bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a multisite umbrella cohort study protocol to describe the epidemiology and aetiologies of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Latin America
Authors: Cabada Miguel Mauricio , Aguilar Patricia Veronica , Rodas Juan David , Hidalgo Marylin , Mozo Karen , Gonzalez-Diaz Eugenia Smirna , Jimenez-Coello Matilde , Diaz Francisco Javier , Dacso Mathew M , Ortega-Pacheco Antonio , Arboleda Margarita , Walker David H , Weaver Scott C , Melby Peter C
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses (AUFIs) impose a large burden in the tropics. Understanding of AUFI’s epidemiology is limited. Insufficient diagnostic capacity hinders the detection of outbreaks. The lack of interconnection in healthcare systems hinders timely response. We describe a protocol to study the epidemiology and aetiologies of AUFI and pathogen discovery in strategic areas of Latin America (LA).

Methods and analysis

Global Infectious Diseases Network investigators comprising institutions in Colombia, Dominican Republic, México, Perú and the USA, developed a common cohort study protocol. The primary objective is to determine the aetiologies of AUFI at healthcare facilities in high-risk areas. Data collection and laboratory testing for viral, bacterial and parasitic agents are performed in rural and urban healthcare facilities and partner laboratories. Centralised laboratory and data management cores deploy diagnostic tests and data management tools. Subjects >6 years with fever for <8 days without localised infection are included in the cohort. They are evaluated during the acute and convalescent phases of illness. Study personnel collect clinical and epidemiological information. Blood, urine, nasal or pharyngeal swabs and saliva are collected in the acute phase and blood in convalescent phase. Specimens are banked at −80°C. Malaria, dengue and COVID-19 are tested onsite in the acute phase. The acute-phase serum is PCR tested for dengue, chikungunya, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Mayaro, Oropouche, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. Paired convalescent and acute serum antibody titters are tested for arbovirus,Leptospiraspp, andRickettsiaspp. Serum is used for viral cultures and next-generation sequencing for pathogen discovery. Analysis includes variable distributions, risk factors and regression models. Laboratory results are shared with health authorities and network members.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by local ethics committees and health authorities. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. All study results are shared with local and regional health authorities.
Characteristics of quality improvement interventions to improve physical healthcare in mental health settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hu Di , Stewart Victoria , Wheeler Amanda J , Lau Geoffrey , Chapman Justin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Mental health concerns globally impact millions of people, resulting in significant financial impact and adverse health outcomes. People living with mental health concerns are at higher risk of developing physical health issues, which can lead to a shortened life expectancy. Barriers to physical healthcare, such as limited service capacity, low help seeking and stigma, contribute to health disadvantage. Quality improvement (QI) interventions can address these challenges by addressing staff-level and service-level factors to improve the focus on physical healthcare in mental health settings. The aim of this scoping review is to describe studies of QI interventions to improve physical healthcare in mental health settings.

Methods and analysis

The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with guidance for scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic review search for peer-reviewed and published articles will be conducted across eight databases: PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ProQuest Central, PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus and Embase (Elsevier). Two independent reviewers will screen the titles, abstracts and full text using Covidence. Any disagreement will be resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. Data collection will be facilitated using Microsoft Excel. The details of included studies will be extracted by two authors independently.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for the scoping review. The results of this review will be presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. This review will also inform the development of a QI strategy to influence mental health staff practices in the provision of physical healthcare in Australian mental health settings.
Association between diabetes mellitus and total hip arthroplasty outcomes: an observational study using the US National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Chandrupatla Sumanth , Rumalla Kranti , Singh Jasvinder A
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the association of diabetes with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Design

Retrospective cohort study using data from the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Setting

Study cohort was hospitalisations for primary THA in the USA, identified from the 2016–2020 NIS.

Participants

We identified 2 467 215 adults in the 2016–2020 NIS who underwent primary THA using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes. Primary THA hospitlizations were analysed as the overall group and also stratified by the underlying primary diagnosis for THA.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures of interest were the length of hospital stay>the median, total hospital charges>the median, inpatient mortality, non-routine discharge, need for blood transfusion, prosthetic fracture, prosthetic dislocation and postprocedural infection, including periprosthetic joint infection, deep surgical site infection and postprocedural sepsis.

