bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study on the Use of Perfluoropropane Contrast Agent in Monitoring Drug Diffusion during Fascial Plane Blocks
Authors: Zhang Zhicheng , Zhang Yue , Ni Yong , Wang Lina , Nie Lixiang , Zhao Xianda
Published: April 2024

Objectives：This reserach aims to preliminarily verify the feasibility of utilizing a novel perfluoropropane ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) for observing the spread of drugs within the fascial plane.We demonstrated the feasibility of this method by conducting transverse abdominis plane block(TAPB) using two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound.
Methods：Firstly, to explore the optimal dilution ratio of UCA mixed with local anesthetics (LA), this study conducted in vitro simulation experiments by diluting the UCA with 0.375% ropivacaine at various ratios (0, 10x, 30x, 100x, 300x, 1000x).The contrast of images under 2D ultrasound was observed and measured in a six-well plate. After selecting two relatively suitable doses, TAPB was performed using rabbits to determine the best dilution ratio. Next, 0.375% ropivacaine was mixed with UCA at the selected optimal dilution ratio (with the addition of methylene blue). TAPB was performed, and the diffusion area of the contrast agent was recorded in real-time under 2D ultrasound. After dissection, photographs were taken to record the spread range of methylene blue, and the correlation and consistency between the two methods of observing drug diffusion were compared. Finally, we conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the muscular and neural toxicity of the novel UCA when combined with 0.375% ropivacaine.
Results:Using 2 ml of 0.375% ROP in combination with perfluoropropane UCA, without further dilution, produced stable and high-contrast 2D ultrasound images in an in vitro simulation experiment and TAPB in rabbits.This mixture ratio was subsequently used to observe drug diffusion and toxicity in further studies. A paired t-test analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the measured area between the spread of 0.375% ROP + perfluoropropane UCA in 2D ultrasound imaging and the spread of MB after dissection.The area recorded by ultrasound images exhibited a strong correlation with the distribution range of LA as reflected by MB after dissection (R = 0.70, P = 0.02).Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean difference in the measured area between the two methods was 0.65 cm2, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference was [-1.38 cm2, 1.16 cm2]. Only one data point was outside the 95% CI.Neither in vivo nor in vitro studies have found that perfluoropropane UCA increases the known muscular and neural toxicity of 0.375%ROP.
Conclusions:Our study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of real-time monitoring of LA diffusion by the novel perfluoropropane UCA under 2D ultrasound.
Using ChatGPT as a Lesson Planning Assistant with Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Gurl Theresa J. , Markinson Mara P. , Artzt Alice F.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the use of ChatGPT as a lesson planning assistant with preservice teachers (PSTs) of secondary mathematics. PSTs asked ChatGPT to solve a mathematics problem and to assist with lesson planning in a microteaching context in a methods course. The PSTs first completed parts of the lesson plan individually, then asked ChatGPT to do the same thing, reflecting on the output. They then used ChatGPT any way they saw fit throughout the planning process. An analysis of the PSTs’ reflective statements about ChatGPT’s output revealed the importance of critical and evaluative reflection. Although PSTs were generally accurate in their assessment of pedagogical output, noting that ChatGPT’s suggested lessons were teacher-centered and repetitive, indicating little knowledge of students’ needs, they were less accurate about their assessment of mathematical output, often attributing incorrect solutions as a “different approach'' to the problem. The findings of this study have implications for the value of a reflective process for PSTs when using ChatGPT and other chatbots for lesson planning and solving mathematics problems.
Identification of immune cell infiltration and biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19 by integrated bioinformatics analysis and machine learning
Authors: Li Juntu , Tao Linfeng , Zhou Yanyou , Zhu Yue , Li Chao , Pan Yiyuan , Liu Jun
Published: April 2024

Background: Since its emergence in late 2019, COVID-19 has become a global epidemic, resulting in numerous infections, including a significant number of critically ill patients. Several studies have suggested a possible link between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and COVID-19. For instance, a Mendelian randomization study has proposed a causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19 in the pathogenic mechanism. However, there are limited studies exploring the common pathogenic genes and immune infiltration between the two. Therefore, we conducted this study to identify key genes in COVID-19 associated with Alzheimer's disease, evaluate their correlation with immune cell characteristics and metabolic pathways, and investigate potential novel biomarkers.
Methods: Transcriptome analyses were used to identify common biomolecular markers of AD and COVID-19. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed on gene chip datasets (GSE213313, GSE5281, and GSE63060) from AD and COVID-19 patients to identify genes associated with both conditions. Common pathogenic molecular mechanisms were identified through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. The core genes were then identified using machine learning methods. Subsequently, we evaluated the relationship between these core genes and common immune cells and metabolic pathways. Finally, our findings were validated through single-cell analysis.
Results: The study identified 484 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by taking the intersection of genes between AD and COVID-19. The black module, containing 132 genes, showed the highest association between the two diseases according to WGCNA. GO enrichment analysis revealed that these genes mainly affect inflammation, cytokines, immune-related functions, and signaling pathways related to metal ions and cellular response to viruses. Additionally, a machine learning approach identified eight core genes. We identified links between these genes and immune cells and also found a strong association between EIF3H and oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, these results were further validated by single-cell analysis.
Conclusion: This study identifies potential shared genes, signaling pathways, immune-related alterations, and changes in metabolic pathways that may collectively contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease. These findings provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of both diseases.
Layer-specific Transcriptional Signatures of Colon Anastomotic Healing and Leakage in Mice
Authors: Sengul Hilal , Bantavi Vasiliki , Yim Andrew Y.F. Li , Efferz Patrik , Schneiker Bianca , de Jonge Wouter J , Wehner Sven
Published: April 2024

