bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Objective Fuzzy Robust Optimization Model for Open-Pit Mining Planning under Uncertainty
Authors: soleimani-bafghi Sayed Abolghasem , Nasab Hasan Hosseini , Fakhrzad Mohammad Bagher , Soltani Roya , Yarahmadi-Bafghi Ali-Reza
Published: October 2023

Today, carrying ore from the pit to the unloading sites is very important in open-pit mines. In the mines, due to changes in working conditions such as climate and the physical and mental condition of the workforce, uncertainty in the arrival time of trucks and the rate of ore transport is constantly discussed. This study provided a multi-objective mathematical model for programming the allocation of trucks to different loading sites to optimize cost, production, and environmental objectives. Fuzzy Robust Optimization(FRO) is used for the uncertainty, and the model is solved using LP-Metric. Chadormalu mine has been selected as a case study, and a shift transport was planned. Sensitivity analysis of the main parameters showed that the model could control and deal with uncertainty. The results showed that the optimality robustness factor only affects the value of the objective function \({Z}_{t}\), but the feasibility robustness does not affect any of the measurments.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities to the patients infected with HIV/AIDS under antiretroviral tritherapy at the University Clinics of Kinshasa
Authors: Masikini Benjamin Lupenzi , kisoka christian , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are common to HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, the relationship between ART, cardiovascular risk and cardiac electrical activity to patients living with HIV (PLWHIV) remains poorly studied in Kinshasa. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of tritherapy on the electrocardiogram of HIV-infected patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, evaluative cohort with secondary analysis of a clinical cases serie of 155 HIV-infected patients under ART in the internal medicine department of University hospitals of Kinshasa (UHK) from 2013 to 2020. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54±11 years, with extremes ranging from 16 to 80 years, a sex ratio M/F=1. The dominant comorbidities were High blood pressure (HBP) at 23.4% and Pulmonary tuberculosis at 18. 8%. Dyspnea, HBP and lower limb edema were the main complaints, respectively 29.9%, 22.7% and 20.1%. The majority of patients were treated with TDF+3TC+EFV at 86.4% and a small proportion at 13.6% for TDF+3TC+ LPV/r. A total of 83.1% or 128 HIV-infected patients showed cardiac abnormalities on ECG. These were dominated by Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) 37%, sinus tachycardia 35% and repolarization disorders (subepicardial ischemia, subendocardial ischemia) 16.2%. With the TDF+3TC+LPV/r regimen, cardiac ECG abnormalities were more observed than with the TDF+3TC+EFV regimen with P<0.05; Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RHV) at 40.4% with TDF+3TC+LPV/r regimen versus 4.7% with TDF+3TC+EFV P<0.001; myocardial ischaemia observed at 28.3% versus 11.2% with TDF+3TC+EFV regimen P=0.020. Conclusion: Electrocardiographic abnormalities are frequent and polymorphic to PLWHIV under ART (83.1%), often aggravated by protease inhibitors. The ECG should be used as a tool to screen for these abnormalities before and after 6 months of ART initiation.
Semi-Supervised Deep Learning Coupled with Laser-induced Breakdown Hyperspectral Imaging for the Margin Distance Determination of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lin Qingyu , Chen Youyuan , Xie Shaohua , Chen Li , Xu Yingtong , Hu Bin , Li Qiang , Fan Qingwen , Duan Yixiang
Published: October 2023

An optimal margin distance determination is crucial for successful resection surgeries targeting early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, there has been no clear evidence regarding optimal margin distance, which is tightly associated with the recurrence and mortality after the operation. In this study, we proposed an innovative approach, a laser-induced breakdown hyperspectral imaging (LIBS-HSI) technique, capable of capturing the multi-element distribution within tumour tissues to probe optimal margin distance. The imaging quality of LIBS-HSI was enhanced by hyperspectral image (HSI) denoising algorithms founded on sparse representation and low-rank constraint, complemented by the application of the Butterworth notch resist filter. A semi-supervised deep learning model was developed to achieve pathological imaging segmentation recognition of malignant areas. This technique revealed the margin distance after getting malignant areas prediction and gradient, based on pseudo-colour imaging of elements composition within NSCLC samples. It stands as a promising candidate in postoperative pathological reports, enabling doctors to evaluate surgical outcomes in the future effectively.
Associative Games with Virtual Agents: unexpectedness increases willingness to continue dialog
Authors: Matsui Tetsuya
Published: October 2023

