bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-line treatment for patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer: PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus solvent-based or albumin-bound paclitaxel
Authors: Wang Xiaopai , Liu Shousheng , Li Xujia , Liu Xia , Chen Ping , Quan Qi , Huang Jinsheng
Published: February 2024

Background: A direct comparison of programmed cell death-(ligand)1 (PD-(L)1) in combination with solvent-based paclitaxel (sb-paclitaxel) or albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) in advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently lacking. Therefore, we conducted this network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare these two combination regimens.
Methods: We systematically searched articles from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, as well as abstracts from ESMO, ASCO, and WCLC, to identify phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating first-line applications of PD-(L)1 inhibitors combined with sb-paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced squamous NSCLC.
Results: The present study consisted of 10 RCTs involving a total of 4352 patients. We compared ICIs+sb-paclitaxel to ICIs+nab-paclitaxel, PD-1+chemotherapy (chem) to PD-L1+chem, and different ICIs combination chemotherapy regimens. Our results revealed that compared to ICIs+nab-paclitaxel, ICIs+sb-paclitaxel exhibited a slightly better OS (hazard ratio (HR): 0.79, 95%CI: 0.58-1.08) and PFS (HR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.65-1.07), although the differences were not statistically significant. In contrast to PD-L1+chem, PD-1+chem markedly prolonged OS (HR: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.60-0.93) and PFS (HR: 0.79, 95%CI: 0.66-0.96). In terms of the safety profile, there were no differences in the incidence of grade ≥3 TRAEs between ICIs+nab-paclitaxel and ICIs+sb-paclitaxel (RR: 1.05, 95%CI: 0.53-1.99), PD-1+chem and PD-L1+chem (RR: 0.93, 95% CI :0.68-1.28) as well as comparisons among various ICIs+chem regimens.
Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of ICIs+sb-paclitaxel is comparable to that of ICIs+nab-paclitaxel in advanced squamous NSCLC. However, ICIs+sb-paclitaxel exhibits a slightly improved PFS, OS, and similar safety profile, making it a potential preferred choice for first-line treatment.
Electroretinographic evaluations of bleb-related endophthalmitis after vitrectomy with 0.025% povidone iodine irrigation
Authors: Sakata Koki , Katsumoto Takeshi , Kumagai Tomoyuki , Shinoda Kei
Published: February 2024

Background Vitrectomy with 0.025% povidone-iodine (0.025% PI) in the irrigation solution was recently reported to be used to treat filtering bleb-associated endophthalmitis. However, iodine is known to be retinotoxic but it depends on its concentration. Electroretinography (ERGs) can be used to evaluate the retinal function, but the contact lens electrodes used to pick up the ERGs can affect the filtering bleb adversely. We performed ERGs with skin electrodes on eyes with bleb-associated endophthalmitis that had undergone vitrectomy with 0.025% PI irrigation.Case presentation: Case 1 was a 46-year-old man who underwent trabeculectomy for steroid induced glaucoma. One month postoperatively, a filtering bleb-associated endophthalmitis was suspected, and vitreal and subconjunctival injections of vancomycin (VCM) and ceftazidime (CAZ), and frequent antibiotic eye drops were started. After three days, an exacerbation of the endophthalmitis was observed and vitrectomy with 0.025% PI irrigation was performed. One month after the surgery, the visual acuity improved from hand movements to counting fingers. Pre- and postoperative ERGs recorded using skin electrodes showed an improvement in the a- and b-wave amplitudes and the b/a ratio was stable at approximately 2.0. Case 2 was a 63-year-old man who had undergone phacovitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy eleven years earlier and trabeculectomy for glaucoma five years earlier in the left eye. Five years after the surgery, the eye developed blebitis, and frequent antibiotic eye drops and subconjunctival injections of VCM and CAZ were performed. Three days later, vitreous opacities appeared and a high brightness area was observed in the B-mode echo images. A diagnosis of bleb-associated endophthalmitis was made, and vitrectomy with 0.025% PI irrigation was performed. The preoperative visual acuity was hand movements, and it improved to 0.01 one month after the surgery. Comparisons of the postoperative to the preoperative ERGs found that the a- and b- wave amplitudes increased and the b/a ratio was stable at approximately 1.5 postoperatively.Conclusions ERG recordings with skin electrodes are helpful for evaluating postoperative retinal function in cases of bleb-associated endophthalmitis. Vitrectomy with 0.025% PI irrigation is effective and most likely safe for the treatment of bleb-associated endophthalmitis.
Response and Behaviour of Granular Pile in Layered Soil
Authors: Patel Surendra , Rathor Ajay Pratap Singh , Solanki Ashish , Sharma Jitendra Kumar
Published: February 2024

