bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf-level coordination principles propagate to the ecosystem scale
Authors: Gomarasca Ulisse , Migliavacca Mirco , Kattge Jens , Nelson Jacob , Niinemets Ülo , Wirth Christian , Cescatti Alessandro , Bahn Michael , Nair Richard , Acosta Alicia , Arain Altaf , Beloiu Mirela , Black Thomas , Bruun Hans Henrik , Bucher Franziska , Buchmann Nina , Carrara Arnaud , Byun Chaeho , Conte Adriano , Silva Ana da , Duveiller Gregory , Fares Silvano , Ibrom Andreas , Knohl Alexander , Komac Benjamin , Limousin Jean-Marc , Lusk Christopher , Mahecha Miguel , Martini David , Minden Vanessa , Montagnani Leonardo , Mori Akira , Onoda Yukuke , Penuelas Josep , Perez-Priego Oscar , Poschlod Peter , Powell Thomas , Reich Peter , Šigut Ladislav , Bodegom Peter van , Walther Sophia , Wohlfahrt Georg , Wright Ian , Reichstein Markus
Published: January 2023

Fundamental axes of variation in plant traits result from trade-offs between costs and benefits of resource-use strategies at the leaf scale. However, it is unclear whether trade-offs and optimality principles in functional traits of leaves are conserved at the ecosystem level.
We tested three well-known leaf- and plant-level coordination theories at the ecosystem scale: the leaf economics spectrum, the global spectrum of plant form and function, and the least-cost hypothesis. We combined ecosystem functional properties from 98 FLUXNET sites, vegetation properties, and ecosystem-level plant traits into three corresponding principal component analyses.
Coordination is conserved at the ecosystem scale. However, additional processes occur at the ecosystem level compared to the leaf scale, highlighting the importance of scale-emergent properties in understanding and predicting ecosystem behaviour. Evaluating the coordination of ecosystem functional properties supports the development of more realistic global dynamic vegetation models with critical empirical data, reducing the uncertainty of climate change projections.
Menstrual, fertility and psychological impacts after uterine compression sutures for postpartum hemorrhage: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kwong Lee Ting , Wong Sai Fun , So Po Lam
Published: January 2023

Background
Uterine compression suture is an important conservative surgical technique in managing atonic postpartum hemorrhage. In this study, we aim to evaluate the subsequent menstrual, fertility and psychological outcomes after uterine compression sutures.
Methods
This was a prospective cohort study between 2009 and 2022 conducted in a tertiary obstetric unit (6000 deliveries per year) in Hong Kong SAR. Women with primary postpartum hemorrhage successfully treated with uterine compression sutures were followed-up in postnatal clinic for two years after delivery. Data on menstrual pattern were collected during each visit. Psychological impact after uterine compression suture was assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Subsequent pregnancies were identified by territory-wide computer registry and telephone interviews. Women with postpartum hemorrhage treated with uterotonic agents only were chosen as controls.
Results
In our cohort (n = 80), 87.9% of women had return of menses within six months after delivery. Regular monthly cycle was observed in 95.6% of women. Majority of women reported similar menstrual flow (75%), menstrual days (85.3%) and no change in dysmenorrhea status (88.2%) as compared before. Among eight (11.8%) women who reported hypomenorrhea after uterine compression sutures, two cases of Asherman’s syndrome were diagnosed. Among 23 subsequent pregnancies (16 livebirths), no significant differences in outcome were observed except more omental or bowel adhesions (37.5% vs 8.8%, p = 0.007), recurrence of hemorrhage (68.8% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001) and repeated compression sutures (12.5% vs 0%, p = 0.024) were seen in women with previous compression sutures. Over half of the couple declined future fertility after uterine compression sutures with 38.2% of women recalled unpleasant memories and 22.1% reported life-long adverse impact especially tokophobia.
Conclusion
Majority of women with history of uterine compression sutures had similar menstruation and pregnancy outcomes as compared to those who did not have sutures. However, they had higher intrapartum risk of visceral adhesions, recurrence of hemorrhage and repeated compression sutures next pregnancy. Furthermore, couple could be more susceptible to negative emotional impact.
General practitioners’ perspectives regarding early developmental surveillance for autism within the Australian primary healthcare setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Barbaro Josephine , Winata Teresa , Gilbert Melissa , Nair Radhika , Khan Feroza , Lucien Abbie , Islam Raisa , Masi Anne , Diaz Antonio Mendoza , Dissanayake Cheryl , Karlov Lisa , Descallar Joseph , Eastwood John , Hasan Iqbal , Jalaludin Bin , Kohlhoff Jane , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Lingam Raghu , Ong Natalie , Tam Chun Wah Michael , Woolfenden Susan , Eapen Valsamma
Published: January 2023