Background
Colon anastomotic leakage (CAL) is a postoperative complication originating from disturbed colon anastomotic healing (CAH). Wound healing involves several well-coordinated stages, which have not been comprehensively studied for CAH or CAL. This study aims to provide transcriptional profiles of different intestinal layers of anastomotic tissues throughout distinct healing stages and to identify CAL-related genes.
Methods
Proximal colon anastomosis was constructed with 8 interrupted sutures in mice. Six hours, 24h and 72h after surgery, anastomotic complications were assessed. Transcriptional profiles of inner (mucosa and submucosa) and outer (muscularis externa) layer of the anastomotic and naive control tissues were analyzed with 3’ bulk mRNA sequencing to identify the layer-specific healing and leakage pathways.
Results
Our data indicate that the mucosa/submucosa and muscularis externa enter inflammation stage at 6h, proliferation stage at 24h and tissue remodeling stage at 72h during CAH. We observed that transcription profiles of the mucosa/submucosa, but not the muscularis externa, differ between CAH and CAL. Particularly, genes related to extracellular remodeling (including Col18a1 and Col16a1) and wound healing (Pdpn and Timp1) showed lower expression in the mucosa/submucosa of CAL tissue compared to CAH.
Conclusions
Mucosa/submucosa and muscularis externa are mostly in synchronization during the inflammation, proliferation, and extracellular remodeling stages during CAH. Transcriptional profiles within the anastomotic mucosa/submucosa differ between CAH and CAL in genes related to extracellular modelling and wound healing, indicating that genes of these pathways may contribute to CAL.
The diagnostic value of strain elastography for BI-RADS category 4 lesions
Authors: Dong Meng , Zhang Bingyi , Fu Chenghui , Xu Xingdong , Xing Boyuan
Published: April 2024

Purpose
To investigate the diagnostic value of strain elastography for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4 lesions.
Methods
We recruited a total of 224 patients (259 lesions in all) who were diagnosed with BI-RADS category 4 lesions from July 2021 to December 2022.The sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy (ACC) of conventional ultrasound (US), the elasticity score method, the strain ratio method, a combined group and logistic regression model for the diagnosis of BI-RADS category 4 lesions were calculated. Compare the area under the curve (AUC) values and evaluate the diagnostic value. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Of the 259 BI-RADS category 4 lesions,163 were benign and 96 were malignant. The AUC values of five methods: Logistic regression model > combined group > strain ratio method > conventional US > elasticty score method. The combined group was higher than that for the conventional US and elasticity score method. The AUC of the strain ratio method was higher than that of the elasticity score method, and the AUC of the logistic regression model was higher than the strain ratio method; these differences were all significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Strain elastography has high diagnostic value for BI-RADS category 4 lesions, and the strain ratio method was superior to elasticity score method. The efficacy of conventional US when combined with the elasticity score for the diagnosis of BI-RADS category 4 lesions was better than that of either method alone.
Clinical, pathologic and molecular findings in 2 Rottweiler littermates with appendicular osteosarcoma
Authors: Silver Kate I. , Mannheimer Joshua D. , Saba Corey , Hendricks William P. D. , Wang Guannan , Day Kenneth , Warrier Manisha , Beck Jessica A. , Mazcko Christina , LeBlanc Amy K.
Published: April 2024

Appendicular osteosarcoma was diagnosed and treated in a pair of littermate Rottweiler dogs, resulting in distinctly different clinical outcomes despite similar therapy within the context of a prospective, randomized clinical trial (NCI-COTC021/022). Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, mRNA sequencing, and targeted DNA hotspot sequencing techniques were applied to both dogs’ tumors to define factors that could underpin their differential response to treatment. We describe the comparison of their clinical, histologic and molecular features, as well as those from a companion cohort of Rottweiler dogs, providing new insight into potential prognostic biomarkers for canine osteosarcoma.
Approximate bound energies of selected diatomic molecules by solving Schrodinger equation case of the modified Kratzer plus Hulthen potential
Authors: Reggab Khalid
Published: April 2024

