bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Projection Screen Detection from Presentation Videos using CustomYOLOv7 Object Detection Method
Authors: Purushotham E. , Ramani Kasarapu , Bindu C. Shobha
Published: January 2024

Lecture videos are analyzed for the development of various applications that involves indexing, summarization, content extraction, search, and navigation. Lecture videos captured in classrooms and conference rooms has digital slides projected on to the screen on stage. Projection screen detection is a crucial task for the extraction of slide region in such presentation videos. In this paper, we present an interesting approach for detecting the location of slide region in video frames using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) object detection model. First we train the custom YOLOv7 model on a labelled dataset of frames from presentation videos showing projected slides and then the trained model is applied on new images that are not used in training to predict the location of projector screens. We collected and annotated over 2000 frames from various presentation videos and then various augmented techniques are applied to prepare a dataset of 5000 images. We evaluated this method on our custom dataset and the results are compared with other popular object detection methods. Our experiments demonstrated that our custom YOLOv7 model outperforms basic YOLOv7 and Retinanet with regards to accuracy and computational effectiveness. Our results suggest that custom YOLOv7 provides a promising solution for projector screen detection and has the potential to be applied in various practical applications
Human action Recognition with Transformer based on Convolutional Features
Authors: Shi Chengcheng , Liu Shuxin
Published: January 2024

As one of the key research directions in the field of computer vision, human action recognition has a wide range of practical application values and prospects. In the fields of video surveillance, human-computer interaction, sports analysis, and healthcare, human action recognition technology shows a broad application prospect and potential. However, the diversity and complexity of human actions bring many challenges, such as handling complex actions, distinguishing similar actions, coping with changes in viewing angle, and overcoming occlusion problems. To address the challenges, this paper proposes an innovative framework for human action recognition. The framework combines the latest pose estimation algorithms, pre-trained CNN models, and a Vision Transformer to build an efficient system. The first step involves utilizing the latest pose estimation algorithm to accurately extract human pose information from real RGB image frames. Then, a pre-trained CNN model is used to perform feature extraction on the extracted pose information. Finally, the Vision Transformer model is applied for fusion and classification operations on the extracted features. Experimental validation is conducted on two benchmark datasets, UCF 50 and UCF 101, to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework. The applicability and limitations of the framework in different scenarios are further explored through quantitative and qualitative experiments, providing valuable insights and inspiration for future research.
LncRNA SNHG1 acts as a ceRNA for miR-216a-3p to regulate TMBIM6 expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Kong Ni , Chi Yuheng , Ma Hong , Luo Dongbo
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) represents a prevalent malignancy of the digestive system in humans with poor clinical prognosis. The long noncoding RNA SNHG1 has been implicated in the occurrence and pathogenesis of numerous cancers. The regulatory mechanisms of SNHG1 in ESCC are inadequately defined and warrant further investigation.
Methods
Fifty patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell cancer were enrolled to assess overall survival. qRT-PCR was used to examine SNHG1, miR-216a-3p and TMBIM6 expression on TE-1 and KYSE-150 cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated by CCK8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays, respectively. TMBIM6, Calpain, and Caspase-12 protein levels were assessed using Western blot. The interaction between SNHG1, miR-216a-3p, and TMBIM6 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay.
Results
Elevated SNHG1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients predicted negative clinical outcomes. Silencing of SNHG1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis in ESCC cells. It was discovered that SNHG1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in ESCC cells, modulating TMBIM6 expression through sponging miR-216a-3p. Notably, inhibition of miR-216a-3p or restoration of TMBIM6 reversed the inhibitory effect caused by SNHG1 silencing in ESCC cells.
Conclusions
Through modulation of the miR-216a-3p/TMBIM6 pathway, SNHG1 promotes the advancement of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for this disease.
Association between cardiometabolic index and testosterone among adult males: A cross- sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016
Authors: Shang Tingting , Zhang Jian , Ma Hua , Zou Shu , Sun Rui , Ren Qingling
Published: January 2024

