bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration-enabled mobility of liquid metal
Authors: Handschuh-Wang Stephan , Gan Tiansheng , Wang Tao , He Bin , Han Peigang , Stadler Florian , Zhou Xuechang
Published: November 2023

Directed liquid metal (gallium-based) manipulation and actuation are paramount for copious applications, including soft robotics, soft electronics, and targeted drug delivery. Although there are several strategies available to achieve mobility of liquid metals in a “wet” environment. Strategies to achieve and improve mobility of liquid metal droplets and puddles in a “dry” environment have been scarce and rely on metallophobic surface design or liquid metal marbles. Here, we elucidate high mobility of Galinstan by combining metallophobic surface design and vertical vibrations. Vibration frequencies between 20 and 30 Hz were conducive to droplet movement and threshold inclination angles of 0.5 to 1° were observed upon actuation by these vibrations. The method itself is applicable for a wide range of droplet sizes (30 and 2000 µL) and very robust. The droplet movement typically comprises of periodic receding and advancing of the droplet and commences via a rolling mechanism rather than a gliding mechanism. Finally, we show that small (0.5 mm height) obstacles can be traversed by this method, indicating that it can be used in concert with other strategies, such as surface structuring strategies, which open up pathways for mobility and controlled actuation of liquid metal droplets in air.
Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness As a Sign of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Relationship with Disease Activity Indices
Authors: Dincer Ayse Bahar Kelesoglu , Şahan Haluk Furkan
Published: November 2023

Objective
Epicardial adipose tissue is a novel cardiometabolic risk factor and indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to evaluate the epicardial adipose tissue thickness in rheumatoid arthritis patients and its association with disease activity scores.
Methods
A total of 81 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) was measured by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Tender and swollen joint counts were recorded at the time of inclusion. The laboratory tests included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, and serum lipid levels. Disease activity was calculated based on Disease Activity Scores for 28 joints (DAS-28) ESR and CRP, the Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI).
Results
Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly higher in the RA patients compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.001). We found statistically significant correlations of EATT with all disease activity indices (p < 0.001) and CRP (p = 0.002). According to a cut-off value of 6.4 mm determined for epicardial adipose tissue thickness, the RA patients with thickness ≥ 6.4 mm had higher disease activity scores and CRP levels. In the multivariable regression analysis, only SDAI score was found as an independent risk factor for increased EATT (OR, (95%CI), 13.70 (3.88–48.43), p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Epicardial adipose tissue thickness measurement by echocardiography is a reliable method for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and a higher disease activity score is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Climate speeds help frame relative ecological risk in future climate change and stratospheric aerosol injection scenarios
Authors: Hueholt Daniel , Barnes Elizabeth , Hurrell James , Morrison Ariel
Published: November 2023

Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) is a potential method of climate intervention to reduce climate risk as decarbonization efforts continue. Two recent Earth system modeling experiments depict policy-relevant SAI scenarios with similar temperature targets (near 1.5°C), but with deployment delayed by 10 years between experiments. This relatively short delay leads to highly distinct profiles of ecological risk from climate speeds. Climate speeds when global temperature is maintained with SAI are indistinguishable on a planetary scale from those experienced under preindustrial conditions. In contrast, the delayed SAI deployment produces very large climate speeds far beyond natural variability and robustly greater in magnitude over land than no-SAI climate change with present policy. Examining the global area exposed to threshold climate speeds facilitates evaluation of relative ecological risk among future climate scenarios. Our results support discussion of tradeoffs and timescales in future climate intervention scenario design and decision-making.
The Contradictive Findings between Ultrasound, Hysteroscopy and Cytokines in Women with Non-hormonal IUD'S Suffering from Metrorrhagia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Watad Hadel , Ifrach Udi , Stockheim David , Yulzari Vered , Meron Orly C. , Blank Miri , Sre Benjamin , Weisz Boaz , Cohen Shlomo B.
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study is to assess the correlation between bleeding irregularities and the accurate placement of the IUD device in the uterine cavity, determined through transvaginal ultrasonography and hysteroscopy. Additionally, the study aims to examine the cytokine profile in the uterine cavity and serum of patients experiencing bleeding irregularities after the insertion of non-hormonal IUDs.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a single Tertiary medical center, wherein patients experiencing intermenstrual bleeding and spotting after the insertion of non-hormonal IUDs were enrolled. The study involved hysteroscopic and sonographic assessments of the uterine cavity and IUD placement, along with the analysis of blood and uterine cavity cytokine profiles.
Results: During the period between July 2019 and February 2020, a total of eight patients who experienced intermenstrual bleeding and spotting after the insertion of non-hormonal IUDs were enrolled in the study. One case was excluded since a progestative device was detected by ultrasound.
Out of the five cases that underwent a thorough ultrasonographic assessment, 3 cases (60%) showed an embedded IUD. However, these findings were excluded by the hysteroscopic evaluation.
Conclusion: The results suggest that ultrasonographic assessment may lead to an overdiagnosis of IUD mispositioning compared to hysteroscopy. Additionally, both ultrasound and hysteroscopy have limitations in diagnosing the cause of bleeding in most cases. The role of local reactive inflammatory cytokines should be further studied.
The Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire: the development of an accessible measure of belief change for the general population
Authors: Rennie J. P. , Sjöstedt-Hughes P. , Morgan C. J. A.
Published: November 2023

