bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on the Saudi FDA Regulatory Experience with Smart GxP Inspections
Authors: Alhomaidan Ali M , Al-Murikhi Nawaf G. , Al-Qarni Morae A. , Fahaadi Fahad A. AL , Otaibi Khalid S. AL , Hafiz Radwan , Almadani Ohoud A. , Rafie Turki A. AL , Ageel Mohammed A. AL , Dahhas Mohammed A.
Published: January 2024

Smart GxP inspections have gained increasing attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which, understandably, made it challenging for regulatory authorities to conduct on-site inspections. Smart GxP inspections are an oversight approach developed by the SFDA to enable remote compliance assessments of establishments. In this type of inspection, appropriate technical methods and tools (such as livestreaming video) are used without requiring the presence of inspectors onsite, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and the efficiency of inspection process. The objective of this research is to examine and document the shared encounters involving remote inspections and evaluations carried out by SFDA from 2020 to 2022. This will be achieved through the evaluation of the accuracy of document evaluation and the extent to which the objectives of smart GxP inspections were met. Data were collected from local and international smart inspections reports conducted by SFDA between 2020 and 2022, covering medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, warehouses, accreditation offices, scientific offices, and food manufacturing facilities. The results indicate that smart GxP inspections were effective in achieving visit objectives, showing a high degree of document evaluation accuracy. The findings of this study support the use of smart GxP inspections as a valuable alternative to on-site inspections, offering a practical solution to regulatory compliance during the pandemic and beyond. Although the SFDA recognizes the usefulness of smart inspections in upholding regulatory oversight in the face of various challenges, it does not endorse the complete replacement of conventional on-site inspection methods. The SFDA acknowledges significant limitations associated with the current technological resources used in remote regulatory assessments, and these limitations will be explored in the relevant sections.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. coronafaciens, causing a new bacterial halo blight disease on oat (Avena sativa L.) in China
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Zhang Ruochen , Chen Taixiang , Wei Xuekai , Kamran Malik , White James F , Zhao Guiqin , Li Chunjie
Published: January 2024

Pseudomonas syringae pv. coronafaciens (Ps-c) is a pathogenic bacterium species that can be found in agricultural environments that causes diseases in plants. During a survey in 2019–2020 of different areas, bacterial halo blight (BHB) caused by Ps-c in oat (Avena sativa L.) was observed in many oat fields in Huan county, Gansu Province of China. Average leaf disease incidence was approximately 1 to 14%. The symptoms of BHB were mainly observed on leaves of oat and appeared as white to yellow streaks. After 20–30 d, the streaks became yellow necrotic lesions and spread to whole leaves, eventually causing leaves to wilt and decline. Symptomatic leaves of affected oats were collected from locations to investigate the etiology of BHB disease, and a group of 32 bacterial isolates (HK7) phenotypically similar was consistently isolated from the necrotic lesion margins in all samples. Pathogenicity tests of this group isolates by wounding and injection inoculations in greenhouse demonstrated that the symptoms induced by them on oat were similar to those observed in the field. HK7 isolates were identified as Ps-c based on Biolog Gen III MicroStation, morphological, physiological and biochemical characterization, 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequence analysis, which compared with a reference strain (Ps-c ATCC 19608). Furthermore, Ps-c had a narrow host range and was host specific. After inoculation of Ps-c on A. sativa (B7) and A. nuda (B2) in greenhouse, effective tillers, plant height, flag-leaf length, flag-leaf width, fresh weight, dry weight, panicle length, grains per spike, reproductive branches number and thousand grains weight of infected oat were averagely decreased by 19.44%, 11.49%, 11.34%, 9.23%, 11.61%, 7.57%, 6.11%, 9.73%, 9.31% and 4.15% compared with that of healthy oat, respectively. Therefore, BHB (Ps-c) is a new bacterial disease on oat in China and has negative influences on plant growth, forage and grain yield of oat, and these negative effects are enhanced with the increase of disease severity.
Nomogram-Based Prediction of the Risk of AVF Maturation :A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhao Bin , Wang Hui , Wang YuZhu , Zhan Shen , Yu Pei
Published: January 2024

