bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Epidemiology and Risk Analysis for Asymptomatic Infection with Feline Enteric Coronavirus in Domestic and Stray Cats in Japan
Authors: Kumano Hitomi , Nakagawa Keisuke
Published: February 2023

Feline coronavirus is classified into two coronaviruses: feline enteric coronavirus (FECoV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus (FIPV), which cause mild diarrhea and deadly peritonitis in cats, respectively. Since FIPV arises by mutation(s) in FECoV, a survey of FECoV infection in cats is needed to provide fundamental information for prevention of FIP. FECoV also causes subclinical infection; therefore, asymptomatic cats may play a role as a reservoir and transmitter of FECoV. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of FECoV and information from risk analysis of asymptomatic FECoV infection in healthy cats. We conducted a molecular survey of FECoV in normal feces from healthy domestic and stray cats by using nested RT-PCR targeting the FECoV S gene. Interestingly, the RT-PCR-positive rate in domestic cats (35.5%) was significantly higher than that in stray cats (15.9%). Our risk analysis revealed that age less than 1 year and keeping cats indoors are risk factors of asymptomatic FECoV infection. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree based on partial FECoV S genes suggested transmission of FECoV between domestic cats and stray cats. Our data will contribute to a better understanding of the ecology of FECoV in healthy cats for prevention of FIP.
The long-non coding RNA HOTAIR as site specific regulator of inflammation in chronic arthritis
Authors: elhai Muriel , Micheroli Raphael , Houtman Miranda , Mirrahimi Masoumeh , Moser Larissa , Pauli Chantal , Bürki Kristina , Laimbacher Andrea , Kania Gabriela , Klein Kerstin , Schätzle Philipp , Bertoncelj Mojca Frank , Edalat Sam , Sakkou Maria , Kollias George , Armaka Marietta , Distler Oliver , Ospelt Caroline
Published: February 2023

Most forms of arthritis, have a distinctive topographical pattern of joint involvement. Beyond these differences among diseases, there are also differences in phenotype and response to treatment between joints of the same type of arthritis, suggesting that molecular mechanisms may differ depending on joint location. Here we show that there are joint-specific molecular and tissue changes in the synovium and in local stromal cells (synovial fibroblasts;SF). The long non-coding RNA HOTAIR, expressed only in lower extremities SF, regulates much of this site-specific gene expression in SF. Downregulation of HOTAIR after TNF stimulation regulated relevant inflammatory pathways by epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms and modified the migratory function of SF, decreased SF-mediated osteoclastogenesis, and increased the attraction of B cells by SF. Since site-specific expression of HOTAIR was also measured in the skin, spine and gastrointestinal tract, we propose HOTAIR as important epigenetic factor that modulates site-specific phenotypes of chronic inflammation.
Two-Step Electrochemical Au Nanoparticle Formation in Polyaniline
Authors: Zhao Bin , Becker Hans-Werner , Gutsch Sebastian
Published: February 2023

Insertion of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in polyaniline (PANI) is investigated using a two-step electrochemical process. In the first step, tetrachloroaurate anions (AuCl4−) are attached on the protonated imine sites of PANI while holding the potential at + 0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The applied electrochemical potential prevents any reduction of the PANI/AuCl4− complex. After rinsing of excess AuCl4−, a controlled reduction is carried out via cyclic voltammetry (CV). We demonstrate that the reduction leads to a nucleation and growth of Au NPs whose density and size dispersion depend on the Au loading in PANI. Adding more deposition cycles increases the Au NP density and size. We further use Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) to quantify the Au uptake in PANI. We also find that the Au distribution is initially homogeneous across the PANI layer whereas the increasing number of deposition cycles leads to a surface segregation of Au. We propose a two-step growth model based on our experimental results. Finally, we discuss the results with respect to the formation of atomic Au clusters reported previously using the same deposition method.
Effect of long-chain silane on mechanical properties of experimental resin composites
Authors: Yon Madeline Jun Yu , Matinlinna Jukka Pekka , Tsoi James Kit Hon , Vallittu Pekka Kalevi , Lassila Lippo Veli Juhana
Published: February 2023

Purpose
To investigate mechanical properties of experimental resin composites contain 8-methacryloxyoctyltrimethoxysilane (MOS) and a commonly used silane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS).
Materials and methods
MOS and MPS were hydrolysed in 95vol% ethanol solution at pH 4 for 1h before silanisation of SiO2-based bioactive glass powder fillers (Ø 1.0µm, Schott, Germany) at 3, 6, 9 and 12wt% of silane. After drying in a vacuum oven (80°C, 5kPa, 2h) they were mixed with a monomer mixture of urethane dimethacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate in a 70:30 weight ratio, camphorquinone 0.7wt% and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate 0.7wt% to produce eight experimental groups of resin composites with a filler load of 72.7wt%. After photopolymerisation for 25 min and post-curing at room temperature (24h), uniform rectangular beams were cut out for the three-point bending test (2mm × 2mm × 25mm, n = 8). The surface Vickers microhardness (VHN) test (press-load 2.94N for 10s, n = 6; Duramin 5, Struers) was performed before observation under 3-D optical microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by the Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05).
Results
ANOVA revealed that both silane type and concentration significantly affected flexural modulus (p < 0.001), flexural strength (p = 0.001) and microhardness (p < 0.001). Resin composites containing MOS exhibited lower flexural modulus but higher strength at a lower concentration than MPS. MOS resin composites exhibited lower surface microhardness than MPS with the corresponding silane content.
Conclusion
Long chain silane may confer better mechanical properties, particularly a higher flexural strength to experimental composites compared with the current gold standard of MPS at a suitable concentration.
Removal of Rifaximin from Pharmaceutical Wastewater: NiFe2O4/GO Nanocomposite as an Efficient Adsorbent
Authors: Malmir Maryam , Shemirani Farzaneh
Published: February 2023

