bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma acceleration in the atmosphere by pulsed inductive thruster
Authors: Korytchenko K. V. , Bolyukh V. F. , Buriakovskyi S. G. , Kashansky Y. V. , Kocherga O. I.
Published: June 2024

Introduction. One of the directions of development of plasma technologies consists in the formation of gas-metal plasma formations and throwing them to a certain distance. Known thrusters of plasma formation either have an electrode system that is prone to erosion, or a discharge system in a solid dielectric substance in which ablation occurs, or a complex gas-dynamic system with fuel supply. They do not provide acceleration of plasma formation in the atmosphere for a significant distance. Purpose. A theoretical and experimental study of electromechanical and thermophysical processes in a plasma thruster, which ensures the formation of a plasma formation due to thermal ionization by an induced current in a thin conductor layer during a high-voltage discharge on an inductor and the accelerating of a plasma formation in the atmosphere for a significant distance. Methodology. The proposed concept of a plasma thruster, in which the inductor inductively interacts with a combined armature, which includes an aluminum armature in the form of a thin (0.5-1 μm) foil, a copper armature made of a thicker foil (35-50 μm).On the basis of a mathematical model that takes into account the uneven distribution of currents in the inductor and conductive armatures, the features of the process of acceleration the combined armature in the atmosphere were established and experimental studies were carried out. Results. The electromechanical and thermal characteristics of the plasma thruster were calculated. It was established that the choice of the thickness of the dielectric layer of the armature, to which the aluminum and copper armatures are attached, is determined by the energy balance between the heating temperature of the aluminum armature and the electromechanical indicators of the thrower. Scientific novelty. It was experimentally established that the greatest density and homogeneity is observed in the middle of the plasma formation, which has the shape of a torus, moving away from the dielectric sheet on which the aluminum armature was located. As the voltage of the capacitive energy storage increases, the induced current density in the armature increases and the plasma formation becomes more uniform. Practical value. In comparison with the experimental results, the calculated current in the inductor coincides both in shape and in magnitude with an accuracy of 7 %. The biggest difference between the calculated and experimental currents of the inductor occurs when the aluminum armature is thermally destroyed. The transition of an aluminum armature into a plasma formation depends significantly on the voltage of the capacitive energy storage. References 26, figures 16.
The Effect of Three Block-Pedal Angles on Kinematics of the First Contact during a Sprint-Start Performance
Authors: Hussain Murtaza , Nishan Singh Deol  , Dhananjoy Shaw
Published: June 2024

Athletes have considerable freedom in altering the block spacing and block obliquity to personalize it to their convenience, they have relied on experience to develop the bock configuration of their preference. There is little research exploring this area and is therefore worthy of scrutiny. So the objective was to test if the alterations in the block-pedal angles continue their effect until the First step in a sprint start performance.2-D videography method was used to study the sprint start performance of five highly trained athletes. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the deference in lower-limb kinematics at the first contact at various block angles. The results showed no statistical difference between the kinematics of the lower limbs at the initial contact at various block-obliquities. The study concluded that there was no measurable difference in the kinematics at initial contact of highly trained athletes.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 15.06.2024 г. по 21.06.2024 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: June 2024

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 15.06.2024 г. по 21.06.2024 г.
Genetic influence on bone mineral density for Japanese women: a twin study
Authors: Saeki Soichiro , Tomizawa Rie , Minamitani Kaori , Nakata Ken , Honda Chika
Published: June 2024

Background
Osteoporosis is a major risk factor for fractures among the elderlies. Despite osteoporosis being a significant concern in super-aged societies such as Japan, the heritability of bone mineral density within the Japanese populace remains unexplored.
Methods
The bone area ratio (BAR, %) of 298 healthy, female Japanese twins (comprising 149 pairs, 136 monozygotic and 13 dizygotic twin pairs) registered in the Osaka University Twin Registry was measured using quantitative ultrasound. Classical twin analysis was employed to ascertain the heritability of bone mineral density.
Results
The heritability of bone mineral density for the entire cohort was 0.51 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.38–0.63). For the subset of subjects younger than 50 years, the effects of menopause were adjusted, and the best-fit model was also found to be the AE model, with a heritability estimate of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.34–0.72).
Conclusions
Compared to women from other countries, Japanese women appear to exhibit relatively lower heritability of bone mineral density. Consequently, environmental factors may exert a more significant influence on osteoporosis in Japanese women compared to women of other races and ethnicities.
Bioinspired Capillary Force-Driven Super-Adhesive Filter
Authors: Wooh Sanghyuk , Park Junyong , Moon Chan Sik , Lee Ji Min , Rahat Sazzadul , Kim Sang Moon , Pham Jonathan , Kappl Michael , Butt Hans-Jürgen
Published: June 2024

