bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leonurine hydrochloride-a new drug for the treatment of menopausal syndrome: synthesis、estrogen-like effects and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Wang Jin , Wei Jie , Zhou Yaxin , Ren Lili , Chen Guoguang
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research was to develop a new drug for the treatment
of Menopausal Syndrome (MPS) caused by ovarian function decline. First,
3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzoic acid was used as a starting material to
synthesize Leonurine hydrochloride (Leo). The structural was confirmed
through differential calorimetry scanning (DSC), Fourier infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H NMR and mass spectrometry (MS). Next,
uterotrophic assay in juvenile mice showed that Leo has an estrogen-like
effect in vivo, as it can promote the development of the uterus of
juvenile mice, increase its uterine coefficient and the size of the
uterine cavity, as well as the increased the number of uterine glands
and the thickened uterine wall. Then the proliferation and proliferation
inhibitory effects of Leo on MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells indicate
that Leo exerts estrogen-like effects through estrogen receptor α (ERα)
and estrogen receptor β((ERβ) in vitro. Cyclophosphamide was used to
establish a mouse model of ovarian function decline. Through this model,
we found that Leo can restore the estrous cycle of mice, increase the
number of primordial and primary follicles in the ovaries of mice,
strengthen ovarian function, and regulate the disordered HPOA axis of
mice. Finally, the pharmacokinetics of Leo was studied and oral
bioavailability of Leo was calculated to be 2.21%. Leo was synthesized
and the estrogen-like effect in vitro and in vivo was confirmed as well
as its pharmacokinetic.
Bio-Nanocrystallization of NaCl using Saline Wastewaters through Biological Treatment by Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Hamimed Selma , Gamraoui Afef , Landoulsi Ahmed , Chatti Abdelwaheb
Published: January 2024

This study deals with the biological treatment of saline wastewaters
generated by olive oil and fish canning industries using Yarrowia
lipolytica. The ability of the halophilic yeast Y. lipolytica was
studied on the dephenolated olive mill wastewater (DOMW) / tuna wash
processing wastewater (TWPW) mixtures at different proportions. Our
results showed that DOMW/TWPW (75:25) is the suitable mixture for the
highest Y. lipolytica biomass production reaching 11.3 g L-1 after 7
days. In addition, our results showed significant removal of chemical
oxygen demand (COD) and phosphorous of 97.49 % and 98.90 %,
respectively. As well as, a total removal of nitrogen was observed at
the end of the experiment. On the other hand, Y. lipolytica was found to
be effective in removing salts from these mixtures reaching 92.21 %.
Moreover, the analytical results using Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) confirmed the biosorption of NaCl on the surface of the
yeast as nanocrystals form. Hence, Y. lipolytica can be considered as a
promising candidate for the simultaneous remediation and desalination of
saline food wastewater.
British Society of Otology National Prospective COVID-19 Audit; Resuming Otological Surgery
Authors: Warner Elinor , Ghedia Reshma , Alatsatianos Anton , Lloyd Simon , Rea Peter , Seymour Felicity
Published: January 2024

Objectives To assess how otological surgery resumed following the UK’s
first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and what challenges clinicians faced
when operating. Design A multi-centre prospective audit of elective and
emergency otological surgery Participants 1130 cases from 79 hospital
sites across the UK (excluding Northern Ireland). Data was collected
over three, 4-week audit periods from 15th June to 6th September 2020.
Main outcome measures Which operations were being performed in England,
Scotland and Wales? What was the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE)? Were there a greater number of complications? What was the level
of trainee participation? Did any patients or patients contract
COVID-19? Results 85.8% of operations took place in England. 69.1% of
operations were middle ear procedures and 58% of patients were adults.
83.2% were Caucasian and 93.9% of patients had minimal co-morbidities
(ASA 1 or 2). 91.1% were for tested SARS-CoV-2 pre-operatively, none of
whom tested positive. 70.4% isolated for 7-14 days pre-operatively.
28.2% of surgeons wore full personal protective equipment (PPE),
compared with 66.6% of anaesthetists and 68.2% of scrub staff.
Trainees were present in 80.3% of cases. Complications were reported in
4% of cases; surgical site infection was the most common. No patients
or staff contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the audit. Conclusions Restarting
otology surgery after the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was
performed safely across the UK, with no increase in complication rates
or SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, there were challenges to operating
with PPE and trainees have been affected by reduced exposure to surgical
cases.
Polysiloxane coatings on microspheres based on Multiphase Flow with Interface Exchange-Discrete Element Modelling
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Dietiker Jean-François , Lu Kathy
Published: January 2024

Polysiloxane coatings on yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) microspheres
of 500 µm were simulated using Multiphase Flow with Interface
Exchange-Discrete Element Modelling (MFiX-DEM). Two different coater
configurations were developed to study the influence of gas velocity and
its distribution on particle dynamics. The presence of the Wurster tube
not only enhances the distribution but also increases the overall
residence time of the particles. For different Wurster tube positions
(normal, 10% and 20% lowered from its initial position), 20% lowered
Wurster tube position demonstrated the most effective coating process.
The effects of gas inlet pressure on the average gas velocity and the
distribution of particles were analyzed. More than 97% of the particles
can be retained. The derived results, including average gas velocity,
particle retention percentage, and distribution of particles with gas
velocity, are being used to guide the experimental work in obtaining
defect-free coatings for YSZ microspheres.
Asthma susceptibility in prenatal nicotine-exposed mice attributed to β-catenin increase during CD4+ T cell development.
Authors: Wen Xiao , Liu Han-xiao , Chen Lan-zhou , Qu Wen , Yan Hui-yi , Hou Li-fang , Zhao Wen-hao , Feng Yi-ting , Ping Jie
Published: January 2024

