bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ending Preventable Stillbirths and Improving Bereavement Care: A Scorecard for High- and Upper-Middle Income Countries
Authors: de Graaff Esti Charlotte , Leisher Susannah Hopkins , Blencowe Hannah , Lawford Harriet , Cassidy Jillian , Cassidy Paul , Draper Elizabeth S , Heazell Alexander E P , Kinney Mary , Quigley Paula , Ravaldi Claudia , Storey Claire , Vannacci Alfredo , Group . the EPS in High-Resource Countries Scorecard Collaboration , Flenady Vicki
Published: March 2023

Background: Despite progress, stillbirth rates in many high- and upper-middle income countries remain high, and the majority of these deaths are preventable. We introduce the Ending Preventable Stillbirths (EPS) Scorecard for High- and Upper Middle-Income Countries, a tool to track progress against the Lancet’s 2016 EPS Series Call to Action, fostering transparency, consistency and accountability.
Methods: The Scorecard for EPS in High- and Upper-Middle Income Countries was adapted from the Scorecard for EPS in Low-Income Countries which includes 20 indicators to track progress against the eight Call to Action targets. The Scorecard for High- and Upper-Middle Income Countries includes 23 indicators tracking progress against these same Call to Action targets. For this inaugural version of the Scorecard, 13 high- and upper-middle income countries supplied data. Data were collated and compared between and within countries.
Results: Data were complete for 15 of 23 indicators (65%). Five key issues were identified: (1) there is wide variation in stillbirth rates and related perinatal outcomes, (2) definitions of stillbirth and related perinatal outcomes vary widely across countries, (3) data on key risk factors for stillbirth are often missing and equity is not consistently tracked, (4) most countries lack guidelines and targets for critical areas for stillbirth prevention and care after stillbirth and have not set a national stillbirth rate target, and (5) most countries do not have mechanisms in place for reduction of stigma or guidelines around bereavement care.
Conclusions: This inaugural version of the Scorecard for High- and Upper-Middle Income Countries highlights important gaps in performance indicators for stillbirth both between and within countries. The Scorecard provides a basis for future assessment of progress and can be used to help holding individual countries accountable, especially for reducing stillbirth inequities for disadvantaged groups.
Ultrafine-bubble-water-promoted nanoceramic decoration of metal powders for additive manufacturing
Authors: ZHOU WEIWEI , Dong Mingqi , Guo Suxia , Nomura Naoyuki
Published: March 2023

Design of composite powders for exploiting the multifunctionality of metallic nanocomposites via laser additive manufacturing (AM) is challenging. Conventional ball-milling processes are prone to cause uncontrollable powder morphology and reduced flowability, while recently-developed nano-decoration technologies are limited by complicated processing and impurity inclusion. Herein, a facile and scalable approach was developed using ultrafine bubble (UFB)-assisted heteroagglomeration to fabricate high-concentration, impurity-free nanoceramic/metal composite powders. Individual ZrO2 or Al2O3 nanoparticles up to ~ 10 wt% were homogeneously decorated on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V powders through the bridging effect of negatively charged UFBs, leading to enhanced flowability and laser absorptivity. The nanoceramics were completely decomposed and dissolved into the matrix upon laser irradiation; consequently, a unique Ti nanocomposite exhibiting both high strength and ductility was obtained. Our work provides new insights into the application of UFBs and the fabrication of multifunctional AM components.
Optimizing Photobioreactor Panel Arrangement for Maximum Solar Energy Accumulation
Authors: Lee Choul-Gyun , Yoon Jin-Hee , Kim Do Wan
Published: March 2023

As an eco-friendly energy source, photobioreactors are drawing high interest. In these reactors, phototrophic microorganisms such as microalgae harness solar energy to produce biomass, making the amount of solar energy the most critical factor for the reactors' productivity. In this paper, we present a method to determine the optimal arrangement of photobioreactor panels in an array to maximize the accumulation of solar energy over a specified period. The panels are flat, rectangular, and vertically arrayed with uniform spacing. This arrangement results in the shading of direct solar beams between adjacent panels and illumination from diffuse radiation. We calculate the shaded area, which varies with time, and estimate the illumination effect between panels by determining the solid angle of diffused light sources. We begin by predicting the solar position and local frame vectors in the ecliptic frame using our numerical model and then using the solar radiation model to calculate the accumulated solar energy on the reactor panels. Our optimization goal is efficiency, which balances productivity and installation costs. Installation cost includes the panel price and land value and affects the reactor efficiency, which depends on panel spacing and land area. We use dimensionless efficiency, where all lengths are expressed as ratios to the panel height. Finally, we find the optimal dimensionless spacing and panel tilt angle to provide maximum productivity over the cost at selected locations specified by latitude and longitude.
Comprehensive analysis of FZD7 in immune infiltration and prognosis of pan-cancer and validation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yu Huajing , Guan Chengjian , Qu Guangzhen , Wei Luyang , Liu Shanshan , Jing Chao , Yin Danyang , Lin Huajun , Zhang Xiaodong , Rao Quan , Wu Hongwei , Liu Kun , Wang Dong , Zhang Zhongtao , Guo Wei
Published: March 2023

