bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Treatment Solution of Interval Nonlinear Programming Problems: A Case Study of Green Fuel Production
Authors: Elsisy M. A. , Hammad D. A. , Abdel-Aty Marwa M , El-Shorbagy M. A.
Published: April 2023

Green fuel is growing in popularity in recent years. Bio-reactive waste converted to green fuel through anaerobic digestion technology. The performance of biogas unit has been optimized and formulated as interval programming problems as function of inlet feed rate, retention time fermentation temperature and pH. A new treatment for solving the interval nonlinear programming problem (INPP) is discussed. All the intervals in the INPP are replaced by new variables. This the modified nonlinear programming problem (MIPP). We presented three hybrid evolutionary algorithms (EAs) which are chaotic genetic algorithm (CGA), chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) and chaotic firefly algorithm (CFA) to solve MIPP. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions for MIPP are gotten. These equations are solved as algebraic equations. Its solutions may be represented as a function of new variables to get the stability set of first kind. The staring points in EAs is gotten by the Newton method. Finally, the comparison between the stability set of first kind, CGA, CPSO and CFA are presented with discussion. An empirical optimization model of biogas production has been constructed with accuracy of 90%.
Decreased expression of ribosomal protein Rpl3 contributes to behavioral deficits caused by Shank3 deficiency
Authors: Verpelli Chiara , Giona Federica , Beretta Stefania , Zippo Antonio , Vicidomini Cinzia , Ponzoni Luisa , Sala Mariaelvina , Jones Carrie , Conn P. , Böckers Tobias , Sala Carlo
Published: April 2023

Mutations or deletions in the SHANK3 gene have been identified in up to 1% of autism spectrum disorder cases and are considered the main cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms of Phelan McDermid syndrome (PMS). While in the absence of Shank3, synaptic dysfunctions have been extensively described, other mechanisms through which Shank3 could regulate neuronal functions have not been clearly elucidated. Here, we reported that the ribosomal protein Rpl3 was downregulated in cortex and striatum of Shank3 KO mice and in neurons differentiated from hiPSCs derived from a PMS patient. Rpl3 is essential for ribosomal biogenesis and function and its reduced expression resulted in impaired protein synthesis in Shank3 KO mice that can be rescued by restoring its expression. Furthermore, we showed that chronic treatment with VU0409551, a potent and selective mGlu5 positive allosteric modulator, rescued Rpl3 expression and the resulting reduced protein synthesis, leading to a long-lasting improvement of behavioral deficits in Shank3 KO mice. Altogether, we suggest a new role for Shank3 in modulating ribosomal function and protein synthesis, and that restoring protein synthesis could be a strategy to correct Shank3 KO related behavioral phenotypes.
Application of modified neck drainage in the management of cervical anastomotic fistula in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Wu Song , Zhang Zhe , Qin Zhonghua
Published: April 2023

Background Anastomotic fistula is a rare but life-threatening complication of esophageal cancer, and its treatment remains challenging.We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified cervical drainage in the management of cervical anastomotic fistula in patients after esophageal cancer surgery.Methods From June 2017 to December 2021, 25 esophageal cancer patients who developed cervical anastomotic fistula were enrolled in the study. Among them, 14 patients were treated with modified cervical drainage, which served as group A, while the remaining 11 patients underwent open incision and drainage, which served as group B. The treatment outcomes of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results The group A had a significantly shorter healing time(12.93 ± 3.93 vs 19.73 ± 5.29 ), fewer dressing changes(14.93 ± 3.93 vs 37.91 ± 9.77), shorter hospital stay(22.36 ± 4.39 vs 29.00 ± 5.79), and lower hospitalization costs(11.02 ± 1.73 vs 13.50 ± 2.43) compared to group B (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications(0 vs 9.1%) in the neck was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). All patients recovered smoothly and gradually resumed normal diet after discharge. They did not experience symptoms such as fever, difficulty in eating, or bucking.Conclusions Modified cervical drainage is an effective treatment for cervical anastomotic fistula in esophageal cancer patients, and when combined with nutritional and nursing support, can promote patient recovery.
Catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation may not be appropriate for the treatment of hypertension caused by primary aldosteronism: a case report
Authors: Wang Li , Li Zhuqing , Li Chao , Lu Chengzhi
Published: April 2023

Previous studies on the treatment of hypertension with RDN were all aimed at patients with essential hypertension, while there were few studies on secondary hypertension, especially primary aldosteronism. Whether RDN can be used to treat hypertension due to primary aldosteronism remains a subject of much debate. Here, we present a 54-year-old man with a history of resistant hypertension spanning more than 10 years; secondary hypertension was ruled out 6 years ago, and he underwent renal sympathetic denervation(RDN) in 2016. The patient's blood pressure had been controllable after half a year of RDN. After six months, the patient's blood pressure began to rise gradually and he began to increase the type of antihypertensive medication. The patient was diagnosed with aldosteronoma 1 year ago and underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. After that, the patient's blood pressure controlled well.
TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor suppresses polarization of tumor-associated macrophages to the M2 phenotype and exerts antitumor effects on colorectal cancer
Authors: Sakuragi Akira , Aoki Hiromasa , Toriuchi Kohki , Kondo Riri , Inoue Yasumichi , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Takeshita Satoru , Kakita Hiroki , Yamada Yasumasa , Aoyama Mineyoshi
Published: April 2023

