bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VarChat: The Generative AI Assistant for the Interpretation of Human Genomic Variations
Authors: De Paoli Federica , Berardelli Silvia , Rizzo Ettore , Limongelli Ivan , Zucca Susanna
Published: November 2023

In the modern era of genomic research, the scientific community is witnessing an explosive growth in the volume of published findings. While this abundance of data offers invaluable insights, it also places a pressing responsibility on genetic professionals and researchers to stay informed about the latest findings and their clinical significance. Genomic variant interpretation is currently facing a challenge in identifying the most up-to-date and relevant scientific papers, while also extracting meaningful information to accelerate the process from clinical assessment to reporting. Computer-aided literature search and summarization can play a pivotal role in this context. By synthesizing complex genomic findings into concise, interpretable summaries, this approach facilitates the translation of extensive genomic datasets into clinically relevant insights. To bridge this gap, we present VarChat (varchat.engenome.com), an innovative tool based on generative AI, developed to find and summarize the fragmented scientific literature associated with genomic variants into brief yet informative texts.VarChat provides users with a concise description of specific genetic variants, detailing their impact on related proteins and possible effects on human health. Additionally, VarChat offers direct links to related scientific trustable sources, and encourages deeper research. Availability: VarChat is freely available at varchat.engenome.com
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 11.11.2023 г. по 17.11.2023 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир , Чумачкова Елена
Published: November 2023

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 11.11.2023 г. по 17.11.2023 г.
Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from Horseshoe Abscess
Authors: Nguyen Matthew T. , Mejia Alfonso
Published: November 2023

Case:

A 53-year-old man presented with a puncture wound to his right thumb, resulting in a horseshoe abscess, its infectious clinical picture muddled by dense paresthesias from the ensuing acute carpal tunnel syndrome. He was treated with irrigation and debridement of the thumb and small finger flexor tendon sheaths, carpal tunnel release, and bootlacing and dermal substitute application to the proximal forearm with eventual split-thickness skin grafting.

Conclusion:

Although a horseshoe abscess resulting in acute carpal tunnel syndrome is a rare entity unquantified in the literature, the treating orthopaedic surgeon should be aware of its association and initiate appropriate treatment accordingly.
State and Metropolitan Area Disparities in Long COVID-19 and Related Symptoms among US Adults, June-October 2022
Authors: Singh Gopal K. , Lee Hyunjung , Kim Lyoung Hee , Azuine Romuladus E.
Published: November 2023

Background: Little research exists on sociodemographic and geographic inequalities in Long COVID, defined as COVID-19 symptoms lasting 3 months or longer. Using the latest nationally representative data, we examine geographic disparities in prevalence of Long COVID and severe COVID symptoms among United States (US) adults aged ≥18 years.
Methods: We analyzed five consecutive rounds of the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey from June 1 to October 17, 2022 (N=108,064). Using multivariable logistic regression and health disparity indices, we modeled disparities in Long COVID and severe COVID symptoms by state and metropolitan area, controlling for race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health insurance, and other demographic characteristics.
Results: During June–October 2022, an estimated 35.4 million or 32.2% of COVID patients in the US reported developing Long COVID; and 15.2 million or 13.8% of COVID patients reported experiencing severe COVID symptoms. The prevalence of Long COVID ranged from 24.0% in the District of Columbia (DC), 25.4% in Hawaii to 39.2% in Alabama, 39.9% in Wyoming, and 43.6% in West Virginia. Adjusted for covariates, adults with COVID-19 diagnosis in Alabama, Wyoming, and West Virginia had 48-178% higher adjusted odds of developing Long COVID than their counterparts in DC. Adults with COVID-19 diagnosis in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, and West Virginia had 2.0-2.5 times higher adjusted odds of experiencing severe COVID symptoms than their counterparts in Vermont. Large disparities in prevalence of Long COVID and severe COVID symptoms existed among the 15 largest metropolitan areas of the US, with the prevalence of Long COVID ranging from 21.9% in San Francisco to 38.0% in Riverside, California. Socioeconomic, demographic and health insurance characteristics explained 34% of the state-level disparity and 45% of the metropolitan-area disparity in Long COVID prevalence.
Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Marked geographic disparities existed, with COVID patients/survivors in the Southeast, Southwest, and Northern Plains states being at substantially higher risks of developing Long COVID and severe COVID symptoms. Equitable access to care and support services among patients with Long COVID is critical to reducing inequities in COVID-related healthoutcomes.
 
