bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the recurrence rate and complications between mitomycin-C, interferon alpha-2b, and bevacizumab after primary pterygium surgery
Authors: Gharaee Hamid , Varshovi-Jaghargh Iman , Momtahan Solmaz , Sadeghi Javad
Published: January 2024

Purpose
To compare subconjunctival bevacizumab injection, interferon (IFN) alpha-2b administration, and intraoperative mitomycin-C (MMC) administration as adjuvants for reducing the recurrence rate and postoperative complications following pterygium surgery.
Methods
This experimental comparative study involving a double-blinded clinical trial included 63 consecutive patients with primary pterygium who were surgically treated with free conjunctival autograft surgery. In addition to surgical excision, the patients were divided into three groups and treated with subconjunctival bevacizumab (10 mg/ml), subconjunctival IFN alpha-2b, or subconjunctival MMC (0.02 mg/ml). Postoperative outcomes were clinically followed up for 12 months. The main outcomes were the recurrence rate and postoperative complications.
Results
There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate among the three groups. In the bevacizumab group, conjunctival congestion was significantly greater than that in the other groups. No other serious complications were observed in the IFN or MMC groups.
Conclusion
The intraoperative administration of subconjunctival bevacizumab, IFN alpha-2b, and MMC as adjuvants is equally effective at reducing the rate of pterygium recurrence following excision. No significant difference was found in postoperative complications between these three adjuvants.
RETRACTED: RETRACTED: Histological properties of adipose tissue as an autologous tissue filler harvested from different donor areas and impact of centrifugation
Authors: Szychta Paweł , Kuczynski Maciej
Published: January 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Risk Factors Associated with Readmission and Mortality Among Children Requiring Long-term Mechanical Ventilation: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Scheller Lindsey , Staveski Sandra , Mariano Karley , Weiss Sandra , Alkon Abbey , Casey Leia , Fukuoka Yoshimi
Published: January 2024

Background: With advancements in technology and clinical care, the number of children receiving long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) in their homes is rapidly growing worldwide. Home environments provide children on LTMV with a better quality of life, psychosocial development, autonomy, and fewer infections. However, unexpected hospital readmission and death are significant concerns despite home care benefits. Risk factors associated with readmission and mortality have not been fully examined in existing systematic reviews. This systematic review aims to examine modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with readmission and mortality in infants, children, and adolescents on LTMV.
Methods: This systematic review will use the PRISMA P 2015 guidelines.The literature search will include five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and Epistemonikos). All quantitative study designs examining risk factors associated with readmission and/or mortality in pediatric patients less than 21 years of age on LTMV will be included. Articles will be limited to peer-reviewed journals and the English language. Covidence software will be used for data management, study screening, and data extraction. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools will be used to assess risk bias in individual studies. The results of a narrative synthesis will be presented in tables and text descriptions.
Discussion: This systematic review, to our knowledge, is the first synthesis of risk factors associated with readmission and mortality among children on LTMV. We use systematic review methodology to decrease risk of bias and increase reproducibility. Findings from this review will provide insight into health outcomes after discharge and identify knowledge gaps in current research. Examining risk factors can shape clinical and policy work to identify and support patients and their families with unique and complex clinical, social, and healthcare needs. Establishing such support can reduce hospitalizations and helps ensure children on LTMV can continue to grow healthy in the home environment with families.
Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42024492773.
A case of diffuse colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Pingbo , He Chiyi , Niu Xiaoping , Li Lin
Published: January 2024

Colorectal cancer is a common tumor of digestive system. Most of the lesions are single, but two or more lesions are rare. However, the diffuse canceration of large intestine is rare, and it has hardly been reported at home and abroad at present.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Permanent Contraceptive Use among Multiparous Women in Urban Indonesia: A nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Putri Nuzulul , Laksono Agung Dwi , Astuti Yuly , Matahari Ratu , Ernawaty Ernawaty
Published: January 2024

Background:
Among the various strategies within family planning, permanent contraception is recommended for multiparous mothers. In Indonesia, the prevalence of permanent contraception is high; however, a significant imbalance exists among socioeconomic groups regarding access and utilization. Focusing on multiparous women in urban areas, the family planning target population living in areas with socioeconomic dynamics, the study analyzed how socioeconomic factors influence the utilization of permanent contraceptives.
Method:
The 2019 Government Performance and Accountability Survey (GPAS) was the subject of this cross-sectional investigation. We examined 13,780 multiparous women. We used socioeconomic status as an exposure variable and the usage of permanent contraception as an outcome variable. Age, education, partner, occupation, exposure to family planning information from radio, television, and the internet, as well as the number of living children, constitute the study's eight control variables. We employed binary logistic regression in the final stage.
Results:
The study revealed that wealthier multiparous women in urban areas of Indonesia are more likely to use permanent contraceptives due to better access and financial resources. Additionally, women with higher education levels are more informed about these methods and inclined to use them. Mass media is vital in disseminating information and dispelling myths about family planning.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest the importance of empowering women through education, employment opportunities, and media campaigns to promote equitable access to permanent contraception.
Systematic Literature Review: The Influence and Effectiveness of Deep Learning in Image Processing for Emotion Recognition
Authors: Wicaksana I Putu Ronny Eka , Davinsi Gabriel Rolly , Afriyanto Muhammad Aris , Wibowo Antoni , Suri Puti Andam
Published: January 2024

