bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular treatment of large hemoptysis for pulmonary pseudoaneurysm: Report of 23 cases
Authors: Li Fen-Qiang , Su Dong-Jun , Zhang Wan-Jia , Chen Zhong-Ke , Li Geng-Xiang , Li Shuang-Xi , Peng Yu-xing , Dang Lei , Wang Wen-Hui
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endovascular treatment for massive hemoptysis caused by pulmonary pseudoaneurysm (PAP).
Methods: The clinical data, imaging data, and endovascular treatment of 23 patients with massive hemoptysis caused by continuous PAP were retrospectively analyzed. The success, complication, postoperative recurrence rate, and influence of the treatment on pulmonary artery pressure were also evaluated.
Results：Nineteen patients with bronchial artery (BA) or NBSA-PA fistula underwent bronchial artery embolization (BAE) + non-bronchial systemic artery embolization (NBSAE) + pulmonary artery embolization (PAE). The pulmonary artery (PA) pressures before and after embolization were 52.11±2.12 (35-69 cmH2O) and 33.58±1.63 (22-44 cmH2O), respectively (P=0.001). Four patients did not have BA or NBSA-PA fistula. Embolization was performed in two patients with distal pulmonalis lobar arteria PAP. Bare stent-assisted micro coil embolization was performed in the other two patients with PAP of main pulmonalis lobar arteria. The PA pressures of the four patients before and after treatment were 24.50±1.32 (22-28 cmH2O) and 24.75±1.70 (22-29 cmH2O), respectively (P=0.850). The technique had 100% success rate with no serious complications and a postoperative recurrence rate of 30%.
Conclusion: Endovascular treatment is safe and effective for massive hemoptysis caused by PAP. The presence of BA or NBSA-PA fistula, BAE, or NBSAE can effectively reduce pulmonary hypertension.
Effectiveness of a theory-based behavior change intervention on physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Xiang Xinyue , Han Maomao , Luo Xiaolin , Yu Yudi , Lu Xiaorong , Cai Shasha , Huang Lihua
Published: December 2022

Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a theory-based behavior change intervention could promote changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as its effects on symptoms of dyspnea, lung function, exercise capacity, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Methods: A quasi-experimental design and convenience sampling were adopted. 92 patients with stable COPD were recruited from two hospitals in Zhejiang province, China. Both the experimental and control groups received usual care provided in the hospital. The control group received usual care only, while the experimental group performed a PA program based on the behavior change wheel theory. Outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks of the intervention (T3). The primary outcome, PA, was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Secondary outcomes included: sedentary behavior (SB) measured by the IPAQ, dyspnea measured by the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire, exercise capacity assessed by six minute walking test (6MWT), self-efficacy measured by the Exercise Self-Regulatory Efficacy Scale (EX-SRES), and HRQOL measured by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). In addition, we measured lung function, using the Spirometer at baseline and 12 weeks.
Results: Of the 89 patients included in this study, 64 were male (71.91%); with a mean age of 67.03 ±6.15 years. At 12 weeks, the improvement of PA, SB, mMRC, 6MWT, EX-SRES and CAT were all statistically significant (P<0.05) in the experimental group compared to the control group.There was no difference between groups in lung function. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that there were group effects and time effects on total PA, SB, mMRC, 6MWT, EX-SRES, and CAT in both groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: PA program based on theoretical significantly improved PA, reduce sedentary time and promote healthy behavior change in patients with COPD. Due to the limited intervention time in this study, lung function in COPD patients may not be reversed in a short period of time, thus further research is necessary.
Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov (ChiCTR2200060590).
Migration and invasion suppression by Taraxerol in Triple Negative Breast Cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 via ERK/Slug axis
Authors: XIA Yu-ting , ZHANG Yu-qin , CHEN Lu , MIN Liang-liang , HUANG Da , ZHANG Yu-lu , LI Cong , LI Zhi-hua
Published: December 2022

Taraxerol (TRX) is one of triterpenoid extracts from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Taraxacum, and its anti-tumor effect has been extensively proved. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of TRX in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) have not been illustrated completely. In this study, we found that TRX inhibited the migration and invasion of the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231, and further identified 20 targets both closely related to TNBC and TRX through network pharmacology. Subsequently, analyzing these targets by GO and KEGG enrichment, and MAPK3 was the most potential candidate target. It was found by molecular docking that could combine stably with TRX, as well it was illustrated by experiments in vitro that could inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells by acting on Slug. Meanwhile, ERK activator (tert-Butylhydroquinone, tBHQ) could significantly reverse the suppression of TRX on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, TRX could inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells via ERK/Slug axis.
Efficacy and Safety of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with History of Cancer
Authors: Ganatra Sarju , Abraham Sonu , Kumar Ashish , Parikh Rohan , Patel Rushin , Khadke Sumanth , Kumar Amudha , Liu Victor , Diaz Andrea Nathalie Rosas , Neilan Tomas G. , Martin David , Hook Bruce , Dani Sourbha S. , Asnani Aarti , Nohria Anju
Published: December 2022

