bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound Crises: A Review of the Impact of Emergencies and Disasters on Mental Health Services in Puerto Rico
Authors: Rivera Fernando I. , Belligoni Sara , Arroyo Rodriguez Veronica , Chapdelaine Sophia , Nannuri Varun , Steen Burgos Ashley
Published: June 2024

Mental health in Puerto Rico is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been shaped by the island’s unique history, culture, and political status. Recent challenges, including disasters, economic hardships, and political turmoil, have significantly affected the mental well-being of the population coupled with the limitations in the accessibility of mental health services. Puerto Rico has fewer mental health professionals per capita than any other state or territory in the United States. This comprehensive review examines the impact of disasters on mental health and mental health services in Puerto Rico. Given the exodus of Puerto Ricans from the island, the review also provides an overview of mental health resources available on the island as well as the continental United States. The review identifies efforts to address mental health issues, with the intent of gaining a proper understanding of the available mental health services, key trends, as well as observable challenges and achievements within the mental health landscape of the Puerto Rican population.
Smart Health Monitoring System for Elderly Palestinians Using Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Jaradat Majdi , Ishaq Isam
Published: June 2024

Problem:Palestinian demographic landscape is undergoing an increase in the elderly population like many regions across the world. The elderly Palestinians face a unique challenges and problems of limited access to traditional care due to restricted movement, checkpoints, and also for limited healthcare resources. Therefore, the need arose to develop a sensitive and adaptable smart health monitoring system for Palestinian elderly to provide accurate and timely health data to improve well-being and prevent complications.
Method: The proposed system (SHMS) leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) with appropriate sensors to track vital signs like heart rate, blood oximeter, body temperature and signal from a patient heart. Advanced algorithms analyze the data, generating alerts for potential health risks, triggering timely interventions, and enabling remote consultations.
Results: This system has the potential to contributes to SDG 3 to significantly improve the health and well-being of elderly Palestinians by providing an accurate, low-power, and low-cost system for remote health monitoring. The system, being wearable, reads vital signs in real-time, overcoming geographical barriers and facilitating remote monitoring, especially in areas with limited healthcare centers and suffered from barriers along the way. The Doctor can suggest the patient’s prescription needed based on the momentary condition of the elderly and on previous readings of the sensors, if necessary. Which will also be notified via messages. Moreover, the doctor can take immediate intervention in case of an emergency. By implementing the system, it will be unnecessary for more than 50\% of the elderly to visit health care, thus reducing the cost to 50\%.}
Employing Siamese Networks as Quantitative Biomarker for Assessing the effect of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy on Pediatric Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Moreno Escobar Jesús Jaime , Morales Matamoros Oswaldo , Aguilar del Villar Erika Yolanda , Quintana Espinosa Hugo , Chanona Hernández Liliana
Published: June 2024

This study explores the potential of using a Siamese Network as a biomarker for assessing the effectiveness of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The problem statement revolves around the need for objective measures to evaluate the impact of DAT on patients with CP, considering the subjective nature of traditional assessment methods. The methodology involves training a Siamese network, a type of neural network designed to compare similarities between inputs, using data collected from CP patients undergoing DAT sessions. The network is trained to learn patterns and similarities between pre- and post-therapy evaluations, in order to identify biomarkers indicative of therapy effectiveness. Notably, the Siamese Network’s architecture ensures that comparisons are made within the same feature space, allowing for more accurate assessments. The results of the study demonstrate promising findings, indicating different patterns in the output of the Siamese Network that correlate with improvements in symptoms of CP post-DAT. These findings suggest the potential utility of the Siamese Network as a biomarker to monitor therapy outcomes in children with CP who undergo DAT, offering a more objective and quantifiable approach to assessing therapeutic interventions. Significant disparities in neuronal voltage perturbations, with a mean of 7.9825 dB in specific samples compared to 6.2838 dB in the data set, indicate a marked difference from resting activity. This suggests that dolphin-assisted therapy selectively activates specific brain regions uniquely during the intervention.
Exploring Reduced Graphene Sheets RGo Stabilized by Cu(II) and Cu(I) Cations and Dispersed in Ethanol
Authors: Jezzini Aya , Davidson Anne , Hamieh Tayssir , Toufaily Joumana
Published: June 2024