Background. Asthma, the most frequent allergic airway disease, is
related to maternal exposure to cigarette smoke. Our previous studies
demonstrated that prenatal exposure to nicotine (PNE), the major active
product of smoking, impairs fetal thymopoiesis and CD4+ T cell
development after birth. This study aimed to investigate whether PNE
contributes to asthma susceptibility through CD4+ T cell development
alterations. Methods. A PNE model was established by administering 3
mg/kg/day nicotine to maternal mice, and then an ovalbumin-induced
asthma model was established in the offspring. β-Catenin and downstream
pathways were further inhibited in vitro to confirm the molecular
mechanisms underlying the phenotype observed during the in vivo phase.
Results. PNE induced Th2 and Th17 biases at developmental checkpoints
and aggravated asthma symptoms in the offspring. In fetuses, PNE
up-regulated α7 nAChR, activated PI3K-AKT, promoted β-catenin level
increase, and established potential Th2- and Th17-biased gene expression
patterns during thymopoiesis, which persisted after birth. Similar
results were also observed in 1 μM nicotine-treated thymocytes in vitro.
Moreover, inhibiting PI3K-AKT by LY294002 abrogated nicotine-mediated
β-catenin level increase and thymopoiesis abnormalities, and an α7 nAChR
antagonist (α-btx) also reversed nicotine-induced PI3K-AKT activation.
Conclusion. Our findings provide strong evidence that PNE is a risk
factor for T cell deviation and postnatal asthma, and revealed that
nicotine-induced β-catenin level increase induces thymopoiesis
abnormalities.
The impact of pregnant women's health-seeking behaviour and mode of birth preferences on pregnancy distress during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: AKTAŞ Songul , AYDIN Ruveyde , Binici Dilek Kaloğlu
Published: January 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affects health of pregnant women and
their attitudes and behaviours related to pregnancy and birth. Aim: To
explore the impact of pregnant women’s health-seeking behaviour and mode
of birth preferences on pregnancy distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and Method: The type of this study is cross-sectional. It was
conducted with 351 pregnant women admitted to the pregnancy outpatient
clinic. The data were collected using the “Pregnancy Information Form,
the Pregnancy Distress Scale, and the Health Seeking Behaviour Scale”.
The data were evaluated with Wilcoxon, Binary Logistic, and Linear
regression analysis. STROBE checklist guide was followed in the study.
Results: The study revealed that the total pregnancy distress score and
risky distress levels of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic
were higher than before. On average, four out of every five pregnant
women (81.2%) stated that they experienced difficulties (decreased
social support, finding information suspicious, having to go to the
hospital) during the pandemic. During the pandemic, pregnant women
mostly wanted to get information about the impacts of COVID-19 on the
health of pregnant (59.54%) and foetus (67.81%). Increased
health-seeking behaviour in pregnant women decreased the pregnancy
distress stemming from inadequate partner involvement. 11.3% of the
pregnant women have changed their mode of birth preferences due to the
pandemic. The risk of pregnancy distress increased 5.4 times in those
who changed their mode of birth due to pandemic compared to those who
preferred vaginal birth before and during the pandemic. Conclusion:
There is effect of their health-seeking behaviour and mode of birth
preference on distress of the pregnant women during pandemic. Health
professionals should reduce the distress of the pregnant woman by
ensuring the continuity of antenatal care and counseling services during
the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women, distress,
health-seeking behaviour, mode of birth
Solutions to second order polynomials with real coefficients in scator algebra
Authors: Fernandez-Guasti Manuel
Published: January 2024

The roots of second order polynomials with real coefficients are
obtained in the \mathbb{S}^{1+2} scator set.
Explicit formulae are computed in terms of the polynomial coefficients.
Although the scator product does not distribute over addition, the lack
of distributivity is surmountable in order to find the zeros of the
polynomial. The structure of the solutions and their distribution in the
1+2 dimensional scator space are illustrated and discussed.
Respiratory insufficiency as a presenting symptom of congenital myasthenic syndromes
Authors: Udenhout Fleur van den , Merkus Peter , Akker Sandra Verhaagen-van den , Schouten Meyke , Erasmus Corrie , Braakman Hilde
Published: January 2024

Respiratory insufficiency can be a presenting symptom of Congenital
Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS) but is rarely recognized as such. CMS result
from failure of the neuromuscular transmission secondary to gene
mutations affecting the neuromuscular junction structure and function. A
core symptom is muscle weakness that worsens with physical exertion. We
describe five children who experienced severe to life threatening
episodes of respiratory insufficiency, especially during viral
infections, due to respiratory muscle weakness. During infections they
often also had progression of their ocular, facial, and limb muscle
weakness. All children were eventually diagnosed with genetically proven
CMS. In all five children, treatment with pyridostigmine, an
acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, resulted in clinical improvement. CMS
should be considered in every patient with unexplained recurrent
respiratory insufficiency, or with a disproportionate and unusually
severe course of a (viral) respiratory infection. Early diagnosis of CMS
is crucial for early treatment, which may help avoiding further
deterioration of the muscle strength, severe respiratory insufficiency
and sudden infant death.
Effects of early-life exposure to dust mite allergen and endotoxin on the development of asthma and wheezing: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Hasunuma Hideki , Yoda Yoshiko , Tokuda Narumi , Taniguchi Naoko , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Shima Masayuki
Published: January 2024

