bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sun Path Analysis and Energy Optimization of a Gable Greenhouse for Production of Tomatoes
Authors: Ssenyimba Shaffic , Rwahwire Samson , Ildephonse Nibikora , Lwanyaga Joseph Ddumba , Kanyarusoke Kant , Musinguzi Wilson Babu
Published: April 2024

Uganda's rapid economic growth and rising quality of life have led to a significant increase in building energy consumption. This has led to a critical energy conservation challenge, especially in buildings. The country's scarcity of resources and high population growth have increased the need for sustainable energy sources. The paper examines the sun path, heating and cooling loads, optimal orientation, and solar radiation of a gable greenhouse at Busitema University, predicting it using Ecotect software and Solar Tool. A greenhouse energy optimization study was conducted using Ecotect 3D editor and Building Information Modeling (BIM), measuring solar radiation on each side of the structure. The design was optimized by analyzing solar radiation on warmest days and throughout the year, determining maximum loads, and estimating cumulative solar radiation for direct-gain passive solar heating. The optimal greenhouse orientation of 102.0 degrees was determined, resulting in maximum solar radiation of 0.04 kWh/m2 and a conceptual mass of 0.09 kWh/m2 and 0.002 kWh/m2, respectively. The conceptual mass utilized 127.55 kWh/m2 of annual solar energy, requiring 6.091 kWh of ventilation, energy and 23.072 kWh of solar radiation. HVAC, energy consumed was 110.543 kWh, with October requiring the most heating. Graphical representations of the sun's path and solar radiation forecasts help identify the ideal greenhouse orientation, evaluating radiation filtering, covering materials, and thermally resistant designs. This information is crucial for achieving indoor thermal comfort for the crops to be grown while reducing heat gain. The results of this study are beneficial for both conserving building energy and creating a comfortable environment for crops to grow in greenhouses in the future.
Non-Abelian dynamical gauge field and topological superfluids in optical Raman lattice
Authors: Liu Xiong-Jun , Zhou Xin-Chi , Yang Tian-Hua , Wang Zhi-Yuan
Published: April 2024

We propose a novel scheme to realize non-Abelian dynamical gauge field for ultracold fermions, and uncover a new pairing mechanism for topological superfluidity. The dynamical gauge fields arise from a nontrivial compensation effect between the large Zeeman detuning and strong Hubbard interaction in a two-dimensional (2D) optical Raman lattice. The spin-flip transitions are forbidden by the large Zeeman detuning, but restored when the Zeeman splitting is compensated by Hubbard interaction, generating a dynamical non-Abelian gauge field that leads to a correlated 2D spin-orbit interaction depending on local state configurations. The topological superfluid from a novel pairing driven by 2D dynamical gauge fields is reached with high feasibility, showing a broad phase region without competing orders at relevant fillings, and can be easily prepared in experiment. Our work can open up an avenue to emulate non-Abelian dynamical gauge fields and exotic correlated topological phases with feasibility and particularly, paves the way for realizing the non-Abelian topological superfluids.
RETRACTED: The Effect of Health Literacy Level on Quality of Life in Individuals Presenting to the Community Health Center
Authors: CİFTCİ Meltem CAPAR , TUTUK Sevda Pinar MEHEL
Published: April 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and tolerability of SHR6508 in Chinese healthy subjects
Authors: ZHANG Shengting , TAN Hong-yi , YANG Shuang , YANG Xiao-yan , CUI Chang , HUANG Jie , YANG Guo-ping
Published: April 2024

Background
Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) mainly occurs in patients with chronic renal failure. SHR6508 is a new type of calcimimetic molecule, intended for patients with SHPT who are undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), safety, and tolerability of a new calcimimetic agent, SHR6508 injection, in healthy Chinese subjects.
Methods
In this phase I study, healthy subjects were administered SHR6508 injection via intravenous infusion according to a randomization table on the morning of the first day after admission. Blood samples were collected at 15 time points to measure the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters of SHR6508. Adverse events that occurred during administration were also evaluated.
Results
23 subjects were successfully screened and enrolled in the study. Except for 1 subject who withdrew from the study before medication, the remaining 22 subjects completed the study. No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to death occurred. The blood drug concentration of SHR6508 injection in healthy subjects reached its peak rapidly after a single intravenous dose. With the exception of the low-dose group, there was no significant difference in the distribution and elimination-related parameters Vz, t1/2z, and CLz between the other dose groups. The plasma drug exposure level (Cmax and AUC) of SHR6508 increased proportionally with the dose, and it showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics within the dose range of 0.5-5 mg. The results of variance analysis showed no significant difference in PK characteristics between different genders.
Conclusion
After a single intravenous injection of 0.5-5 mg of SHR6508 injection in healthy subjects, the iPTH and blood calcium levels in the body decreased, and this effect showed dose-dependent characteristics, which is consistent with the expected effect of this product. The overall safety and tolerability of SHR6508 injection in healthy subjects after a single intravenous dose of 0.5-5 mg was good.
Trial Registration:
The trial is registered at chinadrugtrials.org.cn (ChiCTR2100048905)(19/07/2021).
What are the stumbling blocks to shared prosperity in China
Authors: Guo Jiahong , Yang Lidan , CAO Shixiong
Published: April 2024

