bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver nanoclusters as label free non-enzymatic fast glucose assay with the fluorescent enhancement signal
Authors: Moosavi Razieh , Alizadeh Naader
Published: July 2023

A simple and low-cost green preparation method was used for BSA capped silver nanoclusters (BSA-Ag NCs) as turn on fluorescent probe for glucose. Non-enzymatic fast glucose detection assay with a widest concentration range was proposed which requires neither nanoclusters (NCs) modification nor complicated enzyme immobilization. The DLS analysis, HRTEM patterns, fluorescence and UV-visible measurement well supported the synthesis product. The advantages of the fabricated glucose sensor based on fluorescence increasing of probe compared to other established optical techniques was inspected and summarized as well. The glucose sensor exhibited a high sensitivity, fast response time (in seconds), satisfactory selectivity, well stability (at least two months), low detection limit (31 µmol L− 1) and a wide concentration response (three orders of magnitudes) to glucose between 0.1 to 92 mmol L− 1 as calibration plot. The facile preparation and excellent sensing performance of BSA-Ag NCs in the real samples (plasma and juice) make sure that synthesized probe material is a promising candidate for advanced enzyme-free glucose sensing approach.
Effects of gene polymorphisms on delayed MTX clearance, toxicity, and metabolomic changes after HD-MTX treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zhou Yao , He Haoping , Ding Luping , Wang Tianjiao , Liu Xiaomeng , Zhang Minghao , Zhang Aijun , Fu Jinqiu
Published: July 2023

Objective
To assess the role of methotrexate-related gene polymorphisms in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) therapy and to explore their effects on serum metabolites before and after HD-MTX treatment.
Methods
The MTHFR 677C > T, MTHFR 1298A > C, ABCB1 3435C > T, and GSTP1 313A > G genotypes of 189 children with ALL who received chemotherapy with the CCCG-ALL-2020 regimen from January 2020 to April 2023 were analyzed, and toxic effects were reported according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 5.0). Fasting peripheral blood serum samples were collected from 27 children before and after HD-MTX treatment, and plasma metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Results
The results of univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MTHFR 677C > T and ABCB1 3435 C༞T gene polymorphisms were associated with the delayed MTX clearance (P < 0.05) and lower platelet count after treatment in children with MTHFR 677 mutation compared with wild-type ones (P < 0.05), and pure mutations in ABCB1 3435 were associated with higher serum creatinine levels (P < 0.05). No significant association was identified between MTHFR 677C > T, MTHFR 1298A > C, ABCB1 3435 C > T, and GSTP1 313A > G genes and hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity (P > 0.05). However, the serum metabolomic analysis indicated that the presence of the MTHFR 677C > T gene polymorphism could potentially contribute to delayed MTX clearance by influencing L-phenylalanine metabolism, leading to the occurrence of related toxic side effects.
Conclusion
MTHFR 677C > T and ABCB1 3435 C > T predicted the risk of delayed MTX clearance during HD-MTX treatment in children with ALL. Serum L-phenylalanine levels were significantly elevated after HD-MTX treatment in children with the MTHFR 677C > T mutation gene.
Working through multiple crises: the experience of psychotherapists and psychoanalysts in Lebanon
Authors: Nassif Rose Marie , Husseini Mayssa' El , Beaini Nour , Choueiri Tonnie , Tarazi-Sahab Layla , Moro Marie-Rose
Published: July 2023

Background
This research explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychotherapists' practices and their ability to maintain a framework despite a shared reality with their patients. The specific focus in this article is on the Lebanese context, which is characterized by a series of crises including economic collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut blast. The objective of this study was to examine how the destabilization of the meta-frame due to crises necessitates adaptations in theoretical knowledge, practice, and setting.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study among a population consisting of mental health professionals, which were recruited in multiple countries through associations and societies of psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychoanalysts. Data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews. The interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), which allowed for a dynamic exploration of the participants' experiences. A total of 44 participants were interviewed, with 15 interviews specifically focusing on Lebanese psychoanalysts and psychotherapists.
Results
Our study revealed four superordinate themes: (1) the strained frontiers; (2) the cumulative traumatic reality and its impact; (3) A challenged professional identity; (4) The creativity stemming from collective trauma.
Conclusions
Our results highlight the insecurity caused by external reality infiltrating the therapeutic setting. Online therapy allowed for continued work, but uncertainty about the online environment's impact on therapeutic relationships was observed. The study underscores the importance of adaptability, containment, and support for therapists navigating crises, particularly in the online setting.
Terahertz based optical & electrical properties of PZT
Authors: Yadagiri K. , Nagaraju M. , Reddy V. Raghavender , Chaudary A. K. , Dinkar D. , Kumar K. Uday , Haranath D.
Published: July 2023