The PLAXIS software is used to determine the parameters that have a major impact on the load settlement and chances of bulging failure in a granular pile (stone column). The present work analyses performance of granular pile laying in different soil layers using the finite element approach. In numerical analyses used the Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria. A granular pile through finite element modeling by PLAXIS 2D. The analysis focused on the case of a vertically loaded granular pile in axis-symmetric conditions, considering a layered soil profile. The results of this study are represented as Load versus Settlement graphs, taking into account various length-to-diameter ratios (L/D = 7.5, 9, 12.5) of the granular pile and various amounts of internal friction angle (Φ) and cohesion (C). This study investigates the one, two, and three layering systems to understand their properties regarding the way a granular pile acts and the overall ground improvement. The bulging behavior of the granular pile is represented by the graph showing depth versus bulging. The primary goal is to analyze the granular pile's response under various prescribe settlement, and gain a better understanding of its load-bearing capacity, deformation properties, and relationship of the adjacent ground with the granular pile.
Adaptive security System Implementation for Internet of Vehicle communication network
Authors: Elomda Mahmoud , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Abdelaziz Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

Internet of Vehicle (IoV) communication technology has recently improved traffic flow and vehicle movement within 5G systems. The IoV uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) as part of the 5G mobile network to increase the number of channels for broad communication. In addition to managing different types of traffic - Video, Audio, Data, and Control while requiring reliability and security measures through its Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network, IoV poses various challenges that need addressing. To tackle these issues effectively, an adaptive security algorithm is developed with a focus on enhancing traffic safety against passive or active attacks by prioritizing based on channel availability and importance. Furthermore, details about the FPGA implementation to validate our system's design goals and evaluate our proposed algorithm's performance concerning communication overheads and latency reduction strategies are utilized.
Cis/Etop chemotherapy as a ray of hope in mixed adeno- neuroendocrine carcinoma of colon: a case report
Authors: Rasta Sara , Rashidian Maryam , Bastan Fatemeh , Rajabnia Mohsen
Published: February 2024

Background: Mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) is a rare pathological diagnosis reported by the World Health Organization in 2010 for the first time. Neuroendocrine tumors are characterized by rapid progression.
Case Presentation: A 70-year-old man who complained about anemia, diarrhea and significant weight loss did colonoscopy. Biopsy showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma. Biopsy upon surgical rectosigmoid resection revealed a mixed neuroendocrine-adenocarcinoma. Chemotherapy with fofox6 regimen was started but after eight months, tumor relapsed in anastomosis site of surgery involving para aortic lymph nodes and growth of tumor had led to gastrointestinal obstruction symptom. We did relieving surgery and changed chemotherapy regimen to cisplatin/etoposide regimen. He responded to the treatment well, and the mass almost disappeared.
Conclusions: The optimal strategy for management of mixed endocrine tumor is variable as they present rare and atypical. Adjuvant chemotherapy play a critical role in the treatment and survival due to MANEC aggressive progression and recurrence. Our data derived from this case may be essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of MANEC patients’ symptoms.
A comprehensive analysis of enhanced microfluidic device for detection of Pathogenic Bacteria and CTCs in the bloodstream
Authors: Brahma Muktimani , Kumar R , Narzary Trigunesh
Published: February 2024

In the current research scenario, microfluidics has gained immense attention in the field of medical diagnostics. However, a decisive platform for segregating multiple bioparticles like pathogenic bacteria, and CTCs from blood cells needs to be instigated. This paper proposes a microfluidic chip for the segregation of multiple bioparticles like pathogenic bacteria and CTCs from blood cells. Utilizing the Navier- Stokes equation for configuring the fluid flow in the microchannel, the study leverages the dielectrophoresis technique for manipulating target bacterial and cancer cells with a diameter of 1 µm and 16–30 µm respectively. The main channel of the microfluidic device has uniquely designed electrodes to generate the non-uniform electric field for manipulating the particles through different outlets. The blood, bacteria, and cancer cells are introduced through the inlet at the velocity of 100 µl/s and the buffer solution with a flow velocity of 700 µl/s. The analysis showed that at the electrode voltage of 14 Vp-p, the target bioparticles are separated efficiently. The chip is designed using the COMSOL Multiphysics tool, an advanced and promising platform for early detection of bloodstream bacterial infection and CTCs with perfect separation efficiency and purity.
Assessing the Clinical Outcomes of Dazhu Hongjingtian Injection for the Management of Stable and Unstable Angina: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Song Tian , Che Qianzi , Liang Ning , Guo Jing , Liu Xiaoyu , Yang Lu , Jiang Yin , Shi Nannan , Wang Yanping
Published: February 2024

Background
The global rise in angina pectoris, a symptom of coronary artery disease, is primarily attributed to an aging population and increasing prevalence of comorbidities. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Dazhu Hongjingtian injection (DZHJTI) as an adjunct treatment for both stable and unstable angina, thereby addressing a significant gap in current cardiac care research.
Methods
This comprehensive study involves two parallel prospective cohorts across 28 medical centers in China, enrolling 1,500 patients with stable angina and 2,000 with unstable angina. Participants are randomized into two groups: one receiving the DZHJTI alongside standard therapy, and the other receiving standard therapy alone. The study employs advanced statistical methods like Subgroup Analysis (SGA) and Marginal Mean Weighting Through Stratification (MMWS) to analyze data accurately.
Discussion
The primary outcome of this study is the reduction in the frequency of angina attacks post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include evaluation of patient wellbeing through clinical measures such as nitrate dosage requirements, vital sign stability, ECG changes, and laboratory data. Patient-reported outcomes from targeted questionnaires will also be assessed to understand the impact on quality of life. The study's results are expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of DZHJTI's role in treating angina pectoris, potentially influencing future treatment guidelines.
Trial registration:
http://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn/ , ITMCTR2022000006
Securing climate, livelihoods, and nutrition outcomes of India's dairy sector
Authors: Jain Abhishek , Goyal Ruchira
Published: February 2024

