bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five-Year Survival of Class II Restorations with and without Base Bulk-Fill Composite: A Retrospective Data Collection Study
Authors: Leinonen Jukka , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Luksepp Remo , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: June 2024

Objective This study aimed to determine the survival of class II composite restorations with and without base bulk-fill composite in general dental practice.
Materials and Methods We collected data from the electronic patient files of the Public Dental Services in the City of Oulu, Finland. The data consisted of class II composite restorations both with and without base bulk-fill composite. We compared the survival of these restorations using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, the log-rank test, survival rates, and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test.
Results We observed 297 restorations in 96 patients. The five-year survival rates for restorations with and without base bulk-fill composite were comparable in premolars (77.5% and 77.4%, respectively) but different in molars (69.9% and 57.8%, respectively, p = 0.069). In molars, the restorations with base bulk-fill composite exhibited a higher survival rate in 14 patients, whereas in 11 patients the restorations without base bulk-fill composites exhibited a higher survival rate. In 24 patients the survival rates were similar for restorations with and without the base bulk-fill composite (p = 0.246).
Conclusions There was a trend for the restorations with base bulk-fill composite to exhibit better longevity compared to those without it in molars.
Clinical Relevance We encourage general practitioners to use base bulk-fill composites due to their adequate survival rates and potential to reduce the time the patient spends in the discomfort of a restorative procedure.
Prediction of Fluid Responsiveness using a complete and partial Passive Leg Raising maneuver in post-cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Meijs Loek P.B. , Bindels Alexander J.G.H. , Roos Arnout N. , Houterman Saskia , Heuts Samuel , Houte Joris van , Bakker Jan
Published: June 2024

Background
Prediction of fluid responsiveness (FR) in critically ill patients is challenging. Passive leg raising (PLR) has been proven to adequately predict FR. PLR consists of a thoracic (T-PLR) and a limb (L-PLR) movement. Since a complete PLR (C-PLR) is not always feasible, this study focused on investigating the predictive value of partial PLRs on FR.
Methods
A prospective, observational study was performed in 40 post-cardiac surgery patients. C-PLR was performed, followed by a T-PLR, L-PLR and fluid challenge (FC). Invasive cardiac index (CI) measurements were continuously recorded during all maneuvers. FR was defined as a CI-increase ≥ 15% after FC, thereby identifying responders (R) and non-responders (NR). The predictive value of the PLR-elements was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Changes over time were analyzed with generalized linear model (GLM) analyses. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess absolute agreement between PLR and FC.
Results
Forty patients were included (35 R / 5 NR). AUC was similar for all PLRs (C-PLR = 0.84; T-PLR = 0.86, L-PLR = 0.86). ICCs between FC versus the three PLRs were 0.81 (0.63–0.90), 0.78 (0.59–0.88), and 0.71 (0.46–0.85), respectively. Median CI-increase during C-PLR was 27.8% (21–48%) in responders vs. 10.7% (7.5–12.6%) in non-responders (p = 0.012). After FC, median CI-increase was 30.0% (22.2–42.9%) in responders vs. 7.4% (6.3–12.4%) in non-responders (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Partial PLRs have similar predictive values compared to a C-PLR. This could improve the prediction of FR in specific patient categories where C-PLR is restricted.
Prognostic factors for futile recanalization in acute anterior ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Zhan Shao-Fen , Weng Yi-Han , Zhang Niu-Niu , Liang Yi-Cheng , Liu Xin-Tong , He Xu-Yin
Published: June 2024

Background: More than half of the patients who underwent endovascular treatment for reperfusion had a poor prognosis. Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with futile reperfusion following endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Methods: This study conducted a postoperative analysis at Guangdong Province Second People's Hospital, focusing on patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion who underwent endovascular treatment or a combination of intravenous thrombolysis from June 2019 to October 2023. Futile recanalization was determined based on a modified Rankin score of 3-6 at 90 days post-treatment. The researchers utilized multifactorial logistic regression to identify factors linked to futile recanalization following reperfusion in patients.
Results: A total of 120 patients were enrolled, amongst which 52 patients (43.3%) had FR. After adjusting for confounders, the discharge NIHSS score, as a continuous variable, was associated with futile recanalization (per 1 score: aOR: 7.30,95%CI: 2.176-24.491, P=0.001), indicating an increased risk, hemorrhagic transformation was also associated with higher futile recanalization risk(aOR:8.556,95%CI: 11.038-70.549, P=0.046).
Conclusion: In patients with large anterior circulation stroke, our findings suggest that the discharge INHSS score and hemorrhagic transformation are risk factors for FR.
Using paleolimnology to assess long-term acidification and recovery trajectories in lakes from Killarney Provincial Park and Sudbury (Ontario, Canada)
Authors: Lanigan Courtney , Michelutti Neal , Paterson Andrew M. , Meyer-Jacob Carsten , Simmatis Brigitte , Smol John P.
Published: June 2024

