bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterização físico-química do cajá (Spodias mombin L.) e cajá-manga (Spondias dulcis Parkinson)
Authors: Rodrigues Pablo Jose , Santos Eliane Fialho , Silva Flamys Lena do Nascimento
Published: January 2024

Os frutos cajá e cajá-manga têm diversas utilizações e potencialidades como: nutritiva, econômica, auxiliam no emagrecimento e prevenção de doenças. O presente trabalho buscou investigar as características físico-químicas do cajá (Spondias mombin L.) e cajá-manga (Spondias dulcis Parkinson) e o perfil volátil do fruto do cajá. Para o cajá as medidas foram 9,16 g de peso médio, 88% de acidez total titulável, pH 8,50, valor de Brix igual a 18% e umidade 79%. Para o cajá-manga o peso médio foi 123 g, acidez total titulável 43%, pH 8,51, umidade 28% e ºBrix 13%. Foi realizada a caracterização dos compostos voláteis do cajá por HS- SPME\GC-MS em que detectou-se 41 compostos, dentre estes foram identificados 9 compostos; β- mirceno; éster etílico do ácido hexanóico; éster metílico do ácido benzóico; linalol; éster etílico do ácido      benzóico; cariofileno; humuleno; (E)-éster etílico, 3-fenil do ácido 2- proprenóico e α-muuroleno. Os terpenos linalol, β-cariofileno e humuleno possuem atividades biológicas. Com os resultados obtidos foi possível observar a importância da caracterização química do fruto por apresentar diversas substâncias com propriedades bioquímicas.
Extraction and chemical characterization of neem seed oil (Azadirachta indica)
Authors: Cabral Simyão Macêdo , Silva Flamys Lena do Nascimento , Rodrigues Pablo José , Rambo Magale Karine Diel , Santos Jéssyka Ribeiro , Chaves Mariana Helena , Pinto Bernardo Ferreira
Published: January 2024

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is known for its therapeutic, pesticide, fertilizer and pharmacological properties. Due to these attributes, this tree has economic potential and continues to be used worldwide. For oil extraction, the Sohxlet system was used, for the extraction and characterization of volatiles, the HS-SPME/GC-MS method was used, and the fatty acid profile was characterized by GC-FID. The average yield obtained from the oil was 23%. A total of 34 volatile compounds were detected, of which 9 were identified by Kovat's index: 2-methyldecane, 3-methyldecane, 4-methyldecane, 2-methylundecane, 3-methylundecane, 3,4-dimethylthiophene, 2,5-diol- 3-hexane, 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene and buticyclohexane. In addition to the volatiles in the oil, 7 fatty acids were found; oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, with the oil extracted from the seeds having the highest concentration of oleic acid and linoleic acid in commercial neem oil. Given the presence of these chemical compounds in neem oil, it is suggested, for subsequent investigations, the isolation and application of organosulfur compounds as insecticides. The extraction of oil from flowers and neem seeds with solvents that are less harmful to the environment, together with its application, makes it possible to evaluate its pesticide potential. In addition, it is essential to evaluate the influence of neem on the bee population, analyzing cases of mortality and seeking solutions to avoid environmental damage. Additionally, the viability of neem oil as an industrial and hospital cleaning product is highlighted, exploring antimicrobial, antibacterial and biodegradable properties.
The Effect of Volume Target on Quality of Radiotherapy using 3DCRT and IMRT: Dosimetry and Radiobiological Evaluation
Authors: Lutfin Nursakinah Annisa , Widita Rena
Published: January 2024

The main goal of radiotherapy is to deliver the maximum possible dose to the target volume and the minimum possible to the surrounding healthy tissue. In this study, planning was carried out on the TPS Eclipse Varian Medical System using 3DCRT and IMRT techniques for 14 cancer patients. 6 cases of lung cancer with PTV were in the range of 175.1 cc - 875.5 cc, and eight brain cancer patients with a PTV range of 148.5 cc - 841.2 cc. This study aims to determine the effect of target volume on the quality of radiation therapy planning using the 3DCRT and IMRT techniques. The evaluation was carried out using dosimetry and radiobiology analysis. Dosimetry assessment analyzes the average dose, D98, D50, D2, CI, and HI on PTV and the average dose on OAR. Radiobiological evaluation by calculating the value of TCP, NTCP, and UTCP. The results showed that based on dosimetry and radiobiology evaluation, the IMRT technique provides better planning quality for radiation therapy by increasing the probability of cancer cells dying at PTV and reducing the risk of OAR compared to planning using the 3DCRT technique. The effect of PTV on planning quality using statistical regression tests showed that PTV did not significantly impact the quality of radiation therapy planning results either using the 3DCRT technique or the IMRT technique.
Impact of Nd2O3 on physical properties of lead borate glass system
Authors: Marzuki Ahmad , Astuti Retno Willy , Fausta Devara Ega , Kasy Fransisca Indraningsih , Mahasindi Melya Ayu
Published: January 2024

