bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicon-based Mid Infrared On-Chip Gas Sensor Using Fano Resonance of Coupled Plasmonic Microcavities
Authors: Sherif Sherif M. , Swillam Mohamed A.
Published: September 2022

Sensing in the mid infra-red spectral range is highly desirable for the detection and monitoring of different gases. We hereby propose a CMOS compatible silicon-based sensor that operates at (3.5-10 μm) within the mid infra-red range. The silicon material is doped to the level that shifts its plasmonic resonance to 3 μm wavelength. The sensor device comprises an in-line rectangular microcavity and a stub microcavity resonator. The resonance frequencies/wavelengths of the two resonators were studied with different design dimensions. When the two resonators are designed to resonate at close frequencies, the interesting Fano resonance with its distinct and sharp line shape is generated due to the interference between the two resonance profiles. Fano resonance is useful for highly sensitive measurements due to its abrupt intensity changing profile. The sensor is studied and analyzed using Finite Difference Element and 2D Finite Difference Time Domain methods. The sensor's performance is characterized by its high sensitivity of 6000 nm/RIU, FOM of 353, and limited insertion loss of 0.45 dB around 6.5 μm operation wavelength. Furthermore, we develop the sensor for simultaneously detecting methane CH4 and nitrous oxide N2O gases at 3.5 μm and 4.5 μm wavelengths, respectively.
Preadapted to adapt: underpinnings of adaptive plasticity revealed by the downy brome genome
Authors: Revolinski Samuel R , Maughan Peter J , Coleman Craig E , Burke Ian C
Published: September 2022

Bromus tectorum L. is arguably the most successful invasive weed in the world. It has fundamentally altered arid ecosystems of the western United States, where it now found on an excess of 20 million hectares and costs land managers and growers through lost yield, land utility, and increased incidence of fire. Invasion success is often related to avoidance of abiotic stress and human management. Early flowering is a complex but heritable trait utilized by B. tectorum that enables the species to temporally monopolize limited resources and thus outcompete native plant community. Thus, understanding the genetic underpinning of flowering time is critical for the design of integrated management strategies – regardless of the invaded ecosystem. To study flowering time traits in B. tectorum, we assembled the first chromosome scale reference genome using PacBio long reads, assembled using the Canu assembler, and scaffolded using Omni-C chromatin contact mapping technology. The final assembly spanned 2.482 Gb in length and has an N50 and L50 of 357 Mb and 4, respectively. To assess the utility of the assembled genome for trait discovery, 121 diverse B. tectorum accessions were phenotyped in replicated greenhouse trials, genotyped by sequencing and subjected to a genome wide association study (GWAS). Significantly (q < 0.05) associated QTLs were identified for height, days to first joint (J1), days to first visible panicle (VPN), and days to first ripe seed (FRS). Overlap between significant QTLs was present between traits, suggesting pleiotropy or closely linked QTLs for life cycle related traits. Candidate genes, representing homologs of an array of genes that have been previously associated with plant height or flowering phenology traits in related species, were located near significant QTLs. The GWAS, combined with a well annotated genome, is a viable method for identifying candidate genes associated with weedy characteristics in invasive weeds. This is the first study using high-resolution GWAS to identify phenology related genes in a weedy species and represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying genetic plasticity in one of the most successful invasive weed species in the world.
The Patient Health Questionnaire–4: the factor structure, invariance measurement, and the latent profile analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms in a Polish general community sample
Authors: Larionow Paweł , Mudło-Głagolska Karolina
Published: September 2022

A screening assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms is of great importance for preventing mental health problems in a general population. The study aims (1) to examine the factor structure and invariance measurement of the Polish version of the Patient Health Questionnaire–4 (PHQ–4) developed for measuring anxiety and depressive symptoms, (2) to estimate the prevalence of these symptoms in different age and gender groups from February to July 2022, (3) to identify latent subpopulations within the general population based on the anxiety and depressive symptom levels. The sample included 2557 Polish adults (1730 females, 811 males, and 16 non-binary) aged 18–78 (M = 27.18, SD = 12.29). The Polish version of the PHQ–4 was used. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis and latent profile analysis (LPA) were applied. The Polish version of the PHQ–4 has a theoretically congruent factor structure and is invariant across age and gender categories. Based on the cut-off scores for the depression and anxiety subscales of ≥ 3, more than half of Poles are screened positively for anxiety and/or depression. We distinguished (by LPA) and described four subpopulations common for both females and males. We identified risk groups for mental disorders (females, non-binary, and younger people in general, as well as unemployed, less educated, and single people). The prevalence of probable anxiety and depressive disorders in the Polish population is extremely high. It is necessary to provide further mental health monitoring and to conduct qualitative research on the psychological reasons for the occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Mental health monitoring is crucial.
A proposed cloud‑based platform for facilitating donation Services in support to needy-students
Authors: Radaideh Moh'd , Mohammad Nadil Iyad , Mukbil Maya Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Popularity of needy-students who cannot afford their university fees has become phenomenon in countries like Jordan. Thus, supporting such students through establishing a reliable cloud-based platform for collecting donations from wealthy people is a very noble action. Such donations will enable needy-students to continue their education to upward their development, reduce their poverty, improve their health, scale-up their gender equality, promote peace across their communities, enhance stability in their societies, and enrich the field of cloud-based Services development. This paper proposes a new cloud-based platform that aims at connecting donors with needy-students in a very discreet way that preserves and honors the Privacy and Confidentiality of their information. We claim that our proposed cloud-based platform depicts a unique novelty that can be easily anticipated from the perspectives of its status as an easy-to-use cloud-based Services platform; its comprehensive set of functionalities; its ability to interconnect its users privately and confidentially; and its ability to easily verify the credentials of its users.
Hybrid CPU-GPU Implementation of the Transformed Spatial Domain Channel Estimation Algorithm for mmWave MIMO Systems
Authors: Lloria Diego , Aviles Pablo M. , Belloch Jose A. , Roger Sandra , Botella-Mascarell Carmen , Lindoso Almudena
Published: September 2022

