bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Analysis of Soil Erosion Loss Using Geographic Information System and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Techniques Northeast of Ethiopia
Authors: Nigusse Amare GebreMedhin , Worku Endalkachew , Zenebe Amanuel , Zenebe Gebreyohannes , Berhane Gebremedhin , Hailu Haftay
Published: September 2024

The aim of this research is to estimate the soil erosion loss and map risk areas in the Northeast Ethiopia the so called Maybar Watershed. The Geographic Information System together with Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) mainly employed as tools. The most determinant spatial factors such as rainfall, soil and others were collected, prepared and analyzed in RUSLE simulation environment. Before running the model, each determinant factor was arranged to the raster format and analyzed in the ArcGIS software. The finding revealed that the soil loss ranges from zero in very gentle slope area to 245 t ha− 1 y− 1 in the steeper slope with a mean annual soil loss of 24.3 t ha− 1 y− 1. The mean annual loss exceeds the tolerable soil loss (2–18 t ha− 1 y − 1) for the Ethiopia condition. More than half of the area is lying under very low to moderate erosion risk area: whereas the remaining is classified under high, very high and very severe erosion hazards. Most of the soil erosion vulnerable areas are found in the upper steepest slope but the less vulnerable areas are found in the gentle areas. The result further presented that the major land uses contributing to soil erosion are agriculture followed by bare-land. Generally, high intensity rainfalls, high topographic factor and human interventions are also known as major cause for soil erosion. To conclude, such refined information on the temporal and spatial trend has paramount advantages in identifying and implementing appropriate soil and water conservation measures. Nevertheless, since the area is too vast to carry out the physical conservations at time prioritizing has to be given which area needs an immediate intervention.
Climatic Influences on the Prevalence of Theileria orientalis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: PM Deepa , Vikraman Vaisakhi , Rathish R.L , Janus A , Varghese Anju , Rajasekhar R
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the prevalence of Theileria orientalis and its correlation with climatic factors in Wayanad District, Kerala, India. A retrospective analysis of clinical cases from January 2021 to December 2023 was conducted using data from local veterinary hospitals. Biometeorological parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and pan evaporation, were obtained from the College of Agriculture, Ambalavayal. The study found over a thousand cases of oriental theileriosis, with a moderate positive correlation between temperature and disease incidence. Disease prevalence varied throughout the year, with increased incidence during winter months. No significant correlations were observed with other climatic factors. These findings highlight the high prevalence of T. orientalis in Wayanad and emphasize the need for improved surveillance and targeted control strategies that account for climatic and ecological variables to mitigate the impact of the disease on livestock and local economies.
Real-world Outcomes of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Treated with frontline R-CHOP(-like) regimens in an Asian Multi-ethnic Population
Authors: Lim Ryan , Tan Jing Yuan , Tan Ya Hwee , Heng Zane En Qi , Ng Lawrence Cheng Kiat , Lim Francesca Lorraine Wei Inng , Goh Yeow Tee , Lim Soon Thye , Chan Jason Yongsheng
Published: September 2024

Background
Recent breakthrough advances in the treatment of DLBCL, such as the antibody-drug conjugate Polatuzumab vedotin, have yielded clinical survival benefit over R-CHOP for the first time in 20 years since the advent of the Rituximab era. We thus examine the outcomes of standard immunochemotherapy for DLBCL in our multi-ethnic Asian population, so as to determine the real-world clinical need to adopt new therapeutics in this disease entity.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study involving patients (n = 1071) diagnosed with DLBCL at the National Cancer Centre Singapore from 2010–2022, and treated with first-line rituximab-based regimens. The median follow-up duration was 48 months. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional models.
Results
The cohort consisted of 590 male and 481 female patients with a median age of 63.8 years (range, 19.3–93.6). Most were stage III-IV at diagnosis (60.9%) and of non-germinal center B-cell like (non-GCB) subtype by Han’s criteria (56.5%). The vast majority received R-CHOP(-like) regimens (n = 997, 93.1%), including EPOCH-R (n = 95), achieving a 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 64.5% and 74.7% respectively. Male sex (p = 0.0294), age > 60 years (p < 0.0001), poor ECOG scores (2–4) (p < 0.0001), advanced stage (III-IV) (p < 0.0001), presence of B-symptoms (p = 0.0305), raised LDH (p = 0.0161) were independent predictors of OS, 4 of which are risk factors in the International Prognostic Index (IPI). In the intermediate to high-risk subgroup (IPI scores 2–5; n = 752), the 5-year PFS and OS were only 59.0% and 69.8% respectively. EBV status, as was high-risk lymphoma (MYC and/or BCL2/BCL6 rearrangements), were not significantly associated with survival outcomes. EPOCH-R was used more frequently than R-CHOP in patients with MYC rearrangements (n = 82, p < 0.0001), including those with MYC/BCL2 double-hit genetics (n = 31, p < 0.0001). Notably, neither regimen significantly affected survival outcomes, both in MYC-rearranged (PFS: HR 0.60, p = 0.1704; OS: HR 0.49, p = 0.0852), and in MYC/BCL2 double-hit DLBCL (PFS: HR 1.30, p = 0.6433; OS: HR 1.02, p = 0.9803).
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that our local population has similar clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of DLBCL as compared to global findings. It also highlights the limitations of R-CHOP(-like) regimens in contemporary DLBCL management and therefore an ongoing need for improved therapeutic strategies.
Reaction wetting and interfacial properties calculation of NiFe binary alloy droplets on Fe substrate
Authors: Sun Yuwei , Yu Sirong , Li Yong , Wang Ganlin , Feng Tao
Published: September 2024

