bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable Automated Pain Recognition in Cats
Authors: Feighelstein Marcelo , Henze Lea , Meller Sebastian , Shimshoni Ilan , Hermoni Ben , Berko Michael , Twele Friederike , Schutter Alexandra , Dorn Nora , Kastner Sabine , Finka Lauren , Luna Stelio P. , Mills Daniel S. , Volk Holger A. , Zamansky Anna
Published: March 2023

Manual tools for pain assessment from facial expressions have been suggested and validated for several animal species. However, facial expression analysis performed by humans is prone to subjectivity and bias, and in many cases also requires special expertise and training. This has led to an increasing body of work on automated pain recognition, which has been addressed for several species, including cats. Even for experts, cats are a notoriously challenging species for pain assessment. A previous study compared two approaches to automated ‘pain’/‘no pain’ classification from cat facial images: a deep learning approach, and an approach based on manually annotated geometric landmarks, reaching comparable accuracy results. However, the study included a very homogeneous dataset of cats and thus further research to study generalizability of pain recognition to more realistic settings is required. This study addresses the question of whether AI models can classify ‘pain’/‘no pain’ in cats in a more realistic (multi-breed, multi-sex) setting using a more heterogenous and thus potentially ‘noisy’ dataset of 84 client-owned cats. Cats were a convenience sample presented to the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover and included individuals of different breeds, ages, sex, and with varying medical conditions/medical histories. Cats were scored by veterinary experts using the Glasgow composite measure pain scale; the scoring was then used for training AI models using two different approaches. We show that in this context the landmark-based approach performs better, reaching accuracy above 77% in pain detection as opposed to only above 65% reached by the deep learning approach. Furthermore, we investigated the explainability of such machine recognition in terms of identifying facial features that are important for the machine, revealing that the region of nose and mouth seems more important for machine pain classification, while the region of ears is less important, with these findings being consistent across the models and techniques studied here.
A systematic literature review of Real-World Evidence (RWE) on post-market assessment of medical devices
Authors: Manetti Stefania , Guidotti Elisa , Vola Federico Vola , Vainieri Milena
Published: March 2023

The increasing use of real-world evidence (RWE) and real-world data (RWD) to assess post-market Medical Devices (MDs) might satisfy the urgent need for data sharing and traceability. This study sought to i) get an overview of current practice in post-market assessments of MDs reporting on RWE/RWD; ii) draw policy recommendations for governments and health organizations and identify a research agenda for scholars. A systematic review was undertaken until July 2020 following the PRISMA guidelines. Original peer-reviewed articles in English and incorporating RWE/RWD into any sort of post-market assessment strategy for an MD were included and their reference lists manually checked. A narrative synthesis was employed to describe evidence retrieved. Totally, 103 research articles were identified. Administrative databases were mostly utilised; clinical and/or economic evidence gathered in a short/medium time horizon the most frequently reported; other evidence types (e.g., organizational) underreported; patient perspectives rarely incorporated; the innovation complexity of MDs relatively low. To our knowledge, this study is the first in its kind to provide a comprehensive picture of how non-randomized evidence has been used when assessing MDs working in real-life conditions. The implications of this review might help policy-makers to better understand the risks and benefits of medium and long-term use of MDs alongside clinical practice and make more informed decisions about adoption and use.
LCVD resistance breeding in heat tolerant bell pepper: Combined phenotypic & marker-assisted backcrossing for introgression of LCVD resistance from hot pepper
Authors: S Tejpal Singh , Jindal Salesh Kumar , Sharma Abhishek , Bhatia Dharminder
Published: March 2023

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) and bell pepper (C. annuum var. grossum) are the important crops of the Solanaceae family. In the present study, marker-assisted selection (MAS) was employed for interspecific leaf curl virus disease (LCVD) resistant gene introgression from hot pepper (S-343) to heat-tolerant bell pepper lines. Segregating populations were developed using resistant (S-343) and susceptible (bell pepper) genotypes for understanding the genetics of LCVD resistance. The micro-cage artificial screening technique was used for the phenotypic selection of LCVD resistant plants from progenies of each population. The F1 of all crosses were resistant to LCVD, while F2­ and BC1F2­ generations of all the crosses were segregated into 3:1 (resistant: susceptible) and BC1F1 generations of all crosses were a good fit to ratio 1:1 (resistant:susceptible) suggesting monogenic dominant control of LCVD resistance. In addition to phenotypic selection for LCVD resistance, MAS for non-pungency was done using ‘BF7’ and ‘BR9’-SCAR primers along with the very stringent phenotyping (background selection) in backcrossed populations for most important fruit traits. The background selection was performed for the recovery of recurrent parent phenome (RPP) and it was measured as shift in means of these important fruit traits. To the best of our knowledge, it is a novel experiment of introgression of LCVD resistance in heat tolerant bell pepper lines that led to the successful development of six improved LCVD resistant, heat-tolerant and non-pungent BC2F1 populations (LCVRS3SM-1, LCVRS3SM-2, LCVRS3SM-8, LCVRS3SM-4, LCVRS3SM-17, and LCVRS3SM-58) that will help in future bell pepper resistant breeding programs.
Assessment of spring water quality of Khandbari Municipality in Sankhuwasabha District, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Alina , Shrestha Suman Man , Pradhan Ananta Man Singh
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
From the three-dimensional perspective of college students' school, family and themselves, explore the mechanism of the influence of proactive personality on career exploration
Authors: Zhang Caizhi , Lu Lei , Xiao Yan , Zheng Zhou , Jia Qiuhong , Luo Yuanxin , Luo Jun
Published: March 2023

