bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference Materials for the Phase Transition Temperatures (Curie Temperature) Based on Alumel, Nickel and Iron Silicide
Authors: Shipitsyn A. P. , Nepomiluev A. M. , Tyurnina A. E.
Published: April 2023

The requirements for thermal analysis instruments are increasing in terms of their metrological support with the development of scientific and technological progress in the field of metrological supervision and electronics industry. The study of determining the phase transition temperature, namely the Curie temperature, is of particular relevance for the metrological support of the applied thermal analysis instruments and traceability to the basic physical units.

The purpose of the research was to test the possibility of using materials based on alumel, nickel and iron silicide (trafoperm) as phase transition temperature standards for candidate reference materials of phase transition temperatures (RMs) traceable to the SI unit of the «temperature» value.

The procedure for measuring the phase transition temperatures (Curie temperature – TC) was carried out by the thermomagnetometric method using an STA 449 F5 JUPITER thermal analyzer from the State Primary Standard GET 173-2017. The determination of the RM certified value was carried out in accordance with GOST ISO Guide 35–2015, the contributions to the uncertainty from the heterogeneity of the initial materials were evaluated, and the short-term and long-term stability of the materials were studied.

A comparison of the certified values of the developed RMs with the reference values of the Curie temperature showed that they are consistent.

The theoretical significance of the results obtained is proof of the possibility of using the thermomagnetometric method for the development of certified reference materials of phase transition temperatures GSO 12005–2022/GSO 12007–2022. The possibility of applying the method of differential scanning calorimetry in determining the Curie temperature was also confirmed.

The practical significance of the results obtained allows expanding the possibilities for constructing the calibration dependence of measuring instruments for thermogravimetric analysis and monitoring its stability, as well as increasing the measurement precision of the Curie temperature of various substances and materials.
Molecular Diagnostics of Oncological Disease: Prospects for the Development of a Reference Material for the HER2 gene Content
Authors: Vonsky M. S. , Runov A. L. , Gorjachaya T. S. , Koltsova A. M. , Kurchakova E. V. , Nazarov V. D. , Lapin S. V. , Mazing A. V. , Emanuel V. L.
Published: April 2023

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. The development of oncopathology is closely related to various changes in the genetic material that occur in malignantly transformed cells. Medical decision-making requires a clear differentiation between normal and pathological indicators, which are, among other things, the results of application of quantitative methods in laboratory medicine. Studies of DNA isolated from a patient’s biological material, identification and measurement of the content of nucleotide sequences acting as oncopathology biomarkers allow to solve the problems of determining the genetic prerequisites for cancer, its early diagnosis, determining the treatment strategy, monitoring, and confirming the patient’s cure.

The purpose of this research is to develop the main approaches to the design of DNA reference materials (RMs) for metrological support of molecular diagnostics of oncopathology through the example of the RM for the HER2 gene sequence content in the human genome, with the value of «the number of copies of the DNA sequence» which is metrologically traceable to the natural SI unit «one».

In the course of the research, a technique for measuring the HER2 gene amplification (the number of copies of the gene sequence per genome) was developed based on the use of the digital PCR method (dPCR). Comparability of measurement results for the method developed by the authors, and the results obtained using a commercial kit by the MLPA method on samples of human biological material is shown.

Five permanent cell lines obtained from the CUC «Vertebrate Cell Culture Collection» were characterized in relation to the copy number ratios of HER2 gene sequence and CEP17 and RPPH1 genes sequences. A cell line with the HER2 gene amplification was identified. The results obtained will be used to create the RM for the copy number ratio of the HER2 gene sequences and the RPPH1 and CEP17 gene sequences. Creation of matrix DNA RMs based on human cell cultures certified using dPCR will allow transferring the unit of copy numbers of the DNA sequence to calibrators included in medical devices, thereby ensuring the required reliability and comparability of measurement results in the laboratory diagnostics of oncopathology, as well as the possibility of calibrating routine methods of DNA diagnostics and intralaboratory quality control.
Determination of the Oil Content of Sunflower Seeds Using Natural Samples of Sunflower Oil: on the Example of the Calibration of a Pulsed NMR Analyzer
Authors: Agafonov O. S. , Prudnikov S. M.
Published: April 2023

One of the main parameters of sunflower seeds is its oil content. This characteristic is mandatory for certifica[1]tion of agricultural products and assessment of their value. IR spectroscopy and pulsed NMR methods are widely used to determine the oil content.

The purpose of the research was to scientifically and practically substantiate the possibility of using sunflower oil samples for calibrating NMR analyzers, identifying and assessing the quality of oilseeds and products of their processing based on the NMR method. The comparison of the results of various options for the calibration of a pulsed NMR analyzer for determining the oil content of sunflower seeds was carried out. The first option was to measure the NM relaxation characteristics of oil protons from prepared samples of sunflower seeds, followed by determination of their oil content by exhaustive extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus, construction of a calibration equation based on the obtained data, and entering its coefficients into the program of NMR analyzers.

