bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tinjauan Hukum Ekonomi Syariah terhadap Implementasi Akad Qardh dalam Praktik Tradisi Sinoman
Authors: Maghfiroh Niqqi Imelda , Maarif Muhamat Nur , Kushidayati Lina
Published: March 2024

Human beings will not escape from engaging in transactions that coexist with the diversity of traditions and cultures, such as the Sinoman tradition. Sinoman is a tradition of mutual assistance and borrowing of goods carried out for the purpose of various needs, such as haj atan events, weddings, and circumcision ceremonies. The aim of this research is to understand the practice of the Sinoman tradition in the Tlogorejo Village, Wonosalam District, Demak Regency, and to examine the perspective of Islamic economic law in the practice of Sinoman contributions implemented through Qardh agreements. The research also aims to explore how the agreement is conducted in cases where one party is financially incapable, leading to pressure and losses. This research is descriptive qualitative in nature, aiming to describe the Sinoman tradition in the implementation of qardh agreements. The results of this research indicate that the Sinoman practice using qardh agreements, when viewed from the perspective of Islamic economic law, aligns with the principles of Sharia economic law and the jurisprudential norms of transactions.
Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients Have Increased Complication Risks When Undergoing Surgery While Not Meeting Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Liimakka Adriana P. , Amen Troy B. , Weaver Michael J. , Shah Vivek M. , Lange Jeffrey K. , Chen Antonia F.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Clinical guidelines for performing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have not been uniformly adopted in practice because research has suggested that they may foster inequities in surgical access, potentially disadvantaging minority sociodemographic groups. The aim of this study was to assess whether undergoing TJA without meeting clinical guidelines affects complication risk and leads to disparities in postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the records of 11,611 adult patients who underwent primary TJA from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020, at an academic hospital network. Based on self-reported race and ethnicity, 89.5% of patients were White, 3.5% were Black, 2.9% were Hispanic, 1.3% were Asian, and 2.8% were classified as other. Patients met institutional guidelines for undergoing TJA if they had a hemoglobin A1c of <8.0% and a body mass index of <40 kg/m2 and were not currently smoking. A logistic regression model was utilized to identify factors associated with complications, and a mixed-effects model was utilized to identify factors associated with not meeting guidelines for undergoing TJA.

Results:

During the study period, 11% (1,274) of the 11,611 adults who underwent primary TJA did not meet clinical guidelines. Compared with the group who met guidelines, the group who did not had higher proportions of Black patients (3.2% versus 6.0%; p < 0.001) and Hispanic patients (2.7% versus 4.6%; p < 0.001). An increased risk of not meeting guidelines at the time of surgery was demonstrated among Black patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.60 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22 to 2.10]; p = 0.001) and patients insured by Medicaid (OR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.26 to 2.44]; p = 0.001) or Medicare (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.41]; p = 0.007). Patients who did not meet guidelines had a higher risk of reoperation than those who met guidelines (7.7% [98] versus 5.9% [615]; p = 0.017), including a higher risk of infection-related reoperation (3.1% [40] versus 1.4% [147]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

We found that patients who underwent TJA despite not meeting institutional preoperative criteria had a higher risk of postoperative complications. These patients were more likely to be from racial and ethnic minority groups, to have a lower socioeconomic status, and to have Medicare or Medicaid insurance. These findings underscore the need for surgery-related shared decision-making that is informed by evidence-based guidelines in order to reduce complication burden.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Implementing a Hospitalist Comanagement Service in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Ghanem Diane , Kagabo Whitney , Engels Rebecca , Srikumaran Uma , Shafiq Babar
Published: March 2024

➤ Hospitalist comanagement of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery is a growing trend across the United States, yet its implementation in an academic tertiary care hospital can be complex and even contentious.

➤ Hospitalist comanagement services lead to better identification of at-risk patients, optimization of patient care to prevent adverse events, and streamlining of the admission process, thereby enhancing the overall service efficiency.

➤ A successful hospitalist comanagement service includes the identification of service stakeholders and leaders; frequent consensus meetings; a well-defined standardized framework, with goals, program metrics, and unified commands; and an occasional satisfaction assessment to update and improve the program.

➤ In this article, we establish a step-by-step protocol for the implementation of a comanagement structure between orthopaedic and hospitalist services at a tertiary care center, outlining specific protocols and workflows for patient care and transfer procedures among various departments, particularly in emergency and postoperative situations.
The History of Academic Leadership Education in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Simon Michael A. , Light Terry R.
Published: March 2024

Background:

The growth of the American academic orthopaedic community over the last 53 years has been accompanied by an expanding need for academic leadership education.

Methods:

The transition of the Association of Orthopaedic Chairmen, to the Academic Orthopaedic Society, to the American Orthopaedic Association through its Academic Leadership Committee and American Orthopaedic Association Council of Residency Directors is reviewed.

