bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems and prospects of green energy
Authors: Kapustina Larisa , Agababayev Mushfig , Drevalev Andrei
Published: June 2024

The article considers problems in green energy development focusing on wind and solar power, identifies the effects of the production and the use of electric vehicles. The authors analyze global value chains in green energy and highlight China’s dominant role in extraction and processing of raw materials, as well as production of wind turbines, solar panels and lithium-ion batteries. The green energy sector faces several challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure for clean energy transmission, high costs and large area requirements of wind and photovoltaic power stations as well as the environmental impact of raw materials extraction and equipment disposal. The global energy transition brings losses to fossil fuel-producing countries and traditional vehicles manufacturers. Cost intensive green energy projects are not available to many developing countries. The green energy prospects depend on technological advancements in renewable energy storage and transmission, as well as recycling of lithium-ion batteries and wind turbines. The authors propose promoting blue and green hydrogen production during the transition period to create a compromise for the interests of key stakeholders in the global green energy value chain. Taking into account the identified problems, transition to green energy as the dominant energy system can take from 30 to 60 years.
Novel Nanocomposite Electrolytes for Sustainable Fuel Cells
Authors: Chhabra Soosan , Joshi Ankita , Mishra Saket , Singh Amanveer , Babu B. Sankara , Kampani Shivani , Kumar Kaushal
Published: June 2024

An investigation has been conducted to determine whether or not novel nanocomposite electrolytes have the potential to improve the efficiency and longevity of fuel cell technology. In this investigation, nanocomposite electrolytes were manufactured by using a methodical methodology. The nanoparticles were included into polymer matrices in order to enhance the ion conductivity and mechanical strength of the electrolytes developed. The composition of nanocomposite electrolytes was improved by altering the amount of nanoparticles and polymers that were present. When compared to traditional electrolytes, the introduction of nanoparticles resulted in considerable improvements in the characteristics of the material. These enhancements included a 15% increase in ion conductivity and a 10% increase in mechanical strength. Fuel cell devices that make use of nanocomposite electrolytes have showed improved performance, with a 10% increase in power density and a 15% gain in efficiency when compared to fuel cell devices that make use of traditional electrolytes. In addition, the environmental impact assessment found that the use of nanocomposite electrolytes resulted in a two percent drop in the amount of energy used, a fifteen percent reduction in the amount of waste generated, and a twenty-five percent reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. As a result of these discoveries, the potential ofnanocomposite electrolytes to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of fuel cell technology has been brought to light. This opens the door for the creation of next-generation fuel cells that have increased performance and decreased their effect on the environment.
Diffractive deep neural networks: Theories, optimization, and applications
Authors: Chen Haijia , Lou Shaozhen , Wang Quan , Huang Peifeng , Duan Huigao , Hu Yueqiang
Published: June 2024

Optical neural networks (ONN) are experiencing a renaissance, driven by the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, as arithmetic pressures are progressively increasing the demand for optical computation. Diffractive deep neural networks (D2NN) are the important subclass of ONN, providing a novel architecture for computation with trained diffractive layers. Given that D2NN directly process light waves, they inherently parallelize multiple tasks and reduce data processing latency, positioning them as a promising technology for future optical computing applications. This paper begins with a brief review of the evolution of ONN and a concept of D2NN, followed by a detailed discussion of the theoretical foundations, model optimizations, and application scenarios of D2NN. Furthermore, by analyzing current application scenarios and technical limitations, this paper provides an evidence-based prediction of the future trajectory of D2NN and outlines a roadmap of research and development efforts to unlock its full potential.
A novel Schiff base-containing phthalocyanine and its azo dye-substituted analogue: the effect of pH on colour
Authors: Kaya Kantar Günay
Published: June 2024

There are many studies in the literature devoted to the synthesis of phthalocyanines substituted with Schiff bases and azo dyes and their particular properties. However, the comparison of spectral properties of these analogue compounds has not been investigated up to now. Therefore, a new eugenol group-bearing Schiff base-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine compound was synthesised and characterised and its UV/Vis spectral properties were compared with its azo dye analogue at different pH. It was determined that the azo dye analogue showed more pronounced spectral changes than the Schiff base-substituted phthalocyanine, depending on pH.
Unconventional mechanism of action and resistance to rapalogs in renal cancer
Authors: Yang Juan , Butti Ramesh , Cohn Shannon , Toffessi-Tcheuyap Vanina , Mal Arijit , Nguyen Mylinh , Stevens Christina , Christie Alana , Mishra Akhilesh , Ma Yuanqing , Kim Jiwoong , Abraham Robert , Kapur Payal , Hammer Robert E. , Brugarolas James
Published: June 2024

