bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does financial inclusion affect economic growth, poverty, income inequality, and financial stability for GCC countries?
Authors: alouani Ahmed , ali wissem ben
Published: May 2023

This study focuses on the impact of financial inclusion on economic growth, poverty, income inequality, and financial stability in GCC countries. Financial inclusion is measured using three dimensions: banking penetration, access to banking services, and use of banking services. Poverty ratio below the national poverty line and the Gini coefficient are used as indicators of poverty and income inequality, while financial stability is measured by Bank Z-Score and bank nonperforming loans.The findings of the hypothesis test indicate that all dimensions of financial inclusion have a significant impact on economic growth, poverty, income inequality, and financial stability. However, the partial impact of financial inclusion on these factors in six GCC countries has not been fully optimized. Therefore, the study suggests that governments should consider the results and develop strategies to increase financial inclusion, in order to achieve sustainable development and enhance the welfare of their citizens.
Volume-targeted ventilation vs pressure-controlled ventilation for very low-birth-weight infants: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gong Lingyue , Tang Jun , Xiong Tao , Chen Chao , Tian Ke , Wang Aoyu , Huang Yi , Liu Wenli , Zhou Rong , Zhu Jun , Mu Dezhi
Published: May 2023

Background
Mechanical ventilation(MV) is essential in the management of critically ill neonates, especially preterm infants. However, inappropriate or prolonged use of invasive MV may result in ventilator-associated lung injury. A systemic review comparing PLV with VTV approved that VTV reduces the incidence of death or BPD in neonates, however, this study did not analyze subgroups of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the use of VTV and PCV in VLBW infants and to provide clinical evidence for reducing mortality and complications of MV in VLBW infants.
Method
A single-center randomized controlled trial will be performed. All eligible infants will be randomized and assigned to either VTV or PCV group with 1:1 ratio using sealed envelopes. Death or BPD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age will be used as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes including BPD, death, length of invasive MV, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and oxygen use, length of hospital stay, failure of conventional MV, rate of using HFOV as rescue therapy, rate of reintubation within 48 hours and hospital expenses and so on.
Artificial intelligence education and art course optimization based on multimedia system simulation
Authors: Zheng Wang
Published: May 2023

Big data, artificial intelligence and other technological revolutions continue to promote the development of education. The large-scale data artificial intelligence education system includes educational resource management module, education service module, school management module, supervision and evaluation module, technology and safety management module, and charging management module, which are respectively connected to the center of the education system for explanation. Starting from the framework of education big data artificial intelligence education system, this article analyzes the educational functions of each main module. The system architecture realizes the network promotion and fairness of high-quality educational resources such as schools and teachers, and plays a role in the field of intelligent education systems. After the tutor operates the teaching terminal and the tutoring terminal equipment online, he enters the system operation page through the terminal device. The client handles high CPU tasks and shares the pressure of the application server. The application server forwards the request to the corresponding service for processing according to the data request priority.According to the nature and characteristics of art, teachers must set learning scenarios suitable for students, use media to optimize classroom teaching, establish a bridge of learning knowledge and active thinking, and increase students' interest in art learning.
Analysis of four orchid protein-protein interactions networks to elucidate the mechanism of floral morphology diversity formation
Authors: Yu CHEN , Yiqin WANG , Bo SUN , Rui ZANG , Yongping ZHU , he fengmei
Published: May 2023

The diversity of Orchidaceae plants and their complex adaptations to pollinators have made Orchidaceae a hot topic in the study of plant evolution and function. However, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the diverse floral morphologies of Orchidaceae plants remains limited.To address this gap in knowledge, our study presents an integration of protein network predictions and comparative analysis of four different orchid species (Apostasia odorata, Phalaenopsis equestris, Erycina pusilla, Dendrobium officinale) with widely varying floral organ structures. Our research findings suggest that the formation of the orchid labellum is linked to the presence or absence of AP3-3 and SEP4genes, and specific interaction patterns involving these genes in each of the four species may be key to regulating the mechanisms that drive differences in floral morphology.Our analysis indicates that the number and type of interacting proteins of the floral symmetry regulator DIVARICATA may play a role in the morphological formation of radial and bilateral symmetry in orchids. Furthermore, both MADS-box and MYB are involved in regulating pollen development. Additionally, we found that the MADS-box, MYB, and GRAS families of genes may regulate flower organ morphology by influencing hormone signaling pathways during flower organ development.To further explore these findings, we utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to knock out the SYD gene, and agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana was used to examine the effects. The results showed an increase in petal opening and mating degree, along with changes in the overlapping stamen distribution.
A low-power vertical dual-gate neurotransistor with short-term memory for high energy-efficient neuromorphic computing
Authors: Xu Han , Luo Qing , An Junjie , Li Yue , Wu Shuyu , Yao Zhihong , Xu Xiaoxin , Zhang Peiwen , Dou Chunmeng , Jiang Hao , Pan Liyang , Zhang Xumeng , Wang Ming , Wang Zhongrui , Tang Jianshi , Liu Qi , Liu Ming , Shang Dashan
Published: May 2023

