bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Turkish Psoriatic Arthritis Screening Tool (TurPAS) for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Kılıç Şeyma Başar , Kulu Huzeyfe , Salman Hüseyin , Bektaş Murat
Published: November 2023

Background: Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic immune-mediated disease that affects skin, nails, tendons, and joints. Several screening tools such as PEST, PASE, EARP, STRIPP, SIPAS, TOPAS have been developed and validated for identifying patients with suspected PsA in dermatology clinics.
Objective: Herein, we aim to validate and evaluate the performance of TurPAS in patients with PsO compared to the EARP questionnaire.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in collaboration between dermatology and rheumatology clinics at Aksaray University Hospital, a tertiary referral center. All patients were examined for dermatologic aspects in the dermatology outpatient clinic and TurPAS and EARP questionnaires were performed by the same dermatologist. The patients who met CASPAR criteria were classified as PsA in addition to appropriate clinical findings.
Results: In our study, 119 patients (n=72; 60.5% female) with PsO were included. Mean±Standard deviation (SD) of the patients were 44.9±14.3 (range; 18-83) years and median (IQR) PsO duration were 10 (14) years. Median (IQR) TurPAS and EARP scores were 2 (3) and 3 (5), respectively. Overall, 39 patients (32.8%) met the CASPAR criteria and were classified as PsA. The best diagnostic accuracy was observed in ≥3 positive items with 82% and 70% sensitivity and specificity (PPV: 57.1%, NPV: 89%, Likelihood ratio [LR]: 2.7, diagnostic accuracy: 74%) for TurPAS and ≥4 items with 74.4% and 86.3% (PPV: 72.5%, NPV: 87.3%, LR: 5.4, diagnostic accuracy: 82.4%) for EARP.
Conclusion: In our study approximately one-third of patients with PsO were diagnosed as PsA. TurPAS had acceptable diagnostic performance compared to the EARP questionnaire.
WITHDRAWN: Numerical Study on the Performance Evaluation and Thermal Management of Automotive Exhaust Thermoelectric Generator using Pin fins
Authors: Veer Chander , Kansara Keyur , Singh Shobhana
Published: November 2023

The utilization of thermoelectric power generators presents a viable prospect for the recuperation of waste heat that results from exhaust gases within the automotive sector. The optimal performance of thermoelectric modules in waste heat recovery applications is heavily dependent on the design of the heat exchanger. The current study employs numerical methods to examine the efficacy of pin-fin configurations on the hot-side heat exchanger surface in enhancing heat transfer and thereby improving the conversion efficiency of TEG. Specifically, the study explores the impact of inline, staggered, and progressive arrangements of pin-fins in the direction of the exhaust stream. The heat exchanger is subjected to variations in fin thickness ranging from 10 mm to 18 mm to improve heat transfer in each configuration. The study conducts simulations on every fin configuration, utilizing three distinct inlet velocities (4 m/s, 6 m/s, and 8 m/s) and five different inlet temperatures (423 K, 473 K, 523 K, 573 K, and 623 K). The assessment of the heat exchanger’s performance is conducted by means of the thermal-hydraulic performance coefficient (THPC) and the temperature uniformity index. Meanwhile, the evaluation of the TEG device’s performance is carried out by estimating its rated power output and the conversion efficiency of TEG. According to the findings, the staggered fin arrangement exhibits the highest Thermal Hydraulic Performance Coefficient (THPC) and power generation capability, while the progressive and inline fin configurations follow in descending order. The utilization of fins with a thickness of 18 mm in a staggered arrangement yields a peak rated power output of 53.42 W. The implementation of pin fins in a staggered configuration within the heat exchanger amplifies the heat transfer from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric module. Consequently, there is an increase in the output power with respect to the given temperature difference.
Investigation of the predictive value of blood parameters and ratios on knee prosthesis loosening in patients after knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kurt Mehmet , Yılmaz Selçuk , Dülgeroğlu Turan Cihan
Published: November 2023

