bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retroperitoneal Ureterolithotomy: The Preferred Surgical Method for Elderly Patients with Impacted Upper Ureteral Calculi and Infection
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Guo Jiawei , Yi Xinping , Dou Yongqi , Xiong Yongjiang , Liu Jiaji , Zhao Tao
Published: March 2024

Flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL), retroperitoneal ureterolithotomy (RLUL), and minimally percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) are the three primary minimally invasive techniques for treating upper ureteral calculi with infection. This study sought to find out the best surgical technique for treating older patients with impacted upper ureteral calculi that were infected by examining the safety and effectiveness of three minimally invasive surgical approaches. In this investigation, the clinical data of ninety-five elderly patients treated with FURL (33), mPCNL (29), and RLUL (33), in our hospital between January 2018 and April 2023, with impacted upper ureteral calculi and infection, were retrospectively evaluated. The three groups did not significantly differ in the stone clearance rate (P > 0.05), with the RLUL group having the highest rate at 97%. The FURL group was superior to the mPCNL and RLUL groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay ( P < 0.05 ), but the second operation rate ( 100% ) and hospitalization cost were the highest ( P < 0.05 ). RLUL was superior to the mPCNL and RLUL groups in the rate of secondary operation, the incidence of complications, and the cost of hospitalization ( P < 0.05 ). The complication rate of mPCNL was the highest ( 37.9% ) ( P < 0.05 ).Therefore for older patients with infection-related impacted upper ureteral calculi, FURL and RLUL are both safe and efficient surgical techniques. Further research is required to determine the safety of mPCNL. For the patients listed above, RLUL can be utilized as the preferable surgical technique due to its excellent levels of safety, efficacy, and economy.
Ethnobotanical Study of Homegarden Plants Species Diversity and Uses in Goba District Bale Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Zeleke Aberash , Ofga Benti , Megersa Moa
Published: March 2024

A readily accessible agricultural plant production system that is close to a home is a home garden. The purpose of this study was to record how different plant species are used in household gardens and how they are managed in the Goba District. Information was gathered from informants chosen on the advice of local development agents and elders in the community. Seventy-one home garden owners were chosen for the detailed study and data collecting on gardens. Out of the fifteen kebeles in the Goba District, the five kebeles were chosen at random. Observation, semi-structured interviews, preference rating, direct matrix ranking, and paired comparison were the methods used to gather ethno botanical data. Data analysis techniques included the use of ethno botanical data collecting, descriptive statistical approaches including densities, frequencies, relative frequencies, relative densities, Shannon, and Wiener index for species diversity. Thirty-one families comprising 67 plant species in all were gathered and identified. Of the 67 plant species that were gathered, 37 (or 55%) were herbaceous, 16 (or 24%) were tree species, 19% (or shrubby), and 2% were climbers. The majority of homes have a home garden, indicating that farmers value gardening and that it affects both household food security and revenue generating. Concerned institutions should promote the involvement of the local population and the growth of awareness through instruction or training on the sustainable use and management of plant resources.
Age and Sex Differences in the Relationship of Body Weight Changes with Colon Cancer Risks: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Ko Young , Kim Hyun Jung , Park Seun Ja
Published: March 2024