The dairy sector is crucial to India’s agriculture and economy, providing essential nutrients to Indian diets and supporting 80 million farmers. However, it is also the largest greenhouse gas emitter in India’s food system. There is a notable gap in the literature in simultaneously assessing the three sustainability objectives — economic, social and environmental — translating to securing the sector's livelihoods, nutrition, and climate outcomes. Using a systems perspective and employing diverse methodologies such as decomposition analysis, econometrics, and system archetyping on a range of official datasets on livestock, milk production, consumption, and farmer incomes, we identify and evaluate pathways to achieve the three simultaneous outcomes. We find stark regional variations in dairy production systems, high inequity and unaffordability of milk consumption, and a potentially worsening effect of and on the sector by climate change. We find that interventions for productivity enhancement can mitigate the sector's climate impact but may have different (including unintended) impacts across different typologies of producers. Therefore, the current policy approach of one-size-fits-all may not work for the sector’s sustainability transition. Instead, we need producer typology-specific interventions considering their unintended and system-wide consequences for the sector’s just transition.
PCMA-UNet: a hybrid attention mechanism based on UNet3+ for stroke segmentation networks
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Li Yang , Zhou Yuting , Zhang Xihan , Yan Bobo , Zhou Yan , Wang Wendong
Published: February 2024

Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease, which may lead to disability and death. The accurate segmentation of stroke lesions is of great significance for clinical diagnosis and patient prognosis. The existing deep learning mainstream segmentation network has made some progress in the direction of auxiliary diagnosis, but it lacks of attention to spatial information and location information, and cannot adapt well to lesions with different shapes and locations. Therefore, a hybrid attention mechanism of stroke segmentation network PCMA-UNet was proposed. With UNet3+ as the basic framework, pyramid Squeeze attention was used to extract spatial information of different scales in the feature map, and coordinate attention was introduced to strengthen the remote dependence relationship in the feature space and highlight the key information of lesion location. Multi scale attention was introduced at the end of the model to highlight the most significant feature maps in different scales to adapt to the adjustment of the current segmentation lesion size. Experiments were conducted on the cooperative hospital stroke dataset AIS and ISLES2022, respectively. The experimental results showed that the proposed method can effectively segment the stroke lesion region, improve the segmentation accuracy and provide a reliable basis for clinical diagnosis.
From bristle to brain: embryonic development of labeled lines in the antennal nervous system of the locust Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Boyan George , Ehrhardt Erica
Published: February 2024

The antennal flagellum of the locust S. gregaria is an articulated structure bearing a spectrum of sensory sensilla that encode environmental stimuli mediating adaptive behavior. In this study we focus on the basiconic-type bristles as a model for sensory system development in the antenna. At the end of embryogenesis these bristles are found at conserved locations on each apical segment of the flagellum, are innervated by a dendrite from a sensory cell cluster in the underlying epithelium with each cluster directing an axon topographically to an antennal tract and the brain. We employ confocal imaging and immunolabeling to (a) identify mitotically active sense organ precursors for sensory cell clusters in the most apical annuli of the early embryonic antenna; (b) follow the subsequent differentiation of their neuronal progeny; and (c) map the spatial and temporal organization of axonal projections into the antennal tracts. We show that early in embryogenesis proliferative precursors are localized circumferentially within discrete epithelial domains of the flagellum. Differentiation of their clonal progeny begins apically and proceeds in a basal direction along the antenna so that the oldest neuronal populations are near the antennal tip with progressively younger populations located more basally. Autotracing reveals that axon fasciculation with a tract is sequential and reflects the location and age of the cell cluster along the flagellum. Cell cluster location and bristle location on the cuticle are therefore encoded topographically and temporally within the axon profile of the tract and its projection to the brain.
Dynamic Load Balancing in Multipath zone-based Energy-Consuming Routing Protocol for Wireless Ad hoc Network
Authors: Sahu Neetu Neetu , Veenadhari S.
Published: February 2024

A Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is a self-organized wireless system consisting of autonomous mobile nodes. It aims to provide reliable and secure communication in the world of wireless mobile devices. Energy consumption poses a significant challenge in MANETs due to limited battery life. Efficient energy management is crucial to sustain network connectivity and prolong the lifespan of individual nodes. To address these challenges, the Internet Engineering Task Force has proposed procedures like bandwidth optimization, transmission quality enhancement, and power control. In wireless networks, energy conservation is vital for sustainable performance and longevity. Limited energy capacity in battery-powered nodes imposes constraints on network performance. Increased network traffic leads to higher energy consumption, depleting individual node reserves. Extending network lifespan and ensuring efficient energy utilization are crucial for MANET sustainability. Reducing energy consumption in specific nodes improves overall network quality and prolongs individual node battery life. A routing protocol capable of analysing energy and power becomes essential in this context. Zone-Based Technology offers a promising solution by creating virtual organizations called zones, where energy consumption can be effectively managed and balanced. Existing energy-aware routing protocols in ad hoc networks have not fully addressed energy consumption issues. Zone-based multipath routing emerges as a potential solution to balance energy levels and prolong network lifespan. In this paper, we propose the Dynamic Load Balancing in Multipath Energy-Consuming Routing Protocol for Wireless Ad hoc Network (DLB-MERP). DLB-MERP is a zone-based protocol derived from the AOMDV (Ad hoc On-Demand Multipath Distance Vector) routing protocol, integrating load balancing capabilities. Leveraging zone-based technology, DLB-MERP selects paths based on high energy and power availability, aiming to reduce energy consumption while ensuring efficient data forwarding. Leader nodes are selected within each zone based on energy level, Load balancing and channel strength. The protocol incorporates energy, distance, load and power analysis to maintain high energy circulation within the network and expedite the path discovery process. Selecting leader nodes and data forward nodes optimizes energy consumption. Multipath technology is employed by each node to enhance network resilience and reliability. Leader nodes play a vital role in gathering data from all zone members within the zone-based environment. Therefore, the design of a zone-based energy-efficient algorithm like DLB-MERP is pivotal in enhancing overall network lifespan and performance.
Anchoring MoS2 microflowers on oxygen-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets to construct Z-Scheme hybrid compositesfor efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Jia Tiekun , Deng Zhao , Yu Dongsheng , Fu Fang , Zhang Qian , Wang Yinao , Hu Ji , Li Jili , Lee Joong Hee
Published: February 2024

Fabricating carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based photocatalysts with high visible-light utilization efficiency and rapid photo-generated carrier migration rate is crucial for the improvement of photocatalytic hydrogen production (PHP). Herein, we first took a simple thermal condensation polymerization route to prepare oxygen-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets (O-CNS) with porous structure. Subsequently, MoS2 microflowers were anchored onto the O-CNS surface to construct Z-scheme O-CNS/MoS2 hybrid composites via a facile ultrasound sonication method. The obtained O-CNS/MoS2 composites possessed boosting visible-light absorption capacity, revealed by the results of the diffraction reflectance spectra (DRS). In contrast to bulk g-C3N4 (u-CNB) and O-CNS samples, the obtained O-CNS/MoS2 composites displayed enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen behavior. Specifically, the O-CNS/MoS2 photocatalysts with 5wt% loading of MoS2 exhibited the highest hydrogen production rate (HPR), which was respectively 26.5 and 1.97 times bigger than that of u-CNB and O-CNS sample correspondingly. The obtained PHP results for O-CNS/MoS2 composites signified that the loading amount of MoS2 impacted greatly on the HPR, and the optimum loading amount of MoS2 was conductive to the substantial promotion of the photocatalytic hydrogen performance. This promoted photocatalytic hydrogen behavior was plausibly originated from the synergistic effect of the porous structure, the improved light absorption capacity and enhanced photoactivated carrier migration rate. In accordance to comprehensive analysis, the proposed migration and separation pathway of photoactivated carriers were put forward for interpreting the enhancement mechanism of the photocatalytic hydrogen behavior. Our work will open up an innovative strategy for the conception and preparation of novel g-C3N4 hybrid photocatalysts with boosting photocatalytic hydrogen production behavior.
Brachial Artery Thrombosis following Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy of Cholangiocarcinoma – A rare occurrence
Authors: Tafese Abenezer Melaku , Adela Amanuel Yegnanew , Kebede Assefa Getachew , Tegegne Aklilu Sinte , Asare Elsabeth Tizazu , Awol Munir
Published: February 2024

Thromboembolism is the cause of significant mortality and morbidity in cancer patients. While the link between cancer and venous thrombosis is well known, the recognition of arterial thrombosis as a serious complication of cancer and chemotherapeutic agents is a recent development. One of the chemotherapy agents frequently linked to acute vascular events is cisplatin. We discuss the rare case of cisplatin-related brachial arterial thrombosis in a 50-year-old man from Ethiopia who was undergoing treatment for cholangiocarcinoma with cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy. Although rare, cisplatin-related arterial thrombosis demands careful monitoring, a high index of suspicion, and prompt management to prevent serious morbidity and mortality.
Improving the radiological prediction of surgical resection of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas
Authors: Giardini Eduardo , Barbosa Monique Alvares , Ventura Nina , Pereira Paulo José Mata , Guasti André , Niemeyer Paulo , Andreiuolo Felipe , Chimelli Leila , Kasuki Leandro , Gadelha Mônica R.
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are benign tumors growing in the sellar region. Total surgical excision of the lesion is recommended as the preferred treatment choice with preservation of adjacent structures. The objective is to establish a radiological score to predict the feasibility of NFPA total surgical excision.
Methods
Patients with treatment-naïve NFPA who underwent a transsphenoidal approach and sellar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative period and 3 months after surgery were included. Data on age, sex, tumor diameter, extrasellar extension, postoperative cure rates, and hormone and transcription factor expression were collected. A combined score was proposed based on Knosp and SIPAP classifications. We proposed 3 classification groups depending on the tumoral extension to the suprasellar, infrasellar, anterior and posterior directions of the sellar region.
Results
A total of 164 patients were included in the study, and 85 (52%) were female. Total excision was obtained in 46% (n = 75) of the patients. The majority of tumors were of gonadotrophic lineage (59%), followed by corticotrophic (17%) and other less common types. Largest tumor diameter was 6.8 cm [mean 3.8 cm (± 1.1 cm)]. From the established groups, 10 patients were classified in Group I, of whom 8 (80%) patients underwent total excision, 115 patients were classified in Group II, of whom 58 (50%) underwent complete excision and 39 patients in Group III, of whom 9 (23%) underwent complete excision (p value < 0.001).
Conclusion
The newly proposed score helps to determine the feasibility of total NFPA excision, allowing for better surgical planning and predictions of postoperative outcomes.
A mobile interactive cognitive self-assessment scale for screening Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xie Kexin , Huang Juan , Chen Ting , Li Dan , Xia Tianxinyu , Chu Min , Cui Yue , Tang Mei , Peng Dantao , Wang Jingtong , Liu Jianling , Chen Xiaojuan , Cui Weiwei , Liu Li , Wang Yingtao , Liu Jianbing , Li Fang , Wu Liyong
Published: February 2024