Background:Significant challenges remain in the early identification of child developmental conditions in the community. Implementing supports and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental conditions including autism. As part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, this study seeks to examine and compare the perspectives and experiences of Australian general practitioners (GPs) in relation to a digital developmental surveillance program for autism and usual care pathway, in general practice clinics.
Methods:A qualitative research methodology (semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis) was utilised in this study. All GPs from South Western Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (Victoria) who participated in the main program (“GP Surveillance for Autism”) were invited to the interview. GPs who provided consent were interviewed either over online or in-person meeting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using NVivo12 software.Inductive interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically.
Results:Twenty-three GPs across the two sites (NSW: n=11; Victoria: n=12) agreed to be interviewed; data saturation had reached following this number of participants. Inductive thematic coding and analysis yielded nine major themes and highlighted common enablers such as the role of GPs in early identification and intervention, enhanced communication between clinicians/professionals, relationship-building with patients, and having standardised screening tools. Specific facilitators to the feasibility and acceptability of a digital screening program for the early identification of developmental conditions, including the early signs of autism, and encouraging research and education for GPs. However, several practical and socioeconomic barriers were identified, in addition to limited knowledge and uptake of child developmental screening tools as well as COVID-19 lockdown impacts. Common and specific recommendations involve supporting GPs in developmental/paediatrics training, streamlined screening process, and funding and resources in the primary healthcare services.
Conclusions: The study highlighted the need for practice and policy changes, including further training of GPs alongside sufficient time to complete developmental checks and appropriate financial remuneration through a Medicare billing item. Further research is needed on implementation and scale up of a national surveillance program for early identification of developmental conditions including autism.
WITHDRAWN: The overall impact on the daily life of people with disabilities in Mainland China: two cross-sectional studies
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Wei Yan , Xie Haixia , Xu Zihan , Wang Xinyu , Zeng Xuheng , Chang Fengshui
Published: January 2023

Background
COVID-2019 has become a public health crisis, and as a vulnerable group, people with disabilities (PWDs) might be more seriously affected. However, the overall impact of COVID-19 on PWDs is unclear in Mainland China. Thus, we aimed to analyze the overall impact on PWDs from the early remission stage to the regular control stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mainland China.
Methods
In March 2020 and March 2021, anonymous questionnaires were distributed in the WeChat group of the PWDs using a convenient sampling method. The personal and family characteristics, perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, and the overall impact of COVID-19 on daily life and medical services needs were collected. The descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used.
Results
311 and 1083 PWDs were enrolled in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In 2020, 82.0% of the participants reported a negative impact on their daily life, and the proportion of big impact was 20.3%. In 2021, 73.1% of PWDs reported a negative impact on their daily life. Multivariate analysis found the impact on medical services needs was the common associated factor of the overall impact on daily life in 2020 and 2021, and PWDs with lower annual household income or chronic diseases were more likely to suffer bigger negative effects in 2020, while being in quarantine or not at work, having items in shortage and with less disability severity (without multiple disabilities or spinal cord injury) were the associated factors in 2021. Based on the matching method, we found that the overall impact on the daily life of PWDs decreased in 2021.
Conclusions
A majority of the PWDs reported a negative impact on their daily life in Mainland China at the early remission stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact has significantly weakened during the normal control period in 2021. It is recommended to fulfill the medical service needs of PWDs in a timely manner, and those being in quarantine or not at work, without SCI or multiple disabilities, and reporting some items in shortage suffered a bigger major overall COVID-19 impact on daily life.
Relationship between large-for-gestational age and hospital readmission after postpartum discharge
Authors: Nimal M , Ravel C , Nauleau S , Lapalus D , Bernard O , des Robert C , Tardieu S , Boubred F
Published: January 2023

Objective
To determine the association of small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age at birth with hospital readmission after postpartum discharge for up to 28 days of delivery
Methods
Population-based linkage study using the French National Uniform Hospital Discharge Database. ‘Healthy’ singleton term infants born between January 1st, 2017 and November 30th, 2018 in the French South region were included. SGA and LGA were defined as birth weight < 10th and > 90th percentiles, respectively, according to sex and gestational age. A multivariable regression analysis was performed.
Results
Among 67,359 included infants, 2441 (3.6%) were re-admitted and 61% of them were hospitalized within 14 days postpartum. Hospitalized infants were more likely to be LGA at birth (10.3% vs. 8.6% in non-hospitalized infants, p < 0.01); the proportion of SGA infants did not differ between both groups. Compared to appropriate birth weight for GA (AGA) infants, LGA infants were more often hospitalized for infectious diseases (57.7% vs. 51.3%, p = 0.05). After regression analysis LGA infants had a 20% higher odds of being hospitalized than those born AGA (aOR(95%CI) = 1.21 (1.06–1.39)) while aOR(95%CI) for SGA was 1.11 (0.96–1.28).
Conclusions
In contrast to SGA, LGA was associated with hospital readmission during the first month of life. Follow-up protocols that include LGA should be evaluated.
An Eco-sustainable Innovative Geotechnical Technology for the Structures Seismic Isolation, Investigated by Fem Parametric Analyses
Authors: ABATE Glenda , Fiamingo Angela , Massimino Maria Rossella
Published: January 2023

