bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Wild Rose (Rosa canina L.) Gall Extracts against Gram-Negative Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Haghparasti Atefeh , Mohammadi Sichani Maryam , Tavakoli Majid
Published: June 2023

Background & Objectives: Treating infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a challenge and researchers are looking for new antimicrobial compounds. Galls are abnormal plant growths caused by biological agents and have active compounds. The present study was designed to examine the antibacterial effects of different extracts of wild rose gall (Rosa canina L.) against some pathogenic Gram-negative bacilli.
Materials & Methods: Methanol, acetone, and aqueous extracts from galls were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was determined by agar well diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration were assessed by the microdilution method. The phytochemical composition of galls was investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method.
Results: The inhibition zones of 500 mg/mL methanol extract of wild rose gall against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter bummani, Shigella sonei, and Salmonella typhi were 26.7, 25.0, 25.7, 25.7, 26.7, 23.7 and 18.3, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was directly related to their concentration. The extracts were active against all the pathogenic bacteria with average MICs ranging from 15.6 to 31.3 mg/mL. The methanol extract of wild rose gall showed the highest bactericidal effect on P. aeruginosa and A. bummani at 62.5 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and octadecenoic acid were composed 36.66%, 14.40%, and 13.21% of total active compounds in wild rose gall.
Conclusion: All of the wild rose gall extracts showed significant antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacilli. The antibacterial effects may be related to the high amounts of organic acids in wild rose gall extracts.
Association of Arachidonic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Serum Amyloid A Levels in Women with PCOS
Authors: Mazloomi Sahar , Khodadadi Iraj , Farimani Marzieh , Ghorbani Marzieh , Shafiee Gholamreza
Published: June 2023

Background & Objective: PCOS is a multifactorial disorder characterized by inflammation caused by unknown reasons. This study aimed to investigate the Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels and Serum amyloid A (SAA) protein and gene expression of follicular fluid in women with PCOS.Materials & Methods: The study included 30 PCOS and 30 healthy women. The individuals were selected after clinical examination and the inclusion criteria. During the puncture and after removing oocytes, follicular fluids were collected from individuals. The SAA protein concentration was determined by the ELISA method. Arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid levels were determined using GC method and the statistical software SPSS 16, and the p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.Results: There was a significant difference in metaphase II oocytes (M2) (p =0.001), number of Embryo (p =0.014), Estradiol (p =0.025), FSH (0.040), LH (p =0.035) and Prolactin (p =0.023) levels between two groups. The concentration of SAA protein level and gene expression shows a significant increase in the patient group compared to the control group (p <0.05). The results showed that AA level was significantly increased in the patient group (284.12 ng/mL) compared to the control group (176.23 ng/mL) (p =0.001) while, there was a significant decrease (p =0.001) in EPA level in the patient group (24.56 ng/mL) compared to the control group (33.48 ng/mL).Conclusion: It appears that higher EPA levels and lower follicular fluid AA concentrations reduce SAA levels and thus may increase follicular maturation in women with PCOS.
Impact of behavioural factors on sustainable fashion usage intention: Evidence from consumers in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Nguyen The Hung
Published: June 2023

This study quantifies the impact of behavioral factors on sustainable fashion usage intention using self-reported data of 396 consumers in Ho Chi Minh City 2023. Sustainable fashion usage intention is measured using five factors based on behavioral theory and qualitative research 1) Attitude, 2) Social value, 3) Perceived behavioral control, 4) Subjective norms, and 5) Sustainable clothing disposal. We examine the cognitive processes of sustainable fashion consumers as they made usage decisions, as well as the subsequent implications of their choices. The results suggest that sustainable fashion usage intention is impacted by two characteristics influencing young generation intention in sustainable fashion in HCMC: Attitude and social value.
Structural organization of the rat hyppocampal formation
Authors: Zimatkin S. M. , Klimuts T. V. , Zaerko A. V.
Published: June 2023

The review examines the historical aspects of the hippocampus nomenclature. Its anatomical study began by the ancient Greeks, who called the unusual–looking structure a “ram’s horn” – cornu ammonis. The term “hippocampus” (ancient Greek: ἱππόκαμπος, from ἵππος, “horse” and κάμπος, “sea monster”, or “sea-horse”) was first introduced in the sixteenth century by anatomist J.C. Arantius. The term “hippocampal formation” is currently applied to a group of cytoarchitectonically different adjacent areas, including, along with the hippocampus itself, the dentate gyrus, subiculum, presubiculum, parasubiculum and entorhinal cortex. The reason for including these six regions in the “hippocampal formation” group is that they are connected to each other by unique and largely unidirectional pathways. The review is devoted to the spatial, morphological and cyto- and myeloarchitectonic organization of all departments of the rat hippocampus formation and the distinctive neuroanatomic characteristics of its departments. Comparative features of the structure of the hippocampus formation of a rat, monkey and human are described. Although the volume of the hippocampus is about 10 times larger in monkeys and 100 times larger in humans compared to rats, the basic architecture of the hippocampus formation is common, although there are some species differences. The relatively simple organization of the main cellular layers in combination with the highly organized laminar distribution of hippocampal neuron processes contributes to its use as a model system in modern neuroscience.
Effect of mevalonate, zoledronate and BCG on monocyte/macrophage phenotype
Authors: Lykov A. P. , Belogorodtsev S. N. , Nemkova E. K. , Vetlugina A. , Terekhova T. M. , Schwartz Ya. Sh.
Published: June 2023