In the current digital era, image processing and Emotion Recognition are important topics in the field of artificial intelligence. Deep learning, as one of the most widely used AI techniques in pattern recognition, has shown great potential in addressing these challenges. This research employs a Systematic Literature Review method to collect and analyze previous studies related to deep learning algorithms, namely Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), allowing the researchers to conclude efficient deep learning methods for emotion recognition through image processing. This paper has the result that most studies used CNN to identify emotion from facial expressions, while some studies used RNN. Furthermore, some researchers used combined CNN and RNN to identify emotion from images. Based on the analysis of this research, it is recommended that further studies to take a more holistic approach by considering a wider range of indicators that can be used as signs or signals to analyze a person's emotions. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of emotions from multiple perspectives.
STING agonist, SMA-2, inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma through improving tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Fengqing , Hu Yan , Liu Guangming
Published: January 2024

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent and lethal subtype of kidney cancer, patients with ccRCC usually have very poor prognosis and short survival. Therefore, it is urgent to develop more effective therapeutics or medications to suppress ccRCC progression. Here, we demonstrated that STING agonist, MSA-2 significantly inhibits tumor progress and prolongs the survival of ccRCC mice by promoting cytokines secretion. Moreover, MSA-2 triggered the trafficking and infiltration of CD8+ T cells, supported by the generation of a chemokine milieu that promoted recruitment and modulation of the immunosuppressive TME in ccRCC. These findings suggest that MSA-2 potentially serves an effective and preferable adjuvant immunotherapy of ccRCC.
The efficacy of modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) and antigen detection enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of cryptosporidia in the stool of gastrointestinal cancer Sudanese patients.
Authors: Abdullah Dafalla Sidig Mohamed Ali , Taha Qutoof Hashim , Taher Tayebalasma Mohamed Ahmed , Omer Esra Rodwan , Alrasheed Tagwa Hafiz Abdelkabeer , Abdalla Sababil Salih , Marjan Salah , Idris Alkhair Abd Almahmoud
Published: January 2024

Background:
Cryptosporidiosis diagnosis based on demonstration of the parasite microscopically in the stool through modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) or auramine phenol staining techniques. The primary goal of this study was to compare between the efficacy of cryptospridia antigen detection potential in the fecal specimens using ELISA and Oocyst detection by MZN staining methods for the diagnosis of human cryptosporidiosis among some Sudanese patients with gastrointestinal cancer. One hundred and eighty-one patients suspected of having gasterointestinal cancer based on their clinical presentation were enrolled in this study. Cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MZN staining was conducted for fresh stool samples to detect Cryptosporidium Oocyst.
Results:
Of 181 cancer suspected patients, 55 (30.5%) were confirmed as having gastrointestinal cancer. Of the 55 cancer patients 41(74.5%) were confirmed as having colorectal cancer, 7 (12.7%) small intestine cancer, 4(7.3%) liver cancer, 3(5.5%) esophageal cancer. Of the confirmed cancer patients MZN identified 24 (43.6%) and ELISA identified 31(56.4%) as having cryptospridia Oocyst and antigens in their fecal samples, respectively. Based on PCR outcome, the infection rates was significantly higher in colorectal cancer patients than in other cancer patients (P = 0.02). Depending on the criteria of ‘true positive’ samples, sensitivity of MZN and ELISA was 81.06% and 94.25% respectively.
Conclusions:
Fecal antigen ELISA detection test has the advantage of accurate diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis over MZN staining technique especially in immunocompromised patients.
Investigation on the micro-structure and mesoscale transport behavior in the steel cord-rubber composites with lattice Boltzmann methodology
Authors: Li Yong , Miao Yanan , Zhang Tengwen , Guo Fangkai
Published: January 2024

