bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regeneration Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cold Induced Burn Wounds
Authors: Jameel Fatima , Khan Irfan , Malick Tuba Shakil , Qazi Rida-e-Maria , Zaidi Midhat Batool , Khalid Shumaila , Salim Asmat , Aslam Shazmeen , Khalil Enam A.
Published: February 2023

Background: Time-dependent initiation of wound healing phases and their associated healing mediators are crucial for injured skin regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete various paracrine factors which aid in wound healing via acceleration of cell migration, angiogenesis, tissue granulation, and modulation of inflammation at the wound site.
Objective: This study was aimed to investigate thetherapeutic effect of human umbilical cord MSCs (hUCMSCs) in the regeneration of cold-induced burn wound model.
Methods: hUCMSCs were characterized by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Scratch assay was performed using rat skin fibroblasts treated with conditioned medium of hUCMSCs. An in vivo cold burn wound model was developed and hUCMSCs were locally transplanted. Macroscopic analysis of wound closure was done at days 1, 3, 7 and 14 corresponding to wound healing phases. Gene expression, histology and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to confirm complete wound repair.
Results: We observed a significant reduction in the scratch area in the treated group as compared to the control. Wound area was remarkably reduced in the burn wound model transplanted with hUCMSCs well before the end of the experimental period (day 14). Histology showed intact collagen with regenerated epidermis, dermis and hair follicles, while immunohistochemistry showed enhanced angiogenesis in the last phase of healing in the treated group. Temporal gene expression showed significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of pro/angiogenic and remodeling cytokines at particular time points.
Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that hUCMSCs accelerate wound closure with enhanced neovascularization and reduced inflammation in rat dermal wounds.
Racial Disparities in Quantitative MRI for African American and White Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zabihollahy Fatemeh , Miao Qi , Sonni Ida , Vangala Sitaram , Kim Harrison , Hsu William , Sisk Anthony , Reiter Robert , Raman Steven , Sung Kyunghyun
Published: February 2023

The risk of prostate cancer (PCa) is strongly influenced by race and ethnicity. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in the diagnostic performance of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in African American (AA) and white (W) men. 111 patients (37 AA and 74 W men) were selected from the study's initial cohort of 885 patients after matching age, prostate-specific antigen, and prostate volume. The diagnostic performance of mpMRI was assessed using detection rates (DRs) and positive predictive values (PPVs) with/without combining Ktrans (volume transfer constant) stratified by prostate zones for AA and W sub-cohorts. The DRs of mpMRI for clinically significant PCa (csPCa) lesions in AA and W sub-cohort with PI-RADS scores ≥ 3 were 67.3% vs. 80.3% in the transition zone (TZ; p=0.026) and 81.2% vs. 76.1% in the peripheral zone (PZ; p>0.9). The Ktrans of csPCa in AA men was significantly higher than in W men (0.23±0.08 min-1 vs. 0.19±0.07 min-1 ; p=0.022). This emphasizes that there are race-related differences in the performance of mpMRI and quantitative MRI measures that are not reflected in age, PSA, and prostate volume.
Comparison of continuous flow analysis and ion chromatography for determinations of nitrate, nitrite and phosphate ions in seawater and development of related seawater certified reference materials
Authors: Cheong Chikako , Suzuki Toshihiro , Miura Tsutomu , Hioki Akiharu
Published: February 2023

Determinations of three nutrients (nitrate, nitrite and phosphate ions) in seawater were investigated by continuous flow analysis (CFA) based on colorimetry and ion chromatography (IC). The accuracies of those methods were examined by discussing their uncertainties. While CFA is popular in this field, its comparison with IC was reported for the first time and contributed to an increase in the reliability of the analytical results. Finally, the investigation led to the development of three kinds of seawater certified reference materials (CRMs) of the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) (NMIJ CRM 7601-a, 7602-a and 7603-a) for which the property values of nutrients including dissolved silica were given. The details of the development are described in the present paper.
The relationship between family function and school belonging of junior high school students: the chain mediating roles between self-support and self-esteem
Authors: Xin Bin , Pang Lu , Shi Seqin , Peng Biao , Ouyang Min , yao zhendong
Published: February 2023

Background: This study examined the role of self-support and self-esteem in the chain mediating between family functioning and school belonging among Chinese junior high school students.
Methods:The questionnaire survey was used on 741 students from first to the third grade of junior high school students to collect data on the Family Function Scale, the Self-support Scale, the Self-Esteem Scale, and the School Belonging Scale. Mediating efect analysis was used to test the hypothesis.
Results: (1) there were statistically significant differences in family function, self-support, and school belonging by grade level; (2) there were significant positive correlations between family function, school belonging, self-esteem, and self-support in junior high school students; (3) self-support mediated the effect of family function on school belonging, and self-esteem mediated the effect of self-support on school belonging; (4) Self-support and self-esteem play a significant chain mediating role between family functioning and school belonging, with the mediating effect accounting for 8.53% of the total effect.
Conclusion: the family function could affect school belonging directly and indirectly through self-support and self-esteem.
Diarrhea Accompanies Intestinal Inflammation and Intestinal Mucosal Microbiota Dysbiosis during Fatigue Combined with a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Liu Jing , Qiao Bo , Cai Ying , Tan Zhoujin , Deng Na
Published: February 2023

