bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Art Therapy Unmasked: Evaluating Emotional Shifts in Art Therapy Masks
Authors: Gonzalez Vicente Estrada , Meletaki Vasiliki , Walker Melissa , Sosa Janell Payano , Stamper Adrienne , Srikanch Rujirutana , King Juliet , Scott Kayleigh , Cardillo Eileen , Rhodes Sours , Christensen Alexander P. , Darda Kohinoor M. , Workman Clifford I. , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: September 2023

Among the disabling post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms are irritability, aggressive behavior, distressing memories and general impaired cognition and negative mood. Art therapy interventions, including mask-making, can potentially alleviate these symptoms. We tested the hypothesis that art conveys emotions and predicted that blinded viewers would be able to perceive changes in theoretically derived emotional profiles expressed in art made by military personnel with PTSS from the onset to the end of therapy. Five service members and veterans exhibiting PTSS were enrolled in an 8-session art therapy protocol, during which they artistically transformed papier-mâché masks at the beginning and end of the protocol. We found that blinded viewers without knowledge of the masks' creation stage (onset or end of therapy) read initial masks as conveying more negative emotions (e.g., angry, upset, and challenged) and later masks as conveying more positive emotions (calm and pleasure). Based on the assessments from the blinded evaluators, we infer the emotional transition experienced by the participants was expressed in the masks. In an exploratory arm of the study, we also found that viewers were better able to empathize with the negative emotions experienced by participants with PTSS when asked to explicitly take their perspective.
Development, characterization, and multiplex reaction of microsatellite loci in Lithraea molleoides (Anacardiaceae), a dominant tree from the mountains of Gran Chaco
Authors: Chiapero Ana Laura , Acosta María Cristina , Harvey Nick , Aguilar Ramiro , Ashworth Lorena
Published: September 2023

We develop and characterize 14 microsatellite primers in Lithraea molleoides, a dominant dioecious native tree to Gran Chaco mountains. Five of them were optimized for multiplex PCR and evaluated in natural populations of the species. In order to analyze the level of polymorphism, 63 individuals of L. molleoides were assessed from two localities of central Argentina. Two to six alleles per locus were found with an average effective number of 1.82 alleles. The mean expected heterozygosity in each studied locality was 0.405 and 0.436. In view of generating tools for the conservation of species in a context of ongoing habitat loss, this set of newly developed microsatellite markers will be fundamental for assessing the genetic diversity and differentiation, as well as gene flow patterns of L. molleoides populations throughout its distribution range.
The built environment, bus routes and bus ridership: multi-level analysis for the Buffalo area
Authors: Wang Chihuangji , Park Jiyoung
Published: September 2023

To prioritize public transit and make it more appealing, particularly in mid-sized cities on the rustbelt, it is essential to understand how the built environment affects transit ridership. Although many studies have looked at factors that influence ridership, there's still a need for a methodological design that considers both route and environment characteristics for bus ridership. This study examined daily ridership of 3,794 bus stops across 57 routes in Erie County, New York, and used random coefficients models to account for different levels of characteristics (bus-stop-level, route-level, and Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ)-level). The study found that bus frequency was positively correlated with ridership, while total route stops had a negative effect. By controlling for the impact of bus routes, the study showed that the multi-level design using random coefficients models was more effective than traditional models in quantifying the impact of bus routes and TAZs. These findings provide local policy implications for route design, bus operation, and transit resource allocation, especially for mid-size cities that experienced urban sprawl.
Carbon Cycle in A Steelmaking Mill: Recycling of Kish Graphite and Its Subsequent Application for Steelmaking Carburant
Authors: Li Jihui , Xu Zeyang , Yang Ronghao , Ren Lingling , Ma Liqiang , Huang Gen , Zhang Shuang , Huang Zhenghong
Published: September 2023

The reclamation management of the solid waste produced by iron and steel enterprises is an urgent problem. The recycling and utilization of kish graphite associated with steel slag are of great significance to achieve a circular economy and environmental protection. This study explored a recycling process that combined gravity separation and flotation, and the feasibility of carburant preparation from kish graphite was determined. During the recycling process, the concentrate of a teeter bed separator went into a flotation tank, then the rougher flotation concentrate was re-ground four times and underwent cleaning flotation five times. The final concentrate held a yield of 20.28%, a grade of 94.85%, and a recovery rate of 95.32% and a kish-graphite-based carburant was prepared. The results indicated that recycling the kish graphite from steelmaking slag with a gravity-flotation process and using it as a carburant for steelmaking is a feasible route for its resource utilisation and an effective carbon emission reduction technology.
A facile method to determine the molar mass of soft nanoparticles
Authors: Thomas Schmidt , Moritz Becker , Frédéric Grabowski , Andreas Jupke , Andrij Pich , Dominik Wöll
Published: September 2023

