bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal(loid) tolerance, accumulation, and phytoremediation potential of wetland macrophytes for multi-metal(loid)s polluted water.
Authors: Khan Aqib Hassan Ali , Velasco-Arroyo Blanca , Rad Carlos , Curiel-Alegre Sandra , Rumbo Carlos , De Wilde Herwig , Pérez-de-Mora Alfredo , Martel-Martín Sonia , Barros Rocío
Published: December 2024

Natural based solutions, notably constructed/artificial wetland treatment systems, rely heavily on identification and use of macrophytes with the ability to tolerate multiple contaminants and grow for an extended period to reduce contamination. The potential to tolerate and remediate metal(loid) contaminated groundwater from an industrial site located in Flanders (Belgium) was assessed for 10 wetland macrophytes (including Carex riparia, Cyperus longus, Cyperus rotundus, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, Lythrum salicaria, Menta aquatica, Phragmites australis, Scirpus holoschoenus, and Typha angustifolia). The experiment was conducted under static conditions, where plants were exposed to polluted acidic (pH~4)water, having high level of metal(loid)s for 15 days. Plant biomass, morphology, and metal uptake by roots and shoots were analysed every 5 days for all species. T. angustifolia and S. holoschoenus produced ~3 and ~1.1 times more dried biomass than the controls, respectively. For S. holoschoenus, P. australis, and T. angustifolia, no apparent morphological stress symptoms were observed, and plant heights were similar between control and plants exposed to polluted groundwater. Higher concentrations of all metal(loid)s were detected in the roots indicating a potential for phytostabilization of metal(loid)s below the water column. For J. effusus and T. angustifolia, Cd, Ni, and Zn accumulation was observed higher in the shoots. S. holoschoenus, P. australis, and T. angustifolia are proposed for restoration and phytostabilization strategies in natural and/or constructed wetland and aquatic ecosystems affected by metal(loid) inputs.
Costly Ineffectiveness: Recombinant Human Thrombopoietin in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Wenlong , Wang Ruiqi , Cai Jing , Chen Ziqi , Tian Hao , Cong Dan , Bai Yuansong
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effect of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) on platelet engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Clinical data from 40 NDMM patients who underwent high-dose melphalan conditioning and ASCT were analyzed, with 26 receiving rhTPO and 14 in the control group. Hematopoietic recovery, treatment-related adverse events, economic benefits were compared.
RESULTS
Median neutrophil engraftment was 10.92 days in the rhTPO group and 11.14 days in the control group (p = 0.4051). Platelet engraftment times were similar (11.5 vs. 11.36 days, p = 0.7757). The number of infused erythrocytes was comparable (0.23 units vs. 0 units, p = 0.3262), and there was no significant difference in platelet transfusions (1.615 vs. 1.5 units, p = 0.7213). The median hospitalization durations were 27.08 and 25.07 days, respectively (p = 0.1932). The median hospitalization costs for the two groups were RMB 73,846 and RMB 54,136 (p = 0.0004). At 180 days post-transplant, there were no significant differences in neutrophil count, hemoglobin level, or platelet count between the groups.
CONCLUSION
Administering rhTPO after ASCT for NDMM did not accelerate platelet engraftment or reduce platelet transfusions, but it did increase hospitalization costs.
Application research on improving the uniformity of Zhike Taohua Powder based on powder modification technology
Authors: Feng Lile , Shi Yajun , Zou Junbo , Luan Fei , Zhang Xiaofei , Guo Dongyan , Zhai Bingtao , Wang Mei
Published: December 2024

Aim
To solve the powder defects that are easy to appear in the preparation process of traditional powder.
Methods
The defects of powder preparation were excavated by referring to the technology of material science and pharmaceutical science. The composite particles were prepared and the surface characteristics of the composite particles were evaluated by SEM and IR. Further evaluation of the overall prescription preparation.
Results
The factor causing prescription quality defects was peppermint powder. Preparation of 'core-shell' composite particles to improve the prescription problem. Then the composite particles were returned to the whole prescription, and the powder properties of the prepared composite prescription were improved to a certain extent, the content uniformity was significantly improved, and the material basis of the preparation was not changed before and after modification.
Conclusion
The 'core-shell' composite particles can solve the powder defects in the preparation of traditional powders.
Endoscope-assisted trigeminal schwannoma resection without extensive skull-base drilling
Authors: Berker Berk Burak , Güngör Abuzer , Doğruel Yücel , Rahmanov Serdar , Türe Hatice , Türe Ugur
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to demonstrate that trigeminal schwannomas located in different cranial fossae can be resected entirely through Meckel’s cave without extensive skull-base drilling by taking either an endoscope-assisted pterional epidural approach (EA-PEA) or an endoscope-assisted lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid approach (EA-LSRA). Additionally, we describe a modified classification based on Jefferson’s system to determine the surgical approach.
METHODS
This is a retrospective study of 19 patients with trigeminal schwannomas in different cranial fossae who underwent EA-PEA or EA-LSRA .According to the proposed system, lesions in the middle fossa are classified as type A, those in the posterior fossa are type B, and lesions in both fossae are type C, the same as in Jefferson’s classification. Our modifications begin by classifying lesions extending into different fossae. Those located primarily in the middle cranial fossa are denoted type C1, whereas one predominantly occupying the posterior cranial fossa is type C2. Lesions with extracranial extensions are classified as type D. Patients with type A, type C1, and type D lesions underwent EA-PEA, while those with type B and C2 lesions were treated through EA-LSRA.
RESULTS
Thirteen patients (68.4%) underwent EA-PEA and 6 (31.6%) underwent EA-LSRA. Gross total resection was accomplished in 16 patients (84.2%). No surgery-related complications were observed.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrates that EA-PEA and EA-LSRA can lead to gross total resection in patients with complex trigeminal schwannomas. Endoscope assistance helps avoid the extensive skull-base approaches. The proposed classification system is a guide for determining the surgical approach.
TNFRSF18+ Tregs Impair Immunotherapy Efficacy in Immunosuppressed Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Dai Kangfu , Lin，MM Songbin , Wang Jianping , Chen Lin , Jin Zhekang
Published: December 2024