In the field of human-agent interaction, increasing agents' trustworthiness, inelligence perceived and users' motivation to continue interacting are important issues.Prior research has attempted to solve this problem by having "agents meet user expectations".In this paper, we attempted to show that, on the contrary, "agents contradicting user expectations" can increase agents' trustworthiness and users' motivation to continue dialogue.In this study, we conducted an experiment using an "association game" task.In this task, participants were given three hints and answered what those hints have in common.The correct answer is then given, along with a fourth hint.In the first condition, the "expected" condition, the correct answer was the one that the majority of participants associate with.In the second condition, the "unexpected" condition, the correct answer is different from the answer that the majority of participants associate with.After this task, participants answered the question about the extent to which they felt the agents' trustworthiness, intelligence and motivation to continue the interaction using a 7-point Likert scale.The experiment was conducted on the web.The results of the experiment showed that agents' trustworthiness and users' motivation to continue the interaction were significantly higher in the "unexpected" condition than in the "expected" condition.This result indicates that "the agent contradicts the user's expectations" can increase the agent's intelligence perceived and the user's motivation to continue the interaction.The results show the effectiveness of a new method in human-agent interaction that has not received much attention.
Transcriptomic Insights into UTUC: Role of Inflammatory Fibrosis and Potential for Personalized Treatment
Authors: Li Keqiang , Huang Zhenlin , Xie Guoqing , Huang Budeng , Song Liang , Zhang Yu , Yang Jinjian
Published: October 2023

Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease, belonging to the same category of urothelial cancers as bladder cancer (BC). Despite sharing similar non-surgical treatment modalities, UTUC demonstrates a higher propensity for metastasis compared to BC. Additionally, while both cancers exhibit many similar molecular disease emergence mechanisms, sequencing data reveals some differences. Our study aims to understand the transcriptomic distinctions between UTUC and BC, explore the causes behind UTUC's heightened metastatic tendency, construct a model for UTUC metastasis and prognosis, and propose personalized treatment strategies for UTUC.
Methods: In our research, we utilized differential gene expression analysis, interaction networks, and Cox regression to explore the enhanced metastatic propensity of UTUC. We formulated and validated a prognostic risk model using a diverse set of techniques, which include cell co-culture, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (rt-qPCR), Western blot, and Transwell experiments. Our methodological approach also involved survival analysis, risk model construction, and drug screening leveraging the databases of CTRPv2, PRISM and CMap. For histological assessments, we employed the Masson staining technique. All statistical evaluations were conducted using R software and GraphPad Prism 9, reinforcing the rigorous and comprehensive nature of our research approach.
Results: Screening through inflammatory fibrosis revealed a reduction of extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules regulated by proteoglycans in UTUC compared to BC, making UTUC more metastasis-prone. We demonstrated that five molecules, SDC1, LUM, VEGFA, WNT7B, and TIMP3, play critical roles in promoting UTUC metastasis. A risk model based on these five molecules can effectively predict the risk of UTUC metastasis and disease-free survival time. Given UTUC's unique molecular mechanisms distinct from BC, we discovered that UTUC patients could better mitigate the issue of poor prognosis associated with UTUC's easy metastasis by using Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) alongside the conventional gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy regimen.
Conclusions: 1. The poor prognosis of UTUC due to its high metastatic propensity is intimately tied to inflammatory fibrosis induced by ROS accumulation. 2. The biological model constructed using the five molecules SDC1, LUM, VEGFA, WNT7B, and TIMP3 can effectively predict patient prognosis. 3. UTUC patients require specialized treatments in addition to traditional regimens, with TKIs showing significant potential.
Role of Environmental Specificity in Casp Results
Authors: Roterman Irena , Stapor Katarzyna , Konieczny Leszek
Published: October 2023

Background
Recently, significant progress has been made in the field of protein structure prediction by application of artificial intelligence techniques, as shown by the results of the CASP13 and CASP14 (Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction) competition. However, the question of the mechanism behind the protein folding process itself remains unanswered. Correctly predicting the structure also does not solve the problem of, for example, amyloid proteins, where a polypeptide chain with an unaltered sequence adopts a different 3D structure.
Results
This work was an attempt at explaining structural variation by considering the contribution of the environment to protein structuring. The application of the fuzzy oil drop (FOD) model to assess the validity of the selected models provided in the CASP13, CASP14 and CASP15 projects reveals the need for an environmental factor to determine the 3D structure of proteins. Consideration of the external force field in the form of polar water (FOD) and a version modified by the presence of the hydrophobic factor, FOD-M reveals that the protein folding process is environmentally dependent. An analysis of selected models from the CASP competitions indicates the need for structure prediction as dependent on consideration of the protein folding environment.
Conclusions
The conditions governed by the environment direct the protein folding process occurring in the certain environment. Therefore, the variation of the external force field should be taken into account in the models used in protein structure prediction.
The significance of incorporating spatial disparities in scale development for assessing latent constructs in the field of bioenergy
Authors: BALAGUEMAN Rodrigue Ogoulonou , ASSEDE Emeline S. P. , MOUMOUNI-MOUSSA Ismail , AYEGNON David Théophile Dakpo , BIAOU Samadori Sorotori Honoré
Published: October 2023

