bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Assessing the Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine (Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction) in the Treatment of Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Chai Yue , Zhao Fang , Ye Peizhi , Ma Fei , Wang Jiayu , Zhang Pin , Li Qing , Wang Jiani , Wang Wenna , Li Qiao , Xu Binghe
Published: January 2023

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HGWD), which is composed of five crude drugs (Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Jujubae Fructus), in the treatment of albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX)-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN) in Chinese patients with breast cancer (BC). Methods: This trial was conducted at the National Cancer Center in China from January 2020 to June 2022. The eligible participants were assigned randomly in a 1:1 ratio to an HGWD group or a control group. The outcome measure was EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire. Results: 92 patients diagnosed with BC were enrolled and randomized to either HGWD group (n = 46) or control group (n = 46). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (p > 0.05). A statistical analysis of the sensory and motor functions of the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 scores showed that patients in the HGWD group reported a larger decrease in CIPN sensory scores than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 autonomic scores showed no statistical significance between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: HGWD packs could significantly improve patients’ nab-PTX-induced PN, increase the tolerance for nab-PTX-containing chemotherapy, and further improve the quality of life of patients with BC.
Dietary Inflammatory Index and All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults with Hypertension: Results from NHANES
Authors: Cao Yang , Li Pengxiao , Zhang Yan , Qiu Miaohan , Li Jing , Ma Sicong , Yan Yudong , Li Yi , Han Yaling
Published: January 2023

Both diet and inflammation are strongly associated with hypertension. However, the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the prognosis of hypertensive patients over 65 years of age is unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between DII and all-cause mortality in older adults with hypertension. Data were obtained from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and followed for survival through December 31, 2019. DII was calculated by the 24 h dietary history interview. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the associations. A total of 2531 participants were finally included. During a median follow-up of 4.33 years, 471 participants were determined as all-cause mortality. After adjusting for confounding factors, DII was positively correlated with the risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01–1.16). Compared with the anti-inflammatory diet group (DII < 0), the pro-inflammatory diet group (DII > 0) had a 54% increased risk of all-cause death (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.13–2.10). The results were robust in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. DII was positively correlated with the all-cause mortality of elderly hypertensive patients. The results provided an aid to dietary evaluation in the nonpharmacologic management of hypertension.
Comparison of Safety and Effectiveness of Local or General Anesthesia after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Luchen , Liu Yanxiang , Gao Haoyu , Zhang Bowen , Zhou Sangyu , Xie Mingxin , Sun Xiaogang
Published: January 2023

It remains controversial to choose anesthesia for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A meta-analysis of cohort studies was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of local anesthesia (LA) compared to general anesthesia (GA) in TAVI. All relevant studies published from 1 January 2002, to 31 June 2022, were searched in Ovid, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. A total of 34 studies involving 23,480 patients were included in the meta-analysis. TAVI with LA was associated with a significant reduction in hospital stay [WMD = −2.48, 95% CI (−2.80, −2.16), p < 0.00001], operative [WMD = −12.25, 95% CI (−13.73, −10.78), p < 0.00001] and fluoroscopy time [WMD = −3.30, 95% CI (−5.40, −1.19), p = 0.002], and an increased risk of acute kidney injury [OR = 1.31, 95% CI (1.01, 1.69), p = 0.04] and a reduced incidence of major bleeding [OR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.46, 0.75), p < 0.0001] and the use of cardiovascular drugs [OR = 0.17, 95% CI (0.05, 0.57), p = 0.004]. No differences were found between LA and GA for 30-day mortality, procedural success rate, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, paravalvular leak, shock, and cerebrovascular events. Overall, 4.4% of LA converted to GA. Based on current evidence, our results suggested that LA strategies reduced hospital stay, operative time, fluoroscopy time, cardiovascular drug consumption, and major bleeding rates in patients undergoing TAVI but led to increased acute kidney injury rates. Further studies and randomized trials are required to verify the presented findings and to identify patients who might benefit from LA.
Nutritional Issues Faced by Patients with Intestinal Stoma: A Narrative Review
Authors: Michońska Izabela , Polak-Szczybyło Ewelina , Sokal Aneta , Jarmakiewicz-Czaja Sara , Stępień Agnieszka Ewa , Dereń Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

The incidences of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases are increasing in the developed countries of Western Europe and North America, and consequently, the prevalence rate of temporary or permanent stomas has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the amount of research in the nutrition field in the case of patients with stoma is rather limited. This review article aims to assess the impact of nutrition on an intestinal stoma and possible sequelae resolved with nutritional therapy. The research analyses conducted thus far indicate a significantly increased risk of developing malnutrition, vitamin deficiency (especially group B), and an increased number of discharges from the stoma and its relevance with abnormalities found in electrolyte concentrations.
Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV-Negative Patients: A 12-Year Single-Center Experience in China
Authors: Huang Yu , Jin Xiaozhi , Wu Faling , Pan Tongtong , Wang Xiaodong , Chen Dazhi , Chen Yongping
Published: January 2023

