bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Common Mental Disorders and childhood malnutrition in two rural provinces of Zimbabwe: A case-control study
Authors: Marume Anesu , Archary Moherndran , January James , Mahomed Saajida
Published: May 2023

Background: Maternal mental health is often neglected in low-income countries. Whilst maternal physical comorbidities are known to be associated with child malnourishment, the evidence for the role of maternal common mental disorders (CMD) in childhood stunting is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal CMD and childhood stunting in Zimbabwe.
Method: A locally developed and validated Shona Symptom Questionnaire was used to assess for the presence of CMD among 397 mothers of children in Manicaland and Matabeleland South Provinces, Zimbabwe.
Results: A maternal CMD prevalence of 29.5% was calculated, of which 31.2% were among mother of children who were identified as stunted. A significant relationship between maternal CMDs and childhood malnutrition (stunting, underweight and wasting) was identified p<0.05. Household wealth, family and spousal support, morbidity, fertility, child spacing, and death of a spouse were identified as statistical significant predictors of maternal CMD.
Conclusion: This study reports a significantly high burden of maternal CMD in Zimbabwe as well as confirming presence of a cause effect relationship between childhood malnutrition and maternal CMD. Policy makers and public health interventions are more likely to be effective in controlling childhood malnutrition when they consider the inclusion of prevention and appropriate management of maternal CMD.
High bilirubin levels are a risk factor for severe acute appendicitis
Authors: Hassan Hassan A , Riad Mohamed , El-Taher Ahmed K , Eraky Mohamed E , Elsayed Ashraf abdelmonem , Elsayed Rasha S
Published: May 2023

Objective
The present research aimed to examine the clinical importance of preoperative hyperbilirubinemia in Sharkia, Egypt, patients and determine whether it has any practical application for predicting the magnitude of acute appendicitis.
Methods
Between January 2020 and December 2023, 636 appendicitis patients who received an appendectomy were evaluated. Using multivariate analysis, we looked at predictive data for complex (perforated or gangrenous) appendicitis, including demographics, gender, white blood cell count, degree C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation, high-temperature peritoneal signs indicators, and bilirubin level.
Results
Raised bilirubin level is highly appreciated in patients with ith perforated or gangrenous appendix. The total bilirubin (>1.1 mg/dL), elevated CRP (>0.5 mg/dL), severe peritonitis that started at the site of the appendix (right iliac fossa), The widespread peritonitis when ruptured or gangrenous occurred with high temperature, first temperature (>37.3°C) when still congested appendicitis and elevated above > 48 - 40 when general peritonitis established. The multivariate analysis presented older age > 64 years, elevated bilirubin, raised CPR, and high temperature (odds ratios of 3.36, 1.75, 7.61, and 2.43, respectively) as predictive risk factors for severity. The multivariate analysis presented older age > 64 years, elevated bilirubin, raised CPR, and high temperature (odds ratios of 1.99, 5.90, and 2.72, respectively) as a predictive risk factors for severity between age 65 years.
Conclusions
High temperature, elevated CRP, and hyper Bilirubin were helpful indicators of the degree of seriousness of acute appendicitis, with excessive Bilirubin being particularly helpful in individuals under 65.
Outcomes of Patients with Active Cancers and Pre-Existing Cardiovascular Diseases Infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Patel Brijesh , Chapman Scott , Neumann Jake , Visaria Aayush , Ogungbe Oluwabunmi , Wen Sijin , Khodaverdi Maryam , Makwana Priyal , Singh Jasvinder A. , Sokos George
Published: May 2023

Objective
To determine the impact of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection on patient with concomitant active cancer and CVD.
Methods
The researchers extracted and analyzed data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) database between January 1, 2020, and July 22, 2022. They included only patients with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined as a positive test by PCR 21 days before and 5 days after the day of index hospitalization. Active cancers were defined as last cancer drug administered within 30 days of index admission. The “Cardioonc” group consisted of patients with CVD and active cancers. The cohort was divided into four groups: (1) CVD (-), (2) CVD (+), (3) Cardioonc (-), and (4) Cardioonc (+), where (-) or (+) denotes acute SARS-CoV-2 infection status. The primary outcome of the study was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including acute stroke, acute heart failure, myocardial infarction, or all-cause mortality. The researchers analyzed the outcomes by different phases of the pandemic and performed competing-risk analysis for other MACE components and death as a competing event.
Results
The study analyzed 418,306 patients, of which 74%, 10%, 15.7%, and 0.3% had CVD (-), CVD (+), Cardioonc (-), and Cardioonc (+), respectively. The Cardioonc (+) group had the highest MACE events in all four phases of the pandemic. Compared to CVD (-), the Cardioonc (+) group had an odds ratio of 1.66 for MACE. However, during the Omicron era, there was a statistically significant increased risk for MACE in the Cardioonc (+) group compared to CVD (-). Competing risk analysis showed that all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the Cardioonc (+) group and limited other MACE events from occurring. When the researchers identified specific cancer types, patients with colon cancer had higher MACE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study found that patients with both CVD and active cancer suffered relatively worse outcomes when they had acute SARS-CoV-2 infection during early and alpha surges in the United States. These findings highlight the need for improved management strategies and further research to better understand the impact of the virus on vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evaluation Index System of Shenzhen Health-Promoting Schools in China based on the SPO Model
Authors: Gu Jiaming , Wu Sheng , Zhang Dan
Published: May 2023