Background: Though the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increased in patients with cancer, the effectiveness of catheter ablation (CA) for AF in patients with cancer is not well studied.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent CA for AF. Patients with a history of cancer within 5-years prior to, or those with an exposure to anthracyclines and/or thoracic radiation at any time prior to the index ablation were compared to patients without a history of cancer who underwent AF ablation. The primary outcome was freedom from AF, with or without anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs), and need for repeat CA at 12-months post-ablation. Secondary endpoints included freedom from AF at 12 months post-ablation with AADs and without AADs. Safety endpoints included bleeding, pulmonary vein stenosis, stroke, and cardiac tamponade. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk predictors of the primary outcome.
Results: Among 502 patients included in the study, 251 (50%) had a history of cancer. Freedom from AF at 12 months did not differ between patients with and without cancer (83.3% vs 72.5%, p 0.28). Need for repeat ablation was also similar between groups (20.7% vs 27.5%, p 0.29). Multivariable regression analysis did not identify a history of cancer or cancer-related therapy as independent predictors of recurrent AF after ablation. There was no difference in safety endpoints between groups.
Conclusion: CA is a safe and effective treatment for AF in patients with a history of cancer and those with exposure to potentially cardiotoxic therapy.
WITHDRAWN: Linking public perspectives on watershed issues to indicators and how they differ between natural regions within the Red Deer River watershed, AB, Canada
Authors: Montemayor Marilou B.
Published: December 2022

Public consultation workshops were held at three locations that corresponded to natural regions within the Red Deer River watershed. Participants were asked what their watershed issues were. Issues were linked to watershed indicators used in the completed state of the watershed report (SOW) that would eventually be used in the future watershed management plan (WMP). Issues gathered were sorted, counted, averages calculated and ranked, and comparisons made between locations. Two main categories of issues were found: environmental and socio-economic. Issues under each category were sorted and these generated nine environmental and eight socio-economic watershed indicators. Three new environmental indicators were found, and a whole new set of socio-economic indicators. These indicators should be considered in the future WMP and the next SOW report. Natural regions influenced environmental indicators that in turn could influence socio-economic indicators. Dividing the large watershed (4,965,000 ha) using natural regions as management units could create a “common-place” for their respective communities and local governments; a step towards the place-based approach. The use of natural regions could facilitate the incorporation of biodiversity related plans and programs into a WMP. Public consultations were found useful and should be included in future watershed indicators selection processes. This study is relevant to places in the world that practice collaborative watershed management planning.
GPNMB expression associates with inferior prognosis in patients with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Jun , Hu Pengchao , Lohinai Zoltan , Mao Shiqi , Yang Shuo , Dong Youhong , Sun Daoyuan , Ren Shengxiang , Hirsch Fred R.
Published: December 2022

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is notorious for its early and frequent metastases, which contribute to it as a recalcitrant malignancy. Previously, we found 4 significantly top up-regulated genes in lymph node (LN) metastases tissue when compared with primary tumor by HTG Edge-seq. Among them, Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) was highly expressed in the metastatic lymph node in SCLC. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value and cellular functions of GPNMB in SCLC. Plasma concentration of GPNMB was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical characteristic and Overall survival (OS) based on GPNMB concentration was evaluated. Invasion, migration, proliferation and apoptosis ability of SCLC cells were evaluated using migration, matrigel invasion assays, CCK8 assay and flow cytometry respectively. We found that GPNMB was significantly up-regulated in LN than primary SCLC lesions by HTG Edge-seq. 88 patients with SCLC were included in this study. Plasma GPNMB concentration was significantly higher in patients with extensive disease than local disease (P = 0.043). Baseline plasma GPNMB expression was higher in liver metastasis when compared with non-liver metastasis (P = 0.0148), bone metastasis (P = 0.031), brain metastasis (P = 0.035) and non-organ metastasis (P = 0.0045). Patients with high baseline plasma GPNMB had shorter overall survival (OS) (10.32 vs. 16.10 months, P = 0.0299). Importantly, both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated GPNMB higher expression was an independent biomarker for OS (P = 0.040, HR = 0.444). We also found that inhibit GPNMB expression by siRNA significantly suppressed SCLC metastatic and proliferation ability whereas increased apoptosis ability and caused a significant downregulation of vimentin and upregulation of E-cadherin. Our results suggest that expression of GPNMB is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis, and might be served as a novel potential therapeutic target in SCLC.
Can Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) maps replace Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) maps to predict the volumetric response of meningiomas to Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
Authors: Speckter Herwin , Palque-Santos Sarai , Mota-Gonzalez Ruben , Bido Jose , Hernandez Giancarlo , Rivera Diones , Suazo Luis , Valenzuela Santiago , Gonzalez-Curi Maria , Stoeter Peter
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Noninvasive methods are desired to predict the treatment response to Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) to improve individual tumor management. In a previous study, we demonstrated that Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)-derived parameter maps significantly correlate to SRS response. This study aimed to analyze and compare the predictive value of intratumoral ADC and DTI parameters in patients with meningiomas undergoing radiosurgery.
Methods
MR images of 70 patients treated with Gamma Knife SRS for WHO grade I meningiomas were retrospectively reviewed. MR acquisition included pre- and post-treatment DWI and DTI sequences, and subtractions were calculated to assess for radiation-induced changes in the parameter values.
Results
After a mean follow-up period (FUP) of 52.7 months, 69 of 70 meningiomas were controlled, with a mean volume reduction of 34.9%. Whereas fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the initial exam showed the highest correlation to tumor volume change at the last FU (CC=-0.607), followed by the differences between first and second FU values of FA (CC=-0.404) and the first longitudinal diffusivity (LD) value (CC=-0.375), the correlation coefficients of all ADC values were comparably low. Nevertheless, all these correlations, except for ADC measured at the first follow-up, reached significance.
Conclusion
For the first time, the prognostic value of ADC maps measured in meningiomas before and at first follow-up after Gamma Knife SRS, was compared to simultaneously acquired DTI parameter maps. Quantities assessed from ADC maps present significant correlations to the volumetric meningioma response but are less effective than correlations with DTI parameters.
Effect of palladium and its nanogeometry on the redox electrochemistry of tetracyanoquinodimethane modified electrode; Application in electrochemical sensing of ascorbic acid
Authors: Maurya Kuldeep Kumar , Singh Kulveer , Malviya Manisha
Published: December 2022

