bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Mining Method in Seismology by Applying Cellular Automaton Equivalence of Ground Vibration Fluctuations Recorded Near the Epicenter of the 2011 Mw 9 East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

We propose a data mining method to extract physical phenomena from the ground vibration velocity fluctuation (GVF) which is a daily observed weak signal and has no specific waveform. Our aim is to detect any traces of the return of ground motion to its normal state after earthquakes, and the evolution of ground motion towards earthquakes in the GVF. We focus on the GVF recorded near the epicenter of the magnitude 9 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). Although the GVF can be discussed in the framework of the master equation which represents the thermodynamics of a stochastically fluctuating non-equilibrium system, the relation between the thermodynamic parameters and seismology-related phenomena is hardly known. So, we introduce cellular automata (CA) to analogically interpret the physical phenomena of interest as thermodynamic parameters, and show the thermodynamic equivalence between GVF and CA. These CA-derived thermodynamic parameters are then expected to deliver physical phenomena similar to those of the target when evaluated on the GVF data. In the demonstrated example of data mining, the stress relaxation signal immediately after GEJE is discovered from the recorded GVF data by deriving the thermodynamic parameters representing the stress relaxation of CA and evaluating these thermodynamic parameters for the recorded GVF data. Furthermore, the elastic rigidity and viscosity of the underground structures are estimated from the stress relaxation signal. The novelty of this study lies in drawing attention to the GVF, and combining standard techniques of CA with GVF through the use of the master equation.
Anatomical and Functional Outcomes after Endoresection and Adjuvant Ruthenium Brachytherapy for Uveal Melanoma: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Mazzini Cinzia , Vicini Giulio , Leo Laura Di , Massi Daniela , Rizzo Stanislao , Giansanti Fabrizio
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of endoresection and adjuvant ruthenium (Ru)-106 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma (UM).
Methods: Retrospective case series of 15 UM patients (15 eyes) treated at our center (Careggi University Hospital, Florence).
Results: Six patients (40%) were male and nine were female (60%). The mean age of patients at the time of treatment was 61.6 years (±18.47). The mean BCVA at baseline was 20/76. In all cases UM originated from the choroid. The mean tumor thickness at baseline was 7.20 mm (±2.01), and the mean largest basal diameter was 11.24 mm (±2.20). A concurrent retinal detachment was diagnosed in 11 patients (73.3%). Two patients (13.3%) showed vitreous seeding at baseline. Eleven patients (73.3%) were treated with primary endoresection, while four patients (26.7%) were treated with a “salvage endoresection” after primary treatment failure (previous radiation treatment). The mean follow-up time was 29.9 months (±10.6). Thirteen out of fifteen patients were alive and showed no evidence of local recurrence or distance metastasis at the last follow-up visit. The treatment achieved local control of the disease in 14 out of 15 cases (93.3%). In one case, the patient underwent enucleation for disease recurrence. The overall survival rate at the end of the follow-up was 93.3%. The mean BCVA at last follow-up visit was 20/70. Treatment was well tolerated, without significant complications.
Conclusions: Endoresection and adjuvant Ru-106 brachytherapy is a valuable conservative option for selected UM patients and can be used both as a primary treatment and as a salvage therapy. It can control melanoma and avoid enucleation, reduce radiation-related complications, and provide tumor tissue for chromosomal analysis and prognostic testing.
Recurrence or progression of neuroblastoma in children with MYCN amplification, 1p deletion or 11q deletion may due to altered immune status
Authors: Wei Zixuan , Gong Baocheng , Li Jie , Jin Yan , Cao Yanna , Yan Jie , Li Xin , Chen Chong , Zhao Qiang
Published: July 2023

Background
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood malignancy originating from the sympathetic nervous system and is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor in children. This study explored the prognosis of neuroblastoma patients with different genetic alterations, as well as altered peripheral blood immune status.
Methods
We screened 31 samples of neuroblastoma for MYCN amplification status and loss of heterozygosity at chromosome bands 1p36 and 11q23. Peripheral blood samples from these NB patients were tested for immune cells and cytokines by flow cytometry. Tests of association were performed with the use of Fisher’s exact test. Significant differences were analyzed using independent samples T-test. Survival curves were constructed according to the methods of Kaplan and Meier.
Results
According to FISH of pathological specimens, there were 6 patients with amplification of MYCN, 9 patients with chromosome 1p deletion, and 14 patients with chromosome 11q deletion. The event-free survival (EFS) was found to be worse in patients with MYCN amplification or 1p deletion than in the corresponding normal group by Kaplan-Meier analysis, whereas 11q deletion was a prognostic factor affecting EFS only in patients with unamplified MYCN. Changes in peripheral blood immune cells and cytokines detected by flow cytometry revealed a decrease in the proportion of tumor-infiltrating T cells (CD4 + and CD8 + T cells), an increase in regulatory T cells (Tregs), and an increase in immunosuppression-related factors interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10.
Conclusions
In our analysis, NB with these genetic characteristics may have some regulatory network/signaling pathway to downregulate tumor-infiltrating T cells, upregulate suppressor cells such as Tregs, and promote the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-6 and IL-10, creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment that affects the immune response of patients and ultimately leads to a worse prognosis.
Effects of drought stress on seed germination and early seeding growth in Ferula ferulaeoides (Steud.) Korov.
Authors: Ma Ying , Liao Kai , Zhu Yun , Liu Shuang shuang , Zhao Yuan yuan , Lu Xin , Wang Kuan
Published: July 2023

