bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-infrared light-driven high-performance photocatalytic cross-coupling of non-active alkyl halides and thiols
Authors: Yuan Shang-Fu , Liu Jia-Xing , Zhang Jing-Ni , Liang Jin-Guan , Ma Hao , Zhou Rui , Li Dongsheng , Chen Wenbin , Li Ming-De , Wu Tao
Published: March 2024

Highly-efficient artificial synthesis of C−S bond-containing compounds has garnered widespread attention due to the crucial role of thioethers in constructing biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and organic materials. Despite the photocatalytic synthesis of C(sp2)−S bonds from aryl halides using UV-visible light has been well-documented, achieving this with low-energy near-infrared (NIR) light remains challenging as the absence of a suitable NIR-activated photocatalytic system. Additionally, the application of readily available, while inactivated alkyl halides for C(sp3)−S bond construction has not yet been realized. Herein, we employed a designed composite photocatalyst (P2-Au), combining metal chalcogenide semiconductor clusters (P2) and gold nanorods (AuNRs), to achieve highly selective photocatalytic cross-coupling of alkyl halides and thiols under NIR irradiation. This protocol works well with diverse inert alkyl bromides/chlorides, and shows excellent functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies revealed that hot electrons generated from AuNRs are transferred through P2 to activate halides, leading to the formation of alkyl radicals. Simultaneously, photo-induced holes on AuNRs oxidize thiols to thiol radicals, facilitating a radical-radical cross-coupling process for C–S bond formation. This work not only pushes the boundaries of energy utilization but also expands the substrate applicability toward photocatalytic C−S coupling in valuable organosulfur chemistry.
Development and Pilot Testing of a Comprehensive and Culturally-sensitive Infant Feeding Structured Questionnaire: A Cross-sectional Design
Authors: Yazeedi Basma Al , Yazeedi Salma Al , Omari Omar Al , Alhatali Badriya , Khalaf Atika
Published: March 2024

Background: Infant feeding tools available in the literature lack comprehensiveness and inclusiveness to infants of different ages. This study aimed to pilot test a newly developed infant feeding structured questionnaire.
Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design. The structured questionnaire developed had two main sections; the first section included questions relative to sociodemographic characteristics, birth and clinical history, and infant food history in the first year. The second section incorporated a 22-item design to stipulate a comprehensive description of infant feeding practices (IFP) and Infant Feeding Beliefs (IFB). A convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from six health centers located in Muscat and Al-Sharqia North. The infant feeding practices and beliefs variables were dichotomized to either meeting the recommendations (1) or not meeting the recommendations (0), based on the WHO guidelines
Results: The data analysis encompassed a cohort of 203 participants. Most mothers aged between 26 and 35 years (58.6%). Among the mothers, 67% practiced exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months, 89.2% were breastfeeding in the first year, and 44.9% initiated infant formula feeding at six months of age or later. Moreover, 64% of the mothers introduced solid food (e.g., rice, vegetables, fruits) at six months, while (87.2%) started feeding meat, chicken, or fish at six months. For feeding egg white, fresh milk, and bee honey, 43.4%, 84.7%, and 78.4%, respectively, met the recommendation of waiting until the child ages 12 months. The mean IFP score was 8.09 (SD 1.75), while the mean IFB score was slightly higher (m=8.90, SD= 1.45). The Pearson correlation analysis signified a positive relationship between IFP and IFB (r=0.53, p<0.001). Mothers who received infant feeding counseling had higher IFP scores compared to the mothers who did not. Additionally, mothers with at least a baccalaureate degree and a family income of at least 1000 OMR had better IFB recommendation scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Data generated from the newly developed infant feeding practices and beliefs questionnaire shall assist in determining the risks associated with multiple nutrition-related morbidities in children, thus promising a valid and feasible mean for a comprehensive infant feeding assessment.
The late Early Pleistocene site of Fuente Nueva-3 (Guadix-Baza Depression, SE Spain): A hyena latrine developed on a quicksand trap for megaherbivores?
Authors: Palmqvist Paul , Campaña Isidoro , Granados Alejandro , Martínez-Navarro Bienvenido , Pérez-Ramos Alejandro , Rodríguez-Gómez Guillermo , Guerra-Merchán Antonio , Ros-Montoya Sergio , Rodríguez-Ruiz María Dolores , García-Aguilar José Manuel , Hernández Víctor , Espigares María P.
Published: March 2024