Piezoelectric materials have been using widely for various applications like MEMS and energy harvesting. The PZT (PbZr0. 52Ti0.48O3) is one among of all piezoelectric materials, which exhibit vital role for fabrication of devices. The present manuscript is described about PZT powders, which were synthesized by solgel method and yielded powders were annealed at different temperature to get stabilize structure without any impurities phase with help of X-ray diffraction. As a part of structural investigation, Raman spectroscopy have done over the different temperature annealed powders and identify Raman active modes. The band gap energy was found for these nano powders that are increasing with respect to annealing temperature. The microstructure of nano PZT powders has found with help FESEM, which provided the particles size with order of 50-70 nm diameters. Electrical properties i.e., the P-E loop have done on nano PZT, polarization has increased and leakage current also increased for annealed temperatures. The terahertz spectra of PZT results suggested that the absorption coefficient peak found at higher frequency, refractive index peak found lower frequency for annealed PZT samples. The 600oC is shown maximum dielectric constant & refractive index at 0.6 THz, which is confirmed by the electric properties of PZT. As annealing temperature increases, dielectric and refractive index decreased due to depolarization.
Enhancing the quality of lentil proteins via combination with whey proteins based on a dual process: A novel strategy through the incorporation of complexation and fermentation
Authors: Alrosan Mohammad , Tan Thuan-Chew , Easa Azhar Mat , Gammoh Sana , Alu’datt Muhammad H. , Kubow Stan , Almajwal Ali Madi , Mahmood Ammar A. Razzak , Al-Qaisi Ali
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing a distinguished alternative to human consumption of animal-based proteins. The application of lentil proteins in the food industry is typically limited due to their poor solubility and digestibility. An innovative method of balancing lentil-whey protein (LP-WP) complexes with higher-quality protein properties was established to address this issue, which coupled a pH-shifting approach with fermentation treatment. The results showed that microorganisms in the water kefir influenced the quality of protein structures and enhanced the nutritional values, including increasing the total phenolic compounds and improving the flavor of fermented LP-WP complexes. The protein digestibility, pH values, microbial growth, total soluble solids, and total saponin and phenolic contents were hydrolyzed for five days at 25 ºC. The FTIR spectrophotometer scans indicated significant (P<0.05) changes to the secondary protein structure components (random coil and α-helix). This study showed that combining pH-shifting with fermentation treatment improves lentil and whey proteins’ structure, protein quality, and nutritional benefits.
Multi-Faceted Attributes of Salivary Cell-free DNA as Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer Detection
Authors: Swarup Neeti , Cheng Jordan , Choi Irene , Heo You Jeong , Kordi Misagh , Li Feng , Aziz Mohammad , Chia David , Wei Fang , Elashoff David , Zhang Liying , Kim Sung , Kim Yong , Wong David T.W.
Published: July 2023