Background Frizzled 7, a G protein-coupled receptor, can regulate cell proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis. The effect of FZD7 on prognosis and the immune microenvironment in pan-cancer remains elusive. Hence, we plan to provide insight into FZD7's role in pan-cancer.
Methods FZD7 expression was analyzed by integrating RNA sequencing data from TCGA and GEO databases. Furthermore, we elucidated the correlation between FZD7 and prognosis, mutation landscape, immune infiltration, and biological function by analyzing multiple databases in pan-cancer. A prognostic risk model was constructed based on the sequencing data of HCC in the TCGA database and its validity was verified in the GEO database. In addition, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to validate FZD7 expression in HCC tumor tissues.
Results Compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues, FZD7 was upregulated in several tumor tissues, especially HCC, and its elevated expression account for tumor progression and poor prognosis. Significant associations were found between FZD7 expression and TMB or MSI in several tumors. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a close link between FZD7 expression and the presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, T cell regulatory, as well as the cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, it negatively correlated with CD4+ Th1 cell and CD4+ Th2 infiltration. FZD7-related functional genes were successfully incorporated into the construction and validation of an HCC prognostic risk model.
Conclusion Our study indicated that FZD7 is involved in regulating the progression of several tumors and immune infiltration, while it can serve as an effective prognosis biomarker in pan-cancer, especially HCC. This could shed light on tumor therapy.
Podophyllotoxin enfeebles human oral squamous cell carcinoma through Myeloid cell leukemia-1
Authors: Yu Hyun-Ju , Shin Ji-Ae , Choi Su-Jung , Cho Sung-Dae
Published: March 2023

Background
Podophyllotoxin (PPT), which is derived from the podophyllum plant, exhibits marked cytotoxic effects against cancer cells; however, the specific molecular mechanism behind its activity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unknown. In this study, we determined the mechanism by which PPT induces cytotoxicity in two OSCC cell lines, HSC3 and HSC4.
Methods
In this study, the underlying molecular mechanism effects of PPT on cytotoxicity in HSC3 and HSC4 cells were analyzed using Sub-G1 analysis, Annexin V/PI double staining, soft agar assay, Western blotting, and quantitative PCR. The change in the mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using JC-1 assay and cytosolic and mitochondrial fraction. We also constructed an myeloid cell leukemia‑1 (Mcl-1) overexpression vector and performed transient transfection to study the role of Mcl-1 on apoptosis.
Results
The results showed that PPT inhibits the growth of two human OSCC cell lines and triggers apoptosis, accompanied by mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Compared with controls, PPT reduced the expression of Mcl‑1 in both cell lines through a proteasome-dependent protein degradation process.
Conclusions
Overall, our results suggest that the reduction of Mcl-1 protein by PPT induces apoptosis, which provides a foundation for its continued pre-clinical and clinical study in OSCC.
Bioactive compounds and growth performance of endemic medicinal plants (Cuphea spp.) cultured in aquaponic system
Authors: Flores-Aguilar Priscila S. , Rico-Chávez Amanda Kim , Rodriguez-deLeón Eloy , Toledano-Ayala Manuel , Soto-Zarazúa Genaro M.
Published: March 2023

Aquaculture wastewaters are associated with modifying the phytochemical profile in plants when watered with them, thus, aquaponics is a way to improve medicinal plants' quality. This study aimed to analyse the effect caused by a small-scale aquaponic system integrated with Koi carp in the growth performance and modification of bioactive compounds in Cuphea hyssopifolia and Cuphea cyanea. The results showed the aquaponic system design is suitable for keeping Cuphea spp. in a greenhouse or indoor conditions. No statistically significant differences were found in the growth performance in both Cuphea spp. The results for C. hyssopifolia in aquaponic showed that approximately 76% of phenols and more than half of the flavonoids remained in the dry basis of the plant cultivated in aquaponics compared to conventional culture. The apigenin content increased by > 60% (1.63 mg g-1). The results for C. cyanea in aquaponic showed that the phenolic content remained above, and the flavonoids decreased by 53%. The apigenin content decreased by 40% (0.89 mg g-1). The outcomes indicate that aquaponics can promote biostimulation of medicinal plants and increase their bioactive compounds, however, this effect does not occur in the same way between species.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of worm infestation in Sahiwal calves kept under different management conditions in Faisalabad Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Hafiz Qadeer , Shahzad Adil , Farooq Umar , Ahmad Ghayyoor , Yaqoob Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Dairy business depends upon calf progeny and successful calf rearing is vital for livestock production and sustainability. Early life of calves is challenging and demands good husbandry practices. In dairy farming, male calves are usually reared for beef production and ignored as compared to female calves. Worm infestation is major threat in early life for survival in calves. The current study was designed to find out risk factors (age, sex and husbandry practices) responsible for worm infestation in Sahiwal calves. Sahiwal calves were selected from different farms in Faisalabad for this study. With the help of pretested & well validated questionnaire, information regarding age, sex, drinking water, mangers, water troughs condition, animal bedding, condition of floor, housing, feeding, skin condition, belly condition, history regarding diarrhea, pica, teeth grinding, hydration status and deworming were collected. Using McMaster technique, fecal samples were examined for number of eggs per gram (EPG). It was observed that age had significant effect on worm infestation while sex had non-significant effect. Mud floor, grazing, unclean mangers and water troughs, cracks and crevices in walls, dung heaps were the associated risk factors of worm infestation.
Multi-filamentary switching of Cu/SiOx memristive devices with a Ge-implanted a-Si under-layer for analog synaptic devices
Authors: Kim Inho , Kim Keonhee , Gwang Jae , Hu Su Man , Jeong YeonJoo , Kim Jaewook , Lee Suyoun , Kwak Joon Young , Park Jongkil , Hwang Gyu Weon , Lee Kyeong-Seok , Park Seongsik , Lee Wook-Seong , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Park Jong-Keuk
Published: March 2023