Results

Among 2 467 215 patients who underwent primary THA, the mean age was 68.7 years, 58.3% were female, 85.7% were white, 61.7% had Medicare payer and 20.4% had a Deyo-Charlson index (adjusted to exclude diabetes mellitus) of 2 or higher. 416 850 (17%) patients had diabetes. In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression in the overall cohort, diabetes was associated with higher odds of a longer hospital stay (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.38; 95% CI 1.35 to 1.41), higher total charges (aOR 1.11; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.13), non-routine discharge (aOR 1.18; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.20), the need for blood transfusion (aOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.23), postprocedural infection (aOR 1.62; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.40) and periprosthetic joint infection (aOR 1.91; 95% CI 1.12 to 3.24). We noted a lack of some associations in the avascular necrosis and inflammatory arthritis cohorts (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Diabetes was associated with increased healthcare utilisation, blood transfusion and postprocedural infection risk following primary THA. Optimisation of diabetes with preoperative medical management and/or institution of specific postoperative pathways may improve these outcomes. Larger studies are needed in avascular necrosis and inflammatory arthritis cohorts undergoing primary THA.
Protocol for a telephonic mixed methods study to understand needs and find solutions for bereaved dementia caregivers
Authors: Baker Zachary G , O’Donnell Mary Gemma , Garcia-Arias Sabrina , Huang Yingyan , Segundo Joahana , Millenbah Ashley N , Neubert Olivia M , Huerta Isabel
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Most caregivers of people living with dementia will experience bereavement within 10 years, but study of and support for their needs rarely persists following the death of their care recipients. A single model that leverages theoretical insights as well as observation from lived experience might help identify who will have greater difficulty following dementia-related bereavement and suggest core mechanisms to target to relieve clinical and subclinical consequences. The millions of existing bereaved dementia caregivers likely have considerable insight into ways to improve experience. Rather than creating interventions from scratch, researchers might leverage those insights to more rapidly improve the lives of bereaved dementia caregivers.

Methods and analysis

This study uses a transformative mixed methods approach to explore the needs of caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias, incorporating both quantitative surveys (n=400) and qualitative semistructured interviews (n=45) across diverse subgroups. The study described in this protocol aims to quantitatively test a new model based on self-determination theory to help understand when and why bereaved dementia caregivers experience better and worse outcomes following bereavement. The study also aims to qualitatively explore the ways that bereaved dementia caregivers might meet their needs to inform future interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

The study adheres to institutional guidelines, ensuring participant consent and minimising risks through verbal consent procedures and the removal of personal identifiers from survey responses. The study team will share findings widely through academic publications, conferences and targeted outreach to advocacy groups and healthcare professionals, while also providing concise summaries of results to participants and making them accessible through the lab’s website.
Google star ratings of Canadian hospitals: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Tse Matthew P , Dhalla Irfan , Nayyar Dhruv
Published: July 2024

Background

Data on patients’ self-reported hospital experience can help guide quality improvement. Traditional patient survey programmes are resource intensive, and results are not always publicly accessible. Unsolicited online hospital reviews are an alternative data source; however, the nature of online reviews for Canadian hospitals is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study of Canadian acute care hospitals with more than 10 Google Reviews during the 2018–2019 fiscal year. We characterised the volume and distribution of Google Reviews of Canadian hospitals, and assessed their correlation with hospital characteristics (teaching status, size, occupancy rate, length of stay, resource utilisation) and Canadian Patient Experience Survey on Inpatient Care (CPES-IC) scores.

Results

167 out of 523 (31.9%) acute care hospitals in Canada met the inclusion criteria. Among included hospitals, there was a total of 10 395 Google Reviews and a median of 35 reviews per hospital. The mean Google Star Rating for included hospitals was 2.85 out of 5, with a range of 1.36–4.57. Teaching hospitals had significantly higher mean Google Star Ratings compared with non-teaching hospitals (3.16 vs 2.81, p <0.01). There was a weak, positive correlation between hospitals’ Google Star Ratings and CPES-IC ‘Overall Hospital Experience’ scores (p =0.04), but no significant correlation between Google Star Ratings and other hospital characteristics or subcategories of CPES-IC scores.

Interpretation

There is significant interhospital variation in patients’ self-reported care experiences at Canadian acute care hospitals. Online reviews can serve as a readily accessible source of real-time data for hospitals to monitor and improve the patient experience.
Impact of an enhanced sobriety checkpoints programme and publicity campaign on motor vehicle collisions, injuries and deaths in Leon, MX: a synthetic control study
Authors: Quistberg D. Alex , Perez-Ferrer Carolina , Bilal Usama , Rodriguez Hernandez Jordan Levi , Ramírez-Toscano Yenisei , Cardenas Cardenas Luz Mery , Junquera-Badilla Isabel , Yamada Goro , Barrientos-Gutierrez Tonatiuh , Diez Roux Ana V
Published: July 2024

Objective

Drunk driving is a major cause of road traffic injuries and deaths in Latin America. We evaluated the impact of a drunk driving intervention in Leon, Mexico on road traffic safety.

Methods

The intervention included increased drunk driving penalties, enhanced sobriety checkpoints and a young adult-focused mass media campaign, beginning 19 December 2018. We created a synthetic control Leon from 12 Mexican municipalities from a pool of 87 based on similarity to Leon using key predictors from 2015 to 2019. We assessed the effect of the intervention on road traffic collisions overall and collisions with injuries, deaths and involving alcohol, using data from police, insurance claims and vital registration.

Results

As compared with the synthetic control, Leon experienced significant postintervention lower police-reported total collision rate (17%) and injury collisions (33%). Alcohol-involved collisions were 38% lower than the synthetic control. Fatal collisions reported by police were 28% lower while vital registration road traffic deaths were 12% lower, though these declines were not statistically significant. We found no impact on insurance collision claims. There was heterogeneity in these changes over the evaluation year, with stronger initial effects and weaker effects by the end of the year.

