bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Diaspora Factor in the Context of Pan-Armenian Identity: between Nation and State
Authors: Sargsyan H. , Dunamalyan N.
Published: April 2023

Research on the Armenian diaspora take a special place in the modern Armenian studies. Approximately 70 per cent of ethnic Armenians live outside the modern Republic of Armenia. Preservation of the Armenian identity within the diaspora is declared as a priority objective. At the same time, the diaspora is perceived as a strategic resource for the development of the Armenian statehood. Meanwhile, there is practically no comprehensive research on this topic. Accordingly, certain myths exist about a unified Armenian diaspora, however, in reality it is more accurate to refer to it as a plethora of Armenian communities in different countries of the world that vary in many ways and are rather fragmented due to their lack of institutionalized unity. This article aims to study the communities of the Armenian diaspora in all their diversity with the objective to reveal the socio-political portrait of these communities. The analysis especially focuses on the institutions within the Armenian diaspora in order to identify their role in the functioning of these communities in general and the preservation of Armenian identity in particular. The main aim is to comprehend the unity between the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora through examining the place and role of modern Armenian statehood in the models of self-identification of diaspora communities. To this end, the authors study the available literature on the topic, as well as specific empirical material, namely in-depth interviews with experts in the Republic of Armenia and the results of an extensive sociological poll “The Armenian Diaspora Survey” conducted across various communities of the Armenian diaspora. The study concludes that there is a common cultural and linguistic Armenian identity, which does not extend to include civil, political, and – currently – confessional components.
Biotic Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Stock: What We Had & What We Lost
Authors: Blakemore Robert
Published: April 2023

Land’s basic metric is soil organic carbon (SOC) yet global estimates range 1,417–15,000 Gt C. Erosion of ancient topsoil and loss of soil taxa are most urgent of all context-triage concerns, and most ignored. Re-evaluation of topographical terrain on a non-flat Earth increases most soil dynamic inventories. Carbon credits of our neglected and disappearing SOC stocks are enumerated for mineral soils (~4,100 Gt C plus ca. 20–30% glomalin), Permafrost (>4,200 Gt C), peat (1,123 Gt C), plant roots (916 Gt C), litter (600 Gt C), microbes (200 Gt C), fungi (30 Gt C), biocrust (10–20 Gt C), earthworms (2.3–3.6 Gt C), termites (0.15 Gt C), nematodes (0.06 Gt C), ants (0.024 Gt C), and soil viruses (0.02–4.0 Gt C). Net contribution to atmospheric CO2 is more from biotic topsoil loss (>10 Gt C/yr) than fossil fuels (<10 Gt C/yr). Although higher CO2 results in a terrestrial greening effect with Net Primary Productivity (NPP) now ~220 Gt C/yr (cf. ~20 Gt C/yr Ocean NPP), this is arguably offset by topsoil erosion, desert expansion, plus fire at net ~16–20 Gt C/yr lost due, in part, to extravagant meat-eating with unsupportable, humus-depleting farm management. In particular, excess synthetic Nitrogen acidifies topsoil and destroys the natural SOC biota. Review shows critical topsoil loss up to 20,000 tonnes per second and, when soil microbes/invertebrates are properly considered, extinctions as high as 23 taxa per second. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) fail without solid soil foundation. Rather, heritage farm-data points to resolution in organic husbandry. Remedy via natural vermi-compost, 100% organic farming and practical Permaculture is under a simple premise that the Problem (i.e., SOC loss) is the Solution (viz., SOC restoration).
4-Component Spinors for SL(4,C) and Four Types of Transformations
Authors: Kuntman Mehmet Ali
Published: April 2023

We define a spinor-Minkowski metric for SL(4,C). It is not a trivial generalization of the SL(2,C) metric and it involves the Minkowski metric. We define 4x4 version of the Pauli matrices and their 4-component generalized eigenvectors. The generalized eigenvectors can be regarded as 4-component spinors and they can be grouped into four categories. Each category transforms in its own way. The outer products of pairwise combinations of 4-component spinors can be associated with 4-vectors.
The Usage of Digital Health Mobile-based Applications Among Saudi Population
Authors: AlAli Naif , AlKhudairy Yasser , AlSafadi Khalid , Abduljabbar Bandar , Aljerian Nawfal , Albeshry Abdulrahman M , Alshahrani Najim Z.
Published: April 2023

