bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Plasma Activated Water on Peanut Seed Germination, Seedling Biomass, Morphology, and Gene Expression
Authors: Priatama Ryza A. , Yang Taewon , Lee Seung-Won , Kim Kibum , Hwang Hyunjoo , Kim Yerin , Oh Yoojin , Kim Myoung-Shin , Lee Young Koung , Ko Kisung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has been shown to enhance seed germination and seedling growth across various plants. This study investigates the impact of PAW on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed germination, viability, growth and gene expression in sprouts. Seeds were treated with PAW for 0, 40, and 80 minutes and sown in fermented oak sawdust. Germination rate, weight, length, and seedling vigor index were assessed. Among the different PAW treatments, the longest true leaf with epicotyl and the longest hypocotyl were observed in PAW80 (7.3 cm and 3.1 cm, respectively). Specifically, the root length was observed the longest in PAW80 (10.4 cm). The PAW80 had the highest vigor index (1385.1), followed by PAW40 (1048.7). Gene ontology analysis revealed that shoot growth related gene expression in PAW40 and PAW80 peanut groups relatively higher than PAW 0 group. Overall, PAW80 provided the most favorable conditions for peanut sprout growth, promoting shoot-growth related gene expression. Our findings suggest that PAW positively affects peanut and seedling growth by the regulation of shoot promoting genes.
Improving the Perception of Objects under Foggy Conditions in the Surrounding Environment
Authors: Chaar Mohamad Mofeed , Raiyn Jamal , Weidl Galia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Autonomous Driving (AD) technology has rapidly advanced in recent years. Some challenges remain, particularly in ensuring robust performance under adverse weather conditions, like heavy fog. To address this, we propose a multi-class fog density classification approach to enhance the performance of AD systems. By dividing the fog density into multiple classes (25\%, 50\%, 75\%, and 100\%) and generating separate data-sets for each class using the Carla simulator, we can independently improve perception for each fog density and examine the effects of fog at each level. This approach offers several advantages, including improved perception, targeted training, and enhanced generalizability. The results show improved perception of objects from the categories: cars, buses, trucks,
vans, pedestrians, and traffic lights. Our multi-class fog density approach is a promising step towards achieving robust AD system performance under adverse weather conditions.
Assessment of the Effects of Tongjiang Granule in Treating Nonerosive Reflux Disease Overlapping Epigastric Pain Syndrome: Study protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lv Mi , Hu Jiayan , Zhang Kunli , Zhang Min , Yu Wenxi , Wang Yuxi , Qiao Xiyun , Wang Xiaokang , Che Hui , Xue Hong , Huang Kaiyue , Lv Lin , Wang Fengyun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Practice has shown good efficacy in treating overlapping nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) symptoms through the use of methods for dispersing the liver and draining heat, harmonizing the stomach and lowering rebelliousness, however, there is a lack of high-level clinical evidence. We intend to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a representative formula of this approach, Tongjiang Granule (TJG), in patients with NERD and EPS symptoms overlapping with liver-stomach disharmony syndrome or liver-stomach depression-heat syndrome (NE-LSDS/LSDHS) in a multicenter clinical randomized controlled trial.
Methods/design:
This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 228 subjects with NE-LSDS/LSDHS will be recruited from 4 research centers. All subjects will be randomized into two groups after signing the informed consent form, the experimental group will be treated with TJG and the control group will be treated with the placebo to mimic TJG (l sachet/dose, 3 times/day, orally, 4 weeks). Visits is scheduled at 6 time points, 2 weeks before dosing and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 after dosing. The primary outcome indicator will be the primary symptoms VAS score, the secondary outcome indicators will be the score of atypical and other symptoms, score of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, visceral sensitivity index scale, patient-reported outcome scale, 36-item short-form scale, and hospital anxiety and depression scale. The safety indicators will include pre- and postdose blood, urine routine, stool routine with occult blood, liver and renal function, electrocardiogram, 24-hour esophageal pH impedance (1/3 of subjects), predose urine pregnancy test, and gastroscopy. Adverse events will also be promptly recorded.