Various memristive devices have been proposed for use in neuromorphic computing systems as artificial synapses. The analog synaptic devices with linear conductance updates during training are essential to train neural networks efficiently. Although many different analog memristors have been proposed, a more reliable approach to implement the analog synaptic devices are required. In this study, we propose the memristor of a Cu/SiOx/implanted a-SiGex/p++ c-Si structure containing a-Si layer with properly controlled conductance through Ge implantation. The a-SiGex layer plays a multi-functional role in the device operation by limiting current overshoot, confining heat generated during operation and preventing silicide formation reaction between active metal (Cu) and the Si bottom electrode. Thus, the a-SiGex interface layer enables the formation of multi-weak filaments and in turn induce analog switching behaviors. The TEM observation reveals the insertion of the a-SiGex layer between SiOx and c-Si suppresses remarkably the formation of copper silicide, and the reliable set/reset operations were secured. The origin of the analog switching behaviors was discussed by analyzing current-voltage characteristics and electron microscopy images. Lastly, the memristive-neural network simulations showed that the memristive devices developed in this study provide a high learning accuracy and be promising in future neuromorphic computing hardware.
Cost-utility analysis of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD), targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD) and biosimilar DMARD (bsDMARD) combined with methotrexate for Thai rheumatoid arthritis patients with high disease activity
Authors: Prawjaeng Juthamas , Leelahavarong Pattara , Budtarad Nuttakarn , Pilasant Songyot , Chanjam Chonticha , Katchamart Wanruchada , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Kitumnuaypong Tasanee
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND New biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) as well as their biosimilars (bsDMARD) and targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD) showed greater clinical benefits in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with high disease activity, but imposed higher costs than standard treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 11 alternative treatment strategies for patients with rheumatoid arthritis with high disease activity with failure of treatment with three conventional DMARD (csDMARD). METHODS A Markov model was constructed using a societal perspective to estimate relevant costs and health outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALY) for a lifetime horizon with discounted 3% per year. Alternative treatment strategies including five bDMARD, two targeted tsDMARD, and four bsDMARD in combination with methotrexate (MTX) were compared with standard of care (SoC), i.e., Azathioprine and Cyclosporin. Direct and non-medical care costs were estimated by identifying the resources used and multiplied by the standard costing menu in the year 2022. Utility and transitional probability were collected in three advanced tertiary hospitals. A network meta-analysis was used to estimate the efficacy of each treatment. Lifetime cost, QALYs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated compared to the cost-effectiveness threshold of 160,000 THB per QALY gained (4,634 USD). Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed to estimate parameter uncertainties. RESULTS The bDMARD/bsDMARD or tsDMARD combined with MTX provided 0.09 to 0.33 QALY gained with additional costs of 550,986 to 2,096,744 THB compared to SoC. Compared to SoC, the ICER ranged from 2.3 to 8.1 million THB/QALY, and none of these combinations was cost-effective in the Thai context. The results were sensitive to the mortality hazard ratio of patients with high disease activity. CONCLUSIONS The combination of MTX and bDMARD or tsDMARD or bsDMARD was not economically attractive compared to their current practice at the current price. However, they reduced disease activity and improved patient quality of life. The price negotiation process must be conducted to ensure its value for money and financial affordability if included in the pharmaceutical reimbursement list.
Effect of desflurane and sevoflurane on postoperative cognitive dysfunction： A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luo Mingbo , Chen Jie , Chen Yue , You Zhijian
Published: March 2023

Background

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD).

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) investigating the application of desflurane and sevoflurane in the maintenance of POCD in patients under general anesthesia were retrieved through a computer search on the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang Database and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) for studies published until October 2022. The identified literature were analyzed using the Revman5.3 system evaluation software.