This study aimed at assessing the extent to which the Saudi general population has embraced digital health medical applications to meet their health-related needs so that the Saudi Ministry of Health and government can appropriately be guided on scaling up of digital health across the country. As such, this study was guided by the question of to what extent do the Saudi people use digital health mobile-based applications?. This was a cross-sectional study utilizing snowballing sampling approach. Frequencies, Chi-square, and Spearman rank correlation statistics were used to offer descriptive and inferential analysis of the variables. The majority of the participants were economically able to afford smart devices that have medical apps, had at least an app on such devices, and highly regarded the benefits of the apps. Unfortunately, their understanding of how to use such apps was limited and this posed a barrier to embracing digital health alongside difficulty downloading apps, and medical ethical concerns. Although there is a willingness, extra effort is needed from the Saudi Ministry of Health and government to promote the uptake of digital health in Saudi Arabia.
On the Bayesian Geometric Model: Decision Making Using Mul-Tiple (>2) States
Authors: Gerck Ed
Published: April 2023

We find at least 4 quantum properties that are indeed universal in some number systems; and we can use them for quantum consciousness. Using the sets N, Z, or Q has the +4 quantum properties that one can trust, as archetypes of easy communication to friends and foes, to ignoranti or cognoscenti, and for quantum computing. This paper proposes the use of Bayesian geometry to reduce the space of possible results, reducing or increasing initial beliefs by successive experimentation. This is exemplified in biology and mathematics, and can be applied to physics and other sciences. The conclusion is that an experimental fact can be absolutely verified. Any mathematical choice (as verified by computers) militating against R=Q, is under an absolutely low chance to succeed. Infinitesimals are denied based on 3^16 independent factors. This is not a probabilistic result, but based on reduction of the Bayes geometry for updating beliefs. This work applies to non-probabilistic and unknown phenomena, such as those found in oscillations (neutrino, health), evolution, and quantum computing, denies Gödel's uncertainty, and solves the liar's paradox by reflection. This connects different scientific fields with one another, in an internet, i.e., in a network of connections of multiple open networks, using the set Q, resembling a hologram, and includes entanglement.
In Vitro Pharmacological Activities of Methanol Extract of Acmella oleracea Leaves: A Variety Grown in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Mahbubol , Akash Sajidur Rahman
Published: April 2023

Acemella oleracea is known as toothache plant belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is treated as a medicinal remedy like tuberculosis, illness, cough, rheumatism, and illness. This study was concentrated on the antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial & thrombolytic activities of methanol extract of Acmella oleracea leaves using in vitro model. The antioxidant activity was estimated as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity utilizing the DPPH and reducing power tests. The plant extract was tested for its cytotoxic action using a brine shrimp lethality bioassay, thrombolytic activity using clot disruption, and antibacterial activity using a disc diffusion assay technique against four distinct gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. IC50 value of standard ascorbic acid for DPPH was 7.8µg/ml and the IC50 of the methanol extract of Acmella oleracea leaves was 198.34µg/ml that was moderate effect at all compare with ascorbic acid. Thrombolytic assay of Streptokinase as a positive control showed 88.49% where the extract shows 18.69% lytic activity shows the assay. In this study, the sample of LC50 results of cytotoxicity assay was 1.431 µg/mL which can be treated as less activity. Moreover, the extracts showed low to moderate antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial stains (zone of inhibition-10-26 mm). Vibrio Mimicus bacteria stains exhibited the highest level of activity, with a range of 23 for the diameter of the growth inhibition zone. The current review shows leaf extracts of Acmella oleracea may be used as a source of antioxidant and thrombolytic activity, as well as a significant source of antibacterial and anticancer substances. Further research is required to evaluate in-vivo the pharmacological activity of Acmella oleracea leaves in order to identify the essential metabolites and potential mechanisms.
Current Status and Future Perspectives of Antibiotic Therapy for MRSA Infections
Authors: Hajhamed Nooh Mohamed , Abdalla Abualgasim Elgaili , Mohammed Salahdeen Ismail , Ahmed Abdallah Elssir , Bakheit Abdullah M. , Abdelbagi Abubakar , Ali Mohamed Sir Elkhatim , Omer Rihab Ali , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman , Mohamed Nouh Saad
Published: April 2023

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), particularly Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is a life-threatening pathogen that causes a variety of infections in hospital and community settings. It poses a significant risk and challenge for global health that hinders our ability to control and treat bacterial infections. Recently, the emergence and spread of variant strains of bacteria, misuse of the limited available options of effective antibiotics, spread of fake drugs, and climate change that increased the contact between humans and animals’ populations carrying different bacterial has significantly increased the incidence of Multi-Drug Resistance strains (MDR). This in turn, has created a severe problem in the infection control treatment of S. aureus infected patients. Treatment options for MRSA infection are increasingly limited and complicated. Unfortunately, different strains of MRSA are showing tolerance and resistance toward vancomycin, which is the standard of care for complicated MRSA. Therefore, it is crucial now to invest developing new effective anti-biotics and synergies, develop and implement national action plans for the management of an-tibiotic resistance, as well as improving our understanding of the antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Here, in this review we explain the main mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in MRSA and describes different approaches to manipulate it in MRSA, providing a basis for de-signing effective drugs, and shedding some light on the evolution of S. aureus.
Dynamic Model of a Novel Planar Cable Driven Parallel Robot with a Single Cable Loop
Authors: Gonzalez-Rodríguez Antonio , Martín-Parra Andrea , Juárez-Pérez Sergio , Rodríguez-Rosa David , Moya-Fernández Francisco , Castillo-García Fernando J. , Rosado Jesús
Published: April 2023