The equation of Schrodinger is a fundamental mathematical framework used to clarify the motion of the wave form, which is a phenomenon in the field of quantum physics. A method's wave function contains the complete description of its particles. The computational solution of the Schrodinger problem is a multifaceted problem. The eigenvalues and typical functions of the modified Kratzer plus Hulthen potential were ascertained analytically in this study. This study used an estimating approach that Nikiforov-Uvarov functional analysis had suggested for dealing with the problem. Estimating energy spectra and applying the results to certain specific diatomic molecules was the aim. The excellent results obtained from this strategy were confirmed by comparing our eigenvalue data with additional numerical data that was gathered by other researchers.
Analysis on Mathematical inventory control policy models for deteriorating products with various costs by using exponential function
Authors: Ramesh P , Maheswari V. , Balaji V
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we estimate the control policies for deteriorating products with various costs by using exponential function. Deteriorating inventory models with exponential function of various costs with shortage are developed. Shortages are acceptable in a production process that is operating well. The fully backlogged portion balances this. Due to varying exponential costs, deterioration rate is also changeable with time function. Demand items are considered as a constant, which can be obeyed in the exponential function of various costs. We develop the stock keeping cost function as exponential with varying time. Based on these deductions, a mathematical model has been developed and solved numerically. Using the help of numerical analysis we obtain optimum order quantity for each cycle.
AMS classification: 90805, 90B06.
The Effects of E-beam Sterilization on Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) Mechanical, Material and Thermal Properties
Authors: Namsaraeva Olga , Selvaduray Guna , Schneider Yanika , Holder Zachariah , Wagner David , Barker Mark , Nichols Larry , Bridgford Keith , Macdonald Jim , Erogbogbo Folarin , Simon Melinda
Published: April 2024

In this work, the effects of E-beam sterilization on the mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of poly(L-lactic acid), or PLLA, were evaluated. In addition to quantifying the effects of radiationdose, the impact of a cold storage factor called dwell was also evaluated. High molecular weight medical-grade PLLA (PL38) was injection-molded, packaged under a nitrogen atmosphere and kept in a freezer. Three levels of radiation dosage were tested: 30 kGy, 50 kGy and 80 kGy. For the dwell condition, the total dose was delivered to the samples as a set of two consecutive split doses, delivered 24 hours apart. Both Mnand Mwdecreased significantly after irradiation as determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis data showed an increase in the thermal stability of the material after irradiation despite decreases in molecular weight, indicating that PLLA was undergoing cross-linking. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed a statistically significant increase in crystallinity as a function of both dwell and increasing radiation dose. Tensile strength was preserved at the 30 kGy dose level (compared to unirradiated samples), and changes in the elastic modulus between sample conditions were not statistically significant. Statistically significant decreases were seen in percent elongation at break of the material, and were attributed to the increases in crystallinity. While increases in crystallinity present challenges associated with decreased material toughness, this work supports the potential of E-beam irradiation as a sterilization treatment for high molecular weight PLLA.
Uptake of COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors among patients attending oncology services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A mixed design methods’ trajectories
Authors: Makoko David , Kapesa Anthony R. , Mugerwa Micheal , Ngoma Mamsau , Mseti Mark , Lyimo Mary , Kisaka Lucy , Kapologwe Ntuli A. , Seni Jeremiah
Published: April 2024

Background
COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have reduced diseases severity and fatalities around the globe. Global data shows 67.7% of the general population are vaccinated, and Tanzania is reported to have over 70% coverage among individuals more than 18 years of age. However, group-specific assessment of the vaccination coverage is needed in sub-Saharan Africa, and cancer patients constitute a special priority group owing to the vulnerability attributable to this group.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was conducted in September 2022 at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. A stratified sampling technique was used for quantitative data collection involving 479 cancer patients, and convenience sampling was applied for qualitative data collection involving 26 patients. Data were analysed using the statistical software ‘R’ by logistic regression analysis to determine association between socio-demographic, clinical and health belief model (HBM) variables against COVID-19 vaccine uptake among cancer patients.
Results
A total of 384 (80.2%) participants were female with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 48 ± 12.4 years; ranging from 18 to 83 years. Approximately 58.2% (278/479) of the participants reported to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and among them 79.5% were females. Having secondary school education or higher education (OR 2.26, CI 1.20–4.27 p = 0.011), perception on COVID-19 vaccine (OR 8.86, CI 2.84–32.2, p < 0.001) and perceived severity of COVID-19 (OR 0.56, CI 0.36–0.87, p = 0.010) were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. In the qualitative part, the findings suggest that individuals’ beliefs, perceptions, and external factors play a role in their decision to get vaccinated.
Conclusions
Approximately 6 out of 10 cancer patients at the ORCI reported to be vaccinated; with patients’ higher education status, perception on COVID-19 vaccine, and perceived severity being significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Public health interventions should leverage these identified factors to promote vaccine uptake through tailoring communication efforts to specific characteristics.
An improved software program for finding the series and parallel resistances of the photovoltaic cell single diode equivalent circuit model based on the Newton-Raphson method
Authors: Adak Suleyman , Arifoglu Ugur , Cangi Hasan
Published: April 2024

