bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical application of real-time continuous glucose monitoring system during perioperative enteral nutrition therapy in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Hu Xiaolei , Zhang Ranran , Wu Ying , Xv Rui , Wang Wei , Zhang Lei , Wang Ansheng , Li Min , Jiang Wei , Jin Guoxi
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:
The degree of blood glucose fluctuation between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia during the perioperative period affects the recovery and prognosis of patients. Enteral nutrition (EN) support therapy can cause dramatic fluctuation of blood glucose, especially, the risk of hyperglycemia and death is higher in non-diabetic patients treated with EN. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical value of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) system in blood glucose monitoring during perioperative enteral nutrition support therapy in patients with esophageal cancer.
SUBJECTS/METHODS: Non-diabetic esophageal cancer patients who planned to receive postoperative enteral nutrition were enrolled. With self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) value as the reference blood glucose, the accuracy of rt-CGM was evaluated by MARD value, correlation analysis, consistency analysis and Parkes and Clark error grid plot. Finally, paired t-tests were used to compare the differences in glycemic fluctuations between EN and non-EN days and slow and fast days.
RESULTS: The total MARD value of rt-CGM system was 13.53%. There was a high correlation between interstitial glucose (IG) and fingertip capillary blood glucose (BG) (r = 0.925, P < 0.001). The proportion of consistency analysis of 15/15%, 20/20% and 30/30% was 58.45%, 84.71% and 99.65%, respectively. Parkes and Clark error grid showed that the proportion of A + B region was 100% and 99.94%, respectively. The fluctuation of blood glucose on EN days than non-EN days and on fast days than slow days was large, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: rt-CGM achieved clinical accuracy and can be used as a new option for glucose monitoring during perioperative EN therapy. The magnitude of glucose fluctuation during EN therapy remains large even in the perioperative population without a history of diabetes mellitus.
Theoretical perspective on the electronic, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of T-graphene: the tight-binding approach
Authors: Norian Erfan , Abdi Mona , Astinchap Bandar
Published: November 2023

T-graphene has four atoms in its unit cell and is a member of the graphene allotrope family. In this essay, our computations were done using the tight-binding approach and in the presence of an external magnetic field. Also, the Density of states (DOS), electronic heat capacity, and Pauli susceptibility of T-graphene monolayer under the influence of parameters such as external magnetic field, temperature, and strain have been studied with the help of Green's function model. The evaluation results on the band structure of T-graphene indicate that energy levels lower than the Fermi level of this material reflect the nature of superconductivity. On the other hand, the metallic property is evident in the DOS and band structure for the T-graphene monolayer. Observations of the electronic heat capacity's temperature dependence illustrate variable states, showing an increase under external magnetic field and tensile biaxial strain and a decrease under compressive biaxial strain. On the other hand, studies on the Pauli susceptibility under the control of different parameters show the paramagnetic property of the T-graphene monolayer.
Traditional Knowledge of Halophytic Species in Coastal Provinces of Vietnam
Authors: Toan Vu , Vien Phuong Ta Diep , Dang Tuong Vu , Ha Thi Thanh Doan
Published: November 2023

Present study aims to document the traditional knowledge and the distribution of diverse halophytes used by the coastal community of Vietnam to compensate for the food, fodder, and medicine demands. The information was gathered from the local people, plant traders, and herbalists using semi-structured questionnaire. The survey indicated the ethnobotanical uses of 11 plant species from 8 families in the targeted area. 60% of studied plants were used in more than 2 different ways in which the majority of halophytic species possessed medicinal values, followed by being culinary, fodder, roof thatching, handicraft, and growing medium. The main diseases in the regions were joint and stomach pain. According to the mode of preparation, decoction form was the predominance with 64% over all modes. Base on the result, Cocos nucifera L., Portulaca oleracea L., and Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. had the highest appearance frequency of 17%. In addition, seashore was the most prevalent location of halophytes in which it was the inhabit of 5 out of 11 species. The predominant habit recorded was herbs, followed by shrubs, trees, and vines.
Causal associations between socioeconomic status and Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization and Mediation Analysis
Authors: Geng Chaofan , Meng Ke , Tang Yi
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Observational studies have shown that socio-economic status (SES) is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the biological mechanisms underpinning this association remain unclear. Therefore, using a Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach, the aim was to explore the causal relationship between SES and genetic susceptibility to dementia.
Methods: Large-scale cohorts based on publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets from European populations were employed for conducting the MR study. The primary criterion utilized was the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) model. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were assessed. Multivariate MR (MVMR) was utilized to correct the confounders. Moreover, a two-step MR approach was used to evaluate the potential mediating effects of factors on the causal effects between SES and AD.
Results: As indicated by the results of the IVW model, educational years (OR=0.708,95%CI：0.610-0.821, P<0.001) and household income (OR=0.746,95%CI：0.566-0.982， P=0.037) was associated with a decreased genetic susceptibility risk for AD. The univariable results showed that the causal effect of educational years on the lower risk of AD remained significant (OR=0.643,95%CI: 0.467-0.886, P=0.006). Additionally, our findings indicated that C-reactive protein (CRP) played a role in the causal effect of educational years on AD. The proportions of mediation were -50.08% (95%CI: -92.78; -7.38%).
Discussion: This MR study provided evidence supporting the causal effect of educational attainment lower AD risk, with CRP playing a mediating role. These findings may inform prevention strategies and interventions directed toward AD.
Sex-specific association of maternal glycaemia with the preschooler cognitive development in a prospective cohort study: “the higher the worse?”
Authors: gan hong , Tong juan , Li huijuan , Yan shuangqin , Weng Tingting , Liu Wenwen , Huang Kun , Wu Xiaoyan , Tao Shuman , Gao Hui , Zhu Beibei , Tao Fangbiao
Published: November 2023

