bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein cargo of Nef-containing exosomal extracellular vesicles may predict HIV-associated Neurocognitive Impairment status
Authors: Caobi Allen , Werne Rachel , Gomez Mario , Andre Mickensone , Thomas Charo , Lima-Hernandez Francisco , Nair Madhavan , Raymond Andrea Denise
Published: June 2023

Exosomal extracellular vesicles (xEVs) in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of aviremic people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) contain the HIV Negative factor (Nef) protein. However, the role of xEVs and Nef-containing-xEVs(xEV-Nef) in HIV-associated neuropathology is unknown. Here we performed a cross-sectional analysis of the content of xEVs derived from matched serum and CSF samples of PLWHAs diagnosed with either asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI), mild neurocognitive disorder (MND), or HIV-associated dementia (HAD). The overall objective was to determine whether the content of the matched xEVs-derived from plasma or CSF correlated with the neurocognitive impairment (NCI) status. The size and protein content of the xEVs were characterized via dynamic light scattering (DLS) and LC-MS/MS, respectively. xEV size was not significantly different between ANI, MND, or HAD groups. CSF of PLWHAs with NCI contained significantly more xEVs than matched plasma. xEV-Nef CSF concentration was elevated in PLWHAs with NCI and correlated with CD4 T-cell count. Plasma-derived xEV protein profiles from PLWHAs with ANI or MND differed from PLWHAs without NCI. Over-representation analysis using Reactome and KEGG databases show proteins involved in pathways associated with heme scavenging, signaling(MAP kinase and integrin-alpha), Toll-like receptor regulation, clot formation, complement, and cytosolic calcium levels were elevated in MND. Pathways upregulated within the ANI group involved high-density lipid (HDL) remodeling, post-translational protein phosphorylation, and platelet activation. Overall, the data shows that xEV protein profiles of ANI and MND differ, suggesting protein profiles of peripheral xEVs, xEV-Nef, and CD4 T-cell count may discern NCI status.
Patient Specific study on Haemodynamic changes in Pre and Post Stenting of Carotid Bifurcation System using Numerical Methods
Authors: N Abhilash H , Yanagita Yoshiki , Pai Raghuvir , Zuber Mohammad , K Prakashini , Kamath Ganesh , Tamagawa Masaaki , R Padmakumar , Khader S M Abdul , Rao V R K
Published: June 2023

The carotid artery is one of the major arteries in the circulatory system which supplies blood to brain, face and neck region of the body. Among the population geometry of carotid artery will be varying based on the ethnicity, height and gender. The Common Carotid Artery (CCA) will be branching into Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) supplies blood to brain and External Carotid Artery (ECA) supplies blood to neck and face. Near the bifurcation towards ICA there will be a expanded region called carotid bulb or sinus, this is the region where most likely stenosis occurs. The Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) is a minimally invasive alternative for carotid endarterectomy, but the downside is post-stenting complications like late thrombosis and restenosis. The impact of Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) can be determined using quantitative assessment, which involves understanding the long-term outcomes of CAS, which are clinically debatable. Haemodynamic parameters related to the flow of blood in stented vessels influence post-stenting complications, so studying the blood flow in post-stenting geometry of the Carotid artery is essential. This study compares the blood flow in Pre and Post stenting geometry of 3 patient specific stenosed carotid arteries, for Post stenting geometry two types of stent designs (Open cell and Closed cell) are considered. The following geometries are analyzed using a pulsatile velocity inlet and pressure outlet boundary conditions. From the comparison of haemodynamic factors, the performance of different stent designs used for different geometry shapes of the stenosed carotid artery can be determined. The lower value of Wall Shear Stress (WSS) was observed near the carotid bulb region, which indicates the chances of restenosis. A higher value of the Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI) was also observed in the posterior part of the Internal and External carotid artery. The outcome of the blood flow analysis implies that, closed-cell stent design can be preferred for stenosed carotid artery having a straight shape, and an open-cell stent design can be used for the tortuous-shaped carotid artery.
Management of borderline ovarian tumors in pregnancy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ma Bo , Hu Yuanjing , Cui Hongyan
Published: June 2023

