bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating of the Link between Antibiotic Resistance in Patients and the Environment: A Contribution to the One Health Approach
Authors: Sarailoo Mohammad , Wallner Markus , Nogueira Regina
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern with far-reaching implications for public health. This study investigates the link between human and environmental health monitoring data in Lower Saxony, adopting the One Health approach.
Methods
Health and environmental monitoring data are analyzed to examine the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). To achieve this goal, existing reports publicly available in internet were reviewed and spatial and statistical tools such as ArcGIS Pro and R programming language were utilized. Health monitoring data is collected annually as part of the sentinel system ARMIN (Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring), launched in 2006 by the Public Health Agency of Lower Saxony (Germany). Environmental monitoring data were extracted from one study conducted in 2018.
Results
Key findings suggest that the role of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as sources of ARB in the environment, highlighting their limited efficiency in removing ARB. Spatial analysis reveals regional variations in ARB rates, with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) more prevalent in the East and multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria (3MRGN) evenly distributed across the Western and Eastern regions in Lower Saxony.
Conclusion
Overall, this study underscores the need for comprehensive One Health surveillance programs encompassing human health and the environment to address the complex challenge of antibiotic resistance effectively.
Experience, skill and attentional capacity predict situation awareness of operators performing coronary angiography
Authors: Gallagher Anthony G , Bond Raymond R. , Currie Jonathan , Gallagher Conor J , Bunting Brendan P , Kearney Peter
Published: March 2024

Introduction: We evaluated the intra-operative situational awareness (as measured with detection accuracy and latency) capacity of interventional cardiologists during the performance of physics-based virtual reality simulation of a coronary angiography procedure.
Methods: Using a between groups repeated measures design we assessed experienced and mid-level interventional cardiologists (ICs) using eye tracking glasses and physics-based virtual reality simulation. We assessed their intra-operative procedure performance errors, situation awareness, and attentional capacity as they performed a coronary angiogram. The main outcomes were intra-operative performance errors, situation awareness as measure of the operators capacity and latency to detect and correctly respond to salient visual stimuli.
Results: We showed that experienced cardiologists had considerably better situation awareness. They demonstrated faster stimulus identification and report latencies (4.5 times quicker, p < 0.001). Furthermore, trainees detection latency scores strongly predicted total technical error scores (r = 0.93).
Conclusions: This study showed that experienced ICs had a greater capacity to detect, recognise, and make judgements about deviations from optimal performance intra-operatively. The results from this study almost certainly apply to all image guided medical interventional procedures and have important patient safety implications.
Quantification Of Macroplastics Under Differing Weather Conditions Near A Japanese Farmland River
Authors: Chowdhury Zahura , Yokota Kuriko , Ngoc Nguyen Minh , Inoue Takanobu
Published: March 2024

Plastics can long persist in nature to become an environmental issue if not taken care of properly. To understand factors affecting plastic pollution in Japan’s farmland Hamada River, this study examined quantification of macroplastics (those larger than 5 cm) during differing weather conditions. The average number of collected samples in unit area in unit amount of time during rainy days (after-rain period; 1.39 samples/hour.m2) almost doubled that of sunny days (0.87 samples/hour.m2). Sample density (g/m2) further revealed that rainfall increased the amount of plastic waste: the average plastic waste density in the Hamada River on sunny days was 2.04 g/m2, but rainy days’ samplings were 5.33 g/m2 downstream and 11.14 g/m2 upstream. Approximately 39% of samples during sunny days had an aspect ratio range of 2–5, whereas 38–46% of samples during after-rain periods had an aspect ratio range of 1–2. By more than half (53.6%), sunny days’ samplings were white; 25% were transparent, and the rest were black (7.1%), gray (3.6%), brown (3.6%), or green (7.1%). After-rain samplings showed a wider range of color variations including purple. An average of 92 pieces of macroplastic were found at each sampling, and polyethylene accounted for the majority, with an average of 70%. The majority of polyethylene samples were mulch films originating from the nearby tobacco farms.
Biodiversity conservation by Korean corporations towards nature-positive goals
Authors: Cho Yoora , Lee Jeongki , Senadheera Sachini S. , Chang Scott. X. , Rinklebe Jörg , Rhee Jay Hyuk , Ok Yong Sik
Published: March 2024

Overbalance of ecosystems triggers global biodiversity loss and threatens the sustainability of society by emerging financial risks from the disruption of ecosystem services. Several initiatives and international organizations have developed guidelines on biodiversity conservation to support the increasing demand for the disclosure of nature-positive business practices. However, corporations’ biodiversity-related performances have yet to undergo a comprehensive assessment, either quantitatively or qualitatively. Here we analyze the biodiversity conservation practices, or the evolution of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management, of the top 200 corporations by market capitalization in South Korea based on their sustainability reports published 2017–2021. We show that the number of corporations issuing sustainability reports doubled in five years, and over 70% issued sustainability reports in 2021. Based on the directionality of the COP15 agreement and the consistency with the targeted ecosystems, we identified that 22% of corporations report engagement with biodiversity conservation without substantive outcomes. The methodology developed can guide major corporations for biodiversity-related disclosures, including those required by the TNFD.
MHD Casson Nanofluid Flow over Convectively Heated Non-Linear via a Porous Medium: Fractional Order Analysis Based on an Extending Surface with Suction/Injection
Authors: Abdelhafez M. A. , Abd-Alla A. M. , Abo-Dahab S. M. , Alharbi F. M. , Bayones F. S.
Published: March 2024