The late Early Pleistocene archaeological site of Fuente Nueva-3 (FN3), which lies in the Guadix-Baza Depression (SE Spain) and is dated to ~ 1.4 Ma, contributes some of the oldest evidence of hominin presence in Western Europe, including a huge tool assemblage of Oldowan tradition, manuports (i.e., unmodified stones used as percussion tools) and abundant fossils of large mammals, some of which preserve anthropogenic marks related to defleshing, butchering and marrow processing. In addition, there are bones with tooth marks produced by scavenging carnivores. The fertile layers of the FN3 section have been grouped in a lower archaeological level (LAL) and an upper archaeological level (UAL). Both levels preserve abundant skeletal remains and lithic tools. However, the LAL shows a high density of manuports, which suggests that hominin activity was more intense at this level, while the UAL preserves many remains of megaherbivores, particularly proboscideans (Mammuthus meridionalis), and almost all coprolites unearthed from the site, which points to a greater involvement of the giant hyenas (Pachycrocuta brevirostris). In this paper, we (i) test for statistical differences in the composition of the faunal assemblages preserved in the UAL and LAL; and (ii) analyze particle size in the fertile layers of both archaeological levels. Our results show that megaherbivores are comparatively overrepresented in the UAL, specially by young elephants, while other medium-to-large and large-sized ungulates, particularly equids, are more abundant in the LAL, showing a predominance of adult individuals. Concerning the sedimentology, layers 2–3 of the LAL show a predominance of silts and clays, with sands representing a minor fraction. In contrast, layer 5 of the UAL is composed of two-thirds of fine and very fine sands, with the remaining third consisting of silts and clays. These data and the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of layer 5 suggest that it may be interpreted as a paleo-quicksand in which megaherbivores were trapped due to the elevated weight per unit area supported by their feet, and their half-sunken carcasses attracted the scavengers, particularly the hyenas, which fed on these carcasses and defecated in their surroundings.
Predictive Value of the Prostate-Specific Antigen Doubling Time for the Effectiveness of Metastasis-Directed Radiotherapy in Patients with Oligometastases after Radical Treatment for Non-metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Single Institution Retrospective Study
Authors: Koguchi Dai , Tabata Ken-ichi , Hirano Shuhei , Shimura Soichiro , Satoh Takefumi , Ikeda Masaomi , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Niibe Yuzuru , Iwamura Masatsugu
Published: March 2024

Background: Data on metastasis-directed radiotherapy (MDRT) are limited, particularly regarding its association with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (PSADT). The present study aims to evaluate the oncological outcomes of MDRT on the basis of the PSADT in patients who developed oligometastases after radical treatment for non-metastatic prostate cancer.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 35 MDRTs for 29 patients targeting oligometastatic prostate cancer developed after radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy for non-metastatic prostate cancer. Thirty-five MDRTs were classified into the PSADT > 3 months (n = 25) or PSADT ≤ 3 months group (n = 10).
Statistical analyses were performed to compare associations between the two PSADT groups and the oncological outcomes such as progression-free survival (PFS) and PSA response after MDRT.
Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, PSA level, Gleason score, or TNM stage. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that PFS was significantly better in the PSADT > 3 months group than in the PSADT ≤ 3 months group (median: 13.3 versus [vs.] 2.6 months, P = 0.046). Regarding castration sensitivity, the predictive role of PSADT > 3 months was maintained in 21 patients who received MDRT without prior salvage hormone therapy (median PFS: 12.7 vs. 2.6 months, P = 0.024). In the castration-resistant setting (n = 14), the frequency of a decrease in serum PSA levels after MDRT by 90% was 54.5% (median PFS: 23.1 months).
Conclusions: MDRT can provide benefit especially for patients with PSADT ≥ 3 months who had oligo-recurrence after the radical treatment for non-metastatic prostate cancer.
Seismic Analysis of Intze Type Elevated Service Reservoir Using Different Methods
Authors: Patil Ravindra , Khatavkar Pallavi
Published: March 2024

Water is basic need of every creation. Water supply scheme in each village and city needed with elevated service reservoir (ESR) for distribution of water with gravity. Water is importance during disaster like earthquake, tsunami etc. The elevated service reservoirs are essential part of the water supply schemes in the various part of the world. Intze type of water tank has economical design for large capacity of water storage. In this paper, seismic analysis of Intze tank for a given capacity are presented for two ratios of height to diameter, viz. H = 1/3 D and H = 2/3 D. The seismic analysis of tank with staging is presented here briefly. Two cases are studied by doing seismic analysis by three methods. 1. Linear Static Analysis, 2. Response Spectrum Analysis 3. Linear Time History Analysis. Final results are compared and concluded. It is observed that the shallower tank with H = 1/3D having more stability among the two cases considered. Base shear in time history analysis is more and in response spectrum method is less as compared to IS 1893-part 2 method.
Catenovulum algicola sp. nov., an agar-hydrolysing, halophilic gammaproteobacterium isolated from kelp seedlings
Authors: Chen Rui-Ying , Sun Yang-Yang , Gong Ya , Du Zong-Jun
Published: March 2024