Results

A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, which comprised 966 patients, including 483 in the desflurane group and 483 in the sevoflurane group. It was observed that the score of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) decreased preoperative (SMD = 0.00, 95%CI = -0.14-0.15), 1h after surgery (SMD = 1.78, 95%CI = 0.68–2.88), and 3h after surgery (SMD = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.09 ~ 0.82), 6h after surgery (SMD = 1.11, 95%CI =-0.15 ~ 2.37), and 24h after surgery (SMD = 0.16, 95%CI =-0.01 ~ 0.30), and eye opening time (SMD = -3.30, 95%CI = -4.65-1.96) and extubation time (SMD = -3.54, 95%CI = -5.44-1.63) in desflurane group were shorter compared with values in the sevoflurane group.

Conclusions

Desflurane results in shorter eye opening and extubation times compared with sevoflurane when used as the maintenance therapy of general anesthesia with inhalation anesthetics. Both anesthetics may lead to a reduction in cognitive function among surgical patients, and this is particularly higher the sevoflurane than for desflurane treatment.
Registration number:CRD42023390692.
Personality traits and emotional states in emergency and elective orthopedic surgery patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hozhabrossadati Seyyed Amin , Poursharif Maryam , Daliri Mahla , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad-H , Moradi Ali
Published: March 2023

Background

Personality trait and emotional state may associate with high-risk trauma exposure and subsequently higher rate of emergency admission.

Questions/Purposes:

This study aimed at comparing emergency and elective orthopedic surgery patients in terms of 1. personality traits and 2. emotional states (anxiety, depression, and stress) intensity.

Method

This analytic cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Patients with orthopedic surgical conditions were included and allocated into two groups, emergency and elective, each including 100 patients. Personality traits were examined by Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and emotional states intensity were measured using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale − 21 Items (DASS-21) questionnaire. NEO-FFI and DASS-21 scores were compared between the two groups.

Results

Based on our findings, the average score of neuroticism in the emergency group (16.03 ± 9.62) was significantly higher than the elective group (7.74 ± 3.41) (P < 0.001). Additionally, the levels of depression (11.97 ± 6 vs. 9.75 ± 6.62) and stress (12.71 ± 5.13 vs. 10.81 ± 5.03) were significantly higher in the emergency group (P = 0.002 and 0.016, respectively).

Conclusion

Among patients indicating emergency orthopedic surgery, neuroticism personality and the level of depression and stress is significantly higher than in patients scheduled for elective surgery. This study provides insight into considering different care measures for emergency patients in accordance with their personality character and emotional distress.
Level of Evidence: level III
GlobalUsefulNativeTrees, a database of 14,014 tree species, supports synergies between biodiversity recovery and local livelihoods in restoration
Authors: Kindt Roeland , Graudal Lars , Lillesø Jens-Peter , Pedercini Fabio , Smith Paul , Jamnadass Ramni
Published: March 2023

Tree planting has the potential to improve the livelihoods of millions of people as well as to support environmental services such as biodiversity preservation. Planting however needs to be executed wisely if benefits are to be achieved. We have developed the GlobalUsefulNativeTrees (GlobUNT) database to directly support the principles advocated by the ‘golden rules for reforestation’, including planting tree mixtures that maximize the benefits to local livelihoods and the diversity of native trees. Developed primarily by combining data from GlobalTreeSearch with the World Checklist of Useful Plant Species (WCUPS), GlobUNT includes 14,014 tree species that can be filtered for ten major use categories, across 242 countries and territories. The 14,014 species represent roughly a quarter of the tree species from GlobalTreeSearch and a third of the plant species from WCUPS. In a subcontinental comparison GlobUNT revealed that Malesia had the highest useful tree species richness (3,349) and was also richest for materials (2,723), medicines (1,533), human food (958), fuel (734), environmental uses (632), social uses (614), animal food (443), poisons (322) and invertebrate food (266).
Foot health and quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study. Working towards a holistic care approach.
Authors: Veiga-Seijo Raquel , Pertega-Diaz Sonia , Perez-Lopez Maria Eva , Calvo-Martinez Lourdes , Novoa Silvia Antolin , Gonzalez-Martin Cristina
Published: March 2023

Background. Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used therapies for breast cancer, triggering important repercussions on people’s quality of life. However, little research has been undertaken about podiatric adverse effects. This study aimed was to determine the prevalence of podiatric pathology developed in people with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy.
Methods. Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oncology service of the A Coruña University Hospital (northwest Spain). People with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment of legal age (≥18), who signed the informed consent (n=117) were included. Sociodemographic, comorbidity, disease and foot health variables, as well as two self-administered questionnaires (Foot Health Status Questionnaire and Foot Function Index) were studied. The current ethical-legal aspects were followed.
Results. Foot health problems were highly prevalent, highlighting nail color changes (60.3%), onychocryptosis (39.7%), xerosis (62.1%), plantar fasciitis (12.9%), and neuropathic symptoms (75.2%). Some foot pain was presented in 77.8% of the sample, predominantly at nail level (15.4%) or sole of the foot and nail (14.5%). Most participants described their foot health as fair or poor (56.4%) and felt limited in walking (65.8%). The lowest score for the Foot Health Status Questionnaire was footwear (32.5±42.1).
Conclusions. Foot health adverse effects represent worrisome problems in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, due to their high prevalence and negative implications on quality of life. These problems are critical as they may have implications for stopping or reducing chemotherapy. All these results call for the development of more research to contribute to the care and wellbeing of people with cancer who receive treatments such as chemotherapy. Thus, this line of research is a new path to be developed by the podiatry community.
Prediction of the penetration radius of cumulative blasting
Authors: Jia Jinzhang , Wu Yumo , Zhao Dan , Li Bin , Wang Dongming
Published: March 2023