Ferula ferulaeoides (Steud.) Korov. is a well-known perennial herb whose growth and distribution are negatively affected by drought. However, the seed germination stage and early seedling growth stage, which may be more sensitive to drought, have not been studied in detail. To reveal the effects of drought on seeds and seedlings of F. ferulaeoides, five water stress conditions induced by PEG-6000 treatment at five different concentrations (0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were developed, in a completely randomized order for seeds and seedlings. The results revealed that drought stress significantly reduced seed germination percentage, and that no seeds germinated at a PEG-6000 concentration of 20%. In histomorphology, it was noted that the chloroplast of seedling leaf cells was deformed and vacuolized. The mitochondria structure was damaged in the leaf and root cells. By further analyzing part of the physiological and biochemical parameters of seedlings under drought stress, we showed that antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase responded rapidly under drought stress. The seedlings accumulated a large amount of malondialdehyde under high drought stress. Additionally, drought stress affected the accumulation of proline and photosynthetic pigments. To summarize, drought stress affects seed germination and seedling growth in F. ferulaeoides; heavy drought should be avoided during the germination stage; and seedlings should not be exposed to long-term drought or severe drought. Our results provide information that may be useful for future artificial cultivation.
From Data to Insight: Predicting Interstitial Glucose in Healthy Cohort with Non-invasive Sensor Technology and Machine Learning
Authors: Huang Xinyu , Schmelter Franziska , Seitzer Christian , Martensen Lars , Otzen Hans , Piet Artur , Witt Oliver , Schröder Torsten , Günther Ulrich , Grzegorzek Marcin , Sina Christian
Published: July 2023

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has transformed the care of diabetes mellitus patients. It is increasingly used to support nutritional management in various pathophysiologic conditions, including obesity and migraine, where avoiding postprandial hyperglycemia is critical to prevent hyperinsulinemia and low glucose levels after meal intake. However, the current CGM devices have significant limitations, such as invasiveness, availability, high cost, and limited shelf life, which must be overcome for broader use, specifically in disease prevention and obesity management. Therefore, we collected over 15,500 interstitial glucose measurements by CGM with a large amount of corresponding multimodal non-invasive wearable sensor data for healthy cohorts and used the machine learning (ML) approach to discover their correlations and accurately predict the postprandial glucose response (PPGR) in real-time over ten days, with an average Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 18.49 ± 0.1 mg/dL and an average Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 15.58 ± 0.09%. It demonstrated that ML could facilitate non-invasive blood glucose measurements and opened new opportunities for efficient and objective nutritional-based disease prevention.
Is Telomeric Length in Cell Subtypes Related to Frailty Syndrome in Community-dwelling Older Adults?
Authors: Pereira Fabiana Souza Máximo , Thomasini Ronaldo Luis , Pereira Daniele Sirineu , Silva Thyago José , Leite Cleyde Amaral , Reis Luis Guilherme Oliveira , Camara Vitor Amorim Andrade , Costa Matheus Brum Rodrigues , Bakir João Víctor Santos , Xavier Laise Santos , Parentoni Adriana Netto , Pereira Leani Souza Maximo , Lacerda Ana Cristina
Published: July 2023

Leukocyte telomere length in the older adults has been associated with cell aging and the relationship with frailty syndrome is unclear. Factors that interfere with telomere shortening could be similar to those linked to frailty. The aims of this study were to compare the relative telomeric length (RTL) in DNA extracted from whole blood leukocytes, mononuclear cells and granulocytes of the community-dwelling older adults classified as frail, non-frail, and pre-frail, and to evaluate if there is a relationship between telomeric length in subpopulations of cells classified in frailty subgroups in community-dwelling older adults. This is an observational, cross-sectional, multicentric study conducted with older Brazilian adults. Sample characterization was performed using a sociodemographic clinical questionnaire. Telomere length was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and frailty was classified by phenotypic criteria proposed by Fried et al. 2001. A total of 111 older adults (age 70.4 ± 5.4 years) were enrolled in this study. The mononuclear cell RTLs were shorter than granulocytes RTL and whole blood leukocyte RTL. No significant differences were found between whole blood leukocyte RTL and granulocyte RTL. Also, no significant association was found between frailty classification groups and any cell population. Although telomere shortening was not directly attributed to frailty syndrome, the shorter mononuclear cell RTL may be linked to the immunosenescent status which is one of the components of frailty syndrome. The lack of relationship between mononuclear cell RTL and frailty syndrome could be explained by the physical phenotypic feature of the classification in frailty subgroups. This study may contribute to clarifying the telomere length of cell subtypes and its association with immunosenescence and frailty syndrome, enabling the advancement of knowledge about aging process.
The outcome of buccal mucosal graft anterior urethroplasty techniques in men with urethral stricture
Authors: Gupta Radheshyam , Wang Honglei , An Wenxin , Xu Tao , Gupta Suman , Xu Wanhai , Lal Nand
Published: July 2023

