bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Metallic Brackets on Self-Perception of Orthodontic Patients
Authors:   Department of Orthodontics, Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan., Sultan Hareem , Jawaid Ramal ,   Department of Orthodontics, Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan., Pervez Hana ,   Department of Orthodontics, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan., Shah Sara ,   Department of Orthodontics, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan., Shabbir Sadia ,   Department of Orthodontics, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan., Kumari Ujala ,   Department of Orthodontics, Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Background: The field of orthodontics has seen a drastic increase in patients demanding esthetic brackets. Metallic brackets have a negative impact on smile esthetics but their effects on orthodontic patients in terms of change in their self-perception, social interaction, confidence, experience of getting bullied have not been studied before. Objective: This study aims to see the patients’ real social and psychological experiences while undergoing orthodontic treatment with metallic brackets. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted for eight months at ABC Dental College, utilized 200 printed questionnaires that recorded data related to patients’ demographics, change in confidence, anxiety, experience of getting bullied, self-perception and social interaction after getting metallic brackets. Convenience sampling technique was used and patients who consented and had metallic brackets for at least 6 months were included. Data was analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 16.0) and reported in percentages. Result: The age range of the patients who participated was 12-40 (mean=26) years. The patients who felt shy were 64 (33.7%) while, 57 (30%) had their smile esthetics affected, 37 (19.4%) were bullied and 46 (24.2%) experienced negative impact on their self-perception after getting metallic brackets. However, 103 (54.2%) of the patients would have selected esthetic brackets if had a choice. Conclusion: Most of the patients felt good after having metallic brackets and their self-perception, confidence, and social standing did not get affected adversely. Though, most of them showed inclination towards esthetic brackets over metallic ones if given a choice.
Diagnostic Comparison of Transabdominal and Transvaginal Ultrasound in Determining Endometrial Thickness
Authors:   Department of Radiology, Iqra University, Islamabad, Pakistan., Khan Javeria
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The investigation of the endometrium is essential for any pathology related to the female menstrual cycle. Endometrial thickness serves as a significant biomarker in transvaginal and pelvic ultrasound examinations, closely tied to gynecological function. To enhance the precision of predicting endometrial thickness, we have synthesized various studies and literature to incorporate bleeding patterns and combine transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds. These techniques offer accurate and noninvasive means of exploring endometrial thickness (ET). However, the current body of literature lacks a unanimous agreement on the threshold value for defining normal ET levels, especially when considering women who are symptomatic or asymptomatic during both pre and post menopause stages. This study aims to compare ultrasound findings in endometrial thickness between transabdominal and transvaginal approaches. Several studies suggest that pelvic ultrasound pro- vides a reliable method for diagnosing endometrial conditions and assessing uterine pathologies by observing internal genitalia morphology. Conversely, transvaginal ultrasound is suggested as a primary approach due to its superior resolution and broader field of view, positioning it potentially as the first-line technique.
UN BREVE APUNTE SOBRE LOS TOKENS DINERARIOS, ¿UNA EXCUSA PARA LA DESMITIFICACIÓN DE LA ACEPCIÓN ESTATAL DEL DINERO?
Authors: Martín Zamarriego Alejandro
Published: October 2024

Bitcoin emerged with the aim of facilitating the creation and circulation of a kind of digital cash, but, in general terms, it has not become such a thing, because —with certain exceptions— it not only lacks the legal backing that money in the “strict sense” is supposed to have, but it does not even perform the essential economic functions that are proper to “good money”, in the “broad sense”, and its best “substitutes”. By contrast, the so-called stablecoins and digital currencies issued by a central bank, known in the jargon as CBDCs, do fulfil these functions. The latter, moreover, fit perfectly within the strict legal concept of money, which, incidentally, may need to be reconsidered.
Effect of Climate Change and Fear in aFractional Prey-Predator Model withCrowley and Martin Functional Response
Authors: Assila Chaimaa , Benazza Hafida , Lemnouar Mohamed Reda
Published: October 2024

Global climate change is intensifying, with rising temperatures signifi-cantly impacting ecological relationships. Understanding the connectionbetween temperature and predation is imperative to address the threatof extinction resulting from excessive temperature increases. Inthispaper, we introduce a fractional prey-predator model incorporatingthe Caputo fractional operator. Our model considers prey-predatorinteractions based on Crowley and Martin’s functional response,account-ing for the fear effect induced by predation. We analyze the non-negativity, existence, uniqueness, and boundedness of solutions withinour model, considering both classical and Caputo derivative scenar-ios. Additionally, we investigate the local stability of each equilibriumunder both integer and fractional order conditions, emphasizing theglobal stability of the coexistence positive equilibrium point in bothcontexts. Our examination treats predation as a time-dependent func-tion, with the temperature function reflecting climate change andelucidating how rising temperatures contribute to predation. Throughnumerical simulations, we explore the impacts of fear on prey behav-ior and population dynamics, and illustrate how climate change,especially rising temperatures, intricately affects species relationships.

