bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dilogy “Vita Nostra” by M. and S. Dyachenko as an example of metamodern prose
Authors:   Ogarev National Research Mordovian State University, Safron Elena S. ,   Petrozavodsk State University
Published: September 2022

This article proves that the dilogy by M. and S. Dyachenko, consisting of the novels “Vita Nostra” and “Vita Nostra. Work on mistakes”, whose genre nature is determined by urban fantasy (due to the presence of an urban chronotope, the principle of two worlds, a special type of protagonist experiencing an acute mental crisis) should be considered for the presence in it of tendencies of the direction that replaced postmodernism and conditionally called as metamodernism. The author singles out such signs of metamodernism as: the presence of a neo-romantic component (the motive of striving for the unrealizable, the motive of a doppelganger, a romantic hero); the oscillation between modernist enthusiasm and a postmodernist disappointed and cynical view of reality (On the one hand, the teachers of the main character are soulless Schemes — the projections of people, on the other hand, the heroine herself seeks to plunge into all possible extremes: not only to know the true structure of the universe, but also to gain happiness in love with a man); the orientation to humanistic values; “super-hybridity”, which allows to combine completely dissimilar components through a game form. It turns out that the metamodernist revival of interest in psychologism is fully consistent with the idea embedded in all the works of M. and S. Dyachenko — the idea of the necessity to explore human nature in a literary text.
Internacionalização da e na educação superior
Authors: Brandalise Giselly Cristini Mondardo , Heinzle Marcia Regina Selpa
Published: September 2022

O intuito deste artigo é ampliar a discussão sobre a diferenciação dos conceitos de internacionalização da e na educação superior, a partir dos estudos desenvolvidos nos últimos anos sobre a temática. Trata-se de um ensaio teórico que dialoga com diversos pesquisadores que vem revelando potenciais da internacionalização como uma via de acesso para se pensar na melhoria da qualidade da educação e da pesquisa para a sociedade. Estão em evidência propostas para operacionalizá-la, nomeadas abordagens de internacionalização, apresentadas neste estudo a Internacionalização do Currículo - IoC e a Internacionalização em Casa – IAH. Apontam-se caminhos para a avançar à compreensão do conceito, revelando outras possibilidades para além da focalização da internacionalização como um destino para a mercantilização da educação superior. São evidenciadas as trocas interculturais e solidárias com pares estrangeiros que podem corroborar para com o desenvolvimento deste cenário.
Towards Interpretable Camera and LiDAR data fusion for Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles Localisation
Authors: Tibebu Haileleol , De-Silva Varuna , Artaud Corentin , Pina Rafael , Shi Xiyu
Published: September 2022

Recent deep learning frameworks draw a strong research interest in the application of ego-motion estimation as they demonstrate a superior result compared to geometric approaches. However, due to the lack of multimodal datasets, most of these studies primarily focused on a single sensor-based estimation. To overcome this challenge, we collect a unique multimodal dataset named LboroAV2, using multiple sensors including camera, Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR), ultrasound, e-compass and rotary encoder. We also propose an end-to-end deep learning architecture for fusion of RGB images and LiDAR laser scan data for odometry application. The proposed method contains a convolutional encoder, a compressed representation and a recurrent neural network. Besides feature extraction and outlier rejection, the convolutional encoder produces a compressed representation which is used to visualise the network's learning process and to pass useful sequential information. The recurrent neural network uses this compressed sequential data to learn the relation between consecutive time steps. We use the LboroAV2 and KITTI VO datasets to experiment and evaluate our results. In addition to visualising the network's learning process, our approach gives superior results compared to other similar methods. The code for the proposed architecture is released in GitHub and accessible publicly.
Sustainable Drive Tourism Routes: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Cruz Sandra P. , De Almeida Cláudia Ribeiro , Pintassilgo Pedro , Raimundo Ricardo
Published: September 2022

Drive tourism (DT) have become an attractive way of tourist destination for an increasing number of visitors along driving routes. This flow of visitors has made sustainability a major issue that is, the way by which tourism development ensure economic benefits for local communities and preserves local identity, along the route, without compromising the environmental resources. Many studies focused the topic of DT, mainly the analysis of a particular angle, either be economic sustainability, e.g., advantages of the ones related to economic and environment sustainability [e.g., 2,4,5,10], such as the impact of tourists along the route environment. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the social consequences of DT in the local entrepreneurial environment and ensuing over enhancing of their cultural representativeness in terms of authenticity. Our aim is to summon these points of view and achieve, through a systematic literature review, a clear and integrative picture of the driving tourism impacts in terms of sustainability along the routes throughout local communities. A systematic literature review was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. This systematic literature review sought to consolidate knowledge on the subject. In order to illustrate the link between major categories and their corresponding trends, authors used VOSviewer scientific software. The gathering of existing knowledge around the three components of sustainability highlighted the importance of community involvement and collaboration among DT stakeholders to ensure a trade-off between the protection and promotion of DT routes. Opportunities for future studies are suggested.
The Chick Embryo Xenograft Model for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Cost and Time Efficient 3Rs Model for Target and Compound Evaluation
Authors: Barnett Sarah E , Herrmann Anne , Gash Elisabeth , Poptani Harish , Sacco Joseph J , Coulson Judy M
Published: September 2022

