bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Effective and Scalable AODV for Wireless Ad hoc Sensor Networks
Authors:   UG Students, Department of ECE, SCSCVMV University, MS N. Gayatri , MS K.Divya ,   UG Students, Department of ECE, SCSCVMV University, MR K. Umapathy ,   Associate Professor, Department of ECE, SCSCVMV University
Published: February 2023

Appropriate routing protocol in data transfer is a challenging problem of network in terms of lower end-to-end delay in delivery of data packets with improving packet delivery ratio and lower overhead as well. In this paper we explain an effective and scalable AODV (called as AODV-ES) for Wireless Ad hoc Sensor Networks (WASN) by using third party reply model, n-hop local ring and time-to-live based local recovery. Our goal is to reduce time delay for delivery of the data packets, routing overhead and improve the data packet delivery ratio. The resulting algorithm AODV-ES is then simulated by NS-2 under Linux operating system. The performance of routing protocol is evaluated under various mobility rates and found that the proposed routing protocol is better than AODV.
Resistencia de Lactobacillus spp. A malatión 1000
Authors:   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Girón Ortiz Jorge Alberto , Hernández Aldana Fernando ,   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Huerta Lara Manuel ,   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Yáñez Santos Jorge Antonio ,   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Cedillo Ramírez María Lilia ,   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Simoni Berra Marco Angel ,   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Published: February 2023

El malatión es uno de los plaguicidas más utilizados en México y el mundo. Su uso indiscriminado lo ha situado como el principal plaguicida detectado en productos alimenticios, lo que ocasiona problemas de salud como aumento del estrés oxidante, resistencia a la insulina y alteración del metabolismo de lípidos. El consumo de distintas especies de Lactobacillus con capacidad probiótica se ha asociado con diferentes efectos sobre la salud, incluyendo disminución de las alteraciones asociadas al consumo de residuos de plaguicidas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la resistencia de ocho especies de Lactobacillus a diferentes concentraciones de malatión y evaluar cuáles podrían utilizarse para reducir los efectos tóxicos del malatión sobre la salud. Se aislaron e identificaron mediante la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (conocida como PCR, por sus siglas en inglés) ocho especies de Lactobacillus presentes en suplementos alimenticios y se probó su resistencia a diferentes concentraciones del insecticida malatión 1000 mediante la técnica de Kirby-Bauer. Todas las especies de Lactobacillus evaluadas, con excepción de L. salivarius, fueron capaces de crecer en presencia de malatión a dosis bajas (0.1, 1 %), sin embargo, la resistencia a dosis medias (10, 20 %) varía entre especies, mientras que a dosis altas (50, 83.6 %) no hubo crecimiento o el número de colonias fue visiblemente menor respecto al grupo control. Tomando en cuenta los datos anteriores se puede concluir que la resistencia de Lactobacillus spp. a diversas concentraciones de malatión varía de acuerdo con la especie y que siete de las ocho especies evaluadas podrían presentar un potencial efecto benéfico ante el consumo de alimentos contaminados con residuos de este plaguicida.
A simple tool to assess the effect of water-soluble soil pollutants on enzyme activity in human whole blood samples using WST-1 assay
Authors:   a:1:{s:5:", Koleva Vanya ,   es_ES",   s:42:",   Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen",   }, Koynova Teodora ,   University of Shumen, Kuleva Ivaila ,   University of Shumen, Dragoeva Asya ,   University of Shumen
Published: February 2023

Hazardous compounds accumulated in soil affect soil quality. Here we show that WST-1 can be used for evaluation of the effect of water soil extracts on enzyme activity in human whole-blood samples. Soil samples from the Shumen Plateau Nature Park (NP) and the City Park in Shumen (SCP) were studied. We observed significant differences between control and treated whole-blood samples. These results indicated that soil water extracts affected normal metabolic activity. In conclusion, the WST-1 assay can be used for biomonitoring soil quality. The presence of harmful water-soluble compounds in tested soils may pose a risk to ecosystems and human health.
УСЛОВИЕ СИЛОВОГО БАЛАНСА В ТОКОВОМ СЛОЕ В БЕССТОЛКНОВИТЕЛЬНОЙ ПЛАЗМЕ ИЗ ПРОТОНОВ И ЗАМАГНИЧЕННЫХ ЭЛЕКТРОНОВ
Authors:   ПГИ, Сецко Павел , Мингалев Олег , Мингалев Игорь , Малова Хельми ,   НИИЯФ МГУ, Мельник Михаил ,   ПГИ, Артемьев Антон ,   ИКИ РАН, Хабарова Ольга ,   ИЗМИРАН
Published: February 2023

В работе представлен вывод дивергентной формы уравнений силового баланса, а также рассматривается проверка выполнения условия силового баланса в стационарных тонких токовых слоях (ТТС) в бестолкновительной плазме из протонов и замагниченных электронов. При помощи численной модели стационарного пространственно 1-мерного ТТС с заданной нормальной компонентной магнитного поля получен набор конфигураций ТТС двух типов: симметричные конфигурации и конфигурации с колоколообразной сдвиговой (шировой) компонентной. Для этих конфигураций контролируется вклад различных слагаемых в выполнение условия силового баланса.
ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВАРИАЦИЙ ПАРАМЕТРОВ В КРУПНОМАСШТАБНЫХ ЯВЛЕНИЯХ СОЛНЕЧНОГО ВЕТРА
Authors:   ИКИ РАН, Хохлачев Александр , Лодкина Ирина , Рязанцева Мария , Ермолаев Юрий
Published: February 2023

