bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Liquid Phase Exfoliation Technique for the Fabrication of MoS2/Graphene Heterostructure-based Photodetector
Authors: Akeredolu B. J , AHEMEN I. , AMAH A.N , Onojah A.D , KROON R.E , Shakya Jyoti , DANLADI ELI , GAYATHRI HN , GHOSH ARINDAM
Published: October 2023

Two-dimensional materials have gained a lot of research interest and found application in photovoltaics, photodetectors, sensors etc. owing to their exceptional properties such as electrical, optical, and mechanical which is dependent on layer thickness and crystallite size. In this present work molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/graphene photodetectors were achieved by the hybridization of dispersive MoS2 and graphene. This was achieved with an innovative approach that improved the existing liquid phase exfoliation method in preparing highly dispersed heterostructure nanosheets of MoS2 and graphene in an IPA/water solvent. Furthermore, we achieved a vertically stacked MoS2/graphene photodetector and bare MoS2 photodetector in this study. The MoS2/Graphene hybrid nanosheets (MoS2/Gr NSs) were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The results obtained show the nanosheets have an average lateral size of 350-500 nm, with thickness ≤5 nm, and high crystallinity in the 2H semiconducting phase. The photocurrent, photoresponsivity, specific detectivity, and external quantum efficiency of MoS2/graphene heterostructure were 3.55 µA, 39.44 mA/W, 2.02×1010 Jones, and 7.54%, respectively, at 4V bias voltage, and that of MoS2 photodetector are 0.55 µA, 6.11 mA/W, 3.4 ×109 Jones, and 1.16%, respectively at 650 nm illumination wavelength. These results demonstrate that the photo-response performances of the as-prepared MoS2/Graphene NSs were greatly improved (about 7-fold) compared to that of sole MoS2 NSs. The results provide a simple, inexpensive and efficient method through sequential deposition technique for the fabrication of vertical heterojunctions with improved optoelectronic performance of heterostructure.
Validity of Heart Rate Derived Core Temperature Estimation During Simulated Firefighting Tasks
Authors: Agostinelli Philip , Linder Braxton , Frick Katherine , Bordonie Nicholas , Neal Frances , Sefton JoEllen
Published: October 2023

Rectal core temperature monitoring can mitigate heat injury but can be invasive and impractical. EQ02 + LifeMonitor is a less invasive estimation of core temperature. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the EQ02 + LifeMonitor validity compared to rectal thermometer core temperatures. Thirteen participants completed simulated firefighting tasks with and without turn out gear, involving four rounds of a 5-minute walk on a treadmill at 2.8 mph/2.5% grade and 20 deadlifts over five minutes in heat [40.6°C; 50% humidity]. During each trial participants wore both an EQ02 + LifeMonitor and DataTherm II rectal thermometer. Devices were statistically equivalent [Δupper p < 0.001, Δlower p < 0.001] yet there was a statistically significant difference in the value (~ 0.1°C; p < 0.001).There was a significant effect of devices [p < 0.001] and time [p < 0.001], but no interaction effect [p = 0.70] on core temperature drift. Estimated core temperature was marginally different from the DataTherm II and on average overestimated core temperature. These results suggest the EQ02 + LifeMonitor may be a viable, less invasive alternative of assessing core temperature compared to rectal temperature monitoring, especially during rigorous, intermittent activities.
Balancing Energy consumption and User experience for Multimedia Cloud Computing
Authors: David Preetha Evangeline , Palanisamy Anandhakumar
Published: October 2023

Multimedia services are usually expected to be delivered to the user at the level of Quality of Experience (QoE) which he expects. Hence the multimedia services have moved to a cloud-based environment. A typical cloud-based environment consists of a highly distributed range of servers. There is an urgent need to make these servers highly energy efficient. On the other hand, there exists a trade-off between the energy consumption and the Quality of Experience offered. We have contributed to develop a methodology to guarantee the expected level of QoE, with the minimization of the energy consumed by the various Multimedia data centers by formulating an optimization objective and thereby making optimal decisions. The methodology is self-adaptive and works according to the dynamic changes in the multimedia cloud environment. The approach has been implemented practically and carefully analysed.
Nomogram model for predicting cause-specific mortality in patients with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: a competing risk analysis Insight from the SEER Database and a Chinese Cohort.
Authors: Fu Xinao , Chen Yang , Fan Zongqi , Wang Weisi , Wang Ziying , Yin Haoting , Li Jushang , Guo Shigang
Published: October 2023

