bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of preoperative functional imaging combined with tractography for prediction of iatrogenic motor deficits
Authors: Muir Matthew , Gadot Ron , Prinsloo Sarah , Michener Hayley , Traylor Jeffrey , Athukuri Prazwal , Tummala Sudhakar , Kumar Vinodh A. , Prabhu Sujit S.
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

Robust preoperative imaging can improve the extent of resection in patients with brain tumors while minimizing postoperative neurological morbidity. Both structural and functional imaging techniques can provide helpful preoperative information. A recent study found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) tractography has significant predictive value for permanent deficits. The present study directly compares the predictive value of TMS tractography and task-based functional MRI (fMRI) tractography in the same cohort of glioma patients.

METHODS

Clinical outcome data were collected from charts of patients with motor eloquent glioma and preoperative fMRI and TMS studies. The primary outcome was a new or worsened motor deficit present at the 3-month postoperative follow-up, which was termed a "permanent deficit." Postoperative MR images were overlaid onto preoperative plans to determine which imaging features were resected. Multiple fractional anisotropic thresholds (FATs) were screened for both TMS and fMRI tractography. The predictive value of the various thresholds was modeled using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included in this study. Six patients (15%) sustained permanent postoperative motor deficits. A significantly greater predictive value was found for TMS tractography than for fMRI tractography regardless of the FAT. Despite 35% of patients showing clinically relevant neuroplasticity captured by TMS, only 2.5% of patients showed a blood oxygen level–dependent signal displaced from the precentral gyrus. Comparing the best-performing FAT for both modalities, TMS seeded tractography showed superior predictive value across all metrics: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study indicate that the prediction of permanent deficits with TMS tractography is superior to that with fMRI tractography, possibly because TMS tractography captures clinically relevant neuroplasticity. However, future large-scale prospective studies are needed to fully illuminate the proper role of each modality in comprehensive presurgical workups for patients with motor-eloquent tumors.
Eigenvalue spacing for 1D singular Schrödinger operators
Authors: Hillairet Luc , Marzuola Jeremy L.
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper is to provide uniform estimates for the eigenvalue spacing of one-dimensional semiclassical Schrödinger operators with singular potentials on the half-line. We introduce a new development of semiclassical measures related to families of Schrödinger operators that provides a means of establishing uniform non-concentration estimates within that class of operators. This dramatically simplifies analysis that would typically require detailed WKB expansions near the turning point, near the singular point and several gluing type results to connect various regions in the domain.
Factors Influencing the Animation Infographic and Augmented Reality Technique in Healthcare Promotion Communication for the Elderly in Thailand
Authors: Siricharoen Waralak V.
Published: November 2022

When it comes to the digital age, computers and technological devices have grown more pervasive than in the past. As of now, technology has been considered to have a major role in every aspect of life. In this case, it is the health and cognitive senses of individuals. In terms of human perception, it is often associated with both long-term and short-term memory or active memory, which are recognized patterns by automated systems. When creating user interfaces, it is necessary to account for the cognitive strengths and limitations of humans. People can get an overview of large datasets if appropriately presented in a proper manner, which can help increase the efficacy and ability of information management. However, one of the most frequent data management issues is inadequate design and data collecting, particularly in the focus theme of elderly health and wellbeing. Infographics are a formal way to help people interpret complex health information more easily and avoid possible mistakes in data management. In the healthcare industry, the system of augmented reality (AR) has been shown to facilitate the procedures of healthcare using AR booklet and mobile applications for elderly-health-related content and healthcare management for older individuals.
On the Wavelet Convolution Neural Network for Breast Cancer Image Analysis
Authors: Sriwichai Kittikorn , Onjun Ratapong , Simtrakankul Chantana , Kaennakham Sayan
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to propose and study the structure of wavelet transformation (WT) and convolution neural networks (CNN). To get more insights into its effectiveness, three WCNN architectures are designed and tested against one another seeking which model provides the best performance in breast cancer detection using histopathological images. The Breast cancer histopathological database (BreakHis) is used for this task.
Socio-Economic Contribution of Zanthoxylum armatum (Timur) in the Rural Household Income of Myagdi District, Nepal
Authors:   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal, Neupane Bijaya , Gautam Navin ,   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal, Miya Mahamad Sayab ,   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal, Upadhyaya Anju ,   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal, Timilsina Yajna Prasad ,   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal, Gautam Deepak ,   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal, Kandel Shalikram ,   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal, Dhami Bijaya ,   Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
Published: November 2022