Annular blowout preventer (BOP) is the vital equipment for sate well control. The internal porous microstructures and multiscale flow properties in the steel cord-rubber composites (SRCs) of annular BOP are directly related to the erosion area of drilling mud and rubber environment. However, current studies have rarely reported the fluid transport behavior in SRCs from a mesoscale viewpoint. The computed tomography (CT) scanning technology and lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) were innovatively introduced in this study to reconstruct and compare the real three-dimensional (3D) pore structures and fluid flow in the original and tensile SRCs. The results demonstrated that before and after the stretching, fluid velocities increased as displacement differential pressures increased in the SRCs, but with two different critical values of 3.6131 Pa and 3.1437 Pa, respectively; three transport channels can be observed, where the average and maximal velocities of primary flow channel were both greater than those of secondary flow channels; the average and maximal velocities in the primary flow channel of tensile sample increased by 222.8% and 241.03% than those of original sample. These phenomena should be attributed that when the original sample was stretching, its porosity increased, its micro-pore radius increased, and then its mesoscopic flow channel became wider, resulting in a lower critical value of displacement differential pressure, higher average and maximal velocities. However, the average seepage velocity at the 1/2 section in the original sample was greater than that in the tensile sample owing to the deteriorated connectivity of flow channel. Depending on the Zou-He Boundary and Regularized Boundary, the relative error of simulated average velocities was only 1.389%. The Xu-Yu fractal model always overestimated the permeability values, however, K-C equation underestimated the results.
Association between previous SARs-CoV-2 infection and new prescription of antidepressant drugs: a case-control study in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Italy
Authors: Valentina Rosolen , Luigi Castriotta , Marco Driutti , Umberto Albert , Fabio Barbone , Giulio Castelpietra
Published: January 2024

Purpose: A rise in affective and anxiety disorders and in antidepressant (AD) treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extensively described, but few studies were provided at the individual level, further considering COVID-19 severity and vaccination status.
Methods: Case-control study evaluating the association between the new use of ADs and a previous COVID-19 infection, in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Italy, from March 1, 2020, to July 19, 2022. Multiple conditional logistic regressions assess the association between a new AD use and a COVID-19 infection previous to the index date, stratified by gender, age and anti-COVID-19 vaccination status. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were reported.
Results: COVID-19 was associated with AD treatment after the infection. The disease severity was positively associated with a growing risk of being dispensed an AD, with the highest risk in unvaccinated subjects previously hospitalised in ICU (OR=28.77). The risk of using ADs after COVID-19 infection was higher in unvaccinated subjects aged 65 years and older, both females and males. The association between COVID-19 infection and AD dispensation in vaccinated subjects was not significant, with the exception of females aged 65 years and over.
Conclusions: Anti-COVID-19 vaccination, especially among the elderly, might prevent post-COVID depressive and anxiety symptoms. Clinicians should be aware that COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalisation are more likely to experience these symptoms, given their higher risk of being dispensed ADs. Future studies may benefit by analysing the incidence of both mental disorders and psychotropic treatment in post-COVID patients, considering socioeconomic factors and vaccination status.
Comparing Restoration and Open Space Stakeholder Perspectives in Novel Ecosystems
Authors: Cutts Bethany , Dinan Maude , Randall Joshua , Seekamp Erin , Martin Katherine , Supak Stacy
Published: January 2024

Novel ecosystems are places where a return to a previously observed ecosystem state is unlikely. In arid grasslands, such transformations are caused by legacies of land overgrazing or changes in land connectivity. Transformed ecosystems persist due to uncertain climate futures or other anthropogenic effects. Although novel ecosystems often provide valuable services, public land managers have given relatively little attention to the idea that effective stewardship of novel ecosystems may require novel assemblages of people. To address this gap, we examine whether management partnerships that involve agricultural and wildlife interests in restoration are sufficiently attuned to stakeholders invested in retaining unbuilt environment– or open spaces. We use qualitative approaches to analyze perceptions of cultural ecosystem services (CES) in the southern New Mexico landscape. Next, we analyze responses to spatial interviewing exercises focused on relational values to the landscape to examine perceptions related to landscape-level ecosystem patterns. Results offer insight into why thinking about when ecosystem service bundling may lead to creative tension between Restoration Partners and Open Space Stakeholders. Primarily, Restoration Partners comment on the negative impact recreation can have on the land. Yet Open Space Stakeholders envision recreationalists as a key steward of the ecological trajectory of the landscape. Relational value mapping results reveal that the values expressed among Restoration Partners and Open Space Stakeholders are similar when thinking ecologically but hold incommensurate economic and cultural perceptions.
Investigation of proinflammatory genes expression in STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower
Authors: Oluwamodupe Cecilia , Adeleye Adesola Oluwaseun , Babalola Olorunfemi Oyewole , Ottu Paul Olamide
Published: January 2024

