bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing gas pipeline routing considering seismic risk through metaheuristic algorithm
Authors: Alavi Sayyed Hadi , Mashayekhi Mohammadreza , Zolfaghari Mohammadreza 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The gas pipelines are a significant part of energy transportation pipelines and are recognized as a vital component of societal infrastructure. Earthquake-induced damage to gas pipelines can have severe disastrous humanitarian, social, economic, and ecologic consequences. To mitigate these consequences, one effective approach is to carefully design gas pipeline routes, considering the seismic hazard of the region. Conventional gas pipeline design methods consider only minimum distances from faults and fails to account for seismic potential of faults. This paper introduces a methodology that integrates seismic risk assessment into the gas pipeline route design process. Seismic risk is performed using the HAZUS method, and pipeline routing optimization is accomplished through the application of a metaheuristic algorithm within a GIS-based framework. The methodology is applied in to three gas pipeline routing problems within the high seismic region of southern Iran. The results are then compared with conventional approaches, considering factors such as route length, seismic risks, and seismic damage costs. The findings demonstrate the proposed method effectiveness in mitigating seismic risks related to gas pipeline. The proposed method enables a quantitative and direct incorporation of seismic risk into gas pipeline routing, marking a departure from the qualitative methods presently in use.
Neuroinflammatory imaging markers in white matter: insights into the cerebral consequences of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
Authors: Clouston Sean , Huang Chuan , Ying Jia , Sekendiz Zennur , Kritikos Minos , Fontana Ashley , Bangiyev Lev , Luft Benjamin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can persist for months or years after infection, a condition called Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Whole-brain white matter and cortical gray matter health were assessed using multi-shell diffusion tensor imaging. Correlational tractography was utilized to dissect the nature and extent of white matter changes. In this study of 42 male essential workers, the most common symptoms of Neurological PASC (n = 24) included fatigue (n = 19) and headache (n = 17). Participants with neurological PASC demonstrated alterations to whole-brain white matter health when compared to controls made up of uninfected, asymptomatic, or mildly infected controls (n = 18). Large differences were evident between PASC and controls in measures of fractional anisotropy (Cohen’s D=-0.54, P = 0.001) and cortical isotropic diffusion (Cohen’s D = 0.50, P = 0.002). Symptoms were associated with white matter fractional anisotropy (fatigue: rho = -0.62, P < 0.001; headache: rho = -0.66, P < 0.001), as well as nine other measures of white and gray matter health. Brain fog was associated with improved cerebral functioning including improved white matter isotropic diffusion and quantitative anisotropy. This study identified changes across measures of white and gray matter connectivity, neuroinflammation, and cerebral atrophy that were interrelated and associated with differences in symptoms of PASC. These results provide insights into the long-term cerebral implications of COVID-19.
Antibiotic resistance and its correlation with biofilm formation and virulence genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from wounds
Authors: Allami Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most important species of the Klebsiella genus and often causes hospital infections. These bacteria have a high resistance to most of the available drugs, which has caused concern all over the world. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic resistance profile and the ability to produce Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) among K. pneumoniae isolates, then we investigated the relationship between these two factors with biofilm formation and the prevalence of different virulence genes. In this study, 130 isolates of K. pneumoniae isolated from wounds were investigated. The antibiotic resistance of the isolates was evaluated by the disk diffusion method. The microtiter plate method was used to measure biofilm formation. The prevalence of virulence genes was detected by multiplex PCR.Among the examined isolates, 85.3% showed multidrug resistance. 87.6% of the isolates were ESBL-positive. Imipenem, Meropenem, and Fosfamycin were the most effective drugs. The ability of the isolates to produce biofilm was strong (80%), moderate (12.3%), and weak (7.6%), respectively. FimH, mrKD, entB and tolC virulence genes were observed in all isolates.High prevalence of antibiotic resistance (especially multidrug resistance), high prevalence of ESBL-producing isolates, the ability of all isolates to form a biofilm (especially strong biofilm) and the presence of FimH, mrKD, entB and tolC virulence genes in all isolate show the importance of these factors in the pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae isolates in Iraq.
In vitro analysis of the molecular mechanisms of ursolic acid against ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Ru , Zhang Zhaopeng , Xie Lulu , Yu Ziqing , Gao Rui , Zhang Zhi-Run , Zhang Ying , Wei Xuyang , Chen Yang , Jiao Sue , Gao Yiren , Guo Junpeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a common gynaecologic malignancy that poses a serious threat to the health and lives of women.Ursolic acid (UA) is present in various fruits, and several experiments have demonstrated its ability to inhibit tumour growth. In this study, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to investigate the anti-proliferative effect of UA on ovarian cancer. Additionally, we assessed the inhibitory effects of UA on the colony formation and migration abilities of ovarian cancer cells via colony formation and scratch assays, respectively. To elucidate the capacity of UA to promote apoptosis, we assessed its potential mechanism of inhibiting ovarian cancer cell proliferation using flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, and protein blotting. These findings suggest that UA can enhance endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), induce apoptosis, and suppress autophagy in ovarian cancer cells. This implies that UA exerts a significant anti-ovarian cancer effect by facilitating ERS in tumour cells and inhibiting autophagy.