Discussion
This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of TJG for the treatment of patients with NE-LSDS/LSDHS, and the results will provide high-level clinical research-based evidence for the application of TJG NE-LSDS/LSDHS.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05312463. Registered on 3 March 2022. All items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set can be found at https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05312463.
Mechanism of Jinlida regulating microRNA-802 and insulin sensitivity in HepG2 cells exposed to palmitic acid
Authors: 甄 云凤 , 齐 翠娟 , 张 志梅 , 杨 立群 , 唐 勇 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
AIM To explore the effect of Jinlida on microRNA-802 (miR-802) and insulin sensitivity in HepG2 cells interfered with 0.25mmol/L PA. After the modeling, interfered with Jinlida or transfected with miR-802-mimic, the divided experimental groups was as follows: control group (Con), PA group (PA), PA group interfered with Jinlida, Jinlidagroup transfected with miR-802-mimic (miR-802-mimic), Jinlida group transfected with negative control ( NC). The expression level of miR-802 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR methods to determine whether the transfection is successful or not. The expression of protein kinase beta (Akt), phospho-Akt (p-Akt), glycogen synthase kinase -3β(GSK-3β) and phospho- GSK-3β (p- GSK-3β) were determined by western blot.
RESULTS Compared with control group, the mRNA expression of miR-802 were significantly increased（P＜0.05）, the protein of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3βwere significantly decreased（P＜0.05）. Compared with PA group, the mRNA expression of miR-802 was decreased（P＜0.05）, and the protein of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3βwere increased in PA+JLD group（P＜0.05）. Compared with NC group and PA+JLD group, the mRNA expression of miR-802 was significantly increased（P＜0.05）, and the protein of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β were significantly increased in PA+JLD+miR-802-mimic group（P＜0.05）.
CONCLUSION JLD might through miR-802 regulating the insulin resistance and glycogen synthesis in the liver, which may be a potential theoretical basis for type 2 diabetes therapy.
Comparison of cardiac function and structure after left atrial appendage occlusion without versus with ablation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a retrospective study
Authors: Ruan Zhong-bao , Wang Fei , Chen Ge-cai , Zhu Jun-guo , Ren Yin , Zhu Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Regarding the physiology role of left atrial appendage (LAA), whether occlusion of LAA or combined with ablation has any influence on cardiac function and structure in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is still unclear.
Aims
To compare the influence on cardiac function and structure after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) without versus with ablation in patients with NVAF.
Methods
157 patients with NVAF who underwent LAAO or combined with ablation were included and divided into Simple LAAO group or Combined group. Long term impact on cardiac function and structure between the two groups were compared.
Results
There was a significant decrease of left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAAD) at 6 months and a significant increase of left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) at 12 months after LAAO. A significant decrease in plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was noted at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after LAAO. Subgroup analysis indicated that there was a significant decrease of LAAD, LVEDD, LVESD and NT-proBNP levels in Combined group at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post-procedure, while an increase of LVEF. However, no significant change of LAAD, LVEDD, LVESD, NT-proBNP and LVEF was seen in Simple LAAO group at 3 months follow-up, but a decrease of NT-proBNP during 6 months and 12 months follow-up. Compared with Simple LAAO group, Combined group was associated with a significant increase of residual flow.
Conclusions
LAAO has no significant effect on cardiac structure and function but can significantly reduce NT-proBNP. The improvement of cardiac structure and function in combined therapy comes from the influence of ablation, not LAAO.
Materials Selection and Fashion Design: strengthening reflections on fibre’s nature in fibres and textiles selection.