The resulting calibration was the base one, with which other calibration options were compared. The second option was to use for calibrating the NMR analyzer various samples of sunflower oil obtained by pressing from sunflower seeds of the same varieties and hybrids, that were used for the first calibration option, as well as sunflower oil samples purchased in a commercial network. Five samples evenly distributed in the range from 2.000 g to 7.000 g with an accuracy of 0.001 g were taken from each oil sample using laboratory scales, and the amplitudes of proton NMR signals were measured in them. The dependency between the oil mass of the analyzed samples and the amplitude of proton NMR signals in them was graphed. Comparison of the obtained calibration dependences showed their close nature. Mathematical calculations have shown that the use of sunflower oil for the calibration of NMR analyzers does not lead to an increase in the error in the measurement results of the oil content of sunflower seeds compared to the first option of the calibration.

The practical significance of the research will considerably simplify the calibration process, reduce the calibration time from 3–4 days to 3–4 hours, and eliminate the use of toxic solvents and additional expensive equipment without a significant change in the error in determining the oil content of sunflower seeds by NMR.
Towards a Biological Definition of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Höglinger Günter U. , Adler Charles H. , Berg Daniela , Klein Christine , Outeiro Tiago F. , Poewe Werner , Postuma Ronald , Stoessl Jon , Lang Anthony E.
Published: April 2023

With the growing hope that disease-modifying treatments could target the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases even before the onset of symptoms, there is mounting pressure to define disease entities based on pathophysiology rather than on clinical syndromes. The Alzheimer’s disease research community has recently transitioned from diagnostic criteria based on an amnestic syndrome to a purely biomarker-based disease definition, relying on the demonstration of amyloid-beta pathology, tau pathology, and neurodegeneration. In contrast, current diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease still rely on the presence of the well-described clinical syndrome of parkinsonism, with the addition of characteristic motor- and non-motor signs and symptoms. However, there is now unequivocal evidence that Parkinson’s disease starts years before the onset of parkinsonism. Furthermore, neuropathologically defined Lewy body disease is clinically heterogeneous, combining a range of motor, non-motor, dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic features. Finally, clinically defined Parkinson’s disease has diverse underlying etiologies most, but not all, associated with α-synuclein positive Lewy pathology. In light of recent scientific advances, we propose a biologically based definition for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, initially to be used for research purposes. The criteria use a three-component ‘G-S-N’ system. The first is documentation of defined gene variants (‘G’), which cause or strongly predispose to PD as the most upstream component. The second is α-synuclein pathology (‘S’), currently defined as pathological α-synuclein deposition in tissue or positive α-synuclein seeding assays. The third is evidence of underlying neurodegeneration (‘N’), currently defined by specific neuroimaging procedures. The associated clinical syndrome (‘C’) is defined by a single high-specificity feature or multiple lower-specificity features. Initiating this transition will enable the field to fuel both basic and clinical research and move closer to the precision medicine required to develop clinically meaningful disease-modifying therapies. We acknowledge current limitations, ethical implications, and the need for prospective validation of this approach.
Chemorepulsion of Host Immune Cells for Xenotransplantation
Authors: Renteln Michael
Published: April 2023

Recently, two pig-to-human kidney transplants and a pig-to-human heart transplant were completed. The kidney trials involved a patient who was deceased and a patient who was brain dead. They seemed to indicate that pig kidneys can be at least somewhat functional in humans. However, patients still have to be under severe immunosuppression - and the first patient to receive a porcine heart passed away after two months. It is difficult to know exactly which proteins we need to overexpress or underexpress/knockout in a porcine organ to negate the human recipient’s immunological response to it. And testing different porcine organ genetic modifications in baboons can cost around $500,000 per transplant. But there might be a way to decrease immunogenicity where we don’t have to worry so much about modifying the animal’s organs genetically. First, however, we would have to prevent complement factor-mediated lysis of the porcine vascular endothelial cells, which we have made much progress on with triple knockout animals. Then, we could modify the porcine organ so that the cells of said organ secrete a small molecule or peptide that acts as a chemorepellent for the host immune cells. The host immune cells can be modified via bone marrow transplant or vector delivery to express the chemorepulsion receptor.
Development of Flood Early Warning Frameworks for the Small Streams in Korea
Authors: Cheong Tae-Sung , Choi Changwon , Yei Sung-Je , Shin Jihye , Kim Seojun , Koo Kang-Min
Published: April 2023

