bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Toric Intraocular Lens Calculations Between the IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam AXL
Authors: Gemae Mohamed R. , Johnson Davin
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To compare toric IOL suggestions for power, toric, and IOL alignment between the IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam AXL.
Methods: This single-center retrospective chart review analyzed the charts of 62 patients (n=93 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery with a toric IOL between January and April 2022. For all patients, preoperative biometry was measured using both the IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam AXL, followed by IOL calculations performed on the Barrett Toric Online Calculator. The suggested IOL power and toric were defined as spherical equivalent power and toric power closest to plano and minimal residual astigmatism, respectively. Surgeons used lens suggestions as per IOLMaster 700 measurements, with Pentacam AXL being used as a confirmatory test. Patients with a history of laser refractive surgery, corneal disease, or in whom cataract density precluded measurements with either device were excluded. The outcome measures compared between devices were power, toric, and alignment suggestions.
Results: Power suggestions were within ± 0.5D in 94% of the eyes, and were identical in 54%.
Toric suggestions differed by ±1 toric step in 100% of eyes, and were identical in 67%.
IOL alignment suggestions, however, were slightly more variable and differed by ± 5º in 38-55% of eyes. At one-month post-op, the mean absolute error in spherical equivalent was nearly identical between devices.
Conclusion: Our results show that IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam AXL show generally similar TORIC calculations with respect to spherical equivalent and suggested toric power. Small differences in alignment axis are frequent between the two devices and warrant further study.
Differentiated education for poverty reduction: microeconomic data analysis in Benin
Authors: SENOU Barthélémy Mahugnon
Published: February 2024

The objective of this paper is to analyze the effect of the household head's level of education on the depth and severity of household poverty in Benin. To this end, basing on data from the 2018–2019 ‘Harmonized Survey on Living Conditions of Households in Benin’, using education level as the variable of interest, a poverty depth model is estimated respectively on poor households, on the poorest households and on the least poor households, controlling for selection bias. Similarly, a poverty severity model is estimated on all poor households, with control for selection bias. The results show that, beyond the positive effect of education on the poverty gap of households in general, the need for education to reduce the distance of the poor from the poverty line differs according to poverty class. Similarly, access to upper secondary education for the poorest of the poor is necessary to break pockets of extreme poverty. Finally, the simulations show among others that a significant reduction of the depth of poverty through education requires targeting the poorest of the poor.
JEL classification; A20, C10, C21, C30, I24, I32, 012.
Increased serum level of IL-27 and its clinical significance in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Haghighi Houria , Rava Saeed , Haghshenas Mohammad Reza , Madani Shima , Ghaderi Abbas , Fattahi Mohammad Javad
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer with increasing mortality in recent years. Many studies have reported the dual role of IL-27 in different malignancies. This study has investigated the role of serum level of IL-27 in CRC and its correlation with different clinicopathological features of the disease.
Methods
In this case-control study, IL-27 serum levels were measured in 70 CRC patients and 70 controls by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and analyzed using SPSS.
Results
The IL-27 serum levels were remarkably higher in CRC patients compared to controls (p = 0.012). There was no significant relationship between IL-27 levels and different features of CRC patients, including age, lymph node involvement, tumor site, tumor stage, and grade.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that the serum level of IL-27 may play a role in the pathogenesis of CRC. Therefore, further studies with larger samples of different CRC stages can be conducted to provide a better perspective.
Prevalence and risk factors of Acute kidney injury after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Abdulgalil Ahmed ElSaeed , Metwally Islam H , Zuhdy Mohammad , Alghandour Reham , Hasan Shehab , Tarabeah Selim , Shahda Eman , Awny Shadi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Postoperative AKI (PO-AKI) is a sentinel postsurgical event that is highly correlated with both short and long-term adverse outcomes.
Objectives: this work aimed to study the prevalence and risk factors of PO-AKI after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery in Egyptian patients.
Methods: Data of patients with CRC who underwent surgery over the previous five years was retrieved from the medical system. The Incidence of PO-AKI was recorded and its possible risk factors, also the impacts of AKI on patients' outcomes and mortality were included.
Results: Data of 562 cases were recruited. PO-AKI was detected in 10.3% of patients. Significant risk factors included intraoperative hypotension (p = 0.023), sepsis (p= 0.003), hypoalbuminemia (p= 0.014), amount of intraoperative-bleeding (p= 0.050), neoadjuvant therapy (p= 0.023) and preoperative CKD (p=0.05). Post-chemotherapy AKI was observed in 18.7% of the treated patients. Significant risk factors were previous CKD (p=0.002) and chemotherapy type (p<0.001) mainly affecting those who received XILIRI and FOLFIRI. The overall survival was significantly worse in those who developed postsurgical or post-chemotherapy AKI (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: AKI affects slightly more than a fourth of CRC patients after surgery and/or chemotherapy. Risk factors include CKD, hypoalbuminemia, neoadjuvant and Irinotecan based chemotherapy, intraoperative bleeding and/or hypotension. Most injuries are stage I; however, associated with worse overall survival.
Tidal dissipation with 3D finite element deformation code CitcomSVE v2.1: comparisons with the semi-analytical approach
Authors: Fienga Agnès , Zhong Shijie , Mémin Anthony , Briaud Arthur
Published: February 2024