The search for high efficiency and accurate modeling in the analysis of photovoltaic (PV) cells has necessitated the development of special software programs. This software focuses on determining series and parallel resistances in the equivalent circuit of photovoltaic cells. Accurate modeling of these resistors is of great importance to understand and optimize the performance of PV cells under different operating conditions. Software programs use advanced algorithms and simulation techniques to extract and measure the series and parallel resistances associated with the equivalent circuit of the PV cell. It provides a comprehensive and realistic representation of cell behavior, taking into account factors such as temperature changes, irradiance levels and material properties. Researchers and engineers can use this software program to analyze the impact of series and parallel resistances on the overall performance of PV cells, making the analysis of solar panels easier. This software program can contribute to ongoing efforts in improving the accuracy of PV cell modeling and analyzing the efficiency of solar energy conversion systems. Newton-Raphson, Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) etc. are used to predict and analyze the series and parallel resistances in the PV cell single diode equivalent circuit. In this study, the Newton-Raphson method was used in the analysis process. The software program prepared in MATLAB and given in Appendix –A- was used to find the PV cell equivalent circuit series and parallel resistances.
Association between pregnancy wantedness and utilization of maternal health services by adolescent girls and young women at their first live birth in Uganda: Analysis of the 2011 and 2016 Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Akulume Martha , Waiswa Peter , Beňová Lenka , Nakafeero Mary , Zaake Daniel , Wasswa Ronald , Amongin Dinah
Published: April 2024

Background: Unwanted and mistimed pregnancies are postulated to affect the utilization of maternal health services particularly among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). We investigated the association between pregnancy wantedness and utilization of maternal health services by AGYW in Uganda.
Methods: We analyzed data from the 2011 and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys among women whose most recent live birth in each survey’s 5-year recall period was their first birth and who were ≤ 24 years old at the time of their first birth. The outcome variables for this study included utilization of antenatal care (ANC) (categorized as “optimal” if ≥ 4 visits or “poor” if < 4 visits), health facility delivery (yes/no), utilization of postnatal care (PNC) (yes/no), and utilization of the continuum of all three maternal health services (fully utilized and partially utilized). The main independent variable was pregnancy wantedness, categorized as wanted at the time of conception versus unwanted (wanted later or not wanted at all). Data were analyzed using STATA 14. We performed descriptive analysis and logistic regression (bivariate and multivariable) for each survey separately.
Results: We included a total of 741 (in 2011) and 1,828 (in 2016) AGYW (10 to 24 years at the time of their first live birth). The percentage of them that said their first pregnancy was unwanted was 42.0% in 2011 and 45.9% in 2016. In 2011, AGYW with unwanted pregnancies were less likely to utilize optimal ANC compared to those who wanted their pregnancies (AOR=0.64, 95%CI=0.43-0.96). Additionally, pregnancy wantedness was associated with utilization of the continuum of maternal health services in 2011 (AOR = 0.63, CI = 0.40 - 0.99). In 2016, pregnancy wantedness was not significantly associated with ANC utilization (AOR 0.93, CI = 0.73 - 1.17). There was no association between pregnancy wantedness and delivery in a health facility or utilization of PNC in both surveys (p-value >0.05).
Conclusion: Our results showed that although pregnancy wantedness was associated with utilization of ANC and the continuum of maternal health services in 2011. However, in 2016, pregnancy wantedness was not associated with the utilization of any maternal health services.
First Report of a New Species Hyalopsora erlangensis Causing Rust Disease on Cystopteris chinensis in China
Authors: Yu An , Zhao Xia , Chen Xiaohong
Published: April 2024

A newly discovered rust fungus poses a significant threat to the survival and reproduction of the endangered plant Cystopteris chinensis in a forest in western Sichuan province, China. This study utilized both morphological analysis and molecular phylogenetic approaches to classify this fungal taxon. Artificial inoculation experiments, which involved sampling uredia from the field, were conducted to fulfill Koch’s postulates. Our results designate this rust fungus as a novel species within the Pucciniastraceae family, named Hyalopsora erlangensis A. Yu & X.H. Chen. Morphological feature, including hyaline peridia cells, yellowish urediospores, dark brown amphidspores with three germ pores, and pigmental cytoplasma, differentiate this species from others in the genera Milesina, Uredinopsis, and Pucciniastrum. Phylogenetic analysis, based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and 28S rDNA gene fragments, further confirms its distinctiveness from other Hyalopsora species, supported by high Maximum Parsimony (MP), Maximum Likelihood (ML), and Bayesian Inference (BI) bootstrap values. Artificial inoculation of both field-collected and tissue-cultured seedlings verified this fungus as the causing agent of C. chinensis rust disease, indicating a broad host range within the Cystoperis genus. Our research not only identifies the pathogen but also offers fundamental insights for the future management and conservation of this endangered fern, aiming to mitigate the impact of this devastating rust.
On weak convergence of quantile-based empirical likelihood process for ROC curves
Authors: Jiang Hu , Liu Yiming , Wang Zhou
Published: April 2024