Immunotherapy shows limited effectiveness in immunosuppressed colon cancer (CC), highlighting the need for a reliable biomarker to identify eligible patients. In this study, we characterized patient immunophenotypes as Immunity-High and Immunity-Low using ssGSEA scores from the TCGA-COAD database, revealing high expression of survival-inhibiting markers in the Immunity-Low group. Single-cell analysis localized these markers, which were validated through immunofluorescence and survival analyses in an immunotherapy cohort. Our findings indicate that the immunophenotype effectively differentiates patient groups with distinct immune cell infiltration patterns and significant survival differences (p = 0.038). Notably, elevated TNFRSF18 expression in the Immunity-Low group was linked to poorer prognosis (p = 0.030), with predominant expression found in Tregs. Increased TNFRSF18+ Treg infiltration correlated with shorter disease-free and overall survival post-immunotherapy (p = 0.041 and p = 0.007, respectively). Additionally, TNFRSF18-low organoids were responsive to anti-PD-1 treatment, unlike TNFRSF18-high organoids. This study is the first to identify TNFRSF18+ Tregs as prognostic markers and predictors of immunotherapy response in immunosuppressed CC, suggesting that TNFRSF18 agonists could enhance anti-PD-1 therapy in these patients.
Anterosuperior Mediastinal Paraganglioma in a 42-Year-Old Woman: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge - A Case Report
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zong Wenkang , Liang Shuo , Zhou Fang , Lu Xike , Sun Daqiang
Published: December 2024

Background: Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors predominantly located within the adrenal gland. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas, particularly those in the anterosuperior mediastinum, are exceedingly rare and pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their complex anatomical location.
Case Description: A 42-year-old woman was found to have an anterosuperior mediastinal mass during a routine health screening. Enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an ovoid, low-density mass intricately associated with major vascular structures including the superior vena cava, brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, aortic arch, right anonymous vein, and right subclavian artery. Despite significant intraoperative blood loss of 2000 ml, the mass was successfully excised with meticulous surgical technique and effective hemostasis. Histopathological examination showed a classic Zellballen pattern with chief cells and sustentacular cells embedded in a vascular-rich stroma. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the tumor’s chromaffin nature, with chief cells testing positive for CD56, Synaptophysin, and Chromogranin A, and sustentacular cells positive for S100 protein, consistent with a diagnosis of paraganglioma. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged one week after surgery.
Conclusions: This case highlights the essential role of comprehensive preoperative imaging and the necessity for interdisciplinary surgical expertise in managing complex mediastinal paragangliomas. Advanced surgical techniques and careful intraoperative management are paramount to achieving successful outcomes. Appropriate imaging modalities and auxiliary laboratory tests are crucial for early detection of recurrences in these rare tumors.
Clinical Efficacy and Diagnostic Value of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) in Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: A Stratified Retrospective Study of Responders and Non- Responders
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Jianjun , Li Qing , Ge Jingyi , Zhang Chenxi , Zhou Ting , Guo Haiming , Yang Bo , Jiang Hongying
Published: December 2024

