bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on quarterly carbon emission prediction in China based Caputo fractional derivative grey Riccati model and Least squares support vector regression
Authors: Sun Yue , Zhang Yonghong
Published: October 2023

Accurately predicting carbon emissions is a crucial scientific foundation for the monitoring and evaluation of a country's progress in achieving its intended carbon reduction goals. Given the constraints of a small sample size, the nonlinearity, and the complexity inherent in quarterly data on carbon emissions at the industrial level, this paper introduces the Caputo fractional derivative into the grey Riccati model, establishing a Caputo fractional derivative grey Riccati model with memory characteristics. The numerical solution of the model is acquired through the fractional Adams-Bashforth-Moulton predictor-corrector algorithm, with the model's parameters optimized using the grey Wolf optimization algorithm. Subsequently, the Caputo fractional derivative grey Riccati model is integrated with the EEMD decomposition algorithm and the least square support vector regression to construct a decomposition-integration model for carbon emission decomposition. Finally, the proposed decomposition-integration model is validated using quarterly carbon emission data from six industries in China as an illustrative example. The results convincingly demonstrate that the proposed decomposition-integration prediction model effectively analyzes the developmental trajectory of industrial carbon emissions in China. Moreover, it exhibits superior stability and accuracy in both fitting and forecasting when compared to other integrated and single models.
Exploring the Therapeutic Mechanisms and Prognostic Targets of Biochanin A in Glioblastoma via Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Ge Wanwen , Yuan Guoqiang , Wang Dongping , Dong Li
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant type of brain tumor, characterized by a poor prognosis and high recurrence and mortality rates. Biochanin A (BCA) has demonstrated promising clinical antitumor effects. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanisms by which BCA acts against GBM.
Methods
Network pharmacology was employed to identify overlapping target genes between BCA and GBM. Differentially expressed genes were extracted from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 database and visualized using VolcaNose. The STRING database was used to analyze interactions among these overlapping genes. Protein–protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.1 software. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were conducted using DAVID. Survival analyses for these genes were performed using the GEPIA2 database. The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas database was employed to analyze correlations between key prognostic genes. Molecular docking was verified using the DockThor database and visualized with PyMol software.
Results
A total of 63 target genes were initially identified as potential targets for BCA in the treatment of GBM. Enrichment analysis results suggested that the pharmacological mechanisms of BCA primarily involved inhibition of the cell cycle, induction of cell apoptosis, and regulation of immunity. Based on these findings, AKT1, EGFR, CASP3, and MMP9 were preliminarily predicted as key prognostic target genes for BCA in treating GBM.
Conclusion
In this study, target prediction based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses offered a novel research approach for the multi-target treatment of GBM using BCA.
Impact of CRRT on the outcome of critically ill Covid-19 infected patients with acute kidney injury. A retrospective observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Henein Akram , Abdelhamid Sherif , Badawy Mohamad , Ahmed Sana , Quadros Rajesh. R , Yousef Nada , Ibrahim Alaa , alayashi Mazen
Published: October 2023

Background: Numerous studies have postulated that Acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients is significantly associated with an increased mortality (1,2). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the preferred modality of dialytic therapy in hemodynamically unstable COVID-19 patients who develop an acute renal failure. It is evident there is diversity in the number of patients who recover or survive after use of CRRT in these cases (3). Clearly, the decision to initiate CRRT in patients with COVID-19 acute kidney injury (AKI) should be individualized. Some earlier studies have reported that CRRT was associated with improved outcomes, including reduced intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and shorter ICU stays (8). On the other hand, others have claimed that CRRT improves renal function, but does not have impact on overall mortality (4).
Objectives: Our aim was to study the association between the development of an AKI in COVID-19 patients and ICU stay as a primary endpoint and to study the influence of CRRT on the recovery of the renal function as secondary endpoints.
Study Population Our study population had included all adult patients who were above 18 years old and were admitted to our ICU on the background of a laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection who had developed an AKI during the ICU course according to AKIN criteria. Our included population should have had no previous history of chronic kidney disease or renal replacement therapy.
Methods: Our study is a retrospective cross-sectional study, that was conducted during the period from June 2021 till the end of June 2022.All methods were run according to rules and regulations ethical, administrative, and scientific. Ethical and administrative approvals were taken from the assigned authority Research Ethical Committee Emirates Health Services (REC). Ethical committee approval is joined already.
Informed consent from the legal guardians for all patients was taken already.
All methods were performed in accordance in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
Statistical analysis: All data have been collected and analyzed by the investigators using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.
Results: A total of 108 COVID-19 patients with AKI were admitted to our ICU during the study period. We have identified a significantly increased ICU stay in CRRT group (Median 16 days) as compared to non-CRRT group (Median 4.4 days), P value was 0.00.
Discussion: We have identified a significantly increased ICU stay in CRRT group (Median 16 days) if compared to non-CRRT group (Median 4.4 days), P value 0.00.
Conclusion: We’ve concluded that the CRRT in Covid-19 patients with AKI is associated with increased ICU stay, even if the kidney function is improved
Investigation of the nozzle arrangement effect on the performance of internal spray cooling turning tool
Authors: Shu ShengRong , Li Xuewei , Hu Zuchao , Huang Quanfeng , Shen Zhilin
Published: October 2023

