bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of an eight-week treatment program using a novel foot neuromuscular electrical stimulator (NMES) on physical function and leg pain, symptoms and blood flow in community dwelling older adults: a randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Kumaran Binoy , Targett Darren , Watson Tim
Published: August 2022

Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an established therapy that has been widely used for many decades to improve circulation in the legs. However, studies using NMES devices in an elderly, ambulant, and otherwise apparently healthy population are lacking; this is despite use of such devices being indicated for lower leg symptoms (such as aches, pain and cramps) that are frequently seen in older individuals.Methods: This is a single-center, single (participant)-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled (sham group), interventional study. Participants will be randomized to 1 of 3 groups (1:1:1) with each study group receiving a different type of foot NMES: Revitive sham; Revitive Medic© Program 1; or Revitive® Program 2. Each participant will be instructed to self-administer the foot NMES device for 30 minutes twice daily for 8 weeks. During the study all participants will continue with their normal life, activities, medications, and diet with no restrictions. Following the 8-week NMES treatment program participants will be assessed for Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance (COPM-P) and satisfaction (COPM-S) scores, lower leg pain, lower leg symptoms (heaviness, tiredness, aching and cramps), and blood flow volume and intensity.Discussion: Revitive® foot NMES has been proven to increase blood circulation in the legs during use, which may help to relieve symptoms such as pain, heaviness, cramps, and tiredness. When NMES is applied to the plantar surface of the feet it indirectly induces contraction of the calf muscle, activating the musculo-venous pump and thus improving circulation. This study aims to provide data informing on the applicability of foot NMES for management of leg symptoms that are likely to be indicative of poor circulation in an elderly (>65 years) community population.Trial registration: ISRCTN10576209
Packet type sequence position encoding: The new interpretation of the long term effects of chinese words
Authors: Yu Bingbing , Wang Enguo
Published: August 2022

In this study, we have used Chinese words as the experimental material to investigate the word length effect of short-term memory using the sequence position reconstruction method. It was found that the recall performance of short words was significantly better than that of long words in the pure word list, showing the word length effect. In the mixed word list, there was a significant benefit in the recall performance of long words in Experiment 1 and Experiment 3, and a noticeable benefit was also shown among short words in Experiment 3. The results suggest that at the item level, processing is based on phonological complexity, which accounts for the presence of word length effects in the pure word list. At the sequence position processing level, the pure word list was dominated by temporal position coding, while the mixed word list was dominated by grouped coding and temporal position coding. Meanwhile, both long and short words in a mixed word list benefit due to the involvement of grouped coding, and grouped sequence position coding displays the features of syntactic encoding.The results suggest the temporal distance between the consecutive lexical coding plays an important role at the later retrieval stage.
Using ulnar length to estimate height in undifferentiated adult emergency department patients
Authors: Sakaan Daniel , Stanford Kelsey C. , Gaines Devon , Smith Jessica A. , Jurma Valentin , Chastanet Timothy R. , Tift Frank W.
Published: August 2022

The dose of critical medicines or ventilator settings should not be a guessing game. Yet in the emergency setting, dosing that relies on ideal body weight (IBW) is difficult logistically in a helicopter or a busy trauma bay and often relies on a simple visual estimate to determine the patient’s height, and thus IBW. There have been previous studies showing a relationship between the length of a patient’s ulna and their height, but these were mostly in the pediatric pulmonology literature. We measured patients’ ulna length and height in a convenience sample of undifferentiated adult Emergency Department patients in order to make a linear regression with best-fit line equation for this population. After easily measuring the patient’s arm, the emergency provider can then plug the length into our equation to calculate height and then IBW. Our whole cohort equation is y = 3.5852x + 74.908, with a correlation coefficient of 0.7109 and an R2 value of 0.5054. This study suggests that with one quick and easy measurement life-saving medicine doses and ventilator settings can more accurately be determined.
Pregnancy benefit of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Yan Shiyan , Ma Peihong , Sun Chengyi , Sun Chongyang , Liu Tinglan , Liu Xiaoyu , Xiong Zhiyi , Pu Zhenqing , Lin Yuhan , Liu Baoyan , Zhang Haoran , Liu Cunzhi
Published: August 2022

Background: This study reviewed published evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: The database included PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP were searched up to May 24, 2022. The primary outcomes for clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) were quantitatively summarized by the random-effect model with I2 statistics to quantify heterogeneity. Results: Forty-nine eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs)representing 9422 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identified. The results indicated that pooled CPR and LBR showed a significant difference between acupuncture and control groups [53 trials, odds ratio (OR)1.68, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.47 to 1.92, I2=47.4], extremely low evidence; 20 trials, OR1.37, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.69, I2=62.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) was found to be a positive effect on both CPR (10 trials, OR1.73, 95%CI 1.35 to 2.23; I2=28.1, moderate evidence) and LBR (7 trials, OR 1.74, 95%CI 1.23 to 2.46; I2=47.6, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high quality of evidence. Conclusions: Our results showed that the association between acupuncture use and IVF pregnant outcomes were not supported by robust evidence and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might influence the findings in a relevant way.Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021232430.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Gherlin and Leptin Hormones in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: AlGhamdi Shareefa , Alsulami Nabilah , Khoja Sawsan , Alsufiani Hadeil , Tayeb Haythum O. , AlShaibi Huda , Tarazi Frank I.
Published: August 2022

