bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription of biological aging markers (ANRIL, P16ink4a, TBX2, and TERRA) and their correlations with severity of sulfur mustard exposure in veterans
Authors: Nasiri Leila , Vaez-Mahdavi Mohammad-Reza , Hassanpour Hossein , Ghazanfari Tooba , Ardestani Sussan Kaboudanian , Askari Nayere , Ghaffarpour Sara , Zamani Mohammad Saber
Published: March 2023

Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure has delayed harmful effects, including cell senescence and premature biological aging. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of four main markers of biological aging (i.e., ANRIL, P16ink4a, TBX2, and TERRA) and assess their correlation with the severity of SM exposure in the long term. The study was conducted on two groups of volunteers. 1) the SM-exposed group, exposed to SM once in 1987 during the Iraq-Iran war. This group was divided into three subgroups based on the injury severity, asymptom (exposure to SM without any clinical signs), mild, and severe subgroups; 2) the non-exposed group. ANRIL and TBX2 transcripts were reduced in the total SM-exposed people. Their reduction was more considerable in the SM-exposed subgroups of mild and severe. On the other hand, P16ink4a and TERRA transcripts were increased due to SM exposure. The increase of TERRA expression was more significant in the asymptom, mild and severe subgroups, while P16ink4a was only higher in the asymptom subgroup. There was a positive correlation between the TERRA transcript and the severity of injury, while this correlation was negative for the ANRIL transcript. Thus, the delayed toxicity of SM is associated with the dysregulation of aging markers leading to progressive premature cellular senescence that is dependent on the severity of SM exposure.
Bioaccessibility by perspiration uptake of minerals from two different sulfurous peloids
Authors: Bastos Carla Marina , Rocha Fernando , Patinha Carla , Marinho-Reis Paula
Published: March 2023

The risks associated with the use of peloids in thermal centers, spas, or at home, need to be tested to develop appropriate safety guidelines for peloids formulations and the release of high concern substances. Also, the beneficial effect of some elements on human health should be assessed, to assist in the interpretation of therapeutic action and effectiveness on dermatological or osteomuscular disorders, using pelotherapy. Hence, a methodology was developed to better understand the biogeochemical behavior of the elements in formulated peloids. Two peloids were formulated with the same clay and two different sulfurous mineral-medicinal waters, for 90 days, with light and stirring every 15 days. The clay used was bentonite, with high content of smectite, with Ca and Mg as the main exchangeable cations and with high heat capacity. The selected mineral-medicinal waters were collected from two Portuguese thermal centers, with recognized therapeutic efficacy for rheumatic, respiratory and dermatological pathologies. The peloids were used without drying, withdrawn directly of the maturation tank and a mixture of bentonite with demineralized water was prepared as a reference sample. A stabilized, ready-to-use, artificial perspiration test was used to simulate the peloids’ interaction with skin. Thirty-one elements extracted from the two prepared peloids were analyzed by ICP-MS. The data were analyzed and related to the mineralogical composition of the original clay and supernatant composition of the maturation tanks. The content of some potentially toxic elements and metals bioaccessibility by perspiration showed very low solubility and undetectable amounts extracted from the studied samples. This analytical method provided some reliable information on dermal exposure and the identification of some elements that may enter the systemic circulation and for which surveillance and control measures should be implemented.
Optimization of fecal sample homogenization for untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Carrillo Kieran Tarazona , Nam Seo Lin , Mata A. Paulina de la , de Bruin Olle M. , Doukhanine Evgueni , Harynuk James
Published: March 2023

Introduction
Fecal samples are highly complex and heterogeneous, containing materials at various stages of digestion. The heterogeneity and complexity of feces make stool metabolomics inherently challenging. The level of homogenization influences the outcome of the study, affecting the metabolite profiles and reproducibility; however, there is no consensus on how fecal samples should be prepared to overcome the topographical discrepancy and obtain data representative of the stool as a whole.
Objective
Various combinations of homogenization conditions were compared to investigate the effects of bead size, addition of solvents and the differences between wet-frozen and lyophilized feces.
Methods
The homogenization parameters were systematically altered to evaluate the solvent usage, bead size, and whether lyophilization is required in homogenization. The metabolic coverage and reproducibility were compared among the different conditions.
Results
The current work revealed that a combination of mechanical and chemical lysis obtained by bead-beating with a mixture of big and small sizes of beads in an organic solvent is an effective way to homogenize fecal samples with adequate reproducibility and metabolic coverage. Lyophilization is required when bead-beating is not available.
Conclusions
A comprehensive and systematical evaluation of various fecal matter homogenization conditions provides a profound understanding for the effects of different homogenization methods. Our findings would be beneficial to assist with standardization of fecal sample homogenization protocol.
Considerations About the Determination of Optical Bandgap from Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Using the Tauc Plot
Authors: Jubu Peverga R. , Chahrour Khaled M. , Muhammad A. , Landi S. , Obaseki O. S. , Igbawua T. , Gundu A. A. , Chahul H. F. , Yam F. K.
Published: March 2023

