bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Docking Investigation and Pharmacokinetic Properties Prediction of Some Benzimidazole Analogues as Dihydropteroate Synthase (DHPS) Inhibitors
Authors: Salubi Christiana Abimbola
Published: July 2023

Recent research has established the classification of benzimidazole as a privileged structure owing to its strong binding affinity to protein receptors and diverse enzymes. Extensive investigations have consistently shown the antimicrobial potential of benzimidazole derivatives against a wide range of microbial strains. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between structural modifications and the antibacterial effectiveness of sulfonamide compounds, we have developed targeted derivatives with subtle alterations in the aromatic ring of sulfonamides and the substituent groups. Furthermore, we present the results of molecular docking analyses, ADMET properties, and drug-likeness assessment to evaluate the potential of these compounds to interact with dihydropteroate synthase, a key enzyme involved in bacterial growth. The compounds exhibited a favourable binding affinity, ranging from 7.1 to 7.9 kcal/mol, which surpasses that of the standard drugs sulfamethazine and sulfamethoxazole, with binding affinities of 5.9 and 6.1 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, these compounds demonstrated good oral bioavailability and exhibited favourable drug-like properties.
Treadmill exercise improve cognitive function of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats by weakening endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Lu Xia , Li luxin
Published: July 2023

Background:Recent evidence has suggested the neuroprotective effects of exercise preconditioning on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/R) rats. However, the mechanism is still unclear. So, the aim of the present study was to explore the possible mechanism of 4 weeks treadmill exercise preconditioning in improving cognitive function and impairment of neurological function in the cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CI/R) rats by measuring the blood-brain barrier(BBB), cerebral water content, neural cell apoptosis and the expressions of endoplasmic retieulum (ER) stress and apoptosis related protein in CI/R rats. 63 healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (CI/R group) and CI/R treated with exercise preconditioning group (CI/R+Ex group). Then rats in CI/R+Ex group were submitted to 4 weeks of incremental load treadmill exercise (5 days per week for 4 weeks). After exercise, rats of CI/R model group and CI/R exercise group underwent cerebral ischemia induction through occlusion of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Subsequently, the neurological deficits score was assessed at 24 h after CI/R and learning and memory abilities of rats were evaluated at 72 h after CI/R using water maze test in all group rats. Then the water content of rat brain tissue was measured by dry-wet method, BBB permeability based on the extravasation of evans blue. The ER-stress and apoptosis-related protein expression were detected by western blot.Results:Treadmill exercise preconditioning significantly prevented ischemia-induced memory dysfunction and impairment of neurological function, reduced brain edema and BBB leakage. Western blot showed that exercise preconditioning significantly reduced the expression of the ER-stress-related proteins PERK, EIf2a, ATF4, CHOP and the apoptotic protein caspase-12 expression.Conclusions:Our results suggest that the treadmill exercise preconditioning improves neurobehavioral deficits and cognitive function by inhibiting ER stress via the PERK/Eif2a/ATF4/CHOP pathway and ameliorating BBB disruption which reduces the brain edema.
New Benchmarks on Protocol Amendment Practices, Trends and their Impact on Clinical Trial Performance
Authors: Getz Kenneth , Smith Zachary , Botto Emily , Murphy Elisabeth , Dauchy Arnaud
Published: July 2023

The Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (Tufts CSDD) conducted a follow-up study in 2022 to assess trends in protocol amendment experiences and the impact amendments have had on clinical trial performance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations provided data on 950 protocols and 2,188 amendments. The results show that, since 2015, the prevalence of amendments in phase I – IV protocols has increased substantially (from 57–76%) and the mean number of amendments per protocol has increased 60% to 3.3, up from 2.1. Phase I and III protocols saw the highest increases in the mean number of amendments implemented per protocol. A much higher percentage of amendments — 77% —were deemed unavoidable with regulatory agency requests and changes to the study strategy as the top reasons cited for amending a protocol. In addition, the total average time to implement an amendment has nearly tripled during the past decade. The time from identifying the need-to-amend to last oversight approval now takes an average of 260 days and the mean duration during which investigative sites operate with different versions of the clinical trial protocol spans 215 days. Protocols that implemented at least one amendment were more effective at increasing patient screening volume and reducing the actual number of patients enrolled relative to plan. Lastly, the prevalence and mean number of amendments was significantly higher for protocols conducted during the pandemic.
Establishment and validation of nomogram models for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with spindle cell sarcoma (SCS): A SEER database analysis.
Authors: qi weihui , Ren Yanyun , Wang Huang , Wang Dong , Wan yue , Yao Jun , Pan Hao
Published: July 2023