The determination of the molar mass of soft nanoparticles is essential to estimate their (molar) concentration in dispersions. Methods to measure this quantity are, however, challenging. We describe a facile way to determine the molar mass of (soft) nanoparticles via counting their amount per volume using a widefield fluorescence microscope. As model system we applied it to microgels, but it is applicable to other types of stainable nanoparticles. The method does not require covalent labeling or modification of the nanoparticles. The dispersion is simply mixed with a Nile Red solution in a defined ratio and measured in an optical fluorescence microscope to which most researchers in the field have access.
Rapid Response Systems: Bibliometric and Visual Analysis
Authors: Long Jianying , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhong Mingming , Sun Shanshan , Ouyang Guoyuan , Wang Min , Zhang Zhigang
Published: September 2023

Background: Rapid response system (RRS) is a medical intervention system introduced to handle clinical deterioration and adverse events in hospitalized patients, which has significant implications for improving patient safety and outcomes. However, there is a lack of bibliometric studies on rapid response systems.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the status, hotspots, and emerging trends in medical rapid response systems.
Methods: We conducted a search on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) for studies on rapid response systems in healthcare institutions from 2003 to 2023. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to analyze countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords.
Results: The analysis included 3283 articles, showing a consistent increase in annual publications. The research covered various categories, including healthcare institutions, informatics, multidisciplinary knowledge, and clinical departments. The United States was the leading country in rapid response systems research, and universities were the primary research institutions. The most prolific author was Daryl Jones (56 publications), and the journal with the highest number of publications was RESUSCITATION (187 publications). The most co-cited and cited publications were authored by Singer M and Soar, Jasmeet, respectively. We concluded that current hot topics include "early warning scores", "medical emergency teams", "mortality", "intensive care" and "sepsis." Future research trends will focus on "sepsis and organ failure assessment," "artificial intelligence," and "accuracy."
Conclusion: Rapid response system is gradually attracting the attention of scholars. How to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of rapid response system implementation is a problem that needs to be studied and solved in the future.
Critical care pharmacy service provision and workforce in adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centres: a multicentre cross-sectional survey
Authors: Remmington Christopher , Cameron Lynda , Hanks Fraser , Liang Ya-Hui , Barrow Linda , Coxhead Ruth , Mehta Reena , Bhudia Nisha , Lyster Haifa , Cooke Sarah , Gilmartin James , Lee Phillisa , Sloss Rhona , McKenzie Cathrine
Published: September 2023

Background
There is good evidence describing pharmacy workforce and service provision in general critical care units. However, no data exists from adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) centres.
Aim
To describe workforce characteristics, pharmacy service provision, and pharmaceutical care activities in critical care units providing an adult ECMO service in the United Kingdom (UK), and compare to national staffing standards for critical care units.
Method
We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional electronic survey inviting one pharmacy professional response per UK ECMO centre.
Results
The survey response rate was 90.9%: representatives of 10/11 tertiary hospitals providing ECMO services responded. The median ratio of critical care pharmacists per critical care bed was 1:12.1 (interquartile range (IQR) – 1:9.4 – 1:14.9). Most centres (90.0%) did not meet national standards for pharmacy professionals to critical care bed staffing ratios for weekday services. Total critical care beds covered by the critical care pharmacy team varied across the UK: median (IQR) – 45 (37-80) beds. Two centres funded pharmacist time for ECMO activity, and one centre funded a pharmacy technician post. Median peak ECMO activity was 4 ECMO patients in a single day (IQR: 3-5). Most respondents reported reduced pharmacy service at weekends compared to weekday, with limited on-site support.
Conclusion
Most responding ECMO centres reported pharmacy staffing ratios below nationally agreed critical care standards. There was high variability in clinical pharmacy services to ECMO patients over 7 days. Future work should address the gap in clinical pharmacy services, the 7-day service and ensure adequate technician provision across each ECMO centre.
Impact Statements
· Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides advanced respiratory and/or cardiac support to patients when conventional therapies on the critical care unit have failed.
· ECMO patients have a high disease severity and pharmaceutical complexity.
· Most responding ECMO centres reported pharmacy staffing ratios below nationally agreed standards.
· High variability exists in clinical pharmacy services to ECMO patients over 7 days.
· Future work should address gaps in clinical pharmacy workforce, including pharmacy technicians and consultant pharmacists, and clinical pharmacy services over 7 days.
High-Speed and Area Efficient Low-Power Dynamic Parity Generator and Parity Checker
Authors: Verma Preeti , Sharma Ajay K , Pandey V. S. , Dhandapani Vaithiyanathan
Published: September 2023

