bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hysteresis resulting from Lennard-Jones interactions
Authors: Rachinskii Dmitrii , Zagvozdkin Andrei , Gendelman Oleg
Published: November 2023

The fundamental mechanism of hysteresis in the quasistatic limit of multi-stable
systems is associated with transitions of the system from one local minimum
of the potential energy to another. In this scenario, as system parameters are
(quasistatically) varied, the transition is prompted when a saddle-node bifurca-
tion eliminates the minimum where the system resides in. The objective of the
present work is to specify this generic mechanism for systems of interacting parti-
cles assuming a natural single-well (Lennard-Jones) interaction potential for each
pair of particles. We show multi-stability and present details of hysteresis scenar-
ios with the associated bifurcations and transitions in a case study of constrained
four-degrees-of-freedom four particle systems on the plane.
Room temperature NO2 sensing performance of ZnO nanoparticles modified VO2(B) Ultrathin Vertical Nanosheet Array
Authors: Liang Jiran R. , Tai Wanwan , Ge Penghui , Zhang Hairun , Chen Hao , Han Yu
Published: November 2023

In this paper, VO2 ultrathin nanosheets array / ZnO nanoparticles composite structures with uniform sizes were synthesized by the combination of hydrothermal method and water bath method. The effect of ZnO content on the room temperature NO2 sensing performance of VO2 (B) ultra-thin nanosheet arrays was studied. The response to NO2 was enhanced by up to 200% at the optimized ZnO content in ZnO/VO2 composite structure. The performance improvement is related to deep level electron transfer and barrier height modulation mechanism based on ZnO/VO2 n-n heterojunction. Therefore, activating VO2 nanosheets with zinc oxide particles may be a promising method for designing and manufacturing high-performance room temperature gas sensors.
Upper Bounds on Overshoot in SIR Models with Nonlinear Incidence
Authors: Nguyen Maximilian
Published: November 2023

We expand the calculation of the upper bound on epidemic overshoot in SIR models to account for nonlinear incidence. We lay out the general procedure and restrictions to perform the calculation analytically. We show why the infected fraction must enter linearly into the incidence term, whereas the susceptible fraction can enter more generically, including non-monotonically. We demonstrate the procedure by working through several examples. We also numerically study what happens to the upper bound on overshoot when nonlinear incidence manifests in the form of dynamics over a contact network.
Hydrogeochemical conceptual model of groundwater and quality degradation of water resources, the basic challenge of coastal aquifers
Authors: Khairy Houshang , Sudegi Peyman
Published: November 2023

The scarcity of data on the hydrogeochemistry of coastal aquifers near the south Caspian Sea justified the current study. The evaluation was conducted on the groundwater found in the Behshahr-Bandargaz coastal aquifer using classical integrated methods, statistical analyses, and GIS applications. The hydrochemical assessment included 48 groundwater samples from an area located between the Alborz mountains and the Caspian Sea. The study aimed to assess hydrochemical properties, salinity origin, and water suitability. Groundwater chemistry is influenced primarily by water-rock interactions, Saltwater infiltration, evaporation, and geological processes contributed to water quality degradation. Spatial distribution maps revealed that most hydrochemical elements increased towards the coast, indicating declining water quality northward. Nitrate distribution differed, suggesting human activities had less impact than saltwater intrusion due to excessive groundwater extraction. The hydrogeochemical model showed increased EC and decreased nitrate towards the coast. Groundwater suitability assessment indicated decreasing quality towards the northern parts. The water quality index (WQI) for drinking purposes was excellent in many areas. For agriculture, water quality varied from slightly salty in the south to very salty in the north. Industrial use would render a large part of the aquifer corrosive. The water quality is suitable for drinking in most parts of the aquifer, but it is less suitable for agriculture and industry. The findings from this study are valuable for devising sustainable strategies to manage and safeguard groundwater in the coastal regions, particularly in the vicinity of the Caspian Sea. Additionally, they can serve as a crucial resource for researchers worldwide.
Engineered yeast cells simulating CD19+ cancers to control CAR T cell activation
Authors: Jensen Michael , Deichmann Marcus , Schiesaro Giovanni , Ramanathan Keerthana , Zeeberg Katrine , Koefoed Nanna , Ormhøj Maria , Friis Rasmus , Gill Ryan , Hadrup Sine , Jensen Emil
Published: November 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have become an established immunotherapy and show promising results for the treatment of hematological cancers in most patients. However, modulation of the surface levels of the targeted antigen in cancer cells affects the quality and safety of CAR T cell therapy. Here we present the successful engineering of yeast to simulate cancer cells with controllable surface antigen-densities for synthetic cell-cell communication with CAR T cells. Hence, we establish a novel tool for controlled activation of CAR T cell responses and the assessment of antigen-density thresholds. Specifically, we demonstrate i) controllable antigen-densities of CD19 on yeast using G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ii) a customizable system applying heterologous GPCRs that define signal input types and signal pathway engineering for tuning the output intensity, and iii) efficient and robust activational control of clinically-derived CAR T cells using CD19-displaying yeast cells compared to the activation elicited by a NALM6 cancer cell line. Based on this yeast-based antigen-presenting cell system, we envision efficient assessment of how varying antigen densities in cancer cells affect CAR T cell responses and ultimately support development of safer and better quality of personalized cancer therapies.
Traditional and complementary medicine use among cancer patients in Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Choi Soo Jeung , Kunwor Sangita Karki , Im Hyea Bin , Choi Dain , Hwang Jung Hye , Ahmed Mansoor , Han Dongwoon
Published: November 2023