Results:

Academic orthopaedic community members recognized that the evolving leadership needs of the academic community could be better addressed by transitioning to a new organization, the Academic Orthopaedic Society and eventually by creating a new structure within a well aligned and well-resourced existing organization, the American Orthopaedic Association.

Conclusion:

Organizational and leadership flexibility has been vital to serving the evolving need of the American academic orthopaedic community for leadership education.
Pilot project using tickler chains in lieu of deflectors at Fire Island Inlet to Moriches Inlet, New York, borrow sites
Authors: Welp Timothy , Balazik Matthew , Emery Benjamin , Dickerson Dena , Bates Phillip
Published: March 2024

Risk for incidental take of sea turtles and sturgeon exists during hopper dredging operations throughout turtle and sturgeon habitats. Since 1992, draghead deflectors have been the main engineering tool used to minimize incidental hopper dredging takes of sea turtles and are also thought to reduce the chance of sturgeon impingement or entrainment. Although reduced, turtle takes still happen annually, and the draghead deflectors reduce dredging productivity, increase fuel usage, and increase costs of operations. As such, there remains a need to research alternative turtle avoidance measures. The non-US dredging industry has used various versions of an engineering control called tickler chains (TC) in lieu of deflectors. If effective, TC could lower dredging costs and increase production in comparison to deflectors. This technical report describes a pilot study where TC were used in lieu of deflectors at Fire Island Inlet, New Y0rk. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time since the early 1990s that hopper-dredging has occurred without draghead deflectors along the east coast. No takes were recorded during the pilot study; however, no research was done to determine if sea turtles or sturgeon interacted with the TC. Recommendations for future TC research are provided in this technical report.
Analysis of Hybrid Management Indicators and Their Effectiveness in the Project Control Process
Authors: Farnam Seyed Mohammad , Alaeddini Ozma
Published: March 2024

This research deals with the analysis of hybrid management indicators and their role in project control methods in Asian countries. By considering a wide set of factors and micro-factors, it has gone beyond the traditional criteria of the golden triangle in the discussion of project control and has been identified and analyzed through literature reviews. These cases were distributed among civil engineering experts by conducting a semi-structured oral interview and presented in the form of a conceptual model. The validity of the model is also through a survey and with Structural equation modeling along with the structural least squares approach with the help of Smart PLS software. This research is an attempt to apply new technologies in parallel with providing solutions that can challenge managers to benefit from special methods in the process of controlling Construction projects in developing countries instead of inefficient management design. This study shows the very important role of key factors in the control of construction projects, which led to the identification of effective factors that can be very important in the management discussion. This article guides researchers and industrialists to achieve more efficient and effective system goals.
Multimodal ENSO Forecast
Authors: Naisipour Mohammad , Saeedpanah Iraj , Adib Arash
Published: March 2024

Predicting the onset of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the current rapidly changing climate could help save thousands of lives annually. Since the variability of this phenomenon is increasing, its prediction is becoming more challenging in the post-2000 era. Hence, we present a novel Multimodal ENSO Forecast (MEF) method for predicting ENSO up to two years for the post-2000 condition. The model receives a Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomaly video, a heat content (HC) anomaly video, and an augmented time series to predict the Niño 3.4 Index. We utilize a multimodal neural network to elicit all the embedded spatio-temporal information in the input data. The model consists of a 3D Convolutional Neural Network (3DCNN) that deals with short-term videos and a Time Series Informer (TSI) that finds the base signal in long-term time series. Finally, an adaptive ensemble module (AEM) delivers an ensemble prediction based on uncertainty analysis. We successfully tested the model against observational data and the state-of-the-art CNN model for a long and challenging period from 2000 to 2020, ensuring its validity and reliability as a reliable tool for predicting ENSO in the upcoming Earth’s climate.
Effects of kudzu vine ( Pueraria lobata ) on the intestinal microflora and volatile fatty acids in meat rabbits
Authors: Gao Chengfang , Sang Lei , Sun Shikun , Chen Dongjin , Wang jinxiang , Xie XiPing
Published: March 2024

Adding flavonoid-rich kudzu vine (Pueraria lobata) meal to animal feed can improve intestinal microflora. Here, we investigated the effects of kudzu vine meal on the growth performance,caecal microbial diversity, caecal microbial number, intestinal pH, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) of meat rabbits. Two hundred weaned Ira rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Meat rabbits in the control group (group A) were fed a basal diet without kudzu vine meal; those in the three test groups were fed experimental diets comprising 15% (group B), 25% (group C), and 35% (group D) kudzu vine meal. The daily feed intake and mortality of meat rabbits decreased significantly after adding kudzu vine meal to their diet. The feed-to-gain ratio and mortality rate in group D were 3.5 and 7.5%, respectively, significantly lower than those in the control group. The richness and evenness of the bacterial diversity decreased significantly after kudzu vine consumption. Kudzu vine meal also altered the composition of the dominant gut bacterial groups. The intestinal total VFAs were the highest in group B, followed by group D, and significantly higher in both than those in the control group. Hence, adding kudzu vine meal significantly decreased the mortality rates of meat rabbits, decreased the feed-to-gain ratio, and inhibited Escherichia coli and Salmonella growth in the intestinal flora, while altering the intestinal composition of the dominant gut bacterial groups and VFA content. Thus, group D conditions are recommended to achieve optimal results in meat rabbits.
Effect of orange pulp with or without zeolite on productive performance, nitrogen utilization, and antioxidative status of growing rabbits
Authors: Ghoneem Wafaa , Rahmy Hassan Awny Fouad , El-Tanany Reham Roshdi Ali
Published: March 2024