Neuromorphic computing aims to emulate the computing processes of the brain by replicating the functions of biological neural networks using electronic counterparts. One promising approach is dendritic computing, which takes inspiration from the multi-dendritic branch structure of neurons to enhance the processing capability of artificial neural networks. While there has been a recent surge of interest in implementing dendritic computing using emerging devices, achieving artificial dendrites with throughputs and energy efficiency comparable to those of the human brain has proven challenging. In this study, we report on the development of a compact and low-power neurotransistor based on a vertical dual-gate electrolyte-gated transistor (EGT) with short-term memory characteristics, a 30 nm channel length, a record-low read power of ~3.16 fW and a biology-comparable read energy of ~30 fJ. Leveraging this neurotransistor, we demonstrate dendrite integration as well as digital and analog dendritic computing for coincidence detection. We also showcase the potential of neurotransistors in realizing advanced brain-like functions by developing a hardware neural network and demonstrating bio-inspired sound localization. Our results suggest that the neurotransistor-based approach may pave the way for next-generation neuromorphic computing with energy efficiency on par with those of the brain.
Association Analysis of Agronomic Traits and Construction of Genetic Networks by Resequencing of 306 sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Lines
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Ziqiang , Han Pingan , Liang Yahui , Zhang Huizhong , Fu Zengjuan , Zhao Shangmin , Yuanyuan E , Zhang Hui , Wu Xinrong , Zhang Bizhou , Chang Yue , Tang Kuangang , Zheng Wenzhe , Chen Li , Wang Ronghua , Gao Weishi , Hasi Agula , Li Xiaodong , Bai Chen
Published: May 2023

Due to the relatively brief history of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) domestication, our understanding of the genomic diversity and functional genes associated with sugar beet cultivars is limited, resulting in slow breeding progress. To address this issue, a total of 306 germplasm materials of major cultivars or major breeding lines from China, USA and Europe were selected for genome resequencing. We investigated the population structure, genetic diversity, and performed selective scanning of regions to identify genes six novel genes associated with important agronomic traits. This study identified candidate genes DFAX2 and P5CS associated with skin roughness, candidate genes FRO5, GL24 and PPR91 associated with root yield and sugar yield, and pleiotropic gene POLX associated with flourishing growth vigour, plant height, crown size, flesh coarseness and sugar yield at the same time were identified. In addition, we constructed a gene PPI network map and a phenotype-gene network map, which provide valuable information for identifying and characterizing functional genes affecting agronomic traits in sugar beet. Overall, our study can shed light on the future improvement of sugar beet agronomic traits at the molecular level.
Increase of Plasmodium falciparum parasites carrying lumefantrine-tolerance molecular markers and lack of South East Asian pfk13 artemisinin-resistance mutations in samples collected from 2013 to 2016 in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: KONATE-TOURE Abibatou , GNAGNE Akpa Paterne , BEDIA-TANOH Akoua Valérie , MENAN Eby Ignace Hervé , YAVO William
Published: May 2023

One of the major obstacles to malaria elimination is the decreased susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to most antimalarial drugs. This study was focused on the prevalence of molecular markers linked to P. falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs at different sites in Côte d'Ivoire. Samples were collected from 2013 to 2016 from asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects in Abengourou, Abidjan, Grand Bassam, and San Pedro. A total of 704 participants were enrolled. All samples were analyzed for pfk13 gene, while 344 samples were examined for pfmdr1. Overall, the success rate of molecular tests was 98.8% (340/344), 99.1% (341/344), and 94.3% (664/704) for pfmdr1 N86Y, pfmdr1 Y184F, and pfk13 genes respectively. Molecular analysis revealed twenty (5.9%; 20/340) and 219 (64.2%; 219/341) mutant alleles for pfmdr1 86Y and pfmdr1 184F, respectively. Twenty-nine cases of mutations in pfk13 gene (4.4%; 29/664) with 2.7% (18/664) of non-synonymous mutations was found. None of the mutations previously described in South East Asia (SEA) involved in P. falciparum resistance to artemisinin derivatives were reported in this study. According to year of collection, a decrease of the prevalence of pfk13 mutation (from 3.6–1.8%) and pfmdr1 N86Y mutation (from 8.5–4.5%) was noticed while an increase of mutant allele of pfmdr1 Y184F proportion (from 39.8–66.4%) was found. Comparing to previous studies in the country, an increase in lumefantrine tolerance of P. falciparum strains were noticed. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of establishing a strong system for molecular surveillance of malaria in Côte d’Ivoire.
There is market potential for circular farming food in Europe due to consumers’ willingness to purchase and pay a premium for circular-labeled food
Authors: Kallas Zein , Ornelas Selene , Pereira Edilene , Behrendt Lena , Hajdu Zoltán , Michels Evi , Meers Erik , Li Shanshan
Published: May 2023

