bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on compound combination of Realgar-Indigo naturalis Formula to reverse APL arsenic resistance by regulating autophagy through mTOR pathway
Authors: Li Ruibai , Xue Chengyuan , Pan Yiming , Li Guangda , Huang Ziming , Xu Jing , Zhang Jingfang , Chen Xinyi , Hou Li
Published: June 2023

Background: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) used to be the most fatal type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After the emerge of all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide treatment, the Complete Response (CR) rate could reach 90%. In China, compound Realgar-Indigo naturalis Formula (RIF) are used instead of arsenic trioxide for home therapy. It has the advantages of reduced hospitalization time and more favorable price, and the CR rate is not lower than that of all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide therapy. However, drug resistances greatly affect the prognosis of patients. Compared with all-trans retinoic acid, previous studies on arsenic resistance are more limited.
Methods: In this study, the stable expression of arsenic-resistant cell line HL60-PMLA216V-RARα was established, and the mechanism of RIF reversing APL arsenic resistance was studied.
Results and Conclusion: We illustrated that the synergistic effect of RIF can regulate autophagy through the mTOR pathway, enhance cell apoptosis, promote cell differentiation, reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, and degrade arsenic-resistant PMLA216V-RARα.
Enabling Explainable Artificial Intelligence To Narrate Patent Scenarios in Devising Science Policy Decisions & Technology Forecasts
Authors: Hasan Zeba , Alam M Afshar , Kaur Harleen , Khan Ihtiram Raza , Alankar Bhavya
Published: June 2023

Machine learning methods, offering unique characteristics for variable identification and it’s importance, are now gradually used for prediction, forecasting and devising important scenarios for integral decision-making. Sequential and dynamic growth in technology can fundamentally become a foremost indicator in measuring technology strength in innovative technology-based development. Prudent and systematic data generation is part of the same transition phase playing an equivalent role in creating evidence analysis and service/product development. Assisted solutions of machine learning provide data-driven prediction at core level areas of medical analysis, fraud detection & disease detection, etc. to predict solutions with explainable intelligence. Assisting solutions with more data-driven explainable solutions, during performance of advanced machine learning has created an advanced methodology of generating white box solutions out of the black box interpretation. Explainable artificial intelligence, which gives superior and solution-based AI is not only providing optimal solutions but also provides an impactful decision-making solution. The approach of explainable artificial intelligence being used here represents and mediate assessment for ML algorithms to predict accurate results. Innovation and development, whereby can be identifies via the various innovation indicators, where patents are one of the important solution providers on way for futuristic technology and innovation solution. Patent expansion potentials have been initially proposed by prediction and forecasting of patents, to be considered in identifying technology trends and improving policy decision-making. Now in this paper standardised use of patent values extracted from Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) database of patents for India have been taken to represent technological mandate.
Xylan derived carbon dots composite with cotton cellulose paper as fluorescence sensor for real time detection Cu2+
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Feng Xiuyuan , Chen Zhiyuan , Cui Xiaoci , Xiao Huining , Xiong Ranhua , Huang Chaobo
Published: June 2023