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Frequent inactivation of the tumour suppressors BAP1, NF2 and P16 may differentially sensitise tumours to treatments. We have established chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft models of low-passage MPM cell lines and protocols for evaluating drug responses. Ten cell lines, representing the spectrum of histological subtypes and tumour suppressor status, were dual labelled for fluorescence/bioluminescence imaging and implanted on the CAM at E7. Bioluminescence was used to assess viability of primary tumours, which were excised at E14 for immunohistological staining or real-time PCR. All MPM cell lines engrafted efficiently forming vascularised nodules, however their size, morphology and interaction with chick cells varied. MPM phenotypes including local invasion, fibroblast recruitment, tumour angiogenesis and vascular remodelling were evident. Bioluminescence imaging could be used to reliably estimate tumour burden pre- and post-treatment, correlating with tumour weight and Ki-67 staining. In conclusion, MPM-CAM models recapitulate important features of the disease and are suitable to assess therapies using a broad range of MPM cell lines that allow histological or genetic stratification. They are amenable to multi-modal imaging, offering a time and cost-efficient, 3Rs-compliant alternative to rodent xenograft models to prioritise candidate compounds from in vitro studies.
Phase Behavior of Ion-Containing Polymers in Polar Solvents: Predictions from a Liquid-State Theory with Local Short-Range Interactions
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Qiu Qiyuan , Yedilbayeva Arailym , Kairula Diana , Dai Liang
Published: September 2022

The thermodynamic phase behavior of charged polymers is a crucial property underlying their role in biology and various industrial applications. A complete understanding of the phase behaviors of such polymer solutions remains challenging due to the multi-component nature of the system and the delicate interplay among various factors, including the translational entropy of each component, excluded volume interactions, chain connectivity, electrostatic interactions, and other specific interactions. In this work, the phase behavior of partially charged, ion-containing polymers in polar solvents is studied by further developing a liquid-state (LS) theory with local short-range interactions. This work is based on the LS theory developed for fully-charged polyelectrolyte solutions. Specific interactions between charged groups of the polymer and counterions, between neutral segments of the polymer, and between charged segments of the polymer are incorporated into the LS theory by an extra Helmholtz free energy from the perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT). The influence of the sequence structure of the partially charged polymer is modeled by the number of connections between bonded segments. The effects of chain length, charge fraction, counterion valency, and specific short-range interactions are explored. A computational App for salt-free polymer solutions is developed and presented, which allows easy computation of the binodal curve and critical point by specifying values for the relevant model parameters.
Pharmacotherapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Performance Status 2 without Druggable Gene Alterations: Could Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors be a Game Changer?
Authors: Ikeda Satoshi , Naito Tateaki , Miura Satoru , Ito Kentaro , Furuya Naoki , Misumi Toshihiro , Ogura Takashi , Kato Terufumi
Published: September 2022

Most pivotal clinical trials in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have excluded patients with poor performance status (PS), and data on the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy have not been fully accumulated. For NSCLC patients with PS 2 and without druggable genetic alterations, monotherapy with cytotoxic agents or carboplatin-based combination therapy is usually administered based on the results of several randomized trials. However, the evidence of cytotoxic chemotherapy for patients with PS 2 is insufficient, with limited efficacy and toxicity concerns. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a promising treatment for patients with PS 2 because of lower incidence of severe toxicity compared to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Meanwhile, several reports suggest that anti-PD-1 antibodies monotherapy is less effective for patients with PS 2, especially for those with PS 2 caused by disease burden. Although the combination therapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab is a promising treatment option, there is a divergence in efficacy data between clinical trials. The standard of care for advanced NSCLC with PS 2 has not been established, and future therapeutic strategies should take into account the heterogeneity of the PS 2 population.
Interior Visual Intruders Detection Module Based on Multi-Connect Architecture MCA Associative Memory
Authors: Kareem Emad I Abdul
Published: September 2022

Most recent studies have focused on using modern intelligent techniques spatially, such as those developed in the Intruder Detection Module (IDS). Such techniques have been built based on modern artificial intelligence-based modules. Those modules act like a human brain. Thus, they should have had the ability to learn and recognize what they had learned. The importance of developing such systems came after the requests of customers and establishments to preserve their properties and avoid intruders’ damage. This would be provided by an intelligent module that ensures the correct alarm. Thus, an interior visual intruder detection module depending on Multi-Connect Architecture Associative Memory (MCA) has been proposed. Via using the MCA associative memory as a new trend, the proposed module goes through two phases: the first is the training phase (which is executed once during the module installation process) and the second is the analysis phase. Both phases will be developed through the use of MCA, each according to its process. The training phase will take place through the learning phase of MCA, while the analysis phase will take place through the convergence phase of MCA. The use of MCA increases the efficiency of the training process for the proposed system by using a minimum number of training images that do not exceed 10 training images of the total number of frames in JPG format. The proposed module has been evaluated using 11,825 images that have been extracted from 11 tested videos. As a result, the module can detect the intruder with an accuracy ratio in the range of 97%–100%. The average training process time for the training videos was in the range of 10.2 s to 23.2 s.
Photonic Crystal Fiber Pollution Sensor Based on the Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology
Authors: Abbas Fatima Fadhil , Ahmed Soudad S.
Published: September 2022

Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) based on the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) effect has been proposed to detect polluted water samples. The sensing characteristics are illustrated using the finite element method. The right hole of the right side of PCF core has been coated with chemically stable gold material to achieve the practical sensing approach. The performance parameter of the proposed sensor is investigated in terms of wavelength sensitivity, amplitude sensitivity, sensor resolution, and linearity of the resonant wavelength with the variation of refractive index of analyte. In the sensing range of 1.33 to 1.3624, maximum sensitivities of 1360.2 nm ∕ RIU and 184 RIU−1 are achieved with the high sensor resolutions of 7 ×10-5 RIU and 5.4× 10−5 RIU using wavelength and amplitude interrogation methods, respectively. The proposed sensor could be established to detect various refractive index (RI) of pollutions in water.
Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Study of Removing Methyl Orange Dye from Aqueous Solution Using Zizphus spina-christi Leaf Powder
Authors: Mohammed Fadya F.
Published: September 2022

In this study, Zizphus spina-christi leaf powder was applied for the adsorption of methyl orange. The effect of different operating parameters on the Batch Process adsorption was investigated such as solution pH (2-12), effect of contact time (0-60 min.), initial dye concentration (2-20 mg/L), effect of adsorbent dosage (0-4.5 g) and effect of temperature (20-50ᵒC). The results show a maximum removal rate and adsorption capacity (%R= 23.146, qe = 2.778 mg/g) at pH = 2 and equilibrium was reached at 40 min. The pseudo- second-order kinetics were found to be best fit for the removal process (R2 = 0.997). Different isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubini-Radushkevich,Temkin)  were applied in this study and the adsorption process was found to fit Dubinin-Radushkevich  isotherm (R2 = 0.970). The thermodynamic parameters:  ∆Gº, ∆Hº, ∆Sº were also invested, the results indicate the process to be exothermic (∆Hº = -100.933 kJ/mole), non-spontaneous, and more feasible at lower operating temperatures, with a decrease in the randomness at the solid-liquid interface (∆Sº = - 0.370 kJ/mole.K)
Unraveling Candidate Biomarkers and Involved Biomedical Phenomena in Colorectal Cancer by Systematic Proteomics Analysis and Experimental procedures
Authors: Jahromi Noosha Zia , Mandani Amin Mahmoudi , Kaji Nahid Sadeghi Moghadam , Teshnizi Hadis Abbasi , Fattahi Nasrin , Yousefi Maryam , Sazegar Hossein
Published: September 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. The pathogenic mechanisms of this disorder are still unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in gene expression regulation. This study aimed to introduce two novel lncRNAs as biomarkers of CRC diagnosis and treatment.
Method: In the first step, we investigated the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in CRC by bioinformatic study and constructed a regulatory multi-layer network (DEPs-miRNAs-lncRNAs) using Cytoscape software. In the last step, tissues ware collected from thirty patients after informed consent. Then, we evaluated the expression of LINC00943 and SLC9A3-AS1 lncRNAs in the 30 tumor tissues and 30 adjacent non-tumor tissues of the CRC patients by qRT-PCR.
Result: According to the evaluation of the constructed multi-layer, SLC9A3-AS1, LINC00943, and miR-1301-3p were considered important nodes that the association of the SLC9A3-AS1 and LINC00943 with CRC had not been investigated until now. We demonstrated that the expression of SLC9A3-AS1 and LINC00943 was up-regulated in the tumor tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues in the CRC patients.
Conclusion: Considering the constructed interacting map not only provides a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms like an immunological aspect of CRC, which placed a premium on other pathways but also indicated several hub central molecules involved in CRC pathogenesis. In addition, the increase in LINC00943 and SLC9A3-AS1 gene expression in tumor tissues compared to adjacent healthy tissues in each patient confirms bioinformatical predictions and the role of these two genes in colorectal cancer. According to the results obtained, the LINC00943 gene is suggested as a biomarker in colorectal cancer. In previous studies as well, expression changes of LINC00943 and SLC9A3-AS1 genes were reported in gastric cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, respectively. MiR-1301-3p expression changes were reported in colorectal cancer too.
Factors influencing the quality of life of bedridden older adult patients in China: A 3-month prospective multi-center study
Authors: Cao Jing , Chen Yanjun , Zhang Xiaoming , Liu Ying , Zhu Chen , Li Zhen , Wu Xinjuan
Published: September 2022

