bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging features of a new type double inferior vena cava malformation and review
Authors: Wu Yu-lin , Yang Guo-kai , Chen Qian , Tang Yi , Zhang Jian-hui , Wu Shao-jie , Cai Sen-lin , Zhou Yan-feng , Zhu Yao-Bin , Luo Jie-wei , Fang Zhu-ting
Published: July 2023

Background:Double inferior vena cava（DIVC）is a rare vascular malformation. With advances in radiological techniques and diagnosis, more and more types of DIVC were identified and diagnosed. Recognition of the variety of DIVC seen on imaging is essential for subsequent venous interventions.Case presentation:A 77-year-old man presented with low back pain with left lower limb pain for 1 month. Scattered petechiae above the skin surface on the left lower leg, especially on the extensor surface, with flaking and mild tingling of the skin, were noted 3 weeks ago. Colour Doppler ultrasound revealed deep vein thrombosis（DVT） in the left lower limb with bilateral common femoral and left saphenofemoral valve insufficiency. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) suggested no significant thrombus in the pulmonary artery. Computed tomography venography (CTV) of bilateral lower limbs suspected of iliac vein compression syndrome with formation of deep and superficial venous traffic branches in bilateral lower limbs, predominantly on the left side. CTV of the inferior vena cava（IVC） suggested that the left common iliac vein crossed the common iliac artery bifurcation from dorsal to ventral and continued to travel cranially as a ventral vessel, and connected with the ventral IVC anterior to the right common iliac artery. The right common iliac vein extended cephalad as a dorsal vessel, which was narrowed at the level of 4thlumbar vertebra by compression of the hyperplastic bone and the osteophyte. The patient was discharged after right and left common iliac vein angiography and balloon dilation of the left common iliac vein.Conclusion:The formation of both ventrally and dorsally aligned DIVC is rarer, which we consider being a newly discovered type V. Venous thrombosis of the lower limbs seems likely to be more closely associated with compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery. A definitive diagnosis of the type of DIVC malformation plays a crucial role in guiding interventional treatment.
Identification and expression analysis of the SPL transcription factor family in rye (Secale cereale L.) in response to abiotic stresses
Authors: Ren Yanyan , Ma Rui , Xie Muhua , Jin Pengfei
Published: July 2023

Background
Squamous promoter binding protein-like (SPL) gene family, a typical class of plant transcription factors, plays an essential role in plant growth and developmental stages, signal transduction, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Given the rapid development of whole genome sequencing, the SPL gene family has been identified and characterized in many species. However, the identification or systematic analysis of SPL gene family in rye has not been reported yet.
Results
In this study, 21 SPL genes were identified for the first time, which were unevenly distributed on seven rye chromosomes. After analyzing the number of conserved structural domains and gene structure based on homology in Arabidopsis thaliana, these 21 genes were classified into seven subfamilies. To better understand the developmental mechanisms of the ScSPL gene family during evolution, six species closely related to rye were selected as comparative homology maps. These results revealed that fragment replication events regulated the expansion of the ScSPL gene family. In addition, the identification of promoters containing many hormone- and stress-responsive cis-acting elements suggested that the regulation of ScSPLs expression is complex. Most ScSPL genes might be involved in the MeJA and ABA responses with a potential abiotic function through ERF regulation. Finally, RT-qPCR evaluated the expression patterns of the 21 genes in different tissues, fruit developmental stages, three hormones and six different abiotic stresses.
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify and characterize SPL genes in rye. This study demonstrated that ScSPL genes, especially ScSPL1, played a critical role in rye development and its response to various abiotic stresses.
Reduced CC chemokine receptor 4 expression after lenalidomide treatment for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Shimizu Masatomo , Yokote Taiji , Hatooka Jun , Kinoshita Yuuki , Imagawa Akihisa , Yasuda Emi
Published: July 2023

Background
CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), a chemokine receptor involved in leukocyte migration, is expressed in most tumor cells in patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Recent years, an anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody is one of the newly developed treatment options of ATLL. Therefore CCR4 expression is important for clinical decision making in ATLL.
Case presentation
We report a 78-year-old man diagnosed with lymphoma type ATLL, which expressed CCR4. The patient was administered two cycles of lenalidomide but died due to sepsis five months after the diagnosis. On autopsy, ATLL cells were found at several sites, including mediastinal lymph nodes and spleen. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that these ATLL cells had reduced CCR4 expression although the expression levels of other markers were unchanged, suggesting that CCR4 expression on ATLL cells reduced after lenalidomide use.
Conclusions
Our patient suggests that treatment should be carefully determined in ATLL with reference to a history of lenalidomide use and CCR4 expression.
Assessment of Immunohistochemical Expression of CD44 in Colorectal Adenoma and Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: arafa rasha , elokda mohamed , Zidan Azza , Wagih heba
Published: July 2023