Anecdotal and empirical evidence suggests that people may undergo substantial shifts in their Metaphysical beliefs (MPBs) following non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by experiences such as meditation, breathwork, near-death, and psychedelics. Despite this, existing measures for assessing MPBs are limited in scope and interpretability, prompting the current study’s objective: to develop a comprehensive and user-friendly questionnaire capable of capturing a diverse range of belief constellations, whilst remaining theoretically informed. Towards this aim, the curation of belief statements for the Metaphysics Matrix Questionnaire (MMQ) used both theory-driven and data-driven methods. 68 Existing items were selected from the literature and combined with 43 newly created items aimed at covering under-addressed metaphysical positions. A factor analysis revealed an eight-factor solution, grouping beliefs into the following broad stroke categories: 1) Religiosity/Spirituality; 2) Physicalism; 3) Transcendency; 4) Panpsychism/Cosmopsychism; 5) Determinism/Fatalism/Low-autonomy; 6) Pseudo-Emergentism; 7) High-autonomy/Moral; 8) Randomness. Following item reduction, 73 items across these factors serve as the basis for the proposed Questionnaire. The MMQ’s potential applications offer valuable insights into beliefs and their impact on mental health outcomes. We provide a discussion on the merits of theory-driven vs data-driven approaches, limitations of the current study, and provide suggestions for future research toward validating the MMQ going forward.
Multi-omics data analysis of COVID-19 patients from Italy, China, Spain and France reveals new biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Cobre Alexandre de Fátima , Alves Alexessander Couto , Gotine Ana Raquel Manuel , Domingues Karime Zeraik Abdalla , Lazo Raul Edison Luna , Ferreira Luana Mota , Tonin Fernanda Stumpf , Pontarolo Roberto
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Apply machine learning models to identify new biomarkers associated with the early diagnosis and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiming to prevent long COVID.
Material and methods: Plasma and serum samples from COVID-19 patients (mild, moderate, and severe), patients with other pneumonias (but with negative COVID-19 RT-PCR) and from healthy volunteers (control), from hospitals in four different countries (China, Spain, France, and Italy) were analyzed by GC-MS, LC -MS and NMR. Machine learning models (PCA and PLS-DA) were developed for predicting the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19 and identifying biomarkers associated with these outcomes.
Results. A total of 1410 patient samples were analyzed. In all analyzed data, the PLS-DA model presented a diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of around 95%. A total of 23 biomarkers (e.g. spermidine, taurine, L-aspartic, L-glutamic, L-phenylalanine and xanthine, ornithine and ribothimidine) have been identified as being associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. Additionally, we also identified for the first time six new biomarkers (N-Acetyl-4-O-acetylneuraminic acid, N-Acetyl-L-Alanine, N-Acetyltriptophan, palmitoylcarnitine and glycerol 1-myristate) that are also associated with the severity and diagnosis of COVID-19. These six new biomarkers were elevated in severe COVID-19 patients when compared to patients with mild disease or healthy volunteers.
Conclusion: The PLS-DA model was able to miss the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19 around 95%. We also identified six new biomarkers that were increased in plasma and serum of COVID-19 patients (N-Acetyl-4-O-acetylneuraminic acid, N-Acetyl-L-Alanine, N-Acetyltriptophan, palmitoylcarnitine and glycerol 1-myristate) and should be deeply evaluated as prognostic and diagnostic indicators of COVID-19.
Canagliflozin produces a vasorelaxation effect on isolated rat thoracic aorta via NO/cGMP pathways
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Salman , Anjum Irfan , Mushtaq Muhammad Naveed , Barkat Kashif , Badshah Syed Faisal , Ashraf Muhammad Umer , Malik Muhammad Nasir Hayat , Jardan Yousef A. Bin , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bourhia Mohammed
Published: November 2023

Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) an oral hypoglycemic agent. The present study was performed to determine the vasorelaxant response of canagliflozin along with the underlying mechanism. In diabetes-associated complications, those involving blood vessels remain a high cause of morbidity. The diabetes-related cardiovascular complications should be treated with newer drugs that could cure both complications concurrently. The study was conducted on the aortic rings of Wistar rats of either sex. Canagliflozin (10-8-10-4 M) induces relaxation in phenylephrine (PE 100 µM) and 80 mM KCl pre-contracted rings significantly in a cumulative manner acquiring endothelium. The canagliflozin mechanism of vasorelaxant was established by incubating endothelium intact aortic rings for 30 minutes before PE with; nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME 100 µM), methylene blue (10 µM), barium chloride (BaCl2: 10 µM), glibenclamide (1 µM) and indomethacin (10 µM). To estimate the role of calcium (Ca+ 2), cumulative Ca2+ (0.01- 10.0 mM) was added in a bath containing Ca+ 2 free Krebs-Henseleit solution. It was repeated by pre-incubating strips with nifedipine (1 µM) and canagliflozin (1 µM, 10 µM and 100 µM) respectively. The relaxant response of canagliflozin involves the release of nitric oxide, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, prostacyclin, and membrane hyperpolarization from endothelium as pretreatment with L-NAME (IC50: 2.166 × 10− 7 ± 7 M ), methylene blue (IC50 : 1.738 × 10− 7 ± 7 M), indomethacin (IC50: 2.269 × 10− 7± 7 M), BaCl2 (IC50 : 3.320 × 10− 6 ± 7 M) and glibenclamide (IC50: 3.960 × 10− 7 ± 7 M) diminished the response. Additionally, canagliflozin relaxing effects include both decreased Ca+ 2 influx and release from sarcoplasmic reserves. Thus, canagliflozin is a possible adjuvant in diabetes with concurrent hypertension.
Effects of ivermectin on development of Calliphora vicina, Robineau-Desvoidy 1830 (Diptera, Calliphoridae)
Authors: Iglesias Lucía E. , Junco Milagros , Sallovitz Juan M. , Lifschitz Adrián L. , Saumell Carlos A.
Published: November 2023

Ivermectin is one of the most widely used drugs for parasite control. Previous studies have shown a reduction in the abundance and diversity of "non-target" coprophilous organisms due to the presence of ivermectin (IVM) in bovine faeces (FM). Due to its breadth of behavioural habits, Calliphora vicina is a suitable dipteran species to evaluate the effects of IVM in FM. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of five concentrations of IVM in FM (3,000, 300, 100, 30 and 3 ng/g) on the development of C. vicina, having as endpoints: survival, larval, pupal and adult emergence times (% sex) and LC50. Sampling was performed from larval hatching at 60 and 120 min and at 3, 4, 5, 12 hours and every 24 h specimens were weighed until pupae were observed. Data were analysed by ANOVA using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and as a function of elapsed development time and accumulated degree hours (ADH). Mortality at 3,000 and 300 ng/g was 100% and 97% respectively. There were delays in the development times that were statistically significant in the adult pupation time (p = 0.0216) and in the ADH (p = 0.0431) between the control group (C) and 100 ng/g. The LC50 was determined at 5.6 ng/g. These results demonstrate the lethal and sub-lethal effects of IVM on C. vicina, while highlighting the usefulness of this species as a bio indicator for ecotoxicological studies.
Faster steroid-free remission with Tocilizumab compared to Methotrexate in Giant Cell Arteritis: a real-life experience in two reference centres.
Authors: Quartuccio Luca , Treppo Elena , De Martino Maria , Pillon Maria , Perniola Simone , Bruno Dario , Isola Miriam , Gremese Elisa
Published: November 2023

Background
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are still the mainstay of treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Although GCs are highly effective in GCA, it is well documented the high burden of toxicity of GCs as well as the disease relapse during GC tapering.
Objectives
To compare the efficacy and rapidity of TCZ and MTX as steroid-sparing agents in a real-life cohort of GCA patients.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted including patients with newly diagnosed GCA from the Rheumatology Units of Udine and Rome. The inclusion criterion was the treatment with TCZ or MTX as first steroid-sparing drug.
Results
112 GCA patients (81 female) with a median age of 70 (IQ 65–75) years were collected. Thirty-one out of 112 (27.7%) patients were treated with TCZ (162mg/week), while 81/112 (72.3%) patients received MTX (up to 20mg/week) as a GC-sparing agent. At month 6 after GCA onset, 5/31 (16.1%) patients in TCZ group and none in MTX group were in GC-free sustained remission (p-value = 0.001). Similarly, at month 12, 64.5% (20/31) and 11.1% (9/81) of patients were in sustained GC-free remission in TCZ and MTX group, respectively (p-value < 0.001). At month 24 of follow-up, at least one relapse of the disease occurred in 7/31 (22.6%) in TCZ-treated and 28/81 (34.6%) in MTX-treated patients, respectively (p-value = 0.22).
Conclusion
TCZ allowed a faster discontinuation of steroid therapy than MTX in GCA patients, with no increased relapse risk.
Assessing Digital Literacy and Willingness to Communicate with Providers Using Digital Technology among Underserved Asian American Patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee George , Tran Thu-An , Cui Xinyue , Quach Thu
Published: November 2023

