bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Intra Abdominal Hydatid Cyst
Authors:   Assistant professor,Department of General Surgery, M. P. Shah Govt. Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008, India., Shah Franal H , Bagatharia Jay N ,   3rd Year Resident, Department of General Surgery, M. P. Shah Govt. Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008, India., Shukla Nidhi D ,   3rd Year Resident, Department of General Surgery, M. P. Shah Govt. Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis) is a zoonotic infection caused by larval form of tapeworm Echinococcus Granulosus. Echinococcus infestation has been known for many centuries. Most common sites for cysts are lung and hepatic hydatidosis. They have a diverse clinical spectrum from being asymptomatic to symptoms arising due to involvement of surrounding structures or dissemination or secondary infection. Disease is endemic in Mediterranean basin, Central Asia, Africa and South America. In India, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu predominate with incidence of hydatid disease. Hydatid disease is common in Saurashtra region due to cattle rearing and farming as occupation. It is commonly seen in the lower socioecomic strata due to poor personal hygiene and sanitation. In India the highest prevalence is reported in Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Jammu Kashmir. Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by echinococcus granulosus (larval stage). echinococcus granulosus and echinococcus multiformis are the two main species causing hydatid disease. Animals are the Definitive host and intermediate hosts. Humans are accidental intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, presentation patterns, type of surgical management and outcome of patient operated on for intra abdominal hydatid cyst. Materials and Methods: All the patients suffering from hydatid disease who were admitted in our hospital from May 2019 to June 2020 were included in this study. All the patients underwent thorough clinical examination with detailed history and investigation as per protocol. All patients were followed for 3 months. Inclusion Criteria: Documented intraabdominal hydatid disease. Conclusion: Hydatid disease is common in Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat & other states of India. Patients mostly present at the age group of 20-40 years. Sex distribution is equal. Occupation like agriculturist, residing in rural areas and low socioecomomic status are considered to be risk factor for hydatid disease. Most commonly involved organ was liver followed by peritoneal involvement followed by spleen. Most common lobe involved was right lobe. Gharbi type 2 cysts are common. Most common treatment modality is surgical with medical management only reserved for small cysts. Decompression of cyst with deroofing and omentoplasty/ capitonnage was the commonest procedure adopted to deal with hydatid disease.
To Study the Efficacy of Placental Extract Gel in Chronic Non Healing Foot Ulcer
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 515001, Lokesh K , Mahesh C Hemanth ,   Senior Resident, Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Anathapur, Andhra Pradesh 515001, India.
Published: January 2024

