bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Compressive Response of Hand-Laminated GFRP Pipes in the Radial direction through Experiment and FEM Modeling
Authors: Zaman Yasir , Amin Fayiz , Gerges Michael , Asif Muhammad , Khan Abdul Majid
Published: December 2024

The growing interest in composite materials is due to their exceptional strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) pipes are ideal for aerospace applications like drone arms, needing to withstand payload weight, forces, vibrations, environmental effects, impacts, altitude changes, air density variations, and extreme temperatures. This study investigates the compressive behavior under radial loading of GFRP pipes specifically fabricated with a six-ply laminate sequence [0/90/0/90/0/90]. An experimental evaluation was conducted using a universal testing machine according to standard ASTM D2412 to assess the compressive response, and the acquired data was subsequently validated through finite element method (FEM) modeling employing Abaqus software. Experimental findings confirmed a compressive strength of 0.49 MPa and a maximum load capacity of 0.49 kN for the six-ply GFRP laminate. FEM analysis validated these results. Furthermore, the influence of varying the number of plies on the GFRP pipe was studied, and the results show an increasing strength trend with additional plies. As the number of plies increases from 6 to 15, the ultimate compressive strength, represented by the peak stress value on each curve, also increases. This research establishes GFRP pipes as a promising candidate for applications requiring lightweight and robust materials.
Visual Impairment Prevention by Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Stacked Auto- Encoder
Authors: Almas Shagufta , Wahid Fazli , Ali Sikandar , Alkhyyat Ahmed , Ullah Kamran , Khan Jawad , Lee Youngmoon
Published: December 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) presents a significant concern among diabetic patients, often leading to vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. Traditional diagnosis methods are prone to human error, necessitating accurate alternatives. While various computer-aided systems have been developed to assist in DR detection, there remains a need for accurate and efficient methods to classify its stages. In this study, we propose a novel approach utilizing enhanced stacked auto-encoders for the detection and classification of DR stages. The stages are classified into five categories: normal, mild, moderate, severe, and proliferative. Unlike traditional CNN approaches, our method offers improved reliability by reducing time complexity, minimizing errors, and enhancing noise reduction. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset from KAGGLE containing 35,126 retinal fundus images across five DR stages, our proposed model demonstrates superior accuracy compared to existing deep learning algorithms. Data augmentation techniques address class imbalance, while SAEs facilitate accurate classification through layer-wise unsupervised pre-training and supervised fine-tuning. We evaluate our model's performance using rigorous quantitative measures, including accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score, highlighting its effectiveness in early disease diagnosis and prevention of blindness. Experimental results across different training/testing ratios (50:50, 60:40, 70:30, and 75:25) showcase the model's robustness. The highest accuracy achieved during training was 93%, while testing accuracy reached 88% on a training/testing ratio of 75:25. Comparative analysis underscores the model's superiority over existing methods, positioning it as a promising tool for early-stage DR detection and blindness prevention.
Magnetic sodium aluminate 60 wt.% as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the Rap–Stoermer reaction
Authors: Akbari Ali
Published: December 2024

Synthesis of 2-aroylbenzofuran derivatives through Rap–Stoermer reaction with condensation of salicylaldehydes and substituted phenacyl bromides in the presence of magnetic sodium aluminate 60 wt.% (MNPs-60). The catalyst can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture by applying an external magnetic field. This catalyst is stable and can be reused multiple times without losing its catalytic properties. High yields of product in a short experimental time and easy workup are other advantages of the present method.
Development and Characterization of Hybrid Composites for Synthetic Cartilage in Joint Prostheses Tribological and Antibacterial Analysis
Authors: Salama Ahmed , Osman T. A. , Rashad R. M. , Kamel Bahaa M. , Salem M. M.
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to create and analyze hybrid composites consisting of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) combined with hydroxyapatite (HAP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in order to develop synthetic cartilages for use in complete joint prostheses. The three different composites were mixed using a solvent dispersing technique, followed by a hot press technique, and then tested for tribological and antibacterial properties. In order to assess the impact of the additives and the quality of dispersion in the composites, we employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze and characterize the composites. Titanium dioxide weight percentages were varied (1, 3, 5, and 10%), while HAP weight percentages were held constant at 20%. In the UHMWPE matrix, hydroxyapatite was used as a bone osteoinduction agent and titanium dioxide as an anti-wear additive. The developed composite was tested against Ti6Al4V alloy in a wear test using dry sliding and Hank's solution as a simulated bodily fluid (SBF). When sliding, SBF lubricant adhered to the composite surface, and UHMWPE with a 3 wt.% TiO2 filler had better wear performance than the other composites. This occurs as a result of the formation of a dense lubricant film, which provides the composite with higher wear resistance than dry sliding. We utilized the Agar Well Diffusion method to assess the antibacterial properties of the composites, and the findings indicated that the composites exhibited antibacterial activity.
On the integration of large scale time seriesdistance matrices into deep visual analytic tools
Authors: Santamaria-Valenzuela Inmaculada , Rodriguez-Fernandez Victor , Camacho David
Published: December 2024