Machine learning techniques based on 18F-FDG PET radiomics features of temporal regions for classification of temporal lobe epilepsy patients from healthy controls
Authors: Liao Kai , Wu Huanhua , Jiang Yuanfang , Dong Chenchen , Zhou Hailing , Wu Biao , Tang Yongjin , Gong Jian , Ye Weijian , Hu Youzhu , Guo Qiang , Xu Hao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
To investigate the clinical application of 18F-FDG PET radiomics features for temporal lobe epilepsy and create a radiomics-based model for differentiating TLE patients from healthy controls.
Methods
A total of 347 subjects that underwent 18F-FDG PET scans from March 2014 to January 2020 (234 TLE patients and 113 controls) were allocated to training (n = 242) and test (n = 105) sets. All PET images were registered to the Montreal Neurological Institute template. PyRadiomics was used to extract radiomics features from the temporal regions segmented according to the AAL atlas. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and Boruta algorithms were applied to select the radiomic features significantly associated with TLE. Eleven machine-learning algorithms were used to establish models.
Results
The final radiomics features (n = 22)used for model training were selected by the combinations of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and the Boruta algorithm with cross-validation. All data were randomly divided into a training set (n = 242) and a testing set (n = 105). Among eleven machine-learning algorithms, the logistic regression (AUC 0.984, F1-Score 0.959) performed the best of the 11 machine-learning models. The AUCs of the tuned logistic regression model in the training and test sets were 98.1 and 95.7.
Conclusions
The radiomics model from temporal regions can be a potential method for distinguishing TLE. Machine learning-based diagnosis of TLE from preoperative FDG PET images could serve as a useful preoperative diagnostic tool.
The difference of double-positive T cells and double-negative-T cells in myeloid neoplasms before and after chemotherapy, and after COVID-19 infection
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Ren Xiaotong , Duan Yuanjia , Shao Zonghong , Fu Rong , Wang Huaquan , Liu Zhaoyun , Liu Hui , Li Lijuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
T lymphocytes play a crucial role in the immunological microenvironment of tumors by performing several roles, such as regulating immune responses and executing cytotoxic attacks on tumor cells. However, it is worth noting that various subpopulations of T cells might exhibit contrasting functions in the advancement of tumors, particularly in the context of hematological malignancies. In this study, we studied the differential expression levels of CD3 + CD4 + CD8 + T (double-positive T cells, DPT) cells and CD3 + CD4-CD8-T (double-negative T cells, DNT) cells in myeloid neoplasms, with a particular focus on the pre- and post-chemotherapy stages in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This study focused on alterations in the peripheral blood composition of patients with AML/MDS before and after COVID-19 infection, aiming to investigate the clinical relevance of DPT cells and DNT cells in myeloid neoplasms and COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the study aimed to offer insights for future research on the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of myeloid neoplasms.
Interactive study between aqueous cationic and anionic surfactant using physical and acoustical parameters
Authors: Saxena Indu , Gupta Aditya , Ejaz Syed Mohammad , Mishra Divyanshi , Yadav Preeti 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Surfactants have high important application in everyday life due to its amphiphilic nature. Ionic surfactants have either positive or negative charge on its head group making it cationic and anionic in nature. The physical properties of binary solutions of SDS-CTAB in water were thoroughly examined across various mole fraction ratios at temperatures of 298K and 308K. These properties included relative densities, relative viscosities, specific conductance, and the velocity of sound measured through the solutions. Utilizing this data, several critical physical parameters such as adiabatic compressibility (βad), intermolecular free length (Lf), acoustic impedance (Z), viscous relaxation time (τ), and molar free volume (Vf) were calculated using established formulas and relationships. The results obtained from these calculations suggest a compelling presence of molecular interactions between the cationic and anionic surfactants within the solution. These interactions appear to be of an associative nature, indicating a cooperative relationship between the molecules involved. The investigated values of the physical properties support this notion, reinforcing the feasibility of molecular interaction within the SDS-CTAB binary solutions. Furthermore, the derived acoustical and adiabatic parameters exhibit a strong correlation with the experimental observations, signifying the accuracy and reliability of the findings. These parameters collectively provide insights into the nature and characteristics of the interactions occurring between the cationic and anionic surfactants in the solution, highlighting their impact on the overall properties and behaviour of the system.
