bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote or in-clinic? The effect of service delivery mode on hearing aid output: study protocol for a double-blinded, randomized trial in adults with slight to moderate sensorineural hearing loss.
Authors: Lett Craig , Welch David , Dobson Rosie
Published: August 2023

Background Teleaudiology can potentially improve access to hearing healthcare services. Remote hearing aid fittings offer a new mode of service delivery that removes barriers of geography and access to an audiologist. Real Ear Measurements (REMs) are the gold-standard for hearing aid output verification but require in-clinic appointments. This study will investigate whether remote hearing aid fittings can provide clinically equivalent outcomes when compared to current, in-clinic, best-practice guidelines. Research Design: A repeated measures, double-blinded crossover design will be used. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups to determine order of intervention, balanced for degree of hearing loss. Study Sample: Sixty adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and at least one year of experience with hearing aids will be recruited. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants will complete two hearing aid fitting protocols, one using an in-clinic fitting process and the other using a remote (at-home) fitting process. In-clinic fittings will include REMs with adjustments to standard (NAL-NL2) prescription targets. The two fitting protocols will then be randomly assigned to participants in a crossover design, so participants and researchers will be blinded to the order of the two fitting protocols. Participants will then have a four-week period with follow-up appointments for participant-directed gain adjustment. For each fitting protocol, participants will complete objective measurements of final hearing aid output with REMs, speech in noise testing, subjective measurements of hearing aid performance, and quality of life measurements. They will then begin an identical period of living with, adjusting, and objective assessment with the other fitting protocol. Data will be analysed as repeated measures with statistical control for potential confounding variables. Results Data will compare the four-frequency average Real Ear Aided Response (4FREAR) for hearing aids programmed in-clinic and hearing aids programmed remotely, after participant-directed gain adjustments. Secondary measures will assess clinically significant differences in estimated speech intelligibility, hearing-related quality of life, hearing aid benefit, sound quality and preference, and speech-in-noise ability. Conclusions This study will inform the development of best practice guidelines for remote hearing aid fittings. If no clinically significant differences are found between in-clinic and remote fit hearing aids, it has the potential to expand teleaudiology initiatives. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12623000028606p. Date of registration: 12 January 2023. https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12623000028606p.aspx
An Intelligent IoT Based Landfill Fire Prediction And Prevention System
Authors: SAKYA GAYATRI , Yadav Vrattica , Shukla Saumya , Gupta Aditi , Shakya Rajeev K
Published: August 2023

This work focuses on India’s tallest heap of garbage at Ghazipur landfill site in New Delhi. About 2000 tonnes of garbage is being dumped at Ghazipur every day and it causes poisonous gases. Fire, sparked by methane gas coming from the garbage and takes days to extinguish. Methane belching from garbage can cause even more toxic gases. The dumping of garbage needs to be stopped for the betterment of people and the environment. The research helps detect the gases released from garbage and the importance of the project increasing due to the growth of solid waste. The detection of the risk of fire and the communication of this situation to the people could reduce the number of fires. The system also helps with automatic detection of fire in garbage-dumped areas and alerts to the authorities. This research work presents a low cost network based on Long Range(LoRa) network which is able to assess automatically the level of risk of catching fire in the solid waste. The system consists of several LoRa nodes with sensors to scale temperature, relative humidity and increase in methane level. The data coming from LoRa nodes is stored and processed in the server that is The Things Network and sends data finally to a website or an application for the analysis of the collected data using machine learning . This helps in reducing environmental pollution which results in health hazards for the people residing in the vicinity.The Simulation of the Lora Network is done in NS-3 first ,for finding the throughput and latency with different scenarios of lora nodes and gateways. The deployin stretegies are fixed after ns-3 simulation. The ns-3 simulation is done in ns-3.36.1 using lorawan module.Thereafter the prototype model is prepared using LoRA hardware and different sensors. The real time data is collected on the server for data analysis. The work have used machine learning algorithms to analyse real-time sensor data received on a network server through the LoRa Gateway to detect abnormal patterns indicative of a potential fire outbreak and to justify the ―intelligence‖ of our system. The wireless LoRa communication eliminates extensive wiring, while intelligent data analysis enhances accuracy and minimizes false alarms. Experimental evaluations demonstrate the system's effectiveness in timely fire detection and response, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring community safety. The proposed system presents a promising solution for efficient landfill fire early detection, prevention, and mitigation.
Evaluation of the efficacy of a synthetic peptide Chlamydia pecorum Major Outer Membrane Protein vaccine as a management tool in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population severely affected by chlamydiosis
Authors: Simpson Sarah J. , Higgins Damien P. , Timms Peter , Mella Valentina S. A. , Crowther Mathew S. , Fernandez Cristina M. , McArthur Clare , Phillips Samuel , Krockenberger Mark B.
Published: August 2023