Background
A feasible self-administered cognition scale with rigorous validation and high diagnostic accuracy is lacking for screening for cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Methods
An interactive cognitive self-assessment scale (CogSAS) was designed through the Delphi process, and 518 participants were subjected to item optimization. The scale was validated in 358 cognitively unimpaired and 396 cognitively impaired participants for reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy. Specificity and sensitivity were tested for 38 participants with cognitive impairment and 45 participants with cognitive impairment due to AD.
Results
The interactive CogSAS relies on speech recognition to achieve elderly friendly results. The internal consistency was 0.81, and the test-retest reliability was 0.82. The construct validity was 0.74, and the criterion validity was 0.77. The sensitivity and specificity for clinically diagnosed participants were 0.90 and 0.67, respectively. For cognitive impairment due to AD, the sensitivity and specificity were 1.00 and 0.78, respectively.
Conclusions
The CogSAS has good reliability, validity, and feasibility. It also showed high sensitivity and specificity in identifying cognitive impairment due to AD.
A Fuzzy Cloud Theory based Stochastic Model for Multi-Carrier Energy Hubs in Grid-Connected and Islanded Operations
Authors: Quteishat Anas , Younis Mahmoud A. , Safari Amin , Jahangiri Alireza
Published: February 2024

The energy hub (EH), which is a crucial component of multi-energy systems, plays a significant role in increasing flexibility, and reliability. Due to the interaction of various energies, the unpredictability of renewable energy sources, energy prices, and consumer demands, the optimal operation of EHs presents a considerable challenge for operators. In this study, networked EH takes in a variety of energy sources, including electricity, gas, and wind, and after conversion, storage, direct connection, or shifting of demands, it supplies the hub's essential demands. In a predictable and stochastic environment, the EH is operated optimally based on an objective function that takes into account economic, greenhouse gas emission, and reliability parameters. An intelligent strategy based on fuzzy cloud theory is utilized to develop an entropy-entropy concept for its work in order to reflect the impact of uncertainties in the challenge. In both grid-connected and island-based operations, the cost of operating networked EHs is modeled as a MILP optimization problem with demand response program and reliability restrictions. Finally, the effectiveness of various modes in enhancing the reliability, and flexibility of energy systems in accordance with the optimal schedule for EHs is proven by modeling the suggested scheme on a sample test system.
Numerical analysis of a nonlocal Volterra integro-differential equation
Authors: Zhu Yan , Dong Tiantian , Zheng Xiangcheng , Li Yiqun , Jia Sihao , Guo Xu
Published: February 2024

We study the numerical approximation to a nonlocal Volterra integro-differential equation, in which the integral term is the convolution product of a positive-definite kernel and a nonlocal peridynamic differential operator. Compared with the classical differential operators, the nonlocal peridynamic differential operators describe, e.g., discontinuities, and have domonstrated more widespread applications. The equation is discretized in space by the Galerkin finite element method, and we accordingly prove its error estimate.
We then discretize the equation in time by the backward Euler method, and a positive quadrature rule is combined to approximate the convolution term. The convergence rate of the fully-discrete finite element scheme is proved, and numerical experiments are carried out to substantiate the theoretical findings.
Epidemiology and genetic characteristics of the lumpy skin disease virus in Yunnan province, China from 2019 to 2023
Authors: Yao Jun , Lin Gao , Zhu Pei , Xie Jiarui , Li Xue , Yan Rui , Yu Taoyin , Xia Fengyi , Chen Qiyun , Zeng Bangquan , Yang Jiaping
Published: February 2024

