bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme Regarding Knowledge of Needle Stick Injury & Its Management Among Staff Nurses Working in Nabh Accredited & Non-Nabh Accredited Hospitals Neeraj Kumar Bansal
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department Nursing, Jai Institute of Nursing & Research, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474001, India., Kumar Bansal Neeraj
Published: February 2024

Word related wellbeing perils are constantly hazardous which deliver hazard to soundness of medicinal services suppliers & furthermore create working condition which isn't in support to serve in productive way. Needle stick wounds are fundamental wellspring of disease common among human services specialists particularly among staff medical attendants. Working in rushed way because of absence of adequate working staff, unseemly transfer of sharp waste, lacking accessibility of more secure sharp instruments & ill-advised utilization of defensive measures are fundamental driver which prompt event of needle stick wounds among staff medical caretakers.
La concepción de la disciplina geográfica desde el alumnado preuniversitario en Andalucía ¿Serán las nuevas directrices educativas un cambio en la enseñanza de la Geografía?
Authors: Sillero Medina José Antonio , Menjíbar Romero Mario
Published: February 2024

Uno de los grandes retos a los que se enfrenta la comunidad geográfica es a la consideración social de esta disciplina como puramente enciclopédica, un hecho que ha generado problemas de desinterés en la materia por parte del alumnado preuniversitario. Bajo este paradigma, es fundamental impulsar estrategias para dar visibilidad al hacer científico de la Geografía y potenciar la imagen social de la disciplina. En este artículo se pretende conocer la concepción de la Geografía en el alumnado de 4º ESO y 2º Bachillerato desde una doble visión: académica y profesional. Para ello, se han llevado a cabo un total de 135 encuestas en seis centros escolares de Córdoba y Málaga. Los resultados reafirman un desconocimiento en aspectos fundamentales en la disciplina, así como, en las posibilidades profesionales que ofrece, pudiendo tener cierta repercusión en niveles superiores de formación (Universidad). En este sentido, la LOMLOE, el RD 217/2022 y las Instrucciones de las comunidades autónomas en materia educativa deben entenderse como un nuevo contexto de posibilidades para impulsar la Geografía a partir del esfuerzo de la comunidad geográfica.
Plan de exportación de cereal de quinua blanca al mercado de París - Francia
Authors:   , Garcia Manrique Josselyn Isabel , De los Rios Figueroa Armando Rodrigo
Published: February 2024

En la actualidad, el mercado europeo tiene una tendencia bien marcada sobre el consumo de productos orgánicos y responsables con el medio ambiente, según Statista algunos de los países miembros tienen un índice relativamente alto de obesidad, lo que implica que hay personas intolerantes al gluten o que tienen diabetes y tiene que tener cuidado con su dieta diaria, por ello Food Thani ve esto como una oportunidad de exportar un producto con alto valor nutricional y energético que pueda ser consumido por las personas con estas condiciones y mejorar su dieta por una más saludable, este producto es un cereal en hojuelas para el desayuno hecho a base de la de quinua blanca, un super food, el cual fue seleccionado como una pieza clave ya que no contiene gluten y contribuye a regula el colesterol, no aumenta los niveles de azúcar en la sangre y contribuye con la buena digestión. Es por ello, que el objetivo de este plan es evaluar la viabilidad de dicha exportación al mercado París Francia, el cual según Trade Map tiene una alta demanda insatisfecha tanto de la materia prima base que es la quinua como de la partida donde se encuentra el producto terminado. La metodología que se emplea es realizar un plan estratégico y organización del negocio para identificar el enfoque de la empresa, qué oportunidades y amenazas estarán presentes, las fortalezas y debilidades con las que se cuenta y el factor clave de éxito para ejecución del plan de exportación. Seguidamente se elabora un plan de marketing internacional donde se realiza una investigación más profunda del mercado objetivo y los requerimientos mínimos que se necesita para una adecuada inducción y penetración en el mercado…
Plan de negocio para la exportación de kion en polvo al mercado de Estados Unidos 2024
Authors:   , Acuña Becerra Sandra Yulissa , Cuarez Asto Sanely Martha , Mavila Cruz Orlando , Savero Caramantin Pamela Magerly
Published: February 2024

El propósito de este trabajo de investigación es determinar la viabilidad de la empresa exportadora Export Zingiber SAC de kion en polvo lanzado al mercado de California (EE. UU), donde se evalúa la demanda que existe en el país de destino; considerando las preferencias del consumidor que optan por productos saludables, nos da la factibilidad y la posibilidad de introducir con éxito al mercado California - Estados Unidos. Frente a esta perspectiva, se analizó la situación actual del producto a exportar en el mercado seleccionado (California) y lo beneficios que tiene el jengibre en polvo, como, por ejemplo: Es muy beneficioso para la nutrición compuesto de bioactivos con fuentes de oleorresina que le da el sabor dulce y a su vez es refrescante. Se detecta la necesidad del producto a exportar en el mercado de destino, se da a conocer que el producto satisface las necesidades de aquellas personas que velan por el bienestar de su salud y que prefieren el consumo de productos naturales, así contribuir a que los clientes y/o consumidores mejoren su estilo de vida y al mismo tiempo promover el consumo de productos naturales.
Plan de negocio: producción y comercialización de aceite palma en la empresa Inkapalma del distrito de Tocache, departamento de San Martín 2023
Authors:   , Yarasqui Huamali Patricia Lucy , Amoroto Castro Sulema Yosselin , Aguirre Challco Brigideth Corayma , Saavedra Maylle John Manuel , Manhualaya Colquepisco Gregory Mario
Published: February 2024

