bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput screening of multimetallic catalysts for three-way catalysis
Authors: Le Dinh Son , Ton Nhan Nu Thanh , Seenivasan Kalaivani , Chammingkwan Patchanee , Praserthdam Supareak , Toshiaki Taniike
Published: May 2023

Multimetallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have appeared as promising catalysts for important catalytic reactions such as three-way catalysis (TWC) due to their synergistic effects. Herein, a comprehensive process of preparing and evaluating MNPs and supported catalysts using high-throughput experimentation (HTE) for TWC is demonstrated. The synthesis of MNPs via a hot-injection method is performed using a homemade parallel reactor. The prepared MNPs are impregnated in parallel on alumina and examined for TWC. An in-house fixed-bed reactor equipped with a quadrupole mass spectrometer was employed for catalyst evaluation, taking advantage of the rapid screening of 20 catalysts and multiple reaction conditions. The overall HTE system can facilitate the synthesis and evaluation of 51 multimetallic catalysts for TWC in less than 2 weeks, and also appear to be a flexible and versatile system for other applications
Evaluation of blood supply and metabolism in tumor, axillary lymph node and normal breast tissue with F-18 FDG PET/CT in breast cancer: Comparison with pathological prognostic factors
Authors: Abdulrezzak Ummuhan , Akgun Hulya , Tutus Ahmet , Kula Mustafa , Dogan Serap , Oz Abdullah Bahadır , Ok Engin
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose Perfusion parameters to be obtained in F-18 FDG PET/CT performed for staging in breast cancers may have prognostic predictions as well as glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between blood flow and glucose metabolism and histological parameters of primary tumor, normal mammary gland and axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT.Materials and methods Sixty six female patients (mean age 51 y ± 12,81) were prospectively included to this study. We performed dynamic blood flow (f) study that started with 296–444 MBq (8–12 mCi) F-18 FDG injection and lasted for 10 minutes, and glucose metabolism (m) imaging one hour later. On each frame, mean activity concentration (AC) values (Bq/mL) were recorded on a spherical volume of interest (VOI) having a volume of ~ 1 cm3 on the hottest voxel of primary tumor (T), across normal breast gland (NG) and ipsilaterally axillary lymph nodes (iLN). Correlations among PET parameters and estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (c-erbB2) and Ki67 index were analyzed.Results T volume (TV) ranged from 1.1 to 85.28 cm3 [median (IR): 6.44 (11.78)]. There were positive correlations between c-erbB2 and TACf and between c-erbB2 and iLNACf (p = 0.045, r = + 0.248; p = 0.050, r = + 0.242). In the ER positive (ERP) patients, TV and TACm were significantly lower than those of ER negative (ERN) (respectively p = 0.044 and p = 0.041). In patients with two positive Ki-67 indices, iLN-SUVmax was significantly higher than one-positive patients (p = 0.020). There was a negative correlation between NGACm and histological grade of tumor (p = 0.005, r=-0.365).Conclusions Being able to examine tumor tissue characteristics such as blood flow and glucose metabolism with a single diagnostic technique and to reveal its relationship with histological parameters can provide a reliable pretherapeutic evaluation in breast cancers.
Cognitive effects on duration estimation and passage of time judgments, prospectively, retrospectively, in and out of lockdown
Authors: Nicolaï Cyril , Chaumon Maximilien , Wassenhove Virginie van
Published: May 2023

Psychological time is affected by many factors such as arousal, emotion, attention and memory. While laboratory observations are well documented, whether cognitive effects on time perception replicate in real-life settings is unclear. In this study, we exploited a set of data collected online during the Covid-19 pandemic, in which participants performed a verbal working-memory task parametrically manipulating their cognitive load (n-back: 1, 3). At the end of each working-memory trial, participants estimated the duration that just elapsed while performing the n-back task and rated their experience of the passage of time. In this within-participant design, we first tested whether the amount of information in working-memory affects time perception in opposite ways when duration estimations are made prospectively (i.e. when participants pay attention to time) or retrospectively (i.e. when they do not pay attention to time). Second, the same working hypothesis was tested on the experienced passage of time, which has been argued to capture a temporal phenomenology distinct from duration. We find that participants judged time to pass much faster during retrospective trials than in prospective. Third, we assessed the mapping between duration estimation and passage of time ratings, and show that short durations tend to be experienced as fast. Last, we contrasted two groups of individuals tested in and out of lockdown to assess the effects of social isolation: duration estimation and the experienced passage of time were affected distinctly although both were consistent with one another. We conclude by discussing the effects of cognitive load on time estimations.
Subsequent psychiatric disorders in attention deficit and hyperactivity receiving speech therapy
Authors: Tzang Ruu-Fen , Lin Yu-Wen , Kao Kai-Liang , Chang Yue-Cune , Huang Hui-Chun , Wu Shu-I , Stewart Robert
Published: May 2023