Objective: Early identification of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure among end stage renal disease (ESRD) is crucial since it will likely allow early intervention to improve AVF maturation rate and shorten the duration of catheter usage. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram for predicting AVF maturity in ESRD patients and explore the optimal timing of intervention for promaturity.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we assembled a retrospective cohort of 543 ESRD patients who had undergone AVF creation and routine follow-up at the Beijing Haidian Hospital (Haidian Section of Pecking University Third Hospital) between August 2018-and March 2022. A total of 532 subjects were randomly divided into the training cohort (389 cases) and the validation cohort (143 cases). In each cohort, the patients were divided into mature and non-mature groups according to whether arrived clinical or ultrasound criteria on three months after AVF creation. The timing of early intervention for non-maturation AVF was preliminarily discussed after a risk prediction nomogram for non-maturation in newly AVF creation was constructed.
Results: Among the total of 532 patients included, 379 (73.24%) of whom achieved fistula maturation at 3 months postoperatively. We randomly divided the total study population using computer-generated randomization into a training cohort (n=389) and a validation cohort (n=143) in approximately a 7:3 ratio. For the training cohort, our study found that the anastomotic diameter (anas1), internal diameter of the anastomotic vein(V1), and brachial artery blood flow (F1) at 1 month postoperatively were associated with the maturity. We generated a maturation nomogram in the training cohort (area under the curve [AUC], 0.938 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.908-0.967]; sensitivity 0.911; specificity 0.856) and validated the model in the validation cohort (AUC, 0.927 [95% CI,0.879-0.975]; sensitivity 0.870; specificity 0.886). The calibration curve showed optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation.
Conclusion: The nomogram can help clinicians identify the arteriovenous AVF maturation in ESRD patients. Our research also suggests that one month may be the optimal timing of non-maturity intervention for AVF.
Physics-informed two-tier neural network for non-linear model order reduction
Authors: Hong Yankun , Bansal Harshit , Veroy Karen
Published: January 2024

In recent years, machine learning (ML) has had a great impact in the area of non-intrusive, non-linear model order reduction (MOR). However, the offline training phase often still entails high computational costs since it requires numerous, expensive, full-order solutions as the training data. Furthermore, in state-of-the-art methods, neural networks trained by a small amount of training data cannot be expected to generalize sufficiently well, and the training phase often ignores the underlying physical information when it is applied with MOR. Moreover, state-of-the-art MOR techniques that ensure an efficient online stage, such as hyper reduction techniques, are either intrusive or entail high offline computational costs. To resolve these challenges, inspired by recent developments in physics-informed and physics-reinforced neural networks, we propose a non-intrusive, physics-informed, two-tier deep network (TTDN) method. The proposed network, in which the first tier achieves the regression of the unknown quantity of interest and the second tier rebuilds the physical constitutive law between the unknown quantities of interest and derived quantities, is trained using pretraining and semi-supervised learning strategies. To illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach, we perform numerical experiments on challenging non-linear and non-affine problems, including multi-scale mechanics problems.
Modified Percutaneous Post-closure Technique for Bedside Weaning of Veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Xu Chen , Xu Guo-xiong , Cao Yi-fei , Chen Lei , Jin Yi-qi
Published: January 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a modified percutaneous post-closure technique for bedside arterial cannula removal of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).
Materials:
Between December 2022 and August 2023, the data of all VA-ECMO patients weaned at our center were retrospectively reviewed. A modified post-closure technique with two ProGlide devices (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) was adopted as a routine practice. The success of the technique was defined as achieving immediate hemostasis without a bailout open repair. The post-procedural complications included bleeding events, pseudoaneurysm, limb ischemia, distal embolization, and infection at the access site.
Results
Overall, nine patients were included in this study. The mean age was 69.7 ± 12.9 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The mean arterial sheath size was 16.7 ± 1.3 Fr. The mean duration of the procedure was 10.9 ± 2.2 min, and the mean length of stay in the intensive care unit after weaning was 16.2 ± 4.5 days. The efficacy of the technique achieved a success rate of 100%. A single patient (11.1%) developed minor bleeding, successfully managed with compression, and no more problems were observed following the procedure.
Conclusions
A modified post-closure technique was a feasible and safe strategy for VA-ECMO bedside weaning and may be considered an alternative option.
Effect of replacing ground corn with forage palm Nopalea cochenillifera on feed intake and digestibility, water intake, milk production and composition in Holstein x Zebu dairy cows.
Authors: SILVA REGINALDO MUNIZ DA , PIRES AURELIANO JOSÉ VIEIRA , SILVA FABIANO FERREIRA DA , NOGUEIRA MESSIAS DE SOUZA , JÚNIOR HERMÓGENES ALMEIDA DE SANTANA , ALVES GABRIELA DOS SANTOS
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption and digestibility of nutrients, production and composition of milk, and water intake of lactating dairy cows fed standard diets in which corn (M) was replaced by forage palm (PF). Eight Girolando cows (½ Holstein/Zebu blood), 3rd calf multiparous, with 60 to 80 days of lactation and an average weight of 450.0 ± 30.0 kg, were randomly distributed in a double Latin square (4x4). Four experimental diets were evaluated: (100% M + 0% PF), (66.6% M + 33.3% PF), (33.3% M + 66.6% PF) and (0% M + 100% PF). There was a difference (P<0.05) in the consumption of CP and EE (kg.day1), with a quadratic effect and a linear reduction, respectively, with substitution. The maximum CP consumption of 3.05 kg.day-1 was found at 46.07% and EE consumption fell by 3.81g for each percentage unit of palm added to the diet. There was a quadratic difference (P<0.05) for DM consumption in %PC and g.kg PC0,75, with maximum values of 3.97%PC and 186.8 g.kg PC0,75 with the substitution of 54.83 and 53.17%, respectively. There was a quadratic effect (P<0.05) for the consumption of NDF in %PC, with the maximum intake of 1.3% at the 74.69% substitution level. There was a linear reduction (P<0.05) in the digestibility of DM, NDF and NDT, and for the other nutrients there was no substitution effect (P>0.05). There was no difference (P>0.05) in milk production and composition. There was a linear reduction (P<0.05) in water intake. Forage palm can be used in a promising way to replace corn up to a level of 100% in the diet of lactating dairy cows.
Numerical Modeling of Flow in Complex Arterial Geometries using FreeFem ++
Authors: Carvalho P. P. , Carvalho V. de O. , Braga V. L. , Neto O. P. de Sá
Published: January 2024

