bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subdural evacuating port system for chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes
Authors: Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Mustafa Muhammad Saqlain , Haseeb Abdul , Arbani Naeemullah , Kumar Aashish , Perkash Subash , Raheem Abdul , Ali Syed Muhammad Sinaan
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a collection of old blood in the subdural space and has a relatively high estimated incidence, especially among the elderly and men, possibly due to falls, anticoagulant use, or age as independent factors. The subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) offers a minimally invasive solution for cSDH treatment.

Objective

The objective of our meta-analysis is to review the literature and assess the safety and efficacy of SEPS as a first-line treatment for cSDH.

Method

We conducted an exhaustive literature search to explore outcomes resulting from the implementation of SEPS as the initial treatment for cSDH. The main focus was on treatment success, comprising both symptom improvement and the absence of additional operating room interventions. Supplementary outcomes encompassed factors such as discharge arrangements, length of hospital stay (LOS), recurrence of hematoma, and any associated complications.

Result

A total of 15 studies, involving 1146 patients who underwent SEPS placement, satisfied the inclusion criteria. The combined rate of achieving a successful outcome stood at 0.79 (95% CI 0.75–0.83). The occurrence of delayed hematoma recurrence was found to be 0.155 (95% CI 0.101–0.208). Meanwhile, the aggregated inpatient mortality rate was 0.017 (95% CI 0.007–0.031). In terms of complications, the rates were 0.02 (95% CI 0.00–0.03) for any acute hemorrhage, 0.01 (95% CI 0.00–0.01) for acute hemorrhage necessitating surgery, and 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.03) for seizures. Notably, SEPS placement is associated with a success rate of 79% and exceptionally low incidences of acute hemorrhage and seizure.

Conclusion

SEPS is a viable first-line treatment for cSDH, supported by its minimally invasive nature, avoidance of general anesthesia, high success rate, and favorable safety profile.
Prevalence of malaria infection and factors associated among HIV-infected adult patients attending HIV care and treatment clinic at Kitete regional referral hospital in Tabora region, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nnimbo Hamad , Kamori Doreen , Lema Nsiande , Mohamed Abdallah
Published: December 2023

Background

HIV and malaria are serious public health concerns, particularly in Tanzania. HIV-infected individuals are more likely to get malaria and its complications. However, data on the interaction of the two diseases in Tanzania are limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria infection and associated factors among HIV-infected adults attending HIV care and treatment clinic at Kitete regional referral hospital in Tabora region, Tanzania.

Methodology

The cross-sectional study was carried out between March and May 2022 at Kitete regional referral hospital in Tanzania. A total of 246 HIV-infected adults were selected by systematic random sampling. Malaria was diagnosed using both malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) and malaria microscopy. Social demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while clinical history and laboratory parameters were extracted from patients’ files. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.1, and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study included consenting HIV+ adults and excluded pregnant women and recent antimalarial users.

Results

Twenty-six out of 242 participants 10.7% (95% CI 6.9–15.6%) tested positive for malaria using mRDT, while 20 out of 242 participants 8.3% (95% CI 4.9–13.1%) tested positive for malaria using blood smear for malaria microscopy. Independent factors associated with malaria infection were living in rural areas (aOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.06–7.45, p = 0.038), poor adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (aOR = 3.66, 95% CI = 1.04–12.7, p = 0.043), HIV viral load of ≥ 1000 copies/mL (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.00–10.5, p = 0.02, CD4 count ≤ 350 cells/µL (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.10–7.30, p = 0.03), while using mosquito nets (aOR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.08–0.90, p = 0.033) and receiving health education (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.09–0.71, p = 0.009) were protective factors.

Conclusions

The study reveals a concerning prevalence of malaria infection among adult HIV patients at Kitete regional referral hospital. Risk factors identified include a high HIV viral load, low CD4 count, lack of health education, rural residence, and non-use of mosquito nets. The results emphasize the necessity for focused health education, enhanced access to preventive measures, and consistent adherence to ART to reduce the risk of malaria in this vulnerable population.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the Saudi population toward people with epilepsy: narrow or wide?
Authors: Al-Attas Alawi A. , Alshehri Omar K. , Malhan Abdulrahman G. , Alabdaly Hani M. , Alfentokh Osamah K. , Bawazir Amen A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Although epilepsy has been acknowledged as an illness since ancient time, the public attitude toward epilepsy has not changed drastically due to the lack of appropriate information. This study aims to determine the public perceptions of epilepsy in five main regions of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

In this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, Saudi citizens living in the major cities of the five main regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the central, eastern, western, northern, and southern regions) completed the survey that included 27 questions about epilepsy awareness.