The nozzle arrangement of internal spray cooling tool plays a crucial role in the efficiency of coolant flow into the cutting zone and has a significant impact on the cutting performance. This article designs three types of internal spray cooling turning tools based on the different arrangements of the upper nozzle on the tool rake face. Tool A has an upper nozzle near the main cutting edge, tool B is equipped with an upper nozzle near the minor cutting edge, and tool C possesses two upper nozzles near the main and minor cutting edges respectively. The nozzle arrangement effect on the cooling performance of the internal spray cooling turning tool during the internal turning process was studied by the fluid-solid-thermal coupling simulation method. The simulation results showed that tool B with an upper nozzle arranged near the minor cutting edge had the best cooling performance because it is easy for air and coolant droplets to enter the tool-chip contact zone. On the contrary, tool C equipped with two upper nozzles near the main and minor cutting edges results in the worst cooling performance for the air and coolant droplets are difficult to flow into the tool-chip contact area. Internal turning experiments of QT500-7 workpieces were carried out. Results demonstrated that tool B performed best in reducing cutting temperature and improving machined surface quality. In addition, the number of small chips generated by all internal spray cooling turning tools increased at an inlet pressure of 0.6MPa, especially for tool B.
Neuroprotective Effects of Tranexamic acid against hydrogen peroxide-induced Cytotoxicity on Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Niapour Ali , Mohebi Yavar , Ghalehnoei Hossein
Published: October 2023

Tranexamic acid (TA) is an anticoagulant drug that used worldwide. However, the adverse effects of TA may insult the nervous system. This study aimed to investigate detrimental and neuroprotective effects of TA on SH-SY5Y cells. In this study, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with various concentrations of TA and H2O2 for 24 hours. Neuroprotective effects of the TA were assessed on H2O2-challenged cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with TA for 12 hours and then exposed to H2O2 for 24 hours. Cell proliferation and cellular apoptosis was measured using the MTT Assay and Flow cytometry respectively. The results showed that TA at high concentrations diminished the cell viability and induced apoptosis via up-regulation of BAX and Caspase-3 genes expression and down-regulation of BCL-2 transcript. Also, phosphorylation of Akt was reduced after TA treatment. TA showed protective effects against H2O2-induced cell stress by down-regulating the expression of BAX and Caspase-3 genes, up-regulating the expression of BCL-2 and augmenting the p-AKT/AKT ratio. Our findings demonstrated that TA could exert its neuroprotective effects at lower concentration while at higher concentration induces apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells.
Comparison of different machine learning models based on ultrasound-based radiomics to predict central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Peng , Liang Lulu , Wei Xian , Luo Yongbiao , Liang Quankun , Bao Yulin , Xiang Bangde
Published: October 2023

Background: Accurate methods to predict central lymph node metastases preoperatively are needed to improve the management of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. The objective of this study was to apply machine learning models based on ultrasound radiomic data to predict central lymph node metastases and to identify the best differential diagnosis model.
Methods: Clinicopathological information was retrospectively collected. All patients underwent preoperative thyroid ultrasound and postoperative lymph node pathology analysis. The regions of interest were manually drawn using a three-dimensional slicer and features specific to each area of injury were extracted. Five machine learning models were established to identify the appearance of central lymph node metastases, including logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, decision tree, and adaptive boost.
Results: Patients (n=229) were randomly divided into training (n=161) and validation (n=68) cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Sixty-four patients exhibited central lymph node metastases. Logistic regression was the preferred algorithm to predict the occurrence of central lymph node metastases. The area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, accuracy, and F1-score were 0.722, 0.761, 0.682, 0.833, 0.761, 0.735, and 0.795, respectively.
Conclusions: Novel ultrasound radiomic machine learning models accurately predicted the occurrence of central lymph node metastases in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. The radiomic-based logistic regression model was the most effective and reliable preoperative method for the differential diagnosis of central lymph node metastases.
Biochar fertilization regulates 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, grain yield and quality in fragrant rice cropping system in southern China
Authors: Zhang Xue-chan , Qiu Xin-feng , Yao Xiang-bin , Wei Jian-jiao , Tong Shao-jie , Mo Zhao-wen , Qi Jian-ying , Duan Mei-yang , Tang Xiang-ru
Published: October 2023