Background
Recent advances in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis from biofluids have opened new avenues for liquid biopsy (LB). However, current cfDNA LB assays are limited by the availability of existing information on established genotypes associated with tumor tissues. Certain cancers present with a limited list of established mutated cfDNA biomarkers, and thus, nonmutated cfDNA characteristics along with alternative biofluids are needed to broaden the available cfDNA targets for cancer detection. Saliva is an intriguing and accessible biofluid that has yet to be fully explored for its clinical utility for cancer detection.
Methods
In this report, we employed a low-coverage single stranded (ss) library NGS pipeline "Broad-Range cell-free DNA-Seq" (BRcfDNA-Seq) using saliva to comprehensively investigate the characteristics of salivary cfDNA (ScfDNA). The identification of cfDNA features has been made possible by applying novel cfDNA processing techniques that permit the incorporation of ultrashort, ss, and jagged DNA fragments. As a proof of concept using 10 gastric cancer (GC) and 10 noncancer samples, we examined whether ScfDNA characteristics, including fragmentomics, end motif profiles, microbial contribution, and human chromosomal mapping, could differentiate between these two groups.
Results
Individual and integrative analysis of these ScfDNA features demonstrated significant differences between the two cohorts, suggesting that disease state may affect the ScfDNA population by altering nuclear cleavage or the profile of contributory organism cfDNA to total ScfDNA. We report that principal component analysis integration of several aspects of salivary cell-free DNA fragmentomic profiles, genomic element profiles, end-motif sequence patterns, and distinct oral microbiome populations can differentiate the two populations with a p value of < 0.0001 (PC1).
Conclusion
These novel features of ScfDNA characteristics could be clinically useful for improving saliva-based LB detection and the eventual monitoring of local or systemic diseases.
Efficacy and Saffety of a Topical Natural Cream to Psoriasis:
Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Benites Elizabeth , Carrillo Esmeralda , Heras Martha , Bourne Doménica
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of a natural topical cream and compare it with the gold-standard topical cream.
Methodology: Randomized clinical trial, in 100 healthy volunteer subjects, five formulations of the new product were prepared and applied to 20 healthy subjects for each formulation. Of the 270 patients with psoriasis, 120 volunteer patients were selected; 60 patients were randomly administered the full natural product, and as a control group, 60 patients were treated with corticosteroid cream at the TMC Hospital.
Outcome: Application in 100 healthy subjects showed that 99% had no side effects. When applied to patients with psoriasis at the TMC Hospital, the response was evaluated 10 days after treatment by comparing the results with a corticosteroid. Categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and percentages, and differences were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test. Using Student’s t-test for paired tests, the differences before and after treatment between the medians of the continuous variables were analyzed and found to be significant. The distribution of the variables was analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test with the clinical variables, as well as with the PASI index and SBA, resulting in a highly significant P value of 0.000, which showed that the topical natural cream was effective in reducing the characteristic clinical signs in the skin of patients with psoriasis.
Discussion: The application of the new natural cream with anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, soothing, disinfectant, antimicrobial, and healing properties showed that 99% of healthy subjects and patients had no side effects, presenting a rapid, statistically significant efficacy, whose results were compared with a topical corticosteroid 10 days after treatment. The new natural topical cream showed a remitting effect in the third month after the control. This cream was approved for commercialization in February 2023 by the Regulatory and Health Control Agency of Ecuador (ARCSA). As it is effective and efficient in patients with plaque psoriasis and its components are of natural origin, its application is recommended in this type of immunological disease whose improvement was clinically manifested from the beginning of the treatment.
Is Triggering Receptor Expressed On Myeloid Cells 1 (TREM-1) protein a new marker of serious infectious complications in colorectal surgery? – case-matched pilot study
Authors: Pisarska-Adamczyk Magdalena , Rzepa Anna , Kapusta Maria , Zawadzka Karolina , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata , Wysocki Michał , Małczak Piotr , Major Piotr , Zub-Pokrowiecka Anna , Wierdak Mateusz , Pędziwiatr Michał
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Triggering Receptor Expressed On Myeloid Cells 1 (TREM-1) protein as a marker for serious infectious complications during laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Methods
64 patients with colon or rectal cancer, who underwent an elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery from November 2018 to February 2020, were included in the analysis. Blood samples of the TREM-1 protein testing were collected four times from each patient: before and on three following postoperative days (PODs). Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of infectious complications. Subsequently, patients with infectious complications (group 1) were matched 1:1 with patients without complications (group 2). The case-matched analysis was done by selecting patients from the control group by age, ASA scale, cancer stage, and type of surgery.
Results
There was no significant difference in demographic and operative characteristics between the two groups. The median length of hospital stay was longer in Group 1 than in Group 2 (11 days vs. 5 days, p<0.001). Preoperative measurements of TREM-1 protein did not differ between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the measurements on the first and third postoperative days. However, the median TREM-1 measurement was higher in Group 1 on the second postoperative day (542 pg/ml vs. 399 pg/ml; p=0.040). The difference was more apparent when only severe postoperative complications were considered. When compared to the group without any complications, the median TREM-1 level was significantly higher in the group with severe infection complications in POD 1, POD 2, and POD 3 (p<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that TREM-1 readings in 2 POD had sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 84% for the presence of severe infection complications at a value of 579.3 pg/ml (AUC 0.8, 95%CI 0.65-0.96).
Conclusion
TREM-1 measurements might become a helpful predictive marker in the early diagnosis of serious infectious complications in patients following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Trial registration number: NCT05933408, date of registration: 6 July 2023, retrospectively registered
Efficient mercury removal and neutralization of wastewater using European beech charcoal
Authors: Udjilanovic Marina , Krstic Vesna , Ciric Andrija
Published: July 2023

This investigation aimed to produce, characterize, and apply European beech (Fagus silvatica) charcoal for wastewater treatment. The results showed that beech charcoal has high thermal stability and carbon content. Elemental analysis results indicated that beech charcoal has a high potassium content. The surface of beech charcoal was rough. The morphology from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images demonstrated that beech charcoal is a highly porous material, with small cavities connected to large cavities. Beech charcoal was worked as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment from the Borska river. The results indicated that beech charcoal could efficiently remove mercury and neutralize the pH of wastewater in wastewater with high acidity and alkalinity.
Heavy metals contamination assessment in the top soils for urban and industrial areas, Semnan, Iran
Authors: Mollashahi Maryam , Feizi Vahid
Published: July 2023