Background
Spindle cell sarcoma (SCS) is rare in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to establish the nomograms to predict the OS and CSS prognosis of patients with SCS based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.
Methods
The data of patients with SCS were extracted from the SEER database between 2004 and 2020, and randomly allocated to the training cohort and validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis are used to screen for independent risk factors both in overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Nomograms for OS and CSS were established for patients with SCS based on the results of multivariate cox analysis. Then we validated the nomograms by Concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Finally, the Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were performed to compare between the patients with SCS in three different levels and different treatment groups.
Results
A total 1369 patients with SCS were included and randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 961, 70%) and validation cohort (n = 408, 30%). Age, M, tumor size, tumor location, surgery and radiation were independent prognostic factors for OS, while Age, N, M, tumor size, tumor location and surgery for CSS by Cox regression analysis. The nomogram models were established based on the result of the Multiple Cox analysis both in OS and CSS. The C-index of the OS model was 0.79 and 0.77 in the training and validation group, while 0.80 and 0.78 for CSS. The 3/5-year AUCs were 0.817 and 0.824 for the training group and 0.798 and 0.792 for the validation group for OS, while 0.829 and 0.831 in the training group, 0.814 and 0.791 in the validation group for CSS. calibration curves showed high consistencies between the observed survival and the predicted survival both in OS and CSS. In addition, DCA analyzed the clinical practicality of OS and CSS nomogram models have good net benefit.
Conclusion
The two nomograms we have established are expected to accurately predicting personalized prognosis of SCS patients, which may beneficial for clinical decision-making.
High Gain 2X2 Planar Array Antenna for 5G Applications at 3.6GHz
Authors: Mondir Anouar , Setti Larbi , Ennasar Mohammed ali , Figuigue Mustapha
Published: July 2023

In this study, we propose the design of an antenna array applicable to fifth-generation (5G) smartphones. The proposed antenna structure consists of a 2 x 2 patch antenna. The proposed antenna has a small size of 106.07 x 106.07mm2and is printed on an FR-4 substrate. It has good radiation efficiency in the 3.6 GHz band and a high gain of 10.6 dB. The bandwidth of the proposed antenna, which is useful for 5G applications, is approximately 0.38 GHz (3.877 - 3.295 GHz) and includes the allocated band from (3400 MHz to 3600 MHz) for 5G cellular communication systems. The objective of this work is to characterise a new antenna using the wave concept iterative procedure (WCIP), a fast numerical method, and validation is carried out by comparison using finite integration techniques (FIT). The results obtained from the two methods are in close agreement, validating the design concept. Thanks to its simple structure, compact size, good radiation performance and ease of manufacture and integration with application-specific printed circuit boards, this antenna is suitable for 5G applications. The structure was created and examined using a Keysight PNA network analyser to demonstrate its effectiveness and compliance. The prototype antenna shown is tested and the measured results are in good agreement with the WCIP method.
Test Set Sizing Via Random Matrix Theory
Authors: Dubbs Alexander
Published: July 2023

This paper uses techniques from Random Matrix Theory to find the ideal training-testing data split for a simple linear regression with m data points, each an independent n-dimensional multivariate Gaussian. It defines ``ideal'' as satisfying the Integrity Metric, i.e. the empirical model error is the actual measurement noise, and thus fairly reflects the value or lack of same of the model. This paper is the first to solve for the training and test set sizes for any model in a way that is truly optimal. The number of data points in the training set is the root of a quartic polynomial Theorem 1 derives which depends only on m and n; the covariance matrix of the multivariate Gaussian, the true model parameters, and the true measurement noise drop out of the calculations. The critical mathematical difficulties were realizing that the problems herein were discussed in the context of the Jacobi Ensemble, a probability distribution describing the eigenvalues of a known random matrix model, and evaluating a new integral in the style of Selberg and Aomoto. Mathematical results are supported with thorough computational evidence. This paper is a step towards automatic choices of training/test set sizes in machine learning.
ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY - TOMOGRAPHY STUDIES IN DETERMINING SHALLOW AQUIFER POTENTIAL ZONES A CASE STUDY IN DIFFERENT TERRAINS
Authors: Arumugam Sivakumar , H Mohamed Abdul Kadar Prabhu , Balu Gowtham
Published: July 2023

