bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of dietary inflammatory index and all-cause and cardio- cerebrovascular mortality in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease survivors: a cohort study from NHANES analysis
Authors: Tan Yuhao , Chen Rundong , Zhang RenKun , Dai Dongwei , Zhang Yongwei , Li Qiang , Zhao Rui , Xu Yi , Huang Qinghai , Yang Pengfei , Zuo Qiao , Liu Jianmin
Published: October 2023

Objective
To evaluate the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and all-cause and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Methods
We collected data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. The chi-square test was performed to evaluate the association between pro-inflammatory diets (DII > 0) and anti-inflammatory diets (DII < 0) participant groups. Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between DII and all-cause and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality. We also used a restricted cubic spine RCS model to explore the possible non-linear association between DII and mortality. Meanwhile, we investigated the potential interaction between multiple stratification factors and DII.
Results
A total of 4264 participants with 58.75% were male included, of which 3201 were over 60 years old. During the median follow-up period of 83 months, a total of 1784 participants had died from any cause. All-cause mortality of the pro-inflammatory diet group (38.26%) was significantly higher than the anti-inflammatory diet group (30.95%). In three models, DII was significantly associated with an elevated risk of cardio-cerebrovascular mortality. We developed RCS models and found evidence of a non-linear correlation between DII and all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality, P for non-linearity was 0.048 and 0.008, respectively. Finally, we analyzed the DII across risk factor subgroups linked to stroke, and no significant disparities were identified.
Conclusion
Our study revealed a protential non-linear association between DII and all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in ASCVD survivors.
Application of Transrectal Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Imaging-based Radiomics Model in Predicting the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Liao Zhongfan , Gao Chenghao , Yang Yin , Luo Yuan , Yin Hao , Zhang Yonggang , Zhuang Hua
Published: October 2023

Background
Predicting tumor regression grade (TRG) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) before surgery accurately can help to provide an individualized treatment plan. However, the predictive efficacy of traditional imaging modalities is unsatisfactory. Radiomics based on transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (TR-CEUS) imaging may provide promising prediction results.
Methods
A total of 190 patients with LARC who underwent NCRT and subsequent total mesorectal excision were included. Based on the pathological TRG, patients were divided into the good response group (TRG 0 and 1, n = 53) and poor response group (TRG 2 and 3, n = 137). TR-CEUS examinations before and after NCRT were performed on these patients. With 10-fold cross validation, machine learning (ML) models for predicting the efficacy of NCRT were trained and established based on seven classifiers, including support vector machine, auto-encoder (AE), linear discriminant analysis, random forest (RF), logistic regression, logistic regression via Lasso or gaussian process. Predictive performances between different models were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), 1-SE rule and Delong test.
Results
A total of 1525 TR-CEUS images were included for analysis and 3360 ML models were established before and after NCRT respectively. Based on the AUC and 1-SE rule, two optimal ML models were selected before and after NCRT respectively, including AE and RF. The AUC values of AE and RF models after NCRT were 0.86 and 0.84 in the cross validation set and were 0.83 and 0.84 in the testing set. The differences between RF models (D = -7.00, P < .001 for cross validation set and D = -2.04, P = .042 for testing set) and AE models (D = -7.40 for cross validation set and D = -6.68 for testing set, P < .001 for both) before and after NCRT were both statistically significant.
Conclusions
Radiomics models based on post-NCRT TR-CEUS images has a high predictive performance for TRG of LARC, which could accurately predict the NCRT efficacy in patients with LARC relatively.
Potential role of Fbxo22 in resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer with invasive lobular carcinoma
Authors: Nakagawa Saki , Miyashita Minoru , Maeda Ichiro , Goda Atsushi , Tada Hiroshi , Amari Masakazu , Kojima Yasuyuki , Tsugawa Koichiro , Ohi Yasuyo , Sagara Yasuaki , Sato Miku , Ebata Akiko , Harada-shoji Narumi , Suzuki Takashi , Nakanishi Makoto , Ohta Tomohiko , Ishida Takanori
Published: October 2023

Background
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is distinct from invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in terms of their hormonal microenvironments that may require different therapeutic strategies. We previously reported that selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) function requires F-box protein 22 (Fbxo22). Here, we investigated the role of Fbxo22 as a potential biomarker contributing to the resistance to endocrine therapy in ILC.
Methods
A total of 302 breast cancer (BC) patients including 150 ILC were recruited in the study. Fbxo22 expression and clinical information were analyzed to elucidate whether Fbxo22 negativity could be a prognostic factor or there were any correlations among clinical variables and SERM efficacy.
Results
Fbxo22 negativity was significantly higher in ILC compared with IDC (58.0% vs 27.0%, P < 0.001) and higher in postmenopausal patients than premenopausal patients (64.1% vs 48.2%, P = 0.041). In the ILC cohort, Fbxo22-negative patients had poorer overall survival (OS) than Fbxo22-positive patients, with 10-year OS rates of 77.4% vs. 93.6% (P = 0.055). All patients treated with SERMs, Fbxo22 negativity resulted in a poorer outcome, with 10-year OS rates of 81.3% vs. 92.3% (P = 0.032). In multivariate analysis regarding recurrence-free survival (RFS) in ILC patients, Fbxo22 status was independently predictive of survival as well as lymph node metastasis.
Conclusion
Fbxo22 negativity significantly impacts on survival in BC patients with IDC and ILC, and the disadvantage was enhanced among ILC postmenopausal women or patients treated with SERMs. The findings suggest that different therapeutic strategies might be needed according to the different histopathological types when considering adjuvant endocrine therapy.
Characterization and structure of trans, trans, trans-1,3,5,7-tetrakis(3ʹ,3ʹ,3ʹ- trifluoropropyl)-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane, and structure of trans-1,3,5- (3ʹ,3ʹ,3ʹ-trifluoropropyl)-1,3,5-trimethylcyclotrisiloxane
Authors: Leman John , Gibson James , Bonitatibus Peter
Published: October 2023