Copyright © 2023 Singh et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.
Full Breit Hamiltonian in the Multiwavelets Framework
Authors: Tantardini Christian , Eikås Roberto Di Remigio , Bjørgve Magnar , Jensen Stig Rune , Frediani Luca
Published: November 2023

New techniques in core-electron spectroscopy are necessary to resolve the structures of oxides of f-elements and other strongly correlated materials that are present only as powders and not as single crystals.
Thus, accurate quantum chemical methods need to be developed to calculate core spectroscopic properties in such materials. In this contribution, we present an important development in this direction, extending our fully adaptive real-space multiwavelet basis framework to tackle the 4-component Dirac-Coulomb-Breit Hamiltonian.
We show that Multiwavelets are able to reproduce one-dimensional grid-based approaches. They are however a fully three-dimensional approach which can later on be extended to molecules and materials.
Our Multiwavelet implementation attained precise results irrespective of the chosen nuclear model, provided that the error threshold is tight enough and the chosen polynomial basis is sufficiently large.
Furthermore, our results confirmed that in two-electron species, the magnetic and Gauge contributions from s-orbitals are identical in magnitude and can account for the experimental evidence from K and L edges.
Observation of a bone invasion model of Aspergillus fumigatus in vitro and analysis of the antifungal susceptibility
Authors: Shao Yan , Shen Min , Peng Dan , Cheng Wenxu , Mao Chenggang , Zhang Heng , Sun Yi
Published: November 2023

Background Recently, the prevalence of invasive fungal infections has been on the rise, and one of the prevalent symptoms frequently observed is bone deterioration and bone loss.
Materials and Methods This study successfully established a bone invasion model of A. fumigatus in vitro using a 24-well plate. Pathological analysis was then employed to observe the structure and distinctive features of the invading fungal elements within the bone invasion model.Meanwhile, the antifungal effects of itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B were evaluated.
Results The pathological findings showed that in the experimental group, fungal spores and hyphae invaded the bone tissue or were observed growing in the vicinity of the bone edge tissues, as indicated by both HE and PAS staining. In contrast, no fungal elements were observed in the control group, indicating that the bone invasion model of A. fumigatus in vitro was successfully constructed. Furthermore, the findings from the antifungal sensitivity test demonstrated that the lowest effective concentrations of antifungal drugs against the bone invasion model were as follows: 4 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.5 μg/ml for voriconazole, 2 μg/ml for posaconazole, and 2 μg/ml for amphotericin B.
Discussion The successful construction of the bone invasion model of A. fumigatus has provided a solid basis for future investigations into the mechanisms underlying A. fumigatus bone invasion and the study of its virulence factors. Utilizing bone models is of utmost importance in advancing the development of novel antifungal treatment approaches, as well as in effectively preventing and treating fungal bone invasion and osteolytic diseases.
Acute neural effects of the mood stabiliser lamotrigine on emotional processing in healthy volunteers - a randomised control trial
Authors: Martens Marieke , Zghoul Tarek , Watson Evie , Rieger Sebastian , Capitao Liliana , Harmer Catherine
Published: November 2023

Lamotrigine is an effective mood stabiliser, largely used for the management and prevention of depression in bipolar disorder. The neuropsychological mechanisms by which lamotrigine acts to relieve symptoms as well as its neural effects on emotional processing remain unclear. The primary objective of this current study was to investigate the impact of an acute dose of lamotrigine on the neural response to a well-characterised fMRI task probing implicit emotional processing relevant to negative bias. 31 healthy participants were administered either a single dose of lamotrigine (300mg, n = 14) or placebo (n = 17) in a randomized, double-blind design. Inside the 3T MRI scanner, participants completed a covert emotional faces gender discrimination task. Brain activations showing significant group differences were identified using voxel-wise GLM nonparametric permutation testing, with TFCE and an FWE-corrected cluster significance threshold of p < 0.05. Participants receiving lamotrigine were more accurate at identifying the gender of fearful (but not happy or angry) faces. A network of regions associated with emotional processing, including amygdala, insula, and the ACC, was significantly less activated in the lamotrigine group compared to the placebo group across emotional facial expressions. A single dose of lamotrigine reduced activation in limbic areas in response to faces with both positive and negative expressions, suggesting a valence-independent effect. However, at a behavioural level lamotrigine appeared to reduce the distracting effect of fear on face discrimination. Such effects may be relevant to the mood stabilisation effects of lamotrigine.
Clinical trials registration: NCT04396938
Development of an assessment model for measuring mechanical engineering companies' circularity and maturity levels
Authors: Holly Fabian , Schild Clemens , Schlund Sebastian
Published: November 2023

The circular economy (CE) has gained significance in recent years due to its potential to achieve economic benefits and address ecological challenges. Mechanical engineering companies face the challenge of transitioning to a circular economy, which offers advantages like improved resource utilisation, reduced dependence on external suppliers, and enhanced production and supply chain efficiency. However, implementing circular economy principles proves difficult for manufacturing firms. Measuring circularity poses significant challenges, necessitating assessing methods' development, application, and validation. Industry-specific key indicators and data quality assurance are crucial in this regard. Existing models struggle to adapt to diverse contexts and industries. This paper presents an industry-specific method for assessing mechanical engineering companies' circularity and maturity level, developed using the Design-Science-Research Methodology. Based on the circular value chain, the method evaluates the maturity and circularity levels of the focused sector through 66 specific questions in 33 different areas of the company. The results are divided into the maturity and circularity levels of value-adding and strategic processes and are visualised using spider diagrams. The purpose of this model is to survey the circularity and circular economy maturity of mechanical engineering companies of specific regions and sectors.
A study of the air-sea drag-saturation in very strong winds
Authors: Stiassnie Michael , Andrade David
Published: November 2023