Time series are essential for modelling a lot of activities such as software behavior, heart beats per time, business processes. The analysis of the series data can prevent errors, boost profits, and improve the understanding of behaviors. Among the many techniques available, we can find Deep Learning techniques and Data Mining techniques. In Data Mining, distance matrices between subsequences (similarity matrices, recurrence plots) have already shown their potential on fast large-scale time series behavior analysis. In the Deep Learning, there exists different tools for analyzing the models embedding space for getting insights of the data behavior. DeepVATS is a tool for large time series analysis that allows the visual interaction within the embedding space (latent space) of Deep Learning models and the original data. The training and analysis of the model may result on a large use of computational resources, resulting in a lack of interactivity. To solve this issue, we integrate distance matrices plots within the tool. The incorporation of these plots with the associated downsampling techniques makes DeepVATS a more efficient and user-friendly tool for a first quick analysis of the data, achieving runtimes reductions of up to \(10^4\) seconds, allowing fast preliminary analysis of datasets of up to 7M elements. Also, this incorporation allows us to detect trends, extending its capabilities. The new functionality is tested in three use cases: the M-Toy synthetic dataset for anomaly detection, the S3 synthetic dataset for trend detection and the real-world dataset Pulsus Paradoxus for anomaly checking.
Impact of canopy vertical height on leaf functional traits in a Cunninghamia lanceolata common garden experiment of Dagangshan
Authors: Xu Tingyu , Niu Xiang , Wang Bing , Wang Yihui
Published: December 2024

Background Plant functional traits represent resource acquisition strategies, and, consequently, reflect ecosystem function. As a critical focus in functional trait research, the study of intraspecific variation and vertical gradients in canopies can better reveal plant adaptation mechanisms to environmental conditions. In this study, we examined five provenances of Cunninghamia lanceolata in the common garden of Dagangshan, Jiangxi, measured and analyzed nine functional trait indicators: the leaf dry matter content, relative chlorophyll content, specific leaf area, leaf tissue density, water use efficiency, leaf carbon content, leaf nitrogen content, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and equivalent water thickness.Results The results revealed that canopy height has a minor effect on the variation in leaf functional traits, with most of the variation attributed to geographic provenances. Notably, 50% of the leaf functional traits presented significant correlations, which were associated mainly with photosynthetic capacity-related traits. The differences in leaf functional traits between the average canopy values and the middle part of the canopy are minimal, and the correlations among traits are consistent with each other.Conclusion The influence of canopy height on leaf functional traits in subtropical Cunninghamia lanceolata artificial forests is limited, making it feasible to analyze forest ecosystem functions by collecting leaf samples from the middle canopy. This study provides scientific evidence for research on the functional dynamics of Cunninghamia lanceolata artificial forest ecosystems and the selection of superior provenances.
Graphene Oxide as a Highly Efficient and Reusable Adsorbent for Simultaneous Removal of Parabens: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology, Adsorption Isotherms and Reusability Studies
Authors: Er Elif Öztürk
Published: December 2024

Paraben contamination in aquatic systems, primarily from personal care products, pharmaceuticals and industrial effluents, is an increasing environmental concern due to their widespread use as preservatives. The removal of parabens through conventional wastewater treatment processes are difficult and requires the development of innovative water treatment methods. In this study, graphene oxide nanoflakes were produced by Improved Hummers’ method and their adsorption characteristics were investigated for simultaneous removal of five parabens. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, X-Ray Powder Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope were used and the nanoflakes were successfully characterized. The chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of parabens. The process optimization overall removal efficiency of parabens was achieved using Response Surface Methodology by a multiple response function. Nonlinear regression was used to fit the equilibrium data and the Freundlich model described the adsorption isotherm data accurately with R2 values between 0.9807 and 0.9957. Factors such as mass of adsorbent, pH of solution and their interaction have the most significant impact on the adsorption process, while contact time parameter shows low significance on the response. The adsorption behaviors of parabens were closely correlated with their hydrophobicity. Along with hydrophobic interactions, other mechanisms such as π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces, likely played significant role in the strong adsorption of parabens onto the GO surface. The reusability experiment showed that graphene oxide nanoflakes had a high potential present as a reusable adsorbent for the removal of parabens.
Microplastics in Freshwater Environment: A Case Study of River Gomti, Lucknow, India
Authors: Mishra Amit K. , Singh Jaswant , Mishra Pratyush P.
Published: December 2024