Capturing particles with low, nanonewton scale adhesion is an ongoing challenge for conventional air filters1,2. Inspired by the natural filtration capabilities of mucus-coated nasal hairs3-7, we introduce an efficient biomimetic filter that exploits a thin liquid coating. Here, a stable thin liquid layer is formed on a variety of filter media that generates enhanced particulate adhesion, driven by micro- to sub-micronewton capillary forces8,9. The enhanced particle adhesion results in outstanding filtration of airborne particulates while maintaining air permeability, providing longer filter lifetime and increased energy savings. Moreover, strong adhesion of the captured particles enables effective filtration under high-speed airflow as well as suppression of particle redispersion. We anticipate that these filters with thin liquid layers affords a new way to innovate PM filtering systems.
BanTrafficNet: Bangladeshi Traffic Sign Recognition Using A Lightweight Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Tusher Md Mahbubur Rahman , Farid Fahmid Al , Kafi Hasan Muhammad , Miah Abu Saleh Musa , Rinky Susmita Roy , Islam Muhiminul , Rahim Md. Abdur , Mansor Sarina , Karim Hezerul Abdul
Published: June 2024

Traffic sign recognition is a critical aspect of intelligent transportation systems that enhances road safety, traffic management, and driver assistance. Notably, while significant research efforts have been devoted to many prevalent traffic signs, Bangladeshi sign recognition remains relatively underexplored due to a lack of traffic sign knowledge and the unawareness of the sector individuals. The scarcity of Bangladeshi traffic sign datasets has exacerbated this limitation, hindering progress. Moreover, most Bangladeshi traffic sign research predominantly relies on a limited number of signs, leading to diminished accuracy and the inability to detect all traffic signs. Additionally, existing systems grapple with suboptimal performance accuracy and heightened computational complexity, further emphasizing the research gap. To address these formidable challenges, we propose a robust Bangladeshi traffic sign recognition system using a deep learning-based CNN architecture. The main aim is to create a lightweight model that helps identify traffic signs correctly with less computational effort. We used the effective combination of various deep learning layers in the proposed system. A significant contribution of our work lies in creating a novel Bangladesh Traffic Sign Recognition (BDTSR) dataset, addressing the scarcity of data in this domain. This dataset comprises comprehensive information, including 48 types of traffic signs, and these images were taken from different roads in the country. Our dataset aims to fill a critical gap in Bangladeshi traffic sign research and provides a solid foundation for more extensive and inclusive studies in the field. Through this innovative approach, we aim to contribute significantly to the field of BDTSR, filling the gaps in traffic sign recognition and bolstering the accessibility of traffic signs within the Bangladeshi individual traffic community and beyond. Our evaluation of the newly created BDTSR dataset and the existing two benchmark datasets resulted in high recognition accuracies of 99.34\%, 96.97\% and 98.82\% accuracies for the BDTSR, German Traffic Sign Recognition Benchmark (GTSRB) and the Belgian Traffic Sign Dataset (BTSC) respectively. These resultshighlight the superiority of our model in the Bangladeshi Traffic Sign Recognition domain, outperforming existing models in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.
The extent and pattern of symptom relief after surgical castration for patients with advanced prostate cancer treated at a Muhimbili National Hospital.
Authors: Nhungo Charles John , Sensa Victor Patrick , Mushi Fransia Arda , Njiku Kimu Marko , Mwanga Ally Hamis , Mkony Charles , Alexandre Amini Mitamo , Lori Joseph Martin
Published: June 2024

Background: Advanced prostate cancer leads to many symptoms, notably bone pain and lower urinary tract symptoms; however, the degree and duration of pain relief, changes in LUTs severity and underlying factors that predict the extent of relief remain inadequately understood. Surgical castration has proven effective in relieving bone pain and urinary symptoms.

Objective: To determine the extent and pattern of symptom relief in advanced prostate cancer patients following surgical castration at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at MNH for a period of 6 months, and patients were followed for 30days. The international prostate symptoms score tool was used for LUTs assessment, and the pain rating scale was used for assessing bone pain symptoms before and after surgery. Cross-tabulation with chi-square tests as a measure of association was used to test differences in pain relief across different participant characteristics. Modified Poisson regression was used to determine factors associated with complete bone pain relief. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. A p-value<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results.
A total of 210 participants with a mean age of 72.3 years were recruited. The mean LUTs before surgical castration was 15.1 (95% CI 14.4 to 15.7), which was significantly greater than that after surgical castration (mean score 8.0, 95% CI 7.4 to 8.6), representing a decrease of 7.1 (95% CI 6.4 to 7.7, p<0.001). The mean score for bone pain before surgical castration was 74.3 (95% CI 72.4 to 76.3), and that after surgical castration was 34.5 (95% CI 30.6 to 38.4). There was an absolute decrease of 39.8% (95% CI 34.7 to 44.9, p<0.001) in the bone pain score after surgical castration, and more than half of the patients 111 (52.9%) reported bone pain relief within the first two weeks.
Conclusion.
Surgical castration affects both bone pain control and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Additionally, more studies should be conducted to assess the duration of bone pain relief after surgical castration.
Novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitor ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway and increasing the NK cell population.
Authors: Jun Dae Won , Yoon Taehyun , KIM JiEun , Kim Yun , Bae Jiwon , Yoon Eileen Laurel , Kim Hyun Sung , Lee Sungryol
Published: June 2024

