bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Diagnosis of Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech in a Nonnative English-Speaking Patient: A Clinical Case Study
Authors: Utianski Rene L.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

This case study details the approach to differential diagnosis in characterizing a progressive communication difficulty in a nonnative English-speaking patient.

Method:

The patient is a multilingual gentleman in his late 60s with a 3-year history of progressive difficulty speaking clearly who presented for evaluation of communication difficulties. Prior to speech evaluation, he was diagnosed with stress-related speech changes by one provider, parkinsonism by another, and primary progressive aphasia by a third provider. A thorough speech and language evaluation, including a detailed case history, was conducted.

Results:

The patient described a progressive difficulty in enunciating, but not coming up with words; this was present across languages spoken. On exam, the patient exhibited phonetic predominant apraxia of speech, nonverbal oral apraxia, and no more than equivocal aphasia, yielding an overall shared speech and neurologic diagnosis of primary progressive apraxia of speech.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the importance of differential diagnosis of motor speech disorders and a detailed case history, particularly when speech difficulties are the first and only neurological symptom.
Can prosocial incentives and self-chosen goals improve performance? An online real-effort experiment
Authors: Cao Yu , Capra C Mónica , Su Yuxin
Published: July 2023

We study incentive schemes that combine self-chosen goals with prosocial rewards. We design a real-effort task experiment with MTurk workers. Upon achieving self-chosen goals, rewards are paid to the worker in the monetary treatments or to charities in the prosocial treatments. To explore the mechanisms whereby rewards can improve performance with prosocial incentives, we develop a theoretical model with goal dependence and earning reference points. Our results show that when rewards are paid to charities, performance improvements happen through workers setting higher goals. This effect is stronger for those whose interests are matched with the charity’s mission. Our findings have important implications for incentivizing workers in the gig economy.
Possibilities of skin coat color-dependent risks and risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma and deafness of domestic cats inferred via RNA-seq data
Authors: Awazu Akinori , Takemoto Daigo , Watanabe Kaichi , Sakamoto Naoaki
Published: July 2023

The transcriptome data of skin cells from domestic cats with brown, orange, and white coats were analyzed using a public database to investigate the possible relationship between coat color-related gene expression and squamous cell carcinoma risk, as well as the mechanism of deafness in white cats. We found that the ratio of the expression level of genes suppressing squamous cell carcinoma to that of genes promoting squamous cell carcinoma might be considerably lower than the theoretical estimation in skin cells with orange and white coats in white-spotted cat. We also found the possibility of the frequent production of KIT lacking the first exon (d1KIT) in skin cells with white coats, and d1KIT production exhibited a substantial negative correlation with the expression of SOX10, which is essential for melanocyte formation and adjustment of hearing function. Additionally, the production of d1KIT was expected to be due to the insulating activity of the feline endogenous retrovirus 1 (FERV1) LTR in the 1st intron ofKITand its CTCF binding sequence repeat. These results contribute to basic veterinary research to understand the relationship between cat skin coat and disease risk, as well as the underlying mechanism.
A Versatile Photocrosslinkable Silicone Composite for 3D Printing Applications
Authors: Alioglu Mecit Altan , Yilmaz Yasar Ozer , Gerhard Ethan Michael , Pal Vaibhav , Gupta Deepak , Rizvi Syed Hasan Askari , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: July 2023

Embedded printing has emerged as a valuable tool for fabricating complex structures and microfluidic devices. Currently, an ample of amount of research is going on to develop new materials to advance its capabilities and increase its potential applications. Here, we demonstrate a novel, transparent, 3D printable, photocrosslinkable, and tuneable silicone composite that can be utilized as a support bath or an extrudable ink for embedded printing. The proposed silicone composite can be tuned to achieve ideal rheological properties, such as optimal self-recovery and yield stress, for use in 3D printing. When used as a support bath, it facilitated the generation microfluidic devices with circular channels of diameter up to 30 µm. To demonstrate its utility, flow focusing microfluidic devices were fabricated for generation of Janus microrods, which can be easily modified for multitude of applications. When used as an extrudable ink, 3D printing of complex-shaped micro- and macro-constructs were achieved with integrated electronics, which greatly extends its potential applications towards developing complex flexible parts for soft robotics and prosthetics. Further, its biocompatibility was tested with multiple cell types to validate its applicability for medical and tissue engineering use. Altogether, this material offers a myriad of potential applications in material and medical fields by providing a facile approach to develop complicated 3D structures and interconnected channels that can further advance microfluidics and soft-robotics research.
Elastic fibers define embryonic tissue stiffness to enable buckling morphogenesis of the small intestine
Authors: Loffet Elise A. , Durel John F. , Kam Richard , Lim Hyunjee , Nerurkar Nandan L.
Published: July 2023