Objective: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a not rare condition in HIV-negative patients. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics, possible risk factors, and outcomes of HIV-negative patients with CM. Methods: Medical records from 99 HIV-negative patients with CM admitted to our hospital from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed systematically. We compared the clinical features and outcomes between patients with underlying diseases and otherwise healthy hosts. Results: The 99 HIV-negative CM patients had a mean age at presentation of 56.2 ± 16.2 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 77:22. A total of 52 (52.5%) CM patients had underlying conditions, and 47 patients (47.5%) had no underlying conditions. Kidney transplant represented the most frequent underlying condition (11.1%), followed by rheumatic disease (10.1%) and hematological diseases (9.1%). Compared to patients without underlying conditions, those with underlying conditions had significantly more fever, more steroid therapy, higher serum creatinine, and lower albumin, IgG, hemoglobin, and platelets (p < 0.05 for each). CM patients without underlying conditions had significantly more alcohol abuse than those with underlying conditions (31.9% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.011). By logistic regression analysis, male gender (OR = 3.16, p = 0.001), higher CSF WBC (OR = 2.88, p = 0.005), and protein (OR = 2.82, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: Patients with underlying conditions had a similar mortality to patients without underlying conditions. Alcohol abuse was a probable risk factor for CM for previously healthy patients. Male gender, higher CSF WBC, and protein were significantly associated with mortality.
Outcomes of Deep Sclerectomy for Glaucoma Secondary to Sturge–Weber Syndrome
Authors: Almobarak Faisal A. , Alobaidan Abdullah S. , Alobrah Mansour A.
Published: January 2023

Aims: To report the outcomes and complications of deep sclerectomy in glaucoma secondary to Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS). Methods: The retrospective case series included patients with SWS and secondary glaucoma who underwent deep sclerectomy at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 2000 and 2021. The main outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, the presence of vision-threatening complications, and the need for further glaucoma surgery to control the IOP. The surgical outcome of each eye was based on the main outcome measures. Results: Twelve eyes of eleven patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 83.00 months (±74.2) (range 1 to 251 months). The IOP and number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from a mean of 28.75 mm Hg (±7.4) and 3.17 (±0.8) to 15.30 mm Hg (±3.5) and 0.3 (±0.7), and 18.83 (±9.3) and 1.67 (±1.7) on the 24th month and the last follow-up visit postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.01 for both). The success rate was 66.6% (8/12), while the failure rate was 33.3% (4/12) because of the uncontrolled IOP where a single repeat glaucoma surgery achieved controlled IOP. One procedure was complicated by choroidal detachment and one by choroidal effusion; both complications were resolved by medical treatments. Conclusions: Deep sclerectomy seems to be an effective treatment modality for controlling IOP and for decreasing the burden of antiglaucoma medications in patients with SWS and secondary glaucoma. Further studies are needed to confirm such a conclusion on larger number of patients with longer follow-up periods.
Different Faces of Minipuberty in Preterm Twin Girls: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pepe Giorgia , Calafiore Mariarosa , Velletri Maria Rosa , Corica Domenico , Li Pomi Alessandra , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Aversa Tommaso
Published: January 2023

Minipuberty (MP) consists of a postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which occurs physiologically during the first months of life. In preterm infants, MP might lead to stronger hormonal stimulation, but specific literature is still scarce. We present the case of a pair of monochorionic diamniotic twin girls, born at 31 weeks of gestation and adequate for gestational age (AGA). At one month old, one of the twins presented with severe edema in the vulva and swelling of the major and minor labia. Laboratory evaluations highlighted increased LH, FSH and estradiol serum concentration. Pelvic ultrasonography and MRI showed a pubertal pattern. Brain imaging was unremarkable. During the one-year follow-up, a decreasing trend of hormonal levels was detected, together with the spontaneous regression of clinical and sonographic pubertal signs. The same hormonal workup was also performed on the other twin, who displayed mildly elevated gonadotropins and estradiol, without evidence of pubertal clinical signs. This case suggests that the amplitude of postnatal HPG activation might be exacerbated in preterm infants, with evidence of puberty changes in clinical, laboratory and sonography data. The spontaneous resolution, together with the exclusion of other causes of precocious puberty, is suggestive for MP of infancy.
The SARS-COV-2 Seroprevalence among Oncology Patients
Authors: Kgatle Mankgopo , Das Rajesh , Lawal Ismaheel , Boshomane Tebatso , Mokoala Kgomotso , Gaspar Cattleya , Mbokazi Lydia , Nkambule Nonhlanhla , Gow Veronique , Ndlovu Honest , Mzizi Yonwaba , Chalwe Joseph , Diphofa Jeaneth , Mokobodi Dinah , Gxekwa Nobuhle , Zongo Lusanda , Maphosa Tinashe , Vorster Mariza , Bassa Sheynaz , Venkatesan Amouda , Khanyile Richard , Munga Yunus , Ebenhan Thomas , Zeevaart Jan Rijn , Sathekge Mike
Published: January 2023