Background:Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) presents significant diagnostic challenges, exacerbated by the limitations of traditional culture-based methods. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy and diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the detection of pathogens in HAP patients, providing new insights into infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data from 300 adult HAP patients at Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, China. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected for DNA extraction, library construction, and sequencing using the Illumina platform.
Results: The results revealed that mNGS identified pathogens in 92% of the samples, compared to 72% by traditional cultures. Specifically, mNGS detected a broader range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Aspergillus, which were often missed by traditional methods. mNGS identified polymicrobial infections in 28% of the cases and antibiotic resistance genes in 30% of the samples where traditional methods failed. These findings led to changes in treatment for 26% of the patients based solely on mNGS data, with specific treatment adjustments driven by the detection of rare or resistant pathogens in 18% of these cases.
Conclusions: Our findings advocate for the integration of mNGS in routine clinical practice to enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable more informed decision-making in the management of HAP. Despite its higher cost and technical requirements, mNGS holds promise for more accurate and timely diagnostics in complex infection cases.
Language Concordance and Interpreter Use in Primary Care: Perspectives from Spanish-preferring Patients
Authors: Predmore Zachary , Qureshi Nabeel , Slaughter Mary E. , Walsh Shannon , Diaz Yareliz , Talamantes Efrain , Curiel Yesenia , Garcia Rosa Elena , Quigley Denise D.
Published: December 2024

Background. Healthcare provided by bilingual providers or with assistance from qualified interpreters is intended to improve patient-provider communication. Despite federal laws requiring healthcare facilities to provide access to appropriate interpretation language assistance services for patients not proficient in English, many Spanish-preferring patients receive primary care from providers not fluent in Spanish or who regularly use formal interpreters.
Methods. Partnering with two urban SafetyNet providers in Southern California, we conducted focus groups in Spanish with Spanish-preferring patients who received care from providers who: 1) were Spanish-qualified, 2) used formal interpreters, and 3) used informal interpreters or other communication strategies. We coded transcripts to identify themes and compared patient experiences across provider types.
Subjects. 62 adult Spanish-preferring primary care patients.
Results. Spanish-preferring patients reported preference for continuity with their English-speaking providers despite language barriers because of established rapport. Patients receiving care from Spanish-qualified providers reported greater trust, more comprehensive care (i.e., covered more issues with minimal detail), yet with many interactions rushed. Formal interpreters facilitated better understanding and professional communication, however, impersonalized patient-provider interactions. Informal interpreters or ad-hoc strategies led to mixed experiences, often dependent on patient or provider ability to accurately convey medical information.
Conclusion. Spanish-preferring patient experiences highlighted the necessity for healthcare systems to support robust language and interpretation services that enhance direct communication, ensure interpreter quality, and maintain long-term patient-provider relationships. Improvements in policy and practice are needed to optimize healthcare communication for Spanish-preferring patients, since patient-provider communication is critical for high-quality health outcomes and experiences in multilingual settings.
The Role of the Insulin Resistance Marker TyG-WHtR in Chronic Diarrhea: Evidence from NHANES 2005--2010
Authors: Qiao Xiyun , Hu Jiayan , Wang Yuxi , Lv Mi , Wang Xiaokang , Liu Xin , Wang Yang , Wang Fengyun
Published: December 2024

Background
Research has revealed a link between metabolic conditions and the occurrence of diarrhea. Nevertheless, the association between insulin resistance (IR) and persistent diarrhea is still unclear. This study was conducted to determine whether the triglyceride glucose‒waist height ratio (TyG‒WHtR), an innovative measure for evaluating IR, might be involved in the occurrence of diarrhea.
Methods
This research used health and illness data sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We employed a range of statistical methods to evaluate the association between TyG-WHtR and chronic diarrhea. Initially, we conducted a preliminary test via multifactor regression. We subsequently confirmed the association by analyzing various subgroups and ultimately utilized smooth curve fitting to visualize the relationship.
Results
This research included 5,989 participants, of whom 7.4% had chronic diarrhea. According to the fully adjusted models, the TyG-WHtR was positively associated with chronic diarrhea (OR > 1, 95% CI > 1, P < 0.05). Additionally, the RCS further demonstrated a positive linear relationship between the two research variables. (P overall = 0.003, P nonlinear > 0.05).
Conclusions
The TyG-WHtR is positively correlated with chronic diarrhea, and this relationship is linear and relatively stable. In the future, it is essential to verify causal links through prospective research and clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Environmental Regulations and BRICS Export Flows: An Empirical Test of the Porter Hypothesis
Authors: Wahab Bashir Adelowo Adelowo
Published: December 2024