Mathematics Subject Classification:26A33 , 34C60 , 34D20 , 92D25 , 37N25
Study on the effect of carbonized recycled coarse aggregate admixture on the properties of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Cheng Shukai , Liang Qianyong - , Chen Guofu , Chen Kang , Wang Hongtao
Published: October 2024

In order to analyze the effect of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) on the mechanical and chloride ion penetration resistance of self-compacting concrete (SCC), recycled self-compacting concrete (RCASCC) was prepared with RCA treated with different admixtures (15%, 30%, and 50%) and different carbonation pressures (0, 75 kPa, and 150 kPa), and was tested for its compressive strength, flexural strength, electric flux, and its pore structure and micro-morphology were analyzed. The results show that RCA substitution rate and carbonation pressure have a significant effect on the compressive strength, flexural strength and electrical flux of RCASCC, with the increase of RCA dosage, the compressive strength of RCASCC firstly increases and then decreases, while its electrical flux firstly decreases and then increases; with the increase of RCA carbonation pressure, the compressive strength of RCASCC gradually decreases while its electrical flux gradually increases; the increase of RCA dosage and carbonation pressure both reduce the compressive strength of RCASCC, while its electrical flux firstly decreases, while the increase of RCA dosage and carbonation pressure gradually increases. Increasing the RCA doping and carbonization pressure both reduce the flexural strength of RCASCC; when the RCA doping is 30% and the carbonization pressure is 75 kPa, the 28d compressive strength and chlorine ion permeation resistance of RCASCC are improved by 10.3% and 20.9%, respectively, and the pore size of the pre-wetted RCASCC is refined, and the interfacial transition zone is structurally dense.
The Divergence of Male Reproductive Strategy as the Cause of Nomadism in Wood Warbler
Authors: Kretova Anna , Lapshin Nikolay
Published: October 2024

The Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix is a nomadic migratory songbird. Males often change territories during breeding season and every year displaying low nest-site fidelity. However, the benefits of frequent change between territories remain unclear. During our research, playback experiments were implemented to test whether male settlement or departure are affected by quality of conspecifics nearby or female presence. High or low rate song broadcasts were used to imitate the presence of males with ‘good’ and ‘poor’ quality, arriving males were subsequently banded with colour rings to track their further movements between plots. The results showed that between 52 and 66,7% of males left the plot during the first week after arrival (labelled as ‘floaters’) but after leaving they did not try to settle on the other plots, where high or low rate songs were broadcasted. We tested the 'hidden lek' hypothesis by tracking male appearances near local nests. The male abundance increased significantly with the start of egg-laying compared to the 10-days prior to it and decreased during the next 10 days after incubation start, assuming that males left the territory after copulation with females. The study suggests that to increase chances of leaving offspring, some floaters move through the territory of other males and copulate with their females rather than settle nearby.
Dynamic impacts of China’s rural-urban migration on aboveground biomass carbon density in rural counties
Authors: Chen Jiandong , Gao Ming , Fang Shuai , Shan Yuli , Yu Jie
Published: October 2024

China’s carbon sinks have been greatly affected by the changes in aboveground biomass carbon density in rural areas due to a recent rapid urbanization in the country and ongoing migration from rural to urban. We employ multiple satellite and gridded datasets to estimate aboveground biomass carbon density in rural China at the county level from 2006 to 2018. We further investigate the impacts of rural-urban migration on aboveground biomass carbon density in the rural area, as well as the hidden mechanisms. Our results find a nonlinear relationship between rural-urban migration and rural aboveground biomass carbon density. During 2006–2008, + 1% of rural-urban migration increased + 0.021% of rural aboveground biomass carbon density. However, the increasing impact diminished in later periods due to urban land expansion and excessive human activities in the rural areas. In addition to the abandonment of croplands, our mechanism analysis finds that the increasing effect during 2006–2008 was also achieved through expanding of ecological quality inequality between urban and rural areas, emergence of limited clusters of young trees near urban areas, aggregation of people aged 20–40 years old to urban areas, and feminization of people aged 60–70 years old in rural areas. Based on the mechanism analysis, we quantify the moderating effects of variables on the increasing effect of rural-urban migration. There were + 0.015%, + 0.022% and + 0.019% of moderating effects by 1% changes in transportation convenience at the urban-rural border, urban economic aggregation, and the degree of dislocation between people and forests in rural areas, respectively. Finally, we simulate future aboveground biomass carbon density and potential carbon sinks under scenarios considering the potential changes in moderated variables in the future. We find that an optimized rural-urban migration strategy could achieve up to 33.47 ± 24.58 TgC of aboveground carbon sinks by 2030, which could contribute significantly to China’s climate targets.
Evaluation of procedures for normalizing and analysing SomaScan proteomics assay
Authors: Galanakis Michael Carter Bisgaard , Ladelund Steen , Izarzugaza Jose M. G. , Bendtsen Kristian M. , Maretty Lasse , Geybels Milan , Valkenborg Dirk
Published: October 2024

