bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The digestive vacuole of the malaria parasite: a specialized lysosome
Authors: Wiser Mark F.
Published: February 2024

The malaria parasite resides within erythrocytes during one stage of its life cycle. During this intraerythrocytic period, the parasite ingests the erythrocyte cytoplasm and digests approximately two-thirds of the host cell hemoglobin. This digestion occurs within a lysosome-like organelle called the digestive vacuole. Several proteases are localized to the digestive vacuole and these proteases sequentially breakdown hemoglobin into small peptides, dipeptides, and amino acids. The peptides are exported into the host cytoplasm via the chloroquine-resistance transporter and an amino acid transporter has also been identified on the digestive vacuole membrane. The environment of the digestive vacuole also provides appropriate conditions for the biocrystallization of toxic heme into non-toxic hemozoin by a poorly understood process. Hemozoin formation is an attribute of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus and is not exhibited by other intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites. The efficient degradation of hemoglobin and detoxification of heme likely plays a major role in the high level of replication exhibited by malaria parasites within erythrocytes. Unique features of the digestive vacuole and the critical importance of nutrient acquisition provide therapeutic targets for the treatment of malaria.
Classification of Hotels in the Context of Sustainable Development Factors. Case Study on Public Policy in the European Union and Poland
Authors: Wszendybył-Skulska Ewa , Panasiuk Aleksander
Published: February 2024

With the growing awareness of entrepreneurs and consumers of the tourism market in the field of sustainable development, it seems necessary to base hotel classification systems on an integrated approach to management quality, including fulfilment of ecological and environmental criteria. The article aims to indicate how environmental standards are implemented in the European system of hotel classification- HotelstarsUnion and the one in force in Poland. With regards to these systems, the differences in the classification criteria taken into account within the systems of hotel categorization by certifying organizations in the European Union in relation to the administrative hotel categorization system in Poland were pointed out. Particular emphasis was placed on the criteria related to environmental management in the hotel industry. Criteria related to environmental management were identified through analysis of the content of criteria of eight environmental management systems that are applicable to the contemporary hotel market. The results of the research proved that even though the HotelstarsUnion system takes into account the principles of sustainable development to a much greater extent than the Polish one, its primary weakness is that most of its criteria related to environmental ones are optional. In addition, the optional ones have higher weights than the obligatory ones. In turn, the Polish classification system makes very little reference to environmental standards. Moreover, it is not detailed and the assessment criteria are not up to date. Therefore, it is recommended that a greater number of environmental criteria is included when updating the HotelstarsUnion system, which should be obligatory for hotels to meet. In addition, the sustainability criteria included in the HotelstarsUnion system should be adapted to the policy system aimed at the hotel industry in Poland and other EU countries.
Los movimientos de población como fuente de conflictos entre señoríos y realengo
Authors: Carpio Dueñas Juan Bautista
Published: February 2024

En presente artículo, se pretende estudiar un tipo específico de conflictos entre la ciudad de Córdoba y los señoríos nobiliarios situados en su entorno: los provocados por movimientos migratorios.
El veneno en la política. La muerte de Bemat Saportella, procurador de orihuela, a manos de los patricios
Authors: Cabezuelo Pliego José Vicente
Published: February 2024

El presente trabajo analiza el tema del crimen político referido, en este caso, a la muerte violenta de Bernat Saportella, procurador del territorio de Orihuela, suceso ocurrido en 1324. El autor describe los pormenores del suceso transmitidos por la información que sobre el particular mandó realizar el rey de Aragón. Como en otros muchos casos, la muerte violenta del procurador real en Orihuela es un ejemplo más de las consecuencias trágicas que podían traer consigo las luchas políticas cuando los intereses del poder local entraban en colisión con las necesidades del poder central defendidas por los representantes de la autoridad del rey.
Linaje y poder a través de un escrito femenino: las Memorias de Leonor López de Córdoba (s. xv)
Authors: González de Fauve María Estela , De Forteza Patricia
Published: February 2024

A partir del relato que doña Leonor López de Córdoba, integrante de una familia de nobleza media andaluza, nos ha dejado sobre los hechos de su vida y la de sus parientes, nos proponemos analizar qué elementos pone ella en juego para reivindicar la honra familiar y personal reconstruyendo, al mismo tiempo, el patrimonio perdido. En este análisis nos centramos en las creencias y mentalidades del grupo nobiliario de la baja Edad Media castellana para quien el linaje, los servicios prestados a la corona y las retribuciones correspondientes, en especial los cargos, se consideran piezas clave en la red de relaciones sociales y de poder.
La frontera enquistada: Murcia a fines de la Edad Media.
Authors: Molina Molina Ángel Luis , Jiménez Alcázar Juan Francisco
Published: February 2024