Cotton cellulose paper composited with fluorescence carbon dots (CDs) has shown potential for Cu2+ detection in environmental monitoring. In this study, a solid-state detection platform was developed using biomass-based fluorescent sensors (CPU-CDs) composed of xylan-derived CDs (U-CDs) and cotton cellulose paper. The fluorescence platform was nanoengineered to monitor Cu2+ changes via spectral and colorimetric dual-modal methods. CPU-CDs exhibits reusability, non-toxicity, excellent fluorescence characteristics and biocompatibility. Besides, CPU-CDs has a complex network structure and a large number of hydroxyl and amino groups, which can realize a high loading rate of U-CDs and provide more binding sites for the detection and response of Cu2+. CPU-CDs displays high effectiveness and sensitivity for Cu2+. Additionally, the detection limit of CPU-CDs for Cu2+ as low as 0.14 μM that was well below U.S. EPA safety levels (20 μM). Practical application indicated that CPU-CDs could achieve precision response of Cu2+ change in water environment with recovery range of 90%-119%. This strategy demonstrated a promising biomass solid-state fluorescence sensor for Cu2+ detection for water treatment research.
Flow cytometry-based peripheral blood analysis as an easily friendly tool for prognostic monitoring of acute ischemic stroke: a multicenter study
Authors: Lu Kang , Yue Juanqing , Ni Wanmao , Du Jing , Li Yanchun , Tong Xiangmin , Chen Guo-Bo , Wang Ying
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of mortality, severe neurological and long-term disability world-wide. Blood-based indicators may provide valuable information on identified prognostic factors. However, currently, there is still a lack of peripheral blood indicators for the prognosis of AIS. We aimed to identify the most promising prognostic indicators and establish prognostic models for AIS.
Methods 484 patients enrolled from four centers were analyzed immunophenotypic indicators of peripheral blood by flow cytometry. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to minimize the potential collinearity and over-fitting of variables measured from the same patient and over-fitting of variables. Univariate and multivariable Cox survival analysis of differences between and within cohorts was performed by log-rank test. The areas under the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the selection accuracy of immunophenotypic indicators in identifying AIS subjects with survival risk. The prognostic model was constructed using a multivariate Cox model, consisting of 402 subjects as a training queue and 82 subjects as a testing queue.
Results In the prospective study, 7 immunophenotypic indicators of distinct significance were screened out of 72 peripheral blood immunophenotypic indicators by LASSO. In multivariate cox regression, CTL (%) [HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.33], monocytes/μl [HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.21], non-classical monocytes/μl [HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.16] and CD56high NK cells/μl [HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.21] were detected to decrease the survival probability of AIS, while Tregs/μl [HR:0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, p=0.004], BM/μl [HR:0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.95, p=0.023] and CD16+NK cells/μl [HR:0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98, p=0.034] may have the protective effect. As for indicators’ discriminative ability, the AUC for CD56highNK cells/μl attained the highest of 0.912. In stratification analysis, the survival probability for AIS patients with a higher level of Tregs/μl, BM/μl, CD16+NK cells/μl, or lower levels of CD56highNK cells/μl, CTL (%), non-classical monocytes/μl, Monocytes/μl were more likely to survive after AIS. The multivariate Cox model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.805, 0.781 and 0.819 and 0.961, 0.924 and 0.982 in the training and testing cohort, respectively.
Conclusion Our study identified 7 immunophenotypic indicators in peripheral blood may have great clinical significance in monitoring the prognosis of AIS and provide a convenient and valuable predictive model for AIS.
Design and Development of Ticare Applications in Medical Services Assessment for People in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Thailand
Authors: Xayavong Boy , Jirakajohnkool Supet , Pannucharoenwong Nattadon , Janchompu Wachirathorn , Niammuad Damrongrit , Pawa Kammal Kumar
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has found that there is a high risk of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, blood pressure, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease, in eastern region. The rate of major NCDs increased from 4,987 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 6,121 in 2021.
Methods
The researchers have developed an application specifically for kidney disease patients. It serves as a resource for knowledge and facilitates greater public accessibility to healthcare, complying with SDGs in Good Health and well-being. The aims are 1) to develop the application in the EEC area with key functions of searching for nearest medical facility, booking online service, teleconferencing, and reporting in Data Visualization and 2) to evaluate the results of Mobile Health.
Results
We work with Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) – GISTDA, secondary data from government centers are integrated with geographic information systems to display spatial data. The process is based on Flutter for a cross-platform, minimizing the disparity of public medical services access as it can be reached on any device and everywhere. The application, offering 3 login options (guest, member, and administration), was evaluated by 400 test subjects.
Discussion
The results show a very high level of satisfaction and 5% margin of error. Therefore, the application makes it simple to track symptoms using a medical call system, which can improve access to medical services and lighten doctors' workloads. Within the application, doctors can prescribe and offer helpful advice on how to develop sustainable health knowledge and awareness.
A novel finite element model for the flare joint contact status at the seal ring with multiscale factors during assembly
Authors: Deng Lichuan , Luo Bin , Zhang Kaifu , Cheng Hui , Lin Langkun , Liang Biao
Published: June 2023

The sealing performance of a hydraulic system is determined by the joint’s interfacial contact status, which is impacted by unavoidable assembly errors and joint manufacturing deviations on multiple scales. A novel geometric analysis model was heuristically developed for incorporating the macroscopic and mesoscopic topographies into the accurate estimation of the contact surfaces' initial relative assembly position. The microscopic contact model is subsequently constructed using the reverse reconstruction method based on the measured characteristics of rough surfaces. In conjunction with the relative contact position, a multiscale finite element contact model of the interface in the assembly was generated. The simulated indentation results are then compared to experimental data for selected typical circumferential angles, while the impact of topography at each scale is investigated. The findings show the variation in the seal formation tendencies and illustrate how effectively the model can predict the contact status at the seal ring. The influence of the macroscopic mating angle is mostly apparent in the distribution of plastic deformation along the circumferential direction. The mesoscopic flare angle is mostly reflected in the width and depth of the interfacial depression, and the radial circular runout impacts the seal ring formation process by altering the contact phase.
Serum trough concentration threshold and risk factors of cefoperazone-induced coagulopathy in critically ill patients: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Wang Qian , Liang Pei , Xu Ying , Yuan Binbin , Lan Chen , Yan Xiaodi , Li Li
Published: June 2023