Objective: To estimate the association of maternal FPG and x-hPG in different periods of pregnancy as continuum with preschooler’s intellectual development, and explored more deeply whether these associations differ between sex and GDM status.
Methods: This study was based on 2,157 mother-offspring dyads from the Ma’anshan birth cohort (MABC) study. Multivariate linear and logistic regression were used to explore the association between maternal glycaemia and preschoolers’ intelligent development. In addition, stratified analyses according to fetus's sex and GDM status were performed.
Results: After adjusting for covariates, we found that for each 1 mmol/L increase in 1-hPG, 2-hPG, AUC concentration during the second trimester, the scores of FSIQ in preschoolers increased by 0.341 (95%CI: 0.058, 0.624), 0.416 (95%CI: 0.041, 0.792), 0.258 (95%CI: 0.042, 0.474) points, respectively. When stratified by the GDM status and fetus’s sex, the positive associations were only observed in the non-GDM group [OR(95%CI)= 0.702(0.085, 1.318); 0.610 (0.080, 1.139); 0.341(0.032, 0.651)], and among girls, 1 mmol/L increments of 1-hPG and AUC concentration was found to be associated with 22% and 19% lower odds of intelligence development retardation (95% CI: 0.623, 0.974; 95% CI: 0.678, 0.973).
Conclusions: Our study found trimester-, GDM status-, and sex-specific positive associations between maternal glycaemia with preschoolers’ cognition development, which suggested that higher normal maternal glycaemia levels may benefit offspring’s cognitive development. Our finding implies the clinical importance of revisiting the concept of “the higher maternal glycaemic the worse cognitive development” and further exploration of sex-specific mechanisms of maternal glycaemic on fetus brain development.
RETRACTED: Improved dissolution and pharmacokinetics of insufficiently water-soluble canagliflozin in solid dispersions with gelucire 50/13 as a drug carrier
Authors: Deshmukh Rutuja , Deshmane Subhash Vishwanath , Sawant Atish , Deshmane Snehal , Jain Shirish
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Heterogeneous environmental regulation, R&D investment and enterprise green total factor productivity: An empirical test based on dynamic panel threshold model
Authors: Liu Lu , Ren Rong , Cui Kaiyuan , Song Lei
Published: November 2023

Chinese manufacturing enterprises are not only the main body to promote the high-quality development of China’s economy but also the main body of carbon emissions. However, there exists two completely different conclusions both in theoretical and empirical studies which are “Follow Cost” and “Porter Hypothesis”. Based on the panel data of 1220 Chinese manufacturing listed companies from 2011 to 2020, this paper uses threshold regression model to examine the impact of heterogeneous environmental regulation on Chinese manufacturing enterprise Green Total Factor Productivity. The empirical results show that: (1) Command-controlled, market-incentive and voluntary-agreement environmental regulation all have a significant nonlinear impact on enterprise Green Total Factor Productivity. (2) Enterprise R&D investment plays a threshold role in the impact. (3) There are industry and equity type differences in the impact process. The research findings are not only conducive for government to propose appropriate environmental regulation policies, but also valuable for enterprises to achieve green growth through its heterogeneous R&D investment.
Effect of Statin use on Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Ping , Chu Zhaohan , Xu Zili , Mu Qingqing , Xu Dong , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: November 2023

