bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Epidemics and Management of Ascochyta Blight (Ascochyta rabiei) on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Kure Shugute Addisu , Fininsa Chemeda , Bekeko Zelalem , Mohammad Abdi , Kumar Alok , Fikre Asnake
Published: September 2023

The production of chickpea, an important legume that is grown all over the world for its nutritious fibers and minerals, is severely constrained by ascochyta blight, which can cause up to a 100% yield loss under ideal conditions. The most reliable, economical, and effective management techniques for this disease are fungicide treatments and host plant resistance. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate chickpea varieties and fungicide application intervals against chickpea ascochyta blight epidemics; identify the most effective fungicide application time interval; and determine the association of ascochyta blight incidence and severity with yield and yield component of chickpea. The study was carried out in two hotspot regions (Dhera and Dugda) during the main growing seasons of 2020 and 2021. Three chickpea varieties (Dhera, Habru, and Mariye) and four fungicide spray schedules (Mancozeb 80% WP at a rate of 2.5 a.i. kg/ha) were utilized as treatments, and they were treated up until the crop reached full physiological maturity. Twelve treatments were set up in a factorial arrangement with three replications using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Both the Gompertz model and the logistic model were used to assess dependent variables under various treatments. For the disease progression rate under various treatments, the slope of the regression line was determined. The results of the data analysis revealed considerable variations between the treatments. Fungicide application time scheduled, varieties, and their interactions had substantial effects on ascochyta blight. The Mariye variety noted the highest occurrence (100%) and severity (70.68%) of ascochyta blight, with 100% yield loss seen from untreated plots, whereas the Dhera variety experienced the lowest incidence (6.35%) and severity (11.01%) following fungicide management on the 7th day of the interval. The analysis of the means revealed that applying fungicide at intervals of 7 and 14 days was an effective strategy for reducing the severity, incidence, and AUDPC of ascochyta blight. This strategy led to the highest yield of seeds per pod, pods per plant, and grain yield when compared to the untreated plot and the plot treated at a 21-day interval. To handle polycyclic outbreaks of the disease successfully, both the logistic and Gompertz models were used. The study's extent of variety resistance was enough to control the disease in two cropping seasons and locations. This investigation led us to the conclusion that a program to control the ascochyta blight of chickpea in Ethiopia may include the integration of fungicide and resistant varieties. Additionally, methods for integrated management of the Ethiopian ascochyta blight on chickpeas must be devised.
Laplace Transform-Based Modeling of Heat Transfer in Producing Wellbores
Authors: Alves Eduardo B. D. M. , Barbosa Jader
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a novel approach to modeling heat transfer in hydrocarbon-producing wells, aiming to simulate Annular Pressure Buildup (APB) in offshore wells. The proposed framework enhances traditional models by incorporating previously overlooked terms in pseudo-steady-state simulators. A Laplace transformation-based formulation of the governing differential equations is developed and solved to achieve better simulation results for shorter timespans. Two actual oil-producing wellbores are used for model validation. The first wellbore, a vertical well with the first annulus partially filled with N2, assesses the new formulation's performance compared to the traditional pseudo-steady-state formulation. Additionally, a convergence test is conducted in this well to verify the level of additional computational complexity associated with the new formulation. Simulation results show that slower annuli heating leads to a slower APB, resulting in an 8 MPa difference in predicted pressurization. The second case, from a well undergoing an Extended Well Test, provides field data to simulate wellbore heating due to heat transfer from the production stream. A comparison of the new formulation with the field data demonstrates improved temperature representation within the first few days of production, with an average deviation of 4 K in predicted wellhead-produced fluid temperature.
Correlation between NDVI and PM2.5 Concentrations in a Small-Scale Urban Area
Authors: Tang Peng , Yang Xiaodong , Sun Xuxue , Ye Haiyue
Published: September 2023

Urban green space plays a significant role in protecting the environment and purifying the air. In a city, green infrastructures are interconnected in a large system, which can play a positive role in the ecological protection of the city; meanwhile, in the main urban areas of large cities with complex land use types, the distribution of green infrastructure is disorderly, and how to effectively determine the actual effect of green space on PM2.5 at an urban small scale is still a challenge. Smog in southern Chinese cities primarily occurs in spring and winter, so we chose Nanjing, one of the largest megacities in southern China, as a case study, and chose spring and winter as the research time series. We took 11 air monitoring points as the core and delimited a radius of 500 meters as the research area, tracked and monitored the changes in PM2.5 values at 11 stations for 2 months, and then conducted a correlation analysis between this change and the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) values of the 11 regions. The analysis shows that in the main urban area, green space can have an obvious influence on the ambient air state within 500 m. In addition, when the NDVI value was high, the PM2.5 concentration in the corresponding area was low, and the correlation reached 0.89 on average (1 is a perfect correlation); the mean regression equation was y = 56.3–0.088x. In addition, the correlation was stronger when the PM2.5 concentration was higher, indicating that green space in the main urban area can play an obvious ecological efficiency role in the extremely polluted atmospheric environment. These research results reveal for the first time the impact of green space on air particles in small-scale urban space, which is conducive to better optimization of green space layout to better give full play to the ecological function of green space in response to public health events.
Public policy on breastfeeding among working mothers in Taiwan: comparison between two national surveys
Authors: Yu Pei-Jung , Wu Wan-Ru , Liu Chieh-Yu
Published: September 2023

