bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External validation and improvement of the scoring system for predicting the prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma after interventional therapy
Authors: Qiao Wenying , Wang Qi , Mei Tingting , Wang Qi , Wang Wen , Zhang Yonghong
Published: March 2023

Background

Currently, locoregional therapies, such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and ablation, play an important role in the treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, an easy-to-use scoring system that predicts recurrence to guide individualized management of HCC with varying risks of recurrence remains an unmet need.

Methods

A total of 483 eligible HCC patients treated by TACE combined with ablation from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019, were included in the temporal external validation cohort and then used to explore possibilities for refinement of the original scoring system. We investigated the prognostic value of baseline variables on recurrence-free survival (RFS) using a Cox model and developed the easily applicable YA score. The performances of the original scoring system and YA score were assessed according to discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC] and Harrell's concordance index [C-statistic]), calibration (calibration curves), and clinical utility [decision curve analysis (DCA) curves]. Finally, improvement in the ability to predict in the different scoring systems was assessed using the Net Reclassification Index (NRI). The YA score was lastly compared with other prognostic scores.

Results

During the median follow-up period of 35.6 months, 292 patients experienced recurrence. In the validation cohort, the original scoring system exhibited high discrimination (C-statistic: 0.695) and calibration for predicting the prognosis in HCC. To improve the prediction performance, the independent predictors of RFS, including gender, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), tumor number, tumor size, albumin-to-prealbumin ratio (APR), and fibrinogen, were incorporated into the YA score, an improved score. Compared to the original scoring system, the YA score has better discrimination (c-statistic: 0.712VS0.695), with outstanding calibration and the clinical net benefit, both in the training and validation cohorts. Moreover, the YA score accurately stratified patients with HCC into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups of recurrence and mortality and outperformed other prognostic scores.

Conclusion

YA score is associated with recurrence and survival in early- and middle-stage HCC patients receiving local treatment. Such score would be valuable in guiding the monitoring of follow-up and the design of adjuvant treatment trials, providing highly informative data for clinical management decisions.
Overview of the different personalized total knee arthroplasty with robotic assistance, how choosing?
Authors: Morcos Mina Wahba , Uhuebor David , Vendittoli Pascal-André
Published: March 2023

Current limitations in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) function and patient satisfaction stimulated us to question our practice. Our understanding of knee anatomy and biomechanics has evolved over recent years as we now consider that a more personalized joint reconstruction may be a better-targeted goal for TKA. Implant design and surgical techniques must be advanced to better reproduce the anatomy and kinematics of native knees and ultimately provide a forgotten joint. The availability of precision tools as robotic assistance surgery can help us recreate patient anatomy and ensure components are not implanted in a position that may compromise long-term outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery is gaining in popularity and may be the future of orthopedic surgery. However, moving away from the concept of neutrally aligning every TKA dogma opens the door to new techniques emergence based on opinion and experience and leads to a certain amount of uncertainty among knee surgeons. Hence, it is important to clearly describe each technique and analyze their potential impacts and benefits. Personalized TKA techniques may be classified into 2 main families: unrestricted or restricted component orientation. In the restricted group, some will aim to reproduce native ligament laxity versus aiming for ligament isometry. When outside of their boundaries, all restricted techniques will induce anatomical changes. Similarly, most native knee having asymmetric ligaments laxity between compartments and within the same compartment during the arc of flexion; aiming for ligament isometry induces bony anatomy changes. In the current paper, we will summarize and discuss the impacts of the different robotic personalized alignment techniques, including kinematic alignment (KA), restricted kinematic alignment (rKA), inverse kinematic alignment (iKA), and functional alignment (FA). With every surgical technique, there are limitations and shortcomings. As our implants are still far from the native knee, it is primordial to understand the impacts and benefits of each technique. Mid to long data will help us in defining the new standards.
Risk factors for pressure ulcer recurrence following surgical reconstruction: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis
Authors: Tsai Yueh-Ju , Lin Cen-Hung , Yen Yuan-Hao , Wu Cheng-Chun , Carvajal Carolina , Molte Nicolas Flores , Lin Pao-Yuan , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: March 2023

