bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Loss Assessment of Residential Buildings in Karaj, Iran, By Considering Near-Source Effects Using Stochastic Finite-Fault Approach
Authors: Kheirkhah Nazila , Firuzi‬ Erfan , Kalantari Mohsen , Alikhanzadeh Reza
Published: January 2023

This study provides the results of a study conducted to evaluate the seismic loss of residential buildings in Karaj, Iran, caused by the rupture of North Tehran Fault (7.1 Mw). One of the main concerns of seismic risk assessment in Karaj is proper considering the near-source effects of the NTF fault, which passes through the city. In the present study, the finite-fault approach with dynamic corner frequency was first employed to simulate the acceleration time histories. This is an appropriate approach to take into account the source, path effects, directivity and site condition on seismic waves. The results of seismic hazard showed that the PGA values vary between 0.15 to 0.55g, with maximum values nearby the NTF fault. Afterwards, a high-quality database of residential buildings consists of 26 building types was compiled. A set of compatible vulnerability curves were also employed. The results indicated that the loss ratio, defined as the ratio of the loss to the total exposed economic value, for the whole of Karaj is about 18.2%±5.3. The northern parts of the city, which are close to the NTF fault, are the most vulnerable. A disaggregation analysis was also performed to identify the most vulnerable building types. The results showed that the adobe and low-quality masonry buildings contribute the most to loss. The findings from this study can be used by local authorities and managers to provide appropriate emergency and risk reduction plans in Karaj in the case of the NTF fault seismic scenario.
Molecular mapping and transfer of sheath blight resistance QTLs from wild rice Oryza nivara to cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Neelam Kumari , Aggarwal Sumit , Kumari Saundriya , Kumar Kishor , Kaur Amandeep , Babbar Ankita , Lore Jagjeet Singh , Kaur Rupinder , Vikal Yogesh , Singh Kuldeep
Published: January 2023

Background
Sheath blight (ShB) is the most serious disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.), caused by a soil-borne fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (R. solani). It limits global rice productivity by causing ~50% yield loss every year. Broad host range, rapid resurgence of new pathogen races, and the lack of highly resistant germplasm are the major caveat to managing this disease. Therefore, continuous scouting of new germplasm resources resistance to R. solani is urgently required.
Results
In this report, we identified a very promising resistance source O. nivara accession IRGC81941A which displays partial resistance across the five years of screening against R. solani. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping was performed in F2 populations that identified a total of 29 QTLs with the total phenotypic variance explained (PVE) ranged from 4.70 to 48.05%. A cluster of four QTL qRLH1.1, qRLH1.2, qRLH1.5, and qRLH1.8 stably detected which showed consistent resistant response against R. solani. The size of these QTL ranging from 0.096-420.1 Kb, based on the rice reference genome harboring several important disease resistant genes such as Ser/Thr protein kinase, auxin-responsive protein, Protease inhibitor/seed storage/LTP family protein, MLO domain-containing protein, disease responsive protein, Thaumatin-like protein, Avr9/Cf9 eliciting protein, and many transcription factors. A simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker RM212 co-segregates with this QTL cluster.
Conclusion
Our finding suggests that a highly stable QTL cluster confers resistance to sheath blight disease. Effective transferring of this cluster as a single unit through backcross breeding marked the identification of three agronomically superior resistant lines. These promising germplasms could be an important pre-breeding material for varietal development. PCR-based SSR marker linked to these QTLs could facilitate efficient transfer of the QTLs into rice cultivars through marker-assisted selection programs.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of elderly patients with anal cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaogan , Xiang Nengjun , Xu Xuemei , Chen Hongjin
Published: January 2023

Purpose. The clinical characteristicsand prognosis of anal cancer in the elderly have not received sufficient attention. The study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and prognostic factors of elderly patients with anal cancer.
Method. The characteristics of anal cancer patients (aged <65 and ≥65) diagnosed during 2004-2017 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to correct age bias caused by assessed confounders. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to assess differences in categorical variables of characteristics between two age groups., The Kaplan-Meier survival technique, Log-rank test, Cox regression, and nomogram were used for survival analysis.
Results. The receipt of adjuvant age increases the risk of overall survival by 86% after propensity-score matching (HR=1.86, 95%CI=1.70-2.03,P<0.001). Compared with the younger population, the elderly accounted for a higher proportion of unmarried statuses and adenocarcinomas. COX regression analysis shows older age, non-squamous cell carcinoma, unmarried status, and advanced AJCC stage as independent risk prognostic factors for anal cancer in the elderly. The effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery all improved the prognosis of the elderly. Besides, senior score and survival probability could be accomplished by our nomogram with a c-index of 0.7179.
Conclusion. Relatively low rates of chemoradiation and relatively conservative therapy regimens are associated with a poorer prognosis in elderly anal cancer. At the same time, surgery has a potential role in improving the prognosis of elderly anal cancer patients.
First-Principles Calculations of SnCo as Potential Anode Materials for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries and Beyond
Authors: Huang Zhuonan , Zhang Meiguang
Published: January 2023