This study performs a numerical analysis of the flow in a common thoracic aortic artery, to model the experimental results of fluid flow, with emphasis on volumetric velocity input data. We used the open-source software FreeFem++ to encode the data, the anatomical arterial geometries were collected from Vascular Model Repository, and Paraview as a post-processing tool.The mathematical model adopted is based on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations under Dirichlet-Neumann boundary conditions, solved numerically using the Finite Element Method, Finite Difference Method, and Method of Characteristics. The resulting computer simulations systematically examine various parameters associated with blood flow, particularly mean pressure and flow characteristics at the inlet and outlet surfaces
Design Of a Compact Ultra-Wideband Antenna for Wireless Communication
Authors: Ahmed A. Y , Salah A. I , Mumin Abdul Rashid. , Osman Shakib A. , Hussien Anisa A. , Mohamud Y. A.
Published: January 2024

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology heralds a swiftly evolving wireless communication medium with a high data rate. Embracing this burgeoning technology poses numerous challenges. The primary concern is crafting an antenna element optimized for the expansive UWB frequency band. Equally crucial is the development of UWB antenna beam-forming systems that incorporate a suite of UWB components—feed networks, transitions, crossovers, hybrid couplers, and phase shifters aligned meticulously with UWB standards. This article recommends deploying an Ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna tailored for UWB applications, operating within the 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz range. The goal is a compact, linear antenna with a VSWR of 2, ensuring compliance with UWB requirements. Extensive research examines the antenna's characteristics, encompassing radiation patterns and maximum gain. Notably, the proposed UWB antenna maintains a stable impedance (Za) of 50 Ω, successfully achieving a 3.1 to 10.6 GHz bandwidth. Empirical measurements validated the calculations, confirming gains of 2.45dBi at 3.1 GHz and 6.62dBi at 10.6 GHz.
Meat production traits of a new breed called Lalahan sheep in Turkey: Fattening, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of lambs
Authors: Ünal Necmettin , Arslan Rabia , Yakan Akın
Published: January 2024

This study was carried out to investigate fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of Lalahan genotype lambs at different slaughter weights. The animal material of the study consisted of 36 male lambs of Lalahan genotype, randomly divided into 3 groups and fed intensively. Six lambs were slaughtered from each group with average weights of 35 (Gr35), 40 (Gr40) and 45 kg (Gr45). Average daily weight gain (DWG) 241,50 ± 17,90; 243,33 ± 29,68 and 235,45 ± 26,15 g; feed conversion rate (FCR) 3,590; 3,958 and 4,392 kg were calculated. Cold dressing were 45,26 ± 0,57%, 44,66 ± 1,15 and 46,11 ± 0,85%; carcass lean, fat and bone ratios were 61,82 ± 0,60%, 61,04 ± 0,47 and 57,53 ± 0,74% (P < 0,001); 13,57 ± 0,24%, 14,05 ± 0,17 and 19,46 ± 0,68% (P < 0,001); 18,52 ± 0,68%; 18,58 ± 0,42 and 17,99 ± 0,34 (P < 0,001); leg, back and loin ratios were 31,57 ± 0,71, 30,04 ± 0,58 and 28,41 ± 0,27 (P < 0,01); 13,39 ± 0,23, 12,63 ± 0,46 and 14,72 ± 0,56 (P < 0,05); 8,41 ± 0,13, 7,88 ± 0,26 and 7,19 ± 0,12 (P < 0,001) (P < 0,001). It was determined that lean/fat ratio in Gr30 and Gr35 was higher than the Gr45 (P < 0.001), but meat/bone ratio was similar in all groups. It was concluded that the Lalahan genotype was similar or better than the Kıvırcık breed from which the genotype originated in terms of fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics, had the potential for meat production in steppe climatic conditions and 40 kg weight could be recommended as the appropriate slaughter weight.
Note On Importance of Correct Stoichiometric Assumptions for Modeling of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Gibiansky Leonid , Gibiansky Ekaterina
Published: January 2024

Modeling of monoclonal antibodies with non-linear binding is based on equations of the target-mediated drug disposition (Mager and Jusko, 2001). These equations demonstrated their utility for modeling monoclonal antibodies (mABs) in countless examples and drug development programs. The model assumes that the drug and the target have only one binding site each while most antibodies have two binding sites. We investigated, using simulations, whether this discrepancy is important and when it is advisable to use a model with correct stoichiometric 2-to-1 ratio. It was shown that for soluble targets when elimination rate of the drug-target complex is comparable with the elimination rate of the drug or lower, and when measurements of both total drug and total target concentrations are available, the model with 1-to-1 binding cannot describe data simulated from the model with 2-to-1 binding. In these cases, models with correct stoichiometric assumptions may be necessary for an adequate description of the observed data. Also, a model with allosteric binding that encompasses both 2-to-1 and 1-to-1 binding models as particular cases was proposed and applied. It was shown to be identifiable given the detailed concentration data of total drug and total target.
Deep understanding of the dependence between capillary adhesion behavior and meniscus Kelvin radius or interface micromorphology
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Liu Xinyang , Ran Xin , Li Hongli , Zhao Huining , Yang Lei , Xia Haojie
Published: January 2024