Rifaximin is a widely utilized antibiotic in health care centers and hospitals. However, its elimination from wastewater, which prevents health damages, has not been reported so far. In this work, for the first time, a nanocomposite, NiFe2O4/GO, was employed as an adsorbent to remove Rifaximin from an aqueous solution. After synthesis, the XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and VSM techniques were used to confirm the structure of NiFe2O4/GO. We applied response surface methodology to explore the effects of the NiFe2O4/GO and Rifaximin concentrations, as well as solution pH and contact time, on the process performance. We obtained a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.994) and satisfactory predictions from the regression model. We obtained the most favorable adsorption rate (93.39%) at a pH of 4.07, a contact time of 5.5 minutes, an adsorbent concentration of 3147.57 mg/L, and a Rifaximin concentration of 68.50 mg/L. The isotherm studies revealed that the adsorption obeys the Freundlich isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of 30.12 mg/g for NiFe2O4/GO at 30°C. Thanks to the calculated thermodynamic parameters, it is declared that the process is spontaneous, and the formation of hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals interactions are the dominant interaction terms between the NiFe2O4/GO and Rifaximin. Moreover, the composite maintained an 85.45% removal rate after 4 cycles of regeneration. A removal rate of 89.45% was obtained for effluent from a local pharmaceutical company, representing good efficiency of the adsorbent. In conclusion, NiFe2O4/GO is shown to be a suitable adsorbent for the elimination of Rifaximin from wastewater.
A proof that the set of NP-problems is bigger then the set of P-problems by using a logical consideration
Authors: Louiz Akram
Published: February 2023

Thanks to my short studies about informatics, I present to you this mathematical proof that deals with the sets of P problems, NP-Complete problems and NP-Hard problems in order to prove new formulas about the cardinality of each group of problems and about the intersection of each one of these sets.
This work uses logical considerations about the complexity of NP-Hard problems in order to provea theoremabout the complexity ofproblems that allows us to identify NP problems even if their algorithms have infinite time of execution. This work ends by proving that the set of NP-Problems is definitely bigger than the set of P-Problems. Hence, I invite all the readers to develop the results of this article and to present their opinions about the used considerations in this work.
A proof that the set of NP-problems is bigger then the set of P-problems by using a logical consideration.
Authors: Louiz Akram
Published: February 2023

Thanks to my short studies about informatics, I present to you this mathematical proof that deals with the
sets of P problems, NP-Complete problems and NP-Hard problems in order to prove new formulas about the
cardinality of each group of problems and about the intersection of each one of these sets.
This work uses logical considerations about the complexity of NP-Hard problems in order to prove a
theorem about the complexity of problems that allows us to identify NP problems even if their algorithms
have infinite time of execution. This work ends by proving that the set of NP-Problems is definitely bigger
than the set of P-Problems. Hence, I invite all the readers to develop the results of this article and to present
their opinions about the used considerations in this work.
Altering the Spectroscopy, Electronic Structure, and Bonding of Organometallic Curium(III) Upon Coordination of 4,4′−bipyridine
Authors: Long Brian , Beltran-Leiva Maria , Sperling Joseph , Poe Todd , Celis-Barros Cristian , Albrecht-Schönzart Thomas
Published: February 2023

Structural and electronic characterization of (Cp′3Cm)2(µ − 4,4′−bpy) (Cp′ = trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl, 4,4′−bpy = 4,4′−bipyridine) is reported and provides a rare example of curium − carbon bonding. Cp′3Cm displays unexpectedly low energy emission that is quenched upon coordination by 4,4′−bipyridine. Electronic structure calculations on Cp′3Cm and (Cp′3Cm)2(µ − 4,4′−bpy) rule out significant differences in the emissive state, rendering 4,4′−bipyridine as the primary quenching agent. Comparisons of (Cp′3Cm)2(µ − 4,4′−bpy) with its samarium and gadolinium analogues reveal atypical bonding patterns and electronic features that offer insights into bonding between carbon with f-block metal ions.
Frost hardiness of Finnish plus-tree progenies of Scots pine from seed orchards in Finland and Ukraine
Authors: Wu Dongxia , Pulkkinen Pertti , Pappinen Ari , Neyko Ihor , Zhang Gang , Di Bao , Heinonen Jaakko , Repo Tapani
Published: February 2023