Health-promoting schools is an important setting to publicize the concept, “Education and Health are an equal priority”, and it is an integral part of implementing the strategy of sanitation and health work jointly built and shared by the people. Based on the standards of Health-promoting schools management, this study constructed an index system of health-promoting schools in Shenzhen, China to meet the needs of management, evaluation, and development of Health-promoting schools in Shenzhen and promote the health of residents throughout the city by disseminating health concepts, knowledge, and skills to the students, their families, and their communities through the schools. By analyzing the existing literature on health-promoting schools and combining the characteristics of primary and secondary schools in Shenzhen, the index system was constructed in a preliminary way. After two rounds of the Delphi method to accept expert advice and using the analytic hierarchy process to calculate the weight of indicators at all levels in the evaluation system, the index system of Shenzhen Health-Promoting Schools was finally established. The authority coefficients of experts in the two rounds of consultation were 0.84 and 0.81, respectively, and the coefficients of concordance of experts’ importance of the index system were 0.24 and 0.25, respectively (P < 0.01). After the analytic hierarchy process test, the evaluation system consisting of 8 first-class indexes, 17 second-class indexes, and 64 third-class indexes of health-promoting schools in Shenzhen was finally determined. The system has a stable structure, coordinated expert advice, and a high degree of coherence.
Design, preparation and characterization of a high-performance epoxy adhesive with Poly (butylacrylate-block-styrene) Block Copolymer and Zirconia nano particles in aluminum- aluminum bonded joints
Authors: Varkani Mojtaba Nikkhah , Jazani Omid Moini , Sohrabian Majid , Esfahani Amir Torabpour , fallahi mohsen
Published: May 2023

Background
Epoxy adhesives are one of the polymers used as high performance matrix in adhesives. However, the high brittleness and low toughness due to their high-crosslinking degree are critical problems during their service in structural applications. The lack of appropriate thermal stability at high temperature is another drawback of these valuable materials. In this study, the effect of hybrid reinforcement comprising zirconium oxide nanoparticles (NPs), phenolic resin (resol type) and poly (butyl acrylate-block-styrene) copolymer (BCP) on mechanical, adhesion, thermal and morphological properties of the epoxy adhesive was studied.
Methods
Mechanical properties, thermal stability, and microstructure of the epoxy adhesive was assessed using tensile test, TGA, and FESEM tests, respectively. To investigate the adhesion features, the formulated adhesive was applied in lap joint bonding of an aluminum to aluminum.
Significant findings
A new approach was developed for designing advanced adhesives with high mechanical, adhesion and thermal properties by adding hybrid additives. Based on the tensile test results, adding 5 phr of zirconium oxide nanoparticles to the epoxy adhesive increased the tensile strength, modulus, and the toughness of the dumbbell-shaped samples by 69%, 33% and 175% as compared with the neat epoxy adhesive, respectively. Furthermore, the highest improvement of shear strength in the single lap joint was observed in the sample containing 10 phr phenolic resin, 5 phr zirconia NPs, and 2.5 phr block copolymer, showing a 420% increment compared to the pure epoxy, reflecting the synergistic impact of these compounds at the mentioned percentage. The TGA results indicated the highest initial degradation temperature in the sample containing 5 phr zirconia NPs which was 54.4oC higher than that of the pure epoxy. The images of the fracture surface of the optimal samples in the tensile test showed that the cavitation, shear band formation, crack deviation, and crack tip blunting are among the major mechanisms in the increase of the toughness of the samples.
Improving the adsorption capacity of graphene oxide. Effect of Ca2+ on tetracycline retention
Authors: Medina Florencia M. Onaga , Avena Marcelo J. , Parolo María E.
Published: May 2023

Tetracyclines (TCs) constitute a group of antibiotics that are commonly used to treat bacterial diseases, in veterinary medicine and as an additive in animal feed. This broad application has led to their accumulation in food products and the environment because sewage treatment plants cannot completely remove them. Therefore, the aim of this study was to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) and evaluate its TC adsorption properties in aqueous media. The effects of pH (between 2.5 and 11) and Ca2+ concentration (between 0 and 1M) were thoroughly investigated. Structural, textural, and electrokinetic properties of the prepared GO were determined by N2 adsorption/desorption, XRD, TEM, UV-vis, FTIR, XPS, thermogravimetry and electrophoretic mobility measurements. TC adsorption on GO is an interplay between the two main roles played by Ca2+: competitor or bridging cation. At low pH, there is cation exchange, and Ca2+ behaves as a competitor of the positively charged TC species, decreasing adsorption as calcium concentration increases. At high, the formation of Ca bridges between the surface and TC (GO-Ca2+-TC) is favored, increasing the adsorption of the antibiotic by increasing calcium concentration. Different combinations of Ca2+ and pH effects are important to improve the use of GO either as a pH-dependent and reversible TC adsorbent for decontamination or as pH-independent adsorbent for TC quantification with electrochemical sensors.
Does Sagittal Location of the Fracture Region of Vertebral Body Affect the Interfixation Instrument Biomechanics or Surgical Strategy in Thoracolumbar Fracture Treatment: a Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Cui Xilong , Zhu Junjun , Yang Wanmei , Sun Yuxiang , Huang Xiuling , Wang Xiumei , Yu Haiyang , Liang Chengmin , Hua Zikai
Published: May 2023