Strategic detection of an error using a parity generator and parity checker is indispensable and enforces the design engineer to optimize upscale performance. Even advanced modern communication systems can have errors due to losses/noise. This paper brings to light the design of the superior high-speed, low-power 3-bit dynamic parity generator and checker. Two, four, eight, and sixteen-bit XOR gates have been implemented using previous and proposed techniques. The proposed true single-phase dynamic XOR gate builds the parity checker and generator circuits. The proposed dynamic XOR gate, designed 3-bit parity generator, and checker circuits are compared with recently reported techniques. All circuits have been simulated using Cadence Specter on 90nm technology parameters and tested up to 1 GHz of clock frequency. Comparison is made to showcase the superiority of the proposed design in terms of power consumption, propagation delay, PDP (93.8%), EDP (98.8%), number of transistors, the figure of merit, and unity noise gain. This new 3-bit dynamic parity generator and checker would add a colossal perspective for a design engineer.
Understanding the capacity of children with congenital unilateral below-elbow deficiency to actuate their affected muscles
Authors: Battraw Marcus , Fitzgerald Justin , Joiner Wilsaan , James Michelle , Bagley Anita , Schofield Jonathon
Published: September 2023

In recent years, commercially available dexterous upper limb prostheses for children have begun to emerge. These devices derive control signals from surface electromyography (measure of affected muscle electrical activity, sEMG) to drive a variety of grasping motions. However, the ability for children with congenital upper limb deficiency to actuate their affected muscles to achieve naturalistic prosthetic control is not well understood, as compared to adults or children with acquired hand loss. To address this gap, we collected sEMG data from 9 congenital one-handed participants ages 8–20 years as they envisioned and attempted to perform 10 different movements with their missing hands. Seven sEMG electrodes were adhered circumferentially around the participant's affected and unaffected limbs and participants mirrored the attempted missing hand motions with their intact side. To analyze the collected sEMG data, we used time and frequency domain analyses. We found that for the majority of participants, attempted hand grasps produced detectable and consistent muscle activity, and the capacity to achieve this was not dissimilar across the affected and unaffected sides. These data suggest that children with congenital hand absence retain a degree of control over their affected muscles, which has important implications for translating and refining advanced prosthetic control technologies for children.
Association between metabolites in tryptophan-kynurenine pathway and inflammatory bowel disease: A two-sample mendelian randomization
Authors: YU FQ , Du Yutong , Li Cong , Zhang Haiyan , Lai Weiming , Li Sheng , Ye Zhenhao , Fu Wenbin , Li Shumin , Li Xiang-Guang , Luo Ding
Published: September 2023

Previous observational studies have suggested an association between tryptophan (TRP) -kynurenine (KYN) pathway and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, whether there is a causal relationship among them remains unclear. Therefore, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to explore the potential causal effects of crucial metabolites in TRP-KYN pathway on IBD and its subtypes. Using summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs), a two-sample MR was employed to evaluate the genetic associations between TRP or KYN as exposures and IBD as an outcome. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary MR analysis, with MR–Egger, weighted mode, simple mode, and weighted median methods as complementary analyses. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for TRP-IBD (OR=0.739, 95% CI: [0.697;0.783]), TRP-UC (OR=0.875, 95% CI: [0.814;0.942]), TRP-CD (OR=0.685, 95% CI: [0.613;0.765]), KYN-IBD (OR=6.872, 95% CI: [3.414-13.835]), KYN- UC (OR =3.023, 95% CI: [1.615-5.657], and KYN-CD (OR=18.449, 95% CI: [7.209-47.209]). Collectively, the MR analysis demonstrated a significant protective association between TRP and IBD, whereas KYN was identified as a risk factor for IBD.
Shape memory hydrogel containing cucurbit[6]uril-carbon dots: unique recognition of metal ions
Authors: Yang Yefang , Huang Xiaoling
Published: September 2023

With the development of industry, more attention has been paid to the detection of metal ions in wastewater, especially with portable detection probes. Here, we prepared a multiple shape memory hydrogel containing cucurbit[6]uril-carbon dots, which can specifically recognize Fe3+ ions and Hg2+ ions. The self-assembly binding mode between CB [6] groups and carbon dots improves the structural stability of the hydrogel. The hydrogel is light yellow in natural light; It shows brown maple in the presence of Fe3+ions and bright white in the presence of Hg2+ions, indicating the adsorption of iron and mercury ions on the hydrogel. The fluorescence quenching of hydrogel is caused by ultraviolet competitive absorption of Fe3+ ions or Hg2+ ions, and the detection limit can reach 10-7 M. This visualized gel probe facilitates the development of portable detection devices. Meanwhile, the dynamic covalent borate bonds, acylhydrazone bonds and reversible crystallization of polyvinyl alcohol chains were used to achieve the shape transformation and excellent mechanical properties of the hydrogel. This supported the need for specific shapes under extreme conditions of detection.
Evaluating the relationship between ocular blood flow and systemic organ blood flow in hemorrhagic shock using a rabbit model
Authors: Watanabe Kento , Shiba Tomoaki , Takahara Akira , Honma Hiroshi , Komatsu Tetsuya , Tanino Yusuke , Nagasawa Yoshinobu , Aimoto Megumi , Hori Yuichi
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of utilizing noninvasive ocular blood flow measurements as a potential indicator of systemic circulation in rabbits experiencing hemorrhagic shock. Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy, ocular blood flow indices, relative flow volume (RFV), and mean blur rate in the choroidal area (MBR-CH) were assessed in New Zealand White rabbits (n = 10) subjected to controlled blood removal and return. Hemodynamic parameters and biochemical markers were monitored alongside ocular circulation during blood removal and return phases. Additionally, correlations between ocular parameters and systemic indices were examined. The results indicated that RFV and MBR-CH exhibited significant correlations with renal and intestinal blood flows, with stronger correlations observed during blood removal. Additionally, ocular blood flow changes closely mirrored systemic dynamics, suggesting its potential as a real-time indicator of shock progression and recovery. These findings indicate that ocular blood flow measurements may serve as real-time indicators of systemic circulation status during hemorrhagic shock, offering potential insights into shock management and guiding tailored interventions. Thus, noninvasive ocular blood flow evaluation holds promise as an innovative tool for assessing systemic circulation dynamics during hemorrhagic shock.
Impact of Ultrasound on the Motion of Compact Particles and Acousto-responsive Microgels
Authors: Stock Sebastian , von Klitzing Regine , Rahimzadeh Amin
Published: September 2023