Different methods are possible for estimating the tidal deformations of Earth and telluric planets. On one hand, the semi-analytical code $\textrm{ALMA}^3$ solves analytically the governing equations in considering symmetrical and incompressible bodies with homogeneous layers and different possible rheologies. The tidal deformations are considered with period excitation functions and the output of the model is frequency-dependent complex Love numbers. On the other hand, the 3D finite element CitcomSVE integrates numerically the governing equations with possibly 3D viscosity and viscoelastic structures on the regional and global scales. In this work, we present how the tidal deformations have been implemented in CitcomSVE by the introduction of a periodic forcing potential. For validation and benchmarking, we realized comparisons between the semi-analytical $\textrm{ALMA}^3$ output for tidal deformations and the numerical CitcomSVE in terms of frequency-dependent Love numbers k$_2$ and h$_2$ real and imaginary parts with 1D viscoelastic structure. We investigated comparisons of the frequency-dependent quality factor deduced from $\textrm{ALMA}^3$ and from the CitcomSVE, We found that with a sufficient numerical resolution for CitcomSVE, the results of the two methods for computing tidal deformations (i.e., k$_2$ and h$_2$) and quality factor Q are in good agreement for different periods including the monthly period. We also computed tidal dissipation energy from CitcomSVE and found it consistent with that expected from quality factor calculation. Our study demonstrates the potential for CitcomSVE to be applied for planetary tidal deformation calculations for a planet with a 3D structure.
A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Influencing Psycho-socioeconomic Outcomes after Road Traffic Orthopedic Injuries: Perspectives from Rwandan Victims and Healthcare Providers
Authors: Ingabire JC Allen , Stewart Aimee , Sagahutu JB , Urimubenshi Gerard , Bucyibaruta Georges , Uwakunda Carine , Uwera Claudine , Nganabashaka JP , Nshumuyiki Joel , Tumusiime David K.
Published: February 2024

Background
The burden of road traffic injury-related deaths and disabilities is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income nations. Extremity injuries impair people’s ' quality of life (QOL) in addition to the physical limitations that affect their ability to function at work and at school. This qualitative study investigated the psycho-socioeconomic effects and alterations in quality of life (QOL) among trauma patients in Rwanda because of road orthopedic injuries (RTOI).
Methods
A multicenter study conducted from June 2022 to August 2022 involved 45 individuals from five referral hospitals in Rwanda, who participated in in-depth interviews. Two years after the injury, the study translated and transcribed interviews with 21 RTOI victims treated at these hospitals. The study also interviewed 24 medical professionals, including physiotherapists, emergency physicians, nurses, and orthopedic surgeons. Data was coded and analyzed using NVivo, with methodological rigor achieved through double-coding and debating results.
Findings:
Our study highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers and RTI victims in Rwanda, including insufficient resources, long waiting times, inadequate infrastructure, and a complex referral system. These issues impair therapeutic effectiveness and prolong hospitalizations, particularly for rural patients. Timely management of RTIs, including access to physiotherapy, early medical procedures, and psychological follow-up, is crucial for enhancing functional outcomes. Training of emergency and trauma management personnel could involve establishing basic training programs, facilitating equipment availability, setting up trauma centers, and specialised nurses.
Conclusion
The study highlights the psycho-socioeconomic impacts of road traffic orthopedic injuries in Rwanda, affecting victims and healthcare providers. These injuries cause physical health issues, work disruptions, social isolation, financial pressure, and psychological suffering. Strategies to improve outcomes include patient satisfaction surveys, multidisciplinary teams, timely management, good rehabilitation services, and trauma training.
Cocaine Polydrug Use and its Impact on Intentional Harm Recognition: A High-Density EEG Study
Authors: Morales Juan-Pablo , Dam Nicholas T. , Huepe-Artigas Daniela , Rivera Álvaro , San-Martin Consuelo , Rojas Felipe , Valdés Joaquín , Ibáñez Agustín , Huepe David
Published: February 2024

Cocaine and stimulant consumption constitute a significant problem worldwide related to impaired social skills. The link between illegal substance abuse and social cognition is not well understood. Intentional harm recognition is a social cognitive capability referring to the ability to determine whether a harmful action performed by another person is deliberate or accidental. The present study examined self-reported, behavioral, and neural responses associated with intentional harm in n=19 cocaine polydrug users (COC) and n=19 healthy controls (HC). Using high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG), brain activity was measured during an intentional inference task (IIT), which assesses fast intention recognition regarding deliberate or unintentional harm to people and objects. Behaviourally, COC exhibited slower RT than HC. ERP analysis showed late frontal differences associated with attributing intentional harm in HC but not COC. Finally, these findings may potentially indicate a shift towards emotional over-involvement and away from rational cognitive assessment of social information. The present results provide a new perspective on social-cognitive skills among cocaine polydrug users, suggesting that work in training socio-emotional regulation may be of clinical benefit.
Systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) and urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) are associated with Diabetic macular epiretinal membrane
Authors: Zhou Daiying , Chen Jing , Lu Cuicui , Lv Zhigang , Ye Juan
Published: February 2024