The primary contentious issues surrounding non-pharmacological intervention, such as the use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) by cancer patients, are noncompliance with treatment and potential hazards arising from drug-T&CM interactions. The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence and disclosure rate of T&CM use among cancer patients in Asia. Systematic research was performed on the four databases inception to January 2023. The pooled prevalence estimate of T&CM use was pooled using random-effects models. Among the 4,849 records retrieved, 41 eligible studies conducted in 14 Asian countries were included, involving a total of 14,976 participants. The pooled prevalence estimate of T&CM use was 49.3%, ranging from 24.0% to 94.8%, and the disclosure rate of T&CM use was 38.2% (11.9% to 82.5%). Females were 22.0% more likely to use T&CM than males. Subgroup analysis revealed the highest prevalence of T&CM use was found in studies conducted in East Asia (62.4%), those covered by both national and private insurance (55.8%), and studies before 2011 (53.4%). The prevalence of T&CM use among cancer patients is high; however, the disclosure rate of T&CM use to physicians is still less. Disclosure of T&CM use is among the key indicators of patient safety and prognosis quality in cancer treatment. Therefore, future studies in the field should include influencing factors of non-disclosure of T&CM use.
Proteomics for Optimizing Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Venetoclax plus Hypomethylating Agents versus Conventional Chemotherapy
Authors: Kornblau Steven , Magalhães Eduardo Sabino de Camargo , Hubner Stefan , Brown Brandon , Yihua Qiu
Published: November 2023

The use of Hypomethylating agents combined with Venetoclax (VH) for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) has greatly improved outcomes in recent years. However not all patients benefit from the VH regimen and a way to rationally select between VH and Conventional Chemotherapy (CC) for individual AML patients is needed. Here, we developed a proteomic-based triaging strategy using Reverse-phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to optimize therapy selection. We evaluated the expression of 411 proteins in 810 newly diagnosed adult AML patients, identifying 109 prognostic proteins, that divided into five patient expression profiles, which are useful for optimizing therapy selection. Furthermore, using machine learning algorithms, we determined a set of 14 proteins, among those 109, that were able to accurately recommend therapy, making it feasible for clinical application. Next, we identified a group of patients who did not benefit from either VH or CC and proposed target-based approaches to improve outcomes. Finally, we calculated that the clinical use of our proteomic strategy would have led to a change in therapy for 30% of patients, resulting in a 43% improvement in OS, resulting in around 2 600 more cures from AML per year in the United States.
Integrative organic fertilizer immobilized in marine waste derived CaCO3 nanocarrier system towards quality and quantity enhancement of tomato cultivation
Authors: Nallasamy Prakashkumar , Natarajan Suganthy
Published: November 2023

Tomatoes are rich the lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and other mineral sources including phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium and iron. Major constraints in tomato cultivation were high cost, poor cultivation due to adverse weather conditions, pest attacks, microbial infections and nutritional deficiency complications. Conventional fertilizers including pesticides, fungicides and growth regulators are effective at higher concentration, which induces specific toxic effects on soil fertility, plant yield and also affects the health status of humans, animals and soil associated microbes. The use of organic fertilizers to meet the soil nutrient demand increases the acidity of soil affecting plant growth which turned the focus of researchers towards nanofertilizer. The present study focuses on the synthesis of marine waste derived CaCO3 nanoparticles formulated with azadirachtin and panchakavya emulsion to develop a CaCO3 nanofertilizer. CaCO3 nanofertilizer were characterized by UV-Visible, FTIR, DLS, EDX, ICP-OES spectra along with FE-SEM, HR-TEM, TGA and BET analysis. CaCO3 nanofertilizer effectively inhibited fusarium wilt causing plant fungal pathogen and also exhibited enhanced growth and yield of tomatoes against pest attack and nutritional deficiency with effect to the foliar treatment. Overall, the fabricated CaCO3 nanofertilizer exhibits the synergistic role of fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide and growth regulator in tomato cultivation.
Computer-guided substrate scope exploration of engineered peptide-modifying biocatalysts
Authors: Siirola Elina , Debon Aaron , Eggimann Fabian , Snajdrova Radka
Published: November 2023

