bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of neuraxial versus general anesthesia in total joint replacement surgery: an updated retrospective analysis using more recent data
Authors: Illescas Alex , Cozowicz Crispiana , Zhong Haoyan , Reisinger Lisa , Liu Jiabin , Poeran Jashvant , Memtsoudis Stavros G
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Over a decade ago, our study group showed improved outcomes among total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) patients given neuraxial versus general anesthesia. As the use of neuraxial anesthesia has increased and anesthesia practices evolve, updated analyses are critical to ensure if previously found differences still persist.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included elective THA/TKAs from 2006 to 2021 as recorded in the all-payor Premier Healthcare Database. Multivariable regression models measured the association between anesthesia type (neuraxial, general, combined) and several adverse outcomes (pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular events, pulmonary compromise, cardiac complications, acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, all infections, acute renal failure, gastrointestinal complications, postoperative mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admissions, and blood transfusions); models were run separately by period (2006–2015 and 2016–2021) and THA/TKA.

Results

We identified 587,919 and 499,484 THAs for 2006–2015 and 2016–2021, respectively; this was 1,186,483 and 803,324 for TKAs. Among THAs, neuraxial anesthesia use increased from 10.7% in 2006 to 25.7% in 2021; during both time periods, specifically neuraxial versus general anesthesia was associated with lower odds for most adverse outcomes, with sometimes stronger (protective) effect estimates observed for 2016–2021 versus 2006–2015 (eg, acute renal failure OR 0.72 CI 0.65 to 0.80 vs OR 0.56 CI 0.50 to 0.63 and blood transfusion OR 0.91 CI 0.89 to 0.94 vs OR 0.44 CI 0.41 to 0.47, respectively; all p<0.001). Similar patterns existed for TKAs.

Conclusion

These findings re-confirm our study group’s decade-old study using more recent data and offer additional evidence toward the sustained benefit of neuraxial anesthesia in major orthopedic surgery.
Analysis of Investment in Equity: Value or Growth Investing?
Authors: Chari Latha , Siddula Narsimhulu
Published: July 2024

Mr. TVK Vivek Kumar, Managing Partner at Bestpals Research and Advisory LLP, was searching for investment opportunities during the lockdown period following COVID-19. The stock markets witnessed a crash and most stocks were trading at decade-low prices. Mr. Kumar identified this as an opportunity for investment and wealth creation. He started scanning the stocks related to different sectors like Retail, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, E-commerce, and soon discovered the agricultural equipment and machinery sector stocks may offer attractive opportunities. He collected data related to the agricultural machinery sector and details of Indian companies operating in the Agricultural Machinery and Farm equipment sector.

After reviewing the company profiles, he concluded that Escorts Ltd. and VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. were less diversified companies that mostly focused on manufacturing agricultural equipment. Upon analyzing the financial performance of the two companies, he was unable to decide which of these two companies for investments had the potential to deliver better returns. The goal was to identify Value or Growth stocks for a short-term investment horizon of 12-18 months, as he had no idea what the long-term outlook might be in the post-COVID-19 era.
Influence from Mechanical Stress on State of Health of Large Prismatic Lithium-Ion-Cells under Various Temperatures
Authors: Petursdottir Erla , Kohlhuber Markus , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: July 2024

The expansion of lithium-ion cells is an aging phenomenon that causes deformation of the cell’s external and internal geometry due to physicochemical reactions during aging and operation. This deformation leads to degradation effects such as capacity loss and increased internal resistance in the cell. In a cell module, expansion of the cells presents a challenge to the mechanical design due to resulting swelling forces. This work presents expansion measurements performed on large prismatic lithium-ion cells cycled at 1 C for up to 1000 cycles at different ambient temperatures and constant compression forces to evaluate the impact of mechanical stress on cell health. Intermediate tests were conducted every 50 cycles to determine cell capacity and perform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Thickness measurements showed cell expansion during charging and contraction during discharging due to lithiation and de-lithiation. Additionally, an irreversible change in cell thickness occurred due to aging. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data were analyzed using distribution of relaxation time analysis to quantify the increase in internal resistance. The results suggest that compression force has a negligible impact on cells cycled at high temperature. However, at lower temperatures, higher compression force resulted in more rapid aging compared to lower compression force.
Electrical Interface Parameters of PEDOT:PSS: Effect of Electrodeposition Charge Evaluated Under Body Conditions for Neural Electrode Applications
Authors: Tourchi Moghadam Mohammad Taghi , Cysewska Karolina
Published: July 2024

This study explores the influence of the deposition charge of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) on its electrical interface parameters. For this purpose, PEDOT:PSS was fabricated by electrodeposition on commercial platinum electrodes with the time limited by different charges (1, 3, 6, 9 mC). Further, the electrodes were characterized regarding their electrical interface such as interfacial impedance, potential window, double-layer capacitance, charge storage capacity, and current injection limit under simulated body conditions. The work showed whether and to what extent the change of deposition charge affected the electrical interface parameters of PEDOT:PSS-based platinum electrodes. The electrodes polymerized with 9 mC exhibited a significant increase in specific capacitance, indicating enhanced charge storage capacity. Additionally, this sample demonstrated lower resistance in phosphate-buffered saline, suggesting improved conductivity.
Advancing Cholesterol Detection: A Simulation Study on SrTiO3-Based BioFET Biosensors
Authors: Bouhenna Abdesslam , Zeggai Oussama , Belarbi Mousaab , Mouloudj Hadj , Ouledabbes Amaria , Khettaf Sami
Published: July 2024

