bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of thermocyclic treatment technology to increase wear resistance of gears
Authors: Berdiev D. M. , Yusupov A. A. , Abdullaev A. Kh. , Kamilova G. M.
Published: January 2023

The technology of thermocyclic treatment of fine‑module gears has been improved, which makes it possible to increase their wear resistance by 30–40 %. Gears were subjected to preliminary cyclic heating and subsequent impulse hardening. In all cases of hardening, a martensitic structure is formed, which provides high rigidity of the material. The sizes of martensitic plates depend on the heating temperature during quenching. During cyclic heat treatment up to a temperature of 450 °C, the sizes of austenite grains and martensite plates did not depend on temperature.
Assessment of environmental damage caused by the storage of aluminum recycling slags by enterprises with capacity up to 200 thousand aluminum alloys per year
Authors: Martseva S. V. , Kulinich I. L. , Panasyugin A. S.
Published: January 2023

Based on the empirical data, specific rates of ecological tax for the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, approved by the tax code of Belarus and thermodynamic calculations the approximate specific ratio of hydrolysis products and products of their thermal oxidation, formed by exposure to humid atmosphere on the aluminum slag was determined.The work shows that the damage from atmospheric pollution by an aluminum recycling plant with a capacity of 200 thousand tons can be from 0.66 to 52.7 million U.S. dollars, that is, depending on the territorial location of the pollution source for the same substance, the damage may be increased by up to 80 times.
Methodology for assessing the dustiness of the air environment of the working areas of foundries
Authors: Lazarenkov A. M. , Sadokha M. A. , Kot T. P. , Novik A. A.
Published: January 2023

The content of harmful substances in the air is an important parameter of the working conditions of foundry workers. Due to the peculiarities of the technology, there are many sources of intense dust emission in the foundry. The distribution of dust concentrations in the atmosphere of the workshops was determined from the equation of the dust balance in the workshop room. The possibility of obtaining by calculation an objective picture of the distribution of dust in various sections of foundries is shown. Data from various studies were used to determine the density and dust at various sites of foundries. The results of the theoretical calculations show that in foundries, dust capture is an effective means of reducing the dustiness of the air of working areas.
On the issue of the artistic casting production on an industrial scale
Authors: Emelyanov V. A. , Mikhailov O. V. , Martynov K. V. , Tkachenko S. S.
Published: January 2023

The article presents an analysis of the formation parameters of the microrelief of artistic casting. The direction for solving particular issues of improving the castings quality with high requirements for the accuracy of the surface relief is shown.
Determination of the reasons for the rupture of links in the product “round flat‑link chain” after mechanical tests for fatigue strength at the consumer
Authors: Kovaleva E. A. , Hodosovskaya N. A. , Guzova I. A.
Published: January 2023

The article describes the conducted research of the product “round flat‑link chain”, with the rupture of three links after heat treatment and mechanical tests at the consumer. The purpose of the research was to determine the cause of the destruction of the chain links. Visual inspection of the chain revealed breaks in three of the nine links. The rupture occurred in the area of factory branding. A metallographic study of two samples cut from a chain link with a break and a link without a break was carried out. During the study, a surface layer was found that was distinguishable from the main microstructure. The presence of the detected surface layer is due to surface hardening. The hardened area of the surface of the link with a break is almost two times smaller than in the link without a break. The amount of residual austenite is larger and larger in the link with the gap. As a result of the conducted studies, it was found that the destruction of the chain links occurred due to a violation of the heat treatment regime of the surface layer.
Study and development of methods for predicting the physical and mechanical properties of thin wire and metal cord
Authors: Eltsova E. S. , Bobarikin Yu. L. , Martyanov Yu. V.
Published: January 2023

Predicting the physical and mechanical properties of thin wire and metal cord will ensure an increase in the quality of latuned thin wire, a reduction in the number and time of technological pauses, and increase the manufacturability of metal cord twisting. Considering that the deformation manifests anisotropy of the properties of thin wire, the prediction of physical and mechanical properties and the degree of unevenness of deformation becomes an urgent task.

The paper studies that an increase in the drawing speed of a thin wire leads to the acquisition of a more uniform and fine‑grained structure. The dependences of the physico‑mechanical properties of thin latuned wire after the metal cord is twisted on the speed of fine drawing are developed. The effect of the deformation rate on the microhardness of a thin steel wire is investigated. It is determined that in order to increase the productivity of metal cord twisting, it is necessary to bring the dependence of the increase in hardness and equivalent stresses in metal cord wires to a linear form by changing the speed of the twisting at its individual stages. For practical use, the dependences of the mechanical properties of a thin wire of strength class HT on the drawing speed are derived.