A pale white, Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, halophilic, agar-hydrolysing and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain 2E275T, was isolated from kelp seedlings at Weihai, China. The cells are motile by means of a single polar flagellum. The isolate had an absolute requirement for agar and formed a depression when grown on Marine Agar 2216 plates for 3 days. Strain 2E275T growth occurred at 4–42°C (optimum, 37°C), with 0–12% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3%), and at pH 5.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 6.5-7.0). The isolate could not be cultured in MB, but when 0.2% agar was added, they grew well. According to the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain 2E275T showed the highest sequence similarity of 96.0% with Catenovulum agarivorans YM01T, followed by Catenovulum sediminis D2T (94.1%) and Catenovulum maritimum Q1T (93.7%). Strain 2E275T could remarkably hydrolyse agar, cellulose, starch, sodium alginate, casein and Tweens 20, 60, 80, but not DNA and Tween 40. The major polar lipids of strains 2E275T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphoaminolipid. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c), summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c) and C16:0. Ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) was found to be the major respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content was 38.2%. On the basis of the phenotypic, genetic and physiological characteristics, strain 2E275T should be classified as a novel species of the genus Catenovulum, for which the name Catenovulum algicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2E275T (MCCC 1H00528T = KCTC 92643T).
Twenty four food intakes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Zhongqiong , Li Chunli , Gao Tao , Ke Dazhi
Published: March 2024

Despite observational studies indicating a potential association between diverse food intakes and the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the causal relationship remains unclear. This study adopted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design with the objective of investigating the potential causal link between specific food intakes and the risk of developing NAFLD. The food intakes GWAS data for this study were acquired from the Cole_UKB_Diet_GWAS datasets. The genetic variants associated with NAFLD were obtained from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis of NAFLD, which contained 8,434 cases and 770,180 controls of Europeans. The study didn’t reveal any causal associations between genetically proxied 24 specific food intakes and the risk of NAFLD. These findings suggest that there is no genetic evidence supporting a causal link between specific food intakes and NAFLD. Therefore, the MR study implies that the identified food intakes may have neither protective nor detrimental effects on NAFLD.
Chemotaxonomic variation of volatile components in Zanthoxylum bungeanum peel and effects of climate on volatile components
Authors: wu Yuhan , Zhuo Zhihang , Qian Qianqian , Xu Danping
Published: March 2024

Background
Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. is widely distributed in China, and the aroma of Z. bungeanum peel is mainly determined by volatile components. In this study, the characteristics and correlation of volatile components of Z. bungeanum peels in different regions and their correlation with climate factors were analyzed.
Results
The results showed that 126 compounds were detected in Z. bungeanum. Among the 27 compounds with odor characteristics, the one with highest content was Linalool, and the average relative content was 21.664%. The volatile oil of Z. bungeanum mainly presents a spicy, floral, citrus and mint aroma. The classification results were geographically continuous, with the ZB10 collection site in Shaanxi showing significant differences in altitude compared to other groups. Temperature, average annual precipitation, and wind speed played an important role in the accumulation of volatile components.
Conclusions
This study is helpful to improve the quality of Z. bungeanum, enrich the influence of climate factors on the accumulation of volatile substances, and promote agricultural practices in regions with similar climatic conditions.
Variation of floristic richness and composition on gold mine tailings along a climatic gradient in a Savanna ecosystem
Authors: Nyenda Tatenda , Muvengwi Justice , Witkowski Ed FT
Published: March 2024

Background and aims
Studies that investigate variation of plant species composition on mine tailings along climatic gradients are limited yet crucial to inform restoration programs in the face of climate change. The study aimed to determine variation of plant taxa assemblages, species richness on mine tailings along a climatic gradient in Zimbabwean Savanna ecosystems and to assess the interactive effect of rainfall and substrate age together with substrate properties on plant attributes.
Methods
Compositional data were collected form 53 tailings dumps of (< 50 and > 50 years) from 14 mine sites that were grouped into 4 climatic groups using total annual rainfall as a climate proxy: <450 mm, 450–600 mm, 600–800 mm and 800 − 100 mm. Data were subjected to ordination and two-way analysis of variance.
Results
Overall plant, forb and grass species richness were significantly (p < 0.05) higher within higher rainfall regions. Herbaceous species accumulation was higher for wetter than drier regions while woody species had no distinct trend. Annuals were more frequent in drier regions while perennials did not vary. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) showed a general distinction of sites from wettest versus driest regions with overlaps in intermediate sites, this being more for woody than herbaceous species. Species richness significantly increased with tailings age, but the interactive effect of tailings age and rainfall was insignificant.
Conclusion
The effect of rainfall gradient on vegetation was taxa, growth form and life cycle specific. Species compositional differences are mainly related to changes in substrate N, P, organic carbon, compaction and salinity.
TRAIL (DR5) receptor and the modulation of TRAIL pathway in PLWHIV: key mechanisms in the progression of HIV disease.
Authors: Ratkovich-Gonzalez Sarah , Ruiz-Briseño Mariana Del Rocio , De Arcos-Jimenez Judith Carolina , Alvarez-Zavala Monserrat , Andrade-Villanueva Jaime Federico , Gonzalez-Hernandez Luz Alicia , Sanchez-Reyes Karina
Published: March 2024

