bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectra: the Cai•Factor for Absolute Configuration with Confidence
Authors: Lam Jonathan , Lewis Richard J. , Goodman Jonathan M.
Published: February 2023

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy can generate the data required for the assignment of absolute configuration, but the spectra are hard to interpret. We have recorded VCD data for thirty pairs of small organic compounds and we use this database to validate a method for the automated analysis of VCD spectra and the assignment of absolute configuration: the Cai•factor (Configuration: absolute information). The analysis of the data demonstrates that the procedure is a reliable and time-efficient method for determination of absolute configuration, which gives both the assignment and a measure of confidence in the outcome, even when the spectra are imperfect. The majority of molecules tested have a high confidence score and all of these have the correct assignment.
The Expression of Angiogenesis Genes is Related to Immune Microenvironment and Prognosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xue , Liu Xijian , Wang Lu , Li Jiuwei , Li Ling , Li Yaxing , Huang Hailiang , Han Tao
Published: February 2023

Objective: Lung adenocarcinoma (LC), the main type of non-small cell lung cancer, has a 5-year survival rate of only 14.6%. Tumor angiogenesis is the primary factor leading to the progression of LC. This study aimed to discuss the role of angiogenesis-related genes(ARGs) in the development and diagnosis of LC.
Methods: Clinical and transcriptomic data of LC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases and divided into training cohorts and validation cohorts. Combined with the ARGs of the Molecular Signatures Database, cluster analysis was performed to identify new clusrer subgroups. Enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of subpopulation differences. MCPCounter, CIBERSORT and xCell analysis was used to determine the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) and the immune status of identified subgroups. Lasso algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct the prognostic risk model, and combined with the clinical information of patients with LC to verify the effectiveness of the risk model.
Results: We identified 2 cluster subgroups that could significantly predict differential survival based on LC survival prognostic genes and ARGs. Among them, cluster 2 showed a better prognosis and was associated with a high immune score, a high abundance of immune infiltrating cells, and a relatively high immune status. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs between the two subgroups were mainly enriched in angiogenesis and immune related pathways. Combined with clinical features, higher risk scores were positively associated with LC worsening of disease progression, predicting poor survival. The validation cohort GSE68465 corroborates the validity of the risk model.
Conclusion: The abnormal expression of ARGs is closely related to the TIM of LC patients. The ARG risk model we constructed can be used to accurately predict the survival prognosis of LC.
Physical characterization of the cage culture of Oreochromis niloticus L. 1758, in the Bukavu sub-basin on Lake Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Baguma Gabriel , Cocquyt Christine , Alfred Cubaka Kabagale , Alicet Irenge BwanaMudogo , Furaha Nakangu , Balagizi Akonkwa , Muloingaibalu Mbalassa
Published: February 2023

This work consisted in physically characterizing the floating cages used for farming Tilapia Nile in four bays of the sub-basin of Bukavu on Lake Kivu. The measurement of several parameters such as the depth of the water column and the distance of the cage taken by D-173 Bricodis decameter. The result shows that there are 218 cages of which 156 are exploited and 62 non-exploited. 76 cages are installed at 50 m and 58 cages are located at 6–49 m of the coast. The fact that the water of Lake Kivu is essentially pelagic pushes the fish farmers to place the cages on the littoral. Local cages are more abundant than those offered by FPI/IITA. 54% of the Oreochromis niloticus fry came from the D.R. Congo and 46% from Rwanda. Anthropogenic activities on a catchment scale cause benthic modification and reduce site characteristics. The diverse origin of fry should be discouraged to avoid new exotic species. Environmental impact studies of this culture on the biology and physicochemical parameters in the bays would help to address the environmental challenges of this culture in the Lake Kivu ecosystem.
Assessing the impact of university students’ involvement in the first year of Nurture-U: A national student wellbeing research project
Authors: Dooley Jemima , Ghezal Amina , Gilpin Thomas , Basri Husna Hassan , Humberstone Katy , Lahdelma Amber , Misurya Pranati , Marshall Ellen , Watkins Ed
Published: February 2023