Objective
This study aims to analyze the risk factors for Cancer-Specific Mortality (CSM) and Other-Cause Mortality (OCM) in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) patients,and to construct a nomogram for predicting CSM based on a competitive risk model and validate it using training, internal, and external cohorts.
Methods
EOCRC patients from the SEER database(2008–2017). Furthermore, EOCRC patients treated at a Northeast China tertiary hospital were included(2014–2020). The SEER data were randomly divided into training and validation sets at a 7:3 ratio. Univariate COX regression model was used to screen for prognostic correlates. Multivariate Cox regression models were then employed to identify independent risk factors. A nomogram visualized results, assessed by C-index,AUC and calibration curves. DCA evaluated clinical utility.
Results
A total of 8,813 patients were collected from the SEER database, divided into training (N = 6,610) and validation (N = 2,203) sets. 76 patients were included from the Chinese cohort(N = 76). Multivariable Cox regression models revealed that race, tumor differentiation, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), marital status, histological type, AJCC stage, and surgical status were independent risk factors for CSM in EOCRC patients. The nomogram constructed based on those independent risk factors had good performance with C-index of 0.806 ,0.801and 0.810 for the training, internal validation and external validation cohorts, respectively.Calibration curves and AUC also indicated the nomogram's accuracy and discriminative ability. Also DCA reflects the good clinical value of the model.
Conclusion
This study successfully established a competing risk model for CSM in EOCRC patients, demonstrating good predictive value, which may help clinicians to make better treatment decision making.
The Impact of a Web-based Clinical Decision Support System on Adherence to Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Guidelines in ICU Nonsurgical Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Karajizadeh Mehrdad , Zand Farid , Sharifian Roxana , Vazin Afsaneh , Sabetian Golnar , Saeidnia Mohammadreza
Published: October 2023

Background
There are gaps between expert recommendations and clinical practices in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among nonsurgical patients worldwide. The rate of adherence to evidence-based practice is inadequate in the nonsurgical population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) on the appropriate VTE prophylaxis in nonsurgical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study, pre- and post-implementation CDSS for recommendation VTE prophylaxis order set, to analyze the effect of the CDSS within the Computerized provider order entry system (CPOE) on the appropriate VTE prophylaxis in three ICUs of the Nemazee hospital before intervention from 20 April to 21 November 2020 and post-intervention duration 7 April to 9 July 2021. The pre-intervention and post-intervention phase samples comprised 175 and 27 patients, respectively. P-value < 0.05 was considered a significant level. All statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 24.
Results
Adherence to VTE prophylaxis guidelines after introducing CDSS for the recommendation of VTE prophylaxis within the CPOE systems in nonsurgical patients in ICUs increased from 48.6–77.8% (p-value < 01). However, mortality rate of pre-intervention (13.80%) vs post-intervention (14.80%) (p-value = 0.88) and means of length of stay of pre-intervention (13.66) vs post-intervention (13.63) (p-value = 0.49) in ICU were not significantly changed after introduction of CDSS for recommendation of VTE prophylaxis order sets.
Conclusion
The results indicate that the CDSS for recommendation VTE prophylaxis within CPOE improves adherence to VTE prophylaxis in nonsurgical patients at ICUs, which assists the provider in selecting the most tailored VTE prophylaxis. Further studies are needed to evaluate implemented CDSS for the recommendation of the VTE prophylaxis in nonsurgical patients at the local and national levels.
Early Warning Systems For Malaria Outbreaks in Thailand: An Anomaly Detection Approach
Authors: Srimo Oraya , Pan-Ngum Wirichada , Khamsiriwatchara Amnat , Padungtod Chantana , Tipmontree Rungrawee , Choosri Noppon , Saralamba Sompob
Published: October 2023

Background
Malaria continues to pose a significant health threat. Rapid identification of malaria infections and the deployment of active surveillance tools are crucial for achieving malaria elimination in Thailand. In this study, we introduce an anomaly detection system as an early warning mechanism for potential malaria outbreaks in the country.
Methods
We developed and compared statistical, machine learning, and threshold-based anomaly detection algorithms to identify atypical malaria activity in Thailand. Additionally, we designed a user interface tailored for anomaly detection, enabling the Thai malaria surveillance team to utilize these algorithms and visualize regions exhibiting unusual malaria patterns.
Results
We formulated nine distinct anomaly detection algorithms. Their efficacy in pinpointing verified outbreaks was assessed using malaria case data from Thailand spanning 2012 to 2022. The historical average threshold-based anomaly detection method triggered three times fewer alerts, while correctly identifying the same number of verified outbreaks. A limitation of this analysis is the small number of verified outbreaks; further consultation with the Division of Vector Borne Disease could help identify more verified outbreaks. The developed dashboard, designed specifically for anomaly detection, allows disease surveillance professionals to easily identify and visualise unusual malaria activity at a provincial level across Thailand.
Conclusion
We propose an enhanced early warning system to bolster malaria elimination efforts in Thailand. The developed anomaly detection algorithms, after thorough comparison, have been optimized for seamless integration with the current malaria surveillance infrastructure. An anomaly detection dashboard for Thailand is built and supports early detection of abnormal malaria activity. In summary, our proposed early warning system enhances the identification process for provinces at risk of outbreaks and offers easy integration with Thailand’s established malaria surveillance framework.
Investigation of the effect of curcumin and nystatin, independently and in combination, on Candida albicans biofilm formation in laboratory settings
Authors: Zahmatkesh Bibihajar , Aghcheli Bahman , Hosseini Seyededeh Sedigheh
Published: October 2023

