bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Course of Recovery Following Limb-Salvage Surgery for Soft-Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremities
Authors: Lazarides Alexander L. , Burke Zachary D.C. , Gundavda Manit K. , Clever David C. , Griffin Anthony M. , Tsoi Kim , Ferguson Peter C. , Wunder Jay S.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Despite the goal of an acceptable functional result, the surgical treatment of soft-tissue sarcoma can portend a prolonged course of recovery. More comprehensive data on the expected course of recovery following extremity sarcoma surgery are needed to help to inform physicians and patients. The purpose of the present study was to describe the typical course of functional recovery following limb-salvage resection of a soft-tissue sarcoma and to identify factors associated with a delayed postoperative course of recovery.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained institutional database was performed for all patients undergoing surgical treatment with limb salvage of a soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities or pelvis with at least 1 year of follow-up after the definitive surgical procedure. All patients were required to have preoperative functional outcomes recorded for either the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) or the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and functional outcome measures at 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome measures were time to recovery and maximal functional improvement.

Results:

In this study, 916 patients met inclusion criteria following surgical resection of a soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities. The median follow-up was 74 months. Patients typically achieved a return to their baseline preoperative level of function for all functional outcome measures by 1 to 2 years and achieved maximal functional recovery by 2 years postoperatively. Older age, female sex, deep tumor location, larger tumor size, pelvic location, osseous resection, motor nerve resection, free and/or rotational soft-tissue coverage, and postoperative complications were independently associated with worse TESS and/or MSTS scores (p ≤ 0.05). Tumor recurrence was associated with worse functional outcomes scores. An analysis was performed to determine which patients had a prolonged course of recovery (i.e., were considered to still be recovering). Older age, female sex, larger tumor size, osseous resection, and motor nerve resection were associated with a delayed course of recovery (p ≤ 0.04). Complications and tumor recurrence were associated with delayed functional recovery across all domains.

Conclusions:

Most patients will achieve maximal recovery by 2 to 3 years following surgical resection for soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities. Older age, female sex, larger tumor size, osseous resection, motor nerve resection, postoperative complications, and tumor recurrence portend poorer functional outcomes and a delayed course of recovery.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Successful Reimplantation of Extruded Ulnar Diaphyseal Segment
Authors: Olson Adrian , Cox Zachary , Khan Usher , Best Benjamin
Published: August 2024

Case:

A 32-year-old man presented with a type II open both-bone forearm fracture and segmental bone loss because of complete extrusion of a diaphyseal fragment (3 cm) of ulna. The patient presented to our level 1 trauma center after a motor vehicle collision. The extruded segment underwent sterilization and immediate reimplantation with internal fixation approximately 6 hours after arrival. Our patient achieved union by 7-month follow-up, demonstrated excellent functional outcomes, and was free from infection at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

In select cases, successful reimplantation can be achieved by meticulous debridement, sterilization, and immediate reimplantation with internal fixation.
Quwwah dan Turhibuun Ajaran Terorisme Islam
Authors: Mubarak Agus
Published: August 2024

Saifuddin Ibrahim yang murtad dari Islam menuduh bahwa ada 300 ayat al-Qur’an yang mengajarkan kekerasan kepada umat manusia (terutama kaum muslimin). Oleh karena itu, ia merekomendasikan agar ayat-ayat tersebut direvisi bahkan dihapuskan dari al-Qur’an karena terorisme tidak akan pernah hilang dari dunia ini selama ayat-ayat tersebut menjadi bacaan generasi muda Islam yang mengajarkan kekerasan bahkan penghilangan nyawa kepada umat agama lainnya. Salah satu ayat al-Qur’an yang menjadi pemicu utama tindakan terorisme adalah QS. Al-Anfal (8) ayat 60. Dalam ayat tersebut terdapat dua kata yang ia klaim sebagai dasar utama melakukan aksi teror, yaitu quwwah dan turhibuun. Penulis mengkritisi tuduhan terhadap ajaran Islam tersebut dengan melihat dari beberapa perspektif, yaitu historis (asbabun nuzul dan fakta sejarah), interpretasi ulama (kitab-kitab tafsir), dan dalil naqli (al-Qur’an dan Hadits). Hasilnya, Islam sama sekali tidak mengajarkan dan tidak membenarkan tindakan terorisme.
Strategi Penanaman Konsep Diri Berbasis Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam
Authors: Miftahurrazi Miftahurrazi , Zurqoni Zurqoni , Salehudin Moh
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian yang mengkaji tentang strategi penanaman konsep diri berbasis pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di MTs Al-Mufid Kutai Timur. Sekolah tersebut merupakan salah satu madarasah yang berada dalam lingkungan yayasan pondok pesantren Hifzil Quran Al-Bustam. Sekolah tersebut merupakan sekolah formal yang menyelengarakan pendidikan dibawah kementrian keagamaan dan kementrian pendidikan. Tujuan penelitian ini diharapkan dengan memahami strategi dalam penanaman konsep diri, bisa menjadi acuan atau perbaikan dalam prosesnya. Penelitain ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Data dan suber data diperoleh dari kepala sekolah dan guru Pendidikan Agama Islam di MTs Al-Mufid. Pengumpulan data dengan teknik wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Sedangkan validasi data mengunakan triangulasi sumber kemudian data dianalisis dengan tiga tahap analisisi kondensasi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi dalam penanaman konsep diri berbasis pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di MTs Al-Mufid dalam pembelajaran dikelas yakni dengan menjadikan suasana pembelajaran yang menyenangkan, pemberian motivasi dan doa sebelum belajar, membiasakan kegiatan positif dan pemberian reward dan punishment. Sementara pembelajaran diluar kelas yakni dengan kegiatan tahfidz, belajar kitab, Muhadarah dan ekstrakulikuler.
Analisis Kemampuan Penalaran Matematis Pada Materi Operasi Hitung Campuran Sebagai Implementasi Dalam Kehidupan Sehari-Hari Siswa Kelas VI Sekolah Dasar Di Desa Larikrejo
Authors: Riswari Lovika Ardana , Sari Aulia Candra , Suryanto Halim
Published: August 2024

