bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triptolide Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
via Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Yan Guorong , Xi Ningyuan , Xu Xiaoxiang , Zeng Qingyu , Wu Yuhao , Zheng Ying , Zhang Guolong , Wang Xiuli
Published: April 2023

Background:

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F provided the source of the first diterpenoid triepoxide lactone,
Triptolide, identified as the primary constituent causing the anticancer activity. So far, it has not been reported whether
triptolide has a therapeutic effect on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

Objective:

This study investigates the triptolide's therapeutic impact on cSCC both in vitro and in vivo and investigates
the triptolide's potential involvement in signaling pathways.

Methods:

The CCK-8 assays, wound healing assays, and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of
triptolide on the proliferation and migration of cSCC cells. The alteration in gene expression following triptolide treatment was shown by RNA sequencing. Flow cytometry was then applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. Western blot was
used to find the associated proteins' expressions. The effectiveness of triptolide was then evaluated in vivo using a
xenograft model, and histological staining was employed to determine the visceral toxicity.

Results:

Triptolide greatly reduces the migratory and proliferative capacity of cSCC cells. Triptolide dramatically
decreased cell viability and migration in the A431 and SCL-1 cells compared to the control group, according to the
CCK8 assay, wound healing assay, and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry demonstrated that treatment with 10-
40 nM triptolide increased apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, with a statistically significant difference.
Furthermore, mice given triptolide had smaller tumor sizes than those in the control group. Triptolide treatment drastically altered the expression of autophagic and apoptotic proteins. The considerable reduction in the proteins Akt and
mTOR levels further illustrated the critical function of triptolide in cSCC.

Conclusion:

Triptolide caused cSCC cells to engage in autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling
pathways. Triptolide may be a possible antitumor agent for the treatment of cSCC.
Monoamine Oxidase: A Potential Link in Papez Circuit to Generalized
Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Sharma Ravikant , Kumarasamy Murali , Parihar Vipan Kumar , Ravichandiran V. , Kumar Nitesh
Published: April 2023

Anxiety is a common mental illness that affects a large number of people around the world,
and its treatment is often based on the use of pharmacological substances such as benzodiazepines,
serotonin, and 5-hydroxytyrosine (MAO) neurotransmitters. MAO neurotransmitters levels are deciding
factors in the biological effects. This review summarizes the current understanding of the MAO
system and its role in the modulation of anxiety-related brain circuits and behavior. The MAO-A polymorphisms
have been implicated in the susceptibility to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in several
investigations. The 5-HT system is involved in a wide range of physiological and behavioral processes,
involving anxiety, aggressiveness, stress reactions, and other elements of emotional intensity.
Among these, 5-HT, NA, and DA are the traditional 5-HT neurons that govern a range of biological
activities, including sleep, alertness, eating, thermoregulation, pains, emotion, and memory, as anticipated
considering their broad projection distribution in distinct brain locations. The DNMTs (DNA
methyltransferase) protein family, which increasingly leads a prominent role in epigenetics, is connected
with lower transcriptional activity and activates DNA methylation. In this paper, we provide an
overview of the current state of the art in the elucidation of the brain's complex functions in the regulation
of anxiety.
Exploration of NPC2 as a Potential Biomarker for Immunotherapy Using
RNA-seq and Protein Data - A New Hypothesis
Authors: Lu Wenjing , Li Dandan , Tao Feng , Chen Qian , Fan Shuxin , Ma Yan , Dong Hong , Hu Yiqiao , Yue Chunyan
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

NPC2 is well known as a player for cholesterol transport. However, the biological role of NPC2 in cancer development and therapy is far from clear.

Methods:

Here, we explore the potential role of NPC2 in prognosis and immunotherapy across multiple cancer types by integrating RNA-seq data from TCGA and GTEx, protein data from CPTAC, and multiple web analysis databases.

Results:

Expression depiction between tumour and normal tissues indicated that NPC2 is overexpressed in the majority of the most common cancer types, including glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, two cancers mostly difficult to diagnose and treat.

Conclusion:

Cancer stemness in glioblastoma is negatively associated with NPC2 level. NPC2 ex-pression is positively correlated with immune cell infiltration and the expression of several immune checkpoints. IDH1 mutation in GBM is negatively correlated with NPC2 level, while a positive correlation has been found between TP53 mutation and NPC2 expression in pancreatic cancer. NPC2 is also correlated with levels of serum biomarkers used for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Some Results on Incomplete Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Kumar Singh Dharmendra , Yadav Geeta
Published: April 2023

Hypergeometric functions are extensions and generalizations of the
geometric series, and the process of generalization of hypergeometric series started in
the 19th century itself. Thus, the subject of hypergeometrics has a rich history and led
to renewed interest. Many mathematicians have presented the hypergeometric
function in different ways and explained its properties. Recently, Srivastava et al. [9]
represented hypergeometric functions in different forms with the help of incomplete
pochhammer symbols. This paper is an attempt to present some new results for the
incomplete hypergeometric function.
Transcendental Bernstein Series: Interpolation and Approximation
Authors: Avazzadeh Z. , Hassani H. , Tenreiro Machado J.A. , Agarwal P. , Naraghirad E.
Published: April 2023