Wealth inequality, which has caused repeated economic crises and led to regime change throughout history, continues to harm people around the world. The solution is to share prosperity, and this has become a political goal pursued by many governments. To find an effective way to achieve shared prosperity, we must recognize the causes of inequality between the rich and the poor so we can apply the right corrective measures. In the present study, we used the most recent available data for China to examine income inequality from three perspectives (the urban-rural gap, industrial gap, and regional disparities) to identify the underlying structural factors influencing economic inequality in China. We found that urbanization was a decisive factor in reducing the urban–rural income gap, but that it widened the industrial and regional income gaps. Transfer payments, social security, and agricultural mechanization all reduced income inequality, whereas basic and higher education had different effects for the three income gaps, and fiscal decentralization reduced the regional gap but widened the urban-rural and industrial gaps. In our study of regional differences, we found that structural factors in western China were the most responsive to income inequality. Thus, achieving urban-rural integration, improving agricultural mechanization, enhancing social security coverage, providing financial transfers to low-income enterprises, promoting regional equity in education, and improving local government assessment indicators will be the key to achieving shared prosperity. China's decision-making on the road to achieving shared prosperity will provide lessons for other developing countries.
A cognitive approach to better understand foraging strategies of the adult domestic hen
Authors: Degrande Rachel , Cornilleau Fabien , Jardat Plotine , Ferreira Vitor Hugo Bessa , Lansade Léa , Calandreau Ludovic
Published: April 2024

Foraging is known to be one of the most important activity in the behavioral budget of chickens. However, how these animals adapt different foraging strategies to diverse environmental variations is currently poorly understood. To gain further insight into this matter, in the present study, hens were submitted to a two tubes tasks. In this task, the experimenter can manipulate the information that enables the hens to find a food reward (visible or not), placed in one of two tubes. We first tested hens under free-choice conditions (no penalty for exhaustive searching in both tubes). Under these conditions, the hens adopted a non-random, side-biased strategy when the food location was not directly visible. Subsequently, a subgroup of hens was tested under forced-choice conditions (no food reward if the unbaited tube is visited first). This constraint increased the risk of the hen not receiving food. Under these conditions, when the location of the food was not directly visible, the hens learned to choose by exclusion. We conclude that hens can selectively adapt their foraging strategy to the point of adopting an exclusion performance, depending on available information and environmental constraints (high or low risk).
GIS-Based Assessment of Flash Flood Susceptibility around Thuwal-Rabigh Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shakoor Abdul , Ghumman Abdul Razzaq , Arif Mohammad , Pasha Ghufran Ahmed , Masood Amjad
Published: April 2024

Floods have become more frequent and severe across the globe, resulting in considerable loss of human lives, physical infrastructure, and livelihood. It is also applicable to Saudi Arabia, a country recognized for its arid climate, which has witnessed multiple flood events in the recent past; for example, Jeddah, a coastal Saudi city along the Red Sea experienced floods in 2007 and 2009. Flood susceptibility mapping and its spatio-temporal analysis is a vital component of flood mitigation projects as it identifies the most vulnerable regions of the project area based on physical properties. The present study intends to delineate the flood susceptibility zones, in the Thuwal-Rabigh region, located to the west of Saudi Arabia, by using a geographical information system (GIS) based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method called the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The AHP technique was applied to compute the relative weights of nine flood governing factors namely digital elevation model (DEM), topographic wetness index (TWI), slope, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land use/ land cover (LULC), rainfall, distance to waterways, distance to roads and drainage density. The final flood susceptibility map of the study area was obtained and reclassified into five zones (i.e., very low risk, low risk, medium risk, high risk, and very high risk) by using the overlay tool in ArcGIS. The results show that 39% of the study area has a very high to high risk of flooding. The model's sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the maps are reliable and Rainfall, TWI, DEM and slope appears to have a higher influence in the flood risk mapping of the study area. It was also found that Thuwal, city lies in an area of a very high flood risk zone (15%) and needs appropriate measures to ensure sustainable urban development in the future. This study helps to avoid further urban expansion in flood-prone areas and will assist decision-makers in implementing sustainable flood risk management plans.
Revealing molecular mechanisms of early-onset tongue cancer by spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Patysheva Marina R. , Kolegova Elena S. , Khozyainova Anna A. , Prostakishina Elizaveta A. , Menyailo Maxim E. , Larionova Irina V. , Kovalev Oleg I. , Loos Dmitry M. , Zavyalova Marina V. , Fedorova Irina K. , Kulbakin Denis E. , Polyakov Andrey P. , Yakovleva Liliya P. , Kropotov Mikhail A. , Sukortseva Natalya S. , Lu Yusheng , Jia Lee , Arora Rohit , Choinzonov Evgeny L. , Bose Pinaki , Denisov Evgeny V.
Published: April 2024