Currently, Korea is experiencing localized extreme rainfall, which accounts for more than 80% of flood-related disasters, and is increasing in small river basins, where more than 60% of flood-related casualties occur. These events are caused by climate change and geological factors and their impact is becoming more severe. As a result, an effective measurement system is required to mitigate their impact, particularly in small stream basins that are especially vulnerable due to their steep slopes, small catchment areas, and lack of maintenance and management capacity. In addition, a Flood Early Warning Framework (FEWF) that forecasts discharge and depth during flood events is crucial for reducing casualties. Therefore, this research is focused on developing the FEWF using the nomograph and rating curve methods, which are established by the robust constrained nonlinear equation solver and are suitable for small streams. The FEWF is evaluated using real-time data observed over 7-years period from the Closed-circuit Television-based Automatic Discharge Measurement Technology (CADMT), and the results show that the FEWF is effective in forecasting discharge and depth during flood events. The use of CADMT technology for real-time data can develop an accurate and reliable FEWF, which can help mitigate the impacts of extreme rainfall events and reduce the number of flood-related casualties in small stream basins.
DC-YOLOv8: Small Size Object Detection Algorithm Based on Camera Sensor
Authors: Lou Haitong , Duan Xuehu , Guo Junmei , Liu Haiying , Gu Jason , Bi Lingyun , Chen Haonan
Published: April 2023

Traditional camera sensors rely on human eyes for observation. However, the human eye 1

is prone to fatigue when observing targets of different sizes for a long time in complex scenes, and 2

human cognition is limited, which often leads to judgment errors and greatly reduces the efficiency. 3

Target recognition technology is an important technology to judge the target category in camera 4

sensor. In order to solve this problem, a small size target detection algorithm for special scenarios was 5

proposed by this paper. Its advantage is that this algorithm not only has higher precision for small 6

size target detection, but also can ensure that the detection accuracy of each size is not lower than the 7

existing algorithm. In this paper, a new down-sampling method was proposed, which could better 8

preserve the context feature information. The feature fusion network was improved to effectively 9

combine shallow information and deep information. A new network structure was proposed to 10

effectively improve the detection accuracy of the model. In terms of accuracy, it is better than: YOLOX, 11

YOLOXR, YOLOv3, scaled YOLOv5, YOLOv7-Tiny and YOLOv8.Three authoritative public data sets 12

were used in this experiment: a) On Visdron data sets (small size targets), DC-YOLOv8 is 2.5% more 13

accurate than YOLOv8. b) On Tinyperson data sets (minimal size targets), DC-YOLOv8 is 1% more 14

accurate than YOLOv8. c) On PASCAL VOC2007 data sets (Normal size target), DC-YOLOv8 is 0.5% 15

more accurate than YOLOv8.
Synchronization, Control and Data Assimilation of the Lorenz System
Authors: Bagnoli Franco , Baia Michele
Published: April 2023

We explore several aspects of replica synchronization with the goas of retrieving the value of parameters for the Lorenz system. The idea is that of having a computer replica (slave) of a natural system (master, simulated in this paper), and exploit the fact that slave synchronizes with the master only if they evolve with the same parameters. As a byproduct, in the synchronized phase the state variables of the slave and that of the master are the same, thus allowing to perform measurements impossible on the real system. We review some aspects of master-slave synchronization using a subset of variables, with intermittent coupling. We show how synchronization can be achieved when some of the state variables are available for direct measurement using a simulated annealing approach, and also when they are accessible only through a scalar function, using a pruned-enriching ensemble approach, similar to genetic algorithms without cross-over.
A Comparison of Signal Analysis Techniques for the Diagnostics of IMS Rolling Element Bearing Dataset
Authors: Sacerdoti Diletta , Strozzi Matteo , Secchi Cristian
Published: April 2023

Condition monitoring is today a crucial and unavoidable practice related to the use of widespread mechanical components as rolling element bearings. Despite the diffusion of new data-driven techniques to analyze vibrational signals and detect the state of health of the system, mathematical tools, deriving more or less directly from the Fourier transform and defined either on the time or the frequency domain or on a combination of them (i.e. signal-based techniques), remain still essential and irreplaceable in the light of the deep and detailed information they provide. In this paper the diagnostic efficacy of an ample spectrum of these methods is investigated, applying them to study faults occurrence in the first bearing dataset released by NASA IMS Center. Thanks to their analytical definition, which is formulated taking into consideration to some extent the mathematical nature of the signal, faults signatures can be clearly identified and their temporal development can be fully traced, confirming their ability as powerful means to constantly monitor the state of a system even in real-time applications.
Smart Shoe Care: Enhancing Drying Efficiency and Material Preservation
Authors: Hadidjaja Dwi , Ahfas Akhmad , Syahrorini Syamsudduha , Ayuni Shazana Dhiya
Published: April 2023

This scientific article presents a novel approach to address the challenges of shoe drying by developing a controlled shoe drying system. The system utilizes a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller with internet connectivity, enabling monitoring and control of the drying process via a smartphone application. By integrating temperature and humidity sensors, the system optimizes the drying time and prevents damage to shoe materials, thus ensuring the preservation of their quality. The research objectives were to enhance drying efficiency, reduce drying time, and maintain the integrity of shoe materials. Experimental methods involved the design and implementation of the system, followed by rigorous testing and evaluation. The results demonstrated significant improvements compared to conventional shoe dryers, reducing drying time from 1-2 days to an efficient duration. The implications of this research are profound, as the developed system offers a sustainable solution to shoe drying, contributing to the preservation of shoe materials and reducing wastage. The findings have relevance for the global footwear industry, with potential applications in shoe care services and consumer households alike.