The existing model of chemical fertilizer application faces challenges in improving grain yield and quality. Fragrant rice is known for its distinctive aroma and flavor, but it generally produces less grain compared to non-fragrant rice varieties. Limited research has been conducted on the potential of biochar fertilization as a solution for increasing grain yield in fragrant rice. In a two-year field trial conducted in 2022 and 2023, two fragrant rice cultivars, Meixiangzhan2 (MXZ2) and Xiangyaxiangzhan (XYXZ), were selected as experimental materials. These rice cultivars were exposed to four different rates of biochar fertilizer application: no application of fertilizer (T1); application of biochar fertilizer at a rate of 0.375 t ha− 1 (T2); application of biochar fertilizer at a rate of 0.75 t ha− 1 (T3); application of biochar fertilizer at a rate of 1.5 t ha− 1 (T4). The results showed that the grain yield of both cultivars increased to some extent in both 2022 and 2023 (8.57%−33.77% increase for MXZ2; 6.00%−21.59% increase for XYXZ). Furthermore, under the T2, T3, and T4 treatments, there was an increase in the number of effective panicle, seed setting rate, 1000-grain weight, biomass accumulation, net photosynthetic rate, and intercellular CO2 concentration. However, the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance decreased. The content of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) increased with the increase in biochar fertilizer application, and the highest content was observed under the T4 treatment (153.54 − 178.32 µg kg− 1 in 2022; 163.93 − 180.28 µg kg− 1 in 2023). The activities of proline dehydrogenase (PDH) and 1-pyrrolin-5-carboxylic acid synthase (P5CS), as well as the contents of proline (PRO), 1-pyrrolin-5-carboxylic acid (P5C), ∆1-pyrroline, and methylglyoxal, also improved under the T2, T3, and T4 treatments compared to the T1 treatment. Moreover, the brown rice rate, milled rice rate, and head rice rate increased, while the chalkiness degree and chalk rice degree decreased under the T2, T3, and T4 treatments. Correlation analysis showed that grain yield was positively correlated with total biomass accumulation, the number of grains per panicle, and seed setting rate. Additionally, the content of 2-AP showed a positive correlation with PRO, P5C, ∆1-pyrroline, methylglyoxal, as well as the activities of PDH and P5CS. In conclusion, applying biochar at a rate of 1.5 t ha-1 can be more effective in increasing grain yield and 2-AP content in fragrant rice.
Evaluation of late disorders as possible long-COVID and/or vaccination consequences
Authors: Larijani Mona Sadat , Bavand Anahita , Banifazl Mohammad , Ashrafian Fatemeh , Moradi Ladan , Ramezani Amitis
Published: October 2023

Background:Following SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, another crisis has been established by progress or persistence of COVID-19 symptoms, as post or long COVID, which is critical to be recognized according to increasing number of late symptoms reports. In this study, we investigated long-term disorders in vaccinated individuals who developed late adverse events/side effects post-vaccination and/or COVID-19 episode owing to the challenging differentiation between them.
Methods: The vaccinated individuals of four vaccine regimens including inactivated virus-based/prime-boost group, inactivated virus-based prime/subunit protein-based boost, adenovirus-based prime/boost and adenovirus-based prime/subunit protein-based boost were followed from the first dose of vaccination up to 6-month post the booster shot. All the vaccine adverse events were documented through in-depth interview using a researcher-made questionnaire as well as the COVID-19 history and demographics. The medical history of all the cases were also collected and the late disorders post-vaccination were investigated by Adverse Events Committee of Pasteur Institute of Iran.
Results: Totally 329 individuals who got 3 doses of vaccination were followed 6 months after the booster shots among whom 41 (12.4%) of investigated cases (including 31 females) with the mean age of 40.9±10.48 years had a type of disorder following vaccination. The late adverse events/side effects were captured in various forms among which gynecological and osteoarticular involvements were the most common ones. After evaluation of the medical background, age, vaccination and the date of disorder initiation, 39% of the documented complains have been found to be linked with long-COVID-19 as a trigger. Interestingly, the average time of symptoms persistence was 155±10.4 days and mostly continued up to the end of the study.
Conclusion: In this era in which the vast majority of the global population have developed COVID-19 and/or got vaccinated against it, identification of the late disorders as the vaccine side effect or long-COVID manifestation is difficult. Therefore, some complications though late ones, might be a possible consequence of any SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. This study takes the advantage of long-term follow-up which presents various forms of late events in each episode of COVID-19 infection and vaccination. The rate of late-disorders in the present study also highlights the importance of long-term follow-up studies among population worldwide.
Data Security and Privacy Research Trends: LDA Topic Modeling
Authors: Zhao Bin , Wang Han , Zhou Jie
Published: October 2023

With the rapid advancement of big data technologies, the need for robust data security and privacy measures has intensified. Big data technologies have revolutionized the collection and analysis of a vast volume of research literature, offering unparalleled avenues for scholarly inquiry. Identifying prevalent research topics and discerning developmental trends is paramount, especially when grounded in an expansive literature base. This study examined abstracts and author keywords from 4,311 pertinent articles published between 1980 and 2023, sourced from the Web of Science core collection. The content of abstracts and author keywords underwent LDA theme modeling analysis. Consequently, five predominant research topics emerged: security and privacy measures for mobile applications, encryption protocols tailored for image security, privacy considerations in healthcare, intricate access control combined with security in cloud computing through attribute encryption, and ensuring security and information integrity for big data within the Internet of Things framework. The LDA model proficiently pinpoints these salient topics, assisting researchers in comprehending the current state of the domain and guiding potential future research trajectories.
A Mixed Order Abatement Technique for Linear Time Invariant System and Speed control of DC Motor
Authors: Dash Priyajit , Meena M. L. , Parmar Girish
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Association of immune deficiency with prognosis and corticosteroids treatment benefits among patients with ARDS
Authors: Zhou Yanan , Hou Dongni , Chen Cuicui , Yang Yanping , Wang Ying , Song Yuanlin
Published: October 2023