Cu-ions dispersed on reduced graphene RGo prepared and characterized in a liquid state in ethanol. Either constant ultrasounds or a sequence of ultrasounds (15s working, 15s stop) were applied for 6 min or 2h overall time, at a power of 500 W. Commercial graphite in ethanol was introduced at a concentration of 0.04 g/mL and CuCl2 2.5 H2O concentrations between 0.012 and 0.04 g/mL were used. The structural characterizations performed by XRD, microscopic, and spectroscopic techniques, after a centrifugation at 5000 rpm applied 12 min before Cu-introduction, led to conclude that: 1) Without copper, negative peaks in UV spectra were detected with concentrated pure graphene solutions, indicating light emission as nicely confirmed next by fluorescence measurements, 2) After addition of copper chloride and equilibration for 2 min , very intense and narrow peaks of intensity larger than 10 were observed. These peaks due to collective excitations generating plasmons were suppressed at a higher dilution and also if the cell with one cm optical path was replaced by a narrower cell with a 0.2 cm path. When plasmons were suppressed, in the UV spectral range, a band gap due to the energy transition between the valence filled  orbitals and conducting empty * orbitals, was observed. The presence of Cu (II) and Cu (I) cations were evidenced by Visible NIR spectroscopy. The formed “green” liquors containing Cu (II) Cu (I) /graphene in ethanol were stable in air for months and had good photocatalytic visible properties as demonstrated by the decomposition of two dyes.
A Factory of Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Ortigueira Manuel D.
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to demonstrate that, beyond the small world of Riemann-Liouville and Caputo derivatives, there is a vast and rich world with many derivatives suitable for specific problems and various theoretical frameworks to develop, corresponding to the different paths taken. Notions of time and scale sequences are introduced and general associated basic derivatives, namely right/stretching and left/shrinking, are defined. A general framework for fractional derivative definitions is reviewed and applied to get both known and new fractional order derivatives. Several fractional derivatives are considered, mainly: Liouville, Hadamard, Euler, bilinear, tempered, q-derivative, and Hahn.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health of the General Population in Saudi Arabia: The Acceptance of Community Pharmacists Role in Providing Mental Health Support
Authors: Alshayban Dhafer , Althani Rawad , Alhawashim Safa , Joseph Royes , Chandralla Veerendra , Islam Md. Ashraful , Ibrahim Habeeb , Alshehail Bashayer , Alotaibi Fawaz M. , Kurdi Sawsan M. , Asiri Ibrahim M. , Alsultan Mohammed M. , Alqarni Yousef Saeed
Published: June 2024

Objective
Objective of the study was to evaluate the public perception and acceptance of community pharmacists in providing mental health support in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19.
Methods
An online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out among the general public (aged 15 years or above) of Saudi Arabia during March-April 2020 using QuestionPro platform. The validated questionnaire was bilingual (English and Arabic), simple, detailed, and relevant to obtain focused responses from participants. Importantly, an item related to an agreement on a statement “Pharmacist can counsel people on psychological issues” was included on a five-point Likert scale. The survey link was shared across multiple social media platforms.
Results
A total of 773 participants completed the survey. The majority were female (65.2%) and youngsters (48.1%). Nearly half of the participants disagreed, while 19% agreed that pharmacists could provide support on psychological issues. Factors such as age, employment status, and the management of the psychological issues during the pandemic were significantly associated with the acceptance of community pharmacists’ role in providing mental health services (p
Genomic Landscape of Susceptibility to Severe COVID-19 in the Slovenian Population
Authors: Kovanda Anja , Lukežič Tadeja , Maver Aleš , Vokač Križaj Hana , Čižek Sajko Mojca , Šelb Julij , Rijavec Matija , Bidovec-Stojković Urška , Bitežnik Barbara , Rituper Boštjan , Korošec Peter , Peterlin Borut
Published: June 2024

Determining the genetic contribution of susceptibility to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes is important for public health measures and individualized treatment. Through intense research on this topic, several hundred genes have been implicated as possibly contributing to the severe infection phenotype(s); however, the findings are complex and appear to be population-dependent. We aimed to determine the contribution of human rare genetic variants associated with a severe outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infections and their burden in the Slovenian population. A panel of 517 genes associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection were obtained through an extensive review of the literature, and additionally included target genes identified by the COVID-19 Host Genetic Initiative, as well as the curated Research COVID-19 associated genes from PanelApp, England Genomics. Whole genome sequencing was performed using PCR-free WGS on DNA from 60 patients hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 disease, and the identified rare genomic variants were analyzed and classified according to the ACMG criteria. Background prevalence in the general Slovenian population was determined by comparison with sequencing data from 8025 individuals included in the Slovenian genomic database (SGDB). Results show that several rare pathogenic/likely pathogenic genomic variants in genes CFTR, MASP2, MEFV, TNFRSF13B, and RNASEL likely contribute to the severe infection outcomes in our patient cohort. These results represent an insight into the Slovenian genomic diversity associated with severe COVID-19 outcome.
The Connection between Global Dynamic Managerial Capabilities and Fintech Firm Innovativeness
Authors: Bndyan Qasim , Ali Khairi Ali Auso , Mousa Kawar Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Managers play an important role in driving the progress and progression of businesses, specifi-cally in the perspective of risky and long-term innovation. While organizational theories have acknowledged the influence of managers on strategic change, there is still a need to expand our interpretation of the global managerial abilities that drive innovation in the emerging fintech based economy. This study aims to address this research gap by leveraging the GDMC theory. It posits that GDMC (i.e., Global dynamic Managerial capabilities), encompassing managerial social capital, human capital, and cognition, directly contributes to the innovativeness of fintech firms. To investigate this relationship, the study utilized survey data obtained from Jordon manufac-turing firms operating in the context of Industry 4.0. Through regression analysis, the data were analyzed to gain insights and draw meaningful conclusions. The findings of the study affirm the significant role played by GDMC in facilitating innovation. Notably, the results deviate from previous research conducted in non-digital industries, suggesting that it is the combined set of global innovation mic capabilities that drives innovativeness in fintech firms. This study provides compelling indication for the crucial role of GDMC in the fintech based economy, challenging previous findings in non-fintech industries regarding the individual impact of managers' human capital, social capital, and cognition on innovation. In addition, this study contributes significantly to the existing literature by conducting a comprehensive examination of the effects of GDMC on innovation in fintech firms. It stands out as the first study to holistically explore this relationship, providing a nuanced understanding of the impact of GDMC. Consequently, the applicability of the GDMC theory is extended to the fintech economy.
The Autophagic Activator GHF-201 can Alleviate Pathology in a Mouse Model and in Patient Fibroblasts of Type III Glycogenosis
Authors: Mishra Kumudesh , Sweetat Sahar , Baraghithy Saja , Sprecher Uri , Marisat Monzer , Bastu Sultan , Glickstein Hava , Tam Joseph , Rosenmann Hanna , Weil Miguel , Malfatti Edoardo , Kakhlon Or
Published: June 2024