Background:
HIV infection is mainly described by depletion of CD4+ T-cells, however this not only occurs in infected cells, also arise in uninfected immunological cells through the bystander effect. Extrinsic cell death, in particular the Fas pathway has been studied in HIV extensively, and an expression increase in both its ligand and receptor has been reported, however the TRAIL pathway has been less explored in this context, and little has been relating to the immune activation characteristic of the disease. This study aims to examine the effect of HIV infection in the activation of TRAIL and Fas death pathways in CD3+ CD4+ T-cells and CD4+ CD14 + monocyte and its correlation with immune activation biomarkers in cell surface and serum.
Results:
Expression of TRAIL receptor DR5 in CD3+ CD4+ T-cells and CD14+ CD4+ monocytes from PLWHIV were significatively increased, almost two and five times more than CD3+ CD4+ T-cells and CD14+ CD4+ monocytes from HIV- controls; respectively. In PLWHIV, DR5 and CCR5 expression were positively and negatively associated with time of infection; respectively. Simultaneously, DR5 was associated positively with CXCR4 expression in CD3+ CD4+-T cells and CD4+ CD14+ monocytes as well as the significant increase of serum levels of IL-18 in PLWHIV. In CD3+ CD4+-T cells from HIV patients, the expression of CD38 was upregulated. Finally, in CD14+ CD4+ monocytes from PLWHIV, it was observed an increase in early apoptosis in response to recombinant TRAIL ligand, an effect that was not inhibited by caspase 8 blockade.
Conclusions:
In PLWHIV before ART, the activation and regulation of TRAIL pathway shows to be an important regulator in cell depletion. The expression of TRAIL DR5 significantly increased in CD3+ CD4+-T cells and CD4+ CD14+ monocytes from PLWHIV; in the same way DR5 was positively correlated with time of infection, with CXCR4 expression and with the significant increase in serum levels of IL-18, making it an interesting target for future treatments and as a marker for HIV disease progression.
Non-invasive Estimation of the Powder Size Distribution from a Single Speckle Image
Authors: Zhang Qihang , Barbastathis George , Pandit Ajinkya , Liu Zhiguang , Guo Zhen , Muddu Shashank , Wei Yi , Pereg Deborah , Nazemifard Neda , Papageorgiou Charles , Yang Yihui , Tang Wenlong , Braatz Richard D. , Myerson Allan S.
Published: March 2024

Non-invasive characterization of powders may take one of two approaches: imaging and counting individual particles; or relying on scattered light to estimate the particle size distribution (PSD) of the ensemble. The former approach runs into practical difficulties, as the system must conform to the working distance and other restrictions of the imaging optics. The latter approach requires an inverse map from the speckle autocorrelation to the particle sizes. The principle relies on the pupil function determining the basic sidelobe shape, whereas the particle size spread modulates the sidelobe intensity. We recently showed that it is feasible to invert the speckle autocorrelation and obtain the PSD using a neural network, trained efficiently through a physics-informed semi-generative approach. In this work, we eliminate one of the most time-consuming steps of our previous method by engineering the pupil function. By judiciously blocking portions of the pupil, we sacrifice some photons but in return we achieve much taller enhanced sidelobes and, hence, higher sensitivity to the change of the size distribution. The result is a 60× reduction in total acquisition and processing time, or 0.25 seconds per frame in our implementation. Almost real-time operation in our system is not only more appealing toward rapid industrial adoption, it also paves the way for quantitative characterization of complex spatial or temporal dynamics in drying, blending, and other chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Integrated model of secondary fracture prevention in primary care (INTERCEPT): Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled multicentre trial.
Authors: Wang Mawson , Knight Alice , Demeshko Anastassia , Girgis Christian , Bolton Patrick , Das Anurina , Auwyang Andrew , Williams Brett , Moses Daniel , D’Este Catherine , Seibel Markus
Published: March 2024

