bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between serum albumin and psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score in cirrhosis without overt hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Zhou Su , Li Yesheng , Li Li , Tu Chuantao , Shi Yuxin , Fu Qingchun , Chen Tianyou , Yuan Min
Published: September 2023

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy is the primary cause of mortality in cases of liver cirrhosis. The Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) is widely acknowledged as a gold standard for diagnosis of covert hepatic encephalopathy. However, PHES is burdensome due to its strict indications and is not readily embraced by clinicians. Consequently, there is an imperative to identify simpler clinical indicators for PHES.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized data from a single center. Multiple linear regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to investigate the relationship between albumin levels and PHES. Stratified analyses based on albumin levels were conducted to assess the trend of this association. Additionally, subgroup analyses of covariates were performed.
Results: A total of 33 liver cirrhosis participants without overt hepatic encephalopathy were included in this study. After adjusting for covariates, a positive association was observed between albumin levels and PHES (β = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.08-0.67, P=0.02). This linear relationship was consistent with the findings obtained from the RCS model (P for non-linearity =0.57). The trend analysis revealed an exponential increase in the strength of the association across different albumin groups (β = 2.61, 95%CI: 0.63-4.59, P = 0.02). Subgroup analyses confirmed this positive association and indicated no interactions between albumin and other covariates (all P for interaction > 0.1).
Conclusions: Serum albumin, as one of the commonly used clinical indices for liver cirrhosis patients, shows potential as a simple predictor for PHES.
Leveraging Natural Language Processing for Efficient Information Extraction from Breast Cancer Pathology Reports: Single-Institution Study
Authors: Park Phillip , Choi Yeonho , Han Na Young , Chae Heejung , Yoo Chong Woo , Choi Kui Son , Kim Hyun-Jin , Hwang Juyeon
Published: September 2023

Background
Pathology reports provide important information for accurate diagnosis of cancer and optimal treatment decision making. In particular, breast cancer has known to be the most common cancer in women worldwide.
Objective
For the data extraction of breast cancer pathology reports in a single institute, we assessed the accuracy of methods between regular expression and natural language processing (NLP).
Methods
A total of 1,215 breast cancer pathology reports were annotated for NLP model development. As NLP models, we considered three BERT models with specific vocabularies including BERT-basic, BioBERT, and ClinicalBERT. K-fold cross-validation was used to verify the performance of the BERT model. The results between the regular expression and the BERT model were compared using the fuzzywuzzy algorithm.
Results
Among three BERT models, BioBERT was the most accurate parsing model (average performance = 0.99901) for breast cancer pathology when set to k = 5. BioBERT also had the lowest error rate for all items in the breast cancer pathology report compared to other BERT models (accuracy for all variables ≥ 0.9). Therefore, we finally selected BioBERT as the NLP model. When comparing the results of BioBERT and regular expressions using fuzzywuzzy algorithm, we identified that the BioBERT was more accurate than regular expression method, especially for some items such as intraductal_comp, lymph node, and lymphovascular invasion.
Conclusions
Our results showed that the NLP model, BioBERT, had higher accuracy than regular expression, suggesting the importance of BioBERT in the processing of breast cancer pathology reports.
A 1 Tbps DWDM Microring Modulator Silicon Chip Empowered by Two-Segment Z-Shape Junctions
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Peng Yiwei , Sorin Wayne , Cheung Stanley , Huang Zhihong , Liang Di , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Ray
Published: September 2023

To meet the escalating data transmission demands of interconnects, a dense wavelength division multiplexing microring modulator array has been demonstrated on a silicon chip with a full data rate of 1 Tb/s. By harnessing the two individual p-n junctions with an optimized Z-shape doping profile, the silicon depletion-mode modulator simultaneously achieves a high bandwidth of ~ 48.6 GHz and a high modulation efficiency with Vπ·L of ~ 0.6 V·cm, thereby enabling open eye diagrams at 200 Gb/s PAM4 with a swing voltage of 1.6 V and energy consumption of 6.3 fJ/bit. This state-of-the-art demonstration shows that all-silicon modulators can practically enable future 200 Gb/s/lane optical interconnects.
Effect of (−)-Epicatechinin in D-galactosamine induced Hepatitis in old age rats: A study with reference to antioxidant enzymes and gene markers
Authors: Ramudu Shanmugam Kondeti , Shanmugam Bhasha , Subbaiah Ganjikunta Venkata , Korivi Mallikarjuna , Reddy Kesireddy Sathyavelu , Ravi Sahukari , Ramakrishana Chilakala
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the current investigation was to determine hepatoprotective effect of bioactive compound (-)-epicatechin in hepatitis old age rats. Animals are pre-treated with (-)-epicatechin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/bw for 21 days, and D-galactosamine was used to induce hepatitis on the last two days of the treatment period. For assessment of (-)-epicatechin impact on hepatitis, we analyzed hepatic damage markers AST, ALT, AKP, and γGGT in blood plasma, as well as antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, GR, GSH, CAT, GST, and MDA in the liver tissue. Further, to strengthen (-)-epicatechin effect, we also done molecular expression studies of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-βwith RT-PCR and also examined histological alterations in liver tissues. Our results revealed that SOD, GPx, GR, CAT, activities and GSH content are decrement in hepatitis animals. Besides, GST, ALT, AST, AKP, γGGT activities and MDA are increment in hepatitis subjects. However with (-)-epicatechin treatment all these antioxidant enzymes and liver enzymes are normalized. Interestingly, gene expression markers are downregulated with bioactive compound treated hepatic rats whereas upregulation of them have been observed in the diseased rats. Deterioration of sinusoids, central vein, and hepatocytes are observed in hepatitis ratsx. But with (-)-epicatechin supplementation in hepatitis rats. we examined the regeneration of central vein, sinusoids and hepatocytes in liver tissue of hepatitis animals. From our study,we conclude that (−)-epicatechin supplementation in old hepatitis rats, all the antioxidant enzymes, liver markers, gene expression markers and histopathologcial studies proved that has beneficial effects in hepatitis subjects.
The subepithelial band-like distribution pattern of CD4 may determine oral lichen planus in the absence of typical microscopic features
Authors: Gu Yang , Kervin Ashley , Colp Patricia
Published: September 2023