Colon cancer is a significant health concern, and obesity is a well-established risk factor. However, previous studies have mainly focused on assessing body weight as a risk factor for colon cancer at a specific time point. This nationwide cohort study investigated the association between body weight changes, which can fluctuate throughout an individual's lifespan, and the incidence of colon cancer. Participants who underwent biennial health screenings between 2004 and 2006, and had follow-up health check-ups between 2014 and 2016, were included in this study. Body weight changes were categorized as follows: < 5%, decrease 5–20%, decrease > 20%, increase 5–20%, or > 20%. The primary outcome was the incidence of newly diagnosed colon cancer. Statistical analysis was used to examine the relationship between body weight changes and the incidence of colon cancer stratified according to age and sex. The analysis included data from 10,332,397 individuals, with a mean (± SD) age of 45.5 ± 13.1 years, and 54.9% were male. In males, both a weight gain of 5–20% and weight gain > 20% were associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. In addition, males < 40 years of age exhibited a higher risk for colon cancer with > 20% weight gain. Whereas, females who exhibited > 20% weight loss demonstrated a reduced risk. Moreover, females > 40 years of age, who experienced weight loss > 20%, exhibited a decreased risk for colon cancer. This nationwide cohort study demonstrated a relationship between body weight changes and the incidence of colon cancer, with differences based on sex and age. In particular, avoiding weight gain is crucial for males < 40 years of age, whereas weight loss could be beneficial for females > 40 years of age in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Prognostic value of receptor status conversion after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Uzun Mehmet , Atag Elif , Yildirim Eda Caliskan , Keser Murat , Semiz Huseyin Salih , Unal Olcun Umit
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Biomarkers such as hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2) found in breast cancer cells may undergo changes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).This study aimed to investigate receptor change rates after NACT and to determine the prognostic impact of the change.
Material and Method
: Patients with breast cancer who received NACT were included in the study. Changes in pathological findings before and after NACT were examined. In addition, the effect of receptor exchange on prognosis was evaluated.
Results
The study included 203 female patients. When pathological findings before and after NACT were compared, significant regression was found in grade and Ki-67 values (p = 0.003, p < 0.001). Estrogen receptor (ER) change rate was 11.8%, progesterone receptor (PR) change rate was 24.6% and HER-2 change rate was 12.5%. No significant correlation was found between ER and HER-2 changes and disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).
Conclusion
In patients with breast cancer, it would be appropriate to re-evaluate the HER2 and HR status of the surgical specimen following NACT, especially in initially negative patients. The correlation of receptor discordance with prognosis is not clear and more extensive studies are needed.
Causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction and carpal tunnel syndrome: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Cui Rongrong , Yin Liang , Bi Rongxiu , Xu Honghao , Wang Shilu
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction (including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism) and carpal tunnel syndrome using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods In forward MR, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were exposed and carpal tunnel syndrome was the outcome. Reverse MR Showed carpal tunnel syndrome as exposure, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism as outcome. Genetic loci independently associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and carpal tunnel syndrome were selected as instrumental variables (IV) from aggregated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used to analyze the causal effect, supplemented by weighted median (WME) and MR-Egger. Heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test and Leave-one-out method were used for sensitivity analysis to explore the robustness of the results.
Results Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism increased the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (hypothyroidism: IVW,OR=1.04,95%CI= 1.01-1.08, P=0.017; Hyperthyroidism: IVW,OR=1.08,95%CI= 1.05-1.12, P= 9.218e-06), no pleiotropy was found in both tests. There was no causal association between hypothyroidism (IVW:OR=1.20,95%CI=0.80-1.81, P=0.373) and hyperthyroidism (IVW:OR=1.40,95%CI=0.74-2.63P=1.398), and no pleiotropy was found between the two.
Conclusion Patients with thyroid dysfunction have an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome has no significant effect on hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Infiltrative Anesthesia With Lidocaine Can Replace the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Extraction of Devitalized Mandibular Molar Teeth
Authors: GULTEKIN Halim , Isik Bozkurt , GULTEKIN Didem
Published: March 2024

Purpose: In dental education, it has been traditionally emphasized that inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is essential for extracting lower molars. However, it is also known that dental implants can be placed in the same region using only infiltrative anaesthesia (IA). We hypothesize that there is no difference in anesthesia requirements between the extraction of a devitalized tooth and the placement of an implant. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of IANB and IA in the extraction of devitalized mandibular molars.
Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, and non-blinded clinical trial. Sixty patients over the age of 18, each with a mandibular first or second molar that had previously undergone root canal treatment, were included. They were randomly assigned to either the study or control groups. An anesthetic solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine was employed. In the study group, only vestibular and lingual IA were used, while the control group received IANB. Pain experienced during the injection and extraction was recorded separately. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation analysis, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: There was no significant difference between the two anaesthesia techniques in terms of injection or extraction pain (p>0.05). Gender and whether the tooth was a first or second molar did not influence the pain experienced.
Conclusions: Mandibular molars that have previously undergone root canal treatment can be extracted using buccal and lingual IA instead of IANB. This approach may also apply to other devitalized mandibular molars.
ALL-IN-ONE snare for hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection versus conventional technology: A matched study in porcine model (with video)
Authors: Yang Lang , Ma Xian-zong , Su Hui , Zhang Jie , Sheng Jian-qiu , Jin Peng
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (H-ESD) using a newly developed ALL-IN-ONE (AIO) snare.
Methods This was a matched control study in a porcine model. Five paired simulated stomach lesions 2–2.5 cm in size were removed by H-ESD using an AIO snare or conventional ESD (C-ESD) using an endoscopic knife. The outcomes of the two procedures were compared, including en bloc resection rates, procedure times, intraprocedural bleeding volumes, muscular injuries, perforations, thicknesses of the submucosal layer in resected specimens, and stomach defects.
Results All simulated lesions were resected en bloc. Specimens resected by H-ESD and C-ESD were similar in size (7.68±2.92 vs. 8.42±2.42 cm2; P = 0.676). H-ESD required a significantly shorter procedure time (13.39±3.78 vs. 25.99±4.52 min; P = 0.031) and submucosal dissection time (3.99±1.73 vs. 13.1±4.58 min; P = 0.003) versus C-ESD; H-ESD also yielded a faster dissection speed (241.37±156.84 vs. 68.56±28.53 mm2/min; P = 0.042) and caused fewer intraprocedural bleeding events (0.40±0.55 vs. 3.40±1.95 times/per lesion; P = 0.016) than C-ESD. The thicknesses of the submucosal layer of the resected specimen (1190.98±134.07 vs. 1055.90±151.76 μm; P = 0.174) and the residual submucosal layer of the stomach defect (1607.94±1026.74 vs. 985.98±445.58 μm; P = 0.249) were similar with both procedures.
Conclusion The AIO snare is a safe and effective device for H-ESD and improves the treatment outcomes of gastric lesions by shortening the procedure time.
Delayed diagnosis of Turner syndrome with diabetes retinopathy and diabetes nephropathy：A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Mengzhu , Ling Li , Huang Mengqi
Published: March 2024