Herein, first-principles calculations were carried out to investigate the mechanism of metal-ion, such as K, Li, Na, Mg and Al, adsorption and diffusion on the SnCo (0 0 1) surface. Our results demonstrated that K, Li, and Na are more readily adsorbed on the pristine SnCo (0 0 1) surface than Mg and Al. Based on the calculations of migration barriers for metal atom on SnCo (0 0 1) surface, we identified the most energetically favorable metal atom diffusion pathway. The influence of vacancies on the K and Li storage capabilition of the SnCo (0 0 1) surface was also investigated. Our calculations show that Sn vacancies (VSn) tend to improve Li adsorption, but have no effect on K adsorption. Unfortunately, the Co vacancy (VCo) tends to inhibit the adsorption of Li and K on the SnCo (0 0 1) surface.
WITHDRAWN: A voltage-driven dissoluble electrolyte additive enables high-rate and ultralong-life lithium metal batteries
Authors: Qiu Yongcai , Xu Qingshuai , Li Tan , Ju Zhijin , Lai Xuejun , Yan Keyou , Chen Guangxu , Ye Daiqi , Waterhouse Geoffrey , Lu Yingying , Zhou Guangmin , Tao Xinyong , Li Hong , Guo Lin
Published: January 2023

Developing a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with good stability and high Li-ion conductivity is critical for realizing high-rate and long-life lithium metal batteries (LMBs), yet still challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that adding excess m-Li2ZrF6 (monoclinic structure) nanoparticles to an ordinary commercial LiPF6-containing carbonate electrolyte used in LMBs facilitates the slow release of ZrF62- ions into the electrolyte via internal electrical field, thus creating a very stable SEI based on t-Li2ZrF6 (trigonal structure) with high Li-ion conductivity. Computational and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy experimental studies revealed that the in-situ formation of t-Li2ZrF6 nanocrystals in the hybrid SEI significantly enhanced Li-ion transfer and suppressed the growth of Li dendrites. As result, the LMBs assembled with LiFePO4 cathodes (2 mAh cm−2 areal capacity), 3D Li-carbon anodes (~50 µm thick Li) and the unique electrolyte displayed greatly improved cycling stability with 80.1% capacity retention after 3000 cycles at a 1 C rate. This work identifies a new and simple strategy to impart LMBs with ultralong lifespans under practical high-rate conditions.
How to treat endothelial failure after PK or DMEK: is DMEK the way to go?
Authors: Heinzelmann Sonja , Lapp Thabo , Böhringer Daniel , Maier Philip , Reinhard Thomas
Published: January 2023

Background
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) may be an elegant solution for endothelial failure after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). However, it is currently unclear whether this approach comes with any long-term drawbacks concerning chronic endothelial cell loss, rebubbling rates, graft survival and severity of immune reactions. We therefore herein compare the outcomes of DMEK to repair failed PK to the outcomes of DMEK to repair failed DMEK grafts.
Methods
This retrospective study included 117 patients with DMEK after keratoplasty (82 following DMEK and 35 following PK). Postoperative visual acuity, endothelial cell count, rebubbling rates, graft survival and rejection rates were recorded. Kaplan-Meier-analysis was used to assess survival rates.
Results
Visual acuity improved, but stayed at a lower level in PK patients. Endothelial cell loss was more severe in patients with DMEK as an initial procedure, whereas rebubbling rates, graft failure and immune reactions did not differ significantly between both groups. Ratios of graft diameters of the first and second graft did not influence survival or rejection of the graft.
Conclusions
Repeat DMEK is an appropriate method of treating endothelial graft failure after both DMEK and PK. The higher endothelial cell loss in the DMEK-DMEK group may be due to a different recipient endothelial reservoir and assimilate in the long term follow-up. These data may encourage treating endothelial graft failure with DMEK even in PK eyes.
RNA Contact Prediction by Data Efficient Deep Learning
Authors: Taubert Oskar , Lehr Fabrice von der , Bazarova Alina , Faber Christian , Weiel Marie , Knechtges Philipp , Debus Charlotte , Coquelin Daniel , Basermann Achim , Streit Achim , Kesselheim Stefan , Götz Markus , Schug Alexander
Published: January 2023

On the path to full understanding of the structure-function relationship or even design of RNA, structure prediction would offer an intriguing complement to experimental efforts. Any deep learning on RNA structure, however, is hampered by the sparsity of labeled training data. Utilizing the limited data available, we here focus on predicting spatial adjacencies (”contact maps”) as a proxy for 3D structure. We explore the space of self-supervised learning for RNA multiple sequence alignments and focus on downstream contact prediction from latent attention maps. Boosted decision trees in particular advance contact prediction quality and can be further enhanced by finetuning the pretrained backbone. Impressively, they double the precision of contact prediction/ reduce false
positives by a factor of five over the baseline. We name our model BARNACLE. Our conceptional advance could prove a breakthrough in decreasing the sequence-structure gap for RNA and is generalize-able to other tasks.
Valorization of banana and kinnow waste in the development of nutritional bar using extrusion and plate-molding technique
Authors: C Fazil , Kumar Yogesh , Sharma Rajiv , Srivast Tanuja , saxena DC
Published: January 2023