Results

A total of 7118 individuals from five regions participated in the survey: 6749 (94.8%) of respondents were Saudi, and 369 (5.2%) were non-Saudi. Of the 7118 respondents, 6897 respondents (96.9%) did not have epilepsy, and 3378 respondents (47.5%) stated that they had never witnessed an epileptic episode. In addition, 3749 (52.7%) respondents incorrectly attributed epilepsy to non-neurologic conditions, and 4865 (68.3%) respondents had an overall negative attitude toward people with epilepsy (PWE). They expressed objections to their child associating with PWE (2002; 28.1%) or their close relatives marrying PWE (3192; 44.8%), some believed that PWE are inferior (402; 5.6%), refused to hire a PWE (1126; 15.8%), and would feel discomfort around PWE (724; 10.3%). In addition, 2025 individuals (28.4%) believed that the health of PWE deteriorates over time; 1485 individuals (20.9%) believed that PWE get sick more often than others; 181 individuals (2.5%) believed that epilepsy could be transmitted; and 568 individuals (8.0%) believed that epilepsy could progress to malignant disease.

Conclusions

In Saudi Arabia, there is a substantial need for increasing the awareness and improving education on epilepsy in order to reduce stigma and increase the understanding of epilepsy. Such efforts could help improve the lives of people afflicted with the disease and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for the entire community.
Soybean isoflavones potentially prevent sarcopenia: a systematic review
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeob , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: December 2023

Background

Soybean is an important food resource that has been used for centuries in Korean cuisine. Soybean is considered a good source of protein and a nutritional powerhouse. Isoflavone, one of the components of soybean, has been investigated for its nutritional role and physiological effects. As soybean can supply sufficient proteins for muscle and soybean isoflavone might have a direct effect on muscle, soybean could be a potential nutritional treatment for muscle atrophy. However, the effect of isoflavone on muscle atrophy is controversial.

Methods

Four in vitro studies and four in vivo studies were selected from the literature to determine the potential capacity of isoflavones as preventers of sarcopenia.

Results

In vitro and in vivo studies, there have been studies that isoflavone extracted from soybean is effective in preventing muscle atrophy. Research on soybean isoflavone and muscle loss included in this study showed that soybean isoflavone may prevent myotube atrophy by blocking the expression of MuRF1 or by regulating androgen receptors. Isoflavone has been shown to increase the diameter of myoblasts and increase muscle mass.

Conclusion

The present study showed the potential of soy isoflavones as a preventer of sarcopenia by preventing muscle loss.
Flake channels construction of hydroxyapatite/gelatin cryogel with excellent flame retardant properties for enhancing the capturing of iodine
Authors: Wei Yanxia , Wang Bo , Cao Liyan , Cheng Xin , Qiao Yuhan , Duan Tao , He Guiqiang , Ding Pingping , Zhou Yan , Zhou Jian
Published: December 2023

Safe and efficient capturing of volatile radioiodine is of extremely important significance in the treatment of spent fuel. Herein, the flake channels in gelatin-hydroxyapatite (HAP@Ge) cryogel with excellent flame retardant properties were constructed by immobilizing hydroxyapatite nanorods (HAP) on Gelatin (Ge) cryogel for enhancing the capturing of iodine. The immobilization of HAP nanorods enhanced thermal stability, provided low rates of dynamic heat transfer and dissipation, and remarkably improved the flame retardant and smoke suppression properties of the Ge cryogel, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of safety incidents caused by further thermal degradation or combustion of this cryogel. More importantly, it was effective in improving the rapid enrichment of iodine, resulting in a high adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity of HAP@Ge cryogel for iodine vapor reached 2693 mg/g at equilibrium. The high adsorption capacity for iodine was attributed to the multi-scale porous structure in HAP@Ge cryogel, which offered effective channels for iodine diffusion, whereas the numerous complex and irregular flakes provided sufficient number of active sites for iodine capture. The adsorption process was chemical in nature and involved the -PO43−, –OH, –C=O, and –NHR groups on HAP@Ge cryogel. Moreover, the complex porous structure of HAP@Ge cryogel enhanced the physical capturing of iodine. These advantages, such as low-cost raw material, simple preparation method, good flame retardancy, and excellent capturing performance for iodine indicated that HAP@Ge cryogel is a potential candidate for the removal of radioactive iodine in the exhaust gas stream of post-treatment plants.

Graphical Abstract
Paediatric parenchymal neurocysticercosis with pleomorphic clinico-radiological presentations: a case series
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Rana Radhamohan , Kumar Mahesh , Yadav Aakash
Published: December 2023

Background

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is thought to be the most common helminthic infection of central nervous system in India. In children, it has pleomorphic clinical and radiological presentations depending on location and stage of lesion. Solitary cystic granuloma appearing as a single ring enhancing lesion is the most frequently encountered neuroimaging finding in patients with neurocysticercosis or tuberculoma in India. This series reports unusual clinico-radiological aspects of pediatric neurocysticercosis patients of Asian ethnicity.

Case presentation

In the present case series, we have described socio-demographic and clinico-radiological profile of eight cases of neurocysticercosis with parenchymal lesions in varying stages of development. Among these two had single discrete ring enhancing lesion (SDREL), two had single conglomerated ring enhancing lesion (SCREL), and five cases reported to have multiple ring enhancing lesions (MREL). Two cases with recurrent neurocysticercosis have been reported which is quite rare. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy helps to differentiate between neurocysticercosis and tuberculoma and may avoid brain biopsies or unnecessary anti-tubercular treatment. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was done in three cases with findings of absence of lipid peak and choline/creatinine ratio less than 1.2.