Cells of innate immunity, mainly monocytes/macrophages, form a long-term nonspecific immunological memory during the initial encounter with the pathogen, the so-called trained immunity. Mevalonate pathway metabolites play an important role in the formation of trained immunity. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of modulators of mevalonate pathway, mevalonate and zoledronate, on the formation of trained immunity in human and animal monocytes/ macrophages.Material and methods. Human monocyte-like cell lines THP-1 and U-937, peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice were used. Trained immunity was induced in vitro by incubation of THP-1 and U-937 monocyte-like cell lines for 24 and 72 hours with inactivated Mycobacteria of BCG vaccine strain, and in vivo by intraperitoneal administration of BCG to BALB/c mice with isolation of peritoneal macrophages on day 7 after infection (lag phase). Cell hyperreactivity was assessed by response to a second stimulus with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and mevalonate, zoledranate in the presence or absence of LPS. Lactate, cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10), nitric oxide and glucose level was measured in conditioned media from cells.Results and discussion. The study showed that monocyte-like cell lines THP-1 and U-937 responded differently by cytokine production, lactate, and glucose consumption to BCG stimulus in the presence or absence of lag phase. Mevalonate and zoledronate alone or in combination with LPS also stimulated cytokine production in different ways. The presence of lag phase for human monocyte-like cells is essential for the level of cytokine production and glucose consumption. Peritoneal macrophages have been shown to enhance pro-inflammatory cytokine production in response to LPS, mevalonate, and zoledronate.Conclusions. Mevalonate and zoledronate induce trained immunity in monocytes/macrophages.
Can the patterns of acute renal dysfunction after reconstructive interventions for peripheral atherosclerosis be considered expectable?
Authors: Glushkov N. I. , Kostyle I. A. , Naidenova M. D. , Borodich A. A. , Troyno M. A. , Novik A. V. , Bakhtigareeva L. S. , Ivanov M. A.
Published: June 2023

An original study was conducted and risk factors predisposing to the development of acute renal dysfunction (ARD) were identified, the frequency and consequences of ARD after revascularization operations on the lower extremities were established, and data from scientific articles on this topic were studied and summarized. The aim of the study was to investigate the circumstances of the risk of ARD in patients who underwent revascularization due to peripheral arterial disease.Material and methods. The signs of ARD development were prospectively studied in 101 patients operated on the aorto-iliac segment for peripheral atherosclerosis, including aneurysmal disease. Manifestations of ARD registered according to RIFLE recommendations were observed in 40 patients. Hemodynamic parameters, creatinine levels, diuresis, concomitant diseases, and the course of the postoperative period were analyzed.Results. The incidence of ARD was significantly higher in persons with diabetes mellitus, cardiac pathology and manifestations of generalized atherosclerosis, as well as after emergency interventions. The probability of ARD is especially high against the background of hemodynamic instability and blood loss of more than 1000 ml, including with manifestations of centralization of blood circulation.Conclusions. Massive blood loss with manifestations of hemodynamic instability, as well as cardiac disorders, has a decisive influence on the development of ARD after operations on the aorto-iliac segment.
A clinical case of Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Saranyuk R. V. , Gosteva T. A. , Tsnobiladze E. D.
Published: June 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, rapidly progressive, aggressive skin tumor with frequent metastasis and high mortality. The disease is a multifactorial pathology resulting from the interaction of endogenous and exogenous risk factors. Timely detection of Merkel cell carcinoma is important in the management and prognosis of the patient, because the disease is often associated with other neoplastic processes not only in the skin but also in other organs. This article presents a clinical case of Merkel cell carcinoma and deals with the issues of its etiopathogenesis, differential diagnostics and therapy.
Establishing of big data clinical dataset in brain vessel aneurysm research
Authors: Kivelev Ju. V. , Saarenpää I. , Krivoshapkin A. L.
Published: June 2023