Background:
Macrophages can be classified into two main types based on their functions: pro-inflammatory M1-like and anti-inflammatory M2-like. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are macrophages that infiltrate tumor tissues and many TAM polarized to the M2 phenotype. M2-TAMs promote tumor progression through various mechanisms. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, which is abundant in tumor tissues and exacerbates advanced-stage tumors, has been implicated in the M2 polarization of macrophages. The study aimed to investigate whether TGF-β promotes the M2 polarization of TAMs and whether inhibiting TGF-β would reduce this polarization in the tumor environment of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods:
In this study, macrophages were prepared from THP-1 cells by treating them with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and were used to analyze the polarization of human macrophages by TGF-β and TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542. The degree of polarization was assessed using both RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. To evaluate the effect of SB431542 in vivo, a CRC model was generated by implanting CT26 cells into balb/c mice. Tumor volume and weight were measured, and the percentage of M2-TAM was analyzed using flow cytometry.
Results:
The TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 suppressed the M2 polarization of THP-1–derived macrophages in CRC conditioned medium. In syngeneic mouse models of CRC SB431542 reduced tumor volume and weight with the decrease of the proportion of M2-TAMs. The antitumor effect of SB431542 was abolished under conditions of TAM depletion.
Conclusions:
The study suggests that TGF-β promotes the M2 polarization of TAMs in the tumor environment of solid tumors, including CRC. Therefore, the anti-tumor effect of SB431542 on CRC is attributed to the reduction of M2-TAMs. The results of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the development of therapies for CRC that regulate TAM polarity.
Influence of Obstructive Apnea Index on Persistent Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kirigaya Jin , Iwahashi Noriaki , Abe Takeru , Gohbara Masaomi , Hanajima Yohei , Horii Mutsuo , Okada Kozo , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Kosuge Masami , Ebina Toshiaki , Hibi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2023

In this prospective observational study, we investigated the effects of the severity and classification of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) (obstructive, central, or mixed apnea predominant) on left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In total, 115 patients with STEMI underwent a sleep study using a multichannel frontopolar electroencephalography recording device (Sleep Profiler®︎) 1 week after STEMI onset. We evaluated LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) measured using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) as a parameter for LV function at 1 week and 7 months. The obstructive apnea index was significantly associated with the LV-GLS at 1 week and 7 months (r = 0.27, p = 0.002; and r = 0.23, p = 0.013, respectively). However, central and mixed apnea indices were not. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the obstructive apnea index was independently associated with LV-GLS at 1 week and 7 months (β = 0.27, p < 0.001; and β = 0.19, p = 0.016, respectively). However, the three-type SDB classification was not significantly associated with LV-GLS. In examination of the influence of SDB on STEMI, it may be useful to focus on the obstructive apnea index rather than focusing only on the SDB classification and apnea-hypopnea index.
Is Tranexamic Acid Safe for the Hip Joint?
Authors: Akcaalan Serhat , Akcan Gulben , Tufan Ahmet Cevik , Caglar Ceyhun , Akcaalan Yasemin , Akkaya Mustafa , Dogan Metin
Published: April 2023

Backround:To show the effects of tranexamic acid, which is a drug frequently used in bleeding control, on the hip joint and sciatic nerve with animal experiments.Methods:There were 15 rats in each of the 3 groups, totaling 45 rats. Topical saline injections were applied to the first group, topical TXA injections to the second group, and intravenous (IV) TXA injections to the third group. In the samples taken from the hip joint three weeks later, femoral head cartilage , sciatic nerve and joint capsule thicknesses were analyzed histologically.Results:Statistically significantly more cartilage degradation was detected in the femoral head cartilage in both the IV and intraarticular TXA group when compared to the control group.The groups were also compared in terms of acetabular cartilage; however, no histological difference was found between the groups.It was seen that when the femoral head cartilage thickness (the average of the measurements made from 3 different points were used) the cartilage thickness in the topical TXA group was less when compared to the other 2 groups. However, this difference was determined to not be statistically significant. The data of the hip joint capsule thickness measurement , it was found that the capsule thickness in the topical TXA applied group was less when compared to the other 2 groups. However, this difference was not statistically significant. When all 3 groups were compared in sciatic nerve no different staining characteristics were found in the immunofluorescence examination.Conclusion:Txa, which is frequently used in orthopedic practice, shows negative effects on hip joint cartilage in both topical and intravenous application.
Tungsten oxide, magnetic and Cu-doped magnetic nanoparticles mixtures with cyromazine as promising eco-friendly strategies to control of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Eldesouky Sahar Elsayed , Aseel Dalia G. , Elnouby Mohamed S. , Hafez Elsayed E. , AL-Fargah Ammar , Hussein Hanaa S.
Published: April 2023