The aptamer-based SomaScan assay measures thousands of proteins. SomaLogic provides a multi-step pre-processing procedure to reduce the technical variability of this data. This paper will evaluate how each step of this procedure affects analysis results. We performed a comparative assessment using data from two randomised clinical trials in weight management. We show that SomaLogic’s adaptive normalization by maximum likelihood (ANML) procedure introduces a bias to fold change estimates, with a median bias of + 3.7% and + 3.4% in the two trials. The bias was confirmed by a simulation study, where ANML introduced false positive findings. Additionally, their plate scaling procedure has no effect on data when the calibration step is included. However, SomaLogic's pipeline excluding ANML does reduce technical variability without a substantial impact on fold change estimates. We recommend that researchers considering the use of ANML in clinical trials should verify the absence of this bias.
Labor market reintegration strategies of Albanian return migrants from Greece: The role of human and social capital
Authors: Xhaho Armela , Bailey Ajay , Caro Erka
Published: October 2024

For many migrants, returning to their country of origin is an important turning point in their migration trajectory. However, whether reverse migration proves successful depends largely on whether returnees are again able to participate in the social, economic, cultural, and political life of their country of origin. This paper draws on 37 biographical interviews conducted with Albanian returnees in three different geographical areas of Albania: Fier, Tirana, and Voskopoja. It aims to capture the diverse strategies the return migrants employed in navigating the labor market upon their return. We examine how the social and human capital the returnees accumulated while abroad shaped their patterns of reintegration into the labor market. We find that the returnees’ social capital in the form of social relationships and their human capital in the form of work experience influenced their entrepreneurial activities in their home country. Moreover, we observe that some of the returnees who were able to capitalize on their migration experiences in their host country introduced a new work culture and new products to their home country and offered better quality work than their local competitors. Our findings further indicate that while the returnees’ social networks improved their economic prospects, the levels of trust and social responsibility in these networks enabled them to develop and expand their business activities.
A Privacy-Preserving Data Augmentation Approach for Credit Card Fraud Detection
Authors: Wen Jun , Li Xiusheng , Long Liu , Li Xiaoli , Mao Hang
Published: October 2024

Credit card fraud costs credit card companies billions of dollars annually. Privacy concerns prevent most banks from sharing transaction data. Federated Learning enables multiple companies to train a unified model while preserving the privacy of sensitive data. The scarcity of credit card fraud samples has posed a challenge for Federated Learning (FL). To address this challenge, this paper proposes the Federated Learning Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (FL-SMOTE). It employs both partially and fully homomorphic encryption schemes, leveraging their strengths to enhance performance and security. Partially homomorphic encryption is used for Euclidean distance summation, ciphertext comparison, and privacy-preserving ranking of Euclidean distances. The Cheon-Kim-Kim-Song (CKKS) method is used to generate synthetic minority class samples and perform secure aggregation in federated learning. CKKS approximation methods are used to balance computational complexity and accuracy. The logistic regression model is adapted to demonstrate how the CKKS scheme can be seamlessly integrated into the training process. A quadratic term is added to the client’s loss function to regularize the discrepancy between the local model and the accelerated global model. Finally, the proposed design is evaluated on two publicly available datasets. The experiments demonstrate that the FL-SMOTE algorithm enhances training results and achieves the oversampling objective.
Evaluation of complex multi-physics phenomena at gas diffusion electrodes during high-pressure water electrolysis with AEMs
Authors: Delp Erik , Mishra Rakesh , Wagner Enno
Published: October 2024

The alkaline water electrolysis is a well-established process for producing green hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Hereby, electrochemical gas compression can be realized with water electrolysis and ion pumping membranes, to avoid costly mechanical compression. In this experimental study we researched an electrolyzer cell with a strong metal structure, for internal pressure difference of up to 100 bar. Micro-porous gas diffusion electrodes containing non-precious nickel catalysts as well as different separators, alkaline membranes and AEMs have been investigated in the range of 300 to 800 mA cm− 2. For one preferred AEM, characteristics are shown for hydrogen pressures between 20 and 80 bars, while the anode remains at ambient 1 bar. Impedance spectroscopy diagrams are used to display the individual cell components: the ohmic resistance of the AEM and the complex impedances of both electrodes. Therewith we could visualize the complex multi-physics phenomena and show that the oxygen electrode works as a Wartburg-element, especially due to higher diffusion rates and therewith entropy production during bubble formation.
Nursing experience with pneumonia patients based on visual reality simulation: A qualitative study
Authors: Um Youn-Joo , An Soomin
Published: October 2024

