bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Diversity of Indo-Pacific Warm Pool Volume Expansion: The Role of Climatological Subsurface Temperature Patterns
Authors: Leung Jeremy , Gan Qiuying , Dong Wenjie , Wang Lei , Li Weijing , Qian Weihong , Zhang Banglin
Published: January 2024

The Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) expansion under global warming has huge impacts on global climate. While recent studies have revealed the seasonal diversity of IPWP surface expansion and its climate impacts, understanding the changes in seasonality of the IPWP volume is of greater importance, especially given the crucial role of subsurface ocean in climate systems. Here, we find a significant difference in IPWP volume expansion rates across seasons from 1950–2020. The expansions of IPWP volume during boreal autumn and winter are faster compared to boreal spring and summer. This consequently weakens the seasonality of IPWP volume, particularly in the upper-layer, with a significant decreasing trend of -0.54×107 km3/decade. Further analyses suggest that this seasonal diversity in IPWP volume expansion is primarily caused by the seasonality of capacity for IPWP volume change, which is determined by the seasonal climatological Indo-Pacific subsurface temperature pattern. Furthermore, these variations may exert diverse impacts on atmospheric circulation and East Africa precipitation in rainy seasons. Specifically, the larger autumn IPWP expansion trend enhances ascending motion and precipitation over East Africa during short rains (October-November-December), while the relatively slower spring IPWP expansion leads to a decrease in rainfall during long rains (March-April-May). This study highlights the primary role of climatic subsurface Indo-Pacific Ocean temperature properties on the change of IPWP volume seasonality, which may have crucial effects on the precipitation in East Africa rainy seasons, and may hold important clues about how greenhouse warming affect oceanic seasonal cycle.
RNA triphosphatase-mediated mRNA capping is essential for maintaining transcript homeostasis and the survival of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Deshmukh Abhijit , Aswale Kalyani
Published: January 2024

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is thought to rely on RNA processing to accomplish the differential gene expression needed during life cycle stage transitions. Here, we show how RNA capping, the first major pre-mRNA processing event, safeguards transcript homeostasis in Toxoplasma. A functional RNA capping system of Toxoplasma consists of separate RNA triphosphatase, guanylyltransferase, and guanine-N7-methyltransferase enzymes, which together add 5’ 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap to RNA. The in vitro generated capped RNAs bind to the Toxoplasma translation initiator factor, eIF4E, and are translated to protein in the transfected parasites. Biochemical and genetic characterization demonstrates that among three capping enzymes, triphosphatase (TgRT) is unique and a member of the tunnel family of metal-dependent phosphohydrolases, structurally and mechanistically unrelated to the human cysteine-phosphatase-type RNA triphosphatase. We show that TgRT is essential for pre-mRNA capping and parasite growth through inducible conditional knockdown. TgRT perturbation leads to global diminished m7G-capped transcripts, as demonstrated by cap-seq, which resulted in the complete arrest of parasite replication in the culture and the mouse host, protecting them from lethal infection. Overall, this study shows the essential role of TgRT-mediated mRNA capping for parasite survival, thereby presenting RNA triphosphatase as an attractive target for Toxoplasma infection.
Quad-band polarization-independent flexible ultra-thin coding defect support absorber for frequency ranges from C to Ku band
Authors: Van Dien Pham , Van Hai Pham , Phuong An Pham , Thi Thuy Nguyen , Xuan Khuyen Bui , Dinh Lam Vu , Tran Manh Cuong
Published: January 2024

Simple and ultra-thin structure with high efficiency in absorbing electromagnetic waves in adjacent frequency bands are of great interest nowadays. Metamaterial or metasurface is one of the leading candidates for such studies. In this paper, by employ the open square frame structure combined with the central polygonal disk of the base cell, we built an absorber material with high symmetry and possessing four separate absorption peaks at adjacent frequencies in the C, X, Ku-band (4 GHz to 16 GHz). Notably, the four peaks have high absorption and are quite equally distant. The polarization-dependent analysis also shows that the structure possesses wave polarization independence and still ensures high absorption at incident angles as wide as 60 degrees. In addition, due to the ultra-thin nature of the structure, it also shows a flexible wave absorption response at different bending angles with special requirements. Moreover, a coding defect surface is applied to study the real-life application possibility of the full-size structures and shows that the absorption is stable with a concrete number of defects. This structure has high applicability in electromagnetic stealth technology, communication technology as well as related directional electromagnetic wave control requirements.
Analysis of Prognostic Factors on the Regular Glucocorticoid Combined with Cyclophosphamide Pulse in Children Suffered from Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis with Nephrotic Proteinuria
Authors: Liu Chang , Yan Hu , Kai Feng
Published: January 2024