Objective
To investigate the prognostic significance of immune deficiency in ARDS and its response to different doses of corticosteroids.
Methods
The study enrolled 657 patients and they were divided into discovery dataset (n = 357) and validation dataset (n = 300) according to the time of admission, and the relationship between immune deficiency and prognosis and response to corticosteroid therapy in patients with different severity were also analyzed.
Results
Immune deficiency was an independent prognostic factor affecting overall survival. Analysis showed that patients with mild to moderate ARDS (Discovery dataset: HR 1.719; 95% CI 1.229–2.406; Validation dataset: HR 1.874; 95% CI 1.238–2.837) or severe ARDS (Discovery dataset: HR 1.874; 95% CI 1.007–3.488; Validation dataset: HR 1.698; 95% CI 1.042–2.768) with immune deficiency had lower overall survival. And mild to moderate ARDS with immune deficiency benefit better from low dose corticosteroids (HR 0.409; 95% CI 0.249–0.671), severe ARDS with immune deficiency benefit better from both low (HR 0.299; 95% CI 0.136–0.654) and high dose corticosteroid treatment (HR 0.458; 95% CI 0.214–0.981).
Conclusions
Immune deficiency was considered to be an independent risk factor in ARDS patients, and its inclusion in the disease severity grading system based on PaO2/FiO2 was conducive to promoting personalized medication for ARDS patients.
CTX-M-127 with I176F mutations found in bacteria isolates from Bangladeshi circulating banknotes
Authors: Ali Md. Zannat , Sriniva Sankaranarayanan , Akter Selina
Published: October 2023

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are widely recognized as clinically relevant causes of difficult-to-treat infections. CTX-M has formed a rapidly growing family distributed worldwide among a wide range of clinical bacteria, particularly members of Enterobacteriaceae. Circulating banknotes, exchanged daily among people, pose a potential vehicle for transmitting multidrug resistance. In the present study, we screened for ESBL-carrying bacteria and reported CTX-M mutations in the banknotes of Bangladesh. We sequenced the genes and performed homology modeling using the Swiss model with CTX-M-15 (4HBT) as a template. Then, we performed molecular docking of mecillinam with the template and the generated model using Autodock 4.2. After docking, we visually inspected the complexes built using Autodock tools for polar contacts and pi-pi interactions in PyMOL 2.5.4. Our partially sequenced blaCTX−M was related to blaCTX−M−10 and blaCTX−M−15. We observed multiple single-nucleotide substitution mutations, i.e., G613T (silent mutation), A626T (I176F), and A503G (N135D). Homology modeling showed high similarity when the model was superimposed over the template. The orientation of Asn (135) in the template and Asp (135) in the model does not show a significant difference. Likewise, Ile (176) in the template and Phe (176) in the model offer the same orientation. Our generated model could bind to Lys237, Ser240, and Asp135 residues with the lowest binding energy on docking. Our predicted binding of the mecillinam to the mutated D-135 residue in the model indicates contributions and supports previous report proposing CTX-M-15 to CTX-M-127 mutational conversion on mecillinum resistance phenotype.
TRIM67 promotes the function of non-small cell lung cancer by positively regulating the Notch pathway through DLK1 ubiquitination
Authors: Jiang Jun , Dong Xinjie , Liu Jixuan , Liu Ting , Chen Xiaoshuai , Bian Xiaolei , Li Ming , Liu Yafang
Published: October 2023

Background:
Tripartite motif-containing 67 (TRIM67) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that belongs to the TRIM protein family. We previously reported a relationship between TRIM67 and tumorigenesis. TRIM67 immunostaining results correlated with clinicopathological features. TRIM67 expression was associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, p-TNM stage, cancer cell differentiation, and poor prognosis. TRIM67 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by positively regulating the Notch pathway. Delta like non-canonical Notch ligand 1 (DLK1) is an atypical ligand that inhibits the receptor activity of Notch1, thereby inhibiting the activation of the Notch pathway.
Results:
In the present study, we demonstrated the mechanism by which TRIM67 modulates the Notch pathway. We found that TRIM67 induced the Notch pathway by ubiquitinating DLK1 through its RING domain, thereby affecting the function of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.
Conclusions:
These results suggested that TRIM67 plays a role in promoting the development of NSCLC.
Elevated serum neuropeptide Y levels are associated with carotid plaque formation in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Wan-da , Lin Hui-li , Zheng Yan-li , Wang Sheng-nan , Wang Yao-guo
Published: October 2023

