bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth kinetics of benign neuroepithelial brain tumors in children with relapse
Authors: Fedorov E. V. , Kim A. V.
Published: January 2024

The problem of treating children with recurrent cerebral tumors cannot be solved without effective prediction of recurrent blastomatous growth. The main question will be, in addition to the possible risks of tumor recurrence, when should regrowth of the neoplasm be expected in time? In our opinion, one of the probable ways to solve this problem is to study the kinetics of tumor growth and create a mathematical model for it. The aim of the study was to analyze the kinetic features of the continued growth of benign neuroepithelial brain tumors in children after surgical treatment. The study included the results of an MRI of a 32 patients under the age of 17 years. All patients underwent brain tumor resection for the first time in the Department for Children Polenov Neurosurgical Institute (Almazov National Medical Research Centre). All patients had a relapse/continued tumor growth, as well as a benign nature of the neoplasm, which was confirmed pathomorphologically. To construct the kinetic curves, volumetric indicators of tumors obtained by virtual 3D-modeling were used. Depending on the histotype, the tumor growth rate was determined by the formula: v = (VT-VO)/T, and a graphical assessment of changes in the volume of the neoplasm was carried out – the construction of kinetic curves. Further, the most typical kinetic curves for each histological type of benign neuroepithelial tumors were identified.
Cultural Orientations of the Politics of Education in Ukraine (2010–2013): Ideology Strikes Back
Authors: Drozdovskyi Dmytro
Published: January 2024

In this article, the author has analysed educational reforms and educational policy in general, which was implemented in Ukraine during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. A few political cases were analysed, in particular the opposition of the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” to the educational trends implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine under the leadership of Dmytro Tabachnyk. The manifestations of colonial policy in Ukrainian education, which were aimed at the rapprochement of Ukraine and Russia and the positioning of Ukraine as a colonial part of the imperial body, have been outlined. It has been discussed in what implicit way the colonial strategy was implemented in the educational reforms in Ukraine, in particular in the aspect of teaching humanitarian disciplines, e.g. Ukrainian literature. Forms of possible resistance to colonial strategies in the educational field, the principles of overcoming imperial pressure and intensifying the narrative of resistance, which made it possible to avoid further splitting of the Ukrainian identity in the imperial body, have been analysed. The legislative activity, which was focused on strengthening the status of the Russian language as a regional language, has been outlined. Linguistic colonial approaches at the level of legislative initiatives in language policy have been spotlighted, in particular in the Kivalov-Kolesnichenko Law.
The Geopolitical Context of Migrant Routes and Its Impact on Organised Crime in the Republic of North Macedonia
Authors: Mileski Toni , Pacemska Daniela
Published: January 2024

As a country with a specific geopolitical and geostrategic position, North Macedonia, positioned in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, is subject to illegal migration and is located at the crossroads of migrant routes leading from Asia and Africa to Central and Western Europe. Therefore, the article makes an effort to answer two related questions. The first question refers to the geopolitical context of migrant routes and their impact on the increase in migrant smuggling, while the second one is the focus of migrant smuggling within organised crime groups. In terms of time, the research covers the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology of this paper is based on an analysis of policy documents from open sources. Also, the authors surveyed more than one hundred Macedonian police officers who work directly on the borders and engage in the suppression of smuggling migrants, and an in-depth interview with the head of the National Unit for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in North Macedonia.
Comparison of aftershock behavior of the flores sea 12 december 1992 and 14 december 2021
Authors: Jufriansah Adi , Khusnani Azmi , Pramudya Yudhiakto , Afriyanto Mulya
Published: January 2024

Over 30 years, the Flores region experienced earthquakes with Mw >7 twice, namely in 1992 and 2021 at shallow depths <60 km. However, the behavior of the aftershocks accompanying the quake has yet to be studied in detail. This research aims to compare the behavior of aftershocks after the main earthquake. This research uses three-lifetime analysis functions, namely, Wilber3, Mustang Web Browser, and comparison of Probability Density Function Hazard. The data used comes from IRIS data and BMKG Online Data. Through graphical analysis, it is known that the data for the time difference for aftershocks follow the RMS distribution, indicating that the Flores Sea aftershock on 12 December 1992 occurred with high intensity on the 3rd and the 6th day after the main earthquake. Meanwhile, the aftershocks in the Flores Sea on 14 December 2021 tended to occur with a more even intensity during the observation period, but the power returned to high on the 7th day
Shielding parameters of leaded cement mortar
Authors: Abdel-Razek Yassin A.
Published: January 2024

The Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) represent more than 70% of global e-waste sets. The glass of the CRT is doped with lead to prevent emission of radiations especially electrons. The glass at the panel and neck of the CRT along with the cement mortar, a mixture of 70% neck glass and 30% cement (mix70), are investigated mathematically as shielding materials from photons having energies in the range 0.06-3 (MeV). Experimentally the material mix70 is tested at energies 0.238 and 0.583 (MeV). Good agreement was recognized between the calculated shielding parameters and that obtained experimentally while complete equality between the calculated parameters carried out using the online XCom software or Phy-X software except at low energies for concrete material. Glass from panel, neck and mix70 have acceptable shielding characteristics at and below the energy 0.238 (MeV) or generally at the X-ray region. Neck glass has good shielding parameters at the chosen energy region and it is nominated as a shielding material for many nuclear applications. To enhance the shielding characteristics of the material mix70 it should be compacted during preparation to get higher density. The present work tested the shielding properties of leaded glass composites to find out its integrity for practical shielding applications and radiological safety.
Socio-Demographic and Eco-Epidemiological Parameters of Tick-Borne Infections Morbidity in Baikal Region
Authors: Mel’nikova O. V. , Bykova N. A. , Ustinova N. V. , Andaev E. I.
Published: January 2024

The aim of the work was to compare the main socio-demographic and eco-epidemiological parameters of tick-borne viral encephalitis, tick-borne borrelioses and tick-borne rickettsiosis.

Materials and methods. The authors’ databases based on epidemiological investigation records were used for the study. All in all, 2974 cases (Irkutsk and the Irkutsk district) were analyzed during the periods of 1995–2022 for tick-borne viral encephalitis and tick-borne borrelioses, and 2001–2022 for tick-borne rickettsiosis.

Results and discussion. The following parameters were assessed: the timing of epidemic season; the geography of prevalence; localization of tick bite on the human body; incubation time; gender and age structure of patients; social composition and exposure conditions. It was shown, that the parameters had their own features for each disease, and part of them are common to all Eurasian area of these infections. The shared characteristics include: the early epidemic season onset for tick-borne rickettsiosis; the shorter incubation time for tickborne rickettsiosis as compared to tick-borne viral encephalitis and tick-borne borrelioses; the increased frequency of tick-borne rickettsiosis vectors’ bites near the head and neck, and tick-borne borrelioses vectors – on the torso; large percentage of older persons among patients with tick-borne borrelioses and children under 14 years of age among patients with tick-borne rickettsiosis; prevalence of male population over female one as regards all surveyed pathogens. Low incidence of tick-borne diseases among professional contingent (the work associated with staying in natural foci of infection), an increased risk of tick-borne encephalitis and rickettsiosis among social group “unemployed”, and tick-borne borrelioses – among retirees, can be attributed to regional specificity.
Detection of SARS‑CoV‑2 S Gene Mutations Using PCR during Seasons of Increased Incidence of Coronavirus Infection in the Chuvash Republic
Authors: Prishchepa N. P. , Dobrovol’skaya N. Yu. , Nikiforova V. I. , Tarasova T. S. , Preobrazhenskaya E. V.
Published: January 2024

Mutations in the SARS‑CoV‑2 genome make it possible to effectively escape defense mechanisms of the host, which explains the spread of infection among vaccinated or previously affected by the virus individuals.

The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of mutations in the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus genome during the rise of the seasonal incidence in the Chuvash Republic.

Materials and methods. Under conditions of the clinical diagnostic laboratory of the Federal Center for Traumatology, Orthopedics and Endoprosthetics of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Cheboksary), samples, containing SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA, taken in January-February and July-October, 2022 were tested using reverse transcription PCR. The “MBS-Test SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA” (Technical Specifications 21.20.23-068-26329720-2021, Russia) and “AmpliTest SARS‑CoV‑2 VOC v.3” (Series V017, Certificate of Registration No. 2022/16307, Russia) were utilized in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Results and discussion. Variations in the sets of SARS‑CoV‑2 S gene mutations have been revealed in the studied samples obtained during different periods of the spread of SARS‑CoV‑2 coronavirus. Timely detection of various mutations in the virus genome at the beginning of the epidemiological season and the alleged rise in the incidence of coronavirus infection is valuable information for forecasting the rate of virus transmission. It can also be used to create vaccines (taking into account changes in the virus genome) and to choose the adequate tactics for treating coronavirus infection.
Use of Social Media in Orthopaedic Surgery Training and Practice
Authors: Feroe Aliya G. , Only Arthur J. , Murray Jerome C. , Malin Lynsey R. , Mikhael Nizar , Selley Ryan S. , Fader Ryan R. , Hassan Mahad M.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Social media use has grown across healthcare delivery and practice, with dramatic changes occurring in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review to determine the current landscape of social media use by (1) orthopaedic surgery residencies/fellowship training programs and (2) individual orthopaedic surgeons and the change in use over time.

Methods:

We searched 3 electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase) from their inception to April 2022 for all studies that analyzed the use of social media in orthopaedic surgery. Two reviewers independently determined study eligibility, rated study quality, and extracted data. Methodology was in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results:

Twenty-eight studies were included, of which 11 analyzed social media use by orthopaedic surgery residency and fellowship training programs and 17 examined its use by individual orthopaedic surgeons. Among residency and fellowship programs, Instagram was identified as the most common platform used, with 42% to 88% of programs reporting program-specific Instagram accounts, followed by Twitter/X (20%-52%) and Facebook (10%-38%). Social media was most commonly used by programs for recruitment and information dissemination to prospective residency applicants (82% and 73% of included studies, respectively). After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 620% and 177% increase in the number of training programs with Instagram and Twitter/X accounts, respectively. Individual use of social media ranged from 1.7% to 76% (Twitter/X), 10% to 73% (Facebook), 0% to 61% (Instagram), 22% to 61% (LinkedIn), and 6.5% to 56% (YouTube).