Many studies on the recurrence of pressure ulcers after surgical reconstruction have focused on surgical techniques and socioeconomic factors. Herein, we aimed to identify the risk factors of the associated comorbidities for pressure ulcer recurrence. We enrolled 147 patients who underwent pressure ulcer reconstruction and were followed up for more than three years. The recurrence of pressure ulcers was defined as recurrent pressure ulcers with stage 3/4 pressure ulcers. We reviewed and analyzed systematic records of medical histories, including sex, age, associated comorbidities such as spinal cord injury (SCI), diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular accident, end-stage renal disease, scoliosis, dementia, Parkinson's disease, psychosis, autoimmune diseases, hip surgery, and locations of the primary pressure ulcer. Patients with recurrent pressure ulcers were younger than those without. Patients with SCI and scoliosis had higher odds, while those with Parkinson's disease had lower odds of recurrence of pressure ulcers than those without these comorbidities. Moreover, the decision tree algorithm identified that SCI, DM, and age < 34 years could be risk factor classifiers for predicting recurrent pressure ulcers. This study demonstrated that age and SCI are the two most important risk factors associated with recurrent pressure ulcers following surgical reconstruction.
Pilot study of the productivity and Salmonella seroprevalence in pigs administered organic acids
Authors: Roldan-Henao Manuela , Dalsgaard Anders , Cardona-Castro Nora , Restrepo-Rivera Lina , Veloza-Angulo Luis Carlos , Alban Lis
Published: March 2023

Control ofSalmonellain pig/pork production is important to protect public health because pork is one of the main sources of human infection. Moreover, antimicrobial use in pig farms should be kept low to minimize development and transmission of antimicrobial resistance. This pilot study evaluated the productivity andSalmonellaseroprevalence in pigs administered organic acids (OA) compared to pigs given growth promoters in one farm in Antioquia, Colombia. Two groups each consisting of 60 pigs of 6-weeks of age were studied for 4 months. One group was provided feed and water with OA (Selko pH®and Selacid®), whereas the other group (control) received antimicrobial growth promoters according to routine feeding practices (tylosin and zinc bacitracin). Blood samples were taken three times (T1–T3) and pigs were weighted five times to calculate daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Initially when the pigs were 6 weeks old (T1), theSalmonellaseroprevalence was 1.7% in both groups. When the pigs were 11 weeks old (T2), the seroprevalence was significantly lower in pigs provided OA compared to the control group (19 vs. 47%,P< 0.001), whereas when the pigs were 23 weeks old (T3), the seroprevalence did not differ between the groups (62 vs. 77%;P= 0.075). The cumulative DWG was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (713 vs. 667 g/day;P< 0.001). The cumulative FCR did not differ between groups (2.80 vs. 2.77;P= 0.144). The pilot study indicates that cleaning the water pipes and administrating OA improve productivity in pigs and delay exposure toSalmonellaspp. when compared with growth promoters. Thus, OA could replace antimicrobial growth promoters and reduce antimicrobial use and resistance. However, the study should be repeated before firmer conclusions can be drawn.
Willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tolossa Tadesse , Fetensa Getahun , Feyisa Bikila Regassa , Wakuma Bizuneh , Lema Matiyos
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Vaccination is one of the most crucial strategies in the control of pandemics such as COVID-19. Although a couple of research has been conducted to assess the willingness of the population to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, the findings are inconsistent and inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the pooled willingness to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine and its determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

Published and unpublished articles were accessed from various electronic databases and digital libraries. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size with a 95% confidence interval. Inverse variance (I2) was used to visualize the presence of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s statistical test.

Results

A total of 2345 studies were identified from several databases and 16 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled magnitude of willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine in Ethiopia was 55.19% (95% CI: 42.91, 67.48). The current meta-analysis indicated that age greater than 25 years (OR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.98) and having a good attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine (3.57, 95% CI: 1.46, 8.72) were significantly associated with the COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Conclusions and recommendations

In general, the magnitude of the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among the public is unacceptably low in Ethiopia. Therefore, there is a need to build public trust through the provision of reliable and consistent information about vaccines using different media outlets.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Health and Care Workers: Findings From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020–2021)
Authors: Gholami Mandana , Fawad Iman , Shadan Sidra , Rowaiee Rashed , Ghanem HedaietAllah , Khamis Amar Hassan , Ho Samuel B.
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted health and care workers (HCW) globally, whom are considered at greater risk of infection and death. This study aims to document emerging evidence on disease prevalence, clinical outcomes, and vaccination rates of HCWs.

Methods: Three databases were surveyed resulting on 108 final articles between July–December 2020 (period 1) and January–June 2021 (period 2).

Results: Amongst the overall 980,000 HCWs identified, in period 1, the estimates were 6.1% (95% CI, 4.1–8.8) for the PCR positivity rate. Regarding outcomes, the hospitalization prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI, 0.7–3.9), and mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1–0.8). In period 2, the PCR positivity rate was 8.1% (95% CI, 4.6–13.8). Analysis of outcomes revealed a hospitalization rate of 0.7% (95% CI 0.3–1.8), and average mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.9). Our analysis indicated a HCW vaccination rate of 59.0% (95% CI, 39.4–76.1).

