bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous unsupervised feature selection with adaptive loss constraint and discrete binary hashing for clustering
Authors: Xuan Shuting , Liu Jinglei
Published: May 2023

As an important analysis technique of machine learning, clustering has received extensive attention. However, the high-dimensional data make the clustering speed slow. Recent studies show that hashing can achieve efficient clustering. In this paper, a new binary clustering framework – Simultaneous Unsupervised Feature Selection with Adaptive Loss Constraint and Discrete Binary Hashing for Clustering (ALDBC) is proposed. This method based on adaptive loss functions to achieve data dimensionality reduction and low-rank clustering in Hamming space is integrated into a single framework for mutual guidance and dynamic improvement. More specifically, the framework uses an adaptive loss optimization algorithm, the adaptive loss function is located between the L1-norm and the L2-norm, which combines the advantages of the two to enhance the robustness of outliers and reduce the dimension of high-dimensional data at the same time. Then, the sparse binary matrices are decomposed into low-rank matrices in Hamming space to complete image clustering. Finally, the objective function can rapidly converge with the optimization scheme. Experimental results on datasets show that this method can effectively improve the efficiency of clustering. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, the time efficiency of ALDBC was improved when processing high-dimensional data.
Effect of supplementation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay and urea molasses block on carcass characteristics of yearling local sheep fed grass hay as a basal diet
Authors: Kiros Shambel , Urge Mengistu , Yeheyis Likawent
Published: May 2023

A study was conducted to evaluate effect of supplementation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay and urea molasses block on carcass characteristics of yearling local sheep fed with grass hay as a basal diet. Twenty-four yearling intact male local sheep with mean initial body weight of 23.9±1.9 (Mean ± SD) were used in completely randomized block design. Treatments were grass hay fed ad libitum to all treatments plus 1% of live weight alfalfa hay (T1), 1.5% of live weight alfalfa hay (T2), 2.0% of live weight alfalfa hay (T3), and all the three treatments offered with 100g/head/day of Urea-molasses-block (UMB). The control treatment was supplemented with concentrate mix at 2.0% of live weight (T4). The study period consisted 84 days of feeding and 7 days digestibility trials. Hot carcass weight was 12.2, 12.4, 12.9 and 16.3 (SE=± 0.45) kg for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and the values were the highest for T4 (p<0.001). Besides, dressing percentage (slaughter weight bases) was 43.55%, 44.6%, 44.53%, and 47.76% (SE=± 0.56) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and T1 was lowest and the values were similar among T2, T3, and T4 (p<0.05). The study showed that concentrate supplementation at 2% body weight resulted in greater hot carcass and primal cut weight than graded levels of alfalfa in combination with same amount of UMB. Additionally, the dressing percentage achieved at T2 and T3 was commendable. Therefore, T3 with good dressing percentage and biological performance can be considered as alternative supplement when concentrate is in short supply.
Future VAT Regime for Financial Services from a Stakeholder Perspective: Analysis of the European Commission 2020 Public Consultation’s Position Papers
Authors: Pardete Rafaela , Santos Márcia , Leote Francisco
Published: May 2023

This study sought to address the challenges of formulating the European Union’s value-added tax (VAT) reform for the financial services sector and implementing the proposed changes. The benefits received principle of taxation and theory of optimal taxation formed the theoretical framework used to analyse the concerns and suggestions submitted by this sector’s stakeholders during the European Commission’s 2021 public consultation. The research included automated computer-assisted content analysis of 52 position papers, using up-to-date text mining techniques to define four cluster containing the most salient terms. An in-depth critical review highlighted the most significant concerns and suggested alterations to the current VAT framework. The results include a three-layered discussion model that goes well beyond a straightforward one-shot discussion of whether financial services should charge VAT. First, the technical rationality view of not charging VAT when providing financial services is no longer applicable. Second, intermediary and cost-sharing groups are characteristic of these services, which puts into question the tax’s neutrality principle if the current VAT exemption regime remains in place. Last, abolishing the VAT exemption for these services could put an especially heavy burden on end consumers and small businesses, thereby implying extra measures will be needed to avoid a strongly negative socioeconomic impact. Significant implications for theory, practice and policy are presented.
Evaluation of the association of socioeconomic deprivation and breast cancer recurrence by molecular subtypes in Scotland
Authors: Dunlop Hayley M , Williams Linda J , Hall Peter S , Barber Matthew , Dodds Christine , Figueroa Jonine D
Published: May 2023