Background
This study aimed to describe bedridden older adult patients’ short-term quality of life and analyze its influencing factors.
Methods
This was a multicenter study in China involving 8,994 patients admitted to 25 hospitals. Quality of life was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimensions (EQ-5D) scale 3 months after enrollment. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors associated with the quality of life among bedridden older adult patients.
Results
A total of 8,994 patients completed the study, and the mean EQ-5D index score was 0.853 (range, -0.149 to 1). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the six risk factors affecting the quality of life: advanced age, longer bedridden time, disturbance of consciousness, pressure ulcer, pulmonary infection, and urinary tract infection. One protective factor was a normal body mass index (BMI).
Conclusion
Paying attention to the problems is critical for improving quality of life in these bedridden older adult patients.
Reconstruction and Trend Analysis of Widespread Heat Days in the MENA Region between 1871 and 2012
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad , Aalijahan Mehdi , Lupo Anthony R , Zerafati Hadi
Published: September 2022

One of the greatest challenges facing the world today is global warming. Long-term analysis of spatiotemporal variations in widespread heat days (WHDs) is one approach to monitoring this phenomenon, rather than focusing on the temperature trend. The objective of this study was to reconstruct the temporal and spatial variation of WHDs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) using the long-term NOAA/CIRES/ DOE 20th Century Reanalysis (V2) (20CRv2) reanalysis data between 1871 and 2012. Based on a 90% probability of occurrence, the temperature threshold for detecting WHDs was defined to be different for each grid point. Then, most WHDs of each month (142 samples) were identified based on the connected component labeling method. The results showed that most WHDs for each month occurred mainly after 2000. In general, the western parts of Iran, Syria, southern Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and northern Sudan had the highest density of WHDs. In the second period (1941 to 2012), the extent of WHDs increased compared to the first period (1871 to 1941). The spatial relationship between WHDs density in the first and second periods showed no statistical relationship, indicating that WHDs were completely different in the two periods. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the effects of global warming by using the relatively longest data sets. The comparison between the two periods shows that the WHDs in MENA have changed in extent (instead of variability).
Bace1 regulates expression of Clusterin in astrocytes for enhancing clearance of β-amyloid peptides
Authors: Yan Riqiang , Zhou John , Singh Neeraj , Galske James , Hudobenko Jacob , Hu Xiangyou
Published: September 2022

Background:
Abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) in the brain induces a cascade of pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and inhibiting BACE1 to reduce Aβ production is therefore being explored for the treatment of AD. Here we investigated the role of BACE1 in astrocytes as Bace1knockout mice exhibit increased number of reactive astrocytes and AD brains have reactive astrocytes that surround amyloid plaques. We asked whether BACE1 regulate astrocytic functions.
Methods:
We conducted unbiased single cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) using purified astrocytes from Bace1 KO mice and wild type control littermates. Similar scRNAseq was also conducted using mice with conditional deletion of Bace1 in the adult (5xFAD;Bace1fl/fl;UBC-creERcompared to 5xFAD;Bace1fl/flcontrols). We compared We compared transcriptomes of astrocyte and reactive astrocyte clusters and identified a number of differentially expressed genes, which were further validated using Bace1 KO astrocyte cultures. Mice with astrocyte-specific Bace1 knockout in 5xFAD background were used comparing amyloid deposition. Mechanistic studies using cultured astrocytes were used to identify BACE1 substrates for changes in gene expression and signaling activity.
Results
Among altered genes, Clusterin (Clu) and Cxcl14 were significantly upregulated and validated at the protein level. Moreover, BACE1 deficiency enhances both astrocytic Aβ uptake and degradation, and this effect was significantly attenuated by siRNA knockdown of Clu. Mechanistic study suggests that BACE1 deficiency abolishes cleavage of astrocytic insulin receptors (IR), and this may enhance expression of Clu and Cxcl14. Acutely isolated astrocytes from astrocyte-specific knockout of Bace1 mice (Bace1 fl/fl;Gfap-cre) show similar increases in CLU and IR. Furthermore, astrocyte-specific knockout of Bace1 in a 5xFAD background resulted in a significant attenuation in cortical Aβ plaque load without affecting Aβ generation in vivo.
Conclusion
Together, our study suggests that BACE1 in astrocytes regulates expression of Clu and CXCL14, likely via the control of insulin receptor pathway, and inhibition of astrocytic BACE1 is a potential alternative strategy for enhancing Aβ clearance.
Sequestering microRNA396 expression enhanced alfalfa resistance to Spodoptera herbivory
Authors: Yan Jianping , Qiu Rumeng , Liu Yanrong , Zhang Wanjun
Published: September 2022

