bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stroke services in MENA: What is there and what is needed
Authors: Aref Hany , El Nahas Nevine , Alrukn Suhail Abdulla , Khan Maria , Kesraoui Selma , Alnidawi Firas , Hokmabadi Elyar Sadeghi , Farhoudi Mehdi , Fairooz Muataz , Batayha Waleed , Salmeen Athari , Abdulrahman Husen , Belahsen Mohammed Faouzi , Al Hashmi Amal M. , Akhtar Naveed , Al-Johani Mohammed , Seidi Osheik Abu’Asha , Jouhar Anas , Mhiri Chokri , Elbassiouny Ahmed , Shokri Hossam , Roushdy Tamer
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Stroke represents a health care challenge to most parts of the world including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The MENA represents 6% of the world population with an age-standardized stroke rate of 87.7 (78.2–97.6) per 100,000 population. This number is subject to increase given that the cause of morbidity has recently shifted from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases. Thus, in the coming years, treatment of stroke will pose a major burden on MENA countries which mostly lie in the low to middle income economies. Accordingly, we need to study the state of MENA stroke services in order to recognize and further inform policy makers about any gaps that need to be bridged in this domain.

Methods and results

Stroke specialists representing 16 countries filled an online survey that included: screening for risk factors, acute management, diagnostics, medications, post-discharge services, and stroke registries. Results showed that 11 countries screen for risk factors, 16 have neuroimaging studies, 15 provide intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), 13 mechanical thrombectomy (MT) while medications for secondary prevention are available in all countries. However, stroke units are not equally available and even absent in 4 countries, and despite the availability of IVT yet, the rate of administration is still low in 6 countries (<5%), and ranges from 5–20% in 7 countries. Stroke registries and training still need to be implemented in most countries.

Conclusion

Although imaging, revascularization therapies and medications for secondary prevention are available in most MENA countries, yet the rate of revascularization is low, so is the number of stroke units insufficient in some countries. Additionally, registries and structured training are still defective. Further field studies are required for more accurate determination of the status of stroke services in the MENA region.
Simultaneous molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale and Theileria annulata in cattle blood samples collected from Pakistan-Afghanistan boarder region
Authors: Jamil Sania , Chiou Chien-Chun , Muqaddas Hira , Ullah Hayat , Asif Muhammad , Rao Sana , Hussain Hafsa , Fatima Qandeel , Nasreen Nasreen , Niaz Sadaf , Dzul-Rosado Karla , Khan Adil , Iqbal Furhan , Chen Chien-Chin
Published: July 2023

Theileria annulata (T. annulata) and Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) are among the most extensively reported tick borne pathogens and are associated with huge economic losses worldwide. A total of 298 cattle blood samples were screened to report the presence of these two pathogens. The samples were collected from apparently healthy cattle (Achai, n = 155, Jersy, n = 88 and crossbred, n = 55) in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) during June and July of 2022. A total of 31 out of 298 cattle (10.4%) were found infected with T. annulata as PCR amplified a 156 base pair fragment from Tams-1 gene of T. annulata from their blood. While 16/298 animals (5.4%) were found infected with A. marginale as they amplified a 382 base pair fragment specific for msp5 gene of this bacterium. Three animals (1%) were found co infected. Cattle susceptibility to T. annulata infection was significantly higher than A. marginale infection (P < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Pakistani isolates of both detected pathogen clustered together and were closely related isolates from worldwide countries. Prevalence of T. annulata varied significantly among the sampling sites (P = 0.05) while no such association was observed for A. marginale among the tested cattle. Epidemiological data analysis revealed that none of the studied risk factors was found associated either with the prevalence of T. annulata or A. marginale (P > 0.05) among enrolled cattle. In conclusion, our study has revealed a relatively higher prevalence of T. annulata than A. marginale in cattle from the Bajaur district in KPK. This information is important for improving the productivity of the livestock sector, which is one of the main sources of income in the country. It is recommended that this data be taken into account for the development and implementation of effective tick control programs, as well as for the improvement of livestock management practices to prevent and manage TBDs in Pakistan.
Adaptive experimental design produces superior and more efficient estimates of predator functional response
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikos E. , Moffat Hayden , Fantinou Argyro , Perdikis Dionysios P. , Bode Michael , Drovandi Christopher
Published: July 2023

Ecological dynamics are strongly influenced by the relationship between prey density and predator feeding behavior—that is, the predatory functional response. A useful understanding of this relationship requires us to distinguish between competing models of the functional response, and to robustly estimate the model parameters. Recent advances in this topic have revealed bias in model comparison, as well as in model parameter estimation in functional response studies, mainly attributed to the quality of data. Here, we propose that an adaptive experimental design framework can mitigate these challenges. We then present the first practical demonstration of the improvements it offers over standard experimental design. Our results reveal that adaptive design can efficiently identify the preferred functional response model among the competing models, and can produce much more precise posterior distributions for the estimated functional response parameters. By increasing the efficiency of experimentation, adaptive experimental design will lead to reduced logistical burden.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater from an enclosed college campus serves as an early warning surveillance system
Authors: Kazenelson Jacob , Jefferson Tori , Rhodes Ryan G. , Cahoon Lawrence B. , Frampton Arthur R.
Published: July 2023