Background: Posterior internal fixation is the main method used for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Fractures often occur in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body. However, they can also occur in the middle or lower 1/3 of the vertebral body. At present, there is no report discussing the potential effects of sagittal location on instrument biomechanics or surgical strategy. The objects of this study was to investigate the effect of the sagittal location of the fracture region of the vertebral body on the biomechanics of the internal fixation system and surgical strategy.
Methods: A finite element model of the T11-L3 thoracolumbar segment was established based on a healthy person’s CT scan. Different sagittal fracture location finite element models were created by resection of the upper 1/3, middle 1/3, and lower 1/3 of the L1 vertebral body. Three surgical strategies were utilized in this study, namely proximal 1 level and distal 1 level (P1-D1), proximal 2 level and distal 1 level(P2-D1), and proximal 1 level and distal 2 levels (P1-D2). Nine fixation finite element models were created by combining fracture location and fixation strategies. Range of motion, von Mises stress, and stress distribution were analyzed to evaluate the effects on the instrument biomechanics and the selection of surgical strategy.
Results: In all three different fixation strategies, the maximum von Mises stress location on the screw did not change with the sagittal location of the fracture site; nevertheless, the maximum von Mises stress differed. The maximum rod stress was located at the fracture site, with its value and location changed slightly. In the same fixation strategy, a limited effect of sagittal location on the range of motion was observed. P2D1 resulted in a shorter range of motion and lower nail stress for all sagittal locations of the fracture compared with the other strategies; however, rod stress was similar between strategies.
Conclusions: The sagittal location of a fracture may affect the stress and distribution, but does not influence the selection of surgical strategy.
Transmission of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates between Finnish- and foreign-born patients, 2014-2021: a molecular epidemiological study
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Haanpera Marjo , Mentula Silja , Vapalahti Olli , Soini Hanna , Sironen Tarja , Kant Ravi , Zakham Fathiah
Published: May 2023

BackgroundData on the molecular epidemiological characteristics and transmission of drug-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) isolates in low-incidence settings with immigration from high-incidence settings are limited.MethodWe included 101 drug-resistant MTB isolates with whole-genome sequencing data isolated in Finland between 2014 and 2021. Mutations associated with resistance to first- and second-line drugs were identified. Potential transmission clusters were identified using a threshold of 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Highly related clusters were identified using a threshold of 5 SNPs.ResultOf the 101 drug-resistant MTB isolates, 29 (28.7%) isolates were from Finnish-born persons and 72 (71.3%) were from foreign-born persons. The proportion of foreign-born persons with multidrug-resistant (MDR) MTB (25/72, 34.7%) was higher than that in Finnish-born persons (6/29, 20.7%). The most common mutation associated with resistance to INH and RIF was katG Ser315Thr (67/83, 80.7%) and rpoB Ser450Leu (29/35, 82.9%), respectively. Lineage 4 (36/101, 35.6%) and lineage 2 (35/101, 34.6%) were prevalent lineages. A total of 16 (15.8%) isolates were classified into 7 potential transmission clusters (≤ 12 SNPs). Furthermore, one highly related cluster (≤ 5 SNPs) was identified, including one MDR isolate from a Finnish-born person and another MDR isolate from a person born in eastern Europe.ConclusionTransmission of drug-resistant MTB isolates between native and foreign-born persons is limited in Finland. Monitoring transmission dynamics of drug-resistant TB is of importance to inform tuberculosis management and control in low-incidence settings with increasing immigration.
Lidocaine could promote the cuproptosis through up-regulating the long noncoding RNA DNMBP-AS1 in laryngeal cancer
Authors: Yu Yi , Lv Meihong
Published: May 2023

Background:Lidocaine is a traditional local anesthetic, which has been reported to trigger apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, independent of death receptor signaling. Cuproptosis is a copper triggered mitochondrial cell death mode. In this study, we explored the biological effects of lidocaine on laryngeal cancer and studied the relevant mechanisms of cuproptosisMethods:quantitative RT-PCR weas used to measure the expression level of long noncoding RNA (IncRNA) DNMBP-AS1. DNMBP-AS1 siRNA (si-DNMBP-AS1) were transfected into Hep-2 cells to verify the roles of DNMBP-AS1 in cuproptosis. 24 hours treatment with 20 nM elesclomol and 2 µM CuCl2 was performed to promote the occurrence of Cuproptosis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays ware utilized to analyze biological effect of lidocaine on Hep-2 cells.Results:DNMBP-AS1 was significantly upregulated during cuproptosis in Hep-2 cells. The si-DNMBP-AS1 significantly increased the cell viability, and suppress the cuproptosis. Lidocaine was cytotoxic to the Hep-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Exposure to 10 μM of lidocaine for 24 hours did not reduce the viability, but significantly increased the expression of DNMBP-AS1, and promote the cuproptosis. Anymore, si-DNMBP-AS1 reverse the pro-cuproptosis function of lidocaine.Conclusions:lidocaine was cytotoxic to human laryngeal cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, promoted the cuproptosis through up-regulating DNMBP-AS1. The results of this study offer initial optimism that lidocaine can be used in an adjuvant or neoadjuvant fashion in laryngeal cancer treatment.
Propagation of Bessel-Gaussian beams through a Spiral Phase Plate: Generation of Donut Humbert beam of type-II
Authors: Chib S. , Khannous F. , Belafhal A.
Published: May 2023