Lung Protective Effects of Esketamine in Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery：A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xiong Wanling , Yin Xia , Ran Wei , Gao Jin , Liang Ning , Yuan Ruixue 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is associated with pulmonary function impairment on account of the specificity of the surgical site.Recent studies have reported that the widespread application of esketamine in general anesthesia.Esketamine acts on multiple receptors but the role in pulmonary protection is indeterminate.Hence,we hypothesized that esketamine exerts protective effects on pulmonary function in patients undergoing VATS and further investigate the possible mechanisms and determine the effects of different dosages.
Methods
Patients with aged 18–65 years scheduled for VATS were included in this study.The patients were assigned randomly to 3 groups as follows:esketamine was administered in group K1 as an initial loading bolus of 0.5 mg/kg before induction and followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.5 mg/kg/h during surgery,patients in group K2 received esketamine as an initial loading bolus of 1.0 mg/kg before induction and followed by 0.5 mg/kg/h during surgery.And group C was received identical amount of normal saline as a placebo.
Results
In total,85 eligible patients were enrolled in our study.Patients in the placebo group had lower a/A ratio and OI,higher RI and A-aDO2 when discharged from ICU and 24h postoperatively (all p༜0.05),higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs)(p = 0.017),higher resting and movement numerical rating scale (NRS) at 24h and 48h postoperatively,greater fluctuations of blood pressure and heart rate intraoperatively compared with the esketamine groups.while the time of tracheal extubation,length of intensive care unit stay,the serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and the incidence of postoperative adverse events were similar among the 3 groups.
Conclusions
Esketamine administration was effective in protecting pulmonary function in patients undergoing VATS by improving oxygenation,reducing hemodynamic fluctuation and postoperative pain.But the relationship between the optimal dosage and minimal adverse events needed further researches.
Associations of coping and health-related behaviors with medical students’ well-being and performance during Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Authors: Barret Noémie , Guillaumée Théodore , Rimmelé Thomas , Cortet Marion , Mazza Stéphanie , Duclos Antoine , Rode Gilles , Lilot Marc , Schlatter Sophie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a valid method to evaluate medical students’ competencies. The present study aimed at determining how students’ coping and health-related behaviors are associated with their psychological well-being and performance on the day of the OSCE.
Fourth-year medical students answered a set of standardized questionnaires assessing their coping and health-related behaviors before the examination (BCI, PSQI, GPAQ). Immediately before the OSCE, they reported their level of instant psychological well-being on multi-dimensional visual analogue scales. OSCE performance was assessed by examiners blinded to the study. Associations were explored using multivariable linear regression models.
A total of 482 students were included. Instant psychological well-being was positively associated with the level of positive thinking and of physical activity. It was negatively associated with the level of avoidance and of sleep disturbance. Furthermore, performance was negatively associated with the level of avoidance.
Positive thinking, good sleep quality, and higher level of physical activity were all associated with improved well-being before the OSCE. Conversely, avoidance coping behaviors seem to be detrimental to both well-being and OSCE performance. The recommendation is to pay special attention to students who engage in avoidance and to consider implementing stress management programs.
Text Messaging to Improve Retention in Hypertension Care in Bangladesh
Authors: Gupta Reena , Jubayer Shamim , Akhtar Jubaida , Abrar Ahmad , Sayem Md. Noor , Islam Shahinul , Amin Khondoker , Nahid Muhtamim , Bhuiyan Mahfuzur , Mamun Mohammad Al , Alim Abdul , Amin Mohammad , Burka Daniel , Gupta Prabhanshu , Zhao Di , Matsushita Kunihiro , Moran Andrew , Choudhury Sohel , Gupta Reena 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Visit non-attendance is a common barrier to hypertension control in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile text messaging in improving visit attendance among patients with hypertension in primary care facilities in Bangladesh. A randomized A/B testing study was conducted with two patient groups: (1) patients regularly attending visits (regular patients) and (2) patients overdue for follow-up visits (overdue patients). Regular patients were randomized into three groups: a cascade of three text reminders, a single text reminder, or no text reminder. Overdue patients were randomized into two groups: a single text reminder or no text reminder. 20,072 regular patients and 12,708 overdue patients were enrolled. Among regular patients, visit attendance was significantly higher in the cascade reminder group and the single reminder group compared to the no reminder group (78.2% and 76.6% vs. 74.8%, p < 0.001 and 0.027, respectively). Among overdue patients, the single reminder group had a 5.8% higher visit attendance compared to the no reminder group (26.5% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). The results remained consistent in multivariable analysis; adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) was 1.04 (95% CI 1.02–1.06) for the cascade reminder group and 1.02 (95% CI 1.00-1.05) for the single reminder group among regular patients. The adjusted PR for the single reminder group vs. the no reminder group among overdue patients was 1.23 (95% CI 1.15–1.33). Text message reminders are an effective strategy for improving retention of patients in hypertension treatment in LMICs, especially for patients overdue to care.