Background
Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder of carbohydrates and fat, which results from the deficiency of insulin secretion or varying degree of insulin resistance, is a major public health problem and has become a global menace.
Aim
This study is aimed to investigate the expression of proinflammatory genes in STZ-induced diabetic rat model, treated with Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract.
Methods
Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Thirty-six diabetic rats were divided into 6 groups which includes the diabetic control, another group treated with 100 mg/kg of sildenafil citrate and the 4 other groups treated with varying concentrations of aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg). Six animals were given only distilled water throughout the experiment as the normal control. The treatment was administered for 21 days. The mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) in the pancreas, kidney, liver and brain of the experimental animals were investigated using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The fasting blood sugar and body weight of the experimental animals was also monitored throughout the experiment.
Results
Oral administration of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract (100, 200 and 1000 mg/kg) to STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated the pancreatic mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α when compared with the diabetic control group. 200 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract down-regulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the kidney when compared with the diabetic and normal control group. 100, 200 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of IL-6 in the liver when compared with the diabetic and normal control group. 200 and 1000 mg/kg of extract significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α in the brain of diabetic rats. In addition, the oral administration of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract (50, 100, 200 and 1000 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) reduces the fasting blood sugar and increases the body weight of experimental animals.
Conclusion
Observation drawn from this study suggests that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract possess antidiabetic potential and can suppress the JAK/STAT pathway thereby regulating the mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines.
Fire Danger Forecasting on an Hourly Basis via Weather Station-Based Machine Learning in the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Authors: Ardid Alberto , Valencia Andres , Power Antonhy , Dempsey David
Published: January 2024

Sudden wildfire outbreaks can have devastating consequences, making accurate short-term forecasting crucial for timely evacuations and effective fire management strategies. Current systems, reliant on traditional methods and historical data, may not adequately capture the rapidly changing conditions leading to wildfires. This study introduces a novel machine learning-based approach for forecasting wildfire danger, tested on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. By analyzing real-time data from local weather stations, we aim to identify distinct weather patterns occurring hours to days before potential wildfires at high temporal resolution. Using 20 years of historical data, we trained machine learning models that achieved high accuracy in classifying pre-fire conditions and improve by 47% the overall performance compared to the classical forest fire danger index approach. The research also envisions extending this approach to other regions, overcoming data limitations for more effective global wildfire. This advancement addresses the immediate need for improved forecasting and sets the stage for more adaptable systems in the future.
ODRNN: Optimized Deep Recurrent Neural Networks for Automatic Detection of Leukaemia
Authors: Shree K. Dhana , Logeswari S.
Published: January 2024

Leukaemia, a kind of cancer that may occur in individuals of all ages, including kids and adults, is a significant contributor to worldwide death rates. This illness is currently diagnosed by manual evaluation of blood samples obtained using microscopic imaging, which is frequently slower, lengthy, imprecise. Additionally, inspection under a microscope, leukemic cells look and develop similarly to normal cells, making identification more difficult. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for Deep Learning has provided cutting-edge techniques for picture classification challenges throughout the previous several decades, there is still potential for development with regard to performance, effectiveness, and learning technique. As a consequence, the study provided a unique deep learning approach known as Optimized Deep Recurrent Neural Network (ODRNN) for identifying Leukaemia sickness by analysing microscopic images of blood samples. Deep recurrent neural networks (DRNN) are used in the recommended strategy for diagnosing Leukaemia, then the Red Deer Optimization algorithm (RDOA) applies to optimize the weight gained by DRNN. The mass of DRNN from RDOA will be tuned on the deer roaring rate behavior. The model that has been proposed is evaluated on two openly accessible Leukaemia blood sample datasets, AML, ALL_IDB1 and ALL_IDB2. It is possible to create an accurate computer-aided diagnosis for Leukaemia malignancy by using the proposed deep learning model, which shows encouraging results. The research work uses statistical metrics related to disease including specificity, recall, accuracy, precision and F1 score to assess the effectiveness of the proposed model for identification and classification. The proposed method achieves highly impressive results, with scores of 98.96%, 99.85%, 99.98%, 99.23%, and 99.98%, respectively.
Modification of Cotton2K model for simulating cotton growth and yield under various deficit irrigation strategies
Authors: Gao Jun , Tang Zi-Ya , Wang Yu , Wang Jun , Zhou Bao-Ping
Published: January 2024

Light interception plays an important role in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production, there are few researches on the cotton’s light interception response on irrigation strategy on semi-arid region. Cotton2K is a simulation model for cotton growth developed by Marani (2004), successor of CALGOS (CALifornia GOSsym) (Marani et al.,1992) which derived from GOSSYM. The modified Cotton2K model reimplemented photosynthesis sub procedures compared with the original one, calibrated using field experiments data during the two cotton growing seasons of 2019 and 2020.The normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) in above ground biomass over the irrigation treatments was 17.44%, showing high simulation accuracy.
Protective effects of Vitamin E against Zinc Oxide nanoparticles-induced histotoxicity of liver and testicular tissue, genotoxicity and biomarker stress in male albino rats
Authors: Hosney Amel , Khamis Hussein , Ali Hamasa , Kheirallah Nessrin
Published: January 2024