Introduction
This meta-analysis focused on the effects of statin use (either alone or in combination with antihypertensive drugs) on hypertension-related outcome measures, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, TG and total cholesterol.
Methods
We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases before October1 2023.Studies designed as cohort study or randomized controlled trials and investigating the effects of statin use or combined with antihypertensive therapy versus no statin use or antihypertensive therapy alone were included. Authors extracted the data independently; differences were decided to discussion. we use random-effects models to evaluate the merged outcomes. Due to the high heterogeneity of HDL-C group, we performed subgroup analysis according to the type of statin. We use sensitivity analysis, Egger’s test and Funnel plots to evaluate the stability and publication bias of our study.
Results
23 trials were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcomes revealed that (1) administering statins did not significantly impact the SBP of hypertensive patients (MD,-1.77; 95% CI, -4.82 to 1.27). Subgroup analyses revealed a decrease in SBP in patients who received rosuvastatin (MD,-1.70; 95% CI,-2.75 to -0.65) and pravastatin (MD,-8.00; 95% CI,-10.79 to -5.21); (2) no significant effect of statin treatment on DBP in hypertensive patients (MD,-2.04; 95% CI,-4.11 to 0.02). However, subgroup analyses suggest that simvastatin (MD,-2.49; 95% CI, -4.91 to -0.07) and pravastatin (MD,-5.00; 95% CI, -6.60 to -3.40) significantly reduced DBP in hypertensive patients. The secondary outcomes revealed that (1) the use of statins resulted in a significant reduction in LDL-C in hypertensive patients (MD, -0.95; 95% CI, -1.32 to -0.65), while significantly increasing HDL-C (MD, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.64); (2) statins were shown to significantly reduce TG levels in hypertensive patients (MD -0.14, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.05); (3) statins significantly reduced total cholesterol in those hypertensive patients (MD, -1.75; 95% CI, -2.66 to -0.83); (4) statins significantly reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.85) and mortality (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.60).
Conclusion
Statin use did not modulate SBP and DBP of patients with hypertension, but SBP was decreased in rosuvastatin or pravastatin subgroup and DBP was decreased in simvastatin or pravastatin subgroup. Statin treatment reduced LDL-C, increased HDL-C, reduced TG and total cholesterol, reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality compared to control groups.
Uranium capture from aqueous solution using Palm-waste based activated carbon: sorption kinetics and equilibrium
Authors: Youssef W. M. , El-Maadawy M. M. , Masoud A.M. , Alhindawy I. G. , Hussein A. E. M.
Published: November 2023

In this research, we examined the effectiveness of adsorbents derived from commercially available palm kernel shell bio-char (PBC), as well as palm shell carbon that was activated through treatment with H2SO4 (PBC-SA) and ZnCl2 (PBC-Zn). Our primary objective was to enhance the adsorption capabilities of carbon materials and develop efficient sorbents for the removal of uranium ions from aqueous solutions. To gain insight into the characteristics of these materials, we employed various analytical techniques, including SEM, EXD, BET, FTIR, and Zeta potential. The optimization of the adsorption process involved the careful consideration of key parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial metal ion concentration. Under specific conditions, including a pH level of 4.5, a contact time of 60 minutes, an adsorbent dosage of 10.0 g/L, and an initial metal concentration of 50 mg/L, the adsorbent materials PBC, PBC-SA, and PBC-Zn demonstrated uranium ion sorption capacities of 9.89 mg/g, 16.81 mg/g, and 21.93 mg/g, respectively. The kinetics of the adsorption process were analyzed using three models: the pseudo first-order model, the pseudo second-order model, and the intraparticle diffusion model. Our findings indicated that the pseudo second-order kinetics model provided the most suitable description of the uranium adsorption onto the prepared materials. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherm data were consistent with the Langmuir model, suggesting that the adsorption of uranium ions onto all materials followed a monolayer adsorption mechanism. Lastly, thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature.
Multi-Class Support Vector Machine Based on Minimization of Reciprocal-Geometric-Margin Norms
Authors: Kusunoki Yoshifumi , Tatsumi Keiji
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we propose a SVM algorithm for multi-class classification. It follows multi-objective multi-class SVM (MMSVM), which maximizes class-pair margins on a multi-class linear classifier. The proposed method, called reciprocal-geometric-margin-norm SVM (RGMNSVM) is derived by applying the ℓp-norm scalarization and convex approximation to MMSVM. Additionally, we develop the margin theory for multi-class linear classification, in order to justify maximization of class-pair geometric margins. Experimental results on artificial datasets explain situations where the proposed RGMNSVM successfully works, while conventional multi-class SVMs fail in generalization. Results of classification performance evaluation using benchmark data sets show that RGMNSVM is generally comparable with one of the best multi-class SVMs proposed by Weston and Watkins (1999). However, we observe that the proposed approach to geometric margin maximization actually has better generalization capability for certain real-world data sets.
Automated Translation Accurately Translates Recorded Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic Conversations between Spanish and English
Authors: Succop Ben , Currin Meghan , Hesse Gabriella , Andrews Bethany , Elton Scott Wentworth , Quinsey Carolyn
Published: November 2023