Background
Speech therapy (ST) might moderate the prognosis in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with speech delay. This study investigated whether ST in children with ADHD was associated with a decreased risk of subsequent psychiatric disorders.
Methods
The population-based National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan was used. Hazards of subsequent psychiatric disorders were compared between those that received ST and a propensity-score matched comparison group by Cox regression analyses.
Results
Of 11,987 children with ADHD identified from the dataset, 2911 (24%) had received ST. The adjusted hazard ratio for any subsequent recorded psychiatric disorder was 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.63~0.82) in children that received ST compared to the matched counterparts. This protective association was only statistically significant in the subgroup that received both medication and behavioral interventions.
Conclusions
Speech therapy can moderate the effects of integrated early interventions in ADHD children with speech delay.
Title: The factors affecting the HRQOL of kidney transplant recipients in the land of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan - A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Dorji Choki , Tobgay Tashi , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: May 2023

Background
Globally the prevalence of renal failure is on the rise. Kidney transplantation is the preferred and most affordable treatment for renal failure with improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL) compared to dialysis. Bhutan lacks kidney transplant facilities in the country, requiring referral to the neighbouring country. The HRQOL in kidney transplants in Bhutan has never been evaluated. The study aimed to investigate the relationships between different factors and HRQOL in kidney transplant recipients.
Methods
An observational study was conducted from January to July 2022. A kidney transplant recipient who underwent surgery until December 2021 and came for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was recruited. Data on HRQOL were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive analysis wasused to describe sociodemographic characteristics and HRQOL. Factors affecting HRQOL were analysedusing Mann‒WhitneyU and Kruskal‒Wallis tests. Linear regression was used to assess the link between factors and HRQOL.
Results
One hundred kidney transplant recipients were recruited in this study. Of these, 25 of them did not have a formal education, and 48 are employed. 53.0 % of kidney failures were due to hypertension, and 62 of them had dialysis for less than one year. Overall, physical symptoms contributed to poor HRQOL with a mean ± SD score of 4.9 ± (1.0) and the appearance dimension of better HRQOL at a mean ± SD of 4.0 ± (1.3). Unemployment was significantly associated with poor physical symptoms, uncertainty/fear and emotional dimension. Physical symptoms and age were found to be positive and statistically significant (r = .321, P<0.001).
Factors such as age, hematocrit and BMI are linked with physical symptoms, fatigue and appearance.
Conclusion
Hypertension is the leading cause of kidney failure in Bhutan. The physical symptoms are associated with poor HRQOL among transplant recipients affecting mostly the unemployed. Recipients who are employed and the related donor were found to have better HRQOL.
A Multi-Cycle Recursive Clustering Algorithm for the Analysis of Social Media Data Streams
Authors: Ayorinde Ayodeji , Panneerselvam John , Yuan Bo , Liu Lu
Published: May 2023

Events are usually embedded in latent topics and the extraction of these latent topics are enabled by event detection algorithms. Unsupervised algorithms like Clustering algorithms are very useful for detecting events but with requirements which may not be relevant or easy to determine when using unstructured textual social media data. For instance, some algorithms are required to be used on specific data shapes, but determining the shape of an unstructured data may not be practical aside from the high level of noise in the data. Many of the existing algorithms work well with structured data, however, some of these algorithms can be adapted to unstructured data with the caveat that cluster formations may not contain consistent contextual information. We propose a novel Multi-Cycle Recursive Clustering Algorithm (MCRCA), able to sequentially eliminate noise, resulting in high homogeneous cluster formations. MCRCA does not require the initial specification of clusters numbers as the estimated number of clusters can be deduced at convergence. Our algorithm out-performs the classical LDA and K-Means algorithms in forming highly homogeneous clusters, context-wise.
Traditional Chinese medicine andrographolide sulfonate alleviates airway inflammation by supressing TRL3-TRIF in mice post respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Zhou Na , Che Siyi , Ren Luo , Chen Shiyi , Liu Yin , Xie Jun , Liu Enmei
Published: May 2023

Background Andrographolide sulfonate is a proprietary Traditional Chinese Medicine used for the treatment of childhood respiratory tract infections. However, its effective role in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection remain unclear.Methods BALB/c mice were infected with RSV and inoculated intraperitoneally or intranasally with andrographolide sulfonate daily for 5 days. Lung damage was measured using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was used for total cell counts and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) detection based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of the RSV N gene and Toll-like receptor (TLR) mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the expression levels of the N protein, TLR2/3, and TRIF were detected by western blot analysis.Results Intraperitoneal injection of andrographolide sulfonate did not suppress RSV-induced inflammation, whereas intranasal administration reduced the total number of inflammatory cells in the BALF and pathological damage in the lungs. Furthermore, IFN-γ production was significantly decreased in the BALF, as were the N gene and protein expression levels. The RSV N gene was positively correlated with lung inflammation. After intranasal treatment with andrographolide sulfonate, lung TLR3 and TRIF expression were also reduced compared to the the RSV group.Conclusions Intranasal administration of andrographolide sulfonate reduces RSV replication and RSV infection-induced substance inflammation via TLR3-TRIF. Andrographolide sulfonate aerosol inhalation may be a better treatment for viral respiratory diseases.
The Period 2015-2022 – Eight Warmest Years over Europe and Türkiye:
Linkage Between Atmospheric Dynamics and Heatwaves
Authors: Demirtaş Meral
Published: May 2023

