bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Harris Hawks Optimization Algorithm for Solving Real Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Daoud Mohammad Sh. , Shehab Mohammad , Abualigah Laith , Zraiqat Amjed , Thanh Cuong-Le
Published: February 2023

Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm was proposed recently under the metaheuristic algorithms, which can fix many problems in various domains. However, it needs to improve in local search, which may lead to a loss of diversity, stuck in a local minimum, which procures premature convergence. Two steps have been introduced in this paper to avoid these issues. Firstly, integrating Opposition-based learning (OBL) with HHO accelerates the search process and enhances the choice of better solutions, namely OHHO. Then, using reinforcement learning to enhance the research technique of OHHO, called RLOHHO. CEC 2015 and CEC 2017 benchmark functions and real engineering problems are utilized to evaluate the efficiency. Finally, the proposed versions of HHO are compared with efficient optimization algorithms. The experiment results illustrate that the RLOHHO's version achieved better solutions than the original HHO, OHHO, and other similar published algorithms in the literature.
Instability in the Penta-C and Penta-D loci in microsatellite-unstable endometrial cancer
Authors: Yilmaz Ahmet , Frankel Wendy L. , Zhao Weiqiang , Suarez Adrian A. , Chen Wei , Coleman Joshua F. , McElroy Joseph P. , Pearlman Rachel , Goodfellow Paul J. , Hampel Heather
Published: February 2023

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer. Early detection is the most important predictor of survival. The cancer is curable if detected early but the five-year survival rate in advanced cases is only 20%. Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing is frequently used to screen populations for early detection of Lynch syndrome (LS), the most common cause of inherited EC, and to classify EC into distinct groups with unique histological, prognostic, and molecular features. Accurate sample identification is crucial for successful MSI testing because instability is assessed by comparing amplification patterns in markers in the normal and tumor samples that must be taken from the same individual. Penta-C and Penta-D pentanucleotide markers are used widely for sample identification in not only MSI testing but also parentage verification, forensic science, and population genetics studies. We tested 324 pairs of tumor and matched normal DNAs from EC patients for instability in these markers using the Promega MSI Analysis System™ considered the "gold standard" in MSI testing. Both markers were unstable, and therefore not reliable for MSI testing, in 8.2% of the EC patients with MSI. Instability in both mono- and pentanucleotide markers suggest that the tumors with MSI likely suffer from a "generalized" form of instability affecting other short tandem repeats as well. Results from many studies using these markers for various purposes may not be accurate if samples with MSI are involved.
Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction with plasmon hot-carriers
Authors: Sa Jacinto , Dey Ananta , Vadell Robert , Silveira Vitor R. , Lindblad Andreas , Lindblad Rebecka , Shtender Vitalli
Published: February 2023

Plasmonic systems effectively convert light into electrical charges and heat, which can mediate catalytic transformations. There are many examples of plasmonic photothermal catalytic reactions, but the involvement of hot carriers in the catalytic process remains a matter of intense debate and controversy. Here, we demonstrate the direct use of plasmon hot electrons in the photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction with visible light. A purposely assembled plasmonic nanohybrid system consisting of NiO/Au/ReI(phen-NH2)(CO)3Cl (phen-NH2 = 10-Phenanthrolin-5-amine) enabled direct access into hot-carrier-mediated reaction pathways by ultrafast spectroscopy, electrochemistry and catalytic testing. The ReI(phen-NH2)(CO)3Cl complex decomposes above 305°C, limiting thermal CO2 reduction contribution, making the plasmonic hot carriers the prime culprit for the process. Plasmonic light activation of CO2 provides a sustainable route for producing carbon fuels and feedstocks for society.
Tumor localization by Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2.1 predicts the prognosis of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Fujimoto Ayumi , Sakamoto Shinichi , Horikoshi Takuro , Zhao Xue , Yamada Yasutaka , Rii Junryo , Takeuchi Nobuyoshi , Imamura Yusuke , Sazuka Tomokazu , Matsusaka Keisuke , Ikeda Junichiro , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: February 2023

The Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2.1 (v2.1) has been reported to have an improved reading agreement rate than the prior version. Our study assessed the PI-RADS v2.1 and tumor location in Japanese prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy to determine the predictive efficacy of bi-parametric MRI (bp-MRI) for biochemical recurrence (BCR).
Retrospective analysis was done on the clinical data from 299 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at Chiba University Hospital between 2006 to 2018. The median prostate-specific antigen（PSA）before surgery was 7.6 ng/ml. Preoperative PI-RADS v2.1 categories were 1 - 2 /3 /4/ 5 for 35 /56 /138 /70, respectively. Tumor localization at the preoperative MRI was 107 in the transition zone (TZ) and 192 in the peripheral zone (PZ). The duration of BCR-free survival was significantly shortened in the PZ group (p = 0.01). Preoperative PI-RADS category 5, radiological tumor localization, pathological seminal vesicle invasion, and Grade group ≥ 3 of the total prostatectomy specimens were independent prognostic factors of BCR. The four risk factors have the potential to significantly stratify patients and predict prognoses.
Radiological tumor localization and PI-RADSv2.1 category using bp-MRI may predict the BCR following radical prostatectomy.
Migration and conversion of phosphorus in hydrothermal carbonization of municipal sludge with hydrochloric acid
Authors: Xue Yang , Wang Zhipu , Wu Yue , Wu Ruiqi , Zhao Fengtao
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Phosphate ore is a non-renewable resource, so finding a replacement is necessary. Municipal sludge has significant recycling potential because of its high phosphorus content and large discharge characteristics.
Methods: The migration and transformation of phosphorus in sewage sludge treated with different concentrations of HCl were studied using the standards, measurements, and testing phosphorus extraction protocol from two aspects: phosphorus complexation and mineral form.
Results: The results showed that more than 95% of phosphorus was concentrated in the solid products (hydrochar) after hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) without HCl, and the main form of phosphorus was organophosphorus (OP). With 0.5% to 2.5% HCl added, the phosphorus concentration of the liquid product (process water, PW) ranged from 13.14 to 219.41 mg/L, and the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) increased by 0.32- to 1.88-fold. With the addition of 2.5% HCl, the phosphorus content in the hydrochar was 90% that of the original sludge, with a concentration of 64.17 mg/g, and the proportion of non-apatite inorganic phosphorus was approximately 94%.
Conclusion: This study provides technical support for the recovery of phosphorus resources from municipal sludge.
Influence of inflammatory markers on the prognosis of patients with operable breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Meilin , Song Jian , Yang Aodan , Jin Feng , Zheng Ang
Published: February 2023

Introduction: To examine the relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and clinicopathological parameters in patients with breast cancer and determine their impact on prognosis in different molecular subtypes.
Methods: We selected patients who underwent radical breast cancer surgery at the First Hospital of China Medical University from January 2012 to December 2018. Cut-off values for NLR, PLR, SII, LMR, and PNI were determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The relationship between inflammatory factors and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the log-rank test was used for comparison. Factors impacting overall survival (OS) were determined using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. The independent influencing factors were further used to perform the combined predictive models.
Results: A total of 299 patients with breast cancer were enrolled. Age (P = 0.007), tumor size (P = 0.039), TNM stage (P = 0.012), and axillary lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001) correlated with NLR.
Multivariate analysis indicated that axillary lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio: 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-9.73, P = 0.005) (hazard ratio: 7.45, 95%CI: 1.24-44.72, P = 0.03) and NLR (hazard ratio: 2.73, 95%CI: 1.29-5.78, P = 0.009) (hazard ratio: 7.50,95%CI: 2.18-25.79, P = 0.001) were independent factors influencing OS. in the overall patients and hormone receptor (HR)+/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)- subtype. PLR (hazard ratio: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.22-7.19, P = 0.016) (hazard ratio: 31.29, 95%CI: 3.04-321.7, P = 0.004) and SII (hazard ratio: 3.37, 95%CI: 1.29-8.84, P = 0.013) (hazard ratio: 8.87 95%CI: 1.06-74.15, P = 0.044) were relevant factors impacting OS in patients with HR+/HER2- and HR+/HER2+. Based on the independent influencing factors, we built the combined predictive models in the overall patients and patients with HR+/HER2-. Compared with other markers, combined predictive markers had the largest area under curve (AUC) in the overall patients (AUC=0.84, 95%CI: 0.78-0.90, P < 0.0001) and HR+/HER2- subtype (AUC=0.86, 95%CI: 0.78-0.94, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: NLR could be an independent prognostic indicator to predict OS in the overall patients and HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
Implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers to scaling up and sustaining demand generation in family planning, a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Nabhan Ashraf , Kabra Rita , Ashraf Alyaa , Elghamry Fatma , Kiarie James , Collaborators Family Planning Research
Published: February 2023