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSDIII) is a hereditary glycogenosis caused by deficiency of the glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE), an enzyme, encoded by Agl, enabling glycogen degradation by catalyzing alpha-1,4-oligosaccharide side chain transfer and alpha-1,6-glucose cleavage. GDE deficiency causes accumulation of phosphorylase-limited dextrin, leading to liver disorder followed by fatal myopathy. We tested here the capacity of the new autophagosomal activator GHF-201 to alleviate disease burden by clearing pathogenic glycogen surcharge in the GSDIII mouse model Agl-/-. We used open field, grip strength and rotarod tests for evaluating GHF-201’s effects on locomotion, biochemistry panel to quantify hematological biomarkers, indirect calorimetry to quantify in vivo metabolism, transmission electron microscopy to quantify glycogen in muscle, and fibroblast image analysis to determine cellular features affected by GHF-201. GHF-201 was able to improve all locomotion parameters and partially reversed hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia and liver and muscle malfunction in Agl-/- mice. Treated mice burnt carbohydrates more efficiently and showed significant improvement of aberrant ultrastructural muscle features. In GSDIII patient fibroblasts, GHF-201 restored mitochondrial membrane polarization and corrected lysosomal swelling. In conclusion, GHF-201 is a viable candidate for treating GSDIII as it recovered a wide range of its pathologies in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo.
A Secure Data Aggregation Algorithm Based on Trust Mechanism
Authors: Liu Changtao , Ye Jun
Published: June 2024

Due to the uniqueness of the underwater environment, traditional data aggregation schemes face many challenges. Most existing data aggregation solutions do not fully consider node trustworthiness, which may result in the inclusion of falsified data sent by malicious nodes during the aggregation process, thereby affecting the accuracy of the aggregated results. Additionally, because of the dynamically changing nature of the underwater environment, current solutions often lack sufficient flexibility to handle situations such as node movement and network topology changes, significantly impacting the stability and reliability of data transmission. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a secure data aggregation algorithm based on a trust mechanism. By dynamically adjusting the number and size of node slices based on node trust values and transmission distances, the proposed algorithm effectively reduces network communication overhead and improves the accuracy of data aggregation. Due to the variability in the number of node slices, even if attackers intercept some slices, it is difficult for them to reconstruct the complete data, thereby ensuring data security.
An Increasing Triglyceride-Glucose Index Predisposes to a Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype: Implications for Cardio-Metabolic Syndromes
Authors: Adams-Huet Beverley , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims
Insulin resistance is pivotal in the pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), which predisposes to both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The triglyceride-glucose index (Ty-G index), a validated measure of insulin resistance also predicts MetS, T2DM, severity of albuminuria and ASCVD. There is scantly data providing mechanistic insights into these sequalae.
Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between the TyG index and biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, free fatty acids (FFA) levels and adipokine dysregulation in a cohort comprising both controls and patients with nascent MetS.
Patients and Methods
Participants included 47 patients with MetS and 41 controls. Persons with diabetes, ASCVD, smoking and macro-inflammation were excluded. Fasting blood was obtained for both plasma and monocyte isolation.
Results:
Receiver operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that TyG index was an excellent predictor of MetS with an area under the curve of 0.87 and it correlated with both hepatic and adipose tissue insulin ressitance .Both serum FFA levels and non-HDL-cholesterol increased significantly over tertiles of TyG index. Based on TyG index tertiles and or correlations, C reactive protein, endotoxin, chemerin , interleukin-6 levels and monocyte toll-like receptor (TLR)- 4 and TLR-2 and their cellular signaling were significantly associated with TyG index .
Conclusion:
Increased non-HDL-C and most importantly a pro-inflammatory state evidenced by both circulating and cellular biomarkers could be advanced as potential mechanisms explaining the increased risk for T2DM and ASCVD.
Chitosan-Tricarbocyanine Based Nanogels Were Able to Cross the Blood Brain Barrier Showing Its Potential as a Targeted Site Delivery Agent
Authors: Rivera López Emilio , Samaniego López Cecilia , Spagnuolo Carla C. , Berardino Bruno G. , Alaimo Agustina , Pérez Oscar E
Published: June 2024