Purpose
To investigate the correlation between systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) or other metabolic index and diabetic macular epiretinal membrane (dERM) in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods
This retrospective study included 81 dERM inpatients and other 81 matched controls. Main indicators involved in comparison between group were macular volume coefficient, Body Mass Index (BMI), insulin usage rate, hypertension prevalence, SII, albumin (Alb), lipid indicators, uric acid, glycated hemoglobin and urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). Conditional logistic regression analysis was operated to evaluate the risk factors for dERM occurrence. Spearman correlation test was conducted to analyze the correlation between the above indicators in the dERM group and their Optical coherence tomography biomarkers.
Results
Each of macular volume coefficients, SII and ACR in the dERM group was significantly higher than those in the control group while Alb decreased (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rest of indicators between the two groups. Regression analysis predicted risk factors as SII (OR 3.92, 95% CI 1.90–9.65, p < 0.01) and ACR (OR 4.43, 95%CI 1.89–10.42, p < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that hyperreflective foci (HRF), intraretinal cystoid space (IRC), and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) were all related to the thickness of the macular fovea. In addition, HRF showed a significant correlation with SII and ACR. IRC were also related to ACR, excepted DRIL.
Conclusion
Higher SII and ACR are closely related to dERM among DM hospitalized patients.
Association of coffee and caffeine consumption with risk of ischemic stroke: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Min , Gao Yuan , Wang Guangyan , Yang Yuhui , Liu Fang , Wang Guangming
Published: February 2024

Background Previous research has not elucidated a causal relationship between coffee and caffeine intake and ischemic stroke.
Methods Mendelian randomization (MR) studies were used to assess the causal relationship between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of ischemic stroke. Genetic statistically significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for coffee and caffeine intake served as instrumental variables (IVs). Ischemic stroke was used as the outcome, and the IVW, MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, and weighted median methods were used for analysis, and the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used as the main method for MR analysis. Further sensitivity analysis was performed using MR-Egger and IVW to assess robustness.
Results MR analysis results showed that coffee and caffeine intake were not associated with the risk of ischemic stroke. Twenty-three SNPs of coffee and 19 SNPs of caffeine were selected as IVs, and the F values of all SNPs were greater than 10. The study results show that genetic susceptibility to coffee intake is associated with IS (OR = 1.147, 95% CI: 0.704– 1.869, P = 0.583), and caffeine intake is associated with IS (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.846– 1.021, P = 0.126) had no effect. After excluding SNPs with confounding factors, a sensitivity analysis was performed in this study, and the results were consistent.
Conclusion The findings suggest there is insufficient evidence to support an association between coffee and caffeine intake and the risk of ischemic stroke. More research is needed to verify this in the future.
Prediction of esophagogastric anastomotic leakage by nomogram combined with preoperative nutritional status and clinical factors: A retrospective study of 775 patients
Authors: Huang Jiang-shan , Yang Li-tao , Zhu Jia-fu , Zhong Qi-hong , Guo Fei-long , Zhang Zhen-yang , Lin Jiang-Bo
Published: February 2024