Patients with cancer are presumed to be vulnerable to an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and severe clinical outcomes due to the immunocompromised state mediated by their underlying malignancies and therapy. The aim of this study was to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, following second to fourth waves in solid tumour patients attending the Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We used the single-prick COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassettes to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies in 760 patients with solid tumours who were asymptomatic and who had never tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Out of the 760 patients, 277 were male (36.4%), 483 were female (63.6%), and the mean age was 55 years (range 18–92). The estimated total seroprevalence was 33.2%. The seroprevalence status of the COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibodies rose significantly from the second wave (11.3%) to the third (67.38%) and then the fourth (69.81%) waves with roughly similar counts. A significant number of the seropositive patients were asymptomatic to COVID-19 (96%). There was a higher rate of seropositivity in cancer patients with hypertension (p < 0.05). Patients with breast, gynaecologic, and prostate cancers exhibited increased SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Although oncology patients may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, our data indicate that these patients remained asymptomatic throughout various waves with an overall COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibody seropositivity of 33.16%, suggesting no risk of severe or fatal cases of COVID-19.
Future of Orthodontics—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Emerging Trends in This Field
Authors: Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Abutayyem Huda , Kanwal Bushra , A. L. Shayeb Maher
Published: January 2023

Technology is rapidly evolving in the modern world, and the accompanying developments due to its influence are shaping each and every aspect of our life, with the field of orthodontics being no exception. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine such trends in orthodontics and hypothesize which ones would emerge and continue in the near future. After a thorough search of online journals using keywords such as “3D printing,” “Aligners,” “Artificial intelligence,” “Future trends,” “Orthodontics,” and “Teleorthodontics” across databases of PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus, a total of 634 papers were initially recovered. Technological advancements in 3D printing, Computer-aided design and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), biopolymers and Teleorthodontics were the most important categories of development seen across the 17 studies that we selected for our review. All the investigations selected for this systematic review depicted aspects of orthodontics that were influenced by rapid technological changes and could potentially become mainstream in the coming times. However, caution was sought to be observed in the usage/adoption of some of these trends, with social media usage amongst both patients as well as orthodontists being a prime example of this.
Analysis of Pulp Tissue Viability and Cytotoxicity of Pulp Capping Agents
Authors: Panda Pratima , Govind Shashirekha , Sahoo Sanjit Kumar , Pattanaik Satabdi , Mallikarjuna Rachappa M. , Nalawade Triveni , Saraf Sanjay , Khaldi Naseer Al , Jahdhami Salma Al , Shivagange Vinay , Jena Amit
Published: January 2023

The present research study assessed the cell viability and cytotoxic effect of mineral tri-oxide aggregate (MTA), Tetric N-Bond Universal bonding agent, Theracal PT (pulpotomy treatment), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as pulp capping agents on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The cells were isolated from the pulp tissue of an extracted healthy permanent third molar. After four passages in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium, the primary cells were employed for the investigation. The test materials and untreated cells (negative control) were subjected to an Methylthiazol-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) cytotoxicity assay and assessed at 24-, 48-, and 72-h intervals. The Wilcoxon matched-paired t-test and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were applied (p < 0.05). PRF imparted the highest cell viability at 48 h (p < 0.001), followed by MTA, Theracal PT, and Tetric N-Bond. Similarly, PRF had the highest potential to enhance cell proliferation and differentiation (p < 0.001), followed by Theracal PT, MTA, and the bonding agent at the end of 24 h and 72 h, respectively. Finally, PRF sustained the viability of human primary dental pulp stem cells more effectively than Theracal PT and MTA; however, the application of a Tetric N-Bond as a pulp capping agent was ineffective.
A Receding Horizon Navigation and Control System for Autonomous Merchant Ships: Reducing Fuel Costs and Carbon Emissions under the Premise of Safety
Authors: Zheng Jian , Sun Wenjun , Li Yun , Hu Jiayin
Published: January 2023

