bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic applications of magnetic PLGA nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin in rabbit
Authors: Salmasi Zahra , Kamali Hossein , Rezaee Hanieh , Nazeran Faezeh , Jafari Zahra , Eisvand Farhad , Teymouri Manoocher , Khordad Elnaz , Mosafer Jafar
Published: June 2024

In this study, DOX[1] and Fe3O4 magnetic nanocrystals (SPIONs[2]) were encapsulated in the PLGA-PEG[3] nanoparticles for theranostic purposes. The final prepared formulation which is called NPs[4] exhibited a particle size with a mean diameter of ~209 nm and a sufficient saturation magnetization value of 1.65 emu/g. The NPs showed faster DOX release at pH 5.5 compared to pH 7.4. Also, the cytotoxicity effect of NPs increased compared to Free-DOX alone in C6 glioma cancer cells. For in vivo investigations, the 2.2 Kg rabbits were injected with NPs formulations via a central articular anterior vein in their ears. Furthermore, the images of rabbit organs were depicted via MR[5] and fluorescent imaging techniques. A negative contrast (dark signal) was observed in T2[6] weighted MR images of IV[7]-injected rabbits with NPs compared to the control ones. The organ’s florescent images of NPs-injected rabbits showed a high density of red color related to the accumulation of DOX in liver and kidney organs. These data showed that the NPs have no cytotoxicity effect on the heart. Also, the results of histopathological tests of different organs showed that the groups receiving NPs and Free-DOX were almost similar and no significant difference was seen, except for the cardiac tissue in which the pathological effects of NPs were significantly less than the Free-DOX. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies were also conducted at the sera and whole bloods of IV-injected rabbits with NPs and Free-DOX. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that NPs could enhance the DOX retention in the serum compared to the Free-DOX. Altogether, we aimed to produce a powerful delivery nanosystem for its potential in dual therapeutic and diagnostic applications which are called theranostic agents.
Utilization of improved sanitation facilities: Does socioeconomic inequality still persist in India?
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Hasan Nihal , Rajak Rahul
Published: June 2024

Background
Despite the significant improvement in sanitation coverage, utilization of improved sanitation still does not reach the optimal level across all socioeconomic groups in India. Given this backdrop, this study examines the socioeconomic status-related inequality in the utilization of improved sanitation facilities among Indian Households.
Methods
The study utilized fifth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS); a national representative cross-sectional survey of India conducted in 2019-21. Logistic regression was applied to estimate the effect of various predictors on utilization of improved sanitation facilities. We also used decomposition analyse to identify the factors responsible for utilization of improved sanitation.
Results
The results indicate that 69% of Indian households utilized improved sanitation facilities. The study highlights that young and unmarried household heads, lower education, poor wealth status of household, living in rural areas, and marginalized castes had lower access to improved sanitation facilities. The multivariate regression analysis suggested that households belonging to richer [AOR: 13.99; 95%, CI: 13.64–14.34] and richest [AOR: 46.73; 95%, CI: 45.00–48.52] wealth quintiles have 14 and 47-times higher odds of having sanitation facility than households which belong to poorest quintile respectively. The decomposition analysis suggested that 11 to 18% of inequality was explained by the geographical region of household and caste of household head. The concentration curve of utilization of improved sanitation was more concentrated in Central and East India households (Concentration Index: 0.51 and 0.47), which has reduced to 0.17 and 0.22 during NFHS-4 to NFHS-5. We also found that 68 districts in India had less than 50 percent utilization of improved sanitation facilities.
Conclusion
The study concludes that households with a better socioeconomic status were more able to access improved sanitation. Thus, inclusive strategies are needed to reduce socioeconomic inequality at the micro level and strengthen ongoing policies.
Retrospective analysis of the incidence of and risk factors for mortality from intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients treated with cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty:2-year follow-up
Authors: Li Jiachen , Yang Zhaohui
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors for mortality in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail fixation(PFNA) or cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty(CBH), as well as in patients with CBH based on subgroups of follow-up time.
Patients and Methods:
A total of 231 patients who underwent PFNA or CBH at our hospital between January 2016 and October 2021 were included. We first compared the two surgical procedures, and then compared the mortality and survival groups treated with CBH based on the subgroups of follow-up time in univariate, logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates
Results
In our study, the survival rate and average survival time of the joint replacement group were greater than those of the intramedullary nailing group(p<0.05), and the time from surgery to implantation in the joint replacement group was significantly shorter(p<0.05). However, the need for blood transfusion was greater in the joint replacement group(p<0.05), and the Harris score of the joint replacement group was also greater than that of the intramedullary nailing group(p<0.05). The survival rates in the CBH group at the 6-month, 1-year and 2-year follow-ups were 90.4%, 84.2% and 78.9%,respectively.Univariate analysis of the CBH group showed that gender was associated with mortality at the 6-month(p<0.05), 1-year(p<0.05), and 2-year follow-ups(p<0.05), and we found that ICU admission time was a risk factor for mortality at both 1-year and 2-year follow-ups(p<0.05), which was also consistent with the logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
Gender was an independent risk factor for mortality in all follow-up time subgroups. In addition, the amount of perioperative hemoglobin and albumin loss should be considered and measures should be taken during the perioperative period.
Level of Evidence:
therapeutic level III according to the OCEBM levels of the Evidence Working Group.
Weight loss in patients with severe obesity after bariatric surgery – The potential role of the chrono-nutrition, chronotype and the circadian misalignment: a study protocol of the ChronoWise prospective Cohort
Authors: Rodrigues Joana , Magalhães Vânia , Santos Maria Paula , Reis Cátia , Pichel Fernando , Soares Paulo , Santos Jorge , Vilela Sofia
Published: June 2024