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on the levels of leptin and ghrelin hormones were evaluated in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). 72 participants were recruited in this study (40 MDD patients and 32 healthy controls (28 males & 44 females). Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study to determine the baseline values of different biochemical tests including vitamin D, leptin, and ghrelin hormones. Participants were treated weekly, under physician supervision, with vitamin D (50,000 IU) for 3 months and then blood samples were collected at the end of study. Symptoms of MDD were evaluated and recorded using Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) scale. Three months of vitamin D supplementation significantly increased the levels of ghrelin compared with baseline in MDD patients. In contrast, serum leptin levels were unchanged in the same patients. However, a significantly higher serum leptin levels were found in MDD patients compared with healthy subjects. These results were accompanied by significant decreases in BDI scores of depressive symptoms after 3-month administration of vitamin D. Our findings suggest that ghrelin and leptin hormones may contribute to the pathophysiology and perhaps improved treatment of MDD.
An Alternative Approach to the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk and Prediction of Radiological and Cancer Risks Caused by Terrestrial Radiation, Case of Isparta/Turkey
Authors: UYANIK N. Ayten
Published: August 2022

There are more or less radioactive elements in the rocks and sediments, formed especially in volcanic regions. There may be a radiological risk for people residing on and around rocks or sediments where radioactive elements are very high. Among these radiological risks, the most important parameter that is determined the amount of death from cancer caused by the natural environment of human beings is known as the excess lifetime cancer risk. The excess lifetime cancer risk is presented in the literature with the empirical relationship. An alternative relationship for the excess lifetime cancer risk was developed in this study. This relationship includes radiological risk parameters and the average life expectancy and does not require a coefficient recommended by organizations. An application area was chosen to compare the results of the relationship developed by this study and the relationship available in the literature. This area included an area of approximately 12.5 km2 in and around the Çünür district of Isparta province in Türkiye, and gamma-ray spectrometry studies were carried out at 270 different points. In addition, the study area was evaluated in terms of radiological risk. For this, radioactive elements (U, Th, and K) were directly measured on the geological material (trachyandesite, flysch, limestone, and soil) using a gamma-ray spectrometer device. Maps were created to compare the outcomes of excess lifetime cancer risk determined with the new approach and calculated using the existing relationship in the literature. Also, the calculated radiological risk parameters were mapped to evaluate the study area in general. In addition to these, the relationships between each other the radioactive elements and the relationships between the radioactive elements and the radiological risk parameters were investigated and statistical analyses were made. Further, the number of people affected by the excess lifetime cancer risk in the study area was estimated based on both the relationship in the literature and the new approach. The results from both relationships are compatible with each other. Therefore, there is no need for the coefficient suggested by different organizations. As a result, it is understood that gamma rays caused by radioactive elements have harmful effects on human health, especially for people settling in volcanic regions. For this reason, radiological risky areas should not be preferred to choose a place of residence in city plans.
Adjacent Segment Degeneration after Spinal Fusion Surgery: An Exploratory Analysis of the Spinal Degenerative Progression Based on Stochastic Models
Authors: Wu Tong , Yang Yi , Wang Changxi , Zhang Kerui , Ma Litai , Cheng Yao , Liu Hao , Li Kang
Published: August 2022

BackgroundAdjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) has become a major concern after spinal fusion surgery. It keeps progressing over time and may develop to irreversible symptoms. Its temporal progression is of vital importance to clinicians when scheduling the treatments. However, few studies have investigated the degeneration process. Currently the treatment plans are mainly determined by the clinicians and the treatment quality highly depends on their experiences. Inexperienced clinicians’ treatment plans may result in unexpected failures of the patients’ spines. This study sought to propose a method to identify, quantify and predict the ASDeg over time.MethodsThe radiograph series of 245 vertebrae from 35 patients who had undergone spinal fusion surgeries were obtained for prospective follow-up study. The degenerative changes on the radiographs were identified and quantified through a proposed indicator. The obtained measurements were divided into two groups: those obtained before the censor time were used to estimate the parameters of the stochastic model, while those obtained after the censor time were used for model validation.ResultsIt was observed that the osteophytes formed and grew over time at the adjacent segments of the fusion site after spinal fusion surgery. After being quantified by the proposed osteophyte ratio index (ORI), the osteophytes growth data was shown to follow the Wiener process with an expression of ORI(t)=0.0145553t+0.0113259B(t). The corresponding survival and the remaining useful life (RUL) functions were obtained, which provide quantitative references for the scheduling of postoperative care or reoperations.ConclusionsThe behavior of ASDeg through was analyzed in this study. The Wiener process that characterizes and predicts the progression of the degenerative behavior was applied and validated. It would be a useful tool in evaluating and predicting the degeneration state of the human spine when performing the postoperative care for spinal fusion surgery.
Comparison of the Reconstruction of Large Buccal and Parotid Region Defects in Salvage Surgery Using Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps and Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flaps in Elderly Patients
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Wenhao , Huang Zixian , Wang Yuepeng , Huang Zhiquan
Published: August 2022