Objectives
In this research, it was aimed to evaluate the predictive value of blood parameters and ratios on knee prosthesis loosening in patients after knee arthroplasty.
Methods
A total of 221 patient files having knee prosthesis attempting to our clinic between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into two groups as loosening (n = 108; 48.9%) and not loosening (n = 108; 48.9%) groups. Monocyte/HDL ratio (MHR), Albumin/CRP ratio (ACR), Eosinophile/lymphocyte ratio (ELN), MPV/PLT ratio (MPR), Monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), Platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and Hemoglobin/Platelet ratio (HPL) parameters of patients were calculated.
Results
HDL, albumin, hemoglobin, ACR, PLR and HPL levels were significantly higher in loosening patients (p < 0.05). CRP, neutrophile, lymphocyte, monocyte and MHR means were significantly higher in no-loosening patients (p < 0.05). Loosening was significantly correlated with gender (r = 0.141; p < 0.05), HDL (r = 0.474; p < 0.01), albumin (r = 0.349; p < 0.01), CRP (r=-0.466; p < 0.01), neutrophile (r=-0.167; p < 0.05), lymphocyte (r=-0.240; p < 0.01), monocyte (r=-0.380; p < 0.01), hemoglobin (r = 0.254; p < 0.01), MHR (r=-0.513; p < 0.01), ACR (r = 0.496; p < 0.01), PLR (r = 0.142; p < 0.05) and HPL (r = 0.204; p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis results showed that MHR (B=-0,415; p < 0.01), ACR (B = 0,048; p < 0.01) and HPL (r = 30,640; p < 0.05) had significant predictive value for knee prosthesis at multivariate level. predictive value of MHR (AUC = 0.798; p < 0.01), ACR (AUC = 0.786; p < 0.01) and HPL (AU = 0.618; p < 0.01) were statistically significant. For MHR 6.2481 cutoff level, sensitivity was 72.2% and specificity was 10.6%. For ACR 8.6380 utoff level, sensitivity was 84.3% and specificity was 59.3%. For HPL 0.0506 cutoff level, sensitivity was 63.9% and specificity was 54.0%.
Conclusion
MHR, ACR and HPL may be used predictors of knee prosthesis after knee surgery.
Evaluation method and application of water-rich of clastic rock aquifer in mining seam roof
Authors: Qiu Mei , Shao Zhendong , Zhang Weiqiang , Zheng Yan , Yin Xinyu , Gai Guichao , Han Zhaodi , Zhao Jianfei
Published: November 2023

Clastic rock aquifer of the coal seam roof often constitutes the direct water-filling aquifer of the coal seam and its water-rich is closely related to the risk of roof water inrush. Therefore, the evaluation of the water-rich of clastic rock aquifer is the basic work of coal seam roof water disaster prevention. This article taked the 4th coal seam in Huafeng mine field as an example. It combined the empirical formula method and GRNN neural network to calculate the development height of water-conducting fracture zone, determined the vertical spatial range of water-rich evaluation. Depth of the sandstone floor, brittle rock ratio, lithological structure index, fault strength index, and fault intersections and endpoints density were selected as the main controlling factors. A combination weighting method based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Rough Set Theory (RS), and Minimum Deviation Method (MD) was proposed to determine the weight of the main controlling factors. Introduced the theory of unascertained measures and confidence recognition criteria to construct an evaluation model for the water-rich of clastic rock aquifers, the study area was divided into three zones: relatively weak water-rich zones, medium water-rich zones, and relatively strong water-rich zones. By comparing with the water inrush points and the water inflow of workfaces, the evaluation model's water yield zoning was consistent with the actual situation, and the prediction effect was good. This provided a new idea for the evaluation of the water-rich of the clastic rock aquifer on the roof of the mining coal seam.
Combined pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio predicts survival and prognosis in patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Dong , Li Yi , Li Pian , Meng Zhen , Hu Xueyin , Huang Zichong , Huang Heqing , Dong Huan , Qin Yating , Chen Cong , Chen Xinghua , Li Zhiru , Zhou Ziyan , Kang Min
Published: November 2023

Background
Local recurrence and distant metastasis is the main cause of treatment failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It is necessary to find a reliable, economical and convenient prognostic indicator to accurately predict the prognosis of NPC. The clinical significance of the combination of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is unclear. This study investigated the predictive value of pretreatment NLR (pre-NLR) combined with pretreatment PLR (pre-PLR) for the survival and prognosis of NPC.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 765 patients with non-metastatic NPC. The NLR and PLR before treatment were examined. The pre-NLR-PLR scoring criteria and grouping were as follows: HRG, score of 2, high pre-NLR and high pre-PLR. MRG, score of 1, either high pre-NLR or high pre-PLR. LRG, score of 0, neither high pre-NLR nor high pre-PLR. We compared survival rates and factors affecting the prognosis among different groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the cutoff-value and discriminant performance of the model.
Results
The ROC curve indicated a cut-off value of 3.29 for pre-NLR and 196.74 for pre-PLR. The 5-year overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of NPC patients in HRG were significantly poorer than those in MRG and LRG. The pre-NLR-PLR score was positively correlated with T stage, clinical stage, ECOG score and pathological classification. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that pre-NLR-PLR scoring system, ECOG score and pre-ALB were independent risk factors affecting 5-year OS, 5-year LRRFS and 5-year DMFS in NPC patients. Age, T stage, smoking history were independent risk factors for 5-year OS. Age, pathological type, smoking history were independent risk factors for 5-year LRRFS. T stage and N stage were independent risk factors for 5-year DMFS. The ROC curve showed that area under the curve (AUC) values of pre-NLR-PLR of 5-year OS, LRRFS and DMFS in NPC were higher than those of pre-NLR and pre-PLR.
Conclusions
pre-NLR-PLR is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of NPC. The pre-NLR-PLR scoring system can be used as an individualized clinical assessment tool to predict the prognosis of patients with non-metastatic NPC more accurately and easily.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Increases the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yuan Quan , Shen Zixiong , Zhang Jiujiang , Liu Qing , Whang Huimin , Li Yang
Published: November 2023

