bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student Evaluations of Teaching Do Not Reflect Student Learning: An Observational Study
Authors: Gilbert Robert O , Gilbert Dave R
Published: May 2024

Background: Student Evaluations of Teaching (SET) are routinely utilized in the assessment of university faculty for purposes of hiring, promotion, tenure, and merit-based salary increases. Despite their ubiquity, much evidence exists that they are biased, amongst other factors by expected and received student grades. To our knowledge, this issue has not been examined in veterinary education. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the combination of higher grades and more favorable student evaluations might reflect enhanced learning. Our study evaluates the relationship between (A) student evaluations of courses in a veterinary curriculum, (B) grades earned in those courses, and (C) independent measures of learning in those subjects.
Methods: The Veterinary Educational Assessment (VEA) is an independent, external exam in basic sciences subjects administered by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment and is taken by Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) students in their fifth semester of study. It offers an external means of measuring student learning in specific subjects and relating them to course evaluations. RUSVM has three terms each year with three separate intakes of students. Course evaluations and student grades were recorded for courses from fall 2018 to summer 2022, spanning 12 cohorts of students, and 152 individual courses. Courses were aligned to the relevant section of the VEA taken by each cohort. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated.
Results: Mean course evaluations were significantly positively correlated to median grade in the course (rho = 0.33, P < 0.0001) and the proportion of students earning A-grades (rho = 0.35, P < 0.0001). The relationship between course evaluation and relevant VEA score was negative (rho = -0.18, P = 0.027), indicating that students judged courses favorably when higher grades were expected without necessarily learning more from those courses.
Conclusions: We confirmed the well-known relationship between SET and student grades but, for the first time in veterinary medicine, describe a small but negative relationship between SET and an independent measure of learning. SET should be interpreted with caution; their use for evaluation of teachers may have unintended consequences including reduced expectations for student achievement.
Evolution of renal function in living renal donors, five-year follow-up of patients operated in the same institution
Authors: Medina-Toscano Felipe Jesus , González-Espinosa Eduardo , González-Ojeda Alejandro , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino , Cervantes-Pérez Enrique , Ramírez-Ochoa Sol , Álvarez-Villaseñor Andrea Socorro , Cortés-Flores Ana Olivia , Chavez-Tostado Mariana , Vázquez-Sánchez Sergio Jiram , Delgado-Hernandez Gonzalo , Tavares-Ortega Jaime Alberto , Jasso-García Isaac , Muñoz Samantha Emily González , Ramirez-Velazquez Alejandro , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a pathology with an increase in its prevalence during the last years. Renal transplantation offers a greater survival advantage for patients with end-stage renal disease. Main long-term conditions for kidney donors, as well as their renal function and the development of renal failure is yet to be studied.
Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2012 of living renal donors who participated in the renal transplant program of the Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social who were > 18 years of age and who complied with follow-up for 5 years.
Results: 302 living donor nephrectomies were performed, a total of 78 patients were included. The estimated mean baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured in 24-hour urine prior to donation was 120.7 ± 25.82 ml/min/1.73m2, showing a considerable decrease in the first 3 months with an average of 77.9 ± 17.58 ml/min/1.73m2 which represents a decrease of 35.4% with respect to baseline.
Conclusions: There is a significant decrease in renal function in living donors during the first months after nephrectomy, but this improves with evolution, although without returning to pre-donation levels.
Acquisition and validation of four painful subtypes of colon adenocarcinoma and prognostic analysis
Authors: Yao Daoke , Lv Lulu , Xu Yaowei , Li Zhisong
Published: May 2024

Background:
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the most common type of colorectal cancer. Pain is a multidimensional unpleasant experience and various molecular and cellular pathways are implicated in pain signaling. Nevertheless, the exploration of pain-related genes related to colon adenocarcinoma is not clear yet.
Methods:
In this study, the pathways enriched for pain-related genes were analyzed by Metascape. Then, we obtained pain subtypes versus classical subtypes and explored the link between the two. Next, marker genes for different pain subtypes were identified, the enrichment pathways were explored and these marker genes were used to validate the pain subtypes. We then performed an investigation of survival differences between pain subtypes by selecting specific top pathways in each subtype, calculating top pathway scores, and calculating pathway differences by heatmap and Kruskal test. Finally, we predicted the response of different pain subtypes to immunotherapy.
Results:
A total of 146 pain-related genes were enrolled in this study and we finally obtained 4 painful subtypes and 4 stable subtypes. The marker genes for subtypes were validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and found to have a worse prognosis for CS1. The genes of CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS4 markers were mainly enriched in the pathways of Focal adhesion, Human T cell leukemia virus1 infection, Metabolic pathway, and Pertussis, respectively. CS1 and CS4 are more immunogenic. Moreover, CS1 is more sensitive to treatment with CTLA4 inhibitors, CS4 is sensitive to treatment with PD-1 inhibitors.
Conclusions:
Our study's identification of four pain subtypes of COAD provides new ideas for personalised therapy for patients with COAD.
The clinical efficacy of 4℃ stored platelet: a randomized controlled feasibility trial conducted in surgical patients with related bleeding
Authors: Sun Yang , Niu Jiameng , Xing Lili , Ma Ting , Yan Shengli , Du Gongliang , Li Xuewen , Wang Yaqin , Li Hengxin , Guo Kangshe , Wang Liqin , Chen Ping , Wang Wenhua , Song Aowei , Xie Xinxin , Yang Yingqun , Shen Yuan , Yang Jiangcun
Published: May 2024