Conclusions:

Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook are the premier platforms that patients, residency applicants, and institutions frequent. With the continued growth of social media use anticipated, it will be critical for institutions and individuals to create and abide by guidelines outlining respectful and professional integration of social media into practice.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Humanidades Digitales aplicadas a la Historia del Arte
Authors: Garrido Ramos Beatriz
Published: January 2024

Las Humanidades Digitales (HD) hacen referencia a un concepto, a una nueva forma de entender la disciplina humanística. Una aproximación y aplicación metodológica que permite formular hipótesis de investigación diferentes y novedosas hasta entonces inimaginables, bien por carecer de medios apropiados o simplemente por falta de planteamiento desde otros puntos de vista, a lo que contribuye sin duda el uso de las máquinas, tecnología y herramientas frente al análisis humano. En la presente investigación nos basaremos en la taxonomía TaxMOS HD, pionera en su campo, creada por la autora para el estudio de la mitología romana. Para ello aplicaremos Lectura Aumentada para el análisis de la iconografía y la mitología representada en las escenas de la musivaria romana.
The chemokine CXCL7 is correlated with LDH-A and predicts the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: liang hai , Li Longhai , huang baoyu , Jiang Rongyan , Cheng Gang , ao jiafu , Hao Shuli
Published: January 2024

Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate the correlation between CXCL7 expression and glycolysis and to explore the prognostic significance of CXCL7 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: The expression of CXCL7 and LDH-A was measured by immunohistochemistry in tissue from 158 CRC patients. Patients were divided into high expression and low expression groups based on receiver operating characteristic curves and a cut-off value. The correlation between CXCL7 and LDH-A expression was evaluated. The overall survival (OS) times of CRC patients were explored. The risk factors related to prognosis were assessed. Results: Significantly higher expression of CXCL7 and LDH-A was detected in CRC tissue than in non-CRC tissue, and was associated with N stage and TNM stage. CXCL7 expression was strongly correlated with LDH-A expression in CRC tissue. High expression of CXCL7 was validated as an independent risk factor for OS. Conclusion: Increased expression of CXCL7 was positively correlated with LDH-A expression and was an independent risk factor for CRC prognosis.
Assessment of COVID-19 Numbers by Using Fisher Transform Indicator
Authors: Nutku Ferhat
Published: January 2024

New cases, new deaths, new deaths per new cases numbers belonging to COVID-19 pandemic investigated via open, high, low, close candlesticks and Fisher transform indicator. Candlestick plots, accompanied by crossovers in the Fisher transform indicator, facilitate the determination of the beginning of upward and downward trends in numbers, clearly and in a timely manner. It has been shown that an increase in the total number of peaks over time, in both smoothed candlestick data and in the Fisher transform indicator, can indicate the temporary or persistent diminishing of a pandemic.
Domesticated Animal Reservoirs of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Agricultural Farms in Laguna and Quezon Province, Philippines
Authors: Paller Vachel Gay Velasco , Macaraig Jeph Roxy , Mendoza David Lester
Published: January 2024

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are recognized as significant etiological agents of diarrheal outbreaks in humans as these parasites may be transmitted through the ingestion of water and food contaminated with feces of human or animal origin. However, surveillance studies on the role of animal reservoirs in the transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia are deemed insufficient and the complete dimension of the problem contributing to contamination in an agricultural setting is unknown. This study aimed to assess the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in domesticated animals from selected farms in the agricultural provinces of Laguna and Quezon in Southern Luzon, Philippines. Using immunofluorescence assay, an overall 85.7% prevalence of protozoan infection was recorded among the animals (N = 161). Of these, 77.0% and 73.9% were positive for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, respectively. Highest prevalence (95.83%) of Cryptosporidium was documented in swine and the highest prevalence (89.47%) of Giardia was observed in ruminants. Analyses revealed significant differences in the prevalence of the protozoan parasites among animals with different containment status, water source, age group, and sex. On the other hand, farm workers’ knowledge on parasite transmission was negatively correlated (p = 0.001) to parasite prevalence. With the scarcity of data about Cryptosporidium and Giardia in farm-raised animals in the Philippines, the information obtained from this study will be vital for protozoan source tracking and further control interventions against Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections.
Effects of corn silage and corn silage with hay from xerophytic plants on sheep feeding
Authors: Menezes Rosilda Alves Magalhães , Queiroz Mário Adriano Ávila , de Carvalho Francisco Allan Leandro , Neto João Virgínio Emerenciano , Campos Fleming Sena , Batista Perecles Brito , Bezerra Higor Fábio Carvalho , Almeida Bruno Augusto de Souza
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of partial inclusion of xerophyte hay in corn silage in the diet of twenty entire male sheep without a defined breed standard (NDRS) distributed in four diets with corn silage (CS), corn silage with gliricidia hay (CSG), corn silage with pornunça hay (CSP), corn silage with leucaena hay (CSL), evaluated using a completely randomized block design with five replications, which was established based on body weight initial 18 ± 2 kg. The differences observed in dry matter consumption (DM) and crude protein (CP) indicated higher levels for CSG (1.54 kg/day) and CSP (0.15 kg/day). The digestibility IVDDM (70.35%) and IVDNDF (60.31%) were superior for DM and average daily gain (ADG), as well as the best FC (= 6.93 kg). Mostly, the effects (P < 0.05) were obtained in the cuts, shoulder (P = 0.01), neck (P = 0.01), rib (P = 0.03), shank (P = 0.03), and matambre (P = 0.01). A smaller rib eye area (REA) was observed in the CSL diet cuts, but a more intense luminosity was also observed in L* (P = 0.01) and b* (P = 0.02). Thus, the inclusion of 25% xerophyte hay in the diet of NDRS sheep was neither nutritionally nor economically favourable.
Comparative efficacy of titanium oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles against lead tolerance, growth performance and nutrient profiling of Brassica Napus L. grown under Lead contaminated soil
Authors: Sehrish Adiba Khan , Ahmad Shoaib , Alomrani Sarah Owdah , Tabassam Rohina , Rahim Hafeez Ur , Ahmad Azeem , Tauqeer Arslan , Ali Shafaqat
Published: January 2024