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of borderline ovarian tumors in pregnancy, the prognosis after surgery at different stages of pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal outcomes, with the aim of providing a basis for the optimal management strategy of borderline ovarian tumors in pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-fourpatients with borderline ovarian tumors who were treated from January 2011 to March 2022 and diagnosed during pregnancy or postpartumwere enrolled. All medical records were reviewed to extract clinical and obstetric characteristics, histological tumor characteristics, surgical procedure, and follow-up.
Results: Four patients (17%) were diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy, 6 (25%) during the second trimester, 12 (50%) during the third trimester, and 2 (8%) in postpartum. More Unilateral cystectomies (46%) were performed than unilateral cystectomies (29%), and more unilateral cystectomies plus contralateral cystectomies (17%) were performed than bilateral cystectomies (8%). Three patients with ruptured masses were found intraoperatively in the third trimester. Serous mucinous borderline ovarian tumorsaccountedfor 25% (6/24), and mixed borderline ovarian tumors (mucous/translucent) accounted for 4% (1/24). FIGO stage I accounted for 92% of the patients (22/24). Eight percentwere classified (2/24) as stage III, both of which were bilateral SBT-micro papilla subtypes. Full-term pregnancies accounted for 87.5% of the patients (21/24). Of the 21 patients who delivered, 43% (9/21) had a normal delivery. A total of 19 newborns had a one-minute Apgar scoreof 10. Recurrence occurred in 12.5% of the patients (3/24). Five patients had a previous history of borderline ovarian tumor. Two patients (8%) had two episodes of borderline ovarian tumor before the current pregnancy, and three (13%) had one episode. No postoperative malignancy was found in any patient.
Conclusion: Pregnancy does not worsen the prognosis of borderline ovarian tumors, even with multiple recurrences, and progression does not occur even with conservative observation throughout pregnancy and management after delivery. Borderline ovarian tumorsdo not affect the mode of delivery. There were no differences in maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes at different stages of pregnancy or in postpartum management of borderline ovarian tumors.
Evaluation of Resistance to Stem Rust and Identification of Sr Genes in Bread Wheat Cultivars in Türkiye
Authors: CAT Ahmet
Published: June 2023

Stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) is more destructive disease of wheat on a global scale. In this study, reactions of the 150 bread wheat cultivars were evaluated on the natural Pgt infection at adult-plant stage in 2020 and 2021 and they were also analyzed by using the specific molecular markers to detect resistance genes (Sr22, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, Sr38, Sr50 and Sr57). Based on the phenotypic data, the majority of the cultivars (62%) showed resistance/moderate resistance reactions to natural Pgt infection. According to the molecular findings, the genes Sr57 (in 103 cultivars), Sr50 (in nine cultivars), Sr25 (in six cultivars) and Sr22, Sr31 and Sr38 (in one cultivar) and their combinations Sr25 + Sr50, Sr31 + Sr57, Sr38 + Sr50, Sr38 + Sr57 were detected in these cultivars. However, Sr24 and Sr26 were determined none of them. These resistance genes were identified for the first time during this study. In addition, the findings may be used to develop resistant cultivars in rust disease breeding programs.
Cyberattack Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks using a Hybrid Feature Reduction Technique with AI and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Behiry Mohamed H. , Aly Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Security of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is crucial for preventing data sharing from intruders. This paper makes a suggestion for a machine learning-based intelligent hybrid model and AI for identifying cyberattacks. The security of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) guards against malevolent hackers cyberattacks on data, networks, and computers. The qualities that are most closely associated to the selected attack categories are also identified using a feature reduction algorithm (SVD and PCA) and machine learning methods. In order to reduce/extract features and rank them, this paper suggests using the K-means clustering model enhanced information gain (KMC-IG). A Synthetic Minority Excessively Technique is also being introduced. Intrusion prevention systems and network traffic categorization are the eventual important stage. The study evaluates the accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure of a proposed deep learning-based feed-forward neural network algorithm for intrusion detection and classification. Three important datasets, namely NSL-KDD, UNSW-NB 15, and CICIDS 2017, are considered, and the proposed algorithm's performance is assessed for each dataset under two scenarios: full features and reduced features. The study also compares the results of the proposed DLFFNN-KMC-IG with benchmark machine learning approaches. After dimensional reduction and balancing, the proposed algorithm achieves high accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure for all three datasets. Specifically, for the NSL-KDD dataset in the reduced feature set, the algorithm achieves 99.7% accuracy, 99.8% precision, 97.8% recall, and 98.8% F-measure. Similarly, for the CICIDS2017 dataset, the algorithm achieves 99.8% accuracy, 98.7% precision, 97.7% recall, and 98.7% F-measure. Finally, for the UNSW-NB15 dataset, the algorithm achieves 99.1% accuracy, 98.7% precision, 98.4% recall, and 99.6% F-measure.
75–45 degree conversion-modified posterior laparoscopic one-piece radical surgery for uroepithelial carcinoma
Authors: Yan XueChuan , Zhao Kai , Zhang Zongliang , Yin Xinbao , Wang Zhenlin , Zhu Guanqun , Zhang Yulian , Wang Ke
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a modified procedure of one-piece total retroperitoneal laparoscopic total nephroureterectomy with bladder sleeve resection is safe and efficacious in treating upper urinary tract uroepithelial carcinoma (UTUC).
METHODS
This study involved 24 UTUC patients (16 men and 8 women) who underwent this procedure at our hospital between January 2022 and June 2022. The average age was 73 (range 62 − 91). Of the 24 cases, 15 were on the left side, and 9 were on the right. There were 8 and 6 cases of lower and upper ureteral tumor, respectively, and 10 cases of renal pelvis tumor.
RESULTS
There was no instance of intermediate opening, and all the operations were completed successfully. The surgical procedure took 60–100 min (mean 71.25 ± 9.80) min. No significant intraoperative or postoperative problems occurred. Postoperative chemotherapy for the bladder was administered as usual.
CONCLUSION
For UTUC, the modified one-piece total retroperitoneal laparoscopic total nephroureterectomy combined with bladder sleeve resection is a successful and manageable procedure that offers satisfactory tumor control and merits further development in clinical practice.
Bionomy of Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae, in two areas of high Long-lasting insecticidal Nets coverage in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Djahouri Nadro Wago Maïmouna , Guindo-Coulibaly Négnorogo , Assouho Konan Fabrice , Zoh Dounin Danielle , Tia Emmanuel , Sadia-Kacou Agnimou Malanfoua Cécile , Azongnibo Konan Rodolphe Mardoché MSc , Kpan Mintokapieu Didier Stéphane , Kouadio Affoué Mireille Nadia , Adja Akré Maurice
Published: June 2023

