bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients presenting to a tertiary care diabetic clinic in Sri Lanka
Authors: B Herath R.R.G.C.S. , Hirimuthugoda Lasantha Krishan
Published: January 2023

Identification of diastolic dysfunction among patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus alarms health care providers to prevent progression of heart failures while at the early stage. Little evidence exists by assessing and determining the cardiac diastolic dysfunction among type 2 diabetic patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and clinically asymptomatic with no overt symptoms or signs of heart failure can help clinicians to recommend early treatments. Between the periods of 2019–2020, total number 59 patients with T2DM attending Diabetic clinics, National (Tertiary) hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka were assigned. Patients related factors and disease related factors were assessed using interviewer-administered questionnaire with blood investigations of FBS, Lipid profile and Hb levels. Logistic regression model used to assess relationships following the goodness-of-fit with Hosmer–Lemeshow (p = 0.9) and Nagelkerke R (0.22). Among 59 participants, 23.7% and 10.2% of subjects were found to be having grade 1 and grade 2 diastolic dysfunction respectively. Univariate analysis with chi-square reported no particular significance association of diastolic dysfunction over patient’s factors or selected factors of disease status. The final risk-prediction-model was used to estimate the probabilities of diastolic dysfunction with selected factors of DM was not found any significance (p < 0.05). Benefits observed in this study were to recommend assessing diastolic dysfunction at patient’s early stages of DM, irrespective of their disease status and patient’s factors.
Hydrophobic Molecules and Hemodialysis Treatment: ESRD as a Renohepatic Toxic State
Authors: L. Russo
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Despite technological advances, the mortality of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains high. Uremic toxicity is due to a series of molecules, and not all of them are easily dialyzable. Several uremic hydrophobic toxins have classically been identified. Hydrophobic molecules (HPHM) are also present in the plasma of patients with several toxic syndromes. Fluorescence is a characteristic of many aromatic compounds. The total fluorescence of the hydrophobic fraction of plasma has been studied before and after hemodialysis in patients with ESRD.
METHODS: Ten patients treated with a 3 times/week regimen of hemodialysis for ESRD were under study. Plasma samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the dialytic process.
One milliliter of plasma was extracted with 5 ml. of ether. Fluorescence of the ether fraction was determined with a digital filter fluorometer (excitation 300-400 nm. Emission >400 nm). The results were expressed in fluorescence arbitrary units (AU). Fivecontrol patients without renal insufficiency were also evaluated.
RESULTS: The results are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Five patients had a normal predialysis value (comparable to controls) of hydrophobic fluorescence (mean 15.2 AU, SD 1.9 AU) (Group A). In 5 patients, high values of fluorescence were recorded (mean 73.2 AU, SD 39.0 AU) (Group B). A definite, postdialysis decrease fluorescence was shown in only 2 patients in Group B. In all the other patients, no significant removal of HPHM was reported.
CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, two subpopulations of dialytic patients were identified. Fifty percent of patients show values compatible with a renohepatic toxic state(RHeTS). Hemodialysis has variable efficacy in the removal of different hydrophobic uremic toxins.
One-Week External Beam Partial Breast Irradiation: Survival and Toxicity Outcomes
Authors: Colciago Riccardo Ray , Rocca Eliana La , Giandini Carlotta , Mateo Alicia Rejas , Bedini Nice , Capri Giuseppe , Folli Secondo , Lozza Laura , Meroni Silvia , Pignoli Emanuele , Rancati Tiziana , Arcangeli Stefano , De Santis Maria Carmen
Published: January 2023