The period 2015–2022 was reported to be the warmest on record globally. This study focused on the summer seasons (June, July, August - JJA) of this hot period over the study region of Europe and Türkiye for investigating the linkage between atmospheric dynamics and heatwaves. The JJA mean temperature anomalies with respect to the reference climate (1981–2010) over the study region showed that 2022, 2021 and 2018 were the warmest top three years. The linkage between atmospheric blocking events and summer heatwave events were elaborated by implementing a percentile-based heatwave identification method and a two dimensional atmospheric blocking identification method. The dynamical role played by the 500-hPa geopotential height (GH500) summer anomalies were also considered, and associated GH500 anomalies computed with respected to the reference climate. It was noted that the hot summer seasons of 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 were associated with large-scale episode of blocking events, in particular, over the mid-to-high latitudes. Over the southern latitudes, in summer seasons of 2015, 2017 and 2020, heatwave activities were considered to be associated with the large GH500 anomalies, which were attributed to the northerly expansion of sub-tropical atmospheric flow. The horizontal transport of anomalously warm and dry air and together with exacerbated effects of subsidence under large GH500 anomalies were considered to be major contributors that triggered and maintained anomalously high temperatures.
Improving the Efficiency of FSO Communication Using a Hybrid Optimization Based U-NET Model in 6G Applications
Authors: k sathish , Sreeni S V N. , Vasavi M. , Eluri Rama Krishna , Ramakrishnaiah N.Ramakrishnaiah
Published: May 2023

The sixth generation (6G) wireless communication has significant impact due to massive connectivity and higher data rate. 6G is enhanced with Free Space Optical (FSO) communication in which the optical data is transmitted with a free spectrum license and higher security. But atmospheric circumstances have an impact on how well FSO communication works. The novel detection approach is proposed in this paper to enhance performance by mitigating the effect of atmospheric turbulence. Initially, the input signal is modulated with an On-Off keying (OOK) based modulation technique and transmitted through FSO communication channel. On the receiver side, signal detection can be accomplished with hybrid optimization Particle Swarm Hill Climbing Algorithm based (PSHCA)-U-net. The U-net architecture is modified to enhance the U-net performance by optimizing the hyperparameters with a hybrid PSHCA algorithm. Tests are conducted using various atmospheric weather scenarios on the proposed PSHCA-U-net model.Finally, simulations are performed to determine the performance of a proposed architecture and evaluated using Bit Error rate (BER), accuracy, transmission time, latency, spectral efficiency etc. Using the proposed approach, the spectral efficiency and latency are improved with 100 Gbps/Hz and 1ms. In terms of BER and other performance measures, the proposed solution outperforms the current strategy. It shows the superiority of a proposed approach while considering 6G parameters.
Contact foliations and generalised Weinstein conjectures
Authors: Finamore Douglas
Published: May 2023

We consider contact foliations: objects which generalise to higher dimensions the flow of the Reeb vector field on contact manifolds. We list several properties of such foliations and propose two conjectures about the topological types of their leaves, both of which coincide with the classical Weinstein conjecture in the case of contact flows. We give positive partial results for our conjectures in particular cases -- when the holonomy of the contact foliation preserves a Riemannian metric, for instance -- extending already establish results in the field of Contact Dynamics.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 37C85; Secondary 37C86, 53D10, 53E50.
The multi-quantization process with matrix size reduction is applied to compress images with strip structure light that is commonly used in 3D reconstructions
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Sazeen T. , Rasheed Mohammed H. , Siddeq Mohammed M.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a novel method for 2D image compression is proposed and demonstrated through high-quality image reconstruction with compression ratios up to 99%. The proposed algorithm uses multiple divisions to divide an image into two different matrices: the number of division matrix and the reminder matrix. DCT is applied to these matrices to increase high-frequency coefficients. Then, the final coefficient matrices are encoded using Binary Matrix encoding Algorithm. This final new algorithm removes blocks of zeros and indexes them with only a “0”, while other blocks with nonzero coefficients are kept. At the decompression stage, the process starts with inverse Binary Matrix encoding, which returns all zeros at exact locations. The next step is inverse DCT, which is applied to retrieve the original matrices: the Number of Division matrix and the Reminder matrix. Finally, the image is decoded by combining the two retrieved matrices. The experimental results show that our method achieved high compression ratios up to 99% with better perceptual quality of reconstructed images compared to the popular JPEG method.
Promises and Perils of Post-Quantum Blockchain
Authors: Sheoran Savita Kumari , Yadav Gayatri
Published: May 2023