mTORC1 is aberrantly activated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and is targeted by rapalogs. As for other targeted therapies, rapalogs clinical utility is limited by the development of resistance. Resistance often results from target mutation, but mTOR mutations are rarely found in RCC. As in humans, prolonged rapalog treatment of RCC tumorgrafts (TGs) led to resistance. Unexpectedly, explants from resistant tumors became sensitive both in culture and in subsequent transplants in mice. Notably, resistance developed despite persistent mTORC1 inhibition in tumor cells. In contrast, mTORC1 became reactivated in the tumor microenvironment (TME). To test the role of the TME, we engineered immunocompromised recipient mice with a resistance mTOR mutation (S2035T). Interestingly, TGs became resistant to rapalogs in mTOR
S2035T
mice. Resistance occurred despite mTORC1 inhibition in tumor cells and could be induced by coculturing tumor cells with mutant fibroblasts. Thus, enforced mTORC1 activation in the TME is sufficient to confer resistance to rapalogs. These studies highlight the importance of mTORC1 inhibition in nontumor cells for rapalog antitumor activity and provide an explanation for the lack of mTOR resistance mutations in RCC patients.
Rapid, antibiotic incubation-free determination of tuberculosis drug resistance using machine learning and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Ogunlade Babatunde , Tadesse Loza F. , Li Hongquan , Vu Nhat , Banaei Niaz , Barczak Amy K. , Saleh Amr A. E. , Prakash Manu , Dionne Jennifer A.
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is the world’s deadliest infectious disease, with over 1.5 million deaths and 10 million new cases reported anually. The causative organismMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) can take nearly 40 d to culture, a required step to determine the pathogen’s antibiotic susceptibility. Both rapid identification and rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing of Mtb are essential for effective patient treatment and combating antimicrobial resistance. Here, we demonstrate a rapid, culture-free, and antibiotic incubation-free drug susceptibility test for TB using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning. We collect few-to-single-cell Raman spectra from over 25,000 cells of the Mtb complex strain Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) resistant to one of the four mainstay anti-TB drugs, isoniazid, rifampicin, moxifloxacin, and amikacin, as well as a pan-susceptible wildtype strain. By training a neural network on this data, we classify the antibiotic resistance profile of each strain, both on dried samples and on patient sputum samples. On dried samples, we achieve >98% resistant versus susceptible classification accuracy across all five BCG strains. In patient sputum samples, we achieve ~79% average classification accuracy. We develop a feature recognition algorithm in order to verify that our machine learning model is using biologically relevant spectral features to assess the resistance profiles of our mycobacterial strains. Finally, we demonstrate how this approach can be deployed in resource-limited settings by developing a low-cost, portable Raman microscope that costs <$5,000. We show how this instrument and our machine learning model enable combined microscopy and spectroscopy for accurate few-to-single-cell drug susceptibility testing of BCG.
Deep learning probability flows and entropy production rates in active matter
Authors: Boffi Nicholas M. , Vanden-Eijnden Eric
Published: June 2024

Active matter systems, from self-propelled colloids to motile bacteria, are characterized by the conversion of free energy into useful work at the microscopic scale. They involve physics beyond the reach of equilibrium statistical mechanics, and a persistent challenge has been to understand the nature of their nonequilibrium states. The entropy production rate and the probability current provide quantitative ways to do so by measuring the breakdown of time-reversal symmetry. Yet, their efficient computation has remained elusive, as they depend on the system’s unknown and high-dimensional probability density. Here, building upon recent advances in generative modeling, we develop a deep learning framework to estimate the score of this density. We show that the score, together with the microscopic equations of motion, gives access to the entropy production rate, the probability current, and their decomposition into local contributions from individual particles. To represent the score, we introduce a spatially local transformer network architecture that learns high-order interactions between particles while respecting their underlying permutation symmetry. We demonstrate the broad utility and scalability of the method by applying it to several high-dimensional systems of active particles undergoing motility-induced phase separation (MIPS). We show that a single network trained on a system of 4,096 particles at one packing fraction can generalize to other regions of the phase diagram, including to systems with as many as 32,768 particles. We use this observation to quantify the spatial structure of the departure from equilibrium in MIPS as a function of the number of particles and the packing fraction.
A population of neurons selective for human voice in the monkey brain
Authors: Giamundo Margherita , Trapeau Regis , Thoret Etienne , Renaud Luc , Nougaret Simon , Brochier Thomas G. , Belin Pascal
Published: June 2024

Many animals can extract useful information from the vocalizations of other species. Neuroimaging studies have evidenced areas sensitive to conspecific vocalizations in the cerebral cortex of primates, but how these areas process heterospecific vocalizations remains unclear. Using fMRI-guided electrophysiology, we recorded the spiking activity of individual neurons in the anterior temporal voice patches of two macaques while they listened to complex sounds including vocalizations from several species. In addition to cells selective for conspecific macaque vocalizations, we identified an unsuspected subpopulation of neurons with strong selectivity for human voice, not merely explained by spectral or temporal structure of the sounds. The auditory representational geometry implemented by these neurons was strongly related to that measured in the human voice areas with neuroimaging and only weakly to low-level acoustical structure. These findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms involved in auditory expertise and the evolution of communication systems in primates.
Content and language integrated learning in Kazakhstan
Authors: Satayev Malik , Varis Sotiria , Ashirbayev Yerkebulan , Koshanova Zaure , Balta Nuri
Published: June 2024

