0.002), which was significant.
Conclusions: Our study shows that sutured aortic valve sizes ≤21mm adversely affect medium and long-term outcomes after AVR in the elderly, with women affected disproportionately.
A Real-World Analysis of Anti-Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatments Combined with Chemotherapy in Untreated Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hsu Ping-Chih , Wu Bing-Chen , Wang Chin-Chou , Chiu Li-Chung , Chang Chiung-Hsin , Liu Ping-Chi , Wu Chiao-En , Kuo Scott Chih-Hsi , Ju Jia-Shiuan , Huang Allen Chung-Cheng , Lin Yu-Ching , Yang Cheng-Ta , Ko How-Wen
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The real-world clinical experience of using anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients has rarely been reported. In this study, we aimed to perform a retrospective multicenter clinical analysis of extensive-stage SCLC patients receiving first-line therapy with anti-PD-L1 ICIs combined with chemotherapy.
Methods: Between November 2018 and March 2022, 72 extensive-stage SCLC patients receiving first-line atezolizumab or durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy according to the cancer center database of Linkou, Chiayi, and Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals were retrospectively included in the analysis.
Results: Twenty-one patients (29.2%) received atezolizumab, and 51 (70.8%) received durvalumab. Objective response (OR) and disease control (DC) rates of 59.7% and 73.6% were observed with first-line ICI plus chemotherapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.63 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.25–8.02), and the median overall survival (OS) was 16.07 months (95% CI, 15.12–17.0) in all study patients. A high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (>4) and a high serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration (>260 UL) were identified as independent unfavorable factors associated with shorter OS in multivariate analysis. Regarding safety, neutropenia was the most common grade 3 treatment-related adverse event (AE), but no treatment-related deaths occurred in the study patients.
Conclusion: First-line anti-PD-L1 ICIs combined with chemotherapy are effective and safe for extensive-stage SCLC. Further therapeutic strategies may need to be developed for patients with unfavorable outcomes (baseline high NLR and serum LDH level).
Development Patterns and Research Hotspots in Synovial Membrane Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Synovial Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Xu Qi , Wang Sheng , Fan Peixin , Hou Wenrun , Wang Lei , Gao Jinfang
Published: February 2024

Synovial membrane mesenchymal stem cells (SM-MSCs), a type of tissue-specific stem cells, are involved in forming synovial joints in embryos and the maintenance and repair of joint tissue in adults. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) produced from synovial fluid (SF-MSCs) may have therapeutic properties with a higher capacity for cartilage proliferation than other MSC types.The research domains of SM-MSCs and SF-MSCs, however, have not been subjected to bibliometric analysis.This study aimed to visualize and analyze their research areas and trends using a bibliometric approach. Most studies on SM-MSCs and SF-MSCs are focused on basic research, but as SM-MSCs play important roles in chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, myogenesis, and tendon formation, they may have therapeutic potential for cartilage and tissue repair linked to diseases. The current study is the first to thoroughly introduce the development patterns and hotspots in this field of study.
Dynamic compensation of cerebellum and sensorimotor network in tremor dominated Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shen Bo , Yao Qun , Li Wei , Wang Yaxi , Jiang Yinyin , Jiang Xu , Zhao Yang , Li Dongfeng , Chen Yaning , Zhu Jun , Yan Jun , Pan Yang , Zhang Wenbin , Zhu Qi , Zhang Daoqiang , Zhang Li , Wu Yuncheng
Published: February 2024

Aim: Parkinson's disease(PD) tremor was the symptom that associated basal ganglia(BG), cerebellum(CB), and sensorimotor(SMN) networks, we investigated the tremor-related static functional network connectivity(SFNC) and dynamic functional network connectivity(DFNC).
Methods: We analyzed the resting-state functional MRI data of 21 tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (TDPD) patients and 29 healthy controls (HC). Then we compared the DFNC and SFNC of the three networks and examined their associations with tremor symptoms.
Results: In TDPD patients, the SFNC between SMN and BG networks was increased. Patients with TDPD spent more mean dwell time (MDT) in state 2 indicating sparse connections and less MDT in state 4 indicating stronger connections. DFNC between the cerebellum and SMN in state 2 was enhanced. The MDT of state 2 was positively associated with tremor scores.
Conclusion: The increased connection between the cerebellum and sensorimotor region was a result of dynamic compensation, TDPD patients were more likely to remain in the condition of sparse connection.
Preserving Fertility: Minimizing Ovarian Lymphatic Drainage Disruption in Gynecological Cancer Surgeries
Authors: Chen Dan , Wu Chuqing , Wei Simin , Guo Yican , Tang Weicheng , Xue Liru , Zhou Su , Fu Fangfang , Xiong Jiaqiang , Zhang Jinjin , Dai Jun , Li Yan , Wang Wenwen , Wu Meng , Wang Shixuan
Published: February 2024