In order to solve the multi-objective planning and trajectory tracking control problem related to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASSs), a new design scheme for autonomous navigation is proposed in this paper, with a receding horizon navigation and control (RHNC) system that contains navigation and control modules. In the navigation module, we designed a superposition field gradient descent local search algorithm based on the cost field, emission field, and guidance field to navigate the MASS reference path, and in the control module, we designed a nonlinear controller that can handle multiple constraints based on the NMPC framework. Under the new scheme, the navigation module completes local path planning to reduce costs and emissions, the control module accomplishes accurate trajectory tracking and real-time collision avoidance, and the information is transmitted in both directions between the two modules to collaboratively complete the MASS navigation and control tasks. We conducted a simulation study of the navigation algorithm and controller and the autonomous navigation system using a Kriso Container ship (KCS). The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed cooperative design scheme in reducing navigation costs and emissions and avoiding autonomous collision avoidances.
Analyzing the Inlet Gas Void Fraction on the Flow Characteristics for a Multiphase Pump Based on Cavitation Cases
Authors: Lv Wenjuan , Wen Haigang , Shi Guangtai , Wang Shan
Published: January 2023

Inlet gas void fraction (IGVF) affects the cavitation evolution in a multiphase pump and easily results in a drop of the head and efficiency when cavitation is more serious. In this paper, a numerical method was performed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the effect of the inlet gas void fraction on the pressure and velocity characteristics of the multiphase pump at different cavitation stages. The results show that with the increase of IGVF and the development of cavitation, the pressure in the impeller flow passage is reduced, and the pressure corresponding to the cavitation region drops sharply to the saturated vapor pressure. With the decrease of the cavitation coefficient, and due to the expulsion effect of the cavitation bubbles, the relative velocity in the cavitation region becomes larger. Because of the large pressure gradient at the end of the cavitation bubbles, the kinetic energy of the fluid is insufficient to overcome the effect of the inverse pressure gradient, resulting in a backflow vortex. Investigations on cavitation evolution in the multiphase pump at different IGVFs are of great significance for improving its performance.
Model Reference Adaptive Vibration Control of an Offshore Platform Considering Marine Environment Approximation
Authors: Zhang Yun , Ma Hui , Xu Jianliang , Su Hao , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2023

Adaptive control methods are suitable for offshore steel structures subject to harmful vibrations, as they employ reference models to adapt to coastal and nearshore physics. To decrease the dependence on the accurate characteristics of the offshore platform, a compensating measure containing the ocean environment is proposed in the adaptive control scheme. With incomplete states as the driving input, external loads are approximated using a wavelet neural network frame. Numerical experiments are conducted on a platform model with varying parameters to test the performance of the proposed adaptive controller. It is shown that the adaptive weights derived from the chosen Lyapunov function are qualified both theoretically and practically. The system-output-based adaptive controller overcomes the disadvantage of state loss. The compensated disturbance environment guarantees the reliability of the restored reference system based on mismatched physics. The designed estimator as a part of the adaptive controller compensates for the deviations of the environment between the reference and the practical, resulting in a desirable reduction in the excessive vibration.
Impact of Limited Degree of Freedom Drag Coefficients on a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Simulation
Authors: Srinivas Arjun , Robertson Bryson , Gadasi Jonah Benjamin , Simpson Barbara Gwynne , Lomónaco Pedro , Ilzarbe Jesús María Blanco
Published: January 2023

The worldwide effort to design and commission floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) is motivating the need for reliable numerical models that adequately represent their physical behavior under realistic sea states. However, properly representing the hydrodynamic quadratic damping for FOWT remains uncertain, because of its dependency on the choice of drag coefficients (dimensionless or not). It is hypothesized that the limited degree of freedom (DoF) drag coefficient formulation that uses only translational drag coefficients causes mischaracterization of the rotational DoF drag, leading to underestimation of FOWT global loads, such as tower base fore-aft shear. To address these hydrodynamic modeling uncertainties, different quadratic drag models implemented in the open-source mid-fidelity simulation tool, OpenFAST, were investigated and compared with the experimental data from the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration, Continued, with Correlation (OC5) project. The tower base fore-aft shear and up-wave mooring line tension were compared under an irregular wave loading condition to demonstrate the effects of the different damping models. Two types of hydrodynamic quadratic drag formulations were considered: (1) member-based dimensionless drag coefficients applied only at the translational DoF (namely limited-DoF drag model) and (2) quadratic drag matrix model (in dimensional form). Based on the results, the former consistently underestimated the 95th percentile peak loads and spectral responses when compared to the OC5 experimental data. In contrast, the drag matrix models reduced errors in estimates of the tower base shear peak load by 7–10% compared to the limited-DoF drag model. The underestimation in the tower base fore-aft shear was thus inferred be related to mischaracterization of the rotational pitch drag and the heave motion/drag by the limited-DoF model.
Swarm Game and Task Allocation for Autonomous Underwater Robots
Authors: Xiong Minglei , Xie Guangming
Published: January 2023