Highlights:

Efficient shoe drying: The developed controlled system optimizes the drying process, reducing the drying time significantly compared to conventional methods.

Material preservation: The integrated temperature and humidity control prevents damage to shoe materials, ensuring their quality and longevity.

Smart technology application: The use of NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller with internet connectivity enables remote monitoring and control of the shoe drying system, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Keywords: Shoe drying, Controlled system, Temperature and humidity control, Material preservation, Smart technology.
The use of L1 in L2 Learning in the Indonesian EFL Context
Authors: Muqit Abdul , Sahiruddin Sahiruddin , Mron Aly , Nurhayati Nurhayati , Polii Intama Jemy
Published: April 2023

The issue of L1 usage in L2 classes is still open. Historically, using simply the target language was the most effective method for learning L2. However, some research indicates that incorporating L1 into L2 sessions can also help to improve language learning. The goal of this study is to ascertain the attitudes and beliefs of teachers and students towards the use of a second language in the classroom and to determine the extent to which students' beliefs regarding the use of a second language are related to one another. linguistic versatility Utilizing L1 effectively is also assessed. Participants in this study were 115 students and 30 English teachers (n = 30). A questionnaire was used to obtain the data. According to the study's findings, teachers and students are generally in favor of using L1 in L2 classrooms, depending on the context or goal. This study partially supports the viability of a bilingual or co-taught method in L2 classes.
SOFTWARE nlive: an R Package to facilitate the application of the sigmoidal and random changepoint mixed models
Authors: Capuano Ana , Wagner Maude
Published: April 2023

Background: The use of mixed effect models with a specific functional form such as the Sigmoidal Mixed Model and the Piecewise Mixed Model (or Changepoint Mixed Model) with abrupt or smooth random change allow the interpretation of the defined parameters to understand longitudinal trajectories. Currently, there are no interface R packages that can easily fit the Sigmoidal Mixed Model allowing the inclusion of covariates or incorporate recent developments to fit the Piecewise Mixed Model with random change.
Results: To facilitate the modeling of the Sigmoidal Mixed Model, and Piecewise Mixed Model with abrupt or smooth random change, we have created an R package called nlive. All needed pieces such as functions, covariance matrices, and initials generation were programmed. The package was implemented with recent developments such as the polynomial smooth transition of piecewise mixed model with improved properties over Bacon-Watts, and the stochastic approximation expectation-maximization (SAEM) for efficient estimation. It was designed to help interpretation of the output by providing features such as annotated output, warnings, and graphs. Functionality, including time and convergence, was tested using simulations. We provided a data example to illustrate the package use and output features and interpretation. The package implemented in the R software is available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=nlive.
Conclusions: The nlive package for R fits the Sigmoidal Mixed Model and the Piecewise Mixed: abrupt and smooth. The nlive allows fitting these models with only five mandatory arguments that are intuitive enough to the less sophisticated users.
A novel framework Optimal Passenger Dispatch Approach using matching based strategy in Ride Sharing Systems
Authors: ALBISHARI MOHAMMAD , Mozammel Md , Almeshari Khalid
Published: April 2023

Ride sharing service known as carpooling service allows passengers to share rides with other passengers and for drivers, to utilize empty seats when serving passengers' orders. With the system provided by smart passenger transportation companies like Didi, Uber has made it flexible for people unable to operate a personal vehicle in large urban places to find a ride at a lower price. This system can offer more flexible service with shorter waiting times and higher travel convenience in urban areas, especially in rush hours when regular taxicab services become insufficient. Passenger dispatch and mileage saving are the key problems in the ride-sharing system. This research proposes a novel framework called 'Optimal Passenger Dispatch Approach (OPDA)' in ride-sharing systems based on real time (a) constraints and (b) parameters. This study formulated four real-time constraints and also seven parameters. This approach dispatched a set of new passengers generated in a time epoch and a set of vehicles that are near to the new passenger's origin and satisfy all constraints without violating the constraints of the involved parties. This study conducted a matching-based vehicle recommendation approach (OPDA), which considers multiple objectives of drivers, passengers, and the platform. Passengers and vehicles treated as nodes of a bi-graph, and a maximum weighted matching leads to dispatch the orders. The objectives have been set to overcome the constraints and improve the system by considering highest number of parameters that have valuable impacts. We demonstrated the significance of ride-sharing compared to regular non-shared vehicle service and nearest vehicle recommendation based on a simulation model of both systems.
Single-cell RNA sequencing of human non-hematopoietic bone marrow cells reveals a unique set of inter-species conserved biomarkers for native mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Fiévet Loïc , Espagnolle Nicolas , Gerovska Daniela , Bernard David , Syrykh Charlotte , Laurent Camille , Layrolle Pierre , De Lima Julien , Justo Arthur , Reina Nicolas , Casteilla Louis , Araùzo-Bravo Marcos J , Naji Abderrahim , Pagès Jean-Christophe , Deschaseaux Frederic
Published: April 2023

