bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population-based study of the reproductive risk factors for Transvaginal Ultrasound diagnosed Uterine Fibroids in Nigerian women
Authors: Adebamowo Clement A. , Adebamowo Sally N. ,   the ACCME Research Group as part of the H3Africa Consortium
Published: May 2023

Objective: There has been no previous systematic, epidemiological study of the reproductive risk factors for uterine fibroids (UF) in African populations despite African women having the highest burden of UF in the world. Improved knowledge of the associations between UF and reproductive factors would contribute to better understanding of the etiology of UF and may suggest novel opportunities for prevention and therapeutic interventions.
Design: We used nurse administered questionnaires to survey the demographic and reproductive risk factors of UF among 484 women who are members of the African Collaborative Center for Microbiome and Genomics Research (ACCME) Study Cohort in central Nigeria, and who had transvaginal ultrasound diagnosis (TVUS). We used logistic regression models to the evaluate associations between reproductive risk factors and UF, adjusted for significant covariates.
Results: In our multivariable logistic regression models, we found inverse associations with number of children (OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.74-0.93, p-value = 0.002), parity (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.24-0.73, p-value = 0.002), history of any type of abortion (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.35-0.82, p-value = 0.004), duration of use of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) (p-value for trend = 0.02), menopausal status (OR = 0.48, 95%CI = 0.27-0.84, p-value = 0.01), and a non-linear positive association with age (OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 1.01-1.07, p-value = 0.003). Other reproductive risk factors that have been reported in other populations (age at menarche and menopause, and oral contraceptives) were not associated with UF in this study.
Conclusion: Our study confirms the reproductive risk factors for UF that have been found in other populations and shows that some of them are stronger in the Nigerian population. The associations we found with DMPA suggest opportunities for further research to understand the mechanisms of action of progesterone and its analogues in the etiology of UF, their potential use for prevention and treatment of UF.
High-frequency dissolved oxygen dynamics in an urban estuary, the Long Island Sound
Authors: Duvall Melissa S , III James D. Hagy , Ammerman James W. , Tedesco Mark A.
Published: May 2023

The seasonal occurrence of benthic hypoxia in western Long Island Sound (LIS) has been documented for decades by water quality cruise surveys and fixed mooring buoys. While previous studies have focused on factors modulating bottom dissolved oxygen (DO) at subtidal timescales, here we analyze continuous timeseries data from a moored buoy during summers 2021 and 2022 to examine factors controlling high-frequency fluctuations in surface and bottom DO at diurnal and semidiurnal timescales. Fluctuations in surface DO at diurnal timescales are associated with biological production, while fluctuations in bottom DO near semidiurnal timescales are associated with horizontal advection of DO by tides from the upper East River into western LIS. Results from timeseries analysis are supported by weekly cruise surveys that resolve horizontal and vertical DO gradients in the western narrows. However, inferences regarding the duration of hypoxia during a given summer vary across datasets in part because weekly survey data do not resolve dominant intraseasonal timescales of variability. While prior studies have illustrated the importance of nutrient loading, stratification, and wind in controlling the development of hypoxia, the results presented here demonstrate the role of tidal advection in modulating hypoxia in far western LIS. Despite stronger stratification in 2021, the duration of hypoxia was 11.1 days shorter compared to 2022 in part due to greater advection of DO by tidal currents that intermittently ventilated bottom waters near the buoy. While improvements in water quality have been observed in other areas of LIS, increasing hypoxic area in the western narrows highlights the spatially variable response of DO to nutrient load reductions. Future analysis of hypoxia in LIS should focus on leveraging high-frequency information contained in continuous datasets to improve estimates of hypoxia based on less temporally resolved water quality surveys.
Connectivity alteration in thalamic nuclei and default mode network-related area in memory processes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy using magnetoencephalography
Authors: Ishizaki Tomotaka , Maesawa Satoshi , Nakatsubo Daisuke , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Torii Jun , Mutoh Manabu , Natsume Jun , Hoshiyama Minoru , Saito Ryuta
Published: May 2023

This work aimed to investigate the involvement of the thalamic nuclei in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and to identify the influence of interictal epileptic discharges on the neural basis of memory processing by evaluating the functional connectivity (FC) between the thalamic nuclei and default mode network-related area (DMNRA) using magnetoencephalography. Preoperative datasets of nine patients with MTLE with seizure-free status after epilepsy surgery and those of nine healthy controls were analyzed. The FC between the thalamic nuclei (anterior nucleus [ANT], mediodorsal nucleus [MD], intralaminar nuclei [IL]), hippocampus, and DMNRA was examined with the t-test for each of the resting, pre-spike, spike, and post-spike periods in the delta to fast ripple bands using magnetoencephalography. The FC between the ANT, MD, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex increased in the gamma to ripple bands compared with that of the controls, whereas the FC between the ANT, IL, and DMNRA decreased in the delta to beta bands. In the pre-spike period, the FC between the ANT, MD, and DMNRA significantly decreased in the ripple band. Different FC changes between the thalamic nuclei, hippocampus, and DMNRA of specific connections in a particular band may reflect impairment or compensation in the memory processes.
Dark Chocolate Intake and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yang Juntao , Zhou Jiedong , Yang Jie , Lou Haifei , Zhao Bingjie , Chi Jufang , Guo Hangyuan
Published: May 2023

