bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disseminated multi-organ aspergillosis with acute cerebral infarction in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome. A case report.
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Huan , Xiao Xia , Lv Hairong , Zhao Minfeng
Published: October 2023

Background:
Central nervous system invasive aspergillosis (CNS-IA) is a relatively uncommon but frequently fatal infectious disease, especially in immunodeficiency patients. The clinical manifestations of CNS-IA are diverse; however, the cases with blindness and cerebrovascular events as the main clinical manifestations are extremely rare. We present, herein, the case of a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome, who was diagnosed with disseminated aspergillosis involving the CNS, lungs, and eyeballs, followed by a fatal basal ganglia infarction as the major cause of death. This report reveals the diversity of clinical manifestations in the patients with CNS-IA, and essence of a dreadful infectious disease.
Case presentation:
A 48-year-old male patient with myelodysplastic syndrome was admitted to the hospital with progressive visual extinction in the left eye and recurrent fever. Imaging examination showed multiple intracranial and pulmonary lesions. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test of the patient’s peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid both positive for Aspergillus nidulans. Endophthalmitis was diagnosed based on the patient’s clinical symptoms and mass-like echogenicity observed in the atrium on ophthalmologic ultrasound. Combined antifungal therapy (voriconazole + caspofungin) was provided to the patient, followed by significant symptom relief and imaging improvement at the time of one week post treatment. However, after the continued antifungal treatment for another four days, the patient suddenly suffered from new-onset acute infarcts in the left basal ganglia, and died five days later.
Conclusions:
CNS-IA is an infectious disease with diverse clinical manifestations and high mortality. Due to the angio-invasive capacity of Aspergillus, multiple organ involvement, especially more severe cerebrovascular events may occur in patients with CNS-IA, which is worth clinicians to be alert to this complication.
Blockchain-enabled Crafts Supply Chain for Rural Handicraft Artisans: An Implementation Approach
Authors: Basak Jayanta , Saha Advaita , Bhaumik Parama , Roy Siuli
Published: October 2023

The rural handicrafts industry is a highly fragmented industry with many small-scale businesses. Despite its cultural and economic importance, this industry encounters challenges like intermediary exploitation, restricted market entry, and lack of a credible product authentication system, making it susceptible to competition from cheaper machine-made alternatives. It can lead to loss of sales and reputational damage endangering both the artisans' livelihoods and the craft's sustainability. To address these challenges, establishing end-to-end visibility within the rural handicrafts supply chain offers enhanced transparency, traceability, and authentication. This fosters trust among the various participants in the supply chain. However, ensuring the integrity of the supply chain data is essential, necessitating a mechanism to secure production process information, verify product and artisan authenticity, and enable transparent transactions. This paper proposes a blockchain-enabled crafts supply chain for rural artisans and presents an innovative implementation approach using the real data (artisan and product profiles) from rural kantha artisans in Birbhum district, West Bengal. By leveraging the decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature of blockchain, our approach provides a practical framework that could be adapted to other similar contexts.
Effect of immune-modulating metronomic capecitabine as an adjuvant therapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: He Qianyong , Luo Xiuling , Liu Lina , Zhao Chaofen , Li Zhuoling , Jin Feng
Published: October 2023