Background
Students experience lower levels of wellbeing than the general, age-matched population. A whole-university approach to mental health is encouraged, which must work for individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Student input is vital in researching and designing these solutions. Nurture-U is a national, large-scale research project exploring better ways to support student wellbeing, with a Student Advisory Group (SAG) that feeds into project decision making. With the first year of the project now completed, we now critically review the processes and effectiveness of the SAG and how well the project is engaging and working with students.
Method
Assessment of the SAG’s impact on the project, the student advisors, and the researchers was undertaken through a content analysis of team meetings and collection of advisor and researcher feedback using the Patient Engagement Quality Guidance Tool.
Results
142 students worked on different tasks in the first year of the Nurture-U project. The SAG was involved in the project branding and marketing, and in the development and co-design of interventions and tools. They reported a positive experience, with involvement boosting confidence. They felt valued but reported not always knowing whether their input was implemented in final decisions. They also recommended different methods of providing feedback. Researchers rated student input highly in their ability to communicate the viewpoint of a different generation and increase the relevance of the study, but also suggested improvements follow-up communication with students.
Conclusions
This critical reflection process of the SAG’s public advisor role in this large-scale research project was important in highlighting what worked well and areas to work on. As the project unfolds, we aim to adapt our methods of student input, increase the transparency of decision-making processes, and in turn increase student-led decision making within the project.
Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution using biotransformed lignite as a low-cost adsorbent
Authors: Cheng Jianguo , Zhang Shanfei , Ma Litong , Duan Jianguo , Fang Xu , Li Rihong , Zhao Wenyuan , Liu Yunying , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: February 2023

Heavy metal pollution caused by industrial wastewater such as mining and metallurgical wastewater is a major global concern. Therefore, this study used modified lignite as a low-cost adsorbent for heavy metal ions. Pingzhuang lignite was dissolved and modified using Fusarium lignite B3 to prepare a biotransformed-lignite adsorbent (BLA). The O, H, and N contents of the BLA increased after transformation, and the specific surface area increased from 1.81 to 5.66 m2·g-1. Various adsorption properties were investigated using an aqueous solution of Cu(II). The kinetic and isothermal data were well fitted by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The Langmuir model showed that the theoretical Cu(II) adsorption capacity was 71.47 mg·g-1. Moreover, large particles and a neutral pH were favorable for the adsorption of heavy metal ions. The adsorption capacities of raw lignite and BLA were compared for various ions. Microbial transformation greatly improved the adsorption capacity, and the BLA had good adsorption and passivation effects with Cu(II), Mn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II). Investigation of the structural properties showed that the porosity and specific surface area increased after biotransformation, and there were more active groups such as –COOH, Ar–OH, and R–OH, which were involved in the adsorption performance.
Uncovering the ceRNA network related to the prognosis of stomach adenocarcinoma among 898 patient samples
Authors: LIU Zhe , LIU Fang , PETINRIN Olutomilayo Olayemi , WANG Fuzhou , ZHANG Yu , WONG Ka-Chun
Published: February 2023

Background. Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) patients are often associated with significantly high mortality rates and poor prognoses worldwide. Among STAD patients, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play key roles in regulating one another at the post-transcriptional stage by competing for shared miRNAs.Methods. In this study, we aimed at elucidating the roles of lncRNAs in the ceRNA network of STAD, uncovering the molecular biomarkers for target therapy and prognosis. Specifically, a multitude of differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs (i.e. 898 samples in total) was collected and processed from TCGA. Cytoplasmic lncRNAs were kept for evaluating overall survival (OS) time and constructing the ceRNA network. Differentially expressed mRNAs in the ceRNA network were also investigated for functional and pathological insights.Results. Interestingly, we identified one ceRNA network including 13 lncRNAs, 25 miRNAs, and 9 mRNAs. Among them, 13 RNAs were found related to the patient survival time; their individual risk score can be adopted for prognosis inference. Finally, we constructed a comprehensive ceRNA regulatory network for STAD and developed our own risk-scoring system that can predict the OS time of STAD patients by taking into account the above.
Progressive inflammation reduces high frequency EEG activity and cortical dendritic arborisation in late gestation fetal sheep
Authors: Kelly Sharmony B. , Dean Justin M. , Zahra Valerie A. , Dudink Ingrid , Thiel Alison , Polglase Graeme R. , Miller Suzanne L. , Hooper Stuart B. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J. , Galinsky Robert
Published: February 2023

Background
Antenatal infection/inflammation is associated with disturbances in neuronal connectivity, impaired cortical growth and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. The pathophysiological substrate that underpins these changes is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that progressive inflammation in late gestation fetal sheep would alter cortical neuronal microstructure and neural function assessed using electroencephalogram band power analysis.
Methods
Fetal sheep (0.85 of gestation) were surgically instrumented for continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording and randomly assigned to repeated saline (control; n = 9) or LPS (0 h = 300 ng, 24 h = 600 ng, 48 h = 1200 ng; n = 8) infusions to induce inflammation. Sheep were euthanized 4 days after the first LPS infusion for assessment of inflammatory gene expression, histopathology and neuronal dendritic morphology in the somatosensory cortex.
Results
LPS infusions increased delta power between 8 and 50 hours, with reduced beta power from 18 to 96 hours (P < 0.05 vs. control). Basal dendritic length, numbers of dendritic terminals, dendritic arborisation and numbers of dendritic spines were reduced in LPS exposed fetuses (P < 0.05 vs. control) within the somatosensory cortex. Numbers of microglia and interleukin (IL)-1β immunoreactivity were increased in LPS-exposed fetuses compared with controls (P < 0.05). There were no differences in total numbers of cortical NeuN + neurons or cortical area between the groups.
Conclusions
Exposure to antenatal infection/inflammation was associated with impaired dendritic arborisation, spine number and loss of high frequency EEG activity, that may contribute to disturbed cortical neuronal growth and connectivity.
Application of big data classification effects based on neural network in video English course and relevant optimization suggestions
Authors: Suyun Wen , Suying Zheng
Published: February 2023