Geotechnical Seismic Isolation (GSI) is an innovative technique for protecting structures in earthquake-prone areas. The main idea is to improve the foundation soil so that seismic energy is partially dissipated within GSI before being transmitted to the structure. Among other materials proposed for foundation soil improvement, gravel-rubber mixtures (GRMs), with rubber grains manufactured from end-of-life tires (ELTs), have attracted significant research interest thanks to their good mechanical properties. GRMs also represent a modern recycling system to reduce the stockpile of scrap tires worldwide.
The present study investigated numerically the effect of a GRM layer located underneath the shallow foundations of a real structure. The structure is a typical reinforced concrete building in southern Italy. A Finite Element Modelling (FEM) was carried out to evaluate the overall static and dynamic behaviour of the soil-GRMs-structure system. Three FEM models were performed with and without the GRM layer, varying the GRM layer thickness and the seismic inputs. The comparisons among the models allow us to assess the performance of the GRM underneath the foundations as a new eco-sustainable solution for the seismic isolation of structures.
Sociodemographic inequalities on women's behavioral and health outcomes: a population-based study
Authors: Meller Fernanda Oliveira , Miranda Vanessa Iribarrem Avena , Ceretta Luciane Bisognin , Quadra Micaela Rabelo , Tomasi Cristiane Damiani , Soratto Jacks , Maciel Elisabete Borges , Schäfer Antônio Augusto
Published: January 2023

Background: The inequality in access to women's basic rights can impact health conditions.
This study aimed to assess sociodemographic inequalities on women's behavioral and health outcomes.
Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study conducted in a city in the south of Brazil in 2019. Individuals aged ≥18 years, living in an urban area, were eligible. For this study, only women were included. The outcomes evaluated were worse health perception, overweight, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), diabetes mellitus (DM), insufficient physical activity, poorer diet quality, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Inequalities were analyzed considering age, schooling, and income, through the complex index of inequality, and equiplot graphs were presented.
Results: Among the 523 women studied, a worse perception of health was found among the older adults, with lower income and schooling. SAH, DM, and poorer diet quality were more frequent in older women with less schooling. Those with less schooling were also more overweight and reported insufficient physical activity. Smoking and alcohol consumption were more frequent among younger women. Alcohol consumption was more frequent among those with a higher income and more schooling.
Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen the education system, as well as to implement policies for valorization and qualification of work, with a view to the opportunity for improvement and gender equity.
A microbiome survey of Tokaj highlights viticultural terroirs in Mád and suggests soil microbial contribution to must polyphenol contents
Authors: Remenyik Judit , Csige László , Dávid Péter , Fauszt Péter , Szilágyi-Rácz Anna Anita , Szőllősi Erzsébet , Bacsó Zsófia Réka , Jnr Istvan Szepsy , Molnár Krisztina , Rácz Csaba , Fidler Gábor , Kállai Zoltán , Stündl László , Dobos Attila Csaba , Paholcsek Melinda
Published: January 2023

A Hungarian survey of Tokaj-Mád vineyards was conducted. Shot-gun metabarcoding was applied to decipher the microbial-terroir. The results of 60 soil samples showed that there were three dominant fungal phyla,Ascomycota66.36% ± 15.26,Basidiomycota18.78% ± 14.90,Mucoromycota11.89% ± 8.99, representing 97% operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Mutual interactions between microbiota diversity and soil physicochemical parameters were revealed. Principal component analysis showed descriptive clustering patterns of microbial taxonomy and resistance gene profiles in the case of the four historic vineyards (Szent Tamás, Király, Betsek, Nyúlászó). Soil seed bacteria changed markedly due to ripening. Network analyses were performed to unravel changes in fungal interactions when comparing postveraison and preharvest samples. In addition to the arbuscular mycorrhizaGlomeraceae, the familiesMycosphaerellacaeandRhyzopodaceaeand the classAgaricomyceteswere found to have important roles in maintaining soil microbial community resilience. By investigating the possible connections between the soil fungal community and the associated must samples, it was found that the species of theDiversisporagenus and the familyCordycipitaceaewere shown to be good soil indicator microorganisms of a high must polyphenol content. Functional metagenomics showed that the soil Na content stimulated several of the microbiota-related agrobiogeochemical cycles, such as nitrogen and sulphur metabolism; steroid, bisphenol, toluene, dioxin and atrazine degradation and the synthesis of folate.
Evaluation of pre-processing methods for tear fluid proteomics using the Olink platform
Authors: Vergouwen Daphne P.C. , Schotting Amber J. , Endermann Tanja , de Werken Harmen J.G. Van , Grashof Dwin G.B. , Arumugam Sinthuja , Nuijts Rudy M.M.A. , Berge Josianne C. ten , Rothova Aniki , Schreurs Marco W.J. , Gijs Marlies
Published: January 2023