Chlamydiosis is a significant disease affecting Eastern Australian koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations, impacting individual animal welfare and fecundity and therefore influencing population dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a synthetic peptide vaccine based on 4 components of the Chlamydia pecorumMajor Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP), over an 18-month period in a koala severely impacted by chlamydiosis. Wild koalas were recruited into a vaccination or a placebo treatment group on a random allocation, then followed through a period of 18 months, with recapture at 6 monthly intervals. Vaccination did not alter clinical disease expression or chlamydial shedding from the ocular or urogenital sites. Vaccination did not stimulate a significant plasma anti-MOMP IgG response, when compared to the placebo group. There was no significant effect of vaccination on IFN-γ and IL-17A mRNA expression of peripheral blood lymphocytes when stimulated with rMOMP. We have demonstrated that a synthetic peptide vaccination against chlamydiosis is not an effective management tool in a koala population with a high prevalence of C. pecorum infection and related disease. The lack of antigenic response found in this study suggests that further research utilising a larger, full-length antigen is an avenue worth investigation if we are to consider vaccination as a part of a management strategy in diseased koala populations.
Pearl farming micro-nanoplastics affect both oyster physiology and pearl quality
Authors: Gardon Tony , Luyer Jérémy Le , Moullac Gilles Le , Soyez Claude , Lagarde Fabienne , Dehaut Alexandre , Paul-Pont Ika , Huvet Arnaud
Published: August 2023

Pearl farming is the second most important economic resources of French Polynesia. However, rearing structures are an important source of plastic waste and the widespread contamination of pearl farming lagoons by microplastics has led to questions about risks for the pearl industry. The aim of this study was to test the effects of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) on the pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) over a 5-month pearl production cycle by closely mimics environmental scenarios. MNPs were produced from plastic pearl farming gear and used at concentrations (0.025 and 1 µg L–1) that oysters may encounter in lagoons to decipher biological and functional responses using integrative approaches. MNP exposure led to the alteration of energy metabolism, mostly driven by a lower assimilation efficiency of microalgae, with modulation of gene expression patterns. A module gene expression was strongly correlated with physiological parameters impaired by MNP conditions. Expression of key genes was suggested to be highly conserved in pearl oyster tissues (mantle, hemocytes and pearl sac) and may be used as potential environmental proxies to assess nutritional-MNP stress conditions of cultured oysters. Pearl biomineralization was also impacted by thinner aragonite crystals, with harvest marked by the presence of abnormal biomineral concretions, called keshi pearls. These experimental results demonstrated that MNPs threaten oyster physiology, with potential detrimental effects on pearl quality. Ecological approaches are now required to test the holistic impact of MNPs on population maintenance and sustainability in the Polynesian pearl industry in the context of the exposome and global climate change.
Carbon Metabolism in “Production-Living-Ecological” Space in Urban Agglomeration Based on Land Use Change
Authors: Qin Menglin , Jiang Hongbo , Liu Yuting , Wu Xinyu , Luo Dingding , Li Hang , Ouyang Huiting
Published: August 2023

To understand the effect of carbon metabolism of “production-living-ecological” (PLE) space evolution caused by land use change in Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan (CZT) urban agglomeration, this study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of PLE space carbon metabolism by constructing a carbon flow model. Using ecological network analysis and utility analysis, the influence of positive and negative carbon flow on carbon metabolism was evaluated. And driving factors on carbon metabolism were explored through Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model. The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the net carbon flow in CZT urban agglomeration kept negative, and the negative carbon flow mainly came from the transformation from ecological space to production space. In the ecological utility network, the control & exploitation relationship dominated from 2000 to 2005, then shifted to competition relationship from 2005 to 2020. Mutualism relationship appeared in 2000–2005 and then disappeared completely in the later period. The values of the overall ecological utility function M were all less than 1. The driving factors of carbon metabolism in PLE space were mainly elevation, population and nighttime light. Carbon metabolism is an important part of urban material and energy cycle, and the study of carbon metabolism in PLE space is important for regional carbon cycle and carbon emission and sequestration, mitigating climate change and maintaining regional sustainable development.
Regional differences, dynamic evolution, and spatial spillover effects of carbon emission intensity in urban agglomerations
Authors: Qiao Rui , Dong Feng , Xie Xiaoqian , Ji Rui
Published: August 2023

Urban agglomerations are areas of high energy consumption and carbon emissions, and are also the key areas where green development can be realized by reducing pollution and carbon emissions. However, the regional differences and evolutionary trends of carbon emission intensity in urban agglomerations have not been adequately studied. Taking three major city clusters in China as examples, this paper uses Dagum Gini coefficient and its decomposition method, Kernel density estimation method, Markov chain and spatial Markov chain to study the regional differences, dynamic evolution characteristics and spatial spillover effects of carbon emission intensity of urban agglomerations, and accordingly proposes differentiated emission reduction and carbon reduction policies. The following results were obtained: (1) The overall carbon emission intensity of the three major city clusters and each individual urban agglomeration were found to have declined significantly over time, with an overall spatial pattern of "high in the north and low in the south", with inter-group differences being the main source of the overall differences. (2) The imbalance in carbon emission intensity between cities was more obvious within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, while the synergistic emission reduction effect of the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta urban agglomerations increased over the study period. (3) The probability of a city maintaining a stable level of carbon emission intensity was much higher than the probability of a state shift, and there was a spatial spillover effect of carbon emissions between neighboring cities. This study can provide theoretical support for the global response to greenhouse gas emissions, promoting green development and carbon reduction in various countries and urban agglomerations, and providing quantitative basis for the formulation of relevant policies.
An exploration of spatial-temporal characteristics and spatial spillover effects of forest carbon sinks in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: MA Mingjuan , Ke Shuifa , Li Qiang
Published: August 2023