Background
Platelets play an important role in acute bleeding.Whether 4℃cold stored platelets (CSPs) can be an effective substitute for platelets at room temperature (RTPs) is rarely reported, we carried out the clinical application observation trial of CSPs in China for the first time.
Method
A prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on surgical patients with related bleedingto assess the hemostatic potential of CSPs compared with RTPs. The primary outcomes measured were drainage volume, platelet counts, and Thrombelastography-maximum amplitude. Secondary outcomes included hospital stays, length of stay in the intensive care unit, medical expenses.
Results
A total of 62 patients were completed the final clinical observation. There were 31 cases ineach of the CSPs group and RTPs group. With in 1–12 hours, 13–24 hours, 25–48 hours, and 49–72 hours after platelet transfusion, drainage volume: 8.5ml/h vs 20.83ml/h ,0.52ml/h vs 5.0ml/h, 3.5ml/h vs 5.0ml/h, 0.63ml/h vs 4.1ml/h. platelet counts:58×109/L vs 79×109/L, 54×109/Lvs77×109/L,63×109/L vs 75×109/L, 66×109/Lvs79×109/L. TEG-MA: 50.1mm vs 52.0mm ,50.1mm vs 54.8mm, 53.0mm vs 56.6, 56.0mm vs 53.2mm.There was no overall difference between the two groups by Generalized estimation equation at different times (Pdrainage=0.933,PPLT counts=0.473,PTEG−MA=0.246). The secondary outcomes (hospital stay, ICU stay time, medical cost, discharge outcome) were no difference between the CSPs group and RTPs group (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in adverse platelet transfusion events between the groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
CSPs and RTP have equivalent efficacy and safety in the treatment of surgery-related bleeding. This trial provides reliable evidence to support the clinical application of CSPs.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000036353;Principal investigator's name: Jiangcun Yang. Date of registration: 22/08/2020.
Enteral supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis Bb-12 modulates gut microbiome and improves intestinal barrier in very preterm infants: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Xu Jinglin , Li Huamei , Fu Chunyan , Wang He , Liu Zhiyong , Lin Weihua , Chen Dongmei
Published: May 2024

Purpose
How probiotic supplementation initiates an effective prophylactic measure for modulating the colonization and development of gut microbiota and preventing necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis in very preterm infants remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of early enteral supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis Bb-12 on the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier function in very preterm infants.
Methods
Seventy-one very premature infants were randomized into observation and control groups. After enteral feeding, the observation and control groups received oral B. animalis BB-12 and 5% glucose (injection), respectively. On days 14 and 28 after birth, the gut microbiome, serum Zonulin protein, and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels were compared between both groups.
Results
The relative abundance of Actinomycetes and Bifidobacterium in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group on day 14 after birth (14.38% vs. 1.78%, P = 0.001; 13.95% vs. 1.24%, P = 0.000). Diversity analysis showed that the Chao value of the observation group was higher than that of the control group on day 28 (P = 0.038). The weighted UniFrac values of beta-diversity analysis on days 14 and 28 were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P = 0.000). Furthermore, serum Zonulin and FC levels were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group on days 14 and 28 (P = 0.000).
Conclusion
Enteral supplementation with B. animalis Bb-12 can modulate the gut microbiome, affect serum Zonulin and FC levels, and improve the intestinal barrier in very preterm infants.
Unveiling Blastocystis epidemiology in Morocco: subtype diversity among clinical patients with and without gastrointestinal manifestations in the Meknes region
Authors: Boutahar Mounia , Belaouni Mourad , Ibrahimi Azeddine , Eljaoudi Rachid , Aanniz Tarik , Er-rami Mohamed , Köster Pamela C. , Dashti Alejandro , Carmena David
Published: May 2024

