bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incentivizing Inclusive Data Contributions in Personalized Federated Learning
Authors: Chen Siheng , Zhang Enpei , Chai Jingyi , Ye Rui , Wang Yanfeng
Published: February 2024

While data plays a crucial role in training contemporary AI models, it is acknowledged that valuable public data will be exhausted in a few years, directing the world's attention towards the massive decentralized private data. However, the privacy-sensitive nature of raw data and lack of incentive mechanism prevent these valuable data from being fully exploited. Addressing these challenges, this paper proposes inclusive and incentivized personalized federated learning (iPFL), which incentivizes data holders with diverse purposes to collaboratively train personalized models without revealing raw data. iPFL constructs a model-sharing market by solving a graph-based training optimization and incorporates an incentive mechanism based on game theory principles. Theoretical analysis shows that iPFL adheres to two key incentive properties: individual rationality and truthfulness. Empirical studies on eleven AI tasks (e.g., large language models' instruction-following tasks) demonstrate that iPFL consistently achieves the highest economic utility, and better or comparable model performance compared to baseline methods. We anticipate that our iPFL can serve as a valuable technique for boosting future AI models on decentralized private data while making everyone satisfied.
Connecting the dots: Exploring the relationship Between Spiritual Intelligence and Happiness Levels of undergraduate medical students
Authors: Ullah Subhan , Naeem Noor-i-Kiran , Hassan Muhammad , Sagheer Uzma
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Spiritual intelligence is one of the basic foundations of human beliefs. while, happiness is an important determinant of physical and mental health and social well-being. This study aimed to determine the relationship between spiritual intelligence and happiness among medical undergraduates.
Methods: This descriptive study involved 190 fourth year and final-year MBBS students of a private medical college in Pakistan. Participants filled out the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Assessment Inventory and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire after taking informed consent. Data analysis was done on SPSS. Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t-test were used to determine the relationship between spiritual intelligence and happiness.
Results: Our study results showed no association between the age of the students and happiness level (p= 0.827) and spiritual intelligence (p=0.684). There was a significant relationship between gender and happiness level as well as spiritual intelligence (p=0.000). Female students had happier level mean scores (109.01±10.78) than male students (94.92±14.33). Female students had higher mean scores of spiritual levels (57.82 ±13.99) than male students (52.92±16.49). There was a significant positive relationship between spiritual intelligence and happiness among undergraduate medical students (p = 0.005).
Conclusion: Higher spiritual intelligence is associated with higher grades of happiness among medical students. This insight holds potential implications for educational institutions and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of cultivating spiritual well-being alongside academic excellence to foster a positive and fulfilling medical education experience.
How Moral Foundations Shape Conservative Climate Concerns and Perceptions
Authors: Bedle Heather , Garneau Christopher R. H.
Published: February 2024

Climate change poses one of the most significant threats facing humanity, yet engagement in climate issues among American conservatives remains low. This study demonstrates the critical role moral foundations play in climate attitudes among conservatives. Analyzing survey data (n = 2188), we find that conservatives who score higher in compassion show greater belief in human-caused climate change, suggesting that appealing to shared humanity can persuade conservatives to accept the scientific consensus. However, ingroup loyalty is more pivotal for driving personal climate concern among conservatives. The more ingroup-focused, the less conservatives believe in climate change risk or worry about its impacts. These results highlight the nuanced interactions between morality and political orientation on climate views. The implications underscore the need to target specific moral foundations in climate messaging and policy to build conservative engagement. Appealing to compassion opens minds to climate concerns, but emphasizing impacts to local community rather than global effects is likely more effective for inspiring conservative action on climate change.
Leptin engages the lateral hypothalamus to ventral tegmental area circuit to modulate sleep-wake behavior
Authors: Cui Huxing , Singh Uday , Toth Brandon , Jiang Jingwei , Dickey Jacob , Saito Kenji , Davis Kevin , Aklan Iltan , Yavuz Yavuz , Sayar-Atasoy Nilüfer , Li Rui , Purnell Benton , Mustafa Omar , Deng Guorui , Deng Yue , Kim Youngcho , Atasoy Deniz , Buchanan Gordon
Published: February 2024

Sleep and metabolism are inextricably linked and mutually affect each other. Leptin is a pivotal regulator of metabolic homeostasis, but its effect on sleep-wake regulation remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that leptin acts on a small subset of lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) GABAergic neurons to affect sleep-wake behavior. We found that the selective loss of leptin receptors (LepRs) in the LHA causes sleep fragmentation without altering total sleep time, while severe sleep fragmentation in obese LepR-null mice can be rescued by the selective restoration of LHALepR signaling. In vivo Ca2+ imaging revealed that the vast majority of LHALepR+ neurons are REM sleep- and/or wake-active, and chemogenetic activation of LHALepR+ neurons lead to sustained wakefulness. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of LHALepR+ neuron projections to the ventral tegmental area promotes arousal. Collectively, our results identify an important hypothalamic substrate linking metabolic alterations to aberrant sleep-wake patterns in obesity.
Cognition and influencing factors of secondary prevention in patients with stroke 1 year after discharge in southwest of China: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhong Xuemin , Li Li , Ye Qing , Wang Jian , He Lanying , Li Changqing
Published: February 2024