Objective: It was reported fatigue or a high-fat diet triggers gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, and intestinal microbiota may play central roles in GI disorders. Therefore, we investigated the association between the intestinal mucosal microbiota and the intestinal mucosal barrier from fatigue combined with a high-fat diet.
Method: This study divided the Specific pathogen-free (SPF) male into the normal group (MCN) and the standing united lard group (MSLD). After establishing the model for 14 days, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17 (IL-17), immunoglobulin A (sIgA), mucin 2 (Muc2), and intestinal mucosal microbiota were analyzed. Furthermore, the correlations between bacterial genera, inflammation, and immune function were measured.
Result: The pathological analysis proved obvious damage to the small intestinal structure after fatigue combined with a high-fat diet. MSLD mice presented an increased trend of IL-6 and IL-17 and a decreased tendency of sIgA and Muc2, aggravating the injury of the intestinal mucus barrier and GI symptoms. Fatigue combined with a high-fat diet considerably decreased Limosilactobacillus reuteri, positively associated with Muc2 and negatively with IL-6. Conclusion: The interactions between Limosilactobacillus reuteriand intestinal inflammation might be involved in the process of intestinal mucosal barrier impairment in fatigue combined with high-fat diet-induced diarrhea.
Omentopexy/Gastropexy (OP/GP) in Sleeve Gastrectomy Appears to Decrease the Incidence of Gastric Twist, Motility Related Complications, Leaks, and Bleeding. A Meta-Analysis of 17 Comparative Studies and a Plea for Routine OP/GP
Authors: Diab Abdul-Rahman Fadi , Alfieri Sarah , Deblieux Paige , Williams Ashley , Docimo Salvatore , Sujka Joseph Adam , DuCoin Christopher Garnet
Published: February 2023

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can cause gastric twist/torsion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and prolonged postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). In addition, bleeding and leaks are the most feared complications in the early postoperative period. Various staple line reinforcement (SLR) techniques have been innovated to reduce the incidence of bleeding and leaks; as oversewing (OS), omentopexy/gastropexy (OP/GP), buttressing, and gluing. OP/GP isn’t only an SLR method that is used for prevention of bleeding and leaks, but also a staple line fixation method that few surgeons use to prevent gastric twist/torsion, and motility related complications as GERD and prolonged PONV. The goal of this study is to compare postoperative outcomes between LSG with OP/GP and LSG without OP/GP or any other SLR method.
Key points
• OP/GP decreases, leaks, bleeding, readmissions, prolonged PONV, gastric twist/torsion, and GERD. This was consistent in all studies (no heterogeneity).
• OP/GP appears to decrease length of stay and prolonged antacids use at 12 months postoperatively, but this isn’t on solid ground due to significant heterogeneity observed among studies.
• The only disadvantage of OP/GP is the increase in operative time.
CONUT score to evaluate the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis complicated with esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding after initial endoscopic treatment
Authors: cai shanshan , Liu Jianguo , Cheng Bowen , Zhang Yulian , xie bushan
Published: February 2023

Objective:
The nutritional status of patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with EGVB controlled with initial endoscopic treatment in our hospital was evaluated according to the CONUT score. We compared the clinical data and prognosis of patients with different levels of nutritional status, and then investigated the role of CONUT score before endoscopic treatment on its prognosis.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study and obtain informed consent from all the study participants by telephone and wetchat.The patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis complicated with Esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) in our hospital from April 2018 to November 2018 were retrospectively selected, and then controlled successfully by endoscopic operation. A total of 166 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: the low CONUT score group and the high CONUT score group, based on the optimal cut-off points determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The differences in baseline data, endoscopic data, treatment effects, and survival analysis were compared between the two groups of patients.
Conclusion
COUNT score affects prognosis of patients with EGVB.
IoT Platform Assessment methodology for COVID-19 Vaccine Logistics and Transportation: A Multi Methods Decision-Making Model
Authors: Ali Yasir Ali , Khan Habib Ullah Khan
Published: February 2023

The supply chain management (SCM) of COVID-19 vaccine is the most daunting task for logistics and supply managers due to temperature sensitivity and complex logistics process. Therefore, several technologies have been applied but, the complexity of COVID-19 vaccine makes the Internet of Things (IoT) a strong use case due to its multiple features support like excursion notification, data sharing, connectivity management, secure shipping, real-time tracking and monitoring etc. All these features can only feasible through choosing the right IoT platform. However, selection of right IoT platform is also a major concern due to lack of experience and technical knowledge of supply chain managers and diversified landscape of IoT platforms. Therefore, we introduce a decision making model for evaluation and decision making of IoT platforms that fits for logistics and transportation process of COVD-19 vaccine. This study identifies the major challenges addressed during the supply chain management of COVID-19 vaccine and then provides reasonable solution by presenting the assessment model for selection of rational IoT platform. The proposed model applies hybrid multi criteria decision making (MCDM) approach for evaluation. It also uses Estimation-talk-Estimation (ETE) approach for response collection and taxonomy of features. As, this is first kind of model so the proposed model is validated and tested by conducting a survey with experts. The results of the proposed decision making model are also verified by Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) technique.
Biosynthesis and evaluation of metallic nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using polyphenol- containing Ajuga macrosperma (Ghonke ghas) leafextract, along with anticancer activity and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Parveen Shama , Gupta Vikas , Wazzan Mohammad A. , Wazzan Huda , Abduljabbar Ahmed H. , Khan Waseem , Khan Anish , Yudhanto Ferriawan
Published: February 2023