As the demand for therapeutic peptides has increased over the last decades the toolbox for their synthesis is needing to expand as well. Biocatalytic methods to enhance and complement solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) have been proposed, especially from natural product pathways that modify linear precursor peptides. In this paper, we investigated the synthetic capacity of three classes of enzymes (heterocyclase, macrocyclase, and oxidase) involved in cyanobactin production. With a combination of SPPS and natural as well as rationally engineered enzymes we have reconstituted this pathway in vitro to produce non-natural semi-synthetic cyclic peptides. Using a computationally guided library generation method we explored the current limitations of such a semi-synthetic approach. Finally, we showed that these enzymes can cooperate to produce a broad scope of peptide macrocycles that, to our knowledge, don’t occur naturally.
Comparison of effect of remimazolam and propofol on respiration of patients under deep sedation for colonoscopy: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Zhengjia , Zhan Renshu , Mo Liqun , Zhang Jin , Hu Jie , Tan Shoupeng , He Qiongzhen , Li Ping , Sun Wekong , Wang Xiaobin , Jiang Jun , Liu Li , Zhang Yingying , Bai YIping
Published: November 2023

Background: Remimazolam recently became available as a sedative. The comparison of the respiratory suppression effects of remimazolam and propofol under deep sedation for colonoscopy remains unclear. The goal of this study was to systemically compare the respiration profiles of the patients sedated with remimazolam and propofol at the comparable sedation level in the patients undergoing colonoscopy.
Methods: Four hundred-fifty outpatients were randomly assigned to remimazolam (Group Rem, n = 225) and propofol (Group Pro, n = 225). The target sedation level was the modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation ≤ 2. The primary outcome was elapsed time from anesthesia induction to first airway intervention. Secondary outcomes included incidence and severity of hypoxia and apnea, minute ventilation (MV), tidal volume (TV), and respiratory rate (RR).
Results: The elapsed time from induction to the first airway intervention was 11 ± 8 min in Group Rem (n= 208) vs. 5 ± 6 min in Group Pro (n= 208, P <0.001). Patients in Group Rem required less frequent airway intervention and had a lower incidence of and shorter duration of apnea than patients in Group Pro (all P <0.001). MV at 1 min, 2 min, 4 min post-induction, and at the end of the procedure were higher in Group Rem than those in Group Pro (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Patients sedated with remimazolam vs. propofol during colonoscopy maintain improved respiration and require less frequent airway intervention, and has lower the incidence of adverse events.
Green manuring increased peanut yields and reduced soil carbon mineralization by optimizing microbial communities
Authors: Sun Qiqi , Zheng Yongmei , Sun Xuewu , Wu Lijun , Wu Zhengfeng , Zhang Jialei , Yu Tianyi , Wan Shubo , Zhang Jiancheng
Published: November 2023

Using green manure (GM) in rotations is a sustainable approach to cleaner production and soil CO2 emissions mitigation, yet the microbial mechanism governing soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization from legume fields remains to be elucidated. To determine whether the GM-based rotation was superior to the conventional continuous peanut monoculture, a seven-year field experiment including two cropping regimes, peanut continuous monoculture (P) and peanut-Orychophragmus violaceus rotation (PO), was performed. Microbial properties and C-degradation enzyme activities in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of peanut fields were explored, with SOC mineralization (Kc) and its temperature sensitivity (Q10) determined in the laboratory. O. violaceus incorporation as a GM enhanced soil moisture, pH and mineral nitrogen contents, which increased the bulk soil bacterial alpha diversity and reduced rhizosphere fungal richness. GM incorporation promoted saprotrophs (Agaricales), enriched beneficial microbes (Bacillus) and inhibited pathogenic fungi (Fusarium), thus alleviating continuous monoculture obstacles and increasing yields. The bacterial interaction complexity was increased, but the fungal interaction complexity was reduced. Moreover, GM not only decreased the rhizosphere Q10 (by 14.9%) due to decreased rhizosphere SOC but also reduced the bulk soil Kc (by 23.9%) due to the intensified C limitation, indicating that the C loss of bulk soil is currently low and that of the rhizosphere will be limited under future warming. This study provides new insight into soil C mineralization in legumes at the microenvironmental scale, and improves our projections of legume soil C loss under future climate change scenarios.
Protective Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Against Cisplatin Induced Hepatocellular Damage and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: ALRAMADNEH TAREQ , Abu-Harirah Hashem A , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Athamneh Rabaa Y. , Abusalah Mai , Okla Mohammad K. , Kiani Bushra Hafeez , Mohammed Yasser Hussein Issa , AlQuraan Razan N. , Javaraiah Rajesh
Published: November 2023