Molecular dynamics was used to simulate the reaction wetting behavior of NiFe binary alloy on Fe substrate and the change rule of interfacial microstructure.Setting the calculation temperature of 1750K,the mole percentage of Fe in binary alloy is 5%,10%,15%;The calculation results show that with the increase of Fe content,the equilibrium wetting angle of the droplet decreases,and the spreading radius increases,and the wettability of the alloy containing 15% Fe is the best; The radial distribution function of atom pair of three alloy droplets shows that the alloy is in molten state when r > 7.2Å.The Coordination analysis of the structure at 4 ns through the single atomic layer of the alloy droplet shows that no FCC,BCC and HCP phase structures were formed in the droplet at 1750 K; the thicknesses of 5%Fe-95%Ni droplets,10%Fe-90%Ni droplets and 15%Fe-85%Ni droplets were 15.7Å,13.7Å and 13.2Å,respectively.
Case Fatality Rate Associated with Hospital Acquired Blood Stream Infection among Admitted Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Oman: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Elbeeli Marah , Al-Farsi Yahya M. , Balkhair Abdullah , Al-Muharmi Zakariya , Al-Jabri Mansoor , Al-Adawi Samir
Published: September 2024

Background: Evidence from industrialized/developed countries showed high case fatality rate (CFR) estimates associated with hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs). Surveys have shown that HA-BSIs were responsible for 20%-60% of hospitalization-related deaths. Despite the high morbidity and fatality, to our knowledge, few published reports on HA-BSI prevalence estimates exist in Arab countries, including Oman.
Aim: In order to contribute towards reducing mortality associated with HA-BSI, this study was designed to explore three interrelated aims: 1) to describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of deceased and survived HA-BSI cases among admitted patients; 2) to investigate the observed and standardized CFR of HA-BSI among admitted patients, stratified by selected socio-demographic and clinical characteristics; and 3) to estimate the observed pathogen-specific CFR of HA-BSI among admitted patients.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study reviewed reports of hospital admissions over five years of retrospective follow-up at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), a tertiary teaching hospital in Oman. HA-BSI case fatality rate (CFR) estimates were calculated over selected socio-demographic & clinical characteristics such as age, gender, governorate, year of admission, admitting world, and underlying comorbidities. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS program.
Results: Of the 1246 HA-BSI cases included in this study, 350 were deceased, constituting an overall CFR of 28.1%. Deceased cases tend to include more males (59.4%) than females compared to the survived cases (51.1%). Among different age groups, the observed CFR is greatest (31.9%) in the age group (76-85) and lowest (26.6%) in the age group (26-35). The highest standardized CFR was 31.8% in 2015, followed by 30.4 %in 2017. The CFR was significantly highest among patients with HA-BSI admitted to the ICU (52.6%). The highest observed CFR was 62.5% among HA-BSI patients with liver disease, followed by 51.5% in HA-BSI patients with pulmonary disorders. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Candida spp, Acinetobacter spp, and Pseudomonas spp were the top four pathogens associated with the highest observed CFR among HA-BSI (43.5%, 41.1%. 40.8% and 40.5%, respectively.
Conclusion: The study provides supportive evidence for a varying occurrence in HA-BSI case fatality rate estimates over selected socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. The study calls for the timely adoption of novel HA-BSI surveillance and management systems to reduce mortality associated with HA-BSI.
Single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomic analysis identified molecular features of neuronal heterogeneity and distinct glial responses in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yoo Sooyeon , Lee Kwanghoon , Seo Junseo , Choi Hwisoo , Kim Seong-Ik , Chang Junyoung , Shim Yu-Mi , Kim Junil , Won Jae-Kyung , Park Sung-Hye
Published: September 2024