Excessive application of pesticides leads to contamination of the environment, which entails the necessity to seek solutions that employ substances which do not pose ecological hazards. So, the present study was conducted to explore the different effects of tungsten oxide (WRT), magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), Cu-doped magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-Cu), the insecticide, cyromazine, and their binary mixtures against Spodoptera littoralis. The nanomaterials individually didn’t show any toxicity against S. littoralis stages. Cyromazine recorded the highest toxicity with LC50 values of 58.7, 45.6, and 70.5 mgL− 1 against eggs, 2nd, and 4th larvae, respectively. Nanoparticles showed an antagonistic effect which increased directly with concentrations. Cyromazine (100 mgL− 1) + MNP-Cu (500 mgL− 1) was the most repellent mixture for the 2nd and 4th larvae with feeding deterrence percent, 41.42% and 57.60%, respectively. Larval and pupal durations increased with increasing cyromazine and nanomaterial concentrations. Except for the cyromazine (25 mgL− 1) + WRT (500 mgL− 1) mixture, which recorded 27.3% adult emergence, no adult emergence was recorded by the 500 mgL− 1 nanomaterial mixtures. Some malformations were also recorded for S. littoralis stages after being treated with tested materials. Cyromazine/MNP-Cu mixtures gave the highest significantly increased in the enzyme activity of glutathione S-transferase and α-esterase compared to the control. Regarding the results obtained by the Q-PCR, the insect immune response for the treatments indicated a high immune response in all the treated insects compared to the control. In conclusion, the nanomaterial-cyromazine mixtures may be recommended as promising alternatives for S. littoralis control.
Clinical Characteristics of New-onset Dermatomyositis with Adverse Outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Ting , Ding Ting , Ding Liqing , Xie Shasha , Li Xiaojing , Meng Qiming , Li Zhe , Luo Hui , Xie Xiaoyun
Published: April 2023

Objectives
Identification of characteristics and risk factors of new-onset dermatomyositis patients with recurrent aggravation after regular treatment.
Methods
In this cohort study, clinical characteristics of 142 new-onset dermatomyositis patients were analyzed. We defined three different clinical outcomes after long-term follow-up: mild, aggravation, and death. The clinical presentation of patients with recurrent aggravations was primarily analyzed and discussed in this cohort. The decision tree algorithm was used to predict the outcomes.
Results
In this corhort, there were 72 in the mild group, 56 in the aggravation group (39 were single aggravation and 17 were multiple aggravations), 14 in the death group. The median time point for patients to experience their first aggravation was 40 weeks after initial treatment, the median interval between multiple aggravations was 32 weeks, and for anti-MDA5 positive patients, the median interval was 16 weeks. Symptoms of aggravation were generally manifested as progression of pulmonary interstitial lesions, or extended skin rashes. Baseline CRP and CK levels were higher in the multiple aggravations or death group.
Conclusions
DM patients tended to aggravate after glucocorticoid was regular reduced to approximately the lowest maintenance dose. Higher baseline CRP and CK levels have a certain predictive effect on adverse outcomes in DM.
Gestational weight gain trajectories in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Yue , Feng Xinxin , WANG XIA
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Gestational weight gain is strongly associated with adverse maternal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus. This aim of this study is investigate the characteristics of the trajectory of gestational weight gain in Chinese patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Methods: A total of 1,516 patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus from January 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022 at a Grade-III specialized hospital in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China, were selected. Essential demographic and prenatal examination information of the patients was collected.
Results: We found the different BMI groups had significantly different gestational weight gain (P<0.001). The type of gestational diabetes mellitus also had a significant impact on gestational weight gain (P<0.001).This study revealed three different exercise trajectories. The inflection point of weight gain changes during pregnancy in gestational diabetes mellitus was at 16 weeks of gestation.
Conclusion: The study reveals three distinct gestational weight gain trajectories in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus that differ from those of healthy pregnant women. It provides a basis for establishing appropriate gestational weight gain criteria and screening time windows for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Leukopenia After Meningitis due to Infection with Elizabethkingia anophelis Combined with Septicaemia: case report and literature review
Authors: Yao Mingzheng , Huang Li'an
Published: April 2023

Background Elizabethkingia anophelis, an emerging opportunistic pathogen, is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, preterm infants, patients with long-term intravenous catheters, patients with underlying diseases (malignancies, diabetes, etc.), and patients in intensive care units undergoing invasive treatment. The complexity of species identification methods, multiple drug resistance, complications and high mortality rate pose great challenges for treatment, and there is no standard treatment.Case presentation We report a case of leukopenia following meningitis and septicaemia in an adult male patient infected with E. anophelis. Despite effective anti-infective therapy, the patient eventually died due to pulmonary infection. Besides, we performed a literature review.Conclusions It is recommended to accurately identify the rare pathogen, such as E. anophelis, and use appropriate antibiotic therapy. In addition, the control of complications is worthy of attention.
Validation of Rapid Fecal Calprotectin Assay “fCAL turbo” for Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Retrospective Comparative Study with Endoscopic Activity
Authors: Oka Akihiko , Kawashima Kousaku , Kishimoto Kenichi , Kotani Satoshi , Fukunaga Mai , Fukuba Nobuhiko , Mishima Yoshiyuki , Oshima Naoki , Ishimura Norihisa , Awoniyi Muyiwa , Ishihara Shunji
Published: April 2023