Objective
To understand the digital literacy and attitudes towards telehealth of Asian limited-English proficient (LEP) patients at Asian Health Services in Alameda County, California.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 814 patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Burmese, Cantonese, English, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Vietnamese between January and July 2022. Using logistic regression models, we identified predictors of digital literacy and willingness to adapt to telehealth visits.
Results
Among participants, 63% could go online, 26% could log in to a website, 68% had smart devices, 60% used text, and 58% used video. Overall acceptance of video communication with a provider was 89%. Reluctance to use telehealth was related to technical issues in 53% of participants. Based on the regression models, we observed key differences in language groups with respect to application (app) use and attitudes toward telehealth.
Conclusions
There is a digital divide in LEP elderly patients, with technology usage varying by language group. Closing the digital divide involves a multifaceted approach, including device and internet access assistance, culturally and linguistically competent education, and a patient-centric approach to engagement.
Influence of polystyrene nanoparticles on the toxicity of tetrabromobisphenol A in human intestinal cell lines
Authors: Soto-Bielicka Patricia , Peropadre Ana , Sanz-Alférez Soledad , Hazen Mª José , Freire Paloma Fernández
Published: November 2023

Research and regulatory efforts in toxicology are increasingly focused on the development of suitable non-animal methodologies for human health risk assessment. In this work we used human intestinal Caco-2 and HCT29/MTX cell lines to address the potential risks of mixtures of the emerging contaminants tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and commercial polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs). We employed different in vitro settings to evaluate basal cytotoxicity through three complementary endpoints (metabolic activity, plasmatic, and lysosomal membrane integrity) and the induction of the oxidative stress and DNA-damage responses with specific endpoints. Although no clear pattern was observed, our findings highlight the predominant impact of TBBPA in the combined exposures under subcytotoxic conditions, and a differential behavior of the Caco-2 and HT29/MTX co-culture system. Distinctive outcomes detected with the mixture treatments include ROS increases, disturbances of mitochondrial inner membrane potential, generation of alkali-sensitive sites in DNA, as well as significant changes in the expression levels of relevant DNA and oxidative stress related genes.
Insights into the critical role of anions in nanofibrillation of cellulose in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Zhang Qing , Dai Ziliang , Zhang Lili , Wang Zhiguo
Published: November 2023