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the most important leguminous forage crop. Its yield and forage quality will be severely affected by the outbreak of defoliator insects, especially Spodoptera litura. Here, we found that the expression of alfalfa precursor miR396 genes (pre-MsmiR396a/b) was significantly down-regulated firstly and then up-regulated in wound treatment that simulating feeding injury of defoliator insects. To verify the function of microRNA396 (miR396) in insect resistance of alfalfa, we generated MIM396transgenic alfalfa plants with significantly down-regulated expression of miR396 by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The MIM396 transgenic alfalfa plants exhibited improved resistance to S. litura larvae with increased lignin content but decreased JA content. Further research revealed that the expression of miR396 putative target genes MsGRF1a/1c/4b/5b was increased in five MIM396 transgenic lines, and the response of MsGRF1c/5b to wound treatment was just opposite to the expression pattern of precursor miR396. By RNA sequencing analysis, we found that the differently expressed genes related to insect resistance between WT and MIM396 transgenic plants mainly clustered in lignin, flavonoids and glucosinolates biosynthesis pathways. In addition to the phenotype of increased insect resistance, MIM396transgenic plants also showed reduced biomass yield and quality. Our results broaden the function of miR396 in alfalfa and provide genetic resources for studying alfalfa insect resistance.
Role of perioperative chemotherapy for high-grade synovial sarcoma: a retrospective study of a single Asian cohort in China
Authors: Lin Qiaowei , Xu Peihang , Sun Zhengwang , Yu Lin , Wang Chunmeng , Wang Qifeng , Sun Yangbai , Yan Wangjun
Published: September 2022

Background
Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive but chemosensitive soft tissue sarcoma. However, there are scarce data about the benefit of perioperative chemotherapy in high-grade SS patients. This study aimed to explore important prognostic factors and clinical efficacy of perioperative chemotherapy in high-grade SS patients.
Methods
This study included 143 high-grade SS patients who underwent curative surgery in Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University between 2006 and 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic predictors. The effects of perioperative chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) or time to recurrence (TTR) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves.
Results
Among 143 patients, pre- and post-operative chemotherapy were delivered in 17 cases and 88 cases, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves did not identify obvious differences in OS or TTR concerning perioperative chemotherapy. However, there is a trend towards better OS and TTR in patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy. The corresponding TTR or OS probabilities at 5-year were 49.9%, and 84.4%, respectively in patients with preoperative chemotherapy while 36.2%, and 56.6%, respectively in patients without. Multivariate analyses identified age and tumor size as independent factors for TTR while tumor size and necrosis were independent predictors for worse OS.
Conclusions
High-grade SS patients might benefit from preoperative chemotherapy but not postoperative chemotherapy. Tumor size, age and necrosis were important factors influencing patients’ prognosis.
What are patients' preferences for autonomy in therapeutic decision-making in digestive oncology? A monocentric observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Nizet Pierre , Grivel Charlotte , Rabeau Pauline , Pecout Solange , Evin Adrien , Prot-Labarthe Sonia , Navas Dominique , Feuillet Fanny , Bourdon Marianne , Huon Jean-François
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Patient autonomy is a key concept in medical ethics, which consists of recognizing each person as a free individual capable of judging and determining for himself or herself. The objectives of this study were to describe digestive cancer patients’ desire for autonomy in therapeutic decision-making and to identify variables associated with these preferences.
Methods
An observational prospective study in a French university cancer center has been conducted. Patients completed two questionnaires to qualify and quantify their desire for autonomy in therapeutic decision-making: the Control Preference Scale (CPS) and the Autonomy Preference Index (API), which is composed of the Decision Making (DM) score and the Information Seeking (IS) score. Associations between these scores and socio-demographic data, disease-related data, coping strategies (Brief-COPE), physical (QLQ-C30) and psychological (HADS) quality of life were tested.
Results
One-hundred fifteen patients returned the questionnaires. The majority of patients reported a passive (49.1%) or a collaborative (43.0%) CPS status. The mean DM score was 51.5. Variables associated with decision-making preferences were occupational status and time since diagnosis.
Conclusion
The identification of variables associated with patients' preferences for autonomy and participation in decision-making can help make clinicians aware of patients' needs and wishes. However, it can only be determined by interviewing the patient individually.
Single-Stage Isolation of Pure Andrographolide From Andrographis Paniculata in a Moderately Polar Solvent By Optimizing Different Parameters.
Authors: MAURYA RAHUL , B Thirupataiah , lakshminaryamisro@gmail.com  , R Thulasi , V Rajeesh , KS Rohit
Published: September 2022

The primary objective of the proposed research work is to extract and enrich the pure Andrographolide (AGL) by varying the polarity index and Hildebrand solubility parameter (δ) of a moderately polar solvent. Both parameters affect the solubility of AGL in different solvents and extraction methods. AGL was extracted from the whole plant of Andrographis paniculata. Continuous or Direct, Maceration and Soxhlet extraction method used for extraction. Based on the appearance of the crystal in the Direct Soxhlet Ethyl acetate method, their yield was further optimized by using a Randomized response surface (RSM), Quadratic model-based Box-Behnken design (BBD). The HPTLC performed the AGL extraction efficiency, purity, and quantification. Based on the obtained result, the pure Andrographolide crystal (yield 0.185 g/g) was obtained by Direct Soxhlet extraction. Ethyl acetate is used as a solvent. Rf exhibited in the TLC chromatogram was 0.28. FT-IR spectra exhibited characteristics peak similar to the standard AGL, and 1H-NMR, 13C NMR elucidated crystal structure. DEPT − 90/135 spectra depicted that extracted crystal was pure AGL. It is one of the novel approaches to isolating pure AGL crystal in a moderately polar solvent (Ethyl acetate) by elevating the Hildebrand solubility parameter despite using polar solvents. AGL crystal was obtained from Direct Soxhlet extraction by Ethyl acetate. It is a single-step and more economical method. It can be easily transformed into a pilot or industrial setup to extract Pure AGL.
Polydopamine-functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles as a Photoresponsive Synergistic Antibacterial Platform
Authors: Sun Meng , Gao Ping , Wang Bao , Li Xiangyang , Shao Donghan , Xu Yan , li leijiao , Li yunhui , zhu jianwei , li wenliang
Published: September 2022