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a promising biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn’s disease (CD). An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is widely used for FC detection, though the considerable lag time, up to several days, causes clinical management delay. This study was performed to examine the new rapid kit fCAL-turbo, which is based on a particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (15 minutes), by comparing FC values with other EIA assays (EliA, PhiCal, Bühlmann) and endoscopic scores. Using 94 samples, fCAL-turbo showed strong significant positive correlations with the other kits (Spearman’s r = 0.9178 − 0.9886). Of 74 UC patients, 69 underwent an endoscopy and fCAL-turbo reflected endoscopic activity with a moderate correlation with Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) (r = 0.6945, others r = 0.6682 − 0.7013). Receiver operating characteristic analyses based on MES 0 vs. 1 − 3 showed a similar efficacy as compared to the other kits (cut-off and area under the curve: 89.70 µg/g and 0.8592, respectively, others 62.35 − 138.4 µg/g and 0.8280 − 0.8611, respectively). All 20 CD patients underwent endoscopy examinations and fCAL-turbo results had a moderate correlation with modified simple endoscopic score for CD (r = 0.5471, others r = 0.3049 − 0.6731). fCAL-turbo showed strong correlations with the other kits and also demonstrated excellent performance for predicting endoscopic remission of UC.
Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals neutrophil infiltration in degenerative nucleus pulposus tissue
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Peigeng , Miao Haixiong , Ye Dongping
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that nucleus pulposus degeneration is accompanied by neutrophil infiltration and that inflammatory factors released by neutrophils play an important role in the process of nucleus pulposus degeneration. A study to characterize neutrophils in degenerating myeloid tissue is lacking.
METHODS: We downloaded a single cell sequencing data of degenerated nucleus pulposus from a public database. The single-cell expression profile of the degenerated nucleus pulposus was constructed by software analysis for cell filtering, data normalization, cell subcluster analysis, and cell type identification procedures, and marker genes for cell subclusters were obtained. The functions of different cell subclusters in the degeneration process were then further explored by using gene function analysis, signaling pathway analysis, and pseudo time analysis. Finally, we characterized the neutrophils in the degenerative nucleus pulposus tissue.
RESULTS: A single-cell atlas of 4774 cells was constructed by transcriptome sequencing of the degenerated nucleus pulposus tissue. All cells were classified into cell types, and two major cell types, nucleus pulposus chondrocytes and neutrophils, were identified in the degenerated nucleus pulposus tissue, and the functions of different subclusters were enriched and analyzed, and key genes were extracted for biological function analysis. A pseudo time analysis was performed on the degenerated nucleus pulposus chondrocytes, and key nodes were selected for the study to analyze the changing relationships among the three chondrocyte subclusters. The infiltration of neutrophils in the degenerated nucleus pulposus was revealed from a single cell dimension. Key genes were extracted from neutrophils in degenerated nucleus pulposus tissue to characterize the biological functions of neutrophils.
CONCLUSIONS: Three subclusters of nucleus pulposus chondrocytes and neutrophils were identified. The different functions of the 3 types of nucleus pulposus chondrocytes were also derived. Among them, calcification-inhibited nucleus pulposus chondrocytes were the main responsible cell cluster for nucleus pulposus degeneration, and the steady-state cells still performed the normal nucleus pulposus chondrocyte function. The phenomenon of neutrophil infiltration in intervertebral disc tissue was revealed for the first time from a single cell dimension, and key genes were extracted to investigate the cellular functions of infiltrating neutrophils in degenerated nucleus pulposus tissue.
Forming technology of non-heat source binder jetting metal powder and its final treatment process
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Ruanzhi , Ze Tai , Zhang Zhaofa , Liu Zhenghao , Chen Shixing , Lu Bingheng
Published: April 2023

The binder jetting (BJ) forming process is an additive manufacturing method based on discrete stacking and microdrop jetting technology. It has the advantages of low cost and high degree of automation; further, it has no special requirements pertaining to the shapes or structures of machining parts. However, at the present stage, all BJ processes involve hot curing, which leads to high molding and maintenance costs. To solve this problem, polyvinyl alcohol powder was used as the main material of the binder formed via the BJ process. The wetting of the powder bed by ink droplets was simulated, and the ink formula and printing process parameters were optimized. The final metal part was formed via defatting and sintering, resulting in a tensile strength of 323 MPa and density of 85.6%.
Associations between antipsychotics-induced weight gain and brain networks of impulsivity
Authors: Eap Chin , Grosu Claire , Klauser Paul , Dwir Daniella , Khadimallah Ines , Alemán-Gómez Yasser , Laaboub Nermine , Piras Marianna , Fournier Margot , Preisig Martin , Conus Philippe , Draganski Bogdan
Published: April 2023