Complex interactions between cellulose molecules and small molecules can lead to dramatic changes in the structure of the hydrogen bond network in cellulose in green sustainable deep eutectic solvents (DESs). However, the molecular and ionic evolution mechanism of DESs on cellulose nanofibrillation is still unclear. In this study, the mechanism and the critical role of action of ions in DESs on cellulose nanofibrillation were investigated. The results showed that cellulose nanofiber (CNF) with a diameter of less than 200 nm can be prepared directly by DES containing lactic acid (LA) and chloride (LA/ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and LA/dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) with a diameter of less than 200 nm, and LA/zinc chloride (ZnCl2) with a diameter of less than 100 nm). The Kamlet-Abboud-Taft parameters (KAT value) showed that DESs containing LA have higher hydrogen bond acidity (α) than other systems (such as ethylene glycol and urea) without LA, which can provide more active protons to improve the proton mobility in the cellulose nanofibrillation. And DESs composed of LA and Cl− have high hydrogen bond alkalinity (β), which can lead to great changes in the original hydrogen bond network of cellulose and form a new hydrogen bond structure, thus making the deconstruction of cellulose easy. Thus, LA can be esterified with hydroxyl groups of cellulose under high-temperature moistening conditions, and the CNF prepared by DES system containing LA and Cl− had a highest degree of substitution (DS) (up to 0.73 in LA/ZnCl2 system) after high-temperature moistening.
Silent Symptoms, Active Immunity: Insights into Early-Stage Cytokine Expressions in Ugandan Mild and Asymptomatic COVID-19 subjects
Authors: Watelo Arthur Kalyebi , Ankunda Violet , Ssali Ivan , Oluka Gerald Kevin , Mugaba Susan , Katende Joseph Ssebwana , Ejou Peter , Auma Betty Oliver , Nantambi Hellen ,   The COVID-19 Immuno-profiling Group, Muwanga Moses , Obondo James Sande , Nsereko Christopher , Jjuuko Mark , Onyachi Nathan , Musenero Monica , Kaleebu Pontiano , Serwanga Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Background This study examined the early response of individuals with mild and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection by analysing cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor responses to CD4 and CD8 cell stimulation, aiming to understand early immune expressions that might inform potential targets for immunotherapy and interventions.Methods Between July and November 2020, we assessed 15 individuals, predominantly males with a median age of 25. Of these, eight displayed mild symptoms, while seven were asymptomatic. We evaluated their response to CD4 and CD8 T-cell stimulation by measuring 48 unique cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Random forest and principal component analysis (PCA) methods were utilized to identify pivotal cytokines and classify them according to their functional roles.Results Consistently low levels of specific cytokines suggested their minimal impact on immune activation processes, moderate concentrations of others after CD4 or CD8 T-cell stimulation, implied vital roles in immune modulation, cell recruitment and activation, cytokine regulation, and tissue healing. Optimal immune response was achieved through a balanced interplay between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes, striking a delicate equilibrium that averted undue inflammation. A persistent immune response was marked by consistent and moderate levels of specific cytokines and growth factors sustained over the observation period. TGF-alpha, GRO-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 emerged as promising biomarkers for symptom manifestation and immune activation. Predictive analyses highlighted IL-8, G-CSF, MCP-1, EGF, and MIP-1-alpha as pivotal cytokines in stimulating CD4 or CD8 cells, with MCP-1 and IL-8 particularly displaying persistence.Conclusion This research elucidates the immune expressions during the initial phases of mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. The research outcomes enhance comprehension of initial immune reactions and offer valuable insights for designing immunotherapies. Refining targeted immune responses can improve patient outcomes, manage viral infections, and advance global health.
A Cutting-Edge Intelligent Cyber Model for Intrusion Detection in IoT Environments Leveraging Future Generations Networks
Authors: Mughaid Ala , Alnajjar Asma , Salhi Subhieh El , Almakadmeh khalid , AlZu’bi Shadi
Published: November 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a transformative paradigm in which objects and devices interconnect, with 5G technology accelerating its expansion as the primary infrastructure for ubiquitous connectivity. This proliferation of IoT within our lives introduces significant security and privacy challenges. The interconnection of every smart object in urban settings amplifies the susceptibility to diverse security threats, potentially rendering IoT-based smart cities insecure. Ensuring the security and resilience of these digital urban environments is imperative, particularly as cities become increasingly computerized and densely populated with interconnected devices. Detecting and mitigating potential computer security attacks is of paramount importance in safeguarding the integrity and functionality of smart cities. In this research, we present an intrusion detection model derived from data extracted through simulating the SYNFLOOD attack scenario, a prominent form of Denial of Service (DoS) attack in the realm of IoT security. The suggested detection model classifies, trained and validated the imported data using the k-folds method, and creates a unique detection model. The proposed model is fast and effectively enables all IoT networks to communicate information without compromising privacy. It enhances the detection process by employing data pre-processing and balancing. In this work, the experiments’ accuracy are stable which proves the success of the model for the six used machine learning algorithms resulted in a very good performance with an accuracy of 92.3% for the Decision Tree and Neural Network.
Ulinastatin Improves Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction via Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Qi , Fang Jiahui , Zhang Siqi , Xia Wei , Liu Yuliang , Luo Huihuang , Ye Chao , Gao Ming
Published: November 2023

Background
Severe intestinal barrier dysfunction occurs in the early stages of acute pancreatitis (AP) and plays a significant role in the mechanism of pancreatic necrosis as well as multiple organ failure in AP. Our study aims to explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of ulinastatin (UTI) in improving intestinal barrier dysfunction associated with L-arginine-induced AP in rats.
Methods
We randomly assigned experimental rats into three subgroups (n = 10 per group): a control group, an AP group, and an AP + UTI (10000 U/kg) group. We assessed serum levels of amylase, lipase, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), and diamine oxidase (DAO). Additionally, we conducted pathological examinations on pancreatic and terminal ileal tissues. Laser Doppler blood flow meters were used to evaluate blood perfusion in the terminal ileal tissue. We observed the mucosal ultrastructure in the terminal ileal tissue using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Furthermore, we determined protein and mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in terminal ileal tissue through western blot and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. We also measured the activities of peroxides and antioxidants in terminal ileal tissue.
Results
Compared to the AP group, the AP + UTI group exhibited significant reductions in serum levels of amylase, lipase, I-FABP, and DAO, along with alleviated pathological injuries in both pancreatic and terminal ileal tissues. Furthermore, after UTI treatment, we observed improvements in blood perfusion, mucosal ultrastructure, and permeability in the terminal ileal tissue. Additionally, UTI treatment led to notable increases in protein and mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the terminal ileal tissue. This resulted in a significant decrease in peroxide levels, including MDA and ROS, along with a marked increase in the activities of antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and total sulfhydryl (T-SH).
Conclusions
This study is the first to prove that UTI alleviates AP and improves AP-associated intestinal barrier dysfunction by promoting antioxidative stress through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Managing multiple long-term conditions or multimorbidity across COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal qualitative study from India
Authors: Mahapatra Pranab , Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: November 2023