Using Direct Visualisation Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) and surgical evacuation of the stricture using a reconstructive buccal mucosal graft, urethral stricture is a condition that can be treated. This research aims to assess the success rate and risk factors for complications following buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture in patients referred to a high-volume referral centre. Method: Between 2012 and 2019, 130 patients who underwent various types of BMG urethroplasty under a retrospective research by our team. Patient demographics, stricture aetiology, and anatomy, as well as adverse stricture outcomes like issues, erectile dysfunction (ED) lasting longer than 12 months, and post-micturition dribbling (PMD), were shown in order to identify success rate, risk factors for recurrent stricture, complications, and failure in terms of stricture recurrence. Results: There were 130 patients in all. The overall number of recurring strictures was 15.3% (20 males), whereas the success rate was reported to be 84.6% (n = 110). An ED occurred in 11% (n = 14) and PMD in 14% (n = 18). All of the Ed was not organic and was given a PDE5 inhibitor orally. Twenty patients (15.3%) experienced postoperative problems. Urinary fistula (n = 4, 3.0%), graft contracture (n = 3, 2.3%), graft failure (n = 5, 3.8%), UTI (n = 4, 3.0%), and wound infection (n = 3, 2.3%) were the most common complications following penile urethroplasty. Age at surgery, aetiology, stricture length, and location were all significant variables for stricture recurrence in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, the penile location was the only significant independent variable for restricture. Conclusion: The remarkable results of BMG urethroplasty as a therapy for anterior urethral stricture with a success rate of 84.6% represent improvements in the quality of care in resource-constrained nations like Nepal.
Early HIV-1 Gag Assembly on Lipid Membrane with vRNA
Authors: Williamson James , Zhou Anne , Hammond John , Sheng Kai , Millar David
Published: July 2023

HIV-1 capsid assembly is an essential process in the virus infection cycle. Initiation of capsid assembly involves viral proteins, genomic RNA, and the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, facilitated by a number of cellular factors1. The viral structural protein Gag plays a 10 number of central roles in this process, including association with the membrane, selective binding of genomic RNA, and oligomerization and packaging to ultimately produce an immature budded pro-viral particle2. While there have been intensive studies regarding the early stages of Gag assembly, there is a lack of consensus on the mechanism for nucleation and growth of Gag complexes3-7. Here we show that myristoylated Gag forms a trimer nucleus in a model 15 membrane that can selectively bind a dimeric RNA containing the packaging signal. Subsequent growth of myristoyl-Gag oligomers requires vRNA, and occurs by addition of 1 or 2 Gag monomers at a time from solution. These data support a model where the immature capsid lattice formation occurs by a gradual lattice edge expansion, following a trimeric nucleation event. The dynamic single molecule data that support this model were recorded using mass photometry, 20 involving full length myristoylated protein, RNA, and lipid together. These data are the first to support a lattice edge expansion model of Gag during early stages of assembly in a biological-relevant setting, providing insights to the fundamental models of virus structural protein assembly process.
Stemness Landscape and Its Clinical Implications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gong Xuankun , Bao Ling , Chen Yuanrong , Qu Kanglin , Zhou Shuai , Chen Xiao , Pang Qing
Published: July 2023

Background: It is generally accepted that hepatocarcinoma(HCC) originates from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for HCC progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. The high heterogeneity of CSCs has precluded clinical application of CSC-targeting therapy. Here, we aimed to characterize the stemness landscapes and screen for certain patients more responsive to immunotherapy.
Methods: Our study characterized two stemness-related subtypes with different prognosis and TME patterns in HCC patients, and constructed a 4-gene stemness-risk model through extensive bioinformatics analysis. We believe that our stem cell model has prospective clinical implications for prognostic assessment and may help physicians select prospective responders to prioritize the use of current immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Results: Based on single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) enrichments scores, HCC patients were classified into two subtypes (C1 and C2). The KM survival curve showed that C2 cluster had longer survival and better prognosis than C1 cluster. C2 had more significant Mast cell infiltration than C1. However, the infiltration of T cells CD4 memory resting\Dendritic cells\T cell regulatory (Tregs) was more pronounced in C1 than in C2. Patients in C2 had higher response rates to immunotherapy and were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. C1 has a higher probability of immune escape than C2.
Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of precise molecular subtyping of stemness in HCC. The identification of two distinct stem cell subtypes, C1 and C2, provides valuable insights into the clinical heterogeneity of HCC and its correlation with prognosis, TME characteristics, and immunotherapy response rates.
Manifestation of polystyrene microplastic accumulation in tissues of vital organs including brain with histological and behaviour analysis on Swiss albino mice
Authors: Kaur Manjyot , Sharma Anju , John Placheril , Bhatnagar Pradeep
Published: July 2023

