bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arm circumference for age, Arm circumference and weight-for-height Z-score for the evaluation of severe acute malnutrition: a retrospective cohort study in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ngaboyeka Gaylord , Bisimwa Ghislain , Neven Anouk , Mwene-Batu Pacifique , Kamable Richard , Ongezi Emmanuel , Chimanuka Christine , Ntagerwa Joseph , Balolebwami Serge , Mulume Francis , Battisti Oreste , Dramaix Michèle , Donnen Philippe
Published: August 2023

Background
Little is known about the use of mid-upper arm circumference for age (MUACZ) for diagnose of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and its correlation with WHZ (weight-for-height Z-score) in an area endemic for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and with a high prevalence of kwashiorkor. Our study aims to analyze the concordance between the diagnostic criteria of SAM in a region presenting these characteristics.
Methods
We analyzed a database of children admitted from 1987 to 2008 for the management of SAM in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Anthropometric indicators (z-score) were calculated and classified into 3 categories according to WHO standards. Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) was calculated to assess the concordance between these indicators.
Results
Out of the 9969 selected children aged 6 to 59 months, 30.2% had nutritional edema, 70.1% had a height-for-age (HAZ) z-score <-2, 11.5% WHZ<-3 z-score, 14.9% had a MUAC < 115 and 21.8% had a MUACZ <-3 z-score. With the classic combination WHZ and MUAC, 36% of children with SAM had both criteria at the same time and MUAC alone being the indicator that recruited more children with SAM (77%) compared with 65% with WHZ only. By replacing MUAC with MUACZ, 34% of SAM children fulfilled both criteria, WHZ and MUACZ. MUACZ alone recruited more children with SAM (88%) compared with 46% with WHZ alone. Considering these three indicators together, MUAZ remained the indicator that recruited more children with SAM (85%). WHZ and MUAC showed a moderate agreement [ κ (95% CI) = 0.408 (0.392–0.424)], WHZ and MUACZ a weak agreement [ κ (95% CI) = 0.363(0.347–0.379)] and MUAC and MUACZ a good agreement [ κ (95% CI) = 0.604 (0.590–0.618)].
Conclusion
Adjusting MUAC for age increases its ability to recruit children suffering from MAS in our region. Despite this, MUAC remains complementary to WHZ because of their weak concordance.
Comparative Analysis of Remote sensing based evapotranspiration models for seasonal crops in desert environment
Authors: Raja Azmat , Gopikrishnan T
Published: August 2023

Meticulous knowledge of evapotranspiration is vital for managing water resources. In this study, we used Landsat 8 to assess and evaluate four remote sensing-based energy balance models: SEBAL, SSEB, TSEB, and S-SEBI to predict evapotranspiration (ET) for seasonal crops in the desert environment. All models performed well in the prediction of spatial-temporal variation of ET. The actual ET of crops for different days of the year has been calculated using the Penman-Monteith equation and crop coefficients. The ET estimated for Kharif crops is higher than the Rabi crops. With different land cover, NDVI, and land surface temperature, the change of ET and transpiration is analysed. The seasonal transpiration is estimated using the trapezoidal and Gaussian fitting method. SSEB resulted in higher accuracy for Kharif crops, similarly TSEB model for Rabi crops. The spatiotemporal extent knowledge of ET can assist reservoir managers in allocating water for agriculture and other uses.
Comparative overall survival of CKD4/6 inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy in advanced breast cancer
Authors: Kappel Coralea , Elliott Mitchell , Kumar Vikaash , Nadler Michelle , Desnoyer Alexandra , Amir Eitan
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Individual trials of abemaciclib, palbociclib, and ribociclib show a similar impact on progression-free survival yet differing statistical significance for overall survival (OS). A robust comparative evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the three drugs is warranted.
Methods
A systematic literature search identified phase 3 randomized clinical trials reporting OS of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in combination with endocrine therapy in ER-positive advanced breast cancer. Trial level data on OS and common and serious adverse events (AE) were extracted for each drug. In the absence of direct comparisons, a network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate pairwise comparative efficacy, safety, and tolerability of each of the CDK4/6i.
Results
Seven studies comprising of 4415 patients met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 70.2 months (range: 48.7–90 months). There were no statistically significant differences in OS between any of the CDK4/6i. Compared to palbociclib, ribociclib and abemaciclib both showed significantly higher GI toxicity (grade 1–2 vomiting OR 1.87 [95% CI 1.37–2.56] and OR 2.27 [95% CI 1.59–3.23] respectively). Compared to palbociclib, abemaciclib was associated with more grade 3–4 diarrhea OR 118.06 [95% CI 7.28-1915.32]. In contrast, palbociclib was associated with significantly more neutropenia than ribociclib and abemaciclib but significantly lower risk of grade 3–4 infections. Abemaciclib had significantly less grade 3–4 transaminitis and grade 3–4 neutropenia than ribociclib. Treatment discontinuation and death due to AE was significantly higher with abemaciclib than palbociclib and ribociclib.
Conclusions
There is no statistically significant difference in OS between CDK4/6i despite differing statistical significance levels of individual trials. Real-world data analyses may help to identify if there is a meaningful inter-drug difference in efficacy. Significant differences between CDK4/6i are observed for safety and tolerability outcomes.
The Causal Relationship Between Autoimmune Diseases and Sepsis:A Two-Sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Guo Na , Zhang Lu , He Nan nan , Guo Hong , liu jian
Published: August 2023

