bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Are the Trends in the Utilization of Orthopaedic Advanced Practice Professionals? A Large Database Medicare Study
Authors: Burkhart Robert J. , Acuña Alexander J. , Kolin David A. , Hecht Christian J. , Shah Aakash K. , Kamath Atul F.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Advanced practice professionals (APPs), such as physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), are expected to have an increasing role in delivering high-quality orthopaedic care in the coming years. Our analysis aimed to determine the current proportion and geographic distribution of APPs in orthopaedics. In addition, we predicted future growth into 2025.

Methods:

Our analysis was a retrospective, large national database study evaluating services provided by APPs from 2014 to 2019 using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data prepared by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). NPs and PAs were recognized by provider type and aggregated to form the APP group for analysis. Mann-Kendall trend tests were used to evaluate changes in the number of each provider type. Poisson regression will be used to predict the expected number of APPs in the field up to the year 2025.

Results:

From 2014 to 2019, there was a 34.36% increase in the number of orthopaedic APPs (5,480-7,363), compared with a 5.37% increase in orthopaedic surgeons (22,518-23,728). APPs were located in predominately large metropolitan areas (96%), followed by small metropolitan (3.6%) and rural areas (0.4%). Using data from our study period, we projected that by 2025, there will be 10,484 APPs in orthopaedic surgery [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 9,004-11,964 providers]. This represents an 84% increase over the decade between 2015 and 2025.

Conclusion:

Our analysis demonstrated that the volume of established patient visits and various nonsurgical services provided by APPs in orthopaedic surgery continues to grow. The number of APPs and surgeons in orthopaedics is increasing, but the proportion of APPs choosing orthopaedics as a speciality is on the decline. Furthermore, we found a greater proportion of PAs in orthopaedics than NPs. Because the demand for services for orthopaedic surgery continues to grow, APPs may serve as one possible solution to increase access to orthopaedic care, and additional programs should be developed to improve the educational access for APPs to train in orthopaedics.
Magnitude and Risk of Livelihood Asset Damage due to Climate Change-Induced Disasters of the Coastal Fisher of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Islam Md. Jahirul , Shahrear Rezwan , Talukder Mohammad Mahbub Alam , Mahatabuddin Sheikh , Haque Md. Mansurul
Published: December 2023

Objective
The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude and risk of livelihood asset damage due to climate change-induced disasters for the coastal fishermen of Bangladesh.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 338 randomly selected coastal fishers and other coastal fishery actors from 11 coastal districts of southern Bangladesh.
Results
Findings revealed that more than 90% of the participants lived within 3.5 kilometres of the coastal zones and had to struggle against at least three moderate to highly severe CCI disasters, including recurring floods, waterlogging, and cyclones, in the past five years. Using ECLAC (United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) methodology following DaLA (damage, loss, and need assessment), it was found that yearly Bangladesh has faced economic penalties of nearly BDT 23.606 billion [≈ $224.82 million; (housing: $137.36 million; commercial & livelihoods: $87.46 million); (physical assets: $153.45 million; and financial: $71.38 million)] due to CCI disasters for only one million households of coastal fishers and other coastal fishery actors. The penalties for the same population have also included receiving loans totaling nearly BDT 6.117 billion (≈ $58.25 million) from money lenders or Mahajons per year to recover household expenditure shortfalls and compensation due to CCI disasters. The disastrous CCI incidences such as repeated cyclones and floods, moderate to high severity of disaster, and ≥ 11 days’ longevity of the disaster were significantly associated with the damage and loss of physical and financial assets (i.e., living house, fisheries, livestock, poultry, and penalty to the work-day lost) and also significantly associated with the requirement of receiving loans recurrently from money lenders (p = < 0.05).
Conclusion
The implementation of coastal management, including the establishment of climate-resilient housing and commercial infrastructure for the studied population, could minimize household-level partial damage and loss. Moreover, the generation of alternate income sources in different IGA (income-generating activity) trades during off-fishing seasons has the potential to protect coastal and marine fishermen's livelihoods.
Human frontopolar cortex plays a causal role in digesting complex information during decision making
Authors: Law Chun-Kit , Wong Nicole , Wong Jing , Huang Evelyn , Chau Bolton
Published: December 2023

The ability to digest complex information is critical to many decisions that are non-trivial. However, the underlying mechanism is however broadly unclear. Here, we focused on investigating the causal role of the lateral frontopolar cortex (FPl), an area greatly evolved in the human brain, in processing complex choice information. This was achieved via three experiments that collectively involved transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), task-based fMRI, and computational modelling. First, we found that disrupting FPl using TMS impaired decision making with complex information. Second, we developed a computational model that consistently explains complex choice behaviour across three experiments. The same model also explains mechanistically that the FPl-TMS effect was due to diminished complexity in integrating information. Finally, fMRI data revealed stronger FPl signals were related to more complex integrations. Together, our results suggest a causal role of FPl in digesting complex information during decision making.
Telomere length and the risk of infertility: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: qu yiyuan , liu rui , mi jinqqiao , huang xujia , jin linping , zhu chengcheng , wu bingbing , xu jian
Published: December 2023