Background
Women from socioeconomically deprived areas have lower breast cancer (BC) incidence rates for screen-detected oestrogen receptor (ER)+ tumours and higher mortality for select tumour subtypes. We aimed to determine if ipsilateral breast recurrence (IBR) differs by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile and tumour subtype in Scotland.
Methods
Patient data for primary invasive BC diagnosed in 2007-2008 in Scotland was analysed. Manual case-note review for 3495 patients from 10 years post-diagnosis was used. To determine the probability of IBR while accounting for the competing risk of death from any cause, cumulative incidence functions (CIFs) stratified by molecular subtype and surgery were plotted. Multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to estimate the association of SIMD accounting for other predictors of IBR.
Results
Among 2819 ER+ tumours, 423 patients had a recurrence and 438 died. SIMD was related to death (p=0.018) with the most deprived more likely to have died in the 10-year period (17.7% vs 12.9%). We found no significant differences by SIMD in prognostic tumour characteristics (grade, TNM stage, treatment, screen-detection) or risk of IBR.
Among 676 patients diagnosed with ER- tumours, 105 died and 185 had a recurrence. We found no significant differences in prognostic tumour characteristics by SIMD except screen detection with the most deprived more likely than the least to have their tumours detected from screening (46.9% vs 28%, p=0.03). Among patients with ER- tumours, 50% had mastectomy and the most deprived had increased 5-year IBR risk compared to the least deprived (HR 3.03 [1.41-6.53]).
Conclusions
IBR is not a major contributor to mortality differences by SIMD for the majority of BC patients. The lack of inequities in IBR are likely due to standardised treatment protocols and access to healthcare. The association with socioeconomic deprivation and recurrence for ER- tumours requires further study.
Possible contribution of cytokeratin 13 and uroplakin 1B as novel markers for differential diagnosis between metastatic lung carcinoma from oral squamous cell carcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Goda Hiroyuki , Nakashiro Koh-ichi , Sano Yoshifumi , Adachi Tomoko , Tokuzen Norihiko , Kuribayashi Nobuyuki , Hino Satoshi , Uchida Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinomas unusually show distant metastasis to the lung after primary treatment, which can be difficult to differentiate from primary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. While the location and number of tumor nodules is helpful in diagnosing cases, differential diagnosis may be difficult even with histopathological examination. Therefore, we attempted to identify molecules that can facilitate accurate differential diagnosis. First, we performed a comprehensive gene expression analysis using microarray data for OSCC-LM and LSCC, and searched for genes showing significantly different expression levels. We then identified KRT13, UPK1B, and nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1 (NR0B1) as genes that were significantly upregulated in LSCC and quantified the expression levels of these genes by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of KRT13 and UPK1B proteins were then examined by immunohistochemical staining. While OSCC-LM showed no KRT13 and UPK1B expression, some tumor cells of LSCC showed KRT13 and UPK1B expression in 10 of 12 cases (83.3%). All LSCC cases were positive for at least one of these markers. Thus, KRT13 and UPK1B might contribute in differentiating OSCC-LM from LSCC.
Transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the abscisic acid mediates brassinosteroid-induced cold resistance of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Wang Yuting , Ding Siyue , Chen Zeya , Wang Xuefei , Jiang Qianqian , Zhao Jiaqi , Duan Bingbing , Xi Zhu-mei
Published: May 2023

The potential role of brassinosteroid (BR) and abscisic acid (ABA) against cold stress in plants separately has been made with much effort. However, the connection between BR and ABA in response to cold stress is less clear. Herein, the potential involvement of ABA in BR-induced cold resistance in grapevines was investigated by contrasting the different responses among ABA, BR, and the combination of BR and NDGA (an inhibitor of endogenous ABA biosynthesis) treatments under cold stress. Results showed BR and ABA foliar application alone increased the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, regulated the antioxidant system, and alleviated oxidative damage induced by low temperature stress. Interestingly, NDGA blocked the BR-induced cold resistance by increasing reactive oxygen species content and reducing antioxidant enzyme activity. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that exposure to cold stress resulted in very different patterns of gene expression and enriched pathway responses. Among them, genes from the ERF transcription factors were observed to be up-regulated both BR and ABA treatment, calcium-binding protein genes were up-regulated only under BR treatment alone, xyloglucosyl transferase genes were up-regulated only under ABA treatment. Overall, we concluded that ABA was involved in BR-induced cold resistance in grapevines, but there was also a different candidate pathway between ABA and BR treatments under cold stress.
Experimental Design and Optimization of Parameters for Solution Precursor Plasma Spray Method
Authors: R Sudarshan , Sri Venkatesh , K Balasubramanian
Published: May 2023

In the present work, SS304 material has been taken as the substrate for the in-house prepared solution precursor deposition for preliminary process optimisation. An L16 orthogonal array is used in the Taguchi optimal method for segregating parameters for better optimal results. Microstructures with XRD as a part of non-destructive testing methods had been used to check the structural values with thermal impact and elements study. It shows that the deposition of coating is good even at optimum parameters. At high temperatures, grain development and pore closure reduce the porosity of ceramic coatings. The deposition of thickness is increasing with increasing power. Medium raster speed and spray distance of 60 mm and 80 mm are found to be good for thickness deposition. SPPS coatings contain unique characteristic features such as verticle cracks, symmetric fine porous structure, and splats are smaller.
Ultra-Broadband Magneto-Optical Isolators and Circulators on Silicon Nitride Photonics Platform
Authors: Yan Wei , Wei Zixuan , Yang Yucong , Wu Di , Zhang Zijian , Song Xiaoyi , Cai Songgang , Qin Jun , Deng Longjiang , Bi Lei
Published: May 2023

