bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thickness of hydrogel for nitrifying biomass entrapment determines the free ammonia susceptibility differently in batch and continuous modes
Authors: Song Minsu , Yuan Meng , Jeong Sanghyun , Bae Hyokwan
Published: April 2023

Hydrogels immobilizing nitrifying bacteria with different thicknesses of 0.55 and 1.13 cm (HG-0.55 and HG-1.13, respectively) were produced. It was recognized that the thickness of media is a crucial process parameter that affects both the stability and efficiency of wastewater treatment. Batch mode experiments were conducted to quantify specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) values at various total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) concentrations and pH levels. In the batch test, HG-0.55 exhibited 2.4 times higher nitrifying activity than HG-1.13, with corresponding SOUR values of 0.00768 and 0.00317 mg-O2/L·mL-PVA·min, respectively. However, HG-0.55 was more susceptible to free ammonia (FA) toxicity than HG-1.13, resulting in a reduction of 80% and 50% in SOUR values for HG-0.55 and − 1.13, respectively, upon increasing the FA concentration from 15.73 to 118.12 mg-FA/L. Continuous mode experiments were conducted to assess the partial nitritation (PN) strategy's efficiency in practical applications, where continuous wastewater inflow maintains low FA toxicity through high ammonia-oxidizing rates. With step-wise TAN concentration increases, HG-0.55 experienced a gentler increase in FA concentration compared to HG-1.13. At a nitrogen loading rate of 0.78–0.95 kg-N/m3·day, the FA increase rate for HG-0.55 was 0.0179 kg-FA/m3·day, while that of HG-1.13 was 0.0516 kg-FA/m3·day. Despite its sensitivity to FA toxicity, the thinner HG-0.55 can enhance PN performance owing to its higher ammonia-oxidizing activity. FA susceptibility depends on hydrogel thickness in batch and continuous modes, with continuous mode favoring thin gel with high ammonia-oxidizing activity due to the decrease in FA accumulation.
Does economic policy uncertainty affect monetary policy and election’s governance in United States?
Authors: Othmani Abdelhafidh
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the impact of economic policy uncertainty on US interest rates and election policy. For estimating monthly data from 2008 to 2021 he uses a VAR model. Our estimates suggest that a one-standard-deviation shock in economic policy uncertainty has a negative impact on electoral policy in the short run. Although it does not affect interest rates.
JEL Classification : D72, D81, E43, E52
Identification of a shared, common haplotype segregating with an SGCB c.544T>G mutation in Indian patients affected with sarcoglycanopathy
Authors: Sanga Shamita , Chakraborty Sudipta , Bardhan Mainak , Polavarapu Kiran , Kumar Veeramani Preethish , Bhattacharya Chandrika , Nashi Saraswati , Vengalil Seena , Geetha Thenral S. , Ramprasad Vedam , Nalini Atchayaram , Basu Analabha , Acharya Moulinath
Published: April 2023

Sarcoglycanopathy is the most frequent form of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies caused by mutations in SGCB gene encoding beta-sarcoglycan proteins. In this study, we describe a shared, common haplotype co-segregating in 14 sarcoglycanopathy cases from 13 unrelated families from south Indian region with the likely pathogenic homozygous mutation c.544T>G (p.Thr182Pro) in SGCB. Haplotype was reconstructed based on 5 polymorphic markers surrounding the c.544T>G mutation in the cases and related family members as well as 150 unrelated controls from general Indian populations using PLINK1.9. We identified haplotype H1= G, A, T, G, G, T at a significantly higher frequency in cases compared to related controls and general Indian population. Upon segregation analysis within the family pedigrees, H1 is observed to co-segregate with c.544T>G in a homozygous state in all the pedigrees of cases except one indicating a probable event of founder effect. Furthermore, Identical-by-descent and inbreeding coefficient analysis revealed relatedness among 33 new pairs of seemingly unrelated individuals from sarcoglycanopathy cohort and a higher proportion of homozygous markers, thereby indicating towards common ancestry. Since all these patients are from the south Indian region, we suggest this region to be a primary target of mutation screening in patients diagnosed with sarcoglycanopathy.
A technique for passing tuberosity-implant cerclage ribbons in fracture-inverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Authors: Tanagho Andy , Hagnasir Ahmed Shawgi
Published: April 2023