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to livelihood of rural communities which is influenced by numerous socio-economic variables. This study assessed the financial contribution of Zanthoxylum armatum and the influence of respondents’ various socio-economic characteristics on such contribution in Ghatan of Beni Municipality, Myagdi District, Nepal. For this study, we used semi-structured questionnaires to 80 purposively selected households, followed by 10 key informant interviews, four focus group discussions, and direct field observations. A Pearson correlation matrix was used to determine the dependence of several socio-economic variables on average annual household income from the sale of Z. armatum. The average annual income per household from the sale of Z. armatum was found to be the highest (494 USD) in Brahmin/Chhetri households and the lowest (372 USD) in Dalit households. Among five variables used in the regression model, only three of them: land holding size (khet), time taken to harvest (days), and wealth ranking (rich) were found positively significant with p-values of 0.042, 0.000, and 0.064 respectively. Whereas, the education status of the respondents (literate) and the main income source (agriculture) were found negatively significant with p-values of 0.046 and 0.064, respectively. Furthermore, we believe that this result will help to promote the conservation of Z. armatum and other valuable medicinal plants as well as their sustainable management in the study area and similar areas.
Sequelas sexuais e reprodutivas da Covid-19 em pacientes masculinos: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Filho Antônio Hamilton Campos de Ávila , Moura Daniel Augusto Mendes , Neto Paulo Batista da Costa , Dias Claudio Alberto Gellis de Mattos , Araújo Maria Helena Mendonça de , Silva Anderson Walter Costa , Oliveira Euzébio de , Dendasck Carla Viana , Fecury Amanda Alves
Published: November 2022

O surgimento e proliferação do novo Coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) tem repercutido de forma incisiva no mundo, mais especificamente entre os profissionais de saúde que estão na linha de frente no combate a essa patologia. Esse estudo destaca, especificamente, a saúde reprodutiva e sexual de homens quando afetados por essa patologia, que é mais uma preocupação para a saúde do homem, sobretudo pelas possibilidades reais de repercutir de forma preocupante na fertilidade masculina, que já é constantemente impactada por fatores decorrentes do meio ambiente e os hábitos de vida dessa população. O objetivo principal do estudo consiste em conhecer as sequelas sexuais e reprodutivas da COVID-19 em pacientes masculinos de acordo com o que a literatura científica indica. Para isso, foram feitas pesquisas em bases de dados como: Scielo (Scientific Eletronic Library Online), Lilacs (Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde), MEDLINE (Pubmed) e PEDro e no site de pesquisa Google Acadêmico, utilizando-se as seguintes palavras-chaves associações: COVID-19, sequelas, saúde reprodutiva, pacientes masculinos, testículos, infertilidade, disfunção erétil, pênis. Após o estudo de revisão, inferiu-se que se tornou evidente que as sequelas sexuais e reprodutivas em homens contaminados pelo SARS-CoV-2 são severas a ponto de trazer prejuízos à saúde e ao bem estar destes pacientes. Tal pressuposto deixa evidenciar que os estudos com pacientes masculinos no pós COVID-19 devem continuar a fim de estabelecer melhores estratégias para diagnóstico e tratamento dessa população.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Laporan Keuangan Di Kalangan Guru dan Siswa SMA/SMK Berbasis Online
Authors: Dura Justita , Rohmatunnisa Layli Dwi , Cahyaningtyas Fadilla , Wardana Ditya , Sari Wa Ode Irma
Published: November 2022

Proyek pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini berupaya mengajarkan guru dan siswa di SMK Negeri 1 Pasuruan dasar-dasar penyusunan laporan keuangan. Guru dan siswa di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan memerlukan pemahaman dasar tentang penyusunan laporan keuangan untuk menerapkan teori-teori yang dipelajari di sekolah. Pelatihan dari dosen hingga guru dan siswa SMK Negeri 1 Pasuruan merupakan metode yang diterapkan dalam proyek pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini. Situasi Indonesia masih dalam pandemi COVID-19 sejak Maret 2020 Presiden Joko Widodo menginformasikan bahwa masyarakat Indonesia telah banyak yang tertular COVID-19 hingga saat kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat dilakukan pada 12 Maret 2022, maka penyuluhan dilakukan melalui sesi zoom. Para guru dan siswa SMK Negeri 1 Pasuruan memahami dengan jelas mata pelajaran yang diajarkan oleh para dosen, terlihat dari keseruan yang dengannya pertanyaan-pertanyaan tersebut dijawab selama kegiatan konseling ini. Kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat membantu guru dan siswa memahami cara merekam dan membuat laporan sehingga dapat berhasil menyesuaikan diri ketika memasuki masyarakat.
Meningkatkan Semangat Belajar Matematika kepada Anak Panti Asuhan Pintu Harapan Medan Demi Masa Depan
Authors: Siburian Repaldo , Siregar Hairani
Published: November 2022