Background: The risk of recurrent stroke is very high in patients with ischemic stroke (IS), but the implementation of secondary prevention of IS has not been paid enough attention. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cognition and compliance status of secondary prevention in patients with IS in Western China and explore the factors affecting compliance with secondary prevention 1 year after discharge.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of ischemic stroke patients 1 year after discharge in western Southwest China by convenience sampling. The patients were divided compliant and noncompliant groups, and differences in factors affecting compliance with secondary prevention between the two groups were analyzed.
Results: A total of 1,041 patients were followed up in our study. Nearly one third of patients did not perform secondary prevention according tothe guidelines, and animprovement in lifestyle was even less likely. Livingwith or without children did not significantly affect patient compliance (OR,1.11; 95% CI, 0.83–1.49; P=0.47). Furthermore, there was no difference in the prevalence of risk factors between patients with one or two of the three cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia) and those with all three.
Conclusions: Patients with IS had low compliance with secondary prevention. There is a particular lack of emphasis on lifestyle improvement. Further interventions are needed to improve compliance with secondary prevention in patients with IS, especiallypatients with all of three cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia).
Dimethyl sulfate as methylation agent in highly regioselective synthesis of methyl salicylate using sodium bicarbonate as a base in solvent-free medium
Authors: Freitas Milton Souza , Nelson David Lee , Sousa João Victor G. , Wentz Alexandre P. , Tada Dayane B. , Queiroz Rafaela C. , Hurtado Carolina R. , Macedo Erenilda F. , Conceição Katia , Hurtado Gabriela R. , Pessoa Fernando L. P. , Valdez Yan , Bueno Gabriel P. , Clososki Giuliano C. , Barbosa Sandro L.
Published: February 2024

Methyl salicylate (MS), the principal constituent of Wintergreen oil (WO), was obtained from salicylic acid (SA) by regioselective methylation of the carboxyl group. A new procedure involved exclusive capture of carboxylic hydrogen (-COOH) through the use of the selective base, NaHCO3. and methylation via an SN2 mechanism employing the previously formed carboxylate as a nucleophile and the dimethyl sulfate [(CH3)2SO4 or DMS] as the electrophilic reagent or substrate in a solvent-free reaction process. The reagents were added separately. SA and NaHCO3 was added, followed by DMS after 30 min. The reaction involved the esterification by nucleophilic substitution in Csp3 with heating by a heating mantle. The reaction was accompanied by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography. The conversion rate via GC was 100%, and the MS yield was 96%. The DMS used in excess was transformed into MeOH and H2SO4 during the washing with water. The MeOH was stored, and H2SO4 was transformed in Na2SO4 by neutralization with NaOH. Na2SO4 can be used as a desiccant. The simplicity of the procedure, readily available MS, short reaction times, excellent yield and mild reaction condition are other advantages of this protocol. Cytotoxicities of 50% and 64% for cultured S. aureus and metastatic melanoma cells, respectively, were observed for a concentration of 0.6 mg/mL of the MS produced, whereas no cytotoxicity against non-tumor cells was observed at this concentration, and this is considered to be the optimum concentration.
Clinical Pattern, Precipitating Factors, and Outcome of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients Visiting Adult Emergency at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College
Authors: Belachew Tadesse , Tesfay Yemane , Getachew Tesfaye , Zewde Ayelew , Berhen Eyoel
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most common acute complications of diabetes mellitus. The mortality rate of DKA was higher in developing countries. Diabetes mellitus has life-threatening complications that are precipitated by various factors such as infections, trauma, cardiovascular diseases, and pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the clinical pattern, precipitating factors, and outcome of DKA.
Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Diabetic ketoacidosis patients who were admitted from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2021 were included. The sample size was estimated using the single population proportion formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis and bivariate multiple regression analyses were used. Statistical significance was considered for variables with p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 261 medical charts of diabetic patients with DKA were analyzed. Patients’ median (interquartile range) age was 35 (26–46) years, with male predominance (62.1%). Polydipsia and polyuria were the most frequent presenting symptoms. About 39.1% of diabetes was a first-time presentation with DKA while infection and insulin discontinuation were the most common precipitating factors. Sixty-four (24.5%) of the patients had bad management outcomes, with a mortality rate of 1.5%. Having moderate and severe DKA (95% CI: (2.51, 11.62)] and having a lower GCS score at presentation [AOR=3.49 (95%CI: (1.11, 10.99)] were significantly associated with poor management outcome.
Conclusion: Polydipsia and polyuria were the most frequent presenting symptoms. One-fourth of DKA patients had poor management outcomes. The due focus should be given to raising the general public’s awareness about precipitating factors and overall comprehensive diabetic care.
The alterations in nerve growth factor concentration in plasma and synovial fluid before and after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Onodera Tomohiro , Iwasaki Koji , Matsuoka Masatake , Morioka Yasuhide , Matsubara Shinji , Kondo Eiji , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: February 2024

