bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FAKTOR DETERMINAN KEJADIAN WASTING PADA BALITA DI TIMOR-LESTE: (ANALISIS DATA DEMOGRAPHICS HEALTH SURVEY)
Authors: Furoidah Nida Asni , Mahmudiono Trias , Mahmudah Mahmudah , Soenarnatalina Soenarnatalina
Published: October 2023

Wasting merupakan satu-satunya faktor risiko terbesar yang mengakibatkan kematian dini dan kecatatan pada anak usia dibawah 5 tahun. Wasting disebabkan oleh banyak faktor, tujuan penelitian ini untuk menentukan determinan yang mempengaruhi kejadian wasting pada anak di Timor-Leste. Penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder dari Demographics Health Survey (DHS) tahun 2016 di Negara Timor-Leste. Pengambilan sampel dengan simple random sampling, dengan unit analisis yaitu anak balita. Populasi sebesar 1128 dan sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 492. Variabel dependen yaitu kejadian wasting, sedangkan variabel independen meliputi jenis kelamin, usia anak, tempat tinggal, riwayat imunisasi, riwayat pendidikan ibu, sumber air bersih, status bekerja dan status ekonomi keluarga. Penentuan determinan dengan menggunakan uji regresi logistik binary. Balita yang tinggal di daerah pedesaan 1,9 kali lebih berisiko mengalami wasting dibandingkan balita yang tinggal di perkotaan dengan (OR 1,927; 95% CI: 1,170-3,172). Balita yang memiliki ibu tidak berpendidikan (OR 3,307; CI 95%: 1,418-7,714), balita dengan ibu berpendidikan dasar (OR 1,649; CI 95%: 0,690-3,940), serta balita yang memiliki ibu pendidikan menengah (OR 1,725; CI 95%: 0,777-3,831) berisiko wasting daripada balita dengan ibu berpendidikan tinggi. Balita yang memiliki riwayat imunisasi tidak lengkap akan berisiko 0,63 kali mengalami wasting dibandingkan dengan balita yang riwayat imunisasinya lengkap (OR 0,633; CI 95%: 0,424-0,947). Kesimpulannya, faktor determinan kejadian wasting pada anak balita di Timor-Leste adalah daerah tempat tinggal, pendidikan terakhir ibu balita dan riwayat imunisasi balita.
The impact of formative assessment techniques on students' self-assessment skills
Authors: Turysbayeva Ayakoz , Zhumabayeva Aziya , Yessenova Kalbike , Bainazarovа Tursynay , Maigeldiyeva Sharban
Published: October 2023

The introduction of formative assessment to improve students' self-assessment skills was one of the main innovations in Kazakhstan. However, there are issues with the implementation of formative assessment and its introduction. This study aims to examine the impact of the author's formative assessment techniques on students' self-evaluations. One of the methods was experimental work carried out in 2021-2022 at Almaty Secondary School No. 198. This study was carried out using 55 fourth grade students   consisting of 27 students in grade four "A" (16 girls and 11 boys) as the experimental group (EG) and 28 students in grade four "B" (18 girls and 10 boys) as the control group (CG). The results identified problems with the introduction and implementation of formative assessments. This highlighted the importance of developing formative assessment strategies to improve students' self-evaluations.   Our findings confirm that the identified and methodically substantiated procedures for improving self-assessment in students in primary school may be employed in classes with younger students and in teacher training groups.
A comparative review of minimally invasive approaches to esophagectomy: technical considerations, variations, and outcomes
Authors: Erol H. Akin , Imai Taryne A. , Murayama Kenric M.
Published: October 2023

Esophageal cancer continues to rise as a public health issue, and esophagectomy remains a mainstay therapy for the disease. Surgical approaches to esophagectomy have evolved over the past few decades with the advent of laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and robotic technologies. The aim of this review is to identify original articles and perform a comprehensive literature search to provide updates on surgical approaches and technical considerations for esophagectomy. Articles describing the surgical technique specific to robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) were reviewed and included. Technical considerations reviewed were comprised of patient positioning, optimal trocar placement, dissection, indocyanine green use, kocherization, pyloric interventions, anastomotic techniques, jejunostomy tube placement, and gastric ischemic conditioning, discussing relevant outcomes for each consideration and approach. Clinical outcomes were also evaluated by comparing RAMIE to open esophagectomy and minimally invasive esophagectomy. Outcomes reviewed included lymph node harvest, intra-operative blood loss, operative times, 30-day readmission, mortality, length of stay, pulmonary complications, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, anastomotic leak, long-term survival, and disease-free survival.
Image-based machine learning model as a tool for classification of [ 18 F]PR04.MZ PET images in patients with parkinsonian syndrome
Authors: Jiménez Maria , Soza-Ried Cristian , Kramer Vasko , Ríos Sebastian A. , Haeger Arlette , Juri Carlos , Amaral Horacio , Chana-Cuevas Pedro
Published: October 2023

