bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Data Sports Fitness Detection based on Cloud Storage-Oriented Data System
Authors: Xu Jia
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, there are more and more motor vehicles in cities, and with the deteriorating world environment and depletion of resources, low-carbon travel has become a new trend, and green fitness has become a link of sustainable and healthy development. Information data has increased rapidly, and the application of cloud storage has become more widespread. However, current cloud storage still has various problems, especially user information security issues. Therefore, in order to protect users' confidential information and data, information can be stored in the cloud in the form of cipher text. So if you want users to be able to retrieve the information they want in a large amount of data, you need to design a full-text ciphertext retrieval program. Another important function of cloud storage services is that each user can safely share data, which requires the existence of a safe and effective access control scheme. The current national fitness boom symbolizes that the people's pursuit of health is already a fashion, and outdoor hiking is a healthy, low-carbon and environmentally friendly fitness method. Walking in the city can not only promote the improvement of urban public facilities and the further optimization of the urban environment, but also promote the development of urban characteristic culture. Because hiking in the city has the dual effects of national fitness and environmental protection, it is very important for the rationalization and humanization of urban hiking. This paper selects and recognizes the open and shared city data, takes the path data of the hikers' movement as the research basis and research object, and organizes and analyzes the relevant data on the Google Earth data sharing platform.
Simulation of regional financial behavior patterns based on recommendation algorithm and machine learning
Authors: Han Yu , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2023

The rapid growth of regional economy can effectively solve the financial difficulties of some large enterprises, and can also provide important guarantees for the sustainable economic development of some regions. In modern financial regional entities, commercial banks, conglomerates, and third-party technology companies are the main modules. Financial development issues in different regions need to be addressed through the design of solutions. In the cross domain and even cross border activities of regional economy, it is necessary to integrate some existing financial tools, as well as financial services such as big data and digital technology, to integrate. In the construction of a new regional financial model, regional financial health is a major development issue, and it is necessary to take dredging regional financial development as an important field to promote the rapid development of the real economy. In recent years, learning in natural language processing has achieved cross era development. With the growth of the complexity and dynamics of network information, computer algorithms have become an important key issue in solving network information. Although high-quality recommendation algorithms have been widely used, in order to solve problems that traditional algorithms cannot solve, this paper proposes a machine learning based algorithm based on the needs of financial entities. At the same time, in order to enable the rapid development of finance, there is a new development model that conducts behavioral simulation calculations based on economic development in order to achieve coordinated economic development.
Performance Analysis of Mining Pool with Power-saving, Fault and Mining Competition
Authors: Cao Jian
Published: April 2023

Blockchain has emerged as a disruptive technology with potential applications in various industries. Although the proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain systems have worked so successfully, the mining pools in PoW-based blockchain systems have certain drawbacks: high power expenditure, mining competition and fault. It is essential to implement the power saving and evaluate the performance of the mining pool with these characteristics in PoW-based blockchain systems. In this paper, we consider a queueing system with sleep-wakeup, working breakdown and impatient strategies, that are suitable to {express well} power saving, fault and mining competition in the mining process. For our proposed system, by using a z-Transform approach, the closed-form expressions about various performance measures like the mean number of blocks and the mean confirmation time of block are obtained. Furthermore, we construct the power consumption function and the power-saving rate function to analyze the improvement of power-saving. In order to mitigate the negative effect which stems from the mining competition, we formulate the Nash bargaining game and obtain the Nash solution, which implies the optimal control of the computation power.
Application of suprapsular phacoemulsification in patients with high myopia and cataract surgery
Authors: Zhu zicheng , Wang Lisong , Wang Zeyu , Han Jin
Published: April 2023

Purpose：To compare and evaluate the differences in the therapeutic effects of different surgical methods for treating high myopia cataracts using supracapsular phacoemulsification technology and intracapsular phacoemulsification respectively, and to provide a basis for choosing the best surgical method.
Methods: A total of 240 patients (268 eyes) with high myopia and cataract who underwent cataract surgery in our hospital from December 2020 to May 2022 were enrolled,of which 120 patients (136 eyes) were selected as the supracapsular phacoemulsification group, and 120 patients (132 eyes) as the intracapsular phacoemulsification group.The intraoperative average ultrasonic energy (AVE), effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), intraoperative complications, postoperative 1d, 1mo visual acuity and the corneal endothelial cell counts were recorded and compared.
Results:Comparing the subgroups with the same nuclear hardness between the two groups, the AVE and EPT of the supracapsular group were lower than those of the intracapsular group, and the difference was significant(P＜0.05). Postoperative 1 mo UCVA and BCVA between two groups were significantly higher than those of postoperative 1d, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Posterior capsular rupture occurred in 0 eyes in the supracapsular group and6 eyes in the intracapsular group.There were no other serious surgical complications.
Conclusion:The supracapsular method is simpler than the intracapsular phacoemulsification technique, uses less energy, takes less time, and has fewer complications.Therefore, Therefore, the results of this study support the use of supracapsular method for phacoemulsification cataract surgery in myopes.
Ulnar longitudinal deficiency; type D of Cole and Manske’s classification and type V of Goldfarb’s: A case report
Authors: Abdollahi Amirsaleh , Kadkhodaee Rouzbeh , amrehi Abolfazl Ghadiri , Zamani Sina , Pahnabi Ali , Rezaee Ali
Published: April 2023