To avoid the surrounding pollination, seed orchards of Finnish plus trees have been established in Ukraine, i.e. far from their natural distribution. However, it is not known whether the pollination site affects the frost hardiness (FH) of the progenies, and therefore their use in forest regeneration in Finland. Using whole-plant freezing tests, we examined the FH of plus-tree seed orchard progenies in Finland and Ukraine, with three lots of seeds from each origin, twice during cold acclimation in controlled conditions. The FH of needles, as assessed immediately after the freezing tests, was higher in the Finnish than Ukrainian seed orchard progenies. The variation in the FH of needles was high among the progenies, ranging from − 44°C to − 79°C by relative electrolyte leakage (REL), and from − 29°C to − 46°C by chlorophyll fluorescence (CF). When the FH was assessed according to the growth of shoots and roots after growing the seedlings for three weeks in the greenhouse the differences between the progenies/origins disappeared which was due to root damage. The FH was then between − 10°C and − 15°C based on shoot growth, between − 6°C and − 12°C based on root growth, and between − 8°C and − 16°C based on the number of new root tips. The results imply an epigenetic effect on FH of needles but no effect of progeny or origin on FH of roots. To summarize the results, it seems to be possible to use seed produced in southern Ukraine in practical reforestation actions in southern Finland.
Pericyte loss impairs BBB and cognitive function in aged mice after anesthesia/surgery
Authors: Yuan Hui , Sun Daofan , Ji Yiqin , Meng Bo , Lu Bo , Liu Rongjun , Xing Xiuzhong , Wang Ruichun , Chen Junping
Published: February 2023

Objective: Studies have shown that perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) was related to blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and neuroinflammation. However, the effects of anesthesia/surgery on BBB integrity and composition and the associated mechanisms of BBB dysfunction remain incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the pathogenesis of PND.
Methods: In this study, we established a PND model via sevoflurane anesthesia and tibial fracture surgery in 2-month-old and 16-month-old male C57BL/6 mice. On the third postoperative day, the mice were subjected to behavioral testing or sacrificed to collect brain tissue. The progression of hippocampal BBB disruption and neuroinflammation were detected using immunofluorescence. We also used Western blotting to measure the levels of plasma-derived protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin in the hippocampus to assess the leakage of the BBB.
Results: Non-operative aged mice did not experience age-related cognitive decline and BBB disruption compared with Non-operative younger mice, but only increased glial cell activity. Anesthesia/Surgery damaged cognitive function, reduced pericyte coverage, decreased the length of capillaries and levels of occludin and claudin-5, exacerbated IgG and albumin accumulation in the hippocampus, and enhanced the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus of old mice. However, these negative effects did not occur in young mice.
Conclusions: Our study showed that the loss of pericytes led to increased BBB permeability and neuroinflammation after anesthesia/surgery in aged mice, ultimately resulting in cognitive dysfunction.
Independent predictive factors for an early interhospital transfer (<48h) of severely injured pediatric trauma patients to superordinate trauma centers in Germany: An Analysis from the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Bläsius Felix Marius , Laubach Markus , Lefering Rolf , Hildebrand Frank , Adruszkow Hagen
Published: February 2023

Background
Particularly for pediatric trauma patients, it is of utmost importance that the right patient be treated in the right place at the right time. While unnecessary interhospital transfers must be avoided, the decision against transfer should not lead to higher complication rates in trauma centers without added pediatric qualifications. Therefore, we aimed to identify independent predictors for an early interhospital transfer and analyzed the mortality of non-transferred patients, adjusted for several confounders. Furthermore, we evaluated the implementation of transfer recommendations of the Whitebook Medical Care of the Severely Injured of the German Trauma Society.
Methods
A national dataset from the TraumaRegister DGU® was used to retrospectively identify factors for an early interhospital transfer (< 48h) to a superordinate trauma center. Severely injured pediatric patients (age < 16 years) admitted between 2010–2019 were included in this analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for early transfer were calculated from a multivariable model. Prognostic factors for hospital mortality in non-transferred patients were also analyzed.
Results
In total, 6,069 severely injured children were included. Of these, 65.2% were admitted to a Level I trauma center, whereas 27.7% and 7.1% were admitted to Level II and III centers, respectively. After the initial evaluation in the emergency department, 25.5% and 50.1% of children primarily admitted to a Level II or III trauma center, respectively, were transferred early. Statistically significant predictors of an early transfer were:
Severe traumatic brain injury (OR 1.76, CI 1.28-2.43).
Injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 points (OR for each ISS category > 2.0).
Age < 10 years (OR for each age category < 10 years of age > 1.62).
Admission to a Level III trauma center (OR 3.80, CI 2.95-4.90).
The most important independent factor for mortality in non-transferred patients was age < 10 years (OR = 1.70).
Conclusions
Knowing the independent predictors for an early transfer, such as a young patient's age, a high injury severity, severe traumatic brain injury, and Level III admission, may improve the choice of the appropriate trauma center. This may guide the rapid decision for an early interhospital transfer. There is still a lack of outcome data on children with early interhospital transfers in Germany, who are the most vulnerable group. The latest German guideline recommendations for interhospital transfers were reliably implemented.
Determinants of Early Cessation of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Rural Mothers from Jaffna District of Sri Lanka
Authors: Karthigesu Kandeepan , Sandrasegarampillai Balakumar , Vasanthy Arasaratnam
Published: February 2023