El presente plan de negocios ayudará a la empresa Inkapalma a provechar la demanda que tiene el sector en el mercado local, de este modo, se identificó las oportunidades que existen en el rubro, dando inicio a la producción de aceite palma y comercializando con empresas industriales como venta final. Como factor diferenciador la empresa Inkapalma buscará ser conscientemente ambiental por lo que se enfocará en no perjudicar la tierra mediante el uso de los fertilizantes orgánicos, los cuales tampoco afectarán al consumo humano. En cuanto a la aceptación por parte de las personas, se realizó una investigación de mercado que dio como resultado una alta aceptación por comprar el aceite orgánico gracias a los beneficios que contiene este producto. De la misma manera, como empresa responsable que pretendemos ser, brindaremos trabajo a los pobladores de la localidad. Finalmente, se llegó a la conclusión de que nuestro plan de negocios es viable en base a nuestros análisis financiero y análisis de mercado.
Gestión estratégica de costos y rentabilidad en una empresa productora y comercializadora de concreto premezclado, distrito de Lurigancho (Lima - Perú), 2021
Authors:   , Perez Aquino Delicia Cladis , Pucllas Cueto Betzaida
Published: February 2024

La investigación titulada “Gestión estratégica de costos y rentabilidad en una empresa productora y comercializadora de concreto premezclado, distrito de Lurigancho (Lima-Perú), 2021” tuvo como objetivo general determinar cómo la gestión estratégica de costos se relaciona con la rentabilidad en una empresa productora y comercializadora de concreto premezclado, distrito de Lurigancho (Lima-Perú), 2021. Se utilizó el diseño no experimental transeccional correlacional-causal, el enfoque fue cuantitativo; además, la población y muestra estuvo integrada por trabajadores del Área Contable y Administrativa de una empresa de producción y comercialización de concreto premezclado, llegando a 32 trabajadores. A partir de este estudio, se obtiene información pertinente a la gestión estratégica de costos y la rentabilidad en la empresa evaluada; se llega a la conclusión de que existe una relación altamente positiva entre ambas variables. Estos resultados se respaldan por el hecho de haber obtenido un coeficiente de correlación (Rho=0.729); en otras palabras, la hipótesis alterna se valida, la cual sostiene la existencia de una relación positiva entre las variables.
La relación entre la depresión, ansiedad y el miedo con el nivel actividad de LES durante la pandemia Covid-19 en pacientes mujeres que padecen de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico en Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen en el año 2021
Authors:   , Dongo Mancilla Sebastian Alain , Borja Fernandez Carlos Omar
Published: February 2024

Determinar la relación entre la aparición de depresión, ansiedad y miedo al COVID-19 con respecto a la actividad de la enfermedad reportada por pacientes mujeres con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes pertenecientes a la Cohorte Almenara Lupus. La actividad de la enfermedad informada por el paciente se determinó utilizando la Lupus Foundation of America como instrumentos. Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Assessment of Activity in Lupus Patient-Reported Outcome (LFA-REAL PRO) que se puede cuantificar en un rango de 0-1200, síntomas depresivos que se evaluaron mediante the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), los síntomas de ansiedad se determinaron utilizando Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) y el miedo percibido se evaluó utilizando la escala de miedo al COVID-19 para evaluarlo. Se realizaron modelos de regresión univariable y multivariable utilizando distribución gamma para determinar la asociación entre la actividad de la enfermedad y la aparición de síntomas depresivos, síntomas de ansiedad y miedo al COVID ajustados por posibles factores de confusión. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 246 pacientes, todas mujeres y con una mediana de edad de 45.9 (36.4-54.8) años, LFA-REAL PRO con una mediana de 197 (76.50-339). Los síntomas leves y moderados-graves de ansiedad se asociaron con un mayor valor de LFA-REAL PRO [B (SE)= 68.32 (24.16), p=0.005 y B (SE)= 135.43 (50.98), p<0.008]. Los síntomas depresivos y el miedo a la COVID-19 no se asociaron con la actividad de la enfermedad informada por los pacientes. Conclusión Los síntomas de ansiedad se asociaron de forma independiente con la actividad de la enfermedad informada por el paciente. En base a esto, se deben buscar estrategias para reducir su impacto en el curso y la progresión de la enfermedad.
Factores asociados a hipoacusia en trabajadores de construcción evaluados en una Clínica Ocupacional al Sur del Perú
Authors:   , Oquendo Lozada Olbert
Published: February 2024