Due to the improvement of Internet technology and information technology, more and more students hope to learn and consolidate knowledge through video in the classroom. Teachers are more accustomed to using video in the classroom to improve and improve their teaching quality. In the current English class, teachers and students are more accustomed to using video English for teaching. English teaching videos are informative, intuitive and efficient. Through video teaching, we can make the classroom atmosphere more interesting, thus simplifying complex problems. In this context, this paper analyzes how neural networks can improve the application effect of English video courses in the context of big data, optimizes the pdcno algorithm by using the neural network principle, and then discusses the impact of the optimized pdcno algorithm on classification and system performance. This improves the accuracy of English video, reduces the execution time of the algorithm and reduces the memory occupation. Compared with ordinary video, the training time required under the same training parameters is shorter, and the convergence speed of the model itself will be faster. From the students' attitude towards video teaching, we can see that students prefer video English teaching, which also reflects the effectiveness of neural network big data in English video teaching. This paper introduces the neural network and big data technology into the video English course to improve the teaching effectiveness.
Countering the Covid-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. A Successful Securitization in an Environment of Low Political Trust.
Authors: Stivas Dionysios , Cole Alistair
Published: February 2023

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities around the world securitized the virus and enforced unprecedented tactics. A successful securitization presupposes a common understanding between the authorities and the public about the calibre of the threat and the necessity of the extraordinary measures. A trustworthy government should securitize an issue of its preference easier than an untrustworthy government. Hong Kong, our case study, is unique because of the government’s success with securitizing the pandemic in a context of extremely low political trust. Among the exceptional mechanisms that the government of Hong Kong utilized to control the outbreak were smart technologies. This paper examines the extent to which trust in the government and trust in smart technologies influenced the success of the securitization of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. To answer this question, we build on publicly available surveys assessing political trust in Hong Kong, on tailormade questionnaires investigating the sentiments of Hong Kong citizens towards smart technologies and on a Focus Group exercise with carefully selected residents of Hong Kong. The results of this study suggest that under certain circumstances, governments can successfully securitize a health-emergency even when they do not enjoy high levels of political trust.
Sine Wave Optimization: A Novel Elitism-Based Search Algorithm
Authors: KÜÇÜK Mustafa
Published: February 2023

This paper presents Sine Wave Optimization (SWO), a novel search algorithm developed to solve global optimization problems using evolutionary computing techniques. The proposed SWO was inspired by Fourier, who stated that a collection of sinusoidal waves could be used to represent any periodic waveform. Such a waveform was considered to be useful for balancing the exploration and exploitation search of the elitist evolution strategies. The exploration and exploitation seem to contradict each other, but their balanced combination is crucial to the success of any metaheuristic algorithm. The exploration enables the search in the solution space to efficiently and effectively explore as many places and regions as possible. On the other side, the exploitation uses the experience of the search process to speed up the convergence, when necessary, by limiting diversification. The proposed method is validated using some comparative mathematical and engineering problems commonly used in the field of optimization. The computational results show that the SWO method is very competitive against another member of the family of evolutionary algorithms, the Genetic algorithm (GA), and its various elitist options. The proposed method, with its simple and useful structure, is expected to have wide applications in real-world engineering problems as well as mathematical optimization problems.
Propagation characteristics of stress waves and failure modes in gray sandstone with a gypsum-filled joint under impact loading
Authors: Liu Huizhen , Yang Liyun , Fang Shizheng , Xu Peng
Published: February 2023