Seventy-two V-line male rabbits (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 experimental groups to investigate the effect of dried orange pulp inclusion (OP diet), natural zeolite addition (Z diet), or both (OPZ diet) compared to control (CON diet) on digestibility, growth performance, nitrogen utilization, blood biochemical, antioxidative status, and cecum microbiota. Results showed that administration of dried orange pulp or zeolite especially the OPZ diet significantly improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive values. Rabbits fed the experimental diets (OP, Z, or OPZ) recorded significantly higher values of average daily gain, N-retention, and N-balance compared with those fed the CON diet. Data on blood biochemical, revealed non-significant increases in globulin concentrations, and significant decreases in levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), triglycerides, and MDA (malondialdehyde) as an antioxidant biomarker with OP, Z, or OPZ diets. Moreover, the incorporation of orange pulp or zeolite in diets significantly decreased the cecal count of E. coli, with no significant difference in total bacterial count among the experimental groups. It could be concluded that a combination of dried orange pulp and natural zeolite in the diet can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant and health status of rabbits.
Enhancing High-School Dropout Identification: A Collaborative Approach Integrating Human and Machine Insights
Authors: Bulut Okan , Wongvorachan Tarid , He Surina , Lee Soo
Published: March 2024

Despite its proven success in fields like engineering, business, and healthcare, human-machine collaboration in education remains relatively unexplored. This study aims to highlight the advantages of human-machine collaboration for improving efficiency and accuracy of decision-making processes in educational settings. High school dropout prediction serves as a case study for examining human-machine collaboration's efficacy. Unlike previous research that prioritized high accuracy with immutable predictors, this study seeks to bridge gaps by identifying actionable factors for dropout prediction through human-machine collaboration. Utilizing a large dataset from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), two machine learning models were developed to predict 9th -grade students' high school dropout history. Results indicated that the Random Forest algorithm outperformed the deep learning algorithm. Model explainability revealed the significance of actionable variables such as students’ GPA in the 9th grade, sense of school belonging, and self-efficacy in mathematics and science, along with immutable variables like socioeconomic status, in predicting high school dropout history. The study concludes with discussions on the practical implications of human-machine partnerships for enhancing student success.
Fish Active Packaging with ZnO/Fe-MMT nanoparticles
Authors: Rahmanifarah Kaveh , Mahmoudian Mehdi , Eskandarabadi Somayeh Mahmoudi
Published: March 2024

Today, active packaging has become important to increase food safety and decrease its spoilage. In this study, the aim was to delay spoilage and increase the shelf life of rainbow fish fillets with a new hybrid nanocomposite active packaging. Packaging was fabricated with Ethylene vinyl acetate and active compounds such as rosemary extract, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and modified iron (Fe-MMT). Various experiments such as XRD and FESEM analyses were performed on active films, and for fish fillets, total sulfhydryl, volatile nitrogen, and lipid oxidation tests were conducted to determine the shelf life of fish fillets in packages. The highest increase in volatile nitrogen, which is related to spoilage of fish fillet, was 9.45 mg/100g, although the limit is 25 mg/100g. It can be concluded that films containing active compounds have increased the shelf life of fish fillets until the sixth day of storage without changing the texture, color and odor.
“Attitude is the fifth delay”: Perspectives of obstetric near-miss survivors and health care professionals on continuity and coordination of maternal care
Authors: Mulongo Samuel M. , Kaura Doreen , Mash Bob
Published: March 2024