Con el final de las grandes conquistas del siglo XIII, la frontera con el recién creado reino de Granada quedó prácticamente estancada. El presente artículo estudia la situación del territorio murciano y el efecto que la presencia de la cercana frontera ejerció sobre él. Se hace referencia a organización del territorio, a la concentración de la población en grandes núcleos como Lorca, Caravaca, Cehegín y otros. Se alude también a la función que la frontera murciana ejerció, como lugar de refugio político, en el contexto de las luchas internas de la región entabladas en el siglo XV. Todo ello permite a los autores trazar un amplio panorama sobre la realidad de la región murciana durante el último siglo de la Edad Media e, incluso, analizar las repercusiones que tuvo para el territorio murciano la desaparición del reino nazarí de Granada tras su capitulación en 1492.
Los cambios en la política de formación patrimonial de la oligarquía de Sevilla a fines de la Edad Media. El ejemplo de una familia de jurados.
Authors: Borrero Fernández Mercedes
Published: February 2024

A fines del siglo xv, la introducción de nuevos miembros en el grupo oligárquico sevillano, cuando los esquemas de reparto de propiedad ya se habían consolidado, propiciará cambios importantes en la política de formación patrimonial de este grupo social tan singular como característico de la sociedad sevillana de la Baja Edad Media. En este trabajo se analiza este fenómeno a través de una familia de jurados. Con un patrimonio fundiario que ya no tiene como base el olivar y en el que se emplean nuevos sistemas de explotación, esta familia deberá hacer frente, además, a las graves coyunturas que el campo andaluz sufre en las primeras décadas del siglo xvi. Todo un ejemplo de intento de adaptación a una nueva época por parte de un grupo que siempre se caracterizó por su dinamismo económico.
Excavaciones arqueológicas en el yacimiento hispano-musulmán "Ermita de San Pedro de Alcocer".
Authors: Córdoba de la Llave Ricardo
Published: February 2024

Este artículo analiza los resultados obtenidos en la excavación realizada en el verano de 2005 en el yacimiento andalusí “Ermita de San Pedro” (El Carpió, Córdoba), lugar donde estuvo situada la población medieval de Alcocer. Se estudia la estructura de la muralla almohade y la excavación llevada a cabo en el interior de la fortificación del siglo XII.
Marginalidad, criminalización y justicia en Toledo, siglos XIV-XV.
Authors: López Gómez Óscar
Published: February 2024

Toledo, una ciudad laberíntica, de calles estrechas, empinadas y oscuras, en el siglo XV se convirtió en un escenario idóneo para la delincuencia. En tal situación, los regidores, llevados por el ansia de mantener el orden público, dispusieron toda clase de medidas, muchas de las cuales, aunque buscaban reprimir el delito, perseguían fines que iban más allá del resarcimiento de las víctimas del malhechor. A menudo la defensa de la paz pública se priorizó frente a la búsqueda objetiva de los culpables del delito, con el deseo de establecer una imagen poderosa de la justicia.
La elite local como organizadora de la vida de no privilegiado a finales de la Edad Media.
Authors: Navarro Gavilán Blanca
Published: February 2024

Este artículo muestra cómo las elites locales, mediante Ordenanzas Municipales, organizaban la vida cotidiana del resto de la población, especialmente artesanos y comerciantes. En este trabajo presentamos tres ejemplos de ciudades de la Corona de Castilla en el siglo XV: Orense, Toledo y Córdoba, prestando especial atención a esta última. El análisis de estos casos ayuda a la comprensión del funcionamiento de las ciudades castellanas en la Baja Edad Media. Consideramos de gran interés el estudio de las Ordenanzas Municipales, pues permiten conocer los problemas de los trabajadores y las soluciones proporcionadas por los poderosos.
Mindfulness-based intervention for hypertension patients with depression and/or anxiety in the community: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fan Jingchun , Zhang Hailiang , Guo Jiaohong , Zhang Xiangrong , Jiang Xiaomei , Dai Runjing , Zhao Na , Pan Weimin , Bao Shisan
Published: February 2024

Objective
To evaluate mindfulness-based intervention for hypertension with depression and/or anxiety.
Methods
A 10-week mindfulness-based intervention, including health education about hypertension, which only for control group, was applied to intervention group to sooth sixty hypertension patients with depression/anxiety. Patients Health Questionnaire 9-items (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale-7 items (GAD-7) were used to assess severity of depressive and/or anxiety; in conjunction with blood pressure (BP) measured twice daily. The study used the self-made self-efficacy scale and awareness of physical and mental health to evaluate the mental health and state.
Results
The depression PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scores reduced by 21.1% or 17.8% in the mindfulness-based intervention group, compared to the control (Z=-2.040, P = 0.041) post 10 week period, suggesting significant reduced anxiety/stress. These results were consistent with reduction of systolic BP of 12.24 mm Hg (t = 6.041, P = 0.000). The self-efficacy score of the mindfulness intervention group was significantly improved compared to the control (t = 7.818, P < 0.001), while the awareness rate of physical and mental health of the mindfulness intervention group was significantly improved compared to the control (χ2 = 5.781, P = 0.016).
Conclusion
Mindfulness-based intervention reduces the severity of depression and/or anxiety, improves BP in hypertensive patients, as well as, improved self-efficacy score.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028258. Registered 16 December 2019, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=43627.
Climate change dominates the increasing exposure of global population to compound heatwave and humidity extremes in the future
Authors: Wei Yiheng , She Dunxian , Xia Jun , Wang Gangsheng , Zhang Qin , Huang Shengzhi , Zhang Yu , Wang Tianyue
Published: February 2024