Belajar adalah suatu hal yang sangat penting untuk membuat orang akan lebih pintar dan dapat tercapainya cita-cita serta harapan dimasa depan. Ketika orang akan semakin rajin belajar, mereka akan mendapatkan pengetahuan yang lebih banyak, bermanfaat dan dapat menggapai cita-cita dari apa yang telah dipelajari tersebut. Tetapi, masi banyak orang yang tidak memiliki semangat belajar terutama pada anak panti asuhan pintu harapan medan dibidang pelajaran matematika. Karena, menurut mereka pelajaran matematika adalah pelajaran yang merumitkan dan tidak mudah dimengerti untuk dipelajarin. Akan tetapi, matematikan tidak hanya dipelajari di dunina pendidikan melainkan dapat diterapkan di dunia pekerjaaan. Untuk itu, diperlukan pendamping kepada anak panti asuhan untuk membimbing dan memberi motivasi meningkatkan semangat belajar pada pelajaran matematika melalui kegiatan PKL yang dilakukan oleh para mahasiswa. Adapun tujuan kegiatan PKL yaitu untuk mengatasi permasalahan dan dapat dilakukan dengan tahapan intervensi seperti engagement, intake, contract, asessment, planning, intervensi, evaluasi, dan terminasi. Pada tahapan ini, guna untuk mengetahui lebih medalam permasalahan terhadap anak panti asuhan pintu harapan medan dan melalui tahapan ini guna untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut.
The role of chloride in deoxycorticosterone hypertension: selective sodium loading by diet or drinking fluid.
Authors: Kuneš J , Zicha J , Jelínek J
Published: November 2022

To evaluate the role of chloride in the pathogenesis of salt-dependent deoxycorticosterone (DOC) hypertension, we studied young Wistar rats chronically loaded with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) or sodium chloride (NaCl) which were administered either in the diet or in the drinking fluid. Selective sodium loading (without chloride) increased blood pressure (BP) in DOC-treated animals only if NaHCO(3) was provided in the diet. In contrast, no significant blood pressure changes were induced by DOC treatment in rats drinking NaHCO(3) solution. Hypernatremia and high plasma osmolality occurred only in rats drinking NaCl or NaHCO(3) solutions. Compared to great volume expansion in NaCl-loaded DOC-treated rats, the degree of extracellular fluid volume expansion (namely of its interstitial fraction) was substantially lower in both NaHCO(3)-loaded groups in which significant hypokalemia was observed. NaHCO(3)-drinking rats without significant blood pressure response to DOC treatment represented the only experimental group in which blood volume was not expanded. In conclusion, our data confirm previous observations that NaHCO(3) loading is less potent in eliciting DOC hypertension than NaCl loading, but blood pressure rise in rats fed NaHCO(3) diet clearly demonstrated that selective sodium loading could potentiate the development of DOC hypertension if NaHCO(3) is offered within the appropriate dietary regimen. The reasons for the failure of NaHCO(3)-drinking rats to elevate blood pressure in response to chronic mineralocorticoid treatment are not obvious. However, the absence of a significant plasma volume expansion together with hypernatremia and increased plasma osmolality suggest a considerable degree of dehydration in these animals which fail to increase their fluid consumption compared to water drinking rats.
The effect of one year swimming exercise on oxidant stress and antioxidant capacity in aged rats.
Authors: Gündüz F , Şentürk ÜK , Kuru O , Aktekin B , Aktekin MR
Published: November 2022

The effect of exercise on oxidant stress and on alterations in antioxidant defense in elderly has been investigated extensively. However, the impact of regularly performed long-term physical activity starting from adulthood and prolonged up to the old age is not yet clear. We have investigated the changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) - and lipid peroxidation in various tissues of rats which had performed (old-trained) or had not performed (old-control) regular swimming exercise for one year. These animals were compared with young-sedentary rats. Increased lipid peroxidation was observed with ageing in all tissues (heart, liver, kidney, striated muscle) and swimming had no additional effect on this elevation of lipid peroxidation. Heart and striated muscle SOD activites, and striated muscle CAT activity increased as a consequence of ageing, whereas kidney and liver CAT activities, as well as GPx activities in kidney, liver, lung and heart were significantly decreased compared to young controls. Lung and heart SOD, liver CAT activities as well as GPx activities in liver, lung and heart were increased significantly in rats which performed exercise during ageing, compared to the old-control group. These findings suggest that lifelong exercise can improve the antioxidant defense in many tissues without constituting any additional oxidant stress.
Advanced glycation end-products and the progress of diabetic vascular complications.
Authors: Jakuš V , Rietbrock N
Published: November 2022

Epidemiological studies have confirmed that hyperglycemia is the most important factor in the onset and progress of vascular complications, both in Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. The formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) correlates with glycemic control. The AGE hypothesis proposes that accelerated chemical modification of proteins by glucose during hyperglycemia contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications including nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that increased formation of serum AGEs exists in diabetic children and adolescents with or without vascular complications. Furthermore, the presence of diabetic complications in children correlates with elevated serum AGEs. The level of serum AGEs could be considered as a marker of later developments of vascular complications in children with Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. The careful metabolic monitoring of young diabetics together with monitoring of serum AGEs can provide useful information about impending AGE-related diabetic complications. It is becoming clear that anti-AGE strategies may play an important role in the treatment of young and older diabetic patients. Several potential drug candidates such as AGE inhibitors have been reported recently.
A Commentary on Shareholder Derivative Litigation under the Companies and Allied Matters Act of Nigeria 2020
Authors: Ubochioma Wiseman
Published: November 2022