The biodynamics of the main malaria vectors was studied in rural areas of Côte d'Ivoire, after Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) national coverage. Adult mosquitoes sample by Human Landing Catches (HLC) and Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC) have been identified morphologically and by molecular biology. Entomological parameters of malaria biology and transmission were calculated for each species. An. coluzzii, An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus were the vector species identified in Toumbokro while An. coluzzii, An. funestus and An. nili were identified in Kassiapleu. These vectors feed preferentially on humans in the two villages. In Toumbokro An. gambiae s.l. is exophagic while An. funestus is endophagic. In this village, The annual entomological inoculation rate (EIR) average was high and estimated at 241 infected bites per person per year (ib/p/y) (80.81 ib/p/y for An. gambiae s.l. and 147.68 ib/p/y for An. funestus). An. funestus has become the principal vector and assured its own almost 2/3 of this transmitted. In Kassiapleu, this EIR was also high and estimated at 306.6 ib/p/y (332.15 ib/p/y and 16.5 ib/p/y respectively of An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus). An. gambiae s.l. is endophagic and has remained the main vector of malaria. This work shows that malaria transmission remains high and is assured by two main vectors (An. funestus and An. gambiae) in rural areas Côte d’Ivoire. These vectors bite both inside and outside the house. Thus, effective malaria control requires combining indoor residual spraying and outdoor control tools at LLINs currently used against the vectors inside the home.
Vaccination with a disabled infectious single cycle cytomegalovirus vaccine elicits a distinct glycoprotein B-specific monoclonal antibody repertoire compared to that of naturally-infected individuals
Authors: Valencia Sarah , Rochat Eric , Harnois Melissa , Dennis Maria , Webster Helen , Hora Bhavna , Kumar Amit , Li Leike , Freed Daniel , Zhang Ningyan , An Zhiqiang , Wang Dai , Permar Sallie
Published: June 2023

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading infectious congenital infection globally and the most common viral infection in transplant recipients, therefore identifying a vaccine for HCMV is a top priority. Humoral immunity is a correlate of protection for HCMV infection. The most effective vaccine tested to date, which achieved 50% reduction in acquisition of HCMV, was comprised of the glycoprotein B protein given with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant MF59. We characterize gB-specific monoclonal antibodies isolated from individuals vaccinated with a disabled infectious single cycle (DISC) CMV vaccine, V160, and compare these to the gB-specific monoclonal antibody repertoire isolated from naturally-infected individuals. We find that vaccination with V160 resulted in gB-specific antibodies that bound homogenously to gB expressed on the surface of a cell in contrast to antibodies isolated from natural infection which variably bound to cell-associated gB. Vaccination resulted in a similar breadth of gB-specific antibodies, with binding profile to gB genotypes 1-5 comparable to that of natural infection. Few gB-specific neutralizing antibodies were isolated from V160 vaccinees and fewer antibodies had identifiable gB antigenic domain specificity compared to that of naturally-infected individuals. We also show that glycosylation of gB residue N73 may shield binding of gB-specific antibodies.
The Heart of Rett Syndrome: A Quantitative Analysis of Cardiac Repolarization
Authors: Collins Michael P. , Johnson Mark C. , Ryther Robin C. , Weisenberg Judith L. , Heydemann Peter. T. , Buhrfiend Colleen M. , Scott William A. , Armstrong Dallas M. M. , Kern Haley M. , Nguyen Hoang H.
Published: June 2023

Aim
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a developmental encephalopathy disorder that is associated with a high incidence of sudden death presumably from cardiorespiratory etiologies. Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, such as prolonged heart-rate corrected QT (QTc) interval, are markers of cardiac repolarization and are associated with potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias. This study investigates the cardiac repolarization characteristics of RTT patients, including QTc and T-wave morphology characteristics.
Method
A retrospective quantitative analysis on 110 RTT patients and 124 age and sex-matched healthy controls.
Results
RTT patients had longer QTc, more abnormal T-wave morphology, and greater heterogeneity of cardiac repolarization parameters compared to controls. Even RTT patients without prolonged QTc had more abnormal ECG and T-wave characteristics than controls. Among RTT patients, MECP2patients had prolonged QTc compared to CDKL5 and FOXG1 patients. A subset of five RTT patients who died had normal QTc, but more abnormal T-wave morphology than the remaining RTT patients.
Interpretation
Cardiac repolarization abnormalities are present in RTT patients, even without long QTc. T-wave morphology is related to RTT genotype and may be predictive of mortality. These findings could be used to help the management and monitoring of RTT patients.
Enhancing understanding of wetland plant community spatial arrangement, ecotones, and functioning through Machine Learning and Probabilistic Classifiers.
Authors: Danielle Afton Seymour , Helen Margaret De Klerk
Published: June 2023