Objectives
The aim of this Mendelian randomization (MR) study was to assess the potential association between liability to autoimmune diseases (ADs) and the risk of sepsis.
Methods
Data on autoimmune diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (n = 273,824), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 253,417), sicca syndrome (SS) (n = 368,028), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 12,730,023), were obtained from the FinnGen database. Data on sepsis (n = 12,730,023) were obtained from the UK Biobank genome-wide association study pooled data. Bi-directional MR analysis was conducted to explore potential causal relationships. The primary analysis employed the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method to estimate causal effects, with MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode as supplementary methods. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to assess the robustness of the results.
Result
The forward MR analysis results indicated that SS (IVW: OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.12, p = 0.01) and SLE (IVW: OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09, p = 0.01) might be associated with increased risk of sepsis, whereas the AS and RA were no association with sepsis. Reversed MR showed no effect of sepsis on four autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest a potential relationship between SS and SLE and an increased risk of sepsis. These results lay the groundwork for future clinical investigations into the causal association between SS, SLE, and sepsis.
Poly(ether ketone ketone)/Silica nanotubes Substrate Films and Their Sixth Generation Communciation Performance
Authors: Yeh Jen-taut , Lei Zhi-wen , Ma Ning , Hsu Tim
Published: August 2023

Silica hollow tube (SHT) nanofillers were fine distributed over poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) to serve decently as sixth generation (6G) substrate films. Distinctly lower dielectric and thermal expansion characteristics were detected for all PEKKaxSHTy film sequence filled with proper amounts of SHT nanofillers. The dielectric characteristics detected for all PEKKaxSHTy film sequence diminished to a minimum, as the SHT loads came near an optimal value of 8wt%. The LCTE evaluated for each PEKKaxSHTy film sequence reduced distinctly with increasing SHT loads. Suitable dielectric constant (er) (2.26 at 1 MHz), and/or dielectric loss (tan d) (0.0027 at 1 MHz) and/or Linear coefficient of thermal expansion (LCTE) (30.5×10-6/oC) for 6G rapid-speed communication were detected for PEKKP700092SHT8 substrate film having 8wt% load of SHT nanofillers. Meanwhile, the beginning degradation temperatures estimated for all PEKKaxSHTy film sequence increased distinctly with increasing SHT loads. All free-volume-cavity characteristics estimated for all PEKKaxSHTy film sequence approached a highest value, as SHT loads came near an optimal value of 8wt%. Distinctly lower er and tan d were detected for PEKKa and PEKKaxSHTy having higher free-volume-cavity characteristics. Possible interpretations for the distinctly diminished dielectric and/or heat-resistant characteristics acquired for PEKKaxSHTy films are presented.
A simple and rapid assay of lysosomal-targeting CDy6 for long-term real-time viability assessments in 2D and 3D in vitro culture models
Authors: Kang Chanhan , YUN WON-SOO , Jeong Yun-Mi
Published: August 2023

CDy6, a BODIPY-derived compound, is used to label lysosomes and visualize mitotic and proliferating cells. However, its effectiveness in long-term, real-time cell viability assays using both 2D and 3D cell culture models is unclear. Here we evaluated the suitability of CDy6 by assessing living cell viability and proliferation in HaCaT keratinocyte and CCD-986sk human fibroblast cell lines in 2D and 3D cell culture models. Cells were stained with CDy6 or other dyes and imaged using confocal microscopy to obtain fluorescence images. To analyze the absorbance of CDy6-targeted lysosomal vesicles (CLVs) derived from living cells, DMSO was added to the CDy6-stained HaCaT cells and then incubated for 1 hour at room temperature, and their absorbance was measured using a spectrometer. In addition, we tested the effects of CLVs on 3D cell culture models by adding CDy6-stained collagen hydrogels to CCD-986sk cells and loading them into a frame construction to establish a 3D dermal layer for long-term culture. The CDy6-based method, measured using a spectrometer, yielded results similar to those of the widely used MTT assay for measuring cell viability. Compared to calcein AM staining, the CLV method allows for both absorbance measurement and imaging under short-term and long-term culture conditions and resulted in less cytotoxicity. In conclusion, the CLV method provides a simple and sensitive tool for assessing the status of living cells in 2D and 3D cell culture models and can be used as an alternative to animal testing. Moreover, it is effective for monitoring cell viability under long-term real-time conditions in vitro.
IL-17 in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) immunopathogenesis and complications; molecular approaches
Authors: Elahi Reza , Nazari Mahdis , Mohammadi Vahid , Esmaeilzadeh Kimia , Esmaeilzadeh Abdolreza
Published: August 2023