Background Ulnar longitudinal deficiency (ULD) has been reported to be 1 in 100,000 live birthsCase presentation a 57-year-old healthy man with a fracture of the right medial malleolus was referred to our Orthopedic Center. Upon physical examination, a congenital abnormality in the patient's right upper extremity was observed. It was markedly shortened, pronated, and internally rotated. Radiological investigations revealed radiohumeral synostosis along with a complete absence of ulna and carpal bones, as well as shortened and bowed radius. Besides, only the thumb and the first metacarpal bone were present in the hand, and the wrist deviated towards the ulna. Taking into account the patient’s clinical findingsConclusion it is concluded that he likely falls under type D of Cole and Manske’s classification and type V of Goldfarb’s.
Joint Optimization between Task Offloading and Resource Allocation in Mobile Edge Computing with multiple UAVs
Authors: Chen Rujie , Gao Yang , Zou Dikai , Chen Xinyu , Tao Jun
Published: April 2023

Energy consumption and completion time are two hot issues in UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) assisted edge computing.The current research is mainly focused on the interaction between UAVs and edge servers, while the interplay between UAVs is rarely considered.In this paper, in the considered scenario with multiple UAVs and servers, the UAVs may possess idle resources, and thus function as temporary servers to provide task offloading services for other UAVs.We begin by formulating a multi-objective joint optimization problem, which aims to balance the energy consumption and time delay in order to maximize the benefits of the system. Then we use a multi-objective genetic algorithm called Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to iteratively find the optimal offloading strategy.Through numerical simulation, the results obtained from the numerical simulation demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method in achieving the Pareto optimal frontier that balances energy consumption and completion time.
CYP4A11/20-HETE induces oxidative stress and inhibits trophoblast proliferation via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway during preeclampsia
Authors: Xu Huangfang , Zhao Huanqiang , Jiang Nanxing , Lu Huiqing , Ma Bo , Sun Yi , Wu Suwen , Zhou Qiongjie , Xiong Yu , Li Xiaotian
Published: April 2023

Background Placental oxidative stress injury is considered to be a key cause of preeclampsia, but the specific molecules that regulate the balance between oxidant and antioxidant levels remain unclear. 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an important cytochrome P450 family 4 subfamily A polypeptide 11 (CYP4A11)-dependent eicosanoids, has been proved to increase reactive oxygen species production. Whether CYP4A11/20-HETE is involved in the regulation of oxidant or antioxidant levels in preeclamptic placenta is worth exploring.Methods The expressions of CYP4A11/20-HETE and redox related agents in placentas from pregnant women with and without preeclampsia were compared. Cellular lentiviral transfection was used to assess the effect of altered CYP4A11/20-HETE metabolism on oxidative stress and proliferation of trophoblasts, and RNA sequencing was taken to search its underlying mechanisms. Besides, in vivo animal experiments were arranged to verify whether Cyp4a10 (a protein that is highly homologous to human CYP4A11) overloaded lentivirus could induce preeclampsia-like symptoms in pregnant mice.Results The levels of CYP4A11/20-HETE were elevated in placentas from preeclamptic patients, and its expression was strongly associated with the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in the placentas. In vitro, CYP4A11/20-HETE overexpression caused oxidative stress injury and inhibited the proliferation of trophoblasts by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and these effects were ameliorated by the pretreatment with the PI3K agonist 740 Y-P. In vivo, upregulation of Cyp4a10 (a protein that is highly homologous to human CYP4A11) during the placentation period caused hypertension and proteinuria in pregnant mice, presumably by impairing the placental antioxidant capacity and disrupting trophoblast proliferation.Conclusion This study identified CYP4A11/20-HETE as a potential causative factor of preeclampsia, which provide new insights into the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and may open a novel chapter for the future treatment strategies of preeclampsia.
The Neural Mechanism of Communication Between Graduate Students and Advisers in Different Adviser-advisee Relationships
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xie Simiao , Hou Yan , Wu Peipei , Wu Huifen
Published: April 2023