This study was performed using Magnetometery susceptibility (MS) and heavy metal analysis on 36 soil samples at the depth of 0–10 cm collected from urban and industrial areas of Semnan, Iran. The magnetic susceptibility of soil samples were measured by MFK1-A Kappabridge and total metal content such as Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd and Zn were determined by ICP set in the lab of Geological survey and mineral exploration of Iran. The results showed the maximum Magnetic Susceptibility of 317.3 *10− 8 m3/kg which measured in the east of Semnan city. Furthermore, high magnetic susceptibility were obtained on samples from north, East and industrial area of Semnan city (average 285.4*10− 8, 275.6*10− 8 and 261.7*10− 8 m3/kg, respectively) whereas lower susceptibility values were observed in the West area of Semnan city (average 66.1*10− 8,). Heavy metals such as As, Co, Cr, Mn and Zn show a highly significant correlation with magnetic susceptibility. Cd, Cr, Pb and Zn through investigated heavy metals, showed the higher concentrations than pollution threshold values.
The first molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in blood samples of turtles (T. graeca) and their associated ticks Running Title: Coxiella burnetii in turtle and ticks
Authors: Khademi Peyman , Tukmechi Amir , Ownagh Abdulghaffar , Enferadi Ahmad , Hadian Mojtaba
Published: July 2023

Coxiella burnetii can cause the zoonotic disease of Q fever, which has been recorded in numerous distinctive species. Hyalomma aegyptium can be classified as a hard-tick completing its life cycle through three hosts. Epidemiologically, the spread of pathogens by H. aegyptium between different hosts can be critical. The objective of the present investigation was to detect C. burnetii in blood samples of turtles and H. aegyptium ticks attached to them in northwest of Iran (Oshnavieh). A total of 500 engorged mature ticks and 100 blood samples were obtained from 100 tortoises. A nested-PCR targeting IS1111 and icd genes with specific primers were used to diagnose C. burnetii. From 100 tick pool samples based on IS1111 gene, 10 were infected with C. burnetii (10%; 95% CI: 5.5–17.4). The rate of infection with C. burnetii based on the icd gene in tick samples was 6%; 95% CI: 2.8%-12.5%. In addition, the level of contamination of turtle blood with C. burnetii based on the IS1111 gene was 5%; 95% CI: 2.2%-11.2%. The contamination rate of the blood based on icd gene was 3%; 95% CI: 1%-8.5%. In conclusion, infected tortoises and H. aegyptium ticks with C. burnetii may play a vital part in the transmission of this pathogenic agent to both human and other animals. Additionally, appropriate public health measures should be implemented to decrease the circulation of the pathogen between various hosts.
Immunofluorescence study of cytoskeleton in endothelial cells induced with malaria sera
Authors: Wongsawat Mathusorn , Glaharn Supattra , Sris Charit , Dechkhajorn Wilanee , Chaisri Urai , Punsawad Chuchard , Techarang Tachpon , Chotivanich Kesinee , Krudsood Srivicha , Viriyavejakul Parnpen
Published: July 2023

Background Endothelial cells (ECs) play a major role in malaria pathogenesis, as a point of direct contact of parasitized red blood cells to the blood vessel wall. The study of cytoskeleton structures of ECs, whose main functions are to maintain shape and provide strength to the EC membrane is important in determining the severe sequelae of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The work investigated the cytoskeletal changes (microfilaments- actin, microtubules- tubulin and intermediate filaments- vimentin) in ECs induced by malaria sera (P. vivax, uncomplicated P. falciparum and complicated P. falciparum).Methods Morphology and fluorescence intensity of EC cytoskeleton stimulated with malaria sera were evaluated using immunofluorescence technique. Control experimental groups included ECs incubated with media alone and with normal sera. Experimental groups consisted of ECs incubated with malaria sera from P. vivax, uncomplicated P. falciparum and complicated P. falciparum. Morphological scores of cytoskeletal alterations and fluorescence intensity were compared across each experiment groupResults The four morphological changes of cytoskeleton included (1) shrinkage of cytoskeleton and ECs with cortical condensation, (2) appearance of eccentric nuclei, (3) presence of “spiking pattern” of cytoskeleton and EC membrane, and (4) fragmentation and discontinuity of cytoskeleton and ECs. Significant damages were noted in actin filaments compared to tubulin and vimentin filaments in ECs stimulated with sera from complicated P. falciparum malaria. Fluorescence intensity of EC cytoskeleton was also highest in ECs stimulated with sera from complicated P. falciparum malaria and was correlated with morphological damages to cytoskeleton.Conclusions ECs stimulated with sera from complicated P. falciparum malaria showed cytoskeletal alterations and increased in fluorescence intensity. Cytoskeletal changes of ECs incubated with complicated P. falciparum malaria sera can lead to EC junctional alteration and permeability changes, which is mediated through apoptotic pathway. The findings can serve as a basis to explore measures to strengthen EC cytoskeleton and alleviate severe malaria complications such as pulmonary oedema and cerebral malaria. In addition, immunofluorescence intensity of cytoskeleton could be investigated as potential prognostic indicator for malaria severity.
Vertical transmission of gut bacteria in commercial chickens is limited
Authors: Shterzer Naama , Rothschild Nir , Sbehat Yara , Dayan Jonathan , Eytan Dor , Uni Zehava , Mills Erez
Published: July 2023