Conclusion

Despite the advances in neuroimaging, accurate diagnosis of NCC is still sometimes difficult, which is related to the pleomorphic nature of disease and significant overlapping features with tuberculoma. A combination of proper diagnostic criteria and neuroimaging findings are helpful in making the diagnosis without invasive and potentially harmful investigations in paediatric patients.
Diagnostic value of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System combined with elastography in differentiating clinically atypical subacute thyroiditis from papillary thyroid carcinoma: a single retrospective research
Authors: Chen Xiaoxue , Hu Zhengming , Sun Desheng , Luo Haiyu , Zhao Chenyang , Liao Mengying
Published: December 2023

Background

Common ultrasound imaging is hard to distinguish thyroid nodules of clinically atypical subacute thyroiditis (CAST) with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of real-time elastography combined with American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS) in differentiating these two lesions.

Results

Centripetal reduction echogenicity was only observed in the CAST nodules, with high specificity (100%) though low sensitivity (23.96%). Echogenic foci yielded good capability for differentiating PTC and CAST, with odds ratio (OR) of 36.572 and AUC of 0.788. Size and ES were independent factors to distinguish the two lesions with OR of 10.709 and 3.697, respectively. The combination of microcalcification, size < 10 mm and ES of 4 showed better AUC (0.885) than echogenic foci alone (p < 0.001). TI-RADS showed high sensitivity (91.23%) with specificity of 30.21% and AUC of 0.607 in predicting malignancy risk of PTC from CAST, while the AUC of ES and the combination of both methods were 0.508 and 0.585, respectively.

Conclusions

Centripetal reduction echogenicity, echogenic foci, size and ES may assist in the differential diagnosis of CAST and PTC nodules. ACR TI-RADS is superior to ES and the combination of both methods for distinguishing these two lesions.
Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, clinical manifestations, and prognostic values: as case series audit
Authors: Yağmur Ali Rıza , Çufalı Ömer Faruk , Çolak Mustafa , Akbal Çufalı Şeyda , Kayalı Dinç Ayşe Seçil , Yeniçeri Agah , Yurtsever Kum Nurcan , Özcan Kürşat Murat
Published: December 2023

Background

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) is a rare disorder with a high mortality rate. In this study, we reported four rare cases, two of them being the first reports in the literature, in addition, we reviewed retrospectively and discussed the effects of causative fungi, comorbid disorders, and intracranial involvement on mortality rate in 20 IFRS patients treated in the otolaryngology clinic between May 2019 and May 2021.

Results

There were 10 (50%) males and 10 females with a median age of 51 years. Seven patients had rhinomaxillary, 11 had rhino-orbito-cerebral IFRS, and two had atypical presentations that could not be classified. The most frequent comorbid condition was diabetes mellitus (DM), and the most frequent causative fungi were Mucormycetes. There was no difference between DM and other comorbidity groups for orbital involvement (p = 0.37), intracranial involvement (p = 0.17), hard palate involvement (p = 1), cranial nerve palsies (p = 0.17), causative fungi (p = 0.14), or mortality (p = 0.35). Mucormycetes and other fungi were similar for orbital involvement (p = 0.34), intracranial involvement (p = 0.16), hard palate involvement (p = 0.64), and mortality rate (p=0.35); however, cranial nerve palsies were significantly more frequent in Mucormycetes group (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Urgent diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are mandatory in IFRS. Due to its high mortality rate, IFRS should always be kept in mind in cases with atypical presentation, particularly if the patient is in the risk group. The current gold standard in IFRS management is urgent wide surgical debridement and concomitant administration of antifungals.
Excess dietary sugar impairs Drosophila adult stem cells via elevated reactive oxygen species-induced JNK signaling
Authors: Huang Wei-Hao , Kajal Kreeti , Wibowo Ryan Himawan , Amartuvshin Oyundari , Kao Shih-Han , Rastegari Elham , Lin Chi-Hung , Chiou Kuan-Lin , Pi Hai-Wei , Ting Chau-Ti , Hsu Hwei-Jan
Published: December 2023