Under global warming, compound event arises increasing attract as it can lead to a growing impact on water resources management, human society, and ecosystem, especially for the compound heatwave and humidity extremes (CHHE), which can exert harmful influence on human health. However, the understanding of changes in CHHE both in the historical and future, and attribution of global population exposure to CHHE are far from enough. In this study, we selected the wet-bulb temperature (Tw) to define the CHHE, and used the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) data to investigate future changes in global CHHE. Furthermore, we quantified the relative contributions of population, climate change and their interaction effect to the change in population exposure to CHHE. We found that all scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) show an increasing trend of CHHE. For SSP5-8.5, the global mean Tw will increase by 7°C, and the northern North America and central Africa experience warming approaching 10°C by the end of 21st century. Under SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5, large equatorial regions will witness Tw exceeding 35°C resulting in an exposure of 105 million person-days. All the scenarios presented an increase in population exposure to CHHE, which is mainly contributed by climate change (50%-90%) rather than population under different scenarios. We also found that the contribution of population-climate interaction is significantly higher in Africa than in other regions, which mainly due to high population growth rates in the future. Our study provides scientific basis and useful information for the development of adaptation strategies to reduce disaster risks caused by CHHE.
Obtaining artifact-corrected signals in fiber photometry: Isosbestic signals, robust regression and dF/F calculations
Authors: Keevers Luke J. , McNally Gavan P. , Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel Philip
Published: February 2024

Fiber photometry is a powerful tool to measure a wide variety of brain dynamics from targeted cells and circuits in freely-behaving animals. However, measured biosensor signals are contaminated by various artifacts (photobleaching, movement-related, noise) that undermine analysis and interpretation. Here, we consider existing approaches for obtaining artifact-corrected neural dynamic signals from fiber photometry data. We show using real and simulated photometry data that a specific form of robust regression, iteratively reweighted least squares (IRLS), is preferable to ordinary least squares (OLS) regression for fitting isosbestic signals to experimental signals. We also demonstrate the efficacy of low-pass filtering signals and baseline-normalization via dF/F calculations. Considerations and recommendations for analyses, including methods for detrending and normalization are discussed.
A Semantic Retrieval Algorithm for Enterprise Archives Based on Bert-BiGRU-CRF-Harris Hawk Model
Authors: Liu Zhenzhong
Published: February 2024

The extracted enterprise archive text is depicted through relationship extraction and semantic analysis to simplify the archive retrieval efficiency and reduce communication costs. As a foundational work for newcomers, it begins with a comprehensive review of the latest developments in semantic retrieval technologies, offering a rapid acquaintance with contemporary research trends. A novel algorithm is designed to enhance the precision and accuracy of document retrieval in a corporate context by leveraging semantic representation. The core of the proposed methodology is an integration of the BERT base model with a BiGRU layer and the innovative application of the Harris hawk optimization algorithm. The BERT + BiGRU combination is utilized to conduct the semantic matching task within enterprise archives, while the Harris hawk optimization refines high-level semantic vector representations.For empirical validation, the study introduces an enterprise archive retrieval dataset and compared to Bert,Bert_BIGRU_CRF,Bert_BIGRU,BIGRU algorithm, the results evidently support the superiority of the BERT + BiGRU + CRF + Harris Hawk model, showing remarkable performance advancements over conventional algorithms.
WITHDRAWN: Comparison of anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation versus four-flanged scleral fixation technique for cases with loss of capsular support during routine cataract surgery
Authors: Dubinsky-Pertzov Biana , Mahler Ori , Shemer Asaf , Hecht Idan , Simaan Francis , Belkin Avner , Pras Eran , Einan-Lifshitz Adi
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) implantation vs the four-flanged scleral fixation technique in eyes with loss of capsular support during routine cataract surgery.
Design: A retrospective cohort
Participants: All patients in whom IOL was implanted either during or after short-term aphakia due to loss of capsular and sulcus support in a routine cataract surgery with at least 6 months of follow-up time, between 2015to 2023 in a tertiary medical center in Israel.
Methods: Two different IOL implantation techniques were compared: the implantation of an angle-supported ACIOL and the four-flanged scleral fixation. Main outcome measures included postoperative complications such as pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK), loss of IOP control and glaucoma, IOL subluxation, retinal detachment.
Results: Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients were included in the study. Thirty-three eyes in the ACIOL-group and 32 eyes in the four-flanged group. Follow-up time was 29.92±20.02 months in the ACIOL-group and 20.17±15.56 months in the flange-group (p=0.087). PBK was observed in 10 (30.3%) patients in the ACIOL-group and in one (3.1%) patient in the flange-group (p=0.04). This association remained significant using survival analysis (p=0.006). In four (12.1%) patients in the ACIOL-group a glaucoma filtering procedure was performed to control the pressure compared with none in the flange-group (p=0.049).
Conclusion: In the setting of loss of capsular support during routine cataract surgery, four-flanged scleral fixation showed an overall lower rate of complications, including significantly reduced rates of PBK and lower refractive cylinder.
Rapid determination of iodide ion content in chloride molten salt by ascorbic acid reduction
Authors: Cheng Ming , Luo Yan , Geng Junxia , Cong Haixia , Wang Yujiao , Sun Lixin , Dou Qiang , Fu Haiying
Published: February 2024