The study documents the effectiveness of 2 D (Two Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Survey (Tomography) to map shallow subsurface geological formations namely recent Alluvium, Gondwana deposits and hard rock deposits. 2 dimensional Electrical Resistivity Survey (or tomography) was conducted at 2 locations at Valarpuram and one location Madurantakam areas. Gondwana deposits mask Valarpuram Thandalam, villages (at Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu). To the east of Valarpuram alluvium thickness increases at shallow depths. Weathered and hard granitic gneiss and hard charnockite rocks overlie topsoil in Madurantakam areas (Chengalpettu District, Tamilandu). The survey was conducted to 12 m depth to decipher shallow permeable zones. Gondwana formations consisting of clays, siltstones are predominant in Valarpuram Thandalam and surrounding areas. Hard rock formations are found in Madurantakam areas. 2 Dimensional Resistivity Survey results indicate 2-D sections with very low resistivity values in the range of 2 to 4 ohm-m in Valarpuram Thandalam areas indicating predominant clay deposits with poor ground water potential. To the east of Valarpuram Thandalam resistivity data is of moderately higher value indicating sand deposits at shallow depths. These are ideal locations for dug wells. Low to moderate values at shallow depths indicating weathered thickness up to 12 m are observed at Madurantakam location. From 12m depth steep rise in resistivity values are observed in hard indicating presence of massive rock from 12m depth and below areas. Thus, 2 D Resistivity Imaging Technique are helpful in delineating shallow aquifer potential and this in turn helps in deciding the depth of open wells with high precision.
A rare istopathological diagnosis: Endometrioid adenocarcinoma localized in the rectum. A case report.
Authors: Pace Marco , Carillo Giovanna , Paolo Marco Di Giovan , Stipa Francesco
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Endometriosis-associated intestinal tumours represent the malignant trasformation of gastrointestinal endometriosis. Clinical features are similar to a colon tumor with abdominal or pelvic pain, dyschezia or bloody stools. Intestinal occlusion or perforation have also been described as a first presentation. The diagnosis is often postoperative and it is based on specific immunohistochemical patterns (CK7+/CK20-). Case presentation: In this article we present a rare case of a woman with a malignant trasformation of an endometriotic lesion of the sigmoid colon, who underwent emergency surgery for intestinal occlusion. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy and Hartmann resection. The immunophenotypic analysis of the specimens revealed the following pattern: CK20-, CK7+, compatible with the diagnosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: Endometrioid carcinoma is a rare tumor, difficult to diagnose preoperatively because clinically it presents with symptoms similar to those of patients with sigmoid adenocarcinoma. A high index of suspicion in conjunction with careful histological and immunohistochemical examination (CK7, CK20, CDX2, CD10, ER, and PR) is important for establishing a correct diagnosis.
Impact of computer-assisted implantology on bone resorption and papilla height: Long-term implant success over a 3- to 10-year follow-up period
Authors: Nilius Manfred , Nilius Minou Hélène , Lauer Guenter
Published: July 2023

Objectives: Backward planning based on digital volume tomography, augmentation before implantation, and navigated implant insertion may enhance long-term implant success; however, long-term clinical data to support this claim are lacking. Additionally, whether the claim holds true for each type of prosthetic restoration, and whether the type of prosthetic restoration has a significant impact on implant success, remains unclear.
The purpose is to estimate the long-term implant success and two additional scores (peri-implant bone level and gingival papillae height) as a function of the application and manner of computer-assisted implantology.
Material and Methods. A total of 1437 implants placed in 317 patients were retrospectively analyzed by examining the digital patient records from May 2009 to May 2021, allowing for a 3-year to 10-year follow-up of individual patients. The influence of the planning method, implantation protocol, and prosthetic restoration on the long-term success was evaluated using the Walton criteria.
Results. Extended backward planning, including 3D radiographs, resulted in more stable long-term bone and papilla conditions for implants placed in previously augmented areas.
Conclusions. Extended backward planning (augmentation of the implant site and navigated insertion of the implant) correlates with long-term implant success.
Clinical Relevance
In the context of this study, various clinical parameters had no significant influence on long-term implant success. However, the influence may be enhanced by extended backward planning followed by augmentation and guided implant placement.
Ion release and apatite formation of resin-based pit and fissure sealants containing 45S5 bioactive glass
Authors: Choi Ji-Won , Han A-Ruem , Yang Song-Yi
Published: July 2023

Objectives.
The objective of this study was to develop a resin-based pit and fissure sealant incorporating 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG), which exhibits a self-marginal sealing potential by forming hydroxyapatite, and to assess its chemical properties and apatite formation.
Materials and Methods.
Experimental materials were prepared by adding 45S5 BAG to the resin matrix at concentrations of 0 (control), 12.5, 37.5, and 50 wt.%. Ion release, pH variation, and apatite formation (raman spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry measurements) were analyzed.
Results.
The control group did not release any ions, while the experimental groups showed an increased release of Ca and P ions with higher concentrations of 45S5 BAG. The pH of the experimental groups remained consistently high. The 50 wt.% BAG group exhibited the formation of apatite peaks for a duration of 90 days. Additionally, a layer of apatite composed of Ca and P was precipitated on the surface and cross-section.
Conclusions.
This study suggests that a resin-based pit and fissure sealant containing 45S5 BAG can self-seal under microleakage between the tooth and restorative material. Therefore, the results of this study provide fundamental information that will be useful for the future development of resin-based pit and fissure sealants with long-term self-healing effects.
Clinical Relevance.
The resin-based pit and fissure sealant containing 45S5 BAG is a promising material for its apatite-forming ability for enamel remineralization.
Calf Circumference and Ishii Score Chart in Predicting Sarcopenia in Multiple Ethnic Chinese Adults - Results from West China Health and Aging Trend Study
Authors: Luo Shuyue , Chen Xiaoyan , Hou Lisha , Yue Jirong , Liu Xiaolei , Xia Xin , Cao Li , Dong Birong
Published: July 2023

