bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraneural fibrosis within ilioinguinal nerve in inguinal hernia patients with preoperative pain -It’s the sign of irreversible nerve injury, isn’t it?
Authors: Narita Masato , Moriyoshi Koki , Yamaoka Ryoya , Moriyama Masaaki , Degawa Kanako , Fushitani Masashi , Kojima Hiroya , Suenaga Takahiro , Hiroki Nakanishi , Nishikawa Gen , Nakanishi Yasutaka , Hata Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Preoperative pain is known as the most powerful risk factor for chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP), while its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate patients with preoperative pain from the pathological perspective and discuss the potential pathogenesis of CPIP in those patients.
Methods
This was a single-institutional retrospective study. The study population was inguinal hernia patients with preoperative pain who underwent open anterior hernia repair for primary inguinal hernia with pragmatic ilioinguinal neurectomy during surgery between March 2021 and March 2023. The primary and secondary outcomes were proportion of collagen deposition and mucus accumulation within ilioinguinal nerve in those patients, respectively, which were evaluated histologically using Image J software.
Results
Forty patients were evaluated. Median value of proportion of intraneural collagen deposition was 38.3 (27.7-95.9) %. These values were positively correlated with the duration of pain (r2=0.468, P<0.001). Median value of proportion of mucus accumulation in ilioinguinal nerve was 50.1 (0-82.0) %. These values had no correlation with any clinicopathological variables.
Conclusions
In the present study population, all patients with preoperative pain had intraneural fibrosis within ilioinguinal nerve, and its degree had a significantly positive correlation with the pain duration. These results suggest that nerve injury may be irreversible and open anterior hernia repair with a planned ilioinguinal neurectomy may be a good option for patients with long-term preoperative pain to prevent persistent pain that being present preoperatively.
Barriers of Adopting Quantum Technology in Blockchain: A Prioritization based Framework
Authors: Alahmari Muteeb
Published: August 2023

The advent of quantum technology holds significant transformative potential for blockchain systems, promising new realms of security, speed, and efficiency. However, the lack of clear guidelines for adopting and implementing quantum technology within blockchain presents a critical challenge. This research aims to address this problem, bridging the gap by investigating the essential process areas needing expert attention while integrating quantum technology in the blockchain. To address this study, firstly, we have identified challenging factors of adopting quantum technology in blockchain reported by the existing literature. Secondly, we conducted a questionnaire survey study and get the experts opinions conceding to the criticality of the identified challenges towards adopting quantum technology in blockchain. According to the results of this study lack of adequate expertise, security concerns and regulatory hurdles are the top ranked barriers for considering quantum computing in blockchain technology. Moreover, the result of this study provides a prioritization-based taxonomy that assist the practitioners and researchers to consider the highest ranked barriers on priority.
Impact of Global Health scholarship programs in the Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Authors: Tusiimire Jonans , Nakiwala Miriam J. , Turigye Brian , Ansiimire Daphine , Kembabazi Annet , Asiimwe Stephen , Ngonzi Joseph
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
Since 2011, the Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has received several scholarship awards to students in priority health science-related programs. The scholarships are intended to build capacity in health service delivery at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) and the neighboring communities. We conducted an impact evaluation of the scholarship program ten years since the first cohort of scholars was admitted.
Methods
A mixed methods cross-sectional design was employed. Past and present scholars were requested to complete an extensive online survey assessing demographics, academic accomplishments, employment status, perceived impacts, and career satisfaction. Qualitative data on scholars’ impacts were collected using open-ended questions in the online tool. For each question, the data were analyzed by deductive thematic content analysis.
Results
Fifty (50) scholars representing 32.5% responded, of whom 36 (72%) were alumni. Most of the scholars were male (n = 30; 60%). Master of Medicine (n = 29; 58%) and Master of Nursing Science (n = 20; 40%) had the majority of respondents. The scholarship schemes included First Mile (n = 29; 58%), Kayanja (n = 12; 24%), Paiko (n = 5; 10%) and Seed (n = 4; 8%). The majority of the scholarships supported both tuition and research fees (n = 41; 82%), the rest being partial. Career advancement was undertaken by 8 (16%) of the scholars in the form of fellowships (n = 3; 6%), other masters (n = 3; 6%) and PhDs (n = 3; 6%), with some students having attained a combination of these. All scholars belonged to at least one health professional association. Over 88% (n = 32) of the alumni and 28% (n = 4) of the students were employed. The majority of those employed were in the public sector (n = 24; 66.7%), mainly the health sector (n = 18; 50%), academia (n = 14; 38.9) or both (n = 4; 11.1%). All the scholars in employment were based in Uganda. High levels of career satisfaction and self-perception of positive impact were reported. The scholars generally perceived that both the scholarship and the educational program were relevant for their career advancement and had enabled them to make a positive impact in healthcare at the community level.
Conclusions
MUST scholars reported valuable impacts on their communities via the provision of better-quality healthcare post-training. This reaffirms the value of targeted specialized training of health workers through scholarships and program development and the need for continued scholarship support for future scholars. The findings should act as an impetus to inform relevant improvements and standardization of the scholarship program and educational content by all stakeholders.
Endogenous melatonin involved in plant salt response by impacting on auxin signaling
Authors: Miao Rongqing , Li Zhiqi , Yuan Yue , Yan Xiufeng , Pang Qiuying , Zhang Aiqin
Published: August 2023