During embryonic development, tissues must possess precise material properties to ensure that cell-generated forces give rise to the stereotyped morphologies of developing organs. However, the question of how material properties are established and regulated during development remains understudied. Here, we aim to address these broader questions through the study of intestinal looping, a process by which the initially straight intestinal tube buckles into loops, permitting ordered packing within the body cavity. Looping results from elongation of the tube against the constraint of an attached tissue, the dorsal mesentery, which is elastically stretched by the elongating tube to nearly triple its length. This elastic energy storage allows the mesentery to provide stable compressive forces that ultimately buckle the tube into loops. Beginning with a transcriptomic analysis of the mesentery, we identified widespread upregulation of extracellular matrix related genes during looping, including genes related to elastic fiber deposition. Combining molecular and mechanical analyses, we conclude that elastin confers tensile stiffness to the mesentery, enabling its mechanical role in organizing the developing small intestine. These results shed light on the role of elastin as a driver of morphogenesis that extends beyond its more established role in resisting cyclic deformation in adult tissues.
Hundreds of words for Kathleen Stewart: A four‐dimensional retirement party for metaphysical rhizomes
Authors: Hazera Eduardo
Published: July 2023

This essay introduces a collection of one‐hundred‐word reflections celebrating Kathleen Stewart's retirement. Dozens of scholars participated in this celebration. Each participant wrote a one‐hundred‐word reflection to stand alone as an individually authored piece. The disconnected brevity of these reflections may catch some readers off guard. Thus, this introduction develops a lingua franca to welcome as many potential readers as possible. This lingua franca combines five dialects: poetic, metaphoric, bibliographic, historic, and dialogic. Grounded in poetic form, this introduction speaks in the metered voice of one‐hundred‐word chunks. Many of these chunks offer metaphorical proposals for how to read our celebratory collection. Bibliographic citations, appearing throughout, create affective resonances with various scholarly literatures. Acknowledging anthropology's emphasis on context specificity, some chunks describe the historical development of the one‐hundred‐word form. Dialogically, this introduction uses the second‐person pronoun, you, to invite conversations rather than critiques. Such a five‐part lingua franca engages two camps of readers: readers who enjoy experimentation may think this introduction is too paranoid; readers who cringe at experimentation may think this introduction is too poetic. Alienating as few readers as possible, this essay proposes a Goldilocks solution: not too paranoid, not too poetic, but just right—or “good enough” (Milo 2019).
The mediation effect of glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) methylation between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents: A 2‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Meijing , Cao Cong
Published: July 2023

This three‐wave longitudinal study examined whether methylation alterations in promoter exon 1F of a stress‐related gene—NR3C1 (NR3C1‐1F)—explained the longitudinal associations between childhood maltreatment and adolescent depressive symptoms. A total of 370 Han Chinese adolescents (Mage = 16.31 ± 1.28 years; 51.4% girls) recruited from Shandong, China were tracked from 2018 to 2020. The results showed that the severity of childhood maltreatment, especially that of emotional abuse and physical neglect, conferred risk for adolescent depressive symptoms via reducing NR3C1‐1F methylation levels. These mediation effects of NR3C1‐1F methylation did not vary between adolescent sex or NR3C1 BclI and Tth111I polymorphisms. The findings highlight how childhood maltreatment contributes to psychopathology development at a biological level.
Periostin‐integrin interaction regulates force‐induced TGF‐β1 and α‐SMA expression by hPDLSCs
Authors: Na Nan Daneeya , Klincumhom Nuttha , Trachoo Vorapat , Everts Vincent , Ferreira Joao N. , Osathanon Thanaphum , Pavasant Prasit
Published: July 2023

Objective

Periostin (PN), a major matricellular periodontal ligament (PDL) protein, modulates the remodeling of the PDL and bone, especially under mechanical stress. This study investigated the requirement of PN‐integrin signaling in force‐induced expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) in human PDL stem cells (hPDLSCs).

Methods

Cells were stimulated with intermittent compressive force (ICF) using computerized controlled apparatus. Cell migration was examined using in vitro scratch assay. The mRNA expression was examined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression was determined using immunofluorescent staining and western blot analysis.

Results

Stimulation with ICF for 24 h increased the expression of PN, TGF‐β1, and α‐SMA, along with increased SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. Knockdown of POSTN (PN gene) decreased the protein levels of TGF‐β1 and pSMAD2/3 upon force stimulation. POSTN knockdown of hPDLSCs resulted in delayed cell migration, as determined by a scratch assay. However, migration improved after seeding these knockdown cells on pre‐PN‐coated surfaces. Further, the knockdown of αVβ5 significantly attenuated the force‐induced TGF‐β1 expression.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the importance of PN‐αVβ5 interactions in ICF‐induced TGF‐β1 signaling and the expression of α‐SMA. Findings support the critical role of PN in maintaining the PDL's tissue integrity and homeostasis.
An evaluation of members of the genera Clithon Montfort, 1810 and Neritina Lamarck 1816 (Gastropoda: Neritidae)
Authors:   Institute of Applied Sciences, University of the South Pacific, P.O. Box 1168, Suva, Fiji., HAYNES ALISON
Published: July 2023