Developing forest carbon sinks (FCS) is significant for China to achieve carbon neutrality. The Yellow River Basin is a principal area for China’s energy consumption, and the forest resource distribution of this vast basin is spatially dependent, determining that the development of FCS cannot be separated geographically. Based on the spatial panel data of 69 prefecture-level cities in the Yellow River basin from 1988 to 2018, we used ESDA to reveal the spatial–temporal characteristics of FCS, and we established a spatial econometric model to investigate the transregional spillover effects of FCS. The results showed that: ① the overall FCS showed a gradually increasing trend, with a general distribution characteristic of “upstream > midstream > downstream” from 1988 to 2018. ②FCS presented an agglomeration distribution pattern with significant spatial spillover effects, and the degree of uneven spatial agglomeration varied across the years. ③Urbanization rate, forestry fixed assets investment, labor input, and afforestation management level directly promote FCS growth, whereas forest harvesting, precipitation, and temperature decrease FCS. ④Urbanization rate, forest harvesting, forestry fixed assets investment, labor input, and afforestation management level have positive spillover effects on FCS, while precipitation and temperature have adverse spillover effects on FCS. Hence, pertinent policy suggestions are put out to serve as a guide for increasing FCS.
Compliance with antibiotic therapy guidelines in French paediatric intensive care units: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Amadieu Romain , Brehin Camille , Chahine Adéla , Grouteau Erick , Dubois Damien , Munzer Caroline , Brissaud Olivier , Ros Barbara , Jean Gael , Brotelande Camille , Travert Brendan , Savy Nadia , Boeuf Benoit , Ghostine Ghida , Popov Isabelle , Duport Pauline , Wolff Richard , Maurice Laure , Dauger Stephane , Breinig Sophie
Published: August 2023

Background
Bacterial infections (BIs) are widespread in ICUs. The aims of this study were to assess the compliance with antibiotic recommendations, and factors associated with non-compliance.
Methods
We conducted an observational study in eight French Paediatric and Neonatal ICUs with an antimicrobial stewardship programme, mostly once a week. All children receiving antibiotics for a suspected or proven BI were evaluated. Newborns < 72 hours old, neonates < 37 weeks, age ≥ 18 years, and children under antimicrobial prophylaxis were excluded.
Results
139 suspected (or proven) BI episodes in 134 children were prospectively included during six separate time-periods over one year. The final diagnosis was 26.6% no BI, 40.3% presumed (i.e., not documented) BI, and 35.3% documented BI. Non-compliance for all parameters combined occurred in 51.1%. The main reasons for non-compliance were inappropriate choice of antimicrobials (27.3%), duration of one or more antimicrobials (26.3%), and duration of antibiotic therapy (18.0%). In multivariate analyses, main independent risk factors for non-compliance were prescribing ≥ 2 antibiotics (OR 4.06, 95%CI 1.69–9.74, p = 0.0017), a duration of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy ≥ 4 days (OR 2.59, 95%CI 1.16–5.78, p = 0.0199), neurologic compromise at ICU admission (OR 3.41, 95%CI 1.04–11.20, p = 0.0431), suspected catheter-related bacteraemia (ORs 3.70 and 5.42, 95%CIs 1.32 to 15.07, p < 0.02), a BI site classified as “other” (ORs 3.29 and 15.88, 95%CIs 1.16 to 104.76, p < 0.03), sepsis with ≥ 2 organ dysfunctions (OR 4.21, 95%CI 1.42–12.55, p = 0.0098), late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR 6.30, 95%CI 1.15–34.44, p = 0.0338), and ≥ 1 risk factor for ESBL Enterobacteriaceae (OR 2.56, 95%CI 1.07–6.14, p = 0.0353). Main independent factors for compliance were having antibiotic therapy protocols (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.19–0.92, p = 0.0313), respiratory failure at ICU admission (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.14–0.90, p = 0.0281), and aspiration pneumonia (OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.14–0.99, p = 0.0486).
Conclusions
Half of antibiotic prescriptions remain non-compliant with guidelines. Intensivists should reassess on a daily basis the benefit of using several antimicrobials or any broad-spectrum antimicrobials and stop antibiotics that are no longer indicated. Developing consensus about treating specific illnesses and using department protocols seem necessary to reduce non-compliance. A daily ASP could also improve compliance in these situations.
Trial registration
: ClinicalTrials.gov: number NCT04642560. The date of first trial registration was 24/11/2020.
Factors Associated with CT-Scan Repetition among Pediatrics and its Relationship with Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Azman Alia Shamimie , Al-Shangeeti Tahani , Al-Shehade Salah , Mohammed Maisa Elzaki , Al-Sharif Wala , Al-Shamrani Bandar , Ahmad Rozilawati , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah
Published: August 2023