With the structure and device entering the micro/nano scale, the interaction between micro devices is mainly governed by the interface forces. The capillary adhesion force, as the main component of the interface force, significantly affects the detection accuracy and reliability of the micro/nano measurement system. In this paper, an accurate parameterized theoretical model of the capillary force related to relative humidity considering a non-constant Kelvin equilibrium radius, as well as a model with respect to surface roughness derived from a sinusoidal characteristic microtopography under the partially infiltrated state of surface microcosmic grooves are established which can more accurately describe the capillary adhesion behavior between real workpiece surfaces. A high-sensitivity force measurement system using the probe tip on micrometre scale is developed to measure capillary forces. The experiment results demonstrate the accuracy of the theoretical models and reveal the relationship between effective distance, rate of change of the capillary force with the relative humidity or surface roughness. This work will expand the scope of understanding of the interaction effects appeared on micrometer-scale probe tips and lead to many potential applications of the interface interaction in micro- and nanotechnology.
Downregulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated gene expression by Fraglide-1, a PPARγ agonist isolated from aromatic vinegar
Authors: Kato Kosuke , Akamatsu Miki , Kakimaru Saya , Koreishi Mayuko , Takagi Masahiro , Miyashita Masahiro , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Satoh Ayano , Tsujino Yoshio
Published: January 2024

Fraglide-1 (FG1), a lactone isolated from the traditional Chinese Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar Kozu, has previously demonstrated antiobesity, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Given the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and its association with the neurotrophic factor artemin, we investigated the potential of FG1 as an AhR ligand in this study. Docking simulations revealed promising interactions between FG1 and AhR. Subsequent cell-based reporter assays using a human skin keratinocyte cell line showed that FG1 effectively suppressed the AhR-mediated induction of genes with a xenobiotic response element (AhR/XRE), which in turn downregulated the expression of artemin, a biomarker of atopic dermatitis. FG1 demonstrated not only comparable efficacy but also superior safety compared with the known AhR inhibitor StemRegenin 1. These results not only underscore the therapeutic promise of FG1 in atopic dermatitis but also reinforce its previously known bioactivities, such as antiobesity, antifungal, and antioxidant effects, which indicate that it is a versatile compound with multiple health benefits.
The influence mechanism of urban built environment on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Deng Shuguang , Liang Jinlong , Peng Ying , Liu Wei , Su Jinhong , Zhu Shuyan
Published: January 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major public health concern, and their morbidity is influenced by various built environment elements. This paper aims to investigate the influence mechanisms of different built environment elements on CVDs, and to provide a theoretical foundation for health-oriented urban planning and CVD prevention. We selected the Xixiangtang built-up area of Nanning city as the case study area, and used the distribution data of CVDs and urban point of interests (POIs) as the main data sources. We applied spatial autocorrelation analysis, kernel density analysis, and geographic detector methods to examine the spatial correlation and influence of urban built environment elements on CVD samples. The results show that both the built environment elements and the CVD samples have a spatially clustered distribution, and there is a significant positive correlation between the distribution density of each environmental element and the CVD morbidity. Among the environmental elements, medical care has the largest influence on CVDs, followed by shopping consumption, catering and food, and transportation facilities, while parks and squares and the road network have relatively small influence.
Adsorption of Cd and Mn from neutral mine effluents using bentonite, zeolite, and stabilized dewatered sludge
Authors: Prepilková Veronika , Poništ Juraj , Ďuricová Anna , Salva Jozef , Schwarz Marián , Samešová Dagmar , Mordačová Martina
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the adsorption efficiency of Cd and Mn using natural sorbents - bentonite, zeolite and stabilized digested dewatered waste sludge. The main contributions of the scientific article are in adding to the scientific knowledge of the use of natural and waste sorbents in the removal of heavy metals from neutral mine effluents. Current studies mainly focus on metal removal by sorption using natural sorbents from acid mine drainage. Our study investigates sorption in neutral mine drainage. The maximum efficiency of Mn removal by bentonite at the end of the test was approximately 90%. The removal of Mn by zeolite was considerably lower - about 20% compared to the use of sludge - 80%. Based on the sorption efficiency, the sludge was suitable for sorption. Much higher levels of Cd sorption were achieved using sludge compared to using natural bentonite and zeolite. The main novelty of the work lies in the sorption of metals using dewatered digested sludge. Previous studies have focused on metal sorption using activated sludge. Another novelty of our scientific paper is the comparison of the sorption of this waste sorbent with natural sorbents.
The real-world-data of immune-checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy for unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer: A multi- institutional cohort study
Authors: Sato Sho , Suzuki Takashi , Chinen Yakashi , Yamaguchi Hironori , Suzuki Yusuke , Hokamura Nobukazu , Saze Zenichiro , Kono Koji , Takahashi Keita , Yano Fumiaki , Kunisaki Chikara , Kosaka Takashi , Endo Itaru , Ichikawa Yasushi , Miyawaki yutaka , Sato Hiroshi , Shimada Hideaki
Published: January 2024

Background

The real-world efficacy, feasibility, and prognostic factors of immune-checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy for unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer are not fully established.