Objective Biofilm formation is an important factor in the pathogenesis ofCandida albicans, which leads to persistent infection and antibiotic resistance in humans. We investigated the in vitro activities of antibiotic nystatin and curcumin, either alone or in combination against biofilms ofCandida albicans. Methods The Mycology Laboratory at Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Grogan, Iran gathered 399 clinical isolates of Candida albicans, with 168 (42%) from urinary tract infections (UTI) and 231 (58%) from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). To determine antifungal susceptibility and biofilm formation, the microdilution broth and tetrazolium salt (XTT) reduction assays were conducted. Results In a concentration-dependent pattern, nystatin and curcumin significantly reduced biofilm formation in all strains. Curcumin was observed to have a detachment effect on biofilms at concentrations of 8 µg/ml, 16 µg/ml, and 32 µg/ml. The sub-MIC, MIC, and 2MIC values of nystatin ranged from 6 to 12 µg/mL, 8 to 16 µg/mL, and 32 to 64 µg/mL, respectively. When combined with curcumin, the inhibition of biofilm formation by antifungals was significantly reduced by 4- to 32-fold. Conclusions The combination of nystatin and curcumin exhibited impressive effectiveness in countering biofilms, including their prevention and combat inCandida albicans.
Performance assessment Of Indian Spinach (Basella alba) as an Under Storey Crop in Aonla-Lemon Based Multistoried Agroforestry System Manuscript Draft
Authors: Hossain Md. Sohrab , Rahman Mezanur , Saha Satya Ranjan , Hoque Md. Azizul , Miah Md. Main Uddin , Yeasmin Mst. Nilufa
Published: October 2023

Multistoried agroforestry in Bangladesh is decisive to deal with the challenge of shrinking arable land and repeated climatic hazards together with a handsome economic benefit to the farmers of the country. This research aimed to investigate the performance of Indian spinach in an aonla-based multistoried agroforestry which was contrasted alongside the production of open field condition of five different Indian spinach varieties that were also inspected for best-performing varieties. The results reveal that with the differences in Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) various growth and yield-related attributes get affected as a result yield decreased in T1 (Aonla+Lemon+Indian Spinach) followed by T2 (Aonla+Indian Spinach) than T3 (Open field) which could be attributed to competition for above and below ground resources. But in fact, the total output of T1 was highest followed by T2 than T3 because diversified products in the Agroforestry system added to the total output and ratified the superiority of the agroforestry system over the sole crop. Whereas in case of different varieties BARI puishak 2 proved its supremacy over other four varieties. Among the treatment combinations, BARI puishak 2 in combination with T1 agroforestry system (T1V2) proved best performing in respect of the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.68 and Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) value of 3.56. In a nutshell, the study concluded that agroforestry practices with Indian spinach could be an excellent alternative to ensure higher financial benefit, protect and preserve the environment and promote food and nutritional security to the impoverished farmers of Bangladesh.
Stress-dependent creep behaviour of Neogene red clay in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Ziran , Zhang Maosheng
Published: October 2023

Neogene red clay is a typical weak layer associated with the occurrence of many landslides in the Chinese Loess Plateau. Understanding and modelling the creep behaviour of Neogene red clay is crucial for revealing, forecasting, and preventing landslides. However, there is still a lack of appropriate descriptions for the stress-dependent creep behaviour of Neogene red clay. To remedy this issue, a series of direct shear creep tests for saturated Neogene red clay are performed. Test results show that saturated Neogene red clay exhibits apparent creep deformation and that its creep behaviour is closely associated with shear stress and normal stress. Based on the test observations, the parameters of the classic Burgers creep model are modified by considering the effect of normal stress, and a stress-dependent Burgers creep model is proposed. The proposed model includes eight parameters that can be conveniently calibrated using laboratory tests. A comparison of model predictions and test data for saturated Neogene red clay is performed to validate the model performance in describing the stress-dependent creep behaviour. The discussion provides an explanation for the creep mechanism of the loess–Neogene red clay landslide in terms of the stress-dependent creep behaviour of saturated Neogene red clay.
Preprocessing and Frame Level Classification Framework for Cardiac Phase Detection in 2D Echocardiography
Authors: Singh Gajraj , Darji Anand D. , Sarvaiya Jignesh N. , Patnaik Suprva
Published: October 2023

The first and critical step of accurate heart function analysis (i.e., ventricles volume, Ejection Fraction, and stroke volume measurement) in echocardiography is the detection of end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES) frames. Detecting these frames is challenging due to variations in cardiac structure, heart rate associated with clinical conditions, and the low-resolution nature of echo sequences. Several deep learning techniques have recently emerged, primarily combining convolutional neural networks (CNN) and recurrent neural networks (RNN). These models were trained on a range of datasets, including open-access sources like CAMUS, PACS, and EchoNet-Dynamic, as well as private datasets. The largest open-access dataset, EchoNet Dynamic, has poor echo phase detection compared to other datasets. This suggests that the dataset has noise, which is removed in this study using three preprocessing steps: Noise reduction using heart rate formulation, Video frame synchronization, and Non-oscillating Mean absolute frame difference (MAFD). Additionally, this study formulates the echo phase detection problem as frame-level binary classification, distinguishing between diastole and systole phases. The proposed architecture takes the echo sequence as an input and a customized time-distributed CNN extracts spatial features from each frame. These frame features are fed into a bidirectional long short-term memory (BLSTM) network, capturing temporal information, followed by a classification layer. The model is trained on the pre-processed EchoNet-Dynamic dataset. Compared to true labels, an average absolute frame distance (aaFD) of 1.02 and 1.04 frames is achieved for ED and ES frames, respectively. Moreover, it operates with an inference time of less than 65 ms for an input sequence consisting of 32 frames on a graphics processing unit (GPU).
Majie Pingchuan cataplasm alleviates asthma by regulating Th1/Th2/Treg/ Th17 balance
Authors: Liu Yuanjun , Liu Haixia , Shao Qi , Shi Hanfen , Cheng Fafeng , Wang Xueqian
Published: October 2023