Previous intervention studies have shown some benefits of dark chocolate for the cardiovascular system, but it has not been established whether dark chocolate intake is associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). To investigate the causality between dark chocolate intake and the risk of CVDs, a Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted. We obtained summary-level data on dark chocolate intake and CVDs from publicly available genome-wide association studies. In this MR study, the main approach was to use a fixed-effect model with inverse variance weighted (IVW) and evaluate the robustness of the results via sensitivity analysis. We found that dark chocolate intake was significantly associated with the reduction of the risk of essential hypertension (EH) (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59–0.88; p = 1.55 × 10− 3), as well as with the potential decreased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43–0.86; p = 5.44× 10− 3). However, no association was found between dark chocolate intake and the other 10 CVDs. A sensitivity analysis of the MR analysis of VTE revealed only marginal horizontal pleiotropy (intercept = 1.76× 10− 2; p = 0.04). Our study provides evidence for a causality between dark chocolate intake and a reduced risk of EH, which has important implications for the prevention of EH in the population.
Feasibility of the Utilization of PV System in Albania
Authors: BËRDUFI IRMA , MITRUSHI DRIADA , MUDA VALBONA , BERBERI PËLLUMB
Published: May 2023

The efficiency of the PV systems connected to the network depends not only on the efficiency of the PV module and the natural potential of solar radiation at the place of installation but also on several other factors related to the installation, temperature of the modules, nature and quality of the national or regional electrical network, inverter sizing, load, etc. The system in this study is installed on the roof of the Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water, and Environment building. The system comprises two groups of 12 polycrystalline silicon panels connected in parallel. The groups are connected in series, each with an open circuit voltage of 44.8V DC and nominal power 190Wp. The system is monitored for one year, from 2012 to 2013. Even though the PV system studied is of small size for the PV systems connected to the network, the results obtained and their interpretations enable us to determine an appropriate methodology for assessing the feasibility and designing of any similar PV system connected to the network. The used parameters during the evaluation, wherever possible, are defined in this study. In this format, the developed methodology can be served as an essential document for anyone who wants to implement an on-grid PV system project. In these conditions, without going into detailed analysis, it is clear that a project for using the PV systems connected to the network to be feasible for the electricity supply must apply an appropriate policy of fixed fees for selling this electrical energy produced.
A long-range planar polymer with efficient π-electron delocalization for superior proton storage
Authors: Wang Renyuan , He Jing , Shi MinJie , Jing Renwei , Zhao Yue , Yang Jun , Yan Chao , Yan Xingbin
Published: May 2023

Due to the unique "Grotthus mechanism", aqueous proton batteries (APBs) are promising energy devices with intrinsic safety and sustainability. Although polymers with tunable molecular structures are expected as ideal electrode materials, their unsatisfactory proton-storage redox behaviors hinder the practical application in APB devices. Herein, a novel planar phenazine (PPHZ) polymer with a robust and extended imine-rich skeleton based on phenazine units is synthesized and used for APB application for the first time. The long-range planar configuration achieves ordered molecular stacking and reduced conformational disorder, while the high conjugation with strong π-electron delocalization optimizes energy bandgap and electronic properties, enabling to the polymer with ultra-low proton diffusion barriers (≤ 0.12 eV), high redox activity and superior electron affinity. As such, the PPHZ polymer as an electrode material exhibits fast, stable and unrivaled proton-storage redox behaviors with a record capacity of 254.5 mAh g-1 in aqueous acidic electrolyte, which is the highest value among all proton-inserted organic electrodes. Dynamic in-situ monitoring techniques confirm the high redox reversibility upon proton uptake/removal, and the corresponding protonation pathways are elucidated by multiple theoretical calculations. Moreover, a soft-packaged APB cell using PPHZ electrode exhibits an ultralong lifespan over 30,000 cycles, further verifying its promising application prospect.
Tipping point behaviour of submarine melting in ice-sheet grounding zones
Authors: Hewitt Ian , Bradley Alexander
Published: May 2023