Background:
Osteoporotic fractures signal severely compromised bone strength and are associated with a greatly increased risk of refracture. Despite the availability of effective and safe medications that reduce fracture risk, 70-80% of patients are inadequately investigated or treated for osteoporosis following an initial fracture. This protocol describes a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated model of care on osteoporosis management in primary care.
Methods:
The cluster randomised controlled trial involves multiple branches of a community-based radiology provider (CRP), a hospital-based secondary fracture prevention program (SFPP) and numerous primary care practices in metropolitan Sydney that refer to either the CRP or SFPP. Using natural language processing tools, patients diagnosed with a potential osteoporotic fracture will be identified by automatically screening radiology reports generated at the CRP or SFPP. The primary care practices that these patients attend will be randomised (1:1) to either the intervention or usual care. The intervention consists of (i) electronic and fax alerts informing the practice/primary care physician that their patient has been diagnosed with a potential osteoporotic fracture; (ii) provision of osteoporosis management guidelines and (iii) follow-up surveys at 4 weeks and 6 months. Practices in the usual care (control) group will receive no alerts and provide usual care.
The primary outcome is the proportion of patients undergoing a bone density scan and/or filling a prescription for osteo-protective pharmacotherapy within 3 months of the initial diagnostic imaging report. Secondary outcomes are the proportion of patients: (i) undergoing an osteoporosis-related blood test within 3 months of the initial diagnostic imaging report; (ii) initiated on a chronic disease management plan within 3 months of the diagnostic report, and (iii) filling a second prescription for osteo-protective pharmacotherapy within 9 months post initial diagnostic imaging report. Outcomes will be obtained through de-identified linked data from Medical Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme held by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Discussion:
This is the first randomised trial to integrate case-detection of potential osteoporotic fractures in a hospital and community setting with direct alerts to the patient’s primary care provider. This study will determine whether such an intervention is effective in improving investigation and/or treatment rates of osteoporosis in patients with a potential osteoporotic fracture.
Trial registration:
This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12623000658617p
Correlation of High-Resolution Computed Tomography and Immunological Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Interstitial Lung Disease at the Onset of Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Hoffmann Tobias , Teichgräber Ulf , Förster Martin , Oelzner Peter , Kroegel Claus , Renz Diane , Weise Tobias , Boettcher Joachim , Schulze Christian , Wolf Gunter , Franz Marcus , Pfeil Alexander
Published: March 2024

Objectives
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) are often associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aim of the present study was to establish a correlation between the findings on HRCT and the immunological immunological bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
Methods
The study included 74 patients with newly diagnosed IRD and evidence of ILD on HRCT. No patient received any immunosuppressive therapy. In addition to HRCT, immunological BAL was performed and the American Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline were used to define BAL patterns.
Results
The main HRCT patterns were non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (47.3%), ground-glass opacities (GGO) (37.8%), and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (18.6%). BAL patterns showed the following distribution: 41.9% lymphocytic cellular pattern, 23.0% neutrophilic cellular pattern, 18.9% eosinophilic cellular pattern, and 16.2% unspecific cellular pattern. Placing these data in the context of the HRCT findings, the lymphocytic cellular BAL pattern (48%) was most commonly associated with GGO, whereas neutrophilic and lymphocytic cellular BAL patterns were the dominant feature in NSIP and UIP.
Conclusion
In patients with new-onset IRD and ILD, inflammatory pulmonary changes are predominate, reflected by GGO on HRCT and a mainly lymphocytic cell profile in the immunological BAL. In NSIP or UIP on HRCT, the percentages of lymphocytes and neutrophils were higher in BAL fluid, representing a fibrotic component in addition to the inflammation. Consequently, patients with evidence of GGO on HRCT should primarily be treated with anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive therapy, whereas in patients with NSIP and UIP a combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agents would be the appropriate treatment.
Effect of Process Parameters on the Geometry of Single-Track Deposits of Inconel 718 onto AISI4140 Using Laser Cladding
Authors: momeni seyedali , Coelho Reginaldo Teixeira , Nuñez Johan Grass , Jasinevicius Renato Goulart
Published: March 2024

AISI 4140 alloy steel finds extensive applications in industrial settings such as gears and blades owing to its exceptional combination of high strength and ductility. However, prolonged exposure to harsh operating conditions can result in significant mechanical failures, necessitating essential repair techniques to restore functionality and preserve the substantial value of these components. Among the various repair methods, directed energy deposition, an additive manufacturing technique, is gaining prominence for its efficacy in producing and restoring mechanically stressed components. Compared to traditional welding methods and metal spraying, laser cladding offers advantages such as reduced heat input and minimal dilution, resulting in superior metallurgical bonds. This research focuses on depositing Inconel 718 on AISI 4140 substrate using the laser cladding technique to evaluate the feasibility of this alloy for repairing AISI 4140 components. The investigation explores the influence of key laser cladding parameters, including laser power, scanning speed, and mass flow rate, on critical attributes of deposited beads such as width, height, clad angle, and dilution ratio. The results elucidate the effects of varying parameters: increasing scanning speed reduces bead dimensions and clad angle while increasing dilution. Elevating the powder-feeding rate increases bead height and wetting angle, with minimal impact on width and decreased dilution. Augmenting laser power increases bead width and reduces wetting angle, with dilution showing minimal change. Based on the findings, the optimal process parameters for future investigations are identified as a laser power of 950W, a laser scan speed of 300mm/min, and a mass flow rate of 4.31 g/min. Furthermore, the research demonstrates commendable metallurgical bonding at the interface between the two dissimilar materials, affirming the feasibility of integrating them through laser cladding.
Effect of a juvenile hormone analogue (methoprene) on ovarian development and survival in the Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica)
Authors: Mesich James , Richards Miriam H.
Published: March 2024