Plastic waste is persistent environmental pollutant, produced every year and cause unwanted ecological side effects. Microplastic (MPs) are small sized plastics found in cosmetics or those derived from degradation of larger plastic. MPs have shown harmful effects on both terrestrial and marine ecosystem. However, their effects on mammalian behaviour are scarcely studied. Recent reports indicated that toxic effects exhibited by MPs may vary with type, size, dosage, and duration of exposure. Specifically, how these MPs accumulate in vital organs including brain and affect behaviour of mice with different time period of exposure and dosage still needs to be investigated. Present study aimed to evaluate whether behavioural effects of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MPs) exposure varies with different time period and doses in adult male Swiss albino mice. Animals were orally exposed to 0.1mg/ml and 1mg/ml PS-MPs (of diameter 2 µm) for acute (15 days) and sub-chronic (30 and 60 days) time period. After the exposure period animals were subjected to behavioural test for accessing general locomotor behaviour (open field test), anxiety related behaviour (elevated plus maze) and learning behaviour (Morris water maze). Results showed that PS-MPs exposed animals exhibited behavioural changes like decreased exploration in open field, increased number of entries and time spent in closed arms of elevated plus maze as compared to control animals; giving indications of anxiety like effects due to PS-MPs. Treatment to PS-MPs also altered cognitive behaviour of mice, as treated mice spent more time in locating the hidden platform in Morris water maze. We demonstrated that exposure to PS-MPs can induce anxiety and impair learning just after 15 days of low dose exposure, however effects became more pronounced with increase in dose and time period of exposure. Further histological observation revealed that PS-MPs were found to be accumulated in gut, liver, kidney, and brain. To better understand pathology behind the behavioural and neurologic findings of the present study we further analysed histological structures of PS MPs exposed mice brain areas i.e., cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. PS MPs exposure caused decrease in hippocampal pyramidal cells and affected neuronal architecture of brain areas (cortex, hypothalamus, and amygdala), related with cognition and anxiety like-behaviour of mice. Our study provides novel insight into how accumulation and exposure at various time periods and dosage of microplastic particle cause histological and morphometric changes in different brain areas like i.e., cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus which further lead to change in general and cognitive behaviour of mice.
Beyond Hazard Ratios: Appropriate statistical methods for quantifying the clinical effectiveness of immune-oncology therapies – the example of the Netherlands
Authors: Ramos Isaac Corro , Qendri Venetia , Al Maiwenn
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND
The Dutch Committee for the Evaluation of Oncological Drugs evaluates the effectiveness of new oncological drugs. The committee compares survival endpoints to the so-called PASKWIL-2023 criteria for palliative treatments. A positive recommendation depends on whether the median overall survival (OS) is below or above 12 months in the comparator arm. If the former applies, an OS benefit of at least 12 weeks, and a hazard ratio (HR) smaller than 0.7 are required. If the latter applies, an OS or progression free survival (PFS) benefit of at least 16 weeks, and an HR smaller than 0.7 are required. Nonetheless, the median survival time may not be reached and the proportional hazards (PH) assumption, quantified by the HR, is likely violated for IO therapies, deeming these criteria inappropriate.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review to identify statistical methods used to represent the clinical effectiveness of IO therapies based on trial data. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to August 31, 2022, limited to English papers. Methodological studies, randomized controlled trials, and discussion papers recognising key issues of survival data analysis of IO therapies were eligible for inclusion.
RESULTS
A total of 1,035 unique references were identified. After full paper screening, 17 publications were included in the review. Additionally, 43 papers were identified through ‘snowballing’. We conclude the current PASKWIL-2023 criteria are methodologically incorrect under non-PH. In that case, single summary statistics fail to capture the treatment effect and any measure should be interpreted in combination with the Kaplan-Meier curves. We recommend ’parameter-free’ measures, such as the difference in restricted mean survival time, avoiding assumptions on the underlying survival.
CONCLUSIONS
The HR is commonly used to assess treatment effectiveness, without investigating the validity of the PH assumption. This happens with the application of the PASKWIL-2023 criteria for palliative oncology treatments, which can only be valid under a PH setting. Under non-PH, alternative treatment effect measures are suggested. We propose a step-by-step approach supporting the choice of the most appropriate methods to quantify treatment effectiveness that can be used to redefine the PASKWIL-2023 criteria, or similar criteria in other clinical areas.
Linking Variations in Gangotri Glacier Features Mapped at a Large-Scale with Climate Variables
Authors: Mitkari Kavita Vaijanath , Sofat Sanjeev , Arora Manoj Kumar , Tiwari Reet Kamal
Published: July 2023