Background: Demand generation aims to increase clients’ desire to use family planning. The aim of this work was to systematically summarize strategies, facilitators, and barriers to scaling up and sustaining demand generation in family planning.
Methods: We searched electronic bibliographic databases from inception to October 2022. We included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods reports on demand generation strategies in family planning, regardless of country, language, publication status, or methodological limitations. We assessed abstracts, titles and full-text papers according to the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of included reports. We used the convergent integrated approach and a deductive thematic synthesis to summarize demand generation themes and subthemes. We used the health system building blocks to synthesize the factors affecting implementation (barriers and facilitators). We used GRADE-CERQual to assess our confidence in the findings.
Results: Forty-six studies (published 1990-2022) were included: forty-one quantitative, one qualitative, and four mixed methods). Three were from one high-income country, and forty three from LMIC settings. Half of reports were judged to be of unclear risk of bias. There were unique yet interrelated strategies of scaling-up demand generation for family planning. Interpersonal communication strategies increase adoption and coverage of modern contraceptive methods, but the effect on sustainability is uncertain. Mass media exposure increases knowledge and positive attitudes and may increase the intention to use modern contraceptive methods. Demand-side financing approaches probably increase awareness of contraceptives and the use of modern contraceptive methods among poor clients. Multifaceted Demand generation approaches probably improve adoption, coverage and sustainability of modern methods use. Factors that influence the success of implementing these strategies include users knowledge about family planning methods, the availability of modern methods, and the accessibility to services.
Conclusions: Demand generation strategies may function independently or supplement each other. The myriad of techniques of the different demand generation strategies, the complexities of family planning services, and human interactions defy simplistic conclusions on how a specific strategy or a bundle of strategies may succeed in increasing and sustaining family planning utilization.
Budget monitoring, accountability practices and their influence on the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya: a qualitative case study
Authors: Musiega Anita , Nyawira Lizah , Tsofa Benjamin , Njuguna Rebecca G , Munywoki Joshua , Hanson Kara , Mulwa Andrew , Molyneux Sassy , Maina Isabel , Normand Charles , Jemutai Julie , Barasa Edwine
Published: February 2023

Background
Public finance management (PFM) practices influence the attainment of health system goals. PFM processes are implemented within the budget cycle which entails the formulation, execution, and monitoring of government budgets. Budget monitoring and accountability actors, structures, and processes are important in improving the efficiency of health systems. This study examined how the budget monitoring and accountability processes influence the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative case study of four counties in Kenya selected based on their relative technical efficiency . Data were collected using in-depth interviews with health and finance stakeholders (n=70), and document reviews. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach, informed by our study conceptual framework.
Results
We found that weak budget monitoring and accountability mechanisms compromised county health system efficiency by a) weakening the effective implementation of the budget formulation and execution steps of the budget cycle, b) enabling the misappropriation of public resources, and c) limiting evidence-informed decision-making by weakening feedback that would be provided by effective monitoring and accountability. Devolution meant that accountability actors were closer to implementation actors which promoted timely problem solving and the relevance of solutions. Internal audit practices were supportive and provided useful feedback to health system managers that facilitated improvements in budget formulation and execution.
Conclusion
The efficiency of county health systems can be improved by strengthening the budget monitoring and accountability processes. This can be achieved by increasing the population’s budget literacy, supporting participatory budgeting, synchronizing performance and financial accountability, implementing the existent budget monitoring and accountability mechanisms, rewarding efficiency and sanctioning inefficiency
Frequency of depression and correlates among Chinese children and adolescents living in poor areas under the background of targeted poverty alleviation: results of a survey in Weining County
Authors: Yuan Xiaofei , Hu Tingting , Zhu Xiaorui , Dong Sixin , Wang Gang , Zhou Jiaojiao , Chen Xu
Published: February 2023

Background
There is a lack of epidemiological data on depressive morbidity in children and adolescents in rural China. This study determines the frequency and correlates of depression among children and adolescents to offer useful insights for family education and government policy-making in rural China.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between April 20 to May 10, 2022. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the correlative factors of depression were analyzed.
Results
In this study, 23180 children and adolescents were enrolled (median (range) age: 12 (9–18) years); of them, 8,261 (35.6%) suffered from depression with a CES-D score of > 15. The onset of depression was significantly related to age, grade, gender, parental absence, attending key schools or classes, presence of moderate or severe internet addiction (IA), school record, social relationships, parental occupation, and education status. Furthermore, female gender (OR = 1.175; 95% CI: 1.108–1.247; p < 0.001), junior middle school (OR = 1.487; 95% CI: 1.380–1.601; p < 0.001), parental absence (OR = 1.272; 95% CI: 1.183–1.367; p < 0.001), attending key schools (OR = 1.221; 95% CI: 1.120–1.332; p < 0.001), attending key classes (OR = 1.099; 95% CI: 1.001–1.207; p = 0.048), and presence of moderate or above IA (OR = 13.593; 95% CI: 12.028–15.361; p < 0.001) were the most prominent independent factors for depression.
Conclusion
Depression is very common among Chinese children and adolescents living in poor areas of Weining County. Older age, higher school grade, female gender, parental absence, attending key schools or classes, and the presence of moderate to severe IA are some important factors that may dictate the occurrence of depression in these children and adolescents.
Applying Geomatic Analyses Using Landsat Imagery in Occidental Mindoro, the Philippines
Authors: Castro Nicole Alexia Veridiano-de , Almadrones-Reyes King Joshua , Limbo-Dizon James Eduard , Redeña-Santos John Carlo , Dagamac Nikki Heherson
Published: February 2023