Although underwater robot swarms have demonstrated increasing application prospects, organizing and optimizing the swarm’s scheduling for uncertain tasks are challenging. Thus, we designed robot games and task allocation experiments, where the robots have different cooperative attributes, as some are more selfish and others more altruistic. Specifically, we designed two experiments: target search and target moving, aiming to reveal the relationship between individual cooperation and group task achievement in a robot swarm as a collaborative strategy. The task information is shared among the robots, because performing the tasks consumes a certain amount of energy, reducing the robot’s running speed. Our experiments prove that the robot swarms can evolve and enhance their strategies during the game, and will guide guiding future works in designing more efficient robot swarms.
Performance Evaluation of Control Compatibility for an OTEC Pump Shutdown Condition
Authors: Lim Seungtaek , Yoon Jiwon , Lee Hosaeng , Kim Hyeonju
Published: January 2023

South Korea is currently in the preparatory stage of commercializing an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system, as the demonstration of a 1 MW scale OTEC system has been accomplished. However, the commercialization of OTEC requires the establishment of a control system for various environmental changes. Therefore, pre-emptive identification of the system’s risk factors and the process of analyzing the impact of the system, building control items, and optimizing control are necessary. This study aims to establish and analyze an optimized control system for MW-scale OTEC risk factors, such as the shutdown of seawater or refrigerant pumps. The selected OTEC system was designed for 1070 kW class facilities, with a 36.6% portion of total electricity usage by the seawater pump and refrigerant pump. As a result, an on/off control system was adopted in order to eliminate the risk factors. By adjusting this option, dry operation of the refrigerant pump, water hammering, and liquid inflow into the turbine were successfully prevented. To be more specific, the initial system was to be shut down due to a sharp decrease in power at the point where the deep seawater flow rate was 538 kg/s (35.7% of max flow rate) and the surface seawater flow rate was 715 kg/s (38.4% of max flow rate). This situation was improved by adopting parallel operation of seawater pumps and on/off control, thereby leading to a more stabilized operation by maintaining a flow rate of over 1864 kg/s for surface seawater and 1507 kg/s for deep seawater. Moreover, it was confirmed that the flow rate of the pump was reduced by 1.89 kg/s per second in the process of pump shutdown during a single operation mode of the refrigerant pump. Parallel operation made it possible to maintain 60.2% of the output by increasing the power of the second pump’s flow rate in the event of the first pump shutting down. The final seawater temperature differential power generation model derived from this study consists of two refrigerant pumps and two surface seawater and deep seawater pumps in order to prevent system shutdown caused by a single pump failure. The final design was reflected in the final delivery to Kiribati, which is located near the equator.
The Construction and Application of Dual-Objective Optimal Speed Model of Liners in a Changing Climate: Taking Yang Ming Route as an Example
Authors: Lu Jinxing , Wu Xianhua , Wu You
Published: January 2023

In a changing climate, ship speed optimization plays an important role in energy conservation and emission reduction. In order to establish a dual-objective optimization model of minimizing ship operating costs and reducing carbon emissions, fuel costs, berthing costs, emission costs and fixed cost during sailing cycles, the emission reduction strategies of ships using MGO in emission control areas and the AMP in ports are taken into account. The PSO algorithm is adopted to find the Pareto solution set, and the TOPSIS algorithm is used to screen the optimal compromise solution, while Yang Ming, a trans-Pacific route, is selected to verify the applicability of the model. The result shows that the optimization model can effectively reduce the operating cost during sailing cycles and control carbon emissions, which can provide references for ship operation decision-making to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Phylogenetic Affinities of Acanthopleurinae Dall, 1889 Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Chitonidae) from Jazan Coast in the Red Sea and Western Indo-Pacific
Authors: Alnashiri Hassien , Thomas Liju , Thaikkottathil Maqbool , Philip Siby , Kutty Ranjeet , Sivanpillai Sureshkumar , Abo Rasain Ali Mohammed
Published: January 2023

Chitons (Polyplacophora) are marine molluscs that mostly inhabit rocky intertidal shores. Their biological and phylogenetic studies are comparatively sparse in the western Indo-Pacific regions. In addition, chitons belonging to the subfamily Acanthopleurinae Dall, 1889, collected from the Andaman Sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean and the Jizan coast of Saudi Arabia were sequenced and analyzed to study the phylogenetic affinities. The analysis was carried out using a single locus dataset (cytochrome oxidase 1) generated during the present study and integrated with sequences retrieved from GenBank. Acanthopleura gemmata (Blainville, 1825) from India was linked to Acanthopleura vaillantii Rochebrune, 1882, from the Saudi Arabia coast. Squamopleura miles (Carpenter in Pilsbry, 1893) from the Indian coast forms a separate clade representing the genus. Furthermore, the results illustrate several significant instances of misplacement of several species under the wrong genus and the existence of cryptic species within the genera Acanthopleura and Squamopleura. An integrated approach is required to better understand these important intertidal groups’ taxonomy, systematics, and biogeography.
The SUMOylation Pathway Components Are Required for Vegetative Growth, Asexual Development, Cytotoxic Responses, and Programmed Cell Death Events in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum
Authors: Azizullah  , Noman Muhammad , Gao Yizhou , Wang Hui , Xiong Xiaohui , Wang Jiajing , Li Dayong , Song Fengming
Published: January 2023