The current finding report the effect of palladium nanoparticles and their nanogeometry on the redox electrochemistry of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) modified electrode. Palladium nanoparticles are made in the presence of two different concentrations of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane followed by calcination at 6000C to yield PdNP-1 and PdNP-2 of the average size of 1 µM size and 12 nm, respectively, and are characterized by TEM and XRD. Three types of TCNQ-modified electrodes, namely: (i) TCNQ-1, (ii) TCNQ-2, and TCNQ-3 made with TCNQ alone, TCNQ and PdNP-1; TCNQ with PdNP-2 to understand the dependence of redox electrochemistry of TCNQ on palladium and its nanogeometry. The redox electrochemistry of TCNQ-1, TCNQ-2, and TCNQ-3 with major findings: (a) the difference in anodic (Epa) and cathodic (Epc) peak potentials decrease from 243 mV to 231 mV; (b) increase in anodic peak current from 9.6 µA to 30 µA under similar conditions; (c) the current function gradually increases from 15 to 29 µA/(mV)0.5; (d) charge transfer resistance decreases from 150 k to 22.1 k; (e) the catalytic current increases from 3.18 to 9.28 µA under similar conditions and (f) sensitivity of electroanalysis under similar condition increases from 5 to 15 µA/mM; are recorded justifying the introduction of electrocatalysis along with mediated electrochemistry. In order to support these assertions, the data from cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and amperometry are presented here.
Oxidation-induced nanolite crystallization triggered the 2021 phreatomagmatic eruption of Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba, Japan
Authors: Yoshida Kenta , Miyake Akira , Okumura Shota H. , Ishibashi Hidemi , Okumura Satoshi , Okamoto Atsushi , Niwa Yasuhiro , Kimura Masao , Sato Tomoki , Tamura Yoshihiko , Ono Shigeaki
Published: December 2022

Nanometer-sized crystals (nanolites) play an important role in controlling eruptions by affecting the viscosity of magmas and inducing bubble nucleation. We present detailed microscopic and nanoscopic petrographic analyses of nanolite-bearing and nanolite-free pumice from the 2021 eruption of Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba, Japan. The nanolite mineral assemblage includes biotite, which is absent from the phenocryst mineral assemblage, and magnetite and clinopyroxene, which are observed as phenocrysts. The boundary between the nanolite-bearing brown glass and nanolite-free colorless glass is either sharp or gradational, and the sharp boundaries also appear sharp under the transmitted electron microscope. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis of the volcanic glass revealed that the nanolite-free colorless glass records an oxygen fugacity of QFM + 0.98 (log units), whereas the nanolite-bearing brown glass records a higher oxygen fugacity (~ QFM + 2). Thermodynamic modelling using MELTS indicates that higher oxygen fugacities increase the liquidus temperature and thus induced the crystallization of magnetite nanolites. The hydrous nanolite mineral assemblage and glass oxygen fugacity estimates suggest that an oxidizing fluid supplied by a hot mafic magma induced nanolite crystallization in the magma reservoir. The oxidation-induced nanolite crystallization then enhanced heterogeneous bubble nucleation, resulting in convection in the magma reservoir and triggering the eruption.
Plasma free amino acid profiles are associated with serum high molecular weight adiponectin levels in Japanese medical check-up population without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tokunaga Kengo , Nakamura Hidehiro , Toue Sakino , Kato Yumiko , Ida Yosuke , Miyoshi Sawako , Yoneyama Rika , Ohnishi Hiroaki , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Okamoto Susumu
Published: December 2022

To prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), early detection and intervention are important. Several studies have already shown that the serum adiponectin level could be useful for evaluating the future risk of T2DM. Recently, plasma free amino acid (PFAA) concentrations havealso emerged as potential biomarkers that predict the future onset of T2DM. In this study, we aimed to further characterise PFAA profiles by elucidating the association with the serum adiponectin level in this cross-sectional study. A total of 1,000 Japanese subjects who underwent medical check-upswere enrolled, and their plasma concentrations of 21 amino acids and clinical parameters were measured. The subjects without T2DM were divided into quartiles (Q1-4) by serum adiponectin level, andthe association between PFAA concentrations and the serum adiponectin level was analysed. Concentrations of glutamate, alanine, proline, tyrosine, histidine, methionine, lysine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and tryptophan varied significantly according to the adiponectin quartile. Furthermore, serum adiponectin levels showed significant inverse correlations with these amino acids. The change in the PFAA profile in the group with the lowest adiponectin concentrations (Q1) was similar to that of T2DM patients. Although both adiponectin levels and PFAA concentrations are known to be altered by the accumulation of visceral fat and insulin resistance, the levels of glutamate, BCAA, lysine and tryptophan remain significantly associated with adiponectin level after adjustment for age, body mass index and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, showing the direct association between PFAA concentrations and the serum adiponectin level.
Massively recruited sTLR9+ neutrophils in rapidly formed nodules at the site of tumor cell inoculation and their contribution to a pro-tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Liying , Kou Mengyuan , Lu Wenting , Zhu Mengru , Qu Kuo , Yu Yongli
Published: December 2022

Neutrophils exert either pro- or anti-tumor activities. However, few studies have focused on neutrophils at the tumor initiation stage. In this study, we unexpectedly found a subcutaneous nodule in the groin areas of mice inoculated with tumor cells. The nodule was developed 24 h after the inoculation, filled with tumor cells and massively recruited neutrophils, being designated as neutrophil-infiltrated nodules (NINs). 22% of the neutrophils in NINs are surface TLR9 (sTLR9) expressing neutrophils (sTLR9+neutrophils). With tumor progression, sTLR9+neutrophils were sustainably increased in NINs/tumor tissues, reaching to 90.8% on day 13 after inoculation, with increased expression of IL-10 and decreased or no expression of TNFα.In vivoadministration of CpG 5805 significantly reduced sTLR9 expression of the sTLR9+neutrophils. The reduction of sTLR9 on neutrophils in NINs contributed to the induction of an anti-tumor microenvironment conductive to the inhibition of tumor growth. Overall, the study provides insights for understanding the role of sTLR9+neutrophils in the tumor development, especially in the early stages.
On the cohomology of characters stacks for non-orientable surfaces
Authors: Scognamiglio Tommaso
Published: December 2022

We give a counterexample to a formula suggested by the work of Letellier and Rodriguez-Villegas [28] for the mixed Poincaré series of character stacks for non-orientable surfaces. The counterexample is obtained by an explicit description of these character stacks for (real) elliptic curves.
Mathematics subject classification: 14M35,14D23
Effects of different foods and cooking methods on the gut microbiota: an in vitro approach
Authors: Lerma-Aguilera Alberto M. , Pérez-Burillo Sergio , Navajas-Porras Beatriz , León E. Daniel , Ruíz Sonia , Pastoriza Silvia , Jiménez-Hernández Nuria , Cämmerer Bettina-Maria , Rufián-Henares José Ángel , Gosalbes María José , Francino M. Pilar
Published: December 2022

Background
Dietary interventions are likely tools for modulation of the gut microbiota but the large inter-individual variability in gut microbiota composition leads to different host responsiveness and the impact of a particular food cannot be assessed. In contrast, in vitro fermentation models allow characterization of the fecal microbiota when fermenting a large number of different foods. Furthermore, cooking methods also directly influence the effects of food on gut microbiota composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the gut microbiota growing on representative foods of the Mediterranean and Western diets as well as the influence of cooking methods using in vitro fermentations.
Results
We performed in vitro digestions and fermentations of 55 foods, raw or cooked using up to 5 cooking methods, for a total of 159 combinations, employing fecal material from three healthy adults as inoculum. The composition of the bacterial communities was determined by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Foods derived from plants or animals had significantly different impacts on the abundances of bacterial taxa. Animal and vegetable fats, fish and dairy products led to the greatest shifts in microbial composition. Specifically, an increase in the beneficial bacteria Faecalibacterium, Blautia and Roseburia was identified in animal and vegetable fats. However, butter, dairy products and fish also resulted in higher abundances of Lachnoclostridium, which has been associated to several diseases. With respect to cooking methods, only frying and roasting had strong and common effects across all food categories. In general, fried foods showed more differences than other cooking methods, and Ruminococcus was particularly responsive to the cooking method employed.
Conclusions
Despite substantial differences in baseline microbiota composition, some shared effects were detected across the three analyzed individuals, such as the substantial impact of high-fat foods on the abundance of health-relevant bacteria. Cooking methods effects on the gut microbiota resulted to be highly individualized and food-dependent, making them challenging to investigate and integrate into personalized diet. Further characterization of the responses of the fermentative microbiota to food-cooking method combinations will enable the refinement of dietary interventions aimed at gut microbiota modulation, paving the way towards personalized nutrition.
Analyzing Ball Bearing Capacitance using Single Steel Ball Bearings
Authors: Puchtler Steffen , Kuip Julius van der , Kirchner Eckhard
Published: December 2022