Background
Carotid plaque (CP) formation is an important consequence of atherosclerosis and leads to significant complications. Levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is a sympathetic neurotransmitter, are elevated in cardiovascular diseases. It also has important roles in inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum NPY and CP and to study further the influence of NPY and inflammatory factors on CP.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults who underwent a health examination at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University in Fujian Province, of whom 177 were finally enrolled. The participants were divided into the CP (n = 120) and non-CP (NCP) or control (n = 57) groups according to the results of carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound. The CP group was further classified into stable plaque (SP, n = 80) and vulnerable plaque (VP, n = 40) groups based on plaque characteristics. Serum NPY and pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were examined. Univariate and correlation analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between serum NPY levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the CP phenotype.
Results
The serum NPY and TNF-α levels of patients in the CP group were significantly higher than those in individuals from the NCP group [ (177.30 ± 43.29) pg.mL-1 vs. (121.53 ± 40.16)pg.mL-1, P < 0.001; (41.94 ± 14.19) pg.mL-1 vs.(33.54 ± 13.37)pg.mL-1, P = 0.003]. The serum NPY levels of the patients in the VP group were significantly higher than those in patients from the SP group [(191.67 ± 39.87)ng.L-1 vs.(170.12 ± 43.37)ng.L-1, P = 0.01, P < 0.05]. Serum TNF-α and NPY levels were positively correlated among patients from the CP group (r = 0.184, P = 0.044). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum NPY and TNF-α were independent influencing factors of CP [(OR = 1.029, P < 0.001);(OR = 1.030, P = 0.023)] .
Conclusion
Together, elevated serum NPY levels seem to be associated with the occurrence of coronary atherosclerosis in Chinese adults.
Intraventricular metastases from small cell lung cancer: case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Chunjiao , Liao Meiyan , Xu Yu , Gan Tian , Liu Yumin
Published: October 2023

Background
Metastases are uncommon in intraventricular tumors. Intraventricular metastases from lung cancer are extremely rare and present challenges in terms of diagnosis and management.
Case Presentation:
We present the case of a 52-year-old man who presented with multiple lesions on CT and MRI. A lung CT scan, needle biopsy, and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer. The patient received chemotherapy with anti-PD-L1 blockade, along with etoposide and platinum (EP). As a result, the size of the intraventricular tumor was significantly reduced.
Conclusions
We summarized nine cases of intraventricular metastasis of lung cancer, including our case. Patients are often challenging to diagnose initially, especially in cases of undiagnosed lung cancer, and their prognosis is often unfavorable. On CT or MRI, intraventricular metastases of lung cancer appear as multiple lesions that are distributed along the ventricular wall. Intraventricular metastases should be considered when multiple neoplastic lesions are found within the ventricles. Conducting a search for primary tumor lesions or performing an intraventricular tumor biopsy can help confirm the diagnosis.
Zinc Nanoparticles for Contributing Salinity Stress Resilience in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: SHUKLA GYANIKA , Singh Amardeep , Tyagi Anushka , Gaurav Shailendra Singh
Published: October 2023

Wheat is the most widely grown food crop in the world. The world is seeing much of its wheat yield decline due to salt stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc nanoparticles in improving resilience to salt stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). ZnNP was biosynthesized using Crassula multicava leaf extract as reducing agent and capping agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized to evaluate structural and biochemical aspects. The ZnNPs were found to be irregular in shape at 100nm magnification by TEM analysis. The average size of the biosynthesized ZnNPs was 64.6 nm as evidenced by DLS analysis. The experiment was laid out with a randomized complete block designed and arranged with eight replications in the pots with 5 rows having one row of control and the other 4 rows of different salinity levels such as 100mM, 75mM, 50mM, and 25mM. The crop was subjected to a total 3 treatments; The first NaCl stress was given on emergence of the Tillering stage (30 DAS) and after 2 days of salinity stress period the wheat plant pots were treated with 2mM zinc nanoparticles, second at the Booting stage (58 DAS) and third at Flowering stage. Plants that were not stressed with NaCl and not treated with NPs were considered as controls. Plant growth parameters were recorded. The results obtained showed that the application of ZnNP had a positive effect on all morphological and yield characteristics of wheat plants. The best results were recorded in potted plants subjected to 25 mM NaCl stress and treated with ZnNPs and showed a significant effect compared to the control at p < 0.05. The study concluded that ZnNPs can contribute to enhancing the resilience of wheat to salt stress.
Proteomic signaling of dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Erming , Pan Allen L. , Bagchi Pritha , Ranjaraju Srikant , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Ehrlich Michelle E. , Salton Stephen R. , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2023