Complex proximal humerus fractures are difficult to treat particularly in patients above 65 years with osteoporotic bone and disturbed anatomical landmarks. Fracture-inverse total shoulder arthroplasty has shown a good treatment option for these injuries. However better results are associated with meticulous reduction and fixation of the tuberosities around the implant. The purposeof this study to describe a simple technique to pass cerclage ribbons to fix the tuberosities together around the inverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study which was performed from January 2019 to January 2021. Thirty-five shoulders with 3- & 4-parts proximal humerus fractures had undergone fracture-inverse total shoulder arthroplasty with a special technique for tuberosities repair. Follow up was minimum 24 months.
Results: The tuberosity healing rate was 86%. Complete resorption of one or more tuberosities occurred in 8%, and tuberosity migration and nonunion presented in 6%.
Conclusion:This surgical technique offers a simple way for passing cerclage ribbons in Fracture-inverse total shoulder arthroplasty for fixing the tuberosities together and to the implant. It has been shown to encourage tuberosity healing which improves shoulder stability and results in more optimal restoration of rotator cuff function.
The identification of eIF4E as the causal host factor for Sugarcane streak mosaic virus resistance
Authors: Shan Hongli , Chen Du , Zhang Rongyue , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Jie , Wang Changmi , Li Yinghu , Li Wenfeng , Wei Zhaoxia , Huang Yingkun
Published: April 2023

Sugarcane mosaic disease, mainly caused by Sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSMV), has serious adverse effects on the yield and quality. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a natural resistance gene in plants. The eIF4E-mediated natural recessive resistance comes from non-synonymous mutations of the eIF4E protein. In this study, two sugarcane varieties (CP94-1100 and ROC22) with different resistance to SCSMV were selected for the analysis of the differences in sugarcane resistance. The result showed that the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the CP and VPg of SCSMV an between varieties were highly consistent and belong to the same isolate. However, four base missense mutations in the ORF region of eIF4E resulted in different conserved domains. Therefore, the difference in resistance comes from the differences in the eIF4E gene of the sugarcane varieties themselves. The coding region of eIF4E gene were 28 SNP loci, no InDel loci, and affected by negative selection, and was relatively conserved. A total of 11 haploids encoded 11 protein sequences. Protein spatial structure prediction revealed three amino acid non-synonymous mutations sites located in the cap pocket of eIF4E, among which one site only existed in a resistant material (Yuetang 55) and one site only existed in a susceptible material (ROC22), suggesting that the two sites might be related to the resistance to SCSMV. These results provide a strong basis for further analysis of the functional role of eIF4E in regulating mosaic resistance in sugarcane and developing resistance varieties.
Accelerated Blood Vessel Enhancement in Retinal Fundus Image based on Reconfigurable Hardware
Authors: Wang Yuyao
Published: April 2023

Retinal blood vessel extraction and enhancement is an intensively researched topic as it is an irreplaceable component in ocular disease screening systems. The matched filter method has been proven superior for blood vessel extraction and enhancement compared to edge detection algorithms in that it can extract blood vessel along its path and retain blood vessel depth information even when blood vessels are prone to be indistinguishable from the background. This work has implemented matched filter method with Verilog Hardware Description Language, taking advantage of the highly customizable feature and parallel computation capabilities by FPGA. The first proposed design method employs an innovative resource-efficient technique based on matched filter technique. It can be applied to situations where budget and physical resource is limited. The second design method is a time-efficient processing technique that provides further improvement in that it eliminates the gap incurred in convolution between two rows of data. As has been verified via simulation, it can offer a continuous output with about 9% increase in processing speed for conducted simulation compared to the first proposed technique.
Prognostic Importance of Glycemic Variability on Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after the first episode of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Hanajima Yohei , Iwahashi Noriaki , Kirigaya Jin , Horii Mutsuo , Minamimoto Yugo , Gohbara Masaomi , Abe Takeru , Okada Kozo , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Kosuge Masami , Ebina Toshiaki , Hibi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of glycemic variability (GV), determined using a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS), on left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Methods: A total of 201 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent reperfusion therapy within 12 hours of onset were enrolled. GV was measured using a CGMS and determined as the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE). Left ventricular volumetric parameters were measured using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). LVRR was defined as an absolute decrease in the LV end-systolic volume index of > 10% from 1 week to 7 months after admission. Associations were also examined between GV and LVRR and between LVRR and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome recurrence, non-fatal stroke, and heart failure hospitalization).
Results: The prevalence of LVRR was 28% (n = 57). The MAGE was independent predictor of LVRR (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, p = 0.002). Twenty patients experienced MACE during the follow-up period (median, 65 months). The incidence of MACE was lower in patients with LVRR than in those without (2% vs. 13%, p = 0.016).
Conclusion: Low GV, determined using a CGMS, was significantly associated with LVRR, which might lead to a good prognosis. Further studies are needed to validate the importance of GV in LVRR in patients with STEMI.
A study to assess the applicability of using remote sensing to minimize service interruption of Canadian port infrastructure
Authors: Holden Heather , Abdallah Maha Hussein , Rowlands Dane
Published: April 2023