During the analysis, the results were obtained, which are applicable in the design of new or modification of existing routes for drawing thin wire, as well as in the design of new metal cord structures.
«Green» technologies in metallurgical production – a dream or reality?
Authors: Rumiantseva G. A. , Nemenenok B. M. , Arabey A. V. , Tribushevskiy L. V.
Published: January 2023

The paper analyzes the existing technologies of metallurgical production with minimal harmful effects on the environment. Emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere can be eliminated using hydrogen as a reducing agent with iron oxide. The best results are realized when hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water, but such technologies require serious investments. More realistic in terms of creating “green” technologies in metallurgical production is to reduce the consumption of natural gas, capture waste gases of metallurgical production and use them to produce electricity and new types of products: methanol, synthetic alcohol, fertilizers and polymers. An integral part of “green” technologies is also the implementation of the NoWASTE concept, aimed at minimizing waste to be disposed of. Examples of non‑waste technologies for the processing of aluminum waste at OOO NPF Metallon are given.
Technology and equipment of roll straightening of sheet metal
Authors: Tamila V. A. , Vegera I. I. , Liaukovich V. V. , Vetoshkin A. V.
Published: January 2023

The features of the editing technology, possible defects of sheet metal and piece blanks of complex configuration are presented. The main schemes and designs of sheet‑straightening machines are considered, as well as the main directions of improvement of LSM designs and editing technologies are highlighted. The analysis of the process of roll straightening is presented taking into account the phenomena occurring in a metal undergoing alternating loading with decreasing amplitude (interaction of elastic and plastic deformation, Bauschinger effect, etc.). The parabolic dependence of the residual curvature on the yield strength is noted. The obtained data were used in the design of the roll straightening complex and the technology of straightening sheet blanks of complex configuration.
Cast composite materials: the state and prospects of obtaining
Authors: Kalinichenko U. A. , Andrushevich A. A.
Published: January 2023

The paper considers the theory and practice of obtaining cast composite materials, their classification and features of the formation of the structure during their synthesis. The results of obtaining parts of responsible purpose from cast composite materials are presented. It is shown that the formation of the transition zone occurs during the infiltration of the matrix melt, followed by its growth during exposure at the synthesis temperature.
Stamping of a complex profile part made of hard‑to‑form alloys
Authors: Tamila V. A. , Izobello A. Yu. , Kozyrev N. G. , Mantsivoda A. L
Published: January 2023

Using the example of the process of obtaining semi‑finished components of knee joint endoprostheses, the stages of obtaining a complex profile forging are demonstrated. A comparative analysis of obtaining the same product from different alloys is given. The methodology is given and the results of determining the energy‑power parameters of hot volumetric stamping of hard‑to‑form VT1–0 and Co‑Cr‑Mo alloys are presented. A typical scheme of the technological process of manufacturing forgings with an elongated axis and significant thickness differences characteristic of endoprostheses is determined.
Microfaunal Recording of Recent Environmental Changes in the Herschel Basin, Western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Falardeau Jade , de Vernal Anne , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Cronin Thomas M. , Gemery Laura , Chassiot Léo , Fritz Michael , Carnero-Bravo Vladislav , Hillaire-Marcel Claude , Archambault Philippe
Published: January 2023

Microfaunal assemblages of benthic foraminifera, ostracods, and tintinnids from two marine sediment cores retrieved from the Herschel Basin of the Canadian Beaufort Sea shelf document relationships with environmental parameters such as salinity, sea-ice cover, and turbulence. Cores YC18-HB-GC01 and PG2303-1 were collected at 18 and 32 m water depth, respectively. At these sites, sediment accumulation rates range between 0.6 and 1.7 cm yr–1 allowing a near-annual temporal resolution over the last 50 years. Multivariate analyses indicate that benthic foraminiferal assemblages respond primarily to food supply. Dissimilarities between the microfaunal assemblages of the two cores are mainly the result of bottom water salinity levels linked to water depth. High abundance of the benthic foraminiferal species Elphidium clavatum and occurrences of Elphidium bartletti point to varying, but relatively low, salinities at the shallow core site YC18-HB-GC01, which may be affected by variations in the summer halocline depth. Higher species diversity and more abundant Cassidulina reniforme and Stainforthia feylingi characterize the deeper core PG2303-1, which might reflect more stable conditions and higher bottom-water salinities throughout the studied time interval. The most important microfaunal shift of the last 50 years, observed in the shallower longer core YC18-HB-GC01, occurred at the turn of the 21st century. Prior to ∼2000 CE, the presence of Islandiella norcrossi indicates more stable and saline conditions. Since ∼2000 CE, increased abundances of Haynesina nivea and of the ciliate Tintinnopsis fimbriata suggest decreased salinity and increased turbidity. An increased abundance of Eoeponidella pulchella after ∼2000 CE suggests a concurrent increase in productivity in the last two decades. This shift is nearly synchronous with a decrease in mean summer sea-ice concentration, which can play an important role in bottom water stability on the shelf. Easterly winds can induce a reduction in the sea-ice cover, but also foster a westward spreading of the Mackenzie River plume and the upwelling of nutrient-rich Pacific waters onto the shelf. Both factors would explain the increased freshening and productivity of the Herschel Basin. The last two decades were also marked by a decrease in ostracod abundance that may relate to higher water turbidity. This study shows that combining information from benthic foraminifera, ostracods, and tintinnids provides a comprehensive insight into recent hydrographic/climatic changes in nearshore Arctic habitats, where productivity is critical for the food security of local communities.
Foraminifera Associated With Swirled Spartina Patens Beds on Perched Marshes Along the Rocky Coastline of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia
Authors: Wilson Brent , Hayek Lee-Ann C.
Published: January 2023