Mathematics and mathematical reasoning cannot be separated, mathematical reasoning is an ability that students must have in the process of solving mathematical problems both in learning and in everyday life. The purpose of this study was to find out and analyze students' mathematical reasoning abilities using mixed arithmetic operations in everyday life. The method used in this study is based on descriptive qualitative, by giving questions to students of grade VI which are then answered by students. From the questions that have been done by 5 grade VI students, the results obtained with the creteria (very good) are obtained by 1 student, (good) are obtained by 2 students, (sufficient) are obtained by 1 student, and (less) are by 1 student. The results of the study showed that the  mathematical reasoning abilities in class VI in Larikrejo Village developed quite well.
Pengembangan Video Pembelajaran Berbasis Animasi Terhadap Pemahaman Konsep Matematika
Authors: Kusumawati Viki Marlina , Putri Anggraeni Diah , Anggraini Daffa' Dhiya' Ulhaq , Sari Syilfi Fita , Idris M. Rizal Maulana , Hilyana F. Shoufika
Published: August 2024

Matematika dianggap sulit bagi siswa, perlu media pembelajaran yang kreatif untuk mengoptimalkan keberhasilan dalam pembelajaran. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui kelayakan media dan meningkatkan pemahaman konsep matematika menggunakan video pembelajaran berbasis animasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan research and development (R&D) dengan model pengembangan 4-D. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas V SDN 1 Peganjaran. Alat ukur yang digunakan yaitu penilaian validasi, pre-test, dan post-test. Analisis data menggunakan deskriptif persentase dan uji N-Gain. Berdasarkan data pengukuran kelayakan media yang dilakukan ahli materi 95%, ahli media 97% keduanya termasuk kategori valid. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ada peningkatan pemahaman konsep matematika. Perolehan pre-test 72,9 dan post-test 90 dengan nilai uji N-Gain 0,74 termasuk kualitatif tinggi. Kesimpulan media video pembelajaran berbasis animasi dapat meningkatkan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa SDN 1 Peganjaran.
Analisis Intensitas Penggunaan Laboratorium Sekolah di Samarinda: Studi Komparatif antara SMP dan SMA
Authors: Falentino Charlos , Alam Muhammad Ikhsan Bachrul , Mutin Waode Asriani , Intan Desi Tri , Wadiah Nabilah , Akbar Muhammad Alfian , Sulaeman Nurul Fitriyah
Published: August 2024

Laboratorium merupakan fasilitas penting dalam menunjang pembelajaran di sekolah. Baik jenjang SMP maupun SMA, siswa berhak untuk mengikuti praktikum di laboratorium. Namun, ada sebuah indikasi dalam hal intensitas penggunaan laboratorium yang berbeda, antara sekolah SMP dan SMA, terkhusus di Kota Samarinda. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perbedaan intensitas penggunaan laboratorium antara sekolah SMP dengan sekolah SMA di Samarinda. Metode penelitian yang digunakan melibatkan partisipasi siswa, dengan cara menyebarkan kuesioner. Data dikumpulkan dari SMP dan SMA di samarinda yang dipilih secara acak. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis mengutamakan statistik deskriptif dan uji Chi-Square. Hasil menunjukkan secara signifikan penggunaan laboratorium yang lebih intensif di SMA, dibandingkan dengan di SMP. Ini mempertegas kebutuhan akan peningkatan sumber daya dan pelatihan guru di SMP. Penelitian ini penting dalam menginformasikan strategi untuk meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan sains di Samarinda, khususnya dalam pemanfaatan fasilitas laboratorium secara efektif.
Pengaruh Pengembangan Karir, Kompensasi, dan Iklim Organisasi Terhadap Loyalitas Karyawan Alpha Hotel Pekanbaru
Authors: Fitri Della Ayunda , . Suryalena
Published: August 2024

The study aims to determine the effect of career development, compensation, and organizational climate on employee loyalty at Alpha Hotel Pekanbaru. In this study method used was quantitative descriptive analysis with the SPSS program. The population in this study were 50 employee Alpha Hotel Pekanbaru, with the sample technique used, namely cencus/total sampling. Data collection techniques through questionnaires. Types and sources of data using primary data and secondary data, measurement collection techniques using a Likert scale. The data analysis includes validity test, reliability test, normality test, multicolliniearity test, heteroscedasticity test, multiple linear regression analysis, coefficient of determination test, and significance test with t test (partial), and F test (simultaneous). The results of this study indicate that career development has a significant effect on employee loyalty. The second shows that compensation has a significant effect on employee loyalty. The third shows that organizational climate has a significant effect on employee loyalty. Th results of research on the effect of career development, compensation, and organizational climate on employee loyalty at Alpha Hotel Pekanbaru shows that there is a significant effect.
Exploration of Positive Deviance in Prevention of Underweight in the Under-Five: A Qualitative Study on Low-Income Urban Families
Authors:   Universitas Negeri Semarang, Budiono Irwan , Fauzi Lukman , Rochmayani Dewi Sari ,   Widya Husada Semarang
Published: August 2024