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19, is shed from infected persons in respiratory droplets, feces, and urine. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), our group hypothesized that we could detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples collected on a university campus prior to the detection of the virus in individuals on campus. Wastewater samples were collected 3 times a week from 5 locations on the main campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) from July 24, 2020 to December 21, 2020. Post-collection, total RNA was extracted and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the samples was detected by qPCR. SARS-CoV-2 signal was detected on campus beginning on August 19 as classes began and the signal increased in both intensity and breadth as the Fall semester progressed. A comparison of two RNA extraction methods from wastewater showed that SARS-CoV-2 was detected more frequently on filter samples versus the direct extracts. Aligning our wastewater data with the reported SARS-CoV-2 cases on the campus Covid-19 dashboard showed the virus signal was routinely detected in the wastewater prior to clusters of individual cases being reported. These data support the testing of wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and may be used as part of a surveillance program for detecting the virus in a community prior to an outbreak occurring and could ultimately be incorporated with other SARS-CoV-2 metrics to better inform public health enabling a quick response to contain or mitigating spread of the virus.
Exome sequencing reveals IFT172 variants in patients with non-syndromic cholestatic liver disease
Authors: Neřoldová Magdaléna , Ciara Elżbieta , Slatinská Janka , Fraňková Soňa , Lišková Petra , Kotalová Radana , Globinovská Janka , Šafaříková Markéta , Pfeiferová Lucie , Zůnová Hana , Mrázová Lenka , Stránecký Viktor , Vrbacká Alena , Fabián Ondřej , Sticová Eva , Skanderová Daniela , Šperl Jan , Kalousová Marta , Zima Tomáš , Macek Milan , Pawlowska Joanna , Knisely A. S. , Kmoch Stanislav , Jirsa Milan
Published: July 2023

Background and aim

Gene defects contribute to the aetiology of intrahepatic cholestasis. We aimed to explore the outcome of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of 51 patients with this diagnosis.

Patients and methods

Both paediatric (n = 33) and adult (n = 18) patients with cholestatic liver disease of unknown aetiology were eligible. WES was used for reassessment of 34 patients (23 children) without diagnostic genotypes in ABCB11, ATP8B1, ABCB4 or JAG1 demonstrable by previous Sanger sequencing, and for primary assessment of additional 17 patients (10 children). Nasopharyngeal swab mRNA was analysed to address variant pathogenicity in two families.

Results

WES revealed biallelic variation in 3 ciliopathy genes (PKHD1, TMEM67 and IFT172) in 4 clinically unrelated index subjects (3 children and 1 adult), heterozygosity for a known variant in PPOX in one adult index subject, and homozygosity for an unreported splice-site variation in F11R in one child. Whereas phenotypes of the index patients with mutated PKHD1, TMEM67, and PPOX corresponded with those elsewhere reported, how F11R variation underlies liver disease remains unclear. Two unrelated patients harboured different novel biallelic variants in IFT172, a gene implicated in short-rib thoracic dysplasia 10 and Bardet-Biedl syndrome 20. One patient, a homozygote for IFT172 rs780205001 c.167A>C p.(Lys56Thr) born to first cousins, had liver disease, interpreted on biopsy aged 4y as glycogen storage disease, followed by adult-onset nephronophthisis at 25y. The other, a compound heterozygote for novel frameshift variant IFT172 NM_015662.3 c.2070del p.(Met690Ilefs*11) and 2 syntenic missense variants IFT172 rs776310391 c.157T>A p.(Phe53Ile) and rs746462745 c.164C>G p.(Thr55Ser), had a severe 8mo cholestatic episode in early infancy, with persisting hyperbilirubinemia and fibrosis on imaging studies at 17y. No patient had skeletal malformations.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest association of IFT172 variants with non-syndromic cholestatic liver disease.
Purposeful listening in challenging conditions: A study of prediction during consecutive interpreting in noise
Authors: Amos Rhona M. , Hartsuiker Robert J. , Seeber Kilian G. , Pickering Martin J.
Published: July 2023

Prediction is often used during language comprehension. However, studies of prediction have tended to focus on L1 listeners in quiet conditions. Thus, it is unclear how listeners predict outside the laboratory and in specific communicative settings. Here, we report two eye-tracking studies which used a visual-world paradigm to investigate whether prediction during a consecutive interpreting task differs from prediction during a listening task in L2 listeners, and whether L2 listeners are able to predict in the noisy conditions that might be associated with this communicative setting. In a first study, thirty-six Dutch-English bilinguals either just listened to, or else listened to and then consecutively interpreted, predictable sentences presented on speech-shaped sound. In a second study, another thirty-six Dutch-English bilinguals carried out the same tasks in clear speech. Our results suggest that L2 listeners predict the meaning of upcoming words in noisy conditions. However, we did not find that predictive eye movements depended on task, nor that L2 listeners predicted upcoming word form. We also did not find a difference in predictive patterns when we compared our two studies. Thus, L2 listeners predict in noisy circumstances, supporting theories which posit that prediction regularly takes place in comprehension, but we did not find evidence that a subsequent production task or noise affects semantic prediction.
Sentiment Analysis on Social Media Against Public Policy Using Multinomial Naive Bayes
Authors: Zulfikar Wildan Budiawan , Atmadja Aldy Rialdy , Pratama Satrya Fajri
Published: July 2023

Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to analyze text documents from Twitter about public policies in handling COVID-19 that are currently or have been determined. The text documents are classified into positive and negative sentiments by using Multinomial Naive Bayes.Methods:  In this research, CRISP-DM is used as a method for conducting sentiment analysis, starting from the business understanding process, data understanding, data preparation, modeling, and evaluation. Multinomial Naive Bayes has been applied in building classification based on text documents. The results of this study made a model that can be used in classifying texts with maximum accuracy.Result:  The results of this research are focused on the model or pattern generated by the Multinomial Naive Bayes Algorithm. The classification results of social media users' tweets against the new normal policy obtained good results with an accuracy value of 90.25%. After classifying the tweets of social media users regarding the new normal policy, the results show that more than 70% agreed and supported the new normal policy.Novelty:  This study resulted in how classification can be done with Multinomial Naive Bayes and this algorithm can work well in recognizing text sentiments that generate positive or negative opinions regarding public policies handling COVID-19. So, the research provided conclusions about the views of people around the world on new normal public policy.
Optimization study of citrus wastes saccharification by dilute-acid hydrolysis
Authors: Talebnia Farid , Pourbafrani Mohammad , Lundin Magnus , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: July 2023

The effects of time, acid concentration, temperature and solid concentra-tion on dilute-acid hydrolysis of orange peels were investigated. A central composite rotatable experimental design (CCRD) was applied to study the individual effects of these hydrolysis factors and also their inter-dependence effects. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the peels by cellulase, β-glucosidase, and pectinase enzymes resulted in 72% dissolution of the peels, including 18.7% galacturonic acid and 53.3% of a total of glucose, fructose, galactose, and arabinose. Dilute-acid hydrolysis up to 210°C was not able to hydrolyze pectin to galacturonic acid. However, the sugar polymers were hydrolyzed at relatively low temperature. The optimum results were obtained at 116°C, 0.5% sulfuric acid concentration, 6% solid fraction, and 12.9 min retention time. Under these conditions, the total sugars obtained at 41.8% dry peels and 2.6% of total hexose sugars were further degraded to hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). No furfural was detected through these experiments from decomposition of pentoses.
STUDY ON THE TENDENCY OF ACCRETION AND EROSION IN THE CAN GIO COASTAL ZONE
Authors: Bay Nguyen Thi , Phung Nguyen Ky
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the studies on the numerical models to simulate the currents, sediment transport by tide  and wind. The results from the models are used to estimate the tendency of accretion and erosion in the Can  Gio coastal zone. The basic theory in the numerical models is Reynolds equation system combined with the  sediment transport equation and the conservation equation for sediment mass. The computational results of the mass concentration of sediment and the tendency of accretion and erosion in the studied area are in agreement with the satellite photos.
The Contagion of the Subprime Crisis in the Sector Indices of the Brazilian Stock Market: An Approach to Multivariate Conditional Volatility Models
Authors: Ferreira Douglas Marcos , Mattos Leonardo Bornacki de
Published: July 2023

Oscillations within the financial market during the subprime crisis caused an increase in volatility and a fall in asset prices, in addition to increasing the degree of normal market movements. This study analyzed the contagion effect of the international financial crisis on the Brazilian stock market indices upon studying the estimated covariance patterns between the Brazilian and American stock market indices. The empirical analysis was based on the multivariate BEKK-GARCH models. The results showed that the estimation of the covariance structure between 2007 and 2010 had clear evidence of contagion in the indices investigated: Electricity (IEE), Telecommunications (ITEL), Consumption (ICON), Industrial Sector (INDX), Real Estate (IMOB), and Financial (IFNC). During the period of the international financial crisis, there was an increase in the covariance between the American and Brazilian market indices. The IMOB and IFNC indices showed the highest contagions among all the ones analyzed, reflecting the losses of the civil construction industry along with internal and external credit scarcity.
Fuzzy Clustering Algorithms in Combination with Other Segmentation Methods for Videos
Authors: Manwal Manika
Published: July 2023

Segmentation has crucial applications in computer vision, pattern recognition, and the processing of digital information. Video segmentation is a problem that crops up in lots of different contexts, such VOD, DVR, e-learning, GIS, and other similar systems. Pixels are roughly separated using a membership grading system that relies on a way of expanding the basic area. Motion capture and clustering of video segmentation is a major hurdle to overcome when obtaining and storing video data. Fuzzy c-means clustering is used here to divide up a movie into its constituent parts. Fuzzy theory provides a framework for describing scene changes based on fuzzy judgements. Because the data space is partitioned appropriately by the membership functions. The suggested method achieves a high degree of accuracy at a low rate of error.
Design and Development of Medical Image Processing Techniques and to Study their Applications Using Graphical System Design
Authors: Garg Navin
Published: July 2023