Perched marshes in Lunenburg County differ in exposure to prevailing waves (from most to least exposed: Crescent Beach, Blue Rocks, Feltzen South). We sampled the middle marsh, recording replicates’ dried masses. In picking stage 1 (PS1), the first 400 foraminifera, whether agglutinated or calcareous-walled, were picked and identified. From these data we calculated the Shannon Function H and compared the between-locale signals of benthic foraminifera using a relative-dominance index, ACW, for agglutinated and calcareous-walled foraminifera. Crescent Beach was a distinct locale with much medium-grained quartz sand and abundant allochthonous calcareous foraminifera (hence ACW < 1). The other sites’ ACWs ranged from ∼50–100. There was a significant negative ACW:residue mass correlation. In picking stage 2 (PS2), the remaining agglutinated foraminifera were picked. The Feltzen South perched marsh yielded only Miliammina fusca, perhaps reflecting high %N and %C. Meanwhile, Trochammina inflata was abundant at Crescent Beach and Blue Rocks.
Organic Matter and Generation Potential of Paleozoic Deposits in the Tal’bei Block of the Chernyshev Ridge (Timan–Pechora Petroleum Province)
Authors: Kotik O.S. , Kotik I.S. , Dan’shchikova I.I. , Sokolova L.V.
Published: January 2023

—The study area is located within the Chernyshev Ridge, a fold–thrust structure, which is a promising area for oil and gas exploration in the Timan–Pechora province. Petroleum source rocks of Paleozoic (from Upper Ordovician to lower Carboniferous) deposits stripped by the Vorgamusyurskaya-1 well in the Tal’bei block of the Chernyshev Ridge were studied by lithological, petrographic, organic-petrology, and organic-geochemistry methods. Most of the section is characterized by low values of Corg (<0.5%), genetic potential (S1 + S2 < 0.5 mg HC/g rock), and hydrogen index (HI < 100 mg HC/g Corg). Petroleum source rocks with elevated values of Corg (up to 0.9%), S1 + S2 (up to 2.1 mg HC/g rock), and HI (up to 277 mg HC/g Corg) were identified at different stratigraphic levels of the section: Upper Devonian (D3tm–sr), upper Silurian (S2gj), and Upper Ordovician (O3mt). The maceral composition of organic matter (OM) and the distribution of hydrocarbons in the saturated fraction of bitumens indicate that petroleum source rocks include only marine OM (type II kerogen). The degree of catagenesis of OM was estimated based on the bituminite reflectance (RVeq), Rock-Eval pyrolysis (Tmax), and conodont color alteration index (CAI). The available RVeq (0.63–0.84%), Tmax (430–443 °C), and CAI (1.5–2.0) data indicate that the entire Paleozoic well section is in the oil window (MC1–MC3). The new data refined the catagenetic zoning of the sedimentary section, according to which the OM reached the following gradations: MC1 in the lower Carboniferous and Famennian deposits, MC2 in the interval from the Frasnian to the upper part of the lower Silurian, and MC3 in the lower part of the lower Silurian and in the Upper Ordovician. The results of the study of petroleum source rocks and the type and maturity of OM will be the basis for basin modeling, which will increase the reliability of reconstructions of oil and gas formation at the Chernyshev Ridge.
Phase-Field Modeling of Spontaneous Imbibition in Tight Porous Media
Authors: Wang Daigang , Ma Yushan , Song Kaoping , Wei Chenji , Zhang Jing , Yu Tao , Song Yang
Published: January 2023

Tight oil reservoirs generally have no natural productivity due to the influence of micro/nano pore structure. The horizontal well volume fracturing technique is widely used to achieve effective development of this type of reservoirs. The remaining oil in matrix pores is mainly produced by spontaneous imbibition in the actual soaking and flowback process. Due to the great limitation of observation scale, the traditional experimental testing methods cannot accurately characterize the distribution and production of remaining oil at nano-scale in tight oil reservoirs, the microscopic mechanism of spontaneous imbibition has not been clearly explained.

