bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Manganese Based-Metal Oxide Electrocatalyst Through Electrodeposition for Investigation of Effect on V(IV)/V(V) Side’s Reversibility of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Yalcin Dilek , Gencten Metin , Sahin Yucel , Ozcan Adnan
Published: November 2023

Within the objective of this work, it is aimed to research, examine and bring to the literature as a new electrocatalyst material for enhancing the positive side’s reaction of VRBs. To be able to achieve this goal, it has been synthesized a manganese-based electrocatalyst as MnO2 to enhance the reversibility reaction for the positive side of VRB and so, practical, feasible and reproducible pencil graphite electrode(PGE) has been chosen as a working electrode for the modification to be electrodeposited MnO2 onto it. It is characterized via X-ray methods to understand the structure and surface changings and electrochemical techniques to interpret electrochemical behavior and charge transfer resistance through cyclic voltammetry(CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). Within the scope of synthesizing, potential range, sulfuric acid and precursor concentration, and cycle number are optimized via CV and EIS. 0.5 M KMnO4 and 3.0 M H2SO4 medium with 50 cycle number within 50 mV s−1 scan rate in a −0.5/1.5 V potential range was decided to produce Mn-based metal-oxide as MnO2 electrocatalyst as optimum conditions. The original contribution of this study is that electrodepositing of manganese-based electrocatalyst as MnO2 on graphite based electrodes for redox flow battery in the literature.
Immunoelectrochemical Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen on PEDOT/Cerium Phosphate Nanotubes Modified ITO Electrode
Authors: Zhang Huaju , Xia Ping , Chen Cheng , Fu Yuchun , Shi Haizhu , Wang Cenxuan , Zhang Guowei , Feng Shun
Published: November 2023

Herein, a label-free electrochemical immunosensor was developed to detect prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker for prostate cancer. The immunosensor was fabricated by modifying one-dimensional nanomaterial CePO4 nanotubes, electrodepositing poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene layer, anchoring monoclonal antibodies to PSA, and blocking with bovine serum albumin on the surface of the indium tin oxide sheet. The morphologies and electrochemical performance of the electrochemical sensor were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. For PSA, it exhibits a wide dynamic range from 0.1 ng ml−1 to 100 ng ml−1 and a detection limit of 0.012 ng ml−1 (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3) with differential pulse voltammetry. Average recoveries from rat serum (a simulated human serum) are between 97.00%–103.17% with relative standard derivations less than 4.25% (n = 3) at three spiked levels. Moreover, it shows high reproducibility, well selectivity, and good stability. The immunosensor provides an effective tool in the clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Autophagy protects against vocal fold injury-induced fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Yang Linxue , Zhang Jing , Han Qianqian , Xu Wei
Published: November 2023

The study has demonstrated that autophagy is a suppressor of VFI by alleviating fibrosis, making autophagy a potential therapeutic target in VFI.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Regulates Lipid Metabolism in Sheep Trophoblast Cells through mTOR Pathway-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Hao Kexing , Wang Jing , Yu Hengbin , Chen Lei , Zeng Weibin , Wang Zhengrong , Hu Guangdong
Published: November 2023

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a key nuclear receptor transcription factor that is highly expressed in trophoblastic cells during embryonic attachment and is accompanied by rapid cell proliferation and increased lipid accumulation. We previously showed that the autophagy pathway is activated in cells after activation of PPARγ, accompanied by increased lipid accumulation. In this study, we used PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone and inhibitor GW9662, as well as autophagy activator rapamycin and inhibitor 3-methyladenine, to unravel the probable mechanism of PPARγ engaged in lipid metabolism in sheep trophoblast cells (STCs). After 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h of drug treatment, the levels of autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot, the triglyceride content and MDA level of cells were detected by colorimetry, and the lipid droplets and lysosomes were localized by immunofluorescence. We found that PPARγ inhibited the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in STCs for a certain period of time, promoted the increase of autophagy and lysosome formation, and enhanced the accumulation of lipid droplets and triglycerides. Compared with cells whose PPARγ function is activated, blocking autophagy before activating PPARγ will hinder lipid accumulation in STCs. Pretreatment of cells with rapamycin promoted autophagy with results similar to rosiglitazone treatment, while inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine reduced lysosome and lipid accumulation. Based on these observations, we conclude that PPARγ can induce autophagy by blocking the mTOR pathway, thereby promoting the accumulation of lipid droplets and lysosomal degradation, providing an energy basis for the rapid proliferation of trophoblast cells during embryo implantation. In brief, this study partially revealed the molecular regulatory mechanism of PPARγ, mTOR pathway, and autophagy on trophoblast cell lipid metabolism, which provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the functional regulatory network of trophoblast cells during the attachment of sheep embryos.
The Global Molecular Prevalence of Bartonella spp. in Cats and Dogs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zarea Aya Attia Koraney , Tempesta Maria , Odigie Amienwanlen Eugene , Mrenoshki Daniela , Fanelli Angela , Martella Vito , Decaro Nicola , Greco Grazia
Published: November 2023