For over a century, the copper and nickel mining centre of Sudbury in northeastern Ontario (Canada) was a major source of sulphur dioxide and other pollutants, degrading terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the surrounding region. In the 1970s, emissions were drastically reduced due to concerns over widespread environmental damage. Killarney Provincial Park (KPP), located ~ 60 km southwest of Sudbury, was also impacted by Sudbury emissions, but little is known about how present-day conditions relate to pre-industrial conditions, or how recovery trajectories may be influenced by recent climate change. Here, we use a multi-proxy paleolimnological approach to examine ecological change in five lakes over the past ~ 200 years in Sudbury (Baby, Tillie, and Crooked lakes) and KPP (Ruth-Roy and Johnnie lakes). The study objectives were to: (1) infer past ecological conditions from diatom assemblages, whole-lake chlorophyll-a(VRS-Chla) and lake-water dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations; (2) explore patterns of potential ecological recovery from acidification over the past several decades; and (3) compare any changes to recent monitoring and meteorological data. Distance from smelting operations and differences in underlying bedrock geology likely contributed to differences in the magnitude of change observed in the paleolimnological indicators. In general, the acidification period was characterized by declines in circumneutral diatom taxa (i.e.,Discostellaspp.,Achnanthidiumspp., andAulacoseiraspp.), and inferred Chlaand inferred DOC, concurrent with increased relative abundances of acidophilic diatoms (i.e.,Fragilariforma acidobiontica, Eunotiaspp.,Tabellaria flocculosaandAsterionella ralfsii). After ~ 1970, only limited recovery in diatom assemblages was recorded, although inferred DOC and Chlalevels increased, indicating biological recovery is lagging chemical recovery and/or the ecological trajectory has been influenced by other large-scale environmental stressors. However, given the impacted nature of the study lakes, a clear climate signal in recent diatom assemblages was not as evident as often noted in pristine Boreal Shield lakes. This highlights the need for case-by-case consideration of recovery patterns in lakes, and confirms the importance of conducting long-term, multi-proxy studies to assess ecosystem recovery and ecological trajectories.
Cut-off values of factors in relation to predict early neurological improvement after intravenous thrombolysis : a retrospective single center study in Korea
Authors: Oh Misuk , Cho Soohyun , Park Kwangyeol , Jeong Haebong , Park Chanyoung
Published: June 2024

Background: We aimed to determine cut-off values of factorsaffecting early neurological improvementin patients after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy for acute ischemic stroke.
Methods: A total of 135 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 hours of stroke onset were enrolled at a single center. Therapy outcomes were based on early neurological improvement, defined as when the NIHSS score after 24 hours of tPA treatment decreased by ≥ 40% from the baseline value. Binary logistic linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting early neurological improvement.
Results: Sixty-nine (51.1%) patients had early neurological improvement. Multivariate analysis of these significant factors revaealed low serum homocysteine (odds ratio, 0.865; 95% confidence interval, 0.787–0.950; P=0.003) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (0.345; 0.203–0.586; P<0.001) levels were significantly associated with a high incidence of early neurological impairment. The cut-off values of serum homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were 11.99umol/L and 1.16mg/L, respectively.
Conclusions: Serum homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were associated with early neurological improvement in patients with acute ischemic stroke who received therapy and their cut-off values mightbe promising criteriafor predicting early prognosis of acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis.
Setting a research agenda for examining early risk for elevated cognitive disengagement syndrome symptoms using data from the ABCD cohort
Authors: Wiggs Kelsey K. , Cook Taryn E. , Lodhawala Isha , Cleary Emma N. , Yolton Kimberly , Becker Stephen P.
Published: June 2024

Background.
Little research has examined early life risk for symptoms of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) despite a well-established literature regarding co-occurring outcomes (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The current study estimated bivariate associations between early life risk factors and CDS in a large and representative sample of U.S. children.
Methods.
We conducted secondary analyses of baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (N = 8,096 children, 9–10 years old). Birthing parents reported early life risk factors on a developmental history questionnaire, including parental, prenatal, delivery and birth, and developmental milestone information. They also completed the Child Behavior Checklist, which includes a CDS subscale that was dichotomized to estimate the odds of elevated CDS symptoms (i.e., T-score > 70) in children related to risk indices.
Results.
We observed significantly elevated odds of CDS related to parental risk factors (i.e., unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy awareness after 6 weeks, teenage parenthood), birthing parent illnesses in pregnancy (i.e., severe nausea, proteinuria, pre-eclampsia/toxemia, severe anemia, urinary tract infection), pregnancy complications (i.e., bleeding), prenatal substance exposures (i.e., prescription medication, tobacco, illicit drugs), delivery and birth risk factors (i.e., child blue at delivery, child not breathing, jaundice, incubation after delivery), and late motor and speech milestones in children.
Conclusions.
Several early-life risk factors were associated with elevated odds of CDS at ages 9–10 years; study design prevents the determination of causality. Further investigation is warranted regarding early life origins of CDS with priority given to risk indices that have upstream commonalities (i.e., that restrict fetal growth, nutrients, and oxygen).
Tickling of rats is associated with positive affective states, but does not replicate juvenile social play regarding the involvement of central oxytocin and vasopressin systems
Authors: Tivey Emma K.L. , Martin Jessica E. , Brown Sarah M. , Bishop Valerie R. , Bombail Vincent , Lawrence Alistair B , Meddle Simone L.
Published: June 2024