The optical diffuse reflectance data of a semiconductor material is usually converted into the Kubelka–Munk function before proceeding to process the conventional Tauc’s plot from which optical bandgap energy can be determined. Firstly, it is conventional/ customary to convert the percentage reflectance (R∞(%)) data which is obtained from UV-vis measurement into an equivalent reflectance (R∞) that range between 0 and 1 before processing the Tauc’s plot. Secondly, the Kubelka–Munk function is usually multiplied by the incident photon energy, hv, to produce an all-elements/ comprehensive Tauc’s plot. Literature is scarce to convincingly demonstrate that a correct bandgap value can also be obtained from the Tauc’s plot that is derived directly from the (R∞(%)) data without having to convert to R∞. Also, publication is rarely available to demonstrate that a correct bandgap value can be determined without having to multiply the Kubelka–Munk function by hv. Investigation shows diminutive differences in the bandgap values estimated from the R∞(%)-based Tauc’s plots and the equivalent R∞-based Tauc’s plots. This suggests that either of the methods can be employed for a proper bandgap estimate. Additionally, a comparison between the magnitude of the bandgap energies determined from the comprehensive Tauc’s plot and when the Kubelka–Munk function is not multiplied by \(hv\) shows insignificant differences in the estimated values. This suggests that either of the two methods can be used to obtain a reliable bandgap for direct and indirect optical gap semiconductors.
Construction of 24-by-24 Non-Linear Layer for Symmetric Algorithm and its Application to Data Encryption in Parallel with DNA Transform
Authors: Shah Tariq , Haq Tanveer ul
Published: March 2023

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
The principal constituent of a block cipher in symmetric key cryptography is the Boolean function, determining the substitution box (S-box). Block ciphers rely totally on S-boxes with excellent nonlinearity and upright cryptographic structures. In AES, an 8×8 S-box is a 16×16 look-up table over the Galois field GF(28), that occupies 8 × 28 bytes storage of computer memory. By using traditional method to construct a 24×24 S-box over Galois field GF(224), which lodges a storage memory of 24 × 224 bytes in traditional sense. Thus the memory storage does not support a 24 × 24 S-box over a very larger order Galois field like GF(224). A resolute of this difficulty is possibly coming out from the algebraic structure of the commutative finite chain ring 𝐹𝑞[𝒙] / <𝒙𝒌> = Σ𝑖=0𝑘−1 𝑥𝑖𝐹𝑞. In this study a subgroup of the multiplicative group of units of the chain ring 𝐹2[𝑥] / <𝑥24> = Σ𝑖=023 𝑥𝑖𝐹2 is considered to construct a 24×24 S-box that occupy just 24 ×28 bits storage memory of computer. The proposed S-box has a substantial potential to create confusion during substitution phase of the color image enciphering algorithm. While, for the permutation component of the algorithm, DNA transform is applied for creating diffusion in the pixels of the color image. The proposed RGB image encryption attains the standard optimum level when compared it to the DNA and chaos-based image encryption techniques.
Parallel Implementations of Post-Quantum Leighton-Micali Signature on Multiple Nodes
Authors: Kang Yan , Dong Xiaoshe , Wang Ziheng , Chen Heng , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2023

To defend against quantum computer attacks, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been exploring post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Now, NIST has standardised only two PQC algorithms, one of which is the Leighton-Micali signature (LMS). However, the performance of LMS limits its practical application. In this paper, we propose a parallel LMS implementation on multiple nodes. Considering different application scenarios, we provide two parallel schemes: algorithmic parallelism and data parallelism. The main part of our work is the two-tier parallel structure for the LMS tree. Targeting the x86/64 multiple nodes, our work introduces vectorization to present the three-tier parallel structure. We also design communication optimization, including the selection of communication primitives and the creation of communicators for multi-node running. Experimental evidence shows that our code effectively reduces the latency, and is 19.04× faster than the fastest implementation on the same platform when running key pair generation for LMS SHA256 M32 H20(20).
Feasibility of articulating laparoscopic instruments in laparoscopic gastrectomy – a comparative study using propensity score matching
Authors: Kang So Hyun , Hwang Duyeong , Yoo Mira , Lee Eunju , Park Young Suk , Ahn Sang-Hoon , Suh Yun-Suhk , Kim Hyung-Ho
Published: March 2023

Purpose:
The advancement in minimally invasive surgery has led to the development of several surgical instruments, including the ArtiSential®. This new instrument provides a greater range of motion and improved dexterity to laparoscopic procedures, making it an alternative option to traditional straight instruments and the Da Vinci surgical system. The purpose of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes of a prospective cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy using articulating instruments with those of a historical cohort of patients who underwent the same procedure using straight instruments.
Methods:
The study was designed as a prospective observational cohort study matched to a retrospective historical cohort using propensity score matching. The primary outcome was the rate of early complications within 90 days of surgery. Other outcomes included the operation time, estimated blood loss, time to first flatus, time to first soft fluid diet, hospital stay, and mortality.
Results:
After propensity score matching, 41 patients were enrolled in both groups. The mean age was 62.4 ± 12.3 years in the conventional group and 63.5 ± 9.6 years in the artisential group (p = 0.647). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the artisential group compared to the conventional group (136.1 minutes vs. 163.9 minutes, p = 0.032). The time to first soft fluid diet was also significantly shorter in the artisential group (2.2 days vs. 2.8 days, p = 0.030), but there was no significant difference in the time to first flatus and overall hospital stay. The incidence of early complications was lower in the artisential group, but the difference was not significant (24.4% vs 7.3%, p = 0.070). There was no mortality in either group.
Conclusion:
The use of articulating instruments for laparoscopic gastrectomy did not increase postoperative morbidity compared to straight laparoscopic instruments. Although statistically insignificant, the use of articulating instruments may be associated with faster bowel recovery and less early complications.
Phase Behavior of Monoglycerides in Vegetable and Mineral Oil
Authors: Charó-Alvarado Maria E. , Charó-Alonso Miriam A. , Peña-Gil Anaid de la , Toro-Vazquez Jorge F.
Published: March 2023