Purpose
As people age, fertility tends to decline, and various previous studies have indicated a potential connection between aging and infertility. However, whether telomere length (TL), as a marker of cellular age, is causally related to infertility remains an unknown question.
Methods
In this research, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the causal relationship between TL and infertility risk. We mainly conducted MR analyses employing the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method and complemented with other MR methods. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was performed to testify the primary results' robustness.
Results
The summary dataset of the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for TL (n = 472,174) were obtained from the UK Biobank. Four infertility subgroups based on gender and etiology were selected from FinnGen Consortium R6 release, which included 119,206 (Female infertility_1), 118,644 (Female infertility_2) ,128,432 (Female infertility_3) and 74,159 (Male infertility) individuals, respectively. 137 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with TL in European populations were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). We found that genetically determined TL and epigenetic clocks were not individually associated with 4 types infertility(IVW p > 0.05), and this result was consistent across sensitivity analyses. Our findings indicate that there was no causal association between genetically determined TL and epigenetic clocks with the four types of infertility (IVW p > 0.05). Other methods also achieved consistent results. Sensitivity analyses were performed and revealed no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that TL may not serve as effective causal biomarkers for predicting infertility and need more robust analytical methods and more comprehensive researches.
Characteristics, fate, and risk of antibiotics in on-site hospital wastewater treatment plants of three types of hospital
Authors: Li Guoao , Sun Chengyi , Jiang Bao , Wang Yaling , Liu Fei
Published: December 2023

Antibiotics have received increasing attention because of their ecological impact and risk to human health. Hospitals are a major source of antibiotic pollution. This study investigated the emission characteristics, removal efficiency, and environmental risk of antibiotics in wastewater from on-site treatment plants in three different types of hospitals: a general hospital (GP), a traditional Chinese medicine hospital (TCM), and a cardiac hospital (CP) in Beijing, China. The total antibiotic concentration of TCM effluent was 4996.7 ± 692.4 ng/L, higher than GP effluent (3483.0 ± 328.4 ng/L) and CP effluent (2627.2 ± 267.1 ng/L). TCM had the highest antibiotic concentration in influents (7566.9 ± 495.3 ng/L) and effluents, while the GP influent contained the greatest variety of antibiotics. Macrolides (MAs) and quinolones (QUs) were the main antibiotics in the studied effluents, with the sum of the two contributing to 75.2%, 63.1%, and 57.7% of the GP, TCM, and CP effluents, respectively. Clarithromycin (CLA), azithromycin (AZM), ofloxacin (OFL), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) were the main antibiotics detected in both the influents and effluents in all three types of hospitals. The overall removal efficiencies of the three hospitals were low at 30.8%, 34.0%, and 42.2% for GP, TCM, and CP, respectively. The removal efficiencies of different antibiotics in the treatment facilities of the three hospitals were different. High RQ of roxithromycin (ROX), a regional antibiotic detected only in China, OFL, and erythromycin (ERY) were found in all treatment facilities. In MBR treatment systems, the micro-environment of bacteria is exposed to high environmental risk from antibiotics, potentially inhibiting its removal efficiency on other pollutants. In this investigation, a glimpse of the antibiotic emission characteristics in the hospital wastewater of different types of hospitals in Beijing, China, was given, which will benefit the formulation of new medical guidelines, development of treatment technology, and revision of emission standards.
Everyday Multitasking Scale (EMS): Exploring the Cognitive and Temperament Correlates of Multitasking in Young People
Authors: Fang Zhaonan , Kostyrka-Allchorne Katarzyna , Coll-Martín Tao , Lean Nancy , Sonuga-Barke Edmund J.S.
Published: December 2023

Multitasking is vital in the contemporary fast-paced world. Laboratory studies have consistently demonstrated this ability to be reliant on complex cognitive functions, which can be impaired in young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, everyday multitasking, differing from experimental paradigms in many aspects, is much less understood, in part, because of the lack of appropriate measures. To address this, the present study reports on the development and initial validation of the Everyday Multitasking Scale (EMS), as the first self-report measure assessing young people’s everyday multitasking performance and preference. It also explores the association between multitasking and individual variations in ADHD symptoms, temperament, and delay aversion. A convenience sample of 155 individuals aged 16–21 years (M = 19.04, SD = 1.13) completed the 27-item EMS, as well as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman, 1997), Quick Delay Questionnaire (Clare et al., 2010), and Adult Temperament Questionnaire (Evans & Rothbart, 2007). Factor analysis identified two factors of the EMS: multitasking performance (10 items; α = .88) and multitasking preference (six items; α = .84). Bivariate correlations showed that performance was positively correlated with preference, effortful control, and orienting sensitivity, while negatively correlated with ADHD and delay aversion. Path analysis showed the direct association between ADHD and multitasking performance was fully mediated by effortful control and orienting sensitivity. These results suggested that although individuals with higher levels of ADHD symptoms reported worse multitasking performance, this may be improved by increasing orienting sensitivity and effortful control and reducing aversion to delay.
Evaluation of the methanol extracts of Monsonia burkeana against Alternaria solani growth, leaf blight severity and tomato yield
Authors: Sibuyi Rainos , Kena Mapotso Anna , Ayisi Kingsley Kwabena
Published: December 2023