Tickling of rats is a widely used positive handling habituation technique that was modelled on conspecific social (rough and tumble) play. Any neuroendocrine response to tickling has yet to be explored. We aimed to test the hypothesis that as in conspecific play, oxytocin and vasopressin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus are involved in regulating the behavioural response to tickling in female and male juvenile Wistar rats. Rats (n=32/sex) received either tickling (Tickled, n=16/sex) or no hand contact (Controls, n=16/sex). Play behaviours (hand approaches and scampering), 50 kHz and 22 kHz ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs) were quantified. Immediate early gene expression (Fos immunoreactivity; Fos-ir) in oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic neurons of the PVN and SON was quantified. We found that tickled rats called more than controls and that tickled females produced more 50 kHz USVs than tickled male or control rats. In the parvocellular PVN we found that tickled rats, regardless of sex, had lower expression of Fos-ir in oxytocin and vasopressin neurons. In contrast, there was no effect of tickling on the number of Fos-ir magnocellular oxytocin or vasopressin neurons in the PVN or SON. Our findings provide the first evidence that tickling does not replicate the involvement of the central oxytocin and vasopressin systems previously reported following social play in juvenile rats. This is an important consideration for future interpretation of central oxytocin and vasopressin in response to tickling.
Strategy for treating MAFLD: Electroacupuncture alleviates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by enhancing AMPK mediated glycolipid metabolism and autophagy in T2DM rats
Authors: DUAN Haoru , Song Shanshan , Li Rui , Hu Suqin , Zhuang Shuting , liu Shaoyang , Li Xiaolu , Gao Wei
Published: June 2024

Background:Recent studies havehighlighted type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as a significant risk factor for the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This investigation aimed to assess electroacupuncture's (EA) impact on liver morphology and function in T2DM rats, furnishing experimental substantiation for its potential to stall MAFLD progression in T2DM.Methods:T2DM rats were induced by a high-fat diet and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and then randomly assigned to five groups: the T2DM group, the electroacupuncture group, the metformin group, combination group of electroacupuncture and metformin, combination group of electroacupuncture and Compound C. The control group received a standard diet alongside intraperitoneal citric acid - sodium citrate solution injections. After a 6-week intervention, the effects of each group on fasting blood glucose, lipids, liver function, morphology, lipid droplet infiltration, and fibrosis were evaluated. Techniques including Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were employed to gauge the expression of key molecules in AMPK-associated glycolipid metabolism, insulin signaling, autophagy, and fibrosis pathways. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy facilitated the observation of liver autophagy, lipid droplets, and fibrosis.Results:Our studies indicated that hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and IR promoted lipid accumulation, pathological and functional damage, and resulting in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Meanwhile, EA enhanced the activation of AMPK, which in turn improved glycolipid metabolism and autophagy through promoting the expression of PPARα/CPT1A and AMPK/mTOR pathway, inhibiting the expression of SREBP1c, PGC-1α/PCK2 and TGFβ1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, ultimately exerting its effect on ameliorating hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in T2DM rats. The above effects of EA were consistent with metformin. The combination of EA and metformin had significant advantages in increasing hepatic AMPK expression, improving liver morphology, lipid droplet infiltration, fibrosis, and reducing serum ALT levels. In addition, the ameliorating effects of EA on the progression of MAFLD in T2DM rats were partly disrupted by Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK.Conclusions:EA upregulated hepatic AMPK expression, curtailing gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis while boosting fatty acid oxidation and autophagy levels. Consequently, it mitigated blood glucose, lipids, and insulin resistance in T2DM rats, thus impeding liver steatosis and fibrosis progression and retarding MAFLD advancement.
MPC1 regulates endotoxin tolerance of macrophages through mitochondrial oxidative stress resistance
Authors: Liu Yan , Qi Feng , Zeng Hongrui , Huang Dandan , Zhang Wenfeng , Zhang Yifan , Zhou Yun , Gong Jianping , Xiang Lunjian , Yi Zhujun
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence highlights the crucial role of endotoxin tolerance in the regulation of the sepsis, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence to support a novel role for the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier1 (MPC1)-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress resistance in regulation of endotoxin tolerance in macrophages. We observed a decrease in MPC1 expression in both in vitro and in vivo sepsis models, while LPS-tolerant macrophages exhibited increased MPC1 levels. Overexpression of MPC1 significantly reduced LPS-induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties. Intriguingly, we found that overexpression of MPC1 did not foster endotoxin tolerance in macrophages. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of MPC1 inhibited mitochondrial oxidative stress resistance mediated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), which weakened the resistance of macrophages to LPS secondary stimulation, and then inhibited endotoxin tolerance. Despite mtROS typically acting as pro-inflammatory mediators, our findings indicate that mtROS production, regulated via the SIRT3/SOD2 pathway, is essential for MPC1's control over mitochondrial oxidative stress resistance and endotoxin tolerance. Collectively, these findings uncover novel mechanisms through which MPC1 modulates inflammation and induces endotoxin tolerance, underscoring the potential of targeting MPC1 in sepsis treatment.
The intricate mechanism through which UMODL1 accelerating tumor proliferation of Her-2 positive breast cancer as well as trastuzumab resistance
Authors: Yu Hao , Man Sitong , Zheng Ang , Zhang Xinyang , Dong Minghui , Mu Xingpeng , Jin Zining , Zhang Lei , Chen Bo
Published: June 2024