The spermatophores, the male head region and penis and the operculum of 10 species of Clithon and 14 species of Neritina are described. The female reproductive systems of species of Clithon and Neritina are compared. The study confirmed that two genera can be recognised. Species of Clithon, whether spined (e.g., C. spinosa, C. corona) or not (e.g., C. olivaceus, C. oualaniensis), have a curved indentation along the middle of the operculum, spermatophores with a long filament, a penis pouch in the head region and a short vaginal duct. Neritina species are more variable but their spermatophores lack a long filament, they have no penis pouch and they have a long vaginal duct that leaves the vagina near the spermatophore sac.
Reproduction involving spermatophores in four bivalve genera of the superfamily Galeommatoidea commensal with holothurians
Authors:   Biological Institute, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark., LÜTZEN JØRGEN , KATO MAKOTO ,   Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan, KOSUGE TAKEHARU ,   Ishigaki Tropical Station, Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0451, Japan, Ó FOIGHIL DIARMAID ,   Museum of Zoology, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 49109-1079, USA
Published: July 2023

Spermatophores consisting of a mass of mature sperm encapsulated within a solid, inflexible wall are described from five species of the genera Anisodevonia, Entovalva and Devonia, and obviously also occur in Cycladoconcha. The spermatophores are attached to the gill lamellae in the suprabranchial chamber in which these species brood the eggs. The ultrastructure of the monomorphic sperm of Anisodevonia ohshimai shows many similarities to the euspermatozoa of species of Pseudopythina and Barrimysia (families Kellidae and Montacutidae). Entovalva sp. A and sp. B Jenner and McCrary, 1967 are not related to any of the four studied genera.
Individual Liberation in Modern Philosophy: Reflections on Santayana’s Affiliation to the Tradition Inaugurated by Spinoza and Followed by Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
Authors: Amir Lydia
Published: July 2023

This article evaluates the significance of the personal liberation that Santayana offers in relation to previous proposals in Western modern philosophy. These include the ideas of liberation present in the philosophies of Spinoza, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche. I argue that Santayana endorses Spinoza’s project, as Schopenhauer and Nietzsche did, of a philosophic redemption as an alternative to an established religion. Yet, he also follows Schopenhauer in rectifying Spinoza’s attempt of recapturing the philosophic truth of Christianity, a project undertaken in Medieval times for Judaism and Islam, but not for Christianity. The result is an explicit philosophic reconstruction of the esoteric truth of Christianity. This, I argue, is the content of the lay religion and the deliverance it provides that Santayana sees as genuine philosophy and that is exemplified by the work of his hero and master, Spinoza.
Nazwy kolorów w przekładzie literatury na podstawie powieści Elfriede Jelinek wir sind lockvögel baby!
Authors: Kurzaj Anna
Published: July 2023

Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia problem przekładu nazw kolorów w literaturze. Określenia barw pełnią tam istotną funkcję, gdyż służą opisom świata przedstawionego i wywołują u czytelników odpowiednie wyobrażenia. Pojawiające się kolory mogą także wpływać na symbolikę i cechy estetyczne dzieła. Tłumacząc utwór, nazwy kolorów należy przełożyć tak, aby mogły być one zinterpretowane w podobny sposób. Zważywszy na różnice językowe, nie zawsze jest to możliwe. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki analizy przekładu nazw kolorów w powieści Elfriede Jelinek wir sind lockvögel baby! na język polski. Celem jest określenie sposobów ich tłumaczenia i czynników, które wpływają na obranie danej techniki.
Genetic variability of mutant rice (Oryza sativa) genotype induced by gamma rays
Authors: ISHAK ISHAK
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Ishak I. 2023. Genetic variability of mutant rice (Oryza sativa) genotype induced by gamma rays. Biodiversitas 24: 3300-3306. Rice seeds of Sidenuk cultivars were irradiated by gamma rays creating a broad spectrum of genetic variability among individual plants at M3 generation progeny. Gamma Irradiated seeds created Mutation among the somatic cells population in mature embryos at M1 generations. Somatic cell mutation influenced the genetic structures of gametes cells formation on gametogenesis at M1 plants. Observation of M2 plants showed that black and brown colors of rice's pericarp were found with rice's lemma, and palea color was different compared to the wild type (Sidenuk cultivars). Seven plants with black rice pericarp colors out of 330 were obtained at M2 plants. Chlorophyll mutation was observed at M4 generation; the results showed that chimera, green, and albino leaf blade was obtained in several individual plants. There were also the variability of Palea and lemma colors among individual plant such as green, white, and purple. The cellular biology approach will explain these mutations before molecular biology identification is made.
Screening and evaluation of antidiabetic activities of endophytic fungi associated with Etlingera elatior
Authors: NURJANNAH LAITA , AZHARI AZMI , WULANDARI ASRI PENI , AMIN SUSENO , SUPRATMAN UNANG
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Nurjannah L, Azhari A, Wulandari AP, Amin S, Supratman U. 2023. Screening and evaluation of antidiabetic activities of endophytic fungi associated with Etlingera elatior. Biodiversitas 24: 3481-3487. Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm. has been well-documented to have antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Among all medical conditions worldwide, diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death. Therefore, research on the discovery of antidiabetic medicines inhibitory to ?-glucosidase (an enzyme for degrading complex dietary carbohydrates into sugar in the digestive process) is urgently needed. This study aims to isolate and evaluate the potential of the fermentation culture of endophytic fungi associated with E. elatior to inhibit the activity of ?-glucosidase. The endophytic fungi were isolated from various parts of E. elatior. A total of 29 isolates were successfully isolated from the plant's roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. The endophytic fungi were tested for their ability to inhibit ?-glucosidase activity in bioassays. Among those isolates, 8 were inhibitory to such an enzyme, and 2 showed the highest inhibitory activities. Morphotype and molecular identification of those isolates, using their Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), identified them as Daldinia eschscholtzii isolate CFL 7 and Hypoxylon trugodes voucher YMJ 57, with IC50 values of 738 µg/mL and 825 µg/mL, respectively. That indicates that they are potentially used in preventing or treating diabetic mellitus.
Multiligament knee injury with common peroneal nerve palsy in a long jump athlete with 4-year follow-up: A case report
Authors: Kekatpure Aashay , Kekatpure Aditya , Deshpande Sanjay , Srivastava Sandeep , Saoji Kiran
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are difficult to manage occurrence and are usually associated with poor functional outcomes. Knee dislocations involving both cruciate ligaments are relatively rare compared to other multifilament injuries involving one cruciate ligament and a collateral ligament. Multiple studies have reported the Tegnor score after surgery as 3 or 4. In 44% of cases with posterolateral corner (PLC) injury and biceps femoris tendon rupture or avulsion of the fibular head, a palsy of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) occurs. About half of these cases do not exhibit functional recovery. Case Report: A 20 years old long jump national athlete sustained varus and hyperextension injury leading to a multiligament knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, PLC, and medial collateral ligament) and CPN palsy. After a staged surgical procedure and structured rehabilitation protocol, the athlete was able to return to preinjury level in 18 months. At present, 4 years postoperatively, the patient can walk full weight-bearing with no instability. On the latest follow-up, the Lachman’s test is negative, posterior drawer test negative, varus, and valgus stress test negative. Knee ranges of motion 0 to 140 degrees. The patient reported that Tegnor Score was 8. Conclusion: Surgical management of MKLI with CPN palsy can give reasonable functional outcome. Keywords: Multiligament knee injury, posterolateral corner injury, common peroneal nerve dysfunction.
Regional Migratory Osteoporosis – A Rare Cause of Knee Pain (Case Report)
Authors: Moiyad Sidra , Barui Edward , Wall Christopher
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO) is an unusual phenomenon characterized by migrating arthralgia of the lower limbs due to underlying bone marrow edema. Case Report: We discuss a 57-year-old male with a 3-month history of atraumatic medial knee pain. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bone marrow edema of the medial femoral condyle that resolved with rest and simple analgesia, followed by posterolateral knee pain and similar imaging changes in the lateral femoral condyle. Conclusion: Most cases of RMO spontaneously resolve with limitation of weight-bearing and simple analgesia. For recurrent cases, surgical intervention may be required. Key words: Regional migratory osteoporosis, transient osteoporosis, transient bone marrow edema, knee pain, magnetic resonance imaging.
EFFECT OF INFLAMMATORY FACTORS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS
Authors:   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Wojdas Andrzej
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Both immune mechanisms, involved in inflammatory processes induced by viral and bacterial pathogens or allergy-inducing agents, and non-immune mechanisms play a direct role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Contrary to popular belief, bacterial infection plays a much smaller role. As a rule, this is a secondary process – following the development of inflammatory processes in the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses, its defense mechanisms are disrupted, which promotes the development of infection. Bacterial infection of the paranasal sinuses is associated with the formation of a biofilm responsible for the persistence of rhinosinusitis, or bacterial endotoxins acting as superantigens cause the persistence of the inflammatory process. The main role in the inflammatory process is played by CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, as the centers regulating cytotoxic and humoral immune responses. They act in various ways, mainly cytotoxic, and as such can interact with virtually all nucleated host cells showing expression of antigens of endogenous origin and through cytokines, mainly pro-inflammatory cytokines, and they increase migration of inflammatory cells into the mucosa of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The paper discusses in detail the interaction of immunocompetent cells and their impact on chronic inflammatory processes in the mucosa of paranasal sinuses. Atopy is another factor contributing to the CRS, increasing the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting processes that lead to obstruction of the ostiomeatal complex. The complexity of the clinical picture of the CRS in relation to ongoing research on pathogenesis indicates that it is still not possible to strictly define the phenotypes of the disease.
Clients’ and genetic counselors’ perceptions of empathy in Japan: A pilot study of simulated consultations of genetic counseling
Authors: Tomozawa Chikako , Kaneko Mikiko , Sasaki Motoko , Miyake Hidehiko
Published: July 2023