Background: With the aging of the population, the percentage of elderly patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) as well as malignant tumors involving the buccal and parotid regions has increased over time. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALTFFs) and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (PMMFs) for reconstructing large buccal and parotid region defects after salvage surgery in elderly patients.Methods: This study evaluated 48 elderly patients (33 males and 15 females; median age=73.3 years) with large malignant tumors involving the buccal and parotid regions who underwent ALTFF or PMMF reconstruction to repair large buccal and parotid defects following radical resection.Results: Forty-eight patients were included in this study. Twenty-five patients underwent ALTFF reconstruction, while 23 underwent PMMF reconstruction. All elderly patients in this study underwent surgery safely. There was a significant difference between the two groups of defect regions. The operation time was significantly longer in the ALTFF group than in the PMMF group. The rates of recipient site infection and donor site wound dehiscence were greater in the PMMF group than in the ALTFF group. However, there was no significant difference between the ALTFF and PMMF groups in terms of sex, age, ASA score, comorbidity, bleeding amount, blood transfusion, ICU stay, hospital length of stay, total medical cost and systemic medical complications.Conclusions: Age alone was not a risk factor for the surgical treatment of HNC, including tumor ablation and simultaneous flap reconstruction, in elderly patients. Comorbidity status was also not a risk factor for the surgery. Compared to pedicled PMMF reconstruction, an ALTFF is more suitable for reconstructing large buccal and parotid region defects in salvage surgery for elderly patients.
Adequate Chelation and Cupriuresis in Hepatic Wilson disease patients under Combination (Chelator + Zinc) therapy at 2 years of follow up
Authors: Panda Kalpana , Lal Bikrant Bihari , Sood Vikrant , Khanna Rajeev , Alam Seema
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Role of 24-hour urinary copper excretion (UCE) in treatment monitoring of Wilson disease (WD) is not well studied especially in pediatric population. Hence, present study is conducted with aim to evaluate UCE and its role in deciding therapeutic adequacy in paediatric WD on long-term follow-up.
Methods
All WD patients < 18 years and on combination therapy with atleast one UCE available after first year of treatment were included. Liver biochemistries, UCE (mcg/day) and serum non-ceruloplasmin bound copper (NCC) (mcg/dl) were assessed at diagnosis and various follow-ups. For assessment of treatment efficacy, criteria for adequate chelation (CAC) was defined as fulfilment of both (i) AST & ALT ≤ 1.5 times upper limit of normal, serum albumin > 3.5 gm/dl, INR < 1.5 and (ii) UCE < 500.
Results
Of the 74 included children, 70 (94.5%), 45 (60.8%), 28 (37.8%) and 21 (28.3%) completed 2-, 3-, 5- and 7- years follow-up respectively. Liver biochemistries improved significantly within 1 year of treatment. UCE decreased significantly from baseline of 654.08 ± 803.78 to 308.23 ± 175.93 at 2 years with no further change at 3 & 5 years follow-up. UCE at 2 years was < 200 in 28.5%, 200–500 in 55.7%, and > 500 in 15.7%. 61% achieved CAC by 2 years. On multivariate cox regression, treatment compliance was predictor for CAC achievement (p = 0.009, HR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.36–8.86).
Conclusion
UCE declines significantly from baseline to < 500 mcg/day within 2 years. Majority of treatment compliant patients achieve CAC within 2 years of combination therapy.
Prefrontal interneuron genes underlie neurobiological processes shared between psychiatric disorders
Authors: Pergola Giulio , Sportelli Leonardo , Nagy Corina , Weinberger Daniel , Turecki Gustavo
Published: August 2022

Previous reports on brain co-expression networks, mostly applied to tissue homogenates, have utilized cluster-based strategies for assigning genes to a unique co-expression cluster. This feature is incompatible with the diversity of cell populations and cellular components involved. Single-cell RNA-sequencing provides a finer-grained resolution than bulk tissue when interrogating brain cell types, dynamic states, and functional processes. We uncovered co-expression patterns across different brain cell types by applying tensor decomposition to single-nucleus transcriptomes from the prefrontal cortex of male patients with depression who died by suicide. We identified a gene set differentially co-expressed in inhibitory neurons between patients and controls and enriched for genes associated with major depression and schizophrenia.
Assessing Major Histocompatibility Complex-Associated Peptide Proteomics assay as a tool to predict immunogenicity potential of protein therapeutics and antigens
Authors: Barbero Luca , Ianni Andrea Di , Fraone Tiziana , Balestra Piercesare , Cowan Kyra , Sirtori Federico Riccardi
Published: August 2022