Background The short duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has an impact on the growth and development of babies. Since no studies have been reported on EBF practices of the rural mothers in Jaffna District, Sri Lanka, this study was aimed to assess the factors influencing the early cessation of EBF. Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study, and 338 mother-child pairs were selected. Socio-economic and demographic factors, the influence of the mode of delivery, and knowledge on EBF were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The details of EBF and reasons for the cessation of breastfeeding before six months were obtained from the mothers. Multivariate analysis was performed to explore the correlates of breastfeeding. Results About 38.8% of the mothers ceased EBF before six months, 71.2% had practiced EBF for six months. The early discontinuation of the EBF by the employed mothers (AOR 4.3; 95% CI 1.3–13.9), those who delivered low birth weight babies (AOR 3.6; 95% CI 1.6–8.2) and delivered the babies by caesarian sections (AOR 2.9; 95% (1.2–6.9) (p≤0.05). The EBF practiced by mothers of rural Jaffna was not associated with the gender of the babies, type of family, number of children in a family, religion of the household, knowledge on EBF, and family income. Conclusion The prevalence of EBF up to six months was low in rural Jaffna, and it was influenced by employment, birthweight of the babies, and the mode of delivery.
The importance of social capital for performing participative restoration projects: practice-based knowledge of two contrasting indigenous communities in Mexico
Authors: Ceccon Eliane
Published: February 2023

Social capital is a theoretical construct that proposes scenarios where values such as cooperation, communication, and confidence among people can create an ideal environment for the solution of socioecological problems, reducing participative projecttransaction costs and guaranteeing their long-term permanence. For its part, ecological restoration, known as “the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed”, is gaining momentum, because the General Assembly of the United Nations declared that 2021–2030 will be a “ The Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”. However, several authors consider necessary to include the human dimension in the restoration projects, since social participation of local people can ensure their permanence over time. In this regard, this study comprises the cumulative knowledge and learning acquired through thecoordination of two participatory ecological restoration projects in two poor traditional indigenous communities of Mexico, with contrasting levels of social capital. One project, was carried out in La Montaña region of Guerrero state- “Landscape Restoration in the Xuajin Me´Phaa Non Governmental Organization Territory”. Another project was carried out in Cuentepec region in the Morelos state - “Barrancas del Río Tembembe Environmental Restoration Station”. The main lesson to be learned was that, before starting a participatory restoration project, it is necessary to know that the magnitude of social capital existing in a community exceeds a certain critical mass, to ensure an effective social participation and make its long-term success possible.
Recent Atlantic multidecadal variability and its impacts are driven by external forcings
Authors: He Chengfei , Clement Amy , Kramer Sydney , Cane Mark , Klavans Jeremy , Fenske Tyler , Murphy Lisa
Published: February 2023

The Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) – a basin-scale sea surface temperature (SST) fluctuation in the Atlantic – has dramatic influences on climate1–8. Understanding its causes has important social-ecological implications. However, the driver of AMV and its impacts remains debated because of limitations of current climate models9–13. Here we identify a systematic interhemispheric SST bias in the CMIP6 models that causes biased trends in large-scale atmospheric circulation and rainfall simulations. After removing the bias, we find the simulated AMV and associated impacts agree with observations. We show statistically and physically that AMV and its tropical impacts since 1950 have been driven primarily by anthropogenic aerosols and natural forcings, while internal dynamics likely drives them before 1950. We suggest using the tropical Atlantic SST contrast (dSST) as an AMV index because it naturally eliminates the global warming trend and can explain tropical impacts via a local Gill-type response. In the positive phase, this response features low-level westerly winds that enhance Sahel rainfall, high28 level easterly winds that affect vertical wind shear and hence North Atlantic Hurricanes, and a circum-global teleconnection that affects climate in other regions. Our results highlight that external forcing is responsible for the recent AMV, its widespread impacts, and the connection between the two.
Statistical properties of ideal photons in a two-dimensional dye-filled spherical cap cavity
Authors: Cheng Ze
Published: February 2023

Within the framework of quantum statistical mechanics, we have proposed an exact analytical solution to the problem of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of harmonically trapped, two-dimensional, and ideal photons. We utilize this analytical solution to investigate the statistical properties of ideal photons in a two-dimensional dye-filled spherical cap cavity. The results of numerical calculation of the analytical solution agree completely with the foregoing experimental results in the BEC of harmonically trapped, two-dimensional, and ideal photons. The analytical expressions of the critical temperature and the condensate fraction are derived in the thermodynamic limit. It is found that the two-dimensional critical photon number is larger than the one-dimensional critical photon number by two orders of magnitude. The spectral radiance of a two-dimensional spherical cap cavity has a sharp peak at the frequency of the cavity cutoff when the photon number exceeds the critical value determined by a temperature.
PACS numbers: 42.50.-p, 03.75.Hh, 67.85.Hj
Full Communication Memory Networks for Team-Level Cooperation Learning
Authors: Wang Yutong , Wang Yizhuo , Sartoretti Guillaume
Published: February 2023