Purpose According to ASTRO and ESTRO guidelines, external beam Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) is a valid option for early-stage Breast Cancer patients. Nevertheless, there is lack of consensus about the best treatment schedule.
METHODS We retrospectively analysed data of female patients treated at our institution from 2013 to 2022 with adjuvant “one-week" partial breast irradiation. Clinical Target Volume (CTV) was an isotropic expansion of 15 mm from the tumour bed (identified as the breast tissue between surgical clips). The treatment schedule was 30 Gy delivered with VMAT in 5 daily fractions. The primary endpoint was Local Control (LC). Disease Free Survival (DFS), Overall Survival (OS) and safety were secondary endpoints.
RESULTS Three hundred eighty-one patients with a median age of 69 (33 – 91) years were included in the study. One hundred ninety-two (50.4%) of the cases were left-sided breast; 360 (94.5%) were invasive ductal carcinomas, 368 (96.6%) were G1 or 2, and 378 (99.2%), were Luminal-like. After a median follow-up of 28 (6 – 104) months, 7 patients (2.0%) developed a local recurrence, of which two were “In field”. Three-year LC, DFS and OS actuarial rates were 97.5% (95% C.I. 96.2% – 98.8%), 95.7% (95% C.I. 94.2% - 97.2%), and 96.9% (95% C.I. 95.7% – 98.1%) respectively. No ≥ grade 3 acute/late toxicities were reported. 10 (2.9%) patients experienced grade 2 late toxicities. Five (1.5%) patients reported late cardiac major events, although 4 of them were treated on the right breast. Three (0.9%) late pulmonary toxicities were detected. One hundred-eight (30.8%) patients reported fat necrosis. Good or Excellent cosmetic evaluation following the Harvard Scale was reported in 252 (96.9%) cases by the physicians while in 241 (89.2%) cases by the patients.
CONCLUSION “One-week” PBI is effective and safe, and this schedule is a valid option for highly selected early breast cancer patients.
LINC00908 promotes malignant progression and glycolysis in lung adenocarcinoma via interactions with DDX54 and RFX2
Authors: Yang Xuhui , Zhao Jiahua , Zhang Yang , Zhang Lin , Wang Lijie , Zhang Fan , Han Xiao , Tao Haitao , Li Chenxi , Zhu Xiang , Hu Yi
Published: January 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. We identified a specific LncRNA, LINC00908, was downregulated in LUAD tissues and associated with good outcome. LINC00908 inhibited glycolysis by regulating the expression of the DEAD-box54 (DDX54), which was screened by a nine-gene risk signature related to glycolysis and positively correlated with parts of glycolysis-related genes. DDX54 was also experimental verified that regulate nine key glycolytic enzymes, thereby affecting the level of glycolysis in LUAD. Further, the expression of LINC00908 in LUAD tumorigenesis was modulated by a transcription factor, RFX2. The RFX2/LINC00908/DDX54 axis regulated LUAD tumor growth, migration, invasion, cell apoptosis and glycolysis both in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrated that this axis might be a novel mediator in LUAD progress. We might offer a novel therapeutic target for more precise diagnosis and treatment of LUAD.
Epsilon-removal constructions of fuzzy finite automata based on fuzzy matrices
Authors: Ping Li , huanhuan sun , Yanping Yang
Published: January 2023

The equivalence of different forms of automata provides a lot of convenience for us to solve practical problems. Sometimes, for efficient use of a fuzzy finite automaton, it is preferable to remove all ε-transitions since in general they induce a delay in their using, that is, to create an equivalent fuzzy finite automaton with no ε-transition. An epsilon-removal construction method with fuzzy ε-closure of fuzzy finite automata with ε-transitions over lattice-ordered monoids is proposed in Li et al.(2006). In this paper, we define the fuzzy languages accepted by fuzzy fifinite automata with ε-transitions by fuzzy matrices, fuzzy matrices yield the very compact and intuitive representations of fuzzy finite automata with ε-transitions and often very concise proofs about their languages. Next, based on fuzzy matrices, we propose four epsilon-removal constructions of fuzzy finite automata with ε-transitions over lattice-ordered monoids. Furthermore, the conditions of applications for the four epsilon-removal constructions are discussed and compared in detail, then we study the four epsilon-removal constructions of fuzzy finite automata over more general algebraic structures, such as semirings, and we give some examples to illustrate the applications of the four epsilon-removal constructions.
Development of the Movement Pattern Observation Tool (MPOT) – An observational tool to measure limb movements during elementary school recess
Authors: Webb G. Kate , Rhea Debbie
Published: January 2023

Development of the Movement Pattern Observation Tool (MPOT) – An observational tool to measure limb movements during elementary school recessBackground:The US Center for Disease Control estimates that only 24% of American elementary-aged children participate in the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. As activity levels continue to decline for elementary-aged children, elementary schools should consider increasing movement opportunities within the school day. Activity-driven school days, where children can move their limbs freely, may increase performance in memory retention, behavioral impulse control, as well as increase bone density and muscle strength. Unstructured, outdoor play, referred to in this study as recess, may provide an opportunity for these brain, bone, and muscle-stimulating limb movements to be utilized. To date, no research has focused on whether the modern child actively uses limb movements during recess, nor to what degree. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable assessment tool to observe and record limb movements (unilateral, bilateral, and contralateral movements) of elementary children during recess.Methods:The Movement Pattern Observation Tool (MPOT) was developed to observe limb movement use during elementary school recess. This tool was developed in three phases: Identifying the movements observed in recess, using phase 1 observations to develop the tool, and determining the Interrater Reliability of the tool.Results:Researchers used the observation method to identify specific unilateral, bilateral, and contralateral limb movements. The MPOT final form was accomplished through three revisions of multiple data samples. Interrater reliability was tested and approached excellent, being that excellent is above .90. The ICC of the master observer and observer 3 value was [.898 (95% CI .757-.957)], and ICC of the master observer and observer 2 was [.885 (95% CI .599-.967)].Conclusions:The MPOT can help determine the percentage of children participating in limb movement activities versus the percentage of inactive children during recess. Moreover, the use of the MPOT may provide researchers with insight into whether the repetition of limb movements correlates strongly with memory retention, bone density, and muscle strength.
Role of magnetic resonance neurography in diagnosing neuralgic amyotrophy
Authors: Duan Luyao , Zhao Liyang , Liu Ying , Zhang Yizhe , Zheng Wensong , Yu Xiaoman , Liu Hongran , Li Zequn , Peng Zhigang , Li MD；Xiaona
Published: January 2023