High-sugar diets (HSDs) often lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes, both metabolic syndromes associated with stem cell dysfunction. However, it is unclear whether excess dietary sugar affects stem cells. Here, we report that HSD impairs stem cell function in the intestine and ovaries of female Drosophila prior to the onset of insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Although 1 week of HSD leads to obesity, impaired oogenesis and altered lipid metabolism, insulin resistance does not occur. HSD increases glucose uptake by germline stem cells (GSCs) and triggers reactive oxygen species-induced JNK signaling, which reduces GSC proliferation. Removal of excess sugar from the diet reverses these HSD-induced phenomena. A similar phenomenon is found in intestinal stem cells (ISCs), except that HSD disrupts ISC maintenance and differentiation. Interestingly, tumor-like GSCs and ISCs are less responsive to HSD, which may be because of their dependence on glycolytic metabolism and high energy demand, respectively. This study suggests that excess dietary sugar induces oxidative stress and damages stem cells before insulin resistance develops, a mechanism that may also occur in higher organisms.
Evaluation of the merit of ethanolic extract of Annona reticulata as an anti-cancer agent in human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116)
Authors: Rao Pooja Prakash , Shenoy Belle Vijetha , Nayak Akshatha G , Kumar Nitesh , Rao Vanishree , Cheruku Sri Pragnya , Prabhu Krishnananda
Published: December 2023

Background Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer type worldwide. Novel alternative therapeutic anti-cancer drugs against colon cancer with less toxicity are to be explored . This study was aimed to explore the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity of various fractions of Annona reticulata ethanolic leaf extract on human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116) and to explore the potential molecular targets from the most potent plant extract fraction. Methods After obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethics committee, the extract and fractions were prepared and a preliminary analysis of the phytochemical was done qualitatively. Total phenolic and flavonoids were determined. Ethanolic leaf extract and its fractions were subjected to cytotoxicity analysis using the sulforhodamine B assay and the most promising fraction which showed the highest viability was selected to study anti-migratory activity. The anti-migratory effect was studied using a scratch wound healing assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was done to identify the major phytocompounds present in the fraction. The major five phytocompounds identified from the GC-MS were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. Result Among the four fractions, the petroleum ether fraction exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity. The migration of colon cancer cells was significantly inhibited by the extract and petroleum ether fraction. The major phytocompounds identified from GC-MS were phytol (13.03%), 2,6-bis (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo (3.3.0) octane (11.95%), gamma.-sitosterol (10.45%), alpha.-tocopherol-beta.-D-mannoside (7.50%) and 3-amino-4-piperonyl-5-pyrazolone (5.84%). The bioinformatics analysis of these phytochemicals showed a high potential to affect the levels of key proteins driving colon cancer progression, inhibiting the enzymes and proteins overexpressed in cancer. Conclusion The outcome of this study endorses the potential of phytochemicals of the petroleum ether fraction of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona reticulata for the development of a new chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of colon cancer.
Mapping secondary data gaps for social simulation modelling: A case study of Syrian asylum migration to Europe
Authors: Nurse Sarah , Hinsch Martin , Bijak Jakub
Published: December 2023

Simulation models of social processes may require data that are not readily available, have low accuracy, are incomplete or biased. The paper presents a formal process for collating, assessing, selecting, and using secondary data as part of creating, validating, and documenting an agent-based simulation model of a complex social process, in this case, asylum migration to Europe. The process starts by creating an inventory of data sources, and the associated metadata, followed by assessing different aspects of data quality according to pre-defined criteria. As a result, based on the typology of available data, we are able to produce a thematic map of the area under study, and assess the uncertainty of key data sources, at least qualitatively. We illustrate the process by looking at the data on Syrian migration to Europe in 2011–21. In parallel, successive stages of the development of a simulation model allow for identifying key types of information which are needed as input into empirically grounded modelling analysis. Juxtaposing the available evidence and model requirements allows for identifying knowledge gaps that need filling, preferably by collecting additional primary data, or, failing that, by carrying out a sensitivity analysis for the assumptions made. By doing so, we offer a way of formalising the data collection process in the context of model-building endeavours, while allowing the modelling to be predominantly question-driven rather than purely data-driven. The paper concludes with recommendations with respect to data and evidence, both for modellers, as well as model users in practice-oriented applications.
The influence of socioeconomic status on the association between unhealthy lifestyle factors and adverse health outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Foster Hamish M.E. , Polz Peter , Gill Jason M.R. , Celis-Morales Carlos , Mair Frances S. , O'Donnell Catherine A.
Published: December 2023

Background Combinations of lifestyle factors (LFs) and socioeconomic status (SES) are independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and mortality. Less advantaged SES groups may be disproportionately vulnerable to unhealthy LFs but interactions between LFs and SES remain poorly understood. This review aimed to synthesise the available evidence for whether and how SES modifies associations between combinations of LFs and adverse health outcomes. Methods Systematic review of studies that examine associations between combinations of >3 LFs (eg.smoking/physical activity/diet) and health outcomes and report data on SES (eg.income/education/poverty-index) influences on associations. Databases (PubMed/EMBASE/CINAHL), references, forward citations, and grey-literature were searched from inception to December 2021. Eligibility criteria were analyses of prospective adult cohorts that examined all-cause mortality or CVD/cancer mortality/incidence. Results Six studies (n=42,467–399,537; 46.5–56.8 years old; 54.6–59.3% women) of five cohorts were included. All examined all-cause mortality; three assessed CVD/cancer outcomes. Four studies observed multiplicative interactions between LFs and SES, but in opposing directions. Two studies tested for additive interactions; interactions were observed in one cohort (UK Biobank) and not in another (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)). All-cause mortality HRs (95% confidence intervals) for unhealthy LFs (versus healthy LFs) from the most advantaged SES groups ranged from 0.68 (0.32–1.45) to 4.17 (2.27–7.69). Equivalent estimates from the least advantaged ranged from 1.30 (1.13–1.50) to 4.00 (2.22–7.14). In 19 analyses (including sensitivity analyses) of joint associations between LFs, SES, and all-cause mortality, highest all-cause mortality was observed in the unhealthiest LF-least advantaged suggesting an additive effect. Conclusions Limited and heterogenous literature suggests that the influence of SES on associations between combinations of unhealthy LFs and adverse health could be additive but remains unclear. Additional prospective analyses would help clarify whether SES modifies associations between combinations of unhealthy LFs and health outcomes. Registration Protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020172588;25 June 2020).
'Participating immortality'
Authors: Paul J. Gavin
Published: December 2023