Chronic inflammation has long been considered the characteristic feature of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Immunopathogenesis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are considered the central drivers of the inflammatory cascade leading to β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR), two major pathologic events contributing to T2DM. Analyzing the cytokine profile of T2DM patients has also introduced IL-17 as an upstream regulator of inflammation, regarding its role in inducing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In diabetic tissues, IL-17 induces the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) family. Hence, IL-17 can deteriorate insulin signaling and β-cell function by activating the JNK pathway and inducing infiltration of neutrophils into pancreatic islets, respectively. Additionally, higher levels of IL-17 expression in patients with diabetic complications compared to non-complicated individuals have also proposed a role for IL-17 in T2DM complications. Here, we highlight the role of IL-17 in the Immunopathogenesis of T2DM and corresponding pathways, recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies targeting IL-17 in T2DM, and corresponding challenges and possible solutions.
Enhancing Home Security through an Android-based Door Security System using IoT Technology
Authors: Mabasha Shaik , Kamini Srinivasa Rao , Babu Sadhu Ratna , SHAIK Abdul Hameed
Published: August 2023

The security of a home largely depends on the effectiveness of its door lock system. However, instances of occupants forgetting to lock the door or doubting its status due to time constraints are not uncommon. To address this issue, we propose an innovative Android-based application called the Door Security System, which leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor, control, and enhance the security of a house. The system utilizes the MQTT cloud as a communication protocol between the smartphone and the door lock mechanism. The Door Security System incorporates various sensors to ensure comprehensive monitoring. A Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor is implemented within the door lock to detect any movement near the door, while a touch sensor is installed on the door handle to recognize human interaction. In the event of forced entry, an alarm will promptly ring and send notifications to the house occupants, effectively alerting them about the presence of an intruder. Evaluation results demonstrate the accuracy of the motion detection sensor, accurately detecting movements up to 1.6 meters ahead. Additionally, the communication between the smartphone and the door lock system is securely encrypted, ensuring the safe transmission of messages. Furthermore, the system incorporates Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to send an email notification to the occupants, including an attachment—a photo captured using the ESP32-CAM. The proposed Door Security System, with its integration of IoT technology, presents a robust solution to augment home security. By providing real-time monitoring, remote control, and immediate notifications, it offers peace of mind to house occupants, allowing them to securely manage their doors from anywhere. The utilization of sensors, MQTT cloud, and encrypted communication ensures the system's reliability and effectiveness.
Effect of Selected Factors on Adoption of Organic Agriculture Certificate: A Logistic Regression Approach
Authors: Malhan Pardeep , Ram Tika
Published: August 2023

Certificate provides guarantee to the consumers that the product is grown by the producers without using any chemicals and harmful pesticides and is of a certain quality. Besides certificate, reputation of the farm or personal relationships are the methods of guaranteeing. But, for the expansion of the marketing at a larger scale, certification of organic products is required as a guarantee. Such guarantee in term of certificate of products means to encourage and communicate its associated benefits. This paper determines the adoption of organic agriculture certificate under demographic and marketing practices and its impacts on farmers. In doing so, a binary logistic model is specified and implemented in the case of adoption of organic agriculture certificate in Haryana, India. Results suggests that adoption of organic agriculture certification are depend on some demographic and marketing factors. Gender, experience, training, marketing infrastructure support, existing distribution and promotion support have a positive and significant effect on the adoption of organic Agriculture certificate.
Long-Term Survival Impact and Obstetric Outcomes After Fertility Preservation Surgery in Borderline Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Tunç Mehmet , Emre Gunakan , Huseyin Akilli , Nihan Haberal Asuman , Ali Haberal , Ali Ayhan
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To assess the long-term oncologic and obstetric outcomes after fertility sparing surgery (FSS) in women with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs).
Material and Methods
This retrospective study included 141 BOT patients. Specimens of patients were reevaluated according to new WHO–2020 classification of ovarian tumors. Obstetric outcomes were evaluated for FSS subgroup. Survival analysis were performed in the whole group.
Results
FSS and standard surgery applied 93 and 48 patients, respectively. Median follow-up time was 86 months. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 100% and 87%, respectively. FSS (p:0.000) and regional disease (stage III disease) (p:0.002) were associated with a shorter 5-year DFS. Regional disease was the only prognostic factor for DFS (p:0.002). Analysis of FSS subgroup revealed regional disease (p:0.004) as a significant factor associated with decreased 5-year DFS. Cystectomy was associated with a shorter 5-year DFS when compared to USO (65.6% vs. 88.7%, respectively) (p:0.031). Pregnancy rate was 76.7% among 43 patients who attempted to conceive. There were 34 livebirths among 33 women.
Conclusion
Regional disease appeared to be the only significant factor for decreased 5-year DFS. FSS seems to be an appropriate choice for young women with BOTs.
Troll on the net - testing the vulnerability of different networks structures on misinformation
Authors: Kopczewski Tomasz , Kocerka Julian
Published: August 2023