This paper adopts the transcendental Bernstein series (TBS), a set of basis
functions based on the Bernstein polynomials (BP), for approximating analytical
functions. The TBS is more accurate than the BP method, particularly in
approximating functions including one or more transcendental terms. The numerical
results reveal also the applicability and higher computational efficiency of the new
approach.
Some Sufficient Conditions for Uniform Convexity of Normalized 1F2 Function
Authors: Bansal Deepak , Jain Shilpi
Published: April 2023

The object of this chapter is to find sufficient conditions under
which z1F2(a, b, c; z) belongs to UCV (α,β) and Sp(α,β;). Here, 1F2(a, b, c; z) is a
special case of generalized hypergeometric function for p = 1 and q = 2.
Krasnoselskii-type Theorems for Monotone Operators in Ordered Banach Algebra with Applications in Fractional Differential Equations and Inclusion
Authors: Mehmood Nayyar , Ahmad Niaz
Published: April 2023

This chapter discusses Krasnoselskii-type fixed point results for monotone
operators. It is well known that the monotone operators are not continuous on the whole
domain, so we will find the solutions of discontinuous operator equations and inclusions.
The presented fixed point results may be considered as variants of the Krasnoselskii fixed
point theorem in a more general setting. The results of Darbo, Schauder and
Bohnentblust-Karlin are also generalized. We prove these results for the case of single-valued and set-valued monotone operators. We use our main result for single-valued
operators to obtain the existence of solutions of anti-periodic ABC fractional BVP. The
fixed point result for set-valued monotone operators is used to discuss the existence of
solutions of a given fractional integral inclusion in ordered Banach spaces.
General Fractional Order Quadratic Functional Integral Equations: Existence, Properties of Solutions, and Some of their Applications
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed M.A. , Hashem Hind H.G.
Published: April 2023

In this chapter, we are interested in a certain class of integral equations, namely
the quadratic integral equation. In this case, the unknown function is treated by some
operators, then a pointwise multiplication of such operators is applied. The study of such
a kind of problem was begun in the early 60’s due to the mathematical modeling of
radiative transfer. The main objective was to present a special method or technique and
results concerning various existence for a certain quadratic integral equation.
DNA Biosensors: Effective Tool in Biotechnology
Authors: Mishra Arpita , Shrivastav Avanish Kumar , Chaturvedi Vivek Kumar
Published: April 2023

A biosensor is a device that converts a biological response into a detectable
electrical signal. In recent years, biosensors have gained significant interest due to a
plethora of applications in the field of disease diagnosis, detection of various
environmental pollutants, food quality analysis, and pharmaceutical drug research.
Among various types of biosensors, (such as enzyme-based, immunosensors, DNA
biosensors, thermal and piezoelectric biosensors) DNA biosensors are being widely
employed because of superior biocompatibility, thermal stability and alternative
functionalization. DNA biosensors introduced in recent years include an aptamer-based
sensor, molecular beacon-based biosensors, fluorescence-based sensors,
hybridizationbased sensors and electrochemical-based DNA biosensors. This chapter
highlights the fundamental knowledge and recent advances in the field of DNA-based
biosensors. This chapter also focuses on the significance and wide application of DNA.based biosensors in the diverse areas of biotechnology and allied fields.
Biosensors for Food Analysis, Food Additives, Contaminants and Packaging
Authors: Aharwar Amitabh , Prasad Khageshwar , Sahu Annpurna , Parihar Dharmendra Kumar
Published: April 2023

It is essential to manage the food requirement for the growing population.
Food safety is important for health, but maintaining nutrients and food quality is also
necessary for better health. Food storage and packing should be done carefully in order
to avoid food contamination and ensure long-term food storage. There are various types
of food hazards (biological, chemical, and others) that may contaminate food and cause
food poisoning, foodborne diseases, allergies, and other health issues. For food quality
examination, traditional procedures, such as chromatographic methods, are used, but
these are time-consuming, labour-intensive and require an expert in instrumentation. It
is critical to inspect the quality of food on a regular basis and as quickly as feasible.
The greatest approach for overcoming these issues is the use of biosensor. As food
additives and pollutants, the biosensor is extremely quick, sensitive, and selective.
Biosensors are equipped with a transducer and a biological identification element,
allowing them to evaluate food quality. Pesticides, poisons, microbial growth, protein,
metals, fatty acids, antibiotics, vitamins, and other compounds can all be detected in
food using biosensors. Biosensors have a wide range of applications in the food
industries but there is also the demand for novel, inexpensive, simple, small-sized,
portable, and multifunctional biosensors for food analysis. Biosensor can also detect
food additives and pollutants throughout the packaging process.
Biosensors For Monitoring Heavy Metals Contamination In The Wastewater
Authors: Pandit Gaurav Kumar , Tiwari Ritesh Kumar , Kumar Ashutosh , Singh Veer , Singh Nidhi , Mishra Vishal
Published: April 2023