While Governments around the world have taken a proactive response by implementing environmental regulations to cut emissions and make production more environmentally friendly, there is a growing debate that stringent environmental regulations may have both inhibiting and promoting effects on trade flows. On this basis, this study examines the impact of environmental regulations on intra- and extra-BRICS export flows and tests the validity of the Porter hypothesis for the Bloc. Within the framework of the gravity model, this study utilizes a comprehensive panel dataset on the five BRICS countries for intra-BRICS trade analysis and 15 trading partners for extra-BRICS trade analysis at the bilateral level. Three categories of bilateral exports (‘aggregate’, ‘dirty’, and ‘footloose’ exports) were analyzed for the period 2010–2021. The study employs appropriate methodological approaches and alternative measures of environmental regulations to ensure the robustness of the findings. Specifically, the fixed and random effect model estimators were used for intra-BRICS trade flows analysis to address the heterogeneity and endogeneity issues, while the one-step system GMM (SGMM) was employed for extra-BRICS trade flows analysis to address the endogeneity and simultaneity issues and ensure the validity and reliability of the analysis conducted and the results. Using the environmental policy stringency (EPS) index, the results show that environmental policy standards in the exporting countries have a promoting effect, while those in the importing countries have an inhibiting effect on intra-BRICS aggregate exports and its components (dirty and footloose exports). Further, the promoting effect of environmental standards in the exporting countries is lower relative to the inhibiting effect of those in the importing countries. This implies that the Porter hypothesis for intra-BRICS export flows is invalid if the diverse effects of environmental regulations in both exporting and importing countries on exports are taken into consideration. For extra-BRICS export analysis, the Porter hypothesis is valid. With these findings, this study provides a robust understanding of the complex relationship between environmental regulations and international trade dynamics. Policy recommendations are provided in the conclusion section.
A Regional Measurement of China's Processing Trade from the Perspective of Vertical Specialization: 2012-2017
Authors: Ren Jia
Published: December 2024

Since the 2010s, the proportion of processing trade in total trade in China has declined year by year. Meanwhile, given the different stages of economic development across regions in China, the situation of processing trade might vary by region. This paper analyzes the realities of processing trade in different regions of China based on the regional input-output tables of 28 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions, measuring the Vertical Specialization (VS) index. The analysis reveals that the VS index levels in the eastern regions are higher compared to the central and western regions. From 2012 to 2017, the VS index in the eastern regions showed a declining trend, while in the central and western regions, many areas experienced an increase. Secondly, decreasing reliance on import inputs from processing exports was observed in the results of a newly proposed indicator. At last, the analysis of the VS index and per capita GDP shows that although the VS index rises with increases in per capita GDP, once per capita GDP surpasses a certain level, the VS index may shift from increasing to decreasing.
Industrial Energy Consumption and Carbon Emission Decoupling Study and Driving Factor Analysis: A Case Study of Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Lv Yuanyuan , Tang Weiguo , Ding Yi
Published: December 2024

Background
The carbon emission of industrial energy consumption has an important impact on a region's carbon emission reduction and optimization of carbon emission path. Based on the STIRPAT model and the TAPIO decoupling model, this study analyzes the driving factors and decoupling relationship between carbon emissions from industrial energy consumption and economic growth in Sichuan Province.
Results
(1) The industrial carbon emissions in Sichuan Province are increasing first and then decreasing, with an increase of 18.78% from 2005 to 2022, and the carbon emission intensity has decreased from 1.94 tons/10,000 yuan to 0.29 tons/10,000 yuan; (2) The decoupling relationship between industrial carbon emissions and economic growth in Sichuan Province presents three development periods, mainly strong decoupling and weak decoupling. According to the decomposition factors, the decoupling relationship between industrial carbon emissions and economic development is mainly affected by the decoupling coefficient of value creation and emission reduction; (3) The proportion of secondary industry, the number of industrial enterprises, and the total industrial assets are the main carbon promoting factors of industrial carbon emission in Sichuan Province, with elastic coefficients of 0.097, 0.057 and 0.040 respectively; population size is a carbon reduction factor with an elastic coefficient of -0.087.
Conclusions
(1) The overall carbon emissions from industrial consumption in Sichuan Province have shown an upward trend followed by a downward trend. From 2005 to 2022, industrial energy consumption mainly consisted of coal, oil, and natural gas, with energy consumption showing a downward trend; (2) The carbon emissions from industrial energy consumption and economic development in Sichuan Province from 2006 to 2022 are mainly in a state of strong decoupling and weak decoupling, showing three distinct development periods overall; (3) Among the driving factors of carbon emissions from industrial energy consumption in Sichuan Province, the proportion of the secondary industry, the number of industrial enterprises, and the total industrial assets are the main carbon promoting factors, with elasticity coefficients of 0.097, 0.057, and 0.040, respectively. The proportion of the secondary industry has the greatest impact factor. Based on this, the paper proposes to create a new green and low-carbon industrial model with low energy consumption, low pollution, and low emissions characteristics, enhance economic resilience, improve economic development resilience, formulate a reasonable development scale that coordinates industrial development with environmental protection, and steadily promote policy recommendations for energy conservation and emission reduction.
Comparison of Surgical Approaches to the Hippocampal Formation with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Dundar Tolga Turan , Pehlivanoglu Meltem Kurt , Eker Ayse Gul , Albayrak Nur Banu , Mutluer Ahmet Serdar , Yurtsever Ismail , Dogan Ihsan , Duru Nevcihan , Ture Ugur
Published: December 2024