The banana pomace powder (BPF), banana peel powder (BPF), and kinnow peel powder (KPP) were characterized for their physicochemical, nutritional, and structural properties to produce extruded pellets and nutritional bar. Extruded pellets composed of 37% BPF as the base material, 25% jaggery, 25% BPP, 10% KPP, and 3% glycerol were characterized and further utilized to develop nutritional bars by plate-molding technique. It was found that nutritional bars formulated with higher water content were harder but had less cohesiveness and springiness. With a ponderated score of 15.53, the nutritional bar made with 15% water had the highest acceptability. The developed nutritional bar had an energy value similar to a commercial bar with low protein and fat content. However, it had a higher amount of crude fiber (15.14 g/100 g) and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, copper, and zinc, which could provide 29.11, 9.5, 40, 18, and 6% of the RDA recommendation, respectively. Conclusively, agro-industrial byproducts such as BPF, BPP, and KPP are good energy sources, and they are potential nutritional, functional, and cost-effective ingredients to develop functional foods like nutritional bars.
Seasonal variations, sources, and health risks of heavy metals in atmospheric PM 2.5 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Tugsbayan Bulgankhangai , Bolorerdene Khaliun , Ulziibat Bilguun , Tseren-Ochir Soyol-Erdene , Lee YiJi , Baldorj Barhasragchaa , Oyuntsetseg Bolormaa , Kim Yong Pyo , Natsagdorj Amgalan
Published: January 2023

To assess the seasonal variations, potential sources, and health risks of heavy metals in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), PM2.5 samples (n = 90) were collected between December 2019 and February 2022 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Fourteen metals (Al, Ti, Ca, Mg, Fe, As, Co, Sb, Ni, Ba, Cr, Cu, K, Mn, Pb) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS, ICP-OES). Results showed that the average annual mass concentration of the PM2.5 was 62.7 µg m–3 and 13.6 ± 4.2 µg m–3 at urban site in winter and summer, respectively. PM2.5 in winter exceeded the permissible limit in the Mongolian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS, MNS4585:2016) for all days studied 1.1 to 4.6 times. The higher total concentrations of metals occurred in winter, whereas the lower concentrations were observed in summer with the winter to summer ratio of 12 (for summer)-1358 (for winter). Enrichment factor (EF) values high (> 100) indicated that the As, Sb, Cr, Cu, and Pb were mainly from combustion sources. Additionally, source apportionment by PCA identified three major sources for the studied metals: coal combustion, motor vehicles and resuspended dust of crustal source and ash particles. The carcinogenic risk (CR) of three heavy metals (As, Cr and Pb) in Ulaanbaatar exceeded the safe level (1 × 10-6) of exposure for both children and adults in winter, while within the limit of tolerable levels for summer.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of 3D printing porous titanium cage with non-window type versus window type in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: A prospective, randomized, multicenter trial study
Authors: Ham Dae-Woong , Park Sang-Min , Yang Jae Jun , Chang Dong-Gune , Kim Youngbae B , Lee Jeongik , Song Kwang-Sup
Published: January 2023

Trials guidance: The Abstract should not exceed 350 words. Please minimize the use of abbreviations and do not cite references in the abstract. The abstract must include the following separate sections:
• Background: No studies have compared the clinical outcome and radiographic outcome between window and non-window three-dimensional titanium (3D-Ti) cages. Therefore, well designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is needed. This multicenter, prospective RCT will compare the outcomes of window and non-window 3D-Ti cage in lumbar interbody fusion surgery.
• Methods: Study participants will be randomly assigned to the active intervention group or control intervention group in a 1:1 ratio and undergone a one-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for degenerative lumbar disease. The window type 3D-Ti cage will be used in the participants assigned to the control intervention group. And the non-window type 3D-Ti cage will be used in the participants assigned to the active intervention. The clinical and radiographic outcomes between two groups will be compared serially until postoperative 12-months.
• Discussion: This trial designated for evaluating the equivalence of the clinical outcome between window and non-window 3D-Ti cage and will provide data on the effectiveness and safety of non-window type 3D-Ti cage.
• Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (cris.nih.go.kr) (KCT 0005793). Registered on 19 January 2021
Warming causes contrasting behavioral responses of predators by changing their prey size spectrum
Authors: Hu Xiaoli , Wu Xinwei , Zhou Qingping , Niklas Karl , Jiang Lin , Eisenhauer Nico , Reich Peter , Sun ShuCun
Published: January 2023