Background
To study the characteristics of brachial plexus MRN in patients with NA, and to explore the clinical application value of MRN combined with Electromyography (EMG) in the diagnosis of NA.
Methods
The brachial plexus MRN images of 32 patients with NA were retrospectively analyzed and their characteristics were investigated. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRN, EMG and the combination of the two methods in the diagnosis of NA were compared.
Results
The main feature of MRN in patients with NA was that it was mostly located in the unilateral upper trunk, and the C5 nerve root was the most common. The main features of those involved nerves were the thickening and segmental stenosis of some involved nerves, and the signal intensity on the 3D reconstruction image was higher than that of the surrounding normal nerves. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRN for NA were higher than those of EMG. Combining MRN and EMG could improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis.
Conclusion
MRN can visualize the morphological changes of involved nerves in patients with NA. The combined diagnosis of MRN and EMG can help clinicians diagnose NA more accurately.
Susceptibility of copper to pitting corrosion in bicarbonate buffer solutions: Part I. Effect of chloride
Authors: Noёl James , Matin Sina , Henderson Jeffrey , Biesinger Mark , Kobe Brad , Shoesmith David W.
Published: January 2023

The pitting corrosion, passive film morphology, and surface composition of copper were studied in chloride-containing bicarbonate buffer solutions using multielectrode arrays and single electrodes. Cu was shown to be susceptible to pitting in 0.01 and 0.1 M Cl¯, but to experience active dissolution in 1 M Cl¯. The passive film morphology and composition were investigated using the single-electrode setup. Surface analyses showed the presence of pits in both 0.01 and 0.1 M Cl¯ buffer solutions. The results indicated the dependency of passive film morphology and composition on both charge density and applied potential.
Algorithms of Intelligent Language Recognition and English Discourse Analysis Based on Fisher's Three-dimensional Model
Authors: Xie Na
Published: January 2023

As an important analysis theory in critical discourse analysis, Fischer's three-dimensional analysis model has been used more and more to analyze news discourse. The Fischer three-dimensional analysis model includes vocabulary and sentence descriptions in text exercises, as well as messages in discourse exercises, describing the source of events and discourse practices, and explaining international and domestic backgrounds. The development of intelligent language recognition technology is supported by people from all walks of life, and its development is very rapid. Many research results have been extended from theoretical research to daily applications. The convenience of intelligent speech recognition technology has greatly changed our way of life, and intelligent speech recognition technology has been able to recognize human voices by recognizing discrete symbols. At present, the research on classroom discussion is mainly based on the direct observation experience of researchers on classroom teaching. In the environment of rapid development of information, we will find more effective classroom discourse analysis methods, provide fast and convenient classroom discourse analysis skills, and make classroom discourse analysis more efficient. The innovation of classroom discourse research methods in an informed environment provides convenience for English language analysis in an intellectual classroom environment. The application of English language makes various applications of English in intelligent recognition technology systems more and more extensive.
Target temperature in post-arrest comatous patients. Is something changed un the postpandemic age?
Authors: Garcia-Rubira Juan C. , Olivares-Martínez Blanca , Rivadeneira-Ruiz María , Fernández-Valenzuela María I. , Hidalgo-Urbano Rafael
Published: January 2023

We have analyzed the results of our patients, comparing the discharge status of 79 patients with a target temperature of 33°C with 24 patients with a target temperature of 36.5°C . There were no cases of positive Covid-19 in our series. There was an adverse outcome (death or vegetative state) more often in the 36.5°C group (74% vs 47% p 0.015). It is possible that the target temperature in comatous patients after cardiac arrest should be revised in our new post-pandemic reality.
Roost thermal stability influences winter torpor patterns in a threatened bat species
Authors: Newman Blaise Ashley , Loeb Susan C , Jachowski David S
Published: January 2023

Some hibernating bats in thermally stable, subterranean roosts have experienced precipitous declines from white-nose syndrome (WNS). However, some WNS-affected species also use thermally unstable roosts during winter which may impact their torpor patterns and WNS susceptibility. From November to March 2017-2019, we used temperature-sensitive transmitters to document winter torpor patterns of tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) using thermally unstable roosts in the upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Daily mean roost temperature fluctuation was 4.8 ± 2°C SD in bridges and 4.0 ± 1.9°C in accessible cavities with maximum fluctuations of 13.8°C and 10.5°C, respectively. Mean torpor bout duration was 2.7 ± 2.8 days and was negatively related to ambient temperature and positively related to precipitation. Bats maintained non-random arousal patterns focused near dusk and were active on 33.6% of tracked days. Fifty-one percent of arousals contained passive rewarming. Normothermic bout duration, general activity, and activity away from the roost were positively related to ambient temperature, and activity away from the roost was negatively related to barometric pressure. Our results suggest ambient weather conditions influence winter torpor patterns of tri-colored bats using thermally unstable roosts. Short torpor bout durations and potential nighttime foraging during winter by tri-colored bats in thermally unstable roosts contrasts with behaviors of tri-colored bats in thermally stable roosts. Therefore, tri-colored bat using thermally unstable roosts may be less susceptible to WNS. These results highlight the importance of understanding the effect of roost thermal stability on winter torpor patterns and the physiological flexibility of broadly distributed hibernating species.
A novel badnavirus discovered in Fig tree by high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Aizitili Tuxunaili , Maimaiti Yushanjiang , Zhixiang Zhang , Mijiti Maihemuti
Published: January 2023