Communication in multi-agent systems is a key driver of team-level cooperation, for instance allowing individual agents to augment their knowledge about the world in partially-observable environments.
In this paper, we propose two reinforcement learning-based multi-agent models, namely FCMNet and FCMTran.
The two models both allow agents to simultaneously learn a differentiable communication mechanism that connects all agents as well as a common, cooperative policy conditioned upon received information.
FCMNet utilizes multiple directional recurrent neural networks to sequentially transmit and encode the current observation-based messages sent by every other agent at each timestep.
FCMTran further relies on the encoder of a modified transformer to simultaneously aggregate multiple self-generated messages sent by all agents at the previous timestep into a single message that is used in the current timestep.
Results from evaluating our models on a challenging set of StarCraft II micromanagement tasks with shared rewards show that FCMNet and FCMTran both outperform recent communication-based methods and value decomposition methods in almost all tested StarCraft II micromanagement tasks.
We further improve the performance of our models by combining them with value decomposition techniques; there, in particular, we show that FCMTran with value decomposition significantly pushes the state-of-the-art on one of the hardest benchmark tasks without any task-specific tuning.
We also investigate the robustness of FCMNet under communication disturbances (i.e., binarized messages, random message loss, and random communication order) in an asymmetric collaborative pathfinding task with individual rewards, demonstrating FMCNet’s potential applicability in real-world robotic tasks.
Temperature-dependent thermal, spectroscopic properties and laser performance of Nd:YVO 4 crystal
Authors: SONG YANJIE , ZONG NAN , CHEN ZHONGZHENG , WANG XIAOJUN , BO YONG , PENG QINJUN
Published: February 2023

Temperature dependent thermal and spectroscopic properties of Nd:YVO4 crystal at temperatures ranging from 77 to 300 K are presented. Thermal properties including specific heat, thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity are investigated. The spectroscopic parameters, such as absorption, fluorescence, lifetime are also studied. The calculated absorption and emission cross-sections together with relevant thermal properties provide important information for designing cryogenically cooled near infrared laser. Furthermore, we experimentally explore continuous wave (CW) laser performances under various cryogenic temperatures. A maximum output power of 2.1 W is obtained at an incident pump power of 3.7 W at 80 K, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 56.8% and a slope efficiency of 60.8%. ©The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023
Radial heating impact on magneto-third-grade liquid flow via a porous stretched sheet in convective conditions: Entropy analysis
Authors: Metri P. G. , Venkateswarlu B. , Falmari A. S.
Published: February 2023

This work exposes novel aspects of the thermodynamic second law on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) third-phase flow in porous media towards a moving surface. The heat equation incorporates the influence of uniform heating and radiation. Formulated non-linear PDEs of momentum and energy equations are reduced to ODEs by considering similarity variables, and the numerical technique RKF-45 approach in conjunction with the shooting procedure is used to solve the produced ODEs. The performance of relevant physical quantities on the momentum and thermal profiles, skin friction, heat transfer, and entropy generation are visually represented and thoroughly explored. The Grashof-Biot numbers, porous media, radiation, and flow characteristics all tend to rise as a result of increasing liquid heat and velocity. However, this is not true in the case of uniform heating and magnetic fields. Entropy is produced in increasing amounts by flow parameters, magnetic fields, porous media, heat sources, and Biot-Brinkman numbers, while it is reduced by Grashof-Prandtl numbers, temperature differences, and radiation parameters. The rate of heat transfer is inversely related to the increase in radiation and the heat source. Skin friction exhibits reciprocal behavior with a rise in permeability and the convection parameter, and it is also influenced by Newtonian fluid. Furthermore, it has been determined that the present study excellently agrees with earlier published studies.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of sorafenib, lenvatinib, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and sintilimab plus bevacizumab for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in China
Authors: Gong Hongyu , ONG Siew Chin , Li Fan , Zhao Keying , Weng Zhiying , Jiang Zhengyou
Published: February 2023