The empirical likelihood (EL) method possesses desirable qualities such as automatically determining confidence regions and circumventing the need for variance estimation. As an extension, a quantile-based EL (QEL) method is considered, which results in a simpler form. In this paper, we delve into the framework of the QEL method. Firstly, we explore the weak convergence of the-2 log empirical likelihood ratio for ROC curves. We also introduce a novel statistic for testing the entire ROC curve and the equality of two distributions. To validate our approach, we conduct simulation studies and analyze real data from hepatitis C patients, comparing our method with existing ones.
Chemical recycling of PET waste and utilization of recycled product for synthesis of hybrid unsaturated polyester – urethane coatings
Authors: Jamdar Vandana , Kathalewar Mukesh , Sane Devesh , Sabnis Anagha
Published: April 2024

Chemical recycling of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste has gained importance in last few decades due to its dramatic consumption through its variety of applications. This study employed conventional heating-mediated glycolysis of PET waste with excess ethylene glycol, catalyzed by zinc acetate, to achieve the monomeric product bis(2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate) (BHET). Further ,three different hybrid unsaturated polyester urethane resins were synthesized using recycled product BHET, urethane diol which was synthesized using non isocyanate route of urethane synthesis, maleic anhydride and varying concentration of dimer fatty acid, citric acid and phthalic anhydride. These synthesized novel resins, Hybrid Unsaturated polyester – urethane possessed the unsaturated ester as well as urethane linkages in their polymer backbone. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized hybrid resins and monomeric urethane diol was performed using established techniques. This included determination of hydroxyl value, iodine value, and molecular weight via Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Additionally, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were employed for structural elucidation. Subsequently, the formulated hybrid polyester urethane resins were cured at room temperature using a styrene monomer, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) initiator, and cobalt salt accelerator. A rigorous evaluation of the cured coatings was conducted to determine their optical properties, mechanical performance, and chemical resistance. These properties are crucial for understanding the films' potential applications Finally, thermal behavior was investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).
Ovarian cancer exosome-mediated evasion of the anti-angiogenic effect of bevacizumab
Authors: Chen Zhuoye , Wang Conghui , Xu Mingxia , Zhu Tingjia , Wang Yuehan , Cheng Xiaodong , Wang Xinyu
Published: April 2024

Objective
Is there a way for ovarian cancer to escape the antiangiogenic effects of bevacizumab
Methods
Bevacizumab treatment of different types of tumor cells altered the content of VEGF-A both inside and outside the cells.HUVEC endothelial cells were treated with conditioned supernatant and subjected to angiogenesis, proliferation and migration phenotype assays.The exosome release inhibitor GW4869 was used to treat the supernatant, and then the endothelial cell phenotype experiment was performed to verify the role of exosomes in the supernatant. After disrupting the exosome membrane structure, the content of VEGF-A in the supernatant was detected.The exosomes in the supernatant were extracted by the kit, and the VEGF-A content in the exosomes was detected. Database, PCR and WB were used to verify the differential expression of molecules related to cargo sorting such as CD82 in cells treated with bevacizumab. Immunofluorescence was used to verify the co-localization of CD82 and VEGF-A.
Results
VEGF-A content in and outside ovarian cancer cells increased after tumor cells were treated with bevacizumab. Ovarian cancer cell-derived conditioned supernatant can promote angiogenesis, proliferation and migration phenotype of HUVEC, and these effects may be achieved by exosomes. Ovarian cancer may capture VEGF-A by exosomes mediated by CD82, transmit VEGF-A to downstream endothelial cells and promote their angiogenesis, migration and proliferation to achieve the evading effect of bevacizumab.
Conclusion
CD82 may mediate the capture of VEGF-A by ovarian cancer exosomes to escape the anti-angiogenic effect of bevacizumab.
Comparison of proportions and prognostic impact of pathological complete response between evaluations of representative specimen and total specimen in primary breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: An ancillary study of JCOG0306
Authors: Shien Tadahiko , Tsuda Hitoshi , Sasaki Keita , Mizusawa Junki , Akiyama Futoshi , Kurosumi Masafumi , Sawaki Masataka , Tamura Nobuko , Tanaka Kiyo , Kogawa Takahiro , Takahashi Mina , Hayashi Naoki , Mukai Hirofumi , Masuda Norikazu , Hara Fumikata , Iwata Hiroji
Published: April 2024