Background: Nursing students should participate in clinical experiences to acquire sufficient clinical skills before graduation.
Objective: We identified nursing students' virtual reality (VR) experiences and perceptions of pneumonia patients and provided recommendations for educating future nurses to gain sufficient experience with them.
Design: This study is qualitative and descriptive.
Participants: This study involved 60 nursing students from a Korean university.
Data collected in December 2023 through reflection journals completed by participants were analyzed using thematic content analysis as the methodological approach.
Results: Ten subtopics were identified, including four themes: 1) enhancing nursing skills for patients with pneumonia, 2) improving nursing communication skills, 3) creating a learning environment using VR technology, and 4) increasing awareness of one's nursing capabilities through VR.
Conclusion: Nursing students experienced a series of nursing procedures and their effects through VR pneumonia nursing experience. More diverse VR scenario development and technical improvement are needed to enhance prospective nurses’ competency.
Identification and validation of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane-associated genes as diagnostic biomarkers for preeclampsia
Authors: Zhang Cui , Kong Hongfang , Ma Xuyuan , Jiang Jingjing , Su Yuan , Zheng Lili , Xin Hong
Published: October 2024

Background
ER-mitochondria Ca2+ transfer abnormalities by MAMs and subsequent resulting in mitochondrial autophagy contribute to trophoblast apoptosis and may be involved in the pathogenesis of PE suggesting a crucial role of MAMs in PE development. However, detailed investigations into the specific mechanisms and roles of MAMs in PE remain limited.
Methods
This study began with a search for PE-related datasets and MAMs-related genes. Candidate genes identified and analyzed by differential expression analysis and WGCNA. ROC analysis was conducted to evaluate the capacity of biomarkers to differentiate between PE and controls. GSEA was employed to understand the biological functions and immunoinfiltration analysis was utilized for revealing role of the immmunological system of biomarkers in the advancement of PE. Biomarker-disease association predicting and constructing of molecular regulatory networks were implemented to explore the mechanisms by which biomarkers affect PE. Expression of hub genes was further verified by RT-qPCR.
Results
ABCD3, CAST and PAWR were considered as latent diagnostic biomarkers for PE, and the AUCs representing the ability to diagnose PE were 0.8-1.0.GSEA found spliceosome, proteasome and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis were co-enriched by biomarkers. Immunoinfiltration analysis certified negative correlations between biomarkers and differentially infiltrated immune cells. Using the NetworkAnalyst database, 21, 9 and 20 TFs that might regulate the level of ABCD3, CAST and PAWR. RT-qPCR verified down-regulation of CAST and PAWR in the PE placenta, but ABCD3 validation results was the opposite.
Conclusion
CAST and PAWR function as latent MAMs-related biomarkers diagnosing and affecting PE. These findings provided insights to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of PE.
Seed maturation and mortality patterns support non-serotinous conifer regeneration mechanism following high-severity fire
Authors: Lopez Madeleine A. , Kane Jeffrey M. , Greene David F.
Published: October 2024

Background
Climate warming increases fire activity for many regions around the world, prompting concern over the long-term persistence of conifer species that regenerate poorly from seed after high-severity fire. However, substantive regeneration of non-serotinous conifer species within a large high-severity patch, a process termed facultative serotiny, is possible if the fire occurs in the brief window following seed maturation but before cone opening, the enclosed seeds can withstand the heat range of the fire, and the non-serotinous cone crop is sufficient. To define the temporal window of facultative serotiny, we collected closed cones from June to September over two seasons, examining seed maturation as a function of the heat sum for four non-serotinous California conifer species: ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Sierra lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. murryana), incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Additionally, we examined seed survival based on viability testing in closed cones following heat treatments ranging from ~ 20 to 600°C. Finally, we compared this temporal window of viability to the proportion of area burned during that same interval using recent fire data for northern California to identify the proportion of fires that may be conducive to facultative serotiny.
Results
The accumulated heat sum was positively associated with seed maturity; the proportion of seeds that were viable varied by species but generally ranged from late-July (10%) to mid-September (90%) with heat sums ranging from 1285℃ to 2081℃, respectively. Higher heat exposure was negatively associated with seed survival and some withstood temperatures as high as 400°C for 150 seconds. Seeds of the smaller cone species, incense cedar and Douglas-fir, tended to have lower survivability to heat treatments than the larger cone species, lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine. The period of availability of mature seeds overlapped with 60% of the area burned during wildfires for northern California.
Conclusions
We identify conditions suitable for the occurrence of facultative serotiny following high-severity fires for four non-serotinous conifers in northern California. The temporal window that permits facultative serotiny for these species can be incorporated into post-fire regeneration modeling and can aid forest management decision-making in fire-prone ecosystems containing non-serotinous conifers.
Tensile mechanical behavior of Cu/Ni bilayer electrodeposited Ni 54 Nb 42 Al 4 metallic glass Fibers
Authors: Hussain Ishtiaq , Hussain Zahid , Ali Shamsher , Ali Iftikhar
Published: October 2024