Several anthropogenic activities, chemical manufacturing, mining, nuclear
waste, painting, metal processing, agricultural activities, cosmetic products and
industrial activities are associated with heavy metal contamination in the wastewater.
Heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead mercury and nickel, are
nonbiodegradable and highly toxic. They can directly or indirectly enter the food chain
and cause several health issues, such as cancer, liver and kidney, asthma and mental
retardation. Analytical methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and
chromatography are widely used for heavy metal monitoring in heavy metal
contaminations. These methods provide a sufficient level of sensitivity and selectivity,
but these methods are costly, time-consuming and require sample preparation.
Currently, biosensors are considered an alternative to conventional heavy metal
monitoring methods due to high sensitivity, selectivity, inexpensiveness and simplicity.
Herein, the authors report several biosensors and their application in monitoring heavy
metal contaminations.
Discernment of Paddy Crop Disease by Employing CNN and Transfer Learning Methods of Deep Learning
Authors: Shukla Arvind Kumar , Nagendrappa Malvade Naveen , Saunshi Girish , Rajasekar P. , Vijaya Karthik S.V.
Published: April 2023

Agriculture is the backbone of human civilization since it is a requirement of
every living entity. Paddy agriculture is extremely important to humans, particularly in
Asia. Farmers are currently facing a deficit in agricultural yield owing to a variety of
factors, one of which is illness. The composition of paddy crop diseases is complicated,
and their presentation in various species is highly similar, making classification
challenging. These agricultural infections must be discovered and diagnosed as soon as
feasible to avoid disease transmission. The disease significantly impacts crop
productivity, and early detection of paddy infections is critical to avoiding these
consequences. These issues arise as a result of a lack of awareness regarding health.
Identifying the disease needs the best expertise or previous knowledge to regulate it.
This is both difficult and costly. To address the aforementioned problem, a Deep
Learning (DL) model was created utilizing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)
and the transfer learning approach. The model is trained using an image of a paddy
crop as input. By comparing metrics like accuracy and loss, the optimum technique is
identified.
The influence of variations in starter concentration Lactobacillus plantarum AS4 indigenous from human breast milk to the characteristics of fermented milk
Authors: Septiana Anindita Nosa , Khumaira Annisa
Published: April 2023

The fermentation of milk by Lactobacillus plantarum AS4 can be classified as a functional or nutraceutical food. Lactobacillus plantarum AS4 is a group of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) isolated from human breast milk, which has the ability as a probiotic in vitro. This research aimed to determine the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum AS4 starter concentration on the characteristics of fermented milk produced. Variations concentration starter used were 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% with an incubation temperature of 37 °C for 24 hours. Fermentation parameters collected were probiotic viability, total bacteria, titrable acidity, lactose, protein, and fat content. The results showed that variations in concentration starter Lactobacillus plantarum strain AS4 significantly affected the characteristics of fermented milk based on the parameters collected. The viability of fermented milk probiotics increased in milk treated with an 8% starter concentration variation (9.91 ±0.02 log CFU/mL) and total bacteria (8.84 ±0.07 log CFU/mL) in the fermented milk product. The levels of lactic acid (1.66 ±0.06%) and protein (4.32±0.03%) were also increased in fermented milk products with a starter variation of 8%. Significantly, fermented milk products with concentrations starter 8% decreased the pH value (4.10 ±0.01), lactose content (2.33±0.01%), and fat content (2.30±0.05%).
Evaluation of sustainable supply chain performance on apple chips using the integration of quality function deployment, fuzzy analytical network process, and data envelopment analysis
Authors: Ramadan Awal , Agustin Prima Dania Wike , Asmaul Mustaniroh Siti
Published: April 2023

Batu City is the largest apple producer in Indonesia, producing around 55,891 tons. One way to optimize supply chains is sustainable supply chain performance in the economic, social, and environmental fields. Problems in apple chip small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are the price of apples increases in the dry season, accumulation of apple peel waste, and poor employee work performance. This study aimed to analyze the level of importance variables in measuring the supply chain performance level and the strategies to improve the supply chain of apple chips SMEs in Batu City. The integration of quality function deployment (QFD) and Fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) was used to obtain the level of cooperation interest. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to determine the efficiency of each stakeholder's interest. The results showed that the three highest important cooperative behavior factors were production costs (0.16), raw material costs (0.15), and raw material inventory (0.14). The efficiency level of partner cooperation and apple chip SMEs from 17 SMEs indicated that two partners were inefficient, with an efficiency score of 0.973 (D3) and 0.957 (D4). The improvement strategies proposed to apple chip SMEs were reducing production costs, revising agreements between suppliers and farmers, and implementing information technology.
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for optimization of dates seed (Phoenix dactilifera) extraction
Authors: Tri Widayanti Vindhya , Pranowo Dodyk , Gadizza Perdani Claudia , Kurnia Sinta Dewi , Arini Sundari Shafira
Published: April 2023