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) regulates hepatic glucose output and systemic glucose homeostasis. We aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effect of a novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitor in a liver fibrosis mouse model. Hepatic fibrosis animal model was induced by thioacetamide administration during 19 weeks. Bulk RNA sequencing was performed to evaluate mode of action. Changes of immune cell distribution was evaluated using mass cytometry in peripheral blood. 11β-HSD1 inhibitor treatment group showed a significant decrease in the fibrosis area and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with the thioacetamide induced hepatic fibrosis animal model. Bulk RNA sequencing data showed Notch signal decreased and natural killer (NK) cell pathway increased after 11β-HSD1 inhibitor treatment. Changes of NK cell population was reconfirmed by mass cytometry in In Vivo animal models, and expression of Notch ligands (Jag2, Dll1, Dll3, and Dll4), Notch signals (Hes1 and Sox9), and Notch receptors (Notch3 and Notch4) decreased after 11β-HSD1 inhibitor treatment. Therefore, the novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitor ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway and increasing the NK cell population.
Females codling moths evade the mating disruption control tactic
Authors: Sharon Rakefet , Tomer Maor , Avraham Almog , Harari Ally R
Published: June 2024

Mating disruption, an environmentally friendly pest-control method, utilizes synthetic sex pheromones to interfere with males' ability to locate females for mating. An increase in successful mate encounters can occur due to uneven distribution of synthetic pheromones in the field, allowing males to locate and mate with calling females in areas of low pheromone concentration and areas with larger pest populations, where random encounters between males and females are more likely to happen by chance.
The study results demonstrate greater fruit damage and higher abundances of male and female codling moths (Cydia pomonella)in the margins compared to the centers of mating disruption-treated apple orchards.
We suggest larger pest populations build up at the orchard margins over the season due to the following behavioral cascade: Females flee areas of high pheromone concentration to reduce the perceived “competition” for mates, while mated females move to the margins to minimize future “competition” for offspring's resources. Males then track the higher female population at the margins by following the females' full pheromone blend.
To our knowledge, this is the first study to offer an interpretation supported by empirical data for the puzzling phenomenon of higher fruit damage in field margins under mating disruption.
The potential role of cuproptosis-related genes for therapy and immunoregulation in pan-cancer
Authors: Zhou Jianpeng , Wang Chuanlei , Li Jia , Wang Guangyi
Published: June 2024

The primary drawbacks of current cancer therapies are lower selectivity for cancer cells, more side effects, and obscure resistance mechanisms. Novel approaches to overcome these drawbacks comprise the utilization of ionophores and metalliferous chelators to change the concentration of trace metal elements in cancer cells. As the concept of cuproptosis emerged, it might be a novel strategy to enhance the curative effects for resistant cancer cells potentially. FDX1, LIAS, LIPT1, DLD, DLAT, PDHA1, PDHB, and SLC31A1 are the major regulators of cuproptosis. However, the expression landscape and clinical roles of these regulators remain to be addressed. This study explored the expression pattern and clinical role of these cuproptosis-related genes in pan-cancer by evaluating the association of tumor mutation burden, immune-related scores, cells in tumor microenvironment, and drug sensibility. The results displayed that the expressions of cuproptosis-related genes were significantly different in various cancer types, all cuproptosis-related gene upregulates significantly in LAML, ALL, PAAD, GBM, GBMLGG, LGG, and all significantly downregulated in cancers KIPP, WT, KIPAN, KIRC. Furthermore, the higher the level of cuproptosis-related genes expressed, the higher the survival in patients suffering from KIRC, and KIPAN increased. In addition, the expression of cuproptosis-related genes was negatively associated with immune-related scores, while SLC31A1 had a positive association with StromalScore, ImmuneScore, and EstimateScore in LAML. Importantly, the level of cuproptosis-related gene expressions is positively associated with CLP cells or Th2 cells, but negatively associated with NKT cells or Th1 cells. In summary, cuproptosis-related genes are disordered in various cancer types have prognostic value for different cancers, and also can evaluate the cells infiltrating in tumor microenvironment.
Caspase-8-mediated inflammation but not apoptosis drives death of retinal ganglion cells and loss of visual function in glaucomaa
Authors: Guo Yinjie , Verma Bhupender , Shrestha Maleeka , Marshak-Rothstein Ann , Gregory-Ksander Meredith
Published: June 2024