Adaptive Backstepping and Sliding Mode Control of a Quadrotor
Authors: maaruf muhammad , Gulzar Muhammad , Abubakar Abdulrazaq Nafiu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Quadrotors are increasingly employed for both civilian and military applications. Recently, researchers have combined different control and estimation schemes to come up with a hybrid control structure to improve the robustness and tracking performance of the quadrotors. To further enhance the tracking precision of quadrotors subjected to parametric variations and environmental disturbances, this article proposes a new robust adaptive hybrid control architecture. In this study, the quadrotor model is divided into altitude, attitude, and position subsystems for which appropriate control methods are designed. A fractional-order sliding mode control with adaptive gain (AFSMC) is designed to enhance the tracking of the altitude subsystem. A robust backstepping control with adaptive gain (RAB) is developed for the horizontal position to generate the required roll and pitch orientations. A nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (NFTSMC) is incorporated with a finite-time disturbance observer (FDO) to accurately suppress the disturbances, follow the target rotation angles, and attain finite-time stability. The compounded control structure ensures accurate, fast, and robust tracking. The efficacy of the developed hybrid control scheme is assessed via simulations and comparisons with existing control methods.
Rational design of new small derivatives of 2,2'-Bithiophene as hole transport material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: ADADI Mohamed , HACHI Mohamed , SAID Khalid , HASSANI Anouar AMEZIANE EL , ZNAKI Jihane , ZNAKI Fatima Zahra , BENJELLOUN Adil TOUIMI , CHTITA Samir , ELKHATTABI Souad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Recently, photovoltaic research has focused on solar cells that use perovskite materials (PSCs). In this class of solar cells, hole-transport materials (HTMs) play a key role in improving the overall performance of PSCs. Due to the ultra-fast charge mobility of HTMs, which significantly enhances both optoelectronic and photovoltaic characteristics. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time Dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods, this inquiry theoretically examines seven novel HTMs namely DFBT1, DFBT2, DFBT3, DFBT4, DFBT5, DFBT6, and DFBT7 based on the 2,2’bithiophene core for future use as HTMs for PSCs. The model molecule has been modified through substituting the end groups situated on the diphenylamine moieties with a tow acceptor bridged by thiophene, this modification was performed to test the acceptor’s impact on the electronic, photophysical, and photovoltaic properties of the newly created molecules. DFBT1 – DFBT7 displayed a lower band gap (1.49 eV to 2.69 eV) than the model molecule (3.63 eV). Additionally, the newly engineered molecules presented a greater λmax ranging from 393.07 nm to 541.02 nm in dimethylformamide solvent, as compared to the model molecule (380.61 nm). The PCEs of all newly designed molecules (22.42–29.21%) were high compared with the reference molecule (19.62%). Thus, this study showed that all seven newly small molecules were excellent candidates for a novel PSC.
Lessons learned from peer-led support groups for HIV-positive adolescents using a storytelling model in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: N’goran Kouadio Marc , Katirayi Leila , Woelk Godfrey , Hayward Ashleigh , Holmes Randi , Ban Ignace Tosseu , Mukaminega Martha , Rodriguez-Diaz Carlos E. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Adolescents living with HIV struggle to accept their HIV status and remain adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Support groups are one method of assisting adolescents to overcome these barriers. This evaluation, conducted in health facilities in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, explored the acceptability of peer-led support groups using a ten-topic curriculum and a ‘storytelling’ model as a means of sharing information.
Methods
In-depth interviews were conducted with adolescents enrolled in peer-led HIV support groups, peer support group leaders, and health care workers. Data were collected on the percentage of adolescents that created treatment plans, and session and topic attendance, from six facilities providing peer-led support groups. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. A code list was created using a combined inductive and deductive approach. Transcripts were coded using MAXQDA v.12.
Results
A total of 45 in-depth interviews were conducted from August-September 2021. Participants reported that peer-led support groups are a critical lifeline for many adolescents. In the peer-led model, adolescents reported feeling more comfortable sharing their personal challenges and being able to better relate to the information through storytelling. Participants discussed the support and trust fostered in their group, both during and after the meetings. Peer-leaders set examples of medication adherence and the support group created a friendly motivated environment focused on staying healthy and maintaining low HIV viral loads. HCWs discussed improved communication and relationships with their adolescent patients. Challenges, such as scheduling, and transport costs affected adolescents’ ability to attend support groups. Most participants attended an average of six of ten sessions. The most attended sessions covered the topics of “Safe sex” and “Sharing HIV status.”
Conclusion
Peer-led support groups provide critical support to adolescents in accepting their HIV status. The support groups helped adolescents to learn the importance of ART adherence and create a supportive environment for them to live positively with HIV.