Parkinsonian syndrome (PS) is characterized by bradykinesia, resting tremor, and rigidity, and it represents the phenotype observed in various neurodegenerative disorders. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging plays an important role in diagnosing PS by detecting the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. This study aimed to develop and compare five machine-learning models for classifying [18F]PR04.MZ PET images between patients with PS and subjects without evidence for dopaminergic deficit (SWEDD). A dataset of [18F]PR04.MZ PET images from 204 subjects was analyzed and classified into PS compatible (1) and SWEDDs (0) by three blinded expert readers. The images were preprocessed to generate two and three-dimensional datasets. Five different pattern recognition algorithms, commonly used for image analysis, were trained and validated, comparing their performance to the majority reading of expert diagnosis considered as the standard of truth. Three models outperformed the others, achieving an accuracy greater than 98%. The results demonstrated that our machine-learning models, combined with [18F]PR04.MZ PET images, provide highly accurate and precise tools to support clinicians in PET image analysis. This approach may reduce the time required for interpretation and increase certainty in the diagnostic process.
The Art of Medicine: Applying the Visual Thinking Strategy to Radiology
Authors: Wulfeck Madison , Waltz Jeffrey , Chamberlin Jordan , Hill Jeanne
Published: October 2023

Objective
The purpose of this project was to develop a formal visual arts training curriculum and evaluate if it improved the observational and descriptive skills of first- and second-year medical students for radiologic images.
Materials and Methods
A demographic survey and an initial pre-test of 12 radiologic images were administered asking an open-ended question to describe the image and to identify the abnormality in their own words. Three virtual one-hour sessions of visual thinking strategy (VTS) training occurred and an immediate post-test and a 6-month post-test were administered, each having different images than the pre-test, as well as a final questionnaire. All tests were independently graded by two graders with a previously established grading rubric. Differences in scores were analyzed using paired T-Tests.
Results
39 medical students participated. The mean pre-test score was 62.2 +/- 18.6 and the mean post-test score improved by 41.7 +/- 17.9 points (p < 0.01) to an average score of 103.9 +/- 20.4. There were 9 participants lost to follow-up at six months, and the average 6-month post-test score was 110.2 +/- 29.1 for a mean improvement of 9.3 +/- 13.1 points (p = 0.320) from the initial post-test.
Conclusion
There was significant improvement in observational and descriptive skills in first- and second-year medical students when describing radiologic images, which was retained after 6 months. A formal VTS curriculum could play a beneficial role in medical student and radiology training programs not only to improve observational skills but also to address perceptual errors in diagnostic imaging.
DM and PCa risk: a mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yuan Jianxu , Jiang Qing , Yu Shengjie
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Some studies have shown that there is a certain relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and prostate cancer (PCa), but the specific relationship is still inconclusive. This study will investigate the potential relationship from the perspective of Mendelian randomization (MR) research.
Method: We downloaded relevant data of "diabetes" and "prostate cancer" from the IEU OpenGWAS project database, performing three different methods to conduct MR analysis, and carried out sensitivity analysis for verification.
Results: The results indicated that DM was an independent risk factor for PCa. The OR values obtained through the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method in this study was: OR = 1.018 (95% CI, 1.004 to 1.032), P = 0.014.
Conclusion: Through our research, we found that DM could increase the incidence rate of PCa.
Study of Effects of Lateral Confinement on Concrete Columns Reinforced With Tmt Bars
Authors: Khan Muhammad Saad , Rafi Muhammad Masood , Varum Humberto
Published: October 2023

The details of experimental testing of full-scale reinforced concrete (RC) columns are presented in this paper. These columns were reinforced with hot-rolled thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) bars with yield strength higher than recommended in the prevalent manufacturing standards. The parameters of the study were the concrete confinement and concrete core area which were investigated using three specimen columns having lap-spliced longitudinal bars at the base. Although the initial cracks in all the columns were similar, the severely damaged region shifted in the vicinity of the end of dowel bars in the column with lesser confinement due to rebar slip. This type of behaviour influenced flexural rigidity and curvature distribution for this specimen. The maximum lateral load capacity and ductility of the specimen with lesser confinement were also the lowest. On the contrary, the specimen with higher confinement and core concrete area exhibited the highest stiffness and load capacity.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a patient with Situs Inversus Totalis: Anesthetic Challenges and Considerations, A case report
Authors: Mishra Mridul , Yadav Prashant , Adhikari Pratik , Yadav Pramodman Singh , Chaudhary Pratik , Adhikari Bikash , Shrestha Prashit , Uprety Pratik
Published: October 2023

Situs inversus is a rare congenital condition in which the abdominal organs are reversed. During embryological development, a 270-degree clockwise rotation leads to a mirror image transposition of both abdominal and thoracic organs. The incidence of situs inversus in the general population ranges from approximately 1 in 5000 to 1 in 20000. Situs inversus totalis can be associated with various anomalies such as transposition of the great arteries, septal defects, Kartagener syndrome and spinal dysraphism. However, there is no evidence to suggest that situs inversus predisposes to cholelithiasis or that cholelithiasis occurs with greater frequency in this population. Diagnosis of this condition commonly involves radiography and ultrasonography or by using advanced imaging modalities like Computed tomography(CT) or Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Despite the unique anatomical arrangement, individuals usually remain asymptomatic and can expect a normal life expectancy. However, when these individuals require surgical interventions, anesthetic complications may arise due to the associated anomalies. In this case study, we present the challenges encountered by an anesthesiologist during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a 58-year-old male diagnosed with situs inversus and symptomatic cholelithiasis.
Effect of deposition time on the optical properties of vanadium pentoxide films grown on porous silicon nanostructure
Authors: Ktifa Skander , Rahmani Mahdi , Bouaicha Mongi
Published: October 2023