Remote sensing can be an effective tool for providing early warning of deformations that are difficult or impossible to detect with visual inspections, and can allow infrastructure owners and operators to prioritize key areas for maintenance and assist in more rapid recovery from incidents that cause service interruptions. Canadian Port Authorities (CPAs) do not currently use remote sensing techniques to assess the condition of critical infrastructure despite their application to similar operations such as bridges, pipelines, and dams. Interviews with key informants indicate that there are no technical or scientific barriers to using remote sensing to assess port conditions, and that while the presence of heterogeneous materials and surfaces, restricted air space, and a complex web of interconnected port partners and tenants complicates its use, these are surmountable. Instead, interviews suggest that the primary barrier stopping CPAs from implementing remote sensing is that there is no system-wide formal chain of responsibility and authority and a lack of public sector agency leadership resulting from the commonly used “landlord model” for port operations, which generates fragmented stakeholder interests and inhibits collaboration. Given the emerging challenges of aging infrastructure, climate change-related impacts, and the demands of system-wide business continuity, we argue that a private and public sector collaborative pilot project is needed to test the feasibility of adopting remote sensing for port infrastructure assessment.
Arsenic Trioxide Synergistically Enhances the Anti-Neoplastic Effect of Gemcitabine on Breast Cancer Cells by Promoting Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Maleki Farshid , Handali Somayeh , Rezaei Mohsen
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. A common approach to cancer treatment in clinical practice is to use a combination of drugs to enhance the anticancer activity of drugs while reducing their side effects. In this regard, we evaluated the effectiveness of combined treatment with gemcitabine (GCB) and arsenic (ATO) and how they affect the cell death pathway in cancer cells. Cytotoxic activity of drugs individually or combined against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 was performed by MTT method and isobolographic analysis was used to determine the interaction between these factors. The combination of ATO and GCB showed synergistic anti-cancer activity (CI < 1) in both cancer cell lines. The combination of ATO and GCB induced sub-G1 phase arrest, apoptosis and death rates in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The apoptotic response induced by the combination of GCB and ATO was dependent on caspase 3/7. Combined treatment with MMP reduction and increased ROS production caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Co-treatment significantly reduced CAT activity in both cancer cells compared to the control group and cells treated with each monotherapy. A significant decrease in cellular GSH was observed in cancer cells treated with ATO and GCB. In addition, migration and invasion were significantly reduced in breast cancer cells treated with the combination of ATO and GCB compared to cells treated with ATO and GCB. In conclusion, the combined treatment of ATO and GCB synergistically increased the anti-cancer activity, and these findings provide an effective approach for the treatment of breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing promising results for combination therapy with ATO and GCB in breast cancer.
Integrated Analysis of the Roles of Oxidative stress related genes and Prognostic Value in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Danwen , Deng Zhao , Lu Mengxin , Deng Kai , Li Zhiqiang , Zhou Fenfang
Published: April 2023

Background：As the most common diagnosed subtype in renal cell carcinoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients suffer from the threat of tumor metastasis and recrudesce. Previous research has established that oxidative stress could induce tumorigenesis in many cancers and can be a cancer therapeutic target. Despite these, little progress has been made in the association of oxidative stress related genes (OSRGs) with ccRCC.
Methods：MTT survival assay, qRT-PCR, apoptosis assay, cell cycle assay, ROS assay, IHC staining, were used in vitro experiments.
Results：In our study, 12 differentially expressed oxidative stress-related genes (DEOSGs) and related transcription factors (TFs) relevant to overall survival (OS) were screened, as well as their mutual regulatory networks were structured by data from the TCGA database. Moreover, we constructed the risk model of the OSRGs, and performed clinical prognostic analysis and validation. Next, we correlated MELK, PYCR1, and PML with immune infiltration in ccRCC. Tissue microarray also verified the high expression of MELK and PYCR1 in ccRCC. Finally, cellular experiment in vitro demonstrated that knockdown of MELK or PYCR1 significantly inhibited ccRCC cell proliferation by causing cell apoptosis and inducing G1 phase cycle arrest. The intracellular ROS levels were elevated after knockdown of the two genes.
Consulsion: Our results presented a potential application of DEORGs in prognostic prediction for ccRCC and identified two biomarkers named PYCR1 and MELK, which could regulate the proliferation of ccRCC by affecting the ROS levels. Further, PYCR1 and MELK could be promising to predict the progression and prognosis of ccRCC, thereby serving as new targets for medical treatments.
Chronic disease and multimorbidity in the Chinese older adults’ population and their impact on daily living ability: A cross-sectional study of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS)
Authors: Chen Ye , Ji Huixia , Shen Yang , Liu Dandan
Published: April 2023