Given the unpredictable rapid onset and ubiquitous consequences of weight gain induced by antipsychotics (AP), there is a pressing need to get insights into the underlying processes at the brain system level that will allow stratification of “at risk” patients. The pathophysiological hypothesis at hand is focused on brain networks governing impulsivity that are modulated by neuro-inflammatory processes. To this aim, we investigated brain anatomy and functional connectivity in patients with early psychosis (median age: 23 years, IQR = 21–27) using anthropometric data and magnetic resonance imaging acquired one month to one year after initiation of AP medication. Our analyses included 19 patients with high and rapid weight gain (i.e., ≥ 5% from baseline weight after one month) and 23 patients with low weight gain (i.e., < 5% from baseline weight after one month). We replicated our analyses in young (26 years, IQR = 22–33, N = 102) and middle-aged (56 years, IQR = 51–62, N = 875) healthy individuals from the general population. In early psychosis patients, higher weight gain was associated with the impulsivity control score (β = 1.35; P = 0.03). Here, the observed brain differences comprised nodes of impulsivity networks - reduced frontal lobe grey matter volume (Pcorrected=0.007) and higher striatal volume (Pcorrected=0.048) paralleled by disruption of fronto-striatal functional connectivity (R=-0.32; P = 0.04). Weight gain was associated with the inflammatory biomarker plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (β = 4.9, P = 0.002). There was no significant association between increased BMI or weight gain and brain anatomy characteristics in both cohorts of young and middle-aged healthy individuals. Our findings support the notion of weight gain in treated psychotic patients associated with poor impulse control, impulsivity-related brain networks and chronic inflammation.
A systematic review on the relationship between the built environment and children’s quality of life
Authors: Hitch Lisa , Kodali Hanish , Starvaggi Marc , Wyka Katarzyna E , Huang Terry TK
Published: April 2023

Background: Evidence of the effects of the built environment on children has mainly focused on disease outcomes; however, quality of life (QoL) has gained increasing attention as an important health and policy endpoint itself. Research on built environment effects on children’s QoL could inform public health programs and urban planning and design.
Objective: We aimed to review and synthesize the evidence of the relationship between built environment features and children’s QoL.
Methods: Five research databases were searched for quantitative peer-reviewed studies on children between 2-18 years, published in English or German between 2010-2021. Only primary research was considered. Included studies (n=17) were coded and methodologically assessed with the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Checklists, and relevant data were extracted, analyzed, and synthesized, using the following built environment thematic framework: 1) neighborhood natural environment, 2) neighborhood infrastructure, and 3) neighborhood perception.
Results: Green space was positively associated with children’s QoL. Infrastructure yielded inconclusive results across all measured aspects. Overall neighborhood satisfaction was positively correlated with higher QoL but results on perceived environmental safety were mixed.
Conclusions: Most studies are correlational, making it difficult to infer causality. While the positive findings of green space on QoL are consistent, specific features of the built environment show inconsistent results. Overall perception of the built environment, such as neighborhood satisfaction, also shows more robust results compared to perceptions of specific features of the built environment. Due to the heterogeneity of both built environment and QoL measures, consistent definitions of both concepts will help advance this area of research.
Photopic factors influence external eye appearance in parrots (Psittaciformes)
Authors: Duran Elif , Perea-García Juan Olvido , Piepenbrock Diede , Veefkind Celine , Kret Mariska E. , Massen Jorg J. M.
Published: April 2023

External eye appearance in diverse avian taxa has been proposed to be driven by social and ecological functions in different studies. Recent research using quantitative measurements and phylogenetically informed analyses in primates suggest that instead photoprotective functions are important drivers of external eye appearance. Using similar methods, we examine the variation in external eye appearance of 132 parrot species (Psittaciformes) in relation to their ecology and sociality. Breeding systems, flock size and sexual dimorphism, as well as species’ latitude and maximum flying altitude were used to explore the relative contribution of social and ecological factors in driving external eye appearance. We measured the hue and brightness of visible parts of the eye and the difference in measurements of brightness between adjacent parts of the eye. While we found no link between social variables and our measurements, we found a significant negative association between the brightness of the inner part of the iris and latitude and altitude. Darker inner parts of the irises were more prevalent farther away from the equator and with higher flying altitudes. Because the amount of UV radiation varies according to these factors, our results suggest that irises are at least partially adapted for photoprotective functions. The results inform our growing understanding of the drivers of external eye appearance across land vertebrates, highlighting the importance of photopic factors across such distantly related taxa as anthropoid primates and psittaciformes.
The Influence of Social Reward on Cooperative Behaviour in Teams: An Experimental Research
Authors: 王 艳梅 , 田 淼 , 程 畅 , 刘 鑫宇 , 丁 爱贤
Published: April 2023

This study explores the process of the influence of social reward on cooperation at the individual level. Firstly, according to self- and reward-processing theories of neuropsychology, we follow the idea of ‘stimuli-psychological process-behavioural response’ to clarify the stimuli of social reward on individuals. In addition, we analyse the psychological process of individual self-processing and reward processing triggered by external stimuli. We also deduce the theoretical framework of the impact of social reward on individual cooperative behaviour under this psychological process. Secondly, we infer the influence mode and effect of social reward from individuals’ possible reactions under this psychological process. Finally, we design a team cooperation environment using the public goods game experiment, where members can observe and impose rewards on each other. We also restore the occurrence process of social reward in the laboratory by obtaining real and dynamic interactive data of subjects to test the theoretical framework and research hypotheses proposed in this study.
Repairment of head soft-tissue defect after electrical injury with free ALTP flap
Authors: Tang Xincheng , Li Jiayu , Huang Tianyu
Published: April 2023