Background: The effects of early-life exposure to house dust mite
allergen and endotoxin on the development of asthma are unclear in the
literature. We investigated the association of early-life exposure (0-36
months old) to house dust mite allergen and endotoxin with asthma
incidence. Methods: In this novel, large-scale, nationwide birth cohort
study, 5,017 participants were randomly selected from those who met the
eligibility criteria. House dust was vacuum-sampled from the children’s
bed within homes and assayed for the presence of dust mite allergen (Der
1) and endotoxin. The participants were classified into four quartiles
(Q1-Q4) according to exposure levels. We defined the incidence of asthma
and wheezing using a questionnaire at 12, 24, and 36 months old. Odds
ratios (ORs) of the incidence of asthma and wheezing by age in Der 1 and
endotoxin exposure level were estimated using logistic regression.
Results: The cumulative incidence rates of asthma and wheezing during
0-36 months were 10.4% and 38.1%, respectively. Significant ORs were
observed in asthma onset during 12-24 months old, asthma onset during
24-36 months old, and wheezing onset during 0-12 months old in the Q4
Der 1 group. In the Q4 endotoxin group, significant positive
associations between endotoxin exposure and asthma (OR 2.00, 95%
confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-3.85) and wheezing (OR 1.78, 95% CI:
1.01-3.12) onset during 24-36 months old were found. Conclusions: Our
results indicated that high levels of early-life exposure to Der 1 and
endotoxin in mattresses may be involved in the development of asthma.
Genetic characterization of Rift Valley Fever Virus in insectivorous bats during Inter-epidemic Periods, Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Hussein , Ahmed Omar , El‑Deeb A. H. , Gadalla Mohamed Rasheed , El-Soally Sherif Abdel Ghafar
Published: January 2024

The possibility that the bats could act as amplifying/reservoir host for
Rift valley Fever virus (RVFV) during the inter-epidemic period was
investigated. Four-hundred different samples were obtained from 100
Egyptian insectivorous and frugivorous bats (comprising two species) and
tested by real-time RT-PCR assay (rRT-PCR). Pooled liver from
insectivorous but not frugivorous bat samples were found positive for
RVFV RNA, Partial S and M genome segments sequencing, and phylogenetic
analysis showed that these viruses are genetically close to those
circulated in livestock and humans during the previously reported RVFV
outbreaks in Egypt 1977-1978, 1993 and 2003. To our knowledge, this is
the first evidence of the RVFV genome in insectivorous bats in Egypt.
Thermal Inactivation of Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Canpolat Murat , Bozkurt Serhat , Şakalar Çağrı , Çoban Ahmet , Karaçaylı Deniz , Toker Emre
Published: January 2024

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has
spread worldwide with its different variants. The transmission
efficiency of the new variants is much higher than the existing ones.
Therefore, developing new preventive measures based on the transmission
routes of the virus is needed to limit the spread. The possible
transmission routes include direct contact with surfaces contaminated
with droplets secreted by patients and airborne viral transmission from
person to person. Thermal inactivation is a preventive measure that
applies high temperature to objects or fluids, as has been reported
previously. However, inactivation data of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 exposed
to heat for a short time at high temperatures are not in the literature
yet. We evaluated the inactivation of the aerosolized virus while
passing through an electric heater. The virus inactivation test
experiments were conducted at two temperatures of the heater’s outlet
air, 150±5oC, and 220±5 oC, at an air flow rate of 0.6 m3/h (10 L/min)
and heat exposure time of 1.44 s. The loss in viability of the virus at
150 oC and 220 oC was measured as 99.900% and 99.999%, respectively.
The results indicate that the high-temperature inactivation of
SARS-CoV-2 may potentially reduce aerosolized viral indoors.
The Ramanujan-Alhena Singular Numbers Theorem
Authors: ORELLANA CARLOS I , Orellana Geminis
Published: January 2024

The famous singularity of number 7; conjectured by Ramanujan from a
Diofanthine equation. In which the answer is given in the subtraction of
2n for every number A greater than zero, at most two solutions were
obtained except for number 7, in which case 5 solutions were obtained.
What was analysed by many 20th century mathematicians such as Lebesgue,
Nagell, Chowla, Lewis, Skolem, Apéry, among others. That, through their
demonstrations, they supported this conjecture as true. It is currently
known as the Lebesgue-Ramanujan-Nagell Equation. And to this day,
contemporary mathematicians continue to study it. In this article, the
equation was analysed and developed in such a way that several
counterexamples were reproduced, which was good for its refutation.
However, this was the starting point, which extended the conjecture from
the unique case of the number 7 to several numbers in which 5 solutions
were obtained such as the number 28 and which should also be defined as
singular. Through what will be known as the Ramanujan-Alhena Singular
Number Theorem
Quantum Hermite-Hadamard and quantum Ostrowski type inequalities for s-convex functions with applications
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aamir , BUDAK Hüseyin , Ntouyas S.K. , Tariboon Jessada
Published: January 2024