Cable-Driven Parallel Robots (CDPRs) are a special kind of parallel manipulator which use cables to control the position and orientation of the mobile platform or end-effector. The usage of cables instead of rigid links offer some advantages over their conventional rigid counterparts. As cables can only pull, but not push, the number of cables (n) required to command the end-effector is always n+1. This configuration is known as fully-constrained and it is the most extended configuration for CDPRs. Although CDPRs have many advantages, such as their ability to cover large working areas, one of their main problems is that their working area (workspace) is limited in comparison to its frame area (planar case), or frame volume (spatial case), due to the minimum and maximum allowed tensions. Depending of these tensions values the workspace can be notoriously decreased. In order to tackle this problem, lots of works focus on solving kinematics or dynamics problems for cable sagging, i.e., they take into account sagging when modelling the robot kinematic and include these poses inside the usable robot workspace. Taking into account phenomenons like this increases the mathematical complexity of the problem, and much more complex techniques are required. On the other hand, the lack of workspace problem can be tackled by adding active or passive elements to the robot design. In this sense, this paper proposes two mechanical modifications: to add passive carriages to the robot frame and to use a single cable loop to command the end-effector position and orientation. This work presents the kinematic, static and dynamic models of the novel design and shows the gain of workspace for a planar case while taking into account different parameters of the robot.
Quantitative analysis of desertification driving mechanisms in the Shiyang River Basin: Examining interactive effects of key factors through the Geographic Detector Model
Authors: Ngabire Maurice , Wang Tao , Liao Jie , Sahbeni Ghada
Published: April 2023

Desertification is a global environmental and socio-economical issue threatening humanity's survival and development. The Shiyang River Basin ecosystem is vulnerable and prone to desertification. In addition, establishing the quantitative analysis of desertification driving factors and understanding their relative contribution, separately or combined, is still an unresolved problem. The present study applied geographic information system (GIS) techniques and a geographic detector model to quantify desertification spatial extent and driving mechanisms. This research utilized Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) to elucidate desertification spatial heterogeneity. The 30 years Coefficient of Variation (CV) of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was a dependent variable and indicator of ecosystem terrestrial conditions; Elevation, near-surface air temperature, precipitation, wind velocity, land cover change, soil salinity, road buffers, waterway buffers, and soil types were independent variables. The results showed that 89.41% of the total area is under desertification risk, where 20.99% is extremely desertified, 34.45% is severely desertified, 12.05% is moderately, and 21.92% is slightly desertified. The results from the Geodetector model showed that Power Determinant (PD) values ranged between 0.004 and 0.270. Elevation and soil types had the highest contributing factors with PD values of 0.270 and 0.227, whereas precipitation, soil salinity, the buffer of the waterway, and wind velocity played a moderate role with PD values of 0.146, 0.117, 0.107, and 0.071. Near-surface air temperature, road buffer, and land cover dynamics exhibited lower impact with PD values of 0.028, 0.013, and 0.004. In most cases, investigating the interaction between driving factors resulted in a mutual or non-linear enhancement. There was an apparent linear and mutual enhancement between elevation and soil salinity, precipitation, and soil types with values of 0.3513, 0.3232, and 0.3204, respectively. In addition, there was a mutual enhancement between soil salinity and soil types with a value of 0.2962. On the other hand, a non-linear enhancement was observed between Elevation and near-surface air temperature (0.3116), Elevation and Land cover dynamics (0.2759), soil types and near-surface air temperature (0.2687), land cover dynamics and soil types (0.234), precipitation and near-surface air temperature (0.2248), precipitation and wind velocity (0.2248), and between land cover dynamics and precipitation (0.223). This research revealed irrefutable evidence that environmental factors might be the primary drivers of ecosystem disturbance, provided the basis for the environmental footprint of desertification mechanism, and might be a cornerstone for future policy on ecological restoration sustainability in the Shiyang River Basin.
COVID-19 Attitudes and Vaccine Hesitancy Among an Agricul-Tural Community in Southwest Guatemala: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Rojop Neudy Carolina , Calvimotes Diva Mirella , Barrios Edgar , Lamb Molly , Paniagua-Avila Maria Alejandra , Monzon Jose Carlos , Duca Lindsey , Iwamoto Chelsea , Chard Anna , Gomez Melissa , Arias Kareen , Bolanos Guillermo Antonio , Zielinksi-Gutierrez Emily , Azziz-Baumgartner Eduardo , Lopez Maria Renee , Cordon-Rosales Celia , Asturias Edwin Jose , Olson Daniel
Published: April 2023