Приведены результаты статистического анализа свойств крупномасштабных явлений солнечного ветра на основе базы данных OMNI2 и каталога крупномасштабных явлений солнечного ветра Института космических исследований РАН. Показано, что 24-й цикл солнечной активности слабее предыдущих трёх: в частности, в нём ряд параметров принимает более низкие значения. Кроме того, рассмотрены мелкомасштабные вариации протонов и дважды ионизированных ионов гелия в солнечном ветре в различных крупномасштабных типах течений на основе данных приборов БМСВ (спутник «Спектр-Р») и приборов SWE, 3DP (спутник Wind). Показано, что максимальный уровень корреляции наблюдается в сжатой плазме перед магнитными облаками, а минимальный - в медленных потоках и гелиосферном токовом слое.
ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫЙ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТ С ГАММА-СПЕКТРОМЕТРОМ НА БОРТ У МОБИЛЬНОГО КОСМИЧЕСКОГО АППАРАТА ДЛЯ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ ЭЛЕМЕНТНОГО СОСТАВА ВЕЩЕСТВА ЛУНЫ, МАРСА И ДРУГИХ НЕБЕСНЫХ ТЕЛ БЕЗ АТМОСФЕРЫ ИЛИ С ТОНКОЙ АТМОСФЕРОЙ
Authors:   ИКИ РАН, Аникин Артём , Митрофанов Игорь , Головин Дмитрий , Санин Антон , Никифоров Сергей , Дьячкова Майя , Лисов Денис , Литвак Максим , Мокроусов Максим , Тимошенко Геннадий ,   ОИЯИ, Швецов Валерий
Published: February 2023

Представлены итоги второго года исследований по созданию перспективного космического гамма-спектрометра, основанного на методе меченных заряженных частиц. В работе обсуждается методика, которая позволяет существенно подавить фон гамма-излучения от космического аппарата, на борту которого может быть установлен такой гамма-спектрометр, и приведены результаты испытаний и отработок лабораторного макета гаммаспектрометра на фазотроне Лаборатории ядерных проблем Объединенного института ядерных исследований с использованием протонного пучка. Экспериментально доказано, что лабораторный макет гамма-спектрометра может рассматриваться как непосредственный прототип, позволяющий выполнять задачи по анализу элементного состава вещества вдоль трассы движения мобильного космического аппарата.
The First Publication on Contraception in a US Medical Journal, 1928: Hannah Mayer Stone’s Case for Contraceptive Care Before the Pill
Authors: Jensen Robin E.
Published: February 2023

Today, as access to women’s reproductive health care in the United States has proven less than ensured, it behooves scholars of public health to explore how US medical contraceptive care was successfully established and perpetuated initially in the early to mid-twentieth century. This article highlights the work of Hannah Mayer Stone, MD, in building and advocating such care. From the moment she accepted the position of medical director for the first contraceptive clinic in the country in 1925 until her untimely death in 1941, Stone campaigned relentlessly for women’s access to the best contraceptive regimes available, all the while navigating extensive legal, social, and scientific challenges. In 1928, she published the first scientific report on contraception in a US medical journal, thereby legitimating the provision of contraception as a medical endeavor and providing empirical grounds for clinical contraceptive work in the years that followed. Her scientific publications and professional correspondence provide insight into the processes through which medical contraceptive care became increasingly available in US history and offer guidance for a contemporary era when reproductive health care hangs in the balance. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(4):390–396. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307215 )
Sumian Basalts and Basaltic Andesites of the Karelian Province of the Fennoscandian Shield: Geologic Position, Composition, and Formation Conditions
Authors: Arestova N.A. , Chekulaev V.P. , Egorova Yu.S. , Kucherovskii G.A.
Published: February 2023

—We performed a petrochemical study and determined the Sm–Nd isotope composition of the Sumian (early Paleoproterozoic) mafic metavolcanic rocks in the Vodlozero domain (Semch’, Kumsa, and Kamennye Ozera structures) and the Central Karelian domain (Lake Vottomuks and Lake Kogu structures, the western flank of the Lekhta structure) of the Karelian province of the Fennoscandian Shield and compared them with the coeval volcanic rocks of the Kola–Norwegian province and the intrusive rocks of the Karelian and Belomorian provinces. The Sumian mafic rocks intruding the rocks of the Archean domains with different crust ages (>3.1 and 2.7–2.8 Ga) have similar geochemical characteristics (SiO2 = 44–55 wt.%, MgO = 5–14 wt.%; LREE enrichment, (La/Yb)N = 5–17) and similar values of εNd(T) (from –2.7 to –0.5) and TNd(DM) (from 3.0 to 2.7 Ga), which distinguishes them from their Archean analogues and indicates a single large magma source. The crustal contamination of the primary melts did not exceed 15% and could not determine the isotope-geochemical specifics of the Sumian mafic rocks. Their specific composition is better explained by the model of the formation of primary melts through the low-pressure (2.5–3.0 GPa) melting of the Neoarchean metasomatized zones of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, with the addition of the primitive-mantle melts. In the period 2.41–2.45 Ga, the early Paleoproterozoic mafic rocks of the Fennoscandian Shield formed in the intracontinental magma generation setting.
Quantitative Evaluation of Imputation Methods Using Bounds Estimation of the Coefficient of Determination for Data-Driven Models with an Application to Drilling Logs
Authors: Cao Jie , Tunkiel Andrzej T. , Arild Øystein , Sui Dan
Published: February 2023