Melatonin is a pleiotropic signaling molecule, which besides being involved in various growth and developmental processes and mediates environmental stress responses, but whether and how endogenous melatonin involved in salt response was still unknown. Here, we elucidated the involvement of endogenous melatonin in salt response by the investigation on the loss-of-function mutants of melatonin biosynthesis genes SNAT1 and SNAT2. We found the double mutant snat1snat2 with attenuated melatonin synthesis exhibited salt sensitivity, manifesting by unhealthy plant growth, ion imbalance and ROS accumulation under salt stress. Transcriptomic profiles of snat1snat2showed the expression of large number of salt-responsive genes were affected by SNAT defect, and these genes were closely related to the synthesis of auxin and several signaling pathways. In addition, the salt sensitive growth phenotype of snat1snat2 was alleviated by applying exogenous auxin. Our results show that endogenous melatonin is required for plant salt tolerance, which is correlated with its large activity in mediating auxin signaling.
Experimental and Digital Investigations of Heterogeneity in Lower Cretaceous Carbonate Reservoir using Fractal and Multifractal Concepts
Authors: Jouini Mohamed Soufiane , Alabere Abdulquadri O. , Alsuwaidi Mohammad , Morad Sadoon , Bouchaala Fateh , Al-Jallad Osama A.
Published: August 2023

Characterization and prediction of reservoir heterogeneity are crucial for hydrocarbon production. This study applies the multifractal theory using both numerical and experimental data to characterize quantitatively the heterogeneity of pore structures in Lower Cretaceous limestone reservoir from the United Arab Emirates. Fractal dimensions calculated from digital images showed good correlation (R2 = +0.69) with experimental high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI) measurements. Moreover, both experimental and numerical fractal dimensions correlate well with experimental HPMI porosity measurements. Multifractal parameters such as the non-uniformity degree of the pore structures Δα, the asymmetry degree in the vertical axis Δf(α), the concentration of pore size distribution α0 and the asymmetry degree in the horizontal axis Rd estimated from digital and experimental data correlated well and revealed ability to quantitatively describe samples heterogeneity. The ranges of digital and experimental multifractal parameters provided the means to differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous samples.
Evolutionary Patterns and Microscopic Mechanisms of Strength in Mine Tailings Backfilled with Waste Glass
Authors: Deng Daiqiang , Gao Yu , Chen Zimin ,   ye wangye0627
Published: August 2023