Global warming challenges predators by changing their abiotic and biotic environment. Although predators may adapt by virtue of behavioral plasticity, few studies have explored this behavior under field conditions. We conducted a field warming experiment in an alpine meadow using six large open-top chambers that increased mean annual temperature by 0.6°C. We monitored the abundance and behavior of two web-building spider species differing in size and their prey for four consecutive years. Warming reduced the prey biomass and decreased the abundance of short-bodied prey more than long-bodied ones for the larger spiders, and increased the abundance of long-bodied prey for the smaller spiders. As a consequence, warming reduced the abundance of the larger spider and increased the abundance of the small spider by an average of -47.4% and +128.3%, respectively. The web mesh-size of the larger spider decreased by -43.6%, whereas the mesh-size of the smaller spider increased by +79.8%. Structural equation models showed that the behavior of both spider species was the result of warming-induced changes in the prey size spectrum. Our data reveal that predators can behaviorally adapt to warming-induced shifts in the composition and size distribution of complex communities, which is likely to result in altered community metabolism, energy fluxes, and thus ecosystem functioning.
Aspirin and cancer survival-related pathways: a review and analysis of molecular mechanisms
Authors: Pandey Manoj , Rajput Monika , Singh Pooja , Shukla Mridula , Zhu Bin , Koshial Jill
Published: January 2023

Background: The benefit of aspirin on cancer survival is debated. Data from randomized clinical trials and cohort studies are discordant, although meta-analysis shows a clear survival advantage when aspirin is added to the standard of care. However, the mechanism by which aspirin improves cancer survival is not clear.
Methods: A PubMed search was carried out to identify articles reporting genes and pathways associated with aspirin and cancer survival. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis was carried out using web-based tools. Gene-gene and protein-protein interactions were evaluated. Crosstalk between pathways was identified and plotted.
Results: Forty-one genes were identified and classified into primary genes (PTGS2 and PTGES2), genes regulating cellular proliferation, interleukin and cytokine genes and DNA repair genes. The network analysis showed a rich gene-gene and protein-protein interaction between these genes and proteins. Pathway enrichment showed the interleukin and cellular transduction pathways as the main pathways involved in aspirin-related survival, in addition to DNA repair, autophagy, extracellular matrix, and apoptosis pathways. Crosstalk of PTGS2 with EGFR, JAK/AKT, TP53, interleukin/TNFα/NFκB, GSK3B/BRCA/PARP, CXCR/MUC1, and WNT/CTNNB pathways was identified.
Conclusions: The results of present study demonstrate that aspirin improves cancer survival by the interplay of 41 genes through a complex mechanism. PTGS2 is the primary target of aspirin and impacts cancer survival through 6 primary pathways: the interleukin pathway, extracellular matrix pathway, signal transduction pathway, apoptosis pathway, autophagy pathway and DNA repair pathway.
Demographical structural change and Bank’s Interest rate spread
Authors: Ramlall Indranarain
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
WITHDRAWN: Identification of Lysosome-related Biomarkers for Predicting Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Response in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jiwen , Wang Xiaofei , Duan Mingting , Zhang Zhongsheng , Jiang Meiping , Li Jing , Liu Xin , Ren Yun , Wang Yanhong , Jia Hongyan
Published: January 2023

Background
Breast cancer (BRCA) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors in women worldwide. Lysosomes are known to regulate tumor cell proliferation by manipulating growth factor signaling and providing nutrition. However, the role of lysosomes and lysosome-related genes (LRGs) in BRCA is yet unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the lysosomal-related biomarkers for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of BRCA.
Results
Based on the expression of 15 prognostic LRGs, BRCA cases were divided into two subtypes with significantly different overall survival (OS). In all, 537 differentially expressed lysosome-related genes (DELRGs) were identified and they were significantly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, protein digestion and absorption, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Then, the risk model was constructed based on five biomarkers, namely, QPRT, EIF4EBP1, IGJ, UGDH, and IL1R1. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves revealed that the risk model could accurately predict the prognosis of BRCA cases, and age, stage, and risk score were regarded as independent prognostic indicators. According to Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), the risk model might be related to the cell cycle, cytokine receptor interaction, and ATP synthesis coupled electron transport pathways. Moreover, the risk score showed significant positive correlation with CTLA4, while negative correlation with PD1. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) indicated the expression levels of EIF4EBP1 and UGDH were significantly higher in BRCA tissue compared with normal samples.
Conclusion
We identified two BRCA subtypes based on LRGs and constructed a risk model using five biomarkers. These findings may provide a theoretical basis and reference value for research and treatment in the direction of lysosomes in BRCA.
Mitigating Packet Dropping Nodes from MANETs due to System faults
Authors: P Venkat Reddy , Mohammad Arshad Ahmad Khan , D Rajani , Maddumala Venkata Rao , B Veeravasantharao , kantamneni Sravanthi
Published: January 2023