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) is a palm-type plant that belongs to the Phoenix genus, which widely grows in the Middle East and South Africa. The use of date seeds was still limited. Dates seeds contain high amounts of nutrient and bioactive compounds, such as fiber, phenols, and antioxidants. The microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method could increase the extract yields in a shorter time and reduces the solvent volume. This research aimed to evaluate the optimal extraction time and material: solvent (w/v) ratio. The response surface methodology (RSM) with the Central Composite Design (CCD) experimental design with two factors of extraction time (5 - 7 minutes) and the material: solvent ratio (1:10 - 1:50 (w/v)) was employed in this study. The responses were antioxidant activity (IC50), total flavonoid, and density. The results show that the optimum solution was an extraction time of 5.451 minutes and the ratio of material: solvent of 1:10 (w/v). This treatment produced dates seed extract with antioxidant activity IC50 of 28.406 ppm, total flavonoid of 2544.951 mg QE/g, and density of 0.886 g/mL. The verification of the center point was antioxidant activity IC50 of 27.849 ppm (98.04%), total flavonoids of 2573.723 mg QE/g (98.87%), and density of 0.8889 g/mL (99.67%), respectively.
The potential of Nypa Frutican as an energy source in Indonesia: A review
Authors: Wijana Susinggih , Yulis Setyawan Hendrix , Wan Zhijian , Zhu Mingming , Pranowo Dodyk , Atsari Dewi Ika , Permata Nareswari Mega
Published: April 2023

Nipa (Nypa fruticans Wurmb.) belongs to the Arecaceae family, covering 30% of over 4 million ha of mangrove forest in Indonesia. The most valuable part of nipa is the fruits for food, drink, handicrafts, and medicine, leaving empty fruit bunches as waste. The empty fruit bunch waste reaches 75% of the total weight of nipa fruit, producing approximately 6 Mt/ha or over 6 million Mt in a year. Nipa empty fruit bunches (EFB) are biomass containing 27.3% lignin, 36.1% cellulose, and 21.8% hemicellulose. Due to Indonesia’s increasing nipa fruit harvesting, managing and finding a suitable solution to overcome waste issues is essential. In the present review, nipa EFB’s physical and chemical properties were found suitable as a biomass energy source. Nipa’s EFB energy recovery was potentially generated from direct combustion, pyrolysis, and briquette making. The harvesting challenge and emission from direct combustion or pyrolysis process limit the nipa utilization. Education and technology dissemination is required for the coastal communities to assist in utilizing nipa.
Quality of life of patients with kidney failure in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review of quantitative studies
Authors: Snead Charlotte M , Seneschall Charlotte C , Davids M Razeen , Young Taryn , Caskey Fergus J , Effa Emmanuel E
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising in sub-Saharan Africa. Access to kidney replacement therapy (KRT) remains limited and modelling suggests a significant hidden burden of kidney failure managed without KRT. Kidney failure is contributing to serious health-related suffering (SHS) at a global level. Despite this, access to palliative care remains extremely disparate. There is an urgent need for greater palliative care provision for patients with kidney failure in sub-Saharan Africa. To inform this, it is important to understand their current quality of life. This article outlines our review protocol, ensuring transparency of our planned methods and reporting.
Patterns of biopsy-proven kidney disease amongst South African adults from 1995 to 2017
Authors: Esmail Ahmed Mushtak , Bates William D , Amirali Mazhar Hussein , Jardine Thabiet , Davids Mogamat Razeen
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Little data is available on biopsy-proven kidney disease in African countries. In this study, we have described the patterns of biopsy-proven kidney disease amongst South African adults encountered over a 23-year period and report whether these have changed over time.
From Alpha to Omicron: anatomy of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in an outpatient haemodialysis unit in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Maharaj Ranbir , Dayal Chandni , Cassimjee Zaheera , Chiba Sheetal , Ajayi Adekunle O , Davies Malcolm
Published: April 2023

Background Recipients of kidney replacement therapy are more susceptible to severe disease and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We evaluated disease kinetics and clinical outcomes across four COVID-19 outbreak waves in the haemodialysis unit of a tertiary-level hospital in South Africa.
Investigating toxic aluminium levels in haemodialysis patients after “Day Zero” drought in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Southon Bianca , Rusch Jody A , Vreede Helena W , Davidson Bianca , Mweli Daniel , Wearne Nicola , Chetty Malini , Jones Erika SW
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Aluminium is the most abundant metallic element in the earth’s crust and can be consumed through water, medications, and by using metallic cooking utensils. Aluminium levels become a concern when they are above biological exposure limits and can present with multiple clinical complications. When patients have chronic kidney disease and are on haemodialysis, impaired aluminium excretion can lead to its accumulation. Significantly elevated serum aluminium levels were noted in patients with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) on haemodialysis at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. This coincided with one of the worst water crises ever experienced in this metropolitan area, with extreme water restrictions being imposed and alternative water sources being accessed.
Saliva urea nitrogen dipsticks to predict acute kidney injury in Malawian trauma patients
Authors: Bjornstad Erica , Muronya William , Smith Zachary H , Kamija Manly , Evans Rhys , Mottl Amy K , Golightly Yvonne M , Gibson Keisha , Charles Anthony , Gower Emily W
Published: April 2023