Background
Providing a supported breastfeeding environment after childbirth and allowing women to work reassure is an essential element for maternal care services. To study the correlation and effectiveness of breastfeeding behavior of postpartum working mothers, using public and workplace lactation rooms in Taiwan.
Methods
The study was a secondary data analysis of 6,992 and 7,350 postpartum women respectively conducted in 2011 and 2016 from a national survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for investigating effectiveness of public policy on breastfeeding among working mothers in Taiwan.
Results
Working mothers using public lactation rooms (PLR) and workplace lactation rooms (WLR) increased in 2016 over 2011 whether it is for exclusive or total breastfeeding. At 6 months postpartum, the rate of EBF increased by 20.0% and ABF by 22.6% of using PLR; the rate of EBF increased by 14.4% and ABF by 16.8% of using WLR in 2011. At 6 months postpartum, the rate of EBF increased by 11.2% and ABF by 16.15% of using PLR; the rate of EBF increased by 3.1% and ABF by 15.3% of using PLR in 2016. In 2016, the second (OR = 6.44, p < 0.001), fourth (OR = 7.02, p < 0.001), and sixth (OR = 6.83, p < 0.001) months of the adjusted OR for EBF; and WLR in 2016 the second (OR = 9.90, p < 0.001), fourth (OR = 9.56, p < 0.001), and sixth (OR = 9.27, p < 0.001) months of the adjusted OR for ABF rate.
Conclusion
Lactation support rooms are a significant factor to encourage working mothers to continue with breastfeeding when they return to work. Rewarding businesses to construct more lactation rooms as well as providing breastfeeding resources is necessary towards the goal of improving the global breastfeeding rate.
HIV Peer Education Interventions：An Evidence Map
Authors: Zeng Yan , Wan Bin , Zhao Xia , Xie Peng , Yang Wenlu , Yan Xi , Su Dan
Published: September 2023

Objective:
This study aims to apply the evidence mapping method to systematically retrieve and summarize the clinical research literature on HIV peer education interventions to understand the distribution of evidence in this field.
Methods:
We conducted literature searches on the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Database, CNKI, VIP Database, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, focusing on clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled trials (prospective and retrospective cohort studies), and systematic reviews/meta-analyses of HIV peer education interventions. Two independent reviewers screened the included papers, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies.
Results:
A total of 156 articles were included in this study. We analyzed the annual publication trends, study types, study sizes, and distribution of the clinical research. We also examined the methodological quality and conclusions of the systematic reviews, the distribution of study populations, follow-up and intervention durations in the included studies, the methods used in the intervention and control groups, and the outcome measures of the included studies.
Conclusion:
Currently, there is a lack of evidence in HIV peer education intervention research, specifically in terms of prospective and case‒control studies, studies targeting healthcare workers as the study population, long-term interventions and follow-ups, and mixed-method peer education intervention studies. The quality of clinical research design and systematic reviews needs improvement.
Patient or Public Contribution：
The first analysis of HIV peer education intervention studies using evidence maps found strengths in the field and a small number of high -quality systematic reviews/meta-analyses showing the effectiveness of interventions. We found that there is currently less evidence for cohort studies as well as case‒control studies, studies targeting health care workers as subjects, long-term interventions, and long-term follow-up, multivariate mixed peer education intervention studies in HIV peer education intervention research, and the quality of clinical study design and systematic evaluation needs to be improved. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of HIV peer education interventions.
Risk Assessment and Classification Prediction for Water Treatment PPP Projects
Authors: Yang Ruijia , Feng Jingchun , Sun Yong
Published: September 2023

Water pollution control is a crucial aspect of environmental safety and sustainable development. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) play a significant role in this control but are exposed to several risks. This study proposes a new risk classification prediction model for water treatment PPP projects to address these risks more effectively than traditional methods. The proposed model includes four key areas of risk: natural environment, ecological environment, socio-economic, and engineering entity. The study examines the correlation between these risk factors and project risk levels and develops an ensemble learning model based on Stacking for risk prediction. This model improves performance by using a weighted voting mechanism to adjust the importance of base learners. This model was tested using data from Phase I of the Jiujiang City water environment system project, demonstrating its effectiveness and accuracy. The proposed model outperforms other traditional machine learning models in terms of accuracy, macro-average precision, recall, and F1-score. Thus, it provides an effective method for risk classification prediction in water treatment PPP projects.
Factors associated with recurrence in patients with oral cancer in Mongolia
Authors: Davaatsend Oyuntsetseg , Altannamar Munkhdul , Jagdagsuren Urjinlkham
Published: September 2023