The present study focuses on a fluorite mine as the research subject, utilizing coarse tailings, fine tailings, cement substitute-curing agent, and recycled waste glass as the primary raw materials. It investigates the changes in compressive strength of coarse tailing with varying sand- binder ratios and glass content at 3-day, 7-day, and 28-day intervals when the filling slurry concentration is set at 77% and the ratio of coarse tailings to fine tailings is maintained at 2:1. The findings indicate that there is minimal impact on the compressive strength of test blocks when using a sand binder ratio of 4:1 and a glass sand content below 10%. However, once the glass sand content exceeds 10%, a significant decline in compressive strength occurs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal ettringite crystal formation in test blocks with both 0% and 25% glass sand content due to high levels of Na₂O in the glass sand. This leads to internal expansion within test blocks resulting in reduced strength. Notably, when using a sand-binder ratio of 8:1 along with a glass sand content of 25%, early strength characteristics are observed for test blocks. Furthermore, incorporating glass sand has little influence on late-stage strength for backfill when employing either an8:1 or 12:1 sand-binder ratio. Based on this experiment conducted under conditions including mass concentration of 77%, the optimal waste-glass-to-mine-tailings-filling-sand-binder-ratio is determined as 8:1with a corresponding glass content of 25%.
Optimization of Extraction-Free Protocols for SARS-CoV-2 Detection using a Commercial rRT-PCR Assay
Authors: Kang Minhee , Jeong Eunjung , Kim Ji-Yeon , Yun Sun Ae , Jang Mi-Ae , Jang Ja-Hyun , Kim Tae Yeul , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong
Published: August 2023

The global combat against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has primarily focused on developing innovative nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostic techniques and streamlining associated protocols. In this study, we investigated extraction-free approaches to simplify the process and enhance efficiency. We validated the effectiveness of extraction-free protocols incorporating heat treatment and sample dilution, along with Proteinase K and RNase inhibitors, to improve nucleic acid detection. The combination of sample dilution, heat treatment, and addition of Proteinase K and RNase inhibitors showed the highest sensitivity (84.26%) with a mean increase in cycle threshold (Ct) value of + 3.8. The combination of sample dilution and heat treatment exhibited a sensitivity of 79.63%, which was a significant improvement of 38% compared to the use of heat treatment alone. The incorporation of proteinase K and RNase inhibitors in conjunction with sample dilution and heat treatment contributed to only a marginal improvement and did not yield statistically significant differences. Our study revealed that sample dilution significantly affected SARS-CoV-2 detection, and sample conditions played a crucial role in the efficiency of extraction-free methods. These findings will contribute to streamlining diagnostic testing, making it more accessible and cost-effective during the COVID-19 pandemics.
Red meat safety from livestock to retail in Tanzania: Policy and practice
Authors: Hrynick Tabitha , Davis Margaret A , Swai Emmanuel S , Benschop Jackie , Cleaveland Sarah , Crump John A , French Nigel P , Karimuribo Esron , Kazwala Rudovick , Mariki Boniface , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Malamsha Niwael Mtui , Prinsen Gerard , Sharp Jo P , Thomas Kate M , Waldman Linda , Zadoks Ruth N
Published: August 2023

Background
Food safety will likely be a major policy agenda item as populations and demand for meat grow and livestock intensification progresses in Tanzania and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Meeting this demand comes with considerable meat safety challenges, risks, and opportunities. This paper offers evidence-based reflections on the governance of the Tanzanian red meat value chain, articulating potential policy implications for red meat food safety in Tanzania and other LMICs.
Methods
This paper synthesizes existing knowledge and data about the food safety dimensions of the Tanzanian red meat value chain, analyzing it through a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) framework. This knowledge and data includes: 1) a review of relevant Tanzanian policy and legislation up to 2020; and 2) published and unpublished multi-disciplinary field and laboratory work conducted under the Hazards Associated with Zoonotic enteric pathogens in Emerging Livestock meat pathways (HAZEL) project in Northern Tanzania.
Results
Strengths include some enabling policies, legislation, workforce, informal networks and infrastructure supporting meat safety. Weaknesses included confusion over mandates, limited resources and infrastructure for compliance/enforcement, lack of data on meat-borne disease, and limited attention to invisible pathogenic meat contamination. Opportunities include strong in-country training infrastructures and the significant economic potential of boosting meat production systems. Although increased revenue could support meat safety investments, this couples with risks of food safety infrastructure failing to keep up with growth (while envisioned increased centralised production may introduce new forms of meat safety risk), and potential inequalities in economic opportunities, gains and meat safety investments, especially for rural, small scale and/or female meat chain actors and their communities.
Conclusions
Agricultural intensification and centralized abattoirs may benefit meat safety and spur economic growth but may not alone generate value for Tanzania and has risks. Investments may overlook rural livestock systems and small-scale actors needing critical meat safety improvements. In addition to basic infrastructure investments, context-appropriate innovations encouraging local-level meat safety may provide cost-effective opportunities for Tanzania and other LMICs to strengthen food safety.
Development and Application of Wide-Genome SSR Molecular Markers of Tapes dorsatus
Authors: Han Chunli , yang Guohao , Yang Xiaomei , Huang Xiuyi , Huang Bilin , Zhang Huiling , Peng Huijing , Zhu Peng , Zou Jie , Yang Jialin , Wang Pengliang
Published: August 2023