Wound healing is a complex and regulated process that is critical in maintaining the skin barrier function. The numerous disease processes can affect the events involved in wound healing, resulting in chronic, non-healing wounds. These would subject them to significant discomfort and distress and drain the medical system resources enormously. A chronic wound can be defined as that does not heal in an orderly set of stages and in a predictable amount of time or within three months. They remain in the inflammatory phase for too longand never heal or may take years.3,4 Chronic leg and foot ulcers occur in many adults with diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, arterial disease, prolonged pressure, or neuropathy.5 Chronic ulcers may last for 12 to 13 months and even recur in 60-70% of cases. They cause loss of function and decreased quality of life and significant morbidity.6,7 These chronic ulcers are predominantly seen in elderly, becoming more prevalent and more difficult to treat and are associated with high treatment costs. So wound care has become essential in these ulcers, and surgical debridement and dressings are the corners stones. Many wound dressings like gauge, films, hydrocolloids, gels, foams etc. were developed to both protect the healing wound from infection and to promote the healing process.1 Placental extract gel is a rich source of various peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, PDRNs and carbohydrates, which are believed to support the healing process.9 Application of placental extract preparation increases collagen synthesis, increases tissue protein, accelerates neoangiogenesis, and epithelialization.10 It has an immunotropic effect and causes the release of Epidermal growth factor, Fibroblast growth factor at the tissue level. It also reduces surrounding tissue inflammation and oedema and reduces microbial burden.11 Its application accelerates healing because of amino acids, nucleotide and vitamins that improve healing.
Study of Prevalence of H Pylori Infection in Dyspeptic Patients
Authors:   Assistant professor, Department of General Surgery, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka 571448, India., Basavaraju Sachin Murukanahalli , Khan Mohammed Arshad Ali ,   Senior resident, Department of General Surgery, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka 571448, India., ... Shantala ,   Junior Resident, Department of General Surgery, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka 571448, India., M Abhighna ,   Junior Resident, Department of General Surgery, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka 571448, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection occurs worldwide, affecting more than half of the world population. The clear aetiology of dyspeptic symptoms is still unclear but helicobacter infection is main contributing factor for it we investigated Helicobacter pylori prevalence in dyspepsia. Methods: 100 cases of dyspepsia attended Adichunchanagiri hospital and research center, studied over a period of 18 months (January 2020 to June 2021), were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, during which 4 biopsies, two each from the antrum and the pathological areas were taken. Two biopsy specimens, one of the antral area and the other of the pathological finding were immediately inoculated into freshly prepared urea broth containing phenol red as the indicator. Positive test for Helicobacter pylori was indicated by change in colour of the medium from yellow to pink or red. The other two biopsy specimens were sent for routine histopathology. The case was taken as Helicobacter pylori positive when the rapid urease test and/or histopathological examination were positive. Results: Out of 100 dyspeptic patients who were included in the study, there were 65 male patients and 35 female patients. In which 71 patients were found to have been infected with Helicobacter pylori (71%). Conclusion: In this study, we found that in Dyspepsia the Helicobacter pylori was consistently associated and its well proved with various studies done in past and present. Thus we conclude Helicobacter pylori infection definitely have role in the aetiopathogenesis of dyspepsia. Keywords: Giemsa; Helicobacter Pylori; Peptic ulcer disease; Urease; Ulcerative dyspepsia.
Varied Presentation of Carcinoma Penis in our Institute in the Last Two Years: A Clinical Study
Authors:   Associate Professor, Dept. of Surgery, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India., Kshirsagar Vinayak , Khadilkar Reina Madhav ,   Associate Professor, Dept. of Surgery, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India., Khadilkar Siddharth ,   Intern, Dept. of Surgery, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India., Chavan Shahaji ,   Professor & Head, Dept. of Surgery, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India.
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To study varied presentation and managing penile carcinoma in a medical college and teaching hospital. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was carried out in teaching hospital from the period of Jan2015 till Dec 2017. Five patients of carcinoma penis were found. The varied presentation, clinical feature and management of penile carcinoma cases was studied with follow up. Result: A total of five patients studied over a period of two years. All the patients of penile carcinoma were in 6thand 7thdecade. On clinical examination one patient had lesion over prepucial skin, two had on glans, one lesion on the shaft penis and one had on the inguinal region. All cases were squamous cell carcinoma except one which was primary mucinous adenocarcinoma. All patients underwent surgical treatment and follow up. Conclusions: Carcinoma of penis is rare disease. Clinical suspicion of malignancy, good clinical and histopathological examination with patient education will be the key to detect early, treat effectively and prevent morbidity.
Corset Liver: A Rare Acquired Morphological Variation
Authors:   Associate Professor of Anatomical Sciences, Medical University of the Americas, St Kitts and Nevis, WI., Arumugam Sangeetha , Subbiah Nandha Kumar ,   Associate Professor of Anatomical Sciences, Medical University of the Americas, St Kitts and Nevis, WI.
Published: January 2024

Morphological variations of liver are considered to be rare. Presence of such variations can have a clinical presentation involving the liver or the adjacent viscera. Accessory fissures and grooves of the liver can be either congenital or acquired. We present a case of Corset liver, a rare acquired malformation with transverse fissures and multiple grooves. Such variations should be kept in mind by surgeons and radiologists when evaluating patients of Hepaticpathology.
Optimización del proceso de facturación para mejorar la gestión administrativa en la empresa "Corporación de diseños Love Boo E.I.R.L.", Lima metropolitana, 2016
Authors:   , Ciccia Fuentes Luiggi Agustin
Published: January 2024

Las empresas en la actualidad buscan perennemente adaptarse a las versátiles situaciones del mercado. Satisfacer los requerimientos de los consumidores y seguir siendo competitivos, se mejoran los procesos con herramientas de análisis de negocio, con el enfoque de Tecnologías de la Información (TI), centrada en automatizar dichos procedimientos, el propósito de este estudio fue “Realizar la propuesta de optimización del proceso de facturación que mejorará la gestión administrativa en la empresa Corporación de diseños Love BOO E.I.R.L.”, Lima Metropolitana, 2016” para ello se desarrolló éste estudio de tipo descriptivo no experimental con 5 colaboradores como unidad de análisis (vendedoras, recepcionista y dueño de la empresa) que interactúan directamente con el proceso de ventas, como resultado de dicha investigación se propuso la metodología BPM usando las dimensiones de herramientas tecnológicas y procedimientos tributarios se propuso el software iGrafx que modeló los procesos del área de ventas y se propuso las mejoras, la otra dimensión que es costos de implementación se obtuvo un retorno de inversión del 8%. Como conclusión se logró la optimización principalmente en el proceso de facturación mediante la metodología BPM con ayuda de la herramienta BPA.
Isolation of viable Plasmodium falciparum merozoites
Authors: Boyle Michelle , Wilson Danny , Beeson James
Published: January 2024

P. falciparum merozoites are the parasite form that infected red blood cells during blood-stage infection and replication. This method can be used to isolate P. falciparum merozoites that remain structurally intact and retain their invasive capacity. Merozoites can then be used in erythrocyte invasion assays, invasion inhibition assays, approaches to image merozoite invasion events by microscopy, evaluating immune responses to merozoites, and other applications.
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay with natural killer cells in malaria immunity
Authors: Feng Goaqian , Beeson James
Published: January 2024