In this research, an automated system is developed with the help of ANN and image processing methods. MATLAB provides access to these toolboxes. The MATLAB environment is used to create the entire system. As a classifier, the ANN toolbox employs Feed Forward Back Propagation (FFBP). X-ray pictures are used as input for PTB detection. These X-ray images are used in the application of segmentation and enhancement techniques. Features such as shape and texture are retrieved from the resulting image. The neural network is trained using these features as input. These characteristics are taken into account alongside the outcome of a clinical examination (sputum). After the ANN has been trained, it is put through its paces with a test X-ray picture. Segmentation and enhancement, the first two processes that occurred during training the ANN, will likewise occur during testing. Comparisons are made between the test image's extracted form and texture features and the trained features. The ANN classifier determines whether or not a given case involves tuberculosis. In addition to the classification, a severity check is performed. Architecture (6-2) is used for form characteristics, while architecture (128-40-10-2) is used for gabour features, making this ANN multi-level. The system's output, intermediate steps, etc., are presented to the user via a graphical user interface (GUI).
What Was the Level of Ground Motion across Europe during the Great A.D. 365 Crete Earthquake?
Authors: Causse Mathieu , Maufroy Emeline , André Lucile , Bard Pierre-Yves
Published: July 2023

Historical and archeological data report that an earthquake was felt over the whole eastern Mediterranean on 21 July A.D. 365. The impact of the tsunami it generated, which may have caused several thousands of fatalities, has been widely studied, whereas the impact of the seismic waves has hardly been explored. Here, we present simulations of the ground motion caused by the A.D. 365 event at 316 sites now instrumented by seismological stations throughout Europe. The simulation approach is based on the modeling of a series of rupture scenarios coupled with empirical Green’s functions (EGFs) obtained at the stations from a recent Mw 6.4 earthquake. The broadband and remarkably also the accelerometric records in urbanized areas can be exploited at distances as far as ∼2000 km. Then, we use three empirical models to estimate the macroseismic intensity across Europe from the simulated peak ground accelerations and peak ground velocities. The presence of stations in thick sedimentary basins (lower Danube valley, Po plain, urban accelerometric network in the alpine valley of Grenoble) shows that local basin amplification effects can dominate acceleration values at frequencies favorable to human earthquake perception (~0.5–1 Hz), even for basins located at more than 1500 km from the earthquake. Thus, our simulations indicate that the A.D. 365 earthquake was likely felt by the populations as far as the Po plain and as the city of Grenoble, about 1800 km away, and presumably in other large European basins such as the Pannonian basin. It is possible that the perception of the earthquake up to such distances contributed to its “universal” character perpetuated in archival sources. At closer distances (300–500 km), the simulated intensity levels indicate that the earthquake probably caused no damage.
Implementation of an Online Affirmation Discussion for RN-to-BSN Students
Authors: Lewandowski Sara , Joseph Nitha Mathew , Schaefer Florence , Strunk Faith
Published: July 2023

This article describes a quality improvement project that studied students’ perceptions about how writing affirmations on an online discussion board helped them transition into the first semester of an RN-to-BSN online program. Analysis of students’ responses revealed themes (Transition to a New Group, Enhanced Critical Thinking, and Focus on Client-Centered Care) that aligned with holistic nursing practice and nursing role development.
Perceived Impact of a Relationship-Based Care Curriculum
Authors: Haertl Kristine Lynn , Theismann Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

Authentic client-centered practice is integral to positive health-care outcomes. This study examined facilitator perspectives of the See Me as a Person (SMAAP) relationship-based health-care curriculum.

Methods

Qualitative phenomenological interviews were conducted with five facilitators of the SMAAP curriculum. The principal question and sub questions explored the facilitation and teaching methods, perceived impact of the curriculum, and the impact on healthcare practice.

Findings

The concepts in the SMAAP curriculum are translatable into practice and may improve health care; organizational culture, leadership, and time constraints influence impact.

Conclusion

Relationship-based practice training can positively affect health-care delivery. Practitioners must be dedicated to the learning process; implementation should go beyond short-term training.
Comparison of k-mer-based de novo comparative metagenomic tools and approaches
Authors: Ponsero Alise Jany , Miller Matthew , Hurwitz Bonnie Louise
Published: July 2023

Aim: Comparative metagenomic analysis requires measuring a pairwise similarity between metagenomes in the dataset. Reference-based methods that compute a beta-diversity distance between two metagenomes are highly dependent on the quality and completeness of the reference database, and their application on less studied microbiota can be challenging. On the other hand, de-novo comparative metagenomic methods only rely on the sequence composition of metagenomes to compare datasets. While each one of these approaches has its strengths and limitations, their comparison is currently limited.

Methods: We developed sets of simulated short-reads metagenomes to (1) compare k-mer-based and taxonomy-based distances and evaluate the impact of technical and biological variables on these metrics and (2) evaluate the effect of k-mer sketching and filtering. We used a real-world metagenomic dataset to provide an overview of the currently available tools for de novo metagenomic comparative analysis.