Background
Bacterial infections have always been one of the medical challenges facing mankind. Compared with conventional antibiotic therapy, photoresponsive synergistic antibacterial offers a new therapeutic modality.
Results
Herein, a photoresponsive synergistic therapeutic antibacterial platform was designed and constructed by polydopamine-functionalized selenium nanoparticles as carrier loading indocyanine green (Se@PDA-ICG). The synergistic therapeutic platform was confirmed by characterization and the antibacterial activity of Se@PDA-ICG against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) was investigated. Se@PDA-ICG at a low concentration of 125 µg/mL in dark showed antibacterial rates of 14.3% and 52.7% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, the antibacterial rates against both bacteria increased to 100%. Furthermore, in the mouse wound infection model, the wound closure rate of the Se@PDA-ICG photoresponse group was 88.74% compared with the 45.8% of the control group after 8 days treatment, indicating that it could effectively kill bacteria and dramatically accelerate the wound healing process.
Conclusions
These results suggested that Se@PDA-ICG could be a promising photo-activated antibacterial candidate material for biomedical applications.
Exploring the potential of digital health interventions to address behavioural risk factors for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in Asian populations: A qualitative study
Authors: Mair Jacqueline Louise , Castro Oscar , Salamanca-Sanabria Alicia , Frese Bea Franziska , Wangenheim Florian , Tai E Shyong , Kowatsch Tobias , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: September 2022

Background
Changing lifestyle patterns over the last decades have seen growing numbers of people in Asia affected by non-communicable diseases and common mental health disorders, including diabetes, cancer, and/or depression. Interventions targeting healthy lifestyle behaviours through digital technologies, including new approaches such as chatbots, may be an effective, low-cost approach to prevent these conditions. To ensure uptake and engagement with digital health interventions, however, it is essential to understand the end-users’ perspectives on using such interventions. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions, barriers, and facilitators to the use of digital health interventions for lifestyle behaviour change in Singapore.
Methods
Six virtual focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 34 participants (mean ± SD; aged 45 ± 3.6 years; 64.7% females). Focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, followed by deductive mapping according to perceptions, barriers, facilitators, mixed factors, or strategies.
Results
Four themes were identified: (1) holistic wellbeing (i.e., the importance of both physical and mental health); (2) uptake of digital health interventions (i.e., factors influencing an individual’s decision to start using a digital health intervention such as incentives or government backing); (3) sustained engagement with digital health interventions (i.e., factors influencing an individual’s decision to continue using a digital health intervention such as personalisation or ease of use); and (4) chatbots (i.e., experiences with chatbots and their potential role in providing lifestyle behaviour support).
Conclusions
Findings highlighted several factors that are relevant for the effectiveness of digital health interventions. Deviations were found from factors that have been shown to be critical for (better-studied) Western populations. Recommendations from this work can inform those wishing to develop and implement digital health interventions in Singapore and other Asian countries.
Prognostic significance of osteosarcopenia in older adults with colorectal cancer
Authors: Takano Yasuhiro , Kodera Keita , Tsukihara Shu , Takahashi Sumika , Yasunobu Kobayashi , Koyama Muneyuki , Kanno Hironori , Ishiyama Satoshi , Saito Ryota , Hanyu Nobuyoshi , Eto Ken
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Osteopenia and sarcopenia, features of the aging process, are recognized as major health problems in an aging society. This study investigated the prognostic impact of osteosarcopenia, the coexistence of osteopenia and sarcopenia, in older adults undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data of older adults aged 65-98 years who had undergone curative resection for colorectal cancer. Osteopenia was evaluated by bone mineral density measurement in the midvertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra on preoperative computed tomography images. Sarcopenia was evaluated by measuring the skeletal muscle cross-sectional area at the third lumbar vertebra level. Osteosarcopenia was defined as the coexistence of osteopenia and sarcopenia. We explored the relationship of preoperative osteosarcopenia with the disease-free and overall survival after curative resection.
Results
Among the 325 patients included, osteosarcopenia had significantly lower overall survival rates than those with osteopenia (P<0.01) or sarcopenia alone (P=0.036). In the multivariate analysis, male sex (P=0.045), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (P<0.01), osteosarcopenia (P<0.01), pathological T4 stage (P=0.023), and pathological N1/N2 stage (P<0.01) were independent predictors of disease-free survival, while age (P<0.01), male sex (P=0.049), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (P<0.01), osteosarcopenia (P<0.01), pathological T4 stage (P=0.036), pathological N1/N2 stage (P<0.01), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (P=0.041) were independent predictors of overall survival.
Conclusions
Osteosarcopenia was a strong predictor of poor outcomes in older adults undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer, suggesting an important role of osteosarcopenia in an aging society.
Anti-psychotic drug thioridazine acts as a potent anti-microbial agent for multidrug-resistant bacteria: a clinical strains-based study
Authors: Yin Lin , Ji Cejuan , Yin Tieqiu
Published: September 2022