Background:Henoch Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) with a large amount of proteinuria is a risk factor for poor long-term prognosis. Patients with proteinuria at nephrotic level should be actively treated with glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide. However, there was a lack of research on the influence factors of curative effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate factors affecting curative effect in children with HSPN in proteinuria at nephrotic level treated with glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide.Methods:Demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and laboratory data of children with HSPN with or without proteinuria after glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide pulse were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors of curative effect in HSPN with nephrotic proteinuria.Results:A total of 107 children with HSPN in nephrotic proteinuria received their first Cyclophosphamide Pulse as part of this study, which included 63 (58.9%) males and 44 females (41.1%), with a median age of 8 years (range: 3-16 years). According to 24 hours proteinuria after 6th cyclophosphamide pulse, subjects were divided into two groups: those with negative of 24-h urine protein quantification (n=72 cases) and those with positive of 24-h urine protein quantification (n=35 cases). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, 24-h urinary protein exceeded normal level during therapy (OR=8.766; 95% CI; 2.521–30.484;P=0.001), repeated skin purpura during therapy (OR=10.821; 95% CI; 1.678–69.780;P=0.012), macroscopic hematuria during therapy (OR=33.900; 95% CI; 2.201–522.131;P=0.012), history of upper respiratory tract infection during therapy (OR=2.122; 95% CI; 1.152–3.908;P=0.013) and fibrinogen (OR=25.053; 95% CI, 1.354–463.708;P=0.016) were found to be independent risk factors for clinical efficacy of glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide. The area under the ROC (AUC) of the model prediction probability was 0.892, with the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (P= 0.433,P> 0.05).Conclusion:These results suggest that during the therapy, 24-h urinary protein exceeded normal level, repeated skin purpura, macroscopic hematuria, history of upper respiratory tract infection and higher fibrinogen should be strictly monitored for children with HSPN. Adequate clinical intervention for these risk factors may improve prognosis.
Identification of key biomarkers in Diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Feng Wen , Gao Xinxiao
Published: January 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the main causes of visual impairment in individuals aged 50 and above globally. Interestingly, there is a complex relationship between DR and AMD, although the specific mechanisms connecting them are not yet fully understood. This study aims to identify common gene signatures and uncover potential molecular mechanisms involved in the development of both DR and AMD. The gene expression profiles of GSE160306 and GSE29801 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to analyze the differences in gene expression between AMD, DR, and healthy samples. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the clusterProfiler package in R. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Additionally, meaningful hub genes were identified through machine-learning algorithms. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted to assess the diagnostic value of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for DR and AMD. Overall, a total of 5 DEGs (C5, KRAS, FSTL1, KCNV2, and PILRB) were identified, and further analysis revealed key pathways, gene modules, and co-expression networks associated with DR and AMD.
Correlative, ML based and non destructive 3D analysis of intergranular fatigue cracking in SAC305 Bi solder balls
Authors: Brunner Roland , Cui Charlotte , Chamasemani Fereshteh Falah , Paulachan Priya , Sinoijya Rahulkumar , Rosc Jördis , Hartner Walter , Reisinger Michael , Imrich Peter
Published: January 2024

Reliable connections of electrical components embody a crucial topic in the microelectronics and power semiconductor industry. This study utilises 3D nondestructive Xray tomography and specifically developed machine learning (ML) algorithms to statistically investigate crack initiation and propagation in SAC305Bi solder balls upon thermal cycling on board (TCoB). We quantitatively segment fatigue cracks and flux pores from 3D Xray tomography data utilising a multilevel MLworkflow incorporating a 3D U-Net model. The data reveals that intergranular fatigue cracking is the predominant failure mechanism during TCoB and that dynamic recrystallisation precedes crack initiation. Moreover, we find that fatigue cracks are initiated at surface notches, flux pores and printed circuit boardmetallisation intrusions. The work provides important insights regarding the underlying microstructural and mechanical mechanisms for recrystallisation and cracking, uniting the aspects of bigdata analysis with MLalgorithms and indepth understanding about the underlying materials science.
An Interprofessional Interactive Case-Based Discussion Session for Healthcare Professions Students
Authors: Prasad Samiksha , O’Malley Chasity , Tailor Marylee , Rajput Vijay , Fine Lauren
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares future health professional learners for IP collaboration and teamwork and can navigate the existing organizational culture, enhance patient safety, reduce errors, and improve the quality of care for patients through collaborative care and practice.
METHODS AND FINDINGS: This study of IPE sessions with students from 10 healthcare programs was conducted during a virtual IPE day across three consecutive years (2021-23). The session involved active learning through a small-group problem solving session with a five-point Likert scale pre- and post-survey instruments. The change in student perceptions of interprofessional education and comfort with working with other healthcare professionals was assessed with 62.96% of health professions learners attending the sessions between 2021-2023. Learners (87.5%) agreed that the session strengthened their stance on practicing an approach to discuss treatment plans with other healthcare providers. Qualitative analysis reported emphasis on communication (28%) and collaboration (18%) as key threads.
CONCLUSION: Learners recognized the importance of communication in IPE settings for teamwork and collaboration for continuity of care and patient safety. The virtual methods of the session enabled participants from different geographical campuses to engage in the IPE.
Ethnobotany of traditional cosmetics among the Oromo Women in Madda Walabu District, Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Sultan Siraj , Telila Habte , Kumsa Lemessa
Published: January 2024