Introduction: In Mongolia, there has been limited research on the posttreatment survival rate, recurrence, and occurrence of oral cancer. The goal of this study is to investigate the risk factors that contribute to the recurrence of oral cancer to increase survival rates, facilitate early detection, and improve treatment accuracy.
Method: A retrospective cohort method was used, with medical records from 173 patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia's Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Radio, and Chemotherapy between 2008 and 2017. The Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences' Research Ethics Committee approved the project.
Results: The findings revealed that 109 cases (63.0%) were men and 64 (37.0%) were females, with a large proportion of patients (28.3%) falling between the ages of 61 and 70. Men had a 3.8 times higher risk of cancer recurrence than women (OR=3.79, CI=1.24-11.57). Furthermore, lymph node metastases and treatment were linked to oral cancer recurrence.
Conclusion: This study offers light on the factors that influence the recurrence of oral cancer, giving useful insights for improving patient outcomes through early detection and proper treatment.
Parental Phubbing and Smartphone Addiction Among Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated-Mediation Model
Authors: Ma Shutao , Li Ting , Mai Zhehao , Ma Yankun
Published: September 2023

It has been reported that parental phubbing(PP) is a significant risk predictor of smartphone addiction (SPA) among adolescents. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain largely unclarified. On the basis of the ecological systems and social learning theories, this study assessed the mediating effect of deviant peer affiliation (DPA) and the moderating effect of sensation seeking (SS) in the association between parental phubbing and SPA among Chinese adolescents. A total of 786 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 13.17 years, SD = 1.35) completed the questionnaires anonymously about parental phubbing, SPA, DPA and SS. After adjusting for study variables, DPA could partially mediate the relationship between parental phubbing and SPA among adolescents and this indirect path could be moderated by SS. Notably, the effect of DPA on SPA was greater in adolescents with higher SS than in those with lower SS.
Parental rearing skills of rural-to-urban migrants mediate the negative effects of their mental health problems on their children
Authors: Wu Huaineng , Zhu Simin , Tan Zhonglin , Zhou Guoling , Ni Zhe , Coid Jeremy , Xu Lianlian , Zhang Yamin
Published: September 2023

Background
Rural-to-urban migration has negative impacts on the mental health of both parents and children. Whether the mental health problems of migrant children are impacted by the mental health problems of their parents has rarely been studied.
Methods
We investigated 1274 parents and 1001 children aged 9–13 from two primary schools in Hangzhou, one for local children and one for rural-to-urban migrant children in a cross-sectional survey in 2022. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesis that parents’ rearing skills could mediate the negative effect of parents’ mental health problems on their children.
Results
The migrant groups, including children, fathers, and mothers, all had higher levels of mental health problems than their urban local counterparts. The difference in the mental health of children can be largely extinguished by socioeconomic status of the family. When mothers had anxiety, children had a higher level of self-blaming tendency (qFDR =0.009) and sensitive tendency (qFDR =0.009). Parental mental health had significant impacts on their rearing skills, with more effects on self-reported than children-reported. Parents’ rearing skills were associated with the mental health of their children, with a stronger association observed for children-reported rearing styles and among urban children. In SEM, emotional warmth and self-confidence were negatively associated with both mothers’ anxiety and children’s anxiety tendency. In contrast, overprotection/over-interference was positively associated.
Conclusion
More action should be taken to improve the mental health of migrant children. Our findings suggest that a key strategy is to reduce migrant mothers' anxiety symptoms and improve their parenting skills.
Awareness, Attitudes, and Help-seeking Intention towards Perinatal Depression among Women from Different Ethnic Groups in Western Rural China
Authors: Deng Chunyan , Yan Bin , Du Xingmei , Xiao Yan , Li Yan , Luo Shuyan , Jiao Feng , Deng Rui , Huang Yuan
Published: September 2023

Background Despite the high prevalence of perinatal depression in China, the underutilization of mental health services remains. This study aimed at understanding the awareness, attitudes, and help-seeking intentions towards perinatal depression among women from different ethnic groups in western rural China.
Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a rural county of Yunnan Province in May 2022. Pregnant women and women within one year after childbirth were selected. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact probability analyses and multiple logistic regression models were employed to investigate the determinants of women's help-seeking intentions concerning perinatal depression.
Results A total of 1,217 women participated in the survey and 1,152 were included for analysis, including 464 Hanwomen (40.28%), 498 Zhuang women (43.23%), and 190 from other ethnic minorities (16.49%). There were 12.67% of women detected with perinatal depressive symptoms, while 13.89% reporting they had experienced negative emotions for more than two weeks. Among women who had negative emotions history, just 4.38% had utilized mental health services. Over a quarter (26.91%)of women had never heard of depression, and nearly half were unawareof the available treatments (49.57%) or the facilities where they could seek treatment for depression (55.21%). The most participants (84.55%) reported that they would seek help for depression if needed. For those women who displayed a willingness to seek help, 75.36% prefer to seek support from interpersonal sources and 72.07% favored consulting professionals. Factors influencing help-seeking intentions differed across different ethnic groups. Hanwomen with beliefs about the preventability and curability of depression (OR=2.679, 95%CI: 1.329-5.401) were more likely to seek help from professionals. Zhuangwomen with stronger family support were associated with a greater likelihood of seeking help (OR=2.660, 95%CI: 1.087-6.508). Other ethnic minority women with salaried employment reflected a lower potential to seek help (OR=0.044, 95%CI: 0.005-0.403).
Conclusion Women from different ethnic groups in western rural China had a low level of awareness of perinatal depression and mental health services. It is of great necessity to implement educational campaigns and supportive interventions aimed at addressing the social and psychological vulnerabilities of women and attending to the unique needs of ethnic females.
Research and engineering practice on space characteristics of gangue slurry filling
Authors: Gu Wenzhe , Yang Baogui , Pan Hao , Song Tianqi
Published: September 2023