Nano zinc oxide has the potency to be harmful, so it is important to assess its effects on the human health and biological system. In the current study, vitamin E (100 mg/kg) was used to explore its antioxidant role in mitigating the potential toxicity of ZnO NPs (50 and 200 mg/kg) in male albino rats tissues. Sixty adult male albino rats weighing 180–200 g were arbitrarily divided into six groups: G1:control group,G2: vita E (100 mg/kgb.w) group, G3: Zn NPs (50 mg/kg b.w) group, G4: Zn NPs (200 mg/kg b.w), G5: vita E + Zn NPs(50 mg/kg b.w) group and G6:Vita E + Zn NPs (200 mg/kg b.w) group. Giving both Vita and ZnNPs daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The results revealed that exposure to the structure of the liver and testicular tissues was examined by light microscopy, DNA damage by the comet assay, metallothionein levels and sex hormones evaluation by ELISA, and several stress markers by spectrophotometric methods. Sperm count and motility were assessed by optical microscopy. Detailed analysis of the liver and testicular tissue of rats treated with 50 and 200 mg/kg ZnO NPs revealed many adverse effects of nanoscale particles in tissues structure, accompanied by focal necrosis, inflammatory cellular infiltration in liver tissues and distorted seminiferous tubules with disorganized germ cells in tests tissues, increased lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes. Due to their tiny size that allow them to penetrate physiological barriers, ZnO NPs can enter, translocate within, and damage living organisms. Nevertheless, co-administration of ZnO NPs with Vita E significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the biochemical alterations associated with ZnO NPs administration and lead to improvement of the histopathological picture of hepatic and testicular tissues. Findings related to Vita E may either inhibit the activity of (ROS) molecules and prevent their binding to the DNA structure and /or scavenging peroxyl lipid radicals inducing DNA-damaging products. So, the present results indicated that Vita E effectively attenuates the adverse effects of ZnO NPs and could mitigate or prevent its toxicity which lead finally to healthy tissues of liver and testes.
New star identification algorithm based on Hausdorff distance for the initial attitude establishment mode in star sensor
Authors: Zahednamazi Mona , Toloei Alireza
Published: January 2024

One of the best attitude sensors for space applications is the star sensor. This sensor uses the stars in the field of view for attitude determination. The star sensor can determine the attitude with and without knowledge of the previous attitude. Determining the attitude without knowledge of the previous attitude in the star sensor is called the initial attitude establishment mode. The star identification algorithms of this mode are called the lost-in-space algorithms. Because in this mode, all the stars of the celestial sphere must be searched. This paper presents a new lost-in-space algorithm based on Hausdorff distance. Two different approaches have been proposed for identification. The first approach is designed based on the pivot star, and the second approach uses the segmentation of the celestial sphere. To increase the identification rate, another step based on a specific angle also has been examined. This step does not require a database. To select neighboring stars in these methods, three approaches have been proposed, one approach is based on star magnitude, and the two other approaches are based on two cost functions. The results show that the approach of using the pivot star along with the angle and selecting the neighboring stars based on the magnitude has a better performance and its identification rate is 99% for stars brighter than 6 \({\text{M}}_{\text{v}}\). Also, comparing the identification time of the Hausdorff algorithm with the pyramid algorithm, in the case of a linear search of the database, shows that the average identification time for stars brighter than 6 \({\text{M}}_{\text{v}}\) is 13.75 times less than the pyramid algorithm.
Ecological factors associated with parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis gene abundance in the aquatic environment：novel clues for ecological control of Ichthyophthiriasis
Authors: Hu Guang-Ran , Wang Run-Qiu , Huang Ke , Bu Xia-Lian , Zhao Wei-Shan , Zou Hong , Li Wen-Xiang , Wu Shan-Gong , Li Ming , Wang Gui-Tang
Published: January 2024