Purpose
To analyze the risk factors influencing the development of cefoperazone (CPZ)-induced coagulopathy in critically ill patients and determine the threshold of serum trough concentration.
Methods
A retrospective case-control study was conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients treated with CPZ and it was approved by the Ethical Committee of Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with the Medical School of Nanjing University (NO.2023-158-01). Patients were divided into the normal group and coagulopathy group based on prothrombin time (PT). The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared using univariate analysis. The serum concentration threshold and influencing factors of CPZ-induced coagulopathy in critically ill patients were analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
A total of 113 patients were included, and CPZ-induced coagulopathy occurred in 39 patients, with an incidence of 34.5%. These patients experienced significant PT prolongation around day 6 (median) after CPZ application. The serum trough concentration threshold of CPZ-induced coagulopathy in critically ill patients was 87.765 µg/ml. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the APACHE II score (p = 0.034), prophylactic use of vitamin K1 (p < 0.001), hepatic impairment (p = 0.014), and Cmin ≥ 87.765 µg/ml (p = 0.005) were associated with CPZ-induced coagulopathy.
Conclusion
CPZ-induced coagulopathy usually occurs on the 6th day of CPZ use in critically ill patients. The risk will increase in patients with an APACHE II score > 25, hepatic impairment, and CPZ Cmin ≥ 87.765 µg/ml. Vitamin K1 is effective in preventing this adverse reaction.
Evolutionary and Functional Roles of DNA Methylation in Human Senescence Regulation
Authors: Wu Yuke , Zhang Hanjie , Goto Hiroyuki , Kubota Yukihiko , Ito Masahiro
Published: June 2023

The regulation of human senescent protein expression is crucial for understanding the aging process. However, their evolutionarily acquired biological functions and relevance in diseases are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we performed an in silico analysis of 305 human senescent proteins, which were then categorized into five classes based on their evolutionary origins: chordates (Class 1: 104 proteins), metazoans (Class 2: 117 proteins), metazoans and plants (Class 3: 16 proteins), eukaryotes (Class 4: 58 proteins), and metazoans and fungi (Class 5: 10 proteins). Our findings suggest that senescence‐associated pathways were formed and became complexduring the evolution of chordates. During evolution, human senescent proteins played roles in nucleotide excision repair pathways, chemical carcinogenesis, and immune and cancer pathways. Differences in the average DNA methylation levels in the regulatory regions of genes that encode human senescent proteins were observed in proteins conserved in chordates, metazoans, and eukaryotes. In contrast, differences between the testes and ovaries were specifically observed for chordate-conserved proteins. We speculate that the precise modification of DNA methylation in the genes encoding key senescence‐associated pathways regulators, such as ERCC5/XPG, ACP1/PTP, CDKN1A/p21, and IFNB1, plays an important role in the development of the senescence‐associated pathway during evolution.
Molecular characterization of a novel narnavirus from the phytopathogenic fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea
Authors: Song Xinzheng , Zhang Jianing , Ma Qingzhou , Wang Yanfen , Guo Yashuang , Guo Lihua , Wu Haiyan , Zhang Meng
Published: June 2023

Here, a novel mycovirus, Botryosphaeria dothidea narnavirus 5 (BdNV5), was discovered in the plant-pathogenic fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea strain ZM210167-1. The BdNV5 genome sequence is 2,397 nucleotides (nt) in length and contains a putative open reading frame (ORF) encoding the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) with a molecular mass of 72.77 kDa. A BLASTp comparison of the RdRp sequence showed that it was most similar to the RdRp Botryosphaeria dothidea narnavirus 4 (42.35%). The phylogenetic tree based on RdRp sequence showed that BdNV5 clusters together with the members of the family Narnaviridae. BdNV5 is thus a novel member of the family Narnaviridae from the phytopathogenic fungus B. dothidea.
Development of surface and upper air synoptic catalogues for the Central Mediterranean and an application to the analysis of nitrogen dioxide in the Rome winter season.
Authors: Bird Danielle , Spellman Greg
Published: June 2023

Synoptic climatological approaches provide an effective framework for the analysis of atmospheric circulation patterns and the relationship with environmental variables. The objective circulation classification method of Jenkinson and Collison is applied to the central Mediterranean for the period 1948–2021. In order to capture more synoptic information a modified version of the method is used to also develop a series using the 500 hPa surface. Results capture key modes of variability of the Mediterranean atmosphere. The technique is used to examine variability in daily nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration in Rome. Analysis shows an evident surface synoptic control in the winter months and consideration of upper patterns renders this approach more effective.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome leading to scrotal edema: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Feng Yang , Zhao Qiaofei , Zhang Xianfen , Wang Xiangmeng , Han Wanqing
Published: June 2023

This paper reports a case of obese hypopnea syndrome combined with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, with "scrotal edema" as the main manifestation. Through multi-disciplinary consultation, the final diagnosis was made, and the patient was given positive airway pressure ventilation, diuresis, nutritional support and other comprehensive treatment. The patient finally turned well and discharged successfully.
In vitro antibacterial effect of three intra canal medicaments with or without electrophoresis on Enterocomlus faecalis at different dentin depths
Authors: Aminsobhani Mohsen , Azizlou Elaheh
Published: June 2023