The goal of this note is to provide an explanation for the saturation of the drag coefficient in strong wind conditions. The hydrodynamic model under consideration takes into account the important effects of airborne droplets of water in a thin layer above the water surface that effectively behave as a different fluid between the water and the air. Above this layer the model is coupled with a log-wind profile for the strong winds blowing above the sea. The main underlying mechanism governing the behavior of the drag coefficient is the Kelvin Helmholtz instability for capillary waves on the water surface and the continuity of shear stress along the intermediate interface.
Dependence of Human Cell Survival and Proliferation on the CASP3 Prodomain
Authors: Eaves Connie , Eskandari Ebrahim , Tan Susanna , MacAldaz Margarita , Ding Shengsen , Long Justin , Nielsen Karina , Spencer Sandra , Morin Gregg , Negri Gian
Published: November 2023

Mechanisms that regulate cell survival and proliferation are important for both the development and homeostasis of normal tissue, and as well as for the emergence and expansion of malignant cell populations. Caspase-3 (CASP3) has long been recognized for its proteolytic role in orchestrating cell death-initiated pathways and related processes; however, whether CASP3 has other functions in mammalian cells that do not depend on its known catalytic activity have remained unknown. To investigate this possibility, we examined the biological and molecular consequences of reducing CASP3 levels in normal and transformed human cells using lentiviral-mediated short hairpin-based knockdown experiments in combination with approaches designed to test the potential rescue capability of different components of the CASP3 protein. The results showed that a ≥50% reduction in CASP3 levels rapidly and consistently arrested cell cycle progression and survival in all cell types tested. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses and more specific flow cytometric measurements strongly implicated CASP3 as playing an essential role in regulating intracellular protein aggregate clearance. Intriguingly, the rescue experiments utilizing different forms of the CASP3 protein showed its prosurvival function and effective removal of protein aggregates did not require its well-known catalytic capability, and pinpointed the N-terminal prodomain of CASP3 as the exclusive component needed in a diversity of human cell types. These findings identify a new mechanism that regulates human cell survival and proliferation and thus expands the complexity of how these processes can be controlled.
The remediation potential and kinetics of Pb2+ by the organic frameworks of Cladophora rupestris
Authors: Zhang Lu-sheng , Feng Xiao-yu , Qiu Chang-fa , Li Ling-sheng , Sun Yu , Tao Xin-yi , Li Xin-Yue , Liu Zhao-wen , Cao deju
Published: November 2023

Cladophora rupestris is ubiquitous in many kinds of waterbodies, and C. rupestris biomass can serve as a carrier for adsorbing and transferring heavy metals. In this paper, the organic frameworks of C. rupestris (CROF) was produced by treating C. rupestris biomass with CH3COOH. Batch experiments and characterization were performed. Results showed CROF had a specific surface area of 2.58 m2/g and an external surface area of 2.06 m2/g. Many mesopores were present in CROF, mainly distributed in 2.5–7.5 nm. The zeta potentials were within the range of − 4.46–−13.98 mV in the tested pH of 2.0–9.0. The maximum adsorption capacity (\({q}_{max}\)) of Pb2+ on CROF was 15.02 mg/g, and 97% of Pb2+ was adsorbed onto CROF after 25 min. Unexpectedly, CROF could effectively adsorb Pb2+ in large pH range. The protein secondary structures and carbon skeletons of CROF all worked in adsorption. The main Pb2+ adsorption mechanisms were pore filling, electrostatic attraction, Pb–π interaction, and surface complexation. Therefore, it is valuable as a biosorbent for the removal of Pb2+ from waterbodies.
External Shock, Stimulus Policy, and Economic Resilience of Small and Micro Businesses: Evidence from COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Xu Bo , Li Jingjing , Wu Yujun
Published: November 2023

How resilient SMBs are in the COVID-19 pandemic? We aim to answer this question using sales data from 35,000 brick-and-mortar small and micro businesses (SMBs) in 353 Chinese cities before, during, and after the lockdown period of COVID-19, and examine the economic resilience of SMBs under the impact of governmental stimulus policies. We find that unlike large business entities, SMBs’ post-shock resilience is weak, as sales of SMBs do not recover to pre-shock level. Resilience of SMBs in towns with unitary or small-scale economic structure is stronger than that in larger cities, indicating that stickiness of consumption behavior significantly influences recovery. In the medium term, resilience of SMBs is stronger where local governments implement offline consumption stimulus policies and this effect is more salient in larger cities. In the long run, SMBs have not shown resilience, indicating pandemic-driven digital transformation of retailing has lasting effect on offline SMBs. Our empirical findings are helpful for policymakers worldwide to understand economic resilience and recovery path of SMBs facing external shock, to design targeted stimulus policies to help SMBs survive during crisis, and to pay more attention of providing digital transformation infrastructures so that SMBs could truly strengthen their sustainability in this new era of digital economy.
The Effect of Augmented Reality Instructional Applications on Learning Outcomes
Authors: Kalik Doaa Abdul
Published: November 2023