Middleton's Hengist, King of Kent and its multifaceted textual afterlives dramatize memorial processes, greatly dependent on the participatory experience of the formed event. These processes highlight not only that theatrical production is a means for preserving cultural memories, but also that the preservation of the past is inseparable from, and conflated with, the production of new theatrical memories. Remembering the past in the theatre — in the fullest sense of ‘re-membering’ as imaginatively putting dead bodies back together — goes hand in hand with the necessity of remembering the theatrical past, of recalling the play that vanished even as it came into being.
'Can you play that?'
Authors: Loeb Andrew
Published: December 2023

This essay explores the migration of witchcraft language from the rural environs in which we typically find it to the urban space of London in Dekker and Middleton’s The Roaring Girl. The play’s characters repeatedly turn to the language of witchcraft to describe Moll’s disruptive presence in the play, a rhetorical strategy that I argue seeks to fix Moll in place in response to her unruly movement within the social, spatial, and acoustic horizons of the city, and to ostracize her from London by reimagining her as a figure that only makes sense in the rural environs beyond its walls.
Witches in Space: Introduction
Authors: O'Malley Sarah
Published: December 2023

The introduction to this Issues in Review entitled ‘Witches in Space’ sets out the critical history that forms the background work on the literary geographies of early modern witchcraft. The introduction first establishes the need for such work through an illustrative case study and then attends to the foundation of scholarship in the fields of literary and cultural geography as well as witchcraft studies on which this collection of essays builds.
The York Vintners’ ‘The Marriage at Cana’ and the Puzzle of Pageants Withheld from the Register
Authors: Groeneveld Leanne
Published: December 2023

Opening with the character of Architriclinus, the York Vintners’ pageant ‘The Marriage at Cana’ likely bolstered their claims over the right to search and sell sweet and other wines in conflicts with the Spicers and Mercers. The Vintners’ failure to submit their pageant for transcription into the York Register possibly signals resentments felt and privileges enjoyed by these specialist merchants – resentments and privileges perhaps shared by the only other guild to withhold their original from the city clerk despite repeated calls for its submission: the Ironmongers.
Synchronized Deliveries with a Bike and a Self-Driving Robot
Authors: Zhao Yanlu , Cattaruzza Diego , Kang Ningxuan , Roberti Roberto
Published: December 2023

Online e-commerce giants are continuously investigating innovative ways to improve their practices in last-mile deliveries. Inspired by the current practices at JD.com (the largest online retailer by revenue in China), we investigate a delivery problem that we call the traveling salesman problem with bike and robot (TSPBR), where a cargo bike is aided by a self-driving robot to deliver parcels to customers in urban areas. We present two mixed-integer linear programming models and describe a set of valid inequalities to strengthen their linear relaxation. We show that these models can yield optimal solutions of TSPBR instances with up to 60 nodes. To efficiently find heuristic solutions, we also present a genetic algorithm based on a dynamic programming recursion that efficiently explores large neighborhoods. We computationally assess this genetic algorithm on instances provided by JD.com and show that high-quality solutions can be found in a few minutes of computing time. Finally, we provide some managerial insights to assess the impact of deploying the bike-and-robot tandem to deliver parcels in the TSPBR setting.
The epidemiology of alcohol burns at a major burn centre in North China
Authors: Zhang Bohan , Sun Tianjun , Liu Xinzhu , Cai Jianhua , Li Dongjie , Deng Huping , Wang Shujun , Niu Yuezeng , Shen Chuan'an
Published: December 2023