Conclusions

Drunk driving policies in Leon led to fewer traffic collisions and injuries during the first year of implementation, with a weakening of this effect over time, similar to interventions in high-income settings and other Latin American countries. Supporting the expansion of similar policies to other cities in the region could improve road safety.
Machine learning classification of functional neurological disorder using structural brain MRI features
Authors: Westlin Christiana , Guthrie Andrew J , Paredes-Echeverri Sara , Maggio Julie , Finkelstein Sara , Godena Ellen , Millstein Daniel , MacLean Julie , Ranford Jessica , Freeburn Jennifer , Adams Caitlin , Stephen Christopher , Diez Ibai , Perez David L
Published: July 2024

Background

Brain imaging studies investigating grey matter in functional neurological disorder (FND) have used univariate approaches to report group-level differences compared with healthy controls (HCs). However, these findings have limited translatability because they do not differentiate patients from controls at the individual-level.

Methods

183 participants were prospectively recruited across three groups: 61 patients with mixed FND (FND-mixed), 61 age-matched and sex-matched HCs and 61 age, sex, depression and anxiety-matched psychiatric controls (PCs). Radial basis function support vector machine classifiers with cross-validation were used to distinguish individuals with FND from HCs and PCs using 134FreeSurfer-derived grey matter MRI features.

Results

Patients with FND-mixed were differentiated from HCs with an accuracy of 0.66 (p=0.005; area under the receiving operating characteristic (AUROC)=0.74); this sample was also distinguished from PCs with an accuracy of 0.60 (p=0.038; AUROC=0.56). When focusing on the functional motor disorder subtype (FND-motor, n=46), a classifier robustly differentiated these patients from HCs (accuracy=0.72; p=0.002; AUROC=0.80). FND-motor could not be distinguished from PCs, and the functional seizures subtype (n=23) could not be classified against either control group. Important regions contributing to statistically significant multivariate classifications included the cingulate gyrus, hippocampal subfields and amygdalar nuclei. Correctly versus incorrectly classified participants did not differ across a range of tested psychometric variables.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the interconnection of brain structure and function in the pathophysiology of FND and demonstrate the feasibility of using structural MRI to classify the disorder. Out-of-sample replication and larger-scale classifier efforts incorporating psychiatric and neurological controls are needed.
Tensions in $$e^+e^-\rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-(\gamma )$$ measurements: the new landscape of data-driven hadronic vacuum polarization predictions for the muon $$g - 2$$
Authors: Davier Michel , Hoecker Andreas , Lutz Anne-Marie , Malaescu Bogdan , Zhang Zhiqing
Published: July 2024

The situation of the experimental data used in the dispersive evaluation of the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon is assessed in view of two recent measurements: $$e^+e^- \rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-$$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

cross sections in the $$\rho $$
ρ
resonance region by CMD-3 and a study of higher-order radiative effects in the initial-state-radiation processes $$e^+e^- \rightarrow \mu ^+\mu ^-\gamma $$

e
+

e
-

→

μ
+

μ
-

γ

and $$e^+e^- \rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-\gamma $$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

γ

by BABAR. The impact of the latter study on the KLOE and BESIII cross-section measurements is evaluated and found to be indicative of larger systematic effects than uncertainties assigned. The new situation also warrants a reappraisal of the independent information provided by hadronic $$\tau $$
τ
decays, including state-of-the-art isospin-breaking corrections. The findings cast a new light on the longstanding deviation between the muon g – 2 measurement and the Standard Model prediction using the data-driven dispersive approach, and the comparison with lattice QCD calculations.
Bayesian inference with Gaussian processes for the determination of parton distribution functions
Authors: Candido Alessandro , Debbio Luigi Del , Giani Tommaso , Petrillo Giacomo
Published: July 2024

We discuss a Bayesian methodology for the solution of the inverse problem underlying the determination of parton distribution functions (PDFs). In our approach, Gaussian processes (GPs) are used to model the PDF prior, while Bayes’ theorem is used in order to determine the posterior distribution of the PDFs given a set of data. We discuss the general formalism, the Bayesian inference at the level of both parameters and hyperparameters, and the simplifications which occur when the observable entering the analysis is linear in the PDF. We benchmark the new methodology in two simple examples for the determination of a single PDF flavor from a set of deep inelastic scattering (DIS) data and from a set of equal-time correlators computed using lattice QCD. We discuss our results, showing how the proposed methodology allows for a well-defined statistical interpretation of the different sources of errors entering the PDF uncertainty, and how results can be validated a posteriori.
Recent Advances and Applications of Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers
Authors: Dutta Niloy K.
Published: July 2024