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is a common autoimmune disease, and some observational studies have indicated an association between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and RA. However, the causal relationship between the two remains uncertain.
Methods
We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal effect between GERD and RA. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis was conducted using summary data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Results
The MR results for GERD on RA suggested a causal effect of the genetic susceptibility of GERD on RA (discovery, IVW, odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95%confidence interval [CI]:1.22–1.63, p = 2.81×10− 6; validation, IVW, OR = 1.38, 95%CI:1.23–1.55, P = 1.76×10− 8), while the results of the reverse MR analysis did not reveal compelling evidence that RA can increase the risk of developing GERD.
Conclusion
Our bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian randomization analysis provides support for the causal effect of GERD on RA. This discovery could offer new insights for the prevention and treatment of RA.
Studies on impurities and degradation products in a potential antipsychotic agent, SIPI6398, using HPLC, semi-preparative LC, LC/ESI-MS and NMR Analyses
Authors: Zhou Ainan , Zhu Hengyi , Qian Hao , Chen Xiaowen , Li Jianqi
Published: November 2023

N-((1r,4r)-4-(2-(4-(benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl) piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclohexyl) furan-2- carboxamide hydrochloride, SIPI6398, is a potential multireceptor antipsychotic drug candidate under preclinical development. In this study, the related substances in SIPI6398 bulk substance were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Specifically, its five storage degradation products (6398-YH1, 6398-YH2, 98-6-YH1, 98-6-YH2, 98-6-YH3) were isolated using semi-preparative liquid chromatography and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. In addition, one reversed-phase liquid chromatography method was developed for the quantification of eleven potential impurities and the main constituent, respectively. The method was validated and utilized during the impurity studies and quality control analysis during the kilogram-scale preparation of SIPI63968.
Reversible complexation mediated polymerization (RCMP) starting with a complex of iodine with organic salt andthermal initiators
Authors: Fang Xiya , Feng Zongze , Liu Yunhe , Zhang Xiaotao , Wang Honggen , Shi Yan
Published: November 2023

Herein, we developed a reversible complexation mediated polymerization (RCMP) starting with a complex of iodine and organic salt as a deactivator and a thermal initiator for continuous regeneration of the organic salt activator. This novel polymerization method can be called as initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) RCMP, as inspired by the denomination of ICAR ATRP. The synthesis of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (Mw/Mn < 1.3) with good controllability was achieved via this technique when the concentration of the deactivator complex was as low as dozens of ppm. The studied three kinds of iodine complexes showed high control on the polymerization of MMA. The effects of initiator and deactivator complex concentration on the polymerization process were researched in detail. Furthermore, the accessibility of PMMA prepared by ICAR RCMP to chain extension and block copolymerization confirmed that this novel polymerization approach afforded polymers with high chain-end fidelity. The substantial decrease in the concentration of deactivator complex or activator plays a critical role for the production and application of well-defined polymer prepared by this method.
Postbiotic effect of Escherichia coli CEC15 and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 on amurine model of 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis
Authors: Glória Rafael de Assis , Silva Tales Fernando da , Gomes Tomás Andrade Magalhães , Vital Kátia Duarte , Fernandes Simone Odília Antunes , Cardoso Valbert Nascimento , Ferreira Ênio , Chatel Jean-Marc , Langella Philippe , Cherbuy Claire , Loir Yves Le , Jan Gwénaël , Guédon Éric , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho
Published: November 2023

Postbiotics are preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host. The Escherichia coli strains Nissle 1917 (EcN) and CEC15 have shown beneficial effects, in their live form, in murine models of intestinal inflammation, such as colitis and mucositis. However, the use of live bacteria, in special by immunocompromised individuals, had raised concerns. Based on this, the present study evaluated the effects as postbiotic of heat-inactivated, and cell-free supernatant preparations of EcN and CEC15 in attenuating 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis in mice and compared them with the probiotic effects of the live preparations. BALB/c mice were fed daily, by gavage, with 1010 CFU of live or inactivated bacteria, or with 300 µL of cell-free supernatant for 12 days. On the 10th day, all animals, except for the control group, received an intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (300 mg/kg). After 72 h of 5-FU administration, animals were euthanized, and the ileum and blood were collected for analysis. Treatments with live and heat-inactivated CEC15 mitigated weight loss, preserved intestinal length, reduced histological damage, maintained goblet cells, decreased neutrophil infiltration, and modulated expression of inflammatory and barrier genes, when compared to 5-FU mucositis controls. EcN showed more limited effects. CEC15 upregulated mRNA expression of the mucin MUC2 and tight junction protein TJP1. Overall, CEC15 demonstrated protective effects against 5-FU-induced mucositis, whatever the way it was administered: live bacteria, heat-inactivated bacteria, or cell-free supernatant. This suggests CEC15 mediates a protective response via secreted metabolites and does not require viability.
A Phase I open-label, dose-escalation study of NUC-3373, a targeted thymidylate synthase inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer (NuTide:301)
Authors: Spiliopoulou Pavlina , Kazmi Farasat , Aroldi Francesca , Holmes Thomas , Thompson David , Griffiths Lucy , Qi Cathy , Parkes Matthew , Lord Simon , Veal Gareth , Harrison David , Coyle Vicky , Graham Jill , Evans Jeffry Thomas , Blagden Sarah
Published: November 2023