Objective
The relatively complex functional anatomy of the mediobasal temporal region is what makes surgical approaches to this area challenging. Various approaches, along with their combinations and modifications, have been described in the literature. Some of these surgical approaches have been compared using artificial intelligence-based approaches that can be predicted, classified, and analyzed for complex data.
Methods
Several approaches were selected for comparison: anterior transsylvian, trans-superior temporal sulcus, trans-middle temporal gyrus, subtemporal–transparahippocampal, presigmoid-retrolabyrinthine, supratentorial-infraoccipital, and paramedian supracerebellar-transtentorial. Magnetic resonance images were taken according to the criteria specified by the department of radiology. With an open-source software tool, volumetric data from cranial magnetic resonance images were segmented, and anatomical structures in the main regions were reconstructed. The Q-learning algorithm was used to find pathways similar to these standard surgical pathways.
Results
The Q-learning scores among the selected pathways are as follows: anterior transsylvian (Q_A) = 31.01, trans-superior temporal sulcus (Q_B) = 25.00, trans-middle temporal gyrus (Q_C) = 28.92, subtemporal-transparahippocampal (Q_D) = 23.51, presigmoid- retrolabyrinthine (Q_E) = 27.54, supratentorial-infraoccipital (Q_F) = 27.2, and paramedian supracerebellar-transtentorial (Q _G) = 21.04. The Q-value score for the supracerebellar transtentorial approach was the highest among the examined approaches and therefore optimal. A difference was also found between the total risk score of all points with pathways drawn by clinicians and the total risk scores of the pathways formed and followed by Q-learning.
Conclusions
Artificial intelligence-based approaches may significantly contribute to the success of the surgical approaches examined. Furthermore, artificial intelligence can contribute to clinical outcomes in both preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative technical equipment-assisted neurosurgery. However, further studies with more detailed data are needed for more sensitive results.
Comparative Analysis of Deep Learning Models for Plant Disease Detection
Authors: T Bhageerathi , M Anagha , S Pushpa T
Published: December 2024

The detection of plant diseases through deep learning models repre- sents a significant advancement in agricultural management. This study pro- vides a comprehensive accuracy comparison of four prominent deep learning models—Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), AlexNet, DenseNet, and VGG16—for identifying plant diseases from leaf images. Leveraging the PlantVillage dataset, which includes over 11,254 images of healthy and dis- eased leaves, the research investigates the strengths and limitations of each model in terms of accuracy, feature extraction, and classification performance. DenseNet's densely connected architecture and VGG16's deep layers are high- lighted for their superior ability to handle complex patterns in diseased leaves. The study demonstrates that DenseNet achieves the highest accuracy, making it a viable solution for real-time disease detection in precision agriculture. By comparing these models, the research aims to guide the selection of the most effective deep learning approach for improving plant health monitoring.
A Meta-Analysis of Reading Interventions for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Chitiyo Argnue , Sciuchetti Maria , Finch Holmes W , Dzenga Goodson
Published: December 2024

Students identified with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD) often exhibit behavioral challenges that negatively affect their academic performance. One of their weaker areas of academic achievement lies in reading. Although numerous research on interventions to improve their reading outcomes has been conducted, some students continue to lag behind. The use of instructional practices not supported by strong empirical evidence may deter students’ reading outcomes from improving. To address the reading performance gap, educators are encouraged to use evidence-based practices (EBP) supported by strong empirical research. Meta analyses play an important role in identifying and disseminating EBP. This meta-analysis evaluated reading intervention studies (n = 27) for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) using the Between Case Hedges’ g effect size. A random effects meta-analysis of 27 studies indicated that, overall, reading interventions increased reading outcomes of students with EBD by a large margin [g = .747, SE = .102, CI (0.547, 0.947), p < .05]. A meta-regression analysis consisting of six moderators resulted in statistically significant effects of study design, intervention agent, and type of dependent variable. Implications of study findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Atypical Cerebral Malaria Presenting as Cerebral Abcess Caused by Plasmodium Vivax in Infant : A Case Report
Authors: Usman Hermin Aminah , Fauziah Nisa , Adrizain Riyadi , Ediwan Natasha Almada
Published: December 2024