Background Native bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) participate in generating and shaping the skeleton and BM throughout the lifespan. Moreover, BM-MSCs regulate hematopoiesis by contributing to the hematopoietic stem cell niche in providing critical cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix components. However, BM-MSCs contain a heterogeneous cell population that remains ill-defined. Although studies on the taxonomy of native BM-MSCs in mice have just started to emerge, the taxonomy of native human BM-MSCs remains unelucidated.
Methods By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we aimed to define a proper taxonomy for native human BM non-hematopoietic subsets including endothelial cells (ECs) and mural cells (MCs) but with a focal point on MSCs. To this end, transcriptomic scRNA-seq data were generated from 5 distinct BM donors and were analyzed together with other transcriptomic data and with computational biology analyses at different levels to identify, characterize and classify distinct native cell subsets with relevant biomarkers.
Results We could ascribe novel specific biomarkers to ECs, MCs and MSCs. Unlike ECs and MCs, MSCs exhibited an adipogenic transcriptomic pattern while co-expressing genes related to hematopoiesis support and multilineage commitment potential. Furthermore, by a comparative analysis of scRNA-seq of BM cells from humans and mice, we identified core genes conserved in both species. Notably, we identified MARCKS, CXCL12, PDGFRA, and LEPR together with adipogenic factors as archetypal biomarkers of native MSCs within BM. In addition, our data suggest some complex gene nodes regulating critical biological functions of native BM-MSCs together with a preferential commitment toward an adipocyte lineage.
Conclusions Overall, our taxonomy for native BM non-hematopoietic compartment provides an explicit depiction of gene expression in human ECs, MCs and MSCs at single-cell resolution. This analysis helps enhance our understanding of the phenotype and the complexity of biological functions of native human BM-MSCs.
Prediction of Stability Coefficient of Open-Pit Mine Slope Based on Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Zongbao , Wang Chao
Published: April 2023

The mining of open pit mines is very common in China, and there are many cases of landslide accidents. Therefore, the problem of slope stability is highlighted. The stability of the slope is a factor that directly affects the mining efficiency and the safety of the entire mining process. According to statistics, there is a 15 percent chance of finding landslide risks in China's large-scale mines. And due to the expansion of the mining scale of the enterprise, the problem of slope stability has become more and more obvious, which has become a major subject in the study of open-pit mine engineering. In order to better predict the slope stability coefficient, this study takes a mine in China as a case to deeply discuss the accuracy of different algorithms in the stability calculation, and then uses a deep learning algorithm to study the stability under rainfall conditions. The change of the coefficient and the change of the stability coefficient before and after the slope treatment are experimentally studied on the displacement of the monitoring point. The result shows that the safety coefficient calculated by the algorithm in this paper is about 7% lower than that of the traditional algorithm. In the slope stability analysis before treatment, the safety factor calculated by the algorithm in this paper is 1.086, and the algorithm in this paper is closer to reality. In the stability analysis of the slope after treatment, the safety factor calculated by the algorithm in this paper is 1.227, and the stability factor meets the requirements of the specification. It also shows that the deep learning algorithm effectively improves the efficiency of the slope stability factor prediction and improves Security during project development.
Intersectional gender analysis for inclusive health system in Nepal; taking Tuberculosis as a case example – Where we are and what can be done?
Authors: Parajuli Ayuska , Kakchapati Sampurna , Arjyal Abriti , Joshi Deepak , Kharel Chandani , Barrio Mariam Otmani del , Baral Sushil C
Published: April 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. As of 2021, Nepal is one of the high TB burden countries, with an increasing prevalence of cases. Literature suggests disparities in access to and utilization of health services and health status of people based on gender and other social stratifiers, leading to inequities in Nepal. TB is a disease, which is high among settings with common practice of gender and social inequities. This study aimed to a) explore inclusiveness of gender and other social stratifiers in the key health related national policies and health management information system (HMIS) b) to conduct disaggregated and intersectional analysis of the tuberculosis cases enrolled in the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP).