Dynamic mechanical properties of jointed rock mass have an important influence on the stability of geotechnical engineering. In this study, dynamic impacting experiment of gray sandstone samples with gypsum-filled joints was carried out by split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) to study the influence of impact velocity and joint dip angle on wave propagation characteristics and fracture evolution of rock mass, and the failure process were captured by high-speed photography. To supplement and further study, numerical simulation was then presented. Hypermesh software was used to establish the numerical model, and then imported into LS-DYNA for calculation. The results show that the joint changes the stress wave propagation and particle vibration velocity significantly, and leads to a certain difference of stress distribution, which is the fundamental cause of different failure modes. Not only P waves but also shear waves perpendicular to the particle vibration direction are generated in the joint, and the particle vibration velocity in matrix at the non-loading end is obviously weaker than that at loading end. In addition, the initial damage and the dynamic compressive strength of rock mass increase with increasing impact velocity. The fracture is mainly caused by transverse tension in the axial direction and impact velocity influences the damage degree but cannot change the failure mode. The peak compressive strength of jointed gray sandstone decreases first and then increases with the joint dip angle, and the failure mode mainly presents as shear-tensile failure and the separation failure of joint and gray sandstone. Jointed gray sandstones are always under the dominant tensile action, especially with the joint dip angle of 45°.
Autophagy Modulation Attenuates Sorafenib Resistance In HCC Induced In Rats
Authors: Elleithi Yomna , El-Gayar Amal , Amin Mohamed N.
Published: February 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has risen as the villain of cancer-related death globally, with a usual cruel forecasting. For advanced HCC, sorafenib has been FDA approved as first line treatment. In spite of the bright potential that sorafenib demonstrated in studies, actual clinical results are limited owing to the massive occurrence of drug resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been linked to therapeutic resistance, indicating that current cellular level approaches may be inadequate to increase treatment efficacy. The involvement of autophagy in cancer is a double-edged knife. On one aspect, autophagy allows malignant cells to withstand strain, such as a hypoxic TME and starvation caused by therapy. on the other side, autophagy plays a vital function in damage prevention, which can decrease carcinogenesis. As a result, regulating autophagy is unquestionably a viable method in the therapy of malignancies. The aim if this study was to investigate the role of autophagy modulation in combination to sorafenib by comparing both induction and inhibition of autophagy to the sorafenib monotherapy of HCC induced in Sprague–Dawley rats. Autophagy, apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by using western blot, ELISA, Immunuhistochemistry, flow cytometry and Quantitive-PCR. Routine biochemical testing and pathological examination was carried out. Transmission electron microscope was used to visualize ultracellular structures and autophagic bodies. We found remarkable alleviation of chemotherapeutic resistance and hepatoprotective effects by both regimens. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to study the autophagic inhibition simultaneous with autophagic induction in sorafenib treatment in-vivo.
Gelatin-based active edible film with pH-sensing for maintaining and monitoring fish freshness
Authors: Pan Xiaxi , Kong Lingyue , Li Xinying , Li Defu , Mu Changdao , Xu Zhilang , Ge Liming
Published: February 2023

The development of intelligent edible films with food preservation and monitoring function is of great significance and applications. Herein, active intelligent edible films with pH-responsiveness, long term antioxidant and antibacterial activities were prepared base on gelatin. In this work, gelatin was chemically and physically combined with rosmarinic acid (RosA) and blueberry anthocyanins extract (BAE) to fabricate RosA-gelatin/BAE (RGA) films with the crosslinking of dialdehyde starch (DS). We found that the RGA films possess dense micromorphology, robust mechanical property, outstanding light barrier ability and good water resistance property. The introduction of rosmarinic acid and anthocyanins endows the RGA films with admirable long-term antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Significantly, the RGA films exhibit excellent pH/NH3 responsiveness to show visible color change. It is worth noting that the films can real-time monitor and delay the spoilage of fresh fish. Overall, the intelligent and active RGA films possess promising application for food preservation and real-time quality monitoring.
Histopathological Auxiliary System for Brain Tumour (HAS-Bt) based on Weakly Supervised Learning using a WHO CNS5-Style Pipeline
Authors: Ma Yixin , Shi Feng , Sun Tianyang , Chen Hong , Wu Shuai , Lu Junfeng , Zou Yaping , Zhang Jun , Jin Lei , Shen Dinggang , Wu Jinsong
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Classification and grading of central nervous system (CNS) tumours play a critical role in the clinic. When WHO CNS5 simplifies the histopathology diagnosis and places greater emphasis on molecular pathology, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used to meet the increased need for an automatic histopathology scheme that could liberate pathologists from laborious work. This study was to explore the diagnosis scope and practicality of AI.
Methods
A one-stop Histopathology Auxiliary System for Brain tumours (HAS-Bt) is introduced based on a pipeline-structured multiple instance learning (pMIL) framework developed with 1,385,163 patches from 1,038 hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides. The system provides a streamlined service including slide scanning, whole-slide image (WSI) analysis and information management. A logical algorithm is used when molecular profiles are available.
Results
The pMIL achieved an accuracy of 0.94 in a 9-type classification task on an independent dataset composed of 268 H&E slides. Three auxiliary functions are developed and a built-in decision tree with multiple molecular markers is used to automatically formed integrated diagnosis. The processing efficiency was 443.0 seconds per slide.
Conclusion
HAS-Bt shows outstanding performance and provides a novel aid for the integrated neuropathological diagnostic workflow of brain tumours using CNS 5 pipeline.
Lung cancer and miRNAs: a possible remedy for anti-metastatic, therapeutic and diagnostic applications
Authors: Dai Chun , Chen Huangkun , Wang Feng , Hua Zhaolai , Xia Lin , Yuan Lijie , Qin Lei
Published: February 2023