Background
The use of CT scans in pediatric patients has been increasing annually, exposing them to higher doses of radiation compared to other imaging modalities. The primary concern is the potential increased risk of stochastic effects, particularly cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to identify the factors contributing to repeat CT scans in pediatrics and their association with cancer risk. Furthermore, the study aims to determine the relative risk of cancer incidence associated with repeated CT scans in pediatric patients, as well as to identify the major cancers associated with repeated radiation exposure from CT scans in children. Additionally, the relationship between radiation dose and various factors, including scanning protocols, CT parameters, and exposure dose will be investigated.
Methods/Design:
A comprehensive systematic review will be conducted by searching relevant databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies pertaining to CT scan repetition in the pediatric population and cancer risk. The search strategy will involve keywords such as computed tomography, CT scan, cancer risk, radiation exposure, pediatrics, and cumulative doses. The database search was performed between 2012 and 2022. Two independent reviewers will assess the studies and examine the reference lists of eligible studies for additional references. Data extraction will be performed using a standardized form, and qualitative analysis will be conducted to synthesize the findings of the systematic review after assessing the risk of bias.
Discussion
By conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to enhance our understanding of the factors contributing to repeat CT scans in pediatrics and their relationship with cancer risk. The findings will contribute to improved knowledge in this area and may inform strategies for minimizing unnecessary CT scan repetition and reducing associated cancer risks in pediatric patients.
Trial Registration:
The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42022342579
Characteristics and risk factors for drug-induced lung injury in hospitalized patients: A matched case-control study
Authors: Yu Pengjiu , Wu Yaozhou , Ye Ruohan , Yin Weiwei , Kong Xuetao , Liu Jie , Wei Li
Published: August 2023

Objective: Many drugs can cause drug-induced lung injury (DLI), but its clinical features and pathogenic factors are not fully clear. The present study aims to explore the clinical characteristics and related risk factors of DLI and to provide a reference for the safe application of the drug.
Materials and Methods: The clinical features of patients diagnosed with DLI in our hospital between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. DLI was diagnosed by using the Japanese Respiratory Society criteria. A retrospective case-control study was conducted according to suspected drugs, race, and significant diagnosis-matched controls, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors.
Results: 38 patients were diagnosed with DLI, and the median time from initiation of medication to the diagnosis of DLI was 74 days. The main clinical symptoms were shortness of breath (81.6%), cough (71.1%), expectoration (55.3%), and fever (42.1%); chest CT showed mainly ground glass opacity (GGO) (81.6%), nodular pattern (36.8%), increased of lung markings (34.2%) and interlobular septal thickening (23.7%). In laboratory tests, the levels of WBC, ALT, LDH, CRP, and KL-6 were significantly increased, while creatinine and albumin levels were significantly decreased. A total of 32 patients were treated with steroids. Of all the 38 patients, six were utterly cured, 27 showed improvement in their symptoms, two were poorly treated, and three died; In the matched case-control study, 38 DLI patients were successfully matched with 152 non-DLI controls. After multifactorial analysis, no factors were significantly associated with an increased incidence of DLI.
Conclusions: The prognosis of DLI is poor, so it is necessary to be highly vigilant when using drugs that are easy to induce DLI. LDH and KL-6 may be useful biomarkers related to DLI. No significant risk factors for DLI were found in the present study, further high-quality original studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Risk analysis of contamination by potentially zoonotic parasites found in public squares at Southern Brazil
Authors: Lignon Julia Somavilla , Bohm Bianca Conrad , Martins Natália Soares , Bruhn Fábio Raphael Pascoti , Pappen Felipe Geraldo , Pinto Diego Moscarelli
Published: August 2023