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the independent risk factors for esophagogastric anastomotic leakage (EGAL) and establish a nomogram for EGAL based on preoperative nutritional status.
Methods: Patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2018 and October 2023 were enrolled and randomly divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. The differences between the two groups of factors were analyzed by difference analysis, and multivariate regression analysis was subsequently performed to screen out independent risk factors. A nomogram was established, and the feasibility of the nomogram was verified by analyzing the discrimination, calibration and decision curves.
Results: A total of 775 patients were enrolled, including 532 in the training cohort and 223 in the validation cohort. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, smoking history, drinking history, nutritional indicators and anastomotic location were independent risk factors for EGAL. In the terms of discrimination, in the training group, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.757 (95% CI: 0.715-0.853, P=0.025). In the calibration curve, the curves and fitting lines before and after correction in the training group and the validation group were basically the same. The results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the chi-square value of the training cohort was 5.48 (P=0.791). In the decision curve analysis (DCA) of the training set, when the threshold probability was in the range of 5%-63%, the net benefit of patients was greater than that of the two extreme curves.
Conclusion: Preoperative malnutrition is an independent risk factor for EGAL A diagnostic model was developed on age, anastomotic location, smoking status and drinking history. This model is a reliable noninvasive tool that can timely predict the occurrence of AL.
Clinical practices and prognosis of Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome : based on 20-year-records in Korea
Authors: Lee Min Jeong , Park Ji Soo , Kim Kyunghoon , Ko Jung Min , Park June Dong , Suh Dong In
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by hypoventilation due to impaired breathing control by the central nervous system and other symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Mutations in paired-like homeobox 2 B (PHOX2B) are responsible for most cases of CCHS. Patients with CCHS have various phenotypes and severities, making the diagnosis difficult. This study aimed to present a comprehensive single-center experience of patients with CCHS, including key clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed for patients diagnosed with CCHS between January 2001 and July 2023 at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital. Finally, we selected 24 patients and collected their demographic data, genotypes, ventilation methods, and clinical features related to autonomic dysfunction. The relationship between the clinical manifestations and genotypes was also examined.
Results
All patients used home ventilators, and tracheostomy was performed in 87.5% of patients. Fifteen (62.5%) patients had constipation and nine (37.5%) were diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease. Arrhythmia, endocrine dysfunction, and subclinical hypothyroidism were present in nine (37.5%), six patients (25.0%), and two patients (16.7%), respectively. A significant number of patients exhibited neurodevelopmental delays (19 patients, 79.2%). There was a correlation between the phenotype and genotype of PHOX2B in patients with CCHS. (r = 0.71, p < 0.001)
Conclusions
There was a positive correlation between paired-like homeobox 2 B mutations (especially the number of GCN repeats in the polyalanine repeat mutations sequence) and clinical manifestations. This study also demonstrated how initial treatment for hypoventilation affects neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with CCHS.
Age-related trends and annual rates of change in trabecular bone scores and bone mineral density in Chinese men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Lin Yunyun , Tang Juanjuan , Xue Cheng , Di Wenjuan , Cheng Peng
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) typically have an average or higher bone mineral density (BMD) but are at a significantly higher risk of fracture than patients without diabetes. Trabecular bone score (TBS), a textural index that evaluates pixel gray-level variations in the projected lumbar spine DXA image, has been introduced as an indirect measure of bone quality.
Methods
This study aimed to discuss the trends and annual rates of change in BMD and TBS with age in Chinese men with T2DM and men without diabetes mellitus.
Results
Lumbar spine(LS) TBS was found to be significantly lower in males with T2DM compared to normal males (1.279 ± 0.117 vs. 1.301 ± 0.090, P = 0.005). However, TBS in men with T2DM peaked around age 60, which was later and lower than in normal men at age 50 (1.294 ± 0.126 vs. 1.328 ± 0.088). Femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine BMD in men with T2DM were not significantly different from those in ordinary men. The results of the 3-year follow-up showed that men, both men with or without T2DM, exhibited the lowest annual rates of change at 66–75 years of age, with values of -1.05%(P < 0.001) and − 0.90%(P < 0.001), respectively. Patients with great glycemic control demonstrated higher TBS and BMD.
Conclusion
Men with T2DM have later and lower peak TBS and faster bone loss, which may reflect the effects of diabetes on bone microarchitecture and bone mineral.
A Compact Multi-Step Framework for Packing Identification in Portable Executable Files for Malware Analysis
Authors: Kim Jong-Wouk , Moon Yang-Sae , Choi Mi-Jung
Published: February 2024

Packing presents a formidable challenge in the cybersecurity domain, significantly complicating malware analysis and prolonging the lifespan of malicious software. Malicious software frequently utilizes anti-analysis technologies to circumvent antivirus programs and analysis tools. Moreover, the process of training malware classifiers often leads to the acquisition of packer characteristics rather than those of the malware itself, thereby engendering an adversarial example or generalization error. This study seeks to address this problem by introducing a streamlined framework with 20 optimal features for the detection of packing and the identification of packers in portable executable (PE) files. Furthermore, the study proposes the framework for an optimal model capable of detecting packed samples and identifying the signatures of packers based on their unique patterns. This paper outlines an exhaustive experimental phase aimed at ascertaining the most optimal model and features for the proposed framework. The XGBoost model learnt 20 features and demonstrated outstanding performance (99.27% accuracy, 98.84% F1-Score), surpassing that reported in a recent study. Furthermore, through this study, an accessible dataset, comprising 213,784 samples and 125 features, is made available to researchers focused on packing or the development of malware classifiers.
Peripheral neuropathy significantly increases the risk of persistent lower extremity ulcers in individuals with diabetes in the United States: a cross-sectional study based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data
Authors: Li Zirui , Wei Zairong
Published: February 2024

Background
Lower extremity ulcers are a major health concern in the diabetic population as they can result in chronic wounds, infection, and amputation. Previous studies have shown that one of the major consequences of peripheral neuropathy (PN) is an increased risk of lower extremity ulcers, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes. However, the specific role of PN in increasing the risk of persistent lower extremity ulcers (PLEU) in this population has not been well elucidated. We aimed to examine and establish a connection between PN and PLEU in individuals with diabetes in the United States.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999 to 2004 for participants aged ≥40 years with a diagnosis of diabetes. PLEU was defined based on questionnaires assessing the presence of non-healing ulcers in the lower extremities for >4 weeks in patients with diabetes. PN was defined as numbness, loss of sensation, painful sensations, tingling in one’s feet in the last 3 months or ≥1 area of no sensation based on monoﬁlament testing. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between PN and PLEU.
Results
In total, 1,671 participants were included (1,018 and 653 participants with and without PN, respectively). The overall prevalence of PLEU was 9% (151/1,671), whereas it was 12.5% (127/1,018) and 3.7% (24/653) in PN and non-PN participants, respectively. We found that PN was associated with a 274% greater incidence of PLEU (odds ratio [OR]=3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.39–5.85, p<0.001) compared with participants without PN. After adjusting for potential confounders, PN was associated with a 209% higher incidence of PLEU (OR=3.09, 95% CI=1.95–4.92, p<0.001) compared with participants without PN. The results remained stable based on our subgroup analyses and propensity score matching.
Conclusion
PN is significantly associated with PLEU in patients with diabetes in the United States.
Crime Rate Prediction using Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligent
Authors: Khansadurai Asan Mohideen , Veluchamy Anjana Devi , Balasubramani Suganthi , Balasubramaniyan Kiruthiga
Published: February 2024