This paper describes the recent advances in device designs and optical transmission applications of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA). The device advances described are quantum-dot-based SOA and photonic-integrated circuits using SOA. The use of nonlinear properties of SOAs in high-speed optical transmission is discussed.
Channel-optimized quantum communication scheme based on combination code
Authors: Zhao Li-Yun , Chen Xiu-Bo , Gong Li , Xu Gang , Chang Yan , Dong Zhi-Chao , Zhou Nanrun
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a channel-optimized quantum communication scheme with imperfect Bell states is being considered, based on quantum teleportation and error correction codes technology. In this scheme, a novel “combination code” technique is proposed to protect the pre-shared Bell states from storage errors and to safeguard the information-encoded states from noisy channels. Ultimately, it is revealed by Monte Carlo simulation results that the channel fidelity of the proposed channel-optimized quantum communication scheme with imperfect Bell states is significantly advantageous over standard quantum error-correcting code (QECC) and entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting code (EAQECC) communication schemes.
Dark, bright and singular optical solitons for Biswas–Milovic equation with Kerr and dual power law nonlinearities
Authors: Razzaq Waseem , Zafar Asim , Nazir Abdullah , Ahmad Hijaz , Zaagan Abdullah A.
Published: July 2024

This paper attains cubic-quartic optical solitons of the Biswas–Milovic equation with dual power law and Kerr law nonlinearities. Dark, bright, singular and combo-singular solitons solutions are obtained with the F-expansion method. The solutions gained in our this work are newer than the obtained solutions using different method before this work in the literature. In order to better convey the physical significance of the solutions, we also include 2D and 3D graphics. The computational software MATHEMATICA is the helping tool for visualizing and analyzing the derived solutions.
When Federated Learning Meets Privacy-Preserving Computation
Authors: Chen Jingxue , Yan Hang , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhang Min , Xiong Hu , Yu Shui
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, with the development of artificial intelligence (AI), privacy issues attract wide attention from society and individuals. It is desirable to make the data available but invisible, i.e., to realize data analysis and calculation without disclosing the data to unauthorized entities. Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a promising privacy-preserving computation method for AI. However, new privacy issues have arisen in FL-based application, because various inference attacks can still infer relevant information about the raw data from local models or gradients. This will directly lead to the privacy disclosure. Therefore, it is critical to resist these attacks to achieve complete privacy-preserving computation. In light of the overwhelming variety and a multitude of privacy-preserving computation protocols, we survey these protocols from a series of perspectives to supply better comprehension for researchers and scholars. Concretely, the classification of attacks is discussed, including four kinds of inference attacks as well as malicious server and poisoning attack. Besides, this article systematically captures the state-of-the-art of privacy-preserving computation protocols by analyzing the design rationale, reproducing the experiment of classic schemes, and evaluating all discussed protocols in terms of efficiency and security properties. Finally, this survey identifies a number of interesting future directions.
Enabling Lignin Valorization Through Integrated Advances in Plant Biology and Biorefining
Authors: Dixon Richard A. , Puente-Urbina Allen , Beckham Gregg T. , Román-Leshkov Yuriy
Published: July 2024

Despite lignin having long been viewed as an impediment to the processing of biomass for the production of paper, biofuels, and high-value chemicals, the valorization of lignin to fuels, chemicals, and materials is now clearly recognized as a critical element for the lignocellulosic bioeconomy. However, the intended application for lignin will likely require a preferred lignin composition and form. To that end, effective lignin valorization will require the integration of plant biology, providing optimal feedstocks, with chemical process engineering, providing efficient lignin transformations. Recent advances in our understanding of lignin biosynthesis have shown that lignin structure is extremely diverse and potentially tunable, while simultaneous developments in lignin refining have resulted in the development of several processes that are more agnostic to lignin composition. Here, we review the interface between in planta lignin design and lignin processing and discuss the advances necessary for lignin valorization to become a feature of advanced biorefining.
Revolutions and Law
Authors: Ermakoff Ivan
Published: July 2024

Two broad thematic perspectives can be distinguished in the literature that broaches the revolutions–law nexus. One considers how actors’ relations to, and usages of, legal statutes and constitutional provisions affect the dynamics of revolutionary conjunctures (law in revolutions). The other examines how the dynamics and modalities of revolutionary processes affect the content of law and the configuration of the legal order (revolutions in law). Subsumed to the law in revolutions perspective are five main topics: the use of constitutional provisions as instruments of revolutionary subversion, legally framed defensive strategies, constitutional devolutions, legitimation problems, and the courts’ stances. The revolutions in law perspective encompasses reflections on the status of law in revolutionary paradigms, the impacts of revolutionary events as acts of foundation, shifting conceptions of constituent power, and the issue of continuities coexisting with ruptures. Cutting across these two perspectives are challenges and pitfalls that studies of revolutions and law can hardly ignore: the reification of analytical and descriptive categories, the confusion of normative and positive standpoints, and the reliance on unconditional claims. Studies overcome these challenges when they document and analyze the processes whereby actors engage law as they make decisions and pursue courses of action.
Eco-Friendly Mycogenic Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Volvariella volvacea and Unveiling its Potential as Antibiofilm and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Nayak Debasis , Mishra Awdhesh Kumar , Malla Sasmita , Swain Umakanta , Panigrahi Kalpana , Panda Jibanjyoti , Rustagi Sarvesh , Rauta Pradipta Ranjan , Mohanta Yugal Kishore
Published: July 2024