A precise modeling of the capacitance of rolling element bearings is of increasing significance over the last years, e.g. in the context of bearing damage estimation in electric drives. The complexity of a steel bearing as an electrical network makes reliable validation of calculation models under realistic operating conditions nearly impossible. A way to reduce complexity in yet realistic conditions is the use of hybrid bearings with a single steel rolling element. This helps to measure only one current path through the bearing at a time and thus, gives a much clearer picture of the contact capacitance of rolling elements in and out of the load zone. The usage of different materials comes with different thermal expansion coefficients and different elasticities, which cause a significant change in load distribution. For the first time, this work considers both of these effects in calculation and validates them with corresponding experiments using single steel ball bearings.
Customizable Document Control Solution for 3D Printing at the Point-of-Care
Authors: Lohss Maxwell , Hammersley Elliott , Ghodadra Anish
Published: December 2022

Background
The rapid expansion and anticipated U.S Food and Drug Administration regulation of 3D printing at the point-of-care necessitates the creation of robust quality management systems. A critical component of any quality management system is a document control system for the organization, tracking, signature collection, and distribution of manufacturing documentation. While off-the-shelf solutions for document control exist, external programs are costly and come with network security concerns. Here, we present our internally developed, cost-effective solution for an electronic document control system for 3D printing at the point-of-care.
Methods
We created a hybrid document control system by linking two commercially available platforms, Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Sign, using a customized document approval workflow.
Results
Our platform meets all Code of Federal Regulations Part 11 guidances.
Conclusions
Our hybrid solution for document control provides an affordable system for users to sort, manage, store, edit, and sign documents. The system can serve as a framework for other 3D printing programs to prepare for future U.S Food and Drug Administration regulation, improve the efficiency of 3D printing at the point-of-care, and enhance the quality of work produced by their respective program.
Hardware CPG Model That Generates Time Series Neural Signal Patterns for Controlling Human Walking and Running
Authors: Takeda Kenji , Goto Tatsumi , Ishihama Takumi , Ishibashi Motokuni , Yamazaki Kentaro , SHUXIN LYU , Aibara Megumi , Kaneko Minami , Uchikoba Fumio
Published: December 2022

A hardware CPG model for biped gait control using pulse-type hardware neural networks(P-HNNs) composed of analog electronic circuits to generate time-series neural signal patterns for controlling human walking and running is reported. Human walking and running are controlled by central pattern generators located in a spinal cord. Apart from this spinal system, gait and gait speed is known to be changed by a signal from a higher center input to a brainstem-spinal cord projection. However, the specific circuit configuration of the neural circuits for controlling gait locomotion is still unknown. In recent studies, walking and running have been estimated to be controlled with five simple time-series pulse patterns generated by the spinal cord and the duration of their pulses. We have previously used P-HNNs to generate time-series neural signal pulse patterns for controlling human walking and running. In the model, the order of the time series was determined manually by trigger input. In addition, the change in the pulse pattern period when switching from walking to running was not reproduced. In this paper, we propose a hardware CPG model for biped gait control, with a network configuration capable of automatically determining the order of the time series, and changing the pulse pattern period. Based on the circuit configuration of the proposed CPG model, circuit simulations and CPG circuits fabricated with surface mount components were measured. The measured results confirm the automatic output of the neural signal patterns for controlling walking and running in time-series order. We also confirmed the pulse pattern period becomes shorter when switching from walking to running.
Assessment of Low and Medium Anti-epileptic Medication Adherence among Epileptic Patients in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-East Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Fissha Yonas , Kibret Yohannes , Haile Yosef
Published: December 2022