An attempt is made to explain the thermophysical properties of the viscoelastic fluid flow generated by a stretched, nonlinearized surface. Here, the Casson fluid model characterizes viscoelasticity, which is then rheologically stated in the fractional momentum equation. The characteristics of Casson fluid flow are carefully examined in a transversally magnetized field with the option of suction or injection to the surface. Porousness is another attribute of flow medium. To illustrate the change in heat transmission inside the flow domain, convective heating is applied to the surface. To find out how well thermophoretic forces and Brownian motion affect particle diffusion, nanosized particles are suspended in the Cassin fluid. Mass transport measurements are also taken into account for generative chemical reactions. Flow-narrating fractional differential equations for a problem are first obtained in fractional differential equations and then, through the use of similarity, transformed into an fractional ordinary differential coupled system. Through graphical structures, variations in flow-associated distributions against relevant parameters are revealed. Additionally computed are wall drag, heat, and mass fluxes. By comparing the computed results to previously released data in a limited sense, the computing results' credibility is verified.
Genomic characterization of a novel multidrug-resistant plasmid harboring bla NDM5 in Escherichia coli sequence type 167 isolate from Zhongshan, China
Authors: Han Dengke , Ma Suzhen , He Chenhong , Yang Yuxing , Li Peng , Lu Lanfen
Published: March 2024

Background
The dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae represents an emerging challenge in infection control because carbapenems are the last-resort antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. In recent years, New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) has become a widespread carbapenem-resistance gene that needs active surveillance.
Results
In this study, the MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain GZ04-0083 carrying the blaNDM−5 plasmid was identified from the stools of a patient with diarrhea using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) and southern blot. A conjugation experiment was conducted to assess the transferability of the resistance plasmid. Second-generation and nanopore sequencing were performed to assemble the genomics and plasmid sequence. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) results showed that GZ04-0083 belonged to the ST167 isolate, and a novel 146,950-bp IncF plasmid harboring the blaNDM−5 gene was identified and named pNDM-5-0083. An additional β-lactamase gene (blaTEM−1B) and five other resistance genes (sul2, dfrA12, tetA, aadA2, and rmtB) were also detected in pNDM-5-0083. The plasmid’s key elements might play significant roles in plasmid stability and resistance genes transmission, including integrator and transposon elements (Intl1, Tn21, and Tn3), a replication protein (RepA), stabilization proteins (ParA and ParB), insertion sequences (Is26, Is30, Is91, and Ins gene cluster), iron transporters (Iro, Luc, and Sit) and conjugative splice transfer systems of plasmids (Tra and Trb gene cluster). The basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) revealed that pNDM-5-0083 shared the conserved sequence RepA-blaTEM−1B-blaNDM−5-bleMBL-Is91-SuI2-addA2-dfrA12 with three other plasmids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the results imply that the newly discovered pNDM-5-0083 plasmid could be a co-vector mediating the spread of blaNDM−5, leading to widespread β-lactam antibiotic resistance.
Screening active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine by molecular docking technology and evaluating their reduce skin photoaging activities
Authors: Zheng Shiqian , Deng Rongrong , Huang Gengjiu , Ou Zhiwen , Shen Zhibin
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTST
Objective: Screening active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine by molecular docking technology and evaluating their anti-skin photoaging activities. Methods: According to the verification results of molecular docking, the five active ingredients are combined in equal proportion to form a compound drug. In HaCaT photoaging model, the effects of the compound drug on antioxidant, inflammatory factors of NF-κB pathway and cytokines of MAPK pathway were studied by SOD and MDA kits, DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and ELISA assays, respectively. In skin photoaging model, the effects of the compound drug on antioxidant, SASP factors of NF-κB and MAPK pathway were studied by SOD kit, MDA kit, CAT kit and ELISA assays, respectively. Results: The results showed that the compound drug increased SOD activity, decreased MDA content and intracellular ROS, inhibited IL-6 of NF-κB pathway, and inhibited MMP-1 and collagen I of MAPK pathway. The results of HE, Masson and Victoria blue skin staining showed that the compound drug inhibited abnormal thickening of the epidermis, abnormal breaking and accumulation of collagen fibers and elastic fibers, and maintained their orderly arrangement. Meanwhile, the results showed that the compound drug increased SOD and CAT activity, inhibited MDA content, inhibited SASP factors IL-6 and TNF-α of NF-κB pathway, and inhibited SASP factors MMP-1 and collagen I of MAPK pathway. Conclusion: The above results indicate that the active ingredients of the compound drug screened by molecular docking have the potential to reduce skin photoaging.
Addressing Depression and Comorbid Health Conditions through Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in an Integrated Care Setting: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cooper Zach , Mowbray Orion , Ali Mohammed , Johnson Leslie
Published: March 2024