Hybrid platforms combining multicore Central Processing Units (CPU) with many-core hardware accelerators such as Graphic Processing Units (GPU) can be smartly exploited to provide efficient parallel implementations of wireless communication algorithms for Fifth Generation (5G) and beyond systems. Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems are a key element of the 5G standard, involving several tens or hundreds of antenna elements for communication. Such a high number of antennas has a direct impact on the computational complexity of some MIMO signal processing algorithms. In this work, we focus on the channel estimation stage. In particular, we develop a parallel implementation of a recently proposed MIMO channel estimation algorithm. Its performance in terms of execution time is evaluated both in a multicore CPU and in a GPU. The results show that some computation blocks of the algorithm are more suitable for multicore implementation, whereas other parts are more efficiently implemented in the GPU, indicating that a hybrid CPU-GPU implementation would achieve the best performance in practical applications based on the tested platform.
Medical education: can a single video-class intervention improve the diagnostic skills for oral ulcers?
Authors: Braun Liliana Wolf , Salvador Sarah Melniski , Herpich Tiago Luis , Wagner Vivian Petersen , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Martins Manoela Domingues , Bandeira Renato Gorga , Knorst Marli , Carrard Vinicius Coelho
Published: September 2022

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic ability and perception of self-confidence by medical residents and students in relation to oral ulcers and the impact of a distance educational intervention, comparing their performances with those of dental students and residents.
Materials and methods: The sample of this quasi-experimental study with educational intervention consisted of 49 participants from the medical area (Med) and 28 from the dental area (Dent). The diagnostic abilities test comprised a questionnaire containing 20 photos of oral lesions. Their self-confidence was evaluated from a 5-point Likert scale. The educational intervention, applied among the Med, was characterized by video classes about oral ulcers.
Results: The median for diagnostic ability of the Med was 50%, being lower than that of the Dent (students=65 and residents=80, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, p<0.01). Approximately 70% of the Med was not confident/not really confident for the diagnosis of oral ulcers, whereas no Dent was perceived in these categories. The perception of self-confidence was higher among Dent than among the Meds (Kruskal Wallis/Dunn, p<0.01). Medical residents scored better in the diagnostic test after educational intervention (Student's t-test, p <0.01).
Conclusion: The knowledge of Med about oral ulcers is limited, but may be improved by distance educational intervention.
Clinical relevance: These findings suggest that educational actions may contribute to mitigate the training gap of medical students and residents in relation to oral ulcers. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to assess the diagnostic abilities and self-confidence of medical students and residents to diagnose oral ulcers.
Geo-epidemiology of malaria incidence in the Vhembe District to guide targeted elimination strategies, South-Africa, 2015-2018: a local resurgence
Authors: Dieng Sokhna , Adebayo-Ojo Temitope Christina , Kruger Taneshka , Riddin Megan , Trehard Helene , Tumelero Serena , Bendiane Marc-Karim , Jager Christiaan , Patrick Sean , Bornman Riana , Gaudart Jean
Published: September 2022

Background
The South African population at risk of malaria represents 10% (i.e., six million inhabitants) of the population in three provinces: Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. In Limpopo Province, Vhembe District is most affected, showing an incidence of 3.8 cases/1000 person-years in 2018. Stratification of malaria intensity level is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to accelerate malaria elimination. There are no studies on malaria incidence at locality level, due to difficulty of population availability at this scale. This study aimed to identify and describe malaria incidence patterns at locality level in Vhembe District.
Method
Using the functional data method, a smooth function (functional data or curve) was fitted from the time series of observed malaria incidence for each of the 474 localities in Vhembe District from July 2015 to June 2018, representing three malaria seasons. These 474 smooth functions were classified using hierarchical clustering (Ward's method) with testing several dissimilarity measures. Thereafter, validity indices measured from these classifications were used to determine the number of distinct temporal patterns of malaria incidence.
Results
The observed malaria incidence in the 474 localities in Vhembe District was 4.1 cases/1000 person-years. Four distinct patterns of malaria incidence were identified: high, intermediate, low and very low, including 9, 20, 54 and 391 localities and a cumulative observed malaria incidence of 181.2, 54.1, 16.2 and 2.4 cases/1000 person-years, respectively. Malaria incidence increased sharply in high and intermediate incidence patterns over high transmission periods, and over the last low transmission period 2017/2018. These two high incidence patterns were in the Limpopo River Valley, mostly around farms, and in localities along the Mutale River.
Conclusion
This study showed four malaria incidence patterns in Vhembe District with varying characteristics. Findings show unusual malaria phenomena in Vhembe District, including a high incidence level during a low transmission season and occurrence of a series of resurgences. South Africa has reached the malaria pre-elimination stage, based on development of access to diagnostics, treatment and vector control. However, the recent malaria resurgence in remote areas hinders malaria elimination, highlighting the need for assessing resurgence determinants and developing innovative targeted malaria elimination strategies.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Uracil Derivatives as Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitors
Authors: Mir Manzoor Ahmad
Published: September 2022