Background
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria emerge as a public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thioridazine on multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolated strains and to provide new strategies for the treatment of MDR infections.
Methods
Bacteria were isolated from the clinical patients. The identification and susceptibility testing of the isolated strains were completed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and the VITEK 2 Compact analysis system, respectively. The antibacterial efficacy of thioridazine in vitro was assessed using the agar dilution method.
Results
A total of 156 strains were isolated from the clinical patients. Among these strains, MRSA, MDR Enterococcus, and MDR Acinetobacter baumannii were significantly inhibited by low concentration of thioridazine (20 µM). Susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were inhibited by thioridazine at intermediate concentrations (40 µM). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Escherichia coli were inhibited by high concentrations of thioridazine (100 µM).
Conclusions
Thioridazine could be repurposed as an agent against a variety of MDR bacteria.
Performance Investigation of 2 × 20 Gb/s MDM-RoFSO Link incorporating Spiral Phased Hermite Gaussian Modes under Strong Weather Conditions
Authors: Sinha Shivaji , Kumar Chakresh
Published: September 2022

This research paper presents a novel high bit rate and spectral efficient 20 Gb/s mode division multiplexed (MDM) radio over free space optical communication (MDM-RoFSO) system. 10 Gb/s MZM/QAM-16 modulated data streams, each from two distinct channels, are transported over two spirals phased Hermite Gaussian (HG) laser modes, HG00 and HG01 respectively. These two HG channels are multiplexed using MDM at a 10 GHz RF signal, amplified and transmitted over the atmospheric link at an optical wavelength of 1550 nm. The proposed MDM-RoFSO system is simulated for MZM modulation over two distinct HG modes in clear sky, dense haze, dense fog, and strong rain weather conditions. The performance of the system is evaluated using performance metrics such as BER, eye diagram, Q factor, and link transmission range. The simulation results show that the HG00 mode is more robust and the extended transmission range is achieved from (7 to 24.4) km for (24.4 to 2.98) Q factor for clear sky to strong rain conditions. This transmission range is further extended by the factor of (2.9 to 1.7) km when the QAM-16 modulation is incorporated in composite (HG00 + HG01) mode and then transmitted in similar weather conditions for the acceptable BER of < 10− 5. Finally, the simulation results confirm that the QAM-16 modulated composite HG mode is able to mitigate the atmospheric weather conditions and travel a longer transmission distance compared to individual HG mode transmission.
Glaucoma and associated factors among adults in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Israel Bekele , Meshesha Workie Asamu , Berhie Million Abera , Beyene Desalew Tilahun , Debela Kebebe Adugna , Jemaneh Tsion Mekoya
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The study aims to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma and its associated factors among adults in Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 634 sampled adults in Jimma town from May 1/2020 to June 1/2020. A multistage sampling technique was employed to pick out the study participants. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of both awareness and knowledge about glaucoma.
Results
The proportion of awareness and knowledge towards glaucoma among adult was 230 (37.8% (95% CI, 33.9% -41.6%) and 117/230 (50.9%, 95% CI 44.3%, 57.8%) respectively. Educational status [(AOR = 2.32, 95% CI:(1.18, 4.55)], family history of glaucoma [(AOR = 3.82, 95% CI:(2.35, 6.21)], ever had eye examination [(AOR = 2.54, 95% CI:(1.7,3.78)], and wealth index status [(AOR = 1.87 95% CI:(1.04, 3.35)], were associated factors with awareness about glaucoma whereas educational status [(AOR = 6.07, 95% CI:(2.06, 17.87)], and ever had eye examination [(AOR = 3.58, 95% CI:(2.01, 6.40)], were the associated factors with knowledge of glaucoma.
Conclusion
More than one-third and half of them had awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among adults in Jimma town respectively. Educational status, family history of glaucoma, eye examination, and wealth status were associated factors with awareness about glaucoma whereas educational status and eye examination were associated factors with knowledge of glaucoma. A comprehensive and routine health education program should be implemented to enhance awareness of glaucoma prevention, risks, and treatment.
Insect Resistance in a Graft-induced Periclinal Chimera of Tomato1
Authors: Clayberg Carl D.
Published: September 2022

A periclinal chimera was produced with an epidermis of Solatium pennellii Correll and a core of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The tomato strain was susceptible, and S. pennellii highly resistant, to both greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), and potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas). The chimera was highly resistant to whitefly and susceptible to potato aphid.
The Southern Tomato Exchange Program1
Authors: Wann E. V.
Published: September 2022