Tear fluid forms a potential source for biomarker identification, and can be minimal invasively collected via Schirmer strips. The lack of knowledge on the processing of Schirmer strips however complicates the analysis and between-study comparisons. We studied two different pre-processing methods, specifically the use of punches of the strip versus elution of the strip in PBS buffer. Tear fluid filled Schirmer strips were collected from 5 healthy participants, and divided into two halves over the length of the strip. In either part, punches or eluates were obtained from 4 different locations, from the first part touching the eye (head) to the end, to assess the protein distribution along the strips. The levels of 92 inflammatory proteins were measured in the punches/eluates using Olink Target 96. The punch method yielded higher protein detectability compared to the elution method (76% vs 66%; p ≤ 0.001). However, 3 out of 5 punches from the head failed quality control. Protein levels over the remaining parts of the strips were similar. Based on our findings we encourage using the punch method of any part of the strip except the head with Olink Target 96 or other suitable techniques.
Evaluation of maternal serum lipid profiles and clinical chemistry parameters in the prediction of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women attending ANC and delivery services
Authors: Tesfa Endalamaw , Munshea Abaineh , Nibret Endalkachew , Mekonnen Daniel , Sinishaw Mulusew Alemneh , Gizaw Solomon Tebeje
Published: January 2023

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy related metabolic syndrome which adversely influence the mother and their newborn infants. Besides, lack of study in our population, some studies also reporting discrepancies in the association of lipid profiles and clinical chemistry parameters with the risk of PE. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum lipid profiles and clinical chemistry parameters with PE. Institution-based case-control study was performed at Bahir Dar city governmental hospitals. The study participants were selected through simple random sampling and the socio-demographic data were collected by interview-administered questionnaire. Five ml of venous blood were collected to evaluate lipid profile and clinical chemistry parameters. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, multivariable logistic regression and Mann-Whitney U test were utilized for analysis of variables. ROC and combined ROC curve analysis were executed to check the diagnostic accuracy at 95% CI. A total of 336 study participants (168 cases and 168 controls) were included. The median concentrations of serum triglyceride (229 (180-293.75) vs 194 (158.5–255)), total cholesterol (196 (167.25–224) vs 185.5 (158.5-212.75)), ALT (23(20–32) vs 21 (20–25)) and AST (35 (23.25-45) vs 24 (20–35)) values were significantly increased in cases as compared with normal controls. However, the median concentrations of serum total protein (6.7(6.1–7.4) vs 7.1 (6.7–7.6)) and serum calcium (7.6 (7.1–7.9) vs 7.9(7.5–8.3)) were significantly decreased in cases than controls. Positive correlations were observed between blood pressure and serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, ALT & AST values while negative correlations were shown between blood pressure and HDL-cholesterol, total protein and serum calcium values. The combined ROC curve analysis of serum lipid profiles and clinical chemistry parameters showed a moderate prediction potential of PE. Hence, serum lipid profiles and clinical chemistry parameters were utilized as the diagnostic biomarkers of PE. However, to generate tangible evidence on the roles of lipid profiles and clinical chemistry parameters in PE pathogenesis and to include them as routine diagnostic biomarker multi-center prospective studies will be warranted.
Machine Learning based on Computational Fluid Dynamics enables geometric design optimisation of the NeoVAD blades
Authors: Nissim Lee , Karnik Shweta , Smith Peter Alex , Wang Yaxin , Frazier Oscar Howard , Fraser Katharine
Published: January 2023

The NeoVAD is a proposed paediatric axial-flow Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), small enough to be implanted in infants. The design of the impeller and diffuser blades is important for hydrodynamic performance and haemocompatibility of the pump. This study aimed to optimise the blades for pump efficiency using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), machine learning and global optimisation.
Meshing of each design typically included ~6 million hexahedral elements and a Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model was used to close the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. CFD models of 32 base geometries, operating at 8 flow rates between 0.5 and 4 l/min, were created to match experimental studies. These were validated by comparison of the pressure-flow and efficiency-flow curves with those experimentally measured for all base prototype pumps.
A surrogate model was required to allow the optimisation routine to conduct an efficient search; a multi-linear regression, Gaussian Process Regression and a Bayesian Regularised Artificial Neural Network (BRANN) predicted the optimisation objective at design points not explicitly simulated. A Genetic Algorithm was used to search for an optimal design.
The optimised design offered a 5.51% increase in efficiency at design point (a 20.9% performance increase) as compared to the best performing pump from the 32 base designs.An optimisation method for the blade design of LVADs has been shown to work for a single objective function and future work will consider multi-objective optimisation.
Biphasic oxygen tension promotes the formation of transferable blastocysts in patients without euploid embryos in previous monophasic oxygen cycles
Authors: Chen Hsiu-Hui , Lee Chun-I , Huang Chun-Chia , Cheng En-Hui , Lee Tsung-Hsien , Lin Pin Yao , Chen Chien-Hong , Lee Maw-Sheng
Published: January 2023