Circular farming, as a sustainable agricultural system, contributes to the reuse of waste and optimizes the recovery of nutrients (C, N, P). By circular farming we refer to farming activities that focus on using minimal amounts of external inputs, closing nutrient loops, and minimizing environmental impacts. Here we employed open-ended choice experiments (OECEs) to analyze consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) and demand for food products obtained from circular farming with a questionnaire involving 5,591 participants from 6 EU countries. We chose three product categories: pork, milk, and bread. We found that a market niche existed for the food products produced from circular farming, with consumers exhibiting a willingness to pay a premium for circular products compared to conventional products. Spanish consumers displayed the highest WTP premium (> 26%), whereas Hungarian consumers exhibited the lowest in all categories. Socio-demographic characteristics, environmental attitudes, and price levels influenced the quantity of circular products consumers are willing to purchase.
"Struggling to Stay Afloat: Assessing the State of Mental Wellbeing during Covid-19"
Authors: Pareek Snigdha , Tripathi Vidya Bhushan
Published: May 2023

The study aimed at finding consequences of lockdown due to Covid-19 on mental health and daily routine lifestyle among general population in India. Online survey was distributed through different platforms of social media and email to 100 known contacts in March-May 2020. The self-administered questionnaire was developed after reviewing standardised psychological instruments for assessing mental health conditions. The paper discussed the impact of lockdown on mental health of population, including factors like stress, anxiety, depression, mood swings, strategies for coping stressful situations indicating optimism and pessimism. Stepwise Multiple Regression was applied to analyse the scores. The perception of people about lockdown and its impact on their daily lives was also discussed. Based on 90 responses, positively, lockdown provided quality time to spent together with families and negatively it influenced the daily routine and outings. Results also suggest that during lockdown, respondents have been under stressful situations especially financial burden to pay mandatory expenses like house rent, medicines costs and other domestic expenditures, and job insecurity. Relationship between different variables and mental health indicators were known. Stress and anxiety were negatively influenced by educational level, implying that higher the education, lower the stress and anxiety traits. Those higher in educational level were optimistic and tried to find purposes in tough times during lockdown. Relationship between marital status and mood swing was also observed in the study.
The Influence of Parent’s Education, Birth order and Number of Siblings on Adolescents’ BMI
Authors: El-Shaheed Azza Abd , Moustafa Rehab S.I. , Sallam Sara F. , Fahmy Reham F.
Published: May 2023

Obesity in adolescents show high prevalence specially in developing countries. Although birth order and sib size have been mathematically coupled and in spite of their respective effect on both overweight and obesity, they have not been estimated before separately. Moreover, the educational achievement of parents might have impact on their children’s nutritional status. Objective This study aims to assess how birth order and number of siblings affect adolescent obesity risk and to examine the impact of parent’s education on adolescent obesity, the results will indicate which family members may be prioritized for inclusion in adolescent obesity prevention programs. Methodology A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on individuals aged 10 to 18 years old, including sex, age, birth weight, birth order, number of siblings, lifestyle, and parents' educational level by a self-administered questionnaire completed by an adult member of the family, while measurements of subjects’ height and weight were done in the clinic of nutrition and immunity. The CDC's BMI cut-off points were used to classify the subjects as normal (5–84th percentile) and obese (≥ 95th percentile). Results Distribution of the number of siblings was different in both groups as regards BMI but statistically insignificant, we found no statistically significant difference on correlating birth order and number of siblings. Conclusion Adolescent’s BMI were driven by neither the sibling was (younger or older) nor number of their siblings. There was no significant association between parental education and the development of obesity.
Ultrasound examination for diagnosing pneumopathies in New World primates, focusing on pulmonary consolidation
Authors: Martins¹ Jéssica Amâncio , ² Melina Castilho Souza Balbueno¹ , ¹ Soraya Kezam Málaga , ² Cidéli De Paula Coelho ¹
Published: May 2023

Pulmonary ultrasonography may be useful for early diagnosis and management of respiratory complications. The combination of air and soft tissues confirms imaging artifacts that may contribute to differentiation of healthy lung tissue from deteriorated lung tissue. Although non-human primates are often chosen as research models due to similarity to humans, there is a scarcity of data on the use of pulmonary ultrasound on these individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of ultrasound examinations of the thoracic region of Callithrix sp in diagnosing pneumopathy. Parameters were obtained from 84 Callithix sp of both sexes, aged 1.6 to 15 years and weighing 222 to 684 grams, which were caught within the Mucky Project, in Itu, São Paulo. Thoracic ultrasound examinations were conducted using the LOGIQe-R7 (GE, USA), with a 12 MHz linear transducer, at four points of both antimeres. 18 individuals presented some type of pulmonary alteration. Two of the animals with pulmonary alterations died and then underwent necropsy. Histopathological analysis showed that their lung tissue was compatible with the presence of suppurative bacterial bronchopneumonia. In the light of these cases, pulmonary consolidations diagnosed through thoracic ultrasound examination can be correlated with occurrence of pneumonia.
18 F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters may have predictive value for relapse of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Chen Shengxin , Wang Guanyun , Wu Lang , Chen Dexing , Fang Kaixuan , Liu Wenjing , Xu Baixuan , Zhai Ya-qi , Li Mingyang
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND
The predictive value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) metabolic parameters for predicting AIP relapse is currently unknown. This study firstly explored the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters as predictors of type 1 AIP relapse.
METHODS
This multicenter retrospective cohort study analyzed 51 patients who received 18F-FDG PET/CT prior to treatment and did not receive maintenance therapy after remission. The study collected baseline characteristics and clinical data and conducted qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of pancreatic lesions and extra-pancreatic organs. The study used three thresholds to select the boundaries of pancreatic lesions to evaluate metabolic parameters, including the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), mean standard uptake value (SUVmean), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and tumor-to-normal liver standard uptake value ratio (SUVR). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors and build a recurrence prediction model. The model was internally validated using the bootstrap method and a nomogram was created for clinical application.
RESULTS
In the univariable analysis, the relapse group showed higher levels of SUVmax (6.0±1.6 vs. 5.2±1.1; P=0.047), SUVR (2.3 [2.0-3.0] vs. 2.0 [1.6-2.4]; P=0.026), and TLG2.5 (234.5±149.1 vs. 139.6±102.5; P=0.020) among the 18F-FDG PET metabolic parameters compared to the non-relapse group. In the multivariable analysis, serum IgG4 (OR, 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.002; P=0.014) and TLG2.5 (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.002-1.013; P=0.012) were independent predictors associated with relapse of type 1 AIP. A receiver-operating characteristic curve of the predictive model with these two predictors demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.806.
CONCLUSION 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters, particularly TLG2.5, are potential predictors for relapse in patients with type 1 AIP. A multiparameter model that includes IgG4 and TLG2.5 can enhance the ability to predict AIP relapse.
An advanced molecularly imprinted photochemical sensor based carbon quantum dots for highly sensitive detection of chloramphenicol in food
Authors: Liu Hao , Yang Jing , Sun Xuyuan , Huang Yan , Li Li , Ding Yaping
Published: May 2023