Abstr act： Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer is characterized by the overexpression of the Her-2 receptor, rapid tumor growth, strong invasion ability, and high resistance to chemotherapy. Targeted drug therapies for this subtype include trastuzumab and pertuzumab; however, some patients still show resistance to these treatments. The Uromodulin-1-like (UMODL1) gene, also known as Olfactorin, has been identified as a prognostic indicator for survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. UMODL1 expression is increased in both Her-2 positive breast cancer cell lines and trastuzumab-resistant cell lines. Elevated UMODL1 promotes the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells while reducing apoptosis; on the contrary, suppressed UMODL1 has opposite effects. UMODL1 upregulates the expression of Her-2 and binds with Her-2 heterodimers to activate downstream signaling pathways associated with Her-2 activation. This mechanism contributes to the development and progression of Her-2-positive breast cancer while also affecting trastuzumab resistance. In summary, these findings indicate that UMODL1 can serve as a prognostic indicator of survival in patients with Her-2 positive breast cancer while providing guidance on the use of trastuzumab.
Localization algorithm based on deep neural network and improved COA optimization
Authors: yu xiuwu , ye lai , liu yong , xiao lin
Published: June 2024

To improve the positioning accuracy of range-independent positioning algorithms in wireless sensor networks, a DV-Hop localization algorithm (DDCO) based on deep learning and improved crayfish optimization was proposed. Firstly, the dual communication radius subdivision of the minimum number of hops is introduced to reduce the error due to the number of hops; then the trained deep neural network model is used to correct the estimated distance to reduce the distance estimation error; finally, the random center of gravity inverse learning and the improved crayfish algorithm with nonlinear function are introduced to calculate the coordinates of the unknown nodes, and the global optimization capability of the intelligent algorithm is used to reduce the error generated by the DNN. The simulation results show that the positioning error of the DDCO algorithm is reduced by 54.4%, 23.4%, and 10.5%, respectively, compared with DV-Hop and other comparison algorithms under different communication radii. Under different beacon node densities, the error decreases by 46.2%, 24.2%, and 10.6%, respectively. Under different node densities, the error decreases by 49.6%, 30.3%, and 17.3%, respectively.
Advancing AI-Based Biometric Authentication in Multi-Criteria Decision Approach Using Complex Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Logic and Dombi Operators
Authors: Amin Munazza , Ullah Kifayat , Akram Maria , Imran Raiha , Nazeer Muhammad Safdar
Published: June 2024