Conclusion: Studies from the latter half of 2020 to the first half of 2021 showed a slight increasing trend in PCR positivity among HCW, along with improved clinical outcomes in the 1-year period of exposure. These results correlate well with the improving uptake of COVID-19 vaccination globally.
Mission Performance Analysis of Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft
Authors: Palaia Giuseppe , Abu Salem Karim
Published: March 2023

This article discusses the mission performance of regional aircraft with hybrid-electric propulsion. The performance analyses are provided by mission simulations tools specifically developed for hybrid-electric aircraft flight dynamics. The hybrid-electric aircraft mission performance is assessed for the design point, identified by top level requirements, and for off-design missions, within the whole operating envelope. This work highlights that the operating features of hybrid-electric aircraft differ from those of aircraft of the same category with conventional thermal propulsion. This assessment is processed by properly analysing the aircraft payload–range diagram, which is a very effective tool to assess the operating performance. The payload–range diagram shape of hybrid-electric aircraft can vary as multiple combinations of the masses of batteries, fuel and payload to be transported on board are possible. The trade-off in the power supply strategies of the two power sources to reduce fuel consumption or to extend the maximum flight distance is described in detail. The results show that the hybrid-electric propulsion integrated on regional aircraft can lead to benefits in terms of environmental performance, through savings in direct fuel consumption, or alternatively in operating terms, through a significant extension of the operating envelope.
Impact Analysis of Solar Cells on Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Fixed-Wing UAV
Authors: Peciak Magdalena , Skarka Wojciech , Mateja Krzysztof , Gude Maik
Published: March 2023

A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that allows for flight in harsh weather for surveillance and access to remote areas. VTOL can be performed without a runway. As such, VOTL UAVs are used in areas where there is limited space and in urban locations. The structural endurance of VTOL UAVs is limited and is further reduced in the case of fixed-wing UAVs. Long-endurance aerial vehicles allow for continuous flight, but their power supply systems must be able to harvest energy from external sources in order to meet the guidelines. The wings of these UAVs are often covered with solar cells. This article presents the extended range and flight time of a tail-sitter VTOL that incorporates solar cells on the UAV structure. A VTOL powered by solar cells can perform aviation missions with fewer landings, allowing for the performance of such UAVs to be increased and for their flight time to be extended several times over those without solar cells. Simulations accounting for the use of PV panels on the UAV structure show that depending on the scenario and flight date, VTOLs can double the flight time on the spring equinox and increase the flight time by more than six times on the summer solstice.
Improving Plant Growth, Seed Yield, and Quality of Faba Bean by Integration of Bio-Fertilizers with Biogas Digestate
Authors: Alhammad Bushra Ahmed , Seleiman Mahmoud F.
Published: March 2023

Exploring environmentally eco-friendly approaches to enhance crop growth and productivity are essential for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, a field trial was conducted during two growing seasons to study the effects of synthetic (nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; and potassium, K), biogas digestate (BioD), bio-fertilizer (BioF), and their combinations on the growth, yield, and seed quality of faba bean (Vicia faba L.). The number of treatments was seven, as follows: control (zero NPK), NPK (30 kg N ha−1; 45 kg P2O5 ha−1: 48 kg K2O ha−1) as the recommended dose, BioD (2 t ha−1), BioF (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria; 1 kg ha−1), 50% NPK + 50% BioD, 50% NPK + 50% BioF, and 50% BioD + 50% BioF. The results indicated that all fertilizer sources and their combinations improved the growth, seed yield, and quality of faba bean. However, the highest increase in plant height, leaf area, dry leaf weight, and stem dry weight of faba bean was recorded for the combined application of 50% BioD + 50% BioF. Moreover, the BioD +BioF fertilization enhanced the number of branches, number of seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield of faba bean. Similarly, BioD + BioF fertilization enhanced the total chlorophyll and N, P, and K contents of faba bean leaves. BioD fertilization also increased seed quality traits such as N, P, protein, and carbohydrate contents. The outcomes of BioD + BioF fertilization on growth yield and quality parameters of faba bean suggest that the concurrent application of biogas digestate with bio-fertilizer can reduce synthetic fertilizers.
Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Potentials of Four Halophytic Plants, Euphorbia chamaesyce, Bassia arabica, Fagonia mollis, and Haloxylon salicornicum, Growing in Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia: Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro and In Silico Bioactivity Investigations
Authors: Rugaie Osamah Al , Mohammed Hamdoon A. , Alsamani Salman , Messaoudi Sabri , Aroua Lotfi M. , Khan Riaz A. , Almahmoud Suliman A. , Altaleb Abdulrahman D. , Alsharidah Mansour , Aldubaib Musaad , Al-Regaiey Khalid A. , Qureshi Kamal A.
Published: March 2023