Changes in glacier area, glacial lakes, debris cover, and geomorphological features such as debris fans have a significant impact on glacial dynamics. Therefore, precise and timely observation and tracking of glacier surface changes is a necessity. The availability of high spatial resolution remote sensing images has made it viable to analyse the glacier surface changes at a local level. However, with increasing spatial resolution, the spectral variability increases, giving rise to additional challenges (such as false changes and misregistration) in the change detection process. These challenges can preferably be dealt with using object-based change detection approach than the conventional pixel-based change detection approach. In this study, a class-object change detection approach has been followed in which the independently classified objects from multi-temporal images are compared to detect the changes. As a case study, the changes in Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand Himalayas) features have been studied using high spatial resolution WorldView-2 image and Linear Imaging Self-Scanning System (LISS)-4 image for a three-year period 2011–2014. The spectral correspondences between glacier surface and non-glacier surface have been handled by considering brightness temperature and slope as ancillary data to improvise their distinction. A change detection accuracy of ~ 84% has been obtained using the OBCD approach.
RETRACTED: The Relation of Polymerase Chain Reaction and Computed Tomography Infiltrations of Suspected Covid-19 Patients in Emergency Department
Authors: Karaca Saltuk Bugra , Gulalp Betul , Muratoglu Murat , Sezer Rahime , Turnaoglu Hale , Akcay Muserref Sule , Kupeli Elif , Ates Eylem Gul , Colak Meric Yavuz
Published: July 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Myotonic dystrophy with cervical pulp deformation: A case report
Authors: peng lei , zhang Yanxing
Published: July 2023

Myotonic dystrophy type1 (DM1) is the most common autosomal dominant myopathy in adults. In this case, a 31-woman with myotonic dystrophy presented with the classic cephalic drooping syndrome, where the head hung forward due to posterior neck muscle weakness. The repeated mechanical pressure caused by posterior neck muscle weakness resulted in posterior longitudinal ligament hypertrophy pressing on the cervical pulp. Now a retrospective analysis of this case and the relevant literature were analyzed and summarized.
Advice to future family physicians: Findings from qualitative interviews with family medicine residents and early-career family physicians
Authors: Wang Sean , Buote Richard , Moritz Lauren R , Lavergne M Ruth , Marshall Emily Gard
Published: July 2023

Background
Practice choices made by primary care providers shape services available to Canadians. Advice offered by residents and early-career family physicians may reveal challenges they have experienced and inform the choices of new residents. In this paper, we examine advice family medicine residents and early-career family physicians would give to new family medicine residents.
Methods
Sixty early-career family physicians and thirty residents were interviewed as part of a mixed-methods study of practice patterns of family medicine providers in Canada. During qualitative interviews, participants were asked, "what advice would you give [a new family medicine resident] about planning their career as a family physician?” We inductively analyzed responses to this question.
Results
Advice included the importance of having diverse experiences, unexpected aspects of family medicine, and taking care of yourself while practicing family medicine. Subthemes included the sustainability of family medicine, practical limitations of different practice models, and how payment models influence work-life balance.
Conclusion
Most advice mirrored current changes and challenges, suggesting that new residents must be prepared for the realities of practicing family medicine. Multi-modal systemic interventions may be needed to support family physicians throughout the changing reality of family medicine and ensure family medicine is an appealing specialty.
Echocardiographic markers at diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Pereira Sujith S. , Jacquemyn Xander , Kutty Shelby
Published: July 2023

Purpose Clinical parameters along with echocardiographic markers are used to interrogate the haemodynamics in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). The aim of this study was to compare different echocardiographic markers in recent cohort of newborn infants with and without PPHN.Methods In this retrospective study, common echocardiographic markers were examined in infants > 34 weeks’ gestation with PPHN (cases) and without PPHN (controls). Infants with congenital heart disease were excluded. Binary regression testing was used to evaluate echocardiographic markers predicting PPHN and death. In addition, diagnostic accuracy testing of echocardiographic markers using ROC was also performed. Intra-observer reliability for echocardiographic markers was examined using coefficient of variation (CoV) and intraclass correlation.Results Fifty-two infants were studied. 22 (42%) infants with PPHN had significantly higher oxygen requirement, oxygenation index and ventilation days when compared with controls. Echocardiographic markers such as TR Vmax, S/D TR, PAAT, TAPSE and eccentricity index (EI) were significantly different between cases and controls. Receiver operator characteristics analysis of echocardiographic markers revealed TR Vmax 0.96 (0.9-1.0), S/D TR 0.95 (0.87-1.0) and end systolic EI 0.94 (0.87-1.0). These markers were found to predict death in this cohort of infants. CoV and Intra-observer reliability was good for various echocardiographic markers.Conclusion Among the various echocardiographic markers studied, TR Vmax when present along with S/D TR and end systolic EI had good intra-observer reliability and were diagnostic of PPHN and predicted death in this cohort. Future trials could use these markers in studies examining PPHN.
Evaluation of Mechanical, Wear and Corrosion Properties of Microcrystalline Coating on Titanium Alloy OT4-1
Authors: Joshi Anoop , C Anush , K Chandrappa
Published: July 2023