One of four possible stereoisomers of a methyl(trifluoropropyl)siloxane cyclic tetramer was isolated from low molecular weight volatiles, formed in a reaction mixture during ring-opening/equilibration polymerization of methyl(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)cyclotrisiloxane (D3F). The crystalline solid was recognized as resembling a previously isolated cyclic siloxane with undetermined stereochemistry, assigned as a cyclotetrasiloxane by IR spectroscopy, and then further characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C, 19F, and 29Si) NMR spectroscopy as a relatively high symmetry species with respect to the potential cis-trans relationships of the methyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl substituents at Si. Unambiguous characterization and assignment of the stereochemistry was accomplished by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study, which revealed the compound was the trans, trans, trans-isomer, one species in these equilibration polymerization mixtures. The single crystal X-ray structure of the related, commercially important trans-D3F cyclotrisiloxane has also been determined. The structures of the two cyclic fluorinated siloxanes are discussed with respect to each other, and in the context of prototypical structures for these common Si3O3 and Si4O4 ring systems.
Ventriculostomy and Lumbar Drain Management Training: A Randomized Trial of Computer-Based Training vs Self-Directed Video-Based Practice
Authors: Ricks Cameron , Brammeier Jereme , Beaulieu Keith , Field Ryan , Banh Esther , Nelson Corey , Schmitt Kenneth , Ha Abraham , Pham Nicholas , Miller Robert , Rinehart Joseph
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Anesthesiology residents manage external ventricular drains (EVD) or lumbar drains (LP) in the operating room. There is no specific curriculum for anesthesiology residents on these devices. Computer-based training (CBT) utilizes reading material, photos, and questions without interactive content. Self-directed video-based practice (SVP) introduces hands-on training guided by a video example.
Methods: A randomized single-blinded prospective trial was executed to compare the educational efficacy of SVP to CBT in managing EVD/LP by anesthesiology resident physicians. Simulation-based assessment was utilized for resident evaluation pre-intervention and at 2 weeks and 3 months post-intervention.
Results: Linear regression showed a non-significant difference between the SVP group and the CBT group on performance (p=0.54). Compared to baseline scores, post-training test scores increased by an average of 22% (47 ± 26 vs. 69 ± 21; p<0.0001, 95% CI 16 – 28) points for pre- vs. post-training). A Spearman's comparison correlation demonstrated a high degree of correlation between the Total score and the Global performance ratings (r2 = 0.83, p<0.0001; 95% CI 0.75 – 0.89).
Conclusion: CBT and SVP improved performance in managing ventriculostomies and lumbar drains in a simulated environment. There was no statistically significant difference between the CBT and SVP groups nor between post-test 1 and post-test 2. The validation measurement for simulation-based assessment was reliable and had strong evidence of validity.
Normal stress distribution in built-up cold-formed column in relation to interconnecting bolt spacing
Authors: Deniziak Patryk , Gordziej-Zagórowska Małgorzata , Urbańska-Galewska Elżbieta
Published: October 2023

In order to increase a stiffness of cold-formed steel (CFS) elements it is practised to built-up the cross-section. In the analysed case, main element is strengthened by adding extra chord in contact partially along the column. This additional chord acts as a longitudinal stiffener connected with a main section by series of bolts. Authors check whether applied over the years rules for hot-rolled elements can be indiscriminately used in the analysed CFS element. The aim of this study is to experimentally and computationally recognize the normal stress distribution in axially compressed CFS built-up column chords and to evaluate the element load-bearing capacity.
A qualitative study of postoperative experience and needs of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients: a social-ecological system theory perspective
Authors: Gao Yaxin , Zhang Peng , Jin Chengcheng , Zhu Li
Published: October 2023