This study was designed to explore the epidemiological characteristics and potential preventive strategies of alcohol burns. In this five-year, retrospective study, 163 patients with alcohol burns (admitted from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2020 were included. There was a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1, a mean age of 34.1±16.8 years, and a mean burn size of 13.3±13.7% total body surface area (TBSA). The number of patients with alcohol burns was similar year by year during the five-year period. Just over half of patients (n=84, 51.5%) sustained a third-degree burn injury, which was significantly associated with a longer hospital stay and the need for surgery. The most prevalent aetiology was cupping (n=49, 29.5%), followed by cooking hotpot (n=37, 22.7%). Of the patients, seven (4.29%) sustained injuries during experiments at school and one patient sustained injury when using alcohol spray for disinfection against COVID-19. The incidence of facial burn injury (n=105, 64.4%) was significantly higher than previously reported data (33.2%). The result of the study showed that cupping and hotpot were the main causes of alcohol burns in Beijing, which should be taken into consideration for prevention. It is necessary to strengthen safety management of classes at school where experiments are undertaken and to educate the general public on the proper means of disinfecting against COVID-19.
The interpretation and grammatical representation of animacy
Authors: Toosarvandani Maziar
Published: December 2023

Abstract: We are used to thinking about person, number, and gender as features to which the grammar is sensitive. But the place of animacy is less familiar, despite its robust syntactic activity in many languages. I investigate the pronominal system of Southeastern Sierra Zapotec, identifying an interpretive parallel between animacy and person. Third-person plural pronouns, which encode a four-way animacy distinction in the language, exhibit associativity, a cluster of interpretive properties that have been argued also to characterize first-and second-person plural pronouns. Building on Kratzer’s (2009) and Harbour’s (2016) theories of person, I propose a plurality-based semantics for animacy that captures their shared properties. The compositional mechanism underlying this semantics ties person and animacy features to a single syntactic position inside the noun phrase. This enables an understanding of these features’ shared relevance to syntactic operations, including those underlying pronoun cliticization. In these Zapotec varieties, it is constrained both by person (in the well-known person-case constraint) and by animacy.
Linguistic emancipation
Authors: Baugh John
Published: December 2023

Abstract: The term linguistic emancipation embraces various interpretations. One relates to occasions where linguists have helped people overcome problems that are attributable to various linguistic calamities. Another pertinent vector relates to methodological innovations that extricate linguistic research from methodological confinement and that embrace new technologies to help advance our collective scientific mission. These alternative perspectives are illustrated here in small measure through studies of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gender modification in the speech of a trans woman. The legacy of inventive methodological advances in linguistics is celebrated by emphasizing some liberating linguistic research trajectories in which experimental, self-generated data and descriptive investigations of endangered and underrepresented languages or dialects stand side by side, serving a comprehensive linguistic science in which alternative analytical procedures abound in harmonious complementarity.
Nighttime bionic compass based on a short-wave infrared polarization sensing system
Authors: Lu Yiming , Liu Xiaojie , Cao Huiliang , Wang Chenguang , Shen Chong , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: December 2023

Sky-bionic polar co-ordinate navigation is an effective means of providing navigational
information in the absence of a priori information.
Polar co-ordinate navigation during clear daytime conditions has been
studied, but there has been a lack of research of it at night due to
problems with noise. Therefore, in this paper, a short-wave infrared
polarimetric sensor system is designed, which is capable of acquiring
atmospheric polarimetric information in low illumination environments
at night, compared with traditional visible band sensors.
Additionally, based on the statistics of polarization angle
information, an algorithm for removing noise and starlight is proposed
to solve the influence of starlight and noise on the polarization
information at night. After many outdoor experiments, we found that
the method can output the heading angle stably and accurately, and its
standard deviation is controlled to be 0.42° in a clear
night.
Multi-field-driven optomechanical entanglement
Authors: Yang Jianyong , Lu Tian-Xiang , Peng Meiyu , Liu Jingxue , Jiao Ya-Feng , Jing Hui
Published: December 2023

Cavity optomechanical (COM) entanglement, playing an essential role in building quantum networks and enhancing quantum sensors, is usually weak and easily destroyed by noises. As feasible and effective ways to overcome this obstacle, optical or mechanical parametric modulations have been used to improve the quality of quantum squeezing or entanglement in various COM systems. However, the possibility of combining these powerful means to enhance COM entanglement has yet to be explored. Here, we fill this gap by studying a COM system containing an intra-cavity optical parametric amplifier (OPA), driven optically and mechanically. By tuning the relative strength and the frequency mismatch of optical and mechanical driving fields, we find that constructive interference can emerge and significantly improve the strength of COM entanglement and its robustness to thermal noises. This work sheds what we believe to be a new light on preparing and protecting quantum states with multi-field driven COM systems for diverse applications.
Design of achromatic diffractive lenses
Authors: Skinner G. K.
Published: December 2023

Diffractive lenses can be very thin and light. They usually suffer from chromatic aberration and work only over a narrow range of wavelengths but so-called achromatic diffractive lenses have recently attracted attention. Ways in which the profile of such lenses can be chosen to optimize either the Strehl ratio or the efficiency are compared and the extent to which the performance of the resulting lens designs approaches theoretical limits is investigated. Simple rules are given for the average Strehl ratio and efficiency expected in certain conditions. In other cases they provide approximate guidelines. Some reported simulated and measured efficiencies greatly exceed those that appear credible. This is attributed to failure to take into account radiation scattered to large off-axis angles or to inadequate sampling of the radial profile.
Understanding the Structural Arrangement of Islets in Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Kumar Pondugala Pavan , Rao Guduru Venkat , Shetty Mahesh , Pradeep Rebala , PremaVani Challapalli , Sasikala Mitnala , Reddy Duvvur Nageshwar
Published: December 2023