In the last ten years, there has been a significant advancement in technology, resulting in the emergence of novel approaches for the creation of educational apps. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) as an educational tool is becoming more readily available to both young pupils at the elementary school level and adult learners in professional settings. The objective of this research is to find out whether teaching through Augmented Reality is more effective than using textbooks and worksheets. Quantitative research techniques are used here. and the use of cognitive learning results A sample of 30 students was randomly selected from the history department at Al-Mustansiriyah University. The results suggest that the hypothesis (Ha) is supported, showing a moderate association. Additionally, the use of Augmented Reality as a viable and environmentally friendly approach to learning has a significant impact on educational achievements. This indicates that the utilisation of Augmented Reality resulted in a significant enhancement of student academic performance, specifically by 29.8%.
Genetic Diversity of Asian Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm for Direct Seeding in Response to Soil Salinity Stress at Germination Stage
Authors: Anwar Alia , Tabassum Javaria , Ali Haider , Luca Rosa Sanchez , Ali Qurban , Ashfaq Muhammad , Jilani Ghulam , Saadd Nur Shuhadah Binti Mohd , Javed Muhammad Arshad
Published: November 2023

Salinity is one of the major devastating factors restricting the rice yield particularly at germination stage. Direct seeding is an alternative approach to avoid the excessive water use for rice production. Till date, limited efforts have been conducted for rice germplasm to screen for direct seeding method against soil salinity stress. In present study, a total of 40 rice genotypes were screened using 59 microsatellite markers across the rice genome to identify the genetic diversity against salinity stress. The genotyping identified 287 alleles. The number of alleles averaged at 4.86 per locus, and ranged from 2 to 9. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 4–8. The markers RM21, RM481 RM566, RM488, RM9, RM217, RM333, RM242, RM209, RM38, RM539, RM475, RM267, RM279 and RM430 were found highly polymorphic with PIC value > 0.7 and contains the highest number of alleles (≥ 6). Model based and distance based population structure both inferred the presence of 3 clusters in studied rice germplasm. Based on cluster analysis, Shiroodi, Hashemi Tarom and BAS2000 were found as weak salt tolerant varieties. MR211 and MR219 are two Malaysian varieties found to be highly tolerant and have a high potential for direct seeding methods. AMOVA test suggested that 95% genetic diversity was within the population, which implies that significant genetic variation was present in rice germplasm to be used to select parents for future breeding programs.
Integrated multi-omics single cell atlas of the human retina
Authors: Chen Rui , Li Jin , Wang Jun , Ibarra Ignacio , Cheng Xuesen , Luecken Malte , Liu Jiaxiong , Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Yan Wenjun , Zheng Yiqiao , Zuo Zhen , Colborn Samantha , Cortez Berenice , Owen Leah A. , Tran Nicholas , Shekhar Karthik , Sanes Joshua , Stout Tim , Chen Shiming , Li Yumei , DeAngelis Margaret , Theis Fabian
Published: November 2023

Single-cell sequencing has revolutionized the scale and resolution of molecular profiling of tissues and organs. Here, we present an integrated multimodal reference atlas of the most accessible portion of the mammalian central nervous system, the retina. We compiled around 2.4 million cells from 55 donors, including 1.4 million unpublished data points, to create a comprehensive human retina cell atlas (HRCA) of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility, unveiling over 110 types. Engaging the retina community, we annotated each cluster, refined the Cell Ontology for the retina, identified distinct marker genes, and characterized cis-regulatory elements and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for these cell types. Our analysis uncovered intriguing differences in transcriptome, chromatin, and GRNs across cell types. In addition, we modeled changes in gene expression and chromatin openness across gender and age. This integrated atlas also enabled the fine-mapping of GWAS and eQTL variants. Accessible through interactive browsers, this multimodal cross-donor and cross-lab HRCA, can facilitate a better understanding of retinal function and pathology.
Energy absorption of PLA (Polylactic Acid) - based metamaterials manufactured by material extrusion: dynamic loads and shape recovery
Authors: Pia Desole Maria , Annamaria Gisario , Barletta Massimiliano
Published: November 2023