Cisplatin has a high rate of effectiveness in treating cancer, its use is restricted due to the severe adverse consequences it produces. Nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity are only a few of the unwanted side effects. In the case of cisplatin, hepatotoxicity is thought to be caused by oxidative stress brought on by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Omega-3 is an antioxidant that reduces the production of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. This study aimed to compare the beneficial effects of omega-3 therapy against the harmful effects of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and to determine the effect of cisplatin on hepatic pro-oxidant or antioxidant systems. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group) and treated with single dosages of cisplatin (5 milligrams per kilogram) and omega-3 (20 milligrams per kilogram over fourteen days by intraperitoneal administration), or cisplatin combined with omega-3. In addition, the rat’s blood was tested for alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase levels. We observed higher levels of lipid peroxidation products, total oxidant status, and ALT in the cisplatin group compared to the control group. Conversely, it was revealed that glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were considerably lower in the cisplatin group compared to the control group. Omega-3 has significantly reduced the toxicity of cisplatin in the liver. Our biochemical results confirmed our histological observations of central venous dilations, pericenter and periportal sinusoidal dilations, parenchymal inflammation, vacuolar abnormalities in hepatocytes, biliary duct proliferation, and caspase-3 positive hepatocytes. In conclusion, Omega-3 can provide biochemical and histological protection against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.
Health-related Roles of Older Generations in Families with Inherited Genetic Conditions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Oliveira Carla Roma , Seidi Catarina , Sequeiros Jorge , Sousa Liliana , Mendes Álvaro
Published: November 2023

Inherited genetic conditions are family diseases. They affect consanguineous relatives, in lineage for several generations, and impact the family dynamics. Older generations have been considered highly influential in the health management of families with inherited genetic conditions. To our knowledge, no reviews so far addressed the health-related roles of older generations in these families. This scoping review aims to fill that gap by mapping the existent research about the health-roles roles performed by the older generations in families living with inherited genetic conditions. Four electronic databases were searched: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycInfo. Eleven studies were included, and relevant findings were extracted. Main roles included: informers vs blockers of disease-related information; encouragers vs discouragers of health screening or genetic testing; (non-)supporters; and role models in living and coping with the disease. The roles played by older generations are relevant to the health management of other family members and can be beneficial to themselves (reciprocal interactions). Acknowledging and understanding these roles is important for professionals and health-services. Results suggest the relevance of an intergenerational perspective when working with families with inherited genetic conditions.
Emergent Antarctic seafloor seeps: A tipping point reached?
Authors: Seabrook Sarah , Law Cliff , Thurber Andrew , Ladroit Yoann , Cummings Vonda , Tait Leigh , Maurice Alicia , Hawes Ian
Published: November 2023

We report striking discoveries of extensive and emergent seafloor seeps in the coastal Ross Sea, releasing climate-reactive fluid and gases. While the origin, driving mechanisms, and consequence of these seep systems remains unknown, their recent emergence is consistent with cryospheric cap degradation initiating new fluid flow pathways. Such a mechanism is inherently climate sensitive and may be widespread around the Antarctic Continent, with concerning positive feedbacks that are currently undetermined.
Wild Type p53 Inhibits Apoptosis Induced by bcl2 Silencing in Malignant Tumor Cells
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhao Jiacong Jiacong , Chen Yongxia , Chen Qiongjiang , Huang Xiaoming , Liu Hao , Jia Jing , Cao Jiang , Jia Zhenyu
Published: November 2023

In cancer gene therapy, anti-apoptotic gene bcl2 was one of the target to be aimed in some malignant tumor cells. Theoretically, when bcl2 expression is suppressed by siRNA technique, malignant tumor cells would undergo more apoptosis. However, in our study, different malignant tumor cells responded differently as human non-small cell carcinoma cell A549 was sensitive while cervical carcinoma cell Hela was resistant to bcl2 silencing. To investigate if tumor suppressor p53, which is wild typed in A549 but functionally mutant in Hela, plays a role in the different response to bcl2 silencing in these two cell lines, p53 inhibitor pifithrin-µ was applied to explore p53’s impact on apoptosis initiated by bcl2 knockdown. Results showed that p53 involved in the upregulation of transcription regulator nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) phosphorylated at Ser536 which could enhance apoptosis promoting gene bax expression to induce p53-proficient cell apoptosis.
Enhancing the Accuracy and Clinical Applicability of Hybrid Cnn-Based Optical Coherence Tomography Image Classification of Retinal Diseases
Authors: Rajesh M. , Rajalingam B. , Mahendran M. , Raghavan V K Senthil , Deepan P.
Published: November 2023

This investigation uses SD-OCT for retinal imaging, using data collected from 4686 patients (OCT-17) and 45 patients (Srinivasan-14) using a conventional SD-OCT equipment. 84,484 pictures make up the OCT-17 dataset, which is split into DME, CNV, Drusen, and normal groups; the Srinivasan-14 dataset contains volumetric scans from people with AMD and diabetic macular edoema. When used to retinal OCT classification, the suggested HCTNet model combines Vision Transformer (ViT) and Convolutional Neural Networks (C-Net) for optimal results. The Low-Level Feature Extraction module, the Transformer branch for global sequences, the parallel Convolutional branch for local features, and the adaptive Feature Fusion module are all key components in HCTNet's ability to overcome the hurdles of background noise in ViT. Testing on the OCT-17 dataset shows that HCTNet outperforms reference approaches, with a sensitivity of 88.57% and a specificity of 88.11% and an accuracy of 91.56%. Clinical utility of HCTNet is further demonstrated by its robustness to noise and ablation tests on retinal OCT images.
Anxiety, depression, urinary continence, and sexuality in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: preliminary findings
Authors: Tozzi Marco , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Silvaggi Marco , Michetti Paolo Maria
Published: November 2023