Objective This study aims to explore the postoperative experiences and social support of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, analyze their negative experiences, improve self-care levels, reduce negative emotions, refine the effectiveness of bariatric procedures, and enhance the quality of life, providing a basis for further improving the quality of medical care services and the social support system for this patient population.
Methods A qualitative research method was used utilizing the social-ecological system theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between January 1 and December 31, 2022. Colaizzi's phenomenological 7-step analysis was used to analyze the interview data.
Results The postoperative experiences of bariatric surgery patients were categorized into three themes: microsystem (individual system) - the coexistence of health and distress; mesosystem (small group) - changes in family attitudes and positive roles of health care professionals and patients; macrosystem (social support) - limited societal acceptance of bariatric surgery and overall satisfactory financial support and health insurance reimbursement.
Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the postoperative experiences of Chinese laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients. Their real feelings were summarized at micro, meso, and macro levels, and corresponding solutions were given according to patients' negative experiences. A multidisciplinary cooperative case management model should be adopted after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to provide individualized nutritional exercise guidance and continuous health follow-up for post-bariatric surgery patients to improve patients' negative experiences and enhance weight loss results. Besides, a web-based online group could provide psychological support and serve as a health communication platform for this patient population. Moreover, increasing awareness and education about bariatric surgery should be emphasized to foster greater support and recognition from family, friends, and society.
Larval precompetency and settlement behaviour in 25 Indo-Pacific coral species
Authors: Randall Carly , Giuliano Christine , Stephenson Briony , Whitman Taylor , Page Cathie , Treml Eric , Logan Murray , Negri Andrew
Published: October 2023

Knowledge of coral larval precompetency periods and maximum competency windows is fundamental to understanding coral population dynamics, informing biogeography and connectivity patterns, and predicting reef recovery following disturbances. Yet for many species, estimates of these early-life history metrics are scarce and vary widely. Furthermore, settlement cues for many taxa are not known despite consequences to habitat selection. Here we performed a comprehensive experimental time-series investigation of larval settlement behaviour, for 25 ecologically significant broadcast-spawning species. To investigate the duration of precompetency, improve predictions of the competency windows, and compare settlement responses within and amongst species, we completed replicated and repeated 24-hour assays that exposed larvae to five common settlement cues. Our study revealed that larval competency in some broadcast-spawning species begins as early as two days post fertilisation, but that the precompetency period varies within and between species from about two to six days, with consequences for local retention and population connectivity. We also found that larvae of some species are competent to settle beyond 70 days old and display complex temporal settlement behaviour, challenging the assumption that competency gradually wanes over time and adding to the evidence that larval longevity can support genetic connectivity and long-distance dispersal. Using these data, we grouped coral taxa by short, mid and long precompetency periods, and identified their preferred settlement cues. Taken together, these results inform our understanding of larval dynamics across a broad range of coral species and can be applied to investigations of population dynamics, connectivity, and reef recovery.
A novel R2R3-MYB transcription factor PbMYB1L of Pyrus bretschneideri regulates cold tolerance and anthocyanin accumulation
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Lei Diya , Yao Wantian , Li shangyun , Wang Haiyan , Lu Jiayu , Zhang Yunting , Lin Yuanxiu , Wang Yan , He Wen , Li Mengyao , Chen Qing , Luo Ya , Wang Xiaorong , Tang Haoru , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2023

MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been demonstrated to play diverse roles in plant growth and development. In the present study, we identified a novel R2R3-MYB transcription factor, PbMYB1L, from the peel of 'Red Zaosu' pear (Pyrus bretschneideri), which was induced by cold stress and acted as a positive regulator in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Notably, the transgenic Arabidopsis lines exhibited enhanced tolerance to cold stress. Compared to the Arabidopsis wild-type plants, the transgenic lines displayed increased chlorophyll levels, longer primary roots, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels including O2-, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, significant upregulation of key cold-responsive genes AtCBF1, AtCBF2, AtCBF3, AtCBF4, and AtKIN1 was observed in the transgenic plants under cold stress conditions compared to wild type. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing PbMYB1L had significant anthocyanin accumulation in leaves after cold treatment with quantitative results indicating higher expression of anthocyanin structural genes compared to wild type. These finding suggests that PbMYB1L not only plays a vital role in conferring cold tolerance but also acts as a crucial regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Fourier spectral exponential time-differencing method for a space-fractional generalized wave equation
Authors: Mohammadi S. , Fardi M. , Ghasemi M. , Hendy A. S. , Zaky M. A.
Published: October 2023

This manuscript deals with a space-fractional generalized wave problem involving the fractional Laplacian operator of order α for 1 < α ≤ 2. We propose an accurate numerical method to solve the mentioned fractional wave problem. The problem is discretized in spatial direction by the Fourier spectral method, and in temporal direction by utilizing the fourth-order exponential time-differencing Runge-Kutta (ETDRK4) method. One of the main features of this method is to reduce the mentioned fractional wave model to an ODE by using the Fourier transform, and then the ETDRK4 method is used to solve this ODE. We define the discrete energy function and check the energy-conserving properties. The convergence of this method is proved. Various numerical experiments are conducted to confirm the accuracy and dependability of the suggested approach.
The use of social simulation modelling to understand adherence to diabetic retinopathy screening programs
Authors: Pereira Andreia Penso , Macedo João , Afonso Ana , Laureano Raul M. S. , Neto Fernando Buarque Lima
Published: October 2023