Turner syndrome is a rare condition in women that is associated with either complete or partial loss of one X chromosome. We present a pateint that missed treatment opportunity due to delayed diagnosis, with multiple serious complications. Patients and their families are not vigilant enough to early symptoms of growth retardation, delayed puberty and even infertility. We should pay attention to early diagnosis and treatment of rare disease patients.
Exercise-Induced Changes in Aging Mouse Hippocampus: A Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Huang Xiaohan , Li Xue , Jin Yu , Wei Changling , Zhang Yuanting
Published: March 2024

Background
This study aimed to investigate the effects of physical exercise on learning, memory, and cellular dynamics in the hippocampus of aged mice, exploring the potential of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.
Methods
Eighteen 15-month-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into an aging group (O-Ctrl) and an aging exercise group (O-Ex), with 3-month-old young mice serving as controls (Y-Ctrl). The O-Ex group underwent an 8-week low-intensity exercise protocol. Post-exercise, all groups were assessed using the Barnes maze test for spatial learning and memory. Single-cell transcriptomic sequencing was performed on hippocampal tissues to identify changes in cell populations and gene expression.
Results
Exercise significantly reduced escape latency in the O-Ex group compared to O-Ctrl, indicating improved learning and memory. Sequencing revealed ten distinct cell types in the hippocampus with exercise reversing aging-induced alterations in astrocytes/neural stem cells (AST/NSCs) and neuronal populations. Differential gene expression analysis highlighted changes in key genes such as Apoe, Fkbp5, Ccnd3, AKT3, Zbtb16, and SIc24a4. Immunofluorescence assays corroborated these findings, showing a decrease in GFAP-positive astrocytes in exercised-aged mice
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that exercise can significantly improve cognitive functions in aged mice, potentially through modulating hippocampal cell populations and gene expression profiles. These results suggest that physical activity could be a viable strategy to delay or prevent age-related cognitive decline, offering insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Effect of applications of oregano and thyme essential oils in Glycine max seeds against bacterial blight caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi
Authors: Sotelo Jesica Paola , Carezzano María Evangelina , Rovey María Fernanda Paletti , Oddino Claudio , Bogino Pablo , Oliva María de las Mercedes
Published: March 2024

Pseudomonas savastanoi is the causal agent of bacterial blight in Glycine max. One of the routes of transmission of this pathogen is through seeds. Therefore, treating seeds with compounds that reduce bacterial proliferation represents an appealing solution to prevent production losses. Currently, studies focus on the search for natural products derived from aromatic plants with antimicrobial properties as effective and environmentally prudent alternatives. This study aims to further investigate the efficacy of oregano and thyme essential oils in treating seeds against this pathogen. In a previous study, greenhouse trials were conducted using thyme oil. In this research, greenhouse trials were performed using oregano essential oil, and field trials were conducted for both oils. In both oils, a non-phytotoxic concentration of 0.89 mg/ml for oregano essential oil and 1.76 mg/ml for thyme essential oil was determined. Both essential oils reduced the incidence and severity of the disease and the number of cells in the seeds, showing that thyme oil has a better effect than oregano under controlled conditions and in the field. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the efficiency of natural products in reducing pathogenic bacteria in seeds, representing a new natural alternative to control these microorganisms.
Self-efficacy and Other Predictors in GPA among College Students, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Poudel Dev Bandhu , Acharya Samjhana
Published: March 2024

We observed General Self-efficacy in 527 student participants from Kathmandu valley, studying in different levels, faculties, years and institutions. The students participated from different ages, genders, ethnicities, religious affiliations, marital status, residence, education levels, faculties, varieties of institutions, year of study, employment status of students. Our objective was to analyse the level of general self-efficacy among demographic groups and observe the variables that predicts GPA. We also aimed to find the reliability scores of the items in the scale. We found no relationship of demographic variables with general self-efficacy except the religious affiliations where Buddhists had significantly lower general self-efficacy than Hindu. The general self-efficacy was found to have no impact on GPA. We observed age, gender, marital status, residential location, year of study, employment status as non-predictors of GPA; however, ethnicity (i.e., Janajati), religion (i.e., Buddhists), education level (i.e., high school), education faculty (i.e., mamagement), type of institution (i.e., private) can predict GPA. The reliability score was observed to have been acceptable and the tool demonstrate moderate livel of convergent validity. Future studies must investigate discrepancy in self-efficacy among religious groups to enhance relevant educational strategies.
Low circulating miR-190a-5p predicts progression of chronic kidney disease.
Authors: Baird David P , Zang Jinnan , Connor Katie L , Teenan Oliver , Wong Ryan K Y , Reck Maximilian , Cairns Carolynn , Traynor Jamie P , Hughes Jeremy , Mark Patrick B , Maxwell Alexander P , McKay Gareth J , Simpson David A. , Denby Laura , Conway Bryan R
Published: March 2024