Acidic conditions are typically used to dissolve fission product cations from the molten spent fuel. However, it is unfeasible to analysis iodide anion due to its memory effect. Proper pretreatment of the samples is therefore necessary. In the present work, an alternative method was developed to evaluate the efficacy of removing fission product iodine from molten salt spent nuclear fuel under acidic conditions. In the pretreatment stage, ascorbic acid with a mass fraction of 0.5wt% was used instead of dilute nitric acid with a volume fraction less than 2%. The iodide content in molten salt samples dissolved in different Cl/I concentration ratios was determined by ICP-MS and compared with ion chromatography(IC). The results showed that under 1 mg/L chloride ion concentration, the detection limit of this method was 0.255 µg/L, with a spike-and-recovery experience between 103.3% and 102.8% and a relative standard deviation of less than 3% (n = 6). When the concentration ratio of Cl/I in the molten salt was less than two orders of magnitude, the analytical value of this technique was comparable to the measurement result by IC. Furthermore, the accuracy of ICP-MS was superior to that of IC when the concentration ratio of Cl/I was higher than two orders of magnitude. Our results indicate that the improved pretreatment method with ascorbic acid can eliminate inaccuracies caused by the iodide memory effect, which is simple to operate and suitable for determining iodide content in chloride molten salt under acidic conditions.
Identification of the causal mutation in early heading mutant of bread wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) using MutMap approach
Authors: Komura Shoya , Yoshida Kentaro , Jinno Hironobu , Oono Youko , Handa Hirokazu , Takumi Shigeo , Kobayashi Fuminori
Published: February 2024

In bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), fine-tuning the heading time is essential to maximize grain yield. Photoperiod-1 (Ppd-1) and VERNALIZATION 1 (Vrn-1) are major genes affecting photoperiod sensitivity and vernalization requirements, respectively. These genes have predominantly governed heading timing. However, Ppd-1 and Vrn-1 significantly impact heading dates, necessitating another gene that can slightly modify heading dates for fine-tuning. In this study, we developed an early heading mutant from the ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized population of the Japanese winter wheat cultivar “Kitahonami.” MutMap analysis identified a nonsense mutation in the clock component gene Wheat PHYTOCLOCK 1/LUX ARRHYTHMO (WPCL-D1) as the probable SNP responsible for the early heading mutant on chromosome 3D. Segregation analysis using F2 and F3 populations confirmed that plants carrying the wpcl-D1 allele headed significantly earlier than those with the functional WPCL-D1. The early heading mutant exhibited increased expression levels of Ppd-1 and circadian clock genes, such as WPCL1 and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY). Notably, the transcript accumulation levels of Ppd-A1 and Ppd-D1 were influenced by the copy number of the functional WPCL1 gene. These results suggest that a loss-of-function mutation in WPCL-D1 is the causal mutation for the early heading phenotype. Adjusting the functional copy number of WPCL1 will be beneficial in fine-tuning of heading dates.
Modeling and finite element simulation of polypropylene behavior under severe plastic deformation by high pressure torsion
Authors: Aour Benaoumeur , Draï Ahmed , Daikh Ahmed Amine , Talha Abderrahim , Eltaher Mohamed A.
Published: February 2024

SPD technology, also known as NanoSPD, is the most efficient way of producing nanomaterials. However, two processing methods have been investigated more intensively: high-pressure torsion (HPT) and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). Today, the high pressure torsion is one of the most promising methods for producing large shear strain, and has been the subject of widely investigations as a new processing method for nanostructured materials due to their capability to apply infinitely large strains to the material and to deform materials to very high plastic deformations without significantly altering the cross-section of the sample. In this paper, a phenomenological elastic-viscoplastic constitutive model was experimentally identified, and, coupled with the three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) to examine the different processing parameters governing the deformation behavior of polypropylene (PP) during HPT process. The plastic deformation behavior of polypropylene (PP) resulting from HPT process was investigated. To this end, the impact of various HPT process parameters, such as phases enchainment or choice of sequence, imposed compressive displacement (pressure), torsion angle, angular velocity angle and sample dimensions, is presented. Based on the numerical results obtained, recommendations on process conditions were formulated at the end of this work.
Research on an Algorithm for Equilibrium Solution of Fuzzy Cooperative Games
Authors: Zhu Shijie , Cao Lixia , Wang Tonghui , Guo Wei
Published: February 2024