The use of plants as natural cosmetics has been perceived as a source of welfare. However, the plants and the associated indigenous knowledge are continuously depleting globally. The study thus aimed to investigate the ethnobotany of traditional cosmetics among Oromo women in the Madda Walabu District of Bale Zone, Southeastern Oromia, Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical information such as plant species used for traditional cosmetics, method of preparation, and administration were collected among 150 Oromo women using semi-structured questionnaires. Thereafter, quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including the Informant consensus factor (ICF), and the level of fidelity (Fl) were computed to determine the most important species used by the women. A total of 48 plant species belonging to 31 families used as sources of traditional cosmetics were recorded among Oromo women in the district. The most frequent family was Fabaceae followed by Bigonaceae, Burseraceae, and Combretaceae. Most of the plants used as traditional cosmetics were trees, followed by shrubs and herbs in life forms Leaves are the most commonly used plant part in traditional cosmetics followed by barks; and maceration and decoction are the most common preparation methods applied to prepare plant-based traditional cosmetics. Traditional cosmetics are applied to various parts of the body and are mainly administered topically while oral infusions were not common. All categories had high ICF values, ranging from 0.80 to 0.98. The highest ICF value was found for skin treatment, followed by the hair, and Face mask. Overall, Commiphora habessinica,Gnidia stenophylla, Kalanchoe lanceolata, Mimusops kummel, Sesamothamnus rivae, Terminalia brownii, T. laxiflora, Acacia drepanolobium, A. mellifera and Aloe citrina were the most frequently cited plants by Oromo women for traditional cosmetic purposes in the study area. However, there will be a need to conduct laboratory-based experiments to establish the efficacy and safety of these documented plants using relevant biological assays.
Four weeks of off-treatment follow-up is sufficient to determine virologic responses at off-treatment week 12 in patients with hepatitis C virus infection receiving pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals
Authors: Liu Chen-Hua , Chang Yu-Ping , Lee Ji-Yuh , Chen Chi-Yi , Kao Wei-Yu , Lin Chih-Lin , Yang Sheng-Shun , Shih Yu-Lueng , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Lee Fu-Jen , Tsai Ming-Chang , Huang Shang-Chin , Su Tung-Hung , Tseng Tai-Chung , Liu Chun-Jen , Chen Pei-Jer , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: January 2024

Background: Early confirmation of sustained virologic response (SVR) or viral relapse after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential based on public health perspectives, particularly for patients with high risk of nonadherence to posttreatment follow-ups.
Methods: A total of 1011 patients who achieved end-of-treatment virologic response, including 526 receiving pangenotypic DAAs, and 485 receiving genotype-specific DAAs, who had available off-treatment weeks 4 and 12 serum HCV RNA data to confirm SVR at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) or viral relapse were included in the analysis. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of SVR4 to predict patients with SVR12 or viral relapse were reported. Furthermore, we analyzed the concordance rate between SVR12 and SVR24 in 943 patients with available SVR24 data.
Results: The PPV and NPV of SVR4 to predict SVR12 were 98.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98.0%-98.9%) and 100% (95% CI: 66.4%-100%) in the entire population. The PPV of SVR4 to predict SVR12 in patients receiving pangenotypic DAAs was higher than those receiving genotype-specific DAAs (99.8% [95% CI: 98.9%-100%] versus 97.1% [95% CI: 96.2%-97.8%], p < 0.001). The NPVs of SVR4 to predict viral relapse were 100%, regardless of type of DAAs. Moreover, the concordance rate between SVR12 and SVR24 was 100%.
Conclusion: In patients with HCV who are treated with pangenotypic DAAs, an off-treatment week 4 serum HCV RNA testing is sufficient to provide an excellent prediction power of SVR or viral relapse at off-treatment week 12.
The new phthalic acid-based DES as a versatile catalyst for the synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidines and pyrano[3,2-c]chromenes
Authors: Monem Arezo , Habibi Davood , Alizadeh Abdolhamid , Goudarzi Hadis
Published: January 2024

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have found many applications in recent years and with countless advantages over regular solvents, not only complying with green chemistry principles but also acting as catalysts depending on their properties. In this regard, a new DES (MTPPBr-PHTH-DES) was prepared from a mixture (molar ratio 1:1) of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (MTPPBr) and phthalic acid (PHTH), characterized with various techniques such as FT-IR, TGA/DTA, densitometer, eutectic point, and 1H NMR and used as an acid catalyst in the synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidines and pyrano[3,2-c]chromes in solvent-free conditions. Short reaction time, high efficiency, and easy recycling and separation of the DES catalyst are among the most important features of the presented method.
Dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes inhibit neuroinflammation and microglial pyroptosis in subarachnoid hemorrhage via the miRNA-197-3p/Foxo3 axis
Authors: Liang Xin , Miao Yan , Tong Xin , Chen Jigang , Liu Hongyi , He Zilong , Liu Aihua , Hu Zhiqiang
Published: January 2024