Green chemistry is a relatively new discipline that promotes the use of a set of guidelines to decrease both the use of and the production of chemical waste. Accordingly, the use of environmentally friendly technology has a more beneficial effect on ecosystems than the use of factory workers. Plant extracts are seen as a greener and cheaper alternative to traditional methods of synthesizing metallic nanoparticles, and their usage is on the rise. In this study, an aqueous leaf extract of Ajuga macrosperma was used to biosynthesize metallic Zinc oxide nanoparticles. There is a limiting and capping effect caused by plants. Ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis was used to monitor the biosynthesized nanoparticles in real-time. The incorporation of leaf extract resulted in a noticeable hue shift, which allowed for the visual detection of the creation of metallic nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and zeta potential were all used to learn more about the nanoparticles. The SEM scan reveals that the nanoparticles have a spherical form and measure between 10 and 100 nm in size. The XRD analysis verified that the synthetic ZnONPs have a Wurtzite crystalline structure. Results from FTIR and EDAX analysis reveal the nanoparticles' functional groups and elemental makeup. MTT assay was used to test the anticancer activity of A. macrosperma leaves in MCF-7 (breast cancer), HeLa (human embryonic lung cancer), PC-3 (prostate cancer), and A549 (lung cancer). Additionally, research has also shown that produced ZnONPs are highly active against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. as well as against yeast (Candida albicans) showing no efficacy.
Artificial Intelligence Based Chatbots to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mahdavi Abdollah , Amanzadeh Masoud , Hamedan Mahnaz , Naemi Roya
Published: February 2023

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbots are computer programs that simulate human conversation and use artificial intelligence including machine learning and natural language processing to interact with users via natural language. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of digital health technologies such as chatbot has accelerated. This study aimed to investigate the application of AI chatbots in combating COVID-19 pandemic and to explore their features.
Methods: We reviewed of literature on health chatbots during the COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched by using related keywords such as "chatbot", “conversational agent” and “Artificial intelligence”. To select the relevant articles, we conducted title, abstract, and full-text screening based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Chatbots, their applications and design features were extracted from selected articles.
Results: Out of 673 articles initially identified, 17 articles were eligible for inclusion. We categorized selected AI chatbots based on their roles, applications and design characteristics. 70% of chatbots had preventive role. Our review identified 8 key applications of the AI chatbots during the COVID-19 pandemic that includes: 1) information dissemination and education 2) self-assessment and screening 3) connect to health centers 4) combating misinformation and fake news 5) patients tracking and service delivery 6) mental health 7) monitoring exposure 8) vaccine information and scheduler. AI chatbots were deployed on various platforms including mobile apps, web and social media. Mobile-based chatbots were the most frequent. All of chatbots use NLU methods to understand natural language input and act on the user’s request. More than 50% of AI chatbots were used NLU platforms including Google Dialogflow, Rasa framework and IBM Watson.
Conclusion: The AI chatbots can play an effective role to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing people's awareness, optimal use of health resources, reducing unnecessary encounters are some advantages of using AI chatbots during COVID-19 outbreak. Using NLU platforms can be a suitable solution in the development of AI chatbots in healthcare domain. With advancement of Artificial intelligence field, it seems that AI chatbots will mark a bright future in healthcare specially in public health, chronic diseases management and mental health.
Trimesic acid anchored electrocatalysts of bioinspired design: Unique static and dynamic compatibility enhanced water oxidation
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Wang Zhaojie , Cao Shoufu , Hu Yuying , Liu Siyuan , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Hongyu , Zhang Xingheng , Wei Shuxian , Xu Hui , Cheng Zhi , Hou Qi , Sun Daofeng , Lu Xiaoqing
Published: February 2023

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are successful candidates for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Unfortunately, their catalytic kinetics and long-term stability are far unsatisfactory comparing to rare metals in practice. Here we track the endurance of NiFe-LDH and uncover that the ablation of lamellar structure caused by metal dissolution is the immediate reason for the decreased stability. Inspired by amino acid residues in photosystem II, we report a strategy using trimesic acid anchor to achieve the subsize NiFe-LDH to drive with superior kinetics, activity and stability to the benchmark commercial catalysts. Fundamental investigations through operando spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that the superaerophobic surface is beneficial for the immediate release of the generated O2 bubbles and maintaining its active structure as well. The coupling between metal and coordinated carboxylate by C‒O‒Fe bonds effectively prevent metal species from dissolving, which enhances the stabilization of electronic structure by the static coordination. In addition, the uncoordinated carboxylates formed by dynamic evolution on OER process act as proton ferries to accelerate the OER kinetics. This work offers a promising way to achieve breakthroughs in OER stability and dynamics performance by introducing functional ligand with static and dynamic compatibility.
Cribriform morphology area ratio and biochemical recurrence in Gleason score 4 + 4 prostate cancer patients following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shimodaira Kenji , Inoue Rie , Hashimoto Takeshi , Satake Naoya , Shishido Toshihide , Namiki Kazunori , Nagao Toshitaka , Ohno Yoshio
Published: February 2023