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by natural killer (NK) cells describes the release of cytotoxic granules against a pathogen or infected cells. This can be mediated by antibodies opsonising a pathogen or infected cell and interacting with the cell surface receptor CD16 (FcγRIIIa) on NK cells. Studies suggest that NK ADCC activity plays a role in acquired and vaccine-induced immunity to malaria. This protocol measures ADCC using CD107 as a marker for cytotoxic granule release following incubation with antigen-coated beads or malaria parasites. Briefly, antigen-coated beads or malaria parasites are opsonised by antigen-specific antibodies and incubated with PBMCs and a fluorescently tagged anti-CD107 antibody. Interactions between the Fc-region of antibodies bound in immune complexes and CD16 expressed by NK cells promotes ADCC results in activation of NK cells with granule release and surface expression of CD107. The level of ADCC is assessed by measuring CD107 expression on NK cells (defined as CD3-CD56+ lymphocytes) with flow cytometry.
Validity and reliability of a flavonoid-focused food frequency questionnaire for Chinese adults
Authors: Cheng Yu , Zhang Wanyi , Zeng Jing , Meng Chengji , Chao Hong , Liu Jinghua , Dong Zheng , Liu Jicheng
Published: January 2024

Background: In recent years, an increasing amount of evidence from nutritional epidemiological studies has revealed an association between flavonoid intake and noncommunicable diseases. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is the most cost-effective method of assessing the dietaryflavonoidintake of both groups and individuals. However, only a few studies in China have developed tailored FFQs to describe dietary flavonoid intake. Therefore, this study aims to develop a flavonoid-focused FFQ for Chinese adults and to assess its relative validity and reproducibility.
Method: We assessed the intake of representativefoods of the Chinese diet using the flavonoid-focused FFQ, which includes 12 food categories and 147 items. We invited 100 healthy adults to complete the flavonoid-focused FFQ twice (at a one-month interval) to assess the reproducibility of the tool. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, we asked 85 adults to complete the flavonoid-focused FFQ once and to complete three 24-hour dietary recall (24HDR) questionnaires for one week.
Results: The reproducibility assessment showed that except for pelargonidin, there were no significant differences in flavonoid intakes between the two FFQ administrations. The Spearman correlation coefficients for nutrients, flavonoid subclasses, and their primary compounds ranged from 0.501 to 0.910, indicating excellent/moderate correlations. The energy-adjusted correlations were within the recommended range for all items. The ICCs ranged from 0.780 to 0.953, and the mean kappa coefficient (Kw) was 0.539. Validity assessment showed that 8 of 19 primary flavonoid compounds had higher intake levels on the FFQ than on the 24HDR. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that almost all flavonoid subclasses and primary flavonoid compounds had excellent/moderate correlation coefficients, with the exception of delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, and apigenin. The energy-adjusted intakes showed slightly stronger agreement between the two tools, but this difference did not change the conclusions. The level of agreement (the same tertile) between the flavonoid-focused FFQ and the 24HDR ranged from 41.18% (pelargonidin and apigenin) to 77.65% (total flavonoids). Kw displayed substantial/moderate concordance of nutrients and flavonoid subclass intake and a fair to moderate concordance in almost all primary flavonoid compounds. Only malvidin, pelargonidin, and apigenin had weak concordance.
Conclusion: The flavonoid-focused FFQ developed herein exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity for assessing the intake of most flavonoid subclasses and their primary compounds among Chinese adults. It can be used as a tool to investigate the relationship of flavonoid intake with health- and disease-related outcomes.
Migration of continental arcs dictates Earth's long-term climate state
Authors: Zhang zhaochong , Zhu Jiang , Gernon Thomas , Deng Yinan
Published: January 2024

Earth has experienced multiple shifts between icehouse and greenhouse climate states over multimillion-year time scales, yet the dominant geological processes controlling these shifts remain uncertain. Continental arcs have been proposed to play a dual role in the global carbon cycle via volcanic and metamorphic degassing, as well as the chemical weathering of silicate rocks. Here we reconstructed the paleogeographic extent of active and extinct continental arcs to evaluate the global net degassing and weatherability over geological time. Our results show that prolonged glacial intervals are associated with shorter active continental arcs at mid-high latitudes and longer extinct continental arcs at low latitudes. Conversely, short-lived glacial intervals coincide with longer active continental arcs at mid-high latitudes and extinct continental arcs at low latitudes, or a reduction in the length of active continental arcs at mid-high latitudes combined with a moderate length of extinct continental arcs at low latitudes. We also observe that the length of active or extinct continental arcs at low latitudes increases during long-lived greenhouse intervals, potentially preventing a runaway greenhouse effect through increasing global weatherability. Our findings suggest that the importance of the development of continental arcs along latitudinal migration controlling Earth's climate state.
Benchmarking Machine Learning Methods for Synthetic Lethality Prediction in Cancer
Authors: Zheng Jie , Feng YiMiao , Long Yahui , Wang He , Ouyang Yang , Li Quan , Wu Min
Published: January 2024