This study explored the importance to account for spatial disparities while measuring latent variables. Specifically, we investigated the potential influence of spatial disparities on scale validity and reliability with the purpose of developing a new scale for assessing biomass supply intention for bioenergy production along with five common intention predictors (environmental concern, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and knowledge of renewable energy). We generated our data from a sample of 247 participants randomly surveyed in two socioeconomically disparate regions. We used factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach alpha (α) as methodological frameworks. We found 21 (33.33%) items out of the initial pool that were deemed reliable (α = 0.84 to 0.98) for future use. We found that spatial disparities impacted the scale items, with substantial divergence in scale reliability and composition between geographic regions. However, we found excellently reliable items that hold consistency across geographic regions. Our findings imply that ignoring region-specific context in scale development may lead to distorting inferences and ineffective policies. We aspire to bolster the reliability rate in forthcoming studies using a more rigorous item selection method.
Tumor immune microenvironment remodeling and prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with and without immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Lihong , Liu Yueping , Xu Li’ang , Ding Yan , Han Jing , Wang Qi , Chen Xiaoxi , Han Chun , Wang Lan
Published: October 2023

Objective This study investigated the outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with and without immunotherapy in tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling among patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) .Methods Retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with ESCC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with or without immunotherapy (nCT and nICT groups, respectively), from December 2019 to March 2022 in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Histopathology specimens of cancer tissue before and after treatment were examined for TME features.Results A total of 50 patients underwent R0 resection, with rates of pathological complete response (pCR) and major pathological response (MPR) of 18% and 30%, respectively. Rates of pCR were 7.1% and 22.2% (P = 0.403) and those of MPR were 7.1% and 38.9% (P = 0.028) in the nCT and nICT groups, respectively. The pCR patients had a higher baseline programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score (TPS) positive expression rate than non-pCR patients (16.7% vs. 77.8%, P < 0.001). Comparing TME features before and after neoadjuvant treatment, an increase in PD-L1, CD3+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in the tumor tissue were observed after neoadjuvant treatment, with more significantly increased in the nICT group than in the nCT group (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that pre-treatment well-differentiated tumors and positive PD-L1 were favorable factors for MPR. Post-treatment MPR was an independent factor affecting disease-free survival.Conclusion Neoadjuvant therapy could upregulate the PD-L1 expression level, increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and remodel the TME in patients with ESCC. Pre-treatment tumor differentiation and PD-L1 level could predict pathological remission.
Systems Approach in Planetary Health Education for Medical Students: A Mixed Methods Study.
Authors: Zandavalli Rafaela Brugalli , Stein Airton Tetelbom , de Camargo Tatiana Souza
Published: October 2023

Background
Introducing students to the "planetary health lenses" perspective is crucial. Comprehensive strategies for teaching this perspective are lacking, especially in the domains of "interconnection within nature (IWN)" and "systems thinking/complexity." There is also a scarcity of studies assessing medical students' opinions on planetary health and evaluating teaching strategies.
Objective
To understand Brazilian medical students' perceptions and knowledge of planetary health (PH) and evaluate the application of the educational material "Patient and Clinic through the Lens of Planetary Health," which addresses "IWN" and "complexity" through the sociological lens of Actor-Network Theory, in an integrative course at a medical school in Brazil.
Methods
A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design involving two medical student classes during 2022/2023. Participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data; pre- and post-intervention closed-ended questions about perceptions related to PH, and an open-ended questionnaire on experience and learning. Each student group presented a portfolio under the planetary health lenses regarding a real patient, developing a network diagram that described the social network involving both human and non-human actors with which this person is interconnected. The cohorts participated in "IWN" activities: a contemplative trail or reflection on belonging to the planet.
Results
Ninety-six students and 9 professors participated. The majority of students (66.7%) reported significant or extremely significant learning from the sessions. There was an increased perception of the need for physicians to incorporate PH into their clinical practice (p = 0.002; r = 0.46) and a heightened sense of interconnection with the environment (p = 0.003; r = 0.46). There was a gain in knowledge about how many diseases were related to PH (p < 0.02 for all 13 listed diseases). The majority (83%) found the sessions relevant or highly relevant and commented on their impact, both professionally and personally.
Conclusions
Teaching PH in a medical school allowed students to learn from the patient's perspective, considering psychosocial and environmental determinants, about the intrinsic interdependence between population health and PH. This strategy made a significant contribution by proposing pioneering didactics and offering valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of teaching PH.
Variations of plasma oxidative stress levels in male patients with chronic schizophrenia: Correlations with psychopathology and matrix metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Yang Haidong , Zhang Caiyi , Yang Man , Liu Junjun , Zhang Yuting , Liu Dongliang , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: October 2023