Alternaria leaf blight, caused by Alternaria solani, is one of the major foliar diseases of tomato. Synthetic fungicides remain an integral component of managing Alternaria leaf blight to reduce yield losses. However, their negative side effects on the environment, human health and increased pathogen resistance call for the exploration of alternative control measures that are environmentally safe. The current study was established to evaluate the effectiveness of Monsonia burkeana methanolic extract against A. solani growth under laboratory conditions, Alternaria leaf blight and its ability to increase tomato yield. The antifungal activities of Monsonia burkeana methanolic extract were tested under laboratory conditions through food poisoning assay at concentrations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5g/100ml. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) replicated four times. Monsonia burkeana methanolic extract significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibited the mycelium growth of A. solani and a significant reduction was recorded at 5 g 100 ml− 1 (32.25%). Greenhouse and micro-plot experiments were established where treatments were: 5g/100ml M. burkeana extract, inoculate non-treated control and non-inoculated, non-treated control. Plants were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and each treatments replicated four times. Disease severity was measured using a scale of 0–5 after 21 days. Monsonia burkearna methanolic extract significantly reduced Alternaria leaf blight severity of 10% and less under both greenhouse and micro-plot respectively when compared to inoculated non-treated control. Treated tomato plants had a significantly higher chlorophyll content and Normalized Difference Vegetative Index.
Optimizing Convective Drying for Efficient Reduction of Phosphate Sludge Moisture: Experimental Investigations and Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Bellaziz Yassir , Berroug Fatiha , Mandi Laila , Nouh Fatima Ait , Hejjaj Abdessamed , Boukhattem Lahcen , Idlimam Ali , Ouazzani Naaila
Published: December 2023

Phosphate extraction process produces large amounts of waste sludge, that is disposed of in the environment. Phosphate sludge (PS) is characterized by high moisture content (70–80%) which is a major handicap for any further disposal. To overcome this issue, the drying of this waste could be an appropriate solution to minimize its volume. The present work is focused on the convective drying behavior of PS and its mathematical modeling to optimize the drying processes. Drying experiments were conducted using thicknesses of 1, 2 and 4 cm. Drying air temperature and velocity ranged respectively in 50–70°C and 1–2 m/s. The findings showed that improving drying air temperature and velocity, and decreasing sample thickness enhance considerably the drying rate. Furthermore, the drying curves showed the presence of two main drying periods corresponding to constant drying rate and falling drying rate periods. Moreover, a model considering heat and mass transfer equations for each phase in wet sludge was used to fit the experimental results. Based on the analytical solutions and according to the statistical criteria R2 and RMSE ranged from 0.9957–0.9996 and 0.0157–0.0276, respectively, it was concluded that the model describes the drying behavior of washing PS in all tested convective drying conditions.
Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Peruvian patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: León-Figueroa Darwin A. , Aguirre-Milachay Edwin , Barboza Joshuan J. , Valladares-Garrido Mario J.
Published: December 2023

Background
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) represents a major challenge for public health, with hypertension and diabetes being the main causes of its occurrence. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Peruvian patients with CKD.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. For this purpose, a systematic search was carried out in various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Scielo, until December 1, 2023. The search terms used were "chronic kidney disease" and "Peru". Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by two authors. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Statistical Meta-Analysis Assessment and Review Instrument. To analyze data heterogeneity, the I2 statistical test was used. Statistical analysis was performed with R version 4.2.3.
Results
A total of 1425 studies were collected, of which 23 were included in the final meta-analysis. A total of 43321 patients with CKD were evaluated, of whom 52.22% were male and 47.78% were female. The combined prevalence of hypertension in Peruvian patients with CKD was 38% (95% CI: 30–46%; 41131 participants; 21 studies, I2 = 99%, p = 0), while the combined prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Peruvian patients with CKD was 33% (95% CI: 26-40%; 43321 participants; 23 studies, I2 = 99%, p = 0). Additionally, the combined prevalence of Peruvian men and women with CKD was 55% (95% CI: 52-57%; 43321 participants; 23 studies, I2 = 93%, p < 0.01) and 45% (95% CI: 43-48%; 43321 participants; 23 studies, I2 = 93%, p < 0.01), respectively.
Conclusion
In accordance with the study, the combined prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in Peruvian patients with CKD was 38% and 33%, respectively.
Establishment of a Small-cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Mouse Model Using Enhanced Cancer Stem Cell–functioning 3D SCLC Spheroids
Authors: Jung Yong Hun , Kim In Kyoung , Eom So Young , Kim Hyunsoo , Park Kyungwon , Chung Seok , Lee Sang Haak , Yeo Chang Dong , Kim Hye Joung , Kang Hye Seon
Published: December 2023