Background: Tongue cancer at a young age demonstrates an increase in incidence, aggressiveness, and poor response to therapy. Classic etiological factors for head and neck tumors such as tobacco, alcohol, and human papillomavirus are not related to early-onset tongue cancer. Mechanisms of development and progression of this cancer remain unclear. In this study, we performed spatial whole-transcriptome profiling of tongue cancer in young adults compared with elderly patients.
Methods: Nine patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (T2-3N0-1M0) were included and divided into two groups: younger (n=5) and older than 45 years (n=4). FFPE and fresh frozen (FF) samples of tumor tissue from 4 young and 5 older patients, respectively, were used for spatial transcriptomic profiling using the 10x Genomics Visium.
Results:We performed the first successful integration of spatial transcriptomics data from FF and FFPE samples and revealed distinctive features of tongue cancer in young adults. Oxidative stress, vascular mimicry, and MAPK and JAK-STAT pathways were enriched in early-onset tongue cancer. Tumor microenvironment demonstrated increased gene signatures corresponding to myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and plasma cells. The invasive front was accompanied by vascular mimicry with arrangement of tumor-associated macrophages and aggregations of plasma cells and lymphocytes organized into tertiary lymphoid structures.
Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate that early-onset tongue cancer has distinct spatial transcriptomic features and molecular mechanisms compared to older patients.
Certas programmable shunt valves with a "virtual off" for intrathecal chemotherapy delivery in infants with high-grade CNS tumors and hydrocephalus
Authors: Dvir Rina , Peled Yair , Levin Dror , Elhasid Ronit , Constantini Shlomi , Roth Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Introduction
Current chemotherapy protocols for treatment of embryonal brain tumors in infants may recommend administration of intrathecal chemotherapy, either by a lumbar tap or via an Ommaya reservoir. Children with concurrent hydrocephalus and shunts may have subtherapeutic levels of chemotherapy in the CSF due to constant CSF drainage to extra-CNS compartments. We present our experience in delivery of chemotherapy to young children via programmable valves.
Results
A retrospective analysis of infants with CNS malignancies together with hydrocephalus treated with a shunt and a programmable valve (CERTAS™ Plus Programmable Valves - Integra Life Sciences) was conducted. Five infants 1.1-3 years of age (mean age 2 years) were included. Pathologies included two atypical rhabdoid teratoid tumors, two medulloblastomas, and one metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma. Intrathecal injections were conducted in an outpatient setting unless hospitalization was required for other reasons. 4 children did not require sedation, one child was noncompliant and required sedation. 67 chemotherapeutic administrations were performed directly through the valve while set on a high opening pressure (setting 8) for several hours (35 hydrocortisone + cytarabine, 32 topotecan). There were no infections, leaks, or major complications. One child required a wound revision due to exposure of the proximal catheter related to extremely thin skin. One patient experienced a “stuck” setting of the valve.
Conclusions
Programmable ventriculoperitoneal valves are a safe method for delivery of chemotherapy in infants. This technique may potentially have an added value for children with concurrent shunts, and may also obviate the need for an additional ventricular access device (such as an Ommaya reservoir).
Education about complementary and alternative medicine in cancer self-help groups by trained peers
Authors: Weis Joachim , Jablotschkin Martina , Horneber Markus , Steinmann Diana , Witt Claudia M. , Helmer Stefanie , Bartsch Hans Helge
Published: April 2024

Purpose: On average, about 40 % of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to conventional oncological treatment. As there is a high need for information, patients search for information about CAM and share also experiences with peers especially in self-help groups. In this study, we tested and evaluated an educational concept for group leaders in cancer self-help groups how to approach the topic of CAM in their peer-groups.
Methods: The concept has been developed and piloted with health care professionals and representatives of self-help organisations. It aims to inform and discuss CAM in terms of scientific evidence, its possibilities and limits, to reflect user behavior and to inform how to find and evaluate reliable and evidence-based information sources. First, self-help group leaders were educated in an on-site training including various CAM topics aimed to conduct this in their self-help groups. Then, the educated group leader performed this concept in their groups. The concept was evaluated at the level of participants and group leaders with respect to acceptance, usefulness and satisfaction. In a six months follow-up we interviewed the participants by questionnaire to what extent they used the recommended tools and had profited from the program.
Results: A total of n=50 interested group leaders conducted the educational program in their groups. Most common implementation barriers were organizational or structural problems and the feeling of being overwhelmed to manage the program in their groups. A total of n= 423 participants in the group were educated with this program by their group leaders. The majority felt satisfied with the educational program and improved their knowledge about CAM. At the six months follow-up significant more participants consulted their physicians to inform themselves about CAM and felt more confident in finding reliable information about CAM.
Conclusions: In this observational study we were able to implement an educational concept how to approach CAM in cancer self-help groups. Due to some results showing that a substantial percentage of group leaders felt overstrained with the concept we suggest to integrate a CAM professional in the education with the groups. For the future, the effects of the program should be tested by a randomized trial.
Shaping ability of five continuous rotary nickel-titanium instruments in multi-curved root canals: an ex vivo study based on simulated resin blocks
Authors: Su Wenpei , Li Hong , Wang Yaoxin , Wang Hongyuan , Meng Rong
Published: April 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the shaping ability of five continuous rotary nickel-titanium instruments when preparing root canals exhibiting multiple curvatures.
Methods: A total of 60 resin-simulated S-shaped root canals (coronal curve; 22°-23° curvature, 5 mm radius and apical curve; 21°-22° curvature and 4 mm radius) were divided into five groups (n=12). The root canals were prepared one of the following five Ni-Ti alloy instruments: Mtwo, Mtwo Blue, Protaper Next, Hyflex CM and Twisted File to the size/taper at 25#/.06. One-way analysis of variance was used for the statistical analysis, with a significance threshold of p<0.05.
Results: Instrument fractures and procedural preparation errors were not observed during canal preparation. Regarding canal deviation and centering ability, the use of Mtwo instruments resulted in a significantly higher deviation and weaker centering ability than the other four groups (p<0.05). At some measurement points, the Twisted File and Hyflex CM showed significantly smallest deviation in the tested instruments (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, all instruments performed well, and the Twisted File and Hyflex CM instruments demonstrated a particularly strong shaping ability in resin-simulated S-shaped root canals.
Microemulsions constructed by a biosurfactant
Authors: Han Lin , Ma Lin , Zhang Liya , Qu Rui , Han Yang , Hao Jingcheng , Dong Shuli
Published: April 2024