Synthetic lethality (SL) is a type of genetic interaction that occurs when defects in two genes cause cell death, while a defect in a single gene does not. Targeting an SL partner of a gene mutated in cancer can selectively kill tumor cells. Traditional wet-lab experiments for SL screening are resource-intensive. Hence, many computational methods have been developed for virtual screening of SL gene pairs. This study benchmarks recent machine learning methods for SL prediction, including three matrix factorization and eight deep learning models. We scrutinize model performance using various data splitting scenarios, negative sample ratios, and negative sampling methods on both classification and ranking tasks to assess the models’ generalizability and robustness. Our benchmark analyzed performance differences among the models and emphasized the importance of data and real-world scenarios. Finally, we suggest future directions to improve machine learning methods for SL discovery in terms of predictive power and interpretability.
Molecular signatures of astrocytes and microglia maladaptive responses to acute stress are rescued by a single administration of ketamine in a rodent model of PTSD
Authors: Scuderi Caterina , Valenza Marta , Facchinetti Roberta , Torazza Carola , Ciarla Claudia , Bronzuoli Maria , Balbi Matilde , Bonanno Giambattista , Popoli Maurizio , Steardo Luca , Milanese Marco , Musazzi Laura , Bonifacino Tiziana
Published: January 2024

Stress affects the brain and alters its neuroarchitecture and function; these changes can be severe and lead to psychiatric disorders. Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes and microglia play an essential role in the stress response by contributing to the maintenance of cerebral homeostasis. These cells respond rapidly to all stimuli reaching the brain, including stressors. Using a recently validated rodent model of post-traumatic stress disorder that allows rats to be classified as resilient or vulnerable after acute inescapable footshock stress, we here examined the functional, molecular, and morphological determinants of stress resilience and vulnerability in the prefrontal cortex, focusing on both glial and neuronal cells. In addition, we studied the effects of a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant recently approved for use in treatment-resistant depression and proposed for other stress-related psychiatric disorders. The present results suggest a prompt glial cell response and activation of the NF-κB pathway after acute stress, with an increase in specific cytokines such as IL-18 and TNF-α. This response persists in vulnerable individuals and is associated with a significant change in the levels of critical glial proteins such as S100B, CD11b, and CX43, brain trophic factors such as BDNF and FGF2, and proteins related to dendritic arborization and synaptic architecture such as MAP2 and PSD95. Administration of ketamine 24 h after the acute stress event rescued many changes observed in vulnerable rats, possibly contributing to support brain homeostasis. Overall, our results suggest that glial reactivity, changes in brain trophic factors, and neuronal damage are critical determinants of vulnerability to acute traumatic stress and confirm the therapeutic effect of acute ketamine against the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
An Organic “Proton Cage” that is Ultra-Resistant to Hydroxide-Promoted Degradation
Authors: Holdcroft Steven , Radford Chase , Saatkamp Torben , Bennet Andrew
Published: January 2024

We report 1,6-diazabicyclo[4.4.4]tetradecan-1,6-ium (in-DBD), a cationic “proton cage”, that is orders of magnitude more resistant to hydroxide-promoted degradation than state-of-the-art organic cations under ultra-dry conditions and elevated temperature, and the first organic cation-hydroxide to persist at critically low hydration levels (<10% RH at 80 °C). This unprecedented stability against hydroxide-promoted degradation is due to the unique combination of endohedral protection and intra-bridgehead hydrogen bonding that prevents the removal of the inter-cavity proton and lowers the susceptibility to Hofmann elimination. We anticipate this discovery will facilitate a step-change in the advancement of materials and electrochemical devices utilizing anion-exchange membranes based on in-DBD that will enable stable operation under extreme alkaline conditions.
Accurate Fine-Grained Segmentation of Human Anatomy in Radiographs via Volumetric Pseudo-Labeling
Authors: Seibold Constantin , Jaus Alexander , Fink Matthias , Kim Moon , Reiß Simon , Herrmann Ken , Kleesiek Jens , Stiefelhagen Rainer
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Interpreting chest radiographs (CXR) remains challenging due to the ambiguity of overlapping structures such as the lungs, heart, and bones. To address this issue, we propose a novel method for extracting fine-grained anatom- ical structures in CXR using pseudo-labeling of three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scans.
Methods: We created a large-scale dataset of 10,021 thoracic CTs with 157 labels and applied an ensemble of 3D anatomy segmentation models to extract anatomical pseudo-labels. These labels were projected onto a two-dimensional plane, similar to the CXR, allowing the training of detailed semantic segmentation models for CXR without any manual annotation effort.
Results: Our resulting segmentation models demonstrated remarkable performance on CXR, with a high average model-annotator agreement between two radiologists with mIoU scores of 0.93 and 0.85 for frontal and lateral anatomy, while inter-annotator agreement remained at 0.95 and 0.83 mIoU. Our anatom- ical segmentations allowed for the accurate extraction of relevant explainable medical features such as the cardio-thoracic-ratio.
Conclusion: Our method of volumetric pseudo-labeling paired with CT projection offers a promising approach for detailed anatomical segmentation of CXR with a high agreement with human annotators. This technique may have important clinical implications, particularly in the analysis of various thoracic pathologies.
Image Captioning by Using Bidirectional LSTM Neural Network
Authors: Hoseini Farnaz , Notash Anaram Yaghoobi
Published: January 2024