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common oral mucosal disease. Oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) are listed as differential diagnoses of OLP considering their similar clinical and pathological features. According to the updated OLP diagnostic criteria in 2016, a definitive diagnosis of OLP applies only if clinical and histopathological features both completely fit the required typical appearance. The term “histopathologically compatible with OLP” is suggested for a case where microscopic features do not show the typical appearance. This case could be an undetermined OLP or one type of OLLs. Our study aims to identify OLP from mimics by biomarkers. It is crucial for precise management because the treatment plans of OLP and OLLs are different.
We only selected the defined typical OLP cases and typical OLL cases with triggers for study. Triggers include topical offending agents (OLL-agent), dental restorations (OLL-dental), and systemic offending drugs (OLL-drug). We investigated the expression intensity and distribution pattern of CD4, CD8, and CGRP in four groups by immunohistochemistry assay. The expression intensity of immune-positive cells was observed in the intraepithelial, subepithelial, and submucosal regions respectively, while only the subepithelial region recorded a distribution pattern. A total of 79 cases of OLP (24), OLL-agent (15), OLL-dental (21), and OLL-drug (19) were collected from the archive of an Oral Biopsy Service (2018-2021). The Chi-square with Yates’ correction is used for the comparison analysis. The diagnostic accuracy is evaluated by MedCalc software, which is reported according to the STARD 2015 checklist.
The band-like distribution patterns of CD4 (100%), CD8 (54.17%), and CGRP (87.5%) in the subepithelial region observed in the OLP group significantly differ from OLL groups (each comparison pair, p = 0.0001). The sensitivity of CD4 (100%), specificity of CD8 (96.36%), negative predictive value of CD4 (100%), and accuracy of CD8 (95.94%) in the OLP group represented the highest rates in the diagnostic test evaluation. In conclusion, the band-like distribution pattern of CD4 in the subepithelial region may determine OLP when the biopsy specimen does not show typical microscopic features, whereas CD8 could be the second option.
Time-resolved chemically-selective spectroscopic investigation of the α-Fe2O3/Al redox reaction
Authors: Mincigrucci Riccardo , Paltanin Ettore , Pelli-Cresi Jacopo , Principi Emiliano , De Angelis Dario , Foglia Laura , Garzella David , Kurdi Gabor , Manfredda Michele , Simoncig Alberto , Masciovecchio Claudio , Naumenko Denys , Bencivenga Filippo , Lee Wonseok , Cushing Scott
Published: September 2023

In this work we investigate the hematite (α-Al/Fe2O3) / aluminium (Al) thermite redox reaction at the femtosecond timescale by using ultrafast extreme ultraviolet (EUV) transient absorption spectroscopy. After an ultrafast ignition of the reaction by an optical pulse the electronic dynamics was monitored by EUV pulses as a chemically selective probe, tuned to the Fe M2,3 and to the Al L2,3 absorption edges. Our observations reveal a blue shift in the zero-absorbance point, emerging within the first few hundred femtoseconds. This shift is attributed to the formation of a small polaron in hematite, indicating a two-photon absorption mechanism as the excitation process. Additionally, the differences observed in the transient absorption traces for hematite deposited on aluminium versus parylene suggest the occurrence of an electron transfer between aluminium and hematite during the first phases of the redox.
Comparing Clinical Efficacy of Different Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Strains in Patients with T1 High Grade Bladder Cancer
Authors: Yu Ssu-Hung , Wang Ci-Yu , Wang Shian-Shiang , Li Jian-Ri , Hung Sheng-Chun
Published: September 2023