With the constantly increasing quantity of data recorded in the oil and gas industry, data analytics and data-driven algorithms are gaining popularity. Meanwhile, they are highly sensitive to employed data management methods. Using drilling data as an example, the methods for data quality improvement play an ever increasing role in the data preparation phase. One of the most common data issues, especially in real-time sensing systems, is missing data (gaps between measured points). Various data imputation approaches (forward filling, interpolation, regression modeling, etc.) have been used to fill gaps to complete data sets as standard data processing procedures. The metrics, such as coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error, are common ways to evaluate the imputation approaches, assuming that the ground truth data are at hand. In reality, the ground truth of missing data is not available for quantitative method evaluation. Especially when data are received occasionally, the ground truth is impossibly or inaccurately estimated, leading to tricky situations. For instance, how to evaluate infilling methods quantitatively or how to compare the methods’ behaviors? To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are so far few existing methods to quantitatively estimate the accuracy of data imputation without the ground truth. To some extent, one may lack proven confidence in using imputed data for following up data analysis and data-driven modeling.

In this study, a novel approach has been developed to quantitatively evaluate the data imputation quality. The presented method is built on an analytical estimation of the R2 bounds in the context of linear interpolation. The reasons for choosing linear regression as a benchmarking method are twofold. First, the bounds evaluation of R2 can be determined analytically for data imputation in the context of linear regression. Second, linear regression is a relatively simple imputation method, and we assume that more sophisticated methods, such as random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), and other iterative imputation techniques, can achieve higher accuracy with proper parameter tuning. The evaluation method is demonstrated by examples using real-time drilling data logs. Moreover, the application to drilling logs also enables informed decision-making in relation to gap filling and data resampling workflows.
Optimal vaccine allocation for the control of sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Saldaña Fernando , Steindorf Vanessa , Srivas Akhil , Stollenwerk Nico , Aguiar Maíra
Published: February 2023

The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) poses a challenge due to its large negative impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Besides simple prevention measures and available treatment efforts, prophylactic vaccination is a powerful tool for controlling some viral STIs and their associated diseases.Here, we investigate how prophylactic vaccines are best distributed to prevent and control STIs. We consider sex-specific differences in susceptibility to infection, as well as disease severity outcomes.Different vaccination strategies are compared assuming distinct budget constraints that mimic a scarce vaccine stockpile. Vaccination strategies are obtained as solutions to an optimal control problem subject to a two-sex Kermack-McKendrick-type model, where the control variables are the daily vaccination rates for females and males.One important aspect of our approach relies on conceptualizing a limited but specific vaccine stockpile via an isoperimetric constraint. We solve the optimal control problem via Pontryagin's Maximum Principle and obtain a numerical approximation for the solution using a modified version of the forward-backward sweep method that handles the isoperimetric budget constraint in our formulation. The results suggest that for a limited vaccine supply (\(20%-30%\) vaccination coverage), one-sex vaccination, prioritizing females, appears to be more beneficial than the inclusion of both sexes into the vaccination program. Whereas, if the vaccine supply is relatively large (enough to reach at least \(40%\) coverage), vaccinating both sexes, with a slightly higher rate for females, is optimal and provides an effective and faster approach to reducing the prevalence of the infection.
MSC Classi cation: 92B05 , 49N90 , 34A34
Acalculous cholecystitis is a common extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis E and suggests a more serious condition
Authors: Cao Xuemei , Jiang Wei , Shi Lingfeng , Wang Yanping , Chen Jie , Huang Wenxiang , Zhang Shujun
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to understand the incidence and clinical significance of acalculous cholecystitis in patients with acute hepatitis E (HE).
Patients and methods: A single center enrolled 114 patients with acute HE. All patients underwent imaging of the gallbladder, and patients with gallstones and cholecystectomy were excluded.
Results: Acalculous cholecystitis was found in 66 patients (57.89%) with acute HE. The incidence in males was 63.95%, which was significantly higher than in females (39.29%) (P=0.022). The mean length of hospital stay and the incidence of spontaneous peritonitis in patients with cholecystitis (20.12 ± 9.43 days and 9.09%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in patients without cholecystitis (12.98 ± 7.26 days and 0%, respectively) (P<0.001 and P=0.032). Albumin , total bile acid, bilirubin, cholinesterase, and prothrombin activity in patients with cholecystitis were significantly inferior to those in patients without cholecystitis (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001 and P= 0.003, respectively). After correction by multivariate analysis, albumin and total bile acid were found to be closely related to acalculous cholecystitis in HE.
Conclusion: Acalculous cholecystitis is very common in patients with acute HE, and may serve as a predictor of increased peritonitis, synthetic decompensation, and longer hospital stay.
Limited sinus tarsi approach versus extended lateral L-shaped approach for the open reduction and internal fixation of Sanders type III calcaneal fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Bi Chun , Yin Gang , Lin Jian , Huang Jianhua , Lin Haodong , Wu Kai
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Controversy still exists regarding whether the sinus tarsi approach is able to effectively manage the Sanders type III fractures. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe and evaluate the clinical applications of the minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach and the extended lateral L-shaped approach for treating Sanders type III calcaneal fractures.