Objective
The purpose of this study is to analyze an automated voice to text translation device by reportingt he translation accuracy for recorded pediatric neurosurgery clinic conversations, classifying errors in translation according to their impact on overall understanding, and comparing the incidence of these errors in English to Spanish vs. Spanish to English conversations.
Methods
English and Spanish speaking patients at a single academic health system’s outpatient pediatric neurosurgery clinic had their conversations recorded. These recordings were played back to a Google Pixel handheld smartphone with Live Translate voice to text translation software. A certified medical interpreter evaluated recordings for incidence of minor errors, errors impacting understanding, and catastrophic errors affecting patient-provider relationship or care. Two proportion t-testing was used to compare these outcomes.
Results
50 patient visits were recorded: 40 English recordings translated to Spanish and 10 Spanish recordings translated to English. The mean transcript length was 4244 ± 992 words. The overall accuracy was 98.2% ± 0.5%. On average, 46 words were missed in translation (1.09% error rate), 31 understanding-altering translation errors (0.73% error rate), and 0 catastrophic errors were made. There was no significant difference in English to Spanish or vice versa.
Conclusion
Voice to text translation devices accurately translate recorded clinic conversations between Spanish and English and vice versa with high accuracy and very low incidence of errors impacting medical care or understanding. Further study should investigate additional languages as well as compare these devices directly to medical interpreters in live clinic settings.
Efficient Siamese Model for Visual Object Tracking with Attention-Based Fusion Modules
Authors: Zhou Wenjun , Liu Yao , Wang Nan , Liang Dong , Peng Bo
Published: November 2023

In the realm of visual object tracking, achieving precise target localization poses a significant challenge. While Siamese trackers based on shallow networks often prioritize speed, they tend to suffer from subpar localization performance. This can be attributed to the inadequacy of features extracted by shallow networks, making it challenging to accurately pinpoint the target within intricate backgrounds. This paper presents an efficient Siamese model architecture for visual object tracking, aimed at mitigating the challenge of suboptimal feature extraction often observed in shallow network designs. On the basis of the Siamese network, we devise the Channel Attention Feature Enhancement Fusion Module (CAFEF) and Spatial-Channel Attention Feature Enhancement Fusion Module (SCAFEF) to bolster feature extraction while suppressing background noise. Furthermore, we enhance the model's resilience to disturbances by combining Siamese classification scores with those from an online classifier and to maintain high-quality image features during tracking, we introduce an online updating strategy for refreshing the template image. Experimental results across four publicly available datasets consistently demonstrate the outstanding performance of the proposed Siamese model architecture. The code is available at https://github.com/lejunXTS/ESM-VOTAFM/tree/master.
Causal Relationship Study Between Basal Metabolic Rate and the Risk of Dental Caries: Evidence from Genome-Wide Association Analysis
Authors: Li Chengxi , Wang Xue
Published: November 2023

Background
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) may be a potential risk factor for dental caries; however, existing observational studies have failed to provide direct evidence of a causal relationship between basal metabolic rate and dental caries.
Methods
This study employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the genetic causal relationship between BMR and dental caries. Summary data for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on BMR were sourced from the UK Biobank, while GWAS summary data for dental caries were obtained from the FinnGen Consortium. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were used for MR analysis. Additionally, Cochrane’s Q test was employed to detect heterogeneity in MR estimates.Horizontal pleiotropy was examined using MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis was conducted to assess the sensitivity of this association. Results: The IVW method indicated that basal metabolic rate is an independent risk factor for dental caries (P = 0.029). Horizontal pleiotropy is unlikely to bias the causal relationship (P > 0.05), and no evidence of heterogeneity was found between genetic variants (P > 0.05). Lastly, leave-one-out analysis revealed the stability and robustness of this association.
Conclusion
Utilizing two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, our study establishes a genetic causal link between basal metabolic rate and dental caries, thereby offering invaluable insights for the comprehensive, lifelong management of dental caries.
Benzylidene-Directed Glycosylations – Mechanistic Insights from Cryogenic Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Pagel Kevin , Chang Chun-Wei , Greis Kim , Kirschbaum Carla , Leichnitz Sabrina , Meijer Gerard , von Helden Gert , Seeberger Peter
Published: November 2023

The stereoselective formation of 1,2-cis glycosidic linkages is challenging. The currently most widely used strategy for their installation uses 4,6-O-benzylidene protected building blocks. The stereoselectivity of this reaction is thought to be driven by a covalent intermediate, which reacts via an SN2 mechanism. However, the role of cationic SN1-type intermediates in this reaction is unclear. Here, we elucidate the structure of glycosyl cations carrying 4,6-O-benzylidene groups using cryogenic infrared ion spectroscopy and computational methods. The data reveal that the intermediates unexpectedly form anhydro cations, which correlates well with the stereoselective outcome of SN1-type glycosylations. The study highlights how cryogenic infrared spectroscopy can unravel novel intermediates in sugar chemistry and how this structural data can be linked to reactions in solution.
FCM-SWA : Hybrid Intelligent Approach Combining Fuzzy C-Means and Sperm Whales Algorithm for Cyber-Attack Detection in IoT Networks
Authors: Elsedimy E. I. , AboHashish Sara M. M.
Published: November 2023