Career exploration, as the antecedent variable of college student's career choice and employment, guides for the construction of their career. Based on the theory of social cognitive career, this study explores the formation mechanism of career exploration from three aspects: personality, family and university. Through a multi-stage investigation of 980 college students from 16 colleges and universities on Chinese mainland, it is found that: (1) Proactive personality positively affects career exploration; (2) College students' self-efficacy plays a mediating role between proactive personality and career exploration; (3) Teacher support and parental support strengthen the positive effect between self-efficacy and career exploration; (4) Both teacher support and parental support positively moderate the indirect influence of proactive personality on career exploration through self-efficacy. This study tries to provide practical guidance for college students to engage in career exploration and career construction from a pluralistic perspective.
Spatial-temporal evolution patterns and drivers of PM2.5 chemical fraction concentrations in China over the past 20 years
Authors: he chao , Li Bin , Gong Xusheng , Liu Lijun , Li Haiyan , Zhang Lu , Jin Jiming
Published: March 2023

The quantitative assessment of the spatial and temporal variability and drivers of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) fraction concentrations is important for pollution control and public health preservation in China. In this study, we investigated the spatial temporal variation of PM2.5 chemical component based on the PM2.5 chemical component datasets from 2000 to 2019 and revealed the driving forces of the differences in the spatial distribution using a spatial regression model and a two-step clustering approach. The results show that: the PM2.5 chemical fraction concentrations show a trend of first increasing (2000–2007) and then decreasing (2007–2019). From 2000 to 2019, the change rates of PM2.5, organic matter (OM), black carbon (BC), sulfates (SO2– 4), ammonium(NH + 4), and nitrates ༈NO– 3༉ were − 0.59, − 0.23, − 0.07, − 0.15, − 0.02, and 0.04µg/m3/yr in the entirety of China. The secondary aerosol (i.e., SO2– 4, NO– 3, and NH + 4; SNA) had the highest fraction in PM2.5 concentrations (55.6–68.1% in different provinces), followed by OM and BC. Spatially, North, Central, and East China are the regions with the highest PM2.5 chemical component concentrations in China, meanwhile, they are also the regions with the most significant decrease in PM2.5 chemical fraction concentrations. The regression results show that among all variables, the number of enterprises, disposable income, private car ownership, and the share of secondary industry non-linearly enhance the differences in the spatial distribution of PM2.5 component concentrations. Electricity consumption has the strongest influence on NH + 4 emissions in Northwest China and BC and OM emissions in Northeast China.
Low-Dose Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Premedication Improves Epidural Labor Analgesia Onset and Reduces Procedural Distress on Epidural Puncture: A Prospective Randomized Double-blind Clinical Study
Authors: Sun Hao , Ma Xiang , Wang Shengyou , Li Zhenzhen , Lu Yao , Zhu Haijuan
Published: March 2023

Background Epidural labor analgesia is a safe and effective method of pain management during labor with the drawbacks of delayed onset and the maternal distress on the epidural puncture. This study aimed to determine whether pretreatment with intranasal low-dose dexmedetomidine (IND) effectively shortens the onset of analgesia and reduces procedural pain.
Methods In this prospective randomized double-blind trial, nulliparous patients were randomly assigned to either the IND or the control group (CON). The IND group received 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine intranasally, and the CON group received an equal volume of normal saline also intranasally. Two groups were maintained with a programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB). The primary outcome was the onset time of analgesia and procedural pain scores caused by the epidural puncture.
Results 79 patients were enrolled, 60 completed the study and were included in analysis. The time to adequate analgesia was significantly shorter in the IND group than that in the CON group (Hazard ratio=2.069; 95% CI, 2.187 to 3.606; P=0.010). The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores during epidural puncture in the IND group were also significantly lower than those in the CON group [2.0 (1.8-2.5) vs. 3.5 (3.3-4.5) , P≤0.001, Table2]. IND in combination with PIEB was associated with improved VAS and Ramsay scores, fewer consumption of analgesics and PCEA boluses, and higher maternal satisfaction (P<0.05). No differences were shown in labor and neonatal outcomes and incidence of adverse effects between the two groups.
Conclusions IND yielded a faster onset of analgesia, and decreased epidural puncture pain without increasing adverse effects. Pretreatment with IND may be a useful adjunct on initiation of epidural analgesia, and further investigation should be encouraged to better determine its utility.
Trial Registration: This trial was prospectively registered at Chictr.org.cn on 29/05/2020 with the registration number of ChiCTR2000033356 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/ listbycreater.aspx).
Mdm2/p53 levels in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells is essential for maintaining the hematopoietic niche in response to DNA damage
Authors: Pourebrahim Rasoul , Montoya Rafael Heinz , Alaniz Zoe , Ostermann Lauren , Lin Patrick P. , Liu Bin , Ayoub Edward , Burks Jared K. , Andreeff Michael
Published: March 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a key component of the bone marrow (BM) niche, providing essential support required for maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells. To advance our understanding of physiological functions of p53 and Mdm2 in BM-MSCs, we developed traceable conditional mouse models targeting Mdm2 and/or Trp53 in vivo. We demonstrate that Mdm2 is essential for the emergence, maintenance and hematopoietic support of BM-MSCs. Mdm2 haploinsufficiency in BM-MSCs resulted in genotoxic stress–associated thrombocytopenia, suggesting a functional role for Mdm2 in hematopoiesis. In a syngeneic mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Trp53 deletion in BM-MSCs improved survival, and protected BM against hematopoietic toxicity from a murine Mdm2i, DS-5272. The transcriptional changes were associated with dysregulation of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and Hif-1α in BM-MSCs. Our results reveal a physiologic function of Mdm2 in BM-MSC, identify a previously unknown role of p53 pathway in BM-MSC–mediated support in AML and expand our understanding of the mechanism of hematopoietic toxicity of MDM2is.
Huangqi Decoction ameliorates kidney injury in db/db mice by regulating the BMP/Smad signaling pathway.
Authors: Chen Ying , Rui Rong , Wang Li , Wang Hao , Zhu Bingbing , Cao Aili
Published: March 2023