In this report, we investigate dynamic light scattering (DLS) from both randomly diffusing silica particles and acousto-responsive microgels in aqueous dispersions under ultrasonic vibration. Employing high-frequency ultrasound (US) with low amplitude ensures that the polymers remain intact without damage. We derive theoretical expressions for the homodyne autocorrelation function, incorporating the US term alongside the diffusion term. Subsequently, we successfully combine US with a conventional DLS system to experimentally characterize compact silica particles and microgels under the influence of US. Our model allows us to extract essential parameters, including particle size, frequency, and amplitude of particle vibration, based on the correlation function of the scattered light intensity. The studies involving non-responsive silica particles demonstrate that US does not disrupt size determination, establishing them as suitable reference systems. Microgels show the same swelling/shrinking behavior as that induced by temperature, but with significantly faster kinetics. The findings of this study have potential applications in various industrial and biomedical fields that benefit from the characterization of macromolecules subjected to US.
Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Tanrıverdi Uygur , Gürel Çiğdem Bayram , Ayaz Gülsel , Ulutin Turgut , Arslan Serdar , Kızılkılıç Osman , Gez Sedat , Gündüz Ayşegül , İnce Birsen
Published: September 2023

Objective: Our primary aim was to investigate the relationship between the biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (ED) using analyzing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and specific clinical findings of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), such as the presence of minor stroke or cognitive impairment. We also performed a correlation analysis between ED biomarkers and neuroimaging markers of cerebral SVD.
Material and Methods: Patients with cerebral SVD were grouped according to their symptoms. We compared the serum biomarkers of ED between patient groups. We also performed a correlation analysis between cerebral SVD biomarkers in neuroimaging and ED biomarkers.
Results: We included 68 patients in this study. Median values of PAI-1, ICAM-1, and ADMA in the whole patient group were abnormally high compared to the reference values of the laboratory. Patients with minor stroke or cognitive deficits had lower levels of PAI-1 than asymptomatic patients, and this finding was more evident in patients with cognitive deficits. Enlarged perivascular spaces in the basal ganglia score positively but slightly correlated with serum ADMA levels.
Conclusions: PAI-1 has a possible neuroprotective effect against the development of cognitive impairment in cerebral SVD. Biomarkers of ED differ according to the severity, and localization of the lesions. There was a specific relationship between ADMA and EPVSs in basal ganglia, -not EPVSs in the centrum semiovale- irrespective of vascular risk factors suggesting EPVSs in the centrum semiovale and basal ganglia may be the product of different pathological processes.
Development of a behavioral assay for testing essential oil repellency with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Kendziorski Natalie L. , Chen Tse-Yu , Farless Sara , Allan Sandra A. , Smartt Chelsea T.
Published: September 2023

In the following methods article, an essential oil is implemented in a behavioral assay to function as a spatial repellent. The purpose is to ascertain its effectiveness in repelling the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) based on exposure to volatiles, not contact. A modified dual-choice chamber system was developed to test the efficacy of an essential oil in the presence of an attractant or activator (carbon dioxide). The modified system is composed of 3 glass chambers arranged linearly with 2 metal gates that connect the chambers. The gates can be opened to release mosquitoes from the central chamber and then closed to isolate responding mosquitoes into the treatment or control end chambers. Host-seeking mosquitoes responsive to host stimuli were pre-selected for use in assays to reduce variability. The assay allows for rapid estimation of repellency as each assay is only 10 minutes. Movement of individual mosquitoes is recorded by counting the total number in each chamber. Repellency is determined by calculating the repellent spatial activity index following the guidelines by WHO. The choice chamber assay detected the aversive behavior of thyme oil against three populations of Aedes aegypti. The Vero and Pernambuco populations had higher repellent spatial activity indices compared to the Manatee population. This choice chamber assay system can be used to test any spatial repellent. Additionally, this system may be used to test the repellent properties for other flying host-seeking insects besides mosquitoes. Data gathered from these assays will contribute to entomological knowledge of behavioral cues and responses to spatial repellents.
Chemerin promotes invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cancer by stimulating IL-6/TNF-α production via STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Zhiyuan , Liu Jiayu , Wan Quan , Wu Yu , Wu Wanqiu , Chen Yiyang
Published: September 2023