Recently, the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has led to the development of smart cities, which utilize IoT for various applications, such as traffic monitoring, smart farming, connected vehicles, and environmental data collection. However, one of the most significant challenges faced by smart cities is the ever-present cyber threat to sensitive data. Therefore, a novel IoT-based smart model based on the Fuzzy C-Mean (FCM) and the Sperm Whale Algorithm (SWA), namely, FCM-SWA, was proposed to identify and mitigate cyber-attacks and malicious events within smart cities. First, a recent SWA optimization approach is used to improve FCM's performance and provide effective defenses against various forms of smart city threats. Next, an adaptive threshold strategy is introduced to enhance SWA's global search capabilities and prevent them from converging to local optima. Finally, an efficient scaling approach is proposed as an alternative to traditional normalization methods. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated on three public datasets: NSL-KDD, the Aegean WiFi intrusion dataset (AWID), and BoT-IoT. The accuracy of the proposed FCM-SWA model for the NSL-KDD, AWID, and BoT-IoT datasets is 98.82%, 96.34%, and 97.62%, respectively. Experimental results indicate that the proposed model outperforms related and state-of-the-art techniques in terms of accuracy, detection rate, precision rate, and F1-scores.
Multi-User and multi-keyword verifiable encrypted speech retrieval method based on blockchain
Authors: Li Fang-Peng , Zhang Qiu-yu , Huang Yi-bo , Wang Kai , Fan Le-tian
Published: November 2023

Aiming at the existing encrypted speech retrieval schemes that do not support multi-user multi-keyword retrieval, low retrieval efficiency and accuracy, lack of verifiability of encrypted speech retrieval results, and user fairness, a multi-user and multi-keyword verifiable encrypted speech retrieval method based on blockchain was proposed. Firstly, use the advanced encryption standard-128 (AES-128) to encrypt the speech and upload it to the cloud server. Secondly, the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) and Filter bank (Fbank) speech features are extracted and fused into new MFCC-Fbank features, which are input into the designed CNN-BiGRU model for training. These features are used to extract more robust deep features to construct hash codes and are used as searchable encrypted keywords. Finally, use smart contracts to store encrypted speech hash codes and corresponding index values and manage multi-user keys through trusted institutions. When retrieval, smart contracts are used as trusted third parties for retrieval work, and the designed adaptive homomorphic Message Authentication Code (MAC) algorithm is used to verify the correctness of the retrieval results, ensuring fairness in verification and data privacy. The experimental results show that the proposed method effectively prevents user privacy leakage and improves encrypted speech retrieval accuracy and data security under multi-user and multi-keyword conditions.
Predictive Detection of Breast Cancer with Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Kaur Prabhpreet
Published: November 2023

The early detection of breast cancer is critical as it is the major cause of cancer in women. With an increase in population, the risk of death from breast cancer is also increasing, so, there is a need for a system that can automatically detect disease and aids medical health workers. The chapter contrasts the use of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms with two benchmark datasets, Wisconsin and the Coimbra datasets used to test the algorithms. The algorithm’s output is evaluated in terms of accuracy, precision, and recall. These techniques also provide the ROC and Area Under the Curve (AUC). According to the results, ANN beats SVM for both datasets giving an accuracy of 97.37% and 75% respectively.
Conditions on detecting three-photon entanglement in psychophysical experiments
Authors: GASSAB LEA , Pedram Ali , Müstecaplıoğlu Özgür Esat
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the sensitivity of the human visual system to the quantum entangled photons. We examine the possibility of human subjects perceiving multi-photon entangled state through psychophysical experiments. Our focus begins with a two-photon entangled state to make a comparative study with the literature by taking into account additive noise for false positive on two-photon entanglement perception by humans. After that, we limit our similar investigation to a three-photon entangled state for simplicity in higher dimensions. To model the photodetection by humans, we employ the probability of seeing determined for coherently amplified photons in Fock number states, including an additive noise. Our results indicate that detecting two-photon and three-photon entanglement with the human eye is possible for a certain range of additive noise levels and visual thresholds.
Determinants of birth Asphyxia among newborns in Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama town, Oromia region, Ethiopia: A case control study
Authors: Alemayehu Terefe , Fati Nesra Mohammed , Megerso Abebe , Deksisa Alem
Published: November 2023