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective procedure for pain relief; however, the emergence of postsurgical pain remains a concern. In this study, we investigated the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and mediators that affect NGF production and their function in the synovial fluid and plasma after TKA. This study included 19 patients (20 knees) who had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent TKA, categorized into OA and non-OA groups. The levels of NGF, inflammatory cytokines, and lipid mediators were analyzed before and after surgery. The intraoperative synovial fluid NGF concentration was more than seven times higher in the non-OA group than in the OA group. The intra-articular NGF levels increased significantly by more than three-fold postoperatively in the OA group but not in the non-OA group. Moreover, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and lipid mediators were increased in the synovial fluid of both groups. The intra-articular cytokines or NGF concentrations positively correlated with postoperative pain. Targeted NGF control has the potential to alleviate postsurgical pain in TKA, especially in patients with OA, emphasizing the importance of understanding NGF dynamics under different knee conditions.
Gender disparities in health-related quality of life and its predictors among adults on HAART at public health facilities of southern Ethiopia, 2022: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors:   Aklilu Habte1, Tamene Aiggan , Lukas Kaleegziabher , Hailu Mulugeta , Woldeyohannes Demelash
Published: February 2024

Background
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has been widely used in the era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to assess the impacts and success, as well as the physical, psychological, and social implications of treatment on people living with HIV/AIDS. Identifying and addressing gender disparities in HRQoL is a critical tool in combatting the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Hence, this study aimed at assessing gender disparities in HRQoL among clients on HAART in southern Ethiopia, in 2022.
Methods
A facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was carried out from July 1 – October 30, 2022. A total of 1179 clients (590 males and 589 females) were selected randomly. Pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires and a data abstraction checklist were used to collect the data. The data were entered into EpiData3.1 and exported to SPPS version 23 for analysis. HRQoL was measured using the World Health Organization's Quality of Life HIV short-form (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) tool. χ2 test was computed to see a significant difference in overall HRQoL across males and females. A multivariable regression model was fitted to identify determinants of HRQoL. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to report determinants of HRQoL. Statistically significant variables in the final model were declared at p-value < 0.05.
Results
The overall mean (±SD) score of HRQoL was 11.14(±1.87) in which more than half (55.8%) of the clients had a good HRQoL. There was a significant difference in good HRQoL between males (60.5%) and females (51.1%) (χ2=21.57, p <0.001). Being urban residents (AOR= 1.86, 95% CI; 1.36, 2.54), higher educational level education (AOR=5.31, 95% CI; 2.92, 9.66), and having a current CD4 count of ≥500 cells/mm3 (AOR= 2.26, 95% CI; 1.43, 3.58) were positive predictors of a good HRQoL. On the other hand, the presence of opportunistic infection (AOR=0.67, 95% CI; 0.45, 0.89), and being a hazardous alcohol consumer (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.53, 0.92) were negative predictors.
Conclusion
Overall HRQoL was found to be low in the study area, with females having significantly lower scores in the majority of domains and overall HRQoL. Due emphasis should be given to those clients with no formal education and who came from rural areas. HAART service providers, addiction counsellors, and psychiatrists should collaborate in offering education on healthy living behaviours, coping mechanisms, and peer support for hazardous alcohol users.
Mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix with a prominent spindle cell component
Authors: Fan Yingying , He Ying , Sun Liang , Liu Tianmin , Shen Name：Yangmei
Published: February 2024

Mesonephric adenocarcinomas (MAs) with spindle cell components are rare malignant tumors of the cervix. We conducted a retrospective analysis of MAs with spindle cell components. Clinicopathological data were collected from electronic surgical pathology records, and immunohistochemistry and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed. The study included three postmenopausal women aged 51 to 60 years. All patients underwent hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. There were no recurrences or deaths after surgery. The NGS analysis identified KRAS mutations in two cases and a lone PIK3CA mutation in one case. Spindle cell components could be a morphological feature of MAs in the advanced stage. Spindle cell components in MAs are diagnostic pitfalls, and the use of immunohistochemical panels and molecular detection is recommended for cases with overlapping morphological features. While KRAS mutation is the most frequent molecular alteration, PIK3CA mutation can be identified independently in cases without KRAS mutation.
Al2O3 effect on thermal, optical and mechanical properties of agro-food wastes derived glasses
Authors: Punj Shivani , Kumar Santosh , Singh Kulvir , Singh Jashandeep
Published: February 2024