Background and Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, especially in China. According to the 2021 Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines, sorafenib, lenvatinib, atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab, and sintilimab combined with bevacizumab are recommended as first-line treatment options for advanced HCC. This study provides a cost-effectiveness analysis of these treatments from the patient perspective.
MethodsA partitioned survival model was established using the TreeAge 2019 software to evaluate the cost-effectiveness. The model includes three states, namely progression-free survival, progressive disease, and death. Clinical data were derived from three randomized controlled studies involving patients with advanced HCC who received the following treatment: sorafenib and lenvatinib (NCT01761266); atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab (NCT03434379); and sintilimab in combination with bevacizumab (NCT03794440). Cost and clinical preference data were obtained from the literature and interviews with clinicians.
ResultsAll compared with sorafenib therapy, lenvatinib had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$188,625.25 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained; sintilimab plus bevacizumab had an ICER of US$75,150.32 per QALY gained; and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab had an ICER of US$144,513.71 per QALY gained. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that treatment with sorafenib achieved a 100% probability of cost-effectiveness at a threshold of US$36,600/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the results were most sensitive to the medical insurance reimbursement ratio and drug prices.
Conclusions In this economic evaluation, therapy with lenvatinib, sintilimab plus bevacizumab, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab generated incremental QALYs compared with sorafenib; however, these regimens were not cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$36,600 per QALY. Therefore, some patients may achieve preferred economic outcomes from these three therapies by tailoring the regimen based on individual patient factors.
Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis for managing symptomatic vitreous floaters: efficacy assessment using vitreous opacity area quantification
Authors: Ankamah Emmanuel , Pavičić-Astaloš Jasna , Budimlija Nikolina , Ibrahim Farahida , Kirwan Caitriona , Hayes Patrick , Ng Eugene
Published: February 2023

Purpose:To retrospectively assess the efficacy of Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis for managing symptomatic vitreous floaters using vitreous opacity area quantification.
Methods: Patients who underwent laser vitreolysis from May 2015 to February 2020 at a private clinic with a minimum follow-up of 3-months were enrolled into this retrospective, non-comparative cohort study. Vitreous opacity areas quantification was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included patient satisfaction outcomes post-vitreolysis, the need to proceed to vitrectomy, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP), recorded at baseline and all follow-ups.
Results:100 eyes from 100 patients were followed for an average of 15 months (range: 3-53 months). Of these, complete resolution (35%) or improvement (54%) of vitreous opacities was observed with vitreous opacity area quantification, constituting a treatment success of 89%. 78% reported complete resolution or improvement in floater symptoms at the 1-month post-vitreolysis visit. At the last follow-up, a similar report was noted in 72% of eyes. There was less need for vitrectomy in 86 eyes. There was significant improvement in BCVA, as well as a reduction in IOP, from baseline at the final post-operative visits (p<0.05 for both). Finally, an intra-operative complication rate of 3% was recorded.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis may result in objective and symptomatic improvements in patients undergoing the procedure, with a limited rate of complications. Floater symptoms may recur with time following laser vitreolysis, necessitating the need for repetition. More clinical studies are needed to validate these findings.
Density functional theory investigation of mechanisms of degradation reactions of sulfonated PEEK membranes with OH radicals in fuel cells: Addition-elimination reactions and acid catalyzed water elimination
Authors: Stevens Jonathan E. , Pefley Courtney M. , Piatkowski Alice , Smith Zachary R. , Ognanovich Nikolina
Published: February 2023

Sulfonated polyether (ether) ketone, or sulfonated PEEK (sPEEK) membranes are one possible candidate for proton-transfer membranes in hydrogen fuel cells. Reaction with hydroxy radicals is expected to be a significant source of degradation of these membranes during fuel cell operation. In this work, the reactivity of the sPEEK polymer molecule with OH radicals is studied by M062X hybrid density functional calculations of the energetics of several reaction paths in a water environment as modeled by polarized continuum model (PCM) calculations. Reactants, products, encounter minima and transition states are optimized for a reaction pathway in which OH addition is followed by acid-catalyzed water elimination which cationizes the polymer, degradation is expected to follow this reaction as the unstable cation then undergoes bond-breaking or other reactions. Two pathways for this acid-catalyzed cationization, one in which a water molecule plays the role of an additional co-catalyst, are reported. Further calculations explore reaction pathways in which addition of OH to the polymer is followed by bond breaking reactions which would break the polymer chain or the bond between the polymer and sulfonyl groups. Examination of the free energy barriers to all these reactions, relative to reactants, suggest that these direct bond-breaking reactions may compete somewhat with acid-catalyzed water elimination following OH addition.
Impact Analysis of Weather Factors on Aircraft Cancellation using Multilayer Complex Network
Authors: Kim Kyunghun , Lee Hoyong , Lee Myungjin , Bae Younghye , Kim Hung Soo , Kim Soojun
Published: February 2023

Aircraft is one of the most popular and important transportation services for passengers. However, its increased importance has become proportional to the increased aircraft cancellations, especially, by abnormal weather factors such as rainfall and wind speed. The previous studies have concentrated on ripple effects and individual factors of the cancellations rather than combined analysis of the factors. That is to say, we have studied aircraft cancellation using network analysis for only aircraft elements such as seat number and aircraft operation. Therefore, this study applied a multilayer complex network with three different factors of aircraft, rainfall, and wind speed for aircraft cancellation to 14 airports in South Korea. The multilayer complex network is useful for analyzing network which has various different factors. The results showed that rainfall had greater impact on aircraft cancellations than wind speed. Jeju airport was the greatest influence node by vital node identification analysis, because it had high demand of aircraft and was frequently affected by rainfall and wind speed. Through overall results, we have known that the multilayer complex network methodology can consider the relationship between the factors as well as the characteristics of each factor in analyzing the complex phenomenon.
Emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Uropathogens in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo: A 5 Years Retrospective Study
Authors: Bunduki Gabriel Kambale , Patil Sandip , Yu Uet , Katsioto Agnes Kavira , Liu Sixi , Wen Feiqiu , Francisco Ngiambudulu M.
Published: February 2023