Background Non-adherence to anti-seizure medication therapy is an important contributing factor to the higher mortality rate and treatment failure of epilepsy. Complete antiepileptic therapy is an essential intervention aimed at improving the quality of life of patients who suffer from a disease which is known for its stigmatization with many cultural misconceptions. So the aim of this study was to assess low and medium anti-epileptic medication adherence among epileptic patients in Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, north-east Ethiopia. Method A cross sectional study design was conducted among the epileptic patient attending Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital from May 4 to August 4, 2022, on the total sample size of 253 selected epileptic patients by using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected by using structured interview-administered quastitionary; its quality was checked by pretest and continuous supervision. Data was entered into Epi-data 3.1 version and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the relationship between the independent variable and the outcome variable. Relative risk ratio (RRR) with 95% confidence interval was used at p value less than 0.05 to declare statistical significance association. Result From 253 study participants, this study found a 20.2%, and 30.8% incidence of the low and medium anti-epileptic drug adherence respectively. The factors for low anti-epileptic drug adherence were seizure since last visit (RRR = 1.033, 95% CI, (1.005–1.219), comorbidity of patient (RRR = 36.389, 95% CI, (7.198-183.963), adverse effect experiences since last visit (RRR = 3.938, 95% CI, (1.065–14.565), and duration of drug (RRR = 56.745, 95% CI, (.903-3567.210). The factors for medium anti-epileptic drug adherence were seizure since last visit (RRR = (1.305, 95% CI, (1.101–1.920), occupation status of the patient (RRR 1.008, 95% CI, (1.01–1.156), rural residents (RRR = 1.031, 95% CI, (1.008–1.120), and age category 18–27 (RRR = .161, 95% CI, (.031-.835). Conclusion The prevalence of low and medium antiepileptic drug adherence was high in this study. Health care providers should provide health education and medication related counseling for all patients with epilepsy to improve adherence.
Adaptive behavior with selfish nodes based on fuzzy logic in delay tolerant network
Authors: Rashidjafari Fahimeh , Derakhshanfard Nahideh
Published: December 2022

Delay Tolerant Networks is a kind of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks which the nodes are mobile and therefore there is not any end to end path between the source and the destination node. Due to frequent disruption between the links, nodes use a store, carry and forward pattern to send messages in such networks. Message forward and carry is achieved due to the cooperation between relay nodes. Some of the nodes may avoid this cooperation to preserve their own sources (such as buffer and energy) and they are known as Selfish Nodes. In this paper a selfish node detection method based on a fuzzy logic is presented. In this method, the parameters of number of packet send and receive through node, centrality degree, and buffer capacity are considered as fuzzy inputs. The fuzzy outputs are active, semi-selfish, or selfish nodes and the nodes are treated based on it. The simulation results show that the proposed method improves the criteria of delivery rate and average delay compared with related works.
On the convergence of Kantorovich operators in Morrey spaces
Authors: Arsana Mu'afa Purwa , Gunadi Reinhart , Hakim Denny Ivanal , Sawano Yoshihiro
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we investigate Kantorovich operators on Morrey spaces. We first recall the main tool in the proof of the uniform boundedness of Kantorovich operators in Morrey spaces, namely a pointwise estimate of Kantorovich operators by the Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator. We also investigate the convergence of Kantorovich operators in Morrey spaces under weaker assumptions that is also true for the endpoint case. In addition, we obtain the rate of convergence of Kantorovich operators in Morrey spaces under the condition of Hölder continuity. Our result can be applicable to the function spaces in a recent result by Zeren, Ismailov and Karacam.
MSC (2020): 41A10, 41A25, 42B35, 47B38
Potential drug-drug interactions in COVID-19 comorbid patients: situation in outpatients department of different hospitals in Bangladesh
Authors: Tasfia Syeda Ripha , Sakib Hujaifa Ahmed , Khanam Tasmiah , Hoque Nazia , Rahman Mamunur , Khan Arif , Islam Sufia
Published: December 2022

Background: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Unpredictable and peculiar characteristics of coronavirus left no single recommended treatment option apart from preventive actions. Bangladesh government adopts guidelines for the clinical management of mild, moderate, and severe cases of COVID-19 patients. Prescription error, the avoidable mistake, may cause havoc, especially for comorbid patients with diabetes and hypertension identified as a risky population group for COVID-19. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the prescription errors, including the drug-drug interactions among the outdoor patients infected with the coronavirus. This study was carried out in outpatient departments of different hospitals in Bangladesh through a random sampling method between May 2021 and August 2021. Eighty prescriptions of COVID-19 patients were collected, among which 44 patients had comorbidity. Microsoft Excel 2016 program analyzed the prescription and online aiding tools such as Drug Interaction Checker (Drugs.com) to identify potential drug-drug interaction/s.
Results: Among those 80 prescriptions, 44 cases (55%) contained moderate drug-drug interaction; Moxifloxacin and Remdesivir, the highest observed combination, were detected in 10 prescriptions (12.5%). A total of 7 prescriptions (8.75%) contained significant drug-drug interactions. The dose was not mentioned in 37 cases (46.25%), while the patient’s history was not found in 21 cases (26%). Moreover, 6-10 drugs were found in 54 prescriptions (67.50%), while 11-15 drugs were prescribed in 19 prescriptions (23.75%).
Conclusions: The prescription error being an avoidable occurrence may be eradicated by awareness, helping tools with preventive measures.
An Efficient Synthetic Data Generation Algorithm to Improve Efficacy of Deep Learning Models of Medical Images
Authors: Maryada Sai Kiran , Booker William Lee , Danala Gopichandh , Jones Meredith , Mudduluru Sanjana , Pham Huong , Hougen Dean F. , Zheng Bin
Published: December 2022

Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) have emerged as powerful components of computer-aided systems to detect and classify diseases in medical images. In order to robustly achieve high performance, a large and diverse dataset with annotated images is required to train or fine-tune DCNNs. However, such datasets are often very difficult and/or expensive to obtain due to demands on clinicians’ time and inter-reader variability. To address these challenges and increase training dataset size, we propose an efficient multi-stage algorithm to generate synthetic medical image data by extracting annotated diseased regions and randomly projecting them onto disease-free images. To test the feasibility of this new algorithm, the publicly available Indian Diabetic Retinopathy Image Dataset (IDRiD) is used. This dataset is comprised of the annotated fundus images acquired from 81 patients with two categories of diseases. Among them, 54 and 27 images are used for training and testing images, respectively. Using the proposed algorithm, we generate synthetic data by inserting extracted diseased lesions onto another set of 60 disease-free images, which results in 7,902 and 6,786 images for the two categories of diseases, respectively. Three transfer-learning-based DCNN models (VGG16, ResNet50, and Inception-v3) are trained using original IDRiD images and synthetic dataset, respectively. When applied to the same test images, the model trained with the synthetic dataset outperformed the model trained using he original IDRiD dataset by 7.4% in disease classification. These results indicate that this simple algorithm can generate diverse and useful synthetic lesion data to improve performance of DCNN models.
The Antecedents of Acceptance of Clinical Decision Support Systems by Physicians and Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albahly Mohammed Suliman , Seliaman Mohammed Elhassan
Published: December 2022

This research paper aims to identify the technological and non-technological factors influencing user acceptance of the CDSS in a group of healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. The research study uses the quantitative approach to evaluate the currently implemented CDSS as a part of Hospital Information System BESTCare 2.0 in the Saudi Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. For data collection, a survey questionnaire is conducted at all Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs hospitals. Then, the collected survey data is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This analysis includes measurement instrument reliability, discriminant validity, convergent validity, and hypothesis testing. Moreover, a CDSS usage data sample is extracted from the data warehouse to be analyzed as an additional data source. The results of the hypotheses testing show that usability, availability, and medical history accessibility are the critical factors influencing user acceptance of CDSS. This study provides prudence about healthcare facilities and their higher management to adopt CDSS.
Food allergen control at meat processing enterprise: scientific rationale and preliminary hazard analysis
Authors: Kryuchenko E. V. , Chernukha I. M. , Kuzlyakina Yu. A. , Zamula V. S.
Published: December 2022

From a public health point of view, the control of food allergens in enterprises is one of the main methods of food safety management required by national and international standards. The implementation results of measures for allergen control and identification of noncompliance are presented using the developed checklist, which includes 41 questions. The survey was conducted at meat processing plant in the Moscow region, which is certified for compliance with the requirements of ISO 22000:2018 “Food safety management systems — Requirements for any organization in the food chain” and FSSC22000 certification scheme. Compliance with the criteria included in the checklist was assessed by the method of interviewing employees at the enterprise and direct onsite observation. The highest level of noncompliance according to 7 groups of criteria established in the checklist was identified in the following sections; “Cleaning”, “Transport and storage” and “Hazard awareness”. Factors complicating the implementation of allergen control activities include available methods to assess cleaning effectiveness when removing specific allergens, experience in separating allergen-containing and allergen-free products and raw materials during transport and storage, and staff training in allergen control. At the same time, the PCR method was used to study 15 samples of meat products manufactured at the selected enterprise for the presence of legumes (soybeans), gluten, mustard, and peanuts. In six samples, undeclared allergens were detected in quantities hazardous to the health of the consumer. The results obtained indicated the need to develop and implement measures aimed at minimizing the risk of allergen transfer to the meat products during their production. Based on the results of the research, a procedure for allergen control has been developed, including additional measures for the control of food allergens.
Genome-wide analysis in the search for candidate genes associated with meat productivity traits in meat-and-dairy goats
Authors: Selionova M. I. , Aibazov A.-M. M. , Sermyagin A. A. , Belous A. A. , Zinovieva N. A.
Published: December 2022