We studied the phase behavior of 1-myristoyl glycerol (C14), 1-palmitoyl glycerol (C16), 1-stearoyl glycerol (C18), 1-monoarachidate glycerol (C20), and 1-monobehenin glycerol (C22) in vegetable (VO) and mineral (MO) oil using X-ray and DSC analysis. The results obtained showed that the Lα, sub-α1, and sub-α2 transitions observed in the neat C16 to C22 were also present in the corresponding VO and MO solutions (1% to 8% MG). The C14 developed just the Lα and the sub α1 phases, that further transformed into the β phase. The differences between the MGs phase diagrams obtained in the VO and the MO, were mainly associated with the MGs’ polar “head” solubility in the oil as a function of the MGs concentration, as affected by the oil’s relative polarity. Thus, in the VO the phase diagrams of C16 to C22 showed zones where the Lα and sub-α1 phases crystallized concomitantly, affecting the sub-α2 transition temperature. In contrast, in the MO the Lα, the sub-α1, and the sub-α2 phases of C16 to C22 occurred in well-differentiated temperature zones independent of the MG concentration. This is the first report showing that the C16 also develops the sub-α2 phase in the neat state and in VO and MO solutions. Based on the X-ray analysis and through molecular modeling we established that the neat C16 to C22 crystallized in a monoclinic form with a 2L organization. The inclination of the alkyl chain associated with the monoclinic organization, seemed to be a structural requirement for the crystallization of the sub-α2 phase.
A precipitation forecast model applied with the RBF based on the improved GPT3 model in Japan
Authors: song li , Jiang Nan , Xu Tianhe , Xu Yan , Yang Honglei , Zhang Zhen , Guo Ao , Wu Yuhao
Published: March 2023

Accurate monitoring of atmospheric water vapor content is essential for the early warning of extreme weather events. As known, GNSS zenith troposphere delay (GNSS_ZTD) is an indispensable data source for retrieving precipitable water vapor (PWV). However, the newest GPT3 empirical model is not accurate enough to perform the ZTD (GPT3_ZTD) and PWV (GPT3_PWV) estimation in some regions, such as Japan. Thus, here we introduce a radial basis function (RBF) neural network to establish ZTD forecast models based on the GPT3 model and use the predicted ZTD to retrieve PWV and adopt the retrieved PWV in forecasting precipitation. To thoroughly verify the accuracy of forecast results in 2021, we selected three external validation data, which are GNSS, radiosonde, and meteorological data. The GNSS_ZTD validation results show that the error compensation model of GPT3 based on RBF is superior to the GPT3 model and the model using a single RBF and back propagation (BP) neural network. The average RMSE of all GNSS stations is 50.7mm, 53.7mm, and 37.8mm for GPT3_ZTD, RBF_BP_ZTD, and RBF_GPT3_ZTD, respectively. The GNSS_PWV and RO_PWV validation results show that the retrieved PWV with compensation of RBF_GPT3_ZTD is better than the uncompensated GPT3_ZTD, the average accuracy of RBF_GPT3_PWV of GNSS stations and radiosonde stations is improved by 40.4% and 25.8% against that of GPT3_PWV. For the precipitation forecast model results, the average forecast accuracy of all GNSS stations and radiosonde stations is 63.12% and 61.36%, according to the ERA5 precipitation. The average forecast accuracy is 66.26%, validated by meteorological precipitation records. The proposed model not only improves the GPT3 model but also forecasts the PWV value, which can improve the precipitation forecast in Japan, and is expected to expand to other regions.
Understanding H–aggregates crystallization induced emissive behavior：insights from theory
Authors: Li Huixue , yuan kun , lv lingling , liu kui , li zhifeng
Published: March 2023

The influence of molecular stacking effect on photophysical property in solid phase was investigated theoretically. We found the out–plane distorted vibration and imidazole ring stretching vibration of triimidazo-[1, 3, 5]triazinethe were obviously suppressed in the aggregated state, which decreased Huang–Rhys factor and the corresponding reorganization energy of photophysical process, as a result, it restricted intramolecular motion and restrained dissipation pathways of the excess energy in the excited state, therefore, aggregation induced enhancement emission (AIEE) was found for the title compound from difluorochloromethane solution to solid state. The simulated emission spectrum by discrete spectral lines indicated the main peak was affected by the vibrational modes with lower frequencies, meanwhile the shoulder peak of the emission spectrum was affected by the middle–frequency modes. Furthermore, the predicted intersystem crossing rate (kiosk) and reverse intersystem crossing rate (krisc) using Marcus theory confirmed that an electron can successfully shift from its S1 state to the T1 state, however, the reverse T1 → S1 process can not come into being duo to very small krisc (10–6 − 10–9 s–1), therefore the phosphorescence can be observed. At last, we explored the influence of charge transfer process on the delayed fluorescence phenomenon of the title compound, the prompt fluorescence and the delayed fluorescence phenomenon from photo-induced charge transfer of both the paths can explain the experimental three-exponential fluorescent spectrum.
Retorno ao Esporte após Lesão do Tríceps em Praticante de Musculação: Relato de Caso
Authors: Araújo Mauricio Medeiros de , Ribeiro Allan Richard , Rezende Luis Guilherme Rosifini Alves
Published: March 2023