Objective: Elimination of microorganisms from the root canal system plays a fundamental role in successful endodontic treatment. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial effect of three intra canal medicaments with/without electrophoresis on Enterococcus faecalis (E faecalis) at different dentin depths.
Materials and methods: This study evaluated 81 sound extracted single-rooted, single-canal human teeth. After root canal preparation, the teeth were sterilized, and E faecalis was inoculated into the root canals for 2 weeks. The teeth were then randomly divided into 9 groups (n=9) of (I) calcium hydroxide (CH) without electrophoresis, (II) CH with electrophoresis, (III) Cupral without electrophoresis, (IV) Cupral with electrophoresis, (V) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with CH without electrophoresis, (VI) AgNPs with CH and with electrophoresis, (VII) electrophoresis alone, (VII) negative control group, and (IX) positive control group. The medicaments were applied in the root canals and the teeth were incubated for 4 weeks. In electrophoresis groups, 15 mA electric current was applied for 6 min, and the teeth were then incubated. Then, dentin chips were collected from three different dentin depths by peeso reamers, and cultured on agar and thioglycolate culture media.
Results: No significant difference was noted in antimicrobial activity of tested materials at different depths (P>0.05). A significant difference was noted in elimination of microbial biofilm between groups with and without electrophoresis at depths 2 and 3 (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Electrophoresis resulted in greater penetration of medicaments into dentinal tubules, and enhanced their antimicrobial efficacy in deeper areas of dentinal tubules.
Clinical Relevance: Increasing the penetration of intra canal medicaments into the dentin increases their antimicrobial effect.
Investigating the safety of Fampridine in patients with different stages of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bagherieh Sara , Farzan Mahour , Vaheb Saeed , Afshari-Safavi Alireza , Ebrahimi Narges , Shaygannejad Vahid , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: June 2023

Background: Fampridine is the only drug that was approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with multiple sclerosis to improve their movement and has exhibited a clinically significant improvement in gait function in subset of multiple sclerosis patients with Expanded Disability Status scale (ESDSS) from 4 to 7. Nevertheless, this drug has been reported to possess some adverse effects like seizure due to its pharmacological features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence rate of post-medication side effects of Fampridine on multiple sclerosis patients.
Method: This prospective cohort study includes MS patients aged between 18 years to 65 years, referred to neurology clinic of Kashani hospital from April 2022 to October 2022, all with administration of Fampridine (10mg tablet every 12 hours according to the product specifications) Safety in these patients is monitored through monthly side effects checklist questions during six months of screening. SPSS version 18 was used to analyze the data of this study.
Result: A total of 254 patients with multiple sclerosis, including 127 RRMS, 101 SPMS, and 26 PPMS patients, were included in the study. The most observed adverse effects in SPMS and RRMS patients were dry mouth (13.9% vs. 15%) and insomnia (12.9% vs. 11%), respectively. UTI (11.5%), and stomachache (11.5%) were the most common side effects in PPMS patients. The most severe complication of the patients was back pain, and digestive complications were less severe. Also, insomnia, and UTI were the patients' most persistent side effects.
Conclusion: The drug seems to be safe and well tolerated, as the side effects were mild and transient and they were similar with most of the previous studies focusing on this drug.
Assessment of complementary treatment with Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection on acute decompensated ischemic heart failure (ACT-ADIHF): a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Xianliang , Zhao Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaofeng , Deng Yue , Xu Yong , Zhang Hong , Tang Qiwei , Liu Zhongyong , Niu Tianfu , Wang Xiaolong , Wang Guanyu , Du Tinghai , Shang Shuzhong , Zhao Yingqiang , Zhao Xingsheng , Yan Xulong , Dai Xiaohua , Wang Yonggang , Xia Pu , Yuan Ruyu , Liu Chaofeng , Deng Bing , Fan Ruihong , Wang Liyue , Wu Huanlin , Dong Bo , Yu Hong , Zheng Meisheng , Wang Zhentao , Zhao Guoliang , Li Xin , Fan Huimin , Xie Ping , Mahemuti Ailiman , Li Zhiming , Liu Hongxu , Yang Junqiang , Zhao Mingjun , Tang E , Zhao Guoyuan , Wang Shuai , Zhong Chengliang , Hu Siyuan , Mao Jingyuan , Zhang Boli
Published: June 2023