Blastocystis is an intestinal protist frequently identified in humans and other animals. Its clinical significance is still controversial. This study aims to determine the Blastocystis prevalence and genetic diversity in stool samples from symptomatic (n = 55) and asymptomatic (n= 50) individuals seeking medical care in Meknes, Morocco.
Detection of the protist was accomplished by coproparasitological examination and culture in Jones medium. Culture-positive samples were subjected to molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) analyses based on sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of the protist. Epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating patients.
The overall Blastocystisinfection rate was 51.4% (54/105), with no differences between symptomatic (52.7%, 29/55) and asymptomatic (50.0%, 25/50) individuals. Sequence analyses identified three Blastocystissubtypes, being the most prevalent ST3 (42.0%), followed by ST1 (34.0%), and ST2 (12.0%). Regarding intra-subtype diversity, allele 4 was found within ST1, alleles 11 and 12 (alone or in combination) within ST2, and alleles 34 and 36 (alone or in combination) within ST3. ST3 allele 34 (40.8%) and ST1 allele 4 (34.7%) were the most common genetic variants circulating in the surveyed clinical population.
A statistically significant association between ST2 and the presence of flatulence was observed. This is the first study assessing the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in the Meknes region, Morocco.
Effect of Surface Dissolution on the Floatability of Brucite in Three Anionic Collector Systems
Authors: Gong Xiufeng , Yao Jin , Yin Wanzhong , Yang Bin , Wang Yulian
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the relation between the solubility and floatability of the soluble mineral brucite, focusing on the concentration characteristics of dissolved Mg2+ in brucite under three dissolution methods and the surface characteristics after dissolution. Some common rules of brucite flotation in three anionic collectors were discovered. Results of a flotation test showed that for three anionic collector systems of sodium oleate, sodium dodecyl sulfonate, and oxidized paraffin soap, the flotation recovery rate of brucite, increased with the time of dissolution and decreased with the removal of dissolved Mg2+, but the flotation recovery rate is lower than that of untreated brucite. Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy indicated that the content of dissolved Mg2+ in brucite slurry increases with increasing brucite content or dissolution time. Zeta potential measurements showed that the ability of dissolved Mg2+ to increase the surface potential of brucite follows the order of H2SO4 action > HCl action > H2O action. Adsorption capacity measurements showed that the presence of dissolved Mg2+ after dissolution is not beneficial for the adsorption of the three collectors on the surface of brucite. The capacity of the adsorption collectors follows the order of brucite after H2O dissolution > brucite after HCl dissolution > brucite after H2SO4 dissolution. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicated that the surface dissolution promoted the dissolution of Mg2+ on brucite surface in the solution, reducing the number of Mg sites on brucite surface and deteriorating the collection effect of the collector.
A Metabolic Fingerprint of Ovarian Cancer: A Novel Diagnostic Strategy Employing Plasma Exosome-Based Metabolomics and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Long Fei , Pu XingYu , Wang Xin , Ma DongXue , Gao ShanHu , Shi Jun , Zhong XiaoCui , Ran Rui , Wang LianLian , Chen Zhu , Yang Yang , Cannon Richard D , Han Ting-Li
Published: May 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common malignant tumor of women and is accompanied by an alteration of systemic metabolism. A liquid biopsy that captures and detects tumor-related biomarkers in body fluids has great potential for OC diagnosis. Exosomes, nanosized extracellular vesicles found in the blood, have been proposed as promising biomarkers for liquid biopsies. In this study we recruited 37 OC patients, 22 benign ovarian tumor (BE) patients, and 46 control (CON) patients. Plasma exosomes were purified from blood samples and sensitive thermal separation probe-based mass spectrometry analysis using a global untargeted metabolic profiling strategy was employed to characterize the metabolite fingerprints. Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) analysis demonstrated a distinct separation of exosomes among the three groups. We screened for diagnostic biomarkers from plasma exosome metabolites using seven machine learning algorithms, including artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), K nearest neighbor (KNN), logistics regression (LR), Naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM). DT (0.98), RF (0.92), and ANN (0.89) were given the highest AUC values for the OC-CON comparison. RF (0.93), NB (0.88), and SVM (0.81) were given the highest AUCs for the OC-BE comparison. A total of 18, 138, and 157 metabolic features exhibited significant differences (FC= 1.5, p < 0.01, q < 0.01) in the OC vs BE, BE vs CON, and OC vs CON, comparisons, respectively. Notably, the quantities of 9-octadecenamide and 1,4-methanobenzocyclodecene were significantly elevated, while maltol showed a significant reduction in the OC group compared to the BE group. When comparing the OC group to the CON group, the concentrations of 4-amino-furazan-3-carboxylic acid 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, N-phenylethyl, and 4-morpholineethanamine were significantly elevated, while the remaining metabolites, including hydrazine and pyridine sulfonamide, were reduced, in the OC group. The metabolites showing different abundancies are associated with cancer-related mutations, immune responses, and metabolic reprogramming. We demonstrate that the RF algorithm, combined with sensitive thermal separation probe-based mass spectrometry analysis of plasma exosomes, can effectively identify OC patients with good accuracy. Thus, our study has shortlisted a set of potential biomarkers in plasma exosomes, and the proposed approach could serve as a routine prescreening tool for ovarian cancer.
A comparative Cross-Sectional Study on Amblyopia and its relationship with Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Asad Saeed Muhammad , Ayub Fareeha Ayub , Aziz Amtul Aziz
Published: May 2024