MicroRNAs (miRs) have the potential to be employed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are functionally important in disease pathogenesis. To identify novel miR biomarkers we performed small RNA-sequencing (sRNA-Seq) that were quantitatively altered in the circulation of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with CKD compared to those with normal kidney function. MiR-190a-5p abundance was significantly lower in the circulation of T2D patients with reduced kidney function compared to those with normal kidney function. To validate if the loss of circulating miR-190a-5p was associated with reduced kidney function we measured miR-190a-5p in an unselected cohort of CKD patients and determined if dysregulated miR-190a-5p could predict kidney outcomes. In individuals with no or moderate albuminuria (<300mg/mmol), serum miR-190a-5p levels predicted CKD progression (reaching end-stage kidney disease or >30% reduction from baseline eGFR, independent of age, sex, baseline eGFR, urinary albumin excretion, or blood pressure (adjusted HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66-0.96, p=0.015). To identify the kidney source of miR-190a-5p we utilised transcriptomic data from mouse models of kidney injury and single nuclear (sn) RNA-Seq from human kidney, finding that miR-190a-5p is enriched in the proximal tubule (PT) but down-regulated following injury. Bioinformatic analysis highlighted ADAM10as a potential miR-190a-5p target and we validated this in human PT cell line. Our analyses suggest that miR-190a-5p is a biomarker of tubular cell health and low circulating levels may predict CKD progression in patients with low or moderate proteinuria independent of existing risk factors.
A micro-hot-wire anemometry probe with elongated stubs for turbulent boundary layer measurements
Authors: Baradel Baptiste , Giani Alain , Méry Fabien , Combette Philippe , Léon Olivier
Published: March 2024

The development of micro-hot-wire anemometry probes for turbulence studies requires mitigating spatial filtering, end-conduction effects and probe intrusivity. Keeping these factors in mind, this work analytically and experimentally investigates the relevance of a micro-hot-wire probe design featuring elongated stubs, inspired by Wollaston-wire probes but fabricated using modern micro-fabrication techniques. The resulting probes are shown to be relatively easy to manufacture and capable of providing satisfactory velocity measurements in a zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer at Reτ≈1150. Different probes were tested, all featuring a micro-wire length sufficiently small to alleviate spatial filtering of near-wall small-scale turbulent structures. The investigation focuses on assessing end-conduction effects and probe intrusivity, with the latter still observable close to the wall for such micro-probes.
Diagnostic and prognostic potential of tissue phospholipidomics in hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective cohort study
Authors: He Tongtong , Wusiman Maierhaba , Shuang Song , Chen Jie-dong , Li Meng-chu , Li Zhen , Zou Jiu-peng , Wang Chen , Liu Zhao-yan , Fang Ai-ping , Zhang Yao-jun , Zhu Hui-lian
Published: March 2024

Background: Previous studies have indicated that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is linked to abnormal phospholipid (PL) metabolism. However, whether alterations of phospholipids in hepatic tissues contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC remains unclear.
Methods: A quantitative and comprehensive phospholipidomic analysis was conducted using hydrophilic liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-triquadrupole-mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI-MS/MS). This analysis facilitated the comparison of 214 distinct PLs between paired samples from HCC tissues and tumor-adjacent normal hepatic tissues (NATs) in a prospective cohort (n=87). Differential metabolites were identified through paired t tests and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The survival analysis of phospholipids for HCC was assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox regression models.
Results: Significant differences were found between HCC and NAT for phospholipid profile, and 85 phospholipids demonstrated a high accuracy in discerning two types of tissue. The increased HCC/ NAT ratio of lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG) class was associated with greater HCC specific mortality (Hazard ratio (HR) = 6.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.88-22.51,P = 0.002), and the association was still significant (HR = 4.82, 95% CI: 1.34-17.29, P = 0.017) even after adjustment covariances. LPG (18:1) and LPG (18:2) differentiated HCC from NAT with great capacities (the area under the curve (AUC)>0.75) and had prognostic significance for HCC specific mortality before (HR = 5.17 and 5.51, respectively, both ofP < 0.01) and after adjustment (HR = 4.14 and 4.15, respectively, both of P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Phospholipids could serve as potential biomarkers with significant diagnostic and prognostic implications. A more profound understanding of cancer-associated phospholipid metabolism could pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Behaviors among Ethiopian University Students: A Scoping Review
Authors: Abitie Tilksew Ayalew , Animen Simachew , Atinafu Desta Debalkie
Published: March 2024