Methods

Between January 2012 and February 2015, 35 patients with calcaneal fractures(Sanders type III)treated in our trauma center were enrolled in this retrospective study. Surgeries were performed after improvement of soft tissue conditions. Either limited ORIF via sinus tarsi approach (minimally invasive group) or traditional ORIF via extended lateral L - shaped approach (traditional group) was performed on these patients. Clinical evaluation indicators including time to surgery, time for surgery, complications, subtalar joint stiffness, traumatic arthritis, SF-36, VAS, AOFAS score, Böhler's angle as well as Gissane's angle were recorded and compared between these two groups.

Results

The waiting time before surgery in minimally invasive group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional group. The mean operative time was significantly higher than that in the traditional group. No significant difference with respect to the AOFAS score, VAS score and SF-36 score between the groups was manifested. Subtalar stiffness occurred in 3 cases in the minimally invasive group, while 7 cases in the traditional group. 2 cases in traditional group and one case in the minimally invasive group presented with subtalar traumatic arthritis and the symptoms subsided after treatment. The difference regarding the Böhler angle and Gissane angle between groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

With the lower incidence of soft tissue complications and subtalar joint stiffness, minimally invasive treatment of calcaneal Sanders III fracture through the trans-tarsal sinus incision can be performed as one of the routine options.
Models of Motion in Abstract Linear Algebra
Authors: Drumea Bianca
Published: February 2023

This paper will solve problems using numerical tools from various branches of math, including linear algebra, analytical topology, and calculus. The main question is of how one can define an abstract algebraic group within a Hilbert space to describe an individual performing a specific movement. Several other questions arise from this, including the modeling of an axis of rotation. These are best resolved by an abstract representation of a motion of a body in space, then applying it to a specific material case. The abstract representation will be in the form of an algebraic group with a defined topology. The model maps the possible singular points in space the individual could occupy. The method of arriving at a solution for each step of the problem was the creation of a series of conclusions, linked by reasoning, expanding from an initial material example. This is known as divergent reasoning. Existent theories related to the concept at the root of the computational result were analyzed to identify any contradictions in lines of reasoning. The model was developed by means of an example case of a sport with elements of martial arts and gymnastics, called tricking. This was accomplished using four theorems: the Hilbert Basis theorem, the Nullstellensatz theorem, the weak Nullstellensatz theorem, and a new theorem, which describes the axis of rotation. The intended outcome is achieved by the end of the paper. The model was proved with a physical example, in which the algebraic group was translated into a vector function in R3 between a limiting interval of time.
Correction of Symbrachydactyly A systematic review of surgical options
Authors: Bartsch Anna , Nikkhah Dariush , Miller Robert , Mende Konrad , Kaempfen Alexandre
Published: February 2023

Background: There are numerous treatment options available for Symbrachydactyly, a condition with a large spectrum of severity, such as a non-vascularized toe-phalanx transfer, a vascularized toe-to-hand transfer, web-syndactyly release, and distraction lengthening. This study aims to systematically review the surgical management options for symbrachydactyly and compare functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Methods: The review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Literature was systematically assessed up to 12/2021. Studies were identified using synonyms for ‘symbrachydactyly’ and ‘treatment’.
Results: 23 studies published between 1988 and 2021 were included with 539 patients (1037 digit corrections). 8 studies looked at non-vascularized toe to hand transfer, 8 covered vascularized toe to hand transfer, 5 examined distraction osteogenesis only, and 3 exclusively looked at web release.
No clear strategy to surgically improve symbrachydactyly exists. All discussed techniques show limited functional improvement with considerable complication rates. Non-vascularized transfer demonstrate higher donor site complications, whereas vascularized transfers show higher vascular complication and revision rates in the hand.
Conclusion: Systematic assessment of studies showed insufficient evidence to determine superiority of any procedure to treat symbrachydactly due to inadequate study designs and comparative studies. Based on the available evidence we suggest a treatment protocol. As an alternative perspective, it is important to mention that tissue engineering and regenerative medicine might provide alternative surgical solutions in the future, overcoming the issues of morbidity at harvest site and limited supply of autologous phalanges.
Systematic review registration: National Institute for Health Research PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews Nr: CRD42020153590
Potential of agricultural and fishery wastes as sustainable feed ingredients for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Liebana Clara , Rodriguez Yamila Eliana , Fernández-Gimenez Analía Verónica , Cecchi Federico Alcides , Pereira Nair de los Ángeles
Published: February 2023