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) thin films were grown on porous silicon (PS) layer by electron beam evaporation technique under an oxygen partial pressure. The morphology of the porous surface before and after V2O5 deposition for different evaporation times was observed by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The predicts changes of the chemical composition and bonds at the porous surface have been studied by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was carried out to study the effect of vanadium pentoxide thickness on the optical properties of V2O5/PS nanocomposites. The PL spectrum of PS show a red-shift of 90 nm following the deposition of vanadium pentoxide while a quenching of the PL intensity was observed. Referring to FTIR and Raman results, the origin of this shift can be attributed to the formation of oxidized vanadium elements at PS surface as well as the creation of localized states by V2O5 molecules inside the band gap of PS. The wavelength dependence of optical transmittance, reflectance and absorption coefficients were investigated. An increase in the optical band gap from 1.95 eV to 2.18 eV was obtained due to Moss-Burstein effect as well as the presence of vacancy defects in V2O5 film.
Study of the Preparation and Quality of Gastrodia elata with Different Drying Processes
Authors: Wang Nannan , Jin Xindi , Li Yongxiang , Zhao Tong , Lu Yangyang , Chang Jiale , Liu Bin , Gao Zhenpeng , Zhao Xubo
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different drying methods on the quality of fresh Gastrodia elata after drying and processing. Four drying methods, including natural air drying, hot air drying, vacuum freeze drying, and vacuum microwave drying, and two pre-treatment methods (unprocessed and steam processed) were used. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microstructure of dried Gastrodia elata, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the content of eight functional components such as gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol etc. The in vitro antioxidant and hypotensive experiments were also conducted. The results showed that pre-treatment methods and different drying methods had a significant effect on the morphology and functional component content of Gastrodia elata. The steam processed-vacuum freeze drying (PGB-CFD) treatment group had the highest functional component content, with a total content of 42.71 mg/g. The unprocessed-vacuum freeze drying (NGB-CFD) treatment group had the highest antioxidant capacity, while the steam processed-vacuum freeze drying (PGB-CFD) treatment group had the highest ACE enzyme inhibition rate. This study provides reference methods and basic data for the further processing of fresh Gastrodia elata.
WITHDRAWN: Land cover changes based on open spatial data - a case study
Authors: Głogowska Magdalena
Published: October 2023

Context Cities have been facing the problem of disappearance of open green areas in favor of built-up areas. There is a fragmentation of these areas and eventually their loss. In areas where the land surface is successively built upon, the risk of flooding and water scarcity increases, and in many places the phenomenon of urban heat island occurs.Objectives The aim of the work is to identify and determine the extent and rate of disappearance of green areas and to understand the nature of these changes. Another objective of the work was to test the usefulness open spatial resources for analyzing land cover change at a smaller scale.Methods These analyzes were performed using open spatial data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service. The data includes land use and land cover (LULC) derived from satellite imagery for functional urban areas (FUA). Three cities were selected from Katowice FUA (includes 58 municipalities) and the analyzes of GIS were conducted at this scale.Results Changes in land use in cities: Gliwice, Chorzów and Sosnowiec over a period of 6 and 12 years were analyzed. In addition, the suitability of the Copernicus resource for this scale of analysis was examined.Conclusions The study confirms the general trend of the disappearance of green spaces in favor of built-up areas. In addition, assessing the quality of open spatial data is crucial to ensure reliable analysis of land cover changes in order to properly manage these resources and improve the standard of living of residents.
The role of microRNAs in understanding sex-based differences in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Llera-Oyola Jaime , Carceller Héctor , Andreu Zoraida , Hidalgo Marta R. , Soler-Sáez Irene , Gordillo Fernando , Gómez-Cabañes Borja , Roson Beatriz , Iglesia-Vayá Maria de la , Mancuso Roberta , Guerini Franca R. , Mizokami Akiko , Garcia Francisco Garcia
Published: October 2023

Background:The incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) - the most frequent cause of dementia - is expected to increase as life expectancies rise across the globe. While sex-based differences in AD have previously been described, there remain uncertainties regarding any association between sex and disease-associated molecular mechanisms. Studying sex-specific expression profiles of regulatory factors such as microRNAs (miRNAs) could contribute to more accurate disease diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A systematic review identified five studies of microRNA expression in AD patients that incorporated information regarding the biological sex of samples in the Gene Expression Omnibus repository. A differential microRNA expression analysis was performed, considering disease status and patient sex. Subsequently, results were integrated within a meta-analysis methodology, with a functional enrichment of meta-analysis results establishing an association between altered miRNA expression and relevant Gene Ontology terms.Results:Meta-analyses of miRNA expression profiles in blood samples revealed the alteration of sixteen miRNAs in female and twenty-two miRNAs in male AD patients. We discovered nine miRNAs commonly overexpressed in both sexes, suggesting a shared miRNA dysregulation profile. Functional enrichment results based on miRNA profiles revealed sex-based differences in biological processes; most affected processes related to ubiquitination, regulation of different kinase activities, and apoptotic processes in males, but RNA splicing and translation in females. Meta-analyses of miRNA expression profiles in brain samples revealed the alteration of six miRNAs in female and four miRNAs in male AD patients. We observed a single underexpressed miRNA in female and male AD patients (hsa-miR-767-5p); however, the functional enrichment analysis for brain samples did not reveal any specifically affected biological process.Conclusions:Sex-specific meta-analyses supported the detection of differentially expressed miRNAs in female and male AD patients, highlighting the relevance of sex-based information in biomedical data. Further studies on miRNA regulation in AD patients should meet the criteria for comparability and standardization of information.
Towards reliable national social footprints: refining work-related injury and fatality metrics
Authors: Berthet Etienne , Anquetil-Deck Candy , Stadler Konstantin , Laurent Alexis
Published: October 2023