Major histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II)-Associated Peptide Proteomics (MAPPs) is a mass spectrometry-based approach, to identify and relatively quantitate naturally processed and presented MHC-II-associated peptides, that could potentially activate CD4 + T cells and elicit a patient immune response against protein therapeutics in the preclinical development phase. Methods to identify these peptide antigens are critical to the development of new vaccines. Conversely, it is critical to bring safer new biological entities (NBEs) as drug candidates into clinical trials, with a reduced risk of triggering an adaptive immune response that could hamper a therapeutic outcome. Here, we describe a robust protocol for the identification of MHCII-bound peptides from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors, using nano-ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (nUHPLC–MS/MS) and recent improvements in methods for isolation of these peptides.
Bianchi type cosmological models with heat flow in Lyra’s geometry
Authors: R SANTHIKUMAR , B Satyanarayana , Kornu Suryanaryana P S , E Satyannarayana P
Published: August 2022

Bianchi type-V cosmological model along with perfect fluid and heat conduction have been discussed in the presence of Lyra’s geometry(1951 Lyra et al.). By using the law of variation for the mean Hubble parameter the solution contains heat conduction and gauge function for n=0 and n≠ 0, which is related to the average scale factor of metric and gives decelerating parameter. We discussed heat transmission stages from initial time to the late time of the universe. The relation between density and pressure is discussed. We obtain a constant decelerating parameter. Physical interpretation and thermodynamic laws are discussed.
New Compression Point Reducing Memory Size in Field of Characteristic ≠ 2,3
Authors: ASSOUJAA ISMAIL , EZZOUAK SIHAM , MOUANIS Hakima
Published: August 2022

Compression point is a new method to compress the space memory and still have the same data. In this paper, we will present a new method of compression points work well with addition operation in elliptic curve, so instead of storing the value of two points P = (xP,yP ), Q = (xQ,yQ), we will store the addition of the x-coordinates i,e ( α = xP + xQ,yP,yQ) or the y-coordinates i,e (xP,xQ,β = yP + yQ). In this article, we show a new technique for compressing two points in elliptic curve with different coordinate system: Affine, Projective and Jacobian in a field of characteristic ≠ 2 & 3, and show the cost of theses operations. This method can save if we work with affine, Projective or Jacobian coordinates, at least 25%, 17%, 17% of memory size respectively, and also see what happens in case if we take Edwards curve and Montgomery curve cases.
A new method for tailings ponds recognition by target detection and image segmentation: a case study of Panzhihua city, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Liang , Nie Wen , Xie Wei , Zhen Yan , Xiao Yifei , Zhong Fengcheng
Published: August 2022

Tailings pond accidents can cause large amounts of human and property damage, so the rapid and accurate recognition of tailings ponds is important for the prevention of tailings pond accidents. Recognizing tailings ponds by manual interpretation is time-consuming and costly, and a single deep learning model cannot combine time and accuracy as well. In this study, we propose a new method combining YOLOv4 and an optimized U-Net model to recognize tailings ponds from high spatial resolution remote sensing images. Tailings ponds are detected from high spatial resolution remote sensing images using YOLOv4. The optimized U-Net model is used to further recognize tailings ponds, and the optimized U-Net model can fully obtain the feature information and improve the tailings pond recognition accuracy. Compared with the traditional U-Net model, the tailings pond recognition average precision (AP), recall and F1_score are significantly improved by confusion matrix of pixels, with the AP increasing from 95.26–98.12%, recall increasing from 87.6–95% and F1_score increasing from 92.77–97.23%. The results show that the hybrid model can recognize tailings ponds with high accuracy and efficiency over a large area, which can provide some scientific basis for future tailings pond recognition studies.
The Goldilocks Principle of JAKs and STATs: Gain-of function mutations, loss-of-function mutations, and their clinical consequences
Authors: Ott Nils , Faletti Laura , Heeg Maximilian , Andreani Virginia , Grimbacher Bodo
Published: August 2022

The JAK-STAT signalling pathway plays a key role in cytokine signalling and is involved in development, immunity, and tumorigenesis for nearly any cell. At first glance, the JAK-STAT signalling pathway appears to be straight forward. However, on closer examination, there are many different factors influencing the JAK and the STAT proteins, which even so cannot sufficiently explain the wide variety of the cell's responses to the large number of cytokines. The JAK-STAT signalling pathway has been, and still is, subject of basic research and offers an enormous potential for the development of new methods of personalised medicine and thus the translation of basic molecular research into clinical practice beyond the use of JAK inhibitors. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations in the two immunologically particularly relevant signal transducers STAT1 and STAT3 present themselves through individual phenotypic clinical pictures. This review is intended to provide an overview of these specific syndromes and to summarise current findings on pathomechanism, symptoms, immunological features and therapeutic options of STAT1, STAT3, JAK1 and JAK3 loss-of-function and gain-of-function diseases.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Irrigation Fluids on Smear Layer Removal, Root Canal Sealant Penetration Effect and Mechanical Properties of Human Dentin
Authors: Zhang Lan , Zhao Ting , He Lina , Pan Shuang , Wang Ranxu , Li Yanping , Niu Yumei
Published: August 2022