Microplastics (MPs), present worldwide from the poles to the oceans, have become a key environmental concern, disturbed different ecosystems across the globe. Freshwater are major channels that transport microplastics from land to the oceans. Present study shows, occurrence of MPs in the Gomti River, Lucknow. Water and sediment were sampled from Gomti river and extraction process was carried out by standard methods. Microplastics were identified and quantified by using a stereo zoom microscope and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. A total of 2489 particles were identified from analysed samples. Microplastic abundances in water samples ranged from 4.20 to 8.38 items L− 1, whereas in the sediment, ranged from 276 to 672 items kg− 1 d.w. The analysis showed that fibers dominated in both environmental matrices, accounting for 50.49% in water and 60.42% in sediment, respectively. Dominance of polyethylene and polypropylene was confirmed by FTIR analysis. This is the first study of the Gomti river at Lucknow. The findings will provide baseline data for future monitoring and assessment.
Comparison of the Effects of Lidocaine and Articaine Used for Buccal Infiltration and Supplemental Palatinal Infiltration Anesthesia in Maxillary Molars with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Kolay Duygu , Kırıcı Damla
Published: December 2024

Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of articaine or lidocaine in buccal infiltration or palatal infiltration in addition to buccal infiltration in maxillary first or second molars with irreversible pulpitis.
Material-Methods:
Among the patients who applied to Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry Endodontic Clinic for the treatment of maxillary molars with irreversible pulpitis, 80 volunteers who met the criteria were included in the study. Eighty patients were divided into 4 groups (n = 20). 1. group buccal infiltration with 4% articaine containing 1:100,000 epinephrine, 2. group buccal infiltration with 2% lidocaine containing 80,000 epinephrine, 3. group buccal and palatinal infiltration with 4% articaine containing 1:100,000 epinephrine, 4.group buccal and palatinal infiltration with 2% lidocaine containing 80.000 epinephrine. Pain during the endodontic procedure was determined and recorded according to the Heft Parker visual analog scale.
Results
Within the results of the study, no statistically significant difference was found between 4% articaine containing 1:100,000 epinephrine and 2% lidocaine containing 1:80,000 epinephrine in terms of anesthesia effectiveness (p > 0.05). When palatal infiltration anesthesia was applied in addition to buccal infiltration, the pain during entry into the palatal canals was significantly reduced compared to buccal infiltration anesthesia alone (p < 0.05)
Conclusions
According to the results of this study, it may be recommended to use palatal infiltration anesthesia in addition to buccal infiltration anesthesia, independent of the anesthetic solution, for an effective pulpal anesthesia in maxillary molars with irreversible pulpitis.
Exploring the Antitumor Potential of Huaier Granules Against Gallbladder Cancer based on high-resolution mass spectrometry and invitro, invivo studies
Authors: Ma Yuqiao , Sun Yi , Wang Jiandong , Chai Chen , Yu XiaoFeng
Published: December 2024

Backgroung
: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is marked by its aggressive metastasis and a markedly poor prognosis, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Huaier granules, has been demonstrated to exert anti-tumor effects in various cancers. However, research on their use in GBC treatment remains scarce.
Objective
This study assesses the anti-tumor effects of Huaier granules, a traditional Chinese medicine formulation on GBC.
Methods
The serum metabolites in Huaier granule group received a dose of 3mg/g/d via gavage for 5 days were analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Pathway analysis and disease enrichment analysis of metabolites in blood were performed using the PaMP-DB database and HMDB, respectively. This study investigated the effects of Huaier granules on GBC-SD cell proliferation and apoptosis. Additionally, a GBC murine model was employed to compare the in vivo efficacy of the granules with Cantharidin, supported by histopathological evaluations.
Results
A total of 98 differential metabolites were identified and imported into metaboanalyst for enrichment analysis. The main enriched pathway identified was SLC transporter disorders in the PaMP-DB database. Disorders involving transmembrane transporters, SLC-mediated transmembrane transport, inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), and amino acid transport across the plasma membrane were identified through statistical analysis. Additionally, the enrichment of choline, L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, salicylic acid, L-Valine, and other substances was observed in the transport of bile salts and organic acids, metal ions, and amine compounds. The significantly enriched pathways identified in the HMDB dataset include Schizophrenia, Colorectal cancer and Alzheimer's disease, as well as Epilepsy, Early preeclampsia, Ovarian cancer, and Pancreatic cancer. Huaier granules induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in vitro, marked by increased p53 expression and decreased levels of CCNB1 and CDK1. In vivo analysis revealed a significant reduction in tumor volume and weight, alongside decreased inflammation and fibrosis, compared to Cantharidin and control treatment.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that Huaier granules could serve as an effective integrative approach in GBC treatment by modulating cell cycle and apoptosis pathways, suggesting a promising integrative treatment option. The granules’ potential as an adjunctive or alternative therapy highlights the need for further mechanistic and clinical studies.
The departure dilemma: Directors’ last working year and firm performance—Do gender differences matter?
Authors: Ali Farman , Aljughaiman Abdullah A. , Almulhem Abdulltif A. , Ali Imran
Published: December 2024