Background Cribriform glands, regardless of their morphology and size, are categorized with Gleason pattern (GP) 4. However, recent studies indicate that the size and percentage of cribriform patterns in GP 4 are associated with risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR). Thus, we aimed to examine the prognostic value of the area and percentage of cribriform patterns in patients with Gleason score (GS) 4 + 4 prostate cancer who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).
Methods We investigated 108 patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer who underwent RARP. After digitally scanning the slides, we measured the area of the entire cancer and cribriform patterns. Predictive factors for BCR were explored using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model analyses.
Results Sixty-seven (62.0%) patients had a cribriform architecture in RARP specimens, and thirty-two (29.6%) experienced BCR. Median total cancer area (mm2), cribriform pattern area (mm2), and percentage of cribriform pattern area (% cribriform) were 427.70 (interquartile range [IQR], 171.65–688.53), 8.85 (IQR, 0–98.83), and 2.44 % (IQR, 0–33.70), respectively. In the univariate analyses, higher preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen levels, positive resection margin (RM), advanced pathological T stage, extraprostatic extension, larger total cancer area, larger cribriform morphology area, and higher % cribriform were significantly associated with BCR. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PSA and % cribriform were independent predictors of BCR.
Conclusions Higher % cribriform was associated with BCR in GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer following RARP.
Risk of New-onset Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with Chronic Kidney Disease on Sodium-glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor Users
Authors: Jong Gwo-Ping , Lin Tsung-Kun , Liao Pei-Lun , Huang Jing-Yang , Yang Tsung-Yuan , Pan Lung-Fa
Published: February 2023

Clinical studies have investigated the effects of using sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the development of new-onset stroke (NOS) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the findings are inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and NOS risk in patients with T2D and CKD. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database for the years 2004 to 2019. The primary outcome was the risk of incident stroke, which was estimated using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used multiple Cox regression modeling to analyze the association between SGLT2 inhibitor use and the risk of stroke in patients with T2D and CKD. In a cohort of 113,710 patients with T2D and CKD who were using SGLT2 inhibitors and 227,420 patients with T2D and CKD who were not using SGLT2 inhibitors, after applying a 1:2 sex- and age-matching strategy, 2,842 and 7,169 NOS events were recorded, respectively. The event rate per 10,000 person-months was 10.60 (95% CI 10.21 to 11.03) for SGLT2 inhibitor users and 13.71 (13.39–14.03) for non-SGLT2 inhibitor users. After adjusting for the index year, sex, age, comorbidities, and concurrent medication, there was a decreased risk of NOS for SGLT2 inhibitor users (adjusted HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.77–0.84) compared with non-SGLT2 inhibitor users. The sensitivity test for the propensity score 1:1-matched analyses showed similar results (adjusted HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.76–0.84). The type of SGLT2 inhibitor subgroup analysis for incident stroke showed consistent results. We concluded that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D and CKD decreased the risk of NOS. The decreased risk of NOS in patients with T2D and CKD was greater among female and less than 50 years patients.
TRIM72 inhibits cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by attenuating FAK/Akt signalling in colorectal cancer
Authors: Faleti Oluwasijibomi Damola , Tan Haiqi , Gong Yibing , Huang Jing , Deng Simin , Qiu Lizhen , Yao Jinke , Wu Gongfa , Lyu Xiaoming
Published: February 2023

TRIM72 (MG53) is a membrane repair protein with E3-ligase activity. In this study, we investigated its clinical significance and biological function in colorectal cancer (CRC). Reverse transcription-PCR was used to identify TRIM72 expression in primary CRC tumour tissue and the paired liver metastasis tumor samples. Results indicated that TRIM72 expression in paired liver metastases tissue was lower compared to the primary colon cancer tumour (p < 0.001). Aberrant expression of TRIM72 was significantly associated with the regional lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. Consistent with this, TRIM72 overexpression inhibited migration, intravasation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, we found that TRIM72 knockdown significantly increased CRC cells' migration and invasion. Notably, we revealed that TRIM72 interacts with FAK and attenuate colon cancer metastasis by regulating FAK/Akt signalling pathway. Furthermore, patients with low expression of TRIM72 had poorer survival in two independent datasets. These findings indicate that TRIM72 plays a vital role in the metastasis of human colon cancer and possesses the potential to predict the survival of patients.
Seamguard Buttressing (SGB) and Oversewing/Suturing (OS/S) of the Staple Line in Sleeve Gastrectomy Appear to be Associated with Comparable Postoperative Outcomes. A Meta-Analysis of 11 Studies Comparing Two Effective Reinforcement Methods.
Authors: Diab Abdul-Rahman Fadi , Malaussena Zachary , Ahmed Abrahim , West William , Docimo Salvatore , Sujka Joseph Adam , DuCoin Christopher Garnet
Published: February 2023