Objective: The study aims at studying the accuracy of the calf circumference (CC) and Ishii score chart to predict sarcopenia among multiple ethnic grownups.
Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study. The study included adults aged 50 years and above. The patients were part of the West China Health and Aging Trend (WCHAT) study. Sarcopenia was diagnosed following the references to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 guidelines. The Ishii score chart and CC set the incidence rate. The comparison between the two for predicting sarcopenia was made by comparing their sensitivity and specificity by measuring the positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), as well as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results: 4177 people (50 years and older) were retrieved from the study. 2668 (63.9%) were females, and 1509 (36.1%) were males. The general occurrence of age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass was 22.6%, while the estimated incidence in men was 27% and 20.2% in women. Sarcopenia prediction by the CC and the Ishii test demonstrated the following ratios of their sensitivity and NPVs: 74.76%/0.9 and 75.49%/0.89, respectively, in men and 78.25%/ 0.94 and 65.24%/0.9, in women. In men, the measured values of AUCs of the CC and Ishii test were 0.852 (95% CI, 0.83-0.873) and 0.805 (95% CI, 0.781-0.829). In women, AUCs of the two tests were 0.882 (95% CI, 0.865-0.898) and 0.806 (95% CI, 0.787-0.825), respectively.
Conclusion: Both CC and Ishii score charts were proven appropriate for predicting sarcopenia in multiple ethnic middle-aged community older adults. The comparison between the two sarcopenia diagnostic tools presented CC as more applicable.
Bioethanol production from sugarcane molasses by co-fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae TA2 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus HCJ2F-19
Authors: Hawaz Estifanos , Tafesse Mesfin , Tesfaye Anteneh , Kiros Solomon , Beyene Dereje , Kebede Gessese , Boekhout Teun , Marizeth Groenewald , Theelen Bart , Degefe Ayantu , Degu Sisay , Admasu Alene , Hunde Biru , Muleta Diriba
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Co-culturing of stress-tolerant fermenting yeasts is a widely used method to improve bioethanol production from biomass enriched in fermentable sugars. This study aims to produce bioethanol from sugarcane molasses by simultaneous co-fermentation of S. cerevisiae isolate TA2 and W. anomalus isolate HCJ2F-19.
Method
Response surface methodology (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize fermentation conditions, including mixing rate (110–150 rpm), temperature (25–35 oC), molasses concentration (25–35 obrix), and incubation time (36–72 h). The ethanol concentration was analyzed using HPLC equipped with a UV detector.
Results
The mono-culture, S. cerevisiae TA2 produces 17.2 g.L− 1 of ethanol, 0.33 g.g− 1 of ethanol yield, and 0.36 g.L− 1.h− 1 of productivity compared to W. anomalus HCJ2F which produces 14.5 g.L− 1, 0.30 g.g− 1 and 0.28 g.L− 1.h− 1 ethanol, ethanol yield, and productivity under laboratory conditions, respectively. In comparison to single cultures of S. cerevisiae TA2, and W. anomalus HCJ2F, the co-fermentation showed an increased ethanol yield of 29% and 53% compared to the single species fermentations, respectively. The results showed that the growth of W. anomalus HCJ2F-19 and S. cerevisiae TA2 was not influenced by each other during the co-fermentation process. The one variable at a time optimization (OVAT) demonstrated an ethanol concentration of 26.5 g.L− 1 with a specific yield and productivity of 0.46 g.g− 1, 0.55 g.L− 1.h− 1, respectively, at pH 5.5, 25 obrix, 48 h, 150 rpm, 30oC, 60:40 inoculum ratio, and 10% overall inoculum size. The maximum ethanol concentration of 35.5 g.L− 1 was obtained by co-fermentation using the RSM-CCD tool at 30 obrix, 30oC, 54 h, and 130 rpm.
Conclusion
The results suggested that the co-fermentation of S. cerevisiae TA2 and W. anomalus HCJ2F improves bioethanol production under optimum fermentation conditions.
Suicidal behaviour among youngsters in a suicide low- incidence population – a faroese paradox
Authors: Johannesen Símun , Weihe Pál , Wang August G.
Published: July 2023