Putting captions on images is an important phase in image processing and machine vision which divides an image into different regions. In the related captioning operation, similar attributes are extracted from each region and a single caption is opted for the title of the input for the relevant image. In the developed world, due to the considerable volume of images that have been available on the Internet, it is complicated to choose a suitable method for captioning images automatically and determining concepts correctly. In this study, a method based on a Bidirectional LSTM neural network with 14 layers is used for automatic captioning. The dataset is trained on ImageNet by MobileNet architecture. Due to the high volume of the data set consequently with the huge calculations that are required for captioning, MobileNet architecture has been applied to decrease the computational load and to boost the performance of the proposed method. in this study, the data set is flickr8k with a volume of data of more than 1.04 GB which was selected as one of the challenging data sets for captioning images through the Kaggle site. The proposed method is implemented with Python language by artificial intelligence package TensorFlow and Cross on Google Colab. The proposed Bidirectional LSTM neural network has been compared with five other models based on the LSTM neural network. So, the results of these comparisons have been evaluated for Precision, Accuracy, Recall, F score, and Loss Function. According to the hardware's limitations and the huge volume of calculations, the proposed model was able to show convincing performance compared to other models. The obtained results with an accuracy of 75.90% indicate the improvement of the accuracy as well as the reduction of the cost in the captioning process for the proposed model.
Activated Factor X delivered by Adeno-Associated virus significantly inhibited bleeding and alleviated hemophilia A/B arthropathy in hemophilia mice
Authors: Wu Xia , Zhang Feixu , Zhou Xinyue , Hua Baolai , He Xinyi , Li Zhanao , Xiao Xiao
Published: January 2024

In hemophilia, deficient factor VIII or IX in hemophilia prevents activation of the common coagulation pathway, inhibiting conversion of FX to activated FXa required for thrombin generation. We hypothesized that delivering FXa could activate the common pathway and restore coagulation in hemophilia patients. In this study, we tried to deliver FXa by adeno-associated virus (AAV) for treating hemophilia and hemophilic arthropathy. The cassettes that expressed FXa, FXa (FXaop) and FXa-FVII was constructed and were packaged into an engineered AAV capsid, AAV843. Delivered AAVs into hemophilia A and B mice by intravenous injection. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy by tail clip bleeding assay and D-Dimer test. Further, FXa was transduced into hemophilia A mice with FVIII inhibitor or hemophilic arthropathy for evaluating its efficacy. AAV-FXa could stably express in vivo, and AAV-FXaop showed the best immediate and prolonged hemostatic effects that was similar to the positive drug groups (Xyntha and Benefix). Compared to other two AAVs, AAV-FXaop could significantly inhibit bleeding of hemophilia A mice with inhibitor. In addition, long-term expression of FXa in vivo significantly alleviated the occurrence of hemophilia arthropathy. AAV-delivered FXa may be a novel target to treating hemophilia A/B and hemophilia arthropathy.
Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) outcome in Middle Eastern patients with non-obstructive azoospermia: A Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alquobaili Manal , Hamsho Shahd , Alhalabi Marwan
Published: January 2024

Background: Infertility is an important health problem, affecting couples worldwide. Non -obstructive azoospermia is the most severe form of azoospermia, which is almost idiopathic or caused by different causes such as chemotherapy and genetic disorders. Testicular Fine needle aspiration (or Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA)) is a simple, cost-effective and less invasive than testicular sperm extraction.
Materials and Methods: 320 Middle Eastern patients with NOA were recruited in this study. The patients underwent routine infertility assessment including medical, surgical and reproductive history, physical examination, semen analysis and hormonal profile including FSH, Testosterone and inhibin B in addition to Genetic assessment including karyotype and Y-chromosome micro-deletion
Results: Testicular sperm aspiration was positive in 70 patients (22.18%). Serum FSH levels were clearly elevated in the patients with negative sperm retrieval (mean = 20.6IU/L), while they were reduced in the positive result (mean = 15.2IU/L). Testosterone value did not clearly affect the results of Testicular sperm aspiration in the two groups of patients, and testicular volume was normal for most of the patients in the two groups. Patients with Y-chromosome micro-deletion represented 11.22% and they had negative TESA result, while 13.12% of patients had Klinefelter Syndrome and their TESA results were negative.
Conclusion: we confirmed that there are many factors negatively affect Testicular sperm aspiration results: high FSH and low inhibin B levels, smoking and genetic disorders .Despite the absence of sperms in the semen, some NOA patients have a chance to have children by using this technique.
Coffee Leaf Plant Disease Identification through Image Processing and Machine-Learning Techniques in Ethiopia.
Authors: Taye Bayile Getu , Goel Neeraj
Published: January 2024