This study presents an analytical model of a strontium titanate (SrTiO3)-based biological field-effect transistor (BioFET) for cholesterol detection. Known for its high dielectric permittivity, surface charge regulation, and superior ionic and thermal conductivity, SrTiO3 enhances the functionality of biosensors. The BioFET employs a gate functionalized with a cholesterol-specific enzyme, which facilitates potentiometric measurements of cholesterol concentrations. The model establishes a quantitative relationship between cholesterol concentration and gate voltage in enzyme-immobilized SrTiO3, demonstrating the high selectivity of SrTiO3-based BioFETs for cholesterol detection. This indicates their potential in developing diagnostic tools for cholesterol-related conditions and monitoring food quality. Additionally, the analytical model effectively predicts the behavior of the detection mechanism in electrochemical BioFET biosensors, underscoring its innovative application in fields such as microelectronics, sensors, and catalysis.
Synergetic Effect of Chemical Components in a Tungsten CMP Slurry and the Evolution of Tungsten Surface Species
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Ren Gaoyuan , Wang Li , Xie Wenxiang , Pan Deng , Su Hongjiu , Wang Shudong
Published: July 2024

A novel slurry containing 50 ppm Fe3+, 2 wt% H2O2, 75 ppm oxalic acid, and abrasive nano-silica particles were utilized in a W chemical mechanical planarization process. Using this slurry, a W material removal rate of 710 Å min−1 and surface roughness of 1 nm were achieved. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, surface W was first transformed to WO2 via its dissolution in H2O2, and then Fe3+ ions serving as a catalyst promoted the conversion of tungsten to WO3 through the WO2 intermediate in the presence of H2O2. Oxalic acid was added to coordinate with H2O2 and thus improve the slurry stability through a “wrapping” mechanism without decreasing the W material removal rate. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy observations revealed that the W surface morphology changed first from coarse elongated grains to a discontinuous structure after the uneven oxidation by H2O2 and then to a wrinkled soft surface by Fe3+ and H2O2. Finally, it was ground with abrasive nano-silica particles to achieve a high degree of flatness.
Creation and Characterization of Nanoscale Ribbons on MoS2 by Atomic Force Microscope Nanolithography
Authors: Guo Yangyang , Sun Jing , Wang Cheng , Yang Yanni , Wang Junjie
Published: July 2024

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has been widely used for fabricating the nanoscale oxide ribbons on various materials surface. Herein, we first conducted local anodic oxidation (LAO) lithography on two-dimensional nanomaterial (2D), i.e. multilayer MoS2, using AFM. The correlation of patterning behavior on the MoS2 flakes between the lithography conditions was investigated. The height and full width half maximum (FWHM) increase linearly with increasing tip voltage, even at different tip speeds, which is consistent with the results obtained from the Cabrera-Mott oxidation theory. The size of the clear relation decreases linearly with increasing tip speed, indicating that longer tip writing patterns result in more oxidation. The formation mechanism of the patterned oxide lines is presented along with LAO reaction processes.The final LAO lithography products have been demonstrated to be MoO2 and MoO3 by micro-Raman spectroscopy. These results show that LAO lithography using AFM is an effective technique for nanofabrication of nanodevices.
Single‐Step Purification of Catalase Enzyme From Human Blood Erythrocytes Using Affinity Chromatography Technique
Authors: Çıkrıkcı Kübra , Gencer Nahit
Published: July 2024

In this study, we aimed to isolate and purify catalase from human blood erythrocytes by using a newly synthesized affinity gel. The synthesized ω‐amino hexyl agarose‐1,2,3‐triazole‐5‐carboxylic acid affinity gel was analyzed by FT‐IR. Then, different buffer, pH, and ionic strength parameters were optimized to determine the equilibration, washing, and elution buffer conditions. The catalase was purified from human blood erythrocytes with a specific activity of 45.58 EU/mg, purification fold of 529.50, and a yield of 0.416% using the synthesized new affinity gel. The purity and molecular weight of the enzyme were analyzed by SDS‐PAGE, and a single band at 60 kDa was observed for catalase. The optimum reaction temperature of the catalase was found to be 30°C, while the thermal stability temperature was 60°C. The Km and Vmax of the enzyme for hydrogen peroxide were calculated at 0.125 mM and 2500 U mL−1, respectively.
Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade in Patients Treated with First and Second Generation Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: An Underappreciated Risk
Authors: Erblich Thomas , Manisty Charlotte , Gribben John
Published: July 2024