Background
Fragmentation in maternal healthcare contributes to preventable maternal deaths. Improving continuity and coordination can mitigate this issue by influencing interactions among providers, interdisciplinary teams, and patient-provider relationships. The obstetric near-miss approach has the potential to offer insights into continuity and coordination in maternal health. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of near-miss survivors and health care professionals on continuity and coordination of care in a primary health care system in Uasin Ngishu region, Kenya.
Methods
This was a descriptive qualitative single case study with two embedded units of analysis, building on an exploratory quantitative phase. Data was collected through individual interviews focus group discussions, and observation.
Results
Four deductively identified themes emerged: sequential coordination, continuity, parallel coordination, and access. Longitudinal and interpersonal continuity were driven by positive interactions between women and healthcare providers, characterized by availability, willingness to listen, and addressing personal issues. Sequential coordination was influenced by antagonistic relationships between healthcare providers in primary care facilities and the main referral hospital. Parallel coordination was affected by heavy workloads and ineffective task shifting within primary care facilities. Finally, access-related issues included accommodation strategies such as telephone hotlines for pregnant women, out-of-pocket payments for specialist consultation, and alternative referral pathways different from the formal pathways in the health system.
Conclusion
To promote continuity in primary health care for pregnant women, there is a need to focus on social competencies and skills among health care professionals providing obstetric care, encourage accommodation strategies in facilities, reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket payments for referred women, address professional conflicts among midwives at different levels in the referral pathway and address workloads and task shifting in primary care facilities.
Energy production through enhanced organic matter recovery in high-rate contact stabilization with Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Song Minsu , Park Jihye , Jeong Sanghyun , Choi Daehee , Shin Yong-Uk , Bae Hyokwan
Published: March 2024

The study focuses on identifying cultivable microbial species within the sludge of a high-rate contact stabilization (HRCS) process and evaluating the enhancement of organic matter recovery using Klebsiella pneumoniae as the sole inoculum. The Klebsiella pneumoniae, identified as a cultivable microorganism from sludge in the HRCS process, exhibited rapid growth with a doubling time of 2.4 h. Comparative analysis between the standard HRCS system and the HRCS-K system, inoculated exclusively with Klebsiella pneumoniae, results in organic matter removal efficiency and methane production. The HRCS-K system, despite being less efficient in removing overall organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, demonstrated enhanced energy recovery due to its high sludge yield and efficient degradation during anaerobic digestion. Significantly, the carbon recovery rate (CRR) in the HRCS-K system was 0.567 ± 0.130 g-CODCH4/g-CODinf. This value indicates a 48% enhancement in comparison to the microbial consortia. This progress establishes a basis for further research into the feast-famine regime of wastewater treatment and contributes to enhanced energy production efficiency in the sector. Furthermore, the enhanced methane production capability of the HRCS-K system offers a promising approach to energy recovery and supports more sustainable wastewater treatment practices.
S-allyl Cysteine and Cannabidiol are Equally Effective as Metformin in Preserving Neurovascular Integrity, Retinal Structure, and Cognitive Function in db/db Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Majimbi May , Mamo John , Lam Virginie , McLenachan Samuel , Nesbit Michael , Brook Emily , Sharif Arazu , Mooranian Armin , Al-Salami Hani , Chen Fred , Takechi Ryu
Published: March 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is associated with central nervous system (CNS) alterations marked by neurovascular, inflammatory, and oxidative damage, resulting in cognitive dysfunction and retinal neurodegeneration. This study explored the therapeutic potential of naturally derived S-allyl-cysteine (SAC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in LepR db/db mice, targeting blood-brain/retinal barrier (BBB/BRB) leakage, glial activation, and DNA oxidative damage to alleviate memory deficits and retinal neurodegeneration. Diabetic mice underwent 23 weeks of dietary treatments: diabetic db/db controls, SAC, CBD, SAC + CBD, and metformin, with nondiabetic db/+ mice as negative controls. Memory function was assessed using novel object recognition and passive avoidance tests, while retinal thickness was measured via in vivo OCT imaging. Immunofluorescence imaging quantified neurovascular leakage (IgG extravasation), glial activation (GFAP and Iba1) and DNA oxidation (8OHdG) in brain sections and retinal whole-mounts. In diabetic db/db mice with hallmark metabolic dysregulation, CNS alterations included BBB/BRB leakage, glial activation, and retinal neurodegeneration of the ganglion cell complex (GCC), correlating with memory impairments. SAC and CBD exhibited significant therapeutic effects against CNS pathophysiologies, attenuating glial activation and synergistically preventing BBB leakage. In the retina, these compounds attenuated BRB leakage risk and reduced glial-mediated neuroinflammation. SAC and CBD preserved GCC thickness and improved memory functions, proving to be as effective as or superior to metformin against diabetic-associated CNS pathophysiology.
The association between knee synovial methylation and knee osteoarthritis in different ethnic populations from different altitude
Authors: Li Zhaowei , Zhang Dongge , Ren Rong , Lu Zhonglin , Li Guang , Geng Tiezhu , Luosong Jiumei , Jin Xu
Published: March 2024