This study evaluated whether the concentration of biphasic O2 (5–2%) promotes the formation of qualified blastocysts (QBs) and euploid blastocysts and increases the probability of cycles with transferable blastocysts. Total 90 patients (180 cycles) without euploid blastocysts in previous monophasic O2 (5%) cycles were enrolled for an additional cycle of biphasic O2 (5–2%). In the biphasic O2 (5–2%) tension group, the rate of QB (35.8%, 225/628) were significantly higher than those in the monophasic O2 (5%) group ( 23.5%, 137/582; p < 0.001). In addition, the number of euploid blastocysts (0.5 ± 0.8) and the percentage of cycles with transferable blastocysts were significantly higher in the biphasic O2 (5–2%) group (57.8%, 52/90) than in the monophasic O2 (5%) group (0 and 35.6%, 32/90, respectively; p = 0.003). Multivariable regression analysis also indicated that the QB rate and the probability of cycles with transferable blastocysts correlated with O2 tension (OR: 1.535, 95% CI: 1.325–1.777, and OR: 3.191, 95% CI: 1.638–5.679, respectively; p < 0.001). Biphasic O2 culture can be used as an alternative strategy to increase the number of euploid QBs and the probability of cycles with transferable blastocysts in patients with a poor prognosis.
Long-term outcomes after enterostomy for very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease with interleukin-10 signaling deficiency
Authors: Tang Zifei , Sun Song , Ji Min , Shi Peng , Wang Yuhuan , Huang Zhiheng , Huang Ying
Published: January 2023

Background: Very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) with interleukin-10 (IL10R) signaling deficiency usually requires enterostomy in patients who are refractory to traditional treatment. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes after enterostomy for VEOIBD patients with IL10R signaling deficiency.
Methods: The medical records of all patients undergoing enterostomy for signaling deficiency were retrospectively assessed during 2012.1–2022.7 in a tertiary teaching hospital, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Data on disease history, diagnosis and detailsof enterostomy and stoma closure and follow-up were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors associated with the long-term outcome of delayed stoma closure.
Results: A total of 46 patients underwent an enterostomy, and these patients included 19 patients who required emergency enterostomy and 27 patients who required a selective enterostomy. After ten years of follow-up, 35 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT), and 25 patients were alive after HSCT. The median timeframe between HSCT and stoma closure was 19.6 [15.9,26.2] months. Nineteen patients underwent stoma closure and had an average age of3.9±1.5 years, and 6 patients were waiting for stoma closure. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age atHSCT was an independent predictor of a shorter time to stoma (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.99-1.19; p = 0.06). We also found a tendency difference in multiple intestinal lesions for the time of stoma closure (OR 3.22; 95% CI 0.37-27.77; p = 0.29).
Conclusions: This study determined the long-term outcomes after enterostomy for VEOIBD with interleukin-10 signaling deficiency. Early HSCT may facilitate shorter stoma closure times.
Retrospective observatory comparison of lumbar interbody fusion with pedicle screw fixation and cortical screw fixation for clinical outcome, including sagittal balance, in geriatric patients over 80 years old: a single-center, one-decade experience
Authors: Jang Giwuk , Lee Sanghoon , Park Jeongyoon , Ryu Seungjun , Zhang Hoyeol
Published: January 2023

Background

We aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical and surgical outcomes following posterior lumbar interbody fusion plus pedicle screw fixation compared to midline lumbar fusion in patients aged ≥ 80 years with degenerative lumbar spine disease.

Methods

The study group comprised 68 patients aged ≥ 80 who underwent degenerative lumbar spinal surgery at our spine center between January 2011 and December 2020. Among them, 24 underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion plus pedicle screw fixation, and the remaining 44 underwent midline lumbar fusion.

Results

No significant intergroup differences were found in age, sex ratio, follow-up duration, or surgical level. The Visual Analog Scale for lower back pain was significantly different between the two groups at 7 days after surgery (P = 0.049). The Oswestry Disability Index was significantly different between the two groups at 7 days after surgery (P = 0.05). The estimated blood loss and operative time differed significantly (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the postoperative morbidities between the groups (P = 0.049).

Conclusions

Although the clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups, the perioperative morbidity was better in the midline lumbar fusion group. Therefore, we conclude that midline lumbar fusion is not inferior to posterior lumbar interbody fusion plus pedicle screw fixation if there is a need for fusion in elderly patients over octogenarian.

Trial registration

The Institutional Review Board of National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital approved this study (2022-01-027), and the requirement of informed consent was waived due to the study's retrospective nature.
Design and Introducing Quaternary Ammonium Hydroxide-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots as an Efficient Pseudo-Homogeneous Catalyst for Epoxidation of α,β-Unsaturated Ketones
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Salim , Targhan Homa , Bahrami Kiumars
Published: January 2023

In present work, design and synthesis of a novel pseudo-homogeneous catalyst is described. For this purpose, amine-functionalized graphene oxide quantum dots (N-GOQDs) were prepared from graphene oxide (GO) by a facile one-step oxidative fragmentation approach. The prepared N-GOQDs were then decorated with quaternary ammonium hydroxide groups. Various characterization techniques clearly revealed that the quaternary ammonium hydroxide‐functionalized GOQDs (N-GOQDs/OH) have been successfully synthesized. TEM image revealed that the GOQDs particles are almost regularly spherical in shape and mono-dispersed with particle sizes <10 nm. The utility of the catalyst demonstrated toward epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones in the presence of aqueous H2O2 as an oxidant at room temperature. The corresponding epoxide products were obtained in good to high yields. These procedure has the advantages of a green oxidant, high yields, involvement of non-toxic reagents and reusability of the catalyst without discernible loss in activity.
Evaluation of Learning in Remote Teaching using Digital Radiographic Image Database by Dental Students
Authors: Ferreira Joanna Rodrigues da Silva , Medeiros Mércia Lamenha , Dermeval Diego
Published: January 2023