Introduction. The introduction of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors significantly improved the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, BTK carry the risk of cardiotoxicity, which is not only limited to atrial fibrillation. Case Reports. We report three cases of patients on BTK inhibitors who developed acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade. We report the first patient who developed this complication on treatment with zanubrutinib. This patient’s treatment was changed to zanubrutinib due to atrial fibrillation. Shortly after cardioversion, he developed cardiac tamponade and shock. He underwent pericardiocentesis, received treatment for acute pericarditis with steroids and colchicine, and made a full recovery. We also report two further cases, both involving patients treated with ibrutinib. These patients also developed acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade and required pericardiocentesis. All three patients discontinued BTK therapy following the events. Conclusions. These three cases highlight the rare but potentially life‐threatening risk of cardiac tamponade which can occur even with newer generations of BTK inhibitors. Haemato‐oncologists should remain vigilant in patients who report dyspnea or who show sinus tachycardia on routine electrocardiography. Even in the absence of classical clinical signs of tamponade, patients require urgent evaluation with echocardiography and potentially emergency pericardiocentesis.
Deep Reinforcement Learning‐Based Multireconfigurable Intelligent Surface for MEC Offloading
Authors: Qu Long , Huang An , Pan Junqi , Dai Cheng , Garg Sahil , Hassan Mohammad Mehedi
Published: July 2024

Computational offloading in mobile edge computing (MEC) systems provides an efficient solution for resource‐intensive applications on devices. However, the frequent communication between devices and edge servers increases the traffic within the network, thereby hindering significant improvements in latency. Furthermore, the benefits of MEC cannot be fully realized when the communication link utilized for offloading tasks experiences severe attenuation. Fortunately, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) can mitigate propagation‐induced impairments by adjusting the phase shifts imposed on the incident signals using their passive reflecting elements. This paper investigates the performance gains achieved by deploying multiple RISs in MEC systems under energy‐constrained conditions to minimize the overall system latency. Considering the high coupling among variables such as the selection of multiple RISs, optimization of their phase shifts, transmit power, and MEC offloading volume, the problem is formulated as a nonconvex problem. We propose two approaches to address this problem. First, we employ an alternating optimization approach based on semidefinite relaxation (AO‐SDR) to decompose the original problem into two subproblems, enabling the alternating optimization of multi‐RIS communication and MEC offloading volume. Second, due to its capability to model and learn the optimal phase adjustment strategies adaptively in dynamic and uncertain environments, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) offers a promising approach to enhance the performance of phase optimization strategies. We leverage DRL to address the joint design of MEC‐offloading volume and multi‐RIS communication. Extensive simulations and numerical analysis results demonstrate that compared to conventional MEC systems without RIS assistance, the multi‐RIS‐assisted schemes based on the AO‐SDR and DRL methods achieve a reduction in latency by 23.5% and 29.6%, respectively.
Biomechanical Effects of Dominant or Nondominant Limb on Asymmetry during Running Stance Phase
Authors: You Xinci , Song Yang , Mao Zhuqing , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: July 2024

Purpose. This study explores lower limb joint displacement differences during the stance phase and to examine the effects of limb dominance on asymmetry. A total of 32 healthy male amateur marathon runners were recruited (age: 35.33 ± 6.90 years, height: 174.17 ± 3.34 cm, weight: 63.92 ± 4.53 kg). The experiment employed a Vicon eight‐camera motion capture system synchronized with an AMTI force plate to record the phase from heel strike to toe‐off. The continuous relative phase (CRP) between the dominant and nondominant limbs was assessed using of independent t‐test of SPM1d. Results. The hip–knee joint of the dominant limb had a larger maximum CRP (t = 1.104, p  > 0.05, effect size = 0.270), smaller minimum CRP (t = −2.672, p  < 0.05, effect size = 0.653), larger values of mean absolute relative phase (MARF) (t = 3.275, p  < 0.05, effect size = 0.122), and deviation phase (DP) (t = 7.582, p  < 0.001, effect size = 0.717) than that of the nondominant limb. Comparing the dominant limb of the knee–ankle joints with the nondominant, there are smaller maximum CRP (t = −0.422, p  > 0.05, effect size = 0.144), smaller DP (t = −7.237, p  < 0.001, effect size = 0.754), a larger minimum CRP (t = 7.909, p  < 0.001, effect size = 2.704), and larger MARF (t = 0.355, p  > 0.05, effect size = 0.801). Furthermore, during the stance phases, there are significant differences in coordination modes between the dominant limb and nondominant limb of intersegmental joints (p  < 0.05). Conclusion. Throughout different phases of the stance phase, asymmetry in the sagittal plane of lower limb joint displacement is evident. The dominant limb undergoes significant changes in joint leading phase coordination modes, with notably less in‐phase coordination compared to the nondominant limb. This predisposes muscles to overstretching, thereby increasing the risk of muscle strains, while the nondominant limb compensates for lower muscle strength. Recognizing and addressing such asymmetries is key to optimizing nondominant limb strength and minimizing muscle overstretching in the dominant limb, leading to improved stability and movement efficiency during marathon running. Consequently, when designing exercise programs or physical therapy, it is crucial to consider limb dominance‐related symmetry differences to mitigate the risk of injury resulting from interlimb disparities in motion.
Results of Total Hip Replacement Surgery Using Short‐Stem Spiron Prosthesis in Vietnamese Adults
Authors: Thuan Mai Duc , Dung Nguyen Quoc
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Total hip arthroplasty with traditional stem joints, although bringing many benefits to patients indicated for hip replacement, faces many difficulties in reoperations in young patients due to the limited lifespan of the artificial joint. Recently, the short‐stem joint was introduced to help overcome this problem. This study aims to evaluate the results of short‐stem implants for primary total hip arthroplasty in Vietnamese adults. Materials and Methods. The study design is retrospective longitudinal. The study subjects were 91 patients with aseptic necrosis of the femoral head who underwent short‐shaft cementless total hip replacement surgery from February 2012 to December 2018. Outcomes that were assessed included implant survivorship, Harris hip scores, thigh pain, periprosthetic fracture, subsidence, proximal stress shielding, the prevalence of stem malalignment, and inappropriate implant sizing. Results. Our research group has 119 hips of 91 patients (28 patients had hip replacements on both sides), with the average follow‐up time of 67.1 months. Seven cases of early joint loosening required replacing the traditional stem. The survival rate is 94.1%. The average Harris hip score 24 months after surgery was statistically significantly higher than before (92.00 ± 4.47 and 45.56 ± 3.22, respectively, p < 0.001). The average leg length discrepancy between the two limbs before surgery was 9.5 ±mm and 24 months after surgery was 3.4 ± 2.9 mm. There were 12 cases (10.1%) of partial bone loss around the femoral stem; 12 cases of joint displacement of more than 2 mm, accounting for 10.1%; and 1 case of acetabular fracture, accounting for 0.8%. Conclusion. The Spiron short stem has certain advantages suitable for young patients, restoring the hip anatomy and significantly improving postoperative hip function. However, this is a complex technique that needs to be performed by experienced surgeons who have practiced for a long time. We encourage using the short‐stem implant during primary total hip arthroplasty in Vietnamese adult patients.
Noninvasive Tests to Assess Liver Stiffness in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: APRI, FIB‐4, and FIB‐5 Scores
Authors: Yakut Aysun , Aladag Murat
Published: July 2024