On 7 August 2020, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assented to the Companies and Allied Matters Bill which culminated in the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2020. The new Act repeals the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 which had been in operation for thirty years. The Act contains provisions that regulate the right of a party to institute an action for harm caused to a company by majority shareholders or directors, a principle of corporate law widely known as derivative suit. This article, therefore, examines the provisions of the Act. It argues that, unlike the 1990 Act, the provisions of the 2020 Act have achieved significant milestones in enhancement of the rights of minority shareholders, companies, directors and the roles of courts in shareholders’ derivative litigation. However, there are gaps in the Act which may threaten the utility of derivative suits in corporate governance in Nigeria. The article suggests a hybrid of reforms to the Act and useful guides to courts that will be beneficial to shareholder applicants, directors and corporations in derivative litigation.
Extraction and Identification of Zoochemicals in Marine Sponge Hyattella intestinalis (Lamarck, 1814) (Phylum: Porifera) using GC-MS Technique
Authors: R. Karnan , M. Sukumaran , S. Velavan
Published: November 2022

Animals provide secondary metabolites with natural bioactive properties, similar to plant secondary metabolites. Most primitive multicellular animals like sponges synthesize secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpene etc. to be used in ecological aspects. The aim of the present study was to extract and identify Zoochemicals from Hyattella intestinalis (Lamarck, 1814), a marine sponge, by using GC-MS techniques. 70% hydroethanolic extract of whole portion of Hyattella intestinalis was prepared by using the Soxhlet apparatus with a 3 h duration at 50 to 60°C. At the end of the experiment, a light greenish yellow colour of Zoo-extract was obtained and subjected to qualitatively identified for alkaloids and terpenoids. Sixty (60) compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. Some of the identified compounds of Hyattella intestinalis have naturally reducing agents and biological active properties while using nanoparticle synthesis to reduce heavy metal pollutants in environmental applications. As the Hyattella intestinalis involves Zoochemicals, safety can be addressed easily with environmental impacts.
Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Phoenix pusilla Fruits Extract Against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Freshwater Fish Cirrhinus cirrhosus
Authors: A Padma , S Vijayakumar
Published: November 2022

Liver damage has recently emerged as one of the biggest issues in aquaculture; many farms are experiencing the "liver syndrome," which manifests as liver enlargement (up to two to three times its original size) and colour changes. One of the main causes of the disorders may be xenobiotic challenge brought on by drug addiction and environmental contamination. There are very few effective medications that can protect the liver from harm and/or aid in the regeneration of hepatic cells, despite the enormous breakthroughs in contemporary medicine. In the current investigation, fish Cirrhinus cirrhosus with paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity were supplemented with Phoenix pusilla fruit extract. Its hepatoprotective efficacy was proven by the restoration of the liver indicators ALT, AST, protein, and histological changes. Phoenix pusilla fruit contains a large number of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, which may act in a number of different ways to shield the hepatocytes from harmful chemicals. Thus, the current study concluded that Phoenix pusilla fruit may effectively prevent liver damage from paracetamol by protecting it from oxidative damage and tissue-damaging enzyme activities.
IL-33 induces NF-κB activation in ILC2 that can be suppressed by in vivo and ex vivo 17β-estradiol
Authors: Trivedi Shubhanshi , Labuz Daniel , Deering-Rice Cassandra E , Kim Chu Un , Christensen Hayden , Aamodt Sam , Huecksteadt Tom , Sanders Karl , Warren Kristi J.
Published: November 2022

Asthmatic women tend to develop severe airway disease in their reproductive years, and 30%–40% of asthmatic women have peri-menstrual worsening of asthma symptoms. This indicates that fluctuations in ovarian hormones are involved in advancement of asthmatic disease and exacerbation of symptoms. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells, or ILC2, are readily detected in allergic conditions, such as rhinosinusitis, in individuals that develop nasal polyps do to allergen exposures, and in allergic asthma. ILC2 are airway localized immune cells activated by IL-33, an innate cytokine that perpetuates allergic inflammation by driving the production of IL-5 and IL-13. We have previously shown that ILC2 are highly activated in naïve and ovalbumin (OVA) challenged, female BALB/c mice in comparison to male mice following stimulation with IL-33. Here, we investigated the effect of steady-state ovarian hormones on ILC2 and the NF-κB signaling pathway following OVA sensitization and challenge. We found that estrogen-treated ovariectomized mice (OVX-E2) that had been challenged with OVA had reduced IL-5 and IL-13 production by lung ILC2 as compared to lung ILC2 isolated from intact male and female sham-operated controls that had been treated with OVA. ILC2 were isolated from untreated animals and co-culturedex vivowith and without estrogen plus IL-33. Those estrogen-treated ILC2 similarly produced less IL-5 and IL-13 in comparison to untreated, and had reduced NF-κB activation. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that 120 genes were differentially expressed in male and female ILC2, andNfkb1was found among top-ranked regulatory interactions. Together, these results provide new insight into the suppressive effect of estrogen on ILC2 which may be protective in female asthmatics. Understanding further how estrogen modulates ILC2 may provide therapeutic targets for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Post-stroke rehabilitation of the ankle joint with a low cost monoarticular ankle robotic exoskeleton: Preliminary results
Authors: Asín-Prieto Guillermo , Mercante Silvana , Rojas Raúl , Navas Mariangeles , Gomez Daiana , Toledo Melisa , Martínez-Expósito Aitor , Moreno Juan C.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Stroke generates a high rate of disability and, in particular, ankle spasticity is a sequelae that interferes with the execution of daily activities. Robotic devices have been proposed to offer rehabilitation treatments to recover control of ankle muscles and hence to improve gait function.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of passive stretching, combined with active and resisted movement, accompanied by visual feedback, by means of playful interactive software using a low-cost monoarticular robot (MEXO) in patients with stroke sequelae and spastic ankle.