Background
In systematic lymphadenectomy surgeries for gynecological malignancies, the potential disruption of ovarian lymphatic drainage function is a concern, particularly in individuals with a vested interest in fertility preservation. However, the current impact of lymphatic drainage disruption on ovarian function remains unclear and has not received sufficient attention from clinical practitioners. This study aims to elucidate the effects of ovarian lymphatic drainage obstruction on ovarian function in mice.
Methods
Evans blue dye was injected into the ovaries of mice to visualize ovarian draining lymphatic vessels (dLVs), which were subsequently ligated under the stereomicroscope, aiming to replicate the surgical injury to the ovarian lymphatic drainage during systematic lymphadenectomy. Serum estradiol, progesterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were detected by ELISA, the number of follicles was counted by H&E staining, pregnancy rate and average litter sizes were evaluated through mating test, and the oocyte quality was assessed via spindle staining, ROS level detection, and Annexin-V staining. Additionally, immune cells and cytokines in the ovary were analyzed.
Results
Following intraovarian injection of Evans blue dye, the lymphatic vessels near the porta ovarii were blue, subsequently draining into the draining lymphatic nodes (dLNs) in the dorsal region of the upper pole of the kidney. At 30 days post dLV ligation, the ligation group exhibited a significant increase in ovarian weight and ovarian index compared to the control group. Obstruction of ovarian lymphatic drainage led to the decrease of serum progesterone and AMH levels by nearly 50%, the decrease of growing follicles and the increase of atretic follicles. The pregnancy rate decreased from 81.9–29.8% and the average litter size decreased from 5.6 to 3.3 per female in the ligation group. Furthermore, obstruction of ovarian lymphatic drainage elevated oxidative stress levels in oocytes, promoted oocyte apoptosis and meiosis arrest. These outcomes of impaired ovarian function may be attributed to the disturbance of the ovarian immune microenvironment, characterized by an increase of macrophages and the proinflammatory factors IL-6 in mouse ovaries.
Conclusions
The obstruction of ovarian lymphatic drainage leads to ovarian dysfunction, suggesting the importance of minimizing disruption to the ovarian lymphatic drainage pathway during lymphadenectomy, particularly in cases involving fertility preservation management.
Use of Sweet Potato as a Component in the Development of Laboratory Medium for the Cultivation of Lactobacillus.sp
Authors: Eddin Abdulhakim Sharaf , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: February 2024

Due to its abundance, low cost and sustainability, sweet potato, a widely cultivated tuberous root rich in carbohydrates and essential nutrients, presents an intriguing prospect as a potential growth medium for Lactobacillus.sp. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of sweet potato-based medium for supporting the growth of Lactobacillus.sp bacteria. The sweet potato medium was supplemented with 2, 8, or 14 g/L of plant- based nitrogen sources (X-Seed Nucleo Max, X-Seed KAT, and NuCel 780 MG) to form SPM1, SPM2, and SPM3 respectively. Seven Lactobacillus.sp strains were used in this study, and a Lactobacilli MRS growth medium was used as a control. The growth pattern of tested Lactobacillus.sp strains grown in SPM2 and SPM3 was similar or higher than that in MRS. The population of Lactobacillus.sp strains reached an average of 7.94 ± 0.11, 8.38 ± 0.11, and 8.57 ± 0.12 at 12 h of incubation for MRS, SPM2, and SPM3, respectively. The buffering capacity of SPM2 and SPM3 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in MRS, and the growth in SPM1 was lower than that of MRS. These findings demonstrate that SPM2 is suitable for the growth of Lactobacillus.sp strains and could be used as an alternative medium.
Flow birefringence of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions in three-dimensional flow fields: revisiting the stress-optic law
Authors: Nakamine Kento , Yokoyama Yuto , Worby William Kai Alexander , Muto Masakazu , Tagawa Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2024