The heterogeneity of Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of understanding the disorder. Among the factors contributing to this heterogeneity, ethnic differences are primary sources, significantly influencing the likelihood of PD developing and its initial symptoms' nature. While there have been numerous reports related to PD in East Asia, there has been a lack of contribution from single-cell (or nucleus) transcriptome studies, which have been making significant contributions to understanding PD. In this study, a total of 33,293 nuclei obtained from the substantia nigra (SN) of confirmed pathological PD and control patients in South Korea were profiled, revealing 8 different cell types through cluster analysis. Monocle-based pseudotime analysis identified two disease-associated trajectories for each astrocyte and microglia and identified genes that differentiate them. Interestingly, we uncovered the inflammatory intervention in the early PD-associated transition in microglia and identified the molecular features of this intermediate state of microglia. In addition, gene regulatory networks (GRNs) based on TENET analysis revealed the detrimental effect of an HSPA5-led module in microglia and MSRB3- and HDAC8- led modules specifying the two different astrocyte trajectories. In SN neurons, we observed population changes, a decrease in dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons and a proportional increase in GABAergic neurons. By deconvolution in spatial transcriptome obtained the PD sample, we confirmed spatiotemporal heterogeneity of neuronal subpopulations and PD-associated progressive gliosis specific to dopaminergic nuclei, SN and ventral tegmental areas (VTAs). In conclusion, our approach has enabled us to identify the genetic and spatial characterization of neurons and to demonstrate different glial fates in PD. These findings advance our molecular understanding of cell type-specific changes in the progression of Korean PD, providing an important foundation for predicting and validating interventions or drug effects for future treatments.
The promoting effects of digital targeted cognitive training in medication treatment for children with ADHD: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dang Chen , Zhu Yu , Luo Xiangsheng , Liu Lu , Feng Yuan , Wu Guisen , Zhong Shaogen , Wang Xin , Zhang Jianzhao , Zhu Yike , Liu Siqi , Liu Ziqi , Qin Li , Ma Xiaohui , Wang Yufeng , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Jian , Wang Changming , Sun Li
Published: September 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder often managed with medication. Improving cognitive functions alongside medication treatment is crucial for better outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of combining digitally targeted cognitive training with methylphenidate or atomoxetine, compared to medication monotherapy, on ADHD core symptoms and executive function. We hypothesized that cognitive training could enhance treatment efficacy when combined with medication, potentially by improving cognitive functions. A total of 124 children with ADHD were assessed at baseline and followed up for eight weeks, with 60 receiving cognitive training combined with medication, and 64 receiving medication treatment alone. The results indicated that inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms decreased more in the cognitive training and atomoxetine combination group than in the atomoxetine monotherapy group. Similar between-group differences were observed in executive functions. Executive functions improvements, mainly working memory improvements, were significantly correlated with changes in ADHD core symptoms. However, no such differences or correlations were observed between the two intervention groups for children treated with methylphenidate. These findings suggested a more significant amelioration in symptoms in the atomoxetine combination group, possibly due to a significant improvement in ecological executive function with add-on targeted cognitive training. This study provided preliminary evidence of enhanced therapeutic efficacy in combining cognitive training and atomoxetine compared to medication monotherapy, which contributed to development of personalized treatments, such as combining targeted cognitive training with atomoxetine for ADHD children who are unsuitable to take methylphenidate. (This study was pre-registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100043525)
Exploring alternative practice placement models: perspectives and experiences of learners and practice educators. A qualitative systematic review.
Authors: Deaves Amanda , Matson Rebecca , Rushe Edwina , Edwards David , Trainor Kate , Seddon Joanne
Published: September 2024