Aim
To synthesize novel uracil derivatives targeting thymidylate synthase for the treatment of high-grade malignancies such as breast cancer.
Background
Cell division is driven by nucleic acid metabolism, and thymidylate synthase (TYMS) catalyses a rate-limiting step in nucleotide synthesis. As a result, TYMS has emerged as a critical target in chemotherapy. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is currently being used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, pancreatic, head and neck, colorectal, ovarian, and gastric cancers.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to establish a new methodology for the low-cost, one-pot synthesis of uracil derivatives (UD-1 to UD-5) and to evaluate their therapeutic potential in BC cells.
Methods
One-pot organic synthesis processes using a single solvent were used for the synthesis of drug analogues of Uracil. Integrated bioinformatics using GEPIA2, UALCAN and KM plotter were utilized to study the expression pattern and prognostic significance of TYMS, the key target gene of 5-fluorouracil in breast cancer patients. Cell viability, cell proliferation, and colony formation assays were used as in-vitro methods to validate the in-silico lead obtained.
Results
BC patients showed high levels of TYMS, and high expression of TYMS was found associated with poor prognosis. In silico studies indicated that synthesized uracil derivatives have a high affinity for TYMS. Notably, the uracil derivatives dramatically inhibited the proliferation and colonization potential of BC cells in vitro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study identified novel uracil derivatives as promising therapeutic options for breast cancer patients expressing the augmented levels of TYMS.
Mechanism of A549 Cell Apoptosis and Immune Regulating Effect of BRNP on Tumor- bearing Mice
Authors: Taoerdahong Hailiqian , Kadeer Gulimila , Lijie Qiao , Jinsen Kang , Junmin Chang , Abula Ajiranmu
Published: September 2022

In this study, the immune activity and mechanism of the antitumor activity of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides were investigated in vitro. BRNP inhibited the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 by changing the cell morphology, reducing the number of cells, promoting apoptosis, and increasing the content of Caspase-3. BRNP enhanced the secretion of immune factors IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α in the serum and spleen of A549 tumor-carrying mice and thus participated in immune regulation. HE staining showed that the pathological state of each dose of BRNP in the turnip group was reduced, and some cells were necrotic compared with the model group. Immunohistochemical results showed that apoptosis was promoted by down-regulating the expression of the Bcl-2 protein and up-regulating the expression of the Bax protein. The assay kit showed that the level of caspase-3 increased in mice, which may be the mechanism of promoting apoptosis.
WITHDRAWN: Ameliorative Effects of Selenium on Kidney Injury via NF-kB and Aquaporin-1 Levels
Authors: CANDAN Busra , KARAKUYU Nasif Fatih , GULLE Kanat , SARMAN Emine , KARATOPUK Dilek ULUSOY
Published: September 2022

Background
Systemic inflammation is a fatal condition that affects many tissues or organs. This pathological inflammation process, which can cause acute and chronic kidney damage, plays an important role in the structural and functional damage in various kidney diseases. Selenium (Se) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory trace element. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of Se, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced kidney damage to maintain Aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) levels.
Methods and Results
Four experimental rat groups (n = 8) consisting of the control (1 mL saline), LPS alone (0.1 mg/kg), LPS + Se (0.1 mg/kg + 4 mg/kg) and Se alone (4 mg/kg) were so applied for 7 consecutive days. Upon sacrifice, histopathological results, diagnostic markers of kidney functions, oxidative stress, and inflammation were analyzed. Our results showed that LPS induced mononuclear cell infiltration, cellular residue and protein deposition in the kidney proximal tubules, and also decreased total antioxidant status levels, which is a marker of antioxidant capacity, and increased total antioxidant status and oxidative stress index values, which are indicators of oxidative stress. LPS increased the level of creatinine, which is an indicator of kidney damage, increased the level of Nuclear Factor kappa B, which has an important role in the inflammation process, and decreased the levels of AQP-1 due to the damage it caused. Se has shown its effect by reversing all these situations.
Conclusions
This data suggests that Se can be used as an additive to mitigate LPS-induced toxicity in the kidney.
Ultrasound Allied Laser Sono-photobiomodulation Activated Nano-curcumin: Up-and-Coming Selective Cancer Cell Killing Modality
Authors: El-Kaream Samir Ali Abd , Mohamed Hoda Abdelrahman , El-Kholey Sohier Mahmoud , Rakhey Mahmoud Matar Mohammad Abu , ELkallaf Amin M Said , Soliman Amal Saleh Mohamed , Khodary Marwa Ahmed
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of activated nano-curcumin as a cancer-targeted therapy. Six groups of albino mice with cancer implants were used for this study. Sono- (ultrasound) and photo- (blue laser) were used as energy sources. The outcomes showed that nano-curcumin is an effective photo-sono sensitizer for the treatment of cancer. Upon activation with blue laser and/or ultrasound, nano-curcumin plays a crucial part in inhibiting tumor development and promoting cancer cell death. Our findings showed that activated nano-curcumin might be used as a natural nanosensitizer for cancer targeted sono-photobiomodulation therapy (SPBMT).
The Role of Non-R&D Expenditures in Promoting Innovation in Europe
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Costantiello Alberto , Laureti Lucio
Published: September 2022