Communication is crucial in constructing the relationship between students and advisers, ultimately bridging interpersonal interactions. Only a few studies however explore the communication between postgraduate students and advisers. This study uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (FNIRS) techniques to explore the neurophysiology differences in brain activation of postgraduates with different adviser-advise relationships during simulated communication with their advisers. Results showed significant differences in the activation of the prefrontal cortex between high-quality and the low-quality students during simulating and when communicating with advisers, specifically in the Broca's areas, the frontal pole, and the orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. This further elucidated the complex cognitive process of communication between graduate students and advisers.
Comprehensive Analysis Between Ferroptosis-Related Gene Signatures and Neuroblastoma Prognosis
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Zhang Lijie , Li Yuhan , Zhao Xu , Zhou Kai , Shen Qiyang
Published: April 2023

Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common extracranial malignancies in central nervous system, threatening children’s health. It is an embryonic neural crest cell-derived pediatric solid tumor, usually resulting in tumors in the adrenal glands or the sympathetic ganglia. The clinical presentation can be quite heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic incidental tumors to widespread metastases with systemic manifestations. While children diagnosed with clinically stable NB can be completely cured, those with high-risk NB have a poor prognosis despite combination therapy strategies. In order to assess the prognosis of NB patients, sensitive biomarkers are worthy of in-depth study.Methods We obtain raw data from TARGET and GEO databases. Next, the role of ferroptosis death-related genes (FRGs) as a prognostic biomarker for NB patients was discussed. And Pearson correlation analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to select FRGs related to prognosis.Results Five genes were selected to construct a prognostic prediction model in the TARGET cohort. The risk score was calculated based on 5 FRGs. And according to the median value of risk score, patients were divided into low-risk group and high-risk group. The high-risk group has relatively higher abundance among immune cells. The expression of immuno-oncology target is up-regulated in patients with high-risk scores. In addition, the high-risk group is more related to oxidative phosphorylation and MTORC1 signaling. And to assess the overall survival (OS) of NB patients, a nomogram (based on MKI, COG risk group and risk score) was also established.Conclusion FRGs can be used as sensitive biomarkers to predict the prognosis of NB patients, and can be used in clinical immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Determination of polyphenolic compounds in lucerne by supercritical fluid extraction coupled with ultra‑performance liquid chromatography‑tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Walczak-Skierska Justyna , Krakowska-Sieprawska Aneta , Rafińska Katarzyna
Published: April 2023

A method was developed to determine 23 biologically active compounds, including 13 flavonoids and 10 phenolic acids, in various morphological parts (flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, and roots I and III cut) of the lucerne plant using a simple, fast high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection. The separation was achieved using a pentafluorophenyl stationary phase and a gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. The calibration curves exhibited good linearity (r2 value from 1.0 to 0.9925). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for 23 compounds range from 0.01-50 ng/mL and 0.033-165 ng/mL, respectively. The main flavonoids found in the extracts were apigenin (765.96 ± 29.08 µg/g), luteolin (545.21 ± 14.64 µg/g), quercetin (169.90 ± 16.69 µg/g), and esculetin (130.99 ± 6.72 µg/g). Salicylic acid (2960.89 ± 11.00 µg/g) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (1561.42 ± 38.62 µg/g) were the most abundant in the analyzed extracts. The roots of the third cut and the stems were found to be the richest in polyphenolic compounds. These findings suggest that different morphological parts of lucerne could be used as food additives or supplement components due to their nutritional properties.
Comparison of Outcomes of Silicone Tube Intubation with or without Dacryoendoscopy for the Treatment of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Lew Helen , Kim Doah
Published: April 2023

In this retrospective study, we compared and analyzed two groups of patients undergoing silicone tube intubation (STI) for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO), one with dacryoendoscopy and one without. A total of 87 eyes from 70 patients were included, with 52 eyes from 41 patients in the group without dacryoendoscopy and 35 eyes from 29 patients in the group with dacryoendoscopy. The total success rate of STI was 90.8%, with a higher success rate of 94.3% in patients treated with dacryoendoscopy compared to 88.5% in patients without. In patients under 36 months of age, the success rate was 100% (23 eyes). Among patients with membranous obstruction at Hasner's valve, all were younger than 36 months old and presented with structural obstruction in the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) (p = 0.024). However, in patients without membrane obstruction at Hasner's valve, both secretory obstruction (46.4%) and structural obstruction (53.6%) in the LDS were observed at similar rates, regardless of age. Combined obstructions were also observed in the LDS in CNDO, and the type of obstruction at Hasner's valve varied in every patient.
Identification and validation of novel plant compactness QTL in common wheat
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Weidong , Chen Jiansheng , Wang Yue , Wang Yongzhen , Wang Liang
Published: April 2023