Purpose
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is inefficiently converted to the active anti-cancer metabolite, fluorodeoxyuridine-monophosphate (FUDR‑MP), is associated with dose-limiting toxicities and challenging administration schedules. NUC-3373 is a phosphoramidate nucleotide analog of fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR) designed to overcome these limitations and replace fluoropyrimidines such as 5-FU.
Patients and Methods:
NUC‑3373 was administered as monotherapy to patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapy via intravenous infusion either on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Part 1) or on Days 1 and 15 (Part 2) of 28‑day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary objectives were maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) and schedule of NUC‑3373. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics (PK), and anti‑tumor activity.
Results
Fifty-nine patients received NUC-3373 in 9 cohorts in Part 1 (n = 43) and 3 alternate-weekly dosing cohorts in Part 2 (n = 16). They had received a median of 3 prior lines of treatment (range: 0–11) and 74% were exposed to prior fluoropyrimidines. Four experienced dose-limiting toxicities: two Grade (G) 3 transaminitis; one G2 headache; and one G3 transient hypotension. Commonest treatment related G3 adverse event of raised transaminases occurred in < 10% of patients. NUC-3373 showed a favorable PK profile, with dose-proportionality and a prolonged half-life compared to 5-FU. A best overall response of stable disease was observed, with prolonged progression-free survival.
Conclusion
NUC-3373 was well-tolerated in a heavily pre-treated solid tumor patient population, including those who had relapsed on prior 5-FU. The MTD and RP2D was defined as 2500 mg/m2 NUC‑3373 weekly. NUC-3373 is currently in combination treatment studies.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov registry number NCT02723240. Trial registered on 8th December 2015.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02723240
Sex-specific differences in myocardial glucose metabolic rate in non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: Succurro Elena , Vizza Patrizia , Cicone Francesco , Cassano Velia , Massimino Mattia , Giofrè Federica , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Perticone Maria , Sciacqua Angela , Guzzi Pietro Hiram , Veltri Pierangelo , Andreozzi Francesco , Cascini Giuseppe Lucio , Sesti Giorgio
Published: November 2023

Background
Evidence has shown that women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have a higher excess risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men with T2DM. Subjects with either T2DM or prediabetes exhibit myocardial insulin resistance, but it is still unsettled whether sex-related differences in myocardial insulin resistance occur in diabetic and prediabetic subjects.
Methods
we aimed to evaluate sex-related differences in myocardial glucose metabolic rate (MRGlu), assessed using dynamic PET with 18F-FDG combined with euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 20), prediabetes (n = 11), and T2DM (n = 26).
Results
Women with prediabetes or T2DM exhibited greater relative differences in myocardial MRGlu than men with prediabetes or T2DM when compared with their NGT counterparts. As compared with women with NGT, those with prediabetes exhibited an age-adjusted 35% decrease in myocardial MRGlu (P = 0.04) and women with T2DM a 74% decrease (P = 0.006), respectively. Conversely, as compared with men with NGT, men with T2DM exhibited a 40% reduction in myocardial MRGlu (P = 0.004), while no significant difference was observed between men with NGT and prediabetes. The statistical test for interaction between sex and glucose tolerance on myocardial MRGlu (P < 0.0001) was significant suggesting a sex-specific association.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that deterioration of glucose homeostasis in women is associated with a greater impairment in myocardial glucose metabolism as compared with men. The sex-specific myocardial insulin resistance could be an important factor responsible for the greater effect of T2DM on the excess risk of cardiovascular disease in women than in men.
Prognostic value and drug sensitivity of FBXL6 in glioma
Authors: Lin Qingyuan , Zhu Jinchao , Zhu Weiyao , Zhu Honglin , Li Meijun , Zhao Jiaqi , Jia Shouqiang , Nie Shengdong
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Gliomas are highly malignant and invasive tumors that lack clear boundaries. Recent bioinformatics and experimental analyses have indicated that FBXL6, a protein crucial for the cell cycle and tumorigenesis, is highly expressed in certain tumors. This high expression of FBXL6 is thought to promote tumor growth and adversely affect patient survival. However, the molecular mechanism, prognostic value, and drug sensitivity of FBXL6 in gliomas still remain unclear.
Methods
To address these gaps, we conducted an extensive study on FBXL6 in gliomas, utilizing data from the TCGA and CGGA databases. Our analysis of FBXL6 mRNA expression, combined with factors such as age, sex, and tumor grade using the Kaplan-Meier plot and nomograms, revealed a strong correlation between FBXL6 expression and glioma progression. Co-expression networks provided further insights into FBXL6's biological functions. Additionally, using CIBERSORT and TISDB tools, we investigated FBXL6's correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and immune genes, revealing significant interactions.
Results
We validated our findings by examining FBXL6 mRNA and protein levels in glioma tissues using various techniques, including Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. This confirmed the significant role of FBXL6 in glioma progression. Furthermore, drug sensitivity analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between FBXL6 expression and various drugs, indicating that FBXL6 is a promising therapeutic target in glioma treatment.
Conclusion
Our comprehensive study identified FBXL6 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with gliomas and highlights its critical role in glioma progression.
Efficient Numerical Algorithms for Multi-Precision and Multi-Accuracy Calculation of the Error Functions and Dawson Integral with Complex Arguments
Authors: ZAGHLOUL MOFREH R.
Published: November 2023