Purpose:
The aim of our study is to clarify the clinical efficacy between two different Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strains, TICE strain (Oncotice) and Connaught strain (ImmuCyst) as first line intravesical instillation therapy in patients with T1 high grade bladder urothelial cell carcinoma.
Methods:
Between 2008 to 2022, patients with new diagnosed T1 high-grade bladder cancer received transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and subsequent intravesical instillation therapy in Taichung Veterans General Hospital were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into Connaught group and TICE group, based on the specific BCG strain administered for treatment. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models analyzed BCG strain effects on recurrence, progression, and side effects.
Results:
Among 147 patients, 53 patients received Connaught strain and 94 patients received TICE strain. The median follow-up time was 89 months in the Connaught group and was 28 in the TICE group. The completion rate of BCG induction instillation was 92.45% in the Connaught group and 91.49% in the TICE group (p=1.00). The three-year recurrence-free survival rate was 71.7% in the Connaught group and 63.83% in the TICE group (p=0.33), while the three-year progression-free survival rate was 96.23% in the Connaught group and 89.36% in the TICE group (p=0.21). On Cox regression test, carcinoma in situ and ≥ 8 lesions were significant predictors for recurrence. Both of the two regimens exhibited no significant difference in terms of recurrence and progression. As for side effects, the frequency of cystitis (p = 0.011), UTI (p = 0.021), and hematuria (p = 0.042) were significant lower in the TICE group. The complication rates according to the Cleveland Clinic grading system showed no significant difference among the two groups (p=0.13).
Conclusions:
In our study of T1 high-grade bladder urothelial cell carcinoma, both the Connaught strain and TICE strain BCG demonstrated comparable completion rates, 3-year recurrence-free survival rates, and 3-year progression-free survival rates. Adverse events were more frequent in the Connaught group, though the majority were of low grade. Given the global shortage of BCG, additional comparisons of the different strains are warranted to enable clinicians to validate their efficacy.
Profile of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Among Tuberculosis Presumptive People
Authors: DONKENG-DONFACK Valerie Flore , FOKOU Thierry Anicet ZEMO , WADJE Lazare Eric NOCHE , TCHUEDJI Yves Le Grand NAPA , DJEUGOUE Yvonne Josiane , NGUIMFACK Sorelle , SHILE Brenda , ASSOLO Yannick Patrick , ONGBOULAL Suzanne Magloire , SIMO Yannick Willy KAMDEM , AWUNGAFAC Stanley NKEMNJI , EYANGOH Sara
Published: September 2023

Background: Cameroon is a tuberculosis (TB) burden country with a 12% positivity among TB presumptive cases. Of the presumptive cases with a negative TB test, some are infected with Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). However, the diagnosis of NTM infections remains difficult due to the lack of tools in many laboratories, particularly in resource limited laboratories and remote setting. The present study was undertaken to determine NTM profile and associated comorbidities among TB presumptive people.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from December 2018 to December 2019 in the Tuberculosis-National Reference Laboratory (TB-NRL). We included in this study data of 5267 TB presumptive people previously diagnosed using three consecutive samples and having culture and SD Bioline results with or without Microscopy and reverse hybridization-based Line Probe Assay(LPA) results. The data on co-morbidities or history of people infected with NTM were then collected.
Results: We collected data of 5267 presumptive TB people. Among them, 3436 (65.23%), have a positive culture with 3200 (60.75%) isolates belong to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MBTC) and 236 (4.48%) to NTM. Our results showed that, 123 (52.11 %) NTM were isolated from people with negative microscopy and 113 (47.88%) from people with positive microscopy. Among the 236 NTM, 108 (45.8%) isolates were identified using LPA. M. fortuitum was the most represented species (32.41%) followed by M. intracellulare (19.44%). Sputum had the highest proportion of NTM (56%), followed by bronchial aspirations (31%). The extra-pulmonary samples presented lower proportions of isolates compared to pulmonary samples. Some patients affected with NTM presented comorbidities as HIV infection, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Type 2 diabete, Chronic bronchitis and Alveolar pneumonia.
Conclusions: Our study showed the presence of NTM strains among presumptive TB people with a predominance of M. fortuitum and M. intracellulare. It is important to implement a surveillance system of NTM in TB burden country and also to develop a point-of-care test for NTM identification in limited-resource settings.
Co-Constructive Patient Simulation at International Conferences: Strengthening Interactions and Deepening Reflection
Authors: Hoof Marie-José van , Piot Marie-Aude , Iozzia Giulia , Mirsujan Khatun , Hanson Mark D. , Martin Andrés S.
Published: September 2023

Clinical training in psychiatry can profit from methods that can be applied in different settings and circumstances, yet use a sound, scientifically proven concept that enhances the learning experience. One way to create a common international community of practice (ICoP) of child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) is through participation in a patient simulation session at international conferences. A co-constructive patient simulation (CCPS) was conducted as a workshop at two international CAP conferences, AACAP/CACAP 2022 and ESCAP 2023, characterized by script co-construction, active learner involvement, and systematic debriefing intended to enhance reflective function in clinical practice. About 30 international learners participated each session. Two facilitators were from North America, two from Europe. The first session participants had to enroll in the workshop and the CCPS was played with professional actors. The second session registration was not required by the conference organization and the CCPS was played with volunteering actors with a background in psychology, unfamiliar to the public. Overarching themes included an appreciation of local and international differences in practice, legislation and clinical thinking, and shared challenges such as dealing with uncertainty, family dynamics, strong emotions, difficult behaviour and non-adjustable perspectives. This approach can provide or expand educational resources, reveal useful common ground, (cultural) differences, and important themes in clinical practice, facilitate reflective practice in real time, making international conferences more fun and interactive.
Analysis of lettuce transcriptome reveals the mechanism of different diel light cycle in promoting the growth and quality
Authors: Dai MengDi , Tan Xiangfeng , Ye Ziran , Chen Xuting , Zhang Yi , Ruan Yunjie , Ma Bin , Kong Dedong
Published: September 2023