Background
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is considered one of the most harmful parasite, which can invade various economic freshwater fish. It can cause great economic losses to the aquaculture and ornamental fish industries. Until today, there is no efficient drug or vaccine to control this disease. The classic triangle disease model suggests that the occurrence of a disease is the result of interactions between the host, environment and pathogen. Here we aim to explore the relationship between the environmental I. multifiliis’s genes abundance and ecological factors.
Results
Based on shotgun metagenomics sequencing technology, the relationship between biotic factors and I. multifiliis’s genes abundance was analyzed. We found that there has a significant negative correlation between Bacteria genes abundance and I. multifiliis’s genes abundance, a significant positive correlation between Archaea genes abundance and I. multifiliis’s genes abundance. When exploring the effects of physicochemical factors on the plankton community and I. multifiliis’s genes abundance between different health condition groups, it was found that nitrate was the most correlated factor with differences in the plankton community between groups; In ponds outbroken Ichthyophthiriasis, nitrate concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with I. multifiliis’s genes abundance. In the analysis of nitrogen cycle related functional genes, the abundance of both nitrogen cycle related and nitrate metabolism related functional genes were found to be higher in the ponds without outbreaks of Ichthyophthiriasis. Finally, significant different plankton (genus level) between groups were also analyzed, as well as the contribution of species associated with nitrate metabolism.
Conclusions
Our study identified microbiological and physicochemical factors that maybe associated with Ichthyophthiriasis. This survey can provide clues for future efficient ecological control of Ichthyophthiriasis.
Spinal muscular atrophy genetic epidemiology and the case for premarital genomic screening in Arab populations
Authors: Tayoun Ahmad Abou , Rabea Fatma , Naofal Maha El , Chekroun Ikram , Khalaf Mona , AlZaabi Nuha , ElHalik Mahmoud , Dash Swarup , Saba Yaser El , Ali Azhari , Abraham Smitha , Fathi Khansa , Shekhy Jwan , Aswad Saad , Elbashir Haitham , Alkuraya Fowzan , Loney Tom , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Khayat Abdulla Al
Published: January 2024

Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal autosomal recessive disorder for which several treatment options, including gene therapy, have become available. SMA incidence has not been well-characterized in most Arab countries where rates of consanguinity are high. Understanding SMA disease epidemiology has significant implications for screening, prevention, and treatment in those populations.
Methods
We preformed SMA diagnostic testing in a clinical multi-national patient cohort (N = 171) referred for hypotonia and/or muscle weakness. In addition, we carried out genetic newborn screening for SMA on 1,252 healthy Emirati newborns to estimate the carrier frequency and incidence of the disease in the United Arab Emirates.
Results
Patients referred for SMA genetic testing were mostly Arabs (82%) representing 18 countries. The overall diagnostic yield was 33.9%, which was higher (> 50%) for certain nationalities. Most patients (71%) had two SMN2 copies and earlier disease onset. For the first time, we estimate SMA carrier frequency (1.5%) and incidence of the disease (1 in 5,990 live births) in the United Arab Emirates. Using birth and marriage rates in two Arab populations (United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia), as well as disease incidence in both countries, we show that, besides preventing new cases, premarital genetic screening could potentially lead to $10 to $324 million, respectively, annual cost savings relative to postnatal treatment.
Conclusion
The SMA carrier frequency and incidence we document suggests high potential benefit for universal implementation of premarital genomic screening for a wide range of recessive disorders in Arab populations.
EGF-like growth factors upregulate pentraxin 3 expression in human granulosa-lutein cells
Authors: Li Yuxi , Chang Hsun-Ming , Zhu Hua , Sun Ying-Pu , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: January 2024

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors, comprising amphiregulin (AREG), betacellulin (BTC), and epiregulin (EREG), play a critical role in regulating the ovulatory process. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), an essential ovulatory protein, is necessary for maintaining extracellular matrix (ECM) stability during cumulus expansion. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of EGF-like factors, AREG, BTC, and EREG on the expression and production of PTX3 in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells and the molecular mechanisms involved. Our results demonstrated that AREG, BTC, and EREG could regulate follicular function by upregulating the expression and increasing the production of PTX3 in both primary and immortalized hGL cells. The upregulation of PTX3 expression was primarily facilitated by the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway, induced by these EGF-like factors. In addition, we found that the upregulation of PTX3 expression triggered by the EGF-like factors was completely reversed by either pretreatment with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, AG1478, or knockdown of EGFR, suggesting that EGFR is crucial for activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in hGL cells. Overall, our findings indicate that AREG, BTC, and EREG may modulate human cumulus expansion during the periovulatory stage through the upregulation of PTX3.
Analysis, circuit design, and synchronization of a new 8D memristor-based chaotic system with application to chaotic masking and signal decoding
Authors: Kopp Michael
Published: January 2024

The most pressing modern problem of using chaotic systems in practice is the development of information encryption methods. To solve these problems, there is a need to develop multidimensional chaos generators. The article outlines the development of an 8D nonlinear dynamic system utilizing a memristor. An examination of innovative 8D dynamic systems was conducted, focusing on the determination of Lyapunov exponents, the construction of bifurcation diagrams, and the identification of equilibrium points. As a result of computer modeling of an 8D hyperchaotic system in Matlab-Simulink and LabVIEW, phase portraits of numerous strange attractors were obtained. Finally, using Multisim software, electronic circuits for new 8D chaos generators were built, which demonstrated similar behavior as in the Matlab-Simulink and LabVIEW models. The synchronization challenge for both identical 8D hyperchaotic systems was investigated using a nonlinear active control method. A simple approach to chaotic masking and decoding of signals based on an 8D memristive system is demonstrated.
Attitudes of Autistic Adults toward Genetic Testing for Autism
Authors: Gallion Tielle , Williams Zachary J , Niarchou Maria , Duncan Laura , Hooker Gillian , Taylor Kelly A
Published: January 2024