Within physiotherapy and occupational therapy practice placements, there is a predominance of the one-to-one supervision model which creates limitations for placement capacity expansion. Alternative placement models must be considered to fulfil training requirements for these professions and ensure availability of future workforce. The aim of this review is to consider practice educators and learners’ experiences and perceptions of alternative placement models to inform future planning and adoption of these opportunities. This qualitative systematic review followed the Joanne Briggs Institute methodology. Six databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, PsycINFO), comprising the period January 2008 to December 2022, were comprehensively searched. Meta-aggregation was used to synthesise the findings of the included studies. A total of 16 articles were included within this review. The learner voice was represented in 18 categories aggregated to five synthesised findings: professional growth and development, personal and psychological adaptation, alliances within collaborative learning, educational and learning process, and managing professional relationships. The practice educator voice was represented in 14 categories aggregated into four synthesised findings: providing the right support; professional identity; peer relationships and levels of satisfaction. This review has identified many positive aspects related to skill development, personal growth and professional identity following the alternative placement experience. However, uncertainty and anxiety related to role, expectations and clarity within these environments were noted. This enhanced understanding of the perceptions and experiences of the learners and the practice educators can be incorporated to facilitate the development of appropriate support and guidance from the universities to address these challenges and increase satisfaction. Further adoption of the alternative placement models will have the potential to enable increased practice placement capacity for learners and offers a promising environment for healthcare education, proving learners with invaluable experiences and skills essential for their future careers.
Sustainable Rice Farming: The Benefits of Substituting Fertilizer-N with Milk Vetch for Improved Soil Structure and Quality
Authors: Yuan Haoliang , Zhang Jianglin , Liao Yulin , Lu Yanhong , Li Peng , Wang Yu , Cao Weidong , Nie Jun
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Chinese milk vetch (MV) is widely used in rice yield enhancement because of the huge nitrogen (N) substitution potential. However, the proper substitution rate of MV for N fertilizer and its effect on carbon sequestration and nutrient retention in soil aggregates remains unknown.
Method
A 10-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different MV substitution rates on soil aggregate stability, nutrient retention, and soil quality in a double rice cropping system. The treatments included no fertilizer (CK), 100% NPK fertilizer (N100), recommended N supply by different proportions of MV (N80G20, N60G40, N40G60, N20G80)
Result
Compared with the N100 treatment, the N80G20 and the N60G40 treatment increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) by 4.2% and 5.3%, and the geometric mean diameter (GMD) by 7.7% and 12.1%, respectively. The N60G40 treatment significantly increased the labile organic carbon content and carbon pool management index by 24.7% and 45.0%, respectively. N80G20 and N60G40 treatments directly increased total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in macro-aggregates (> 0.25mm), and improved the contribution of total nutrients in > 2mm aggregate. Compared with the N100 treatment, the N60G40 treatment improved TN, TP and TK by 6.0%, 9.3% and 5.6%. Incorporating MV improved the soil quality index (SQI), with N60G40 treatment improved the most by 34.1%. And the grain yield increased significantly with the increasing SQI. Substituting 20–60% of N by MV can sustain grain yield. However, a higher substitution rate significantly reduced grain yield, particularly in the early rice.
Conclusions
Consequently, Incorporating MV to substitute 20–40% N fertilizer can enhance soil structure by improving the proportion of macro-aggregates, thereby improving nutrient retention and soil quality. This study provides a sustainable and eco-friendly approach in the double rice cropping systems.
A Skills-Based Approach to Improving the Economics Curriculum: Insights from Online Job Postings Using Lightcast
Authors: Onodipe Grace , Wilsker Amanda , Routon Philip , Stephenson Andrew , Huff Kyle
Published: September 2024

The college classroom must constantly change to match curriculum with labor market demands. For economics degrees, the focus has been on critical and analytical thinking. Are these still relevant for today's entry-level jobs? To find out, we analyzed job postings using data from Lightcast. Frequently listed skills for economics majors include communication, management, research, and software skills like Microsoft Excel. This study aims to inform changes in tertiary economics education that preserve economic theory while providing students with skills to succeed in the workplace. We provide one example of how Lightcast data can inform the future of higher education curriculum.
Implementation and Preliminary Evaluation of an Entrepreneurship, Biomedical Innovation, and Design Pathway in a School of Medicine Curriculum
Authors: Hafer Nathaniel , Keenan Christian , Deb Anindita
Published: September 2024

Background: New educational curricula are emerging to train physicians to practice healthcare in the 21st century. The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School T.H. Chan School of Medicine (UMass Chan) implemented an MD curriculum redesign in the fall of 2022 that included seven educational pathways, including Entrepreneurship, Biomedical Innovation and Design. This pathway is modeled after the I-Corps curriculum with added material regarding engineering design. This manuscript describes this pathway curriculum and provides preliminary evaluation data and learning outcomes.
Methods: First-year (Class of 2027) and second-year (Class of 2026) pathway students were invited to participate in online surveys evaluating course material and their knowledge of course content. Course evaluations and self-assessments were performed on a 4 or 5 point Likert scale. The material assessment comprised of multiple-choice questions; some had four options while others had five. Simple means were calculated for each question of the self-assessment, and as an aggregate. A two-sample t-test was performed using those means to assess statistical significance. A distribution of correct and incorrect answers was generated between the pre and post survey results, and a chi-squared analysis was used to determine whether the two correct/incorrect distributions were significantly different.
Results: Initial results show that the program was well received, with 15/20 (75%) of first year students rating the experience as good or excellent and 8/10 (80%) of second year students rating the experience as good or excellent. Three lectures were provided during the Fall 2023 semester to 11 second-year students. Results of self-assessment of student comfort and understanding of engineering content significantly improved after delivery of these lectures. Objective student knowledge also significantly improved.
Conclusions: This new pathway curriculum at UMass Chan is designed to introduce students to the principles of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. An element of this pathway focused on basic engineering principles provided students with baseline understandings of biomedical design, human factors, and risk/hazard analysis. Despite small sample sizes, the results show improvements in student comfort with the material and knowledge. Novel curricula have the potential to transform medical education and prepare future physicians to practice healthcare in the 21st Century.
Sedimentary Sequences of Krishna River Delta to Identify Paleo Depositional Environments
Authors: Koyya Naga Murali Krishna , Ch Ravisekhar , K Satyanarayana Reddy , Chenapathi Tirupathi
Published: September 2024