In the realm of biometric authentication systems, the challenge of optimal selection underlies the necessity for a sophisticated decision-making framework capable of handling the inherent uncertainty and complexity. This paper introduces an advanced Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) principles, contained within the realms of Complex Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set (C-CIFS) and Dombi Aggregation (DA) Operators. By synthesizing C-CIFS with Dombi operators, we propose a novel aggregation approach characterized by its capability to properly navigate through and aggregate the complicated criteria associated with biometric authentication systems. Our method, the Complex Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Dombi Weighted Average (C-CIFDWA) and the Complex Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Dombi Weighted Geometric (C-CIFDWG) operators are designed to enhance decision accuracy by effectively managing the nuances of circular intuitionistic fuzzy information. Through a series of comparative studies, including the exploration of radius and complex term impacts, our findings illustrate the superior performance and flexibility of our proposed operators against traditional models. The implementation of our approach within an AI-based framework not only paves the way for more secure and reliable biometric authentication systems but also sets a new standard for decision-making processes in uncertain and imprecise environments.
Extension of Tomato Shelf Life via Nitric Oxide Treatment Using Air Plasma
Authors: Park Joo Young , Lee Hyungyu , Baek Ki Ho , Song Jong-Seok , Park Seungil , Jee Sung Hoon , Jung Sunghoon , Lee Seunghoon , Park Sanghoo
Published: June 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) generation-enhanced atmospheric-pressure plasma technology has been investigated as a nonthermal intervention technology for prolonging the ripening period of tomatoes. UV-irradiated dielectric barrier discharge plasma reaches the NO-enhanced mode earlier, and NO is rapidly involved in the inhibition of tomato respiration. With as little as 26 W of power in total, the NO-processing of tomatoes using plasma technology helps control the postripening of tomatoes. The NO-enrichment mechanism was analyzed through numerical calculations, which revealed that the photolysis of ozone (O3) and nitrous acid (HONO) occurred during UV irradiation. The measured amount of CO2 emitted from plasma-treated tomatoes was ~ 300 ppm lower than that emitted from nontreated tomatoes, indicating that metabolism and respiration were inhibited. In addition, the NO-enhanced plasma treatment of tomatoes is considered to be more effective because the so-treated tomatoes emitted 100 ppm less CO2 than the plasma-treated tomatoes. The delay of respiration through plasma treatment can help prevent color changes or decreases in the firmness of tomatoes.
Can smart city construction reduce environmental pollution? Evidence from smart city pilot policy in China
Authors: Wang Shanyong , Lai Yancheng , Zhang Rongwei
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of digital technology has brought great changes to the whole society, and cities are therefore moving towards smart cities. The role of smart city construction on economic development is obvious. However, the environmental impact of smart city construction is still controversial and under-explored. To narrow the research gap, this research takes smart city pilot policy (SCP) as a quasi-natural experiment to explore the effect of smart city construction on environmental pollution, and a multi-period DID based on panel data of 236 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2020 has been considered. It is found that SCP reduces environmental pollution by 2.2% on average, and the results remain reliable after a series of robustness tests. The mechanism analysis indicates that SCP reduces environmental pollution through the synergistic management of the triple approach of promoting green innovation, optimizing industrial structure, and encouraging public participation. The heterogeneity analysis suggests that the environmental pollution reduction effect of SCP is more pronounced in eastern region and in regions with high administrative hierarchy, high level of human capital and information infrastructure. The spatial spillover effect analysis further shows that the environment in the cities surrounding the pilots can also benefit from SCP.
Suppression of CGRP and TRPV1 Expression in Dorsal Root Ganglia of Knee Osteoarthritis Rats by Huojing Decoction via TrkA/MKK3/6/p38 Pathway
Authors: Jiang Xinchao , Guo Yinyin , Fang Mei , Wang Xin , Zhang Biao , Song Yi , Qian Jianxue
Published: June 2024

Background
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic condition characterized by persistent pain that can lead to severe disability. In this study, we primarily investigated the analgesic effect of Huojing decoction on MIA-induced knee arthritis.
Methods
MIA was injected to induce KOA pain in rats. Huojing decoction was then administered once daily via intragastric administration for 14 days. Pain level was assessed by measuring the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). ELISA determined serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) of L4 and L5 were collected from rats. TRPV1 and CGRP were detected through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The protein expression of TrkA, MKK3/6, and p38 was assessed by Western blot, and q-PCR measured the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
Results
Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were observed in KOA rats. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly decreased after Huojing decoction administration of KOA rats. Furthermore, administration of Huojing decoction in rats significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in DRG. TRPV1 and CGRP levels were reduced with treatment. Conversely, the protein expressions of TrkA, MKK3/6, and p38 in the DRG of rats were significantly decreased.
Conclusion
Our data suggested that Huojing decoction can alleviate inflammation in KOA pain rats. Additionally, it can inhibit the expression of TrKA, MKK3/6, and p38 signaling pathways, indicating its analgesic effect on KOA pain rats.
Spatial variations of soil seed banks in Shanghai’s urban wasteland: A gradient analysis of urbanization effects
Authors: XIA Siyi , ZHANG Shumeng , CUI Yichong , GAO Zhiwen , SONG Kun , Da Liangjun
Published: June 2024

Urbanization greatly impacts both the diversity of soil seed banks and the spatial dynamics of species. These seed banks, which hold seeds from current and past vegetation, are vital in shaping future plant diversity. They also serve as a window into the ecological history and potential for recovery in urban wastelands, which are continually evolving due to urbanization. In this study, we focused on the soil seed bank of wasteland in Shanghai China, by selecting 24 plots along urban-rural gradients. Soil samples were collected from each plot for seed bank germination experiment in both spring and autumn. We tested whether the seed density, species diversity, and composition of soil seed banks in wasteland varied along an urban-rural gradient. The results showed that seed density was higher in autumn than that in spring and no significant difference was found along urban-rural gradients. A total of 75 species, belonging to 26 families and 69 genera, was recorded in soil seed banks, in which annuals were the dominant life form and autochory was the dominant dispersal model. The proportion of exotic species was nearly 40%. There is no significant difference along urban-rural gradients for functional composition (i.e. the proportion of annual plant species, small growth type species, exotic species, and dispersal modes), species diversity (i.e. richness and Shannon-Wiener index), and species composition, excepting that marginal significant for autumn species composition among urban-rural gradients. The relative homogeneity in the seed bank across urban-rural gradients may primarily be due to the young age of the wastelands.
WITHDRAWN: Seismic Modelling of Complex Hydrocarbon Traps in Shot Domain and Data Processing to Obtain Stack-Migration Sections
Authors: Boğazkesen Şerife , Karslı Hakan
Published: June 2024