Background: Co-occurring physical and mental health conditions are common, but effective and sustainable interventions are needed for primary care settings.
Purpose: Our paper analyzes the effectiveness of a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Intervention for treating depression and co-occurring health conditions in primary care.
Methods: A Randomized Clinical Trial was conducted at a rural federally qualified health center. Eligible participants scored ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and met criteria for co-occurring health conditions (hypertension, obesity, diabetes) evidenced by chart review. SFBT participants (n=40) received three SFBT interventions over three weeks in addition to treatment as usual (TAU). The control group (n=40) received TAU over three weeks. Measures included depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), well-being (Human Flourishing Index), and SFBT scores, along with physical health outcomes.
Results: Of 80 consented participants, 69 completed all measures and were included in the final analysis. 80% identified as female and the mean age was 38.1 (SD 14.5). Most participants were White (72%) followed by Hispanic (15%) and Black (13%). When compared to TAU, SFBI participants had significant reductions in depression (baseline: M=18.17, SD=3.97, outcome: (M=9.71, SD=3.71) and anxiety (baseline: M=14.69, SD=4.9, outcome: M=8.43, SD= 3.79). SFBI participants also had significantly increased flourishing scores (baseline: M=58.37, SD= 16.36, outcome: M=73.43, SD= 14.70) when compared to TAU. Changes in BMI and blood pressure were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: SFBI demonstrated efficacy in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms and increasing well-being.
Trial Registration: The study was pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05838222 on 4/20/2023.
Predicting Big data Drug Interactions and associated side effects by Using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) over Traditional Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs)
Authors: IBRAHIM Abdullahi Abdu , Mohammed Tareq Abed , DARA Omer Nabeel
Published: March 2024

Rapid advances in machine learning have enabled the prediction of complex drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and associated harmful effects. This study aims to develop a neural network model that can predict drug-drug interactions (DDIs) for various side effects. Our study intends to create a reliable and easy-to-understand tool that can transform pharmaceutical research and healthcare by lowering polypharmacy risks. Our method begins with the careful selection and compilation of large datasets on medicine combinations, side effects, drug-side effect connections, and drug-protein interactions. We use an adjacency matrix to establish a drug-protein network. Then, we use PCA to shrink the network. Using artificial neural networks, our neural network is designed for binary categorization. This model is rigorously trained, validated, and tested using performance metrics to ensure its strength and adaptability. Our model has remarkable accuracy, with AUC-ROC scores of 98.67% for certain interactions. Reading and handling structured input is a major advantage of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) over Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs). The findings demonstrate our approach's versatility in pharmaceutical research and healthcare, including medication development and real-time clinical decision help. To conclude, this study advances DDI prediction and management. Resilience, comprehensibility, and accuracy make the model a flexible polypharmacy solution. By solving DDI prediction and side effect control, our strategy might improve pharmaceutical research, patient safety, and healthcare results. This study shows how advanced machine learning may be used in pharmaceuticals.
Generation of cutting heat and simulation of coring tube wall temperature during coring in primary structure coal seam
Authors: MA Shujun , Wang Zhaofeng , Yue Jiwei , An Fenghua , Chen Haidong
Published: March 2024

When the drilling core method is used to determine the coalbed gas content, the cutting heat generated by the coring bit cutting coal will increase the coring tube temperature, and the excessively high coring tube temperature will have an heating effect on the coal core, which will accelerate the coal core gas desorption rate and increase the gas loss amount. The generation of cutting heat of coring bit and the measurement of coring tube temperature are the basis for grasping the gas desorption law of coal core and projecting the amount of gas loss. Firstly, the self-developed coring tube temperature measurement device was used to conduct on-site coring temperature measurement experiments at different cutting speeds. Then, the cutting temperature of coring bit was solved by establishing thermodynamic model for cutting coal and heat transfer model of cutting edge. Finally, based on the thermal conductivity characteristics of the coring tube, the coring tube temperature at different cutting speeds was simulated, and the simulated temperature was compared with the on-site measured temperature to verify the reliability of the model. The results show that when coring in primary structural coal, the temperature change trend of coring tube wall temperature measurement point at different cutting speeds is basically consistent, the temperature measurement point at the front end of the coring tube mainly goes through a relatively stable period in the drilling process, a sharp rising period in the cutting process, a slow rise and cooling period in the withdrawal process. However, the temperature measurement point at the back end of the coring tube wall mainly goes through a relatively stable phase and a slowly increasing phase. The temperature rise of the coring bit and the coring tube wall are significantly positively correlated with the cutting speed. When coring in hard coal seam and the coring depth is not large, the cutting heat generated by the coring bit and the coal body is the dominant factor for the temperature rise of the coring tube. The coring tube wall temperature calculated using the model matches well with the field measured temperature, and the error is small, which fully shows that the coring thermodynamic model is feasible. This study provides a basis for further research on the dynamic distribution characteristic of coal core temperature during coring, which is of profound significance to calculate the gas loss and coalbed gas content.
Efficacy of Local Agents Used in Premature Ejaculation Treatment
Authors: hamarat Mustafa , kafkaslı alper , kucuktopcu onur , Karatas Berk
Published: March 2024