Despite its low incidence rate, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), which accounts for approximately 10–15% of all lung cancers, is concerningly characterized by its rapid progression, strong metastatic potential, and high fatality rate. Therefore, an effective predictive model for SCLC treatment is imperative for early intervention. In this study, we aimed to enhance the cancer stem cell (CSC) capabilities of SCLC through a three-dimensional (3D) culturing approach and to evaluate its potential as a predictive model for therapeutic response in SCLC by transplanting the spheroids into mice. To achieve uniform and scalable production of 3D SCLC spheroids, the SpheroFILM culture platform was employed, and the expression of CSC markers was verified at the gene and protein levels within the spheroids cultured onboard. Moreover, spheroids were transplanted into mice to confirm gene and protein expression of CSC markers, tumor-formation capacity, proliferation ability, and invasion potential through histological staining. Based on our results, the transplantation of enhanced CSC–functioning 3D SCLC cell lines into mice led to a significant increase in tumor-formation capacity along with elevated expression of CSC markers. Thus, the results collectively suggest that the augmentation of CSC properties in 3D cultured cell lines, when transplanted into animal models, reduces necrosis and enhances tumor formation, proliferation, and invasion.
Low HBV Knowledge is Associated with Low HBV Vaccination Uptake in General Adult Population Despite Incentivization of HBV Vaccination
Authors: Kim Thanh Van , Pham Trang Nguyen Doan , Do Brian , Dao Diem Vu Bich , Nguyen Dan Xuan , Lee William , Gish Robert , Mize Gary , Trang Amy , Le Anh , Phan Loc Thi Bich , Ngo Thi-Thuy-Dung , Phan Hai Thanh , Nguyen Binh Tan , Tang Hong Kim , Dao Doan Y
Published: December 2023

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in Vietnamese adults remains low and unequally distributed. We conducted a study on HBV-naïve adults living in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, to determine barriers associated with HBV vaccination uptake after removing the financial barrier by providing free coupons for HBV vaccination.
Methods. After being screened for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc, 284 HBV-naïve study participants aged 18 and over (i.e., negative for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc total) were distributed with free 3-dose HBV vaccine coupons. Next, study participants’ receipt of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd doses of HBV vaccine was documented at a pre-specified study healthcare facility, where HBV vaccines were distributed at no cost to the participants. Upon study entry, participants answered questionnaires on sociodemographics, knowledge of HBV and HBV vaccination, and related social and behavioral factors. The proportions of three doses of HBV vaccine uptake and their confidence intervals were analyzed. Associations of HBV vaccine initiation with exposures at study entry were evaluated using modified Poisson regression.
Results. 98.9% (281 of 284) of study participants had complete data and were included in the analysis. The proportion of obtaining the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd doses of HBV vaccine was 11.7% (95%CI 8.0-15.5%), 10.7% (95%CI 7.1-14.3%), and 8.9% (95%CI 5.6-12.2%), respectively. On the other hand, participants were more likely to initiate the 1st dose if they had adequate knowledge of transmission (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.58, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 1.12-5.92), adequate knowledge of severity (aRR = 6.75, 95%CI 3.38-13.48), and annual health-checking seeking behavior (aRR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.07-3.87).
Conclusion. We documented a low HBV vaccination uptake despite incentivization. However, increased vaccine initiation was associated with better HBV knowledge and annual health check-up adherence. When considering expanding HBV vaccination to the general adult population, we should appreciate that HBV knowledge is an independent predictor of vaccine uptake.
Frequency dependent model for bone remodeling stimulated by harmonic mechanical loading
Authors: Lu Yanfei
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the bone tissue was modeled as a linear viscoelastic material saturated with interstitial fluid. We considered a specific case of harmonic loading and related the mechanical stimuli to the loading frequency. In this way, we could include the inertial effect in the model while not having to deal with the perturbation during each loading period. Two types of mechanical signals were considered: strain energy and dissipation energy. A parametric study revealed the dependency of the two signals on loading frequency and material property. The evolution of the apparent mass density supported the parametric study's findings. Under the three different frequency loadings, the strain energy-stimulated samples experienced identical remodeling scenarios. The samples stimulated with dissipation energy, on the other hand, exhibited a strong frequency dependence. An additional study was performed to investigate the effect of long-term variations in the loading frequency on the remodeling process. This demonstrated the model's capabilities in designing and evaluating load regimes for rehabilitation following a bone injury or bone reconstruction.
Evaluation of the Transition to Practice Arrangement for Novice Perioperative Nurses in Australia - A Mixed Methods Study Protocol
Authors: Nijkamp Nick , Calleja Pauline , Sahay Ashlyn , Jack Leanne
Published: December 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Maize/soybeans intercropping increases nutrient uptake, crop yield and modifies soil physio-chemical characteristics and enzymatic activities in a subtropical humid region based in Southwest China
Authors: NASAR JAMAL , AHMAD MUNIR , Gitari Harun , Tang Li , Chen Yuan , Zhou Xun-Bo
Published: December 2023