This study systematically investigates the flow birefringence of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions. The aim is to clarify the importance of the stress component along the camera's optical axis in the stress-optic law (SOL), which describes the relationship between birefringence, the retardation of transmitted polarized light, and the stress field. More than 100 datasets pertaining to the retardation of CNC suspensions (concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 wt\%) in a laminar flow field within a rectangular channel (aspect ratios of 0.1, 1, and 3) are systematically obtained. The measured retardation data are compared with the predictions given by the conventional SOL excluding the stress component along the camera's optical axis and by the SOL including these components as second-order terms (2nd-order SOL). The results show that the 2nd-order SOL gives a significantly better agreement with the measurements. Based on the 2nd-order SOL, the retardation at the center of the channel, where the effect of the stress component along the camera's optical axis is most pronounced, is predicted to be proportional to the square of the flow rate, which agrees with the experimental data. The results confirm the importance of considering the stress component along the camera's optical axis in the flow birefringence of CNC suspensions at high flow rates, even for quasi-two-dimensional channel flow.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 induces myogenic differentiation of mouse muscle satellite cells in an FGF receptor 4 dependent manner
Authors: Wei Wen , Kang Qianqian , Cao Hui , Liu Shuling , Lin Ruiyu , Liu Hui , Chen Hangju , Cao Baozhen , Tu Mei
Published: February 2024

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is known for regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, but its function in muscle satellite cells and skeletal muscle is unclear yet. Our study explores the role of muscle satellite cells and FGF23 in muscle development, and we specifically investigated the FGF23/FGFR4 signaling pathway in muscle satellite cells and its effect on myogenic differentiation, which is essential for the treatment of skeletal sarcopenia. We treated male C57BL/6J mice with hydrocortisone and d-galactose to establish a model of skeletal sarcopenia to observe the expression of FGF23, FGFR4, and other related proteins. The expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC), myogenic fiber differentiation (MyoD) and FGFR4 was up-regulated after transfection of muscle satellite cells with FGF23 overexpression vector and down-regulated after transfection of muscle satellite cells with FGF23 siRNA.The expression levels of MHC and MyoD were higher than those of the empty vector group after transfection of FGF23 siRNA and FGFR4 overexpression vector.Our findings suggest that FGF23 is a novel factor in regulating skeletal muscle mass, and the FGF23/FGFR4 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the myogenic differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This finding offers a new potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of sarcopenia.
Investigation of Physical attributes of Highland coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Bean varieties drying on lath house
Authors: Belachew Mikru Tesfa , Mohammed Abrar Sualeh
Published: February 2024

Coffee is the world’s favorite beverage and the second most traded commodity worldwide after oil in the international market both in terms of volume and value. The objective of the study was to investigate physical attributes of coffee varieties using lath house drying. Samples of coffee varieties were prepared in wet processing method at harvesting of 2018/19 cropping season, grown in high land agro ecology part of south west, Ethiopia. So in this study, various mean values of physical attributes of selected coffee bean varieties with their standard deviation (Mean ± Sdv) were investigated at each measured moisture content (%wb). All most, all Physical properties of varieties such as Length (mm), Width (mm) and Thickness(mm),Geometric mean diameter(mm), Arithmetic mean diameter(mm),Equivalent mean diameter (mm), Frontal surface area (mm2), Sphericity(%), Aspect ratio(%), Shape index, Hundred bean weight (gm), Bulk density (kg/m3), Bean volume(mm3) and Angle of repose (degree) among varieties were no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) except porosity and true density. Since the majority of the physical attributes of the selected varieties of coffee bean do not significantly differ, producers of coffee can generally utilize this option to lath house drying.
Causal role of immune cells in ovarian dysfunction :a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Weng Ruoxin , Ling Shuyi , Dai Yuqing , Li Yuan , Zhou Ziqiong , Wu Wenbo , Ren Chongyang , Zhang Liujuan , Wu Haifeng , Bai Mengying , Zhong Zhisheng , Zheng Yuehui
Published: February 2024