Islet transplantation has become an established method for the treatment of insulin-deficient diabetes such as type 1 and type 3C (pancreatogenic). An effective transplantation necessitates a thorough understanding of the islet architecture and related functions to improve engraftment outcomes. However, in chronic pancreatitis (CP), the structural and related functional information is inadequate. Hence, the present study is aimed to understand the cytoarchitecture of endocrine cells and their functional implications in CP with and without diabetes. Herein, a set of human pancreatic tissue specimens (normal, n=5 and CP, n=20) was collected and processed for islet isolation. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the vascular densities, cell mass, organization, and cell–cell interactions. The glucose-stimulated insulin release results revealed that in chronic pancreatitis without diabetes mellitus altered (CPNDA), at basal glucose concentration the insulin secretion was increased by 24.2%, whereas at high glucose concentration the insulin levels were reduced by 77.4%. The impaired insulin secretion may be caused by alterations in the cellular architecture of islets during CP progression, particularly in chronic pancreatitis with diabetes mellitus and CPNDA conditions. Based on the results, a deeper comprehension of islet architecture would be needed to enhance successful transplantation in CP patients: (J Histochem Cytochem XX.XXX–XXX, XXXX)
Task shifting healthcare services in the post-COVID world: A scoping review
Authors: Das Shukanto , Grant Liz , Fernandes Genevie
Published: December 2023

Task shifting (TS) is the redistribution of healthcare services from specialised to less-qualified providers. Need for TS was intensified during COVID-19. We explore what impact TS had on service delivery during the pandemic and examine how the pandemic affected TS strategies globally. We searched five databases in October 2022, namely Medline, CINAHL Plus, Elsevier, Global Health and Google Scholar. 35 citations were selected following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We analysed data thematically and utilised the WHO health systems framework and emergent themes to frame findings. We uncovered instances of TS in countries across all income levels. 63% (n = 22) of the articles discussed the impact of TS on healthcare services. These encompassed services related to mental healthcare, HIV, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and rheumatoid diseases. The remaining 37% (n = 13) focused on how the pandemic altered strategies for TS, particularly in services related to mental healthcare, HIV, hypertension, diabetes and emergency care. We also found that studies differed in how they reported TS, with majority using terms “task shifting”, followed by “task sharing”, “task shifting and sharing” and “task delegation”. Our analysis demonstrates that TS had a substantial impact across healthcare systems. Modifying roles through training and collaboration strengthened workforce and enhanced diagnostic services. Strategic leadership played a crucial role in the process. More research on the financial aspects of TS during pandemics is required. Stakeholders generally accepted TS, but transferring staff between healthcare programs caused unintended disruptions. The pandemic reshaped TS, moving training, patient care and consultations to digital platforms. Virtual interventions showed promise, but digital access remained a challenge. Healthcare organisations adapted by modifying procedures, pathways and staff precautions. We recommend refining strategies for TS, and expanding on it to address workforce shortages, improve access, and enhance services, not only during crises but also beyond.
Using electronic medical records to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 lockdown measures on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ouma Joseph , Hookham Lauren , Akera Lorna Aol , Rukundo Gordon , Kyohere Mary , Kakande Ayoub , Nakyesige Racheal , Musoke Philippa , Le Doare Kirsty
Published: December 2023

Kawempe National Referral Hospital (KNRH) is a tertiary facility with over 21,000 pregnant or postpartum women admitted annually. The hospital, located in Kampala, Uganda, uses an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to capture patient data. Used since 2017, this readily available electronic health record (EHR) has the benefit of informing real-time clinical care, especially during pandemics such as COVID-19. We investigated the use of EHR to assess risk factors for adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes that can be incorporated into a data visualization dashboard for real time decision making during pandemics. This study analysed data from the UgandaEMR collected at pre-, during- and post-lockdown timepoints of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine its use in monitoring risk factors for adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors for adverse pregnancy and maternal outcomes including prematurity, obstetric complications, still births and neonatal deaths. Pearson chi-square test was used for pair-wise comparison of the outcomes at the various stages of the pandemic. Data analysis was performed in R, within the International COVID-19 Data Alliance (ICODA) workbench. A visualisation dashboard was developed based on the risk factors, to support decision making and improved healthcare delivery. Comparison of pre-and post-lockdown variables showed an increased risk of pre-term birth (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.01)); obstetric complications (aOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.53–3.03); immediate neonatal death (aOR = 3.89, 95% CI 2.65–5.72) and Caesarean section (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.34). The significant risk factors for adverse outcomes were younger maternal age and gestational age <32weeks at labour. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using EHR to identify and monitor at-risk subpopulation groups accessing health services in real time. This information is critical for the development of timely and appropriate interventions in outbreaks and pandemic situations.
Development of modified CTAB and Trizol protocols to isolate high molecular weight (HMW) RNA from polyphenol and polysaccharides rich pigeonpea (Cajanuscajan (L.) Millsp
Authors: Mainkar Pawan , Jayaswal Deepanshu , Kumar Deepesh , Jayaswall Kuldip , Jaiswal Sandeep , Singh Arvind Nath , Kumar Sanjay , Kansal Rekha
Published: December 2023