Marine ice sheets are highly sensitive to submarine melting in their grounding zones, where they transition between grounded and floating ice. Recently published studies of the complex hydrography of grounding zones suggest that warm ocean water can intrude large distances beneath the ice sheet, with dramatic consequences for ice dynamics. Here, we develop a model to capture the feedback between intruded ocean water, the melting it induces, and the resulting changes in ice geometry. We reveal a sensitive dependence of the grounding zone dynamics on this feedback: as the grounding zone widens in response to melting, both temperature and flow velocity in the region increase, further enhancing melting. Intriguingly, we find that increases in ocean temperature can lead to a tipping point being passed, beyond which ocean water intrudes in an unbounded manner beneath the ice sheet, via a process of runaway melting. This suggests a mechanism for dramatic changes in grounding zone behavior, which are not currently included in ice sheet models, and may enable them to reproduce previous high warm-period sea levels. We consider the susceptibility of present-day Antarctic grounding zones to this process, finding that both warm and cold water cavity ice shelves may be vulnerable. Our results point towards a stronger sensitivity of ice sheet melting, and thus higher sea level rise contribution in a warming climate, than has been previously understood.
Exploring 5G Key Technologies for Helicopter Aviation Medical Rescue
Authors: Han Wei , Li Yuanting , Chen Changgen , Huang Danni , Wang Junchao , Li Xiang , Ji Zhongliang , Li Qin , Li Zhuang
Published: May 2023

Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the application of 5G key technologies in helicopter aviation medical rescue.
Methods:
This study used retrospective analysis to statistically analyze 11 aviation medical rescue cases at the Shenzhen University General Hospital from November 2019 to March 2023. To assess the time and efficiency of the rescue, we paid attention to the data such as flight time, distance, disease types, and rescue scenarios. The application of 5G low-altitude network communication technology, body area network disease sensing technology and 5G air-ground collaborative rapid diagnosis and treatment technology in aeromanical rescue was contrasted and explored.
Results:
The helicopter rescue flight distance was 60–600 kilometers, and the flight time was 10–136 min. The study used a 5G private network and 5G module vital sign monitoring equipment. The low-altitude 5G network had high communication quality and high-precision localization by the domestically produced Beidou. The air body area network technology used multi-pose mannequins, depth learning estimation algorithm, and encryption algorithm information entropy 7.9993. The encryption time was short. The 5G air-to-ground collaborative rapid diagnosis and treatment technology supported 5G direct connection, with a packet loss rate of 0.2%, and achieved 1080P high-definition multi-party remote consultation.
Conclusions:
The combination of helicopter rescue and 5G technology could significantly improve rescue efficiency, shorten response time, and achieve a remote diagnosis. The quality of low-altitude 5G network communication was high, and the domestic Beidou satellite high-precision positioning technology supported precise rescue. The airborne body area network disease perception technology adopted advanced human channel models and encryption algorithms to ensure timely and secure information. The 5G air-to-ground collaborative rapid diagnosis and treatment technology enabled high-quality remote consultation. Applying these innovative technologies might significantly enhance the ability of emergency medical rescue and provide strong support for future rescue operations.
Allergenic tree pollen in Johannesburg and Cape Town as a public health risk: Towards a sustainable implementation framework for South African cities
Authors: Gharbi Dorra , Neumann Frank H. , Cilliers Sarel , Cornelius Selna , Viviers Jako , Drewes Ernst , Puren Karen , Berman Dilys , Esterhuizen Nanike , Ajikah Linus , Peter Jonny , Chakwizira James
Published: May 2023

South Africa’s urban population is increasing, and in parallel, urban green infrastructure has shown an increase in alien tree species, e.g., mulberry (Morus sp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and plane trees (Platanus spp.) to name a few. This causes ecological problems since alien trees are often more water-demanding and competitive than indigenous trees, but they also increase the abundance of respiratory diseases often triggered by an allergic reaction towards the pollen of those alien taxa. In the current study, utilizing 7-day volumetric spore traps, we illustrate that the most abundant tree pollen in the two largest cities of South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg, is produced by alien trees with a high risk of allergenicity. This adds another aspect related to public health when evaluating plant species composition in urban forestry and urban ecology, which underlines the urgency of more intense monitoring. More importantly, this - for South Africa - newly emphasized risk for public health underlines the applicability of current directives (i.e., Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), localized Precinct Plans, Land Use Schemes (LUSs)) and implementation options in urban planning. Here, we present ideas that may be implemented in such a framework. From both a public health and an ecological perspective, it is recommended to plant indigenous trees like Combretum erythrophyllum, Vachellia and Senegallia spp. that have fewer ecosystem disservices, like a lower impact on public health due to lower allergenicity/lower pollen occurrence and providing more ecosystem services such as lower water needs.
Heteropolyacid supported on on ionic liquid decorated hierarchical faujasite zeolite as an efficient catalyst for glycerol acetalization to solketal
Authors: Sadjadi Samahe , Tarighi Sara , Delangiz Motahareh , Heravi Majid
Published: May 2023