A facile method which combines the advantages of carbon quantum dots and molecular imprinting technology to design a fluorescence molecular imprinting sensor for the high sensitivity and selective detection of chloramphenicol. The fluorescent molecule imprinted polymers are synthesized by sol-gel polymerization using carbon quantum dots as functional monomers and fluorescent sources, TEOS as crosslinkers, breaking with the traditional understanding of an additional functional monomer. Under optimal experimental, as the concentration of chloramphenicol increases, the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence molecule imprinting sensor gradually decreases. The concentration of chloramphenicol is linear in the range of 5–100 µg/L and the detection limit is 1 µg/L. The sensor is able to detect chloramphenicol in milk, enabling the application of real samples. The results show that this work provides an easy method to preparing fluorescent molecular imprinting sensors for the detection of chloramphenicol in milk.
The Italian Unitary Society of Colon-proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) guidelines for the management of anal fissure
Authors: Brillantino Antonio , Renzi Adolfo , Talento Pasquale , Iacobellis Francesca , Brusciano Luigi , Monaco Luigi , Izzo Domenico , Giordano Alfredo , Pinto Michele , Fantini Corrado , Gasparrini Marcello , Visconte Michele Schiano Di , Milazzo Francesca , Ferreri Giovanni , Braini Andrea , Cocozza Umberto , Pezzatini Massimo , Gianfreda Valeria , Leo Alberto Di , Landolfi Vincenzo , Favetta Umberto , Agradi Sergio , Marino Giovanni , Varriale Massimilano , Mongardini Massimo , Pagano Claudio Edoardo Antonio , Contul Riccardo Brachet , Gallese Nando , Ucchino Giampiero , D’Ambra Michele , Rizzato Roberto , Sarzo Giacomo , Masci Bruno , Pozzo Francesca Da , Ascanelli Simona , Foroni Fabrizio , Palumbo Alessio , Liguori Patrizia , Pezzolla Angela , Marano Luigi , Capomagi Antonio , Cudazzo Eugenio , Babic Francesca , Geremia Carmelo , Bussotti Alessandro , Cicconi Mario , Sarno Antonia , Mongardini Federico Maria , Brescia Antonio , Lenisa Leonardo , Mistrangelo Massimiliano , Longo Antonio , Docimo Ludovico
Published: May 2023

Introduction. The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colon-Proctologia) on the diagnosis and management of anal fissure, with the purpose to guide every physician in the choice of the best treatment option, according with the available literature. Methods. A panel of experts was designed and charged by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key-questions on the main topics covering the management of anal fissure and to performe an accurate search on each topic in different databanks, in order to provide evidence-based answers to the questions and to summarize them in statements. All the clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel in different rounds through the Delphi approach and, for each statement, a consensus among the experts was reached. The questions were created according to the PICO criteria, and the statements developed adopting the GRADE methodology. Conclusions. In patients with acute anal fissure the medical therapy with dietary and behavioral norms is indicated. In the chronic phase of disease, the conservative treatment with topical 0.3% nifedipine plus 1.5% lidocaine or nitrates may represent the first-line therapy, eventually associated with ointments with film-forming, anti-inflammatory and healing properties such as Propionibacterium extract gel. In case of first-line treatment failure, the surgical strategy (pneumatic anal dilatation, lateral internal sphincterotomy, fissurectomy with ano-cutaneous flap), may be guided by endoanal ultrasound and anal manometry findings.
Growth, biomass production, pollutant removal capacity of Chlorella vulgaris cultivated in water polluted with nutrients (PO43- and NO3-) and heavy metal ions (Cd2+ and Pb2+); A strategy for bioremediation, CO2 utilization and simultaneous biodiesel productivity
Authors: Herath Chathurika.H. , Ganehenege Manawadevi Yasatissa Udugala
Published: May 2023