Methods

This multi-institutional retrospective cohort study evaluated 77 consecutive patients treated with immune-checkpoint-inhibitor combination therapy for esophageal cancer between March 2021 and December 2022. We assessed tumor response, safety, and long-term survival.

Results

In patients with measurable lesions, the response rate was 60%, and the disease control rate for all enrolled patients was 78%. Five patients (6.5%) underwent successful conversion surgery. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 35% of patients, but no treatment-related deaths were reported. Median progression-free survival was 9.7 (95% confidence interval: 6.5-13 months). C-reactive protein levels and performance status were identified as significant predictors of progression-free survival through Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Conclusions

Immune-checkpoint-inhibitor combination therapy for esophageal cancer demonstrated comparable tumor response, safety, and long-term survival to previous randomized clinical trials. Patients with good performance status and low C-reactive protein levels may be suitable candidates for this treatment.
Differences in the permeability and function of eggshell in different-aged eggs of Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Zheng Changying , Huo Haoyu , Li Wenyu , Sun Lijuan
Published: January 2024

The western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an economically important invasive pest of crops in China. Previous work showed that the insecticide spirotetramat has lethal effects on Frankliniella occidentalis eggs, but that these effects decrease as the eggs age. It was hypothesized that the eggshell becomes less permeable to spirotetramat as the egg ages. Thus, the current study examined age-related changes in eggshell permeability by removing the eggshell using sodium hypochlorite solution. Eggs that were 0-h old ruptured, whereas 24-h-old eggs developed insoluble endoplasmic layers and embryonic development was normal. However, these eggs were more sensitive to spirotetramat treatment compared with control eggs, with only 11.67% of eggs surviving. Furthermore, when exposed to air, the rate of water loss from eggs reduced with age, with 0-h-old eggs shriveling within 10 min of exposure to air compared with 20 min for 24-h-old and 48-h-old eggs. Together, these results suggest that 0-h-old eggs have only thin eggshells, with poor water retention ability and weak resistance to chemicals; therefore, exposure of F. occidentalis eggs to insecticides should occur as early as possible during the egg-laying cycle. Thus, this study provides a basis for improving the biochemical control of F. occidentalis by using spirotetramat.
Healthy beverage index and non-alcoholic fatty liver; Ravansar Non- Communicable Disease (RaNCD) Cohort Study
Authors: Sadafi Sepehr , Azizi Ali , Rezaeian Shahab , Pasdar Yahya
Published: January 2024

Background
The quality of beverages can have an impact on the metabolic system. The objective of this study was to explore the association between Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults.
Methods
We included 6,276 participants aged 35 to 65 from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study at baseline. NAFLD is defined based on the fatty liver index (FLI), calculated using anthropometric measurements and non-invasive markers. The HBI was developed using a combination of water, low-fat milk, 100% fruit juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, met fluid requirement and % energy from beverages. Logistic and linear regression models were employed to investigate the associations of the HBI and NAFLD.
Results
The average FLI was significantly lower in the first tertile of HBI compared to the third tertile (47.83 vs. 45.77; P = 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, the odds of NAFLD decreased by 28% (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.82) in the second tertile of HBI and by 21% in the third tertile (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.91). There is an inverse association between the level of Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) with HBI, although this association was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
The study findings indicate an inverse association between NAFLD and HBI. Therefore, it is recommended to consume healthy beverages and without added sugar. However, additional longitudinal studies are required to examine the association between beverage consumption and the development of NAFLD.
A split crRNA with CRISPR-Cas12a enables highly sensitive, selective, and multiplexed detection of RNA and DNA
Authors: liu yi , Chen Yichuan , Wang Xinping , He Baoxia , yin wenhao , Qiao Jie
Published: January 2024