Background
T cells play a critical role in inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Majie Pingchuan cataplasm (MJPC) on asthma and to propose a possible mechanism involved in this process.
Methods
Airway inflammation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFN-γ, and levels of Th2, Treg, Th17 and Th1 cells, and the expressions of IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, GATA-3, Foxp3, RORγt, and T-bet were detected.
Key findings:
MJPC treatment reduced lung airway resistance and inflammatory infiltration in lung tissues. MJPC treatment also reduced the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils in the blood and BALF. The levels of IL-4 and IL-17 in the blood, BALF, and lungs were suppressed by MJPC, and IFN-γ and IL-10 were increased. Furthermore, MJPC suppressed the percentage of Th2 and Th17, and increased the percentage of Th1 and Treg in spleen cells. In addition, MJPC can inhibit asthma by increasing expressions of IFN-γ, IL-10, T-bet and Foxp3 as well as decreasing expressions of IL-4, IL-17, GATA-3 and RORγt.
Conclusions
MJPC may improve airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation by regulating Th1/Th2/Treg/Th17 balance in OVA rats. And MJPC may be a new source of antiasthma drugs.
Catheter Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children Using Three-Dimensional Electroanatomic Mapping Systems; A Single Center Experience
Authors: UYSAL Fahrettin , Genc Abdusselam , Turkmen Hasan , Kucuker Hakan , Bostan Ozlem M.
Published: October 2023

Background Supraventricular tachycardia is the most frequently seen tachycardia in children and catheter ablation of the tachycardia substrate using 3-D mapping systems has evolved. The aim of this study was to present data on catheter ablation of SVT in children and adolescents.Methods Patients with supraventricular tachycardia and asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome undergoing an electrophysiological study at our center between 2015 January and 2022 December were identified from our institutional database.Results At the time of the procedure, the median age was 12.8 (2.1–19.4) years, and the median body weight was 52 (13–125) kg. There were 138 total ablations with 123 (91.1%) acutely successful ablations performed in 135 individual patients. 71/135 (58.2%) patients with ablation had an accessory pathway, and 59/135 (43.7%) patients with ablation had atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia. Atrial ectopic tachycardia was detected in a total of 5 patients. The acute success rate of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was 87% while it was found as 100% in atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia. There was a significant difference between patients with and without an accessory pathway in terms of final success. Permanent complete AV block was not observed. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of recurrence with the mapping systems used.Conclusions In conclusion, ablation is highly curative and safe in the first-line treatment of SVT in children. 3-D mapping systems should be preferred because of radiation risk in children, and there is no difference between two different systems in terms of success.
Compliance of volunteers in a fully-enclosed patient rotation system for MR-guided radiation therapy – a prospective study
Authors: Beyer Cedric , Paul Katharina Maria , Dorsch Stefan , Echner Gernot , Dinkel Fabian , Welzel Thomas , Seidensaal Katharina , Hörner-Rieber Juliane , Jäkel Oliver , Debus Jürgen , Klüter Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Background
Particle therapy makes a noteworthy contribution in the treatment of tumor diseases. In order to be able to irradiate from different angles, usually expensive, complex and large gantries are used. Instead rotating the beam via a gantry, the patient itself might be rotated. Here we present tolerance and compliance of volunteers for a fully-enclosed patient rotation system in a clinical magnetic resonance (MR)-scanner for potential use in MR-guided radiotherapy, conducted within a prospective evaluation study.
Method
A patient rotation system was used to simulate and perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-examinations with 50 volunteers without an oncological question. For 20 participants, the MR-examination within the bore was simulated by introducing realistic MRI noise, whereas 30 participants received an examination with image acquisition. Initially, body parameters and claustrophobia were assessed. The subjects were then rotated to different angles for simulation (0°, 45°, 90°, 180°) and imaging (0°, 70°, 90°, 110°). At each angle, anxiety and motion sickness were assessed using a 6-item State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI-6) and a modified Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ). In addition, general areas of discomfort were evaluated.
Results
Out of 50 subjects, three (6%) subjects terminated the study prematurely. One subject dropped out during simulation due to nausea while rotating to 45°. During imaging, further two subjects dropped out due to shoulder pain from positioning at 90° and 110°, respectively. The average result for claustrophobia (0 = no claustrophobia to 4 = extreme claustrophobia) was none to light claustrophobia (average score: simulation 0.64 ± 0.33, imaging 0.51 ± 0.39). The mean anxiety scores (0% = no anxiety to 100% = maximal anxiety) were 11.04% (simulation) and 15.82% (imaging). Mean motion sickness scores (0% = no motion sickness to 100% = maximal motion sickness) of 3.5% (simulation) and 6.76% (imaging) were obtained across all participants.
Conclusion
Our study proves the feasibility of horizontal rotation in a fully-enclosed rotation system within an MR-scanner. Anxiety scores were low and motion sickness was only a minor influence. Both anxiety and motion sickness showed no angular dependency. Further optimizations with regard to immobilization in the rotation device may increase subject comfort.
Operational wind forecast over the offshore Campos basin and adjacent coastal region in Brazil: support for the oil and gas industry toward renewable energy transition
Authors: Silva Mauricio Soares da , Dragaud Ian Cunha D’Amato Viana , Jacinto Larissa de Freitas Ramos , Moraes Nilton Oliveira , Assad Luiz Paulo de Freitas , Evsukoff Alexandre Gonçalves , Landau Luiz
Published: October 2023