Background Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a well-promising indicator for predicting obesity-related diseases. Testosterone decline and deficiency importantly affect men's health, and may be associated with obesity and excessive deposition of visceral adipose tissue. Therefore, this study intends to explore the relationship between CMI and testosterone.Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted among adult males with complete data about CMI and testosterone in 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculate CMI: Triglyceride (TG) (mmol/L)/ High-density lipid-cholesterol (HDL–C) (mmol/L) × waist-to-height Ratio (WHtR). Multivariable regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the association between CMI and testosterone.Results We included 2,209 male participants for the final analysis. After adjusting for confounders, CMI was found to show a negative correlation between testosterone (Minimally adjusted model: β=-10.56, 95%CI: -12.76, -8.36, P < 0.0001, fully adjusted model: β=-0.04 (-4.88, 4.81), P = 0.9882). Multivariate-adjusted beta also showed testosterone levels were significantly lower in the two highest CMI groups (Q3, Q4) compared to the lowest group (Q1). In the subgroup populations, the relationship between CMI and testosterone was affected by age, race, Education level, Hypertension, and smoking status (P-interaction༜0.05). Furthermore, ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve of the CMI (0.68 (95% CI: (0.65,0.71) was more significant than that of the TyG index (0.67 (95% CI: 0.65,0.70).Conclusion CMI levels were negatively related to a decreased likelihood of testosterone in United States male adults. Our findings indicated that CMI may be a simple anthropometric index to predict testosterone.
Sarcopenic obesity evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, rather than sarcopenia or obesity alone, is associated with the macrovascular but not microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Han , Su Weijuan , Li Jia , Wang Shunhua , Chen Zheng , zhang Yuxian , Huang Bingkun , Lyu Fuping , Yan Fangfang , Huang Caoxin , Lin Mingzhu , Shi Xiulin , Li Xuejun
Published: January 2024

Objective: The prevalence of Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is increasing, particularly with a rising trend observed in patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the association between SO and diabetic complications remains unclear when compared to sarcopenia or obesity alone. This study aimed to investigate the associations between sarcopenia, obesity, SO, and diabetes complications in patients with T2D.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 2387 hospitalized patients with T2D. Data associated with demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, diabetic complications, and body composition from electronic health records were collected. The participants were categorized as normal (nonsarcopenia nonobesity), sarcopenia, obesity, and SO groups according to the body compositions evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations between body composition and complications of diabetes.
Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with patients in normal group, the odds ratios (95% CIs) of macrovascular complications of diabetes were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.29-1.42) for those in sarcopenia group, 1.05 (95% CI, 0.56-1.97) in obesity group, and 2.45 (95% CI, 1.18-5.09) in SO group, respectively; the odds ratios (95% CIs) of microvascular complications of diabetes was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.58-1.55) for those in sarcopenia group, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.53-1.22) in obesity group, and 1.21 (95% CI, 0.69-2.11) in SO group, respectively.
Conclusion: According to our findings, SO, rather than sarcopenia or obesity alone, was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of macrovascular complications, in hospitalized patients with T2DM. This association was not observed for diabetic microvascular complications.
An asymptotic formula and a series expansion for bivariate Normal tail probability
Authors: Au Siu-Kui
Published: January 2024

This work presents a new asymptotic formula for the bivariate Normal tail probability. It only requires the larger threshold to grow indefinitely, but otherwise has no restriction on how the thresholds grow. The correlation parameter can change and possibly depend on the thresholds. The formula is applicable regardless of Salvage condition. Asymptotically, it reduces to Ruben’s formula and Hashorva’s formula under the corresponding conditions, and therefore can be considered a generalisation. Under a mild condition, it satisfies Plackett’s identity on the derivative with respect to correlation parameter. Motivated by the asymptotic formula, a series expansion in terms of the derivatives of univariate Mill’s ratio is also obtained for the exact tail probability, whose terms can be calculated recursively. Based on the series expansion, a simple procedure is developed for general numerical computation by suitable redefinition of parameters. Examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Psychometric analysis of the Emotional Availability Scales
Authors: Müller Jörg Michael , Elvert Christina
Published: January 2024

In the context of parent-child interaction, the Emotional Availability Scales (EAS; 4th ed.; Biringen, 2008) have been developed to capture a dyad’s emotional connection in observational settings by four parental and two child-related scales. This study aims to test the psychometric foundation of the EAS for a preschool-aged sample and complements analyses by Aran et al. (2022) for a sample of infants. The sample of parents and their preschool-aged children is a mixed clinically referred and non-clinical sample from a mid-sized city in Germany. Interactions were observed in a free-play setting and rated with the EAS by two blind and certificated raters. Several model tests indicate violations for the structural model as well as all six measurement models. An additional post hoc exploratory factor analysis with parallel analysis suggests a non-interpretable two-factor-structure. Psychometric analyses did not validate the EAS’ postulated structure and measurement model. A post hoc literature review showed that ceiling effects on the item and scale levels are not unique to our study. However traditional important concepts or terms of parent-child relationships covered by the EAS are not rejected by our study and can be assessed with alternative measures, but these also need psychometric evaluation in the future.
Application of Flood Frequency Analysis to Examine Spatiotemporal Households Flood Vulnerability in Karonga District and Lilongwe City, Malawi
Authors: Mwalwimba Isaac Kadono , Manda Mtafu , Ngongondo Cosmo , Mwalwimba Isaac Kadono
Published: January 2024