Anthropogenic activities over the last decade in Occidental Mindoro have shaped habitat loss and wildlife endangerment. In the 20th century, farming by the local community was perceived to be the leading threat to the decline of native flora and fauna. Hence, this study investigated the impacts of anthropogenic practices in Occidental Mindoro in three time series (2019, 2010, and 2004) using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing Techniques by assessing the following geomatic matrices: (i) the Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULCC), (ii) Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), (iii) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and (iv) Land Surface Temperature (LST). The results of the study showed the following: (i) An increase in LST and NDBI and a decline in NDVI from 2004 to 2019; (ii) An increase in LST is correlated with an increase in NDBI and a decrease in NDVI values; and the (iii) LULC maps affirmed the decline in forest cover and an increase in cropland, grassland, and barren land. These quantitative measures of landscape heterogeneities may imply that anthropogenic activities over the span of ca. 20 years have already affected the forest cover in Occidental Mindoro. This study recommends implementing more land and conservation management strategies and policies by essential stakeholders such as the Government and Non-government organizations.
Compact Conformal Tattoo-Polymer Antenna for On-Body Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Liang Chang Xi , Chee Pei Song , Lim Eng Hock
Published: February 2023

A tattoo-polymer loop antenna is proposed for designing a wearable rectenna that can be used for on-body wireless power transfer. The proposed antenna can be easily printed on a piece of flexible tattoo paper and transformed onto a PDMS substrate, making the entire antenna structure conformal to human body. Here, a layer of frequency selective surface (FSS) is inserted in between the antenna and human tissue for improving the radiation performance. The FSS layer has successfully reduced the loading effects of the tissue, and it can improve the antenna gain as much as 13.8 dB. Also, the operating frequency of the rectenna is not affected much by deformation. To maximize the RF-DC conversion efficiency, a matching loop, a matching stub, and two coupled lines are integrated with the antenna for tuning the rectenna so that a wide bandwidth (~ 24%) can be achieved. The proposed rectenna design is simple as it does not require the use of any matching networks. Measurement results show that the proposed rectenna can achieve a maximum conversion efficiency of 59.0% with an input power of 5.75 µW/cm2. The efficiency can even exceed 40% for a low input power of 1.0 µW/cm2 with a 20 kΩ resistive load.
Transcriptome Analysis of Heterosis for Young Spikes in Sorghum Hybrid and Its Parents
Authors: Zhang Yizhong , Wang Huiyan , Fan Xinqi , Liang Du , Guo Qi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Nie Mengen , Yang Huiyong , Yang Bin , Yang Tingting , Wu Yuxiang , Liu Qingshan
Published: February 2023

Background
Heterosis has been widely used for breeding high-yield crops, changes crop breeding and agricultural production by increasing yield. Transcriptome profiles of sorghum spikes in hybrid Jinnuo 3 and its parents 10480A and L17R were performed by RNA sequencing technology at secondary branch and spikelet differentiation period.
Results
During above two differentiation period, there were 2,641 and 2,175 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Jinnuo 3 and 10480A, respectively. Meanwhile, there were 1,387 and 1,094 DEGs between Jinnuo 3 and L17R, respectively. These indicated that massive DEGs were existed between hybird and its parents, and a more similar expression pattern was presented between hybrid and male parent. Gene expression inheritance analysis showed that most of genes were expressed additively, suggesting that the complementary effect may play a foundation role in sorghum spike heterosis. Among non-additive expression genes, L17R-dominant genes were predominant, indicating that male parent may provide beneficial alleles with great contribution to heterosis. GO and KEGG analysis suggested that metabolic pathways, such as photosynthetic antenna protein, photosynthesis, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, amino acid metabolism, glycolysis, and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, would participate in yield heterosis formation in hybrid Jinnuo 3. Further analysis showed that photosynthesis-related genes PsbW, PsbR, Lhca2, Lhcb1 and LAX3, spike structure development-related genes MADS1, MADS7, MADS16 and MADS55, as well as stress resistance-related genes WRKY14, WRKY35, HSFB2C and HSP70, might play an important role in yield heterosis formation in hybrid Jinnuo 3.
Conclusion
Hybrids Jinnuo 3 increased yield by simultaneously increasing source (photosynthetic efficiency-related genes), library (spike development-related genes), and resistance (inresistance-related genes). This molecular mechanism could provide new clues for sorghum heterosis utilization and high-yield breeding.
Revealing Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: wu zenan , Chen Huan , Ke Shiwen , Mo Lisha , Qiu Mingliang , Zhu Guoshuang , Zhu Wei , Liu Liangji
Published: February 2023