As queixas de dores no tríceps tornaram-se mais frequentes nos últimos anos, após o aumento do número de praticantes de fisiculturismo, levantamento de peso e praticantes de musculação. Apesar de sua baixíssima incidência comparada às demais afecções do cotovelo nestas modalidades esportivas, poucas informações encontram-se disponíveis sobre métodos de tratamento e retorno ao esporte. Apresentamos o relato de caso de um paciente fisiculturista com tendinopatia do tendão distal do tríceps bilateral, manejado de forma conservadora e a sua transição para o retorno ao esporte.
STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVE ON PREREQUISITE SUBJECTS TOWARD THEIR THESIS WRITING
Authors: El-Sulukiyyah Ana Ahsana , Pusparini Diah Anita
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the students’ perspective on the prerequisite subjects toward their thesis writing. Some problems occurred when students doing their thesis. Those problems could be from their preparation and their comprehension of the prerequisite subjects.  It is a descriptive qualitative study with open-ended questionnaire as the primary instruments to get the data. The subjects of this study were 31 students who were finishing their thesis. Results show that students are aware that prerequisite subjects are important to write their thesis, moreover the subject namely Thesis Writing Methodology. According to students’ opinion it was the prominent subject to know how to prepare and compose their thesis writing. The conclusion of this study is the prerequisite subject is important to prepare and help students finishing their thesis without any writing block.
THE INFLUNTIAL IMPACTS OF METACOGNITIVE READING STRATEGIES IN MODERN EFL READING CONTEXTS
Authors: Wijaya Kristian Florensio
Published: March 2023

The presented modern EFL reading learning complexities cannot be constantly overlooked by second language reading instructors since language learners oftentimes experience dispiriting, energy-draining, and frustrating reading experiences. Aligned with these above-mentioned L2 reading learning issues, it is indispensably important for EFL educators to start incorporating metacognitive reading strategies during the ever-changing literacy programs. Previous researchers strongly noted that the precise utilization of metacognitive reading strategies can provide a sound foundation for EFL learners to gain deeper insights into their chosen reading texts and exert better controls on the ongoing reading learning dynamics. This current-small scale library study was enacted as an attempt to exhaustively investigate the specific influential impacts promoted by metacognitive reading strategies in modern EFL reading contexts. To meet this study’s major demand, the researcher critically selected thirty pieces of literature that corresponded with this research area. As observed in the obtained research results, metacognitive reading strategies can pave a new enlightening pathway for globalized EFL learners to transfigure into more competent L2 readers and attain more satisfying reading learning outcomes. Finally, worldwide EFL educationalists should activate metacognitive reading strategies at the onset of their literacy programs to enable learners to become self-initiators possessing a higher level of intellectual curiosity and orchestrate a vast range of efficient reading strategies to meet the targeted reading learning demands.
An UV/Vis/NIR optical absorption spectroscopic and color investigation of transition-metal-doped gahnite (ZnAl2O4 spinel) crystals grown by the flux method
Authors: Taran Michail N. , Vyshnevskyi Oleksii A. , Geiger Charles A.
Published: March 2023

Synthetic flux-grown end-member gahnite, ZnAl2O4, and several different colored crystals doped with one or more transition metals including Mn, Ni, Cr, Co, and Fe were studied by electron microprobe methods and UV/Vis/NIR single-crystal optical absorption spectroscopy. The first major objective was to measure and assign the various electronic absorption features. The second was to analyze quantitatively the crystal colors using the experimental spectra and the CIE 1931 color-space-chromaticity diagram. The microprobe results show that the doped gahnites have transition metal concentrations between about 0.001 and 0.1 cations per formula unit. The spectrum of colorless, nominally pure ZnAl2O4 displays no absorption in the visible region. Microprobe analysis of a light-blue gahnite crystal reveals small amounts of Ni and Mn. The UV/Vis/NIR spectrum does not indicate any dd-electronic transitions relating to Mn. All absorption features also cannot be fully interpreted using Tanabe-Sugano diagrams for Ni2+ in either octahedral or tetrahedral coordination. A series of seven slightly different colored gahnites with differing concentrations of Cr3+ and most also containing smaller amounts of Ni was investigated. The spectrum of a one pink crystal shows two intense absorption features in the visible region. They are assigned to spin-allowed 4A2g → 4T2g (4F) and 4A2g → 4T1g (4F) transitions of VICr3+. Other spectra display additional weak bands and lines that are most probably spin-forbidden dd-transitions of Ni2+. These gahnites with Ni and Cr show varying purple colorations depending on the concentrations of both metals. Two more deeply blue gahnites contain Co2+ as demonstrated by their UV/Vis spectra but not by microprobe analysis. Two intense absorption features at ~7440 and ~16 850 cm–1 are observed and assigned to the spin-allowed transitions 4A2 → 4T1 (4F) and 4A2 → 4T1 (4P) of Co2+, respectively. Complex absorption fine structure, caused by spin-orbit and/or vibronic interactions, is also observed. Three different gahnites with yellow to orange colorations contain measurable Mn. Their spectra are similar in appearance and display several weak IVMn2+ spin-forbidden transitions located above 20 000 cm–1. The spectra of two green gahnites show several Fe spin-forbidden electronic transitions arising from single, isolated IVFe2+ and VIFe3+ cations between 10 000 and 25 000 cm–1. The intensities of some of the VIFe3+-related bands can be increased through exchange-coupled interactions with next nearest IVFe2+ neighbors. The colors of various doped gahnites and the end-member galaxite are analyzed using their single-crystal absorption spectra in the visible region. Their dominant wavelength, λk, and hue saturation, pc, values are given on the CIE 1931 color-space-chromaticity diagram and are discussed. The Hex colors of all crystals are calculated and can be compared to those of the studied crystals.
To the question of the poetics of the Antiochus Cantemir’s poems
Authors:   Petrozavodsk State University, Patroeva Natal’ia V.
Published: March 2023