Background: Accumulating evidence has indicated that oxidative stress (OS) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may contribute to the mechanism of schizophrenia. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the associations of OS parameters and MMP-9 levels with psychopathological symptoms in male chronic schizophrenia patients.
Methods: Plasma hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) levels were assayed in 80 male patients with chronic schizophrenia and 80 matched healthy controls. Schizophrenia symptoms were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Results: Our results demonstrated that levels of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, GSH-Px, H2O2, and MDA were significantly decreased, whereas CAT and MMP-9 levels were increased in patients with schizophrenia, when compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.05). In schizophrenia patients, correlation analyses showed that H2O2 levels were significantly and positively correlated with PANSS positive scores, CAT and MDA levels were significant negatively correlated with PANSS negative scores and PANSS total scores, and MDA levels were significantly positively correlated with MMP-9 levels (all P < 0.05). However, we did not find that MMP-9 played an interaction role between OS parameters and PANSS total scores and subscales scores (all P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Our results showed that alterations of plasma OS parameters in male patients with chronic schizophrenia were associated with psychopathology and MMP-9, suggesting that OS and neuroinflammation may play important role in the mechanism of schizophrenia.
CDK10 gene mutation in a Chinese girl with Al Kaissi syndrome
Authors: Xue Xuezhen , Chen Chu'an , Wang Xiaoyan , Zheng Chunfu , Yang Wenqing
Published: October 2023

Background Al Kaissi syndrome is an autosomal recessive developmental disorder caused by variants in the CDK10 gene with a variable clinical presentation characterized by growth retardation, spinal deformities, especially the cervical spine, facial deformities, psychomotor development retardation with moderate to severe intellectual disability.Methods A 9 years and 5 months old Chinese girl with short stature, mental retardation, special facial features, sacral and coccygeal "Dimple"-like depression, a slightly smaller pituitary gland, and cervical spine deformity was diagnosed with Al Kaissi syndrome by whole-exome sequencing showing a CDK10 gene mutation.Results Gene sequencing results showed that the child had a heterozygous mutation c.739C > T (p.Q247X) (NM_052988 exon 10) and a mutation c.663C > G > T (p.D221E) (NM_052988 exon 9) in the CDK10 gene. The compound heterozygous mutation was verified by one generation of the family. This conforms to the recessive inheritance pattern of the disease. The associated disease is consistent with the clinical manifestations of the patient. The compound heterozygous mutation can lead to the occurrence of the disease.Conclusion The first case of Al Kaissi syndrome reported in China expands the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of Al Kaissi syndrome.
Targeted and Localized Cancer Drug Release Kinetics from Microporous Poly-di-methyl-siloxane (PDMS) Devices: in-vivo Studies for the Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Eluu Stanley , Yiporo Danyuo , Salifu Ali , Obayemi John , Oko Augustine , Aina Toyin , Oparah Josephine , Ezeala Chukwudi , Etinosa Precious , Ugwu Chigozie , Esimone Charles , Soboyejo Winston
Published: October 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment is challenging and frequently characterized by an aggressive phenotype and low prognosis in comparison to other subtypes. This paper presents an implantable microporous poly-di-methyl-siloxane device for the delivery of targeted therapeutic agents (LHRH-paclitaxel and LHRH-prodigiosin) for the treatment and possible prevention of triple-negative cancer recurrence. The possible cytotoxic effects of the drugs on liver, kidney, and lung tissues are also assessed. Drug-loaded implantable microporous poly-di-methyl-siloxane (PDMS) devices were fabricated. Subcutaneous triple-negative xenograft breast tumors were then induced in athymic female nude mice that were four weeks old. Two weeks later, the tumors were surgically removed, and the device implanted. Mice were observed for tumor regrowth and organ toxicity. In addition, the cytotoxic response was assessed in vitro using the Alamar blue assay. The animal study revealed that there was no tumor regrowth, six weeks post-treatment, when the LHRH targeted drugs (LHRH-paclitaxel and LHRH-prodigiosin) were used for the treatment. It was also noted that the targeted cancer drugs did not induce any adverse effect on the liver, kidneys, or lungs, based on the results of the quantitative and qualitative toxicity studies. Furthermore, the outcomes of the in vitro assessment demonstrated a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in percentage cell growth inhibition in a time-dependent manner in the groups treated with PG, PG-LHRH, PTX, and PTX-LHRH. The implications of the results are discussed for the targeted and localized treatment of triple negative breast cancer.
Designing of drug imprinted polymeric microcryogels for controlled release of Darunavir
Authors: Safak Ismet , Çalışır Merve , Bakhshpour-Yucel Monireh , Sağlam Necdet , Denizli Adil
Published: October 2023

Darunavir (D.V) is a pivotal antiretroviral medication designed to combat viruses with prolonged treatment requirements, notably gaining recognition as one of the primary choices for treating AIDS, a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bio polymeric materials like microcryogels become the center of attention in most research areas such as controlled release systems. These systems offer the advantage of precise drug administration, ensuring effective therapeutic outcomes through the delivery of specific drug doses. Microcryogels, characterized by their super macroporous, elastic, and spongy morphology, have emerged as a focal point in biomedical applications, particularly when combined with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). In this study, the controlled release and kinetics studies of the D.V were investigated with the D.V imprinted poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) based microcryogels. D.V imprinted pHEMA microcryogels with different cross-linker ratios and different loaded drugs were prepared for studies of in vitro release of D.V scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods have been considered suitable for the characterization of cryogels that have been designed and whose sensitivity has been enhanced by molecular imprinting. Cytotoxicity of D.V imprinted microcryogels was also inspected using mouse fibroblast cell line L929. The comprehensive analysis results underscore the potential of these meticulously designed microcryogels, showcasing their utility in medical applications. Notably, these microcryogels exhibited controlled drug release, with efficiency levels of up to 85% and a sustained release duration of 40 hours, positioning them as a valuable option for advanced drug delivery systems in the medical field.
Effect and potential mechanism of p75NTR in the regulation of the circadian rhythm and daily mineralization during tooth development
Authors: Song Jinlin , Zhao Manzhu , Yuan Hongyan , Wang Di , Li Meng , Xie Bo , Zhou Xuqiang , Lu Mingjie , Qiu Ye
Published: October 2023