Introducción. La hipoacusia es la discapacidad sensorial más común a nivel mundial, entre sus causas se encuentran las ocasionadas por una prolongada exposición a ruido intenso en el entorno laboral, repercutiendo negativamente en la calidad de vida de los afectados. Objetivos. Determinar la prevalencia y factores asociados a hipoacusia en trabajadores de construcción evaluados en una clínica ocupacional al sur del Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal, analítico en trabajadores de construcción de dos empresas públicas expuestos a ruido. Utilizamos los datos de clínicos y de audiometría de una clínica ocupacional que evaluaron a esta población. Utilizamos un análisis multivariado por regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para calcular las razones de prevalencia ajustado a factores epidemiológicos. Resultados. Evaluamos a 240 participantes donde el 85,8% eran varones, el 67% eran mujeres. Además, el 64,2% era parte de un examen preocupacional y 88,3% tenía o está programado para un puesto operativo. La prevalencia de hipoacusia de la muestra fue del 48.3%. En el análisis multivariado ajustado a sexo, edad y tipo de examen, se halló que tener más de 45 aumenta la prevalencia de hipoacusia en 2.8 veces. (RP 3.87 IC95% 2,39-6.27;p<0,001) Conclusiones. Uno de cada dos trabajadores de construcción expuestas a ruido presentan hipoacusia y tener una edad mayor a 45 años, estuvo relacionado a mayor prevalencia. Se requieren estudios prospectivos para confirmar estos hallazgos en esta población de alto riesgo de enfermedad laboral.
Using Radar and Optical Satellite Images to Delineate Paleodrainages in Desert Regions: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Saud Mashael M. Al
Published: February 2024

Al Saud (2023) worked on detailed cartography for all drainage systems of Saudi Arabia using SRTM DEM and topographic maps. However, a number of watercourses were noted with anomalous morphometric and sedimentological characteristics . This includes abrupt termination of stream networks, traces for dry channels and presence of linear saline soil horizons. This was attributed to the existence of paleodrainages which have been noted in several studies in the Arabian Peninsula including Saudi Arabia, and they were attributed to large global climate fluctuations that were reflected in topographic rippling and abrupt changes in terrain slopping, acting on the extinction of many watercourses and creation of others. This study characterizes paleodrainages in Saudi Arabia using remote sensing products. In this respect, SRTM DEM was used to generate detailed drainage systems; while Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array Type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) and Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) were processed to detect paleodrainages and the relevant paleo-geomorphological features using a number of digital techniques. Seven aspects of these channels were identified and all indicating the presence of alluvial sedimentation with high porous and permeable linear features which are potential to store and transmit groundwater. They can be also routs for paleodrianagesthe intrusion of saline water on-land. The identified paleodrainages can be potential groundwater aquifers, suitable sites for groundwater artificial recharge especially where saltwater is intruded along these drainages.
Towards Artificial Intelligence Based Radiometric Calibration for In-orbit Remote Sensing Satellites
Authors: Chen Boyang , Wu Aiqun , Hui Wen , Rao Peng , Guo Qiang , Feng Xuan , Chen Fansheng , Han Changpei , Ying Qichao , Gao Jun , Wu Yapeng , Liu Miao , Moss Damian , Qian Zhenxing
Published: February 2024

Radiometric Calibration (RC) is a key step in high-precision aerospace infrared remote sensing. Currently, source-based RC is the most prevailing methodologies, where a radiometric source such as blackbody with known radiation energy is observed by the sensor and the corresponding output digital number is recorded. However, the methodology is limited by several constraints, e.g., space and weight requirement for in-orbit blackbodies, and lack of uniformity and ideal properties of blackbodies. This paper presents a new artificial intelligence based RC that directly generates RC coefficients given the state of the sensor parameters. First, we derive the relationship between the RC coefficients and the physical parameters and environmental parameters of the sensor. Next, we steadily collect a large quantity of remote sensing data using our in-orbit satellites since 2018 and correspondingly train a neural network to fit such function for the generation of RC coefficients. Finally, our extensive experiments show that the proposed method achieves high-accuracy RC comparable with state-of-the-art methods that use in-orbit blackbody. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate an artificial-intelligence-based RC method for satellites without observation to blackbodies during in-orbit remote sensing. We anticipate that the new approach could promote the accuracy and uniformity of global infrared remote sensing data, thereby promoting the ability to discern natural laws and understand longterm environmental or celestial trends. Besides, it can substantially save the cost for carrying and observing in-orbit blackbodies.
The perceptions of physicians regarding the medical cannabis reform and the treatment of medical cannabis in Israel
Authors: barak ziv , SHIR-BARAK NOFAR , DOR MICHAEL , NISSANHOLTZ-GANNOT RACHEL
Published: February 2024