Background. Invasive percutaneous liver parenchymal biopsy is the best test used to evaluate liver stiffness and fibrosis in the follow‐up and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. In this study, we aimed to indirectly evaluate the severity of liver parenchymal fibrosis with tests used in the laboratory. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted with 201 patients diagnosed with CHB who underwent liver biopsy between 2021 and 2022. Preprocedural examination information, laboratory tests, and histopathological data of the patients were taken from the hospital database and examined. “Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)‐platelet ratio index” (APRI), “4 factor‐based fibrosis index” (FIB‐4) score, and “5 factor‐based fibrosis index” (FIB‐5) score were calculated and compared with liver histopathological features. Results. Of the 201 CHB patients, 76 were females and 125 were males. The average age of the patients was 38.05 ± 12.63 years. A weak, statistically significant correlation was observed between FIB‐4 and APRI scores. The patients’ significant fibrosis scores were 31.3% and 33.8%, respectively (r = 0.313; r = 0.338; p = 0.001; p < 0.01). The very weak negative correlation of 17.4% between the patients’ FIB‐5 score and fibrosis score was statistically significant (r = −0.174; p = 0.014; p < 0.05). Conclusions. According to the data we obtained in our study, while the APRI score and FIB‐4 score can be used safely, more comprehensive studies are needed for the reliability of the FIB‐5 score.
Bilateral‐Branch Signal Feature Enhancement Network for RFF Data Enhancement
Authors: Zhao Caidan , Fan Xiaolin , Lei Yang , Xiao Liang , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2024

The clarity of radio frequency fingerprint (RFF) features is an important factor affecting the recognition effect of the classifier. Recognition of RFF signals is essential in radio frequency (RF) perception. However, the RF signal is easily affected by interference and noise during transmission, which makes the distribution boundary of the characteristics of the RFF unclear. It then affects the recognition effect of the classifier. The common preprocessing algorithms, such as denoising and channel compensation, can improve the performance of communication demodulation but seriously affect the unique signal distortion of RFF characteristics. The spectral overlap between the useful signal and the noise is serious when the spectrum is broad, so it is difficult to separate the signal from the noise by traditional methods effectively. Therefore, this paper proposes a data enhancement technology for RF signals named random railings to increase the diversity of input samples and improve the overall performance of the model. At the same time, this paper also proposes a bilateral‐branch signal feature enhancement network. The dual branch structure of BBSEN extracts the features of the enhanced time‐domain signal and the spectrum obtained by the short‐time Fourier transform (STFT) of the signal and then achieves feature fusion through the improved self‐attention mechanism to obtain the RFF features, which are more suitable for the interference environment. Experiments show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively improve the antijamming environment of RF signals and even can be used after preprocessing algorithms such as denoising and further improve the recognition rate of high signal‐to‐noise ratio signals.
Potential of molecular diagnostic methods in the early identification of multiple myeloma: an integrative review
Authors: Venancio Larissa Paola Rodrigues , Souza Anna Carolina Reis de
Published: July 2024