Objective: To compare the removal of smear layer from root canal wall with different irrigation solutions in vitro and evaluate the penetration of root canal sealers into dentinal tubules and their effects on the mechanical properties of dentin.Methods: 69 human single-rooted premolars and 36 human molars were selected and randomly divided into 5 experimental groups and negative control group according to different irrigation regimens. 5.25%NaClO (A),6%MCJ (B),17%EDTA (C),5.25%NaClO + 17%EDTA (D),6%MCJ + 17%EDTA (E) and negative control group (Distilled water) (DW). Each group were selected for scanning electron microscopy, hot gutta-percha vertical compression filling and micro-hardness testing randomly (n=4). Each group were selected for flexural strength, compressive strength, and ultimate tensile strength testing (UTS), randomly (n=6).Results: The removal effect of smear layer in groups D and E was better than that in groups A, B and the control group (P < 0.05). The maximum depth and penetration rate of root canal sealer penetration were significantly greater in groups D and E than the control group (P < 0.05). Group B and E significantly reduced the mechanical properties of dentine (micro-hardness, flexural strength, compressive strength and UTS) (P＜0.05). Conclusion: The combination of MCJ and EDTA could better remove the smear layer and promote the penetration of root canal sealers. Furthermore, they had less detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of dentin than the combination of NaClO and EDTA.Clinical Significance: Because traditional Chinese medicine root canal irrigation Morinda citrifolia has good biocompatibility, antibacterial properties and less adverse effects on the mechanical properties of dentin than NaClO, it is expected to replace NaClO as an ideal root canal irrigating solution in clinical practice.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Bioplastic Film Obtained From Orange Peel
Authors: Cadenas-González María T. , Leo-Avelino Gabriela , Hernández-Córdova Roberto
Published: August 2022

Agro-industrial waste represent an important source of natural polymers for bioplastic obtention, intended for the replacement of materials derived from oil. Polysaccharides, as pectin from orange peel has the potential to be used as raw material for plastic industry, besides an additional value could be obtained from the orange peel that is a waste. In this work, we assessed mechanical and thermal properties of a film obtained from orange peel. Scanning electron microscopy showed a heterogeneous surface with grooves, owed to fibrous materials residues from orange peel. Elastic modulus stayed in the range 7.7–29.9 MPa, according to plasticizer content. By thermogravimetric analysis, we identified up to five events, according to film composition. These results indicate that pectin obtained possess suitable properties to be used as raw material for bioplastic fabrication.
Amorphous silica nanoparticles cause abnormal cytokinesis and multinucleation through dysfunction of the centralspindlin complex and microfilaments
Authors: Xiao Liyan , Pang Jinyan , Qin Hua , Dou Liyang , Yang Man , Wang Ji , Zhou Xianqin , Li Yang , Duan Junchao , Sun Zhiwei
Published: August 2022

Background: With the large-scale production and application of amorphous silica nanoparticles (aSiNPs), it’s the adverse health effects that are more worthy of our attention. Our previous research has demonstrated for the first time that aSiNPs induced cytokinesis failure, which resulted in abnormally high incidences of multinucleation in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was firstly to explore whether aSiNPs induced multinucleation in vivo, and secondly to investigate the underlying mechanism of how aSiNPs caused abnormal cytokinesis and multinucleation.Methods: Male ICR mice with intratracheal instillation of aSiNPs were used as an experimental model in vivo. Human hepatic cell line (L-02) was introduced for further mechanism study. Results: In vivo, histopathological results showed that the rate of multinucleation was significantly increased in liver and lung tissue after aSiNPs treatment. In vitro, immunofluorescence results manifested that aSiNPs directly caused microfilaments agglomeration. Following mechanistic studies indicated that aSiNPs not only induced excessive ROS and down-regulation of the PI3k 110β/Aurora B pathway, but also inhibited the expression of centralspindlin subunits MKLP1 and CYK4 as well as downstream cytokines regulation related proteins Ect2, Cep55, CHMP2A and RhoA. Meanwhile, the particles caused abnormal co-localization of the key mitotic regulatory kinase Aurora B and the centralspindlin complex, which resulted in incomplete cytokinesis. To further clarify the role of PI3K inhibition and excessive ROS in cytokinesis failure induced by aSiNPs, PI3K activator IGF and ROS inhibitors NAC were selected. In the aSiNPs treated group, IGF increased the phosphorylation level of Aurora B and improved the relative ratio of the centralspindlin cluster; and NAC reduced the ratio of multinucleation, alleviated the PI3k 110β/Aurora B pathway inhibition, and then increased the expression of MKLP1, CYK4 and cytokinesis-related proteins, whilst it simultaneously directly restored the clustering of the centralspindlin.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that aSiNPs led to multinucleation formation both in vivo and in vitro. aSiNPs exposure caused microfilaments agglomeration and inhibited the PI3k 110β / Aurora B pathway through excessive ROS, which then hindered the centralspindlin cluster as well as restrained the expression of centralspindlin subunits and cytokinesis-related proteins, which ultimately created cytokinesis failure and the formation of multinucleation.
Miter bend polarizers in CW ECRH systems: groove design, ohmic loss, and cooling in numerical analyses
Authors: Taheri Jawad , Iraji Davoud
Published: August 2022