Authors: Mazzitelli Melissa , Papile Flavia , Curto Barbara Del 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Textile ecosystems are complex productive realities, in the eye of the cyclone when it comes sustainability-related analysis. Being characterised by very complex value-chains and interconnection of productive actors, textiles production and use represent one of the most crucial challenges for the circular and sustainable transition. Their deployment is esteemed to be in growing for the next years, therefore reflections on how to improve product and materials circularity in this sector is of increasing interest in research and industrial practice. In this contribution, authors will try to map the material properties that can influence textiles application in the fashion sector, focusing on the coupling of material selection activity and application of design strategies to anticipate at best the reflections upon textiles use and recirculation. Results of this activity are then shown and discussed to question the applicability of the reported data into a fashion design activity, to promote awareness and critical reflections upon materials use while designing new fashion goods.
The relationships between blood lead level and nocturia prevalence in US adults
Authors: Wang Junwei , Zhang Cunming , Wang Xin , Zhang Aiwei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between blood lead level and the prevalence of nocturia in a representative sample of American civilians living outside of institutions.
Methods
We analyzed data from eight National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) survey cycles spanning from 2005 to 2020, focusing on individuals aged 20 years or older (n = 11,919). Blood lead level was categorized into two groups (< 2 µg/dL and ≥ 2 µg/dL), and the presence of nocturia was assessed based on questionnaire responses. We used multivariable logistic regression models to explore the association between blood lead level and nocturia while adjusting for various covariates, including sex, ratio of family income to poverty (RIP), lipid profile, age, body mass index (BMI), race, citizenship, sleep trouble, diabetes, and hypertension. In order to acknowledge the variation in baseline data regarding the prevalence of nocturia, subgroup analyses were performed.
Results
Among the study participants, 31.70% reported experiencing nocturia. Nocturia showed significant variations among different demographic and health-related factors. Individuals with higher blood lead level (≥ 2 µg/dL) exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing nocturia compared to those with lower level (< 2 µg/dL) in all three models (Model 1: OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.29–1.66, P < 0.0001; Model 2: OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.07–1.42, P = 0.01; Model 3: OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.07–1.42, P = 0.01). Subgroup analyses revealed significant associations in various subgroups, including age, sex, sleep trouble, diabetes, diabetes, hypertension, and race.
Conclusions
This study, for the first time, reported the correlation between blood lead level and nocturia. We found that when blood lead levels were ≥ 2 µg/dL, there was a 23% increased risk of nocturia occurrence.
A new less conservative design for nonlinear robust tracking predictive controller
Authors: zamani abbas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper develops a less-conservative robust tracking predictive controller (LCRTMPC) for nonlinear affine systems capable to deal with changing setpoints and non-additive unknown disturbance. The existence of disturbance and/or sudden changes in a setpoint may lead to feasibility and stability issues in the stabilizing terminal constraint-based MPC. The robust tracking MPCs (RTMPC) usually consider all probable realizations of disturbance or its upper bound in optimization problem which leads to a conservative (poor) tracking performance. The less-conservative method presented here extends the RTMPC to have a large robust positively invariant set (RPI) and appropriate tracking performance. The key idea is tightening control input using estimated disturbance observation error. In this method, the set of tightened control input is calculated using time response characteristics of disturbance observation error. The simulation results of the satellite attitude control system are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed predictive controller.
Which is the best surgical approaches for thymectomy: RATS, VATS, TORA or SPT? A network meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Yi , Zheng Qiangqiang , Che Guowei , Chen Longqi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose T
hymectomy is indicated in the presence of primary thymic diseases such as thymoma. However, there is no clear conclusion which is the best surgical approaches for thymectomy. We performed this network meta-analysis (NMA) to explore and compare the outcomes of different surgical approaches for thymectomy.
Methods
An exhaustive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was conducted to identify relevant studies from inception to December 1, 2023. Direct and indirect evidence was combined to calculate the odds radios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), as well as to plot the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves. Cluster analyses were adopted to compare the outcomes of different surgical approaches according to the similarity of 2 variables. Publication bias were detected by comparison-adjusted funnel plots.