In China, the high use of nitrogen fertilization for agricultural production and intensive mono-cropping systems have adversely affected the agricultural ecosystem and environment. Therefore, to improve the sustainable agricultural production system, farming systems need to be adjusted within the country. Consequently, a two-year (2021–2022) field experiment was conducted on the maize/soybean intercropping practices with/without nitrogen (N) fertilization (i.e., N0; 0 N kg ha− 1 and N1; 225 N kg ha− 1) to know whether such cropping system can improve the nutrients uptake and crop yields, soil physio-chemical properties, and soil enzymes, which ultimately results in enhanced crop yield. The results revealed that maize intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MI and N1MI) had higher crop yield, biomass dry matter, and 1000-grain weight of maize than mono-cropping treatments (N0MM, and N1MM). Nonetheless, these parameters were optimized in N1MI treatments in both years. For instance, N1MI produced the maximum grain yield (10105 and 11705 kg ha− 1), biomass dry matter (13893 and 14093 kg ha− 1), and 1000-grain weight (420. and 449 g) of maize in the year 2021 and 2022, respectively. Conversely, soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0SI and N1SI) reduced such yield parameters for soybean. Also, the land equivalent ratio (LER) and land equivalent ratio for N fertilization (LERN) values were always greater than 1, showing the intercropping system's benefits in terms of yield and improved resource usage. Moreover, maize intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MI and N1MI) and soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0SI and N1SI) significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the nutrient uptake (i.e., N, Fe, P, K, Ca, and Zn) of maize and soybean, however, these nutrients uptakes were more prominent in N1MI and N1SI treatments of maize and soybean, respectively in both years (2021 and 2022) compared with their mono-cropping treatments. Similarly, maize-soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MSI and N1MSI) significantly (p < 0.05) improved the soil-based N, K, P, NH4, NO3, and soil organic matter, but, reduced the soil pH. Such maize-soybean intercropping treatments also improved the soil enzymatic activities such as protease (PT), sucrose (SC), acid phosphatase (AP), urease (UE), and catalase (CT) activities. This indicates that maize-soybean intercropping could potentially contribute to higher and better crop yield, enhanced plant nutrient uptake, improved soil nutrient pool, physio-chemical characteristics, and related soil enzymatic activities. Thus, preferring intercropping to mono-cropping could be a preferable choice for ecological viable agricultural development.
Hydrological Droughts in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin Using Hybrid Trend Analysis Methods
Authors: Alashan Sadık , Gül Enes , Toprak Ahmet , İkincioğulları Erdinç
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the impact of climate change on river systems within the Eastern Mediterranean Basin (EMB), utilizing the Mann-Kendall (MK) test, enhanced by Sen’s slope estimator and Şen’s Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) methods. The research focuses on hydrological changes in river systems, particularly streamflow trends, and their implications under climate change and anthropogenic activities. The methodology includes a detailed analysis of hydro-meteorological series, including streamflow data from different observation stations. To satisfy the serial independence requirement assumption of MK test pre-whitening and over-whitening methodologies are applied effectively. The study area comprises 10 sub-basins in the EMB, with particular attention to the Göksu River and its tributaries. The results clearly show significantly decreasing trends in the annual streamflow values at several stations, demonstrating the considerable influence of climate and environmental changes on the basin's hydrology. These trends are also critically analyzed with the help of ITA graphs, which provide insights into the spatial and temporal variability of streamflow patterns. This research contributes to a better understanding of hydrological responses to climatic variability, providing vital information for water resource management and policies in regions undergoing significant environmental changes.
Performance Study of Cold-formed steel Channel joist with web opening subjected to flexural loading
Authors: KSK. Duraimurugan , Rajaram Basker
Published: December 2023

This study presents the structural behaviour of cold-formed steel joists with different web-opening shapes. The investigation incorporated both experimental and analytical approaches. The study involved the selection of square and circular web openings, and channel sections were chosen based on site-specific design considerations. In the experimental phase, channel joists were subjected to flexural loading and tested. An analytical investigation was conducted. Finite element (FE) models were developed using the FEM software ANSYS APDL version 16.2. FE models were used to simulate the structural response of the channel joist when subjected to flexural loading. A parametric study was conducted on the basis of simulation and experimental investigation. Factors that influence stiffness and load-carrying capacity considering variables in cold-formed steel channel joists were analyzed. Analytical investigations were conducted. Based on this result analysis, significant effects were observed, indicating a better agreement between the analytical and experimental results. In addition, it was shown that channel joists with circular web openings provide high efficiency in terms of load-carrying capacity and stiffness in web-opening shapes.
Deletion of Slc9a1 in Cx3cr1+ cells stimulated microglial subcluster CREB1-BDNF signaling and microglia-oligodendrocyte crosstalk
Authors: Song Shanshan , Oft Helena , Metwally Shamseldin , Paruchuri Satya , Bielanin John , Fiesler Victoria , Sneiderman Chaim , Kohanbash Gary , Sun Dandan
Published: December 2023