Internet trolls are a powerful instrument for spreading misinformation. A troll can be an algorithm that sends a predetermined message to the network and works on the principle: "Repeat a lie often enough, and people will believe it". This study uses a modified DeGroot model of social learning to test the network's vulnerability to messages spread by such trolls. In the study, random graphs generated in a Monte Carlo simulation are infected by a troll placed in a random vertex. The number of interactions needed to fully identify with the troll's message by all network participants will measure the vulnerability of the graphs on misinformation. Multidimensional Scaling and Random Forest machine learning methods applied to data from Monte Carlo simulation will determine which graph and vertex statistics are the best predictors of the network's vulnerability to misinformation. We found that the features of the troll are much stronger predictors than the characteristic of the network.
Victorian Aboriginal services co-creating knowledge about healing and recovery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survivors of child sexual abuse: A study protocol.
Authors: Gee Graham , Black Carlina , Mulder Stella , Milroy Helen , Gibbs Jordan , Biggs Laura , Kennedy Helen , Brown Stephanie
Published: August 2023

Background: Child sexual abuse is a human rights and public health issue with harmful impacts on individuals, families and communities of all nations and cultures. There is a lack of research on healing and recovery from child sexual abuse for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities. This protocol has been co-designed with practitioners and senior staff from six Aboriginal partner services dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survivors of child sexual abuse in the Australian state of Victoria.
Methods: This multi-method study is grounded in Indigenous research methodologies and methods of data generation, in addition to complementary Western methodology and methods of data analysis. The protocol outlines three related research activities, which make up the first phase of the study. The first activity involves three Cultural Wellbeing and Yarning Gatherings over an 8-month period. These gatherings will provide a culturally safe space for practitioners and senior staff of the partner services to participate in data generation through yarning about healing and recovery from child sexual abuse. This research activity utilises yarning and a grounded theory approach. The second activity involves formative evaluation of an 8-month Community of Practice for practitioners and senior staff, utilising yarning for data generation. This activity will use reflexive thematic analysis as the approach to data analysis. The third activity is a scoping review that investigates Indigenous peoples’ experiences of healing and recovery from child sexual abuse and will utilise thematic analysis.
Discussion: This co-designed program of research focuses on supporting practitioners and services dedicated to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse. It addresses some key needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners and services working in the area of healing for Aboriginal survivors of child sexual abuse, through developing new knowledge and support processes that are inclusive of practice wisdom and that privilege Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Identifying potential biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of postmenopausal osteoporosis using weighted coexpression analysis and multiple machine learning modeling
Authors: Wang Shuo , Chen Shengwu , Gao Yixuan , Zhou Hongli
Published: August 2023

Objective:
The goal of this study was to discover key genes associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), and evaluate their roles in disease development and prognosis.
Methods:
Microarray analysis of GSE56815 was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PMOP patients and normal individuals. A combined analysis was performed involving upregulated DEGs and genes within the weighted coexpression analysis (WCGNA) modules. This was done to determine key genes with a high association with PMOP and showing increased expression at the transcriptional level. Functional enrichment analysis and protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were implemented on these key genes. LASSO regression was utilized to minimize the dimensionality of these genes. Multiple machine learning models were established on the training set, and the random forest model with the best performance was chosen to detect potential biomarkers for PMOP.
Results:
Three key genes, MX2, IFI35, and SERPINB2, were identified through our analysis. These genes occupy a central position in the regulatory network and showed excellent performance in the machine learning models. The area under the curve (AUC) of the validation set implied that these identified key genes possess strong predictive power and applicability. The genes were found to be mainly enriched in the B-cell receptor signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation.
Conclusion:
This study provides significant insights into the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of osteoporosis. The identification of potential biomarkers may aid in early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis, and serves as a foundation for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies and preventive measures.
Incorporating machine learning, PPI networks to identify mitochondrial fission-related immune markers in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Liu Yi-jiang , Li Rui , Xiao Di , Yang Cui , Li Yan-lin , Chen Jia-lin , Wang Zhan , Zhao Xin-guo , Shan Zhong-gui
Published: August 2023