Results: Using simulated metagenomes of known composition and controlled error rate, we showed that k-mer-based distance metrics were well correlated to the taxonomic distance metric for quantitative Beta-diversity metrics, but the correlation was low for presence/absence distances. The community complexity in terms of taxa richness and the sequencing depth significantly affected the quality of the k-mer-based distances, while the impact of low amounts of sequence contamination and sequencing error was limited. Finally, we benchmarked currently available de-novo comparative metagenomic tools and compared their output on two datasets of fecal metagenomes and showed that most k-mer-based tools were able to recapitulate the data structure observed using taxonomic approaches.

Conclusion: This study expands our understanding of the strength and limitations of k-mer-based de novo comparative metagenomic approaches and aims to provide concrete guidelines for researchers interested in applying these approaches to their metagenomic datasets.
First-Principles investigation of the thermal properties of the XO (X = Be, Mg and Sr) nanosheet
Authors: Abdullah Botan Jawdat
Published: July 2023

The electronic structures and thermal characteristics of hexagonal XO nanosheets (where X = Be, Mg, and Sr) are investigated using the density functional theory. The electronic structures, including band structure and partial density of states are investigated, and it is found that BeO is an insulator, whereas MgO and SrO are semiconductors, according to the energy gap range of these three nanosheets. Thermal properties including as entropy, enthalpy, free energy, and heat capacity for XO nanosheets are identified and investigated in this study. Due to differences in the electronegativity and bonding nature of XO nanosheets, the thermodynamic parameters change dramatically with a similar trend as function of temperature. Enthalpy and entropy increase with temperature whereas free energy falls, owing to a change in the binary oxide internal energy of the system and the electron density distribution. Thermal energy is absorbed by lattices at low temperatures, and they grow until the point at which all of the lattices are enhanced and the system starts to produce lattice unharmonicity of the linear dependence. Varied ranges for the XO nanosheets’ parameters can be advantageous for thermoelectric nanodevices.
Fast catalytic degradation of organic dyes in aqueous media using copper sulfate deposited on biowaste-derived hydroxyapatite
Authors: Yarahmadi Hossein , Sheibani Reza
Published: July 2023

Conversion of biowastes into valuable products will assist sustainable development and waste management. Eggshell could be used as a bio-template for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite and widely applied in the field of catalytic processes. In this study, copper sulfate supported on hydroxyapatite (CuSO4@HAP) was rationally fabricated using biowaste eggshells (ES) by hydrothermal method and it was used for the fast catalytic degradation of organic pollutant dyes (OPDs) such as methylene blue (MB), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in aqueous media. The physical and chemical properties of CuSO4@HAP were characterized via FTIR, XRD, BET, TEM, FE-SEM/EDS, and elemental mapping analyses. Results indicated that the synthesized catalyst was crystalline with great purity, homogeneous with fine particles, and mesoporous with a high specific surface area. Besides, the reaction progress was evaluated using a double-beam UV-vis spectrophotometer. The reaction conversion (%) under optimal conditions rapidly increased to an equilibrium state (99% for 4-NP, 96% for 4-NA, and 99.5% for MB) within a short time (t < 10 min). In addition, the catalytic rate constant of MB, 4-NP, and 4-NA in the presence of NaBH4 and CuSO4@HAP was calculated to be about 0.514, 0.492, and 0.317 min− 1, respectively. This study demonstrates the potential use of natural HAP-derived catalyst from biowaste eggshell with high efficiency and stability for degrading OPDs under mild reaction conditions. Additionally, CuSO4@HAP could be effectively separated and reused for four cycles with almost the same catalytic efficacy.
Effect of Bitter Orange Blossom Distillate on Anxiety and Sleep Disorder in Mothers with Infants Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care unit: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Dehghan Zahra , amiri Seyedeh Roghaye Jafarian , Mozaffarpur Seyyed Ali , Shirafkan Hoda , Arzani Afsaneh
Published: July 2023

Background:Mothers of neonates admitted to the intensive care unit are prone to sleep disorders due to stress and anxiety. Some herbs have anti-anxiety and sedative properties.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bitter orange blossom distillate on anxiety and sleep disorder in mothers with infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit.
Methods:This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2021on 60 mothers with NICU-admitted infants in one of the medical teaching centers affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences,Iran. Permuted block randomization was used to assign the mothers to the experimental (bitter orange blossom distillate syrup)and control groups(syrup prepared from water and sugar).Given the impossibility of blinding the participants, allocation concealment was used to prevent the researcher from predicting the future allocation of the samples to the groups. In addition, the statistical consultant received coded data pertaining to the type of intervention in each group.A demographic questionnaire,the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the General Sleep Disorder Scale were employed to collect data.We assessed the level of anxiety and sleep disorder (in both groups before the intervention and again after the last day of the intervention). Data were analyzed using SPSS V22 software. P value less than 0.05was considered significant.
Reasults: The mean and standard deviation of the sleep disorder score in the intervention group from (50.26±5.81) to (44.70±6.94) and in the control group from (50.46±6.95) to(48.53±8.62)changed. The covariance test showed that bitter orange blossom distillate syrup has a significant effect on the improvement of sleep disorders (P=0.01, Effect size=0.09), but there was no significant difference in the anxiety level of mothers(P> 0.05, Effect size < 0.06).
Conclusions:Due to the positive effect of bitter orange blossom distillate syrup on sleep disorders of mothers with hospitalized babies, this low-cost and low-risk intervention is recommended.
Trial registration: IRCTID: IRCT20201209049666N1. Registered 15-04-2021. Retrospectively registered. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/es/central/doi/10.1002/central/CN-02280085/full
https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=IRCT20201209049666N1, 2021
Solitary waves management in α-helix protein chain with long-range interactions and asymmetric molecular vibrations
Authors: Fewu J. C. Mimshe , Belobo D. Belobo , Ondoua R.Y.
Published: July 2023