Postoperative staple line hemorrhage and leakage are major causes of postoperative morbidity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Many staple line reinforcement (SLR) techniques have been innovated in efforts to reduce such complications; these include oversewing/suturing (OS/S), omentopexy/gastropexy (OP/GP), gluing, and buttressing. Therefore, surgeons are often confused of which SLR they should use. Recent high-quality evidence shows that Seamguard buttressing (SGB) and OS/S are associated with better postoperative outcomes when each is compared to no SLR; having said that, it is unknown if one of these 2 methods is superior to the other. The aim of this study is to compare postoperative outcomes between LSG with SGB versus LSG with OS/S. Key points • No significant difference in postoperative bleeding, postoperative leakage, and readmission was observed between SGB and OS/S. • SGB was associated with decreased incidence of reoperations, and without significant heterogeneity which makes the decrease generalizable. However, when compared to OS/S, number need to treat (NNT) with SGB to prevent a case reoperation is 166. • OS/S was associated with shorter LOS, but this isn’t generalizable because of significant heterogeneity.
Compact, broadband, and efficient LP01 -LP11a mode converter based on cascaded asymmetric Y-junction
Authors: Zhang Hao , Deng Jia Yao , Wang Meng Ke , Ma Xiao Xia , Chen Kai Xin
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a compact and broadband mode converter, which can achieve efficient LP01-LP11a mode conversion, is demonstrated with cascaded asymmetric Y-junction in polymer waveguide. Our typical fabricated converter has a compact footprint of 1.5 mm × 14 µm and shows a mode conversion efficiency larger than ~ 98%, a crosstalk less than ~ −17.5 dB, and an insertion loss lower than ~ 5.8 dB for both x and y polarizations over the C + L band. Our proposed mode converter could find applications in broadband mode-division multiplexing transmission systems.
Consistent epistemic planning without communication for MADRL
Authors: Wu Peiliang , Luo ShiCheng , Tian LiQiang , Mao BingYi , Chen enbai
Published: February 2023

Multi-agent cooperation needs to reason about beliefs in the partially observable environment without communication, but the traditional Multi-agent Deep Reinforcement Learning (MADRL) algorithm struggles to handle the uncertainty of agents. Multi-agent Epistemic planning (MEP) tries to let the agent find a best plan to complete the cooperation task, so as to more effectively solve the uncertainty. However, inconsistent planning arises if the MADRL only adds MEP. We propose a MADRL-based policy network architecture called SMM-MEPP: Shared Mental Model - Multi-agent Epistemic Planning Policy. Firstly, Multi-agent Epistemic Planning and MADRL are investigated to build the "Perception-Planning-Action" multi-agent epistemic planning framework. Then, mental model in psychology is introduced and descript as a neural network. Thirdly, parameter sharing mechanism is utilized to achieve the shared mental model and maintain the consistency of epistemic planning. Finally, we apply the SMM-MEPP architecture to three advanced MADRL algorithms (i.e., MAAC, MADDPG and MAPPO) and conduct comparative experiments in multi-agent cooperation tasks. Experiments show that the proposed method can bring consistent planning for multiple agents, and improves convergence speed or training effect in partially observable environment without communication.
Effect of clay-pot irrigation on Citrullus colocynthis plant growth for arid land restoration (A case study: southeast of Iran)
Authors: Jahantigh Moien , Jahantigh Mansour
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to investigate growth performance of Citrullus colocynthis plant under clay-pot irrigation to restore vegetation in abandoned farmlands of arid regions. So, in this research, the influence of clay-pot and traditional irrigation methods experimented on some growth parameters of Citrullus colocynthis plant from 2019 to 2021.The experiment had been conducted in a randomized complete block design with 5 replications. In each treatment, plant growth characteristics such as shrub length, number of seeds per fruit, number of fruits per plant, number of branches per plant, dry weight of fruit, and fruit yield were measured. The results indicate that the effect of different irrigation methods on growth characteristics under the influence of irrigation methods was significantly different (p ≤ 0.05). Also finding indicate that the amounts of water consumption were significantly different at the level of five percentage (P < 0.05) and the most appropriate irrigation method by significant increase of WUE is related to clay-pot irrigation. Based on the results of the research, the growth performance of Citrullus colocynthis plant during the second and third growing seasons significantly increased which non-irrigation conditions. Following the results, the period of growth of Citrullus Colocynthis is synchronous with the critical month (April, June, July, and September respectively) when the value of wind speed, temperature, and evaporation rate reaches its value maximum. According to the results, the implementation of clay-pot irrigation methods for the establishment of Citrullus colocynthis plant with high adaptability is a practical option to restore vegetation in abandoned farmlands of the study area.
Provision of outdoor nature-based activity for older people with cognitive impairment: protocol for a scoping review from the ENLIVEN project
Authors: Collins Rachel , Owen Steve , Opdebeeck Carol , Ledingham Katie , Connell Joanne , Quinn Catherine , Page Stephen , Clare Linda
Published: February 2023