To improve the efficiency of coal seam gas extraction, determine the influence characteristics of different factors on the penetration effect of cumulative blasting, and effectively predict the hole spacing, in this work, we used ANSYS/LS-DYNA numerical simulation software to establish the penetration model of cumulative blasting. Combined with an orthogonal design scheme, the crack radius prediction of cumulative blasting was studied. The results showed that the primary and secondary order of factors that affected the fracture radius of cumulative blasting was as follows: ground stress > gas pressure > coal firmness coefficient. The penetration effect decreased with increasing ground stress and decreased with an increase in the gas pressure and coal firmness coefficient. According to the pressure index method, an industrial field test was carried out. The gas extraction concentration increased by 73.4% after cumulative blasting, and the effective crack radius of cumulative blasting was approximately 5.5–6 m. The maximum error of the industrial field test was 6.22%, which proved that the crack radius prediction model of cumulative blasting was correct.
The value of forest restoration for habitat occupancy of a Mediterranean carnivore community
Authors: Benayas José M. Rey , García-González Jorge , Hernández-Hernández Javier , Martín-García Sara , Virgós Emilio
Published: March 2023

Considerable amounts of farmland in Mediterranean European landscapes have been abandoned and undergone natural regeneration or planted with trees in the last few decades, resulting in mixed forest and farmland mosaics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forest restoration on the composition and relative abundance of a carnivore community in the mixed farmland-forest landscape of Campo de Montiel (central Spain). We predicted that forest restoration, either natural regeneration following land abandonment or by tree planting, resulted in a new heterogenous landscape that supports a diverse carnivore community; consequently, we used two reference sites with non-planted Mediterranean trees. We assessed (1) the structure of woody vegetation, (2) the occurrence and relative abundance of carnivores, and (3) the environmental factors that explain carnivore occupancy patterns controlling for differences in detectability. Tree planting led to lower diversity of woody species than that found in the naturally regenerated forests. Woody vegetation cover in the reforested plots and in the natural vegetation plots did not differ significantly. The carnivores detected were, in decreasing order of abundance, red fox, Egyptian mongoose, badger, stone marten, and wildcat, which were also present at the reference sites except the mongoose. We did not detect differences in community composition and relative abundance between the reforested site and the two reference sites. We also found similar patterns of species detectability among sites. Overall, the results revealed that reforestation can provide new habitats for carnivores in previous agricultural land and can be a useful tool for rewilding initiatives.
Dimensionality reduction for Images of IoT using Machine Learning
Authors: Ali Ibrahim , Bayomi Hanaa , Wassif Khaled
Published: March 2023

Sensors, wearables, mobiles, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming increasingly integrated into all aspects of our lives. They are capable of gathering enormous amounts of data (for example, image data) which can then be sent to the cloud for processing. However, this results in an increase in network traffic and latencies. In order to overcome these difficulties, edge computing has been proposed as a paradigm for computing that brings processing closer to the location where data is produced. This paper includes merging cloud and edge computing for IoT and investigates approaches using machine learning for dimensionality reduction of images on the edge, using the Autoencoder deep learning-based approach and Principal component analysis (PCA). Then the encoded data is sent to the cloud server, where it is used directly for any machine learning task without having a significant impact on the accuracy of the data processed on the cloud. The proposed approach has been evaluated on an object detection task using a set of 4,000 images randomly chosen from three datasets: COCO, human detection, and HDA datasets. Results show that 77% of data reduction did not have a significant impact on the object detection task accuracy.
Perceived risk of LSD use in the United States from 2015-2019: Are Americans more realistically assessing LSD’s risks?
Authors: Barnett Brian S. , Anand Akhil , Dewey Elizabeth N. , Smith Darron , Nayak Sandeep M. , Weleff Jeremy
Published: March 2023