In recent years, blockchain technology has emerged as a powerful solution to address various concerns related to data transfer over distributed networks, such as privacy, transparency, redundancy, and accountability. Its ability to offer decentralized trust, secure data usage, and efficient functioning has led to its successful implementation in critical areas like finance, e-governance, defense, academia, research, reputation systems, and smart manufacturing. Blockchain is a unique type of distributed ledger that relies on hash functions and public-key cryptography to store information in blocks protected by hash signatures, which are resistant to security breaches. However, the emergence of quantum computing and its ability to solve knapsack problems in real-time through Grover’s and Shor’s algorithms has raised concerns about the future of classical key cryptography. It is feared that post-quantum computers may be able to modify the hash signature and compromise the blockchain security. To address this issue, there is an urgent need to develop a blockchain cryptosystem that is resilient towards potential eavesdropping in the post-quantum age. This paper aims to explore the possibilities of developing such a futuristic post-quantum information security system while examining the promises and perils of blockchain technology. The study includes a comparative analysis of public-key post-quantum cryptosystems and signing algorithms to formulate future research directions in this field.
The Forecast and Low-carbon Performance of Land-use in Rapid Urbanization Area under the Multi-objective Spatial Planning: Evidence from Hangzhou, China
Authors: Gu Weicheng , Qi Weifeng , Zhang Mingyu
Published: May 2023

The introduction of the carbon peak and carbon neutral targets by many countries’ central governments has put low-carbon oriented spatial planning at the forefront of discussions. However, few studies have focused on the balance of carbon emission reduction and economic goals in spatial planning, and the influence of the planning on land-use low-carbon performance remains uncertain. This study addresses this gap by conducting an empirical analysis in the rapidly urbanizing area of Hangzhou, China, taking into consideration low-carbon constraints and economic development demands. Using the STRIPAT model and Linear Programming-Markov, we predicted land use structures under both low-carbon and baseline scenario, and simulated land use patterns by using Ann-CA. The results showed rapid growth in urban and forest land, and a decline in farm and rural land under the low-carbon scenario. Urban land change was concentrated in downtown districts and suburbs, while farm and forest land change was concentrated in exurban areas. The low-carbon performance of land-use was reflected in carbon storage release, carbon emission capability change, and low-carbon capability. The most common conversion of land-use categories under the low-carbon scenario was between farm and forest land, and between rural and urban land, which resulted in less carbon storage release and carbon emissions compared to the baseline scenario. Additionally, the compactness and fragmentation of construction land improved under the low-carbon scenario. This study sheds light on the impact of multi-objective spatial planning on urban land expansion, providing empirical evidence for city governments in rapid urbanization areas to improve land-use efficiency.
Implementing Content Based Instruction In University English Classrooms In Mainland China
Authors: Ma Xinyu
Published: May 2023

CBI teaching is to transform a single language skill teaching method into a teaching method that integrates content and language as a whole.The main aim of this research is to know the actual implementation of the CBI model in college English classrooms in mainland China through scientific research methods. It will look at the perceived effectiveness of the CBI model and the challenges of implementing the CBI model. Based on the research purpose, this research explores the following research questions, to what extent do students and teachers understand the basic concepts of CBI; the benefits and challenges of implementing CBI teaching methods in college English classrooms in mainland China. The data comes from questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The results seem to show that CBI can effectively improve students' English level, but there are many problems in the specific implementation process. The evaluation of CBI pedagogy needs to start from the perspective of teachers and students. It also emphasized the importance of the basic concepts of CBI. This research will help those students and teachers in the Chinese universities who would like to adopt CBI model and also the people who concerns the real situation of CBI model in the English classroom in China universities.
Passivity-based stochastic synchronization of delayed Markovian jump quaternion-valued neutral-type neural networks with partly unknown transition probabilities: real decomposition method
Authors: Shu Jinlong , Wu Baowei , Xiong Lianglin
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses the passivity-based stochastic synchronization of delayed Markovian jump quaternion-valued neutral-type neural networks (MJQVNTNNs) with partly unknown transition probabilities. Firstly, MJQVNTNNs are decomposed into four real-valued systems using the real decomposition method. Secondly, by constructing a Marko-vian jump parameter dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional (LKF) and combining some inequality techniques, a new delay-dependent criteria is derived to ensure the stochastic stability of the error systems, so that the master-slave system can achieve stochastic synchronization. Thirdly, based on passivity theory, the desired mode-dependent controller is designed, some sufficient conditions for the stochastic synchronization of input passive and output passive are given, respectively. Finally, three numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and illustrate its potential application in chaotic quaternion system.
Gelatin/wheat gliadin electrospun film contained with chlorogenic acid: Fabrication, characterization, and application in the preservation of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fillets
Authors: Chen Tingju , Liu Huanming , Deng Chujin , Zhang Dongxia , Li Huiying , Zhou Chunxia , Hong Pengzhi
Published: May 2023