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual dysfunction in men. Some topical anesthetic agents are used in the treatment to reduce the hypersensitivity of the glans. The number of patients in studies showing the effectiveness of topical agents is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine-containing local anesthetic creams(EMLA), lidocaine spray, and benzocaine condoms on ejaculation, which are widely used in Turkey in premature ejaculation patients. Between November 2020 and December 2022, 273 male patients who were admitted to the andrology policlinic of the hospital and diagnosed with PE for life were included in the study. Age, body mass index, marriage periods, intercourse durations, relationship frequency, comorbidities, duration of intravaginal ejaculation latency time(IELT) before and 2 months after treatment and side effects of the patients after treatment were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of patients using EMLA cream, respectively; group 2 consisted of patients using lidocaine spray, and group 3 consisted of patients using benzocaine condoms. 59 people in group 1, 126 in group 2, and 88 in group 3 were included in the study. Pre-treatment IELT values of Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 32.5+17.7 sec, 29.8+17.9 sec, and 30.1+13.9 s, respectively. Post-treatment IELT values were 104.5+135.81 sec, 144.1+179.8 sec, and 75.1+50.4 s, respectively. In all three groups, post-treatment IELT values were significantly higher than before treatment. Our study found that spray and EMLA cream significantly increased IELT duration compared to condoms. Although local treatments used in premature ejaculation are effective in the short term, further studies showing long-term efficacy are needed.
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Sulfate source of Groundwater in Sangu Spring Basin
Authors: Hou Xinwei , Li Xiangquan , Wang Zhenxing , Zhang Chunchao , Gui Chunlei , Zuo Xuefeng
Published: March 2024

Sangu Spring Basin is located in an important economic area，and groundwater is the main source of water for local life and industry. Understanding the sources of chemical components in groundwater is important for the development and utilization of groundwater. In this paper, we analyzed the origin of the chemical components of groundwater and their evolution in the Sangu Spring Basin using statistical analysis, Piper diagram, Gibbs diagrams, ion ratios, and combined hydrochemistry-isotope analyses. The results show that groundwater is the origin of atmospheric precipitation, the groundwater in stagnant and confined environment zones is formed under colder climatic conditions, and the surface water (SW) has a close hydraulic relation with the groundwater. Water-rock interaction is the main factor controlling the composition of groundwater. The compositions of groundwater are mainly derived from carbonate weathering, silicate weathering and dissolution of gypsum. Na+ and K+ in groundwater mainly come from the dissolution of albite and potassium feldspar, rather than rock salt. Ion exchange occurs in KGW and FGW, and the ion exchange is dominated by the exchange of Mg2+ and Ca2+ in the groundwater by Na+ and K+ in the rock or soil. De-dolomitization of KGW in deeply buried and stagnant flow zones occurred, causing elevated Mg2+ and SO42- concentrations. Nitrates and chlorides in groundwater are affected by a combination of agricultural activities, industrial activities, and weathering of rocks. Sulfate in groundwater is derived from dissolution of gypsum, infiltration of atmospheric precipitation and leakage of SW. Groundwaters with the highest sulfate content are located in the vicinity of SW, as a result of receiving recharge from SW seepage. Groundwaters with higher sulfate contents are located in the stagnant and deeply buried zones, where sulfate is mainly derived from the dissolution of gypsum. SW seepage recharges groundwater, resulting in the increased levels of Cl-, NO3- and SO42- in groundwater. These insights can provide assistance in groundwater protection and effective management.
Antibacterial Susceptibility of Bacteria Isolated from Wound Swab of Patient Receiving Medication in University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja-Nigeria.
Authors: Amos Jimba Rai , Aigboeghian Egbenoma , Preciousgift Aigboeghian , Omolehin O.O.
Published: March 2024

This research examined the antibacterial sensitivity of bacteria isolated from wound infection. Ten samples were collected using swab stick. From the isolates of this research identified both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria; these include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococci, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter species. These organisms are of public health importance. Susceptibility outcome revealed that Ofloxacillin and ciprofloxacin were effective against Gram positive bacteria. Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone and Norflaxacin were effective against Gram negative bacteria hence, the study indicate that Gram negative bacteria are more susceptible to antibiotic than Gram positive bacteria. Antimicrobial multi-resistant (AMR) was higher among Gram positive bacteria compared to Gram negative bacteria. Treatment of wound infection remains a significant concern for surgeons and physicians in a health care facility. The problem has been magnified due to the unrestrained and rapidly spreading resistance to the available array of antimicrobial agents. The study therefore, recommends multi-drug administration to patient suffering from wound infection, either caused by burn, accident or of any kind.
Regulation of lipid metabolism in grass carp hepatocytes by exosomes derived from fatty hepatocytes though GRP78
Authors: Yang Lulu , lu ronghua , Cao Kunkun , Chen Mengdi , Xu Xinxin , Cao Xianglin , Zhang Yuru , Nie Guoxing
Published: March 2024