Purpose This study was to investigate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a condition characterized by inflammation and progressive dilation of the blood vessels.Methods To do this, we used weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene analysis on samples from the GEO database. Additionally, we carried out enrichment analysis and determined that the blue module was of interest. Additionally, we performed an investigation of immune infiltration and discovered genes linked to immune evasion and mitochondrial fission. In order to screen for feature genes, we used two PPI network gene selection methods and five machine learning methods. This allowed us to identify the most distinctive genes (MCGs). The expression of the MCGs in various cell subgroups was then evaluated by analysis of single cell samples from AAA. Additionally, we looked at the expression levels of the MCGs as well as the levels of inflammatory immune-related markers in cellular and animal models of AAA. Finally, we predicted potential drugs that could be targeted for the treatment of AAA.Results Through differential gene analysis, our research identified 1249 up-regulated differential genes and 3653 down-regulated differential genes. Through WGCNA, we also discovered 44 genes in the blue module. By taking the point where several strategies for gene selection overlap, the MCG (ITGAL and SELL) was produced. We discovered through single cell research that the MCG were specifically expressed in T regulatory cells, NK cells, B lineage, and lymphocytes. In both animal and cellular models of AAA, the MCGs' mRNA levels rose.Conclusion We searched for the AAA hallmark chemicals ITGAL and SELL, which most likely function through lymphocytes of the B lineage, NK cells, T regulatory cells, and B lineage. This analysis gave AAA a brand-new goal.
A test of trade-offs in dispersal and reproduction within and between a sister species pair of specialist insect herbivores
Authors: Roush Amy M. , Zhang Linyi , Hood Glen Ray , Ott James R. , Egan Scott P.
Published: August 2023

A critical question in understanding the origin of trade-offs and their impact on trait evolution is whether trade-offs between species originate from within-species variation. Despite their importance, studies linking interspecific divergence between closely related species to intraspecific trait variation are still rare. In this study, we describe a trade-off between dispersal and reproductive effort between two sympatric sister species of wasps in the genus Belonocnema (Hymenoptera: Cynipini: Cynipidae) that form galls on live oaks: B. fossoria, which specializes on Quercus geminata, and B. treatae, which specializes on Q. virginiana. Specifically, our results suggest that B. fossoria has evolved reduced flight capability and smaller wings, but a larger abdomen and greater total reproductive effort than B. treatae, which has larger wings and is a stronger flier, but a smaller abdomen and reduced total reproductive effort. Despite these significant morphological and reproductive differences, these traits remain unchanged when transplanting B. fossoria and B. treatae onto the alternative host plant, suggesting that divergence in these traits is likely genetic as opposed to a plastic response to the different rearing environments. However, we did not find evidence of intraspecific trade-offs between wing length and reproductive traits within either B. fossoria or B. treatae, indicating that trade-offs in life history traits between the two species is a result of independent adaptations in response to different environments. Our study informs our understanding of the evolution of trade-offs among life history traits by examining trade-offs at different biological organizations.
Using Microdialysis to Assess Soil Diffusive P and Translocated Sap Flow P Concentrations in Southern Pinus taeda Plantations
Authors: Hackman Jacob James , Strahm Brian , Carter David , Woodley Alex , Garcia Kevin , Cook Rachel
Published: August 2023

Aims: To improve soil phosphorus (P) testing in silvicultural systems, we aim to assess microdialysis to study concentrations of soil diffusive P and in-vivo translocated sap flow P under variable rates of P carryover from a previous rotation.
Methods: The experiment was a randomized block design, blocked by site, with four treatments and two replications per treatment per block. Soils were collected from each treatment in the field and analyzed in laboratory conditions. Soils were analyzed for diffusive soil P using microdialysis and Mehlich III for comparison. Sap flow P measurements were collected in the field from 16 trees, one tree per treatment and replication over four hours.
Results: Spodosol soils had higher diffusive P levels than Alfisol soils. On average, diffusive P increased by 137% in Spodosol and 166% in Alfisol from pre to post-harvest. In the Alfisol, diffusive P showed a strong relationship with tree height, while no significant association was observed in the Spodosol. The Mehlich III soil extraction method did not correlate strongly with diffusive P for either site. Microdialysis samples collected from the trees responded to changes in fertilization rates. Atmospheric conditions substantially impacted sap flow P, with samples collected in full sunlight showing an average increase of 100% compared to overcast conditions.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of microdialysis as a valuable tool for soil P testing and its application in addressing complex questions related to P translocation and tree physiology in silvicultural settings.
Long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and increased risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study in Beijing, China
Authors: Shang Zhi , Gao Yueming , Deng Zhenling , Wang Yue
Published: August 2023