Objectives
Evaluate the relationship between psychological distress, namely anxiety and depression, with urinary continence and recovery of erectile function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 33 consecutive patients who underwent RP in a single tertiary-referral academy between 01/2018 to 01/2019. We used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), the Sexual Complaints Screener for Men (SCS-M), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), validated questionnaires for the assessment of sexual function, anxiety, and depression experiences, respectively. These questionnaires were administered at the pre-surgical visit, after surgery, and at intermediate follow-ups (three, six, and twelve months).
Results
The analysis of the questionnaires completed during follow-up shows that erectile function is the most affected, with 90% erectile dysfunction (ED) at three months after surgery. In terms of emotional states, anxiety prevails in the first months following surgery and is statistically significantly associated with incontinence (p = 0.02). Depressive symptoms, on the other hand, appear later and prevail over anxiety at six months after surgery, although not statistically significant.
Conclusions
In the early post-surgical phase anxiety and ED are the most frequently detected components, while depressive experiences and decreased desire, typical of later stages, have not yet fully emerged.
Causal association of metabolites and polycystic ovarian syndrome: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Aru Na , Yang Congyu , Chen Yuntian , Liu Jiaming
Published: November 2023

Objective
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder that affects a considerable number of women worldwide. However, previous studies investigating the connection between metabolites and PCOS have produced conflicting results. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationship between PCOS and metabolites using genetic polymorphisms.
Methods
We utilized a comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causal link between 1352 metabolites and PCOS. We employed complementary MR methods, such as the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, and conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the reliability of the outcomes. Reverse MR analysis was performed to evaluate the possibility of reverse causation.
Results
Five metabolites were identified to be significantly associated with PCOS risk: Methionine sulfoxide levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.549[1.274 to 1.883], p = 1.154E-5), Theophylline levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 0.725[0.589 to 0.890], p = 0.002), 4-hydroxycoumarin levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 0.786[0.658 to 0.940], p = 0.008), Tyramine O-sulfate levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 0.699[0.568 to 0.862], p = 0.0008), and Sulfate of piperine metabolite C16H19NO3 (3) levels (IVW: OR [95%]: 1.296[1.064 to 1.579], p = 0.009). We found PCOS was suggestively associated with decreased Tyramine O-sulfate levels using IVW method (OR [95%]: 0.953[0.917 to 0.991], p = 0.015) in the reverse MR analysis. The results of the sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main findings.
Conclusion
Our MR analysis provides strong evidence supporting a causal association between metabolites and the susceptibility of PCOS.
Influencing factors for delayed diagnosed injuries in multiply trauma patients – introducing the ‘Risk for Delayed Diagnoses Score’ (RIDD-Score)
Authors: Gümbel Denis , Matthes Gerrit , Ekkernkamp Axel , Laue Fabian , Lefering Rolf
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Delayed diagnosed injuries (DDI) in severely injured patients are an essential problem faced by emergency staff. Aim of the current study was to analyse incidence and type of DDI in a large trauma cohort. Furthermore, factors predicting DDI were investigated to create a score to identify patients at risk for DDI.
Methods
Multiply injured patients admitted between 2011 and 2020 and documented in the TraumaRegister DGU® were analysed. Primary admitted patients with serious injuries and/or intensive care who survived at least 24h were included. Prevalence, type and severity of DDI were described. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis risk factors for DDI were identified. Results were used to create a ‘Risk for Delayed Diagnoses’ (RIDD) score.
Results
Of 99,754 multiply injured patients, 9,175 (9.2%) had 13,226 injuries first diagnosed on ICU. Most common DDI were head injuries (35.8%), extremity injuries (33.3%) and thoracic injuries (19.7%). Patients with DDI had a higher ISS, were more frequently unconscious, in shock, required more blood transfusions, and stayed longer on ICU and in hospital.
Multivariate analysis identified seven factors indicating a higher risk for DDI (OR from 1.2 to 1.9). The sum of these factors gives the RIDD score expressing the individual risk for a DDI ranging from 3.6% (0 points) to 24.8% (6+ points).
Conclusion
DDI are present in a sounding number of trauma patients. The reported results highlight the importance of a highly suspicious and thorough physical examination in the trauma room. The introduced RIDD-score might help to identify patients under high risk for DDI. A tertiary survey should be implemented to minimize delayed diagnosed or even missed injuries.
Association between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy in NHANES 2005-2008
Authors: Hu Xin-Yu , Liang Ying-Chao , Fang Ze-Bin , Huang Bao-Li , Chu Shu-Fang , Liu De-Liang , Li Hui-Lin
Published: November 2023