A three-stranded α-helix protein chain model with long-rangeinteractions, whose dynamic, in the continuum limit approximation isgoverned by three coupled nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger equation typesis investigated. Applying the trial equation method, two- andfour-bright solitary wave solutions are constructed to explain theexciton dynamic through the protein chains. Intensive numericalsimulations allow to check the influence of key system parameters onthe dynamic of the solutions. It appears that nonlinear couplings,long-range interactions, asymmetric molecular vibrations, and thewave's velocity deeply alter the widths and amplitudes of oursolitary waves, two salient features which mean that the abovementioned parameters have a major impact on bioenergy transport inprotein chains. In the same vein, the number of solitary waves whichpropagate through the protein chain may be controlled by either thewave velocity, the asymmetric molecular vibrations strength or thelong-range interaction strength provided that values of the latterparameters are set below or above critical values identified.
Pre-hospital endotracheal intubation in traumatic brain injury – ventilation targets and mortality. A retrospective analysis of 308 patients
Authors: Knapp Jürgen , Doppmann Pascal , Huber Markus , Meuli Lorenz , Albrecht Roland , Sollid Stephen , Pietsch Urs
Published: July 2023

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains one of the main causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Maintaining physiology of brain tissue to the greatest extent possible through optimal management of blood pressure, airway, ventilation, and oxygenation, improves patient outcome. We studied the quality of prehospital care in TBI patients by analyzing adherence to recommended target ranges for ventilation and blood pressure, prehospital time expenditure, and their effect on mortality, as well as quality of prehospital ventilation assessed by arterial partial pressure of CO2 (paCO2) at hospital admission.
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all TBI patients requiring tracheal intubation on scene who were transported to one of two major level 1 trauma centers in Switzerland between January 2014 and December 2019 by Swiss Air Rescue (Rega). We assessed systolic blood pressure (SBP), end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (petCO2), and paCO2 at hospital admission as well as prehospital and on-scene time. Quality markers of prehospital care (petCO2, SBP, prehospital times) and prehospital ventilation (paCO2) are presented as descriptive analysis. Effect on mortality was calculated by multivariable regression analysis and a logistic general additive model.
Results: Of 557 patients after exclusions, 308 were analyzed. Adherence to blood pressure recommendations was 89%. According to petCO2 45% were normoventilated, and 29% had a SBP ≥90 mmHg and were normoventilated. Due to the poor correlation between paCO2 and petCO2, only 33% were normocapnic at hospital admission. Normocapnia at hospital admission was strongly associated with reduced probability of mortality. Prehospital and on-scene times had no impact on mortality.
Conclusions: paCO2 at hospital admission is strongly associated with mortality risk, but normocapnia is achieved only in a minority of patients. Therefore, the time required for placement of an arterial cannula and prehospital blood gas analysis may be warranted in TBI patients requiring on-scene tracheal intubation.
Nonlinear Indicial Functions for Modelling Aeroelastic Forces of Bluff Bodies
Authors: Gao Guangzhong , Zhu Ledong , Øiseth Ole Andre
Published: July 2023

This study introduces a novel time-domain model of nonlinear indicial functions to capture the amplitude dependency of self-excited forces in aeroelastic instabilities, including flutter, vortex-induced vibration (VIV), and unsteady galloping. The model aims to reproduce the nonlinear aerodynamic forces that arise from large amplitude oscillations causing variations in the transient wind angle of attack. The model assumes that the decay coefficients in the indicial functions can be taken as nonlinear functions of the transient angle of attack induced by the body motion, enabling the incorporation of both amplitude dependency and memory effect within a simple time domain model. The proposed model is experimentally validated considering an unsteady galloping test of an elastically supported rectangular 2:1 cylinder sectional model.
Modeling Mass Removal and Sediment Deposition in Stormwater Ponds Using Floating Treatment Islands: A Computational Approach
Authors: Xavier Manoel Lucas Machado , Janzen Johannes Gerson , Nepf Heidi
Published: July 2023