Background
The medical world is mired in conflict between the growing demand for medical cannabis treatment by patients, and the lack of sufficient research evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the use of medical cannabis. The main goal of the study was to examine what are the physicians' perceptions regarding the medical cannabis reform in Israel and the treatment of medical cannabis?
Methods
105 physicians from hospitals fill out perception questionnaires characterized the physicians' perceptions regarding the cannabis reform and the treatment of medical cannabis.
Results
The analysis of the questionnaires revealed that the physicians believe that the cannabis reform contributes to the regulation of the treatment of medical cannabis and that there is indeed an openness in the medical community to the treatment of medical cannabis. Nonetheless, physicians do not perceive medical cannabis treatment as better than other treatments. The analysis of the perceptions of the physicians in relation to their background characteristics revealed that male physicians believe that the contribution of the cannabis reform in Israel is significant and that there is greater openness regarding the treatment of medical cannabis among the medical community compared to the perceptions of female physicians. Young physicians are more open to treatment using medical cannabis compared to veteran physicians. Physicians who work in the field of oncology and/or when their family member or close friend needs medical cannabis treatment, are more supportive of medical cannabis treatment.
Conclusions
In general, the more the physician believe that there is openness among his professional community to the treatment of medical cannabis, the more open he is to treatment using medical cannabis.
Entanglement Activation in Multiphoton Distillation Networks
Authors: Chen Yu-Ao , Zhang Rui , Fei Yue-Yang , Liu Zhenhuan , Zhang Xingjian , Yin Xu-Fei , Mao Yingqiu , Li Li , Liu Nai-Le , Ma Xiongfeng , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: February 2024

In quantum networks, residual states remaining after information processing can be valuable resources. Efficiently recycling these states to extract resources such as genuine multipartite entanglement and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pairs is essential for optimizing network performance. Our work demonstrates a tripartite entanglement distillation scheme using an eight-photon quantum platform, showcasing entanglement activation phenomena unique to multipartite systems. We successfully generate a three-photon genuinely entangled state from two bi-separable states through local operations and classical communication, illustrating multipartite entanglement activation. Furthermore, we extend our scheme to generate a three-photon state capable of extracting Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pairs from two initial states lacking this capability, revealing a new entanglement activation phenomenon. Our findings offer not only practical applications for quantum networks but also a deeper theoretical understanding of multipartite entanglement structures.
Explainable Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Using ROIs and an Ensemble of 3D Vision Transformers
Authors: Saoud Lyes Saad , AlMarzouqi Hasan
Published: February 2024

Early detection and accurate diagnosis of brain morphological abnormalities are essential for the effective management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful support tool to aid in disease diagnosis and prediction. In this research study, we present an innovative approach to predict Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using MRI data, which integrates regional interest (ROI)-based methodology and deep learning within a comprehensible framework. The proposed method involves dividing the brain into 138 predetermined sections based on anatomical information. Next, we apply three-dimensional vision transformers (3D-ViTs) to each ROI individually, harnessing the power of deep learning. To improve prediction accuracy, we employ a deep belief network (DBN) as an ensemble learning model. Evaluating our approach on the baseline structural MRI dataset obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort, and comparing it against five other competing models, we demonstrate its performance across four binary classification tasks and a three-class classification test (AD vs MCI vs CN). The proposed system outperforms existing models and provides interpretable insights into the brain regions that significantly contribute to solving each classification problem. Our findings align with the existing body of literature and hold promise for guiding future research directions in this domain.
A protein-proximity screen reveals Ebola virus co-opts the mRNA decapping complex through the scaffold protein EDC4
Authors: Davey Robert , Donahue Callie , Kesari Aditi , Thakur Naveen , Wang Ling , Hulsey-Stubbs Sarah , Williams Caroline , Kirby Cara , Leung Daisy , Aryal Uma , Basler Christopher , LaCount Douglas
Published: February 2024

The interaction of host and Ebola virus (EBOV) proteins is required for establishing infection of the cell. To identify protein binding partners, a proximity-dependent protein interaction screen was performed for six EBOV proteins. Hits were computationally mapped onto a human protein-protein interactome and then annotated with viral proteins to reveal known and previously undescribed EBOV-host protein interactions and processes. Importantly, this approach efficiently arranged proteins into functional complexes associated with single viral proteins. Focused characterization of interactions between EBOV VP35 and the mRNA decapping complex demonstrated that VP35 binds the scaffold protein EDC4 through the C-terminal subdomain, with each protein found associated in EBOV-infected cells. Mechanistically, depletion of three components of the complex each similarly inhibited viral replication by reducing early viral RNA synthesis. Overall, we demonstrate successful identification of EBOV protein interaction with entire cellular machines, providing a deeper understanding of replication mechanism for therapeutic intervention.
Cardioembolic Stroke: A peculiar remote complication of a foreign object in a child heart.
Authors: Elshahat Mahmoud F , Goha Ahmed , Alosaimi Mohammed A , Hassan Hassan S
Published: February 2024

The incidence of neurological complications of foreign bodies in the heart is unknown. There is no consensus for the management of asymptomatic foreign bodies in the heart. We report a case of a remote massive cardioembolic stroke, four weeks after a penetrating sewing needle puncture from the anterior chest through the right ventricle and interventricular septum protruding into the left ventricle close to mitral valve sub-valvular apparatus in a 5-year-old boy. the foreign object was surgically removed. We discuss a rare case of delayed complication of penetrating cardiac injury, spotlight on diagnosis, decision making, and management.
The association of hypertension among married Indian couples: a nationally representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Varghese Jithin Sam , Ghosh Arpita , Stein Aryeh , Narayan KM Venkat , Patel Shivani
Published: February 2024