Children under the age of five (the under-five) from low-income families are more vulnerable to experience underweight. This nutritional vulnerability is evident in the preliminary study, where 35.1% of the under-five experience underweight, and 28.48% are low-income families. This study aimed to explore Positive Deviance (PD) behaviors in preventing underweight among the under-five. The study applied a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection took place in July-August 2022, focusing on low-income families in the Gunung Brintik area. Data were collected through two focus group discussions, seven in-depth interviews, and five key informant interviews. Coding, subtheme, and theme development were facilitated using the ATLAS.ti trial package. Triangulation of the study results yielded four major themes influencing the prevention of underweight in the under-five: interventions by health workers and cadres, community awareness and concern, family support, and maternal nutrition literacy. The identified PD behaviors practiced by the community in the study location have been shown to contribute to the prevention of underweight in the under-five. Strengthening these identified PD behaviors and their implementation in other areas is essential to support efforts to combat underweight in the under-five.
Detección oportuna de prediabetes y diabetes
Authors: Rojas-Martínez Rosalba , Escamilla-Núñez Consuelo , Castro-Porras Lilia , Gómez-Velasco Donaji , Romero-Martínez Martín , Hernández-Serrato María Isidra , Ruy López-Ridaura Ruy , Diaz Miguel Ángel , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos
Published: August 2024

Objetivo. Diseñar y valorar un puntaje de riesgo para prediabetes y diabetes en adultos de 20 años no diagnosticados en México en el periodo 2021-2023. El puntaje se desarrollará con información de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) Continua de los años 2021, 2022 y 2023 y servirá para elaborar recomendaciones de salud pública. Material y métodos. Se utilizó información de los adultos de 20 años o más participantes en la Ensanut Continua 2021-2023. El puntaje de riesgo se construirá a partir de modelos de regresión logística múltiple para detectar prediabetes y diabetes en personas no diagnosticadas. Resultados. El puntaje de riesgo propuesto obtuvo lo siguiente: sensibilidad de 68.3%, especificidad de 70.1% y porcentaje de correctamente clasificados de 69.6%. El 29% de los adultos estaba en riesgo de presentar prediabetes o diabetes. Conclusión. El puntaje de riesgo tuvo buen desempeño y puede ser útil para tamizaje; además, permite identificar a las personas más vulnerables de presentar prediabetes o diabetes y hacer recomendaciones a las autoridades de salud para su implementación.
Inhibition of NAT10 Enhances the Antitumor Immunity by Increasing Type I Interferon Responses
Authors: Ma Daoxin , Liu Wancheng , Wei Yihong , Chen Jinfeng , Jia Hexiao , Yang Xinyu , Huang Yingjian , Xing Xiangling , Liu Xiaomin , Guo Xiaodong , Can Can , Zhang Amin , Xiao Ke , He Na , Zhang Hailei
Published: August 2024

Posttranslational modifications add tremendous complexity to cancer progression; however, gaps remain in knowledge regarding the function and immune regulatory mechanism of newly discovered mRNA acetylation modification. Here, we discovered an unexpected role of N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) RNA acetyltransferase-NAT10 on reshaping tumor immune microenvironment. Based on analyses of patient datasets, we found that NAT10 was upregulated in tumor tissues, and negatively correlated with overall survival and immune cells infiltration. Inhibition of NAT10 significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. NAT10 deficiency in cancer cells significantly upregulated immune cells infiltration and stimulated tumor-specific cellular immune responses, leading to the establishment of robust anti-tumor immunity. Mechanistically, we identified MYC as a key downstream target of NAT10, and then induced CDK2-DNMT1 expression. Meanwhile, inhibition of NAT10 down-regulated MYC-CDK2-DNMT1 expression, which enhanced double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) formation to induce type I IFN (IFN-I) and trigger immune responses of CD8+ T cells. In terms of clinical significance, we demonstrated that inhibition of NAT10 using Remodelin or PEI/PC7A/siRNA nanoparticles combined with anti-PD1 treatment synergistically improved tumor immune microenvironment and repressed tumor progression in vivo. Therefore, inhibition of NAT10 in cancer cells improve tumor immunogenicity, resulting in tumor suppression by enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. Our study uncovers a crucial role of NAT10 in re-modulating tumor immunogenicity and demonstrates a novel concept for targeting NAT10 in cancer immunotherapy.
Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas production in ewe lambs fed hay from native Pantanal grasses
Authors: Santos Jaine Sousa , Santos Sandra Aparecida , Pompeu Roberto Cláudio Fernandes Franco , Facó Olivardo , Ferreira Alexandre Lima , Oliveira Delano Sousa , Alves Arnaud Azevedo , Araújo Alexandre Ribeiro , Rogério Marcos Cláudio Pinheiro
Published: August 2024