Abstract—Coffee plants are woody evergreens that can reach a height of up to ten meter’s in the wild with the fruit of coffee beans, which are the seeds that produce the majority of the world’s coffee. This study focuses on a variety of Arabica Coffee leaf diseases that occurs frequently in Ethiopia. The diseases which occurred primarily are Miner coffee leaf disease (MCLD), Rust coffee leaf disease (RCLD), Cercospora coffee leaf disease (CCLD), and Phoma coffee leaf disease (PCLD). The study focuses on the identification of those four a variety of diseases through image processing as well as machine learning mechanisms through Transfer learning and convolution neural network (CNN) architectures through the feed-forward model, resnet50 model, inceptionV3 model, and deep learning model through tenser flow, which are the most popular models to detect various plant diseases with high Accuracy. All the pictures used for this study were captured from the whole state of Ethiopia in every place where coffee plant exists. The total number of data sets currently used is 58,546 with 80 percent being put to use for training, while the rest 20 percent were employed for testing, with a 99.9%, 98.5%, 99%, and 99% respectively with a total success rate in classification accuracy and 99.8%, 98%, 99% and 99.7% respectively with total success rate in confusion matrix accuracy. So there is excellent performance in inferences.
Study on properties of AgCuInTi filler metal for active bonding of alumina ceramic
Authors: Yuan Linlin , Huang Xiaomeng , Qi Yuefeng , Liu Xu
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a novel AgCuInTi20-20-4.5 active filler paste for Al2O3 bonding was prepared using the route of vacuum smelting and centrifugal atomizing powder production. The aim of the research was to characterize the AgCuInTi filler paste, and to study the direct brazing of Al2O3 ceramics and copper. The microstructure and melting properties of AgCuInTi powder was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The brazing process was carried out on vacuum brazing furnace at 700°C for 10 min. The joint microstructures were studied by means of SEM and EDS. The results show that Ti reacted with Al2O3 as the active element at the interface between ceramic and filler metal and finally realizing the metallurgical combination. In participated in the reaction with Ag and Cu. The main products in the brazing seam are TiO2, Cu3TiO4, Cu4Ti, Ag3In and Cu4In based on XRD. The mean value of tensile strength of the brazed joints is approximately 89 MPa. The studied AgCuInTi possesses excellent joining characteristics with several metallic and ceramic materials.
Shaping the Future of Lighting Design: a Perspective of Architecture and Interior Architecture Students
Authors: Ozenen Gurkan
Published: January 2024

With the increasing sophistication of global illumination algorithms, lighting design software has become an accessible tool for architects and interior designers. Despite the potential benefits of these tools for teaching and learning lighting design, the use of lighting design software is not widely integrated into architecture and interior architecture education. This paper presents the results of an online survey of architecture and interior architecture students at two universities in Istanbul, Turkey, aiming to determine the extent of use of lighting design software in learning lighting at the undergraduate level and to assess student’s attitudes towards their usefulness in design education. The findings reveal that although lighting design software is acknowledged as an important tool for teaching and learning lighting design, it is not commonly used due to a lack of knowledge, training, and resources. The results of this study also suggest that there is a need for greater integration of lighting design software into architecture and interior architecture education. The paper concludes by proposing recommendations for integrating lighting design software into architecture and interior architecture education, including incorporating software training into the curriculum, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between lighting designers and architects, and providing access to software and resources.
Determination of 17 β-estradiol residues in fish: A case study of using hormone for sex- reversal in Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) in small farm in Thailand
Authors: Pianjing P. , Thammakhet-Buranachai C. , Deki D , Kaewklapanyacharoen L. , Payanan T. P.
Published: January 2024