Bartonella species are vector-borne infectious pathogens with a severe impact on animal and human health. This comprehensive systematic review aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the global impact of this pathogen on pet health. A literature search was performed on electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) to find relevant peer-reviewed published papers (n = 131). A random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and Q-statistic and I2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity. Based on 20.133 cats and 9.824 dogs, the global prevalence estimates were 15.3% and 3.6%. The heterogeneity was significantly high in both species, with I2 = 95.8%, p-value <0.0001, and I2 = 87.7%, p-value <0.0001 in cats and dogs, respectively. The meta-analysis conducted using location coordinates showed a consistently high prevalence in regions located between latitudes −40 to −30 or latitudes 30–40 in both populations, in agreement with the pure spatial analysis results, which computed significantly high relative risk areas within these region coordinates. When analyzing cat data for other subgroup moderators, Bartonella spp. prevalence was higher in animals of young age (<1 year, p-value = 0.001), with a free roaming lifestyle (p-value <0.0001) and/or having ectoparasite infestation (p-value = 0.004). Globally, among the Bartonella species detected in cats, Bartonella henselae was the most frequent (13.05%), followed by Bartonella clarridgeiae (1.7%) and Bartonella koehlerae (0.11%). When considering Bartonella henselae genotype distribution, high heterogeneity (

p
<
0.0001

) was observed based on geographical subgroups. Dogs displayed infection by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (1.1%), B. henselae (1%), Candidatus B. merieuxii (0.9%) and B. rochalimae (0.38%). The present study provides a global picture of the epidemiological distribution of Bartonella spp. in cat and dog populations that may be pivotal for implementing proper preventive and control measures.
Intrinsic Subtype and Overall Survival of Patients with Advanced HR+/HER2− Breast Cancer Treated with Ribociclib and ET: Correlative Analysis of MONALEESA-2, -3, -7
Authors: Prat Aleix , Solovieff Nadia , André Fabrice , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Cameron David A. , Janni Wolfgang , Sonke Gabe S. , Yap Yoon-Sim , Yardley Denise A. , Partridge Ann H. , Thuerigen Astrid , Zarate Juan Pablo , Lteif Agnes , Su Fei , Carey Lisa A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

The MONALEESA-2, -3, -7 trials demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) benefits with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) versus ET alone in hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC). Understanding the association of intrinsic subtypes with survival outcomes could potentially guide treatment decisions. Here, we evaluated the association of intrinsic subtypes with OS in MONALEESA-2, -3, -7.

Experimental Design:

Tumor samples from MONALEESA-2, -3, -7 underwent PAM50-based subtyping. The relationship between subtypes and OS was assessed using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Multivariable models were adjusted for clinical prognostic factors.

Results:

Overall, 990 tumors (among 2,066 patients) from ribociclib (n = 580) and placebo (n = 410) arms were profiled. Subtype distribution was luminal A, 54.5%; luminal B, 28.0%; HER2-enriched (HER2E) 14.6%; and basal-like, 2.8%; and was consistent across treatment arms. The luminal A subtype had the best OS outcomes in both arms, while basal-like had the worst. Patients with HER2E (HR, 0.60; P = 0.018), luminal B (HR, 0.69; P = 0.023), and luminal A (HR, 0.75; P = 0.021) subtypes derived OS benefit with ribociclib. Patients with basal-like subtype did not derive benefit from ribociclib (HR, 1.92; P = 0.137); however, patient numbers were small (n = 28).

Conclusions:

The prognostic value of intrinsic subtypes for OS was confirmed in this pooled analysis of the MONALEESA trials (largest dataset in HR+/HER2− ABC). While basal-like subtype did not benefit, a consistent OS benefit was observed with ribociclib added to ET across luminal and HER2E subtypes.
Methodical Manipulation of the TME in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Soberanis Pina Pamela , Oza Amit M.
Published: November 2023

The complex interplay between ovarian cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) modulates progression, with dynamic cellular interactions influenced by external modulators, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). A recent article described the alterations within the TME following NACT, either with or without bevacizumab, in ovarian cancer.

See related article by Tavira et al., p. 176
Battle Within the Sexes: Differences in Male and Female Immunity and the Impact on Antitumor Responses
Authors: Hunt Katey S. , Alspach Elise
Published: November 2023

The immune system plays critical roles in regulating tumor progression. However, despite established differences in male and female immune cell function, our appreciation of sex as a variable in antitumor immune responses is only beginning to develop. Recent findings in mice have demonstrated for the first time that disparities in cancer incidence between the sexes are driven in part by differences in male and female T-cell responses. This review will discuss the growing body of literature demonstrating that male and female innate and adaptive immune responses against tumors are not equivalent and highlight the impact this may have on tumor responses to immunotherapies.
Fig S10 from Cancer Relevance of Circulating Antibodies Against LINE-1 Antigens in Humans
Authors: Vylegzhanina Alexandra V. , Bespalov Ivan A. , Novototskaya-Vlasova Ksenia A. , Hall Brandon M. , Gleiberman Anatoli S. , Yu Han , Leontieva Olga V. , Leonova Katerina I. , Kurnasov Oleg V. , Osterman Andrei L. , Dy Grace K. , Komissarov Alexey A. , Vasilieva Elena , Gehlhausen Jeff , Iwasaki Akiko , Ambrosone Christine B. , Tsuji Takemasa , Matsuzaki Junko , Odunsi Kunle , Andrianova Ekaterina L. , Gudkov Andrei V.
Published: November 2023