The distribution of benefits in an alliance is often influenced by uncertain factors, which can impact the stability of the alliance.To address this issue, the paper have developed an improved Shapley value algorithm that incorporates fuzzy interval numbers.First, this paper construct a competitive cooperative alliance with a network architecture. Then, the paper establish an intervalreturn function using triangular fuzzy numbers to account for the uncertainty in alliance returns. Next, the paper introducerisk-return to the fuzzy interval number Shapley value, resulting in the improved fuzzy interval number Shapley value method.To solve the problem of equal weight of players, the paper multiply the improved Shapley value method with the improvedcoefficient of variation method, creating the CV-SV method proposed in this paper. The paper also provide a method forevaluating alliance stability and conduct a stability analysis using the fuzzy interval number Shapley value method mentionedabove. Finally, the paper apply our new method to real-world data for numerical verification. The results show that the methodconstructed in this article can solve the equilibrium problem when the benefits of players are fuzzy sets when participating inalliance cooperation, and the results of the model solution are reasonable and effective.
Discrete event simulation-driven digital twin method for solving permutation flowshop scheduling problems
Authors: Li Guangzhen , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2024

Digital twin technology is becoming increasingly important in intelligent manufacturing and Industry 4.0. However, the simulation system of a digital twin often only displays a virtual version of the reality system, ignoring its potential for strong analysis and decision-making abilities. This paper presents a discrete event simulation-driven digital twin method to solve the permutation flowshop scheduling problem. In permutation flowshop scheduling, the concept of recovery time is proposed, which is often ignored. To address this issue, we propose a discrete event simulation-driven method to solve the PFSP with SDRT. The computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of the simulation-based optimization methodology. It is important to consider recovery time alone as a constraint, which can improve scheduling performance by about 14% compared to merging recovery time into the processing time in traditional mathematical modeling and optimization. The results show the feasibility and advantages of simulation system analysis and decision-making in digital twin applications.
Post-viral symptoms and conditions are more frequent in COVID-19 than influenza, but not more persistent
Authors: Tesch Falko , Ehm Franz , Loser Friedrich , Vivirito Annika , Wende Danny , Batram Manuel , Bechmann Lars , Buschmann Tilo , Menzer Simone , Ludwig Marion , Roessler Martin , Seifert Martin , Margolis Giselle Sarganas , Reitzle Lukas , König Christina , Schulte Claudia , Hertle Dagmar , Ballesteros Pedro , Baßler Stefan , Bertele Barbara , Bitterer Thomas , Riederer Cordula , Sobik Franziska , Scheidt-Nave Christa , Schmitt Jochen
Published: February 2024

Post-viral symptoms have long been known in the medical community but have received more public attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many post-viral symptoms were reported as particularly frequent after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there is still a lack of evidence regarding the specificity, frequency and persistence of these symptoms in comparison to other viral infectious diseases such as Influenza. We addressed this topic by investigating a large population-based cohort based on German routine healthcare data. We matched 573,791 individuals with a PCR-test confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from the year 2020 to contemporary controls without SARS-CoV-2 infection and controls from the last Influenza outbreak in 2018 and followed them up to 18 months. We found that post-viral symptoms as defined for COVID-19 by the WHO as well as tissue damage were more frequent among the COVID-19 cohort than the Influenza cohort. Persistence of post-viral symptoms was however similar between COVID-19 and Influenza. We conclude that post-viral symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection constitute a substantial disease burden as they are frequent and often persist for many months. As COVID-19 is becoming endemic, the disease must not be trivialized. Research should focus on the development of effective treatments for post-viral symptoms.
Breastfeeding habits in mothers and the health status of their children
Authors: Sur Genel , Samasca Gabriel , Lupan Iulia , Sur Lucia , Feyrer Helena Sophie
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The study is necessary, being a propaganda for the need for breastfeeding and for pointing out the benefits of this nutrition for the child's health. Aims: This work aims to investigate and compare the breastfeeding habits of Romanian and German mothers and assess their association with the health status of their children. The selection of the two countries, namely Romania and Germany, was made to compare the awareness of the need for breastfeeding in the two countries with different socio-economic levels, different customs and traditions, and different information levels. Results: German mothers reported that they did not receive enough information from the medical staff and were not promoted enough information about the necessity of breastfeeding and its benefits. Both groups of mothers support the superiority of breastfeeding for the health of the children. Awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding is illustrated by the growing number of breastfeeding mothers in both groups. The duration of breastfeeding differs, being 12 months for Romanian mothers, compared to 9 months for German mothers. Solid food was introduced earlier to German mothers compared to Romanian mothers.
Conclusions: The obtained knowledge can help develop strategies to promote and support breastfeeding practices in Romania and Germany.
Depression and associated factors in adolescent high school pupils in Hossana, central Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Feven , Erchafo Belay , Lukas Kalegzabhir , Melak Kumilachew
Published: February 2024