Flood frequency analysis (FFA) is an important component of flood vulnerability assessment (FVA). It shows where floods might happen, and provides vulnerability data needed for decision-making processes. However, in developing countries like Malawi, there are limited studies that integrate FFA into spatiotemporal FVA. This informed the need to undertake this study in rural areas of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kilupula in Karonga District (KD) and Mtandire Ward in Lilongwe City (LC). The study utilized hydrological streamflow, Geographical Information System (GIS), and disaster profile data for the Lufilya and Lingadzi catchments in KD and LC respectively. Baseline data was collected from the Departments of Water Resources and Disaster Management Affairs in the Ministries of Water and Sanitation and Natural Resources and Climate Change respectively. Statistical methods and ArcGIS 10.8 were used to analyze data. The results found a higher expected flood for Lingadzi compared to Lufilya catchments in LC and KD respectively at different return periods. Various scales of spatiotemporal characteristics in the catchments contribute to high household flood vulnerability. This study provides a basis for integrating FFA into FVA in any region in the world because all the input data is globally available.
Microbial Influencers and Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) susceptibility: A network perspective
Authors: Aqueel Rhea , Badar Ayesha , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , Malik Kauser Abdulla
Published: January 2024

Background
Biotic stresses such as plant viruses e.g. Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) can alter root-associated and leaf-associated microbial diversity in plants. There are complex ecological dynamics at play with each microbe contributing to multitude of biotic and abiotic interactions thus deciding the stability of the plant’s ecosystem in response to disease. Deciphering these networks of interactions is a challenging task. The inferential research in microbiome is also at a nascent stage, often constrained by the underlying analytical assumptions as well as the limitations with respect to the depth of sequencing. There is also no real consensus on which network-wide statistics to identify the influential microbial players in a network. Guided by latest developments in network science, particularly, recently published metrics such as Integrated View of Influence (IVI), and some other centrality measures, in this study, we provide an exposé of the most influential nodes in the rhizospheric and phyllospheric microbial networks of the Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) susceptible, partially tolerant, and resistant cotton varieties.
Results
Our results indicate that the CLCuD resistant Gossypium arboreum possesses an equal share of keystone species which helps it in withstanding ecological pressures. In the resistant variety, the phyllosphere harbors the most influential nodes whereas in the susceptible variety they are present in the rhizosphere. Based on hubness score, spreading score and IVI, the top 10 occurring keystone species in FDH-228 (resistant) variety were Actinokineospora, Cohnella, Thermobacillus, Clostridium, Desulfofarcimen, and MDD-D21. Elusimicrobia, Clostridium-sensu-stricto_12, Candidatus woesebacteria, and Dyella were identified as the most influential nodes in PFV-1 (partially tolerant) variety. In the PFV-2 (susceptible) variety, the keystone species were identified as Georginia, Nesterenkonia, Elusimicrobia MVP-88, Acetivibrio, Tepedisphaerales, Chelatococcus, Nitrosospira, and RCP2-54.
Conclusion
Crop health is dependent on the microbiome influencers in its ecosystem. The CLCuD resistant Gossypium arboreum has an abundance of Firmicutes and only limited phyla as opposed to the susceptible variety where there is a vast variety of bacterial phyla in its top keystone species. The stability of the FDH-228 network helps it in handling perturbations better. This approach helps us in deciphering the diseased and healthy plant’s response to viral disease which may be microbially mediated.
A New Electrostatic Tunable Capacitor For Wide Ranges Of Applications
Authors: Razaghpour Davoud , Ghasemi Mir Majid , Fathi Amir
Published: January 2024

A new electrostatically tunable capacitor for wide range of frequencies is proposed in this paper. A complete design rule is proposed to design a variable capacitor in the range of 0.01 pF – 2.05 pF due the its application. The designed capacitor occupies 0.03 mm 2 – 1.12 mm 2 space based on the required capacitance value which is so small comparing the related published works. The floating technique is used to get the high-quality factor. The quality factor of the proposed capacitor is in the range of 45 to 100 over the frequency range of 1.28G to 2.78GHz, and also the tunability range of the tunable capacitor is 374%. After presenting a complete design rule with the related equations, the proposed capacitor is used in an amplifier circuit with a spiral inductor and the performance of the proposed capacitor is evaluated and compared with other capacitors. The COMSOL Multiphysics is used for simulation.
Contribution of parasite and host genotype to immunopathology of schistosome infections
Authors: Jutzeler Kathrin S. , LeClec'h Winka , Chevalier Frédéric D. , Anderson Timothy J.C.
Published: January 2024