Variability and heterogeneity of digital medical data requires establishing of modern algorithms which provide appropriate data processing. The aim of the study was to delineate the main steps in formation of a clinical dataset of patients with brain aneurysms from the stage of producing primary mining specifications to formation of a final version.Material and methods. Data collection, crosschecking of the cases and analyses of dataset has been carried out in Turku University Hospital. Within last two decades available medical data at our hospital have been stored in digital data lake thus allowing automatized data mining. In frame of our study, data mining was performed by a data scientist utilizing R software. Inclusion criteria were based on a set of diagnosis which were coded in medical charts according to international classification of diseases (ICD 10).Resutls and Discussion. Primary data mining identified 3850 patients with brain aneurysms treated at our hospital from January 2000 till May 2018. After independent manual crosschecking of medical charts of these patients, we found 1218 (32 %) cases, which had no aneurysm (false-positive). Data of remaining true aneurysm-cases were divided into clinical and intensive care unit subsets where every event linked to particular date of treatment was defined as an info-unit. All the data in both subsets were structured into separate Excel files and presented in chronological order for each particular patient. Altogether, dataset included 70 000 000 rows of info-units found in 2632 patients.Conclusions. Data mining allowed establishment of detailed clinical dataset of patients with brain aneurysms. Produced mining algorithm had limitation regarding false-positive cases (32 % patients). Based on that, we recommend manual crosschecking of automatically collected dataset before statistical analysis.
Some factors of chronic social stress in male expeditionary-workers in the Arctic territories of the Tyumen region (pilot study)
Authors: Akimov A. M.
Published: June 2023

The expeditionary-shift method of organizing labor involves an increase in the intensity of work during the shift, a longer work shift, a decrease in inter-shift rest in the absence of days off and minimal social and domestic provision, and, accordingly, a pronounced impact of chronic social stress factors. Aim of the study was to investigate the parameters of stress at work and in the family among men aged 25–54, employed in expeditionary-shift work in the arctic territories of the Tyumen region.Material and methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted on an organized population of men aged 25–54 years, employed in expeditionary-shift work for more than five years at one of the industrial enterprises of the Tyumen region (n = 203). The comparison group consisted of an organized population of men in the same age range working permanently in the city of Tyumen (n = 239). Determination of stress at work and stress in the family was carried out according to the standard WHO questionnaire MONICA-psychosocial.Results and discussion. Among men employed in the expeditionary-shift form of work, most often over the previous 12 months, a change in specialty was established, an increase in the load and responsibility at the workplace, a more negative attitude towards work, an increase in conflicts with subordinates, but also the possibility of rest after a working day with a decrease in ‘other” changes at work; according to the parameters of stress in the family, among them a change in marital status, an increase in conflicts in the family and at the same time opportunities for a relaxing home rest were most often determined.Conclusions. Thus, the results of the pilot study, which determined a significantly higher prevalence of some factors of chronic social stress after five years of work in the arctic territories of the Tyumen region, should become a scientific basis for the formation of a socially oriented preventive program to reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases among workers in the oil and gas production complex employed by the expedition-shift form of work.
BELAJAR DARI RUMAH (BDR) MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 PADA LEMBAGA PENDIDIKAN DASAR DI KABUPATEN LOMBOK TIMUR
Authors: Jihad Salimul , Puspasari Nirwana , Nurman Muhammad
Published: June 2023

This study aims to explain the implementation of learning and assessment during the Covid-19 pandemic in elementary school education units (SD) in East Lombok Regency. This study uses a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach. The use of this method is based on the reason that this research focuses on the reality of BDR. Meanwhile, the phenomenological approach aims to find out the reality, strategic management of BDR, and the implications of BDR through this phenomenological study. As a result of implementation in the field, schools use various methods and tools to facilitate student learning at home according to the abilities and circumstances of students, teachers and parents of students. Broadly speaking, Distance Learning (PJJ), which is part of Learning From Home (BDR), is carried out using various approaches, namely: 1) Online/online distance learning. This learning uses gadgets and laptops through several portals and online learning applications; 2) Remote/offline (during) distance learning, using television, radio, self-learning modules and worksheets, printed teaching materials, teaching aids and learning media from objects in the surrounding environment. The implementation of PJJ in accordance with this approach, which actually occurs in the field, is very diverse. There are schools that can carry out these two approaches well, there are schools that combine these two approaches which is termed "Blendded Learning", and there are even those that are purely offline by conducting home visits to students' homes both individually and in groups.
Sustainable Procurement Practices and its Effects on Supply Chain Management
Authors: Hasan Ikram , Habib Md. Mamun
Published: June 2023

Sustainable procurement is a critical aspect of supply chain management that involves purchasing goods and services in a way that considers their environmental, social, and economic impacts. It extends beyond traditional procurement practices by incorporating sustainability principles into the decision-making process. The role of sustainable procurement in improving supply chain performance is significant. By sourcing from sustainable suppliers, companies can reduce their environmental footprint, enhance their social responsibility, and achieve cost savings, thus contributing to improved supply chain performance.
Proposing a Method for Performance Evaluation of a Designed Two-Phase Vertical Separator and a Piston Pump Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Dastyar Zahra , Rabieh Milad M. , Hajidavalloo Ebrahim
Published: June 2023