O Mieloma Múltiplo (MM) é uma neoplasia maligna e incurável que afeta o sistema hematológico. Promove a produção e secreção de imunoglobulinas IgG monoclonais ou parte delas, chamadas proteínas M. Seus sinais clássicos são representados pela sigla “CRAB”, formada pela junção dos termos em inglês: “hyperCalcemia, Renal failure, Anemia and Bone lesions”. O achado laboratorial associado à doença é um pico monoclonal no soro e/ou urina do paciente, mais frequentemente evidenciado por eletroforese de proteínas ou imunofixação de proteínas séricas. Esses métodos permitem o estadiamento da doença, principalmente contra outras gamopatias monoclonais, e auxiliam na investigação do diagnóstico precoce do MM. Este estudo se trata de uma revisão integrativa, de forma a evidenciar os principais métodos de diagnóstico molecular do MM, mostrando a potencial sensibilidade e especificidade da detecção de anormalidades relacionadas à doença pelos métodos estudados. Além disso, o estudo destaca a importância dos métodos de diagnóstico molecular na identificação precoce do MM. A detecção de microRNAs por PCR em tempo real (qRT-PCR) mostrou-se o método diagnóstico mais sensível (97,4%) e a Espectrometria de Massas, associada a Redes Neurais, mostrou-se o método mais específico (95%). Além disso, a Imunofixação Sérica (IFS) e a Eletroforese de Proteínas, os métodos mais utilizados atualmente, mostraram-se sensíveis e específicos; entretanto, tiveram precocidade de cerca de 6,6 meses para IFS. Os demais métodos também demonstraram potencial para diagnóstico e monitoramento da doença, mas são necessários mais estudos envolvendo os métodos estudados para validar ainda mais os dados identificados e disponibilizá-los à comunidade científica.
Panorama da mortalidade por cardiopatia reumática crônica entre 2017 e 2021, no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Brune Abighail , David Aline , Gottems Gabriela , Cabral Guilherme Chiari , Gerhardt Lucas Henrique , Silva Guilherme Liberato da
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Chronic rheumatic heart disease is a complication of rheumatic fever (RF), a disease that results from pharyngotonsillitis, causing acquired heart disease in young people and can lead to valvular sequelae and death. The objective of the study is to evaluate mortality from rheumatic heart disease in Rio Grande do Sul, with emphasis on voluntary involvement, and to analyze a possible association between age group and sex. Material and Methods: This research consists of a cross-sectional study using the database of the Department of Information Technology’s Unified Health System (DataSUS). Deaths from rheumatic heart diseases were included, divided by sex and age, during the period from 2017 to 2021 in Rio Grande do Sul. For statistical analysis, the Chi-Square test (χ²) was used, using the software SPSS. Results: 321 deaths from rheumatic valve disease were found between 2017 and 2021, the majority of which were caused by mitral valve disease. Women had a higher number of deaths from mitral valve disease and men from other heart diseases. Regarding the age group, deaths due to mitral valve disease were more prevalent among those aged 40 to 49 years, while in tricuspid valve disease, there was a greater association with individuals aged 80 years or older. In other diseases, no association was demonstrated. Conclusion: From this, an association was established between sex and age group in the incidence of rheumatic heart disease among the studied population. Therefore, a more comprehensive therapeutic approach is needed, associated with the development of campaigns that publicize the importance of correct treatment in order to reduce mortality rates.
Molecular signature of gliomas correlated to clinical epidemiological aspects of patients in follow-up at a reference center in São Paulo - Brazil - COMU 2023
Authors: Jareño Thaís Tuasca , Santos Natália Barreto dos , Antunes Giovanna Marques , Rapôso Catarina , Veiga José Carlos Esteves , Araujo João Luiz Vitorino
Published: July 2024

We have prepared a manuscript that represents our analysis regarding our study. Gliomas are more than 80% of all primary brain cancers and 24% of all brain tumors 1. In 2021, the new edition of WHO - Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (WHO- CTCNS) 2 established genetic and molecular aspects to the analysis since they could be correlated to characteristics of tumor behavior and clinical-epidemiological features. However, there are few studies correlating molecular analysis to the clinical follow-up of patients in Brazil. We performed a preliminary, observational, prospective and descriptive study that aims to obtain and to compare clinical-epidemiological data to molecular markers of patients in follow-up at Central Hospital of Santa Casa de São Paulo (HC-ISCMSP).
Eisenstein's Capital Diaries: An Introduction
Authors: Vogman Elena
Published: July 2024