Background
The role of pathogen genotype in determining disease severity and immunopathology has been studied intensively in microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, but is poorly understood in parasitic helminths. The medically important blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is an excellent model system to study the impact of helminth genetic variation on immunopathology. Our laboratory has demonstrated that laboratory schistosome populations differ in sporocyst growth and cercarial production in the intermediate snail host and worm establishment and fecundity in the vertebrate host. Here, we (i) investigate the hypothesis that schistosome genotype plays a significant role in immunopathology and related parasite life history traits in the vertebrate mouse host and (ii) quantify the relative impact of parasite and host genetics on infection outcomes.
Methods
We infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with four different laboratory schistosome populations from Africa and the Americas. We quantified disease progression in the vertebrate host by measuring body weight and complete blood count (CBC) with differential over an infection period of 12 weeks. On sacrifice, we assessed parasitological (egg and worm counts, fecundity), immunopathological (organ measurements and histopathology), and immunological (CBC with differential and cytokine profiles) characteristics to determine the impact of parasite and host genetics.
Results
We found significant variation between parasite populations in worm numbers, fecundity, liver and intestine egg counts, liver and spleen weight, and fibrotic area, but not in granuloma size. Variation in organ weight was explained by egg burden and by intrinsic parasite factors independent of egg burden. We found significant variation between infected mouse lines in cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α), eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts.
Conclusions
This study showed that both parasite and host genotype impact the outcome of infection. While host genotype explains most of the variation in immunological traits, parasite genotype explains most of the variation in parasitological traits, and both host and parasite genotype impact immunopathology outcomes.
Stabilizing an Adverse Density Difference in the Presence of Phase Change
Authors: Johns Lewis , Narayanan Ranga
Published: January 2024

Given two phases in equilibrium in a porous solid, the heavy phase lying above the light phase in a gravitational field, we stabilize this adverse density arrangement by heating from below and derive a formula for how steep the temperature gradient must be to do this. The input temperature gradient has two effects on the stability of our system. Its effect on the heat convection is destabilizing, its effect on the heat conduction at the surface is stabilizing. By directing our attention to the case of zero growth rate, we obtain the critical value of the input temperature gradient as it depends on the permeability of the porous solid, the density difference across the surface, the distance between the planes bounding our system, and the physical properties.
Our problem makes connections to the Benard problem where it has two, one, or no critical points, and to the Rayleigh-Taylor problem where it has no critical points.
Untangling Urban Mobility: A Health Geographic Perspective on Transportation Usage
Authors: Ahn Young-Jin , Juraev Zuhriddin
Published: January 2024

This study examines the complex relationships between health, geography and urban mobility in South Korea, focusing on trends in the use of buses, subways, and bicycles between 2018 and 2021. Statistical analyses are used to examine the relationships between these modes of transport, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show a significant positive correlation between metro and bus use, which illustrates their interdependence. In contrast, bicycle use shows no significant correlation, suggesting independent dynamics. The study enriches our understanding of health geography in the urban environment and provides insights for policy makers, urban planners, and public health professionals around the world. The findings are particularly important for understanding transport dynamics amid external health challenges. The study not only contributes to academic discussions, but also provides guidance for future research on the multiple factors that influence urban mobility.
Enhancing Biochemistry Assessment Quality in Medical Education Through Item Response Theory (IRT)
Authors: Baharuddin Baharuddin , Handayani Lilis , Rusli Rusli
Published: January 2024

Background
In medical education, particularly in biochemistry, crafting high-quality assessment questions is a primary challenge. Each item necessitates thorough evaluation, and precise identification of student abilities is crucial for maximally reflecting learning achievement.
Objective
This study aims to enhance assessment quality in biochemistry medical education by implementing Item Response Theory (IRT). This approach addresses Classical Test Theory (CTT) limitations. Recognizing the critical role of question quality in the learning process, the study investigates how IRT can more holistically and equitably assess student abilities. It includes a comparative analysis of student scores before and after IRT implementation.
Methods
Employing a mixed-method research approach, this study combines comparative quantitative analysis with qualitative ICC curve analysis in a pre-post experimental design. It focuses on biochemistry exam data from medical students (n = 89). IRT is used to measure the probability of student responses to questions, using parameters such as discrimination, difficulty level, and guessing probability. Jamovi software supports this analysis by accelerating computational processes.
Results
Significant improvements were observed in both question quality and student scores. Prior to IRT implementation, the average initial exam score was 56.1, which increased to 74.1 in the subsequent exam. The IRT evaluation indicated that the exam questions achieved a more effective differentiation between students of varying abilities. This improvement was evident from the increased person reliability and through Wright Map visualizations, which helped identify highly difficult questions via the Item Characteristic Curve (ICC).
Conclusion
The study advocates for integrating IRT as a standard method in biochemistry medical assessments. It highlights the necessity of assessments that are sensitive to individual student capabilities, providing more precise feedback for enhancing the quality of learning. These findings are crucial for evolving evaluation methodologies and advancing medical education standards.
Synthesis of sodium silicate from the acid leached calcined kaolinitic clay residue of aluminum sulfate industry
Authors: Alsagheer nabil , Aboulfotouh Gamal
Published: January 2024