Background: There is a wide variation among societies in profiles of adolescent and youth health and behaviours, however they all experience sexual and reproductive health as a major health challenge. However, adolescents and youths in middle-and low-income countries like Ethiopia are of a particular concern where limited social, educational and health services leads to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes such as unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted infections including Immune Deficiency Virus. Identify and synthesis the available evidence on sexual and reproductive health of university students in Ethiopia has a paramount importance to inform policy makers, governmental and non-governmental organizations, to tailor health services in Higher Educational Institutions and to understand evidence gaps. Thus, we did a descriptive systematic review of available published information on sexual and reproductive health among Ethiopian university students.
Method: We performed a systematic review to collect and analyze observational data on sexual and reproductive health behaviours among Ethiopian university students. Publications were identified using PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases and manual search from 2015 to December 2023. We defined a protocol to identify relevant studies. We included original observational studies conducted in Ethiopia among university students, both qualitative and quantitative studies and that consider at list one of the following elements: sexual activity, condom use, multiple sexual partners, contraceptive use, family planning use, sexual transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, sexual and reproductive health knowledge, early sexual debut, risky sexual behavior. All include article were coded according to relevant outcomes and experiences and subsequently analyzed to assess frequencies.
Result: After screening for inclusion criteria 15 publications were include in the datasheet developed to record the findings. Surprisingly all 15 studies reported that university students are sexually active with high prevalence of having multiple sexual partners and limited use of sexual and reproductive health services such as condom use and family planning /contraceptive use. Unwanted pregnancy, abortion, STIs infections, early sexual debut and premarital sex were frequently reported. Only two studies reported transactional sex.
Conclusion: Adolescents and youths enrolled at Ethiopian Public Universities engage in risky sexual behaviours and experience its adverse consequences. It is essential to collect more evidence, but the available information supports a need for improving provision of sexual and reproductive health services, among Ethiopian university students. Youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services should be avail in Higher Education Institutions.
Research on the Mechanics of Thrombosis Interface Damage Evolution
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Chen Jiaxuan , Ji Chaoyue , Hou Dongyang , Jiang Shunyong , Dong Fang , Liu Sheng
Published: March 2024

The shedding of thrombosis can pose diagnostic difficulties for clinicians as it results in risks of damage. Determining the appropriate treatment, drug thrombolysis, implanted vascular stents, clinical research, or surgical cutting is often challenging. To better understand the interfacial mechanical mechanism of thrombus shedding, a fluid-solid coupling finite element model was created based on viscoelasticity-based blood vessels, line elastic thrombosis, and Euler fluid blood to establish a connective interface between blood vessels and thrombosis. Under hypertension conditions, the interface mechanics model calculated the finite element interface performance of thrombosis with different degrees of calcification, thicknesses, and coverage angles, using the mechanical parameters to assess damage for the interface of different structural thromboses. The study analyzed and clarified the evolution mechanism of damage and exfoliation of the thrombotic interface in blood vessels under various conditions. The results revealed that the mechanics of damage and the shedding mechanism of the thrombosis were significantly affected by the different coverage angles. Based on these analyses, this study determined that the finite element method based on the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method, including the interface model of the cohesive zone volume element layer, could well simulate the mechanics of damage and the shedding mechanism of the thrombotic interface under the impact of hypertension. This study is the first to explore the finite element interface damage model of thrombosis and the vessel wall using interfacial mechanics.
Decylammonium sulfate post-treatment for efficient hole-conductor-free printable perovskite solar cells with reduced voltage loss
Authors: Han Hongwei , Qiu Zexiong , Liu Jiale , Han Chuanzhou , Wang Chaoyang , Xiang Junwei , Zheng Ziwei , Xia Minhao , Zhou Yang , Mei Anyi
Published: March 2024

Hole-conductor-free printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs) have attracted widespread attention for their low cost, up-scalability, and exceptional stability. However, the high defect density of perovskite and the absence of interfacial barrier layer between perovskite and carbon electrode cause profound open-circuit voltage (VOC) loss, which results in uncompetitive power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, an anion-cation synergy of decylammonium sulfate (DA2SO4) is utilized for suppressing VOC loss of p-MPSCs via a facile post-treatment method. DA+ cations transform the perovskite adjacent to carbon electrode into wide-bandgap 2D perovskite for blocking electrons, while the SO42− anions interact with undercoordinated lead centers for reducing defect density. As a result, the modified device delivers an enhanced PCE from 17.78–19.59%, with an improved VOC from 0.98 V to 1.06 V. Meanwhile, the modified device without any encapsulation exhibits excellent moisture stability with the PCE remained almost 99% of the initial value after 528 h aging in 75% RH air at room temperature.
Impacts of bomb explosions on weathering damage of architectural heritage
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Mol Lisa , Tucker Maurice , Blenkinsop Tom , Gilbert Oscar , Campbell Oliver
Published: March 2024