Background
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection in treating acute decompensated ischemic heart failure (ADIHF).
Methods
666 patients with ADIHF from 37 clinical research centers in China were randomly allocated to the treatment group (n = 332) and the control group (n = 334). The control group was treated with standardized western medicine. The treatment group received intravenously 5.2g Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection based on standardized western medicine for 7 days.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the BNP level in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (8 days: 465.0 pg/ml vs. 533.6 pg/ml, P < 0.05; 60 ± 3 days: 398.0 pg/ml vs. 464.0 pg/ml, P < 0.01). The percentage of BNP level reduced by more than 30% compared to baseline was significantly higher in the treatment group than that in the control group (P < 0.01). And the improvement of LVEF, NYHA cardiac functional classification, MLHFQ score, and TCM four diagnosis information score were better in the treatment group than those in the control group at 60 ± 3 days after enrollment (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of composite endpoint events and adverse events (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Based on standardized western medicine, using Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection can further reduce the plasma BNP level, improve cardiac function, alleviate clinical symptoms, improve the quality of life in patients with ADIHF, and it is safe.
Natural Enemy communities are more abundant and diverse in heterogeneous landscapes, but not their interactions
Authors: Montagnana Paula C. , Alves Rafael S C , Garófalo Carlos A , Ribeiro Milton C
Published: June 2023

Context
Land use changes have become a major driver of biodiversity loss, impacting natural ecosystems and the species that depend on them. As a result, many species have become isolated from their natural habitats and cannot interact with other species as they would in natural ecosystems. Ecological interactions are crucial for the functioning and stability of ecosystems.
Objectives
Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of landscape structure on the natural enemy community and on antagonistic networks consisting of natural enemies and solitary trap-nesting bees and wasps, at two landscape scales.
Methods
Trap-nests were installed in forest edges in the Cantareira-Mantiqueira Corridor (CCM), Atlantic Forest biome located in São Paulo state, Brazil. Natural enemy community was described using species richness, abundance (number of attacked brood cells), parasitism rate, and taxonomic diversity. While to describe the host-natural enemy network we used the robustness metric, natural enemy’s niche overlap, and linkage density.
Results
The natural enemy community is richer in species when there is high forest connectivity at the local scale, while landscape heterogeneity increases abundance, taxonomic diversity, and parasitism rate. High similarity between natural enemy species’ trophic niches occurs as landscape heterogeneity increases at the local scale, and the antagonist network is dominated by generalist species of natural enemies.
Conclusions
Our study presents one of the first results about functional forest connectivity and landscape heterogeneity on natural enemy communities and their antagonistic interactions, highlighting the importance of landscape structure for its conservation and not just insects that respond only to the presence of their hosts in the study region. The presence of specialist species in host-natural enemy networks, both natural enemy species and bee and wasp hosts, may occur through increased functional connectivity of forest patches and landscapes and restored forest fragments.
Noninvasive CSF shunt patency evaluation by superb microvascular imaging
Authors: Putzer Daniel , Brawanski Konstantin , Verius Michael , Oberheber Helmut , Thome Claudius , Gizewski Elke Ruth , Gruber Hannes
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives
Occlusion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system is a potentially life threatening complication in patients suffering from hydrocephalus. However, there is no imaging established as standard approach in this acute setting. In the present study, we evaluate the use of superb microvascular imaging for investigation of the patency of ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems.
Methods
Simulation of low flow rates of cerebrospinal fluid through a small diameter CSF shunt system was performed in a dedicated phantom in order to proof the principle of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) being feasible for the measurement of slow liquor flow through the dedicated CSF shunt system.
Results
SMI is able to detect low flow rates in CSF shunt systems effectively and fast. Visualization of a Doppler ultrasound flow wave pattern in the VP shunt system after the reservoir has been pressed confirms patency.
Conclusion
SMI is an effective method for evaluating CSF shunt patency and diagnosing shunt obstruction. This bears the potential to facilitate evaluation of clinically symptomatic VP shunt patients in an acute setting. Further evaluation of ultrasound flow patterns is granted.
Evaluation of the Corneal Endothelial Layer in Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Yildizli Yakup , Cankaya Cem , Genc Selin , Ozturk Emrah , Evren Bahri
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Evaluation of corneal endothelial layer in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) by specular microscopy
Methods
This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out with 50 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (group 1) and 44 healthy subjects (group 2) as controls. Endothelial cell density (ECD), hegzogonality (HEX), coefficient of variation (CV), central corneal thickness (CCT), minimum-maximum and mean cell volume (min-max MCV) were evaluated by noncontact specular microscope (Konan Medical Inc., Nishinomiya, Japan).
Results
The mean ages of the patients in group 1 and group 2 were 38.42 ± 9.70 and 38.18 ± 10.96 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and gender distribution (p > 0.05). HEX ratio (44.98 ± 5.86) and min-MCV values (149.82 ± 15.01) were statistically significantly lower in group 1 (p˂0.05). No significant difference was observed in other parameters evaluated by specular microscopy (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
The detection of thyroid hormone receptors in orbital structures and corneal layers suggests that the corneal endothelial layer may be affected and that structural or functional changes may occur in this layer in patients with HT.
Study of the behavior of clay mixtures for the treatment of glass and concrete waste in road construction
Authors: OUSLIMANE Noureddine , BAREBITA Hanane , BELFAQUIR Mustapha
Published: June 2023