Acid leached calcined kaolinitic clay (ALCKC) is a residue of aluminum sulfate coagulant manufacturing process; it is a solid acidic waste that is harmful to environment. Silica dissolution process was systematically studied, including the thermodynamic analysis and the inﬂuence of aluminum content on the leaching of amorphous silica. Simulation studies have shown that aluminum combine with silicon to form silica–alumina gel, and zeolite, thereby preventing the leaching of silica. Maximizing the removal of aluminum, iron and titanium can eﬀectively improve the leaching of silica in the subsequent process, and corresponding element removal rates are 45%, 41% and 15%, respectively. The removed aluminum is reused to prepare PAC. The silica extraction rate reached 88% at a conditions of (NaOH; 20%, NaOH to ALCKC; (v/ w) 5, 75°C, 2h), and sodium silicate modulus (nSiO2:nNa2O) is 1.1. The results indicated that a large amount of silica was existed in amorphous form. Precipitated silica was obtained by acidifying sodium silicate solution at a pH 7.0 using sulphuric acid. The prepared sodium silicate (1.1) was used for further synthesis of sodium silicate with nSiO2:nNa2O = more than 3
Wastewater and Magnetized Wastewater Effects on Soil Erosion
Authors: Vanani Hamid Raeisi , Ostad-Ali-Askari Kaveh
Published: January 2024

In this study we investigated the effects of fresh water (F as a control), wastewater (W) and magnetized wastewater (M) on furrow erosion. Experimental design was randomized complete blocks consisting of four replication blocks and three water quality treatments. Five irrigation events with 4 days irrigation interval were practiced in each furrow. The erosion was monitored and measured in the second, fourth and fifth irrigation events for each furrow. Water quality parameters measured during the irrigation ventsd included cations, anions, EC, pH, total-coliform, TSS, DO and COD. The applied intensity of the magnetic field was 10 mili-Tesla. Furrows spacing, length and slope were 0.6 m, 42 m and 0.11%, respectively. Inflow rate was 0.8 l/s for all the irrigation evens. To determine the net erosion in furrows, water samples were taken from runoff after its start at different time intervals. The net erosion was calculated at each time after determining soil mass in the samples and the net erosion vs. time chart was plotted. The mean erosion was calculated from this chart. The erosion indexes investigated in this study include mean erosion and maximum depth of the furrow cross-section. The results showed that, in all of the water treatments, the net erosion decreases with time in each irrigation. There is also a significant decrease in the mean erosion values in W and M treatments, compared with F treatment, in the second and fourth irrigation events at the 1% (p < 0.01) and 5% (p < 0.05) level, respectively, but there no significant difference between W and M treatments. The effect of irrigation event on the mean erosion was not significant in any treatment. The effect of water treatment on the basic infiltration rate and the maximum depth of furrow cross-section was not significant, but the basic infiltration rate was in most cases higher in M treatment than in F and W treatments in most cases. Also the changes in the maximum depth of furrow cross-section due to subsequent irrigation events were smaller in M and W treatments than in F treatment.
Association between Oxidative Balance Score and Migraine among American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Su Jing , Wang Xinna , Wang Ruonan , Wang Zihan , Xu Qiaoli , Wang Qingyuan , Shen ChunYu , Liu Liming , Zhao Dexi
Published: January 2024

Background
Oxidative stress has been observed to be linked with migraines. The oxidative balance score (OBS) serves as a metric for evaluating the overall systemic oxidative stress status, where elevated OBS scores suggest increased exposure to antioxidants. However, the precise connection between OBS and migraines has not been reported to date. This study seeks to investigate the potential association between OBS and migraine occurrences.
Methods
A cohort of 7,238 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 1999 to 2004 was selected for this study. Migraine diagnoses were ascertained using the Patient Health Questionnaire, specifically asking participants if they had experienced a severe headache or migraine in the past three months.The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) was determined based on the evaluation of 20 dietary and lifestyle factors. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to examine the association between OBS and migraines. Additionally, adjusted models were scrutinized in the analysis.
Results
The prevalence of migraine was 19.43%. There was a significant negative linear relationship between OBS, dietary OBS and migraine (p for nonlinear > 0.05). Compared to the lowest tertile of OBS, the adjusted ORs for the highest tertile of OBS and dietary OBS and migraine were 0.72(95% CI: 0.59 ~ 0.88), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56 ~ 0.86) respectively, and all P for trend < 0.05. Compared to the lowest tertile of OBS, the adjusted ORs for the highest tertile of lifestyle OBS and migraine was 0.97 (95% CI:0.82 ~ 1.14), and all P for trend > 0.05.
Limitations:
This research was cross-sectional design, and it was not possible to deduce causality.
Conclusions
Diet and lifestyle might influence migraine by modulating oxidative balance. Antioxidant diets and lifestyles were important in reducing migraine and our study also provided new ideas for improving migraine.
A new objective diagnostic method for CHF that lays the foundation for objective classification and precision medicine for chronic heart failure
Authors: Vanni Rosalba
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To compare blood flow in the pulmonary microcirculation (Qp), cardiac output (Qt), the Qp/Qt ratio, and shunt blood flow (Qs) among three different age groups, healthy individuals and patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) class III. The purpose of this comparative and methodological study, utilizing equations from a mathematical model and different analytical techniques, was to objectively diagnose CHF.
Method: Experimental data obtained through various techniques from three groups of subjects were entered into equations measuring Qt (L/min), Qp (L/min), Qs (L/min), and the Qp/Qt ratio.
Results: At rest: Group I, healthy and young subjects aged 26.3 ± 4.6 years, Qp = 4.15 L/min; Group II, non-CHF normal controls aged 62.3 ± 10.3 years, Qp = 4.595 L/min; Group III, CHF patients aged 62.4 ± 8.3 years, who had New York Heart Association functional class III failure, Qp = 5.51 L/min.
During exercise: CHF patients (Group III) at 50 W during exhaustive exercise, Qp = 8.45 L/min; non-CHF normal controls (Group II) at 50 W during nonexhaustive exercise, Qp = 15.372 L/min. Group I, at 340 W during exhaustive exercise, Qp = 23.22 L/min.
Conclusions: This new diagnostic method allowed me to perform an initial objective characterization of CHF class III patients, laying the foundation for an objective classification of the four classes of CHF patients and subsequent precision medicine.
Future research and clinical trials utilizing this method may provide new advancements in the diagnosis of cardiovascular pathologies in general, contributing to precision medicine.
The Pour-through Procedure Preferentially Extracts Substrate Solution from the Bottom of the Container in Conventional and Stratified Substrates
Authors: Altland James E. , Owen James S.
Published: January 2024