Introduction Metronomic capecitabine used as an adjuvant therapy improves survival in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). This therapeutic approach may also contribute to improved immune function, consequently enhancing overall therapeutic efficacy.
Aim We aimed to evaluate the effect of metronomic capecitabineas an adjuvant therapy on immune function and survival in cases of LA-NPC.
Subjects and methods Enrolled in the study were 28 patients with LA-NPC, who were equally assigned to two groups of 14 each: experimental and control group. The experimental group received induction chemotherapy + concurrent chemotherapy + adjuvant chemotherapy as well as oral capecitabine at a dose of 650 mg/m² of body surface area twice daily for 1 year, with the option to discontinue in case of intolerance. The control group did not receive additional chemotherapy or targeted drugs after the induction chemotherapy + concurrent chemoradiotherapy; however, they were followed up regularly. Immune function changes and survival were compared between the two groups.
Results The median follow-up time was 43.5 months. The experimental group exhibited higher levels of CD8+, CD28+, CD8+, and activated CD8+ cells 1 year after adjuvant chemotherapy compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The CD4/CD8 ratio and proportion of monocyte-derived dendritic cells of the experimental group were also higher than those of the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05). The comparisons of overall survival, local-regional recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival between the experimental group and the control group showed percentages of 92.9% vs. 78.6%, 92.9% vs. 92.9%, 78.6% vs. 71.4%, and 85.7% vs. 78.6%, respectively, but these differences were not significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion It was observed that metronomic capecitabine chemotherapy induces an immunomodulatory effect in LA-NPC.
Trial registration: NCT02958111, date of registration 04-11-2016.
Impact of autonomic symptoms on the clinical course of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Fujita Hiroaki , Ogaki Keitaro , Shiina Tomohiko , Sakuramoto Hirotaka , Nozawa Narihiro , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Autonomic dysfunction is a candidate marker for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), butthe impact of the severity of autonomic symptoms on the subsequent progression of PD has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the severity of autonomic symptoms on the clinical prognosis of patients with PD.
Methods
Seventy-four consecutive patients with PD were classified into two groups, defined by severe or mild autonomic symptoms, using the Scales for Outcomes in PD–autonomic dysfunction (SCOPA-AUT). The time to endpoints (discontinuation of visits because of hospital admission, death, or institutionalization) was evaluated retrospectively four to six years after the initial evaluation and compared between the two groups. We also investigated factors associated with poor prognosis.
Results
The patients with high SCOPA-AUT scores reached the endpoints in a shorter time than those with low SCOPA-AUT scores (median time, 1452 days vs. 1699 days; P=0.006). The proportion of patients who were admitted or died was significantly higher among the patients with high SCOPA-AUT scores than among those with low SCOPA-AUT scores (43.9% vs. 12.1%, P =0.003). In the Cox survival analysis, high SCOPA-AUT (hazard ratio, 3.646; 95% CI, 1.143-11.633; p = 0.029) and Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part III (hazard ratio, 1.036; 95% CI, 1.005-1.069; p = 0.024) scores were associated with faster progression.
Conclusions
The clinical course of PD was poor when autonomic symptoms were severe.
Research on the Prediction of Mine Water Inrush Disasters Based on Multi-Factor Spatial Game Reconstruction
Authors: Zheng Qiushuang , Wang Changfeng , Zhu Zhenhao
Published: October 2023

Water damage in mines pose a widespread challenge in the coal mining industry. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the multi-factor spatial catastrophe evolution mechanism and process of floor water inrush is crucial, which will enable the achievement of dynamic, quantitative, and precise early warning systems. It holds significant theoretical guidance for implementing effective water prevention and control measures in coal mines.This study focuses on the issue of water inrush in the coal seam floor, specifically in the context of Pengzhuang Coal Mine. By utilizing a small sample of non-linear characteristics derived from drilling geological data, we adopt a multifactor spatial perspective that considers geological structure and hydrogeological conditions. In light of this, we propose a quantitative risk prediction model that integrates the coupled theoretical analysis, statistical analysis, and machine learning simulation methods.Firstly, the utilization of a quantification approach employing a triangular fuzzy number allows for the representation of a comparative matrix based on empirical values. Simultaneously, the networked risk transmission effect of underlying control risk factors is taken into consideration. The application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) optimizes the entropy weight method, effectively reducing the interference caused by multifactor correlation. By employing game theory, the subjective and objective weight proportions of the control factors are reasonably allocated, thereby establishing a vulnerability index model based on a comprehensive weighting of subjective and objective factors.Secondly, the WOA-RF-GIS approach is employed to comprehensively explore the interconnectedness of water diversion channel data. Collaborative Kriging interpolation is utilized to enhance the dimensionality of the data and facilitate spatial information processing.Lastly, the representation of risk is coupled with necessary and sufficient condition layers, enabling the qualitative visualization of quantitative results. This approach aims to accurately predict disaster risk with limited sample data, ultimately achieving the goal of precise risk assessment.The research findings demonstrate that the reconstructed optimization model based on multi-factor spatial game theory exhibits high precision and generalization capability. This model effectively unveils the non-linear dynamic processes associated with floor water inrush, which are influenced by multiple factors, characterized by limited data volume, and governed by complex formation mechanisms. The identification of high-risk areas for water inrush is achieved with remarkable accuracy, providing invaluable technical support for the formulation of targeted water prevention and control measures. Consequently, this research proactively ensures the safety of coal mining operations.
Association of COVID-19 Policy Stringency on Patient Satisfaction with Community Pharmacy in China: A Cross-sectional Standardized Patient Study
Authors: Huang Ruijian , Xu Dong Roman , Pan Jay , Wang Xiaohui , Chen Yingsong , Xue Qingyuan , Liu Jiamei , Xu Jingyun , Xiao Yue , Jiang Feng , Chen Yanfei , Ding Siyu , Wang Di , Zhou Jifang
Published: October 2023