We present efficient algorithms for multi-precision and multi-accuracy calculation of error functions and the Dawson integral, all with complex arguments. These algorithms achieve exceptional accuracies, ranging from 26 significant digits (SD) up to 30 SD depending on the function. In addition to the Faddeyeva or Faddeeva function, w(z) or the scaled complementary error function, erfcx(z) = w(iz), the list of functions considered include the error function, erf(z), complementary error function, erfc(z), imaginary error function, erfi(z), and the Dawson integral Daw(z).
These algorithms are integrated into a modern Fortran module confirming the claimed accuracies and superior efficiency compared to other competitive codes in the literature. Additionally, we highlight an observation regarding the built-in “Erfc_Scaled(x)” function included in a widely used Fortran compiler, which exhibits a significant decline in accuracy when employed in quadruple precision arithmetic.
A case report of canine gigantic nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
Authors: Yu Chao , Wang Mingfeng , Liu Xiao
Published: November 2023

A six-year-old male Bichon Frise presents with a large head mass, intermittent nasal bleeding, and copious mucus discharge. Imaging examination shows that the mass fills the nasopharynx and frontal sinuses and invades the skull. Through histopathological biopsy, it is diagnosed as nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (NA) . Reports of dogs with this disease are quite rare. During the diagnosis process of nasopharyngeal masses in dogs, this disease should be entirely considered and differentiated.
Utilizing the AJCC staging 8th edition to discriminate survival outcomes in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A population-based study using the SEER database
Authors: Kim Su Il , Lee Jung Woo , Eun Young-Gyu , Lee Young Chan
Published: November 2023

Background
The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging 8th edition introduced major changes in the TNM staging of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) based on the human papillomavirus (HPV) status. We aimed to observe how well the AJCC staging 8th edition precisely discriminate survival outcomes in patients with HPV (+) OPSCC than AJCC staging 7th edition using a large population database. Additionally, we observed survival outcomes when patients were further classified according to other clinical factors.
Methods
A total of 7448 patients with HPV (+) OPSCC were enrolled using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2010 and 2016. Patients diagnosed with OPSCC and tested positive for HPV with information on the TNM staging according to the AJCC staging 7th edition were selected. Next, T-, N-, and clinical staging were reconstructed based on the AJCC staging 8th edition. Survival probabilities in each edition were estimated and compared using Kaplan–Meier plots.
Results
Of the 7448 patients, 6960 patients (93.44%) were down-staged from the 7th to the 8th edition in patients with HPV (+) OPSCC. The AJCC staging 8th edition showed more discriminatory power in predicting survival of patients with HPV (+) OPSCC than the AJCC staging 7th edition, regardless of the primary subsites. Early clinical stage patients with HPV (+) OPSCC showed no significant differences according to the therapeutic methods, unlike those according to the AJCC 7th edition. However, clinical stage I patients with HPV (+) OPSCC according to the AJCC 8th edition showed better prognosis in case of high T staging than high N staging. Clinical staging according to the AJCC 8th edition compared to that of the 7th edition was an independent prognostic factor in patients with HPV (+) OPSCC.
Conclusion
This large population-based study emphasizes the advantages of the new classification system for discriminating survival in patients with HPV (+) OPSCC according to various factors.
A Cloud Container-Based Distributed Solving Approach to Superscale Colored Traveling Salesman Problems
Authors: Lin Zhicheng , Li Jun , Li Yongcui
Published: November 2023

The colored traveling salesman problem (CTSP) generalizes the well-known multiple traveling salesman problem (MTSP) by utilizing colors to describe the accessibility of cities to individual salesmen. Many serial algorithms have been developed to solve CTSP instances. This work presents a distributed solving method for CTSP for the first time. First, a cloud container-based distributed solving framework for CTSP is designed and implemented in a pipeline style. A superscale CTSP can be decomposed into many TSPs to solve in parallel to reduce computational complexity dramatically. Second, following the framework, we develop a distributed Delaunay-triangulation-based variable neighborhood search (DDVNS) algorithm. In DDVNS, a two-stage initialization is exploited to generate each TSP solution. Then, Delaunay-triangulation-based variable neighborhood search (DVNS) is applied to search for the local TSP optima within a neighborhood delicately. In addition, the solutions are improved further by reallocating the multicolor cities and repeating the search progress. Finally, the extensive experiments show that DDVNS outperforms the state-of-the-art serial algorithms regarding search efficiency and solution quality. Notably, We can achieve a satisfactory solution in a superscale case of 16 salesmen and 160000 cities within 15 minutes, which breaks the existing solving record of CTSPs.
Trends and Determinants of Catastrophic Health Expenditure among Low-income Group (B40) in Malaysia (2014-2019)
Authors: Manual Adilius , Hamid Jabrullah Ab , Nordin Awatef Amer , Jawahir Suhana , Noh Sarah Nurain Mohd , Rahim Iqbal Ab , Mutalib Nur Elina Abdul , Aravind Dinash , Sararaks Sondi
Published: November 2023