In the context of the energy transition, the Campos Basin region is one of the most important and strategic areas in Brazil, given its relevance in oil and gas production, great wind resources, and proximity to the most populous region in the country. In this context the performance of a Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) operational system based on the Weather Research and Forecasting model was evaluated, in addition to an investigation of the influence of physiographic aspects and meteorological systems on the near-surface wind regime. The numerical results of wind were evaluated in comparison to one year of observational data at onshore and offshore meteorological stations. Despite the well-known spin-up problem of NWP models, the best results were obtained in the first 24 hours. Consequently, the spin-up was less significant for model performance than the deviation from the initial conditions. Overall, the best results were obtained for the offshore rather than onshore region. The model was more assertive for the most frequent wind speed classes and had a worse performance for the extreme classes, overestimating the weakest winds and underestimating the strongest winds. A counterclockwise directional bias was also found overall, indicating overestimation (underestimation) of synoptic (local) forcing. From a seasonal perspective, the best results were obtained for the winter period, characterized by the greater influence of the South Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone. The onshore winds revealed a pattern of clockwise rotation as one moves towards higher latitudes. One hypothesis is that this pattern is a consequence of the synergistic influence of orography, coastline shape, land-sea drag difference, and air-sea interaction phenomena. Finally, this study indicates that the NWP system is promising, proving to be an important tool for managing activities related to the current oil and gas industry in addition to subsidizing the expansion of wind energy exploration.
Pleomorphic Adenoma Metastasizing to Mandible and Scalp: Presentation of Two Unique Cases
Authors: Su Vivian , Yun Jun , Sayeed Salmaan , Rubin Samuel , Ramirez Ricardo , Berger Michael , Khorsandi Azita , Chen Hua , Genden Eric , Teng Marita , Fan Jun , Wiedmer Christina , Brandwein-Weber Margaret , Urken Mark
Published: October 2023

Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma (MPA) is a rare salivary tumor that retains benign histopathology despite giving rise to metastases. The typical history of MPA is one of multiple local recurrences prior to developing metastasis. We present clinicoradiological and pathology data of two patients with MPA involving mandible and scalp and report their clinical course and surgical outcomes. Additionally, we review the literature on MPA affecting mandible and scalp subsites. One patient developed metastases 23 years after primary parotidectomy, without intervening recurrences. The other patient developed their first local recurrence 16 years after primary parotid resection. Later, developing multiple regional metastases to the scalp and mandible. Literature review revealed four prior reports of solitary mandibular MPA and five cases of MPA involving the scalp. MPA still represents a rare entity. It cannot be predicted as to which rare pleomorphic adenomas go on to develop metastases. Mandibular involvement might be misconstrued as local recurrence, but does represent a known site for “benign” metastases.
Identification of ROS and KEAP1 related genes and verified targets of α-hederin induce cell death for CRC
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhu Zhi-Min , Wang Kun
Published: October 2023

In this study, we analyzed and verified Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in ROS and KEAP1 crosstalk in oncogenic signatures using GEO datasets (GSE4107, GSE41328). Multiple pathway enrichment analyses were finished based on DEGs. The genetic signature for colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) was identified by using the Cox regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to explore the prognosis value of specific genes in COAD. The potential immune signatures and drug sensitivity prediction were also analyzed. Promising small-molecule agents were identified and predicted targets of α-hederin in SuperPred was validated by molecular docking. Also, expression levels of genes and Western blot analysis were conducted. In total, 48 genes were identified as DEGs, and the hub genes such as COL1A1, CXCL12, COL1A2, FN1, CAV1, TIMP3, IGFBP7 were identified. The ROS and KEAP1-associated gene signature comprised of hub key genes were developed for predicting the prognosis and evaluating the immune cell responses and immune infiltration in COAD. α-hederin, a potential anti-CRC agent, was found to enhance the sensitivity of HCT116 cells, regulate CAV1 and COL1A1, and decrease KEAP1, Nrf2, and HO-1 expression significantly. KEAP1-related genes could be an essential mediator of ROS in CRC, and KEAP1-associated genes were effective in predicting prognosis and evaluating individualized CRC treatment. Therefore, α-hederin may be an effective chemosensitizer for CRC treatments in clinical settings.
SIMBA for Students – teaching medical cases to pre-clinical medical and pharmacy students through online simulation: a pilot study
Authors: Swaminathan Aditya , Zhou Dengyi , Allison Isabel , Ogiliev Tamzin , Rezai Fatema , Morgan Georgia , Sheikh Haaziq , Abdelhameed Farah , Kaur Harjeet , Yip Alice , Cooper Catherine , Davitadze Meri , Melson Eka , Foster Paul A. , Dhir Vivek , team SIMBA and CoMICs , Kempegowda Punith
Published: October 2023