The study aimed to evaluate greenhouse gases (GHG) emission and the efficiency of dietary energy use in Santa Inês ewe lambs fed four exotic and native Pantanal grasses (Tifton 85 grass hay; Urochloa humidicola hay; Mesosetum chaseae hay; and mixed hay composed of two C3 grasses: Hymenachne amplexicaulis and Luziola subintegra). Sixteen animals were used in a completely randomized design, with four replications per treatment. Nutrient intake and digestibility, gas production and dietary energy use efficiency were assessed. It was found no effect of the forages on heat production, urinary gross energy (GE) and emitted methane GE. GE intake was higher for ewe lambs that consumed hay from C3 grasses and Tifton 85. Digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) intakes were similar between ewe lambs fed C3 and Tifton 85 grass hay, and higher than those fed C3 grass hay and Urochloa humidicola and Mesosetum chaseae hay. The effect of forage was only observed for CH4 emissions. Forage species from Pantanal have the potential to mitigate GHG emissions in pasture-based sheep production systems, especially those of the C3 type, due to their nutritional quality. Considering that Mesosetum chaseae grows in poor soils, it is important to note that they have low methane emissions. Pasture management techniques are recommended, such as: conserving the most consumed native species with the best nutritional value; and combining native and exotic species. Feeding the ewe lambs exclusively with Pantanal forage does not meet the energy requirements for maintenance and growth.
Predictive Power, Variance and Generalizability – A Machine Learning Case Study on Minimal Necessary Data Sets Sizes in Digital Mental Health Intervention Predictions
Authors: Zantvoort Kirsten , Nacke Barbara , Görlich Dennis , Hornstein Silvan , Jacobi Corinna , Funk Burkhardt
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize mental health care, but small dataset sizes and lack of robust methods raise concerns about result generalizability. As insights into minimal necessary data set sizes are scarce, this study explores domain-specific learning curves for intervention dropout predictions. Prediction performance is analyzed based on dataset size (N=100-3,654), feature groups (F=2-129), and algorithm choice (from Naive Bayes to Neural Networks). The results substantiate the concern that small datasets (N≤300) overestimate predictive power. For uninformative feature groups, prediction performance was negatively correlated with dataset size. Sophisticated models overfitted in small datasets but were crucial for maximizing test results in larger datasets. While N=500 mitigated overfitting, performance did not converge until N=750-1500. Consequently, we propose a minimum dataset size of N=500-1,000, depending on feature complexity and information value. As such, this study offers an empirical reference for researchers designing or interpreting AI studies on Digital Mental Health Intervention data.
Physics-informed Neural-operator Predictive Control for Drag Reduction in Turbulent Flows
Authors: Anandkumar Anima , ZHAO ZELIN , Li Zongyi , Hassibi Kimia , Azizzadenesheli Kamyar , Yan Junchi , Bae H. Jane
Published: August 2024

Turbulence control for wall friction reduction poses a significant challenge due to computational costs associated with modeling turbulent dynamics. In this work, we present a learning and control scheme termed physics-informed neural-operator-based predictive control (PINO-PC). Our method uses a Neural Operator framework that enables accurate learning and control of turbulent flows. It carries out predictive control where both the policy and the observer model for turbulence control are learned jointly. We show that PINO-PC outperforms prior model-free reinforcement learning methods with a stable policy learning procedure. We experiment with various challenging generalized scenarios where flows are of unseen high Reynolds numbers, and we find that our method achieves a drag reduction of 39.0% under a bulk-velocity Reynolds number of 15k, outperforming previous fluid control methods by more than 32%.
Existence of solutions to a fractional differential equation involving the Caputo Q-derivative with boundary conditions in Banach spaces
Authors: Bouzid Houari , Abdelkader Benali , Tabharit Louiza , Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: August 2024

The generalization of boundary value problems always covers a wide range of equations. Our choice in this research is the generalization of Caputo-type fractional discrete differential equations that include two or more fractional q-integrals. We analyze the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the multi-point nonlinear BVP base on some fixed point theorems, including fixed point theorem of Banach, Leray-nonlinear Schauder’s alternative, and Leray-degree Schauder’s theory. Finally, several examples are presented to demonstrate accuracy of our results.
(2010) Mathematics Subject Classifications: 26A33, 34A08, 34B15.
Assessing Decision-Making Skills with the Script Concordance Test (SCT) in Clinical Neurology and Emergency Medicine
Authors: Gudorf Helena-Fee , Heidrich Maximilian , Rauchstädt Kristoph , Scherbaum Raphael , Tönges Lars , Biesalski Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2024