Several small farms in Thailand mix the 17β-estradiol with fish feed and rear the Anabas testudineus fries for 21–28 days in order to obtain the female mono-sex. However, it is important to monitoring the residues of 17β-estradiol in A. testudineus that derived from real farm. This study determined the residues of 17β-estradiol in A. testudineus fries that rearing in cement tanks in a small farm in Thailand for 3 times including, April, June and November. The 3 tanks were set as the control groups (AC) and the 3 tanks were set as hormonal treatment group (AH). The fish samples were collected at the last day of hormone treatments in each month which were at day 21st except in November, the fish samples were collected at the day 28th. After 24 hours of hormone withdrawal, the fish sample were collected to investigate the hormone residues. The result showed that the residual hormone levels in fish sample collected at the last days of AH groups showed high variation among rearing tanks and the hormone levels ranged from undetectable (ND) – 1575 ng/g while the AC group cannot be detected. The highest hormone residue in fish sample was observed in November. After hormone withdrawal for 24 hours, the residual hormone cannot be detected in all treatments indicating that there was no accumulation of 17β-estradiol in A. testudineus that expose to the hormone via feeding. The A. testudineus fries can be brought to rear further and the hormone residues should be inattentive.
Cage subsidence in anterior spinal reconstruction and its clinical outcomes following anterior and posterior stabilization in thoracolumbar fractures
Authors: Gimbernat Marcos Eduardo , Cirillo Juan Ignacio , Pino Cristobal Del , Farias Ignacio , Urzua Alejandro , Aguero Amaru , Tapia Carlos , Zamorano Juan Jose
Published: January 2024

Background
Using expandable cages through the anterior approach is a well-established method for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures. We aim to identify factors associated with cage subsidence and their impact on clinical outcomes in patients treated with corpectomy via a complementary anterior approach.
Methods
We included adult patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures who were treated using the complementary anterior approach at our institution between 2015 and 2021. Our analysis considered factors related to the fracture, implant, subsidence, and functional outcomes (measured by the SF-36). Hounsfield units were measured using the XERO Viewer System on CT scans, and statistical analysis was conducted using R.v4.1 and Rstudio v2021.09.1 + 372.
Results
thirty-one patients were included. A significant difference was found in subsidence magnitude between the "UH < 110" and "UH > 180" groups (p = 0.0468). Patients who received non-modular cylindrical cages had markedly more subsidence and poorer physical outcomes on the SF-36. If the complementary anterior approach was performed six months after the posterior stabilization, all components of the SF-36 were diminished.
Conclusions
To optimize the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures, it is essential to evaluate bone quality before using an anterior approach. Rectangular base modular cages lead to less subsidence and better health outcomes, while non-modular cylindrical cages may decrease physical function. An anterior approach after six months leads to worst functional results. The results provide valuable insights into the use of expandable cages in addressing burst fractures in the lumbar spine.
Symmetric Sampling and the Discrete Laws of Physics (1)
Refuting the Classical Shannon-Nyquist Sampling Theorem
Authors: Heel Marin van
Published: January 2024

The Shannon-Nyquist sampling theorem is considered the bedrock of modern signal processing and information science. The theorem states that a continuous signal must be sampled at a Nyquist frequency higher than its bandwidth “2W”, to be able to reconstruct the analogue input signal from its sampled version without aliasing [Shannon CE: Proc. of the IRE 37 (1949) 10-21]. However, the proof of the theorem is flawed: the proof is always true, irrespective of whether the input signal is under-sampled or not. Moreover, the Fourier transform of a signal is itself a signal that must comply with sampling rules, like its real-space equivalent. A comprehensive theory is presented for the simultaneous, symmetric sampling of a signal in two conjugate spaces. Not only must the signal’s power in Fourier-space gradually drop to zero well before reaching the Nyquist frequency, the signal’s power in real-space must also drop to zero well before reaching the edges of sampling-space. Moreover, a limited bandwidth of the input signal is always said to be necessary to avoid aliasing in classical sampling theory. However, such limitation is actually independent of the properties of the input signal, and is rather a linearity requirement of the sampling instrumentation. Well-designed instrumentation cannot generate aliasing. Symmetric-sampling, which applies to two conjugate spaces simultaneously, also naturally incorporates the uncertainty principle and thus covers a more abstract concept of a measurement in Physics. Symmetric-sampling thus provides a fresh perspective on the evasive foundations of the (discrete) laws of physics.
Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Delta/Omicron BA.5 emerging in an immunocompromised long-term infected COVID-19 patient
Authors: Garcia Ignacio , Bråte Jon , Fossum Even , Rohringer Andreas , Moen Line V , Hungnes Olav , Fjaere Olav , Zaragkoulias Kyriakos , Bragstad Karoline
Published: January 2024

Background
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus led to a global pandemic, prompting extensive research efforts to understand its molecular biology, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis. Recombination events have been increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to the virus's diversity and evolution, potentially leading to the emergence of novel strains with altered biological properties. Indeed, recombinant lineages such as the XBB variant and its descendants have subsequently dominated globally. Therefore, continued surveillance and monitoring of viral genome diversity is crucial to identify and understand the emergence and spread of novel strains.
Methods
The case was discovered through routine genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Norway. Samples were whole genome sequenced by the Illumina NovaSeq platform and SARS-CoV-2 lineage assignment was performed using Pangolin and Nextclade. Mutations were pangolin classified based on the frequency of the mutations present in the AY.98.1 and BA.5 lineages.
Results
In this study, we report and investigate a SARS-CoV-2 recombination event in a long-term infected immunocompromised COVID-19 patient. Several recombination events between two distinct lineages of the virus, namely AY.98.1 and BA.5, were identified, resulting in a single novel recombinant viral strain with a unique genetic signature.
Conclusions
The presence of several concomitant recombinants in the patient suggests that these events occur frequently in vivo and can provide insight into the fitness associated with the different combinations of mutations. This study underscores the importance of continued tracking of viral diversity and the potential impact of recombination events on the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Trial registration
Retrospectively registered
Relationship between postprandial salivary amylase activity and blood glucose after starch loading
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Sekine Airi
Published: January 2024