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a foremost global health concern and remains one of the major causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. It is the third most common cancer in adults after lung cancer and breast cancer worldwide. The theory that cancer originates from a subpopulation of tumor cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC), they have an important role of CSC in the initiation and maintenance of the tumor, as well as invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Among CSC markers, CD44 is the most investigated colorectal CSC markers. This study aims to assess the immunohistochemical expression of CD44 in colorectal adenomas & CRCs. And its relation between immunohistochemical expression of CD44 with tumor differentiation (grading), lympho-vascular invasion, perineural invasion, desmoplasia and TNM stage.Methods this is a retrospective descriptive study that included Sixty paraffin embedded blocks from the pathology laboratory, Suez Canal University Hospital. Paraffin blocks included (14 cases of colorectal carcinoma and 18 cases of colorectal adenoma). paraffin blocks reviewed for clinicopathological prognostic factors and stained by CD44, monoclonal antibodies by immunohistochemical method.Results The CD44 protein was overexpressed in 80% of CRC, while was positive (44.4%) in adenoma this difference was statistically.Conclusions CD 44 is highly expressed in large number of CRC (80 of tumors). It is also significantly more expressed in CRC than in adenomas, suggesting a role of CD 44 in CRC tumorigenesis and progression of adenomas into carcinomas. Our study also associated CD 44 overexpression with both late TNM stage and lympho-vascular invasion.
Intracranial Hemorrhage Detection and Classification of its Subtypes using CNN, ResNet, Random Forest and DenseNet201
Authors: GHOSH ARUNANGSHU , CHANDA DURBAR , BHATTACHARYYA KOUSHIKK , SARKAR SONALI
Published: July 2023

Intracranial haemorrhage is one of the most life-threatening conditions in which a person bleeds from or within the brain tissue and the skull. There are several types of intracranial haemorrhage like epidural haemorrhage, subdural haemorrhage, interventricular haemorrhage, intracerebral haemorrhage and lastly subarachnoid haemorrhage. This problem should be detected and treated as soon as possible otherwise it can cause death. A system is required in order to accurately identify patients and expedite the healing process. This research article proposes OT-DLRF (Otsu thresholding and deep learning with random forest classification) model for diagnosing and classifying the Intracranial haemorrhage. The performance of the model is dependent upon the combination model of CNN and DenseNet 201 and for the classification of the final output the Random Forest (RF) classifier is used. Model shows an accuracy of 99.6 percent for subdural, epidural, intra-parenchymal haemorrhage.
Comparison of the impact of three inspiratory muscle training programs on diaphragm strength and endurance in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients with difficult weaning : a multicentric randomized controlled trial
Authors: Réginault¹ Thomas , Alejos² Roberto Martinez , Burle³ Jean-françois , Coueron Roxane , Frison Eric , Vargas¹ Frédéric
Published: July 2023

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) consists of a resistive inspiratory maneuver through a pressure device comprising a unidirectional valve that hinders inspiration. IMT was found to significantly increase inspiratory muscle strength in adults undergoing invasive Mechanical ventilation (MV). Despite, it exists an important heterogeneity of IMT protocols, and it is unclear if it reduces MV duration. Furthermore, inspiratory muscles endurance is scantly evaluated while the assessment of this function may be fundamental for a successful weaning. In this multicentric controlled randomized parallel trial, we compared the effects of three different IMT protocols (low, high and mixed intensity ) on inspiratory muscle strength and endurance in difficult to wean patients in two intensive care units (ICU).
Methods: 92 subjects presenting difficult weaning were randomized in 3 groups to perform one IMT protocol twice daily. The primary outcome was the Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) increase in each group after successful extubation or 30-days. Secondary outcomes were Pressure peak increase (Ppk), as endurance marker, weaning duration, and safety.
Results: During the weaning process, the observed increase of MIP was 12.2 ±11.2 cmH2O in the mixed intensity group (EDRIC), 5.3 ±15.5 cmH2O in the low intensity group (CADER), and 6.8 ±15.1 cmH2O in the high intensity group (MARTIN). There was a non-statistically significant difference between EDRIC group and CADER group (mean adjusted difference: -6.65, 97.5%CI [-14.35; 1.04], p=0.052), neither between EDRIC group nor MARTIN group (mean adjusted difference: -3.67, 97.5%CI [-11.52; 4.18], p=0.289).
No significant difference in Ppk increase were observed between the three groups. Over 358 IMT sessions, only 3 serious adverse events (spontaneously reversible bradycardia) were considered possibly related to the study.
Conclusion: Independently of IMT protocol applied, MIP and Ppk seemed to improve in our cohort of difficult to wean patients. Ppk could be a helpful tool to assess diaphragm function exhaustively. EDRIC group showed a slightly higher efficacity.
Optimal Transport Approach to Michael-Simon-Sobolev Inequalities in Manifolds with Intermediate Ricci Curvature Lower Bounds
Authors: Wang Kai-Hsiang
Published: July 2023

We generalize McCann's theorem of optimal transport to a submanifold setting and use it to prove Michael-Simon-Sobolev inequalities for submanifolds in manifolds with lower bounds on intermediate Ricci curvatures. The results include a variant of the sharp Michael-Simon-Sobolev inequality in S. Brendle's [arXiv:2009.13717] when the intermediate Ricci curvatures are nonnegative.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 53C21, 49Q22; Secondary 53C23.
Synergism of Curcumin and Doxorubicin Proves an Effective Anticancer Therapeutics Against Breast Cancer: An in vitro Study
Authors: Sarkar Esha , Khan Afreen , Ahmad Rumana , Misra Aparna , Dua Kamal , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Raza Tasleem
Published: July 2023