Background
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) and has emerged as a significant threat to the cattle and water buffalo industries in China. Investigating the epidemiological characteristics of LSDV will be beneficial to the control and prevention of this disease. In this study, a Taqman-Probe-Based real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was developed for detecting LSDV nucleotides, 2495 tissue or blood samples were collected from Yunnan province and tested using the established qPCR assay. The GPCR and p32 genes of the LSDV-positive samples were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Additionally, an infectious LSDV strain was isolated from one positive sample, and its biological characteristics were explored.
Results
The established qPCR assay demonstrated high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 4.83 copies/µL. Out of the 2495 collected specimens, six (0.24%) samples were positive for LSDV nucleotides, and all positive samples belonged to the skin scab samples. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis based on the P32 and GPCR genes revealed that six LSDV strains were genetically similar to field LSDV strains from China, Russia, and Thailand. One LSDV strain was isolated and replicated well in PST cells, while which was not sensitive to the MDBK cells.
Conclusions
This study provides the first report on the epidemiological characteristics of LSDV in Yunnan province of China, which confirmed the prevalence of LSDV in Cattle in this province. These findings will contribute to the development of effective strategies for the prevention and control of LSDV.
Variations in the light interception and associated physiological traits of cowpea and fodder sorghum grown under different Agroforestry system
Authors: Ramah K. , Hemalatha P. , Radha P. , Tilak M. , Boominathan P.
Published: February 2024

Light interception is major factor for characterizing the resource capture and use efficiency of cropping systems under intercrops. Agroforestry system is land use practices that combine agricultural crops and trees in different ways and has shown to benefits agriculture and forestry. The choice crop in agroforestry depends on light availability penetrated through trees which would alter the physiological processes inturn to yield. The experiment was conducted out with cowpea followed by fodder sorghum as intercrops under four agroforestry systems viz., Khaya senegalenesis, Melia dubia, Dalbergia sissoo and Casuarina equisetifolia and measured the light interception, gas exchange parameters and yield traits. Light interception ratio of cowpea under Dalbergia sissoo were observed maximum with 76 % and minimum of 58 % in Khaya senegalenesis @ 60 days after sowing. In case of gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of cowpea and fodder sorghum were found significantly higher under Dalbergia sissoo compared to other agroforestry systems. The yield traits for cowpea and fodder sorghum were recorded higher in open space followed by Dalbergia sissoo while lower yield was noticed in cowpea under Khaya senegalenesis and Casuarina equisetifolia in case of fodder sorghum. The yield reductions in cowpea and fodder sorghum under Dalbergia sissoo were 19 % and 31% compared to open conditions indicating the differential response of C3 and C4 crops towards intercepted light. Microclimatic variables mainly altered due to influence of canopy structure that was reflected in reduction in temperature especially under Khaya senegalenesis. In conclusion, cowpea was found to be better intercrop mainly under Melia dubia based on gas exchange and yield parameters.
Tac1-expressing neurons in the central amygdala predominantly mediate histamine-induced itch by receiving inputs from parabrachial Tac1-expressing neurons
Authors: Zhang Ying-Ning , Shi Su-Juan , Mao E , Wang Xi , Zhou Yi-Hang , Chen Yu-Ling , Chen Jing , Tian Miao , Huang Fen-Sheng , Cai Zhi-Ping , Li Yun-Qing , Kou Zhen-Zhen
Published: February 2024

Itch is a distinct and bothersome sensation closely associated with a strong urge to scratch. Both the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and the central amygdala (CeA) are responsive to itch stimuli and contain neurons that express tachykinin 1 (Tac1), which are known for their significant involvement in itch-induced scratching at both spinal and supraspinal levels. Significantly, the PBN neurons project their axons to form close connections with the CeA neurons. However, the role of the PBNTac1-CeATac1 pathway in modulating itch remains to be determined. We utilized immunohistochemistry, fiber photometry, chemogenetic, and behavioral techniques to investigate the role of the PBNTac1-CeATac1 pathway in itch. Our results indicate that neurons in the CeA can be more activated by acute itch than chronic itch. Notably, in response to acute itch stimuli, both CeATac1 and PBNTac1 neurons are specifically activated by histamine (His)-induced itch. Furthermore, the Tac1-positive terminals from the PBNTac1 neurons formed close connections with CeATac1 neurons. We also demonstrated that activating the PBN-CeA pathway using a chemogenetic approach could increase scratching behaviors in His-induced itch, other than chloroquine (CQ)-induced itch. Conversely, inhibiting the PBN-CeA pathway decreased scratching behaviors in mice with His-induced itch. Taken together, these results suggest that the PBNTac1-CeATac1 pathway may play a specific role in modulating His-induced acute itch.
Minimizing Unaccounted-for Water (UFW)
Authors: Ahmed Zakaria
Published: February 2024

"Unaccounted for water", refers to the portion of water produced by a water utility system that is lost or untraceable within the distribution network before reaching consumers. The main objective of this paper is to explore ways to mitigate the occurrence of unaccounted for water usage in drinking water. This will be achieved through a methodical, multi-stage process that encompasses the implementation of measures such as leak detection, water flow measurement, meter repairs, prevention of clandestine connections, and enhancement of collection and billing processes. This study has devised a methodology with the goal of assisting utilities in lowering Unaccounted-for Water (UFW) rates. This method is a systematic, multi-step approach that encompasses activities such as monitoring water flow, deploying leak detection measures, installing, and fixing meters, curtailing unauthorized connections, and streamlining billing and collections processes. The initiation phase involves choosing a pilot area, examining similar initiatives, conducting on-site visits, arranging meetings, establishing a timeline, creating and implementing base maps and water network plans, evaluating and comparing end-line results, and reporting findings. It is anticipated that a significant reduction in the percentage of Unaccounted-for Water will be achieved through the identification and correction of leaks.
RETRACTED: Gastrointestinal parasite fauna infection in crossbreed Karakul sheep and crossbreed Pashmina goats of cold arid region Kargil Ladakh, India.
Authors: HUSSAIN SHABBIR , Islam Aqleemul , Ahmad Fayaz , Jaiswal Kamal , Mishra Suman
Published: February 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Distribution of US Adult Mental Health Patients Across Provider Groups
Authors: Gao Yihe , Olfson Mark
Published: February 2024