Background Lung cancer is often diagnosed as stage IV metastatic disease and is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Expression of micro-ribonucleic acids (microRNAs, miRNAs) and long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with metastasis in various tumor types. The present study investigates the role of miRNA and lncRNA in metastatic lung cancer.
Methods We analyzed seven microarray chips from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database including 135 lung cancer samples with miRNA, lncRNA, or mRNA to identify differentially expressed molecules in primary versus metastatic lung cancer. The clinical relevance of identified molecules was confirmed by examining clinical data from 32 patients with metastatic lung cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Co-expression and protein-protein-interaction (PPI) patterns were analyzed to identify candidate hub genes. Tumor immune infiltrate was analyzed to determine potential mechanisms of the hub genes.
Results We identified 15 miRNAs (miR-483-3p, miR-519-b-5p, miR-519c-5p, miR-586, miR-647, miR-875-3p, miR-137, miR-924, miR-922, miR-199b-5p, miR-610, miR-519c-3p, miR-548m, miR-384, miR-1289) and 6 target genes (SORBS1, GAB1, RPS6KA2, KIT, LRCH2, and PECAM1) with differential expression in primary versus metastatic disease. In addition, we identified 105 lncRNAs that were associated with metastatic lung cancer. The PPI network predicted 14 transcription factors that were likely to be involved the development of metastatic lung cancer, and analysis of the immune infiltrate showed that hub genes in the PPI network may alter the tumor immune microenvironment to drive metastatic progression.
Conclusions We identified key molecules that form a functional network to regulate the development and progression of metastatic lung cancer that may be promising new targets to treat this lethal disease.
A Systematic Review of Novel Therapies of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Nabeh Omnia Azmy
Published: February 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive cureless disease, characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and remodeling, with subsequent ventricular dilatation and failure. New therapeutic targets are being investigated for their potential roles in improving PAH patients’ symptoms and reversing pulmonary vascular pathology. We aimed to address the available knowledge from the published randomized control trials (RCTs) concerning the role of Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) inhibitors, Estrogen inhibitors, and AMP- activated protein kinases (AMPK) activators on the PAH evaluation parameters. This systematic review (SR) was registered on PROSPERO (CDR42022340658) and followed the PRISMA guidelines. About 5092 records were screened from different database and registries and only 8 RCTs that met our inclusion criteria were included. The marked difference in the study designs and the variability of the selected outcome measurement tools among the studies made performing a meta-analysis impossible. Yet, the main findings of this SR are the powerful potential of the AMPK activator and the imminent anti-diabetic drug, metformin and the BMP2 inhibitor, sotatercept as promising PAH modifying therapies. There is a need for long-term studies to evaluate the effect of the ROCK inhibitor, fasudil and the estrogen aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole in PAH patients. Tacrolimus role in PAH is query. The discrepancy in the hemodynamic and clinical parameters necessitates defining cut values to predict improvement. The differences in the PAH etiologies render the judgment of the therapeutic potential of the tested drugs challenging.
Calf Deep Veins Are Safe And Feasible Accesses For The Endovascular Treatment Of Acute Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Zeng Xiande , Chen Wei , Min Xixi , Zhou Weimin , Qiu Jiehua
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study was designed to assess the optimal access route for the endovascular treatment of acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of patients with acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis who underwent endovascular treatment from February 2009 – December 2020. Patients underwent non-direct calf deep vein puncture (NDCDVP) from February 2009 - December 2011 and direct calf deep vein group (DCDVP) from January 2012 - December 2020. Catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) was used to treat all patients in the NDCDVP group, whereas patients in the DCDVP group were treated with CDT or the AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy system. In patients exhibiting iliac vein compression syndrome, the iliac vein was dilated and implanted with a stent. Technical success rates and perioperative complication rates were compared between these two treatment groups.
Results
The NDCDVP group included 83 patients (40 males, 43 females) with a mean age of 55 ± 16 years, while the DCDVP group included 487 patients (231 males. 256 females) with a mean age of 56 ± 15 years. No significant differences were observed between these groups with respect to any analyzed clinical characteristics. The technical success rates in the NDCDVP and DCDVP groups were 96.4% and 98.2%, respectively (P > 0.05). In the NDCDVP group, the sall saphenous vein(SSV)or great saphenous vein༈GSV༉were the most common access routes (77.1%, 64/83), whereas the anterior tibial vein was the most common access route in the DCDVP group (78.0%, 380/487), followed by the posterior tibial vein and peroneal vein (15.6% and 6.4%, respectively). Relative to the NDCDVP group, more patients in the DCDVP group underwent the removal of deep vein clots below the knee (7.2% [6/83] vs. 24.2% [118/487], P < 0.001). Moreover, relative to the NDCDVP group, significantly lower complication rates were evident in the DCDVP group (local infection: 10.8% vs. 0.4%, P < 0.001; local hematoma: 15.7% vs. 1.0%, P < 0.001). The position change rate was also significantly lower in the DCDVP group relative to the NDCDVP group (0% [0/487] vs. 60.2% [50/83], P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The calf deep veins represent a feasible and safe access route for the endovascular treatment of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis.
Osteogenic differentiation capacity of dental pulp stem cells on 3D printed polyurethane/boric acid scaffold
Authors: Çelebi-Saltik Betül , Babadag Sena , Ballikaya Elif , Pat Suat , Öteyaka Mustafa Özgür
Published: February 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Comparison of in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activity of Murraya koenigii leaf and stem extracts in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Hajare Shubham , Patade Tanvi , Shrimangale Jayashri , Gurav Pradnya , Pathak Pranav , R.N. Kedar
Published: February 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer, due to its diagnosis at later stages III and IV. Drug resistance developed at later stages further decreases survival rates to 30% in ovarian cancer patients. Natural compounds isolated from plant extract can have promising potential in cancer treatment due to their minimal side effects. Murraya koenigii (MK) leaves commonly used in Indian cuisines, are known to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. However, very few studies show the effect of MK extracts on ovarian cancer. This study shows the comparison of phytochemical content, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of methanol, aqueous and toluene extracts of MK leaves and stems. These extracts showed anticancer activity on the ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line - PA1 via apoptosis and antiangiogenic effect on healthy chick embryos.
Status of self-medication and the relevant factors regarding drug efficacy and safety as important considerations among adolescents aged 12-18 in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ge Pu , Liu Diyue , Li Xialei , Hong Wenying , Huang Mengjie , Zhu Lijun , Kaierdebieke Ayidana , Yu Wenbian , Qi Jiale , Pu Keping , Ling Rong , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo , Feng Qiqin
Published: February 2023