Background
Despite the potential effectiveness of bariatric surgery in promoting weight loss, a considerable proportion of patients still face the challenge of achieving optimal post-surgery outcomes. The timing of eating, in addition to the content of what is eaten, as well as chronotype and social jetlag (a marker of circadian misalignment), have been implicated in weight regulation. However, the current understanding of these chrono-related behaviours in individuals undergoing bariatric surgery is still scarce. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the role of chrono-nutrition, chronotype, and circadian misalignment in the weight-loss trajectory among individuals living with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery.
Methods
The ChronoWise project is a prospective single-centre cohort study designed to follow patients experiencing bariatric surgery at the Santo António Local Health Unit (ULSSA), Porto, Portugal. Participants will be recruited and evaluated at pre-surgery and followed-up over 3 and 6 months after surgery. The baseline evaluation will be conducted face-to-face during the hospital stay and by telephone or video call on the subsequent evaluations, following standard procedures. Data collection includes sociodemographics, food intake, chrono-nutrition behaviours, sleep time behaviour, sleep quality, screen time, physical activity and exercise behaviours, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters. The ‘Munich Chronotype Questionnaire’ will be used to assess chronotype and social jet lag. Chrono-nutrition dimensions will be measured by the ‘Chrononutrition Profile - Questionnaire' in all evaluations. Weight and height will be self-reported and retrieved from medical registries. trajectories of weight-loss will be obtained.
Discussion
This study will add important evidence on the role of chrono-nutrition, chronotype and social jetlag profile in weight-loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. Identifying novel approaches to change the paradigm of post-surgical weight management towards a tailored treatment aligned with circadian rhythm may be useful to strengthen the existing treatments and improve patients’ response to bariatric surgery.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Outcomes: Single Center Study
Authors: McGurn Iliana B , Piburn Kim , Lopez Eliot , Ayroso-Guardiola Irma , Ranch Daniel
Published: June 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are linked to several health issues in adulthood. It is not known how ACE may impact solid organ transplant outcomes. We hypothesized that ACE are associated with adverse outcomes. We administered a 10-item inventory ACE questionnaire to 48 patients transplanted as children and transitioned to adult services. Mean age was 23 years, 54% were female, 19% White. Primary outcome was a current functioning graft. 60.4% reported an ACE score of > 0, 22.9% reported an ACE score of > 3. There was no association between an ACE score > 0 (P = 0.3715) or > 3 (P = 0.5757) and graft loss. In this single center study, we did not find an association between ACE and adverse transplant outcomes in young adult transplant patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between childhood trauma and long-term transplant outcomes.
Multi-Omics Insights into Grapevine Ecodormancy to Budburst Transition: Interplay of Gene Expression, miRNA Regulation, and DNA Methylation
Authors: Shinde Harshraj , Raihan Tajbir , Anand Lakshay , Perry Sharyn , Geneve Robert , Lopez Carlos Rodriguez
Published: June 2024