To handle huge amount of glycerol produced in biodiesel industry, glycerol is transformed to value-added products. In this regard, glycerol acetalization to solketal is industrially attractive. As in this process various by-products can be formed, designing highly selective catalysts is of great importance. In this line, we wish to report a novel catalyst that benefits from strong acidity, high specific surface area and thermal stability, which can selectively form solketal in glycerol acetalization. To prepare the catalyst, hierarchical zeolite was prepared via a novel method, in which partially delaminated NaY was treated with Pluronic®F-127 and then reacted with NH4NO3 to furnish the H-form zeolite. Hierarchical faujasite was then achieved through calcination and template removal. Subsequently, it was functionalized with ionic liquid and used for the immobilization of heteropolyacid. The results indicated the importance of the mesoprosity of zeolite and the presense of ionic liquid functionality for achiveing high solketal yield. Moreover, among three investigated heteropolyacids, phosphomolybdic acid exhibited the highest catalytic activity. In fact, using 10 wt.% catalyst at 55°C and glycerol to acetone molar ratio of 1: 20, solketal with yield of 98% was furnished under solvent-less condition. Besides, the catalyst was recyclable with low leaching of heteropolyacid.
Risk factors analysis of falls due to musculoskeletal pain in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people based on 2018 CHARLS data
Authors: Mei Fengyao , Li Jiaojiao , Xing Dan , Lin Jianhao , Dong Shengjie
Published: May 2023

Background Falls are common particularly in elderly people and usually associated with poor prognosis or healing outcomes. Musculoskeletal pain is considered an independent risk factor for falls, by being associated with joint pathology and instability, neuromuscular effects of pain, and changes in cognitive and psychological function. Understanding the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and the risk of falls will help with falls prevention among older adults.Methods A nationally representative sample for the Chinese population was derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Information on the patients’ demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, other health-related behavior, as well as history on musculoskeletal pain and falls were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to explore the effect factors of falls, including individual factors and musculoskeletal pain factors. P for trend test was performed to examine the trend of each continuous variable.Results Among 18813 respondents, 3697 have experienced a fall. The risk of falls was lower for respondents who were male, lived in urban areas, had higher education level, and were married (P < 0.05). The risk of falls increased with higher age (P < 0.05), as well as for respondents who were still drinking alcohol or who used to drink alcohol at the time of the survey (P < 0.05). The risk of falls also increased for respondents who had suffered from pain in the fingers, waist, legs and knees (P < 0.05), as well as for those who had a higher number of painful sites (P < 0.05).Conclusion Factors including gender, age, education level and health-related behavior may affect the risk of falls. Musculoskeletal pain is one of the factors that could be targeted to help prevent falls in older people.
Assessment of the iodine status among school-age children and pregnant women in an iodine-deficient area of China
Authors: Wang Yimin , Jin Caie , Wang Shuyue , Jing Zhengchao , Lv Jirong
Published: May 2023

Iodized salt (IS) is the significant source of iodine for residents living in iodine-deficient areas. To prevent and eliminate iodine deficiency among residents living in these areas, it is a vital practice to monitor IS consumption and assess the iodine status of residents regularly. This study was carried out in Mengzi city, which is an iodine-deficient area in Yunnan Province of China, among school-age children (SAC) and pregnant women (PW). Iodine concentration in salt was measured and qualified IS usage rate was investigated. The iodine status of SAC was assessed based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC), goiter and thyroid nodules diagnosis. The iodine status of PW was evaluated based on the UIC. The usage rate of qualified IS was 91.51%. Among SAC, the median UIC was 197.3 µg/L, the percentage with UIC levels < 100 µg/L, 100–200 µg/L, > 200 µg/L was 13.5% (83/617), 37.9% (234/617) and 48.6% (300/617), respectively. 9 (1.46%, 9/617) and 27 SAC (13.50%, 27/200) were diagnosed to be goiter and have thyroid nodules. Among PW, The median UIC was 148.28 µg/L, the percentage with UIC levels < 150 µg/L, 150–250 µg/L, > 250 µg/L was 51.3% (155/302), 37.8% (114/302) and 10.9% (33/302), separately. Qualified IS was consumed universally by residents. Partial SAC was at the over-optimal iodine status. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce iodine intake among those SAC by the means of restricting IS consumption within the recommended amount. PW cannot receive enough iodine from recommended amount of IS alone. Taking iodine-rich foods is critical.
The Effect of Prolactin and Chronic Kidney Disease on Cardiovascular Disease: Insights from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Rojhani Ehsan , Rahmati Maryam , Ziaeefar Pardis , Firouzi Faegheh , Soudmand Saber Amanollahi , Azizi Fereidoun , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani
Published: May 2023

Objective:Inconsistencies exist regarding the relationships between prolactin (PRL), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). In the present population-based study with an average of 20 years of follow-up, we aimed to investigate the impact of PRL levels on CVD events and its interaction with CKD in both sexes.
Material and methods: The present study included a total of 2,005 participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) who met the inclusion criteria. They were re-assessed (approximately every three years for a median follow-up of 19.0 years. (Interquartile range (IQR):16.4 – 20.2), during which occurrences of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events were recorded. A pooled logistic regression model was employed to examine the influence of Prolactin on CVD events, as well as its interaction with CKD.
Results: During follow-up, 156 and 73 incident CVD have occurred in men and women, respectively. Median (95%CI) for PRL was 7.4(5.5-10.5) ng/mL for men and 15.2(10.3-23) ng/mL for women. Increased prolactin had no statistically significant effect on odds of CVD in unadjusted and adjusted models, for men and women. The odds of CVD in men with a history of CKD was 3.41 (95% CI: 1.91–6.10; P<0.001) and in women was 3.00 (95% CI: 1.41–6.41; P=0.004) fold higher than those without CKD. However, Prolactin and CKD did not significantly interact with each other to increase the risk of CVD, according to our study findings.
Conclusion: the effect of CKD on CVD risk is not significantly influenced by the level of prolactin. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the relationship between prolactin, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
The neurodevelopment of neonates born to women with polycystic ovary syndrome: evidences from China
Authors: Shen Dan , Dai Min-Chen , Jin Yue , Jiang Zhou , Zhou Tian-Yi , Qu Fan , Wang Fang-Fang
Published: May 2023