Circadian rhythms are innate processes that are responsive to light/dark cycles and participate in the regulation of various physiological functions. Mammalian teeth provide a precise record of these rhythms through the incremental growth lines in the dentine and enamel. The aim of this study was to identify the effect and potential mechanism of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in the regulation of the circadian rhythm and daily mineralization during tooth development. p75NTR expression was found to be similar to that of the clock genes and mineralization-related factors in rat dental germs. The significant decreases in the body size and weight of p75NTR knock-out mice indicated that p75NTR might promote osteogenesis. p75NTR showed close positive relationships with melatonin, crown length, eruption speed, and daily mineralization width. In the circadian rhythm dynamics of rat dental germs study, p75NTR oscillated regularly at an approximately 24-hour interval, at both the mRNA and protein levels; this was similar to most clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Per1, and Per2), mineralization-related genes (Runx2, ALP), and odontogenesis-related genes (Msx1, Dlx1, Dmp1 and Dspp). Moreover, p75NTR displayed positive relationships with clock, mineralization-related, and odontogenesis-related genes in both the over-expression and knockdown experiments. These data reveal that p75NTR promotes the crown length, eruption speed, and daily mineralization width and significantly affects the circadian rhythm and periodic mineralization during tooth development. Furthermore, CK2 was found to be a possible downstream factor of p75NTR; however, direct bonding between CK2 and p75NTR was not observed. Further studies are needed to verify these findings.
A Rare Clinical Scenario: Arteriovenous Fistula Secondary to Deep Vein Thrombosis Complicated with Distal Arterial Stenosis
Authors: Chen Junjie , Lai Zhichao , Chen Yuexin
Published: October 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to report the successful treatment of a case of arteriovenous fistula secondary to deep vein thrombosis complicated byatherosclerosis of the distal artery, which was a quite rare scenario without consensus for clinical treatment.
Case presentation: A 76-year-old woman presented with severe edema and recurrent ulcers in his lower right extremity that had developed for approximately 4 years. His symptoms worsened 2 years ago because of deep vein thrombosis and were not mitigated after the implantation of an inferior vena cava filter followed by standard anticoagulant treatment. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a postthrombotic obstruction of his external iliac veins and a distal arterial stenosis due to atherosclerosis as well as several arteriovenous fistulas between thefemoral vein, femoral artery and their branches. Endovascular recanalization of stenosis and occlusion by balloon dilation resulted in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. Interestingly, arterial patency seems more important than venous patencyin the process of symptomatic relief.
Conclusion: Arteriovenous fistula in the lower extremities may develop following deep vein thrombosis and be exacerbated by occlusion or stenosis of the distal artery. Recanalization is a more recommended treatment option according to available data thus far.
Drought and wetness periods in Iran under the influences of subtropical sea surface temperature anomalies and large scale atmospheric circulation
Authors: mirzaei Nabi , Hejazizadeh Zahra , Darand Mohammad , Mohammadi Bakhtiyar , Naserzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Alijani Bohloul
Published: October 2023

In this study, Drought and wetness periods in Iran under the influences of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and large scale atmospheric circulation, were studied using the SPI from 1979 to 2020. To illustrate changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, sinuosity, humidity, jet stream and u, v were analyzed. Severe droughts in autumn (OND) are associated with negative SST anomalies in the North Atlantic, the Caspian Sea, Western Mediterranean and Oman Sea that affect the drought through decreasing atmospheric humidity and strengthening high pressure. Wetness are also associated with positive SST anomalies in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and Black Sea. These conditions are associated to the positive SST anomaly over the region (-80° W to 70° E, 10° N to 60° N) in winter (JFM).In some cases, the drought occurred simultaneously with the positive temperature anomaly in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. Importantly, a large proportion of the wet periods during JFM were associated with positive SST anomalies in the North Atlantic, the Oman Sea, and the western Mediterranean. The increase in SST occurred simultaneously with the increase in precipitation in October and November from 1979 to 2010, while decrease in JFM precipitation was observed. Precipitation anomaly is associated with the position of jet stream centers. Wetness occur when the jet stream is located over Southern Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula. The pattern revealed that the occurrence of severe droughts is related to jet stream and it’s the retreated toward the west that leads to the reduction of westerlies waves.
An improved anticancer effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with Prodigiosin
Authors: ELGHALI Fares , MSALBI Dhouha , SAHLI Emna , HAKIM Bochra , MNIF sAMI , AIFA Mohamed Sami
Published: October 2023