The complete 40-nt CRISPR RNA (crRNA) of Cas12a can be artificially divided into two parts, including the 20-nt scaffold RNA with fixed sequences and the 20-nt spacer RNA with variable sequences, respectively. Herein, we found that Cas12a protein, scaffold RNA, and spacer RNA can be reassembled into an active ribonucleoprotein (RNP) which has a trans-cleavage activity comparable to that of wild-type Cas12a RNP. By leveraging such split CRISPR-Cas12a system (SCas12a), we devised fast fluorescence and lateral flow assays for highly sensitive, selective, and multiplexed detection of miRNAs without the need for reverse transcription and pre-amplification, achieving a limit of detection (LoD) of 10 fM. Additionally, our SCas12a assay enables detecting long-stranded RNA without secondary structure, as well as distinguishing mature miRNA from its precursor (pre-miRNA) that comprises the same sequence of miRNA. Beyond RNA detection, SCas12a outperforms wild-type Cas12a in specificity towards DNA point mutations. In combination with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), we set up a one-pot assay to detect attomolar concentrations of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patient samples. In conclusion, this work provides a simple, cost-effective, yet powerful SCas12a-based rapid nucleic acid detection platform in various diagnostic settings.
Factors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin-G titer levels in convalescent whole-blood donors: A Chinese cross-sectional study
Authors: Tan Donglin , Du Xinman , Tang Jingyun , Liu Humin , Li Meng , Kang Jianxun , Li Xiaochun , Li Ying , Luo Yue , Wang Qing , Gu Xiaobo , zhao Zonghan , Fu Xuemei , Chen Xue
Published: January 2024

Blood transfusions from convalescent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients could be used to treat patients with severe infections or immunocompromised patients. However, it is necessary to select the optimal donors to maximize the utilization of resources. In this study, we investigated the associations among body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoking, exercise frequency and duration, and alcohol consumption with the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibody titer levels with in the Chinese convalescent blood donor population. Here we show that BMI, smoking habits, and exercise frequency appear to be predictive factors for IgG levels in convalescent male blood donors. However, these variables were not observed as predictive of IgG levels in female convalescent blood donors. The findings could be used to optimize the screening for potential blood donors to treat immunocompromised or severely ill COVID-19 patients.
The practical implications of weekly sports camps for improving the somatic, motor, and psychomotor characteristics of volleyball players (longitudinal data).
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Bukowska Joanna M. , Borysławski Krzysztof , Biernat Elżbieta , Grodź Daria , Ihasz Ferenc , Wąsik Jacek
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to determine the relationship between a week-long sports camp and changes in the somatic and motor characteristics of volleyball players aged 17.98±0.51 years. Potential changes in the participants' somatic characteristics were determined by bioelectrical impedance. The players' motor and psychomotor abilities were assessed (tests: reaction time, grip strength dynamometer, 5 x 20 s interval motor on a rowing ergometer, vertical, approach and standing long jumps). A decrease was observed in body fat mass (difference of 1.0 kg, p = 0.015), percent body fat (difference of 1.16 %, p = 0.008), and the waist-to-hip ratio (difference of 0.02, p = 0.001). An increase was noted in total body water (difference of 1.0 L, p = 0.002), proteins (difference of 0.33 kg, p = 0.001), minerals (difference of 0.12 kg, p = 0.003), fat-free mass (difference of 1.46 kg, p = 0.001), and skeletal muscle mass (difference of 0.9 kg, p = 0.001). In the group of motor abilities, a significant increase was observed only in the grip strength of the left hand. Sports camps can significantly affect the body composition characteristics of volleyball players, but they do not induce significant changes in their motor or psychomotor abilities.
The Prognostic Role of Sarcopenia in Long-term Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer Pathological Stage III Cases: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Kojima Masatsugu , Miyake Toru , Bamba Shigeki , Takebayashi Katsushi , Tani Soichiro , Nishina Yusuke , Kaida Sachiko , Maehira Hiromitsu , Mori Haruki , Otake Reiko , Matsunaga Takashi , Ishikawa Hajime , Shimizu Tomoharu , Tani Masaji
Published: January 2024

Background
The prognostic role of sarcopenia for colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery remains controversial. We evaluated the prognostic role of sarcopenia in patients with pathological Stage III (pStage III) CRC.
Methods
We retrospectively examined 113 patients with pStage III CRC who underwent curative resection. We assessed sarcopenia based on a decrease in muscle mass; specifically, the cross-sectional area of the skeletal muscle at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was measured using computed tomography, and low values were defined as sarcopenia. The effects of sarcopenia on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were investigated. The propensity score matching method was used to adjust for patient background.
Results
Of the 113 cases, 10 were excluded owing to lack of information, and 103 cases were analyzed. Of 103 patients, 67 (65.0%) had sarcopenia. Patients in the sarcopenia group were predominantly female and had a high number of right-sided lesions. Using propensity score matching, the sarcopenia and control groups were matched in 33 patients, and sex and tumor location were almost equal between the groups. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (median, 15 days vs. 10 days; p = 0.020). The sarcopenia group had significantly worse OS (5-year: 64.0% vs. 90.9%; hazard ratio, 4.870; 95% confidence interval, 1.371–17.306; p = 0.007) and RFS (5-year: 52.1% vs. 78.8%; hazard ratio, 2.654; 95% confidence interval, 1.078–6.537; p = 0.027) than the non-sarcopenia group.
Conclusions
Sarcopenia is a poor prognostic factor for both OS and RFS in patients with pStage III CRC.
How well can Damped Shifted Force Monte Carlo predict vapor-liquid equilibria for natural gas systems?
Authors: Zimmermann Alexandre , Lírio Raphael , Castro Beatriz Montes , Romanielo Lucienne , Mattedi Silvana
Published: January 2024