Background
The Tapes dorsatus, is a unique economic benthic animal in the Gulf of Tonkin. The development of microsatellite markers is of great significance for study the genetic improvement, variety identification, phylogenetic development, and conservation of resources the blunt conjugated clam.
Methods and results
Randomly select 100 pairs of primers for tasting, and 60 pairs of highly polymorphic primers for validation. The average number of alleles (Na) of the highly polymorphic primers was 10.40, the average number of effective alleles (Ne) was 6.16, the average expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.82, and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.80.
Conclusion
The 60 microsatellite markers developed in this study showing polymorphism, which can reveal the genetic diversity of the Tapes dorsatus. The research results are helpful for Tapes dorsatus genetic resource protection and genetic breeding research.
Mucus-penetrating and permeation enhancer albumin-based nanoparticles for oral delivery of macromolecules: application to bevacizumab
Authors: Pangua Cristina , Espuelas Socorro , Martinez-Oharriz Maria Cristina , Vizmanos Jose Luis , Irache Juan M.
Published: August 2023

The oral administration of therapeutic proteins copes with important challenges (mainly degradation and poor absorption) that make their potential therapeutic application extremely difficult. The aim of this study was to design nanoparticles with mucus permeating and permeation enhancer properties as oral carriers for the oral absorption of an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab) as an example of therapeutic protein with high molecular weight and ionizable groups. For this purpose, bevacizumab was complexed with the permeation enhancers sodium deoxycholate (DS) or docusate (DOCU), and then, encapsulated in PEG-coated albumin nanoparticles (mucus-penetrating). Although both types of pegylated nanoparticles (B-DS-NP-P or B-DOCU-NP-P) displayed a similar ability to disrupt the intestinal epithelial barrier in C. elegans, nanoparticles with DS showed higher capability to diffuse in intestinal mucus, when analyzed by multiple particle tracking. In rats, the relative oral bioavailability of bevacizumab incorporated in PEG-coated nanoparticles as a complex with DS (B-DS-NP-P) was 3.7%, a 100-fold increase compared to free bevacizumab encapsulated in nanoparticles (B-NP-P, 0.003% bioavailability). This important effect of DS may be explained not only by its capability to transiently disrupt tight junctions but also to their ability to increase the fluidity of membranes and to inhibit cytosolic and brush border enzymes.
Does fear of humans predict anti-predator strategies in an ungulate hider species during fawning?
Authors: Faull Jane , Conteddu Kimberly , Griffin Laura L. , Amin Bawan , Smith Adam F. , Haigh Amy , Ciuti Simone
Published: August 2023