The effects of bomb impacts, including the explosive force and combustion associated with these impacts, are preserved in only a few cities across the UK. In particular, World War Two (WWII) has left scars across a wide range of structures as a result of air raids. On immovable heritage, such as architectural structures, these impacts commonly take the form of craters, fractures and fire damage to stonework. This instantaneous damage is subsequently exposed to environmental stresses, such as moisture cycling, thermal stress and the movement of soluble elements and can thus lead to further deterioration of the stone. In this study, RSH (Rock Surface Hardness) measurements, permeametry measurements and microscopic observations were selected to capture stone deterioration data from 80-year-old bomb impacts on two walls of the Labour Exchange in Bath (UK) for spatial distribution analysis (Kriging) in GIS (Geographic Information Systems). The results show that the weathering forms that were found on the two walls can be attributed to nine different types. They can provide quantitative assessment of damage caused by bomb explosions and combustion in the war. The increase in permeability of walls and craters is shown to be primarily caused by the bomb explosion and combustion, whereas the decrease of hardness is associated with subsequent stone deterioration processes. This indicates that the interplay of initial damage likely accelerates subsequent response to environmental stress, extending the initial damage patterns from the impact crater to larger areas of stonework.
Serum Immunoglobulin Levels in Group E of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Insights for Clinical Management and Immunoglobulin Therapy Strategies
Authors: Hai Cong Nguyen , Ba Thang Ta , Duc Thanh Bui , Xuan Cuong Hoang , Manh Tan Vu
Published: March 2024

Objective
The objective of this study was to describe serum immunoglobulin concentrations and clinical, subclinical characteristics in patients with group E of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods
A prospective observational study assessed IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE levels in 67 COPD patients and 30 healthy controls at Military Hospital 103 from October 2017 to August 2020. Primary outcomes included Ig isotype levels in COPD patients, with secondary outcomes exploring differences compared to controls and associations with clinical variables.
Results
COPD patients showed significantly lower IgG concentrations and higher IgA levels than controls. IgM and IgE levels did not differ significantly. Subgroup analysis revealed notable decreases in IgG1 and IgG3 concentrations, with 10.4% of patients exhibiting reduced IgG levels and 0.3% diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency. No significant associations were found between Ig levels and exacerbation risk or clinical variables.
Conclusions
Serum IgG and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced in COPD patients compared to normal individuals, with IgG1 and IgG3 concentrations notably low. Serum IgA levels were significantly higher in COPD patients compared with normal controls. However, no significant association was found between Ig concentrations, particularly serum IgG deficiency and its subclasses, with the frequency and risk of exacerbations during 12 months of longitudinal follow-up. Caution is warranted in the use of immunoglobulin therapy in the treatment of COPD patients.
Trial registration
An independent ethics committee approved the study (Ethics Committee of Military Hospital 103 (No. 57/2014/VMMU-IRB), which was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.
Deletion of Nrf2 induced severe oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice model of diabetic bladder dysfunction
Authors: Wang Lei , sun Weihao , Ren Guanyu , Zhang Xinhui , Sun Yi , Song Qixiang , Yang Chenghua , Liu Zhiyong
Published: March 2024

Objective:
To understand the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD).

Methods:
Herein, we reported a Nrf2 deletion diabetic mouse model induced by 8-week high-fat diet feeding combined with streptozocin (STZ) injection in Nrf2 knockout mice. Besides, wild-type mice (WT) were used as control group, wild-type mice with high-fat diet feeding and STZ injection as diabetic group (WT-T2DM), and Nrf2 knockout mice as Nrf2 deletion group (KO). The pathophysiological indexes and bladder morphology were evaluated. And we measured the level of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) by ELISA. Lastly we used the western blot to evaluate the apoptosis.

Results:
The pathophysiological indexes and bladder morphology showed typical pathological features of diabetic bladder dysfunction in Nrf2 knockout diabetic mouse mice (KO-T2DM). ELISA results showed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs), ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in bladder was were up-regulated in both WT-T2DM and KO-T2DM group, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased in these two groups. Compared with WT-T2DM group, western blot analysis of the bladder showed down-regulated expression of NQO1 and HO-1 in KO-T2DM group. However, apoptosis, marked by Caspase3 and bax/bcl-2 ratio, was increased in KO-T2DM group. Neurotrophic factor (NGF) was significantly decreased in DBD model, and even much lower in KO-T2DM group.

Conclusions:
Collectively, our findings demonstrated that deletion of Nrf2 lead to severe oxidative stress, apoptosis, and lower level of neurotrophic factor, and provided the first set of experimental evidence, in a mouse model, to support Nrf2 as a promising target for DBD.
A Quantum LSTM Based Approach to Cyber Threat Detection in Virtual Environment
Authors: Tripathi Sarvapriya , Upadhyay Himanshu , Soni Jayesh
Published: March 2024

Quantum computing is the application of quantum phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform probabilistic computations in the area of information processing. Quantum Information Processing (QIP) holds the promise of having a significant speed advantage over classical processing. This advantage very naturally extends to the advancements in Artificial Intelligence / Machine learning (AI/ML) in the form of what is now conveniently referred to as Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI) / Quantum Machine Learning (QML). Traditional AI/ML algorithms are designed to efficiently identify patterns from datasets, and consequently, there is a huge body of work in classical AI/ML on anomaly detection techniques. This work has also been successfully applied in the area of Cyber Security. Automated, advanced methods of attack vector recognition using virtual machine introspection have been successfully studied via Classical AI/ML algorithms such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). These methods, however, face the large dataset handling and real-time processing limitations of classical machines, and one is therefore presented with the same question: Can QML provide an advantage in this scenario? This is what we will explore in this paper.
Syndrome decoding by quantum approximate optimization
Authors: Lai Ching-Yi , Kuo Kao-Yueh , Liao Bo-Jyun
Published: March 2024