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and serious type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, characterized by chronic, progressive, and low survival rates, while unknown disease etiology. Until recently, patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have a poor prognosis, high mortality, and limited treatment options, due to the lack of effective early diagnostic and prognostic tools. Therefore, we aimed to identify biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on multiple machine-learning approaches and to evaluate the role of immune infiltration in the disease.MethodNext, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with the threshold of FDR < 0.05 and |log2 foldchange (FC)| > 0.585 were analyzed via R package “DESeq2” and GO enrichment and KEGG pathways were run in R software. Then, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) and random forest (RF) algorithms were combined to screen the key potential biomarkers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The diagnostic performance of these biomarkers was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Moreover, the CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to assess the infiltration of immune cells and the relationship between the infiltrating immune cells and the diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, we sought to understand the role of the diagnostic biomarker (SLAIN1) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis using a mouse model and cellular model.ResultsA total of 3658 differentially expressed genes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were identified, including 2359 upregulated genes and 1299 downregulated genes. FHL2, HPCAL1, RNF182, and SLAIN1 were identified as diagnostic biomarkers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using LASSO logistic regression, RF, and SVM-RFE algorithms. The ROC curves confirmed the predictive accuracy of these diagnostic biomarkers both in the training set and test set. Immune cell infiltration analysis suggested that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis had a higher level of B cells memory, Plasma cells, T cells CD8, T cells follicular helper, T cells regulatory (Tregs), Macrophages M0, and Mast cells resting compared with the control group. Correlation analysis demonstrated that FHL2 was significantly associated with the infiltrating immune cells. qPCR and western blotting analysis suggested that SLAIN1 might be a signature for the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.ConclusionIn this study, we developed a diagnostic model to identify four diagnostic biomarkers (FHL2, HPCAL1,RNF182 and SLAIN1) and validated the role of SLAIN1 in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which may be great significance in guiding the prognosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
High-Throughput Reprogramming of an NRPS Condensation Domain
Authors: Folger Ines , Frota Natália , Pistofidis Angelos , Niquille David , Hansen Douglas , Schmeing T. Martin , Hilvert Donald
Published: February 2023

Engineered biosynthetic assembly lines could revolutionize the sustainable production of bioactive natural product analogues. While yeast display is a proven, powerful tool for altering the substrate specificity of gatekeeper adenylation domains in nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), comparable strategies for other components of these megaenzymes have not been described. Here we report a high-throughput approach for engineering condensation (C) domains responsible for peptide elongation. We show that a 120-kDa NRPS module, displayed in functional form on yeast, can productively interact with an upstream module, provided in solution, to produce amide products tethered to the yeast surface. Using this system to screen a large C domain library, we reprogrammed a surfactin synthetase module to accept a fatty acid donor, increasing catalytic efficiency for this noncanonical substrate >40-fold. Since C domains can function as selectivity filters in NRPSs, this methodology should facilitate precision engineering of these molecular assembly lines.
Technical acoustic measurements combined with clinical parameters for differential diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Qiu Chen , Dong Yiping , Wang Xuchu , Chen Jifan , Yao Jianting , Jiang Yifan , Zhang Chao , Weng Huifang , Liu Yajing , Wong Yik Ning , Huang Pintong
Published: February 2023

Background and aim
Diagnosing NASH is challenging. This study intended to explore the diagnostic value of multiple technical acoustic measurements in the diagnosis of NASH, and to establish a diagnostic model combining technical acoustic measurements with clinical parameters to improve the diagnostic efficacy of NASH.
Methods
We consecutively enrolled 75 patients with clinically suspected NAFLD who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy in our hospital from June 2020 to December 2021. All cases underwent multiple advanced acoustic measurements for liver such as SWD, SWS, ATI, NLV, and Ratio examination before liver biopsies. A nomogram prediction model combining the technical acoustic measurements and clinical parameters was established and the model is proposed to improve the diagnostic performance of NASH.
Results
A total of 75 cases were included in this study. Classification of Pathological grade for NASH was as follows: normal liver, (n=15, 20%), NAFL, (n=44, 58.7%), and NASH, (n=16, 21.3%). There were statistically significant differences in SWS (p=0.002), AC (p=0.018), NLV (p=0.033), age (p=0.013) and Glucose (Glu) (p=0.049) between NASH and non-NASH. A nomogram model which includes SWS, AC, NLV, age and Glu was built to predict NASH, and the calibration curves showed good calibrations in both training and validation sets. The AUCs of the combined nomogram model for the training set and validation set were 0.8597 and 0.7794, respectively.
Conclusion
There were statistically significant differences in SWS, AC, NLV, age and Glu between NASH and non-NASH. A nomogram model which includes SWS, AC, NLV, age and Glu was built to predict NASH. The predictive model has a higher diagnostic performance than a single factor model in the diagnosis of NASH, and has a good clinical application prospect.
Differential expression and co-localization of transcription factors during the indirect de novo shoot organogenesis in the fern Ceratopteris richardii
Authors: Xiao Yuan-Le , Li Gui-Sheng
Published: February 2023