The Southern Tomato Exchange Program (STEP trials) was begun in October 1945 by a group of state and federal scientists for cooperative tests of tomato breeding lines. The program was made a part of the Southern Cooperative Vegetable Trials, which are now under sponsorship of the Southern Section of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Participation includes about 20 people representing 16 states, Puerto Rico, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. In 1968, the STEP trials were separated into two sections, one for fresh-market types and another for processing types. In 1973, the decision was made to add a section for testing lines developed especially for once-over machine-harvesting for fresh market. So far, in the fresh-market section of the trials, 621 tomato lines have been tested, 50 of which were released as cultivars. That yields from the best entries in the trials have almost doubled over the years may be attributed largely to their resistance to diseases. It is anticipated that the STEP trials will continue to serve as a medium for cooperation among tomato breeders.
Influence of Growth Regulators on Growth, Bulbing, Maturity and Yield in Onions1
Authors: Lipe William N.
Published: September 2022

Short, medium, and long-day onions (Allium cepa L.) were field grown under normal spring conditions of increasing daylength. Three growth regulators, (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon), gibberellic acid (GA3), and succinic acid-2,2-dimethylhydrazide (SADH) were applied as sprays at different concentrations at the 4, 6, and 10 leaf stages of development. Ethephon reduced plant height and number of leaves and initiated earlier bulbing. Ethephon-treated plants also had a higher bulbing index (bulb/neck diameter) early in the season due to more rapid bulb enlargement but difference did not persist to maturity and at harvest ethephon significantly reduced both bulb diameter and yield. Ethephon failed to bring about earlier maturity based on plant lodging at harvest. GA3 increased the number of leaves per plant and percentage of plants initiating multiple growing points. No measurable responses to SADH were noted.
Effects of CPTA, Temperature, and Genotype on Carotene Synthesis in Carrot Leaves1
Authors: Rhodes B. B. , Hall C. V.
Published: September 2022

In leaves of carrot (Daucus carota L.) treated with 120 ppm 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine hydrochloride (CPTA), increased lycopene levels were found. Significant amounts of carotenes tentatively identified as gamma- and delta- were also found. Alpha- and beta-carotene levels were reduced. The effect of CPTA was modified by temperature and genotype. The data suggest that lycopene is a precursor of the carotenes mentioned and that alpha-ionone cyclase has a higher optimum temperature than beta-ionone cyclase.
Floral Stalk Topple: A Disorder of Hyacinthus orientalis L. and Its Control1
Authors: Shoub J. , De Hertogh A. A.
Published: September 2022

Floral stalk topple, a disorder of greenhouse-forced hyacinths was investigated using ‘Pink Pearl’, a non-topple type, and ‘Blue Giant’, topple-prone type. The total floral stalk of ‘Blue Giant’ was longer than ‘Pink Pearl’. The ratio of the scape to inflorescence of ‘Pink Pearl’ was 1.0 while that of ‘Blue Giant’ was 1.8. Anatomical sections revealed that ‘Pink Pearl’ had shorter and narrower pith cells in the scape than ‘Blue Giant’. The cellular arrangement of the pith and cortex showed that, in contrast to ‘Blue Giant’, those of ‘Pink Pearl’ were tightly interwoven with very few intercellular spaces. Soil drenches of ancymidol at 2 or 4 mg/15 cm pot reduced the incidence of stem topple in ‘Blue Giant’. Ancymidol modified cell sizes and shapes and reduced the floral stalk length and scape to inflorescence ratio. It appears that floral stalk topple is related both to the anatomical structure of the cultivar and its floral stalk characteristics.
Soil Warming with Power Plant Waste Heat in Greenhouses1
Authors: Boersma L. , Rykbost K. A.
Published: September 2022

A subsurface soil warming system consisting of parallel line heat sources, buried 52 cm deep and 122 cm apart, simulating a proposed arrangement for the use of power plant waste heat, was installed in a plastic covered greenhouse. Soil warming with a heat source temperature of about 36°C increased soil temperatures substantialy but had little effect on the air temperature.
Breeding Turnips for Resistance to the Turnip Aphid1
Authors: Barnes W. Carroll , Cuthbert Frank P.
Published: September 2022

Recurrent selection in progeny of crosses involving ‘Purple Top White Globe’, ‘Raab Salad’, and ‘Shogoin’ turnip (Brassica campestris L. Rapifera group) resulted in considerable progress towards developing cold tolerant and turnip aphid resistant turnips. The aphid resistance seemed to be based on nonpreference and possibly antibiosis and tolerance.
Arsenic and Lead Content of Expressed Florida Grapefruit Oil as Related to Cultural Sprays1
Authors: Kesterson J. W. , Braddock R. J. , Koo R. C. J. , Reese R. L.
Published: September 2022

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) sprays applied to grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad.) accelerate fruit maturity but do not contribute to the As and Pb content of the peel oil. The physicochemical properties of the expressed oils are influenced by this induced maturity but would occur naturally in the course of normal fruit maturation.