Background
Owing to an increase in life expectancy, it is common for the older adults to suffer from chronic diseases that can result in disability and a low quality of life. This study aimed to explore the influence of chronic diseases and comorbidities on activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) in an older Chinese populations.
Methods
Based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2018), 11,068 older adults aged 65 years and above were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, ADLs, and IADLs. The impact of factors affecting ADL and IADL impairment in older adults was analysed using binary logistic regression.
Results
In total, 64.8% participants had chronic diseases. Hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, and cerebrovascular disease were among the top chronic diseases. Of these, 32.1% participants had multimorbidities. The most common combination of the two chronic diseases was hypertension and heart disease (10.5%), whereas the most common combination of the three chronic diseases was hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes (2.87%). After categorising the older adults into four age groups, dementia, Parkinson's disease, respiratory disease, visual impairment, and hearing impairment were found to be more prevalent with increasing age. The prevalence of hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, gastrointestinal ulcers, and arthritis gradually increased with age until the age of 75 years, peaked in the 75–84 years age group, and then showed a decreasing trend with age. The prevalence of chronic diseases and multimorbidities followed similar trends. Regression analysis indicated that physical activity, educational background, number of chronic diseases, and age were the most significant factors influencing ADLs and IADLs. In contrast, obesity and underweight status were linked to increased risks of impaired ADLs and IADLs, as referenced by normal body mass index.
Conclusion
Chronic diseases and multimorbidities are common in older adults, and it is important to note that aging, multimorbidity, obesity, underweight, and unhealthy lifestyle choices may interfere with ADLs in older adults. Therefore, it is imperative that primary healthcare providers pay special attention to older adults and improve screening for comorbidities and follow-up needs.
From the West to the East: an evidence-based educational reform for modern medical students in traditional Chinese medicine learning
Authors: Liu Zhenrui , Ren Zhixuan , Fang Linhan , Liao Yuxuan , Ren Dan , Yu Yao , Qin Yixuan , Wu Jianzhen , Rong Pengfei
Published: April 2023

Generally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) courses are now given to modern medicine students without proper course scheduling, resulting in poor teaching results. To analyze the main factors affecting TCM learning, we surveyed the medical students and TCM teachers from Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University via online questionnaires. The questionnaire comprised two parts, the students’ part included the basic information, the subjective cognition in TCM, the attitude towards TCM course arrangements, and the attitude towards curriculum content and the design of TCM. The teachers’ part included the basic information, the attitudes and opinions on TCM course arrangements, and suggestions and views on TCM teaching reform. The related data were collected from 187 medical students divided into two groups, namely, clinical medical students and non-clinical medical students. We found a more positive attitude toward TCM [including “Scientific nature of TCM” (P = 0.03) and “Necessity for modern medicine students to learn TCM” (P = 0.037)] in clinical medical students compared with non-clinical medical students, clinical and non-clinical medical students tended to find TCM courses difficult, and the students prefer clinical training to be better than theoretical teaching, while the teachers believe that lecture-based education should have a more significant proportion. Hence, to optimize the current TCM teaching, we conducted education reform, including differentiated teaching, hybrid teaching, and selective teaching.
Associations of a Plant-centered Diet and Lung Function Decline across Early to Mid-Adulthood: The CARDIA Lung Study
Authors: Wharton Robert , Wang Jing Gennie , Choi Yuni , Eisenberg Elliot , Jackson Mariah K. , Hanson Corrine , Liu Bian , Washko George R. , Kalhan Ravi , Jacobs David R. , Bose Sonali
Published: April 2023

Background Lung function throughout adulthood predicts morbidity and mortality even among adults without chronic respiratory disease. Diet quality may represent a modifiable risk factor for lung function impairment later in life. We investigated associations between nutritionally-rich plant-centered diet and lung function decline across early and middle adulthood from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.Methods Diet was assessed at baseline and years 7 and 20 of follow-up using the validated CARDIA diet history questionnaire. Plant-centered diet quality was scored using the validated A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS), which weights food groups to measure adherence to a nutritionally-rich plant-centered diet 1 to 5 points for 20 beneficially rated foods and 5 to 1 points for 13 adversely rated foods. Scores were cumulatively averaged over follow-up and categorized into quintiles. The primary outcome was lung function decline, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and functional vital capacity (FVC), measured at years 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30. We estimated the association of APDQS with annual pulmonary function changes in a repeated measures regression model, adjusting for clinically relevant covariates.Results The study included 3,787 Black and White men and women aged 18–30 in 1985-86 and followed for 30 years. In multivariable repeated measures regression models, individuals in the lowest APDQS quintile (poorest diet) had declines in FEV1 that were 1.6 ml/year greater than individuals in the highest quintile (35.0 vs. 33.4 ml/year, ß±SE per 1 SD change APDQS 0.94 ± 0.36, p = 0.009). Additionally, declines in FVC were 2.4 ml/year greater in the lowest APDQS quintile than those in the highest quintile (37.0 vs 34.6 ml/year, ß±SE per 1 SD change APDQS 1.71 ± 0.46, p < 0.001). The association was not different between never and ever smokers (pint = 0.07 for FVC and 0.32 for FEV1). In sensitivity analyses where current asthma diagnosis and cardiorespiratory fitness were further adjusted, results remained similar.Conclusions In this 30-year longitudinal cohort study, long-term adherence to a nutritionally-rich plant-centered diet was associated with slower decline in lung function, highlighting diet quality as a potential treatable trait supporting long-term lung health.
Alteromonas salexigens sp.nov., isolated from coastal seawater
Authors: Sun Liping , Hu Xinyuan , Wang Qin , Niu Huijing , Pei Caixia , Li Yi , Xia Chengqiang
Published: April 2023