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely employed vegetable ingredient in aquafeeds, but its rising price and the negative environmental impacts of its cultivation open research efforts for its replacement. More sustainable aquaculture may be achieved by utilizing agricultural and fishery by-products; thus, this study aims to incorporate pea meal (PM) and shrimp protein hydrolysate (SH) as protein ingredients in tilapia juveniles’ feed. The presence of protease inhibitors and the in vitro digestion were evaluated for raw (PM0) and extruded pea meals (PM150), while SH characteristics were studied as well. The nutritional quality of alternative ingredients was assessed to formulate a diet that meets tilapia juveniles’ requirements, and its effects on growth were evaluated. Extrusion significantly reduced the PM inhibitory effect on tilapia proteases (from 5.4–1.9%). In vitro protein digestion of PM150 (7.8 ± 1.35%) did not differ from the control treatment with fish meal (FM; 11.8 ± 1.94%). Additionally, SH presented 41.6 ± 2.91% of DPPH radical scavenging activity. Tilapias fed with a diet where SBM was totally replaced by the dietary inclusion of 25% PM150 and 10% SH, presented comparable growth indicators to those exposed to the control diet. Extrusion reduced PM proteolytic inhibitory effect and improved protein digestibility. SH presented antioxidant effect, as well as, provided flavor enhancers and essential amino acids to the diet. It is feasible to achieve a sustainable dietary formulation for juvenile tilapia using the evaluated by-products without affecting its growth performance.
Fixed Point Theorems for Upper Semicontinuous Set-valued Mappings in p-Vector Spaces
Authors: Yuan George Xianzhi
Published: February 2023

The goal of this paper is to establish a general fixed point theorem for upper semicontinuous set-values mappingsin p-vector spaces for (p є (0, 1]), which include topological vector spaces as a special class. These new results providean answer to Schauder conjecture in the affirmative under the setting of p-vector spaces for upper semicontinuousset-valued mappings, which would be fundamental for nonlinear functional analysis in mathematics
AMS Classification: 47H04, 47H10, 46A16, 46A55, 49J27, 49J35, 52A07, 54C60, 54H25, 55M20
Preprint
The relationship between knowledge, attitude, and performance with the competence of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 regarding crisis management: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: khandan Maryam , Ghorbani Zinab , Golestani Mohsen , Moradi Faranak
Published: February 2023

Background
The outbreak of COVID-19 as a global crisis has required nurses, first-line providers of safe and quality care to patients with this disease, to have a high level of competence, which demands an acceptable level of knowledge, attitude, and performance. Therefore, this study was conducted to model the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and performance with the competence of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 regarding crisis management.
Methods
This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 291 hospital nurses using the structural equation modeling approach in three provinces of Iran, including Kerman, Hormozgan, and Fars, from June to December 2021. Data were collected via self-administered or electronic records and a questionnaire that provided information on demographics, knowledge, attitude, performance, and competence regarding crisis management. Data analysis was performed in SPSS and AMOS software and included descriptive and inferential statistics. Moreover, to test the proposed model of the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and performance with nurses’ competence, the structural equation modeling method was based on the covariance.
Results
The results showed that nurses’ mean knowledge, attitude, performance, and competence scores were average and higher. There was a statistically significant difference between nurses’ age and knowledge, attitude and performance; education level and performance; gender and knowledge and attitude; position and knowledge, attitude and performance; work experience and knowledge, attitude and competence (P < .05). Moreover, obstacles to upgrading their competence include a lack of expert personnel in the nursing field in crisis and organizational support, nurses’ limited role in crisis management and insufficient authorized educational resources. A positive and significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and performance with nurses’ competencies is found (P < .05). Furthermore, the coefficient of determination of nurses’ competence in the modified structural model indicates that exogenous variables, namely knowledge, attitude, and performance, could predict 36% of the changes in nurses’ competence. Finally, the path coefficient of the effect of knowledge, attitude, and performance on nurses’ competence is higher than 1.96.
Conclusions
Nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 require managers’ comprehensive support and need to participate in exercises and maneuvers. Identifying and prioritizing educational needs and learning preferences according to nurses’ cultural differences and backgrounds are also emphasized.
Effect of alpha lipoic acid on Iron metabolism parameters: A systematic review and meta- analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Sharifi-Zahabi Elham , Abdollahzad Hadi
Published: February 2023

Background

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) exhibits antioxidant and iron chelator properties and may have regulating effects on factors related to Iron metabolism. However, findings from clinical trials are equivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of ALA supplementation on iron metabolism parameters including serum iron, total iron binding capacity, hemoglobin and ferritin.

Methodology

We searched online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, up to 29 May 2022, to obtain relevant publications.