Glasses are synthesized using agro-food waste products as a sustainable asset, including egg-shell powder, maize husk and sugarcane leaf ashes via melt quench method using two different crucibles to understand the effect of Al2O3 pick up from alumina crucible. The thermal, theoretical optical as well as mechanical parameters of the synthesized glasses are investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results confirm that those glasses synthesized in an alumina crucible have increased the sintering window and glass-forming ability. The Al2O3 content increase the values of optical basicity, oxide ion polarizability, and refractive index. Mechanical properties also show significant change in the values of elastic modulus, Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Longitudinal modulus for the glasses synthesized in alumina crucible. The results revealed that the presence of higher content of alumina (pick up from crucible) in the glasses, the network become more compact as compared to glasses synthesized in Pt-Rh crucible. These findings open up new possibilities for applying the current glasses to non-linear optical applications.
Preliminary Study of Emotional Inter-Brain Synchronization
Authors: Li Ting , Zhang Heng , Liu Huijing
Published: February 2024

When people surf online, they share audio-visual materials and may have similar emotional reactions. We carried out this study to explore the neural mechanism of emotional inter-brain synchronization (IBS). Multilateral interaction is more practical in IBS research than the interaction between two people. We propose a novel inspection method for emotional IBS based on brain connectivity analysis and manifold measurement. The method is expected to deal with multilateral interaction IBS and the problem of heterogeneous data brought by the data collection paradigm. Specifically, the algorithm was constructed based on causal brain connectivity analysis and Riemannian metrics (SPD). Our results suggest that participants have an emotional IBS effect in the context of audio-visual material sharing. The proposed IBS method is more adept at dealing with multiple interaction IBS and effectively reduces algorithm complexity.
Association between Environmental Temperature and Premature Birth Incidence in Mexico from 2008 to 2019
Authors: Siliceo-Cantero Hector Hugo , Moreno-Gutiérrez Silvia Soledad , López-Pérez Sócrates , Maldonado-Muñiz Gabriela , Trejo-García Claudia Atala
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between environmental temperature and preterm birth incidence and to estimate the national variation in both variables in Mexico. This approach is necessary because both variables have been associated in several places in the world but not in Mexico, where recent findings indicate an increase of up to 6°C in some states. Environmental temperature and birth data from 2008 to 2019 were obtained for all Mexican territories from open governmental databases. The data were cleaned and organized by state, year, and month to create a database with information on both environmental temperature and preterm birth incidence. Statistical tools were used to evaluate the relationships at the national and state levels, as well as to evaluate the tendency of environmental temperature. A comparison of both variables among states was also performed. The results indicate a soft, positive and significant association between environmental temperature and preterm birth incidence. Half of the states presented such an association. Both variables differed throughout the Mexican territory. The environmental temperature increased 1°C from 2008 to 2019. There is an association between temperature and preterm birth at the national level; however, at the state level, the association did not occur throughout the territory, so the pattern is not generalizable. Both variables differ among Mexican states. The environmental temperature has shown an increasing trend, which can lead to damage to human health.
Nomogram to Predict Radicular Grooves in Maxillary Lateral Incisors in Preoperative Orthodontic Population
Authors: Zhou Xiuneng , Deng Jie , Liu Nianke , Yang Chunhui , Li Shiyu , Song Yaling
Published: February 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive nomogram for diagnosing radicular grooves (RG) in maxillary lateral incisors (MLIs), integrating demographic information, anatomical measurements, and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) data to diagnose the RG in MLIs based on the clinical observation before resorting to the CBCT scan.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective cohort of orthodontic patients from the School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, was analyzed, including demographic characteristics, photographic anatomical assessments, and CBCT diagnoses. The cohort was divided into development and validation groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified significant predictors of RG, which informed the development of a nomogram. This nomogram's performance was validated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.
Results
The study included 381 patients (64.3% female) and evaluated 760 MLIs, with RG present in 26.25% of MLIs. The nomogram incorporated four significant anatomical predictors of RG presence, demonstrating substantial predictive efficacy with an area under the curve of 0.75 in the development cohort and 0.71 in the validation cohort.
Conclusions
A nomogram for the diagnosis of RG in MLIs was successfully developed. This tool offers a practical checklist of anatomical predictors to improve the diagnostic process in clinical practice. Clinical Relevance: The developed nomogram provides a novel, evidence-based tool to enhance the detection and treatment planning of MLIs with RG in endodontic and orthodontic therapeutic strategies.
Projected increase in the impacts of ENSO on hydroclimate over Central Asia
Authors: Le Thanh
Published: February 2024

Central Asia (CA) is a region at risk of drought and desertification under a warming environment. Hence, further understanding of the drivers of CA hydroclimate is crucial for the production, ecological environment, and social security of this region. However, little is known about the impacts of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a major mode of global climate variability, on future CA hydroclimate. Here we investigated the causal influence of ENSO on future CA hydroclimate using outputs from Coupled Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models. We find significant causal effects of ENSO on precipitation, evaporation, soil moisture, and runoff over a large part of CA in the model simulations. ENSO is related to the restructuring of winds and atmospheric moisture sources over the tropical Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the CA, and thus directly influenced the CA hydroclimate. We showed that, compared to other major climate modes, ENSO exhibits a dominant effect on CA hydroclimate. Model projections indicate that future CA hydroclimate is likely to be linked to ENSO variations with high consistency between models and the likelihood of the hydroclimatic impacts of ENSO on CA may increase in the 21st century. This increase is associated with the extension of ENSO-driven moisture transport over southern and western CA. These findings underscore that ENSO may complicate the future hydroclimatic systems over CA.
Microplastic distribution in a meandering river bed and its sedimentary predictors
Authors: Daele Maarten Van , Bastelaere Ben Van , De Clercq Jens , Meyer Inka , Vercauteren Maaike , Asselman Jana
Published: February 2024