Due to their biodegradability and low toxicity, biosurfactants have been recently attracted much attention. Here, microemulsions (MEs) are constructed by an excellent biosurfactant, surfactin, via low energy emulsification. Rheological properties, kinetic stability, thermodynamic stability, and long-term storage capacity of microemulsions were characterized. The effect of pH and different gelling agents on the phase behavior and the formation of microemulsion-gels was also explored. Results reveal that the MEs show no significant change in droplet size under high-speed centrifugation, providing great kinetic stability, which enables the MEs to maintain their stability under bumpy and rugged transportation conditions. The MEs are thermodynamically stable and can be restored to their original state after experiencing extreme conditions such as high temperature (58℃) or freeze-thawing cycles, facilitating the use of the MEs under extreme conditions and promoting the shelf-life of production. The addition of different gelling agents did not show any significant changes to MEs and not disrupt the formation of the MEs, meaning that the MEs constructed by surfactin are stable and possess antioxidant potential and moisturizing effects.
A multi-themed and multi-format intervention program for improving dementia literacy among Chinese older adults: Study protocol for a non-randomized controlled trial
Authors: ZHAN nani , ZHUANG zhuang , BU fan , CAI yutin , LUO meilin , ZHANG yunjing , ZHANG xiaolan , WANG yu , LYU qiyuan
Published: April 2024

Background: Effective intervention is the key measure to improve the dementia literacy of older adults. However, to date, there are no studies on the effectiveness of dementia literacy interventions in China. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a dementia literacy intervention program on the dementia knowledge, attitude, and self-management behavior literacy of elderly adults.
Methods: This study will strictly adhere to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, recruiting 84 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 and above from two community health service centers in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Participants will be allocated into a usual care group and a dementia literacy intervention group. The intervention group will receive a multi-themed and multi-format dementia literacy intervention trial through community knowledge seminars, educational videos, WeChat group information push and answer questions, etc. Intervention themes will include dementia knowledge, attitudes toward dementia, and self-management behaviors for preventing and managing dementia. Data will be collected before the start of the intervention study and three months after the intervention study. The primary outcome measures will include dementia knowledge literacy, dementia attitude literacy, and dementia self-management behavior literacy. Data will be managed and analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Ethical approval for this study was granted on 12 June 2023.
Discussion: If proven effective, this dementia literacy intervention program could be widely applied in primary community health centers to enhance dementia literacy among Chinese elderly. Also, the dementia literacy intervention program will provide a reference and a basis for further research on enhancing dementia literacy intervention programs for the elderly.
Trial registration: Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (NO. ChiCTR2300074788).
Research and application of excavation and anchoring machine airborne advanced exploration drilling rig
Authors: LIU Zhixiang , LI Zhenyu , ZOU Kang , XIE Chunxue
Published: April 2024