Designing and testing effective separators is a time-consuming task that requires sophisticated laboratory equipment or expensive field tests. Computer-aided simulation could be a fast and affordable alternative if the method demonstrates effectiveness and reliability. This work implements a method to simulate a hybrid separator by considering variable outlet boundary conditions caused by a piston pump. This method consists of a novel mesh generation method and a two-phase unsteady-state computational fluid dynamics model that enables full-scale simulations and shows acceptable results that comply with experimental data. Furthermore, the simulation is repeated in several gas/liquid ratios and piston speeds, leading to a correlation to predict the separation efficiency of similar designs. As expected, the results revealed that the pressure drop would increase and separator efficiency would decrease by increasing the piston speed. The influence of the gas/liquid ratio on the pressure drop and separation efficiency was negligible.
Maximization of Gas-Oil Separation Plant Oil Recovery by Operation Parameter Optimization
Authors: AL-Dogail Ala , Gajbhiye Rahul , Al-Shammari Hulail , Alnaser Mustafa , Kamerkar Tushar
Published: June 2023

Maximizing oil recovery of the gas-oil separation plant (GOSP) is intended to increase revenue in the oil and gas industry. The GOSP is an integral part of the petroleum industry, and it consists of multistage separators, a heater-treater, desalination, a stabilization column, and a stock tank of oil. It is conventional practice to operate the GOSP at fixed operating conditions without considering the effects of variation for different parameters such as ambient temperature, chemical composition, reboiler (60°C, 65°C, and 70°C), and stabilization (temperature and pressure). Optimizing the GOSP parameters can help to maximize the GOSP oil recovery and, as a result, increase the revenue and profit.

This study aims to optimize operation parameters to maximize the oil recovery of the GOSP at which the maximum oil recovery can be obtained from the GOSP. To achieve the objective of this study, first, a GOSP model was built using Petro-SIM process simulator software for a typical Saudi Aramco GOSP. The input data for the process simulator were the data from the initial pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) analysis. Optimizer tools in Petro-SIM were used to estimate the optimal conditions of the GOSP for achieving maximum oil recovery.

The results showed that the optimization of the GOSP parameters such as ambient temperature, high-pressure separator (HPS), low-pressure separator (LPS), reboiler temperature, and stabilization pressure and temperature have a significant effect on the GOSP oil recovery and lead to increased revenues. Adjusting the HPS and LPS pressures to the optimal values at each ambient temperature significantly improves the GOSP oil recovery and can generate extra revenue of more than USD 500 million for 3 months considering the typical climate condition and GOSP (50,000 B/D capacity) in Saudi Arabia.
Optimization of Hydropower Generation potential of Arjo Dedessa Dam
Authors: Kishe Chimdesa Regasa
Published: June 2023

Hydropower has been developed to have a positive impact on the quality of life for rural residents in many ways. It offers a wide range of facilities, such as improved lighting, energy for small industries, schools, computer and communication service centers, and clinics. Ethiopia has constructed numerous dams for irrigation and water supply, yet these structures may have untapped potential for other purposes. One example of such a dam is the Arjo Dedessa Irrigation Dam located in western Ethiopia. Advanced optimization models have been developed to maximize the annual energy generation from the Arjo Dedessa Dam, while taking into account restrictions on water release for irrigation and ecological purposes, as well as the need to maintain maximum reservoir yield and storage capacity. The model was analyzed using LINGO software for different probabilities of mean annual inflow exceedance. Two scenarios for hydropower retrofitting were evaluated. The scenario of independent hydropower release with reservoir inflows at 50%, 75%, and 90% probabilities of exceedance results in a total annual hydropower output of 4.8 MW, 4.34 MW, and 0.99 MW, respectively. The matching values for the scenario of complementary hydropower release were 5.27 MW, 4.55 MW, and 1 MW, respectively. The study also measured the potential increase in the reservoir's live storage capacity to 1945.01 Mm3 by utilizing flood storage, which would allow for a maximum draft increase to 285.74 Mm3. With an upper limit on storage and draft, and reservoir inflows with probabilities of exceedance at 50%, 75%, and 90%, the hydropower production increased correspondingly to 6.51 MW, 4.54 MW, and 1.935 MW for the scenario of independent hydropower release arrangement. For the scenario of complimentary hydropower release, the hydropower production improved to 6.75 MW, 4.58 MW, and 1.94 MW respectively. The outcomes specify that the Arjo Dedessa Dam is appropriate for the production of hydroelectric power and that its generation potential is between 6.51 and 6.75 MW.
Influence of Kuroshio Extension Variability on the North Pacific Atmosphere and Pacific Decadal Precession
Authors: Silva E. Nishchitha S , Anderson Bruce T
Published: June 2023