Background: Many low-resource settings have limited access to serum creatinine tests necessary for kidney disease identification. Among Malawian patients who are hospitalized after trauma, we evaluated the use of point-of-care saliva urea nitrogen (SUN) dipsticks to predict acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: In a nested prospective cohort study, we enrolled hospitalized acute trauma patients aged ≥6 months to evaluate AKI (defined by KDIGO criteria) and the test characteristics of SUN to predict AKI.
Research on advanced asbestos testing using asbestos-binding proteins and fluorescence
Authors: Kuroda Akio
Published: April 2023

It was discovered in the 1970s that asbestos fibre inhalation can cause lung cancer and other lethal lung conditions, and its use is therefore banned in many countries. However, large quantities of asbestos containing materials remain in old buildings and it is also found in natural
materials such as talc. Professor Akio Kuroda, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, is focused on the importance of fast and accurate asbestos testing. He and his team have been developing testing techniques to accurately pinpoint the presence of asbestos,
including a fluorescent microscopy (FM) method that offers increased sensitivity, accuracy and convenience, and an asbestos-specific protein probe combined with a fluorescent marker that allows users to easily visualise asbestos fibres under a fluorescent microscope. Kuroda has also used engineered
peptides, to develop a highly specific probe that binds to asbestos fibres and flags the presence of even minute fibres of the material. He and the team have used proteins based on samples from the Escherichia coli cellular protein library to develop probes that cover different types of asbestos.
Non-invasive electromagnetic detection of prostate cancer: efficiency analysis
Authors: Chaliy M. E. , Afanasyevskaya E. V. , Amirkhanyan A. S. , Strigunov A. A. , Kadysheva A. M. , Kolygina E. V. , Shurygina A. S. , Tivtikyan A. S. , Kadrev A. V. , Dzitiev V. K. , Okhobotov D. A. , Sorokin N. I. , Kamalov A. A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Early diagnosis of cancer is one of the most important international strategies. Malignant and healthy tissues differ in the interaction with electromagnetic waves. Pilot studies show a potential perspective for non-invasive analysis of electromagnetic anisotropy in biological tissues.

Objective. To assess the diagnostic importance of the electromagnetic detection of prostate cancer (PCa) within the prospective study.

Materials & methods. One hundred and twenty-four patients were included to undergo a prostate biopsy, transurethral prostate resection, or radical prostatectomy. The investigators did not have information on their clinical details. Research technique: the probe was applied to the perineal region, turning it in three planes. A reduction of the 465 MHz band below a threshold was fixed and was considered suspect for PCa. The results of electromagnetic evaluation were compared with the findings of a pathomorphological study after biopsy or surgery.

Results. Fourty-seven true-positive and 21 true-negative results were detected, 20 false-negative and 46 false-positive (follow-up group as potentially true-positive group). The overall sensitivity was 82%, specificity – 31%. The positive and negative predictive values were 73% and 62%, respectively. The accuracy of the method was 54%.

Conclusion. Early PCa stage could be a reason for many false-positive results and low specificity, as a result. PCa detection is significantly reduced with lesions less than 3 mm, therefore patients with false-positive results were placed in the follow-up group. Patients’ examination with the TRIMprob TM («Galileo Avionica» SpA, Torino, Italy) could increase the early PCa detection at the screening. The research is currently ongoing.
Diagnostics of testicular torsion using the TWIST scale (Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion)
Authors: Sablin D. E. , Sizonov V. V. , Kagantsov I. M. , Garelina P. A. , Havroha O. S.
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Testicular torsion (TT) is the most common pediatric emergency urological pathology. To reduce the duration of the diagnostic stage, systems for assessing the risks of testicular torsion based on anamnesis and clinical symptoms were proposed. In 2013, Barbosa et al. proposed the TWIST system (testicular examination for ischemia and suspected torsion), which became the most well-known and widespread. This system makes it possible to identify groups of patients who do not require scrotal ultrasound, which reduces the number of stages in the diagnosis of TT.

Objective. To evaluate the experience of using and diagnostic significance of the TWIST scale based on available data in scientific publications.

Materials & methods. Review and analysis of literature data on the use of the TWIST scale.

Results. We conducted an analysis of 13 publications, in which the results of using TWIST with statistical analysis were published. In all articles, the final diagnosis was established according to Doppler scrotal ultrasound or intraoperatively. Analysis of publications shows that even in large foreign medical centers there is a problem of emergency scrotal ultrasound, which increases the time of testicular ischemia with ТТ. To use the TWIST scale, only history and physical examination data are needed. Any specialist can use the scale in his practise. The low probability of TT in the low-risk group makes it possible not to perform routine scrotal revision, and, consequently, material and human resources are saved.