Mounting evidence demonstrates that intimate partners sharing risk factors have similar propensities for chronic conditions such as hypertension. The objective was to study whether spousal hypertension was associated with one’s own hypertension status independent of known risk factors, and stratified by socio-demographic subgroups (age, sex, wealth quintile, caste endogamy). Data were from heterosexual married couples (n = 50,023, women: 18-49y, men: 21-54y) who participated in the National Family Health Survey-V (2019-21). Hypertension was defined as self-reported diagnosis of hypertension or average of three blood pressure measurements ≥ 140 systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic BP. Among married adults, the prevalence of hypertension among men (38.8 years [SD: 8.3]) and women (33.9 years [SD: 7.9]) were 29.1% [95%CI: 28.5–29.8] and 20.6% [95%CI: 20.0-21.1] respectively. The prevalence of hypertension among both partners was 8.4% [95%CI: 8.0-8.8]. Women and men were more likely to have hypertension if their spouses had the condition (husband with hypertension: PR = 1.37 [95%CI: 1.30–1.44]; wife with hypertension: PR = 1.32 [95%CI: 1.26–1.38]), after adjusting for known risk factors. Spouse’s hypertension status was consistently associated with own status across all socio-demographic subgroups examined. These findings present opportunities to consider married couples as a unit in efforts to diagnose and treat hypertension.
Sandpiles prediction and crossover on ℤ2 within Moore neighborhood
Authors: Concha-Vega Pablo , Goles Eric , Montealegre Pedro , Perrot Kévin
Published: February 2024

The computational complexity of predicting sandpiles on ℤ2 is not settled yet, neither for von Neumann nor for Moore neighborhood (is it in NC? is it P-complete?). In this work we study the sandpile model considering all the 256 possible sub-neighborhoods within the Moore neighborhood. Surprisingly, we found that 12 of them have a P-complete prediction problem, while for the remaining 244 neighborhoods, we prove that they do not admit a crossover gate, i.e., for them, it is impossible to cross information, if the bit of information is the presence (or absence) of an avalanche.
Disparities in All-Cause and Cause-specific mortality by Health Insurance Status in Korea
Authors: Kim Ye-Seul , Kim Joungyoun , Kim Yong-Hoon , Kang Hee-Taik
Published: February 2024

Background
Although socioeconomic status affects health outcomes, limited research has explored how South Korea’s National Health Insurance system affects mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate whether insurance type and economic status according to premiums are associated with mortality.
Methods
Based on the National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening cohort, 246,172 men and 206,534 women aged 40 or older at baseline were included. Insurance status was categorized as employee-insured (EI) or self-employed-insured (SI), and economic status was categorized as low, medium, or high according to insurance premiums. Mortality was determined by linking death records. Cox proportional hazards models was used to analyze the association between insurance factors, all-cause and cause-specific mortality.
Results
After adjusting for various factors, SI group was at a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to EI groups (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI] 1.13 [1.10—1.15] for men and 1.18 [1.15—1.22] for women). Individuals in the lower economic status had higher risk of all-cause mortality in both sexes, compared to high economic status (adjusted HR [95% CI] of men mid and low EI, 1.25 [1.21—1.29] and 1.37 [1.33—1.42], respectively; women mid and low EI, 1.06 [1.01—1.11] and 1.07 [1.02—1.13], respectively; men mid and low SI, 1.33 [1.28—1.38] and 1.56 [1.59—1.63], respectively; women mid and low SI, 1.18 [1.12—1.31] and 1.25 [1.19—1.31], respectively). Similar trends were observed after stratification according to cause-specific mortality rates.
Conclusion
SI and lower economic status were associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Trial Registration
This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chungbuk National University Hospital (CBNUH-202211-HR-0236) and adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (1975).
Tuberculosis infection of the ischium in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus: A case report
Authors: Huang Ying , Liu Hengjun , Ling Meng , Meng Shijing , Wei Guang , Zhou Yongfu , Huang Lei , Lai Xiaomei
Published: February 2024

Primary tuberculosis infection of the ischium is rare and challenging, particularly in immunocompromised patients. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus who developed persistent pain and swelling, even the sinus discharged from the left gluteal fold region. Imaging studies revealed lytic lesions in the ischium, cortical destruction, and soft tissue involvement. Histopathological examination confirmed that caseous necrosis occurred. The patient was initiated appropriate treatment for tuberculosis infection, and his symptoms improved without disease progression. Primary tuberculosis infection poses significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and surgeons are crucial for optimal management. The prognosis of this infection is poor, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. To improve outcomes, comprehensive screening and early detection of infections in high-risk patients, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes, are essential. Future advancements in diagnostic tools may facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion and employ appropriate diagnostic techniques to ensure early identification and effective management of these complex infections.
RETRACTED: How Can the Capabilities of Child Protection Workers Be Enhanced? A Report From Kuwaitis Workers
Authors: Nourah Almutairi. , B.A. Siti Hajar A. , Edlyn Siti Nur
Published: February 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Combination of Anti-Angiogenic and Systemic Therapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Before and After Progression to Leptomeningeal Metastasis
Authors: Zhu Xiao-dan , Amanjiaoer Re-ha-ti , Shen Yan-li , Li Na , Abdurazik Mi-hray , Liu Chun-ling , Sun Gang
Published: February 2024