The current study aimed to investigate the phytochemical contents and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activities of four halophytic plants, namely, Euphorbia chamaesyce, Bassia arabica, Fagonia mollis, and Haloxylon salicornicum, native to central Saudi Arabia. The alcoholic extract of E. chamaesyce was found to be the most potent in various bioactivities-based evaluations and rich in polyphenols and flavonoid secondary metabolites, with 68.0 mg/g and 39.23 mg/g gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively. Among all plants’ extracts, the alcoholic extract of E. chamaesyce had the highest DPPH scavenging and metal chelating antioxidant activities at 74.15 Trolox equivalents and 16.28 EDTA equivalents, respectively. The highest antimicrobial activity of E. chamaesyce extract was found to be against Shigella flexneri, with a mean zone of inhibition diameter of 18.1 ± 0.2 mm, whereas the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum biocidal concentration, minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration, and minimum biofilm eradication concentration values were 12.5, 25, 25, and 50 mg/mL, respectively. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the E. chamaesyce extract showed the presence of six flavonoids and ten phenolic constituents. The in silico binding of the E. chamaesyce extract’s constituents to Staphylococcus aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme displayed −6.2 to −10.1 kcal/mol binding energy values, suggesting that these constituents can contribute to the antimicrobial properties of the plant extract, making it an essential medicinal ingredient. In conclusion, these results warrant further investigation to standardize the antimicrobial profiles of these plant extracts.
Associations between Serum Folate Concentrations and Functional Disability in Older Adults
Authors: Ji Lujun , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Liming , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: March 2023

Folate may have beneficial effects on physical function through its antioxidant effect. Thus, we investigated the associations between serum folate and functional disability in older adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018 were used. Serum folate included 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and total folate. Five domains of functional disability, including lower extremity mobility (LEM), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), activities of daily living (ADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), and general physical activities (GPA), were self-reported. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines were employed. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate was inversely associated with IADL and GPA disability, and the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) in the highest versus lowest quartiles were 0.65 (0.46–0.91) and 0.70 (0.50–0.96), respectively. The total folate was also inversely associated with IADL (OR quartile 4vs1 = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46–0.90) and GPA (OR quartile 3vs1 = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44–0.99) disability. The dose–response relationships showed a gradual decrease in the risk of IADL and GPA disability as serum folate increased. In the sex, age, BMI, and alcohol consumption subgroup analyses, we saw that the associations were primarily found in females, under 80 years old, normal weight, and non-drinkers. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed the robustness of our results. Our results indicated that serum folate concentrations were negatively associated with IADL and GPA disability, especially in females. In other subgroup analyses, we discovered that these negative associations were primarily prevalent in participants under 80 years old, normal weight, and non-drinkers.
Hyperoxia Disrupts Lung Lymphatic Homeostasis in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Shankar Nithyapriya , Thapa Shyam , Shrestha Amrit Kumar , Sarkar Poonam , Gaber M. Waleed , Barrios Roberto , Shivanna Binoy
Published: March 2023

Inflammation causes bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common lung disease of preterm infants. One reason this disease lacks specific therapies is the paucity of information on the mechanisms regulating inflammation in developing lungs. We address this gap by characterizing the lymphatic phenotype in an experimental BPD model because lymphatics are major regulators of immune homeostasis. We hypothesized that hyperoxia (HO), a major risk factor for experimental and human BPD, disrupts lymphatic endothelial homeostasis using neonatal mice and human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs). Exposure to 70% O2 for 24–72 h decreased the expression of prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) and vascular endothelial growth factor c (Vegf-c) and increased the expression of heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone]1 in HDLECs, and reduced their tubule formation ability. Next, we determined Prox1 and Vegf-c mRNA levels on postnatal days (P) 7 and 14 in neonatal murine lungs. The mRNA levels of these genes increased from P7 to P14, and 70% O2 exposure for 14 d (HO) attenuated this physiological increase in pro-lymphatic factors. Further, HO exposure decreased VEGFR3+ and podoplanin+ lymphatic vessel density and lymphatic function in neonatal murine lungs. Collectively, our results validate the hypothesis that HO disrupts lymphatic endothelial homeostasis.
Discovering the Potential Mechanisms of Medicinal Mushrooms Antidepressant Activity: A Review
Authors: Lazur Jan , Hnatyk Kamil , Kała Katarzyna , Sułkowska-Ziaja Katarzyna , Muszyńska Bożena
Published: March 2023

Major Depression Disease is a common mental illness that affects more than 322 million people worldwide and it is one of the leading causes of mental and physical disability. The etiology of depression is a complex interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors. Currently, psychopharmacotherapy is based mainly on the monoamine theory, which states that depression is caused by an insufficient level of monoamines such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine. Due to the relatively low efficacy of the typical antidepressant and the high prevalence of treatment-resistant depression (~30%), seeking new ways of prophylaxis, adjuvant therapy, or novel compounds with antidepressant activity, is a priority. According to studies that analyzed mushroom consumption patterns and depression prevalence, it was concluded that mushroom ingestion lowers the odds of depression. Medicinal mushrooms are considered functional foods because of their ability to synthesize and accumulate different types of metabolites, which enhance their health-promoting properties. The review aims to explain the antidepressant activity of edible/medicinal mushrooms by elucidating the mechanism from different perspectives: edible mushrooms as a source of serotonin precursors and psilocybin as a rapid-acting antidepressant. These compounds exhibit anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant activities that impact neurotrophin expression, the neurogenesis process, and influence on the gut–brain axis.
24-Hydroxycholesterol Induces Tau Proteasome-Dependent Degradation via the SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf2 Pathway: A Potential Mechanism to Counteract Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Testa Gabriella , Giannelli Serena , Sottero Barbara , Staurenghi Erica , Giaccone Giorgio , Caroppo Paola , Gamba Paola , Leonarduzzi Gabriella
Published: March 2023