Humans are a major evolutionary force on wildlife via artificial selection. While often explored through the lens of extractive interactions (e.g., hunting) able to favour certain behavioural traits over others, the implications of non-extractive ones, such as wildlife feeding, remain under-studied. Research has recently shown that people tend to feed (and sometimes favour) a limited subset of bolder individuals within natural populations, although its dynamics and consequences are not fully clear. Using fallow deer living in a peri-urban setting as a model population, we studied whether mother deer that display reduced fear of humans and consistently approach them for food adopt weaker anti-predator strategies by selecting for fawning bedsites that are less concealed and closer to human hotspots, allowing them to take advantage of additional artificial feeding opportunities in comparison to shier mothers in this population. Our dataset encompassed 171 fawns from 109 mothers across 4 years. Contrary to our expectations, we found that mothers that regularly accepted food from humans selected for more concealed bedsites farther away from them, giving their offspring better protection while also taking advantage of additional artificial food during lactating. Our results show marked behavioural adaptation by a subset of females, making this the first time that the link between tendency to approach humans and strategies to protect offspring is explored. Given previous findings that these begging females also deliver heavier fawns at birth, our research adds a piece to the complex puzzle describing human manipulation of behaviour in natural populations and its fitness consequences.
The impact of job satisfaction on teacher occupational burnout: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Jiang Yong , Yuan Qiankun , Huang Hongxin , Zhao Hongbo , Du Xiaojuan
Published: August 2023

Previous studies have found that job satisfaction can negatively predict occupational burnout. However, there is relatively little research on primary and secondary school teachers. Further exploration is needed on the mechanism by which job satisfaction affects occupational burnout. We constructed a moderated mediation model using a questionnaire to examine the mediating role of psychological capital between job satisfaction and occupational burnout and the moderating role of physical exercise in the above mediating pathway, with 496 primary and secondary school teachers in China as participants. The results showed that job satisfaction has a negative relationship with occupational burnout and a positive relationship with psychological capital. There is a negative relationship between psychological capital and occupational burnout. Further, psychological capital plays a partial mediating role between job satisfaction and job burnout, and physical exercise moderated this mediation path. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Association between PET-CT accumulation in the hypothalamic /pituitary regions and neuron-specific enolase /primary tumor in limited-stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Okada Yukinori , Zama Tatsuhiko , Itonaga Tomohiro , Mikami Ryuji , Okubo Mitsuru , Sugahara Shinji , Nakai Motoki , Abe Koichiro , Yoshimura Mana , Saito Kazuhiro
Published: August 2023

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) accumulation at hypothalamic /pituitary regions, tumor, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in limited-stage small cell lung cancer.Methods:We analyzed patients who were diagnosed with limited-stage small cell lung cancer at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between July 1, 2019 and May 31, 2023 and who underwent chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy. Leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, total protein, albumin, NSE, and carcinoembryonic antigen were measured in blood samples taken before the start of treatment. In PET-CT, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), volume. total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the hypothalamic /pituitary regions, primary tumor, lymph node metastases were extracted. And total tumor volume (primary tumor and lymph node metastases), total TLG (primary tumor and lymph node metastases) were calculated.Results:A total of 19 patients were selected (mean age 70.1±8.8 years; 13 male and six female). The pathology of all cases was small cell lung cancer. Cases were classified into two groups according to the NSE standard value (16.3 ng/mL); six cases were below the standard value and 13 were above the standard value. The SUVmax in the hypothalamic/pituitary region was 2.95 in the NSE <16.3ng/mL group and 4.10 in the NSE >16.3ng/mL group, showing a statically significant difference (p=0.03).The total tumor volume was 17.8 ml in the NSE <16.3ng/mL group and 98.9 ml in the NSE >16.3ng/mL group, showing a statically significant difference (p<0.01).A correlation coefficient of r=0.458 and p=0.0486 was observed between SUVmax in the hypothalamus/pituitary and NSE. A correlation coefficient of r=0.647 and p<0.01 was observed between total tumor volume and NSE. A correlation coefficient of r=0.53 and p=0.01 was observed between hypothalamic/pituitary TLG and primary tumor TLG.Conclusions:There was correlation between hypothalamic/pituitary activity and tumor activity.
Stimuli responsive Magnetic-Silica-Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid hybrid nanoparticles for targeted cancer chemo-immunotherapy
Authors: Gupta Anuradha , Niveria Karishma , Chandpa Hitesh Harsukhbhai , Singh Mamta , Kumar Vikash , Panda Amulya K , Meena Jairam
Published: August 2023