Background
- Glaucoma is a complex multifactorial disease where apoptosis and inflammation represent two key pathogenic mechanisms. However, the relative contribution of apoptosis versus inflammation in axon degeneration and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is not well understood. In glaucoma, caspase-8 is linked to RGC apoptosis, as well as glial activation and neuroinflammation. To uncouple these two pathways and determine the extent to which caspase-8-mediated inflammation and/or apoptosis contributes to the death of RGCs, we used the caspase-8 D387A mutant mouse (Casp8DA/DA) in which a point mutation in the auto-cleavage site blocks caspase-8-mediated apoptosis but does not block caspase-8-mediated inflammation.
Methods-
Intracameral injection of magnetic microbeads was used to elevate the intraocular pressure (IOP) in wild-type, Fas deficient Faslpr, and Casp8DA/DA mice. IOP was monitored by rebound tonometry. Two weeks post microbead injection, retinas were collected for microglia activation analysis. Five weeks post microbead injection, visual acuity and RGC function were assessed by optometer reflex (OMR) and pattern electroretinogram (pERG), respectively. Retina and optic nerves were processed for RGC and axon quantification. Two- and five-weeks post microbead injection, expression of the necrosis marker, RIPK3, was assessed by qPCR.
Results-
Wild-type, Faslpr, and Casp8DA/DA mice showed similar IOP elevation as compared to saline controls. A significant reduction in both visual acuity and pERG that correlated with a significant loss of RGCs and axons was observed in wild-type but not in Faslpr mice. The Casp8DA/DA mice displayed a significant reduction in visual acuity and pERG amplitude and loss of RGCs and axons similar to that in wild-type mice. Immunostaining revealed equal numbers of activated microglia, double positive for P2ry12 and IB4, in the retinas from microbead-injected wild-type and Casp8DA/DA mutant mice. qPCR analysis revealed no induction of RIPK3 in wild-type or Casp8DA/DA mice at two- or five-weeks post microbead injection.
Conclusions-
Our results demonstrate that caspase-8-mediated extrinsic apoptosis is not involved in the death of RGCs in the microbead-induced mouse model of glaucoma implicating caspase-8-mediated inflammation, but not apoptosis, as the driving force in glaucoma progression. Taken together, these results identify the caspase-8-mediated inflammatory pathway as a potential target for neuroprotection in glaucoma.
Genetic analysis of cis-enhancers associated with bone mineral density and periodontitis in the gene SOST
Authors: Chopra Avneesh , Song Jiahui ,   January Weiner 3rd, Beule Dieter , Schaefer Arne S.
Published: June 2024

A haplotype block at the sclerostin (SOST) gene correlates with bone mineral density (BMD) and increased periodontitis risk in smokers. Investigating the putative causal variants within this block, our study aimed to elucidate the impact of linked enhancer elements on gene expression and to evaluate their role in transcription factor (TF) binding. Using CRISPR/dCas9 activation (CRISPRa) screening in SaOS-2 cells, we quantified disease-related enhancer activities regulating SOST expression. Additionally, in SaOS-2 cells, we investigated the influence of the candidate TFs CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (CEBPB) on gene expression by antisense (GapmeR) knockdown, followed by RNA sequencing. The periodontitis-linked SNP rs9783823 displayed a significant cis-activating effect (25-fold change in SOST expression), with the C-allele containing a CEBPB binding motif (position weight matrix (PWM) = 0.98, Pcorrected = 7.7 x 10− 7). CEBPB knockdown induced genome-wide upregulation but decreased epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes (P = 0.71, AUC = 2.2 x 10− 11). This study identifies a robust SOST cis-activating element linked to BMD and periodontitis, carrying CEBPB binding sites, and highlights CEBPB's impact on epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Investigating the effect of mouthwash containing chitosan / magnesium oxide / silver nanocomposite on Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Omidpanah Neda , Safaei Mohsen , Dizaj Solmaz Maleki , Salimian Ali
Published: June 2024