A new family of donut beams known as Humbert beam of type-II (HBII) was developed by converting circular beams (CiBs) that were travelling through an ABCD paraxial optical system with a spiral phase plate (SPP). Either the superposition of the Whittaker, Bessel-modulated, Laguerre, and Hermite beams, can be used to represent the amplitude field of CiBs. The transformation and propagation of CiBs using a SPP after propagating the examined optical system, is shown and deduced in detail. To investigate the comportment of Humbert beams of the type-II in free space and through telescope, numerical simulations are performed.
ARID3A as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in colon adenocarcinoma: Insights from a comparative analysis of immune cell infiltration and oxidative stress
Authors: Baldi Salem , He yun , Ivanov Igor , Gao Yaping , Tian hui
Published: May 2023

The tumour microenvironment can be shaped by tumour-infiltrating immune cells that control the fate of immunotherapy effects. Whether ARID3A is associated with immune cell infiltration and oxidative stress in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains unknown. The present study addresses a gap in the literature by performing a comparative analysis of ARID3A expression across multiple databases and investigating its association with immune cell infiltration, which has not been previously reported. ARID3A expression level in COAD were analyzed by the TNMplot and GEPIA2 TCGA databases. The analysis of TCGA databases showed that ARID3A expression was significantly higher in COAD tissues than adjacent normal tissues and associated with poor outcome in COAD patients. Immunohistochemistry staining also revealed varying degrees of ARID3A positivity in malignant colon tissue. Importantly, ARID3A showed a strong negative correlation with tumor-infiltrating NK and CD8 + T cells, which are critical for anti-tumor immunity, and a positive correlation with macrophages and neutrophils infiltration. These results suggest that ARID3A may promote COAD progression and negatively correlate with immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, ARID3A may enhance tumor cell survival by activating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and inhibiting apoptosis. This study highlights the potential of ARID3A as a prognostic biomarker and a target for COAD diagnosis and therapies. However, further studies are required to investigate the mechanism underlying the observed correlations and validate the findings experimentally.
Proton radiotherapy as a treatment strategy to increase survival in locally advanced pancreatic cancer in the body and tail: a retrospective study
Authors: Ami Katsuya , Terashima Kazuki , Ishida Jun , Suga Masaki , Okawa Taisuke , Takahashi Daiki , Park SungChul , Matsuo Yoshiro , Nanno Yoshihide , Tokumaru Sunao , Okimoto Tomoaki , Toyama Hirochika , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: May 2023

Background: Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of proton radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) in the body and tail are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors after proton radiotherapy in a large group of patients with LAPC in the body and tail.
Methods: The medical records of 200 patients with LAPC in the body and tail who underwent proton radiotherapy between February 2009 and January 2021 at the Hyogo Ion Beam Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed to identify prognostic factors that contribute to long-term survival.
Results: The overall survival rate at 1- and 2-year after PT was 69.6% and 35.4% with a median overall survival of 18.4 months. The 1- and 2-year local progression-free, and progression-free survival rates were 84.3% and 68.0%, and 44.3% and 19.4%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) invasion (SMA only invasion vs. celiac artery only invasion; P=0.005: SMA and celiac artery invasion vs. celiac artery only invasion; P=0.008), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level ≥ 231.9 U/mL (P<0.001), anterior peripancreatic invasion (P=0.004), and absence of concurrent chemotherapy (P<0.001) were statistically significant prognostic factors for overall survival. There was no significant difference in local progression-free survival; however, distant metastasis-free survival was statistically worse in patients with prognostic factors than in those without.
Conclusions: Proton radiotherapy for LAPC in the body and tail may be a valuable multidisciplinary treatment option. Patients with SMA invasion, higher pre-proton radiotherapy serum CA 19-9 level, anterior peripancreatic invasion, or no concurrent chemotherapy had worse overall survival because of worse distant metastasis-free survival, suggesting that distant metastases have a significant impact on overall survival in such patients.
Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Lipid Profile among Women Attending Family Planning Unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities, Bale, Southeast Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Turki Awel , Ayalew Almaz , Mossie Andualem , Mitiku Shimelis
Published: May 2023