The oil and gas industry has faced new challenges, especially since discovering and exploring Brazilian pre-salt reserves. The current dehydration processes, imperative for gas processing and distribution, result in relevant solvent losses or are too expensive, space-demanding, or both. Molecular simulations have been among the preferred approaches in the last few years. Although computationally demanding, their versatility, predictive character, and accuracy make them an asset for many tasks. As the required time can yet be a hindrance when working with molecular simulations, the Damped Shifted Force (DSF) method can be an exciting option for a faster calculation of the electrostatic interactions, in contrast with the more popular Ewald methods, more rigorous and time-consuming. The present work presents Monte Carlo simulations using the DSF method to predict the vapor-liquid equilibria of binary mixtures containing some of the natural gas main components: CH4, CO2, and H2O. The results were compared to experimental data and other Monte Carlo simulations found in the literature to check whether the DSF method is a reliable alternative for natural gas systems. The comparison showed that DSF simulations had comparable accuracy to other Monte Carlo simulations (including Ewald ones) and provided predictions close to experimental data.
Evidence of competitive displacement of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) by Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Tephritidae: Diptera) in guava Psidium guajava ecosystem in Sudan.
Authors: Mahmoud Mohammed Elfadil , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim , Abuagla Mohammedazim Izzeddin Bashir ,   Abdel Gadir Mohamed Abdellah1, Hamad Rehab Haj , Khamis Fathyia , Ekesi Sunday
Published: January 2024

Oriental fruit fly (OFF) Bactrocera dorsalis and (Peach fruit fly) (PFF) B. zonata are the most notorious pests that invaded Sudan in 2005 and 2012 respectively, causing severe losses and hindered horticultural production and exportation. Monitoring fruit flies to determine species composition, seasonality and occurrence of competitive displacement was conducted in two guava orchards in Gezira State; Fadasi and Gezirat Elfil, using food bait attractant and rearing flies from infested fruits procedure (Infestation level). The role of longevity and survival percentages of developmental stages in displacement of species was determined. Monitoring population of fruit flies using Torula yeast and rearing of fruit flies form guava Psidium guajava fruits revealed that OFF and PFF were the most prevalent species in guava ecosystem at both sites. At Fadasi site PFF was the dominant species representing (99.3%) of the guild of the trapped flies with (99.6%) (Flies/Kg of guava fruits) as infestation level. At G. Elfil, (OFF) represented (80.8%) of the trapped flies with infestation level ca 53.6% (Flies/Kg of guava fruits). Longevity of developmental stages of (PFF) was shorter than that of (OFF) by 9.2 days, while its survival percentage was higher than that of OFF for all developmental stages. Competitive displacement of OFF by PFF in guava orchards at Fadasi site has already occurred and could be attributed to the mono cropping system, short period and high survival percentage of developmental stages of PFF compared to that of OFF.
Improved Feature Space for EEG-based Epileptic Seizure Detection Using Signal Processing Techniques
Authors: Kiran M , Naik Mahendra Shridhar , Yashwanth J , humse Kiran kumar , Chaitra S N , Deepa T , Sunilkumar D S
Published: January 2024

The non-stationary nature of the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal makes its analysis essential as it may point the way toward an appropriate detection technique for patients with neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy. The quality of certain variables extracted from an EEG data set that describe seizure activity is a major determinant of the effectiveness of EEG-based epileptic seizure detection. The Improved Feature Space Method (ICFS) with Discrete Wavelet Transforms (DWT) is a unique analysis technique presented in this paper for identifying epileptic seizures from EEG signals. The proposed study includes using DWT to identify the most salient characteristics from the time domain, frequency domain, and entropy-based features after first using FIR for the filtering process. After that, an ensemble of Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers is trained using the chosen feature set. Based on the same benchmark EEG dataset, the experimental results reveal that the suggested method performs better than the traditional correlation-based method and also surpasses several other state-of-the-art methods of epileptic seizure detection.
Roadway stability evaluation method based on FAHP-GRA fusion
Authors: Yan Huangbao , Li Xiong , Zhang Feifei , Luo Yifan , Wang Jintong , Ping Lifen , Zhao Xiangzheng
Published: January 2024