Targeting drugs to the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier. (BBB). The cutting edge in nanotechnology generates optimism to overcome the growing challenges in biomedical sciences through effective engineering of nanogels. The primary objective of the present report was to develop and characterize biocompatible natural chitosan (CS)-based NG that can be tracked thanks to the tricarbocyanine (CNN) fluorescent probe addition of the biopolymer backbone. FTIR shed light on the chemical groups involved in the CS and CNN interactions and between CNN-CS with tripolyphosphate, the cross-linking agent. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to determine if CS-NG can be utilized as therapeutic delivery vehicles directed towards the brain. An ionic gelation method was chosen to generate cationic CNN-CS-NG. DLS and TEM confirmed that these entities size fell into nanoscale. CNN-CS-NG was found to be non-cytotoxic as determined in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line through biocompatibility assays. After cellular internalization, the occurrence of an endo-lysosomal escape (a crucial event for an efficient drug delivery) of CNN-CS-NG was detected. Furthermore, CNN-CS-NG administered intraperitoneally to female CF-1 mice were detected in different brain regions after 2 h of administration using fluorescence microscopy. To conclude, the obtained findings in the present report can be useful in the field of neuro-nanomedicine when designing drug vehicles with the purpose of delivering drugs to the CNS.
A Parametrical Study on Hypervelocity Impact of Orbital Debris
Authors: Eken Ali , Eken Seher
Published: June 2024

A numerical method has been presented to simulate hypervelocity impacts into metal targets. The target is a rectangular prism and positioned at various inclined angles relative to the impact direc-tion, while four different projectile such as square prism, triangular prism, truncated cone and ogival shape are chosen. With this numerical model we aim to evaluate the risk of orbital debris impacting space structures in the design of shield systems for protection against hypervelocity impacts in space. To explore the geometric influences on hypervelocity impact, various projec-tile/target configurations are simulated using the Material Point Method. The Johnson–Cook plas-ticity model with a failure criterion is employed alongside Mie-Grüneisen's equation of state. Our analysis results reveal that the structure of debris cloud formations, scattering behavior of the ejected particle from both front and rear faces and penetration depth measures are significantly influenced by the projectile shape and impact angles.
Semantic Training for Cognitive Stimulation in Healthy Aging: Motives, Dimensions, and Usability of the CerUp Online Platform
Authors: Batista Ana Rita , Folia Vasiliki , Silva Susana
Published: June 2024

Background: Aging impacts semantic abilities, therefore semantic exercises might be a valuable tool for cognitive stimulation in healthy older adults. However, programs in this area are limited. Methods: In the current paper, we adapted the BOX linguistic semantic program for online use via the CerUp platform. Our goal was to prepare the optimization future experience of CerUp users, including potential changes in task structure, level of difficulty and instructions, and participants’ adherence, engagement, performance accuracy, perceived difficulty, and adequacy ratings assigned to the instructions we provided that might guide future changes. Additionally, we created a map of hypothesized task-specific features that may guide tailor-made uses of the program. Results: To that end, we present preliminary results on the usability of CerUp. By analyzing task-specific usability data alongside the hypothesized map of task-specific features, we also tested the validity of the latter. Conclusions: These preliminary results on the usability of the CerUp platform highlight the potential of programs for semantic stimulation. Such findings can inform future optimizations of the program, tailored to users’ needs and effectively supporting overall language skills and general cognition.
Hydrogen and Methane Production in Response to Different Types of Dietary Fiber and Its Relationship to Postprandial Glucose Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Normoglycemic Subjects
Authors: Misnikova Inna V , Kovaleva Yulia A. , Shokur Svetlana Y , LeBaron Tyler W. , Povarova Oxana Viktorovna , Medvedev Oleg S.
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between postprandial glycemic levels based on flash-monitoring and the production of intestinal hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases based on measurement of the amount of these gases in exhaled air. We studied 14 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 10 individuals without diabetes (control) with 3 food-load tests with simultaneous determination of gases in exhaled air and assessment of glucose levels. In 15.4% of patients with T2DM, there was a non-significant increase in exhaled H2. How-ever, all subjects in the control group had significant increase in exhaled H2. Moreover, the level of H2 in exhaled breathafter food load in patients with T2DM was lower than in normoglycemic subjects. Also, in normoglycemic subjects there was an inverse correlation between maximum glucose rise and maximum H2 in exhaled air after food load. At the same time in patients with T2DM the level of CH4 in exhaled air directly correlated with the parameters of postprandial glycemia in the test with lactulose. Confirmation of a causal relationship between decreased H2 production, increased intestinal CH4 production, and more severe postprandial glycemia may identify new therapeutic targets in the correction of postprandial glycemia in patients with T2DM.
Virtual Tour Models as an Efficient Counterpart to BIMs in Spatial Immersion for IoT Distant Control
Authors: Aguacil Moreno Sergi , Loup Matthias , Lebre Morgane , Deschamps Laurent , Bacher Jean-Philippe , Duque Mahecha Sebastian
Published: June 2024