In this study, it is aimed to model the seismic reflection responses of structural and stratigraphic origin channel, anticlinal, normal fault, granite wash and bioherm type hydrocarbon traps, which are important in terms of hydrocarbon exploration, in a shot domain and to obtain stacking/migration sections. The calculation of the model data was carried out with the two-dimensional acoustic finite difference method due to its practicality of use, economic computational cost advantage and the possibility and convenience of selecting different trap models on arbitrary. For the trap models, artificial seismic reflection data of the shot domain were calculated and zero-offset sections were obtained by applying appropriate data processing techniques to these data. Thus, the effects of the geometry and discontinuities of the trap structure on the reflection waves were examined, the extent to which data processing applications contributed to the noise problems were tested, the initial geological model and zero-offset sections were compared, and the causes of the problems were discussed. In particular, scattering wave interference was found to adversely affect the choice of velocity in velocity analysis. In solving these problems, the advantages and disadvantages of pre-stack and post-stack migration processes were evaluated. Consequently, the modeling of pre-stack shot data instead of post-stack shot data, especially before a hydrocarbon exploration field study in complex geological environments, will increase the consistency of seismic section interpretations with the real geological structure and thus the reliability of the interpretation in the development of data processing workflows containing the most appropriate processing parameters.
Single/ Multi Beam Antenna Using Genus Holographic Surface for MIMO Applications
Authors: Eltersy Nermeen A. , Malhat Hend A. , Deen Saber Zainud
Published: June 2024

Single, and multi-beam genus hologram antennas are investigated using the high-impedance surfaces properties. The antenna consists of hexagonal patches of varying sizes arranged in a periodic pattern according to the required beams direction. The patches periodicity controls the direction and number of radiated beams from the array. Tapered microstrip transmission line is used to excite the antenna at its end. The proposed antenna has the ability of beam scanning from 33o to 64o at frequencies 13 to 17 GHz with peak gain of 20.6 dBi and high efficiency of 87%. Dual beam antenna at different angles of (θ1 = 30o, θ2 = 40o), (θ1 = 60o, θ2=-60o) are obtained at f = 15 GHz. Antenna with four beams at 120o, 60o, -60o, -120o is designed using a two layers genus structure with gain of 15.2 dBi at 16 GHz. The proposed hologram antenna is applied in MIMO structure with compact spacing between two antennas of 4.7 mm. Parasatic elements are used to reduce mutual coupling between MIMO antennas. The hologram antenna is studied in two conformal cases of longitudinal and transverse.
Does physical activity increase the smoking prevalence? Finding from URBAN-HEART2
Authors: Khamene Sima Shamshiri , MohammadKhawajah Izat , Karimi Keyvan , Danandeh Khashayar , Memari Amirhossein
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Unhealthy behaviors like smoking can be influenced by many socioeconomic factors. As they play an important role in social and individual health matters, it is important to identify the important risk factors of smoking and the relationship with physical activity (PA) to improve them. The aim of this study was evaluation of the relationship between different domains of PA and smoking with the moderators of sex, family income satisfaction, housing status and violence.
Method
This study was a comprehensive survey with a cross-sectional study in 22 districts and 368 neighborhoods of Tehran from 2011-2021. Data was analyzed by Stata 17. We evaluated the relationship between different type of PA (work-time, leisure-time and travel-time) and smoking with moderators mentioned above.
Result
Out of 7388 participants, the majority of them were male (83.75%) and married (77.6%). There was a significant relationship between smoking and gender, age, family income satisfaction, unemployment, family violence, education, housing status (P-value<0.001), and sufficient PA (P-value<0.005) in the specific analysis. Also, higher education was associated with more PA (P-value<0.001).
Conclusion
Sufficient work-time PA, being male, married, having an intermediate level of education, family violence, low family income satisfaction, not owning a house status and generally lower socioeconomic status (SES) can increase the smoking rate.
ECoDe: A Sample-Efficient Method for Co-Design of Robotic Agents
Authors: Nagiredla Kishan Reddy , V Arun Kumar A , Karimpanal Thommen George , Semage Buddhika Laknath , Rana Santu
Published: June 2024

Co-design involves simultaneously optimizing thecontroller and the agent’s physical design. Its inherent bi-level optimization formulation necessitates an outer loop designoptimization driven by an inner loop control optimization. Thiscan be challenging when the design space is large and eachdesign evaluation involves a data-intensive reinforcement learningprocess for control optimization. To improve sample efficiencywe propose a multi-fidelity-based design exploration strategy inwhich we tie the controllers learned across the design spacesthrough a universal policy learner for warm-starting subsequentcontroller learning problems. Experiments performed on a widerange of agent design problems demonstrate the superiority ofour method compared to the baselines. Additionally, analysisof the optimized designs shows interesting design alterationsincluding design simplifications and non-intuitive alterations thathave emerged in the biological world.
Securing Cloud Data for Efficient Keyword-Based Retrieval and Enhanced Privacy using Hybrid Encryption and DMBWO Optimization
Authors: Chaudhary Aakash
Published: June 2024