Background
Simulation-based learning (SBL) is superior to Small-group teaching (SGT) in training adaptability, situation awareness, critical assessment, and management. Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is a novel SBL approach that improves healthcare professionals’ applied learning skills. We adapted the SIMBA as a learning model for undergraduate medicine and pharmacy students. The performance and acceptance of SIMBA was compared to SGT.
Methods
SIMBA followed Kern et al.’s six-step conceptual framework and blended elements of the simulation game with Kolb’s experiential learning theory. All SIMBA and SGT sessions conducted for pre-clinical medical and pharmacy students from October 2020 to March 2022 were included. Knowledge gain and students’ acceptance of SIMBA and SGT were measured through multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and post-session surveys. The median MCQ score was compared between groups using Wilcoxon signed rank test.
Results
130 students attended 14 SIMBA sessions. After attending SGT sessions corresponding to SIMBA sessions, 150 students responded to post-SGT survey. Of these, 38 attended both SIMBA and SGT. Post-SIMBA MCQ scores were higher than post-SGT only (median: 75.0% vs 60.0%, p < .0001). MCQ scores were similar between those who attended only SIMBA and both SIMBA and SGT (75.0% vs 63.3%, p = .0731). Students reported SIMBA sessions were more enjoyable (89.2%), easier to follow (90.8%), engaging and interactive (81.5%), promoted new knowledge (90.0%), and provided a deeper understanding (93.9%) compared to SGT.
Conclusions
SIMBA demonstrated superiority over SGT for teaching endocrinology to pre-clinical medical and pharmacy students, offering advantages such as enhanced knowledge acquisition, engagement, and interaction.
Antimalaria Activity of Caffeine, Orally Administered with a Lipid-Based Formulation in a Murine Model
Authors: Fadare Olatomide A. , Omisore Nusrat O. , Fadare Racheal Y. , Oduwale Adelanke I. , Awofisayo Oladoja , Ogundolie Frank A. , Salaria Deeksha , Rolta Rajan , Adesanwo Julius K.
Published: October 2023

Despite Caffeine being known essentially for its psychoactive properties, an attempt was made in this study to investigate its potential antimalarial activity considering that it’s an alkaloid and that the malaria parasite is a purine auxotroph. In the baseline experiment, caffeine was administered at three doses (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) once daily in suppressive and curative models. The observed chemosuppression activity was comparable to that of chloroquine (CQ) in both experiments. In the baseline suppressive experiment, a chemosuppression of 70.39% for CQ (at 10 mg/kg) was observed, while caffeine had 78.90%, 80.73% and 81.95% at the respective doses. However, the survival index estimated based on the rate of survival of the experimental animals for 28 days post infection, was very low (the same trend was observed in the baseline curative experiment). This initial result showed that caffeine had potential as an antimalarial agent relative to the standard drug, chloroquin, and the lipid-based formulation must have played a role in ensuring that the caffeine had enhanced bioavailability. A follow-up experiment was conducted in which the caffeine was administered twice daily (at 20 mg/kg) in suppressive and curative experiments. The observed chemosuppression in the suppressive test (with twice daily administration), showed that caffeine at 20 mg/kg had similar antiplasmodial activity with chloroquine (10 mg/kg). Both had chemosuppression of 53.6% and 54.36% respectively and a survival index of 100% was recorded for both compounds. The curative experiment that followed (also with twice daily administration) further showed that caffeine compares favourably with chloroquine. Caffeine exhibited 45.92%, 72.00%, 69.87% chemosuppression as compared to chloroquine with 20.97%, 65.64%, 60.95% for 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment respectively. Caffeine’s survival index was very high and much better than what was observed in the once daily administration experiment. A survival index of 93% was observed in the twice daily administration curative experiment against the 53% survival index observed in the once daily curative experiment. It is assumed that apart from the fact that the lipid-based oral delivery system ensured that the caffeine was effectively absorbed, bypassing liver first-pass, the twice daily administration also helped to sustain large concentrations of the caffeine in the blood to offset the rapid clearance that caffeine is known for.
Association between miR-17-92 gene promoter polymorphisms and depression in a Chinese population
Authors: Liang Peng , Yang Xue , Li Yue , Wang Ziling , Liang Yundan
Published: October 2023