Aims:
The primary hallmark of oral cancer is cervical lymph node metastases. Previously, we discovered that elevated serum chemerin levels were related to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with lymph node metastases. However, the mechanisms by which chemerin promotes OSCC metastasis are unknown. In this work, we focused on inflammation to investigate the mechanisms of chemerin-mediated OSCC metastasis.
Methods:
Serum from 10 pairs of OSCC patients with and without cervical lymph node metastases was collected before surgery. A Luminex liquid suspension assay was used to quantify the concentration of 27 different types of cytokines. Chemerin and inflammatory factors were validated by ELISA in both blood serum and cell culture supernatant. The relationship between chemerin and inflammatory factors was analysed. Western blot was used to measure the amount of phosphorylated STAT3 protein expression. Migration and invasion were investigated using the transwell assay.
Results:
Compared with the group without metastases, the levels of IL-6 (P = 0.006), IL-15 (P = 0.020), GM-CSF (P = 0.036), RANTES (P = 0.032), TNF-α (P = 0.005) and VEGF (P = 0.006) were significantly higher in OSCC patients with metastases. Serum chemerin level was found to correlate significantly with IL-6, GM-CSF, TNF-α and VEGF. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant chemerin significantly induced the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α via activation of the STAT3 signalling pathway in OSCC cells. An IL-6/TNF-α neutralising antibody also reduced chemerin-induced migration and invasion of OSCC cells.
Conclusion:
These finding suggested that chemerin contributed to OSCC development might be associated with increasing IL-6 and TNF-α through activation of the STAT3 pathway.
A Data-Driven Framework for Driving Cycle Generation and Analysis
Authors: Keskin Fesih , Yıldız Melih , Arslannur Bircan
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a methodology for generating realistic driving cycles using Markov chain modelling, Monte Carlo simulation and dynamic time warping. The study focuses on the construction of a representative driving cycle for the city of Igdir, taking into account its unique traffic characteristics. The methodology involves segmenting the original driving datasets based on traffic conditions and road types, creating a detailed representation of driving behaviour. Dynamic time warping is used to identify reference segments for each group of segments, ensuring accurate matching with the generated driving cycles. The integration of Markov chain-Monte Carlo simulation introduces variability and randomness. The proposed methodology provides an advanced algorithm for generating highly accurate representative driving cycles, which can contribute to energy consumption analysis, vehicle performance and emission evaluation. The comprehensive approach provided by the methodology enables an accurate understanding of driving patterns, promoting the development of sustainable mobility solutions and advancing transport research.
Mechanical properties of compression wood from two fast-growth wood species pretreated with alkaline sulfites
Authors: Ma Duixin , Song Liqin , Wu Qiuping , Fang Huayang , Sun Jianping
Published: September 2023

Compressed fast-growing wood has excellent mechanical properties, making it a cheap alternative to solid wood. However, compression without pretreatment can lead to rupture of the cell walls of the wood and even to macroscopically visible cracks. Thus, to minimize damage to fast-growing wood during compression and to increase the compression ratio and density of the wood simultaneously, pretreatment is usually carried out prior to compression. This study investigated the effects of hydrothermal pretreatment and alkaline sulfite pretreatment on the mechanical properties of compression-modified Chinese fir and poplar wood. Comparison of the mass changes and mechanical strength of compressed wood obtained from two wood species after different pretreatments, in addition, their micro-morphology, chemical composition, and cellulose crystallinity were analyzed and evaluated. The results indicate that the density, compressive strength and hardness of compression specimens of fir and poplar reached the highest values after 5h and 3h of alkaline sulfite pretreatment, respectively.
Perspectives of African Stakeholders on Gene Drives for Malaria Control and Elimination: A Multi-Country Survey
Authors: Finda Marceline F. , Juma Elijah O. , Kahamba Najat F. , Mthawanji Rhosheen S. , Sambo Maganga , Emidi Basiliana , Wiener Susan , O’Brochta David , Santos Michael , James Stephanie , O Okumu Fredros
Published: September 2023