Background
Hormonal contraceptives are a widely used contraceptive method for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It is associated with change in lipid profile which results in congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, deep vein thrombosis and stroke which are the major cause of premature death. We aim to investigate the effects of hormonal contraceptive use on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities.
Methods
A comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted on 93 hormonal contraceptive users and 93 non-users’ women in Goba Town Public Health Facilities from September to November, 2022. Blood samples for the estimation of TC, TG, HDL-c and LDL-c levels were collected. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the results of lipid profiles. One-way ANOVA was used to identify the variation of lipid profile between progestin only pills, DMPA and implant users. Simple linear regression was used to determine the change in lipid profiles in relation to the duration of hormonal contraceptive use. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Result
The mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c was significantly increases in hormonal contraceptive users in comparison with non-users. The mean serum level TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c in implanon users was lower than DMPA and POP users. As the duration of DMPA and POP use increases, the serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased. But, the serum level of HDL-c was significantly decreased. LDL-c was significantly increased with the duration of implanon use.
Conclusion
The mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased among hormonal contraceptive users. The mean serum level of lipid profile was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The serum level of TC, TG, LDL-c were directly proportional to the duration of DMPA and POP use. Routine evaluation of lipid profiles is advisable before and after initiation of hormonal contraceptives.
Simulation analysis of evapotranspiration and plant transpiration of the Jujube forests in arid zones based on SIMDual-Kc model and improved S-W model
Authors: Qiao Ying , Wang Huanbo , Ma Yingjie , Xin Mingliang
Published: May 2023

Results The S-W model achieved higher accuracy than the SIMDual-Kc model in simulating the evapotranspiration and plant transpiration of the Jujube forest, but both models met the simulation requirements, are effective tools for estimating the evapotranspiration in Jujube forests .The applicable parameter settings of the SIMDual-Kc model for the Jujube forest in arid zones were: base crop coefficient Kcb = 0.18, 0.7, 0.7; evaporation layer depth Ze = 0.15 m, total evaporation water TEW = 18 mm, easy evaporation water REW = 9 mm, soil water consumption ratio p = 0.5. The appropriate parameter settings of the S-W model were: a1 = 6.9445, g0 = 0.0439, b2 = 4.6041, b3 = 957.1106, and an extinction coefficient of 0.4508. The results provide a theoretical basis for formulating reasonable irrigation systems and irrigation decisions for the Jujube forests in arid zones.
The incidence of dysnatremia in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis and the effects of various hypotonic intravenous fluids on subsequent serum sodium levels
Authors: Chaiyapak Thanaporn , Sommai Kanokwan , Banluetanyalak Pantira , Sumboonnanonda Achra , Pattaragarn Anirut , Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Lomjansook Kraisoon , Thunsiribuddhichai Yarnarin , Supavekin Suroj
Published: May 2023

Background
The incidence of early dysnatremia in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis varied, and factors associated with early dysnatremia have not been clearly identified. The optimal sodium (Na) content of intravenous (IV) fluid for children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis is debatable.
Methods
This retrospective study included hospitalized patients aged 1 month-18 years with community-acquired acute gastritis/gastroenteritis from January to October 2016. Factors associated with early dysnatremia were identified using multivariable analysis. The effects of various types of hypotonic IV fluids on subsequent serum Na were analyzed and compared.
Results
Among the 304 children included, the median age was 2.2 (1.0, 4.2) years. The incidence of early dysnatremia was 17.1% (hyponatremia 15.8%; hypernatremia 1.3%). Moderate (p = 0.03) and severe dehydration (p = 0.04) and presenting of both vomiting and diarrhea (p = 0.03) were associated with early dysnatremia. Subgroup analysis was performed in initially eunatremia patients who subsequently underwent serum Na measurements. Among the D5-1/3 − 1/5NS group, 6.7% and 7.7% developed hyponatremia at 4–24 hours and 24–48 hours, respectively, while no one in the D5-1/2 NS group developed hyponatremia. The changes in serum Na at 24–48 hours were significantly higher in the D5-1/2 NS group (+ 2.0 (1.0–2.0) mmol/L) than in the D5-1/3 − 1/5NS group (0 (-0.25-2.0) mmol/L) (p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Dysnatremia was common in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis. Moderate to severe dehydration and presenting of both vomiting and diarrhea were significantly associated with early dysnatremia. Serum electrolytes should be monitored in patients with those conditions and IV fluid with at least the same Na content as D5-1/2NS is recommended.
A new Hardware Efficient Approximate Subtractors for Error Tolerant Applications
Authors: Sariki Ravi Kumar , Jammu Bhaskara Rao , Battula T. Krishna , Veeramachaneni Sreehari , Pillala Suraj Kumar , Velagala Sai Kumar , Varanasi Sai Praveen
Published: May 2023

As technology advances, humans will have more opportunities to build designs that are more efficient and are capable of dealing with future challenges. Approximate computing is one such trend in the design of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) systems. This strategy is employed in cases where the design’s performance is critical and it is especially useful for energy-efficient designs. There are different subtractors proposed in various papers, these designs are brought together to analyze the strategies and find out the drawbacks of the existing subtractors. This helps in designing a new set of subtractors to overcome these drawbacks. This paper proposes four possible approximate subtractor designs, each with its own set of capabilities. These designs are simulated and the results are then analyzed to assess the circuit’s efficiency. According to the results of the evaluation, the proposed subtractors are substantially more efficient than the exact and the existing subtractors. A new Efficient Approximate Subtractors The first two proposed subtractor designs are utilized as circuits with high energy efficiency, and comes under the hardware efficient circuits. Whereas the remaining designs prioritize in precision and delay factors, out of which a completely accurate subtractor has been proposed. These designs can be utilized for a variety of applications under logical circuits’ arithmetic operations, as well as for numerous error-tolerant applications. Overall, this paper proposes a comprehensive set of subtractors.
Identification of Rare Variants Causing Early-Onset Bartter Syndrome: a Clinical, Genetic, and Biophysical Study
Authors: Liu Fang , wu yuanyuan , li zhi , lv shaoguang
Published: May 2023