Background
Malaysia has performed strongly in protecting its population against severe financial risk from out-of-pocket (OOP) or catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). As the country leaps forward towards the status of a developed status nation, income inequality may exacerbate incidence of financial hardship among the B40 or the poorest 40% of the population. Our objectives are therefore to analyze the incidence of CHE in the past 5 years addressing potential determinants among the B40 population using normative spending method.
Methods
We analyzed data from the last three rounds of the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys conducted in 2014, 2016 and 2019. To identify CHE, the approach we adopted was normative spending on food, housing, and utilities (capacity-to-pay or CTP method), at the 40% threshold and compared this with the budget share method. Descriptive and logistics regression analyses were carried out using Stata.
Results
The two approaches produced diverging estimates with the household CTP approach showing significant increasing trend of CHE between 2014 and 2019, while the budget share method showed a much lower increase (1.78% versus 5.48%). Pharmaceuticals/medicines represented the highest mean monthly spending. Almost all factors in the final model are significant including spatial (state and rural status) and socio-demographic factors. For the socio-demographic profiles of head of household, higher likelihoods of CHE were observed among the non-Chinese, 35–54 and 55–64 age categories, lowest education level and among female and with divorced/widowed head of households. Larger households and older adults-only households have the largest odds ratio of CHE.
Conclusions
Although Malaysia has achieved improved financial protection for its population, greater attention to the poorest households is still needed. Higher estimations of CHE were found using the CTP approach. Therefore, it is important to consider the significant determinants of both spatial and sociodemographic characteristics found in this study when strengthening financial risk protection against CHE among Malaysia's B40.
Fabrication and Characterization of Biopolymer based Silver Loaded Padded Cotton Bandage
Authors: Tauseef Muhammad , Azam Farooq , Ahmad Sheraz , Rasheed Abher , Ahmad Faheem , Masood Rashid
Published: November 2023

The regular utilization of medical bandages has the potential to expedite the healing process. In this research study, we explored the creation of an innovative medical textile in the form of a padded cotton bandage, engineered from a combination of agricultural biopolymers, with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness. To produce a cotton-based bandage, cotton fabric was treated with Arabic gum and xanthan gum loaded with Ag NPs. The resulting samples underwent assessment for air permeability, antibacterial attributes, tensile strength, and wicking properties across various biopolymer blend compositions. Furthermore, their characteristics were analyzed using Tensile strength Tester, SEM, and FTIR. Our study identified that a blend of 0.5% xanthan gum and 1% gum Arabic demonstrated the highest air permeability. Additionally, the analysis of tensile strength revealed that the sample with the highest GSM exhibited superior strength. SEM and FTIR analyses have verified the presence of the Ag-loaded biopolymer layer on cotton fabric. The 50 GSM sample exhibits superior wicking properties compared to the 100 GSM samples. This research presents a promising avenue for developing biopolymer-based padded cotton bandages with enhanced air permeability, antibacterial efficacy, tensile strength, and moisture-wicking properties, crucial for effective and comfortable medical textiles.
FESAR：Detection Model Based on Local Spatial Relationship Capture and Fused Convolution Enhancement
Authors: Liu chong , Yan Chunman
Published: November 2023

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) plays a crucial role in ship monitoring due to its all-weather and high-resolution capabilities. In SAR images, ship targets often exhibit blurred or mixed boundaries with the background, and there may be occlusion or partial occlusion. Furthermore, the multi-scale transformation and the presence of small targets pose challenges to ship detection. To address these challenges, a novel SAR ship detection model, FESar, is proposed. First, to address the problem of large-scale transformations in ship detection, a network FCEM with fused convolutional enhancement is proposed, in which different convolutional branches are designed to capture local and global features, respectively, and are fused and enhanced. Secondly, an FPE module containing a spatial-mixing layer is designed to capture and analyze local spatial relationships in the image, and effectively combine local information to discriminate the feature information between ship targets and the background. Finally, a new backbone network, SPD-YOLO, is designed to perform deep downsampling for the comprehensive extraction of semantic information related to ships. To validate the performance of the model, experiments are conducted on the publicly available dataset LS-SSSDD-v1.0, and the experimental results show that the performance of the proposed FESar model outperforms many SOTA models, and based on the base model, FESar improves the AP by 5.5% on the dataset LS-SSDD-v1.0. Compared with the SAR ship detection model on the SSDD dataset, the comprehensive performance of FESAR is better than other SAR ship detection models. To verify the generalization of the model, we experiment with FESAR with numerous SOTA models on the dataset HRSID, and the experimental results show that, based on the base model, the FESAR model improves AP by 2.6% on the dataset HRSID.
Topographic and Biomechanical Characteristics of Cornea in Patients with Angioid Streaks
Authors: Gurelik Gokhan , Uysal Betul Seher , Yilmaz Merve Nur , Ozdemir Huseyin Baran , Bilgihan Kamil
Published: November 2023