A novel plant virus was detected in the ring spot symptomatic fig leaves by high-throughput sequence (HTS). The virus has a circular DNA genome, with a full length of 7233 (nt), and contains four open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 and ORF2 encode a hypothetical protein, ORF3 encodes a putative polyprotein with conserved domains, including zinc finger, aspartic protease, reverse transcriptase (RT), and RNase H domains, and ORF4 encodes a putative protein of unknown function. Based on the RT+RNase H region nucleotide sequence pairwise comparisons showed that FBV-2 shares 84.46% and 78.82% sequence identity with Grapevine badnavirus 1 (MF781082.1) and Fig badnavirus 1(MK348055.1). Interestingly FBV-2 has genome organization differences in GBV-1, but not with FBV-1, and phylogenetic analysis showed FBV-2 three isolates were clustered separately in a group and formed a branch of badnavirus. Genome organization and phylogenetic analysis display that the novel virus is a new member of the genus Badnavirus and is tentatively named “Fig badnavirus 2” (FBV-2).
Predictive capacity of protein serum biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer in patients with suspicious lung lesions
Authors: Sua Luz Fernanda , Serrano-Gomez Silvia J. , Nuñez Marcela , Sangiovanni Saveria , Fernandez-Trujillo Liliana
Published: January 2023

Background
Tumor biomarkers aid in the diagnosis, management, and prognosis in patients with cancer. In lung cancer, serum biomarkers are used at various timepoints. However, doubts remain about their accuracy for differential diagnosis and histological subtyping in patients with suspicious lung lesions. We conducted a diagnostic test study, selecting cases with malignant lung lesions and controls with benign lung lesions. Prior to lung biopsy, all patients had the following biomarkers measured in serum (Pro-GRP, NSE, CYFRA 21 − 1, SCC - Ag, CEA).
Methods
The predictive capacity of serum biomarkers evaluated to discriminate between lung cancer and benign pathology was measured using sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under the Curve (AUC). We also assessed their accuracy for distinguishing Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and explored their ability to perform histological subtyping.
Results
A total of 93 patients were included, 60 with lung cancer and 30 with benign pathology. Serum levels of Pro-GRP and NSE were elevated in patients with SCLC (274 pg. / ml and 41.9 ng. / ml) compared to patients with NSCLC or nonmalignant lung disease (NMLD). The most accurate biomarkers for discriminating between malignant and benign pathology were CEA (AUC = 76.3%, sensitivity = 55.0% / specificity = 87.9%), and CYFRA 21 − 1(AUC = 76.2%, sensitivity = 55.1% / specificity = 87.9%). Pro-GRP had a poor predictive capacity alone for discriminating NSCLC from SCLC but increases in combination with CEA and CYFRA 21 − 1 (AUC = 80.4%, sensitivity = 70.6% / specificity = 81.8%). For SCLC the diagnostic efficacy of Pro-GRP increased by combining with other biomarkers such as NSE / CYFRA21–1 (AUC = 97.3%, sensitivity = 88.8% / specificity = 98.9%).
Conclusions
Individual biomarkers lacked the required sensitivity and specificity to perform a differential diagnosis or achieve histological subtyping on their own. They might be useful in parallel testing to aid the physician, but a tissue biopsy should not be delayed or postponed.
Molecular identification of Eimeria species in cattle from Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Olivares Angelica , Alonso-Díaz Miguel Angel , Romero-Salas Dora , Cruz-Romero Anabel , Pinos-Rodríguez Juan M. , Barrientos-Morales Manuel , Lira-Amaya José J. , Bravo-Ramos José L.
Published: January 2023

The presence of Eimeria in livestock farms implies significant economic losses, compromising the welfare and animal health of affected bovines. The objectives of this study were to obtain the molecular identification of Eimeria species and to create the phylogeny for analysis. Fecal samples were collected from 930 animals distributed in 62 cattle farms located in the center of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 57 oocyst concentrations from cattle farms were used. In 57 of the 62 farms in this study, it was possible to carry out the concentration of oocysts. Extraction and PCR were created through the internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS-1) of ribosomal rRNA genes. Twenty-six of the 57 (45.6%) samples were amplified at 500 bp. The presence of pathogenic species such as Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii, in addition to Eimeria ellipsoidalis, Eimeria cylindrica, Eimeria budkinonensis and Eimeria canadensis, infecting calves in the region was confirmed. The phylogenetic tree correctly differentiated the presence of seven Eimeria species, reporting incidentally the presence of paratenic hosts among production animals. It is concluded that these results can be useful to improve the management and productivity of cattle in the Mexican tropics.
Characterization of GATA3 and Mammaglobin in breast tumors from African American women
Authors: Ricks-Santi Luisel J. , Fredenburg Kristianna , Rajaei Moein , Esnakula Ashwin , Naab Tammey , McDonald J. Tyson , Kanaan Yasmine
Published: January 2023