In this study, gelatin/wheat gliadin electrospun films containing different amounts of chlorogenic acid (CA; 0–150 mg) were fabricated and characterized, and the protective effect of films with CA on food preservation was investigated, especially for grass carp fillets. The results of the morphology and structure of the films indicated CA was successfully encapsulated in the film and interacted with proteins. Thermal stability, mechanical properties, and water contact angle (WCA) analysis suggested that the film had good stability and hydrophobicity. Furthermore, films with CA exhibited good antioxidant and antibacterial activities and these properties were enhanced with increasing CA content. The antioxidant activity was greater than 90% when the amount of CA added was greater than 100 mg. The CA release mechanism of the film supplemented with 125 mg of CA (CA125) was in line with the first-order kinetic model, and CA release reached 84.38% ± 0.26% at 16 h. Furthermore, CA125 was used to perform 10-day preservation assays. During the storage period, the quality of grass carp fillets deteriorated and the film with CA exhibited a better protective effect on muscle quality; thus, possibly delaying the deterioration of the fish fillets and prolonging its acceptance period, meaning its applicability in the protection of the freshness of aquatic products.
Identification of Biomarkers for Acute Myocardial Infarction based on Cell Senescence Genes and Machine Learning
Authors: Li Liya , Mao Yu , Yang Pingping , Jiang Ting , Yang Lifang , Qin Pei
Published: May 2023

Background This study aims to identify senescence-related biomarkers for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) prognosis.Methods RNA expression data for STEMI samples and controls were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and cellular senescence genes were acquired from CellAge database. Differential and overlap analyses were used to identify differentially expressed cellular senescence-related genes (DE-SRGs) in STEMI samples. DE-SRGs were further analyzed using plotting receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and machine learning algorithms. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was employed on each biomarker. Immune related analyses, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) construction, and target drug prediction were performed on biomarkers.Results This study identified 7 DE-SRGs for STEMI prognosis. GSEA results showed enriched pathways, including ribosome, autophagy, allograft rejection, and autoimmune thyroid disease. Further, T cells CD4 memory resting, T cells gamma delta, Monocytes and Neutrophils represented significantly different proportions between STEMI samples and controls. In addition, CEBPB was positively correlated with Monocytes and Neutrophils, but negatively correlated with T cells CD8. A ceRNA network was established and eight FDA-approved drugs were predicted.Conclusion This study identified 7 cellular senescence-related biomarkers, which could lay a foundation for further study of the relationship between STEMI and cellular senescence.
A possibility of pulmonary intravascular coagulopathy in acute exacerbation of interstitial lung diseases: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Takeshita Yuichiro , To Masako , Kurosawa Yusuke , Kinouchi Toru , Tada Yuji , Tsushima Kenji , To Yasuo
Published: May 2023

Background
Acute exacerbation (AE) of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a life-threatening condition that can cause idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-IPF. One of the causes of the poor prognostic outcomes of AE-ILD is believed to be the coagulation cascade due to tissue damage. We investigated whether coagulopathy in patients with AE-ILD occurred locally in the lungs using laboratory data.
Methods
A total of 81 patients with chronic and acute ILD were enrolled in this study. A retrospective analysis was performed in two groups: a chronic ILD group comprising 63 outpatients and an acute ILD group comprising 18 inpatients diagnosed with AE-ILD.
Results
ROC analysis of SP-D, TAT, D-dimer, and PIC levels indicated that these four markers might be good diagnostic markers of AE-ILD. Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis revealed a positive correlation between SP-D and TAT (r=0.711, p=0.004), D-dimer (r=0.626, p=0.011), and PIC (r=0.741, p=0.002). Multiple regression analysis performed for TAT values with age, male sex, baseline use of anticoagulant drugs, acute ILD, IL-6 value, and SP-D value showed that the model could explain 57.6% of TAT values (R2 = 0.609, adjusted R2 = 0.576). In addition, the baseline use of anticoagulant drugs (β=-6.8092, p<0.001), acute ILD (β=8.1475, p<0.001), and SP-D (β= 0.0137, p<0.001) were independent factors affecting TAT.
Conclusion
SP-D, TAT, D-dimer, and PIC may be useful markers for diagnosing AE-ILD. Based on these four serum markers, the present study suggests that coagulopathy caused by AE-ILD may occur locally in the lungs.
Fishers’ well-being affected by anthropogenic stressors in Surigao del Sur, Philippines
Authors: Macusi Edison D. , Nallos Ivy M. , Omandam Juber L. , Macusi Erna S.
Published: May 2023

