bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thymol@activated Carbon Nanohybrid for Low-Density Polyeth-Ylene Based Active Packaging Films for Pork Fillets Shelf-Life Extension
Authors: Giannakas Aris E. , Karabagias Vassilios K. , Moschovas Dimitrios , Leontiou Areti , Karabagias Ioannis K. , Georgopoulos Stavros , Karydis-Messinis Andreas , Zaharioudakis Konstantinos , Andritsos Nikolaos , Kehayias George , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Proestos Charalampos , Salmas Constantinos Ε
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, bioeconomy and nanotechnology trends push food packaging sector in the re-placement of food additives by biobased antioxidant/antibacterial compounds and their inclusion in nanocarriers to control their release. Herein by following this trend, a rich in thymol-(TO) activated carbon (AC) nanostructure (TO@AC) was prepared and physiochemically characterized with various technics. This TO@AC nanostructure as well as pure AC were extruded with low density polyethylene (LDPE) to develop novel active packaging LDPE/TO@AC and LDPE/AC films. X-ray diffractometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy measuraments shown high dispersity and capability of both AC and TO@AC in LDPE matrix which was resulted in enhanced tensile and water/oxygen barrier properties of obtained LDPE/AC and LDPE/TO@AC films. LDPE/TO@AC films shown higher elongation at break values and water/oxygen barrier than LDPE/AC films and significant antioxidant activity. TO release kinetics studies shown that by increasing TO@AC content the total TO amount released increased and the constant release rate decreased. Pork fillets wrapped with the optimum active film containing 15 wt.% TO@AC and succeed to prevent lipid oxidation and heme iron loss during storage. Estimation of microbial population of pork fillets shown that this active film could ex-tend the microbiological shelf-life of pork fillets by 2 days
Exploring the Key Characteristics and Theoretical Framework for Research on the Metaverse
Authors: Song Chuanxiang , Shin Seong-Yoon , Shin Kwang-Seong
Published: June 2023

This study delves into the essential characteristics of the Metaverse and its impact on the real world. The Metaverse, a parallel universe composed of countless 3D virtual worlds, has become a hot topic in technology. With the development of advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence, the Metaverse is gradually changing people's lifestyles and work methods, expanding the boundaries of the digital economy. This study profoundly investigates the attributes of the Metaverse, such as asset digitization, application scenario-based, scope economy, industry universality, integrated innovation, and the platform ecosystem. Additionally, we propose a theoretical framework to aid in understanding and shaping this emerging field. We conducted a thorough study and analysis of a specific case, explored the key features of the Metaverse, unveiled the profound impact of Metaverse characteristics on social and economic development, and verified our theoretical framework with this case. This research provides new perspectives and methods for academic studies and offers robust support and guidance for practical applications and decision-making.
Cryopreservation of Ovarian and Testicular Tissue and the Influence on Epigenetic Pattern
Authors: Trapphoff Tom , Dieterle Stefan
Published: June 2023

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) or testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) are effective and often the only options for fertility preservation in female or male patients due to oncological, medical, or social aspects. While TTC and resumption of spermatogenesis, either in vivo or in vitro, has still be considered an experimental approach in humans, OTC and autotransplantation has been applied increasingly to preserve fertility with more than 200 live births worldwide. However, the cryopreservation of reproductive cells followed by the resumption of gametogenesis, either in vivo or in vitro, may interfere with sensitive and highly regulated cellular processes. In particular, the epigenetic profile, which includes not just reversible modifications of the DNA itself but also post-translational histone modifications, small non-coding RNAs, gene expression and availability, and storage of related proteins or transcripts, have to be considered in this context. Due to complex reprogramming and maintenance mechanisms of the epigenome in germ cells, growing embryos, and offspring, OTC and TTC are carried out at very critical moments early in the life cycle. Given this background, the safety of OTC and TTC taking into account the epigenetic profile has to be clarified. Cryopreservation of mature germ cells (including Metaphase II oocytes and mature spermatozoa collected via ejaculation or more invasively after testicular biopsy) or embryos has been used successfully for many years in Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). However, tissue freezing followed by in vitro or in vivo gametogenesis has become more attractive in the past, while few human studies have analysed the epigenetic effects, with most data deriving from animal studies. In this review, we highlight the potential influence of the cryopreservation of immature germ cells and subsequent in vivo or in vitro growth and differentiation on the epigenetic profile in humans and animals.
Current Data and Future Perspectives on Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Cancer
Authors: De Luca Leonardo , Bisceglia Irma , Camilli Massimiliano , Canali Maria Laura , Mistrulli Raffaella , Andreoli Federico , Giacalone Guido , Gabrielli Domenico
Published: June 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasingly recognized comorbidity in patients with cancer. Indeed, cancer patients have a significantly higher incidence of AF than that observed in the general population. A reciprocal relationship between these two diseases has been observed, as much as some assume AF as a marker for occult cancer screening, especially in older adults. The pathophysiological mechanisms are many and varied, including the underlying pro-inflammatory state, specific treatments (chemo and radiotherapy) and surgery. The therapeutic management of patients with cancer and AF involves the same rhythm and frequency control strategies as the general population; however, the numerous interactions with chemotherapeutics, which lead to a significant increase in side effects, as well as the extreme fragility of the patient should be considered. Anticoagulant therapy is also a complex challenge to address, as bleeding and stroke risk scores have not been fully assessed in this subpopulation. Furthermore, in large studies establishing the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), cancer patients have been underrepresented. In this review, we elaborate on mechanisms linking AF to cancer patients with a particular focus on therapeutic challenges in this population.
Factors Associated with Depression, Anxiety and Somatic Symptoms Among International Salespeople in the Medical Device Industry: A Cross-sectional Study in China
Authors: Mao Beibei , Kanjanarat Penkarn , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Permsuwan Unchalee , O'Donnell Ronald
Published: June 2023