Background: Community pharmacy services play a crucial role in China's primary healthcare system. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented challenges. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 closure policies on patient satisfaction and evaluating the underlying mechanisms are essential for enhancing the quality of pharmacy services.
Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted from April 2021 to September 2022, using an unannounced standardized patient approach in community pharmacies across China. Patient satisfaction measured using validated tools, with closure policies related to COVID-19 as the primary exposure variable.
Results: The study included 1,076 eligible visits sample of community pharmacies and patients. Results indicated that stricter closure policies had a significant negative impact on patient satisfaction (β = −0.18, p = 0.019). This negative effect may be attributed to worsened accessibility (β = -0.12, p = 0.019) and capability of pharmaceutical service providers (β = -0.17, p = 0.002). Subgroup analyses further demonstrated a negative correlation between stricter closure policies and lower satisfaction levels with regard to accessibility (β = -0.38, p = 0.036), capability (β = -0.37, p = 0.089), and communication (β = -0.34, p = 0.095).
Conclusions: COVID-19 closure policies in China have adverse consequences for the quality of pharmacy services. These findings highlight the urgency of addressing abrupt infectious diseases or public health emergencies. Enhancing access to pharmacy services and improving the capability of providers are critical strategies to ensure an effective response to sudden public health crises.
Melatonin Ameliorates High Fat Diet Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Insulin Resistance, Amyloid Burden and Memory Dysfunction in Female Mice and their offspring
Authors: Jan Amin , Shah Mohsin , Shah Shahid Ali , Syed Hamid Habib , Ehtesham Ehtesham
Published: October 2023

High fat diet (HFD) is a prime factor, which contributes to the present epidemic of metabolic syndrome. HFD induces oxidative stress (OS) that in turn causes neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, synaptic dysfunction, insulin resistance and amyloid burden. Pineal gland secretes a potent anti-apoptotic hormone, melatonin that has the potential to nullify the toxic effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ameliorate various complications induced by HFD in rodent models. We aimed to find the therapeutic effects of melatonin against HFD-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration mediated by OS in pregnant mice and their offspring. The neuroprotective effects of melatonin against HFD induced neurotoxicity were analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence in the brain homogenates of pregnant albino mice and their offspring. Short and long term memory loss was evaluated. HFD significantly induced OS leading to neuroinflammation and apoptotic neurodegeneration in cortex and hippocampus of the pregnant mice and their offspring. However, administration of melatonin with HFD significantly improved synaptic dysfunction and inhibited both the neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in albino mice. Here, we report that melatonin exerts these effects via SIRT1 mediated NRF-2/HO-1 signaling pathway to reduce HFD-induced OS and insulin resistance. This study revealed that melatonin could reverse HFD induced multiple complications leading to the memory dysfunction in pregnant female mice and their successive generation via activation of SIRT1/NRF2 signaling pathway.
Exploring The Role of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills of Nursing in Patients Healing
Authors: Rehman Unaiza , Sohail Amjad
Published: October 2023

Background
Nurses have been an eminent part of the healthcare force. Primarily focusing on patient interactions with nurses as they are the main healthcare providers. They are also responsible for patient care and wellness during their stay at the hospital or any medical vicinity. Nurses are specialized in patient care which involves their role as counselors, healers, and caregivers.
Methods
The paper aims to involve issues on the intersection of nurses' communication and its relative relation with the patient's healing. This paper aims to explore how verbal and non-verbal communication impacts the patient's perception of the disease, develops the notion of one's disease, and impacts patient care delivery. This exploratory research focuses on the significance of nursing staff communication with patients. The research is done in their natural settings and the methodology involves a qualitative thematic analysis followed by in-depth interviews in hospitals.
Results
The empirical data is collected from a sample of ten participants, belonging to diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. The six main themes identified in verbal communication are pitch, tone, and choice of words, whereas non-verbal communication includes listening skills, body language, and the sense of social touch. The result indicates that effective communication improves patients’ health. Cultural linguistic barrier significantly affects the patients in such a way that they do not comprehend their needs.
Conclusion
Nurses are essential healthcare providers who specialize in patient care, acting as counselors, healers, and caregivers. This paper explores the impact of nurses' communication on patients' healing, examining how verbal and non-verbal communication affects patients' perceptions of their illness and the quality of care they receive. The study highlights the importance of effective communication between nursing staff and patients and shows that effective communication improves patients’ health outcomes.
Lignans aid novel therapy for migraine through Network Pharmacology
Authors: RUSHENDRAN R , Vellapandian Chitra
Published: October 2023

Most of the women’s daily life disturbed due to migraine attack. Till today there were lots off researches going on to treat migraine but the eminent scientists found the specific drugs to minimize the symptoms produced in the migraine attack. Network pharmacology will be the different strategy to treat migraine via networking of compound-target-pathway approach. This research looked at the molecular mechanism by which the herbal combination of Chrysanthemum indicum and Crocus sativus is effective in relieving migraine symptoms. The biomolecules of CICS were acquired from Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical and IMPPAT Databases. Active ingredients were screened by SwissADME tool and toxicity by OSIRIS tool. The migraine associated targets of active ingredients were determined by online databases. The biomolecule-target-pathway network and degree analysis were evaluated by Cytoscape software 3.9.1. Asarinin, Chrysantherol, Chrysanthetriol, Fargesin, and Crocetin were identified as key ingredients. From the 118 common targets specifically AKT1, VEGFA, TNFα, IL6, and PTGS2 were identified as top key targets based on topological parameters to treat migraineurs. Through enrichment analysis, we identified 167 significant signaling pathways. Lignans and Sesquiterpenes showed good binding affinity with more than 7.00kcal/mol in the molecular docking analysis. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are the cornerstones of treatment for CICS-related migraine. Multiple paths, targets, and components can be used in conjunction with the two plants. Lignan fraction having antimigraine activity in dose dependent manner, further keen research should be done with the Fargesin which provide a reference for clinical migraine management.
Blockchain-Based Privacy-Preserving for secure and efficient Maas Ecosystem in the context Of IoV: A Survey
Authors: Murkomen Timothy
Published: October 2023