The syndrome decoding problem is known to be NP-complete. The goal of the decoder is to find an error of low weight that corresponds to a given syndrome obtained from a parity-check matrix. We use the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) to address the syndrome decoding problem with elegantly-designed reward Hamiltonians based on both generator and check matrices for classical and quantum codes.We evaluate the level-4 check-based QAOA decoding of the [7,4,3] Hamming code, as well as the level-4 generator-based QAOA decoding of the [[5,1,3]] quantum code.Remarkably, the simulation results demonstrate that the decoding performances match those of the maximum likelihood decoding. Moreover, we explore the possibility of enhancing QAOA by introducing additional redundant clauses to a combinatorial optimization problem while keeping the number of qubits unchanged. Finally, we study QAOA decoding of degenerate quantum codes.Typically, conventional decoders aim to find a unique error of minimum weight that matches a given syndrome. However, our observations reveal that QAOA has the intriguing ability to identify degenerate errors of comparable weight, providing multiple potential solutions that match the given syndrome with comparable probabilities.This is illustrated through simulations of the generator-based QAOA decoding of the [[9,1,3]] Shor code on specific error syndromes.
Estimation and Validation of Geftinib by Rp- HPLC
Authors: Sultana Shaheen , M.Shravani  , Kenchi Maheshwari , B.Ramu
Published: March 2024

A simple, rapid, precise and accurate Rp-Hplc method was developed and validated for the determination of Geftinib citrate, in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form. The separation is achieved on RP-HPLC using a PDA detector by incorporation of enpower 2 software with a flow rate of 1.0ml/min using a mixture of Methanol and water (15:85% v/v) as mobile phase. The column used was Hypersil C18 (4.6×150mm, 5µ) at a wave length of 284nm. The retention time of the Geftinib citrate was 3.515min.. The linearity of the drug was 25–125µg/m and the method precision for the determination of assay was below 2.0%RSD.
The proposed method was validated and applied for the estimation of Geftinib in quality control of bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Cover crops mixtures with more legumes maximize biomass and N input in irrigated fruit crops in Brazil
Authors: Souza Renata Janaína Carvalho , Freitas Ana Dolores Santiago , Giongo Vanderlise , Júnior Paulo Ivan Fernandes , Camargo Plínio Barbosa , Oliveira Jéssica Rafaella Sousa , Dantas Edilândia Farias , Ferreira Juscélia Silva , Sampaio Everardo Valadares de Sá Barretto
Published: March 2024

Cover crops, especially legumes, can counterbalance the depletion in soil organic matter, the low supply of nitrogen from the organic reserves and the losses of the inorganic fertilizers in irrigated fruit crops. We tested two cover crop mixtures, one with more and the other with less legume proportions, and one treatment where the spontaneous weeds were left to grow, before planting melon or intercropping in a mango orchard. Biomass of the cover crops and the weeds were cut and incorporated or left on the soil surface. In general, incororation or surface placement did not significantly differ. The average biomass productions of the cover crop mixtures over the three cycles were higher than that of the spontaneous weeds. They also acumulated more N, especially the mixture with more legumes (222 and 159 kg ha− 1 versus 60 kg ha− 1 in the weeds), about half of which came from symbiotic fixation (110 and 77 versus 55 kg ha− 1). These amounts are of the same order as those exported with the fruits. Thus, cover crops, especially those with high legume proportions, are a recommended practice, which should be adopted by producers and fostered by public policies, in semiarid regions.
Hydroponic Production of Culinary Parsley in a Coal Bottom Ash Substrate
Authors: Ballard Donna , Bearce Bradford C.
Published: March 2024

Production of the specialty crop, culinary (flat-leaf) parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) offers an alternative to the traditional greenhouse crop, especially during the fall holidays. Utilizing a flow-through nutriculture bench, coal bottom ashes from three different power plants were compared to rockwool as substrates for parsley production. Full and half-strength nutrient solutions were compared in all substrates. No significant differences in dry weight occurred among treatments and there were no substrate-nutrient strength interactions. When ready for harvest, the plants were cut at substrate level and dried for nutrient analysis. This study indicates that coal bottom ash, a by-product of electricity production, has potential as an inexpensive and productive substrate for nutriculture production of parsley.
Phytoremediation of Lead-contaminated Soils
Authors: Beil Ruby S. , Petrovic A. Martin , Whitlow Thomas H. , Norvell Wendall A. , Kochian Leon V.
Published: March 2024