Objectives
While many studies have documented adverse impact of multiple chronic conditions or multimorbidity on COVID-19 outcomes in patients, there is scarcity of report on how physicians managed these patients. We investigated the experiences and challenges of clinicians in managing patients with multimorbidity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Odisha state, India.
Methods
To understand the factors influencing illness management and the adaptive responses of physicians alongside the evolving pandemic, we followed a longitudinal qualitative study design. Twenty-three physicians comprising general practitioners, specialists, and intensivists, were telephonically interviewed in-depth. Saldana’s longitudinal qualitative data analysis method was employed for data analysis.
Results
COVID-19 pandemic initially diverted the attention of health systems, resulting in reduced care. With time, the physicians overcame fear, anxiety, and feelings of vulnerability to COVID-19 and started prioritising patients with multimorbidity for treatment and vaccination. All physicians recommended teleconsultation and digital health records to benefit chronic illness care during future public health crises
Conclusion
As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the importance of multiple long-term conditions was given increasingly importance by physicians underscoring the need to address them perennially. They became gradually resilient with the pandemic and paced with the changing health system to ensure care continuity for patients with multimorbidity.
The function and mechanism of PSMD14 in promoting progression and resistance to anlotinib in osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Wang Xin , Li Chao , Zhao Ruina
Published: November 2023

Background
Osteosarcoma is a rare bone malignancy that frequently affects adolescents and poses formidable obstacles in its advanced stages. Studies revealed that PSMD14 may be a viable osteosarcoma treatment target. However, PSMD14's function and mechanism in osteosarcoma remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the function and mechanism of PSMD14 in the biological behavior of osteosarcoma and its role in anlotinib resistance.
Methods
Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies were used to examine PSMD14 levels. The role of PSMD14 in the malignant phenotype of osteosarcoma and its molecular pathway was explored by a series of studies, including Western blotting, cell amplification assay, transwell assay, and tumor growth. Furthermore, a series of in vitro investigations were done to determine the effect of PSMD14 on anlotinib-resistant osteosarcoma cell lines.
Results
PSMD14 expression was elevated in osteosarcoma tissues compared to normal tissues. Overexpression of PSMD14 was associated with osteosarcoma patients' pathological grade and clinical stage, and PSMD14 was an independent poor prognostic factor. PSMD14 knockdown inhibits in vitro cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. PSMD14 knockdown has the potential to downregulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which was regarded as one of the key mechanisms promoting tumor growth. PSMD14 was likewise overexpressed in anlotinib-resistant OS cell lines, and its knockdown not only reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of subline cells and triggered cell apoptosis. Importantly, combination therapy with anlotinib enhanced these effects.
Conclusions
PSMD14 is substantially expressed in osteosarcoma and may be an independent risk factor associated with poor prognosis. It can promote tumor progression and anlotinib resistance in osteosarcoma and may promote osteosarcoma progression by modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Research on the Method of Industrial Equipment Fault Detection and Identification Based on Improved YOLOv8
Authors: Li Hui , Su Yixu , Yu Taoming , Shi Leina
Published: November 2023

To solve the problems of slow processing speed and misdetection and omission in the presence of cluttered backgrounds in fault detection algorithms, in this paper, combined with the improved YOLO v8 algorithm and the SENet channel attention module, a fault identification and detection method for industrial equipment is proposed. Firstly this method optimizes the network structure of the YOLOv8 algorithm by using the channel attention module SeNet, and effectively capturing the features of key targets and reducing the number of convolution kernels and output feature channels. Secondly, this paper uses data augmentation techniques to enhance the training set and improve the robustness of the YOLOv8 model for small target detection. Finally, the experimental results are analyzed, and the improved YOLOv8n algorithm achieves 96.84% in detection accuracy, 98.73% in recall, and 97.81% in F1-Score, which is excellent in industrial equipment fault detection, and verifies that the YOLOv8n algorithm embedded with the SeNet channel attention mechanism has higher accuracy and stability. Compared with other algorithms, the YOLOv8n algorithm has a greater improvement, and when compared with other industrial detection models, the feasibility of deep learning in equipment fault identification and detection has been verified in three aspects of identification of equipment switch state, identification of abnormal equipment indicator lights, and identification of abnormal equipment display data, demonstrating strong competitiveness.
Source parameter characteristics of typical mine collapse events
Authors: ZHOU Shaohui , QU Junhao , YUE Long , LI Yajun , WANG Yu , LI Jian
Published: November 2023

To compare the source parameter characteristics of mine collapse events with those of earthquake events, the source parameters of 61 mine collapse events with magnitude ML ≥ 2.5 recorded by the Shandong Digital Seismic Network from January 2018 to July 2022 were calculated based on the Brune source model. The calculated corner frequencies, seismic moments, moment magnitudes, and stress drops of these mine collapse events were 0.9-3 Hz, 1013-1015 N·m, 2.7–3.7, and 0.009–0.065 MPa, respectively. The mine collapse events had scaling relationships between the source parameters similar to those of earthquakes, but their stress drops were orders of magnitude lower than those of earthquakes. That is, the background stresses of the mine collapse events were far smaller than those of the earthquakes, signifying that mine collapse events can occur in low-stress environments.
Comparison between DSQIID total / sub-item scores and plasma p- tau elevation in adults with Down’s syndrome
Authors: Shinomoto Makiko , Takeuchi Chisen , Tatebe Harutsugu , Kitani-Morii Fukiko , Ohmichi Takuma , Fujino Yuzo , Menjo Kanako , Terada Naoto , Osako Miho , Mochizuki Yoko , Teramukai Satoshi , Tokuda Takahiko , Mizuno Toshiki , Kasai Takashi
Published: November 2023