Background
Gene drive modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) have the potential to address Africa's persistent malaria problem but are still in early stages of development and testing. Continuous engagement of African stakeholders is crucial for successful research and implementation of these technologies. The aim of this multi-country study was therefore to explore the insights and recommendations of key stakeholders across Africa on the potential of GDMMs for malaria control and elimination in the continent.
Methods
A concurrent mixed-methods study design was used; involving a structured survey administered to 180 stakeholders in 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by 18 in-depth discussions with selected groups and individuals. Stakeholders were drawn from academia, research and regulatory institutions, government ministries of health and environment, media and advocacy groups. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key topics from the in-depth discussions, and descriptive analysis was done to summarize information from the survey data.
Results
Despite high levels of awareness of GDMMs among the stakeholders (76.7%), there was a relatively low-level of understanding of their potential applications for malaria control (28.3%). The majority of respondents (92.9%) also expressed support for field trials or implementation of GDMMs in their respective countries. When more information about GDMMs was provided to the stakeholders, they readily discussed their insights and concerns, and offered several recommendations to ensure successful research and implementation of the technology. These included: i) increasing relevant technical expertise within Africa, ii) generating local evidence on safety, applicability, and effectiveness of GDMMs, and iii) developing country-specific regulations for safe and effective governance of GDMMs. This study also identified significant misconceptions regarding the phase of GDMM testing in Africa, as numerous participants incorrectly asserted that gene drive mosquitoes were already present in Africa, either within laboratories or released into the field.
Conclusion
Incorporating views and recommendations of African stakeholders in the ongoing research and development of GDMMs is crucial for instilling stakeholder confidence on their potential application. These findings will enable improved planning for GDMMs in Africa as well as improved target product profiles for the technologies to maximize their potential for solving Africa’s enduring malaria challenge.
Stress concentration formulation for the steel beam column connection under the bending loading
Authors: Mehta Rudradatta , Vesmawala Gaurang
Published: September 2023

In practise, the industrial buildings and machine support structures are subjected to a great deal of fatigue loading, and the hot spot method is used to analyse the effect of this loading on the structure. The effort has been taken here to construct a stress concentration factor equation for the welded I beam to I column connection. ABAQUS FEM software was used to assess 61 models with various columns and beam size combinations. The FEM results were also validated by running a full-scale experiment and comparing stress data between the model and experimental readings. There are very close correlations between the tested data and the simulated results. SPSS software was used to perform linear and nonlinear regression analysis after determining the stress concentration values for each combination. Height ratios, width ratios, inertia ratios, and thickness ratios of web and flange of beams and columns were used to build a regression equation. When compared to the other equations proposed, the linear equation that takes into account all of the parameters produces the most efficient outcome.
The challenges of developing accurate mood-based music recommendation systems: A Conceptual Case Investigation
Authors: Sharma Manish , Kumar Pawan
Published: September 2023

The development of accurate mood-based music recommendation systems is a challenging task due to the complexity and subjectivity of human emotions, the lack of standardized datasets for mood detection, the diversity of music genres and styles, the cold start problem, and the user's personal preferences. This paper presents a conceptual framework with documentation analysis case study with different scenarios for studying the challenges of developing accurate mood-based music recommendation systems. Case 1 investigated combination of physiological signals and audio features to detect users' moods, Case 2 investigated large dataset of music tracks that had been labeled with emotions to train a machine learning algorithm to recommend music based on users' moods Music recommendation system that uses a combination of collaborative filtering and content-based filtering. We analysis the secondary source of data studied by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, University of Amsterdam and University of Cambridge. The conceptual framework is based on the theory of emotions, and the documentation analysis identifies the different methods that have been used to develop these systems. The different scenarios are based on the different methods that have been used to develop mood-based music recommendation systems. The paper concludes by discussing the challenges that are specific to each approach, and the implications for future research.
Integrated Modeling for Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources and Hydropower Potential in the Himalayas
Authors: Baniya Rupesh , Regmi Ram Krishna , Talchabhadel Rocky , Sharma Sanjib , Panthi Jeeban , Ghimire Ganesh R , Bista Sunil , Thapa Bhesh Raj , Pradhan Ananta M.S. , Tamrakar Jebin
Published: September 2023

Regional hydroclimatic variability and change can affect water resources and hydropower generation. It is essential to assess hydropower potential under current and future climatic conditions to inform the design and operation of hydropower infrastructures. Here, we employ an integrated modeling framework to assess the impact of projected hydroclimatic conditions on water resources systems and hydropower generation. The integrated framework samples climate model outputs under different scenarios to force a hydrologic model and produces streamflow projections. The projected streamflows are inputs for the future hydropower potential assessment. We implement the framework in the central Himalayan river basin. Our results demonstrate substantial spatiotemporal variability in different water balance components (precipitation, evapotranspiration, and water yield) under current and future climatic conditions. For the selected basin, the average energy production is expected to increase under future hydroclimatic conditions. This increase in energy is driven mainly by the increased streamflow projections, particularly during the dry season and in the late century. Our results highlight the impacts of hydroclimatic variability in hydropower productions and are of practical use to provide decision-relevant information for designing and operating hydropower infrastructures. The integrated modeling framework presented here is region-specific; however, the approach is reproducible, and the overall insights are generalizable across the Himalayan region.
Whole exome sequencing identifies novel variants of PIK3CA and validation of hotspot mutation by droplet digital PCR in Breast cancer among Indian Population.
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kumar Rakesh , Goel Harsh , Kumar Sonu , Ningombam Somorjit Singh , Haider Imran , Agrawal Usha , Deo SVS. , Gogia Ajay , Batra Atul , Sharma Ashok , Mathur Sandeep , Ranjan Amar , Chopra Anita , Hussain Showket , Tanwar Pranay
Published: September 2023