A Gram-negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped bacterium, designated ASW11-19T, was isolated from a coastal seawater sample of the Yellow Sea, PR China. Strain ASW11-19T grew optimally at 37°C, 3.0–5.0% (w/v) NaCl and pH 7.5. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ASW11-19T belonged to the genus Alteromonas and most closely related to Alteromonas profundi 345S023T and Alteromonas fortis 1T (98.4%, both). The draft genome was 3.55 Mb with 3150 protein-coding genes, 18 contigs, and a DNA G + C content was 44.4%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values were below the species-delineating thresholds. The major fatty acids were summed featured 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c), summed featured 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c) and C16:0. The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 8. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid, and two unidentified lipids. Based on these genomic data, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, strain ASW11-19T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Alteromonas. The name Alteromonas salexigens sp.nov. is proposed for ASW11-19T (= MCCC 1K07239T = KCTC 92247T).
A Treatment of a Multistep Collocation Method for the Direct Solution of Second-order Odes Using a Class of Modified Bdf-type
Authors: Tumba Pius , Atsi Kaze , Suleiman Enoch
Published: April 2023

A research has been conducted at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State to study the treatment of multistep collocation method for the direct solution of second order ordinary differential equations using a class of modified BDF-type with one super-future point. The research has proposed the construction of a new method of solving second-order initial valued problem of ordinary differential equation. A step-number, k = 3, a number of discrete members are obtained and used in block through multi-step collocation approach. The stability properties of the newly to be constructed methods are investigated using written computer codes and its convergence are established. The numerical efficiency of the method has been tested on some treated second-order initial valued problems, in order to ascertain its suitability. The solutions of the problems are compared with the corresponding exact solutions and the associated absolute errors are presented. Tables and graph have been adopted in the presentation of results. Conclusion and recommendation are made for further investigations.
Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System for IoT Application
Authors: Bhavsar Mansi , Roy Kaushik , Kelly John , Olusola Odeyomi
Published: April 2023

Internet-of-Things (IoT) connects various physical objects through the Internet and it has a wide application, such as in transportation, military, healthcare, agriculture, and many more. Those applications are increasingly popular because they address real-time problems. In contrast, the use of transmission and communication protocols have raised serious security concerns for IoT devices, and traditional methods such as signature and rule-based methods are inefficient for securing these devices. Hence, identifying network traffic behavior and mitigating cyber attacks are important in IoT to provide guaranteed network security. Therefore, we develop an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) based on a deep learning model called Pearson-Correlation Coefficient - Convolutional Neural Networks (PCC-CNN) to detect network anomalies. The PCC-CNN model combines the important features obtained from the linear-based extractions followed by the Convolutional Neural Network. It performs a Binary classification for Anomaly detection and also a Multiclass classification for various types of attacks. The model is evaluated on three publicly available datasets: NSL-KDD, CICIDS-2017, and IOTID20. We first train and test five different (Logistic Regression, Linear Discriminant Analysis, K Nearest Neighbour, Classification and Regression Tree,\& Support Vector Machine) PCC-based Machine Learning models to evaluate the model performance. We achieve the best similar accuracy from the KNN and CART model of 98\%, 99\%, and 98\%, respectively, on the three datasets. On the other hand, we achieve a promising performance with a better detection accuracy of 99.89\% and with a low misclassification rate of 0.001 with our proposed PCC-CNN model. The integrated model is promising, with a misclassification rate (or False alarm rate) of 0.02, 0.02, and 0.00 with Binary and Multiclass intrusion detection classifiers. Finally, we compare and discuss our PCC-CNN model in comparison to five traditional PCC-ML models. Our proposed Deep Learning (DL)-based IDS outperforms traditional methods.
Hybrid scale factor and Late time acceleration of universe in f (R,T) gravity
Authors: Jayas Bhojraj Singh , Bhardwaj Vinod Kumar
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we have discussed a model of transitioning universe in f(R, T) gravity, depicting late-time accelerated expansion. We developed and presented exact solutions of field equations of the proposed model. The scale factor of hybrid law in the forma(t) = tαeβt, with constants α and β, is assumed to propose the explicit solution of the field equations developed for a homogeneous and isotropic universe in f(R, T) gravity. The model parameters have been extracted using the latest observational finding of the OHD data set. The best-fit values are estimated using the MCMC method. Features like the deceleration parameter and jerk parameter are explored. Further Om and statefinder diagnosis of the assumed model are also discussed for geometrical comparison with the standard ΛCDM model. We have also discussed the stability of the proposed solution through perturbation analysis.
Reappraisal of the anatomical diversity of the pyramidalis muscle with its substantial clinical applicability: Cadaveric analysis
Authors: NB Pushpa , Patra Apurba , Ravi KS , Viveka S , Pushpalatha K , MC Smitha
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The study aimed to analyze the anatomical diversity of the pyramidalis muscle (PM), their association with sex, laterality and possible role in muscle biomechanics.
Materials & Methods: 51 formalin-fixed cadavers (36 males and 15 females) were examined for PM. Based on the mode of insertion or the level of apex, the formation of the muscle was classified into nine patterns.
Observations: PM was more prevalent bilaterally (39.21%) than unilaterally (1.96%) (p=0.001) and more frequently in males (41.67%) than in females (40%). (p>0.05). Side symmetry was detected except in one case and Type 7 was the most common form. The mean length of PM in males and females was 4.51±0.14 and 3.33±0.12 cm on the right and 4.51±0.11 and 3.26±0.16 cm on the left side. The mean width of right-sided PMs in males and females was 1.90±0.17 and 1.58±0.13 cm and left-sided 1.88±0.14 and 1.55±0.38 cm. mean of Pyramidalis-puboumbilical index (PPI) in males and females was 32.82±1.65 and 27.50±1.08 respectively. The mean insertion angle was 24.56±3.07 on right and 23±2.03 on the left side (p=0.03). Male predominance existed on right and left-sided PM length (p<0.001 and p<0.001), width (p=0.001) and PPI (P=0.001). The strong positive correlation (r=0.83) between length and width indicates a symmetrical muscle augmentation in the two dimensions.
Conclusion: PM is an inconsistent anatomical structure with persistent morphology. The level and angle of insertion into the linea are crucial in the biomechanics of linea alba. PPI, determining the level of termination would be useful to surgeons making midline infra-umbilical incisions.
Deep-learning-based sampling position selection on color doppler sonography images during renal artery ultrasound scanning
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Yuqing , Cai Sheng , Li Jianchu , Wang Hongyan
Published: April 2023