Despite offering free-of-charge COVID-19 vaccines starting July 2021, Guatemala has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Latin America. During September 28, 2021 to April 11, 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of community members adapting a CDC questionnaire to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine access and hesitancy. Of 233 participants ≥12 years, 127 (55%) received >1 dose of COVID-19 and 4 (2%) reported prior COVID-19 illness. Persons ≥12 years old unvaccinated (n=106) were more likely to be female (73% vs 41%, p<0.001) and homemakers (69% vs 24%, p<0.01) compared with vaccinated participants (n=127). Among those ≥18 years, the main reported motivation for vaccination among vaccinated participants was to protect the health of family/friends (101/117, 86%); 40 (55%) unvaccinated persons reported little/no confidence in public health institutions recommending COVID-19 vaccination. Community- and/or home-based vaccination programs, including vaccination of families through the workplace, may better reach female homemakers and reduce inequities and hesitancy.
Developing a Model for Integrating of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Primary Healthcare Services in Oliver Reginald (O.R) Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Dlatu Ntandazo , LONGO-MBENZA BENJAMIN , Oladimeji Kelechi Elizabeth , Apalata Teke
Published: April 2023

Few studies have examined the pros and cons of integrated TB and HIV service delivery in public healthcare facilities, and even fewer have proposed conceptual models for improved integration. This study intends to fill that vacuum by outlining the development of a facility-based paradigm for integrating TB, HIV and patients services. The design of the proposed model were in stages that involved the evaluation of existing TB-HIV integration model and synthesis of both quantitative and qualitative data from the study sites which were selected public healthcare facilities at both rural and peri-urban settings in Oliver Reginald (O.R) Tambo District Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Secondary data on 2009-2013 TB-HIV clinical outcomes were obtained from multiple sources for quantitative analysis. Qualitative data involved focus group discussions among patient and heath care staff, which was thematically analysed. The development of a possibly better model and validation of this model show that the district's health system was reinforced by the model's guiding principles, which placed a strong emphasis on inputs, processes, outcomes, and integration effects.The model is adaptable to different healthcare delivery systems but will require support from healthcare stakeholders and professionals to be successful.
Metagenomics and Machine Learning-Based Precision Medicine Approaches for Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Zehrh Itrat , Habiba Umme , Picco Matilde Rosalia , Basheer Sidra Hafiza , Rehman Umer Abdul , Haider Owaisa , Khoso Shahzaib
Published: April 2023

The makeup of human microbiota has been linked to a number of autoimmune disorders. Recent developments in whole metagenome sequencing and 16S rRNA sequencing technology have considerably aided research into the microbiome and its relationship to disease. Due to the inherent high dimensionality and complexity of data generated by high-throughput platforms, conventional bioinformatics techniques could only provide an inadequate explanation for the most relevant changes and seldom provide correct predictions. Machine learning, on the other hand, is a subset of artificial intelligence applications that enable the untangling of high-dimensional systems and intricate knots in correlation by learning complex patterns and improving automatically from training data without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning is increasingly being utilized to research the influence of microbes on the onset of illness and other clinical features since computer power has increased dramatically in the last few decades. In this review paper, we focused on emerging methodological approaches of supervised machine learning algorithms for identification of autoimmune disorders utilizing metagenomics data, as well as the potential benefits and limitations of machine learning models in clinical applications.
Structural Change-Point Detection for Time Series via Support Vector Regression and Self-Normalization Method
Authors: CHEN Zhanshou , XIE Nini Mrs.
Published: April 2023

This study considers the change-point test problem for time series based on the self-normalization ratio statistic test, which is constructed using residuals obtained from a support vector regression (SVR)-autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. Under the null hypothesis, the series is a stationary process, and our test statistic converges to a non-degenerate distribution. Under the alternative hypothesis, there are change-points in the time series, and the self-normalization test statistic diverges to infinity. The simulations show that our proposed new test has better finite sample performance than other SVR-based tests in the literature. Finally, we illustrate its usefulness by analyzing two actual data sets.
The Development of Web Diagnostic Test as a Misconception Tool in Work and Energy
Authors: Kurniawan Wawan , Al Amin M. , Sandra Rizka Octavia , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: April 2023