Background: Curcumin is a polyphenol phyto-compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), which inhibits tumorigenesis by introducing apoptosis as well as by restricting cell survival and proliferation. This in vitro research article focuses on the pharmacodynamics interactions of Curcumin (Cur.) combined with the commercial drug Doxorubicin (Doxo.) to enhance the cytotoxicity of doxo. at lower doses against breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 with the chemo-protective effect against normal HEK-293. The synergism of two drugs is calculated based on the combination index (CI) and median-effect equation, calculated by the software Compusyn. In this study, we observed the dose-dependent cytotoxicity, increased ROS generation, down-regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and increased chromatin condensation in combination doses, compared to the single drugs. Moreover, the cell cycle arrest and overexpression of checkpoints regulatory genes ATM, CHEK2, BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 were observed for preventing cell proliferation.
Methodology: MTT analysis is performed to determine cell viability at different doses, ROS-generation is observed using DCFH-DA stained fluorescence images, reducing MMP is detected by Rhodamine123 staining method, condensation of DNA is detected by Hoechst33342 stained photomicrographs, apoptosis analysis is performed by both AO/EtBr staining and Annexin-V/FITC & PI flow cytometry. To validate the findings, mRNA expression of cell-cycle check-point markers is quantified by rt-qPCR.
Result & Conclusion: The calculated combination dose showing maximum growth inhibition is 33.117µM Cur. + 0.331µM Doxo. against MDA-MB-231 and 14.361µM Cur. + 0.14361µM Doxo. against MCF-7 with negligible toxicity against normal HEK-293 cells. Significant increase in mRNA expressions of TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, and CHEK2 genes (Ct-value) were evident with G0/G1 and S-phase cell cycle arrest. Thus, Curcumin synergistically chemo-sensitizes the anticancer activity of Doxorubicin and enhances the responses towards conventional chemo-therapy attenuating breast cancer
MoO2 -MoS2@PANI composite material is used as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Huanting , Jiang Chaokui , Ye Wenbin , Xiong Deping , Chen Li , Feng Zuyong , Wen Kunhua , Li Zhaoying , He Miao
Published: July 2023

The hetero structured arrangement of metal sulfide/oxide is of paramount importance in dictating the electrochemical characteristics of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this investigation, a synthesized composite material, integrating molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) intercalated within polyaniline (PANI) under hydrothermal conditions, was employed. Within the granulated MoO2-MoS2@PANI composite, PANI acts as an efficacious matrix, effectively mitigating the re-agglomeration and pulverization of MoS2-MoO2 during prolonged cycling processes. Concomitantly, the cooperative effects among the MoS2, MoO2, and PANI constituents manifest in copious active sites and shortened ion transport pathways. As an anode material for LIBs, the MoO2-MoS2@PANI sample exhibits exemplary cycling performance, delivering a remarkable capacity of 860 mAh g−1 even after enduring 500 cycles at a rate of 0.1 A g−1. Furthermore, when scrutinized in a sodium-ion battery (LIB) at a rate of 2 A g−1, it demonstrates exceptional cycling performance, retaining a capacity of 490 mAh g−1 even after 1000 cycles.
A standardized method to functionalize plasma-extracellular vesicles via copper-free click chemistry for targeted drug delivery strategies
Authors: Ciferri Maria Chiara , Bruno Silvia , Rosenwasser Nicole , Gorgun Cansu , Reverberi Daniele , Gagliani Maria Cristina , Cortese Katia , Grange Cristina , Bussolati Benedetta , Quarto Rodolfo , Tasso Roberta
Published: July 2023

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as potential vehicles for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic applications. However, achieving consistent and reliable functionalization of EV membranes remains a challenge. Copper-catalyzed click chemistry, commonly used for EV surface modification, poses limitations due to cytotoxicity and interference with biological systems. To overcome these limitations, we developed a standardized method for functionalizing EV membrane via copper-free click chemistry. EVs derived from plasma hold immense potential as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. However, the isolation and functionalization of EVs from such a complex biofluid represents a considerable challenge.
Results: We compared three different EV isolation methods to obtain an EV suspension with an optimal purity/yield ratio, and we identified sucrose cushion ultracentrifugation (sUC) as the ideal protocol. We then optimized the reaction conditions to successfully functionalize plasma-EV surface through a copper-free click chemistry strategy with a fluorescently labeled azide, used as a proof-of-principle molecule. Click-EVs maintained their identity, size, and, more importantly, the capacity to be efficiently uptaken by responder tumor cells. Moreover, once internalized, click-EVs partially followed the endosomal recycling route.
Conclusions: The optimized reaction conditions and characterization techniques presented in this study offer a foundation for future investigations and applications of functionalized EVs in drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Rose Curves
Authors: Sošić Milena
Published: July 2023