Recent research has revealed links between a quasi-decadal mode of climate variability over the North Pacific – the Pacific Decadal Precession (PDP) – and the North Pacific’s western boundary currents extension – the Kuroshio Extension (KE). It is suggested that on decadal time scales the PDP both responds to and influences the KE variability. A question yet to be answered is whether it is the large-scale or the mesoscale variations of the KE region that influence the overlying and downstream atmosphere and hence the PDP evolution. Using high-resolution sea surface temperature data (1981-2018) from the global ocean Operational Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Sea Ice Analysis, low resolution Extended Reconstructed SST (ERSST) version 3b data (1949-2018), geopotential height reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) we find that it is the large-scale variations in the KE region that correlate best with the overlying and downstream atmosphere instead of the mesoscale variations. In particular, the second mode of the large-scale KE region, which is characterized by warming (cooling) of the ocean south (north) of the KE, sets up a PDP-like north-south atmospheric pressure dipole over the North Pacific Ocean by altering the large-scale baroclinicity of the atmosphere and zonal intensification of a straight jet. In turn, there is a reduction in the zonal propagation of stationary wave energy and an enhancement of the climatological zonal wave heights over North America, which results in a downstream response over the North American continent and the formation of a subsequent east-west pressure dipole over the North Pacific and North American continent. As a result, there is a strong correlation between large-scale variations in the KE region and the evolution of the PDP over the next three years.
Lifted Antipodal Graviton Regularization from VEVs: Convergences plus Higgs-3-Gluons Duality
Authors: Maalouf Hani W.
Published: June 2023

A discrete skip operator, turning alternate to the Liouville theory, provides the link between the
Higgs and 3-gluons along a non-Gaussian Regularization for the Graviton based on indices. Such is
shown with factors from the Anti-podal Symmetry, plus its unambiguous renormalizable’ liftings.
That resolves, their so far abstract connection, via the MHV vertices.
The procedure relied on a small variation of an effective Lagrangian cosmological term
constant due to the rolling fluctuations, under a scalable Gauss-Bonnet Gravity. Verified, via
alternating, so convergent, expansion diagrams coefficients, containing Gluons and Higgs. Thus such
sorted feature plus its correlators from high dimensional operators pin out limits and analyticity for
the gravitational interactions.
Metallothionein gene deficiency facilitates the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into slow-twitch myotubes
Authors: Kadota Yoshito , Yamanokuchi Ryo , Ohnishi Nodoka , Matsuoka Mami , Kawakami Takashige , Sato Masao , Suzuki Shinya
Published: June 2023

Metallothionein (MT) 1 and 2 are ubiquitously expressed cysteine-rich, low molecular weight proteins. MT expression is upregulated in skeletal muscle during aging. MTs also play role in multiple types of skeletal muscle atrophy. Meanwhile, it has been reported that MT1 and MT2 gene deficiency increases myogenesis in MT knockout (MTKO) mice. However, little is known about the effect of MTs on muscle formation and atrophy. In this study, we investigated the effect of MT1 and MT2 gene knock-out using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in an in vitro skeletal muscle differentiation model (C2C12 cell line). MT deficiency promoted myogenic differentiation and myotube formation in C2C12 cells. Muscle-specific transcription factors MyoD and myogenin were found to be upregulated at the late stage of myotube differentiation inMTKO cells. Furthermore, the fast-twitch myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein expression was similar in MTKO and mock-transfected myotubes, but slow-MyHC expression was higher in MTKO cells than in mock cells. The MT gene deletion did not affect the number of fast MyHC-positive myotubes but increased the number of slow MyHC-positive myotubes. Treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibited the increase in the number of slow MyHC-positive myotubes as well as slow-MyHC expression in MTKO cells. In contrast, NAC treatment did not alter the number of fast MyHC-positive myotubes or the expression of fast-MyHC in MTKO cells. These results suggest that the antioxidant effects of MTs may be involved in slow-twitch myofiber formation in skeletal muscle.
A modified Michaelis-Menten equation estimates growth from birth to 3 years in healthy babies in the US
Authors: Walters William , Ley Catherine , Hastie Trevor , Ley Ruth , Parsonnet Julie
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: Standard pediatric growth curves cannot be used to impute missing height or weight measurements in individual children. The Michaelis-Menten equation, used for characterizing substrate-enzyme saturation curves, has been shown to model growth in many organisms including nonhuman vertebrates. We investigated this equation could be used to interpolate missing growth data in children in the first three years of life.
Methods: We developed a modified Michaelis-Menten equation and compared expected to actual growth, first in a local birth cohort (N=97) then in a large, outpatient, pediatric sample (N=14,695).
Results: The modified Michaelis-Menten equation showed excellent fit for both infant weight (median RMSE: boys: 0.22kg [IQR:0.19; 90%<0.43]; girls: 0.20kg [IQR:0.17; 90%<0.39]) and height (median RMSE: boys: 0.93cm [IQR:0.53; 90%<1.0]; girls: 0.91cm [IQR:0.50;90%<1.0]). Growth data were modeled accurately with as few as four values from routine well-baby visits in year 1 and seven values in years 1-3; birth weight or length was essential for best fit.
Conclusions: A modified Michaelis-Menten equation accurately describes growth in healthy babies aged 0-36 months, allowing interpolation of missing weight and height values in individual longitudinal measurement series. The growth pattern in healthy babies in resource-rich environments mirrors an enzymatic saturation curve.
adgrl3.1-deficient zebrafish show noradrenaline-mediated externalizing behaviors, and altered expression of externalizing disorder-candidate genes, suggesting functional targets for treatment
Authors: Parker Matthew , Fontana Barbara , Reichmann Florian , Tiley Ceinwen , Lavalou Perrine , Shkumatava Alena , Alnassar Nancy , Hillman Courtney , Karlsson Karl , Norton William
Published: June 2023