In this article we estimate the value of “Non-R&D Innovation Expenditures” in Europe. We use data from the European Innovation Scoreboard-EIS of the European Commission from the period 2010-2019. We test data with the following econometric models i.e.: Pooled OLS, Dynamic Panel, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, WLS. We found that “Non-R&D Innovation Expenditures” is positively associated among others to “Innovation Index” and “Firm Investments” and negatively associated among others to “Human Resources” and “Government Procurement of Advanced Technology Products”. We use the k-Means algorithm with either the Silhouette Coefficient and the Elbow Method in a confrontation with the network analysis optimized with the Distance of Manhattan and we find that the optimal number of clusters is four. Furthermore, we propose a confrontation among eight machine learning algorithms to predict the level of “Non-R&D Innovation Expenditures” either with Original Data-OD either with Augmented Data-AD. We found that Gradient Boost Trees Regression is the best predictor for OD while Tree Ensemble Regression is the best Predictor for AD. Finally, we verify that the prediction with AD is more efficient of that with OD with a reduction in the average value of statistical errors equal to 40,50%.
Expression and Prognostic Significance of EDIL3 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ke Bin , Liang Zheng-Kai , Li Bin , Wang Xue-Jun , Liu Ning , Liang Han , Zhang Ru-Peng
Published: September 2022

Background
Epidermal Growth Factor-like repeats and Discoidin I-Like Domains 3 (EDIL3) is a secretory protein that play important roles in embryonic development and various illnesses such as cancer. However, the biological function of EDIL3 in gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. The objective of this research was to explore the role and potential mechanism of EDIL3 in GC.
Methods
EDIL3 expression was analyzed using the GEPIA and HPA databases. The prognostic significance of EDIL3 was assessed via the Kaplan–Meier Plotter database. These results were proved by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and Immunohistochemical in our collected GC tissues. To test the function of EDIL3 in GC, shRNA was used to knockdown the EDIL3 expression in two GC lines and several functional experiments were performed. Genetic alterations and DNA methylation were investigated via the cBioPortal, COSMIC, MethSurv, and SMART databases. Upstream regulators of EDIL3 were predicted using RegNetwork. The STRING and GeneMANIA databases were used to analyze the interactive networks for EDIL3. Differential genes correlated with EDIL3 in GC were obtained using LinkedOmics. The relationship between EDIL3 and immune features was analyzed using TIMER, TIMER2.0, and TISIDB databases. The relationship between EDIL3 and drug response was assessed by RNAactDrug database.
Results
The EDIL3 was highly expressed in GC and associated with adverse clinical features. In vitro assays revealed that EDIL3 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. 2.7% of patients harbored EDIL3 mutations and the missense substitution was the most common type. Five CpG sites of EDIL3 were positively related to prognosis in GC. The functions of EDIL3 and co-expression genes were significantly associated with extracellular structure organization and extracellular matrix receptor interaction. EDIL3 expression was positively associated with numerous tumour-infiltrating immune cells and their biomarkers. EDIL3 expression was associated with sensitivity of some GC chemotherapy and targeted drugs.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that EDIL3 might function as an oncogene and is associated with immune infiltration in GC. EDIL3 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for GC.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression, Prognosis, and Biological Significance of FSCN family in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Ru , Jiang Ming , Hu Bing , Zheng Ping
Published: September 2022

Background
FSCN (Fascin) is an actin-binding protein that plays a critical role in cell migration and invasion, contributing to tumor metastasis. However, there is little known about the function of FSCN family in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)
Methods
We utilized the UALCAN, GEPIA, Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, cBioPortal, STRING, and TIMER databases to investigate the transcription level, genetic alteration and biological function of FSCNs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients, and their association with the prognosis value and immune cell infiltration in patients with ccRCC.
Results
Results showed that the expression of FSCN1 and FSCN3 was markedly upregulated in patients with ccRCC, while the expression of FSCN2 displayed an opposite trend, which were the same as the experiments. Furthermore, the expression levels of FSCNs were associated with pathological stage, molecular subtypes and tumor grade. We noticed that the expressions of FSCNs were statistically correlated with the immune cell infiltration in ccRCC. Higher expression levels of FSCN1 and FSCN3 were associated with worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free interval (PFI) of patients bearing ccRCC. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that FSCN2 was an independent risk factor for OS time in ccRCC. Furthermore, mutations in FSCNs were significantly associated with poor OS and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with ccRCC. The FSCNs were involved in pathways including focal adhesion, endocytosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, regulation of actin cytoskeleton.
Conclusion
Our results indicated that FSCN2 might serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS of ccRCC and the FSCN1 and FSCN2 can be used as favorable biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes in ccRCC.
Cardiac valvular involvement of Behçet’s disease
Authors: Fu Jiarong , Liu Jinfeng , Li Xiaoming , Tang Lili , Wu Shan , Yu Huimei , Zhang Chun
Published: September 2022