Objectives:
The objective of this data note is to provide a reliable, comprehensive dataset focusing on work-related injuries and fatalities, broken down by year, country, gender, and economic sector. We aim to fill a significant gap in sustainability models, specifically in metrics concerning occupational health. Although the data is compatible with any Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model, it is primarily designed for integration with the EXIOBASE model. The dataset seeks to broaden MRIO models' capabilities in social impact assessments and national social footprint evaluations. Ultimately, this resource aims to offer a holistic tool for researchers and policymakers, enabling more thorough assessments of international trade flows, global value chains (GVC), and national policies across both environmental and social dimensions.
Data Description:
Our dataset enriches the EXIOBASE model with updated fatality statistics from World Health Organization (WHO) and Eurostat databases, covering the years 2008 to 2019. It provides detailed data on work-related fatal injuries by country, gender, and economic sector. With its broad applicability, this dataset stands to influence research and policy across multiple disciplines. It offers valuable insights for studies on global social impacts, policy economics, and the real effects of global value chains, among other research areas.
Pharmacodynamics and biodistribution of radiolabeled Platinum-195m (Cisspect) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Roest Reinout H. , Walsum Marijke Stigter – van , Schilden Karlijn van der , Brakenhoff Ruud H.
Published: October 2023

Background
Cisplatin- based chemoradiotherapy is a crucial pillar in the treatment of HNSCC. The use of cisplatin comes with a high burden as 35% of patients cannot sustain the planned dose. Unfortunately, there are no clinically applicable biomarkers to predict response. Based on the association of response with the number of DNA adducts and the involved molecular pathway to resolve cisplatin-induced DNA crosslinks in HNSCC, [195mPt]Cisplatin (CISSPECT®) promises to be a potential biomarker of response using imaging and biodistribution. The aim of this study is to investigate the biodistribution of [195mPt]Cisplatin between known cisplatin-sensitive (VU-SCC-1131) and –resistant (VU-SCC-OE) HNSCC cell lines in vitro and xenografts in mice in vivo.
Results
Being more sensitive to cisplatin than VU-SCC-OE, cell cycle experiments showed a severely hampered G1 and S-phase in VU-SCC-1131 after low dose treatment with cisplatin compared to VU-SCC-OE. Remarkably, VU-SCC-OE was able to accumulate more [195mPt]Cisplatin in the DNA, and showed an increased capability to repair Pt-195m cisplatin crosslinks as compared to VU-SCC-1131. Notably, uptake increased even when cisplatin was removed from the medium, likely by intracellular sources. In vivo, [195mPt]Cisplatin was rapidly distributed to large organs and similar between intravenous and intraperitoneal administration. Most of circulating [195mPt]Cisplatin was cleared by renal filtration, and accumulation in kidney and liver remained high. Uptake in xenografts was rapid (blood:tumor ratio; 1:1) and highest after 1 hr, while decreasing after 6 hrs in accordance with the circulating concentration. Remarkably, there was no significant difference in uptake and retention between xenografts of the sensitive and resistant cell line.
Conclusion
VU-SCC-1131 with an FA deficiency and VU-SCC-OE displayed a significant difference in sensitivity to and recovery from cisplatin, due to a S-phase problems in VU-SCC-1131 at low dose in line with the genetic defect. Using Pt-195m radioactivity analysis, we demonstrated the limited capability of cisplatin crosslink repair in VU-SCC-1131. We were not able to translate these findings to a mouse model for sensitivity prediction based on the biodistribution in the tumor. The organ-specific distribution data of [195mPt]Cisplatin could possibly be used to predict the toxic side-effects of cisplatin and facilitate optimizing therapeutic dosing schemes.
Clinical evaluation of the Vaginal Panel Realtime PCR Kit (Vircell, SL) for the diagnosis of vaginitis
Authors: Amor Isabel , Alberola Ana , de Salazar Adolfo , Viñuela Laura , Úbeda-Portugués Sara , Galán María Isabel , Mendoza Pablo , García Federico
Published: October 2023