This study is a scoping review of research conducted on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in
Kazakhstan. A total of 26 studies were selected, including journal articles and master’s theses. The selected studies were
thematically analyzed to identify key aspects and shared aspects. Three main thematically organized areas for CLIL research
emerged from the reviewed studies: (1) Dominant perceptions and beliefs about CLIL, (2) Positive outcomes and challenges in CLIL,
and (3) CLIL pedagogy and methodology. The majority of the reviewed studies primarily focused on students’ English language
skills, investigated the affective and cognitive experience of CLIL, and addressed challenges, practices, and concerns related to
CLIL. These themes capture the current landscape of CLIL research in Kazakhstan and contribute to a more holistic understanding of
CLIL’s impact on language acquisition and educational practices, thereby informing approaches to language education in Kazakhstan’s trilingual education
system.
Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)
Authors:   Fera Science, Audsley Neil , Avila Gonzalo ,   Plant & Food Research, Ioratti Claudio ,   Fondazione Edmund Mach, Caron Valerie ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Ferracini Chiara ,   Università di Torino, Bukovinszki Tibor ,   Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Kenis Marc ,   CABI, Milonas Panagiotis ,   Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Herz Annette ,   Julius Kühn-Institut, Trdan Stanislav ,   University of Ljubljana, Fatu Ana-Christina ,   Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Sabbatini-Peverieri Giuseppino ,   Agricultural Research Council South Africa, Lesieur Vincent ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Borowiec Nicolas ,   Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Collatz Jana ,   Agroscope, Tanner Rob ,   European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, McGee Conor ,   Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Ireland
Published: June 2024

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a highly destructive pest native to Asia, first detected in North America in 2002 and in European Russia in 2003. EAB has caused extensive damage to ash trees in North America and Europe, leading to severe ecological and economic consequences. To combat this pest, several hymenopteran parasitoids from the native range of EAB were imported to the USA and Canada for biological control. Key parasitoids include Tetrastichus planipennisi, Spathius galinae and Oobius agrili, which have established in many areas and shown significant success in reducing EAB populations. T. planipennisi and S. galinae are particularly effective, while the impact of O. agrili is still being evaluated. O. agrili has not established well in the USA or Canada. Other potential biological control agents, such as Atanycolus nigriventris, Oobius primorskensis and Spathius polonicus, show promise but face challenges in host specificity and rearing. Continued research and monitoring are essential for effective EAB management.
Bronze Birch Borer, Agrilus anxius (L.)
Authors:   Fera Science, Audsley Neil , Avila Gonzalo ,   Plant & Food Research, Ioratti Claudio ,   Fondazione Edmund Mach, Caron Valerie ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Ferracini Chiara ,   Università di Torino, Bukovinszki Tibor ,   Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Kenis Marc ,   CABI, Milonas Panagiotis ,   Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Herz Annette ,   Julius Kühn-Institut, Trdan Stanislav ,   University of Ljubljana, Fatu Ana-Christina ,   Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Sabbatini-Peverieri Giuseppino ,   Agricultural Research Council South Africa, Lesieur Vincent ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Borowiec Nicolas ,   Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Collatz Jana ,   Agroscope, Tanner Rob ,   European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, McGee Conor ,   Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Ireland
Published: June 2024

The bronze birch borer (BBB), Agrilus anxius, is a significant pest native to North America, affecting birch trees (Betula spp.). Its larvae burrow through the cambial layer, causing tree decline and mortality, especially in stressed North American birches and healthy European and Asian birches. Although endemic in North America, BBB has caused widespread damage, particularly in urban areas and during droughts. The pest poses a potential threat to European and Asian birch forests if it were to spread. Currently, there is no history of classical biological control against BBB. Several natural enemies, including egg and larval parasitoids, such as Thysanus sp., Atanycolus charus and Phasgonophora sulcata, have been identified in North America, but their role in controlling BBB populations is unclear. Other natural enemies, including various parasitoid species and a microsporidian, have shown limited potential. Oobius agrili, a parasitoid used against emerald ash borer (EAB), can parasitize BBB ova, but is less effective when EAB ova are present. Further research is needed to identify and evaluate potential biological control agents for BBB.
Peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders)
Authors:   Fera Science, Audsley Neil , Avila Gonzalo ,   Plant & Food Research, Ioratti Claudio ,   Fondazione Edmund Mach, Caron Valerie ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Ferracini Chiara ,   Università di Torino, Bukovinszki Tibor ,   Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Kenis Marc ,   CABI, Milonas Panagiotis ,   Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Herz Annette ,   Julius Kühn-Institut, Trdan Stanislav ,   University of Ljubljana, Fatu Ana-Christina ,   Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Sabbatini-Peverieri Giuseppino ,   Agricultural Research Council South Africa, Lesieur Vincent ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Borowiec Nicolas ,   Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Collatz Jana ,   Agroscope, Tanner Rob ,   European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, McGee Conor ,   Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Ireland
Published: June 2024