DUSP4 is a member of the DUSP (Dual-Specificity Phosphatase) subfamily that is selective to the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and has been implicated in a range of biological processes and functions in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we utilized stereotactic delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-DUSP4 to overexpress DUSP4 in the dorsal hippocampus of 5xFAD and wildtype (WT) mice, then used mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics along with label-free quantification to profile the proteome and phosphoproteome in the hippocampus. We identified patterns of protein expression and phosphorylation that are modulated in 5xFAD mice and examined the sex-specific impact of DUSP4 overexpression on the 5xFAD proteome/phosphoproteome. In 5xFAD mice, a substantial number of proteins were up- or down-regulated in both male and female mice in comparison to age and sex-matched WT mice, many of which are involved in AD-related biological processes, such as the activated immune response or suppression of synaptic activities. Upon DUSP4 overexpression, significantly regulated proteins were found in pathways that were suppressed, such as the immune response, in male 5xFAD mice. In contrast, such a shift was absent in female mice. For the phosphoproteome, we detected an array of phosphorylation sites that are regulated in 5xFAD compared to WT, and are modulated by DUSP4 overexpression in each sex. Interestingly, the changes in 5xFAD- and DUSP4-associated phosphorylation occurred in opposite directions. Strikingly, both the 5xFAD- and DUSP4-associated phosphorylation changes were found for the most part in neurons, and play key roles in neuronal processes and synaptic function. Site-centric pathway analysis revealed that both the 5xFAD- and DUSP4-associated phosphorylation sites were enriched for a number of kinase sets in female, but only a limited number of sets of kinases in male mice. Taken together, our results suggest that male and female 5xFAD mice respond to DUSP4 overexpression via shared and sex-specific molecular mechanisms, which might underly similar reductions in amyloid pathology in both sexes, while learning deficits were reduced in only females with DUSP4 overexpression. Finally, we validated our findings with the sex-specific AD-associated proteomes in human cohorts and further developed DUSP4-centric proteomic network models and signaling maps for each sex.
Prevention as a Game-Theoretical Simulation in Bayesian Equilibria and Control through Real- World Data from Vaccination Monitoring
Authors: Humbsch Philipp
Published: October 2023

Background: Game theory is an economic model used to understand social conflict situations, identify problems, and propose solutions. In the field of medicine, which involves a tension between resource orientation and medical necessity, certain issues can benefit from game-theoretical models, particularly when social conflict situations influence the actions of public health services. Therefore, it is a possible consideration to view questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic from a game-theoretical perspective.
Method: A literature review of game theory applied to medical issues was conducted to develop a model of dynamic equilibriums concerning the question of compulsory vaccination. This model was then evaluated using freely available data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
Results: It was found that when preventive measures allow citizens some form of choice, they tend to make a decision with a constant probability (dynamic equilibrium). This results in a decreasing proportion of individuals continuously opting for the preventive measure, including vaccinations. Regarding vaccinations, it was observed that regardless of the existence of compulsory vaccination, there can be an asymptotic decline in the proportion of those choosing to get vaccinated within the total population, though this decline was practically unobservable in the case of SARS-CoV-2 basic immunization.
Conclusion: With all factors determining the decision for or against a preventive measure held constant, the probability remains constant with each repetition. This suggests that both the initial probability and the number of repetitions are crucial for the success of a preventive measure (e.g., basic immunization). In the case of COVID-19 vaccinations, unlike many other recommended vaccinations, it was possible to convey to the public that basic immunization consists of two doses, which increased the proportion of individuals getting the second dose. Compulsory vaccination for a single-dose vaccination that does not require boosting for a lifetime can fulfill its purpose according to this reasoning. However, compulsory vaccination for a vaccination that requires ongoing repetition cannot fulfill its purpose as the proportion of those choosing to get vaccinated decreases with each repetition. Public health decision-makers should consider this when contemplating preventive measures.
Peritumor mucosa in advanced laryngeal carcinoma exhibits an aberrant proangiogenic signature distinctive from the expression pattern in adjacent tumor tissue
Authors: Kyurkchiyan Silva G , Stancheva Gergana , Petkova Veronika , Panova Stiliana , Hadzhiev Yulian , Dobriyanova Venera , Stancheva Iglika , Kaneva Radka P , Popov Todor M
Published: October 2023

Field cancerization theory is an important paradigm in head and neck carcinoma as its oncological repercussions affect treatment outcomes in diverse ways. The aim of this study is to assess the possible interconnection between peritumor mucosa and the process of tumor neoangiogenesis. Sixty patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma were enrolled in the study. The majority of patients express a canonical HIF-upregulated proangiogenic signature with almost complete predominancy of HIF-1α overexpression and normal expression levels of the HIF-2α isoform. Remarkably, more than 60% of the whole cohort exhibit a HIF-upregulated proangiogenic signature also in peritumoral benign mucosa. Additionally, the latter subgroup has a distinctly shifted phenotype towards HIF-2α upregulation compared to the one in tumor tissue, i.e., a tendency towards a HIF-switch is observed in contrast to the dominated by HIF-1α tumor phenotype. ETS-1 displays stable and identical significant overexpression in both proangiogenic phenotypes present in tumor and peritumoral mucosa. In the current study, we report for the first time the existence of an abnormal proangiogenic expression profile present in the peritumoral mucosa in advanced laryngeal carcinoma when compared to paired distant laryngeal mucosa. Moreover, we describe a specific phenotype of this proangiogenic signature that is significantly different from the one present in tumor tissue as we delineate both phenotypes, quantitively and qualitatively. This finding is per se cancer heterogeneity that extends beyond the “classical” borders of the malignancy and is proof of a strong interconnection between field cancerization and one of the classical hallmarks of cancer – the process of tumor neoangiogenesis.
Association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping: evidence from NHANES 2017-2018
Authors: Wang Shihong , Lai Fengxia , Zhou Jiyu , Chen Hao , Yu Haibing , Kong Danli , Ding Yuanlin
Published: October 2023