Thin-film barrier coating on titanium alloy substrate has a vast range of applications among which aeronautic and marine applications are significant. Talking about 2 very different aspects, whose requirements and applications are way apart. Titanium has always been beneficial in both these products’ applications. The introduction of titanium in aerospace and marine locomotive parts will have significant importance on parameters like pressure withstanding capacity and corrosion resistance. Four different specimens of OT4-1 Titanium alloy will be coated with Titanium Nitrate (TiN), Aluminium Chromium Nitride (AlCrNa pro), Diamond-like Carbon (DLC), and Tungsten Carbide Carbon (WCC). All the above mentioned are coated for 4 µm over the substrate. TiN and AlCrNa pro coatings are carried out in the Arc evaporation method, DLC coating was conducted using Plasma-assisted Chemical Vapour deposition and WCC coating was performed using sputtering process. Here an attempt has been made to improve Hardness, Wear and Corrosion by introducing a thin film coating on the base metal OT4-1.
A study of the effect of half-day climatotherapy on changes in salivary cortisol levels.
Authors: Kanayama Hitomi , Kusaka Yukinori , Inoue Hiroyuki , Hirai Takayoshi , Agishi Yuko , Schuh Angela
Published: July 2023

We have previously reported these results, with the exception of salivary cortisol levels (Kanayama et al., submitted in 2022). This climatotherapy programme consisted of six sessions – four in the mid-mountain area and two in a flat park. For all sessions, the subjects underwent climatotherapy in the morning under slightly cool conditions. During each session, the subjects’ blood pressure, pulse rate, skin temperature, blood lactate, salivary cortisol and mood profile were recorded, and meteorological data were collected at the sites. We hypothesised that exercise habits, changes in mood profile and effective temperatures during the session, and physical exertion during the climatic terrain cure would affect salivary cortisol levels. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the determinants of the change in salivary cortisol levels. In the mountain setting, salivary cortisol was elevated, even though the sessions took place in the descending phase of the circadian salivary cortisol variation; however, the post-session cortisol increase was not significant. Increased post-session salivary cortisol was significantly associated with female gender, older age, higher BMI, lower body fat, less daily physical activity, increased blood lactate, increased 'Tension-Anxiety' and 'Depression-Dejection' moods, and decreased 'Anger-Hostility' mood. The increase in cortisol may have been due to older age, a predominance of females, and the increased blood lactate due to the mountainous terrain. In the flat park, the significant decrease in post-session salivary cortisol was related to the descending circadian phase of circadian cortisol variation and the low physical demands of the sessions.
Evaluating the nitrogen footprint of Korean native beef cattle farms: Uncertainty analysis and mitigation scenarios
Authors: Byun Jun Suk , Kim Tae Hoon , Ibidhi Ridha , Bharanidharan Rajaraman , Lee Yookyung , Kim Kyoung Hoon
Published: July 2023

Nitrogen (N) lost during beef cattle production accompanies various environmental risks and has become a rising concern among agricultural stakeholders. The objective of this study was to quantify the N footprint of Hanwoo beef cattle production in Korea at the farm gate through a life cycle assessment approach. Field surveys conducted on 106 farms across 9 provinces to identify regional distinctions in farming systems and evaluate total N losses from beef production. N losses were calculated using emission factors from the refined IPCC guidelines, which were then expressed as N footprint (g N lost/kg of live body weight (LBW)). Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were deployed to evaluate the precision of the results and identify factors that contributed to the output. The N footprint was averaged 132.8(± 61.9) g N/kg LBW and varied between provinces according to animal categories, manure management systems, land use and fertilizer application rates. Volatilization was the highest contributing factor, followed by leaching and denitrification, each representing 68.4, 21.4, and 10.1 percent of the N footprint. The contribution of fuel combustion was marginal. The uncertainty of the result was found to be 46.6 percent and was highly associated with emission factor uncertainties. We devised four feasible mitigation scenarios that are cost effective and do not penalize productivity, and evaluated their capacity for reducing N footprint: dietary modifications to decrease animal N excretion rates, microorganism additives to reduce volatilization from housing and manure storages recycling manure within the farm to replace synthetic fertilizers, and distributing biochar to the field after fertilizer application to curtail losses from crop production. Combining these scenarios demonstrated the potential to reduce 12.3 percent of the total N footprint. The extents of mitigation scenarios varied across provinces (ranging from 5.2 to 21.7 percent) and were shown to be contingent on feeding practices and type of crop cultivated. Overall, our study provides a national metric that can be utilized to communicate the environmental impacts of Korean beef production. The analyses indicate that more precise results could be achieved with future endeavors towards developing country-specific emission factors. The mitigation potentials of the presented scenarios propose possibilities for feasible and sustainable beef production in Korea.
Ketamine alleviates fear memory and spatial cognition deficits in a PTSD rat model via the BDNF signaling pathway of the hippocampus and amygdala
Authors: Teng Yue , Niu JiaYao , Liu Yang , Wang Han , Chen JinHong , Kong YuJia , Wang Ling , Lian Bo , Sun HongWei , Wang WeiWeng , Yue KuiTao
Published: July 2023