Conclusion. Literature analysis has shown that the use of the original TWIST scale proposed by J.A. Barbosa, in case of suspected testicular torsion, has sufficient diagnostic accuracy, high sensitivity and specificity of TT detection, which significantly reduces the need for ultrasound, reduces the diagnostic time before surgery, that increases testicular survival.
Tuberculosis and other urogenital infections as sexually transmitted diseases
Authors: Kulchavenya E. V.
Published: April 2023

The analysis of domestic and foreign literature on the epidemiology, etiology, and possible sexual transmission of urinary tract infections (UTI) was carried out. It has been established that more than 30 pathogens are currently classified as sexually transmitted infections (STI). The molecular genetic method has shown the identity of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in familial cases of UTI, which confirms the sexual route of infection transmission, which was not previously classified as a classic STI. Several works are cited that undoubtedly testify to the possible sexual transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Up to date, few reports of sexual transmission of UTI have been published, although tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Perhaps because the partner of a patient with genital tuberculosis or other UTI is not actively evaluated. Thus, the possibility of sexual transmission may be underestimated. Sexual transmission of M. tuberculosis as well as uropathogenic E. coli is unlikely, but possible.
Novel patented minimally invasive technique for surgical treatment of varicocele: technique overview
Authors: Kyzlasov P. S. , Abuev G. G. , Mustafaev A. T. , Bokov A. I.
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Many methods have been proposed for the surgical treatment of varicocele, the most of which is of historical significance. At present, there is no consensus in favor of one or another method of surgical treatment of varicocele, which determines the relevance of further research.

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a new minimally invasive method of surgical treatment of varicocele using the author's method.

Materials & methods. The study enrolled 763 patients aged 18 – 46 years (mean age 26.3 years) with varicocele who underwent testicular vein subinguinal ligation according to the author's technique. Inclusion criteria: varicocele grades 1 – 3, aged ≥ 18 years, semen abnormalities according to semen analysis and dilated spermatic cord veins according to ultrasound, retrograde blood flow according to Doppler ultrasound. Exclusion criteria: previously operated patients with recurrent varicocele, patients with May-Thurner syndrome and bilateral varicocele. The examination included eight control points: before surgery and 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after surgery. Physical scrotal examination with Valsalva test, semen analysis, and Dopper scrotal ultrasound were performed at the control dates.

Results. The average surgery time was 15 min (10 – 30 min). All patients were discharged 1 to 2 days after surgery. At follow-up for 60 months, patients showed improvement in spermatogenesis / or no progression of semen abnormalities during follow-up after surgery based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental studies (semen analysis, ultrasound / Doppler ultrasound); no data on testicular hypotrophy, hydrocele were revealed. A scrotal haematoma was detected in one patient in the early postoperative period. Recurrent varicocele (1.4%) was detected in 11 patients during the follow-up period.

Conclusion. The technique is effective, easily reproducible, characterised by a low rate of recurrence and postoperative complications.
The Intertextuality of The Merchant of Venice in the Mansion of the Sad Birds
Authors: Qadir Abbas Muhammed
Published: April 2023

Intertextuality is the connection between a text with the previous and contemporary texts. Specifically, the reader should find the connection between the texts based on his or her enlightenment. According to intertextuality, a text cannot be produced without the reflection of the earlier texts. Moreover, this study is an attempt to display the connection and likeness of Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, in Bakhtiyar Ali’s novel, the Mansion of the Sad Birds. Precisely, we can see Shakespeare's play in many scenes and dialogues of Bakhtiyar’s novel. Nevertheless, he has inventively made use of them to augment his novel.
Conversational Agents for Body Weight Management: Systematic Review
Authors: Noh Eunyoung , Won Jiyoon , Jo Sua , Hahm Dae-Hyun , Lee Hyangsook
Published: April 2023

Background

Obesity is a public health issue worldwide. Conversational agents (CAs), also frequently called chatbots, are computer programs that simulate dialogue between people. Owing to better accessibility, cost-effectiveness, personalization, and compassionate patient-centered treatments, CAs are expected to have the potential to provide sustainable lifestyle counseling for weight management.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to critically summarize and evaluate clinical studies on the effectiveness and feasibility of CAs with unconstrained natural language input for weight management.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, and ACM Digital Library were searched up to December 2022. Studies were included if CAs were used for weight management and had a capability for unconstrained natural language input. No restrictions were imposed on study design, language, or publication type. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool or the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. The extracted data from the included studies were tabulated and narratively summarized as substantial heterogeneity was expected.

Results

In total, 8 studies met the eligibility criteria: 3 (38%) randomized controlled trials and 5 (62%) uncontrolled before-and-after studies. The CAs in the included studies were aimed at behavior changes through education, advice on food choices, or counseling via psychological approaches. Of the included studies, only 38% (3/8) reported a substantial weight loss outcome (1.3-2.4 kg decrease at 12-15 weeks of CA use). The overall quality of the included studies was judged as low.