The rapid advancement of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) within the transport sector has brought forth critical challenges in safeguarding privacy and ensuring data security for its participants. In response, blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution, offering a decentralized and tamper-resistant infrastructure. This survey paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the utilization of blockchain in the transport sector, with a specific focus on MaaS, and explores its potential role in preserving privacy and enhancing security. We delve into the privacy concerns related to data collection, sharing, and storage within MaaS systems, and examine how blockchain can address these issues through its unique characteristics of transparency, immutability, and cryptographic techniques. By conducting an extensive survey, we analyze the existing blockchain-based privacy-preserving mechanisms applied in the transport sector, shedding light on their efficacy, limitations, and potential applications. Through this survey, we aim to provide valuable insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, highlighting the potential of blockchain-based privacy-preserving approaches in constructing secure and efficient MaaS ecosystems within the context of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). The study emphasizes the significance of blockchain technology in safeguarding the privacy of participants' data and enhancing overall security, paving the way for the future of privacy-conscious and robust MaaS platforms in the dynamic transport sector. Index Words: Blockchain, Blockchain-based, MaaS, Privacy, Mobility-as-a-Service, Transport-Sector, Security, IoV, Internet of Vehicles.
Integrated Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis Provides insights into CpFPA1 for Floral Induction in Chimonanthus praecox (Magnoliidae) without FLC in genome
Authors: Li Zhineng , Hou Huifang , Wu Chunyu , Huo Juntao , Liu Ning , Jiang Yingjie , Sui Shunzhao
Published: October 2023

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), a rare winter-flowering woody plant, is well known for its unique blooming time, fragrance and long flowering period. However, the molecular mechanism of flowering in C. praecox remains poorly unclear. In this study, we used transcriptomic and proteomic association analysis to reveal the critical genes/proteins at three key flower bud (FB) differentiation stages (FB.Apr, FB.May and FB.Nov) in C. praecox. The results showed that a total of 952 DEGs and 40 DEPs were identified. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that DEGs in FB.Apr/FB.May comparison group were mainly involved in metabolic of biological process, cell and cell part of cellular component and catalytic activity of molecular function. In the KOG functional classification, DEPs were predicted mainly in the function of general function prediction only (KOG0118), post-translational modification, protein turnover and chaperones. The autonomous pathway genes play an essential role in the floral induction. Based on transcriptome and proteome correlation analysis, six candidate genes associated with the autonomous pathway were identified, including FPA1, FPA2a, FPA2b, FCA, FLK, FY. The fold change of unigene0031805 FPA1 in mRNA and protein level reached over 5 and 1.5 in FB.Nov/FB.Apr and FB.Nov/FB.May; and that of which reached over 2.5 and 1.2 in FB.May/FB.Apr, respectively. Furthermore, CpFPA1 was isolated and functionally characterized, and ectopic expression of CpFPA1 in Arabidopsis Columbia (Col-0) resulted in earlier flowering. These data could contribute to understand the function of CpFPA1 for floral induction and provide information for further research on the molecular mechanisms of flowering in wintersweet.
Spinal cord compression by cystic IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis mimicking neurocysticercosis: a case report
Authors: Araújo David Augusto Batista Sá , Ribeiro Rodrigo Mariano , Lima Pedro Lucas Grangeiro de Sá Barreto , Queiroz Dánton Campos , Pitombeira Milena Sales , Martins Bernardo , Coimbra Pablo Picasso Araújo , Nogueira Cleto Dantas , Neto Pedro Braga , Silva Guilherme Diogo , Nóbrega Paulo Ribeiro
Published: October 2023