Diel light cycle plays a crucial role in controlling the production and quality of vegetables. However, the mechanism of diel light cycle on vegetable growth and quality is scarce studied. To investigate the impact of light cycle on lettuce growth and quality, we designed three diel scenarios, including 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness (1C), 12 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness (1.3C), and 8 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness (2C). Lettuce grew better under the 2C scenariothan under the other light cycle scenarios. Under the 2C scenario, the lettuce leaves exhibited greater enhancements in the levels of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and carotenoid content compared to the other scenarios. By comparing the expression levels under different diel scenarios (1C vs 1.3C, 1C vs 2C, and 1.3C vs 2C), we identified 7,209 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Additionally, 3 gene modules that were closely related to growth, quality and photosynthesis of lettuce were selected by WGCNA analysis. The eigengenes of three gene modules were enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, sphingolipid metabolism, and nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways. Through network analysis, we identified six hub genes (CIP1, SCL34, ROPGEF1, ACD6, CcmB, and Rps4) in three gene modules, which were dominant in the mechanism by which diel light cycle affected lettuce growth and quality. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression levels of hub genes. This study significantly enhanced our comprehension of the diel light cycle in the growth morphology, nutritional quality, and metabolic pathways of lettuce.
Genetic polymorphism of divalent metal transporter 1 gene intronic IVS4+44C/A in cadmium exposed population
Authors: parnmen Sittiporn , Nooron Nattakarn , Chonnakijkul Pornpanna , Sikaphan Sujitra , Polputpisatkul Dutsadee , Uttawichai Chutimon , Chankunasuka Rungsaeng , Phatsarapongkul Sriprapa , Thunkhamrak Chidkamon , Nitma Unchalee , Palakul Nisakorn , Rojanawiwat Archawin
Published: September 2023

Background Exposure to cadmium is associated with a wide range of diseases, often influenced by genetic polymorphisms. This study aimed to investigate the role of the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) gene intronic IVS4 + 44C/A polymorphism in individuals aged 35–60 residing in cadmium-contaminated areas.Methods Blood samples were collected from 306 genetically unrelated individuals (158 females and 148 males). Urinary cadmium levels were measured as an indicator of cadmium exposure. Genotype frequencies were determined for the DMT1 IVS4 + 44C/A polymorphism.Results The geometric mean of urinary cadmium levels was significantly higher in females (4.03±4.15 µg/g creatinine) compared to males (2.62±2.73 µg/g creatinine). Remarkably, 85% of females and 66% of males exceeded the reference values for urinary cadmium concentration set by the German Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Commission (HBM I and II). Genotype frequencies were 65.4% homozygote typical (CC), 31.0% heterozygote (CA), and 3.6% homozygote atypical (AA). The C allele frequency was 80.9%, while the A allele frequency was 19.1%. Notably, the DMT1 IVS4 + 44C/A polymorphism significantly influenced urinary cadmium levels, with the CA genotype showing higher levels compared to CC and AA genotypes. Urinary cadmium levels were also statistically increased with the presence of the A allele (A+ = CA + AA) compared to its absence (A− = CC). Furthermore, the CC genotype was associated with the highest number of individuals exceeding urinary cadmium reference values for HBM I and II across all age groups.Conclusions This study indicates that the CA genotype may signify susceptibility to prolonged cadmium exposure, given its association with elevated urinary cadmium levels. Additional research is essential for a thorough grasp of the implications of DMT1 gene polymorphisms on health outcomes, and to establish monitoring measures for populations residing in cadmium-contaminated areas.
Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: Collaborative Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Authors: Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Adineh Hossein Ali , Hosseini Kaveh , Zareban Iraj
Published: September 2023

Background: There is some discrepancy about the superiority of the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery to the conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump). We aimed to estimate the ratio of mortality risk in the off-pump coronary bypass to the on-pump by a causal model known as Collaborative Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation.
Study design and method: The data of the Tehran Heart Cohort study from 2007 to 2020 was used and analyzed. A collaborative targeted maximum likelihood estimation and targeted maximum likelihood estimation were used to estimate an adjusted risk ratio for the minimum sufficient set of confounders in a sequential approach. The results of these methods were compared to the traditional ones.
Results: Among 24883 participants (73.6% male), 5566 patients died during 8.2, on average, years follow-up. The estimated relative risk (95% confidence intervals) by un-adjusted general linear model, propensity matching, targeted maximum likelihood estimation, and Collaborative Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation was 0.86 (0.78-0.95), 0.88(0.8-0.97), 0.88 (0.8-0.97), and 0.99 (0.98-1.01), respectively.
Conclusion: Our analysis revealed that both techniques of surgery are safe and equally effective and there is no significant difference regarding mortality risk between the two techniques.
Patient satisfaction analysis of robot-assisted minimally invasive adrenalectomy: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yao Xue , Luo Xiaoyan , Tai Yanghao , Wang Kang , Shang Jiwen
Published: September 2023