The Nd2O3 doped lead borate glass with composition 45B2O3-(40-x)PbO-11ZnO-4Na2O-xNd2O3 (x=0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 2.5) mol% were fabricated using melt quenching method at 950oC for 35 minutes. The characterization of physical properties of glasses doped Nd2O3 were measured by density (ρ) based on the Archimedes principle. The other physical parameters such as molar volume (Vm), oxygen packing density (OPD), polaron radius (rp), ionic radius (ri), field strength (F), molar refraction (Rm), and metallization (Mn) were calculated using equation which derived from density. According to the measurement, the density of glasses decreased from 5.774 to 4.527 gr/cm3 while molar volume oppositely increased from 23.17 to 30.18 cm3/mol due to  atomic mass of Nd (144.24) smaller than Pb (207.2). Along with the increase of molar volume, there were decreasing of the OPD, the polar radius (1.731 －1.095) Å and the ion radius (4.296－2.717) Å iof glasses Meanwhile, the field strength and metallization properties of the glasses  increased as a result of the reduction rp and ri. The investigation of molar refractive shows an increasing trend because the addition of the concentration Nd2O3.
Analisis Sosiologi Lingkungan Terhadap Pemburuan Biawak (Varanus Salvator) Bagi Keberlanjutan Ekosistem Sungai
Authors: Muhammad Syamsudin  , Muhammad Labibun Nuful  , Ahmad Fauzan Hidayatullah
Published: January 2024

Biawak dianggap sebagai hama dan populasinya masih banyak, apabila perburuan dilakukan terus menerus tidak menutup kemungkinan akan berakibat pada kepunahan. Biawak termasuk memiliki peran yang cukup penting dalam ekosistem sungai, seperti pemakan bangkai hewan-hewan yang ada disungai dan juga bisa mengendalikan populasi ular dengan memakan telur-telur ular. Penelian ini menerapkan metode kualitatif dengan pengumpulan data nya menggunakan observasi, wawancara dan juga dokumentasi kami melakukan observasi dengan terjun kelapangan tepatnya di Sungai Beringin, kemudian melakukan wawancara kepada masyarakat setempat dan juga pemburu yang biasa melakukan perburuan di sekitar sungai tersebut dan untuk dokumentasi nya berupa foto dari sungai Bringin sebagai pelengkap data penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian kami dapat kesimpulan bahwa kegiatan berburu yang dilakukan oleh warga adalah hal yang membuat ekosistem sungai  terganggu dan populasi biawak semakin berkurang. Salah satu cara yang baik adalah semua warga harus bisa mengurangi dan mengingatkan apabila ada pemburuan terjadi di sungai beringin.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Duration and Epidemiological Forecast
Authors: Toporkov V. P.
Published: January 2024

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. While in March 2022, i.e. approximately two years later, the global dominance of the phylogenetic variant of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron with its associated milder clinical course of the disease was registered, and therefore an epidemiological forecast was made about the onset of a period of decline in the pandemic.

The aim of this work was to determine the duration and possibility of predicting the COVID-19 pandemic based on an epidemiological assessment of its dynamics in the context of the wave-like course, phase nature, and epidemiological significance of the phylogenetic transformations of the pathogen. Materials from a global source on the Internet about daily cases of infection/deaths of COVID-19, the results of phylogenetic studies of the pathogen and their interpretation using the epidemiological method were analyzed. The evaluation of the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in the world revealed that it is a typical epidemiological variant of pandemics (epidemics) with its characteristic waves that last for months and do not coincide with the annual solar cycles. As of early March 2023, 7 waves were registered, of which the 1st–4th waves are the epidemic phase, caused by the consistent dominance of the Wuhan and Delta strains, the 6th–7th waves are the post-epidemic phase. The waves varied in duration from 4 to 7 months (M – 4.6 months) and in amplitude from 307205 to 4082344 (M – 1331389.14) peak values of the number of the infected and deaths – from 2997 to 20702 (M – 10506), accordingly. The post-epidemic phase was characterized by a steady trend of quantitative decrease in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in the form of undulating dynamics with steadily decreasing amplitude of the waves of the number of infected people against the background of a sharp decrease in the number of lethal outcomes compared to the epidemic phase. The continuation of this trend is expected in the form of two more waves of small amplitude (8th and 9th) with a total duration of about 10 months; the completion of the postepidemic phase is predicted in the first half of 2024. Data on the phase nature of the pandemic, determined by genomic changes in the pathogen, are necessary to be prepared for future pandemics.
Acceptance of e-Learning and Associated Factors among Postgraduate Medical and Health Science Student's at First Generation Universities, Amhara Region, 2023 Using Modified Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Mitiku Abebaw Belew , Ketemaw Asmamaw , Sitotaw Getachew , Alganeh Habitamu , Wogayehu Biruk , Ayenew Temesgen , Walle Agmasie Damtew
Published: January 2024