Plant compactness (PC) is one of the most important agronomic traits affecting plant density and further influencing biomass and grain yield potential in a certain area in wheat. The canopy of wheat varieties with high and stable yield should be of appropriate plant architecture aboveground. In the present study, three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were generated and utilized to identify and validate plant compactness QTL and SN055525, an erect and compact tillering genotype was used as a common parent. 193 F8 RILs derived from the cross of SN05525/SN22 were genotyped using the high-density Illumina iSelect 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay. A linkage map containing 7180 SNP loci was constructed and six QTL controlling compact tillers were identified on Chromosomes 3B (Qpc.sdau-3B.1, Qpc.sdau-3B.2), 5B (Qpc.sdau-5B), 5D (Qpc.sdau-5D), 2A (Qpc.sdau-2A) and 7A (Qpc.sdau-7A). Qpc.sdau-3B.1, Qpc.sdau-5D and Qpc.sdau-5B explained up to 16.70, 16.89, and 14.56 % of the phenotypic variance, respectively. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers for the three identified QTL were developed and the effects of these QTL were further validated in two additional RIL populations SN05525/luyuan 502 and SN05525/Xinong 511. Significant compactness effects of Qpc.sdau-3B.1 and Qpc.sdau-5D were detected in validation genetic backgrounds. The closely linked KASP markers could potentially be utilized in marker-assisted selection to modulate plant compactness as well as for further characterization of the gene(s) underlying these loci.
Resource flow characterisation and sustainable value creation analysis for the holistic circularity assessment of wastewater systems
Authors: Renfrew David , Vasilaki Vasileia , Nika Elisa , Harris Eliza , Tsalidis George , Katsou Evina
Published: April 2023

The water sector is at the forefront of the circular economy transition due to the direct reliance industry and society has on clean water supply and adequate wastewater management. The circular use of wastewater has attracted significant attention in recent years, however, there is a lack of universal definitions and measurement tools required to achieve the circular economy’s full potential. The proposed methodology overcomes prominent problems for the circularity assessment of wastewater treatment processes. The resource classification framework developed facilitates robust indicator calculation for comparative assessments. Combining three indicator typologies, namely resource flow, action, and sustainability indicators, enables a normative circularity assessment, that uses value propositions to identify circular actions for the systematic investigation of the impacts to sustainable value creation. The assessment is exhibited by applying it to a case study, comparing conventional and novel photobioreactor wastewater treatment technologies. Resource flow indicator results highlighted improved outflow circularity, renewable energy usage, and economic performance of the photobioreactor system. Action indicators revealed that the photobioreactor technology was successful at achieving the defined value creating goals. Lastly, sustainability indicators enabled the direct quantification of environmental, economic, and social value creation, confirming that stakeholder benefits result from the photobioreactor wastewater treatment technology.
The Stem Cell Division-Related Gene Signature for Risk Stratification and Prognosis of Survival in Lower-Grade
Authors: Jiang Longyang , Zhu Jun , Yang Xuping , Li Junxin , Wang Shurong
Published: April 2023

Background: Cancer stem cell genes are proven to be associated with the prognosis of multiple cancers. Nevertheless, the prognosis and role of stem cell division-related genes in lower-grade glioma (LGG) remains unclear.
Objective: This study constructs a reliable risk model of stem cell division-related genes for predicting the prognosis of LGG patients.
Methods: The mutation data, FPKM data and corresponding clinical information of 511 LGG patients were downloaded from the TCGA database. We carried out LASSO regression analysis and multivariate cox regression analysis to build a risk gene model. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the OS rate of LGG patients. The ROC curve assesses its power across the entire data set.
Results: We acquired a total of 30 candidate stem cell division-related genes. Finally, 11 genes were selected (EV12B,ING2, MLLT3, NCOA3, NOTCH1, PRDM15, SFRP2, SMYD5, THOC2, TIAL1 and WNT7A) to construct risk models. We analyzed the genetic alterations of the selected 11 genes in LGG using the cBioPortal database. Mutations were present in all of the 511 patients. The results showed that all query genes were changed in 101 out of 511 cases(19.77%). The 11-gene marker panel was confirmed as an independent prognostic indicators(P<0.001, HR = 1.061, 95% CI = 1.042-1.079). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with low risk scores survived longer than those with high risk scores.The AUC was 0.827 suggesting that this 11-gene signature played an important role and accuracy in the efficacy of this diagnosis.
Conclusion: Our study built a prognostic model consisting of 11 stem cell division-related genes for predicting the prognosis of LGG patients. This may be a new biomarker for predicting LGG. These preliminary findings may provide some useful values for clinical prognosis of LGG and future studies.
A case report of successful delayed interval delivery of one fetus in twin pregnancy
Authors: jingzhang
Published: April 2023

This report describes a case of twin pregnancy in which the first fetus was delivered at 18 weeks and 1 day, while the second fetus remained in utero for a further 147 days before vaginal delivery. Multiple pregnancies have a higher incidence of complications, preterm birth, and abortion compared with single pregnancies, and while the second fetus in twin pregnancies is typically delivered soon after the first, continued pregnancy can sometimes result in improved outcomes for the newborn. However, there are no guidelines for the management of delayed delivery in twin pregnancies. This case report describes a successful delayed delivery in our hospital.
In-Bag extraction tissue through the middle part incision of posterior vagina in laparoscopic myomectomy：a large retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liu Yansong , Shi Yulin , Niu Jumin
Published: April 2023