Results
Fifty-eight studies were enrolled in this NMA, including 4 surgical approaches: thoracotomy (TORA), robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SPT). The results indicated that in terms of blood loss, RATS was the least, and TORA had more blood loss than VATS and SPT. For pleural drainage duration, TORA had longer pleural drainage duration than RATS. As for pleural drainage volume, TORA had more pleural drainage volume than VATS and SPT. For duration of hospital stay, VATS had longer duration of hospital stay than SPT. In terms of VAS score, VATS and TORA had higher VAS scores than SPT. However, the operative time, ICU stay and postoperative complications of all surgical approaches had no differences.
Conclusion
SPT has faster postoperative recovery, less postoperative pain and better quality of life, and other perioperative outcomes are not inferior to other surgical approaches. RATS is safer and has certain clinical advantages. We look forward to more large-sample, high-quality randomized controlled studies published in the future.
The Coexistence of Infection Spread Patterns in the Global Dynamics of COVID-19 Dissemination
Authors: Inoue Hiroyasu , Souma Wataru , Fujiwara Yoshi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as COVID-19, triggered the global pandemic.Although the nature of the international spread of infection is an important issue,extracting diffusion networks from observations is challenging because of its inherent complexity.In this paper, we investigate the process of infection worldwide, including time delays, based on global infection case data collected from January 3, 2020 to December 31, 2022.We approach the data with a complex Hilbert principal component analysis, which can consider not only the concurrent relationships between elements, but also the leading and lagging relationships.Then, we examine the interactions among countries by considering six factors: geography, population, GDP, stringency of countermeasures, vaccination rates, and government type.The results show two primary trends occurring in 2020 and in 2021-2022and they interchange with each other.Specifically, European, highly populated, and democratic countries, i.e., countries with high mobility rates, show leading trends in 2020.In contrast, African and nondemocratic countries show leading trends in 2021-2022, followed by countries with high vaccination rates and advanced countermeasures.The results reveal that, although factors that increase infection risk lead to certain trends at the beginning of the pandemic,these trends dynamically changes over time due to socioeconomic factors, especially the introduction of countermeasures.The findings suggest that international efforts to promote countermeasures in developing countries can contribute to pandemic containment.
Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography fusion imaging for posterior interosseous artery perforator location of forearm flap: a retrospective study of 23 patients
Authors: Liu Shuai , Jiang Yan , Tao Xianyao , Xue Mingyu , Qiang Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Flap surgery, integral to various reconstructive procedures, necessitates accurate identification of perforator locations for optimal outcomes. While Color Doppler Sonography (CDS) has been a staple in preoperative planning, its limitations in providing a comprehensive overview of perforator relationships prompted exploration of alternative imaging modalities. This study introduces the application of a novel technique, three-dimensional computed tomography angiography fusion imaging (3D-CTA-FI), for precise dorsal interosseous artery perforator localization in forearm flap surgery.
Method
A retrospective investigation including 23 patients undergoing forearm flap surgery of posterior interosseous artery perforator was conducted, employing a two-phase computed tomography angiography (CTA) protocol. Utilizing Mimics software, 3D models of vascular structures were meticulously reconstructed. Surgical procedures were guided by the 3D-CTA-FI, and accuracy of CDS and 3D-CTA-FI was evaluated by comparing indicated and actual perforator positions.
Results
All flaps exhibited viability, with 3D-CTA-FI consistently portraying accurate depictions of vascular pedicles and perforators. The mean discrepancy between indicated and actual perforator positions was 2.9 ± 1.7 mm (Group 1) and 2.4 ± 1.7 mm (Group 2), accompanied by excellent accordance rates of 47.8% and 60.9%, respectively.
Conclusions
Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography fusion imaging (3D-CTA-FI) emerges as a valuable tool for forearm flap surgery. Its ability to provide detailed, accurate images of perforators enhances preoperative planning and intraoperative precision, making it a feasible and beneficial addition to clinical practice.