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of free ALTP flap in the repairment of the large head soft-tissue defect after electric shock injury.
Methods: In this study, 25 patients underwent the reconstruction to repair the defect of the head by ALTP, including 18 males and 7 females (mean age:43 years; ranged 20 to 53 years). The etiologies of all patients were electric shock. The location of the defects involved 11 occipitalia,6 tempus,3 forehead and 5 crown, while the dimension of the defects ranged 7*5 to 21*10 cm2(mean 18.5*9.5 cm2).
Results: 25 patients were successfully treated by ALTP. Reconstructions were performed at the second stage in all cases, and all flaps survived completely. The donor sites were closed primarily in nearly all cases with an exception of 5 cases, which were covered with skin-grafting. The Pain Score was from 0 to 45 points with an average of 20 points. The score of Vancouver Scar Scale of donor sites was from 2 to 5 points with an average of 3.4 points. All flaps were followed-up for an average of 16 months (ranged from 6 to 24 months). No significant effect on quadriceps muscle strength and knee movement. Most cases showed satisfactory outcomes.
Conclusion: The use of free ALTP for the repairment of large head defects after electroshock injury is worthy of clinical promotion and application because of its strong resistance to infection, high repair fit and rapid postoperative recovery.
Study of material separation mechanisms under cryogenic cooling
Authors: Breidenstein Bernd , Bergmann Benjamin , Puls Lennart
Published: April 2023

The combination of highly heat-conducting cubic boron nitride (cBN) grains in a bronze-bonded grinding wheel with the cryogenic temperatures of a gaseous carbon dioxide cooling has the potential to greatly reduce the thermal load during the grinding process. This decreases the risk of thermal damage or heat-induced property changes in the workpiece. In this study, the influence of this combination on the material separation while grinding 20MnCrS5 steel is investigated using a quick-stop device, compared to a conventional oil-based cooling. The contact zone analysis shows primarily grooving grain tracks while grinding with oil cooling. However, under the influence of cryogenic cooling, mostly grain tracks from plowing grains were found in the contact area as a result of the increased friction between the grains and the workpiece material. This shows that material separation with cryogenic cooling is more efficient compared to the oil-cooled process.
The impacts of accreditation for medical schools: A scoping review
Authors: Girotto Leticia Cabrini , Machado Karynne B. , Moreira Roberta F. C. , Martins Milton A. , Tempski Patrícia Z.
Published: April 2023

Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify, systematically evaluate, and summarize information regarding the impact of the accreditation process on medical schools around the world.
Method: Up to October 2021, researchers conducted a systematic review in databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scopus and ERIC, Cochrane Library, Grey Literature and Open Grey to identify studies that aimed to assess the impact of the accreditation process as perceived by stakeholders from medical schools. Two independent reviewers performed the selection process and extracted data from the included studies to perform a qualitative analysis.
Results: This review identified 4,280 references, and 14 studies from six countries were included for data extraction. As an impact of the accreditation process, the studies highlighted the implementation of the information management system, reorganization of the school curriculum, restructuring of internal processes and the preparation process for receiving a second visit from evaluators after receiving feedback in the first visit. Continuous Quality Improvement was mentioned in eight studies as a positive impact of accreditation. Two studies discussed negative aspects, such as the accreditation agency not being specific to medical courses, dissatisfaction with the accreditation process, high financial and human resources demands, stress and a perception of the process as a “burden” for the school.
Conclusion: The accreditation process has positive aspects (stakeholder satisfaction, student performance, changes in cultural organization and continuous quality improvement) and negative aspects (costs, time and staff effort and stress). The establishment of a dialogic accreditation process that is meaningful to the school could minimize negative aspects. Thus, the role of accreditation in improving the quality of medical education and, consequently, of the health care provided, could be affirmed. It is recommended that experiences with accreditation should be shared and reported to increase improvement in the quality of medical education worldwide.
Ecofriendly Camouflage Textiles with Natural Sand-based Silicon Dioxide against Simultaneous Combat Backgrounds of Woodland, Desertland, Rockland, Concreteland and Water/Marine
Authors: Hossain Md. Anowar
Published: April 2023