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the standard of care therapy for colorectal cancer. However, complex 5-FU resistance mechanisms limit the success of this approach. Prodigiosin (PG), a secondary metabolite from various bacteria, exerts different biological activities including cancer-preventive and anticancer effects. However, studies on the anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of PG in human colorectal and lung cancer are still limited. The present study is conducted to investigate the anticancer properties and/or adjuvant chemotherapy of PG in human colorectal and lung cancer. Cell lines HCT116, LoVo and A549 were treated with different concentrations of PG. The antiproliferative effects of PG were measured, and the apoptosis and cell cycle dynamics were assessed by flow cytometry. Our results showed that PG effectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. In combinatory treatment, based on PG and 5-FU, we observed a clear improvement in tumor cell proliferation inhibition. In fact, the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase was higher and the percentage of cells in the S phase was lower compared to treated cells separately by PG and 5-FU in all the used cell lines. Our docking studies supported targeting Akt1 by PG which could explain its proapoptotic effect separately or in combination with 5-Fu. PG obviously inhibited the tumor growth and enhanced the 5-FU therapeutic efficacy in HCT116, LoVo and A549 cells. Taken together, our findings highlight that PG effectively inhibited the growth of tumor and enhanced the sensitivity to thermotherapy, indicating PG is an inhibitor of Akt1.
Validation of Low-cost Reflectometer to Identify Phytochemical Accumulation in Food Crops
Authors: Rosier Carl , Kittredge Dan , Nainiger Barbara , Duarte Octavio , Austic Greg , TerAvest Dan
Published: October 2023

Diets consisting of greater quantity/diversity of phytochemicals are correlated with reduced risk of disease. This understanding guides policy development increasing awareness of the importance of consuming fruits, grains, and vegetables. Enacted policies presume uniform concentrations of phytochemicals across crop varieties regardless of production/harvesting methods. A growing body of research suggests that concentrations of phytochemicals can fluctuate within crop varieties. Improved awareness of how cropping practices influence phytochemical concentrations are required, guiding policy development improving human health. Reliable, inexpensive laboratory equipment represents one of several barriers limiting further study of the complex interactions influencing crop phytochemical accumulation. Addressing this limitation our study validated the capacity of a low-cost Reflectometer ($500) to measure phytochemical content in selected crops, against a commercial grade laboratory spectrophotometer. Our results suggest the Reflectometer provides an accurate accounting of phytochemical content within evaluated crops. Additionally, we confirmed large variation in phytochemical content within specific crop varieties, suggesting that cultivar is but one of multiple drivers of phytochemical accumulation. Our findings indicate dramatic nutrient variations could exist across the food supply, a point whose implications are not well understood. Future studies should investigate the interactions between crop phytochemical accumulation and farm management practices that influence specific soil characteristics.
High tibial osteotomy combined with platelet-rich plasma for knee osteoarthritis: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Ma Yulin , Song Hao , Lu Feilong , Hu Yimei
Published: October 2023

Objective: To systematically review the clinical efficacy and safety of high tibial osteotomy combined with platelet-rich plasma in treating knee osteoarthritis, and provide evidence-based medical evidence for its effectiveness in treating knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: Clinical studies of high tibial osteotomy combined with platelet-rich plasma for knee osteoarthritis, before June 2023, were searched in databases. Strictly screen out the literature that meets the inclusion criteria, extract the literature data information, and input it into RevMan5.4 for analysis.
Results: 10 studies(12 controls) were included, with 625 patients. The results showed that, in general, VAS(MD=-0.53，95%CI(-0.76,-0.31), P＜0.00001), ROM(MD=7.24,95%CI(2.79,11.69), P=0.001), WOMAC(MD=-6.91,95%CI(-9.47,-4.34), P＜0.00001), cartilage recovery(cartilage thickness: MD=0.43, 95%CI(0.35, 0.51), P<0.00001; cartilage regeneration: RR=1.81, 95%CI(1.40, 2.33), P<0.00001; ICRS grade: RR=1.96, 95%CI(1.44, 2.66), P<0.0001), and Lysholm(MD=6.51, 95%CI(4.97, 8.04), P<0.00001) after PRP treatment had significant advantages compared with the control group. After treatment, there was no statistically significant difference of knee joint mechanical axes angles in platelet-rich plasma group compared with control group (FTA: MD=-0.29, 95%CI(-1.07, 0.49), P=0.47; MPTA: MD=0.19, 95%CI(-0.49, 0.88), P=0.58; PTS: MD=-0.12, 95%CI(-0.49, 0.25), P=0.53; KVA: MD=-0.30, 95%CI(-1.77, 1.17), P=0.69; WBL: MD=1.10, 95%CI(-0.89, 3.09), P=0.28).
Conclusion: The results showed that in the treatment of KOA by HTO, the combined PRP group had better efficacy than other control groups, and had certain safety reliability.
Comparison Of A Novel Hand-held Retractor-Assisted Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion By The Wiltse Approach And Posterior TLIF
Authors: Shen Xing , Li Fu tao , Chen Yong quan , Zheng Ming hui , Yao Xin qiang , Wang Hai ming , Jiang Hui , Chen Jian ting
Published: October 2023