Analysis of Maternal and Congenital Syphilis Rates at a New Jersey University Hospital
Authors: Kushnir Alla , Heiman Paige , Bhandari Vineet , Davenport Sarah , Hunter Krystal , Micallef Melissa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: To quantify the rise in congenital syphilis (CS) at a large urban hospital and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CS rates.
Study Design: Retrospective chart review of 61 pregnant women with a positive test or previous diagnosis of syphilis at an urban academic hospital between January 1, 2016–June 1, 2022.
Result: Maternal syphilis and CS rates increased over the 5 years (p<0.001), particularly pre- and post-COVID-19 (p<0.001). Of the mothers studied, 34.6% received adequate prenatal care, 62.7% received adequate screening, and 81.3% received adequate treatment. Stillbirth was noted in 6.6% of pregnancies. Of liveborn infants, 97.6% received appropriate treatment and 45.1% received adequate follow-up. CS development was significantly associated with homelessness (p=0.028) and past opioid use (p=0.031).
Conclusion: Maternal syphilis and CS rates have increased at our hospital, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to prenatal care and timely maternal treatment are target areas for improvement.
Investigation of the Effects of Amalgam Fillings and Stainless-Steel Crowns on the GCF IL-1 β and TNF-α Level
Authors: Doostmohammad Fatemeh , Soleimani Banafsheh , Asgarian-Omran Hossein , Bagherianlemraski Mobina , Hosseinnataj Abolfazl , Mirkalaei Fatemeh Mousavi , Nahvi Azam 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
In chronic inflammation caused by dental amalgam fillings and Stainless-Steel Crowns (SSC), host cells produce cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). In line with these findings, the present study evaluated the effects of dental amalgam fillings and SSC on the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of children.
Methods
A clinical-biochemical study targeted 34 children aged 6 to 9 who were candidates for two-surface amalgam filling or SSC. The participants were split into two groups following careful oral and dental examinations. First, GCF samples were taken before treatment and at 7 and 21 days post-treatment utilizing paper points. The cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α levels in the GCF samples were subsequently measured through commercially available ELISA kits.
Results
The TNF-α levels significantly decreased after one week in the SSC group compared to those in the dental amalgam group (p = 0.017). During the same period, the level of IL-1β increased in both the "amalgam filling" (p = 0.029) and "SSC" (p = 0.046) groups. Ultimately, the levels of the cytokines IL-1β (p = 0.006) and TNF-α (p = 0.029) were significantly different between the two groups.
Conclusions
IL-1β and TNF-α cytokines can be biomarkers for evaluating inflammation induced by dental amalgam fillings and SSCs in children. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups after three weeks, and the children in both groups performed almost identically.
Modelling of enhanced gas extraction in low permeability coal seam by controllable shock wave fracturing
Authors: Fan Chaojun , Sun Hao , Yang Lei , Luo Mingkun , Xiao Bin , Wang Lei , Zhou Lijun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The controlled shock wave (CSW) fracturing is an effective method for enhancing permeability of coal seam to promote gas extraction. Based on Fick's law, Darcy's law, the ideal gas law and the Langmuir equation, a damage-seepage-deformation coupling mathematical model of CSW fracturing in coal seam combined with the maximum tensile stress and the Mohr-Coulomb criterion is established. This model is implemented into COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the coal seam CSW fracturing and subsequent gas extraction. When the shock wave and isotropic in-situ stress are applied on the borehole wall, the coal damage zone is an annular shape, and the permeability in the damage zone increases sharply. The CSW can effectively increase the efficiency of gas extraction and reduce the gas pressure and gas content in coal seam. With the increase of CSW action times, the damage in coal mass reaches a threshold and tends to be stable after several shocks. The damage area and the gas extraction efficiency are positively correlated with the shock intensity. Under the anisotropic ground stress, the larger diversity of the stress in different directions is, the more obvious damage extension in the fractured coal along the maximum stress direction is. Ground stress can inhibit the extension of cracks in the CSW fractured coal seam. This inhibition effect becomes more obvious with the increase of in-situ stress.