This text serves as an introduction to the first publication of an extensive new selection from Sergei Eisenstein's notebooks for a film of Capital (made “according to the script of K. Marx”): the Capital Diaries. While these texts have haunted the imaginations of historians, artists, and writers (from Guy Debord to Milica Tomic and Alexander Kluge) ever since short excerpts were first published in Russian in 1973 and English in October in 1976, this introduction presents a different and much broader selection, situating the experimental dimension of the notes between their main sources, Karl Marx's Das Kapital and James Joyce's Ulysses, as well as in the discursive framework of Viktor Shklovsky's theory of “defamilarization,” Nikolai Marr's “palaeontology of speech,” Mikhail Bakhtin's notion of “polyphony,” and Eisenstein's own conceptual and cinematic propositions, such as “intellectual attraction,” “typage,” and “inner monologue.” Furthermore, it traces the use value of images and collages in Eisenstein's diaries according to their potential to recirculate Marx's concepts and reveal cinema's participation in the entangled regimes of fascism and capitalism.
Tillandsia tequilana (Tillandsioideae; Bromeliaceae), a new saxicolous species from Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-CÁRDENAS RODRIGO ALEJANDRO , FLORES-ARGÜELLES ALEJANDRA , ESPEJO-SERNA ADOLFO , LÓPEZ-FERRARI ANA ROSA , CARRANZA-RODRÍGUEZ JUAN CARLOS , LARA-GODÍNEZ SOFÍA ANA LUCRECIA
Published: July 2024

Tillandsia tequilana, a new species from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, is described and illustrated. The proposed species is compared to T. aguascalientensis, T. moronesensis, and T. schusteri, taxa with some morphological similarities. Tillandsia tequilana differs from these species in the shape and size of the leaf sheath, spikes and floral bracts, in the shape of the sepals, and also in the flowering time. Images and a distribution map of the new species are included.
John Forbes (1799–1823) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in 1822 and 1823: his plant collections and collecting localities
Authors: FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: July 2024

John Forbes (1799–1823) briefly visited South Africa’s present-day Eastern Cape province on three occasions, once in the spring of 1822 and twice in 1823, in autumn and in mid-winter, respectively. An analysis is presented of his collecting activities after he disembarked in what is now Nelson Mandela Bay. During these three visits, Forbes spent a total of ten days in the vicinity of Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) and Uitenhage (now Kariega). During this time he made 119 plant collections. Forty-nine of these have been located, two further collections cited in the literature have not been located; the collections are mostly unnumbered and labelled with scant information. The whereabouts of the majority of the collections remain unknown and the information available is that given by Forbes in his fieldbooks. His collections from the Eastern Cape include 12 type specimens. By comparing the Forbes specimens with his fieldnotes, the collecting number, date, and locality are confirmed or posited here for 23 collections. The present-day occurrence in Gqeberha of the taxa Forbes collected in 1822 and 1823 is given.
Review of the genus Scolopostethus Fieber, 1860 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae) from Central Asia with description of a new species
Authors: NEIMOROVETS VLADIMIR V.
Published: July 2024

Prior to this study, five species of the genus Scolopostethus Fieber, 1860 were documented from Central Asia. Thorough examination of the collection retained at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg), resulted in the description of a new species from this region, S. ferganensis sp. n. Earlier distributional records of S. affinis (Schilling, 1829) from Central Asia were demonstrated to be the result of misidentifications. An illustrated key, diagnoses, and data on distribution are provided for all five species of the genus Scolopostethus found in Central Asia.
Two new species of tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Olethreutinae: Olethreutini) injurious to Picea crassifolia in China
Authors: NIU ZEHUA , LI YANGE , SONG XUELING , MA YANFANG , YU HAILI
Published: July 2024

Two new species of the genus Pseudohermenias, P. absimilis sp. nov. and P. linxica sp. nov., are described from China. They feed on Picea crassifolia in the northwestern regions of the country. Photographs of the adult specimens and their genitalia are provided. Keys to the species of the genus based on the male and the female genitalia are presented.
Diagonally Implicit Symplectic Runge-Kutta Methods with 7th Algebraic Order
Authors: Oh Thae , Choe Ji , Kim Jin
Published: July 2024

The numerical integration of Hamiltonian systems with oscillating solutions is considered in this paper. Since Hamiltonian systems have good properties such as symplecticity, numerical methods that preserve these properties have attracted the great attention. In fact, the explicit Runge-Kutta methods have used due to that schemes are very simple and its computational amounts are very small. However, the explicit schemes aren’t stable so the implicit Runge-Kutta methods have widely studied. Among those implicit schemes, symplectic numerical methods were interested. It is because it has preserved the original property of the systems. So, study of the symplectic Runge-Kutta methods have performed. The typical symplectic Runge-Kutta method is the Gauss-Legendre method, whose drawback is that it is a general implicit scheme and is too computationally expensive. Despite these drawbacks, the study of the diagonally implicit symplectic Runge-Kutta methods that preserves symplecticity has attracted much attention. The symplectic Runge-Kutta method has been studied up to sixth order in the past and efforts to obtain higher order conditions and algorithms are being intensified. In many applications such as molecular dynamics as well as in space science, such as satellite relative motion studies, this method is very effective and its application is wider. In this paper, it is presented the 7th order condition and derive the corresponding optimized method. So the diagonally implicit symplectic eleven-stages Runge-Kutta method with algebraic order 7 and dispersion order 8 is presented. Numerical experiments with some Hamiltonian oscillatory problems are presented to show the proposed method is as competitive as the existing same type Runge-Kutta methods.
Implication of CYP17A1 Gene Mutations in the Association of Fibroma and Pregnancy in Senegalese Women
Authors: Diop Codou , Kénémé Bineta , Ka Ndèye , Sembene Pape
Published: July 2024