The article offers generalizing data concerning the system of rhetorical techniques used by A.D.Kantemir in small and medium-sized poetic genres. The poetic practice of Kantemir is compared with the recommendations from the treatises of Feofan Prokopovich De arte poetica and De arte rhetorica libri X, concerning the use of various rhetorical devices in certain literary genres and styles. The hypothesis of the work is the assumption of the synthetic nature of the poetic syllable of Antiochus Kantemir, which is close not so much to the classicistic requirements of clarity and accuracy of the syllable as to the traditions of the Old Russian book style of weaving words. For the first time undertaken comprehensive analysis of tropes and figures used by Kantemir in his poetry, testifies to their qualitative and quantitative diversity and to the familiarity of the creator of Russian satire. The system of Kantemir tropes and figures analyzed in grammatical, stylistic and linguo-poetic aspects are introduced into scientific use for the first time. Inversion, ellipsis, amplification, lexical repetition, question and exclamation are the most common types of rhetorical devices in Kantemir’s poetry. Comparison, metonymy, personification and paraphrase are much more rare and genre conditioned in the works of Kantemir. The marginal varieties of tropes and figures of Kantemir include hyperbole, gradation, chiasm, silence, pun. Kantemir acts as an innovator who determined the further paths of the formation of Russian lyric poetry.
Evaluation of land use/land cover datasets in hydrological modelling using the SWAT model
Authors: Alawi Sayed Amir , Özkul Sevinç
Published: March 2023

Land use/land cover (LULC) is a key influencer for runoff generation and the estimation of evapotranspiration in the hydrology of watersheds. Therefore, it is essential to use accurate and reliable LULC data in hydrological modelling. Ground-based data deficiencies are a big challenge in most parts of developing countries and remote areas around the globe. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of LULC data from two different sources in hydrological modelling using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). The first LULC data was prepared by the classification of Landsat 8 satellite imagery, and the second LULC data was extracted from the ESRI 2020 global LULC dataset. The study was conducted on the Kokcha Watershed, a mountainous basin partly covered by permanent snow and glaciers. The accuracy assessment was done based on a comparison between observed river discharge and simulated river flow, utilizing each LULC dataset separately. After calibration and validation of the models, the acquired result was approximately similar and slightly (5.5%) different. However, due to the higher resolution and easily accessible ESRI 2020 dataset, it is recommended to use ESRI 2020 in hydrological modelling using the SWAT model.
Projection of disaster-causing risk of extreme precipitation in the Yangtze River Basin based on CMIP6
Authors: Xu Chengyu , Yuan Canyu , Li Xianghu , Lin Yaling , Fan Hongxiang
Published: March 2023

Global warming will significantly affect the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation and further affect the spatio-temporal pattern of disaster-causing risk of extreme precipitation. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal trends of extreme precipitation and projects its disaster-causing risk under different climate scenarios in the Yangtze River Basin from 2021 to 2100. The results indicate that the extreme precipitation in the Yangtze River Basin shows an increasing trend in the future. Annual precipitation (PRCPTOT) increases by 33.05–42.56% under five scenarios compared with the historical period. The future change in heavy precipitation (R95p) also shows a significant increase, but heavy rain days (R50) and 5-day maximum precipitation (RX5day) decrease. The disaster-causing risk of extreme precipitation in the Yangtze River Basin is mainly Levels III and IV, accounting for 57.23–65.99% of the total basin area. The area with Level V is mainly distributed in the Poyang Lake Basin and the lower main stream of the Yangtze River. Moreover, the changes in disaster-causing risk of extreme precipitation are mainly manifested in the decrease of areas with low risk (Levels I and II) and the increase of areas with medium risk (Levels III and IV) in different periods.
An optimal design method for low-impact development (LID) facilities based on the hydrodynamic model and genetic algorithm-assisted decision-making
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Hou Jingming , Shen Tengfei , Zhang Ye , Li Donglai , Wang Jian , Zhang Jianqi
Published: March 2023