Background: Helicobacter pylori is known to be the main cause of stomach cancer and may be transmitted through the mouth or feces. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of preparing a mouthwash consisting of chitosan / magnesium oxide, and silver nanocomposite against Helicobacter.
Methods: The new nanocomposite group was used as a test group, and five conventional antibiotic groups were used to compare the antimicrobial effects of the new material as a positive control and distilled water as a negative control. The two-way ANOVA test was used, and the data was analyzed by SPSS software version 24.
Results: The results showed that chitosan, magnesium oxide, and silver nanocomposite mouthwash in concentrations of 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 micrograms/ml have antibacterial effects against Helicobacter pylori. The two-way ANOVA analysis test showed that among all the substances tested, metronidazole had the largest lack of growth halo, so that this lack of growth halo had a significant difference compared to the rest of the groups (P<0.0001). Also, the lowest number of non-growth auras was related to the tested nanocomposite sample, which was statistically significantly different from all groups except gentamicin and amikacin (P<0.0001).
Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that the composition prepared in this study has significant effects in reducing Helicobacter pylori.
The interaction effect of superabsorbent and biochar on physiological properties of Satureja rechingeri under drought-stress
Authors: Beiranvandi mojgan , Fouladidorhani Maliheh , Arthur Emmanuel , Ahmadi Abdolreza
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the sole effect of cattle manure biochar (B) and Stockosorb superabsorbent (SA) and their combination on the physiological characteristics of savory (S.rechingeri Jamzad) under drought stress. A field experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design as a factorial split plot with three replications for two consecutive years. The treatments included three levels of drought stress (100, 80 and 60 % of FC) as DS0, DS1, and DS2 which were assigned as main plots, and the combination of two biochar rates of 0 and 10 t ha-1(B0 and B1), and two super absorbent Stockosorb® rates of 0 and 6 g per plant-1 (SA0 and SA1) were allocated as subplots. After two years, the results demonstrated that drought stress reduced relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, and dry shoot weight. Also, the proline, electrolyte leakage (EL%) rate, flavonoid content, photosynthetic pigments increased in plants. Individual application of biochar, and SA had a significant effect on the amount of RWC%, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Biochar application had no significant impact on proline content and the EL% rate; in comparison to the control treatment, the application of SA resulted in a 15.1% decrease in EL% rate and a 21.4% decrease in proline content. In summary, the application of cattle manure biochar and superabsorbent are suitable amendments to improve the physiological status of savory under drought-stress conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated in trial and real world settings: comparison of randomized trials with a registry focus on rituximab
Authors: Al-Shami Ahmad , Almuhanna Fahad , AlMousa Mohammad , Saber Ahmad Al , Ali Yaser M.
Published: June 2024

Objectives: To investigate whether patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies may differ in terms of characteristics that could modify treatment effects leading to effectiveness gap.
Methods: We conducted systematic literature reviews to identify RCTs with RA treated with rituximab. We compared this to data from the registry of RA cases on rituximab. We further used meta-regression analyses to assess the differences in DAS28 between RCTs and observational studies (The KRRD) by including the study design as a dichotomous covariate assessment of whether the baseline characteristics changed over time.
Results: Compared to Observational studies, the average DAS28 for RCTs are higher by 2.78 to 4.06 at baseline and 0.65 to 2.99 after baseline (P<0.001).
Furthermore, ESR and CRP declined over time in RCT patients, but not in patients participating in the registry. Overall, the patients in the registry were older than the RCT.
Conclusion: we found important differences between RA patients included in RCTs as compared with observational studies; in particular, patients with better prognostic factors were included in the RCTs, leading to a potential overestimation of the treatment effect.
The right ventricular dysfunction and ventricular interdependence in patients with T2DM and aortic regurgitation: an assessment using CMR feature tracking
Authors: Shen Li-Ting , Shi Ke , Yang Zhi-Gang , Guo Ying-Kun , Shi Rui , Jiang Yi-Ning , Yan Wei-Feng , Li Yuan
Published: June 2024

Background
Patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and aortic regurgitation (AR) can present with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of AR on RV impairment and the importance of ventricular interdependence using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR‑FT) in patients with T2DM.
Methods
This study included 229 patients with T2DM (AR−), 88 patients with T2DM (AR+), and 122 healthy controls. The biventricular global radial strain (GRS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global longitudinal peak strain (GLS) were calculated with CMR‑FT and compared among the healthy control, T2DM (AR−), and T2DM (AR+) groups. The RV regional strains at the basal, mid, and apical cavities between the T2DM (AR+) group and subgroups with different AR degrees were compared. Backward stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine the effects of AR and left ventricular (LV) strains on RV strains.
Results
The RV GLS, LV GRS, LV GCS, LV GLS, interventricular septal (IVS) GRS and IVS GCS were decreased gradually from the controls through the T2DM (AR−) group to the T2DM (AR+) group. The IVS GLS of the T2DM (AR−) and T2DM (AR+) groups was lower than that of the control group. AR was independently associated with LV GRS, LV GCS, LV GLS, RV GCS, and RV GLS. If AR and LV GLSs were included in the regression analyses, AR and LV GLS were independently associated with RV GLS.
Conclusion
AR can exacerbate RV dysfunction in patients with T2DM, which may be associated with the superimposed strain injury of the left ventricle and interventricular septum. The RV longitudinal and circumferential strains are important indicators of cardiac injury in T2DM and AR. The unfavorable LV-RV interdependence supports that while focusing on improving LV function, RV dysfunction should be monitored and treated in order to slow the progression of the disease and the onset of adverse outcomes.
Knowledge, attitude, and food safety practices among university students in Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania
Authors: Masiku Geni-Theresia T. , Mwijage Kelvin F.Mwijage , Ryoba Nyakorema N.Ryoba , Ngulinzila Noel J. , Mgimba Neema T. , Njambilo Maria M. , Shirima Laura J. , Mboya Innocent B. , Mavura Rehema A.
Published: June 2024