The lead (Pb) has been regarded as toxic metal that negatively impact both plant growth and human health. Due to limited information available about the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2-NPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for the alleviation of Pb stress in crop particularly in Brassica napus L. The current experiment was aimed to investigate the efficacy of foliar application TiO2 and ZnO-NPs on Pb uptake and growth performance. The results of our study demonstrated that TiO2 and ZnO-NPs foliar application at (25, 50 and 100 mg/L) significantly decreased Pb uptake and simultaneously improved plant growth attributes, including shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh weight. Additionally, the NPs foliar application significantly augmented plant photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids) and gas exchange parameters compared to control. The biochemical analysis showed increased in plant antioxidative enzymes activities (peroxidase, Catalase, Superoxide dismutase) and reduction in oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, electrolyte leakage) under Pb stress upon NPs application. Importantly, foliar application of 100mg/L significantly reduced the uptake and translocation of pb in plant root and shoot with 45.7% and 84.1% respectively, as compared to control without nanoparticles. Furthermore, foliar application of TiO2 and ZnO-NPs enhance shoot zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg) calcium (Ca) and Potassium (K) when compared to control without nanoparticles. Interestingly concentrations of macro and micro nutrients with the type and dose of nanoparticles were varied. The highest concentrations of Ca (69.8%), Mn (67.3%) and Zn (78.7%) were found at 100mg/L ZnO-NPs foliar application while, the highest concentrations of Fe (79.4%), Mg (72.1%) and K (81.4%) were observed at 100mg/L TiO2 -NPs. Overall, application of nanoparticles especially, TiO2- NPs for Brassica napus L. is promising strategy for sustainable agriculture towards alleviating Pb toxicity and ensuring food security.
Paper Mill Sludge as a Replacement for the Cellulosic Component of Hydroseed Mixtures
Authors: MacDonald-MacAulay Brittany Ann , Donaldson Adam , Walsh Margaret , Abbey Lord
Published: January 2024

Pulp and paper mill sludge is composed of cellulosic waste and clay, and rich in microorganisms that can benefit horticulture. However, its application in horticulture has received less research attention.Field and greenhouse studies were carried out to determine if sludge from a case study industry can replace the typical cellulosic additive utilized in hydroseeding, and the ideal application rate of a sludge-soil-seed mixture. The treatments were 0 - 100% sludge and soil by mass with a consistent mass of embedded seeds of Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Perennial (Lolium perenne) and Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). Seeding with a top layer of soil and 5 to 75% sludge gave the best outcome using a cellulosic additive after 3 weeks of growth. Mixtures containing 5- 25% sludge resulted in the quickest seed germination rate. The cellulosic additive has the capacity to retain a higher volume of water but requires 15 times more material by volume. An increase in sludge increased water retention by 20%. Overall, the cellulosic additive in hydroseeding applications can be replaced by sludge without plant detriment. However, further testing is needed to determine long-term effects.
Alkali metal cations: no more spectators, but homogeneous catalysts in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Choi Chang Hyuck , Ji Sang Gu , Kim Minho , Han Man Ho , Cho Junsic , Son Yoosang , Kim Young Yong , Kim Zee Hwan , Chae Keun Hwa , Oh Hyung-Suk , Kim Hyungjun
Published: January 2024

Alkali metal cations (AM+) exhibit high solubility and ionic conductivity, making them optimal components in aqueous electrolytes. Despite the conventional belief that AM+ are chemically inert spectators, the strong dependence of electrocatalysis on AM+ has recently provoked debates about their unforeseen catalytic role. However, conclusive evidence is still lacking. Here we demonstrate that AM+ can couple with reaction intermediates and determine kinetics as homogeneous catalysts in aqueous conditions. In alkaline oxygen reduction on carbon, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals a change in the electronic structure of Na+ from its hydrated state on a charged electrode. In situ Raman spectroscopy further identifies that this change is due to the formation of water-unstable NaO2 as a key intermediate in OOH− production. Together with theoretical calculations, this finding enunciates the counterintuitive catalytic role of AM+ in aqueous environments, highlighting the exigency of new interface design principles for better electrocatalysis.
Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy induced inflammatory arthritis secondary to Nivolumab and Ipilimumab: a pediatric first
Authors: Storwick John , Tam Herman , Rosenbaum Daniel , Houghton Kristin
Published: January 2024