This research explores the eco-friendly creation of functional, biocompatible nanomaterials through green chemistry, utilizing natural extracts over chemicals to produce metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The study focuses on iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized with Volvariella volvacea (GIONP) and evaluates their physical, chemical, and biological traits, including their anticancer capabilities, against traditionally made IONPs (CIONP). GIONPs, confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering, showed enhanced stability and consistent size distribution. They also demonstrated smaller sizes via -Field Emission scanning electron microscopy analysis, and X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared studies verified their crystalline structure and organic functional groups. Notably, GIONPs exhibited strong antioxidant properties, low toxicity to blood cells, promising for intravenous use, and greater antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against various bacterial strains than CIONPs. The study revealed that both GIONPs and CIONPs exhibit a similar degree of toxicity towards MDA-MB 231 cancer cells. The internalization of GIONPs within these cells was verified through a Prussian blue assay and further supported by the concentration-dependent increase in intracellular iron levels post-treatment. These findings underscore the successful formulation of GIONPs that are not only biocompatible and eco-friendly but also capped with bioactive compounds, highlighting their promising applications in the field of biomedicine.
Optimization of Optical Biosensor Based on 1D Photonic Crystals with Metaheuristic Algorithms for Measuring Glucose Concentration
Authors: R Mahalakshmi , Al-Moliki Yahya M. , Alqahtani Ali H. , U Arun Kumar
Published: July 2024

We aim to simulate an optimal optical biosensor based on one-dimensional crystal photonics, for measuring blood and urine glucose concentration. By optimizing the sensor structure through metaheuristic optimization algorithms, sensitivity was increased. To measure blood and urine glucose concentration, these materials are used as a defect layer in one-dimensional crystal photonics, consisting of three materials: magnesium fluoride (MgF2), borosilicate glass (BK7), and orphan iodide (LiI) with refractive indices of 37/1, 1/5, and 1/99. By changing the concentration of glucose, the refractive index of the defect layer changes, changing the optical properties of the defect layer in the photonic crystal and the spectrum of transmitted and reflected light. According to the amount of light absorption by glucose, a wavelength range of 900–2200 nm (near infrared) was used as the input light. The transfer matrix method was used to calculate multi-layer systems. This method is based on the definition of two matrices, the boundary matrix and the diffusion matrix, which can be used to directly apply the boundary conditions. By plotting the spectrum passing through the crystal using the transfer matrix method and determining the location of the peak in the spectrum, the sensitivity of the sensor was calculated for different concentrations of glucose in blood and urine. The sensitivity obtained before optimization was 530 nm RIU−1, while after optimization it reached 842 nm RIU−1.
Investigation of Optical and Electric Properties of Post-Annealed Graphene: In2O3:ZnO Thin Film
Authors: Akırtın Ahmet , Korkmaz Şadan , Pat Suat
Published: July 2024

An investigation of the optical and electric properties of post-annealed In2O3:ZnO:Graphene thin films deposited by a thermionic vacuum arc deposition technology was performed. The post-annealed effects were defined by an investigation of the sample’s optical and electric properties. The lowest band gap value of 3.22 eV for the deposited thin film was obtained. Deposited thin films were transparent. The sample AA2 can be used as a transparent conductive oxide material with a resistance of 95 Ω cm−1. Sample AA2 was annealed at 400 °C for 30 min, and sample AA1 was annealed at 150 °C for 15 min. The graphene peaks for the samples were detected using a Fourier transform infrared spectra. The indium and zinc atomic ratios of the sample were approximately 2% and 10%, respectively. As a result, the deposited sample AA2 is a good candidate for use as transparent conductive oxide. Deposited films have high transparency and relatively low resistance. Finally, graphene is a good doping material for semiconductors.
Impedance Spectroscopy and Electrical Properties of Novel Structure of Au/AlCu/SiO2/p-Si/Al
Authors: Ashery A. , Gad S. A.
Published: July 2024

Au/AlCu/SiO2/p-Si/Al is a novel assembly synthesized by the technology of liquid phase epitaxy (LPE). Using impedance spectroscopy the electric and dielectric properties of these structures have been characterized as a function of voltage, frequency, and temperature. All real parts of the impedance curve at different temperatures, voltages, and frequencies formed small peaks at higher frequencies. At low and mid frequencies, the real part of impedance Z′ is independent of frequencies. For all curves of Z″, the imaginary parts of the impedance at dissimilar voltages, frequencies, and temperatures have positive values at low frequencies. At lnf = 5 the Z″ have negative values and create peaks. The growth of Z″ value was consistent with decline temperatures, at high frequencies, the Z″ formed peaks with positive and negative values. The Col-Col diagram, at different temperatures and voltages, was investigated. The conventional Cheung and Nord methods were applied to study the electric factors such as series resistance Rs, barrier height and ideality factor n.
Thin‐Layer Drying Model, Drying Rate, and Effective Water Diffusion Coefficient of Pelleted Feed
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Jiyuan , Jin Nan , Wang Hongying , Wang Liangju , Wu Junhua
Published: July 2024