Natural sand-based silicon dioxide (NSSD) is a common material of multidimensional combat backgrounds (CBs) such as dry leaves/wood, green leaves, tree bark-woodland CB; water-marine CB; sand-desertland CB; rock-rockland CB and concrete-concreteland CB. NSSD was coated, printed and padded on polyamide-6,6 (PA-6,6) and cotton fabric for design of camouflage textiles. The camouflage properties of coated, printed and padded fabric in visible (Vis) wavelength, 400-700 nm were investigated by International Commission on Illumination (CIE)-color value (L*, a*, b*), Kubelka-Munk (K-M) reflection, reflection (%) and color rendering techniques of color measurement spectrophotometer. The structural properties versus electron imaging were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Field trialling of NSSD treated camouflage textiles was investigated by Vis imaging under natural illumination, sunlight. The adaptive properties for CIE-chromatic appearance (red, green, blue, L*, a*, b*) and grey value (0-255) of NSSD formulated fabric were analyzed by ImageJ software. This optical assessment of ecofriendly approach of NSSD-camouflage material relates to camouflage signature management for defence threat protection against five-dimensional combat background such as desertland, woodland, rockland, concreteland and water/marine.
Effect of Moringa Leaf Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens as a Basis for Toxicity Testing in Chicken Embryos
Authors: Mafruchati* Maslichah , Ismail Wan Iryani Wan
Published: April 2023

Off-label usage of antibiotics in chicken feed endangers public health, hence alternatives are required. Moringa oleifera is a phytobiotic with antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects. The purpose of this study was analyze the MOLP administration for toxicity testing in chicken embryos. Each treatment used 5 broiler chickens and given MOLP, on day 35, bursa of Fabricius, caecal tonsils, jejunum, ileum, and duodenum samples were collected from two birds per replicate. Tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin or PAS, the predominant dye being alcian blue. MOLP supplementation showed no effect on bursa weight, or the number of intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL). One and a half percent MOLP was fed to the birds.
Effects of compaction coefficients on microscopic pore structures and fractal properties of soft clay and freeze- thawed soft clay
Authors: Zhang Meng-Ya , Zhang Jian , Yang Li-Dong , Liu Hong-Yi , Sun Miao-Miao , Huang Xin , Huang Zhang-Gong
Published: April 2023

For subway connection channel projects built in coastal areas, freeze-thaw and compaction are two key factors that change the soil microstructure and affect engineering safety. Therefore, understanding the variation law of the microscopic pore structure of soft clay and freeze-thawed soft clay is crucial to the design and prediction of the serviceability of subway infrastructures. Considering this, to understand the effects of freeze-thaw and compaction coefficient on microscopic pore structures and fractal characteristics, a series of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests were performed on soft clay and freeze-thawed soft clay under different compaction coefficients. Based on the experimental data, a fractal theory was proposed to describe the fractal characteristics of the tested materials. Moreover, the effect of curing agents on the microscopic pore structure of soft clay was studied by adding two curing agents to the soft clay. The experimental results showed that compaction coefficients had a significant effect on the pore size distribution (PSD) of soft clay and freeze-thawed soft clay. As the compaction coefficient increased, the proportion of large pores decreased significantly, and the proportion of small and medium pores increased. Moreover, the compaction coefficient was found to have a significant effect on the fractal dimension (D) of soft clay and freeze-thawed soft clay whereby increases in compaction coefficients led to a trend of increased D and heterogeneity within soft clay and freeze-thawed soft clay. With the development of freezing front and the formation of ice lens, the pore structure of soft clay and the connection between soil particles are destroyed. The microscopic pore characteristics of the soil samples with an added solidifying agent were characterized by a significant increase in the number of small pores and a decrease in the number of large pores. This research can provide theoretical guidance for the construction of subway connection channel engineering projects.
Efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA Treatment in Episodic Migraine
Authors: Al-Hashel Jasem , Alroughani Raed , Almojel Malak , Ahmed Samar Farouk
Published: April 2023

BackgroundOnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) is approved as a prophylactic treatment of chronic migraine (CM) only. The aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A in the treatment of episodic migraine(EM).MethodsThis is a longitudinal observational study describes the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A in adult patients with EM. The study included patients with a diagnosis of migraine (with and without aura) according to the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3), aged 18–65 years, and completed one year treatment with BoNT-A. Patients received 4 BoNT-A treatment approximately every 12 weeks guided by the PREEMPT injection paradigm. Patient’s headache was assessed by headache dairy at baseline, before every injection at months 4, 8 and at one year following BoNT-A injection. Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) and work productivity were collected at baseline and in their last visit. Adverse events (AEs) were observed to assess the safety of BoNT-A.ResultsThe study recruited 210 patients with EM under BoNT-A treatment. Mean age was 45.04 ± 8.92 years and females presented 183 patients (87.1%). Between baseline and the final visit, there were a significant reduction in migraine days and analgesic consumption days (9.54 ± 1.70 versus 4.58 ± 2.77,P < 0.001 ), (8.47 ± 1.49 versus 2.98 ± 0.21,P < 0.001 ) days respectively. After BoNT-A treatment, there were significant reduction in headache severity (8.37 ± 0.72versus 2.54 ± 0.18,P < 0.001 ), 51.4% reduction in migraine days by 50% after 4 BoNT-A treatment cycles. Treatment with BoNT-A significantly improved the MSQ scores at last visit versus baseline visit. For MSQ Role Function- Restrictive (51.55 ± 29.12 vs.26.89 ± 17.42 (; P < 0.001, MSQ Role Function-Preventive( 56.07 ± 24.73 vs. 30.64 ± 15.25;P < 0.001), and for MSQ Emotional Function (76.47 ± 115.29 vs. 35.12 ± 20.83;P < 0.001). BoNT-A improved the work productivity (4.63 ± 2.39 versus 6.26 ± 2.04;P < 0.001) and reduced the mean number of hours missed from work and daily activities over a 7-day period 4.63 ± 2.39 versus 6.26 ± 2.04,P < 0.001; (2.24 ± 3.30 versus 3.94 ± 3.45,;P < 0.001). 54 patients (14.4%) experienced mild and short-lasting AEs. The most common treatment related adverse event was eyelid ptosis 12 patients (5.7%).ConclusionsBoNT-A is an effective and well tolerated therapy in the prophylaxis of EM. It improved MSQ and WPAI in our cohort. No new safety signals were identified.
Construction and validation of a tool for measuring the needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer: the QUestionnaire nEEd Cancer AYAs : QUEEC-AYAs
Authors: Justafré S. , Marino P. , Touzani R. , Dupeyre-Alvarez F. , Dantin P. , Viens P. , Vey N. , Calvin S.
Published: April 2023