This study explores the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Tours in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, focusing on Facility Management (FM) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). The research addresses the need for different levels of detail in BIMs across various building phases and the potential of Virtual Tours as a complement to BIMs in IoT-based FM. The study’s methodology includes a literature review, a pilot-demonstrator case study, installation of monitoring and IoT control devices, execution of BIMs and Virtual Tour models, and development of links between system elements. The case study is based on the Controlled Environments for Living Lab Studies (CELLS), a unique facility designed for flexible monitoring and remote-control processes. The findings of this research could provide valuable insights into the potential of Virtual Tours to complement and connect to BIMs within a life cycle perspective, enhancing the usability of digital twins for nontrained users and contributing to the evolution of the AEC industry.
Composition of Gases in the Interporous Space of Technogenic Bodies
Authors: Bortnikova S.B. , Gaskova O.L. , Tomilenko A.A. , Makas’ A.L. , Fursenko E.A. , Pal’chik N.A. , Danilenko I.V. , Abrosimova N.A.
Published: June 2024

—We present results of studies of inclusions in secondary sulfates (antlerite and a mixture of copiapite and coquimbite) and arsenates (erythrite and picropharmacolite) formed on the surface of technogenic bodies, such as stored waste from the enrichment of sulfide (Belovo and Ursk waste heaps) and arsenide (disposal maps of the Tuvakobalt plant) ores. A wide range of components were identified in the gas–liquid inclusions, the main ones being water and carbon dioxide. Hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing organic compounds, and nitrogen- and sulfur-containing gases were found in smaller but measurable amounts. Arsine H3As was also detected in inclusions in picropharmacolite (calcium and magnesium arsenate–arsenite). The gas–liquid inclusions in secondary minerals reflect the composition of the interporous space in the waste body, filled with particular atmospheric gases entering the body in free form and with seasonal precipitation. The combination of in situ generated and penetrating gases determines the diversity of inorganic and biotic interactions in technogenic bodies. The presence of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing organic compounds is, most likely, associated with bacterial transformations of organic matter (residual vegetation, wood, microalgae, and fungi). At the same time, carbon disulfide and sulfur dioxide are indicators of active inorganic reactions of decomposition of the sulfide matrix.
Flat band, tunable chiral anomaly and pitchfork bifurcation in a honeycomb lattice
Authors: Saroka Vasil , Kong Fanmiao , Downing Charles , Payod Renebeth , Fischer Felix , Sun Xiankai , Bogani Lapo
Published: June 2024

The search for energy efficient materials is urged not only by the needs of modern electronics but also by emerging applications in neuromorphic computing. Chiral anomaly engineering has established as one of the mechanisms for achieving energy efficient dissipationless transport. Here we show how to design tunable chiral anomalies in a honeycomb lattice without any magnetic fields. Breaking the usual assumption of commensurability and applying an external electric field to a flat band material, we generate electronic modes exhibiting chiral anomalies capable of disorder resilient transport in the bulk of the material, rather than on the edge. As the electric field increases, the system exhibits an unusual cubic-like dispersion. While providing a performance comparable to other known honeycomb lattice-based ballistic conductors such as armchair nanotube, zigzag nanoribbon and hypothetical cumulenic carbyne, this scheme provides routes to strongly correlated localization due to its flat band and exotic cubic dispersion featuring a critical slowing down and pitchfork bifurcation phenomena. These results open a new research avenue for the design of energy efficient information processing and higher-order dispersion materials.
Integrating hydroformylations into a methanol economy
Authors: Skrydstrup Troels , Bonde Andreas , Jakobsen Joakim , Ahlers Alexander , Huang Weiheng , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: June 2024

In almost all man-made chemical products, the carbon skeletons originate from unsustainable fossil resources1. As the green transition gains traction, introducing CO2 as a feedstock for organic synthesis will be one of the keys to a carbon-neutral chemical industry2-4. However, redesigning large scale processes for alternative feedstocks is challenging. Methanol sourced from CO2 is presently becoming available, linked to the emergence of a methanol economy utilising it as circular fuel5,6. This presents an ideal entry point to rethink the highly interconnected chemical production chains. Here, we report that interlocking a ruthenium-catalysed methanol-to-syngas reforming with a low-pressure rhodium-catalysed hydroformylation in a two-reactor setup affords oxo-products in high yields and selectivity. This study elucidates the kinetics and selectivity of gas formation and their key role in matching both catalytic cycles. Finally, the utilisation of fuel-grade green methanol as a syngas source is demonstrated. If combined with methanol-to-olefin processes and green methanol production, oxo-products could thus be generated using solely CO2 as the carbon feedstock through a methanol platform. The here developed dual catalysis can be considered a blueprint for remodelling industrial processes.
Toxicity of Anthracene on Marine Organisms and Development of Seawater Quality Criteria
Authors: Karthikeyan Panneerselvam , Marigoudar Shambanagouda R , Raja Pichaikkaran , Nagarjuna Avula , Kumar Sarvalingam Barath , Savurirajan Muthulingam , Sharma Krishna Venkatarama
Published: June 2024