Background: Physical and mental health of corporate employees is equally important, especially in international salespeople in the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device industry. The rapid growth of the IVD market is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases. This study aims to identify the association of socio-demographic, occupational, organizational, and psychosocial factors with mental health outcomes for depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in Chinese IVD international salespeople. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey of ISs in IVD companies officially registered in China. An online survey was designed to collect data through email contact with IVD companies and social media between August 2022 and March 2023. Measured factors included effort-reward imbalance (ERI), health-promoting leadership (HPL), health climate (HC), inner strength (IS), and perceived social support (PSS). Mental health outcomes assessed using the Core Symptom Index (CSI) were depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Results: A total of 244 salespeople responded to the survey. CSI scores indicated that 18.4% (n = 45) and 10.2% (n = 25) of the respondents had symptoms of major depression and anxiety, respectively. ERI was positively correlated, while the IS and PSS were negatively correlated with major depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms (p < .01). Health climate was negatively correlated with major depression (p < .05). Education background was associated with somatic symptoms (p < .05). ERI, IS, and gender were significant predictors of major depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms (p < .05). Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety in China’s IVD international salespeople was considered low compared with prevalence in Chinese populations during COVID-19, but higher than those before the pandemic. Effort–reward imbalance, inner strength, and gender were significant factors in major depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms among IVD international salespeople.
RELMα and Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling: a Multi-Strain Murine Model of Antigen and Urban Ambient PM Co-Exposure
Authors: Durmus Nedim , Chen Wen Chi , Park Sung-Hyun , Marsh Leigh , Kwon Sophia , Nolan Anna , Grunig Gabriele
Published: June 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has a high mortality, and few treatment options. Adaptive immune mediators of PH in mice challenged with antigen/particulate matter (antigen/PM) has been the focus of our prior work. We identified key roles of type 2 and type 17 responses in C57BL/6 mice. Here, we focused on type 2 response related cytokines, specifically Resistin-like-molecule (RELM)α, a critical mediator of hypoxia-induced PH. Because of strain differences in the immune responses to type 2 stimuli, we compared C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice. A model of intraperitoneal antigen sensitization with subsequent, intranasal challenges with antigen/PM (ovalbumin and urban ambient PM2.5) or saline was used in C57BL/6 and BALB/c wild type or RELMα-/- mice. Vascular remodeling was assessed by histology, right ventricular (RV) pressure, RV weights and cytokines were quantified. Upon challenge with antigen/PM2.5, both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice developed pulmonary vascular remodeling; these changes were more prominent in the C57BL/6 strain. Compared to wild type mice, RELMα-/- had significantly reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling in BALB/c, but not in C57BL/6 mice. RV weights, RV IL-33 and RV ST2-IL-33-receptor were significantly increased in BALB/c wild type mice, but not in BALB/c-RELMα-/- or in C57BL/6-wild type or C57BL/6-RELMα-/- mice. RV systolic pressures (RVSP) were higher in BALB/c compared to C57BL/6J mice, and RELMα-/- were not different from their respective wild type controls. In BALB/c mice, RELMα was a key contributor to antigen/PM2.5 induced pulmonary vascular remodeling, RV thickening and RV cytokine responses, highlighting the significance of the genetic background. The RELMα-/- animals demonstrated significantly decreased expression of RELMβ and RELM which makes these mice comparable to a situation where human RELMα levels would be significantly modified, as humans only have one RELM molecule.
Reliability of Universal-Platform-Based VoiceScreen Application in AVQI Measurements Captured With Different Smartphones
Authors: Uloza Virgilijus , Ulozaite Staniene Nora , Petrauskas Tadas , Pribuišis Kipras , Blažauskas Tomas , Damaševičius Robertas , Maskeliūnas Rytis
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to develop the universal-platform-based (UPB) application suitable for different smartphones for estimation of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) and evaluate its reliability in AVQI measurements and normal and pathological voice differentiation.
Our study group consisted of 135 adult individuals, including 49 with normal voices and 86 pa-tients with pathological voices. The developed UPB "VoiceSreen" application installed on five iOS and Android smartphones was used for AVQI estimation. The AVQI measures calculated from voice recordings obtained from a reference studio microphone were compared with AVQI results obtained using smartphones. The diagnostic accuracy of differentiating normal and pathological voice was evaluated by applying receiver-operating characteristics.
The one-way ANOVA analysis did not detect statistically significant differences between mean AVQI scores revealed using a studio microphone and different smartphones (F= 0.759; p = 0.58). Almost perfect direct linear correlations (r= 0.991- 0.987) were observed between the AVQI results obtained with a studio microphone and different smartphones. An acceptable level of precision of AVQI in discriminating between normal and pathological voices was yielded, with areas under the curve (AUC) displaying 0.834 – 0.862. There were no statistically significant differences between the AUCs (p > 0.05) obtained from studio and smartphone’ microphones. The significant differ-ence revealed between the AUCs was only 0.028. The UPB "VoiceScreen" application represents an accurate and robust tool for voice quality measurement and normal vs. pathological voice screening purposes, demonstrating the potential to be used by patients and clinicians for voice assessment employing both iOS and Android smartphones.
Merasa Asing dan Salah Tempat: Fenomena Uncanny dalam Novel Rubber Karya Madelon Syekely Lulofs
Authors: Sudibyo
Published: June 2023