In order to resolve those issues, a two-dimensional geometric model is firstly established based on the raw images of typical tight rock sample obtained by a highresolution CT imaging device. A novel pore-scale mathematical model of spontaneous imbibition in tight porous media is developed from the Navier-Stokes equations, which is numerically solved by using the phase-field method. Compared with the analytical results of the single-pipe imbibition model, the reliability of the proposed method was fully validated. Based on the analysis of the spontaneous imbibition microscopic dynamic phenomena, the influences of wettability, oil-water interfacial tension, oil-water viscosity ratio and micro-fracture morphology on the remaining oil in micro/nano pores and spontaneous imbibition recovery are further explored.

Results show that, the results obtained by the phase-field modeling of spontaneous imbibition are in good agreement with the analytical solution of the single-pipe imbibition model, and the front evolution process of oil-water interface during spontaneous imbibition is accurately described. The pore-scale dynamic events of oil droplets, snap-off, cross flow and coalescence are well characterized. The oil/water interfacial tension has little effect on spontaneous imbibition recovery, but significantly affects the imbibition time. The smaller the oil/water interfacial tension is, the longer the imbibition time is. Wettability and oil-water viscosity ratio can exert a significant effect on imbibition recovery. The existence of micro-fractures increases the imbibition contact area, improves the fluid flow capacity, and significantly improves the degree of remaining oil production and imbibition recovery.

A novel methodology to study two-phase fluid flow during spontaneous imbibition in tight porous media is proposed using the phase-field method in this work, which can provide a theoretical basis for understanding the underlying fluid flow dynamics during fracturing, soaking and flowback process of tight oil reservoirs.
Metformin Effects on Follistatin and Oxyntomodulin Levels and Its Relationship With Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome and Associated Comorbidities: Secondary Analysis of Randomized Double-blind Clinical Study.
Authors: Damasceno Rachel C , Oliveira Flávia R , Cândido Ana Lúcia , Gomes Karina B , Bizzi Mariana F , Azevedo Rosana C , Comim Fábio V , Reis Fernando M , Rocha Ana Luiza L
Published: January 2023

Background: An abnormal secretion of incretins, specially Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and oxyntomodulin (OXM), have been described in subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and PCOS. OXM has important actions in the metabolism including the ability to reduce food intake and improve insulin secretion reducing the liver fat accumulation. Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing hypoglycemic drug and is widely used in the treatment of PCOS. Whether treatment with metformin may affect circulating levels of OXM is not known and is the subject of this study.
Design: a secondary analysis, randomized double-blind clinical trial.
Methods: Forty-five patients with PCOS were recruited, divided into one group that received metformin (n=21) and one group who received placebo (n=24) to evaluate the levels of follistatin and oxyntomodulin before and after the use of metformin (1500mg/day). Blood levels of oxyntomodulin and follistatin were evaluated by ELISA tests.
Results: At the end of the study, 20 patients were evaluated, 5 (25%) from the group using metformin and 15 (75%) from the placebo group. There was no significant difference in the variation in follistatin and oxyntomodulin levels between the metformin and placebo groups. There was a significant difference in follistatin levels among participants with hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic phenotype. There was no significant difference in oxyntomodulin levels in the different phenotypes.
Conclusion: The use of metformin for 60 days did not alter follistatin and oxyntomodulin levels, and there was a significant difference between the follistatin values in hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic phenotypes.
Trial registration: Brazilian Registration Platform for Clinical Studies - REBEC -ID RBR-47tvky / Brazilian Health Ministry- ID 17127713.2.0000.5149.
Anti-atherosclerotic effects of naringenin and quercetin from Folium Artemisiae argyi by attenuating Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B)/ matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9): network pharmacology-based analysis and validation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Zhihui , Li Xinyi , Hua Yunqing , Fan Guanwei , He Feng
Published: January 2023

Effective components and related target genes of Folium Artemisiae argyi were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicines for Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The therapeutic targets of atherosclerosis were searched in the MalaCards and OMIM databases. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed in WebGestalt online and verified according to ClueGo and Pedia apps in Cytoscape. Then, the protein-protein interaction network was analyzed using the STRING database and constructed using Cytoscape. Differential expression of target genes was identified in GSE9128 and GSE71226 by GEO2R. And then, molecular docking was performed using the Molecular Operating Environment. Finally, we validated the protein expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/IL-1B /MMP9 by qRT-PCR and Western blot in Raw264.7 which was induced by LPS.
A total of 232 potential target genes and 8 ingredients of Folium Artemisiae argyi were identified. Quercetin, naringenin, and ethyl linoleate are potential candidate bioactive agents in treating atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), MMP9 and IL-1Β could be potential target genes. KEGG analysis demonstrated that the fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway play a crucial role in the anti-atherosclerosis effect of Folium Artemisiae argyi. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) validation demonstrated that VEGFA was downregulated, while MMP9 and IL-1B were upregulated in patients with atherosclerosis. Molecular docking suggested that only MMP9 had a good combination with quercetin. The cell experiment results suggested that naringenin and quercetin have strong anti-inflammation effects, and significantly inhibit the expression of MMP9.
Practical Applications
Artemisiae argyi is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been widely used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This research demonstrated the bioactive ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of Folium Artemisiae argyi in treating atherosclerosis. It also suggests a reliable approach in investigating the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in treating Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Recurrent Dislocations of Bipolar Components: A Rare Complication of Bipolar Femoral Head Replacement
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Yu Haiying , Zeng Yuyuan , Yang Zhen , You Yihang , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2023