Exosomes regulate lipid metabolism by carrying miRNAs, nucleic acids, and proteins, thereby influencing the function of receptor cells. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is also involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether exosomes derived from fatty hepatocytes (OA-Exo) regulate lipid metabolism through the enrichment of GRP78. In this study, we observed lipid accumulation after incubating hepatocytes with oleic acid (OA) for 24 hours (fatty hepatocytes) (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the expression of GRP78 was significantly increased in fatty hepatocytes and OA-Exo (P < 0.05). We hypothesized that GRP78 plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Subsequently, the hepatocytes were separately incubated with OA-Exo (50 µg/mL) and GRP78 protein (1 µg/mL) for 24 hours. The results showed a significant increase in the content of Triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), as well as up-regulation of the expression of GRP78 and inositol-requiring enzyme-1alpha (IRE1α) protein (P < 0.05). It suggested that exosomal GRP78 promoted lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Therefore, we used YUM70 (an inhibitor of GRP78) to inhibit endogenous GRP78, followed by incubation of hepatocytes with OA-Exo and GRP78 for 24 hours. Compared with the control group, the content of TG and the expression of GRP78 protein were significantly decreased in the YUM70 group (P < 0.05). However, when compared with the YUM70 group, OA-Exo reversed the effect of YUM70 and increased the content of TG, TC, and the expression of GRP78 protein in hepatocytes (P < 0.05). These results suggested that OA-Exo promoted lipid accumulation in hepatocytes through the recruitment of GRP78, and the IRE1α pathway may be important in this process. Furthermore, the inhibition of the IRE1α pathway with 4µ8C resulted in a significant decrease in TG content compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, when compared with the 4µ8C group, OA-Exo and GRP78 reversed the effect of 4µ8C and significantly increased TG content (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicated that OA-Exo activated IRE1α to promote lipid accumulation in hepatocytes through the enrichment of GRP78. This study provided a new perspective for further exploration of exosomal lipid metabolism in fish.
Carbothermal Reduction Behavior of Micro-silica
Authors: Li Fei , Wu HanZe , Fu WangWang , Kang YuXuan , Xia FanQin
Published: March 2024

Micro-silica, a predominant byproduct of industrial silicon enterprises, presents a substantial opportunity for recycling within the production of industrial silicon. In this study, we utilized micro-silica procured from an industrial silicon facility and commercially accessible N991 carbon black as experimental materials. We scrutinized the influence of micro-silica and carbon black on the yield and velocity of SiC formation under varying conditions: temperatures of 1625°C, 1650°C, and 1675°C (1898 K, 1923 K, and 1948 K), disparate CO partial pressures, and diverse SiO2 to C molar ratios. Our findings reveal that micro-silica initiates melting at a threshold of 1600°C. At a temperature of 1650°C, the loss rate of SiO is minimized, resulting in the highest reaction matching degree. Elevated temperatures and increased CO partial pressures correspond to accelerated reaction rates. The reaction of molten SiO2 and CO accelerates the carbothermal reduction reaction rate. A harmonious correlation was observed between the SiO2 reactivity of the micro-silica and the SiO reactivity of the carbon black. The reaction between SiO2 and SiC in the molten state increases the weight loss rate and the reaction rate. The optimal agglomerate composition was determined to be mol(SiO2): mol(C) = 1:3.
Family history of dementia and brain health in childhood and middle age: a prospective community-based study
Authors: Hussainali Rowina Farzia , Schuurmans Isabel K. , Zijlmans Jendé L. , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Vernooij Meike W. , Luik Annemarie I. , Muetzel Ryan L. , Ikram M. Arfan , Wolters Frank J.
Published: March 2024

Objectives We aimed to determine the association of family history of dementia with structural brain measures and cognitive performance in childhood and mid-life adulthood.
Methods We studied 1,259 parents (mean age: 47.3 years, standard deviation: 4.7) and 866 of their children (mean age 9.9 years standard deviation: 0.5) of the population-based Generation R Study. Parents filled in a questionnaire on family history, and both parents and children underwent cognitive assessment and neuroimaging.
Results Of all participants, 109 parents (8.6%) reported a parental family history of dementia and 73 children (8.4%) had a grandparental history of dementia with mean age of dementia diagnosis in those affected 75 years (± 7.3) We observed no associations of dementia family history with cognitive ability in either parents or their children, except for worse manual dexterity in parents with a parental history of dementia, compared to those without (mean difference [95%CI]: -1.28 [-2.26; -0.30]). In parents and children, subclinical brain health did not differ significantly by family history. Results were consistent across age, sex, and APOEgenotype.
Discussion Family history of dementia was associated with worse manual dexterity in mid-life adulthood, but not with any other measures of cognitive ability or subclinical brain health in childhood and mid-life. These findings suggest that the association of family history with dementia risk is due chiefly to neurodegenerative rather than neurodevelopmental processes, and might first present with motor deficits.
The Use of Machine Learning Techniques and Distance Measures in Capturing Collusive Pricing:
A Case Study for Algorithmic Pricing in E-Commerce Industry
Authors: Yalçın Yalçıner , Öztürk Selcen
Published: March 2024