Life on plantations in the first half of the 20th century, which was autonomous, gave a great freedom to the planters. They worked on the plantations almost without any interferences from the colonial government in Batavia. Everything related to the plantation companies was the initiative and policy of the planters themselves. However, the difference between reality and what they dreamed of before when they were still in the Netherlands eventually led to various uncanny phenomena such as feeling alienated, odd, and displaced. This paper aimed to reveal these various phenomena in Rubber's novel by using Homi K. Bhabha's postcolonialism theory which drew inspiration from Freud's psychoanalytic theory of unheimlich. The method used was the close reading method with the poststructuralism assumption that the text did not convey what appeared to be said at first, what will be said, or what is expected to be said. For this reason, reading was carried out carefully and repeatedly on lingual units in the form of text or fragments in Rubber in order that every sign, ideas and statements had meanings.
ASSESSING PALEOECOLOGICAL DATA RETENTION AMONG DISPARATE FIELD COLLECTION REGIMES: A CASE STUDY AT THE MYGATT-MOORE QUARRY (MORRISON FORMATION)
Authors: MCHUGH JULIA B. , DRUMHELLER STEPHANIE K. , KANE MIRIAM , RIEDEL ANJA , NESTLER JENNIFER H.
Published: June 2023

Field work protocols in the recovery of vertebrate fossils can vary between sites, and also within sites, due to differing researcher goals. Disparate researcher priorities can affect the resulting collections in terms of species richness, size distribution, specimen completeness, taphonomic condition, and aesthetic value. We examined paleoecological data, in the form of bone surface modifications (e.g., abrasion, feeding traces, etc.), from a single site worked by multiple collectors to determine the sensitivity of this type of data to collector bias. We examined 2,368 fossils from the Mygatt-Moore Quarry and divided them into two cohorts: 2016–2019 (bulk collection under a single collector) and pre-2016 (mixed collectors and priorities). Frequencies of modified bone surfaces were then calculated in each cohort among the recovered specimens. However, the specimens within the cohorts were of unequal size, completeness, and amount of preserved surface area, making inferences of modified bone surface frequencies difficult. To correct for unequal morphologies and preservation, we estimated the percentage of altered surface area among specimens by overlaying photos with a 4.0 cm2 digital grid to create a digital set of equal sized fragments. With such a large dataset, we took a random 10% subsample of specimens from each cohort for the grid study. We estimated the sample size needed to accurately reflect the frequency of bone surface modifications by specimen and surface area for each cohort. Results show the recovery of modified bone surfaces between the two cohorts was highly disparate, and potentially sensitive to the effects of collector bias when using specimen-level data. However, frequencies based on estimates of surface area were much more consistent and appeared to equalize data between cohorts and showed little influence of collector bias on data recovery. Thus, the traditional method of calculating frequencies using specimen-level data may create an illusion of bias that is removed when frequencies are calculated from estimated bone surface area. We posit that the digital fragmentation method is more informative when comparing paleoecological traces between datasets and should be applied to fossil assemblages going forward, especially when collection protocols between assemblages are significantly different or unknown.
Study on Stress-Type Rockburst Mechanism Based on Continuous-Discontinuous Element Method
Authors: Chen Kezhu , Li Tianbin , Gao Meiben , Ma Chunchi , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2023