Prosthesis dislocation is considered one of rare complications after artificial femoral head arthroplasty. We present a case of the complication related to small head dislocation from the cup. This was a 70-year-old female with acute cerebral infarction patient undergoing three operative treatments after the femoral neck fracture within a short perioperative period. The dislocation was not resolved until the last revision of partial prosthetic components. Prosthetic components dislocation is rarely reported, yet it may cause open reduction once happened in patients. Special attention should be warranted to the implants and the special patients as they might suffer from the recurrent dislocation and be amenable to surgical treatment.
Socioeconomic, demographic and environmental factors inform malaria intervention prioritization in urban Nigeria
Authors: Chiziba Chilochibi , Diallo Ousmane , Bertozzi-Villa Amelia , Weiss Dan , Mercer Laina , Gerardin Jaline , Ozodiegwu Ifeoma D.
Published: January 2023

Background
Nigeria is one of three countries projected to have the largest absolute increase in the size of its urban population and this could intensify malaria transmission in cities. Accelerated urban population growth is outpacing the availability of affordable housing and basic services and resulting in living conditions that foster vector breeding and heterogeneous malaria transmission. Understanding community determinants of malaria transmission in urban areas informs the targeting of interventions to populations at greatest risk.
Methods
In this study, we analyzed cluster-level data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) as well as geospatial covariates to describe malaria burden and its determinants in areas administratively defined as urban in Nigeria. Univariate and multivariable models were respectively used to identify potential intervention prioritization thresholds and likely casual impact of individual variables.
Results
Overall, we found low malaria test positivity across urban areas. We observed declines in test positivity rate over time and identified the percentage of individuals with post-primary education, the percentage of individuals in the rich wealth quintiles, the percentage of individuals living in improved housing in 2015, all age population density, median age, the percentage of children under the age of five that sought medical treatment for fever, total precipitation, and enhanced vegetation index as key community predictors of malaria transmission intensity.
Conclusions
The unrepresentativeness of the DHS and MIS in urban settings at the state and geopolitical zonal level, regional differences in malaria seasonality across Nigeria, and information detection bias were among likely factors that limited our ability to compare malaria burden across geographic space and ultimately drove model uncertainty. Nevertheless, study findings provide a starting point for informing decisions on intervention prioritization within urban spaces and underscore the need for improved regionally focused surveillance systems in Nigeria.
The association between iron deficiency at diagnosis, female sex and tissue transglutaminase antibody normalization in pediatric Celiac disease
Authors: Zifman Eyal , Schujovitzky Dana , Moskovitz-Hivert Yaara , Galai Tut
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common manifestations of Celiac disease (CD). We aimed to determine whether ID at CD diagnosis affects tissue transglutaminase antibody (TTG) normalization rate among pediatric CD patients adhering to gluten free diet (GFD).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study which enrolled CD subjects aged 2-18y, diagnosed between Jan 2016 and Dec 2020. Demographic and laboratory data were collected at diagnosis and 1y after adherence to GFD. ID was determined according to hemoglobin and ferritin levels. We compared CD subjects with and without ID at CD diagnosis in relation to TTG normalization at 1y.
Results: Our cohort included 118 pediatric CD subjects. At diagnosis 61 (51.7%) of CD subjects had ID, of whom 27 (44.3%) were female, compared to 46 (80.7%) females in the non-ID group (p<0.001). Median age at CD diagnosis was 5.7y (IQR 4-8.4, range 2-14) and 7.2y (IQR 4.7-10.8, range 0.9-16) and among those with and without ID, respectively (p=0.1). After 1y of adherence to GFD, TTG normalization was achieved in 38 (65.5%) and 28 (53.8%) in those with and without ID at CD diagnosis, respectively (p=0.21). However, TTG normalization was achieved in 38 (79.2%) of males compared to 42 (49.4%) of females (p=0.001).
Conclusions: ID at the time of diagnosis was not associated with lower rates of TTG normalization at 1y among pediatric CD patients adhering to GFD. However, TTG normalization at 1y was significantly more frequent among male subjects compared to females.
The multidimension teaching evaluation based on modified CBL: A continuous survey in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Pan Kejian , Yang Ping , Wang Lan , He Lang , Wei He , Peng Quekun
Published: January 2023