Bactrocera zonata, commonly known as the peach fruit fly, is a polyphagous pest native to tropical Asia, causing significant damage to various fruit crops, especially guava, mango and peach. It has spread to Southern and south east Asia, Egypt and other North African countries. The introduction of the pest to new areas is primarily driven by international tourism and trade of infested fruit. Its ability to establish in new regions is influenced by temperature and humidity, with potential for expansion under climate change. Despite its severity, few biological control efforts have been documented due to limited knowledge of potential natural enemies. Efforts in Africa have included releasing parasitoids, such as Aganaspis daci, Fopius arisanus, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and Psyttalia incisi, with partial success. F. arisanus shows promise as a biological control agent, capable of parasitizing B. zonata in laboratory conditions, but may face climatic challenges in North Africa. Other natural enemies have been identified, but their low parasitism rates make them less viable for biological control. Further research is needed to assess the potential of various parasitoids for controlling B. zonata effectively.
Plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst)
Authors:   Fera Science, Audsley Neil , Avila Gonzalo ,   Plant & Food Research, Ioratti Claudio ,   Fondazione Edmund Mach, Caron Valerie ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Ferracini Chiara ,   Università di Torino, Bukovinszki Tibor ,   Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Kenis Marc ,   CABI, Milonas Panagiotis ,   Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Herz Annette ,   Julius Kühn-Institut, Trdan Stanislav ,   University of Ljubljana, Fatu Ana-Christina ,   Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Sabbatini-Peverieri Giuseppino ,   Agricultural Research Council South Africa, Lesieur Vincent ,   CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Borowiec Nicolas ,   Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Collatz Jana ,   Agroscope, Tanner Rob ,   European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization, McGee Conor ,   Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Ireland
Published: June 2024

The plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar, is a native pest of North America, predominantly affecting stone and pome fruits, such as peaches, apricots, nectarines and apples. Its damage, caused by oviposition and larval feeding, leads to scarring, premature fruit drop and deformities, posing significant economic challenges to orchard production. Control methods, including chemical treatments and biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes, have proven challenging due to the development of the pest inside the fruit and unpredictable population dynamics. While classical biological control efforts have not been undertaken due to the limited distribution of the pest, several parasitoid species have been identified as potential natural enemies. However, their effectiveness in controlling plum curculio remains uncertain, with variable rates of parasitism reported across different studies and locations. Further research is needed to assess the potential of parasitoids and other natural enemies for managing plum curculio populations effectively.
Integration of equine assisted services and social-emotional learning: A preliminary evaluation of a life skills training program for at-risk youth
Authors: Zaker Ashleigh , Dudley Lee , Slouka Mary , Stallones Lorann
Published: June 2024

This study was a preliminary evaluation of a life skills training program conducted by the Equine Partnership Program (EPP) integrating Equine Assisted Services (EAS) with social emotional learning (SEL) competencies. SEL programs aim to foster character development, curb maladaptive behaviors, and enhance social skills in at-risk youth by promoting positive relationships and emotional regulation. Many youth still require more targeted or alternative approaches to effectively nurture these skills. EAS has the potential to enhance SEL through its experiential learning approach and use of horses as a bridge, which is believed to be effective because of the horse’s innate ability to mirror and respond to human emotion. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of EAS on the social–emotional development of at-risk youth as measured by the Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Stress (DAPS) visual analog tool. It was hypothesized that participants would demonstrate measurable improvements in emotional regulation post intervention. Data were collected before and after the EAS experience from 33 participants. Participants were asked to rate their levels of DAPS ranging from a high of 10 to a low of 1. Using t-test comparisons, statistically significant decreases in scores were found in depression (M = −0.67, p = 0.02), and anxiety (M = −1.18, p < 0.001). Emotional pain and stress also showed decreases, though not statistically significant. This intervention shows promise to serve as an effective modality in addressing resilience and pro-social skills necessary for improved outcomes in behavioral and emotional development, thereby improving future academic, career, and overall life success, including improved social relationships.
Improved photocatalytic and free radical scavenging studies of synthesized polymer PVP/Azadirachta indica leave extract-mediated Ni-Zn doped hematite nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Tapwal Ashwani , Kumar Sunil , Thakur Naveen
Published: June 2024