Background: Amblyopia affects approximately 1.75 percent of the world's population. Atrophic alterations in the lateral geniculate nucleus have been observed in amblyopic eyes, leading to the hypothesis that RNFL thickening is caused by a limitation of normal postnatal ganglionic cell reduction. To determine and compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in all type of amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi over six months. Data were collected from 70 patients (140 eyes) using clinical structured Performa. RNFL thickness was measured using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). All the amblyopic patients were included in this study. A One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test were applied to compare the RNFL thickness between different types of amblyopia and compare it with the non-amblyopic eyes.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 10.20±2.811 ranging from 5 to 16 years. The mean thickness of RNFL globally in strabismus amblyopia was 108.1±14.1 whereas 108.1±10.1 micrometers, and there is no statistical mean difference between thickness with a p-value > 0.05. The mean value of RNFL thickness in anisometropia amblyopia for nasal, temporal, supra-temporal, supra-nasal, inferonasal, inferotemporal quadrants and for globally is 85.82±20.7, 75.67±14.5, 135.38±16.4, 121.05±30.2, 126.18±28.5, 143.92±17.1 and 105.74±11.1 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference found between the thickness of different types of amblyopia
Conclusion: There is no significant difference in RNFL thickness between different types of amblyopia. Similarly, there is no significant difference in the thickness of RNFL in amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes as well. So RNFL thickness is not affected in children due to amblyopia.
Refraction With and Without Cycloplegia in 10 to 16 Years Old Children – A Comparative Study
Authors: K.M. Hafsa , Perumbally Hafees Abdullah , Mathew Cyril
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Accommodation interferes with accurate measurement of refractive errors especially in children. This study compares automated refraction with and without cycloplegia and manual objective refraction to the final acceptance in children.
Objectives:
· To determine the concordance of refractive error, determined by automated refraction with and without cycloplegia and manual refraction method.
· To compare the values obtained by automated refraction with and without cycloplegia.
Methods:
Prospective cross sectional observational study in children aged between 10 to 16 years. After evaluation of the visual acuity with Snellen’s chart, non-cycloplegic automated refraction was taken. After adequate cycloplegia, automated refraction as well as retinoscopic refraction was done followed by post cycloplegic final acceptance. The spherical and cylindrical error as well as the spherical equivalent of non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic automated refraction and manual refraction were compared to the final acceptance. Analysis was done using SPSS software.
Results:
The study had 37 myopes and 23 hyperopes and revealed that in hyperopes, spherical error by non-cycloplegic automated refraction did not correlate with manual retinoscopic refraction or final acceptance whereas in myopes, non-cycloplegic automated refraction was reliable. But cycloplegic automated refraction correlated well to both retinoscopic refraction and final acceptance in both myopes and hyperopes. Study also revealed a significant difference between non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction in hyperopes.
Conclusion:
Cycloplegic automated refraction is as reliable as retinoscopy in both myopes and hyperopes whereas non-cycloplegic automated refraction alone should not be used to prescribe glasses in children. Retinoscopy gives the best measurements amongst all the three.
Chemokine receptor 1 pathway mediagtes the progression of airway inflammation in a smoking-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mouse model
Authors: Zhao Kaishun , Dong Ran , Wei Wei , Ju Suzhen , Tu Chunlin , Yu Yanfang
Published: May 2024

To investigate the role of chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) and mechanisms underlying airway inflammation in smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we established a mouse model of smoking-induced COPD. Pathological changes in the bronchial mucosa were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, CCR1 expression and cell apoptosis were detected via immunofluorescence and TUNEL, and the expression of the CCR1 downstream pathway was detected via real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. The expression of the chemokine MIP-1β and the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The bronchial mucosa of the COPD model mice transfected with the vector showed apoptosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, airway remodeling, and emphysema. Furthermore, the COPD model mice exhibited significantly increased CCR1 signaling and chemokine concentrations, which were further aggravated by overexpressed-CCR1 lentiviral transfection but inhibited by shRNA-CCR1 lentiviral transfection or BX471 pretreatment. These results, combined with our previous findings, elucidate the role of and mechanisms underlying CCR1 signaling in the progression of COPD, both in vivo and in vitro. This study has the potential to provide theoretical evidence for the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in COPD patients.
Machine learning based prediction of kidney function deterioration in infective endocarditis
Authors: Kang Min Woo , Kang Yoonjin
Published: May 2024

Background: Acute kidney injury in infective endocarditis presents significant management challenges in intensive care unit (ICU). We explored the role of mean blood pressure(MBP) at the time of ICU admission predicting kidney function outcomes in endocarditis patients using deep learning model, Generative Adversarial Nets for inference of Individualized Treatment Effects (GANITE).
Methods: This study utilized data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Patients with infective endocarditis admitted to intensive care unit were included in this study. A machine learning model was developed to predict the kidney function deterioration. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to understand how variables affect kidney function. Moreover, the GANITE model, a causal inference deep learning model, was used to determine the effect of blood pressure to kidney function.
Results. A total of 484 patients were included in the analysis, among whom 85(17.6%) experienced kidney deterioration. Light gradient boosting machine, extreme gradient boosting, and the ensemble model showed area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.790, 0.772, and 0.785, respectively, on the test data, all achieving an accuracy of 0.828. SHAP value plots revealed that higher blood pressure predicted a lower likelihood of kidney deterioration. Analysis using the GANITE model revealed that maintaining MBP≥65mmHg resulted in a decrease in the probability of kidney deterioration by 12.9%.
Conclusions: In patients with infective endocarditis in ICU, the maintenance of MBP≥65mmHg prevented the future kidney function deterioration after ICU admission.
Awareness on Covid-19 Waste Management Among Health Care Professionals: a Case Study in Dhaka City
Authors: AFROZ TURIN
Published: May 2024