GATA3 and Mammaglobin are often used in the clinic to identify metastases of mammary origin due to their robust and diffuse expression in mammary tissue. However, the expression of these markers has not been well characterized in tumors from African American women. The goal of this study was to characterize and evaluate the expression of GATA3 and mammaglobin breast tumors from African American women and determine their association with clinicopathological outcomes including breast cancer subtypes. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed from well preserved, morphologically representative tumors in archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) surgical blocks from 202 patients with primary invasive ductal carcinoma. Mammaglobin, and GATA3 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Univariate analysis was carried out to determine the association between expression of GATA3, mammaglobin and clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival and disease-free survival were also plotted and a log-rank test performed to compare estimates among groups. GATA3 expression showed statistically significant association with lower grade (p<0.001), ER-positivity (p<0.001), PR-positivity (p<0.001), and the luminal subtype (p<0.001). Mammaglobin expression was also significantly associated with lower grade (p=0.031), ER-positivity (p=0.007), and PR-positivity (p=0.022). There was no association with recurrence-free or overall survival. Our results confirm that GATA3 and mammaglobin demonstrate expression predominantly in luminal breast cancers from African American women. Markers with improved specificity and sensitivity are warranted given the high prevalence of triple negative breast cancer in the group.
Evaluation of genetic diversity analysis in Cicer arietinum L. germplasm based on multivariate analysis
Authors: Yadav Abhinav , Nath Shiv , Kumar Sujit , Kumar Vinay , Kumar Dalbeer , Yadav Kuldeep , Boro Jutika
Published: January 2023

Genetic diversity among 43 genotypes of chickpea for 11 quantitative characters; in which Seed yield/plant exhibited positive and highly significant correlations coefficients with biological yield/plant (0.9447), pods/plant (0.7559), seeds/pod (0.5475), harvest index (0.5400) and secondary branches/plant (0.3766). Path coefficients analysis identified biological yield/plant (0.7963g) followed by harvest index (0.2792%), pods/plant (0.0435), 100 seed weight (0.0430g) and days to maturity (0.0417) important direct components for seed yield/plant. Pods/plant (0.6259), seeds/pod (0.4434), secondary branches/plant (0.3307), primary branches/plant (0.3132), days to 50% flowering (0.2431) and days to maturity (0.2339) via biological yield/plant were found important indirect components for seed yield/plant. The characters identified above as important direct and indirect components merit due to consideration in the formulation of effective selection strategy in chickpea for developing high yielding varieties. So, plant breeder can utilize this germplasm for further crop improvement.
Identification and characterization of stable QTLs for vascular bundle number at the panicle neck in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi Le , Suetsugu Shizuka , Nakamura Yuna , Demeter Zita , Zheng Shao-Hui , Fujita Daisuke
Published: January 2023

Vascular bundles are responsible for transporting photosynthesis products, minerals, and water from source to sink. A large vascular bundle number (VBN) in the panicle neck is related to the ability to transport assimilates from stem and leaf to reproductive organs during seed maturation. Several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for VBN with major effects have been identified by using segregating populations derived from a cross between indica and japonica rice cultivars. However, there are few reports of QTLs for VBN with minor effects. Here, we identified three stable QTLs for VBN—qVBN5 on chromosome 5, qVBN6 on chromosome 6, and qVBN11 on chromosome 11—by using 71 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between indica IR24 and japonica Asominori. We confirmed their positions and characterized their effects by using chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) with an IR24 genetic background. qVBN6 had the most substantial effect on VBN, followed by qVBN11 and qVBN5. We developed pyramided lines carrying two QTLs for VBN to estimate their interaction. Two lines carrying both qVBN6 and qVBN11 had a considerably lower VBN than the parental lines, each carrying a single QTL. The combination accumulated VBN negatively in the pyramided lines owing to the independent actions of each QTL. The QTLs detected for VBN will enhance our understanding of genetic mechanisms of VBN and can be used in rice breeding.
Real-Time Full-Band Speech Enhancement for Hearing Aids
Authors: S Apoorva M
Published: January 2023

Speech enhancement for hearing aids is one of the active research domain in the field of artificial intelligence. Recent developments in multi-channel speech enhancement include Augmented Reality in hearing aids. With all these progress that is actively moving forward for the evolution of hearing aids, the author proposes the use of Quantum Convolution Neural Networks for the purpose of source-separationin hearing aids. When compared to speech enhancement for smartphones andother devices, speech enhancement for hearing aids is challenging because of limited signal processing resources and very slow evolution of electrical components and electronic circuits involved in hearing aids. Currently hearing aids are in their third generation of evolution wherein the hearing aids are connected to personalassistant on cloud which answers the questions that wearer asks, monitors health quotient of the individual, streams music and phone calls. However there is no significant improvement in the field of speech enhancement in hearing aids either from the electrical and electronic components or from the cloud/ mobile application supported hearing aids. Thus the author here worked on speech enhancement forhearing aids using Quantum Convolutional Neural Network (QCNN) and proposed the same for speech enhancement in hearing aids for cloud/ mobile app supported hearing aids, with the consent of data collection from the hearing impaired population. Here the author compares the performance of the classic blind source separation with QCNN and obtained 98% accuracy in model training almost 75% accuracy in source-separation from real-time audio. The author hopes that QCNN may be used in future of speech enhancement for hearing aids.
Clarifying the Concepts of Personalization and Tailoring: An Interview Study with Experts
Authors: Klooster I. ten , Kip H. , Gemert-Pijnen J. E.W.C. , Kelders S. M.
Published: January 2023