The construction of low-impact development (LID) facilities has become an effective means to control urban waterlogging, but there is still a lack of scientific methods to achieve its accurate and reasonable planning and design. In this work, a high-precision hydrodynamic model was used to evaluate the construction effect of each LID facility scheme, and the fitted functional relationship was used to describe the law between the LID facility construction area and the construction effect. Finally, a genetic algorithm was used to automatically optimize the best LID facility construction scheme. Applying this method to the actual urban LID facility planning and construction, the optimal solution law is that the construction effect of single and combined LID facilities increases with the increase of construction cost. In the same low-cost construction scheme, the construction effect of combined LID facilities will be lower than that of single LID facilities, but with the continuous increase of construction cost, the construction effect of combined LID facilities will eventually be better than that of single LID facilities. According to this method, the decision-maker can get the optimal LID facility construction scheme to meet the actual engineering needs
Hydraulic characterization of the Adamawa-Cameroon aquifer using inverse slope method
Authors: Asfahani Jamal , Aretouyap Zakari , George Nyakno
Published: March 2023

Fifty vertical electrical soundings were carried out in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. The interpretation was done using inverse slope method (ISM) and curve matching methods. The aim was to employ the applicability and suitability of the ISM in deciphering the vertical electrical sounding (VES) data for groundwater and hydrogeophysical purposes in the Pan-African aquifers. The ISM can be used to interpret VES data collected with any electrodes array. The results obtained by the ISM geo-electrical interpretation correlate/agree well with the available lithological logs used in constraining the interpretation. The resistivity values obtained through this method are in the range of 20–900 Ω m with a mean of 241 Ω m and a standard deviation of 228 Ω m. The aquifer thickness is in the range of 2–90 m, with an average of 33 m and a standard deviation of 21 m. Resistivity, thickness and depth of the Pan-African aquifer in the Adamawa region, Central Africa have been determined and characterized using both the ISM and an integrated protocol of interpolation technique. The ISM can therefore be recommended for the interpretation of VES measurements in the similar Pan-African context worldwide.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the trajectories of free and pressurized jets through storage dams
Authors: Taheri Aghdam Ali , Salmasi Farzin , Hossein Zadeh Dalir Ali , Abbaspour Akram , Abraham John
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the trajectories of pressurized and free-falling jets and to determine their location downstream of the dam. The results show that the measured jet trajectory and the values extracted from the jet projectile equations are not the same. This discrepancy may be due to the effect of air resistance on flow; the existing jet trajectory equations do not incorporate air resistance. Projectile equations used for calculating the trajectory of falling jets have an average error of 21 and 26% for free-falling and pressurized jets, respectively. To minimize this discrepancy, the projectile equations were corrected. Also, the numerical simulation predicts the trajectories of the free and pressurized jets on average with a relative error (RE) of 25.5 and 23.5%, respectively, compared to the laboratory data. These errors can be caused by neglecting the effect of air resistance. In addition, it was found that by increasing the Froude number, the location of the falling jet impact moves further from the dam toe.
Applications of biochar in sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes for the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Authors: Badiger Sourabh M. , Nidheesh P. V.
Published: March 2023

Recently, biochar (BC) has been increasingly used as a catalyst for the degradation of ‘emerging pollutants’ (EPs). Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), which come under ‘EPs’, can be harmful to the aquatic ecosystem despite being present in very low concentrations (ng/L–μg/L). Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which produce sulfate radical (SR-AOPs), show a great potential to degrade PPCPs effectively from wastewater. It is mainly due to the higher stability, long half-lives and better non-selectivity of SO4• - compared with AOPs with •OH generation. Furthermore, research focus is now given on AOPs coupled with BC-supported catalyst to enhance the degradation of PPCPs because of quicker generation of radicals (•OH, SO4•−) by the activation of persulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS). This article sheds light on the catalytic ability of BC after its physical and chemical modifications such as acid/alkali treatment and metal doping. The role of persistent free radicals (PFRs) in the BC for effective removal of PPCPs has been elaborated. Its potential applications in synthetic as well as real wastewater have also been discussed.
Diagnostic and Management Challenges of Rapid Lung Metastasis of
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia after a Non-molar Pregnancy: A Case
Report
Authors: Chand Trilok , Dreier Norbert , Haq Urfan Ul , Hachem Fady , Kumar Vikram
Published: March 2023

Background:

Pulmonary metastasis of pregnancy-related rare gestational trophoblastic disease is common, and a patient’s rapid clinical deterioration leads to a
poor prognosis.

Case Presentation:

We report a case of a non-pregnant woman with severe respiratory symptoms masquerading as pulmonary infection who was diagnosed with
pulmonary metastasis of the gestational trophoblastic disease.