In this study, we use quantum calculus to prove Hermite-Hadamard and
Ostrowski type inequalities for s-convex functions in the second sense.
The newly proven results are also shown to be an extension of comparable
results in the literature, like the results of [1, 12, 16].
Furthermore, it is provided that how the newly discovered inequalities
can be applied to special means of real numbers.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Invasive Mould Sinusitis in Children with Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Eissa Shaimaa , Khedr Reham , Romeih Marwa , Halaby Lama , Elanany Mervat , Madney Youssef
Published: January 2024

Background: Pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies are
susceptible to invasive mould sinusitis (IMS). IMS is a rare entity that
requires careful attention and prompts management due to its high
mortality. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of pediatric
patients with hematological malignancies treated at Children Cancer
Hospital Egypt through the period from 2008 till 2016 with proven IMS.
Results: Thirty-four patients were diagnosed with IMS. Five 5(15%)
patients had an invasive rhino-cerebral fungal disease. Mucormycosis
were isolated in 17(50%) patients, Aspergillosis in 13 (38%) patients,
and mixed fungal in 4 (12%) patients. Sinuses were the only localized
site in (45%). Extra-nasal spread was reported in 20 patients;
Sino-pulmonary in 12(35%), Sino-cerebral in 5(15%), and Sino-orbital
in 2(5%) patients. Combined antifungal therapy with surgical
debridement was done in 59% of patients with a better outcome when
compared to those who received only medical antifungal treatment (P =
0.01). The overall mortality rate at week 12 was 35% (12 patients), and
IMS attributable mortality was 20% (7 patients). IMS with cerebral
extension carried the highest mortality rate for both 12-week all-cause
(p=0.04) and fungal-attributable (P=0.01) mortality. Conclusions:
Pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies are susceptible to
invasive mould sinusitis (IMS). Surgical debridement, combined with
antifungal therapy, improves outcomes among those patients. IMS patients
with cerebral extension had a higher risk of mortality.
Feto-maternal outcome of COVID-19 positive pregnant patients in Bangladesh: a comparative study
Authors: Ruman Umme , Karim Khondoker , Rhaman Mir Masudur , Begum Ferdousi
Published: January 2024

Objective: Study the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy and
neonatal outcomes. Design & Setting: Prospective cohort study
in Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Bogura, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
department. Methods: Collected and analysed data of 29 pregnant
ladies positive for COVID-19 between June to October 2020 inclusive to
assess the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes.
Control group was COVID negative pregnant patients. Nasopharyngeal swab
was taken for real time polymerase chain reaction for detection of
COVID-19. Main outcome measures: Compared age, symptoms, any
complication in mother and fetus, mode of termination, and duration of
hospital stay. Results: Mean age was 27.45 years in case and
28.10 years in control group (P value <0.503). Only six were
asymptomatic (10.3%). Fifteen (25.9%) had fever, six had weakness
(10.3%), five (8.6%) had sore throat, three (5.2%) had nausea and
five (8.6%) presented with loss of smell. Among twenty-nine patients,
five (8.6%) delivered normally, twenty four (41.4%) were delivered
through caesarean section which was significantly higher than control
group (P value <0.001) No mother became critical or expired,
neonatal death was also absent. Mean duration of hospital stay was
14.13± 6.192 days in case and 5.18±4.99 in control which was
significantly (P value <0.001) higher. Breast feeding was
significantly higher in control group (P value <0.001).
Conclusion: Present study shows feto-maternal outcome of COVID
pregnancy does not vary to a great extent in comparison with normal
pregnancy. Funding: No funding was required. Keywords:
COVID-19, Maternal morbidity, Pneumonia, Pregnancy, COVID-19 in
pregnancy
Knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19 among the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
Authors: Jubayer Md. Fahad , Limon Md. Tariqul Islam , Rana Md. Masud , Kayshar Md. Shahidullah , Arifin Md. Shoaib , AHM Musleh Uddin , Mazumder Md. Anisur Rahman
Published: January 2024

The Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh has become more vulnerable
to COVID-19 because of their living and environmental conditions. The
current study represents an assessment of the Rohingya people’s
COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) at eight
refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. This cross-sectional study was completed
with a total of 400 responses between July and September of 2020. A
questionnaire was created to assess demographic characteristics (5
items), knowledge (10 items), attitude (5 items), practices (5 items),
and information sources (1 item). Aside from the total KAP scores, the
scores are also presented based on demographic variables. The KAP of the
respondents were not satisfactory, with scores of 5.8 ±1.8, 2.2 ± 1.0,
and 0.9 ± 0.7, respectively. We found significant differences only in
the knowledge scores based on education and gender. In conclusion, this
study emphasizes the importance of COVID-19 training that focuses on
behavioral changes for the Rohingya people in Bangladesh.
Electrogustometry and contact endoscopic findings in patients with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma and radiochemotherapy.
Authors: Pavlidis Pavlos , Schittek Gregor , Gouveris Haralampos
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Aim is to investigate in parallel changes in
electrogustometric thresholds and in morphology of the fungiform
papillae as well as in shape and density of the vessels of the tip of
the tongue in patients with head and neck malignancy before and after
treated with radiochemotherapy. We have also studied whether the
observed changes in function and morphology may be reversible. Materials
and Methods: Eighteen patients with tonsil-cancer treated with
radiochemotherapy were prospectively studied. Measurements took place
before starting treatment and at the end of each cycle of chemotherapy.
Additional measurements were conducted two and four months after the end
of the therapy. Results: All patients showed alterations in form and
vascularization of fungiform Papillae (fPap). After the end of therapy
an improvement in the EGM-thresholds without immediate improvement in
the shape and vascularization of fungiform papillae was found. Two
months after the end of the therapy a minimally significant difference
in the EGM-thresholds measured on the tip of the tongue was shown. By
the second measurement we have noticed a little improvement of the
EGM-threshold, accompanied only by an improvement in the vascularization
of fPap. Conclusions: The improvement in taste acquity was not directly
accompanied by changes in vascularization of papillae and shape. The
last parameters seem to recover late in time.
Neonatal outcomes following antenatal corticosteroid administration prior to elective caesarean delivery in women with pre-gestational diabetes; a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Thevathasan Iniyaval , Karahalios Amalia , Unterscheider Julia , Leung Laura , Walker Sofia , Said Joanne
Published: January 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations
between antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) administration and neonatal
outcomes in women with pre-gestational diabetes (PGDM) when administered
prior to elective caesarean section (CS) after 36 weeks gestation.
Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: This study took
place in two academic hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Sample: All
women with PGDM who gave birth by elective CS between 36+0 and 38+6
weeks’ gestation. Main Outcome Measures: Neonatal outcomes (neonatal
respiratory distress requiring respiratory support for more than 60
minutes, admission to neonatal nursery, neonatal hypoglycaemia requiring
parenteral treatment and neonatal sepsis) for exposed participants
(those who received ACS within 7 days prior to birth) were compared to
outcomes for nonexposed participants. Results: Of the 306 women
identified, 65 (21.2%) were exposed to ACS and 241 (78.8%) were not.
Although not statistically significant, infants born prior to 38+0 weeks
who were exposed to ACS were less likely to require respiratory support
or neonatal nursery admission compared to those who were not exposed,
however, exposed infants born after 37+0 weeks were more likely to
require parenteral treatment for neonatal hypoglycaemia. Conclusion:
This study demonstrated potential clinically relevant beneficial and
harmful effects of ACS in neonates of women with PGDM who are born by
elective CS. While it is plausible that ACS could reduce neonatal
respiratory morbidity in this population, further prospective studies
evaluating the benefits and harms are required before recommending this
practice.
OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR AGITATION OF TWO PHASES USING ANT COLONY OPTIMIZATION
Authors: JANASWAMY PURUSHOTTAM KARTHIK , C TARA SASANKA , C.M RAGURAMAN
Published: January 2024

Ant Colony Optimization algorithm is one among the best optimization
algorithm for Non deterministic polynomial-hard problems like maximum
power for agitation and minimum of just suspension speed problems. The
objective of this research is to satisfy the maximum power of Mechanical
stirrer vessel equipment in mixing of solid and liquid phases with
reference to solid particle diameter, jacketed vessel diameter and
height, density of the slurry by varying the weight percentage. This
effects the Zwietering’s mass ratio, Kinematic viscosity of slurry,
Reynolds’s number and Froude number which varies the Zwietering’s
constant value, impeller diameter and just suspension speed for uniform
distribution which should be less than the impeller speed. The developed
algorithm had been justified with standard mathematical functions and
found satisfactory in above stated problems, sensitivity analysis also
conducted. Finally, it has been concluded that the developed algorithm
solves the problem in less computation time efficiently.
Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom characteristics and prescriptions in 196 patients with COVID-19 from Wanzhou, Chongqing
Authors: yong chen , huabao liu , Yujin Wang , Fangzheng Mou , Lilin Tang , Deying He , yi ren
Published: January 2024

Objective: Clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients differ in regions. Our
objective is to explore the characteristics of TCM symptoms and
prescriptions of COVID-19 patients in Wanzhou area of Chongqing.
Methods: We investigated hospitalized cases of COVID-19 in Wanzhou,
Chongqing. The primary outcomes of interest were TCM symptoms and
prescriptions, while the secondary outcomes included chest computed
tomography (CT), white blood cell counts, lymphocyte levels, and
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.Results: Among the 196 included patients
with COVID-19, the top five TCM symptoms were: poor appetite (82.14%),
cough (65.31%), fatigue (17.86%), aversion to cold (16.84%), and
fever (17.35%). Their five most common TCM prescriptions were: Sashen
Radix Ophipodonis Decoction (38.22%), Sijunzi Decoction (37.7%),
Maxing Shigan Decoction (31.94%), Sanren Decoction (15.71%), and
Xiaochaihu Decoction (12.04%). Participants’ TCM symptom scores before
hospital discharge were lower than on admission (P < 0.05).
There were also statistically significant differences in white blood
cell counts, lymphocyte levels, and CRP levels before or after discharge
from hospital as compared with before admission (P <
0.05).Conclusion: The dominant clinical symptoms of patients with
COVID-19 in Chongqing were poor appetite, cough, and fatigue, which may
be related to the geography and climate of Wanzhou. The TCM
prescriptions given to the patients were consistent with their most
common symptoms and the fact that the lung and spleen are the main
viscera invaded by COVID-19. Traditional Chinese Medicine had a positive
effect on patients with COVID-19.
Overexpression of IbFAD8 enhances the low-temperature storage ability and α-linolenic acid content of sweetpotato tuberous roots
Authors: Lee Chan-Ju , Kim So-Eun , Park Sul-U , Lim Ye-Hoon , Ji Chang Yoon , Jo Hyun , Lee Jeong-Dong , Yoon Ung-Han , Kim Ho Soo , Kwak Sang-Soo
Published: January 2024