Background: Although personalization and tailoring are identified as alternatives for a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach for eHealth technologies, there is no common understanding of these two concepts and how they should be applied. In the current study, our aim is to describe (1) how tailoring and personalization are defined according to eHealth experts, and what the differences and similarities are, (2) what type of variables can be used to segment eHealth users into more homogenous groups or on the individual level, (3) what elements of eHealth technologies are customized to those segments, and (4) how the segments are matched with eHealth customizations.
Methods: Ten eHealth experts were included via purposive and snowball sampling for an interview consisting of two parts: (1) questions about definitions of personalization and tailoring and questions related to segmentation and customization, (2) responses to three vignettes on examples of eHealth technologies, varying in personalization and tailoring strategies to elicit responses about their views on how the two components were applied and matched in different contexts.
Results: Responses were analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive coding. First, deductive codes were assigned to fragments related to Definitions (n = 25), Segmentation (n = 298), Customization (n = 100) and Matching (n = 56). Within the theme ‘Definitions’ participants mentioned several distinguishing factors (n = 25) between personalization and tailoring. Within the theme ‘Segmentation’ participants mentioned nine types of variables that can be used (n = 227) and eight data collection methods (n = 71). Within the theme ‘Customization’ five elements were mentioned that can be customized (n = 100), namely channeling, content, graphical, functionalities and behavior change strategy. Within the theme ‘Matching’ participants mentioned substantiation methods (n =24) and the variable level on which matching takes place (n = 32).
Conclusions: We observed that personalization and tailoring are multidimensional concepts in which multiple factors come into play that determine how these concepts should be applied to eHealth. Intra- and inter-individual differences among the target group and technology affordances determine whether and how personalization and tailoring can be applied most effectively to eHealth technologies according to participants.
French mitigation banking: a framework to assess ecological relevance of restoration projects
Authors: Aubry Steve , Gaucherand Stéphanie
Published: January 2023

The implementation of French mitigation bank requires an approval (agrément SNC) delivered by state services through an instruction phase. However, the ecological expectations of state services need to be clarified. To assist stakeholders, we developed an assessment framework whose aim is to specify the useful criteria to justify/determine whether or not a mitigation bank project is ecologically relevant. In this context, we intended to answer the following question: regarding its ecological gains strategy and the site location, is the project suitable to achieve its ecological gains objectives? We define as ecologically relevant a mitigation bank project whose (1) ecological gains strategy is based on acceptable objectives, realistic and operational restauration, management and monitoring measures. This strategy must be (2) consistent with the intrinsic characteristics of the host site(s) and the (3) landscape context in which the project takes place. (4) The respect of the offset principles is ultimately the guiding line of any mitigation project. The different criteria identified through those four assessment components were organized under the form of a project reading grid on which we give more details.
Association between normal-weight obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Samson , Mekonene Mulugeta , Hagos Seifu , Baye Kaleab , Shikur Bilal , Berhane Adugnaw , Bekele Tilahun
Published: January 2023

Background: The relationship between normal-weight obesity (NWO) – high percent body fat (%BF) in individuals with normal body mass index (BMI) – and cardiometabolic abnormalities has not been explored in Africa. We determined the prevalence of NWO and evaluated its association with hypertension, elevated blood sugar and dyslipidaemia among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults 18-64 years (n=600). Blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, and anthropometric measurements were completed. As function of skinfold thickness, body density and %BF were estimated using Durnin & Womersley and Siri Equations, respectively. The relationship between NWO and the outcomes of interest, assessed using adjusted linear and logit models.
Results: The age- and sex-standardised prevalence of NWO was 18.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 15.8, 22.2%). Comparison between normal-weight lean (normal %BF and BMI) and normal-weight obese individuals suggested no difference in systolic blood pressure (β=2.55; 95% CI, -0.82, 5.92); however, diastolic blood pressure (β=3.77: 95% CI, 1.37, 6.18) and odds of hypertension (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.46: 95% CI, 1.18, 5.13) were significantly raised in the latter. Similarly, adults with NWO had elevated blood glucose (β=2.30; 95% CI, 1.23, 15.66) and increased odds of high blood sugar level (AOR=1.68; 95% CI, 1.05, 2.67). LDL (β = 8.73: 1.56, 15.90), triglyceride (β=20.99: 0.78, 41.22), total cholesterol (β=10.47: 1.44, 19.50), and Cholesterol to HDL ratio (β=0.65: 0.27, 1.04) were also raised among adults with NWO.
Conclusion: NWO is common among adults in Addis Ababa and is associated with cardiometabolic derangements.
Assessing Multiple Engineering Tasks via Escape Room Game
Authors: Alamanis Nikolaos , Lokkas Philotheos , Xafoulis Nikolaos , Chryssanidis Theodoros , Garani Georgia , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Christodoulou Dimitrios , Paschalis Evangelos , Zachos Dimos
Published: January 2023