Objective: To compare the satisfaction of patients undergoing robot-assisted retroperitoneal laparoscopy adrenalectomy under the ambulatory mode and conventional mode.
Methods: Basic information and clinical data of patients who underwent robotic-assisted posterior laparoscopic adrenalectomy between June 2020 and June 2023 were queried from our case system. Use the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey (OAS CAHPS®) to investigate patient satisfaction with preoperative preparation, discharge counseling, postoperative instructions, postoperative pain, and satisfaction with nursing work. The stats R package was used to select the appropriate statistic for the statistics based on the characteristics of the data.
Results:A total of 311 patients who underwent robot-assisted posterior laparoscopic adrenalectomy were enrolled in our case system. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, ASA classification, laterality, maximum tumor diameter, type of resection, hormonal activity, disease type, pathological classification, duration of surgery, estimated intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications and follow-up period were compared between the two groups of patients. There were no significant differences in preoperative preparation score, discharge counseling score, postoperative guidance score and nursing care satisfaction score (P>0.05). Postoperative hospitalization, peristalsis time, defecation time, time to first postoperative mobilization, duration of indwelling drain and hospitalization costs in patients in the ambulatory model group were significantly less than patients in the conventional model group (P<0.001). Patients in the ambulatory model group had significantly higher postoperative pain relief scores than patients in the conventional model group.
Conclusions: In conclusion, our data suggest that patient satisfaction is equal between the conventional and ambulatory mode of performing robotic-assisted adrenalectomy. Patient satisfaction was probably associated with shorter hospitalization days, adequate preoperative preparation and standardized, high-quality post-discharge information and guidance.
Spatialized PM 2.5 during Covid-19 Pandemic in Brazil’s most populous Southern City: Implications for Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Costa Gabriela da , Pauliquevis Theotonio , Heise Eduardo F. J. , Potgieter-Vermaak Sanja , Godoi Ana Flávia Locateli , Yamamoto Carlos Itsuo I. , Santos-Silva Jéssica Caroline dos , Godoi Ricardo Henrique Moreton
Published: September 2023

Brazil has experienced one of the highest COVID-19 fatality rates globally. While numerous studies have explored the potential connection between air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and the exacerbation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the majority of this research has been conducted in foreign regions—Europe, the United States, and China—correlating generalized pollution levels with health-related scopes. In this study, we aim to delve into the localized relationship between air pollution exposure and its health implications within a specific Brazilian municipality, focusing on COVID-19 susceptibility. Our investigation involves assessing pollution levels through spatial interpolation of in-situ PM2.5 measurements. A network of affordable sensors collected data across 9 regions in Curitiba, as well as its metropolitan counterpart, Araucaria. Our findings distinctly unveil a significant positive correlation (r up to 0.36, p-value < 0.01) between more polluted areas, even more pronounced during winter months (r up to 0.40, p-value < 0.05), with both COVID-19 mortality and incidence rates. This correlation gains added significance due to the intricate interplay between urban atmospheric pollution and regional human development indexs. Notably, heightened pollution aligns with industrial hubs and intensified vehicular activity. The spatial analysis performed in this study assumes a pivotal role by identifying priority regions that require targeted action post-COVID. By comprehending the localized dynamics between air pollution and its health repercussions, tailored strategies can be implemented to alleviate these effects and ensure the well-being of the public.
Shell size variation of pteropod Heliconoides inflatus as a proxy for carbonate saturation
Authors: E Sreevidya , L. Mascarenhas-Pereira M. B. , B Nagender Nath , AV Sijinkumar
Published: September 2023

The current study is an effort to understand the relationship between the average shell size of the pteropod species, Heliconoides inflatus as a metric for shell calcification using several cores collected from the northern Indian Ocean (NIO). The shell size variability and dissolution proxies provide in-life or post-depositional H. inflatus shell dissolution records. They can be utilized as biological indicators of aragonite saturation of the seawater column. The results suggest that the shell calcification rate of H. inflatus is controlled by atmospheric CO2 concentration and water column chemistry if the cores are above the aragonite lysocline (Aly). The variability in carbonate saturation can also be delineated using dissolution indicators such as the Limacina Dissolution Index (LDX) and fragmentation ratio (FR), given that the shells hadn’t experienced any breakage during post-depositional and sample processing. The results suggest that shell size and optimum growth conditions are directly related since larger shell sizes coincide with the least dissolved pteropod shells during lower atmospheric CO2 concentration periods. The surface water supersaturated with carbonate ions resulted in higher calcification rates, producing larger, thicker, and better-preserved shells. The calcification proxy complements the dissolution proxies and reveals that the most intense aragonite dissolution occurred during the Holocene and interstadials/interglacials. The severe aragonite dissolution during interglacial could be due to the CO32− undersaturated bottom waters. However, the shells have undergone preferential dissolution to smaller shells below the aragonite compensation depth (ACD), which is suggested by the highly dissolved shells and larger shells in the deep core samples.
Thin Film Structured Superior Anode Material Based N-Graphene Supported Coupled NiO/TiO2 Hollow Nanospheres and Their Cyclic Voltammetry Performance
Authors: Azis Thamrin , Ashari Lintan , Muzakkar Muhammad Zakir , Nurdin Muhammad , Mulkiyan Muhammad Zuhdi , Umar Akrajas Ali
Published: September 2023