SUMOylation is an essential protein modification process that regulates numerous crucial cellular and biochemical processes in phytopathogenic fungi, and thus plays important roles in multiple biological functions. The present study characterizes the SUMOylation pathway components, including SMT3 (SUMO), AOS1 (an E1 enzyme), UBC9 (an E2 enzyme), and MMS21 (an E3 ligase), in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), the causative agent of watermelon Fusarium wilt, in terms of the phylogenetic relationship, gene/protein structures, and basic biological functions. The SUMOylation components FonSMT3, FonAOS1, FonUBC9, and FonMMS21 are predominantly located in the nucleus. FonSMT3, FonAOS1, FonUBC9, and FonMMS21 are highly expressed in the germinating macroconidia, but their expression is downregulated gradually in infected watermelon roots with the disease progression. The disruption of FonUBA2 and FonSIZ1 seems to be lethal in Fon. The deletion mutant strains for FonSMT3, FonAOS1, FonUBC9, and FonMMS21 are viable, but exhibit significant defects in vegetative growth, asexual reproduction, conidial morphology, spore germination, responses to metal ions and DNA-damaging agents, and apoptosis. The disruption of FonSMT3, FonAOS1, FonUBC9, and FonMMS21 enhances sensitivity to cell wall-perturbing agents, but confers tolerance to digestion by cell wall-degrading enzymes. Furthermore, the disruption of FonSMT3, FonAOS1, and FonUBC9 negatively regulates autophagy in Fon. Overall, these results demonstrate that the SUMOylation pathway plays vital roles in regulating multiple basic biological processes in Fon, and, thus, can serve as a potential target for developing a disease management approach to control Fusarium wilt in watermelon.
Host Genetic Variants Linked to COVID-19 Neurological Complications and Susceptibility in Young Adults—A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Kazantseva Anastasiya , Enikeeva Renata , Takhirova Zalina , Davydova Yuliya , Mustafin Rustam , Malykh Sergey , Karunas Alexandra , Kanapin Alexander , Khusnutdinova Elza
Published: January 2023

To date, multiple efforts have been made to use genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to untangle the genetic basis for SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and severe COVID-19. However, data on the genetic-related effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the presence of accompanying and long-term post-COVID-19 neurological symptoms in younger individuals remain absent. We aimed to examine the possible association between SNPs found in a GWAS of COVID-19 outcomes and three phenotypes: SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurological complications during disease progression, and long-term neurological complications in young adults with a mild-to-moderate disease course. University students (N = 336, age 18–25 years, European ancestry) with or without COVID-19 and neurological symptoms in anamnesis comprised the study sample. Logistic regression was performed with COVID-19-related phenotypes as outcomes, and the top 25 SNPs from GWAS meta-analyses and an MR study linking COVID-19 and cognitive deficits were found. We replicated previously reported associations of the FURIN and SLC6A20 gene variants (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.31–4.24) and OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.08–3.49, respectively) and remaining neurological complications (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.10–4.35 for SLC6A20), while NR1H2 (OR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.39–6.69) and TMPRSS2 (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.19–3.50) SNPs were associated with neurological symptoms accompanying COVID-19. Our findings indicate that genetic variants related to a severe COVID-19 course in adults may contribute to the occurrence of neurological repercussions in individuals at a young age.
Recognition of Postoperative Cystography Features by Artificial Intelligence to Predict Recovery from Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: A Rapid and Easy Way to Predict Functional Outcome
Authors: Shao I-Hung , Kan Hung-Cheng , Chen Hung-Yi , Chang Ying-Hsu , Huang Liang-Kang , Chu Yuan-Cheng , Lin Po-Hung , Yu Kai-Jie , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Pang See-Tong , Wu Chun-Te
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Post-operative cystography has been used to predict the recovery of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) in patients with localized prostate cancer. This study aimed to validate the predictive value of cystography for PPI and utilize a deep learning model to identify favorable and unfavorable features. Methods: Medical records and cystography images of patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Specific cystography features, including anastomosis leakage, a downward bladder neck (BN), and the bladder neck angle, were analyzed for the prediction of PPI recovery. Favorable and unfavorable patterns were categorized based on the three cystography features. The deep learning model used for transfer learning was ResNet 50 and weights were trained on ImageNet. We used 5-fold cross-validation to reduce bias. After each fold, we used a test set to confirm the model’s performance. Result: A total of 170 consecutive patients were included; 31.2% experienced immediate urinary continence after surgery, while 93.5% achieved a pad-free status and 6.5% were still incontinent in the 24 weeks after surgery. We divided patients into a fast recovery group (≤4 weeks) and a slow recovery group (>4 weeks). Compared with the slow recovery group, the fast recovery group had a significantly lower anastomosis leakage rate, less of a downward bladder neck, and a larger bladder neck angle. Test data used to evaluate the model’s performance demonstrated an average 5-fold accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 93.75%, 87.5%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Postoperative cystography features can predict PPI recovery in patients with localized prostate cancer. A deep-learning model can facilitate the identification process. Further validation and exploration are required for the future development of artificial intelligence (AI) in this field.
An Empirical Examination of Asymmetry on Exchange Rate Spread Using the Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (QARDL) Model
Authors: Sahin Goktug , Sahin Afsin
Published: January 2023