At this time, the assessment and measurement of the concept’s level of understanding are considered less effective. This is due to the use of conventional media. With this in mind, researchers are interested in conducting research on developing assessments and measuring the understanding of concepts using web media. Web of the comprehension level test will be automatically stored in real-time on the system so that educators can process the data on the results of the misconception test and can also be seen by students as the results of the comprehension level test. This study aims to develop a web diagnostic test and identify students’ misconceptions about effort and energy as the subject matter. This study uses the ADDIE development model. The results obtained from this study were that the responses given by users showed good results. This means that the media used to measure student misconceptions is interactive enough to be used as a support in the learning process.
Tumor-restrictive type III collagen in the breast cancer microenvironment: prognostic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Volk Susan , Brisson Becky , Dekky Bassil , Berger Ashton , Mauldin Elizabeth , Loebel Claudia , Yen William , Stewart Daniel , Gillette Deborah , Assenmacher Charles-Antoine , Cukierman Edna , Burdick Jason , Borges Virginia
Published: April 2023

Collagen plays a critical role in regulating breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. An improved understanding of both the features and drivers of tumor-permissive and -restrictive collagen matrices are critical to improve prognostication and develop more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, using a combination of in vitro, in vivo and in silico experiments, we show that type III collagen (Col3) plays a tumor-restrictive role in human breast cancer. We demonstrate that Col3-deficient, human fibroblasts produce tumor-permissive collagen matrices that drive cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis in noninvasive and invasive breast cancer cell lines. In human TNBC biopsy samples, we demonstrate elevated deposition of Col3 relative to type I collagen (Col1) in noninvasive compared to invasive regions. Similarly, in silico analyses of over 1000 breast cancer patient biopsies from The Cancer Genome Atlas BRCA cohort revealed that patients with higher Col3:Col1 bulk tumor expression had improved overall, disease-free and progression-free survival relative to those with higher Col1:Col3 expression. Using an established 3D culture model, we show that Col3 increases spheroid formation and induces formation of lumen-like structures that resemble non-neoplastic mammary acini. Finally, our in vivo study shows co-injection of murine breast cancer cells (4T1) with rhCol3-supplemented hydrogels limits tumor growth and decreases pulmonary metastatic burden compared to controls. Taken together, these data collectively support a tumor-suppressive role for Col3 in human breast cancer and suggest that strategies that increase Col3 may provide a safe and effective modality to limit recurrence in breast cancer patients.
Oral health and self-rated health in community-dwelling older adults in Colombia
Authors: Venegas-Sanabria Luis Carlos , Moreno-Echeverry María Manuela , Borda Miguel German , Chavarro-Carvajal Diego Andrés , Cano-Gutierrez Carlos Alberto
Published: April 2023

Background The relationship between oral health and specific health conditions has been studied. However, data about the relationship with self-rated health is not clear. The aim of this study is to determine the association between different parameters of oral health and the self-rated health status (SRHS) in Colombian community-dwelling older adults.Methods This is a secondary analysis of the SABE-Colombia study performed in 2015. The dependent variable was defined as the SRHS status assessed by the question "Compared with other people your age: Do you consider your health status to be: better, equal, or worse?” The oral health parameters were total edentulism, the GOHAI score, and the use of fixed and removable dental prosthesis. An adjusted ordinal logistic regression was performed by any independent variable.Results After the exclusion of missing data, 17945 persons were included in the final analysis. 10.6% reported worse, 37.6% reported equal, and 51.6% as better SRHS respectively. The worse SRHS group are older and had a higher proportion of dependence, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms. The frequency of total edentulism and the lower mean score of GOHAI were significant in the worse SHRS group. After the multivariable logistic regression, all parameters of oral health status were associated with a worse SRHS.Conclusion In our study, the oral health parameters were associated with self-rated health status. This result supports the inclusion of oral health in comprehensive geriatric assessment.
Robust Inference for Zero-Inflated Models with Outliers Applied to the Number of Involved Lymph Nodes in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Shahsavari Saeed , Yaseri Mehdi , Hosseini Mostafa , Moghimbeigi Abbas
Published: April 2023

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that influencing the number of axillary lymph nodes in women diagnosed with early breast cancer by choosing a strong model to evaluate the excess of zeros and outliers usually present in these data.
Methods: The study based on a retrospective analysis of hospital records of 669 breast cancer patients in Iran. Zero-inflated, robust zero-inflated and Bayesian modelling techniques were used to assess the association between factors studied and the number of involved lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. Count data models, including zero-inflated models (zero-inflated Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial), robust zero-inflated models (robust zero-inflated Poisson and robust zero-inflated negative binomial) and Bayesian models (Bayesian zero-inflated Poisson and Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial) were applied. Performance evaluation of models was compared using AIC and BIC.
Results: According to the AIC and BIC, the robust zero-inflated negative binomial model is the best model. Findings indicate that women who had a larger tumor had a greater number of axillary lymph nodes, hormone receptor status was associated with the number of lymph nodes, tumor grades II and III also contributed to a higher number of lymph nodes. Women who were older had a higher risk of having lymph nodes.
Conclusions: Our analysis showed that the robust zero-inflated negative binomial is the best model for predicting and describing the number of nodes involved in primary breast cancer when overdispersion and outliers occurs.
The deleted in oral cancer (DOC1 aka CDK2AP1) tumor suppressor gene is downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma by multiple micro-RNAs
Authors: Stabile Roberto , Cabezas Mario Román , Verhagen Mathijs , Tucci Francesco , Bosch Thierry van den , de Herdt Maria , Steen Berdine van der , Nigg Alex , Chen Meng , Ivan Cristina , Shimizu Masayoshi , Koljenovic Senada , Hardillo Jose , de Jong Robert Baatenburg , Verrijzer C. , Calin George , Fodde Riccardo
Published: April 2023