Presence of anthracene (ANT) in coastal waters is increasingly being reported and has a profound impact on the marine biota. However, numerical guideline values and toxicity data on marine organisms are lacking. Therefore, seawater quality criteria (SWQC) are developed for ANT based on toxicity data on native species for the first time. Acute and chronic toxicity values were derived on diatoms (Thalassiosira subtilis and Endomoneis paludosa), copepods (Oithona similis and Tisbe furcata), and shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). 96h-EC50 and 96h-LC50 were ranged between 23.98 ± 2.4 µg/L and 1.73 ± 0.33 mg/L. Chronic toxicity values such as No Observed Effect Concentrated (NOEC), Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), and chronic values ranged from 2.1 ± 0.6 µg/L to 267 ± 58 µg/L, 2.5 ± 0.8 µg/L to 400 ± 7 µg/L and 2.4 ± 0.8 µg/L to 327 ± 71 µg/L respectively. Seawater quality criteria viz. Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC), Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC), and Criterion Maximum Concentration (CMC) were derived using NOECs, chronic values, and acute data. The PNECs are pertinent to sensitive/protected waters, CCC can be applied across the coastal waters and CMC for accidental spill/outfalls/discharge points in enclosed waters. The PNEC, CCC, and CMC are derived as 2.7, 8.8, and 17 µg/L respectively from the Australian Burrlioz SSD whereas the USEPA SSD resulted in 3.89 µg/L of PNEC, 10.7 µg/L of CCC, and 26.7 µg/L of CMC. Sensitive SWQCs were obtained using the Australian Burrlioz SSDs which may ensure the protection of marine life from ANT pollution.
Mapping of on-field soil nutrient variabilities as a guiding force for Smart farming: A case study from FarmerZone TM sentinel-1 from three potato agroecological zones of India
Authors: Singh Portia D , Sharma Jagdev , kumar Prince , Sriniva Srikant , Masakapalli Shyam Kumar
Published: June 2024

Mapping of soil nutrient parameters using experimental measurements and geostatistical approaches to assist site-specific fertilizer advisories is anticipated to play a significant role in Smart Agriculture. FarmerZone™ is a cloud service envisioned by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, to provide advisories to assist smallholder farmers in India in enhancing their overall farm production. As a part of the project, we evaluated the soil spatial variability of three potato agroecological zones in India and provided soil health cards along with field-specific fertilizer recommendations for potato cultivation to farmers. Specifically, 705 surface samples were collected from three representative potato-growing districts of Indian states (Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh) and analysed for soil parameters such as Organic matter, macronutrients (NPK), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu), pH, and EC. The soil parameters were integrated into a geodatabase and subjected to Kriging interpolation to create spatial soil maps of the targeted potato agroecological zones through best-fit experimental semivariograms. The NPK spatial distribution showed a deficiency of soil organic matter and available Nitrogen among all studied zones, whereas available Phosphorus and Potassium ranged from low to medium in the central plain zone and from medium to high in the Northwestern plain and high hilly zone. The availability of micronutrients was largely sufficient in all the zones except at a few sites. This study supports the role of site-specific soil analytics and interpolated spatial soil mapping over agroecological zones as a promising source to deliver reliable advisories of fertilizer recommendations.
Study on cavitation flow and high-speed vortex interference mechanism of high-speed inducer centrifugal pump based on full flow channel
Authors: Long Yun , Xu Yuan , Zhen Zhou , Rui Wang , Rongsheng Zhu , Qiang Fu
Published: June 2024