The objective of the work reported herein was to optimize the growth conditions, and study the bioremediation efficiency and simultaneous biomass productivity of Chlorella vulgaris grown in water contaminated with Cd2+, Pb2+ ions and nutrients (NO3− and PO43−). In this regard, Chlorella sp. were cultivated separately in the presence and absence of known concentrations of Cd2+, Pb2+ and PO43− ions in growth media containing 200 mg L− 1 of NO3− for 30 days at ~ 28°C. The biomass, % oil content and the remaining Cd2+, Pb2+ and PO43− concentrations in the growth medium in 30 days after the cultivation were determined. The results revealed that the maximum tolerable Pb2+, Cd2+, total nitrogen (TN) and total prosperous (TP) concentrations were 8 mg L− 1, 2.5 mg L− 1, 200 mg L− 1 and 10 mg L− 1, respectively for living Chlorella sp. Biomass yields (% oil content) of Chlorella sp. grown in the absence of heavy-metal ions, in the presence of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions in the growth medium were 0.8260 g L− 1 (40.69%), 0.5551 g L− 1 (37.64% ) and 0.2896 g L− 1 (44.80%), respectively, implying no significant reduction in % oil production caused by these metal ions. The extracted bio-oil was almost free from Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions. The bioremediation efficiency of Chlorella sp. was significantly high; 77% PO43− (from 10 mg L− 1), 84% Pb2+ (from 8 mg L− 1) at pH 5 and 72.7% Cd2+ (from 2.5 mg L− 1) at pH 6.
Seawater composition variation in the eastern Sichuan evaporite formation basin: Constraint from 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and major ion compositional evidence of halite
Authors: Zhao Haitong , Zhang Xiong , Luan Jinhua , Zhang Ruigang , Zhang La , Mao Lingling , Li Changchao , Luo Xu , Hu Feng , Tian Heming , Jiang Liangmei , Dong Yi
Published: May 2023

The Hechuan Depression is a secondary depression in central eastern Sichuan and belongs to the Nanchong salt area (central Sichuan salt-forming zone). Palaeotethys seawater entered the secondary depression, and the subbasin gradually became shallower with tectonic changes. In this paper, the content of Sr ranges from 130 to 1316 ppm, which indicates that the water‒rock interaction time was long. The Br content of Jianglingjiang halite ranges from 108 to 191 ppm, and the Br content of the salt rock is mainly controlled by the Br concentration in concentrated seawater. The 1000Br/Cl ratio ranges from 0.18 to 0.51, which has reached the potassium mineral precipitation stage. The global environmental conditions of the Early Triassic were inherited from the late Permian with high temperature, anoxia, water stagnation and other environmental factors. The Sr isotopes of halite samples show that the ratios range from 0.708147 to 0.708256. By comparing the early Triassic SIS curve, which is consistent with the trend between the Smithian and Spathian, it can be basically determined that the evaporites were deposited in the Olenekian.
The Placental Bed in Allogenic Pregnancy: Structural and Immunohistochemical Features
Authors: Rudenko Ekaterina , Kogan Evgeniya , Demura Tatiana , Zharkov Nickolay , Protsenko Dmitry , Trifonova Natalia , Zhukova Elvira , Varentsov Viacheslav , Aleksandrov Leonid , Vekhova Ksenia , Lobanova Olga
Published: May 2023

Today, ART cycles using a donor egg cell are used more often, but this group of pregnancies has not been sufficiently studied in terms of detecting structural predictors of pregnancy complications caused by a special immunological relationship between the recipient mother and allogeneic blastocytes. A comprehensive clinical and morphological study of 89 allogeneic pregnancies was carried out. The morphological study was performed on placental sites biopsies taken at caesarean section (H & E, Orcein), for immunohistochemical analysis PanCK (AE1 / AE3), SMA (1A4), CD56 (123C3.D5), CD138 (B-A38), CD4 (SP35), CD25 (SP176), CD8 (SP16) were used as primary antibodies. A defect of the remodeling of the spiral arteries, including in subgroups without preeclampsia, the formation of perivascular foci of chronic inflammation were found (the accumulation of CD8 + T lymphocytes, CD56 + NK cells, CD138 + plasma cells, HLA-DR + dendritic cells). In subgroups with PE, significant changes were found for T lymphocytes (51.04 ± 2.3, 55.36 ± 11, 7 versus 37.12 ± 2.3), plasma cells (19.5 ± 3.2, 21.43 ± 8.4 versus 8.94 ± 1.2), Kruskal-Wallace test. Structural and immunohistochemical features of the allogenic placental bed may reflect the complexity of cytotrophoblast invasion and induction of maternal immunity with the formation of immune inflammation.
Myco-remediation for Chromium Stress Alleviation to Improve Maize (Zea mays L.) Physiology and Biochemistry by Seeds Bio-priming with Aspergillus niger strain PMI-1811
Authors: Aftab Amreen , Javed Sadia , Azeem Muhammad , Bashir Sarmad , Kiran Shumaila , Anwaar Nazima , Gul Saboor
Published: May 2023