Background Appropriate sampling position selection is a key step of the renal artery ultrasound examination to obtain proper spectral waveform to evaluate the renal artery blood flow, which is a challenge for inexperience physicians. Based on deep learning (DL) technology, this study models sampling position selection as an object detection process in the color doppler sonography (CDS) images to assist renal artery ultrasound scanning.Methods 2004 patients received renal artery ultrasound examination in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2017 to December 2019 were included. CDS images from these patients were classified into four categories, abdominal aorta (AO), normal renal artery (NRA), renal artery stenosis (RAS), and intrarenal interlobular artery (IRA) according to scanning position, and then randomly split into model training dataset (N = 6661 images), parameter optimizing dataset (N = 441), and clinical validation dataset (N = 1243). Seven DL object detection models, including three two-stage models (Faster R-CNN, Cascade R-CNN, and Double Head R-CNN), and four one-stage models (RetinaNet, YOLOv3, FoveaBox, and Deformable DETR), were trained and evaluated. The predictive accuracy of sampling position selection was calculated as an indicator of model’s efficiency. For each model, 10 trained results were obtained and the difference of seven models’ efficiencies were compared with independent two-sample t-test.Results The Double Head R-CNN model achieved the significantly higher average accuracies on both parameter optimizing and validation datasets (89.3 ± 0.6% and 88.5 ± 0.3%) than other methods (P-value < 0.001). Performance of three two-stage DL object detection models were better than the RetinaNet, FoveaBox, and Deformable DETR (P < 0.001). On clinical validation data, predictive accuracies of the Double Head R-CNN model on four types of images (AO, NRA, RAS, and IRA) were 86.5 ± 1.1%, 90.4 ± 0.1%, 84.7 ± 1.0%, and 88.8 ± 0.6% respectively, which were all significantly higher than the other methods (P < 0.001). Besides the predictive performance of Double Head R-CNN model on NRA and IRA images were better than that on the RAS and AO (P < 0.001).Conclusions The DL object detection model achieves well predictive validity and is promising to help physicians to improve the accuracy of sampling position selection during renal artery ultrasound examination.
Sodium lactate treatment maintains the quality and promotes energy metabolism of ‘Kyoho’ table grape during storage
Authors: Yu Yihe , Sun Yadan , Meng Xiangxuan , Shi Qiaofang , Li Yiyi , Liu Hainan , Wei Tonglu , Pei Maosong , Guo Dalong , Jiang Dongming
Published: April 2023