Background Regeneration can be achieved through various approaches in flowering plants and different sets of transcription factors are involved in those processes. Ceratopteris richardii is one of the water ferns and can obtain intact plantlets from the callus, thus providing an opportunity for comprehensively understanding plant regeneration.
Results The callus could be induced from the aerial part and the putative embedded root primordia in emergent leaves within this fern, with formation of shoot pro-meristems and meristems verifying an indirect de novo shoot organogenesis. Differentially expressed genes identified by RNA-seq indicated that photosynthesis including both light and dark reaction, response to stimuli, and transmembrane signaling were immediately altered upon transition of the callus from proliferation to differentiation. Moreover, genes concerning hormones and transcription factors were up- or down-regulated, with a suggestion that mechanisms controlling this transition was partly conserved across green plants. Three STM-, ANT-, and ESE3-like transcription factors differentially expressed were all localized at the presumptive vascular-initial-like cells but not in the other callus tissues as indicated by in situ hybridization, thus identifying a putative mechanism underlying callus development.
Conclusions This work provided a basis for studying regeneration in ferns and generated a hypothesis related to callus development.
A Novel Application of Quantum Speed Limit to String Theory
Authors: Lone Arshid Shabir , Wani Salman Sajad , Ali Raja Nisar , Kannan Suresh , Sheikh Aasiya , Faizal Mir , Sheikh Javid , Rubab Seemin , Al-Kuwari Saif
Published: February 2023

In this work, we investigate the implications of the concept of quantum speed limit in string field theory. We adopt a novel approach to the problem of time on world-sheet based on Fisher information, and arrive at a minimum time for a particle state to evolve into another particle state. This is done using both the Mandelstam-Tamm bound and the Margolus-Levitin bound. This implies that any interaction has to be smeared over such an interval, and any interaction in the effective quantum field theory has to be non-local. As non-local quantum field theories are known to be finite, it is expected that divergences should be removed from effective quantum field theories due to the quantum speed limit of string theory.
Reusable suction tips can be a source of infection in joint arthroplasty: Tips for reducing periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Song Joo-Hyoun , Koh Hae Seok , Jeong Jinyoung , Kim Soo-Young , Jung Hye Seon , Park Chan Jin , Ahn Jae Hyun , Park Hyun Woo , Oh Seungbae
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether actual reusable suction tips can be a source of infection by incubating material on suction tips before and after surgery. A prospective study was planned, and 142 orthopedic patients scheduled for surgery were selected. Before and after surgery, the material from the reusable suction tips of the study group was incubated and analyzed by operation time to confirm whether the actual bacterial culture was positive. At the beginning of surgery, a culture-positive finding was seen in seven patients (5.1%). The suction tip investigation at the end of surgery showed bacterial contamination in only two patients (1.4%). Among the patients who were positive on the preoperative evaluation, none of them were positive in postoperative culture findings. None of the patients with positive postoperative culture had an operation time of less than three hours. To reduce the risk of infection when performing joint arthroplasty, great effort should be made to sterilize the surgical instruments, and it is recommended that the surgery be performed in a short time with a well-designed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Assessing thermal imagery integration into object detection methods on air-based collection platforms
Authors: Gallagher James E. , Oughton Edward J.
Published: February 2023

Object detection models commonly focus on utilizing the visible spectrum via Red-Green-Blue (RGB) imagery. Due to various limitations with this approach in low visibility settings, there is growing interest in fusing RGB with thermal long wave infrared (LWIR) (7.5–13.5 µm) images to increase object detection performance. However, we still lack baseline performance metrics evaluating RGB, LWIR and RGB-LWIR fused object detection machine learning models, especially from air-based platforms. This study undertakes such an evaluation finding that a blended RGB-LWIR model generally exhibits superior performance compared to traditional RGB or LWIR approaches. For example, an RGB-LWIR blend only performed 1–5% behind the RGB approach in predictive power across various altitudes and periods of clear visibility. Yet, RGB fusion with a thermal signature overlayed provides edge redundancy and edge emphasis, both which are vital in supporting edge detection machine learning algorithms. This approach has the ability to improve object detection performance for a range of use cases in industrial, consumer, government, and military applications. Finally, this research additionally contributes a novel open labeled training dataset of 6,300 images for RGB, LWIR, and RGB-LWIR fused imagery, collected from air-based platforms, enabling further multispectral machine-driven object detection research.
A Pilot Single-Site Randomized Control Trial: Investigating the Use of Donor Milk in the Late Preterm and Term Infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Pithia Neema , Grogan Tristan , Garg Meena , Kesavan Kalpashri , Calkins Kara
Published: February 2023

Objective: We aimed to study the use of donor milk (DM) in term and late preterm infants (LPIs) when mother’s own milk (MOM) was unavailable. We hypothesized this study would be feasible and breastfeeding attempts and the percentage of MOM (MOM%) would increase with DM without adversely affecting growth.
Study Design: This was a pilot study (n=32). Infants with gestational age >34 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were included. Infants were randomized to: the human milk (MOM+DM) or formula (MOM+F) groups.
Result: Consent rate was 52%. Breastfeeding attempts increased significantly over time in the MOM+DM group compared to the MOM+F group (group p=0.41, time p =0.02, group*time p=0.01). Growth at multiple time points was similar when the two groups were compared.
Conclusion: A study randomizing term infants and LPIs to DM or formula when MOM is unavailable is feasible. DM may increase breastfeeding attempts without compromising growth.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of nutrients at the water-sediment interface: case of the Nokoue lagoon in southern Benin
Authors: AMADOU Akilou SOCOHOU , Djihouessi Metogbe Belfrid , Tigo Beatrix Amen , Viainon Vignon Mechtilde , Adandedji Firmin Mahoutin , Adounkpe Julien , Aina Martin Pépin
Published: February 2023