Background
Vitamin C is an important micronutrient for human. Assocision between vitamin C and trouble sleeping was less studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible link between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping.
Methods
The cross-sectional data was derived from the National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017–2018). We used multivariate logistic regressions to examine the possible link between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping, and then a subgroup analysis was performed. Moreover, the non-linear relationship between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping was further detected using a restricted cubic spline(RCS) model.
Results
A total of 4277 participants were included in the study. After adjusting all potential confounders, the results of multivariate logistic regression showed the signifcant association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping(OR = 0.790; 95%CI = 0.680 ~ 0.918). The signifcant association was also found in female(OR = 0.694; 95%CI = 0.569 ~ 0.845), age ≤ 65 years(OR = 0.746; 95%CI = 0.616 ~ 0.904), other race(OR = 0.557; 95%CI = 0.369 ~ 0.841) and in participants with diabetes(OR = 0.692; 95%CI = 0.503 ~ 0.951) or high cholesterol level(OR = 0.728; 95%CI = 0.579 ~ 0.916). In addition, the RCS model demonstrated the signifcant non-linear relationship between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping(P value of nonlinear = 0.0127).
Conclusions
The cross-sectional population based study indicates that vitamin C in serum is a protective factor for trouble sleeping. Nevertheless, more studys are needed to further confrm our fndings.
An Evaluation of Bank Efficiency in Hong Kong: The Impact of System Integration
Authors: Yan Ting Liang , Ip Yun kit , Chao Wai Cheng
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to assess the efficiency of publicly listed banks in Hong Kong following the implementation of system integration initiatives. System integration operationally refers to the process of combining various banking systems, technologies, and processes to enhance operational effectiveness and customer service. The key advanced technologies in the financial sector include Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. By evaluating the efficiency of banks in Hong Kong in the context of system integration, this study uses the DEA-BCC and DEA-Malmquist models to measure the impact of system integration on the operational performance of Hong Kong-listed banks from 2016 to 2021. The research findings reveal that nine listed Hong Kong banks have MI values greater than one, mainly due to the increase in the technology progress index.
JEL: G14, G21
Effectiveness of combined reflective learning strategy on perceived clinical reasoning among nursing students Tanzania: A quasi- experimental study
Authors: Nyaki Flora , Millanzi Walter , Kibusi Stephen
Published: October 2023

Background
Patient safety is seriously threatened by the lack of fundamental clinical reasoning abilities. Competent nurses play a significant role in maintaining safety and effective healthcare services by integrating knowledge, abilities and attitudes that enable them to adapt to a changing health environment. Nursing clinical competence is the synthesis of knowledge, skills, clinical reasoning, values, beliefs and attitudes.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare the three teaching and learning methods (conversational, journaling and combined conversational and journaling reflective learning strategy in determine its effect on perceived self-directed learning and clinical reasoning in nursing education.
Methods
The study was conducted using a prospective quasi-experimental with pre- and post-evaluation. Participants received brief training on reflective practices and started to collect their clinical experiences based on the current clinical rotation department, write reflective journals, and conduct reflective conversations guided with Gibbs’s model of reflection. Data collection was performed before and after the intervention on their perceived clinical reasoning using the Nurses Clinical Reasoning Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics such as DID model were used.
Results
The study included 143 participants with mean age of 24.10 ± 2.12 where 74.8% of them were male. There was a statistically significant mean score change on perceived clinical reasoning among participants over time. The mean score performance of the participants ranged from 2.98 ± 0.94 to 4.43 ± 0.50. The overall effect size of the intervention on perceived clinical reasoning among participants accounted for β = 1.7091 to 2.2217. which is a huge effect size as compared to when they had no exposed on a combined reflective practice.
Conclusion
The findings revealed that integrated conversational and journaling reflective learning strategy has significant academic potentials of empowering the nursing students clinical reasoning skills before the provision of care to patients. Thus, combined reflective learning strategy can be used as a clinical teaching and learning strategy in nursing education.
Soil metabolic factors, not pathogens, drive replant disease: insights from a 20-year soil legacy experiment
Authors: Li lichongwei , Chen Guozhong , Zou Nan , Zhang Hongxia , Li Haokun , Zhu Ping , Bai Xinfu , Zhao Ying , Hou Yuping , Zhang Xingxiao
Published: October 2023