The success of screening programs depends to a large extent on the adherence of the target population, so it is therefore of fundamental importance to develop computer simulation models that make it possible to understand the factors that correlate with this adherence, as well as to identify population groups with low adherence to define public health strategies that promote behavioral change. Our aim is to demonstrate that it is possible to simulate screening adherence behavior using computer simulations. This is the first article in the literature in which three versions of an agent-based model are presented simultaneously: a) Logistic regression to determine the individual decision to adhere to screening; b) Logistic regression is replaced by fuzzy logic components and c) A combination of the previous. All versions were calibrated and validated using real data from 271867 calls for diabetic retinopathy screening. The results obtained are statistically very close to the real ones, which allows us to conclude that despite having a high degree of abstraction from the real data, the simulations are very valid and useful as a predictive tool for health planning, both in implementing new screening programs and in identifying problem factors and improving existing interventions.
Sex-specific trends in incidence of myocardial infarction among people with and without diabetes between 1985 and 2016 in a German region
Authors: Claessen Heiner , Narres Maria , Heier Margit , Kvitkina Tatjana , Linkohr Birgit , Wolff Georg , Roden Michael , Icks Andrea , Peters Annette
Published: October 2023

Background
The reduction of myocardial infarction (MI) and narrowing the gap between the populations with and without diabetes are important goals of diabetes care. We analyzed time trends of sex-specific incidence rates (IR) of first MI (all, non-fatal MI, fatal event) in the population with and without diabetes.
Methods
Using data from the KORA myocardial infarction registry (Augsburg, Germany), we estimated age-adjusted IR in people with and without diabetes, corresponding relative risks (RR), and time trends from 1985 to 2016 using Poisson regression.
Results
There were 19,683 people with MI (34% fatal events, 71% men, 30% with diabetes). In the entire study population, the IR of all MI decreased from 359(95% CI: 345–374) to 236(226–245) per 100,000 person years. In men with diabetes, IR decreased only in 2013–2016. This was due to non-fatal MI, where IR in men with diabetes increased until 2009–2012, and slightly decreased in 2013–2016. Overall, fatal events declined stronger than non-fatal MI corresponding to IRs, the relative risk (RR) of all MI substantially increased among men from 1.40(1.22–1.61) in 1985–1988 to 2.60(2.26–2.99) in 1997–2000 and moderately decreased in 2013–2016: RR: 1.75(1.47–2.09). Among women no consistent time trend of RR was observed. Time trends of RR were similar regarding non-fatal MI and fatal events.
Conclusions
Over the study period, we found a decreased incidence of all MIs and fatal events in the entire study population. The initial increase of non-fatal MIs in men with diabetes needs further research. The gap between populations with and without diabetes remained.
Choosing the right system for cardboard wastewater treatment by chemical and electrical coagulation method using “analytical hierarchy process”(AHP)
Authors: sharabiani Hassan Mahmoudi , khalesi Mehran , Hassani Amirhessam , Vahedi Marjan , Moradi Zeinab
Published: October 2023

The objective of the present study was to compare the two systems of electrical coagulation and chemical coagulation in the treatment of waste water in cardboard industries. These two wastewater treatment methods were investigated with the help of analytical hierarchy process”(AHP). First, the research criteria were determined. These criteria included Economic, Efficiency, Energy consumption and Operation. Some criteria also had sub-criteria. After pairwise comparison and normalization of criteria, research options were weighted. The efficiency of these two methods to remove COD, TSS was investigated. The results showed that electric coagulation is higher than chemical coagulation in terms of efficiency with a weight of 0.75, economy with a weight of 0.737, Energy consumption with a weight of 0.667 and operation weight with a weight of 0.8. Finally, the electrical coagulation system was chosen as the final option with a weight of 0.74 and chemical coagulation as the second option with a weight of 0.26. In the treatment of cardboard waste, the consumption of chemicals is very high, so the electrocoagulation method can be very cost-effective. Also, operator error in this system was very low and work efficiency was higher.
A thorough study and meta-analysis of the prognostic relevance of the C-reactive protein- albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Saad Hassan A. , Eraky Mohamed E. , El-Taher Ahmed K , Riad Mohamed , Farid Mohamed I , Sharaf Khaled
Published: October 2023

Background: Although most cases of acute pancreatitis (AP) are minor, severe cases are associated with a substantial risk of death. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common illness. Therefore, it is critical to assess AP severity as soon as possible. This review aimed to ascertain the predictive significance of the CRP to albumin ratio in individuals with AP.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library electronic databases Until January 2023. Studies that reported the CRP/alb ratio at admission and its relationship to the severity or death of patients with AP were included. Using a random-effects model, we computed the pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
Results: This meta-analysis combined data from six trials with a total of 2244 patients. Upon admission, the CRP/alb ratio was higher in patients with severe AP than in those with mild to moderate AP (pooled MD:3.59; 95% CI:2.51-4.68; p<0.00001). Additionally, non-survivor AP patients had a substantially higher CRP/alb ratio than survivor AP patients (pooled MD:2.12; 95% CI:0.43-3.8; p < 0.01).
In conclusion, individuals with AP may benefit from a high CRP/ALB ratio as a preliminary indicator of poor prognosis.
Seasonal Variation of Salmonella enterica prevalence in milk an cottage cheese along the dairy value chain in threee regions of Ethiopia
Authors: Nahusenay Henok , Bedassa Abdi , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay , Kovac Jasna , Vipham Jessie , Woldegiorgis Ashagrie zewdu
Published: October 2023