Purpose
To evaluate corneal biomechanics obtained with Corvis ST and topographic characteristics of the cornea measured with Pentacam topography in individuals with angioid streaks and to compare them with healthy subjects.
Methods
Thirty-six eyes of 18 patients with angioid streaks (study group) and 46 eyes of 23 healthy subjects (control group) were included in the study. Corneal topography with Pentacam was performed and the parameters obtained were as follows; flattest keratometry, steepest keratometry, mean keratometry, maximum keratometry, topographic cylinder value, central corneal thickness, and total deviation value of Belin-Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display. The biomechanical parameters, IOP with non-contact tonometer (IOPnct), and biomechanical corrected IOP (bIOP) were measured with Corvis ST.
Results
All topographic parameters were comparable between the study and control groups (all P > 0.05). Corneal ectasia was not observed in any patient. In patients with angioid streaks, statistically significant longer applanation 1 (A1) time, lower A2 velocity, lower deformation amplitude (DA) and DA ratio (2 mm), higher stiffness parameter A1, and lower Corvis biomechanical index (CBI) values indicated higher corneal stiffness compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). IOPcnt value was significantly increased in the study group, while the bIOP value was similar in both groups (P = 0.041, and P = 0.075, respectively).
Conclusions
Normal corneal topographic properties and increased corneal stiffness have been demonstrated in eyes with angioid streaks. These findings may be crucial in patients with angioid streaks when planning corneal refractive surgery or when precise IOP measurement is needed for the diagnosis or follow-up of glaucoma.
WITHDRAWN: Crop management and distribution by linear programming method using the Excel software for planning the agricultural production
Authors: Fytilis Konstantinos , Karaouzas Ioannis
Published: November 2023

The need for appropriate crop management/distribution to increase the economic yield of crops is a major challenge for farmers. Linear programming is a mathematical model that solves such problems with great success for the purpose of crop maximization or minimization. In this study the method of linear programming is used in Sperchios river basin to increase crop efficiency and consequently to increase the economic returns of the crops by maximizing crop mass. Several constraints are taken into account, which determines the final result (e.g. fertilization requirements, irrigation, labor, land use). The main objective is to evaluate the distribution of crops in the study area and the use of the historical constraint, a constraint that is being introduced for the first time. Then a comparison is made of the results obtained from the use and non-use of the historical constraint (in combination with the other constraints). The method used is that of linear programming. In particular, by using the software excel uses the solver tool that solves linear problems. Currently, in the Sperchios river basin 26 crops are being cultivated. If the historical constraint is included, the number of crops remain 26. Otherwise, the optimal solution suggests the exploitation of 6 crops. Also, depending on the constraints , the needs for irrigation, fertilization, labor and land use differ. The excel software suggested the optimal solution to obtain the maximum crop yield considering certain constraints. Thus, we conclude that linear programming can be used as a decision support making – a decision support system (DSS) in crop management.
Advancements in Biotransformation Pathway Prediction: Enhancements, Datasets, and Novel Functionalities in enviPath
Authors: Hafner Jasmin , Lorsbach Tim , Schmidt Sebastian , Brydon Liam , Dost Katharina , Zhang Kunyang , Fenner Kathrin , Wicker Jörg Simon
Published: November 2023

enviPath is a widely used database and prediction system for microbial biotransformation pathways of primarily xenobiotic compounds. Data and prediction system are freely available both via a web interface and a public REST API. Since its initial release in 2016, we extended the data available in enviPath and improved the performance of the prediction system and usability of the overall system. We now provide three diverse data sets, covering microbial biotransformation in different environments and under different experimental conditions. This also enabled developing a pathway prediction model that is applicable to a more diverse set of chemicals. In the prediction engine, we implemented a new evaluation tailored towards pathway prediction, which returns a more honest and holistic view on the performance. We also implemented a novel applicability domain algorithm, which allows the user to estimate how well the model will perform on their data. Finally, we improved the implementation to speed up the overall system and provide new functionality via a plugin system. Overall, enviPath has developed into a reliable database and prediction system with a unique use case in research in microbial biotransformations.
Evolution of Poroelastic Characteristics and Permeability in Artificial Sandstones Undergoing Inelastic Deformation
Authors: Hajzaman Mostafa , Moosavi Mahdi
Published: November 2023

This study investigates saturated artificial sandstones' Poroelastic and permeability properties. Artificial sandstones were preferred because they were capable of manipulating porosity, particle size, and cement content. Various methods were developed to investigate drained jacketed Poroelastic parameter evolution in both elastic and inelastic domains, including Biot's coefficient, permeability, bulk, pore, and solid constituent moduli. Poroelastic characteristics are stress-dependent and nonlinear, up to 10 MPa effective stress. After the first stage, linear volumetric compaction and elastic moduli degradation continue until pore collapse. Porosity-stress graphs of some samples show inflection points that match the Hertzian fracture theory's prediction for grain crushing and pore collapse. The nonlinearity of Poroelastic moduli and permeability progression upon pore collapse has been demonstrated. Following the pore collapse, the primary factor influencing the bulk compressibility is the solid matrix deformation. Comparing Biot's coefficient values from two paths proves that solid components' jacketed bulk modulus is identical to the sample's unjacketed bulk modulus. Rock permeability is periodically measured based on effective stress, showing a greater drop at low effective stresses due to microcrack closure. Permeability sensitivity to effective stress (ɣ) and porosity (α) exponents were measured. The results show that effective stress affects permeability primarily through pore compressibility. The study found a numerical value of 0.67<γ×10-2<4.45 and 1.83<α<4.84 before pore collapse, and 3<γ×10-2<24 and 4.61<α<17.63 following pore collapse. Results show that GAMA is more stress-dependent than α post-pore collapse. This observation suggests that the permeability in high-stress conditions is predominantly influenced by cumulative damage rather than the compressibility of pores.
Enabling Pharmaceutical Traceability in The Nigerian Supply Chain using GS1 Global Standards: Lean Traceability Including In-Country Serialization of COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Adeyeye Mojisola , Kayode John , Adeniran Adekunle , Osho Folashade , Udokwelu Walter
Published: November 2023