The research was conducted on awareness of COVID-19 waste management among health care workers. The study aimed to figure out existing scenario of COVID-19 waste segregation practice and developed awareness of highly contagious COVID-19 waste among waste dealing workers. A descriptive type of cross sectional study were performed through simple random sampling technique among health care professionals. The study revealed that all had knowledge about adverse effects of biomedical waste ,only 38% used PPE where 86% received training on that.82% received training on COVID-19 waste management but only 42% segregated COVID-19 waste in workplace .Moreover ,53.94% respondents mixed COVID − 19 waste with normal waste. The prevalence of COVID-19 was 1.92 times greater in trained worker than in non-trained worker due to their poor waste segregation practice. For that reason, Health care worker had 2.05 times higher likelihood of having the disease compared to the untrained worker during first two month of their infection. It is high time to change their practice.Finally the research will be helpful in planning and allocation of health resources. More awareness should be developed among health care worker.
Normative Computed Tomography Angiography Values of the Aortic Root, Aorta and Aortic arch in Children
Authors: Donthula Rakesh , Li Wen , Duvvada Archita , Dyer Dan , Uppu Santosh C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Normative values for intracardiac and extracardiac vascular structures help in understanding normal growth and changes over time in children; this normative data are not currently available for ECG-gated Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). We sought to establish ECG-gated CTA derived normative values for the aortic root, aorta and aortic arch in children.
Methods and Results
Aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta were measured in systole and diastole in 100 subjects who had ECG-gated CTA at our center between January 2015 through December 2020 and met our inclusion criteria. The allometric exponent (AE) for each parameter was derived, and the parameter/body surface areaAE (BSAAE) was established using the previously described methods. Using this data, normalized mean, cross-sectional area, and standard deviation were calculated. Z-score curves were plotted in relation to the BSA for all measurements.
Conclusion
Our study reports systolic and diastolic ECG-gated CTA Z-scores along with normative curves in relation to BSA for the aortic root, aorta and aortic arch in children.
Efficiency analysis for the application of blind signal separation methods to counter interference radiation from electric propulsions in space communication systems
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), Tyapkin Pavel S. , Vazhenin Nikolay A. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), Plokhikh Andrey P. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI)
Published: May 2024

The article considers the use of blind signal separation algorithms to improve interference immunity of the satellite communication channel with octal phase shift keying as applied to the interference, that is caused by the operation of stationary plasma thrusters (SPT), and represents one of the varieties of electric propulsion [1]. During the study, a simulation model of communication channel with an additional channel for receiving interference from SPT was developed. While modeling, some pulsed noise-like signals, formed as a result of SPT operation, were considered as interference in the communication channel. The blind signal separation algorithm ncFastICA used in the study is based on the method of independent component analysis. The main task of the modeling was to verify the applicability of blind signal separation methods to counter the interference from SPT in the communication channel. The simulation results proved the possibility of efficient use of blind signal separation algorithms to counter SPT interference. Application of the considered algorithm allows achieving a gain in bit error rate by two and more orders of magnitude. Thus, one of the worst cases of signal reception was considered: the gain from the use of the ncFastICA algorithm is achieved when the bit signal-to- noise ratio is more than 10 dB and when the interference-to-signal ratio in the signal-receiving channel is 10 dB and in the interference receiving channel from the SPT is 30 dB.
Faraday effect in an alternating magnetic field: a mathematical model
Authors:   Yu.А. Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, Shvachko Alexander A. , Matyushkin Vladislav V ,   Yu.А. Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov
Published: May 2024

When creating magnetic focusing systems, for example, for traveling wave lamps, there are known problems associated with the need to adjust the electron flow moving in a given direction along the axis of the device, that is, to align its axis with the magnetic axis of the focusing system. The ideal adjustment of the device is very difficult to achieve due to many influencing factors, therefore, it becomes necessary to create automated complexes for simulating the alignment of the electron beam in the magnetic field formation system for focusing systems. The alignment problems can be solved using magneto-optical methods, since it is known that when exposed to a magnetic field, the light exhibits a number of similar properties (reaction). The aim of the work is to create a mathematical model for the passage of a light beam through an alternating magnetic system based on the Faraday effect. As a result, a mathematical model has been obtained, that should allow modeling the change in the plane of light polarization during the passage (movement of the magneto-optical sensor) along the axis of the magnetic system. The simulation of the passage of light according to the Faraday effect through a magnetic system of one and five magnets is considered.
Test-Retest Reliability of the Political Elites Aversive Personality Scale (PEAPS)
Authors: Maier Jürgen , Oschatz Corinna , Dian Mona , Zettler Ingo
Published: May 2024