Background
Electronic learning, also known as e-learning, is the process of remotely teaching and learning through the use of electronic media. University students are voracious information seekers who are eager to learn new concepts, ideas, technologies, and methods of knowledge acquisition. Students can access their learning materials at any time and from any location through e-learning, which takes place on the Internet. In a world where having up-to-date information and expertise is critical for benefiting from the current knowledge-based economy, e-learning is critical.
Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 to April 20, 2023 in Amhara region first generation universities, Ethiopia. A total of 659 students participated in the study. simple random sampling technique was used. A self-administered questionnaire in Amharic language was used to collect data. data was manually coded and clean then entered into Epi data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25 was used for further analysis. A median score was used to assess the proportion of acceptance. A SEM analysis was employed to test, the proposed model and the relationships among factors using AMOS version 26.
Result
The proportion of postgraduate students’ acceptance to use e-learning was 60.7%, 95%CI (56.9–64.4). The SEM analysis had shown that accessibility (β = 0.216, P < 0.001), computer self-efficacy(β = 0.156, P < 0.01) and facilitating condition (β = 0.381, P < 0.001), had a positive direct relationship with perceived ease of use and facilitating condition (β = 0.274, P < 0.001), computer self-efficacy(β = 0.426, P < 0.001) and Perceived ease of use (β = 0.201, P < 0.001) had a positive direct relationship with perceived usefulness and also Perceived ease of use (β = 0.156, P < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.606, P < 0.001) had a positive direct relationship with attitude. Perceived ease of use (β = 0.183, P < 0.001), attitude (β = 0.353, P < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.307, P < 0.001) had a positive direct relationship with acceptance of e-learning.
Conclusion and recommendation:
Overall, proportion of postgraduate students’ acceptance of e-learning is promising. facilitating condition, self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude had a positive direct and indirect effect on acceptance of e-learning, and attitude played a major role in determining students’ acceptance of e-learning. Thus, the implementers need to give priority to enhancing, the provision of devices, students’ skills, and knowledge of e-learning by giving continuous support to improve students’ acceptance to use e-learning.
Whole lung lavage and GM-CSF use for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in an infant with lysinuric protein intolerance: a case report
Authors: Vojcek Eszter , Krikovszky Dóra , Lódi Csaba , Kovács Lajos , Schnur János , Szabó Attila J.
Published: January 2024

Background
Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a multi-organ metabolic disorder characterized by the imbalance in absorption and excretion of cationic amino acids like lysine, ornithine and arginine. Infants with LPI typically present with recurrent vomiting, poor growth, interstitial lung disease or renal impairment. The early onset of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) has been reported to be associated with a severe form of LPI. Treatment of PAP most commonly consists of whole-lung lavage (WLL) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) administration. Inhaled GM-CSF has not been extensively studied in infants.
Case presentation: We describe the case of an 8-month-old infant presenting with respiratory failure due to LPI associated with PAP, who was twice treated with WLL; firstly, while on veno-venous ECMO assistance and then by the use of a selective bronchial blocker. After the two treatments with WLL, she was weaned from respiratory support while on initially subcutaneous, then on inhaled GM-CSF therapy.
Conclusions
This case supports the notion that inhaled GM-CSF may be used in the treatment of PAP and represents a potentially safe and effective therapeutic option for the chronic care of patients with LPI and PAP after their respiratory stabilization with the use of WLL.
Resourceful cleaner preparation of Sb2O3 with vacuum vaporization- condensation from hazardous arsenic antimony dust
Authors: Li Shaoxiong , Kong Xiangfeng , Fan Kai , Yi Jiafei , He Mingyu , Gao Zhe , San Tongyu , He Yuhong , Ma Baozhong , Yang Bin , Liu Dachun
Published: January 2024

Hazardous arsenic antimony dust (HAAD), a perilous by-product with significant antimony and arsenic concentrations generated in smelters, poses a substantial environmental threat. The imperative of resource recycling and the innocuous processing of HAAD stand as prevalent challenges and pressing priorities. This study introduces an innovative vacuum vaporization-condensation technique, capitalizing on the intrinsic merits of vacuum metallurgy, to synthesize Sb2O3. ICP analysis evidenced an enhancement in the purity of the Sb2O3 product from an initial 73.96–91.35%, with a concomitant reduction in As impurities from 18.10–6.20%, and residual contaminants approximating 0.17% following a dual-phase vacuum vaporization-condensation process at divergent temperatures. XRD assessments affirmed the feasibility of direct Sb2O3 synthesis via vapor-phase migration and condensate amalgamation, achieving substantial As2O3 impurity diminution. SEM and EPMA observations underscored a homogenous particulate morphology in the refined Sb2O3. Incomplete As extraction from the refined Sb2O3 product was attributed to the persistence of (As, Sb2)O4.5, accompanied by partial Sb attrition throughout the fabrication sequence. The suboptimal partitioning efficacy of (As, Sb2)O4.5 warrants further investigation. This methodology underscores its environmental compatibility, characterized by zero gaseous effluent, absence of wastewater expulsion, and elimination of reagent usage, thereby mitigating environmental detriments and paving the way for the sustainable exploitation of HAAD.
The genome-wide sequence of Magnaporthe oryzae polymycovirus 1
Authors: Zheng Hong , Li Cong , Wang Yao , Ding Hang , An Hongliu , Fang Shouguo , Zhang Songbai , Deng Qingchao
Published: January 2024

A novel double-stranded RNA virus, designated as “Magnaporthe oryzae polymycovirus 1” (MoPmV-1), was identified in Magnaporthe oryzae strain TM02. MoPmV-1 has four dsRNA fragments, dsRNA 1 (2401bp), dsRNA 2 (2233bp), dsRNA 3 (1963bp) and dsRNA 4 (1324bp). Each dsRNA fragment contains one or two open reading frames, coding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Notably, the 5 '-terminal sequence and 3' -terminal sequence of these four dsRNAs are very similar to MoPmV-1, and homology searches and phylogenetic analyses indicate that this novel virus is closely related to the dsRNA viruses recently classified as Polymycoviridae.
Nickel-electrocatalyzed enantioselective C–H activations for chemo-divergence
Authors: Ackermann Lutz , von Münchow Tristan , Pandit Neeraj , Dana Suman , Boos Philipp , Peters Sven , Boucat Josselin , Liu Yi-Ru , Scheremetjew Alexej
Published: January 2024