Background
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is the most devastating complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its incidence is increasing. We investigated survival outcomes of patients with NSCLC who received a combination of anti-angiogenic and systemic therapies before and after progression to LM and explored the factors associated with their survival.
Methods
Patients with EGFR-mutant or wild-type NSCLC-LM who received defined systemic therapy from January 2015 to March 2023 were included. The baseline characteristics of the patients were collected. Survival outcomes were analyzed separately for patients who received different therapies before and after LM progression. The primary outcomes were the median time from NSCLC diagnosis to LM (LM-free survival, mLFS) and overall survival (mOS). Prognostic factors were also analyzed.
Results
We enrolled 77 patients with NSCLC-LM. Their mLFS and mOS after EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) plus anti-angiogenic drugs were 19.0 and 21.9 months, respectively, and were significantly longer than that of the EGFR-TKI monotherapy group (14.0 and 8.3 months). mOS was also longer in patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy with anti-angiogenic therapy than in those who did not receive anti-angiogenic therapy, although without statistical significance. One- and two-year LFS rates and OS rates were higher with combination therapy than with chemotherapy or EGFR-TKI monotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that metastatic counts at > 3 sites were associated with a shorter LFS, and liver metastasis was an independent predictor of worse OS.
Conclusions
Combination of anti-angiogenic therapy with systemic therapy, particularly EGFR-TKIs, may prolong LFS and OS in patients with NSCLC-LM. Metastasis counts at > 3 sites and liver metastasis may serve as adverse prognostic factors for NSCLC-LM.
Deep sequencing of transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants, resistant to plum pox virus, and different potential of hairpin constructs in producing viral small RNAs
Authors: Sohi Maryam Ghaderi , Gürcan Kahraman , Akbulut Mikail , Teber Saffet , Nikbakht-Dehkordi Azam , Karcı Harun , Özgören Burak
Published: February 2024

Globally widespread of Plum pox virus (PPV) and the economic importance of stone fruits, as its natural host, signify the necessity and importance of PPV resistance programs. In the present study Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Nicotiana benthamiana was performed using four inverted repeat constructs, derived from a PPV-T isolate; covering genomic regions: UTR/P1, HCPro, HCPro/P3 and CP; 752, 649, 594, 990 nucleotides, respectively. The efficiency of virus resistance was evaluated by inoculation of transgenic plants with PPV-D, -M, and -T strains. Aiming to compare the potential of hairpin structures in the production of siRNAs and miRNAs in both wild-type and transgenic plants was determined by small RNA high-throughput sequencing. siRNA analysis revealed various potentials of hairpin constructs in producing siRNAs and their accumulation in target regions. Expression profiles of several known and novel miRNAs are dramatically changed to PPV infection on both wild-type and transgenic plants, demonstrating plausible involvement of these miRNAs in plant-virus interaction progress. Based on the abundance of siRNAs and lack of PPV virus accumulation transgenic plants harboring UTR/P1 and CP hairpin construct, it is concluded that UTR/P1 and CP are likely to be the best viral region for induction of resistance.
Prediction of depression risk in patients with coronary heart disease based on nomogram for Chinese population: a population-based multi-center study from 2016 to 2018
Authors: Tong Hongxuan , Zhang Jiale , Nie Wenyi , Jiang Lijie , Dong Lei , Hu Jingqing
Published: February 2024

Background:
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with depression among coronary heart disease (CHD) patients at different stages in China.
Methods:
Conducted as a hospital-based, cross-sectional study across 48 hospitals in 23 provinces, the research spanned from October 2016 to April 2018. A total of 9044 patients were initially recruited, with 8353 deemed eligible for participation. Depression was assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Scale. Univariate analysis identified predictors of postoperative depression, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to ascertain risk factors associated with depressive symptoms. The predictive model was constructed using the "rms" package in R software, demonstrating robust predictive capabilities according to the ROC curve.
Results:
In general, both the degree and overall score based on the PHQ-9 revealed a trend: as the severity of the disease increased, so did the severity of patient depression. Univariate analysis indicated statistical differences concerning general situations and lifestyles. The binary logistic regression model highlighted the proximity of depression to risk factors such as gender, nationality, marital status, education, drinking, BMI, sleep disturbance, and disease status. Utilizing these findings, a predictive nomogram for depression was developed. The model exhibited excellent predictive ability, with an AUC of 0.768 (95% CI = 0.757–0.780).
Conclusions:
This study systematically investigated the prevalence of depression among coronary heart disease patients at various stages. As coronary heart disease advanced, the level of depression intensified. The nomogram developed in this study proves valuable in predicting the incidence of depression in coronary heart disease patients.
Monolithic van der Waals polariton lenses
Authors: Wu Yingjie , Liu Jingying , Yu Wenzhi , Zhang Tan , Mu Haoran , Si Guangyuan , Cui Zhenyang , Lin Shenghuang , Zheng Bin , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Chen Hongsheng , Ou Qingdong
Published: February 2024