Purpose Our study clarifies the mechanism of Huangqi decoction (HQD) against DKD in diabetic db/db mice. Methods Eight-week-old male diabetic db/db mice were randomly divided into four groups: Model (1% CMC), HQD-L (0.12 g/kg), HQD-M (0.36 g/kg), and HQD-H (1.08 g/kg) groups. Non-diabetic db/m mice were used as a control group. These mice received HQD treatment for 8 weeks continuously. After 8 weeks of feeding, kidneys were harvested to observe the kidney function, pathological changes, micro-assay study, and the protein expression levels. Results HQD treatment improved the albumin/creatine ratio (ACR) and 24 h urinary albumin, prevented the pathological phenotypes of increased glomerular volume, widened mesangial areas, the proliferation of mesangial matrix, the disappearance of foot processes, the decreased expression of nephrin and the number of podocytes. The expression profile chips were assessed to reveal the global transcriptional response and predict related functions, diseases and pathways. To verify this, we found that HQD treatment activated the protein expressions of BMP1, BMP7, BMPR2, and active-Rap1 and inhibited Smad1 and phospho-ERK. In addition, HQD could improve lipid deposition in the kidneys of db/db mice. Conclusion HQD prevents the progression of DKD in db/db mice by regulating the transcription of BMPs and their downstream target genes, inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK and Smad1 by promoting the binding of Rap1 to GTP and regulating the lipid metabolism dysfunction. These provide a new idea for the treatment of DKD.
Cataract with linezolid-induced toxic optic neuropathy: Case report and mini review
Authors: Han Dong , Wang Jing , Tang Kaili , Zhao Zhenbo , Ding Yuxi , Zhang Jinsong
Published: March 2023

We report a rare case of cataract with linezolid-induced toxic optic neuropathy that resulted in poor visual improvement after cataract surgery. The preoperative diagnosis of toxic optic neuropathy was unclear because the patient had cataract and concealed the 20-year history of pulmonary tuberculosis and 1-year of linezolid treatment. Postoperatively, an obvious improvement in visual acuity was not noted. On the basis of previous medical history, clinical manifestations, and medical examinations, the patient was diagnosed with optic neuropathy that probably resulted from prolonged linezolid treatment. In accordance with the physicians’ advice, the patient discontinued the linezolid tablet (0.6 g/day) and started taking beidaquiline fumarate tablet (0.4 g/day). Neuronutrition and circulatory improvement therapies were also provided. After 1 month of follow-up, the patient’s overall vision, color vision, and visual field improved significantly. This case report aims to help people understand linezolid-induced optic neurotoxicity and its related clinical characteristics and to provide ophthalmologists additional insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Furthermore, assessing the risk of optic neuropathy is necessary for high-risk patients before cataract surgery to establish an appropriate risk plan and provide targeted treatment.
Raising predatory babies: development from fertilization to sexual maturity of the hoplonemertean Emplectonema viride (Nemertea)
Authors: Mendes Cecili B. , von Dassow George , Andrade Sónia C. S. , Maslakova Svetlana
Published: March 2023