Background
Human beings and animals are getting closer and closer. This proximity is not limited to the home environment, as animals are also frequenters of public spaces with access to leisure areas and human recreation. As they play the role of definitive hosts for some species of potentially zoonotic helminths and protozoa, the risk of environmental contamination through their feces and the risk of infection of other animals, including humans, increases. From an epidemiological point of view, identifying possible sites at risk of infection allows us to outline adequate control and prevention methods. Therefore, the aim of this work was to carry out a risk analysis of contamination by potentially zoonotic parasites found in public squares in Southern Brazil.
Methods
Samples of dog feces and sand were collected in public squares in municipalities in the Pelotas microregion, south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The parasitological diagnosis was performed using the techniques of Willis-Mollay, Faust and Spontaneous sedimentation for feces and Caldwell and Caldwell for sand. The results were interpreted through descriptive data analysis, chi-square test and correspondence analysis.
Results
In total, 4262 samples were analyzed, where 63% of sand samples and 49.8% of feces samples were parasitized by Ancylostoma. Of all the municipalities in the study, Cerrito, Capão do Leão and Cristal have the highest risk for the presence of parasites in the samples collected. In addition, Pelotas and Pedro Osório municipalities had more positive samples with nematode eggs; Cristal, Cerrito and Capão do Leão had more samples positive for tapeworms; Canguçu, Morro Redondo and Turuçu showed higher positivity of protozoa.
Conclusion
It is concluded that there is great contamination in the squares studied, by parasites with zoonotic potential, and among the identified parasites, Ancylostoma is the most frequent. Furthermore, it is suggested that small municipalities are at greater risk of presenting parasites in public spaces, such as squares.
A Novel Antimicrobial Camouflage for Prevention of Infectious Diseases
Authors: gul Sagheer , Ali Tahira , Saud Khaled , Jabeen Saira , Farooq Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Infections caused due to microbes remains a major complication to keep and maintain health and hygiene issues related to human body. Preparation of a novel polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based ink is reported, which facilitates the 3D printing of lightweight medicated jewelry items. The photopolymer matrix is filled with mesoporous silica aerogel camouflaging silver nanoparticles inside the nanopores as antimicrobial agent. PMMA provides adherence medium for variety of microbes [1], once they adhere to surface the microbes are compromised by antimicrobial agent, thus quantifying and collecting the microbes from the surface of human body to a specific surface of 3D printed jewelry. This practice on one hand keeps the human skin free from microbes while on other hand most of the microbes are compromised. The jewelry items are extremely helpful to limit the spread of diseases caused specially with contaminated fingers and hands which are not easy to be kept clean all the time.
Mixed nitrate and ammonium supply improves maize growth and leaf water status by regulating concentration ratios of phytohormones in the xylem sap
Authors: Wu Mengqi , Zhang Fangbo , Tang Xiaoyan , Rengel Zed , Pu Man , Mao Mengxue , Shi Yuanfei , Sun Baoru , Shen Jianbo , Zhang Fusuo , Jin Kemo
Published: August 2023

The use of mixed nitrate and ammonium supply (mixed-N) as a nitrogen source can improve plant growth. Phytohormones in the xylem sap are involved in root-shoot signaling and regulation of plant growth and development. However, the role of xylem sap phytohormones in the shoot growth with mixed-N supply is poorly understood. Here, pot-grown maize seedlings fed with different nitrogen forms (NO 3 −, NH 4 +, and mixed-N) at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg N kg −1 soil (N 50, N 100, N 200, and N 400, respectively) were used to measure shoot biomass, stomatal conductance, leaf water saturation deficit (LWSD), and concentrations of zeatin riboside (ZR), auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) and their concentration ratios in the xylem sap. Results showed that mixed-N supply increased maize shoot biomass and LWSD compared with NO 3 − or NH 4 + applied alone regardless of the N rates. Mixed-N supply significantly increased ZR and IAA concentrations, and decreased ABA concentration (thus increased the ZR/ABA, IAA/ABA, and (ZR+IAA)/ABA concentration ratios), which were correlated positively with shoot growth and LWSD. And the stomatal conductance showed a negative correlation with LWSD under different N forms and rates. Our results indicated that mixed-N supply could facilitate maize shoot growth by regulating phytohormones and their concentration ratios in the xylem sap to control stomatal function and improve leaf hydration status.
Study on deformation and instability characteristics and control technology of deep soft rock roadway with strong mining
Authors: Li Jian , Li Yongle , Xie Zhengzheng , Zhang Nong , Guo Feng , Chen Qinghua , Liu Sijia
Published: August 2023

With the development of deep mining of coal resources, the problem of deep roadway management is becoming increasingly prominent. This study aims to analyze the deformation and failure mechanism of deep-buried soft rock roadway under the influence of mining. Taking the material roadway of 3205 working face in Xin’an Coal Mine as the engineering background, this study analyzed the characteristics of roadway deformation and failure and its influencing factors through field investigation. This study firstly expounded the principles of graded continuous anchorage for roadway roof and then proposed a new support scheme whose feasibility was verified by numerical simulation. Field verification shows that the optimized support scheme can effectively control the deformation of roadway surrounding rock. Specifically, the deformation of roof and two sides is reduced by 91% and 50% respectively; the maximum crack depth decreases from 9.56m to 3.26m, indicating that the roof crack development has been significantly inhibited. The new support scheme builds a solid anchored rock beam structure with thick roof layer, which can maintain the long-term stable bearing capacity of deep-buried composite roof roadway. This study provides a solution for the surrounding rock control of deep soft rock roadway.
Robust superhydrophobic resin sponges modified by polydimethylsiloxanes/epoxy-based copolymer for high-efficiency oil/water separation
Authors: Zhang Tongyao , Ma Litao , Ren Dazhong , Huang Ying , Zhang Hanpeng
Published: August 2023