In economics, some transactions are conducted by the bid rate, and some are conducted by the ask rate. The spread between these two rates creates an essential cost and inefficiency for the economy. Taking these problems into account, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of macroeconomic and financial variables on the USD/TL exchange rate bid–ask spread for Türkiye using daily data spanning the period between 2 January 1990 and 2 August 2022. The quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) model was drawn upon to capture possible asymmetry in parameters and distinguish the results between different locations. The results obtained in this study may differ from the linear model and may change by the location, implying that the spread is reduced by the volume while it is increased by volatility and interest rates in the long run for some quantiles. Stock prices stir it in the long run, yet they decline it in the short run, indicating an asymmetry. Following the examples from the literature that analyzed the relationship via linear models, this paper employed a QARDL model for exploring location and sign asymmetry in the results for some quantiles. As the results indicate, efficiency in the bid–ask exchange rate spread can be controlled; therefore, it is our suggestion for policymakers to consider the extreme levels and asymmetry of the bid–ask exchange rate spread while evaluating its penetrating macro-financial variates.
Developing Institutions and Inter-Organizational Synergies through Digitalization and Youth Engagement in African Agriculture: The Case of “Africa Goes Digital”
Authors: Ayamga Matthew , Lawani Abdelaziz , Akaba Selorm , Birindwa Arsene
Published: January 2023

As digitalization increasingly gains attention in the agriculture sector, many African youths are seizing the opportunity provided by digital technologies to engage in agriculture. While prior studies have started examining the intricacies of digitalization in agriculture, they have paid less attention to its implications for fostering institutions and inter-organizational synergies that can support and sustain the businesses of youth enterprises engaging with Africa’s agriculture. Against this backdrop, we undertook a qualitative case study to shed light on the development of a community of practice comprising youth enterprises engaging in agriculture through digitalization. Thus, we studied Africa Goes Digital (AFGD), a consortium of young African enterprises that rely on digital technologies and solutions to provide services to farmers across the African continent. The results showed that: (1) the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA) played a pioneering role as a development agency in supporting enterprises with drones and training for agriculture, which led to the formation of AFGD; (2) two prevalent themes characterized the services offered by AFGD members; (3) AFGD brings members under one platform where they leverage WhatsApp for communication and knowledge sharing and Twitter to showcase success stories and form partnerships with each other to execute certain development projects with governments and development agencies; (4) the lack of regulations or the restrictive regulations on the use of drones are still problems that some members face, and the high costs of sensors and related drones are challenges for the members. Building on the results, we discuss the implications of digitalization for supporting African governments in meeting sustainability goals and conclude by describing the theoretical contribution of our study and promising future research directions.
Improving Biodiversity Offset Schemes through the Identification of Ecosystem Services at a Landscape Level
Authors: Barnes Annaêl , Ickowicz Alexandre , Cesaro Jean-Daniel , Salgado Paulo , Rayot Véronique , Koldasbekova Sholpan , Taugourdeau Simon
Published: January 2023