Background: Self-medication is widely practiced among adolescents, and inappropriate self-medication can cause irreversible damage to adolescents' health. The attributes of over-the-counter medications influence adolescents' behavior when self-medicating.
Method: Multi-stage sampling was used to conduct a questionaire investigation in Mainland China in 2021. The questionnaire contains sociodemographic characteristics and several scales, the presence of self-medication behavior and the types of drugs they self-medicated, and important considerations when self-medicating. After a statistical description of the data, logistic regression were used to analyse the factors related to the types of drugs in self-medication as well as the consideration of drug efficacy and safety
Result: 1065 questionnaires were returned and 969 were valid, with an effective rate of 90.99%. The self-medication rate among Chinese aged 12-18 was 96.61%. 65.84% considered drug safety as an essential consideration, and 58.72% took drug efficacy as an important consideration. The multi-factor regression showed that those with better health care scores were more likely to consider drug efficacy as an essential factor(OR=1.554 P＜0.05);those with high family healthy lifestyle scores were more likely to focus on efficacy(OR=1.483 P<0.05). Family health status and monthly per capita household income were associated with whether respondents took drug safety as an important consideration. Those with higher per capita monthly household income (≥$641) were less inclined to consider safety as an essential factor(OR=0.544 P<0.001). Investigators with beller disease prevention were more likely to consider drug safety as an essential factor(OR=2.247 P<0.001);those with better family health resources were more likely to consider drug safety as an essential factor (OR=1.516 P＜0.05).
Conclusion: Self-medication is prevalent among 12-18-year-old adolescents in China. Demographic and sociological characteristics, health literacy, and family health status were associated with the likelihood that adolescents would focus on the safety and efficacy of medication when self-medicating. Health literacy and family health status were positively correlated with the likelihood of considering the efficacy and safety of drugs as important factors when self-medicating. Authorities should take measures to regulate adolescents' self-medication behaviour, strengthen health education for adolescents and their supervisors, and improve their health literacy to reduce the harm caused by inappropriate self-medication.
The relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease in angiography and the incidence of short-term major cardiovascular events of patients with Covid-19 and myocardial infarction: a cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Madadi Reza , Kalantari Zahra , Kalantari Soroor , Makoui Reza Hassanzadeh , Ahangar Hassan , Sepehr Gohari , Mahjani Mahsa , Mansouri Kamyar
Published: February 2023

Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) has been frequently recognized as a risk factor for poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Syntax score is an invasive coronary angiographic-based tool used to determine the severity of CAD. In this study, we aim to investigate the prognostic significance of syntax score for mortality and morbidity among COVID-19 patients.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we have included patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Based on angiographic records, the CAD complexity was measured by Syntax score, and echocardiographic variables were documented. The laboratory data were obtained from the HISS database of the hospital. All patients were followed up one month after discharge for new cardiovascular events, rehospitalization, heart failure (HF), stent thrombosis, cerebrovascular accidents, and death.
Results
In one month, 108 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 64.8 ± 11.6, and 74% were male. The Cox regression model found no association between the Syntax score and the composite outcomes. In the univariate cox proportional HR model, MPV, LDH, and ESR were found to have predictive significance for in-hospital death. AKI was resulted to be significantly associated with rehospitalization in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
The present study did not find a significant association between adverse outcomes and syntax score in COVID-19 patients referred for PCI. Acute kidney injury and duration of ICU stay was found to be the main factor predicting rehospitalization and HF. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Assessing the gut microbiome and the influence of host genetics on a critically endangered primate, the Northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus)
Authors: Sales Naiara Guimaraes , Kaizer Mariane da Cruz , Browett Samuel D. , Gabriel Sofia I. , McDevitt Allan D.
Published: February 2023

Background The Northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) is one of the world’s most critically endangered primates, currently represented by only ~ 1000 remaining mature individuals in the wild. The largest new world primate, this endemic herbivore plays an important role in seed dispersal in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. However, due to several threats such as habitat loss and hunting, the species is in sharp decline and conservation actions are paramount to safeguarding its persistence. Analyses of gut microbiomes in wild populations can contribute to assessing the health status of the host species through the identification of microbial community changes which could lead to increased host vulnerability and disease. This can ultimately contribute to baseline knowledge towards improving conservation programmes and reintroduction efforts. Results In this study, we analysed the microbiome (using 16S rRNA metabarcoding) of faecal samples belonging to 53 uniquely genotyped individuals from three social groups located in a protected area (Caparaó National Park) aiming to provide the first assessment of the microbiome diversity and composition for this species. Our results showed the muriqui gut microbiome was predominantly composed of the phylaBacteroidetesandFirmicutes, with the dominant classes represented byBacteroidiaandClostridia. High similarity in both alpha and beta diversities was found for individuals from distinct groups, suggesting a lower environmental filtering effect on microbiota composition and a negligible geographical effect at the fine spatial scale analysed. Additionally, no significant effect of heterozygosity levels on microbiota diversity was recovered, but a significant influence of genetic distance on microbiota community structure and composition was demonstrated. Conclusions Here, we showed the importance of host genetics on the microbiome and highlighted that although the analysed populations are deemed isolated due to putative environmental barriers, they host a similar microbiome composition, with faecal microbiome stability possibly associated with host genetics, and the linked shared feeding strategies. Furthermore, the detailed wild Northern muriqui microbiome assessment herein included might be used for subsequent management and conservation actions considering future anthropogenic impact assessments on the species and animal relocations and/or reintroductions.
Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome: still much more to understand. A case report and a mini-review
Authors: Pernazza Matteo , Somma Chiara , Tsalouchos Aris , Gallo Pamela , Dattolo Pietro Claudio
Published: February 2023

Introduction-We describe the case of a patient Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome without founding any extrapituitary tumour secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
In the literature there are only a few reported cases and generally the site of the tumor is subsequently identified. In addiction we performed a mini-review of the literature.
Case report-We report the case of a patient with lower extremity edema, weight gain, uncontrolled hypertension, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis and hyperglycemia suffering from ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. None of the instrumental examinations allowed us to locate the source of ACTH secretion. Despite a medical therapy with maximum dosage of steroidogenesis inhibitors a bilateral adrenalectomy was performed due to the development of a life-threatening hypercortisolism. After 12 months from surgery follow-up is still negative for ACTH-secreting tumour.
Conclusion- In a lot of cases Cushing’s syndrome is still nowadays not diagnosed although current advanced techniques. In occult Cushing’s syndrome bilateral adrenalectomy is the best therapy when a life-threatening hypercortisolism develops. The ACTH-secreting tumour could be occult for many years after the onset of symptoms. Follow-up in patients with occult ectopic Cushing’s syndrome undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy should be prolonged for life
Plasmonic characteristics of rhodium dual brokennanorings in UV-visible regime
Authors: Zhang Yue , Xiong Tao , Dong Dandan , Wang Wei , Sun Cheng
Published: February 2023

This work reports on the plasmonic properties of a symmetry-breaking system consisting of rhodium dual broken nanorings, in the ultraviolet-visibleregime. In the structure, two rhodium broken rings are located with a separation on the scale of nanometers. As the separation, the light polarization,and the relative orientation of the broken angles are respectively varied, theplasmonic scattering efficiency of the system is investigated, using the finite difference time domain method. Multiple plasmonic resonances are revealed,and the associated asymmetry-induced Fano-like lineshapes are fitted to amodel that employs multiple Fano lineshape functions. The resonance wave-lengths, the spectral widths, and the characteristic q values are determinedfrom the best fit parameters, and the plasmonic characteristics of the sys-tem are quantitatively probed. The results in this work may be beneficial indesigns of plasmonic devices that operates at ultraviolet-visible wavelengths.
SPEECH DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR ACCOMPANIED BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEMENTIA
Authors: Mudrenko Iryna , Lychko Volodymyr , Sotnikov Dmytro
Published: February 2023