Self-forming and adaptation characteristics make MANETs suitable to deploy at places where Infrastructure is hard to set up. It consists of peer-to-peer mobile nodes with heterogeneous resources. Applications of the networks include healthcare, disaster recovery, and the military. The data present in these applications is susceptible. High-level security mechanisms are required to protect the data. One of the attacks present at the network layer in MANETs is packet dropping by the intermediatory node during the communication. The number of Mitigation mechanisms devised to focus on the issue but fail to differentiate packet dropping is due to malicious behavior of the node or system fault. Thus, the paper aims to develop a mechanism that mitigates the packet-dropping nodes from the communication path, whether due to system faults or malicious. The proposed work is validated with a network simulator. The results demonstrate that the proposed work achieved the most outstanding throughput compared to the current work.
Ethnomedical and ethnoveterinary use of Plantago sempervirens Crantz. A comparative study in Spain and the South of France
Authors: PARARD Priscilla , LIEUTAGHI Pierre , VIDAL-GONZÁLEZ Pablo
Published: January 2023

The plant Plantago sempervirens Crantz is very present in the East of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in the Mediterranean regions of France (Languedoc, Provence and North Corsica). It is a plant that is hardly mentioned in the classical botanical literature and we hardly have any references to its ethno-veterinary uses. However, popular tradition points to important anti-inflammatory uses, as well as for healing wounds, among other uses. To find out whether the lack of information was due to a lack of use or rather a gap in the research on the plant, semi-structured interviews were conducted in both France and Spain, as well as an exhaustive bibliographic review done. Intense field work has been carried out both in France and Spain, conducting semi-structured interviews with informants, mainly elderly people, to learn about the ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary uses of the plant, in the absence of solid bibliographical references. Main uses were associated with the healing of inflammations and wounds as well as a disinfectant for animals. There is a strong contrast between the important presence in the oral tradition in Spain and the local one in France, which allows us to propose an export of popular knowledge beyond the Pyrenees. The above-mentioned uses have ceased in the vast majority of cases.
Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome presenting as recurrent aseptic peritonitis in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis: a case report
Authors: Fukuda Natsuki , Kanai Daisuke , Hoshino Kaoru , Fukuda Yuriko , Morita Ryutaro , Ishikawa Yuki , Kanaoka Tomohiko , Toya Yoshiyuki , Kirino Yohei , Wakui Hiromichi , Tamura Kouichi
Published: January 2023

Background
Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is caused by mutations in the ubiquitin-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) gene and is characterised by the overlap of multiple autoinflammatory and haematologic disorders. It is a rare disease first described in December 2020.
Case presentation:
We report the case of a 67-year-old Japanese man undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) for recurrent aseptic peritonitis caused by VEXAS syndrome. He presented with an unexplained fever, headache, abdominal pain, conjunctival hyperaemia, ocular pain, auricular pain, arthralgia, and inflammatory skin lesions. Laboratory investigations showed a high serum C-reactive protein concentration and an increased white blood cell count in the PD effluent. He was treated with antibiotics for PD-related peritonitis but to no avail. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated intense FDG uptake in the left superficial temporal artery, nasal septum, and bilateral auricles. The working diagnosis was giant cell arteritis, and the patient was treated with oral prednisolone (PSL) 15 mg daily, with a good response. However, the PSL dose could not be tapered to less than 10 mg daily because of auricular pain, skin lesions, and PD effluent turbidity. Tocilizumab was administered every two weeks as a steroid-sparing agent; hence, the PSL dose could be tapered to 2 mg daily without any symptoms. Sanger sequencing of his peripheral blood sample revealed a mutation affecting methionine-41 (c.122 T > C; p.Met41Thr) of the UBA1 gene. We made the final diagnosis of VEXAS syndrome. He had a flare of VEXAS syndrome at a PSL of 1 mg daily with cloudy PD effluent, conjunctival hyperaemia, arthralgia, auricular chondritis, and inflammatory skin lesions, such as Sweet's syndrome, on his upper limbs and neck. Increasing the PSL dose to 11 mg daily relieved the symptoms within a few days.
Conclusions
VEXAS syndrome causes turbid PD effluent without infection. When peritonitis is observed in patients on PD, nephrologists and general physicians should consider the possibility of aseptic peritonitis due to autoimmune diseases, including VEXAS syndrome, and pay attention to their systemic findings.
COPD-related admissions in a main hospital in Damascus during the Syrian crisis
Authors: Hadakie Rana , Alkwatli Khalil , Haddad Shaden
Published: January 2023

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a global health concern as it is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide with a high economic and social burden. It is characterized by chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract that causes airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms that may be worsening and lead to hospitalization. COPD becomes a more serious health problem in Syria where its healthcare system has suffered a lot because of the ongoing crisis and COPD is highly prevalent. There is no available data about hospitalization related to COPD in Syria. Thus, we aimed in this study to estimate COPD-related hospitalization in a main hospital in Damascus as a step to shed light on this problem which may help in tackling it and reducing COPD in this country.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted and included 199 patients from Al-Assad University Hospital. These patients are hospitalized because of COPD between January 2017 and January 2020.
Results
Our results showed many admissions because of COPD in Al-Assad University Hospital. Females had longer hospital stay (7.2 ±5.1 days) compared with males (6.4 ± 4.4 days) but there is no statistically significant (p = 0.450). In addition, there is a correlation between age and length of hospital stay in males (p = 0.0004).
Conclusion
COPD has a high rate of hospitalization in Syria, and more studies and actions are required to tackle this health challenge to reduce its burden.
Cross-Cultural Expectations from Self-Driving Cars
Authors: Tolbert Steven , Nojoumian Mehrdad
Published: January 2023