Background. Uterine fibroids are the most common gynaecological tumours and represent a significant medical and financial burden. Several genetic, hormonal and biological factors have been shown to contribute to the development and growth of these tumors. Objective. We aimed to evaluate the evolution of fibroma during pregnancy and understand the genetic link between fibroma and pregnancy in Senegalese women. Methods. We analyzed the functional impact of non-synonymous variants on the CYP17A1 protein in 20 pregnant patients with fibroids, using PCR-sequencing. First of all, mutations were detected using Mutation Surveyor, then the functional impact of non-synonymous variants was analysed using In Silico tools, the secondary and three-dimensional structure of the protein were also analysed. After, raw data were aligned using BioEdit software for doing phylogenetic analysis. Results. The results show that the CYP17A1 gene is involved in the development of uterine fibroids in pregnant women, and that the c.-34T>C polymorphism plays an important role; on the one hand, some of non-synonymous mutations (p.Lys26Thr and p.Ser30Asn) have caused genetic disorders on the secondary structure, and on the other, others (p.Lys26Thr, p.Ser30Asn and p.Ser39Asn) have destabilizing effects on the protein. Conclusion. The c.-34T>C polymorphism is involved in fibroid cell growth during pregnancy through the effect of hormone overexpression, while non-synonymous variants lead to dysfunction in protein synthesis. The c.76A>T (p.Lys26*) mutation results in a truncated CYP17A1 protein, and cause premature loss of function. The non-synonymous variants (p.Lys26Thr, p.Ser30Asn and p.Ser39Asn) induce a change in the enzyme's biological function.
Population structure and selection signal analysis of indigenous sheep from the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert
Authors: Han Zhi-peng , Yang Rui-zhi , Zhou Wen , Zhang Lu-lu , Wang Jie-ru , Liu Chun-jie , Liu Shu-dong
Published: July 2024

Analyzing the genetic diversity and selection characteristics of sheep (Ovis aries) holds significant value in understanding their environmental adaptability, enhancing breeding efficiency, and achieving effective conservation and rational utilization of genetic resources. In this study, we utilized Illumina Ovine SNP 50 K BeadChip data from four indigenous sheep breeds from the southern margin of the Taklamakan Desert (Duolang sheep: n = 36, Hetian sheep: n = 74, Kunlun sheep: n = 27, Qira black sheep: n = 178) and three foreign meat sheep breeds (Poll Dorset sheep: n = 105, Suffolk sheep: n = 153, Texel sheep: n = 150) to investigate the population structure, genetic diversity, and genomic signals of positive selection within the indigenous sheep. According to the Principal component analysis (PCA), the Neighbor-Joining tree (NJ tree), and Admixture, we revealed distinct clustering patterns of these seven sheep breeds based on their geographical distribution. Then used Cross Population Extended Haplotype Homozygosity (XP-EHH), Fixation Index (FST), and Integrated Haplotype Score (iHS), we identified a collective set of 32 overlapping genes under positive selection across four indigenous sheep breeds. These genes are associated with wool follicle development and wool traits, desert environmental adaptability, disease resistance, reproduction, and high-altitude adaptability. This study reveals the population structure and genomic selection characteristics in the extreme desert environments of native sheep breeds from the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, providing new insights into the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous sheep genetic resources in extreme environments. Additionally, these findings offer valuable genetic resources for sheep and other mammals to adapt to global climate change.
Biocontrol potential and growth-promoting effect of endophytic fungus Talaromyces muroii SD1-4 against potato leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Xu Wei , Zhao Zhibo , Long Youhua , Fan Rong
Published: July 2024

Background

Alternaria alternata is the primary pathogen of potato leaf spot disease, resulting in significant potato yield losses globally. Endophytic microorganism-based biological control, especially using microorganisms from host plants, has emerged as a promising and eco-friendly approach for managing plant diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate, identify and characterize the endophytic fungi from healthy potato leaves which had great antifungal activity to the potato leaf spot pathogen of A. alternata in vitro and in vivo.

Results

An endophytic fungal strain SD1-4 was isolated from healthy potato leaves and was identified as Talaromyces muroii through morphological and sequencing analysis. The strain SD1-4 exhibited potent antifungal activity against the potato leaf spot pathogen A. alternata Lill, with a hyphal inhibition rate of 69.19%. Microscopic and scanning electron microscope observations revealed that the strain SD1-4 grew parallel to, coiled around, shrunk and deformed the mycelia of A. alternata Lill. Additionally, the enzyme activities of chitinase and β-1, 3-glucanase significantly increased in the hyphae of A. alternata Lill when co-cultured with the strain SD1-4, indicating severe impairment of the cell wall function of A. alternata Lill. Furthermore, the mycelial growth and conidial germination of A. alternata Lill were significantly suppressed by the aseptic filtrate of the strain SD1-4, with inhibition rates of 79.00% and 80.67%, respectively. Decrease of leaf spot disease index from 78.36 to 37.03 was also observed in potato plants treated with the strain SD1-4, along with the significantly increased plant growth characters including plant height, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate of potato seedlings.