Due to the widespread use of the pour-through extraction procedure in horticultural production and research, the objective of this study was to determine if the method is biased by preferentially extracting substrate solution near the bottom of the container in both conventionally filled containers as well as intentionally stratified containers. Eight treatments were created using 2.5-L, 17.5-cm tall plastic nursery containers. The first four treatments were created by layering a conventional pine bark substrate (CONV) that was either amended (+A) or nonamended (−A) with fertilizer and lime with the following layers: amended substrate throughout the entire container profile (+A/+A); amended substrate in the top half (top 8.5 cm) over nonamended substrate in the bottom half of the container profile (+A/−A); nonamended substrate in the top half over amended substrate in the bottom half (−A/+A); and nonamended substrate throughout the profile (−A/−A). An additional four treatments were created by intentionally stratifying (STRAT) a fine pine bark substrate (FINE) over a coarse pine bark substrate (CRSE) with the same amendment combinations of +A or −A. On 0 and 42 d after potting, substrate pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined on samples collected by the pour-through procedure and 1:1 water extracts of the top and bottom layers in the container. At 42 d after potting, nutrient ions (NO3−, PO42−, K, Ca, Mg, and SO42−) were also measured in both pour-through and 1:1 water extracts of the top and bottom layers. At both dates and in both CONV and STRAT containers, pour-through substrate pH and EC more closely reflected those measurements in the bottom half of the container as determined by the 1:1 water extract. At 42 d after potting, nutrient ions determined by the pour-through procedure were more highly correlated to the 1:1 water extracts from the bottom half of the container compared with the top half of the container in both CONV and STRAT substrates. Evidence herein demonstrates that the pour-through procedure is more reflective of the lower half of the container than the upper half for both CONV and stratified substrates.
Chemical Control of Powdery Mildew of Bigleaf Hydrangea
Authors: Jennings Christina , Simmons Terri , Parajuli Madhav , Oksel Cansu , Liyanapathiranage Prabha , Hikkaduwa Epa Liyanage Kumuditha , Baysal-Gurel Fulya
Published: January 2024

The efficacy of the fungicide pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole (Postiva) was evaluated at varying application rates and intervals for the control of powdery mildew (Golovinomyces orontii, formerly Erysiphe polygoni) in bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’). Container-grown hydrangeas were arranged in a completely randomized design with six single-plant replications. Experiments were done in 2022 and 2023 under both greenhouse and shade house conditions (56% shade). Powdery mildew in hydrangea was developed naturally. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole at 1.1, 1.6, and 2.2 ml·L−1 and a standard fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr (Mural) at 0.5 g·L−1 were sprayed to runoff on 2-, 4-, and 6-week intervals. Plants that were not treated with fungicide served as the control. Plants were evaluated weekly for disease severity (0% to 100% foliage affected) and defoliation (0% to 100% defoliation). The season-long area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and defoliation progress curve (AUDFC) were calculated for the evaluation period. The initial and final plant height and width were recorded, and height and width increase were determined. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole and azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr significantly reduced final disease severity, AUDPC, and defoliation both in the greenhouse and shade house compared with control plants. In both greenhouse trials and the 2022 shade house trial, AUDFC was reduced in all treatments compared with the control plants. However, AUDFC was not reduced by all treatments in the 2023 shade house trial. Pooled over application intervals, the low rate of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole was as effective as the medium and high rates of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole and azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr in reducing final powdery mildew severity and AUDPC both in the greenhouse and shade house in both 2022 and 2023. No significant differences between application intervals were noted in final disease severity and progress. Control of powdery mildew with fungicides failed to increase plant dimensions (i.e., plant height and width) compared with the no fungicide control. Because all application rates and intervals of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole provided comparable powdery mildew disease control, it is suggested that using a low rate of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole with the longest application interval (6 weeks) is the most cost-effective approach for managing powdery mildew in bigleaf hydrangeas.
Prospects for neuroretinoprotective therapy of glaucoma
Authors: Aprelev A. E. , Sukmanyu E. O.
Published: January 2024