Background
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe stroke subtype that lacks effective treatment. Exosomes derived from human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a promising acellular therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. However, the therapeutic effects of DPSC-derived exosomes (DPSC-Exos) on SAH remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of DPSC-Exos in SAH.
Materials and Methods
SAH was established using 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats. One hour after SAH induction, DPSC-Exos were administered via tail vein injection. To investigate the effect of DPSC-Exos, SAH grading, short-term and long-term neurobehavioral assessments, brain water content, western blot (WB), immunofluorescence staining, Nissl staining, and HE staining were performed. The role of miR-197-3p/FOXO3 in regulating pyroptosis was demonstrated through miRNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and rescue experiments. The SAH model in vitro was established by stimulating BV2 cells with hemoglobin (Hb) and the underlying mechanism of DPSC-Exos was investigated through WB and Hoechst/PI staining.
Results
The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were increased after SAH. DPSC-Exos alleviated brain edema and neuroinflammation by inhibiting the expression of FOXO3 and reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to improved neurobehavioral functions at 24 h after SAH. In vitro, the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3 and caspase1-p20), GSDMD-N, and IL-18 was inhibited in BV2 cells pretreated with DPSC-Exos. Importantly, DPSC-Exos overexpressing miR-197-3p had a more obvious protective effect than those from NC-transfected DPSCs, while those from DPSCs transfected with the miR-197-3p inhibitor had a weaker protective effect. Functional studies indicated that miR-197-3p bound to the 3ʹ-untranslated region of FOXO3, inhibiting its transcription. Furthermore, the overexpression of FOXO3 reversed the protective effects of miR-197-3p.
Conclusions
DPSC-Exos inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and related cytokine release via the miR-197-3p/FOXO3 pathway, alleviated neuroinflammation, and inhibited microglial pyroptosis. These findings suggest that using DPSC-Exos is a promising therapeutic strategy for SAH. .
Corneal Transplant Awareness in Medical Students by Grade and the Effect of Subject- Specific Education on This Awareness Level
Authors: Ayas Atanur , Kaplan Anil , Bilen Alperen , Colak Aysegul , Köse Timur , Selver Ozlem Barut
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Corneal transplantation is the most commonly performed transplant surgery. Medical students, doctors of the future, will educate the public about organ transplantation and raise public awareness on this issue. The first aim of this study is to evaluate the initial awareness of medical students, about corneal transplantation, then to provide training to these students and finally to evaluate the change in their knowledge on this subject.
Method
310 medical students from Ege University were asked to participate in a 20-question survey. Later, they were given education by a corneal transplant specialist. Immediately after the lessons, the survey was reapplied.
Results
The number of students who said they had knowledge about corneal transplantation before the training was 25.5% (n = 79). The knowledge level of 1st grades was lower than the 5th and 6th grades. Final-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores in each year group (p < 0.001). The final-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores in both groups, who said they had knowledge about corneal transplantation and who said they did not.
Conclusion
Physicians' approach to organ transplantation can significantly determine the level of interest in organ donation and physicians’ level of knowledge about organ transplantation determine their behaviors as well. This article showed the level of knowledge about corneal transplantation does not increase linearly as the medical school year progresses. In addition, regardless of the initial level of knowledge, the education on corneal transplantation will increase the knowledge level of every student from the 1st grade to the 6th grade.
High implantation of coronary arteries after the Switch procedure and associated stenoses
Authors: Al-Kassmy Jawad , Hadid Mehdi , Dib Nabil , Poirier Nancy , Miro Joaquim , Dahdah Nagib
Published: January 2024

Background: Surgical repair through the Arterial Switch Operation (ASO) is the only definitive treatment in patients with Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA). A crucial step during the implantation process is transfer of coronary arteries (CA) to the neo-aorta. A potential cause of CA stenosis is the presence of a high take off CA, defined by the presence of coronary ostium located above the sinotubular junction (STJ) of the aorta.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 82 patients with d-TGA between 2010 and 2018 in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Canada.
Results: Fifty six-patients (68%) had at least one of the CA at a high take-off implantation above the STJ. The mean distance from the STJ was +7.12 ± 3.38 mm for the RCA, and +6.82 ± 3.05 mm for the LMCA. Out of the 56 patients with highly implanted CA, 4 patients (7%) had stenosis, and out of 26 patients with in-sinus implanted CA, one patient (4%) had stenosis (p = 0.16). Patients in the HICA group with stenosis had a lower height of implantation of the CA compared to those without stenosis (+4.50 ± 1.32 mm vs. + 6.82 ± 3.05 mm, respectively; p < 0.05).
Conclusion: This is a rare study assessing the rates of stenosis in the context of in-sinus versus high CA implantation in the ASO. Implanting the coronary ostia at a higher level than the expected natural level does not seem to be associated with a significant risk in compromising CA perfusion.
Free radical polymerization facilitated covalent conjugation enables anchoring-omitting expansion microscopy
Authors: He Zhi-Ke , Yi Kebing , Zhang Yaran , Zhou Xinyue , Liu Yanchao , Du Chuanxin , Tinnefeld Philip , Wang Fubing , Zhou Fuxiang , Ji Xinghu
Published: January 2024