Background Depression is a frequent mental health issue in adolescence, marked by lack of interest or pleasure, persistent melancholy, weariness, and poor focus, which can impair an individual's ability to perform at work, school, or in daily life. Despite this, there is a scarcity of data on the magnitude and determinants of depression among teenagers in Hossana, central Ethiopia.Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 05 to 30/2022. Totally 512 participants were selected by using multi-stage sampling technique. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used in data collection. The data was entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The data was analyzed by using binary logistic regression to see association between independent variables and dependent variable. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals was calculated and Variables having p value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression was considered as significantly associated.Result The prevalence of depression was 171(34.3%), 95% CI (30.15, 38.52); of which 116 (23.3%) respondents had mild, 46(9.2%) had moderate, 8(1.6%) had moderately severe and 1(0.2%) had extremely severe depression. Father educational status [AOR 2.26 (95% CI; 1.02, 4.97)], adverse childhood experience [AOR 1.90 (95% CI; 1.24, 2.91)], previous family history [AOR 1.54 (95% CI; 1.02, 2.33)] and poor social support [AOR 2.27(95% CI; 1.17, 4.41)] were significantly associated with depressionConclusion In the research area, one out of every three high school students experienced depression. Depression was substantially connected with a father's lack of education, unfavorable childhood experiences, past illness, and a lack of social support. As a result, school-based mental health services should be strengthened and appropriate interventions used to initiate and improve access to school-based mental health services.
Heat Transfer Neural Analysis of Bingham-Papanastasiou Fluid in Lid-driven Rectangular Cavity with viscous dissipation
Authors: Tanveer Arooj , Ul-Haq Sami , Ashraf Muhammad Bilal
Published: February 2024

The study of Bingham-Papanastasiou fluids is conducted in lid-driven cavity with consideration of viscous dissipation. The left wall of the cavity is adiabatic while other walls are insulated. Numerical simulations are conducted to study the isotherms, temperature profile and Nusselt number. An inventive artificial neural network (ANN) model for precise predictions is made using the simulation data. Both COMSOL and ANN are used to find the best values for each input parameter to maximize the output parameters. The effectiveness of these two approaches in obtaining the best results is then evaluated through a comparison study. Plotting isotherms for larger Bingham numbers shows that the temperature distribution toward the left wall is behaving more and more rapidly. The rate of heat transfer rises with increasing Re values, but it exhibits the opposite behavior when Bn values are high close to the left adiabatic wall. After 406 epochs, the training state plot demonstrated convergence and optimization progress with gradient = 0.018363 and Mu = 0.0001. The novelty of this work is that the integrated approach involving Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) described in this study allows the prediction of flow behaviors for various cases without additional real-time CFD simulations once sufficient information is gathered through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for a few flow cases. In real-world flow control applications where real-time CFD simulations might not be possible, this method seems to be beneficial.
Experimental playback of urban noise does not affect cognitive performance in captive Australian magpies
Authors: Connelly Farley , Johnsson Robin D. , Mulder Raoul A. , Hall Michelle L. , Lesku John A.
Published: February 2024

Exposure of wildlife to anthropogenic noise is associated with an array of disruptive effects. Research on this topic has focused on the behavioural and physiological responses of animals to noise, with little work investigating potential links to cognitive function. Neurological processes that maintain cognitive performance can be impacted by stress and sleep disturbances. While sleep loss impairs cognitive performance in Australian magpies, it is unclear whether urban noise, which disrupts sleep, can impact cognition as well. To fill this gap in our understanding, we explored how environmentally relevant urban noise affected the performance of wild-caught, city-living Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen tyrannica) on a battery of cognitive tasks that included associative and reversal learning, inhibitory control, and spatial memory. Birds were housed and tested in a standardised laboratory environment; sample sizes varied across tasks (n = 7 – 9 birds). Tests were conducted over four weeks, during which all magpies were exposed to both an urban noise playback and a quiet control. Birds were presented with the entire test battery twice: following exposure to, and in the absence of, an anthropogenic noise playback; however, tests were always performed without noise (playback muted during testing). Magpies performed similarly in both treatments on all four tasks. We also found that prior experience with the associative learning task had a strong effect on performance, with birds performing better on their second round of trials. Similar to previous findings on Australian magpies tested on the same tasks in the wild under noisy conditions, we could not find any disruptive effects on cognitive performance in a controlled experimental laboratory setting.
Evaluation of osseointegration of plasma-treated polyaryletherketone maxillofacial implants
Authors: Maruf D S Abdullah Al , Ren Jiongyu , Cheng Kai , Xin Hai , Lewin Will , Pickering Edmund , Kruse Hedi Verena , Leinkram David , Parthasarathi Krishnan , Wise Innes , Filippi Benjamin , Beirne Stephen , Froggatt Cate , Wykes James , Howes Dale , Suchowerska Natalka , Woodruff Maria A , Crook Jeremy M , McKenzie David R , Clark Jonathan R
Published: February 2024