In this paper we study the rose curves in the polar coordinate system. Therefore, we first briefly describe their shape in the context of shapes in nature, architecture and also in cuisine. Then we describe the biography of Luigi Guido Grandi, who was the first to define the rose curve. We also introduce the polar coordinate system and explain how each point is related to the radial coordinate (or radius) and the angular coordinate (or polar angle), both called polar coordinates. We explain in detail the polar equation of a rose curve, where the radius is defined as the cosine function of the polar angle multiplied by a real constant called the angular frequency, which is considered here as a positive real number. In this way, we have considered the angular frequency as a positive integer (odd or even), as a positive rational number in the form of an irreducible fraction, or as a positive irrational number. We have explained and shown by some pictures that a rose curve is usually complete for any continuous interval subset of the set of real numbers, whose length depends on the angular frequency. In fact, a rose curve is incomplete only if the angular frequency is an irrational number.
MSC Classification: 51A50 , 53A04 , 97G60 , 97I20
Cucumber mosaic virus RNA replicase is essential for systemic infection in Brassica juncea
Authors: Park Tae-Seon , Min Dong-Joo , Park Ji-Soo , Hong Jin-Sung
Published: July 2023

Background
Brassica juncea belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is used as both an oilseed and vegetable crop. As only a few studies have reported on the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in B. juncea, we conducted this study to fill this gap.
Methods
CMV-Co6, for which systemic infection was confirmed in B. juncea and non-infectious CMV-Rs1 were used. To identify the determinants of systemic infection in B. juncea, we first constructed infectious clones of CMV-Co6 and CMV-Rs1 and used them as pseudorecombinants. Subsequently, the amino acids of the 2a and 2b proteins were compared, and a chimeric clone was constructed.
Results
RNA2 of CMV was identified as an important determinant in B. juncea because B. juncea were systemically infected with RNA2-containing pseudorecombinants, CMV-Co6, R/6/R, and R/6/6, were systemically infected B. juncea. The chimeric virus R/6Rns/R6cp, in which the C-terminal region of the 2a protein of CMV-Co6 is replaced by CMV-Rs1, still infects B. juncea.
Conclusions
It is the 2a protein that determines the systemic CMV infection in B. juncea, suggesting that conserved 160G and 214A play a role in systemic CMV infection in B. juncea.
A supervised home-based exercise program for breast cancer survivors' functional performance (Home-PAC): a pilot study
Authors: Ramos Pedro G.F. , Júdice Pedro B. , Valadas Gabriela , Bento Alexandra , Nobre Inês , Rodrigues Bruno , Carraça Eliana V.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Hormonal therapy has adverse effects that hinder breast cancer survivors' functional performance and quality of life. Physical activity (PA) can counteract these adverse effects, and home-based exercise interventions might be a potential solution to foster PA adoption in this population. This study aimed to investigate home-based exercise intervention effects on functional performance, quality of life and PA of breast cancer survivors’ undergoing hormonal therapy. Adherence to the intervention and adverse events were also reported.
Method. This study was a 12-week randomised controlled trial comprising a home-based exercise intervention supported by an exercise booklet including six exercise groups and a weekly online exercise group session. Eighteen women were recruited from Hospital Universitário do Barlavento Algarvio.
Results. Significant time-by-group effects in functional performance (sit-to-stand (p=.033), arm curl (p=.011), and timed up-and-go (.009) tests), quality of life (insomnia (p=.007) and breast symptoms (p=.035)), and PA (vigorous PA (p=.033), walking (p=.005), and total PA (p=.034)), favouring the intervention group were found. Attendance to the supervised component of the program was high (80%).
Conclusion. This home-based exercise intervention was well tolerated and accepted by participants and led to significant improvements in functional performance and PA levels. These findings further support the effectiveness of this type of intervention, which is a more affordable and viable strategy to raise PA levels and enhance functional performance in breast cancer survivors. Exercise professionals may use these programs to promote active lifestyles while reducing barriers to practice.
Jordanian medical students’ perspective on the impact of a Pass/Fail USMLE Step 1: A Cross-Sectional Investigation
Authors: Ghazzal Hamza Asad , Omar Yousef , Jaber Dunia Z. , Melhem Rahaf , Alzoraiqi Ibrahim , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Kalbouneh Heba
Published: July 2023

Purpose of the study: to discuss Jordanian medical students’ perspective on USMLE step 1 pass/fail score and its impact on their clinical future.
Study Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at all six schools of medicine in Jordan. An online self-administered questionnaire was used, consisting of 33 questions assessing the participants’ sociodemographics, socioacademics, intentions to apply for the USMLE step 1 exam and their attitudes toward the conversion of USMLE step 1 to pass/fail scoring system.
Results: A total number of 504 medical students completed the survey. Among participating students, 44.4% agreed that USMLE should be pass/fail, while only 26.8% were against it. Furthermore, 82.3% of the students agreed that by this change, Step 2 CK will carry more weight in selecting applicants for residency. Moreover, 86.7% of respondents believed that more students will participate in research activities which were ranked as the second most important item for residency matching.
Conclusion: Converting USMLE step 1 scoring system to a pass/fail score will likely increase the weight of Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) score as well as on the research experience for selecting applicants for residency.
Activation of hepatic embryonic stem cell factors are essential biopredictive markers for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xusheng , Liu Kejun , Zhou Hongcai , Wei Peng , Chen Bendong
Published: July 2023