The digital periapical radiographic image database was developed, implemented, and evaluated in association with PBL as an online teaching-learning strategy in the subject of Dental Radiology and Imaging. This qualitative-quantitative case study used an e-learning tool in six stages: pre-test and post-test; dialogical presentation; asynchronous study session; feedback and evaluation of reaction and motivation (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction - ARCS). The analysis by triangulation of methods revealed that with significance, cognitive performance improved by 41.6\% between pre and post-tests. As for the motivational scale, 100\% of the students agreed that the activity was interesting, and the narratives expressed enthusiasm. There were divergences in the answers in the attention and confidence domains, signaling aspects that could be improved in the teaching-learning strategy. The application of e-learning facilitated the understanding of radiographic interpretation, making using these tools a promising approach.
Validation of novel catechol derivatives as potent Escherichia coli MetAP inhibitors using Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Chowdhury Abhishek , Laskar Monjur Ahmed , Panda Debashis , Choudhury Manabendra Dutta
Published: January 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common form of nosocomial infection primarily caused by Escherichia coli. Complicated UTIs carries higher risk of treatment failure, recurrent infections and increased morbidity. Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) has got tremendous importance as bacterial drug target due to its role in cell growth and membrane integrity. However, participation of metal chelating residues and occurrence of the enzyme in human body complicates the process of selection of suitable inhibitor. This necessitates search of novel inhibitors with more interaction with active site residues as the MetAP has highly conserved active site residues. In this study, novel catechol derivatives were generated virtually and performed computational studies to find the best group of molecules with more stable binding.
The mediating effect of distress tolerance on the relationship between stressful life events and suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhong Jing , Huang Xiao-Jie , Wang Xue-Mei , Xu Ming-Zhi
Published: January 2023

Background

Despite widespread acknowledgment of the impact of stressful life events on suicide risk, the understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between stressful life events and suicide risk in major depressive disorder (MDD) remain unclear. This study aim to examine whether the distress tolerance mediates the relationship between the stressful life events and suicide risk in patients with MDD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 125 Chinese patients with MDD, mean age was 27.05 (SD = 0.68) and 68.8% was females. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating scale (HAMD-17), the validated Chinese version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) suicide module, Life Events Scale (LES) and Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) were utilized to evaluate patient’s depressive symptoms, stressful life events, levels of distress tolerance, and suicide risk, respectively. Mediation analyses was used to test the mediation effect of distress tolerance on the relationship between stressful life events and suicide risk.

Results

75.2% patients with MDD had suicide risk. Pearson correlation analysis showed that stressful life events was positively correlated with suicide risk(r = 0.182, p<0.05). Stressful life events(r=-0.323, p<0.01) and suicide risk(r=-0.354, p<0.01) were negatively correlated with distress tolerance. Mediation analyses showed that the direct path from stressful life events to suicide risk was not significant (B = 0.012, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.017, 0.042]). Stressful life events can affect suicide risk indirectly through distress tolerance (B = 0.018, 95% CI [0.007, 0.031]), and the mediating effect accounts for 60.0% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Distress tolerance completely plays a mediating role between stressful life events and suicide risk. Further suicide prevention and intervention strategies should focus on increasing levels of distress tolerance in patients with MDD.
Self-reported quantity and quality of sleep in children and adolescents with a chronic condition compared to healthy controls
Authors: Biemans Drs. Camille F.M. , Nijhof Sanne L. , Gorter Prof. Dr. Jan Willem , Stevens Gonneke J.W.M. , de Putte Prof. Dr. Elise van , Hoefnagels Johanna W. , Berg Anemone van den , Ent Prof. Dr. Cornelis K. van der , Dudink Jeroen , Verschuren Olaf W.
Published: January 2023

Purpose
To assess self-reported quantity and quality of sleep in Dutch children with a chronic condition compared to healthy controls, compared to the recommended hours of sleep for youth.
Methods
Sleep quantity and quality were analyzed in children with a chronic condition (cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, congenital heart disease, (auto-)immune disease, and medically unexplained symptoms (MUS); N = 291; 15 ± 3.1 years, 63.1% female. A subset of 171 children with a chronic condition were matched to healthy controls using Propensity Score matching, based on age and sex, ratio 1:4. Self-reported sleep quantity and quality were assessed with established questionnaires. Children with MUS were analyzed separately to distinguish between chronic conditions with and without an identified pathophysiological cause.
Results
Generally, children with a chronic condition met the recommended amount of sleep, however 22.3% reported poor sleep quality. No significant differences in sleep quantity and quality were found between the diagnosis groups. Children with a chronic condition and with MUS slept significantly more than healthy controls at ages 13, 15, and 16. Both at primary and secondary school, poor sleep quality was least frequent reported in children with a chronic condition and most often reported in children with MUS.
Conclusions
Overall, children with chronic conditions, including MUS, met the recommended hours of sleep for youth, and slept more than healthy controls. However, it is important to obtain a better understanding of why a substantial subset of children with chronic conditions, mostly children with MUS, still perceived their sleep quality as poor.
Working Women and Eldercare: A Qualitative Perspective
Authors: Govil Dipti , Sahoo Harihar , Chowdhury Biswabandita , James K.S.
Published: January 2023