Marine ribbon worms from the class Hoplonemertea were presumed to have lecithotrophic development until the recent discovery of predatory larvae in several species, including Emplectonema viride Stimpson, 1857 — a common NE Pacific intertidal nemertean. Here we report the complete life cycle of E. viride from fertilization to sexual maturity, which takes about 9.5 months. Predatory larvae of this species were successfully raised to metamorphosis on a diet of planktonic crustaceans, including barnacle nauplii and cyprids, as well as an occasional calanoid copepod. The larvae swam and grew for 3–4 months in lab culture with abundant food, before settling as juveniles and starting to feed upon adult barnacles. Settlement was accompanied by a subtle but definite metamorphosis, which includes shortening of epidermal cilia, loss of the caudal ciliary cirrus, and behavioral changes. Larvae were positively phototactic, whereas juveniles were negatively phototactic. Pelagic larval duration of several months provides abundant opportunities for dispersal, and likely results in high genetic connectivity between populations. Population genetic studies on other hoplonemertean species reveal higher-than-expected gene flow, suggesting that planktotrophic macrophagy (predatory larvae), such as we describe here for E. viride, may be widespread within the class.
Human Papillomavirus vaccination practice and its associated factors among secondary school female students in Nekemte town, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Abera Mitiku , Kebede Awoke , Ayalew Tiliksew , Mengesha Tadele
Published: March 2023

Background: Human papillomavirus vaccination is a well-known global strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer. However, uptake of the vaccine varies between regions and countries of the world due to several discouraging factors. Although adolescents are at risk for cervical cancer, there are limited studies measuring vaccination practice of female adolescents in the study area.
Objective: To assess human papillomavirus vaccination practice and its associated factors among secondary school female students in Nekemte town, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2022
Methods and materials: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 13 to June 13, 2022 among female students in secondary schools in Nekemte town, Oromia region, Ethiopia. A total of 423 samples were selected using a computer generated simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. The study participants were informed of the need for this study. Epi Data version 4.6 was used for data entry and statistical packaging for social science (version 26) for data analysis. Binary logistic regression was calculated using the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bi-variable analysis were taken into multi-variable analysis. Finally, variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as statistically significant.
Result: The current study revealed that the magnitude of human papillomavirus vaccination practice was 52% (CI; 46.8-56.6) in the study area. Factors significantly associated with human papillomavirus vaccination practice were: having good knowledge of human papillomavirus and its vaccine (AOR = 5.79, CI; 3.34 - 10.03), having positive attitude towards human papillomavirus vaccination (AOR = 8.36, CI; 4.67 - 14.93), higher maternal education level (college and above) (AOR = 5.47, CI; 1.68 - 17.82) and urban residence (AOR = 4.12, CI; 1.86 - 9.31).
Conclusion and Recommendation: in this study, the magnitude of human papillomavirus vaccination practice was low. Therefore, we recommend the Ethiopian Ministry of Health conduct mass HPV vaccinations and community sensitization to increase awareness and behavioral change education is necessary to enhance optimum coverage of the vaccine.
Defining the filarial N-glycoproteome by glycosite mapping in the human parasitic nematode Brugia malayi
Authors: Mersha Fana B. , McClung Colleen M. , Chen Minyong , Ruse Cristian I. , Foster Jeremy M.
Published: March 2023

N-linked glycosylation is a critical post translational modification of eukaryotic proteins. N-linked glycans are present on surface and secreted filarial proteins that play a role in host parasite interactions. Examples of glycosylated Brugia malayi proteins have been previously identified but there has not been a systematic study of the N-linked glycoproteome of this or any other filarial parasite. In this study, we applied an enhanced N-glyco FASP protocol using an engineered carbohydrate-binding protein, Fbs1, to enrich N-glycosylated peptides for analysis by LC-MS/MS. We then mapped the N-glycosites on proteins from three host stages of the parasite: adult female, adult male and microfilariae. Fbs1 enrichment of N-glycosylated peptides enhanced the identification of N-glycosites. Our data identified 582 N-linked glycoproteins with 1273 N-glycosites. Gene ontology and cell localization prediction of the identified N-glycoproteins indicated that they were mostly membrane and extracellular proteins. Comparing results from adult female worms, adult male worms, and microfilariae, we find variability in N-glycosylation at the protein level as well as at the individual N-glycosite level. These variations are highlighted in cuticle N-glycoproteins and adult worm restricted N-glycoproteins as examples of proteins at the host parasite interface that are well positioned as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers.
First report of Citrus Tristeza virus in Diaphorina citri of different nymphal and adult stages or different sexes collected from field
Authors: Zhang Jingtian , Xiao Yuxin , Chen Longtong , Cui Xiaoqing , Deng Xiaoling , Xu Meirong
Published: March 2023

Objective: Diaphorina citri (D. citri) is the vector of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas), the most prevalent bacterial species causing citrus Huanglongbing. We recently reported for the first time that the D. citri could acquire the Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a vitrus previously reported vectored by different aphids, and persist it for at least 15 days. In this study, the CTV and CLas profiles in different organs, development stages, and sexes of D. citri were analyzed.
Results: The 3rd instar nymph D. citri is with relatively higher CTV titer, high CTV-positive rates and CLas-positive rates. No significant difference between sexes in their carried CTV and CLas titer. CTV titers in the midguts of adult D. citri were significantly higher than those in salivary glands.
Conclusion: Although there is no significant differences between nymphs and adults on the CTV titers, the 3rd instar nymph D. citri is efficient in CTV and CLas acquisition.
Vacuum brazing of TZM alloy and graphite with Ti-35Ni alloy: Microstructure, properties, and mechanism
Authors: Song Yanyu , Zhu Haitao , Zhao Kehan , Chen Naibin , Liu Duo , Hu Shengpeng , Song Xiaoguo
Published: March 2023