The risk of mining roadway caused by the coupling of various disaster-causing factors cannot be ignored. Based on the engineering geological conditions of mining roadway in a coal mine in Jining City, Shandong Province, this study screened and extracted the risk factors affecting the stability of mining roadway and established the evaluation model of roadway stability in view of the difficulty in quantifying and predicting the potential and fuzzy risks of mining roadway. Aiming at the shortcomings of traditional hierarchical method, such as large amount of calculation and large test error, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method is optimized, and the grey relational analysis (GRA) method is used to solve the problem of small sample and poor information. The fusion operator is used to realize the fusion of FAHP and GRA methods for the stability evaluation of mining roadway. The new evaluation method combines the advantages of the two methods. The test results show that the evaluation results of the fusion method are in good agreement with the actual situation.
Local factors mediate climate and land use effects on global fire regimes (2003-2020)
Authors: Mahood Adam , Tuff Ty , Cattau Megan , Iglesias Virginia , Hanson Thomas , Stephens Jilmarie , Ilangakoon Nayani , Cook Maxwell , nagy Chelsea , Barnard David , Stavros Natasha , DeCastro Amy , Balch Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Changes in fire activity challenge policymakers, land managers and the general public. Burned area (BA) is declining globally, but 81% of BA occurs in just 22 countries, and growth rate may be more important for public safety. We used eight fire regime components from country-level datasets to characterize fire regimes for 241 countries from 2003-2020. Fire regimes followed two axes of variation, with BA versus event duration on one axis, and season length versus event size and spread rate on the other. Annual trends in fire regime components were mixed, with no trend being most common, as expected given the short time series. Increases in fire activity were associated with increases in aridity in boreal, temperate and equatorial countries, and with land cover changes in arid countries. But these associations explained <40% of model variation, indicating that local and regional circumstances are more important than broad generalizations from global models.
The genotypes of the two components of grafted grapevines influence the rhizosphere and root endophyte microbiomes, with rootstocks having a greater impact
Authors: Lailheugue Vincent , Darriaut Romain , Tran Joseph , Morel Marine , Marguerit Elisa , Lauvergeat Virginie
Published: January 2024

Background
Soil microorganisms play an extensive role in the biogeochemical cycles providing the nutrients necessary for plant growth. Root-associated bacteria and fungi, originated from soil, are also known to influence host health. In response to environmental stresses, the plant roots exude specific molecules influencing the composition and functioning of the rhizospheric and root microbiomes. This response is host genotype-dependent and is affected by the soil microbiological and chemical properties. It is essential to unravel the influence of grapevine rootstock and scion genotypes on the composition of this microbiome, and to investigate this relationship with plant growth and adaptation to its environment. Here, the composition and the predicted functions of the microbiome of the root system were studied using metabarcoding on ten grapevine scion-rootstock combinations, in addition to plant growth and nutrition measurements.
Results
The rootstock genotype significantly influenced the diversity and the structure of the bacterial and fungal microbiome, as well as its predicted functioning in rhizosphere and root compartments when grafted with the same scion cultivar. Based on β-diversity analyses, 1103P rootstock showed distinct bacterial and fungal communities compared to the five others (RGM, SO4, 41B, 3309C and Nemadex). The influence of the scion genotype was more variable depending on the community and the investigated compartment. Its contribution was primarily observed on the β-diversity measured for bacteria and fungi in both root system compartments, as well as for the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere. Significant correlations were established between microbial variables and the plant phenotype, as well as with the plant mineral status measured in the petioles and the roots.
Conclusion
These results shed light on the capacity of grapevine rootstock and scion genotypes to recruit different functional communities of microorganisms, which affect host growth and adaptation to the environment. Selecting rootstocks capable of associating with positive symbiotic microorganisms is an adaptation tool that can facilitate the move towards sustainable viticulture and help cope with environmental constraints.
Estimating a prediction model and studying the causes of the rise in divorce rates in the Ha'il region using time series and saturated design
Authors: Abdulrahman Alanazi Talal , Alnagar Dalia Kamal
Published: January 2024

Introduction. The phenomenon of divorce is a social phenomenon because it is related to the most important social institution in society, has a profound impact on the life of the family and children, and the processes of upbringing, education, and social education.
Objective.The goals of this study are to determine the actual causes of the divorce crisis using a saturated design and to predict the number of divorces in Saudi Arabia using the ARIMA model.
Methods and Materials. The method is done by building several models by creating questionnaires and then analyzing them statistically based on saturated design. Also, the data were obtained from statistics record, time-series analysis was performed.
Results. We discover that the following factors contributed to the divorce crisis in the Ha'il region: E11 (Cultural openness), E4 (Poor parental choice, far from taking the young man or girl's opinion), E14 (Comparing married life with the life of others), E1 (The lack of religious scruples in the husband or wife), E6 (Addiction), E3 (Excessive jealousy, reaching the stage of doubt and arbitrary interpretations), and E2 (Violence and spousal control). Furthermore, the model's prediction performance is deemed reasonable, and the prediction results are deemed reliable.
Conclusion. Divorce in Saudi Arabia is expected to rise from 2020 to 2030, implying an increase over time. According to the study, the ARIMA model predicts that the year 2030 will be 67808.61.
Wave Propagation in One-Dimensional Quasicrystal Multilayered Nanoplates based on Nonlocal Strain Gradient Theory
Authors: Zhang miao , Guo junhong , Sun tuoya
Published: January 2024

The time-harmonic wave propagation in three-dimensional and multilayered transversely isotropic one-dimensional quasicrystal nanoplates is investigated based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory. According to the time-harmonic solutions of the extended displacement (i.e., phonon and phason displacements), the elastic wave problem is converted into a linear eigenvalue system from which the extended displacement and stress are expressed in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The dispersion curve is obtained by the propagator matrix method. Numerical examples are provided to show the influence of the nonlocal parameter, strain gradient parameter, stacking sequence and wavenumber on the dispersion curves and mode shapes in layered quasicrystal nanoplates.
Mathematics Subject Classification 52C23, 74J05, 74H45