Rockburst plays a serious threat to personnel and equipment during underground engineering construction. The study of the rockburst mechanism is helpful to its prediction and prevention. Based on the characteristic analysis of a large number of rockburst cases, Li et al. proposed three stress-type and three stress-structural rockbursts and obtained the geological characteristics and occurrence criteria of these rockbursts, but the evolution process of rockbursts is still unclear. Based on the continuous-discontinuous element method, the characteristics of failure process, surrounding rock stress, motion, and energy of three stress-rockburst blocks are analyzed. The results show that rockburst failure generally goes through several stages, such as a few surfaces tensile failure, shallow shear failure, deep extension of tensile failure, shear failure communication, and rockburst occurrence. The total volume of rockburst blocks and the main distribution intervals of block diameters for different types of rockbursts are quite different, which are mainly affected by stress state and geological structure. The ejection velocity of the small block is always higher than that of the large block during the same one rockburst simulation, and the ejection velocity of the small block is from the surface. In the process of rockburst, not only the elastic strain energy is released but also the elastic strain energy is accumulated. The greater the rockburst intensity, the more the elastic strain energy is released, and the steeper the prepeak curve of elastic strain energy. The research results provide a reference for further understanding the mechanism of rockburst and lay a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of rockburst in underground engineering.
Laboratory NMR Study to Quantify the Water Saturation of Partially Saturated Porous Rocks
Authors: Ge Xinmin , Mao Guangda , Hu Song , Li Jun , Zuo Fu , Zhang Renxia , Xing Lanchang
Published: June 2023

The low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique is widely used as a noninvasive method to characterize the water content of subsurface porous media, such as aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs, but the quantitative correlation between the water saturation and the NMR relaxation signal has not been fully addressed. We conducted a laboratory study to measure the NMR signals of sandstone samples with different water saturations and to develop an empirical model for estimating the water saturation. The partially saturatinthe irreducible water saturationg states were derived by a high-speed centrifuge. The result shows that the water saturation is proportional to the geometric mean of the transverse relaxation time and can be fitted through a power function. Moreover, it has been found that the fitting parameters vary with the porosity and exhibit similar behaviors with the parameters of the classical Archie equation. The water saturation as well as its mobility state can be estimated with the NMR signals and porosity data. The proposed method has the potential to be applied to detect and quantify the water content in vadose zones, phreatic aquifers, permafrost regions, and gas hydrate reservoirs.
Model Evaluasi Pembelajaran dengan Dimensi Gender Social Inclusion pada Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Nikmah Asmidati Rofiatul
Published: June 2023

Dalam dunia pendidikan, evaluasi dapat diartikan sebagai proses yang dilakukan oleh seorang guru untuk mengetahui sejauh mana keberhasilan suatu program pembelajaran sudah tercapai dan dilaksanakan secara berkesinambungan. Evaluasi hasil belajar siswa dilakukan oleh pendidik untuk memantau sejauhmana keberhasilan dan kemajuan belajar siswa. Evaluasi pembelajaran diartikan sebagai suatu proses untuk menentukan tingkat pencapaian dalam pembelajaran sesuai dengan tujuan yang telah ditetapkan. Permasalahan dilatarbelakangi oleh evaluasi pembelajaran yang dilakukan di sekolah dengan tidak melibatkan peran GSI didalamnya. Hal ini akan mengakibatkan evaluasi pembelajaran tidak bisa berjalan dengan adil dan efektif. Evaluasi pembelajaran, harus memperhatikan dari aspek gender, sosial, dan inklusi peserta didik. Hal ini dilakukan supaya guru dapat menerapkan model, sistem, media, dan strategi pembelajaran, setelah melakukan proses evaluasi. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan evaluasi pembelajaran dengan dimensi GSI pada Sekolah Dasar. Analisis difokuskan pada aspek evaluasi pembelajaran dengan melibatkan peran GSI pada Sekolah Dasar.Metode penelitian yang digunakan berupa metode penelitian library research.Hasil penelitian ini, peneliti memandang bahwa kegiatan evaluasi pembelajaran harus dilakukan dengan melibatkan dimensi GSI didalamnya, supaya kegiatan pembelajaran kedepannya dapat lebih baik tanpa memandang perbedaan dan tanpa melakukan diskriminatif.Kata Kunci: Evaluasi Pembelajaran, Dimensi GSIAbstract:In the world of education, evaluation can be interpreted as a process carried out by a teacher to find out the extent to which the success of a learning program has been achieved and implemented on an ongoing basis. Evaluation of student learning outcomes is carried out by educators to monitor the success and progress of student learning. Learning evaluation is defined as a process to determine the level of achievement in learning in accordance with the goals that have been set. The problem was motivated by the evaluation of learning carried out in schools that did not involve the role of GSI in it. This will result in the evaluation of learning cannot run fairly and effectively. Evaluation of learning, must pay attention to aspects of gender, social, and student inclusion. This is done so that teachers can apply models, systems, media, and learning strategies, after carrying out the evaluation process. This paper aims to describe the evaluation of learning with GSI dimensions in elementary schools. The analysis focused on the aspect of learning evaluation by involving the role of GSI in elementary schools. The research method used is a library research method. The results of this study, researchers view that learning evaluation activities must be carried out by involving the GSI dimensionin it, so that future learning activities can be better regardless of differences andwithout discriminating.Keywords: Learning Evaluation, GSI Dimension
Incorporating Hybrid Technology of CSS + Foam in Heavy Oil Field Development Plans: Practical Experiences and Lessons Learned
Authors: Perez R. A. , Rodriguez H. A. , Romero J. E. , Alvarez J. S. , Hernandez S. , Luque I. , Cadena M. , Ricardo M. , Barrios H. , Villadiego D. , Garcia J. C. , Cipagauta J. A. , Rondon M. , Manrique E.
Published: June 2023

Using preformed foams to improve cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) has been under study by Ecopetrol since 2018. The research and development project included laboratory evaluations to select a foaming agent, a detailed well selection using reservoir engineering and simulation analysis, the development of a wellhead device to preform a stable foam at surface conditions, well treatment design, injection schedule, and technological monitoring tests. The field results showed benefits in incremental oil production, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon intensity reduction. Based on those outcomes and trying to extend the production life of mature assets, the hybrid technology of CSS + Foam improvements was incorporated into the heavy oil field development plans of the Middle Magdalena Valley basin (MMV), Colombia.