Enantioselective electrocatalysis bears unique potential for the sustainable assembly of enantiomerically enriched molecules1–7. This approach allows electro-oxidative C–H activation to be performed paired to the hydrogen evolution reaction8,9. While recent progress featured scarce transition metals with limited availability10–17, we, herein, reveal that the Earth-abundant 3d transition-metal nickel is characterized by unique performance, while having high natural abundance18 and reduced toxicity19. Thereby, electrocatalytic C–H activation enabled enantioselective desymmetrizations with bicyclic alkenes, leading to three-dimensional molecular building blocks with multiple stereogenic elements20. Here, ligand optimization was guided by smart feature analysis for enantioselectivity enhancement. The detailed mechanistic investigation by experimental studies with organometallic intermediates in conjunction with computational studies identified key features of the ligand design including non-covalent interactions21,22 to guarantee full selectivity control.
The Faecal Microbiota of Captive Gyr Falcons Falco rusticolus (Linnaeus 1758) and Hybrids in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Medammal Zubair , Surya Lysamma , Arif Ibrahim A , Al-Rasheed Mohammed , Al-Salem Abdulla M , Azeez PA
Published: January 2024

Falcons are traditionally used in falconry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and many nations in the region. Many falcon species are kept captive and bred, selecting for their hunting capabilities in many of these countries. Of the several species of falcons, purebred Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus), the largest among falcons, is greatly appreciated by falconers for its hunting skill. Captive-bred Gyrfalcons can live, reproduce and hunt for long and are more stable. Aspergillosis is a non-contagious fungal disease of wild and domestic birds caused by fungus Aspergillus species. This fungal disease is economically important, being the main cause of mortality in captive birds, especially in falcons. This study assessed the effect of diet on the intestinal bacterial flora through faecal culturing of Aspergillosis-affected Gyrfalcons and discussed the potential of the isolated organisms as pathogens to spread to humans and avian species. An infected male Gyr and hybrid female (Gyr and Peregrine - F. peregrinus) were fed meat and a fresh chicken-rich diet for faecal samples, and the samples showed equal distribution of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria relatively less harmful. The bacteria recovered here may be transient flora obtained through the diet and, under normal circumstances, may not actually be capable of colonizing and becoming permanent residents in the raptorial enteral tract. Thus, providing falcons with varied healthy diets is the best option in captivity, which could help falconers keep their birds free from infections.
Investigation of Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis development in newly designed short-term insulin resistance-fatty liver rat models. From chronic to acute
Authors: Mohammed Eman D. , Sun Beicheng
Published: January 2024

Background
The progression of insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic process. The pathogenesis of diabetes progression into NASH is very complex and not fully understood. The lack of reproducible IR-NASH animal models that mimic human pathogenesis is the main roadblock. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate the development of IR-NASH within one month using new combinations of diets, fructose, and a small dose of streptozotocin (MFD or HFD/HFrD/STZ). And compare them with the known IR-NASH model using HFD/STZ.
Methods
Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into four different groups and fed by either a different combination of diets or a chow diet for one month. After two weeks, a single dose of STZ was injected in all groups except the healthy group to develop diabetes. Body weights, animal mortality, eating, and drinking behaviors were recorded during the study. Glucose intolerance, hepatotoxicity indices, and fat accumulation were investigated. Also, we examined the hepatic histopathological alternations in rats.
Results
Animals’ body weights, eating, and drinking behaviors were extremely affected in high fructose diet (HFrD)-feed groups. Also, all groups showed a significant IR and glucose intolerance. However, the clear progressive NASH with aggressive hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis was visualized in the investigated liver sections’ of HFrD-feed groups only. At the same time, the HFD/STZ group showed progressive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) only.
Conclusion
MFD or HFD/ HFrD/ STZ models were successful short-term NASH models that can be used for pharmacological screening studies and dose selection. While HFD/STZ is a suitable model for chronic pharmacological investigations.
Evaluation of the Clinical, Biochemical, Genotype, and Prognosis of Propionic Acidemia in 133 Patients from China
Authors: Liang Lili , Hu Yuhui , Yu Yue , Ling Shiying , Qiu Wenjuan , Ye Jun , Zhang Huiwen , Lu Deyun , Gong Zhuwen , Zhan Xia , Ji Wenjun , Xu Feng , Liu Yuchao , Yu Yongguo , Gu Xuefan , Han Lianshu
Published: January 2024