Pigeonpea (Cajanuscajan L.) is a legume crop that contains high levels of polyphenolic compounds and polysaccharides that become a hindrance in extracting good-quality and enough amount of RNA from its tissues. With the existing methods of RNA isolation, the phenolic compounds may co-precipitate or bind to the RNA giving false results. Therefore, in the present study, we have modified conventional CTAB and Trizol-based methods which resulted in good quality with the absorbance A260/A280 ratios in the range of 1.83 to 1.98 and A260/230 ratios in the range of 2.0–2.23, revealed RNA to be of high purity and free of contaminants. Both of the proposed protocols yielded a good quantity of RNA ranging from 289 to 422μg per gram of tissue. Distinctly visible bands of 28S and 18S rRNA were observed without degradation or smear, which indicated the presence of intact RNA. RT-PCR analysis showed that isolated RNA was quantitatively sufficient and compliant for the subsequent gene expression analysis.
The non-linear relationship between globalization, financial development and energy consumption: Evidence from BRICS economies
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Liu Xiangyang , Saud Shah , Akhtar Muhammad Hanif , Haseeb Abdul , Wang Rongyu , Azam Kamran
Published: December 2023

In the era of globalization, financial development plays a key role in socioeconomic and environmental development. However, its adverse consequences on human life, environmental hazards, and high energy consumption cannot be ignored. Thus, this study investigates the non-linear relationship between globalization, financial development, and energy consumption for BRICS economies. In doing so, we have applied second-generation tests to identify cross-sectional dependence in the data. Cross-sectional augmented Dickey-Fuller (CADF) and Cross-sectional Im-Pesaran Shin (CIPS) have been performed to find the stationary level of variables. The long-term equilibrium link between the investigated variables has been established in continuance using the Westerlund Cointegration test. The Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression (DSUR) indicates that U-shaped relationships exist for financial development and globalization with energy consumption. Conversely, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship exist between economic growth and energy consumption in BRICS. The Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test findings show that a unidirectional link runs from energy consumption to financial development, economic growth to energy consumption, and globalization towards energy usage. Important policy implications have also been discussed.
Solutions of a three-dimensional multi-term fractional anomalous solute transport model for contamination in groundwater
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Ali Ihteram , Jan Rashid , Idris Sahar Ahmed , Mousa Mohamed
Published: December 2023

The study presents a meshless computational approach for simulating the three-dimensional multi-term time-fractional mobile-immobile diffusion equation in the Caputo sense. The methodology combines a stable Crank-Nicolson time-integration scheme with the definition of the Caputo derivative to discretize the problem in the temporal direction. The spatial function derivative is approximated using the inverse multiquadric radial basis function. The solution is approximated on a set of scattered or uniform nodes, resulting in a sparse and well-conditioned coefficient matrix. The study highlights the advantages of meshless method, particularly their simplicity of implementation in higher dimensions. To validate the accuracy and efficacy of the proposed method, we performed numerical simulations and compared them with analytical solutions for various test problems. These simulations were carried out on computational domains of both rectangular and non-rectangular shapes. The research highlights the potential of meshless techniques in solving complex diffusion problems and its successful applications in groundwater contamination and other relevant fields.
Digital economy drives regional industrial structure upgrading: Empirical evidence from China’s comprehensive big data pilot zone policy
Authors: Yang Caihong
Published: December 2023

With the development of the digital economy, industrial structure upgrading plays an important role in realizing high-quality development. Exploiting the quasi-natural experimental setting provided by the Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone (BDCPZ) policy in China in 2016, this study evaluates the impacts of the BDCPZ policies on regional industrial structure upgrading using a combination of propensity score matching and difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) with panel data of 30 regions for the period 2008–2021. The results are as follows: (1) BDCPZ policies significantly promote regional industrial structure upgrading. This finding holds after conducting the placebo test and replacing explained variables. (2) BDCPZ policies enhance upgrading through technological innovation and financial deepening. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the promotional effect of BDCPZ policies on industrial structure upgrading is more obvious in economically developed regions, megacities, and east-central regions; overall, regions with high industrialization benefit more. These findings have important implications: First, they provide new empirical evidence from the perspective of policy evaluation on how the digital economy affects industrial structure upgrading. Second, this study sheds light on the mechanism underlying this relationship, helping us understand how the digital economy can further affect the development of the industrial structure. Third, the policy effect is heterogenous, providing a scientific basis for the government to formulate differentiated implementation policies for different regions. This can help local industrial transformation and upgrading, and economic development in these regions through the implementation of big data and digital technologies.