The utilisation of ecological materials, such as plant extracts, is a superior alternative to both physical and chemical techniques for the synthesis of nanoscale metallic particles. The current study concluded that the chemical polymer (PVP) and Azadirachta indica (A. indica) plant extract synthesised hematite nanoparticles (HNPs) were spherical, monodispersed, and served as an agent for reducing and capping. The pure HNPs with the most reliable rhombohedral symmetry were found to be crystalline thanks to the crisp x-ray diffraction (XRD) reflections. Spheroidal nanostructures were formed, as seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their composition was validated by an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) study. At room temperature, HNPs were antiferromagnetic with blocking temperature of 300 K. When used as a catalyst, the NPs were exposed to effective degradation and coefficient of determination (R
2) of the toxic Eosin Yellow (EY) and Bismarck Brown Y (BBY) dyes in the presence of UV irradiation. After four consecutive cycles, efficient performance was achieved without any evident catalytic loss. Additionally, the reusability experiments revealed that under direct UV light illumination, duel-doped HNPs may be successfully used three times. The biosynthesised doped HNPs from A. indica leaf extract demonstrated antioxidant activity through their high phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and reductive potential.
Different behavioral profiles between invasive and native nudibranchs: means for invasion success?
Authors: Macali Armando , Ferretti Sara , Scozzafava Serena , Gatto Elia , Carere Claudio
Published: June 2024

Behavior is predicted to be a primary determinant of the success of the invasion process during the early phases of colonization. Comparing invaders with sympatric native species may provide a good approach to unravel behavioral traits involved in an invasion process. In this study, we carried out an experimental simulation of the introduction and the acclimatization phase into a new environment and assessed the expression of activity, alertness, and habituation in an invasive Mediterranean population of the South African nudibranch Godiva quadricolor comparing its profiles with those of the sympatric Mediterranean native nudibranchs Cratena peregrina and Caloria quatrefagesi. Individuals of these 3 species were subjected to 3 behavioral tests: spontaneous activity, carried out in the introduction phase (immediately after sampling) and after a week of acclimatization; alert test, in which a potential threat was simulated by means of a tactile stimulus, and habituation test, in which the same alert test stimulus was repeated 5 times at 30-min intervals. The invasive G. quadricolor showed higher levels of exploration activity, thigmotaxis, alertness, and sensitization than the native species. These behavioral traits may represent pivotal drivers of the ongoing invasion process.
Moduli Spaces of Quadratic Maps: Arithmetic and Geometry
Authors: Ramadas Rohini
Published: June 2024

We establish an implication between two long-standing open problems in complex dynamics. The roots of the $n$th Gleason polynomial $G_{n}\in{\mathbb{Q}}[c]$ comprise the $0$-dimensional moduli space of quadratic polynomials with an $n$-periodic critical point. $\operatorname{Per}_{n}(0)$ is the $1$-dimensional moduli space of quadratic rational maps on ${\mathbb{P}}^{1}$ with an $n$-periodic critical point. We show that if $G_{n}$ is irreducible over ${\mathbb{Q}}$, then $\operatorname{Per}_{n}(0)$ is irreducible over ${\mathbb{C}}$. To do this, we exhibit a ${\mathbb{Q}}$-rational smooth point on a projective completion of $\operatorname{Per}_{n}(0)$, using the admissible covers completion of a Hurwitz space. In contrast, the Uniform Boundedness Conjecture in arithmetic dynamics would imply that for sufficiently large $n$, $\operatorname{Per}_{n}(0)$ itself has no ${\mathbb{Q}}$-rational points.
Mastopexy for secretory carcinoma of breast in a young female: a case report
Authors: Ali Ghazanfar , Ijaz Kumail , Ihsan Mishal , Usama Muhammad , Naqvi Syed Muhammad Shabbir Ali
Published: June 2024

Secretory carcinoma, a triple-negative benign tumor, is one of the rarest malignancies of the breast which rarely metastasizes. Surgical excision via lumpectomy or mastectomy is the mainstay of treatment, but in young patients, mastopexy can be a better option cosmetically. A 26-year-old woman presented with a lump in her right breast that, on ultrasonography, was revealed to be a multi lobulated solid lesion measuring 25 × 16 mm2 in the retro areolar region at a 4 o’clock position. It turned out to be secretory carcinoma of the breast in a tru-cut biopsy. Vertical Mastopexy was opted for the removal and simultaneous reconstruction of the breast, which was followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Vertical mastopexy showed that the tumor was removed, and the breast was restored to its original form simultaneously. This procedure gave better results clinically and cosmetically. The patient had an uneventful recovery and is on a regular follow-up.
Isolated splenic lymphangioma in adulthood
Authors: Murshid Mohsin Yahya , AlHawsah Atif Omar , AlSayed Kadi T , Ansari Farrukh Alim
Published: June 2024