The results of present-day research into the pathogenesis of glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disease, leave no doubt that neuroprotective therapy of the condition is needed. It has been proven that achieving the target intraocular pressure does not always lead to the stabilization of the glaucoma process, as evidenced by a further decrease in visual functions and the death of retinal ganglion cells. Currently, research is focused on finding new drugs that can slow down the damage to the nerve fibers of the optic nerve and prevent apoptotic neuronal death. This literature review presents the results of recent experimental and clinical studies of the most promising neuroprotective drugs.
Immune privilege in the subretinal space and prospects of retinal pigment epithelium transplantation in degenerative diseases of the retina
Authors: Neroeva N. V. , Balatskaya N. V. , Katargina L. A. , Brilliantova A. G.
Published: January 2024

Damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) underlies the pathogenesis of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the retina, in particular, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — one of the leading causes of irreversible loss of central vision, blindness and elderly population disability. Advanced AMD treatment options are limited to angiogenesis inhibitors in the wet form of the disease; there is no effective treatment for geographic atrophy, since RPE cells are unable to regenerate. The advances of biomedicine and the progress of vitreoretinal surgery gave rise to searching new high-technology methods of degenerative retinal disease treatment, aimed at restoring RPE. Replacement transplantation with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) specifically oriented at RPE seems to be the most promising approach for replacing damaged retinal elements and improving visual acuity, while, as some researchers believe, the fact that the eye is an immune-privileged organ ensures relatively safe conditions for subretinal administration of iPSC-RPE. The review systematizes the literature data on immune privilege in the posterior eye segment, as well as the results of studies in the field of subretinal stem cells transplantation. The conditions and possible mechanisms that trigger graft rejection, methods aimed at preventing tissue incompatibility reactions are also discussed.
SURVEY OF TETRACYCLINES RESIDUES IN BRAZILIAN SWINE MUSCLE
Authors: Feddern Vivian , Rucks Carolina , Gressler Vanessa , Cunha Junior Anildo , Aroeira Carolina , Montes Niño Alfredo
Published: January 2024

The use of antibiotics is still intensive in animal production. Among the most used veterinary products in pig farming, tetracyclines can be highlighted. When used in excess, these substances can leave residues in food, which depending on the concentration pose a risk on consumers. Brazil, as one of the world’s largest producer and exporter of animal protein, must be attentive to the laws and ensure that their meat products are safe for human health. So, the concentration of veterinary residues eventually detected must be below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) stipulated by the regulatory agencies. To contribute with subsidies for decision making in pork safety to the annual monitoring program, performed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, this study aimed to evaluate the residues of tetracyclines in swine muscle from the federal inspection system, by validated and officially accepted analytical methodology (HPLC-UV). Any suspect results obtained from the HPLC-UV analysis can be confirmed immediately by injecting the samples onto a LC-MS/MS system. The results showed that all evaluated samples had concentrations of tetracycline residues below the MRL, and therefore, can be considered safe for human consumption.
Distribución, abundancia y éxito reproductivo del alcaudón dorsirrojo (Lanius collurio Linnaeus, 1758) en Bizkaia (País Vasco).
Authors: Galarza Aitor , Fernández-López Javier , Novoa Iker , Aginako Igor , Arzubia Jon , Aurrekoetxea Eneko , Barreiro Xabier , Carrasco Mikel , Cinos Cristina , Díaz Eneko , Ramón Egia Juan , Fondado Luki , Ibañez Urko , Garmendia Iñaki , Hidalgo Sonia , Martínez Francisco , Pérez de Ana Juan Manuel , Ruiz Julio , Vacas Gorka , Vado David , Ulibarri Demetrio , Zubizarreta Ibai , Zulaika Ibai , Tellería José Luis
Published: January 2024