In the last year, more than thirty (30) wells have been injected with preformed foam improvement before the steam cycle. The methodology includes preinjection laboratory evaluations to mitigate emulsion formation or compatibility problems, well selection and performance forecast, a wellhead device to control fluids (foaming agent and nitrogen) to generate the foam, and the chemical and geochemical surveillance process. Based on the field experiences, a description of the results in terms of incremental oil, energy efficiency, carbon intensity, and protocols of QAQC of injected foam and produced fluid are presented.

Systematic monitoring of oil production response showed that most wells reported 50% incremental oil production (2,000 – 4,000 stbo/cycle) from baseline, more than 60% improvement in energy efficiency (MMBTU/stbo), and a 50% reduction in carbon intensity (CO2/stbo) by extending steam cycles (> 6-12 months). Additionally, the chemical analysis indicated that no residual foaming agent was detected in production, which avoids emulsions and problems in production facilities that represent the costs of additional chemical additives. The methodology developed to control foaming generation (water injection rate and foaming agent concentration) led to a high-quality and stable foam.

This study shows a novel and representative insight into the best practices and recommendations to implement and monitor CSS + foam plans as a strategy to improve oil recovery in mature wells and avoid stranded assets in agreement with the energy transition plans.
Prevalence of co-trimoxazole resistance against bacterial isolates from children with diarrhea in Ethiopia: Systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Embaye Saba Mehari , Amaha Nebyu Daniel , Muthoka Esther Nthenya , Abebe Abigya , Mesfin Tgist , Kazambe Dorothy , Ahmedin Mediha , Usmael Kedir , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: June 2023

Background: South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa account for about 90% of all diarrheal fatalities in children worldwide. The World Health Organization guideline suggests the use of co-trimoxazole in the management of bloody diarrhea, cholera, and invasive bacterial diarrhea in children. However, there are reports on the inappropriate and empirical use of co-trimoxazole for the management of diarrhea in Ethiopia. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of bacterial resistance against co-trimoxazole from stool isolates of diarrheic children in Ethiopia and to identify the factors associated with it.
Methods:We conducted a comprehensive database search in PubMed and Embase electronic databases to retrieve studies published between 2000 and 2021. We assessed heterogeneity across studies using Higgin's I² test statistic and Cochrane Q test. We used a random-effects model to pool the proportion of bacterial resistance. We evaluated publication bias using a funnel plot and Egger's regression test. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool was used to measure the quality of the papers included.
Results: We included 20 eligible studies (1040 isolates) reporting the antimicrobial resistance of Shigella, Salmonella, E.coli,and Campylobacter against co-trimoxazole. The pooled proportion of co-trimoxazole resistance to the four diarrheagenic enteropathogens was 50.3 % with (95%CI: 41.7%-58.8%). We carried out a subgroup analysis based on four factors; bacterial species, participants’ age, region, study setting and sample size. The highest resistance was E. coli, 62.3 % (95%CI; 38%-83%) followed by Shigella 51.4% (95%CI; 38%-64%). There was a significant difference in the co-trimoxazole resistance of studies that had a sample size above 250 participants (58.5%) versus studies having a sample size below 250 (34.2%). However, there was no significant difference in co-trimoxazole resistance between children aged below 5 years compared with children above 5 years.
Conclusion: Bacterial isolates from the stool of diarrheic Ethiopian children have shown resistance to co-trimoxazole. E. coli showed the highest resistance among the isolates. Therefore, we need to exercise caution in the over-the-counter use of co-trimoxazole and promote the rational use and prescribing practice of co-trimoxazole by healthcare providers. Prevention interventions such as safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and handwashing with soap can reduce disease risk and the use of antibiotic use. Additionally, breastfeeding and rotavirus vaccination can also reduce the incidence of acute gastroenteritis in young children.
Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42023281838.
Sex and age differences in social and cognitive function in offspring exposed to late gestational hypoxia
Authors: Mabry Steve , Wilson E. Nicole , Bradshaw Jessica L. , Gardner Jennifer J. , Fadeyibi Oluwadarasimi , Vera Edward , Osikoya Oluwatobiloba , Cushen Spencer C. , Karamichos Dimitrios , Goulopoulou Styliani , Cunningham Rebecca L.
Published: June 2023