Background
Clinical reasoning is an essential medical competence that should be taught and assessed from the beginning of medical studies. One method to evaluate these skills is the Script Concordance Test (SCT), which presents daily clinical scenarios filled with uncertainty. Due to the lack of validated research on this method in Germany, particularly in the field of neurology, our study aimed to develop and implement an SCT at Ruhr University Bochum, and to compare different teaching methods (clinical seminar vs. digital video course) and their outcomes in the examination format.
Methods
A group of 6th-year medical students, who received the same education, completed an SCT after participating in either a clinical seminar or a digital video course. The SCT was developed using blueprints on stroke and epilepsy. The test consisted of 40 case vignettes, comprising 120 items. Initially, experts completed the test to establish the reference panel. The final high-stakes examination was created using the aggregate scoring method and an item analysis.
Results
The developed SCT was completed by 15 experts and 59 students. The final SCT consisted of 112 items and achieved a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.85. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the experts, who had a mean score of 81.75, and the students on the first assessment day, who had a mean score of 68.92. No significant differences were found between the different groups (interactive video course and seminar) or across different time points. The questionnaire revealed a sense of insecurity in clinical decision-making before the SCT and highlighted the need to incorporate clinical reasoning practices from the beginning of medical studies to mitigate fear in uncertain situations. The SCT helped structure decision-making processes and increased confidence in personal decisions.
Conclusion
The SCT proves to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing medical students throughout their university education. Regular exposure to the SCT format would facilitate familiarity with its structure. We propose utilizing the SCT as a learning tool rather than solely for assessment purposes. For instance, it could be integrated into teaching methodologies as a think-aloud exercise or incorporated into progress tests.
Astrocytic Nrf2 modulates microglial phagocytosis in environmental pollution-induced depressive-like mice
Authors: Huang Nannan , Shi Weiqing , Li Bin , Dong Cuishuang , Wang Yaohan , Bi Yujie , Chen Hanqing , Li Xiaobo
Published: August 2024

Long-term air pollution has been associated with depression in population; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we show that in the context of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, mice display depressive-like behaviors, accompanied with neurotoxic activation (A1 polarization) and disturbed redox balance of astrocytes. Enhanced Nrf2 expression protected astrocytes from A1 polarization. Evidenced by bilateral and unilateral astrocytic Nrf2 knockdown (KD) murine models, it was found that loss of Nrf2 in astrocytes decreased the expression of cytokines mediating astrocyte-to-microglia communication, and thereby disrupted phagocytotic ability of microglia, which eventually aggravates the depression-like behaviors in mice. Moreover, supplement of a phytochemical, procyanidin (PC), mimics the function of Nrf2 agonist, is beneficial to ameliorate the depressive-like behaviors in PM2.5-exposed mice. These results suggest that Nrf2 plays an essential role to maintain the astrocyte-to-microglia communication and redox balance in hippocampus, and effectively protects mice against depressive-like behaviors during PM2.5 exposure.
Enhancing Anesthetic Techniques for Improving Rat Whisker Stimulation Responses in the Barrel Cortex
Authors: Yuan Ye , Li Sinan , Zhao Jie , Liu Tian , Wang Jue
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an efficient anesthetic methodology designed to enhance the quality of brain barrel cortex signals obtained during rat whisker stimulation experiments. The proposed approach effectively eliminates muscle noise interference, thereby enabling the acquisition of clear and robust brain barrel cortex signals. Initially, alpha-chloralose (ac) combined with Isoflurane is used to induce anesthesia in rats. Subsequently, Dexdomitor is administered to suppress muscular movements, further refining the signal quality. Experimental outcomes demonstrate that our anesthetic method yields significantly stronger and cleaner brain barrel cortex signals, exhibiting enhanced robustness compared to existing methods that rely solely on Isoflurane or the Ketamine-Xylazine combination. Specifically, brain barrel cortex signals obtained under alpha-chloralose anesthesia are double those obtained with Isoflurane and quadruple those with Ketamine-Xylazine. The peak amplitude latency is shorter under alpha-chloralose anesthesia than under Isoflurane and Ketamine-Xylazine anesthesia. Notably, these improvements are achieved with minimal alterations to vital physiological parameters, including body temperature, respiration, and heart rates. Finally, alpha-chloralose effectively maintains anesthesia for up to 7 hours, surpassing the shorter durations achievable with continuous Isoflurane administration or the 30-minute window offered by Ketamine-Xylazine. This highlights the practical advantages of our proposed method.
Comparison of the effectiveness of cisplatin and carboplatin with etoposide in first-line treatment of small cell lung cancer: Single-center experience
Authors: Hasdemir Efe , Sivridemir Şerife , Farzaliyeva Aydan , Ramazanoğlu Mehmet Nezir , Rahatli Samed , Oğuz Arzu , Akçalı Zafer , Altundağ Özden
Published: August 2024

Background
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of lung cancer. Platinum-based regimens are the primary treatment.The aim of our study is to compare the effectiveness of cisplatin and carboplatin with etoposide as first-line treatment option in SCLC and demonstrate if present carboplatin is not non-inferiorty over to cisplatin.
Methods
In this single-center, retrospective study 135 patients diagnosed with SCLC were evaluated and compared according to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients analysed according to receiving cisplatin plus etoposide (EP) and those receiving carboplatin plus etoposide(EC) in the first line retrospectively.
Results
53(%39,2) patients received EP, 82 (%60,7) patients received EC. The median age was 60 years in the EP arm and 67.5 years in the EC arm. There was no significant difference between PFS ​​in limited stage(LS) patients and those receiving cisplatin and carboplatin (16 vs 10 mos p = 0,133). However, a significant OS difference in favor of cisplatin was detected in this patient group (31,2 vs 20,2 mos p = 0,021). In extensive stage(ES) patients, carboplatin was statistically more effective than cisplatin regarding PFS (8 vs 7 mos p = 0,025). However, no significant difference was detected in OS in the EP and EC groups (10,8 vs 11,30 mos p = 0,545).
Conclusion
Cisplatin appears to be more effective in LS patients, its effect profile is similar to carboplatin in ES patients. Due to its tolerability, carboplatin treatment may be preferred in the ES patients.
Reconstructed Electronic Structure in 2D vdW 1T-TaS2 for Quantum Sensing and Information Science
Authors: Ramamurthy Praveen C , Behera Sushant Kumar
Published: August 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a class of two-dimensional (2D) layered
materials that exhibit a diverse range of electronic structures, including charge
density waves (CDWs) that can lead to insulating, semiconducting, metallic, and even
superconducting phases. While the formation of CDWs in these systems has been recognized
in early research [Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 156401 (2022); Nat. Phys. 11, 328
(2015)], the underlying mechanisms driving the commensurate CDW(CCDW) phase remain
largely unexplored. CCDWs typically originate from factors such as perfect Fermi
surface nesting and/or electron-phonon coupling, causing the divergence of the chiral
electronic structure. However, in the case of layered 2D TMD materials with CCDW
phases, the significance of reconstructed electronic structures resulting from periodic
lattice distortions (PLD) and photoemission matrix element effects in the CCDW instability
needs to be visualized. This study focuses on computationally accessible CCDW
phases in 1T-TaS2, a prototypical TMD with a rich CDW phase diagram, aiming to understand
the origins of CCDW phases. The insights gained from this investigation have the potential to advance the application of 2D materials in next-generation electronics,
quantum sensing and information science.
On the relationship between fetal growth parameters and heart rate variability
Authors: Lakhno Igor
Published: August 2024