Supplementary Figure S10 shows results of longitudinal study of anti‐ORF1p IgG titers in serum samples from healthy subjects.
Immunothrombosis and Complement Activation Contribute to Disease Severity and Adverse Outcome in COVID-19
Authors: Ruggeri Tiphaine , De Wit Yasmin , Schärz Noëlia , van Mierlo Gerard , Angelillo-Scherrer Anne , Brodard Justine , Schefold Joerg C. , Hirzel Cédric , Jongerius Ilse , Zeerleder Sacha
Published: November 2023

Severe COVID-19 is characterized by systemic inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Arterial and venous thrombosis are involved in the pathogenesis of MODS and fatality in COVID-19. There is evidence that complement and neutrophil activation in the form of neutrophil extracellular traps are main drivers for development of microvascular complications in COVID-19. Plasma and serum samples were collected from 83 patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the two first waves of COVID-19, before the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Samples were collected at enrollment, day 11, and day 28; and patients had differing severity of disease. In this comprehensive study, we measured cell-free DNA, neutrophil activation, deoxyribonuclease I activity, complement activation, and D-dimers in longitudinal samples of COVID-19 patients. We show that all the above markers, except deoxyribonuclease I activity, increased with disease severity. Moreover, we provide evidence that in severe disease there is continued neutrophil and complement activation, as well as D-dimer formation and nucleosome release, whereas in mild and moderate disease all these markers decrease over time. These findings suggest that neutrophil and complement activation are important drivers of microvascular complications and that they reflect immunothrombosis in these patients. Neutrophil activation, complement activation, cell-free DNA, and D-dimer levels have the potential to serve as reliable biomarkers for disease severity and fatality in COVID-19. They might also serve as suitable markers with which to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in COVID-19.
Lipidomics Reveals the Effects of Detergents on Skin Surface Lipids in Young Adults
Authors: Fan Keliang , Wang Jia , Xu Qingqing , Liu Pengling , Wang Juan , Zhao Mengzhen , Wei Dandan , Yan Lei , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhou Lihong , Yuan Chao , Chen Tian , Mao Zhenxing
Published: November 2023

Background: Detergent is a chemical product commonly used in people’s daily life. Contact with detergent solutions can damage the human skin barrier and cause skin diseases. Skin surface lipids (SSLs) play a decisive role in skin barrier function. This study aimed to observe the changes of SSLs in young adults after exposure to detergent solutions to explore the underlying mechanism of skin barrier function damage. Methods: A self-controlled study on youth adults was conducted in Zhengzhou, China, in November 2020. The study lasted for a total of 1 week, and skin barrier function was assessed by trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) values. The changes of SSLs before and after exposure to the detergent with subjects were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. Results: The skin barrier function of subjects’ hands was impaired after exposure to detergent (TEWL value increased, p < 0.001). A total of 520 SSLs were detected, divided into 6 main categories. The average relative abundance of these 6 major lipids decreased after exposure. Sphingolipids (mainly ceramides), free fatty acids (mainly long-chain fatty acids), cholesterol lipids, and glycerophospholipids are the most severely damaged lipids. Conclusion: Detergent solutions can damage the skin barrier function and SSLs of young hands; interventions targeting SSLs to eliminate detergent damage to human skin may be of value.
Cytokine Adsorption Effects of a Novel Hemofiltration Column for the Treatment of Experimental Endotoxemia
Authors: Yamamoto Takashi , Kunomura Shun , Taniguchi Takumi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The TKM-101 is a new hemofiltration column packed with a polymer alloy membrane consisting of polyethersulfone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and sulfonated poly (arylene ether) copolymers. We examined the ability of the TKM-101 column to remove cytokines and humoral mediators from blood in vitro and the effects of extracorporeal treatment with the TKM-101 column on the mortality rate and inflammatory responses to endotoxic shock in vivo. Methods: In vitro and in vivo laboratory investigations were conducted. In the in vitro experiment, the adsorption abilities of TKM-101, AN69-ST, and control columns for cytokine-related sepsis in blood were compared using human serum samples. In the in vivo experiment, male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and injected with Escherichia coli endotoxin (15 mg/kg, intravenously). Afterward, the rats were assigned (in a double-blind manner) to one of three groups (n = 17 per group): apheresis with a control column (control group), apheresis with an AN69-ST column (AN69-ST group), or apheresis with a TKM-101 column (TKM-101 group). Outcomes were compared among the groups. Results: In vitro, the concentrations of all evaluated cytokines significantly decreased with the TKM-101 column compared to those with the control column; however, there were no significant differences between the TKM-101 and AN69-ST columns. In vivo, the mortality rates 8 h after endotoxin injection were 65%, 29%, and 29% for the control, AN69-ST, and TKM-101 groups, respectively. Hypotension and elevated plasma cytokine concentrations were less prominent in the TKM-101 and AN69-ST groups compared to those in the control group. Conclusions: TKM-101 effectively removed proteins of varying sizes, from small-sized proteins such as interleukin (IL)-8 to mid-sized protein such as IL-10 in vitro. Moreover, TKM-101 treatment reduced mortality and had inhibitory effects on inflammatory responses in endotoxemic rats. These findings suggest that TKM-101 treatment may be available for use in patients with sepsis and/or endotoxemia.
Abscopal Effect after Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy with Nivolumab for Lung Metastasis of Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Endo Masashi , Fukuda Yukiko , Okada Kouhei , Ogawa Kazunari , Nakamura Michiko , Takahashi Satoru , Kawahara Masahiro , Akahane Keiko , Nagai Yoshiaki , Yamaguchi Hironori , Nishino Hiroshi , Mori Harushi , Shirai Katsuyuki
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The abscopal effect (AE) is a phenomenon, in which radiotherapy exerts an antitumour effect on distant lesions outside the primary irradiated area. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been widely studied for their potential to enhance the AE and improve patient outcomes, findings in cases of head and neck cancers remain limited. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 72-year-old man who experienced lung oligoprogression during nivolumab treatment for metastatic hypopharyngeal cancer. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) was administered to one of the lung lesions, after which both irradiated and nonirradiated lesions regressed. Upon an 18-month follow-up period after SBRT, the patient showed no disease progression or toxicity, and continued receiving nivolumab therapy. Conclusion: The intent behind presenting this case report was to contribute to the accumulation of evidence regarding the AE in cases of head and neck cancer.
Bosentan Does Not Affect Renal Resistive Index in Scleroderma/Systemic Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Di Poi Emma , Colussi GianLuca , Bertoni Martina , Giovannini Ivan , Tolusso Barbara , Ferraccioli Gian Franco , Gremese Elisa , De Vita Salvatore , Romano Giulio
Published: November 2023