In grapevine, the transition from a dormant bud to budburst is a critical developmental process related to vegetative and reproductive growth. We generated a time series analysis (five sampling time points) and used transcriptome, small RNA, and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to characterize this transition. Ecodormant buds took an average of 17 days to budburst. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 7002 differentially expressed genes across all sampling times and revealed that the brassinosteroid metabolism and the linoleic acid metabolism pathways are upregulated and downregulated respectively across all time points. Gene expression cluster analysis identified the activation of the photosynthesis pathway and photosynthesis related genes during this transition. miRNA expression analysis identified a steady increase in expression of two miRNAs, miR159a and miR159b during the transition from dormancy to budburst. Our analysis suggests that these two miRNAs promote budburst by repressing the expression of auxin responsive genes. Finally, a continued increase in CG methylation levels was observed during the dormancy to budburst transition. Differential methylation analysis, considering dormant buds as the control stage, yielded 6354 differentially methylated regions across the genome. Two glucosidase genes exhibited increases in promoter methylation and a corresponding decrease in gene expression in our analysis. This study provides a multi-omics view of grapevine bud transition from dormancy to bud burst and unveils the interacting genetic and epigenetic networks regulating this process.
Achieving Excellence: The Role of Leadership Styles in Fostering Work Performance and Autonomy in Nurses’ decision-making
Authors: Alanazi Fadiyah Jadid , Mersal Fathia Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Background
Leadership is essential to nursing because it influences autonomy in nurses’ decision-making and work performance. Efficient leadership styles have been demonstrated to significantly influence patient outcomes, nursing practice, and organizational success. On the contrary, inadequate leadership can impede nurses' autonomy in decision-making, limit their job satisfaction, and ultimately hinder the quality of patient care.
Study Aim
This study aims to evaluate the role of leadership styles in fostering work performance and autonomy in nurses’ decision-making at Northern Region Hospitals.
Methodology
A descriptive exploratory design was used in this study with a sample size of 102 participants.
Results
The results showed a linear relationship between Transformational leadership style and subjective measures of leader work performance and autonomy in nurses' decision-making. The study results indicated that most staff nurses defined their leader's style as transformational leadership, followed by transactional leadership and then laissez-faire leadership.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Leadership must enhance and foster autonomy in nurses' decision-making ability. Leaders must improve their leadership style to positively impact autonomy in nurses’ decision-making and improve patients' healthcare. All managers down to the lowest channel must exercise a key leadership role to influence nurses to become good and independent leaders. This study involves nursing practice and nursing management. Nurse managers should receive training on the different leadership philosophies and how to apply the style that best advances the organization’s objectives.
Endovascular fenestration in aortic type-A dissection with hepatic malperfusion syndrome: a case report
Authors: Weiss Daniel Arvid , Jannusch Kai , Wilms Lena Marie , Dalyanoglu Hannan , Ullrich Tim , Antoch Gerald , Minko Peter , Ziayee Farid
Published: June 2024

Background: Fenestration of the dissection membrane in aortic dissection is a viable treatment option for abdominal malperfusion syndrome. While open surgical approaches are commonly chosen for type-A (DeBakey I and II) dissections, endovascular treatment gains importance in type-B dissections, particularly for patients unsuitable for surgery or in a combined approach.
Case presentation: We present a case of an acute type-A (DeBakey I) aortic dissection in a patient who underwent a David-Procedure combined with a partial aortic arch replacement and was subsequently treated for hepatic malperfusion syndrome using an endovascular approach.
Conclusions: The interdisciplinary approach led to a favorable clinical outcome, suggesting that endovascular treatment should be considered for patients with type-A dissection and abdominal malperfusion syndrome.
What’s for lunch? Eliciting preferences for food on university campus: discrete choice experiment protocol
Authors: Pokhilenko Irina , Afentou Nafsika , Fu Lin , Hiligsmann Mickael , Witthoft Cornelia , Hefni Mohammed , Nzefa Leonie Dapi , Randelli Filippo , Elias Anna Julia , Bartos Krisztina , Csobod Éva Csajbókné , Ouguerram Khadija , Parnet Patricia , Ruiz-de-Maya Salvador , Ferrer-Bernal Elvira , Frew Emma
Published: June 2024

Background. Food choices are influenced by habits, experiences, as well as various socioeconomic factors. Understanding these drivers can mitigate negative effects of poor nutrition and yield societal benefits. Preference elicitation methods like discrete choice experiments help understand people’s food preferences revealing factors influencing choices the most, such as nutritional content or cost of a meal. This information can be helpful in developing tailored meal-based interventions and informing food policies. Universities, as anchor institutions, are increasingly concerned with health, wellbeing, and sustainability of their students and staff. Yet, there is limited evidence on food preferences in university settings. This paper outlines a discrete choice experiment protocol to compare lunch preferences among university staff and students across six European countries, aiming to inform campus food policies.
Methods. Attributes and levels were derived from a systematic literature review of preference-based studies focused on the drivers of meal choices and validated in the focus group with students and staff from participating universities. The attributes in the discrete choice experiment include nutritional content, price, time to access a meal, sensory properties of a meal, naturalness of the ingredients, and meal size. The survey was piloted in think-aloud interviews with students and staff in participating universities. We will collect preference data, along with data on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, food-related behaviour, opinions about food, experience of food insecurity, physical activity, and body composition, using an online survey. Preference data will be analysed using random parameter logit and latent class models.
Discussion. This study will be the first to investigate lunch preferences of university students and staff across six European countries, informing campus food policies. While campus food systems may not always align with students’ and staff preferences, incorporating them into policy-making can enhance satisfaction and well-being. Strengths include an international focus, inclusion of complementary variables, and involvement of potential respondents in all phases of developing this research. Acknowledging limitations, such as varying lunch habits, the study aims to provide valuable insights for improving university food policies and overall community well-being.
Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics of Glacial Lakes and their outburst flood risk assessment in the Central Asian Tienshan Mountains
Authors: Chen Yaning
Published: June 2024