Background: Malaria is a significant public health issue in endemic regions, with Indonesia reporting approximately 443,530 cases in 2022. Primarily transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can also spread through infected blood and congenitally from the mother to the fetus. The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites, with P. vivax and P. falciparum being the most notable. While classical symptoms are common, atypical presentations occur in 30 – 50% of cases, complicating diagnosis especially in endemic regions, where the clinical manifestations are more diverse. This paper presents a case in which an infant with neurological symptoms was diagnosed with a cerebral abscess that did not improve following surgical intervention and subsequent treatment. It was later discovered that the abscess was infected with P. vivax, and unfortunately, the patient succumbed before receiving appropriate malaria treatment. Therefore, this case highlights the challenges in distinguishing malaria from other serious conditions in endemic areas.
Case Presentation: A 15-day-old infant presented with localized left-sided seizures lasting five days. When he was born at 39 weeks with cyanosis, he had normal vital signs but had anemia and thrombocytopenia. CT imaging revealed a cerebral abscess, confirmed via surgery, which suggested malaria infection despite negative rapid testing. Postoperative treatment improved his condition temporarily, but he ultimately succumbed before PCR (polymerase chain reaction) results could establish a definitive diagnosis.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this case highlights the increasing role of P. vivax in cerebral malaria among Indonesian neonates. The overlap with bacterial infections complicates diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians in endemic regions should remain vigilant for atypical malaria presentations, ensuring timely recognition and intervention to improve patient outcomes.
Clinical Factors Associated with Successful Total Colonoscopy After Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement as Bridge-to-Surgery in Obstructive Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Fujii Yoshifumi , Nishida Tsutomu , Nakamatsu Dai , Matsumoto Kengo , Hayashi Shiro , Yamamoto Masashi , Fukui Koji
Published: December 2024

Colonic self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are frequently used in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) to enable preoperative total colonoscopy (TCS). However, factors influencing TCS success and the potential risks of complications like perforation remain uncertain. This study retrospectively analyzed 48 CRC patients who underwent SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery between 2017 and 2023., focusing on tumor (location, stenosis length, invasion depth) and procedural factors (timing of TCS, stent size, colonoscope type) influencing TCS outcomes. The median patient age was 72 years, with 71% male. Clinical success was defined by successful TCS completion, even with changes in endoscopist or scope. TCS was successful in 77% of cases, with multivariate analysis indicating that deeper tumor invasion (T4) significantly impacted TCS failure. Smaller-diameter scopes were associated with higher success rates, especially in cases of advanced tumor invasion. Synchronous cancers were detected in 10% of the cases. These findings highlight tumor depth as a primary factor in TCS success and suggest smaller scopes may improve outcomes.
Tubercidin Enhances Apoptosis in Serum-Starved and Hypoxic Mouse Cardiomyocytes by Inducing Nuclear Speckle Condensation
Authors: Shen Guowen , Cheng Qingni , Liang Lunmin , Qin Yaping , Cao Yunzhu , Li Quanzhong , Xiao Shengjun
Published: December 2024

Tubercidin, known for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anticancer effects, faces clinical limitations due to adverse effects, especially cardiotoxicity risks for those with ischemic cardiomyopathy. This study aims to clarify the molecular pathways of Tubercidin-induced cardiotoxicity, focusing on nuclear speckles (NSs) disruption in cardiomyocytes under serum deprivation and/or hypoxia. To simulate ischemic cardiomyopathy in vitro, we utilized FMC84 and HL-1 murine cardiomyocyte cell lines, exposing them to conditions of serum limitation and/or hypoxia to evaluate the cardiotoxic impact of Tubercidin and the contributing mechanisms. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry, NSs condensation was visualized via immunofluorescence with an anti-SC35 antibody, and the expression levels of key apoptotic transcripts (RFFL, RIF1, and RNF144B) were analyzed by RT-PCR. Our findings revealed that Tubercidin significantly increased apoptosis in both HL-1 and FMC84 cell lines under conditions mimicking serum deprivation (21% O2 with 1% FBS), hypoxia (1% O2 with 10% FBS), or a combination of both. Furthermore, Tubercidin treatment led to a pronounced enlargement of NSs, as detected by immunofluorescence. Concurrently, we documented significant alterations in the expression of critical apoptotic regulatory genes, implying that Tubercidin may modulate the apoptotic pathway in stressed cardiomyocytes. It is hypothesized that Tubercidin induces NSs condensation, affecting alternative splicing of cell death genes, potentially worsening ischemic cardiomyocytes' damage. Therefore, a cautious clinical use of Tubercidin for ischemic cardiomyopathy patients is advised to reduce cardiotoxicity risks.
Effectiveness of simulation-based learning on knowledge and skill acquisition and retention among nursing students: A quasi- experimental study
Authors: Alharbi Ali , Mullen Rosemary F. , McClure John D. , Miller William H.
Published: December 2024