Methods: An open, uncontrolled, non–randomised, quasi–experimental study of 6 weeks duration has been completed. A protocol has been defined to determine the usability, safety and potential benefits of supplementary treatment with the MEXO interactive system in a group of patients. Nine volunteer patients with sequelae of stroke who met the inclusion criteria were included. They received conventional treatment and in addition also received treatment with the MEXO monoarticular robot three times a week during 6 weeks. Each session consisted of 10 min of passive stretching followed by 20 min of active movement training with visual feedback (10 min active without resistance, 10 min with resistance) and a final phase with 10 min of passive stretching. The following variables were measured pre– and post–treatment: joint range of motion and ankle muscle strength, monopodal balance, muscle tone, gait ability and satisfaction with the use of assistive technology.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were obtained in joint range measured by goniometry and in balance measured by monopodal balance test. Also in walking capacity, through the measurement of travelled distance.

Discussion and significance: Device usability and patient safety were tested. Patients improved joint range and monopodal balance. The MEXO exoskeleton might be a good alternative for the treatment of spastic ankle joint in people with a stroke sequela.
Validation of a cerebral hemodynamic model with personalized calibration in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Shen Yuanyuan , van der Harst J. Joep , Wei Yanji , Bokkers Reinoud P. H. , van Dijk J. Marc C. , Uyttenboogaart Maarten
Published: November 2022

This study aims to validate a numerical model developed for assessing personalized circle of Willis (CoW) hemodynamics under pathological conditions. Based on 66 computed tomography angiography images, investigations were obtained from 43 acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients from a local neurovascular center. The mean flow velocity of each artery in the CoW measured using transcranial Doppler (TCD) and simulated by the numerical model was obtained for comparison. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) over all cerebral arteries for TCD and the numerical model was 0.88 (N = 561; 95% CI 0.84–0.90). In a subgroup of patients who had developed delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), the ICC had decreased to 0.72 but remained constant with respect to changes in blood pressure, Fisher grade, and location of ruptured aneurysm. Our numerical model showed good agreement with TCD in assessing the flow velocity in the CoW of patients with aSAH. In conclusion, the proposed model can satisfactorily reproduce the cerebral hemodynamics under aSAH conditions by personalizing the numerical model with TCD measurements.

Clinical trial registration: [http://www.trialregister.nl/], identifier [NL8114].
Cost benefit analysis for green hydrogen production from treated effluent: The case study of Oman
Authors: Barghash Hind , Al Farsi Arwa , Okedu Kenneth E. , Al-Wahaibi Buthaina Mahfoud
Published: November 2022

Recently, the management of water and wastewater is gaining attention worldwide as a way of conserving the natural resources on the planet. The traditional wastewater treatment in Oman is such that the treated effluent produced is only reused for unfeasible purposes such as landscape irrigation, cooling, or disposed of in the sea. Introducing more progressive reuse applications can result in achieving a circular economy by considering treated effluent as a source of producing new products. Accordingly, wastewater treatment plants can provide feedstock for green hydrogen production processes. The involvement of the wastewater industry in the green pathway of production scores major points in achieving decarbonization. In this paper, the technical and economic feasibility of green hydrogen production in Oman was carried out using a new technique that would help explore the benefits of the treated effluent from wastewater treatment in Oman. The feasibility study was conducted using the Al Ansab sewage treatment plant in the governate of Muscat in Wilayat (region), Bousher. The results have shown that the revenue from Al Ansab STP in a conventional case is 7.02 million OMR/year, while sustainable alternatives to produce hydrogen from the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system for two cases with capacities of 1,500 kg H2/day and 50,000 kg H2/day, would produce revenue of 8.30 million OMR/year and 49.73 million OMR/year, respectively.
Effect of composite biodegradable biomaterials on wound healing in diabetes
Authors: Ren Sihang , Guo Shuaichen , Yang Liqun , Wang Chenchao
Published: November 2022