The rapid progress of “Machine Learning” (ML) and “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) is altering the dynamics of competition such as pricing and production, market regulation and common understanding of economies. This paper examines the complex link between algorithmic pricing strategies and contemporary market dynamics, offering insights into their multi-layered implications. Our findings indicate a systematic relationship between algorithmic pricing and competitive dynamics. Price dispersion grows with the possibility of being an algorithmic seller in online sale of milk products, indicating a non-collusive pricing strategy takes place. On the other hand, quality differences and higher production within a market may result in a collusive pricing scheme in online markets where pricing choices are made by machines.
JEL Classification: C51, D43, L41
Derivation and Validation of a Clinical Predictive Model for Longer Duration Diarrhea among Pediatric Patients in Kenya using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Ogwel Billy , Mzazi Vincent , Awuor Alex O. , Okonji Caleb , Anyango Raphael O. , Oreso Caren , Ochieng John B. , Munga Stephen , Nasrin Dilruba , Tickell Kirkby D. , Pavlinac Patricia B. , Kotloff Karen L. , Omore Richard
Published: March 2024

Background
Despite the adverse health outcomes associated with longer duration diarrhea (LDD), there are currently no clinical decision tools for timely identification and better management of children with increased risk. This study utilizes machine learning (ML) to derive and validate a predictive model for LDD among children presenting with diarrhea to health facilities.
Methods
LDD was defined as a diarrhea episode lasting ≥ 7 days. We used 7 ML algorithms to build prognostic models for the prediction of LDD among children < 5 years using de-identified data from Vaccine Impact on Diarrhea in Africa study (N = 1,482) in model development and data from Enterics for Global Heath Shigella study (N = 682) in temporal validation of the champion model. Features included demographic, medical history and clinical examination data collected at enrolment in both studies. We conducted split-sampling and employed K-fold cross-validation with over-sampling technique in the model development. Moreover, critical predictors of LDD and their impact on prediction were obtained using an explainable model agnostic approach. The champion model was determined based on the area under the curve (AUC) metric.
Results
There was a significant difference in prevalence of LDD between the development and temporal validation cohorts (478 [32.3%] vs 69 [10.1%]; p < 0.001). The following variables were associated with LDD in decreasing order: pre-enrolment diarrhea days (55.1%), modified Vesikari score(18.2%), age group (10.7%), vomit days (8.8%), respiratory rate (6.5%), vomiting (6.4%), vomit frequency (6.2%), rotavirus vaccination (6.1%), skin pinch (2.4%) and stool frequency (2.4%). While all models showed good prediction capability, the random forest model achieved the best performance (AUC [95% Confidence Interval]: 83.0 [78.6–87.5] and 71.0 [62.5–79.4]) on the development and temporal validation datasets, respectively.
Conclusions
Our study suggests ML derived algorithms could be used to rapidly identify children at increased risk of LDD. Integrating ML derived models into clinical decision-making may allow clinicians to target these children with closer observation and enhanced management.
Relationship between astrocytic reactivity and white matter integrity in the context of Alzheimer’s disease pathologies
Authors: Lin Feng , Li Oceanna , Therrien Sarah Amy , Turnbull Adam
Published: March 2024