Floating Treatment Islands (FTIs) offers effective solutions for stormwater management, providing flood attenuation and pollutant removal capabilities. However, there remains a knowledge gap concerning their performance, specifically in terms of pollutant removal and sediment deposition. To address this gap, the present study employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to investigate the intricate interactions within FTI systems. Various FTI configurations are analyzed, considering mass removal through FTIs and sediment deposition. The findings demonstrate that FTIs have a significant influence on flow patterns and mass removal. Notably, FTIs enhance mass removal compared to the control case, with larger sediment particles exhibiting higher removal rates. The correlation between the short-circuit index and sedimentation in FTI ponds highlights the potential of FTIs as indicators of treatment efficiency. Furthermore, the study focuses on mass removal exclusively through the FTI root zones. The positioning of FTIs within the pond has a considerable impact, resulting in differences of up to 20% in mass removal. Moreover, the FTI configuration exerts a more pronounced influence on mass removal through FTIs than through sediment deposition alone. In cases where both processes occur simultaneously, the presence of FTIs lead to higher mass removal, primarily attributed to the FTIs themselves, particularly in the initial segment. Remarkably, certain FTI configurations enable mass removal exceeding 70% for large sediment particles, even with a pond length less than half of the original.
Clinical characteristics of a pediatric cohort of patients with combined pituitary insufficiency caused by mutations of the PROP1 gene
Authors: Zygmunt-Górska Agata , Wójcik Małgorzata , Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra , Starmach Anna , Bik-Multanowski Mirosław , Starzyk Jerzy B.
Published: July 2023

The most commonly identified genetic cause of combined pituitary deficiency (CPHD) are PROP1 gene mutations.
The aim of the study was to compare selected clinical features of patients with CPHD caused by mutations of the PROP1 gene (CPHD-PROP1) and patients with inborn CPHD of other etiology (CPHD-nonPROP1).
Material and Methods: The retrospective analysis included childhood medical records of 74 patients (32 female) with CPHD, including 43 patients (23 female) with the mutation in the PROP1 gene.
Results: Patients with CPHD-PROP1 compared to the CPHD-nonPROP1 presented with: significantly higher mean birth weight (0.2 vs. -0.3 SDS, p=0.019), lower growth velocity within 3 years preceding growth hormone administration (-2.7 vs. -0.8 SDS, p<0.05), higher mean maximal blood concentration of growth hormone in the stimulation (1.2 vs. 1.08 ng/mL, p=0.0025), lower TSH (1.8 μIU/mL vs. 2.4 μIU/mL, p=0.0002) and prolactin (128 vs. 416.3 μIU/mL, p<0.001) concentrations, and less frequent typical signs of hypogonadism at birth in boys (n=6; 30% vs. n=12, 54%, p=0.0002). Secondary adrenal insufficiency was less frequent in CPHD-PROP1 (20 vs. 25 cases, p=0.006), and occurred at a later age (13.4 vs. 10.4 years). MRI of the pituitary gland in CPHD-PROP1 revealed: small pituitary gland (21 cases), pituitary gland enlargement (8 cases), 1 pituitary stalk interruption and posterior lobe ectopy, in 9 cases normal.
Conclusion: Patients with the PROP1mutations present a clinical picture significantly different from other forms of congenital hypopituitarism.
CD34+ cell transplantation alleviates fibrotic liver injury via innate immune modulation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mice
Authors: Masuda Atsutaka , Nakamura Toru , Iwamoto Hideki , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Sakaue Takahiko , Tanaka Toshimitsu , Imamura Yasuko , Mori Nobuyuki , Koga Hironori , Kawaguchi Takumi
Published: July 2023

Background/purpose of the study:
In drug-induced liver injury, vascular endothelial progenitor cells, specifically the CD34+ cell fractions, have been found to decrease liver fibrosis and promote regeneration. However, it is unclear whether CD34+ cell transplantation has anti-fibrogenic effects on NASH, which has been treated effectively with anti-angiogenic therapy. We investigated the efficacy of ex vivo-expanded CD34+ cells in treating NASH livers.
Methods
CD34+ cells were isolated from mice bone marrow and effectively expanded over 7 days. The mice were assigned to either a normal chow diet or a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet, which was followed for 12 and 20 weeks to create a mild and severe fibrosis model, respectively.
Results
Expanded CD34+ cell transplantation ameliorated liver fibrosis, regardless of fibrosis degree, as indicated by the decrease in α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells, hydroxyproline concentration, and fibrogenic gene expression of Col1a1 and Timp1. Furthermore, engrafted CD34+ cells reduced alanine transaminase levels, the number of TUNEL+ hepatocytes, and 8-OHdG concentration. RNA-sequencing data showed that "defense response to virus" was the most down-regulated category in the Gene Ontology analysis and subsequent analysis revealed the suppression of RIG-I-like receptors/IRF7/STAT1/CXCL10 axis in expanded CD34+ cell-transplanted livers. Finally, the downregulation of CXCL10 expression inhibits the mobilization of inflammatory immune cells, macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells to the NASH liver.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that transplanted expanded CD34+ cells alleviate fibrotic liver injury in NASH mouse models through possible modulation of the innate immune response, which is abnormally activated by hepatocyte lipotoxicity.
“I do not want an ambulance, I just need help” A Qualitative Study of Callers’ Experience of Calls to the Emergency Medical Communication Center
Authors: Spjeldnæs Trine Berglie , Nilsen Kristine A. Vik , Myrmel Lars , Sørnes Jan-Oddvar , Brattebø Guttorm
Published: July 2023