Expansion microscopy (ExM) enables nanoscale imaging on diffraction-limited fluorescent microscopes. However, it still remains elusive how biological samples can be covalently attached to hydrogels even without the addition of anchoring chemicals. As a newly developed technique, elucidating the underlying anchoring chemistries in ExM would be informative for its rational design and future development. Here, we present a free radical polymerization facilitated covalent conjugation (FRAPACON) strategy that enables the direct linkage between proteins and polymers without the addition of custom-synthesized tags or bivalent anchors. This modification-free strategy is compatible with a wide range of proteins and monomers, and also allows the polymerization on the yeast cell surface. The intrinsic biological functions of proteins are well-preserved after FRAPACON reaction. Further, we implement ExM on brain slices with satisfactory fluorescence retention and distortion performance in an anchoring-omitting manner. This work demonstrates the anchoring chemistries for protein access in ExM and possibly provides a new perspective for rapid labeling of biomolecules.
Practice list size, workforce composition and performance in English General Practice: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Kayira Alfred Bornwell , Painter Helena , Mathur Rohini , Ford John
Published: January 2024

Background

General practices in England have grown in size from traditionally small, General Practitioner (GP) led practices to large multidisciplinary enterprises. We assessed the effect of practice list size and workforce composition on practice performance in clinical outcomes and patient experience.

Methods

We linked five English practice-level datasets relating to workforce, list size, age, deprivation, rurality, patient experience and Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and non-QOF clinical processes and outcomes. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to cluster general practices into groups based on list size and workforce composition. Bayesian Information Criterion, Akaike Information Criterion and deliberation within the research team were used to determine the most informative number of groups. One-way ANOVA was used to assess how groups differed on indicator variables and other variables of interest. Linear regression was used to assess the association between practice group and practice performance.

Results

A total of 6024 practices were available for class assignment. We determined that a 3-class grouping provided the most meaningful interpretation; 4494 (74.6%) were classified as ‘Small GP-reliant practices’, 1400 (23.2%) were labelled ‘Medium-size GP-led practices with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) input’ and 131 (2.2%) practices were named ‘Large multidisciplinary practices’. Small GP-reliant practices outperformed larger multidisciplinary practices on all patient-reported indicators except on confidence and trust where medium-size GP-led practices with MDT input had favourable ratings. There was no difference in performance between small GP-reliant practices and larger multidisciplinary practices on QOF incentivised indicators except on asthma reviews where medium-size GP-led practices with MDT input performed worse than smaller GP-reliant practices and immunisation coverage where the same group performed better than smaller GP-reliant practices. For non-incentivised indicators, larger multidisciplinary practices had higher cancer detection rates than smaller GP-reliant practices.

Conclusion

Small GP-reliant practices were found to provide better access, continuity, patient experience and satisfaction with care. Larger multidisciplinary practices had higher cancer detection rates but no effect on other clinical processes and outcomes. As England moves towards larger multidisciplinary practices efforts should be made to preserve high-quality patient experience.
Impact Of Attaching Intermediate Vertical Member (IVM) On Long Span Special Truss Moment Frame (STMF) Performance
Authors: Pradipta Bramanta Fajar , Kusumastuti Dyah
Published: January 2024