Seasonal fluctuations influence foodborne illness transmission and affect patterns of microbial contamination of food. Previous investigations on the seasonality of Salmonella enterica prevalence in dairy products in Ethiopia have been minimal. However, such data are needed to inform strategic development of effective interventions to improve food safety, as seasonal differences may affect intervention strategies. This study was conducted to identify differences in the prevalence of Salmonella between wet and dry season in milk and cheese samples. A longitudinal study design was utilized with a random sampling occurring during both dry and wet seasons. A total of 448 milk and cottage samples were collected from Oromia, South Peoples Nation and Nationality (SNNP), and Amhara regions. Samples were tested for Salmonella using the ISO 6579-1: 2008 method, followed by PCR confirmation. A chi-square test was conducted to assess the significance of differences in the prevalence of Salmonella between the two seasons. Results from this study showed a higher prevalence of Salmonella in all sample types during the dry season (P < 0.05). Moreover, when comparing raw milk, pasteurized milk, and cottage cheese samples, a significant difference was observed in Salmonella prevalence from raw milk samples (27.08%) collected in the Oromia region. Additionally, data showed a significantly higher prevalence of Salmonella in samples collected from raw milk producer (29.17%) during the wet season (P < 0.05). This study indicates that in order to enhance the safety of dairy products in Ethiopia, comprehensive, long-term awareness building on hygienic milk production and handling that consider seasonal influence is warranted.
HPAM-Biomass Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin Dispersion System: Evaluation of Stability
Authors: Zhao Dan , Yang Weili , Shen Guanglite , Feng HuiXia
Published: October 2023

PFR combined with polymers have a wide range of industrial applications as plugging agents for profile control and EOR. Due to the structural resemblance between lignin and phenol, there are possibilities for environmentally friendly phenol-formaldehyde resin manufacturing. SLPFR was synthesized by partially replacing phenol with lignin, which improved the utilization rate of lignin and achieved the purpose of environmental preservation and resource conservation. HPAM is the most widely used polymer in chemical methods for EOR. However, the stability of reservoirs with high salt and high temperature is weak under these conditions.To solve the problem of still low oil recovery in high-salt reservoir environments, polymer flooding is adopted, which utilises high molecular weight polymers to raise the viscosity of injected fluids, thereby improving sweep efficiency and altered mobility ratio between oil and injected fluid. We focus on the stability study of different molecular weight HPAM combined with SLPFR in metal ions and surfactants. The zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter of HPAM-SLPFR system in Ca2+ were measured by dynamic light scattering and static light scattering, and the dispersion stability was analyzed. The interfacial energy modified DLVO theory was introduced to evaluate the stability of its colloidal solution, which made it possible to predict the aggregation behavior of SLPFR and the co-migration process of metal cations in real time.
Agricultural intensification in Lake Naivasha Catchment in Kenya and associated pollution
Authors: Onyango Joel , Kitaka Nzula , Bruggen J. J.A. , Irvine Kenneth , Simaika John
Published: October 2023

Investments in agricultural intensification in Sub-Saharan Africa aim to fulfill food and economic demands. However, the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides poses ecological risks to water bodies in agricultural catchments. This study focused on assessing the impact of agricultural intensification on nutrient and pesticide pollution in the L. Naivasha catchment in Kenya. The research revealed significant changes in the catchment's agricultural landscape between 1989 and 2019, driven by intensified agricultural expansion. As a result, nutrient and pesticide emissions have worsened the lake's trophic status, shifting it towards hypereutrophic conditions. The study found a weak relationship between total nitrogen (TN) and ∑DDT, indicating that an increase in TN slightly predicted a reduction in ∑DDT. Analysis also showed potential phosphorus (P) limitation at N3 site (Hippo Point) in the lake. Additionally, the observed DDD:DDE and (DDE + DDD):DDT ratios suggest recent use of banned DDT in the catchment. The study concludes that unsustainable agricultural expansion has transformed the L. Naivasha landscape, necessitating the adoption of practices that support water quality management to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Spatial Pattern of Farmers-Herders Conflicts in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Musa Halima Aliyu , Ekpa Dave Eleojo , Idris Musa Shehu , Laide Aderoju , Abubakar Abubakar Tanimu , Isah Zuweira , Salaudeen Fatima
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted on Spatial Pattern of Farmers-Herders Conflict in Guma and Logo LGAs, Benue State. Data used in this study include study area Shapefile, coordinates from Global Positioning System (GPS), number of conflict incidence and fatality from Armed Conflict Locations and Event Data (ACLED). Geospatial technique with the aid of ArcGIS software and descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data. The finding reveals that from 2015-2018 the highest incidence and fatality rate occurred in 2018 and this could be attributed to incessant attack. The highest incidence occurred in Gbajimba and Ugba areas of Guma and Logo having 47 and 40 incidence correspondingly. Guma has the highest incidence and fatality rate within the study period. Policy on grazing should be enforced in the study area and more security personnel should be deployed to the area to avert further devastation.
Abnormal spontaneous neuronal activity and functional connectivity in Parkinson's disease with chronic pain: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Zou Nan , Zhang Jinru , Luo Yajun , Ya Yang , Ji Lirong , Bao yiqing , Jiang Zhen , Wang Aijun , Mao Chengjie , Wang Erlei , Fan Guohua
Published: October 2023