Background
Simulation-based learning (SBL) has emerged as a valuable pedagogical approach in nursing education, allowing students a safe and controlled environment to practice clinical skills with varying levels of fidelity. Furthermore, SBL has become an increasingly popular teaching strategy in nursing education; however, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of SBL in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluates the impact of SBL on nursing students' knowledge and skill acquisition and retention.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study used a repetitive test design with a 6-week follow-up after the intervention was conducted. A total of 100 nursing students were exposed to a simulation protocol during the internship year. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to analyse the data.
Results
The findings indicated that SBL significantly improved nursing student knowledge and skills immediately after the intervention, with mean post-test scores higher than pre-test scores (p < 0.01). Moreover, the follow-up test conducted six weeks after the intervention indicated that while there was a slight decline in scores compared to the immediate post-test, the retention of knowledge and skills remained significantly higher than baseline levels (p < 0.01). The improvement of SBL was consistent regardless of the individual characteristics of participants.
Conclusions
This study provides evidence supporting SBL as an effective teaching strategy within nursing education to enhance knowledge and skill acquisition and retention. While acknowledging certain limitations and the need for further research to explore strategies to enhance the acquisition and retention of knowledge and skills, these findings have important implications for nursing education, particularly in Saudi Arabia. They provide valuable insights for nursing educators and policymakers on the benefits of SBL for enhancing student learning outcomes.
Establishing the relationships between the CSM LAI and yield with backscatter value Satellite images: A case study over the Northern Karnataka
Authors: H Chandrakant Raj , Kovilpillai Boomiraj , S Pazhanivelan , K Sathya Moorthy N , M Prasanthrajan , S Sudarmanian N , S Satheesh , R Sangeethapiriya , G Karthikeyan , J Gayathri
Published: December 2024

India's extensive agrarian and aerospace research systems offer numerous potential technologies suited for the crop insurance sector. This study investigates the application of technology in domains such as yield prediction, loss assessment, and product design. The research was conducted in the Vijayapura, Karnataka by integrating an intrinsic bio-physical model with remote sensing. As the agricultural statistics play major role in shaping the strategies and plans under food security, an area of 51,482.3 ha was estimated using SAR data, achieving an accuracy of 87.2% and a kappa index of 0.74. Indigenously developed InfoCrop and SORGHUM- CERES were employed to estimate yield for selected monitoring locations, with simulated LAI and yield ranging from 2.6 to 4.65 and 749 to 1097 kg ha− 1, respectively. When compared with observed data, results showed an agreement above 90% and RMSE less than 10% and R2 above 70%. Using regression (R2 > 0.75) equations [CSM’s LAI and backscattering (Db)] and [spatial LAI and CSM yield], LAI and yield maps were developed.
The Impact of Aerobic and Anaerobic Processes on Gas Emissions During Co-Composting of Specified Risk Materials and Cattle Manure
Authors: Chu Angus , Khoozani Mohammad Reza Talaei
Published: December 2024

A series of experiments were conducted using a pilot-scale column reactor to investigate the effects of aerobic and anaerobic biological activities on gas emissions during the co-composting of Specified Risk Materials (SRM) with cattle manure. The reactor was designed with two zones: a lower anaerobic zone and an upper aerobic zone. The temporal and spatial distributions of CO2, CH4, and NH3 emissions were measured in both zones. The gas generated in the aerobic and anaerobic zones and the unused supplied air were collected through an outlet and measured as cumulative gas emissions. The study examined the influence of SRM content (10, 20, and 30%), manure type (M1, M2, and M3), manure content, and phosphogypsum (PG, 16%) on gas emissions and carbon loss. Variations in pH, nitrogen-15 isotope (δ15N), nitrate ions (\(\:{NO}_{3}^{-}\)), and ammonium ions (\(\:{NH}_{4}^{+}\)) during the co-composting process were determined and discussed. The results show that SRM can be consumed by aerobic bacteria almost as effectively as manure; however, the SRM consumption rate depends on the manure type. Additionally, anaerobic treatment is more effective for SRM than manure when the SRM percentage exceeds 20%. SRM generates significantly more CH4 than manure through aerobic composting, making an effective aeration method essential to reduce CH4 emissions. To minimize CH₄ production, SRM content should be kept below 20%. PG can significantly reduce NH3 emissions but may adversely affect the co-composting process. Additionally, PG can increase the nitrogen conversion rate.
Predictive Modeling of Habitat Suitability for the Vulnerable Tree Species Dalbergia latifolia in India using MaxEnt
Authors: Manohara T. N. , Pasha S. V. , Badhe Swarada , Balakrishna S.M.
Published: December 2024

Dalbergia latifolia Roxb., commonly known as Indian rosewood, is a keystone tropical timber species native to the Indo-Malaysian region, including India and Sri Lanka. Its high commercial value, often exceeding that of teak, has led to severe threats from over-exploitation, illegal logging, and poor natural regeneration. Assessing habitat suitability for this vital species is crucial for sustainable management. This study employed a MaxEnt model using 3,224 validated occurrence records to evaluate habitat suitability, achieving high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.94) with ten selected bioclimatic variables from the CHELSA dataset. Key factors influencing distribution included Temperature Seasonality and Annual Precipitation Amount. The study classified suitable habitats into Very High, High, Moderate, and Low categories, identifying 83 protected areas with high and very suitable habitats. The most suitable habitats are concentrated in the Western Ghats, particularly in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. This information is essential for targeted conservation strategies, such as habitat protection and reforestation initiatives, to mitigate the threats facing Indian rosewood. The research highlights the urgent need to balance economic interests with ecological sustainability to ensure the survival of this valuable species.
Integrated decarbonization of hard-to-abate industry utilizing biomass reliefs burden on power sector
Authors: Sansavini Giovanni , Ganter Alissa , Baumann Paula , Karbassi Veis
Published: December 2024