Astrocytes exhibit reactive responses to various brain pathologies, including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), which can have both adaptive and maladaptive effects on brain function. Here, we investigate the relationships between two protein markers of astrocytic reactivity (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40)) and white matter (WM) integrity in networks vulnerable to AD pathologies in dementia-free older adults with and without AD pathologies. We analyzed data from participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) GO/2 sample with repeated diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sessions and baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics data (n = 52 from mild cognitive impairment or healthy control). WM stability in medial temporal lobe (MTL)-involved networks was quantified using correlation coefficients of mean diffusivity between baseline and 2-year follow-up. CSF-based GFAP, YKL-40, amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau at baseline were included. Episodic memory was quantified as a mean by averaging repeatedly measured composite scores. We also validated the relationships using data from local Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). The relationship between GFAP and WM stability was moderated by Aβ, with higher GFAP related to better stability and memory in Aβ absent group while higher GFAP related to worse ptau in Aβ present group. Higher YKL-40 levels were associated with worse WM stability regardless of Aβ levels. Additionally, our validation analysis revealed a similar moderating role of APOE4 + for the relationship between WM integrity and plasma-based GFAP. Our study contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between astrocytic reactivity, AD pathology and WM integrity. GFAP's association with WM integrity was contingent on the severity of AD pathologies (Aβ levels or APOE4 status). Conversely, YKL-40 levels suggest its detrimental role in WM integrity independent of Aβ levels given its involvement in neuroinflammatory processes.
Brain Inspired Intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Grid connected Photovoltaic System
Authors: Velpula Manikanta Raju , Kona Hanumath Phani Shree
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a novel brain inspired intelligent maximum power point tracking (BIIM) algorithm to enhance the performance of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system. A computational model for the algorithm is developed and implemented by mimicking the functionalities of amygdala, thalamus, orbitofrontal cortex and sensory cortex, present in the limbic system of the human brain. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, such as perturb and observe (P&O) and incremental conductance (IC), often encounter challenges in achieving efficient and accurate maximum power point (MPP) tracking under varying environmental conditions. These algorithms exhibit slow convergence speed, oscillations around the MPP, and reduced tracking accuracy, leading to power losses and suboptimal photovoltaic system performance. To overcome these limitations, a novel brain-inspired intelligent MPPT (BIIM) algorithm has been proposed and implemented. The proposed BIIM algorithm incorporates the limbic system's ability to process sensory inputs, learn from past experiences, and make rapid decisions to achieve efficient MPPT. The efficacy of the proposed BIIM algorithm is comprehensively evaluated under various critical conditions, such as irradiance variations, temperature fluctuations, and grid faults. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT approach, comparative analysis was conducted with conventional MPPT algorithms such as P&O, proportional-integral (PI) controlled incremental conductance (IC-PI) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The simulation results reveals the superior dynamic performance of the BIIM algorithm by reducing the response time, undershoot, along with increased efficiency and robustness.
Assessment of Sustainable and Machinable Performance Metrics of Monocrystalline Silicon Carbide Wafer with Electrophoretic Assisted Multi-Diamond Wire Sawing
Authors: Sefene Eyob Messele , Chen Chao-Chang Arthur , Tsai Yueh-Hsun , Lai Ting-Huan , Huang Ding-Xuan
Published: March 2024

The rapacious demand for energy in semiconductor wafer manufacturing industries has significant implications for global warming and wafer manufacturing costs. Assessing sustainability in the multi-diamond wire sawing (MDWS) process is crucial for reducing costs and mitigating environmental impacts. However, sustainability assessment integrated with machinability performance metrics in this process has not been investigated. This novel study extensively analyzes sustainability metrics such as processing time, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission, machining cost, and machinability characteristics, including surface roughness, diamond wear rate, and sawing temperature in monocrystalline silicon carbide (mono-SiC) sawing process. Experiments were conducted using traditional MDWS (T-MDWS), reactive MDWS (R-MDWS), and electrophoretic-assisted reactive MDWS (ER-MDWS) coolants. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model were used to predict the overall energy consumption of the MDWS machine. Results showed significant improvements across various responses such as processing time, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, machining cost, surface roughness, diamond wear rate, and sawing temperature, with reductions of 2.95%, 3.87%, 6.80%, 12.82%, 4.68%, 16.32%, and 4.39%, respectively. Furthermore, the ARIMA model results indicate that the total energy consumption prediction accuracy reaches 98.813%. The findings demonstrated that the ER-MDWS cooling strategy is well-suited for large-scale wafer production without compromising surface quality while minimizing environmental impact.
Analysis of influencing factors of acute kidney injury after Unilateral nephrectomy Short Title:Analysis of influencing factors of AKI after Unilateral nephrectomy
Authors: Yan Yongchao , Liu Yunbo , Li Bin , Zhao Wenshuo , XU Shang , Du Haotian , Li Yanjiang , Wang Xinning
Published: March 2024

Unilateral Nephrectomy is one of the most common treatments for surgical diseases of the kidney but often results in postsurgical acute kidney injury (AKI), although the risk factors have not yet been fully elucidated. It is crucial to identify patients at risk of postsurgical AKI through predictive markers to improve postoperative prognosis. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for AKI in patients who have received Unilateral Nephrectomy.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed 528 patients who underwent Unilateral Nephrectomy for different etiologies between January 2013 and December 2018 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. We sought to assess the prevalence and severity of AKI in patients with Unilateral Nephrectomy and identify whether age, gender, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, preoperative renal function, etiology, performed surgically, anaemia, albumin, coagulation, lactate dehydrogenase, nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid are associated with AKI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the predictors of AKI in patients with Unilateral Nephrectomy.
Results
Overall, 218 of the 528 patients (41.2%) developed AKI during their hospitalisation. Univariate analysis showed that AKI was significantly associated with gender (male, OR = 1.866，P = 0.001), overweight (OR = 2.19, P = 0.0002), and performed surgically (OR = 1.7, P = 0.018), while multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR = 1.953, P = 0.001), overweight (OR = 2.176, P = 0.001), and preoperative renal function (OR = 0.507, P = 0.001) were independent factors for AKI. Regression analysis among different etiologies showed significant differences in postoperative AKI.
Conclusion
After Unilateral nephrectomy, AKI is more likely to occur in overweight male patients withnormal kidney function. AKI occurred more frequently in patients who are kidney donors, but rarely in those with non-function kidneys.
Serum uric acid trajectories and sex-specific risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver in China: A 2019–2021 cohort health survey
Authors: Shi Dan , Tan Qilong , Zhang Yong , Qi Xiaoya , Xu Xiaoyang , Xu Guoqiong , Bai Ruixue , Deng Jing , Chen Mengxue , Jiang Tao , Mei Ying
Published: March 2024