Context.
Mapping wetlands presents challenges due to the fluctuating hydroperiod conditions and difficult underfoot conditions. Mapping wetland plant communities distributions provide insights into wetland structure and function.
Objectives.
We aim to use wetland plant spectral signatures to produce maps of spatial arrangements of wetland plant community distribution and transitions (ecotones) to help understand how the study wetland functions in terms of regulating water flow and sediment trapping.
Methods.
We used binary, Machine Learning Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms to map wetland plant communities, and the Naive Bayesian Probabilistic Classifier to map wetland ecotones. Field based plant community data is collected to train the algorithms to classify the remotely sensed optical Sentinel imagery of the Du Toits River wetland embedded within the terrestrial Fynbos Mediterranean ecosystem.
Results.
The RF algorithm accurately mapped wetland plant communities (overall accuracy (OA) of 76% and kappa 0.72). Results distinguished two peat wetland vegetation types, namely Prionium serratum and Psoralea pinnata. The Probabilistic Classifier identified abrupt ecotones between 1) peat wetland vegetation groups, 2) peatland, sclerophyllous, and fynbos communities, and 3) within the sclerophyllous wetland vegetation. These correspond to a fine spatial matrix of deep channels interspersed with areas of sediment deposition (peatland) and formation of sediment islands (sclerophyllous plants) as the plants slow water run-off and regulate nutrient cycling.
Conclusions.
Remote sensing algorithms capture the spatial distribution patterns of wetland plant communities linked to function. This improved understanding of wetland ecology provides useful insight for effective wetland management and conservation strategies.
The genetics of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): Integration of population studies and clinical data
Authors: Zucker Roei , Kovalerchik Michael , Davidovich Zvika , Banne Ehud , Maharshak Idit , Linial Michal , Linial Michal
Published: June 2023

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a known cause. It mainly affects overweight, reproductive-age women, and its genetic basis remains unknown. Previous GWAS failed to find significant associations. To address this, we analyzed a cohort of 173 IIH and papilledema (PAP) patients from the UK Biobank (UKB) using various genetic association methods. We activate a GWAS that covers only coding regions of genes for better interpretability. We also employed the complementary methods of SKAT and PWAS, which aggregate variants to determine gene-based association. We report on 10 overlapping genes by two methods, with FOXF1 and RGCC identified by all three methods. In a separate GWAS on a Finnish cohort, a rare variant in the LRRFIP1 gene was associated with IIH. Comparing findings from the Finnish, IIH, and PAP cohorts, we discovered the SHANK2 gene as a shared genetic factor. Genes related to the choroid plexus epithelium cluster (MAPK15, DCDC1, DNAH5, and SLC28A3) were found to be enriched, suggesting a role for microtubule cilia regulation in IIH etiology. Importantly, many GWAS-associated coding variants were predicted to be deleterious and rare in healthy populations. Comorbidities associated with IIH and PAP include pain, migraines, and psychological and mental disorders. This study highlights the strength of an integrative genetic approach, combining functional and clinical knowledge, to better understand IIH etiology. By identifying potential genetic factors and their biological relevance, this research provides insights into IIH's causes and paves the way for further investigation and potential therapeutic interventions.
Sodium Nitroprusside Improved the Quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae through Constructed Physiological State under Adversity
Authors: Song Xiao-Wen , Yao Yao , Zhao Kai , Yu Peng-Cheng , Zhang Wei , Meng Xiang-Cai
Published: June 2023

The quality of botanicals is closely related to the growing environment, usually with a better quality under adverse conditions. The quality of the cultivated under good conditions were heavily declined. Radix Saposhnikoviae is one of the most commonly botanicals in Asian countries, the price of the cultivated is only 1/10 to 1/3 of that of the wild, therefore improved the quality of the cultivated Radix Saposhnikoviae is an urgent issue. The fresh Radix saposhnikoviae roots were treated with 0.03, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mmol/L SNP, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, secondary metabolite synthesis enzymes such as PAL, ACC and CHS, and the contents of NO, O2·ˉ, H2O2, MDA, and secondary metabolite chromones were determined. The quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae was evaluated with antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammatory factors. The NO contents in the fresh roots of Radix saposhnikoviae were significantly increased under SNP, which led to a significant increase of O2·ˉ, H2O2, and MDA. The activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and POD showed an increase, reach a peak on the 2nd and the 3rd day. The activities of PAL, ACC, and CHS were also significantly enhanced, resulting in the increased secondary metabolite contents of Radix Saposhnikoviae in all groups, especially the 0.5 mmol/ L SNP, the four active ingredients, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol, increased by 90.5%, 252.1%, 52.2% and 153.7%, respectively, on the 3rd day, which was accomplished by biosynthesis. The pharmaceutical effects of Radix saposhnikoviae under 0.5mmol/L SNP were significantly enhanced. Exogenous SNP can induce physiological states under the adverse conditions and significantly improve the quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae, which can provide a new way for high-quality production.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors In Odontogenic Infections
Authors: Qing Celestine Teo Yu , Nagadia Rahul Harshad , Lon Aland Shum Koin
Published: June 2023