Background: The neural basis of pain in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the alterations of spontaneous neuronal activity and functional connectivity (FC) pattern in PD with chronic pain by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF)and functional connectivity (FC).
Methods: A total of 41 PD patients with pain (PDP), 41 PD patients without pain (nPDP), and 29 matched pain-free normal healthy controls (NCs) were enrolled in the study. The non-motor symptoms questionnaire (NMSQ) and the visual analog scale (VAS) were applied to pain screening and pain severity assessment. ALFF and FC were measured by resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). ALFF was applied to investigate regional cerebral activity, and FC was used to evaluate functional integration of the brain network.
Results: Compared with nPDP patients, PDP patients showed increased ALFF in the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG), supplementary motor area (SMA) and left paracentral lobule (PCL), precentral gyrus (PrG), while decreased ALFF in the right putamen. Only the ALFF value of the right putamen was negatively correlated with the VAS score in the PDP patients. PDP patients showed diminished FC in the right putamen with the midbrain, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), orbito-frontal cortex (OFC), middle frontal gyrus (MFG), posterior cerebellar lobe, and middle temporal gyrus (MTG), as compared with nPDP patients.
Conclusion: This study does disclose that anomalous regional brain activity within the motor cortex and putamen, as well as aberrant functional integration of the putamen with multiple brain regions are involved in the neural mechanism of pain in PD patients.
Optimal Designs for Nonlinear Mixed-effects Models Using Competitive Swarm Optimizer with Mutated Agents
Authors: Cui Elvis Han , Zhang Zizhao , Wong Weng Kee
Published: October 2023

Nature-inspired meta-heuristic algorithms are increasingly used in many disciplines to tackle challenging optimization problems. Our focus is to apply a newly proposed nature-inspired meta-heuristics algorithm called CSO-MA to solve challenging design problems in biosciences and demonstrate its flexibility to find various types of optimal approximate or exact designs for nonlinear mixed models with one or several interacting factors and with or without random effects. We show that CSO-MA is efficient and can frequently outperform other algorithms either in terms of speed or accuracy. The algorithm, like other meta-heuristic algorithms, is free of technical assumptions and flexible in that it can incorporate cost structure or multiple user-specified constraints, such as, a fixed number of measurements per subject in a longitudinal study. When possible, we confirm some of the CSO-MA generated designs are optimal with theory by developing theory-based innovative plots. Our applications include searching optimal designs to estimate (i) parameters in mixed nonlinear models with correlated random effects, (ii) a function of parameters for a count model in a dose combination study, and (iii) parameters in a HIV dynamic model. In each case, we show the advantages of using a meta-heuristic approach to solve the optimization problem, and the added benefits of the generated designs.
Efficacy of different doses of corticosteroids on severe COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Zhang Ge , Su Lin , Wu Wenwen , Qiao Qing , Gao Shuncui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yanmei
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia at different doses.
Methods：Between May 01, 2023, and June 20, 2023, 48 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were treated in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Jinan Fourth People's Hospital. The observation group (21 patients) received usual care plus high dose corticosteroids，below referred to as the high-dose group. The control group (27 patients) received usual care plus low-dose corticosteroids. Below referred to as the low-dose group. We collected baseline data, inflammatory markers after 3 days of treatment, body temperature recovery time, length of stay and 28-day all-cause mortality. The results of outpatient follow-up
were recorded after 1 month.
Result: There were no significant differences in 28-day mortality and length of stay. The number of days that body temperature returns to normal in high-dose group was shorter than low-dose group. The high-dose group was significantly better than low-dose group in reducing inflammatory factors (CRP IL-6). 20 discharged patients were given corticosteroid ranging from 8~16mg of methylprednisolone, depending on chest computed tomographic(CT) and clinical symptoms, after 1 month, in all discharged patients of use oral corticosteroid, the consensus was that the CT features had improved.
Conclusion: The high-dose corticosteroids have a positive significance for the reduction of inflammatory factors and the shortening of body temperature recovery time. In the treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, we can try early high-dose, short-course corticosteroids.
Guinea Pig Herpes like Virus is a Gamma Herpesvirus
Authors: Stanfield Brent A. , Ruiz Emmanuelle , Choulgenko Vladimir N. , Kousoulas Konstantin G.
Published: October 2023