Lake Nokoué, a major component of the hydrographic system of the Ouémé delta, is the largest lagoon-estuarine ecosystem in Benin. Recent studies have shown that benthic processes would actively participate in the maintenance of eutrophication and biogeochemical cycle of this ecosystem. In order to understand the implication of the bottom on the quality of the waters of the lake, a monthly follow-up of ten (10) parameters of quality of the waters of the bottom was undertaken from July 2020 to December 2021 on a network of nineteen (19) stations distributed on the whole lake. Univariate and multivariate analysis techniques were used to assess the spatial and temporal dynamics of these waters. The Kruskal-Walis test, PCA, correlation analysis and discriminant analysis all showed a very marked influence of the hydrological regime on the concentration of nutrients compared to the influence of anthropogenic activities around the lake and an influence of climatic conditions on internal processes. Indeed, les water inflows from the Ouémé watershed are the main contributors of phosphorus in the lake while benthic processes are the most important contributors of nitrogen. Cluster analysis defined three significantly different areas in Lake Nokoué: the channel, the center of the lake and the river mouth. A single station in each cluster could be used for a spatial assessment of water quality over the entire lake.
Synergistic chemical and structural colorations in early polychromic ceramic glazes over 1000 years ago
Authors: Yin Xuesong , Alcaide Berta Mañas , Pesme Christel , Li Qiang , Zhang Jingyi , HUI Hui Kim , Hnin Yu Yu Ko , Lim Poh Chong , Ding Ning , Zhu Qiang , Tham Nguk Neng , Chiam Sing Yang , Luo Hongjie
Published: February 2023

Ancient ceramics have profound influences on the living habits of human beings. The emergence of high-fired polychromic glazes during Tang period (618–907 AD) highlights a significant advancement in ceramic history that reflected inter-civilizational communications more than 1000 years ago. However, the understanding of colouration mechanisms in Tang glazes are still not satisfactory. In this work, we unravel the mysteries of colourful Tang glazes through a comparative study of Tang Sancai and Changsha kiln samples. Multiple chemical and structural factors, including colourants in varied concentrations and oxidation states as well as microstructures resulted from phase separation, impurity and corrosion, are found responsible for the glaze appearance. More importantly, the combination of different coloration ingredients brings about additional colours and optical effects that any individual factor can hardly generate. These fresh observations and comprehensive analyses provide an insightful assessment of the diversity of Tang glazes and promote the perception of ancient ceramics in a more scientific manner. The knowledge and methodology revealed here are expected to inspire more studies of heritage materials.
Lithium carbonate accelerates the healing of apical periodontitis
Authors: Kagioka Takumi , Itoh Shousaku , Hue Mai Thi , Abe Makoto , Hayashi Mikako
Published: February 2023

Apical periodontitis is a disease caused by bacterial invasions through the root canals. Our previous study reported that lithium chloride (LiCl) had a healing effect on apical periodontitis. The aim of this report is to investigate the healing properties and mechanism of lithium ion (Li+) for apical periodontitis using rat root canal treatment model. 10-week-old male Wistar rat’s mandibular first molars with experimentally induced apical periodontitis underwent root canal treatment and were applied lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) containing intracanal medicament. Base material of the medicament was used as a control. Subject teeth were scanned by micro-CT every week and the periapical lesion volume was evaluated. The lesion volume of Li2CO3 group was significantly smaller than that of the control group. Histological analysis showed that in Li2CO3 group, M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells were induced in the periapical lesion. In situ hybridization experiments revealed a greater expression of Col1a1 in Li2CO3 group compared with the control group. At 24 h after application of intracanal medicament, Axin2-positive cells were distributed in Li2CO3 group. In conclusion, Li2CO3 stimulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and accelerate the healing process of apical periodontitis, modulating the immune system and the bone metabolism.
Effects of Different Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Management Modes on Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients undergoing Endotracheal Intubation for General Anesthesia
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Hongzhi , Ren Wei , Wang Tingting , Yang Zaiqi
Published: February 2023