Osseointegration is a crucial property of biomaterials used for bone defect repair. While titanium is the gold standard in craniofacial surgeries, various polymeric biomaterials are being explored as alternatives. However, polymeric materials can be bioinert, hindering integration with surrounding tissues. In this investigation, plasma ion immersion implantation (PIII)-treated polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyether ketone (PEK) implants were assessed in a sheep maxilla and mandible model. Defects were filled with PIII-treated PEEK and PEK implants, produced through fused filament fabrication (FFF) and selective laser sintering (SLS), respectively. Positive controls were grade 23 titanium implants via selective laser melting, while untreated PEEK implants served as negative controls. Surface analyses using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed favorable properties. Osseointegration was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed at 8-, 10-, and 12-weeks post-implantation, showing significantly improved outcomes for both PIII-treated PEEK and PEK implants compared to untreated controls. The study suggests PIII treatment enhances FFF-printed PEEK's osseointegration, and PIII-treated SLS-printed PEK achieves comparable osseointegration to 3D printed titanium. These findings underscore surface modification strategies' potential for polymeric biomaterials, offering insights into developing alternative implant materials for craniofacial surgeries, with enhanced biocompatibility and osseointegration capabilities for improved clinical outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of video double-lumen tube intubation in lateral position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: RAO Qianqian , YU Hong , LI Ping , ZHANG Gongwei , ZENG Jun , PU Qiang , YU Hai
Published: February 2024

Background: Video double-lumen tube (VDLT) intubation in lateral position is a potential alternative to intubation in supine position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This non-inferiority trial assessed the efficacy and safety of VDLT intubation in lateral position.
Methodsː Patients (18-70 yr) undergoing right thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomized to either the left lateral position group (group L) or the supine position group (group S). The VDLT was placed under video larygoscopy. The primary endpoint was the intubation time. Secondary endpoints included VDLT displacement rate, intubation failure rate, the satisfaction of surgeon and nurse, and intubation-related adverse events.
Resultsː The analysis covered 80 patients. The total intubation time was 52.0 [20.4]s in group L and 34.3 [13.2]s in group S, with a mean difference of 17.6s [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9s to 25.3s; P=0.050], failing to demonstrate non-inferiority with a non-inferiority margin of 10s. Group L, compared with group S, had significantly lower VDLT displacement rate (P=0.017) and higher nurse satisfaction (P=0.026). No intubation failure occurred in any group. Intubation complications (P=0.802) and surgeon satisfaction (P=0.415) were comparable between two groups.
Conclusionsː VDLT intubation in lateral position was inferior to supine position in terms of intubation time. Given that no patient in group L suffered from hypoxia or intubation failure during intubation and group L had a lower VDLT displacement rate, it is possible that patients with a body mass index of less than 30 kg/m2, no cardiorespiratory disease, and no difficult airway could be successfully intubated using VDLT in lateral position.
Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200064831; Registry URL: Chictr.org.cn; Registration Date: 19/10/2022
Accuracy of Abott Freestyle Libre versus Dexcom G6 in a patient with pre-diabetes: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Kutoh Eiji
Published: February 2024

Abbott FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6 represent widely employed continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems globally. However, their precision remains unexplored concerning postprandial glucose levels in individuals with pre-diabetes following the consumption of diverse dietary regimens.
A 58-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with pre-diabetes (postprandial hyperglycemia) underwent simultaneous monitoring using Abbott FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6 following the consumption of diverse diets. In the pre-meal state, both systems exhibited comparable and reliable values (around 80-100 mg/dl). However, around 60 minutes following meals containing specific amounts of carbohydrates (approximately above 50 g), FreeStyle Libre demonstrated a more pronounced acceleration in the increase and peak glucose values compared to G6. These discrepancies were further validated through self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) measurements, confirming the less accurate performance of FreeStyle Libre under these conditions. To this end, it appears that fermented products (beans, yogurt, cheese) could suppress postprandial glucose spikes.
The study results suggest that, when compared to G6, FreeStyle Libre yielded elevated glucose values and exhibited reduced accuracy in measuring postprandial glucose levels following the ingestion of a specific amount of carbohydrates in a patient with pre-diabetes.
VSMC phenotype regression induced by hypoxia is the key to unlocking VSMC solid cell cord
Authors: Song Zhi-Peng , Chen Lin , Zhang Zhen-Shan , Xu Jia-Yao , Wang Qian-Wen , Wang Shuang-Xi
Published: February 2024

Coronary heart disease is the world's leading cause of death. Vasculogenesis, sprouting angiogenesis, intussusceptive angiogenesis, coalescent angiogenesis, vessel co-option, vasculogenic mimicry and arteriogenesis are the seven main ways of collateral vessel development. However, none of the seven methods of collateral vessel development is sufficient to timely rescue a large number of dying myocardial cells in the myocardial infarction area. In this study, we first proposed the hypothesis that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) solid cell cords are precursors of collateral vessels and confirmed the existence of VSMC solid cell cords in the heart. In addition, we further confirmed that intracellular acidification induced by hypoxia can promote VSMC phenotype regression (transformation from synthetic phenotype to contractile phenotype) by downregulating AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation level, which prepares for the rapid opening of VSMC solid cell cords to timely rescue dying myocardial cells. We hope that this innovative and challenging hypothesis can provide some inspiration to cardiovascular researchers and contribute to the cause of human health.
Cerebral Air Embolism: Neurologic Manifestations, Prognosis and Outcome
Authors: Červeňák Vladimír , Všianský Vít , Cviková Martina , Brichta Jaroslav , Vinklárek Jan , Štefela Jakub , Hájek Michal , Herzig Roman , Kouřil Dávid , Bárková Veronika , Filip Pavel , Aulický Petr , Weiss Viktor
Published: February 2024