Considering that ‘exploration must be explored’ is a measure that must be strictly implemented in roadway excavation, and the large volume of the integrated machine makes it impossible for conventional advanced drilling rigs to deploy and drill in front of the integrated machine quickly and easily. In this paper, a new type of airborne advanced exploration drilling machine is proposed. Based on the analysis of the working conditions and functional requirements of the excavation face, the overall structure design and operation process design of the new advanced exploration drilling rig were completed. In order to improve the mutual adaptation of the new advanced drilling rig and the integrated machine of improve the intelligent level of the advanced drilling rig and complete the drilling operation efficiently. In this paper, the key technologies such as automatic control technology, kinematics analysis, interference collision detection technology and coupling mechanics analysis of advanced drilling rig are studied. Firstly, based on the kinematics analysis of the system, a collision detection method suitable for the equipment is proposed by using the bounding box collision detection technology. Then, the overall architecture of the control system is proposed. According to the hardware and software of the overall architecture design system, the coupling mechanical model of the advanced drilling rig and the anchor machine is established. The mechanical effects and strength of the connecting parts of the advanced drilling rig and the anchor machine under various working conditions were analyzed, and the feasibility and reliability of the structural design were verified. Finally, the industrial test of the advanced drilling rig was carried out in the coal mine site. The test results show: excavation and anchoring machine airborne advanced exploration drilling rig developed in this paper basically meet the requirements of the current advanced water exploration and drainage drilling process parameters in most coal mines. Compared with the traditional operation method, the advanced drilling rig of the anchor machine studied in this project only needs to manually control the hydraulic valve group to complete the start-up preparation deployment of the drilling rig. The overall efficiency of advanced exploration has increased by 35 %.
Nutcracker syndrome: First case causing left renal intraparenchymal varicose veins
Authors: Uğur Ramazan , Şimşek Abdulmuttalip
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Our aim in this case is to report a new finding regarding Nutcracker syndrome (NCS), which is a variation of the left renal vein.
Methods
We present a very rare anatomical variant of the left renal vein(LRV), with a preliminary diagnosis made by ultrasound and NCS as a differential diagnosis with computed tomography (CT) and diagnostic CT angiography.
Results
The patient in our case was a 30-year-old woman with chronic abdominal and flank pain and increased sensitivity in the flank area. Neither hematuria nor proteinuria was detected in the urinalysis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT) showed that there were two separate LRVs draining the lower and upper poles. It was observed that the vein draining the lower pole narrowed significantly between superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta and then continued to widen. This view showed that we were faced with a typical NCS. What made our case different and unique from typical NCS was that it had renal intraparenchymal varicose veins. Treatment of NCS includes open, laparoscopic and robotic surgical repair and endovascular/extravascular stent placement. Treatment of symptomatic NCS includes open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical repair and endovascular/extravascular stent placement. Except for the presence of hematuria causing severe anemia, deterioration in kidney functions and serious pain, patients are followed conservatively, and our patient is also followed conservatively.
Conclusion
This case we present is the first case accompanied by renal parenchymal varices in the literature.
Overall biomass yield on multiple nutrient sources
Authors: Sauer Uwe , Golan Ohad , Gampp Olivia , Eckert Lina
Published: April 2024

Microorganisms utilize nutrients primarily to generate biomass and replicate. When a single nutrient source is available, the produced biomass increases linearly with the initial amount of the available nutrient. This linear trend can be predicted to high accuracy by “black box models” that consider growth as a single chemical reaction with nutrients as substrates and biomass as a product. Since natural environments typically feature multiple nutrients, we extended the black box framework to include catabolism, anabolism, and biosynthesis of biomass precursors to quantify co-utilization of multiple nutrients on microbial biomass production. The model differentiates between different types of nutrients: degradable nutrients that first must be catabolized before they can be used from non-degradable nutrients that can only be used as a biomass precursor. Experimentally, we demonstrated that contradictory to the model predictions, there is a mutual effect between different nutrients on Escherichia coli’s nutrient utilization, where the ability to utilize one is affected by the other; i.e., for some combinations the produced biomass was no longer linear to the initial amount of nutrients. To capture such mutual effects with a black box model, we phenomenologically added an interaction between the metabolic processes used in utilizing the nutrient sources. The phenomenological model qualitatively captures the experimental observations and, unexpectedly, predicts that the produced biomass does not only depend on the combination of nutrient sources but also on their relative initial amounts – a prediction we validated experimentally. Moreover, the model predicts which metabolic processes – catabolism, anabolism, or precursor biosynthesis – is affected in each nutrient combination.
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots: A powerful new fluorescent dye with substantial effect on bacterial cell labeling
Authors: Lee Sin-Jen , Zheng Ya-Yun , Chen Wen-Ming , Hsueh Yi-Huang
Published: April 2024

Carbon dots (CDs), minute carbon nanoparticles with remarkable luminescent properties, photostability, and low toxicity, show potential for various applications. CDs synthesized using citric acid and urea are the least toxic to biological environments. Here, we aimed to explore the effect of CDs synthesized using citric acid and urea at 50%, 33%, and 25% (CDs 1/1, 1/2, and 1/3, respectively) weight ratios in a microwave on bacterial cell fluorescence sensing and labeling. The nanoscale properties of CDs were investigated via transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering particle size analysis. X-Ray powder diffraction confirmed the graphitic structures of CDs. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that nitrogen content increased gradually with increasing urea ratios, indicating functional group changes. Transient photoluminescence decay periods demonstrated superior fluorescence intensity of CDs 1/3 under blue, green, and red lights. The use of CDs was notably more efficient than traditional methods in staining bacterial cells. Fluorescence microscopy of 10 g-positive and 10 g-negative bacteria highlighted enhanced staining of gram-positive strains, with CDs 1/3 presenting the best results. The CDs exhibited excellent photostability, maintaining post-staining fluorescence for 100 min, surpassing the performance of conventional dyes. CDs could serve as potential fluorescent dyes for the rapid discrimination of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in the future.
The Performance of OpenAI ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini in Virology Multiple-Choice Questions: A Comparative Analysis of English and Arabic Responses
Authors: Sallam Malik , Al-Mahzoum Kholoud , Almutawaa Rawan Ahmad , Alhashash Jasmen Ahmad , Dashti Retaj Abdullah , AlSafy Danah Raed , Almutairi Reem Abdullah , Barakat Muna
Published: April 2024

Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare education is inevitable. Understanding the proficiency of generative AI in different languages to answer complex questions is crucial for educational purposes.
Objective: To compare the performance ChatGPT-4 and Gemini in answering Virology multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in English and Arabic, while assessing the quality of the generated content.
Methods: Both AI models’ responses to 40 Virology MCQs were assessed for correctness and quality based on the CLEAR tool designed for evaluation of AI-generated content. The MCQs were classified into lower and higher cognitive categories based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. The study design considered the METRICS checklist for the design and reporting of generative AI-based studies in healthcare.
Results: ChatGPT-4 and Gemini performed better in English compared to Arabic, with ChatGPT-4 consistently surpassing Gemini in correctness and CLEAR scores. ChatGPT-4 led Gemini with 80% vs. 62.5% correctness in English compared to 65% vs. 55% in Arabic. For both AI models, superior performance in lower cognitive domains was reported.
Conclusion: Both ChatGPT-4 and Gemini exhibited potential in educational applications; nevertheless, their performance varied across languages highlighting the importance of continued development to ensure the effective AI integration in healthcare education globally.
Blockchain-Based Remote Data Integrity Auditing Schemewith Deduplication Mechanism
Authors: Feng Shuai , Deng Lunzhi , Gao Yan , Wu Yaying , Wen Jian
Published: April 2024

Remote data integrity auditing (RDIA) schemes can inspect the integrity of outsourced data. Anddeduplication improves the utilization of cloud storage space. Therefore, a considerable number ofremote data integrity auditing schemes with deduplication mechanism (RDIA-DE) have been proposedby researchers. However, most of these schemes suffer from the following shortcomings. Initially,these schemes rely on honest and trustworthy third-party auditors (TPAs), which were difficult toachieve in reality. Additionally, the computational overhead of the proof-of-ownership (PoW) algorithmsincreases linearly with the number of challenged data blocks. In this paper, we put forward anovel RDIA-DE scheme based on blockchain. This scheme utilizes smart contracts to conduct dataintegrity audits, thereby eliminating the dependency on TPA and penalizing malicious cloud storageproviders. Subsequently, we provided security proofs under the random oracle model (ROM). Ultimately,we conducted a performance analysis on six RDIA-DE schemes. The results demonstrate thatthe new scheme enjoys significant efficiency advantages.
Assessment of joint configuration and welding parameters for the dissimilar joining of AISI 304L and AISI 410S stainless steels by the friction stir welding
Authors: Caetano Gerbson de Queiroz , Andrade Tathiane Caminha , Motta Marcelo Ferreira , Miranda Hélio Cordeiro , Farias Jesualdo Pereira , Bergmann Luciano Andrei , Santos Jorge F. dos , Silva Cleiton Carvalho
Published: April 2024

The FSW process parameters for dissimilar welding of AISI 410S and 304L steels were varied to provide a combination of good surface finish, no voids, and complete tool penetration. These findings have practical implications, as they can guide the welding industry in achieving optimal results. Preliminary tests were performed to analyse the proper position of the steels between the advancing and retreating sides. In welding, axial forces from 25 to 40 kN were applied, keeping the rotational speed constant at 450 rpm and the welding speed at 1 mm/s. Due to the differences between the physical and chemical properties of welded steels, a reduction in flash production and void formation along the stir zone is observed with the positioning of ferritic stainless steel AISI 410S on the advancing side. As the axial force increases, there is an increase in flash production, being more intense on the advancing side than on the retreating side. However, this increase in axial force decreases the material insertions' size and nullifies the joints' root flaws. It is possible to produce dissimilar joints between AISI 410S / 304L steels by the FSW process with a good surface finish and no defects in the stir zone.
A Core-Shell-Type Nanosystem Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing Through Photothermal-Responsive Release of Transforming Growth Factor β
Authors: Hou Jinfei , Jie Jiejun , Wei Xinwei , Shen Xiangqian , Zhao Qingfang , Chai Xupeng , Pang Hao , Shen Zeren , Wang Jinqiang , Wu Linping , Xu Jinghong
Published: April 2024