Microglial Na/H exchanger-1 (NHE1) protein, encoded by Slc9a1, plays a role in white matter demyelination of ischemic stroke brains. To explore underlying mechanisms, we conducted single cell RNA-seq transcriptome analysis in conditional Slc9a1 knockout (cKO) and wild-type (WT) mouse white matter tissues at 3 days post-stroke. Compared to WT, Nhe1 cKO brains expanded a microglial subgroup with elevated transcription of white matter myelination genes including Spp1, Lgals3, Gpnmb, and Fabp5. This subgroup also exhibited more acidic pHi and significantly upregulated CREB signaling and BDNF secretion detected by ingenuity pathway analysis and flow cytometry. Moreover, the Nhe1 cKO white matter tissues showed enrichment of a corresponding oligodendrocyte subgroup, with pro-phagocytosis and lactate shuffling gene expression, where activated CREB signaling is a likely upstream regulator. These findings demonstrate that attenuation of NHE1-mediated H+ extrusion acidifies microglia and stimulates microglial CREB1-BDNF signaling, giving rise to restorative microglia-oligodendrocyte interactions to potentially improve post-stroke remyelination.
Enantiospecific Attraction of Lygus Lineolaris Palisot De Beauvois (Hemiptera: Miridae) to a Ubiquitous Floral Volatile in the Field
Authors: Hetherington Matthew C. , Weissner Morgan , Guédot Christelle
Published: December 2023

Herbivorous insects utilize olfactory and visual cues to orient on suitable host plants, and such cues can be employed to facilitate insect monitoring. Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois is a polyphagous pest throughout North America. Monitoring this pest as it moves between crop and non-crop hosts remains challenging and a lack of effective monitoring tools complicates management of this insect. In this study, we examined the electrophysiological and behavioral responses of L. lineolaris to the volatile emissions of two crop hosts: Medicago sativa and Fragaria ananassa. Gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection was applied to identify antennally active compounds in headspace extracts of flowering host plants, before responses to individual compounds were examined in the field. Five compounds consistently elicited antennal depolarizations in adult L. lineolaris and, of these, (±)-linalool increased female L. lineolaris capture rate in the field. Subsequent experiments examined the influence of visual cues and stereochemistry on capture rate, revealing that lures containing (±)-linalool and (S)-(+)-linalool significantly increased female L. lineolaris capture rates compared to traps baited with (R)-(-)-linalool and controls, indicating that L. lineolaris is attracted to (S)-(+)-linalool. While lures increased capture on red traps, this was not the case for white traps, emphasizing the importance of visual cues in L. lineolaris monitoring. This study demonstrates that L. lineolaris is attracted to (S)-(+)-linalool in the field, and that attraction depends on trap color. This knowledge is expected to improve L. lineolaris monitoring in agricultural systems.
Development of a Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells-Related Genes Predictive Signature for Prognostic Survival and Immunotherapeutic Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Minjie , Li Chunming , Gong Jianping
Published: December 2023

Background
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a vital role in the tumor immune microenvironment, significantly impacting tumor initiation and progression. The study of genes linked to MDSCs in predicting the progression of HCC is of significant scholarly significance.
Method
Acquiring a comprehensive single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset from GEO to extract valuable information and detect distinct cell subgroups through the application of clustering and dimensionality reduction techniques. Moreover, the determination of molecular subtypes that demonstrate excellent clustering performance is achieved by calculating the cumulative distribution function (CDF). The analysis of the immune landscape and tumor immune escape state is conducted in this study using estimation methods, particularly the cibersort algorithm, in conjunction with publicly accessible tools for tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE). Furthermore, a Cox regression analysis is employed to establish a gene risk model associated with MDSCs, which is later confirmed using various datasets and dimensions. Moreover, a functional enrichment analysis is performed to detect potential signaling pathways linked to marker genes of MDSCs.
Result
From the scRNA-seq dataset (GSE202642), a collection of 30 subpopulations and 65 marker genes associated with MDSCs were discovered. When clustering the molecular subtypes using marker genes related to MDSCs, there were notable differences in prognostic survival and immune signatures observed between the two subtypes. As a result, an independent prognostic factor for patients with HCC was discovered, which is a 7-gene predictive signature consisting of DAB2, FTL, CSTB, APOE, PLA2G7, PPT1, and ANXA2. Individuals with a lower RiskScore exhibited a reduced survival rate and higher immune infiltration in contrast to patients who had a higher RiskScore.
Conclusion
In summary, a highly effective MDSCs-related marker was created to predict the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in individuals diagnosed with HCC.
An algorithm for English capital letters based on discrete Hopfield network and BP network
Authors: Wan Xiaojuan , Yang Yongxin , Bai YanPing , Xie Congjin , Liu XiaoLin , Du Bingfang
Published: December 2023