The main objectives of the current study are to investigate valvular abnormality of Behçet’s disease (BD) patients with valvular involvement and find out the risk factors of valvular involvement in BD. We retrospectively assessed the clinical and echocardiographic data in the medical records of 121 patients with BD admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2015 to January 2022. We evaluated the valvular structure and function mainly by echocardiography. A total of 77 BD patients (77/121, 63.64%) had cardiac valvular involvement. Valvular lesions occurred more frequently in males (p = 0.022). Aortic regurgitation (AR) (62/77, 80.52%) was the most common finding and severe AR occupied 80.65% (50/62). The most common manifestations of BD patients with severe AR was aortic valve prolapse (25/50, 50%), followed by echo-free spaces within the aortic annulus (11/50, 22%), vegetation-like lesions (10/50, 20%), and aortic root aneurysm (10/50, 20%). The incidence of paravalvular leaks (PVL) in BD patients was 14.29% (7/49). The maximal diameter of the sinus of Valsalva and proximal ascending aorta, and total cholesterol (TCHO) were the independent risk factors of moderate-severe aortic valvular regurgitation (p < 0.01). Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were significantly associated with moderate-severe mitral valvular regurgitation (p < 0.01). The most common valvular abnormality in BD is AR. Echocardiography has great value in the comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis of valvular involvement in BD patients.
The Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Henan Province: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Han Ruiting , Xie Yang , Zhao Hulei , Li Bin , Yu Xueqing , Wang Minghang , Li Suyun , Li Jiansheng
Published: September 2022

Background
Since 2020, novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed serious threats to health systems and led to tremendous economic decline worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered a promising treatment strategy for COVID-19 in China and is increasingly recognized as a key participant in the battle against COVID-19. Clinicians also need accurate evidence regarding the effectiveness of TCM treatments for COVID-19.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in Henan Province from January 19, 2020, to March 2, 2020. the patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection confirmed assays, demographic characteristics, clinical data, frequency analysis of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), Chinese medicine injections (CMIs), evaluation of nucleic acid negative conversion and length of hospitalization, and mortality rates were collected from the electronic medical records of the hospitals in Henan Province.
Results
We analyzed 1245 cases with complete basic information, and extracted information including Chinese herbal decoction, CPMs, and CMIs combined with conventional Western medicine (CWM) used for the treatment of COVID-19. The top 10 CPMs were Lianhua Qingwen capsules, Shuanghuanglian oral liquid, Pudilan Xiaoyan oral liquid, Banlangen granules, Lanqin oral liquid, compound licorice tablets, Bailing capsules, montmorillonite powder, buckwheat flakes, and Diyushengbai. The most frequently used CMIs were Xuebijing, Tanreqing, Reduning, Xiyanping, Yanhuning, Qingkai Ling, and Shenfu injection. TCM combined with CWM improved the patients’ symptom scores for fever, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Nucleic acid negative conversion occurred at 12.06 ± 5.77 d and the average length of hospitalization was 16.56 ± 5.78 d. The mortality rate was approximately 1.76%, which is a reduction in patient mortality.
Conclusion
TCM combined with CWM improved clinical symptoms and reduced hospitalization and mortality rates.
Corrupción y género: Panorama actual desde el caso colombiano
Authors: Vega Dueñas Lorena Cecilia , Hernández Jiménez Norberto
Published: September 2022

Este trabajo aborda la relación entre corrupción y género, teniendo en cuenta el interés contemporáneo y trasnacional por ahondar en el fenómeno que nace de la fusión entre estas dos categorías, con miras a responder satisfactoriamente en la lucha contra este flagelo, cuyos efectos pueden ser más intensos como consecuencia de los roles de género y la declinación de las mujeres en calidad de víctimas o la asunción de la calidad de victimarias. Con este objetivo, realizamos una reconstrucción teórica que permite esclarecer los conceptos abordados, para desembocar en su aplicación concreta por parte de las organizaciones internacionales, especialmente en el ámbito de su regulación. Todo esto sin perder de vista el marco de las dinámicas locales, con el objetivo de identificar su correspondencia con el contorno global.
Dynamics of precipitation regions of Turkey: A clustering approach by K-means methodology in respect of climate variability
Authors: Kömüşcü Ali Ümran , Turgu Ertan , DeLiberty Tracy
Published: September 2022