Reliable TZM/graphite brazed joint was obtained in a vacuum using Ti-35Ni alloy in the present work. The interfacial microstructure, shear strength, and fracture characteristics of the brazed joints were all analyzed. In addition, the formation mechanism of the brazed joint was investigated in detail. The typical interfacial microstructure of the TZM/graphite joint brazed at 1200°C for 10 min was TZM/Ti(s,s)/TiNi+Ti2Ni/TiC/graphite. The width of the brazing seam increased and then decreased with the elevated temperature, while the thickness of the TiC layer gradually increased. In addition, the amount of Ti2Ni phase in the brazing seam decreased above 1200°C and eventually disappeared at 1220°C. An optimal shear strength of 14.5 MPa was achieved for the TZM/graphite joint at a brazing temperature of 1300°C for 10 min. At the optimum brazing temperature, the fracture path of the joint started in the TiC layer and then extended to the interior of the graphite substrate.
Mental Health Knowledge and Social Distancing Among Clinical Nurses: the Mediating Role of Stigma in Mental Illness/a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: wang weiwei , zhao ting , chen wei , cui huixia , liu rui
Published: March 2023

Background: The stigma of mental illness has a negative impact on nurses and their patients. Most current research explores the impact of single factors on stigma and does not explore the relationship between knowledge, social distance and stigma among clinical nurses.
Methods: Based on the knowledge, attitude, belief and practice model, to study the current status of mental illness stigma among caregivers and to analyse the relationship between mental illness stigma, social distancing, and mental health knowledge among nurses. A random sample was used to study 628 nurses.The study was conducted in five hospitals in Jinzhou and Dalian. A general information questionnaire, Scale for Assessing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Nursing, the Social Distance Scale and the Mental Health and Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire were included. With mental health knowledge as the independent variable (X), social distance of mental illness as the dependent variable(Y), and stigma of mental illness among clinical nurses as the mediating variable (M), the mediation effect was analyzed.
Results: The Scale for Assessing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Nursing score was 58.96±9.38 points, the violence/dangerousness dimension score was 22.68±5.71 points, the disability dimension score was 14.64±3.54 points, the irresponsibility and lack of competence dimension score was 21.64±3.83 points, and the mean scores of psychiatric and general nurses were 58.39±8.90 and 56.97±10.36 points, respectively. The stigma of mental illness, social distance and mental health knowledge of nurses were positively correlated (p<0.01). Stigma indirectly affected the social distance between the clinical nurses and mental health patients (β=0.016, P=0.000), and to some extent, stigma influenced the effect of mental health knowledge on social distancing among clinical nurses (β=0.123, P=0.008).
Conclusions: The stigma attached to mental illness by the clinical nurses was moderate and the main mediating effect between mental health knowledge and social distancing. Clinical nurses should integrate disciplinary knowledge, increase the mastery of knowledge, enrich the multidisciplinary nursing experience, reduce stigma through multiple channels, and provide a quality nursing environment for the recovery and prognosis of mental health patients.
Quantum Otto heat engine with Pöschl-Tellerpotential in contact with coherent thermal bath
Authors: Abasabadi Sajjad Hashemi , Mirafzali Sayyed Yahya , Baghshahi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2023

Work and efficiency of quantum Otto heat engines (QOHEs) can increase by using non-thermal baths or by inhomogeneousscaling of energy levels of the working substance. Given these points, at first, we construct the coherent thermal state for atrigonometric Pöschl-Teller (PT) potential. Then using a particle in this potential, which has unequally spaced energy levels,as a working substance, we investigate the work extraction and the efficiency of QOHEs that operates between cold and hotcoherent thermal baths. The results show that changing the PT potential parameters in the adiabatic processes of QOHE,which causes an inhomogeneous shift in energy levels or/and make use of the hot coherent thermal bath, improve workextraction and efficiency of QOHE relative to the classical counterpart.
Measuring light pollution in the night sky – from technology demonstrator to monitoring system
Authors: Karpińska Dominika , Kunz Mieczysław
Published: March 2023