Broadband optical isolators and circulators are highly desirable for wavelength-division multiplexing, light detection, and ranging systems. However, the silicon-integrated optical isolators and circulators reported so far have a limited isolation bandwidth of only several nanometers, due to waveguide and material dispersion. In this paper, we report the development of broadband magneto-optical isolators and circulators on silicon nitride waveguides. We proposed a general method of dispersion compensation to achieve a constant phase difference between reciprocal and nonreciprocal phase shifts in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer over a wide frequency range. This method enabled a theoretical 30 dB isolation/circulation bandwidth of more than 240 nm, which covers the S, C, L, and U bands. The fabricated devices showed a maximum isolation ratio of 28 dB, crosstalk of -28 dB, a record high 20-dB isolation bandwidth of 29 nm (3.48 THz), and a relatively low loss of 2.7 dB in the wavelength range of 1520–1610 nm. This method has also been applied to the design of broadband, low-loss isolators, and O/C dual-band isolators/circulators. Our work experimentally demonstrated broadband-integrated optical isolators and circulators on silicon, paving the way for their use in optical communication, data communication, and LiDAR applications.
Stoichiometric characteristics drive the soil aggregate stability rather than microbial community characteristics and soil nutrients after 5 years of vegetation restoration in China
Authors: Kan Haiming , Xu Hengkang , Zhang Guofang , Chen Chao , Pang Zhuo , Fan Xifeng , Wu Juying
Published: May 2023

Soil physical and chemical properties and aggregate stability can be significantly affected by vegetation restoration in degraded land. However, it is not known how the aggregate stability is related to soil stoichiometric characteristics under different vegetation restorations. A 5-year in situ experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of vegetation restoration on the structure, stability and stoichiometric properties of soil aggregates. In the northwest part of Beijing, Bromus inermis Leyss. and Medicago sativa L. were planted in a typical area of desertification land, and natural succession grassland was used as control. Boosted regression trees (BRTs) were applied to partition the factors that control aggregate stability. The results showed that the mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil water-stable aggregates under natural restoration (CK) and in the alfalfa sowing treatments (AF) was significantly higher than that under the restoration of the smooth brome sowing treatments (SB). Compared with CK, AF significantly increased the geometric mean aggregate diameter (GMD) of soil water stability, while SB showed the opposite result. AF significantly increased the proportion of soil aggregates > 2 mm particle sizes, MWD and GMD at 20–30 cm. AF can improve the stability of soil aggregates by increasing the content of large aggregates. For the stoichiometric characteristics of the aggregates, AF improved significantly the value of C/P in 0.053 − 0.125mm particle size aggregates. The MBC/MBN ratio of 0-10cm and 10-20cm was also significantly increased in the treatment of AF. The BRTs indicated that stoichiometric ratio is the main factor driving the stability of soil aggregates rather than microbial community characteristics and soil nutrients. The C/P is the main driving factor affecting the MWD, in which the overall stoichiometric influence accounts for 46%, followed by the microbial influence of 36%. For the GMD, MBC/MBN is the main driving factor, and the stoichiometric influence accounts for 94%. Our finding indicates that AF is beneficial to the stability of deep soil aggregates, and the stoichiometric characteristics of soil are the key factors affecting the stability of soil aggregates.
Does Surface Enamel Composition and Characteristics	Vary With Inter Proximal Enamel Reduction ?
Authors: Poovattil Kishore , Sathyanarayana Haritha P , Padmanabhan Sridevi
Published: May 2023

Objective :This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the proximal enamel surface and the surface characteristics subjected to different extents of Inter- proximal reduction(IPR) in a clinical setting
Materials and methods:Premolars of orthodontic patients which were designated for extraction were subjected to .2mm,.3 mm and .5 mm of IPR. After one month the teeth were extracted and the teeth were subjected to Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X ray Spectroscopy (EDX).
Results: Calcium Phosphorous stoichiometric ratios for all the four groups assessed with EDX was compared using Mann Whitney U test (0.86, 0.76, 0.56, 0.64 respectively) and it was statistically insignificant (p=0.163). The SEM images of the three experimental groups (taken at magnification of 500X and 2000X showed that the enamel surfaces were irregular and rough compared to the honey comb appearance of the unstripped group. Small areas of erosion of enamel surface were seen in Group I (0.2mm) under 2000X magnification compared to Group IV (control) which showed typical arrangement of enamel rods in alternating orientation
Conclusions:On analyzing the surface characteristics of enamel using SEM between the stripped and unstripped surfaces, there were irregularities and roughness seen in stripped surface whereas honey comb pattern was observed in unstripped enamel surfaces. The elements found in unstripped and stripped enamel surfaces were calcium, phosphorous, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Although the calcium and phosphorus were high in the 0.5mm IPR group, the difference between stripped and unstripped enamel surfaces were statistically not significant.
Clinical relevance: IPR is a popular method of gaining space particularly in recent times.There have been concerns that IPR can remove the superfical mineral rich layer making the deeper layers more susceptible to carious attack. No study has studied the mineral content in different layers of enamel in response to IPR .The results of this study strengthens the validity of the clinical protocol employed.
Bony Bankart lesions: epidemiology of 790 cases from the Swedish Fracture Register
Authors: Gordins Vladislavs , Sansone Mikael , Thorolfsson Baldur , Möller Michael , Carling Malin , Olsson Nicklas
Published: May 2023