Objective: To determine genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of knee cartilage
from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) at different altitudes.
Method: Twenty-four synovial tissue samples were selected. OA synovial tissue samples were obtained from 10 Tibetan OA patients at high altitude and 8 Han OA patients at low altitude. Six normal synovial tissue samples were used as the control group. Illumina Methylation Analyzer package was employed for identifying differentially methylated CpG sites.GO, Pathway and disease annotation enrichment analysis were performed for differential genes corresponding to differential methylation sites.
Results: In high-altitude osteoarthritis patients and normal controls, 413 methylation differential sites were associated with osteoarthritis, including 92 hypermethylated sites and 321 hypomethylated sites. In low-altitude osteoarthritis patients and normal controls, 723 methylation differential loci were associated with osteoarthritis, including 436 hypermethylated loci and 297 hypomethylated loci. There were 60 different loci in patients with osteoarthritis at different altitudes.
Conclusions: This multistage study identified an interferon-inducible gene interaction network associated with OA and highlighted the importance of gene in OA pathogenesis. The results enhanced our understanding of the important role of DNA methylation in pathology of OA.
Breakdown of thermalization in spin chains with single-ion anisotropy
Authors: de Souza Marcio Guimarães , Costa Rafael Freitas Pereira , Vernek Edson , Neto Gentil Dias de Moraes
Published: March 2024

The principles of ergodicity and thermalization constitute the foundation of statistical mechanics, positing that a many-body system progressively loses its local information as it evolves. Nevertheless, these principles can be disrupted when thermalization dynamics lead to the conservation of local information, as observed in the phenomenon known as many-body localization. Quantum spin chains provide a fundamental platform for exploring the dynamics of closed interacting quantum many-body systems. This study explores the dynamics of a spin chain with $S\geq 1/2$ within the $J_1-J_2$, incorporating a non-uniform magnetic field and single-ion anisotropy. Through the use of exact numerical diagonalization, we unveil that a nearly constant-gradient magnetic field suppress thermalization, a phenomenon termed Stark many-body localization (SMBL), previously observed in $S=1/2$ chains. Furthermore, our findings reveal that the sole presence of single-ion anisotropy is sufficient to prevent thermalization in the system. Interestingly, when the magnitudes of the magnetic field and anisotropy are comparable, they compete, favoring delocalization. Despite the potential hindrance of SMBL by single-ion anisotropy in this scenario, it introduces an alternative mechanism for localization. Our interpretation, considering local energetic constraints and resonances between degenerate eigenstates, not only provides insights into SMBL but also opens avenues for future experimental investigations into the enriched phenomenology of disordered free localized $S\geq 1/2$ systems.
Biomechanical comparison of five iliosacral screw fixation techniques for Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture under two-legged standing load: a cadaver study
Authors: Fan Shicai , Chen Sheqiang , Xiang Haibo , Mai Qiguang , Zhu Zhenhua , Chen Yuhui , Hou Zhiyong , Chen Wei , Zhu Qingan , Zhang Yingze
Published: March 2024

There lack biomechanical studies of different Iliosacral screw (ISS) techniques in treating Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of five ISS techniques at two angles of sacral slope (SS). Six cadaveric Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture specimens were subjected to 500 N compressive force in two-leg stance at 30° and 40° SS. They were fixed randomly with S1 ISS, S1 trans-iliac-trans-sacral screw (TITSS), S2 TITSS, S1 ISS + S2 TITSS, and S1 TITSS + S2 TITSS. Displacement and rotation were measured and analyzed. The S1 TITSS reduced the total, lateral and vertical displacement compared with the S1 ISS, and provided more vertical stability than the S2 TITSS. The S1 TITSS + S2 TITSS ensured more vertical stability than the S1 ISS + S2 TITSS, whereas it did not improve the pelvic stability compared to the single S1 TITSS. The S1 ISS + S2 TITSS enhanced total, lateral and vertical stability compared to single S1 ISS. The vertical displacement at 40° SS tended to be greater than that at 30° SS. This study demonstrated biomechanical advantages of different ISS and potential effect of SS on pelvic stability, which may help making ideal clinical choices.
Hypoxia induces cardiomyocyte autophagy by regulating SIRT5 expression
Authors: Yunle Wang , Wei Hongqi , Yuxuan Fu
Published: March 2024

Objective
To investigate the expression of SIRT5 in myocardial hypoxia and to further explore its function during this pathological process.
Material and methods
We analysed the microarray dataset GSE27975 derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between hypoxic and normoxic cardiomyocytes. We divided C57BL/6J mice into two groups: the sham group and the myocardial infarction (MI) group. Heart functions were detected by echocardiogram, and heart tissue was harvested on the 3rd day after MI for the detection of autophagy and SIRT5 expression. To further study the mechanism of Sirt5 in hypoxic cardiomyocytes, we divided H9C2 cells into four groups: the control group, the hypoxia group, the Sirt5 siRNA group and the Sirt5 siRNA + hypoxia group and detected Sirt5 expression and cell autophagy.
Results
A total of 156 genes were highly expressed, and 185 genes were expressed at low levels between hypoxic and normoxic cardiomyocytes. SIRT5 was expressed at low levels in the hypoxia group. In vivo, we generated an MI mouse model, and heart function was decreased. The expression of SIRT5 in heart tissue was decreased after MI, while the autophagy level was increased. In vitro, after we knocked out Sirt5 in H9C2 cardiomyocytes, autophagy was significantly increased. Meanwhile the expression of p-MTOR, p-ULK1 changed, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was maintained.
Conclusion
Hypoxia reduced SIRT5 expression may be associated with cardiomyocytes autophagy. Knockdown Sirt5 in H9C2s could activate autophagy via mTOR/ULK1 pathway and preserve mitochondrial function.
Three-year Retrospective Analysis of the Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Isolates from Culture-Positive Clinical Specimens at the Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Erkihun Mulat , Assefa Ayenew , Legesse Biruk , Almaw Andargachew , Berhan Ayenew , Getie Birhanu , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Fentie Alemie , Solomon Yenealem , Damtie Shewaneh , Eyayu Tahir , Malkamu B /maskel , Sharew Bekele , Asmare Zelalem , Getie Molla , Enkobahry Aklesya , Ayele Bayu , Ashagrie Degu
Published: March 2024