Introduction: If properly evaluated, chronic kidney disease can be found in up to 50% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The renal resistive index (RRI) is a marker of intrarenal vascular resistance and can predict SSc-associated vasculopathy. This study aimed to determine the impact of bosentan, a nonselective endothelin-1 receptor antagonist, on RRI and kidney function in SSc patients with recurrent digital ulcers. Methods: Twenty-one patients (age 57 ± 9 years, 19 females) were recruited in a 16-week prospective open-label uncontrolled study. Standardized procedures were used to measure general clinical and laboratory characteristics, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), diastolic to systolic blood pressure (D/S) ratio, and urinary endothelin-1 levels. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation was used to calculate kidney function as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RRI was measured by Doppler ultrasound as the average of three samplings of intrarenal blood flow in different kidney regions of both kidneys. Patients with secondary causes of kidney disease or kidney diseases associated with albuminuria were excluded. Results: Bosentan treatment for 16 weeks did not change RRI (0.731 ± 0.049–0.730 ± 0.054, p = 0.925), but increased urine endothelin-1 to creatinine ratio (0.27 ± 0.15–0.49 ± 0.57 pg/mg, p = 0.032) and reduced MAP (123 ± 10–101 ± 11 mm Hg, p < 0.001), PP (76 ± 11–68 ± 10 mm Hg, p = 0.003), D/S ratio (0.563 ± 0.044–0.538 ± 0.031, p = 0.006), and eGFR (92 ± 20–84 ± 24 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.003). Discussion/Conclusion: In conclusion, in patients with SSc complicated by digital ulcers and normal to mildly diminished kidney function, bosentan had no effect on intrarenal hemodynamics, but reduced blood pressure levels and kidney function.
Impact of Endobronchial Valve Treatment on Lung Function Decline
Authors: Hartman Jorine E. , Klooster Karin , Koster T. David , Carpaij Orestes A. , van Dijk Marlies , Slebos Dirk-Jan
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Endobronchial valve (EBV) treatment has been shown to be beneficial for patients with severe emphysema. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was found to be significantly higher compared to baseline for up to 3 years after treatment although the magnitude of improvement gradually decreases over time. So far, it has not been investigated whether this treatment decelerates the decline in lung function. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the lung function decline before and after EBV treatment. Methods: We included patients who were treated with EBVs in our hospital, of whom pre-treatment spirometry results were available (at least 4 measurements within at least 2 years before treatment) and who had an annual FEV1 measurement up to 3 years after treatment. Results: In total, 45 patients were included (73% female, FEV1: 28 ± 7% of predicted, residual volume: 232 ± 32% of predicted) who had a mean pre-treatment FEV1 decline of −64 mL/year. Mean FEV1 “decline” after treatment was +13 mL/year, since FEV1 was still above the baseline level at 3-year follow-up. However, the FEV1 decline between 1 and 3 years of follow-up was not significantly different compared to the pre-treatment decline (−73 mL/year, p = 0.179). Conclusions: Our results show that the EBV treatment does not influence the progression of disease in terms of lung function decline. However, the treatment does improve the FEV1 up to a level that is still comparable 3 years after treatment with the baseline level.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Celiac Patients
Authors: Hawkins Stephanie , Nighot Meghali , Dalessio Shannon , Zhu Junjia , Morris Nathan , Clarke Kofi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: We sought to evaluate the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use on the development and severity of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in celiac disease (CD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients older than 18 years of age at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center who were diagnosed with CD. We analyzed four cohorts of celiac patients: (1) IDA diagnosis with PPI usage, (2) no IDA diagnosis with PPI usage, (3) IDA diagnosis with no PPI usage, and (4) no IDA diagnosis with no PPI usage. We also stratified celiac patients with IDA by anemia severity. Results: Of 366 celiac patients, 92 (25.1%) were diagnosed with IDA, of which 60 (65.2%) were on a PPI. The mean Hgb of celiac patients with IDA on a PPI was 11.1 g/dL and 12.1 g/dL for those without PPI (p = 0.04). For all celiac patients on a PPI without IDA, the mean was 13.3 g/dL and 13.7 g/dL for those without PPI (p = 0.02). PPI use occurred in 12 (70.6%) of the 17 patients with low severity anemia, 11 (64.7%) of the 17 patients with medium severity and 6 (85.7%) of the 7 patients with severe (p = 0.55). Conclusions: There is significant association between PPI use and IDA in celiac patients (p < 0.0001). Of those with IDA on PPIs, the distribution of the severity of anemia is not statistically different compared to those not on PPI. Discontinuation of PPIs or usage of alternative acid suppressive treatments may be indicated in patients with CD and iron deficiency anemia.
Comparing the Effect of Pre-Biopsy Rectal Cleaning Together with Biopsy Needle Disinfection to Each Technique Alone on Hospitalization Rates because of Post-Biopsy Infections
Authors: Bostancı Coşkun , Bürlukkara Salih
Published: November 2023