Objective Bartter syndrome (BS) is a rare congenital renal tubular disease. 2 children with BS were recruited and experienced a series of ultrasound, biochemical, genetic investigation.Methods Genomic DNA was obtained from the probands and family members for trio-whole-exome sequencing, copy number variation analysis and Sanger SequencingResults Four variants were detected from the 2 probands. Patient I was diagnosed as BS typeⅡ, since she carried two novel variations in KCNJ1 gene, which are c.504delA, p.Lys168Asnfs*13 and c.406_407insA, p.Thr136Asnfs*61, inherited from her parents. Patient Ⅱ was diagnosed as BS type Ⅲ because he carried a known pathogenic variant, c.1313G > A ,p. Arg 438 His in CLCNKB gene, which was inherited from his mother,another novel variant inherited from his father was (loss exon2-20) in CLCNKB gene. The three novel variations have not been reported in ClinVar, HGMD, and public databases. According to ACMG guidelines, these variations were likely pathogenic (PVS1 + PM2). By protein structure and molecular analysis: the protein coded by KCNJ1 gene contains inward rectifier potassium channel transmembrane domain (IRK) and inward rectifier potassium channel C-terminal domain (IRK_C). The two altered amino acids located on the IRK and IRK_C domain, may affect conserved protein domains, resulting in premature stop codons and truncated protein, thereby affecting protein function. The variant (loss exon2-20) in CLCNKB gene resulted in a loss of protein function. PatientⅡ’s old sister carried the variation c.1313G > A in CLCNKB gene. The fetus in his mother's womb carried the same variations as the proband, and the mother finally underwent an induced abortion.Conclusion Our findings expand the gene spectrum of KCNJ1 and CLCNKB associated with BS.
[(EtO) 3 Si(CH 2 ) 3 NH 3 + ][CH 3 COO - ] functionalized on magnetic silica: a novel magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst for synthesis of new (phenylsulfonyl)dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Shirzaei Farhad , Shaterian Hamid Reza
Published: May 2023

In this work, [(EtO)3Si(CH2)3NH3+][CH3COO−] as basic ionic liquid functionalized on magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles as a novel, green, heterogeneous, and inexpensive catalyst is reported. This catalyzed the three components reaction of aromatic aldehydes, benzenesulfonylacetonitrile and 6-amino-1,3-dimethyluracil to obtain the corresponding (phenylsulfonyl)dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives. [(EtO)3Si(CH2)3NH3+][CH3COO−] functionalized on magnetic silica was identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gravitational heat analysis (TGA), X-ray energy scattering spectroscopy (EDS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. The high-efficiency preparation of (phenylsulfonyl)dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, recovery and reusability of the nanocatalyst are the advantages of this protocol.
Numerical simulation research on the mechanical behavior of ice-frozen soil interface
Authors: Shi Sheng , Zhu Fengjin , Hu Hongqiang
Published: May 2023

As the weakest segment within frozen soil, the interface between ice and frozen soil undertakes the link of load transmission. The mechanical parameters between ice and frozen soil influence the deformation and strength of frozen soil. To investigate the mechanical behaviors of ice-frozen soil interface, the cryogenic direct shear tests were carried out and the deformation, strength properties of interface were analyzed. The shear stress of interface was described by generalized hyperbolic model and the physical meaning of the model parameters were defined. Based on the generalized hyperbolic model, the shear stiffness of interface was derived. The effect of temperature on the strength, shear stiffness of interface under different initial moisture contents, initial void ratios and normal stresses were discussed. The three-dimensional finite element model was established using COMSOL Multiphysics, and the mechanical behaviors of ice frozen soil interface were researched.
Impact of home monitoring program on inter-stage mortality after the Norwood procedure
Authors: Staehler Helena , Schaeffer Thibault , Wasner Johanna , Lemmer Julia , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Adam Michael , Burri Melchior , Hager Alfred , Ewert Peter , Hörer Jürgen , Ono Masamichi
Published: May 2023