Background
Diabetic retinopathy is a common chronic complication of diabetes and the main reason for blindness. Carbohydrate intake is an essential component of daily dietary intake. The relationship between low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy in diabetes has rarely been discussed. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the association between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy in individuals with diabetes.
Method
The study was a cross-sectional study of diabetics aged 40 years and older conducted within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005–2008. Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed based on an ophthalmic digital imaging system. The daily low-quality carbohydrate intake was assessed according to a 24-hour dietary recall. The independent relationship between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy was evaluated with a weighted logistic regression model. Sensitivity analysis was performed by weighted subgroup analysis and weighted restricted cubic spline regression analysis.
Results
After adjusting for confounders, daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy were negatively associated (OR = 0.982; 95%CI, 0.964–0.999). Higher quartiles of daily low-quality carbohydrate intake were associated with a lower incidence of diabetic retinopathy compared to lower quartiles (Q3 vs Q1: OR = 0.658; 95%CI, 0.444–0.976). The weighted restricted cubic spline regression analysis demonstrated that there was no nonlinear relationship between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and diabetic retinopathy. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests showed no significant dependence of age, race, family poverty income ratio, alcohol use, hypertension, urinary albumin creatinine ratio, total daily carbohydrate intake, or triglycerides on this negative correlation( p for interaction＞0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings indicated that there was a negative correlation between daily low-quality carbohydrate intake and DR among diabetic patients aged 40 years or older in the United States. Further research should focus on exploring the specific mechanisms underlying the link between low-quality carbohydrate and DR, and the impact of dietary patterns on diabetic retinopathy requires validation in large-scale prospective studies.
Examining sexual functioning and disgust in virtual reality: low desire and sexual pain predict disgust toward virtual sexual stimuli
Authors: Lafortune David , Lapointe Valerie A. , Dubé Simon , Bonneau Jonathan , Godbout Natacha
Published: November 2023

Sexual dysfunctions are prevalent and impair the lives and intimate relationships of up to one-third of the population. Virtual reality (VR) offers promising avenues for the study of sexual dysfunctions; however, little attention has been given to the use of VR in sex research. Sexual disgust appears to be positively related with lower sexual functioning, but empirical research remains scarce and mainly relies on cross-sectional retrospective data. This study examines whether four domains of low sexual functioning—i.e., low sexual interest/arousal, lubrication/erection difficulties, difficulties in reaching orgasm, and sexual pain—are associated with disgust experienced towards sexual stimuli in VR. Seventy individuals completed self-reported questionnaires on sexual functioning and sexual disgust propensity. They then participated in two VR behavioral tests, which included sexual and non-sexual stimuli. Disgust and sexual arousal were measured after each test. Participants also completed a questionnaire on sexual presence immediately after immersion. Bivariate correlational analyses and multivariate regression models were performed. Results show that sexual disgust propensity positively correlates with disgust ratings in the sexual test (r = .48), while sexual presence positively relates to sexual arousal (r = .41). Both lower sexual interest/arousal and increased pain during sex predicted greater disgust during the sexual test (β = .37 – .39). These findings support the relationship between sexual disgust and both impaired sexual interest/arousal and sexual pain, and confirm the relevance of using VR sexual stimuli in sex research.
HRP2 and pLDH performance comparison as rapid diagnostic tools for symptomatic malaria patients at Rugazi HC IV in Rubirizi District
Authors: Nakavuma Anitah , Musau Immanuel Afrika , Lumu Hassan , Atimaaku Palma Rose , Ankunda Evalyne , Agaba Bosco , Okongo Benson , Kalyetsi Rogers , Ssendyabane Frank , Muwanguzi Enoch , Bagenda Charles Nkubi , Rugera Simon Peter
Published: November 2023

Background
Rapid and precise laboratory diagnosis is essential for effectively diagnosing and managing malaria patients. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) play a critical role in malaria diagnosis in resource-constrained settings with limited access to labs and trained staff. The efficiency of two mRDTs (HRP2 and pLDH) was compared against microscopy, the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, in this study.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 308 participants were tested for malaria parasites using two mRDTs and blood smear microscopy as the gold standard. STATA software version 17 was used for data analysis.
Results
Out of the 308 participants, 82 tested positive for HRP2 mRDT (26.62% (95% CI: 21.97–31.86) positivity rate, 73.38% (95% CI: 68.14–78.83) negativity rate), and 99 tested positive for pLDH mRDT (32.14% (95% CI: 27.14–37.59) positivity rate, 67.86% (95% CI: 62.41–72.86) negativity rate). Using microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were determined. For HRP2 mRDT, sensitivity was 77.78% (95%CI: 73.13–82.42), specificity 97.61% (95%CI: 95.90–99.31), PPV 93.90% (95%CI: 91.23–96.56), and NPV 90.27% (95%CI: 86.96–93.58). For pLDH mRDT, the sensitivity was 94.95% (95% CI: 92.50–97.40), specificity was 97.61% (95% CI: 95.90-99.31), PPV was 94.95% (95% CI: 92.50–97.40), and NPV was 97.61% (95% CI: 95.90–99.31). The dominant malaria species was Plasmodium falciparum (74.7%), followed by Plasmodium vivax (12.1%) and Plasmodium ovale (1%). Mixed infections of plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax (7.1%) and plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium ovale (5.1%) were also observed.
Conclusion
There was no significant difference in the positivity rate, negativity rate, specificity or PPV in both mRDTs. However, a significant difference in the NPV and sensitivity of HRP2 and pLDH mRDTs was observed where HRP2’s sensitivity was below the WHO recommendation of ≥ 95% in this study population; thus, there is a need to improve the sensitivity of this mRDT kit. In our study, most malaria infections were caused by Plasmodium falciparum, followed by P. vivax and P. ovale.
The Role of Persistent Inflammatory Responses in Post-COVID Cardiomyopathy Development
Authors: Sadiq Alaa M. , Al-Amran Fadhil
Published: November 2023