In the current work, the tensile mechanical behavior of Cu/Ni bilayer electrodeposited Ni52Nb42Al4 metallic glass (MG) fibers with a presizely controle different volume fractions (R) of bilayer coating i.e., R = 0% to R = 95% is investigated by using electrochemical deposition technique. Experimental results reveal that yield stress, tensile stress and fracture stress is decreased with the increasing volume fractions (R) of bilayered Cu/Ni-coating. However the plastic strain is significantly increased with the increasing R values (R = 65% and above). The coating thickness and good interface bonding between two layers (Cu & Ni), as well as with the surface of MG fibers is responsible for larger enhancement in tensile plasticity of bilayered coated Ni−Nb-Al MG fibers. The plastic deformation of Cu/Ni bilayer electrodeposited MG fiber with a coating volume fraction, R = 95% is 5.8%. Electrochemical deposition of Cu/Ni bilayer onto Ni52Nb42Al4 fibers can play a significant role in engineering applications.
The relationship between perceived social support and positive coping style in fire rescue personnel: the mediating effect of positive emotions and meaning in life
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Wang Zeqing , Qin yuying , Jin Song
Published: October 2024

Coping style is a cognitive and behavioral effort in which individuals face specific internal and external environmental requirements beyond their ability. Fire rescue personnel are often faced with sudden disasters and threats, so positive coping style is of great significance to the mental health of them. Although previous studies have found that perceived social support can promote positive coping style, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate a hypothetical model that posits that perceived social support in fire rescue personnel positively predicts positive coping style and that positive emotion and meaning in life play a mediating role. A total of 354 fire rescue personnel with fire rescue detachment in a city were investigated via the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Positive and Negative Emotion Scale (PANNS), Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). The correlation between these variables and the mediating effect of resilience was examined by path analysis. The average scores of perceived social support, positive emotion, sense of life meaning and positive coping style were 4.94 ± 0.83, 3.26 ± 0.75, 4.94 ± 0.83 and 2.67 ± 0.44, respectively. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that positive coping style was positively correlated with social support, positive emotion and sense of meaning in life (all p < 0.01). Positive emotion and meaning in life had a complete mediating effect on the relationship between perceived social support and positive coping style, and the total mediating effect accounted for 76.05% of the total effect. Positive emotion and meaning in life play dual mediating roles in the perceived social support and positive coping style of fire rescue personnel. This paper reveals the internal mechanism of the perceived social support and positive coping style of fire rescue personnel, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving the mental health and rescue ability of fire rescue personnel.
Distribution of in-situ stress and regional structural influence in the Luxin mining area and engineering applications
Authors: lu lang , wang feng , mu jun , mi jiangqinag , chen baohong , zhao pingping
Published: October 2024

In-situ stress is a significant factor in the occurrence of dynamic disasters in coal mines. Measured data from 22 measuring points in the Luxin mining area was analyzed to investigate the distribution of in-situ stress and regional structure action. The results reveal that in-situ stress in the Luxin mining area is predominantly a structure stress, it is mainly manifested in the medium and low stress levels. The maximum horizontal principal stress, minimum horizontal principal stress, and vertical principal stress are 5.47–18.8 MPa, 3-10.15 MPa, and 4.8–12.5 MPa, respectively, all of which exhibit a linear increase with depth. The lateral pressure ratio varies from 0.6 to 2.1, gradually approaching 1 with increasing depth. The differences between maximum and minimum horizontal principal stress range from 2.47 to 9.6 MPa. The predominant direction of the maximum horizontal principal stress in the Luxin mining area is NW. The influence of the F1 and F2 reverse faults alters this direction, with seven measuring points indicating a maximum horizontal principal stress direction of N (21.4°-78.6°) E. From the axis of the Xishan anticline to the bottom of the flanks, the maximum horizontal principal stress generally increases. The F1 and F2 reverse faults cause stress redistribution, leading to fluctuations in the maximum horizontal principal stress in the hanging wall region of these faults. Based on the measured in-situ stress data from Shadunzi coal mine, a roadway support scheme for the S4103 working face was developed, which improved roadway stability.
Prevalence and predictors of pulmonary arterial hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction in HIV-infected adolescents in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Amichoh Cressida Kfunsei , Adekunle Motunrayo Oluwabukola , Mabogunje Cecilia Abimbola , Animasahun Barakat Adeola , Ubuane Peter Odion , Salako Abideen Olurotimi , Olorunfemi Adesola , Peter Igoche David , Njokanma Fidelis Olisamedua
Published: October 2024