The existence of vertical transmission in chickens under commercial settings, where chicks are raised separated from adults, is unclear. To answer this question, the fecal microbiota of chicks hatched and grown separately was compared with their mothers’ microbiota. Most amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) identified in hens did not appear at all in chicks up to two weeks of age, and those that did appear had a low incidence among the chicks. Nevertheless, a few ASVs that were common with the hens were highly prevalent among the chicks, implying they were efficiently transmitted to chicks. These ASVs were culturable from the reproductive tract of hens and eggshells. Furthermore, interventions attempting to disrupt transmission resulted in a reduction of prevalence in chicks. To conclude, vertical transmission in commercial poultry grown separately from adults likely exists but is not efficient, possibly resulting in impairment of microbiota function. This implies that artificial exposure to adult bacterial strains might improve microbiota functioning.
Enabling Explainable Artificial Intelligence To Narrate Patent Scenarios in Devising Science Policy Decisions & Technology Forecasts
Authors: Hasan Zeba , Alam M Afshar , Kaur Harleen , Khan Ihtiram Raza , Alankar Bhavya
Published: July 2023

Machine learning methods, offering unique characteristics for variable identification and it’s importance, are now gradually used for prediction, forecasting and devising important scenarios for integral decision-making. Sequential and dynamic growth in technology can fundamentally become a foremost indicator in measuring technology strength in innovative technology-based development. Prudent and systematic data generation is part of the same transition phase playing an equivalent role in creating evidence analysis and service/product development. Assisted solutions of machine learning provide data-driven prediction at core level areas of medical analysis, fraud detection & disease detection, etc. to predict solutions with explainable intelligence. Assisting solutions with more data-driven explainable solutions, during performance of advanced machine learning has created an advanced methodology of generating white box solutions out of the black box interpretation. Explainable artificial intelligence, which gives superior and solution-based AI is not only providing optimal solutions but also provides an impactful decision-making solution. The approach of explainable artificial intelligence being used here represents and mediate assessment for ML algorithms to predict accurate results. Innovation and development, whereby can be identifies via the various innovation indicators, where patents are one of the important solution providers on way for futuristic technology and innovation solution. Patent expansion potentials have been initially proposed by prediction and forecasting of patents, to be considered in identifying technology trends and improving policy decision-making. Now in this paper standardised use of patent values extracted from Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) database of patents for India have been taken to represent technological mandate.
Age‐dependent subcortical white and gray matter disruptions in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Kangarloo Kambiz , Raminfard Samira , Zebardast Jayran , Faghihzadeh Elham , Kondori Bahman Jalali
Published: July 2023

Introduction:Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and it is associated with a range of functional and structural brain abnormalities. The present study aimed to investigate age-related differences in subcortical grey matter and corresponding white matter in veterans with PTSD.
Material and methods: This study recruited 14 Iran-Iraq war veterans with PTSD, 30 war veterans in Syria with PTSD, and 48 healthy controls. Participants were divided into two age groups to evaluate age-specific alterations in brain regions using structural MRI analysis.
Result: The results showed that individuals with PTSD had significantly smaller subcortical gray matter volumes, including the bilateral thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, left pallidum, and right accumbens-area (p < 0.05). DTI analyses revealed lower fractional anisotropy in several white matter structures, including the anterior limb of the internal capsule, anterior corona radiata, and cingulum in both hemispheres (p < 0.05). Additionally, the mean diffusivity was higher in the anterior limb of the internal capsule, anterior corona radiata, and cingulum in both hemispheres and the right external capsule (p < 0.05) in individuals with PTSD. Age-specific alterations were also observed in brain regions between the two age groups.
Conclusion:These findings suggest that PTSD is associated with significant structural and functional alterations in the brain, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disorder. So, age is a critical factor in exposure to traumatic events. Our results contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in PTSD and could potentially lead to the development of more targeted interventions for individuals with PTSD.
Preoperative Prediction of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Grade based on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT
Authors: Ma Jiao , Wang Xiaoyong , Tang Mingsong , Zhang Chunyin
Published: July 2023