Metal toxicity has a wide range of direct and indirect effects on plants, affecting nearly all physiological functions. Three different maize cultivars were grown under various chromium stress levels to study the response of Aspergillus niger PMI-1811 to ameliorate the adverse effects of the metal. The aim of the current study is to develop metal tolerance in cereal crops and an increase in maize productivity in Cr stress. A completely randomized design with three replicates of three maize cultivars, chromium levels, control and fungal spore suspension was used as treatment for the plants. Fungi facilitates efficient ammonia production (4.09 ± 0.373, 2.09 ± 0.644 µmol/mL), phosphate solubilization (2.48 ± 0.1 SI) and indole acetic acid (64.83 ± 2.494, 43.91 ± 1.166 µg/mL)) synthesis during in-vitro (control, stress) condition to promote plant health under chromium stress. In this study, Aspergillus niger PMI-1811 assisted the phytoremediation of chromium and improve stress tolerance in various maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars as improved plant length (45.45%) and biomass (47.29%) compared to the untreated plants. Chlorophyll (29.52%), ascorbic acid (89.66%) and other biochemical parameters were increased when compared to the uninoculated plants. Fungal inoculation reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (15.73%), hydrogen peroxide (13.64%) and lowered the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (17.86%), ascorbate peroxidase (40.43%) and peroxidase (26.32%). Moreover, fungal inoculation increased the levels of minerals K (60.46%), Ca (108.82%) and reduced Cr bioaccumulation in shoots (39.45%) and roots (46.59%). Together, the uncovering of A. niger's involvement in nutrient uptake opens up new avenues for the agricultural application. In chromium-contaminated soil A. niger could be employed for agricultural productivity and ecological restoration.
Changes in cell-free DNA after short-term palbociclib and fulvestrant treatment for advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor 2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Niikura Naoki , Watanabe Kenichi , Takeshita Takashi , Kikawa Yuichiro , Kobayashi Kokoro , Iwakuma Nobutaka , Okamura Takuho , Tada Hiroshi , Ozaki Shinji , Okuno Toshitaka , Toh Uhi , Yamamoto Yutaka , Tsuneizumi Michiko , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Masuda Norikazu , Saji Shigehira
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Here, we investigated the potential predictive and elucidating efficacy of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) changes on clinical outcomes and biological effects, respectively, after short-term palbociclib and fulvestrant treatment for patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer (ABC).
Methods
In this secondary analysis of the Japan Breast Cancer Research Group-M07 (FUTURE) trial, blood cfDNA was obtained before palbociclib treatment and on day 15 of cycle one (28-day cycle). Target enrichment was performed using next-generation sequencing; progression-free survival (PFS) was compared based on cfDNA changes between baseline and day 15 of cycle one after combination therapy.
Results
Fifty-six patients (112 paired blood samples) were examined. The median follow-up time was 8.9 months. PIK3CA (30.4%, 17/56), FOXA1 (30.4%, 17/56), and ESR1 (28.6%, 16/56) were most frequently mutated at baseline. The number of mutated genes was significantly decreased on day 15 compared with that at baseline (paired t-test: P-value = 0.025). No significant difference was observed in PFS (decrease group, 7.9 m vs the others, 9.3 m; log-rank P-value = 0.75; hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–2.41). Among patients without previous aromatase inhibitor treatment (n = 15), three (20%) had ESR1 mutations after progression to fulvestrant.
Conclusion
No significant association was observed between changes in mutated genes after short-term palbociclib and fulvestrant treatment and disease progression; a significant reduction in cfDNA mutation level was observed on day 15 of cycle one. Clinical meanings of cfDNA should be investigated in the future trials.
Distributed prescribed-time leader-follower tracking consensus control for high-order nonlinear MASs
Authors: Qiang Jiaping , Li Li , Xia Yuanqing
Published: May 2023

A novel distributed prescribed-time leader-follower tracking consensus control strategy is proposed for high-order nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) with lower triangular time-varying dynamic in directed communication topology. Firstly, a distributed prescribed-time state observer (DPTSO) is presented for follower to observe the leader’s state, transforming the consensus problem into a tracking control problem that the follower tracks the observations of the DPTSO. Then, a distributed prescribed-time controller is developed with the cascade control framework and dynamic control, which avoids differential explosion in traditional back-stepping control. Convergence time of both the DPTSO and the distributed prescribed-time controller is not only explicitly pre-specified but also determined regardless of the initial state of system and control parameters. Finally, it is demonstrated that the closed-loop systems realize prescribed-time full state leader-follower tracking consensus. Simulation results show that the method is effective and feasible.
Triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication and the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Chang Anne , Chang Anna , Chen Wan-Ting , Chan Lung , Hong Chien-Tai , Chien Li-Nien
Published: May 2023