English is the most widely used language in the world. In reality, we often need to get some old English newspapers or books and periodicals information, even the license plate also has English letters, these important English information often takes the form of English capital letters. But because of the age, or other factors, these English letters are often not very clear. The accuracy of English letter recognition at a certain level determines whether English handwriting can be processed quickly and efficiently by a computer. The Hopfield network is a recognized network of associative memory patterns. How to maximize its associative recognition ability and efficiently recognize handwritten English letters is the main focus of this article. This paper analyzes various problems encountered in the actual processing process and explores the performance of discrete Hopfield. To verify the identification ability of another network, Hopfield was added. That is, the recognition result of DNHH is used as input for BP network, and then identified by BP network. Compare with only the same noise directly with BP network identification. According to the experimental results, Hopfield does have a certain recognition effect. Clearly improve the accuracy of the recognition.
Molecular Dynamics, Inhibitive, Structural Activity, and Toxicity Studies of Novel 4-aminoquinoline Imidazole Analogues Against Chloroquine-Resistant-Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 strain)
Authors: Salau Shina , Ahmed Sikiru Akinyeye , Saliu Taofeek , Ahmed Rabiat Shola , Suleiman Nafisat Omowumi
Published: December 2023

Chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, is the deadliest form of malaria. It is associated with several mutations of PfCRT (P. falciparum chloroquine resistant transporter): PfCRT is a protein group that serves as a transporter in the parasite's digesting vacuole membrane. In the quest to battle chloroquine-resistant—P. falciparum strains, this study aim to predict the anti-plasmodial activity of ten (10) novel 4-aminoquinoline imidazole (4AQI) analogues (new-sets), whose activity was modeled using a multi-linear regression algorithm; trained by the structural-activity data from fifteen (15) 4-aminoquinoline (4aq). Additionally, the study aim to understand the effect of electron delocalization and the extent to which the structural affinity of the new-sets has to the Pf3D7 protein. Results reveal that R2 value (0.9180), R2pred value (0.8276), and Q2 value (0.6672) obtained from the QSAR studies proofed to be sufficient for constructing and testing the QSAR model. According to molecular docking studies, it was understood that new-sets with electron withdrawing groups, such as, -CO2H, -NO2, -OH, F, Cl, and Br have a higher tendency toward plasmodium affinity than those with electron donating groups like -OCH3 and -NH2 against the Pf3D7 protein. All ten (10) 4AQI (new-sets) were approved as prospective drugs by the ADMET predictive study. Molecular dynamics results simulation at 50ns of time reveals that of all the new-sets, n16 and n21 stabilized the Pf3D7 (~ 0.1–0.2 Å) the most and better than chloroquine with respect to the protein structure. Furthermore, n16, n21, and chloroquine could provide flexibility in two amino acid regions 180–230 (~ 0.95–1.55Å) and 260–289 (~ 0.7–1.2Å). Additionally, n16 and n21 complexes showed retained a stable range of 210–250 number of hydrogen bonds, while chloroquine maintained a range of 180–220 hydrogen bonds.
The research of oil washing method for Oil-based mud cuttings samples from exploration wells
Authors: Kui Chen , Shikui Zhai , Yushuang Zhu , Peiyuan Zhu , Jinlai Huan , Chun Xiu
Published: December 2023

In order to eliminate the pollution of oil-based mud to deep-water drilling cuttings in Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea, and ensure the smooth development of drilling cuttings logging, oil-gas identification and subsequent analysis and testing, an exploratory study on the experimental method of mud-based oil cleaning was carried out, in which a Soxhlet extractor with siphon effect was selected as the oil washing equipment, and anhydrous ethanol and carbon tetrachloride as the organic reagents for oil washing. Get the following understanding: Through the analysis of the shortcomings of several exploratory experiments of ' wash clean point baseline method ', several key points of the experiment were implemented, and two methods of ' continuous sampling washing oil method ' and ' equal-division oil washing method ' were summarized. When the sample was washed for 20.5h, the base oil in the sample had been completely removed, which guided the subsequent batch washing experiment.
Research focusing on Junjube's storage and preservation techniques in Xinjiang in connection with the Internet of Things
Authors: Zhang Bin , Lin Xiao Dan , zhang Xue Min , Ma Shao Hui , Ding Yu
Published: December 2023

The surge in jujube yield has left numerous farmers baffled about maintaining the freshness of these jubes. To tackle this issue, we've developed a jujube storage system that integrates Internet of Things technology. The system incorporates a programmable controller (PLC) as its core control, utilizes HMI for human-computer interaction, and sets up the system's equipment, transmission, and application layers. In collaboration with the Internet of Things cloud platform, this system utilizes TCP/IP protocol and the 4G network for transmitting data, easing the data exchange between the equipment layer and the cloud server, and managing the system's remote control via the cell phone applet. Data indicates the system's robustness, improving jujube's automated preservation and freshness, prolonging its shelf life and quality, and establishing it as a standard for intelligent fruit and vegetable storage.
Process production process quality prediction model based on LSTM optimized by SSA
Authors: Sun Dong , Li Zhimin , Wang Mingjun , Zheng Huali , Yan Wenkai , Ye Chunming
Published: December 2023