Introduction. All over the world, dementias draw the scientific interest of psychiatrists and neurologists, as they belong to the most common mental illnesses in the old and senile age.
Methods. Speech disorders in patients with dementia accompanied by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) accompanied by suicidal behaviour (SB) were studied using clinical and psychopathological methods. Two hundred three patients were examined, including 75 subjects with dementia accompanied by AD, 73 subjects – by VD, and 60 subjects – by MD. Patients were divided into main and control groups according to the presence/absence of SB signs.
As a result of the study, it was established that stereotypy of oral speech prevailed in patients with SB (69.23% in the main group and 76.47% in the control group). Bradylalia (53.85%), motor (38.46%) and acoustic-amnestic aphasia (35.90%) were also found in the main group. In the control group, the top place was occupied by acoustic-amnestic and optic-amnestic aphasia ((50.00) and (47.06) %, respectively). Written speech disorders were presented by dysgraphia (28.21% in the main group and 38.24% in the control group). Patients with SB accompanied by VD differed from the control group by the prevalence of bradylalia (DC = -2.21; MI = 0.24; p ≤ 0.05). Language function disorders in patients with AD were stereotypical (88.89% in the main group and 97.44% in the control group). Patients with SB were characterized by the speech slowing (47.22%), (DC = -3.11; MI = 0.38; p ≤ 0.01). Oral speech disorders were manifested in acoustic-amnestic (50.00% – for the main and 58.97% – for the control group), optical-amnestic (41.67% – for the main and 43.59% – for the control group), and semantic (36.11% – for the main and 23.08% – for the control group) aphasias. Written speech disorders were mainly manifested in dysgraphia (27.78% for the main group and 23.08% for the control group).
A Diagnosis of Students’ Misconceptions of Photosynthesis and Plant Respiration
Authors:   School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Lim Hooi Lian , Poo Yen Peng ,   Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Phor Tay, 731, Jalan Sungai Dua, 11700 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: February 2023

This study aims to identify common misconceptions about photosynthesis and plant respiration among Form Four (Grade 10) students by developing two-tier multiple-choice test questions. This descriptive survey research was carried out using a quantitative approach, with 500 study samples. The items in Photosynthesis and Plant Respiration Diagnostic Test (PRDT) was designed in two parts; Part One tested the students’ knowledge of concepts, and Part Two tested the students’ understanding and reasoning. Rasch analysis was used to obtain the option probability curves for each item. The option probability curves present a visual image of the distribution of correct answers and misconceptions across the spectrum of student knowledge. The findings showed that students had 43 common misconceptions, which can be categorised into the inability to trace matter, energy as well as scale and location. The findings brought significant implications on the progress of the teaching and learning of Biology.
Pharmacological potential of fungal endophytes associated with the genus Ocimum L.
Authors: M Karthıka , A R Rasmi
Published: February 2023

Endophytes are a rich source of secondary metabolites such as tannins, phenolics, and alkaloids. Endophytic fungi have potential as antioxidants, antimicrobials, anticancer agents, antidiabetic agents, hepatoprotectants, growth promoters, and immunomodulators. Recent studies have shown that endophytes are a valuable source of undiscovered biomolecules. As a result, endophytic isolates from medicinal plants can be used in the pharmaceutical, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Ocimum species, for example, have several medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine. Fungal endophytes have a strong association with Ocimum plants. Previous research has shown that the fungal endophytes of Ocimum sanctum produce phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenes, and volatile compounds. Additionally, fungal endophytes have a direct impact on the medicinal value of the genus Ocimum. This review aimed to discuss the pharmacological properties and diversity of endophytic fungi associated with the genus Ocimum.
Economic value added: The best indicator for measuring value creation or just an illusion?
Authors: Faiteh Anouar , Rachid Aasri Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Value creation has become a very important concept in finance. To this end, value creation metrics, like market value added and economic value added have raised the question of their superiority and ability to reflect the true value of organizations, as opposed to the classic accounting indicators like ROE, ROA and EPS. Nevertheless, EVA can only be calculated for listed companies, which makes it difficult to use this indicator to measure value creation for non-listed companies. In this way, some alternatives have been used such as the accounting beta to calculate the return on equity and subsequently the determination of the EVA. Within this framework, the central point of this research is to empirically verify the idea that the normal EVA and EVA calculated using accounting beta are the better measure than traditional indicators to explain MVA. A panel of 32 companies traded on the Casablanca Stock Exchange over the period 2015–2019 was selected for this study. The regression method on panel data was used. The results show that normal EVA is a superior metric than the classical indicators to explain MVA. In addition, the EVA calculated from the accounting beta could be used as a measure adapted to the case of unlisted companies to measure value creation.