Background
At the stage of clinical undergraduate education, the effective implementation of basic medicine course is a critical part of ensuring clinical medical practice, and an important prerequisite for promoting the continuity of undergraduate medical education. Modern medical education has also been exploring the effective transition from basic medicine courses to clinical practice. However, despite various means, there is a lack of effective models and assessment methods. This study explores a modified CBL model (mCBL) in an attempt to bridge the transition from basic medical education to clinical practice.
Methods
In this study, we conducted a controlled study of two classes in clinical specialties, with the control group using traditional blended teaching and the experimental group using BT + mCBL (blended teaching and modified CBL-based teaching). A "three-dimensional progressive" teaching evaluation method was used to assess satisfaction with teaching at three different stages, to compare final and graduation test scores of students.
Results
Through the three stages of teaching satisfaction evaluation, we found that after the implementation of BT + mCBL method, the experimental class had higher satisfaction than the control group in the three dimensions of "knowledge acquisition, clinical thinking training and comprehensive quality" (P < 0.05). The performance of the experimental class in the final examination was also significantly higher than that of the control group. Compared with the control group, students in the experimental group came up with more and better constructive suggestions for improvement of the teaching model.
Conclusion
The integration of clinical medicine and biomedical cases in the basic medical curriculum can better bridge theory and practice, promote students' clinical thinking training, and provide students with assistance for future clinical career planning.
Design and implementation of the intelligent system for automatically monitoring waterbirds in Quanzhou Bar Wetland
Authors: Wang Dehui , Que Xiang , Liu Jinfu , Chen Ruohai , Li Yimin , Zhang Yingqian
Published: January 2023

The abundance and quantity of waterbird species are often used to evaluate the ecological status of wetlands because most waterbirds are sensitive to the environment. Traditional methods of detecting waterbirds are not only time-consuming but also inaccurate. Some investigations may even be at risk of the natural environment, E.g., bad weather or wild animal attacks. To address this issue, we designed an intelligent waterbird automatic identification system based on Model-View-Viewmodel (MVVM) framework which can support high effectively, safe and long-time monitoring the native wetland waterbirds. To implement the system, we trained a waterbird identification model (WIM) using the YOLOv5 algorithm and deployed it on a back-end for real-time detections, species identifications, and recording counts at different time intervals. It was integrated into a WebGIS-based application, which can be helpful for user to observe the spatial distributions of waterbirds of different species and analyzing their changing laws. We employed a PostgreSQL Database to manage geospatial data and designed the corresponding data access APIs. In addition, a tool for uploading and labeling images online was implemented for pre-training, retraining, and updating the WIM. In our current system, the image Database plays a vital role and it is designed to be auto-update, which means that once our users finished uploading a new image, the pretrained WIM on the back-end will be updated automatically. Although the system is still on its initial testing phase, some results show that it works well. The identifying rate and recall of native waterbird can reach 81.00% and 99.00%, respectively. The ongoing system is able to meet the basic requirements of detecting native wetland waterbird species and record the maximum number of observations of different species within a certain time interval specified by users. And it will provide more information about for managers to better understand the waterbirds and the wetland environment.
Renal ammonia dynamics and baseline plasma levels of key ammoniagenic substrates in healthy New Zealand White rabbits
Authors: Walsh Patrick A.
Published: January 2023

Because the kidney of the rabbit differs in so many ways to the kidney of other eutherian mammals, it was decided to quantify to what extent renal ammoniagenesis contributes to the maintenance of normal acid – base balance in healthy rabbits. Furthermore, by analysing the plasma concentrations of known renal ammoniagenic substrates, and comparing these values to those found in humans, it was hoped to identify if there were any possible species difference in regard to a preference for a specific substrate.
Blood was collected from eleven, fasted and untreated male New Zealand White rabbits. A plasma ammonia concentration of 77.2 ± 44.7 µmol / Litre (N = 11) was recorded, which is outside the normal human reference limit of 11 – 60 µmol / Litre for this analyte. 70% of the filtered plasma load of ammonia was reabsorbed by the rabbit kidneys, while 30% was excreted in the urine. No intrarenal ammoniagenesis was detected.
The assayed plasma levels of the renal ammoniagenic substrates, L-glutamine, L-glutamic acid, triglycerides, non – esterified fatty acids, and D-(—)-3-Hydroxybutyrate were all found to be within normal human limits.
In conclusion, the healthy rabbit, who is described zoologically as a folivore, does not generate renal ammonia to maintain its normal systemic and urinary acid – base balance. Furthermore, the plasma level of key renal ammoniagenic substrates in the rabbit were found to be no different to that which have been observed in humans.
Reliability of sealer penetration measurement methods and assessment of dentine penetrability after endodontic retreatment: A correlation study between confocal microscopy and micro-computed tomography.
Authors: Aldawood Sukainah , Omar Omar , Almohazey Dana , Atmeh Amre
Published: January 2023