The treatment of diabetic wounds remains a major clinical challenge owing to bacterial infection, defects in angiogenesis, and the corresponding inhibition of cell activity and extracellular matrix deposition. In this study, a core-shell-type nanosystem was developed using graphdiyne (GDY) nanoparticles covered with gelatin to investigate its effects on diabetic wound healing. The nanoparticles were loaded with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) via electrostatic self-assembly to promote angiogenesis and cell migration. The photothermal effects of GDY nanoparticles were applied to achieve controllable drug release and antibacterial properties. This nanosystem could rapidly release TGF-β after irradiation by near-infrared rays (NIR) without damaging its biological activities. The associated photothermal antibacterial activity was observed after 30 seconds irradiation of nanoparticles, and the temperature was set at a safe range (<49.6 °C). Besides, the gels possessed good biocompatibility and promoted cell migration in vitro. After implantation, the hydrogels group showed a higher wound healing rate than the control group in diabetic wound mouse models after 14 days and exhibited evident tissue regeneration, including angiogenesis and extracellular matrix deposition. This study presents a method for fabricating antibacterial wound dressings and an effective NIR-response strategy for designing drug-delivery nanosystems loaded with cellular factors.
Investigation on Effects of Training Schemes and Data Characteristics on Deep Learning-based Breast Cancer Classification
Authors: Pal Madhumita , Parija Smita , Panda Ganapati , Rath Adysha , Dash Sujata , Mallik Saurav , Qin Hong
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, surpassing all other types of cancer in terms of prevalence. It affects both males and females, but women are at a greater risk of developing it. The lifetime probability of developing breast cancer for women is approximately 1 in 38. The focus of this study is to differentiate between benign and malignant breast cancer tumors using the fine needle aspiration (FNA) signal as the primary source of information. Four deep learning (DL) models, namely long short-term memory (LSTM), Gated recurrent unit (GRU), Deep belief network (DBN), and autoencoder (AE) have been utilized to achieve this goal. The proposed models have been trained and validated using two public breast cancer datasets: the Wisconsin Original Breast Cancer dataset (WBC) and the Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer dataset (WDBC). To establish a reliable model, three different types of training techniques have been utilized, including the 80:20 split, the 70:30 split, and the k-fold method. The experimental investigation incorporated three different data characteristics, namely balanced, less imbalanced, and extremely imbalanced data. The simulation-based experimental findings indicate that the LSTM model achieves high levels of accuracy, F1-score, and area under the curve (AUC) when applied to the two commonly used datasets. The WDBC dataset yields accuracy, F1-score, and AUC values of 0.98, 0.98, and 0.99, respectively, while the WBCD dataset yields values of 0.99, 0.99, and 1, respectively. These results were obtained using a 3-fold training scheme and balanced data. The LSTM model consistently outperforms the other three models, regardless of variations in datasets, training methods, and changes in data properties. The efficacy of the models can be evaluated by subjecting the deep learning models to bigger and varying degrees of unbalanced data samples, including both balanced and less skewed datasets. To further this study, we aim to explore the effectiveness of DL models in conjunction with an IoT system to improve breast cancer detection accuracy in online mode for patients residing in remote areas.
Management of Lobular Granulomatous Mastitis; Special Focus on Treatment Challenges in Patients with Hyperprolactinemia, Erythema Nodosum, and Diabetes, and Factors Associated with a Persistent Disease Course
Authors: Rad Mina Akbari , Firoozi Abdollah , Sheybani Fereshte , Sajjadi Samaneh , Emadzadeh Maryam , Kazerani Marzieh , Azimi Sajad Ataei , Mottaghi Mahdieh
Published: April 2024

Background
This study presents our observations on the management of patients with lobular granulomatous mastitis (LGM) in a cohort study. Additionally, characteristics associated with a longer disease course, as well as treatment challenges in patients with erythema nodosum, diabetes, and hyperprolactinemia would be discussed.
Methods
From 2015 to 2021, a total of 246 consecutive LGM patients referred to Ghaem teaching hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were treated and followed up every three months until complete symptom resolution. Treatment responses were categorized into five groups: complete resolution, incomplete resolution, resolution with subsequent relapse, no significant improvement, and treatment cessation. Telephone follow-ups were conducted with all patients at the end of the study in December 2022. The primary outcome was the response to treatment with prednisone or methotrexate (MTX). The secondary outcome was response to treatment by the last telephone follow-up.
Results
Among the initial 246 patients, 90 were excluded, and a total of 156 episodes were analyzed. Prednisone was administered to 136 patients, while oral MTX was prescribed to 48 cases. The median age of the cohort was 33 years (interquartile range [IQR], 29–38). The primary outcomes were as follows: Of those on prednisone, 57 (41.9%) achieved complete resolution, with 15 (11%) experiencing subsequent relapse, 33 (24.3%) showing no significant improvement, and 31 (19.9%) discontinuing treatment. Among the MTX recipients, 23 (47.9%) achieved complete resolution, while one showed incomplete resolution. The secondary outcomes were complete resolution in 139 (89.1%), incomplete resolution in nine (5.8%) showed, and 8 (5.1%) cases remained symptomatic. The median disease duration was 18 months (IQR, 7–36), with a median follow-up period of five years (IQR, 4–6). Abscess formation during treatment correlated with prolonged disease duration (p < 0.04), and higher plasma prolactin levels were associated with extended disease duration (p = 0.001). However, the disease course did not significantly differ in diabetic cases or those with erythema nodosum compared to others.
Conclusions
Over a median follow-up of five years, approximately 90% of LGM patients achieved complete resolution within a median course of 18 months. The presence of abscesses during treatment and elevated plasma prolactin levels were linked to longer disease duration.
Selective Anastasis Induction by Bee Venom in Normal Cells: A Promising Strategy for Breast Cancer Therapy with Minimal Impact on Normal Cell Viability
Authors: Tetikoglu Sinan , AKCAN Muharrem , UZUNER Ugur , UZUNER Selcen CELIK
Published: April 2024