Conclusions

The findings of this systematic review suggest that CAs with unconstrained natural language input can be used as a feasible interpersonal weight management intervention by promoting engagement in psychiatric intervention-based conversations simulating treatments by health care professionals, but currently there is a paucity of evidence. Well-designed rigorous randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, longer treatment duration, and follow-up focusing on CAs’ acceptability, efficacy, and safety are warranted.
Music Care, a personalized smartphone app for the relief of pain and anxiety: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)
Authors: Rainville Pierre , Chanques Gerald , Jaber Samir , Williams DeWayne , Watanabe Darcianne K. , Ginies Patrick , Boccara Gilles , Poisbeau Pierrick , Touchon Jacques
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Digital technologies and emerging innovations are increasingly being used to strengthen national health systems. Based on scientific recommendations, Music Care©, a web app-based personalized music intervention has been developed to provide a collection of culturally diverse original pieces composed and arranged following standardized specifications (U-Sequence). The Music Care app has been utilized in a broad variety of medical conditions and procedures to reduce anxiety and pain in patients with various diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this report is to provide a review of the available evidence on the efficacy of Music Care app for the management of pain and anxiety. The specific medical context in which Music Care app has been tested is also examined to identify potential new applications and areas requiring more research.

METHODS

Original English and French language randomized controlled trials (RCT) using the Music Care app were included and reviewed to summarize evidence on the effectiveness of a music intervention program in medicine. Ongoing RCT were also reported.

RESULTS

A total of 17 RCTs were included. The majority of studies focused on chronic and acute pain conditions. Compared to the control interventions, Music Care was effective in reducing pain and anxiety in most medical contexts examined, including chronic pain, Alzheimer, and during surgeries or procedures. Significant improvements have also been found on cardio-respiratory activity, depressive symptoms, stress and burnout levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The Music Care app has proven effective in reducing pain, anxiety, depressive symptoms and stress and burnout symptoms in various medical conditions and procedures. Growing evidence suggests that the Music Care app could provide a useful digital, low-cost, portable and easy-to-implement tool as an adjuvant therapy in a broad scope of clinical situations. Potential new areas of application are discussed.

CLINICALTRIAL

Not applicable as this manuscript is a systematic litterature review
Parameters affecting Tractor Fuel Consumption during Primary Tillage Operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoko P. , Olosunde W. A.
Published: April 2023

Tractor fuel consumption is a vital parameter in management of farm machinery. Parameters affecting tractor fuel consumption in litres per hectare(L/ha) during ploughing operation in Uyo was investigated. The study was conducted at the University of Uyo teaching and research farm, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The soil in the study location was characterized as clay loam. Effects of operation parameters on fuel consumption for ploughing operation were investigated using One-Way Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance. The findings of the study indicate that at ˂0.05 significance level, operation parameters had significant effect on tractor fuel consumption during ploughing operation. The study had identified factors affecting tractor fuel operation during ploughing operation in the study location.
The magmatic system of the Colima Volcano from magnetotelluric and ambient noise data
Authors: Arzate Jorge A. , Romo-Lozano Héctor M. , De Plaen Raphael , Corbo-Camargo Fernando
Published: April 2023

Here we present the results obtained from the 3D inversion of the full impedance of 21 magnetotelluric soundings in the frequency range of 1000–0.05 Hz. The results confirm the existence of a flat lying conductor at a depth of 2–4 km bmsl under the Colima Volcano (CV) acting as a natural cap seal of the Colima Volcanic Complex hydrothermal system. Model results along five EW vertical sections extracted from the 3D inverted impedance show that the upper crust (<15 km) in the northern sector of the CVC is far more resistive (>1000 ohm·m) and compact than in the southern zone, where it becomes more conductive and apparently more fragmented.

The combined results of horizontal and vertical resistivity slices and sections reveals a vertical conductor (10–20 ohm·m) of ellipsoidal shape under the Colima Volcano, which extend from about 5 km bmsl down to at least 15 km bmsl. The approximate dimensions of the major and minor axis of the elliptical conduit along the fault are about 20 km and 5 km respectively. The major axis of the ellipsoidal enhanced conducting pathway is parallel to a NS fault segment off the main NE-SW fault system, which suggests that this fault segment is currently controlling the magmatic fluids ascent.

Down to about 15-18 km bmsl the crust becomes widespread conductive, coinciding with a flat body of low shear-wave velocity (<3.2 km/s) under the Colima Volcano at similar depths. This low density and low resistivity flat lying mush reservoir contains H2O-rich melts prone to be polarized electrically and to polarize the surrounding medium. The supporting evidence suggest that the recent and near-future activity of the CV is closely related to a deep flat magmatic source rather than to a shallow magmatic chamber, and that the triggering mechanism of recurrent magmatic activity of the CV may have an electrical component.
Hurricane-induced lahars at Volcán de Colima (México): seismic characterization and numerical modeling
Authors: Martínez-Valdés J. Ivonne , Márquez-Ramírez Víctor Hugo , Coviello Velio , Capra Lucia
Published: April 2023