Conclusion

The endophyte fungus of T. muroii SD1-4 isolated from healthy potato leaves in the present study showed high biocontrol potential against potato leaf spot disease caused by A. alternata via direct parasitism or antifungal metabolites, and had positive roles in promoting potato plant growth.
The accuracy of predicting hospital admission by emergency medical service and emergency department personnel compared to the prehospital MEWS: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Veldhuis Lars I. , van der Weide Laura , Nanayakkara Prabath , Ludikhuize Jeroen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Overcrowding in the emergency department (ED) is a global problem. Early and accurate recognition of a patient’s disposition could limit time spend at the ED and thus improve throughput and quality of care provided. This study aims to compare the accuracy among healthcare providers and the prehospital Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) in predicting the requirement for hospital admission.

Methods

A prospective, observational, multi-centre study was performed including adult patients brought to the ED by ambulance. Involved Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel, ED nurses and physicians were asked to predict the need for hospital admission using a structured questionnaire. Primary endpoint was the comparison between the accuracy of healthcare providers and prehospital MEWS in predicting patients’ need for hospital admission.

Results

In total 798 patients were included of whom 393 (49.2%) were admitted to the hospital. Sensitivity of predicting hospital admission varied from 80.0 to 91.9%, with physicians predicting hospital admission significantly more accurately than EMS and ED nurses (p < 0.001). Specificity ranged from 56.4 to 67.0%. All healthcare providers outperformed MEWS ≥ 3 score on predicting hospital admission (sensitivity 80.0-91.9% versus 44.0%; all p < 0.001). Predictions for ward admissions specifically were significantly more accurate than MEWS (specificity 94.7–95.9% versus 60.6%, all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Healthcare providers can accurately predict the need for hospital admission, and all providers outperformed the MEWS score.
Identifying determinants for falls among Iranian older adults: insights from the Bushehr Elderly Health Program
Authors: Khalagi Kazem , Hoveidaei Amir Human , AziziKia Hani , Karimi Amirali , Sattarpour Reza , Fahimfar Noushin , Sanjari Mahnaz , Mansourzadeh Mohammad Javad , Nabipour Iraj , Larijani Bagher , Ostovar Afshin
Published: July 2024

Background

Falls are a common cause of fractures in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with spontaneous falls among people aged ≥ 60 years in southern Iran.

Methods

The baseline data of 2,426 samples from the second stage of the first phase of a prospective cohort, the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program, were included in the analysis. A history of spontaneous falls in the year before recruitment was measured by self-report using a standardized questionnaire. Demographic characteristics, as well as a history of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, depression, and cancer, were measured using standardized questionnaires. A tandem gait (heel-to-toe) exam, as well as laboratory tests, were performed under standard conditions. A multiple logistic regression model was used in the analysis and fitted backwardly using the Hosmer and Lemeshow approach.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 69.34 (6.4) years, and 51.9% of the participants were women. A total of 260 (10.7%, 95% CI (9.5–12.0)%) participants reported a spontaneous fall in the year before recruitment. Adjusted for potential confounders, epilepsy (OR = 4.31), cancer (OR = 2.73), depression (OR = 1.81), low back pain (OR = 1.79), and osteoarthritis (OR = 1.49) increased the risk of falls in older adults, while the ability to stand ≥ 10 s in the tandem gait exam (OR = 0.49), being male (OR = 0.60), engaging in physical activity (OR = 0.69), and having high serum triglyceride levels (OR = 0.72) reduced the risk of falls.

Conclusion

The presence of underlying diseases, combined with other risk factors, is significantly associated with an increased risk of falls among older adults. Given the relatively high prevalence of falls in this population, it is crucial to pay special attention to identifying and addressing these risk factors.
Evaluation and comparison of one-step real-time PCR and one-step RT-LAMP methods for detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hanifehpour Hooman , Ashrafi Fatemeh , Siasi Elham , Fallahi Shirzad
Published: July 2024

Background

There is an increasing disease trend for SARS-COV-2, so need a quick and affordable diagnostic method. It should be highly accurate and save costs compared to other methods. The purpose of this research is to achieve these goals.

Methods

This study analyzed 342 samples using TaqMan One-Step RT-qPCR and fast One-Step RT-LAMP (Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification). The One-Step LAMP assay was conducted to assess the sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The research reported positive samples using two different methods. In the RT-LAMP method, saliva had 92 positive samples (26.9%) and 250 negative samples (73.09%) and nasopharynx had 94 positive samples (27.4%) and 248 negative samples (72.51%). In the RT-qPCR method, saliva had 86 positive samples (25.1%) and 256 negative samples (74.8%) and nasopharynx had 93 positive samples (27.1%) and 249 negative samples (72.8%). The agreement between the two tests in saliva and nasopharynx samples was 93% and 94% respectively, based on Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) (P < 0.001). The rate of sensitivity in this technique was reported at a dilution of 1 × 101 and 100% specificity.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study the One-Step LAMP assay has multiple advantages. These include simplicity, cost-effectiveness, high sensitivity, and specificity. The One-Step LAMP assay shows promise as a diagnostic tool. It can help manage disease outbreaks, ensure prompt treatment, and safeguard public health by providing rapid, easy-to-use testing.