Genetic testing for autism has been a controversial topic within the autistic community. Opinions regarding benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing often differ between autistic people, researchers, and healthcare providers. The present study sought to understand the beliefs, attitudes, and intentions to pursue genetic testing of autistic adults, and compare perspectives of autistic people who have had genetic testing with those who have not. An international sample of 173 autistic adults (19 [11%] who had previously undergone autism-related genetic testing) completed an online survey with questions assessing beliefs, attitudes, and intentions to pursue genetic testing. Although beliefs and attitudes about genetic testing varied widely across the sample, the “typical” viewpoint was generally moderate (i.e., not strongly in favor of or against genetic testing). Autistic individuals who had received prior genetic testing had much more positive beliefs about autism-related genetic testing (d = 0.87, CI95% [0.37, 1.36]) and attitudes toward genetics (d = 1.10, CI95% [0.61, 1.58]) compared to those who had not received such testing, although there were no meaningful differences between those same groups regarding beliefs about genetic testing unrelated to autism (d = 0.02, CI95% [-0.45, 0.49], p = .93). Intention to genetically test oneself or one’s (hypothetical) children was also significantly predicted by autism-specific beliefs, attitudes, and prior genetic testing status. A large majority of the sample (78.6%) also agreed that autistic individuals would benefit from contact with a genetic counselor in certain situations. These findings suggest that the autistic community does not have a singular view of genetic testing, and for those autistic individuals who are interested in pursuing genetic testing for themselves or a family member, genetic counselors have the potential to play a key role in clinical care.
Venous thromboembolism and ovarian cancer risk: a Mendelian randomized study
Authors: liu xiaolin , Wang Shan , Lv Hongwei , Chen Enli , Yu Jing
Published: January 2024

Observational studies have reported an association between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and ovarian cancer risk (OC), but the evidence is not consistent. In this study, we will investigate the relationship between VTE and OC risk from a genetic perspective. Objective: This study explored the causal relationship between VTE and OC risk. Methods : The single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP ) data associated with VTE and OC were obtained from the Finn and UK Biobank databases, respectively. All the pooled data based on genome-wide association studies ( GWAS ) were subjected to secondary data analysis, and the genetic loci closely associated with venous thromboembolism were selected as the instrumental variables, and were used as the instrumental variables by Mendelian randomised Egger regression, median weighting, IVW random-effects model, IVW random-effects model, and IVW random-effects model, respectively., IVW random-effects model, IVW radial method, IVW fixed-effects model five methods omodel are five evaluate the causal relationship between venous thromboembolism and ovarian cancer risk by OR value. METHODS: VTE patients (n = 9,176) and OC patients (n = 1,218) who met the same ethnicity and came from different regions were selected. Five methods, namely, Mendelian randomised Egger regression, median weighted method, IVW random effects model, IVW radial method, and IVW fixed effects model, were used to evaluate the causality between VTE and OC risk by OR, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran's Q test, MR ⁃Egger regression intercept term, MR ⁃PRESSO, and leave-one-out method to assess the stability and reliability of the results. RESULTS: The GWAS for VTE and OC were screened for European ethnicity. In the MR analysis, we found that genetically predicted VTE was associated with an increased risk of OC. The results of Weighted median, Simple mode, Weighted mode, and MR Egger all showed similar trends (OR = 1.0006, 95% CI: 1.00007–1.0013). There was no heterogeneity of results ( P = 0.18) and no horizontal pleiotropy (P = 0.77). The instrumental variables selected for venous thromboembolism were all strong instrumental variables ( F = 669.7). The sensitivity analyses remained consistent, indicating that VTE was associated with a high prevalence of OC. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that patients with VTE are at an increased risk of OC.
Using exploration and exploitation techniques to improve ranking models through (1+1)-Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Ibrahim Osman Ali Sadek
Published: January 2024

Exploration and exploitation are fundamental concepts within the domain of Nature-Inspired Algorithms (NIAs) when optimizing solutions. Exploration aims to traverse a substantial portion of the solution space, whereas exploitation is directed at refining the current solution toward either local or global optima. For example, mutation represents an exploration technique, while crossover and enhanced initialization strategies are employed for exploitation. In this research, four probability distributions are employed for mutation within NIAs, and ranking models derived from Dependent Click and Linear Regression (LR) are leveraged to enhance the exploitation process. Empirical findings indicate a preference for employing Gaussian Random Number (GRN) in conjunction with LR and Dependent Click initialization when evolving on the training dataset. Conversely, Levy Random Number generation in combination with LR demonstrates superior performance on the unseen test dataset, with GRN emerging as a strong contender. Furthermore, the integration of Simulated Annealing with the (1+1)-Evolutionary Strategy outperforms alternative methods in predictive ranking and evolutionary processes, both on the training and testing datasets, regardless of whether Linear ranking initialization is employed, in contrast to the novel (1+1)-Evolutionary Gradient Strategy and other (1+1)-Evolutionary Strategy variants. This paper presents experimental results conducted on the MQ2008 dataset and provides accompanying code packages.
Current and Future Distribution of Camellia sinensis in China Estimated by MaxEnt
Authors: Chen Junjun , Yin Yawen , Yu Wensheng , Tao Wenkai , Huang Yajian , Zhu Bailing
Published: January 2024