Background- Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy with very high incidence and relatively high mortality in women. The PIK3CA gene plays a pivotal role in the pathogenicity of breast cancer. Despite these, the mutational status of all exons except exons 9 and 20 still remains unknown.
Methods- This study uses the whole exome sequencing (WES) based approach to identify somatic PIK3CA mutations in Indian BC cohorts. The resultant hotspot mutations were validated by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Further, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was applied to elucidate the conformational and functional effects of hotspot position on PIK3CA protein.
Results- In our cohort, PIK3CA showed a 44.4% somatic mutation rate and was among the top mutated genes. The mutations of PIK3CA were confined in Exons 5, 9, 11, 18, and 20, whereas the maximum number of mutations lies within Exons 9 and 20. A total of 9 variants were found in our study, of which 2 were novel mutations observed on Exons 9 (p.H554L) and 11 (p.S629P). However, H1047R was the hotspot mutation at exon 20 (20%). In tumor tissues, there was a considerable difference between copy number of wild-type and H1047R mutant detected by ddPCR. Significant structural and conformational changes were observed during MD simulation induced due to point mutation at H1047R/L position.
Conclusions - The current study provides a comprehensive view of PIK3CA novel as well as reported single nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with Indian breast cancer cases. The mutation status of H1047R/L could serve as a prognostic value in terms of selecting targeted therapy in BC.
An Immunohistochemical Study for Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway Including Interacting PTEN in Prostatic Acinar Adenocarcinoma and Correlation with the Patient Clinicopathological Parameters
Authors: Saad El-Din Somaia Ahmed , Moety Shaimaa Abdel , Al Hashmi Khalid , Al Sinawi Shadia , Al-Badi Suaad , Al Rashdi Afrah , Al Husani Samya , Albadi Hajer , Shalaby Asem
Published: September 2023

Background: The activation of AKT-mTOR-PTEN pathway may promote prostate cancer progression and affects response to targeted therapies. The full extent of this activation remains to be determined. Our aim: was to assess the expression of inactive mTOR, phosphor-mTOR, phosphor-AKT and loss of PTEN in prostatic adenocarcinomas then correlate their expression with the clinicopathological parameters.

Methods: The study included 166 prostatic adenocarcinoma tissues using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. Statistical analysis considering markers expression and correlation with the clinicopathologic parameters was done using appropriate tests.

Result: The mean age was 72.63 and 75.9% were clinically high risk. Gleason score 7 and WHO grade group 5 were the commonest (31.3% and 31.9% respectively). Most patient (73.1%) were stage T2 or higher. Expression of inactive mTOR, phospho-mTOR and phosphor-AKT was seen in 96.1%, 93.5% and 95.9% respectively. The loss of PTEN expression was noted in 55.3%.  There were significant correlations between Gleason pattern 4 and the expression of inactive mTOR (p value <0.001 and 0.004 respectively) and phospho-mTOR (p value 0.003 and 0.001 respectively). Gleason score 7 was significantly correlated to inactive mTOR expression (p value <0.001). There was also significant correlation between phosphor-AKT and phospho- mTOR expression with p value 0.004.

Conclusion: The immunohistochemical expression of inactive mTOR, phosphor-mTOR and phosphor-AKT and loss of PTEN was appreciated in most prostate cancer cases, suggesting that activation of this pathway occur early during prostate tumorigenesis. This may indicate that targeting mTOR pathway may have a promising therapeutic role in the management of prostatic adenocarcinoma.
Morphological Spectrum Of Vascular Neoplasms: A Histopathological Study In A Tertiary Care Center In South India
Authors: Phalak Pooja Ashok , Jojo Annie
Published: September 2023

Background

Vascular neoplasms can be benign asymptomatic, locally aggressive, or highly malignant. It is important to subclassify them as it strongly influences the treatment and prognosis. However, only a few case series are published now. Hence in this study, we aim to classify vascular neoplasms into various categories and to find their relationship with age, sex, and location.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of vascular neoplasms from 2013-2018 in the department of pathology at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Kochi was done.

Results

A total of 221 vascular neoplasms were identified and were subclassified into benign-186(84.2%), intermediate-4(1.8%), and malignant-31(14%) according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification.  The majority of the benign tumors were various types of hemangiomas-153(82.2%) and were common in young adult females. The commonest site of occurrence was head and neck, followed by soft tissue.  The majority of malignant neoplasms were angiosarcomas-26(84%) and were more common in elderly females. Skin and soft tissue, followed by breast were the frequently involved sites. The second malignant neoplasm was epithelioid hemangioendothelioma-5(16%) which was common in the head and neck. Other rare types of hemangioendothelioma were included in the intermediate category.