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a common and serious global health problem. According to the World Health Organization, four million neonatal deaths occur each year due to birth asphyxia. Babies born in sub-Saharan Africa have a very high risk of birth asphyxia, which accounts for approximately 280,000 deaths per year. In Ethiopia, nearly 250,000 children die every year before reaching their fifth birthday; approximately one-fourth of these are newborns who die of birth asphyxia. Although asphyxia is a serious health problem, evidence on its determinants is scarce or not readily available in the country in general, and in the study area in particular. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of birth asphyxia in newborns.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted involving a sample of 345 newborns born at Adama Hospital Medical College from November 1, 2017, to February 30, 2018. All newborns diagnosed with birth asphyxia (Apgar score < 7 at 1st minute) were considered "cases" while newborns with no asphyxia (Apgar score ≥ 7 at 1st minute) were considered "controls.” The sample size was determined using the Epi Info 7 Statcalc in the facility with assumptions of a 95% confidence interval, 80% power, and an odds ratio of 2.5. Ethical issues were secured by the ethical committee of the Adama Hospital Medical College. Primary data were collected using structured and interviewer-administered questions regarding possible risk factors from mothers and newborns. The collected data were checked for completeness, entered using Epi Info7, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis.
Results: Of 345 newborns, 115 were cases and 230 were controls. The median maternal age in the case and control groups was 26 years, with IQR of 23–30 years and 23–29 years, respectively. Significant perinatal risk factors of birth asphyxia were rural residence (AOR: 2.34 95% CL 1.29-4.26), prolonged labour (AOR: 10.12 95% CL 5.36-19.11), prolonged rupture of membrane (AOR: 3.47 95% CL 1.52-7.92), instrumental delivery (AOR: 2.67 95% CL 1.15-6.16), delivery by emergency C/S (AOR: 3.9 95% CL 1.84-8.63), cephalopelvic disproportion (AOR: 5.90 95% CL 1.54-30.17), breech presentation (AOR:2.4 95% CL 1.01-5.74) Preterm delivery (AOR: 9.34, 95% CI: 2.20–39.70) and low birth weight (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.06–6.75)
Conclusion: Most of the risk factors associated with birth asphyxia can be prevented. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis and proper management can reduce the incidence of birth asphyxia.
Interpreting test temperature and loading rate effects on the fracture toughness of polymer-metal interfaces via time-temperature superposition
Authors: DelRio Frank W. , Huber Todd , Jaramillo Rex K. , Reedy E. David , Grutzik Scott J.
Published: November 2023

In this letter, we present interfacial fracture toughness data for a polymer-metal interface where tests were conducted at various test temperatures T and loading rates An adhesively bonded asymmetric double cantilever beam (ADCB) specimen was utilized to measure toughness. ADCB specimens were created by bonding a thinner, upper adherend to a thicker, lower adherend (both 6061 T6 aluminum) using a thin layer of epoxy adhesive, such that the crack propagated along the interface between the thinner adherend and the epoxy layer. The specimens were tested at T from 25 to 65°C and δ ̇ from 0.002 to 0.2 mm/s. The measured interfacial toughness Γ increased as both T and δ ̇ increased. For an ADCB specimen loaded at a constant δ ̇, the energy release rate Γ increases as the crack length a increases. For this reason, we defined rate effects in terms of the rate of change in the energy release rate Ġ. Although not rigorously correct, a formal application of time-temperature superposition (TTS) analysis to the Γ data provided useful insights on the observed dependencies. In the TTS-shifted data, Γ decreased and then increased for monotonically increasing Ġ. Thus, the TTS analysis suggests that there is a minimum value of Γ. This minimum value could be used to define a lower bound in Γ when designing critical engineering applications that are subjected to T and δ ̇ excursions.
Vibrotactile enhancement of musical engagement
Authors: Siedenburg Kai , Michel Bürgel , Özgür Elif , Scheicht Christoph , Töpken Stephan
Published: November 2023

Sound is sensed by the ear but can also be felt on the skin, by means of vibrotactile stimulation. Although previous studies have addressed audio-tactile perception for music, the underlying perceptual dimensions of vibrotactile enhancement of music listening remain poorly understood. Here, 41 listeners were presented with vibrotactile stimuli via a chair’s four surfaces (left and right arm rests, back rest, seat surface) in addition to music presented over headphones. Vibrations were driven by different tracks of the music for each surface (multi condition) or conjointly by a mono-rendering (mono condition), in addition to incongruent and headphones-only conditions. Listeners evaluated excerpts of popular music on six scales, probing valence, arousal, groove, the feeling of being part of a live performance, the feeling of being part of the music, and liking. Results indicated that the multi-and mono vibration conditions robustly enhanced the nature of the musical experience compared to headphones alone, but both did not differ significantly from each other. They particularly enhanced the key latent dimension of ‘musical engagement’, encompassing the sense of being a part of the music, arousal, and groove. These findings highlight the specific role of vibrotactile cues in creating intensive musical experiences.
Comprehensive study reveals heterogeneity among the Klebsiella pneumoniae Species Complex Phenotypes
Authors: Rodríguez-Medina Nadia , Rodríguez-Santiago Jonathan , Alvarado-Delgado Alejandro , Sagal-Prado Alan , Silva-Sánchez Jesús , Cruz Miguel Angel , Ares Miguel Angel , Sánchez-Arias Margarita , Morfín-Otero Rayo , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia , Jiménez-Villanueva Emmanuel , Sánchez-Francia Domingo , Garza-Ramos Ulises
Published: November 2023

Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 356 Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) isolates. Overall, K. pneumoniae (82.3%), K. variicola (2.5%) and K. quasipneumoniae (2.5%) were identified. These isolates comprised 321 classical-KpSC, 7 hypervirulent-KpSC and 18 hypermucoviscous-like-KpSC. The cl-KpSC (207/321) and hmv-like-KpSC (8/18) were ESBL-producers and colistin-resistant isolates harboring different types of carbapenemases. Several assays and whole-genome sequencing were performed in a subset of KpSC isolates. Capsule amount differed in all hv and hmv-like produced higher capsule amounts than cl. Murine sepsis model showed that most of cl were nonlethal and unexpectedly some hv required 108 CFUs to cause 100% mortality whilst the hmv-like cause 100% mortality with 3x108 CFUs. hv-Kpn isolates were associated with ST23-KL1, ST86-KL2, ST380-KL2 and ST3999-KL2; the latter corresponded to a novel hypervirulent clone. Phylogenetic analysis showed that hv-Kpn strains ST23-KL1 and ST86-KL2 were clustered with reference hv-Kpn strains but the hv-Kpn clones ST3999, ST380 and hmv-like-Kpn isolates were closely related to cl-Kpn MDR strains this was supported by a wgSNP-based phylogeny. The information collected here is important to understand how the frequency and evolution of KpSC may changed mainly in Hypervirulent KpSC. Likewise, this study shows the main mechanism of resistance to colistin in Mexico.
High-Speed Photonic Decoder Employing Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystals
Authors: Esmaeili Amir Hosein , Daghighazar Shadi , Chaharmahali Iman
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to design, analyze, and simulate a novel and ultrafast 1 × 2 photonic decoder. The device is composed of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals where silicon rods are placed in air. It includes two beam splitters and a phase shifter, which are implemented using point defects. Additionally, line defects are integrated into the device to steer the light wave without causing dissipation. The simulation yielded 0.1 ps response time, contrast ratio of 2.55 dB, and a bit rate of 0.66 Tb/s. The simulation was performed using 2D finite difference time domain and plane wave expansion methods. The findings suggest that this device holds great potential as a candidate for all-optical digital integrated circuits.
Panel VAR model applied to foreign trade between Portugal and regional economic blocs
Authors: Sandambi Nerhum
Published: November 2023

The study analyses foreign trade between Portugal and the regional economic blocs in the period 1980-2018. The main objective of the study is to analyse the behaviour of the volume of foreign trade transacted between Portugal and the regional blocs, to understand which impacts significantly influence trade and to analyse whether foreign trade is influenced by economic and physical distances. Thus, a dynamic panel VAR model was estimated, where the initial aim was to understand the effects of Impulse Response Functions (IRFs). The results show a positive impact on the volume of trade. This impact is related to a considerable increase in the GDP of the regional blocs under analysis, for example. On the other hand, the Impulse Response Functions allow us to show the behaviour of the variables, but there is no plausible influence. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that the economies under analysis have stable currencies. The oil price variable, for example, shows a positive impact, above all, depending on positive shocks in the international oil market, but there is a 78.5% positive impact on the volume of trade transacted. The tariff variable with a negative impact is associated with the different levels of trade policy application, with the trade policy applied with the PALOP countries, the EU, South Africa and Brazil being strictly different, and external debt having a negative impact on the volume of trade transacted.
JEL classification: c01; c21; c23; c33; F10.
Cardiac-Specific Gene TNNI3 Acts as a Potential Oncogene for Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Biao , Chen Xiaoxiang , Yang Lu , Huang Wenqi , Zhao Weian
Published: November 2023

Background: The TNNI3 gene, responsible for encoding the inhibitory subunit of the troponin complex known as cardiac troponin I (cTnI), has significant implications in cardiology research. Despite reports of its abnormal expression in human carcinoma cells, the precise functions of TNNI3 in cancer remain largely unexplored. The present study seeks to examine the prognostic significance of TNNI3 in papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC). Methods: The mRNA expression profiles were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to identify candidate prognostic genes using univariate Cox analysis, log-rank test, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. A prognostic risk formula was established through multivariable Cox regression analysis. Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and immune-related function analyses were conducted. Furthermore, western blot, cell proliferation assay, and wound healing assay were employed to validate the in vitro biological effects of TNNI3. Results: A total of 361 differentially expressed genes (DEgenes) were found to be correlated with TNNI3 expression. A prognostic risk formula including the genes PTPRH, LGR5, and DMRT3 was then formulated. Notably, the low-risk group demonstrated superior overall survival (OS) outcomes compared to the high-risk group, as observed in both the training and validation cohorts. To further elucidate the potential functions of these three genes, a target gene network was constructed. Subsequent GO and KEGG analyses revealed their involvement in the Wnt signaling pathway, which was confirmed through western blot experiment. Furthermore, cellular experiments demonstrated that TNNI3 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of pRCC cells. Lastly, immune analyses indicated that increased expression of TNNI3 in pRCC is associated with a poorer response to immunotherapy. Conclusion: TNNI3 might function as an oncogene via activating Wnt signaling pathway in pRCC and a three-gene signature related to TNNI3 could serve as a prognostic biomarker for pRCC.
Mammogram Screening Uptake and Its Associated Factors among Female Staff in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Mohd Azmi Nurul Aizam , Muhammad Juliawati ,   Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Mohd Yusoff Siti Suhaila ,   Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Nik Hussin Nik Rosmawati ,   Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: November 2023