Pollution of the night sky by artificial light has now become an important element of the modern city landscape. The decline in the quality of the sky observed at night in urban areas has already been noticed even by residents unaware of its origin. A starry sky is nowadays not easy to observe even in places far from large conurbations or smaller cities. More and more places are losing access to the previously natural privilege of observing the dark sky, and their inhabitants are thus systematically exposed to all the direct and indirect negative effects of this phenomenon. Monitoring the brightness of the night sky is gaining interest from a growing number of interdisciplinary research groups being established around the world, including Poland. In Toruń, the first measurements of the magnitude of this phenomenon, together with the determination of its spatial scale, were started using handheld devices in 2017. In the following years, efforts were made to improve the data acquisition process by creating a prototype – a technology demonstrator and, consequently, a commercial version of an automatic device measuring the surface brightness of the night sky. This paper presents the stages of the project aimed at developing a light pollution monitoring system, which has been consistently implemented in Toruń. The most important component of this system is a measuring device of our own design and construction. The monitoring system designed and operating in Toruń, starting in 2019, is being further developed with new components and monitoring (measurement) sites being systematically added, making the city’s observation network increasingly dense. The devices built using the LoRa standard for wireless data exchange implement the concept of the Internet of Things, fitting in with the objectives of a smart city.
Can transbronchial lung cryobiopsy benefit adaptive treatment strategies in connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease?
Authors: Yamakawa Hideaki , Takemura Tamiko , Sato Shintaro , Takatsuka Makiko , Ohta Hiroki , Nishizawa Tomotaka , Oba Tomohiro , Kawabe Rie , Akasaka Keiichi , Horikoshi Masanobu , Amano Masako , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Matsushima Hidekazu
Published: March 2023

Background
Some patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) progress to pulmonary fibrosis over their disease course despite initial improvement, potentially indicating a poor prognosis. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a new bioptic approach used in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. This study of CTD-ILD assessed the utility of TBLC in determining therapeutic decision-making strategies.
Methods
We analyzed medical records of 31 consecutive CTD-ILD patients who underwent TBLC focusing on radio-pathological correlation and disease course. A TBLC-based usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) score was used that assessed three morphologic descriptors: i) patchy fibrosis, ⅱ) fibroblastic foci, and ⅲ) honeycombing.
Results
Among the patients with CTD-ILD, 3 had rheumatoid arthritis, 2 systemic sclerosis, 5 polymyositis/dermatomyositis, 8 anti-synthetase syndrome, 6 Sjögren’s syndrome, and 5 had microscopic polyangiitis. Pulmonary function test results showed a mean %FVC of 82.4% and %DLCO of 67.7%. Among the 10 CTD patients and TBLC-proven pathological UIP, 3 patients had prominent inflammatory cells in addition to a framework of UIP, and pulmonary function of most patients improved with anti-inflammatory agents. Six (40%) of 15 patients with TBLC-based UIP score ≥ 1 had a progressive disease course during follow-up, of whom 4 patients received anti-fibrotic agents.
Conclusions
TBLC in patients with CTD-ILD can help determine an appropriate medication strategy, particularly when UIP-like lesions are present. TBLC may be useful when judging which agents to prioritize, anti-inflammatory or anti-fibrotic, is difficult. Moreover, additional information from TBLC may be beneficial when considering early intervention with anti-fibrotic agents in clinical practice.
Development and external validation of a nomogram for predicting the survival outcomes of patients with Ki-67 positive grade 4 diffuse gliomas
Authors: Liu Hui , Lun Peng , Zhao Jihu , Wang Fuxu , Cai Xuechang , Sun Peng
Published: March 2023

Background
Grade 4 diffuse gliomas is a highly malignant tumor with considerable health implications. Studies have investigated the immunohistochemical molecules associated with glioblastoma development. However, grade 4 diffuse gliomas in Ki-67 positive patients have not been conclusively investigated.
Methods
We retrospectively extracted data for 146 patients with Ki-67 positive grade 4 diffuse gliomas at the affiliated hospital of Qingdao University between 2020 and 2021. The data were analyzed using the R software. Statistically significant indicators were identified by COX regression analysis and used to establish the Nomogram. The nomogram was corrected by C-index, area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analyses (DCA). Finally, the model was externally validated using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database. The experiment was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. All methods were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. The authors of this experiment promise that informed consent of all subjects and/or their legal guardians has been obtained for this research.
Results
Age, treatment and IDH were found to be significant. The models’ C-index was 0.743 while the area under the curve (AUC) value of the time-dependent ROC curve at 3- and 6-months were 0.832 and 0.829, respectively. These findings imply a good discriminatory ability. Finally, a nomogram was constructed and validated using validation and DCA curves.
Conclusion
Three risk factors (age, treatment and IDH) were identified to be independent prognostic factors in Ki-67 positive grade 4 diffuse gliomas patients. The model can be used to accurately assess the disease-specific survival rates of these patients and inform on treatment options.
Optimization algorithms in security and privacy-preserving data disturbance for collaborative edge computing social IoT deep learning architectures
Authors: Boopathi Mythili , Gupta Sachin , N Mohammed Zabeeulla A , GUPTA RUPAL , Vekriya Vipul , Pandey Arvind Kumar
Published: March 2023