In this research, we succeeded in designing a new strategy to synthesize a unique thin film structured of nitrogen doped graphene (NGr) composite combined with coupled NiO/TiO2 hollow nanospheres using a synergistic hydrothermal method. The NGr@NiO/TiO2 composite characteristics are demonstrated by several rational characterization techniques such as the morphological shape of NiO/TiO2 hollow nanospheres which are evenly distributed on the surface of N-graphene with particle distribution in the range 79.78-362.13 nm with an average diameter of 130 nm. In addition, the crystal structures of carbon from NGr, NiO, and TiO2 (anatase and rutile) have been confirmed and proven by spectra showing the presence of C-N stretching primary amides (1400 cm− 1), Ni-O stretching (700 cm− 1) and Ti-O-Ti bond (425 cm− 1), respectively. The electrochemical test was carried out by optimizing the performance of cyclic voltammetry (CV) through parameters such as the influence of composition, scan rate, and cycle with the best conditions, namely composite ratio 80:10:10 (wt%), scan rate 50 mV/s, condition stable cycle and also calculated the high specific capacity value of 839.83 F/g. Based on this, it is revealed that NGr@NiO/TiO2 composites can explore the potential and be fully applied in the development of alkaline metal ion (AIB) batteries such as Li/Na/K.
Insecticidal activity of Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae) extract against Limax maximus (Mollusca, Limacidae) at different development stages and its chemical constituent analysis
Authors: Li Haojun , Zhao Runa , Pan Yingna , Tian Hui , Chen Wenlong
Published: September 2023

The great grey slug, Limax maximus is one of the common agricultural pests, which infesting the growing period of vegetables by making holes or lacerations in the leaves of vegetables, especially seedlings and tender leaves. To evaluate the insecticidal activity of Ageratina adenophora extract against slugs, the fecundity, growth, hatching rate, offspring survival rate, protective enzyme and detoxifying enzyme activity of slugs in different periods exposed to LC50 of the extract for two different time intervals (i.e., 24 h, 48 h), and extracts phytochemical variability were studied. The LC50 values of the A. adenophora extract against L. maximus was 35.9 mg/ml. This extract significantly reduced the hatching rate of eggs and the survival rate of offspring hatched from exposed eggs compared to the control, which exposed for 48 hours was lowest. The survival, growth, protective enzyme and detoxification enzyme activity of newly hatched and 40-day-old slugs decreased. In the A. adenophora extracts, tannins, flavonoids and saponins were identified, which may be beneficial in their biological effects. These results suggest that A. adenophora extract can be used as an alternative drug to kill slugs to effectively control the species.
Analyzing Aging Effects on SRAM PUFs: Implications for Security and Reliability
Authors: Bhatta Niraj Prasad , Singh Harshdeep , Amsaad Fathi
Published: September 2023

Impact of aging effects on Static Random-Access Memory Physical Unclonable Functions (SRAM PUFs) presents critical implications for security and reliability in modern hardware. Emerging as promising hardware-based security primitives, SRAM PUFs harness process variations in integrated circuits for secure key generation and device authentication. However, aging phenomena like Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) and Hot Carrier Injection (HCI) can potentially alter SRAM cell characteristics, compromising PUF responses. This study delves into the multifaceted challenges of aging-induced variations, exposing underlying security vulnerabilities and offering innovative strategies to mitigate risks. Examining reliability implications, it introduces mitigation techniques such as adaptive reconfiguration, error correction codes, and multi-modal PUFs to enhance the resilience of SRAM PUFs. The investigation concludes by mapping future research directions and prospects for improving SRAM PUF-based security solutions, in light of the complexities associated with semiconductor device aging.
Evaluation of microbial pollution, biofilm formation, and malodor generation in household washing machines in Wuxi, China
Authors: Wu Jianrong , Zhang Yifei , Cao Yunyi , Gao Minjie , Zhang Hongtao
Published: September 2023

Microbial contamination in household washing machines (WMs) often leads to the formation of stubborn stains and the generation of unpleasant odors. In this study, 16s RNA sequencing was employed to detect the microbiota in the rubber ring, drum wall, and drainage outlet of WMs. As a result, Sphingobium, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter were found to persist over extended periods of time. Additionally, the dominant fungi identified in WMs were Paraphoma, Knufia, and Cladophialophora. The composition of the biofilm varied among different locations within each WM, reflecting differences in microbial composition. One significant component contributing to the odors in WMs is dimethyl disulfide(DMDS, C2H6S2), which is produced by common bacteria isolated from these WMs. While silver ions exhibited good inhibitory effects on most microorganisms found in WMs, they did not have a noticeable killing effect on Pseudomonas putida and Meyerozyma guilliermondii. On the other hand, the use of isothiazolinone as a bacteriostatic agent proved effective in inhibiting the growth of all isolated strains from WMs. These findings provide valuable insights into the composition of contaminated microorganisms, biofilm formation, and effective bacteriostatic methods for cleaning household WMs.
Research on Special Additional Deduction of Individual Income Tax Based on Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Song Jianqi
Published: September 2023