Background: Previously, achieving spinal canal decompression through the traditional Wiltse approach has been challenging due to limitations of assisted hand-held retractors. However, recent improvements to the retractors by some surgeons have facilitated spinal canal decompression in the Wiltse approach and have resulted in successful surgical outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of literature to assess the safety and efficacy of hand-held retractor assisted Wiltse approach TLIF. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of a novel hand-held retractor system-assisted Wiltse TLIF with that P-TLIF and assess whether this hand-held retractor system assisted Wiltse TLIF can yield less paraspinal muscle injury.
Methods: 56 patients(P-TLIF: 26, Wiltse TLIF: 30) were included in this prospective controlled study. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, mobilization time, and discharge time were recorded. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by ODI, VAS, JOA, and SF-36 scores.Paraspinal muscle injury was assessed by postoperative MRI. CK and C-reaction protein were measured pre and postoperatively, and CT or X-ray was used to assess bony union/non-union.
Results: The Wiltse (study) group was associated with significantly less estimated blood loss, postoperative drainage, and shorter mobilization and discharge times than the P-TLIF (control) group. Serum CK activity at 24h postoperatively in the study group was significantly lower than in the control group.. The incidence of complications in the two groups was comparable. At 7 days after surgery, VAS and ODI scores were lower, while the JOA score was higher in the control group than in the study group. Results observed at 3 months of follow-up were consistent with those at 7 days. After six months postoperatively, paraspinal muscle degeneration in the control group was more significant than in the study group
Conclusion:Our study showed that this novel hand-held retractor system assisted Wiltse approach TLIF can achieve satisfactory surgical efficacy, and the Wiltse approach TLIF can significantly reduce paraspinal muscle injury, postoperative drainage, and intraoperative blood loss, as well as shorten mobilization and discharge time, resulting in better short-term outcomes compared to P-TLIF. Furthermore, both methods yield similar fusion rates and incidence of complications .
Trial registration:, 25/09/2023 NCT06052579
Energy evolution in function neuronal network under different coupling channel
Authors: Zhang Li , Jin Wuyin , An Xinlei
Published: October 2023

Connecting piezoelectric ceramic to any neuron circuit can result in an auditory neuronal circuit by generating different output voltages that convert external mechanical forces and vibrations into electrical signals. In this paper, three auditory neuron circuits with different firing states connect to form a ring network using resistor, inductor, and capacitor. The coupling channels can be tamed under voltage, magnetic field, and electric field couplings simultaneously. The three kinds of coupling can modulate synchronization via continuous energy exchange and pumping, and the coupling resistor consumes only Joule heat, while the capacitor and inductor can pump and conserve field energy. So the proportion of electric field energy, magnetic field energy and total energy in each neuron, and field energy proportion kept in the coupling channels are respectively calculated to discern the dependence of the firing state and synchronization mode on the energy. It is shown that higher strength coupling can not only attenuate periodic firing and increase the electric field energy proportion in neurons, but also transform chaotic firing into periodic firing and increase the magnetic field energy proportion. The total energy proportion of the coupling channels continuously increases if neurons show only periodic firing, but the existence of neurons with chaotic firing can increase firstly and then decrease the energy proportion. In fact, compared to resistor and capacitor channel, the stronger the coupling can induce the more energy proportion in the inductor channel, which is beneficial for the synchronization of neurons connected by it. From a biophysical perspective, the activation of magnetic field coupling is the result of the continuous release and propagation of intracellular and extracellular ions, which is very similar to the activation of chemical synaptic coupling through the continuous release of neurotransmitters. Therefore, magnetic field coupling may play a key role in modulating collective behavior among neurons.
Isolation of lactic acid bacteria from the reproductive tract of mares as potentially beneficial strains to prevent equine endometritis
Authors: Silva Jessica Alejandra , Castañares Mariana , Mouguelar Horacio , Valenciano Javier Aguilar , Pellegrino Matías Santiago
Published: October 2023