Recently, there has been an increasing reliance on cloud computing for storing and processing data, along with the need to ensure strong security and privacy measures. Current methods face difficulties in efficiently optimizing keyword generation, securing cryptographic keys, and improving data retrieval efficiency in cloud environments. Therefore, this paper introduces a methodology for securing and retrieving sensitive data in cloud computing. It starts with Keyword extraction from file using the Rapid Automatic Keyword Extraction (RAKE) algorithm, which ranks phrases based on their significance to select relevant keywords. Then, the Optimal Key Generation uses the Directional Mutated Beluga Whale Optimization (DMBWO) Algorithm to improve key generation and enhance cryptographic security. The Encryption phase employs the Hybrid Serpent Blowfish (HSB) Algorithm for robust data protection. For data retrieval, K-means clustering is used in the Upload phase to facilitate faster searches through organized data clusters, while a Lookup Table mechanism enhances search efficiency by associating keywords with encrypted data and creating trapdoors for secure user requests. Finally, in the Decryption phase, the HSB algorithm reverses encryption securely to ensure accessibility of data.
Anthropometric assessment of classroom furniture for Ghanain school children from two socio economic areas.
Authors: Mensah Claudia A. , Agyemang-Beniako Afia , Newton Sam , Sulemana Alhassan , Djimatey Moses , Hogarh Jonathan N. , Kwesi Sabastian Samuel
Published: June 2024

Children spend over 80% of their school time in a seated position yet, ergonomic principles are conservatively applied on adult work places without consideration to the school environment. This study assessed the compatibility of the school furniture of kindergarten and class one pupils in the Asokore Mampong and Oforikrom Municipalities, Ghana.
A cross-sectional analytic study was used. The research covered four selected basic schools from two socioeconomic suburbs (relatively high and relatively low socioeconomic areas).
The participants were chosen using stratified sampling. Anthropometric data were collected from 395 healthypupils during regular class lessons. The student furniture dimensions were taken and compared with their anthropometry to identify potential match or mismatch. For all sitting anthropometric parameters, students were seated in an upright position with 90º knees and elbow flexion.
The findings revealed a considerable level of discordancy between the measured furniture and the anthropometrics of the learners due to the negligence of user anthropometry during the construction of educational furniture. The seat depth was too deep for 80.51% of participants, only 15.19% had appropriate seat depth. The seat to desk height had 25.06% match, 69.11% low mismatch and 5.82% high mismatch. The match percentages of seat desk clearance, seat width and desk depth were 72.91%, 66.08% and 36.46% respectively. The match percentages of seat height were 24.61% for low socio-economic area schools and 12.25% for high socio-economic area schools. The seat height was too low for 45.55% of pupils from low socio-economic area schools and 62.25% of those from high socio-economic area schools. The seat depth was too deep for 91.62% of pupils from low socio-economic area schools and 70.10% pupils from high socio-economic area schools.
The study revealed considerable incompatibility between the classroom furniture and the body dimensions of the pupils. Thus, the classroom furniture require ergonomic improvements.
Colorimetric Identification of Colorless Acid Vapors using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based Sensor
Authors: Kim Jin Yeong , Jang Wonhyeong , Yoo Hyejin , Shin Dongjun , Noh Seokjin
Published: June 2024

In terms of safety and emergency response, identifying hazardous gaseous acid chemicals is crucial for ensuring effective evacuation and administering proper first aid. However, current studies struggle to distinguish between different acid vapors and remain in the early stages of development. In this study, we propose a novel on-site monitorable acid vapor decoder, MOF-808-EDTA-Cu, integrating the robust MOF-808 with Cu-EDTA, functioning as a proton-triggered colorimetric decoder that translates the anionic components of corrosive acids into visible colors. The sensor exhibits a remarkable cyan-to-yellow shift when exposed to HCl vapor and can visually differentiate various acidic vapors (HF, HBr, and HI) through unique color changes. Furthermore, the compatibility of the MOF-based sensor with multiple metal ions having atomic-level dispersion broadens its discrimination range, enabling the identification of six different colorless acid vapors within a single sensor domain. Additionally, by incorporating a flexible polymer, the MOF-808-EDTA-Cu has been successfully processed into a portable miniaturized acid sensor, exhibiting distinct color changes that can be easily monitored by the naked eye and camera sensors. This provides experimental validation as a practical sensor capable of on-site 24-hour monitoring in the real world.
Jezično i naturalističko dekonstituiranje svijesti
Authors: Blagojević Darko , Banović Nebojša
Published: June 2024