Isolated splenic lymphangiomas are rare benign lesions mostly seen in children are exceptionally rare in adults, often discovered incidentally due to their typically asymptomatic nature. This case report elaborates on the surgical excision of a rare splenic cystic lymphangioma in a 33-year-old woman, underscoring the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges these tumors pose. The patient’s symptoms, abdominal pain and a palpable mass led to imaging through ultrasound and CT, which revealed a cystic splenic lesion. Total splenectomy was performed, revealing a large cystic mass, with pathological examination confirming a cystic lymphangioma. This case emphasizes the necessity of considering splenic lymphangiomas in adult patients presenting with splenic lesions. It also highlights the critical role of surgical interventions for definitive diagnosis and to prevent complications such as rupture and hemorrhage, thereby emphasizing on the complexity of managing rare splenic tumors.
Multidisciplinary management of necrotizing fasciitis as a postoperative complication after mastectomy in an adult male in a low- and middle-income country
Authors: Qamar Mohammad Aadil , Rehman Alishba , Toor Habib ur Rehman
Published: June 2024

Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, potentially life-threatening infection, often necessitates urgent medical intervention and surgical excision of the affected tissue. We present a 55-year-old male patient with a progressively enlarging lump in the left breast that was diagnosed as a breast carcinoma. Post-modified radical mastectomy, histopathological examination revealed Grade II invasive ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine features. Due to financial constraints, the patient missed post-operative follow-ups and did not complete the prescribed radiotherapy sessions. Three months later, the patient returned with fever, swelling alongside sharp pain in the left arm and oozing blood. A clinical diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was made, leading to urgent surgical debridement. While the wound progressively healed, a contracture developed restricting elbow movement. An Orthopedic Review and Bone scintigraphy revealed metastasis of breast carcinoma to the sternum. This case report highlights the multi-disciplinary management required in such financially constrained rare cases in low- and middle-income countries.
Recent Innovations and Advances in Mixed-Mode Surveys
Authors: Coffey Stephanie , Maslovskaya Olga , McPhee Cameron
Published: June 2024

The use of mixed-mode surveys has grown rapidly in recent years, due to both technological advances and the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased mixing of modes (and the adoption of newer digital modes like web and text messaging) necessitates an evaluation of the impact of these newer designs on survey errors and costs, as well as new techniques for disaggregating and adjusting for nonresponse and measurement errors. This special issue highlights recent innovations, applications, and evaluations of mixed-mode survey designs and identifies areas where additional research is required.
(52) PLATELET-RICH PLASMA FOR FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AND STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Dankova Dr Irina , Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Tishukov Dr Maksim , Georgiadou Dr Efstratia , Nigdelis Dr Meletios , Solomayer Prof Erich-Franz , Marcon Priv-Doz Julian , Stief Prof Christian , Hatzichristou Prof Dimitrios
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To study the efficacy and safety of PRP injections in women with the above pathologies.

Methods

A systematic search on PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library database was performed, as well as sources of grey literature until January 2023. After title/abstract and full-text screening, clinical studies on humans evaluating the efficacy of PRP in gynecological disorders using standardized tools were included. Risk of bias was undertaken with RoB-2 for randomized-controlled trials (RCT) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies.

Results

Four prospective and one retrospective study explored FSD, while six prospective and one RCT evaluated female SUI. A total of 327 women with a mean age of 51±12 years were included. For FSD, PRP significantly improved the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) and the Female Sexual Distress score (FSDS). For SUI, PRP led to a significant improvement of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6). The identified RCT reported a significantly higher mean score of ICIQ-SF (p<0.05) and UDI-6 (p<0.01) in the midurethral sling group compared to the PRP injections group. Regarding risk of bias, the RCT was characterized by high-risk, whereas the observational studies were of moderate risk.

Conclusions

PRP injections should be further explored for the treatment of FSD and female SUI. Despite promising initial results, the level of current evidence is low due to methodological issues in the available studies. It becomes clear that there is an emerging need for high-quality research.

Conflicts of Interest

None.
Identifying Peremptory NormsThe Criteria
Authors: Tladi Dire
Published: June 2024

Chapter 4 is concerned with the criteria for jus cogens and is based on Draft Conclusion 4. There are two criteria identified in Draft Conclusion 4: first, the norm in question must be a norm of general international law and second, the norm must be accepted and recognised as one from which no derogation is permitted. The chapter places the criteria in context and explains what the Commission’s choice of criteria means for the consensualist debate versus the non-consensualist debate.
Consequences of Jus Cogens for the Law of State Responsibility
Authors: Tladi Dire
Published: June 2024

Chapter 10 addresses consequences of jus cogens for State responsibility. It covers two Draft Conclusions, namely Draft Conclusion 17 on the relationship between erga omnes and jus cogens, and Draft Conclusion 18 on circumstances precluding wrongfulness and jus cogens. These two Draft Conclusions were generally uncontroversial and for that reason the chapter is focused on describing how the Commission arrives at the particular formulation for Draft Conclusion 17. In respect of Draft Conclusion 18, the chapter assesses the choice of the Commission not to address apparent contradictions between the rule that circumstances precluding wrongfulness may not be invoked in respect of jus cogens and particular exceptions to the prohibition on the use of force, e.g. consent and self-defence, which are also circumstances precluding wrongfulness.
Coblation Versus Surgical Debridement Against MRSA Infection in Wounds With Shrapnel: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Gil Joel , Solis Michael , Strong Ryan , Davis Stephen C
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Debridement plays a critical role in wound management. In addition to removing necrotic tissue, debridement can eliminate bacteria frequently harbored within the tissue. This study evaluated a novel debridement method that uses plasma-based radiofrequency technology to remove tissue and bacteria. Coblation is a technology that uses radiofrequency energy to excite the electrolytes in a conductive medium, such as saline, to create a precisely focused plasma. This plasma field contains highly energized particles that possess sufficient energy to break tissue molecular bonds, causing the tissue to dissolve at relatively low temperatures (typically 40 °C to 70 °C).