Background
While early outcome after the Norwood operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome has improved, inter-stage mortality until bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) remains a concern. Our aim was to institute a home monitoring program to (HMP) reduce inter-stage mortality.
Methods
Among 264 patients who survived Norwood procedure and were discharged before BCPS, 80 patients were included in the HMP and compared to the remaining 184 patients regarding inter-stage mortality. In patients with HMP, events during the inter-stage period were evaluated.
Results
Inter-stage mortality was 8% (n = 21) and was significantly lower in patients with HMP (2.5%, n = 2), compared to those without (10.3%, n = 19, p = 0.031). Patients with inter-stage mortality had significantly lower birth weight (p < 0.001) compared to those without. Lower birth weight (p < 0.001), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (p = 0.002), and lack of HMP (p = 0.048) were risk factors for inter-stage mortality. Most frequent event during home monitoring was low saturation (< 70%) in 14 patients (18%), followed by infection in 6 (7.5%), stagnant weight gain in 5 (6.3%), hypoxic shock in 3 (3.8%) and arrhythmia in 2 (2.5%). Unexpected readmission was needed in 24 patients (30%). In those patients, age (p = 0.001) and weight at BCPS (p = 0.007) were significantly lower compared to those without readmission, but the survival after BCPS was comparable between the groups.
Conclusions
Inter-stage HMP permits timely intervention and led to an important decrease in inter-stage mortality. One-third of the patients with home monitoring program needed readmission and demonstrated the need for earlier stage 2 palliation.
Electrochemical and physiochemical studies on the effects of thiadiazole derivatives in corrosion inhibition of Muntz metal in sulfide-polluted marine environment
Authors: Ravisankar Parkavi , Subramaniyan Ramasundaram , Murugasamy Jayavel , Kanagaraj Srinivasan , J Josphin Mini , Alagarasan Jagadeesh Kumar , Oh Tae Hwan
Published: May 2023

The influence of certain thiadiazole derivatives on the corrosion of Muntz metal (60Cu-40Zn) in sulfide-polluted artificial seawater was analyzed using chemical and electrochemical methods. The surface morphology was examined by SEM to determine this inhibition mechanism. Elemental composition of the corroded alloy specimens was investigated in the presence and absence of thiadiazole derivatives using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Thiadiazole derivatives were found to successfully suppress Muntz metal corrosion. Adopting the weight-loss method, the optimum concentration of inhibiting thiadiazole derivatives was 2.32 mM owing to the thiadiazole surface coverage and adsorption with increasing concentration. Among the derivatives investigated, N-(5-(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-yl)-2-diphenylamino) acetamide (ATPA) showed the highest corrosion protection efficiency. EIS studies showed that charge transfer resistance occurs because of the presence of an inhibitor. Moreover, increasing thiadiazole concentration decreased the double-layer capacitance (Cdl) value because less charged species were attracted to the metal surface. Potentiostatic current-time transient techniques showed that ATPA hindered the corrosion rate owing to the substituted thiadiazoles. Polarization measurements clearly showed that the inhibitors suppressed both anodic and cathodic reactions. Consequently, accelerated leaching studies showed concentrations of Zn and Cu released from the alloy reducing as concentrations of inhibitors increased, in addition to the corrosion protection efficiency (%) increasing. The highest value was obtained at 2.32 mM of inhibitor. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that these compounds inhibit corrosion via chemisorption of organic compounds. Among these compounds, ATPA was found to offer better corrosion inhibition than others.
Peripubertal Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides Promotes Histopathological Impairment in the Structure of the Diaphragm Muscle of c57bl/6 Mice
Authors: Zazula Matheus Felipe , Marca Ana Paula , Oliveira Mylena Campos , Barbosa Ariadne , Bonfleur Maria Lúcia , Ribeiro Lucineia Fatima Chasko , Torrejais Márcia Miranda
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Glyphosate is an organophosphate herbicide most used in Latin America, with multisystemic effects, including the respiratory system. In this sense, the objective of this research was to analyze the muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions (JNMs) of the diaphragm muscle of adult mice exposed to the glyphosate-based herbicide in the peripubertal period.
Methods: Twelve male mice were used, divided into a control group (CTL, n=6), which received water and a glyphosate-based herbicide group (GBH, n=6), which received 50 mg/Kg/day of Roundup®, both by gavage from 30 to 60 days. At 150 days, the animals were euthanized and the diaphragm was collected for analysis of the muscle fibers through hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome and Picrossirius Red and the JNMs through the nonspecific esterases reaction.
Results: Rounded fibers, hypereosinophilic sarcoplasm and enlarged nuclei were found predominantly in GBH. A reduction in body weight, an increase in muscle fiber morphometry, an increase in type III collagen, a decrease in the overlapping of type I and III collagen, and an increase in the area and greater diameter of the JNMs in GBH were observed.
Conclusion: Peripubertal exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides showed morphological changes characteristic of muscle degeneration and altered the morphometry of muscle fibers and JNMs of the diaphragm of adult mice.
Vector-valued convex functions
Authors: LAAYOUNI Mustapha
Published: May 2023

In this paper we will extend some properties of the convex real functions to thevalued functions in a Banach lattice: with adequate definitions, we will establishthat an order convex function is continuous on a convex C if and only if it iscontinuous at a point of C (Theorem 1.2). We will show that order convex functionson a compact satisfy Bauer’s maximal principle (Theorem 2.2). A fixed pointtheorem is given for the contracting orders functions (Theorem 2.3).
Reseach on the Application of Pixel Art in Game Character Design
Authors: Zufri Tubagus , Ardani Nurul Aqmarina
Published: May 2023