Objective To describe the distribution of US adult mental health outpatients across provider groups. Methods We examined a nationally representative sample of US adults from the 2018–2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. We classified psychological distress using the Kessler-6, and by acute mental healthcare episode (inpatient or emergency department) in the survey year. We report outpatient mental health use rates, visit share by provider group (counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners/physician associates, primary care physicians, other physicians, and other) and by service sector including mental health, medical, both, or neither. Results Of adults with ≥ 1 outpatient mental health visit, 58.2% (95%CI 56.4–60.0%) received mental health visits in the mental health sector alone, 24.3% (95%CI 22.8–25.7%) were seen in the medical sector alone, and 15.2% (95%CI 14.1-16.25%) were seen in both. The largest differences in mental health care were seen for patients who had recent acute mental healthcare episodes who were more likely to receive care in both medical and mental health sectors, 35.5% (95%CI 29.1–41.9) versus 14.5% (95%CI 13.4–15.5%) among those who did not have acute mental healthcare episodes. Of the 8 provider groups, only psychiatrists were more likely to have seen patients with higher than lower levels of distress. Conclusion Adult mental health patients with episodes of acute mental healthcare were more likely than those without to have received mental health visits in both mental health and medical sectors. Among the provider groups, only psychiatrists saw a greater share of patients with higher than lower levels of psychological distress.
Modeling of a more Compact and Efficient Hybrid Plasmonic Electro-Optic Modulator using 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm
Authors: Elbialy Samar , Raslan Walid , El-den B.
Published: February 2024

The development of Hybrid Plasmonic Electro-Optic Broad-Band Modulators with substantial modulation depth, compact design, and low power consumption has garnered significant attention not only from the scientific community but also from the industrial sector. These devices hold the potential to revolutionize on-chip optical interconnects. This paper demonstrates an ultra-compact and ultra-fast hybrid plasmonic EO modulator based on a monolayer of an active material called ITO. By electrically tuning the refractive index of ITO through an external electrical signal with a low operation voltage ranging from 0 to 4 volts, the device achieves a high modulation depth of ≈ 38% (transmission at ON state is ≈ 71.7%, while transmission at OFF state is ≈ 1.89%) and low energy consumption of (11.384–22.7) fJ/bit. Additionally, it features a compact footprint of 11 µm² at the telecommunication wavelength (1550 nm). These combined advantages, spanning a broad range of wavelengths, have the potential to enable novel architectures for on-chip optical communications.
Robotic Repair of Moderate-sized Midline Ventral Hernias Reduced Complications, Readmissions, and Length of Hospitalization Compared to Open Techniques
Authors: Carter Jonathan , Ahamed Fayyaz , Juprasert Jackly , Anderson Mark , Lin Matthew , Lebares Carter , Soriano Ian
Published: February 2024

Purpose
To compare outcomes of robotic and open repair for uncomplicated, moderate-sized, midline ventral hernias.
Methods
From 2017–2021, patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes for all ventral hernias at our center were prospectively collected. We studied hernias potentially suitable for robotic repair: elective, midline, 3–10 cm rectus separation, no prior mesh, and no need for concomitant procedure. Robotic or open repair was performed by surgeon or patient preference. The primary outcome was any complication using Clavien-Dindo scoring. Secondary outcomes were operative time, length-of-stay, and readmissions. Regression identified predictors of complications.
Results
Of 648 hernias repaired, 70 robotic and 52 open repairs met inclusion criteria. The groups had similar patient demographics, co-morbidities, and hernia size, except that there were more immunosuppressed patients in the open group (11 versus 5 patients, p = 0.031). Complications occurred after 7 (13%) open repairs versus 2 (3%) robotic repairs, p = 0.036. Surgical site infection occurred after 4 open repairs but no robotic repair, p = 0.004. Length-of-stay averaged almost three days longer after open repair (4.3 ± 2.7 days versus 1.5 ± 1.4 days, p = 0.031). Readmission occurred after 6 (12%) open repairs but only 1 (1%) robotic repair. A long-term survey (61% response rate after mean follow-up of 2.8 years) showed that the HerQLes QOL score was better after robotic repair (46 ± 15 versus 40 ± 17, p = 0.049). In regression models, only open technique predicted complications.
Conclusions
Robotic techniques were associated with fewer complications, shorter hospitalization, fewer infections, and fewer readmissions compared to open techniques. Open surgical technique was the only predictor of complications.
Comprehensive analysis of prognostic value and immunological implication of YKT6 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Liming , Wang Shaoqiang , Wang Lina
Published: February 2024