In this study, classic thin‐layer drying models such as the Page model, Verma model, and Two‐term model were used to fit the thin‐layer drying data of feed. Based on this, a novel thin‐layer drying model for pelleted feed (modified Verma model) was proposed. The results indicate that the new model is the optimal choice for describing the drying kinetics of pelleted feed for growing pig and calf. The drying rate of pelleted feed is linearly correlated with the feed moisture content. The effective water diffusion coefficient for pelleted feed of growing pig and calf ranges from 1.86 × 10−10 to 2.75 × 10−9 m2/s and 3.32 × 10−10 to 3.87 × 10−9 m2/s, respectively. The activation energy (Ea) for moisture diffusion in both types of feed is 26.42 kJ/mol and 25.86 kJ/mol, respectively. By establishing predictive models for model parameters based on air temperature and air velocity variables, the new model demonstrates extrapolation capability, wide applicability, and practical value. This work lays the foundation for developing a similarly characterized deep‐bed cooling drying model for pelleted feed.
Experimental Investigation and Performance Evaluation of Jatropha Oil‐Biodiesel Blending with Kerosene for Domestic Cooking and Lighting Applications
Authors: Getahun Eshetu , Wagaw Kefale
Published: July 2024

Reducing indoor air pollution and the related costs requires developing efficient cooking and lighting technologies as well as alternative energy sources. The appropriateness of virgin jatropha (Jatropha curcas) oil, its biodiesel, and the blending of these fuels with kerosene for wick stove lighting and cooking was examined in this study. To describe the fuel performance, a range of blending ratios were examined and characterizations were made of the fuel’s density, calorific value, boiling point, viscosity, and rate of fuel consumption. To assess the fuels’ thermal degradation behaviors, thermogravimetric and water boiling tests were performed. An air pollution meter was used to describe the levels of indoor air pollution. According to the findings, the virgin oil from Jatropha has a kinematic viscosity of 30.1 mm2/s. The 50% jatropha oil and 80% biodiesel blended with kerosene showed a reduction in viscosity of 72.6% and 46.8%, respectively. The thermal efficiency of the virgin oil, its biodiesel, and blending of these fuels with kerosene was in the range of 10–48%. Complete degradation of jatropha oil, its biodiesel, and 40 : 60 ratio of jatropha biodiesel and kerosene blend was conducted in the temperature range of 480–700 k, 185–280.6 K, and 100–300 K, respectively. The activation energies of jatropha oil, biodiesel, and kerosene blend (40 : 60) were 191.3, 73, and 25 kJ/mol, respectively. The average concentrations of particulate matter and carbon monoxide for pure jatropha oil biodiesel were 209.71 µg/m3 and 5.5 mg/kg, respectively. Thus, jatropha biodiesel and its blending with kerosene are suitable fuels for cooking and lighting operations in rural communities who are living far from the electrical grid compared with virgin oil fuel.
Knowledge and Practice of Neonatal Pain Management and Associated Factors among Health Care Providers in Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Public Hospitals in North Shoa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Jember Abraraw Admasu , Asefa Eyosiyas Yeshialem , Ahmed Abdurahman Mohammed , Kidane Addis Yeshitila
Published: July 2024

Background. Neonatal pain has been underrecognized and undertreated in many settings with the youngest children and neonates suffering the greatest consequences. Despite recent advancements in the assessment and therapy of children’s pain, a knowledge‐to‐practice gap still exists especially in developing nations including our country Ethiopia. Objectives. To assess knowledge, practice, and associated factors towards neonatal pain management among health care professionals working at neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in North Shoa Zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. Method. Facility‐based cross‐sectional study design was conducted among health care professionals working at NICU in all public hospitals in North Shoa Zone, from May 9, 2023, to May 23, 2023. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire from 123 health care professionals working at NICUs in eleven public hospitals. The collected data were checked and entered into EPI data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25 for further descriptive and logistic regression analysis. Data are summarized using descriptive statistics and presented using narrations, tables, and graphs. Result. The study reveals that 48% of health care professionals possessed adequate knowledge, while only 5.7% demonstrated good practices in neonatal pain management. Factors significantly associated with better neonatal pain management practices included having good knowledge of neonatal pain management (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI [1.19–9.49]), a higher educational level (AOR = 4.48, 95% CI [1.62–13.88]), and the availability of a pain scale assessment tool in the neonatal unit (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI [1.50–10.20]). Moreover, the type of profession, specifically being a nurse (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.08–0.66]), was significantly associated with knowledge of neonatal pain management. Conclusion. Health care professionals’ knowledge and practice regarding neonatal pain management are insufficient. Multisectoral collaboration is essential to enhance their knowledge and skills and improve the availability of pain scale assessment tools and supportive materials.
Supplementary Video S1 from An Image Analysis Resource for Cancer Research: PIIP—Pathology Image Informatics Platform for Visualization, Analysis, and Management
Authors: Martel Anne L. , Hosseinzadeh Dan , Senaras Caglar , Zhou Yu , Yazdanpanah Azadeh , Shojaii Rushin , Patterson Emily S. , Madabhushi Anant , Gurcan Metin N.
Published: July 2024