One of the seismic load resisting systems in steel structure building is the Special Truss Moment Frame (STMF). One of the advantages of STMF that is highlighted is that the STMF structure is suitable for use in structures with long spans portal. As for the governing code, it is stipulated that the maximum span limit that may be used in STMF structure is 20 m. This limitation is regulated because STMF structure with > 20 m bay shows poor performance. This issue will be tried to be resolved by attaching an Intermediate Vertical Member (IVM), therefore STMF structure can be utilized for > 20 m bay. The structure was evaluated using the Nonlinear Static Pushover methods. The results of the analysis are used to evaluate the effect of attaching IVM components to the STMF structure by it’s entire performance. The analysis results show that the attachment of IVM to the STMF structure results in improved performance such as strength, ductility and the acceptance criteria of the structure globally.
Crafting a High-Fidelity Mobile Application to Mitigate Death Anxiety Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shakeri Aliakbar , Saeidnia Hamid Reza , Keshavarz Hamid , Babajani Afshin , Mohammadzadeh Zahra , Hassanzadeh Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. One of the consequences of this crisis was an increase in death anxiety among both the general population and patients. Anxiety disorders, including death anxiety, can be effectively treated using exposure therapy, which is a well-established method. To further support medical practitioners, it would be beneficial to develop mobile-based applications and content that focus on this treatment approach. With this in mind, the objective of the present study was to develop a prototype for a proposed mobile application aimed at alleviating the burden of COVID-19 death anxiety.
Methods: Our research adopts a structured approach grounded in the five essential phases of high-fidelity prototype design. These methodological steps are as follows: 1) Goal Definition, involving meticulous planning and explicit delineation of the primary purpose, alongside the identification of materials utilized in the prototype. 2) User Interface Design, entailing the creation of diverse interface designs to discern and select the optimal design. 3) Adding Interactions, encompassing the incorporation of interactive elements such as clicking, dragging, scrolling, and user input into the prototype. 4) Testing and Evaluation, comprising prototype evaluation and systematic feedback collection. 5) Iteration and Improvement, where the prototype undergoes refinement based on the conclusive feedback garnered during the evaluation phase, aiming to attain the desired prototype. This methodological framework ensures a comprehensive and systematic approach to the development and enhancement of our high-fidelity prototype.
Result: After conducting interviews, it was found that certain subjects such as near-death experiences, habit control, death imagery, self-confidence, and anxiety management were identified as the most crucial criteria to be included in the mobile application. Furthermore, feedback from online workshops emphasized the importance of ensuring that the application is easy to use and provides useful features. Taking all these factors into consideration, a prototype was developed using the Figma software, employing a high-fidelity technique to create an initial version of the mobile application.
Conclusions: In the current challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the identified criteria for content production and the proposed prototype serve as valuable resources for software designers aiming to design and develop suitable applications to alleviate anxiety related to COVID-19 death. By following these criteria and utilizing the prototype as a guide, software designers can create applications that effectively address the anxieties and concerns of individuals during this difficult period.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Model for Short-Term Outcomes in NDM- MAC
Authors: Gao Shuohui , Tian Shengqi , Xing Jianpeng , Zhou Xuanpeng , Song Xinyuan
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The objective of this study was to develop a nomogram that can be used to predict the 3-year overall survival (OS) of patients with non-distant metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon (NDM-MAC).
Methods:From the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database, a total of 1675 patients with NDM-MAC were extracted and utilized as a training cohort. A multivariate COX regression model was developed and visualized as a nomogram in the training cohort. Furthermore, an additional 207 patients were enlisted from the China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, to constitute an external validation cohort. Decision curve analysis (DCA) curves, C-index, AUC values, and internal and external validation calibration curves were used to assess the established model. The training cohort underwent retrospective scoring using a nomogram. The X-Tile software was utilized to determine the two optimal cutoff values, to develop a risk assessment model.
Results:Age, T stage, N stage, Tumor site, and the quantity of harvested lymph nodes (Harvested LN) were included as five variables influencing the 3-year OS to construct the nomogram. The calibration curves of the nomogram demonstrate a good consistency between the predicted OS and the actual OS. The C-index for both internal validation and external validation was 0.703 (P < 0.001) and 0.699 (P < 0.001). NDM-MAC patients were divided into three categories according to the risk assessment model. The survival statistics showed a substantial difference (P<0.001) between the subgroups.
Conclusion:In conclusion, this study developed a nomogram for NDM-MAC that included 5 variables.
Enhancing the Timeliness of EMR Documentation in Resident Doctors: The Role of PDCA Cycle Management
Authors: Chen Jiaoting , Zhang Qiongwen
Published: January 2024

Background
The role of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle in managing the timeliness of electronic medical records (EMRs) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of PDCA management in improving the timeliness of EMR for resident doctors.
Method
This study had a before and after design. The resident doctors rotating in the Head and Neck Oncology Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University from November 2021 to August 2022 were classified as the control group, which was managed by the current department practice. The resident doctors from September 2022 to June 2023 were included in the PDCA group, which was managed by the PDCA cycle. The incidences of late EMRs and unqualified EMRs were compared between the two groups and the influencing factors of the occurrence of late EMRs and unqualified EMRs were explored.
Results
A total of 314 resident doctors were included, with 162 doctors in the PDCA group and 152 doctors in the control group. The incidences of late EMRs (5.40% vs. 2.56%, P = 0.005) and unqualified EMRs (1.05% vs. 0.00%, P < 0.001) in the PDCA group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The timeliness of the first disease course records (0.24% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.023) and the first-ward-round records (0.36% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.035) were also improved significantly. After incorporating confounding factors, including age, sex, academic degree, working hours, and major, PDCA management still significantly reduced the occurrence of unqualified EMRs (P < 0.001) with an adjusted OR of 0.166 (95% CI 0.067–0.416) and a probability of 83.4% (0.166–1 = − 0.834).
Conclusion
This study successfully developed PDCA management and revealed that it is beneficial to enhance the timeliness of EMR while concurrently reducing the incidence of unqualified or delayed entries among resident doctors.
Chaotic games driven grey wolf optimization: optimal performance design and comprehensive analysis
Authors: Tang Chenhua , Huang Changcheng , Chen Yi , Heidari Ali Asghar , Chen Huiling , Liang Guoxi
Published: January 2024