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Mothers with PCOS are at increased risk of various gestational complications and adverse outcomes of offspring. The health problems, including neurobehavioral phenotypes, of PCOS offspring has attracted wide attention and been associated with intrauterine environment changes due to maternal PCOS. Using neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA), we conducted measurement of neonate’s neurodevelopment on the third day after birth. Total score of NBNA and score of behavioral capacity, orientation response-animate visual and auditory, were significantly lower in PCOS group than those in control group. Concerning sex difference, we found significantly lower total score of NBNA and score of behavioral capacity, orientation response-inanimate visual, in male neonates of PCOS group compared to those of control group, while this did not exist in female neonates. In conclusion, our data indicated an association between maternal PCOS and offspring neurobehavior at the beginning of neonatal period in a sex-specific manner. Further evidence of intrauterine environment is required to clarify the potential mechanism underlying impacts of maternal PCOS on neurodevelopment.
The NIHSS: A Reliable Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: zhong yuan , peng hui , chen juncheng , luo cheng , peng guoyi , peng hui , Sheng Jiangtao , Chen Weiqiang
Published: May 2023

Background The prediction of the prognosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a complex matter. Although the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) has been linked to intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke, its predictive value with regard to aSAH outcomes is unclear and requires investigation. This study aims to assess whether NIHSS is an independent and valuable predictor of aSAH outcomes and determine whether machine learning model with NIHSS could further enhance the predictive performance.Methods This study involved 1195 patients who experienced ruptured aSAH between 2013 and 2022. Patients from two additional tertiary hospitals were used as external validation. Various statistical learning methods, such as logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), decision trees, and XGBoost, were utilized to examine the relationship between NIHSS and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1 month. Machine learning models and logistic regression models were trained to predict functional outcomes using data gathered at the time of admission. Functional outcomes were assessed using mRS for neurologic disability, which was dichotomized into good (mRS ≤ 3) and poor (mRS ≥ 4) outcomes.Results The NIHSS on the first day after aSAH was revealed as an independent predictor of the patient’s 1-month outcome. The NIHSS was an independent predictor of an unfavorable outcome after aSAH (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04–1.13, P < 0.001). Adding the NIHSS score to the multivariate model significantly improved its discrimination for an unfavorable outcome after aSAH (the receiver operator characteristics curve [AUC], 0.782; 95% CI, [0.746, 0.817] vs AUC, 0.842; 95% CI, [0.805, 0.878]; P < 0.001). Moreover, the machine learning models, including Support vector machine(SVM),XGboost and Random Forest(RF) with AUCs of 0.874, 0.812 and 0.795, respectively, further improved the discrimination for the unfavorable outcome after aSAH.Conclusions The NIHSS is a reliable and straightforward predictor of an unfavorable prognosis for patients with aSAH. Compared to translational LR, the use of machine learning techniques could further improve the performance of the multifactorial model that incorporates the NIHSS for an unfavorable prognosis in patients with aSAH.
Effect of papaverine on radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating autophagy
Authors: Wei Kexuan , Lin Chunxiang , Song Qiulu , Zhang Huaying , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2023

Background Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor. Radiotherapy is a promising treatment for patients with liver cancer. Autophagy, as a tumor defense mechanism, can often affect the therapeutic effect of tumor, while papaverine has been found to inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells.Methods In order to explore the mechanism of papaverine and autophagy in radiosensitivity of primary hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2 and Huh7 cells were irradiated by X-ray and divided into negative control group (NC), papaverine group (PPV) and simple irradiation group (IR). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 test, cell migration was detected by scratch test, radiosensitivity was detected by clone formation test, and LC3 Ⅱ and ATG7 were detected by RT-PCR test. MRNA expression and autophagy related markers LC3, p62, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR protein expression were detected by Western-blotting.Results Compared with NC group, papaverine significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Papaverine could inhibit the migration ability of hepatoma cells. Papaverine could significantly decrease the expression of LC3 Ⅱ and ATG7mRNA, decrease the protein expression of LC3 Ⅱ / LC3I, and increase the protein expression of p62, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR. Papaverine can also improve the effect of radiotherapy on liver cancer cells.Conclusions Papaverine inhibits autophagy of HepG2 and Huh7 cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, so as to inhibit the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and improve the radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Prognostic accuracy of SIC, JAAM DIC, and ISTH overt-DIC for 28-day all-cause mortality among patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities: a retrospective study
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Chen Weiwei , Ba Fuhua , Zheng Yanjun , Zhou Yi , Shi Wen , Li Jian , Yang Zhitao , Chen Ying , Mao Enqiang , Chen Erzhen
Published: May 2023