Delineation of homogenous precipitation regions can be rather challenging when considerable spatial variability and seasonality of precipitation exist within a large geographic domain. This study aims to investigate and redefine the spatio-temporal variability of precipitation clusters of Turkey by K-means clustering at different time scales. The monthly precipitation of 234 stations for the 1980–2020 period was included. Five precipitation clusters are identified for the 1980–2020 period, while the clusters varied between four and eight and four and six for the 5- and 10-year sub-periods, respectively. The clustering structures exhibited an indication of certain links to the prominent teleconnection patterns. The monthly precipitation correlated more significantly with Arctic Oscillation (AO) in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, while North Atlantic Oscillation correlated better with the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian stations. The variability of the cluster structures is described in association with the coefficient of variation (COV) spatial patterns using the observed station data. At 5- and 10-year subsequent periods, no significant variability in the cluster patterns was observed in the lower COV areas where the monthly precipitation was more uniform throughout the year, while more inter-decadal variability was prominent in the higher COV areas where seasonality in precipitation was more pronounced. Overall, the precipitation regions were not spatially coherent over time, and considerable variability was revealed between different regions of the country.
Assessing the impacts of petrochemical industrial facilities on groundwater in Zubair district
Authors: Yaha Ali Dhafer Abed , Said Md. Azlin Md. , Devi G. Sree Lakshmi , Azamathulla H. M.
Published: September 2022

This study aims to explore the environmental impacts of the solid and liquid wastes of the Petrochemical Industries Complex in the Al-Zubair district (southern Iraq) on the groundwater in the areas surrounding the complex. The waste emerging from the industrial complex is buried in the soil near the factories which has become a major threat to the groundwater of the area. The objectives of the study were to determine the environmental impact of the petrochemical complex and the level of damage caused to neighboring areas as well as to identify the wells most affected by pollution. Field surveys of wells and pollutant disposal sites were conducted in the study area and spatial analysis using the ArcGIS program was used. The results revealed the wells affected by pollution, the type of released pollutants, the extent of their spread and concentration, as well as the factories that produce the most significant percentage of contaminants. Interpretation of spatial information by GIS revealed that liquid chlorine, industrial salts, and ethylene, respectively, had the highest concentrations as pollutants for soil and groundwater, and don't comply with environmental standards. The study also revealed that the chlorine factory, soda, low-density polyethylene granules, and PVC factory are the most polluting factories in the surrounding environment.
COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus: Mutual Interplay of Two Diseases
Authors: Krumpolec Patrik , Kodada Dominik , Nyáriová Nikola , Repiská Vanda , Minárik Gabriel
Published: September 2022

Currently, when the world is fighting against the rapidly spreading pandemic of
COVID-19, the silent epidemic of diabetes should not be set aside. In comparison, while COVID-
19 led to about 6 million deaths in 2021, diabetes caused 6.7 million deaths in the same year. Diabetes
mellitus is a serious risk factor for worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, it
seems that there is a bidirectional relationship between pre-existing diabetes pandemic and the rapidly
spreading COVID-19 pandemic.

:

In this article, we summarize mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infects the host cell and discuss
the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and COVID-19. We also focus on clinical variables
in which diabetic patients differ from non-diabetic patients and which could have promising predictive
value for the course and outcome of diabetic COVID-19 patients’ therapy management.
Pharmacological Perspective of Green Coffee Beans and their Metabolites:
A Review
Authors: Tripathi Shraddha , Mishra Neha , Mishra Neetu
Published: September 2022

Coffee is the most extensively consumed drink in the world. However, in the last few
years, unroasted coffee seeds, popularly known as green coffee beans (GCB), attracted people
due to its health properties. This review covers pharmacological efficacy, mechanism of action
and bioactive components of green coffee beans. It contains a unique set of polyphenolic
compounds, methylxanthines and diterpenes which are responsible for the astringency, flavour,
smell and taste as well as for its health benefits. Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenolic compound, is
the major bioactive compound in coffee beans which contributes most to the medicinal activities
present in it. The finding reveals the effectiveness of green coffee beans in all parameters of
metabolic syndrome by regulating adipokines. It prevents doxorubicin induced cardiomyocyte
cell death and also has antimutagenic activity on the HeLa cell line and PA-1 cell line. Neuroprotective effect of GCB in degenerative disease was achieved by reducing neuroinflammatory
markers TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL-1β (interleukin-1β). Along with these
properties, GCB has shown some potential antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and
sunscreen effects, as it contains a high sun protection factor. The findings from this study
conclude that green coffee beans have shown bizarrely several health benefits, but a large
number of trials and intervention are required to establish its medicinal values.
Nanocarriers Based Ocular Therapeutics: Updates, Challenges and Future
Prospectives
Authors: Nagpal Manju , Kaushal Udesh , Kaur Malkiet , Bhuyan Madhusmita , Gounder Kailasam Periyana
Published: September 2022

Background:

Ocular disorders mainly affect patient’s eyesight and quality of life. Formulation
scientists encounter a hurdle in drug distribution to ocular tissues. Anatomical barriers
(static and dynamic) and physiological barriers, such as nasolacrimal drainage system, blinking
action of eye, and metabolic barriers and efflux pumps, are the principal obstacles to medication
delivery to the posterior and anterior parts. Over the last twenty years, ophthalmic research has
evolved rapidly for the development of innovative, safe, and patient friendly formulations and drug
delivery devices or techniques that may get over these obstacles and sustain drug levels in tissues.

Methods:

Literature from the past ten years has been collected using various search engines, such
as ScienceDirect, J-Gate, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Sci-Hub, etc., and research data have been
compiled according to various novel carrier systems.