The development of recyclable, durable and widely adaptable porous hydrophobic materials is of vital importance for the effective separation of leaking oil-water mixtures. Herein, we functionally modified melamine formaldehyde resin sponge (MFRS) with PMMA, PDMS-PMMA and PDMS-PGMA via a facile solution-immersion process. Compared with PMMA-coated MFRS, the improvement of the water contact angle (WCA) and oil-water mixture separation efficiency of PDMS-PMMA/MFRS were sufficient enough to verify that the introduction of PDMS block enhanced the hydrophobic performances of the material. Moreover, the importance of the GMA block in PDMS-PGMA/MFRS was confirmed by the excellent performance of the material in oil-water separation recycling experiments, with 91.5% separation efficiency after 8 runs. The fabricated PDMS-PMMA/MFRS with improved WCA (155°) and oil-water mixture separation efficiency (99.1%), demonstrated superhydrophobic property, which is attributed to the introduction of hydrophobic block PDMS and coating-induced surface geometric folds. Besides, the acid-resistance and widely adaptable (efficient separation of various oil-water mixtures) performances of PDMS-PGMA/MFRS were experimentally confirmed. The freely available manufacturing raw materials and facile functionalization process of PDMS-PMMA/MFRS offers possibilities for its adoption in the efficient cleanup of oil spills.
French General Practitioners’ Attitudes To Prescribing Oral Anti-Dementia Drugs : A Questionnaire Survey.
Authors: maigre Olivier , Somme Dominique , Corvol Aline
Published: August 2023

Background: The benefit/risk ratio of oral anti-dementia drugs, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, is contentious. Our objective was to describe French general practitioners’ (GPs) attitudes regarding the prescription renewal of these treatments, always initiated in France by a memory clinic specialist.
Methods: A Questionnaire Survey was sent to 1,380 GPs in the Brittany region of France about their attitudes and practices towards oral anti-dementia drugs and memory clinics.
Results: Of 233 respondents (response rate 17%), 77% considered that risks exceeded benefits, with substantial variations. Despite their generally unfavorable evaluation, most surveyed GPs reported that they usually renewed their treatment. They justified continuation by a lack of alternatives and by considering family wishes.
Conclusions: GPs usually renew oral anti-dementia drugs prescribed by specialists, although most of them think that the risks exceed the benefits. This attitude questions the principle of non-maleficence. GPs’ discomfort with anti-dementia drugs prescriptions could dissuade some GPs from addressing their patients to memory clinics.
Impact of a closed-space rectangular heated source on MHD mixed convection flows into a lid-driven cavity with a heated wavy bottom surface in presence of internal heat generation or absorption.
Authors: ALi Ahmed Refaie , Maya Mst. Umme Mahmuda , Alam Md. Nur
Published: August 2023

This paper investigated the influence of a closed space rectangular heat source on MHD hybrid convection flow into the lid-driven cavity, keeping a heated waved bottom surface with internal heat absorption or generation. The peak wall of the waved cavity is going at a constant velocity. The vertical walls of the square waved cavity are carried at cold temperatures. In contrast, the peak wall is insulated, and a closed-space rectangular heated source is attached to the middle of the waved cavity. The problem is mathematically solved by a set of suitable GE (governing equations) in concert with an advanced mathematical pinnacle, using GWR (Galerkin weighted residual method) of finite element (FE) procedure. The impression of variation on the Hartmann (Ha) number, Richardson (Ri) number, heat absorption or generation parameter, rectangular bar effectiveness on flow layout, and Nuesselt number were explored in detail. The numerical outcomes are shown in graphical terms of isotherms, streamlines, rectangular bar effectiveness, velocity shapes, and average Nusselt ( ) number. As the size of the rectangular heated source rises, the average Nusselt number declines within a heated wall for all Richardson (Ri) numbers of the enclosures. There is an effective reduction in the average Nusselt number when the magnetic field grows. When heat is generated, the average Nusselt number declines, whereas heat absorption ascends it. Results are substantiated relating to the published work.
Robot-assisted thoracoscopic resection of a posterior mediastinal tumor with immunoglobulin G4- related disease: a case report
Authors: Takeuchi Taihei , Takizawa Hiromitsu , Hosokawa Akio , Sumitomo Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Naoki , Sakamoto Shinichi , Morishita Atsushi , Kawakita Naoya , Toba Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