Ovaj članak nastoji u prvi plan istaknuti i prikazati dvije naizgled različite koncepcije filozofije uma koje pripadaju Ludwigu Wittgensteinu i Richardu Rortyju. U tom se kontekstu najprije razmatra Wittgensteinova kritika privatnih jezika koja služi za odbacivanje i dekonstituiranje privatnosti svijesti. Pored toga, rad prati etapni i dekonstituirajući karakter unutar Rortyjeve filozofije, pri čemu se pokazuje kako američki filozof svijest, um ili, kasnije, sebstvo – konstantno određuje naturalističkim uzusima. Autori tvrde i obrazlažu tezu da kod obojice filozofa postoji zajednički nazivnik koji se manifestira u odbacivanju tradicionalnih i metafizičkih koncepcija svijesti i identiteta, ali uz to nastoje ukazati i na izvjesne nedostatke i nedosljednosti unutar dviju koncepcija filozofije uma.
Keychains and preferential fuzzy sets with applications
Authors:   , Mahlasela Zuko
Published: June 2024

In this thesis, we study the preferentiality behaviour of choices under uncertainties using keychains, where a keychain is defined as an (n+ 1)-tuple of non-increasing real numbers in the unit interval, I= [0, 1]. We look at the representations of uncertainties or sets defined by vague properties using the idea of keychains, pins and pinned flags. We then apply the ideas of preferential fuzzy sets to voting patterns, economics and decision making. For voting patterns, we simulate mock trials to investigate the behaviours of choices of different individuals, the outcomes of such voting and make specific conclusions about voting strategies. It can be argued that preferentiality in voting can enhance the democratic processes in national elections. This thesis contains various representations of keychains such as binary digits, weight order, lattice and simplex representations. Another useful aspect of keychains and preferential fuzzy sets is to study the outcomes of decision making linking it to the study of keychains and finite fuzzy sets. We envisage that this study will throw light on computational aspects of any countable situations.
Fatigue syndrome after COVID-19 infection: results of personal observations
Authors: Kolesnikov P. E. , Vizel A. A. , Abashev A. R. , Davydova L. V.
Published: June 2024

Introduction. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented challenges for health systems globally. However, as the number of COVID-19 survivors continue to increase, we get more and more evidence on the long-lasting symptoms after an acute infection. According to some studies, the total number of symptoms described can reach 200, but fatigue is considered the key presentation in such patients. The subjectivity of fatigue concept continues to be a significant obstacle to its study: the absence of validated assessment methods does not allow to adequately assess the prevalence and significance of fatigue in patients with lung injury induced by COVID-19.

Aim. To assess the prevalence of fatigue syndrome in patients with lung injury induced by COVID-19 using a validated tool, the Fatigue Assessment Scale, and risk factors for the development of this condition.

Materials and methods. Medical records of patients hospitalised for PCR-confirmed new coronavirus infection COVID-19 with lung lesions (n = 100), evaluated using the FAS scale, were retrospectively analysed. Statistical processing of the data was performed.

Results. Objectively assessed fatigue was detected in 66% of patients. Statistically significant association between fatigue syndrome and obesity, severity of acute phase of infection, presence of comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity index was revealed.

Conclusions. The use of objectification methods makes it possible to assess the prevalence and significance of fatigue syndrome in patients with COVID-19-induced lung lesions, to perform statistical analysis of possible risk factors for the development of this condition.
The importance of oncological alertness in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory changes in the lungsdetected as a result of differential diagnosis of pneumonia
Authors: Petrukhnova M. F. , Voronkova O. O. , Buyanova O. E. , Antyufeeva O. N. , Kamalova A. E. , Kozhevnikova M. V. , Ilgisonis I. S. , Belenkov Yu. N.
Published: June 2024

This article describes a case of lung cancer, the symptoms of which have long been regarded as manifestations of pneumonia; the stages of diagnostic search from the first symptoms of cancer to radical treatment are revealed. At the same time, the patient was diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, which at the stage of differential diagnosis suggested the development of synchronous cancer – lung cancer and the onset of multiple myeloma (MM). A number of literature sources were analyzed, according to the results of the analysis, it was found that at the moment six cases of the development of synchronous lung cancer and ММ have been described in the world, in most of which the age of patients was less than 70 years, which indicates a relatively early development of ММ. The issues of differential diagnosis of pneumonia and lung cancer are considered; the importance of early detection of malignant neoplasms (especially at the outpatient stage) is emphasized. It has been established that in some cases pneumonia can mask cancer, especially the detection of neoplasia after diagnosing pneumonia of the upper lobe localization. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of lung cancer and ММ associated with intensive expression of CD38 may be common, and an example of a positive clinical effect on unresectable lung cancer with daratumumab is given (CD38-blocking monoclonal antibody used in MM therapy). At the same time, the revealed observation of the combined development of oncological diseases is very interesting, since in patients with different types of cancer, as a rule, each tumor tends to develop sequentially. However, our case was analyzed in comparison with literature data with cases of concomitant development of multiple myeloma and lung cancer simultaneously. At the same time, common genes and related pathogenesis of progression of two types of tumors were identified due to activation of the expression of the mitochondrial trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase (MECR) concentrator gene.