Conclusion:

The timely diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis was the key aspect in the management of our case, and she survived and was discharged to home
after a long hospitalization course.
Oxidative versus Reductive Stress in Breast Cancer Development
and Cellular Mechanism of Alleviation: A Current Perspective with
Anti-breast Cancer Drug Resistance
Authors: Ray Suman Kumar , Jayashankar Erukkambattu , Kotnis Ashwin , Mukherjee Sukhes
Published: March 2023

Redox homeostasis is essential for keeping our bodies healthy, but it also
helps breast cancer cells grow, stay alive, and resist treatment. Changes in the redox
balance and problems with redox signaling can make breast cancer cells grow and
spread and make them resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Reactive
oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) generation and the oxidant defense
system are out of equilibrium, which causes oxidative stress. Many studies have
shown that oxidative stress can affect the start and spread of cancer by interfering with
redox (reduction-oxidation) signaling and damaging molecules. The oxidation of invariant
cysteine residues in FNIP1 is reversed by reductive stress, which is brought on
by protracted antioxidant signaling or mitochondrial inactivity. This permits
CUL2FEM1B to recognize its intended target. After the proteasome breaks down
FNIP1, mitochondrial function is restored to keep redox balance and cell integrity. Reductive
stress is caused by unchecked amplification of antioxidant signaling, and
changes in metabolic pathways are a big part of breast tumors' growth. Also, redox
reactions make pathways like PI3K, PKC, and protein kinases of the MAPK cascade
work better. Kinases and phosphatases control the phosphorylation status of transcription
factors like APE1/Ref-1, HIF-1, AP-1, Nrf2, NF-B, p53, FOXO, STAT, and -
catenin. Also, how well anti-breast cancer drugs, especially those that cause cytotoxicity
by making ROS, treat patients depends on how well the elements that support a
cell's redox environment work together. Even though chemotherapy aims to kill cancer
cells, which it does by making ROS, this can lead to drug resistance in the long run.
The development of novel therapeutic approaches for treating breast cancer will be
facilitated by a better understanding of the reductive stress and metabolic pathways in
tumor microenvironments.
Oxidative Coupling Assembly Induced Bio-engineered Quercetin
Microspheres for the Gastrosparing Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Lal Gupta Girdhari , Sharma Manu
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The study aimed to develop microspheres of quercetin by oxidative coupling assembly
and these microspheres were used to deliver diclofenac sodium without causing gastrotoxicity.

Methods:

The oxidative coupling assembly of quercetin was carried out in the presence of copper sulfate
to yield quercetin microspheres. The microsphere of quercetin was loaded with diclofenac sodium
(QP-Diclo). The carrageenan induced paw edema in rats was used for anti-inflammatory action was
studied by using and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice was used to study the analgesic potential of
the QP loaded microspheres. The ulcerogenecity and gastrotoxicity comparison was made between
diclofenac and QP-Diclo.

Results:

The oxidative coupling assembly of quercetin resulted in microspheres of 10-20 μm in size,
which were loaded with diclofenac sodium (QP-Diclo). The marked anti-inflammatory activity was
observed by QP-Diclo treatment using carrageenan induced paw edema (in rats) and better analgesic
activity than diclofenac sodium in mice. The administration of QP-Diclo significantly elevated the diminished
overall nitrite/nitrate extent and thiobarbituric acid reactive and significantly increased the
diminished superoxide dismutase activity in comparison to diclofenac sodium in gastric mucosa.

Conclusion:

The results suggested that dietary polyphenol quercetin can be converted to microspheres
by oxidative coupling assembly and can be used to deliver diclofenac sodium without causing gastrotoxicity.
Evaluation of Gum Arabic Double-layer Microneedle Patch Containing
Sumatriptan for Loading and Transdermal Delivery
Authors: Zhang Xiaoduo , Liu Weijun , Wang Wei , Pi Mingli , Huang Beibei , Wu Fanhong
Published: March 2023

Background:

As episodes of acute migraine for migraineurs, a self-treatment that promptly
relieves headaches and eliminates the associated symptoms would be optimal. Based on the consideration,
a rapidly dissolving double-layer microneedles derived from natural acacia was developed.
Methods: Under the optimized reaction conditions that was screened out through orthogonal designing

Methods:

Under the optimized reaction conditions that was screened out through orthogonal designing
test, acacia (GA) was conducted on the ionic crosslinking, a prescribed amount of cross-linking composites
was applied to fabricate the double-layer microneedles loaded with sumatriptan at the tip. The mechanical
strength and dissolving capability of penetrating pigskin along with in vitro release were measured.
The component and content of the resulting compound were determined with FT-IR and thermal
analysis, and the bonding state of cross-linker was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Results:

Each needle from the constructed microneedles with the maximal drug loading consisted of the
crosslinking acacia of around 10.89 μg and the encapsulated sumatriptan of around 1.821 μg. Apart
from the excellent solubility, the formed microneedles possessed enough mechanical stiffness to penetrate
the multilayer parafilm. The histological section of the pigskin confirmed the insertion depth of the
microneedles could reach 300 ± 28 μm, and the needle bulk in the isolated pigskin could be totally dissolved
within 240 s. Franz diffusion study displayed that an almost entire release of the encapsulated
drug might be realized within 40 min. The coagulum created from crosslinking was composed of -COOof
glucuronic acid in the component of acacia and the added crosslinker to form a double coordination
bond, and the crosslinking percentage reached about 13%.