Materials and Methods

Eighteen deep dermal wounds measuring 22 mm × 22 mm × 3 mm deep were created on pigs. Wounds were inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 (MRSA USA300) in combination with shrapnel and then covered with a polyurethane dressing for 24 hours. Wounds were then randomly assigned to one of the 3 treatment groups: (1) Coblation, (2) surgical debridement, and (3) no debridement. Wounds were biopsied on days 0, 5, 9, and 12, and specimens were processed for MRSA counts using selective media. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics 27 using one-way ANOVA.

Results

Comparison between coblation and surgical debridement showed a decrease in bacterial count in all assessment times. The lowest bacterial count in all assessment times was observed in wounds debrided with coblation showing a statistically significant (P ≤ .05) decrease in more than 2 Log CFU/g on days 0, 5, and 9 compared to no debridement. On day 12, coblation-debrided wounds exhibited 6.10 ± 0.22 Log CFU/g, and this value represents 99.99% of reduction compared with non-debrided wounds (P ≤ .05). More than 96% of reduction (P ≤ .05) resulted in wounds treated with coblation compared with surgically debrided.

Conclusions

Reducing MRSA bacterial infection counts, especially of biofilm-associated organisms, in combination with shrapnel may have important clinical implications, especially for the military personnel. Further research into the use of this technology in wound management is warranted.
131I Uptake in a Left Cerebral Infarct on Posttherapy Whole-Body Scan
Authors: Ng Cherie Wei Qi , Cheng Lenith Tai Jit , Chua Wei Ming , Tang Charlene Yu Lin
Published: June 2024

A 75-year-old woman with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent 131I radioiodine treatment was incidentally found to have an established left cerebral infarct demonstrating 131I uptake on posttherapy whole-body scan. False-positive iodine accumulation can occur in benign processes and other malignancies, necessitating awareness among nuclear medicine physicians to avoid misdiagnosing metastatic disease. SPECT/CT can be utilized to enhance diagnostic accuracy when needed.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Pregnant Ovarian Hypersensitivity Syndrome
Authors: Imataki Osamu , Uemura Makiko
Published: June 2024

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is characterized by cystic enlargement of the ovaries and a fluid retention. This syndrome is sometimes caused after in vitro fertilization. We treated a 37-year-old woman with OHSS after in vitro fertilization, coincidentally complicated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her clinical course of acute lymphoblastic leukemia was aggressive with the manifestation of OHSS, such as massive pleural effusion and massive ascites. The leukemic cells broadly infiltrated to the peritoneum, ovary, central spine fluid, and pleura. We speculated that this hyperpermeability of leukemic cells could be associated with the cytokine milieu caused by OHSS.
Application of tailored motor learning in community-based physiotherapy: a user-centered design and process evaluation of an extended framework
Authors: Rothuizen Guus , Jie Li-Juan , Jamin Gaston , Wondergem Roderick , Braun Susy , Kleynen Melanie
Published: June 2024

Objective

To develop supplementary knowledge and tools to support the application of motor learning in community-based physiotherapy of geriatric individuals and evaluate physiotherapists’ experiences of the developed knowledge and tools.

Design

A prospective case study comprised of two phases: 1) a user-centered design, and 2) a process evaluation.

Setting

Community-based physiotherapy practices.

Participants

Five physiotherapists were included for the user-centered design and another eight for the process evaluation. Making a total of thirteen participating physiotherapists during this study.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main outcome measures

To evaluate the use of the physiotherapists with the extended framework a biweekly monitor was administered. To evaluate the experience of the physiotherapists with the extended framework three digital questionnaires were administered, and a midterm and final in-person evaluation were organized.

Results

The user-centered design resulted in a card deck and website with different layers of practical examples and theoretical information. Most of the participating physiotherapists (n = 13) barely used the extended framework during the evaluation period. Commonly reported reasons for not using the extended framework included a lack of time as well as the material’s not fitting into the physiotherapists’ daily routines. They reported, however, that the extended framework increased their motor-learning knowledge and confidence. Some motor-learning strategies were applied much more frequently than others in daily practice. The underlying reasoning regarding the application of some strategies over others varied widely.