The aims of the scoping review for which the protocol is presented here are:
· To identify and characterise the types of outdoor nature-based activity for older people with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment that have been the subject of research and for which research evidence is available.
· To identify and describe the range of outcomes examined in the research studies on this topic.
A Retrospective Comparison of 90-day Outcomes, Length of Stay, & Readmissions Between Robotic-Assisted & Laparoscopic Colectomy
Authors: Pervaiz Sahir S. , D'Adamo Christopher , Mavanur Arun , Wolf Joshua H.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Investigations generally assess 30-day perioperative outcomes with robotic-assisted and laparoscopic colectomy. Outcomes beyond 30-days serve as a quality metric of surgical services and an assessment of 90-day outcomes may have greater clinical utility. The purpose of this study was to assess 90-day outcomes, length of stay (LOS), and readmissions among patients who underwent a robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic colectomy using a national database.
Methods: Patients undergoing either robotic-assisted or laparoscopic colectomy were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes within PearlDiver, a national, inpatient records database from 2010-2019. Outcomes were defined using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) risk calculator and identified using International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnosis codes. Categorical variables were compared using chi-square tests and continuous variables were compared using paired t-tests. Covariate-adjusted regression models were also constructed to evaluate these associations while accounting for potential confounders.
Results: A total of 82,495 patients were assessed in this study. At 90-days, patients of the laparoscopic colectomy cohort experienced a higher rate of complications than patients who underwent robotic-assisted colectomy (9.5% vs. 6.6%, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in LOS (6 days vs. 6.5 days, p=0.08) and readmissions (6.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.851) at 90-days.
Conclusion: Patients undergoing robotic-assisted colectomy have a lower risk for morbidity at 90-days. Neither approach is superior for LOS or 90-day readmissions. Both techniques are effective minimally invasive procedures, yet patients may gain a greater risk benefit from robotic colectomy.
A simple direct proof of the Erd\"{o}s--Straus conjecture
Authors: Alomari M. W.
Published: February 2023

In this note, we give full complete positive proof of the celebrated unsolved Erd¨os–Straus conjecture. Similarly, the Sierpinski conjecture follows. A relaxed extension of the restricted Hagedorn equation is presented.
AntiCoV-DB: A novel database resource of Anti COVID- 19, Anti CoronaVirus, Natural products and peptides
Authors: zouhir Abdelmajid , Khamessi Oussema , Kamoun Selim , Hkimi Chaima , Othman Houcemeddine , Cherif Ammar , Mahjoubi Basma , Jr Taoufik , Sebei Khaled , Ghedira Kais
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is one of the most common pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 has shown 80% genome identity with other Corona viruses. Due to the high rate of infection reported in the COVID-19 pandemic, in recent months, a lot of studies have been performed on the introduction of antiviral drugs. Secondary metabolites as alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, polyphenols and other natural compounds have shown promise as antiviral agents against several pathogenic viruses including SARS-CoV-2. The antimicrobial peptides display narrow-or broad spectrum activity against microbes including COVID-19 causative agent. The gathering of such data related to these molecules in one central database resource would therefore be of great benefit to the exploitation of these anti-coronavirus peptides and anti-COVID-19 secondary metabolites in the present context of increasing contagiousness in humans and its spread across the globe. The database AntiCov-DB has been developed to facilitate access to important information on 294 secondary metabolites with 90 alkaloids, 18 essential oils, 88 flavonoids, 15 polyphenols, 93 other natural compounds, 34 peptides anti-COVID-19 and 104 antimicrobial sequences of peptides reported to act as anti-CoronaVirus. The database permits a quick and easy search on the one hand of secondary metabolites based on their target molecules of COVID-19 and general data and on the other hand of antiviral peptides based on their activity as well as their general, physicochemical properties and literature. AntiCoV-DB is hosted on the web server at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia (IPT) and is freely available through this link: http://tesla.pasteur.tn/DBs/AntiCoV_DB/index.php
Mechanism of Saffron Extract against Cardiotoxicity Induced by Doxorubicin: 4D Label-Free Quantitative proteomics Analysis and Bioinformatic Study
Authors: Sa Rina , Lin Zhijian , Huang Jinjian , Wang Yu , Lv Jintao , Zhang Xiaomeng , Pan Xinbo , Huang Jianmei , Zhang Bing
Published: February 2023

Anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity, represented by Doxorubicin (DOX), is the main side effect limiting the use of anthracyclines as effective chemotherapeutic agents. These mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. It is necessary to refine the mechanisms of DOX cardiotoxicity and to develop drugs that can counteract DOX cardiotoxicity. In previous studies, the saffron extract was reported to successfully relieve DOX cardiotoxicity, but the mechanisms are unclear. First, we quantified 3423 proteins in the hearts of DOX group rats vs. control group rats using proteomics with high-sensitivity mass spectrometry to identify key proteins and signaling pathways. Furthermore, the important role of ribosomal proteins in the mechanism of DOX cardiotoxicity was revealed by the GEO transcriptome dataset and the literature on ribosomal protein ubiquitination. Second, we analyzed the key mechanisms and targets of saffron against DOX cardiotoxicity via 4D label-free proteomics. Through validation by ELISA, we identified the proteins XIRP2, EPHX1, SORBS2, CD81, FLOT2, FLOT1, CD59, DCN, CTSD and HSPA5 as critical targets of saffron extract against DOX cardiotoxicity. These discoveries have contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of DOX cardiotoxicity, as well as to the identification of the key therapeutic targets of saffron for preventing DOX cardiotoxicity.
Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion Attenuates Peri-Perfusional Inflammatory Mediator Release and Preserves Cholangiocyte Structure and Function Early After Liver Transplant
Authors: Panayotova Guergana G. , Qin Yong , Bonder Edward M. , Mucahit Huri U. , Simonishvili Sopio , Ayee Brian G. , Davis Justin L. , Galan Mark A. , Paterno Flavio , Lee-Riddle Grace S. , Amin Arpit , Lunsford Keri E. , Guarrera James V.
Published: February 2023