Food safety is a public health concern worldwide due to an increased morbidity and mortality risk associated with the outbreak of food-borne diseases. We aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and food safety practices (KAP) among university students in northern Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 407 university students in Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. Participants completed an online, self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and summarized using descriptive statistics. The Chi-squared test compared the proportion of KAP by participant characteristics and the multiple logistic regression model used to determine the associated factors. Participants had a mean age (standard deviation) of 23.2 (2.6) years, 51.4% were males, and 83% were <25 years. The overall proportion of good knowledge, attitude, and food safety practices were 82.6%, 78.4%, 31.9%, respectively. Higher odds of knowledge and attitude on food safety were students from KCMUCo (OR= 2.36;95% CI; 1.33-4.17) and (OR=4.80; 95% CI; 2.67-8.63).Also higher odds of food safety practice were students with good knowledge (OR =1.80;95% CI; 1.03-3.13) .Good food safety knowledge but not attitudes was associated with good food safety practices. This shows the need to introduce practical food safety within college environments to help students improve food hygiene and safety practices.
Collection, characterisation, and recycling potential of disposable vape pens in the UK
Authors: Main Joseph , Gerassimidou Spyridoula , Iacovidou Eleni
Published: June 2024

Since 2021, there has been a notable increase in the consumption of disposable vapes among British adults. The management of disposable vape waste lags behind, due to significant challenges associated with the complexity of the devices and their components. This study explores the prospects of recycling to foster sustainable practices in handling disposable vape pens, by setting up and analysing a vape recycling Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) scheme at Brunel University London. An external waste management company was contracted to oversee the scheme, with vape recycling bins placed across the campus. To augment participation and raise awareness about the initiative, a targeted campaign was launched. Analysis of collected vape waste revealed significant variability in collection rates across different collection points, with 67.9% of vapes collected belonging to two major brands. The scheme’s challenges centred on determining the recycling route for the collected vapes, due to safety concerns associated with Li-ion batteries, the only component that is recycled, and disassembling intricacies. On the positive side, policy and regulation are evolving in response to safety and environmental impacts associated with disposable vapes, with the UK planning to impose restrictions on their sales by 2025. Nonetheless, the management of existing disposable vape stock and inevitable wastage remains a complex challenge indicating the importance of educational programs, regulatory frameworks, and recycling infrastructures to effectively eliminate these problematic items from the market and enable the transition towards a sustainable future.
The Climatic Impacts on Rice Yield in the Indian State of Odisha: An Application of Just-Pope Production Function and Quantile Regression
Authors: Panda Janmejaya , Parashari Gopal Sharan
Published: June 2024

The relatively higher sensitivity of the agriculture sector to adverse climatic impacts poses significant challenges to the food security of developing nations, including India. While the climatic impacts on Indian agriculture are well documented, there is a dearth of research addressing the inter-regional diversities in the impacts. Furthermore, existing studies are mostly restricted to the impacts on mean agricultural yield, overlooking the impacts on yield variability. This study investigates climatic impacts on rice yield in Odisha, a coastal Indian state, employing district-level panel data from 1995 to 2017. This study uses the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) approach to estimate the climatic impacts on the mean yield and yield variance of rice. In addition, the study uses the quantile regression method to measure how climatic impacts differ across different quantiles of rice yield distribution. Using the agro-climatic zone level dummies empowers the study to account for local weather and soil conditions. The results of the study reveal substantial heterogeneity in the climatic impacts across agro-climatic zones and conditional quantiles of rice yield distribution. The heterogeneity in climatic impacts highlights the significance of strategic and tactical adaptation measures.
JEL Classification: Q50, Q51, Q54
Assessing the Risk of Heart Attack: A Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression Analysis of Heavy Metal Mixtures
Authors: Ibrahimou Boubakari , Hasan Kazi Tanvir , Burchfield Shelbie , Salihu Hamisu , Zhu Yiliang , Dagne Getachew , Rosa Mario De La , Melesse Assefa , Lucchini Roberto , Bursac Zoran
Published: June 2024

Background: The assessment of heavy metals' effects on human health is frequently limited to investigating one metal or a group of related metals. The effect of heavy metals mixture on heart attack is unknown.
Methods: This study applied the Bayesian kernel machine regression model (BKMR) to the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to investigate the association between heavy metal mixture exposure with heart attack. 2972 participants over the age of 20 were included in the study.
Results: Results indicate that heart attack patients have higher levels of cadmium and lead in the blood and cadmium, cobalt, and tin in the urine, while having lower levels of mercury, manganese, and selenium in the blood and manganese, barium, tungsten, and strontium in the urine. The estimated risk of heart attack showed a negative association of 0.0030 units when all the metals were at their 25th percentile compared to their 50th percentile and a positive association of 0.0285 units when all the metals were at their 75th percentile compared to their 50th percentile. The results suggest that heavy metal exposure, especially cadmium and lead, may increase the risk of heart attacks.
Conclusions: This study suggests a possible association between heavy metal mixture exposure and heart attack and, additionally, demonstrates how the BKMR model can be used to investigate new combinations of exposures in future studies.
The ubiquitin E3 ligase UBE3A regulates GRIPAP1 and PACSIN1 proteins linked to the endocytic recycling of AMPA receptors
Authors: Drebushenko Laura , Belous Natalya , Lishcka Fritz W. , Zhou Qiong , Malci Ayse , Sidorov Michael S. , Burnett Barrington , Doughty Martin L
Published: June 2024