The fishing industry is considered one of the essential industries in the Philippines, especially in Surigao del Sur, and provides food and employment. By investigating how fishers’ well-being can be affected by various anthropogenic stressors, a solution can be crafted to address the problem. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to assess fisher’s well-being through the five dimensions such as social, economic, ecological, spiritual, and cultural. A total of N = 174 respondents participated in six FGDs conducted in the villages of Cortes, Lanuza, and Lianga and a separate focus group was used to validate the results of the study. Results showed variation in terms of social connectivity, Lanuza and Lianga scored medium high (3) but in terms of membership to cooperative, Cortes and Lanuza scored high (4). In the cultural dimension (governance and advocacy for marine conservation), Cortes scored high (4) and for values (communication and beliefs), all three sites scored highly (5). For economic dimension such as catch and cost of fishing trip, Cortes and Lanuza scored high (4). Finally, for the ecological dimension (protection of fish stocks and fishing practices), Cortes and Lanuza scored highly (5). Moreover, four major anthropogenic stressors mentioned in the area are on coral reef siltation (85%), climate change impacts (82%), improper garbage disposal (69%), and impacts of mining activities (67%). Responses of participants showed the need for the local and provincial governments to focus on immediate and practical priorities to effectively address long-term issues such as anthropogenic disturbances affecting fishers’ well-being.
An algorithm for very large sizes linear problems
Authors: Belahcene Saliha , Marthon Philippe , Aidene Mohamed
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we propose an algorithm (SC+PAM) for solving large size linear programming problem with bounded variables where we combined two methods: the selection of constraint method (SC) and the pivot adaptive method (PAM). The step of (SC+PAM), consist in first, selecting the constraints of the starting problem, and a sequence of linear sub-problems of increasing size which will be obtained by adding to the previous a set of constraints unsatisfied by the optimal solution of the current problem, the constraints to be added at each iteration being the most orthogonal to the criterion of the strarting problem. The stop criterion of (SC+PAM) is when all the constraints are satisfied and thus the solution found is opitmal for the strating problem. Thus, this method takes less computing time than (PAM), which is confirmed by numerical examples.
MSC code: 90C05, 90C06, 90C51.
Exercise training promotes the immune cytotoxicity to enhance the inhibition of Doxorubicin in a Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Qin Bingqing , Gui Jianju , He Zhongshi , Xie Lixia , Feng Shenglan , Ye Junjie , Sun Xiaodong , Sang Ming
Published: May 2023

Background: Physical exercise is believed to play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of cancer and its complications. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear.
Methods: BALB/c female mice (n=24) were randomly divided into sedentary group (SED), exercise group (Ex), Doxorubicin group (Dox, 5 mg/kg), and Doxorubicin + exercise group (Dox + Ex) after 7 days of 4T1 cell implantation. Exercise training lasted for 28 days and included rotarod experiments and resistance training. H&E staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the tumor, spleen, and heart; The proportion of NK cells and T cells in peripheral and immune organs was analyzed by flow cytometry; The infiltration of NK and CD8 T cells and the expression levels of CD31 and VEGF in tumor tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemical; The mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, TNF-α R, IFN-γ, and IFN-γ R were detected by q-PCR, and the protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl2 and cleaved caspase3 were detected by Western blot.
Results: The chemotherapeutic effect of Doxorubicin on breast cancer was significantly promoted by exercise training, and its mechanism might be that exercise activates the maturation of tumor killer cells in the immune system and releases tumor suppressor factors, such as TNF-α and IFN-γ, which induces the activation of Caspase3/Bax/Bcl2 signaling pathway in tumor cells.
Conclusions: It is suggested that exercise training improves chemotherapy efficacy while reducing side effects, which provides experimental evidence for the establishment of new clinical treatment strategies for breast cancer.
Clinical Outcomes of En-Bloc Cervical Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylitic Myelopathy
Authors: Meral Mehmet
Published: May 2023

Objective Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is one of the most serious complications of cervical spondylosis. The pattern, timing and outcomes of surgical treatment are controversial. Hirabayashi's hardware-assisted open-door laminoplasty method is currently frequently used in the surgical treatment of CSM. It is important to establish the timing, technique and results of surgery.Materials and Methods This study analyzed the preoperative and postoperative outcomes of 32 patients who underwent en-bloc cervical laminoplasty for CSM. The effect of preop symptom duration on post op clinical outcomes and the clinical outcomes of the surgical technique applied were evaluated. Modified Japanese Orthopedic Associatin (mJOA) score and Nurick scale were used for preop and postop functional and neurologic evaluation.Results The mean age of the patients was 63 ± 2years. Twenty-one patients were male (65.6%) and 11 were female (34.3%) and the mean follow-up period was 33 ± 4 months. Three patients had one level, 6 had two levels, 10 had three levels, and 13 had four levels of spinal stenosis. 7 of 8 patients with mJOA scores of 15 and above had complete recovery and one had partial benefit. Of the 10 patients with mJOA scores between 12 and 15, 7 had improved above 15 points and 3 had showed partial improvement. Of the 14 patients with a score below 12, 10 had improved to the 12–15 range, while 3 had remained unchanged. Deterioration had observed in one patientConclusion It was found that low mJOA score, high Nurick grade and long preoperative symptom duration negatively affected the surgical treatment results.
Cheese Intake and Infectious Diseases Risk: A Two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Teng Da , Li Jun , Zhang Shuaizhi , Zhang Xiaodong , Wu Ruijie
Published: May 2023