We examine the potential of AI in enhancing cybersecurity solutions by highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages. We also talk about the potential for future research in the realm of cybersecurity related to the development of AI approaches across many application domains. One of our society's most significant and pervasive issues is crime. Numerous crimes are perpetrated often each day. The dataset in this instance consists of the date and the annual crime rate for the corresponding years. The crime rate used in this project is only based on robberies. Utilizing historical data, we employ the linear regression algorithm to forecast the percentage of crime rate in the coming years. The algorithm receives a date as input, and the result is the proportion of crime for that particular year.
Mesenteric benign lymph node enlargement in colorectal cancer: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Wang Junwei , Shi Xiangchao , Guo Limei , Li Fei , Lu Siyi , Wang Bingyan , Lin Xinyi , Chen Xin , Fu Wei , Zhou Xin
Published: February 2024

Background: Benign lymph node enlargement (BLNE) is common in colorectal cancer; however, few studies have investigatedits influence on prognosis, clinicopathological features, and pathogenesis.
Methods: Patients who underwent radical surgery for colorectal cancer at Peking University Third Hospital were grouped according to the presence ofBLNE, and their prognosis and clinical characteristics were analysed. The immune microenvironment and genomic characteristics of primary tumors were comprehensively explored in representative patients.
Results: Overall,630 AJCC stage I/IIpatients, with 131 in the BLNE group and 499 in the Non-BLNE (NBLNE) group, were included in the study. Patients in the BLNE group exhibited better disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.44, P = 0.016) and overall survival (OS) (HR 0.46, P = 0.011) . Interestingly, the prognosis of patients without lymph node metastasis wasworse when the number of harvested lymph nodes was more than 15. On computed tomography (CT) images, significant differences in lymph node morphology were found between BLNE and metastatic lymph node enlargement, including lymph node border, shape and enhancement characteristics. Pathologically, compared with the NBLNE group, the BLNE group had more mature tertiary lymphoid structures (66.7% vs. 36.5%, P = 0.002), greater immunoscore (18.8% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.004) in tumor tissue, and more abundant lymph follicles in lymph nodes (13.69 ± 4.89 vs. 5.08 ± 3.87, P < 0.0001). Whole-exon sequencing analysis revealed greater TMB in the BLNE group [ 6.03 (5.59, 7.59) vs. 5.33 (4.62, 6.34), P = 0.025). 11 differentially mutated genes were identified between the BLNE groupand NBLNE group, with MUC12 (81%) as the most common mutated gene in the BLNE group (odds ratio [OR] 0.10, P = 0.0002).
Conclusion: BLNE is a positive factor in predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer, possibly becausepatients with BLNE have a stronger anti-tumorimmune response. Accurate preoperative lymph node staging is critical.
MiR-27b-3p reduces muscle fibrosis during chronic skeletal muscle injury by targeting tgf-βr1/smad3 pathway
Authors: yao hang , qian jin , bian xuting , tang yuzhen , ye xiao , he gang , tang hong , liu xiao , zhang anyang , xie qizhong , guo lin , tang kanglai , tao xu
Published: February 2024

Fibrosis is a significant pathological manifestation of chronic skeletal muscle injury, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix severely impacts muscle regeneration. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are able to differentiate into myofibroblasts, serving as a source of the extracellular matrix.Despite there is a certain understanding of the function and differentiation of FAPs,the mechanisms underlying the fibrogenic differentiation of FAPs during chronic skeletal muscle injury still require further investigation.In this study,It was found that muscle-derived FAPs in the sciatic nerve transection mouse model exhibited a fibrotic phenotype that worsened over time. Subsequently, we investigated miRNAs that may have significant effects on fibrosis of FAPs. The results revealed that miR-27b-3p abundance in FAPs decreased progressively as fibrosis intensified. Furthermore, application of miR-27b-3p mimics effectively suppressed fibrosis in vitro and in vivo.Lastly, the dual-luciferase reporter assay, overexpression or knockdown of tgf-βr1 and utilization of SIS3 (a smad3 phosphorylation inhibitor) demonstrated that miR-27b-3p targeted the tgf-βr1/smad3 pathway and that tgf-βr1/smad3 negatively regulated miR-27b-3p. Taken together, our study indicates that miR-27b-3p targeting the tgf-βr1/smad3 pathway is a novel mechanism for regulating fibrosis of FAPs. Increasing miR-27b-3p abundance, suppressing tgf-βr1 expression, and inhibiting smad3 phosphorylation present potential strategies for treating fibrosis in chronic skeletal muscle injury.
Wildlife Roadkill Hotspots on Roads Crossing Conservation Units (UC) in the State of Sergipe, Brazil
Authors: Bomfim Douglas Aran dos Santos , de Melo Claudia Moura , Madi Rubens Riscala
Published: February 2024