Background: A bony Bankart lesion is a common type of fracture associated with anterior shoulder dislocation. This type of fracture could directly affect the stability of the shoulder by reducing the glenoid joint-contact area.
The aim of this study was to report and describe epidemiological data relating to bony Bankart lesions in Sweden using the Swedish Fracture Register. The purpose is to evaluate age and sex distribution in the population with BB lesions, its impact on treatment strategy and to analyse patient-reported outcomes.
Methods: An epidemiological descriptive study based on data from the national Swedish Fracture Register. The inclusion criteria were all patients with a unilateral bony Bankart lesion registered between April 2012 and April 2019. The patients’ specific data (age, sex, type and time of injury, treatment option and patient-reported outcomes) were extracted from the Swedish Fracture Register database.
Results: A total of 790 unilateral bony Bankart fractures were identified. The majority of the patients were male (58.7%). The mean age ± SD for all patients at the time of injury was 56.3 ± 16.1 years. Females had a higher mean age, 64.3 ± 12.8, compared with males, 50.7 ± 15.7.
Most of the BB lesions, 91.8% (662), were registered as a low-energy trauma. More than two-thirds of all cases, 509 patients (70.1%), were treated non-surgically, 217 patients (29.9%) were treated surgically, while, in 17 patients (7.8% of all surgically treated patients), the treatment was changed from non-surgical to surgical. Surgical treatment was chosen for 34% (146) of males and for 23% (71) of females. Patient quality of life decreased slightly in both surgically and non-surgically treated groups one year after BB injury.
Conclusion: This national register-based study provides detailed information on the epidemiology, choice of treatment and patient-reported outcomes in a large cohort of bony Bankart lesions. Most BB lesions affected males between 40 and 75 years after low-energy falls and were treated non-surgically.
Deep learning the cis-regulatory code for gene expression in selected model plants
Authors: Peleke Fritz Forbang , Zumkeller Simon Maria , Gültas Mehmet , Schmitt Armin , Szymański Jędrzej Jakub
Published: May 2023

Elucidating the relationship between the sequences of non-coding regulatory elements and their target genes is key to understanding gene regulation and its variation between plant species and ecotypes. In this study, we developed deep learning models that link gene sequence data with mRNA copy number for the plant species Arabidopsis thaliana, Sorghum bicolor, Solanum lycopersicum and Zea mays, and predicted the regulatory effect of gene sequence variation. Our models achieved over 80% accuracy in the species-specific and multi-species prediction tasks and enabled predictive feature selection within the input regulatory sequences. Saliency scores of the model highlighted a set of expression-predictive sequence features and the profound importance of the UTR regions in determining the level of gene expression. Identified sequence features exhibited remarkable conservation across plant species and achieved more than 70% accuracy in cross-species expression prediction. We demonstrated the application of our model on 14 newly assembled tomato genomes, where the effect of structural genetic variation on gene expression is annotated. Finally, we showed that by providing an accurate prediction of differences in the expression of biosynthetic enzymes and their individual homologs, the model highlights known metabolic differences between related genotypes. This was demonstrated for biosynthetic pathways of stress-related compounds in Solanum lycopersicum and its wild drought-resistant relative Solanum pennellii.
Divergent chondro/osteogenic transduction laws of fibrocartilage stem cell drive temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in growing mice
Authors: Bi Ruiye , Li Qianli , Li Haohan , Wang Peng , Fang Han , Yang Xianni , Wang Yiru , Hou Yi , Ying Binbin , Zhu Songsong
Published: May 2023

The anterior disc displacement (ADD) leads to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and mandibular growth retardation in adolescent. To investigate the potential functional role of fibrocartilage stem cells (FCSCs) during the process, a surgical ADD-TMJOA mouse model was established. From 1 week after model generation, ADD mice exhibited aggravated mandibular growth retardation with osteoarthritis (OA)-like joint cartilage degeneration, manifesting with impaired chondrogenic differentiation and loss of subchondral bone homeostasis. Lineage tracing using Gli1-CreER+; Tmfl/−mice and Sox9-CreER+;Tmfl/−mice showed that ADD interfered the chondrogenic capacity of Gli1+ FCSCs as well as osteogenic differentiation of Sox9+ lineage, mainly in the middle zone of TMJ cartilage. Then, a surgically induced disc reposition (DR) mouse model was generated. The inhibited FCSCs capacity were significantly alleviated by DR treatment in ADD mice. And both the ADD mice and adolescent ADD patients had significantly relieved OA phenotype and improved condylar growth after DR treatment. In conclusion, ADD-TMJOA leads to impaired chondrogenic progenitor capacity and osteogenesis differentiation of FCSCs lineage, results in cartilage degeneration and loss of subchondral bone homeostasis, finally causes TMJ growth retardation. DR at an early stage could significantly alleviate cartilage degeneration and restore TMJ cartilage growth potential.
Interpass temperature effects on the corrosion performance of WAAM ER316L stainless steel multi-layer walls using a potentiostatic pulse test
Authors: Wharton Julian , Addison Adrian , Wang Yikun , Lu Qing , penot Corentin
Published: May 2023