Considerable evidence indicates that cholesterol oxidation products, named oxysterols, play a key role in several events involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Although the majority of oxysterols causes neuron dysfunction and degeneration, 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC) has recently been thought to be neuroprotective also. The present study aimed at supporting this concept by exploring, in SK-N-BE neuroblastoma cells, whether 24-OHC affected the neuroprotective SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf2 axis. We demonstrated that 24-OHC, through the up-regulation of the deacetylase SIRT1, was able to increase both PGC1α and Nrf2 expression and protein levels, as well as Nrf2 nuclear translocation. By acting on this neuroprotective pathway, 24-OHC favors tau protein clearance by triggering tau ubiquitination and subsequently its degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. We also observed a modulation of SIRT1, PGC1α, and Nrf2 expression and synthesis in the brain of AD patients with the progression of the disease, suggesting their potential role in neuroprotection. These findings suggest that 24-OHC contributes to tau degradation through the up-regulation of the SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf2 axis. Overall, the evidence points out the importance of avoiding 24-OHC loss, which can occur in the AD brain, and of limiting SIRT1, PGC1α, and Nrf2 deregulation in order to prevent the neurotoxic accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau and counteract neurodegeneration.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Neonatology
Authors: Chioma Roberto , Sbordone Annamaria , Patti Maria Letizia , Perri Alessandro , Vento Giovanni , Nobile Stefano
Published: March 2023

The development of artificial intelligence methods has impacted therapeutics, personalized diagnostics, drug discovery, and medical imaging. Although, in many situations, AI clinical decision-support tools may seem superior to rule-based tools, their use may result in additional challenges. Examples include the paucity of large datasets and the presence of unbalanced data (i.e., due to the low occurrence of adverse outcomes), as often seen in neonatal medicine. The most recent and impactful applications of AI in neonatal medicine are discussed in this review, highlighting future research directions relating to the neonatal population. Current AI applications tested in neonatology include tools for vital signs monitoring, disease prediction (respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, apnea of prematurity) and risk stratification (retinopathy of prematurity, intestinal perforation, jaundice), neurological diagnostic and prognostic support (electroencephalograms, sleep stage classification, neuroimaging), and novel image recognition technologies, which are particularly useful for prompt recognition of infections. To have these kinds of tools helping neonatologists in daily clinical practice could be something extremely revolutionary in the next future. On the other hand, it is important to recognize the limitations of AI to ensure the proper use of this technology.
Thermodynamics of Liquid Immiscibility in Iron-Silicate Melt Systems: A Study of Nuclear Fallout Glass
Authors: Moore Emily E. , Genda Timothy P. , Balboni Enrica , Dai Zurong , Perron Aurélien , Knight Kimberly B.
Published: March 2023

In a ground-interacting nuclear explosion, elements derived from environmental and anthropogenic material, such as iron, silicon, and aluminum, can be incorporated into the fireball. When significant amounts of metals are entrained, the resulting melt may display immiscible textures. The composition of these textures is a record of the temperature of formation and cooling rates (or thermodynamic stability) of the melts and can provide unique constraints on the early cooling conditions of these events. Here, a thermodynamic approach using calculated phase diagrams, the CALPHAD method, is used to predict temperature and composition ranges where stable liquid immiscibility might result in the textures observed in nuclear fallout glass. Sensitivity of the immiscibility to the presence of relative Al, Ca, and Mg content is also explored and compared to fallout samples, and partition coefficients are introduced to understand the preferred distribution of components into each liquid phase.
Interval Type-2 Fuzzy-Logic-Based Constant Switching Frequency Control of a Sliding-Mode-Controlled DC–DC Boost Converter
Authors: Balta Güven , Altin Necmi , Nasiri Adel
Published: March 2023

The inherent unlimited high switching frequency of the sliding mode controller (SMC) is limited by practical constraints of the hysteresis modulation (HM) technique. The inductor current and output voltage of a converter can be regulated using a combination of HM-SMC. However, HM-SMC results in a variable switching frequency operation, which is not preferred due to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) issues. In this paper, an interval fuzzy controller is designed and developed as a solution to enable HM-SMC. In addition, a robust sliding surface is proposed, which provides an improved dynamic response. The two proposed controllers’ compatibility with one another has been tested via experiments such as a step change in input voltage, load resistance variation, and finally, a step change in output voltage reference value. The test results validate that while the interval type-2 fuzzy maintains a constant switching frequency with acceptable dynamic responses, it successfully regulates the state variables of the system. A comparison of the performance of the proposed control method with existing techniques in the literature is presented.
A Collection of New Trigonometric- and Hyperbolic-FGM-Type Copulas
Authors: Chesneau Christophe
Published: March 2023