Vaginitis is a common clinical disorder for which women seek medical care. A clinical evaluation of the Vaginal Panel Realtime PCR kit (qPCR test) compared with reference methods was performed. A total of 1011 vaginal swab specimens were analyzed. The reference methods were Gram strain-based Nugent score combined with Gardnerella culture for bacterial vaginosis (BV) diagnosis and culture for Candida species and Trichomonas vaginalis detection. Candida species identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The agreement between both methods for BV was 93.11% with a Kappa value of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.781–0.860). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the qPCR test compared to the reference method for Candida species were 96% (95% confidence interval 92.8%-98.1%), 98.4% (95% confidence interval 97.2%-99.2%), 95.3% (95% confidence interval 92.0%-97.3%) and 98.7% (95% confidence interval 97.6%-99.3%), respectively. The qPCR test yielded a positive result for T. vaginalis in twelve of the specimens however the parasite was not microscopically observed in any cultured specimens. The Vaginal Panel Realtime PCR kit showed an optimal agreement compared to reference methods for vaginitis diagnosis, even improving the detection of T. vaginalis.
Facile Synthesis of MgO-Carbon nanocomposites for Advanced Capacitive Electrode Materials
Authors: mondal aniruddha , Afzal Mohd , Mondal Sudip
Published: October 2023

The current study aims to develop a unique approach for constructing an asymmetric supercapacitor utilising a nanocomposite of MgO-Carbon as electrode material. The geometrical surface area of the MgO-Carbon has shown to be highly porous with different porosities, and the value is 210 m2g− 1. This supercapacitor operates with an aqueous electrolyte consisting of 1M KOH. The findings indicate that the test cell exhibited exceptional electrochemical output within the voltage range of 0 to 1 V. The capacitance of the MgO-Carbon cell is measured to be 225 F g− 1 at a current density of 2 A g− 1. According to research on cycling, the aforementioned cell has demonstrated the ability to maintain 97% of its original capacitance following 20,000 cycles. The findings of this study suggest that the MgO-Carbon holds promise as an electrode material for the development of environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy storage devices. This composite exhibit excellent energy and power densities, along with a prolonged cycle life.
MALDI-TOF Nucleic Acid Mass Spectrometry for Simultaneously Detection of Fourteen Porcine Viruses and its Application
Authors: Shuai Jiangbing , Song Shiqi , Wang Zhongcai , Zeng Ruoxue , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: October 2023

Background: Porcine respiratory and digestive diseases pose significant challenges in modern pig farming, often arising from mixed infections involving various pathogens. Current methods for detecting viral porcine pathogens have notable limitations in simultaneously identifying multiple pathogens. To address this issue, our study introduces a novel methodology that combines single-base extension PCR with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight nucleic acid mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF NAMS).
Results: Our approach accurately simultaneously identified 14 critical porcine viruses, including porcine circovirus types 1 to 3, porcine bocaviruses groups 1 to 3, African swine fever virus, pseudorabies virus, porcine parvovirus, torque teno sus virus, swine influenza virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, classical swine fever virus, and foot-and-mouth disease virus. The low limit of detection for multiplex identification ranges from 13.54 to 1.59 copies/μL. Inter- and intra-assay stability was found to be ≥98.3%. In a comprehensive analysis of 108 samples, the assay exhibited an overall compliance with qPCR results of 97.88%.
Conclusions: The developed MALDI-TOF NAMS assay exhibits high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability in detecting and distinguishing a wide spectrum of porcine viruses in complex matrix samples. This underscores its potential as an efficient diagnostic tool for disease surveillance and control in the pig industry.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in treating methylmercury-poisoned rats: Reconstruction of gut microbiome and modulation of gut-brain axis related metabolites
Authors: Zhang Yanfei , Xie Hongxin , Lin Xiaoying , Tian Xue , Ao Piaoxue , Cui Liwei , Xin Yan , Yin Ming , Shi Nianqiu , Li Bai , Gao Yuxi , Shang Lihai , Li Yu-Feng
Published: October 2023

Background Methylmercury (MeHg) can bring devastating neurotoxicity to animals and human beings. Gut microbiota has been found to demethylate MeHg while MeHg exposure was found to destroy the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota. Besides, some neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamate and other metabolites were altered due to MeHg exposure. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been successfully applied to treat a series of diseases like Tourette syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis and to treat ulcerative coliti. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of FMT in treating MeHg-poisoned rats.
Results: It was found that FMT for 14 days promoted body weight gain, enhanced demethylation of MeHg and increased fecal excretion of Hg in MeHg-poisoned rats. Furthermore, the gut microbial bacteria associated with demethylation, such as sulfate-reducing bacteria were restored and some metabolites related to neuroactivity through gut-brain axis were increased after FMT, there is also repair of brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)-related factor levels in the intestine, brain and serum.
Conclusions: In all, it was showed that FMT can be a effective way in treating MeHg-poisoned rats through the reconstruction of gut microbiota, especially the bacteria that are associated with the demethylation of MeHg. Furthermore, the modulation of metabolites that are related to gut-brain axis after FMT also contributed to the treating of MeHg-poisoning. This study provides a novel way to treat MeHg-poisoning, which may contribute to the health promotion of mercury exposed population and shed lights on the treatment of other neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease.
Comparison of Predictability in Vault using NK Formula and KS Formula for the Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery
Authors: Zhong Xin , Li Yan , Li Yuancun , Wang Geng , Du Yali , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: October 2023