Sweetpotato is an emerging food crop that ensures food and nutrition
security in the face of climate change. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is one
of the key factors affecting plant stress tolerance and is also an
essential nutrient in humans. In plants, ALA is synthesized from
linoleic acid (LA) by fatty acid desaturase 8 (FAD8). Previously, we
identified the cold-induced IbFAD8 gene from RNA-seq of sweetpotato
tuberous roots stored at low-temperature. In this study, we investigated
the effect of IbFAD8 on the low-temperature storage ability and ALA
content of the tuberous roots of sweetpotato. Transgenic sweetpotato
plants overexpressing IbFAD8 (TF plants) exhibited increased cold and
drought stress tolerance and enhanced heat stress susceptibility
compared with non-transgenic (NT) plants. The ALA content of the
tuberous roots of TF plants (0.19 g/100 g DW) was ca. 3.8-fold higher
than that of NT plants (0.05 g/100 g DW), resulting in 8–9-fold
increase in the ALA/LA ratio in TF plants. Furthermore, tuberous roots
of TF plants showed better low-temperature storage ability compared with
NT plants. These results indicate that IbFAD8 is a valuable candidate
gene for increasing the ALA content, environmental stress tolerance, and
low-temperature storage ability of sweetpotato tuberous roots via
molecular breeding.
COMPARİSON OF COGNİTİVE FUNCTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOGENOUS AND REACTIVE OBSESSIVE- COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Authors: Kaloğlu Hatice Ayça , Koparal Buket , Utku Hayriye Çisem , Yüksel Nevzat
Published: January 2024

Objective Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness that has a
heterogeneous nature. Recently, obsessions have been classified as
autogenous and reactive obsessions according to their cognitive
development characteristics. In this study, it was aimed to compare the
cognitive functions of reactive and autogenous OCD groups. Methods 67
OCD patients were divided into autogenous and reactive subgroups and the
difference between the groups in terms of cognitive functions was
examined. Patients with depression and other major mental illnesses were
excluded from the study. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological
tests consisting of the Rey auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), the
Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), and the Stroop test were
administered to evaluate the attention, memory, and executive functions
of the patients. Results There is no significant difference for gender,
mean age, years of education, marital status and medication between two
groups. As a result, BDI scores of autogenous OCD patients were
significantly higher than those of reactive OCD patients. Reactive OCD
patients were found to have lower AVLT -Rey 6 subtest scores, which are
indicative of memory and proactive interference, than in the autogenous
group. Conclusion The existence of possibly different neurobiological
basis between autogenous and reactive OCD groups suggests that, there
may be differences in cognitive functions among these patient groups. It
is thought that there is a need for studies to be carried out in larger
sample groups with more specific neuropsychological tests.
In vitro nitrogen transformations by pollen from temperate tree species
Authors: Verstraeten Arne , Gottardini Elena , Bruffaerts Nicolas , Neirynck Johan , Genouw Gerrit
Published: January 2024

The effects of pollen on dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) compounds in
throughfall water are not completely understood. We conducted a 7-day
leaching experiment with pollen from silver birch (including a
sterilized control), European beech, sessile oak, Scots pine, Corsican
black pine and Norway spruce using an immersion medium containing
nitrate (11.295 mg N l). Within 2 hours, pollen
released substantial amounts of potassium (K),
phosphate (PO) and organic
compounds. Solute concentrations of ammonium
(NH) were built up over time. In
treatments with pollen from birch, oak and beech, nitrate
(NO) concentrations started to
decrease after 24–48 hours, while simultaneously nitrite
(NO-) emerged, but part of the inorganic nitrogen could
no longer be detected in solution. For birch, sterilisation of the
pollen made no difference, indicating that microorganisms on the pollen
played no substantial role in the observed N transformations. Conditions
in the samples were oxic (1.82–6.12 mg O
l), rendering microbial denitrification unlikely.
Our findings revealed that pollen from broadleaved deciduous trees can
transform throughfall NO into
NO and likely also nitric oxide
(NO), probably through the nitrate reductase pathway. The synthesis of
NH might be part of a natural
defence mechanism protecting reproductive organs against pathogens
during pollination.
E2Fb and E2Fa transcription factors independently regulate UV-B responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gomez Maria , Sheridan Maria , Casati Paula
Published: January 2024

UV-B radiation affects plant growth inhibiting cell proliferation. This
inhibition is in part controlled by the activity of transcription
factors of the E2F family. In particular, the participation of E2Fc and
E2Fe in responses to UV-B in Arabidopsis plants was previously reported.
However, the contribution of E2Fa and E2Fb in these processes has not
been yet investigated. Thus, in this work, we provide evidence that, in
Arabidopsis, both E2Fa and E2Fb control leaf size under UV-B conditions
without participating in DNA damage repair. On the contrary, in
seedlings exposed to UV-B, E2Fa but not E2Fb regulates primary root
elongation, cell proliferation and programmed cell death in the
meristematic zone. Using e2fa mutants that overexpress E2Fb, we here
demonstrate that the role of E2Fa in the roots cannot be replaced by
E2Fb. Finally, the results presented show that E2Fa and E2Fb
differentially regulate the expression of genes that activate the DNA
damage response, both under conditions without UV-B and after exposure.
Together, we here show that both E2Fa and E2Fb have different and
non-redundant roles in developmental and DNA damage responses in
Arabidopsis plants exposed to UV-B radiation.
DINUTUXIMAB BETA RELATED SEVERE NEUROTOXICITY: RESOLUTION WITH THE USE OF PLASMAPHERESIS
Authors: Papadakis Vassilios , Kelaidi Charikleia , Zisaki Kalliopi , Antoniadi Kondilia , Pitsoulakis Georgios , Polychronopoulou Sophia
Published: January 2024