Background
The main concerns affecting human health are infectious diseases. Bacterial infections constitute a large portion of infectious disorders. Infections acquired in health institutions are also among their sources. The location of culture-positive specimens and profiles of antibiotic resistance for common pathogens were the focal points of subsequent investigations.
Methodology:
The diagnosis of microbiology was carried out using traditional culture techniques. In accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method was employed for antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. The data were extracted from WHONET and analyzed.
Results
In total, 2489 isolates were isolated from 2073 patient specimens from three consecutive years from different locations. According to this analysis, about 768 (34.9%) of the isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric wards. 63.2% isolates were from blood specimens. The predominant isolates were gram-positive aerobic bacteria and aerobic gram-negative bacteria (1117, 44.9%) & (1008, 40.5%), respectively. The ESKPAE pathogens were predominant (67%). In addition to antimicrobial activities, approximately 100 Entrobacterceae family member bacteria were resistant to carbapenem drugs, and 320 isolates of this family were expected to be beta lactamase producers. Approximately 120 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were also identified.
Conclusion
Among the isolates, ESKAPE pathogens accounted for the greatest proportion. The most common isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit. A significant number of multidrug-resistant, extreme drug-resistant and pandrug-resistant isolates were identified in the present study. The Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital must identify the source of infection for further preventive measures.
Optimizing Electrical Conductivity of PEDOT:PSS Films: A Systematic Study of Individual and Combined Enhancement Techniques
Authors: DiFilippo Aaron , Chakraborty Amrita , Orlowski Marius
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on crafting organic conductive electrodes for flexible substrate-based organic electronics, exploring techniques to enhance PEDOT:PSS film conductivity, including acid treatments, noble and non-noble metal nanoparticle doping, multiple layer depositions, and mono-layer graphene and graphene nanoplatelets insertion. These methods are systematically investigated, both individually and in combination, to optimize enhancement and provide engineering flexibility for various applications. The optimized process prioritizes PEDOT:PSS multilayer depositions and nitric acid treatment, proving more effective and cost-efficient. The research details a process of rendering PEDOT:PSS polymer films highly conductive, highlighting their patterning abilities and robust adhesion to oxidized Si wafers and flexible substrates. Adhesion is accomplished with oxygen plasma treatment, and patterning involves an Ag sacrificial layer, PEDOT:PSS etching, and Ag island removal. Enhanced electrical conductivity is achieved through multiple PEDOT:PSS depositions without significant thickness increase. The paper explores doping PEDOT:PSS with metal nanoparticles like Cu and Ag, in both bulk and topical applications. Compared to a single-layer PEDOT:PSS of the same thickness, the optimized multilayer polymer stack, treated with nitric acid, reduces sheet resistance from 1 MΩ/sq to 6.7 Ω/sq. The study also addresses film aging and ways to mitigate reliability effects induced by the ambient environment.
Evaluation of oxychlorides as chemical oxygen demand interferents: The roles of the different oxidizing agents and the organic carbon source of wastewaters
Authors: Gutiérrez-González Julio A. , Fernández-Mohedano Ángel , Bejines Francisco Raposo
Published: March 2024

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is considered to be the most useful analytical parameter to characterize wastewaters in terms of water quality, by providing their organic matter or pollution content. For COD determination, a few interferences have been reported but some of them have not been estimated in detail in scientific literature. Hence constituting a critical issue for COD analysis in wastewater samples. In this research work, the negative interference of oxychlorides in COD measurements has been evaluated at laboratory scale. Specifically, the role of oxychlorides as alternative oxidizing agents in competition with dichromate has been assessed. The COD reduction performance varied widely according to the particular oxidizing agent used and its concentration, as well as, the organic carbon source and amount present in the wastewater. The experimental values of COD removal performance should be considered as dual concentration dependent. On the one hand, for each oxidizing agent the COD reduction performance is directly proportional to the dosage used in the experiment. On the other hand, the influence of OM concentration on COD removal performance was inversely proportional. In addition, chlorate can be considered as the strongest oxidizing agent and the principal interferent responsible for the over-evaluation of the COD removal performance. Furthermore, the interference extent of oxychlorides on COD determination decreased in the order of: Phthalate > Hydrocarbons > Proteins.
Exploring multiple reaction pathways in the proteolysis of SARS-CoV-2 main protease through large-scale quantum molecular dynamics
Authors: Ono Junichi , Koshimizu Uika , Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Nakai Hiromi
Published: March 2024