Lead contamination of surface soils is a frequently encountered problem of environmental concern, and Pb toxicity in humans is considered the most immediate environmental risk associated with Pb-contaminated soils. Phytoextraction, using plants to remove pollution from soil, is the subject of recent phytoremediation research. Major limitations of lead phytoextraction are low Pb availability in soil and poor Pb translocation from roots to shoots. These limitations indicate that the accumulation of Pb in shoots can be feasible only through the application of synthetic chelation agents, such as EDTA, which facilitate metal dissolution, uptake, and transport. Induced phytoextraction of Pb from contaminated soils has been demonstrated with Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), but B. juncea is not ideal for phytoextraction because of its low biomass. Inducing Pb accumulation in low-input, high-biomass perennial plants is a more practical and manageable strategy for phytoextraction. Tree and turf species have not been explored as a plant community to remove Pb from contaminated soils. The objective of this study is to induce Pb absorption from contaminated soil with low-input perennial plants, Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue) and Acer rubrum (red maple), through proper timing and application of synthetic chelation agents. This study is expected to benefit the community of scientists and environmental researchers concerned with the development of ecologically sound and economically desirable technologies for the remediation and restoration of contaminated soils. This poster presentation provides a condensed visual interpretation of the Pb phytoextraction, background information, and an update on progress of the study. E-mail rsbl2@cornell.edu
Quantifying Stem Elongation in Oriental and Asi-florum Lilies
Authors: Fisher Paul R. , Heins Royal D. , Liu Bin , Bilodeau Linda
Published: March 2024

Our objective was to quantify the stem-elongation patterns of several Oriental and Asi-florum lily cultivars to develop graphical tracking charts where actual crop height can be compared visually against a target growth curve. Oriental lilies (`Mona Lisa' and `Stargazer') were grown in research greenhouses at Michigan State Univ. (MSU) during 1994 and 1995. Asi-florum lily cultivars (`Centurion', `LA-87', `Non-stop', `Salmon Queen', and `Salzburg') were grown at MSU in 1995. Plants received constant 20 °C from emergence to flower in 1995, and constant 15, 18, 21, 24, or 27 °C in 1994. Elongation of Oriental lily plants followed a sigmoid pattern. Oriental lily cultivars elongated rapidly after emergence until 60% of the relative time between dates of emergence and first open flower, at which time plants had achieved ≈82% (`Stargazer') or 85% (`Mona Lisa') of their final height; elongation then exhibited a plateau phase. In contrast to the Oriental lilies, Asi-florum cultivars consistently exhibited a more constant elongation rate throughout the growing period. Simplified graphical tracking curves were developed based on the patterns of elongation and were programmed into a computer decision—support system (`UNH FloraTrack'). The graphical tracking curves were tested by growing `Stargazer', `Mona Lisa', and four Asiflorum cultivars (`Donau', `Dream', `Moneymaker', `Spirit') at the Univ. of New Hampshire and MSU during 1997 to height specifications of 51 to 56 cm (including a pot height of 15 cm). Sumagic growth retardants were applied as a prebulb dip at 5 ppm and as a foliar spray at 3 ppm when plant height was above the target curve. Final height targets were achieved using this method. E-mail prf@hopper.unh.edu; phone, (603) 862-4525.
Temperature Affects Growth and Flowering of the Balloon Flower [Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. cv. Astra Blue]
Authors: Park Byong H. , Oliveira Nelia , Pearson Simon
Published: March 2024

The effects of temperature from 14 to 29 °C on the growth and flowering of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. cv. Astra Blue are described. Under greenhouse conditions, seedlings flowered earliest (after 45 days) when grown at 29 °C, vs. after 108 days when grown at 14 °C. Height at flowering was greatest at 19 °C and branch number was greatest (13 per plant) at 22 °C. Fresh and dry mass and leaf area at flowering increased with decreasing temperature. Imbibing seeds at 4 °C prior to germination had no significant affect on the time to flowering or the number of nodes below the flower. In a growth chamber experiment, apical dissections showed that flowers were initiated earlier at 20 °C than at 10 °C. These results show that the balloon flower is highly sensitive to temperature, but cool temperatures delay the time to flower initiation or flowering.
Influence of Photoperiod, Photosynthetic Photon Flux, and Temperature on Growth of Canary Island Ivy
Authors: Al-Juboory Karim H. , Williams David J. , Skirvin Robert M. , Bullock Donald G.
Published: March 2024

The effects of selected environmental factors [temperature, photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), and photoperiod] that contribute to optimal vegetative growth of Canary Island ivy (Hedera canariensis Willd.) were investigated. Experiments were conducted in growth chambers at constant day/night temperatures of 16 and 26 °C. The greatest number of leaves (6.1) and plant height (38.0 cm) were achieved with PPF of 210 μmol·m-2·s-1 and an 8-hour photoperiod at 16 °C. The greatest branch number (3.9), leaf area (41.4 cm2) and leaf chlorophyll content (1.02 mg·cm-2) were achieved with a PPF of 210 μmol·m-2·s-1 with a 12-hour photoperiod at 16 °C. Under normal greenhouse or field conditions, Canary Island ivy rarely branches; however, a PPF of 210 μmol·m-2·s-1 also induced branching.