Background To describe the outcomes of in-bag extraction tissue through the middle part incision of posterior vagina in laparoscopic myomectomy.Methods This was a retrospective study of patients with laparoscopic myomectomy who underwent the middle part incision of posterior vagina to extraction tissue in bag between January 2016 and December 2022. We collected and analyzed data about patients’ characteristics, main indication for surgery, and intra- and postoperative complications.There were 37 cases of vaginal delivery of pregnant women after operation, and there was no laceration of the incision of the posterior wall of the vagina after delivery.Results A total of 511women underwent transvaginal specimen retrieval after laparoscopic myomectomy (mean largest myoma diameter: 8.44 ± 3.56cm; mean specimen weight: 789.23 ± 276.97g; mean operative time: 129.01 ± 53.13minutes; mean blood loss: 175.99 ± 210.96 mL). Within 30-days, no fever, infection, or vaginal bleeding, and the vaginal incisions healed well after 30 days of outpatient review.There was no incisional hernia, pelvic infection and vaginal adhesions during follow-up 3 months after operation.Conclusions The middle part incision of posterior vagina and in-bag transvaginal extraction can be considered a feasible technique at laparoscopic myomectomy.
Characterization of Modified Refractivity Across the Arid Region of Nigeria
Authors: Imaga George , Israel Emmanuel , Egoigwe Sochima
Published: April 2023

Over time, atmospheric ducts have been studied in a bid to understand and harness for optimal tropospheric propagation of radio waves. The most useful quantity in the study of ducts is the modified refractivity. The gradient of modified refractivity is used in the classification of anomalous propagation conditions. This study characterizes modified refractivity across arid regions of Nigeria, using meteorological data obtained from the European Centre for Medium – Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-analysis 5 (ERA-5. It takes a bit - by - bit look at the variables that form radio signal trapping from the very fundamental temperature and relative humidity to the modified refractivity gradient which describes the radio signal trapping characteristics. The study location of relevance is the arid region of Nigeria, and five locations are randomly selected. The analyses of results show a high occurrence of ducts through diurnal and seasonal variations in the arid region. These results are in agreement with the physics of the meteorological parameters in which modified refractivity is dependent upon.
Standardization of Pruning in Dense, High Dense, and Ultra-High Dense Psidium guajava L. Orchards under Drip Irrigation
Authors: Ali Mujahid , Akram Malik Muhammad , Habib Habibullah , Mohsan Muhammad , Ayyub Saqib
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The effect of female age on pregnancy outcomes in patients with pre-implantation testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: huang bixia , Li Ning , Wang Xiaofei , Xu Bin , Li Yanping , Zhao Jing
Published: April 2023

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of female age on pregnancy outcomes of couples with PGT-A treatment and to find potential correlations or trends.Methods A multicenter retrospective study was conducted among women with pre-implantation testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles from three reproductive centers in China. They were divided into four groups according to female age (Group A: <30 years old, Group B: 30–34, Group C: 35–39, and group D: ≥40). The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and the live birth rate (LBR). secondary outcomes were the biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), early miscarriage rate (EMR), and preterm birth rate (PBR).Results A total of 603 PGT-A cycles were included in the present study. There were 161, 256, 147, and 39 cycles in Group A, B, C, D, respectively. The CPR was 53.8% in Group D, which was decreased compared with Group A (60.2%), Group B (56.3%), and Group C (59.2%). The LBRs were 52.8%, 48.4%, 42.9%, and 41.0%, respectively. EMRs were 11.3%,9.7%,24.1%, 23.8%. And PBRs were 4.7%, 7.3%, 9.1%, and 25.0% in Group A, B, C, and D, respectively. The EMR and PBR showed significantly different among groups. Binary Logistic regression analysis indicated maternal age affects the live birth rate (OR 0.937, 95%CI 0.883–0.995), Early miscarriage rate (OR 1.148, 95%CI 1.033–1.275) and Preterm birth rate (OR 1.196, 95%CI 1.017–1.405).Conclusion As pregnancy outcomes tend to decrease with maternal age after euploid embryo transfer. The results indicated that endometrial receptivity, another key factor for embryo implantation, was affected by female age. During the ART treatment for women with advanced maternal age, we should not only pay attention to oocyte/embryos quality, but also emphasize endometrial receptivity.
Pupillographic Analysis of COVID-19 Patients: Early and Late Results After Recovery
Authors: Gunduz Gamze Ucan , Yildiz Aysegul Mavi , Yalcinbayir Ozgur , Baykara Mehmet , Sari Esin Sogutlu , Isleker Sevde , Ozturk Nilufer Aylin Acet
Published: April 2023