Background
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with traumatic stress experiences. This condition can be accompanied by learning and cognitive deficits. Studies have demonstrated that ketamine can rapidly and significantly alleviate symptoms in patients with chronic PTSD. Nonetheless, the effects of ketamine on neurocognitive impairment and its mechanism of action in PTSD remain unclear.
Methods
In this study, different concentrations of ketamine (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) were evaluated in rat models of single prolonged stress and electropodic shock (SPS&S). Expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and post-synaptic density-95 (PSD-95) in the hippocampus (HIP) and amygdala (AMG) were determined by Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry.
Results
The data showed that rats subjected to SPS&S exhibited significant PTSD-like cognitive impairment. The effect of ketamine on SPS&S-induced neurocognitive function showed a U-shaped dose effect in rats. A single administration of ketamine at a dosage of 10–15mg/kg resulted in significant changes in behavioral outcomes. These manifestations of improvements in cognitive function and molecular changes were reversed at high doses (15–20mg/kg).
Conclusion
Overall, ketamine reversed SPS&S-induced fear and spatial memory impairment and the down-regulation of BDNF and BDNF-related PSD-95 signaling in the HIP and AMG. A dose equal to 15 mg/kg rapidly reversed the behavioral and molecular changes, and promoted the amelioration of cognitive dysfunction. The enhanced association of BDNF signaling with PSD-95 effects could be involved in the therapeutic efficiency of ketamine for PTSD.
Supporting women with intellectual disabilities in infant feeding decisions: A focus group study
Authors: Douglass Emma , Johnson Clare , Lucas Geraldine , Dowling Sally
Published: July 2023

Background
More women with intellectual disabilities are becoming mothers but fewer are known to breastfeed compared with other women. This article reports on the final stage of a three-part UK project aimed at exploring how women with intellectual disabilities are supported to make infant feeding decisions. The first, a scoping review of published literature and resources, explored how women with intellectual disabilities are supported to make infant feeding decisions with a specific focus on the visual images used. In the second, health professionals with experience of working with women with intellectual disabilities were interviewed about their experience in supporting infant feeding decisions. The findings from these studies have been published elsewhere. The final stage, discussed in this article, involved asking women with intellectual disabilities to attend a focus group to discuss the accessibility of currently available infant feeding resources. This was followed by the co-production of an accessible film, to disseminate the findings from all three stages of the completed project.
Methods
Four women with an intellectual disability participated in a focus group where they were asked to give their views on the accessibility of currently available infant feeding resources as well as on alternative representations of infant feeding. Photo elicitation was used to gather views on a selection of videos, bespoke ‘easy read’ material and several alternative representations of infant feeding. A transcription of the focus group discussion was thematically analysed whilst a critical visual analysis was undertaken of the women's preferred images/resources.
Results
Two themes were identified from the group discussion: ‘The desire for choice’ and ‘How easy is ‘easy read’?’ Critical visual analysis identified the importance of the story and social setting of the preferred infant feeding image.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest a need for a suite of resources, avoiding the one-size-fits-all approach and including people with an intellectual disability at every stage of the design and production process. Resources should recognise and embrace differences in terms of understanding, visual literacy and cultural taste, as well as being freely available to support women with intellectual disabilities to make informed infant feeding decisions.
L log L type Estimates for Commutators of Fractional Integral Operators on the p-Adic Vector Space
Authors: Chang Yunpeng
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the main aim is to prove the weak type L log L estimates for commutators of fractional integral operators and the higher order in the context of the p-adic version of Lebesgue spaces, where the symbols of the commutators belong to the p-adic version of BMO space, in addition, we also establish the estimates of the sharp function on the p-adic vector space.
AMS(2020) Subject Classification 42B35, 11E95, 26A33, 26D10
Using In Vivo Intact Structure for System-wide Quantitative Analysis of Changes in Proteins
Authors: III John Yates , Son Ahrum , Kim Hyunsoo , Diedrich Jolene , Bamberger Tom , McClatchy Daniel
Published: July 2023

Mass spectrometry-based methods can provide a global expression profile and structural readout of proteins in complex systems. Preserving the in vivo conformation of proteins in their innate state is challenging during proteomic experiments. Here, we introduce an approach using perfusion of reagents to create a whole animal in vivo protein footprinting method that adds dimethyl labels to exposed lysine residues on intact proteins to maintain information on protein conformations. When this approach was used to measure dynamic structural changes during Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression in a mouse model, we detected 433 proteins that underwent structural changes attributed to AD, independent of aging, across 7 tissues. We identified structural changes of co-expressed proteins and linked the communities of these proteins to their biological functions. Our findings show that structural alterations of proteins precede changes in expression, thereby showing the value of in vivo protein conformation measurement. Our method represents a new strategy for untangling mechanisms of proteostasis dysfunction caused by protein misfolding. In vivo whole-animal footprinting should have broad applicability for discovering conformational changes in systemic diseases and therapeutic interventions.
Wear behavior and CO2 emissions analysis of drum mower blades during Alfalfa harvest
Authors: Refai Mohamed , Abdelkader Tarek Kh. , Sayed Hassan A. A. , Wan Q. , Abdelhamid Mahmoud A.
Published: July 2023