The Volcán de Colima, one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico, has experienced several volcanic crises over the last century with the emplacement of voluminous block-and-ash flow deposits providing large volumes of loose material along the main ravines. During the rainy season, this material is easily eroded forming lahars. Over 40 events with variable magnitude (105-106 m3) have been detected each year. The largest events that cause damages to infrastructure are usually triggered during the hurricane season (from mid-August to October) when more than 250 mm of rain usually are accumulated over a few days. On 23 October 2015, Hurricane Patricia hit the Volcán de Colima. The hurricane was announced as having reached category 5 thereby representing the largest ever recorded hurricane event in Mexico. It rapidly weakened after landfall but followed a straight trajectory toward the volcano. Up to 400 mm of rain were recorded over 30 hours. The event was recorded at a monitoring station located in the middle reaches of the La Lumbre ravine on the SW flank of the volcano, which was equipped with a rain gauge, a geophone (10 Hz), and a video camera. A multi-pulse lahar started around 8 pm (GMT) and lasted for more than five hours. The seismic signal and the video images were analyzed to identify the timing of the main pulses, the sediment concentrations, and maximum flow peak discharge. Data show that the lahar was characterized by three main pulses, in the range of debris flows with maximum flow-depth of 8 m, interspersed by more dilute tails as hyperconcentrated flow, as also observed from the frequency contents of the seismic signal. A total volume of 2.5 × 106 m3 was estimated based on the strong correlation between the seismic amplitude and the flow discharge. The lahar destroyed one bridge and ~500 m of the interstate road leaving several villages cut off for a few days. Based on the flow magnitude, duration, and the associated damage, this event probably represents the largest one recorded over the last 20 years. The FLO-2D model was used to replicate the observed event to estimate the maximum inundation limits of lahars along the five principal ravines of the volcano, in an attempt to design a hazard map for catastrophic hurricane-induced events.
Macromicetos asociados con Carya illinoinensis en La Comarca Lagunera, México
Authors: Sánchez-Ledesma Judith A. , Garibay-Orijel Roberto , Guevara-Guerrero Gonzalo , Ávila-Rodríguez Verónica , Arreola-Ávila Jesús G.
Published: April 2023

Los agroecosistemas, como los cultivos de Carya illinoinensis (nogal pecanero), representan una actividad económica importante y de constante crecimiento en La Comarca Lagunera, México. La mayor parte de los macromicetos que se asocian con el nogal pecanero se distribuyen en los primeros horizontes del suelo y la rizosfera de las plantas. Para recolectar los macromicetos asociados al nogal se realizaron recorridos 2 veces por semana, de mayo a octubre de 2018, cubriendo en total 25 ha de una huerta en La Comarca Lagunera, México. A los hongos recolectados se les secuenció la región ITS del ADN ribosomal para corroborar su identificación taxonómica por medio de análisis filogenéticos de máxima verosimilitud y bayesianos. Se encontraron 5 taxones asociados al nogal pecanero, 4 identificados a nivel de especie (Agaricus deserticola, Candolleomyces luteopallidus, Tuber caryophilum y Scleroderma cepa s.l.) y una especie potencialmente nueva (Candolleomyces sp.). De éstos, C. luteopallidus se registra por primera vez en México. Se discute la importancia de la diversidad de los hongos en este sistema agroforestal ya que los hongos saprobios descomponen la materia orgánica y los ectomicorrízicos transfieren macro y micronutrientes esenciales para el crecimiento y productividad del nogal.
Offline UPS for Regenerative Loads
Authors: Janagiraman Mr. A. , M Asmabegam. , S Gunavathi. , S Sowmya. , E Vidhyalakshmi.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: This paper presents describes about a unique DC Discharge System for Offline UPS. Whenever an offline mode UPS is connected to a motor load, as the motor decelerates either through the change of torque or due to the Dynamic braking there will be a regenerative energy produced. If this regenerative energy flows back into the UPS, then over-voltage condition takes place and causes damage to the UPS. This regenerative energy can bypass through the battery in online mode. But online mode operation of UPS needs high cost as large heat sinks are required. So, offline mode of operation is preferred in most of the cases. The proposed system dissipates the regenerative energy through the connected resistors and the remaining energy is used for the gating of semiconductor switches inside the UPS. The detailed principle of the proposed method is discussed in this project. The entire Discharge System and Gate pulse generating System are simulated in Proteus Software and the results are provided.
A Blockchain Based Energy Management System for Microgrids
Authors: Rawat Anshita , Arora Manav , Bhadula Gaurav , Sharma Supriya
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The use of renewable energy sources is increasing, but their volatility makes it difficult to maintain a balance between energy generation and consumption. To address this issue, we propose a peer-to-peer microgrid energy market where consumers and prosumers can trade self-produced energy and keep the profits. This encourages investment in renewable energy plants and local balancing of supply and demand. To make this possible, we propose a blockchain-based microgrid energy market without central intermediaries. The permissioned blockchain framework ensures that only eligible participants can join, and each entity maintains its own transaction information while being able to retrieve information from other entities with permission. This model is distributed and promotes plug-and-play. We have developed a WebApp SET, which uses a blockchain wallet to sign in users and allow them to share their energy needs anonymously. The simulation results show that this method is feasible and suitable for privacy protection and P2P energy management in a decentralized energy system.