Keeping in mind the importance of pre quitting behaviors, this study attempts to investigate the impact of directors' last working year on firm performance. Analyzing a sample of Chinese listed firms over the period of 2003 to 2018, we find that corporate boards with more directors having last working year is negatively related to firm performance. We argue that this negative relationship may be due to the negative behavior and less commitment that people show when they plan to quit their jobs. Furthermore, we discover that gender differences play a significant role. We show that in gender diverse boards, the negative relationship between directors’ last working year and firm performance is less severe. Our findings are robust since we address the endogeneity issue and employe several robustness checks. Our findings highlight new insights and provide an opportunity to policymakers and governance committees to constitute a more balanced board by minimizing the ratio of last-year directors, and including more female directors.
Effect of Hydromorphone Combined with Ropivacaine Caudal Block on Immune Function After Hypospadias Surgery in Children
Authors: Cai Yuzhu , Yang Mingwen , Liu Xinghui , Zhang Lingli , Wang Jun , Sun Yingying
Published: December 2024

Background
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of caudal block anesthesia with hydromorphone-ropivacaine compared to ropivacaine alone on postoperative immune function and pain management in children undergoing hypospadias surgery.
Methods
A total of 100 pediatric patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the Hydromorphone-Ropivacaine (HR) group and the Ropivacaine (R) group, with 50 patients in each group. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared. T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8 + ratios) were measured at multiple time points: pre-anesthesia (T0), at the end of surgery (T1), 24 hours (T2), 48 hours (T3), and 72 hours (T4) postoperatively. Pain levels were assessed using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) at various time points.Postoperative sedation levels were evaluated using the Ramsay sedation scale at the same time points.
Results
There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. The HR group exhibited significant reductions in CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8 + ratios at T1, T2, and T3 compared to T0, with higher values compared to the R group at T1, T2, T3, and T4 (P < 0.05). The HR group demonstrated lower CHEOPS scores at 6, 12, and 18 hours postoperatively, indicating superior pain relief (P < 0.001). Additionally, a higher percentage of patients in the HR group did not require rescue analgesia within the first 24 hours. Sedation levels assessed using the Ramsay scale showed significant differences at 6 hour postoperatively.
Conclusion
Caudal block anesthesia with hydromorphone-ropivacaine offers enhanced postoperative pain relief and a lesser impact on immune function compared to ropivacaine alone in children undergoing hypospadias surgery. Further studies are warranted to explore the long-term effects on immune function.
CATATOnia treatment with transcranial direct current ElectroStimulation: protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled bicentric superiority study (CATATOES)
Authors: Moyal Mylène , Attali David , Berre Alice Le , Bouaziz Noomane , Iftimovici Anton , Ramon François , Henensal Adèle , Dahan Louise , Canivet Laetitia , Dadi Ghita , Debacker Clément , Lui Maliesse , Charron Sylvain , Alouit Anaëlle , Sylla Khaoussou , Mancusi Rossella Letizia , Gallarda Thierry , Cachia Arnaud , Gavaret Martine , Chaumette Boris , Oppenheim Catherine , Januel Dominique , Plaze Marion , Haroche Alexandre
Published: December 2024

Background
Catatonia is a severe psychomotor syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. Lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are the main recommended treatments. Lorazepam-resistant catatonia accounts for about 30% of cases, particularly in neurodevelopmental disorders. ECT is crucial in these situations but faces challenges of tolerability and accessibility. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a promising intervention, is emerging as a non-invasive, cost-effective neurostimulation tool and has demonstrated efficacy and safety in case reports and small series of catatonic patients (N < 10). The CATATOES study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of tDCS using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, bicentric superiority trial involving 70 patients with catatonia. Secondary objectives aim to highlight the mechanism of action of tDCS and to explore the pathophysiology of catatonia.
Methods
Seventy participants with lorazepam-resistant catatonia will undergo 20 sessions of active or sham tDCS, administered twice daily at two mA for 20 minutes, with anodal stimulation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cathodal stimulation in the left temporoparietal junction (TPJ). In addition to daily clinical assessment, patients will undergo (i) structural, functional and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (ii) 64-channel resting state electroencephalogram (EEG), and (iii) blood test with inflammatory, neurogenesis and genetic markers, before, during and after the treatment course.
Discussion
Catatonia is in critical need of therapeutic improvement. We anticipate that this study will pave the way for the routine use of tDCS in the treatment of lorazepam-resistant catatonia, ultimately contributing to a reduction of morbidity, mortality, and associated costs of catatonia.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06139432; Registration date 11/24/2023
Storylines for month-long heatwaves and associated heat-related mortality impacts over Western Europe
Authors: Lüthi Samuel , Huber Veronika , Pascal Mathilde , Beyerle Urs , Pyrina Maria , Domeisen Daniela , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M. , Fischer Erich
Published: December 2024