Background
This paper aims to explore the elder caregiving process, the challenges faced by working women care providers, and the coping strategies adopted by them.
Methods
In-depth interviews with 48 participants from 25 multi-generational households were conducted in the slums of Mumbai and analysed using QSR-NVivo-10.
Results
A majority of the elderly had difficulty in mobility, were financially dependent on children, and had no social security. Working women caregivers supported the needs of the dependent elderly along with performing household chores and doing paid work. Though caregiving overstrained the care providers, strong family ties, acknowledgement of the contributions of the elderly during their young days, and the desire to set a precedent for the young generation did not let them step back from their duties. Sometimes, physically exhausted care providers unknowingly resorted to elderly abuse and neglect. At the same time, a bidirectional flow of support also existed. The expenditure on regular medication put families into financial distress, forcing women care providers to work to meet the needs of the family.
Conclusion
Conversations among generations helped a lot in enhancing family ties and reducing conflicts.
Prediction Model of Lung Adenocarcinoma Sorafenib Response Based on Random Forest
Authors: ding zhexin , Fei Dongying , Guo Lei
Published: January 2023

Background
Only some of the patients who were treated with sorafenib derive benefit, and they usually developed drug resistance around 6 months. This study aims to establish a response model of sorafenib to predict the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells.
Methods
In this study, gene expression data and sorafenib drug response data about 62 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines were analyzed from GDSC database. Random Forest algorithm was used to construct the model. GO, KEGG, and Reactome enrichment analysis was performed for the important genes in the model to explore the biological pathways involved by these genes, and constructed the gene set of sorafenib drug response related genes. Umap was used for nonlinear dimensional reduction of transcriptome data. Survival analysis was used to evaluate variable prediction ability. The predictive capabilities of a variable was summarized by the area under the curve (AUC).
Results
We obtained a Random Forest regression model and a gene set related to sorafenib response. The drug response genes were differentially expressed in sensitive cells and tolerant cells, and these genes were generally concentrated in mTOR, mitochondrial translation, redox metabolism and other important pathways. Ferroptosis and mitochondrial related reactions may play an important role in sorafenib response. In addition, in the TCGA database, we also found that the enrichment score of this gene set was significantly related to the prognosis of patients: A higher enrichment score of the gene set would lead to a worse prognosis and a lower score would show a better prognosis. Finally, area under the curve showed that this gene set can also be used to predict the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we established a Random Forest model to predict cell resistance to sorafenib, and found a gene set related to sorafenib resistance. The gene set can predict the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
A Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Soils Associated with Podoconiosis
Authors: Cooper Jamey N. , Nick Kevin E.
Published: January 2023

Podoconiosis is a disease that causes swelling and disfiguration of the lower legs that can be found in several developing countries where shoes are not regularly worn. The current model for the etiology of the disease proposes that mineralogical agents enter the lymph system through the skin leading to inflammation that causes swelling of the feet and legs. We collected 125 soil samples from 21 towns known to be associated with podoconiosis, 8 towns cited as unassociated with Podoconiosis as controls, and 3 towns of unknown status. Data collected for each soil sample included color, particle size, mineralogy, and geochemistry to distinguish unique components within the podoconiosis-associated soils. Our results indicate that podoconiosis-associated soils are more highly weathered than non-podoconiosis associated soils. The enrichment of kaolinite and gibbsite suggests that these minerals, their surface chemistry, and trace elements associated with them should be prioritized in future podoconiosis research. In addition, we found that color may be a valuable tool to identify soils that are of greater risk for inducing podoconiosis.
Sophorolipid inhibits histamine-induced itch by decreasing PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activation and modulating TRPV1 activity
Authors: Xu Rui-Qi , Ma Ling , Chen Timson , Zhang Wei-Xiong , Chang Kuan , Wang Jing
Published: January 2023

Biosurfactants are attracting much interest due to their potential application as therapeutic agents in the medical field. Previous studies have demonstrated that biosurfactant such as sophorolipid (SL) exhibits immunomodulatory effects. In this paper, we found the potential of sophorolipid for inhibiting histamine-induced itch and preliminarily explored its molecular basis. First, behavioral tests indicated that SL could remit the histamine-induced scratching behaviors of mice. Second, SL could suppress the the calcium influx induced by histamine, HTMT and VUF8430 in HaCaT cells. RT-PCR analysis showed that the histamine-induced upregulation of mRNA levels of phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1), 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and protein kinase Cα (PKCα) could be inhibted by SL, suggesting that SL may impede the PLC-IP3R signaling pathway activated by histamine. In further tests, the capsaicin-induced calcium influx could also be inhibited by SL, and molecular docking analysis indicated the possible binding of SL with transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). In summary, these results revealed that SL may inhibit histamine-induced itch by decreasing PLC/IP3R signaling pathway activation and modulating TRPV1 activity. This paper indicates that SL may be a useful treatment medicine for histamine-dependent itch.
On Design, Cost and Reliability Analysis of a Fault-Tolerant Multistage Interconnection Network Layout with Six Disjoint Paths
Authors: Sharma Vipin , Ansari Abdul Q. , Mishra Rajesh , Khanna Gaurav
Published: January 2023