Background
Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion (HMP-O2) is a dynamic preservation technique which improves ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) of liver grafts vs. static cold storage (SCS). The exact molecular pathways affected, particularly in the setting of biliary injury, remain undefined. Here we investigate the peri-perfusional and tissue mediators of liver preservation injury and cholangiocyte dysfunction early after liver transplant.
Methods
Patients were transplanted at a single center as part of the multi-center randomized controlled PILOT trial (NCT03484455). Livers were randomized to perfusion via the LifePort Liver Transporter (HMP-O2, Organ Recover Systems, Itasca, IL) or to SCS. Clinical complications were assessed utilizing the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Corresponding biospecimen analysis of preservation fluid (effluent, prior to liver implantation), bile, and bile duct tissue (both 1hr post-reperfusion) was performed. Effluent biochemistry was assessed via Luminex, and bile biochemistry was assessed via iSTAT-1/CG8+. Tissue injury was identified via histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Liver transplant was performed in 20 patients (7 HMP-O2; 13 SCS). Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) occurred in three cases, all SCS. HMP-O2 resulted in fewer immediate post-operative complications (CCI 42 vs 56, p < 0.05) and fewer biliary complications (14% vs 23%). Following HMP-O2, multiplex analysis of effluent showed decreased release of MIP-1ß (p < 0.05), IL-8, IL-6, and TNFα; bile fluid biochemistry revealed significantly preserved cholangiocyte resorptive function; and IHC analysis of bile ducts demonstrated attenuated activation of inflammatory signaling (decreased total and activated NF-κB, p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
HMP-O2 provides excellent preservation for liver allografts. Pre-implant machine perfusion appears to decrease inflammatory signaling, preserve cholangiocyte function, and protect cellular function, and may therefore confer protection from transplant related IRI.
Characteristics of Delirium and Its Association with Sedation and In-Hospital Mortality in COVID-19 Patients on Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Sun Philip Y , Fanning Jonathon , Peeler Anna , Shou Benjamin , Lindsley John , Caturegli Giorgio , Whitman Glenn , Cha Stephanie , Kim Bo Soo , Cho Sung-Min
Published: February 2023

Background

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been used in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aim to assess the characteristics of delirium and describe its association with sedation and in-hospital mortality.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed adult patients on VV-ECMO for severe COVID-19 ARDS in the Johns Hopkins Hospital ECMO registry in 2020-2021. Delirium was assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU when patients scored -3 or above on Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS). Primary outcomes were delirium prevalence while on VV-ECMO and categorization of VV-ECMO days based on delirium status.

Results

Of 47 patients (median age=51) with 6 in a persistent coma, 40 of the remaining 41 patients (98%) had ICU delirium. Delirium in the survivors (n=21) and non-survivors (n=26) was first detected at a similar time point (day 9.5[5, 14] vs. 8.5[5, 21], p=0.56) with similar total delirium days (9.5[3.3, 16.8] vs. 9.0[4.3, 28.3], p=0.43), but the RASS scores on VV-ECMO were numerically lower in non-survivors (-3.72[-4.42, -2.96] vs. -3.10[-3.91, -2.21], p=0.06). Non-survivors had significantly prolonged median delirium days (27.3[17.4, 46.4] vs. 17.0[9.9, 28], p=0.04), delirium-unassessable days on VV-ECMO with a RASS of -4/-5 (23.0[16.3, 38.3] vs. 17.0[6, 23], p=0.03), and total VV-ECMO days (44.5[20.5, 74.3] vs. 27.0[21, 38], p=0.04). The proportion of delirium-present days correlated with RASS (r=0.64, p<0.001), proportion of days with a neuromuscular blocker (r=-0.59, p=0.001) and delirium-unassessable exams (r=-0.69, p<0.001), but not with overall ECMO duration (r=0.01, p=0.96). Average daily dosage of delirium-related medications on ECMO days did not differ significantly between survivors and non-survivors. On multivariable logistic regression, proportion of delirium days was not associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Longer duration of delirium was associated with lighter analgosedation and shorter paralysis, but the condition did not discern in-hospital mortality. Future studies should evaluate analgosedation and paralytic strategies to optimize delirium, sedation level, and outcomes.
Biological use coefficient of biomass of Tachigali vulgaris under phosphorus and potassium fertilization: Management technologies for sustainable production of bioenergy in tropical countries
Authors: Simões Pedro Henrique Oliveira , Paula Manoel Tavares de , Araújo Denmora Gomes de , Souza Luma Castro de , Lima Clenes Cunha , Palheta Lenilson Ferreira , Neto Cândido Ferreira de Oliveira , Carvalho João Olegário Pereira de
Published: February 2023