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a challenging pathology causing short and long-term complications. Autonomic malfunction and delayed neurological maturation were found in growth-retarded fetuses. Fetal heart rate variability (HRV) is critically dependent on autonomic regulation.
The study was focused on the detection of the relationship between neonatal biometry parameters and HRV variables.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among 40 pregnant women at 22-36 weeks of gestation. FGR was detected in 9 women. The fetal growth was appropriate in 31 patients. The fetal were obtained from an RR-interval time series registered from the maternal abdominal wall via fetal non-invasive electrocardiography (NI-ECG). The stress index (SI) was selected for evaluation among all linear HRV variables. The following conventional cardiotocographic parameters were determined: short-term variation (STV) and long-term variation (LTV). The variables of AC (acceleration capacity) and DC (deceleration capacity) were also detected.
Results: The study's findings showed that the detected variables in the FGR were different. However, the small number of cases did not allow statistical significance to proceed. A strong linear correlation was detected between all checked variables of HRV: AC, DC, SI, STV, and LTV. AC and DC demonstrated a significant correlation between them and Apgar score. The results of the multivariate regression model with SI showed a statistically significant relationship with a term of birth and a tendency to have a statistically significant relationship with body weight and head circumference. This suggests that this temporal HRV index may be associated with the anthropometric parameters of newborns. The receiver operating characteristic analysis could be the next stage for the investigation of efficient diagnostic algorithms based on fetal NI-ECG.
Conclusions: SI could have utility as a screening program based on fetal NI-ECG in case of a lack of access to high-quality ultrasound or be a valuable addition to existing perinatal strategies.
Multi-agent reinforcement learning for the control of three-dimensional Rayleigh-Bénard convection
Authors: Vasanth Joel , Rabault Jean , Alcántara-Ávila Francisco , Mortensen Mikael , Vinuesa Ricardo
Published: August 2024

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has found application in numerous use-cases pertaining to flow control. Multi-agent RL (MARL), a variant of DRL, has shown to be more effective than single-agent RL in controlling flows exhibiting locality and translational invariance. We present, for the first time, an implementation of MARL-based control of three-dimensional Rayleigh-Bénard convection (RBC). Control is executed by modifying the temperature distribution along the bottom wall divided into multiple control segments, each of which acts as an independent agent. Two regimes of RBC are considered at Rayleigh numbers Ra = 500 and 750. Evaluation of the learned control policy reveals a reduction in convection intensity by 23.5% and 8.7% at Ra = 500 and 750, respectively. The MARL controller converts irregularly shaped convective patterns to regular straight rolls with lower convection that resemble flow in a relatively more stable regime. We draw comparisons with proportional control at both Ra and show that MARL is able to outperform the proportional controller. The learned control strategy is complex, featuring different non-linear segment-wise actuator delays and actuation magnitudes. We also perform successful evaluations on a larger domain than used for training, demonstrating that the invariant property of MARL allows direct transfer of the learnt policy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ecosorbents and Their Application in Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Neto Thalita Silva , Silva Andressa I. C. , Monteceli Francisco M. , Barbosa Rennan F. S. , Conceição Monique O. T. , Medeiros Simone F. , Rosa Derval S. , Mulinari Daniella R.
Published: August 2024