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have expanded the arsenal of cancer therapeutics over the last decade but are associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including inflammatory arthritis. While these complications are increasingly recognized in the adult population, no cases of inflammatory arthritis irAEs have been reported in the pediatric literature.
Case Presentation
A 14-year-old female with metastatic epithelioid mesothelioma was referred to the pediatric rheumatology clinic after developing progressive inflammatory joint pain in her bilateral shoulders, hips, and small joints of hands following the second cycle of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab. Initial examinations showed bilateral shoulder joint line tenderness, positive FABERs test bilaterally, tenderness over bilateral greater trochanters, and bilateral second PIP effusions. Her serological profile was notable for positive HLA-B27, positive anti-CCP, negative Rheumatoid Factor, and negative ANA. PET-CT scan performed for disease response following immunotherapy showed symmetric increased metabolic activity primarily involving the supraspinatus, gluteus medius and minimus, and semimembranosus tendon insertions. Her presentation was consistent with a grade 1 irAE that worsened to a grade 2 irAE despite NSAID therapy, prompting a short course of oral prednisolone. She achieved clinical remission of her mesothelioma following six cycles of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab and her inflammatory arthritis was controlled on Celebrex monotherapy.
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first pediatric case of ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis and enthesitis. This case highlights the importance of increasing awareness of diagnosis and management of irAEs in children.
Comparing the effects of argon plasma coagulation and interferon therapy in patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Gao Yuan , Chu Weixin , Hou Lin , Cheng Junlan , Zhong Guyue , Xia Baoguo , Guo Li
Published: January 2024

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation (APC) therapy and interferon therapy in patients with grade I and II vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN).Methods A total of 112 patients with VaIN were diagnosed via colposcopy-induced biopsy and classified into the APC group (n = 77) and interferon group (n = 35). Clinical data including age, grade, symptoms, historical or concomitant neoplasia of the lower genital tract, indications for hysterectomy, pregnancy history, cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) subtype, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Complications and clinical outcomes were assessed at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.Results There was no significant difference in the HPV clearance rate between the APC (53.42%) and interferon (33.33%) groups at 6-month after treatment. However, the 12-month follow-up of the APC group showed a significantly higher HPV clearance rate as compared to the interferon group (87.67% vs. 51.52%, P < 0.05). The APC group exhibited a significantly higher cure rate (79.22% vs. 40.0%) and lower persistence rate ( 12.99% vs. 37.14%) than the interferon group (P < 0.05). Adverse reaction analysis revealed that the primary reaction in the APC group was vaginal drainage, in contrast to the increased vaginal discharge in the interferon group; though the difference was significant (68.83% vs. 28.57%, P < 0.05), no serious complications were observed.Conclusions Treatment with APC is a safe and more effective procedure against VaIN I and II, compared to interferon. APC may serve as a viable alternative to other physiotherapies.
Regional ice flow piracy following the collapse of Midgaard Glacier in Southeast Greenland
Authors: Huiban Flora , Millan Romain , Kjeldsen Kristian , Andresen Camilla S. , Doemgaard Mads , Dehecq Amaury , Brunt Stephen , Khan Shfaqat Abbas , Mouginot Jeremie , Bjørk Anders
Published: January 2024

The collapse of Midgaard Glacier in Southeast Greenland initiated a series of dynamic changes in neighbouring catchments. Understanding the evolution of this collapse, along with the numerous flow reorganizations that have transpired, is of paramount significance. This study delves into this extended retreat and drawdown since the end of the Little Ice Age, along with multiple flow reorganisations and their ripple effects on adjacent catchments. Here, we construct a comprehensive timeline, unveiling previously undisclosed complexities in glacial history. This is the first study documenting and investigating ice flow piracy and flow reorganisation in Greenland. We underscore the vital role of comprehending long-term ice dynamics, bed topography, ice-ocean interactions, and the significance of drainage basin piracy for precise predictions and models, especially in the context of climate change's impact on Greenland's ice sheet. The transformations witnessed at Midgard Glacier triggered both large (basin-wide) and local-scale dynamic shifts, affecting the flow direction of Glacier de France, and subsequently instigating dynamical adjustments within Pourquoi-Pas Glacier. This reinforces the imperative need for an interconnected basin approach when modelling dynamic changes on the ice sheet.
Universal control of four singlet-triplet qubits
Authors: Vandersypen Lieven , Zhang Xin , Morozova Elizaveta , Rimbach-Russ Maximilian , Jirovec Daniel , Hsiao Tzu-Kan , Fari$\tilde{\text{n}}$a Pablo Cova , Wang Chien-An , Oosterhout Stefan D. , Sammak Amir , Scappucci Giordano , Veldhorst Menno
Published: January 2024