Copula analysis was created to explain the dependence of two or more quantitative variables. Due to the need for in-depth data analysis involving complex variable relationships, there is always a need for new copula models with original features. As a modern example, for the analysis of circular or periodic data types, trigonometric copulas are particularly attractive and recommended. This is, however, an underexploited topic. In this article, we propose a new collection of eight trigonometric and hyperbolic copulas, four based on the sine function and the others on the tangent function, all derived from the construction of the famous Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern copula. In addition to their original trigonometric and hyperbolic functionalities, the proposed copulas have the feature of depending on three parameters with complementary roles: one is a dependence parameter; one is a shape parameter; and the last can be viewed as an angle parameter. In our main findings, for each of the eight copulas, we determine a wide range of admissible values for these parameters. Subsequently, the capabilities, features, and functions of the new copulas are thoroughly examined. The shapes of the main functions of some copulas are illustrated graphically. Theoretically, symmetry in general, stochastic dominance, quadrant dependence, tail dependence, Archimedean nature, correlation measures, and inference on the parameters are investigated. Some copula shapes are illustrated with the help of figures. On the other hand, some two-dimensional inequalities are established and may be of separate interest.
Comparison of Atmospheric Circulation Anomalies between Daytime and Nighttime Extreme High Temperature in North China
Authors: Chen Peng , Zeng Gang , Yang Xiaoye , Iyakaremye Vedaste
Published: March 2023

Many previous studies have shown that atmospheric circulation anomalies are usually the direct cause of extreme high temperatures (EHT). However, the atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with daytime and nighttime EHTs in North China and their differences are less discussed. The present study divides the summer EHTs in North China into independent daytime EHT (ID-EHT) and independent nighttime EHT (IN-EHT) according to the 90th percentile thresholds of the daily maximum and minimum temperature from CN05.1 and compares their atmospheric circulation anomalies. Composite results show that the sinking motion anomaly over North China and the southward displacement of the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) cause less low cloud cover and water vapor, which is conducive to absorbing more solar radiation at the surface, and leads to the daytime high temperature of ID-EHT. With the disappearance of solar radiation at night, the heat is rapidly dissipated, and the high temperature cannot be maintained. A wave train from high latitudes can affect ID-EHT weather. On the contrary, the upward motion anomaly over North China cooperates with the northward displacement of the WPSH, leading to more clouds and water vapor over North China. As a result, the absorption of solar radiation in North China during the daytime is reduced, and EHT has difficulty in forming during the day. The higher humidity causes slower heat loss from daytime to nighttime, resulting in an IN-EHT. IN-EHT is more likely to be affected by a wave train such as the Silk Road pattern from the midlatitudes.
Interaction of Electrons and Positrons with Protons Aligned in One-Dimension Line
Authors: Al-Ajaleen Musab S. , Tőkési Károly
Published: March 2023

We present theoretical studies of electron and positron interaction with protons aligned in a one-dimension periodic line. The equally spaced protons were artificially generated where the individual protons are fixed in a certain position. The incident energies were 500 eV and 1000 eV. The electron and positron trajectories passing through these periodic multiple scattering objects were calculated using a classical trajectory Monte Carlo method. We show that this proton configuration has focusing and defocusing properties depending on the certain initial conditions.
Rigorous Negative Ion Binding Energies in Low-Energy Electron Elastic Collisions with Heavy Multi-Electron Atoms and Fullerene Molecules: Validation of Electron Affinities
Authors: Msezane Alfred Z. , Felfli Zineb
Published: March 2023

Dramatically sharp resonances manifesting stable negative ion formation characterize Regge pole-calculated low-energy electron elastic total cross sections (TCSs) of heavy multi-electron systems. The novelty of the Regge pole analysis is in the extraction of rigorous and unambiguous negative ion binding energies (BEs), corresponding to the measured electron affinities (EAs) of the investigated multi-electron systems. The measured EAs have engendered the crucial question: is the EA of multi-electron atoms and fullerene molecules identified with the BE of the attached electron in the ground, metastable or excited state of the formed negative ion during a collision? Inconsistencies in the meaning of the measured EAs are elucidated and new EA values for Bk, Cf, Fm, and Lr are presented.
Rapid Antigen Tests during the COVID-19 Era in Korea and Their Implementation as a Detection Tool for Other Infectious Diseases
Authors: Widyasari Kristin , Kim Sunjoo
Published: March 2023