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has risen globally, from 108 million cases in 1980 to 422 million cases in 2014. Although controlling glycemic levels in patients with diabetes is crucial, improper management can lead to hypoglycemic episodes and even potentially fatal events such as comas, seizures, life-threatening arrhythmias, and myocardial infarctions. Several antibiotics have been documented to cause hypoglycemic episodes; the use of antibiotics along with certain diabetic medications might further increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Therefore, researchers must determine which treatments against which types of infection carry a risk of inducing severe hypoglycemic events. The prevalence of H. pylori infection remains high in most countries, and the infection is often treated with triple therapy involving amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Several case reports have reported that hypoglycemia can occur when any one of them are used with patients who also take diabetes medication. Therefore, we hypothesized that patients with diabetes might experience hypoglycemic episodes when being treated with triple therapy for H. pylori infection. By analyzing medical records from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, we found a significant association between hypoglycemia and triple therapy treatment for diabetic patients with peptic ulcer. Prescribing triple therapy to patients with diabetes and peptic ulcers significantly increase the risk of a hypoglycemic episode (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64 to 1.88, P < 0.001). Similarly, the highest aOR (5.77, 95% CI 4.82 to 6.92) was found in patients with diabetes and peptic ulcers who had hypoglycemic episodes within 30 days after triple therapy treatment. Many patients with diabetes require H.pylori eradication for peptic ulcer treatment, and vigilance toward the risk of hypoglycemia in this population is thus necessary.
Suitable dissolving pulps and their impacts on solution spinning of cellulose man-made fiber
Authors: Kosan Birgit , Thümmler Katrin , Meister Frank , Römhild Katrin
Published: May 2023

Fiber demand and production of man-made cellulose fibers (MMCF) as Viscose rayon, Modal and Lyocell fibers increase already for a couple of years. Today they are mostly manufactured using wood dissolving pulps. But the growing fiber demand cannot be satisfied by wooden sources, only. So alternative pulps based on non-wooden materials are needed. Novel pulps, namely hemp and oil flax as pulps from biogenic residues, untreated and enzymatically treated paper pulps or recycled cotton waste, were selected in comparison to wood dissolving pulps and used for application in NMMO dissolution and solution spinning procedures. As a function of degree of polymerization (DP), molecular weight distribution (MWD) and polydispersity (PDI) three groups of pulps could be identified. Paper pulp offered the highest DP and PDI values and the broadest MWD. By an enzymatic treatment similar values as wood dissolving pulps were achieved. Pulps from biogenic residues exhibited different behavior. Hemp shives based pulp held comparable properties like wood dissolving pulps. Contrary, fiber based oil flax and hemp pulp possessed a low PDI value and tight MWD more comparable with pulp made from recycled cotton fibers. Pulp characteristics also affected the rheological behavior of spinning solutions prepared from these pulps. Concluding from all these findings it could be stated that suitable dissolving pulps have specific impacts on solution spinning of MMCF. A carefully analytical characterization by means of molecular and rheological approaches is mandatory before their use in fiber spinning activities.
Effect and mechanism of low-temperature plasma on the quantity and function of Treg and CD8+ T cells in B16-F10 melanoma-bearing mice
Authors: Shi Xingmin , Liu Na , Wang Xiangni , Wang Xiying , Liu Jinren , Cui Yixin , Xu GuiMin , Lu Jiajia , Kang Chuchu , Ma Tianyou , Wu Xili
Published: May 2023

Immunotherapy is effective in the treatment of melanoma due to its immunogenicity. In recent years, researchers have identified LTP is rich in active substances that can induce apoptosis in tumor cells and trigger an immune response. However, it is unclear how LTP works to antitumor by enhancing immune cell function. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of direct and indirect LTP treatments on the quantity and function of Treg cells and CD8+ T cells in B16-F10 melanoma-bearing mice and their associated mechanisms. The results revealed that both direct and indirect LTP treatments were effective at inhibiting tumor growth and extending the survival of B16-F10 melanoma-bearing mice. In addition, both direct and indirect LTP treatments reduced the number of Treg cells and improved the immune function of CD8+ T cells in the spleen and tumor. Nevertheless, the indirect LTP treatment proved to be more effective than the LTP direct treatment. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that direct LTP treatment might affect the quantity and function of Treg cells and CD8+ T cells by modulating cytokine level changes. However, indirect LTP treatment might have a greater tumor immunotherapeutic potential by inhibiting the activation of key protein molecules in the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulating cytokine level changes. In conclusion, this study reveals that LTP exerts an anti-melanoma effect by regulating the level and function of Treg cells and CD8+ T cells. This study is expected to provide new ideas for LTP anti-tumor immunotherapy.
Assessment of Quality of Palliative Care in Patients with Chronic Diseases
Authors: Kolagari Shohreh , Khoddam Homeira , Guirimand Frédéric , Mahmoudian Amaneh
Published: May 2023