International adoption of autonomous vehicles has been in the center of attention in academia and industry. This paper therefore proposes to shed light on cross-cultural expectations of autonomous vehicles. We utilized a survey with 57 questions prepared in English, German, and Spanish languages that asked 157 participants about their personal driving behaviors as well as their expectations from self-driving cars. Several novel behavior and AI trust metrics are generated from the responses that show clear differences in expectations of autonomous technologies depending on the demographic sampled. These results show significant differences in expected self-driving car aggressiveness as it relates to their own driving behavior with most people surveyed preferring a driving style more conservative than their own; interestingly, by filtering the aforementioned distribution into those more trustful of AI the expected self-driving car aggressiveness is more similar to their own driving style. This paper also finds that the level of trust attributed to an autonomous vehicle to perform a given task depends heavily on the task and its importance to the demographic being questioned. Future research may be able to use these insights to address problems of trust between passengers and self-driving cars, social acceptability of self-driving cars, and development of customized autonomous driving technologies.
Dissection of Genotype x environment interaction and multi-trait selection for identification of stable hybrids in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]
Authors: Patel Arpita A. , Vekariya Rajesh D. , Patel Rumit , Patel Akshay
Published: January 2023

Okra also known by lady's finger or gumbo is the most significant versatile vegetable in the world’s tropical and subtropical climates, well-renowned for its soft and flavorful pods. The complexity in yield improvement of any crop is escalated due to genotype x environment (G × E) interactions. Likewise success in okra improvement is limited by G × E interaction and needs to be determined for use in future decision-making process. Multivariate selection strategies like AMMI and GGE biplots were utilized in this study that graphically depict interrelationships between the tested environments and genotypes with simple visual evaluations of okra hybrids possessing high and stable yield. Whereas MTSI was used to identify okra hybrids with dynamic traits that executes better across varied environmental conditions. A set of 13 traits were accessed in okra 24 hybrids along with 10 parents evaluated under multi-environment trials. Among the selected genotypes, H23 and H10 were promising as they produced elevated and adaptable fruit yield altogether with traits that are favoured much by the farmers. MTSI also confirmed high and desired selection gains in all traits among selected genotypes. Further, agronomic trials to determine best crop management practices of identified superior genotypes can be done to introduce them as improved cultivars for diverse environments.
The Effect of Intermittent Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Soil Water Distribution
Authors: GÜLTEKİN Rohat , ERTEK Ahmet
Published: January 2023

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is one of the most widely accepted irrigation methods for more efficient use of irrigation water. However, the lateral movement of water is limited due to the back pressure under the ground. This causes water to collect in a narrower area and limits plant root development. In this study, the vertical and horizontal distribution of water under the soil was examined by applying the irrigation water with the classical method (continuous) and intermittently in the SDI system in order to provide a better water distribution. Accordingly, four different intermittent irrigation methods (continuous, one-intermittent, two-interval and three-interval) were studied under field conditions. Before and after each irrigation, water was monitored in the soil at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths from the soil surface and at 5-20-35 cm horizontal distances from the dripper. In the findings obtained, the difference between treatments was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01) for all vertical depths at a distance of 35 cm from the dripper point. The highest water values were found at 35 cm horizontal distance from the dripper and at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths of the soil as 112.9 mm (F1), 126.4 mm (F1) and 128.5 mm (F1), respectively. According to the results obtained, the lateral distribution of water in the soil increased as the duration of interruption between two irrigations increased. This shows that the positive effects of intermittent irrigation can be benefited from in subsurface drip irrigation for a better water distribution in the soil.
Efficacy of Medical Ozone for Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain with Abnormal Mitochondrial Redox State
Authors: Alsawy Taha Tairy Dardeer Alsawy , Sabry Laila Saber Abdel Aziz Sabry , Elmulla Ahmed Fawzy Elmulla , Kamel Maher Abdul-Nabi Kamel , Eldemrdash Ayman Mohamady Eldemrdash , Hashem Engi Yousry Hashem
Published: January 2023