Background Propionic acidemia (PA) is an inherited organic acid metabolic disease involving multiple physiological systems with variable manifestations. The causative genes,PCCAandPCCB, carry a wide range of mutations. The present study aimed to investigate the phenotype and genotype features of PA in Chinese patients. Methods We enrolled 133 PA patients who were treated during the past 17 years. We investigated their clinical data in detail, including national newborn screening (NBS) status and disease onset, biochemical metabolites, gene variations, and recent prognosis, to investigate the phenotype and genotype features. Results Among the 133 PA patients, 36 patients were diagnosed thanks to NBS expanded by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The median onset time was four months old, with symptoms involving multiple systems without specificity. The blood propionylcarnitine/ acetylcarnitine (C3/C2) ratio and urine 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-OHPA) levels decreased after treatment. The overall prognosis of was poor, with 25.5% being healthy (34/133), 36.1% having developmental delays (48/133), 24.1% dying (32/133) and 14.3% being lost to follow-up (19/133). In thePCCAgene of 49 patients, 60 variants were detected, including 43 new variations. The variations c.2002G > A, c.229C > T, and c.1118T > A were the three most frequent variations. In thePCCBgene of 80 patients, 64 variants were detected, including 40 new variations. The variations c.1087T > C, c.838dup, and c.1228C > T were the three most frequent variations. Conclusion PA is a serious organic acidemia with early onset and nonspecific symptoms. The overall prognosis is poor. There are wide and relative common variations in Chinese patients in causative genes.
Abnormal characteristic static and dynamic functional network connectivity in fibromyalgia attention network
Authors: Wang Yingwei , Long Yingming , Xie Xinyan , Gao Ziyi , Fang Xiaokun , Xu Tong , Zhang Nan , Lv Dongling , Wu Ting
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose: Fibromyalgia is a commonly observed pain disorder linked to cognitive impairments, encompassing challenges in attention, memory, and executive processing. It has been proposed that fibromyalgia may be caused by changes in attention network. However, the neural network mechanisms underlying the relationship between the intrinsic fluctuations of functional connectivity in the brain network and clinical symptoms remain unclear.
Methods: 46 fibromyalgia patients and 36 healthy controls underwent resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). We employed static functional network connectivity (sFNC) and dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) to investigate the potential relationship between alterations in sensory integration and attention networks in fibromyalgia and clinical features.
Results: Patients with fibromyalgia had reduced functional connectivity within the visual network (VIN), the auditory network (AUN), the default mode network (DMN), and the sensorimotor network (SMN). The decrease in functional connectivity in VIN and DMN was correlated with pain levels, while an increase in functional connectivity between SMN and the posterior dorsal attention network (DAN) was associated with symptoms. dFNC further observed that patients in state 4 show increased functional coupling between the ventral attention network (VAN) and both SMN and DMN, and the number of transitions between states positively correlated with pain levels.
Conclusion: dFNC offered additional insights for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibited increased in the attention network and reduced functionality in visual and auditory networks, which might contribute to the diminished attention towards external environmental stimuli and heightened sensitivity self-perception sensations observed in fibromyalgia.
Early Pumping Behaviors Predict Pumped Milk Volume, Achievement of Secretory Activation and Coming to Volume in Breast Pump-Dependent Mothers of Preterm Infants
Authors: Median-Poeliniz Clarisa , Hoban Rebecca , Signorile Marisa , Janes Judy , Fan Steve , Meier Paula P.
Published: January 2024

Objective: Pumping studies in mothers of preterm infants are limited by self-reported pumping behaviors and non-objective measures of pumped milk volume and secretory activation (SA).
Study Design: Non-randomized observational study of first 14 days postpartum in 29 mothers of preterm infants. Smart pumps measured and stored pumping behaviors and pumped milk volume. Selective ion electrodes measured sodium and sodium:potassium ratio to determine SA. Generalized estimating equations, cluster analyses and multivariate regression were used.
Results: SA was delayed (median 5.8 days) and impermanent. Each additional daily pumping increased odds of SA within 2 days by 48% (p=.01). High-intensity pumping mothers (N=17) had greater daily and cumulative pumped milk volume than low-intensity pumping mothers (N=12). Pumping variables showed daily changes in the first week, then plateaued.
Conclusion: The first week postpartum is critical for optimizing pumping behaviors. Accurate, objective measures of pumping behaviors, pumped milk volume and SA are a research priority.
Using Biophysical modelling and marine connectivity to assess the risk of natural dispersal of non-indigenous species to comply with the Ballast Water Management Convention
Authors: Hansen Flemming Thorbjørn , Pastor Ane , Christensen Asbjørn , Stuer-Lauridsen Frank
Published: January 2024

Marine Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) are considered a major threat to biodiversity as well as ecosystem functioning and services worldwide, and ballast water has been considered one of the main pathways for transferring NIS between regions. The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) aims at reducing the risk of both primary and secondary introduction of NIS via take-up and discharge of ballast water by de facto requirements for ballast water on-board treatment. However, the BWMC allows for national authorities to grant exemptions from this requirement for shipping routes operating within a geographical area, known as a Same-Risk-Area (SRA). An SRA can be established in areas where a risk assessment (RA) concludes a low risk of NIS spreading via ballast water relative to their predicted natural dispersal. According to the BWMC this risk assessment should be based on modelling of the natural dispersal of NIS, but to date no standard procedures have been proposed. In this paper we present a methodology for how to apply biophysical modelling and analyses of marine connectivity of NIS as a basis for SRA RA and delineation. This work is intended to provide a standardised procedure and a benchmark for future SRA studies.
Predicting Hypoglycemia in Elderly Inpatients with Type 2 Diabetes: The ADOCHBIU Model
Authors: Zhang Rui-Ting , Liu Yu , Sun Chao , Wu Quan-Ying , Guo Hong , Wang Gong-Ming , Lin Ke-Ke , Wang Jing , Bai Xiao-Yan
Published: January 2024