Introduction: To compare the effects of three techniques: biopsy needle disinfection with 10% formalin solution, povidone-iodine rectal cleaning, and the use of both methods to decrease hospitalization due to infectious complications after transrectal prostate biopsy. Methods: A total of 827 patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 patient data were analyzed retrospectively, while patients of groups 2 and 3 were followed up prospectively. Group 1 included 361 patients who underwent biopsy needle disinfection with a 10% formalin solution. Group 2 included 235 patients who underwent biopsy needle disinfection and povidone-iodine rectal cleaning. Group 3 included 231 patients who underwent povidone-iodine rectal cleaning only. The outcome scale was the number of patients hospitalized for biopsy-related infection 30 days after the date of transrectal prostate biopsy. Results: The hospitalization rates due to biopsy-related infectious complications were 3.0%, 0%, and 1.7% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The only statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: Biopsy needle disinfection and rectal cleaning with povidone-iodine seem to have greater potential to reduce infectious complications when applied together. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Efficacy and Safety of Newer Topical Therapies in Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Gao Nan , Han Junya , Zhang Yan , Fang Xianfeng
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease. Several clinical trials have studied some topical drugs aiming at new therapeutic targets. However, the comparative efficacy and safety of different concentrations and frequencies of newer topical drugs for psoriasis remain unclear. The aim of our study is to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of some newer topical treatments in patients with psoriasis. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted using eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Treatments included topical therapeutic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-modulating agent (TAMA), topical phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, and topical janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) inhibitors. The primary efficacy assessment criterion was the proportion of patients’ achieving Physician’s Global Assessment 0/1 (PGA response). Secondary criterion was ≥75% reductions in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI75). Adverse events (AEs) to represent the safety were also summarized. Results: Among 6 including newer topical drugs, odds of achieving both PGA response and PASI75 were higher with all regimens of TAMA and roflumilast cream versus vehicle. In terms of safety outcomes, odds of AEs were also higher with all regimens of TAMA. There were no statistically significant differences between topical JAK-STAT inhibitors and vehicle for any outcome, except ruxolitinib ointment 1% once daily (QD). Conclusion: TAMA had a good therapeutic effect on plaque psoriasis but a relatively low treatment safety. Roflumilast cream had both promising efficacy and higher safety.
Social media and optimization of the promotion of Lake Toba tourism destinations in Indonesia
Authors: Harahap Muhammad Said , Khadafi Rizal , Hasibuan Effiati Juliana , Saputra Agung , Hardiyanto Sigit , Lubis Faizal Hamzah
Published: November 2023