Objective
To investigate the activation of hepatic embryonic stem cell factor in hepatocellular carcinoma and its characteristic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods
Based on mRNA-seq data of hepatocellular carcinoma and matched clinical data in the TCGA database, and mRNA-seq data of hepatic embryonic stem cell genes screened by laboratory sequencing, we used the R package and some online analysis tools to find activated hepatic embryonic stem cell genes in hepatocellular carcinoma, and used support vector machine (SVM) and LASSO regression analysis to further screen out significantly differentially expressed hepatic embryonic stem cell genes, and to investigate their functional characteristics and clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma based on the expression of these hepatic embryonic stem cell genes. Finally, the expression of five embryonic stem cell factors in HCC tissues was detected based on immunohistochemical methods.
Results
Five liver embryonic stem cell genes, TYW3/CKLF/P2RY6/TUBA1B and RSU1 were significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, showed good diagnostic efficacy for hepatocellular carcinoma, and were significantly associated with a poorer survival prognosis of patients. The prognostic model based on the five hepatic embryonic cell genes showed good predictive efficacy and has good potential for clinical application, immunohistochemical expression validation results also showed high expression of TYW3/CKLF/P2RY6/TUBA1B, and RSU1 in HCC, and were highly expressed in HCC and mainly expressed in the cytoplasm.
Conclusion
The activation of five hepatic germ cell genes, TYW3/CKLF/P2RY6/TUBA1B, and RSU1 are important diagnostic targets and prognostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma, which significantly correlated with patient clinical prognosis. And the prognostic model of HCC based on TYW3/CKLF/P2RY6/TUBA1B, and RSU1 has a good clinical application potential for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Efficacy of Intramedullary Bridge Internal Fixation System for Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Novel Technique for Clavicle Treatment
Authors: Ma Tianyong , Su Huan , Lu Yihong , Chen Junping , Tan Weiyuan , Lei Fang , Wang Dewei
Published: July 2023

Objective: The intramedullary nail fixation approach currently used for midshaft clavicle fractures is associated with complications, including nail loosening and displacement, nail end protrusion and soft tissue irritation. In this study, we propose a novel intramedullary fixation technique using the ortho-bridge system (OBS) to improve clinical outcomes and avoid the issues linked with treating midshaft clavicle fractures.
Methods: Sixty-three patients with midshaft clavicle fractures were randomly categorized into a control group (n = 35) and an observation group (n = 28). The control group received internal fixation with a locking plate, while the observation group underwent OBS intramedullary fixation. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, fracture healing time, removal of internal fixation, visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder pain, Constant Shoulder Score and complication occurrence were compared between the two groups.
Results: In preoperative general data, such as sex, age and fracture types were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the observation group showed better outcomes than the control group in terms of surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and total incision length (P< 0.05). Additionally, the observation group exhibited significantly shorter fracture healing time and internal fixation removal time than the control group (P < 0.05). VAS scores at postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1 and month 3 were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P< 0.05).Furthermore, the observation group had higher Constant Shoulder Scores at 1, 3,and 6 months than the control group (P < 0.05), with no significant difference at 1 year postoperatively (P > 0.05). Lastly, complication incidence in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study revealed that compared to locking plate internal fixation for midshaft clavicle fractures, OBS intramedullary fixation offers advantages, including reduced surgical trauma, lesser postoperative pain, faster fracture healing, earlier shoulder joint function recovery and fewer complications. Additionally, this approach provides better aesthetic outcomes and comfort in the surgical area. Therefore, this technique may have potential clinical application as a novel treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures.
Minimize Average Tasks Processing Time in Satellite MobileEdge Computing Systems via a Deep Reinforcement Learning Method
Authors: Pang Shanchen , Zheng jianyang , Wang Min , Qiao Sibo , He Xiao , Gao Changnan
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the development of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and the advancement of the Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) paradigm have addressed the requirement for Satellite Mobile Edge Computing (Sat-MEC) servers to support remote Internet of Things (IoT) Mobile devices (IMDs) in the absence of terrestrial networks. However, optimizing the execution time of ground-based tasks in this scenario is still a huge challenge due to the heterogeneity of tasks and Sat-MEC servers.In this paper, we proposed an algorithm in the context of Sat-MEC architecture aimed at minimizing average tasks processing time. In a significant portion of other papers that have considered the access of Sat-MEC to terrestrial network architectures, the interplay between task characteristics and server characteristics is often not considered simultaneously, and basically only single tasks are considered in sequence for offloading decisions, which is difficult to seek the optimal average processing time for multiple tasks, therefore, we proposed a algorithm which considers several factors, including the collaboration among LEO satellites, the concurrency and heterogeneity of tasks, the dynamics of LEO satellites, the heterogeneity of computation capability of Sat-MEC servers, and the heterogeneity of the initial queue for task computation. Due to the stochastic nature of the optimization problem and the high-dimensional nature of the solution space, we apply a deep reinforcement learning method to navigate through this high-dimensional space. And use a self-attentive mechanism in the Q-network to extract relational features between tasks and Sat-MEC servers. The decision process of task offloading solutions is determined by the similarity values between tasks and Sat-MEC servers. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm, showing that the average processing time of tasks is lower compared to other baseline solutions.
Energy Release Rate of a Mode-I Crack in Pure Shear Specimens Subjected to Large Deformation
Authors: Zhu Bangguo , Wang Jikun , Zehnder Alan T. , Hui Chung-Yuen
Published: July 2023