Background There is no gold standard for the diagnosis of coagulation dysfunction in sepsis, and the use of the current scoring systems is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to externally validate and assess the discriminatory capacities of SIC, JAAM DIC, and ISTH overt DIC for outcomes among patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities. Methods This retrospective study included patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities admitted to the general wards and ICU in Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from 2017 through 2019. The SIC, JAAM DIC, and ISTH overt-DIC criteria were applied to data collection during admission. The relationship between each scoring system and 28-day all-cause mortality was observed. Results Among 452 patients (mean age, 65 [48,76] years), 306 [66.7%] were men, the median SOFA score was 6 [4, 9], and the median APACHE II score was 15 [11, 22]. A total of 132 patients (29.2%) died within 28 days. SIC was positive in 25.4% of the patients, 44.7% of the patients manifested with JAAM DIC, and 12.2% had ISTH overt-DIC. Both the diagnosis of SIC (AUROC, 0.779 [95% CI, 0.728–0.830],P < 0.001) and ISTH overt-DIC (AUROC, 0.782 [95% CI, 0.732–0.833],P < 0.001) performed equally well in the discrimination of 28-day all-cause mortality (between-group difference: SICvs.ISTH overt-DIC, -0.003 [95% CI, -0.025-0.018],P = 0.766). It is remarkably, however, the SIC demonstrated greater calibration for 28-day all-cause mortality than ISTH overt-DIC (the coincidence of the calibration curve of the former is higher than that of the latter). The diagnosis of JAAM DIC was not independently associated with 28-day all-cause mortality in sepsis (RR, 1.115, [95% CI 0.660–1.182],P = 0.684). Conclusions Combined with the results of distinction and calibration, the SIC scoring system demonstrated superior prognostic prediction ability for 28-day all-cause mortality among patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities than either JAAM DIC or ISTH overt-DIC. (309 words)
Comparison of four methods for investigating the voltage stability of electrical power grids both in theory and in practical application
Authors: BISLIMI Agron
Published: May 2023

Referring to the problems of network operation described, the present work was dedicated to the topic of voltage stability, with the aim of comparing four methods for investigating the voltage stability of electrical energy networks both in theory and in practical application. The following methods are considered: Continuation Power Flow (CPF), Node L Index based on node loads. Branch L Index based on branch reactive power flows; Branch L Index based on maximum active power flows. The following basic methodology was used to compare processes (methods): Performing a full CPF analysis, including identifying the portion of the PV curve below the critical voltage collapse point. Then determination of the L indices using the load values and complex node voltage supplied by the CPF. Thus, each point (or each load value) on the PV curve corresponds to a (one) point on the L index curves. Advantage and disadvantages of the L-index method. In the case of larger networks corresponding to real systems, there are usually L indices with different amounts from network to network in the area of the stability limit. A generally valid limit value, which could serve as a measure for the approach of the system to the stability limit, therefore does not exist. The informative value of the L-index methods is therefore severely limited. L-Index methods are based on the results of a load flow calculation. Since the load flow calculation without CPF extension diverges at the voltage stability limit of the system under investigation, the values of the L indices can only be determined for states that are close to the stability limit. Therefore, in contrast (comparison) to the CPF, the exact determination of the stability limit using the L-index methods is not possible.
In vitro induction of tetraploidy and its effects on phenotypic variations in Populus hopeiensis
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhou Qing , Sang Yaru , Zhao Yifan , Kong Bo , Li Liang , Du Jiahua , Ma Lexun , Lu Min , Zhang Pingdong
Published: May 2023