The scale of microplastic pollution in river sediments is gradually being elucidated through an increasing number of large-scale studies. Despite these advancements, our knowledge about the microplastic distribution within a riverbed – a crucial aspect for quantification – remains poor. Here, we study the meandering River Lys, Belgium, to evaluate how microplastic concentration varies between different sedimentary environments within the riverbed. We find that microplastic abundance is an order of magnitude higher towards the riverbanks compared to the thalweg, corresponding with hydrodynamics. Moreover, apart from the erosional area near the outer banks, organic matter content and median grain size are robust predictors of microplastic concentrations. These results significantly increase our understanding of MP distribution at the small scale of the riverbed. They are a crucial element to guide for future sampling efforts across diverse river systems, paving the way for normalization and better quantification of amounts of microplastics trapped by river sediments.
Nile Tilapia and Gilthead Seabream Dietary Self-Selection of Alternative Feeds with Spirulina and Quinoa
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo , Conceição Luís E.C. , Dias Jorge , Engrola Sofia , Vázquez Francisco J. Sánchez
Published: February 2024

Classical assessments of new fish feeds are anthropocentric, focusing on growth. Although this methodology is accurate, it does not consider the fish’ perspective. This study aimed to investigate the behavioural responses and feed preferences of Nile tilapia - Oreochromis niloticus and gilthead seabream - Sparus aurata, in two self-selection trials (self-feeders and diet encapsulation). Using self-feeders, both species were offered three feeds: a control (PD) and two diets (ORG1 and ORG2) containing non-conventional ingredients, including spirulina (Spirulina platensis) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). Three groups of tilapia with an average weight of 163.0 g ± 4.3 g (mean ± SD) and four groups of seabreams with 174.7 g ± 27.0 g were tested. To investigate the role of olfactory factors in dietary selection, three other diets were encapsulated and offered to tilapia: Diet A, a purified feed, Diet B that contained predominantly spirulina and Diet C which had a mixture of spirulina and quinoa. Seven individual tilapia of 331.9 g ± 31.4 g were used. Using self-feeders, tilapia exhibited a preference for ORG2 (46.5%), which was influenced by the sensory properties of feeds and post-ingestion signals, as their choice for ORG2 persisted during diet encapsulation using Diet C, which was also formulated with quinoa and spirulina. Seabream did not show a preference for any feed. These findings highlight the effectiveness of self-selection experiments in allowing fish to express their feeding behaviour and preferences. Therefore, this approach should be considered in the initial screening and design of new aquaculture feeds and ingredients.
Cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and barrett's esophagus: evidence from meta-analysis and mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Huang Yu , Ma Yuchao , Chen Yingji , Zhu Qianjun , Feng Wei , Jin Longyu
Published: February 2024

Background
Cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy is associated with bile reflux and may potentially contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC); however, current observational studies yield inconsistent findings.
Methods
A search of literature until 3 November 2023 was done in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Meta-analysis of observational studies assessing correlations between cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy and GERD, BE, and EAC risk factors were conducted. Mendelian randomization (MR) was then employed to assess the causative impact of genetic pre-disposition for cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy on these esophageal diseases.
Results
The results of the Meta-analysis indicated that cholelithiasis was significantly linked to an elevated risk in the incidence of BE (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.37–2.29; p < 0.001) and cholecystectomy was a risk factor of GERD (OR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.09–1.72; p = 0.008). We observed significant genetic associations between cholelithiasis and both GERD (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.10; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11–1.32; p < 0.001), as well as a correlation between cholecystectomy and both GERD (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.19; p < 0.001). After adjusting for common risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and BMI in multivariate analysis, these variables still increase the risk of GERD and BE.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that patients with cholelithiasis, regardless of whether they have undergone cholecystectomy or not, should prioritize the prevention and management of esophageal disorders.
The Impact of Spinal Anesthesia on Cardiac Function in Euvolemic Vascular Surgery Patients: Insights from Echocardiography and Biomarkers
Authors: Gkoudi Georgia , Loutradis Charalambos , Tzimou Myrto , Katsioulis Christos , Nevras Vasileios , Pitoulias Apostolos , Argiriadou Helena , Efthimiadis Georgios , PItoulias Georgios
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Existing evidence of the effect of spinal anesthesia on cardiac systolic function is scarce and inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the effects induced by a single injection of low-dose SA for elective vascular surgery on left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular systolic performance using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
Design: A prospective study
Setting: Single-center study, university hospital
Participants: Adult patients undergoing elective vascular surgery with SA.
Interventions: During patients’ evaluations fluid administration was targeted using arterial waveform monitoring. All patients underwent TTE studies before and after SA for the assessment of indices reflective of LV and RV systolic function. Blood samples were drawn to measure troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.
Measurements and Main Results: A total of 62 patients (88.7% males, 71.00±9.42 years) were included in the study. In total population, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) significantly increased after SA 53.07% [16.51]vs 53.86% [13.28]; p<0.001). End-systolic volume (ESV, 69.50 [51.50] vs 65.00 [29.50] ml; p<0.001) decreased while SV insignificantly increased (70.51±16.70 vs 73.00±18.76 ml; p=0.131) during SA. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) remained unchanged (2.23 [0.56] vs 2.25 [0.69] mm; p=0.558). In patients with impaired compared to those with preserved LV systolic function, the changes evidenced in LVEF (7.49±4.15 vs 0.59±2.79; p<0.001), ESV (-18.13±18.20 vs-1.53±9.09; p<0.001) and SV (8.71±11.96 vs-1.43±11.89; p=0.002) were greater.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence that SA in euvolemic patients undergoing elective vascular surgery improved LV systolic function, while changes in RV systolic function are minimal.
Shear rheological behavior of clay: direct simple shear test and equivalent timeline concept-based model
Authors: Ge Chen , Jungao Zhu , Fulong Ma , Qixun Luo , Zhiwen Shen , tao Wang
Published: February 2024