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Associated Protein 1 (CDK2AP1; also known as deleted in oral cancer or DOC1) is a tumor suppressor gene known to play functional roles in both cell cycle regulation and in the epigenetic control of embryonic stem cell differentiation, the latter as a core subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation (NuRD) complex. In the vast majority of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), expression of the CDK2AP1 protein is reduced or lost. Notwithstanding the latter (and the DOC1 acronym), mutations or deletions in its coding sequence are extremely rare. Accordingly, CDK2AP1 protein-deficient oral cancer cell lines express as much CDK2AP1 mRNA as proficient cell lines. Here, by combining in silico and in vitro approaches, and by taking advantage of patient-derived data and tumor material in the analysis of loss of CDK2AP1 expression, we identified a set of microRNAs, namely miR-21-5p, miR-23b-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR155-5p, which inhibit its translation in both cell lines and patient-derived OSCCs. Of note, no synergistic effects were observed of the different miRs on the CDK2AP1 3-UTR common target. We also developed a novel approach to the combined ISH/IF tissue microarray analysis to study the expression patterns of miRs and their target genes in the context of tumor architecture. Last, we show that CDK2AP1 loss, as the result of miRNA expression, correlates with overall survival thus highlighting the clinical relevance of these processes for carcinomas of the oral cavity.
Uterocervical Angle Versus Cervical Length in the Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Women with History of Spontaneous Preterm Birth. A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Elmaraghy Ahmed Mohammed , Shaaban Salma Mohamed Ahmed , Elsokkary Mohammed Salah , Elshazly Ibrahim shazly Mohamed Amen
Published: April 2023

Background Preterm delivery is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. History of spontaneous preterm birth is the greatest risk factor for another preterm delivery. So, every effort should be made to prevent the recurrence of preterm delivery in this vulnerable group. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of the anterior uterocervical angle and cervical length in preterm birth. Patients andMethods This was a prospective cohort study that included 70 patients with a history of spontaneous preterm birth. Ultrasound measurements of cervical length and anterior uterocervical angle were set to be measured for each patient at three visits; first between 16 0/7 and 24 0/7 weeks, second between 24 1/7 and 32 0/7 weeks, and the third was between 32 1/7 and 36 6/7 weeks. The correlation between both measures and the prediction of preterm birth among study participants was the primary outcome of the study. Neonatal outcome among the study patients was a secondary measure of outcomeResults The incidence of preterm birth among study participants was 31.41%. Cervical length and uterocervical angle showed progressive decrease and increase respectively throughout pregnancy. At the 2nd visit, the two measures were significantly different between those who delivered at term and those with preterm delivery with the cervical length being significantly shorter in the preterm arm (3.0 ± 0.49 versus 3.38 ± 0.36, p < 0.001) and uterocervical angle being significantly bigger among the same arm (110.1 ± 18.48 versus 84.42 ± 12.24, p < 0.001). A uterocervical angle > 89.8° at the second visit predicted preterm birth with 81.8% sensitivity and 70.8% specificity while cervical length ≤ 3.22 cm at the second visit predicted preterm birth with 68.1% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity. Multivariant logistic regression analysis showed that uterocervical angle > 89.8° at the second visit increased the odds ratio for preterm birth by 9.Conclusion Uterocervical angle can be a useful ultrasound marker for the prediction of preterm birth among high risk patients. A cutoff value of 89.8° can be used as a threshold above which prophylactic measures such as cervical cerclage or progesterone therapy can be provided. Keywords: Preterm birth, anterior uterocervical angle, cervical lengthClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05632003 (First posted date: 30/11/2022)
Mode-I Interlaminar Fracture Modeling of DCB Composite Laminate using Finite Element Techniques
Authors: Sharma Pawan , Mali Harlal Singh , Dixit Anurag
Published: April 2023