Background
At present, the etiology and mechanism of ovarian dysfunction are still unclear.Recent studies have indicated a potential correlation between immunity and ovarian dysfunction. However, the causal relationship between the immune cells and ovarian dysfunction still remains uncertain. For this aiticle,we aimed to figure out whether changes of immune cell composition contribute to ovarian dysfunction in this article.
Methods
Comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to determine the causal role between immune cell compostitions and ovarian dysfunction in this study. The immune cell data are derived from the latest GWAS blood cell shape summary statistical data from the GWAS Catalog, and ovarian dysfunction data were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS. A total of 942 cases and 18,228 controls were included. A variety of analytical methods, including inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and MR-Egggera etc, were utilized to explore the link between immune cells and ovarian dysfunction. The Cochran's Q statistics were used to evaluate the heterogeneity of instrumental variables. The MR-Egger and MR pleiotropic residuals and outlier tests were utilized to detect the horizontal pleiotropy. The funnel plots and scatter plots visually assess heterogeneity and robustness.
Results
Our findings suggest that the presence of 36 immune phenotypes had a significant causal effect on ovarian dysfunction. Among them, 18 immunophenotypes were positively associated with ovarian dysfunction, including 7 in the B cell panel, 9 in the T cell panel, 1 in the monocyte cell panel and 1 in the NK cell panel; 28 immunophenotypes were negatively associated with ovarian dysfunction, including 11 in the B cell panel, 14 in the T cell panel, and in the monocyte cell panel.
Conclusion
Our study has demonstrated the close connection between immune cells and ovarian dysfunction by genetic background analysis. Further research is necessary to evaluate the potential of these immunophenotypes as early predictors of ovarian dysfunction, as well as possibility of new preventive strategies and new therapeutic targets.
Involvement of increased Arg-1+ILC2s and MDSCs in endometrial carcinoma: a pilot study
Authors: Gong Zhangyun , Lu Zhimin , Pan Anan , Wang Hao , Yi Haixing , Guo Peipei , Bi Kaihuan , Li Xuqing , Chen Ya , Xu Yuping , Cao Yunxia , Li Caihua , Jiang Huanhuan
Published: February 2024

Background
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a prevalent cancer in gynecology, and its survival rate is significantly low. Emerging studies have demonstrated that the combined action of group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) drives tumor progression.
Methods
A total of 41 EC patients and 40 controls were enrolled in this study. The ELISA kits were employed to measure the levels of IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-4,22,25 and CCL3,4,5 in the serums; flow cytometry was used to characterize the populations of ILCs, MDSCs and arginase-1 (Arg-1) in both peripheral blood (PB) and carcinoma tissue (CT).
Results
We observed a significant elevation of Arg-1+ILC2 expression and a notable increase in MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs among PBMCs and CTs in the EC group. Additionally, the concentration of IL-25, a crucial cytokine in the ILC2-MDSC axis, was significantly higher in EC patients. Furthermore, a positive correlation between Arg-1+ILC2s and Mo-MDSCs was identified in EC patients. These findings suggest that elevated levels of Arg-1+ILC2s and Mo-MDSCs are associated with PFS.
Conclusion
In summary, Arg-1+ILC2s and Mo-MDSCs serve as a poor prognosis indicator of EC and they collectively participant in tumor promotion of EC.
Simulation-Optimization Model for the Structural Design of Cantilever Retaining walls
Authors: Shenouda Irini M. , Ali Momen
Published: February 2024

With the increasing trend of retaining wall construction in Egypt there is a need to reduce their construction costs. There are many types of retaining walls, cantilever, counterfort, buttressed and tied back walls. The common elements between all these types are the stem and the base. The cost of a retaining wall depends primarily on its material and secondarily on Excavation and backfill works. In this study, a new model is implemented in MATLAB to achieve the optimal design of the cantilever retaining wall elements. The design model is coupled with the shuffled complex evolution algorithm, developed at the University of Arizona (SCE-UA). This developed framework was applied to an existing model used by other researchers to demonstrate its efficiency and to obtain the most economical solution. The results proved that using the SCE-UA method provides superior results compared to those of other algorithms.
Machine learning approach identifies miRNA signatures for breast cancer detection and classification from patient urine samples
Authors: Maurer Jochen , Rübner Matthias , Kuo Chao-Chung , Klein Birgit , Franzen Julia , Wittenborn Julia , Kupec Tomas , Najjari Laila , Fasching Peter , Stickeler Elmar
Published: February 2024