Postprandial changes in salivary α-amylase activity (SAA) and their relationship with blood glucose (BG) are poorly understood. We investigated levels of SAA and BG after starch loading in 60 healthy young women. SAA and BG reached maximum levels 30–60 min after starch loading (150 g rice). At 60 min, protein-adjusted SAA changes from baseline (ΔSAA) were inversely correlated with BG at 90 min (r = − 0.53, p < 0.0001, Spearman’s correlation), and baseline blood 3-hydroxybutyrate concentration (r = − 0.40, p < 0.01). Generalized linear model analysis indicated that ΔSAA at 60 min was significantly predictive of ΔBG at 60 and 90 min. In conclusion, our results suggest that larger increases in SAA at 60 min are associated with smaller increases in BG at 90 min after starch loading in healthy young women. Postprandial oral SAA at 1 h may therefore play a role in subsequent glucose metabolism.
Stigma and Associated Sex Disparities Among Patients with Tuberculosis in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sekandi Juliet N. , Quach Trang , Olum Ronald , Nakkonde Damalie , Farist Leila , Obiekwe Rochelle , Zalwango Sarah , Buregyeya Esther
Published: January 2024

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent globally. Stigma associated with TB encompassing self-, anticipated-, and public-stigma has significant negative effects on treatment adherence. In Uganda, limited data exist on the prevalence of stigma and its relationship with sex among patients with TB. We evaluate prevalence of three types of stigma and their relationship with the sex of patients undergoing TB treatment.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 to March 2021 at selected TB clinics in Kampala, Uganda. Eligible participants were aged 18-65 with confirmed TB and starting their prescribed treatment. We collected data on socio-demographics and used 13 items to capture the self-, anticipated-, and public-stigma from which we composed the dependent variables. The primary independent variable was sex. We employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between sex and the three stigma types. Additionally, we considered potential confounders such as age, HIV, and employment status. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05.
Results
In this study we enrolled 144 participants with a mean age of 35.8 years (standard deviation = 12). Half of the participants (50%, n=72) were female, 44% had a secondary education, 37.5% were unemployed, and 32.6% were co-infected with HIV. The prevalence of self-stigma was 71.1%, anticipated stigma was 75.7%, and public stigma was 41.7%. Significant factors were associated with self-stigma were female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.35 95% CI: 1.02-5.74) and unemployment (AOR: 2.95 95% CI: 1.16-8.58). HIV-positive status was significantly associated with anticipated stigma (AOR: 3.58 95% CI: 1.38-11.23). However, none of the variables we evaluated showed a significant association with public stigma.
Conclusions
Our study showed a high prevalence of self, anticipated and public stigma among TB patients. Notably, females and unemployed individuals were at a higher risk of self-stigma, while those with HIV/AIDS and TB were more likely to report anticipated stigma. To combat stigma effectively, interventions should be tailored to cater to sex-specific needs and persons living with HIV. Future research should delve further in determinants of TB-related stigma in high-burden settings.
Notes on Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) populations’ divergence: Landscape genetics, comparative phylogeny, and Niche modeling
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mobina , Sheidai Masoud , Koohdar Fahimeh , Shafieizargar Alireza
Published: January 2024

Sweet orange is one of the economically important plant species. The present study was conducted with the aim of generating genetic diversity data in Iranian sweet orange germplasm and investigating the landscape genetics of these plants in order to identify genetic regions compatible with environmental and climatic variables using SCoT molecular marker on 29 cultivars. The obtained results showed low to moderate genetic diversity in the sweat orange populations and indicated that the orange germplasm contains a complex genetic group of closely related individuals, but probably to some extent due to local breeding practices and artificial selection by orchard management. It is genetically differentiated. Also, some genetic kidneys were identified, especially in the southern regions of Iran. We also identified genetic regions that are significantly associated with environmental and climatic variables that can be used in the sweet orange conservation program in the country. This is especially true for the studied orange plants from southern Iran. The present study showed that global and local spatial variables affect the genetic structure of orange populations, and orange populations are separated by the phenomenon of distance, that is, as the geographical distance of the studied populations increases, the genetic distance increases. The analysis of species distribution modeling in the present study showed that both northern and southern regions of Iran are suitable habitats for orange cultivation, while temperature and precipitation are both important climatic factors for the cultivation and propagation of orange plants.