The interlaminar fracture is the most common type of failure in polymeric textile composites because these composites are prone to delaminate under the influence of external loading. Depending on the type of deformation, the interlayer fracture can be Mode-I, Mode-II, Mode-III, and Mixed Mode-I/II type. In this research work, Mode-I interlaminar fracture modeling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminate is performed using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test specimen on ABAQUS software as a cost-effective numerical simulation approach. The finite element based fracture modeling techniques, virtual crack closure technique (VCCT), cohesive zone modeling (CZM), and extended finite element method (XFEM) were employed under the two-dimensional and three-dimensional interlayer crack propagation to evaluate the load-displacement responses. The interaction properties were applied between the top and bottom part of DCB specimen and the adhesive layer was modeled using the CZM approach. The numerically simulated responses were compared with the published experimental load-displacement responses and found to be in good agreement. All the fracture modeling approaches validate the experimental trend, however the three-dimensional XFEM technique was found to be the most suitable modeling approach for crack growth in adhesively bonded parts. The stress based criteria was used for crack initiation, whereas the energy based approach used for crack propagation in DCB laminate. The parametric study of various fracture parameters (cohesive strength, fracture energy, interfacial stiffness, laminate thickness, and pre-crack length) were also conducted to understand their effects on load-displacement responses of the Mode-I interlaminar fracture. The fracture modeling approaches were compared by considering the element type, shape, total elements, accuracy, run-time, increments, and convergence speed.
Response to Faricimab for Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Resistant Eyes with Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Fujimoto Satoko , Kokame Gregg T
Published: April 2023

We evaluated the response to faricimab in a retrospective series of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) eyes with persistent edema or subretinal fluid on other existing anti-VEGF drugs. Inclusion criteria were at least 3 faricimab injections with 6 months follow-up. We also determined the subtypes of nAMD such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) or non-PCV. Intervals between injections were extended as long as the macula remained dry. Thirteen eyes of thirteen patients were included. Mean age was 77.1 ± 9.3 years. Six were males and seven were females. All eyes had type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) (CNV below the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and ten had PCV and three had occult CNV (non-PCV). Faricimab resolved the macula edema in 69.2% of anti-VEGF resistant eyes after three injections. Neither central retinal thickness nor visual acuity significantly changed 6 months after faricimab injections were started. The mean interval of injections before and after faricimab therapy did not change and was 5.3 ± 1.5 and 5.4 ± 0.8 weeks. Central retinal thickness, visual acuity, and the interval of injections were not significantly different between PCV and non-PCV subtypes of exudative AMD.
Spaceborne InSAR for Monitoring and Health Assessment of Historical Architectures: The Tianjin Case Study
Authors: Kui Yang , Xu Bo , Qiu Yahui , Sun Peizhou , Liang Jun , Zhang Xiao , Wang Xiaoye
Published: April 2023

Recently, interferometry synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology has shown its capabilities to monitor the displacement of natural processes with millimeter accuracy. Nevertheless, there is limited InSAR research on the health assessment of historical architectures. In this paper, we firstly proposed a possible methodology aiming at health assessment of historical architectures using space-borne SAR data. The proposed strategy consists of extracting building deformation from Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI)results with spatial analysis between a geographical database and geocoded Persistent Scatterer (PS) and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation, deriving assessment parameters of both angular angle () and unequal subsidence velocity (), finally comparing them with alarm value for health assessment. This method has been applied to the Heping District of Tianjin (China), which contains many historical architectures, and two important examples (the Bohai Building and the China Theater) in the region were selected for detailed analysis, through the use of a high-resolution satellite dataset. For these two buildings, after extracting and analyzing deformation, both of the assessment parameters (and ) were acquired, and the good health conclusions were acquired in the case of values smaller than the alarm thresholds, which were validated by the similar conclusion from in situ leveling records. Finally, both the deformation mechanism of two architectures and health assessment ability with InSAR were analyzed in detail for further application.
Physicochemical Analysis of Sewage Water Collected from Jeddah Province Coast
Authors: Sayegh Fotoon Abdullah
Published: April 2023