Countless heat records were broken in recent years, leading to thousands of heat-related deaths. This raises the question of how much worse heat-related mortality could become in coming years if a potential worst-case heatwave lasts for several weeks or reaches unprecedented intensity. Here, we develop impact storylines for worst-case heatwaves and associated heat-related mortality in France, Germany, and Switzerland. We compare several physical climate storyline approaches to quantify plausible extreme heatwaves and combine these with empirical heat-mortality relationships. We find physically consistent week-long heatwaves possible in the climate of 2020 that exceed the observed 7-day record temperatures by more than 5°C and associated mortality impacts exceeding the observed maximum by 30-90%. Even more severe consequences would arise from possible five-week heat periods of unprecedented intensity, which would lead to more than a doubling of impacts. Developing these impact storylines can inform the stress-testing of socio-economic systems for preparing appropriate emergency response capacities.
The Effect of Maternal Position on Cerebral Oxygenation in Premature Infants During Kangaroo Care: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Stapleton Iyshwarya , Murphy Sarah , Vaughan Susan , Walsh Brian , Natchimuthu Kanna , Livingstone Vicki , Dempsey Eugene
Published: December 2024

Objective: To assess whether there was an optimal maternal position (30° versus 60° incline) for kangaroo mother care.
Design: Single centre cross-over randomised controlled trial. Mothers were randomly assigned to either a 30° or 60° angle. Primary outcome was the median cerebral oxygenation values. Secondary outcomes included median peripheral saturations and median heart rates.
Results: Twenty participants were included in the final analysis: median gestational age at birth was 28+1 weeks and median birth weight was 985g. There were no statistically significant differences between the median NIRS values at 30° (median rSO2 = 67.5, IQR = 58.3 – 73.8) and 60° (median rSO2 = 68, IQR = 60.5 – 76), p = 0.8. There were no statistically significant difference in any secondary outcome.
Conclusions: Maternal positioning at a 30° or 60° incline did not impact on cerebral oxygenation values in very preterm infants. Either position was associated with clinical stability
Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05686252
Qualitative Study on Emotion Regulation Processes and Expressive Language Skills in Kindergarten
Authors: Oğuz Sena Nur , Pınar Yunus
Published: December 2024

This single-participant case study focused on a typically
developing five-year-old girl, Aylin (name anonymized). Aylin was
observed for nine months at her kindergarten since her enrollment
week to investigate her social interaction experiences, emotion
regulation processes, and expressive language skills. Tavistock
Child Observation Model, videography, and semi-structured
interviews were employed as research tools, while a demographic
form and HAVAS 5 (Hamburg Screening for Five-Year Old Children)
were used for data collection. The findings indicate that Aylin
experienced various types of anxiety and stress, especially during
the adjustment week and the following months. Aylin was seen trying
to cope with the difficulties caused by the separation from her
parents; she made intense efforts to adapt to the new environment.
She exhibited an intense desire to interact with her peers and
experience feelings of togetherness and belonging and developed
varied strategies to achieve her goals. Findings revealed that
Aylin played in harmony with her peers and displayed more
extroversion when she experienced a sense of togetherness,
connectedness, and belonging. The semi-structured interviews with
parents revealed that Aylin was subjected to quarantine for a year
as part of the COVID-19 preventive measures from the age of two and
a half. She had to spend her daily life at home, being deprived of
peer interactions and physical activities. The father's interaction
with the child was limited because of his busy work life; the
mother also reported difficulty allocating quality time to the
child.
Cellulose Nanoparticles as Controlled Release Nanocarriers for Urea
Authors: Tay Kimberly Wei Wei , Chin Suk Fun , Wasli Mohd Effendi
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Conventional fertilization raises several environmental issues. Utilizing cellulose from paper waste presents a promising opportunity to create biodegradable cellulose nanoparticles, which can serve as controlled-release nanocarriers for urea, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Methods
Cellulose nanoparticles of various mean particle sizes were synthesized from cellulose fibers derived from paper wastes by using the nanoprecipitation method. The fertilizer release characteristics of cellulose nanoparticles were evaluated using urea as the model fertilizer at room temperature. The release kinetic profiles of urea from cellulose nanoparticles were analyzed in both soil and water environments.
Results
The loading capacity of urea into cellulose nanoparticles was profoundly affected by factors such as mean particle sizes and the conditions of the release media. The highest loading capacity is found in cellulose nanoparticles of 30.54 nm with 173.85 mg/g. The urea loading capacity can be enhanced by optimizing the synthesis conditions of cellulose nanoparticles including cellulose concentrations, the addition of Tween 80 and the volume of precipitating medium. The urea release kinetics from cellulose nanoparticles can be adjusted by using cellulose nanoparticles with varying average particle sizes.
Conclusion
Optimized cellulose nanoparticles made from cellulose derived from paper waste have the potential to serve as cost-effective controlled-release fertilizer nanocarriers.
Graphical Abstract
To explore the effects of baseline HBsAg and end-of-treatment HBsAb levels on relapse after functional cure in chronic hepatitis B patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Han Lianxiu , Wang Zilong , Kang Luyang , Cui Xiaoling , Li Yi , Yin Huafa , Gao Yufeng , Li Jiabin
Published: December 2024