The macroscopic characteristics of the fractured space and the microscopic pore features are critical factors determining the effectiveness of gangue slurry backfilling. To identify the key areas for slurry backfilling, a combination of theoretical analysis, simulation experiments, and on-site industrial trials was used to reveal the movement laws of backfilling space overlying the fractured zone. The distribution characteristics of voids available for slurry backfilling within the fractured space were explored, and the interaction between gangue slurry and goaf voids was clarified. A formula for calculating the void ratio in the caved zone was derived, and a model for the distribution of voids in the slurry backfilling space was established. This model identified the main areas where slurry backfilling should be focused, namely the overlapping space between the free accumulation zone and the load-influenced zone. Experimental results demonstrated that the porosity of the collapsed rock mass within the goaf follows a negative logarithmic function along both the dip and strike directions, which was consistent with the theoretical calculations. Through in-situ grouting backfilling experiments on the ground, the feasibility of gangue slurry backfilling in the goaf was verified, and the process of interaction between gangue slurry and goaf voids was elaborated. This process generally involves three stages: initial flow, vertical upwelling, and horizontal diffusion, all of which are closely interconnected. Practical engineering applications of gangue slurry backfilling were carried out in the free accumulation zone and the load-influenced zone at the Huangling No.2 coal mine. The successful validation of underground gangue slurry backfilling technology demonstrated its feasibility and the correctness of the theoretical approach. This research provides new evidence for environmentally friendly disposal of gangue materials.
Progressive infiltrative destruction of subcutaneous and periosteum soft tissues affect posterior spinal surgery for primary Gorham-Stout disease: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yao , Lin Wancheng , Song Jipeng , Ding Lixiang
Published: September 2023

Background: Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) with involvement of the spine is extremely rare, the course of disease is hard to predict. The progressive osteolysis would result in kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis, subluxation or even dislocation of the spine. There is also destructive infiltration of adjacent and periosteum soft tissue, which may potentially raises difficulties to posterior spinal procedure. This adverse affection is hard to evaluate from routine imageological examinations.
Case presentation: We surgically managed a 29-year-old female patient with primary GSD which involved lumbar spine and caused regional kyphoscoliotic deformity since 2018. We initially performed posterior short-segmental fixation to correct the regional deformity. Twenty five months after the first spinal surgery, the fixation was failed and the deformity was progressed. During the last spinal revision surgery, we observed diffusive hemangiectasis of periosteum and adjacent soft tissues. Due to the massive hemorrhage, we simplified the procedure by performing unilateral fixation and lateral fusion. The patient was followed for 27 months. Fortunately, owing to the reliable bony fusion and spontaneous arrest of osteolysis, we observed satisfactory clinical results, the deformity remained unchanged.
Conclusion: In primary GSD patient with involvement of multiple vertebrae, the affection of infiltrative destruction of periosteum and adjacent soft tissue on posterior spinal surgery is underestimated. Huge hemorrhage would cause big trouble during the procedure, surgeon should be aware of this phenomenon. Scrutinizing the preoperative images may potentially assist the surgeons to predict this phenomenon. Advanced examinations should be considered to avoid embarrassing situation when this affection is unidentifiable.
Hazardous 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) detection in water by amine and azine functionalized metal-organic framework
Authors: KAUR MANPREET , Malik Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2023

A Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) decorated with amine and azine functionalities, TMU-17-NH2 (formulated as [Zn(H2ata)(L)].2DMF; L = 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-2,3-butadiene and H2ata = 2-aminoterephthalic acid) has been successfully synthesized via a solvothermal method. According to crystallographic studies, the synthesized TMU-17-NH2 has three dimensional cuboidal structure with the pore surface decorated with free amine (-NH2) and azine (=N-N=) functional groups. The photoluminescence investigations proved that the synthesized MOF can be effectively utilized for selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in water with an apparent turn-off quenching response. Its limits of detection (LOD) for TNP was 9.4 ppb and competitive nitro explosive testing confirmed its higher selectivity towards TNP (over other nitro explosives). Calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and spectrum overlap were utilized to evaluate the sensing mechanisms. This MOF-based fluorescence sensing technique for TNP had a high sensitivity (Ksv = 3.26 × 104 M-1).
Assessment of eruption source parameters using infrasound: a case study from the 2021 eruption of Mt.Etna, Italy
Authors: De Angelis Silvio , Zuccarello Luciano , Scollo Simona , Mereu Luigi
Published: September 2023