Objective
To establish a prediction model for preoperatively predicting grade 1 and grade 2/3 tumors in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) based on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT.
Methods
Clinical data of 41 patients with PNETs were included in this study. According to the pathological results, they were divided into grade 1 and grade 2/3. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT images were collected within one month before surgery. The clinical risk factors and significant radiological features were filtered, and a clinical predictive model based on these clinical and radiological features was established. 3D slicer was used to extracted 107 radiomic features from the region of interest (ROI) of 68Ga-dotata PET/CT images. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), recursive feature elimination (REF) based five-fold cross validation were adopted for the radiomic feature selection, and a radiomic score was computed subsequently. The comprehensive model combining the clinical risk factors and the rad-score was established as well as the nomogram. The performance of above clinical model and comprehensive model were evaluated and compared.
Results
Adjacent organ invasion, N staging, and M staging were the risk factors for PNET grading (p < 0.05). 12 optimal radiomic features (3 PET radiomic features, 9 CT radiomic features) were screen out. The clinical predictive model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.785. The comprehensive model has better predictive performance (AUC = 0.953).
Conclusion
We proposed a comprehensive nomogram model based on 68Ga-dotatate PET/CT to predict grade 1 and grade 2/3 of PNETs and assist personalized clinical diagnosis and treatment plans for patients with PNETs.
Dominoes with interlocking consequences triggered by zinc: Involvement of microelement- stimulated MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles in senile osteogenesis and osteoclast dialogue
Authors: Yin Shi , Lin Sihan , Xu Jingyi , Yang Guangzheng , Chen Hongyan , Jiang Xinquan
Published: July 2023

As societal aging intensifies, senile osteoporosis has become a global public health concern. Bone microdamage is mainly caused by processes such as enhancing osteoclast activity or reducing bone formation by osteoblast-lineage cells. Compared with young individuals, extracellular vesicles derived from senescent bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) increase the transient differentiation of bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) to osteoclasts, ultimately leading to osteoporosis and metal implant failure. To address this daunting problem, an exosome-targeted orthopedic implant composed of a nutrient coating was developed. A high-zinc atmosphere used as a local microenvironmental cue could induce reprogramming of senile osteogenesis and osteoclast dialogue by exosome modification. Bidirectional regulation of intercellular communication via cargoes, including microRNAs carried by exosomes, was detected. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that the key regulator miR-146b-5p regulates the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway by targeting the catalytic subunit gene of PI3K— PIK3CB. In vivo evaluation using a naturally-aged osteoporotic rat femoral defect model further confirmed that a nutrient coating substantially augments cancellous bone remodeling and osseointegration by regulating local BMMs differentiation. Altogether, this study not only reveals the close link between senescent stem cell communication and age-related osteoporosis but also provides a novel orthopedic implant for elderly patients with exosome modulation capability.
Non-consumptive effects mediated by fire ant footprints mitigate fruit damage by Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: Wen Jian , Xiao Lu , Liu Xin , Zou Yan , Geng Xingyu , Cao Fengqin , Shan Zhe
Published: July 2023

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major global pest of fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, field studies revealed that the presence of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, reduces the visiting frequency of B. dorsalis and fruit damage. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that S. invicta can produce semiochemicals that non-consumptively repel B. dorsalis, thereby reducing damage to fruits caused by feeding and oviposition. We investigated how S. invicta poop, saliva, and footprints influence the behavior of B. dorsalis. Subsequently, we analyzed the chemical composition of S. invicta footprints and conducted field experiments to evaluate their efficacy as repellents against B. dorsalis. The results demonstrated that S. invicta footprints effectively repel the visiting behavior and decrease the number of eggs laid by B. dorsalis. Among the nine compounds identified, d-limonene, acetic acid, and a mixture of seven compounds showed strong repellent effects on the visiting frequency and egg-laying of B. dorsalis. Field experiments confirmed the effectiveness of S. invicta footprint compounds in controlling B. dorsalis, resulting in reduced fruit damage in mango, guava, and wax apple trees. These studies provide valuable insights into the non-consumptive effects of S. invicta footprints on B. dorsalis behavior, unraveling the chemical communication between these two invasive species, and offer new pest control methods using invasive predators when direct release is limited.
Genomic Characterization of HIV-1 Bc Recombinant Viruses
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigo Cunha , Monteiro-Cunha Joana Paixão
Published: July 2023

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) is characterized by high rates of genetic diversity, being classified into groups, subtypes and recombinant forms. To date, 14 Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRFs) of subtypes B and C have been identified, three of them in 2021: CRF108_BC in Spain, CRF110_BC and CRF118_BC in China. This study investigated the genetic diversity among circulating BC recombinant viruses. Near-Full Length Genomes (NFLG) of 225 BC strains were retrieved from the Los Alamos database. Recombination and phylogenetic analysis were conducted using bioinformatics tools. Sequences were obtained from 17 countries between 1992 and 2018. Fourteen CRFs and 82 distinct Unique Recombinant Forms (URFs) recombination patterns were identified. Preferential recombination points were found in pol (66.7%) and env (62.5%) genes, while subtype C is the predominant genetic form in gag, vif, vpr, tat, rev, tat2, rev2, nef and 3'-LTR genomic regions. Specific positions in pol and env genes maintain the B subtype, which may be related to the acquisition of adaptive advantage over subtype C.
Assessment of Awareness on Health Impact of Drinking Unsafe Water in Hargeisa, Somaliland
Authors: Ismail Abdihakim Ahmed , Duale Hassan Abdillahi
Published: July 2023