Dementia screening questionnaire for individuals with intellectual disabilities (DSQIID) has been an appropriate screening tool for detecting dementia in Down’s syndrome. However, whether this questionnaire reflects the neuropsychiatric signs of Alzheimer’s disease in DS (DS-AD) still remains unknown. To address this issue, we compared plasma phosphorylated tau (P181tau: p-tau) of a representative AD biomarker with the total score and each sub-score of the DSQIID. DSQIID was completed in 43 of the 56 individuals with DS enrolled. DSQIID total scores tended to be positively associated with age, and some of the sub-scores were age-dependently elevated. DSQIID total scores and some sub-scores also positively correlated with plasma p-tau, while all those significant correlations disappeared after age-adjustment. Moreover, one sub-score appeared to have a significant negative correlation with plasma p-tau after age adjustment. DSQIID likely reflects age-associated behavioral changes in DS. The fact that their scores did not correlate with plasma p-tau after age-adjustment leads us to infer that there might be room for improvement in the DSQIID for detecting DS-AD.
A novel technique of endoillumination-Assisted Localization Combined with Partial Transscleral Sclerouvectomy Ciliary Body Leiomyoma and its outcomes
Authors: Ji Yuhan , Zhu Jiajing , Shen Yanan , Jiang Bo , Sun Dawei
Published: November 2023

Purpose
To describe a novel surgical technique of intraoperative endoillumination-assisted localization combined with partial transscleral sclerouvectomy of ciliary body leiomyoma.
Methods
Three consecutive patients of ciliary body leiomyoma with strong willingness to save eyeballs. Data collection included presentation details such as photographs, clinical findings, pathological diagnosis, treatment details and audit of surgical videos.
Results
After intraoperative endoillumination-assisted localization combined with partial transscleral sclerouvectomy of ciliary body leiomyoma, favourable anatomical and visual outcome was observed in all cases. The tumor was completely removed. No recurrence of leiomyoma was noted and no significant complications were found during follow-up.
Conclusion
The use of intraoperative endoillumination-assisted localization combined with partial transscleral sclerouvectomy of ciliary body leiomyoma is a novel approach with potential advantages including accurate localization, preservation of the normal tissue structure of the eyes, and low incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Tear Meniscus Changes and Quality of Life Outcomes After External Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Doran Mehmet Ali , Ayintap Emre , Aytogan Hasan
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery on tear meniscus parameters and assess its relationship with improvements in quality of life (QoL) in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).
Methods
This prospective study included 30 patients diagnosed with NLDO who underwent external DCR surgery. Tear meniscus (TM) parameters, including height, depth and area, were measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). Lacrimal symptom questionnaire (Lac-Q), Munk scores and Glasgow benefit inventories (GBI) were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between tear meniscus changes and improvements in QoL.
Results
TM height, depth and area decreased from preoperative median measurements (0.09 mm2, 0.37 mm, 0.56 mm) to postoperative median measurements (0.03 mm2, 0.21 mm, 0.30 mm) (p < 0.001). Lacrimal symptom scores and Munk scores showed significant improvement at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The GBI scores also demonstrated a significant improvement, indicating a positive impact on the patients’ QoL. (p < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between the change in TM parameters and LacQ lacrimal symptom scores.
Conclusion
External DCR surgery leads to significant improvements in tear meniscus parameters and quality of life outcomes in patients with NLDO. The decreased in TM height and TM area indicates improved tear film dynamics and decreased tear volume, which positively impact the patients’ ocular comfort and overall well-being. This study highlights the importance of tear meniscus evaluation as a potential market for assessing the success of DCR surgery and its impact on patients’ QoL.
Understanding the Multilevel Factors Influencing the Implementation of Mindfulness-based Mobile Applications in Adolescents and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Survivorship Care
Authors: Kwok Gary , Senger Angela , Sharma Archana , Mandato Ivelisse , Devine Katie A.
Published: November 2023