Objective
To investigate the sex-specific associations between serum uric acid (UA) trajectories and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in large cohort survey 2019–2021.
Methods
This cohort health survey included 11644 participants without NAFLD before January 1, 2021; of them, 5578 (47.90%) were men and 6066 (52.10%) were women. The group-based trajectory model method was applied to identify serum UA trajectories from January 1, 2019, to December 30, 2021. New-onset NAFLD events in 2021 were treated as outcomes. A logistic regression model was used to assess sex-specific associations between UA trajectories and incidence of NAFLD.
Results
Four distinct serum UA trajectories among both sexes were identified: “low-stable” trajectory 1 (n = 783 men; n = 1143 women), “moderate–moderate increasing” trajectory 2 (n = 2794 men; n = 3266 women), “moderate high–moderate increasing” trajectory 3 (n = 1660 men; n = 1464 women), and “high-increasing” trajectory 4 (n = 341 men; n = 193 women). During the 3-year follow-up period, 840 (15.06%) men and 408 (6.72%) women developed NAFLD. Compared with the trajectory 1 group, the trajectory 4 group had the highest risk (odds ration [OR] 2.99 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.70, 5.24] for men; OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.04, 5.33] for women), followed by the trajectory 3 (OR 2.23 [95% CI 1.52, 3.30] for men; OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.45, 3.92] for women) and trajectory 2 (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.07, 1.94] for men; OR 1.37 [95% CI 0.93, 2.03] for women) groups.
Conclusions
High serum UA trajectories were independent risk factors for NAFLD in both sexes.
Biomedical Data Fusion for Enrichment of Medications using AI
Authors: Sarker Mithun , Nandurkar Dhanraj
Published: March 2024

In the last few decades, the field of biomedical engineering has witnessed revolutionary advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This abstract explores the anarchic developments in AI, specifically focusing on the implementation of Deep Neural Networks (DNN) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in the realm of biomedical engineering. The objective is to delve into the intricacies of these technologies, exploring their potential and paving the way for further exploration through ongoing hypothetical ideations. This analytical and pragmatic research is centered around the utilization of DNN and ANN for the comprehensive analysis of biomedical data. The primary focus is on gathering substantial medication data-fusions, utilizing the theoretical knowledge embedded in these advanced neural network models. The overarching goal is to contribute to the expansion of real-time biochemical experiments, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Through the implementation of cutting-edge AI technologies, this research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical ideations and practical applications in the field of healthcare.
Clinical Comparative Trial of Arthroscopic Debridement Combined with PRP Therapy versus Pure PRP Therapy for Knee Joint: A Clinical Comparative Trial
Authors: Chen beibei , Liang Hairui , Yang Lei , Duan Siyu , Xu Rongda , Zhang He , Sun Ming , Zhou Xueting , Liu Hanfei , Wen Hang , Cai Zhencun
Published: March 2024

Background
Knee joint diseases have become common musculoskeletal disorders in modern society, causing significant distress in patients' daily lives and activities. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for knee osteoarthritis has gained widespread recognition in recent years, while the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement surgery in knee osteoarthritis remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the differences in improving symptoms and function of knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade III) between arthroscopic debridement combined with PRP therapy and pure PRP therapy through a clinical comparative trial.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 108 patients with knee osteoarthritis admitted from January 2021 to January 2022, who underwent PRP injection therapy. Patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement surgery were allocated to the arthroscopic combined with PRP therapy group (Group A), while the remaining patients were allocated to the PRP therapy group (Group B). The improvement of pain, joint symptoms, and function of knee osteoarthritis patients before and after treatment was evaluated using VAS, WOMAC, and Lysholm scores.
Results
Five months after the initial treatment, the knee-related scores of both groups of patients improved. The VAS pain score and WOMAC osteoarthritis score decreased, while the Lysholm knee function score increased, and all differences were statistically significant. When comparing the arthroscopic debridement combined with PRP treatment group to the pure PRP injection treatment group, the combined treatment group showed a greater decrease in VAS pain score and WOMAC osteoarthritis score, a more significant increase in Lysholm knee function score, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
PRP therapy can improve symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and promote joint function recovery, with better improvement in joint symptoms and function in the PRP combined with arthroscopic surgery group, and high safety.