Globally, millions of tons of waste cooking oils (WCO) are generated yearly, and the recovery rate for manufacturing chemicals such as biodiesel is still low. Unfortunately, part of the WCO has been directly discharged into natural environments, underscoring the industrial significance of developing novel technologies for its utilization. As a possible solution to its recovery, this research proposes a new approach for Agave Americana fiber (AF) as a filler in castor oil-based polyurethane, obtaining ecosorbents and evaluating the sorption capacity of WCO. The pristine PU and PU/AFX% ecosorbents (X stands for AF content between 5 to 20 wt%.) were characterized by SEM, OM, density, FTIR, XRD, contact angle (CA), TGA, and water absorption. The inclusion of AF fillers impacted density and influenced morphological, physical-chemical, and thermal properties. Sorption capacity and efficiency were evaluated by varying the contact time and concentration in the oil/water system, and a direct influence of fiber content on sorption capacity was observed. PU/AF20% presented the highest CA and the best sorption capacity and efficiency. Response surface methodology (RSM) evaluated the optimization behavior of sorption capacity (for water and oil), emphasizing a strong dependency on sorption capacity as a function of fiber content variation. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models well-defined the sorption mechanisms, and the Langmuir model demonstrated the best fit for PU/AF20%, exhibiting a maximum adsorption capacity of 163.93 g g-1. PU/AF20% reusability was evaluated for 21 cycles with a maximum efficiency of 74.2% for oil systems. Thus, AF is an innovative filler in castor oil-based polyurethane for discarded waste cooking oil sorption.
Mindray CL-900i Assay: An Effective assay for HBsAg Screening with Superior Specificity
Authors: Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Younes Salma , Younes Nadin , Nizamuddin Parveen B. , Alabdulmalek Maryam A , Mohammad Khadija N. , Chaar Dayana El , Elshaikh Manal , Abouassali Mazen Najib , Karimeh Ibrahim Wissam , Ibrahim Mohammed Abdelfatah , Ali Mutaz Mohamed , Shaar Ibrahim Al , Louyin Zhu , Ammaranond Palanee , Abu-Raddad Laith J. , Ismail Ahmed
Published: August 2024

The CLIA automated Abbott-Architect HBsAg screening assay is globally recognized for its superior sensitivity but notably low specificity. This mandates positive results confirmation by another confirmatory assay, such as the widely used Abbott-Architect HBsAg neutralizing assay. Aim: To evaluate performance of the new CLIA Mindray-CL-900i HBsAg screening assay compared to Architect neutralizing/confirmatory assays. Methods: 200 archived HBsAg positive and negative samples by Architect screening were selected for this study. These samples were classified as follows: T.P. (n=39): positive by both Architect screening and confirmatory assays; T.N. (n=144): negative by both Architect screening and confirmatory assays; F.P. (n=17): positive by Architect screening but negative by confirmatory assay. All samples were retested using Mindray-CL-900i HBsAg screening assay. Results: Compared to Architect confirmatory assays, Mindray HBsAg CL-900i demonstrated perfect agreement with the confirmatory assay, as indicated by a Cohen's Kappa value of 0.98 (0.95 - 0.10). Mindray-CL-900i exhibited a sensitivity of 97%, PPV of 100%, and NPV of 99%. The specificity was 100%, as none of the T.N. and F.P. results were identified as positive. Conclusion: Mindray-CL-900i could offer a cost-effective alternative for HBsAg screening, boasting perfect specificity and overcoming the limitations of current automated assays.
Novel Hybrid Arbitar Based True Random Number Generation Circuits for FPGAs in the Cloud
Authors: Narayanapuram Bhagyalakshmi , Jeebananda Panda
Published: August 2024

In this article, a new true random number generator (TRNG) with out ring oscillators is presented to suit advanced cloud-based Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). For example Amazon Web Service (AWS) EC2 F1 restrict ring oscillators to generate True random numbers. This design is compatible to all cloud based FPGA providers because in our design not having any Ring oscillator stage to produce random outputs. Our design is based on hybrid arbiter controller with closed feedback mechanism. This novel design is immune to photon emission and fault injection side channel attacks. Our TRNG implemented on Artix-7 FPGA with only 168 LUT, 40Flip flops, 69 slices and through put 8.6.
Efficacy and Safety of Various Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion Doses Combined with Ropivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Pain Management for Elderly Patients undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: a pilot study
Authors: Yu Feng , Xu Yan , Tang Qianqian , Wang Qiong , Ye Mao , Xiao Xiao , Wang Hanbing , Shao Kun , Zhu Tingxi , Zhou Li , Jiang Chunling
Published: August 2024