Background
A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of a range of mind-body therapies in alleviating psychosocial stress and other symptoms in cancer patients and survivors. Healthcare providers can leverage the convenience and appeal of technology to deliver psychosocial interventions for AYA cancer survivors. The goal of this study was to identify key patient-, provider-, and organization-level barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based mindfulness mobile applications for AYAs with cancer.
Methods
Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders including AYA survivors (n = 10) and clinical providers and administrators (n = 10). Interviews were transcribed and deductively mapped using the CFIR and TDF complementary frameworks.
Results
Results indicated that factors like cost and patients’ needs and resources were prevalent among both survivors and providers. There were key differences between providers and AYA survivors. Providers’ adoption and promotion of mindfulness mobile applications were influenced most strongly by contextual factors. That is, providers described available resources (Inner Setting), culture (Outer Setting), and networks and communications (Outer Setting) as important factors in their adoption. On the other hand, survivors emphasized individual and intervention-related factors; they reported that social influence and knowledge influenced their adoption of meditation apps.
Conclusions
These results identified barriers and facilitators to the adoption of mindfulness mobile interventions from multiple stakeholders. Results can be used to guide the development of implementation strategies to improve the uptake of evidence-based mindfulness interventions in care, ultimately improving the psychosocial well-being of AYA cancer survivors.
Enhancement of The Quality Factor of Thin-Film-Piezoelectric-on-Si MEMS Resonator Using Phononic Crystals and Circular Suspended Frame Structure
Authors: Awad Mohammed , Workie Temesgen Bailie , Hashimoto Ken-ya , Bao Jingfu
Published: November 2023

This paper reports enhancing the anchor quality factor of a thin-film-piezoelectric-on-silicon MEMS resonator using a combination of energy-preserving suspended circular frame and Aisha-phononic crystals. The circular frame work as a mechanical vibration isolator among the anchors and resonator body, at the same time Aisha-PnC prohibits the acoustic wave from escaping to anchors by generating a bandgap. The results show circular frame structure with Aisha-PnC resonator lowers insertion loss from 4.1 dB to 0.2 dB, improves anchor quality factor from 14,215 to 74,141 and Q unloaded from 3,732 to 161,086 achieving 5.3-fold and 43-fold enhancements respectively.
Using blood routine indicators to establish a machine learning model for predicting liver fibrosis in patients with Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Liu Yang , Xie Shudong , Zhou Jie , Cai Yu , Zhang Pengpeng , Li Junhui , Ming Yingzi
Published: November 2023

This study intends to use the basic information and blood routine of schistosomiasis patients to establish a machine learning model for predicting liver fibrosis. We collected medical records of Schistosoma japonicum patients admitted to a hospital in China from June 2019 to June 2022. The method was to screen out the key variables and six different machine learning algorithms were used to establish prediction models. Finally, the optimal model was compared based on AUC, specificity, sensitivity and other indicators for further modeling. The interpretation of the model was shown by using the SHAP package. A total of 1049 patients' medical records were collected, and 10 key variables were screened for modeling using lasso method, including red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hematocrit (HCT), Red blood cells, Eosinophils, Monocytes, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, Age. Among the 6 different machine learning algorithms, LightGBM performed the best, and its AUCs in the training set and validation set were 1 and 0.818, respectively. This study established a machine learning model for predicting liver fibrosis in patients with Schistosoma japonicum. The model could help improve the early diagnosis and provide early intervention for schistosomiasis patients with liver fibrosis.
Factors associated with the performance of specialized periodontal procedures and achieving periodontal goals in Brazilian Dental Specialties Centers
Authors: Rodrigues Raíres Chaves da Silva , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , de Lucena Edson Hilan Gomes
Published: November 2023

This study aims to investigate the factors associated with the performance of specialized procedures and the achievement of periodontics goals in Brazilian dental specialty centers(BDSCs).Methodology: This Cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive, and analytical study. The database of the second cycle of the External Evaluation of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality (PMAQ, Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade) was utilized, which assessed 1,042 BDSCs on-site in 2018. The data were analyzed using multiple Poisson regression, estimating the prevalence ratio (PR).Results: A third of the BDSCs (305) performed all specialized procedures, with a higher prevalence observed in those with more than one bicarbonate jet prophylaxis unit (RP=2.12; 95% CI: 1.160-3.881) and when they had a higher percentage of specialist professionals (RP=1.004; 95% CI: 1.002-1.006). The periodontics goal was achieved by 617 (59.2%) BDSCs, with a higher prevalence among those who had a manager with supplementary training (PR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.100-1.335) and with a higher workload for the periodontist dentist (PR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.103-1.201).Conclusion: The provision of specialized periodontics services in BDSCs and the achievement of goals are influenced by the quantity and professional qualifications, as well as the availability of equipment.
The wave packet shape of a quantum system: How are the properties and behavior of a quantum system depends fundamentally on uncertainty in its position?
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed
Published: November 2023

In this work we determine the parameter that characterized different wave packets from each other for different quantum systems. We find a specific definition for this parameter by relate the statistical distribution of the quantum system to the quantum fluctuations of the vacuum, and thus we find the mechanism by which the wave packet changes at every measurement-interaction with it. We also explain an important practical aspect of this mechanism.