Polarizer miter bends are important components in the transmission lines of electron cyclotron resonance heating systems, as they create a desired polarization for the electron cyclotron wave before coupling in the fusion plasma. Normally, a pair of grooved mirrors with different groove depths is enough to form a universal polarizer made of polarization twister and elliptical polarizer. The groove shape, and how the grooved mirror tolerates in a modern high-power system with continuous wave operation, can influence the entire operation of the system. This work contains various investigations on the grooved mirror including the parametric groove design, low ohmic loss, and effective cooling with an appropriate design of the cooling channel. Since the rounded trapezoidal grooves have some advantages over rectangular and sinusoidal grooves, the study is mainly dedicated to the trapezoidal grooves in both polarizer mirrors. The steady-state thermal analysis is carried out for 1 MW power at 110 GHz.
Financing Care for Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases (SSSDs) in Liberia: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Smith John Solunta , Diaconu Karin , Witter Professor Sophie , Weiland Stefanie , Zaizay F. Zeela , Dean Laura , Theobald Professor Sally , McCollum Rosalind , Kollie Karsor , Kollie Jerry , Berrian Hannah , Hotopf India , Sempe Lucas , Tate Wede
Published: August 2022

IntroductionNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are an important global health challenge, however, little is known about how to effectively finance NTD related services. Integrated management in particular, is put forward as an efficient and effective treatment modality. This is a background study to a broader health economic evaluation, seeking to document the costs of integrated care management of NTDs versus standard care in Liberia. In the current study, we document barriers and facilitators to NTD care from a health financing perspective.MethodsWe carried out key informant interviews with 86 health professionals and 16 national health system policymakers. 46 participants were active in counties implementing integrated case management and 40 participants were active in counties implementing standard care. We also interviewed 16 patients and community members. All interviews were transcribed and analysed using the thematic framework approach. FindingsWe found that decentralization for NTD financing is not yet achieved – financing and reporting for NTDs is still centralized and largely donor-driven as a vertical programme; government involvement in NTD financing is still minimal, focused mainly on staffing, but non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or international agencies are supporting supply and procurement of medications. Donor support and involvement in NTDs are largely coordinated around the integrated case management. Quantification for goods and budget estimations are specific challenges, given the high donor dependence, particularly for NTD related costs and the government’s limited financial role at present. These challenges contribute to stockouts of medications and supplies at clinic level, while delays in payments of salaries from the government compromise staff attendance and retention. For patients, the main challenges are high transportation costs, with inflated charges due to fear and stigma amongst motorbike taxi riders, and out-of-pocket payments for medication during stockouts and food/toiletries (for in-patients).ConclusionOur findings contribute to the limited work on financing of SSSD services in West African settings and provide insight on challenges and opportunities for financing and large costs in accessing care by households, which is also being exacerbated by stigma.
Mitigating BOT-based Methods for Email Address Harvesting and Spamming
Authors: Sheikh Shafiya A. , Banday M. Tariq
Published: August 2022

Email databases are continually being updated with the inclusion of active email addresses collected from different sources by hackers and spammers for their illicit purpose, including spamming and sharing. The presence of multiple valid email addresses in the headers of chain and multi-recipient email messages increases the chances of successful harvesting. This paper investigates and exposes a bot-based technique for email address harvesting from email messages, including chain email messages and emails sent to multiple recipients. Experimentation results demonstrate the designed Bot's effectiveness in misusing technologies to collect email addresses from the header and body of email messages. Also, the experimented method and user studies demonstrated the XOAuth authentication mechanism's inefficiency in blocking mailbox access and email address harvesting. The comprehensive illustration of the design shall be beneficial to design techniques for detecting and mitigating such bots. The paper also suggests a few mechanisms that can be put in place to prevent this type of email address harvesting significantly and also designs a mitigation method to detect and mitigate the designed Bots of this nature.
Lead-free Inorganic Perovskite Cs-Cu-I Embedded Waterproof Nanofiber Films for White Color Emission
Authors: Lee Yongju , Cha Ji-Hyun , Kim Heejin , Lee Ja Yeon , Lee Min Wook , Jang Ho Seong , Jung Duk-Young
Published: August 2022