Wildlife roadkill is a significant threat to biodiversity in Brazil, causing numerous animal fatalities annually. This study aimed to identify the primary locations of wildlife roadkill on two highways passing through Conservation Units (UCs) in Sergipe, examining the correlation between roadkill incidents and periods of drought and rainfall. From November 2021 to October 2022, 49 surveys were conducted along BR-235, near the Serra de Itabaiana National Park, and the Adil Dantas do Amor Cardoso highway, traversing the Mata do Crasto Private Natural Heritage Reserve. Surveys were carried out by motorcycle, traveling at a maximum speed of 60 km/h. To identify roadkill hotspots for each highway, we applied annual mortality indices (MI), Shannon diversity index (H'), species accumulation curves with area extrapolation (Bootstrap), and Kernel density estimation. On BR-235, 63 roadkill incidents were recorded, while on the Adil Dantas do Amor Cardoso highway, which has implemented mitigation measures, there were 15 incidents. No significant variation in roadkill frequency was observed between dry and rainy periods. Areas with mitigation measures experienced lower mortality rates. Determining MI and roadkill hotspots can inform the development of strategies to mitigate the impact of highways on wildlife within conservation areas.
Characterization of Mild Delayed Gestational Hypertension in Rats Following Ozone Exposure
Authors: Hunter Russell , Wilson Thomas , Lucas Selita , Scieszka David , Bleske Barry , Ottens Andrew , Ashley Ryan , Pace Carolyn , Kanagy Nancy , Campen Matthew J
Published: February 2024

The contribution of air pollution induced cardio-pulmonary damage on the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and other adverse outcomes of pregnancy has gained increased attention as epidemiological data continues to highlight spatiotemporal pregnancy trends related to air pollution exposure. However clinical mechanistic data surrounding gestational complications remains sparse, necessitating the need for the use of animal models to study these types of complications of pregnancy. The current study seeks to examine the real-time effects of mid-gestational ozone exposure on maternal blood pressure and body temperature through the use of radiotelemetry in a rat model. The exposure resulted in acute depression of heart rate and core body temperature as compared to control animals. Ozone exposed animals also presented with a slight but significant increase in arterial blood pressure which was perpetuated until term. The data presented here illustrates the feasibility of murine models to assess cardiovascular complications caused by inhaled toxicants during the window of pregnancy.
Enhancing Aged Care through Human-Robot Collaboration: A Case Study of Chore Robots.
Authors: Chira Valeria Alessandra Macalupu , Caldwell Glenda , Miller Evonne
Published: February 2024

Robots are not yet mainstream in aged care, despite decades of experimentation and technological advancements. Alongside technological, regulatory, and societal considerations, part of the challenge has been limited to end-user engagement in co-designing robots for aged care. This project asked ten leaders in aged care to participate in a co-design workshop to collaboratively imagine and co-design a chore robot for aged care, followed by individual interviews to identify the tasks or activities where robotic assistance could be most beneficial, focussing on any specific workforce implications and the economic rationale needed to justify this change. Alongside documenting the co-design processes and tools deployed, this article shares the expectations and experiences of executive leaders in aged care, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for robotic design and adoption in the unique setting that is aged care.
Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Siswa Terintegrasi Nilai-nilai Keislaman pada Materi Bilangan
Authors: Halistin Halistin , Patih Tandri , Firman Alfira Yuliana , Karmini Karmini
Published: February 2024

Research on the development of Student Worksheets (LKPD) integrated with Islamic values is motivated by the absence of LKPD that integrates Islamic values in the mathematics learning process and the low interest in learning MTs Asy-Syafi'iyah Kendari students. This study aims to develop valid, practical, and effective LKPD. The research method used is research and development with the ADDIE model. The results showed that the LKPD integrated with Islamic values was very valid to be used in the learning process based on the results of the validity by material experts of 3.73 (very valid) and the results of the validity of religious experts at 3.07 (valid). LKPD is also very practical to use in the learning process at MTs Asy-syafi'iyah Kendari based on assessing teacher responses and student responses. The effectiveness of LKPD can be seen from the students' mathematics learning outcomes, where the results show that there are differences in the mathematics learning outcomes of class VII MTs Asy-Syafi'iyah Kendari before and after LKPD is used in the learning process, based on the results of the Wilcoxon test with a significance value of 0.018.
Operações Semiocognitivas na Resolução de Problemas de Geometria Espacial no Terceiro Ano do Ensino Médio
Authors: Moser Adriano , Moretti Méricles Thadeu , Aguiar Rogério de
Published: February 2024