Externalising disorders (ED) are a cause of concern for public health, and their high heritability make genetic risk factors a priority for research. Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor L3 (ADGRL3) is strongly linked to several EDs, and loss-of-function models have shown impacts of this gene on several core ED-related behaviors. For example, adgrl3.1−/− zebrafish show high levels of hyperactivity. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which this gene influences behavior is incomplete. Here we characterized, for the first time, externalizing behavioral phenotypes of adgrl3.1−/− zebrafish and found them to be highly impulsive, show boldness in a novel environment, have attentional deficits, and show high levels of hyperactivity. All of these phenotypes were rescued by atomoxetine, demonstrating noradrenergic mediation of the externalizing effects of adgrl3.1. Transcriptomic analyses of the brains of adgrl3.1−/− vs wild type fish revealed several differentially expressed genes and enriched gene clusters that were independent of noradrenergic manipulation. This suggests new putative functional pathways underlying ED-related behaviors, and potential targets for the treatment of ED.
Greedy Knot Selection Algorithm for Restricted Cubic Spline Regression
Authors: Arnes Jo Inge , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Horsch Alexander , Braaten Tonje
Published: June 2023

Non-linear regression modeling is common in many fields for prediction purposes or estimating
relationships between predictor and response variables. For example, restricted cubic spline
regression can model non-linear relationships as third-order polynomials joined at knot points.
The standard approach is to place knots by a regular sequence of quantiles between the outer
boundaries. A regression curve can easily be fitted to the sample using a relatively high number
of knots. The problem is then overfitting, where a regression model has a good fit to the
given sample but does not generalize well to other samples. A low knot count is therefore preferred.
However, the standard knot selection process can lead to underperformance in the sparser
regions of the predictor variable, especially when using a low number of knots. It can also
lead to overfitting in the denser regions. We present a simple greedy search algorithm using
a backward method for knot selection that shows reduced prediction error and Bayesian information
criterion (BIC) scores compared to the standard knot selection process in simulation
experiments. We have implemented the algorithm as part of an open-source R-package, knutar.
Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their risk and protective factors among secondary students in Rwanda during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Mukantwali Marie Bienvenue , Bugenimana Athanasie , Niyonsenga Japhet , Kanyamanza Claudine , Mutabaruka Jean
Published: June 2023

Background
Compelling evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has detrimental effects on the mental health of university students. However, little is known about the psychological distress experienced by students from high schools during the pandemic. This study, therefore, sought to examine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their associated factors among students from high schools in Rwanda.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 students selected from high schools. Data were collected using standardized measures of mental disorders and their associated factors. Bivariate and multivariate analyses based on the odds ratio were used to indicate the associated factors of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Results
The results indicated that slightly above half of the participants (51%, n = 195) had clinically significant symptoms of depression, 30.3% (n = 116) had stress and 67.3% (n = 259) had anxiety. The most common associated risk factors were domestic violence, the existence of some symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough and myalgia, co-morbidities between depression, anxiety and stress, religion, being female and direct contact with the people who positively tested covid-19. However, awareness of Covid-19, positive mental health, social support, being in the third Ubudehe category, and high resilience score were protective factors against depression, anxiety, and stress in this study sample.
Conclusion
Our findings highlighted a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among students from secondary schools. Interestingly, this study also revealed the associated risk and protective factors of depression, anxiety, and stress in Rwandan students in high schools. Therefore, mental health interventions targeting the impact of COVID-19 on students, as young people are needed.
Indigenous and local knowledge in the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate variability and change in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
Authors: Zvobgo Luckson , Odoulami Romaric C. , Johnston Peter , Simpson Nicholas P. , Trisos Christopher H.
Published: June 2023

Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, with Indigenous peoples and smallholder farmers being among the most vulnerable. However, there is limited understanding of how Indigenous knowledge (IK) and local knowledge (LK) can reduce or contribute to smallholder farmers’ vulnerability and the conditions under which they can effectively reduce overall climate risk. This is partly because IK and LK are often excluded from vulnerability assessments. Therefore, we developed a locally calibrated Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) that integrates IK and LK as one of the pathways to assess the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate variability and change in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey of 100 smallholder farmers was conducted to understand their perceptions, household-level sensitivity, exposure, and adaptative capacity. Analysis of local climate data (1972–2021) showed a delayed onset of the rainy season for sorghum and maize and increased mean maximum annual temperatures—important changes in local climate that align with changes perceived by smallholder farmers and affect their exposure and livelihoods. Farmers with IK and LK had a higher adaptive capacity and lower vulnerability than farmers with no IK and LK. Farmers with IK and LK reduced their vulnerability (LVI = 0.379) by using IK and LK weather and seasonal forecasts to make climate-informed decisions that improved food and livelihood strategies compared to farmers with no IK and LK (LVI = 0.412). Farmers with IK and LK diversify the number of crops they plant and implement more crop adaptation responses, thereby diversifying the risk of crop failure and reducing food shortage. Although Indigenous peoples and local communities including smallholder farmers are generally highly vulnerable, this study shows that IK and LK can reduce absolute and relative vulnerability, thus highlighting the important role of IK and LK in reducing smallholder farmers’ livelihood vulnerability by improving their adaptive capacity.
Construction of the indicator framework for vaccine inclusion of routine immunization program: A Delphi-entropy method study
Authors: Wang Qing , Dai Peixi , Jia Mengmeng , Jiang Mingyue , Li Juan , Yang Weizhong , Feng Luzhao
Published: June 2023

Background
With more and more new vaccines being developed and flooding the market, governments must decide which priority to include in public health programs. Many WHO-recommended vaccines were slow to be included into national and local routine immunization in China. We aimed to construct a comprehensive vaccine evaluation indicator framework to provide a basis for more WHO-recommended vaccines to be included in public health program.
Methods
We developed an indicator pool for vaccine inclusion in routine immunization through experts' consultation, literature review, and group discussion. The modified Delphi method was applied to consult 22 experts in the field of vaccines with different specialties twice to optimize the systems for inclusion at the national, provincial, municipal, and county administrative levels, each containing three-level indicator. The indicator weights at the hierarchical levels were determined subjectively and objectively through the multiplication of experts' scores and entropy weighting method.
Results
A total of 4 primary indicators, 17 secondary indicators, and 45 tertiary indicators were selected, which covered vaccine-preventable diseases, candidate vaccines, and social drivers on the supply and demand sides. From a subjective perspective, there was no significant difference in the weight shares of primary and secondary indicators at national, provincial, municipal, and county levels. Vaccine-preventable diseases were the priority primary indicators for inclusion. The consideration of health burden had a greater weight in the secondary indicators. From the objective perspective, the social drivers on the supply and demand sides of the primary indicators accounted for a total weighting of 65% and above. Among the secondary indicators, the candidate vaccine characteristics and vaccine-related policies on the supply side carried weights of 8% or more at both national and provincial levels. Regional demographic characteristics (13.495) and vaccine price (8.292) have prominent weights at the municipal level. The inclusion experience in other regions (10.850) held top weight as well at the county level.
Conclusions
The study indicates that China needs to have a different focus when considering the inclusion of WHO-recommended vaccines at the national, provincial, municipal, and county levels, and that social drivers are emerging as important indicators to be concerned about. The system will provide a tool for subsequent policy makers to determine the inclusion priority of candidate vaccines.
Visual efficacy after implantation of monofocal intraocular lens on one eye and higher-order aspheric IOL on the other eye
Authors: So Ha Rim , Suh Hyun , Na Kyung Sun , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Eun Chul
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To compare clinical results after cataract surgery with Tecnis® Eyhance ICB00 and Tecnis® monofocal ZCB00 intraocular lenses in the same patient.
Setting: Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea.
Design: Retrospective review.
Method: 112 eyes of 56 patients underwent intraocular lens implantation using Eyhance ICB00 and monofocal ZCB00 in the same patient from April 2020 to February 2022. Pre-operative uncorrected visual acuity, post-operative far, intermediate, and near uncorrected visual acuity, and depth of focus were analyzed. Satisfaction and discomfort after cataract surgery were investigated by conducting a questionnaire survey.
Results: There was no significant difference in the values between Eyhance ICB00 and monofocal ZCB00 groups before surgery. At two months postoperatively, the monofocal ZCB00 group had significantly higher distance visual acuity than the Eyhance ICB00 group. At one week, one month, and two months after surgery, the intermediate distance visual acuity was significantly higher in the Eyhance ICB00 group than in the monofocal ZCB00 group. There was no significant difference in near visual acuity between the two groups at one week or one month after surgery. In the survey conducted, most patients answered that their daily activities were not limited by their vision or glare.
Conclusion: Inserting a high-aberration aspheric intraocular lens(IOL) at one eye rather than inserting a monofocal IOL in both eyes is better for improving distance and intermediate vision. In addition, there is no discomfort in daily life in patients with Eyhance ICB00 inserted into one eye and monofocal IOL into another eye.
Assessing GPT-4’s Role as a Co-Collaborator in Scientific Research: A Case Study Analyzing Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity
Authors: Bryant Steven
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates GPT-4’s role as a research partner, particularly its ability to scrutinize complex theories like Einstein’s Special Relativity Theory (SRT). GPT-4’s advanced capabilities prove invaluable in complex research scenarios where human expertise might be limited. Despite initial biases, an inclination to uphold Einstein’s theory, and certain mathematical limitations, GPT-4 validated an inconsistency within the SRT equations, leading to a questioning of the theory's overall validity. GPT-4 contributed significantly to honing the analytical approach and expanding constraints. This paper explores the strengths and challenges associated with the use of GPT-4 in scientific research, with a strong emphasis on the need for vigilance concerning potential biases and limitations in large language models. The paper further introduces a categorization framework for AI collaborations, and specific guidelines for optimal interaction with advanced models like GPT-4. Future research endeavors should focus on augmenting these models’ precision, trustworthiness, and impartiality, particularly within complex or contentious research domains.
Position Error-Free Control of Magnetic Domain-Wall Devices via Spin-Orbit Torque Modulation
Authors: Lee Seong-Hyub , Kim Myeonghoe , Whang Hyun-Seok , Nam Yune-Seok , Choe Sug-Bong
Published: June 2023