Background
In JCOG0306 trial, a phase II study to examine the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy (NAC-RT) to primary breast cancer, pathological complete response (pCR) was evaluated from specimens of the representative cross section including the tumor center that had been accurately marked [representative specimen (RS) method]. In this ancillary study we examined if the RS method was comparable to the conventional total specimen (TS) method, which is widely employed in Japan, to identify the pCR group showing excellent prognosis.
Methods
We obtained long-term follow-up data of 103 patients enrolled in JCOG0306 trial. As histological therapeutic effect, pCR (ypT0 and ypT0/is) and quasi pCR [QpCR, ypT0/is plus Grade 2b (only a few remaining invasive cancer cells)] were evaluated with RS and TS methods. Concordance of pCR between these two methods and associations of the pCR with prognosis were examined.
Results
ypT0, ypT0/is, and QpCR were observed in 28 (27.2%), 39 (37.9%) and 45 (43.7%) patients with RS method, whereas these were 20 (19.4%), 25 (24.3%) and 40 (38.9%) with TS method, respectively. Between RS and TS methods, concordance proportions of ypT0 and ypTis were 92.2% and 86.4%, respectively. Risk of recurrence of ypT0/is group was lower than that of non-ypT0/is group (HR 0.408, 95% CI [0.175—0.946], P = 0.037) and risk of death of ypT0/is group was lower than that of non-ypT0/is group (HR 0.251, 95% CI [0.073—0.857], P = 0.027). The ypT0 and ypT0/is groups with RS method showed excellent prognosis similarly with those with TS method, and RS method was able to differentiate the OS and RFS between pCR and non-pCR than TS method significantly even if pCR was classified ypT0 or ypT0/is. With TS method, QpCR criteria stratified patients into the better and worse prognosis groupsmore clearly than pCR criteria of ypT0 or ypT0/is.
Conclusions
RS method was comparable to TS method for the evaluation of pCR in the patients who received NAC-RT to primary breast cancer provided the tumor center was accurately marked. As pCR criteria with RS method, ypT0/is appeared more appropriate than ypT0.
Variational Onsager Neural Networks based Fair proof-of- reputation consensus for blockchain with Transaction Prioritization for Smart Cities
Authors: Singh Chandra Prakash , Agarwal Rohita , Umrao Lokendra Singh
Published: April 2024

Smart cities are next frontier of technology in today's technology-driven world, striving to improve the quality of people's lives. Numerous research projects concentrate on future smart cities, taking comprehensive method to smart city growth, achieving an overall smart city vision. The Variational Onsager Neural Networks based Fair proof-of-reputation consensus for block chain with Transaction Prioritization for Smart Cities (VONN-FPORC-TP-SC) is proposed for transaction prioritization in smart cities. Block chain, as a decentralised immutable ledger, has potential to boost smart city growth by ensuring transparency, data safety, dependability, efficacy, interoperability, privacy, making it promising match for smart cities. Such instance, if existing fee-depend or first-come-first-served processing is applied, emergency events delayed owing to competition, risking people's lives. Here use Variational Onsager Neural Networks (VONN) approach to accomplish efficient leader election and build a Weighted Byzantine Fault Tolerance consensus algorithm mechanism in this consensus protocol. A peer-prediction based verification technique is also presented to verify that followers' assessments of the leaders' created blocks are honest. Also, because leader will assure transaction prioritisation though creating blocks, leader rotation, and correct election method become critical for transaction prioritisation process to taken place honestly, quickly on FPoR: fair proof-of-reputation consensus for block chain. The proposed VONN-FPORC-TP-SC method is implemented on MATLAB R2019b. Then performance of proposed method is analysed with other existing techniques. The proposed method attains 28.86%, 24.47% and 31.79% higher accuracy, 18.25%, 32.27% and 26.89% higher efficiency, and 23.21%, 17.36% and 32.35% higher Robustness comparing with the existing methods such as a ML-improved block chain consensus with transaction prioritization for smart cities (ML-BC-TP-SC), block chain and smart contracts to secure property transactions in smart cities (BCS-TP-SC), presented an Edge TC-a PBFT block chain-depend ETC system for smart cities (PBFT-ETC-TP-SC) respectively.
Heavy Mineral and Clay Mineralogy of Recent Fluvial Sediments Along Brahmaputra River of Dibrugarh District, Assam
Authors: Chakraborty Abhijit
Published: April 2024

This study area delves into the geological saga of the Brahmaputra River in Dibrugarh District, Assam, exploring its profound impact on regional evolution amidst extensive layers of contemporary alluvial sediments, including Older Alluvium, High-Level Terraces, and New Alluvium, visible in natural cut bank formations along the river's course. The recent fluvial sedimentary deposits were meticulously surveyed and sampled at ten distinct sites from Tingkhan – Nagakheliya Gaon, Oakland Ghat, Madhupur Ghat, and Dolphin View Point, Chabua, evenly distributed from north-north-east (NNE) to south-west-west (SWW) along the river. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a thorough analysis of heavy minerals percentages through microscopic slide analysis, aiming to assess the maturity of river sediments utilizing the Zircon-Tourmaline-Rutile (ZTR) maturity index and to elucidate clay mineralogy employing X-ray diffraction techniques of recent fluvial sediments. The findings of these analyses provide valuable insights like, heavy minerals derive from the sediments diverse NNE and SWW sources, with ultra-stable and unstable heavy minerals assemblages suggesting sediments source from high-grade metamorphic and acidic igneous rock regions. The ZTR maturity index of sediments increases in the direction from NNE to SWW. Also rounded Zircon-Tourmaline-Rutile grains imply reworked sediment contribution, while subrounded to sub-angular grains hint at potential first-cycle origin. X-ray diffraction analyses highlight peaks of clay matrix (Kaolinite, Chlorite), and the abundance of non-clay matrix (Garnet, Siderite, Pyrite specially Quartz). This sedimentary record resonates with a captivating amalgamation of influences from the northeastern Himalayas and Naga Hills, coupled with dendritic sediment depositions.
Dissecting the Role of NETosis-Related Biomarkers in Sepsis: An Integrated Multi-Dataset Analysis for Diagnostic and Prognostic Applications
Authors: 方 爱莉
Published: April 2024