‘Kyoho’ grape (Vitis viniera L. × Vitis labrusca L.) is the most widely cultivated table grape variety. However, it is prone to fruit abscission after harvest, which affects the development of the market. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying different concentrations of sodium lactate (0.1%, 0.5% and 1% NaL) on postharvest table grape preservation. After harvesting, ‘Kyoho’ grapes were immersed in sodium lactate solution at various concentrations (0 [as control], 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% NaL) for 2min and stored at 20±1℃ for 10 days. Physiological indicators including weight loss rate, browning level of rachis, contents of vitamin C, sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA), membrane permeability, and activities of polygalacturonase (PG), peroxidase (POD), cellulase (Cx) and lipoxygenase (LOX) were investigated. Additionally, it was also determined for ATP content, energy charge and activity of energy metabolism-related enzymes. These results showed that NaL treatment inhibited berry abscission and maintained berry quality due to the decrease of cell wall degrading enzyme activity, the increase of energy metabolism-related enzyme activities and high level of ATP content and energy charge. This study provides a new and effective method for the postharvest storage of table grapes that can help minimize economic losses.
Differences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging between the Surgical Side and Healthy Side of Knee Joint after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Huang Zirong , Liang Jiamin , Gao Hongliang , Chen Kan , Deng Zhenhan , Zhong Minjin , Zhu Weimin
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveThe inclination angle of the graft and the femorotibial position relationship after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery has been widely discussed for long. However, studies comparing the surgical side with the healthy side are rarely reported. This study aimed to quantitatively describe the changes in the inclination angle of the graft and the femorotibial position relationship of the knee joint after ACL reconstruction relative to the healthy side based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), so as to identify effective indicators for quantifying the femorotibial relationship.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 50 cases of ACL reconstruction operated in the Sports Medicine Department of Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital from June 2019 to June 2020. MRI of the surgical side and healthy side was obtained for each patient. Based on the MRI, the inclination angle of the graft/ACL on the coronal plane and sagittal plane, the medial and lateral anterior tibial translation (ATT), and the femoral rotation angle (FA) and tibial rotation angle (TA) of both knees were measured. Then, the femorotibial angle (FTA) and the rotational tibial subluxation (RTS) were calculated in order to evaluate the differences in MRI results between the surgical and healthy sides.ResultsAfter ACL reconstruction, the inclination angle of the graft on the coronal plane and sagittal plane, the medial and lateral ATT, and the FA and TA were all greater than those of the healthy knee joint (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the FTA and RTS between the surgical and healthy sides, but there was a significant correlation between these two indicators.ConclusionsAfter ACL reconstruction, the inclination angle of the graft cannot be restored to the level of the healthy knee joint, and obvious medial and lateral ATT occurred on the surgical side compared to the healthy side of the knee joint. In addition, there is a significant correlation between FTA and RTS, which are expected to be used as combined clinical indicators for evaluating the stability of knee joint rotation.
Scope and Predictors of Travel Medicine Practice among Primary Care Physicians in Qatar
Authors: Al-Dahshan Ayman , Selim Nagah , Al-Kubaisi Noora , Mahfoud Ziyad , Kehyayan Vahe
Published: April 2023

Background
In an era of globalization, travel-related illnesses have become a focus of public ‎health concern. Pretravel consultation is an effective measure for the prevention travel-related illnesses. ‎ The purpose of this study was to assess the scope of primary care physicians’ (PCP) practice of travel medicine (TM) in Qatar and its associated predictors.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect ‎data from all PCPs working in all 27 primary healthcare centers in Qatar.‎ Descriptive and analytic statistics were used as appropriate. ‎A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of TM practice.
Results
Three hundred sixty-four PCPs participated in the study with a response rate of 89.2%. Most PCPs (91.1%) reported they provided pretravel consultations of which 72.7% provided < 10 consultations per month and almost half of them reported they spent between 10 and 19 minutes for pretravel consultation. ‎Overall, pretravel advice content and frequency including vaccine and malaria chemoprophylaxis recommendations were inadequate. The significant predictors of high frequency of pretravel consultations (≥ 10/month) included PCPs who had past experience in TM (AOR 2.082, 95% CI: 1.209, 3.585) and multilingual physicians (AOR 2.067, 95% CI: 1.180, 3.619). Patients with chronic diseases and pregnant women ‎ were specific patient groups more frequently counselled about pretravel advice. Frequently encountered post-travel illnesses included travelers’ diarrhea, respiratory diseases, and fever.
Conclusions
The majority of PCPs provided pretravel consultations. However, the frequency and content of consultations were inadequate. Past experience in TM and multilingual physicians were important predictors of providing a high frequency of pretravel consultation. The findings of this study identified several gaps in PCPs’ TM practice. Specific measures should be designed and implemented to promote ‎healthy travel and reduce the burden of travel-related illnesses in Qatar.
Cadaveric Dissection of Connection Between Accessory Hemiazygos Vein and Left Brachiocephalic Vein
Authors: Panesar Harsimran , Singh Meghana , Adams Quinn , Titunick Michelle B. , Pagano Anthony S.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The azygos system of veins has many anatomical variations that can impact mediastinal and vascular interventions. While radiological reports on these are of great clinical value, this study is among the first to present a high-quality cadaveric dissection of a rare anatomical variant to supplement previously published radiologic studies. The azygos venous system consists of the azygos vein (AV), hemiazygos vein (HAV), and the accessory hemiazygos vein (AHAV), which develop from the last portion of the posterior cardinal veins. The normal anatomical configuration includes drainage of the posterior intercostal veins, vertebral vein, esophageal veins, HAV, and AHAV to an unpaired right-side AV at the level of the 8th/9th thoracic vertebra.
Methods: An adult formalin-fixed 70-year-old female Caucasian cadaver was dissected as part of a medical gross anatomy elective course.
Results: Gross documentation of a direct connection of the HAV to the AHAV with the AHAV draining into the left brachiocephalic vein.
Conclusion: The reported incidence of AHAV draining directly into the left brachiocephalic vein is 1-2%. It is important to note the variations of the azygos system to avoid confusion with a potential pathology such as mediastinal masses. Understanding of the rare variant reported here could be useful in prevention of iatrogenic bleeding from misplacement of venous catheters and help facilitate radiological diagnosis in the incidence of venous clot formation.
Clean and Sustainable Environment Problems in Forested Areas Related to Recreational Activities: Case of Lithuania and Turkey
Authors: Atalay Ahmet , Perkumiene Dalia , Aleinikovas Marius , Škėma Mindaugas
Published: April 2023