This research aimed at the stabilization of clay, which is often prone to problems such as swelling and sliding. Indeed, the addition of glass and concrete waste to these clays can offer an ideal solution for their stabilization, by interestingly modifying their geotechnical properties. In the overall context of recycling and the development of the public works sector in Morocco, there is a significant demand for clay. The main objective of this study is the reuse of glass and concrete waste, combined with natural clay, in road construction. In addition to the adverse effects on the environment, the excessive exploitation of clay seriously threatens the supply of projects. Thus, the exploitation of new clay sources appears as a future solution. Indeed, different natural materials such as clay, marl, as well as recycled materials such as concrete and glass debris, are identified to form clay mixtures with varying proportions of glass and concrete (ranging from 30% glass and 30% concrete to 30% glass + 30% concrete). These mixtures undergo several series of mechanical tests, including Proctor compaction tests, CBR bearing capacity tests, and oedometer tests. The work also involves conducting oedometer tests on the natural clay used as a reference and on clay mixtures with crushed glass and concrete waste at different percentages. It was found that the addition of glass and concrete to clay reduces swelling and settlement indices, while modifying the intrinsic characteristics of clay. The obtained results are very interesting and open a wide range of possibilities for the reuse of the studied materials in the field of civil engineering in general, and specifically in road construction.
Modelling and Optimizations of Triple-Pass TDFAs for Next-Generation Fiber Optical Communication Systems
Authors: Dincer Ayten , Yücel Murat
Published: June 2023

The main goal of designing a multistage fiber amplifier is to achieve higher performance for long-haul optical transmission systems. In this paper, multistage triple-pass (TP) TDFAs are represented. Three types of TP-TDFA are modeled, optimized, and compared in the S-band for next-generation fiber optical communication systems. First, to examine the performance of these 3 types of TP-TDFAs, signal power, pump power, thulium-doped fiber (TDF) length, and thulium ion concentration were optimized in the input signal at the 1469 nm wavelength, which gives the highest gain value in the S-band, respectively. Second, the input signals in the 1444–1499 nm band gap were amplified by using these specified optimized values in all designs. Gain and noise figure values of all three types were obtained and analyzed by plotting separately for easy comparison. At the end of the study, all results were evaluated and all types were compared to determine the best TP-TDFA.
Insect pests and natural enemies associated with lettuce Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) in an aquaponics system
Authors: Silva Tamara Machado , Cividanes Francisco Jorge , Salles Fernando André , Perticarrari Amanda Lis Pacífico Manfrim , Cunha Suzan Beatriz Zambon , Santos-Cividanes Terezinha Monteiro dos
Published: June 2023

Although food is produced in aquaponics systems worldwide, no information is available on the occurrence of insect pests and natural enemies in aquaponic lettuce, Lactuca sativa L. In this study, a survey was carried out in an aquaponic system combining lettuce with lambari, Astyanax altiparanae (Garutti & Briski), aiming to determine the insect pests and natural enemies associated with this system. We also determined the predominant insect species and the effect of meteorological factors on their populations. Insect abundance was estimated by visual sampling during 13 cultivation cycles, totaling 27 sampling dates. The meteorological factors considered were air temperature and relative humidity, and their effects were determined using the Pearson correlation. The thrips Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) and Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood) and the aphid Aphis spiraecola (Patch) predominated. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were essential factors affecting C. phaseoli and F. schultzei. The natural enemies found on the lettuce plants were the thrips Franklinothrips vespiformis (Crawford) and Stomatothrips angustipennis (Hood) and the ladybugs Cycloneda sanguinea L., Eriopis connexa (Germar), and Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville). These results constitute the first step for a lettuce-integrated pest-management program in aquaponics systems.
Effect of non-woven polypropylene geotextile on the mechanical properties of soil /polymer composite structures
Authors: Moein Behzad , Rajabi Ali M , Khodaparast Mahdi
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the effect of polypropylene (PP) geotextile as reinforcing phase in enhancing the mechanical properties of soil structures under different loading conditions is investigated. For this purpose, the effect of effective parameters such as type of surface geometry and the locality of loading on load-bearing capacity changes and the structure failure mechanism were studied using modeling by centrifuge method. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical displacements on the structure, which simulated by geotechnical centrifuge model, were recorded using the displacement measurement sensor and digital camera. The results show that for loads of the same width in the soil/PP composite structures, which is affected by the presence of PP reinforcing phase, whatever the shape of the loading support area changes from square to strip and the length of the loading level increases, the final load-bearing capacity of the structure will increase. Also, by examining the soil reinforcement PP fabric after the experiments, it was found that the maximum and minimum expansion rate of damage in PP reinforcing phase was related to the condition of the soil/PP composite structure, under loading with strip and square geometry, respectively.
An Efficient Deepfake Detection Using Robust Deep Learning Approch
Authors: Qadir Abdul , Mahum Rabbia , El-Meligy Mohammed A. , Ragab Adham E. , AlSalman Abdulmalik , Hassan Haseeb
Published: June 2023