Organic polymers can enhance the environmental stability of inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (IPNCs) by encapsulation. We fabricated lead-free IPNCs embedded in waterproof and luminous polymer fibers. The encapsulated CsCu2I3 and Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals within polystyrene (PS) polymers, CsCu2I3@PS (Y-fiber) and Cs3Cu2I5@PS (B-fiber) were prepared by one-step electrospinning of the precursor solutions containing the precursors (CsI and CuI) and PS. The embedded nanocrystals had highly uniform sizes, spatial distribution, well-developed crystal structure, and pure phases. The Y-fibers and B-fibers showed bright yellow and blue color emission under ultraviolet (UV) light, respectively, and a white emission fiber layer was fabricated via dual-nozzle co-electrospinning using yellow-emissive CsCu2I3, and blue-emissive Cs3Cu2I5 precursor solutions. The as-prepared B-fibers exhibited improved water stability without changing crystal structure and PL emission in deionized water for 20 days. To enhance environmental stability and mechanical properties, the transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films containing IPNCs@PS fibers presented strong PL emission without a shift in PL emission wavelength under 100% tensile strain, indicating highly flexible and humidity-durable characteristics.
Phytoremediation An Effective Technique for Domestic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Harne Kailash , Joshi Himanshu , Wankhade Rajan
Published: August 2022

Phytoremediation in the form of constructed wetlands is an effective method of treatment of municipal as well as industrial wastewater. The efficacy of this method has already been tested in European and American countries and found to be the best method of wastewater treatment. The efforts have been made in the present work to check the efficacy of phytoremediation in the form of constructed wetlands under Indian climatic conditions. A pilot plant of constructed wetlands has been constructed on the premises of Uttaranchal Jal Nigam Sewage treatment plant and municipal wastewater has been allowed to pass through the constructed wetland. It has been observed that BOD removal at 24 0C is governed by the equation Ce/Co = e-1.0042 x t and the removal rate constant of BOD has been observed to be 0.795 d-1 at 20 oC. It has been observed that the pilot constructed wetland is bringing effluent BOD and TSS up to 20 mg/l and 30 mg/l respectively consistently for the duration under study. The values of hydraulic retention time, hydraulic loading, and organic loading for achieving this performance are found to be 1.75 days,13.22 cm/d, and 142.78 Kg/ha. d respectively. Performance study of constructed wetland and the existing activated sludge treatment has shown that the percent removal for the parameters TSS, BOD, COD, and Fecal Coliforms is near to the same order except for TN and TP, where the activated sludge process unit shows higher removal than the constructed wetland.
Effects of Shading on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Metabolism of Cigar Tobacco Leaves
Authors: Yang Rongzhou , Yu Jun , Yang Jinpeng , Li Nanfen , Wang Sheliang , Yang Chunlei , Xu Fangsen
Published: August 2022

Shading is a conventional cultivation method in crop production. However, the effects of shading on photosynthesis and metabolism of cigar leaves remain unclear. Here, the effects of shading on tobacco photosynthesis characteristics and metabolome were studied by setting light transmittance of 100%, 90%, 80%, 70% and 60%. The soluble sugar concentration and soluble protein concentration of cigar leaves at 70% and 60% shading treatments increased by 149.18% and 117.98%, and 174.48% and 195.91%, respectively, compared with that at 100% light transmittance at mature stage. A total of 702 differential metabolites were detected in cigar leaves among the different shading treatments. The metabolites mainly contain flavonoids, such as lignin, sesquiterpenoids, Metabolic pathways are enriched in amino acid metabolism, secondary metabolites biosynthesis and lipid metabolism. Six key metabolites are detected: Chlorogenic Acid, D-Glucosaminide, D-Urobilin, Farnesylcysteine, Hydroxyatrazine and Sucrose. Token together, our study showed that shading could significantly affect the photosynthesis and metabolism of cigar leaves, resulting in the accumulation of primary metabolites, soluble sugar and soluble protein in leaves, which was beneficial to cigar plant growth and quality formation.
Health-related quality of life and its influencing factors in elderly people with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus based on Multi-level model: take the east coastal area of China as an example
Authors: WAN Leping , YANG Guangmei , LIANG Xiaoxiao , DONG Haiying , HE Yan
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly patients in the eastern coastal regions of China, which correspond to socio-demographic conditions, comorbidities and health outcomes.
Methods
From September 2021 to December 2021, 750 participants with HTN and T2DM over the age of 60 were recruited through multi-stage stratified sampling to conduct a cross-sectional study in the eastern coastal region of China. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. The multi-level model was developed to analyze the effects of patients' own factors and regional factors on HRQoL in patients with HTN and T2DM, using patients as level 1 and regions as level.
Results
The percentage of co-morbidity of HTN and T2DM in community-dwelling older adults was 14.3%, with a health utility index (0.778 ± 0.270). The multi-level model showed that the ICC was 0.797 and 0.815, respectively, which means that about 79.7% of the variance in EQ-5D health utility index was due to older adults' own factors and 20.3% of the variance was from urban level aggregation; about 81.5% of the variance in EQ-VAS scores was due to own factors and 18.5% of the variance was from urban level aggregation. Multi-level model results show that age, marital status, monthly income, number of chronic diseases, and alcohol consumption (P < 0.05) were significantly related to HrQoL in elderly patients with HTN and T2DM.
Conclusion
The HRQoL of older adults with HTN and T2DM is significantly lower than that of the general population, and emphasis should be placed on the prevention and management of older adults with the disease. Meanwhile, a central aspect to the management of HTN and T2DM is promoting a healthy lifestyle, and health-related knowledge should be promoted more, with emphasis on patients' mental health, to improve the HTN and T2DM of older adults.
Intraoperative Intravenous versus Periarticular Injection of Glucocorticoids in improving clinical outcomes after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized and Controlled Study
Authors: Li Qing-tian , Liao Wei-hong , Chen Bin-long , Yang Yu-hui , Fu Guang-tao , Liao Jun-xing , Ma Yuan-chen , Zheng Qiu-jian
Published: August 2022