Limited data have examined the association between air pollution and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to investigate whether long-term exposure to air pollutants is related to the development of ESRD among patients with T2DM and CKD. A total of 1,738 patients with T2DM and CKD hospitalized in Peking University Third Hospital (Beijing, China) from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2021 were enrolled in this study. The outcome was defined as the occurrence of ESRD. Data on five air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, and SO2) from 35 monitoring stations were obtained from the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center. Long-term exposure to air pollutants during the follow-up period was measured using the ordinary Kriging method. During a mean follow-up of 41 months, 98 patients developed ESRD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM2.5 (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.36) and PM10 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.30) concentration were positively associated with ESRD. An increase of 1 mg/m3 in CO (2.80, 1.05–7.48) and an increase of 1 µg/m3 in SO2 (1.06, 1.00–1.13) concentration were also positively associated with ESRD. Apart from NO2, all the above air pollutants have additional predictive value for ESRD in patients with T2DM and CKD, with PM2.5 performing best. In patients with T2DM and CKD, long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5, PM10, CO, and SO2 was positively associated with the development of ESRD.
Ileal inflammation induced by Toxoplasma gondii experimental infection: role of a metalloprotease from BmooMP-α-I snake venom to reduce immunopathology
Authors: Silva Tamires Lopes , Lopes Carolina Salomão , Silva Maraisa Cristina , Ferreira Flávia Batista , Barros Heber Leão Silva , Silva Mariana Ferreira , Silva Neide Maria , Oliveira Fabio , Mineo Tiago Wilson Patriarca , Mineo José Roberto
Published: August 2023

The selection process for advanced therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) must prioritize safety, especially when considering new biologic agents or oral molecule modulators. In C57BL/6 mice, oral infection with Toxoplasma gondiiinduces intestinal inflammation through excessive tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, making TNF neutralization a potential therapeutic intervention. In light of this, the present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of BmooMP-α-I, a snake venom metalloprotease isolated from Bothrops moojeni, which has the ability to promote TNF hydrolysis, in treating T. gondii-induced ileitis.
The results showed that C57BL/6 mice orally infected with T. gondii and treated with BmooMP-α-I exhibited prolonged survival and improved morbidity scores. Additionally, the treatment ameliorated both the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the intestine, reduced macrophage influx, and decreased the production of inflammatory mediators by mesenteric lymph node cells. These findings provide compelling experimental evidence supporting the ability of BmooMP-α-I to alleviate ileal inflammation.
Considering that the currently available therapeutic protocols are not completely effective and often result in side effects, the exploration of alternative strategies involving novel therapeutic agents, as demonstrated in this study, has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.
Using Video to Develop Preservice Teachers’ Noticing within a Mathematical Modelling Context
Authors: Zuo Siyu , Liu Lizhe , Qi Chunxia
Published: August 2023

Teacher education should foster teachers’ competencies in teaching mathematical modelling since it is a demanding task. Mathematical modelling requires spontaneous reactions, which are related to the core of teachers’ competencies — teacher noticing. The study designed a video-based course to develop these competencies in the context of mathematical modelling. The findings revealed a noticeable improvement in their noticing competencies after participating in the semester-long course. In particular, the Preservice Teachers’ topical foci shifted towards modelling thinking and pedagogy. They made significantly more interpretive comments and used significantly more task-dimensional knowledge for teaching mathematical modelling to reason about events. These results appear to support the viability of using video for this purpose.
The dual effect of vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric patients with drug- resistant epilepsy: Is there more than seizure control?
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashraf , Hamdi Hussein , Rashidi Omnia El , Halim George , Aglan Osama , Sabbagh Abdel Rahman El , Basha Ahmed Kamel , Sayed Ahmed El , Saleh Dina Amin , RH Shatla , Ghany Walid Abdel
Published: August 2023

Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is very common in our daily clinical practice for which vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a non-pharmacological therapeutic modality. VNS is offered for patients who are not amenable to resective epilepsy surgery. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that VNS not only improves seizure control but also modifies cognitive functions.
Objective: This study aims at investigating this proposed dual effect as it has a great impact on the developing brain which is crucial, especially in the pediatric age group.
Methods: This retrospective-comparative-pilot study was conducted from January 2018 to February 2022 on 2 groups of pediatric patients between the age of 7-18 years with DRE. It included the "VNS group" which underwent VNS implantation after failing at least 3 anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and the "best medical treatment (BMT) group" which received only pharmacological treatment. All included patients were followed up for at least a 12-month period. Demographic data, epilepsy etiology, seizure diary, ASMs, detailed neurological examination, and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were noted. Cognitive assessment using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was recorded and the cognitive score was calculated at baseline and 12 months later for each group.
Results:
87.5% of our patients were classified as symptomatic epilepsy. 75% of patients showed ≥50% seizure frequency reduction among the VNS group as compared to 12.5% in the BMT group. None of the patients achieved seizure freedom in both groups. At 12 months, both patients in the BMT and the VNS group showed statistically significant improvement in their overall cognitive score from baseline (p=0.027) and (p=0.012), respectively. However, this improvement was statistically significantly higher in the VNS group as compared to the BMT group (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that VNS might have an added value in ameliorating cognitive impairment and brain maldevelopment in patients with DRE. However, further large-scale prospective long-term studies are still required to explore the potential role of VNS in neuromodulation and neuronal plasticity that might explain such results.
Effects of combined application of selenium and various plant hormones on the cold stress tolerance of tomato plants
Authors: Guo Jia , Bai Yan , Wang Xin , Dai Qingqing , Zhan Xiangqiang , Gong Haijun
Published: August 2023