Background
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is multifaceted and20% of the adult population lives with severe chronic pain and have negative consequences, intense pain, depression, weakness, sleep problems, loss of enjoyment of life and decreased emotional well-being. This work done to study efficacy of trigger point injections with ozone for treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain in patients with abnormal mitochondrial redox state compared to standard steroid injection or combination therapy.
Methods
This is a prospective randomized clinical study conducted on 51 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain at Medical Research Institute Hospital, Alexandria University from January2019toJanuary2021.Patients randomly using computer-generated random numbers into 3groups,17received ozone injection,17betamethasone injection and17 combined Ozone and betamethasone injection. Groups were compared regarding intensity of pain, correction of mitochondrial redox state and normalizing Lactate/Pyruvate ratio.
Results
there were differences between 3groups as regard VAS;three days after intervention(p < 0.021)as it was lower in group A compared to group and at one and three weeks after intervention(p < 0.001)where it was lower in groups A,C when compared with groupB.There were differences in lactate/pyruvate ratio(percentage change)between the 3 groups(p < 0.004)as it was lower in groups AandC when compared with groupB.There were differences between 3 groups as regard mitochondrial copy number(p < 0.002)as it was higher in group A when compared with groupB.There were differences between the 3 groups as regard reduced/oxidized glutathione(p > 0.008)as it was higher in groups AandC when compared with group B.
Conclusions
Trigger point injections with ozone can relief musculoskeletal pain as it had significant effect in reduction of muscle pain and increasing pain free interval. Pain improvement increases with time. Ozone improves muscle oxygenation, mitochondrial function
Current Status of Antifouling Biocides Contamination in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Harino Hiroya , Ohji Madoka , Kono Kumiko , Onzuka Toshimitsu , Hano Takashi , Mochida Kazuhiko
Published: January 2023

A monitoring survey of antifouling biocides was conducted in Harima Nada Sea and Osaka Bay of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, in order to assess contamination by organotin (OT) compounds and alternative biocides. The concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) compounds in surface water ranged from 1.0–2.8 ng/L and the detected TBT concentrations in the bottom water layer were higher than those in the surface water, The concentrations of TBTs in sediment samples ranged from 2.0–28 ng/g dry weight (dw) respectively. The concentrations in the water and sediment were lower than those before the banning of TBT by the IMO. Although TPT compounds were not detected in water samples, triphenyltin (TPT) compounds were detected in the range of < 0.1–2,700 ng/g dw in sediment samples. The concentrations of diuron, Sea-Nine 211, Irgarol 1051, dichlofluanid and chlorothalonil in water samples ranged from < 1–53 ng/L, < 1–1.8 ng/L, < 1–4.0 ng/L, < 1–343 ng/L and < 1–1 ng/L, respectively and these alternative compounds in sediment samples ranged from 32–488 ng/g dw, 47–591 ng/g dw, 33–128 ng/g dw, 67–8,038 ng/g dw and 31 − 2,975 ng/g dw, respectively. The partition coefficients of the alternative biocides between water and sediment were similar to those in BT compounds. Thus, the OTs and alternative biocides have still been detected in water and sediment samples from closed sea areas.
Molecular characterization of lumpy skin disease virus from recent outbreaks in Pakistan
Authors: Manzoor Shumaila , Abubakar Muhammad , Rahman Aziz Ul , Syed Zainab , Ahmad Khurshid , Afzal Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral transboundary disease and is enlisted in notifiable diseases by the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH). The first disease suspicion was determined in Pakistan in late 2021. Since then, various outbreaks are now reporting from different regions of all provinces across the country. In the current study, samples from a few earlier outbreaks among cattle populations in Sindh and Punjab provinces were investigated and partial GPCR, p32, and RP030 genes-based phylogenetic analysis were conducted subsequent to molecular characterization. Collectively, LSDV strains originating from outbreaks in Pakistan noticeably clustered together with LSDV strains reported from African, Middle East, and Asian countries including Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Thailand. The reasons behind the origin of virus strain and disease spread to Pakistan are unknown; suggesting to investigate of more outbreaks across the country for the establishment of effective disease control strategies including a mass vaccination campaign across Pakistan.
Efficacy of CPP-ACP GC Tooth Mousse in remineralization of teeth of Syrian orphan Children- results of a double -blind, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Alkarad Lubna , Alkhouli Muaaz , Dashash Mayssoon
Published: January 2023

Objectives
A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) in the remineralization of teeth of Syrian children aged 6-8 years enrolled in orphanage of the city of Damascus.
Materials and Methods
The study sample included 50 children randomly divided into two treatment groups to receive either CPP-ACP GC Tooth Mousse™ (Group A) or placebo (Group B) with 25 participants per group. After the application of the product in the mouth for 3 minutes, saliva samples were collected four time (T0, T1, T2, and T3) to measure the pH of saliva and the rate of salivary flow.
Results
There was no significant difference between group A and B in the mean value of salivary flow rate and salivary pH. However, there was significant difference between different time points in the mean value of salivary pH and salivary flow rate.
Conclusion
The GC Tooth Mouse (CPP-ACP) is not superior to placebo mousse at tooth remineralization according to salivary pH measure and the rate of salivary flow. Further studies are still essential to assertion findings.
Trial registration: ISRCTN17509082, Registration date 22/11/2022
Improvement of Outpatient Service Processes: A Case Study of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital
Authors: Chen Jingsong , Alturas Bráulio
Published: January 2023