Background
Depression is a common chronic debilitating disease with a heavy social burden. single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can affect the function of microRNAs (miRNAs), which is in turn associated with neurological diseases. However, the association between SNPs located in the promoter region of miR-17-92 and the risk of depression remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the association between rs982873, rs9588884 and rs1813389 polymorphisms in the promoter region of miR-17-92 and the incidence of depression in a Chinese population.
Methods
we used GWAS (Genome-wide association study) and NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) to screen three SNPs in the miR-17-92 cluster binding sites. A case-control study (including 555 cases and 541 controls) was conducted to investigate the relationship between the SNPs and risk of depression in different regions of China. The gene sequencing ii was used to genotype the collected blood samples.
Results
the following genotypes were significantly associated with a reduced risk of depression: rs982873 TC (TC vs TT: OR = 0.72, 95% CI, 0.54–0.96, P = 0.024; TC/CC vs TT: OR = 0.74, 95% Cl, 0.56–0.96, P = 0.025); CG genotype of rs9588884 (CG vs CC: OR = 0.74, 95% CI, 0.55–0.98, P = 0.033; CG/GG vs CC: OR = 0.75, 95% Cl, 0.57–0.98, P = 0.036); and AG genotype of rs1813389 (AG vs AA: OR = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.57-1.00, P = 0.049; AG/GG vs AA: OR = 0.76, 95% Cl, 0.59-1.00, P = 0.047). Stratified analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between the three SNPS and variables such as family history of suicidal tendency (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
our findings suggest that rs982873, rs9588884, and rs1813389 polymorphisms may be associated with protective factors for depression.
SARS-CoV-2 may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) associated with COVID-19: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Li-Shen , Wang Zhi-Han , Huang Rui , Li Wei-Shuai , Zheng Dong-Ming
Published: October 2023

Background: During the past three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 has been recognized to cause various neurological complications, including rare posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). However, it remains controversial whether infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or widely coexisting known factors of PRES such as hypertension, acute kidney injury, and the use of immunosuppressants in COVID-19 patients play the main role in the pathogenesis of PRES associated with COVID-19.
Case presentation: Here we report a case of PRES in an 18-year-old female with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection who had no known factors related to PRES. We also conducted a literature search using PubMed for similar cases of PRES associated with COVID-19 and summarized the clinical characteristics of these patients.
Conclusions: These cases strongly suggest that among the numerous factors that may trigger PRES in COVID-19, the infection itself may be one of the core factors.
Early morning anopheline mosquito biting, a potential driver of malaria transmission in Busia County, western Kenya Investigators
Authors: Odero Julius I. , Abong’o Bernard , Moshi Vincent , Ekodir Sheila , Harvey Steven A. , Ochomo Eric , Gimnig John E. , Achee Nicole L. , Grieco John P. , Oria Prisca A. , Monroe April
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) contributed significantly to the decline in malaria since 2000. Their protective efficacy depends not only on access, use, and net integrity, but also location of people within the home environment and mosquito biting profiles. Anopheline mosquito biting and human location data were integrated to identify potential gaps in protection and better understand malaria transmission dynamics in Busia County, western Kenya.
Methodology. Direct observation of human activities and human landing catches (HLC) were performed hourly between 1700 to 0700 hrs. Household members were recorded as home or away; and, if at home, as indoors/outdoors, awake/asleep, and under a net or not. Aggregated data was analyzed by weighting hourly anopheline biting activity with human location. Standard indicators of human-vector interaction were calculated using a Microsoft Excel template.
Results. There was no significant difference between indoor and outdoor biting for An. gambiae s.l. (RR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.65-1.03); significantly fewer An. funestus were captured outdoors than indoors (RR= 0.41; 95% CI 0.25-0.66). Biting peaked before dawn and extended into early morning hours when people began to awake and perform routine activities, between 0400-0700 hrs for An. gambiaeand 0300-0700 hrs for An. funestus. The study population away from home peaked at 1700-1800 hrs (58%), gradually decreased and remained constant at 10% throughout the night, before rising again to 40% by 0600-0700 hrs. When accounting for resident location, nearly all bites within the peri-domestic space occurred indoors for unprotected people (98%). Using an ITN while sleeping was estimated to prevent 79% and 82% of bites for An. gambiae and An. funestus respectively. For an ITN user, most remaining exposure to bites occurred indoors in the hours before bed and early morning.
Conclusion. While use of an ITN was estimated to prevent most vector bites in this context, results suggest gaps in protection, particularly in the early hours of the morning when biting peaks and many people are awake and active. Assessment of additional human exposure points, including outside of the peri-domestic setting, are needed to guide supplementary interventions for transmission reduction.
MRI based semi-quantitative scoring system analysis of thigh muscles in patients with VCP disease
Authors: Columbres Rod Carlo A. , Yu Hon J. , Horiuchi Saya , Tang Bryan , Chin Yue , Gargus Mathew , Surampalli Abhilasha , Caiozzo Vincent J. , Yoshioka Hiroshi , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: October 2023

Inclusion body myopathy with Paget’s disease and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) or VCP disease or multisystem proteinopathy-1 (MSP1), is a rare disease caused by mutations in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene that commonly manifests as proximal myopathy. We investigated the value of a 5-grade semi-quantitative scoring system based on MRI for studying myopathy progression in VCP disease. Among the subjects, twelve (60%) had varying degrees of VCP disease, two (10%) were asymptomatic carriers, and six (30%) were healthy first-degree relatives who served as controls for the VCP patients. The mean age of myopathy onset was 39.9 years (range: 25–51) while the mean myopathy duration at enrollment was 10.4 years (range: 3–31). We found that the vastii, sartorius, and adductor magnus muscles in VCP disease patients demonstrated a significantly higher fatty infiltration, whereas the adductor longus and rectus femoris muscles were relatively spared. Moreover, we observed a one-grade increase in fatty infiltration with each ten-year increase in disease duration. Our study shows that the semi-quantitative method based on MRI offers a rapid and non-invasive approach to improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of VCP disease and can be utilized to monitor disease progression effectively.
Lung-derived soluble factors support stemness/plasticity and metastatic behaviour of breast cancer cells via the FGF2-DACH1 axis
Authors: Bhat Vasudeva , Piaseczny Matthew , Goodale David , Sadri Ashkan , Patel Urvi , Allan Alison. L
Published: October 2023