Survival of high risk neuroblastoma patients is increased with the use
of dinutuximab beta (DB). This anti-ganglioside 2 antibody promotes
neuroblastoma cell killing but has on-target off-tumor nervous system
side effects. A patient with high-risk neuroblastoma treated with DB and
cis-retinoic acid without interleukin-2 presented with severe
encephalopathy. Prompt commencement of acyclovir, steroids and
intravenous immunoglobulin infusions proved unsuccessful. Symptomatic
improvement concurred with the initiation of high-dose steroid pulses
and serial plasmapheresis sessions. Timely management of severe DB
neurotoxicity as immune-based encephalomyelitis and prompt initiation of
plasmapheresis, if needed, can reverse symptoms and offer long-term
recovery of the patients.
Failure of Computed Tomography Angiography to Detect a Large Fistula Connecting the Left Anterior Descending Artery to the Left Ventricle Circumflex Artery
Authors: Davani Sam Zeraatian , Pazooki David , Kamalzadeh Nazafarin , Mohammad Arash Pour , Mesgarha Milad Gholizadeh
Published: January 2024

41-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented as
an outpatient with atypical chest pain and had positive nuclear stress
test. The patient subsequently underwent left heart catheterization,
which revealed a fistula between the LAD and LV circumflex artery;
however, CTA failed to show any evidence of a fistula.
Perinatal central nervous system dysfunction in large-for-gestational-age neonates revealed with frequency-following responses to speech: an observational case-control study
Authors: Ribas-Prats Teresa , Arenillas-Alcón Sonia , Pérez-Cruz Míriam , Costa-Faidella Jordi , Gómez-Roig M Dolores , Escera Carles
Published: January 2024

Objective: The present study aims at characterizing the functional
status of the central nervous system (CNS) in encoding speech sounds in
large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates as examined through a sensitive
auditory evoked potential termed frequency-following response (FFR).
Design: Case-control study. Setting: SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
(Catalonia, Spain). Population: A sample of 25 LGA neonates were paired
by age and sex with 25 born adequate-for-gestational-age (AGA). Methods:
Descriptive statistics were calculated for sociodemographic
characteristics of the mother and their neonates. Categorical
demographic and electrophysiological variables were analyzed by
Chi-square test and continuous variables with t test or Mann-Whitney U
test. Main Outcome Measures: The primary clinical outcomes were the FFR
spectral amplitude and its normalization. Both magnitudes reflect the
neural encoding strength of the fundamental frequency of the eliciting
stimulus. Results: LGA neonates displayed smaller spectral amplitudes
compared to the AGA group (consonant transition: P = .002; vowel: P =
.004) as well as smaller normalized spectral amplitudes (consonant
transition: P = .01; vowel: P = .003). Conclusions: This study reveals
for the first time perinatal CNS consequences of being born LGA,
characterized by a deficient neural encoding of speech sounds. Funding:
This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and
Universities PGC2018-094765-B-I00 project and the MDM-2017-0729-18-2
Maria de Maeztu Center of Excellence, the 2017SGR-974 Excellence
Research Group of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the ICREA Acadèmia
Distinguished Professorship awarded to Carles Escera. Keywords: auditory
brainstem response, auditory evoked potentials, BMI, EEG, FFR,
macrosomia, newborn, neonatal adiposity, universal hearing screening.
Barycentric Lagrange interpolation iterative method for solving extended Fisher-Kolmogorov equation
Authors: Li Jin , Qu Jinzheng , Su xiaoning
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the barycentric Lagrange interpolation iteration method
is proposed to solve the extended FisherKolmogorov equation. Direct
linearized iterative method, partial linearized iterative method and
Newton linearized iterative method are introduced to deal with the
nonlinear term of the equation. Then the nonlinear equation is
transformed into a linear equation to solve the extended
Fisher-Kolmogorov equation. The unknown function is approximated by
barycentric Lagrange interpolation basis function, and the diﬀerential
matrix form is obtained from iterative scheme. By combining the equation
with the initial and boundary conditions, the numerical solution of the
equation can be solved iteratively. Finally, the convergence analysis of
the barycentric Lagrange interpolation iteration method is given, and
numerical examples show that the proposed method is convergent and has
higher numerical accuracy.
Development and Preliminary Application of a Colloidal-Gold Dual Immunochromatography Strip for Detecting African Swine Fever Virus Antibodies
Authors: Wang Ying , shi zhengwang , Peng Gaochaung , Wang Lijuan , Luo Juncong , Ru Yi , Zhou Gaijing , Ma Yuan , Song Rui , YANG Bo , Cao Liyan , Tian Hong , Zheng Haixue
Published: January 2024