Background: Glucocorticoids have been widely used in perioperative period for postoperative pain relief and the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the optimal administration protocols of glucocorticoids remain controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of glucocorticoids between intravenous and periarticular injection on clinical outcomes.Methods: A total of 114 patients were randomly assigned, and 46 patients in intravenous (IV) group and 47 patients in periarticular injection (PI) group were included in the final statistical analysis. The IV group received 10 mg dexamethasone intravenously, and the PI group received periarticular injection of cocktail including 10 mg dexamethasone during the procedure. The clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the knee society score (KSS), range of motion (ROM), knee swelling, inflammation markers and complications for all patients after TKA.Results: Patients in the IV group had similar VAS score at rest and during walking at 6 hours, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th days, 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively when compared to the PI group. The ROM of knee in the affected leg at post- operative 3 months was less in the IV group compared with the PI group (110.1°± 11.9°vs 115.4°± 13.5°, P = 0.047), but without a statistically significant difference at 3rd days and 2 weeks postoperatively. The knee swelling and KSS function score were not statistically different. The level of IL-6, CRP and ESR at postoperative 1st days and 3rd days were also similar in two groups. Vomiting and other complications occurrence were not significantly different between the two groups.Conclusion: The intraoperative intravenous and periarticular injection of glucocorticoids have similar clinical outcomes, including postoperative pain management, prevention of PONV, inflammation, knee swelling, knee function recovery and the incidence of complications following primary TKA.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000033490. Date of registration: June 2, 2020.
In vitro rejuvenation of nodal segment explants for clonal propagation of Rauvolfia serpentina (L) Benth ex Kurz
Authors: Isah Tasiu , Zafar Nadia
Published: August 2022

Rauvolfia serpentina (L) Benth ex Kurz is an endangered medicinal woody species, widely distributed in Asia and used in several traditional medicine systems. Application of in vitro clonal propagation offers alternative strategies for biomass production useful in the production of pharmaceuticals but, difficulty in explant selection and low response to clonal production are impediment to the success. The present study evaluated efficiency of in vitro rejuvenation of nodal segment explants derived from basal offshoots and terminal buds collected across growth seasons and effect of serial subcultures on shoot morphogenesis in R. serpentina. Effect of culture medium strength (quarter, half and full strength MS) on shoot morphogenesis and proliferation through four (4) subcultures were also evaluated. Of the PGRs tested, BAP was more efficient over Kin and TDZ, and addition of NAA (0.5 mg L− 1) to the PGRs promoted shoot morphogenesis. Rhizogenesis was achieved using half basal MS medium added with IBA, NAA and IAA with IBA been the most efficient over other auxins tested. However, lower concentration of the IBA showed most appropriate results on good root differentiation. As a result, IBA has been the most efficient over other auxins tested but, lower concentration is the most appropriate for good root differentiation. Differential accumulation of pigment molecules and cellular osmolytes in response to the culture condition were evaluated in the dark-green and pale-green leaf morpho-types observed in the shoot cultures. Results of the present experiment suggests that explants collection season and PGRs influenced in vitro rejuvenation of nodal segment explants through physiological and biochemical changes essential for shoot morphogenesis.
Introduction of versatile and recyclable network poly (ionic liquid)s as an efficient solvent with desired properties for application in C-C cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Patra Indrajit , Musa Duaa Abdul Rida , Solanki Reena , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Yakhshieva Zukhra Ziyatovna , Hadi Jihad M. , Kazemnejadi Milad
Published: August 2022

Synthesis of high viscosity, ecofriendly, and low melting point poly(ionic liquid)s (LMP-PIL) with network structure has been introduced by the reaction of TAIm[I] ionic liquid monomer with disodium salts of various open-chain carboxylic acids as well as sulfonic acidsviaa polycondensation on counter ions (PC-CI). Changes in methylene group numbers of carboxylate, as well as sulfonate, provide a broad spectrum of properties in terms of viscosity, density, and solubility for the resulting PILs. The physical properties of the PILs including, viscosity, melting point, boiling point, density,M¯n, and DPI, were determined in this study. The ecofriendly PILs served as an efficient solvent and ligand for the Cu-catalyzed Heck and Sonogashira C-C coupling reactions. High to excellent yields were obtained for various coupling products under mild conditions at MP of the PILs. The prepared PILs could be recycled several times from the homogenous reaction mixture with preservation of the intrinsic properties. Also, a deep study was conducted on the mechanism of the coupling reactions.