An investigation of the behaviour of solid cell structures made of Polylactic Acid (PLA) by material extrusion was conducted. The studied structures are Strut-Based, TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces) and Spinodal. To evaluate the performance of the different structures, impact tests were carried out. Through failure tests, the structures were divided into three macro-categories according to their capacity to absorb the impact energy: low, medium and high. Subsequently, the samples that showed a lower deformation for each macro-category were selected for a second step. In the second step, cyclic loads of the deformation by impact were applied to the samples. Immediately after, the deformed samples were submitted to shape recovery by dipping them in a thermostatic bath at a temperature (70°C) higher than the glass transition of the PLA. Based on the experimental evidence, the most performing geometries were the TPMS, both for high and medium impact energies, exhibiting few internal defects. Conversely, the Spinodal structures exhibited good behaviour at low impact energies, but they were less suitable for cyclic tests due to their geometric features. The "Strut-based" structures, despite having the same density as the TPMS, were not suitable for cyclic tests due to their overall poor mechanical strength.
Neural signatures of emotional inference and experience align during social consensus
Authors: Reddan Marianne , Ong Desmond , Wager Tor , Mattek Sonny , Kahhale Isabella , Zaki Jamil
Published: November 2023

Humans seamlessly transform dynamic social signals into inferences about the internal states of the people around them. To understand the neural processes that sustain this transformation, we collected fMRI data from participants (N = 100) while they rated the emotional intensity of people (targets) describing significant life events. Targets rated themselves on the same scale to indicate the intended “ground truth” emotional intensity of their videos. Next, we developed two multivariate models of observer brain activity– the first predicted the “ground truth” (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001) and the second predicted observer inferences (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001). When individuals make more accurate inferences, there is greater moment-by-moment concordance between these two models, suggesting that an observer's brain activity contains latent representations of other people’s emotional states. Using naturalistic socioemotional stimuli and machine learning, we developed reliable brain signatures that predict what an observer thinks about a target, what the target thinks about themselves, and the correspondence between them. These signatures can be applied in clinical data to better our understanding of socioemotional dysfunction.
METTL3 Drives NSCLC Metastasis by Enhancing CYP19A1 Translation and Oestrogen Synthesis
Authors: Meng Wangyang , Xiao Han , Zhao Rong , Chen Jiaping , Wang Yangwei , Mei Peiyuan , Li Hecheng , Liao Yongde
Published: November 2023

Background
METTL3 plays a significant role as a catalytic enzyme in mediating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, and its importance in tumour progression has been extensively studied in recent years. However, the precise involvement of METTL3 in the regulation of translation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.
Results
Here we discovered by clinical investigation that METTL3 expression is correlated with NSCLC metastasis. Ablation of METTL3 in NSCLC cells inhibits invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, through translatomics data mining and experimental validation, we demonstrated that METTL3 enhances the translation of aromatase (CYP19A1), a key enzyme in oestrogen synthesis, thereby promoting oestrogen production and mediating the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC. Mechanistically, METTL3 interacts with translation initiation factors and binds to CYP19A1 mRNA, thus enhancing the translation efficiency of CYP19A1. Pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 enzymatic activity or translation initiation factor eIF4E abolishes CYP19A1 protein synthesis.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate the crucial role of METTL3-mediated translation regulation in NSCLC and reveal the significance of METTL3/eIF4E/CYP19A1 signaling as a promising therapeutic target for anti-metastatic strategies against NSCLC.
Interaction effects and mechanisms of microorganisms and microplastics in soil environment
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Wu Yang , Gao Yu , Qu Longlong , Pu Linmao , Yan Zhonghao , Ji Lijuan
Published: November 2023

The issue of microplastic pollution has long been a global ecological priority, while biodegradation has received increasing attention as an important route for microplastic degradation. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are microplastics frequently found in soil. Excessive amounts of microplastics can cause damage to soil structure. Microplastics can negatively affect the water holding capacity of the soil and reduce the permeability of the soil. In addition, microplastics can aggregate with the soil, altering the soil environment and impeding the growth of plant roots. In the soil environment, microplastics can interact with microorganisms, and different types of microorganisms interact with different forms of microplastics in different ways. In this paper, the main pathways of microbial degradation of microplastics are compiled, including four stages: colonization, fragmentation, assimilation and mineralization, focusing on the analysis of different microbes in the soil environment on the mechanism of different types of microplastics and the related enzyme reactions, in order to avoid the toxicity of MPs to microorganisms in the soil environment, and the main factors affecting the activity in the process of degradation are reviewed, which will provide a reasonable basis for the subsequent degradation of the maximization.
Metabolic plasticity drives mismatches in physiological traits between prey and predator
Authors: Affinito Flavio , Matias Miguel , Kordas Rebecca , Pawar Samraat
Published: November 2023