Conclusion

The results indicate that physiotherapists felt unambiguous regarding the extended framework. The time and energy cost to breaking one’s own routines might have outweighed the potential benefits. Future research should aim to determine whether the extended framework applies similarly in different settings.
Genomic evidence for widespread reciprocal recognition and killing amongPseudomonas syringaestrains
Authors: Fautt C , Hockett K.L. , Delattre S. , Couradeau E.
Published: June 2024

Community assembly dynamics are in part driven by competition between community members. Diverse bacteria antagonize competitors through the production of toxic compounds, such as bacteriophage-derived tailocins. These toxins are highly specific in their targeting, which is determined by interactions between the tailocin’s tail fiber and competitors’ lipopolysaccharide O-antigen moieties. Tailocins play a pivotal role in mediating microbial interactions among the economically significant plant pathogens within thePseudomonas syringaespecies complex, with the potential to alter community structure and disease progression in host plants. Previous work looking at 45P. syringaestrains has demonstrated that at least two phylogenetic clades of tail fibers are encoded in the conserved tailocin region across the species complex, which roughly corresponds to two clusters of targeting activity. To better understand the full diversity of tail fibers associated with tailocins in the species complex, we screened 2,161 publicly available genomes for their tailocin tail fiber content, predicted protein structures that represent the diversity of fibers, and investigated forces possibly driving the distribution of fibers throughout the species complex. Here we present evidence that while the two previously described tail fiber clades are indeed widespread among virulentP. syringaestrains, their distribution is largely uncorrelated with phylogeny. Instead, we found that the presence of one tail fiber or the other is strongly correlated with the allelic diversity of another gene, associated with lipopolysaccharide O-antigen structure, dTDP-4-dehydrorhamnose reductase. Our findings suggest the presence of two reciprocally targeting groups of strains distributed throughout theP. syringaespecies complex that transcend phylogenetic relationships.
LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IS RELATED TO STUNTING INCIDENTS: INDONESIAN NUTRITION STATUS SURVEY DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Rahmadiani Ine , Fibriana Arulita Ika , Azam Mahalul
Published: June 2024

The problem of stunting in Indonesia is classified as chronic. In 2022, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia was 21.6%, down from 24.4% in 2021. However, the percentage of stunting above 20% is still high and far from the WHO target. This study aimed to determine the relationship between birth weight and the incidence of stunting in toddlers in Indonesia. The research design was cross-sectional, using Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey Data in 2021 obtained from the Indonesian Health Ministry. The sample of this study was 20808 data. The data analysis techniques used were univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. The results show that the variables that influence the incidence of stunting in toddlers in Indonesia are birth weight category (p=0.000; OR=2.720; CI=2.420-3.080), child age (p=0.000; OR=2.617; CI=2.401-2.854), gender of toddlers (p=0.000; OR=1.439; CI=1.338-1.547), mother’s education level (p=0.000; OR=1.329; CI=1.230-1.436), JKN ownership (p=0.026; OR=1.098; CI=1.011-1.191), mother’s employment status (p=0.013; OR=0.904; CI= 0.834-0.979), age of starting solids (p=0.000; OR=0.824; CI=0.767-0.886). This study found that birth weight was the most influential factor in the incidence of stunting.
Hyperplex PCR enables the next-generation of wastewater-based surveillance systems: long-term SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance in Sweden as a case study
Authors: Soares Ruben R. G. , Varg Javier Edo , Szabó Attila , Psallida Margarita , Olszewski Paweł , Nikou Danai V. , Naseem Umear , Malmberg Maja , Székely Anna J.
Published: June 2024

Wastewater-based epidemiology aims at measuring pathogens in wastewater as a means of deriving unbiased epidemiological information at a population scale, ranging from buildings and aircrafts to entire cities or countries. After gaining significant mainstream attention during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the field holds significant promise as a continuous monitoring and early warning system tracking emerging viral variants or new pathogens with pandemic potential.

To expand the current toolbox of analytical techniques for wastewater analysis, we explored the use of Hyperplex PCR (hpPCR) to analyse SARS-CoV-2 mutations in wastewater samples collected weekly in up to 22 sites across Sweden between October 2022 and December 2023. Approximately 900 samples were tested using a dynamic probe panel with a multiplexity ranging from 10-to 18-plex, continuously adapted within 1-2 weeks to quantify relevant mutations of concern over time. The panel simultaneously covered deletions, single nucleotide substitutions, as well as variable regions resorting to probe degeneracy. By analysing all samples in parallel resorting to gold standard methods including qPCR and two different NGS technologies, the performance of hpPCR is herein shown to bridge the gap between these methods by providing (1) systematic single nucleotide sensitivity with a simple probe design, (2) high multiplexity without panel re-optimization requirements and (3) 4-5-week earlier mutation detection compared to NGS with excellent quantitative linearity and a good correlation for mutation frequency (r=0.88). Based on the demonstrated performance, the authors propose the combined use of NGS and hpPCR for routine discovery and high-frequency monitoring of key pathogens/variants as a potential alternative to the current analysis paradigm.