On top of improving glycemic control, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality & heart failure hospitalization. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have also been gaining momentum as effective reno-protective agents. Recent evidences have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are transforming the management of heart failure and chronic kidney disease in patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus. In view of the cardioprotective and reno-protective outcomes, as well as the potential benefits that outweigh adverse effects, it is no doubt that there will be continued increased use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors However, with use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors comes risk of adverse effects, in particular diabetic ketoacidosis. Although uncommon, diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening acute metabolic complication. Diabetic ketoacidosis developing during sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors use can present with normal blood glucose concentrations (euglycemia). This atypical presentation can delay diagnosis and hence, treatment. It is therefore crucial for dental practitioners to be cognizant of the increased risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors use, especially during periods of reduced oral intake, such as in patients with odontogenic infection. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion and should be considered as a differential in an ill patient on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, despite normal blood glucose or absent urine ketones. We report a case of starvation ketosis in a patient with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, after excisional biopsy of right cervical lymph node and extractions of two lower right molars. Although the patient did not develop euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis peri-operatively, it was an important diagnosis to exclude considering his high-risk profile of developing euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and the potential sequelae of missing the diagnosis.
Exposure to air pollution concentrations of various intensities in early life and allergic sensitisation later in childhood
Authors: Ziou Myriam , Gao Caroline X. , Wheeler Amanda J. , Zosky Graeme R. , Stephens Nicola , Knibbs Luke D. , Williamson Grant J. , Dalton Marita F. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Johnston Fay H.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND
Evidence on the relationship between air pollution and allergic sensitisation in childhood is inconsistent, and this relationship has not been investigated in the context of smoke events that are predicted to increase with climate change. Thus, we aimed to evaluate associations between exposure in two early life periods to severe levels of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5µm (PM2.5) from a mine fire, background PM2.5, and allergic sensitisation later in childhood.
METHODS
We measured specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels for seven common aeroallergens as well as total IgE levels in a cohort of children who had been exposed to the Hazelwood coal mine fire, either in utero or during their first two years of life, in a regional area of Australia where ambient levels of PM2.5 are generally low. We estimated personal exposure to fire-specific emissions of PM2.5 based on a high-resolution meteorological and pollutant dispersion model and detailed reported movements of pregnant mothers and young children during the fire. We also estimated the usual background exposure to PM2.5 at the residential address at birth using a national satellite-based land-use regression model. Associations between both sources of PM2.5 and sensitisation to dust, cat, fungi, and grass seven years after the fire were estimated with logistic regression, while associations with total IgE levels were estimated with linear regression.
RESULTS
No association was found between the levels of exposure at either developmental stage to fire-related PM2.5 and allergic sensitisation seven years after the event. However, levels of background exposure were positively associated with sensitisation to dust (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.11,3.20 per 1 µg/m3).
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic but low exposure to PM2.5 in early life could be more strongly associated with allergic sensitisation in childhood than time-limited high exposure levels, such as the ones experienced during landscape fires.
Assessment of radionuclides concentration and associated risks in soils from Iperindo mining sites, Nigeria
Authors: Amodu Funke Roseline , Ben Festus , Oyebanjo Oluwakemi Abosede , Agbele Alaba , Ben-Festus Blessing Nneka
Published: June 2023