Studying the shear rheological properties of clay is crucial for evaluating slope stability and preventing excessive displacement of roadbeds and retaining walls. In this study, a series of direct simple shear tests were conducted by a novel apparatus to investigate the shear rheological behavior of clay in western China. Test results reveal that both the shear strain-time curve and shear stress-strain curve can be well described by power functions, and the power of shear strain-time curve is independent of the shear stress level. Based on this finding, an empirical shear rheological equation under constant shear stress is built. By assuming the shear stress-strain curves as a series of parallel lines in a double logarithmic coordinate axis, shear equivalent timelines are proposed based on Yin Graham's equivalent timeline theory. The shear equivalent time is then introduced into the proposed empirical shear rheological equation, thereby an equivalent timeline shear rheological model considering the effect of consolidation pressure under varying shear stresses is derived. The shear rheological strains predicted by the model are shown to agree well with test data before clay failure.
Genetic diversity and allelic variability of pfmsp1 y pfmsp2 of P. falciparum and its association with syntomatology and antimalarial drugs resistance markers in Yambio county, South Sudan
Authors: Fuente Irene Molina - de la , Benito María José Sagrado , Gisbert Francisco Bartolomé , García Luz , González Vicenta , Benito Agustín , Chol Buai Tut , Julla Ahmed , Bakri Abubakr , Nanclares Carolina , Berzosa Pedro
Published: February 2024

Background
Malaria genetic diversity is an important indicator of malaria transmission. Pfmsp1 and pfmsp2are a frequent molecular epidemiology tool to assess the genetic diversity. This study aims to assess the genetic diversity and the description of multiplicity of infection (MOI) of P. falciparum in Yambio County, South Sudan. Additionally, it assesses the association of specific alleles or multiplicity of infection with antimalarial drugs resistance haplotypes and severity of infection, major challenges in malaria control strategies.
Methods
There were collected 446 malaria samples from patients in Yambio county. After P. falciparumconfirmation, pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 allelic families were genotyped. Frequencies of each alleles were described and multiplicity of infection was calculated. The association between MOI and complicated malaria was assessed using U-Mann Whitney test. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare MOI between collection sites, age groups and antimalarial resistance haplotypes.
Results
For pfmsp1, monomorphic K1 allele infection was predominant (37.0%) in every location and for pfmsp2 locus, monomorphic 3D7 was predominant (44.8%). 71.9% of samples were polyclonal infections (overall MOI = 1.96). The high diversity and polyclonal infections are associated with molecular markers of resistance, and high MOI has been related with a lower risk of severity of infections. There was not find evidence of association between a specific allele and an infection trait.
Conclusion
High genetic diversity and high level of polyclonal infections have been found in this study, confirming the general high transmission, and highlighting the need for control measures to be intensified in Yambio county, South Sudan.
Blood-Based CNS-Injury and Inflammation Biomarkers Sampled at Acute, Subacute, and Chronic phases After Mild TBI Demonstrate Diagnostic Utility For Patients With and Without Intracranial Injuries on Acute CT and MRI
Authors: Clarke Gerard Janez Brett , Skandsen Toril , Zetterberg Henrik , Follestad Turid , Vik Anne , Olsen Alexander , Blennow Kaj , Håberg Asta Kristine
Published: February 2024