Introduction
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with one in eight women suffering from this disease in her lifetime. The implementation of centrally organized mammography screening for women between 50 and 69 years of age was a major step in the direction of early detection and lead to a significant improvement in cure rates. Within the screening program, women undergo a mammogram every two years with an implemented centralized quality-controlled review process. However, the participation rate reached only approximately 50% of the eligible women. In addition to several others, the technical aspects of mammography, including painful compression of the breast, are cited as a reason for not participating in this very important program. Therefore, focusing current research on less painful and less invasive techniques for the detection of breast cancer seems to be highly clinically useful. Liquid biopsies offer this option with distinct molecules or cells in line with the research. Blood-based tests of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (ctDNA) and cell-free miRNA have been performed in a variety of studies and tumor entities.
Methods
We performed miRNA sequencing on 82 urine samples, 32 samples from breast cancer patients (9× luminal A, 8× luminal B, 9× triple-negative and 6× HER2) and 50 healthy control samples. Data were analyzed and interpreted using Random Forest analysis.
Results
We identified a signature of 275 miRNAs that allows the detection of invasive breast cancer in urine from breast cancer patients. Furthermore, we identified distinct miRNA expression patterns for the major intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer, specifically luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer.
Conclusions
Here, we present the first approach for sequencing miRNAs in female urine to detect breast cancer and, subsequently, intrinsic subtype-specific miRNA patterns. This experimental approach specifically validates miRNA sequencing as a technique for breast cancer detection in urine samples and opens the door to a new, easy and painless procedure for regular breast cancer screening.
Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing autophagy and Nrf2 induced ferroptosis
Authors: Zhai Yafei , Bai Jinmeng , Peng Ying , Cao Jinhua , Fang Guangming , Dong Yiming , Wang Ze , Lu Yanyu , Wang Mengyu , Liu Mengduan , Liu Yangyang , Li Xiaowei , Dong Jianzeng , Zhao Xiaoyan
Published: February 2024

Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), an active component isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Ginseng, is beneficial to many cardiovascular diseases. However, whether it can protect against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) is not clear yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Rb1 in DIC. Mice were injected with a single dose of doxorubicin (20mg/kg) to induce acute cardiotoxicity. Rb1 was given daily gavage to mice for 7 days. Changes in cardiac function, myocardium histopathology, oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte mitochondrion morphology as well as autophagy and ferroptosis pathway were studied to evaluate Rb1’s function on DIC. Meanwhile, RNA-seq analysis was performed to explore the potential underline molecular mechanism involved in Rb1’s function on DIC. We found that Rb1 treatment can improve survival rate and body weight in Dox treated mice group. Rb1 can attenuate Dox induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardium hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The oxidative stress increase and cardiomyocyte mitochondrion destruction were improved by Rb1 treatment. Mechanism study found that Rb1’s beneficial role in DIC is through suppressing of autophagy and Nrf2 induced ferroptosis. This study shown that Ginsenoside Rb1 can protect against DIC by regulating autophagy and ferroptosis.
Comprehensive analysis and optimization of Y-doped and Ni-added BaZrO3 proton conductor
Authors: Hou Xiangjun , Zhang Jingyu , Ma Jianjun , Qian Xiaofeng , Jiang Cairong , Yao Yali
Published: February 2024

Proton-conducting materials have been proposed as the electrolytes for the medium to low-temperature Solid Oxide Cells (SOC). It is challenging to be widely applied as these materials suffer issues associated with cost, durability, and high energy consumption for preparation. Among all the proton conductors, the Y-doped and Ni-added BaZrO3-based conductors possess sufficient conductivity and stability under humid and/or carbon dioxide atmospheres. Here, we prepared a series of Y and NiO-co-doped BaZr1 − xYxO3−δ (x = 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, y = 0, 1.0 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2.0 wt%, 2.5 wt%) using the classical solid phase synthesis and liquid phase sintering. The optimum amount of Y doping and Ni addition for BaZrO3-based conductors is proposed after analyzing and reviewing phases, structures, relative densities, microstructures, and hybrid conductivity properties under different atmospheres. BaZr0.8Y0.2O3−δ (BZY20) with 2 wt% NiO achieves a high relative density (~ 96%) at 1400 ℃ for 5 h. It exhibits a best conductivity value of 8.32, 1.12 and 3.15 mS cm− 1 at 600°C in air, dry and humidified 5%H2-Ar, respectively. Y and NiO-co-doped BaZr1 − xYxO3−δ is an excellent candidate as an electrolyte material for low-temperature SOC.
Theoretical and practical considerations for validating antigen-specific B cell ImmunoSpot assays
Authors: Lehmann Paul V. , Karulin Alexey Y. , Becza Noémi , Yao Lingling , Liu Zhigang , Chepke Jack , Maul-Pavicic Andrea , Wolf Carla , Köppert Sebastian , Valente Alexis V. , Gorbachev Anton V. , Tary-Lehmann Magdalena , Kirchenbaum Greg A.
Published: February 2024