Background
Among the factors influencing relapse after clinical cure of chronic hepatitis B. There is no standardisation of baseline HBsAg levels and end-of-treatment HBsAb levels.
Methods
This multicenter, retrospective study enrolled 136 patients who achieved functional cure from June 2019 to December 2023,and a total of 48 weeks of follow-up was conducted after treatment cessation according to the guidelines of the CHB.Baseline characteristics of patients analyzed using univariates.Multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyse the different levels of HBsAg at baseline and HBsAb at the end of treatment in CHB recurrence. The working characteristic curve of the subject was constructed and observed by the column line graphical prediction model. Our data showed the cumulative recurrence rate using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Results
At baseline, the level of HBsAg was significantly greater in the group with recurrence than in the group without recurrence (P = 0.038). At EOT, HBsAb levels were lower in the relapsed group than in the nonrelapsed group (P = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a baseline serum HBsAg concentration ≥ 100 IU/mL was a risk factor for recurrence, and an EOT serum HBsAb concentration ≥ 500 mIU/mL was a protective factor for recurrence.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed relapse rates of 3.8% and 12.2% for HBsAg ≤ 100 IU/mL at baseline and HBsAb ≥ 500 mIU/mL at the end of treatment, respectively.
Conclusions
Functionally cured patients with CHB when baseline HBsAg ≤ 100 IU/mL and HBsAb ≥ 500 mIU/mL at the end of treatment have a low relapse rate.
Low-level Viremia Increases the Risk of Diabetes Mellitus in People with HIV in China: A 7-Year Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Tao Chunxing , Nong Aidan , Aung Minn Thit , Liao Longyu , Wei Liangjia , Huang Li , Huang Rongye , Huang Lijing , Wang Shuixia , Ye Li , Liang Hao , Ning Chuanyi , Gayed Salma , Bao Lijuan , Liang Bingyu , Huang Xiaohuan , Yao Yanbing
Published: December 2024

Background
It is unclear whether low-level viremia (LV) during antiretroviral therapy (ART), increase the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aims to assess the association between HIV viremia exposure during ART and DM using retrospective cohort data.
Methods
People with HIV (PWH) who started ART in 2003 or later were identified from the China’s National Free ART Program database. Participants on ART ≥ 6 months without DM at enrolment were included in this study. According to the two consecutive viral load (VL) measurements after 6 months of ART, participants categorized into three groups: viral suppression (VS), transient episode low-level viremia (Blips), and persistent low-level viremia (LLV). Blips and LLV collectively classified as LV group. We analyzed the incidence of DM depending on viremia exposure using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, baseline VL, CD4 count, ART initial regimen, and WHO HIV stage. Heterogeneous linear mixed models identified fast blood glucose (FBG) trajectory patterns during the follow-up.
Results
During 26,097 person-years of follow-up, we observed 1297 cases of DM in 8731 participants, with median follow-up: 2.4 years [IQR:1.2, 4.5]. Two distinct FBG trajectories, labeled as “Stable” and “Rapid increase”, were identified. The LLV group had a significantly higher proportion of FBG in “Rapid increase” trajectory (OR: 2.53, P < 0.001). Both the Blips (cHR: 1.40, P < 0.001) and LLV (cHR: 1.74, P < 0.001) groups increased the incidence of DM than VS group. After propensity score matching, the LV group showed a higher DM risk (HR: 1.27, P = 0.011). When restricted to the 35–49 age group, the risk of DM was even higher in both the LLV (cHR: 2.24, p = 0.006) and Blips (cHR: 1.43, p = 0.011) groups than the VS group.
Conclusions
Low-level viremia (LV) substantially increased the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly in middle-aged individuals. Monitoring VL and FBG is crucial to prevent the development of DM and to improve life expectancy among ART patients.
Prognostic Prediction of Long-term Survival in Patients with Type A Aortic Dissection Undergoing Surgical Repair: Development of a Novel Prognostic Index
Authors: Cai Hao , Shao Yue , Li Zheng-hao , Liu Xuan-yu , Zhao Xiao-zhao , Li Chang-ying , Ran Hao-yu , Zhou Rui-qin , Shi Hao-ming , Shuangling Sun , Duan Chang-zhu , Wu Qing-chen , Zhang Cheng
Published: December 2024