Magnetic domain-wall devices such as racetrack memory and domain-wall shift registers facilitate massive data storage as hard disk drives with low power portability as flash memory devices. Here, the key issue to be addressed is how perfectly the domain-wall motion can be controlled without deformation, as it can replace the mechanical motion of hard disk drives. However, such domain-wall motion in real media is subject to the stochasticity of thermal agitation with quenched disorders, resulting in severe deformations with pinning and tilting. Herein, we propose a new concept of domain-wall control with a position error-free scheme. The primary idea involves spatial modulation of the sign of the spin-orbit torque along nanotrack devices. The domain wall is then locked at the modulation boundary by the compression forces from both sides under current injection. Unidirectional unlocking can be achieved based on the broken inversion symmetry of the modulation boundary geometry. The validity of the proposed scheme is confirmed via a micromagnetic simulation and experiments. In the experiments, devices with periodic modulation are observed to demonstrate position error-free operation over the entire observation range for microscale and nanoscale devices. Thus, the present error-free scheme provides the final missing puzzle in magnetic domain-wall device development.
Relationship between paraspinal muscle morphology and function in different directions in a healthy Chinese population at different ages: A Cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Yinhao , Yuan Lei , Zeng Yan , Ni Jiajun
Published: June 2023

Background
Paraspinal muscle degeneration occurs with age; however, it is unknown whether strength and endurance change with muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fatty infiltration (FI) parameters in Chinese healthy individuals.
Methods
A total of 94 asymptomatic Chinese volunteers were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into three groups: young (20–39 years old, n = 27), middle-aged (40–59 years old, n = 49), and elderly (≥ 60 years old, n = 18). CSA and FI of the psoas (PS), quadratus lumborum (QL), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The Bionix Sim3 Pro was used to evaluate the maximum isometric torque and the Ito test to evaluate endurance. Hand grip strength (HGS) was measured using a Jamar dynamometer.
Results
The CSA of the PS and ES in the elderly group was smaller than those in the other groups, while the CSA of QL in the young group was larger than that in the other groups. There were differences in the MF and ES FI among the three groups. The maximum isometric torque and endurance test time decreased with increasing age; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Maximum isometric torque positively correlated with the average paraspinal muscle CSA and negatively correlated with the torque and FI of the MF and ES muscles. The endurance test was found to be positively correlated with the FCSA of the MF and to be negatively correlated with the FI of the MF and ES. HGS was found to have a strong positive correlation with the maximum isometric torque in all directions. PS and QL can predict the maximum isometric torque, and MF and PS can predict the endurance time.
Conclusion
MF and ES showed earlier degeneration than PS and QL. MF are the first paraspinal muscle to undergo functional area atrophy, and it plays an important role in the endurance test. QL and PS were more activated in the lumbar activity. As a more convenient examination, the HGS can be used to initially evaluate the lumbar strength of patients.
Trial registration:
The study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and the registration number is ChiCTR2000039073 on 15/10/2020 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=62785). Ethical Approval was obtained from the Peking University Third Hospital Medical Science Research Ethics Committee (IRB00006761-M2020305).