The Pure Shear (PS) crack specimen is widely employed to assess the fracture toughness of soft elastic materials. It serves as a valuable tool for investigating the behavior of crack growth in a steady-state manner following crack initiation. One of its advantages lies in the fact that the energy release rate (J) remains approximately constant for sufficiently long cracks, independent of crack length. Additionally, the PS specimen facilitates the easy evaluation of J for long cracks by means of a tension test conducted on an uncracked sample. However, the lack of a published expression for short cracks currently restricts the usefulness of this specimen. To overcome this limitation, we conducted a series of finite element (FE) simulations utilizing three different constitutive models, namely the neo-Hookean (NH), Arruda-Boyce (AB), and Mooney-Rivlin (MR) models. Our finite element analysis (FEA) encompassed practical crack lengths and strain levels. The results revealed that under a fixed applied displacement, the energy release rate (J) monotonically increases with the crack length for short cracks, reaches a steady-state value when the crack length exceeds the height of the specimen, and subsequently decreases as the crack approaches the end of the specimen. Drawing from these findings, we propose a simple closed-form expression for J that can be applied to most hyper-elastic models and is suitable for all practical crack lengths, particularly short cracks.
Dataset reflecting roadmap and sustainability in STEM careers of secondary school graduates of Mbeya city in Tanzania
Authors: Kibona Isack E.
Published: July 2023

The essence of this study is to raise awareness to address vicious gap of requirements of the 21st century competencies against the prevailing practices toward STEM careers in secondary schools. One of the purposes of the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) is to sort out placements of students into correct future careers. This paper testifies results and future implication in STEM careers of secondary school candidates of the NECTA sat for the year 2022 Certificate of Secondary School Education (CSEE) in Mbeya city. The Author collected CSEE results from 58 schools, of which 32 were private schools. The study observed results of 7959 candidates of which about one third were from private schools. Overall performance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects’ results processed to get a reflection on future STEM careers of the graduates. This study concerned following global job projections in this century characterised by a bias of increase in STEM career jobs over non-STEM jobs.
Biology, chemistry, physics and basic mathematics are STEM subjects running in secondary school, where biology and mathematics are compulsory. Number of students with at least a minimum pass in biology, physics, and basic mathematics were 5339 (67%), 1564 (20%) and 1766 (22%) respectively. Chi-square testing exposed that gender equity gap in STEM subjects for private schools was no longer an issue. Overall performance in biology, chemistry and physics showed that a least number of students opted in physics in all schools. Although biology and basic mathematics are compulsory but failure in basic mathematics is the worst of all STEM subjects.
The study revealed that 1482 (19%) graduates were potential STEM careers out of which 586 were girls. In order to enhance STEM enrolment, physics; need to be compulsory to all prospects of STEM career (science students). This shall lift performance in all STEM subjects. It appears in this study that performance in physics (19%) is a stronger predictor of STEM career than performance in mathematics (22%).
Highly diastereoselective synthesis of piperidine-2-one-substituted pyridinium salts from pyridinium ylides, aldehydes, Michael acceptors and ammonium acetate
Authors: Vinokurov Andrey D. , Iliyasov Taygib M. , Karpenko Kirill A. , Akchurin Radmir N. , Derkach Yana V. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N.
Published: July 2023

A novel four-component diastereoselective synthesis of pyridinium salts of piperidin-2-ones is reported. The Michael–Mannich cascade was conducted using Michael acceptors, pyridinium ylides, aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate in methanol. It is a convenient approach to the synthesis of 1-((3SR,4RS,6SR)-5,5-dicyano-2-oxo-4,6-diarylpiperidin-3-yl)pyridin-1-ium halogenides with three stereocenters in 48–84% or 1-((3SR,4RS,5RS,6SR)-5-cyano-5-(methoxycarbonyl)-2-oxo-4,6-diarylpiperidin-3-yl)pyridin-1-ium halogenide with four stereocenters in 44–74%. This reaction is highly stereoselective. Only one diastereomer was formed. Ammonium acetate plays a dual role, acting as a base and as a nitrogen source. Structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectra. The formation of a single diastereomer was confirmed by singe-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.
Clinical application of MMP-3 in evaluating bone erosion in gouty arthritis
Authors: LI Qian , NIE Pei-ying , XU Wen-yu , QIAN Kai , REN Qi-jie , GU Bing-jie , SHEN Min-ning , Chen Xing-guo
Published: July 2023