a cross-sectional study was conducted at Hargeisa from June to November 2019 to assess awareness and health impacts for drinking unsafe water in Hargeisa. A total of 384 respondents were participated. Out of 384 respondents participated in this study, 69% (265/384) of the respondents are aware of the health impacts for drinking unsafe water, whereas the rest 31% (119/384) are not aware health impacts for drinking unsafe water in the study area. Source of water in this study are tap water (31.8%), water tank vehicle (52.1%) and both tap water and water tank vehicle (16.1%). Education and economic status of the respondents were shown to significant association with the awareness of impacts on drinking unsafe water (P < 0.05), where location, gender and age were not shown statistical significant association (P > 0.05). Drinking unsafe water leads occurrence of water borne diseases, diarrhea and kidneys complications.
Studies In Rhythmical Sedimentation Pattern within The Nigerian Upper Benue-Dadiya Syncline and its Paleogeographic implication
Authors: Opeloye S. A. , Olabanji S. O.
Published: July 2023

Studies in the cyclic beddings in the Dadiya Syncline reflect varying depositional environments constrained under sea level fluctuation as well as crustal subsidence spanning the period of Aptian to Santonian. The identified environments of depositions are the continental Bima Sandstone, the coastal beach Yolde Formation, the brackish Jessu and Sukuliye Formations, the open marine Dukul and Numanha Formations as well as marginal marine Lamja Sandstone. The environments are deduced from carbonate microfacies characteristics as well as foraminifera and ostracod microfossil assemblages. The open marine conditions of Dukul, Numanha and the topmost Lamja beds are indicative of the three cycles of paleo-sea level rise in the Dadiya Syncline rock record.
AI based Metaheuristic Optimization of PEMFC Control System for Robust and Efficient Operation
Authors: Aboshosha Ashraf , Gouda Mohamed M. , Awad Hilmy , Hamad Hisham A.
Published: July 2023

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) have several merits over the other fuel cells like low operating temperature, high power density, light weight, and robustness, fitting them in a wide variety of green energy applications. The most important application area of the PEMFC is hydrogen cars (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles – FCEV), stationary and portable hydrogen power systems. Throughout the presented research work the complete three cycles of the fuel cell control are presented which are the control system, the FCEV control and the AI based metaheuristic optimization. The presented algorithm includes the PI controller – PI-based HHO-PI-based AEO-PI-based GWO-PI-based PSO. An objective statistical comparison among the presented algorithms to select the best one of them according to perfect criteria.
A unified approach to evolutionary conservation and population constraint in protein domains highlights structural features and pathogenic sites
Authors: MacGowan Stuart A. , Madeira Fábio , Britto-Borges Thiago , Barton Geoffrey J.
Published: July 2023

The molecular evolution of a protein is constrained by its structure and function. This is how patterns of evolutionary conservation in a multiple sequence alignment can be exploited by algorithms like AlphaFold to predict structure and other features. Human population sequencing offers the potential to show similar trends within a single species. However, although gene-level and domain-level aggregation of variants is routinely applied, data still preclude simple residue-level analysis per protein. Here, we aggregate population variants within protein domain families to define the missense enrichment score (MES) which captures population constraint at positions in the family. Contrasting MES with evolutionary conservation identifies positions that are key to protein-ligand and protein-protein interaction specificity as well as locations critical to folding, function and pathogenicity. This approach also highlights a new class of pathogenic variant hot spot at positions that are evolutionarily conserved yet enriched in missense variants. We found 5,086 positions in 766 domain families were missense depleted (covering 365,300 residues in the human proteome) and 13,490 positions in 3,591 families were enriched in missense variants (340,829 residues in human) and provide a map of residue-level population constraint in human. Comparison to 61,214 three dimensional structures from the Protein Data Bank, covering 40,394 sequences from 3,661 Pfam domains, and over 10,000 variants labelled pathogenic in ClinVar provides validation of these sites in context with structure and pathogenicity. Application to the GPCR family identifies 17 sites important for ligand binding specificity as well as sites key to function in all members of the GPCR family. For nuclear receptor ligand binding domains, of 10 likely specificity sites, six are in direct contact with ligands. In P450s the most conserved and missense depleted sites interact with the electron donor. This study will have broad applications to: (a) providing focus for functional studies of specific proteins by mutagenesis; (b) refining pathogenicity prediction models; (c) highlighting which residue interactions to target when refining the specificity of small-molecule drugs.
Exceptional-point-enhanced phase sensing
Authors: Yang Lan , Mao Wenbo , Fu Zhoutian , Li Yihang
Published: July 2023