The environmental and health implications of artisanal gold mining activities in mining sites across Nigeria have rekindled research interests. This study aims to assess the scalability of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in gold mining sites in Iperindo, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three different mining sites and control locations, and analyzed for natural radionuclides, mainly 238U, 232Th, and 40K using gamma spectrometry having Sodium Iodide detector. The average activity concentration values of 61.55 ± 3.71, 72.65 ± 4.45, 1134.99 ± 38.12 Bqkg− 1 obtained from within the mining sites for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively were above the world permissible values of 33.0 Bqkg− 1 for 238U, 45.0 Bqkg− 1 for 232Th, and 420.0 Bqkg− 1 for 40K. The average activity concentration value of 15.26 ± 3.19, 21.46 ± 4.27, 381.04 ± 23.36 Bqkg− 1 estimated for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, for the control location were, however, lower than the global permissible values. The study also evaluated other radiological parameters, such as radium equivalent, dose rate, annual effective dose rate, internal and external hazard indices, alpha and gamma indices, etc. The obtained values were 252.83 Bqkg− 1, 119.98 nGyh− 1, 147.15 mSvy− 1, 0.85 Bqkg− 1, 0.68 Bqkg− 1, 0.31 Bqkg− 1, and 1.89 Bqkg− 1 respectively. With the exception of radium equivalent, external and internal hazard risks, and alpha index, which were significantly lower than the recommended threshold, all the other radiological parameters were higher than recommended global limits.
Mental Mental health and risk of mortality and hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. Results from the PRECOVID Study in Spain
Authors: Moreno-Juste Aida , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Ortega-Larrodé Cristina , Laguna-Berna Clara , González-Rubio Francisca , Aza-Pascual-Salcedo Mercedes , Bliek-Bueno Kevin , Padilla María , de-la-Cámara Concepción , Prados-Torres Alexandra , Gimeno-Feliu Luis A , Miguel Antonio Gimeno
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for health care systems globally. The identification of risk factors is crucial when optimizing medical resources for specific vulnerable population groups such as patients with mental disorders, who are specially at risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study including 144,957 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 from the PRECOVID Study (Aragon, Spain), anxiety was the most frequent diagnosis. However, some differences were observed by sex: substance abuse, personality disorders and schizophrenia were more frequently diagnosed in men, while eating disorders, depression and mood, anxiety and cognitive disorders were more common among women. The presence of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia spectrum and cognitive disorders in men, and depression and mood disorders, substance abuse, anxiety and cognitive and personality disorders in women, increased the risk of mortality or hospitalization after COVID-19, in addition to other well-known risk factors such as age, morbidity and treatment burden. Identifying vulnerable patient profiles at risk of serious outcomes after COVID-19 based on their mental health status will be crucial to improve their access to the healthcare system and implement targeted public health prevention measures.
A critical evaluation of international agreements towards a revised categorization for Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs)
Authors: Retief Francois Pieter , Alberts Reece Cronje , Lubbe Willem , Roos Claudine , Cilliers Dirk
Published: June 2023

Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) are widely promoted as an international instrument to achieve certain conservation, cooperation and developmental goals, especially within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In the SADC context, the status of TFCAs is categorized based on the extent to which international agreements have been signed. These agreements take different forms such as treaties, memorandums of understanding (MoUs), protocols and bilateral agreements. However, the efficacy of agreement-based approaches towards the categorization of TFCAs has been questioned because it does not acknowledge the implementation complexities of TFCAs and lacks a sound conceptual basis. This research evaluates the international TFCA agreements in SADC with a view to recommending a revised categorization. This is achieved by applying Theory of Change (ToC) to a sample of ten signed TFCAs agreements. The results show a lack of enforcement mechanisms, weak provision for implementation and poorly defined objectives. These weaknesses of agreement-based approaches can best be addressed by expanding the categorization of TFCAs to also include recognition of national-level legislative provisions, as well as the extent to which implementation mechanisms have been developed. Therefore, based on the evaluation outcomes this paper proposes a revised conceptual framework for TFCA categorization.
Compact localised states in magnonic Lieb lattices
Authors: Kłos Jarosław W. , Centała Grzegorz
Published: June 2023

Lieb lattice is one of the simplest bipartite lattices, where compact localized states (CLS) are observed. This type of localization is induced by the peculiar topology of the unit cell, where the modes are localized only on selected sublattices due to the destructive interference of partial waves. We demonstrate the possibility of magnonic Lieb lattice realization, where flat bands and CLS can be observed in the planar structure of sub-micron in-plane sizes. Using forward volume configuration, the Ga-doped YIG layer with cylindrical inclusions (without Ga content) arranged in a Lieb lattice with 250 nm period was investigated numerically (finite-element method). The structure was tailored to observe, for a lowest magnonic bands, the oscillatory and evanescent spin waves in inclusions and matrix, respectively. Such a design reproduces the Lieb lattice of nodes (inclusions) coupled to each other by the matrix with the CLS in flat bands.
Given to Dentistry Students the Effect of Geriatric Oral Dental Health Training on the Attitudes of the Elderly
Authors: Hastaoğlu Fatma
Published: June 2023