Background: Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease affects nearly every organ, and its clinical course varies depending on the involved organ; however, its occurrence in the mediastinum is rarely reported.
Case presentation: A 58-year-old woman presented with a posterior mediastinal tumor along the thoracic spine on imaging. Based on her elevated serum IgG4 level of 349.7 mg/dL, IgG4-related disease was suspected. Since the tumor was growing and malignancy could not be excluded, surgical resection was performed for definitive diagnosis. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed via the left semipronation and right thoracic approaches. The irregularly-shaped tumor was located on the level of the seventh to ninth thoracic vertebra, along the sympathetic nerve. A malignancy was not excluded based on the appearance of the tumor. The tumor had poor mobility. The sympathetic nerves, intercostal arteries, and veins were also excised. In this case, the articulated forceps, used during the robotic surgery, were useful in achieving complete tumor resection along the vertebral body. The pathological examination revealed IgG4-positive plasma infiltration, which fulfilled the criteria for IgG4-related diseases. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient underwent follow-up on an outpatient basis without additional medications.
Conclusion: The clinical presentation of IgG4-related disease varies, based on the involved organs. This case was rare because the mediastinum was involved, and it emphasized the effectiveness of surgical resection.
Tumor size of preoperative breast cancer assessment by whole-body silicon photomultiplier PET: feasibility and first results
Authors: Kuroda Hiroyuki , Yoshizako Takeshi , Yada Nobuhiro , Kamimura Tomomi , Yamamoto Nobuko , Maruyama Mitsunari , Yoshida Rika , Fukuda Mizuki , Kataoka Yuko , Itakura Masayuki , Kaji Yasushi
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Whole-body silicon photomultiplier positron emission tomography (WB SiPM PET) could be used to diagnose breast cancer spread before lumpectomy. We aimed to investigate the method of measuring the tumor size by WB SiPM PET as a basis for diagnosing breast cancer spread in the breast.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 breast cancer lesions in 21 patients who underwent WB SiPM PET/CT in the prone position as preoperative breast cancer examinations from September 2020 to March 2022.
In all cases, a 20-mm spherical VOI was placed in the normal mammary gland to measure the mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean) and the standard deviation (SD) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. We prepared four types of candidates (SUVmean + 2 SD, SUVmean + 3 SD, 1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD, 1.5 SUVmean + 3 SD) for thresholds for delineating tumor contours on PET images. On the semiautomatic viewer soft, the maximum tumor sizes were measured at each of the four thresholds and compared with the pathological sizes, including EIC.
Results: The lesion detection sensitivity was 96% for WB SiPM PET. PET detected 23 lesions, excluding 4-mm ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS). PET measurements at the threshold ‘1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD’ demonstrated the highest correlation coefficient (rs) with the pathologic sizes, including EIC (rs = 0.722). Moreover, ‘1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD’ had the highest concordance (62.5%).
Conclusions: By using ‘1.5 SUVmean + 2 SD’ of the normal mammary gland as a patient-specific threshold, we were able to evaluate the tumor size, including EIC.
Efficacy of lactulose supplementation as a preventive measure for cardiovascular events post myocardial infarction: a preliminary retrospective study
Authors: Chen Lin , Wang Fei , Ishigami Tomoaki
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death worldwide. Several studies have suggested that the gut microbiome plays an important role in MI via its metabolites and immune regulation mechanisms. Lactulose is a safe molecule that can be used as an osmotic laxative in clinical treatment, potentially through altering the gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of lactulose on cardiovascular events after acute MI (AMI).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from the electronic medical records of 165 patients admitted with AMI from June 2016 to March 2021. We classified patients with AMI into two groups according to the intake of lactulose supplements, and baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups. The effects of lactulose on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were evaluated using logistic regression, Cox regression, and linear regression models.
Results
After adjusting for confounding factors, lactulose use was independently associated with a lower risk of MACEs post-AMI during hospitalization (composite adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.4, 95 % CI, 0.16-0.95, P = 0.038).
Conclusion
Taken together, the results of this study indicate that lactulose is a safe and potentially effective treatment option for patients with AMI managed in routine practice settings.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangial Drainage for Distal biliary malignant obstructive jaundice
Authors: Cai Qingyuan , wu xiaomin
Published: August 2023

Biliary drainage can significantly improve prognosis in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). The purposes of this study are to evaluate the effect of ultra-sound (US)-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) on the treatment of different degrees of biliary dilatation caused by distal biliary malignant obstructive jaundice (DBMOJ). We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of PTCD of DBMOJ, they were prospectively randomized to the right of left access for PTCD. A total of 89 patients that had undergone successful biliary drainage with more than 1 months of follow-up. Patients were grouped according to the diameter of four-grade bile duct: group A with < 4mm, group B with 4-8mm, and group C with > 8mm. Puncture success rate, complications and liver function tests of the patients were recorded. There was no significant difference in puncture success rate and complication rate among the three groups. The early complications (bleeding, biliary fistula, bile reflex) and late complications (catheter comes off, catheter obstruction) of PTCD occurred in 2, 3, 3 cases and 2, 2, 3 cases in the 3 groups, respectively. After drained to drainage, the TBIL and DBIL declined linearly, with slope of 43 and 117. The levels of ALT and AST declined rapidly within postoperative 1 week, with no statistical difference between the groups. There was also no significant difference in levels between the groups between 1 week and 2 weeks postoperatively. PTCD were performed through right access in 53 cases and 36 cases through left access. The ALT and AST slope of right-side approach is significantly greater than that of the left-side approach, and the difference was statistically significant. The right-sided approach PTCD has a faster rate of liver function recovery in patients than the left-sided approach. Thus, PTCD for DBMOJ has the characteristics of low complication rate and good efficacy in reducing jaundice. The right-sided approach PTCD has a faster rate of liver function recovery in DBMOJ patients than the left-sided approach. We suggest that patients with malignant obstructive jaundice should biliary drainage. The less severe the obstruction, the faster the recovery of liver function.
A scheme for increasing the sensitivity of metal-insulator-metal perfect absorber sensors
Authors: Askari Mehdi
Published: August 2023