The productivity and efficiency of harvesting forage crops depend on the sharpness and quality of the mower blades. Therefore, studying blades wear during the harvesting process is crucial to sharpening and maintaining blades. The research aims to create mathematical models to predict the wear of mower blades and assess the wear rate of mower blades, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions during harvesting operations. The wear of blades was measured and characterized by the weight loss method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after the field experiment. The results showed that the weight of the mower blade decreased from 103.82 to 98.39 g after 37.5 working hours. In addition, the wear of blades increased fuel consumption and operation cost with time. Also, CO2 emissions were 17.672 kg/h at the beginning of the experiment and increased to 29.516 kg/h after 37.5 working hours. From the obtained mathematical equations, the wear of the blade sharp part occurs after 34±3 work hours have passed, so the blades must be resharpened after this period.
Bioinformatics analysis revealed aging-related diagnostic genes and therapeutic targets in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Cao Ping , Zhang Wangmeng , Jia Jing , Liu Guoli , Wang Jiyan , Li Xin
Published: July 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is increasingly recognized as an aging-related disease. The objective of this study was to identify the aging-related genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) in PAH to explore potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PAH. Microarray data for GSE113439 and GSE53408 were downloaded from the the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) as experimental and validation sets, respectively. Overlapped with the Aging Atlas database, a total of 21 differentially expressed aging-related genes (DEARGs) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed on DEARGs using R software. Construct and visualize protein-protein interactions (PPI) and obtain hub genes using Cytoscape software. GSE53408 dataset verified the expression level and diagnostic value of hub genes, identified the final diagnostic genes TOP1, TOP2A, HSP90AA1 and HIF1A. By constructing the miRNA-mRNA network, it was found that miRNA-186-5P was the common target miRNA of the four genes. TOP1, TOP2A, HSP90AA1 and HIF1A, as well as their common target miRNA-186-5p, may play a role in the pathologic process of PAH and may become new potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of aging-related PAH.
Real-time patient management monitoring system based on edge computing using IoT pulse oximeter
Authors: Joo Moon-Il , Kang Min-Soo , Kang Dong-Yoon , Kim Hee-Cheol
Published: July 2023

Edge computing can provide core functions such as data collection and analysis without connecting to a centralized server. The convergence of edge computing and IoT devices has enabled medical institutions to collect patient data in real-time, which improved the efficiency of short- and long-term patient management. Medical equipment measures a large amount of biosignal data for analyzing diseases and patient health conditions. However, analyzing and monitoring biosignal data using a centralized server or cloud limit the medical institutions’ ability to analyze patients’ conditions in real time, preventing prompt treatment. Therefore, edge computing can enhance the efficiency of patient biosignal data collection and analysis for patient management systems. Analyzing biosignals using edge computing can eliminate the waiting time present in cloud computing. Hence, this study aims to develop an IoT pulse oximeter to use edge computing at medical institutions and proposes an architecture for providing a real-time monitoring service. The proposed system utilizes five types of raw (IR AC, IR DC, red AC, red DC, AMB), pulse, and SpO2 data measured using IoT pulse oximeters. Edge nodes are installed at every ward to collect, analyze, and monitor patient biosignal data through a wireless network. The collected biosignal data are transmitted to the cloud for managing and monitoring the data of all patients. This system enables medical institutions to collect and analyze raw biosignal data in real time, where an integrated management system can be established by connecting various IoT-based medical equipment.
Quantitative assessment of the cervical lymph nodes affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw using diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Muraoka Hirotaka , Kaneda Takashi , Kondo Takumi , Sawada Eri , Tokunaga Satoshi
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to quantitively assess the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of cervical lymph nodes that were affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
Method
This retrospective study analyzed the ADC map of 70 patients with or without MRONJ (Stage 0 to 3) between April 2019 and March 2022. The mean ADC values of the submandibular (level ⅠB) and superior internal jugular (level IIA) nodes in normal participants and patients with MRONJ were calculated, and differences were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of ADC values to predict lymph nodes (LNs) that were affected by MRONJ. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The mean ADCs (×10-3 mm2/s) of level IB in the normal and MRONJ groups were 0.75 ± 0.08 and 0.94 ± 0.15, respectively. The mean ADCs of level IIA in the normal and MRONJ groups were 0.8 ± 0.07 and 0.99 ± 0.16, respectively. ROC analysis revealed cutoff ADC values of 0.83 (level IB) and 0.93 (level IIA) for distinguishing between the normal and MRONJ groups. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the ROC curve values were 0.66–0.82, 0.86–0.97, 0.81–0.84, and 0.86–0.88, respectively.
Conclusion
This study revealed that the ADC value of cervical LNs that were affected by MRONJ was significantly different from those of the normal group. Thus, it may be a characteristic finding of MRONJ.