Aims
The roles of selenium (Se) in relieving the harmful effect of cold stress have been reported, but there are few studies on the interaction between Se and various plant hormones in plants in response to cold stress. Here, the effects of Se and various plant hormones on tomato plants under cold stress have been investigated.
Methods
The biomass, relative electrical conductivity, photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde, chlorophyll fluorescence, soluble sugar, proline contents, as well as the regulation of plant hormones were examined.
Results
Among several plant hormones, the co-application of Se and SA was the most effective in reducing the cold stress of tomato plants. The co-application of Se and SA prevented the oxidative damage caused by cold stress on tomato chloroplasts and preserved the plasma membrane integrity and regulated the osmotic substances under cold stress. The interaction between Se and SA modulated the expression of some cold-induced genes thereby conferring cold tolerance of tomato plants. But the pretreatment with a SA biosynthesis inhibitor (AIP) eliminated the favorable influence of Se on the cold resistance of tomato, indicating that enhancing the cold resistance of plants by regulating the synthesis of SA might be one of the mechanisms by which Se enhanced tomato’s resistance to cold stress.
Conclusions
Our results clarified the roles of Se and its regulation mechanisms in plant cold stress tolerance and the critical involvement of SA in this process, which might offer a theoretical foundation for using Se fertilizer to increase the production of crops under adversity stresses.
Design of a Broadband Circularly Polarised Uniplanar Crossed-Dipole Antenna
Authors: Wang Heesu , Park Yong Bae , Park Ikmo
Published: August 2023

This study presents the design of a uniplanar crossed-dipole antenna with broadband characteristics. The antenna comprises a pair of identical crossed-dipole arms printed on the same plane of a dielectric substrate. The crossed-dipole arms are corner-cut fat dipoles that are perpendicular to each other and connected with a bent stripline to generate circularly polarised (CP) radiations. A wide dipole arm was used to improve impedance matching and widen the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. Additionally, the corner of each dipole arm was cut into a triangular shape to broaden the impedance and AR bandwidths further. The antenna in free space is excited via a wideband microstrip-to-parallel stripline tapered balun to reduce the effect of leakage current on the coaxial cable. Experiments and full-wave electromagnetic simulations were employed to design, verify, and validate the antenna design. The antenna, having an overall size of 45 × 45 × 0.508 mm3 (0.4 × 0.4 × 0.0045 λL3 where λL is the lowest frequency in the 3-dB AR bandwidth), demonstrates the following measured performances: an |S11| < −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 2.53–9.14 GHz (113.3%), a 3 dB AR bandwidth of 2.65–7.75 GHz (98.1%), and peak gain of 3.7 dBic at 6.6 GHz.
Research on Motion Planning Model and Control Strategy of Corn Inspection Robot
Authors: Zhang XinWei , Yi KeChuan
Published: August 2023