Metabolic rate, the rate of energy use, underpins key ecological traits of organisms, from development and locomotion to interaction rates between individuals. A warming world, acting through the temperature-dependence of metabolic rate, is expected to alter predator-prey dynamics. Yet, there is very little real-world empirical evidence on the effects of warming on trophic interactions. We measured the respiration rates of the aquatic larvae of three insect species, from populations experiencing a natural gradient of temperatures in a large-scale mesocosm experiment. Using a mechanistic model we predicted the effects of warming on predator-prey interaction rates among these taxa. We found that differences in metabolic plasticity of the three species likely lead to mismatches in the temperature-dependence of their relative velocities, resulting in altered predator-prey interaction rates. We conclude that species-level differences in metabolic plasticity likely plays a key role in changing trophic interactions and food web dynamics in a warming world.
In situ thermomechanical analysis of the primary shear zone in Inconel 718 orthogonal cutting
Authors: Poissenot-Arrigoni Corentin , Marcon Bertrand , Berthel Bruno , Rossi Frédéric , Fromentin Guillaume
Published: November 2023

Inconel 718 is a challenging alloy to machine, commonly employed in the aeronautic and energy industries. There is a continual need to enhance our understanding of its cutting processes to improve its machining applications. This research presents an in situ analysis of the kinematic and thermal fields behaviour of a serrated chip, during orthogonal cutting in the primary shear zone. This study involves a specific self-designed optical system enabling the simultaneous acquisition of both a visible high-speed CCD and an infrared cameras. A particular attention is brought to evaluate the accuracy of the whole optical system to measure the thermomechanical fields in the unfavourable peculiar cutting conditions among such: high strain rates, texture evolution, strong thermal gradients, very narrow observation window... The description of the digital image correlation technic within the visible range and the infrared images post-processing are both affronted, and their limitations exposed. To conclude, a deeper characterisation of the primary shear zone shape is done from the kinematic and the thermal point of views showing that, at least under the employed cutting conditions and for Inconel 718 alloy, the primary shear zone width exhibits no thickness despite the literature.
Effect of soil temperature on canine soil-transmitted nematodes in Kandy District with the first record of hookworm, Ancylostoma tubaeforme from Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasingha Sakunika , Anupama N.M.T. , Rajakaruna Rupika S. , Rajapakse R.P.V.J. , Perera Piyumali K.
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Soil-transmitted nematode (STN)s are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly where the communities are socio-economically challenged. We investigated the effect of soil temperature on the prevalence and intensity of STN infection in free-roaming dogs.
Methods
Fresh faecal samples collected from free-roaming dogs in Digana and Pussellawa town areas in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka, were microscopically analysed for canine STNs. Soil temperature was measured at each sampling site. Highly prevalent canine hookworm Ancylostoma, was further studied using PCR and sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis.
Results
The soil temperature ranged between 28–31 °C (mean = 29.79 °C) and 18–21 °C (mean = 19.52 °C) in Digana and Pussellawa, respectively, showing a significant difference in the two sites (Students t-test t = 1.68, p <0.0001). Of the total 44 dogs sampled, 41 (93.2%) were positive for STNs. During microscopic analysis, five nematodes: Ancylostoma spp., Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Toxocara canis, and Trichuris sp., were identified. Ancylostoma species (93.2%) were the most prevalent, followed by Strongyloides sp. (22.7%) and Toxocara canis (15.9%). Infection prevalence of Strongyloides sp. was higher in Digana (40.9 %) compared to that in Pussellawa (4.5%; Chi-square test, χ2 = 8.28, p = 0.004) and also the infection intensity from Digana (EPG = 8.02 ± 20.2) compared to that from Pussellawa (0.45 ±2.1; Mann Whitney U test, p = 0.006). Amplicons (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the expected size for A. caninum, and A. tubaeforme were produced. The A. caninum sequence defined herein (OQ101719) illustrated the highest similarity of 99.2% to one of the local sequences (MZ707153) upon pairwise comparison.
Conclusion
Digana with higher soil temperature had a significantly higher prevalence and infection intensity, particularly Strongyloides sp. This study also signifies the first molecular identification of hookworm species A. tubaeforme in Sri Lanka.
Identification of black rot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and evaluation of seed treatments for alternative control methods
Authors: Oksel Cansu , Aktepe Benian Pinar , Mirik Mustafa , Aysan Yesim
Published: November 2023

The seed-borne bacterial disease black rot is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is one of the economically important diseases of cruciferous plants worldwide. Seed treatments are commonly referred to as control seed-borne diseases. This study objected to identifying black rot disease based on biochemical and MALDI-TOF MS and management using several seed treatments on cabbage. Seed treatments including plant essential oils (Thymus vulgaris, Syzgium aromaticum, and Citrus sinensis) and experimental biocontrol agents such as fluorescence Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas chloropsis, Bacillus sp., Bacillus subtilis selected from an in vitro assay, and hot water treatment were evaluated in separate growth chamber assays. Non-treated, Xcc inoculated seeds and non-treated, non-inoculated cabbage seeds (Brassica oleracea) served as controls. According to in-vitro assay results, essential oils at several rates, and biocontrol agents were screened. Also, seeds were exposed to hot water treatment at different temperatures and durations. The result showed that seed treatment at 50 0C for 30 min significantly reduced black rot incidence (80.67%) on cabbage cotyledon leaves compared to the non-treated, inoculated control. Seed treatments with Bacillus subtilis and, with Thymus vulgaris at 62.50 µl/ml essential oil significantly decreased the number of disease seedlings (94.68% and 85.34%, respectively). The present study has shown that all applications were effective as a seed treatment protecting the seedlings from black rot disease.
Can Pulse Rate Variability be used to monitor compliance with a breath pacer?
Authors: Sokolovskiy Sergey , Arroyo Dahyana , Paul Hansma
Published: November 2023