Studies dealing with the behavior, initial development, uptake and nutrient use efficiency of native Amazonian trees as a function of fertilization are extremely important to support actions for the recovery and management of degraded areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of fertilization with different levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on growth and nutrient use efficiency in Tachigali vulgaris plantation. The experiment was installed in a tropical climate region in eastern Amazonia, Brazil. Three doses of P (0, 65.22 and 130.4 kg ha-1) and three doses of K (0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1) were applied in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme and randomized block design, with 4 repetitions. Growth parameters, nutrient concentration in biomass, nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and biological use coefficient (BUC) were evaluated. T. vulgaris responded significantly to fertilization with P and K in the parameters evaluated. It produced two times more biomass at the age of three years. Fertilization with 65.22 kg ha-1 of triple superphosphate and 200 kg ha-1 of potassium chloride was efficient to increase height growth by 11.1% considering the 24 months of evaluation, compared to unfertilized plants. Mg is the most efficiently utilized nutrient in the biomass components of T. vulgaris, followed by P, S, K, Ca and N. The woody compartments of T. vulgaris showed the highest BUC values, which is highly desirable and of great interest for forestry
Roma-nem roma vegyes párkapcsolatok és etnikai reprodukció a roma nemzetiségű nők körében Magyarországon, 1990, 2011
Authors: Szabó Laura
Published: February 2023

Tanulmányunk célja kettős. A népszámlálási adatokat felhasználva egyrészt dokumentáljuk a roma és nem roma vegyes párkapcsolatok elterjedtségét Magyarországon 1990-ben és 2011-ben. Másrészt megbecsüljük, hogy mekkora a roma nemzetiségű nők etnikai reprodukciós aránya, és változott-e ez az érték 1990 és 2011 között. Az etnikai reprodukciós arány egy fontos bemeneti változója a roma népesség előreszámításának is. Eredményeink azt mutatták, hogy az elmúlt 20 évben nőtt a roma és nem roma vegyes párkapcsolatok aránya, valamint az ilyen párkapcsolatban élő roma férfiak és nők aránya. Az adatok azt is jelezték, hogy a roma és nem roma vegyes párkapcsolatokban a szülők a gyermekek mindössze 38%-át vallották roma, míg 57%-ukat nem roma nemzetiségűnek 2011-ben. Továbbá a roma első nemzetiségű nők körében az etnikai reprodukciós arány is csökkent (94,6-ről 89,5%-ra) 1990 és 2011 között. Az etnikai reprodukciós veszteség 10,5% volt 2011-ben. Ez kétszer magasabb, mint az 1990-ben mért 5%-os etnikai reprodukciós veszteség a roma első nemzetiségű nők körében. Így arra a következtetésre jutottunk, hogy demográfiai értelemben etnikai identitásváltás zajlik Magyarországon a roma népesség körében.
Kulcsszavak: roma és nem roma vegyes párkapcsolatok, etnikai reprodukció, népszámlálás, roma népesség előreszámítása
The level of matrix metalloproteinase type 12 in the blood of arterial hypertension patients with high cardiovascular risk on the background of statin therapy
Authors: Mikhin Vadim P. , Vorotyntseva Valeriya V. , Nikolenko Tamara A. , Savelyeva Valentina V. , Chernyatina Marina A. , Gromnatsky Nikolay I.
Published: February 2023

Objective: to evaluate the features of changes in the content of metalloproteinase-12 (MMR-12) in blood serum in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) of high cardiovascular risk (SSR) against the background of therapy with atorvastatin (20 mg/day) or rosuvastatin (10 mg/day; 20 mg/day; 40 mg / day) as part of complex therapy. Materials and methods. The study included 140 patients with stage II hypertension, with partially controlled BP, the duration of the disease is 5-12 years, who, against the background of hypotensive therapy (enalapril 20-40 mg/ day, indapamide retard 1.5 mg, metoprolol 100-150 mg/day) received atorvastatin (Liprimar) 20 mg/day for 1 year, subsequently, it was replaced with rosuvastatin (Rosucard)10, 20, 40 mg / day. The dose regimen was determined by achieving the target level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and cholesterol (HC). Results. During atorvastatin therapy, the content of MMR-12 in each of the three groups did not change. In the group of patients taking rosuvastatin 10 mg / day, the content of MMP-12 did not change for 18 months In the group of patients taking rosuvastine 20 mg / day, a decrease in MMP-12 was observed only by 12 months of therapy - by 26.8%, by 18 months - by 30.4% (p<0.05) When taking rosuvastine 40 mg / day, a decrease in MMP-12 was observed by 24.1% by 6 months, by 12 months - by 35.3%, by 18 months - by 37.1% (p<0.05). Conclusion. In patients with hypertension with high SSR, rosuvastatin as part of a complex therapy had an ambiguous effect on the content of MMR-12 in the blood, the greatest decrease in the level of MMR-12 was registered when taking 40 mg / day of rosuvastatin.