Background This study developed and investigated the prognostic significance of a comprehensive biomarker for postoperative type A aortic dissection (TAAD) patients.Methods A retrospective cohort of 175 TAAD patients who underwent open surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China,between September 2017 to December 2020, was included in the analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was employed to select indicators, thereby constructing a comprehensive biomarker, termed the comprehensive physiological response indicator (CPRI). The prognostic significance of the CPRI was assessed employing the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression model were applied to identify independent prognostic factors for TAAD. A prognostic nomogram was constructed based on the CPRI and other nine blood and clinical indicators. The predictive performance of prognostic models and individual indicators was evaluated by determining the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Results A comprehensive prognostic biomarker (CPRI) was developed, incorporating cardiac troponin T (cTnT), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). In the cohort of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) patients who underwent open surgery, those with lower preoperative CPRI values exhibited significantly poorer overall survival (OS), with a HR of 2.325 (95% CI: 1.126–4.802) in a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The CPRI was identified as an independent prognostic factor for TAAD patients. Additionally, a nomogram constructed based on the CPRI demonstrated superior predictive accuracy compared to other models, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.874 versus 0.592, 0.514, and 0.577 for the respective models.Conclusion Our study suggested that CPRI may be a useful comprehensive prognostic biomarker for predicting the long-term survival of TAAD patients. The nomogram based on CPRI can be considered a valuable tool to identify high risk TAAD patients with poor prognosis.
AKT1 as a therapeutic target for platinum-resistant SOX2positive ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Xue Mengyang , Kang Li , Zhang Yunfeng , Yuan Xixai , Li Jiwen , Zhang Rong , Wong Jiemin
Published: December 2024

Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy, largely owing to its chemotherapy resistance and high recurrence rate. Emerging evidence has linked aberrant SOX2 expression with chemoresistance and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms that drive aberrant SOX2 expression in ovarian cancer cells. By examining multiple ovarian cancer cell lines and a panel of clinical tumor samples, we observed a broad overexpression of SOX2 in ovarian cancer cell lines and tumors. To identify signaling pathway(s) that drives to SOX2 overexpression in ovarian cancer cells, we screened a set of small-molecule kinase inhibitors that target 30 major cellular kinases. Among the top hits identified are AKT inhibitors. We demonstrated that inhibition or knockdown of AKT1 can drastically downregulate SOX2 protein level, impairs the growth and stemness of SOX2-positive ovarian cancer cells, and markedly sensitize SOX2-positive ovarian cancer cells to platinum drugs. Mechanically, we found that AKT1 drives SOX2 overexpression primarily by enhancing its protein stability and does so by phosphorylating SOX2 at T116. Altogether, our study reveals an underlying mechanism that drives SOX2 overexpression in ovarian cancer and underscores pharmacological inhibition of AKT1 as a potential therapeutic strategy to sensitize SOX2-postive ovarian cancer to platinum drugs.
Applying A-PTV to RBC Suspension Flows
Authors: Sun Ang , Werner Till , Knüppel Finn , Wurm Frank-Hendrik , Torner Benjamin , Hussong Jeanette
Published: December 2024

In strongly confined flow geometries, red blood cells migrate normal to the flow direction, thereby altering the flow rheology of blood. Direct optical measurements can help to gain an improved understanding of these migration processes. In the present study we demonstrate, that Astigmatism Particle Tracking Velocimetry is a suitable 3D-Particle Tracking method that allows to directly measure both 3D concentration and velocity distributions of red blood cells in a flow.Red blood cells assume a non-spherical shape, therefore the influence of their orientation on the reconstruction of the out-of-plane particle position is evaluated through a ray tracing approach of synthetic, astigmatic images. While for noise-free images, the resulting absolute out-of-plane reconstruction error σz is small for different red blood cell orientations (σz = 0.98 μm), it triples for experimentally relevant signal-to-noise ratios (SNR = 1.2). Reconstruction errors are compared to those of spherical particles. Overall, both the red blood cell orientation and the increase in signal-to-noise ratio induce similar out-of-plane reconstruction error values.Experimental analyzes are also performed using both a red blood cell suspension system and a refractive index-matched suspension system of identical volume fraction (1.5 %). Comparing results from the red blood cell suspension flow with those of the particulate suspension under identical parameters for volume fraction, particle Reynolds number, and bulk Reynolds number, a similarity in lateral migration behavior is observed under the given conditions. The results indicate that the absolute out-of-plane reconstruction error in the red blood cell suspension system (σz = 4.50 μm) is approximately 1.5 times larger compared to the refractive index-matched system.
Prognostic impact of left ventricular myocardial work in patients undergoing surgery for primary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Nabeta Takeru , Peters Ferande , Wu Hoi W , Chua Aileen Paula , Palmen Meindert , Tomšič Anton , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bax Jeroen J , Bijl Pieter van der
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Echocardiography-based, left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) can assess LV function by incorporating LV afterload. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of LVMW indices in patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing mitral valve surgery.
Methods and Results: A total of 309 patients (mean age 63 ± 12 years, 68% male) with severe, primary MR who underwent surgery, were included. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and LVMW indices were assessed with commercially available ultrasound equipment before surgery. The mean LV global work index (LVGWI) was 1977 ± 537 mmHg% and 132 (43%) patients had impaired LVGWI (≤ 1900 mmHg%). During a median follow-up of 5.0 years (interquartile range, 2.5-8.9), 27 (8.7%) patients died after mitral valve surgery. Patients with impaired LVGWI or LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (≤ 20%) had lower survival rates compared to the group with preserved LVGWI (p <0.01) or LVGLS (p = 0.02). Furthermore, LVGWI ≤ 1900 mmHg% demonstrated incremental prognostic value over LV global longitudinal strain (p = 0.040) for all-cause mortality.
Conclusions: In patients with severe, primary MR who underwent surgery, impaired pre-operative LVGWI was associated with a higher mortality risk. In addition, impaired LVGWI had incremental prognostic value over LVGLS. LVMW therefore holds promise for predicting postoperative outcome.
Differential PML localization in tumor-associated macrophages reflects the inflammatory state and the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Vezzani Bianca , Missiroli Sonia , Pedriali Massimo , Querzoli Patrizia , Carcoforo Paolo , Lanza Giovanni , Gafà Roberta , Pinton Paolo , Giorgi Carlotta
Published: December 2024