Results:

Nanocarriers have been shown to be helpful in overcoming the drawbacks of traditional
ocular dosing forms. Modification of standard topical solutions by both permeability and viscosity
imparters has resulted in breakthroughs in anterior segment medication delivery. Various nanocarriers,
including liposomes, implants, dendrimers, nanosuspensions, nanoparticles, solid lipid
nanocarriers, niosomes and proniosomes have been studied for enhanced penetration and the successful
targeted drug administration to various ocular locations.

Conclusion:

Recently developed nanocarriers for ocular delivery have proved to be cost-effective,
efficacious, safe, and sustained-release carriers, which can be incorporated in suitable dosage
forms.
In this review, the authors have discussed various challenges in ocular drug administration. Various
research reports on advancements in ocular drug delivery based on modified drug delivery
carriers have been analyzed and included. Additionally, marketed formulations and patent literature
on ocular drug delivery have been added as a part to support the review content.
Wetland system for geothermal wastewater management
Authors: Hariyadi Hariyadi
Published: September 2022

The SFS-Wetland model used is the wastewater treatment tank belonging to Pertamina Geothermal Lahendong. Based on the slope of the existing land, it is possible to design twin gravity wetlands of a certain size. This study aimed to develop a Surface Flow System Constructed Wetland design model using Monocaria vaginalis, Salvania molesta and Colocasia esculenta, analyze stakeholder perceptions of the SFS-Wetland Model, and refine this model based on stakeholder perceptions. Stakeholders' perception of the SFS-Wetland model based on a priority scale is that the geothermal waste management system is acceptable and accountable from an environmental perspective, waste management is socially and culturally acceptable, accountable and economically feasible. The components of the SFS-Wetland Model that must be improved are land availability, utilization of other local plant potentials, final geothermal wastewater temperature ranging from 33-35oC, ease of operation/maintenance, and low and environmentally friendly operational costs. The SFS-Wetland model suggested by stakeholders to improve is the existing SFS-Wetland model by taking into account the stakeholders' perceptions of the components that must be improved, namely the expansion of land for wetland ponds as much as 2x8 = 16 pool plots with a size of 35x60m = 33600 M2.
Healthcare preferences of the general Chinese population in the hierarchical medical system: A discrete choice experiment (Preprint)
Authors: Yan Ni , Liu Taoran , Xu Yuan , Fang Xuanbi , Yang Meng , Du Jianhao , Tan Zijian , Fan Er-wen , Huang Jian , Babatunde Akinwunmi , Zhang Casper J.P , Ming Wai-kit , Luo Liangping
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Chinese health insurance system faces resource distribution challenges. A patient-centric approach allows decision-makers to be keenly aware of optimized medical resource allocation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to use the discrete choice model to determine the main factors affecting the healthcare preferences of the general Chinese population and their weights in the three scenarios (chronic non-communicable diseases, acute infectious diseases, and major diseases).

METHODS

This study firstly identified the key factors affecting people's healthcare preferences through literature review and qualitative interviews, and then designed the DCE questionnaire. An online questionnaire produced by Lighthouse Studio (version 9.9.1) software was distributed to voluntary respondents recruited from mainland China’s entire population from January 2021 to June 2021. Participants were required to answer a total of 21 questions of three scenarios in the questionnaire. The multinomial logit model and latent class model were used to analyze the collected data.

RESULTS

A total of 4156 participants from mainland China were included in this study. The multinomial logit and latent class model analyses showed that medical insurance reimbursement is the most important attribute in all three disease scenarios. In the scenario of ‘non-communicable diseases’, the attributes that participants valued were, from the most to the least, medical insurance reimbursement (45.0%), hospital-level (21.6%), distance (14.4%), cost (9.7%), waiting time (8.3%), and care provider (1.0%). As for willingness to pay (WTP), participants were willing to pay 204.5 yuan, or 1743.8 yuan, to change from private hospitals or community hospitals to tertiary hospitals, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study explores the healthcare preferences of Chinese residents from a new perspective, which can provide theoretical reference for the refinement of many disease medical reimbursement policies, such as developing different reimbursement ratios for various common diseases and realizing rational configuration of medical resources.
Influenza-associated excess mortality by age, sex, and subtype/lineage, in a subtropical city in China, 2015-2018: a population-based study with a distributed lag non-linear model (Preprint)
Authors: Yan Ze-Lin , Luo Lei , Liu Wen-Hui , Yang Zhou , Shi Chen , Ming Bo-Wen , Yang Jun , Cao Pei-Hua , Ou Chun-Quan , Li Li
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Accurate estimation of influenza death burden is of great significance for influenza prevention and control. However, few studies have considered the short-term harvesting effects of influenza on mortality when estimating influenza-associated excess deaths by cause of death, age, sex, subtype/lineage.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate cause-, age- and sex-specific excess mortality associated with influenza and its subtypes/lineages in Guangzhou from 2015 to 2018.

METHODS

Distributed lag non-linear models were fitted to estimate the excess mortality related to influenza subtypes/lineages for different causes of death, age groups, and sex based on the daily time-series data on mortality, influenza, and meteorological factors.