The creation and manipulation of synthetic images have evolved rapidly, creating serious concerns about their effects on society. Although there have been various attempts to identify deep fake videos, these approaches are not universal. Identifying these misleading deepfakes is the first step in preventing them from following on social media sites. We introduce a unique deep-learning technique to identify fraudulent clips. Most deepfake identifiers currently focus on identifying face exchange, lip synchronous, expression modification, puppeteers, and other factors. However, exploring a consistent basis for all forms of fake video and images in real-time forensics is challenging. We propose a hybrid technique that takes input from videos of successive targeted frames, then feeds these to the ResNet-Swish-BiLSTM, an optimized convolutional BiLSTM-based residual network for training and classification. This proposed method helps identify artifacts in deepfake images that do not seem real. To assess the robustness of our proposed model, we used the open deepfake detection challenge dataset (DFDC) and Face Forensics deepfake collections (FF++.) We achieved 96.23% accuracy when using the FF + + digital record. In contrast, we attained 78.33% accuracy using the aggregated records from FF + + and DFDC. We performed extensive experiments and believe that our proposed method provides more significant results than existing techniques.
Efficacy of a Longitudinal Project-Based Quality Improvement Curriculum in Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship
Authors: Bird Cara M , Kaushal Sonia , Trivedi Mira K , Moore Judson A , Sheth Shreya S
Published: June 2023

Our goal was to create a robust quality improvement and patient safety (QI/PS) curriculum that gives fellows both didactic knowledge and first-hand experience with improvement science and produces a longitudinal QI/PS project to improve patient care and safety over their three-year fellowship. The curriculum will meet Clinical Learning Environment Review (CLER) requirements. A series of six 30-minute didactic lectures is paired with designated group work time over the course of 1 year. Each class chooses a QI/PS project which they will continue for the entirety of fellowship. Faculty mentors coach these projects. Knowledge assessment is obtained through pre- and post-surveys. A secondary measure of success is academic products resulting from fellows’ QI/PS work, and future participation in QI/PS efforts. Since 2019, 51 pre-tests and 36 post-tests were completed, showing improvement across all competencies. Fellows have produced one published manuscript, two poster presentations, and two oral presentations describing their improvement work. Additionally, mentoring faculty members have gone on to lead other QI work throughout the division. This longitudinal QI/PS curriculum provides both knowledge and experience in QI/PS work. It also creates opportunities for academic publications and presentations, builds faculty expertise, and most importantly, works to improve multiple aspects of patient care. This curriculum can serve as a model for other cardiology fellowships working to meet CLER requirements.
Higher Socio-Economic Status (SES) is associated with the Traditional Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases; Results of MASHAD Cohort Study
Authors: Sadabdi Fatemeh , Talkhi Nasrin , Omouri-Kharashtomi Mahyaar , Mirzaei Mohammad , Soflaei Sara Saffar , Rahimi Zahra , Shabani Niloofar , Latifi Mohamad Reza , Sarabi Mohammad Reza Mohammad Taghizadeh , Iri Sarina , Moghaddas Elham , Ferns Gordon A. , Esmaily Habibollah , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: June 2023

Introduction and Objective: Socio-economic status has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the relationship between socio-economic status and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the MASHAD cohort study drawn from a population sample in northeast Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, subjects were divided into three categories of socio-economic status (SES) based on their education level, employment status and monthly income using latent class analysis (LCA). The three SES classes were compared in terms of cardiovascular diseases risk factors. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.
Results: A total number of 9704 participants were included in the study. Participants with a low SES had significantly lower means of age, physical activity level, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and LDL-C, and higher means of weight, and hip circumferences. Also, the prevalence of smoking, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were lower in low SES group than the two other groups. Logistic regression showed that the chance of obesity in the high SES class was 1.3-fold higher than for the middle SES class. Moreover, the chance of metabolic syndrome and hypertension in the low SES class was respectively 0.81 and 0.83 of the middle SES class.
Conclusion: The different levels of socio-economic status were associated with different CVD risk factor profiles, it is may therefore be necessary to develop more specific and personalized preventive policies for populations in each socio-economic class.
Numerical and analytical investigation of reduced beam section with and with yielding damper and their comparison
Authors: Cheraghi Kambiz , TahamouliRoudsari Mehrzad , Cheraghi Kaveh
Published: June 2023