Background: To report a case of IgG4-related pachymeningitis presenting with cystic lesions mimicking neurocysticercosis.
Case presentation: A 40-year-old female patient with tetraparesis, dysphagia and dysphonia was evaluated with clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and meningeal biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement involving the cranial, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments with spinal cord compression and cystic lesions. CSF immunology was initially positive for cysticercus cellulosae. After disease progression a meningeal biopsy was compatible with IgG4 related disease. The patient had partial response to rituximab and needed multiple surgical procedures for spinal cord decompression and CSF shunting.
Conclusions: This case highlights the possibility of IgG4-related disease in patients with diffuse pachymeningitis causing spinal cord compression, even with cystic lesions on MRI. Diagnosis of IgG4-related pachymeningitis is paramount due to the possibility of treatment response to immunotherapy, particularly to anti-CD20 agents.
Frequency veering of railway vehicle systems and its mapping to vibration characteristics
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Gong Dao , Zhou Jinsong
Published: October 2023

Frequency veering is a phenomenon that occurs during the process of modal parameter changes, which is closely related to the response characteristics of the system. Firstly, take the system with simple DOFs as the research object, the variations of modal damping ratio and modal shape in the process of frequency veering are analyzed, and the criterion for identifying frequency veering is preliminarily proposed. Then, to explore the modal evolution of complex vehicle systems with multiple DOFs, an adaptive modal continuous tracking algorithm based on local search algorithm is proposed using the Euclidean closeness of complex modal shapes as an index. The frequency veering phenomenon is analyzed with the established vehicle system dynamics model (Model Ⅰ) and reproduced through the SIMPACK model for multi-body dynamics simulation (Model Ⅱ). The perturbation method is used to analyze the mechanism of the vehicle system eigenvectors being prone to mutations during frequency veering, and the abnormal changes of the modal shapes in the process of frequency veering are further verified. In addition, two quantitative indexes for identifying frequency veering are proposed based on the modal assurance criterion (MAC) and modal shape similarity (MSS). Finally, the mapping relationship between frequency veering and vehicle system response characteristics is explored. The results indicate that before and after frequency veering, the modal shapes interchange, and in the frequency veering zone, the damping-hopping phenomenon also occurs, resulting in a significant decrease in system stability. Corresponding to the phenomena of modal damping ratios and modal shapes, the motion morphology of the vehicle system is clearly observable, and the DOF response of the car body and bogie is obviously increased, which is also manifested in the increase of the vibration of the car body and the bogie and the deterioration of the vehicle ride quality.
Seismic Response Control of RCC building with Plan and Vertical Irregularities using Dampers
Authors: Sanghai Sanket , Gurmule Chinmay
Published: October 2023

Earthquakes can be devastating for cities due to mid and high-rise buildings, as these structures are vulnerable to shaking due to earthquake forces. The effects of earthquake magnify when buildings are constructed with plan or elevational irregularities. To address this issue, in this study, building models with plan and vertical irregularities are analyzed using nonlinear time history analysis. Further, fluid viscous dampers are designed for both types of buildings using Performance based methodology. The response of buildings during seismic events for all models with plan and vertical irregularities is checked with and without dampers. The storey displacements, base shear, element forces and energy dissipation of dampers is compared for the various time history earthquake records. It was observed that, the design of fluid viscous damper changes drastically when irregularities comes into picture. Also, an increase in base shear, axial force values while decrease in storey displacement, shear forces, bending moment values was observed due to inclusion of dampers. It is found that the dampers in structures are effective in resisting earthquake forces.
Coalbed Methane Content Prediction with a Seismic Multi-attribute Support Vector Regression Model
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Zhang Jiawei , Huang Yaping
Published: October 2023

Accurate prediction of coalbed methane (CBM) content plays an essential role in CBM exploration and development. In this study, we selected eight seismic attributes with good responses to the CBM content as the input data. The support vector regression (SVR) model was employed to predict the CBM content and compared with the results of the traditional BP neural network method. The results reveal that the SVR model has higher accuracy compared to the BP neural network model and can better identify areas with high CBM content in the case of small samples. Last, we applied the seismic multi-attribute SVR model to predict the CBM content in an exploration area of the Qinshui Basin in China. The predicted high-gas-bearing areas are consistent with the field data, further verifying the effectiveness and practicality of our method for predicting CBM content.
Multimodal Conversion Therapy with TACE, Zimberelimab, Lenvatinib and S-1, Followed by Debulking Surgery to Prolong Survival for Gallbladder Cancer with Liver Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Sun Jianbing , Dang Junqiang , Wang Qingqiang , Zhu Tingshun , Shang Lin , Yuan Zhilin , He Lianxiang , Tu Qian , Yang Yanling , Xiang Hongjun
Published: October 2023