Although aversive (“dark”) personality characteristics of politicians have increasingly become a focus of research, a suitable self-assessment inventory for political elites has only recently been introduced. This article examines the test-retest reliability of the Political Elites Aversive Personality Scale (PEAPS) in a unique natural setting using a panel study of candidates running for the 2021 Berlin state election and the 2023 Berlin repeated election (N = 106, 37.7% female). The average age was 47.5 (2021) and 49.5 years (2023), respectively (SD = 14.7 years). 14.2% of the participants ran for the Green Party (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), 11.3% for the Liberal Party (FDP), 8.5% for the Social Democrats (SPD), 7.5% for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), 6.6% for the Christian Democrats (CDU), 4.7% for the Left Party (Die Linke), and 48.1% for smaller parties not represented in the parliament. Across various methods, we find moderate to high levels of reliability. Especially in the light of the relatively long time lag between the measurement occasions, results thus support using PEAPS for self-assessment of aversive personality of politicians. Given that PEAPS comprises six items only, it appears to be suitable for measuring aversive personality in situations in which time or cost prevent the use of more comprehensive personality measures. We also suggest that future research might aim to test the usefulness of PEAPS for other elites (e.g., corporate leaders).
Curcumin Nanogel Preparations: A Promising Alternative for Psoriasis Treatment
Authors: Ahmad Asad , Akhtar Juber , Ahmad Mohammad , Islam Anas , Badruddeen  , Khan Mohammad Irfan , Siddiqui Shaiber , Srivastava Akash
Published: May 2024

:

Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma
longa, commonly known as turmeric. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is gaining increasing
attention in modern medicine owing to its potential therapeutic benefits. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory
disease characterized by red scaly patches on the skin. Curcumin has been found to be effective in treating
psoriasis by inhibiting the activity of various enzymes and proteins involved in the inflammation and proliferation
of psoriatic skin cells. Nanogel preparation of curcumin has been found to be a promising approach for
the delivery of compounds to treat psoriasis. Nanogels are composed of biocompatible and biodegradable
crosslinked hydrogels. The nanogel formulation of curcumin increases its solubility, stability, and bioavailability,
indicating that a lower dose is needed to achieve the same therapeutic effect. This review article suggests
that the nanogel preparation of curcumin can be a better alternative for psoriasis treatment as it increases the
bioavailability and stability of curcumin and also reduces the required dosage. This study suggests that curcumin
nanogel preparations are promising alternatives to traditional psoriasis treatments and could potentially be
used as a more effective and safe treatment option. This article highlights the need for further research to fully
understand the potential of curcumin nanogel preparations for psoriasis treatment in humans.
Evaluation of HIV and Syphilis Co-infected Cases, Data from a University
Hospital
Authors: Kömür Süheyla , Ertürk Damla , Sevdimbaş Sezin , Kuşcu Ferit , İnal Ayşe Seza , Kurtaran Behice , Candevir Aslıhan , Taşova Yeşim
Published: May 2024

Background:

HIV and syphilis are sexually transmitted infections with overlapping
risk factors, potentially leading to increased HIV transmission and treatment challenges. Understanding
the clinical management of syphilis co-infection among people living with HIV is crucial
for public health interventions.

Objective:

This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the prevalence of syphilis co-infection,
clinical characteristics, treatment response, and public health implications among people living
with HIV in southern Turkey

Methods:

Records of 1352 people living with HIV 18 years and older, followed at a tertiary infectious
diseases clinic between 2013 and 2023, were analyzed. Data on demographics, clinical stage
of syphilis and HIV/AIDS, laboratory parameters, treatment response, and co-infections were collected.
Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0 software.

Results:

Among the people living with HIV, 103 (7.6%) were diagnosed with syphilis. Most cases
were male (97.1%), with a median age of 33 (IQR 28-49) years. Heterosexual transmission was
predominant (60.2%), with a history of condomless sexual intercourse in 90.3% of cases. The majority
(88.3%) were asymptomatic with latent syphilis. Syphilis was diagnosed concurrently with
HIV in 77.7% of cases. Serological response to syphilis treatment was observed in 46.8% of patients,
while 53.2% showed a serofast reaction. Neurosyphilis was rare, diagnosed in only one patient.
Co-infections with hepatitis B and C were detected in 3.9% and 1.9% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

Syphilis co-infection among people living with HIV is a significant public health
concern in southern Turkey. Routine screening for syphilis, along with comprehensive education
on sexually transmitted infection prevention, is essential for early detection and optimal management.
Further research is needed to improve treatment outcomes and address emerging challenges
in HIV-syphilis co-infection management.
Imaging Diagnosis of Retroperitoneal Müllerian Duct-derived Cyst Complicated
by Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report
Authors: Tang Fuqiang , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2024