Deltas play a crucial role in the economic and environmental development of the region, thus they gain much attention from the Government, as well as scientists, and researchers for different developmental activities. In this regard, the grain size studies are important to provide clues to the sediment provenance, transport history and depositional conditions. In addition to that, Foraminifera studies provide insights into the environmental changes of the deltaic regions, and they are used for environmental reconstructions. Thus, the present work focuses on textural and micropaleontological studies to identify depositional environments. Inturu core four sedimentary sequences were identified from bottom to top viz. river channel, estuarine channel, mud flats and flood plain. Nizampatnam core, seven sedimentary sequences were identified from bottom to top viz. river channel, estuarine channel, mud flats, flood plain, estuarine channel, mud flats and estuarine channel which represents sub environments of fluvial and estuarine systems. Coarse-grained and fine-grained sediments are related to the high energy, and low-energy conditions respectively. The presence of microfossils like Asterorotalia trispinosa, Asterorotalia subspionsa, Asterorotalia dentata, Asterorotalia gaimardi, ammonia tepida, nonionella and cibisides indicates an estuarine environment. Repetition or overlapping of environments indicates lateral shifting of the river course whereas, neotectonic activity or sedimentary basin subsidence or progradation of delta causes vertical shifting. The polymodal nature of river sediments indicates that these sediments might be contributed by various sources i.e. drainage basin, reworked sediments of the river bed load, river bank eroded sediments and addition of fine-grained material due to alteration of pre-existing minerals of the main sedimentary unit. The unimodal sediments suggested that the sediments were contributed by a single source or they had not undergone any post-depositional changes.
Radioactive concentrations and natural radionuclide risks in Ha Long Bay and Ba Che Estuary sediments, Vietnam
Authors: Nhon Dang Hoai , Hai Phan Son , Thanh Tran Duc , Bui Thi Thanh Loan , Ve Nguyen Dac , Vuong Bui Van , Luu Nguyen Thi Mai , Long Tran Huu , Dung Pham Tien , Tiep Nguyen Van , Chien Hoang Thi , Nghi Duong Thanh , Nam Le Van
Published: September 2024

Near the coast, the Ba Che Estuary and Ha Long Bay are influenced by both natural processes and man-made activities. The radioactive contents of 226Ra, 40K, and 232Th and the radiation risk indices of nine sediment cores were determined to assess the impact of radiation on the environment and humans.
The 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra had average radioactivity concentrations of 383, 41.3, and 24.2 Bq/kg, respectively. The Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (ADR), equivalent annual effective dose (AEDE), representative gamma index (Iγr), index active use (AUI), external hazard index (Hex), and annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGDE) were 112.7 Bq/kg, 52.1 nGy/h, 0.06 mSv/y, 0.83, 0.75, 0.30, and 367.7 µSv/y, respectively. These results showed that the 40K and 226Ra radioactivity concentrations were within the allowable range, while the 232Th concentration was higher than the global average.
These radionuclides receive their source from the mainland, and there are moderate to strong positive correlations between 40K and 232Th and between 232Th and 226Ra. The nine sediment cores were split into two groups: Group 1 was close to the shore, and Group 2 was both far from and close to the shore. The higher radiation risk indices in Group 1 suggested a potential health risk for ecosystems close to the shore.
Robotic Assisted TKA May Allow for Smaller Poly Sizes compared to Manual TKA with Simultaneous Removal of Hardware
Authors: Lachance Andrew D. , Edelstein Alexander , Shahsavarani Shaya , Steika Roman , Stilwell Mason , Lutton Jeffrey
Published: September 2024

Introduction: TKA after previous hardware around the knee is a challenge to preserve bone while boney landmarks are distorted. Robotic assisted (RA) TKA may assist in simultaneous hardware removal and TKA due to preoperative planning and retention of bone. The aim of this study is to identify if there are differences in component and functional outcomes dependent during simultaneous removal of hardware around the knee and TKA.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing simultaneous ROH and TKA over a 10-year period at a single institution. Patients were required to have at least 6 months of follow up. Data extracted included surgical technique, demographics, range of motion (ROM) at 1 year, complications, need for augments and utilization of revision components.
Results: There were a total of 31 simultaneous ROH and TKA found in the EMR that met inclusion criteria including 23 manual and 8 RA-TKA with ROH. RA-TKA patients had significantly smaller poly sizes (p=0.017). There was a trend for decreased need for augments (p=0.544) and stems (p=0.315) in the RA-TKA group although this was not statistically significant. Postoperative flexion (p=0.973) or extension (p=0.351) at 1 year did not vary. Notably, one patient in the manual revision group required a hinged knee, and one manual patient required an MUA.
Conclusion: Patients undergoing ROH and RA-TKA had a statistically significant decrease in poly size with a trend of less revision component utilization. RA may allow for more boney preservation via CT guided preoperative planning and precise boney cuts.
Acute kidney injury induced by snakebites in children
Authors: Messias Nayara Casagrande , Silva Stephanie Soares da , Silva Denise Bousfield da , Santos Claudia Regina dos , Hallal Ana Luiza Curi , Sinha Rajiv , Bresolin Nilzete Liberato
Published: September 2024