Elucidation of the enzymatic reaction mechanism of the main protease (Mpro) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is significant for the development of peptidomimetic covalent inhibitors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) such as nirmatrelvir. Large-scale quantum molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations were performed for wild-type Mpro dimer, monomer, and nirmatrelvir-resistant mutant with natural substrate models. The study primarily focused on the acylation stage of the catalytic cycle, which involves covalent bond formation between the enzyme and the ligand. Free energy analyses revealed that nucleophilic acyl substitution, characterized by intra-protein proton transfer, nucleophilic substitution, and proton transfer between the protein and substrate, occurs via two pathways with comparable free energy barriers in the wild-type Mpro dimer. The study revealed that the free energy barriers for the two reaction pathways in the monomer were marginally higher than those in the dimer, suggesting that dimerization contributes to the stabilization of the active-site structure, which is crucial for facilitating chemical reactions. Additionally, the nirmatrelvir-resistant mutant was observed to destabilize the intermediate state during the nucleophilic substitution process. This finding illustrates that despite the mutation conferring drug resistance, the enzymatic reactivity is preserved by altering the reaction mechanism, thereby maintaining the protease’s functionality.
Flexible and Cost-Effective Deep Learning for Fast Multi-Parametric Relaxometry using Phase-Cycled bSSFP
Authors: Birk Florian , Mahler Lucas , Steiglechner Julius , Wang Qi , Scheffler Klaus , Heule Rahel
Published: March 2024

To accelerate the clinical adoption of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), frameworks are needed that not only allow for rapid acquisition, but also flexibility, cost-efficiency, and high accuracy in parameter mapping. In this study, feed-forward deep neural network (DNN)- and iterative fitting-based frameworks are compared for multi-parametric (MP) relaxometry based on phase-cycled balanced steady-state free precession (pc-bSSFP) imaging. The performance of supervised DNNs (SVNN), self-supervised physics-informed DNNs (PINN), and an iterative fitting framework termed motion-insensitive rapid configuration relaxometry (MIRACLE) was evaluated in silico and in vivo in brain tissue of healthy subjects, including Monte Carlo sampling to simulate noise. DNNs were trained on three distinct in silico parameter distributions and at different signal-to-noise-ratios. The PINN framework, which incorporates physical knowledge into the training process, ensured more consistent inference and increased robustness to training data distribution compared to the SVNN. Whole-brain relaxometry using DNNs proved to be effective and adaptive, suggesting the potential for low-cost DNN retraining. This work emphasizes the advantages of in silico DNN MP-qMRI pipelines for rapid data generation and DNN training without extensive dictionary generation, long parameter inference times, or prolonged data acquisition, highlighting the flexible and rapid nature of lightweight machine learning applications for MP-qMRI.
Association Between Depression and the Risk of Osteoporosis of the United States Adult Population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Yanxu , bao Jing , Li Kecheng , Zhang Xin , Guo Jingchen , Guo Weiqin , Ren Zixuan , He Jinshen
Published: March 2024

Background
Adults frequently experience depression and osteoporosis as mental diseases. lt is yet unknown, nevertheless, how depression affects one's risk for osteoporosis. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the relationship between depression and osteoporosis in the United States adult population.
Methods
The study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. We applied the logistic regression model to examine the association between depression and osteoporosis adjusting for confounders, and stratified regression analysis was conducted to identify specific populations.
Results
The study, which included 6153 participants, consisting of the control group (n = 5726) and the osteoporosis group (n = 432). Compared with individuals who do not have osteoporosis, those who have osteoporosis have a higher incidence of depression (10.7% vs 6.6%, P = 0.002). Additionally, individuals with depression are more likely to also have osteoporosis (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.29, P = 0.010). On subgroup analysis, there were higher odds ratio of osteoporosis in males (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.21 to 5.05, P = 0.013), individuals between the ages of 50 to 65 are also at a greater risk (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.74, P = 0.006), high BMI (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.64, P = 0.027), taking prednisone or cortisone(OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.06 to 8.05, P = 0.039), and patients with high cholesterol levels (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.36 to 3.35, P = 0.001).
Conclusion
Therefore, doctors should pay attention to the osteoporosis of middle-aged and elderly people with depression. At the same time, one should be cautious about the increased risk of fractures associated with this.
Prevalence and risk factors of myopia among children and adolescents in Hangzhou
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Jiang Xiujun , Zhang Wenhui , Hao Li , Zhang Yuting , Wu Shangxi , Zhu Bing , Xu Hong
Published: March 2024