Global warming has accelerated the melting of mountain glaciers and intensified the formation and expansion of glacial lakes. This phenomenon has led to an increased risk of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing a severe threat to downstream residents of the water supply and water conservancy facilities. Glacial lake outburst floods have become a significant concern in mountain hazard research. The present paper uses multi-temporal Landsat sequence remote sensing images, Sentinel-2A/2B image data, and a semi-automatic water body extraction algorithm with global-local threshold segmentation to extract glacial lake boundaries in the Tienshan Mountains of Central Asia from 1990 to 2023, analyzing their spatial and temporal characteristics. An improved GLOF hazard and risk assessment model is used to evaluate hazard and risk levels under various current and future scenarios. The results show that during the study period, the number and area of glacial lakes increased 148% (from 1,837 to 4,557) and 64.32% (from 119.73 km2 to 205.73 km2), with moraine lake expansion predominating. Spatially, glacial lakes are mainly distributed in Central and Western Tienshan, accounting for 75% of the entire Tienshan region. In Western Tienshan, the high or very high risk of GLOF is 3-4 times that of other areas, while in Eastern Tian Shan, about half the glacial lakes have high or higher GLOF hazard levels, and in Northern Tienshan, only 30.91% have high hazard levels. By the middle of the 21st century, with further climate warming, GLOF risk and potential threats will continue to increase, especially in Western Tienshan. This study can provide scientific data for water resource utilization and a foundation for disaster prevention and reduction in the region’s downstream areas.
Exploring the Potential of Deep Learning Models Integrating Transformer and LSTM in Predicting Blood Glucose Levels for T1D Patients
Authors: He JianFeng , Su Heng , Xiong Xin , Yang XinLiang , Cai Yunying , Xue Yuxin
Published: June 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an increasingly common chronic disease, and its incidence continues to rise globally, posing huge challenges to the public health system. At the same time, due to the need for long-term strict diet control and blood sugar monitoring, the management process of diabetes is relatively complicated, which brings a lot of inconvenience to patients' daily life. Predicting blood glucose concentration (BGC) in T1D patients can help avoid abnormal blood glucose events and improve blood glucose management in T1D patients. However, accurate blood glucose prediction remains challenging because blood glucose levels are affected by multiple factors such as insulin injections, diet, and exercise. In this study a combined deep learning (DL) model of Transformer and long short-term memory network (LSTM) for blood glucose prediction in T1D patients is proposed, which fully integrates the advantages of Transformer and LSTM. For the proposed method Transformer captures sequence relationships globally, while LSTM focuses on local and long-term dependencies, thereby improving the overall performance of the model. In this study the clinical data set of 13 T1D patients for more than 4 weeks are provided by the First Renmin Hospital of Yunnan Province, and the 360-day blood glucose data set of 10 adult T1D patients generated by the UVa/Padova simulator. The prediction performance and clinical evaluation were performed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Clark error grid analysis (EGA), respectively. The performance of the model on clinical data sets is 30-min prediction horizon (PH) (RMSE=10.157, MAE=6.377), 60-min PH (RMSE=10.645, MAE=6.417), 90-min PH (RMSE=13.537, MAE=7.283), 120-min PH (RMSE= 13.986, MAE= 6.986). The performance of the model on the simulated data set is 15-min PH (RMSE=1.793, MAE=1.376), 30-min PH (RMSE=2.049, MAE=1.311), 60-min PH (RMSE=3.477, MAE=1.668). The units of RMSE and MAE are mg/dl. In addition, Clark Grid Analysis (EGA) analysis showed that more than 96% of BGC predictions remained within the clinical safety zone during the PH period of up to 120 minutes in the clinical data set, validating its clinical feasibility.
Addressing racial and ethnic disparities in premature exits from permanent supportive housing among residents with substance use disorders
Authors: Panadero Talia J. , Gabrielian Sonya , Seamans Marissa J. , Gelberg Lillian , Tsai Jack , Harris Taylor
Published: June 2024