Neste artigo, apresentou-se resultados que visam não só reconhecimento das operações semiocognitivas mobilizadas em geometria na resolução de problemas de Geometria Espacial no Ensino Médio, como também se destacou a relevância do olhar que é capaz de reconhecer e estabelecer relações a partir das informações intrínsecas nas dimensões inferiores ao objeto geométrico em questão, consequência direta da ação da desconstrução dimensional sobre o registro figural. As figuras geométricas se diferenciam por exigir a articulação de dois registros distintos, porém, complementares: a linguagem natural e o registro figural. Ademais, reconhecer a forma geométrica e operacionalizá-la efetivamente para a compreensão e resolução de problemas de geometria permeia pela reeducação do olhar através do reconhecimento das unidades figurais de zero a três dimensões por meio de gestos cognitivos capazes de potencializar propriedades heurísticas próprias da figura geométrica. A escolha de direcionar o olhar para problemas que contemplassem a temática da Geometria Espacial foi motivada dada a sua importância no seu contexto formador de habilidades específicas pois, exige do aluno não só o seu domínio conceitual, mas se faz necessário um sincronismo de ações interpretativas que, de acordo com a teoria dos Registros de Representação Semiótica de Raymond Duval, são denominadas apreensões em geometria.
Palavras-chave: Objetos geométricos tridimensionais.  Apreensões em geometria.  Ensino de geometria.
O papel da linguagem na Teoria das Situações e na Teoria Antropológica do Didático
Authors: Almouloud Saddo Ag
Published: February 2024

A linguagem tem um papel importante para fazer matemática, bem como para ensiná-la. O discurso verbal está presente em declarações e práticas matemáticas e é utilizado para comunicar durante a atividade matemática, ou a atividade didática: a linguagem está presente na própria atividade matemática, nas relações entre atores e atividade matemática, e nas relações entre os atores, no que se refere à atividade matemática – meio de ensino e de aprendizagem. Portanto, na atividade matemática entrelaçam-se a linguagem matemática e a linguagem corrente. Nesta perspectiva, este texto, de cunho teórico, tem por objetivo explicitar os principais construtos da Teoria das Situações e da Teoria Antropológica do Didático e analisar o papel e o lugar da linguagem nas situações  – no sentido da Teoria das Situações – e nas instituições, no bojo da Teoria Antropológica do Didático. Destaca-se que ambas as teorias (TS e TAD) enfatizam o caráter instrumental da linguagem, integrando-a ao sistema ativado de ostensivos. Portanto, não se pode separar a linguagem do resto dos componentes da atividade matemática, quer se pense neles como conhecimentos/saberes  – situações – ou como praxeologias. A construção de novos saberes/praxeologias envolve a construção de novas formas de dizer –  fazer –, sem se reduzir a isso.
Palavras-chave: Linguagem, Situação; Instituição; Matemática.
Ecological monitoring of the Russian continental shelf of Arctic seas: criterion selection, assessment, and prospects
Authors: Alexeev D. K.
Published: February 2024

The article provides an analytical review of long-term studies assessing the ecological state of Arctic marine ecosystems. The focus is on integral estimation methods. The issues associated with the application of biological methods for assessing the ecological state of the Russian continental shelf of Arctic seas are considered. The author briefly reviews existing methods for biotesting the marine environment and provides examples of the use of biotest systems. On the example of model benthic communities, an ecological assessment of marine benthic ecosystems is presented.
MULTIMODAL POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA: COMBINATIONS OF ANALGESICS AFTER ABDOMINAL SURGERY AT CHU- JRA ANTANANARIVO
Authors:   Departement Anesthesie- Reanimation- Urgences, Faculte de MedecinedAntananarivo., TNAS Njatomalala , M. Razafindrafara ,   Departement Pharmacie, Faculte de MedecinedAntananarivo., A.T Rajaonera ,   Departement Anesthesie- Reanimation- Urgences, Faculte de MedecinedAntananarivo., A. Rakotondrainibe ,   Departement Anesthesie- Reanimation- Urgences, Faculte de MedecinedAntananarivo., L.H Samison ,   Departement Chirurgie, Faculte de MedecinedAntananarivo.
Published: February 2024

Introduction :Intense to severe postoperative pain persists despite routine postoperative analgesia. The objective of the study was to determine a type of analgesic combination proposed in the multimodal technique to properly manage postoperative pain after abdominal surgery by laparotomy. Method : A single-center prospective observational study over a period of six months was conducted. Pain scores during the first six hours were assessed during the patients follow-up period. Comparison and correlation tests were used for data analysis (XLSTAT Â® v18). Results : The study included 40 patients, aged 46 [18- 71] years, predominatlydemale (68%). Twelve types of surgical intervention were fond for an average duration of 127 [60- 300] minutes. Seven analgesic molecular combinations were used, always including paracetamol. Moderate to severe pain appeared from the second postoperative hour for patients receiving Association 7 while postoperative analgesia lasted until the sixth postoperative hour for those receiving Association 1 . No patient treated by Association 1, 3 and 4 expressed a need for morphine. This demand was high among those under Association 7 . Conclusion : The number and type of analgesics that made up the combination did not have much influence on postoperative pain. The synergism of action of analgesic combinations determines their effect on reducing the postoperative pain thershold for a given surgical procedure of the same type.
Experimental investigation and application of soft computing models for predicting flow energy loss in arc-shaped constrictions
Authors: Abbaszadeh Hamidreza , Daneshfaraz Rasoul , Sume Veli , Abraham John
Published: February 2024