The coherent control of interacting spins in semiconductor quantum dots is of strong interest for quantum information processing as well as for studying quantum magnetism from the bottom up. On paper, individual spin-spin couplings can be independently controlled through gate voltages, but nonlinearities and crosstalk introduce significant complexity that has slowed down progress in past years. Here, we present a 2×4 germanium quantum dot array with full and controllable interactions between nearest-neighbor spins. As a demonstration of the level of control, we define four singlet-triplet qubits in this system and show two-axis single-qubit control of each qubit and SWAP-style two-qubit gates between all neighbouring qubit pairs. Combining these operations, we experimentally implement a circuit designed to generate and distribute entanglement across the array. These results highlight the potential of singlet-triplet qubits as a competing platform for quantum computing and indicate that scaling up the control of quantum dot spins in extended bilinear arrays can be feasible.
Amitriptyline Ameliorates Arthritis by Downregulation of Inflammatory Mediators and Oxidative Stress; A
Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Ahsan Haseeb , Kauser Rizwana , Irfan Hafiz Muhammad , Haider Ihtisham , Ahsan Asma , Hassan Syed Shams ul , Bungau Simona , Anjum irfan
Published: January 2024

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-arthritic potential of amitriptyline. The albumin and formaldehyde were used to induce acute and chronic inflammation respectively. The adjuvant-induced arthritis model was developed in rats. In acute model, amitriptyline significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the thickness of paw at early as well as late stages. At high dose of test drug, the significant (p < 0.001) anti-arthritic effect was noted in formaldehyde-induced arthritic model. Likewise, Amitriptyline (40 mg/kg oral dose) produced a 4.7% decrease in swelling of paw prompted by CFA on day 14 that increased to17.09% on day 28. This effect significantly increased by higher dose of Amitriptyline 80 mg/kg (28.63%) on day 28th. The significant (p < 0.001) expression of antioxidant enzyme SOD (super oxide dismutase) was observed at maximum dose (80 mg/kg). Amitriptyline significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines like prostaglandin E2, TNF-α and NF-kB and the results were comparable with naproxen. Further, in-depth molecular docking and simulations studies of amitriptyline showed that it has good binding capacity with inflammatory cytokines showing the highest score with prostaglandin E2. In addition, ADMET studies also proved amitriptyline within the limits of Lipinski’s rule of five. These findings validate the anti-arthritic effect of amitriptyline, but it has limitations for clinical studies.
Dual-layer Spectral Detector CT in Predicting Benign and Malignant Laryngeal Tumors
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Danping , Zhang Xiaodi , Dai Guidong
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To investigate the quantitative parameters of dual-layer spectral detector CT in the assessment of benign and malignant laryngeal tumors.
Methods: Spectral images of 47 patients were retrospectively analyzed in both the arterial phase (AP) and the venous phase (VP), including 26 larynx squamous carcinoma (LSCC) lesions and 28 benign lesions. For the 54 lesions in the AP and VP, the slope of the spectral curve (λHUa and λHUv) from 40keV to 90keV, CT values of conventional images (CTa and CTv), iodine concentrations (ICa and ICv), normalized IC (NICa and NICv), effective atomic number (Zeff-a and Zeff-v), and normalized Zeff (nZeff-a and nZeff-v) were calculated and analyzed between LSCC and benign patients. ROC curve, independent sample t-test, and Spearman rank-sum test were used in statistical analysis.
Results: λHUv40-60keV had the highest diagnostic efficiency in all slope of the spectral curve. So λHU40-60keV was the best slope. All parameters in AP didn’t have well identifying efficiency. But all parameters in VP had perfect identifying efficiency. Especially the ICv was the highest, which sensitivity and specificity were 88.5% and 85.7%. All measured quantitative parameters except CTa and nZeff-a of AP were statistically significant difference between LSCC and benign laryngeal tumors. In the AP, quantitative parameters were weakly positively correlated with two kinds of tumors, especially CTa. But five quantitative parameters ( λHUv40-60keV,CTv,ICv, NICv, Zeff-v) were strongly positively in the VP,which the r values are 0.734, 0.696, 0.748, 0.691, 0.730 respectively.
Mutations Detected in Real World Clinical Sequencing during BTK Inhibitor Treatment in CLL
Authors: Brown Jennifer , Mashima Kiyomi , Fernandes Stacey , Naeem Aishath , Shupe Samantha , Fardoun Rayan , Davids Matthew
Published: January 2024