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are diagnostic tools developed to specifically detect a certain protein of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, or parasites). RATs are easily accessible due to their rapidity and simplicity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, RATs have been widely used in detecting the presence of the specific SARS-CoV-2 antigen in respiratory samples from suspected individuals. Here, the authors review the application of RATs as detection tools for COVID-19, particularly in Korea, as well as for several other infectious diseases. To address these issues, we present general knowledge on the design of RATs that adopt the lateral flow immunoassay for the detection of the analyte (antigen). The authors then discuss the clinical utilization of the authorized RATs amidst the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea and their role in comparison with other detection methods. We also discuss the implementation of RATs for other, non-COVID-19 infectious diseases, the challenges that may arise during the application, the limitations of RATs as clinical detection tools, as well as the possible problem solving for those challenges to maximize the performance of RATs and avoiding any misinterpretation of the test result.
Thyroid Hormone Signaling Is Required for Dynamic Variation in Opsins in the Retina during Metamorphosis of the Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Shi Yaxin , Shi Yang , Ji Wenyao , Li Xike , Shi Zhiyi , Hou Jilun , Li Wenjuan , Fu Yuanshuai
Published: March 2023

In the present study, we investigated the function of thyroid hormones (TH) in visual remodeling during Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) metamorphosis through cellular molecular biology experiments. Our results showed that the expression of the five opsin genes of the flounder were highest in eye tissue and varied with the metamorphosis process. The expression of rh1, sws2aβ and lws was positively regulated by exogenous TH, but inhibited by thiourea (TU) compared to the control group. In addition, there was a significant increase in sws2aβ and lws in the rescue experiments performed with TU-treated larvae (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, T3 levels in flounder larvae were increased by TH and decreased by TU. Based on the differences in the expression of the three isoforms of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) (Trαa, Trαb and Trβ), we further hypothesized that T3 may directly or indirectly regulate the expression of sws2aβ through Trαa. This study demonstrates the regulatory role of TH in opsins during flounder metamorphosis and provides a basis for further investigation on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the retinal photoreceptor system in flounders.
Primary Melanoma of the Cervix Uteri: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Reported Cases
Authors: Kechagias Konstantinos S. , Zafeiri Marina , Katsikas Triantafyllidis Konstantinos , Kyrtsonis Georgios , Geropoulos Georgios , Lyons Deirdre , Burney Ellis Laura , Bowden Sarah , Galani Apostolia , Paraskevaidi Maria , Kyrgiou Maria
Published: March 2023

Primary malignant melanoma (MM) of the cervix uteri is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the female reproductive tract. Considering that clinical data on this cancer are scarce, we aimed to comprehensively examine the currently available literature and provide an overview of the reported cases of cervical MM focusing on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic management. We conducted a systematic review of the literature by screening three electronic databases until June 2022. The critical appraisal checklist provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute was employed to evaluate the overall quality of the studies. We included 96 reports, which comprised 137 patients diagnosed with MM of the cervix. The mean age of the patients was 56.5 (median: 58, age range: 33–88). Data regarding menopausal status were provided for 98 patients with 15 being premenopausal and 83 being postmenopausal. The most common presenting symptom was vaginal bleeding (83%, 100/121). Biopsy (either excisional or punch biopsy) was used as the first diagnostic modality in most of the patients (67%, 64/95), followed by cytology (18%, 17/95). In 74 cases, the FIGO staging system for cervical cancer was used with the most common stage being FIGO stage I (38%, 28/74), followed by FIGO stage II (36%, 27/74), FIGO stage III (19%, 14/74) and FIGO stage IV (7%, 5/74). Most of the patients were managed surgically (90%, 119/131) with a hysterectomy (either radical or total), and a salpingo-oophorectomy with/without lymphadenectomy was the most common approach utilized (40%, 48/119). The data of clinical outcomes were provided for 105 patients, of whom 61 died (58%, 61/105) and 44 survived (42%, 44/105). Knowledge regarding the rare occurrence of MM in the cervix and the increased awareness of clinicians can prevent clinical misdiagnosis and ultimately improve further the clinical outcomes of patients developing this rare malignancy.
Energy Consumption Patterns and Characteristics of College Dormitory Buildings Based on Unsupervised Data Mining Method
Authors: Yang Yunchun , Gang Wenjie , Yuan Jiaqi , Zhang Zhenying , Tian Changqing
Published: March 2023