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of sealer penetration measurement methods used with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in correlation with the percentage of residual root filling, and to examine the effect of residual root filling on dentine penetrability after endodontic retreatment.
Materials & Methods: Root canals of extracted teeth were prepared and obturated using different calcium silicate-based sealers (CSBSs): BioRoot-RCS, MTA-Fillapex, Bio-C, or epoxy resin-based sealer (ERBS) (AH-Plus) and single cone gutta-percha. After 8-week storage, the root filling material was removed, and canals were chemo-mechanically prepared again before obturation using warm vertical compaction and fluorescein labelled ERBS. Control teeth obturated using warm vertical compaction and labelled ERBS were not retreated. Sealer penetration was measured from images obtained by CLSM using 4 methods: maximum and average depth, penetration area, and penetration percentage. Using Spearman’s test, penetration measurements were correlated with the residual filling material obtained from micro-computed tomography.
Results: The highest correlation was with the penetration percentage method. Significant differences were found among sealers in the percentage of residual filling material and sealer penetration (p<0.05). The apical third was associated with significantly lower penetration and higher residual root filling compared with coronal (p=0.013) and middle (p=0.016) thirds, respectively. When compared with non-retreated teeth, the penetrability of dentine was not affected by the residual root filling material regardless to the sealer type (p=0.094).
Conclusions: Measuring sealer penetration into radicular dentine using the penetration percentage method was found to be the most reliable. Dentine penetrability during retreatment did not seem to be affected by the type of residual root filling material.
Clinical Significance: During non-surgical endodontic retreatment, dentine penetrability may not be affected by the residual root filling material after canal preparation regardless to the type of sealer used in the initial treatment.
Cardiorenal Outcomes of Treatment with Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Yu-Ting , Chen Jo-Hsin , Liao Shu-Fen , Chen Yu-Jen , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Yeh Jong-Shiuan
Published: January 2023

Background Life-long oral anticoagulation therapy with warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is the mainstay for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The DOACs might potentially have lower risk on decline in renal function than warfarin. The aim of this study was to examine the renal outcomes among rivaroxaban, edoxaban, dabigatran and warfarin.
Method Using a clinical database from a single-center, this cohort study identified 2203 adults with AF who started anticoagulation therapy between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2020. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was adopted to balance baseline characteristics among four groups. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiorenal outcomes, involving ≥ 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), renal failure, cardiovascular death, and renal death. Other renal outcomes of interest including ≥ 30% decline in eGFR, doubling of serum creatinine, the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal failure, were analyzed.
Result We studied 595 patients on warfarin, who were compared to 244, 1070 and 289 patients on dabigatran, rivaroxaban and edoxaban, respectively. After propensity score weighting, dabigatran was associated with significantly lower risk of ≥ 30% decline in eGFR (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.497 to 0.951; p = 0.0237), doubling of serum creatinine (HR:0.49; 95% CI: 0.259 to 0.927; p = 0.0282), and the composite of cardiorenal outcomes (HR:0.67; 95% CI: 0.485 – 0.913; p = 0.0115) compared with warfarin. Rivaroxaban and edoxaban did not show statistically significant protective effects on any renal outcomes, compared to warfarin.
Conclusion In this retrospective, single center study, patients treated with dabigatran had significantly reduced risk of decline in renal function and cardiorenal events, when compared to those treated with warfarin. In contrast, rivaroxaban and edoxaban were not associated with lower risk of AKI and renal failure when compared to warfarin.
Where and when to sample: Investigating spatio-temporal variation of community assemblages in kelp forest systems with eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: Rossouw Emma Isabelle , Landschoff Jannes , Ndhlovu Andrew , Neef Götz , Miya Masaki , Courtaillac Kira-Lee , Brokensha Rouane , Heyden Sophie von der
Published: January 2023

Environmental DNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool for monitoring marine biodiversity, yet several outstanding questions remain regarding the persistence of eDNA. In this study, we use fine-scale spatial (1 m, 8 m) and temporal sampling (every four hours for 24 hours), in combination with metabarcoding to test the effect of depth and time on community assemblages in a dynamic kelp forest ecosystem, specifically to enhance our understanding of sampling regimes. Using mtDNA COI and 12S rRNA, metabarcoding detected 880 OTUs representing 75 families in the broader eukaryotic community and 44 OTUs representing 24 fish families. Only a few OTUs (COI = 19, 12S = 11) could be assigned to species. No significant depth or time partitioning of OTU assemblages was found, likely reflecting high levels of eDNA transport, with community composition and OTU richness not significantly different across depth over the 24 hour sampling period. Together with incomplete barcoding reference databases, results indicate that understanding the fine-scale spatio-temporal dynamics of eDNA signatures is crucial for informing sampling strategies and interpreting the dynamics of aquatic communities. Finally, our study emphasizes how understudied South African kelp forest systems are, and the potential eDNA metabarcoding holds for documenting their high levels of biodiversity.
Association between dyslipidaemia and the risk of kidney stones in US adults
Authors: Yu Jianpeng , Qin Yingyi , Tu Boxiang , Liu Lulu , Xu Ying , Shi Yuxuan , Chen Wei , Guo Zhiyong
Published: January 2023

Background

Kidney stones are common, frequently occurring worldwide. Some studies have analysed the relationship between dyslipidaemia and kidney stone occurrence but produced inconsistent results due to shortcomings such as small sample sizes, sampling bias, and limited data acquisition. Therefore, correlation studies with sufficient data sources, wide coverage, and strong representation must be carried out.