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute and highly contagious infectious
disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). Currently, there
is no vaccine against ASF worldwide, and no effective treatment measures
are available. For this reason, developing a simple, rapid, specific,
and sensitive serological detection method for ASFV antibodies is
crucial for the prevention and control of ASF. In this study, a 1:1
mixture of gold-labeled p30 and p72 probes was used as the gold-labeled
antigen. The p30 and p72 proteins and their monoclonal antibodies were
coated on a nitrocellulose membrane (NC) as a test (T) line and control
(C) line, respectively. A colloidal-gold dual immunochromatography strip
(ICS) for ASFV p30 and p72 protein antibodies was established. The
results showed that the colloidal-gold dual ICS could specifically
detect ASFV antibodies within 5–10 min. There was no cross-reaction
after testing healthy pig serum, porcine reproductive and respiratory
syndrome virus (PRRSV), foot-and-mouth disease type A virus (FMDV-A),
foot-and-mouth disease type O virus (FMDV-O), porcine circovirus type 2
(PCV-2), and swine fever (CSFV) positive sera. A positive result was
obtained only for the positive control, P1. The sensitivity of the test
strips was 1:256, which was equivalent to that of commercially available
ELISA kits. Their coincidence rate with the two commercial ASFV ELISA
antibody detection kits was higher than 98%. The test strips were
stably stored at 18–25 °C and 4 °C for 4 and 6 months, respectively.
The dual test strips prepared in this study had high sensitivity and
specificity and were characterized by rapid detection, simple operation,
and easy interpretation of results. Therefore, they are of great
significance to diagnose, prevent, and control African swine fever.
THE VALUE OF URINE ANALYSIS PREDICTING ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY AND MORTALITY IN COVID-19 PATIENTS
Authors: Oruc Meric , BATIREL AYŞE , Trabulus Sinan
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT Purpose Kidney involvement is frequent among patients with
coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). However, kidney involvement is
varied and mild kidney injury can easily go unnoticed. We aimed to
investigate the urinalysis data of Covid-19 patients on admission and to
explore the value of urinalysis in the prediction of AKI and in-hospital
mortality in patients with Covid-19. Methods The demographic, clinical
and laboratory data of patients with confirmed Covid-19 were collected
from the electronic health records of the hospital. The outcomes were
development of AKI and in-hospital mortality. Results 244 patients were
included in the analysis. Mean age was 59.6 ± 13.7 and 65.2% of
patients were male. Median SCr on admission was 0.86 (0.72-1.05) mg/dL.
Glucosuria, proteinuria and hematuria were found in 36.1%, 22.9% and
22.1% of patients, respectively. AKI was detected in 63 patients
(25.8%) on any time of hospitalization. According to multivariate
binary logistic regression analayses; AKI development was associated
with higher WBC and decreased eGFR as well as with proteinuria on
admission. During median 8 (IQR, 5-12) days of follow-up, 33 patients
(13.5%) died. Older age, higher CRP levels and proteinuria on admission
were also independent predictors of in-hospital mortaliy. Conclusion
Proteinuria on admission is associated with development of AKI and
in-hospital mortality in patients with Covid-19. Urinalysis can be
useful for the evaluation of COVID-19 progression and early diagnosis of
kidney damage before SCr rise.
Minimally invasive management of an atypical large pelvic epidermoid cyst: Operative Technique
Authors: Jain Amita , Arora Jyoti , Ahlawat Kulbeer
Published: January 2024

Complete surgical removal of a large retrovesical pelvic cyst with an
unusual extension could be technically demanding with the high risk of
injury to the adjacent vital structures. Opting a conservative approach
may reduce morbidity, as the reported incidence of malignancy is very
low. This operative technique demonstrates that no evident arising point
could be identified on diagnostic laparoscopy, hence the cyst was
drained vaginally with partial excision and marsupialization.
Histological analysis confirmed a benign epidermoid cyst and there is no
recurrence to date.
Challenges of a tertiary hospital's clinical ethics research committee in evaluating research during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CEICOV study.
Authors: Riera-Arnau Judit , Benítez Elena Guillén , Sans-Pola Carla , Zuriguel-Pérez Esperanza , Leguízamo-Martínez Lina María , Balasso Valentina , Filippi-Arriaga Francesca , Iavecchia María Luján , Navarro Mireia , Gallego Alexis Rodríguez , Tomás Mireia , Folguera Esther Cucurull
Published: January 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in research
activity worldwide. The Vall d’Hebron University Hospital Research
Ethics Committee (VH-REC) adapted its procedures to give out the opinion
rapidly. We aimed to describe the characteristics of the VH-REC activity
and studies evaluated during the first outbreak. Methods: Clinical
trials (CT), post-authorization studies (PAS) and research projects (RP)
on COVID-19 were included and followed up. Variables were described
through usual descriptive methods. Results: 157 studies were evaluated:
10 CT, 16 PAS and 131 RP, in 25 bi-weekly online meetings.
Non-commercial, unicentric and national studies predominated (95%, 54%
and 88%, respectively). The main objective of CT and PAS studies was to
test efficacy and safety, and for RP to describe patients’ outcomes.
Some studies focused on specific interest groups, such as healthcare
professionals or immunosuppressed patients (10% both). The median time
of protocols’ evaluation was 3 days. 58.6% (92) required further
clarifications, mainly due to aspects of data protection, informed
consent, and biological samples. The final opinion was favourable in
93% (146). Regarding follow-up, 123 studies had been initiated and 64
also finalized. Results have been published in 59% (51) of studies.
Conclusions and implications: COVID-19 pandemic has led to greater
academic and local research, especially through research projects.
Electronic sources were implemented for evaluation shortening and ease
follow-up. These measures should remain to streamline VH-REC processes,
and trends to publish results favoured. This study could allow
comparisons with other activity periods (e.g. pre or post-pandemic), or
with other REC’