Optical sensors have become indispensable in various fields, ranging from gravitational wave detection to biomedical imaging and structural health monitoring. Target information is commonly encoded in the phase changes of optical signals. Enhancing the sensitivity to phase changes is crucial for detecting weak signals and extracting valuable data. Recently, exceptional points (EPs), a spectral singularity in non-Hermitian systems, have been explored in various physical systems for sensitivity enhancement. However, it requires precisely controlling the sensor parameters, which restricts the applicability of EP enhancement to certain types of sensors. To overcome this limitation, we propose a novel configuration to implement EP-enhanced sensing. In this approach, a conventional sensor is connected to a microresonator operated at EPs via an optical waveguide. The EP microresonator amplifies optical phase changes from the sensor, converting them into distinct and quantifiable resonance splitting in the transmission spectra of the system. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate a six-fold enhancement in the detection limit of fiber-optic strain sensing using this EP-enhanced configuration. By separating the EP control from the sensor to eliminate the need to finely tune the sensor, our configuration enables EP enhancement for a wide range of conventional sensors. This work provides a promising universal platform to apply EP enhancement to diverse phase-dependent structures for ultrahigh-sensitivity sensing in various applications.
Lie Algebras of Univariate and Bivariate Hermite polynomials and New Generating Function
Authors: Amiri Manouchehr
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the connections between univariate and bivariate Hermite polynomials and associated differential equations with specific representations of sl(2, R) algebra whose Cartan sub-algebras coincide with the differential operators involved in these differential equations. Applying the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula to these algebras, results in new relations and generating functions in one-variable and Bivariate Hermite polynomials. A general form of sl(2, R) representation for other special polynomials such as Laguerre and Legendre polynomials is introduced. A new generating function for Hermite polynomials is presented.
MSC codes: 33C45 ; 16S30 ; 05A15
Prevalence of COVID-19 vaccines among Damascus hospital nurses and evaluation of side effects
Authors: Juratli Asaad Abdulrazzak , Mhana Yulian Abou ali , Nahas Louei Darjazini
Published: July 2023

Introduction: After the World Health Organization declared the end of the Covid 19 pandemic as a global emergency, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 continues to spread in several countries around the world, and in the absence of an effective treatment, the vaccine was the best hope to control this disease. the disease. Nurses participated in the front lines in the battle against COVID-19, in this study we seek to assess the spread of the vaccine and its side effects among the nurses of Damascus Hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses at Al-Mujtahid Hospital in Damascus, using the appropriate sampling method. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. A self-administered and filled-out questionnaire distributed in paper form, which was used in previous studies. The study included 143 participants. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Faculty of Human Medicine, Syrian Private University. Results: Out of 143 participants, 90% were females and 10% were males. With an average age of 29.7 years. 36.4% of the participants stated that they took the vaccine in its full program with two doses, 23.7% took the vaccine in its full program in its single dose only, and 39.9% did not receive the vaccine. High fever was the most prominent symptom, especially after receiving the first dose of the vaccine. Most of those who received the Sinopharm vaccine showed mild side effects, 27.8%, prominently compared to the rest of the types of vaccines. Most of those who received another vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson, AstraZeneca, or combination among More than one type) greater side effects compared to the rest of the vaccines, namely Sputnik and Sinopharm. Conclusion: This study revealed that almost all of the side effects that occurred were similar to those reported in the literature, indicating that almost all of the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are known at this time. Most are not life threatening, with most cases being mild to moderate in severity and resolving within a few days. There were statistically significant relationships between the type of vaccine and the different side effects. More comprehensive studies must be conducted and others also to investigate the possible causes of each vaccine.
The energy consumption of the process of joining steel sheets with the use of clinching with and without an additional rivet, and analysis of sheet deformation and mechanical strength of joints
Authors: Mucha Jacek , Boda Łukasz , Witkowski Waldemar
Published: July 2023

In the case of thin-walled structures, the geometric accuracy of the products is particularly important. The implementation of the parts joining process requires various tools and technological equipment. For clinching joints, their geometric quality, energy requirement of the forming process, and joint load capacity are very important issues. Clinching technology has been used for at least two decades, and research is still being conducted to improve it. This paper presents the results of research on the impact of process modification, i.e., the use of different tools and the shape of the additional rivet, on the joint geometrical quality, the energy consumption of the forming process, distortion of the DX51D + Z/275 steel samples, and the load capacity of the joints. The research was carried out using three different sets of tools. The effect of changing the shape of the rivet (the hole and its diameter and depth) on the reduction of the forming force and the energy consumption of the joining process was analysed. For joints made with different tools and with an additional rivet, an analysis of the size of the sheet deviation was performed. Changes in the geometric structure of the joint interlock and changes in the surface flatness of the sheets in the area of the joint axis were observed. The impact of the proposed rivet modification on the change in the effectiveness of the forming process was determined. Identification of the strength of the joints was also carried out in the shear test of the lap joint. The energy consumption up to fracture was calculated. It has been found that it is possible to significantly increase the joint load capacity and reduce the forming force of the clinch-rivet joints.