Background.
Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an evidence-based practice for reducing homelessness that subsidizes permanent, independent housing and provides case management—including linkages to health services. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common contributing factors towards premature, unwanted (“negative”) PSH exits; little is known about racial/ethnic differences in negative PSH exits among residents with SUDs. Within the nation’s largest PSH program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we examined relationships among SUDs and negative PSH exits (for up to five years post-PSH move-in) across racial/ethnic subgroups.
Methods.
We used VA administrative data to identify a cohort of homeless-experienced Veterans (HEVs) (n = 2,712) who were housed through VA Greater Los Angeles’ PSH program from 2016–2019. We analyzed negative PSH exits by HEVs with and without SUDs across racial/ethnic subgroups (i.e., African American/Black, Non-Hispanic White, Hispanic/Latino, and Other/Mixed [Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and multi-race]) in controlled models and accounting for competing risk of death.
Results.
In competing risk models, HEVs with at least one SUD had 1.3 times the hazard of negative PSH exits compared to those without SUDs (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61). When stratifying by race/ethnicity, Other/Mixed race residents with at least one SUD had 6.4 times the hazard of negative PSH exits compared to their peers without SUDs (95% CI: 1.61–25.50). Hispanic/Latino residents with at least one SUD had 1.9 times the hazard compared to those without SUDs, also indicating a strong relationship with negative PSH exits; however, this association was not statistically significant (95% CI: 0.85–4.37). Black residents with at least one SUD had 1.2 times the hazard compared to those without SUDs (95% CI: 0.85–1.64), indicating no evidence of an association with negative PSH exits. Similarly, Non-Hispanic White residents with at least one SUD had 1.1 times the hazard compared to those without SUDs (95% CI: 0.75–1.66).
Conclusions.
These findings suggest relationships between SUDs and negative PSH exits differ between race/ethnic groups and suggest there may be value in culturally specific tailoring and implementation of SUD services for these subgroups.
Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Portal Vein Thrombosis Model
Authors: Tian Rui yuan , Wei Chao , Li Yong
Published: June 2024

Objective
This study aims to assess the efficacy of developing a rat portal vein thrombosis (PVT) model by combining intermittent ligation with clamp insertion in the portal vein.
Methods
SD rats were randomly divided into a model group and a blank control group. The model group was subjected to portal vein thrombosis induction using intermittent ligation combined with clamp placement, while the blank control group underwent only portal vein dissection after laparotomy. A liver color Doppler ultrasound was performed to validate the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis after the one-week modeling procedure. Following this, the model group was sub-grouped into recovery and model control groups. A laparotomy was performed to obtain the portal vein for examination for these subgroups. On the other hand, the model recovery group remained elevated for an additional 3 weeks before portal vein collection. In the pathological examination, each portal vein tissue was stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, Masson, and Van Gieson staining.
Results
One week following surgery, an ultrasound examination showed stable (90%) thrombus formation in the portal vein of the model group. The histopathological emanation of the model control and model recovery groups revealed the existence of a thrombus in the portal vein, vascular endothelium injury, media thickening due to edema, and collagen fiber adhesion. The blank control group exhibited no thrombus formation in the portal vein and remained intact in vascular structure. Rats in the model recovery group showed stable PVT and non-fatal survival at four weeks postoperatively.
Conclusion
In this study, an effective and viable portal vein thrombosis rat model has successfully developed via intermittent ligation combined with clamp insertion. The minimal 4-week survival duration of rats in the PVT model provides a temporal base for future studies.
Another Common Genetic Ataxia in South Korea: Spinocerebellar ataxia 36
Authors: Jang Ja-Hyun , Ahn Jong Hyeon , Lee Seungbok , Moon Jangsup , Han Yoojung , Chang Hyeshik , Youn Jinyoung , Cho Jin Whan
Published: June 2024