Background
Identifying individuals with intracranial injuries following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), i.e. complicated mTBI cases, is important for follow-up and prognostication. The aim of the current study was to identify the ability of single and multi-panel blood biomarkers of CNS injury and inflammation, from the acute to chronic phase after injury, to classify people with complicated mTBI on computer tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired within 72 hours.
Methods
Patients with mTBI (n = 207, 16–60 years), i.e., Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 13 and 15, loss of consciousness (LOC) < 30 min and post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) < 24 hours, were included. Complicated mTBI was present in 8% (n = 16) based on CT (CT+) and 12% (n = 25) based on MRI (MRI+). Blood biomarkers were sampled at four timepoints following injury: admission (within 72 hours), 2 weeks (± 3 days), 3 months (± 2 weeks) and 12 months (± 1 month). CNS biomarkers included were GFAP, NFL and tau, along with a panel of 12 inflammation markers. Predictive models were generated with both single and multi-panel biomarkers and assessed using area under the curve analyses (AUCs).
Results
The most discriminative single biomarkers were GFAP at admission (CT+: AUC = 0.78; MRI+: AUC = 0.82) and NFL at 2 weeks (CT+: AUC = 0.81; MRI+: AUC = 0.89) and 3 months (MRI+: AUC = 0.86). MIP-1β and IP-10 concentrations were significantly lower at almost all timepoints in patients who were CT + and MRI+. Eotaxin and IL-9 were significantly lower in patients who were MRI + only. FGF-basic concentrations increased over time in patients who were MRI- and were significantly higher than patients MRI + at 3- and 12 months. Multi-biomarker panels improved discriminability at all timepoints (AUCs ≈ 0.90 of admission and 2-week models for CT + and AUC > 0.90 of admission, 2-week and 3-month models for MRI+).
Conclusions
The CNS biomarkers GFAP and NFL were useful diagnostic biomarkers of complicated mTBI in acute, subacute and chronic phases after mTBI. Several inflammation markers were significantly lower in patients with complicated mTBI, at all timepoints, and could discriminate between CT + and MRI + even after 12 months. Multi-biomarker panels improved diagnostic accuracy at all timepoints.
Molecular phylogeny and Secondary structure analysis of Hop Stunt Viroid (HSVd) associated with Mulberry (Morus alba) in India
Authors: Shilpa N , Sano Teruo , Naoi Takashi , R Janardhana G.
Published: February 2024

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), a small, single stranded, circular, non-coding infectious RNA known to cause infection in various economically important crop plants. In the present investigation, a study was conducted in the southern part of Karnataka districts of India to detect the possible association of HSVd infection in mulberry plants. A total of 41 mulberry plants showing typical viroid-like symptoms along with asymptomatic samples were collected and screened using conventional Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) using specific set of HSVd-Fw/ HSVd-Re primers. Out of 41 samples, the study confirmed the presence of HSVd in six samples of mulberry collected from Ramanagara (1 sample), Chikkaballapur (3 samples) and Doddaballapura (2 samples) regions with an expected HSVd amplicon size of 300 nucleotides. The mechanical transmission of HSVd was also confirmed on cucumber (cv. Suyo) seedlings through bioassay, which was reconfirmed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were cloned, sequenced, and the representative nucleotide sequences were deposited in the NCBI GenBank. Subsequently, molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that HSVd mulberry isolates from this study were most closely related to grapevine isolates, indicating a common origin. On the other hand, it was shown to belong to a different group from mulberry isolates so far reported from Iran, Italy, Lebanon, and China. The secondary structure analysis of HSVd mulberry Indian isolates exhibited substitutions in the terminal left, pathogenicity, and variable regions comparing to those of the Indian grapevine isolates. As far as this study is concerned, HSVd was detected in some mulberry plants with viral-like symptoms, but the pathogenesis and symptom expression need to be further investigated to establish the relationship between HSVd and the disease symptoms in the mulberry plants.
Aerobic exercise alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy via attenuation of P2X4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cardiomyocyte pyroptosis
Authors: Liu Zonghan , Yang Yangjun , Song Luchen , Ruan Xinyu , He Yuan , Zou Yong , Ding Shuzhe , Sun Yi
Published: February 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most prevalent diabetic complications associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. P2X purinergic receptors and NLRP3 inflammasome have been reported to be enriched in DCM hearts. They are regarded as partners in the crime of inflammation and inflammatory type of cell death, pyroptosis. Exercise is an effective nonpharmacological therapy for DCM though the involving mechanisms are ill-defined. The cardioprotective role of exercise may rely heavily on its anti-inflammatory effect. However, whether exercise modulates P2X and NLRP3 inflammasome activation and thus ameliorates DCM pathologies and pyroptosis needs to be clarified entirely. In this study, we found that P2X4/P2X7-NLRP3 is involved in the pathogenesis of DCM. Exercise serves a cardioprotective effect through the inhibition of the P2X4/ROS/NLRP3 signalling pathway. AICAR exerts an inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis by simultaneously targeting P2X4 and P2X7, showing an exercise mimic effect. Overall, we proposed novel insights into the therapeutic and preventive effects of early exercise intervention on DCM progress.
Expression and significance of NDRG2, C-MYC, and KI67 in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues
Authors: zhang Shiwei , qu yilin , ji hongliang , qin pan
Published: February 2024