Background Hypoglycemic episodes cause varying degrees of damage in the functional system of elderly inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of the study is to construct a nomogram prediction model for the risk of hypoglycemia in elderly inpatients with T2DM and to evaluate the predictive performance of the model.Methods From August 2022 to April 2023, 546 elderly inpatients with T2DM were recruited in seven tertiary-level general hospitals in Beijing and Inner Mongolia province, China. Medical history and clinical data of the inpatients were collected with a self-designed questionnaire, with follow up on the occurrence of hypoglycemia within one week. Factors related to the occurrence of hypoglycemia were screened using regularized logistic analysis(r-LR), and a nomogram prediction visual model of hypoglycemia was constructed. AUROC, Hosmer-Lemeshow, and DCA were used to analyze the prediction performance of the model.Results The incidence of hypoglycemia of elderly inpatients with T2DM was 41.21% (225/546). The risk prediction model included 8 predictors as follows(named ADOCHBIU): duration of diabetes (OR = 2.276, 95%CI 2.097ཞ2.469), urinary microalbumin(OR = 0.864, 95%CI 0.798ཞ0.935), oral hypoglycemic agents (OR = 1.345, 95%CI 1.243ཞ1.452), cognitive impairment (OR = 1.226, 95%CI 1.178ཞ1.276), insulin usage (OR = 1.002, 95%CI 0.948ཞ1.060), hypertension (OR = 1.113, 95%CI 1.103ཞ1.124), blood glucose monitoring (OR = 1.909, 95%CI 1.791ཞ2.036), and abdominal circumference (OR = 2.998, 95%CI 2.972ཞ3.024). The AUROC of the prediction model was 0.871, with sensitivity of 0.889 and specificity of 0.737, which indicated that the nomogram model has good discrimination. The Hosmer-Lemeshow was χ2 = 2.147 (P = 0.75), which meant that the prediction model is well calibrated. DCA curve is consistently higher than all the positive line and all the negative line, which indicated that the nomogram prediction model has good clinical utility.Conclusions The nomogram hypoglycemia prediction model constructed in this study had good prediction effect. It is used for early detection of high-risk individuals with hypoglycemia in elderly inpatients with T2DM, so as to take targeted measures to prevent hypoglycemia.Trial registration ChiCTR2200062277. Registered on 31 July 2022.
Time-Varying Invariance and Factor Structure of the MASC: Analyzing Cognitive Vulnerability to Emotional Disorders in Adolescents and Comparisons with Normal Populations
Authors: Cheng JiaYi , Cao Yanjing , Xu Chenchen , Lu Shan , Xiao Jing , Li Qi
Published: January 2024

Background: The factor structure and invariance of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) yield mixed results in extant research, underscoring the need for robust anxiety assessment tools. This need is critical for understanding the rising prevalence of anxiety among adolescents. Moreover, longitudinal studies examining factor invariance and research focusing on adolescents are scarce. Our study aims to assess the factor structure of MASC and its temporal and population invariance over a three-month period among adolescents.
Methods: A cohort of 924 adolescents (mean age = 16.27 years, including 428 boys) participated in this study. They completed the MASC and the Cognitive Style Questionnaire (CSQ) at the outset (Wave 1). The same participants completed these surveys again after three months (Wave 2). We employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to determine MASC's factor structure. Both cross-sectional (comparing mood disorder-affected, cognitively vulnerable individuals with the general adolescent population) and longitudinal CFAs (Wave 1 vs. Wave 2) were conducted to assess the scale's factor invariance.
Results: CFA identified a four-factor model within MASC, encompassing 'somatic complaints', 'depressive effects', and 'positive effects'. The study's findings affirm the factor invariance of this four-factor model across cognitively vulnerable individuals and the general adolescent population.
Limitations: The study's limitations include an underrepresentation of adolescents from diverse regions of Mainland China, particularly rural areas, and a relatively short follow-up duration of three months.
Conclusion: This pioneering study reveals that MASC exhibits four consistent dimensions among adolescents. These dimensions remain stable across individuals with cognitive vulnerability to emotional disorders and the general population, as well as over time.
RAGMCL: A Correlation-Feature-Incorporated Multichannel Network for Signal Modulation Recognition
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Cao Fei , Wang Xiaolong , Hou Shunhu
Published: January 2024

Signal modulation recognition (SMR) is crucial in wireless communication systems. In recent years, various modulation recognition algorithms based on deep learning have emerged. However, the problems of low recognition accuracy and a large number of network parameters have not been well solved. To overcome these challenges, this article presents an improved spatiotemporal multi-channel network (MCLDNN) called RAGMCL network by combining the signal correlation feature, attention mechanism module, and random Gaussian noise. The proposed approach introduces a four-channel convolutional network by augmenting the input of the original MCLDNN network with an additional channel. This channel utilizes the IQCLNet technique to extract relevant features from IQ signals, thereby enhancing the feature set used for network training. Moreover, an attention mechanism module is incorporated into the convolutional layer to assign training weights, emphasizing significant features during the learning process. Replacing the LSTM layer with BiGRU to exploit the IQ signal features fully. Additionally, introducing random Gaussian noise after the fully connected layer to discard irrelevant output features randomly, enhances the model's robustness and recognition accuracy. The RAGMCL network is evaluated using four publicly available datasets: RML2016.10a, RML2016.10b, RML2016.04c, and RML2018.01a. Experimental results demonstrate that the RAGMCL network achieves higher recognition accuracy across all four datasets while reducing the model parameters by 19.85%, combining the advantages of low number of parameters and high recognition accuracy. The RAGMCL network designed in this thesis holds potential for satellite communication applications.
Nomogram based on immune-inflammatory indicators and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index score to predict prognosis of postoperative parotid gland carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheng Hao , Xu Jin-Hong , He Jia-Qi , Wu Chen-Chen , Li Jia-Fan , Xu Xue-Lian
Published: January 2024