The effect of interpass temperature on the microstructure and pit nucleation behaviour in wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) deposited ER316L stainless steel was investigated. Lowering the interpass temperature increased the ferrite content and decreased the sigma phase precipitation. Potentiostatic pulse measurements showed that the WAAM ER316L pits developed predominantly near sigma phases and had higher pit density compared to a wrought 316L (UNS S31600). The pitting susceptibility of WAAM ER316L increases with increasing interpass temperature due to the precipitation of larger sigma phase enhancing the elemental segregation.
Investigating Net Primary Production in Climate Regions of Khuzestan Province, Iran using CASA model
Authors: Afzali Afsaneh , Hadian Fatemeh , Sabri Soheil , Yaghmaei Leila
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the vegetation production changes in Khuzestan province, Iran using MODIS data production, meteorological data, vegetation maps as well as topographic and field monitoring data in CASA model. The study area was divided into different climatic classes based on multivariate statistical method, so the vegetation of each climatic region was examined separately for changes in NPP values. Production changes due to degradation were calculated using the Miami model and subsequently, the rain use efficiency (RUE) and the light use efficiency (LUE) and correlation indices between the CASA model and ground data were determined. The results of this study (R2) showed that the accuracy of this model varies depending on the type of climatic regions (R2 = 80 to R2 = 15). In different climatic regions, the rate of NPP changes (very humid 68 gC/m2 to ultra-dry 15 gC/m2) varies in rangeland types. The highest rate of vegetation production is observed seasonally in May. Degradation conditions also reduced RUE and LUE. However, in hyper-arid regions, adaptations of plants in some different species (Hammada sp.) increase their efficiency compared to other vegetation types. The results showed the importance of vegetation and climate classification in vegetation production studies.
Safety and Efficacy of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Elderly Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Lu Yuning , Xu Shanhu , Zheng Ruzi , Wang Ning , Lin Dongdong , Zhou Yumiao , Zheng Chaobo , Li Yulin , Jiong Wu , Wan Shu , Wang Ming
Published: May 2023

Background
Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been established as the first-line treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from large vessel occlusions. However, the benefits of MT to the patients over 80 years old is not yet clear, for the elderly with AIS were usually excluded from large randomized controlled stroke clinical trials for their poor prognosis.
Methods
This study enrolled 187 adult patients with acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusions, including 53 patients ≥ 80 years old. Propensity score matching was used to match the patients༜80 years old with those ≥ 80 years old in a ratio of 1:1. The elderly patients were divided into bridging therapy subgroup and direct MT subgroup. The baseline characteristics and outcome were compared between younger patients and older patients, and elderly patients in two subgroups by multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
The good functional status at 90 days occurred in 44 (32.8%) younger patients, 12 (22.6%) in older patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (adjusted OR, 1.244[95%CI,0.520–2.882], P = 0.644). A higher mortality rate was observed in older patients (43% vs 16%, OR,0.245[95%CI,0.104–0.578], P = 0.001). After propensity score matching, the similar results were found in the good functional prognosis and mortality in the two groups. Moreover, in elderly patients, no significant difference was found in the outcome between the two subgroups.
Conclusions
Elderly patients with AIS from large vessel occlusions who received MT had similar good functional status and successful reperfusion to patients༜80 years old. MT is effective and relatively safe for the elderly.
Assessment of Antifungal activity of Probiotics against candidiasis
Authors: N.S. Shree Abiraami , Narayan Vivek , S Rajesh
Published: May 2023

Aim:
To analyse the antifungal effects of probiotics on Candida Albicans
Materials and methods:
One capsule of commercially available probiotics with 5 billion colony forming units is mixed with 2 ml of sterile water in test tube. Wells are cut in rose Bengal agar, 20µl,50µl,100µl concentration of the solution is placed. Reading was taken after 24hours.Zone of inhibition was noted. Rose Bengal broth, sterilized and 6ml was added in 3 test tubes. Candida suspension was added to all 3-test tube in the range of 5*10 billion CFU/ml.Percentage of dead cells is calculated at wavelength of 600nm at regular time intervals after incubation.
Results:
In agar well diffusion method, zone of inhibition is 20mm in 25µl, 22mm in 50µl and 25mm for 100µl.Among the concentration 50µl is showed to be effective from MIC activity.
Conclusion:
Probiotics have good antifungal property against candida albicans. In future this can be also be used in primary and adjuvant therapy in management of oral candidiasis.
A multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial protocol to evaluate the safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation compared with radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Pan Jinhua , Xu Min , Li Kai , Xu Dong , Jing Xiang , Lu Qiang , Yang Hong , Zhao QIyu , Deng Zhuang , Jiang Tianan
Published: May 2023