Currently, the prognosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) with liver metastasis is very poor upon the standard first-line chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy. The published articles supported surgery following multimodal conversion therapy of systemic and locoregional treatment might be a feasible way to prolong survival of GBC with liver metastasis. Herein, we reported a 65-year-old female of GBC with locoregional lymph nodes, blood vessels invasion and liver metastasis in clinical practice. She initiated systemic treatment (zimberelimab and lenvatinib) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and successfully underwent palliative cholecystectomy and partial hepatectomy after 1 course treatment. Then she resumed systemic treatment (zimberelimab, lenvatinib plus S-1) and another TACE on demand, and subsequently received resection of liver metastasis 7 months later. To date, the patient has been achieving a progression-free survival of 13 months from diagnosis. Our case hints that surgery following conversion therapy of systemic and locoregional treatment is a potential way to improve the outcome of GBC with liver metastasis.
Dimensional Accuracy, Mechanical Property, and Optical Stability of Zirconia Orthodontic Bracket
Authors: Park Changbum , Giap Hai-Van , Kwon Jae-Sung , Kim Kyung-Ho , Choi Sung-Hwan , Lee Joon Sang , Lee Kee-Joon
Published: October 2023

This in vitro study evaluated comprehensively the performances of zirconia brackets with varying yttria proportions in manufacturing advanced orthodontic brackets. Three experimental groups of zirconia brackets were fabricated using yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) materials with different yttria proportions–3 mol% yttria (3Y-YSZ), 4 mol% yttria (4Y-YSZ), and 5 mol% yttria (5Y-YSZ) (Tosoh Ceramic, Japan). A polycrystalline alumina ceramic bracket (3M™ Clarity™ Advanced, MBT 0.022-inch slot) was employed as the control group. Morphological properties, including slot surface structure and dimensions, were examined using scanning electron microscopy and surface profiler analysis. Manufacturing accuracy was assessed with root mean square calculations of trueness and precision. Mechanical properties were tested, encompassing static and kinetic frictional resistance (FR) and fracture strength. Optical stability was evaluated through 20,000 cycles of thermocycling and a seven-day immersion in various coloring agents. Within the limitations of this study, zirconia brackets containing 3 to 5 mol% YSZ presented enhanced reliability in terms of dimensional accuracy and demonstrated favorable optical stability. Notably, owing to its advantageous mechanical properties, the 3Y-YSZ variant showed remarkable potential as an advanced material for fabricating orthodontic brackets.
Bottom-up Aggregation of Field-Level Oil Production Profiles via a Successive Sampling Discovery Model and a Birth Process: An Application to the Gulf of Mexico and Norway
Authors: Tarach Moritz
Published: October 2023

We formulate a stochastic bottom-up model for the rate of oil production in a region by combining a size-biased sampling model of the discovery process (Barouch-Kaufman model), a birth process model for the discovery times, and field-level production profiles. For the size-biased sampling model we make the usual assumptions plus the assumption of a truncated field-size distribution and a Poisson prior distribution for the total number of fields. We then propose two approaches by which the size-biased sampling model can be formally connected to a model for the discovery times within a stochastic birth process framework. Using a truncated lognormal field-size distribution, parameter estimation via the expectation-maximization algorithm is repeated for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Norway based on the discovery history up to several different years. Combining the estimation results with the other components of the bottom-up model, we conduct Monte Carlo simulations for each region to derive the posterior distribution (conditioning on the discovery history) for the time path of the rate of oil production.
JEL classification: Q35, Q47, C83, C63
Effects of Chinese herbal medicines mixture on antioxidant, immunity and disease resistance against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Wang Qi , Huang Jinqiang , Li Yongjuan , Wu Shenji , Zhao Lu , Pan Yucai , Kang Yujun , Liu Zhe
Published: October 2023

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has attracted widespread attention due to its natural, non-toxic, and low side-effect properties. Furthermore, Chinese herbal medicines mixture (CHMM) is often considered to have more beneficial effects than a single CHM. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of CHMM on antioxidant, immunity and disease resistance against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The results showed that the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities of rainbow trout were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) after feeding with CHMM. Meanwhile, the expression of immune and antiviral related genes (NF-KB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, MDA5, LGP2, IRF-3, IRF-7, IFN1, JAK1, STAT1 TLR3, TLR7, MYD88 and TGFβ) of rainbow trout were down-regulated after feeding with CHMM. After infected IHNV, the results showed that the all CHMM treatment groups increased Antioxidant and immune-related enzyme activities (T-SOD, CAT, ACP, AKP), while significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the MDA content. The expression of NF-KB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, MDA5, LGP2, IRF-3, IRF-7, IFN1, JAK1, STAT1, TLR3, TLR7, MYD88 and TGFβ were up-regulated by CHMM. In summary, based on the current experimental conditions, the CHMM has been discovered to effectively improve the antioxidant, immune, and disease resistance capacities of rainbow trout and the recommended dosage of CHMM supplementation for rainbow trout is approximately 30 g/kg.
A bi-directional Mendelian randomization study of the sarcopenia-related traits and Primary gonarthrosis
Authors: Wang Zhangzheng , Yan Hongsong , Yu Yifan , Lian Mo , hao Ge , Luo Weidong
Published: October 2023