Background: Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in Malaysia and around the world. Early detection is essential to improve outcomes, increase survival and reduce the death rate. Breast cancer screening via mammography is one of the proven effective methods. Health staff plays an important role to increase awareness and promote mammogram screening in the community. This study aims to determine the prevalence of mammogram screening and its associated factors among the female staff at Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the female staff aged 50 years old and above in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the Viarad online system. The questionnaires include sociodemographic information, medical factors, knowledge regarding breast cancer and health beliefs about breast cancer. The Viarad online system was used to trace data of mammogram findings for those who underwent mammogram screening. Results: Among 260 participants, the prevalence of mammogram screening uptake was only 51.9%. By using statistical analysis simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression, we found that the most significant associated factors were age, clinical breast examination (CBE), level of knowledge and physician recommendation. The mammogram screening showed that most of the breast cancer findings in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 2 were at a rate of approximately 35.6%. Conclusion: This study showed the prevalence of mammogram screening uptake among the female staff was 51.9% although the service is free, readily available and accessible. The older age group, CBE, physician recommendation and knowledge about breast cancer were the main associated factors for mammogram screening uptake in the female staff in this hospital. An education programme aimed at improving the knowledge and role of a physician in promoting mammogram screening among staff should be established.
A Scoping Review on Medicinal Properties of Piper betle (Sirih) Based on Malay Medical Manuscripts and Scientific Literatures
Authors:   Department of Biomedical Science, Kullliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia, Zamri Nur Fatin Idayu , Mohd Shafri Mohd Affendi ,   Department of Biomedical Science, Kullliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia, Zamli Zaitunnatakhin ,   Department of Biomedical Science, Kullliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia, Mamat Suhana ,   Department of Biomedical Science, Kullliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia
Published: November 2023

Background: Malay medical manuscripts have deciphered the medicinal value of Piper betle (sirih) enormously. In this review, an effort was made to explore the medicinal use of P. betle and correlate this information with the scientific evidence. Methods: The information regarding the use of P. betle was retrieved from the books consisting of a Malay medical manuscript with an identification number MSS 2219 from the National Library of Malaysia. PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases were used to collect information regarding the scientific evidence for the medicinal use of P. betle. This review was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The keywords used for searching the articles included P. betle, antimicrobial, analgaesic, haepatic and gastric. Results: MSS 2219 showed that P. betle has varied medicinal uses and based on that, it can be grouped into six categories. P. betle application method was different in different conditions. In terms of the literature search, 226 articles were found, 75 articles were extracted for detailed analysis and only 23 met the inclusion criteria. The information was related to the chemical assays, in vivo and in vitro studies. Conclusion: In summary, P. betle has the potential to treat medical conditions in various types of categories as recorded in the Malay medical manuscripts and also based on scientific publications. For clinical purposes, more information is required, such as the specific mechanism involved, the best extraction method and the best dosage for treatment.
Antioxidant and diuretic effects of flower extract of Laurus nobilis
Authors: TAHİRİ Nor El Houda , LAGHOUİZİ Asmae , ABOULGHAZİ Abderrazak , SOULO Najoua , LYOUSSİ Badiaa , LRHORFİ Lalla Aicha
Published: November 2023

Diuretic medications are widely used and can come with negative effects. Because they are effective and have fewer adverse effects than other treatments for renal illness, medicinal plants have become increasingly important. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant ability and the impact of Laurus nobilis extract (flower) on diuresis in rats. Two doses of 200 mg and 400 mg of Laurus nobilis extract were used to treat rats for thirty days. Then, we assessed all changes induced in urine and plasma parameters of rats, using furosemide as a standard drug. Further, we evaluated the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant ability (DPPH and FRAP) of the tested extract. The results obtained show that the administration of a single dose of Laurus nobilis extract improved the urine flow significantly after 4 h of treatment. Similarly, both doses of the tested extract enhanced sodium, potassium, and chloride excretion without inducing hypokalemia. A similar tendency was recorded for both urine and creatinine, while the results of the furosemide group revealed a significant hypokalemia effect of the standard drug. Laurus nobilis demonstrated superior antioxidant and diuretic effects without inducing hypokalemia due to the higher content of phenolic and flavonoid content. However, more advanced studies are required to explore the constituents of Laurus nobilis extracts and essential oils, as well as to test their pertinent biological activities.