Atmospheric injection of volcanic ash during eruptions is a threat to aviation. Reliable forecast of airborne ash dispersal relies on empirical and numerical models. Key inputs into these models are so-called eruption source parameters such as the rate at which pyroclastic material is ejected from the vent and the height of eruptive columns. Here, we use infrasound data recorded during eruptive activity in June 2021 at Mt. Etna, Italy, to demonstrate its potential for assessment of eruption rates in near-real time. We calculate a time series of flow velocity at the vent using data corrected for topographic scattering, and effect of vent geometry on the acoustic source radiation. We obtain values of flow velocity of 50-125 m/s during a period of sustained, paroxysmal, activity. These values agree with independent estimates from other ground-based remote sensing data. We use infrasound-derived flow velocities as input into a 1D plume model to estimate the maximum height of the eruption column. Our results suggest that infrasound data hold promise to inform modelling of volcanic plumes. We anticipate that implementation of real-time operational workflows based on infrasound data analysis and plume modelling will impact decision-making and risk mitigation at active volcanoes.
The Mediating Role of Helpfulness in Relationship Between Yoga and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Kiremitçi-Canıöz Elvan
Published: September 2023

This study aims to positively examine the effect of yoga on psychological well-being and the mediator role of helpfulness on this effect. It is seen that they live with the quest to feel good and apply to yoga as a way to strengthen their mental health, having inreasing psychological well-being, and help people more. Therefore, yoga, psychological well-being, and helpfulness were examined in this study. Participants filled the scales via an online form. This study have participants whose ages are between 18–55. Demographic Information Form, Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Helpfulness Scale were used. The collected datas were analyzed by SPSS 23.0 analysis program. According to the findings, the mean score of helpfulness of who are yoga practitioners are significantly lower than non-yoga practitioners. However the mean score of psychological well-being significantly higher than non-yoga practitioners. There were found significant relationships between yoga, psychological well-being, and helpfulness. When there was examined the mediation analysis, helpfulness had a mediator role on the relationship between yoga, and psychological well-being. In the literature, there was a huge lack about the relationship between yoga, psychological we-being, and helpfulness. Thus, these results will show a new perspective to the researchers for explaining with these variables, mostly helpfulness.
Prognostic impact and survival outcomes of colon perforation in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nakao Eiichi , Kawamura Hidetaka , Honda Michitaka , Takano Yoshinao , Kinuta Shunji , Kamiga Takahiro , Yamazaki Shigeru , Muto Atsushi , Shiraso Satoru , Yamashita Na , Iwao Toshiyasu , Kono Koji , Konno Shinichi
Published: September 2023

Background
Colon perforation caused by colorectal cancer (CRC) is a fatal condition requiring emergency intervention. For patients with metastatic lesions, surgeons face difficult decisions regarding whether to resect the primary and metastatic lesions. Moreover, there is currently no established treatment strategy for these patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical practice and long-term outcomes of patients with metastatic CRC diagnosed with the onset of colon perforation.
Methods
We performed a population-based multicenter cohort study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with stage IV CRC between 2008 and 2015 at all designated cancer hospitals in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the impact of colon perforation on the survival outcomes of patients with metastatic CRC. The main outcome was the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of perforation for overall survival (OS). Survival time and HRs were estimated using Kaplan‒Meier and Cox proportional regression analyses.
Results
A total of 1258 patients were enrolled (perforation: n = 46; non-perforation: n = 1212). The median follow-up time was 17.0 months (interquartile range: 6.0–32.0), and 927 patients died during the study period. The median OS for the perforation and non-perforation groups was 19.0 and 20.0 months, respectively (p = 0.96). Moreover, perforation was not an independent prognostic factor (aHR: 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.61–1.28).
Conclusions
In metastatic CRC, perforation is not necessarily a poor prognostic factor. Patients with perforation who undergo acute phase treatment and prompt initiation of systemic chemotherapy might be expected to have a survival time similar to that of patients with non-perforated colon.
Holmium and Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study
Authors: Otero Javier Romero , Quintas Juan Justo , Gómez Borja García , Manfredi Celeste , Sutil Raquel Sopeña , Vallejo Elena Peña , Mateos Fernando Lista , De Nunzio Cosimo , Bozzini Giorgio , Antolin Alfredo Rodriguez , Rojo Esther García
Published: September 2023