Process production in manufacturing industry has the characteristics of strong continuity and complex timing coupling. To solve the problem of gradient explosion or disappearance when using traditional neural network for multi-step prediction, a multi-step time series prediction model based on sparrow search algorithm and long short-term memory network is constructed. The constructed model uses the sparrow search algorithm to optimize the learning rate, the number of nodes in two hidden layers and the number of iterations of the LSTM model to obtain the optimal network. The process index data of a domestic manufacturing enterprise were selected to achieve multi-step prediction, and five indexes were evaluated: mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and R-squared coefficient. The result shows that the constructed SSA-LSTM model has the lowest prediction error, the largest R-squared coefficient and more accurate prediction value, which can provide ideas and ways for enterprises to adjust production plans in advance.
Outcomes of fertility preservation before or after anticancer treatments in young breast cancer patients and survivors: a single-center retrospective study and clinical experiences
Authors: Wang Luyao , Chu Yifan , Xie Jiaxin , Yang Shulin , Yue Jing
Published: December 2023

Background
Fertility preservation (FP) is gradually becoming a crucial cure during fertility counseling for all breast cancer (BC) women of reproductive age, but certain limiting factors hinder patients' decisions. This study aimed to collect cases involving fertility preservation before anticancer treatments and assisted reproductive technology (ART) after anticancer therapies in young breast cancer (BC) patients and survivors and to share some clinical experiences.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 18 BC patients who underwent FP before (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and 8 survivors who chose ART after completing anticancer treatments in a single reproductive medicine center between January 2015 and June 2023. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of FP and ART were analyzed.
Results
8 survivors of a median age of 35.5 years (range 32.3–41.0 years) underwent ART after anticancer therapies and behaved diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or even premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) with undesirable outcomes. Receiving FP before (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy in 18 patients does not delay subsequent treatments, patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy tend to prefer RS-COS protocol that shorten the time from diagnosis to initiation of chemotherapy (median days 26.0 vs. 42.0, p = 0.002) compared to the majority of patients receiving cCOS protocol, and there is no difference in other FP results. COS with letrozole can control the serum estradiol level in a relatively safe condition. During a median follow-up period of 17.5 months (range 8.8–31.0 months), only 1 (5.6%) woman suffered recurrence with bone metastasis when she received neoadjuvant chemotherapy after FP, 2 (11.1%) patients experienced ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after COS, and 3 (37.5%) survivors had a live birth after ART.
Conclusions
Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation after COS based on letrozole is a preferred and optimal FP option for young BC patients before (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. Using ART to get pregnant in BC survivors is feasible and not associated with adverse cancer outcomes. It is important that these patients are closely monitored to reduce the potential risks of OHSS and recurrence.
Mechanism of regulation of KIF23 on endometrial cancer cell growth and apoptosis.
Authors: Zhuang Ruiying , Liu Haiyan
Published: December 2023

Objective Endometrial cancer, a malignant tumor in females, is increasing globally. One of the most frequent gynecological cancers. While early-stage endometrial cancers can often be cured through uterine extirpation, those diagnosed at a later stage have a poor prognosis and face treatment challenges. Consequently, further research is required to develop primary prevention strategies for high-risk women and enhance survival rates among those with endometrial cancer. Therefore, gene therapy targeting KIF23 holds promise as a advance strategy to treating endometrial cancer.Method We utilized immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and PCR to observe the expression of KIF23 and its associated pathway factors in endometrial cancer tissue (Ishikawa, SNGM cells, respectively). The functional roles of KIF23 were investigated through CCK-8, colony-forming proliferation assays, Transwell migration assays, and xenotransplantation in mice.Results Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed variation in the expression ranges of KIF23 between endometrial cancer tissue and normal endometrium tissue. KIF23 downregulated reduced BAX, caspase-3 protein expression while also increasing BCL-2 protein expression. Furthermore, knockout KIF23 hinders endometrial cancer cell proliferation and migration but promotes cell death. Mechanistically, our study provides evidence that KIF23 facilitates endometrial cancer cell proliferation via activating the ERK and AKT/PI3K pathways,while concurrently impeding programmed cell death in endometrial cancer.Conclusion Our study provides evidence supporting that KIF23 knockdown inhibits endometrial cancer. This provides valuable evidence for future research into potential treatments for this type of cancer.
An overpartition analogue of Bressoud's conjecture for even moduli
Authors: Chen Y.H. , Gu T.T. , He Thomas Y. , Tang F. , Wei J.J.
Published: December 2023

In 1980, Bressoud conjectured a combinatorial identity $A_j=B_j$ for $j=0$ or $1$. In this paper, we introduce a new partition function $\overline{B}_0$ which can be viewed as an overpartition analogue of the partition function $B_0$. An overpartition is apartition such that the last occurrence of a part can be overlined. We build a bijection to get a relationship between $\overline{B}_0$ and $B_1$, based on which an overpartition analogue of Bressoud's conjecture for $j=0$ is obtained.
AMS Classifications: 05A17, 11P84