This paper analyses the trend, design fundamentals, and design principles of contemporary character design from digital game. It discusses that even though the design styles of today’s digital art era are flourishing with diverse thinking and visual approach, the classic pixel art style will never go out of style. The fundamental element of artistic design in pixel art style is a single element, a pixel. Many designers prefer using the single pixel style as the fundamental element of their artistic design, which has led to the creation of various intriguing design categories. Despite the prevalent use of full high-definition 3D rendering images in contemporary digital game design, the pixelated style remains a timeless tribute to the classics with an enduring impact, given its promising development prospects. Pixelated design is now being applied to practice by more designers and artists, and it has gradually become a unique form of artistic visual expression.
The system of anesthesiological support for coloproctological operations
Authors: Myshkov G. A. , Abritsova M. V. , Torchua N. R.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. The prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease is 200 people per 1000 adult population, of which 75% are professionally active people. The choice of anesthetic support affects not only the effectiveness of the operation, but also the course of the early postoperative period. At the same time, regardless of the use of various variants of neuroaxial blockades, most authors indicate the development of complications such as acute urinary retention and severe postoperative pain syndrome in the postoperative period.

Aim. To substantiate and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system of anesthesiological support for proctological operations.

Material and methods. The study was conducted in 100 patients who were divided into two groups of 50 people. The operations were performed under conditions of combined anesthesia (spinal anesthesia + medical sedation). Spinal anesthesia was achieved with 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine solution, the average dose was 8.5 ± 0.12 mg. For drug sedation, a continuous infusion of propofol was used at a target concentration of 5–4–3 mg/kg per hour. The criterion for including patients in the main group was the appointment in the early postoperative period of the alpha 1 adrenoblocker tamsulosin hydrochloride at a dose of 0.4 mg/day.

Results and discussion. The system of anesthetic support, including a combination of spinal anesthesia using an isobaric solution of bupivacaine at a dose of 7.5 to 10.0 mg and intravenous sedation with propofol at a target concentration of 5–4–3 mg/kg per hour, program of postoperative anesthesia based on a combination of multidirectional drug action and the appointment of alpha 1 adrenoblocker tamsulosin hydrochloride at a dose of 0.4 mg/day allows for high-quality and safe surgical treatment.

Conclusion. The administration oftamsulosin hydrochloride at a dose of 0.4 mg prevented the development of acute urinary retention of patients.
ANFIS-based soft computing models for forecasting effective drought index over an arid region of India
Authors: Kikon Ayilobeni , Dodamani B. M. , Barma Surajit Deb , Naganna Sujay Raghavendra
Published: May 2023

Drought is a natural hazard that is characterized by a low amount of precipitation in a region. In order to evaluate the drought-related issues that cause chaos for human well-being, drought indices have become increasingly important. In this study, the monthly precipitation data from 1964 to 2013 (about 50 years) of the Jodhpur district in the drought-prone Rajasthan state of India was used to derive the effective drought index (EDI). The machine learning models hybridized with evolutionary optimizers such as the genetic algorithm adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (GA-ANFIS) and particle swarm optimization ANFIS (PSO-ANFIS) were used in addition to the generalized regression neural network (GRNN) to predict the EDI index. Using the partial autocorrelation function (PACF), models for forecasting the monthly EDI were constructed with 2-, 3- and 5-input combinations to evaluate their outcomes based on various performance indices. The results of the different combination models were compared. With reference to 2-input and 3-input combination models, both GA-ANFIS and PSO-ANFIS show better performance results with R2 = 0.75, while among the models with 5-input combination, GA-ANFIS depicts better performance results compared to other models with R2 = 0.78. The results are presented suitably with the aid of scatter plots, Taylor's diagram and violin plots. Overall, the GA-ANFIS and PSO-ANFIS models outperformed the GRNN model.
Application of UF and RO for power plant's wastewater treatment and recycling for environmental sustainability
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Nauman , Mushtaq Muhammad Umar , Adil Mahboob Ahmad , Sanaullah Khairuddin , Ashas Rashail , Sabir Rabia
Published: May 2023

Global indicators have warned of freshwater scarcity in Asia. However, the utilization of freshwater resources has skyrocketed for commercial and industrial purposes without any strategy for recycling and reuse. The power plant's wastewater/reject mainly consisted of cooling tower blowdown water and reverse osmosis (RO) plant reject water. Due to the high turbid nature of reject water, pretreatment was carried out to achieve SDI15 <3 by employing multimedia filters (MMF), activated carbon filters (ACF) and ultrafiltration (UF). Operational parameters of RO membranes were optimized (11.5 bar, 29 °C) to achieve maximum water recovery along with higher rejection rates of critical scale forming species such as 81% total dissolved solids (TDS), 73% calcium hardness and 72% silica (Si). After accounting for backwash water and other concentrate rejections, the membrane treatment plant has achieved an appreciable recovery rate of more than 44%. The RO membrane-treated water was then incorporated in the cooling tower and a 16% reduction in freshwater makeup was achieved. Reduction of microbial growth rate as well as corrosion and scaling in the cooling tower was observed due to the reuse of treated water. This is to confirm here that brackish water RO membranes can act as a strong contender for reject water reclamation and effective utilization.