Background
At present, the main clinical application of local ablation therapy, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is to heat the tissue to a certain temperature. However, high temperature will cause thermal damage. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel minimally invasive local ablation technology for tumors. By high-frequency pulse, the tumor cell membrane can be irretrievably perforated, resulting in the destruction of the intracellular environment, which can preserve important structures in the treatment area. However, there are no randomized controlled clinical trials comparing the efficacy of IRE with traditional local ablation in the treatment of liver cancer.
Methods
We will conduct a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled non-inferiority clinical trial to compare the efficacy and safety of IRE and RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One hundred and ninety patients with HCC from five academic medical centers will be enrolled. The patients will be randomized into treatment arm (IRE) and control arm (RFA). The primary outcome is the progress -free survival (PFS) and the key secondary outcome is the Overall survival (OS).
Results
Thirty-three patients have completed the 1-month follow-up. These 33 patients (median age, 59.1 years) have a total of 38 tumors, and the mean largest tumor diameter is 3.9 cm. In these 33 patients, no end point was observed for PFS or OS in both groups, and the complete ablation rate was 100% in both groups. The lesions in the IRE group showed obvious shrinkage 1 month after surgery. One major adverse event (AE) was occurred in the control group.
Conclusions
This is the first randomized controlled clinical trial to compare the clinical effects of IRE and RFA. The preliminary results suggest that both RFA and IRE are effective in the treatment of HCC, which can provide strong evidence for the use of IRE in HCC and provide more options for the treatment of patients with HCC.
Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05451160.
Association of sun-seeking behaviors with indoor tanning habit in US females
Authors: Seo Bojung , Yang Sheng , Cho Eunyoung , Qureshi Abrar A , Han Jiali
Published: May 2023

Background
Frequent exposure to ultraviolet light in early life has more detrimental and long-term effects on skin than in adulthood. Teenagers with strong sun-seeking behaviors may be more likely to use an indoor tanning bed than those who seek less sun, probably due to addictiveness of ultraviolet exposure. We aimed to examine associations between sun exposure behaviors and average annual indoor tanning usage frequency during high school/college in US females.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we used data from The Nurses’ Health Study II, a large prospective cohort of US female nurses. We included a total of 81,746 white females who answered the average annual frequency of indoor tanning during high school/college. Our study exposures were average weekly time spent outdoors in a swimsuit and average percentage of time of wearing sunscreen at the pool or beach during their teenage years, average weekly hours spent outdoors in direct sunlight in daytime during high school/college, and the number of severe sunburns which blistered between ages 15–20. Main outcomes was average annual frequency of indoor tanning bed usage during high school/college.
Results
In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, we demonstrated positive associations between the sun exposure behaviors and the indoor tanning habit. Specifically, teenagers who spent daily outdoors in a swimsuit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] for daily vs. <1/week: 2.68, 1.76–4.09) or who had ≥ 10 sunburns that blistered (aOR, 95% CI for ≥ 10 vs. never: 2.18, 1.53–3.10) were more likely to use indoor tanning beds ≥ 12 times/year. Also, teenagers/undergraduates who spent ≥ 5hours/week outdoors in direct sunlight during daytime used indoor tanning ≥ 12 times/year (aOR, 95% CI: 2.18, 1.39–3.44) than those who spent < 1/week. However, there was not a significant association between average uses of sunscreen at the pool/beach and indoor tanning bed. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models also showed similar results.
Conclusions
Teenagers who spent more time outdoors or got more sunburns tended to use indoor tanning more frequently. These findings provide evidence that teenagers with strong sun-seeking behaviors may have excessive exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation as well.
IL12B and IL17 genes polymorphisms are associated with different susceptibility to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Juvenile-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Chinese children
Authors: Zhang Menglan , Peng Leiwen , Li Wensheng , Duan Yifei , Liu Xiaoqin , Chen Shasha , Deng Jiamin , Liu Xinle
Published: May 2023

Background
Genetic factors play a crucial role in the immune response of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). This study aimed to investigate the association of IL12B (rs3212227, rs6887695) and IL17 (rs2275913, rs763780) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility of JIA and JSLE in Chinese children.
Methods
A total of 303 healthy controls and 304 patients including 160 JIA and 144 patients were analyzed, and the genetic polymorphisms were genotyped by using a Sequenom MassArray system.
Results
There was a significant association between the IL12B rs3212227 genotype and the increased risk of JSLE (p = 0.01). For rs6887695, the minor allele C was significantly associated with the increased risk of JIA (odds ratio = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.12–1.95, p = 0.005). Moreover, rs6887695 genotype was significantly associated with both JIA and JSLE susceptibility (p < 0.05). Besides, IL12B haplotype GC significantly associated with the increased risk of JIA (p = 0.016). However, no significant difference was found between the IL17 (rs2275913, rs763780) gene polymorphisms and JIA or JSLE susceptibility (p > 0.05). And similar genotype distributions of IL12B and IL17 polymorphisms were found between the patients with nephritis and without nephritis in JSLE (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Our results indicated that IL12B polymorphisms was associated with an increased risk for the development of JIA and JSLE in Chinese children, highlighting the involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of JIA and JSLE. Moreover, there was a risk haplotype in IL12B which could increase the risk of JIA.
Enhanced imatinib uptake through influx transporters and its quantification based on LC-MS/MS in human leukemic cells
Authors: GUPTA SONU KUMAR , Kumari Nisha Bala , Saini Khem Chand , Singh Priyanka , Chhabra Ravindresh , Bhardwaj Monika , Grover Parul , Verma Malkhey
Published: May 2023