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive and language impairments, seizures, reduced or fragmented sleep, motor ataxia, and a characteristic happy affect. AS arises due to the neuronal loss of UBE3A, an E3 ligase that regulates protein abundance through the addition of lysine 48 (K48)-linked polyubiquitin chains to proteins targeted for degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Using a dual SMAD inhibition protocol to derive cortical neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells, we examined UBE3A deletion effects on the neuronal proteome by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). LC-MS/MS identified 645 proteins differentially abundant between UBE3A knockout (KO) and isogenic UBE3A wild-type control cortical neurons. Proteins with increased abundance with UBE3A loss of function include GRIPAP1 and PACSIN1, synaptic proteins implicated in AMPA receptor recycling. We provide evidence UBE3A polyubiquitinates GRIPAP1 and PACSIN1 to regulate their protein turnover, providing novel insight into the pathogenic mechanism underlying the disease.
A Case Report of Breast Abscess Caused by Peptoniphilus harei after Endoscopic Breast-Conserving Surgery for Breast Cancer and Literature Review
Authors: He Siqi , Wang Zheng , Liu Xiaoling , Wei Wei , Li Guangxin
Published: June 2024

Background Breast abscess is a common infectious disease of the breast, but a breast abscess caused solely by Peptoniphilus harei is extremely rare. Endoscopic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer is an emerging breast surgical technique that is considered a clean surgery with a low postoperative infection rate.
Case Presentation We report a case of a patient who underwent endoscopic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer and developed a breast abscess in the surgical area after radiotherapy. Bacterial culture and identification confirmed that the abscess was caused by P. harei infection. After treatment with antibiotics targeting P. harei and active wound debridement, the patient recovered well.
Conclusions This is the first reported case of a breast abscess caused solely by P. harei after endoscopic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer. Early identification of the pathogen and targeted treatment are crucial for successful management.
Development of a Structural Equation Model for Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria
Authors: Unegbu H. C. O. , Yawas D. S. , Dan-asabe B. , Alabi A. A.
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the determinants of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, focusing on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research examines the relationships between various independent latent constructs—organizational culture, government policies, financial implications, stakeholder processes, and technology availability—and their impact on sustainability outcomes. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 248 respondents from 10 sampled construction companies in Nigeria. The data collected was analysed using SIMPLEX Project in LISREL The result of the SEM highlight the paramount importance of government policies, exhibiting the highest path coefficients across all sustainability dimensions. Organizational culture significantly influences sustainability, with companies prioritizing sustainability more likely to adopt green technologies and eco-friendly practices. Financial resources, effective stakeholder engagement, and access to advanced technologies also positively impact sustainability outcomes. The study reveals significant cross-impacts among the three sustainability dimensions, demonstrating their interconnected nature. These insights provide valuable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to foster a sustainability-oriented culture, invest in technology, and engage stakeholders effectively.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric and adult patients with hemophilia
Authors: Zhang Shuxia , Xie Bangxiang , Lin Yanfang , Chen Chunrong , Yang Shu , Xu Shujuan , Chen Jing , Li Xin , Yang Feng’e , Huang Meijuan
Published: June 2024