Endometritis, the infection and/or inflammation of the endometrium, is the leading cause of subfertility in mares, and therefore responsible for major economic losses in the horse industry worldwide. It is generally treated with uterine lavages combined with ecbolic agents and local or systemic antibiotics. However, since antibiotic overuse has been associated with antimicrobial resistance in mares with persistent endometritis, new prevention and treatment alternatives are needed. One such alternative could be the use of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the host. Thanks to their species specificity, indigenous microbiota may restore ecological equilibrium within the host, and therefore, help prevent infections and improve physiological functions. In the present study, 257 bacterial strains were isolated from 77 healthy mares, and 88.76% (n = 228) of them were phenotypically classified as LAB. Within this group, 65.79% were able to inhibit at least one strain from each of the genera that most commonly cause equine endometritis (S. zooepidemicus, E. coli, and Staphylococcus spp.). Five strains (RCE11, RCE20, RCE91, RCE99, and RCE167) were selected on the basis of their beneficial properties: ability to autoaggregate and adhere to equine epithelial cells, high inhibition of and co-aggregation with all the bacteria isolated from clinical cases of endometritis evaluated, and negative co-inhibition between one another. All five were finally identified as Enterococcus spp., namely E. faecium (two strains), E. hirae (two strains), and E. gallinarum (one strain). Further studies will assess their safety and biotechnological potential for the design of a multi-strain probiotic formula to prevent equine endometritis.
Histological assessment for investigation of dose-dependent ovarian toxicity of cyclophosphamide in the rat
Authors: Elahi Narges , Astaneh Mohammad Ebrahim , Ai Jafar , Makoolati Zohreh
Published: October 2023

Background
Cyclophosphamide (CPA) have significant effects on ovarian follicles which lead to ovarian toxicity and impair the normal female reproductive function. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of CPA on rat folliclenumbers.
Methods
The experimental groups consisted of rats administered a single intraperitoneal injection of CPA at doses of either 50, 75,150, or 200 mg/kg followed by daily doses of 8 mg/kg for 14 days and control group given no treatment. After the treatment period, the histological evaluation was done.
Results
Primordial and primary follicles were affected by all doses of CPA, but differential follicle counts revealed that graaf and preantral follicles were most sensitive to CPA, followed by primary and primordial follicles. The greatest reduction in all type of studied follicles caused by CPA doses of 50 mg/kg.
Conclusion
Differential follicle counts revealed that CPA-induced ovarian toxicity is exhibited in structural feature of the ovary, particularly in destruction of graaf and preantral follicles in a dose-dependent manner so that the highest decrease in all type of studied follicles caused by 50 mg/kg of CPA and is suggested as the best concentration for ovotoxicity induction. These findings give insight into ovarian response to structural disruption of folliculogenesis.
Anti-saturation time-varying formation control via switching for a wider class of patterns of multiple uncertain marine surface vessels
Authors: Li Jian , Liang Yuqi , Wu Zhaojing
Published: October 2023

This paper is devoted to the time-varying formation control of multiple marine surface vessels (MSVs) with input saturation. Remarkably, more serious uncertainties are involved than the related literature since external disturbance is considered while all the system parameters are unknown. Moreover, different from the severe constraints on the formation patterns and the leader’s dynamics in the related literature, rather fairly weak conditions are required since the relative deviations are only first but not more order continuously differentiable which imply that a wider class of formation patterns can be allowed, while the time derivatives of relative deviations as well as the leader’s output are not necessarily available for feedback. These two aspects make the traditional control methods on this topic ineffective. Then, by skilfully combining vectorial backstepping control method with logic-based switching mechanism, a switching controller is successfully designed for the formation control in this paper. It is worthwhile pointing out that, by the skilful design of a switching mechanism, the serious uncertainties are compensated while the severe assumptions on the formation patterns of the related literature are extremely relaxed. Finally, simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 93C10
Highly Efficient Metal-free Nitrate Reduction Enabled by Electrified Membrane Filtration
Authors: Winter Lea , Fan Yingzheng , Wang Xiaoxiong , Butler Claire , Kankam Amma , Belgada Abdessamad , Simon Julia , Chen Eric
Published: October 2023

Current methods for electrocatalytic destruction of nitrate in drinking water require metal catalysts to achieve sufficient nitrate removal. However, metal-based catalysts involve complicated synthesis, increase treatment costs, and can lead to leaching of metals into treated water. In this study, we achieved nitrate reduction performance comparable to that of metal-based catalysts via electrofiltration through a metal-free nanoporous electrified membrane (EM) containing unmodified pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Experimental results coupled with computational fluid dynamics simulations elucidated how the decreased diffusion boundary layer in the flow-through CNT-EM mitigates diffusion limitations to enhance overall reaction activity. A maximum single-pass removal efficiency of 86.9% was reached for an initial nitrate concentration of 10 mM when the mass transport rate matched the reaction rate. Through density functional theory and molecular dynamics calculations, we demonstrated enhanced *NO2 and *NO adsorption energies at intrinsic defect sites, which are present in most commercial CNTs and become more accessible to nitrate ions under flow-through operation. Finally, the long-term stability, tolerance of environmental interferences, and sufficient nitrate removal and N2 selectivity to meet drinking water standards were demonstrated in synthetic surface water. By elucidating how nanoporous electrofiltration enables dynamic matching of reaction and transport rates, this study demonstrates a new strategy to drastically improve electrocatalytic reaction performance without complex catalyst materials innovation, bridging existing gaps for nitrate removal in drinking water treatment related to the use of metal-based catalysts.