Background
Antimicrobial resistance is a global challenging issue in children and adults. Finding the extent of resistance is the first step in finding an appropriate way to combat it. This study aimed to assess the antibiotic resistance patterns of different bacterial isolates in urine specimens from children and adults.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study was done from January 1, 2014, to December 30, 2018, and used data from bacterial cultures collected and processed at the Centre Universitaire de Diagnostic au Graben (CUDG), located in Butembo in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Conventional standard urine culture followed by bacteria identification based on conventional methods (colony morphology, Gram stain, and biochemical tests) were performed. Standard disc diffusion drug susceptibility testing was performed using CLSI M 100-S22 guidelines.
Findings
Of 1620 urine specimens collected, 1041 (64.3%) showed positive microorganism growth. The three most isolated bacterial microorganisms were S. aureus (561 [53.9%]), E. coli (124 [11.9%]), and Streptococcus spp (74 [7.1%]). Resistance of S. aureus was as follows: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 50.3% (234 of 465 isolated tested), gentamicin 37.9% (167/441), ceftriaxone (329/469), ciprofloxacin (207/509), doxycycline (232/524), nalidixic acid (73/92) and meropenem (64/88). The resistance profile of E. coli was as follows: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 77.8% (70/90), gentamicin % (44/95), ceftriaxone (45/108), ciprofloxacin (55/113), doxycycline (78/108), nalidixic acid (56/73) and meropenem (33/55). Resistance of Streptococci spp was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 34.9% (23/66), gentamicin % (26/56), ceftriaxone (28/62), ciprofloxacin (28/66), doxycycline (28/64), nalidixic acid (14/17) and meropenem (7/8). Among the isolated bacteria, 66.8% (695/1041) were multidrug-resistant.
Conclusion
Antimicrobial resistance is prevalent among isolated uropathogenic bacteria, especially to first-line and second-line antibiotics. Continued surveillance and a tracking system for multidrug-resistant bacteria are needed. Judicious and rational antibiotic usage is recommended.
Fluralaner systemic treatment of chickens results in mortality in Triatoma gerstaeckeri, vector of the agent of Chagas disease
Authors: Durden Cassandra , Tian Yuexun , Knape Koyle , Klemashevich Cory , Carey John , Hamer Sarah A. , Hamer Gabriel L.
Published: February 2023

Background
Chagas disease remains a persistent vector-borne neglected tropical disease throughout the Americas and threatens both human and animal health. Diverse control methods have been used to target triatomine vector populations, with household insecticides being the most common. As an alternative to environmental sprays, host-targeted systemic insecticides (or endectocides) allow for application of chemicals to vertebrate host resulting in toxic bloodmeals for arthropods (xenointoxification).
Methods
In this study, three systemic insecticide products were evaluated for their ability to kill triatomines by treating chickens orally and allowing triatomines to feed on treated birds. The products included: Safe-Guard® Aquasol (fenbendazole), Ivomec® Pour-On (ivermectin), and Bravecto® (fluralaner). Triatoma gerstaeckeri nymphs were allowed to feed on live birds at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days post-treatment. Triatoma gerstaeckeri survival and feeding status were recorded and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curve and logistic regression.
Results
Fluralaner caused up to 100% mortality in T. gerstaeckeri through 14 days post treatment but not after; in contrast, all insects which fed on fenbendazole and ivermectin-treated birds survived. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ) analysis was used to detect the concentration of fluralaner and fenbendazole in chicken plasma. Fluralaner was detected at 3-, 7- and 14-days post treatment but not later, while fenbendazole concentration was below the limit of detection at all time points.
Conclusions
Xenointoxification using fluralaner in poultry is a potential new tool for integrated vector control to reduce risk of Chagas disease.
Development of an online complex exercise rehabilitation intervention for people with pulmonary hypertension: The Supervised Pulmonary Hypertension Exercise Rehabilitation (SPHERe) Trial
Authors: Ennis Stuart , Sandhu Harbinder , Bruce Julie , Seers Kate , Pincus Tamar , Underwood Martin , McGregor Gordon
Published: February 2023