Background
Replant diseases (RDs) often stem from nutrient deficiency, allelopathy, or pathogen accumulation. However, the RDs of certain crops are long-lasting and their causes remain unknown. We examined Panax quinquefolius RD in a space-for-time soil sequence representing crop rotation restoration over 1, 10, and 20 years using multiomics and bioassays.
Results
Compared with the soils with no ginseng cultivation history, we found 110 potential influencing factors (not including pathogens) related to RD in the 1-year rotation soil, 53 of which remained unrestored after 20 years. Soil pH and the levels of organic nutrients (amino acids, carbohydrates, and alditols), allelopathic-promoting metabolites (phenolic acids, amines, pyridines, etc.), and beneficial bacteria (Sphingomonas, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, and Terrabacter) and fungi (Acremonium, Penicillium, and Naganishia) decreased, while the levels of allelopathic inhibitory factors (pyruvic and fatty acids) increased. The overall soil metabolism was downregulated. We confirmed that decreased organic nutrient levels and increased levels of allelochemical inhibitory substances impaired P. quinquefolius growth. Network analysis showed that soil metabolic factors rather than microbial factors were dominant.
Conclusions
Through a partial least squares structural equation model, we found that the overall changes in nutrient levels and metabolic and microbial factors contributed to short-term RD (1–10 year) persistence, whereas long-term RD (after 20 years) primarily resulted from disordered soil metabolite levels and pathways. This research will help deepen our understanding of the relationship between RD and potential changes in the factors influencing RD that are caused by soil legacy effects of valuable plants and provide theoretical guidance for effective soil quality improvement.
Models of good practice to enhance infectious disease care cascades among people who inject drugs: A qualitative study of interventions implemented in European settings
Authors: Horváth Ilonka , Mårdh Otilia , Schwarz Tanja
Published: October 2023

Background
People who inject drugs (PWID) in Europe are at an increased risk of HIV/AIDS, chronic viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) and tuberculosis (TB). We aimed to complement the evidence base on interventions optimising their care cascade with evidence from models of good practice (MoGPs) implemented in the EU/EEA and countries from the Eastern European region.
Methods
A model of good practice (MoGP) was defined as (a package of) interventions with proven effectiveness in certain settings that are likely to be replicable and sustainable in other settings or countries. Fifteen MoGP identified by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) following a call launched in 2020 have been analysed. For the 15 MoGP, a qualitative content analysis was conducted of (i) intervention characteristics and (ii) enabling factors. Information was extracted and summarised for community-based testing, linkage to care and adherence to treatment.
Results
MoGPs emerged from projects implemented in Belarus, Norway, Portugal, the Republic of Moldova, Spain and the UK alongside the multi-country HepCare project (Ireland, Romania, Spain, the UK) targeting either HCV (6/15) or HIV/AIDS (4/15) alone or combined with HBV and/or TB (5/15). All MoGPs used packages of interventions, with decentralisation of services (15/15), cooperation among service providers (14/15), integrated services (10/15), peer interventions (12/15) and case management (4/15) reported across all stages in the care cascade. The synthesis of enablers shows that when replicating interventions in other settings, consideration should be given to national (legal) frameworks, characteristics of and proximity between healthcare and service providers and establishing relations of trust with PWID.
Conclusion
To improve the cascade of care for PWID in European settings, care structures and pathways should be simplified, based on cooperation and multidisciplinary. MoGPs can provide implementation-based evidence on interventions alongside evidence from peer-reviewed literature to optimise the care cascade among PWID.
A gait analysis method based on monocular camera for rapid screening of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Liu Huibin , Yang Mengshu , Wu yikang , Tian Chong , Zhou Yangshiyu , Feng Zhuoming , Wu Linfei , Liu Chuang , Liu Weizhong
Published: October 2023

Gait analysis has important value in detecting and warning Alzheimer's disease.Some studies suggest that gait disorders in individuals with cognitive impairments occur earlier than neuropsychological abnormalities.By analyzing gait to determine whether there is a mild cognitive impairment, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease can be detected earlier.Early gait disorders require the use of dual task walking to be detected, while ordinary single task walking is masked by cognitive reserve, and its mechanism still needs further research.In the field of traditional medicine, medical staff manually observe, record, and analyze gait, which takes a long time, incurs high labor costs, and cannot be performed simultaneously on a large scale.The 3D gait analysis system and wearable gait analysis system have high accuracy, but there are shortcomings such as complex operation and high dependence on equipment and professionals.The article proposes a gait analysis method based on a monocular camera, aiming to solve the problems of accuracy, portability, and efficiency of existing gait analysis methods.Machine learning of gait parameters obtained through gait analysis can determine whether a user has mild cognitive impairment and thus determining the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.The article provides the overall process of the method and proposes optimization strategies.The experiment has shown that this testing method has low cost, strong convenience, good reliability and validity of the gait parameters obtained, and high accuracy in determining whether there is mild cognitive impairment.