Methods

Desk review of key policies and HMIS was conducted. Secondary data analysis was carried out from two data sources i.e. annual report data of NTP (2017–2021) and 628 recorded tuberculosis cases from two Directly-Observed Therapy, Short-course (DOTS) centres (2017/18-2018/19). Bivariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to measure association between social stratifers and types of TB, patient registration category and treatment outcome.

Results

While the NTP has initiated collecting data on age, sex, ethnicity and location since 2014/15 through the HMIS, limited data was available to unmask the role of other social determinants of TB. Similarly, various TB data have remained static as they were not analyzed and disseminated in annual report. National data showed sex and age wise variation among reported TB patients. Association between sex of the patient and types of tuberculosis (p < 0.05) was identified. Age and sex were associated with patients’ registration category during the time of enrolment into the TB treatment (p < 0.05). Significantly, higher number of males (22%) came for the re-treatment in comparison to females (15%) (p < 0.05). Females had 3.33 times (AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.84–6.01, p < 0.001) higher successful treatment outcome in comparison to male patients. Rate of successful treatment gradually decreased by increase in age among both male and female patients.

Conclusion

Hence, sex was strong predictors of types and treatment outcome of TB. Therefore, suggest integration of an intersectional gender lens into the National TB Control programme and research in order to understand biological and the social construct of gender, as important determinantsas important determinants of TB.
Trial registration: Not Applicable
The Effect of Video-Guided Information on Anxiety and Pain in Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: A Control Group Study
Authors: Özcan Serkan , Yorulmaz Enis Mert , Yilmaz Yüksel , Hamarat Mustafa Bilal , Demirbaş Arif
Published: April 2023

Background/Aims
In the present study, after adapting the Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) video produced by the European Association of Urology (EAU) into the Turkish language and showing it to the participating patients, we evaluated the effect on their anxiety and pain levels using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) anxiety form and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Materials and Method
Involved in the study were 59 patients who were evaluated in three centers between 1 July and 1 October, 2020. The patients were divided into two groups, the first of which was asked to fill out a consent form, and was shown the video and provided with verbal and written information; while the second group was provided with a consent form and provided only verbal and written information. Each group completed the STAI-I Anxiety form after being given preoperative information, while the VAS was applied after the procedure. The patients’ age, sex, BMI, stone size, stone surface area, stone side, stone location, stone-to-skin distance, the mean number of shock waves required and fluoroscopy time were compared statistically with the scores of the VAS scores and the STAI-I.
Results
The mean age of the 59 study patients was 40.1 ± 13.1 (16–68); the mean stone size was 12.4 ± 4.5mm, and the mean stone surface area was 99.8 ± 77.4 (15–320). There was no statistical difference in sex, age, BMI, stone size, stone surface area, stone side, stone location or stone skin distance values recorded for the two groups. The STAI-I anxiety form score was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.004), and the recorded fluoroscopy time and VAS scores were lower in favor of Group 1 (p = 0.045 and p = 0.021) (Table 1).
Conclusion
Although the provision of video-guided information before ESWL led to an increase in anxiety in the patients, compliance during the procedure was improved, and the total fluoroscopy time and pain scores of the patients were decreased.
Physiological indices, productivity and profitability assessment at varying nitrogen levels of wheat under conservation agriculture
Authors: Tripathi S. C. , Mamrutha H. M. , Venkatesh Karnam , Meena Raj Pal , Kumar Nitesh , Samota Shiv Ram , Singh Gyanendra
Published: April 2023