The repair of diabetic wounds has always been a job that doctors could not tackle quickly in plastic surgery. To solve this problem, it has become an important direction to use biocompatible biodegradable biomaterials as scaffolds or dressing loaded with a variety of active substances or cells, to construct a wound repair system integrating materials, cells, and growth factors. In terms of wound healing, composite biodegradable biomaterials show strong biocompatibility and the ability to promote wound healing. This review describes the multifaceted integration of biomaterials with drugs, stem cells, and active agents. In wounds, stem cells and their secreted exosomes regulate immune responses and inflammation. They promote angiogenesis, accelerate skin cell proliferation and re-epithelialization, and regulate collagen remodeling that inhibits scar hyperplasia. In the process of continuous combination with new materials, a series of materials that can be well matched with active ingredients such as cells or drugs are derived for precise delivery and controlled release of drugs. The ultimate goal of material development is clinical transformation. At present, the types of materials for clinical application are still relatively single, and the bottleneck is that the functions of emerging materials have not yet reached a stable and effective degree. The development of biomaterials that can be further translated into clinical practice will become the focus of research.
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor cancer stem cell-like cells resist chemotherapy but remain dependent on the EWSR1-WT1 oncoprotein
Authors: Magrath Justin W. , Kang Hong-Jun , Hartono Alifiani , Espinosa-Cotton Madelyn , Somwar Romel , Ladanyi Marc , Cheung Nai-Kong V. , Lee Sean B.
Published: November 2022

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer driven by the EWSR1-WT1 fusion oncogene. Combinations of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are not curative, and the 5-years survival rate is less than 25%. One potential explanation for refractoriness is the existence of a cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation able escape current treatment modalities. However, no study to-date has examined the role of CSCs in DSRCT or established in vitro culture conditions to model this subpopulation. In this study, we investigated the role of stemness markers in DSRCT survival and metastasis, finding that elevated levels of SOX2 and NANOG are associated with worse survival in sarcoma patients and are elevated in metastatic DSRCT tumors. We further develop the first in vitro DSRCT CSC model which forms tumorspheres, expresses increased levels of stemness markers (SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, and OCT4), and resists doxorubicin chemotherapy treatment. This model is an important addition to the DSRCT tool kit and will enable investigation of this critical DSRCT subpopulation. Despite lower sensitivity to chemotherapy, the DSRCT CSC model remained sensitive to knockdown of the EWSR1-WT1 fusion protein, suggesting that future therapies directed against this oncogenic driver have the potential to treat both DSRCT bulk tumor and CSCs.
The human cytomegalovirus decathlon: Ten critical replication events provide opportunities for restriction
Authors: Turner Declan L. , Mathias Rommel A.
Published: November 2022

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous human pathogen that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals, transplant recipients, and to the developing foetus during pregnancy. There is no protective vaccine currently available, and with only a limited number of antiviral drug options, resistant strains are constantly emerging. Successful completion of HCMV replication is an elegant feat from a molecular perspective, with both host and viral processes required at various stages. Remarkably, HCMV and other herpesviruses have protracted replication cycles, large genomes, complex virion structure and complicated nuclear and cytoplasmic replication events. In this review, we outline the 10 essential stages the virus must navigate to successfully complete replication. As each individual event along the replication continuum poses as a potential barrier for restriction, these essential checkpoints represent potential targets for antiviral development.
Decoding the role of cytochrome c in metabolism of human spermatozoa by Raman imaging
Authors: Abramczyk Halina , Sobkiewicz Bogna , Walczak-Jędrzejowska Renata , Marchlewska Katarzyna , Surmacki Jakub
Published: November 2022

The normal functioning of sperm cells requires cytochrome c in the redox balanced forms: reduced and oxidized. The oxidized form of cytochrome c is localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and is a part of the electron transport chain. This ensures that electron shuttling between the complex III, cytochrome c, and complex IV can occur leading to controlled effective oxidative phosphorylation (respiration) and ATP production needed for most steps in spermatozoal maturation, motility, hyperactivation and fertilization. We studied the biochemical composition of specific organelles in sperm cells by Raman imaging. The structures of the head consisting of the nucleus and acrosome, the midpiece representing mitochondria, and the tail characterized by the sperm axoneme surrounded by outer dense fiber and covered by the membrane were measured. Metabolic biochemical analysis of mitochondria, head and tail of sperm cells, and seminal plasma by using Raman imaging combined with chemometric classification method of Cluster Analysis has been obtained. Our results show that cytochrome c, which is a key protein that is needed to maintain life (respiration) and cell death (apoptosis), is located in sperm mitochondria in the oxidized or reduced form of the heme group. This work demonstrated that an application of Raman micro-spectroscopy can be extended to monitoring the redox state of mitochondrial cytochrome c in sperm cells.
Efficient synthesis of α-galactosylceramide and its C-6 modified analogs
Authors: Li Huiting , Mao Hongzhao , Chen Chao , Xu Ying , Meng Shuai , Sun Tiantian , Zong Chengli
Published: November 2022