Objective
It was aimed to evaluate the effect of oral-dental health education on the attitudes of dentistry students toward the elderly.
Material and Method:
The universe of the study, which was planned as interventional, consists of 4th and 5th-grade students of ****University Faculty of Dentistry. The Kogan Aged Attitude scale was applied before and after the training given by 15 faculty members who have expertise in different subjects, with a three-day, 20-hour course program. This study, which was carried out as a pre-test and post-test, was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council and 30 students participated in the study due to the limited educational activity support quota. The data were evaluated using in computer and statistical analyzes were made.
Results
Thirty students voluntarily participated in the study, 40% of the students were male, 60% were female, and the mean age was 22.93 ± 1.63. While 40% of the students participating in the study are 4th-grade students, 60% are 5th-grade students. While the mean score of the scale before the education was 194.6 ± 39.06, it was determined as 211.63 ± 42.31 after the education. The difference between the mean score of the scale before the education and after the education is statistically significant.
Conclusion
The significant difference between the education organized with the support of the Scientific and Technological Research Council and the students before and after education shows that education has a significant effect on the elderly attitude of students.
The Clinical Impact of the Film Array (Biofire) Respiratory Panel Utilization on the Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Acute Viral Respiratory Infections in Two Private Tertiary Hospitals in Cebu
Authors: Julasiri Shajed A. , Lim Jonathan G. , Kimseng Karen Joy N.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) are the most prevalent illness in people of all ages, and they are a leading cause of hospitalization and death. Molecular testing methods have significantly expanded the ability to diagnose respiratory infections. Rapid viral testing aims to prompt the diagnosis of viral infections that could lead to faster hospital discharge, lower healthcare resource use and clinicians are guided on the judicious use of antibiotics, as well as greater isolation precautions. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical impact of the Film Array (Biofire) Respiratory Panel utilization on the outcomes of pediatric patients with acute viral respiratory infection
METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional analytic study, conducted in two private tertiary hospitals. Study population includes admitted patients aged 1-18 years old with acute respiratory infection and then divided into two groups: exposure group (with Biofire taken) and non-exposure group (without Biofire taken). Retrospective chart review was done on the admitted patients and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS: A total of 220 samples were included. Majority of patients in both groups were female, aged 1-5 years old, lived in an urban locality and with no influenza vaccination. The most single common virus detected was hRV/hEV(n=29%), while the most common codetection virus is hRV/hEV with influenza B (n=23.5%). For those who underwent the test, patients were frequently admitted in the year 2021 (n=90%) and month of July (n=28.2%). Utilization of the respiratory panel was associated with significant changes in medical management including decreased antibiotic usage (P=0.001) and shorter length of hospital stay (P=0.029),compared to those patients who didn’t undergo the test.
CONCLUSION: The Film Array (Biofire) respiratory panel is useful in assisting clinical judgement regarding the usage of antibiotic as well as the length of hospitalization among children affected by acute respiratory infections.
Assessment of the international maritime regulations’ impact in the North & Baltic Sea
Authors: Roozendael Benjamin Van , Vigin Laurence , Nieuwenhove Annelore Van , Scheldeman Kobe , Merveille Jean-Baptiste , Weigelt Andreas , Mellqvist Johan , Vliet Jasper Van , Dinther Daniëlle van , Beecken Jörg , Tack Frederik , Theys Nicolas , Maes Frank , Roy Ward Van
Published: June 2023

For over 15 years, international regulations have been established to address SO2 and NOx emissions from shipping. In Europe, the tightest restrictions on SO2 and NOx came into effect only recently. For regions outside designated emission control areas, stricter SO2 limits were introduced in 2020. Although research indicated that these regulations would provide significant health and environmental benefits, there remained a gap in understanding their effectiveness in reducing real-world ship emissions following implementation. This study addresses this gap through an analysis of more than 110,000 measured ship plumes, ship inspection results and satellite data. The study revealed that sulfur compliance rates are higher near ports than in open waters. Moreover, the study revealed the regulations had no effect on NOx emission regulations, on the contrary the study reveals NOx pollution has risen in the past three years. These findings highlight the need for more effective regulations to address ship emissions.
The new polyol architecture from olive oil and its application in the soft transparent polyurethane coating
Authors: Salarvand Ehsan , Omrani Ismail , Nabid Mohammad Reza , Salehi Milad
Published: June 2023

A renewable, green and scalable polyacrylic polyol (PAMO) was synthesized from olive oil (OO) and applied as a polyol in the preparation of transparent polyurethane coating. To prepare PAMO, the olive oil was first methanolized using methanol and methyl oleate (MO) was obtained. Then MO epoxidized by formic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The epoxidized methyl oleate (EMO) was ring-opened using acrylic acid (AA) with excellent yield. The PAMO was prepared by solution free radical polymerization. The chemical structures of synthesized monomer and polymer were verified by FT-IR, 1HNMR, and gel permination chromatography (GPC). The different thermoset aliphatic transparent polyurethane coating was obtained using the reaction between synthesized polyol and Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), Desmodur N3390 and Desmodur Z4470. The best results were obtained with Desmodur Z4470 as curing agent. The new polyol architecture has appeared as a new class of polyacrylic polyol and transparent polyurethane coating.
Solid-liquid phase transitions in Griebenschmalz, smalec, and fedt studied using 13C solid-state NMR with dynamics-based spectral filtering
Authors: Bernin Diana , Leventaki Emmanouela , Topgaard Daniel
Published: June 2023