Traceability of the pharmaceutical products across a supply chain creates an environment that provides visibility of the product status from plant to patient.  The supply chain is the trade journey products make to consumers or retail stores (e.g. pharmacy store, patented drug store, medical store etc.,) via a network of producers, manufacturers, distributors, transporters and vendors taking that product from creation to delivery. Some of the key benefits of introducing traceability in the Nigerian pharmaceutical sector besides securing the supply chain includes an increment in the quality of data to support pharmacovigilance, decrease in the presence of substandard and falsified (SF) medications and ultimately ensuring patient safety. The drug distribution system in Nigeria is largely undefined and there have been in-country efforts to sanitize it. One such effort has produced a national policy document referred to as the Nigeria Pharmaceutical Traceability Strategy which stipulates the plan to achieve supply chain visibility, prevent infiltration of the SFs and strengthen existing regulatory and legal frameworks in Nigeria using GS1 global standards. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other drug regulatory agencies in Africa jointly signed a Call to Action during the 2nd GS1 African Healthcare Conference held in Lagos, Nigeria on September 16-20, 2019 to demonstrate commitment to pursue pharmaceutical traceability by adopting global supply chain standards. This article focuses on how NAFDAC in collaboration with GS1 Nigeria, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other partners have implemented traceability as a public sector pilot for the COVID-19 vaccines received in Nigeria from March 2021 to December 2021.  This included the serialization of COVID-19 vaccines that were received without serial numbers that uniquely identify the secondary packing of the COVID-19 vaccines. The lessons learned from the pilot would be used to support development and dissemination of tracebility regulation, publish guidelines for traceability implementation, and engage stakeholders meaningfully as Nigeria implements full track and trace of pharmaceutical products.
Exploring the vortex phase diagram of Bogoliubov-de Gennes disordered superconductors
Authors: Fan Bo , Garcia Garcia Antonio Miguel
Published: November 2023

We study the interplay of vortices and disorder in a two-dimensional disordered superconductor at zero temperature described by the Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) self-consistent formalism for lattices of sizes up to 100×100 where the magnetic flux is introduced by the Peierls substitution. We model substantially larger lattice size than in previous approaches (≤36×36) which has allowed us to identify a rich phase diagram as a function of the magnetic flux and the disorder strength. For sufficiently weak disorder, and not too strong magnetic flux, we observe a slightly distorted Abrikosov triangular vortex lattice. An increase in the magnetic flux leads to an unexpected rectangular vortex lattice. A further increase in disorder, or flux, gradually destroys the lattice symmetry though strong vortex repulsion persists. An even stronger disorder leads to deformed single vortices with an inhomogeneous core. As the number of vortices increases, vortex overlap becomes more frequent. Finally, we show that global phase coherence is a feature of all these phases and that disorder enhances substantially the critical magnetic flux with respect to the clean limit with a maximum on the metallic side of the insulating transition.
A phytochemical study of the clover growing in Kuzbass
Authors: Belashova Olga , Kozlova Oksana , Velichkovich Natalia , Fokina Anna , Yustratov Vladimir , Petrov Andrey
Published: November 2023

In addition to studying bioactive organic compounds in plants, it is increasingly important to determine the biological role of elements in plants growing in environmentally unfavorable areas. One of such regions in Russia is Kuzbass with its intensively developing chemical, metallurgical, and coal mining sectors. In this study, we assessed the plant materials of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) collected from their natural populations in Kuzbass. The qualitative and quantitative composition of heavy metals in the clover samples was determined voltammetrically. The contents of molybdenum and phosphorus were measured by the photocolorimetric method. Total nitrogen and protein were determined by the Kjeldahl method. Nickel, cobalt, and chromium were quantified by spectrophotometry. We analyzed the plant materials of the clover samples for heavy metals and found that the content of lead was the least in red clover and the highest in alsike clover. Copper varied in a larger range and was minimal in red clover compared to that in alsike and white clover. Zinc was found at higher concentrations of in white and red clover compared to that in alsike clover. The levels of cadmium exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations in all the clover samples. We also revealed that the clover samples contained different amounts of various amino acids, including arginine, valine, lysine, glycine, aspartic acid, and alanine. The plant materials of the clover species growing in Kuzbass can be used to improve the fertility of soil and nitrogen regime. However, the clover species should not be used in bulk feed for farm animals because of high concentrations of cadmium.