The synthesis of α-galactosylceramide (KRN7000) and its C-6 modified analogs remains a challenge due to the difficult α-1,2-cis-glycosidic bond. A non-participating benzyl (Bn) protecting group has been commonly used to favor the α-glycosylation product. Here, we report the α-selective glycosylation by using a bulky 4,6-O-di-tert-butylsilylene (DTBS) galactosyl donor, regardless of the 2-benzoyl (Bz) participating group. Compared with Bn, Bz groups can be selectively removed in basic conditions without impacting the C-6 azide modification. The azide has the potential for clicking with alkyne or being easily transformed to other functional groups.
Genetic relatedness, virulence, and drug susceptibility of Campylobacter isolated from water and wild birds
Authors: Andrzejewska Małgorzata , Grudlewska-Buda Katarzyna , Śpica Dorota , Skowron Krzysztof , Ćwiklińska-Jurkowska Małgorzata , Szady-Grad Małgorzata , Indykiewicz Piotr , Wiktorczyk-Kapischke Natalia , Klawe Jacek J.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of Campylobacter isolated from wild birds (Black-headed gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus and Great tits Parus major) and collect surface water samples (from rivers, ponds, ornamental lakes, freshwater beaches). Research material included 33 Campylobacter isolates. All the strains were isolated by different monitoring and surveillance plans.

Methods

The prevalence of selected genes (flaA, cadF, iam, cdtB, wlaN, sodB, tet0) encoding virulence factors and resistance among Campylobacter spp. was assessed by the PCR method. The genetic similarities of isolates were determined by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). The susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates to clinically important antimicrobials: erythromycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, previously assessed by E-test, was presented in the form of drug susceptibility profiles depending on the origin of the isolates.

Results

The cadF, flaA, cdtB, and sodB genes exhibited the highest detection rate. Statistically significant differences between the presence of wlaN virulence genes were noted among different species of the isolates. No genetically identical isolates were found. The most numerous antibiotic susceptibility profile included strains susceptible to all antibiotics studied (profile A-33.3%). The second most common were the tetracycline - and ciprofloxacin-resistant (profile B-27.2%), and tetracycline-resistant profile (C-24.2%) respectively.

Discussion

The study revealed the virulent properties of Campylobacter isolated from water samples, and wild birds, and high resistance rates to tetracycline, and fluoroquinolones. The lack of genetic relatedness among strains isolated from water, and birds may indicate other sources of surface water contamination with Campylobacter bacteria than birds. The presence of Campylobacter spp. in wild birds could also have other environmental origins.
Advancing fence datasets: Comparing approaches to map fence locations and specifications in southwest Montana
Authors: Buzzard Simon A. , Jakes Andrew F. , Pearson Amy J. , Broberg Len
Published: November 2022

Fencing is a major anthropogenic feature affecting wildlife distributions and movements, but its impacts are difficult to quantify due to a widespread lack of spatial data. We created a fence model and compared outputs to a fence mapping approach using satellite imagery in two counties in southwest Montana, USA to advance fence data development for use in research and management. The model incorporated road, land cover, ownership, and grazing boundary spatial layers to predict fence locations. We validated the model using data collected on randomized road transects (n = 330). The model predicted ~34,700 km of fences with a mean fence density of 0.93 km/km2 and a maximum density of 14.9 km/km2. We also digitized fences using Google Earth Pro in a random subset of our study area in survey townships (n = 50). The Google Earth approach showed greater agreement (K = 0.76) with known samples than the fence model (K = 0.56) yet was unable to map fences in forests and was significantly more time intensive. We also compared fence attributes by land ownership and land cover variables to assess factors that may influence fence specifications (e.g., wire heights) and types (e.g., number of barbed wires). Private land fences had bottom wires that were closer to the ground and top wires higher from the ground when compared to fences on public lands, with sample means at ~22 cm and ~26 cm, and ~115 cm and ~111 cm, respectively. Both bottom wire means were well below recommended heights for ungulates navigating underneath fencing (≥ 46 cm), while top wire means were closer to the 107 cm maximum fence height recommendation. We found that both fence type and land ownership were correlated (χ2 = 45.52, df = 5, p = 0.001) as well as fence type and land cover type (χ2 = 140.73, df = 15, p = 0.001). We provide tools for estimating fence locations, and our novel fence type assessment demonstrates an opportunity for updated policy to encourage the adoption of “wildlife-friendlier” fencing standards to facilitate wildlife movement in the western U.S. while supporting rural livelihoods.
Validity of regional network systems on reperfusion therapy in diabetes mellitus and non-diabetes mellitus patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Xicong , Lu Lifei , Yuan Qi , Yang Lixia , Du Liping , Guo Ruiwei
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with diabetes mellitus (DM) had higher mortality and poorer prognosis than those without DM. Previous studies had demonstrated the effectiveness of regional network systems (RNS) for reperfusion therapy in patients with STEMI. However, the differences in nursing care with RNS in subgroups of patients with DM with STEMI were unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the validity of RNS in reperfusion therapy in patients with STEMI with or without DM.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with STEMI who received reperfusion therapy at the chest pain center of the 920th Hospital in Kunming City, Yunnan Province from 2019 to 2021. Personal information and hospitalization information for patients with STEMI were collected through the chest pain center registration system. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze factors associated with outcomes in patients with STEMI who received RNS. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and chi-squared test were used to analyze the differences in reperfusion therapy times and clinical outcomes between RNS and non-RNS in patients with STEMI with or without DM.