Context: In France, 2300 adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 16-25 years old) are diagnosed with cancer each year. As soon as the disease is diagnosed, a number of physical, psychological and social needs may arise. The aim of this study is to develop a tool to measure unmet needs that will allow the specificities of AYAs to be understood while allowing health care staff to mobilise the necessary actors to resolve them.
Methods: We developed the Questionnaire nEEd Cancer AYAs (QUEEC-AYAs questionnaire), from two existing questionnaires: the Cancer Needs Questionnaire Young People and the Needs Assessment & Service Bridge. A main sample of 103 AYAs then received and completed the questionnaire in order to conduct an exploratory factor analysis.
Results: The final structure of the QUEEC-AYAs is composed of 7 dimensions and 48 items: information (8 items), cancer care team (6 items), Physical health (4 items), Emotional health (14 items), Sexual & reproductive health (6 items), Health behaviors & wellness (4 items), Daily life (6 items). The questionnaire has a good acceptability and all domains have a Cronbach's alphas value above 0.80.
Conclusion: The QUEEC-AYAs is the first measure of the psychosocial needs of AYAs available in French. Its systematic use in health care services should improve the coordination of care required by AYAs during and after treatment.
Trial registration: This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Paoli-Calmettes Institute (IRB # IPC 2021-041, 2021 May 20).
A Rapid method of analysis of insulating Oil through non-destructive Spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Khan Salahuddin , Aslam Zaheer , Aslam Umair , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Transformers are the most important component of the power system. Failure in the transformer can cause a big financial loss, so a timely inspection of the transformer is necessary. The service life of a transformer can be determined from the condition of the insulating oil by estimating carbonyl and aromaticity indices. In this research, the condition of insulating oil was evaluated through a rapid, non-destructive technique using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies. The aging of the oil was performed in the presence of an insulating paper in an oven at 130°C for different residence time (48–192h), and the oil was examined using FTIR and UV-Vis after every 48h. The carbonyl and aromaticity indices were calculated from the area under the curves in FTIR at a specific wavenumber range between 1700–1600 cm− 1 which reflects the deterioration of the insulating oil. Further, the UV-Vis spectrum intensity between 200–400 nm was used to qualitatively analyze the quality of the insulating oil. Therefore, it can be concluded that these non-destructive techniques are rapid, inexpensive, and also carry a lot of information as compared to the traditional method which can help in deciding the state of the oil.
Quantifying the Correlation Between the Neutron Multiplication Factor and the Spatial Arrangement of Spent Fuel Casks in a Spent Fuel Storage Facility
Authors: Leotlela Mosebetsi J
Published: April 2023

The effective neutron multiplication factor (keff) of a fissile system is a function of space and time f(x,y,z,t), where (x,y,z) are the coordinates of the reference point in space and t is time. Scientific proof of the time-dependence of the neutron multiplication factor of a fissile system was published in 2017 [1]); as such, this research will focus on determining the spatial dependence of the neutron multiplication factor of a fissile system using spent fuel casks.
Active Intrusion Detection & Prediction based on Temporal Big Data Analytics
Authors: Jemili Farah
Published: April 2023

Computer security consists in protecting access and manipulating system data by several mechanisms. However, conventional protection technologies are ineffective against current attacks. Thus, new tools have appeared, such as the intrusion detection and prediction systems which are important defense elements for network security since they detect the ongoing intrusions and predict the upcoming attacks. Besides, most of conventional protection technologies remain insufficient in terms of actions since they are all passive systems, unable to provide recommendations in order to block or stop the attacks. In this paper, a distributed detection and prediction system, composed of three major parts, is proposed. The first part deals with the detection of intrusions based on the decision tree learning algorithm. The second part deals with intrusions prediction using the chronicle algorithm. The third part proposes an expert system for security recommendations in response to detected intrusions, able to provide appropriate recommendations to stop the attacks. The proposed system gives good results in terms of accuracy and precision in detecting and predicting attacks, and efficiency in proposing the right recommendations to stop the attacks.