Background
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The most prevalent histological subtype of lung cancer is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), with incidence rising each year. YKT6 is a member of the SNARE protein family, whose clinical value and biological function in LUAD is unknown.
Methods
TCGA, HPA and UALCAN were used to analyze YKT6 mRNA and protein levels, the correlation between YKT6 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis. The cBioPortal was used to select YKT6-related genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was drawn based on STRING database and hub genes were screened, with expression levels and prognosis values in LUAD were analyzed. YKT6-related genes were enriched by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immune infiltration was conducted by TCGA and TIMER databases. YKT6 mRNA and protein expression were verified by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tissue microarrays (TMA). Additionally, A549 and Calu-1 cell lines were chosen for YKT6 silencing to explore the effects on cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Results
YKT6 is highly conserved among species from yeast to human. In LUAD, YKT6 was highly expressed with relation to clinical features of staging, smoking, lymph node metastasis, and TP53 mutation. Elevated YKT6 expression was linked to adverse prognosis. PPI network screened out top ten genes were highly expressed in LUAD, and significantly associated with LUAD prognosis. GO and KEGG analysis showed that YKT6-related genes were mainly involved in cell cycle. GSEA demonstrated that YKT6 mainly involve in DNA replication, DNA chain extension, PLK1, ATR pathways. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that YKT6 correlated with immune cell infiltration. The freshly collected LUAD tissues showed significantly high mRNA expression of YKT6. IHC and TMA verified increased YKT6 protein level in LUAD. Knockdown of YKT6 inhibited LUAD cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. The capability of LUAD cell migration and invasion was mitigated by YKT6 silencing.
Conclusion
Elevated YKT6 expression is related to poor prognosis of LUAD patients. YKT6 can serve as a novel biomarker for LUAD diagnosis and prognosis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion was impaired with increased apoptosis upon YKT6 silencing in LUAD cells.
Metabolites and MRI-Derived Markers of AD/ADRD Risk in a Puerto Rican Cohort
Authors: Gordon Scott , Lee Jong Soo , Scott Tammy M. , Bhupathiraju Shilpa , Ordovas Jose , Kelly Rachel S. , Bhadelia Rafeeque , Koo Bang-Bon , Bigornia Sherman , Tucker Katherine L. , Palacios Natalia
Published: February 2024

Objective
Several studies have examined metabolomic profiles in relation to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (AD/ADRD) risk; however, few studies have focused on minorities, such as Latinos, or examined Magnetic-Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based outcomes.
Methods
We used multiple linear regression, adjusted for covariates, to examine the association between metabolite concentration and MRI-derived brain age deviation. Metabolites were measured at baseline with untargeted metabolomic profiling (Metabolon, Inc). Brain age deviation (BAD) was calculated at wave 4 (~ 9 years from Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS) baseline) as chronologic age, minus MRI-estimated brain age, representing the rate of biological brain aging relative to chronologic age. We also examined if metabolites associated with BAD were similarly associated with hippocampal volume and global cognitive function at wave 4 in the BPRHS.
Results
Several metabolites, including isobutyrylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, phenylacetylglutamine, phenylacetylcarnitine (acetylated peptides), p-cresol-glucuronide, phenylacetylglutamate, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) were inversely associated with brain age deviation. Taurocholate sulfate, a bile salt, was marginally associated with better brain aging. Most metabolites with negative associations with brain age deviation scores also were inversely associations with hippocampal volumes and wave 4 cognitive function.
Conclusion
The metabolites identified in this study are generally consistent with prior literature and highlight the role of BCAA, TMAO and microbially derived metabolites in cognitive decline.
Genipin as the Active Compound of Gardenia fruits Inhibit Proliferation, Migration and Autophagy of Prostate Cancer through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Dai PeiRu , Chen Yan , Wei YinYin , Yin WeiHua , Chen ChunLin
Published: February 2024

Purpose:Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer type and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Genipin is a protein cross-linking agent extracted from Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) fruits, which has been reported to exhibit antitumor activity against several types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor effect of Genipin on prostate cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:CCK-8 assays were performed to determine the cell viability of genipin prostate cancer cells lines (DU145, PC-3, RM-1) and normal prostate cell lines (WPMY1). Colony formation assays, and wound-healing assays used to detect the effect of genipin on DU145, PC-3 and RM-1 cell lines. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were carried out to investigate its mechanism.Results:Genipin inhibited the survival of DU-145, PC-3 and RM-1 cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. And Genipin induced apoptosis of prostate carcinoma cells, including DU-145, PC-3 and RM-1 cells. Moreover, the expression of p62 in DU-145 and PC-3 cells was down-regulated, whereas Beclin1 and LC3II/ I were up-regulated. In addition, genipin also decreased p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-NF-\(\kappa\)B and p-mTOR.Conclusion:Genipin is the active compound to inhibit proliferation and migration of prostate cancer through PI3K/AKT/NF-\(\kappa\)B signaling pathway and promoted prostate cancer cells autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, indicating that Genipin may serve as a potential lead drug for prostate cancer treatment. Therefore, Genipin may be used as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of prostate cancer.