We retrospectively analyzed 609 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with BTK inhibitors (BTKis) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from 2014 to 2022. Among them, 85 underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) during or after BTKi therapy (ibrutinib, 64; acalabrutinib, 13; pirtobrutinib, 7; vecabrutinib, 1). Patients with NGS at progression (N=36, PD group) showed more 17p deletion, complex karyotype, and previous treatments including BTKi, compared to ongoing responders (N=49, NP group). 216 variants were found in 57 genes across both groups, with more variants in the PD group (158 variants, 70.3% pathogenic, P<0.001). The PD group had a higher incidence of pathogenic variants (70.3%, P<0.001), including 32 BTK (BTK C481S/F/R/Y, L528W, and T474I/L) and 4 PLCG2mutations. Notably, a high VAF L528W mutation was found in a first line ibrutinib-resistant patient. TP53, SF3B1, and NOTCH2mutations were also significantly more prevalent in the PD group (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05). Additionally, MAPK pathway gene mutations trended more common and had higher VAFs in the PD group (P=0.041). T474 mutations were found in 4 of 6 patients progressing on pirtobrutinib, and BTK L528W mutation can arise with both covalent and non-covalent BTKi therapy. These results also suggest that RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway mutations may contribute to BTKi resistance.
Investigation into microdefects and corrosion resistance of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy using electrical discharge coating process
Authors: Mansor Ahmad Fairuz , Azmi Azwan Iskandar , Ismail Sikiru Oluwarotimi
Published: January 2024

Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy is a novel material with outstanding properties suitable for biomedical applications such as implantation devices. Unfortunately, the high composition of nickel in this alloy can be harmful to human body, if its exposure exceeds a threshold value. Therefore, an innovative electrical discharge coating technique was investigated and proposed in this study to develop minimal microdefects formation with high corrosion resistance through fractional factorial design of experiment. The results showed that discharge duration mostly dominated the material deposition, microcracks, and porosity fraction up to 72%, due to the impact of the intensity of discharge energy. There was also a pronounced effect of titanium powder concentration in the deionized water on the percentage of titanium and nickel elements, and microcracks formation. The powder suspension enhanced the recast layer formation through the increment of layer density, which covered up the Ni-rich region and diminished the microcrack formation. An optimized substrate recorded the lowest corrosion current, \({\text{I}}_{\text{corr}}\) and highest corrosion voltage, \({\text{E}}_{\text{corr}}\) at 3.43 x \({\text{10}}^{\text{-6}}\) µA/cm² and − 0.07 V respectively, thus exhibited an outstanding corrosion resistance rate at only 8.57 µm/year in phosphate-buffered saline solution, due to the low nickel, microcracks and porosity fraction in the recast layer.
Are personal health literacy and school health literacy environment important to schoolteachers’ health outcomes?
Authors: Liu Rongmei , Yu Mingyang , Zhao Qiuping , Wang Junfang , Bai Yuxi , Chen Hui , Yang Xiaomo , Liu Shuaibin , Okan Orkan , Chen Xinghan , Xing Yuhan , Guo Shuaijun
Published: January 2024

Background
While the relationship between an individual’s personal health literacy and health outcomes is well-established, the role of the health literacy environment is often overlooked. This study aimed to examine the associations of personal health literacy and the school health literacy environment with health outcomes among schoolteachers.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 schools in Zhengzhou, Henan, China. Using a self-administered questionnaire, teachers (N = 7364) were surveyed collecting data on their sociodemographics, personal health literacy, the school health literacy environment, and four types of health outcomes (health status, health-compromising behaviours, health service use, and healthcare cost). Besides descriptive statistics, a series of logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results
Overall, more than half of teachers (56.9%) had inadequate or problematic health literacy, while more than three-fifths (69.0%) perceived their school health literacy environment was less supportive. Teachers with inadequate health literacy had higher odds of poor health status (odds ratio (OR) = 5.79, 95% CI = 3.84, 8.73), at least one health-compromising behaviour (OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 2.29, 3.68), at least one health service use (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 2.07, 3.61), and more healthcare cost (OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 2.00, 3.16) than those with excellent health literacy, after adjusting for sociodemographics and school health literacy environment. Similarly, teachers who perceived low levels of supportive school health literacy environment had higher odds of poor health outcomes (ORs ranging from 1.13 to 1.78), after adjusting for sociodemographics and personal health literacy.
Conclusion
Both personal health literacy and school health literacy environment are important to schoolteachers’ health outcomes. Educational programs and organisational change are needed to improve personal health literacy and school environments to improve teachers’ health and well-being.
Heterologous and efficient expression of a new alkaline pectin lyase in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Li Junyi , Han Shuangyan
Published: January 2024

Pectin lyase (PMGL) is an industrially important enzyme with widespread applications in the food, paper, and textile industries, owing to its capacity for direct degradation of highly esterified pectin. In this study, PMGL-Ba derived from Bacillus underwent mining and heterologous expression in P. pastoris. Furthermore, diverse strategies, encompassing the optimization of expression cassette components, elevation of gene dosage, and co-expression of chaperone factors, were employed to augment PMGL-Ba production in P. pastoris. The signaling peptide OST1-pre-α-MF-pro and promoter AOX1 were finally selected as expression elements. By overexpressing the transcription factor Hac1p in conjunction with a two-copy PMGL-Ba setup, a strain yielding high PMGL-Ba production was achieved. In shake flask fermentation lasting 144 hours, the total protein concentration reached 1.81 g/L, and the enzyme activity reached 1821.36 U/mL. For further scale up production, high-density fermentation transpired in a 5 L fermenter for 72 h. Remarkably, the total protein concentration increased to 12.49 g/L, and the enzyme activity reached an impressive 12668.12 U/mL. The successful heterologous and efficient expression of PMGL-Ba not only furnishes a valuable biological enzyme for industrial applications but also contributes to cost reduction in the utilization of biological enzymes in industrial applications.
Multiple Fault Tolerant PUC Multilevel Inverter Using the Concept of Redundancy with Low Total Blocking Voltage, Device Count and High Post-Fault Efficiency for Five Switches Fault
Authors: Phukan Hillol , Tiwari Dinesh Kumar , Singh Jiwanjot , Pati Avadh
Published: January 2024