Objective: Expressions of NDRG2, C-MYC, and KI67 in gastric cancer (GC) and adjoining tissues were analyzed for their importance in the occurrence and development of the GC.
Materials and Methods: Samples from GC and adjacent tissue of patients admitted to the Department of Surgery,XXX Hospital, China, from February 2018 to June 2021, were analyzed for the expression of NDRG2, C-MYC, and KI67 using immunohistochemistry. The association of NDRG2 and degrees of differentiation in gastric cancer were analyzed.
Results: There were 41 GC patients in the study. The expression of NDRG2 was significantly lower (P<0.05), and the C-MYC and KI67 were higher (P<0.05) in GC versus adjacent tissues. NDRG2 expression varied significantly (P<0.05) according to the degree differentiation in GC. The expression of KI67 was positively correlated with C-MYC (rs=0.409, P<0.05).
Conclusions: There were significant differences in the expression of NDRG2 (low expression), and C-MYC, and KI67 (high expression) in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues. The degree of cancer differentiation was associated with expression of NDRG2 in GC tissue. NDRG2 expression was higher in para-carcinoma tissues and intestinal metaplasia glands.
Health-related quality of life in post-stroke patients attended at tertiary-level hospitals in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Islam Mohammad Jahirul , Ahmed Sohel , Kakuli Samena Akter , Rahman Mohammad Habibur , N Sharker Md. , Chakraborty Shishir Ranjan , Uddin Md Jamal , Kader Manzur
Published: February 2024

Background: Insufficient data on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of stroke survivors in less-resourced regions like Bangladesh emphasizes the need for understanding influencing factors. In this cross-sectional study, our objective was to assess potential factors associated with the HRQoL among stroke survivors in Bangladesh.
Methods: The study included 424 stroke survivors (65% male, mean age 57.25±12.13 years) undergoing rehabilitation at four tertiary-level hospitals in Bangladesh. The HRQoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life Scale-5 Dimensions (EuroQol-5D), covering mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, along with a visual analog scale (VAS). Sociodemographic (e.g., age, marital status, education) and health-related factors (e.g., type and duration of stroke, co-morbidity) served as independent variables. Bivariate logistic regression was utilized to ascertain the estimated risk factors for HRQOL, presenting odds ratios (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjusting for potential confounders.
Results:
Most participants resided in rural areas (57.8%) and had primary education (67.7%). Stroke survivors had a mean EQ summary index of 0.393 ± 0.46 and a VAS score of 40.43 ± 18. A significant portion experienced a stroke within 1-3 months (66%), with 52.6% reporting left-side weakness. Study findings show high prevalence of challenges: 79.5% mobility issues, 81.1% dependence in self-care, 87% activity limitations, 70.8% bodily pain, and 84% anxiety or depression symptoms. Widowed or single stroke survivors face higher difficulties in mobility (Adjusted OR, AOR=1.24, 95% CI=0.35–4.45) and pain/discomfort (AOR=2.85, 95% CI=0.85–9.27) compared to married survivors. Stroke survivors without rehabilitation services experience significantly higher difficulty levels: almost thirty times more in mobility (AOR=29.37, 95% CI=8.85–97.50), nearly forty-four times more in self-care (AOR=43.21, 95% CI=10.02–186.41), forty-four times more in usual activities (AOR=43.47, 95% CI=5.88–321.65), almost five times more in pain/discomfort (AOR=4.35, 95% CI=2.45–7.71), and more than twenty times more in anxiety/depression compared to those receiving rehabilitation services.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the enhancement of HRQoL in post-stroke patients in Bangladesh necessitates targeted interventions, including family support, tobacco cessation, recurrent stroke prevention, and effective rehabilitation services. Longitudinal studies are recommended for further confirmation of these findings.
Classification of JPEG2000 Image Encryption Algorithms
Authors: Natsheh Sahar , Farajallah Mousa
Published: February 2024

Image encryption is different from text encryption; as a result of the bulk data capacity, high redundancy of image data, and the high correlation between the image pixels. Thus, traditional methods are difficult to be used for image encryption as their pseudo-random sequences have a small period without real modification, which causes a restriction in the security and en-cryption of the image.
Different types of JPEG2000 encryption techniques are addressed and discussed in secured and compressed (friendly) based aspects. Moreover, a study of JPEG2000 codec in terms of encryption is achieved in order to be a good tutorial for researchers who have experience in image or video without crypto and selective encryption expertise. Finally, it is also suitable for beginners in the field of image and video security with good expertise in the encryption field.
The importance and sensitive JPEG2000 codec structure is described in a manner that can help researchers to identify steps, requirements, and techniques that should be used to secure image and video content.
PACS: 0000, 1111 2000 MSC: 0000, 1111