Tourism is one of the largest contributors to Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings, surpassing taxation, energy, and gas. This study seeks to investigate the use of social media to optimize the promotion of Lake Toba as a tourist destination, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using interview techniques and live field observations, it was discovered that social media, particularly the Instagram platform, play a significant role in promoting Lake Toba tourism. The Department of Culture and Tourism of the North Sumatra Province uses landscape photography as its primary promotion method, which has proved to be more effective and interesting than conventional methods such as the distribution of brochures or the use of manuals. The capture procedure and techniques for landscape photography were carried out by professional photographers in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism of the North Sumatra Province. In addition to providing information, tourism_sumut's Instagram account functions as a platform to raise public awareness about Lake Toba tourism and as a promotional medium for North Sumatra's tourist attractions on an international scale. Department of Culture and Tourism of the North Sumatra Province collaborates with travel agencies and local communities to disseminate Lake Toba tourism information.
Constraint satisfaction algorithms: edition of timetables in the license-master-doctorate system
Authors: Comlan Maurice , Allohoumbo Corentin
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we studied some algorithms for solving constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) and then applied them to solve the problem of generating schedules in a university setting. In other words, we studied the genetic algorithm, the simulated annealing, the hill climbing, a hybridization of the genetic algorithm and the simulated annealing as well as a hybridization of the genetic algorithm and the hill climbing. These algorithms have been tested on the problem of scheduling in a university environment. The hybrid uses hill climbing or simulated annealing to improve each individual in the starting population to a certain stopping point. These individuals are then sent to the genetic algorithm. Our results show that the hybridization of the genetic algorithm with a metaheuristic gives better execution time and performs better as the problem size increases compared to the classical genetic algorithm.
Generalization of linear and non-linear support vector machine in multiple fields: a review
Authors: Khan Sundas Naqeeb , Khan Samra Urooj , Aznaoui Hanane , Şahin Canan Batur , Dinler Özlem Batur
Published: November 2023

Support vector machines (SVMs) are a set of related supervised learning methods used for classification and regression. They belong to a family of generalized linear classifiers. In other terms, SVM is a classification and regression prediction tool that uses machine learning theory to maximize predictive accuracy. In this article, the discussion about linear and non-linear SVM classifiers with their functions and parameters is investigated. Due to the equality type of constraints in the formulation, the solution follows from solving a set of linear equations. Besides this, if the under-consideration problem is in the form of a non-linear case, then the problem must convert into linear separable form with the help of kernel trick and solve it according to the methods. Some important algorithms related to sentimental work are also presented in this paper. Generalization of the formulation of linear and non-linear SVMs is also open in this article. In the final section of this paper, the different modified sections of SVM are discussed which are modified by different research for different purposes.
Performance analysis of voltage source converter based high voltage direct current line under small control perturbations
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa Reem , Emary Salem Adel , Sayed Abdelhamid Ahmed , EL-Shimy Mahmoud Bekhet Mohamed
Published: November 2023

High voltage direct current (HVDC) systems provide important advantages; among them the ability to transmit enormous amounts of electrical power over great distances at low cost. As a result, planners of power systems consider it as a viable choice   for power transmission and interconnection of asynchronous networks. Depending on HVDC grids, continental/super grids have been recently constructed to promote global economic development. The study described in the paper focuses on the behavior of  a voltage sourced converter (VSC) based HVDC  transmission system comprising three arms-neutral point  clamped (NPC) converters interconnecting two asynchronous alternating current (AC)networks. In addition, the system components, and the vector control strategy of active/reactive powers and direct current (DC)bus voltage are simulated in MATLAB/Simulink under varying situations by adjusting the  controller’s  settings.  The study records and analyzes AC/DC voltages and active/reactive powers at two converter stations undervarying power and voltage conditions. The results of the study provide key performance indicators, such as settling time (tsett), steady state error (SSE), overshot/undershoot (OS%/US%), and correlation factor (CF), which demonstrate the robustness of thesystem’s control.
Whale optimization algorithm and internet of things for horizontal axis solar tracker-basedload optimization
Authors: Paramasivam Magudeswaran , Palaniappan Sakthivel , Devi Kalavathi
Published: November 2023

Renewable solar energy is the future of all other resources because of its reliability and availability all over the earth. Optimization of the energy consumption and utilization of internet of things (IoT) devices deployed in such systems poses significant challenges. Axis tracker panel is the scope for the next decade toincrease the performance of the existing panels. This research focuses on the development of intelligent energy optimization algorithms for IoT devices. The integration of renewable energy sources and IoT devices in solar-microgrid energy systems offers promising solutions for sustainable and efficient energy management. The proposed whale optimization algorithm (WOA) takes into account dynamic factors, including varying energy availability and fluctuating demand patterns, to optimize the overall performance. Leveraging real-time data from IoT sensors and smart meters, the algorithms balance energy generation and consumption, prioritize critical loads, and incorporate energy forecasting techniques to handle fluctuations in renewable energy production. Moreover, they integrate demand response mechanisms and dynamic pricing models to encourage flexible energy consumption patterns and minimize operational costs. The results of this study demonstrate the significant potential of the WOA algorithm in enhancing the sustainability of microgrid energy systems, paving the way for a greener and more reliable energy future.
Design of matrix, distributive round robin, ping pong and enhanced ping lock arbiter for shared resources systems
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Venkatara Nagaiyanallur , Sumithra Subramanian , Purushothaman Ramaiah , Suresh Kumar Subramani , Kokulavani Kathiresan , Gowri Velankanni
Published: November 2023