El alcaudón dorsirrojo presenta un progresivo declive en la península Ibérica por lo que es interesante conocer las causas de este proceso. Analizamos en este estudio los factores determinantes de su distribución, abundancia y éxito reproductor en Bizkaia (Comunidad Autónoma del País Vasco). Para ello, muestreamos entre 1 y 4 veces 675 cuadrículas de 1x1 km en la primavera de 2021. Además, cuantificamos la presencia de ganado en las cuadrículas muestreadas, la densidad local de ganado y de explotaciones ganaderas, la cobertura de campiña (prados y setos), la huella humana y la altitud, que utilizamos como un subrogado del clima. Los análisis preliminares (modelos lineales generalizados, GLM) sugirieron que la presencia de ganado, la densidad de explotaciones y la cobertura de campiña se asociaban positivamente con la aparición de los alcaudones. Se observó también un fuerte efecto del número de visitas por lo que se estudió la probabilidad de detección de la especie mediante una modelización jerárquica de la ocupación. Este nuevo análisis desveló una probabilidad de detección de 0,68 por visita (error estándar= 0,134), además del fuerte efecto de la cobertura de campiña, presencia de ganado y densidad de explotaciones en la probabilidad de ocupación del alcaudón dorsirrojo. Estos resultados nos permitieron calcular la presencia real de la especie en 236 cuadrículas (rango=169-311) de las 675 muestreadas. Considerando que se prospectó el 46,4% del hábitat potencialmente adecuado para la especie en el área de estudio, se estimó que la población del alcaudón dorsirrojo en Bizkaia rondaba las 517 parejas reproductoras (rango=373-679), una población mucho menor que la predicha por otras aproximaciones previas. El número de pollos volantones observados en 128 parejas reproductoras osciló entre 0 y 4 (media 1,6 pollos por pareja), con un 73 % de las parejas con uno o más pollos (un porcentaje similar al éxito reproductivo de otras poblaciones ibéricas). En este caso, el número de pollos solo se asoció significativamente a la cobertura de campiña. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la distribución de la especie parece estar fuertemente constreñida por la disponibilidad de campiña y la actividad del ganado, responsable de la creación de pastizales y prados heterogéneos en los que puede encontrar sustratos de caza.
Female Kemcolian Graduates in Foreign Lands: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Khalid Mariam , Kanwal Kainat
Published: January 2024

You are a Female Kemcolian graduate. Deep in your heart, you know you are amazing, have made this far and in the words of Professor Mumtaz Hassan, one of the “best of the best” to “make it to KE” When you graduated, you saw endless possibilities in front of you that life could offer and rightfully so! For you sky is the only limit and as a Kemcolian woman, you can definitely break all the barriers, no matter what stage of life you are in. However, at some point, life hits you. Maybe it is a parent passing away, a difficult relationship or a child’s disability. Or perhaps it is just “uncertainty” where being a female is the only “demerit” you think you have . So how to “not lose your worth” in those times when you feel that everyone around you, all your classmates and even the ones junior to you, are way ahead and you are the only one left behind?
The Unsung Struggles of Female Medical Residents: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future
Authors: Wasim Tayyiba , Raana Gul e
Published: January 2024

The journey through medical residency is a tough test, especially for female health professionals worldwide. As medical field advances and more female students are getting enrolled in medical colleges, an increasing number of women are joining residency programs bringing unique perspectives and invaluable contributions. In Pakistan, female students ratio has increased tremendously in medical colleges. It is reported to be 3:1 and even 4:1 in some medical colleges1. Despite this, the ratio of female workforce remain below 50%
due to multiple factors at social, organizational and individual level. There is restriction to work from in laws, child bearing and rearing difficulties, inequalities
in promotions which hinder girls to join residency trai-
ning.2
Impact of Examination Stress on Premenstrual Syndrome among Female Medical Students
Authors: Bukhari Syed Sohaib , Burki Sher Afgan Ali Khan , Joiya Rana Sajawal , Ijaz Farhat , Rahman Fariha , Awan Muhammad Abdullah , Tariq Mohammad Talal
Published: January 2024

Background: Stress is an unwelcome yet necessary aspect of all our lives which dictate our quality of life. This emotion is particularly unwelcome in the period of exams which is why this research was conducted, and for females specifically. Premenstrual Syndrome is a collection of symptoms occurring one week to ten days prior to a menstrual cycle involving but not limited to, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and restlessness. These symptoms can lead to disruption in their lives and a negative effect on the academic performance of female medical students.
Objective: To determine the effect of examination stress on Premenstrual Syndrome in Pakistani medical students and to see if there is any correlation present.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted between March and September of 2022 in CMH Lahore where 177 females were enrolled, prior to their exams with an exclusion criterion of females on antiepileptic medication, antipsychotics or birth control. Non-probability convenient sampling was used. Two pre-tested questionnaires were used to measure stress and Premenstrual Syndrome simultaneously, the Student Stress Inventory (SSI) and Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), consensually and anonymously. Chi-squared test was utilized with a P-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: Out of 177 female students, for SSI, 53 had mild stress, 115 had moderate stress while 5 had high stress. As for PMSS, 2 students had no symptoms, 34 had mild symptoms, 63 had moderate symptoms, 57 had severe symptoms and 17 had very severe symptoms. We found a statistically significant link between pre-modular stress and its detrimental effects on premenstrual syndrome. Both the PMSS and the SSI had a p value of 0.004, which established a noteworthy association.
Conclusion: A strong link was found between pre-examinational stress and menstrual irregularities in this research.