In this article, a fault-tolerant Packed U Cell MLI (FT-PUC-MLI) is presented, which utilizes two DC sources with nine main switches and eight redundant switches for creating 7-level across the output. The proposed topology uses phase disposition sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PD-SPWM) for the generation of gate signals. A detailed analysis of the proposed topology is done with respect to efficiency, power loss and total harmonics distortions (THD). A brief comparative analysis in terms of device count, total blocking voltage, post and pre fault efficiency, post and pre fault voltage levels is being done. The proposed topology can tolerate single-switch and multiple-switch failures, thus enabling it to be used for emergency loads. The proposed topology maintains a constant output voltage level in the post-fault period. The simulation of FT-PUC-MLI topology is carried out by using the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform with all possible switch fault combinations and real time simulation is also being done in OPAL RT 4510.
Real Time Parking System using ML
Authors: Kokate Rohan , Kohad Dishant , Hiwarkar Amita , Godbole Pooja , Bhasarkar Rutik
Published: January 2024

In response to the exponential growth of vehicles in the last two decades, we propose a Machine Learning-based Smart Parking System designed to address the challenges of parking management without the need for sensors or IoT technology. This system leverages cloud computing and a cyber-physical framework to streamline parking operations, providing real-time information to users about parking slot availability, efficient management of reserved and unreserved slots, detection of anomalies, and intelligent traffic management. With a user-friendly interface, the system minimises human intervention, resulting in time, cost, and energy savings, offering an enhanced and efficient solution for urban parking management.In response to the exponential growth of vehicles in the last two decades, we propose a Machine Learning-based Smart Parking System implemented as a web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, without the need for sensors or IoT technology. This web-based system leverages cloud computing and a cyber-physical framework to streamline parking operations, providing real-time information to users about parking slot availability, efficient management of reserved and unreserved slots, detection of anomalies, and intelligent traffic management. With a user-friendly interface, the system minimises human intervention, resulting in time, cost, and energy savings, offering an enhanced and efficient solution for urban parking management.
Analysis of 26 STRs loci (PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System) in Mestizos from the Mexico City
Authors: López-Armenta Mauro , Álvarez-Sánchez María Elizbeth , León-Campos Carolina , Gonzalez-Sobrino Blanca Zoila , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Sánchez-Méndez Astrid Desireé , Aguilar-Velázquez José Alonso
Published: January 2024

Background
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are the most widely used genetic markers in forensic genetics. Therefore, it is essential to document genetic population data of new kits designed for human identification purposes, in order to enable laboratories to use these genetic systems to interpret and solve forensic caseworks. However, in Mexico, there are not studies with the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System, which included 26 STRs (23 autosomal STRs and 3 Y-STRs).
Methods and Results
A total of 600 DNA samples from Mexico City were subjected to genotyping using the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System. For autosomal STRs, 321 different alleles were observed, while combined PE and PD were 99.999999809866 and 99.99999999999999999999999818795%, respectively. Genetic distances and AMOVA test showed low but significant differentiation between Mexican populations.
Conclusions
The results reported in this work demonstrate the efficacy of this system for human identification purposes in the population studied, and justify its possible application in other Mexican Mestizo populations.
Usefulness and safety of new ultrasmall-diameter colonoscope for cases with difficult insertion: A retrospective study
Authors: Terada Rie , Ichijima Ryoji , Iwao Aya , Kinebuchi Hiroshi , Okada Yuta , Sugita Tomomi , Ogura Kanako , Haruta Akiko , Kogure Hirofumi
Published: January 2024

Colonoscopies are widely available, but there are cases where insertion can be difficult, even for experienced endoscopists. EC-760XP/L, a new ultrasmall-diameter long scope, may be useful in such cases.
This single-center retrospective study included 39 cases where colonoscope insertion was difficult even when previously conducted by an experienced endoscopist. The primary outcome was the cecal intubation time using EC-760XP/L compared to a previous examination with a standard scope. The secondary outcomes were the cecum intubation rate, intestinal cleanliness level, adenoma detection rate, polyp detection rate, sedative use rate, occurrence of adverse events, and pain experience.
A comparison of cecal intubation times between EC-760XP/L and the standard scope showed that insertion times were significantly reduced with EC-760XP/L (9.5 minutes) compared to the standard scope (19 minutes) (p < 0.01). The standard scope achieved cecal intubation in 30 cases (76.9%), whereas EC-760XP/L reached the cecum in all cases (p < 0.01). Pain was observed in 3 cases (8.3%) with the EC-760XP/L, significantly lower than the 22 cases (56.4%) with the standard scope (p < 0.01).
In conclusion, EC-760XP/L proved to be useful in cases where colonoscope insertion was difficult.