Background Perioperative lidocaine infusion benefits abdominal surgery patients, but the optimal dose in elderly patients remains unclear. While Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is a recognized analgesic method, its combination with lidocaine infusion in elderly patients needs further investigation. This study aims to assess the impact and safety of different lidocaine infusion doses combined with ropivacaine TAP block on postoperative analgesia in elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection.Methods Patients (n = 55 per group) were randomized into four groups. After a preoperative 0.25% ropivacaine bilateral TAP block, patients received perioperative 1% lidocaine at 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg/h, or normal saline (placebo). Postoperatively, lidocaine groups used PCIA devices delivering lidocaine at 0.3–1.5 mg/kg/h for 72 hours; the placebo group received saline. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain during activity 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain during movement and at rest over three days, quality of recovery, bowel function recovery time, postoperative morphine use, and adverse events related to opioids and local anesthetics. Plasma lidocaine levels were measured post-surgery and at 24 hours.Results The lidocaine 1.5 group had a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain during movement compared to the control group at 24 hours (38.2% vs. 65.5%, Bonferroni corrected P = 0.004). No significant differences were observed in the lidocaine 1.0 or 0.5 groups. Other outcomes, including postoperative quality of recovery, morphine consumption, bowel function recovery time, and adverse reactions to opioids, were similar across groups (all P > 0.05). Only one instance of plasma lidocaine concentration exceeding 4.0 µg/ml was observed, with no serious adverse events.Conclusions For elderly patients, a 1.5 mg/kg/h lidocaine infusion may be safer and more effective, serving as a cornerstone for future research.Trial registration: Registered 25 May 2022—Retrospectively registered, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT05412576
Outcome of Percutaneous Modified Catheterization Technique for Treatment of Type 2 and 3b Hepatic Echinococcal Cysts
Authors: Karaagac Seda Sogukpinar , Durmaz Hasanali
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and success of the percutaneous modified catheterisation technique (MoCaT) in the treatment of type 2 and 3b liver hydatid cysts. A total of 21 patients (13 female, 8 male) aged 23 to 78 years (median: 35) with 25 cysts were included. All cysts were catheterised (12-16 F) under imaging guidance. Daughter vesicles and membranes were destroyed by manipulation of catheter and wire. Repeated injection and reaspiration with small volumes (5-10 ml) of hypertonic or isotonic saline. Daughter vesicles, endocysts and non-drainable material were aspirated. 17 of 25 hydatid cysts (68%) were associated with the biliary system, 8 hydatid cysts were not. The procedure was terminated by withdrawal of the catheter after development of cyst collapse, aspiration of all material. The median duration of catheterisation was 60 days (min:15, max:120) in the case of cystobiliary fistula and 5 days (min:4, max:10) without fistula (p<0.001). All patients were treated with 96% technical success (24 cysts). While volume reduction was 100% in 18 cysts, the median volume reduction in 7 cysts was 90% (min: 25%, max: 98%). Patients were followed up for a median of 18 months after treatment (min: 6, max: 42), with no recurrence in 96% of patients. Treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis type 2 and 3b with the MoCAT technique is an effective and safe treatment when performed under appropriate technical conditions. It has been shown to be helpful compared with surgical treatment in reducing hospitalisation and preventing complications.
Saltgrass genomes reveal unique features of a dioecious, perennial, halophytic grass
Authors: Poland Jesse , Nawaz Kashif , Orduna Izamar Olivas , Koo Dalhoe , Molina-Freaner Francisco , Bell Hester , Miculan Mara , Llaca Victor , Harrington Judith , Eppley Sarah
Published: August 2024

For agriculture, the climate crisis will center on the key resource of fresh water. Understanding of halophytic adaptations for productivity without fresh water will open possibilities for crop production through neodomestication. Saltgrass (Distichlis spp.) is a unique genus of dioecious halophytic C4 grasses found in the PACMAD clade. They grow in tidal plains and saltmarshes that often exceed seawater salinity making them among the most tolerant grasses to salinity. Here we provide an in-depth study of the genomic structure of Distichlis which gives insight into its unique biology including dioecy and halophytic growth. We generated high-quality telomere-to-telomere phased genome assemblies of four genets of saltgrass that range in size from 569 Mb to 609 Mb. We show that saltgrass is an allotetraploid with two highly syntenic but degenerate subgenomes. Projecting full-length gene sequencing and deep RNA sequencing data onto these assemblies supported 58,590 to 61,079 high-confidence genes and uncovered massive gene loss between the two subgenomes, with each subgenome losing more than 40% of the orthologous genes. Comparing genets, we discovered a novel chromosome fusion between chromosomes from different subgenomes that differentiates two species (D. spicata, 2n=40 and D. stricta, 2n=38), opening investigation into the role of genomic rearrangements in adaptation and speciation. We also report a B chromosome of 7 Mb in size in two of the genets, showing consistent features with sequenced B chromosomes in other species. Using k-mer analyses of sex-typed populations, we identified an 8 Mb sex determining region in female genets, confirming that Distichlis has a ZW type sex determination, and 58 genes that are associated with sex expression. Population genetics of 364 saltgrass genets from 35 diverse populations provide insight into differentiation corresponding to geographical distribution, and clear separation of D. stricta as a distinct species. These genomic resources establish a foundation for neodomestication of saltgrass for agroecosystems in saline environments and advance our understanding of genetic structure in dioecious, halophytic grasses.
Hydroclimatic variability and trends suggest improvements in water resource management in the cascade reservoirs of the Tocantins River
Authors: Silva Idelina Gomes da , Júnior José Luiz Cabral da Silva , Dunck Bárbara
Published: August 2024

Research on hydroclimatic variations explains the relationships between water masses and global climate factors. Climate change causes changes in river flow regimes and impacts ecosystems, the economy, and society. In this study, we characterized the hydroclimatology of the seven reservoirs of the Tocantins River, along 1,500 km of river and during more than 12 years of sampling, where we analyzed climatic variables such as precipitation, global solar radiation, net evaporation, and air temperature, in addition to hydrological variables such as discharge and net evaporation of the reservoirs. We identified that the discharge of the reservoirs recovered more slowly after the dry period and that these discharges decreased at a rate of 575 m3/s between 1995 and 2023, followed by a negative and significant downward trend. As with discharge, precipitation showed a downward trend. The water deficit caused by prolonged droughts between 2015 and 2017 resulted in lower flows and higher air temperatures. In addition to climatic factors, the socioeconomics of the reservoir areas demand high water withdrawals, associated with population growth and agricultural production. We conclude that the reservoirs have a hydroclimatic gradient with latitudinal variations. These gradients are mainly due to differences in precipitation and flows, but are highly dependent on temperature conditions, solar radiation, evaporation, and water withdrawal. These factors are important and should be discussed in order to mitigate the ecological and socioeconomic impacts on the Tocantins River basin.