Background and objectives:
Palliative care focuses on the physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs of patients with chronic disease to improve their quality of life. The present study aimed to assess the quality of palliative care in patients with chronic diseases in two hospitals in Gorgan, Iran.
Method
This explanatory sequential study with a mixed methods design was carried out in two quantitative and qualitative phases. In the quantitative phase, a descriptive study was carried out to collect data using the Persian version of the Quality of Palliative Care from the Patient's Perspective questionnaire. By proportional allocation of subjects and using stratified sampling, 201 patients with chronic diseases who had been admitted to hospitals affiliated with the Golestan University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. Data were described in SPSS16 using central tendency and dispersion indices. Using conventional content analysis, patients whose mean scores on the palliative care quality in the quantitative phase were within ± 1 standard deviation of the total mean score were enrolled in the qualitative phase. Then, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation. The collected data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's approach. Finally, the results of the two phases were combined in the discussion section.
Results
According to the results of the quantitative phase, favorable scores were given by the patients to the subscales of availability of caregivers (mean score of 0.90 out of 1), provision of care information and patient’s involvement in decision making (0.83 out of 1), pain management (0.86 out of 1), caregiver’s listening skill (0.76 out of 1), and serenity (0.70 out of 1). In addition, relatively favorable scores were given to the subscale of respect for the patients (0.47 out of 1). However, unfavorable scores were given for the psychosocial and spiritual dimensions (0.52 out of 1). The total mean score of palliative care quality was favorable (0.61 out of 1). The qualitative findings suggested six main categories: access to care information, patient involvement in decision making, support, safe care, pain management, and respect.
Conclusion
Mixing quantitative and qualitative data creates a better picture of the issue of palliative care quality. Our results could be used by healthcare managers in the study area to ultimately promote the quality of palliative care in patients with chronic diseases by addressing their physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs.
Psychometric properties of the sexual five-facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ-S): validation among a community sample of Persian-speaking women.
Authors: tabatabaeeian S Asma , Kharaju Zohreh Ghanbari , Hosseinian Simin , Taheri Azadeh , Adam Françoise
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Sex is one of the most important relationships in people's lives, and mindfulness during sex helps to improve sex. This study validated the Persian version of the Sexual mindfulness Scale (FFMQ-S).
Methods
A sample of 668 Persian-speaking women (ages = 19–61) were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. Data collection tools were Sexual Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-S), short form of marital instability questionnaire (MI) and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (ISS).
Results
Data analysis was performed by SPSS26 and AMOS24 software using descriptive statistics and confirmative factor analysis (Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation and construct validity and reliability). The factor structure of FFMQ-S, which has five factors was confirmed. Cronbach's alpha was.89 for the whole questionnaire and for observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging of inner experience, nonreactivity to inner experience were .58, .77, .78, .64 and .80, respectively and the reliability of the construct and five factors was confirmed. Fit indices (GFI = .9, IFI = .9, CFI = .9, CMIN/df = 4.62) were in acceptable range.
Conclusion
The results in the analysis confirmed the reliability of psychometric properties of the FFMQ-S. The FFMQ-S version translated into Persian can be used as a valid tool to measure the mindfulness in sexual interactions and treatment clinics of Iran.
Practical Design of Stepped Spillways using Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Alashan Sadık , İkincioğulları Erdinç , Yalçın Eyyüp Ensar
Published: May 2023

Climate change causes flooding in some regions and increases the need for spillways in dam reservoirs. Energy-dissipating pools or flip bucket structures dissipate the flow energy downstream of conventional spillways. Recently, stepped spillways have been widely used to dissipate the flow of energy downstream. Flows on the stepped spillways are complex and advanced techniques such as fuzzy, neuro-fuzzy, artificial neural network (ANN), and genetic programming (GP) models are required to calculate energy dissipation ratios. Fuzzy logic is superior to the other methods from the aspect of considering physical processes about examined problems. In this study, energy dissipation over stepped spillways is calculated using the fuzzy inference system in Python programming language. Experimental data by different researchers are used to model stepped spillways. Two new parameters, approach channel and step-top geometric ratios, are used to obtain energy dissipation ratios on stepped spillways. Fuzzy logic represents good results with low mean percentages and absolute errors (-1.69% and 2.00), and the produced Python function using the fuzzy inference system can be applied easily to different flow conditions and stepped spillways.
Social inequalities in the use of physiotherapy in women diagnosed with breast cancer in Barcelona: DAMA cohort
Authors: Cogollos-de-la-Peña Rocio , Domínguez-Navarro Fernando , Álvarez-Vargas Anais , Fuentes-Aparicio Laura , Espelt Albert , Puigpinós‑Riera Rosa
Published: May 2023

Purpose This study aimed to analyze social inequalities in the use and access of physiotherapy service and its clinical and socio-economic determinants in women diagnosed with breast cancer in the hospital network of Barcelona.Methods Data from 2335 women belonging to the mixed (prospective and retrospective) DAMA Cohort were analyzed, including demographic, socio-economic, clinical and breast cancer-treatment outcomes. To determine the influence of such variables on access to physiotherapy, different Poisson regression models with robust variance (obtaining Prevalence Ratios and confidence intervals) were estimated.Results Although when experiencing different chronic and acute symptoms, only between 20 and 35% of women visited physiotherapist. Two out of 3 women reported to have received insufficient information about medical care and rehabilitation. Age of women, job occupation, education level, having a mutual or private insurance; as well as outcomes related to breast cancer, appear to be factors influencing the access to physiotherapy.Conclusions Social and economic inequalities exist on the access to physiotherapy by women diagnosed with breast cancer, which is generally low, and may clearly impacts on their functional recovery. Promoting strategies to reduce social bias, as well as improve communication and patient information regarding physiotherapy may be of interest for a better health care in breast cancer diagnosed women.