Results

A total of 1901 records were identified in the systematic search; from these, 10 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled analysis of the studies showed no effects of ALA on ferritin (WMD= -11.01 ng/ml; 95% CI: -40.07, 18.05 ng/ml; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.670), serum Iron (WMD=-0.47 µ/dL; 95% CI: -24.48, 23.54 µ/dl; I2 = 94.7%, P < 0.001), hemoglobin (WMD = 0.49 g/dl; 95% CI: -0.54, 1.52 g/dl; I2 = 95.7%, P < 0.001), and TIBC (WMD = 3.95 µ/dL; 95% CI: -21.3, 29.2 µ/dl; I2 = 53.1%, P = 0.094). In subgroups analysis ALA significantly increased hemoglobin in patients with hematological disorders (WMD = 1.23 g/dl; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.45 g/dl; I2 = 96.6%, P < 0.001) and in durations > 8 weeks (WMD = 1.03 g/dl; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.25 g/dl; I2 = 96.5%, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

ALA supplementation yielded no significant effect on Iron related parameters. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant increasing effect of ALA on hemoglobin in patients with hematological disorders and durations > 8 weeks. More consistent clinical trials, with larger sample size, and consideration more strength inclusion criteria, are required.
Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy in the single uterus of the Uterine didelphys
Authors: Hong Jisu , Lee Jeong Soo , Kim Sujin , Kwack Jae Young , Kwon Yong-Soon
Published: February 2023

Background
Because the surgical approach was in challenging, we adjusted adnomyomectomy in the single uterus of a patient with uterus didelphys and adenomyosis and this is the first reported case that was successfully treated.
Case presentation
A 31-year-old primipara woman with dysmenorrhea and hypermenorrhea and a known history of uterus didelphys and left kidney agenesis was referred to our hospital. Ultrasonography revealed adenomyosis in the right uterus. She had a plan to have another child and wanted to preserve fertility. Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy was performed in the right uterus with conservation of the original structure of uterine didelphys. Transient occlusion of uterine artery (TOUA) was employed in the right uterine artery, which inhibited the circulation to the right uterus. The incised adenomyosis lesion weighed 20 g, operative time was 55 min, and estimated blood loss was 50 mL. After 5-day hospitalization, the patient was discharged without any notable complications. After 7 months of the surgery, symptoms, and adenomyoma on ultrasonography were improved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of laparoscopic adenomyomectomy surgery performed on a patient with uterine didelphys.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy can be considered as a feasible treatment option for patients with uterus didelphys who want to preserve fertility.
Natural variations of wheat EARLY FLOWERING 3 highlight their contributions to local adaptation through fine-tuning of heading time
Authors: Mizuno Nobuyuki , Matsunaka Hitoshi , Yanaka Mikiko , Ishikawa Goro , Kobayashi Fuminori , Nakamura Kazuhiro
Published: February 2023

Heading/flowering at the appropriate time in each cultivation region can greatly contribute to stabilizing and maximizing yield. Genotype combinations of Vrn-1 and Ppd-1, the major genes determining heading time, can explain the variation in heading time. However, the genes that can explain the remaining variations in heading time are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify the genes conferring early heading using doubled haploid lines derived from Japanese wheat varieties. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis revealed a significant QTL on the long arm of chromosome 1B in multiple growing seasons. Genome sequencing using Illumina short reads and Pacbio HiFi reads revealed a large deletion of a ~500 kb region containing TaELF-B3, an orthologue of Arabidopsis clock gene EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3). Plants with the deleted allele of TaELF-B3 (ΔTaELF-B3allele) headed earlier only under short-day vernalization conditions. Higher expression levels of clock- and clock-output genes, such as Ppd-1 and TaGI, were observed in plants with the ΔTaELF-B3 allele. These results suggest that the deletion of TaELF-B3 causes early heading. Of the TaELF-3 homoeoalleles conferring early heading, the ΔTaELF-B3 allele showed the greatest effect on the early heading phenotype in Japan. The higher allele frequency of the ΔTaELF-B3 allele in western Japan suggests that the ΔTaELF-B3 allele was preferred during recent breeding to adapt to the environment. TaELF-3 homoeolog will help to expand the cultivated area by fine-tuning the optimal timing of heading in each environment.
Extensive multimodal treatments with Total Neoadjuvant Therapy followed by Total Mesorectal Excision for locally advanced rectal cancer allows fit older patients to achieve good oncologic and functional outcomes. Real world data and proof of concept
Authors: Montroni Isacco , Candido Francesca Di , Giovanni Taffurelli , Stefano Tamberi , Elisa Grassi , Jody Corbelli , Floranna Mauro , Enrico Raggi , Anna Garutti , Giampaolo Ugolini
Published: February 2023

Introduction Rectal cancer (RC) commonly affects older patients, a heterogeneous population whose general status may vary from fit to frail. Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) has been introduced to improve local and systemic control of RC. The aim was to present real-world data of older patients receiving TNT followed by minimally invasive surgery after a multidimensional frailty assessment and verify whether this approach would be feasible and safe.
Methods This was a single-center retrospective study which enrolled all patients ≥ 70 years of age with RC who underwent TNT followed by surgery between November 2017 and April 2022. Data regarding cancer characteristics, the duration of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, toxicity and the need for dose reduction were recorded. All patients underwent minimally invasive surgery 12 to 16 weeks after the end of therapy. Intra- and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Pre- and postoperative functional evaluation was carried out in all patients.
Results Fifteen patients were enrolled. Mean age was 74 (70-81) years. The median BMI was 26.2 (22-32) kg/m2. The mean distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 5.2 cm. At diagnosis, 14 patients had positive nodes (93.3%), 11 (73.3%) showed involvement of the circumferential margin (CRM+) and 10 (66.6%) had extramural vascular invasion (EMVI+). Ten patients (66.6%) received mFOLFOX-6 and 5 CAPOX (33.3%) followed by chemoradiation (CRT). After CRT, positive nodes were reported in 4 cases (26.6%), CRM+ in 4 (26.6%), and EMVI+ in 1 (6.6%). A laparoscopic transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) was performed in all cases. Median operative time was 280 minutes (110-420). Median length of stay was 4 days (3-29). One Clavien-Dindo grade 4 complication, no readmissions, and no variations in pre- and postoperative functional status within 30 days from surgery were reported. No patient died within 90 days. No positive distal or CRMs were detected at final pathology. Three pathologic complete responses were reported (20%).
Conclusions Total neoadjuvant therapy followed by TME is feasible and safe, even for older patients, with good short-term clinical and oncologic outcomes. Patient evaluation is crucial for maximizing cancer care as fit older patients can tolerate extended treatment to overcome the threat of advanced rectal cancer.
Atomically visualizing cyclic self-refreshing of gas-oxide interfaces
Authors: Sun Xianhu , Wu Dongxiang , Zhu Wenhui , Zhu Yaguang , Saidi Wissam , Boscoboinik Jorge , Yang Judith , Sharma Renu , Zhou Guangwen
Published: February 2023