The rapidly increasing availability of genetic testing is driving the acceleration of genetic counseling implementation. Empathy is important in medical encounters in general and forms a core component of a successful genetic counseling session; however, empirical evidence on empathy in genetic counseling is minimal. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of empathy in simulated genetic counseling consultations from the perspectives of clients and genetic counselors. Semi-structured interviews and interpersonal process recall were used with participants of simulated genetic counseling consultations to elicit their experiences of empathy. A constructivist grounded theory was used for data analysis. A total of 15 participants, including 10 clients and 5 genetic counselors, participated in 10 simulated counseling sessions. The genetic counselors attempted to demonstrate empathy and were sensitive toward detecting changes in clients. Meanwhile, the clients’ perceptions represented their feelings and thoughts elicited through the counselors’ empathic approaches. This was the first process study to examine empathy in simulated genetic counseling sessions. Our model of communication of empathy is a process in which counselors try to address implicit aspects of clients, and clients are provided with time and a safe place for introspection, which contributes to discussions on building good relationships with patients. There is also a suggestion of the utility of simulated consultations for healthcare providers to learn empathic communication.
An Argumantative Analysis of Korean -Kkaci
Authors:   The Society Of Modern Grammar, Kang Sang-gu
Published: July 2023

Korean -kkaci is widely recognized as a scalar focus particle, and there have been studies requiring the presence of propositions alternative to the prejacent. By examining diverse cases exhibiting the uses of the particle, this paper argues that the alternative proposition is not a necessary component in the particle’s meaning. From an argumentative perspective, this paper claims that the particle is employed to present the prejacent as the strongest argument supporting a conclusion explicit or implicit in the context.
High-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion behavior of the Inconel 738LC coating with and without Al2O3-CNTs
Authors: Alsultani Kadhim F. , Majidi Hassan Sh. , Abdulameer Sara , Karkush Mahdi
Published: July 2023

The high-temperature corrosion of turbine blades poses a serious threat to the efficiency of electrical gas power stations, which results in heavy economic losses. In the present study, the Inconel 738 low-carbon steel utilized in the turbine blades was coated on alumina (Al2O3) in a variety of percentages of carbon nanotubes (4, 6, and 8 wt%) using the plasma spray technique. The behavior of the Inconel 738LC alloy with and without artificial ash (67 wt% H2SO4 and 33 wt% V2O5) at different temperatures (650, 750, 850, and 950°C) was investigated. The cycles of hot corrosion and oxidation were achieved in an electric furnace for 10 cycles of 5 h each. After each cycle, the weight changes were measured and recorded. The SEM and XRD achieved for all the specimens were noted, before and post the corrosion.
Działalność Ligi Kobiet na Białostocczyźnie w latach 1945–1989, ss. 456
Authors:   Instytut Studiów Kobiecych, Zaniewska Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

Doctoral dissertation „The activity of the Women’s League in the Białystok region in the years 1945–1989”, written under the supervision of prof. dr hab. Małgorzata Dajnowicz, deals with the activity of a mass women’s organization operating in the period of People’s Poland. The aim of the work was to show the evolution of the activities undertaken by the Women’s League in the north-eastern part of People’s Poland in the light of socio-political and economic conditions in the country. The self-report of the doctoral dissertation covers the main assumptions of the doctoral dissertation, the source materials and research methods used, the structure of the work and final conclusions.
State estimation in alcoholic continuous fermentation of Zymomonas mobilis using recursive Bayesian filtering: A simulation approach
Authors: Quintero Olga L. , Amicarelli Adriana A. , di Sciascio Fernando , Scaglia Gustavo
Published: July 2023

This work presents a state estimator for a continuous bioprocess. To this aim, the Non Linear Filtering theory based on the recursive application of Bayes rule and Monte Carlo techniques is used. Recursive Bayesian Filters Sampling Importance Resampling (SIR) is employed, including different kinds of resampling. Generally, bio-processes have strong non-linear and non-Gaussian characteristics, and this tool becomes attractive. The estimator behavior and performance are illustrated with the continuous process of alcoholic fermentation of Zymomonas mobilis. Not too many applications with this tool have been reported in the biotechnological area.
Mechanistic role of herbals as alternative therapy for epilepsy
Authors:   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab-140401, India, Sharma Diksha , Sharma Veerta ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab-140401, India, Singh Gaaminepreet ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab-140401, India, Singh Thakur Gurjeet ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab-140401, India, Grewal Amarjot Kaur ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab-140401, India
Published: July 2023

Botanicals and herbs have been used by people with epilepsy for ages in various cultures across the world. Patients in both developing and developed nations are currently using herbal remedies to manage seizures or side effects from antiepileptic medicines (AEDs). The deleterious effects of AED medication have a greater impact on the patient’s life than seizures. Alternative remedies should be used to treat and manage epilepsy because synthetic pharmaceuticals have risks. Epilepsy may be managed and treated using herbal medicines that have fewer negative effects than pharmaceutical medications. Therefore, the current review discusses about the herbal drugs used in treatment of epilepsy.
Efficacy of postural awareness by booklet on back pain among the sweet makers
Authors: Nazim Anawarul Q. , Kamal S. M. Mustofa , Uddin Kutub , Sheel Joy K. , Dash Pangkaz K. , Rahman M. Majidur , Shova Sabrina Z.
Published: July 2023