Introduction
Some beneficial effects of cheese intake on disease have been reported in several observational studies, However, there is still a gap in the study of infectious diseases. We aimed to apply the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal relationship between cheese intake and infectious diseases.
Methods
We used a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to analyze relevant data from publicly available genome-wide association studies to infer causality. The random-effects inverse-variance-weighted method was used to calculate effect estimates.
Results
Genetically predicted cheese intake was associated with a lower risk of sepsis (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48–0.83; p = 0.003), pneumonia (OR = 0.67; 95% CI,0.55–0.82; p = 6.76 x10− 5), UTI(OR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61–0.89; p = 0.002), cellulitis ( OR = 0.70; 95%CI,0.51–0.91;p = 0.008) and erysipelas (OR = 0.62; 95% CI,0.46–0.83;p = 0.001). However, our results have no evidence to support the causal effects between cheese intake and URTI (OR = 0.81; 95% CI,0.47–1.39; p = 0.439). Multiple testing and sensitivity analyses demonstrate the reliability of our results.
Conclusion
In our MR study, we confirmed a causal relationship between cheese intake and infectious diseases. Although no evidence supports the causality of cheese intake in URTI, we also could show that an increased intake of cheese may be good for us to prevent infectious diseases.
The role of PMI in evaluating the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors and prognosis of patients treated for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ge Lei , Sun Guoping , Li Hongxia , Wang Yi , Xu Yang , Wang Ziyong , Sun Feng
Published: May 2023

Background Skeletal muscle loss is an indicator of poor prognosis for various malignant tumours, including ESCC. We assessed whether the baseline psoas muscle mass index (PMI) could predict the response of ESCC to sintilimab treatment, with progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) as the outcome measures.Methods A retrospective analysis of 51 patients with advanced ESCC who received immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Efficacy was evaluated using immune response evaluation criteria in solid tumour (iRECIST), and the Kaplan‒Meier method was used to calculate the PFS and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyse prognostic factors.Results A total of 51 patients were included (1 immune complete response (iCR), 14 immune partial response (iPR), 28 immune stable disease (iSD), and 8 immune progressive disease (iPD). The overall ORR was 29.4%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 84.3%. The ORR in the low PMI group was significantly lower than that in the high PMI group (21% vs. 53.8%). The median PFS was significantly prolonged in the high PMI group compared with that in the low PMI group (11.0 months vs. 6.0 months, HR = 2.796, 95% CI 1.262–6.198, p = 0.011). The median PFS was significantly prolonged in the high prognostic nutritional index (PNI) group compared with that in the low PNI group (10.0 months vs. 6.0 months, HR = 1.974, 95% CI 1.014–3.842, p = 0.045). The univariate analysis results indicated that low PMI and low PNI were poor prognostic factors for PFS (p < 0.05), and the multivariate Cox analysis results indicated that low PMI (HR = 2.588, 95% CI,1.163–5.758, p = 0.020) was an independent risk factor for PFS after immunotherapy for advanced ESCC.Conclusions The PMI can help predict the response to immunotherapy in patients with advanced ESCC.
The Remnant Cholesterol is associated with CVD incidence: A general population cohort study in Southwest China
Authors: Liu Chengxi , Dai Mi , Tian Kunming , Zhou Shiyu , Luo Lei , Zeng Zhiying , Yan Xuelian , Xiao Ying , Wang Yiying , Deng Renli , Lei Xiuhong , Liu Tao
Published: May 2023

Emerging evidence has indicated that remnant cholesterol (RC) could predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence. Nevertheless, the relationship of RC with CVD risk, especially within the general Chinese population remains scarce. The purpose of the present research was to assess that RC concentrations and CVD outcomes in general Chinese adults are related. The Cox proportional hazard model was established to explore the relationship for RC and the outcomes of CVD and CVD subgroups. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was utilized to investigate the dose-response connection between RC and the risk of CVD outcomes, and the ROC curve was used to calculate the corresponding cut-off values. Moreover, stratified analysis was carried out to investigate the potential effect modification in the association between RC and CVD outcomes. Significant positive associations were found between elevated categorical RC and increased risk of CVD (HR Q4, 1.80; 95% CI 1.15–2.79; P-trend = 0.008), Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HR Q4, 2.00; 95% CI 1.22–3.27; P-trend = 0.007), Stroke (HR Q4, 1.66; 95% CI 1.02–2.69; P-trend = 0.040), and Ischemic stroke (HR Q4, 1.87, 95% CI 1.08–3.25; P-trend = 0.034), respectively. Our study suggested that the incidence of CVD outcomes increased when RC levels were above 0.75 mmol/L. Importantly, the CVD risks related with RC were more likely to be those aged＞60 years, females, BMI < 24 kg/m2, and who with hypertension and unhealthy diet patterns. In conclusion, aberrant high level of RC is associated with elevated CVD risk, and independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Our data reveal urgent primary prevention for subjects with high RC levels to low incidence of CVD, especially for the elderly, females, and those with hypertension and unhealthy diet patterns.
Developing the Queen Sense of the Visually Impaired: an Augent Task for Care Givers and Teachers of Young Learners With Visual Impairment
Authors: Mensah Prosper Anthony , Agbezudor Theresa , Gyamfi Abraham
Published: May 2023