Education as a concept includes every effort to train and develop people and their skills by applying the appropriate tools. One type of education is the formal, which includes a logically built and organized curriculum that is under the jurisdiction of state mechanisms. However, there is also a non-formal education which, unlike the formal one, refers to all organized educational programs that take place outside the institutional framework of formal education and are usually voluntary and short in duration. It is mainly addressed to adults and does not have to provide a document certifying education in this field. In this context, the present work, adopting the research methodology based on design, aims to develop and formulate a mobile augmented reality game in the form of escape room/s targeting to train engineers. "Escape Rooms" is the name of an interesting trend of modern times that has flourished in the last decade in many countries around the world. These are puzzle and composition games, in which participants are asked to work together and solve problems using the information that exists in the room/s in order to unlock the door and escape. These types of games belong to the broader category of escape games, but differ from the rest due to the live interaction they provide with the environment. The main benefits of these games are the promotion of collaboration, the development of problem-solving strategies, critical thinking, imagination and creativity, elements that are necessary for the professional activity of an engineer. Escape rooms require teamwork, communication, initiative, as well as critical thinking and attention to detail along with an ability to apply a wide range of knowledge and effective methods under the pressure of time. The purpose of this paper is the evaluation of advanced students, through a series of high level and content of polytechnic questions, in the context of group collaborations that are formed during the coexistence of students in escape rooms, where an augmented reality is incorporated. Finally, the aim of this work is the implementation and evaluation of one or more thematic escape rooms regarding the mobilization, satisfaction and involvement of polytechnic students in puzzles and problems that require significant engineering knowledge.
Multiple Drug-resistant Organism are the main pathogens of colorectal surgery site infection after colorectal surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Yang Xuexia , Ye Qianqian , Zhou Yangmei , Huang Xun , Li Chunhui , Xiong Yinghui , Tang Yongzhong , Zeng Sainan , Liu Zhenguo , Zhou Pengcheng
Published: January 2023

Background: This study investigates the incidence, disease burden, and risk factors of surgical site infections (SSIs), particularly Multiple Drug-Resistant Organism (MDRO) Infection after colorectal surgery, to provide evidence for the prevention and control of the SSIs after colorectal surgery.
Methods: The study included patients undergoing colorectal surgery between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021 at Xiangya Hospital Central South University. Data about demographic information, length of hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, underlying diseases, invasive procedures, and antimicrobial use were gathered via Epidata3.1. A multivariate logistic regression model is used to examine the independent risk factors of SSIs and Multidrug organism infections.
Results: The study included a total of 2297 colorectal surgery patients; 94 patients experienced SSIs following an operation, including superficial incision infection in 18 cases, deep incision infection in 12 cases, and organ compartment infection in 64 cases. In the infection group, 44 cases have multidrug-resistant pathogens, 10 cases have sensitive pathogens, and 40 cases do not have any identifiable pathogens. The pathogen of SSIs in this study is primarily Escherichia coli. It had high cefazolin and cefuroxime resistance, but low resistance to imipenem and piperacillin tazobactam. The median length of stay and hospital costs in the infection group are 27.5 (day) and 85716.96 (yuan), while these figures are 15 (day) and 56318.06 (yuan) in the control group, respectively. All P-values are <0.001. Low preoperative albumin levels, prior use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, preoperative ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, tracheal intubation, central venous catheterization, and blood transfusion are all shown in univariate analysis to be statistically significant risk factors between infection and control group, while mechanical ventilation is shown in multi-factor logistic regression analysis to be the independent risk factor for SSIs. Univariate analysis reveals preoperative hyperglycemia, preoperative ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and tracheal intubation are all statistically significant risk factors between the MDRO group and NMDR group. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis demonstrates that mechanical ventilation is the independent risk factor for MDRO infection.
Conclusion: The disease burden of SSIs after colorectal surgery is comparatively high, and mechanical ventilation is the independent risk factor for SSIs. MDRO were the most common pathogens of SSIs.
A Novel PEtOx Based Nanogel For Selective Drug Release Targeting Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Gülyüz Sevgi , Sessevmez Melike , Ukuser Gokcen , Khalily Melek Parlak , Tiryaki Selen , Sipahioglu Tarik , Birgül Kaan , Özçubukçu Salih , Telci Dilek , Küçükgüzel Ş. Güniz , Durmus Mahmut , Cevher Erdal , Yilmaz Ozgur
Published: January 2023