When sewage is improperly released into running streams, its physical and chemical components deteriorate, eventually destroying marine life viability. The current study sought to evaluate the efficacy of wastewater treatment by elucidating the physical and chemical parameters of water samples collected from the Jeddah coastline. During the summer of 2014, samples were collected from one uncontaminated zone and two contaminated areas (sewage-groundwater and sewage-port) along the Saudi Red Sea. The level of nutrients significantly differs between uncontaminated and contaminated water samples. In contrast, pH, temperature, and salinity remain consistent in all three tested samples. The findings revealed that sewage discharge significantly influences the chemical and physical properties of the Saudi Red Sea seawater. Therefore, it is recommended that local and government officials promote awareness and support proper wastewater treatment by enhancing the abilities of available wastewater plants.
Role of stromal PD-L1 expression in colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Takasu Chie , Morine Yuji , Yoshikawa Kozo , Nakao Toshihiro , Tokunaga Takuya , Nishi Masaaki , Kashihara Hideya , Wada Yuma , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim
The outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment are unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade for liver metastasis of various cancer is poor. Here, we investigated the relationship between stromal programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM).
Methods
The present study enrolled 84 CRLM patients who underwent surgery (R0) for CRC. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze stromal PD-L1 expression in CRLM.
Results
Stromal PD-L1 was expressed in 52.3% of CRLM samples, which was associated with a lower tumor grade (p=0.04) and fewer not optimally resectable metastases (p=0.04). Stromal PD-L1-positive patients had longer overall survival (p=0.003). Multivariate analysis identified stromal PD-L1 expression (p=0.008) and poorer differentiation (p<0.001) as independent prognostic indicators. Furthermore, stromal PD-L1 expression was correlated to a high number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Stromal PD-L1– and low TIL groups had shorter OS than stromal PD-L1+ and high TIL groups (46.6% vs. 81.8%, p=0.05) Stromal PD-L1-positive patients had longer disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.03) and time to surgical failure (p=0.001). Interestingly, stromal PD-L1 expression was positively related to the desmoplastic subtype (p=0.0002) and inversely related to the replacement subtype of the histological growth pattern (p=0.008).
Conclusions
Stromal PD-L1 expression may be a significant prognostic marker for CRLM.
Double shrinking (DOSH), a regression-based algorithm for gene regulatory network inference from co-expression data
Authors: Vladimirovich Bannikov Artyom
Published: April 2023

Next generation sequencing allows obtaining large amounts of gene expression data. Inferring regulatory relations between genes from such data has been a long standing challenge. Current algorithms are based on linear regression or a distance measures, like partial correlation or mutual information. The majority of algorithms are of very broad nature. Their aim is to infer a random normal network without using any additional assumptions. Regularized regression algorithms are an exception, since they assume sparsity. Additional truthful assumptions make inferences easier and more accurate. The proposed algorithm, Double Shrinking (DOSH), is based on regularized regression with assumptions about gene expression data and network structure. Reliability of gene expression values is assumed to depend upon their magnitude; larger values are more reliable. Each gene is assumed to be completely predictable from other genes. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by identifying genetic markers of survival in lymphoid leukemia.
Examining the Shortcomings of Public Health Knowledge and Skills among Chinese Clinicians: A Deep Interview and Focus Group Study
Authors: FAN Jiang-bo , WANG Xi , DU Hai-ping , MAO A-yan , YAN Xiao-ling , QIU Wu-qi
Published: April 2023

Background The importance of public health knowledge and skills among clinicians is increasingly recognized, as it enables them to identify, prevent, and control infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, and health disparities in their communities. However, the degree of public health training and experience of Chinese clinicians has been a subject of debate, with some studies indicating that their knowledge and skills are insufficient. This study aims to explore the shortcomings of public health knowledge and skills of Chinese clinicians and provide insights to improve their training and practice. This study provides insights into the shortcomings of public health knowledge and skills of Chinese clinicians and their perspectives on training and continuing education needs.Methods This study employs a qualitative research design, using deep interview and focus group methods. A purposive sample of 28 clinicians from different healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, community health centers, CDC) in Beijing, Shanghai, and other regions were recruited.Results The findings reveal that there are significant gaps in public health knowledge and skills among Chinese clinicians, which are affecting the delivery of quality healthcare services to the public. The study highlights the need for policymakers and healthcare institutions in China to take proactive measures to improve the public health education and training of clinicians. In addition, the study underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals in China to address the challenges and gaps in public health knowledge and skills.Conclusions The data is collected through deep interviews and focus group
Investigation on the Death View of Medical Students and Its Influencing Factors in China
Authors: Yan Minghai , Tuerxun Gulidanna , DAI JIANGHONG
Published: April 2023

Background.
Attitudes towards death are related to different social, cultural and religious backgrounds, including fear of death, anxiety and so on. Doctors are the people most likely to be exposed to death in their professional setting, and negative attitudes to death affect their level of care for dying patients. The COVID-19 pandemic is giving medical students a chance to think about death. The students of medical school are confronting death for the first time, but we know little about their attitudes toward death.
Objective.
To investigate the death view of medical students and its influencing factors and provide references for death education.
Methods.
An cross-sectional survey was conducted through a self-designed death attitude questionnaire among 1470 medical students in a medical university in Xinjiang, China. Pearson correlation and constituent ratio were used for statistical analysis.
Results.
78.1% of medical students are full of fear of death; 77.0% of medical students could not talk about death openly and naturally in daily life. There were significant differences in the view of death among medical students of different gender (P = 0.002), nationality (P = 0.004), grade (P＜0.001) and family environment (P = 0.007). About death education, 82.6% of medical students are willing to accept it, and the most accepted way of death education is the elective course of death education in schools (76.0%).
Conclusion.
The majority of medical students’ view of death still needs to be improved in China. In the post-epidemic era, it may be the best way to help medical students to establish a positive view of death by carrying out elective courses of death education.