Background Artificial induction of polyploidy is the most common and effective way to improve the biological properties of Populus and develop new varieties of this tree. Here, a protocol using colchicine and based on an efficient shoot regeneration system using leaf blades was established for inducing tetraploidy in vitro from diploid Populus hopeiensis. The traits that were evaluated for each ploidy level were stomatal characteristics, leaf blade size, and growth.Results We found that genotype, preculture duration, colchicine concentration, and colchicine exposure time had highly significant effects on the tetraploid induction rate. The optimal protocol for inducing tetraploidy in P. hopeiensis was to preculture leaf blades for 7 days and then treat them for 4 days with 40 mg/L colchicine. The tetraploid induction rates of genotypes BT1, BT3, and BT8 were 21.2, 11.4 and 16.7%, respectively. A total of 136 tetraploids were identified by flow cytometry analysis and somatic chromosome counting. The stomatal length, width, and density of leaf blades significantly differed between diploid and tetraploid plants. Compared with their diploid counterparts, the tetraploids produced larger leaf blades and had a slower growth rate. Our findings document the modified morphological characteristics of P. hopeiensis following whole-genome duplication (e.g., induced tetraploidy).Conclusions We established a protocol for in vitro induction of tetraploidy from diploid P. hopeiensis leaf blades treated with colchicine.
How Movie-watching Enhanced Subjective Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic? —An Explorative Study Based on the Case of Chinese College Students
Authors: Li Jincheng , Zheng Shuang
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in the psychological health and subjective well-being among the vast majority of people, prompting governments and scholars to actively explore intervention measures aimed at enhancing the well-being of the general populace to counter the challenges posed by the pandemic. However, only few studies have explored the role of movie-watching in enhancing the subjective well-being during the pandemic. The current study, based on a survey of 315 Chinese college students, investigates the relationship between moving-watching behavior, movie preferences and subjective well-being by ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study show that movie fan identity had a significant effect on subjective well-being, while watching and sharing movies with others, and the eagerness and positive expectations for movie-watching also had significant impact on the subjective well-being of the movie watcher. The frequency of movie-watching and repetitive watching could not enhance the subjective well-being of the movie watcher. Watching with others and positive expectations could anticipate the subjective well-being of the college students who were identified as movie fans. Movie-watching during the COVID-19 pandemic could enhance subjective well-being by maintaining and consolidating the positive emotions and social connections of movie fans.
Autologous dual-tissue transplantation and autologous osteochondral transplantation for osteochondral defects in the weight-bearing area: a comparative study in pig knee
Authors: shi Rongmao , Wang Gang , Chen Zhian , Yuan Libo , Zhou Tianhua , Tan Hongbo
Published: May 2023

Background: Osteochondral injury is one of the common sports injuries. Hyaline cartilage does not regenerate spontaneously when injured, and Osteochondral injuries can cause pain, swelling, catching, and limited mobility and lead to early osteoarthritis. Numerous treatment methods for osteochondral repair have been implemented, including auto- and allogeneic osteochondral transplantations, combined bone and chondrocyte transplantations, and synthetic implants, but no gold-standard treatment has been established. Osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) is widely used in clinical practice and is a treatment best reserved for small osteochondral lesions in the knee that are < 2cm2 in size. Autologous dual-tissue transplantation (ADTT) is a promising method with more comprehensive indications for osteochondral injuries, but fewer studies have been reported. This study aimed to compare the histological and radiographic results of ADTT and OAT using a pig model.
Methods: Osteochondral defects were made in 12 Dian-nan Small-Ear pigs with bilateral medial condyles of the knee and divided into three groups: ADTT group (n = 8), OAT group (n = 8), and empty control group (n = 8). Gross evaluation by ICRS score, radiographic assessment by CT and MOCART score based on MRI, and histological evaluation by O'Driscoll histological score of the repair tissue was performed at 2 and 4 months postoperatively.
Results: At 2 months postoperatively, the ICRS score of gross evaluation, CT evaluation, MOCART score based on MRI, and O'Driscoll score of the OAT group was better than the ADTT group (P < 0.05); at 4 months postoperatively, these results of OAT group better than ADTT group but without significant differences (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Using the Dian-nan Small-Ear pig model, ADTT and OAT are effective treatments for osteochondral defects in weight-bearing areas. ADTT can be used as an alternative procedure to OAT for treating osteochondral defects.
Lp − Lq Estimates for the Solution of the Dunkl-Klein-Gordon Equation
Authors: Bedhiafi Mounir , Gaidi Mohamed
Published: May 2023

In Dunkl theory on \(\mathbb{R}^{n}\) which generalizes classical Fourier analysis, we study the boundedeness of the solution of the Klein-Gordon equation given by$$\partial_{t}^{2}u-\Delta_{x}u=-m^{2}u \ , \ \ \ u (x,0)=g(x) \ , \ \ \ \partial_{t}u(x,0)=f(x)$$with \$m > 0 \(\and \$\partial_{t}^{2}u\) \is the second derivative of the solution \(u\) with respect to \(t\) and \(\Delta_{x}u\) is the Laplacian with respect to \(x\) and \(g\) and \(f\) the two functions in \(\mathcal{S}(\mathbb{R}^{n})\) which surround the initial conditions. We gives \$L^{p}-L^{q} \(\estimates satisfied by the solution of the Klein-Gordon equation for cerain values of\) p \(and\) q$ in the Dunkl setting.
Driver Intention Prediction Based on Multi-Dimensional Cross-Modality Information Interaction
Authors: Xue Mengfan , Zheng Jiannan , Tao Li , Wang Yuerong , Peng Dongliang
Published: May 2023