Background::

This case report describes a case of Müllerian duct cyst that occurred in a male retroperitoneum. The cyst lesion is rare and complicated with
diaphragmatic hernia. Müllerian duct-derived cyst is a rare developmental disorder that is more common in male pelvic tissues and rare in the
retroperitoneum. We investigated the important role of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative
diagnosis and disease prediction of this condition

Case Presentation::

A 25-year-old male was found to have an abnormal occupying lesion in the left diaphragm in imaging examinations, usually healthy with no
obvious clinical symptoms. X-ray examination showed a circular, high-density shadow near the left diaphragm. CT scan showed a soft tissue
density shadow resembling a tumor in the left adrenal area, irregularly protruding into the chest cavity, with uneven density. MRI examination
showed an irregular elongated T1 and T2 signal shadow in the left adrenal area. T2 fat suppression showed high signal intensity with unrestricted
diffusion. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery showed left retroperitoneal tumor resection. The patient recovered well postoperatively and had no
recurrence after discharge follow-up.

Conclusion::

The preclinical symptoms of retroperitoneal Müllerian cysts complicated by diaphragmatic hernia in young men are difficult to distinguish, and it
is difficult to diagnose other similar cysts with imaging. The method of combined CT and MRI diagnosis guides the endoscopic robot-assisted
minimally invasive surgery for excision of cysts to achieve accurate diagnosis and treatment of such diseases.
In vitro and In vivo Biological Activity of Two Aryloxy-naphthoquinones in Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Strains
Authors: Vázquez Karina , Moreno-Rodríguez Adriana , Domínguez-Díaz Luis R. , Bertrand Jeanluc , Salas Cristian O. , Rivera Gildardo , Cervera Yobana Pérez , Bocanegra-García Virgilio
Published: May 2024

Background:

Chagas disease, a condition caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an endemic
disease in Latin American countries that affects approximately eight million people worldwide. It is
a continuing public health problem. As nifurtimox and benznidazole are the two pharmacological
treatments currently used to treat it, the present research proposes new therapeutic alternatives.
Previous studies conducted on naphthoquinone derivatives have found interesting trypanocidal
effects on epimastigotes, with the molecules 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (IC50= 50 nM and SI <
250) and 2-(3-nitrophenoxy)-naphthalene-1,4-dione (IC50= 20 nM and SI=625) presenting the best
biological activity.

Methods:

The present study evaluated the efficacy of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of two
aryloxyquinones, 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (1) and 2-(3-nitrophenoxy)-naphthalene-1,4-
dione (2), against two Mexican T. cruzi strains in both their epimastigote and blood Trypomastigote
stage. Both compounds were evaluated against T. cruzi using a mouse model (CD1) infected with
Mexican isolates of T. cruzi, nifurtimox and benznidazole used as control drugs. Finally, the cytotoxicity
of the two compounds against the J774.2 mouse macrophage cell line was also determined.

Results:

The in vitro and in vivo results obtained indicated that both quinones were more active
than the reference drugs. Compound 1 presents in vivo activity, showing up to 40% parasite reduction
after 8 h of administration, a finding which is 1.25 times more effective than the results obtained
using nifurtimox.

Conclusion:

These are encouraging results for proposing new naphthoquinone derivatives with
potential anti-T. cruzi activity.
Curcumin and its Analogues in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: State-of-the-art and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Schiavoni Valentina , Emanuelli Monica , Sartini Davide , Salvolini Eleonora , Pozzi Valentina , Campagna Roberto
Published: May 2024

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer arising from squamous epithelium
in the oral cavity and is characterized by high aggressiveness and metastatic potential, which together with a
late diagnosis results in a 5-year survival rate of only 50% of patients. The therapeutic options for OSCC management
are limited and largely influenced by the cancer stage. While radical surgery can be curative in early
stage of disease, most cases require adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy which, however,
often achieve poor curative rates and are associated with important negative effects. Therefore, there is an
urgent need to discover new alternative treatment strategies to improve patients’ outcomes. Several medicinal
herbs are being studied for their preventive or therapeutic effect in several diseases, including cancer. In particular,
the Indian spice curcumin, largely used in oriental countries, has been studied as a chemopreventive or adjuvant
agent for different malignancies. Indeed, curcumin is characterized by important biological properties, including
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, which could also be exploited in OSCC. However,
due to its limited bioavailability and poor aqueous solubility, this review is focused on studies designing new
synthetic analogues and developing novel types of curcumin delivery systems to improve its pharmacokinetic and
biological properties. Thus, this review analyses the potential therapeutic role of curcumin in OSCC by providing
an overview of current in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of curcumin and its analogues
in OSCC.
Is Antipsychotic Drug Use During Pregnancy Associated with Increased Malformation Rates and Worsening of Maternal and Infant Outcomes? A Systematic Review
Authors: Sani Gabriele , Callovini Tommaso , Ferrara Ottavia Marianna , Segatori Daniele , Margoni Stella , Simonetti Alessio , Lisci Francesco Maria , Marano Giuseppe , Fischetti Alessia , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Di Segni Federica , Fiaschè Federica , Janiri Delfina , Moccia Lorenzo , Manfredi Giovanni , Alcibiade Alessandro , Brisi Caterina , Grisoni Flavia , Stella Gianmarco , Bernardi Evelina , Brugnami Andrea , Ciliberto Michele , Spera Maria Chiara , Caso Romina , Rossi Sara , Boggio Gianluca , Mastroeni Giulia , Abate Francesca , Conte Eliana , Quintano Anna , De Chiara Lavinia , Monti Laura , Camardese Giovanni , Rinaldi Lucio , Koukopoulos Alexia E. , Chieffo Daniela Pia Rosaria , Angeletti Gloria , Mazza Marianna
Published: May 2024