Background:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. Holmium (HoLEP) and thulium (ThuLEP) laser enucleation are established minimally invasive techniques to treat BPH. Recently, thulium fiber laser (TFL) has been proposed for prostate enucleation (ThuFLEP) with promising outcomes.
Methods:
We designed a prospective randomized multicenter study to compare the efficacy and safety of HoLEP and ThuFLEP. Patients with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms and failure of BPH medical therapy were enrolled. Preoperative, surgical, perioperative and postoperative data were recorded. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 3 and 6 months. Efficacy in terms of improvement of functional outcomes was chosen as the primary outcome, whereas safety in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications was selected as the secondary outcome.
Results:
A total of 200 patients were included (HoLEP 100, ThuFLEP 100). No significant difference in baseline characteristics was found between the two groups. At 3 and 6 months we found statistically significant improvements from baseline for both HoLEP and ThuFLEP in IPSS, IPSS-QoL, Qmax, and PVR (p<0.05). At 6 months, mean±SD IPSS, IPSS-QoL, Qmax, and PVR for HoLEP vs. ThuFLEP were 5.8±4.9 vs. 4.8±5.0 points (p=0.57), 1.6±1.4 vs. 0.7±1.1 points (p=0.09), 29.9±12.5 vs. 29.6±8.0 mL/s (p=0.8), and 16.3±17.7 vs. 15.5±13.4 mL (p=0.92), respectively. No intraoperative complication was recorded. No Clavien-Dindo ≥ III complication occurred during hospitalization. After 6 months 8 (8%) and 6 (6%) patients reported mild stress urinary incontinence in HoLEP and ThuFLEP group, respectively (p=0.24). Urethral stenosis was observed in 3 men (3%) in the HoLEP group and 1 subject (1%) in the ThuFLEP group (p=0.72).
Conclusions:
Both HoLEP and ThuFLEP are effective and safe for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment, with comparable functional outcomes and complications at 6 months. Further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.
Breaking-down tumoral physical barrier by “on-site” unwrapping metal-polyphenol-packaged hyaluronidase for optimizing photothermal/photodynamic therapy-induced immune response
Authors: Yin Dengke , Sun Quanwei , Li Yunlong , Shen Wei , Shang Wencui , Xu Yujing , Yang Jinming , Chen Jie , Gao Wenheng , Wu Qinghua , Xu Fan , Yang Ye
Published: September 2023

The therapy of solid tumors is often hindered by the compact and rigid tumoral extracellular matrix (TECM). Precise reduction of TECM by hyaluronidase (HAase) in combination with nanotechnology is promising for solid tumor therapeutics, yet remains an enormous challenge. Inspired by the treatment of iron poisoning, here we propose an “on-site” unwrapping strategy of metal-polyphenol-packaged HAase (named PPFH) by sequentially injecting PPFH and a clinically used iron-chelator deferoxamine (DFO). The in situ dynamic disassembly of PPFH could be triggered by the intravenously injected DFO, resulting in the release, reactivation and deep penetration of encapsulated HAase inside tumors. Such a cost-effective HAase delivery strategy memorably improved the subsequent photothermal and photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT)-induced intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the cross-talk between tumor and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN), thereby decreasing the immunosuppression and optimizing tumoricidal immune response that can efficiently protect mice from tumor growth, metastasis and recurrence in multiple mouse cancer models. Overall, this work presents a proof-of-concept of the dynamic disassembly of metal-polyphenol nanoparticles for extracellular drug delivery as well as the modulation of TECM and immunosuppressive TME.
Optimization of electro-Fenton process variables in terms of dye removal and energy consumption with response surface methodology
Authors: Karabacakoğlu Belgin , Karaduman Serhat
Published: September 2023

Waste water containing reactive textile dyes constitutes an important environmental problem as they are permanent and dangerous. The Electro-Fenton (EF) method is promising as an effective technique for the degradation of organic materials such as dyestuffs. In this study, the optimization of effective variables in the removal of reactive yellow 145 azo textile dye by the EF using response surface methodology (RSM) was investigated. Central composite design (CCD) was used to study the combined effects of key parameters such as voltage (2.5–12.5 V), H2O2 addition (0.1–1.3 mL), pH (1.75–4.75), electrode spacing (0.25–3.25 cm), and treatment time (25–85 min). The optimum values of the variables to ensure the highest dye removal efficiency (approx. 93%) with the lowest energy consumption (approx. 3.4 Wh/L) are approximately 9.4 V voltage, pH 3.7, 2.5 cm electrode range, 1 mL H2O2 addition, and a 40-minute treatment time. ANOVA analysis of the predicted quadratic polynomial model showed a regression coefficient value of approximately 0.97 for both objective functions; this highlights the applicability of the model for navigating the design space. Simultaneous optimization of process parameters using RSM was achieved with a low number of experiments.
Effects of Various Remineralization Agents on Surface and Subsurface Enamel Microhardness Following Demineralization
Authors: Kes Gamze , Atalay Cansu , Baseren Meserret
Published: September 2023