1.Abstract:
Sepsis, a systemic and life-threatening response to infection, presents complex challenges in clinical management and prognosis due to its intricate pathophysiology. The formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) through a process known as NETosis has been identified as a significant contributor to the development of sepsis. This study aimed to dissect the roles of NETosis-related genes, particularly Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Proteinase 3 (PRTN3), in sepsis progression. By integrating and analyzing multiple Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, we conducted a comprehensive gene expression profiling that revealed consistent downregulation of MPO and PRTN3, among others, in sepsis patients. Through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, we characterized the biological functions and pathways associated with these genes, emphasizing their relevance to immune responses in sepsis. A prediction model utilizing these biomarkers was constructed using a Random Forest classifier, which demonstrated robust predictive capability, as reflected by an AUROC of 0.77 for training and 0.68 for validation datasets. Survival analysis further underscored the prognostic value of demographic factors, particularly gender and age. The model highlighted gender-specific survival rates and revealed a significant decline in survival probability in patients over 40 years of age. These findings illuminate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of MPO and PRTN3 in sepsis, offering novel insights into the molecular dynamics of the disease and suggesting a direction for future therapeutic strategies. The study's integrated approach and novel findings advocate for personalized management of sepsis, tailoring interventions to individual patient profiles to improve outcomes.
Marine derivative CHNQD-00603 reverses bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells senescence by enhancing autophagy through the AKT/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaoxia , ren Wenhao , peng Baoying , li Shaoming , Zheng Jingjing , sun Kai , zhi Keqian , Gao Ling
Published: April 2024

Objective
Maxillofacial bone defect caused by the tumor and periodontal disease in the elderly will affect implant restoration. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as seed cells for bone regeneration, play an important role in the treatment of bone defects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of marine derivative CHNQD-00603 on senescence BMSCs.
Materials and Methods
Biological function of BMSCs was determined by flow cytometry, alizarin red and oil-red O. Transmission electron microscopy Western blot, qRT-PCR, and reactive oxygen species detection were used to evaluate the effects of CHNQD-00603 on autophagosomes, autophagy-related molecules, senescence-related indicators, and ROS in aging BMSCs. The mechanism of CHNQD-00603 inhibiting BMSCs aging was detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR.
Results
In this study, CHNQD-00603 increased the level of autophagy, and decreased the level of ROS in senescence BMSCs. In addition, CHNQD-OO603 decreased AKT/ERK phosphorylation and increased mTOR phosphorylation. The agonists of AKT and ERK can increase the mRNA expression of age-related genes p16 and p21.
Conclusions
Our findings revealed that CHNQD-OO603 inhibits BMSCs senescence via the AKT/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway. This provides a potential idea for the treatment of insufficient jaw volume in the elderly.
Electrochemical Performance of NiAl Activated Cathode for the Green Hydrogen Production
Authors: Latreche Sofiane , Boutarek-Zaourar Naïma , Bencherifa Ismail , Messaoud Faouzi , Trari Mohamed
Published: April 2024

This work is devoted to the elaboration of Ni68%Al32% wt. (NiAl) intermetallic compound highly electro-active and cost-effective electrode materials using an induction furnace utilized as cathodes in alkaline water reduction into hydrogen. The XRD analysis showed the formation of the NiAl phase with an average crystallite size of 44.13 nm. The SEM/EDS results confirm the XRD results with an average grain size of 50 µm. The chemical activation of Aluminum from NiAl was carried out on NaOH (25%) solution at 353 K for 72 h. The Optical Profilometry and UV-visible spectrophotometry confirmed the formation of Ni-Raney-type electrodes with high specific surface area. The activated NiAl electrodes resulted in remarkable efficiency for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), 13 times higher than the non-activated electrode. The comparison with literature data reveals that the efficiency of the NiAl cathode has increased by 120% compared to pure Ni.
Revision and validation of the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool among health care workers
Authors: Zeinolabedini Masoume , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeil , Heidarnia Alireza , Shakerinejad Ghodratollah , Zeidi Isa Mohammadi
Published: April 2024

Background: Workplace stress is a serious workplace hazard, especially for high-stress occupations such as healthcare workers. Identifying valid and reliable tools to measure conditions related to workplace stress is essential for targeted interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the revised version of the Health & Safety Executive Indicator Tool (HSE).
Methods: An item pool was generated based on the HSE Indicator Tool and the findings of a qualitative study. After face and content validity, the psychometric properties of the instrument were examined. Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega and intra-class correlation coefficient were calculated to assess reliability.
Results: A total of 220 health care workers from 80 primary health care centers in 5 cities in Iran completed the Health & Safety Executive-Developed Occupational Stress Indicator Tool (HSE-DOSIT). In exploratory factor analysis, 35 items were loaded, which indicated a 9-factor solution for the questionnaire. Six factors were the same as the original UK version (Superior support, Demands, Job control, Social support, Changes, and Relationships) and three new factors were added (Non-job factors, Cognitive structure and Individual context). Cronbach's alpha (0.949), MacDonald Omega (from 0.739 to 0.894), and intra-class correlation coefficient (0.92) were acceptable
Conclusions: Overall, the results show that the HSE-DOSIT is reliable and valid. In other words, HSE-DOSIT can be useful for identifying organizational, social and individual factors related to workplace stress and implementing targeted interventions. However, further evaluation of HSE-DOSIT is recommended.
Follow-up of health education based on WeChat platform on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with pulmonary nodules: a single-center study
Authors: Huang Jiang-Shan , Zhang Zhen-yang , Lin Yu-Kang , Lin Wen-wei , Zhu Jia-fu , Lin Jiang-bo
Published: April 2024