Background: People with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are not routinely referred for exercise rehabilitation despite potential for reducing breathlessness and improving quality of life. We describe the development of an online supervised exercise-based rehabilitation programme for people with pulmonary hypertension.
Methods: Development was completed in three phases; 1) systematic review, 2) stakeholder engagement with consensus from patients and experts, and 3) intervention feasibility and subsequent internal pilot testing. We completed systematic reviews to identify trials of exercise interventions and international cardiopulmonary guidance for people with pulmonary hypertension. The draft intervention was then ratified through discussions with multidisciplinary professionals and people living with pulmonary hypertension. We tested the SPHERe intervention in an internal pilot study. Adaptations were implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evidence from systematic reviews and stakeholder consensus from patients and healthcare experts shaped the SPHERe intervention, including addition of individual behavioural education sessions to promote adherence to exercise. Pre-pilot investigation, with eight participants, identified a number of condition-specific issues relating to safety and fear avoidance. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, we adapted the draft intervention for online group delivery. Comprehensive intervention training manuals were produced for practitioners to ensure standardised delivery. Participant workbooks were developed and piloted.
Discussion: The final online SPHERe intervention incorporates weekly supervised group exercise and behavioural support ‘coaching’ sessions with trained practitioners, with a home exercise plan and the optional loan of an exercise bike. The intervention is fully manualised with clear pathways for assessment and individualised exercise prescription. This is the first structured online programme for people with pulmonary hypertension. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of the SPHERe intervention is currently being tested in a UK multicentre randomised controlled trial for people with pulmonary hypertension (ISRCTN10608766: Supervised Pulmonary Hypertension Exercise Rehabilitation trial: SPHERe).
Relativistic effect inside matter. Obtaining a new dispersion formula.
Authors: Chernov Andrey
Published: February 2023

In this study, the dependence of the refraction of light in matter on the energy density of electron clouds was studied. Therefore, one of the goals of this study was to obtain a dispersion formula based on this dependence. Einstein's relativistic formula was taken as the basis for obtaining this formula. After the transformations carried out, a new dispersion formula was obtained from this formula. According to the new formula, 42 refractive indices of light were determined in 12 transparent substances in three states of aggregation. Comparison of the obtained indicators with the laboratory refractive indices of light showed the high accuracy of the dispersion formula, which amounted to ±10 – 6 −10 – 5 in the calculated sections of the 70-90 nm wavelength ranges. This formula can be applied to the same wide range of transparent substances as the empirical formulas of Hartmann, Cauchy, etc. The successful application of the new dispersion formula made it possible to apply the analogy method to the energy density of electron clouds. As a result, the formula for the density of electron clouds of transparent substances was obtained. Sample calculations were made using this formula. These calculations showed a high energy density of electron clouds in matter, which amounted to 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒− 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟓 J/m3.
SOBRE OS CONCEITOS DE LIBERDADE E VIRTUDE
Authors: Costa Antonio Carlos Figueiredo
Published: February 2023

Este trabalho se propõe a investigar os conceitos de Liberdade e Virtude, entendidos como de fundamental importância na montagem das matrizes conceituais da tradição republicana. As reflexões estão centradas sobre os republicanismos greco-romano e do humanismo cívico, e propõem um exercício das possibilidades colocadas pelas práticas desenvolvidas em consonância com a vertente da História do pensamento político conhecida por contextualismo lingüístico (linguistic turn). Ao longo do nosso trabalho, concebido como um balanço crítico, e portanto caracterizado como de revisão bibliográfica, a proposta central foi de colocar em diálogo autores clássicos recepcionados pela tradição republicana como paradigmáticos em suas respectivas épocas, e que passaram a constituir uma espécie de cânone, considerados os estudos acerca do republicanismo. Durante o renascimento, os conceitos de liberdade e virtude acabariam por revelar seu caráter trans-histórico, pois o revivescimento dos empreendimentos comerciais articulados a uma não interdição do lucro, iriam contribuir para o esgarçamento de certos laços simbióticos entre o cidadão e sua polis, impondo aos conceitos de liberdade e virtude uma obrigatória redefinição.
Rheumatic Manifestations of Parkinson’s Disease: An Overview
Authors: Slouma Maroua , Hajji Haifa , Rahmouni Safa , Dhahri Rim , Metoui Leila , Gharsallah Imen
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. It can be responsible for several rheumatological manifestations.

Aims:

This article aimed to review and summarize current knowledge on musculoskeletal diseases associated with Parkinson's disease and their management.

Methods:

We conducted a narrative review of musculoskeletal features associated with Parkinson's disease.

Results:

Rheumatological manifestations of Parkinson's disease include postural disorders (antecol-lis, cervical kyphosis, cervical positive sagittal malalignment, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, scoli-osis), bone disorders (osteoporosis, bone fractures), and joint disorders (frozen shoulder, hand, and foot deformities). Rheumatological manifestations lead to physical disability, long-term pain, and impaired quality of life. However, the management of these manifestations is not yet codified. It can associate botulinum toxin, thoraco-pelvic anterior distraction, orthosis, orthopedic surgical correc-tion, pallidotomy, or deep brain stimulation in patients with camptocormia. Therapeutic manage-ment of osteoporosis includes calcium and vitamin D intake and bisphosphonates.

Conclusion:

Rheumatological manifestations are common in Parkinson’s disease. Optimal care of patients with Parkinson’s disease should include attention to management of postural, bone, and joint disorders since it remains a major cause of functional impairment and disability.