Pathology Image Informatics Platform.
Targeting YES1 Disrupts Mitotic Fidelity and Potentiates the Response to Taxanes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Piemonte Katrina M. , Ingles Natasha N. , Weber-Bonk Kristen L. , Valentine Mitchell J. , Majmudar Parth R. , Singh Salendra , Keri Ruth A.
Published: July 2024

Clinical trials examining broad-spectrum Src family kinase (SFK) inhibitors revealed significant dose-limiting toxicities, preventing advancement for solid tumors. SFKs are functionally heterogeneous, thus targeting individual members is a potential strategy to elicit antitumor efficacy while avoiding toxicity. Here, we identified that YES1 is the most highly overexpressed SFK in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and is associated with poor patient outcomes. Disrupting YES1, genetically or pharmacologically, induced aberrant mitosis, centrosome amplification, multipolar spindles, and chromosomal instability. Mechanistically, YES1 sustained FOXM1 protein levels and elevated expression of FOXM1 target genes that control centrosome function and are essential for effective and accurate mitotic progression. In both in vitro and in vivo TNBC models, YES1 suppression potentiated the efficacy of taxanes, cornerstone drugs for TNBC that require elevated chromosomal instability for efficacy. Clinically, elevated expression of YES1 was associated with worse overall survival of patients with TNBC treated with taxane and anthracycline combination regimens. Together, this study demonstrates that YES1 is an essential regulator of genome stability in TNBC that can be leveraged to improve taxane efficacy.

 Significance: YES1 is a sentinel regulator of genomic maintenance that controls centrosome homeostasis and chromosome stability through FOXM1, revealing this pathway as a therapeutic vulnerability for enhancing taxane efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer.
FANCI Inhibition Induces PARP1 Redistribution to Enhance the Efficacy of PARP Inhibitors in Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Yu-Zhou , Sang Ming-Yi , Xi Pei-Wen , Xu Ruo-Xi , Cai Meng-Yuan , Wang Zi-Wen , Zhao Jian-Yi , Li Yi-Han , Wei Ji-Fu , Ding Qiang
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is a global public health concern with high mortality rates, necessitating the development of innovative treatment strategies. PARP inhibitors have shown efficacy in certain patient populations, but their application is largely limited to cancers with homologous recombination deficiency. Here, we identified the suppression of FANCI as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of PARP inhibitors in breast cancer. Elevated FANCI expression in breast cancer was associated with poor prognosis and increased cell proliferation and migration. FANCI interacted with PARP1, and suppressing FANCI limited the nuclear localization and functionality of PARP1. Importantly, FANCI inhibition sensitized breast cancer cells to the PARP inhibitor talazoparib in the absence of BRCA mutations. Additionally, the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib enhanced the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to talazoparib through FANCI inhibition. These findings highlight the potential of targeting FANCI to enhance the efficacy of PARP inhibitors in treating breast cancer.

Significance: Targeting FANCI is a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing PARP inhibitor sensitivity in breast cancer that holds potential for broader therapeutic applications beyond cancers harboring BRCA mutations.
Scribble Deficiency Promotes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Development and Metastasis
Authors: Bermejo-Rodriguez Camino , Araos Henríquez Joaquín , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Pinto Teles Sara , Park Youngkyu , Evans Anthony , Barrera Lawrence N. , Neesse Albrecht , Grützmann Robert , Aust Daniela , Rümmele Petra , Knösel Thomas , Narita Masako , Narita Masashi , Campbell Fiona , Öhlund Daniel , Pilarsky Christian , Dow Lukas E. , Humbert Patrick O. , Biffi Giulia , Tuveson David A. , Perez-Mancera Pedro A.
Published: July 2024

Perturbation of cell polarity is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. Scribble (SCRIB) is a well-characterized polarity regulator that has diverse roles in the pathogenesis of human neoplasms. To investigate the impact of SCRIB deficiency in PDAC development and progression, Scrib expression was genetically ablated in well-established mouse models of PDAC. Scrib loss in combination with KrasG12D did not influence development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms in mice. However, Scrib deletion cooperated with KrasG12D and concomitant Trp53 heterozygous deletion to promote invasive PDAC and metastatic dissemination, leading to reduced overall survival. Immunohistochemical and transcriptome analyses revealed that Scrib-null tumors display a pronounced reduction of collagen content and an abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Mechanistically, IL1α levels were reduced in Scrib-deficient tumors, and Scrib knockdown downregulated IL1α in mouse PDAC organoids (mPDO), which impaired CAF activation. Furthermore, Scrib loss increased YAP activation in mPDOs and established PDAC cell lines, enhancing cell survival. Clinically, SCRIB expression was decreased in human PDAC, and SCRIB mislocalization was associated with poorer patient outcome. These results indicate that SCRIB deficiency enhances cancer cell survival and remodels the tumor microenvironment to accelerate PDAC development and progression, establishing the tumor suppressor function of SCRIB in advanced pancreatic cancer.