The study is an action research which investigated the deficiency in listening skills exhibited by one pre-schooler with low vision at St. Joseph Practice School, Bechem, Ghana. It has the overriding goal of designing appropriate interventions to redress the identified gap. The study revealed that, listening does not develop automatically but deliberate and conscious training. The skills involved in listening were identified as awareness to the presence of sound, identifying the source of the sound, discriminating one sound from another and attaching meaning to what is heard. These are listening skills areas which may pose a challenge to pupils with visual impairment. To achieve the goal of the research, two sets of instruments were employed. Observation and interviews were used to collect data on the problem. Data collected on the problem was discussed, analyzed and presented on a table and a bar graph. It was found out that sound discrimination and sound comprehension are the listening skills areas pose a challenge to pupils with visual impairment and that there was an improvement in the performance across the various listening skill areas. It was recommended that younger children, especially the visually impaired, often times be taken on sound listening trips.
Comprehensive Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals Regulatory Network for Lignin Biosynthesis in Chicory Sprouting
Authors: Li Juan , Guo Xiaozhu , Wang Gui , Zhou Zhenjie , Sun Xuemei
Published: May 2023

Purpose Chicory is consumed worldwide and is an important commercial crop. However, excess lignin deposition may reduce its quality. The molecular mechanisms underlying lignin remain poorly understood. To address this, an integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome profiles was performed in chicory sprout at 3 different stages.Methods In this study, metabolites of the lignin biosynthesis pathway in chicory growth were determined by UPLC-MS/MS, moreover, multi-group sequencing and quantitative analysis of the transcriptome.Results A total of 706 metabolites were identified, with cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, Coniferaldehyde, and sinapaldehyde enriched during the growth of chicory sprouts. This suggested that these four metabolites may affect the growth of chicory sprouts. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated the expression of most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in lignin biosynthesis was up-regulated during chicory growth.Conclusion Importantly, the metabolite and gene expression profiles were closely correlated during sprout development, especially in association with lignin biosynthesis. The results will serve as a reference for lignin biosynthesis in chicory and may also assist biologists in improving chicory quality.
Mobile Schwannoma of the Lumbar Spine: A Case Report and literature review
Authors: SONG Shaowen , LI Xiaojing , LYU Wanqiu , CHEN Liyuan , ZHANG Binqing
Published: May 2023

Background
Schwannoma is a benign tumor that originates from the cells of nerve sheaths. The occurrence of mobile schwannoma of the lumbar spine is extremely rare and has limited documentation in the literature. This report presents a case of mobile schwannoma in the lumbar spine.
Case Report
A 48-year-old male patient presented with a 2-year history of lower back pain and numbness in both lower extremities, which has progressively worsened over the past 3 months. An MRI scan revealed an oval-shaped lesion located in the L2/3 vertebral segment, which migrated to the L3/4 vertebral segment following contrast enhancement. The patient underwent tumor resection surgery, and the diagnosis of schwannoma was confirmed through pathological examination.
Conclusion
Clinical physicians should increase their understanding of mobile schwannoma of the lumbar spine and utilize imaging techniques to accurately locate the tumor before surgery, in order to avoid unnecessary surgical scope and the risks of additional surgery.
Online Diagnostic Method and System Design of Arc Plasma Jet Characteristics based on Wavelet Transform and Linear Regression Theory
Authors: Cao Xiuquan , Guo Wenyu , He Yong , Huang Bo , Wang Lin , Liu Yuzhe
Published: May 2023

For monitoring the online jet characteristics and improving the corresponding diagnostic accuracy, caused by the complex working environment of arc plasma generation systems, an online diagnostic method of arc plasma jet characteristics based on wavelet transform and linear regression theory was proposed. The wavelet denoising to improve the accuracy of plasma jet characteristics and the linear regression theory to predict the plasma arc voltage characteristics have been discussed. Hence, a comprehensive online diagnostic system of plasma jet characteristics has been designed by integrating the proposed method with LabVIEW virtual instrument technology. To verify the effectiveness of the online diagnostic method and system, the corresponding experiments have been conducted by using a homemade plasma generation system with specified working parameters. Sequence, the experimental results have been analyzed and discussed. The experimental results show that: ① the proposed online diagnostic method based on wavelet transform and linear regression theory could effectively improve the accuracy and predict the jet characteristics of plasma jets; ② the online jet characteristics of thermal plasma jet could be monitored by using the corresponding diagnostic system.