Background: The purpose of the study was to identify the efficacy of postural awareness by a booklet on back pain among sweet makers. Objective was to explore socio-demographic (age, gender, educational status, occupation) characteristics of sweet-makers with back pain. To compare the rating of pain intensity before and after postural awareness by a booklet with the back pain of sweet-makers.
Methods: This study was conducted by pre-test post-test experimental study in which a total of 25 sweet-makers were selected with back pain from January 2021 to December 2022. Data were collected by using the functional rating index questionnaire to evaluate the activity of daily living and pain measured by the visual analogue scale questionnaire. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis.
Results: In this study, the results showed significant improvement in the reduction of back pain and increase functional activities of daily living by postural awareness with an educational booklet among sweet-makers. The NPRS score in pair sample t-test before and after 15 days of postural awareness by booklet was the level of significant 0.000123, the mean of 0.640±0.700. The pattern of pain before and after 15 days of postural awareness by booklet was the level significant 0.042896 when the mean difference was -0.160±0.374. The referred pain before and after 15 days of postural awareness by booklet was 0.000032 level significant where the mean difference was -0.520±0.510.
Conclusions: The result of this study suggests that postural awareness through a booklet on back pain was effective and it also improves activities of daily living among sweet-makers.
An observational study of cannabis exposures reported to the Poison Information Helpline of the Western Cape
Authors: Venter Jakus , Murugan Sashen , Bentley Alison
Published: July 2023

Background: Cannabis has been decriminalised for private use in South Africa in September 2018. This act may potentially lead to an increase of undesirable effects from cannabis exposures.

Objectives: To describe the demographics and characteristics of reported cannabis exposure cases from June 2015 to June 2019.

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of reported cannabis exposures reported to the Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape (PIHWC). Data included: demographics; circumstances of exposure; route of exposure; symptom profile and changes in the number of reports made to the PIHWC from June 2015 to June 2019.

Results: A total of 106 database entries were identified. The most common age groups were 20–59 years old (52.8%) followed by under 12 years old (27.3%). There was a threefold increase in cases reported during the period 06/2018 – 06/2019, compared the period 06/2015 – 06/2016. Accidental overuse (40.6%), substance abuse (26.4%) and intentional self-harm (19.8%) were the most reported circumstances of exposure. The most common route of exposure was oral (66.0%) followed by inhalation (26.4%). Central nervous system (75.5%) and gastrointestinal (20.8%) symptoms were commonly reported. Central nervous system symptoms were more commonly reported in children 12 years and younger (p=0.001) compared to those over 12 years.

Conclusion: During the study period undesired effects of cannabis were commonly reported after accidental exposures and oral ingestions. Children 12 years and younger are more likely to report neurological symptoms.
Air-promoted light-driven hydrogen production from bioethanol over core/shell CrOx@GaN nanoarchitecture
Authors: ZHOU BAOWEN , Wang Zhouzhou , Chen Yiqing , Sheng Bowen , Li Jinglin , Yao Lin , Yu Ying , Song Jun , Yu Tianqi , Li Yixin , Pan Hu , wang ping , Wang Xinqiang , Zhu Lei
Published: July 2023

Light-driven hydrogen production from renewable liquid biomass derivatives rather than fossil fuels offers an ideal path towards carbon neutrality.1–3 It is often however operated under an anaerobic condition with the limitations of sluggish kinetics and severe coking. Herein, a disruptive air-promoted strategy is explored for exceptionally efficient and durable light-driven hydrogen production from bioethanol over a core/shell Cr2O3@GaN nanowires semiconducting architecture. Owing to the unique catalytic attributes of Cr2O3@GaN, bioethanol is energetically favorable to be adsorbed on the Cr2O3@GaN interface, followed by dehydrogenation toward acetaldehyde and protons by photoexcited holes. The released protons are then consumed for H2 evolution by photogenerated electrons. After that, O2 can be evolved into active oxygen species and promote the continuous deprotonation and C-C cleavage of the key C2 intermediate, thus significantly lowering the reaction energy barrier of hydrogen evolution from bioethanol and removing the carbon residual with inhibited bioethanol overoxidation. As a result, hydrogen is produced at a high rate of 76.9 mole H2 per gram Cr2O3@GaN per hour by only feeding bioethanol, air, and light. Notably, an unprecedented light-to-hydrogen efficiency of 17.6% is achieved under concentrated light illumination of 7 W∙cm-2. A distinguished turnover frequency of > 2,314,000 mole H2 per mole Cr2O3 per hour, in conjunction with a superior stability of 180 hours, leads to the achievement of a record-high turnover number of 266,943,000 mole H2 per mole Cr2O3. The simultaneous generation of aldehyde from bioethanol dehydrogenation enables the process more economically promising.
Evaluation of spatial and temporal anomalies of major air pollutants using TROPOMI and MODIS data over the Annamayya district of India
Authors: Mogaraju Jagadish Kumar
Published: July 2023