Background
The Emergency Medical Communications Center (EMCC) is essential in emergencies and often represents the public’s first encounter with the healthcare system. Previous research has mainly focused on the dispatcher’s perspective. Therefore, there is a lack of insight into the callers’ perspectives, the attainment of which may contribute significantly to improving the quality of this vital public service. Most calls are now made from mobile phones, opening up novel approaches for obtaining caller feedback using tools such as short-message services (SMS). Thus, this study aims to obtain a better understanding of callers’ actual experiences and how they perceived their interaction with the EMCC.
Methods
A combination of quantitative and qualitative study methods was used. An SMS survey was sent to the mobile phone numbers of everyone who had contacted 113 during the last months. This was followed by 31 in-depth interviews with people either satisfied or dissatisfied. Grounded theory and phenomenology inspired the interviews.
Results
We received 1680 (35%) responses to the SMS survey, sent to 4807 unique numbers. Most respondents (88%) were satisfied, evaluating their experience as 5 or 6 on a six-point scale, whereas 5% answered with 1 or 2. The interviews revealed that callers were in distress before calling 113. By actively listening and taking the caller seriously, and affirming that it was the right choice to call the emergency number, the EMCC make callers experience a feeling of help and satisfaction, regardless of whether an ambulance was dispatched to their location.
If callers did not feel taken seriously or listened to, they were less satisfied. A negative experience may lead to a higher distress threshold and an adjusted strategy before the caller makes contact 113 next time. Callers with positive experiences expressed more trust in the healthcare systems.
Conclusions
For the callers, the most important was being taken seriously and listened to. Additionally, they welcomed that dispatchers express empathy and affirm that callers made the right choice to call EMCC, as this positively affects communication with callers. The 113 calls aimed to cooperate in finding a solution to the caller’s problem.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy and vertical transmission: case reports and peptide-specific cellmediated immune responses.
Authors: Soudeyns Hugo , Hindle Stéphanie , Depatureaux Agnès , Fortin-Dion Samuel , Dieumegard Hinatea , Renaud Christian , Therrien Christian , Fallet-Bianco Catherine , Lamarre Valérie , Boucoiran Isabelle
Published: July 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnant women is associated with birth defects which are more prevalent and severe the earlier in pregnancy the infection occurs. Pregnant women at risk of possible ZIKV exposure (n = 154) were screened using ELISA for ZIKV IgM and IgG. Plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) confirmed ZIKV infection in 9 cases (5.84%). Two cases of vertical ZIKV transmission were confirmed by PCR. One infant showed no signs of birth defects and had a normal developmental profile despite first trimester maternal infection. In the second case, pregnancy was terminated. Production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from pregnant women and umbilical cord blood was measured using enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot) following stimulation with panels of synthetic peptides derived from the sequence of ZIKV proteins. This analysis revealed that among all peptide pools tested, those derived from the ZIKV envelope protein generated the strongest IFN-γ response.
Therapeutic effect and transcriptome-methylome characteristics of METTL3 inhibition in liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Qingbin , Qi Jingjing , Li Weiyang , Tian Xinchen , Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Fen , Lu Xiulian , Zang Hengchang , Liu Chenqiao , Ma Changlin , Yu Yong , Jiang Shulong
Published: July 2023

Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is the key subunit of methyltransferase complex responsible for catalyzing N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on mRNA, which is the most prevalent post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes. In this study, we utilized online databases to analyze the association between METTL3 expression and various aspects of tumorigenesis, including gene methylation, immunity, and prognosis. Our investigation revealed that METTL3 serves as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). Through experimental studies, we observed frequent upregulation of METTL3 in LIHC tumor tissue and cells. Subsequent inhibition of METTL3 using a novel small molecule inhibitor, STM2457, significantly impeded tumor growth in LIHC cell lines, spheroids, and xenograft tumor model. Further, transcriptome and m6A sequencing of xenograft bodies unveiled that inhibition of METTL3-m6A altered genes enriched in SMAD and MAPK signaling pathways that are critical for tumorigenesis. These findings suggest that targeting METTL3 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for LIHC.
WITHDRAWN: Impact of the surface roughness on the net lift of a compressible slider including the effect of wear
Authors: FOURT Erwan , ARGHIR Mihai
Published: July 2023

The paper deals with the impact of surface roughness on the net lift of a compressible slider. The problem appears for gas seals and aerodynamic bearings operating at very low film thickness during start-up and shutdown. By using a Weibull distribution of the thin film heights, the influence of the surface roughness is tackled by analyzing the impact of its standard deviation, of its autocorrelation length and of its shape parameter. This latter enables to simulate new and worn surfaces. The analysis is statistically performed by reporting average values and standard deviations for all values of the net lift force. Both an inclined and a parallel rough slider are analyzed. The results show that the compressible thin film flow between two very closely spaced surfaces (convergent or parallel) can generate a net lift that increases with the standard deviation of the combined roughness and decreases for worn surfaces. The lift effect is explained by the high compressibility of the lubricant (air in this case) which generates higher pressures than the under-pressures with respect to the ambient level.