Objective/background: Faroe Islands is a country in North Atlantic with about 53,000 inhabitants. Suicide incidence is very low with an incidence of about 5/100,000/year. The Faroese school system participates in the ESPAD student surveys every fourth year, organized by the Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health in Faroe Islands.
The aim was to describe the epidemiology of suicide attempts and ideation among 9th-grade school youngsters in Faroe Islands and elucidate risk factors.
Methods: Data from the ESPAD surveys were obtained in cooperation with the ESPAD committee. We used data on suicide attempts and thoughts of self-harm, and risk factors of gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The SPSS program was used.
Results: Participants were about 16 years old 9th graders. Prevalence of youngsters with suicide attempts has been decreasing from 2003- 2015. Prevalence of suicide attempts was about the same as in other European countries. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were more related to girls. Daily smoking and large alcohol consumption were related to suicide attempts and suicide ideation.
Conclusion: The number of suicide attempts was on a level with other European countries. There was a higher prevalence of students with thoughts of self-harm in the Faroes than in other European countries. We wondered how this could be in a low suicide-incidence population.
The relation between suicide attempts and thoughts of self-harm on the one side, and daily smoking and alcohol consumption as risk factors on the other side was not unexpected.
Prevalence of depression and its correlates during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-region observational study
Authors: Cheung Teris , Leung Angela Yee Man , Xu Xin Yi , Parial Laurence Lloyd , Chen Honglin , Amoah Padmore Adusei , Wong Eliza Mi Ling , Kor Patrick Pui Kin , Fong Tommy Kwan Hin , Okan Orkan , Dadaczynski Kevin , Molasiotis Alex
Published: July 2023

Background: Depression is a debilitating disorder affecting individual functioning and increase the global psychiatric mortality rates. The general population nationwide is confronted by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which causes a spike downturn to individuals’ mental health.
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of depression among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling sourced from three country/regions (China, Macau, Hong Kong). An online survey was disseminated to the general population via collaborators. The 5-item World Health Organization Index was used as the outcome measurement of depression. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors associated with depression.
Results: A total of 4,472 participants (22% male) were recruited in this study. Prevalence of depression was 33.2%. Male gender, region, working-age adults, insufficient money at disposal, future anxiety, nervousness, poor digital health literacy, headache, low mood, and difficulty in falling asleep were significantly associated with depression.
Conclusions: Depression is common during the COVID-19 pandemic across the study regions. Joint international collaboration of epidemiologists, mental health experts, key stakeholders and policymakers is warranted to enable individuals with probable depression to receive accurate COVID-19 related information via mhealth e-platforms in order to promote their depression literacy and mental health, and to reduce the global rising prevalence of depression during the pandemic.
The potential impact fraction of population weight reduction scenarios on non-communicable diseases in Belgium: Application of the g-computation approach
Authors: Pelgrims Ingrid , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Vandevijvere Stefanie , De Clercq Eva M , heyden Johan Van der , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: July 2023

Background Overweight is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Europe, affecting almost 60% of all adults. Tackling obesity is therefore a key long-term health challenge and is vital to reduce premature mortality from NCDs. Methodological challenges remain however, to provide actionable evidence on the potential health benefits of population weight reduction interventions. This study aims to demonstrate the use of a g-computation approach to assess the impact of hypothetical weight reduction interventions on NCDs in Belgium in a multi-exposure context.Methods Belgian health interview survey data (2008/2013/2018, n = 27 536) were linked to environmental data at the residential address. A g-computation approach was used to evaluate the potential impact fraction (PIF) of population weight reduction scenarios on four NCDs: diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and musculoskeletal (MSK) disease. Four scenarios were considered: 1) a distribution shift where, for each individual with overweight, a counterfactual weight was drawn from the distribution of individuals with a “normal” BMI 2) a one unit reduction of the BMI of individuals with overweight, 3) a modification of the BMI of individuals with overweight based on a weight loss of 10%, 4) a reduction of the waist circumference (WC) to half of the height among all people with a WC:height ratio greater than 0.5. Regression models were adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle and environmental factors.Results The WC/height ratio reduction scenario led to the highest impact, preventing a proportion of cases ranging from 36% for diabetes to 7% for MSK diseases. The shift in BMI distribution also demonstrated a significant impact, preventing a proportion of cases ranging from 32% for diabetes to 6% for MSK diseases. The scenario where BMI was reduced by one unit had the lower impact, with a proportion of prevented cases, ranging from 4.5% for diabetes to 0.8% for MSK diseases.Conclusion Weight reduction scenarios among people with overweight could significantly reduce the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, CVD and MSK disease in Belgium. The g-computation approach to assess PIF of interventions represents a straightforward approach for drawing causal inferences from observational data while providing useful information for policy makers.
Compound Impacts of Monsoon and Westerlies on Summer Precipitation over Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dong Xuefeng , Liu Yuzhi , Yan Xiaoqiang , Wang Yingsi , Tan Ziyuan , Luo Min , Li Dan , Wang Ying , Tang Shijia
Published: July 2023