Air pollution can be treated as a ‘now business’ instead of a pending forecast-mediated long-term response, and it needs to be addressed as swiftly as possible. COVID-19 has impacted us in diverse ways hindering our daily life and cautioning us to enhance preparation strategies to yield an immediate and appropriate response. The selected air pollutants in this study are aerosols, methane, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter derived from aerosol optical depth. The data needed for this study is collected from TROPOMI (Tropospheric measurement instrument) of Sentinel-5 P and MODIS. Three urban centers were selected to know the disparities in air pollutant concentrations using time series plots. The area-averaged maps were produced using data from 2019 to 2022 of selected pollutants. The sulfur dioxide (0.288343), nitrogen dioxide (0.602766), formaldehyde (0.429631), carbon monoxide (0.959546), methane (0.807138), aerosol optical depth (0.852948), aerosol Index (0.936116), and particulate matter (0.852948) concentrations are correlated over temporal scale. The overall understanding as a result of this work is that on a large scale (district level), the effect of COVID-19 on air pollution is relatively obvious, whereas, in small regions, due to a lack of ground observation stations, it is not clear. This kind of work can help the local administration to increase the infrastructure that can help in reducing air pollution and, by extension, improve human health and the environment.
Haplotype-based noninvasive prenatal diagnoses of 36 fetuses with spinal muscular atrophy in the real clinical environment at early gestation age
Authors: Li Huanyun , Li Shaojun , Zhao Zhenhua , Fu Xinyu , Zhu Jingqi , Feng Jun , Tang Weiqin , Wu Di , Kong Xiangdong
Published: July 2023

Objective
To explore the feasibility of noninvasive prenatal diagnoses (NIPD) based on haplotype construction and Bayes factor (BF) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in clinical application.
Methods
36 singleton families with pregnancy risk of SMA were recruited and all the recruited members were conducted MLPA to validate the copy number of exons 7 and 8 in SMN1 and SMN2 genes. The designed capture panel covered the entire SMN1/2 genes, including all exon and intron regions of the two genes. To ensure the NIPD accuracy, four quality control standards were set: sequencing depth, the number of informative SNPs, cell-free DNA fetal fraction, and the recombination event assessment. By enriching targeting genes and informative SNP sites in adjacent regions, the family haplotype was constructed and the fetal genotype was determined based on the dose change of the informative SNPs in cfDNA combined with BF algorithm. All NIPD results were verified by chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, or apoblema testing.
Results
In the 36 recruited SMA families, 34 (94.4%) families were successfully tested for NIPD, and 2 (5.56%) families could not be determined exactly because of the recombination event near the pathogenic mutations. In successful families, the earliest gestational week for NIPD was 7+ 3 weeks, and the lowest free fetal DNA fraction was 1.9%. A total of 8 affected fetuses, 6 paternal carriers, 8 maternal carriers, and 12 unaffected fetuses were detected. The consistency between NIPD results and invasive MLPA diagnosis was 100%. Four (11.1%) of the families obtained accurate results after redrawing blood samples due to low fetal fraction or insufficiency of informative SNPs. Follow-up results showed that all families with affected NIPD results underwent abortions, and the families with carrier and normal results chose to deliver the fetus.
Conclusion
NIPD is a noninvasive, high-accuracy, early pregnancy detection and cost-controllable technical method. The haplotype construction and BF analysis have considerable reliability and feasibility and could be used in the detection of other recessive monogenic diseases.
Exploring the Influence of Drivers’ Visual Surroundings on Speeding Behavior
Authors: Ugan Jorge , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Islam Zubayer
Published: July 2023

Despite awareness campaigns and legal consequences, speeding is a significant cause of road accidents and fatalities globally,. To combat this issue, understanding the impact of a driver's visual surroundings is crucial in designing roadways that discourage speeding. This study investigates the influence of visual surroundings on drivers in 15 US cities using 3,407,253 driver view images from Lytx, covering 4,264 miles of roadways. By segmenting and analyzing these images along with vehicle-related variables, the study examines factors affecting speeding behavior. After filtering the images, to ensure an accurate representation of the driver’s view, 1,340,035 driver view images were used for analysis. Statistical models, including hurdle beta and bivariate probit models with random driver effects as well as Machine Learning’s eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were employed to estimate speeding behavior. The results indicate that factors within the driver's visual environment, weather conditions, and driver heterogeneity significantly impact speeding. Speeding behavior also varies across geographic locations, even within the same city, suggesting a connection between local context and speeding. The study highlights the importance of the driver's environment, showing that more open spaces encourage speeding, while areas with trees and buildings are associated with reduced speeding. Notably, this research differs from previous studies by utilizing real-time data from dash cameras, providing a dynamic and accurate representation of the driver's visual surroundings. This approach enhances the reliability of the findings and empowers transportation engineers and planners to make informed decisions when designing roadways and implementing interventions to address effectively excessive speeding. In addition to examining speeding behavior, the study also analyzes time-headway, a key factor affecting safety and risky driver behavior, to explore its relationship with speeding. The findings offer valuable insights into the factors influencing speeding and the driver's visual environment. These insights can inform efforts to create environments that discourage speeding (and close car following) and ultimately reduce severe accidents caused by excessive speed (and tailgating).
Cingulate microstimulation induces negative decision-making via reduced top-down influence on primate fronto-cingulo-striatal network
Authors: Amemori Ken-ichi , Amemori Satoko , Graybiel Ann
Published: July 2023