Multistage interconnection networks (MINs) provide an efficient solution for communication between one or more processors and memory modules. These networks are suitable for computationally extensive applications. Although there exist a wide variety of fault-tolerant MIN designs, however there is always a scope of improvement in the design of MINs, which comes with challenges and trade-offs. More specifically there is always a need for fault-tolerant, reliable, and cost-effective designs of MINs, which can tolerate multiple switches and link failures. This always motivates a researcher to focus on various design options and architectural models to enhance performance of the MINs.Designing fault-tolerant MINs requires more disjoint paths from each source–destination (S-D) node pair capability to use all available paths effectively. This paper proposes a new MIN layout viz; 6DP-MIN, which provides six disjoint paths and 14/12 redundant paths for different S-D node pairs. This proposed 6DP-MIN is a modification of gamma interconnection network ( GIN). Performance of the proposed design layout (6-Disjoint Path MIN) has been evaluated in terms of fault-tolerance capability, all available paths, reliability (two-terminal, broadcast, and network), and cost per unit. The results have been compared with other variants of GINs such as SEGIN, SEGLNIN, 3-Disjoint gamma interconnection network, 3- disjoint path multistage interconnection networks, and 4-DGINs. The results suggests that the proposed 6DP-MIN is highly fault-tolerant and reliable with regards to other MINs used for comparison.
A Regularized Limited Memory Subspace Minimization Conjugate Gradient Method for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Sun Wumei , Liu Hongwei , Liu Zexian
Published: January 2023

In this paper, based on the limited memory techniques and subspace minimization conjugate gradient (SMCG) methods, a regularized limited memory subspace minimization conjugate gradient method is proposed, which contains two types of iterations. In SMCG iteration, we obtain the search direction by minimizing the approximate quadratic model or approximate regularization model. In RQN iteration, combined with regularization technique and BFGS method, a modified regularized quasi-Newton method is used in the subspace to improve the orthogonality. Moreover, some simple acceleration criteria and an improved tactic for selecting the initial stepsize to enhance the efficiency of the algorithm are designed. Additionally, an generalized nonmonotone line search is utilized and the global convergence of our proposed algorithm is established under mild conditions. Finally, numerical results show that, the proposed algorithm has a significant improvement over ASMCG_PR and is superior to the particularly well-known limited memory conjugate gradient software packages CG_DESCENT (6.8) and CGOPT(2.0) for the CUTEr library.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 49M37 . 65K05 . 90C30
Insight into pressure effect on the structural, electronic, optical, mechanical, phonon frequencies, and acoustic speed of nanostructure Ga x In 1-x P y Sb z As 1-y-z alloy lattice matched to GaSb substrate
Authors: Elkenany Elkenany B. , Alfrnwani O. A
Published: January 2023

The electronic, optical, and elastic characteristics of the GaxIn1-xPySbzAs1-y-z alloy lattice matched to the GaSb substrate using a pseudo-potential formalism (EPM) based on the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) are performed. The mechanical features, acoustic velocity, and phonon frequencies of the GaxIn1-xPySbzAs1-y-z/GaSb system are calculated. The sensitivity of these properties to pressure is considered. Our findings are reasonably consistent with the experimental evidence that is currently available. The studied properties of this alloy under the influence of pressure are a new achievement. Novel device applications would be made possible by the pentanary GaxIn1-xPySbzAs1-y-z alloy under high pressure.
Caries Arrest Using Silver Diamine Fluoride: Knowledge, Attitude, And Perception of Parents in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhabdan Alhanouf , Almogbel Shaikha , Alawaji Rahaf , Aldosari Ghaida
Published: January 2023

Objectives
The objective was to evaluate the current knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of parents toward the use of SDF in children’s primary teeth and identify related factors.
Materials and methods
In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from participants in Saudi Arabia. A simple random sampling method was used. An electronic questionnaire was designed to collect data regarding participants’ demographics and their knowledge,attitude, and perception toward the use of SDF.
Results
A higher proportion of parents/relatives (87.3%) was strongly satisfied with the speed of treatment and its benefits. In terms of disadvantages, 23.8% and 30.4% of the parents/relatives were satisfied and dissatisfied, respectively. Regarding attitudes, the majority of participants (22.8%) responded as neutral to using SDF to treat their children’s anterior primary teeth, whereas 32.2% agreed to the use of SDF in their children’s posterior primary teeth. A higher proportion of parents/relatives who were in the age group of > 50 years (27.8%) had responded as “satisfied” compared with the responses of other age groups.
Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that SDF is acceptable among Saudi parents/relatives for the purpose of arresting dental caries. However, pigmentation of anterior teeth is a major concern.