Driver intention prediction allow drivers to perceive possible dangers in the fastest time and has become one of the most important research topics in the field of self-driving in recent years. In this study, we propose a driver intention prediction method based on multi-dimensional cross-modality information interaction. First, an efficient video recognition network is designed to extract channel-temporal features of in-side (driver) and out-side (road) videos respectively, in which we design a cross-modality channel-spatial weight mechanism to achieve information interaction between the two feature extraction networks corresponding respectively to the two modalities, and we also introduce a contrastive learning module by which we force the two feature extraction networks to enhance structural knowledge interaction. Then, the obtained representations of in- and out-side videos are fused using a Res-Layer based module to get a preliminary prediction which is then corrected by incorporating the GPS information to obtain a final decision. Besides, we employ a multi-task framework to train the entire network. We validate the proposed method on the public dataset Brain4Car, and the results show that the proposed method achieves competitive results in accuracy while balancing performance and computation.
Expanding The Lexicon in Yemeni Arabic: A Study of (Non)Morphological Arabic Language
Authors: Al-Hamzi Ali Mohammed Saleh
Published: May 2023

(Non)morphological word generation processes are one way to expand a language's lexicon. In this regard, the current study's specific goal is to explore the (non)morphological processes that Yemeni Urban Arabic (YUA) and Yemeni Rural Arabic (YRA) native speakers utilize to broaden their lexicons. The qualitative descriptive technique design was used to describe the data obtained in this study. The data was gathered from six individuals (4 males and 2 females) who are native speakers of the YA language. Using a high-fidelity digital recorder that was both tiny and lightweight, the data was recorded and saved. Respondents of YA native speakers (4 males and 2 females) were questioned in an interview to get the data. Specifically, the data set is comprised of transcriptions of recorded tokens that have been classified based on the (non)morphological processes that they have through. In this study, the researcher discovered a variety of (non)morphological processes that native speakers of Yemeni Urban Arabic and Yemeni Rural Arabic employ to broaden their lexicon. Morphological processes include suppletion, affixation, vowel mark placement, diminution, and conversion whereas univerbation, borrowing, and word creation are some of the non-morphological processes investigated in this study. Thus, the present research is focused on the (non)morphological mechanisms utilized to extend the YUA and YRA lexicons, respectively. This study's implications were also explained. So further research is required to identify how speakers of YBA (nomads) expand their linguistic repertoire.
A revisit to the phase transition behavior of K-feldspar at high-pressure and high-temperature: Implications on metastable K-feldspar in cold subduction
Authors: He Chengcheng , Li Heping
Published: May 2023

Felsic gneiss is a major type of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rock in continental subduction zones. As an important mineral of felsic gneiss, the phase behavior of K-feldspar is of great significance for studying subducting seismic activities, crust-mantle interactions, and plate tectonics in the Earth’s interior. In this study, we investigated the phase relations in K-feldspar using Raman spectroscopy combined with externally heating diamond-anvil cell (DAC) under high-pressure (28 GPa), high-temperature (400 °C), and simultaneous high pressure-temperature (P-T) (14 GPa, 430 °C) conditions. The phase diagram of K-feldspar at relatively low temperatures has been constructed, and together with previous results, a more comprehensive P-T phase diagram of K-feldspar is established. K-feldspar undergoes a reversible phase transition from C1 to P1 (metastable K-feldspar) symmetry at 10.3 GPa. Metastable K-feldspar is an intermediate phase from K-feldspar to K-holl-I (KAlSi3O8 with a hollandite-I structure) in extremely cold subduction slabs (<2 °C/km) or the center of some old, cold, and rapidly subducting slabs. Metastable K-feldspar is stable even at 11.4 GPa and 400 °C in enriched hydroxyl group (OH) environments, which shows greater high-P-T stability than K-feldspar. Thus metastable K-feldspar could withstand subduction-zone fluids, low-temperature metamorphism, and survive to deeper than previously expected. These results enhance our understanding of the formation paths and conditions of K-holl-I, the subducted depth of K-feldspar, the effect of subduction-zone fluids on continental subduction, and provide a possible reason for the origin of intermediate- and deep-focused seismicity.
AESTHETIC REHABILITATION OF SEVERE ANTERIOR ALVEOLAR RIDGE DEFECT WITH ANDREWS BRIDGE-A CASE SERIES
Authors: K.K Gopika , P.M Gayathri , Shalimon Ayana , Kumar K. Harsha
Published: May 2023

Loss of variable amount of soft and hard tissueis often an inevitable consequence of missing teeth.Prosthetic rehabilitation of large anterior alveolar ridge defects is often a challenge to the clinician.1 Such defects require not just the replacement of teeth, but also closure of defective area so as to achieve proper speech and aesthetics. Fixed removable partial dentures are indicated for patients with extensive tissue loss and when the alignment of opposing arches creates difficulties for placement of conventional partial denture. Andrewss bridge is a type of fixed removable prosthesis indicated in patients with severe ridge defects. This type of prosthesis successfully replaces missing teeth along with complete closure of defect, restoring speech and aesthetics.2.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON RIGHTS OF MUSLIM WOMEN: A LEGAL PROSPECTIVE
Authors:   Research Scholar Mahatma Gandhi University Meghalaya., Abdul Mannan Sri
Published: May 2023

For promoting, preserving , protecting and equality in between men and women, the various rights of women in Nationally and Internationally has been enumerating the number of conventions and conferences in the World by the different Government of the different Countries.