Slow paced breathing has been demonstrated to provide significant health benefits for a person's health, and, during breathing sessions, it is desirable to monitor that a person is actually compliant with the breath pacer. We explore the potential use of pulse rate variability to monitor compliance with a breath pacer during meditation sessions. The study involved 6 human subjects each participating in 2–3 trials, where they are asked to follow or not to follow the breath pacer, where we collected data on how the magnitude of pulse rate variability changed. Two methods, logistic regression and a running standard deviation technique, were developed to detect non-compliance with the breath pacer based on pulse rate variability metrics. Results indicate that using pulse rate variability alone may not reliably detect non-compliance with the breath pacer. Both models exhibited limitations in terms of false positives and false negatives, with accuracy ranging from 67–65%. Existing methods involving visual, audio, and motion signals currently perform better for monitoring compliance with the breath pacer.
Simulation of particles motion, deposition and loading in a channel with two built in square obstacles by Homogenized Lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Goharrizi Ataallah Soltani
Published: November 2023

Loading of particles occurs in some industries and nature, such as slurry flow, aeolian landforms and also in filters. It can cause some difficulty in normal operation of devices and systems. Therefore, its study is necessary. In this research the motion, rolling, deposition and loading of some particle in a Poiseuille flow channel with two built in square blocks are simulated in details. For validation two neutrally buoyant particles movement were simulated and those trajectory and equilibrium positions were compared with the pervious works. A good agreement between them was observed. Next some particles at the inlet of a channel with two obstacles were released under a Poiseuille flow. The trajectory of particles specially when those are in the position near the deposition, and also those rotational angles were obtained. It is seen that when the particle collides to the blocks walls, they suddenly change the rotational direction. Also, it is seen that the particles near the deposition when trapped between the other particles continue those movements with zigzag, roundtrip, rise and fall until they stop. It is observed that the most loading of particles between two blocks occurs for particles with medium density. Also, it is seen that the particles travel the most length of their path by sliding.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Laparoscopic Managed Ectopic Pregnancies at a Tertiary Referral Hospital. A 10-year Synopsis. A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Mutiso Steve Kyende , Mugambi Eric
Published: November 2023

Background:
Ectopic pregnancies (EP) are a common pregnancy associated complication. They are associated with significant morbidity and rarely mortality if not managed properly. EP have a myriad of predisposing factors that help identify patients at risk and facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. We set out to conduct an audit of EP managed surgically at our hospital for a 10-year period and discern the incidence, prevalence and risk factors of their occurrence.
Methods:
This study was designed as a Retrospective Clinical Audit based at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Study population was all women admitted to AKUH with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy that was surgically managed between the period of January 1st 2011 to December 31st 2020. Analysis of data was done against a pre-set checklist. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables was calculated and tabulated in graphs and tables. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis of data.
Results:
A total of 347 patient files were recruited in the study. The hospital-based incidence rate of surgically managed ectopic pregnancies was 1.78 per 100 live births between 2011 and 2020 as calculated against hospital delivery statistics in the period. There was a significant rise in surgically managed EP in the hospital per year with 26.6 cases/year prior to 2016 and 42.8 cases/year after 2016. 71.8% (n = 249) of the patients were below the age of 35 years while 28.2% (n = 98) were above the age of 35 years. 70.5% of women with an EP did not have any identifiable risk factors. 7.8% had previous tubal surgery for an EP. 7.5% of the participants had previous pelvic inflammatory disease or a positive Chlamydia Trachomatis infection. 6.6% of women mentioned current IUD use while 0.9% had antecedent EC use. 3.9% were on follow up for infertility or reported EPL and 2.4% had multiple factors. Only 0.3% of patients reported smoking.
Conclusion:
The present study outlines the higher incidence of surgically managed ectopic pregnancies in our population. Furthermore, we explored predisposing factors to EP which mostly mimic the pattern and occurrence in other populations. This study forms the index study in a series of 4 publications that look at the pattern of surgically managed EP with the last study outlining the cost effectiveness of surgical management.
Association between social determinants of health and hearing loss: A cross-sectional study of South African children
Authors: Phanguphangu Mukovhe , Ross Andrew John , Smythe Tracey
Published: November 2023