Background
Parotid gland carcinoma (PGC) is a rare malignant tumor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of immune-inflammatory-nutrition indicators and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index score (ACCI) of PGC and develop the nomogram model for predicting prognosis.
Method
All patients diagnosed with PGC in two tertiary hospitals, treated with surgical resection, from March 2012 to June 2018 (n = 344) were obtained. Potential prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The nomogram model was established based on these identified independent prognostic factors. The performance of the developed prognostic model was estimated by related indexes and plots.
Result
The study population consisted of 344 patients with PGC who underwent surgical resection, 285 patients without smoking (82.8%), and 225 patients (65.4%) with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, with a median age of 50.0 years. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (p < 0.001), pathology (p = 0.019), tumor location (p < 0.001), extranodal extension (ENE) (p < 0.001), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (p = 0.004), prognostic nutrition index (PNI) (p = 0.003), ACCI (p < 0.001), and Glasgow prognostic Score (GPS) (p = 0.001) were independent indicators for disease free survival (DFS). Additionally, the independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) including AJCC stage (p = 0.015), pathology (p = 0.004), tumor location (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.009), ENE (p < 0.001), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (p = 0.001), PNI (p = 0.001), ACCI (p = 0.003), and GPS (p = 0.033). The nomogram models for predicting DFS and OS in PGC patients were generated based on these independent risk factors. All nomogram models show good discriminative capability with area under curves (AUCs) over 0.8 (DFS 0.802, and OS 0.825, respectively). Decision curve analysis (DCA), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification index (NRI) show good clinical net benefit of the two nomograms in both training and validation cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed superior discrimination of DFS and OS in the new risk stratification system compared with the AJCC stage system. Finally, postoperative patients with PGC who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy had a better prognosis in the high-, and medium-risk subgroups (p < 0.05), but not for the low-risk subgroup.
Conclusion
The immune-inflammatory-nutrition indicators and ACCI played an important role in both DFS and OS of PGC patients. Adjuvant radiotherapy had no benefit in the low-risk subgroup for PGC patients who underwent surgical resection. The newly established nomogram models perform well and can provide an individualized prognostic reference, which may be helpful for patients and surgeons in proper follow-up strategies.
Geographic variation in patient continuity and discontinuity in general practice in Region of Southern Denmark - a retrospective registry-based study
Authors: Ahnfeldt-Mollerup Peder , Kristensen Troels
Published: January 2024

Background
It is well known that patients in general practice live in health care systems where geography may be their destiny because of different circumstances in different geographic locations. Therefore, it is important to explore the variation in continuity of care to understand this central characteristic of the health care system.
Aim
To describe the geographic variation in continuity and discontinuity of care for patients listed in general practices across municipalities and between urban and rural areas in the Region of Southern Denmark.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort registry study of patients older than 12 years who were enrolled in general practice in 22 municipalities in the Region of Southern Denmark from 2007–2018. Continuity of care is here the length of enrollment with a general practice, and discontinuity of care is the number of times a patient changes general practice. The data are based on civil registration numbers for patients, general practice provider numbers, patient age at each change of their general practice, and data on the municipality where each patient has their address.
Results
The cohort included 982,644 patients in 22 municipalities. The average duration of enrollment per patient at a general practice was 7.9 years. A total of 27.1% of patients had been enrolled for 0–5 years, 28.7% for 5–10 years and 44.2% for more than ten years. Discontinuity in terms of the number of changes between practices revealed that 44.7% of patients had no discontinuity, 28.7% had experienced one change in general practice, 13.8% had two changes, 6.3% had three changes, and 7.1% had four or more changes. The average number of times a patient changes their general practice was 1.14. Compared to rural municipalities, there is a trend toward more discontinuity and shorter times of enrollment in general practice in urban municipalities.
Conclusions
There was a significant difference between urban and rural settings, where at least a portion of patients in urban municipalities had shorter enrollments in general practice and more frequent changes between practices. Given that many patients change their general practice, focusing on how to address discontinuity is recommended.
Climatic response of Juniperus monticola Martinez, a multi-century alpine shrub from the high mountains of central Mexico
Authors: Vázquez-Selem Lorenzo , Franco-Ramos Osvaldo , Villanueva-Diaz Jose , Cerano-Paredes Julian , Stahle David W.
Published: January 2024