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) represent a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia. Diagnostic laboratories in South Korea typically focus on testing for common SCA subtypes, leaving the prevalence of rare SCAs uncertain. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of rare SCA loci, including SCA10, 12, 31, and 36 utilizing molecular techniques including long-read sequencing (LRS). Patients were selected from ataxia cohorts who remained undiagnosed despite testing for common genetic ataxias in Korean (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 17, and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy), as well as unselected ataxia patients referred for testing common SCAs. Screening for expanded alleles associated with SCA10, 12, 31, and 36 involved techniques such as allele-length PCR, repeat-primed PCR, followed by confirmation through LRS. Among 78 patients from 67 families with undiagnosed cerebellar ataxia despite extensive genetic testing, expanded alleles of SCA36 were identified in 8 families (11.9%) with no detection of SCA10, 12, or 31 alleles. The majority of SCA36 expansions were confirmed by LRS. Furthermore, unselected ataxia patients showed a prevalence of 1.0% for SCA36. Korean SCA36 patients exhibited clinical characteristics similar to global reports, with a higher incidence of hyperreflexia. The study underscores the prevalence of SCA36 in South Korea and emphasizes the potential of LRS as a diagnostic tool for this condition. Integrating LRS into diagnostic protocol could enhance diagnostic efficacy, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of SCA36 like South Korea. Further research is necessary to standardize LRS for routine clinical application.
The association of dry eye disease signs and symptoms with anxiety and depression: An observational study
Authors: Wang Yiren , Jiang Xiaodan , Li Jiaxi , Li Xuemin
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the relationship between dry eye-related symptoms and signs with anxiety and depression.
Methods
In this observational study, we recruited 63 volunteers, including 51 patients with dry eye disease (DED) and 12 healthy volunteers. Infrared images of the meibomian gland and corneal nerve layer analysis of all patients were assessed. Additionally, the patients completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and dry eye symptom questionnaire.
Results
HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression scores in the DED group were significantly higher than those in the control group (t = 5.846, P \(<\) 0.001, and t = 4.006, P \(<\) 0.001, respectively). HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression was significantly correlated with DED symptoms (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the OSDI and HADS (P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between HADS-anxiety and mebomian gland area (r = -0.426, P < 0.001) and corneal nerve density (r = -0.345, P < 0.001); HADS-depression was found to be correlated with mebomian gland area (r = -0.517, P < 0.001) and corneal nerve density (r = -0.242, P = 0.016). The predictive equation for HADS-anxiety is as follows: HADS-anxiety = 0.09989*OSDI + -0.00013*CND + -22.54*MGA + 7.128 (P < 0.0001). The predictive equation for HADS-depression is as follows: HADS-depression = 0.06743*OSDI + -18.01*MGA + 5.019 (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Anxiety and depression were significantly correlated with OSDI, CND and MGA in patients with DED. Furthermore, OSDI, CND and MGA have a relatively value for HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression.
Thriving on half: low nutritional demand in Stephanopodium engleri involves adjustments in photosynthetic apparatus functionality
Authors: Vieira Evandro Alves , Neto Luiz Palhares , Filgueira Joana Serrão , Salles Marina Ludmila Conor , Valadares Rafael , Ramos Silvio , Gastauer markus , Caldeira Cecilio Frois
Published: June 2024

Background
Cultivating threatened plant species is vital for conservation, safeguarding against extinction by ensuring propagation and maintaining genetic diversity. In this study, we conducted an integrative morphological, physiological, and quantitative proteomic analysis of Stephanopodium engleri plants grown under different substrates and nutritional sources. Stephanopodium engleri is an endangered and range-restricted species endemic to the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region, a historical hub for mining activities in Brazil. Seedlings of S. engleri were cultivated in three different substrates: organic substrate (Carolina Soil® - CS), dystrophic soil (DS), and a mixture of both substrates (1:1). Additionally, we evaluated nutrient availability levels, including complete fertilization and half of the nutrients in the DS, as well as treatments with complete fertilization excluding nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients.
Results
Different nutritional sources resulted in changes in the growth of S. engleri, with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and micronutrients identified as the most limiting nutrients. The species exhibited maximum growth with half of the applied fertilization, suggesting a low nutritional requirement. The highest growth was strongly related to nutritional availability, coupled with adjustments in the photosynthetic apparatus and protein regulation, with no significant differences in morpho-anatomical traits. The most representative proteins displayed a diverse array of metabolic functions, particularly related to iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) homeostasis, participation in photosynthesis and energy pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, and the preservation of functional structures.
Conclusions
Our findings are crucial to support field planting, as adequate fertilization is essential to produce high-quality seedlings, thereby facilitating plans to reintroduce the species into its native environment. Additionally, our results reveal insights into S. engleri physiology and adaptations. Our data can further support management and conservation plans through the reinforcement of natural populations, introduction of new populations, maintenance of germplasm banks, and living collections.
Antimalarial efficacy of Duttaphrynus melanostictus skin extract via inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ ATPase
Authors: Bagwe Akshay Dilip , D’Souza Roshan Clarence , Sharma Bharatbhushan B.
Published: June 2024

Malaria remains a major health issue worldwide that affects many people, particularly in developing nations. Since, the malarial parasite has developed resistance against nearly every antimalarial drug now in use, it is imperative to search for novel antimalarial medications. Toxins produced by skin glands of toads have been shown to possess antiparasitic properties against a variety of protozoan parasites because of the bufadienolides they contain. Even though several studies have been conducted to show that toad skin secretions have antimalarial properties, very little information is known about the precise mechanism by which they work against Plasmodium infection. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of crude skin extracts from Common Asian Toads, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, of different sizes and illustrate how they work against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 cells. The findings demonstrated a negative correlation between the toad size and percent yield of the extracts. HPTLC and UPLC-MS/MS analysis of the extracts exhibited varied composition of bufadienolides depending on the size of the animal. The extract obtained from small toads containing resibufagin and marinobufagin lactate demonstrated highest antiplasmodial activity and showed lowest cytotoxicity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. It was discovered that the extract was effective against the trophozoite stage of the parasite. The extract was reported to inhibit Na+/H+ ATPase of Plasmodium by binding to sodium-enzyme complex at ATP binding site. The study offers baseline data that can be used to assess the antimalarial potential of individual components in the skin extract derived from small toads.
Research on identification method for spatial master data of railroad system
Authors: Zhang Maolin , Shen Tao , Huo Liang , Yang Yaodong , Zhouwen Shiqi
Published: June 2024