Background
Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an uncommon medical emergency with a potentially fatal course. We have retrospectively analyzed a set of patients treated with CAE at our comprehensive stroke center and a hyperbaric medicine center. An overview of the pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of CAE is provided.
Methods
We retrospectively identified 11 patients with cerebral venous and arterial air emboli that highlight the diversity in etiologies, manifestations, and disease courses encountered clinically.
Results
Acute-onset stroke syndrome and a progressive impairment of consciousness were the two most common presentations in 4 patients each (36%). Two patients (18%) suffered from an acute-onset coma, and one (9%) was asymptomatic. Four patients (36%) were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBTO), high-flow oxygen therapy without HBOT was started in two patients (18%), two patients (18%) were in critical care at the time of diagnosis and three (27%) received no additional treatment. CAE was fatal in five cases (46%), caused severe disability in two (18%), mild disability in three (27%), and a single patient had no lasting deficit (9%).
Conclusions
CAE is a dangerous condition that necessitates high clinical vigilance. Due to its diverse presentation, the diagnosis can be missed or delayed in critically ill patients and result in long-lasting or fatal neurological complications. Preventative measures and a proper diagnostic and treatment approach reduce CAE’s incidence and impact.
Engineering self-cleavage fusion system for the Production of Chimera Spider Silk Proteins
Authors: zhou bixia , Huang Yufan , Su Yongqin , An Bingrui , Shen Mi , Zheng Ke , Cheng Cheng , He Bingfang
Published: February 2024

The spider silk protein (spidroin), which has powerful mechanical properties, has been extensively studied and shown potential application in various fields. The predatory nature of spiders makes native spidroin challenging to obtain, while heterologous expression of spidroin was hindered by the gene sequence features such as highly repetitive regions and high GC content. The low yield of spidroin subsequently affects its further application. In this study, we constructed a convenient expression system by employing a fusion tag in combination with a self-cleavage intronic peptide (intein) for three kinds of chimeric spidroins with different numbers of repetitive units, and soluble expression of the three kinds of spidroins after optimizing expression conditions was achieved with yields of 266 mg/L (NT2RepCT), 135 mg/L (NT4RepCT), and 125 mg/L (NT6RepCT), respectively. Three kinds of chimeric spidroins displayed increased β-sheet content with increased repetitive units during the transition from the solution to the dry state. Their capacity to form filamentous fibrils increased with the number of repetitive numbers. This study provides a solution for spidroin soluble expression and lays a foundation for its future application.
Skeletal abnormalities caused by a Connexin43R239Q mutation in a mouse model for autosomal recessive craniometaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Chen I-Ping , Fujii Yasuyuki , Okabe Iichiro , Hatori Ayano , Sah Shyam , Kanaujiya Jitendra , Fisher Melanie , Norris Rachael , Terasaki Mark , Reichenberger Ernst
Published: February 2024

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD), a rare craniotubular disorder, occurs in an autosomal dominant (AD) or autosomal recessive (AR) form. CMD is characterized by hyperostosis of craniofacial bones and flaring metaphyses of long bones. Many patients with CMD suffer from neurological symptoms. To date, the pathogenesis of CMD is not fully understood. Treatment is limited to decompression surgery. Here, we report a knock in (KI) mouse model for AR CMD carrying a R239Q mutation in CX43. Cx43KI/KI mice replicate many features of AR CMD in craniofacial and long bones. In contrast to Cx43+/+ littermates, Cx43KI/KI mice exhibit periosteal bone deposition and increased osteoclast (OC) numbers in the endosteum of long bones, leading to an expanded bone marrow cavity and increased cortical bone thickness. Although formation of Cx43+/+ and Cx43KI/KI resting OCs are comparable, on bone chips the actively resorbing Cx43KI/KI OCs resorb less bone. Cortical bones of Cx43KI/KI mice have an increase in degenerating osteocytes and empty lacunae. Osteocyte dendrite formation is decreased with reduced expression levels of Fgf23, Sost, Tnf-α, IL-1β, Esr1, Esr2, and a lower Rankl/Opg ratio. Female Cx43KI/KI mice display a more severe phenotype. Sexual dimorphism in bone becomes more evident as mice age. Our data show that the CX43R239Q mutation results in mislocalization of CX43 protein and impairment of gap junction and hemichannel activity. Different from CX43 ablation mouse models, the CX43R239Q mutation leads to the AR CMD-like phenotype in Cx43KI/KI mice not only by loss-of-function but also via a not yet revealed dominant function.