The mountain juniper Juniperus monticola Martinez, a decumbent alpine shrub growing at elevations up to 4600 m a.s.l. on the high mountains of central Mexico, reaches an age of nearly a millennium. We conducted a dendrochronological study of this species at Pico de Orizaba volcano, the highest peak in central Mexico, to analyze its dendroclimatic potential and the influence of ocean-atmospheric forcing on the interannual variability of radial growth. A ring-width chronology was developed extending from 1178 to 2016 (839 years). Climate data from a local weather station and from CRU TS version 4.01 were used to determine the climatic response of J. monticola. The species is positively correlated to the average maximum temperature of May-June (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and negatively to the March-April precipitation (r= -0.44, p < 0.05) of the local weather station. Gridded drought indices (PDSI, SPEI) were used to analyze the combined effect of rising temperatures and evapotranspiration on ring-width. A significant negative response (r = -0.354, p < 0.01) was found between the instrumental PDSI records (June, July, August) and the ring-width series; similarly, a negative correlation was obtained for the SPEI from December of the previous year to June of the current year (r = -0.4, p < 0.01). These negative correlations suggest that higher temperatures occurring in recent decades are favoring increases in radial growth. The ring-width chronology is significantly correlated, although weakly, with the El Niño/Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation, consistent with the influence of those phenomena on PDSI and SPEI over central Mexico.
Statistical Properties of K6
Authors: arvapally ruchitha , stern steven
Published: January 2024

We consider five different ways to estimate the effects of demographic and other variables on mental illness using data from the NSDUH. The first four methods use an aggregated K6 score, and the last uses the six individual K6 questions together. We identify many problems with using the K6 questions and their sum as a measure of mental illness. We think that the correlated ordered probit model are the best for fitting and understanding the data. But we also think that this method makes it clearer about the problems with K6 in general.
A Recruitment Maneuver after Apnea Testing Improves Oxygenation and Reduces Atelectasis in Organ Donors after Brain Death
Authors: Dhar Rajat , Braun Porche , Kumar Atul , Patel Jayesh , Lee Flavia , Arshi Baback
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose
Hypoxemia is the main modifiable factor preventing lungs from being transplanted from organ donors after brain death (BD). One major contributor to impaired oxygenation in brain-injured patients is atelectasis. Apnea testing (AT), an integral component of BD declaration, promotes atelectasis and can worsen hypoxemia. In this study, we tested whether performing a recruitment maneuver (RM) after AT could mitigate hypoxemia and radiographic atelectasis.
Methods
During the study period, an RM (PEEP of 15 cm H2O for 15 seconds then 30 cm H2O for 30 seconds) was performed immediately after AT. We measured PaO2 before and after RM. The primary outcomes were oxygenation (PaO2:FiO2 ratio, PFR) and the severity of atelectasis (proportion of lung without aeration on CT scans after BD, quantified using an image analysis algorithm) in those who became organ donors. Outcomes in RM cases were compared to controls undergoing AT without RM in the two years prior.
Results
RM was performed in 54 cases after AT, with a median immediate increase in PaO2 of 63 mm Hg (IQR 0-109, p = 0.07). Eighteen RM resulted in hypotension but none were life-threatening. Of this cohort, 37 became organ donors, who were compared with 37 donors who had AT without RM. PFR was higher in the RM group (355 ± 129 vs. 288 ± 127, p = 0.03), and fewer had hypoxemia (PFR < 300: 22% vs. 57%, p = 0.04) at the start of donor management. The RM group showed less radiographic atelectasis (median 6% vs. 13%, p = 0.045). Although there was no difference in lungs transplanted (35% vs. 24%, p = 0.44), both better oxygenation and less atelectasis on arrival were associated with a higher likelihood of lungs being transplanted.
Conclusion
RM after AT results in immediate improvement in oxygenation and reduces hypoxemia and atelectasis in organ donors after BD. This effect may translate into more lungs being transplanted.
COVID-19 Impact, Medical Insurance System, and Health Equity
Authors: Qin Cheng , Zhu Yuchen , Lu Mengyao , Fang Xiangming
Published: January 2024

Background
The widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to human health. In the context of Healthy China, enhancing residents' health performance is an inevitable choice to promote the equalization of public medical and health services.
Methods
This article utilized online survey data, employs the O-probit model and Health Equity Gap Model to empirically analyze the relationship between COVID-19 infection, the medical insurance system, and health equity.
Results
Findings revealed that as of mid-January 2023, the nationwide infection rate of COVID-19 in China is 82.34%, with 24.86% of respondents reporting the loss of relatives or friends, and the average age of death being 71.30 years old. In terms of impact of COVID-19, Chinese residents are most concerned about the future impact of COVID-19 on their health and work. Compared to the Urban-Rural Resident Medical Insurance in China, the Urban Employee Medical Insurance is more effective in alleviating the negative impact of COVID-19 infection on residents' health, especially for middle-aged and elderly individuals, rural residents, those with chronic diseases, and in the eastern regions of China. Urban Employee Medical Insurance improves residents' health by influencing their drug purchase amount and outpatient visits following the impact of COVID-19. If Chinese residents receive the same treatment as Urban Employee Medical Insurance, their health would improve by 0.240 units, equivalent to 56.21% of the actual health gap between different medical insurance coverage groups.
Conclusions
Compared to the Urban-Rural Resident Medical Insurance, the Urban Employee Medical Insurance is more effective in mitigating the negative impact of COVID-19 infection on residents' health. Under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, different medical insurance systems have widened the health gap between urban employees and rural residents.