South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) and westerlies are essential to the precipitation over Tibetan Plateau (TP) by transporting water vapor. Based on the latest reanalysis datasets, we investigate the compound mechanisms of SAMS and westerlies influencing summer precipitation over the TP. The results show that the summer precipitation over the TP is mainly modulated by two meridional Rossby wave trains which are linked to the compound impacts of SASM and westerlies over the TP (TPW). When both the SASM and the TPW are stronger, a cyclone over India and an anticyclone over Southeast Asia could jointly enhance the transport of warm and moist airflow to the TP along its southern boundary. Meanwhile, a cyclone over the northwestern TP and an anticyclone over the northeastern TP could induce the southward invasion of cold airflow. Consequently, the convergence of warm and cold airflows can result in more summer precipitation over the southern TP. On the contrary, when both the SASM and the TPW are weaker, a reversed pattern of above wave trains is stimulated, leading to more precipitation over the northeastern TP. Besides, with the stronger SASM and the weaker TPW configurated, anomalous moisture convergence (divergence) and ascending (descending) motion are found over the eastern (western) TP, producing more (less) precipitation over the eastern (western). Contrarily, with the weaker SASM and the stronger TPW configurated, the summer precipitation will be increased over the western TP. Overall, the compound impacts of SASM and TPW on the TP summer precipitation are significantly related to the dynamical processes instead of thermodynamic processes. These findings provide scientific basis and clues for the predictions of summer precipitation over the TP.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders among Middle-Aged Population of Primary Healthcare Centers in Northeastern Iran
Authors: Talebi Mehdi , Taghipour Ali , Raouf-Rahmati Amene , Farokhani Ehsan Musa , Jam Saeed Ghaffariyan , Samarghandi Azadeh , Nemati Ahmad
Published: July 2023

Background
Primary healthcare centers (PHCs) are the most accessible medical services in society. PHCs are responsible for screening, detecting, and treating health issues in people. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in middle-aged individuals who refer to PHCs and the potential of PHCs in diagnosing mental disorders.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was implemented at PHCs under the supervision of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) in northeast Iran. The enrolled subjects were middle-aged adults who had electronic medical records in SINA, an integrated health management system, and the electronic medical records of MUMS. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders by type and their relationship with demographic information was evaluated using a Chi-square test.
Results
This study involved 218,341 middle-aged participants. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 8.3%, and depression and anxiety were the most common psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of mental illnesses was significantly higher in women compared to men (10.1% vs 3.8%), those aged 46 to 60 compared to 30–45 years old (10.2% vs. 6.4%), and in rural residents compared to urban residents (11.5% vs. 6.5%).
Conclusions
Considering the previous studies in Iran, the prevalence of mental disorders among patients presenting to PHCs was noticeably lower than expected rates. It seems probable that this huge difference is due to poor screening and detection of mental illness in PHCs of MUMS. It is recommended that health policymakers pursue specific measures to make PHCs more helpful for people with mental health problems in the community.
Necessary Conditions for Turnpike Property for Generalized Linear-quadratic Problems
Authors: Li Zhuqing , Guglielmi Roberto
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we derive several necessary conditions of turnpike property for generalized linear-quadratic (LQ) optimal control problem in an infinite dimensional setting. The turnpike property reflects the fact that over a sufficiently large time horizon, the optimal trajectories and optimal controls stay for most of the time close to a prescribed steady state of the system. We show that the turnpike property is strongly connected to certain structural-theoretical properties of the control system. We provide suitable conditions to characterize the turnpike propertyin terms of the detectability and stabilizability of the system. Later, we show the equivalence between the exponential turnpike property for generalized LQ and LQ optimal control problems.
Transition Shock among Nursing Interns and its Relationship with Patient Safety Attitudes, Professional Identity and Climate of Caring: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhao Sha , Liang Qinglong , Tao Hong , Fan Sisi , Xia Yuting , Zeng Lihong , Wang Guiyun , Liu Huan , Huang Hui , Xiao Jinnan
Published: July 2023

Background: Nursing interns often experience lots of challenges during their clinical nursing internships, which can adversely affect career decisions and result in a squandering of nursing education resources. Patient safety attitudes, professional identity and climate of caring may affect nursing interns’ clinical experience. However, more evidence is requested to validate these relationships for nursing educators to develop effective education programs and facilitate interns’ successful transition.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which used a convenience sampling method to recruit 387 nursing interns during December 2022 to April 2023 in university affiliated hospital in Hunan province, China. Data were collected using standardized scales. Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationship between transition shock, patient safety attitudes, professional identity, and climate of caring.
Results: Nursing interns experienced transition shock at moderate levels and the highest levels of transition shock in response to overwhelming practicum workloads, with the second being related to the conflict between theory and practice. Transition shock was negatively correlated with patient safety attitudes, professional identity and climate of caring among nursing interns.
Conclusions:Understanding the current level of transition shock among nursing interns can provide nursing educators and administrators with opportunities for reflection and subsequent personal and professional growth. Findings from this study identified the transition shock experienced by nursing interns at moderate levels, the dimensions of overwhelming practicum workloads and conflict between theory and practice scored high, which complimented previous quantitative research, and the correlation results showed that transition shock were negatively correlated with professional identity, patient safety attitudes, and climate of caring. Nursing manager and educators can use these results to build a more comprehensive educational programme and provide nursing interns with a caring environment in the clinical setting to facilitate their professional growth.
Un-supervised classification of ICU patients according to congestion endotypes identifies clinical profiles associated with distinct outcomes: theCodOrea study.
Authors: Guinot Pierre-grégoire , Longrois Dan , Andrei Stefan , Nguyen Maxime , Bouhemad Belaid
Published: July 2023