Railway spatial master data is crucial asset data within the railway system, accurately reflecting the geographic locations and spatial information of core entities within the system, enabling railway companies to make a series of spatial decisions. In view of this, this article proposes a railway spatial master data recognition method based on the rough set-cloud model to identify spatial master data from massive railway data. This method first selects indicators for identification based on the characteristics of spatial data and master data. Then, it determines the weights of the identification indicators based on rough set theory. Next, it uses a cloud model to transform the indicators from qualitative to quantitative, calculate the membership degrees of the indicators, and generate an indicator cloud reflecting the characteristics of the indicators. Finally, by combining membership degrees with indicator weights and prioritizing maximum membership degrees, accurate identification of massive railway data is carried out. This method, compared to traditional recognition approaches, eliminates the subjective bias that expert scoring may introduce. It also increases the number of recognition indicators, enhancing accuracy and specificity in identification. The results indicate that the calculation method is consistent with the expected results, demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of the method in the field of railway spatial master data identification.
Analyzing Sedimentation Patterns in the Naumure Multipurpose Project (NMP) Reservoir using 1D HEC- RAS Modeling
Authors: Dahal Vishan , Kunwar Subash , Bhandari Shishir , Chaudhary Subash , Gautam Saurab , Bhatt Nabin , Regmi Ram Krishna
Published: June 2024

Naumure Multipurpose Project (NMP) featuring a 169 m high Concrete Face Rock Filled Dam (CFRD) is the proposed reservoir project in the West Rapti River with an installed capacity of 218.34 MW. Most of the rivers in Nepal carry significant sediment loads that will consequently catalyze reservoir sedimentation. This phenomenon prevails as the primary factor in reducing reservoirs useful life, making ineffective for both flood control and hydroelectricity generation. Ultimately, such process of sedimentation has adverse impacts on projects economic feasibility and long-term sustainability. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine the expected sediment deposition pattern in the NMP reservoir throughout its operational period by employing 1D HEC-RAS model to simulate the sedimentation process. The model was simulated for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years. Yang’s equation as a sediment transport function and Toffaleti as a fall velocity method were best suited for the river reach. The delta deposition was formed between 11 km to 22 km upstream of the dam region in the Jhimruk river, with the sediment deposition depth reaching peaks of about 23 m, 38 m, 39 m, 41 m and 49 m in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years, respectively. Similarly, the delta deposition was formed between 13 km to 33 km upstream of dam region in the Madi river, with the sediment deposition depth reaching peaks of about 47 m, 62 m, 60 m, 68 m and 75 m in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years respectively. Headcutting of delta deposition occurred between 20 to 30 year due to high flood during low stage of reservoir. Furthermore, the study revealed that about 6.22%, 11.61%, 15.94%, 22.96% and 25.65% of the storage capacity of NMP reservoir will be depleted in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years respectively.
Brief Report: HRV Time Domain Parameters Predict Trauma and Depression Symptom Change in Veterans with PTSD Undergoing Biofeedback
Authors: Schuman Donna L. , Ognyanova Pavleta , Ginsberg J. P. , Moser Debra K.
Published: June 2024

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an index of cardiac autonomic function and an objective biomarker for stress and health. Improving HRV through biofeedback has proven effective in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in veteran populations. Brief protocols involving fewer sessions can better maximize limited clinic resources; however, there is a dearth of knowledge on the number of clinical sessions needed to significantly reduce trauma and depression symptoms. We conducted a series of linear regression models using baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up data from intervention group participants (N = 18) who engaged in a pilot waitlist-controlled study testing the efficacy of a 3-session mobile app-adapted HRV biofeedback intervention for veterans with PTSD. Based on Nunan et al.’s (2010) short-term norms, we found that pre-intervention RMSSD in the normal range significantly predicted PTSD and depression symptom improvement. Findings suggest the utility of baseline RMSSD as a useful metric for predicting HRV biofeedback treatment outcomes for veterans with PTSD and comorbid depression. Those with below-normal baseline RMSSD may likely need additional sessions to show clinically meaningful symptom improvement.
Knowledge, attitude and perception of pregnant women toward prenatal ultrasound at the Tertiary Care Hospital of Quetta, Pakistan.
Authors: Akhtar Jahanzeb , Najeeb Alishba , Khan Nosherwan , Rizwan Danish , Zaman Muhammad Akhtar
Published: June 2024