In order to understand the growth condition of corn crop in real time, this paper designs an inspection robot for corn growth information collection, and proposes a path planning method for corn growth information collection robot based on Yolo v4. Firstly, the maize inspection robot adopts Kinect v2.0 camera to collect images of maize rootstalk information, and processes the images through the IPC to build a sample library of maize rootstalk, on which the Yolo v4 network model is used to train the maize rootstalk images. The accuracy of Yolo v4 is found to be 10.48% higher than that of the Faster R-CNN model. After that, we fit the robot's walking path based on the recognition results, and convert the image pixel coordinates into spatial coordinates through coordinate conversion to obtain the robot's walking path in the actual field environment. Finally, a prototype inspection robot is built and tested in a corn field. The results showed that the inspection robot is stable and did not lose control, and at the same time, it could effectively collect various information in the process of corn growth, which provided a means to realize human-robot separation.
Enhancement of Actinobacteriota and suppression of root-knot nematode infection in cucumbers through chitin application
Authors: Li Ching-Min , Cheng Ting-Hsuan , Liang Ying-Ru , Huang Chao-Li
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims:
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are endoparasitic plant pathogens. The infection seriously reduces the yield and quality of crops and frequently causes continuous cropping obstacles to facility cultivation. Biological control methods have been used to restrict root-knot nematodes, such as the application of crustacean shell powder, which is proposed to increase of chitinolytic bacteria, especially those belonging to Actinobacteriota. However, its influences to soil microbiome remain largely unknown.
Methods:
We used targeted metagenomics to investigate the changes in soil bacterial community for root-knot nematode-infected cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) treated by crustacean shell powder with a pot system.
Results:
The chitin application significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota and reduced the symptoms caused by root-knot nematodes with a dose-dependent manner. Functional prediction suggested that these bacteria may improve chitin hydrolysis and nitrification in the soil, leading to inhibition of root-knot nematodes and growth promotion of cucumbers. On the contrary, the treatment of Streptomyces was less effective than the chitin application as they hardly colonize in the pot system.
Conclusion:
Chitin application may introduce chitinolytic bacteria and enhance soil nitrification to alleviate the infection of root-knot nematodes and stimulate plant growth.
Diagnostic Significance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Cytometry in Chinese Children with B Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Tang Xue , Mai Huirong , Wang Lulu , Chen Shiyang , Chen Fen , Li Tonghui , Liu Yi , Zhou Guichi , Liu Shilin , Wang Ying , Liu Sixi , Fu Xiaoying , Wen Feiqiu
Published: August 2023

Background:
Central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) is among the most important causes of the poor prognosis of childhood leukemia. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of cytomorphology (CM) and flow cytometry (FCM) in diagnosing CNSL, emphasizing the importance of FCM in the diagnosis process.
Methods:
One-hundred-sixty-five children with newly diagnosed B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL) were included in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were taken for routine CSF analysis, CM analysis, and FCM examination. Computed tomography scans and/or magnetic resonance imaging were performed at diagnosis. Patients with CNS2, CNS3, and traumatic lumbar puncture (TLP) at diagnosis received two additional courses of triple intrathecal injections during induction treatment. We compared the sensitivity of FCM and CM in the diagnosis of children with CNSL.
Results:
One hundred and twenty-eight (77.58%) CSF samples were negative by either CM or FCM (CM-/FCM-), four (2.42 %) were positive by both CM and FCM (CM+/FCM+), and thirty-three (20%) displayed a single positive finding by FCM (CM-/FCM+) (p=0.044). By adding two lumbar injections in the induction treatment, ten children with TLP+ had no CNS relapse, like those with TLP-. However, compared to CNS1 and TLP, the event-free survival (EFS) did not significantly improve in patients with CNS2 and CNS3. Moreover, CNSL status was associated with worse 3-year EFS (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
We demonstrated the FCM significance in the diagnosis of CNSL in children. To improve the EFS rate of childhood leukemia, it is necessary to combine CM examination, FCM, and other biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CNSL.
Social Vulnerability Index Contributes to Patient History: Women Treated with Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Almond Natalie , Deal Allison M. , Page Annie , Muss Hyman B. , Nyrop Kirsten A.
Published: August 2023

Background
In women scheduled for chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer (BC), we investigated associations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) with pre-treatment demographics, health behavior, functional and quality of life factors, and treatment toxicities during chemotherapy.
Methods
Patients participated in a home-based walking program during chemotherapy. The SVI Overall score (CDC website for linking zip codes in the electronic medical record) is comprised of four themes: Socioeconomic, Household Composition, Minority Status/Language, and Household Type/Transportation. SVI scores range from 0 = lowest to 1 = highest vulnerability. Participant SVI scores were derived from zip codes listed in the patient’s address in the electronic medical record. Associations of study variables with SVI were evaluated with Spearman correlation for continuous variables and Kruskal-Wallis Tests for categorical variables.
Results
In a sample of 309 women (NCT02167932, 03/2014-11/2016; NCT02328313, 10/2014-01/2019); NCT03761706, 02/2018-06/2020), mean age was 56 years (range 23–83) and 75% White. Higher (greater vulnerability) SVI Overall was associated with Black race (p < .001), lower education (p = 0.02), non-marriage (p = < .0001), higher body mass index (p = .03), fewer walking minutes/week (p = < .001), smoking (p = 0.02), alcohol use (p < .001), Mental Health Index-Depression (p = 0.01), and lower emotional social support (p = 0.008). During chemotherapy, moderate, severe or very severe (MSVS) symptoms were associated with higher SVI Overall for hot flashes (p = .03), arthralgia (p = .02), myalgia (p = .02), peripheral neuropathy (p = .01), edema of limbs (p = .04), and nausea (p < .001).
Conclusions
SVI scores derived from addresses in the patient record can provide information that adds to the patient’s social history in ways that may be informative for cancer care.