Objective: The influence of health education based on WeChat platform on anxiety, depression and quality of life (QoL) of patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs).
Method: IPNs from January 2020 to June 2022 were selected for follow-up. Self-questionnaire was used to subjectively evaluate patients' mental state, ASA and SDS questionnaires were used to objectively evaluate anxiety and depression, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form was used to evaluate patients' fear of disease, and SF-36 was used to evaluate patients' QoL.
Results: After 6 months of follow-up, the WeChat group felt significantly less mental stress and sleep disturbance, fewer CT scans and multiple doctor visits than the traditional group; The anxiety, depression and fear of disease in the WeChat group was significantly less than that of the traditional group. The HRQoL of the two groups at 6 months of follow-up, the HRQoL of the WeChat group was lower than that of the traditional group.
Conclusion: WeChat-based health education can effectively reduce anxiety and depression, improve disease fear, and improve HRQoL for patients with IPN; at the same time, it can reduce unnecessary radiation times.
Transformed DETR: Leveraging Dense Prior and Focal Attention for Enhanced Visual Recognition
Authors: Nasaoui Hakim , Bellamine Insaf , Silkan Hassan
Published: April 2024

Object detection is a pivotal task in computer vision, with applications in numerous areas including surveillance, autonomous driving, and image analysis. Traditional methods for object detection required handcrafted feature extraction and the use of classifiers to label objects within images. With the advent of deep learning, these processes have been significantly automated, leading to advancements in both accuracy and efficiency of object detection systems. In this work, we introduce a novel architecture that incorporates a Dense Prior module and Focal Self-attention mechanism into the DEtection TRansformer (DETR) framework. This Transformed DETR model is designed to direct greater focus to regions of interest in images, thereby improving detection performance. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on the COCO dataset, achieving a Mean Average Precision (mAP) of 53.8%, which indicates a considerable improvement over existing methods. Our architecture captures and focus on the key regions within an image, resulting in a more powerful object detection model.
Discovery of Conformationally Constrained Dihydro Benzo-Indole Derivatives as Pan-Metallo-β-Lactamase Inhibitors to Tackle Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections
Authors: Chaudhari Vinod , Dhiman Pulkit , Das Satyajeet , Pathania Vikas , Rawat Suraj , Nandanwar Hemraj , Thakur Krishan
Published: April 2024

The discovery of pan-metallo-β-lactamase (pan-MBL) inhibitors is crucial in the fight against bacterial infection following the emergence and rapid spread of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1), as well as clinically relevant Verona integrin-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM), and Imipenemase (IMP). The situation is alarming as there are insufficient antibiotics in the pipeline to combat critical multi-drug resistant infections. Here, we report the discovery of novel Dihydro Benzo-Indole (dBI) derivatives as a new class of potent pan-metallo-β-lactamase inhibitors (MBLIs) by applying scaffold hopping, conformation constrained, and substituent-decorating strategies. Among them, compound 17u exhibited best inhibitory activity against pan-MBL with acceptable physicochemical and ADME properties. 17u exhibited remarkable enhancement of carbapenems' effectiveness against a range of MBL-producing clinical strains. This efficacy extended to in vivo settings when combined with the imipenem antibiotic, significantly reducing bacterial load in a thigh infection model. Consequently, it qualifies as a prime candidate for further development as a MBLI.
Anxiety Disorder Amongst Clinical Medical Students at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu: a Comparative Study
Authors: PRECIOUS ANASIUDU EBUBE , CHINEDU ANAKWUE RAPHAEL , CHUKWUEBUKA ANASONYE JOHNBOSCO , PAUL ANANWUNA NNAGOZIE
Published: April 2024

Anxiety disorders are combinations of emotional disorders that have profound effects on the mental status of individuals. One of the most common presentations is a panic attack, in which students experience attacks that are especially close to tests and examinations due to the cumbersome academic workload.
This paper reviews the effect of anxiety disorders among medical students at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. An online questionnaire was distributed to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th MBBS classes in an attempt to determine the prevalence and knowledge of anxiety in these classes, and any known coping mechanisms and to perform a comparative study on socio-demographic, academic, and personal factors.
The results revealed a preponderance in females and fear of failure and a high dependence on receiving emotional support from family, praying and meditating as coping mechanisms.
Hopefully, this study will inform academic authorities on the need to adjust syllables due to increased workload as a contributing factor of anxiety disorder and school authorities on the need for a closed student-lecturer interaction.