Background: Gestational sleep apnea affects 8-26% of pregnancies and can increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. To examine the relationship between gestational sleep apnea and ASD-associated behaviors, we used a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) protocol between gestational days (GD) 15-19 in pregnant rats to model late gestational sleep apnea. We hypothesized that late gestational CIH would produce sex- and age-specific social, mood, and cognitive impairments in offspring.
Methods: Timed pregnant Long-Evans rats were exposed to CIH or room air normoxia from GD 15-19. Behavioral testing of offspring occurred during either puberty or young adulthood. To examine ASD-associated phenotypes, we quantified ASD-associated behaviors (social function, repetitive behaviors, anxiety-like behaviors, and spatial memory and learning), hippocampal activity (glutamatergic NMDA receptors, dopamine transporter, monoamine oxidase-A, EGR-1, and doublecortin), and circulating hormones in offspring.
Results: Late gestational CIH induced sex- and age-specific differences in social, repetitive and memory functions in offspring. These effects were mostly transient and present during puberty. In female pubertal offspring, CIH impaired social function, increased repetitive behaviors, and increased circulating corticosterone levels, but did not impact memory. In contrast, CIH transiently induced spatial memory dysfunction in pubertal male offspring but did not impact social or repetitive functions. Long-term effects of gestational CIH were only observed in female offspring, wherein CIH induced social disengagement and suppression of circulating corticosterone levels in young adulthood. No effects of gestational CIH were observed on anxiety-like behaviors, hippocampal activity, circulating testosterone levels, or circulating estradiol levels, regardless of sex or age of offspring.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that hypoxia-associated pregnancy complications during late gestation can increase the risk for ASD-associated behavioral and physiological outcomes, such as pubertal social dysfunction, corticosterone dysregulation, and memory impairments.
Modeling policy pathways to maximize renewable energy growth and investment in Democratic Republic of the Congo using OSeMOSYS
Authors: Dalder Jacob , Oluleye Gbemi , Yeganyan Rudolf , Tan Naomi , Cannone Carla , Howells Mark
Published: June 2023

Keeping global warming from evolving into irreversible climate disaster requires immediate and sustained decarbonization of global energy systems. Of urgent priority are the energy systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where billions of people are projected to gain energy access in the next several decades. Therefore, leapfrogging traditional fossil fuel-based electricity production in favor of renewable energy technologies is a critical issue area for sustainability. Political and economic challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) mean $44B in external investment is required to achieve its 2030 emissions reduction targets. Additionally, renewable energy technologies (RETs) are often more expensive.
This study sought to generate, evaluate, and recommend possible national policies for the DRC government to implement to most effectively boost growth and investment in RETs through 2065. Market-based instruments were identified as the policy type most practical for DRC. Modeling the resulting energy systems for policy pathways involving a 16% RET subsidy, a 70% fossil fuel tax, and both in combination relative to no-policy baseline scenarios, the scenarios including the tax had the lowest net costs ($304-306B) and the highest proportion of RETs (above 90%). Additionally, despite current reliance on hydropower to fulfill 98% of its energy needs, hydropower plays a very minor role in all modeled scenarios (no future investment beyond residual capacity). Finally, a post-modeling market potential assessment was performed on the technology that dominated off-grid supply across policy pathways: the 0.3 kW small solar home system (SHS). Based on learning rates for solar PV, demand for the small SHS system in DRC (>160 million units in total) was found to be sufficient to substantially reduce the unit cost as deployment scales.
Putting results into context, emissions reductions for the policy pathways were higher than a past study focused on distributed RETs in DRC, and system costs were 15% higher than estimated in other analysis. These results provide a novel contribution to the literature by demonstrating how financial incentive policies can influence RET uptake in DRC specifically. Ultimately, this study yielded four policy recommendations for the DRC government:
1. Pursue financial incentives to catalyze DRC’s renewable energy supply
2. Tax fossil fuel energy production
3. Re-evaluate focus on hydropower
4. Promote DRC as a healthy market for solar home systems
Stabilizing ruthenium dioxide with cation-anchored sulfate for durable oxygen evolution in PEMWE
Authors: Xue Yanrong , Zhao Jiwu , Huang Liang , Lu Ying Rui , Malek Abdul , Gao Ge , Zhuang Zhongbin , Wang Dingsheng , Lu Xu
Published: June 2023

Ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) is considered as the most promising alternative to the prevailing but expensive iridium (Ir)-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). However, the stability of RuO2 in PEMWEs has remained poor due to the over-oxidation of under-coordinated lattice oxygen (O) and the consequent formation of O vacancies (Vo) at high oxidation potentials under acidic corrosive conditions. Here, we propose an oxyacid anion protection mechanism to prevent the formation of Vo on the RuO2 surface by forming coordination-saturated lattice O. Combining density functional theory calculations, electrochemical measurements, and a suite of operando spectroscopies, we showcase that barium (Ba)-anchored sulfate can greatly impede Ru loss and extend the lifetime of Ru-based catalysts during acidic OER while maintaining the activity. The as-prepared Ba0.3(SO4)δW0.2Ru0.5O2−δ, when integrated into a PEMWE using 0.5 M H2SO4 as the electrolyte, can be stably operated for > 300 h at 500 mA cm−2. This work paves a new way for designing stable and active OER catalysts toward acidic water splitting.
Stroke Pathway performance and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in a first level Stroke Unit in Northen Italy: an observational study
Authors: Camporesi Jacopo , Strumia Silvia , Pilla Andrea Di , Paolucci Matteo , Orsini Diego , Assorgi Chiara , Cacciuttolo Maria Gabriella , Specchia Maria Lucia
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim
Performance assessment of the Stroke Pathway is a key element in healthcare quality. The aim of this study has been to carry out a retrospective assessment of the Stroke Pathway in a first level Stroke Unit in Italy, analyzing the temporal trend of the Stroke Pathway performance and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was carried out analyzing data from 1/01/2010 to 31/12/2020. The following parameters were considered: volume and characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis, baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, Onset-to-Door (OTD), Door-To-Imaging (DTI) and Door-To-Needle (DTN) Times, mRS score 3 months after the ischemic event onset (3m-mRS) and NIHSS score 24 hours after the ischemic event onset (24h-NIHSS). The study also compared the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (March-December 2019) with the one immediately following it (March-December 2020).
Results
418 patients were included. Over time, treatment was extended to older patients (mean age from 66.3 to 75.51 years; p = 0.006) and with a higher level of baseline disability (baseline mRS score from 0.22 to 1.22; p = 0.000). A statistically significant reduction over the years was found for DTN, going from 90 minutes to 61 minutes (p = 0.000) with also an increase in the number of thrombolysis performed within the “golden hour” – more than 50% in 2019 and more of 60% in 2020. Comparing pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic periods, the number of patients remained almost unchanged, but with a significantly higher baseline disability (mRS = 1.18 vs 0.72, p = 0.048). The pre-hospital process indicator OTD increased from 88.13 to 118.48 minutes, although without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.197). Despite the difficulties for hospitals due to pandemic, the hospital process indicators DTI and DTN remained substantially unchanged, as well as the clinical outcome indicators 3m-mRS, NHISS and 24h-NHISS.
Conclusions
The results of the retrospective assessment of the Stroke Pathway highlighted its positive impact both on hospital processes and patients’ outcomes, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that the current performance is aligning itself with international goals. Moreover, the analysis showed the need of improvement actions for both hospital and pre-hospital phases. The Stroke Pathway should be improved with the thrombolysis starting in the diagnostic imaging department in order to further reduce the DTN score. Moreover, health education initiatives involving all the stakeholders should be promoted, also by using social media, to increase population awareness on timely recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and emergence medical services usage.
Clinical analysis of 7 cases of cryptogenic new-onset refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Diao Haiyan , Wang Yanhong , QU Haixia , Ren Gang , Wang Zhijun , Wang Hailong , Pang Qian , Xiang Naibing
Published: June 2023

Background
There are relatively few studies related to new-onset refractory status epilepticus(NORSE), in which patients with cryptogenic NORSE have more frequent and longer duration seizures than patients with a clear etiology, are more likely to develop drug-refractory epilepsy and have a more likely prognosis of severe cognitive impairment. We have conducted a series of case studies to investigate the treatment options and prognosis of NORSE.
Methods
Seven adult patients with cryptogenic NORSE who were treated at the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June 2016 to April 2022 were reviewed. We collected basic information and clinical data of the study subjects, including demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and imaging data, medication use, and prognostic regression; the prognosis was assessed by a modified Rankin Scale score (MRS).
Results
The median age of the 7 patients with cryptogenic NORSE was 32 years (interquartile range 25.00–39.00), and 4 patients(57.1%) were male. 6 patients(85.7%) had a history of prodromal fever; 2 (28.6%) patients received high-dose propofol and midazolam and 5 (71.4%) patients received high-dose phenobarbital, of which 4 patients(57.1%) were treated with a ketogenic diet KD. The overall mortality rate was 28.6% (2/7), with 2 patients dying during hospitalization (both treated with high-dose propofol and midazolam). Of all surviving patients at discharge, 3 patients(60%) had an mRS score of 2, and 2 patients (40%) had an mRS score of 4. In the 3-month post-discharge follow-up data, all surviving patients had an mRS score of 2.
Conclusion
In a retrospective description of our cohort high-dose phenobarbital and a ketogenic diet were found to be probably safe and effective in the treatment of cryptogenic NORSE.
Microgrid TestBed for Temporal Forecasting by Converting Stochastic Behaviour into a Stable Pattern
Authors: Qashou Akram , Yousef Sufian
Published: June 2023

The malfunction variables of power stations are related to the areas of weather, physical structure, control, and load behavior. To predict temporal power failure is difficult due to their unpredictable characteristics. As high accuracy is normally required, the estimation of failures of short-term temporal prediction is highly difficult. This study presents a method for converting stochastic behavior into a stable pattern, which can subsequently be used in a short-term estimator. For this conversion, K-means clustering is employed, followed by Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) algorithms are used to perform the Short-term estimation. The environment, the operation, and the generated signal factors are all simulated using mathematical models. Weather parameters and load samples have been collected as part of a dataset. Monte-Carlo simulation using MATLAB programming has been used to conduct experimental estimation of failures. The estimated failures of the experiment are then compared with the actual system temporal failures and found to be in good match. Therefore, for any future power grid there is a ready testbed to estimate the future failures.
Impact of SGLT-2 inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal outcomes according to baseline renal function A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mavrakanas Thomas A. , Tsoukas Michael A. , Brophy James M. , Sharma Abhinav , Gariani Karim
Published: June 2023