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a promising management practice adopted by spring wheat growers in the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGPs) of India, particularly in areas where residue burning is prominent. Effective nitrogen management is essential to achieve maximum profitable wheat yield under CA to promote agricultural sustainability. A field experiment conducted during the winter seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 comprising seven treatments with varying nitrogen doses from 0 to 250 kg/ha was used to find the best nitrogen management strategy. Instrument-based physiological indices, including the chlorophyll content index (CCI), NDVI, Dualex meter-based values, and flavonoids, were used to investigate the relation between these indices and growth stages. Increasing nitrogen levels from 0 to 250 kg/ha resulted in increased growth and physiological indices. However, the increase beyond 150 with or without CA was non-significant in case of many indices. The enriched treatment (250 kg N/ha) recorded a lower grain yield (5123 kg/ha) compared to 100 kg N/ha treatments (5595 kg/ha). The thousand-grain weight was also found to be reduced by 21.2% in 250 kg N compared to the 150 kg N treatment. The application of 200 kg/ha N under CA produced a significantly higher (9.6%) increase in grain yield (6673 kg/ha) compared to the farmer's practice of 150 kg N/ha. Applying 150 kg N/ha under CA increased grain yield by 231 kg/ha over the same N level without CA, although the difference was non-significant. The application of 200 kg N/ha under CA yielded the highest gross return (2271.8 $/ha), net return (1545.0 $/ha), and B:C (3.1) due to the reduced cost of cultivation in CA and maximum grain yield. Additionally, if this technology is adapted to 13.5 m ha rice-wheat area in South Asia then additional net return from 200kg N/ha application under CA over farmers practice will be $3.27 billion annually, which is huge amount. Therefore, using 200 kg N/ha under CA can further increase grain yield, productivity, and profitability per unit area. However, for resource-limited growers in rice-wheat growing areas, 150 kg N/ha under CA can still be a viable and economically sound option.
Gall bladder papillary carcinoma presenting as cholecystocolic fistula and metastasizing to pericholecystic lymph node-An incidental and rare finding- A case report.
Authors: Saraf Pallavi , BHARTI JYOTSNA NARESH
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Gall bladder papillary carcinoma (GBPA) is a distinct variant of gall bladder carcinoma with a favorable outcome in contrast to the conventional Gall bladder adenocarcinoma (GBA).
Case Presentation: We herein present a case of a 51-year-old female patient who had abdominal pain off and on for one month. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed features of chronic cholecystitis with thickened gall bladder wall. Cholecystectomy of the patient revealed an invasive papillary adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the pericholecystic lymph node. The patient was given chemotherapy and doing well for the past two years and is free of any disease recurrence.
Conclusion: The (GBPA) is uncommon and usually comprises of 5% of conventional (GBA). It is usually detected at an early stage with less propensity to metastasis. Therefore, clinicians and pathologists must accurately diagnose this as a separate entity to avoid unnecessary aggressive treatment or reduce morbidity.
The effect of high-protein and low-calorie diets on sleep quality in individuals with obesity
Authors: Javaheri Fatemeh Sadat Hashemi , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Nematy Mohsen , Amini Mahnaz , Mahmoudifar kamiar
Published: April 2023

Obesity, defined as excess body fat, has become a global epidemic, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Sleep problems are among the complications faced by obese individuals, although such problems are not very common. Previous studies indicate that obese individuals have a significantly greater likelihood of developing insomnia and other sleep disorders. Meanwhile, there is growing scientific evidence that diet and sleep may be related, and that weight loss can improve sleep quality and sleep-related indexes. In order to improve sleep quality and alleviate sleep disorders, this study examined the effects of weight loss diets on sleep quality in obese individuals. The literature indicates that sleep quality and sleep-related indexes are improved by weight loss. Compared with a low-fat diet, a very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD) does not adversely affect cardiovascular risk factors for short-term weight loss. When weight loss is combined with VLCD, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be improved.
Synergistic Effect of Ultrasonic and Fungal Pretreatment on Enzymatic Saccharification of Switchgrass
Authors: Olughu Onu Onu , Tabil Lope G. , Dumonceaux Tim , Mupondwa Edmund , Cree Duncan
Published: April 2023

Biological pretreatment of cellulosic biomass is preferred to conventional methods because it is environmentally friendly. However, low pretreatment efficiency and long residence time associated with biological pretreatment limit its commercialization. The current study assessed the effect of ultrasonication and its combination with solid-state fermentation using an engineered mutant strain of the white rot fungus, T. versicolor (Tv m4D), on the enzymatic digestibility of switchgrass. Response surface approach featuring a four-factor, three-level Box Behnken experimental design was used to determine the optimum ultrasonic pretreatment conditions in terms of cellulose and hemicellulose composition and total solid recovery (TSR) of switchgrass. Ultrasonic pretreatment altered the holocellulose composition of switchgrass and resulted in biomass loss. The highest holocellulose degradation and material loss were obtained at acoustic power of 180 W. The effect of ultrasonication on the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis was minimal compared to fungal pretreatment. Ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic saccharification of switchgrass led to a 3.1- and 2.3-fold increase in cellulose digestion relative to the untreated and ultrasonic-assisted fungal pretreated switchgrass samples, respectively.
Providing office-workers with height-adjustable workstation to reduce and interrupt workplace sitting time: Protocol for the Stand Up for Healthy Aging (SUFHA) cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Júdice Pedro B. , Silva Hélio , Teno Sabrina C. , Monteiro Patrícia , Silva Marlene N. , Carraça Eliana V. , Santos Inês , Pereira Sara , Luz Filipe , Viegas Patrícia C. , Oliveira Jorge , Santos Isabel F. , Palmeira António L.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Sedentary behavior (SB) has been linked to several negative health outcomes. Therefore, reducing SB or breaking-up prolonged periods of SB improves functional fitness, food consumption, job satisfaction and productivity. Reducing SB can be achieved by introducing a health-enhancing contextual modification promoted by a sit-stand desk in the workplace. The primary goal will be to test the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing and breaking-up SB, while improving health outcomes in office-based workers during a 6-month intervention.