Owing to their ability to reliably detect even very rare antigen-specific B cells in cellular isolates such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and doing so robustly in a high throughput-compatible manner, B cell ELISPOT/FluoroSpot (collectively “B cell ImmunoSpot”) tests have become increasingly attractive for immune monitoring in regulated settings. Presently, there are no guidelines for the qualification and validation of B cell ImmunoSpot assay results. Here, we propose such guidelines, building on the experience acquired from T cell ImmunoSpot testing in an environment adhering to the requirements of regulatory bodies yet taking the unique features of B cell assays into account. A streamlined protocol is proposed that permits the performance of all tests needed for the formal validation of an antigen-specific B cell ImmunoSpot assay in only three experiments, utilizing 2.2 x 107 PBMC per donor. Subsequently, utilizing only 1–2 x 106 PBMC per sample (obtainable from 1–2 mL of blood), a validated multiplexed assay enables accurate quantification of the frequency of antigen-specific memory B cell-derived blasts secreting IgM, IgG, IgA or IgE antibodies. Collectively, such multiplexed B cell ImmunoSpot assays offer immense value for B cell immune monitoring programs due to their ease of implementation, scalability, applicability to essentially any antigenic system, economy of PBMC utilization, and last but not least, the high content information gained.
Prevalence and Factors associated with Neonatal Jaundice in Northern Ghana
Authors:   Florence Assibi Ziba1, Nartey Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Background
Neonatal Jaundice (NNJ) is one of the major contributors of neonatal mortality worldwide with Sub-Saharan African being one of the greatest contributors. As a result, it is considered a public health concern. The long-term effects of NNJ can be dire, however, these can be minimised or prevented through appropriate screening and treatment. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with NNJ in Northern Ghana.
Methods
This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional study design to select 330 mothers and their neonates who were on admission in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of four referral hospitals at the time of the study. Both descriptive and inferential data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics software (version 26).
Results
Out of the total number of 330 neonates included in the study, 33.3% of them were diagnosed of NNJ. Factors such as antenatal attendance, mothers having a previous baby diagnosed with NNJ, delivery mode, parity and maternal blood group were strongly related to a neonate being diagnosed od NNJ
Conclusion
This study revealed that the prevalence of NNJ in Northern Ghana is 33.3%. The study has revealed the risk factors for NNJ. It is therefore important that health practitioners take into consideration these risk factors and the planning of maternal and child health care services.
Pandemic Management Strategies and Outcomes- A study of the Indian Perspective regarding COVID-19
Authors: Goswami Tulsee Giri , Scholar Mansi Research
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The unprecedented outbreak of Covid-19 left every country's management befuddled. The scarcity of literature on the virus and the control of emergencies encourages the present study to propose strategies for effectively managing emergencies. The study has addressed the administration strategies, policies, challenges, and outcomes.
Design
The present research describes the impact of Covid-19 on a national level by analyzing the media reports, WHO situation reports, the response programs by the authorities, and survey reports. The study conducted a comprehensive literature analysis of the measures adopted by Indian authorities, their impact on society and the economy, their outcomes, and suggestions for future management.
Findings
This study comprises the impact of Covid-19 measures adopted by the Indian government. Suggestions with evidence from outside countries are also explored in this research. This research has encouraged the use of technology and proper communication and coordination among public and private organizations to fight emergencies.
Originality
There is a shortage of literature on the origin of Covid-19 in the Indian context. This research provides an overview of the Indian situation and critically examines India's pandemic-related measures and outcomes. The study also discusses the effective measures adopted by outside countries to learn lessons.
Research Implications
This research's scientific contribution is to aid in making public health policies to battle emergencies and negative impacts on society and the economy. The study will play a significant role in uplifting the citizens' lives based on hard evidence by emphasizing the challenges and impact on their lives.
Reviewing the consequence of trade openness and financial openness on banking stability in developing countries
Authors: Hidayati Sri , Marwa Taufiq , Andaiyani Sri , Abukosim
Published: February 2024