Methods

Samples used in our study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2016 database. Patients were divided into kidney stone and non-kidney stone groups according to an NHANES standardized question: “Have you ever had kidney stones?” Data on serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and the TC/HDL-C ratio were gathered from the two groups. Weighted Mann‒Whitney U tests, weighted chi-square tests, and weighted univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the relationship between dyslipidaemia and kidney stone occurrence.

Results

In total, 10,753 participants were included. TG, TC/HDL-C, and the percentage of individuals with abnormal TG or HDL-C were significantly higher in the stone group than in the non-stone group, and HDL-C levels were significantly lower in the stone group than in the non-stone group. Univariate and multivariate weighted logistic regression analyses indicated that TG and HDL-C abnormalities and high TC/HDL-C levels might be related to increased kidney stone risk (all P for trend < 0.05). Subgroup analyses after stratifying the overall data by age group, sex, and BMI showed that the effects of TG abnormality and TC/HDL-C level on kidney stone risk varied by age group and BMI, while the effect of HDL-C abnormality on the risk of kidney stones only varied by age group.

Conclusion

TG, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C are related to a history of kidney stones in US adults. Dyslipidaemia may increase kidney stone prevalence. Further prospective and mechanistic studies are needed to verify the causal roles and pathogenesis.
MicroRNA-148a and -152 counteract RIPK1-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis to promote cancer cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Li Jingjing , Ji Yuting , Zhao Cong , Du Yayun , Dou Xiaoyan , Wang Xinhui , Zhang Haoran , Xu Xiangping , Du Shujing , Lu Haohao , Yang Tao , Zhang Wei , Yang Chengkui , He Sudan , Yu Xiaoliang
Published: January 2023

Evasion of cell death is a hallmark of cancer cells. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is a common mediator in cancer cell death signaling pathways of apoptosis and necroptosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that are involved in various biological processes such as cell proliferation and death by regulating target genes. Here, we identified miR-148a and miR-152 as suppressors of TNF-induced apoptosis based on the screening of apoptosis-regulating miRNAs. Elevated expression of miR-148a or miR-152 blocks cellular activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 in multiple cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-148a or miR-152 inhibits TNF-induced necroptosis as well as cellular activation of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL. We found that both miR-148a and miR-152 downregulate the expression of RIPK1, an essential regulator of both TNF-induced apoptosis and necroptosis. MiR-148a and miR-152 directly target the 3’UTR of RIPK1 to inhibit RIPK1 expression. Importantly, miR-148a or miR-152 overexpression promotes colony formation in multiple types of cancer cells. Of note, Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis reveals that gastric carcinoma patients with high miR-152 expression are associated with lower overall survival. Overexpression of miR-148a or miR-152 significantly counteracts the chemotherapy drug cisplatin-induced RIPK1-mediated cell death and promotes gastric cancer cell survival and proliferation. These findings demonstrate the miR-148a and miR-152 as a class of oncogenic miRNAs capable of evading apoptosis and necroptosis via the suppression of RIPK1. Our study also suggests the miR-148a and miR-152 as a potential anti-cancer target for overcoming cell death resistance to chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin.
Chickpea seed mass influences agronomical performance: a case for seed heteromorphism?
Authors: Villalobos-Olivera Ariel , Campbell Roberto , Martínez-Montero Marcos Edel , Gómez Daviel , Acosta Yanier , Zevallos-Bravo Byron E. , Hajari Elliosha , Lorenzo José Carlos
Published: January 2023

Cicer arietinum L. is a major food legume across the globe. However, the yield of legume crops appears to have reached a plateau in developing countries where yield is often impacted by poor crop establishment. Therefore, seed physiological characteristics (specific to the cultivars/landraces adapted to various regions of the world) and their impacts on plantlet establishment and performance should be investigated. This study determined the effect of seed size on germination, plant development and agronomic performance in Cuba. Biochemical parameters were also evaluated for up to 21 d of growth. The results showed that seeds of the largest mass (89 ± 3 mg, group 3) showed more rapid germination, emergence and plant growth than the other tested mass categories. This trend was sustained until plant maturity where group 3 seeds also generated the highest yields. Differences were also noted in the antioxidant profiles in developing plants with the highest levels of SOD and PER found in plants generated from seeds with the smallest mass (55 ± 3 mg per seed, group 1). The above findings raise the questions as to whether seeds of chickpea display heteromorphic behavior, however, further studies are required.