Methods:

A two-arm (1:1), superiority parallel-group cluster RCT will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in a sample of office-based workers from a university in Portugal. The intervention will consist of a psychoeducation session, motivational prompts, and contextual modification promoted by a sit-stand desk in the workplace for 6 months. The control group will work as usual in their workplace, with no contextual change or prompts during the 6-month intervention. Three assessment points will be conducted in both groups, pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention, and a 3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes include sedentary and physical activity-related variables, which will be objectively assessed with 24h monitoring using the ActivPAL for 7 days. The secondary outcomes include a) biometric indices as body composition, body mass index, waist circumference and postural inequalities; and b) psychosocial variables such as overall and work-related fatigue, overall discomfort, life/work satisfaction, quality of life, and eating behavior. Both the primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at each assessment point.

Discussion:

This study will lean on the use of a sit-stand workstation for 6 months, prompted by an initial psychoeducational session and ongoing motivational prompts. We will aim to contribute to this topic by providing robust data on alternating sitting and standing postures in the workplace.
Trial registration: The trial was prospectively registered, and the details are at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JHGPW; Registered 15 November 2022. OSF Preregistration.
Dienogest alone or dienogest combined with estrogens in the treatment of ovarian endometriomas, that is the question. A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Forno Simona Del , Orsini Benedetta , Verrelli Ludovica , Caroli Martina , Aru Anna Chiara , Lenzi Jacopo , Raimondo Diego , Arena Alessandro , Borghese Giulia , Paradisi Roberto , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Seracchioli Renato , Casadio Paolo
Published: April 2023

Purposeto compare the effects of Dienogest 2 mg (D) alone or combined with estrogens (D + ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg, D + EE; D + estradiol valerate 1–3 mg, D + EV) in terms of symptoms and endometriotic lesions variations.MethodsThis retrospective study included symptomatic patients in reproductive age with ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian endometriomas. Medical therapy for at least 12 months with D, D + EE or D + EV was required. Women were evaluated at baseline visit (V1) and after 6 (V2) and 12 months (V3) of therapy.Results297 patients were enrolled (156 in the D group, 58 in the D + EE group, 83 in the D + EV group). There were no differences between groups in terms of lesions mean diameter variation. No variations were detected in terms of lesions reduction when comparing the two estroprogestins, cyclic versus continuous estroprogestin regimens, D alone versus D + EE/D + EV administered continuously. When comparing D and D + EE/D + EV groups, a significant decrease of dysmenorrhea was detected in the D group than in D + EE/D + EV group. Conversely, the reduction of dysuria was more significative in the D + EE/D + EV groups rather than in the D group. Regarding tolerability, treatment associated side effects were reported by 16.2% patients. The most frequent one was uterine bleeding/spotting, significantly higher in the D + EV group.ConclusionDienogest alone or associated with estrogens (EE/EV) seems to be equally effective in reducing endometriotic lesions mean diameter. The reduction of dysmenorrhea was more significative when D was administered alone, while dysuria seems to improve more when D is associated with estrogens.
Toxicological effects, residue levels and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals in Chinese medicine: A review
Authors: Hu Zhiqin , Wu Lixiang , Gan Hongya , Lan Huili , Zhu Bingqi , Ye Xiaoqing
Published: April 2023

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which exist in all aspects of our lives, may interfere with the synthesis, action and metabolism of human sex steroid hormones, resulting in development and fertility problems as well as obesity and the disturbance of energy homeostasis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that used worldwide possess the satisfactory function of disease prevention, treatment and health care, and this natural medicine seems to be favored due to its low side effects. From planting to processing, TCM may be polluted by various EDCs. Many studies pay attention to this problem, but there are still few reviews on the residues and toxicity risks of EDCs in TCM. In this paper, researches related to EDCs in TCM were screened. The possible contamination sources of TCM from planting to processing and its toxic effects were introduced. Moreover, the residues of metals, pesticides and other EDCs in TCM as well as the health risks of human exposure to EDCs through ingestion of TCM materials were reviewed.
The Role of Military Service in Preventing Depression in China: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Li Haoran , Zhang Ning , Zhang Jingya , Liu Jinnan , He Rongxin , Jiang Yufei , Mao Ying , Zhu Bin
Published: April 2023

Background: Despite recognition in the West that military veterans experience more mental health issues than the general population, little research has focused on this subject in China. This study examined the associations between male veterans’ military experience and depressionin China.
Methods: A sample of 12,914 men including 669 veterans was included in the final analysis and propensity score matching, multivariable regressions were used.
Results: The military experience was associated with a lower likelihood of depression in male veterans. In the subgroup analysis, military experience was associated with a lower likelihood of depression among married and urban male veterans. Military experience was also associated with a lower likelihood of depression in both “junior college and above” and “below junior college” groups. In contrast, evidence was lacking regarding the associations between military experience and depression for unmarried and rural veterans.
Conclusions: Individual characteristics could influence the relationship between military experience and depression in male veterans, and the mental health of veterans should be paid more attention and guaranteed.