Polaritons, hybrid light and matter waves, offer a platform for subwavelength on-chip light manipulation. Recent works on planar refraction and focusing of polaritons all rely on heterogeneous components with different refractive indices. A fundamental question, thus, arises whether it is possible to configure two-dimensional monolithic polariton lenses based on a single medium. Here we design and fabricate a type of monolithic polariton lens by directly sculpting an individual hyperbolic van der Waals crystal. The in-plane polariton focusing through sculptured step-terraces is triggered by geometry-induced symmetry breaking of momentum matching in polariton refractions. We show that the monolithic polariton lenses can be robustly tuned by the rise of van der Waals terraces and their curvatures, achieving a subwavelength focusing resolution down to 10% of the free-space light wavelength. Fusing with transformation optics, monolithic polariton lenses with gradient effective refractive indices, such as Luneburg lenses and Maxwell’s fisheye lenses, are expected by sculpting polaritonic structures with gradually varied depths. Our results open a new avenue for planar subwavelength lenses and bear great potential in integrated optical circuits and photonic chips.
Robust and Sophisticated Combined-Layered Security: Secured 6G Mobile Network Considerations
Authors: Sr Tarek , El-Bendary Mohsen A. M. , Eltokhy Mostafa , Abouelazm Atef E.
Published: February 2024

Deep learning, machine learning and artificial intelligence have been proposed for enhancing the multimedia processing and security as well as the advanced security tools for 6G networks. The vision of 6G networks refers to linking undersea, terrestrial, and space networks together. This vision involves transferring a massive amount of data over the network. The data hiding based on the deep learning is considered compared to the traditional steganography tools in 6G network, it requires robust and flexible/combined multi- levels of security. This paper presents the proposed vision of 6G security. This paper focuses on security levels on 6G network. The paper proposes a multi-level security system that secures the data without affecting it. The multi-level security system consists of three security levels, which are two encryption techniques and a data hiding technique. The paper carried out several simulation experiments using multi dataset (Mathwork, Yolov8 and others) to evaluate the proposed scenarios and find integration of these techniques that provides the best security performance without affecting the data. The best simulation experiments that provided the best data security performance were the integration between 2D Logistic map, SVD, and Baker Map, respectively. The proposed steganography performs better than the recent published related works and compared with the deep learning based steganography. The proposed combined system provided the better simulation results for image security. The simulation results indicated a perfect match between the original message and the decryption original message after applying the system. The results also indicated that there was no effect on the data and no loss of data.
Curcumin Loaded Biocompatible Polymer Embedded Silver Nanoparticles: A Photophysical Study on New Photosensitizer Composite
Authors: Thambi Lakshmi , Cheriyathennatt Saranya , Kandasamy Elango , Selvam Susithra
Published: February 2024

Drug delivery is a process that involves effective therapeutic delivery of drugs that we usually use in medical treatments like Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as adopted for cancer treatment. Polyphenyl curcumin (CUR) is one of the major ingredients of rhizome of turmeric. CUR is a photosensitizer molecule which is less soluble in water due to hydrophobicity whose photosensitizing properties can be enhanced by associating it with pharmaceutical excipients like Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG). This system will have a better compatibility and the association can enhance the solubility of CUR as well as its bioavailability. Nanoparticles have been widely used in various fields of research due to their unique properties. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are found to have anti-proliferative properties that may increase the ease of drug delivery at the site of physiological action when associated with the drug molecule. The association of CUR with AgNP can be probable photosensitizer system, which can be used in PDT and PDD. In the current work, the fluorescence property of CUR was used to evaluate the AgNP-embedded CUR. The effect of PVP and PEG on AgNP–CUR was analyzed through photophysical studies.
Generative Design of Crystal Structures by Point Cloud Representations and Diffusion Model
Authors: Chu Shibing , Chen Yuanping , Li Zhelin , Mrad Rami , Jiao Runxian , Huang Guan , Shan Jun
Published: February 2024