Objectives: The effects of different remineralization agents applied on enamel samples were evaluated by using surface and subsurface microhardness analysis.
Materials&Methods: Sixty bovine incisor enamel samples were fabricated. After the initial microhardness values were measured, enamel samples are divided into 3 equal parts, and assigned as the treatment area (T), the adjacent area (A) and the control area (C) (covered with an acid-resistant varnish). Samples were subjected to pH cycle for 5-days, and then microhardness measurements were repeated. The specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the fluoride-releasing materials applied, as follows: Group 1: BioMin F; Group 2: Colgate Triple Effect; Group 3: FCP COMPLEX; Group 4: Fluor Protector; Group 5: Artificial saliva (control). Following the applications, surface and subsurface measurements were performed. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test.
Results: BioMin F toothpaste provided the greatest increase in surface microhardness, followed by FCP COMPLEX, Colgate Triple Effect and Fluor Protector, respectively. Among the materials tested, BioMin F and Colgate toothpastes exhibited the highest increase in subsurface microhardness values, with FCP COMPLEX solution following closely in second place.
Conclusions: BioMin F showed the best results in the surface microhardness assessment, while both toothpastes (BioMin F and Colgate) showed similarly positive results in the subsurface microhardness assessment.
Clinical relevance: Remineralizing agents used in addition to fluoride may increase the effectiveness in remineralization of initial carious lesions.
A protocatechuic acid-based deep eutectic solvent: a novel and versatile catalyst for the green synthesis of pyranopyrimidines
Authors: Monem Arezo , Habibi Davood , Goudarzi Hadis
Published: September 2023

A novel deep eutectic solvent (MTPPBr-PCAT-DES) was prepared from a one-to-one mole ratio of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (MTPPBr) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (PCAT=protocatechuic acid) and characterized by various techniques such as FT-IR, TGA/DTA, densitometer, eutectic point, and 1H NMR. Then, it was used as a novel and capable catalyst for the synthesis of pyranopyrimidines from the multicomponent condensation reaction of barbituric acid, 4-hydroxycoumarin, and aromatic aldehydes in mild conditions, short reaction times, and high yields.
Mannich-Type Modifications Of (-)-Cannabidiol And (-)-Cannabigerol Leading To New, Bioactive Derivatives
Authors: Lőrincz Eszter Boglárka , Tóth Gergely , Spolárics Júlia , Herczeg Mihály , Hodek Jan , Zupko István , Minorics Renáta , Ádám Dorottya , Oláh Attila , Zouboulis Christos C. , Weber Jan , Nagy Lajos , Ostorházi Eszter , Bácskay Ildikó , Borbás Anikó , Herczegh Pál , Bereczki Ilona
Published: September 2023

(‑)-Cannabidiol (CBD) and (‑)-cannabigerol (CBG) are two major non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids that have many beneficial biological properties. However, due to their low water solubility and prominent first-pass metabolism, their oral bioavailability is moderate, which is unfavorable for medicinal use. Therefore, there is a great need for appropriate chemical modifications to improve their physicochemical and biological properties. In this study, Mannich reaction was used for the synthetic modification of CBD and CBG for the first time, and thus fifteen new cannabinoid derivatives containing one or two tertiary amino groups were prepared. Thereafter the antiviral, antiproliferative and antibacterial properties of the derivatives and their effects on certain skin cells were investigated. Some modified CBD derivatives showed remarkable antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 without cytotoxic effect, while synthetic modifications on CBG resulted in a significant increase in antiproliferative activity in some cases compared to the parent compound.
Experimental insights into electrocatalytic [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ mediated NADH regeneration
Authors: Meyer Jonas , Romero Manuela , Thöming Jorg , Baune Michael , Reimer Nicholas , Dringen Ralf , Bösing Ingmar
Published: September 2023

NADH plays a crucial role in many enzymatically catalysed reactions. Due to the high costs of NADH a regeneration mechanism of this cofactor can enlarge the applications of enzymatic reactions dramatically. This paper gives a thorough system analysis of the mediated electrochemical regeneration of active NADH using cyclic voltammograms and potentiostatic measurements with varying pH, electr ode potential, and electrolyte solution, highlighting the system’s limiting conditions, elucidat ing optimal working parameters for the electrochemical reduction of NAD+ , and bringing new insight on the oxidation of inactive reduction products. Using [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ as an electron mediator dramatically incre ases the percentage of enzymatically active electrochemically reduced NADH from 15 % (direct) to 99 % (mediated) with an Faradaic efficiency of up to 86 %. Furthermore, investigations of the catalytic mechanisms of [Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl]+ clarifies the necessary conditions for its functioning and questions the proposed reaction mechanism by two-step reduction where first the mediator is reduced and then brought in contact with NAD+.
A Case Report of Warm Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia
Authors: Raulji Jay , Thakore Dhruvin
Published: September 2023