Differences in opportunities to lay eggs, and thus differences in extent of ovarian development, underlie reproductive hierarchies in social insects. In most insects, ovarian development is regulated by juvenile hormone (JH), so differences in reproduction are predicted to be proximately regulated by JH. We investigated the impact of a JH analogue, methoprene, on ovarian development and survival in Xylocopa virginica, a facultatively social carpenter bee in which social females form linear dominance hierarchies quite different from eusocial societies. Our objectives were twofold: to evaluate variation in the ovarian status of potential breeders throughout the brood-producing phase of the colony cycle, and to investigate the extent to which methoprene treatment would increase ovarian development. We used a double-blind experiment in which wild-caught females were treated with 0, 100, 500, or 1000 µg of methoprene, maintained in cages for two to four days, and then either? killed and dissected or maintained in the lab until the majority had died naturally. Control females exhibited a distinct seasonal pattern in which ovarian development increased through the first part of the brood-provisioning phase to a peak in weeks 7 and 8 (mid-June), then subsequently declined, as brood production ceased. Methoprene treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase in ovarian development, primarily affecting the volume of mature oocytes, but having no effect on the total number of developing oocytes. The effects of methoprene were observed within two days of treatment, suggesting rapid hormonal modulation of ovarian development. No significant differences in survival were observed among bees treated with varying dosages of methoprene, indicating the absence of adverse effects on bee health and activity. Our results support the predicted gonadotropic effects of methoprene in X. virginica, enabling future studies to explore JH influence on reproductive dominance within linear reproductive hierarchies.
Correlation Between TG/HDL-C Ratio or Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Mean Arterial Pressure in Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A Correlative Analytical Study
Authors: Cheng Lele , Bian Yitong , Meng Zixuan , Jin Ping
Published: March 2024

Background: Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index have become novel and convenient indicators of insulin resistance (IR) and are reported to be associated with occurrence and prognosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is another MI indicator that affects myocardial perfusion and oxygen delivery. However, the association between TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index with MAP in patients with MI remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index with MAP in patients with MI, so as to provide new strategies to improve the prognosis of MI.
Method: A total of 7341 patients with MI from January 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled to collect the general clinical data. The subjects were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index respectively. Spearman correlation analysis, univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis were employed to examine the correlation between TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index with MAP.
Results: The average age of the 7341 patients with MI was 61.39±13.13, and 62.23% were male. Spearman linear correlation analysis showed that MAP was positively associated with TG/HDL-C ratio (r=0.1218, p<0.001) and TyG index (r=0.1197, p<0.001). Univariate regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were positively associated with MAP in the participants. Each one unit increase in the TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index was response for a 0.90 and 0.29 mmHg increase in MAP. Multiple regression analyses showed that MAP in the Q2, Q3 and Q4 group of the TG/HDL-C ratio were higher than those in the Q1 group (Q2 vs. Q1: β =1.42, 95%CI: 0.16-2.67; Q3 vs. Q1: β=2.04, 95%CI: 0.78-3.30; Q4 vs. Q1: β=2.55, 95%CI: 1.26-3.85). Similarly, MAP increased 1.99 mmHg in Q4 group of the TyG index when compared with the Q1 group (Q4 vs. Q1: β=1.99, 95%CI: 0.57-3.42). The association of the TyG index with MAP were more significant in male patients than in females (β=0.25 vs 0.007, p for interaction=0.023).
Conclusion The TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were significantly positively associated with MAP in MI patients, and the association between the TyG index with MAP was more significant in male patients. Monitoring the TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index and assessing the association between the two with MAP deserves more attention in clinical practice for the early prevention and prognosis of MI and cardiometabolic diseases.
Multi-scale hierarchical brain regions detect individual and inter-species variations of structural connectivity in macaque monkeys and humans
Authors: Ouchi Kazuya , Yoshimaru Daisuke , Takemura Aya , Yamamoto Shinya , Hayashi Ryusuke , Higo Noriyuki , Obara Makoto , Sugase-Miyamoto Yasuko , Tsurugizawa Tomokazu
Published: March 2024

Macaques are representative animal models in translational research. However, the distinct shape and location of the brain regions between macaques and humans prevents us from comparing the brain structure directly. Here, we calculated structural connectivity (SC) with multi-scale hierarchical regions of interest (ROIs) to parcel out human and macaque brain into 4 (level 1 ROIs) or 13 (level 2 ROIs) regions, which consist of anatomically and functionally defined level 3 ROIs (around 100 parcellation of the brain) and similar function. The SC with the level 1 ROIs showed lower individual and inter-species variation in macaques and humans. SC with level 2 ROIs shows that the temporal lobe has high individual and inter-species variation in macaques and humans, while the prefrontal and sensory cortices show low individual and inter-species variation. These results provide insights into the suitability of macaques as animal models for humans.
Prevalence of Undiagnosed Hypertension and its Associated Factors in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District of Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Okesina Akeem Ayodeji , Habineza Jean Claude , Mbazumutima Richard , Mignonne Umurerwa , Mahirwe Celine , Hakizimana Samuel , Gbadamosi Mojeed Akorede , Uppal Aashna , Wabwire Francis Paul
Published: March 2024