Background
Right ventricular dysfunction (RV dysfunction) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The clinical manifestations are non-specific and similar to the cardiorespiratory symptoms of comorbid opportunistic infections in HIV-infected individuals, thus leading to misdiagnosis. However, there is a paucity of data on the burden of HIV-associated PAH and RV dysfunction in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, we evaluated the prevalence and predictors of PAH and RV dysfunction among adolescents living with HIV and uninfected controls.
Methods
This was an analytical, cross-sectional study of 90 HIV-infected adolescents and 90 HIV-negative controls aged 10–19 years. Using transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary artery pressure was estimated using pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and RV function was estimated using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change (RV FAC). Pulmonary artery hypertension was defined as a PASP ≥ 30 mmHg and RV dysfunction with a TAPSE of < 1.6 cm or RV FAC < 34%.
Results
The mean ages of the HIV-positive adolescents and controls were 14.81 ± 2.9 and 14.52 ± 2.8 years, respectively (p = 0.497). The prevalence of PAH was significantly greater in HIV-positive adolescents than in controls (7.8% vs 1.1%, p = 0.030), as was the prevalence of RV dysfunction (8.9% vs 1.1%, p = 0.017). PAH was independently associated with decreasing PCV (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 0.62 [0.29–0.91], p < 0.001), whereas RV dysfunction was independently associated with delayed age at diagnosis (age 10 years and above) (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 3.85 [1.34–7.01], p = 0.043).
Conclusion
Pulmonary artery hypertension and RV dysfunction were significantly more common among HIV-positive adolescents than among HIV-negative controls. Strengthening early diagnosis, prompt treatment with optimization of the hematologic profile and the integration of periodic echocardiography into routine HIV care are advocated.
Clinical trial number:
Not applicable
Comparative Analyses of Relationship among Age, Anthropometric Parameters and Gait Characteristics of Ambulant with Normal and Forward Head Postures
Authors: Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Griffin Olusegun Gbenga , Borode Adebusola Olabisi , Ayodeji Adedayo Oluwabunmi , Ugwu Chinonso Amanda , Ibitoye Adebukola Grace , Kekere Tosin Faith , Ajao Daniel Durotoluwa
Published: October 2024

Background
Forward Head Posture (FHP) is an epidemic that has become more prevalent in recent times, with paucity of data on its effects on gait. This study aims to assess, compare and determine the relationship among age, anthropometric parameters and gait characteristics of ambulant with Normal and Forward Head Postures.
Methods
84 apparently healthy participants consented to participate in this pre-experimental study. Age, sex, weight and height of the participants were obtained. The participants were trained and instructed to walk a 8 meter walkway, with the floor sprinkled with white powder to obtain foot mark while maintaining two head postures (69° and 120° for normal and Forward Head Postures respectively). A rest interval of 30 minutes was observed before changing postures. Foot prints obtained from the powdered gait walkway were used to assess foot angle, cadence, stride length, step length and walking velocity. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 21.92 ± 2.55years. Ambulation with normal head posture and forward head posture had mean values for foot angle (7.74 ± 2.02°, 7.58 ± 1.95°) cadence (107.83 ± 11.69cm, 111.02 ± 11.26cm) step length (65.45 ± 7.97cm, 68.68 ± 7.30cm) stride length (131.15 ± 17.11cm, 135.96 ± 15.12cm) and walking velocity (1.19 ± 0.32m/s, 1.13 ± 0.20m/s) respectively. There was significant difference in only the gait step length during ambulation with FHP (t = -2.74, p = 0.007). Cadence have significant relationships with age, height and step length (r = -0.28, p = 0.01; r = − .0.28, p = 0.01 and r = 0.43, 0.01). Step length have significant relationships only with weight and height (r = 0.34, p = 0.01 and r = 0.43, 0.01) while stride length had significant relationship only with height (r = 0.32, p = 0.01) in abnormal head posture. Similar trends were observed during ambulation with normal head posture.
Conclusions
Forward Head Posture (FHP) did not significantly alter most gait characteristics when compared to normal head posture. Cadence and step length have significant relationships with age, weight and height, irrespective of normal or abnormal posture. In FHP ambulation, Stride length had significant relationship only with height.
Healthcare workers' experiences of participating in life-sustaining treatment decision-making in a Chinese intensive care unit：A qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wu Yajing , He Qianqian , Xu Cuiping
Published: October 2024

Background: With the aging of the population and advancements in medical technology, making decisions about life-sustaining treatment (LST) poses emotional dilemmas for physicians and nurses.
Methods: A phenomenological qualitative research method was used. Ten nurses and ten doctors were selected from the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in China using convenience sampling for face-to-face semi-structured interviews, after which the interviews were recorded verbatim, and themes were identified and coded using Colaizzi analysis.
Findings: The decision-making experience of healthcare professionals withdrawing ICU patients from LST can be categorized into three themes and six subthemes, including healthcare professionals' perceptions of LST (professional and humanitarian perspectives), factors influencing healthcare professionals' decisions to withdraw LST (personal factors of healthcare professionals, decision-making conflicts, lack of preparedness, and ethical dilemmas), and healthcare professionals' behavioral preferences for performing LST (nurses' behavioral preferences, physicians' behavioral preferences).
Conclusion: Decision-making about whether a patient needs to withdraw LST can result in decision-making dilemmas due to differences in healthcare personnel's personal attributes and decision-making conflicts; secondly, healthcare personnel have complex multiple emotional experiences during the engagement process, and nurses do not have a high level of voice in the decision-making team due to the complex clinical environment and professional constraints; and lastly, trust between healthcare personnel and patients needs to be strengthened. In the future, it is hoped that clinical staff in the healthcare team can emphasize interdisciplinary cooperation and enhance the trust between healthcare professionals and patients from the patient's perspective.
Microalgae impact on inactivation of indicator virus in a large-scale wastewater treatment system using microalgae
Authors: Jahan Solène , Pruvost Jérémy , Cogne Guillaume , Titica Mariana , Fallowfield Howard
Published: October 2024