High-speed centrifugal pumps are crucial in aerospace and petrochemical industries due to their high speed and head. To enhance cavitation performance, the inducer and impeller, which are critical flow components, require specialized design and optimization. This study examines cavitation flow and high-speed vortex interference in a full-channel high-speed inducer centrifugal pump. Analyzing the void volume fraction in the inducer and impeller flow passages under various effective cavitation allowances reveals that as the allowance decreases, void volume increases, and the hump position shifts backward. The study also correlates the static pressure distribution on the inducer blade surface with cavitation states, finding that a decrease in the cavitation allowance leads to an expansion of the low-pressure area on the blade surface, aligning with the cavitation distribution area. This is vital for assessing the inducer's power capacity. Observations of the impeller blade's pressure distribution show that the low-pressure area is concentrated at the inlet of the suction surface, expanding towards the impeller outlet. The bubble volume distribution area matches the low-pressure region. As cavitation progresses, the static pressure in the impeller passage decreases, impacting the impeller's normal operation and performance. Comparing the interference between the cavitation zone and the high-speed zone in the flow channels of the inducer and impeller, it's evident that cavitation increases the low-speed zone area on the velocity contour surface. This results in the appearance of a velocity vector in the low-speed zone, affecting the pump's performance. As cavitation worsens, bubbles adhere to the entire flow channel, causing a significant drop in the pump head and impacting the pump's working efficiency. This paper provides valuable insights into the cavitation flow and high-speed vortex interference mechanisms in high-speed inducer centrifugal pumps, offering significant guidance for their design and operation.
The impact of patient-facility language discordance on potentially inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics in long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective population health cohort study.
Authors: Reaume Michael , Peixoto Cayden , Pugliese Michael , Tanuseputro Peter , Batista Ricardo , Kendall Claire E , Landry Josette-Renée , Prud'homme Denis , Chomienne Marie-Hélène , Farrell Barbara , Bjerre Lise M
Published: June 2024

Background
Appropriate use of medication is a key indicator of the quality of care provided in long-term care (LTC). The objective of this study was to determine whether resident-facility language concordance/discordance is associated with the odds of potentially inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics (PIP-AP) in LTC.
Methods
We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of LTC residents in Ontario, Canada from 2010 to 2019. We obtained resident language from standardized resident assessments, and derived facility language by determining the proportion of residents belonging to each linguistic group within individual LTC homes. Using linked administrative databases, we identified all instances of PIP-AP according to the STOPP-START criteria, which have previously been shown to predict adverse clinical events such as emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Residents were followed for 1 year or death, whichever occurred first. The association between linguistic factors and PIP-AP was assessed using adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
We identified 198,729 LTC residents consisting of 162,814 Anglophones (81.9%), 6,230 Francophones (3.1%), and 29,685 Allophones (14.9%). The odds of PIP-AP of were higher for both Francophones (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.23) and Allophones (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08–1.15) when compared to Anglophones. When compared to English LTC homes, French LTC homes had greater odds of PIP-AP (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.20), while Allophone homes had lower odds of PIP-AP (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77–0.86). Residents living in language-discordant LTC homes had higher odds of PIP-AP when compared to LTC residents living in language-concordant LTC homes (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10).
Conclusion
This study identified linguistic factors related to the odds of PIP-AP in LTC, suggesting that the linguistic environment may have an impact on the quality of care provided to residents.
Immunohistochemistry and molecular detection of Helicobacter pylori infection and their virulent genes in gastric biopsies from Pakistan
Authors: Riaz Abdullah , Taj Zeeshan , Alshaya Dalal Sulaiman , Saqalein Muhammad , Andrey Diego , Jabeen Kokab , Ambreen Atifa , Mustafa Sana , Tufail Zainab , Shah Tawaf Ali , Attia Kotab A. , Qamar Muhammad Usman
Published: June 2024

An infection with Helicobacter pylori can lead to chronic gastritis, which, if not treated, can cause serious gastroduodenal diseases such as gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, gastric cancer, and peptic ulcer. H. pylori infection usually occurs during childhood, and if left untreated, it can persist throughout a person's lifetime. The main objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of H. pylori infections and the presence of virulence genes such as vacA and cagA. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the connection between virulence factors and gastroduodenal issues in patients. Several virulence factors play a crucial role in the development of diseases associated with H. pylori. A total of 1038 gastric biopsy specimens were collected from the patient with a history of gastritis in 10% normal saline aseptically. Tissue size was measured, and gross examined, which were processed in an automated tissue processor. After processing, the embedding of tissues was done in paraffin wax. 2–3 µm sections were prepared using a rotary microtome. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed. DNA was extracted from the tissue of H. pylori and their virulence factors (cagA and vacA) through PCR. Of 1038 biopsies, 374 (28.5%) were H. pylori infections confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry. The mean age was 39.5 (± 15.1) years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.9. The majority of the gastric samples (260; 69.5%) were taken from the antrum, followed by the antrum and body (68; 18.1%), the gastric mucosa (26; 7.0%), and the body (10; 2.6%). The colonisation of H. pylori was classified into three levels: mild (270; 72.2%), moderate (64; 17.1%), and severe (40; 10.7%). Among the antrum, mild active gastritis (n = 78; 30%), and mild chronic active gastritis (n = 60; 23.1%), while in the antrum and body samples, 28 (41.1%) were mild active gastritis. 16S rDNA in biopsy samples of H. pylori isolates. Additionally, in mild gastric colonisation, cagA (103; 27.9%) and vacA (143; 38.2%), and in moderate colonisation, 27 (7.2%) and 24 (6.4%) of the cagA and vacA were identified. There was a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in gastric biopsies with mild colonization, and isolates carried the virulence genes.
The prognostic value of visible hematuria is only significant in T1a renal cell carcinoma: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Li Xintao , Ma Xin , Chen Lijun , Xiong Liulin
Published: June 2024