Conclusion

The commonest benign vascular tumor is hemangioma, which occurs mostly in adult females in the head and neck region. The commonest malignant vascular tumor is angiosarcoma which occurs in elderly females in the skin and soft tissue and has a poor prognosis
Investigation of Transfusion Adverse Events Patterns in Fayoum University Hospitals, Egypt: Hemovigilance Initiative
Authors: Abdelrazik Abeer Mohamed , Sauza Rhogenie Baselly , Abdelaziz Hossam Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

Background and Objective: Hemovigilance is an adverse reaction surveillance and monitoring system to improve the safety and quality of blood transfusion in terms of corrective and preventive action.  Identification of the adverse reactions and their risk factors will assist in taking appropriate steps to reduce their incidence and make blood transfusion safer. The aim of our study was to analyze the nature and incidence of transfusion related adverse events as a tool for implementation of hemovigilance system in Egypt.

Study Design and Methods: Our study included all transfusion related adverse reactions from Fayoum University Hospital reported to the Blood Bank over a period of one year from August 2021 to July 2022.  All patients receiving transfusion and all blood donors according to The National Blood Transfusion Guidelines were included.  All reported reactions were analyzed, categorized and evaluated.

Results: 28, 253 blood and blood components units were issued to 13, 544 patients. 273 (0.967%) transfusion related adverse reactions were reported to the blood bank. The most common reaction observed in recipients was allergic reaction 129 (47.25 %) followed by febrile non hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) 108 (39.56 %).

Conclusion: Data related to transfusion related adverse reactions in developing countries are rare in literature. A strict quality assurance measures are required to build a hemovigilance system including, appropriate use of blood, maintain blood cold chain, monitoring, documenting and reporting transfusion reactions so that, the proper hemovigilance system can be attained.
Correlation of Interleukin-21 Levels With Clinical and Laboratory Parameters in ART Recipients
Authors: Meena Manoj Kumar
Published: September 2023

Background: Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a relatively new immune-enhancing, multifunctional and pleiotropic cytokine that plays an essential role in controlling chronic viral infections. It is a protein that in humans is encoded by IL-21 gene, mapped on chromosome 4 and 180 kb from IL-2 gene and the mRNA encoding the product is 616 nucleotides long. IL-21 is expressed in activated human CD4+ T cells but not in most other tissues. In addition, IL-21 expression is up-regulated by Th2 and Th17 subsets of T helper cells, as well as T follicular cells. Further IL-21 is expressed in NKT cells regulating the functions of these cells. IL-21 may be a critical factor in the control of persistent viral infections such as HIV. Present study aims to explore the levels of IL-21 in a select segment of ART recipients of East Delhi covered by NACP, Govt. of India.

Methods: Estimation of levels of IL-21 was done using ELISA test employing commercially available kit (QAYEE-BIO Kit for Interleukin-21). The method of ELISA used for the present study was sandwich ELISA.

Results: The mean levels of IL-21 in the study of 40 ART recipients were 1178.21±927.063. There were no controls included in the study. The range of IL-21 were 150-6100. In one patient IL-21 levels was not detected.

Conclusion: This study attempts a clinical correlation with the levels of a cytokine with clinical and laboratory parameters which could help in a better understanding of the immunobiology of the disease. In the current study, the levels of IL-21 in samples of ART recipients were detected. A significant positive clinical correlation was seen between the levels of IL-21 and CD4 cell counts. IL-21 levels were high in those patients whose CD4 cell count was raised. There was a positive correlation between CD4 cell count and CRP. Therefore, further studies with a higher sample size may be required to arrive at a statistically significant correlation
Mesh Sensitivity Study of Steel Tubular T-joints for the Computation of Stress Concentration Factors
Authors: Mohammed Althaf , Rani Dasari Sandhya , Desai Yogesh M.
Published: September 2023

The stress concentration factor (SCF) computation is a key element in the fatigue assessment of offshore tubular joints. Mesh sensitivity research is conducted to identify the optimum mesh controls needed to create an extensive FE model library to develop an AI prediction model for the SCF prediction. Nine finite element models with varying mesh controls are analysed for the mesh sensitivity study. The optimum mesh controls for the Finite Element Model for estimating the SCF of steel tubular joints were identified. A python code for an automated mesh generation for tubular T joints with identified mesh controls using APDL commands in ANSYS is developed.
Quantification of Traffic Congestion Using the Concept of Queue length for Curbside Bus Stops on Two Lane Undivided Road
Authors: R Anaswara , S. Karthik
Published: September 2023

The present study aims to quantify the traffic congestion using the concept of queue length for curbside bus stops on two lane undivided road. Curbside bus stops obstruct the traffic flow by reducing the carriage width. They are provided in areas where there is a practical difficulty for providing bus bays due to less ROW (Right of Way). At curbside bus stops, congestion occurs due to dwell time, frequency of buses, used carriage width and volume. In this study the factors responsible for queueing such as dwell time, used carriage width and volume were taken as an independent parameter to develop a queueing length model using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Six curbside bus stops in Kollam district were taken for the study. A multiple linear regression model was fitted for developing queueing length model. The adjusted R 2 obtained from the model is 0. 748.Validation of the model was done with the field data. The predicted queueing length was used to formulate a congestion index in order to quantify the traffic congestion in the study area selected.