Background
Hypertension remains a significant global health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It affects millions worldwide, with nearly half of the cases left undiagnosed. In Rwanda, a lack of adequate information and healthcare services impacts healthcare-seeking behaviours, contributing to undiagnosed hypertension in rural areas. Therefore, there exists a need to determine the incidence of undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of 393 adults was conducted in Ndera Sector, in Rwanda's Gasabo District, through a multistage sampling technique. Data was gathered using the WHO STEP-wise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire; physical examination was done for blood pressure and body-mass index (BMI), after which the data collected were analyzed using SPSS.
Results
In Ndera Sector, 15% of the sample population had undiagnosed hypertension. Survey respondents had a mean age of 37 years (range 15 to 82), and 43% were male. Physical activity levels varied, with 41% reporting regular activity, and 59% reporting a lack thereof. Significant factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension (p value < 0.05) included age categories 45–54 years and ≥ 55 years, residing in Kibenga Cell, and having a BMI greater than 25.0 kg/m2. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations of undiagnosed hypertension with age (≥ 55), having a BMI greater than 30.0 kg/m2 (obesity), and location of residence. The knowledge gap on hypertension also emerged as a significant factor, with those lacking awareness displaying a higher prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension. Sex, marital status, and other lifestyle habits showed no significant associations with undiagnosed hypertension.
Conclusions
High prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Ndera Sector was found to be associated with older age, high BMI, location of residence, and a lack of knowledge related to hypertension. This underscores the importance of health education initiatives, targeted healthcare initiatives in specific areas, tailored healthcare strategies for older age groups, and weight management initiatives to enhance awareness and early detection of hypertension.
Finch-Skea dark energy star with anisotropy
Authors: Das Bibhash , Aktar Somi , Rahaman Farook , Paul Bikash Chandra
Published: March 2024

We present relativistic model of anisotropic compact objects with spherically symmetric matter distribution coupled with dark energy in the framework of general theory of relativity. We assumed an ansatz for dark energy (DE) equation of state in addition to the baryonic matter. The interior spacetime of the compact object is described by the Finch-Skea metric and a causal domain of DE with a coupling parameter β. The stellar model is employed to investigate physical features energy-density, radial pressure, transverse pressure, energy conditions, mass-radius relation for a given pulsar, PSR J0348+0432 (M = 2.01 ± 0.04 M⊙ and R = 12.072 km). The effect of DE is explored for different values of β. We test the stability of the stellar models for different values of DE coupling parameter β for a relativistic stellar model. The equation of state of the matter configuration inside the star is determined for different β and found nonlinear. The prescription for a realistic stellar model used for the given pulsar is employed for other pulsars. The equation of states for those pulsars and the model parameters are determined for the observed masses and radii of the pulsars. The EoS is non-linear and the plot of mass vrs. radius of the stellar models considered here predict that the maximum mass of a star is independent of the DE coupling parameter (β).
Prevalence and influencing factors of myopia in children: a school-based cross-sectional study in Sanya, China
Authors: Fang Cheng , Qiu Ting , Zheng Huijia , Jiao Yao , Wei Hui , Liu Shijian , Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Hong
Published: March 2024

Background: Sanya is the southernmost city in China and has long sunshine duration and strong ultraviolet radiation intensity. The prevalence of myopia among schoolchildren in Sanya has not yet been reported.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in Sanya conducted by random cluster sampling from November to December 2022. This school-based study included 8 preschools, 8 primary schools and 8 secondary schools.
Students in the senior class of kindergarten (preschool), grade 3 (primary school) or grade 7 (secondary school), with or without myopia were enrolled. All the schools in each of the districts in Sanya were randomly chosen.
Results: A total of 4074 students were enrolled, and the prevalence of myopia was 28.0%. The prevalence of myopia significantly increased with educational stage: 2.8% in preschools, 21.4% in primary schools and 50.1% in secondary schools. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher education level (odds ratio (OR)=1.513, 95% CI=1.460-1.567), female sex (OR=1.426, 95% CI=1.220-1.666), one-parent myopia (OR=2.085, 95% CI=1.733-2.509), both parents’ myopia (OR=2.800, 95% CI=2.100-3.734) and outdoor time >2 h (OR=0.720, 95% CI=0.623-0.851) were significantly related to myopia.
Conclusions: Due to its unique environmental conditions, the incidence of myopia among school-age children in Sanya was lower than that in most cities in China. Education and the environment were the two main factors affecting school myopia, and education seemed to play a more important role.
Research on the group path of enhancing the efficiency of public sports services in China - Based on DEA and fsQCA analysis
Authors: Han Xue , Zou Yuehui , Meng xiangyang
Published: March 2024