Arbiter is one of the main core elements in the network scheduler. The significant goal of this work is to design a high-speed and low execution-time arbiter with lock free and fair arbitration scheme. In this work, four types of arbiters such as matrix arbiter (MA), ping pong arbiter (PPA), distributive round-robin arbiter (DRRA) and enhanced ping lock arbiter (EPLA) are designed and analyzed area, delay, and speed of arbiters. MA is worked in square matrix format and matrix transition is performed for effective routing. The DRRA is designed by using a multiplexer and counter. Hence an, effective scheduling is carried out in DRRA. Binary tree format is used in PPA. The PPA provides low chip size and high speed than existing MA and DRRA. The PPA limits fair arbitration during uniformly distributed active request patterns. To overcome this problem, PPA is improved with some lock systems to create an EPLA. A new ping lock arbiter (PLA) leaf and PLA inter structure is proposed at the gate level to reduce the execution delay, improve the speed and achieve fair arbitration over all other existing arbiters. Resource allocation, execution delay, and speed are analyzed using the Xilinx Integrated Software Environment (ISE) tool.
Design and development of frameworks for CPU verification efficiency improvement
Authors: Singrihalli Hemaraj Sheetal , Nagaraja Shylashree , Yariyur Narasimhaiah Sunitha , Patil Madhu
Published: November 2023

Bug finding is a critical component of the verification flow and is resource intensive.In a typical week, a debug engineer writes triages, which take up significant amount of time that could be spent debugging another unique issue, and the lack of standardization in scripting causes maintainability issues in functional verification bug triage. A framework that allows customizable triage script generation is developed based on inputs from the engineer deploying YAML isn’t another markup language (YAML) files and practical extraction and report language (PERL) scripting, and this methodology is made automated and is standardized across projects to ensure maximum benefit going forward. The use of auto-triage in the project of functional verification bug triage has contributed to a 18% increase in triaged signatures on average, from 40% before its use to 58% after. A similar earlier project vs. current project comparison shows a 20% uplift. The triaged inputs that are parsed are currently being fed to a machine learning algorithm, which will help further improve the debug efficiency. As part of future work, the information from input YAML files can be used to analyze simulation failure attributes, hence improving the overall efficiency of debugging.
Automatic detection of solar cell surface defects in electroluminescence images based on YOLOv8 algorithm
Authors: Nadia Drir , Fathia Chekired
Published: November 2023

Digital stethoscopes over recent years have gained acceptance among pulmonologists to perform auscultations due to their advantages over traditional stethoscopes. During the previous decade, researchers have prominently contributed to the development of algorithms aimed at enabling objective diagnosis of respiratory sounds and conditions, thereby affording individuals lacking medical expertise the capability to auscultate themselves. However, auscultation requires the per sonnel to be aware of the optimal chest position to place the device for a reliable diagnosis as well. This study aims to identify the optimal chest position to place a digital stethoscope’ s diaphragm to objectively diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary d isease (COPD). Lung sound recordings from seven chest positions with data available in the ICBHI 2017 database namely, anterior left (Al), anterior right (Ar), lateral left (Ll), lateral right (Lr), posterior left (Pl), posterior right (Pr) and trachea (Tc), were analyzed in this study. COPD+ and COPD - at diagnosis, each chest position was done objectively using mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) features and machine learning models namely support vector machine (SVM) and decision tree (DT). The res ults indicate that the Pr chest position offers superior precision, recall, and F1 - score, with a recognition accuracy of 99.7% in COPD screening.
Analysis of linear congruent methods and multiplicative random number generator in computer-based test
Authors: Amrullah Amrullah , Al-Khowarizmi Al-Khowarizmi , Rizky Firahmi
Published: November 2023