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is the main complication of snakebites, most associated with the Bothrops species in South and Central America. However, the reported incidence of AKI induced is not well established in the pediatric population. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of AKI and its risk factors in children victims of Bothrops snakebites.
Method: Children aged 0-18 years who were victims of Bothrops snakebites in the state of Santa Catarina - Brazil during the period from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively enrolled in the study and evaluated for AKI using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition and staging.
Results: 463 cases of bothropic accidents were studied. Of those, 15.9% (n=74) of the patients developed AKI, 94.5% (n=70) of them being classified in stage I. The most affected age group was 8-12 years old (28.3%). Medical care occurred in less than 3 hours in 82.6% of cases. Pain (93.3%) and edema (93.5%) were the main symptoms observed. Complications were: secondary infection (10.7%), compartment syndrome (0.8%) and skin necrosis at the site of the bite (1.7%). In contrast to children who did not develop AKI, chidlren who developed AKI had leukocytosis (p=0.017), alteration of urinalysis (p=0.012), systemic manifestations (p=0.026), severe initial classification (p<0.001), compartment syndrome and local necrosis (p<0.001).
Conclusions: There was a statistically significant correlation between the group that developed AKI and a high serum level of leukocytes and alteration of urinalysis, mainly hematuria and proteinuria, as well as the presence of systemic manifestations, severe initial classification, compartment syndrome and local necrosis.
Spermiogenesis in Aplacophora (Mollusca) provides insight into evolution of Bilateria
Authors: Buckland-Nicks John , Hodgson Alan N.
Published: September 2024

Sperm structure among species in each Class of Aplacophora is highly conserved but between the two Classes is radically different. This together with numerous morphological differences between the two groups, suggests a long separation and a likely paraphyletic relationship, which has been suggested in the past but is not supported by molecular analyses. All Caudofoveata examined have unique externally-fertilizing ect-aquasperm found nowhere else in the Animal Kingdom. Solenogastres fertilize internally with introsperm like those described for Epimenia australis but differ in details of length and number of specific components, providing insights to relationships among them. Furthermore, the solenogaster introsperm shares at least nine characters with introsperm of the bilaterian lineage Nemertodermatida, but shares none of these characters with the sperm of Caudofoveata, Polyplacophora (chitons), or Xenoturbellida and few with Acoela. However, a recent re-analysis of molecular data points to the re-organization of Xenacoelomorpha due to Long Branch Attraction and its separation into a basal Nemertodermatida plus a “Xenacoela” clade related to Ambulacraria. If the shared sperm characters of Solenogastres and Nemertodermatida are plesiomorphies not homoplasies, this would provide support for phylogenies that place Solenogastres basal to Mollusca. If true, then basal Bilateria would have a direct link with Protostomia. Recent discoveries of minute worm-like bilaterian body and trace fossils in Ediacaran deposits suggest that earliest bilaterians were meiofaunal and preceded the great Cambrian explosion by millions of years.
AdvShadow: Camouflaged Adversarial Attacks via Conditional Diffusion Model-Generated Shadows
Authors: Lang Dapeng , Zhou Zheng , Hao Hongyi , Liu Zechao , Huang Jinjie , Chen Deyun
Published: September 2024

Adversarial examples pose a significant challenge to the robustness of deep neural networks(DNNs).Traditional adversarial attacks often lack semantic features and concealment. This paper proposesAdvShadow, an adversarial example generation algorithm based on a conditional diffusion model. Ad-vShadow dynamically adjusts shadow perturbations to attack sensitive regions of images, generatingvisually realistic shadow effects that deceive deep models. Our approach ensures that the adversarialshadows seamlessly integrate with image features, enhancing attack concealment and effectiveness.Experiments on multiple datasets demonstrate that AdvShadow achieves high attack success rateswhile maintaining high image quality, as evidenced by improved structural similarity index (SSIM)and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) scores. This study not only provides a novel adversarial attackmethod but also sheds light on the robustness of deep learning models against stealthy attacks. Theraw data Oxford-IIIt-Pet required to reproduce the above findings are available to download fromOxford-IIIT Pet Dataset. Code will be released in AdvShadow
Leptospirosis And Brucellosis Mixed Cluster Investigation In A Rural Pastoral Community Of Dairy Farmers In Uttarakhand, India, 2023-2024
Authors: Khatoon Farida , Vedachalam Srividya K , Choudhary Sushma , Joshi Subodh Kumar , Jain Pankaj Kumar , Bahurupi Yogesh , S Fareeduzzafar , Singh Meenu , Singh Pankaj Kumar
Published: September 2024