Most Americans perceive lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to be a high-risk drug, despite infrequent serious adverse events associated with its use. Though LSD use is rising in the United States, little is known about whether perceived risk of LSD (prLSD) is changing or factors influencing prLSD. Using National Survey on Drug Use and Health data from 2015–2019, we investigated correlates of and temporal trends in prLSD. On multivariable modeling for respondents 18 years of age and older, lower prLSD was associated with, among other factors, later survey year, personal LSD use, younger age, higher education level, male gender, identifying as a sexual minority, having less self-influential religious beliefs, and past year psychological distress. Higher prLSD was associated with identifying as Black or Hispanic, past year suicide attempt, and having children in the home. From 2015–2019, there was a statistically significant linear decreasing trend in proportion of respondents who perceived “great” risk in trying LSD [from 70.5–64.8%; (p < 0.0001)]. Our findings regarding prLSD and race/ethnicity could have important implications for acceptability of psychedelic therapy by Black and Hispanic patients. While we observed multiple important differences in prLSD among subgroups, overall prLSD amongst Americans may be falling to a level more accurately reflecting LSD’s actual risk profile.
Germline pathogenic variants in metaplastic breast cancer patients: a monocentric study and literature review
Authors: Corso Giovanni , Marabelli Monica , Calvello Mariarosaria , Risti Matilde , Feroce Irene , Mannucci Sara , Girardi Antonia , De Scalzi Alessandra , Magnoni Francesca , Marino Elena , Bernard Loris , Veronesi Paolo , Rocco Elena Guerini , Barberis Massimo , Guerrieri-Gonzaga Aliana , Bonanni Bernardo
Published: March 2023

Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is a rare, aggressive type of breast cancer, often classified as triple negative (TN). Scarce information is available about germline testing in MpBC. We retrospectively reviewed MpBC patients counseled at our Institute and found to harbor germline pathogenic variants (PVs), and we revised literature data. We identified a germline PV in 15 MpBC patients: 13 in BRCA1 (86.7%), one in TP53 (6.7%), one in MLH1 (6.7%) genes. Eight MpBC PV carriers in BRCA1 have been previously described, including a patient with a PV in both BRCA1 and TP53. MpBC histological subtype in PV carriers was heterogeneous. All MpBCs were TN but 13.3% in our series showed HER2 overexpression.
We described the largest series of MpBCs with germline PVs. As previously reported, we observed that BRCA1 is the mainly involved gene in MpBC patients who underwent germline testing according to specific selection criteria. Additional studies on unselected patients are required to assess the authentic role of germline BRCA1 PVs in MpBCs and to explore the possible involvement of other genes in MpBC predisposition. Unraveling a specific MpBC molecular landscape is a starting point for the definition of new therapeutic strategies, since these tumors have a poor prognosis.
Investigating the Effect of Solvent Composition on Ink Structure and Crack Formation in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst Layers
Authors: Woo Seong Hyeon , Kim Sungmin , Woo Seunghee , Park Seok-Hee , Kang Yun Sik , Jung Namgee , Yim Sung-Dae
Published: March 2023

To improve the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), controlling the microstructure of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) catalyst layer is crucial. The ink design, which includes a catalyst, an ionomer, and a solvent, serves as the starting point for controlling the microstructure of the catalyst layer. However, there is a significant lack of understanding of the ink structure required for this purpose. In this study, we investigate the effect of the solvent, a key component that determines the ink structure. The ink comprises 20 wt% Pt/C, short-side-chain (SSC) Aquivion ionomer, and a solvent mixture of 1-propanol (NPA) and water. Three types of inks with different compositions of NPA and water are manufactured, and their stability and rheological properties are measured to infer and compare the ink structures. Furthermore, the crack characteristics of the catalyst layer are compared by directly coating the ink onto the electrolyte membrane using the doctor-blade method. In the ink with a high water content, we observed a gel-like elastic behavior dominated by network structures formed by ionomers adsorbed between catalyst particles. In contrast, the ink with a high NPA content exhibited a liquid-like viscous behavior dominated by well-dispersed catalyst particles and ionomers. These properties of the inks directly influenced the crack formation characteristics after coating. Specifically, the strong liquid properties of the NPA-rich ink were found to suppress crack formation in the catalyst layer. These findings provide important insights into how the solvent composition affects ink structure and how it, in turn, influences crack formation in the catalyst layer, which can help optimize the ink design to improve the performance of PEMFCs.
In Situ Electrochemical Development of Highly Charged TiO 2 -NPs Nanoparticles Decorated With Reduced Graphene Oxide For The Detection of Trace Chloroquine In Contaminated Human Urine And Serum Samples
Authors: Zoubir Jallal , Bakas Idriss , assabbane Ali
Published: March 2023

An important step in the development of electrochemical sensors is the modification of the working electrode surface. In this study, a simple synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide sheets was used as the basis for the development of an electrochemical sensor for the voltammetric measurement of chloroquine. This method allowed the fabrication of completely new, so-called modified electrodes with very high electrocatalytic activity and distinct chemical reactivity. Using a variety of techniques, the nanocomposites were characterized morphologically. XRD, IR, SEM, HRTEM, and BET revealed modifications of the functional groups and the attachment of titania to the reduced graphene oxide portion on the electrode surface, which can be used to explain the enhanced electrochemical performance of the TiO2-NPs @RGO /GCE. High electrocatalytic activity towards chloroquine molecules. The proposed TiO2 -NPs @RGO/GCE sensor demonstrated a wide linear dynamic range for chloroquine analysis from 10− 4 M to 10− 7 M with a detection limit LOD = 1x10− 8 M. The applicability of this device for the analysis of water, pharmaceutical, human urine and serum samples was demonstrated. For the samples examined, a recovery between 97% and 102% was achieved with acceptable recovery.
Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Argyreia Nervosa Leaf Extract and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: K Parvathalu , S Chinmayee , B Preethi , A Swetha , G Maruthi , M Pritam , B Sreenivas , S Ramu Naidu , Merlin Sheeba , B Murali , M Vijay , K Moses , D Chinni Krishna , P Bala Bhaskar
Published: March 2023