This research focuses on the implementation of computer - based test exams in high schools which face the problem of not having differences in exam questions which results in weak security and validity of exam results. Therefore, a randomization method is needed to overcome this problem. The method used in random ization is linear congruent methods and multiplicative random number generator. There are 101 random questions, but only 40 questions are displayed for each student with a reference value of Xn and C, 2 will be added for each package of exam questions and to avoid question code=0, the calculation results will be added 1. The linear congruent methods (LCM) results achieve 100% accuracy, while the method The multiplicative random number generator (MRNG) only achieved 62.5% accuracy in randomizing the exam que stions. This accuracy comparison highlights the difference in the ability of the two methods to generate random permutations of test item packages. LCM randomization accuracy ensures that each student will receive a different set of test questions in a con sistent manner. However, the low accuracy of randomization using MRNG indicates a weakness in generating permutations of exam question packages. The results of this study show that the LCM method is better than the MRNG in conducting exams.
Design of routing protocol for enhancing quality of service in wireless ad hoc and sensor netw ork: LEQA
Authors: Hadush Hailu Dawit , G. Gebrehaweria Berihu , Gebrekrstos Lema Gebrehiwet , H. Kebede Samrawit , Sutikno Tole
Published: November 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are now adopting mobile sensors due to their increased popularity in research and industry. To enhance WSNs' performance, mobility can be utilized to gather data. But, if the collector's route is fixed and movement is not manageable, current quality of service (QoS) strategies and protocols are ineffective in achieving timely data delivery while maintaining energy efficiency. In the real world, WSN networks use both actuator - actuator and sensor - actuator coordination. To conserve energy in communicati on tasks with heavy traffic and high volume, sensors/actuators can be relocated to desired locations. This study introduces a routing protocol that optimizes delivery latency and energy conservation in WSNs. The proposed latency, energy, and quality of ser vice aware (LEQA) protocol uses a cooperative approach to track the sink and coordinate communication between sensors and actuators. Each sensor schedules its time division multiple access (TDMA) to improve QoS metrics such as low energy consumption, low l atency, or packet loss. It also addresses sensor - actuator coordination and proposes a data communication protocol for efficient and fast communication with actuator nodes. This reduces energy consumption and minimizes latency.
Electromagnetism-like mechanism algorithm for hybrid flow-shop scheduling problems
Authors: Khaled Smail , Bachir Djebbar
Published: November 2023

Given the interest and complexity, of the hybrid flow shops (HFS) problem in industry, he has been extensively considered, the HFS, is a complex combinatorial problem supported in many original world applications. We consider a hybrid flow shop FH4(P3, P2)||Cmax to applied in this paper. In this papers we attempt to optimize the makespan which refers to the last task completion time by an adequate meta-heuristic algorithm based on electromagnetism mechanism (EM). We also present analysis on the performance of the EM-algorithm adapted to HFS scheduling problems. The electromagnetism-like mechanism method gave us efficient and fair results comparing to particle swarm and genetic algorithm.
A novel machine learning based hybrid approach for breast cancer relapse prediction
Authors: Sahoo Ghanashyam , Kumar Nayak Ajit , Kumar Tripathy Pradyumna , Tripathy Jyotsnarani
Published: November 2023

The second leading cause of death for women is breast cancer, which is growing. Some cancer cells may remain in the body, so relapse is possible even if treatment begins soon after diagnosis. Since there are now many machine learning (ML) approaches to recurrence prediction in breast cancer, it is important to compare and contrast them to find the most effective one. Datasets with many features often lead to incorrect predictions because of this. In this study, correlation-based feature selection (CFS) and the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) are used to improve the quality of the wisconsin prognostic breast cancer (WPBC) and University Medical Centre, Institute of Oncology (UMCIO) breast cancer relapse datasets respectively. Data imputation, scaling, pre-process raw data. The second stage uses CFS to select discriminative features based on important feature correlations. The FPA chose the optimum attribute combination for the most precise answer. We tested the approach using 10-fold cross-validation stratification. Various trials show 84.85% and 83.92% accuracy on the WPBC and UMCIO breast cancer relapse datasets, respectively. The hybrid method performed well in feature selection, increasing the accuracy of the relapse classification for breast cancer.
Ensemble model for accuracy prediction of protein secondary structure
Authors: C. Shivaprasad Srushti , P. Maruthi Prathibhavani , Shree Venkatesh Teja , K. Rajuk Venugopal
Published: November 2023

Predicting a protein’s secondary structure is crucial for understanding the working of proteins. Despite advancements over the years, the top predictors have achieved only 80% Q8 accuracy when sequence profile information is the sole input. An ensemble approach is proposed using convolutional neural network (CNN) and a classifier known as support vector machine (SVM) on both the partial and the whole CullPDB datasets. The protein secondary structure (PSS) has a complex hierarchical structure, as well as the ability to take into account the reliance between neighbouring labels. A detailed experiment yielding high levels of Q8 accuracy with scores of 97.91%, 85.13%, and 78.02% using 20%, 80%, and 100% respectively of the protein residues on the new predicted dataset CullPDB6133 which is better than the accuracies predicted by similar models. The proposed methodology highlights the use of CNN as a general framework, for efficiently predicting eight-state (Q8) accuracy of secondary protein structures with a low time and space complexity.
Impact blockchain technology on traditional electronic payment system
Authors: AbdulKarim Talib Ahmed , Hashim Abdulkareem Mustafa , Nasser Selman Saja , AbdulKarim Talib Sally
Published: November 2023

Every moment there is a new idea and a new project that creates new technologies to make life easier and faster and to invest resources better. In this research, talk about a new technology that is considered a revolution in the age of the Internet, which in turn is the offspring of the new generation of the internet (5G), which is the blockchain technology, which began to be completed and appear to us from 2017, and it is not like other technologies, but in essence depends on changing many of the concepts that we are accustomed to in Communication, exchange and sharing via the Internet, it will change it in the same way as open-source software and in the same way as the Linux system, which, when it appeared, became the main focus for programmers and the development of software technologies, and this is the case with blockchain technology, this technology depends on the user and the customer only. There is no third party or responsible party. The user is responsible here.