Background
Leptospirosis and Brucellosis are bacterial zoonoses prevalent in South-East-Asia. We investigated a case-cluster of these diseases reported in October 2023 from Ward X, Uttarakhand, India, identified through a One-health camp, among Van Gujjars, a rural pastoral community. We describe epidemiology of cases and possible exposures.
Methods
We extracted line-list of leptospirosis cases from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Uttarakhand, and One-health camp records from ward X. Suspect cases (leptospirosis or brucellosis) were sudden onset of fever or myalgia from 1/8/2023 to 07/01/2024 in ward X residents. Confirmed cases were suspect cases positive by IgM ELISA. We conducted an active case search in ward X. We interviewed suspect cases on socio-demographics, symptoms, and exposures (flood water contact, animal abortus contact); and frontline healthcare workers on awareness of these diseases.
Results
Among the 300 residents across 85 households in ward X, we identified 50 suspect cases, among whom 25 were confirmed. The cluster began in September 2023 following flooding and continued until January 2024, with no deaths. Confirmed cases included 13 leptospirosis, seven brucellosis, and five mixed leptospirosis-brucellosis. The median age of cases was 35 years (range 17–82), 82% females, and all were Van Gujjars. Symptoms included fever (78%), myalgia (60%), and arthralgia (58%). All reported contact with flood water, and animal abortus. Frontline healthcare workers were unaware of these diseases.
Conclusions
This mixed cluster of leptospirosis and brucellosis in ward X followed flooding, predominantly affecting female Van Gujjar dairy farmers. We sensitized the healthcare workers on identification of suspect cases to improve case detection.
Large eddy simulation study of atmospheric boundary layer flow behind smooth-to-rough surface roughness transitions
Authors: Mondal Kingshuk , Kethavath Naveen N. , Ghaisas Niranjan S.
Published: September 2024

The atmospheric boundary layer flow downstream of a smooth-to-rough (S→R) surface roughness (z0) transition is studied using large eddy simulations (LES). Conducting LES of the flow over an S→R transition requires overcoming two numerical challenges. First, the flow behind the transition needs space in the vertical direction for the outer boundary layer to develop without adversely affecting the flow near the surface. Vertical padding of the computational domain is employed for this purpose. Numerical experiments show that it is sufficient to set the padding height equal to the incoming boundary layer height. Second, an abrupt change in z0 leads to large oscillations in the flow statistics. To reduce these oscillations below an acceptable threshold, the S→R transition needs to be smeared over a few grid points. Numerical experiments for a wide range of roughness ratios show that smearing the roughness transition such that dz0/dx is 0.01 or less keeps the oscillations in the wall shear stress under 5% of the overall jump across the S→R transition. With these two numerical fixes, the LES are validated against two experimental datasets with roughness ratios 4.34 and 150. Several internal boundary layer height analytical models are evaluated using the LES data. Three models are found to be reasonable over a range of roughness ratios. An analytical model for the turbulence inten sity, previously developed for a rough-to-smooth transition, is found to predict the TI reasonably for S→R transitions as well.
Assessing the Role of Forest Canopy Drag on Experimental Fire Behavior using Coupled Atmosphere-Fire Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: ANTOLIN William , ROCHOUX Mélanie , MOIGNE Patrick LE
Published: September 2024

Wind plays a central role in wildland fire behavior, and understanding the interaction between the atmospheric surface layer and fire-induced dynamics in forested environments is an emerging topic that requires detailed numerical studies. The main objective of this study is to assess whether the forest canopy surrounding the well-known FireFlux~I experimental grass fire influences the near-surface turbulent atmospheric flow and the fire spread, and whether a coupled atmosphere-fire model, including an explicit tree drag force parameterization, can capture these fire-wind-canopy interactions. The results show that the coupled Meso-NH/BLAZE model at 10-m or finer resolution captures these effects before and during the passage of the fire front. Before the fire, a quadrant analysis shows the presence of sweep-ejection dynamics typical of forested environments in the coupled simulations, together with the development of a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability above the canopy interacting with a recirculation zone. During the fire, a quadrant analysis based on a wavelet transform to robustly extract velocity fluctuations shows a combined influence of sweep-ejection motions and fire-induced buoyancy on the fire spread and the fire-induced wind. The ensemble coupled simulations capture the influence of the canopy well and demonstrate that the observed signal is directly influenced by the canopy. However, the buoyancy-driven outflow is not captured in the coupled simulations, probably due to insufficient resolution, as this process is highly intermittent and involves much smaller coherent structures. There is therefore great potential for coupled atmosphere-fire models to perform attribution studies and provide insights into wildland fire behavior.
An Analysis and Projection of Diabetes Prevalence in East England Region
Authors: Xie Ying , Anjum Nasreen , Pierscionek Barbara , Kiran Mahreen , Partac Magdalena , Wang Yue
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Diabetes Mellitus has emerged as a leading cause of mortality in the United Kingdom (UK), posing a significant public health concern. With 4.3 million diagnosed cases and a surge of 148,951 registrations in 2021-22, the gravity of the issue is evident. In light of this, health education authority needs to understand and analyse regional population health profiles to produce a means of addressing current and future gaps in the workforce and inform workforce planning. To facilitate this need, this study aims to investigate the complex interrelationship between demographics factors, socioeconomic factors, and access to healthcare service provisions, including levels of deprivation, population density, number of General Practitioner (GP) practices, and list size of GP practice, along with their impacts on the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus within the six Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) in East England. Additionally, the study projects future changes in these factors and assesses the potential impact of these changes on healthcare workforce requirements in the studied regions.
Methods: The findings were derived from econometric regression models. Demographic analyses were performed at both the ICS and regional levels.
Results: Demographic analyses revealed that decreasing number of GP practices, increasing deprivation levels, larger GP list sizes, and higher population density are all linked with increased number of registrations. However, regional disparities exist.
Conclusion: As the prevalence of diabetes remains a critical public health issue, understanding the influences of various socioeconomic and demographic factors, and access to healthcare service provisions on its occurrence is imperative. Additionally, the study projects future changes in these factors and assesses the potential impact of these changes on healthcare workforce requirements in the studied regions.
The Steepest Slope to a Quantum Few-Body Solution
Authors: Recchia Paolo , Basu Debabrota , Gattobigio Mario , Miniatura Christian , Bressan Stéphane
Published: September 2024