Biodiversity offsets aim to compensate the negative residual impacts of development projects on biodiversity, including ecosystem functions, uses by people and cultural values. Conceptually, ecosystem services (ES) should be considered, but in practice this integration rarely occurs. Their consideration would improve the societal impact of biodiversity offsets. However, the prioritisation of ES in a given area is still limited. We developed a framework for this purpose, applied in rangelands landscapes in Kazakhstan, in the context of uranium mining. We assumed that different landscapes provide different ES, and that stakeholders perceive ES according to their category (e.g., elders and herders) and gender. We performed qualitative, semi-structured interviews with a range of stakeholders. Using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services, we identified 300 ES in 31 classes across 8 landscape units. We produced a systemic representation of the provision of ES across the landscapes. We showed a significant link between ES and landscape units, but not between ES and stakeholder categories or gender. Stakeholders mostly identified ES according to the location of their villages. Therefore, we suggest that the biodiversity offsets should target ES provided by the landscape unit where mining activities occur and would be most interesting in the landscapes common to all villages. By performing a systemic representation, potential impacts of some offset strategies can be predicted. The framework was therefore effective in determining a bundle of ES at a landscape scale, and in prioritising them for future biodiversity offset plans.
Measures of Naturalistic Language for Dialect-Speaking Children: The Case of Cypriot Greek
Authors: Voniati Louiza , Armostis Spyros , Tafiadis Dionysios
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to longitudinally examine mean length of utterance in words (MLU-w) and number of different words (NDW) and their association in children speaking Cypriot Greek (CG), a dialect for which such measures of language development have not been adequately investigated. Language samples from 36 typically developing monolingual CG-speaking children were collected at 4-month intervals from the age of 3;0 until 4;0 through free-play based conversation between the children and their caregivers. A zero-order correlation analysis among MLU-w, NDW, and age showed strong positive correlations between any two of these measures. A first-order analysis controlling for age showed that the correlation between MLU-w and NDW was independent from the influence of age. The study provides valuable information on the correlation between MLU-w and NDW for CG-speaking children and it contributes to our knowledge about language development in a dialectal variety lacking standardised tests.
Natural and Technical Phytoremediation of Oil-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Panchenko Leonid , Muratova Anna , Dubrovskaya Ekaterina , Golubev Sergey , Turkovskaya Olga
Published: January 2023

Natural and technical phytoremediation approaches were compared for their efficacy in decontaminating oil-polluted soil. We examined 20 oil-contaminated sites of 800 to 12,000 m2 each, with different contamination types (fresh or aged) and levels (4.2–27.4 g/kg). The study was conducted on a field scale in the industrial and adjacent areas of a petroleum refinery. Technical remediation with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), nitrogen fertilizer, and soil agrotechnical treatment was used to clean up 10 sites contaminated by oil hydrocarbons (average concentration, 13.7 g/kg). In technical phytoremediation, the per-year decontamination of soil was as high as 72–90%, whereas in natural phytoremediation (natural attenuation with native vegetation) at 10 other oil-contaminated sites, per-year decontamination was as high as that only after 5 years. Rhizodegradation is supposed as the principal mechanisms of both phytoremediation approaches.
Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Patients: A Single Comprehensive Stroke Center Study
Authors: Kojundžić Sanja Lovrić , Sablić Sara , Budimir Mršić Danijela , Marinović Guić Maja , Kraljević Ivan , Benzon Benjamin , Dragičević Dragan
Published: January 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk for thromboembolic events, such as acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a therapy of choice in early diagnosed AIS; however, its success and outcomes in COVID-19 patients are contradictory. This study presented our experience with MT performed in COVID-19 patients compared to a control group. The retrospective analysis included patients with AIS who underwent MT from April 2021 to April 2022 at our institution. There were 13 COVID-19-related patients (with active or past COVID-19 infection) and 55 non-COVID-19 patients (negative COVID-19 status). We analyzed patients’ baseline clinical and laboratory data, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale, used 24 h follow-up CT findings, and modified the Rankin scale. The COVID-19 group had higher values of leukocytes, neutrophils, neutrophil/leukocyte ratios, ASL, ALT, LDH and CRP, and lower values of lymphocytes compared to the control group. The AIS mostly occurred in posterior circulation in the COVID-19 group, while anterior circulation was more affected in the control group. Treatment approach and successful reperfusion did not differ between groups. In conclusion, although differences in some clinical and laboratory parameters between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups were found, the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy were equal.
Impact of Thermal and Activation Energies on Glauert Wall Jet (WJ) Heat and Mass Transfer Flows Induced by ZnO-SAE50 Nano Lubricants with Chemical Reaction: The Case of Brinkman-Extended Darcy Model
Authors: Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar
Published: January 2023

Heat transfer machinery or technology is rapidly expanding due to the need for effective cooling and heating systems in the requisite automotive, chemical, and aerospace industries. This study aims to provide a numerical solution to wall jet (WJ) flow with mass and heat transport phenomenon comprising of the colloidal mixture of SAE50 and zinc oxide nanoparticles immersed in a Brinkman-extended Darcy model. The idea of WJ flow suggested by Glauert is further discussed along with the impact of the activation energy, thermal radiation, and binary chemical reaction. The leading equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations through proper similarity variables and then worked out numerically by employing a very efficient bvp4c method. The importance of pertaining quantities is illustrated and well explained through several tables and graphs. The major results suggest that the velocity profiles decline while the temperature and concentration augment due to the higher impact of nanoparticles volume fraction. In addition, the shear stress and heat transfer rate are accelerated by rising the volume fraction of nanoparticles while the Sherwood number declines with bigger impacts of nanoparticle volume fraction. In addition, the radiation factor progresses the quantitative outcomes of the heat transfer rate.