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is crucial for regulation of emotion that is known to aid prevention of depression. The broader fronto-cingulo-striatal (FCS) network, including cognitive dlPFC and limbic cingulo-striatal regions, has been associated with a negative evaluation bias often seen in depression. The mechanism by which dlPFC regulates the limbic system remains largely unclear. Here we have successfully induced a negative bias in decision-making in primates performing a conflict decision-making task, by directly microstimulating the subgenual cingulate cortex while simultaneously recording FCS local field potentials (LFPs). The artificially induced negative bias in decision-making was associated with a significant decrease in functional connectivity from cognitive to limbic FCS regions, represented by a reduction in Granger causality in beta-range LFPs from the dlPFC to the other regions. The loss of top-down directional influence from cognitive to limbic regions, we suggest, could underlie negative biases in decision-making as observed in depressive states.
Assessing the unexpectedness of a very large observed rainfall in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Authors: Costa Veber , Sampaio Júlio , Fernandes Wilson , Neiva Gabriel
Published: July 2023

Exceptionally large realizations of hydrometeorological variables summarize our knowledge on the underlying processes under extreme conditions. However, the formal probabilistic modeling of recordbreaking precipitation and flooding events has received limited attention from researchers and practitioners, particularly with respect to estimation of the future behavior of the variable of interest once a large magnitude event is observed. This paper discusses the use of the two-parameter Rayleigh distribution for describing the dynamics of record-breaking precipitation events, as well as predicting the distributions of future realizations of the process, on the basis of the theory of records. The main motivation for this study was an unprecedented precipitation event which accumulated 186 mm in 3 hours – almost twice the previous record – and caused severe damage in the city of Belo Horizonte, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Our results suggested that, before observing this large magnitude event, the evolution of recordbreaking precipitation amounts is properly captured by the model. However, this exceptional event was severely underestimated during prediction – the model estimate was more than 80 mm smaller than the observed rainfall amount. On the other hand, the inclusion of this event in inference entailed a lack of fit of the model and strongly disrupted the dynamics of previous record events, which further highlighted the difficulties of dealing with such unexpected large observations of hydrometeorological variables even under theoretically sound mathematical frameworks.
Development of a disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signature to prognosticate lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Biao , Wang Yong , Ye Xin , Qian Xiaoying , Fang Chen , Yuan Shangkun , Wang Tong , Huang Cheng , Yao Xinyuan , Zhou Bingbiao , Li Yong
Published: July 2023

Background
Identification of disulfidptosis as an innovative mechanism of cell demise activated by disulfide stress offers a promising approach to treating cancer. Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in regulating programmed cell death as well as the development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, it remains unclear whether disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRLs) play a role in LUAD prognosis.
Methods
Transcriptome and clinical data of 507 LUAD patients were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Prognostic DRLs were identified using Pearson correlations and Cox regression. A prognostic signature was established using LASSO and stepwise regression, and a web-based nomogram was created for dynamic survival prediction. The correlation between immune landscape and DRLs score was assessed, and drug sensitivity was analyzed using the pRRophetic algorithm. Functional assays were performed to investigate the role of LINC02323, a DRL, in LUAD cells.
Results
The 4 DRLs-signature showed excellent performance in predicting LUAD patients’ survival (AUC1year = 0.742, AUC3years = 0.708, AUC5years = 0.762). Elevated DRLs score was associated with reduced immune score and increased tumor mutation burden. Patients with high riskscore showed higher sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil, cytarabine, dasatinib, erlotinib, and savolitinib, while those with low riskscore may benefit more from axitinib treatment. Furthermore, LINC02323 exhibited malignant behavior in LUAD cells.
Conclusions
Our DRLs signature has a promising predictive capability for LUAD progression, offering new insights into individualized treatment.
Wzrost i rozwój gospodarczy a efektywność finansowa banków komercyjnych w krajach Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Siudek Tomasz , Drabarczyk Katarzyna
Published: July 2023

W pracy zbadano związek między wzrostem i rozwojem gospodarczym a efektywnością finansową ROA i ROE banków komercyjnych w krajach UE. Z uzyskanych danych wynika, że w większości krajów UE nie odnotowano przyczynowości w sensie Grangera między badanymi zmiennymi, co oznacza, że między nimi nie ma statystycznie istotnego związku. Wzrost gospodarczy miał statystycznie istotny wpływ na efektywność finansową ROA i ROE banków komercyjnych w Grecji, Irlandii, na Łotwie, w Polsce i na Węgrzech. Z kolei rozwój gospodarczy mierzony PKB per capita wpływał statystycznie istotnie na poziom efektywności finansowej ROA i ROE banków komercyjnych jedynie w Belgii. Efektywność finansowa ROA banków komercyjnych miała wpływ na wzrost gospodarczy PKB w Holandii i w Niemczech oraz na rozwój gospodarczy PKB per capita w Belgii. Efektywność finansowa ROE banków komercyjnych wpływa statystycznie istotnie na wzrost gospodarczy PKB w Holandii i w Niemczech oraz na rozwój gospodarczy PKB per capita w Luksemburgu.