Surface-induced breaking of translation symmetry of a crystalline oxide results in various types of coordinately unsaturated cations/anions and surface restructuring 1-11, yet identifying the stability, functionality and activity of the coordinated unsaturated sites of gas-oxide interfaces remains challenging owing to their dynamic behaviors in reacting gas and temperature environments and issues with current characterization tools. Through direct in-situ transmission electron microscopy observations and atomistic modeling, here we report cyclic self-refresh between oxygen-rich and oxygen-deficient surface reconstructions of CuO in H2 that are chemically active and inactive for H2O formation, respectively. After a period of chemical inactivity, the oxygen-deficient surface re-oxidizes back to the oxygen-rich termination due to the outward diffusion of lattice oxygen from the subsurface. This cyclic surface refresh is intrinsically induced by the disparity in chemical activity of undercoordinated surface atoms in modulating H2-induced loss of lattice oxygen at the surface and subsequent oxygen replenishment from the subsurface, which results in spatiotemporally separated redox reaction steps at the oxide surface. The atomistic mechanism has significant implications in manipulating the surface reactivity of oxides by tuning this separation of the redox steps at oxide surfaces.
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a virtual reality intervention targeting distress and anxiety in primary brain tumor patients at the time of clinical evaluation: Study protocol for a phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: King Amanda L. , Acquaye Alvina A. , Mendoza Tito , Reyes Jennifer , Stockdill Macy , Gilbert Mark R. , Armstrong Terri S. , Vera Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Background: Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients experience higher levels of distress and anxiety than other solid tumor patients, particularly at the time of clinical evaluation when uncertainty about disease status is high (“scanxiety”). There is promising evidence supporting use of virtual reality (VR) to target psychological symptoms in other solid tumor patients, though PBT patients have not been studied extensively in this context. The primary aim of this phase 2 clinical trial is to establish the feasibility of a remote VR-based relaxation intervention for a PBT population, with secondary aims designed to determine preliminary efficacy of improving distress and anxiety symptoms.
Methods: PBT patients (N=120) with upcoming MRI scans and clinical appointments who meet eligibility will be recruited to participate in a single arm trial conducted remotely through the NIH. Following completion of baseline assessments, participants will complete a 5-minute VR intervention via telehealth using a head-mounted immersive device while under supervision of the research team. Following the intervention, over the course of 1 month patients can use VR at their discretion with follow-up assessments done immediately post-VR intervention, as well as 1 week and 4 weeks later. Additionally, a qualitative phone interview will be conducted to assess patient satisfaction with the intervention.
Discussion: Use of immersive VR is an innovative interventional approach to target distress and scanxiety symptoms in PBT patients who are at high risk for experiencing these symptoms leading into their clinical appointments. Findings from this study may inform design of a future multicenter randomized VR trial for PBT patients and may aid in development of similar interventions for other oncology populations.
Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04301089), registered 9 March 2020
Efficient production of recombinant proteins in suspension CHO cells culture using the Tol2 transposon system coupled with cycloheximide resistance selection
Authors: Yamaguchi Keina , Ogawa Risa , Tsukahara Masayoshi , Kawakami Koichi
Published: February 2023

DNA recombination techniques in mammalian cells has been applied to the production of therapeutic proteins for several decades. To be used for commercial production, established cell lines should stably express target proteins with high productivity and acceptable quality for human use. In the conventional transfection method, the screening process is laborious and time-consuming since superior cell lines had to be selected from an enormous number of transfected cell pools and clonal cell lines with a wide variety of transgene insertion locations. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of a Tol2 transposon system and cell selection by cycloheximide resistance is an efficient method to express therapeutic proteins, such as human antibody in suspension culture of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The resulting stable cell lines showed constant productivity and cell growth over a long enough cultivation periods for recombinant protein production. We anticipate that this approach will prove widely applicable to protein production in research and development of pharmaceutical products.
The effect of Microvascular Invasion on Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus after Hepatectomy: A multicenter study
Authors: Xu Qingyi , Zeng Jinhua , Zeng Jianxing , Huang Yao , Guo Pengfei , Lan Liqin
Published: February 2023