Objectives
To investigate the prognostic value of visible hematuria in T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Materials and Methods
In the RCC database of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital Department of Urology, we assembled the records of patients with unilateral RCC over 18 years of age diagnosed between 2008 and 2019. The pathological stage was T1, and the tumors ranged in size from 0 to 7 cm. The primary treatments were partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN). Logistic regression analysis, Cox regression, interaction analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to study the correlation between visible hematuria and progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).
Results
A total of 7,610 patients with T1 RCC comprised the study population, including 505 RCC patients with visible hematuria. The average follow-up time was 64.6 months (range: 12–144 months). Visible hematuria was significantly associated with the prognosis (PFS, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.7, P < 0.001; CSS, HR = 4.2, P < 0.001) of T1a RCC, but was more significant for CSS in cases of a tumor size ≤ 2 cm (HR = 26.8, P = 0.026). This effect was not significant in T1b RCC (PFS, HR = 0.7, P = 0.153; CSS, HR = 1.1, P = 0.862). The interaction between visible hematuria and tumor size was significant (P = 0.001).
Conclusions
This study showed that visible hematuria was an independent risk factor for PFS and CSS in T1a RCC. The predictive value of visible hematuria for CSS was more significant in RCCs ≤ 2 cm, but did not reach statistical significance in T1b RCC. T1a RCC patients with visible hematuria should be intensively monitored during follow-up.
RETRACTED: The influence of physical exercise on adolescents' externalizing problem behaviors: mediating effects of parent-child relationship, self-esteem, and self-control
Authors: Cui Long , Xing Yumei , Gu Jixing , Zhou Hao , Zhang Lin , Bu Yifeng
Published: June 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Geometric Changes and Clinical Risk Factors from Aortic Arch to Proximal Internal Carotid Artery between Normal Subjects and Moderate Right Carotid Plaques
Authors: Ngo Dac Hong An , Lee Ui Yun , Kwak Hyo Sung
Published: June 2024

Objective
The anatomical features spanning from the aortic arch to the proximal carotid artery and the associated cardiovascular risks might significantly influence the development of right carotid plaque. Our research aimed to compare these anatomical and risk factors between individuals with no carotid plaque and those with moderate right-side carotid plaque within a Korean cohort.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis involving 413 participants, categorized into a normal group (n = 339) and a right moderate carotid plaque group (defined as > 50% stenosis based on NASCET criteria)(n = 74). We collected data on cardiovascular risk factors and conducted laboratory tests. A 3D model of the carotid artery was constructed using cranio-cervical computed tomography angiography (CTA) data through semi-automated software. Measurements taken on this 3D model included the common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), and carotid artery bifurcation (CAB) in terms of maximal vascular diameter, sectional area, angles of carotid bifurcation and ICA, and carotid tortuosity.
Results
When compared with the normal group, individuals in the right moderate carotid plaque group exhibited smaller angles at the carotid bifurcation, larger CCA diameter and sectional area (p < 0.01), advanced age, and a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke history (p < 0.05), along with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the sectional area of the bifurcation, calcification of the aortic bulb, and GFR were independently associated with the presence of right moderate carotid plaque (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Statistical analyses disclosed significant differences in both clinical risk factors and geometric changes in the region extending from the aortic arch to the proximal carotid artery among subjects with right moderate carotid plaque when compared to those without.
Kawasaki disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center comparative study in Switzerland
Authors: Epitaux Justine , Sekarski Nicole , Bressieux-Degueldre Sabrina
Published: June 2024

Background Kawasaki disease is a rare systemic inflammatory syndrome that mainly affects children under five years of age and is the first cause of pediatric acquired cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis is complex and a viral trigger is suspected, as well as genetic susceptibility. Multiple studies around the world have shown a decrease in the incidence of Kawasaki disease and have hypothesized that the different sanitary measures enforced in each country during the pandemic period could be responsible to a certain extent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the disease’s incidence, defining characteristics, coronary artery outcomes and management in a tertiary center in Switzerland.Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of children who have been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease that compares clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data as well as treatments before (January 1st 2017 to February 24th 2020) and during (February 25th 2020 to December 31st 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. Statistical significance of differences in the compared parameters was assessed.Results Of the 90 patients included, 31 belonged to the first group and 59 belonged to the second group. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in incidence during the pandemic period (5.91/10,000 children) of 88% compared to the pre-pandemic period (3.14/10,000 children). A lesser seasonal variation was observed during the pandemic. There was no other notable difference in demographic factors, clinical presentation, coronary outcome or administered treatment.Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first extensive European study comparing Kawasaki disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in incidence in Kawasaki disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, studies done in Japan, South Korea and the USA have shown a decrease in incidence. Differences in methodologies, genetics, ethnicities, environments, sanitary measures and SARS-CoV-2 spread are factors that should be considered. Further studies analyzing the differences between countries with increased incidence of Kawasaki disease could help better understand the relevance of such factors and provide more insight into the etiologies of this particular disease.