Guinea Pig Herpes-Like Virus (GPHLV) is a virus isolated from leukemic guinea pigs with herpes virus-like morphology described by Hsiung and Kaplow in 1969. GPHLV transformed embryonic cells from Syrian hamsters or rats, which were tumorigenic in adult animals. Herein, we present the genomic sequence of GPHLV strain LK40 as a reference for future molecular analysis. GPHLV has a broad host tropism and replicates efficiently in Guinea pig, Cat, and Green African-derived cell lines. GPHLV has a GC content of 35.45%. The genome is predicted to encode at least 75 open reading frames (ORFs) with 84% (63 ORFs) sharing homology to human Kaposi Sarcoma Associated Herpes Virus (KSHV). Importantly, GPHLV encodes homologues of the KSHV oncogenes, the latency associated nuclear antigen (LANA, ORF73) and viral cyclin (v-cyclin, ORF72) exhibiting 17.1% and 34.3% amino acid similarity, respectively. GPHLV is a Rhadinovirus of Cavia porcellus, and we propose the formal name of Caviid gamma herpesvirus 1 (CaGHV-1). GPHLV can be a novel small animal model of Rhadinovirus pathogenesis with broad host tropism.
Gaia photometric and kinematics studies of fouropen star clusters: King 13, Juchert-Saloranta 1,Teutsch 1, and Teutsch 5
Authors: T.Alsslegy Noorh , A.Harron Aly
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the results of the studying photometric, and kinematics offour open star clusters; namely King 13, Juchert-Saloranta 1, Teutsch 1, andTeutsch 5 utilizing the most recent data of Gaia EDR3. The most probable ofthe star members was computed using the ASteCA code and the numbers ofmembers of the clusters (N); (521) King 13, (429) Juchert-Saloranta 1, (414)Teutsch 1, and (191) Teutsch 5. The parameter structure of each object suchas cluster radii range from 3.00 to 7.00 arcmin. We obtained the distance fromSun 3.000±0.100 kpc, 4.891±0.554 kpc, 3.885±0.225 kpc, and 2.979±0.167 kpc,respectively. The values of age 0.818±0.043 Gyr, 0.9754±0.123 Gyr, 0.539±0.038Gyr, and 0.899±0.159 Gyr, respectively. The kinematical parameters have beencomputed; The position of the cluster convergent is computed by the AD diagrammethod, cluster velocity, center of the cluster, elements of solar motion, and spacevelocity components.
Cultivating Success: A Comprehensive Analysis of Integrated Weed Management Strategies and Their Impact on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Yield and Sustainability
Authors: Hussain Abid , Fatima Shroz , Hammad Ahsan , BiBi Amna , Mustafa Mughees , Khan Ihsanullah , Khattak Sahir Hameed , Aslam Muhammad Aqeel , Khurshid Haris , khan Khalid , Jahanzaib Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Integrated weed management is a critical approach for controlling weeds in agricultural crops like groundnut (peanut) to minimize yield losses and maximize crop productivity. This approach combines various weed control strategies and methods to effectively manage weeds while minimizing the dependence on herbicides. The present study was also designed to evaluate the effects of integrated weed management in groundnut cultivation: (Arachis hypogaea L.) during summer season 2020-2021 at National Agricultural Research Centre Islamabd with combination of 10 weed management treatments in three replications. Pre-emergence application of S Metolachlor @ 2 L/ha and post emergence application of S Metolachlor @ 2 L /ha was applied on each of the replication. The weed control in terms of lowest weed density, lowest weed fresh weight, lowest weed dry matter, and best weed control efficiency depicted the efficiency of treatments to control weeds in the groundnut. The growth and yield attributes of groundnut viz, plant height, number of branches per plant, and pod yield/hectare were found higher as compared with other treatments. Although the treatment with organic mulch was also the best in terms of yield, the treatment with S Metolachlor at 2L/ha as a pre-emergence and Quizalofop-p at 2L/ha as a post-emergence had the highest maximum net monetary returns (394409 Rs/ha) and BC ratio (3.73). So, chemical control was recommended as most economically feasible weed management practice for groundnut in Pothwar Region of Pakistan.
Large rectangular cross-section tunnel undercrossing urban road by micro pipe jacking and joint assembly structure (MPJ & JAS) method in soft soils
Authors: Zou Jia , Xie Xiongyao , Zhou Biao , Jiang Chunzhao , Zhang Zhen , Han Jianjun , Dai Qing , Shahrour Isam
Published: October 2023