The global economy has fostered a dynamic environment of economic globalization, leading to amplified interconnectedness, integration, and worldwide influence in both commercial transactions and monetary activities. This occurrence emphasizes the vital role of liberalizing capital and international trade in economic discussions, particularly in emerging economies where banking-centric systems wield considerable influence. The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between trade liberalization and financial inclusivity, specifically concerning the resilience of the banking industry in developing nations throughout the period of 2010–2020. Utilizing the dynamic data model of Arellano-Bond’s Generalized Method of Moment Estimator, this study yields a significant revelation. The interaction between trade openness and financial transparency exerts a noticeable and advantageous impact on banking stability, with each 1% increase in openness resulting in a remarkable improvement of 98.9445 in Net Interest Margin, 116.2575 in Z score, and 119.9189 in Non-Performing Loans. Consequently, this investigation confirms the presence of a diversification effect on stability while concurrently applying the concept of voltage fragility. In essence, trade openness propels the banking sector toward heightened competitiveness due to increased demand from local businesses, while financial openness fosters heightened competition within the credit market.
Analisis Manfaat Buku Ajar dalam Meningkatkan Pemahaman Mahasiswa pada Mata Kuliah Pendidikan Pancasila di Universitas Mega Buana Palopo
Authors: Sunaryo Seriyanti
Published: February 2024

This research aims to find out whether Pancasila Education textbooks prepared by lecturers can help students increase students' understanding of Pancasila Education courses amidst the ease of access to knowledge via internet sources and students' interest in reading (books) is currently relatively low. Considering that this course is a General Compulsory Subject (MKWU) which is important to be taught in tertiary institutions, Mega Buana Palopo University is no exception. To support the learning process of Pancasila Education, learning media and textbooks are needed as one of them. The type of research used is empirical juridical, which emphasizes one variable, namely the benefits of textbooks as an effort to increase students' level of understanding in this course. This study used a qualitative descriptive method and approach to obtain results which can be concluded that the existence of Pancasila Education textbooks really helps students in completing the assignments given because the textbooks provided by lecturers are equipped with Competency Test sheets so that they can increase student understanding in Education courses Pancasila.

Mata kuliah Pendidikan Pancasila yang merupakan Mata Kuliah Dasar Umum (MKDU) yang wajib diberikan kepada mahasiswa di perguruan tinggi, tidak terkecuali di Universitas Mega Buana Palopo. Keberadaan mata kuliah ini sangat penting untuk meningkatkan pemahaman mahasiswa dan membangkitkan kesadaran mahasiswa akan pentingnya nilai-nilai Pancasila yang diajarkan. Untuk menunjang proses pembelajaran Pendidikan Pancasila, diperlukan media pembelajaran. Buku Ajar sebagai media pembelajaran Pendidikan Pancasila diharapkan dapat memberikan kemudahan bagi mahasiswa dalam mengkaji materi demi materi yang disajikan selama proses pembelajaran. Keberadaan buku ajar pendidikan pancasila bertujuan untuk peningkatan tingkat pemahaman mahasiswa pada mata kuliah pendidikan pancasila di Universitas Mega Buana. Dalam mempelajari matakuliah pendidikan pancasila tingkat pemahaman mahasiswa tentunya berbeda-beda. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis empiris, yang menekankan pada satu variable yaitu manfaat buku ajar pendidikan pancasila dalam upaya peningkatan tingkat pemahaman mahasiswa pada mata kuliah pendidikan Pancasila. Buku Ajar pendidikan pancasila sangat dibutuhkan oleh mahasiswa untuk menunjang proses pembelajaran karena buku ajar yang disiapkan merupakan kumpulan materi pendidikan pancasila yang diambil dari beberapa sumber relevan yang sesuai dengan bahan kajian yang diberikan oleh prodi masing-masing.
Good Inspiring The Strength of Enterpreneurship Character
Authors: Balok Servasius
Published: February 2024

The inspiration for the strength of entrepreneurial character is the breath or encouragement to continue to think creatively from someone in creating something new and different. Inspiration for entrepreneurial character can occur within the framework of cultural interactions that flow naturally and informally with people's lives. This research aims to map the inspiration of entrepreneurial power and analyze the factors that underlie the process of cultural interaction. The research was designed in a qualitative design with data collection methods in the form of observation, in-depth interviews. Data analysis was carried out by manual reduction, display and interpretation of data. The results of the study show that inspiration runs in the entrepreneurial process which is characterized by the strength of social interaction that is increasingly attractive and gives interest so that the business is progressing and growing every year. The inspiration for the power of entrepreneurship cannot be separated from the role of cultural interaction presented by the entrepreneur personally, both formally and informally. The limitation of this study is that the scope of the study is limited to one community group. It is possible to find comparisons by studying in a wider space.