Transitioning to net-zero emissions in hard-to-abate industries is challenging due to limited electrification options. Here, we explore cost-optimal transition pathways for European hard-to-abate industries to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, considering existing production capacities and focusing on the strategic use of biomass, low-carbon hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage technologies. Our analysis highlights the pivotal role of biomass and carbon capture and storage in industry decarbonization, which proves particularly valuable in the decarbonization of the methanol and cement industry. In contrast, the use of low-carbon hydrogen remains limited to industries, where it is needed as feedstock. Implementing integrated planning strategies is critical to effectively allocate biomass resources, manage trade-offs, and reduce pressure on the power sector. Planning without biomass is possible, but significantly increases the reliance on electrolytic hydrogen, leading to twofold electricity demands. Independently of biomass availability, policymakers should develop concrete strategies to facilitate the scale-up of carbon capture, transport, and storage infrastructure and enable the transition.
Design of A Novel Neural Network-based Adaptive Backstepping Controller On Buck Converter
Authors: Saberi Sajad , Khandan Yasaman , Moosavi Seidarian , Raei Saied , Abdollahzadeh mohammad
Published: December 2024

A Neural Network-based Adaptive Backstepping Control (NN-ABSC) is designed for a DC\DC Buck converter. A Lyapunov definition-based adaptive mechanism is presented for the Backstepping technique, which enhances robustness and stability of this scheme under various distortions. Also, without requiring a perfect mathematical modeling of the system, its performance is not suitable for practical applications, and a more rapid convergence rate for the Lyapunov function and robustness to the controller’s coefficient variations is needed. To achieve that, the parameters must be tuned again for more reliable functions. Therefore, to satisfy this need, a Neural Network adaptive mechanism has been adopted that can optimize the gains of the ABSM in challenging conditions resulting in higher efficiency and lower sensitivity to disturbances. The main issue considered by the NNs is their high computational burden and complexity, which have been addressed here with a single layer NN and a limited number of neurons in the layer. To examine the strengths of this method, conventional BSM and PID control techniques are also designed to be compared with this work. Finally, the results related to both simulations and experimental outputs are examined to show significant robustness and faster dynamics of NN-ABSC in different situations.
Sustainability Assessment of Technical Efficiency Measures: the Terpsichore Method
Authors: Marchi Beatrice , Nardin Gioacchino , Barazzutti Anna , Zanoni Simone , Zavanella Lucio E.
Published: December 2024

Since 2022, sustainability has taken on a new technical, economic, and social relevance given the challenges introduced by the Sustainable Development Goals, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war on the energy sector. A huge and still growing number of sustainability evaluation models and frameworks have been developed to support conscious environmental decision-making. However, these models are quite complex and with limited applicability to real contexts, especially for small and medium enterprises. This study proposes a method for evaluating the overall benefits deriving from the energy transitions resulting from technical efficiency measures considering environmental (global and local), energy, economic, and socio-economic performance. The benefits can be evaluated with exclusively technical or integrated criteria considering the strategic directions of the administration, the territory, or the industry. Benefits are assessed collectively periodically, typically by year and by unit of service/good. The evaluations of the benefits can be referred to the investment unit to establish an objective order of priority in the strategic directions and the financings. To carry out these evaluations, a coherent set of definitions and procedures supported by a set of coherent synthesis graphic representations was introduced, which takes the name of the "Terpsichore Method". Finally, two examples of the application of the method are reported to assess the benefits derived from i) the installation of a photovoltaic system on the available surface of the roof in a typical winery and ii) the use of wasted thermal energy from a steel mill to power a district heating network.
Enhancing Student Feedback in Data Science Education: Harnessing the Power of AI-Generated Approaches
Authors: Letteri Ivan , Vittorini Pierpaolo
Published: December 2024

Data science has emerged as an important field in higher education, presenting complex challenges for students due to its interdisciplinary nature involving statistical and computational concepts. In previous research, we introduced the rDSA system to support data science students during formative assessments by providing exercises and feedback. As known, formative assessment has evolved from an “interim” evaluation method into a continuous process that enhances student understanding and informs educators to adjust their teaching strategies. It is closely linked to scaffolding, i.e., the method aiming to guide students from their current knowledge to the skills they can develop next. The research reported in this paper builds on previous findings that showed improved learning outcomes and good student engagement. We explored how to enhance student feedback by incorporating Large Language Models (LLMs) with traditional AI into the rDSA system. The results show that students extensively used the system, submitting numerous solutions and attempting various exercises, with activity peaking before exams. The system exceeded expectations in providing useful insights and feedback. However, students faced challenges related to focused attention, probably due to the verbosity of feedback. Learning outcomes, on average, improved, with students who exercised more performing better than the others.