Wastewater treatment systems using microalgae called High Rate Algal Ponds (HRAP) have been increasingly considered as alternative solutions to classical activated sludge systems. In these paddlewheel-mixed shallow raceways (30 cm depth), oxygenation of the HRAP by microalgae replaces artificial aeration for aerobic degradation of organic matter. In HRAP, pathogen removal mainly relies on ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation induces photochemical modifications of DNA and RNA, leading to pathogen inactivation. However, high turbidity due to microalgae and detritus from the wastewater reduces UV penetration in HRAP. Paddlewheel mixing has then a profound impact on the treated water quality by exposing microbial pathogens to higher UV irradiation at the pond surface. Microalgae are expected to contribute significantly to turbidity in HRAP, however, they are also responsible for high oxygen concentration, high pH and, in the presence of UVA, production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) favoring disinfection, questioning the relative impact of microalgae on pathogen inactivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate, in a laboratory UVA cabinet, the impact of microalgae on indicator viruses’ inactivation, in terms of UVA attenuation (inhibition of inactivation) and production of ROS (enhancement of inactivation). This study highlighted a significant negative impact of microalgae due to UVA attenuation over 30 cm depth together with a strong inherent capacity to produce ROS for virus inactivation, confirming the relevance of vertical mixing for disinfection in Peterborough HRAP.
Microbial approach towards anode biofilm engineering enhances extracellular electron transfer for bioenergy production
Authors: Anwad Anwar , Said Alia , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: October 2024

The application of microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) is a biological approach to enhance growing high amounts of electroactive biofilm for extracellular electron transfer. The electroactive biofilm degrades the organics by oxidizing them at the anode and producing electric energy. The addition of waste-activated sludge (WAS) with fat grease oil (FOG) produces an optimal reactor environment for microbial growth to enhance the exchange of electrons between cells via microbial electrolysis. The novel study investigates the microbial approach to increase the EET in microbial electrolysis cells. Results revealed that metabolites in an EAM grow viable cells that initiate high EET at anode sites. At optimum WAS with FOG addition, the production of volatile fatty acid and current generation yield were 2.94 ± 0.19 g/L and 17.91 ± 7.23 mA, respectively. Analysis of the bio-electrochemical changes showed that the anodic biofilm enhances intercellular electron transfer, increases NADH-NAD ratio 28.6, and increases metabolites yield-fluxes which would be responsible for bio-electricity production. Taken together, results indicated that the electrolysis highlights MEC performance in terms of power generation of 788 mV with 200 mL of anode volume of active viable cells by utilizing WAS with 11% FOG. The engineered strains exhibited excellent workability for power generation and EET activity. This study shed light on the anode biofilm engineering how growth cell volume, intercellular electron transfer, increases NADH-NAD ratio is a evidence to increase the EET of EAB for efficient current production.
Research on Drug-Drug Interaction Prediction Using Capsule Neural Network Based on Self-Attention Mechanism
Authors: Chen Xing-xin , Miao Zhen , Nie Bin
Published: October 2024

Multi-drug combinations are an effective strategy for the teatment of complex diseases. Due to the numerous unknown interactions between drugs, accurate prediction of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is essential to avoid adverse drug reactions that can cause significant harm to patients. Therefore, DDI prediction is crucial in pharmacology.Methods: In this paper, we propose a multi-source feature fusion DDI prediction method based on the self-attention mechanism of a capsule neural network (ACaps-DDI). This method effectively integrates the chemical information of a drug's internal substructure, as well as the bioinformation of the drug's external targets and enzymes, to predict drug-drug interactions.Results: Comparison experiments on two benchmark datasets show that the six classification metrics of the ACaps-DDI model outperform those of the other seven comparison models, demonstrating the superior performance and generalization ability of the ACaps-DDI model. Ablation studies further validate the effectiveness of certain ACaps-DDI modules. Finally, case validation with three drugs—cannabidiol, torasemide, and dexamethasone—demonstrates the model's effectiveness in predicting unknown drug interactions.
Conclusion: The ACaps-DDI model has demonstrated a good predictive effect on known drugs and some predictive ability on unseen drugs, which is of great practical significance for clinical drug interaction studies.
Effects of different fertilizer combinations on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of summer maize in Jiangsu province
Authors: Wang Jue , Guo Jian , Li Guanghao , Lu Weiping , Lu Dalei
Published: October 2024