Background The purpose of this study is to investigate the agreement of NK and KS formulas in predicting the vault after implantation of EVO-implantable collamer lens (ICL).Methods In this retrospective study, a total of 106 eyes of 59 patients who underwent ICL-V4c implantation were included. The predicted vault using the NK formula and the KS formula was provided by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) automatically. The achieved vault was measured by AS-OCT at 1 month after surgery. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed for evaluating correlations between postoperative vault and other biological parameters.Results The achieved vault was 604.34 ± 214.66 µm, which was significantly smaller than the predicted vaults of 713.50 ± 195.32 and 679.27 ± 211.00 µm, using the NK and KS formulas, respectively (P < 0.05). The 95% limits of agreement of the achieved vault and the predicted vault using the KS formula were narrower than those of the achieved vault and the predicted vault using the NK formula in both ICL size groups. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and sulcus-to-sulcus diameter (STS) were independent factors associated with achieved vault (P < 0.05). It’s no significant difference in absolute prediction error (APE) between the two formulas.Conclusion There is no significant difference between the NK and KS formulas in terms of absolute predicted error vault. It should be noted that AS-OCT tended to overestimate the predicted ICL vault, particularly when selecting larger ICL sizes. ACD and STS were identified as potential crucial factors influencing the achieved vault.
Diagnostic value of combined-diagnostic methods of brain tuberculoma tissue specimens: a case series
Authors: Liang Bo , Yang Siyuan , Zhou Xingang , Ding Xinghuan , Wang Jianbo , Li Jingjing , Gao Haili , Zhao Hongxin , Liang Tingyu , Feng Enshan
Published: October 2023

Background: The diagnosis of brain tuberculoma (BT) is sometimes challenging. Herein, we presented a case series to evaluate the combined-diagnostic methods, including acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stain, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Gene Xpert and histopathology, of tuberculoma tissue specimens (TTSs).
Methods: A total of 16 patients (11 HIV-positive, 5 HIV-negative) with BT confirmed by combined-diagnostic methods of TTS were included in this study. Clinical data, including clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, neuroimaging features, histopathology, treatment, and prognosis, were assessed in all patients.
Results: There were 10 male and 6 female patients (range: 18-73 y). AFB stain and PCR of TTSs were positive in 11 and 10 patients, respectively. The sensitivity of Gene Xpert of TTSs was (80.0%, 8/10). 9 (56.3%, 9/16) patients were diagnosed with BT by histopathology.After receiving anti-tuberculosis treatment, 12 (75.0%, 12/16) patients improved clinically to a considerable extent.
Conclusions: The combined-diagnostic methods of TTS may significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency of BT.
Numerical Modelling of Transient Cavitation
Authors: Ghodhbani Abdelaziz , Haj Taïeb Ezzeddine , Akrout Mohsen , Elaoud Sami
Published: October 2023

The modelling of transient cavitation is described in this chapter by
considering column separation modelling where FSI and gas release are taken into
account. As detailed for water hammer modelling, transient in straight pipeline is
caused by fast closure of shut-off valve. Both vaporous and gaseous cavitation are
considered in the numerical models.
Investigating the Features of Physical Layer Structure for Employment of Smart City Models
Authors: Jain Rishabh , Jain Srishti , Jindal Muskan , Singh Naruka Mahaveer
Published: October 2023

In today’s world, when everything around us is getting smart, be it the “phone” or “television”, there is an utter need and high time for the cities to get smart to solve the major problems of mankind. It is a futuristic approach to alleviate obstacles caused due to day by day increasing population of India. It will help the government as well as the common people to fight daily life problems such as water scarcity, waste management, and lack of interconnectivity in a city that can cause serious problems like delayed responses to emergency situations. This paper mainly focuses on the salient features of the smart city “Dholera” in Gujarat, India. The city uses futuristic technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things(IoT) to automate city resources. It has AI-based smart grids, transportation, water and waste management. This paper explains why Cholera is a smart, intelligent and fast-responsive city and how it is a boon for the masses.
Garbage Management and Monitoring System Using IOT Applications
Authors: Kumaraswamy A. , Sekhar Kolli Chandra , Aurelia Sagaya , Kumar P. Vasantha , Lakshminarayana M.
Published: October 2023

The main purpose of this application, in addition to boosting the vision of a
smart city, is to reduce humankind's effort and resources while simultaneously
enhancing the vision. The squashing of the dustbin will occur on a regular schedule. It
will be possible to manage waste more efficiently when these sensible garbage bins are
implemented on a large scale and replace our previously designed dumpster, as it
eliminates the need for waste to be piled up on the roadside in the first place. When
managing the trash containers, wireless sensor systems in networks (WSN) in
connection with the IoT technologies are used. On the other hand, sensors are used to
monitor the container contents in real-time, with results displayed on the website, and
the sensed contents are then evaluated to determine the optimal container distribution.
This allows for the processing of a variety of waste types depending on the needs of the
customer. As a result of installing ultrasonic sensors in each bin, garbage levels are
continuously checked. As a result of this notification, the bin will be cleared. 
Hybrid Machine Learning Techniques for Secure IoT Applications
Authors: Balasingam Udayabalan , Prathibha S. B. , Swetha K. R. , Muruganandam C. , Pol Urmila R.
Published: October 2023