This work presents a case study on The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), which was the first to implement an outpatient appointment registration system. This study provides an anatomy of the hospital outpatient process through various methods and theories, such as literature review, field research, expert consultation, business process improvement theory and Information technology, with the objective of identifying objectives and strategies of the hospital case in improving its outpatient process. By means of outpatient process improvement, this study aim to increase the case hospital’s efficiency and raise its patients’ satisfaction so that the hospital may enhance its comprehensive competence. In addition, an effective and operable methodology will be generated, which is expected to serve as a reference for other hospitals to improve their operation and their management. Therefore, the research question is to know which factors most influence patient satisfaction. It was found that service attitude, service value, and waiting time have a significant influence on patient satisfaction.
Molecular cloning and expression characteristics of ghrl and ghsr genes in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
Authors: Wang Pan , Fu Jianjun , Luo Mingkun , Shi Xiulan , Zhu Wenbin , Wang Lanmei , Shu Shichang , Dong Zaijie
Published: January 2023

Backgroud
Ghrelin (ghrl) and its receptor gene, ghsr (growth hormone secretagogue receptor), regulate numerous physiological functions, including growth hormone secretion and food intake. In the present study, we investigated the sequences and expression characteristics of the two genes in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis).
Methods
Cloning and expression characteristics of the ghrl and ghsr gene were got and analyzed by using the RACE technique, qRT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. The sizes of the experimental fish were 1.21 ± 0.20 kg in winter (6–7 months old) and 2.34 ± 0.20 kg in summer (18–19 months old).
Results
The ghrl and ghsr genes, encoded 106 and 346 amino acids, respectively, and were 1208 bp and 2239 bp in length. Early blastocysts had the highest levels of ghrl and ghsr expression throughout early development (P < 0.01). The gut exhibited the highest levels of expression of ghrl, whereas significantly higher levels of ghsr (P < 0.01) were detected in the brain. Significantly higher levels of expression of ghrl and ghsr were detected in the intestine and muscle in summer, when compared with the levels in winter (P < 0.05). Based on in situ hybridization, intestine ghrl expression signals were more pronounced than intestinal ghsr expression signals, whereas ghsr expression signals were higher than those of ghrl in brain tissues. The co-expression patterns of related genes in the growth hormone synthesis, secretion and action pathway (ko04935), and cAMP signaling pathway (ko04024) also indicated that ghrl and ghsr are involved in the feeding regulation of bighead fish.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that ghrl and ghsr potentially play roles in bighead carp feeding and associated energy metabolism activities, in addition to growth performance.
Burden of Osteoarthritis in North Africa and Middle East from 1990 to 2019: The Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Sanjari Mahnaz , Yousefi Shakiba , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Same Kave , Fahimfar Noushin , Tehrani Yeganeh Sharifnejad , Noorali Sima , Ahmadi Naser , Yarmohammadi Hossein , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Ostovar Afshin , Larijani Bagher
Published: January 2023

Background
Considered the most common form of arthritis worldwide, Osteoarthritis (OA) prevalence has been continually due to the aging population and obesity. Based on the results of the last Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, the North Africa and Middle East (NAME) was reported to have a high OA prevalence, hence the current study aimed to describe the burden and its attributable risk factors.
Methods
The OA was classified by kellgren Lawrence grading system. The burden (prevalence, incidence, and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs)) and attributable burden (YLDs) to high body-mass index (BMI) were reported based on GBD 2019 globally and for the 21 countries in the region by age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI).
Results
Globally, the age-standardized prevalence, incidence, and YLDs rates were estimated as 6348.3 (95% uncertainty interval 5776.3–7023.0), 492.2 (438.7-551.5), and 228.0 (115.3-452.7) per 100000, respectively. In the NAME region, the prevalence age-standardized rate (ASR) has increased by 9.3% (8.1–10.5) since 1990. Furthermore, the incidence ASR was estimated as 430.4 (382.2-481.9) in 2019 which has increased by 9.4% (8.3–10.5). Also, the YLDs ASR increased 10.0% (8.7–11.4); [185.4 (92.8-370.2) in 2019]. Among NAME countries, Saudi Arabia had the highest ASR followed by Kuwait and Iran in 2019 and Oman showed the highest increase from 1990 to 2019. The regional attributed YLDs increased by 57.6% (42.1–85.2).
Conclusion
As OA proves to have major public health impacts both globally and in the NAME region, health data and strategies must be improved to control the disease’s burden better.
Do Changes in Brain Volume Among Archaic Humans Reflect the Invention of Cooking?
Authors: Dunbar R. I.M.
Published: January 2023

The period around 400 ka coincided with a dramatic increase in hominin endocranial volume. Prior to this, there is some evidence to suggest that hominin brain sizes may have been subject to a thermally-driven energetic constraint. The increase in cranial volumes around 400 ka suggests that hominins achieved at least partial release from this constraint. This time point coincides with a sea change in the evidence for control of fire at hominin living sites, at least in the northern hemisphere. This may pinpoint the time at which hominins first began to cook regularly.