Rational application of nitrogen fertilizer plays a crucial role in promoting crop growth and increasing yields. The application of slow-release fertilizer has emerged as an important agronomic measure to increase yield and production efficiency further. In this study, a field trial with maize hybrid Jiangyu877 as material was conducted to investigate the effects of six fertilizer combinations [no fertilizer (P1), common nitrogen fertilizer application (P2), slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application (P3), common nitrogen fertilizer and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer 1:1 application (P4), 1:2 application (P5) and 2:1 application (P6)] on yield and nitrogen use efficiency. Fertilization significantly increased maize yield, with the best increase in the treatment combining common and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. Among all treatments receiving equal amounts of nitrogen, the P5 treatment exhibited superior yield and higher nitrogen use efficiency than other treatments. Compared with the P3 treatment, the dry matter accumulation of P5 increased by 6.6 ~ 13.7%, nitrogen accumulation increased by 13.0 ~ 16.3%, and nitrogen use efficiency increased by 8.1 ~ 11.5%. Therefore, compared with the P3 treatment, the 1000-grain weight and the number of grains per panicle were significantly increased, the test increased yield by 2.6 ~ 4.5%, and the net income increased by 17.1%~80.4% in three years. In conclusion, in the actual production of summer maize in Jiangsu Province, under the planting density of 75,000 plants ha− 1, the recommended fertilization method was common nitrogen and slow-release nitrogen (1:2) (common nitrogen 75 kg ha− 1: slow-release nitrogen 150 kg ha− 1) one-time base application, which synergistic improvement of yield and efficiency could be realized.
Perceptions and Treatment Seeking for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding among Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gupta Ishan , Gupta Hardik , B AUB Qualitative Research Consortium MBBS Batch , Kansal Subham , Puri Surabhi , Salve Harshal R , Misra Puneet , Kumar Rakesh
Published: October 2024

Background
Barriers in seeking professional help for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) contribute to poor social, mental, emotional well-being of women in the Indian community. This study was undertaken to assess the perception and treatment seeking behaviour for AUB among women of reproductive age (WRA) group in rural Haryana.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs) with various stakeholders, including WRA, accredited social health activists (ASHA), multipurpose health workers (MPW), and gynaecologists. Thematic analysis was done to analyse both IDIs and FGDs.
Results
Four key domains were identified: perceptions about AUB, treatment-seeking behaviour, perceived impact, and barriers to seeking treatment. According to WRA, AUB was characterized by changes in the frequency, duration, amount, and quality of menstrual bleeding. They believed that AUB is associated with factors such as anaemia, weakness, Copper-T insertion, consumption of specific food items as well as inadequate nutrition. MPWs and ASHAs further added that AUB can lead to headaches, anaemia, uterine infections, stroke, and fainting. Barriers hindering seeking treatment included lack of accessible healthcare facilities, long queues in hospitals, high travel and medication costs, limited availability of female doctors, lack of support from family, illiteracy and a fear of potential side effects of drugs.
Conclusions
Gaps were identified in the understanding of causes as well as complications of AUB. Limited availability of female doctors, healthcare facilities, and insufficient family support pose major barriers to seeking treatment while the stigma surrounding menstrual health prevents open discussions within families.
Identification of atopic dermatitis-associated diseases based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018
Authors: Liu Yuan , Chen Xi , Su Ziyue , Wang Yiting , Xue Yintong , Li Yan , Gao Xiang , Wang Lijun , Hao Jie , Wang Yuedan , Chu Ming
Published: October 2024

Background
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Massive cohort studies revealed that AD was associated with allergic diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders.
Objective
We comprehensively and systematically analyzed the correlation between AD and diseases to identify AD-associated diseases (ADADs).
Methods
We involved 17924 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2013–2018) dataset, and analyzed the correlation between AD and 422 diseases classified by International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) using four logistic regression models.
Results
We found that AD is significantly associated with 33 diseases: (1) allergic diseases, including urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergy, asthma, other seasonal allergic rhinitis; (2) inflammatory diseases, including noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, acute atopic conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, and unspecified chronic bronchitis; (3) mental disorders with impairment (MDI), including comorbid mental disorders, schizophrenia and sleep disorder; (4) malignant tumors, including malignant neoplasm of prostate, malignant (primary) neoplasm and malignant neoplasm of breast; (5) other symptoms and diseases, other symptoms and diseases, such as wheezing, pruritus and gout. Notably, non-infective gastroenteritis and colitis showed the strongest correlation (OR: 38.39, 95% CI: 3.08-478.01) among the 33 ADADs.
Conclusion
We identified 33 ADADs based on the NHANES (2013–2018) dataset, which provide new insights into understanding the development of these ADADs associated with AD.