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted many researchers due to their physical, chemical, optical, and biological properties, embracing range of activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. The purpose of this work is to synthesize and characterize AgNPs using Argyreia Nervosa (AN) plant leaf extract as well as to test their antimicrobial applications. In this work, silver nitrate (AgNO3) at 0.1mM concentration, and stable AgNPs were synthesized and observed by monitoring the colour change of the solution from light yellow to brown. The UV-Vis spectrum shows a peak at 445nm, confirming the formation of AN-AgNPs and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) results confirm the presence of chemical groups which act as reducing agents stabilizing the AN-AgNPs and antimicrobial capping agents enhancing antimicrobial properties of AN-AgNPs. The crystalline behaviour of these AN-AgNPs confirms through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) peaks. The morphology of AN-AgNPs and their size shows different sizes, ranging from 10 to 40nm using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The disk diffusion assay shows the antimicrobial activity over E-Coli pathogenic microorganisms of clinical interest. The obtained results confirm a more significant antimicrobial effect of the biogenic AN-AgNPs maintaining low cytotoxicity. This work presents a potential way to produce non-toxic biogenic AgNPs with enhanced antibacterial activity, which can meet the increasing global demand for biogenic AgNPs as an alternative to antibiotics.
Evaluation of diode laser-assisted treatment for benign eyelid margin lesions
Authors: Jeon Gang Seok , Hong In Hwan , Lee Tae Yeem , Song Tae Geun , Han Jae Ryong
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE: To report the treatment response of benign eyelid margin tumors with a laser ablation as an alternative to shaving biopsy
METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with 61 benign tumors of the eyelid margin were included in this study retrospectively (2019_2022). In all patients, the tumor was eliminated by laser ablation or shaving biopsy. Twenty-nine cases were eliminated by laser ablation and 28 cases were removed by shaving excision biopsy. Comparative analysis was done between the laser-assisted ablation patients group: Group 1 and shaving excision surgery patients group: Group 2. Postoperatively, histologic confirmation was obtained in 11 patients of the 28 shaving excision removal cases.
RESULTS: There was no functional or cosmetic complication in group 1. The wound margin was clear after laser-assisted ablation in all cases. There was one notching of the eyelid, loss of cilia, and two pigmentations in group 2. No infections of the wounds occurred. The average wound epithelialization duration was 3.3 weeks in group 1, significantly faster than 4.2 weeks in group 2. No recurrences occurred during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS: Laser ablation of benign eyelid margin tumors may good alternative option regarding shaving excision biopsy surgery. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result. There was no definitive postoperative or intraoperative complication during or after laser application.
Design, Molecular Modelling and Synthesis of Novel Benzothiazole Derivatives as BCL-2 inhibitors
Authors: Ismail Hoda S. , Khalil Amira , Taha Rabah A. , Lasheen Deena S. , Ella Dalal A. Abou El
Published: March 2023

Apoptosis plays a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis and drug resistance. BCL-2 family of enzymes is considered as one of the key enzymes which is involved in apoptosis. When there is disruption in the balance between anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 family apoptosis is dysregulated in the affected cells. Herein, 33 novel benzothiazole-based molecules 7a-i, 8a-f, 9a-b, 12a-e, 13a-d, 14a,b, and 17a-j were designed, synthesized and tested for their BCL-2 inhibitory activity. Scaffold hopping strategy was applied in designing of the target compounds. Compounds 13c and 13d showed the highest activity with IC50 values equal to 0.471 and 0.363 µM, respectively. Molecular docking studies for the synthesized compounds showed comparable binding interactions with the lead compound. Structure activity relationship study was performed to show the effects of structural modifications on the inhibitory activities on BCL-2.
Genetic diversity of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase gene (SmDXS) among the cultivated Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) populations
Authors: Li Guanrong , Ren Ruihua , Feng Jie , Liao Fang , Kong Deying , Yin Yanyan
Published: March 2023