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mortality rate of hemophilia patients is similar to that of the general population, but the risk of hospitalization and bleeding is higher. However, the specific impact of this infection on hemophilia patients remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the infection susceptibility, symptoms, drug use, and social intercourse of patients with hemophilia.
Methods
A survey was distributed to 265 patients with hemophilia (185 adults and 80 children) in the Fujian hemophilia therapeutic center (Fuzhou City, China) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and data were collected between January 2022 and January 2023. The impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on hemophilia symptoms, drug use, and social intercourse of these patients were investigated, and the association between the recovery time and disease conditions was explored in infected patients.
Results
During the pandemic, compared with adult patients, pediatric patients had significantly reduced social intercourse and outdoor activities because of the fear of contracting COVID-19 (85.0% vs. 66.5%). Bleeding events were also significantly fewer in children than in adults (61.2% vs. 81.1%). The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was significantly higher in patients living in urban areas than in those living in rural areas (74.3% vs. 53.6%). The duration of achieving symptomatic recovery from COVID-19 was not significantly associated with hemorrhage, type and classification of hemophilia, presence of inhibitors, complications, and vaccination status.
Conclusion
Having COVID-19 infection did not significantly influence the symptoms and treatments in patients with hemophilia. Pediatric patients had significantly fewer bleeding events than adults.
Virtual staining-based tumor microenvironment model predicting prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Hong Yiyu , Chi Sang Ah , Lee Hye Seung , Hwang Inwoo , Kang So Young , Ahn Soomin , Kim Kyunga , An Ji Yeong , Choi Min Gew , Lee Jun Ho , Sohn Tae Sung , Bae Jae Moon , Kim Kyoung-Mee
Published: June 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of tumor-associated stroma and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Assessment of tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) and TIL in the histopathological specimens can provide important prognostic information in various diverse solid tumors including gastric cancer (GC). However, implementation as a routine clinical biomarker has not been developed. In 320 GC patients, a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based virtual cytokeratin and leukocyte common antigen staining approach and binary image processing techniques were developed with H&E-stained slide images to computationally quantify TSR and TIL [intratumoral (tTIL) and stromal (sTIL)]. Based on TSR and TIL, a TME-based prediction model (TMEPATH) was developed from a univariable cox regression model, and a beta coefficient for each level was used to define three-class subgroups to predict survival of the GC patients. Genomic alterations associated with those TME-based prognostic models were analyzed. Based on a cut-off value of 0.76, TSR was divided into TSR_low (n = 113) and TSR_high (n = 207) types. For TIL, two TIL subtypes were developed with optimal cut-off values (0.03). As TME subtype using simple TIL (TMEPATH) showed higher discrimination performance compared to TME subtype constructed with both sTIL and tTIL, TMEPATH was finally selected. GC TMEPATH showed low risk in 91 cases (28.4%) with best survival, 167 medium risk (52.2%), and 62 high risk (19.4%) with worst survival (HR p = 0.0061, C-index 0.545, 5 year-iAUC 0.55, 5 year-tAUC 0.548). This survival difference was validated in an outside cohort (n = 182) with clinical significances (HR p = 0.0064, C-index 0.539, 5 year-iAUC 0.539, 5 year-tAUC 0.534). Moreover, TSR, TIL, and TMEPATH were significantly associated with microsatellite instability, tumor mutation burden, and mutations of CDH1. In conclusion, GC can be classified into three TME subtypes based on TSR and TIL and could predict prognosis in patients with GC.
Establishment of Transient and Stable Gene Transformation Systems in Medicinal Woody Plant Acanthopanax senticosus
Authors: Liu Huan , Sun panpan , Gao xinglei , Tang zhonghua , Fan guizhi
Published: June 2024

Background: Transient and stable gene transformation systems play a crucial role in elucidating gene functions and driving genetic improvement in plants. However, their application in medicinal woody plants has been hampered by inefficient procedures for isolating protoplasts and regenerating plant in vitro.
Results: Embryogenic callus protoplast isolation and transient transformation system were successfully established, the highest yield of protoplasts was achieved at approximately 1.88×106 cells per gram with a viability of 90% under the combination of 1.5% cellulase and 0.2% lysozyme, with enzymatic digestion for 6 h in darkness followed by centrifugation at 400×g for 5 min. The transient transfection rate of protoplast reached 45.56% at a PEG 4000 concentration of 40%, a transfection time of 40 min, 16 h of dark incubation, a plasmid concentration of 1.5 ng·μL-1, and a heat shock of 25 min at 45°C. Additionally, 15 Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated GUS-positive seedlings were obtained through the somatic embryogenetic pathway under the optimized conditions.
Conclusion: This study successfully established both transient and stable genetic transformation systems, paving the way for future molecular biology research in A. senticosus.
Characterization of Leachate and assessment of groundwater contamination near Shivri landfill site, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (India)
Authors: Singh Vishvanath Pratap , Patel Prabhat Kumar
Published: June 2024

The sampling of leachate and groundwater was done from the Shivri landfill site and waste management facility and its nearby area to analyze the infiltration of leachate and its possible contaminating effect on the groundwater quality. The testing of the groundwater and leachate sample was done to know about the various physical and chemical parameters which also include heavy metals concentration in the leachate sample and groundwater samples. Some of the heavy metals tested for their presence were Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Fe. Very low concentrations of other ions such as Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zinc, and Iron are detected in the groundwater sample which shows that there was no effect of leachate on the surrounding groundwater because of the good leachate collection system of the landfill site. A slightly higher concentration of TDS, COD, Alkalinity, and TH was not enough to link it to the leachate percolation also there was not any noticeable effect of change in distance on various water quality parameters except Cr which was only detected at the sampling location 1. The overall gist of the study was that there was not any leachate contamination in the groundwater and almost all of the parameters of groundwater were observed in the range suitable for drinking purposes. Since the landfill site was already an engineered site and there was not any sign of leachate contamination so there was no point in suggesting remedial measures. Hence the present study shows no impact on groundwater due to the Shivri landfill site.