Conclusion:

The release amount of drug from 12 patches made of the prepared microneedles was comparable
to that of subcutaneous injection, providing a new possibility for migraine treatment.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury:
Friend and Foe
Authors: Luo Haoyue , Guo Hanjing , Zhou Yue , Fang Rui , Zhang Wenli , Mei Zhigang
Published: March 2023

Cerebral ischemic injury, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide,
triggers various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and
chronic ischemia-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, targeted therapies are urgently needed
to address neurological disorders caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI), and the
emergence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may be able to relieve the pressure. Neutrophils
are precursors to brain injury following ischemic stroke and exert complicated functions. NETs extracellularly
release reticular complexes of neutrophils, i.e., double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), histones,
and granulins. Paradoxically, NETs play a dual role, friend and foe, under different conditions, for example,
physiological circumstances, infection, neurodegeneration, and ischemia/reperfusion. Increasing
evidence indicates that NETs exert anti-inflammatory effects by degrading cytokines and chemokines
through protease at a relatively stable and moderate level under physiological conditions, while
excessive amounts of NETs release (NETosis) irritated by CI/RI exacerbate the inflammatory response
and aggravate thrombosis, disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and initiates sequential neuron injury
and tissue damage. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the machinery of NETs formation
and the role of an abnormal cascade of NETs in CI/RI, as well as other ischemia-induced neurological
diseases. Herein, we highlight the potential of NETs as a therapeutic target against ischemic
stroke that may inspire translational research and innovative clinical approaches.
Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence Associated with Infertility in Men:
Future Aspects
Authors: Khan Mohammad Nezamuddin , Mallela Anusruthi , Nishanthi M.G. , Chandran Lakshmi , S. Ankul Singh
Published: March 2023

Infertility in men is more than 50% of cases and the real cause of infertility cannot be
determined by various factors and lack of technology. Infertility in males is a rising health concern
across the globe affecting around 7 percent of the total male population in the world. Various risk
factors are associated with several diseases’ outcomes and those involved have been shown to cause
infertility with male background due to their prone habits. Assisted Reproductive Technology
(ART) has evolved so far as treatment options for infertility by manipulating sperm or egg for a
woman to conceive being the only hope of bearing a biological child. Ancient medical techniques
could be enhanced using augmented reality with additional metrics to include orientation, 3D location
of speculations, and proximity to adjacent structures. With image-guided surgery, the need to
integrate medical imaging with surgery has promoted the research for new visualization modalities
based on AR, as surgical guidance or tool for surgical planning/diagnosis. Moreover, AR has its
advantage in high-quality data curation which establishes the fact that both AI and AR can be associated
together and make it useful in the imaging of infertile men. At present, research focuses on
improving sperm retrieval and assisted conception methods and perhaps in the future less invasive
procedures like AI and AR may be an option that provide Insight into data curation and enhanced
intelligence in the Imaging of cells.
A Compendium of Bioavailability Enhancement via Niosome Technology
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Kumari Neha , Garg Deepika , Chauhan Samrat
Published: March 2023

Background:

Bioavailability is the dissimilarity between the total amount of drug exposure
to a person and the actual dose received by his body. The difference in bioavailability between
formulations of a given drug can have clinical implications.

Method:

Poor aqueous solubility, inappropriate partition coefficient, high first-pass metabolism,
narrow absorption window, and acidic pH of the stomach are the main reasons behind the low
bioavailability of drugs. There are three substantial methods to vanquish these bioavailability issues,
namely pharmacokinetic, biological, and pharmaceutical approaches.

Results:

In the pharmacokinetic approach a drug molecule is improved by making alterations in its
chemical structure. In the biological approach, the course of administration of the drug is changed;
for example, if a drug has very less oral bioavailability, it can be injected as parenteral or some
other route if feasible. In the pharmaceutical approach to enhance bioavailability, the physiochemical
properties of the drug or formulation are modified. It is cost-effective, less time-consuming,
and the risk factor is also minimum. Co-solvency, particle size reduction, hydrotrophy, solid dispersion,
micellar solubilisation, complexation, and colloidal drug delivery systems are some of the
commonly used methods to enhance the dissolution profiles of drugs via the pharmaceutical approach.
Similar to liposomes, niosomes are also vesicular carrier systems but non-ionic surfactants
are used instead of phospholipids in their formulation, i.e., their bilayer is comprised of non-ionic
surfactants that encircle the aqueous compartment. The niosomes are presumed to raise the bioavailability
of poorly water-soluble drugs by increasing their uptake by the M cells present in Peyer's
patches of lymphatic tissues of the intestine.

Conclusion:

Niosomal technology has become an attractive method to overcome several limitations
due to its various merits like biodegradability, high stability, non-immunogenic nature, low
cost, and flexibility to incorporate lipophilic as well as hydrophilic drugs. The bioavailability of
many BCS class II and IV drugs has been successfully enhanced using niosomal technology, like
Griseofulvin, Paclitaxel, Candesartan Cilexetil, Carvedilol, Clarithromycin, Telmisartan, and
Glimepiride. Niosomal technology has also been exploited for brain targeting via nasal delivery for
many drugs like Nefopam, Pentamidine, Ondansetron HCl, and Bromocriptine mesylate. Based on
this data, it can be concluded that niosomal technology has increased importance in bioavailability
enhancement and improving the overall performance of molecules in vitro and in vivo. Thus, niosomal
technology holds tremendous potential for scale-up applications, overcoming the drawbacks
of conventional dosage forms.