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the short and long-term static and dynamic pupillary responses of patients recovered from coronavirus disease – 19 (COVID-19) by using quantitative infrared pupillography.
Methods: This study included patients who recovered from COVID-19 (Group 1) and age- and gender-matched controls (Group 2). A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed at one month and six months after the diagnosis of COVID-19. Photopic, mesopic, and scotopic pupil diameters (PDs) were measured by using a quantitative infrared pupillography which was integrated into Scheimpflug/Placido photography-based topography system. Pupil diameters at 0, 2nd, 4th and 6th seconds, and average pupil dilation speeds at 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th seconds were recorded.
Results: Eighty-six eyes of 86 patients (Group 1: n=42; Group 2: n=44) were included. While the mean photopic, mesopic and scotopic PDs were significantly larger in the COVID-19 group than the control group in the first month (p = 0.035, p = 0.017, p = 0.018, respectively), no statistically significant difference was found in the sixth month. Besides, average pupil dilation speeds and PDs at the 0, 2nd, 4th and 6th seconds were not statistically significantly different between the two groups in the first month and sixth month.
Conclusions: Pupil diameters were significantly larger in COVID-19 patients in all light intensities in the first month after COVID-19. However, pupillary dilation was transient, and no significant difference was found in the sixth month. We suggest that the transient pupillary dilation may be secondary to the autonomic nervous system dysfunction following COVID-19.
Smart Contract-based Dynamic Non-Fungible Tokens Generation System
Authors: Shah Kaushal , Khokhariya Uday , Patel Saumya
Published: April 2023

Digital assets backed up by blockchain technology are termed Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Every NFT is uniquely identified by its metadata, stored in the smart contract. This metadata can consist of associated images, descriptions , attributes, and other relevant details in a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) object. Most of these NFTs are static; therefore, their metadata remains immutable. Due to rising blockchain use cases like real-world token regulation and blockchain-based ticketing platforms, a need arises to modify the existing metadata and require interaction for community engagement. Here, Dynamic NFTs (DNFTs) bring the notion of adding upgradeability and interactivity to existing NFTs. We propose a DNFT generation system built on top of decentralized oracle networks and utilizing on-chain metadata using smart contracts, which could be used as a base for future dynamic NFT generation models. Furthermore , we are bringing the web2 equivalent experience to viewable content, which can be used for ad spaces and real-time messaging in the form of NFTs. Henceforth, we are augmenting NFTs for versatile use cases, such that they are more than just static assets.
Influence mechanism of paper mechanical properties: numerical simulation and experimental verification based on a fiber network
Authors: Li Haojin J. , Sun Hao , Wei Lingjun , Zhu Yunfeng , Wang Yaling , Zhang Wanlu
Published: April 2023

As a kind of renewable material that is widely available, paper is applicable in various fields. However, the research on its properties focuses mainly on macro mechanical properties, which ignores the micro theory based on the interface of paper. In essence, paper is a microscopic network made up of interrelated fibers. In this paper, a comprehensive experimental and computational study was conducted on the mechanical properties of the fiber and the fiber network, with consideration given to the impact of microstructure. A beam-spring model was established by using the beam fiber network. Then, simulations were performed on exemplary fiber network samples to demonstrate the impact of fiber microparameters on their mechanical properties, such as the force-elongation curve and strength. It was revealed through mechanical experiments that the tensile strength in the Z-direction (fiber bond strength) had a more significant impact on the properties of paper than the zero spacing tensile index (fiber strength), which is highly consistent with the result of modeling. All the simulation results were validated by performing experimental measurement. Finally, computational insights were gained into the pattern of interfiber bond damage on different fiber microlevels. To sum up, the proposed beam-spring model was demonstrated as applicable to predict the response from the fiber networks of paper materials.
The interplay of 'twin nutrients' (vitamin D and boron) in an allegedly understated anthropometric status (stunting, anaemia, malnutrition) that refuses to improve - missing links, missed opportunities and actionable lessons from the field of veterinary medicine
Authors: Patil Pradeep B. , Jaleel Abdul , Qadri SSYH
Published: April 2023