Before 2019, the method of individual income tax declaration in China was based on individuals and did not take family factors into account, which gradually highlighted its incompatibility with reality. In order to reflect the fairness of tax burden, starting from January 1, 2019, a special additional deduction was added to the personal income tax on the basis of a basic expense deduction of 5000 yuan per month, taking into account family factors such as child education and elderly care. On August 31, 2023, the State Council raised the special additional deduction standards for personal income tax on the care of infants and young children under the age of 3, child education, and support for the elderly. The adjusted deduction standards will be implemented from January 1, 2023. To this end, the author will draw on the advanced practices of the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong in the special additional deductions for personal income tax, and then use actual survey questionnaires to scientifically determine the scope and methods of deduction for special additional items such as supporting the elderly, children's education, serious illness medical care, and housing loans in personal income tax. At the end of the article, the author uses sensitivity analysis to analyze the impact of special additional deductions on personal income tax burden, The conclusion is that individual declaration on a household basis can effectively alleviate the pressure of China's individual income tax burden and narrow the per capita income gap.
Clinical Value of Multimodal imaging methods in the preoperative diagnosis of rotator cuff tears under arthroscopy
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zhang Qing , He Wei , Jiang Chao , Zuo Hua , Zong Yang , Luo Zhenyu , Qian Xiaoqin
Published: September 2023

Background:The current study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of conventional ultrasound(C-US),percutaneous ultrasound-guided subacromial bursography (PUSB), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their combined imaging application in the preoperative arthroscopic diagnosis of rotator cuff tears(RCTs).
Methods:A total of 120 patients with suspected RCTs were included in this study. The cohort consisted of 38 males and 82 females participants, ranging in age from 14 to 77 years,with an average age of 56.9 ± 11.1 years.Prior to surgery, all patients underwent C-US, P-CEUS, and MRI. Subsequently, the imaging data were subjected to retrospective analysis. With shoulder arthroscopy as the "gold standard", the diagnostic efficacy of multimodal imaging methods for RCTs was assessed.
Results:The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of C-US in the diagnosis of RCTs were 52%, 64% and 55%, For PUSB, specificity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of RCTs were 90%, 80% and 88%, MRI, on the other hand, demonstrated a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 84%, and accuracy of 90% in diagnosing RCTs. Notably, when the three imaging modalities were combined, the diagnostic performance significantly improved. The combined approach yielded a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 92%, and accuracy of 97% in diagnosing RCTs, surpassing the performance of any single imaging method. These results highlight the enhanced diagnostic capability achieved through the utilization of multiple imaging modalities.
Conclusion:Multimodal imaging is of high diagnostic value in RCTs, and can accurately determine the location and degree of RCTs, which can be an important reference for improving arthroscopic surgery.
Evaluation of moisture-induced stresses in wood cross-sections determined with a time-dependent, plastic material model during long-time exposure
Authors: Pech Sebastian , Autengruber Maximilian , Lukacevic Markus , Lackner Roman , Füssl Josef
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the use of timber as a building material in larger construction applications such as multi-story buildings and bridges has increased. This requires a better understanding of the material to realize such constructions and design them more economically. However, accurate computational simulations of timber structures are challenging due to the complexity and inhomogeneity of this naturally grown material. It exhibits growth inhomogeneities such as knots and fiber deviations, orthotropic material behavior and moisture dependence of almost all physical parameters. Describing the creep response of wood under real climate conditions is particularly difficult. Changes in moisture content, plasticity and viscoelasticity affect moisture-induced stresses and potentially lead to cracks and structural damage. In this paper, we apply a material model that combines time and moisture-dependent behavior with multisurface plasticity to simulate cross-sections of different dimensions over a 14-month climate period. Our findings indicate that considering this long-term behavior has a minor impact on moisture-induced stresses during the drying period. However, during the wetting period, a purely linear elastic description of the material behavior of wood significantly overestimates tensile stresses within the cross-section, resulting in unrealistic predictions of wetting-induced fracture. Therefore, simulations during wetting periods require a sophisticated rheological model to properly reproduce the stress field.
Dynamic viscosity of blood serum determined using proton magnetic relaxation
Authors: Torres Yulianela Mengana , Guevara Manuel Arsenio Lores , Milán Hugo Ferrales , Beyries Lidia Clara Suárez , Rodríguez Samuel Jorge Rosales , Reyes Inocente Rodríguez , Naranjo Juan Carlos García , Geli Yamirka Alonso
Published: September 2023