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a slowly progressing cancer of the blood cells that originates in the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. It is caused by the reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, which results in the formation of a chimeric chromosome referred to as the ‘Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome’. As per GLOBOCAN 2020, leukemia is the tenth most frequently occurring cancer across the world with an overall mortality rate of 3.1%. Among all the countries, India is ranked third in the incidence as well as mortality associated with leukemia. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard treatment drugs for CML. However, around 30% of CML patients have been observed to develop resistance against imatinib because of the reduced intracellular availability of the drug. Therefore, the present study was designed to enhance the imatinib import through the use of MayBridge fragment (MBF) compounds. Here we used the previously developed imatinib-resistant leukemia cells (K562-R) for further study. The gene expression analysis revealed that the effect of MBF compounds on imatinib treatment was probably due to the change in the expression of import transporters (OATP1A2 and OCT1). The metabolite profiling carried out by LC-MS/MS confirmed that the intracellular concentration of imatinib did increase in K562-R cells when treated with either of the MBFs and imatinib together in comparison to imatinib treatment alone. These results imply that MBF1 and MBF4 used in this study enhance the imatinib import in K562-R cells by altering the expression of membrane transporters in a better way.
GDF-15: A novel biomarker of heart failure predicts 30-day all-cause mortality and 30-day HF rehospitalization in patients with acute heart failure syndrome
Authors: Kosum Paisit , Mattanapojanat Natthinee , Siranart Noppachai , Kongruttanachok Narisorn , Sinphurmsukskul Supanee , Siwamogsatham Sarawut , Puwanant Sarinya , Ariyachaipanich Aekarach
Published: May 2023

Background: Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is a distant member of the transforming growth factor-β. The increased expression of GDF-15 has been observed during heart failure and is associated with worse outcomes. However, the relationship between GDF-15 and acute heart failure (AHF) is not well understood with limited evidence among Thai patients.
Purpose: To study the association between cumulative level and biomarker at the time of admission and discharge in patients with AHF and their association with 30-day all-cause mortality and heart failure rehospitalization
Methods: This is a prospective, single-center study of patients admitted for AHF. GDF-15, high-sensitivity troponin (hsTrop) and NT-proBNP were measured at the time of admission and discharge. Outcomes, including 30-day all-cause mortality and rehospitalization, were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate outcomes.
Results: A total of 84 patients were enrolled (mean age of 69 years, 52% females). The GDF-15 level significantly decreased during admission (at the time of admission 9,118 pg/mL, at the time of discharge 7,107 pg/mL, mean differences 1528; p = 0.006). The 30-day all-cause mortality was 6%. The 30-day rehospitalization occurred in 22 (26.1%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that the admission GDF-15 level, but not hsTrop or NT-proBNP, was associated with 30-days all-cause mortality (p = 0.029) and multivariate analysis showed a reduction in GDF-15 level from admission to discharge was associated with lower 30-days rehospitalization (p = 0.023).
Conclusion: The GDF-15 levels were elevated during acute HF and improved by the time of discharge. This novel biomarker may offer additional value in predicting outcomes in acute HF.
White matter anatomy of human brain using DTI based atlas: A pictoral review at 3T
Authors: Khan Beenish , Dixit Rashmi
Published: May 2023

Purpose:
DTI is frequently used in the diagnostic radiology in all domains including congenital white matter abnormalities, tumours, infections, demyelination, psychiatric illnesses. To interpret pathology involving white matter, one must be aware of normal appearance of the white matter fibres of the brain. For neurosurgery, awareness of normal appearing white matter tracts on DTI is important as DTI based neuronavigation is increasingly being used. We thus aimed to generate colour coded maps of human brain to delineate white matter anatomy using 3T Diffusion Tensor MRI.
Method
Five healthy volunteers underwent MRI on a 3T MR scanner (Magnetom skyra) using 20 channel head coil. Apart from basic MR sequences (T1W, T2W images to rule out any gross pathology) multidimensional diffusion weighted images were obtained in 20 non collinear directions using two b values (b value = 0 and 1000 s/mm2). The DTI data was autotransferred to a Siemens’ work station and post-processed with syngovia software (VB30A_HF06) to generate colour coded FA maps. The images were also manually processed using the same syngovia software to generate three dimensional tractography images.
Results
On DTI, major white fibres that were identified were blue coded (cranio-caudal orientation) projection fibres, red coded commissural fibres (medio-laterally oriented) and green coded association fibres (anteroposteriorly oriented). All major fibres were separately identified and demonstarated using tractography.
Conclusion
DTI is an effective modality to study the anatomy of white matter tracts of human brain and can help radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons as well as anatomists to understand the three dimensional orientation of white matter tracts in brain.
Choroidal changes in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Peng Shu-Yu , Chen Ta-Ching , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Yang Chung-May , Yang Chang-Hao
Published: May 2023