Background: Sarcopenia and primary gonarthrosis are common prevalent diseases in elderly people. Previous studies have reported a close association between the two, but causation was prone to confounding factors. A more robust research approach is urgently required to investigate the causal relationship between sarcopenia and primary gonarthrosis.
Methods: The bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses was carried out to explore causal inference between sarcopenia-related traits and primary gonarthrosis. The open GWAS database established by the MRC Integrated Epidemiology Unit (IEU) and FinnGen database provided the summary-level data used in this investigation. The GWAS summary data for appendicular lean mass (ALM, n=450,243), low hand grip strength(n=256,523), hand grip strength (left)(n=461,089), hand grip strength (right)(n=461,089) and usual walking pace (n=459,915) were used as sarcopenia-related traits. The GWAS summary data for knee osteoarthritis (KOA, n=403,124), primary gonarthrosis (n=285,550) and primary gonarthrosis, surgery (n=356,322) were used as phenotypes for primary gonarthrosis. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was used to obtain MR estimates, and various sensitivity analysis was also performed.
Results: Increased hand grip strength (right) reduced the risk of gonarthrosis surgery (OR = 0.702; p = 0.0308). Furthermore, the risk of knee diseases and knee surgery was reduced by increasing walking pace. Correspondingly, gonarthrosis significantly reduces usual walking pace. Unexpectedly, our findings support a positive association between ALM and primary gonarthrosis. But it turns to less significant (p > 0.05) after conducting multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analyses combining Body mass index (BMI) and height.
Conclusion: Sarcopenia-related traits (hand-grip strength and walking pace) may lead to the occurrence and progression of primary gonarthrosis. But there is insufficient evidence that gonarthrosis causes sarcopenia.
The green synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots through microwave heating using honey for optical detection of Ibuprofen.
Authors: Gholipour Arsalan , Hosseini Morteza
Published: October 2023

In the current research, a green strategy to synthesis carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with a quantum yield (QY) of nearly 19% has been successfully established. Subsequently, the different features of as-prepared CQDs was evaluated by detailed analyses including high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The different analyses proved that the CQDs obtained here had various advantages such as quasi-spherical shape, different functional groups, and great optical features. Additionally, the as-synthesized CQDs were employed for optical detection of Ibuprofen based on the interactions between Ibuprofen and diverse functional groups such as -OH, C-H, and N-H that existed on the surface of CQDs, resulting in aggregations that facilitate to quench the fluorescence (FL) of CQDs. Furthermore, the results indicated that the as-prepared CQDs can detect Ibuprofen in a linear range of 0 to 100 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.18 µM (signal to noise ratio of 3).
Communication matters - Sensitivity in fairness evaluations across wealth inequality expressions and levels
Authors: Oppel Annalena
Published: October 2023

This paper seeks to understand whether the way in which inequality is communicated through measurements influences individuals’ fairness perceptions regarding wealth inequality. It begins from the premise that prominent measures of inequality, such as the Gini coefficient, fall short of providing an intuitive understanding of inequality for most people. Following approaches in the behavioural economics domain, the paper explores the effects of four different presentations of inequality in a survey experiment. In this way it aims to see whether individuals’ fairness evaluations change across different levels of inequality. To do so, it introduces three different inequality scenarios, respectively corresponding to Gini coefficients of 32.8, 46.8, and 60.3. The scenarios are presented using different expressions: large-stake and small-stake units for absolute expressions, and percentages and multiples for relative expressions. The results point to a notable difference in fairness evaluations based on whether respondents are presented with absolute versus relative expressions of inequality: absolute expressions lead to a larger decline in fairness evaluations for higher levels of inequality. More broadly, the paper’s contribution highlights the importance of ‘intuitive’ measures of political matters such as wealth inequality. It further indicates that this may be vital in highly unequal countries such as South Africa.. This concerns public and policy discourses alike. The paper suggests avenues for further exploration to bring more nuance and context to the patterns observed.
Unusual reason of nutcracker syndrome of the renal vein: a case report
Authors: Ileri Sara Yavuz
Published: October 2023