Web sensing devices capture and transmit data from the physical
environment to a central place using rapid advances in software, hardware, and IoT
technologies. Depending on the source, the overall count of web-connected devices is
estimated to be between 50 and 100 billion by 2025. The amount of data released will
increase as the population expands and technology improves, which is already
happening. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology connects and interacts with the
physical and virtual worlds. A gadget linked to the Internet is called an IoT. Intellectual
data handling and investigation are required to construct smart IoT requests. This
article gives knowledge about the Machine learning (ML) algorithms available for
dealing with IoT data challenges, using smart cities as the primary use case. This article
looks at common IoT diagnostic applications. This research compares and evaluates the
predicted precision and understandability of supervised and unattended ML models.
These technologies are briefly addressed in desktop, mobile, and cloud computing
settings.
Meteorite Falls in Africa
Authors: Khiri Fouad , Ibhi Abderrahmane , Ouknine Lahcen
Published: October 2023

Collecting meteorites just after their fall is a fundamental element to
continue to gather information on the history of our solar system. During the period
1800-2020, 170 observed meteorite falls were recorded in Africa. The mass of
fragments collected for any African meteorite range from 1.4 g to 175 kg, with a
predominance of cases from 1 to 10 kg. The average rate of observed falls in Africa is
low, with only one recovery per 1.29 years (i.e., 0.026 per year and per million km2
).
The African collection of observed falls is dominated by chondrites (84.4%), as in the
world collection. The achondrites (10%) include three famous Martian meteorite falls:
Nakhla (Egypt), Tissint (Morocco), and Zagami (Nigeria), whereas the observed iron
meteorite falls are relatively rare (i.e., 5% of the collection). The rate of documented
falls in Africa has been increasing since 1860, with 88% recovered during the period
1910-2020. Most of these falls have been observed and then collected in North-Western Africa, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa, in countries that feature a large
area and a large but evenly distributed population. Other factors that are proven to be
favorable to the observation and collection of meteorite falls on the African territory
are a genuine meteorite education, the semi-arid to arid climate offering clear skies
most of the time, cultivated land or sparse grassland and the possible access to the fall
location favored by a low percentage of forest cover and a dense road network..
Meteorites of Northwest Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Mauritania
Authors: Ouknine Lahcen , Khiri Fouad , Ibhi Abderrahmane
Published: October 2023

The number of meteorite finds in Northwest of Africa (NWA), i.e.,
Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and Mali have recorded a considerable increase since
1999. However, the classification of these meteorites is done by the Meteorite
Nomenclature Committee of the “Meteoritical Society”, only attributes 8% of the total
finds of this region to their specific country of origin, and leaves 92% of them under
the mere appellation “NWA” (Northwest Africa) followed by a number. This work
attempts to contextualize the 5678 finds of NWA meteorites by defining the
circumstances of the find of every sample, according to the new Categorization of
Finds and the new Guidelines for Meteorite Nomenclature adopted by the Meteorite
Nomenclature Committee. Thus, in addition to the 1180 official NWA meteorites
whose countries of find are approved by the Nomenclature Committee, 3240 meteorites
are assigned to 4 countries of North-West Africa, i.e., 2994 samples (92%) to Morocco,
79 samples (2.5%) to Algeria, 34 samples (1.1%) to Mauritania and 12 samples (0.1%)
to Mali. Nevertheless, the remaining NWA meteorites (1267 samples) have no
information indicating the country of finding. After the adoption of the naming
“NWA”, we notice a remarkable decrease in the number of meteorites bearing the
names of official places versus a considerable increase in the number of NWA
meteorites. On the other hand, the statistical analysis of NWA meteorites reveals that
the population includes rare specimens of great scientific value, making them highly
desired by both scientists and collectors from all over the world. In general, this work
results in the creation of a new database of meteorites stemming from the Northwest of
Africa.
Meteorites of Sahara
Authors: García José , Ouknine Lahcen , Senesi Giorgio S.
Published: October 2023

The number of meteorites collected in the North African Sahara Desert is
very relevant, as their conservation is facilitated by the dry climate, thus it represents
one of the most important regions to recover rocks from space, along with Antarctica,
Atacama and the great deserts of North America. However, more than 90% of the
desert surface feasibly preserving important meteorites is estimated to be not yet
explored. New finds are classified annually, and countries such as Mauritania, Mali and
Egypt are emerging. The most optimistic forecasts suggest that many new meteorites
will continue to be extracted from the great Sahara Desert in the coming decades.
Collecting and preserving them properly is essential to bequeath to science such
important research materials such as meteorites.
Meteorite Falls, Finds and Impact Craters in North East Africa: Egypt, Sudan and Libya
Authors: Heikal Mohamed Th. S. , Ouknine Lahcen , Senesi Giorgio S.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this chapter is to provide an updated review of the available data
concerning the confirmed and proposed meteorite falls and finds and their impact
craters in Egypt, Sudan, and Libya. Among the 190 confirmed impact/sites on the Earth
crust, only less than 8 have been identified in northeast Africa, in particular, BP and
Oasis in Libya and Kamil in Egypt. Very few other structures of alleged impact are
located in these countries have been described in the literature. The record of
meteorites and their impact craters in North East Africa are still incomplete and
debated. The only criteria that provide evidence of an impact are the occurrence of
circular geological features and their shock-metamorphic effects on the target rocks
(shatter cones and diagnostic shock-metamorphic mineral deformations). These effects
are evident in the Kamil crater (Egypt) and most impact craters in Libya. The discovery
of preserved meteorite fragments and the detection of the geochemical signature of
meteoritic indicators should be considered carefully during fieldwork and advanced
further studies.
Wounds and Natural Remedies: A Long Way of Effective Treatment
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Xue , Yan Jingsong , Li Ning
Published: October 2023