Background COVID-19 has been linked to a range of cardiovascular complications. This study investigates the potential role of persistent inflammatory responses in the development of post-COVID cardiomyopathy. Methods A cohort of COVID-19-recovered patients was assessed for signs of cardiomyopathy using echocardiography, blood biomarkers, and inflammation markers. Patient data were analyzed to determine correlations between inflammatory responses and cardiomyopathy indicators. Results The study found a significant association between elevated levels of inflammatory markers and reduced ejection fraction, a key indicator of cardiomyopathy. Patients with persistent high inflammatory responses showed a higher prevalence of cardiomyopathy symptoms. Conclusion Persistent inflammatory responses in post-COVID patients appear to be a contributing factor to the development of cardiomyopathy. This finding underscores the importance of monitoring inflammation in COVID-19 survivors to identify those at risk for cardiac complications.
Combining taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity metrics to explain spatiotemporal variation in mountaintop flora
Authors: Vanneste Thomas , Graae Bente J. , Kyrkjeeide Magni O. , Lindmo Sigrid , Michelsen Ottar , Naranjo Domenica J. , Ray Courtenay A. , Vandersteene Matthias , Verheyen Kris , De Frenne Pieter
Published: November 2023

Questions
Accounting for multiple facets of biodiversity can help to shed light on community assembly of mountaintop flora across space and time, but this approach has rarely been applied. Here we addressed the following questions: (a) Is the filtering effect of elevation on taxonomic diversity of mountaintop plant communities also mirrored in their functional and phylogenetic structure? (b) Can environmental changes over time interact with, and thus change, elevational patterns in mountaintop plant diversity?
Location
Dovrefjell, central Norway
Methods
The floristic composition of four mountaintops, spread across an elevational gradient from tree line to the uppermost margins of vascular plant life, was surveyed every seven years between 2001–2022. Six metrics of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic richness and diversity were calculated for each mountaintop and survey. With these data, we assessed how richness and diversity metrics varied over space (across the elevational gradient) and over time (between surveys).
Results
All richness and diversity metrics decreased towards higher elevations, except phylogenetic diversity which showed a marked increase with elevation. Taxonomic richness did not change significantly over time, while functional and phylogenetic richness increased between 2001–2022. No significant temporal trend in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity was detected.
Conclusions
Different metrics of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity can show divergent spatial and temporal trends. Future environmental changes may give rise to functionally or phylogenetically novel communities that cannot be predicted from trends in species richness alone. We therefore encourage researchers to look beyond species richness and consider multiple facets of biodiversity when analysing the impact of environmental change on mountaintop flora.
Innovations in Health: Evaluating the social impact of Kokono baby crib among mothers and caregivers of infants in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Maina Charles , Nankanja Maureen , Kagurusi Patrick
Published: November 2023

Background: The Kokono baby crib is a special baby’s crib made out of biodegradable plastic, locally manufactured in Uganda. The crib entered the local market with an accessible price especially for millennial mothers, a growing population in Uganda. The crib is also an asset for the rural and sub-urban mothers who spend most of their time outdoors in farms, at the water sources, or social gathering like weddings, and prayers, as well as mothers in informal employments and businesses like salons, shops and markets. Owing to the many benefits of the crib, Amref Health Africa in partnership with de-lab in Uganda promoted Kokono in communities in Kampala through an inclusive business model. This research aimed to assess the social of the crib amongst its users.
Methods: The research utilized a mixed methods approach where 20 mothers were selected randomly for inclusion in the study. A digitized semi-structured interview guide hosted on the Kobo collect server was used to obtain information on the background characteristics of the respondents, and key social aspects. Data were downloaded into Microsoft Excel for cleaning, and later exported to Stata 15 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the data. Data were presented in tables and graphs. Open ended questions were analyzed manually using thematic content analysis.
Findings: Thirty-three percent of the respondents reported that their children suffered from malaria often before starting to use Kokono, while none reported that their children suffered malaria after use of Kokono. The study also revealed that the Kokono baby crib has protected children against health risks such as exposures to houseflies, contaminated surfaces and substances and other childhood illness and animal bites. It was also reported to enable mothers to save money through reduced out of pocket expenditure on health, elimination of the need for a maid to carry the baby and improve parent’s working experience and productivity as they have more time and less distractions.
Conclusion: The assessment revealed that the Kokono baby crib reduced occurrences of malaria, animal bites and sanitation related infections among infants, leading to a reduction in out of pocket expenditure on healthcare. Working respondents also expressed improvements in their working experience and productivity leading to economic transformation. Amref and partners ought to promote and avail the baby crib to other people in need especially in informal settlements and rural communities across Uganda as this could be a major contributor to gender equality and sustainable development through economic empowerment of women.
PhNAL1 Is Involved in Regulating Branch Development of Petunia
Authors: Jiang Ziying , Liu Tongrui , Zhang Qi , Dong Lili , Deng Xinyi
Published: November 2023