Purpose
In the intensive care unit (ICU), fluid overload and congestion is of daily concern. To date, congestion is defined as the linear evolution of several features, including hemodynamic and ultrasound parameters. Nevertheless, at bedside, those ultrasound features are often dissociated leading to the hypothesis that several endotypes of congestion might exist in the ICU. The aim of this study was to identify endotypes of congestion and their association to outcomes.
Methods
We analysed 145 patients admitted to four ICUs. Various parameters related to volume status, filling pressure, and venous congestion (fluid overload, NT-pro BNP, central venous pressure (CVP), mitral E/e' ratio, systolic/diastolic ratio of flow velocity of hepatic veins, mean inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and its variations, stroke volume change following passive leg raising, portal vein pulsatility index, venous renal impedance) were recorded. First, unsupervised hierarchical clustering was used to identify patients endotypes. Then, we described those endotypes to allow identification of patients at bedside.
Results
Three distinct endotypes were identified: (1) "hemodynamic congestion" endotype (n = 75) with moderate alterations of ventricular function, increased CVP and left filling pressure, and mild fluid overload; (2) “volume overload congestion” endotype (n = 50); with normal cardiac function and filling pressure despite highly positive fluid balance (overload); (3) "systemic congestion" endotype (n = 20) with severe alterations of left and right ventricular function, increased CVP and left ventricular filling pressure values. These three sub-endotypes differed significantly by the cause of admission to ICU, the incidence of acute kidney injury, mortality and ICU/hospital length of stay.
Conclusion
Our un-supervised machine learning analysis identified three distinct sub- endotypes of “congestion” in ICU patients with different pathophysiologic correlates and outcomes. We also highlight key ultrasonographic features that allow identification of those endotypes at bedside.
Bayesian Analysis for three parameter Generalised Rayleigh Distribution
Authors: Gautam Prem Lata , Kumar Surinder , Singh Vaidehi
Published: July 2023

In this article, Risk, posterior risk and Bayes risk is obtained for the parameters of the three parameter Generalised Rayleigh Distribution under type II censoring. Here we are considering the positive and negative powers of the parameters. Bayes estimators of the reliability function R(t) = Pr(X > t) and the stress-strength model P = Pr(X > Y) is also obtained with the help of Bayes estimators. Numerical findings are presented through the Tables and Figures.
A model for low-frequency, anisotropic wind fluctuations and coherences in the marine atmosphere
Authors: Syed Abdul Haseeb , Mann Jakob
Published: July 2023