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is an important cash crop. In the context of climate change, analyzing the current distribution of tea trees and climate change environmental variables to predict the potential distribution area of tea trees in the future can help decision-makers make appropriate planting decisions and promote sustainable management. In this study, an optimized MaxEnt model was used to predict the limiting factors of tea tree growth and distribution under current and future climate change scenarios. The climate soil mixing model [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.934] performed excellently. The results showed that precipitation, temperature, slope, and soil factors all affected the distribution of suitable habitats for tea trees. Compared with the current distribution area of tea trees, under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585), the area of highly suitable habitats for tea trees will expand, especially in 2061–2080 and 2081–2100 years, and the suitable area will extend overall to the north of China, indicating that future climate change may create more new suitable habitats for tea production, especially in Shandong, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces. This study will provide important scientific insights for tea production decision-making, tea garden location selection, and future adaptation methods, and will help in the cultivation and transplantation of tea trees in the future.
CREATING DIGITAL DICTIONARIES OF LOCAL LANGUAGES AND UPGRADING SCHOOL TEACHERS PATENT KNOWLEDGEIN KONAWE AND EAST KOLAKA REGENCIES
Authors: Hakim Guswan , Sinapoy Sabaruddin , Jabal Nur M. , a Handrawan , Yamin Muh , Misnar Siti , Jalil Abdul
Published: January 2024

Community Service Activities by a Team of Lecturers (Lecturers) of the Faculty of Law, Lecturers of Faculty of Cultureand Lecturers of Informatics Engineering Faculty of Engineering Haluoleo University at SDN 2 Puosu and SDN 1 SendangMulyasari in Konawe and East Kolaka Regencies, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This activity was carried out for 6 months starting from observation, coordination and consolidation with SDN 2 Puosu and SDN 1 SendangMulyasari followed by preparation of teaching materials, IPR / Patent laws, provision of Digital Dictionary Applications and Information Systems, implementation of activities and preparation of reports.The purpose of this Community Service activity is to provide knowledge about IPR / Patent Laws for Teachers and Students of SDN 2 Puosu and SDN 1 SendangMulyasari in Konawe and East Kolaka Regencies to implement the Creation of Regional Language Digital Dictionaries that can be used for learning students and teachers through the knowledge transfer process. And campaigning for pirated IPR / Patent laws and the use of Regional Language Digital Dictionary Copyrights to create Digital Dictionary Applications and Information Systems that can be used for students and teachers to learn at the office and at home.Some important materials presented in this Community Service Activity are socializing IPR / patent laws, understanding patent laws, copyright use of digital dictionaries of local languages, making applications and digital dictionary information systems, and others.The results obtained from this activity are expected to be able to understand IPR / Patent Laws and Copyright Use of Regional Language Digital Dictionaries for making Digital Dictionary Applications and Information Systems, especially for Teachers and Students of SDN 2 Puosu and SDN 1 SendangMulyasari in Konawe and East Kolaka Regencies, as well as additional knowledge and insight into the world of information technology. And it is hoped that it can help spread IPR / Patent laws and Copyright Use of Digital Regional Language Dictionaries as a form of implementation and educate students and teachers regarding the preservation of regional languages.
A CASE SERIES OF VARIANTS IN NEVUS DEPIGMENTOSUS
Authors:   Professor & Head, Department of Skin&VD, DrPanjabrao Memorial Medical College, Amravati., Agrawal Sanjay , Saoji Virendra ,   Professor, Department of Skin &VD, DrPanjabrao Memorial Medical College, Amravati., Pote Rashmi ,   Junior Resident, Department of Skin&VD, DrPanjabrao Memorial Medical College, Amravati.
Published: January 2024

This case series presents unique variantsof Nevus Depigmentosus in pediatric patients with widespread distribution. Nevus Depigmentosus, well known as Achromic nevus, is a rare hypopigmentary skin disorder that usually presents in childhood. Variants of this condition exhibit diverse clinical presentations and distinct distribution pattern, thereby posing diagnostic challenges. By exploring this rare dermatological phenomenon in pediatric context, we aim to contribute to the limited literature available on Generalized and Segmental Nevus Depigmentosus in this age group, ultimately improving clinical awareness and patient care.