Results

This study enrolled 1,054 patients with STEMI, including 148 patients with DM and 906 patients without DM. Logistic regression analysis indicated that DM was associated with patients with STEMI who received RNS [OR 1.590 95% CI (1.034–2.446), P = 0.035]. RNS may decrease the reperfusion therapy time in patients with STEMI and patients without DM with STEMI, including the first medical contact (FMC) to door, FMC to wire and FMC to catheterization laboratory activity (all P < 0.05). However, we found no significant difference in reperfusion therapy times with and without RNS in patients with DM (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Regional network systems may decrease the reperfusion therapy time in patients without DM with STEMI, but no decrease was found in patients with DM with STEMI.
Spatial spillover effects of financial resource allocation efficiency on green economy: Evidence from China
Authors: Ji Xiaodong , Tang Yixuan , Shao Wei
Published: November 2022

Financial resource allocation comprises the efficiency of credit resource allocation and the savings-investment transformation rate. Based on the two aspects, the relationships between the efficiency of financial resource allocation and green economic development are empirically tested using China’s panel data from 2000 to 2019 within the spatial Durbin model. The empirical results show that the efficiency of credit resource allocation in China is low, and the flow of credit resources causes a siphon effect. At the same time, the existing savings stock does not form a real credit resource. The empirical results of regional tests show that the allocation efficiency of credit resources in the eastern region is low, and negative externalities exist. The allocation efficiency of credit resources in the central and western regions has a driving effect on the development of the green economy in the region, but there also exist negative externalities. There are positive externalities in the conversion rate of savings and investment. The findings of this study indicate that China is still driving the development of the green economy through the expansion of the total financial scale. The economic benefits of improving the efficiency of financial resource allocation have not been proven.
Spatiotemporal model based on transformer for bias correction and temporal downscaling of forecasts
Authors: Xiang Li , Guan Jiping , Xiang Jie , Zhang Lifeng , Zhang Fuhan
Published: November 2022

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) provides the future state of the atmosphere and is a major tool for weather forecasting. However, NWP has inevitable errors and requires bias correction to obtain more accurate forecasts. NWP is based on discrete numerical calculations, which inevitably result in a loss in resolution, and downscaling provides important support for obtaining detailed weather forecasts. In this paper, based on the spatio-temporal modeling approach, the Spatio-Temporal Transformer U-Net (ST-UNet) is constructed based on the U-net framework using the swin transformer and convolution to perform bias correction and temporal downscaling. The encoder part extracts features from the multi-time forecasts, and the decoder part uses the features from the encoder part and the constructed query vector for feature reconstruction. Besides, the query builder block generates different query vectors to accomplish different tasks. Multi-time bias correction was conducted for the 2-m temperature and the 10-m wind component. The results showed that the deep learning model significantly outperformed the anomaly numerical correction with observations, and ST-UNet also outperformed the U-Net model for single-time bias correction and the 3-dimensional U-Net (3D-UNet) model for multi-time bias correction. Forecasts from ST-UNet obtained the smallest root mean square error and the largest accuracy and correlation coefficient on both the 2-m temperature and 10-m wind component experiments. Meanwhile, temporal downscaling was performed to obtain hourly forecasts based on ST-UNet, which increased the temporal resolution and reduced the root mean square error by 0.78 compared to the original forecasts. Therefore, our proposed model can be applied to both bias correction and temporal downscaling tasks and achieve good accuracy.
Can board climate-responsible orientation improve corporate carbon performance? The moderating role of board carbon awareness and firm reputation
Authors: Xia Mengyao , Cai Helen Huifen , Yuan Qiong
Published: November 2022

Overwhelming evidence from prior research suggests the functions of the board of directors have a vital influence on carbon performance. However, very little is known about the moderating effect of board functions. This study attempts to fill this gap by developing and empirically testing a conceptual model that highlights the role of board carbon awareness and firm reputation in the relationship between board climate-responsible orientation (BCO) and carbon performance. Using a fixed effect model to analyze data from 665 US listed firms covering a period of 2010–2019, we find that BCO and carbon performance show a U-shaped non-linear relationship. Increased experience of BCO improves corporate carbon performance. The results also provide evidence of the moderating effect of carbon awareness and firm reputation on the relationship between BCO and carbon performance. Carbon awareness reduces symbolic emission reduction actions in carbon management, while, firm reputation will cause symbolic emission reduction actions. Besides, splitting the sample according to firm size and carbon dependency shows BCO has a better effect on the carbon performance of small or medium-sized and high carbon-dependency firms. The findings have important implications for managers to use firm governance mechanisms to improve carbon performance.