The college building is a large energy consumer with a high density of energy consumption. However, less attention is paid to college buildings, particularly college dormitory buildings. Based on the one-year historical data collected from 20 college dormitory buildings located in Wuhan, China, this study aims to propose a three-stage strategy to identify and analyze the energy consumption patterns and characteristics of college dormitories in detail, including determining energy consumption patterns, analyzing key characteristics based on four indexes, and examining three influencing factors (occupants’ gender and floor and orientation location of rooms). The results show that the heavy energy users (around 10% of all occupants) consume around 20% of the total energy and have the narrowest comfort temperature range. However, the light energy users, 42% of total occupants, consume only approximately 27% of total energy. Their different tolerance to coldness is the main reason contributing to different energy consumption. The dormitories of males and location of the top floor and corner tend to consume significantly more energy in hot weather. This study would help campus facilities to understand the energy use behavior of occupants and formulate adequate policies so as to improve the energy management of campuses.
Behavioral Voluntary and Social Bioassays Enabling Identification of Complex and Sex-Dependent Pain-(-Related) Phenotypes in Rats with Bone Cancer
Authors: Segelcke Daniel , Linnemann Jan , Pradier Bruno , Kronenberg Daniel , Stange Richard , Richter S. Helene , Görlich Dennis , Baldini Nicola , Di Pompo Gemma , Verri Waldiceu A. , Avnet Sofia , Pogatzki-Zahn Esther M.
Published: March 2023

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a common and devastating symptom with limited treatment options in patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. The use of rodent models is the most common approach to uncovering the mechanisms underlying CIBP; however, the translation of results to the clinic may be hindered because the assessment of pain-related behavior is often based exclusively on reflexive-based methods, which are only partially indicative of relevant pain in patients. To improve the accuracy and strength of the preclinical, experimental model of CIBP in rodents, we used a battery of multimodal behavioral tests that were also aimed at identifying rodent-specific behavioral components by using a home-cage monitoring assay (HCM). Rats of all sexes received an injection with either heat-deactivated (sham-group) or potent mammary gland carcinoma Walker 256 cells into the tibia. By integrating multimodal datasets, we assessed pain-related behavioral trajectories of the CIBP-phenotype, including evoked and non-evoked based assays and HCM. Using principal component analysis (PCA), we discovered sex-specific differences in establishing the CIBP-phenotype, which occurred earlier (and differently) in males. Additionally, HCM phenotyping revealed the occurrence of sensory-affective states manifested by mechanical hypersensitivity in sham when housed with a tumor-bearing cagemate (CIBP) of the same sex. This multimodal battery allows for an in-depth characterization of the CIBP-phenotype under social aspects in rats. The detailed, sex-specific, and rat-specific social phenotyping of CIBP enabled by PCA provides the basis for mechanism-driven studies to ensure robustness and generalizability of results and provide information for targeted drug development in the future.
An Innovative Drug Repurposing Approach to Restrain Endometrial Cancer Metastatization
Authors: Torricelli Federica , Sauta Elisabetta , Manicardi Veronica , Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Palicelli Andrea , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Manzotti Gloria
Published: March 2023

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic tumor and the world’s fourth most common cancer in women. Most patients respond to first-line treatments and have a low risk of recurrence, but refractory patients, and those with metastatic cancer at diagnosis, remain with no treatment options. Drug repurposing aims to discover new clinical indications for existing drugs with known safety profiles. It provides ready-to-use new therapeutic options for highly aggressive tumors for which standard protocols are ineffective, such as high-risk EC. Methods: Here, we aimed at defining new therapeutic opportunities for high-risk EC using an innovative and integrated computational drug repurposing approach. Results: We compared gene-expression profiles, from publicly available databases, of metastatic and non-metastatic EC patients being metastatization the most severe feature of EC aggressiveness. A comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic data through a two-arm approach was applied to obtain a robust prediction of drug candidates. Conclusions: Some of the identified therapeutic agents are already successfully used in clinical practice to treat other types of tumors. This highlights the potential to repurpose them for EC and, therefore, the reliability of the proposed approach.
A Nature’s Way—Our Way Pilot Project Case Assemblage: (Re)Storying Child/Physical Literacy/Land Relationships for Indigenous Preschool-Aged Children’s Wholistic Wellness
Authors: Riley Kathryn , Froehlich Chow Amanda , Wahpepah Kathleen , Houser Natalie , Brussoni Mariana , Stevenson Erica , Erlandson Marta C. , Humbert M. Louise
Published: March 2023

Physical literacy (PL) is gaining more attention from educational policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers as a way to improve health and wellness outcomes for children and youth. While the development of PL is important for early years children, there is limited attention in the literature that explores the political, cultural, and social discourses imbued in colonialism that implicate how PL is actualized in Indigenous early childhood education (ECE) contexts. This case assemblage explores how the culturally rooted, interdisciplinary, and community-based PL initiative, Nature’s Way–Our Way (NWOW), negotiated movement with three early childhood educators in the pilot project with an early childhood education centre (ECEC) in Saskatchewan, Canada. Through postqualitative approaches to research, this case assemblage adopts new materialist methodologies to show how the natural order of knowing in movement was disrupted through moments of rupture generating stories of PL to encompass radical relationality with land. As land becomes a vital and lively part of PL storying, it can function as an important protective factor for Indigenous preschool-aged children’s wholistic wellness.