Background
There is no reported resolving whether microvascular invasion (MVI) affects the prognosis of hepatectomy for HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of MVI on HCC with PVTT after Hepatectomy.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study consisting of 362 HCC patients with PVTT was included in this study. The log-rank test was utilized to differentiate OS and RFS rates between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to detect independent factors.
Results
PVTT without MVI accounted for 12.2% (n = 44). PVTT without MVI groups was significantly superior to PVTT with MVI groups in OS and RFS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates (65.5%, 36.8%, 21.7% vs. 53.5%, 18.7%, 10.1%, p = 0.014) and RFS rates (47.0%, 29.7%, 19.2% vs. 28.7%, 12.2%, 6.9%, p = 0.005) were significant differences between two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that MVI was the independent risk factor for OS and RFS.
Conclusions
MVI was an independent prognostic factor closely linked to tumor recurrence and poorer clinical outcomes for HCC patients with PVTT after liver resection. MVI should be included in current PVTT systems to improve the accuracy of PVTT typing.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the knee anteromedial quadrant
Authors: Jorge Pedro Baches , Jorge Rafael Baches , Escudeiro Diego , Helito Camilo , Silva Lucas Nakazone Matos da , Sato Fernanda Tami , Brito Deivis Silva , Possebom Igor
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the possibility of characterizing an extra-articular thickening in the knee anteromedial quadrant in routine MRI scans.

Materials and Methods.

Firstly, in a pilot study, for a better understanding of this extra-articular thickening trajectory in MRI, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubes were attached to the ligament structure topography in two dissected pieces. Afterward, 100 knee MRI studies were randomly selected from our database, and 97 met the inclusion criteria. Two musculoskeletal radiologists interpreted the exams separately. Both had previously studied the ligament in the cadaveric knee MRI with the PTFE tube.

Results

The intraobserver and interobserver agreement for the ligament identification was calculated using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. The first radiologist identified the structure in 41 of the 97 scans (42.2%), and the second radiologist in 38 scans (39.2%). The interobserver agreement was substantial, with a Kappa of 0.68 and an agreement of 84.5%. The results suggest that this extra-articular thickening, recently called Anterior Oblique Ligament (AOL) in the literature, is a structure that can be frequently visualized on MRI scans with a high level of interobserver agreement in a relatively large number of exams.

Conclusion

Therefore, this study indicates that MRI is a promising method for evaluating this anteromedial thickening, and it may be used for future studies of the Anterior Oblique Ligament.
A note on “An algorithmic approach to solve unbalanced triangular fuzzy transportation problems”
Authors: Mishra Akansha , Kumar Amit , Appadoo S. S.
Published: February 2023

Muthuperumal et al. (Soft Comput (2020) 24: 18689–18698) proposed two different approaches to find an initial fuzzy basic feasible solution of unbalanced triangular fuzzy transportation problems (unbalanced transportation problems in which each parameter is represented by a triangular fuzzy number). Since, Muthuperumal et al. have claimed that less computational efforts are required to apply their proposed approaches as compared to other existing approaches. Therefore, in future, other researchers may use Muthuperumal et al.’s approaches to find an initial fuzzy basic feasible solution of real-life unbalanced triangular fuzzy transportation problems. However, it is observed that in actual case, the initial fuzzy basic solution, obtained by Muthuperumal et al.’s approaches, is not a fuzzy feasible solution. Hence, it is not appropriate to use Muthuperumal et al.’s approaches. The aim of this note is to point out the inconsistencies that exist in Muthuperumal et al.’s approaches.
Does Cyclin-dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitor Toxicity Predict Treatment Response in Metastatic Hormone Positive Breast Cancer?
Authors: gülbağcı burcu , demirci ayşe , hacıbekiroğlu ilhan , çelebi abdüssamet , fırat sedat tarık , gökmen ıvo , ugurlu irem , ilçe huri tilla , çiftçi esra , çakır emre , köstek osman , bozkurt oktay , hacıoğlu muhammet bekir
Published: February 2023

In estrogen and/or progesterone receptor expression (hormone receptor [HR]-positive) without human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression (HR+/HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (MBC), a significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit has been obtained with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor and endocrine therapy (ET) combinations in the first-line treatment. We mainly aimed to investigate whether the toxicities of CDK 4/6 inhibitors predict treatment response. This study was designed retrospectively. A total of 191 patients diagnosed with MBC were treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors plus ETs between 2019 and 2021, in four centers included. One hundred six patients received ribociclib, and 85 patients received palbociclib. The most common adverse event in both groups was neutropenia. We found that toxicities didn’t predict response rates (RRs). Additionally, the RRs in patients with albumin levels above 4.1g/dl was better than that in patients with albumin levels 4.1g/dl and below in multivariate analysis when all patients were considered (OR,4.76;95%CI,1.30–17.46;p = 0.018). When the multivariate analysis was performed separately for those who received ribociclib and those who received palbociclib, it was seen that this difference was due to ribociclib (OR,49.89;95%CI,2.49–999.16;p = 0.011). Toxicities of CDK4/6-inhibitors didn’t predict RRs. However, pretreatment albumin level may predict ribociclib response.