With the continuous construction of urban traffic roads, more and more new roads are cut off by existing roads to form "dead end roads". There is an urgent need for a trenchless method suitable for urban ultra-shallow overburden to build the undercrossing tunnel. To solve this problem, this paper proposed the micro pipe jacking and joint assembly structure (MPJ & JAS) method, which has the characteristics of shallow burial depth, low cost, short construction time, flexible cross-section setting and high space utilization. The MPJ & JAS method construct a large cross-section tunnel through assembling small cross-section elements, quite different from traditional methods. Therefore, this paper designed a CT-shaped integrated joint, the mechanical performance of which was verified and clarified by tensile test. The bending test and finite element (FE) analysis proved the reliability of MPJ & JAS tunnel structure, and confirmed the structure performances such as the failure models, crack behaviors, load-deflection response and stress-strain distribution. Moreover, the influences of the steel plate thickness, concrete strength and shear connector spacing were determined by the FE analysis. On the basis of test results and reasonable assumptions, a theoretical design method considering the influence of the CT-shaped integrated joint was proposed, which can effectively predict the bending strength of the MPJ & JAS tunnel structure with an error of less than 10%. Finally, in view of the characteristics of the MPJ & JAS method, the suitable micro pipe jacking machine, soil reinforcement measure, hydraulic traction construction technology, high-precision guidance system and concrete construction quality detection method based on the phased array ultrasonic imaging technology were developed, supporting the accurate and efficient construction of the MPJ & JAS tunnel.
Influence of clinical expertise and practical experience on transfer accuracy in guided dental implant placement - An in vitro study
Authors: Reiff Florian Sebastian , Bischoff Charlotte , Woelfler Henriette , Roehling Stefan
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To investigate whether inexperienced users applying a static navigation system can perform in-vitro a fully guided implant placement protocol and achieve similar results in terms of accuracy compared to experienced clinicians.
Methods
Based on 36 identical resin models, a computer-assisted implant planning was performed and a surgical guide was produced accordingly. Three study groups were composed with 12 operators, each: control group with experienced surgeons (DOC), test group 1 with dental technicians (TEC) and test group 2 with non-specialists (OFC). Using a fully guided drilling protocol, two implants were placed into each of the 36 models. Subsequently, the differences between the virtually planned and final implant positions were determined and the transfer accuracy was evaluated.
Results
For the control group DOC, the mean value of axial deviation was 1.90±1.15 degrees, for 3-dimensional deviation at the implant base 0.52±0.33mm, for 3-dimensional deviation at the implant tip 0.76±0.39mm and for vertical deviation at the implant tip -0.11±0.51mm. For corresponding parameters, the mean values of test group TEC were 1.99±0.87 degrees, 0.42±0.21mm, 0.68±0.30mm and -0.03±0.33mm and for test group OFC 2.29±1.17 degrees, 0.63±0.35mm, 0.89±0.43mm and -0.24±0.57mm, respectively. The results did not reveal any statistically significant differences between the control and the 2 test groups (p˃0.05).
Conclusion
The results of the present in-vitro study demonstrated that inexperienced users applying a static navigation system can perform a fully guided implant placement protocol and achieve similar results in terms of accuracy compared to experienced clinicians in this specific in vitro setup.
Identification of the Shared Gene Signatures and Biological Mechanism in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Liangjun , Zhang Xi , Fang Zheng , Zhu Jiajie , Liu Haiyan , Lou Feiyan
Published: October 2023

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), a persistent inflammatory reaction in the gastric mucosa, is considered a precursor to gastric cancer (GC). However, the specific mechanism underlying the development of GC from CAG has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is essential to explore the genes and pathways driving CAG progression towards GC for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CAG patients. In this study, we obtained 78 common genes shared between CAG and GC through database mining. KEGG and GO functional enrichment analyses identified 21 enriched pathways and 659 GO terms associated with these 78 genes. Utilizing the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, we identified the top five hub targets: TP53, CTNNB1, EGFR, MUC1, and CD44. mRNA and protein expression levels of these targets were found to be higher in GC tissues compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of TP53, EGFR, and CD44 correlated with poor overall survival (OS) in GC patients. These findings offer potential therapeutic targets for further clinical and basic research.
QAL-BP: An Augmented Lagrangian Quantum Approach for Bin Packing
Authors: Cellini Lorenzo , Macaluso Antonio , Lombardi Michele
Published: October 2023

The bin packing is a well-known NP-Hard problem in the domain of artificial intelligence, posing significant challenges in finding efficient solutions. Conversely, recent advancements in quantum technologies have shown promising potential for achieving substantial computational speedup, particularly in certain problem classes, such as combinatorial optimization.
In this study, we introduce QAL-BP, a novel Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation designed specifically for bin packing and suitable for quantum computation. QAL-BP utilizes the augmented Lagrangian method to incorporate the bin packing constraints into the objective function while also facilitating an analytical estimation of heuristic, but empirically robust, penalty multipliers. This approach leads to a more versatile and generalizable model that eliminates the need for empirically calculating instance-dependent Lagrangian coefficients, a requirement commonly encountered in alternative QUBO formulations for similar problems. To assess the effectiveness of our proposed approach, we conduct experiments on a set of bin-packing instances using a real Quantum Annealing device. Additionally, we compare the results with those obtained from two different classical solvers, namely simulated annealing and Gurobi. The experimental findings not only confirm the correctness of the proposed formulation but also demonstrate the potential of quantum computation in effectively solving the bin-packing problem, particularly as more reliable quantum technology becomes available.