Hemolytic anemia is a hematologic disorder characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). This can lead to a shortage of RBCs, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and jaundice.
The destruction of RBCs can occur in two main ways: intravascular hemolysis and extravascular hemolysis. In intravascular hemolysis, the RBCs are destroyed within the bloodstream. This can be caused by factors such as immune-mediated hemolysis, mechanical trauma, or infections. In extravascular hemolysis, the RBCs are destroyed by the spleen and other organs of the reticuloendothelial system. This can be caused by factors such as hereditary defects in RBCs, infections, and medications.
The diagnosis of hemolytic anemia is made based on a clinical evaluation and a variety of laboratory tests. The clinical evaluation should focus on identifying the symptoms and signs of hemolytic anemia, as well as any underlying conditions that may be causing the hemolysis. The laboratory tests that are typically performed include a complete blood count (CBC), a direct antiglobulin test (DAT), a haptoglobin test, and a bilirubin test.
The treatment of hemolytic anemia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may include medications, blood transfusions, or surgery.
The prognosis for hemolytic anemia varies depending on the underlying cause. Some types of hemolytic anemia are chronic and lifelong, while others can be cured.
Daily Breath-Based Mindfulness Exercises Improve Primary School Children’s Performance in Arithmetic: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hondrich Finja , von Salisch Maria , Voltmer Katharina
Published: September 2023

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to improve children’s academic achievements. Because MBIs include different exercises (with different effects), the teacher-led Breathing Break Intervention (BBI) with daily breath-based mindfulness practices was developed and evaluated in terms of its effects on children’s performance in mathematics. In a randomized controlled trial, N = 140 third and fourth graders (49% female) either received BBI (IG, n = 81) or participated in an active control group (ACG, n = 59). Students took a standardized arithmetic test and teachers rated their mathematics performance before (T1) and after (T2) the ten weeks of BBI, and in a follow-up five months later (T3).
A mixed multilevel model with a quadratic term of time indicated a significant interaction effect between group and time on the arithmetic test after controlling for working memory updating and socioeconomic status. IG children differed significantly from ACG children in their trajectory of arithmetic performance and outperformed them at T3. A multilevel ordinal logistic regression of teachers’ ratings of students’ mathematics performance revealed no significant differences between IG and ACG. Daily breathing exercises in primary school classrooms seem to be effective in enhancing children's performance in arithmetic.
Preregistration: The study was preregistered at aspredicted.org (#44925)
A discrete collocation technique using the thin plate splines for solving a certain class of integro-differential equations arising in biology models
Authors: Assari Pouria , Asadi-Mehregan Fatemeh , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: September 2023

The primary motivation of the current article is to study an approximate algorithm to solve a type of Volterra integro-differential equations involving nonlinear terms. These integro-differential equations have been utilized to simulate several realistic modelling emanated in biological sciences, for example, the growth model of the toxins' cumulative effects on a population residing in a closed system. Thin plate splines (TPSs), known as a subclass of radial basis functions (RBFs) independent of the shape parameter, create an efficient scheme to interpolate a function. Due to this desirable property, we use the discrete collocation approach with the TPS basis for estimating the solution of mentioned integro-differential equations. Furthermore, the Gauss-Legendre integration formula is utilized to calculate the integrals emerging in the scheme. Remarkably, the algorithm of the offered approach can be comfortably performed on a PC with typical specifications derived from the simplicity of using TPSs. The researchers also investigate the convergence of the presented scheme. Some test examples including Volterra integro-differential equations are considered to make sure the veracity of the proposed scheme and the validity of the theoretical error analysis.
MSC (2020): 45D05; 45J05; 92-08;92D25;
Remote Control of Bovine Catalase Activity with Specific Frequencies of Human and Bovine Catalase with and without bound NADP+
Authors: d'Oultremont Thibaud Etienne
Published: September 2023

Remote control enzyme technology is widely used today through resonance. In this study, we showed that the use of frequencies of the catalase enzyme itself to increase enzymatic rate is successful not only in test tubes but also remotely. The present study also suggests that, under optimal temperature, the use of bovine catalase frequency (the specific frequency of that enzyme) has a superior rate promoting vibration than the human catalase frequency, and so increases very significantly the chemical rate of bovine catalase (about 120% at 40ºC). It also suggests that bovine catalase subjected to bovine and human frequencies with catalase bound NADP+ experienced more resonance weight towards NADP+ and so were more slowly reduced back to catalase bound NADPH, increasing compound II formation rate, and slowing down the catalase activity rate.
Costs and Outcomes Associated with the Administration of Intravenous Acetaminophen in Neonates after Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair
Authors: Phillipi Michael , Song Ashley , Yieh Leah , Gong Cynthia
Published: September 2023

Objective: The primary objective was to examine the outcomes and costs associated with the use of intravenous acetaminophen (IV APAP) in combination with opioids versus opioids alone as a pain management strategy after neonatal esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair.
Study Design: Data from the Pediatric Health Information System was used to examine 1 137 hospitalizations for EA/TEF repair from 2015 to 2018. Neonates administered opioids only, or IV APAP in combination with opioids as pain management were included.
Result: Neonates receiving IV APAP experienced a longer median length-of-stay (LOS), but a significantly lower mortality rate, a decreased mean daily cost, and reduced opioid use compared to neonates given only opioids. There were no significant differences in pharmacy and total costs.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest the use of IV APAP alongside opioids in EA/TEF repair is associated with reduced mortality and opioid use, as well as longer LOS.