Anastasis is a phenomenon recently described as cellular escape from induced apoptosis. Although its mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated, anastasis is thought to play a role in the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. However, no significant regulation of anastasis has been discovered in normal and cancerous cells during anti-cancer therapy. What is expected from current cancer treatment strategies is the development of drugs that can selectively attack cancer cells without negatively affecting normal cell proliferation. Therefore, this study is the first to evaluate whether bee venom, a natural cytotoxic agent, has similar selectivity in producing an anastatic effect compared to the cytotoxic agent cisplatin. The study showed that bee venom was effective on inducing anastasis in normal cells (MCF10A, NIH3T3 and ARPE19), but on the process of irreversible cell death in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7). On the other hand, liver cancer cells (HEPG2) were moderately more resistant to permanent cell death caused by bee venom and tended to recover at higher concentrations compared to breast cancer cells. However, cisplatin treatment caused permanent non-selective cell death in both normal and cancerous cells. In addition, it was determined that the selectivity indices based on IC50 values of bee venom were higher than cisplatin. Taken together, bee venom is effective at selectively inducing anastasis only in normal cells rather than cancer cells; This suggests that bee venom has significant potential in selective cancer therapy, especially breast cancer, by promoting the recovery and maintenance of viability of normal cells.
Identification of a novel member of the genus Laulavirus (family Phenuiviridae) from the entomopathogenic ascomycete fungus Cordyceps javanica
Authors: Andika Ida Bagus , Cao Xinran , Liu Bo , Pang Tianxing , Sun Liying , Kondo Hideki , Li Junmin , Wang Ziqi , Chi Shengqi
Published: April 2024

The virus family Phenuiviridae (order Bunyavirales, comprising segmented negative-sense single stranded RNA viruses) has highly diverse members that are known to infect animals, plants, protozoans and fungi. In this study, we identified a novel phenuivirus infecting a strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps javanica, tentatively named Cordyceps javanica negative-strand RNA virus 1 (CjNRSV1). The CjNRSV1 genome consisted of three negative-sense single stranded RNA segments (RNA1–3) with lengths of 7252, 2401 and 1117 nt, respectively. The 3¢- and 5¢-terminal regions of the RNA1, 2, and 3 segments had identical sequences, and the termini of the RNA segments were complementary to each other, reflecting a common characteristic of viruses in the order Bunyavirales. RNA1 encoded a large protein (~274 kDa) containing a conserved domain for the bunyavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) superfamily, with 57–80% identity to the RdRP encoded by phenuiviruses in the genus Laulavirus. RNA2 encoded a protein (~79 kDa) with no conserved domain but showing identity (47–63%) to the movement protein (MP, a plant viral cell-to-cell movement protein)-like protein (MP-L) encoded by RNA2 of laulaviruses. RNA3 encoded a protein (~28 kDa) with a conserved domain for the phenuivirid nucleocapsid protein superfamily. Moreover, in phylogenetic analysis using the RdRPs of various phenuiviruses and other unclassified phenuiviruses, CjNRSV1 was grouped with established members of the genus Laulavirus. Our results suggest that CjNRSV1 is a novel fungus-infecting member of the genus Laulavirus in the family Phenuiviridae.
Backward wave optical parametric oscillation in a waveguide
Authors: Mutter Patrick , Laurell Fredrik , Pasiskevicius Valdas , Zukauskas Andrius
Published: April 2024

Backward wave oscillators (BWO) represent a class of tunable sources of electromagnetic radiation that do not require a resonant cavity to satisfy the oscillation condition. Electronic BWOs are widely used as high-power sources of microwave radiation. In the optical regime the backward wave optical parametric oscillator (BWOPO) rely on a conceptually similar principle between counter-propagating electromagnetic waves, where a nonlinear interaction provides the positive feedback required for oscillation. The unique properties of the BWOPO have so far been shown in bulk second-order nonlinear crystals only, but the absence of an optical resonator makes the BWOPO concept naturally suitable for integration in a waveguide format. Here, we demonstrate the first waveguide BWOPO, showcasing an oscillation threshold nearly 20 times lower than the corresponding bulk device, and exhibiting low loss (0.2 dB/cm). The backward wave has a narrow linewidth of 21 GHz at 1514.6 nm, while the forward wave at 1688.7 nm has a broadband spectrum replicating that of the pump. A conversion efficiency of 8.4% was obtained.