Introduction
: Meta-heuristics have attracted much attention due to their compatibility with other algorithms and excellent optimization ability. Gray wolf optimization (GWO) is also a meta-heuristic algorithm. GWO mainly tries to find the optimal solution by simulating the hierarchical structure and hunting behavior of gray wolves. GWO has the advantages of a relatively simple algorithm structure and fewer parameter Settings. Therefore, it is used in many fields, such as engineering and forecasting.
Objectives
GWO may have problems in harmonic convergence or be trapped into local optima for some complex tasks. An improved variant of basic GWO is proposed in this paper to efficiently alleviate this deficiency. Preferentially, chaos game optimization (CGO) is introduced into the conventional method to expand its neighborhood searching capabilities. Based on this strategy, we called the improved GWO as CGGWO.
Methods
To confirm the effectiveness and optimization ability of the CGGWO algorithm, CGGWO is compared with a set of meta-heuristics, including 7 basic meta-heuristics, 7 state-of-the-art meta-heuristics, and 5 enhanced GWO variants. The benchmark functions for comparison are IEEE CEC 2017. The dimensions(D) of the benchmark test function are 10, 30, 50, and 100. Moreover, CGGWO is applied to five practical engineering problems and two real-world benchmarks from IEEE CEC 2011. Non-parametric statistical Wilcoxon signed-rank and the Friedman tests are performed to monitor the performance of the proposed method.
Results
In benchmark function testing, CGGWO can find better solutions in most functions. In the Wilcoxon signed-rank and the Friedman tests, the P-value of CGGWO is mostly less than 5%. Among the five engineering problems, the feasible solution found by CGGWO is also the best compared with other methods.
Conclusions
In the benchmark function test, CGGWO has a better convergence effect than other methods and finds a better solution. From the results of the Wilcoxon signed-rank and the Friedman tests, we can see that the CGGWO results are statistically significant. In engineering problems, CGGWO can find feasible solutions.
Portfolio Sorting by Leverage Ratio and Validation in American Stock Market
Authors: Rong Runsheng
Published: January 2024

The stock market has high risks. The purpose of this project is to sort five different portfolios from all stocks in S&P 500 by the leverage ratio, then perform both time-series and cross-sectional regression on each of the portfolios to find anomalies of pricing, also test whether to choose risk-premium or hedging strategy, and finally build both an out-performing strategy and a long-short strategy. Putting more stocks into the portfolio can help analysts carry out comprehensive analysis on different situations, periods, and types of investment portfolio, so as to disperse risks, in order to ensure the diversity of portfolio and a lower risk.
Pressure Ulcer And Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Admitted To The Surgical Wards In The Comprehensive Specialised Hospital Of The Northwest Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Habtamu , Zemene Workie , Tesfaye Eleny
Published: January 2024

Background
A pressure ulcer is is a serious concern for prolonged bed patient and presents common complication following surgery. It is one of key performance indicators of nursing quality of care provided to the patient.Even though some studies reported the prevalence of pressure ulcer in Ethiopia. There is a lack of evidence in the current study area regarding its prevalence and the factors associated with it. The main objective of th is study was to assess pressure ulcer and associated factors among adult patients admitted to the surgical ward in Amhara Regional Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia,2023.
Method
An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from Junary 15 to June 19 ,2023 at North West Ethiopia.A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 480 patients. Descriptive data was presented as absolute number with percentage, and multivariate analysis was used to assess the statistical association between a ssociated factors and pressure ulcer. A Pvalue of < 0.05 was considered as statistical significant.
Results
A total of 49 pressure ulcer cases were detected among 480 patients.With a prevalence rate of 10.2%, 95% CI (7.7, 12.9). Participants who had smoked (95% CI: AOR 7.46 (2.64,21.06), being bedridden (95% CI: AOR 3.92 (1.28, 11.66), had 21days the length of hospital stay (95% CI: AOR 3.01 (1.13, 8.02), had pain (95% CI: AOR 3.20 (1.06, 7.51), and had friction and shear (95% CI: AOR 5.71 (1.91, 17.08), were significant factors associated with pressure ulcer.
Conclusion
This study showed a high percentage of pressure ulcer among patients .Smoking status, patients with pain, the patient's bedridden condition, patients with problems of friction and shear, and length of hospital stay were significantly associated with pressure ulcer. Healthcare providers should educate patients on smoking risks, pain management, mattress installation, and linen care.
Job Analysis of Korean Horticultural Therapists for Developing Specialized Training Using Developing a Curriculum Method
Authors: Kang Kyu Jin , Lee A-Young , Park Sin-Ae
Published: January 2024