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have an increased propensity to develop lung metastasis. Our previous studies demonstrated that stem-like ALDHhiCD44+ breast cancer cells interact with lung-derived soluble factors, resulting in enhanced migration and lung metastasis particularly in TNBC models. We have also observed that the presence of a primary TNBC tumor can ‘prime’ the lung microenvironment in preparation for metastasis. In this study, we hypothesized that soluble lung-derived factors secreted in the presence of a primary TNBC tumor can influence stemness/plasticity of breast cancer cells. Using an ex vivo pulmonary metastasis assay (PuMA), we observed that the lung microenvironment supports colonization and growth of ALDHhiCD44+ TNBC cells, potentially via interactions with lung-derived FGF2. Exposure of TNBC cells to lung-conditioned media (LCM) generated from mice bearing TNBC primary tumors (tbLCM) significantly enhanced the proportion of ALDHhiCD44+ cells compared to control or LCM from tumor-naïve mice (tnLCM). Further analysis using a human cancer stem cell qPCR array revealed that, relative to tnLCM or control, exposure of TNBC cells to tbLCM leads to downregulation of the transcription factor and putative tumor suppressor Dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1), a downstream regulator of FGF2. In addition, inhibition of DACH1 using siRNA or treatment with recombinant FGF2 enhanced the ALDHhiCD44+ phenotype. Taken together, our findings suggest that the FGF2-DACH1 signaling axis supports stemness/plasticity of TNBC cells in the lung microenvironment and lays the foundation for future evaluation of FGF2 as a potential novel therapeutic target for treatment or prevention of breast cancer metastasis to the lung.
Robust Humanoid Robot Vehicle Ingress with A Finite State Machine Integrated with Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Wang Chenzheng , Chen Xuechao , Yu Zhangguo , Dong Yue , Chen Kehong , Gergondet Pierre
Published: October 2023

Ingress task is crucial in a humanoid robot's attempt to drive a land vehicle and reach its destination fast. Previous work is inefficient in granting robots the ability to enter a vehicle from random starting position and orientation or withstand elasticity in vehicles, which are both hard to model. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) could be introduced to address these issues. Previous applications of DRL in humanoid control tend to use consistent reward terms for the whole control process, which is not suitable for the ingress task with many distinctive states.

This letter proposes a novel Finite State Machine control method integrated with Deep Reinforcement Learning for the humanoid ingress task. It collects the robot's status at the end of each state and immediately adjusts its next move. It has 97 percent ingress success rate with random initial displacement and vehicle elasticity in simulation.
A new attempt at full-scale jump connectivity and Transformer
Authors: yin luyan , chen haijun
Published: October 2023

In this research, we introduce SwinUnet3+, a pioneering algorithm that integrates Unet with Transformer, to facilitate the automatic segmentation of three primary tissues—subcutaneous fat layer, muscle, and intramuscular fat—in the thoracoabdominal region under challenging conditions, including subcutaneous soft tissue swelling, gas accumulation, artifacts, and fistulas. Our model showcases superior performance in body composition segmentation tasks, with improvements in DSC, IoU, sensitivity, and positive predictive value by 3.2%, 6.05%, 4.03%, and 2.34%, respectively. Notably, in segmenting subcutaneous fat, intramuscular fat, and muscle, SwinUnet3 + yielded the best outcomes. However, the model does exhibit certain limitations, such as a reliance on vast amounts of training data and potential challenges in handling certain image types. Additionally, high-resolution images may pose computational efficiency concerns. In conclusion, while SwinUnet3 + offers considerable advantages in complex medical image segmentation tasks, its limitations warrant acknowledgment. Future research will focus on addressing these challenges and enhancing the model's robustness and generalization capabilities.
A Systematic Review of the Factors Influencing the Risky Behaviors of Syrian Forced Migrant Children and Adolescents in Turkey.
Authors: Arifoglu Ahmed Taha , ARTAN Taner
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to systematically review and synthesize research investigating the risky behaviors of Syrian children living in Turkey. The study was conducted through a systematic review of articles published in the Scopus database between 2011 and the present day, and met the STROBE reporting criteria. The inclusion criteria for studies in the systematic review were established, and studies that focused on Syrian-origin forced migrant child-adolescents aged 7–18 years and investigated risky behaviors without a clinical diagnosis and treatment purpose were included. Four studies with 32 citations and a sample of 790 children were examined. The study revealed issues in measuring risky behaviors in studies on this topic, primarily involving studies that define risky behaviors as emotional and behavioral problems and studies that examine or correlate these behaviors with psychiatric, psychological, socio-demographic, and acculturative factors. The study concluded that there are numerous factors influencing risky behaviors, including those related to traumatic life events due to war, psychopathology, acculturation-related factors, and socio-demographic factors. The most significant finding highlighted in the study is the need for methodological improvements and context-specific studies to be repeated in future research, to ensure statistical generalizability and clinical implications in research on this subject.