This investigation focuses on flow energy, a crucial parameter in the design of water structures such as channels. The research endeavors to explore the relative energy loss (ΔEAB/EA) in a constricted flow path of varying widths, employing Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Gene Expression Programming (GEP), Multiple Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), M5 and Random Forest (RF) models. Experiments span a Froude number range from 2.85 to 8.85. The experimental findings indicate that the ΔEAB/EA exceeds that observed in a classical hydraulic jump with constriction section. Within the SVM model, the linear kernel emerges as the best predictor of ΔEAB/EA, outperforming polynomial, radial basis function (RBF), and sigmoid kernels. In addition, in the ANN model, the MLP network was more accurate compared to the RBF network. The results indicate that the relationship proposed by the MARS model can play a significant role resulting in high accuracy compared to the non-linear regression relationship in predicting the target parameter. Upon comprehensive evaluation, the ANN method emerges as the most promising among the candidates, yielding superior performance compared to the other models. The testing phase results for the ANN-MLP are noteworthy, with R = 0.997, average RE% = 0.63%, RMSE = 0.0069, BIAS = −0.0004, DR = 0.999, SI = 0.0098 and KGE = 0.995.
Analysis of the factors influencing the fluctuation of non-revenue water in Luangprabang City, Laos
Authors: Chandaeng Sunti , Sawangjang Benyapa , Kazama Shinobu , Takizawa Satoshi
Published: February 2024

Non-revenue water (NRW) in Luangprabang City, Laos, has been high and fluctuating. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the factors influencing the fluctuation of NRW in two district-metered areas (DMAs). The average NRWs for 16–17 months in DMA-1 and DMA-2 were 28.92 and 43.92%, respectively, whereas the coefficients of variation of the monthly NRWs were high at 49.7 and 11.7%, respectively. Among the factors causing the fluctuation of NRW, meter inaccuracies were less than 2%, although inaccessibility to customer meters was high at 46.4 and 38.7% in DMA-1 and DMA-2, respectively. However, the meter reading intervals had little influence on billed water consumption. Using the IWA Water Balance table, the apparent loss was estimated as 2.6%, whereas the real loss (24.9%) was the main component of NRW (27.5%) in DMA-2. The monthly and 3–7-month moving averages of NRW were inversely correlated with billed water consumption, indicating that both volumetric and percentage NRWs were strongly influenced by fluctuations in billed water consumption. Network simulation verified that high inaccessibility to customer meters, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown, caused large fluctuations in billed water consumption and NRWs. Therefore, access to customer water meters should be improved to alleviate the fluctuation of NRW.
Randomized block quasi-Monte Carlo sampling for generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation
Authors: Onyutha Charles
Published: February 2024

Although hydrological model forecasts aid water management decisions, they normally have predictive uncertainties. Generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) is popular for constructing predictive uncertainty bounds (PUBs). GLUE is based on simple Monte Carlo sampling (SMCS), a technique known to be ineffective in establishing behavioural simulations. This study introduced randomized block quasi-Monte Carlo sampling (RBMC). In RBMC, each parameter's range is divided into a stipulated number of sub-blocks (Snb). Parameters' values are separately generated in each sub-block. Finally, the sub-blocks are shuffled while maintaining the sequence of generated values in each sub-block. When Snb is equal to the number of simulations, RBMC reduces to SMCS. Otherwise, each Snb leads to a separate RBMC configuration or sampling scheme. The number of RBMC-based behavioural solutions was often found to be greater than that of SMCS, in some cases, by up to 33.6%. The width of the 90% confidence interval on 95th percentile flow based on SMCS was often larger than those of RBMC, sometimes by up to 23.4%. PUBs were found to vary in widths among RBMC configurations, thereby revealing the influence of the choice of a sampling scheme. Thus, GLUE based on RBMC is recommended to take into account the said influence.
Measuring water-used and production efficiency in China using the super-efficient directional distance function
Authors: Wang Jun , Lu Ching-Cheng , Zhang Jiayu , Cheng Chen-Ling
Published: February 2024

This study employs the super-efficiency directional distance function (SDDF) to assess the productivity of each administrative region in China over the period 2013–2017. The focus is on exploring variations in gross domestic production and efficiency related to waste gas and wastewater discharge across regions. The inputs include labor, capitalization, energy usage, and total water consumption, with domestic gross production as the output, and total wastewater and exhaust gas discharges as unintended outputs. The findings highlight Beijing, Tianjin, Hainan, Qinghai, Guangdong, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Shandong as the most efficient regions, while Zhejiang, Ningxia, Hunan, and others exhibit lower performance. Notably, Guangxi ranks lowest (0.631). Unlike traditional direct distance function models, the SDDF model provides a more accurate estimation of the production efficiency of all 30 administrative regions, and addresses the limitation of generating the same efficiency values of 1 simultaneously for multiple regions. The study emphasizes the need for inefficient regions to reduce water consumption and emissions and enhance productivity, offering valuable insights for policymakers in formulating environmental and production policies.