The branch number of plants is an important agronomic trait that directly influences the ornamental characters and production costs of ornamental plants. Shoot branching has always been a hot topic for Petunia hybrida. During our research, we isolated the homologous gene of narrow-leaf 1 (NAL1), denoted as PhNAL1. The expression level of PhNAL1 was higher in leaves and axils than in roots, stems, and flowers. Pertinent to shoot apex removal and 6-benzyladenine treatments, both interventions demonstrated a suppressive effect on the expression of PhNAL1. Through subcellular localization analysis, we found that PhNAL1 predominantly localized in the nucleus. By using RNA interference targeting PhNAL1, we induced a noticeable increase in branch number while concurrently reducing plant height of petunia. These findings demonstrate that PhNAL1 is involved in regulating branch development within petunia. This study provides genetic resources for the subsequent cultivation of new cultivars of petunia endowed with distinct branching characteristics.
Agronomic performance of green corn at different sowing times and nitrogen doses
Authors: Silva Luciana Maria da , Benett Cleiton Gredson Sabin , Resende Cecília Leão Pereira , Silva Maryelle Barros da , Junior Rogério Lamim Silva , Benett Katiane Santiago Silva , Silva Amanda Tavares da , Souza Anderson Vaz Dias de , Silva Lígia de Fátima da
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to identify the best sowing time and the best nitrogen dose in topdressing of the corn crop for "green ear" consumption. The experiment was conducted between October 2018 and June 2019 in a commercial crop, in Ipameri, Goiás, Brazil. The soil in the experimental area is classified as dystrophic Red-Yellow Latosol with clayey texture. The experimental design used was the randomized blocks, in a 5 x 5 factorial scheme, with five sowing times [1st (10/19/2018); 2nd (11/29/2018); 3rd (01/08/2019); 4th (02/18/2019) and 5th (03/28/2019)], implemented with 40 days intervals, after the first sowing, and five nitrogen doses (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1), with four replicates. The following factors were evaluated for each sowing time: relative chlorophyll index, leaf dry mass, leaf nitrogen content, plant height, first ear insertion height, ears diameter and length, the total yield of ears with husks, the yield of commercial ears without husks and grain yield. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance (F-test). The sowing times and nitrogen doses in topdressing influenced the leaf nitrogen content, relative chlorophyll index, leaf dry mass, yield, and most of its components. Thus, it can be indicated that the best time for sowing corn for fresh consumption is in October (1st sowing time), and the estimated nitrogen dose in topdressing to obtain the maximum yield is 160 kg ha-1 of nitrogen.
Age-related and varicose disease-related structural changes in the inner lining of the large subcutaneous vein
Authors: Kuznetsov M. R. , Matveev D. V. , Chekmareva I. A. , Chudhykh S. M. , Abduvosidov Kh. A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. There is a growing number of people over 60 years old and consequently a growing number of elderly and senile patients with varicose veins globally. These patients have involutive changes that occur in the body, and therefore they need a special and personalized approach to examination and treatment. Aim. Study and evaluate age-related and varicose disease-related structural changes in the inner lining of the large subcutaneous vein. Materials and methods. 135 fragments of the large subcutaneous vein were examined, 55 of which belonged to deceased people who had no venous disease, 80 operated patients with varicose veins. There are 4 age groups: young, middle, elderly and senile. Histological, morphometric and electron microscopic examination was performed. Results and discussions. The study showed that involutive changes are characterized by a decrease in the number of endothelial cells along the inner perimeter and their flattening, loosening and edema of the subendothelial stroma in persons over 75 years of age. In varicose veins, morphological changes progress with increasing patient age and disease duration. In young and middle-aged people with varicose veins, endotheliocytes flatten, protrude into the lumen of the vessel, collapse, areas of endothelial atrophy appear along the perimeter, signs of myoelastofibrosis appear, as indicated by an increase in the volume fraction of intima due to connective-woven structures. In patients over 60 years of age, endothelial desquamation is more evident in intimacy, the preserved cells are destructively changed, the volume fraction of intima significantly decreases, which corresponds to the signs of intima sclerosis. Conclusions. Under normal conditions in senile age, the volume fraction is significantly reduced compared to the middle age group (p < 0.005). In case of varicose veins, structural changes, both qualitative and quantitative, progress against the background of involutive changes and disease duration, which aggravates endothelial dysfunction.