To align with global trends and the swift pace of technological advancements, it is imperative to consistently update the professional standards and curriculum for horticultural therapists to meet evolving professional demands. This study used the developing a curriculum (DACUM) method to analyze the tasks and duties of Korean horticultural therapists and subsequently tailor a specialized training program for them. First, 11 experts in the horticultural therapy field participated in workshops to develop a DACUM chart that included the definitions, tasks, knowledge, skills, and attitudes of horticultural therapists. A job performance evaluation survey for horticultural therapists was also developed through these workshops. The 300 participants of the online survey were members of the Korea Horticultural Therapy and Welfare Association. The survey consisted of a 5-point Likert scale of the current performance level and future requirement level for each qualification grade. Demographic information and responses to each question were computed using a frequency analysis and percentages, grade-specific task performance evaluations comprised a one-way batch analysis of variance, and statistical significance levels were set to P < 0.05. The horticulture professional curriculum was based on competencies derived from the job analysis and online conferences with 10 professionals who participated in the DACUM workshops. The job analysis results revealed six duties with a total of 32 tasks. The results of the job performance evaluation showed that there was a great demand for the development of their convergence capabilities. Accordingly, in response to these results, new interdisciplinary convergence fields such as horticultural therapy and science (information technology), horticultural therapy, and humanities education were introduced into the specialized training. The results of this study will be valuable for improving the skills and expertise of horticulture therapists to meet social needs.
Proanthocyanidins: Key for Resistance to Globisporangium (Formerly Pythium) Seed Rot of Pea
Authors: Ewing Elmer E. , Weeden Norman F. , Simko Ivan
Published: January 2024

Pea (Pisum sativum) dominant for the fundamental color gene A showed a high level of resistance to Globisporangium ultimum (formerly Pythium ultimum) seed rot. Reciprocal crosses demonstrated that, with our materials, such resistance was associated with the testa (seedcoat) phenotype but not the embryo phenotype. Dominance of A over a was complete for this trait. Neither wrinkled seed form (r) nor green cotyledons (i) diminished resistance when A was dominant, although both recessive alleles diminished resistance when seeds were borne on white-flowering (a) plants. The product of the A gene functions in the pathway leading to flavonoids, including proanthocyanidins (PAs) and anthocyanidins. We found that resistance to G. ultimum seed rot was closely associated with not only dominant A but also testa PAs and testa sclerenchyma. Even A testas that lacked anthocyanins but contained PAs and sclerenchyma showed a high level of seed rot resistance. Moreover, a mutation removing PAs and sclerenchyma in a narrow zone from the hilum to the radicle markedly increased susceptibility. The PAs in pea testas were predominantly prodelphinidins in seeds from purple-flowered plants (A B) and procyanidins from pink-flowered plants (A b). Compared with procyanidins, prodelphinidins have higher antioxidant activity but are more likely to sequester iron, a particular concern with dry pea. Although A B testas were more resistant than A b to seed rot, the difference seemed too slight to militate against growing pink-flowered pea. We stressed the need for more histological comparisons of A B and A b testas, and we indicated that genes and their phenotypic effects examined during the current study could be useful for modeling biosynthesis of PAs and related cell walls.
Low-frequency electrical prospecting with measurements of spatio-temporal invariants of the magnetic field
Authors:   Institute of Geophysics of the Ural Branch of RAS, Ratushnyak Aleksandr Nikolaevich , Konoplin Aleksey Dmitrievich ,   Institute of Geophysics of the Ural Branch of RAS
Published: January 2024

Introduction. In the article discussed the theory, methodology and interpretation of inductive electrical prospecting with the measurement of the characteristics of the polarization ellipse of the magnetic feld for low frequency (induction zone), which is of primary interest in the study of the conductive properties of the geological environment. Te purpose of this work is to substantiate the advantage of using measurements of the semiaxes of the full polarization ellipse of the magnetic feld in ground and air methods of electrical exploration, the values of which do not depend on the spatial orientation of the magnetic feld sensors. Methodology. Mathematical modeling of the scattering of the harmonic magnetic feld of an inductive source on a conductive 3D object and experimental feld work at an ore deposit using the ungrounded loop method to test the operability of a model of electrical exploration equipment and determine the information content of using the parameters of the ratio of the semiaxes of the magnetic feld polarization ellipse when identifying a conductive ore body. Results. Te conductive ore body is distinguished at a number of discrete frequencies by local anomalies in the ratio of the semiaxes of the full polarization ellipse of the magnetic feld obtained as a result of processing the measurement materials by the inductive method of an ungrounded loop. Conclusions. Measurements of the semiaxes of the full ellipse of magnetic feld polarization in surface and air methods of inductive electrical prospecting have an advantage over measurements of the spatial components of the magnetic feld, since they do not depend on the spatial orientation of the sensors of the feld components, which completely eliminates the methodological measurement error. Te use of measurements of the relative phases of the magnetic feld components makes it possible to signifcantly simplify the measuring device for determining the semiaxes of the complete polarization ellipse, since it does not require a channel for transmitting the current phase from the feld source to the meter.