To assess dynamic loads, large offshore wind turbines need detailed and reliable statistical information on the inflow turbulence. We present a model that includes low frequencies down to $\sim 1$ hr$^{-1}$ using the observed $S(f) \propto f^{-5/3}$ in that range. The presented model contains a parameter representing the anisotropy of the two-dimensional, incompressible turbulence and it assumes the low-frequency fluctuations to be homogeneous in the vertical direction. Combined with a three-dimensional model for the smaller scales, the model can predict correlations between different points. We have validated the model against two offshore wind data sets: a nacelle-mounted, forward-looking Doppler lidar with four beams at the Hywind Scotland offshore wind farm, and sonic anemometer measurements at the FINO1 research platform in the North Sea. One-point auto spectra and two-point cross spectra were calculated after splitting the data into different atmospheric stability classes. The relative strength of the 2D low-frequency fluctuations to the 3D fluctuations was higher under stable conditions. The combined 2D+3D model was able to fit the measured spectra with good accuracy and could then predict the two-point cross spectra, co-coherences, and phase angles between wind fluctuations at different lateral and vertical separations. Good agreement was found between the measured and predicted values, albeit with exceptions. The model can generate stochastic wind fields for investigating wake meandering in wind farms or dynamic loads on floating wind turbines.
The effects of COVID-19 on semen parameters in healthy males
Authors: Erdik Anıl , Gokce Asli Merve , Gokce Ahmet
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND
To investigate the effects of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on spermatogenesis and the potential impact of COVID-19 on patients with normal semen parameters before the diagnosis of COVID-19.
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 31.82 ± 5.93 years. An abnormality was detected in at least one parameter in the semen analysis after COVID-19 in 9 patients (40.90%) whose semen analysis was normal before COVID-19. When post-COVID-19 sperm samples of the patients were divided into two groups as normal and abnormal, in the abnormal group, motility, progressive motility, and morphology were found to be significantly decreased, immotility significantly increased, and semen pH tended to be more alkaline.
CONCLUSIONS
Even though the effects of COVID-19 on spermatogenesis are not clearly understood, COVID-19 infection may have negative effects on semen parameters and play a role in fertilization. The expected duration for spermatogenesis to show normal findings may be longer in persons with post-COVID-19 infection.
Efficient Bis(indoyl)methanes Synthesis Enabled by SnO2/SiO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: Yelwande Ajeet A. , Navgire Madhukar E. , Lande Machhindra K.
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on the synthesis of SnO2/SiO2 nanocomposite materials using sol-gel and investigated its role in the synthesis of bis(indoyl)methanes via Friedel-Craft alkylation route. The prepared catalysts were characterized using various analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The developed method offers several advantages such as a simple workup procedure, high yield, non-toxicity, cleanliness, and the ability to recycle and reuse the catalytic materials. These findings demonstrate the potential of SnO2/SiO2 nanocomposites as efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts for the synthesizing Bis(indoyl)methane derivatives.
Effect of methanol-based vitrification solutions on the survival rate of cryopreserved common carp (Cyprinus carpio) embryos
Authors: Keivanloo Saeide , Sudagar Mohammad , Abualreesh Muyassar
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to establish an optimal protocol for the vitrification of common carp embryos. Additionally, the cryoprotective efficiency of natural honey as a non-permeable cryoprotectant was also examined. Six methanol-based vitrification solutions (V1–V6) were designed to be checked for their effects on the heartbeat stage embryos using a four-step protocol. Methanol-based vitrification solutions contained 4 M methanol + one or two other permeable cryoprotectants + 20% sucrose or natural honey. Toxicity tests showed that the hatching rates of embryos after exposure to V5 and V6 were significantly higher than those of other solutions (P < 0.05). Embryos were cryopreserved in the six vitrification solutions in liquid nitrogen (LN2, -196°C) for 30 and 60 min. After thawing (in a water bath at 24°C for 30 s), all vitrification solutions produced hatched larvae. The results revealed that V6 (4 M methanol + 3 M dimethyl sulfoxide + 2 M propylene glycol + 20% honey) was the most effective for cryopreservation of common carp embryos. The highest hatching rates after storage for 30 and 60 min in LN2 were 44.76% and 17.14%, and the highest survival rates were 36.19% and 11.42%, respectively. The mean normal development rates for vitrified-thawed embryos after 30 and 60 min of storage in LN2 were 14.28% and 2.38%, respectively. As natural honey showed greater cryoprotective efficiency than sucrose for common carp embryos, it is suggested that it can be used instead of sucrose, which is traditionally used in fish embryo cryopreservation.
Use of Glass-ionomer cement as a restorative material: a systematic review
Authors: Panetta Alessandro , Lopes Pedro Campos , Novaes Tatiane Fernandes , Rio Rute , Mello-Moura Anna Carolina Volpi
Published: July 2023

Background: The clinical applications of glass ionomers cements (GICs) are varied: restoration, lining material, sealing, hyper sensibility care and temporary cavity restoration. Due to the lack of physical properties, over time modifications of GICs were experimented and studied by the addition of metals, fibers, ceramics to the GIC powder in the attempt to overcome these problems and improve the material and clinical performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether primary and permanent teeth can be definitively restored with glass ionomer cements, based on the PICO(S) question “What is the clinical performance in primary and permanent teeth restored with glass ionomer cements?”,
Methods: A systematic search of the studies available in the literature was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science. Two independent, calibrated examiners. The eligibility criteria were: (1) to be a systematic review (2) to evaluate the clinical longevity of GICs in primary and permanent teeth (3) to be clinical trials. The systematic reviews that met these criteria were reviewed in their entirety and those who presented at least one of the following exclusion criteria were then considered ineligible: (1) not being a systematic review of clinical trials; (2) not evaluating the longevity/clinical performance of GICs; (3) studies of dental restorative materials in teeth with enamel alterations.
Results: A systematic literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases identified 132 references potentially relevant. Twenty-four eligible articles were identified, only 13 articles were included. Methodological quality was measured using the AMSTAR-2 tool and the risk of bias of the included systematic reviews by the ROBIS tool. The level of evidence analysis was performed using the GRADE tool.
Conclusions: Glass ionomer cements seems to be a viable choice in both dentitions, but primary dentition presents more evidence, especially regarding the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique. There is conflicting evidence on which type of glass ionomer is the best and comparisons to other dental materials are lacking. In conclusion, more high-quality studies are needed with longer follow up periods (>6 years), especially in permanent teeth.
Systematic review registration: This study was registered on the PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) with registration CRD42022320602.