Objective To evaluate the effects of different methods of tube cuff pressure management on postoperative sore throat (POST). Methods One hundred and twenty patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II, who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were randomly divided into three groups: the minimum hermetically sealed pressure group (MOP group, n = 40), the measure and control endotracheal tube cuff group (ETTc group, n = 40) and the control group (Con group, n = 40). Midazolam, propofol, cisatracurium, and sufentanil were used to induce anesthesia in all three groups, while propofol, remifentanil, and atracurium were used to maintain anesthesia. We observed the peak airway pressure (Pmax), mean airway pressure (Pmean), partial respiratory CO2 pressure (PETCO2), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), and tube cuff pressure at 1 min (T0), 5 min (T1), 30 min (T2), and 60 min (T3) after intubation, and at 5 min before extubation min (T4). The circulating respiratory index was maintained stable during the operation. POST was evaluated by the Prince Henry Hospital pain scale. Results The total incidence of POST was 40%, while it was 20% in the MOP group, 37.5% in the ETTc group, and 62.5% in the Control group. The incidence of POST was positively related to the cuff pressure, particularly at 24 h after the operation. The severity of POST differed with cuff pressure, particularly at 24 h after the operation. Conclusion Application of MOP is advantageous for maintaining the airway during the operation.
Activation mechanisms of Cu 2+ and Pb 2+ in stibnite flotation
Authors: Xiao Youming , Cui Yiqi , Tong Xiong , Wang Jing , Huang Dianqiang , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2023

Different activation mechanisms of Cu2+ and Pb2+ in stibnite flotation were studied via microflotation and adsorption capacity tests and density functional theory (DFT). Microflotation experiments indicated that the recovery rate of stibnite flotation with butyl xanthate (BX) was activated 7.82% higher by Pb2+ than Cu2+. The presence of Pb2+ increased the amount of adsorbed BX on the stibnite surface. The results of DFT also suggested stronger activation by Pb2+. Cu2+ activation induced the formation of Cu-S bonds between the double-bonded S1 atom of BX with Cu, resulting in electron gain. Pb2+ activation was followed by the formation of a stable chelating structure between single-bond S1 and double-bond S2 atoms of BX, resulting in electron loss. This system also facilitated dixanthate formation on the mineral surface via interaction between BX and oxygen, thus improving the floatability of stibnite. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the efficient recovery of stibnite.
Field Based Phenotyping for Stalk Lodging Resistance: Experimental Error Analysis
Authors: Dekold Joseph , Robertson Daniel
Published: February 2023

Background:
Meeting the global demand for grain is becoming increasingly difficult due to numerous factors including climate variability, urbanization, increasingly frequent extreme weather events and drought. Stalk lodging destroys between 5%-25% of grain crops annually. Developing crop varieties with improved lodging resistance will reduce the frequency and impact of stalk lodging and consequently reduce the yield gap. Field-phenotyping equipment is critical to develop lodging resistant crop varieties, but the effectiveness of current equipment is hindered by measurement error. Relatively little research has been done to identify and rectify sources of measurement error in biomechanical phenotyping platforms. This study specifically investigated sources of error in bending stiffness and bending strength measurements which are often acquired using field-phenotyping devices. Three specific sources of error in bending stiffness and bending strength measurements were evaluated: horizontal device placement, vertical device placement and incorrect recordings of load cell height.
Results:
Incorrect load cell heights introduced errors as large as 130% in bending stiffness and 50% in bending strength. Results indicated that errors on the order of 15%-25% in bending stiffness and 1–10% in bending strength are common in field-based measurements. Improving operating procedures and protocols can mitigate this error. Such improvements include emphasizing attention to detail while conducting tests and improving the design of phenotyping equipment.
Conclusion:
Reducing measurement error in field-phenotyping equipment is crucial for advancing the development of improved, lodging-resistant crop varieties. The study found that incorrect load cell height entry and incorrect device placement both significantly contributed to measurement error in bending stiffness and bending strength measurements. These findings have important implications for reducing the yield gap in staple crops and meeting the global demand for grain.
Impact on sexual functioning: total versus subtotal hysterectomy
Authors: Ferhi Mohamed , Abdeljabbar Ameni , Jaballah Fares , Jihenne Mannai , Nadia Marwen
Published: February 2023

Objective To evaluate and compare postoperative sexual functioning following total (TH) versus subtotal hysterectomy (STH). Design A longitudinal, prospective and comparative study in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign diseases in Ibn El Jazzar Hospital, Kairouan in Tunisia. Sample Sixty women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease. Main outcome measures Sexual functioning evaluation using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before the operation and after 6 months. Results Following surgery, significant improvement in sexual functioning according to both scales. In fact, the mean total score of the ASEX scale went from 25.14 to 21.15 and from 11,99 to 19,31 for the FSFI. The average time to resume sexuality postoperatively was 50 days. No significant difference was found in these results between total and subtotal hysterectomy. Conclusion Hysterectomy, whether total or subtotal, has a positive impact on the overall sexual satisfaction of the patients especially in those with an impaired sexuality before surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in sexual function between the two groups TH versus STH. Therefore, cervix preservation for the purpose of improving overall sexual satisfaction cannot be recommended.