Danshen, a major traditional medicine for cardio-cerebrovascular disorders with a wide range of pharmacological effects, is the radix of herbal Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge of the genus Salvia and the family Labiatae. It has abundant and more often species unidentified germplasm resources and related alternatives. In recent years, with the advent of more elderly society and the more market demanding, more and more researches have been focused on the cultivation, germplasm resources protection and molecular identification. In this research, 38 cultivated Danshen populations were collected from 30 regions of China. Based on the cDNA gene of the key enzyme 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXS) in the salvianone biosynthetic pathways, degenerate homologous walking primers were designed and the corresponding genomic SmDXS genes were cloned by PCR, sequenced, spliced, and used for bioinformatic analysis, in hope to understand its genetic diversity, to identify novel Danshen materials, and to find specific and traceable SNP fingerprints. Results showed that SmDXS gene is highly conserved. The full-length SmDXS gene in the majority populations (36) was 3383bp, and two (B-JS-V-2 and W-SCHY-W-1), 3374 and 3322 bp respectively; the SmDXS consisted of 10 exons and 9 introns. The spliced exon sequences were all 2157bp in length, with a total of 48 SNP variation sites distributed in 13 populations and a variation rate of 2.23%. The spliced exon sequences encode 718 amino acid residues with 28 amino acid mutations sites in 8 populations. The introns of SmDXS have 224 SNP variation sites, most of which distributed in W-SCHY-W-1. Thirteen populations can be discriminated by SNP fingerprints based on SmDXS gene, with a discriminate rate of 34.2%. Phylogenetic trees based on various parts of the SmDXS gene or deduced proteins showed similar two-clade architectures. Population B-JS-V-2 in full-length SmDXS and combined intron sequences, W-SCHY-W-1 in the spliced exon sequences all stand alone. Populations B-SD-V-2 and V-HBAG-V-1cluster in the deduced amino acid sequences.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the implants applied to implant assisted removable partial dentures as surveyed crowns
Authors: Kim You-ra , Lee Jae-Hyun , Lee Su-Young
Published: March 2023

Implant assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) combined with implant surveyed prosthesis has been proposed as a treatment alternative to conventional removable partial denture when additional retention, support and stability are needed in partially edentulous patients. However, a few studies have investigated the implant surveyed crowns applied to IARPDs. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate implants applied to IARPDs as surveyed crowns clinically and radiographically. This study was performed on patients who treated with IARPD combined with implant surveyed prosthesis from 2015 to 2021. A total of 74 implants applied to 27 IARPDs were evaluated. The factors such as implant location, Kennedy classification, and type of opposite dentition which possibly affected the prognosis of the implants were recorded. The survival rate of the implant and marginal bone resorption around the implant were investigated. The cumulative survival rate of implants applied to IARPD as abutments was 97.30%. The implant survival rates in the maxilla and mandible were 90.47% and 100% respectively and there was a significant difference (p = 0.044). In marginal bone resorption, there was no significant difference for each condition. Properly planned IARPD combined with implant surveyed prosthesis would be an alternative treatment option for partially edentulous patients.
A global just transition through carbon taxation and revenue recycling
Authors: Feng Kuishuang , Chen Xiangjie , Malerba Daniele , Oswald Yannick , Hubacek Klaus
Published: March 2023

Carbon taxation is regarded as an essential tool for curbing carbon emissions but can be regressive and increase poverty, and moreover lacks universal acceptance among the public and policymakers. Recycling the tax revenue raised to vulnerable households is one promising solution to this issue. However, little is known about the best strategy for designing such a policy at the global level. This paper investigates the effectiveness of various carbon taxation methods and revenue recycling mechanisms in reducing poverty and inequality between and within countries. We find that the policy mix with the highest poverty reduction potential is implementing a consumption tax with higher tax rates on luxury goods and recycling revenue through expanded social assistance systems, in line with the expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic. While differentiating tax rates across goods within countries is advantageous, the average tax level across countries is best kept uniform since it potentially offers governments in low- and middle-income countries more financial capacity to support the poor. Furthermore, collecting a global climate fund from developed countries and redistributing it to developing countries based on poverty headcounts can further significantly reduce poverty and inequality within and between countries. However, substantial improvements in social assistance systems are urgently needed to further unlock the poverty-reduction potential of revenue recycling, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries. Also, recycling carbon tax revenues to combat poverty and inequality will inhibit the emission reduction effect of carbon taxation in the short term, necessitating additional mitigation efforts in other areas.
A Complex for Measuring the Scintillation Index Based on the Results of Gps Monitoring of Small-scale Fluctuations in the Total Electronic Content of the Ionosphere
Authors: Pashintsev V. P. , Peskov M. V. , Senokosov M. A. , Mikhailov D. A. , Skorik D. A.
Published: March 2023

There is the possibility of determining the ionospheric scintillation index by a modified GPStation-6 dual-frequency receiver of GPS/GLONASS global navigation satellite systems by measuring small-scale fluctuations in the total electron content of the ionosphere and calculating their standard deviation. Based on the analysis of the shortcomings of the GPStation-6 receiver, the principle of construction and the algorithm for the functioning of the GPS monitoring complex of small-scale fluctuations of the total electronic content of the ionosphere based on their code-phase measurements and digital filtering to predict the scintillation index is substantiated. Experimental results of measurement of small-scale fluctuations of the ionosphere's total electron content and results of estimation of their root-mean-square deviation and ionospheric scintillation index are presented.