RESULTS

A total of 199.8 thousand death certificates were included in the study. The average annual influenza-associated excess mortality rate (EMR) was 25.06 (95% empirical confidence interval [eCI], 19.85–30.16) per 100,000 persons, among which 81.2% were due to respiratory and cardiovascular (R&C) mortality (EMR: 20.36 [95% eCI:16.75–23.74]). Excess R&C deaths in people aged 60–79 years and those aged ≥80 accounted for 32.9% and 63.7%, respectively. The average annual excess R&C mortality rates attributed to influenza A(H3N2), B/Yamagata, B/Victoria, and A(H1N1) were 8.47 (95% eCI:6.60–10.30), 5.81 (95% eCI:3.35–8.25), 6.21 (95% eCI:2.31–9.97), and 0.07 (95% eCI:-5.57–5.70), respectfully. The male-to-female ratio of excess death from respiratory diseases was 1.34 (95% CI:1.17–1.54), while the ratio for cardiovascular diseases was 0.72 (95% CI:0.63–0.82). The mortality displacement of influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Yamagata was 2–5 days, but 5–13 days for B/Victoria.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the mortality burden of influenza B cannot be ignored. Including influenza A subtypes and B lineages in active surveillance and vaccination with quadrivalent vaccines would help to curb the mortality burden of influenza. The mechanisms of sex differences in influenza-associated mortality warrant further investigation. Our findings will help to better understand the magnitude and time-course of the effects of influenza on mortality.
TOTALITARNA DRŽAVA I INTELEKTUALCI
Authors: Kovacevic Braco
Published: September 2022

Istorijski posmatrano, položaj intelektualaca je uvijek bio težak i nikad sasvim zadovoljavajući. S obzirom da se autentični orijentisani intelektualci nalaze na jednom višem etičkom i vrijednosnom nivou sa kojeg kritički rasuđuju o društvu i svijetu u kojem žive, oni su često žrtve državnog i političkog proganjanja. Kao vještina vladanja, politika nastoji da ukloni intelektualnu kritičku svijest, i da intelektualce potčini i konformira. Ipak, autentični intelektualci se suprostavljaju represivnoj politici. To se moglo vidjeti u totalitarnim državama, kao i bivšoj Socijalističkoj Federativnoj Republici Jugoslaviji, ali to se vidi i danas u tzv. demokratskoj državi Bosni i Hercegovini. Demokratija se urušava represijom i totalitarnim intencijama.
BRENDIRANJE DRŽAVE I ZAŠTO BI SRBIJA MORALA DA NAPRAVI PROGRAM SOPSTVENOG BRENDIRANJA
Authors: Peric Nenad
Published: September 2022

Rad se bavi konceptom brendiranja države kao jednim od najznačajnijih za razvoj istih, bez obzira na početni stepen njihovog razvoja. U uvodnom delu prikazuju se različiti benefiti brendiranja država, kao i osnovni koraci i koncepti koji se koriste u ovom procesu. U središnjem delu rada se analizira sadašnja, odnosno početna pozicija Srbije koja je takva zato što ne postoji zvanična državna strategija ili politika koja se ovime bavi, a dva pokušaja, koja su se desila još u drugoj polovini pretprošle decenije, su se neslavno završili. Potom rad daje model-predlog koncepta za brendiranje Srbije, koji u obzir uzima sveukupno stanje u našoj zemlji, društvene i političke prilike, te probleme organizacije kompleksnih koncepata na državnom nivou. Rad zaključuje sa premisom da se taj proces mora započeti, koliko god da je zahtevan i komplikovan.
KNjIŽEVNO-TEOLOŠKA REČ PATRIJARHA SRPSKOG PAVLA
Authors: Janjic Jovan
Published: September 2022

Reč velikih ljudi, onih ljudi koji reč svoju ovaploćuju u delo od sveljudskog značaja, prevazilazi jezičke barijere. Takva reč se traži, u ljudskoj težnji za otkrivanjem tajni i za proširivanjem vidika (sa)znanja. Jedan od ljudi iz našeg vremena čija reč se traži, iz čije reči se uči, jeste srpski duhovni poglavar s razmeđa drugog i trećeg milenijuma, patrijarh Pavle (1914-2009). Patrijarh srpski Pavle od svojih savremenika prepoznavan i predstavljan je kao sveti čovek („svetac koji hoda“). I sami pojedini poglavari drugih crkava i verskih zajednica u svetu govorili su da je on najveći duhovnik svoga vremena. Kao takav čovek, on je, životom, rečju i delom svojim, skretao pažnju javnosti, ne samo u sopstvenom narodu, nego i u drugim narodima. Na povećano interesovanje za reč patrijarha Pavla uticalo je i to što se on našao na čelu Srpske pravoslavne crkve u teškim društvenim prilikama, u vreme građanskih ratova na području bivše SFR Jugoslavije i inostrane (NATO) agresije na srpski narod, odnosno na Republiku Srpsku i SR Jugoslaviju (Srbiju i Crnu Goru). Pogled patrijarha Pavla na život čoveka i naroda, kao i njegov odnos prema događajima koji su se zbivali u vremenu u kojem se našao, bili su povod da mnogi mediji iz sveta zatraže i sačine intervju sa njim.
Sama ličnost, odnosno životni put koji je prošao patrijarh Pavle, s obzirom na duhovne domete koje je dostigao, izazivali su pažnju javnosti. Zato će još za vreme njegovog života otpočeti pisanje i prevođenje knjiga u kojima se predočava njegov život i njegova reč. Nastaviće se to pogotovo posle njegove smrti.