Background
Public sports services crucially affect the development of a healthy China as a robust sports country, and the improvement of public sports service efficiency is a crucial manifestation of its high-quality development.
Materials and methods
We utilize the data of 30 provinces in China in 2020 as the research object, and we utilize Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure and evaluate the efficiency level of China's public sports services as well as Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to identify the critical influencing factors; moreover, we explore the grouping path that affects the efficiency improvement of public sports services.
Results
The results indicate the following: 1) although the efficiency level of China's public sports services is high overall, there are significant differences among regions. 2) The level of regional GDP per capita, the strength of government support, and the number of years of education per capita are the critical influencing factors for enhancing the efficiency of public sports services. 3) Population-intensive and government-driven, economic vitality and resource-inputting, and economic-educational double-driven paths are the core paths enhancing the efficiency of China's public sports services.
Conclusion
Therefore, the following recommendation is made: to boost the efficiency of China's public sports services by focusing on the level of regional economic development and rationally allocating public sports resources; increasing the investment of public sports funds to enhance the quality and level of services; strengthening the government's purchasing efforts to promote the market-based operation of public sports services; and increasing the average years of education to strengthen the public's awareness and participation in sports.
The Relationship Between Sphenoidal Sinus and Sella Turcica Morphometry in the Turkish Population: A Retrospective Study
Authors: KELEŞ Hacı , YAKAR Hüseyin , KAYA İsmail , ÇİÇEK Fatih , CERANOĞLU Faruk Gazi , ÇİFTÇİ Ali Türker , KARADAĞ Hüseyin
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The anatomical position of the sphenoidal sinus (SS) is very important for neurosurgeons because of the transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the volume and shape of the SS and its relationship with the morphometry of the sella turcica.
Methods
This study included CT images of 282 males and 258 females with a mean age of 50.52 years (range 18–75) who underwent head CT. The morphometric values of the sella turcica and the volume of the SS were measured on the included radiologic images. Measurements were made on the sagittal slice closest to the midline in T1 sequence. Morphometric measurements were made with Micro Dicom Viewers software program and volume measurements were made with ITK SNAP software program.
Results
In this study, 4 types of SS shapes were obtained in the whole population: amorphous, pentagonal, triangular and quadrilateral. The mean SS volume was 7055.88 mm3 in males and 5694.48 mm3 in females and a statistically significant difference was observed (p < 0.001). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the sexes in the width and surface area parameters of the sella turcica (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
In conclusion, surgeons who want to access the pituitary gland and its vicinity via the transsphenoidal route should know the anatomy of the region, the variations in the region and the relationship of the SS with the surrounding structures. We believe that the information presented in our study will guide the surgeons in their interventions.
Rates of Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depressive, and Anxiety Symptoms in Primary School Children: Findings Six Months before Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ghazali Siti Raudzah , Chen Yoke Yong , Elklit Ask , Rehman Sana , Ang Ai Ling
Published: March 2024

Studies on mental health rates among primary school children are still limited particularly related to psychological trauma and its relationship to other mental health challenges. This is the first cross-sectional study examining the rates of trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive, and anxiety symptoms in primary school children before covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Two hundred and twenty-one students participated in this study. They were recruited from four primary schools that volunteered to participate in the study. PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Child PTSD Symptoms Scale-5 (CPSS-5), The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale version (CESD) and the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) were used to survey psychological symptoms. Most of the students, or 54.3% of them, have experienced at least one traumatic event. Of 221 students, 39.4% reported having PTSD symptoms, 38% reported having depressive symptoms and 19% reported having anxiety symptoms. Female students were more likely to report PTSD symptoms compared to male students. The first regression analysis model showed that only depressive symptoms were significant predictors for PTSD. In the second model, religion, family income, anxiety and PTSD symptoms were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. In the third model, only depressive symptoms were significant predictors of anxiety. Findings, limitations, research future directions and recommendations were discussed.
Acute Interstitial Nephritis and Tubular Necrosis after Lamotrigine-overdose: Characterization of Acute Kidney Failure in Lamotrigine-induced DRESS-syndrome
Authors: Brüning Klara Kristin , Pelivan Elena , Heinrich Marie-Christine , Bufler Philip , Kaindl Angela Maria , Thumfart Julia
Published: March 2024

We present a case of lamotrigine-triggered DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms)-syndrome with acute kidney injury stage 3. A 17-year-old girl with known epilepsy treated with lamotrigine presented with acute kidney injury as well as skin eruption, fever, and apathy. Extended diagnostics, considering infectious and autoimmune diseases, remained unremarkable. Lamotrigine blood levels were within the target range. Kidney biopsy showed acute interstitial nephritis with tubular necrosis. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy led to an improvement in kidney function; skin eruption and neurological symptoms disappeared. During the hospital stay, the girl admitted to inconsistent and variable intake of lamotrigine, occasionally resulting in notable overdosing. This report demonstrates that acute kidney injury in lamotrigine-induced DRESS-syndrome is an acute interstitial nephritis with tubular necrosis, an aspect that has not been deeply characterized so far. Additionally, we want to heighten awareness towards non-adherence as cause of disease, especially among the adolescent population.