Background: Despite various measures taken by governments, the lack of significant improvements in malnutrition status remains a troubling issue, causing concern for implementing agencies and the biomedical community worldwide. Interestingly, similar issues have also emerged in the veterinary sector in recent decades, particularly in dairy, poultry, piggery, and goat farming. As a result, research in veterinary medicine has been conducted on a war footing because the welfare of animals, farmer profitability, and human health have been at stake. This manuscript aims to understand the mystery of anthropometric failure in humans through an interdisciplinary perspective.
Methods: To investigate the missing links between nutrients, hormones, and anthropometrics, a literature search was conducted using the databases 'PubMed' and 'Google Scholar' with various related keywords to find unexplored causes of malnutrition. The obtained data was further analysed with the aim of identifying the missing links. The keyword search was then narrowed down to 'vitamin D' and 'Boron' based on the hypothesis that they could be considered as 'common but natural constituents other than food'. To substantiate, data from the Indian population, including CNNS and NFHS-5, were analysed.
Findings: The hypothesis that 'paired deficiency statuses' (Vitamin D and Boron deficiency) lead to a 'cascade effect' on 'deteriorating anthropometric values' (such as the hunger index) appears to be supported by the results of the comparative review of multi-disciplinary literature and derived data analysis.
Interpretation: Prompt intervention to revise the supplementation and fortification dosage of vitamin D and boron could lead to improvements in anthropometric values. However, to address the issue effectively, it is crucial to clarify the definitions of deficiency and toxicity. In the long run, efforts to enhance ‘soil organic carbon’ could serve as a sustainable solution for ‘triple burden of malnutrition’ in India.
Funding: The PP research is supported by ICMR-NIN intra-mural grant (20-NINAF03).
The effect of dry needling compared to lumbar spine mobilization on functional disability, pain, quadratus lumborum and lumbar multifidus function, lumbar range of motion and pain pressure threshold in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: mirzaie hamide , Pourahmadi Mohammadreza , Ayoubpour Mohamad reza , Firouze Bahare
Published: April 2023

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a socioeconomic burden worldwide and a major contributor to health-care costs. Mobilization and dry needling (DN) are well-known treatments for LBP, and both of them, as a part of treatment, can relieve LBP.
Objective: Due to the importance of choosing interventions with greater effects on patients' recovery, in this study we intend to compare DN and lumbar spine mobilization, as complementary therapies in combination with routine physical therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic non-specific LBP.
Methods and study design: The study is a two-arm randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, controlled trial comparing DN to lumbar spine mobilization in individuals (n=56; 18–45 years of age) with chronic non-specific LBP. The experimental group will receive DN plus sham mobilization and the control group will receive Maitland’s posterior-anterior mobilization plus sham DN. Both groups will receive exercise and low-power laser. The primary outcome is functional disability, and the secondary outcomes are pain, lumbar multifidus and quadratus lumborum function, lumbar range of motion, pain pressure threshold, DN side effects, and patient adherence to treatment. Each group will receive 8 treatment sessions during 4 weeks (2 treatment sessions per week). Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 3 to 7 days after the final treatment session. A mixed-model (ANCOVA) for each dependent variable will be used All the study’s processes including recruitment, primary measurement, treating patients and final measurement will be completed in 5 to 6 months.
Discussion: In this study, we intend to solve the methodological problems of the previous study in this field. The results of this study allow the therapist to choose an intervention that has more therapeutic effects in combination with routine physiotherapy in the treatment of patients with chronic non-specific LBP.
Trial registration: 1) ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT05214456. (date: 01/15/2021) 2) IRCT.ir registration number: IRCT20210706051802N1 (date: 04/27/2022).
Pathways to mental health treatment: biomedical versus faith- healing
Authors: Badu Eric , Mitchell Rebecca , Gu Jun , O’Brien Anthony Paul
Published: April 2023

Background Understanding the pathways to mental health treatment is important to inform service outcome, yet limited empirical research has been conducted. This paper explores the pathways used to treat mental illness in Ghana from the perspective of consumers and mental health professionals (MHPs).Methods The paper used a qualitative method, involving in-depth interview with 30 mental health professionals and 21 consumers, selected through purposive sampling. The data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.Results The findings indicate that mental illness is treated using biomedical, faith based and traditional healing services. Faith and traditional healing pathways are typically used as a preliminary source or first point of care before seeking biomedical treatment. The decisions regarding treatment pathways are influenced by predisposing factors, particularly belief systems and attitudes, as well as enabling factors including acceptability. The study also found an increasing informal collaboration between faith and biomedical practitioners and call for more formalised integration of the existing mental health system.Conclusion The existing interest and knowledge on faith-healing services should be formalise for policy re-formulation, and further integrated into curriculum design for training mental health professionals. Current collaboration and education provided to faith-healing providers, should be promoted, and integrated into the mental health systems.
Effect of altitude and slope on the germination and growth of blue pine (Pinus wallichiana A. B. Jacks.) in reference to stratified and non-stratified seeds
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Bhardwaj D. R. , Monga Rajesh
Published: April 2023