With the acceleration of social life, people's interest and demand for forestry recreation activities is increasing. However, with this increase, it is inevitable that negative environmental effects will occur. Particularly mass participation poses an important risk for environmental sustainability. In this context, the aim of this study is to determine the recreational activities organized in forest areas in Turkey and Lithuania, the environmental effects of these activities and the precautions to be taken. In Turkey and Lithuania, interviews were conducted to determine the attitudes of experts involved in recreational activity processes towards a clean environment and environmental sustainability. A semi-structured interview form was used in the interviews with forest operators and other experts. The sample group of the research consists of 17 experts from Turkey and Lithuania. According to the results of the research, recreational activities are organised in forest areas in both countries, but the most important problem related to these activities is waste production. In addition, there is also damage to the natural environment. Although there are legal regulations in both countries, there are no definite results in solving environmental problems. It can be said that necessary measures such as raising awareness of people and ecological education should be taken in order to ensure the right of individuals to live in a safe and clean environment and at the same time to ensure sustainability in forest areas. as the improvement of legal regulation.
Regional differences in oceanic migratory behavior of Japanese silver eel in waters with different vertical temperature gradients
Authors: Abe Takaaki K. , Galang Ishmerai , Daryani Ayu , Minamikawa Shingo , Mochioka Noritaka , Hakoyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Background: The Japanese eel Anguilla japonica has a single spawning area on the west coast of the Mariana Islands, and the larvae disperse widely via the North Equatorial Current and the Kuroshio Current to freshwater and coastal areas of East Asia for nursery and growth habitats.Spawning adults reared in their respective habitats begin their migration to spawn from September to February, but little is known about regional differences in migration routes, their contribution to spawning populations, or their migratory behavior.To better understand the spawning migrations of Japanese eels, we tracked adult migratory stage eels (silver eels) captured in coastal areas of three regions (Tokai region, Tohoku region, and Sea of Japan coastline) from October 2019 to February 2020 using pop-up satellite archival tags.
Results: Twenty-three tagged eels were released in each coastal area, and data were collected on 15 eels for a maximum of 59 days. Eels released in the Tokai region migrated southeast along the Kuroshio Current. On the other hand, eels on the Sea of Japan side and in the Tohoku region tended to migrate westward and southward against the ocean current, respectively, but no eels from either region reached waters near the Kuroshio Current.In addition, the present study found region-specific vertical movement patterns among the eels.Eels from the Tokai region showed typical diurnal vertical movements, while an eel from the Sea of Japan side repeated non-diurnal vertical movements, which was attributed to regional differences in bathymetry and water mass structure.Except for one eel suspected of being preyed upon, all other eels did not venture into depth zones with temperatures below 4°C, thus suggesting that the maximum depth of vertical movement is limited by water temperature.
Conclusions: This study provided new insights into the migratory behavior of Japanese silver eel from the Sea of Japan side and the Tohoku region, but further long-term tracking is required to reveal the fate of the spawning adults from the coast of Japan. Keywords: Pop-up satellite archival tags; Japanese eel; Spawning migration; Diel Vertical Migration
D1R-PKA signaling activation in PFC mediated by GDNF facilitates depression remission in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Liu Yehao , Zhou Xiaoyu , Xue Ke , Sun Ruiao , Tang Yan , Tang Chuanxi
Published: April 2023

Depression is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), which can cause a severe decline in the quality of life of PD patients. Dopamine receptors (DRs) expressed in glutamatergic pyramidal cells in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) shape the local field activity, contributing to behavioral and mood disorders regulation. Studies have demonstrated that the Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has a potential antidepressant effect. However, PD has yet to report the anti-depression consequences of GDNF positioning injection into mPFC on DRs. Here, we reported exogenous GDNF injection to mPFC, resulting in up-regulation of D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) protein levels, and found that activating the PKA pathway mediated by D1R produces a long-lasting antidepressant response. In contrast, D2R expression under GDNF stimulation was constant, which indicated D2R signal was ineffective across depression-like measures. Furthermore, we used Golgi staining and western blot to display enhanced synaptic plasticity, such as the increased dendritic branches and dendritic spines, after GDNF treatment in PD models. Therefore, our results identify an exogenous GDNF positive effect on synaptic plasticity mediated by D1R signaling in mPFC to facilitate depression remission in PD.