Efficiently generating energetically stable crystal structures has long been a challenge in material design, primarily due to the immense arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice. To facilitate the discovery of stable materials, we present a framework for the generation of synthesizable materials leveraging a point cloud representation to encode intricate structural information. At the heart of this framework lies the introduction of a diffusion model as its foundational pillar. To gauge the efficacy of our approach, we employed it to reconstruct input structures from our training datasets, rigorously validating its high reconstruction performance. Furthermore, we demonstrate the profound potential of point cloud-based crystal diffusion (PCCD) by generating entirely new materials, emphasizing their synthesizability. Our research stands as a noteworthy contribution to the advancement of materials design and synthesis through the cutting-edge avenue of generative design instead of conventional substitution or experience-based discovery.
Computed Tomography Volumetric Analysis of Frontal Sinus Pneumatization and its Effect on Lateral Lamella Angle
Authors: Alrehaili Mona , Alharbi Sara T , Alharbi Omar Ali A , Alluhaybi Bandar
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Anatomical associations between the frontal sinus and anterior skull base must be carefully understood in preoperative imaging to minimize surgical complications. This study aims to investigate the relationship between frontal sinus volume and lateral lamella angle.
Methods
150 computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses (300 sides) were retrospectively reviewed. Pneumatization patterns were classified according to volume using a three-dimensional reconstruction analysis of the frontal sinuses. The angle formed between the lateral lamella and the horizontal plane in continuation with the cribriform plate was measured and grouped according to Gera classification based on the hypothetical risk of iatrogenic injury. Analysis of these measurements was conducted.
Results
A positive correlation was found between frontal sinus volume and lateral lamella angle. Hyperplastic frontal sinuses were the most prevalent followed by middle-sized sinuses. 5% of the frontal sinuses were aplastic. Lateral lamella angles ranging from 45 to 80 degrees (Gera class II) were the most common. Aplastic and hypoplastic frontal sinuses were common in subjects with less than 45 degrees lateral lamella angles (Gera class III). Males had significantly higher frontal sinus volumes and lateral lamella angles than females, while the influence of age was insignificant. Lateral lamella angles were significantly higher on the left side.
Conclusion
The frontal sinus volume affects the lateral lamella angle. Larger frontal sinuses are associated with higher lateral lamella angles and vice versa. Understanding this anatomical relationship can help prevent surgical complications.
Effects of Interactions between Feeding Patterns and the Gut Microbiota on Pig Reproductive Performance
Authors: Wang Mingyu , Yue Jiaqi , Sun Jingchun , Zhao Xin , Yuan Tiantian , Yu Taiyong , Yang Gongshe
Published: February 2024

Background
Feeding mode is an important factor affecting the reproductive performance of pigs. The composition and expression of the intestinal microbiota are closely related to the physiological and biochemical indicators of animals. Therefore, to investigate the effects of different feeding modes on the intestinal microbial community structure and reproductive performance of pigs, reproductive performance data were collected from 1607 Yorkshire pigs raised under different feeding modes for fixed-effect variance analysis. Among them, 731 were in the artificial feeding (AM) group, and 876 were in the feeding station feeding (SM) group. Additionally, 40 Yorkshire sows in the late gestation period were randomly selected from each feeding mode for intestinal microbiota analysis.
Results
The results of the analysis showed that, in the AM group, both the number of born deformity(NBD)and number of stillborn(NSB)were significantly greater than they were in the SM group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the TNB in the AM group was significantly lower than that in the SM group (P < 0.05). The results of the intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that at the phylum level, there were significant differences in 9 bacterial taxa between the AM and SM groups (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of a variety of beneficial bacteria related to reproductive performance in the SM group was significantly greater than that in the AM group. Differential pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the expression of the Cellular (P < 0.01) community-prokaryote pathway was significantly lower in the AM group than in the SM group (P < 0.05). However, the expression of the pathways glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, infectious diseases: viral, cardiovascular diseases, cancers: specific types, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolism of other amino acids was significantly greater in the AM group than in the SM group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
These results indicate that different feeding modes can have an impact on the intestinal microbial composition of Yorkshire pigs and further affect the reproductive performance of pigs through the pathway of the intestinal microbiota. The results of this study provide valuable insights for further exploring the relationships between feeding modes, intestinal microbial composition, and host phenotypes.
Facilitators and barriers of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis use among four key populations in Iran
Authors: Moameri Hossein , Shahrbabaki Parvin Mangolian , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Saberi Parya , Mirzazadeh Ali , Goudarzi Reza , Sharifi Hamid
Published: February 2024

Background
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces HIV transmission but it is not commonly prescribed in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to PrEP use among four key populations (KPs) in Iran.
Methods
We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and sexual partners of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We included HIV experts including staff from the HIV control department, healthcare providers with HIV experience, health policymakers, infectious disease specialists, and university professors. We performed a content analysis to identify facilitators and barriers related to PrEP implementation among KPs.
Results
We interviewed 7 FSW, 7 MSM, 4 PWID, 4 sexual partners of PLHIV, and 18 HIV experts. The facilitator's theme emerged in four main categories including eight different factors: 1) Individual and interpersonal factors (motivations, fear of testing positive for HIV, and safety nets and financial support), 2) Age and sex differences, 3) Organizational factors (appropriate PrEP distribution, information sharing, and receipt of high-quality services, 4) Efficacy of PrEP. The barrier’s theme emerged in three main categories including four factors: 1) Individual factors (insufficient knowledge and awareness, and fragile trust), 2) Cultural barriers, and 3) Organizational factors (inadequate infrastructure and organizational barriers).
Conclusions
We identified key facilitators and barriers to successful PrEP implementation among KPs in Iran. By addressing these barriers, Iran has an opportunity to include PrEP programs in its HIV prevention efforts for KPs.