Wound healing is quite a complicated process in the human body, consisting
of the action of constricting injured blood vessels, activating the immune system,
angiogenesis, remodeling, etc. Under intensive mechanical stress, a fibrotic scar, which
is unfavorable with respect to the beauty of the skin, can be formed to patch the wound.
Moreover, chronic wounds due to the disruption in wound healing are another clinical
problem for patients with diabetes or vascular diseases. Of note is that natural
remedies, especially natural products, are demonstrated to elicit certain positive effects
on many aspects of wound healing. In this chapter, global mechanisms, the role of
natural remedies and newly emerging therapeutic targets regarding wound healing are
presented, and the remaining hurdle for the natural product-based treatment in wound
healing is also introduced.
Back to the Roots: Natural Cosmetics and their Future Applications
Authors: Oderinde Olayinka , Ejeromedoghene Onome , Igenepo John Kingsley , Koforowola Onasanya Abimbola , Olaitan Bamidele Muyideen , Ayo Ogunbela Adegboyega
Published: October 2023

Numerous concerns have been raised on the side effects of the prolonged
usage of synthetic compounds in cosmetics production, including skin damage due to
inflammations, rashes, and itching, just to mention a few. These skin side effects have
been reported to be linked to the break-down of homeostasis of the repair system
against deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and tissue destruction. These can lead to
accelerated aging, melanogenesis, and cell growth senescence or even cause cancer of
the skin. Efforts to overcome these problems associated with synthetic cosmetics have
led to the use of natural cosmetics of plant and animal origin. Natural cosmetics have
been found to contain essential oils and other extracts that can alleviate or inhibit skin-associated problems, such as eczema, allergy, acne, dryness, and discoloration, while
also containing anti-aging, anti-tyrosinase, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory
substances. In this chapter, some cosmetics products from plants (herbs) and animal
extraction are highlighted alongside their applications in skin care. At the same time,
also, the future perspectives and recommendations of these natural extracts are
proffered.
Effect of Shirodhara in Situational Anejaculation: A Single Case Study
Authors: Sandeep S. Khandalikar
Published: October 2023

Anejaculation is a type of male sexual dysfunction that can affect one’s ability to enjoy sex. It can also lead to male infertility. The process of ejaculation has important meanings not only for its association with orgasm but also for the timing to ejaculate in the context of sexual activity. Healthy sexual behaviour plays an essential role in maintaining the harmony and happiness of marital life.
Ekstrak Etanol Ubi Jalar Ungu (Ipomea batatas L.) Menurunkan Kadar MDA Plasma Tikus Model Menopause
Authors: Sugiritama I Wayan , Ratnayanti I Gusti Ayu Dewi , Linawati Ni Made , Wahyuniari Ida Ayu Ika , Wiryawan I Gusti Nyoman Sri , Arijana I Gusti Kamasan Nyoman
Published: October 2023

Pemberian antioksidan merupakan salah satu strategi dalam manajemen menopause, karena diketahui bahwa stres oksidatif berkontribusi pada patogenesis penyakit yang terkait dengan menopause. Ubi jalar ungu diketahui memiliki aktivitas antioksidan karena kandungan flavonoidnya terutama antosianin. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengevaluasi aktivitas antioksidan ubi jalar ungu kultivar Bali pada hewan model menopause, yang didahului dengan pengukuran kandungan flavonoid dan antosianin total, serta kapasitas antioksidan. Penelitian dengan rancangan post-test only control group design  ini,  menggunakan 28  ekor tikus Wistar betina yang diovariektomi bilateral. Hewan coba dibagi secara acak menjadi kelompok kontrol (P0), dan kelompok perlakuan (P1, P2, dan P3). Kelompok P1, P2, dan P3 diberi ekstrak etanol ubi jalar ungu (20mg/ml) per oral 7 hari setelah ovariektomi dengan dosis 1 ml, 2 ml, dan 4 ml/hari,  sedangkan P0 diberikan saline 0,9% 1 ml/hari selama 30 hari. Sampel darah diambil untuk pengukuran MDA plasma dengan menggunakan metode reaksi asam tiobarbiturat. Penelitian ini menemukan kadar total flavonoid ekstrak ubi jalar ungu sebesar 676.9 mg/100g, kadar antosianin 56.78 mg/100g, dan kapasitas antioksidan 2516.82 mg/L GAEAC. Hasil analisis data menemukan terjadi penurunan kadar MDA plasma pada P1 (2,431±0,087 mol/L), P2 (2,174±0,096 mol/L), dan P3 (1,886±0,109 mol/L) dibandingkan dengan P0 (2,795± 0,063 mol/L) (p = 0,000). Kesimpulannya, ekstrak etanol ubi jalar ungu dapat menurunkan kadar MDA plasma tikus model menopause