An experimental procedure, based on proton magnetic relaxation, is presented to determine the absolute dynamic viscosity in blood serum (hS). The blood serum samples were obtained voluntary from whole blood of healthy individuals and patients, and processed by classical methods (centrifugation and decanting). The Carr-Purcell-Meiboon-Gill pulse sequence was employed to determine the transverse proton magnetic relaxation time (T2) in a Tecmag Magnetic Resonance console coupled to a magnet of 0. 095 T and the temperature of measurement was 293 K. A theoretical linear behavior of the transverse proton magnetic relaxation rate (1/T2) as a function of hS was obtained after the consideration of blood serum as an extremely diluted solution of albumin and globulins, and assuming a fast exchange of water molecules between the bound phase and the solvent. A value of hS= 1.29±0.07 mPa s was obtained in samples belonging to 20 voluntary healthy individuals, which statistically match with the value obtained using the Ostwald viscometer for the same samples (hS= 1.32±0.04 mPa s, P=0.104319>0.05, a=0.05). The potential medical utility of the presented proton magnetic resonance procedure was demonstrated in patients with Multiple Myeloma (24) and Sickle Cell Disease (34), in which hS resulted increased with values of 1.40±0.18 mPa s (P=0.0137509<0.05, a=0.05) and 1.36±0.10 mPa s (P=0.00809615<0.05, a=0.05) respectivelly.
The first-principles study on electronic transport mechanism in palladium decorated graphene
Authors: khadim Bazgha , Majid Abdul , Batool Hira , Alkhedher Mohammad , Haider Sajjad , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed
Published: September 2023

Inert gases, despite various uses and industrial applications, may cause asphyxiation, so their detection and monitoring are essentially needed. However, the preparation of inert gas sensors is challenging due to the inactive chemical nature of these gases. This work was carried out to investigate the transport properties of inert gas sensors based on palladium-clusters-decorated-graphene-sheets (Pd-Gr) using Density Functional Theory (DFT) based methodology. The sensors comprising Pd clusters Pdn (n = 2–5) decorated graphene were simulated to investigate the structural stability, adsorption, sensitivity, and electronic characteristics. The transport properties were studied using current-voltage (I-V) curves obtained via non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF). The current appeared small at the start due to higher electrical resistance caused by charge transfer due to the adsorption of inert gases on the sensors. However, a voltage-dependent increase in the current took place afterward. The values of the resistance are found sensitive to the adsorption of the inert gases onto the sensors which helped to detect the gases. The energy difference of frontier molecular orbitals contributing to the conduction exhibited different responsive voltages which helped to points to the gas being adsorbed on the sensor. The findings of the work revealed that Pd2 sensors are sensitive towards xenon and neon, Pd3 and Pd4 are suitable for the detection of krypton and helium respectively whereas the Pd5 sensor is more appropriate for sensing argon and radon gases.
Assessing Medical Students’ satisfaction and perception with a new Team- Based Learning experience
Authors: Mbarek Rabeb , bradai haifa
Published: September 2023

Background: Team learning is relatively new to medical education. It was integrated into the pre-clinical programme of a medical school in 2002, in our faculty of medicine of Sousse, Tunisia in 2017.
The aim of this study was assessing the perceptions of teamwork with this method "team based learning" by medical students of fourth medical year for the topic “Disaster management in emergency medicine ".
Method: It was a cross sectional analytic study describing the first implementation of a Critical medicine Team Based Learning among the fourth under-graduate medical students in the t faculty of medicine of Sousse, Tunisia during the university year 2022-2023, after institutional educational development committee approval. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0.
Results: Significant attitudinal satisfaction was found in the areas of professional development, satisfaction with the team experience, satisfaction with peer review, the impact of the team on the quality of learning and the impact of the team on clinical reasoning skills.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the students' positive attitude to teamwork, their sense of professional development, and their comfort and satisfaction with peer assessment.
NR2F6 promotes the malignant progression of neuroblastoma as an indicator of poor prognosis
Authors: Liu Yimeng , Zhang Zhaoxia , Mi Tao , Jin Liming , Wang Zhaoying , Li Mujie , Wang Jinkui , Wu Xin , Luo Junyi , Liu Jiayan , Ren Chunnian , He Dawei
Published: September 2023

Background
NR2F6 is an orphan nuclear receptor with dual tumorigenic activity in the immune system and tumor cells, playing an essential role in tumor differentiation and immunity. This study aimed to investigate the expression level of NR2F6 in various tumors and its effect on neuroblastoma.
Methods
We evaluated the role of NR2F6 in the genesis and development of 34 different tumors through multiple databases. In addition, we investigated the effects of NR2F6 expression levels on neuroblastoma risk factors and prognosis using pathology sections and clinical data from primary retroperitoneal neuroblastoma in children. The effects on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were explored by knocking down NR2F6 expression in SK-N-BE(2).
Results
The findings showed that NR2F6 was significantly correlated with the prognosis of neuroblastoma and was an important indicator suggesting disease regression. In addition, NR2F6 knockdown slowed down neuroblastoma cells' proliferation, invasion, and migration ability in vitro.
Impact:
In conclusion, our results suggest that NR2F6 plays a crucial role in tumor-promoting effects and can be used as a potential prognostic marker for neuroblastoma.