52-year-old female patient who presented with painless hematuria, was admitted to the urology outpatient clinic. After the initial ultrasound examination, she underwent cystoscopy. Urine cytology and pathology were benign. So, she referred to the nephrology clinic. Her renal functions were normal, and she had no proteinuria. Urinary sediment revealed 10-15 isomorphic erythrocytes. Diagnosis of glomerulonephritis was excluded. According to her medical history and records it was learned that she had undergone Whipple operation three years ago. Considering surgery history, doppler ultrasound was planned because of the possibility of renal vein compression. Renal vein doppler ultrasound revealed that the left renal vein diameter was 9.5 mm before the superior mesenteric artery, and it was 1.8 mm after the artery. Nutcracker syndrome of the renal vein was diagnosed. Since the kidney functions were normal and the patient was normotensive, follow-up was planned at 6- month intervals. Nutcracker syndrome is a rare syndrome that occurs when the renal vein is compressed in various anatomical regions, most commonly between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. It be produced by pancreatic neoplasms, para-aortic lymphadenopathy, retroperitoneal tumors, or strangulating fibrolymphatic tissue between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. However, there is no case reported in the literature because of previous Whipple surgery. By documenting this case, we aimed to remind that taking a good anamnesis and making relevant imaging methods, may attribute to diagnosis rare cases and save time for clinicians especially in cases with a grave result such as nephrectomy unless they diagnosed.
The Outcome of Central Nervous System Hemangioblastomas in Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Disease Treated with Belzutifan: A Single-Institution Retrospective Experience
Authors: Zamarud Aroosa , Marianayagam Neelan J. , Park David J. , Yener Ulas , Yoo Kelly H. , Meola Antonio , Chang Steven D.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
Belzutifan is a Hypoxia Inducible Factor 2-alpha inhibitor approved in 2021 by the FDA for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with Von-Hippel Landau (VHL) disease. These patients can also present with central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas (HBs). We aim to study the effectiveness and adverse effects of belzutifan for CNS HBs, by reporting our preliminary institutional experience.
Methods:
We present a series of VHL patients with CNS HBs undergoing treatment with belzutifan for RCC. All the included patients met the RECIST inclusion criteria. The clinical and radiological outcome measures included: Objective response rate (ORR), time-to-response (TTR), adverse events (AE), and patient response. Patient response was classified as partial response (PR), complete response (CR), progressive disease (PD), or stable disease (SD).
Results:
Seven patients with 25 HBs were included in our study. A Belzutifan dose of 120 mg/day PO was administered for a median of 13 months (range 10–17). Median follow up time was 15 months (range 10–24). An ORR of 71% was observed. The median TTR was 5 months (range: 1–10). None of the patients showed CR, while 5 patients (71.4%) showed PR and 2 (28.5%) showed SD. Among patients with SD the maximum tumor response was 20% [increase/decrease] of the lesion diameter. All the patients experienced decreased hemoglobin concentration, fatigue, and dizziness. None of the patients experienced severe anemia (grade 3–4 CTCAE).
Conclusion:
Belzutifan appears to be an effective and safe treatment for CNS hemangioblastoma in VHL patients. Further clinical trials to assess the long-term effectiveness of the medication are required
Seismic Analysis of Unreinforced Stone Masonry Buildings with Mud Mortar
Authors: Adhikari Pradip , Chaulagain Hemchandra
Published: October 2023

Nepal is situated in a highly seismically active Himalayan region where most residential buildings are constructed using masonry. Due to the local availability of stones and masons, unreinforced stone masonry buildings with mud mortar are common in Nepal's mountainous and hilly regions. Past seismic events in and around Nepal have revealed that these structures are highly vulnerable during earthquakes. However, much of the research in the region has primarily focused on reinforced concrete building structures. Therefore, this study aims to assess the structural behavior and failure mechanisms during earthquakes. Local materials were collected, and samples of structural walls were prepared in the laboratory to characterize material properties. Experiments were conducted to study the failure patterns of stone masonry walls. The performance of the studied buildings was analytically evaluated using linear time history analysis. The probability of damage level in different earthquakes were presented through fragility curves. The results from the analysis indicated that all the studied masonry buildings are vulnerable in moderate level of ground shaking.
Emergence and genomic characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli harboring tet(X4) disseminated by Black kites (Milvus migrans)
Authors: Mansoor Muhammad Hassan , Lu Xiaoyu , Voksepp Hanna , Sattar Amna , Humak Farwa , Ali Jabir , Li Ruichao , Bonnedahl Jonas , Mohsin Mashkoor
Published: October 2023

The emergence of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) among clinically relevant bacteria has raised serious concerns since tigecycline is considered as last-resort drug against serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. We herein focused on the isolation and molecular characterization of tet(X4)-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wild bird populations with anthropogenic interaction in Faisalabad, Pakistan. A total of 150 birds including black kites (Milvus migrans) and house crows (Corvus splendens) were screened for the presence of tigecycline resistance K. pneumoniaeand E. coli. We found two K. pneumoniae and one E. coliisolate carrying tet(X4) originated from black kites. A combination of short- and long-read sequencing strategy showed that tet(X4) was located on a broad host range IncFII plasmid family inK. pneumoniae isolates whereas on an IncFII-IncFIB hybrid plasmid in E. coli. We also found an integrative and conjugative element ICEKp2 in K. pneumoniae isolate KP8336. The combination of tet(X4) and a known virulence associated ICEKp2 in a wild bird with significant human interaction is particularly worrisome. We demonstrated the first description of tet(X4) gene in the WHO critical-priority pathogen K. pneumoniae among wild birds with known anthropogenic interaction and dispersal potential. The potential risk of global transmission of tet(X4)-positive K. pneumoniae and E. coli warrant comprehensive evaluation.