During the present study, the impact of cold stratification at different elevations and angles on the germination and growth characteristics of white pine (Pinus wallichiana A. B. Jacks.) seedlings were examined. In the years 2019–20, seeds were gathered in Himachal Pradesh from several altitudinal ranges [1800–2100 (A1), 2100–2400 (A2), 2400–2700 (A3), and > 2700 (A4) m.a.s.l] and aspects [southern aspect (As1), eastern aspect (As2), and south-eastern aspect (As3)]. The nursery was established in 2020 at the Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP), Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry Forest Nursery. After being sun-dried, the cones were manually shaken and twisted to release the seeds. To break their dormancy, seeds were stratified with various layers of sand and moss for around 60 days before sowing. Seed viability (78.9% in S, 63.1 in NS), germination percentage (84.3% in S, 80.8 in NS), seedling height (11.7 in S, 9.22 cm in NS), survival percentage (71.3% in S, 59.6% in NS), and other growth traits of stratified (S) and non-stratified (NS) seeds were found to be significantly higher in stratified seeds collected from lower altitudinal ranges. Based on the findings, it was concluded that cold stratification of seeds obtained from lower altitude sites was suitable for extensive planting owing to their higher vitality and overall superior health.
The Anti-Tumoral Role of Hesperidin and Aprepitant on Prostate Cancer cells through Redox Modifications
Authors: Akbari Sanaz , Darban Reza Assaran , Javid Hossein , Esparham Ali , Hashemy Seyed Isaac
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer in men. Aprepitant (AP) is a highly specific NK1R antagonist and its anti-cancer effects against different cancer cells including prostate cancer are shown previously. Also, the anti-cancer effect of Hesperidin has been shown in prostate cancer cells. While the anti-cancer effect of Hesperidin and AP on prostate cancer cells is well documented, their combined effect, as well as their mechanism of action are not fully understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Hesperidin and AP alone and in combination on prostate cancer cells.
Method: PC3 and LNCaP cell lines were treated with Hesperidin and AP alone and in combination. The Resazurin test was used for assessing cell viability. The ROS (reactive oxygen Species) level, P53 and P21 gene expression, and Bcl-2 and Survivin gene expression were assessed in both cell lines. Also, a trypan blue assay was done for both cell lines.
Results: The results of Resazurin showed that Hesperidin and AP significantly reduce the cell viability of PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. The ROS level significantly reduced after treating the PC3 and LNCaP cells with 10 µM AP with or without Hesperidin pretreatment. P53 and P21 gene expression significantly increased after treatment with 50 and 100 µM Hesperidin with or without 10 µM AP compared to the untreated group in the PC3 cell line. In addition, Bcl-2 and Survivin gene expression significantly decreased with 10 µM AP with or without Hesperidin pretreatment in the PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. Also, the results of the trypan blue assay showed the combination of Hesperidin with AP induced a high rate of apoptosis in LNCaP and PC3 cell lines.
Conclusion: The current study showed the synergic anti-cancer effect of Hesperidin and Aprepitant on prostate cancer cells in both PC3 and LNCaP cell lines
Hybrid QAOA and Genetic Algorithm for Solving Max-Cut Problem
Authors: Ha Huy Phuc Nguyen , Ta Anh Son
Published: April 2023

Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) is one of the variational quantum optimizations that is used for solving combinatorial optimization. The QAOA calculates the average of all solutions provided by the quantum circuit. To improve the result, we investigate a new method to combine QAOA and genetic algorithms. The result of QAOA is considered as an initial population method for a genetic algorithm. This approach is applied to solve the max-cut problem, which is very important for quantum computing research. This method is applied to benchmark datasets and the results have been improved significantly.
Synergistic effects of royal jelly and melittin on wound healing and collagen synthesis in mouse skin
Authors: Zarei Seyedemaryam , Eidi Maryam , Ebrahimi-kia Yasaman , Pazoki Zahra , Parhizkari Narges , Mohajer Zohreh
Published: April 2023

Since ancient times, bees and their products have been traditionally used in the treatment of many diseases, but the synergistic effects of bee products such as royal jelly (RJ) and melittin in the treatment of skin damage are an important issue due to its availability and cheapness. In this study, a 5 mm diameter wound was created by punching the skin on the back of the neck in NMARI male mice. Wounds were treated orally and topically with different doses of RJ and melittin and their combination for 9 days. The diameter of the wounds was measured and recorded daily, and on the 10th day, the mice were anesthetized and their skin tissue samples were taken for histological examinations and hydroxyproline measurement. Histopathological sections were evaluated for the presence of fibroblasts, new blood vessels, epithelial tissue formation, collagen synthesis, presence of inflammatory cells. Synergistic effects of oral treatment with RJ (50 mg/kg) and melittin (3x10− 5 mg/kg) and combined topical treatment of RJ (2.5%) and melittin (0.5x10− 4%) caused a significant reduction in the diameter of the skin wound compared to a single dose of them. The findings of biochemical studies showed a significant increase of hydroxyproline level in the wound tissue in the group treated with RJ and melittin topically and orally compared to the control group. The synergistic effect of RJ and melittin in collagen synthesis in the skin of could confirm the use of these materials in the traditional and modern medicine for skin treatments.