Connections are one of the sensitive points in structures, including steel structures, which have a significant impact on the seismic behavior of the structure. One type of connection used in steel structures is the Reduced Beam Section (RBS), which reduces the moment strength of the beam near the column, resulting in less moment being transferred to the column at the final moment. In this research, 36 numerical analyses were performed using ABAQUS to investigate two cases. In the first case, a connection with a beam with a hole in the flange area was examined, with the area of the flange holes and the axial force of the column as variables. In the second case, a yield ring was used in the flange area of the beam, with the radius of the yield ring as the variable in six cases. Analytical formulas for calculating the maximum strength moment of the beam, as well as equations for analysis in the linear region, were presented. One design requirement of the yielding damper is to yield earlier than other members, and an equation was presented to ensure that yielding occurs first in the yielding loop. After performing the numerical analysis, it was observed that if the area of the flange holes is half of the area of the beam flanges, a significant decrease in strength does not occur with an increase in axial force up to a certain extent. One of the primary advantages of adding a yielding damper to the beam is the ability to adjust the maximum moment transferred to the column by changing the final moment of the beam.
PreciSplit: A Novel Approach to Predicting Polynomial Regression Data
Authors: Verma Utkarsh , Shah Shreya , Shah Aditya , Zaveri Dishant , Kanani Pratik
Published: June 2023

Time complexity is crucial in machine learning models, especially with large datasets, as it impacts efficiency and scalability. Reducing time complexity even by a fraction is necessary to avoid computational bottlenecks and enable faster model development cycles. It saves on resources, allowing for cost-effective operations. Data splitting involves dividing datasets into subsets for training, validation, and testing. It enables unbiased evaluation, prevents overfitting, and facilitates hyperparameter tuning and model selection. By evaluating models on separate test sets, their performance on unseen data can be assessed, leading to better generalization and more reliable machine learning systems. This paper introduces PreciSplit, a highly effective approach for data splitting based on the dataset’s points of inflection. By strategically dividing the data at non-linear regions, PreciSplit creates nearly linear data segments, enabling the application of 1 precise linear regression on each split region. Additionally, the evaluation of models on distinct test sets allows for comprehensive assessment of their performance on unseen data. This evaluation process enhances generalization capabilities and fosters the development of more reliable machine learning systems. The proposed PreciSplit method showcases promising potential for advancing data analysis and model accuracy. For smaller datasets, PreciSplit shows slower training times and lower accuracy compared to Support Vector Regression (SVR).However, as the dataset size grows,it exhibits a substantial improvement in training speed, outperforming SVR, while maintaining only a slight increase in error margin.
AXL receptor tyrosine kinase modulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor signaling
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Pardis , Roueinfar Mina , Amberg Gregory C.
Published: June 2023

Background Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors are essential for reproduction and are expressed in numerous urogenital, reproductive, and non-reproductive cancers. In addition to canonical G protein-coupled receptor signaling, GnRH receptors functionally interact with several receptor tyrosine kinases. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in numerous tissues as well as multiple tumors. Here we tested the hypothesis that AXL, along with its endogenous ligand Gas6, impacts GnRH receptor signaling.Methods We used clonal mouse pituitary gonadotrope cell lines to examine the effect of AXL activation on GnRH receptor-dependent signaling outcomes. ELISA and immunofluorescence were used to observed AXL and GnRH receptor expression in αT3-1 and LβT2 mouse gonadotrope cell lines, as well as in mouse and human pituitary sections. We also used ELISA to measure changes in ERK phosphorylation, pro-MMP9 production, and release of LHβ. Digital droplet PCR was used to measure the abundance of Egr-1 transcripts. A transwell migration assay was used to measure LβT2 migration responses to GnRH and AXL.Results We observed AXL, along with the GnRH receptor, expression in αT3-1 and LβT2 gonadotrope cell lines, as well as in mouse and human pituitary sections. Consistent with a potentiating role of AXL, Gas6 enhanced GnRH-dependent ERK phosphorylation in αT3-1 and LβT2 cells. Further, and consistent with enhanced post-transcriptional GnRH receptor responses, we found that Gas6 increased the abundance of Egr-1 transcripts. Suggesting functional significance, Gas6/AXL signaling enhanced GnRH receptor-dependent generation of LHβ and pro-MMP9 protein by LβT2 cells and promoted cell migration.Conclusions Altogether, these data describe a novel role for AXL as a modulator of GnRH receptor signaling.
Electrochemical investigations of plant response to salt stress: insights through impedance studies of OECT-based biosensor
Authors: M Sneha , RAVINDRANATH NAIR AFIJITH , JAYARAMAN V
Published: June 2023

Organic Electrochemical Transistor fabricated from conducting polymer material, PEDOT: PSS has been demonstrated towards study of plant response to salt stress. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies of OECT under both in-vivo and in-vitro salt stress monitoring conditions have been carried out. Change in ionic concentration induced in the biological system of a living plant subjected to salt stress has been elucidated in terms of change in impedance of biosensor integrated in its stem. The impedance data recorded was used to derive equivalent distributed-element circuit models for the device, under both in-vivo and in-vitro conditions.