Edge computing (EC) has been viewed as a viable option for addressing cloud computing's shortcomings in supporting Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications as an innovative strategy. However, edge-assisted IoT security requires to be better guaranteed due to the network's instability and increase in attack surfaces. Practice of safeguarding a given network from threats that could compromise its availability is referred to as network security. In addition, we can add that network security must address issues such as unauthorized access to network-accessible resources and even their misuse. This study proposes a novel approach to improving edge computing-based data privacy through secure data transmission and deep learning-based optimization with Internet of Things. Edge network privacy preservation is accomplished through collaborative architecture and hybrid federated sever-based stochastic vector networks. The trust based multiple encryption algorithm is used to secure the transmission of the data after it has been optimized using firefly grey optimization. Throughput, network security analysis, PDR, latency, and energy consumption were all examined as part of the experimental analysis for network data privacy and optimization.
The Association Between Bisphenol A Exposure And The Risk Of Congenital Heart Defects Occurrence In Offspring: A Multi-hospital Case-control Study in China
Authors: Guo Yixiong , Yu Ping , Zhu Jun , Deng Ying , Li Nana , Liu Zhen
Published: March 2023

Background
To examine the association between Bisphenol A (BPA) levels of maternal serum during pregnancy and the occurrence of infant congenital heart defects (CHDs).
Method
A hospital-based case-control study was performed with samples collected from 2010 to 2014. BPA levels in maternal serum were obtained by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data from medical records with infant congenital heart defects were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between maternal BPA exposure and fetal CHD adjusted for confounders (including maternal age and pre-pregnancy body mass index, etc.).
Results
In total, 524 pregnant women were included in this study. Median (inter-quartile range) BPA levels of maternal serum from the control group and CHD group were 4.6868 (1.6555–8.8338) ng/ml and 4.4641 (1.5902–8.7714) ng/ml, respectively. No association was detected between increased maternal serum BPA concentration and various CHDs phenotype groups, total cases group (aOR 1.003, 95% CI 0.983–1.023), cases having CHDs only (aOR 1.003, 95% CI 0.980–1.026), cases suffering from CHD as well as other defects (aOR 1.002, 95% CI 0.974–1.032), single-subtype CHD (aOR 1.007, 95% CI 0.978–1.037), multiple-subtypes CHDs (aOR 1.002, 95% CI 0.980–1.025).
Conclusion
Maternal BPA exposure is not significantly correlated with the risk of fetal CHD.
Removal of Cadmium and Arsenic from Water through Biomineralization
Authors: Kaur Manjot , Sidhu Navneet , Reddy M. Sudhakara
Published: March 2023

Due to anthropogenic activities, heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) are one of the most toxic xenobiotics contaminating water, thus, affecting the human health and environment. The objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of ureolytic bacteria Bacillus paramycoides – MSR1 for the bioremediation of Cd, and As from contaminated water. The B. paramycoides showed high resistance to heavy metals of Cadmium and Arsenic with minimum inhibitory concentration of 12.84 µM and 48.54 µM, respectively. The urease activity and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation was evaluated by bacteria in the presence of different concentrations of Cd and As. High removal rates for cadmium (93.13%) and arsenic (94.25%) were observed after a period of 168 hours. Microstructural analysis revealed formation of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite by the bacteria and EDS further confirmed the presence of heavy metal ions in the calcium carbonate precipitates. The results demonstate removal of Cadmium and Arsenic by microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation to be promising technique for decontamination of water.
Dealing with ambivalence in the practice of advanced genetic healthcare: towards an ethical choreography
Authors: Kuiper Janneke , Borry Pascal , Vears Danya , Esch Hilde Van , Cornel Martina , Hoyweghen Ine Van
Published: March 2023

The implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in diagnostic practice has stimulated ongoing debates on how to construct and perform ‘good’ genomic care. Our multi-sited qualitative fieldwork at two large European centers for human genetics revealed tangible ambivalence in beliefs, norms, and actions in the enactment of NGS practices across sites stemming from differing expectations, interests, demands and tensions. First, ambivalence was present around the boundaries of clinical diagnostic genetic care. The overlap between research and clinical work and diagnostics and screening led to ambivalence around ‘best’ practices and norms concerning whom to offer NGS testing and how far to take testing. Secondly, the clinical value of NGS results, especially VUS and unsolicited findings, were ambivalently valued, resulting in an inconsistent approach towards these types of findings. Thirdly, ambivalence was recognized in applying guidelines in the reality of clinical practice. In practice, such norms were often not a question of either /or but were found to be more ambivalent and context depended. The ambivalence we encountered was often not made explicit or acknowledged, failing to benefit from its possibility to encourage reflexivity and change. We propose to facilitate a more clearly outspoken ethical choreography (Thompson 2014.), where ethics and science are developed iteratively whilst welcoming different perspectives and different disciplines. Pulling experiences and practices of ambivalence into the light can help to understand the points of tensions in the values and internal logic of care practices within the clinics and facilitate a more informed, transparent, and conscious direction for genetic care.
A Multiple Regression Analysis on the Relationship Among Students’ Challenging Behaviors, Teacher Training, and the Use of Aversive Behavioral Management Techniques
Authors: Mastroianni Gina Louise , Shriner Michael
Published: March 2023