 Significance: SCRIB loss promotes invasive pancreatic cancer development via both cell-autonomous and non–cell-autonomous processes and is associated with poorer outcomes, denoting SCRIB as a tumor suppressor and potential biomarker for the prediction of recurrence.
Table S1 from Putrescine Supplementation Limits the Expansion of pks+ Escherichia coli and Tumor Development in the Colon
Authors: Oliero Manon , Cuisiniere Thibault , Ajayi Ayodeji S. , Gerkins Claire , Hajjar Roy , Fragoso Gabriela , Calvé Annie , Vennin Rendos Hervé , Mathieu-Denoncourt Annabelle , Dagbert François , De Broux Éric , Loungnarath Rasmy , Schwenter Frank , Sebajang Herawaty , Ratelle Richard , Wassef Ramses , Richard Carole , Duperthuy Marylise , Gravel Andrée E. , Vincent Antony T. , Santos Manuela M.
Published: July 2024

Table S1 shows cohort characteristics
Figure S7 from Putrescine Supplementation Limits the Expansion of pks+ Escherichia coli and Tumor Development in the Colon
Authors: Oliero Manon , Cuisiniere Thibault , Ajayi Ayodeji S. , Gerkins Claire , Hajjar Roy , Fragoso Gabriela , Calvé Annie , Vennin Rendos Hervé , Mathieu-Denoncourt Annabelle , Dagbert François , De Broux Éric , Loungnarath Rasmy , Schwenter Frank , Sebajang Herawaty , Ratelle Richard , Wassef Ramses , Richard Carole , Duperthuy Marylise , Gravel Andrée E. , Vincent Antony T. , Santos Manuela M.
Published: July 2024

Figure S7. Putrescine lowers inflammation, inhibits pks+ E. coli growth, and reduces tumor development.
Figure S6 from Putrescine Supplementation Limits the Expansion of pks+ Escherichia coli and Tumor Development in the Colon
Authors: Oliero Manon , Cuisiniere Thibault , Ajayi Ayodeji S. , Gerkins Claire , Hajjar Roy , Fragoso Gabriela , Calvé Annie , Vennin Rendos Hervé , Mathieu-Denoncourt Annabelle , Dagbert François , De Broux Éric , Loungnarath Rasmy , Schwenter Frank , Sebajang Herawaty , Ratelle Richard , Wassef Ramses , Richard Carole , Duperthuy Marylise , Gravel Andrée E. , Vincent Antony T. , Santos Manuela M.
Published: July 2024

Figure S6 shows growth of pks+ E. coli strains isolated from human samples
Data from Putrescine Supplementation Limits the Expansion of pks+ Escherichia coli and Tumor Development in the Colon
Authors: Oliero Manon , Cuisiniere Thibault , Ajayi Ayodeji S. , Gerkins Claire , Hajjar Roy , Fragoso Gabriela , Calvé Annie , Vennin Rendos Hervé , Mathieu-Denoncourt Annabelle , Dagbert François , De Broux Éric , Loungnarath Rasmy , Schwenter Frank , Sebajang Herawaty , Ratelle Richard , Wassef Ramses , Richard Carole , Duperthuy Marylise , Gravel Andrée E. , Vincent Antony T. , Santos Manuela M.
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Escherichia coli that harbor the polyketide synthase (pks) genomic island produce colibactin and are associated with sporadic colorectal cancer development. Given the considerable prevalence of pks+ bacteria in healthy individuals, we sought to identify strategies to limit the growth and expansion of pks+ E. coli. We found that culture supernatants of the probiotic strain E. coli Nissle 1917 were able to inhibit the growth of the murine pathogenic strain pks+ E. coli NC101 (EcNC101). We performed a nontargeted analysis of the metabolome in supernatants from several E. coli strains and identified putrescine as a potential postbiotic capable of suppressing EcNC101 growth in vitro. The effect of putrescine supplementation was then evaluated in the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium mouse model of colorectal cancer in mice colonized with EcNC101. Putrescine supplementation inhibited the growth of pks+ E. coli, reduced the number and size of colonic tumors, and downmodulated the release of inflammatory cytokines in the colonic lumen. Additionally, putrescine supplementation led to shifts in the composition and function of gut microbiota, characterized by an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enhanced acetate production. The effect of putrescine was further confirmed in vitro using a pks+ E. coli strain isolated from a patient with colorectal cancer. These results suggest that probiotic-derived metabolites can be used as an alternative to live bacteria in individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the presence of pks+ bacteria in their colon.
Significance:
Putrescine supplementation inhibits the growth of cancer-promoting bacteria in the gut, lowers inflammation, and reduces colon cancer development. The consumption of healthy foods rich in putrescine may be a potential prophylactic approach for individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the presence of pks+ bacteria in their colon.