Objective
To investigate the clinical application of serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in bone erosion in gouty arthritis patients with with tophi.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted to select 159 patients with gouty arthritis admitted to the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Nanjing First Hospital from June 2022 to March 2023. According to the 2015 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for gout and the results of X-ray、musculoskeletal ultrasound or dual source CT examination of gouty joints, the patients were divided into two groups,85 cases without tophi and 74 cases with tophi. The serum MMP-3 levels of the two groups were detected by latex enhanced immunoturbidimetry, and the differences of serum MMP-3 levels between the two groups were compared. The evaluation and prediction efficacy of serum MMP-3 levels on bone erosion in gouty arthritis patients were evaluated based on the imaging results, and the influencing factors of bone erosion in gouty arthritis patients were analyzed.
Results
The serum MMP-3 level in the group with tophi was significantly higher than that in the group without tophi, 150.31(74.99, 216.55)vs 60.15༈43.58, 75.34༉ng/ml, and the difference was statistically significant༈P < 0.001༉. The optimal cutoff value of serum MMP-3 for predicting bone erosion in gouty arthritis patients was 118.19ng/ml, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.811. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that serum MMP-3 level was an independent risk factor for bone erosion in gouty arthritis patients (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Serum MMP-3 level is closely related to the occurrence of bone erosion in gouty arthritis patients, which provides certain basis for the prediction of bone erosion in gouty arthritis and has clinical application value.
Construction of Kitagawa-Takahashi Diagrams as a Function of Applied Stress Ratio
Authors: Sunder R.
Published: July 2023

Construction of the Kitagawa-Takahashi (K-T) diagram requires inputs of two material properties, namely, endurance limit and threshold stress intensity range, ΔKth. Both are sensitive to applied stress ratio. The effect of stress ratio on endurance limit is well known. Unfortunately, crack closure, associated with the nature of conventional testing practice obscures the effect of stress ratio on intrinsic, closure free ΔKth that would apply to natural crack like defects and short cracks. This study was made possible by the development of a new test method to characterize closure free threshold conditions under controlled near-tip residual stress conditions that essentially determine near-tip stress ratio at threshold. A procedure is described to construct the K-T diagram, using ΔKth values corrected for stress ratio and applicable to pre-existing defects and short cracks at notches that are unlikely to see closure. As a case study, a K-T diagram valid for different applied stress ratios is constructed for titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V.
Impact of Watershed Ecological Restoration on The Value of Ecosystem Services: a Case of The Ling River Basin in China
Authors: Sun RUI , Tian Ye , Mao Yang , Li Wei
Published: July 2023

Since the theory of sustainable development was proposed, large-scale ecological restoration projects have improved the quality and flow of ecosystem services. The primary issue that needs to be addressed in the next phase of ecological restoration decisions is how to further improve the conservation efficiency of ecological restoration projects. Evaluating the value of ecosystem services helps recognize the links between regions and assess the effectiveness of ecological restoration. By describing the general condition of ecosystem operation, we can strengthen the argumentation and planning of ecological restoration measures. Watershed-scale ecological restoration project is an essential part of spatial ecological restoration in China. However, the valuation of ecosystem services at the watershed scale has rarely been studied compared to the restoration scale. This paper selects the Ling River Basin, a key implementation area for ecological restoration projects in Chinese watersheds, as the study area. The important ecological restoration projects during the 40 years from 1980 to 2020 are reviewed. Landsat TM/ETM remote sensing images were used as the primary data source and generated by manual visual interpretation. The value of 11 ecosystem service functions was calculated using the unit area equivalent factor method, and the impact of watershed ecological restoration on ecosystem services was analyzed. The results show that: (1) The value of ecosystem services in the Ling River Basin showed a trend of "first decreasing then increasing" from 1980 to 2020; (2) the value of ecosystem services in the Ling River Basin increased by 9.74 billion yuan in 40 years; (3) Grassland area decreased the most from 1980 to 2020, by 3550.53 km2 (-55%), mainly concentrated in 2005-2010, with a decrease of 3527.24 km2 (-54.8%) in 5 years; arable land area decreased the second most, compared with the largest arable land area in 1990 decreased by 525.95 km2 (-5%); (4) The ecological restoration project in the Ling River basin has the greatest impact on the regulating services, with a change of 36.9%, mainly affecting the hydrological regulating function. This is followed by cultural services, with a change of 35.1%, mainly due to the increase in cultural values brought about by the increase in watershed and woodland areas. The impact on support services is relatively small, with a change of 25.7%. The lowest impact on supply services, with a change of 11.8%, mainly affects water supply capacity; (5) Food production value showed an opposite trend to the other ten ESV changes; (6) Hydrological regulation, climate regulation, and soil conservation are important ecosystem service functions in the Ling River basin, contributing more than 65% of the annual ecosystem service value; (7) Ecological restoration measures in the Ling River basin have a positive impact on ecosystem service value.
WITHDRAWN: Machine Learning based Intrustion Detection. System for IoT Applications using Explainable AI
Authors: Shaheen Hina
Published: July 2023