Background
Approximately 34 million children younger than 15 years have hearing loss worldwide. There is strong and growing evidence of associations between social determinants of health, non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, and disability in general. However, little is known about the social determinants of health and hearing loss in children. We therefore examined parental socioeconomic status (education level, employment status and income level), non-medical determinants of health (rurality, housing, type of toilet, availability of clean drinking water, exposure to cigarette smoke) and hearing loss in children.
Methods
We used data from a cross-sectional survey conducted between July and December 2022 involving 517 children who underwent hearing testing in South Africa. Sociodemographic data were collected from each participant. Data were analysed using Stata (version 18). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to test for the association between hearing loss and exposure variables, i.e., non-medical determinants of health and parental socioeconomic status. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to ascertain the odds of hearing loss with exposure variables. Additionally, a two-tailed Student’s t-test was calculated to assess the potential differences in means between groups with respect to exposure variables, with the significance level set at ≤ 0.05.
Results
Hearing loss was diagnosed in 102 participants (20%), including 57 (56%) females. Exposure to cigarette smoking was associated with hearing loss (OR:3.5; 95%CI:2.2–5.5, P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, and cigarette smoking exposure, staying in a mud-house (OR:2.1, 95%CI:1.4–3.3), lack of clean drinking water (OR:2.2, 95%CI:1.4–3.5; P < 0.001), using pit latrines (OR:5.0, 95%CI:2.1–12.1; P < 0.001), parental unemployment (OR:1.6; 95%CI:1.0–2.6, P = 0.05), and having parents with an annual income <$2882 (OR:12.2, 95%CI:1.6–90.6; P = 0.01) or $2882-$8006 (OR:7.8, 95%CI:2.0–61.9; P = 0.05) were all associated with hearing loss.
Conclusions
Exposure to cigarette smoking, pit latrine use, lower parental income and lack of clean drinking water were all associated with increased odds of hearing loss. Public Health interventions and policies targeting these social determinants of health are recommended to reduce the burden of hearing loss. Additionally, research to understand the pathophysiology of hearing loss in children exposed to smoking or using pit latrines is recommended.
Predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting after cesarean section ： a nomogram model combined with gastric ultrasound
Authors: Liu Yingchao , Zhong Huohu , Huang Yuxin , Liu Yibin , He Hefan , Liao Yuewen , Liu Weifeng
Published: November 2023

We aimed to explore the independent risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after caesarean section and to establish and validate a nomogram prediction model combined with gastric ultrasound. Clinical data from 116 patients were randomly divided into training (n = 87) and validation groups (n = 29). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the risk factors for PONV after the caesarean section. Independent risk factors related to PONV were identified, and a nomogram model was established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to assess the predictive efficacy, accuracy, and clinical practicability of the model and internally verified. Twenty-four patients experienced PONV in the training group. Motion sickness history, a systolic blood pressure fall > 20%, and gastric volume were identified as independent PONV risk factors, which were used to construct a nomogram model. The area under the ROC curve values for predicting the training and validation groups were 0.813 and 0.738, respectively. DCA confirmed the clinical practicability and application. The nomogram model provides an intuitive and visual tool for rapid PONV risk assessment before a caesarean section, facilitating accurate, individualised perioperative management strategies and promoting rapid recovery.
Intraluminal oxygen can keep small bowel mucosa intact in a segmental ischemia model
Authors: Trentadue Guido , Mensink Peter , Kruse Claudius , Reszel Bernward , Kats-Ugurlu Gursah , Blokzijl Tjasso , Haveman Jan , Faber Klaas , Dijkstra Gerard , Hölscher Uvo , Kolkman Jeroen , Knichwitz Gisbert
Published: November 2023

Background. Intestinal preservation for transplantation is accompanied by hypoperfusion with long periods of ischemia with total blood cessation and absolute withdrawal of oxygen leading to structural damage. The application of intraluminal oxygen has been successfully tested in small-animal series during storage and transport of the organ but have been so far clinically unrelatable. In this study, we tested whether a simple and clinically approachable method of intraluminal oxygen application could prevent ischemic damage in a large animal model, during warm ischemia time.
Methods. We utilised a local no-flow ischemia model of the small intestine in pigs. A low-flow and high-pressure intraluminal oxygen deliverance system was applied in 6 pigs and 6 pigs served as a control group. Mucosal histopathology, hypoxia and barrier markers were evaluated after two hours of no-flow conditions, in both treatment and sham groups, and in healthy tissue.
Results. Macro- and microscopically, the luminal oxygen delivered treatment group showed preserved small bowel’s appearance, viability, and mucosal integrity. A gradual deterioration of histopathology and barrier markers and increase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α expression towards the sites most distant from the oxygen application was observed.
Conclusions. Intraluminal low-flow, high oxygen delivery can preserve the intestinal mucosa during total ischemia of the small intestine. This finding can be incorporated in methods to overcome small bowel ischemia and improve intestinal preservation for transplantation.