:

There is much debate about continuing antipsychotic medication in patients who need it when
they become pregnant because benefits must be weighed against potential teratogenic and malformation
effects related to antipsychotics themselves. To address this, we conducted a systematic review on the
PubMed, PsycINFO and CINHAL databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov register using the following strategy: (toxicity OR teratogenicity OR malformation* OR "birth defect*" OR "congenital abnormality" OR
"congenital abnormalities" OR "brain changes" OR "behavioral abnormalities" OR "behavioral abnormalities") AND antipsychotic* AND (pregnancy OR pregnant OR lactation OR delivery OR prenatal OR
perinatal OR post-natal OR puerperium) on September 27, 2023. We found 38 studies to be eligible. The
oldest was published in 1976, while most articles were recent. Most studies concluded that the antipsychotics, especially the second-generation antipsychotics, were devoid of teratogenic potential, while few
studies were inconclusive and recommended replication. Most authoritative articles were from the Boston
area, where large databases were implemented to study the malformation potential of psychiatric drugs.
Other reliable databases are from Northern European registers. Overall conclusions are that antipsychotics are no more related to malformations than the disorders themselves; most studies recommend that
there are no reasons to discontinue antipsychotic medications in pregnancy
Examining lexical density of Bahasa Indonesia for foreign language learners (BIPA) textbook
Authors: Putra Rizky Anugrah , Aziz Muhammad Fahruddin , Syamsuddin Syamsuddin
Published: May 2024

Lexical density is often overlooked by authors of textbooks for foreign learners of the Indonesian language. However, the level of lexical density significantly influences the accessibility of reading materials for their intended audience. As developers of language teaching materials, particularly for the Indonesian language, lexical density must be considered to ensure the appropriateness of instructional materials at the appropriate level. Taking this issue into account, this study aims to evaluate the extent of lexical density in the instructional materials designed for teaching Indonesian to foreign learners, developed by the APPBIPA Central Sulawesi, at the BIPA 1 level or equivalent to CEFR level A1. To address this question, descriptive research with content analysis was conducted by analyzing the reading texts found in the textbook using the lexical density formula developed by Ure, and identifying the content word classes and their functions. Among the ten units analyzed, there were 36 reading texts that indicated that the ongoing development of this book still maintains a high level of lexical density, reaching 64.13%. This high lexical density is attributed to the differences in linguistic systems and the content of the instructional materials, which generally have a density in the range of 50-60%. This research shows that Indonesian language textbooks for non-native speakers still have high lexical density for beginner levels. Therefore, adjustments are needed based on the level and learning goals of the current BIPA curriculum.
Black Hole Attack Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Hybrid Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Rashid Dlsoz Abdalkarim , Mohammed Marwan B.
Published: May 2024

One of the types of denial of service attacks that target wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are black hole (BH) attacks, which are widely targeted at this form of network today. In this attack, data are blocked in the network, malware is installed on a group of nodes in the network, and ultimately, the data packet is blocked before reaching its destination. In other words, data cannot be transmitted in the vicinity of BH nodes. Because of the nature of WSNs that are readily available, these networks cannot be optimized without compromising energy consumption, and this problem becomes a non-deterministic polynomial-time hard problem. Despite some models that have been presented to resolve this issue, most of them have not had sufficient performance in dealing with BH attacks. Thus, we have presented a new and powerful model based on the hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm depending on the sine and cosine algorithm (SCA) and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA). This algorithm has been combined in such a way that the increase in computational load has been prevented, in addition, two algorithms are included in one algorithm in this case, using the positive features of these two algorithms, it escapes from the local optimal trap in the solution of the algorithm and also benefits from a very good convergence. Because the new production solutions have a good diversity and the intensification component also has a good performance the main goal of this article is to present a new type of robust optimization algorithm for BH detection in WSN. This model has been tested and evaluated using a network and compared with three other meta-heuristic algorithms to make a fair comparison. The results obtained from the proposed model indicate a high-quality performance of this model in detecting BH attacks. The proposed model can detect more than 85% of the BH nodes and the total warning rate in the proposed model is equal to 0.866.