The development of the tourism cluster in the North Caucasus causes the expansion of product range with high consumer characteristics, in particular, a sustainable offer of dairy and meat products labeled as environmentally friendly. In the range of such products with high dietary properties, a special role may be played by goat meat obtained from Karachay goats, which are the most common meat-and-dairy goats in the region. The aim of the work was to search for candidate genes associated with live weight and meat productivity of Karachay goats. GWAS analysis using Goat 50K BeadChip high-density DNA microarray determined a genome-wide level of significance for six SNPs located on chromosomes 5, 6, 10 and 16 associated with the live weight of young animals (4 and 8 months old). Three of the six SNPs within the ± 200 kb region were localized to HMGA2, CRADD, and MAX genes. These genes were selected to study the meat productivity traits of young goats with different genotypes. It was found that in the locus linked with HMGA2 gene, young goats with GG genotype were characterized by the best indicators of meat productivity. Compared to AA genotype animals, they had superiority in pre-slaughter weight, slaughter carcass weight, slaughter yield, boneless meat weight and loin eye area by 8.9%, 13.6%, 4.3% (P<0.05), 10.5% (P<0.05) respectively. Young goat meat of this genotype was characterized by the high protein content of 22.56% and low fat content of 9.12%. For the CRADD gene, animals with GG genotype had a higher pre-slaughter weight, slaughter weight, slaughter carcass yield, boneless meat weight and loin eye area. Animals with AG genotype were characterized by the lowest indicators. According to the above characteristics, the difference between the compared genotypes was 15.8%, 25.7% (P<0.01), 8.4% (P <0.05), 18.3%, and 15.7% (P 0.01) respectively. There were no significant differences in the chemical composition of muscle tissue between animals of different genotypes. HMGA2 and CRADD genes are promising for further research of Karachay goats breeding to increase meat productivity and meat quality.
OS DESAFIOS DO ENSINO DE QUÍMICA DURANTE A ADOÇÃO DO ENSINO REMOTO OCASIONADO PELA PANDEMIA DA COVID-19
Authors: Rocha Nágila Menezes , Vasconcelos Ana Karine Portela , Sampaio Caroline de Goes
Published: December 2022

A presente pesquisa faz parte do trabalho de dissertação do Programa de Ensino de Ciências e Matemática que buscou analisar o cenário educacional ao qual estavam inseridos estudantes de Química durante o período do ensino remoto emergencial. Este artigo em específico possui como objetivo compreender e identificar os principais desafios para o ensino de Química durante o novo formato de ensino, ocasionado pela pandemia da COVID-19 e viabilizado pelo uso das tecnologias digitais. Realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico do tipo Estado da Questão (EQ) de publicações relacionadas ao tema em duas plataformas de pesquisas, utilizando-se de descritores específicos e de um recorte temporal. A partir disso, foi possível concluir que as tecnologias que antes possuíam uma função auxiliar, passaram a ser as principais viabilizadoras do conhecimento e que elas cumprem satisfatoriamente suas funções, porém diversos fatores que envolvem o seu acesso acabaram por impactar sua efetividade e que entre os docentes a principal dificuldade foi adaptar as metodologias e os materiais pedagógicos para o novo formato.
ESP Instruction in Morocco: A Study of University Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions
Authors: Farmati Chaimae , Yeou Mohamed , Benzehaf Bouchaib
Published: December 2022

Language attitude is one of the key factors in foreign language development. In this regard, a plethora of studies has recently provided evidence suggesting that Moroccan students adopt positive attitudes towards learning English as a foreign language for general purposes. These studies focused on students belonging to different streams of study and from different educational levels. However, very few studies have attempted to explore university students’ attitudes toward learning English for specific purposes. Therefore, the present article tries to understand better the status of English for specific purposes in Morocco from different perspectives. It investigates the Moroccan ESP university students’ attitudes toward learning English and attempts to explain the motives behind these attitudes. To meet this end, 125 respondents belonging to various disciplines and from four different Moroccan higher educational institutions completed a survey about the use of English inside and outside school, the importance of this language, and whether these attitudes are driven by instrumental or integrative reasons. Findings revealed that Moroccan ESP university students have positive attitudes towards learning English for specific purposes and want to use it for both instrumental and integrative reasons. In light of these findings, a number of implications are offered.
Assessment and Mitigation of Mental Health among Students using Quantitative Ibm Spss Approach during Covid-19 in Public Higher Learning Institutions
Authors: Kamaludeen Hasanathul Bashariyah Bt , Mahadi Wan Nor Liza Binti
Published: December 2022

The issue of student mental health in higher education is growing. The COVID-19 pandemic has greater focus on this vulnerable group. This study aims to give a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of university students. 200 students participated in a survey by using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 screening tests to assess the state of mental health of Malaysian university students. The data was analysed using quantitative methods. The IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 27.0 assessment of mental health revealed that 44.0% of such 88 students were experiencing mild anxiety symptoms. During this COVID-19 outbreak, 74 students (37.0%) experienced mild depressive symptoms at a greater level. Significant findings, however, revealed that 25 students (12.50%) and 24 students (12.00%), respectively, suffer from severe anxiety and depressive symptoms. A significant correlation of at least r=0.147 exists between the students' level of anxiety, depression, and duration of the students staying alone or away from their families. These findings have encouraged the researcher to propose a model for mitigating mental health issues among university students for consideration by universities.