Quantum few-body systems are deceptively simple. Indeed, with the notable exception of a few special cases, their associated Schrödinger equation cannot be solved analytically for more than two particles. One has to resort to approximation methods to tackle quantum few-body problems. In particular, variational methods have been proposed to ease numerical calculations and obtain precise solutions. One such method is the Stochastic Variational Method, which employs a stochastic search to determine the number and parameters of correlated Gaussian basis functions used to construct an ansatz of the wave function. Stochastic methods, however, face numerical and optimization challenges as the number of particles increases.
We introduce a family of gradient variational methods that replace stochastic search with gradient optimization. We comparatively and empirically evaluate the performance of the baseline Stochastic Variational Method, several instances of the gradient variational method family, and some hybrid methods for selected few-body problems. We show that gradient and hybrid methods can be more efficient and effective than the Stochastic Variational Method. We discuss the role of singularities, oscillations, and gradient optimization strategies in the performance of the respective methods.
Examining Deviant Peer Association as a Predictor of Dual Systems Model Development: Testing for Moderation Effects of Age
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas
Published: September 2024

The dual systems model is a prominent developmental framework that focuses on the role of cognitive development for understanding risk for antisocial behavior during adolescence. Prior research has implicated deviant peer association as a potential risk factor for atypical cognitive development. The present study builds on the prior literature by examining deviant peer association as a predictor of the development of sensation-seeking and impulse control and examines age of exposure as a moderator of these relationships. Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were analyzed. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine relationships of interest. Greater deviant peer association was found to predict diminished impulse control. Deviant peer association did not significantly predict sensation-seeking. Neither of these relationships were significantly moderated by age. Message framing may have implications for the treatment of impulse control issues.
The impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial use and resistant bacteria in the Nordics: a regression modeling approach
Authors: Tran Tam T. , Krolicka Adriana , Tiwari Ananda , Pitkänen Tarja , Lood Rolf , Ásmundsdóttir Ásta Margrét , Wikmark Odd-Gunnar
Published: September 2024

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic constituted the largest global health crisis in recent generations and led to economic fallout. It may also have disrupted the pattern of antimicrobial use (AMU) which subsequently affected the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The development of AMR remains a grave human health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on AMU and AMR in the Nordics.
Methods
Nordic AMU data (2017-2022) were extracted from national annual reports (for both humans and animals) and the European Surveillance System (TESSy) (for humans only). Nordic human AMR data (2017-2022) were extracted from TESSy. Multilevel linear regression and negative binomial regression models were used to fit the TESSy data. Data between 2017 and 2019 were categorised as the pre-COVID-19 time, while data between 2020 and 2022 were the post-COVID-19 time.
Results
Denmark had a remarkably greater AMU in animals (about 10 times greater) than Norway, Sweden, and Finland over a 6-year span (2017-2022). Iceland had the highest human AMU, while Sweden had the lowest. Fitting a multilevel linear regression model to human AMU data showed that all variables, except for COVID-19 time, were significant predictors, including drug categories, countries, and sectors (p-values < 0.05). Negative binomial models were used to fit resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive isolates in the Nordics. The results showed that species, countries, and drug categories were statistically significant predictors. COVID-19 time was only statistically significant in the model fitting the resistant Gram-negative isolate data. Moreover, there were significantly fewer Gram-negative resistant isolates in the pre-COVID-19 time than those in the post-COVID-19 time (p = 0.003, 95% CI: -0.42, -0.09). Among the Nordics, Iceland had the lowest number of resistant isolates; however, lack of national AMR surveillance and high human AMU still remain a great concern for Iceland.
Conclusions
This study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on AMR in the Nordics. This finding underscores the need to establish standardized AMR surveillance at both national and regional levels in the Nordics. Such a standard protocol would facilitate timely information sharing which will improve our preparedness for and response to future pandemics and/or large-scale outbreaks.