Background Prenatal ultrasound has been an integral part of routine prenatal care for decades and is a noninvasive and widely accessible method for assessing fetal development. Ultrasound allows visualization of the fetus and the detection of structural anomalies, contributing to comprehensive prenatal care. Therefore, this study aims to determine pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude, and perception towards prenatal ultrasound in the tertiary care hospital of Quetta, Pakistan. Methods This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, from January 2024 to April 2024. A total of 614 pregnant women were interviewed by a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Knowledge, attitude and perception of the participants were assessed by a questionnaire. The data was then analyzed by SPSS ver. 21. Results This study revealed notable demographic disparities, such as a significant portion (58.6%) of pregnant women lacking formal education, and 48.4% of pregnant women reported a history of congenital anomalies. A substantial proportion (52.4%) exhibited poor knowledge, while 47.2% displayed a positive attitude toward prenatal ultrasound. However, a considerable percentage (56.4%) demonstrated poor perception. Cross-tabulation analyses revealed significant associations between demographic factors and knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, highlighting the influential role of education and previous experiences, with all associations having a p value < 0.001. Conclusion This study highlights pregnant women's negative perceptions and poor attitudes toward prenatal ultrasound and reveals notable knowledge gaps despite generally positive awareness levels and widespread prior ultrasound use. These findings can help in developing targeted interventions to enhance knowledge in the form of counselors, which
Assessment of Drought Projections using the Integrated Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Kumar Prem , Shah Syed Feroz , Kharti Shoaib Ahmed , Uqaili Mohammad Aslam , Mirjat Nayyar Hussain , Kumar Laveet
Published: June 2024

Effective mitigation planning has become essential considering the complexity and ambiguity of the drought. The Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (Fuzzy-AHP) and a comparison matrix method are the key elements of this research's framework for planning drought mitigation for the Tharparkar desert region in Pakistan. Fuzzy-AHP, an efficient decision-making tool, offers systematic evaluation based on survey questionnaire criteria. It was created through a literature review and has received feedback from 40 various stakeholders. The identification of the criteria, the fuzzy-AHP model, consistency analysis, weight aggregation, assessment of the alternatives, ranking, and selection are the crucial steps in the technique suggested by this study. This approach, which offers a reliable and flexible framework for planning drought mitigation, incorporates the Fuzzy-AHP model and a comparison matrix. As it can handle confusing and subjective inputs, decision-makers can use it to identify drought situations, evaluate them, and select the best drought mitigation strategies. This research serves to improve the efficacy of drought mitigation planning processes across a range of sectors by offering a thorough and flexible decision-support tool.
Rubella Immunity Gap: A Cross-sectional study on Spatial Distribution, Correlates and Predictors among Women of Reproductive Age, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: KA Durowade , OI Musa , MA Adeniyi , TA Sanni , AG Salaudeen , ST Suleiman , OR Ilori , DB Parakoyi , Durowade KA.
Published: June 2024

Background:Rubella occurs worldwide and it is a leading cause of preventable congenital abnormalities. Paucity of data exists on the national morbidity burden of rubella infection, particularly among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Added to this is the absent immunization policy on rubella vaccination in Nigeria.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional survey for rubella IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies among women of child-bearing age in Ekiti State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of respondents. Data was collected quantitatively using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Blood sample was collected for qualitative assay of rubella IgG from each respondent. Also, there was recording of GPS (Global Positioning System) co-ordinates of sampled households. Data entry and analysis was through the use of SPSS 23 and level of statistical significance was predetermined at a p-value of < 0.05.Result:The mean age of the women was 30.5±7.9 years and 43.2% of them were in the age group 25-34 years. There was wide spread immunity gap as majority of the respondents, 482 (84.1%) had negative IgG serology which cuts across both rural and urban communities in the spatial map. Level of education, parity, number in households and prior vaccination were associated with rubella immunity (p<0.05). Higher Levels of education, increase number in households and urban community were significantly predictive of rubella immunity.Conclusion:There is wide immunity gap which cuts across both rural and urban areas. To reduce the wide spread immunity gap, increase herd immunity, the Federal Government of Nigeria needs to introduce rubella vaccination in the National Immunization.
A Distributed Control Strategy for Groups of Robots with Application in Flocking
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Chuanchuan , Li Chunyan
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a distributed control strategy, named Triangle Formation (TF) algorithm, for a group of robots. The algorithm is based on a geometric approach and enables three neighboring robots to form an equilateral triangular lattice. The TF algorithm is scalable since it is developed for a large group of robots by using a neighbor selection technique. To achieve obstacle avoidance by group, the algorithm is enhanced further by introducing an artificial physics model. A series of simulation studies have been conducted to observe the performance and the effectiveness of the TF algorithm. These empirical results show that swarm aggregation and flocking in an unknown environment can be realized with the TF algorithm successfully.