This study sought to investigate the characteristic choroidal changes in patients with diabetic retinopathy and to identify factors affecting choroidal thickness (CTh), choroidal vascular index (CVI), and choriocapillaris flow in these patients. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 79 eyes from 53 patients with diabetes from August 2021 to February 2022. We collected laboratory data, including HbA1c, serum creatinine, BUN, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). The measurements of the OCT images, including foveal avascular zone (FAZ), retinal vascular density, choroidal flow, retinal thickness, CTh and CVI, were analyzed. The possible determining factors affecting CTh, CVI, and choriocapillaris flow were analyzed using nonparametric multivariate analysis.We found that LDL (P<.001) was positively correlated with CTh, while CVI (P=.007) had a negative correlation with CTh in diabetic patients. Our study also identified a negative correlation between choriocapillaris flow and DVD (P=.018) in low-grade DR patients, which was not identified in patients with more advanced DR.
Improve the Quality of Recommender Systems based on Collaborative Filtering with Missing Data Imputation
Authors: Hikmawati Erna , Nugroho Heru , Surendro Kridanto
Published: May 2023

Recommender systems which are becoming increasingly popular and have been proven to boost cross-selling and customer satisfaction still need further refinement to improve their relevancy and correspond to the user’s need. One widely used method of recommender systems is Collaborative Filtering (CF). The CF method bases predictions for a user on feedback data from other users, so that user preferences can be formulated based on the feedback it provides. One of the prevalent obstacles to the CF method is that the feedback data is often incomplete because there is no compulsion for the user to provide feedback on the items they have consumed. Incomplete data will affect the quality of recommendation results. One way to address this is to use missing data imputation. In this study, a collaborative filtering method is proposed where missing data imputation is carried out first before commencing data training. From the experiment results using Amazon Customer Review dataset, it is shown that the CF method with Imputation Mean produces lower RMSE and MAE values.
Vitamin D Status, Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms, and the Risk of Incident rosacea: Evidence from mendelian randomization and Prospective Study of the UK Biobank
Authors: MAO RUI , Zhou Guowei , Jing Danrong , Liu Hong , Shen Minxue , Li Ji
Published: May 2023

Existing cross-sectional studies can not establish a causal relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) status and incident rosacea. We aim to prospectively investigate the association of serum 25OHD and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms with the risk of incident rosacea. The study included 370,209 individuals from the UK biobank. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CI. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were applied to help elucidate the causality between 25OHD and rosacea. During a mean follow-up of 13.22 years, we documented 1,938 cases of rosacea. Higher levels of serum 25OHD were significantly associated with a lower risk of incident rosacea. Compared with participants with 25OHD <25 nmol/L, multivariate-adjusted HR for incident rosacea was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.94) in individuals with 25OHD>50 nmol/L. Compared with participants with serum 25OHD less than 25nmol/L and the allele of rs731236 (TaqI) AA, those with serum 25OHD greater than 75nmol/L and the allele of TaqI GG had a multivariate-adjusted HR of 0.51 (95%CI 0.32 to 0.81) for incident rosacea. The results of the Mendelian randomization (MR) study suggest that 25OHD is associated with a 23% decreased risk of rosacea (HR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.63, 0.93). In general, Higher serum 25OHD concentration is associated with a lower risk of incident rosacea.
Loss of PEX26 promotes migration, invasion, and EMT via activating Wnt pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yan Bianbian , Gao Liyang , Wei Shangqing , Wang Mengwei , Cao Lichao , Tian Ye , Ren Yanan , Jiang Jingjing , Yang Jin , Chen Erfei
Published: May 2023

Introduction
The role of PEX26 in colorectal cancer (CRC) development remains unknown. We aimed to study PEX26 expression, regulation, and function in CRC cells.
Methods
By using the databases analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry staining we detected that the expression of PEX26 in CRC and normal tissue. The effect of PEX26 on CRC cells and regulatory mechanism are conducting by functional experiments in vitro.
Results
PEX26 are significantly down-regulated in CRC tissue, and its low expression correlates with the poor overall survival of CRC patients. We further demonstrated that PEX26 over-expression inhibit the ability of CRC cell migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), while PEX26 knock-down promotes the malignant phenotypes of migration, invasion, and EMT via activating the Wnt pathway.
Conclusions
Overall, our results showed that the loss of PEX26 contributes to the malignant phenotype of CRC. PEX26 may serve as a novel metastasis repressor for CRC.