Perfect absorbers have attracted lots of attentions in recent years due to their diverse applications in various fields. Between all designs introduced so far to represent the perfect absorption characteristic, metal-insulator-metal (MIM) plasmonic and metamaterial structures have a reputable standing because of their resonant nature, relatively easy fabrication procedure, and high absorption coefficients. In this paper, we introduce a novel MIM plasmonic structure operating at optical wavelengths that represents high absorption rates of 99.1 and 99.7 percent at two different resonant wavelengths. By extensively investigating the theoretical physics behind this resonant perfect absorptive behavior and inspired by that physics, we invent a new scheme through which sensing capabilities of the structure are noticeably enhanced. It is very likely that the procedure followed in this paper can be applied to similar MIM perfect absorber sensors as well to effectively increase their sensitivities.
Untangling adaptive functioning of PMM2-CDG across age and its impact on parental stress: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Epifani Florencia , Pujol Susana , Llorens Marta , Balcells Sol , Nolasco Gregorio , Bolasell Mercè , Albesa Sergio Aguilera , Candela Ramon Cancho , Cervera José Luis Cuevas , Sánchez Verónica García , Garcia Oscar , Miranda-Herrero María Concepción , Lozano Pedro J Moreno , Robles Bernabé , Aparicio Susana Roldán , Fragua Ramón Velazquez , Serrano Mercedes
Published: August 2023

Phosphomannomutase deficiency (PMM2-CDG) causes cerebellar atrophy and presents with ataxia, dysmetria, and intellectual deficits. Despite ongoing therapy development and clinical trials, limited knowledge exists regarding the cognitive and adaptive profile. We evaluated a large cohort assessing the adaptive profile and its association with parental stress, clinical, and molecular characteristics. We recruited 37 individuals, and used validated scales to assess disease severity, behavioral and adaptive functioning, psychopathology and parental stress. Results were compared with clinical features. No significant differences were found based on age or gender. "Daily living skills" was the most affected domain. Patients clinically classified as severe had significantly lower adaptive skill values, as did those with lipodystrophy and inverted nipples. Learning difficulties and scholastic problems were consistently observed. Greater severity in motor cerebellar syndrome, behavioral disturbances and the presence of comorbidities such as hyperactivity, autistic features and moderate-to-severe intellectual disability correlate with higher scores in parental stress. Although not longitudinal, our study indicates either stabilization or no progression in adaptive abilities. Our findings offer validated tools to assess adaptive deficits in PMM2-CDG patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication, executive function, daily living skills, autonomy, and their impact on parental stress in clinical monitoring and future therapies.
A case report of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor manifesting as severe conjunctival chemosis
Authors: Yamamuro Shun , Yoshino Atsuo , Nishide Takuma , Negishi Hiroshi , Kumagawa Takahiro
Published: August 2023

Background Conjunctival chemosis (CC) is an extremely rare symptom of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). We report an extremely rare case of PitNET manifesting as severe CC.
Case presentation A 48-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with severe CC, proptosis, and ptosis of the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the tumor mass invading the cavernous sinus (CS) with cystic lesion. The patient underwent emergent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and the pathological diagnosis was PitNET. CC of the right eye remarkably improved after the surgery. Glucocorticoid therapy was performed for right oculomotor nerve palsy, which rapidly improved. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from our hospital without hormone replacement.
Conclusions CC caused by CS invasion of PitNET can be cured by early surgical treatment. Therefore, PitNET is important to consider in the differential diagnosis of CC.
Metadichol® a Sirtuin Modulator for Anti-Aging Therapies
Authors: Raghavan P.R.
Published: August 2023

There are seven sirtuin genes in humans that encode seven sirtuin enzymes (SIRT1–7), each of which has unique functions and subcellular locations. Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases that play a significant role in physiological processes such as energy metabolism, stress responses, DNA repair, and gene expression. Sirtuins are essential targets for aging-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, finding a single molecule that can activate all seven sirtuin genes is challenging because each isoform has a unique structure, substrates, and regulatory mechanisms. Most known sirtuin activators are specific for SIRT1, the most studied isoform of the sirtuin family. Here, we report that Metadichol®, a nano-emulsion of long-chain alcohols, induces 3- to 15-fold expression of all SIRT1–7 genes in human dermal fibroblasts when used in concentrations ranging from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. SIRT3 and FOXO1 gene expressions were 15-fold higher than those after treatment with Metadichol®. In addition, KL, FOXO1, TERT, and TP53 exhibited increased expression. Sirtuins and the four genes regulate aging, metabolism, and DNA repair and are age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. All of these genes play essential roles in improving the quality of life as we age.