This research focuses on studying the classification performance of a Machine Learning-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using the UNSW-NB15 dataset. The effectiveness of three classifiers - Decision Tree, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and XGBoost - was analyzed to determine their accuracy in identifying attacks and normal network traffic. The experimental results revealed that Decision Tree achieved an accuracy of 85%, MLP achieved an accuracy of 89.83%, and XGBoost achieved an accuracy of 89.9%. Additionally, the explanability of the machine learning models was analyzed, highlighting the differences in interpretability among the classifiers. It was observed that Decision Tree provided better explanability, but lower accuracy compared to MLP and XGBoost. Overall, this research contributes to our comprehension of the performance and explanability of three different machine learning classifiers for intrusion detection, The findings can provide valuable insights for choosing suitable classifiers that align with the specific priorities and requirements of the IDS system.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ezetimibe Pharmaceutical Cocrystal: A Reaction Crystallization Method to Improve Physicochemical Properties and Hypolipemic Activity Evaluation
Authors: Ronik Débora , Hosni Andressa , Brancalione Rafaela , Biscaia Isabela , Bernardi Larissa , de Oliveira Paulo
Published: July 2023

Ezetimibe has significant lipid-lowering activity but presents low aqueous solubility. Co-crystallization techniques can be used to overcome this limitation. However, it is not yet clear whether the solubility of the cocrystal can be maintained after oral administration. In the present study, an ezetimi-imidazole cocrystal was synthetized by the reaction crystallization method, a promising strategy in cocrystal engineering. After conducting characterization tests, we determined the solubility and thermodynamic stability of the cocrystal. Also, the solubility advantage for both water and biorelevant fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF) was calculated. Dissolution was determined under supersaturated conditions, and the hypolipidemic activity of the cocrystal was assessed in vivo. The cocrystal exhibited high solubility and thermodynamic stability in FaSSIF. The solubility advantage was calculated as 22.4 in water and 11.8 in FaSSIF. The dissolution of the cocrystal resulted in supersaturation levels (σmax) of 1.3 in water and 3.3 in FaSSIF and the area under the curve (AUC) increased from 478.49 (ezetimibe) to 2963.62 µg min mL-1(cocrystal) in FaSSIF. The atherogenic index of the animals that received the cocrystal was similar to that of the control group. These results demonstrate that the inherent advantages of the co-crystallization process were maintained, enabling us to elucidate the behavior of the cocrystal.
Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule Ameliorates Platelet Aggregation and
Thrombus Induced by Aspirin in Rats by Regulating Lipid Metabolism
and MicroRNA Pathway
Authors: Qiuyue Li , Gulin Deng , Hong Xu , Jiazhen Yin , Rukui Yuan , Xinwu Huang , Guochun Li
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule (ZLHX) is a traditional Chinese medicinal
compound preparation, which exhibits obvious therapeutic effects on aspirin resistance (AR).
However, the mechanism of ZLHX on AR is rarely reported.

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of AR and the underlying mechanisms
of ZLHX on AR rats.

Methods:

An AR model was established through treatment with a high-fat, high-sugar, and highsalt
diet for 12 weeks and oral administration of aspirin (27 mg/kg/day) and ibuprofen (36
mg/kg/day) in weeks 9-12. The rats were administrated with ZLHX (225, 450, and 900 mg/kg)
from week 12 to week 16. Blood samples were collected after the experiment. Thromboelastography
analysis was performed, and the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lowdensity
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were
determined. Furthermore, the levels of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-
keto-PGF1α) were determined with commercial ELISA kits. Finally, the gene expressions of microRNA-
126-3p (miRNA-126-3p) and miRNA-34b-3p were detected through a real-time quantitative
polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Results demonstrated that ZLHX significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in the AR
rats. Moreover, ZLHX markedly decreased the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and increased the
level of HDL-C. Meanwhile, ELISA results confirmed that ZLHX can elevate the expression levels
of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1α. Further studies suggested that ZLHX significantly downregulated
the expression levels of miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-34b-3p.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that the therapeutic effect of ZLHX might be related to the regulation
of lipid metabolism and the miRNA pathway.
Review of Development and Characteristics Research on Electro-hydraulic
Servo System
Authors: Li Jianying , Kong Lingbing , Liang Heng , LI Weidong
Published: July 2023

Background:

The nonlinear problem of the electro-hydraulic servo system directly affects
the system accuracy, response speed and other indicators, and the resulting problems of control
inaccuracy and response delay urgently need to be solved.

Method:

This article provides an overview of the working principle of electro-hydraulic servo systems,
reviews the development history of electro-hydraulic servo systems, and summarizes the current
research difficulties and latest patents of electro-hydraulic servo systems from the characteristics
of active and passive loading systems,electro-hydraulic servo system multi flexibility characteristics,
gap nonlinearity,parameter time-varying characteristics,mathematical modeling,force
tracking accuracy control strategy, etc.

Result:

A large number of scholars have proposed the latest optimization strategies to address the
nonlinear problems in various aspects of the electro-hydraulic servo system, effectively improving
the control accuracy and static and dynamic characteristics of the electro-hydraulic servo system.

Conclusion:

By summarizing the latest progress in the study of nonlinear problems in various links
of electro-hydraulic servo systems, it has played a guiding role in their future improvement and optimization
strategies.