This study used a multiple regression analysis to determine if there was a significance between the existence and intensity of student maladaptive behaviors, number of hours of teacher trainings in proactive and preventative behavior management techniques, and the number of instances a student is exposed to aversive techniques. The general problem addressed by this study was the use of aversive behavioral management techniques when students displayed challenging behaviors in the special education classroom due to teachers’ reported feelings of being underprepared in classroom management. Aversive behavioral management techniques include restraints and seclusion practices and are to be used when a student is in imminent danger of hurting themselves or people around them. This study was inspired by the work of B. F. Skinner who theorized eliminating condition response through positive reinforcement. The purpose of this study was to determine if positive and proactive behavior management techniques can reduce maladaptive behaviors. An electronic questionnaire was sent to all special education teachers in the lower section of New York City who taught in District 75, the special education district. Teachers were asked to identify if a student with a current behavior intervention plan or behavioral management plan exhibited 38 different behaviors and the intensity of those behaviors, identify the number of proactive and preventative behavior management trainings they attended in the last two years and how often the indicated student was exposed to aversive behavioral management techniques. The results showed the number of hours of teacher training on proactive and preventative behavior interventions, and the intensity of a child’s challenging behaviors significantly predicted the number of instances aversive behavioral management techniques are used in the special education classroom. If positive and proactive teacher trainings helped to reduce the existence and intensity of maladaptive behaviors, it is believed the instances of aversive behavior management techniques would also reduce. The findings of this study will help lead a discussion on the need for teacher trainings on proactive and preventative behavior management techniques.
Application experience of left hemihepatectomy with left glissonian pedicle transverse method combined cholangiolithotomy via anterior bile duct wall to treat left Hepatolithiasis
Authors: Li Junjie , Liu Lingpeng , Huang Song , Huang Mingwen , Huang Yong , Wang Zichao , Liu Hongliang
Published: March 2023

Objective. To investigate the clinical significance of left hemihepatectomy with left glissonian pedicle transverse method combined cholangiolithotomy via anterior bile duct wall to treat left hepatolithiasis.
Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 12 patients who underwent laparoscopic anatomic left hemihepatectomy with left glissonian pedicle transverse method combined cholangiolithotomy via anterior bile duct wall to treat left hepatolithiasis from October 2021 to October 2022. Including general information (age, sex, BMI, preoperative diagnosis), operation-related information (intraoperative blood loss, hepatic function index, operation time, postoperative complications, drainage tubes removal time, postoperative hospital stay) and postoperative pathological diagnosis.
Results. All patients, with an average age of (50±8.73) years and an average BMI of (23.61±2.47) kg/m^2, 1 male and 3 females, were successfully performed laparoscopic 0a0n6..atomic left hemihepatectomy by improved method. The median intraoperative blood loss was 150 (50, 200) mL, median operation time was 212.5 (175, 240) minutes. Hypoproteinemia occurred in 1 patient. The drainage tubes were removed on 6 (5, 9) days. The patients were discharged 8 (6, 10) days after surgery. All patients recovered well after operation.
Conclusion. Left hemihepatectomy with left glissonian transverse method combined cholangiolithotomy via anterior bile duct wall provides a new entry point to treat left hepatic stones, which simplifies the operation process and is safer and more effective. This method especially suitable for the cases with multiple biliary tract operations and difficult dissection of hilum. It can greatly improve the surgical success rate of those who are new to start this kind of operation and lack of skillful suture technique.
Analyze of factors and prognosis of eyes lost to follow-up in retinal vein occlusive disease patients receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy
Authors: Huang Xiaoying , Zheng Minming , Lu Jiatao , Wang Xi , Zheng Zheng
Published: March 2023

Background:Patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) who received at least one intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (VEGF) and lost to follow-up (LTFU) for more than six months were analyzed to investigate the factors contributing to the LTFU and the prognosis.
Method: This was a retrospective, single-center study to analyze the causes and prognosis of LTFU over six months in RVO-ME patients treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections at our institution from January 2019 to August 2022 and to collect patients' baseline characteristics along with the number of injections before LTFU, primary disease, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before LTFU and after return visit, central macular thickness (CMT), months before LTFU and after LTFU, reasons for LTFU, and complications, to analyze the factors affecting visual outcome at a return visit.
Results: This study included 125 patients with LTFU; 103 remained LTFU after six months, and 22 returned after LTFU. The common reason for LTFU was "no improvement in vision" (34.4%), followed by "transport inconvenience" (22.4%), 16 patients (12.8%) were unwilling to visit the clinic, 15 patients (12.0%) had already elected to seek treatment elsewhere, 12 patients (9.6%) were not seen in time due to the 2019-nCov epidemic, and 11 patients (8.8%) cannot do it due to financial reasons. The number of injections before LTFU was a risk factor for LTFU (P < 0.05). LogMAR at the initial visit (P< 0.001), CMT at the initial visit (P< 0.05), CMT before the LTFU (P< 0.001), and CMT after the return visit (P< 0.05) were influential factors for logMAR at the return visit.
Conclusion:Most RVO-ME patients were LTFU after anti-VEGF therapy. Long-term LTFU is greatly detrimental to the visual quality of patients; thus, the management of RVO-ME patients in follow-up should be considered.