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stands out as a particularly aggressive and metastatic subtype, defined by its absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It's important to note that outcomes for TNBC patients vary widely, suggesting this classification encompasses various cancers with different histological, genomic, and immunological profiles, leading to distinct prognoses. Our prior research revealed that the tumor microenvironment, especially the expression and localization of promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) within tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), can influence patient outcomes by affecting the inflammatory environment. The beneficial prognostic role of increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in TNBC is also well-established.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study composed of a total of 20 female patients affected by TNBCS, divided into two groups according to the observed outcome in a 10-year follow-up: 10 TNBC patients showing complete remission of the disease and 10 TNBC patients experiencing tumor recurrence and death within the follow-up. The collected histological tumor samples were stained to evaluate TILs and TAMs presence and PML expression.
Results
We found that PML expression in tumor cells is inversely related to the presence of TILs and is associated with worse patient outcomes. Furthermore, we discovered that patients with disease recurrence exhibited a higher number of TAMs with predominantly nuclear-localized PML, unlike what was observed in patients with complete disease recovery. This accumulation of PML in the nucleus reduces its presence at ER-mitochondria contact sites, thereby impairing its interaction with the NLRP3 inflammasome and leading to increased IL-1β secretion. This promotes a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment, as seen in patients with adverse outcomes.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that both PML expression in cancer cells and its localization in TAMs can serve as additional prognostic factors, alongside TIL abundance, indicating the potential of PML as a target for TNBC therapy.
Freshwater non-native species' population dynamics are synchronized with functionally similar natives
Authors: Rocha Barbbara , Rodrigues Amanda , Granzotti Rafaela
Published: December 2024

Invasive non-native fish species can profoundly disrupt ecosystems. In invasion ecology, using the functional similarity with native species to help predict demographic rates of non-native species and infer the ecological processes underlying it remains largely unexplored. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of 2,903 species pairs across 153 sampling sites in rivers distributed in different continents, we evaluated interspecific synchrony patterns among populations of native and non-native fish species (response variable) and explored their relationship with functional and phylogenetic dissimilarities using a linear mixed model. Our results indicate that non-native fish exhibit higher synchrony with native species that share similar ecological and morphological traits. This finding corroborates our hypothesis that co-occurring non-native and native species that are more functionally similar are more synchronized and highlights the importance of environmental filtering significantly shaping population dynamics between native communities and coexisting non-native species. Compensatory dynamics was not important explaining non-native species coexistence with native species. We highlight the potential of widespread non-native species in increasing synchronous patterns and consequently decreasing community stability. In addition, life history and phylogenetic distances could not predict the synchrony patterns observed. By elucidating which type of dissimilarities (ecological, life history, morphological, and phylogenetic) can predict synchrony and which ecological mechanisms facilitate the coexistence of native and non-native species, this research underscores the ecological implications of invasion dynamics in the long term and help to guide conservation efforts. Understanding these dynamics at the population level using temporal patterns is essential for preserving biodiversity in the face of ongoing environmental changes.
IoT Security: A Critical Evaluation and Improvement of ChatGPT-Generated Authentication Protocols Using Bilinear Pairing
Authors: Hsieh WenBin
Published: December 2024

Authentication in Internet of Things (IoT) is critical to protect devices, ensure data integrity, prevent unauthorized access, and protect against cyber threats in interconnected systems. It maintains trust and privacy in the IoT ecosystem. ChatGPT, which is a Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a powerful tool that can provide a variety of knowledge, including the principles and common practices involved in designing network protocols. In this paper, we use interactive interrogation to let ChatGPT design the authentication protocols required for IoT and explore the security of the resulting protocol. A fatal flaw was discovered in the protocol created by ChatGPT during the security analysis process. In addition, we examine the pros and cons of the generated protocol, provide considerations necessary to protect IoT communications, and further propose an identity-based, enhanced and scalable authentication protocol for IoT devices using bilinear pairing. We also compared the performance of the improved protocol with the original. Research results can be fed back to ChatGPT to improve its knowledge of designing protocols and the improved protocol is more secure, efficient and practical. Moreover, this paper proposes a future research motif aimed at stimulating researchers to enhance artificial intelligence by proposing counterarguments to suggested perspectives on artificial intelligence.