Introduction
The effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal outcomes has not been systematically reviewed across baseline kidney function groups. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) with SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with and without CKD.
Methods
We performed a PubMed/Medline search of randomized, placebo-controlled, event-driven outcome trials of SGLT-2 inhibitors versus active or placebo control in patients with and without diabetes from inception to November 2022. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (PROSPERO registration CRD4202016054). The primary outcome was cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization for heart failure, major adverse cardiovascular events, CKD progression, all-cause mortality, treatment discontinuation, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The relative risk (RR) was estimated using a random-effects model.
Results
Twelve RCTs were included in this meta-analysis (89191 patients, including 38949 with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2). Use of an SGLT-2 inhibitor in patients with CKD was associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular death (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.79–0.95) and of heart failure (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.61–0.75), compared with placebo. Heart failure risk reduction with SGLT-2 inhibitors was larger among patients with CKD compared with patients without CKD (RR for the interaction 0.87, 95% CI 0.75–1.02, and p-value for interaction 0.08). SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with a lower incidence of CKD progression among patients with pre-existing CKD: RR 0.77 (95% CI 0.68–0.88), compared with placebo. Among patients with CKD, a lower risk of AKI (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.72–0.93) and treatment discontinuation was seen with SGLT-2 inhibitors compared with placebo.
Conclusion
SGLT-2 inhibitors offer substantial protection against cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with CKD. These results strongly advocate in favor of using them in patients with CKD and keeping them as kidney function declines.
Photocatalysis-PMS oxidation system based on CQDs-doped carbon nitride nanosheets for degradation of residual drugs in water
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Bai Yibo , Han Che , Li Zaimei , Lun Xiaowen , Zhang Conglu
Published: June 2023

A novel CQDs-doped carbon nitride nanosheets composite (CNS/CQDs) for visible light-induced activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for meloxicam (Mel) and tetracycline (TC) degradation was studied. The photocatalytic degradation of Mel and TC were remarkably promoted by CNS/CQDs under the simultaneous action of PMS and visible light irradiation. Mel photodegradation of 99.60% was achieved over 30 min with 20 mg CNS/CQDs and 20 mg PMS at pH11. And TC photodegradation of 95.97% was achieved over 45 min with 20 mg CNS/CQDs and 20 mg PMS at nature pH. The TOC mineralization rates of Mel and TC were 75.49% and 52.00%, respectively. The enhanced photodegradation of organic pollutants could be ascribed to be the efficient activation of PMS and the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes of CNS/CQDs. Capture experiments and EPR tests showed that in the CNS/CQDs + PMS + vis system, the effective active substances for Mel were mainly ·O2-, ·SO4- and h+, while the main active substances for TC were ·O2-, h+, and ·SO4-. This study provides valid residual drugs degradation under the dual conditions of visible light catalytic oxidation and persulfate oxidation, which will be a novel perspective for advanced oxidation technology to effectively remove organic pollutants from water.
IGF-1-mediated FOXC1 overexpression induces stem-like properties through upregulating CBX7 and IGF-1R in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: WU HAO , Li Zhaoxing , Zhang Zehua , Fang Kang , Chu Yuan , Zhao Ziying , Sun Mingchuang , Feng Anqi , Leng Zhuyun , Zhang Li , Chen Tao , Xu Meidong
Published: June 2023

Many evidences confirm that CSC plays an important role in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. As a member of the forkhead frame(FOX)family, FOXC1 plays a significant role in embryonic development and organogenesis. In addition, FOXC1 has been shown to be overexpressed as a transcription factor in a variety of tumors, promoting the proliferation, migration ability, drug resistance, and maintaining stem-cell like properties. However, there are few studies on its role in ESCC. We found that FOXC1 expression was upregulated in ESCC and correlated with poor prognosis. Downregulation of FOXC1 inhibited ESCC tumorigenesis, proliferative ability, and tolerance to chemotherapeutic agents, while reducing the expression of stemness-related markers CD44 and CD133. Further studies verified that FOXC1 induced ESCC stemness by transactivating of CBX7 and IGF-1R. In addition, IGF-1 activated PI3K/AKT/NF-κB and MEK/ERK/NF-κB pathways by binding to IGF-1R which increased FOXC1 expression. Conversely, suppressing FOXC1 impeded the ESCC stemness induced by IGF-1. A positive feedback loop of IGF-1-FOXC1-IGF-1R is present, which suggests that FOXC1 could serve as a prognostic biomarker for ESCC. Additionally, targeting IGF-1-FOXC1-IGF-1R may be a promising approach for anti-CSC therapy in ESCC.