Purpose
To analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of myopia among children and adolescents in Hangzhou city, and provide ideas for the formulation of myopia prevention and control measures.
Methods
A cross-sectional school-based study using stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 31,880 students from 113 schools in Hangzhou city. Myopia screening and questionnaires on the influencing factors of poor visual acuity were carried out. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen possible risk factors of myopia.
Results
The overall myopia rate was 55.3%, with the increase of the school period, the prevalence of myopia among students showing upward trend (χ2 = 8744.446, P<0.001). The myopia prevalence in girls is higher than that in boys (χ2 = 119.917, P<0.001); the prevalence of myopia in urban students is higher than that in suburban students (χ2 = 4.603, P = 0.032). With the increase of school stage, the composition ratio of low myopia showed a downward trend, while the composition ratio of medium and high myopia showed an upward trend, the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 2482.504, P<0.001). Longer homework time (P<0.001), unreasonable light usage (P = 0.001), duration of using eyes at a short distance ≥ 1h (P<0.001) and one or both of the parents suffered myopia (P<0.001) are independently associated with higher prevalence of myopia.
Conclusions
The myopia prevalence among children and adolescents in Hangzhou is still at a relatively high level, and is affected by most factors such as outdoor activities, lighting use, sleep time, eye-use behaviors, and region, needing targeted intervention measures.
Factors influencing patient experience in hospital wards: a systematic review
Authors: GUAN Tingyu , CHEN Xiao , LI Junfei , ZHANG Yuxia
Published: March 2024

Background:Patient experience plays an essential role in improving clinical effectiveness and patient safety. It's important to identify factors influencing patient experience and to improve quality of healthcare.
Objective:To identify factors that influence patient experience in hospital wards.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review including six databases; they were PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, ProQuest, and Cochrane. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria. The JBI checklist was used to perform quality appraisal. We used 5 domains of the ecological model to organize and synthesize our findings.
Result: A total of 138 studies(133 cross-sectional, 3 longitudinal, 2 cohort studies) were included, and 164 factors were identified. These factors were integrated into 6 domains. All domains but one (survey-related factors) could be mapped onto the attributes of the social ecological framework: intrapersonal level, interpersonal level, institutional level, community level, and public policy level factors. These factors had mixture effect on patient experience. The intrapersonal level refers to individual characteristics of patients such as knowledge, attitudes and behavior. The interpersonal level refers to interactions between patients and nurses, such as the caring time spent by nurse. The institutional level refers to organizational characteristics, rules and regulations for operations, such as hospital size and accreditation. The community level refers to relationships among organizations, institutions, and informational networks within defined boundaries, such as a hospital located in a larger population area. Public policy refers to local, state, national, and global laws and policies, including health insurance policies. The sixth domain was added to the framework, survey related factors, and included factors such as survey response rate and survey response time.
Conclusion: The factors influencing patient experience are comprehensive, ranging from intrapersonal to public policy. Providers should adopt a holistic and integrated perspective to assess patient experience and develop context-specific interventions to improve the quality of care.
PROSPERO registration number CRD42023401066.
Co-exposure effects of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals on lung function: Mediating role of systematic inflammation
Authors: Wu Lihong , Lu Xue , Zhang Siying , Zhong Yumei , Gao Hui , Tao Fangbiao , Wu Xiulong
Published: March 2024

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals were associated with decreased lung function, but co-exposure effects and underlying mechanism remained unknown.
Methods: Among 1,123 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012, 10 urinary PAHs, 11 urinary metals, and peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count were determined, and 5 lung function indices were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp) were used to estimate co-exposure effects on lung function. Meditation analyses were used to explore mediating role of WBC.
Results: These models demonstrated that PAHs and metals were significantly associated with lung function. BKMR models showed that comparing to all chemicals fixed at median level, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75% decreased by 1.31% (95% CI: 0.72%, 1.91%), 231.62 (43.45, 419.78) mL/s, and 131.64 (37.54, 225.74) mL/s respectively, when all chemicals were at 75th percentile. In the qgcomp, each quartile increase in mixture was associated with 104.35 (95% CI: 40.67, 168.02) mL, 1.16% (2.11%, 22.40%), 294.90 (78.37, 511.43) mL/s, 168.44 (41.66, 295.22) mL/s decrease in the FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75%, respectively. The 2-OHPh, 3-OHFlu, and Cd were leading contributors to the above associations. WBC mediated 8.22%-23.90% of association between PAHs and lung function.
Conclusions: Co-exposure of PAHs and metals leads to lung function impairment, and WBC could partially mediate the relationship. Our findings clarify co-exposure effects of environmental mixtures on respiratory health and underlying mechanism, and suggest that focusing on highly prioritized toxicants would effectively attenuate the adverse effects.