The consumer satisfaction of lard-based bread spreads depends on a delicate balance between a liquid fat phase, allowing the spread to flow, and solid fat crystals, providing the product with substance sometimes further enhanced by crispy pork cracklings. Here we apply 13C solid-state NMR with dynamics-based spectral filtering to characterize and follow the temperature-dependence of the co-existing solid and liquid phases in commercial German Griebenschmalz and Polish smalec, both containing cracklings, as well as home-made Danish fedt and, as a chemically purer reference, German Schweineschmalz intended for baking. The NMR method allows detection of carbon atoms representative of saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated acyl chains in both solid and liquid states. The results show that the solid comprises multiple crystal forms with different melting temperatures, while the liquid is at low temperature enriched in fats with shorter acyl chains and higher degree of unsaturation which become diluted with long-chain saturated fats as the solids are melting. The obtained deeper understanding of the concomitant aspects of the phase transitions may pave the way for future efforts of rational optimization of fat blend composition to extend the temperature range over which the product contains sufficient amounts of both solids and liquids to give texture properties appealing to consumers.
Independent and joint association of sarcopenia and frailty with mortality in older patients with gastrointestinal cancer: A cohort study with prospective data collection
Authors: Sousa Iasmin Matias , Silva Flávia Moraes , Virgens Isabel Pinto Amorim das , Costa Eduardo Caldas , Fayh Ana Paula Trussardi
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Sarcopenia and frailty are associated with mortality in older patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, it is unclear if there is an additional risk when both are present. This study aimed to investigate the independent and overlapping of sarcopenia and frailty with mortality in this population.
Methods
A prospective cohort study including older patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Sarcopenia was defined by the EWGSP2 criteria: i) low muscle strength (handgrip test); ii) low muscle mass (skeletal muscle index) and/or low muscle quality (skeletal muscle radiodensity) by computed tomography. Frailty was defined according to Fried phenotype (at least three of the five components): i) low muscle strength (handgrip test); ii) unintentional weight loss; iii) self-reported exhaustion; iv) low physical activity; v) low gait speed. Cox proportional-hazards model were used to assess overall survival rates and risk of mortality.
Results
We evaluated 179 patients with gastrointestinal cancer [68.0 (61.0–75.0) years; 45% women]. The prevalence of sarcopenia, frailty, and sarcopenia-frailty was 32.9% (n = 59), 59.2% (n = 106), and 24.6% (n = 44), respectively. The incidence of mortality was 27.9% (n = 50) over a 23-month (IQR:10, 28) period. There was an association of sarcopenia (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.03–3.06) with mortality, but no association was found of frailty and the outcome. Sarcopenia-frailty was associated with the highest risk of mortality (HR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.27–3.92).
Conclusion
Sarcopenic-frail older patients with gastrointestinal cancer have a higher risk of mortality than those with sarcopenia or frailty alone, which reinforces the importance of assessing both conditions in oncology clinical care.
In-vivo myelin water quantification using diffusion-relaxation correlation MRI: a comparison of 1D and 2D methods
Authors: Endt Sebastian , Engel Maria , Naldi Emanuele , Assereto Rodolfo , Molendowska Malwina , Müller Lars , Verdun Claudio Mayrink , Pirkl Carolin M. , Palombo Marco , Jones Derek K. , Menzel Marion I.
Published: June 2023

Multidimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a versatile tool for microstructure mapping. We use a diffusion weighted inversion-recovery spin echo (DW-IR-SE) sequence with spiral readouts at ultra-strong gradients to acquire a rich diffusion-relaxation data set with sensitivity to myelin water. We reconstruct 1D and 2D spectra with a two-step convex optimization approach and investigate a variety of multidimensional MRI methods, including 1D multi-component relaxometry, 1D multi-component diffusometry, 2D relaxation correlation imaging, and 2D diffusion-relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging (DR-CSI), in terms of their potential to quantify tissue microstructure, including the myelin water fraction (MWF). We observe a distinct spectral peak that we attribute to myelin water in multi-component T1 relaxometry, T1-T2 correlation, T1-D correlation, and T2-D correlation imaging. Due to lower achievable echo times compared to diffusometry, MWF maps from relaxometry have higher quality. While 1D multi-component T1 data allows much faster myelin mapping, 2D approaches could offer unique insights into tissue microstructure and especially myelin diffusion.
Assessing the Impact of Battery Charging and Discharging Times on the Availability of Mechanical Ventilation Service
Authors: Monte Aline do , Pessoa Pablo , Silva Daliton , Lins Luan , Nascimento Dimas Cassimiro , Maciel Paulo
Published: June 2023

This paper evaluates the impact of battery charging and discharging times on the availability of mechanical respirators in the intensive care unit (ICU). The availability of these life-saving devices is crucial for ensuring optimal patient care in critical situations. This study aims to assess how the duration of battery charging and discharging cycles affects the availability of mechanical respirators and explore potential strategies to optimize their maintainability. We analyze the system’s behavior in eight scenarios that consider changes to optimize repair times, battery charge and discharge times, and power system redundancy. The results showed 98% improvements in availability and reduced system downtime. The outcomes of this research contribute to understanding the critical factors impacting the availability of mechanical respirators in the ICU. By addressing the issues related to battery charging and discharging times and maintaining these devices, healthcare facilities can enhance the availability and reliability of respiratory support systems. Ultimately, this study aims to improve patient outcomes and promote efficient resource utilization in the ICU setting.