In this study, prostate cancer-targeted, drug-loaded PEtOx nanogel was prepared by the combination of living/cationic ring-opening polymerization and alkyne-azide cycloaddition “click” chemistry. A fluorescence probe was also conjugated with nanogel to track drug delivery. Nanogel formation was confirmed by 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies while SEM and DLS analyses showed uniform spherical nanogels and the particle size of nanogels could be controlled at 100-250 nm with relatively narrow size distributions. The physical stability of nanogels has been examined at pH 7.4 and %1-5 fetal bovine serum and intravenously administered nanogel formulations could remain in the bloodstream without much physical change until they reach the target site. The biocompatibility of the nanogels was evaluated using MTT cytotoxicity assays. The results showed that cytotoxicity was dose-dependent and drug-loaded nanogels against cancer cells in vitro were much higher than that of the drug-free nanogel. The targeting efficiency was examined with peptide conjugated and peptide-free nanogel. Intracellular uptake of peptide 563 conjugated nanogel by tumor cells was 60-fold higher than that of nanogel without peptide. Our findings suggest that prepared nanogel exhibits great potential to be used in a variety of drug delivery applications due to non-toxic, and enhanced intracellular uptake into the tumor region.
On the double Roman domination number in oriented trees
Authors: OULDRABAH Lyes , Bouchou Ahmed , Blidia Mostafa
Published: January 2023

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
Let D = (V,A) be a digraph. A double Roman dominating function on a digraph D is a function ƒ :V → {0, 1, 2, 3} such that every vertex u for which ƒ(u) = 0 has an in-neighbor v for which ƒ(v) = 3 or at least two in-neighbors assigned 2 under ƒ, while if ƒ(u) = 1, then the vertex u must have at least one in-neighbor assigned 2 or 3. The weight of a double Roman dominating function is the value ƒ(V) = ∑v∈V ƒ(v). The minimum weight of a double Roman dominating function on a digraph D is called the double Roman domination number of D, denoted by γdR (D). This paper gives a descriptive characterization of oriented trees T satisfying γdR(T ) = 2 (n − Δ+) + 1.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 05C20,05C69.
Modelling dissipation, decontamination studies, and risk evaluation of Fipronil + Hexythiazox in Capsicum annum L. fruits via ANOVA using SPSS
Authors: pooja pooja , Ahlawat Sushil , Chauhan Reena , Yadav Surender Singh , Ankisha Ankisha , Ashu Ashu , Kumari Nisha , Pooja Pooja
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Clavicle plate removal under local anesthesia is preferred as well as under general anesthesia: A case-control study
Authors: Uraya Yuki , Kawano Yusuke , Kuroiwa Takashi , Maeda Atsushi , Funahashi Takuya , Shizu Kanae , Suzuki Katsuji , Fujita Nobuyuki
Published: January 2023

Background: Although implant removal after clavicle fracture is usually conducted under general anesthesia, local anesthesia has mostly been used in our hospital.
Hypothesis: Plate removal following clavicle fracture surgery is painful and distressing for patients if conducted under local anesthesia, and whether patients who have undergone this procedure would prefer it to be performed under general anesthesia should they require similar surgery in the future was conducted.
Methods: The study participants were 56 patients who had undergone plate fixation of a distal clavicle fracture or clavicular shaft fracture in whom plate removal was conducted under local anesthesia at a university hospital, and 183 patients in whom plate removal was conducted under general anesthesia at an acute general hospital. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire including a question on which method of anesthesia they would prefer should they have to undergo similar surgery in the future.
Results: The patients of both groups responded that they would prefer the same method of anesthesia as before to be used (87.0% of the patients who underwent plate removal under local anesthesia, 78.9 % of the patients underwent plate removal under general anesthesia), with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.33).
Discussion: Patients who underwent surgery under local anesthesia preferred local anesthesia if they were to undergo it next, even though most of them felt some pain. While surgeons tend to focus only on the patient's distress during surgery, they also find that patients are often dissatisfied during the perioperative period, including bed rest and urinary catheters.
Conclusion: Plate removal under local anesthesia, which was just as acceptable as general anesthesia for the patients.
Level of evidence: Case-control study
Novel Baseline Computational Predictive Model for Seamless Transmission in 5G
Authors: B Archana , Shahabadkar Ramesh
Published: January 2023

5G technologies is known for its beneficial characteristic of supporting largely connected network and high-speed data transmission. With increasing number of services and application meant for hosting over 5G network, there is also an increasing concern towards accomplishing better quality of service and quality of experience in global telecommunication sector. In this line of communication advancement, it is also noted that machine learning is one of the contributories and enabling technology towards boosting the performance of value-added services and applications running on 5G networks. Existing review of literature exhibited multiple variants of methodologies meant for performing predictive performance towards leveraging quality of data delivery services in 5G. However, there are quite many research challenges too that is directly associated with deploying a cost-effective learning scheme in 5G. Therefore, the proposed scheme contributes towards developing a novel and yet simplified baseline architecture which targets to accomplishing seamless and reliable data dissemination services in 5G. The proposed model constructs a novel deployment scenario where a user handheld device is considered as a mobile node with an agenda to considered routing in allocated multiple paths to reach its destination. Further, RFC 8822 is used for deployment 5G standard along with a specific mobility model sync with a real-time server via access point and gateway node in large deployment scenario. Finally, an enhanced Long Short-Term Memory is implemented towards performing identification of predictive routes that are shared to users directly over 5G network. The study outcome is benchmarked with existing learning schemes to exhibit that proposed scheme offers approximately 35% of reduced losses, 19% of higher throughput, 23% of reduced delay, 37% of reduced memory, and 41% of reduced processing time.