Due to the emergence of drug resistance by tumor cells against chemotherapeutic agents by multiple mechanisms i.e. apoptosis suppression, alteration in drug metabolism and efflux mechanisms, epigenetic factors and DNA repair mechanism and T cells tolerance, there is necessity to develop combined therapeutic strategies employing chemotherapy and immunotherapies. To facilitate co-delivery of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agent to the target cancer cell, engineered nanoparticles are being developed. Herein, a pH-responsive polymer PLGA coated magnetic-silica nanoparticles (Fe3O4-SiO2-PLGA-PDA NPs) encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX) and siRNA against Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) are developed. The dual PTX+ PD-L1 siRNA NPs were synthesized in four steps, displayed characteristic peaks of iron oxide, silica, PLGA and PDA in infra-red spectroscopy and observed as ⁓230 nm spherical particles. These particles also demonstrated pH sensitive sustained drug release upto 10 days. In vitro 4T1 cell studies showed efficient cellular uptake, PD-L1 gene downregulation and apoptosis. Further, in vivo efficacy studies carried out in tumor bearing mice model demonstrated significantly reduction of the tumour growth following treatment with dual PTX+ PD-L1 siRNA NPs as compared to monotherapy with PTX NPs. The high therapeutic efficacy observed with dual PTX+PD-L1 siRNA NPs was mainly due to cytotoxic effect of PTX combined with targeted silencing of gene of interest; PD-L1 and increased sensitivity of cancer cells towards PTX killing. Thereby, dual PTX+PD-L1 siRNA NPs may have a promising anticancer treatment potential against breast cancer, however the beneficial effects of PTX+PD-L1 siRNA may be corroborated in lung, and colorectal cancer models as well as in clinical trials.
Long-range Ordered Graphitic Structure in Silk Fibers Delaminated using Dopamine and Thermal Treatment for Super-Flexible Electronic Textiles
Authors: Jang Hyun-Seok , Kim Shinik , Park Ikpyeong , Jung Won Taek , Seo Jong Hyeok , Kwon Ji-Hwan , Hong Won G. , Mrówczyński Radosław , Lee Heewoo , Choi Soo Bong , Kim Jeongwoo , Kim Yeonho , Kim Byung Hoon
Published: August 2023

Exfoliation has been used to obtain 2D materials with attractive properties, like graphene. The layered structure of silk and its structural transition to a pseudo-graphitic structure by heat treatment has attracted scientific interest because of its potential applications. Here we report that intercalating the silk layers with polydopamine (PDA) followed by thermal treatment delaminates the silk fibers. Cylindrical silk fibers with a diameter of 10 μm changed to graphitic ribbon-like structures with widths of approximately 65 nm. This structural transition was systematically investigated using thermally treated PDA-embedded silks at temperatures from 800 to 1450 °C. The graphitic structures start to be observed at 1000 °C, a much lower heat treatment temperature than previous studies using pure silk. Long-range ordered graphitic structures with a lattice distance of 3.4 Å formed most clearly at 1300 °C. ab-initio molecular dynamics calculations confirmed the microscopic origin of the experimental results. This method allows the fabrication of super-flexible, comparable to pure silk, and high-electrically conductive (277.3 S·cm-1) e-textiles. These thermally treated PDA-embedded silks were also functionalized with Fe2O3 and Bi2Te3 powders using the attachment ability of PDA. This work provides evidence that PDA plays a role in delaminating silk fibers and opens the potential for various applications.
Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Case-Based Surveillance System – DireDawa City Administration, Ethiopia, July/2021-June/2022
Authors: Hagose Fitsum , Hailu Eyob , Abagero Abdulnasir , Kifle Awgichew , Abera Getnet
Published: August 2023

Background
Ethiopia started Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Case-Based Surveillance (CBS) system along with the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) in June 2019. For the period January-June 2022, only five out of 14 CBS implementing health facilities in DireDawa reported 35 newly diagnosed HIV patients through the REDCap Database compared to 314 in the District Health Information System (DHIS-2). This study aimed to describe the case-based surveillance system attributes, usefulness, reasons for under-reporting and provide recommendations.
Methods
We followed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. We customized the data collection tools from the Centers for Disease Control guidelines (CDC) for evaluating public health surveillance systems. Questionnaires were administered to 36 healthcare workers involved in HIV testing services. Completed HIV CBS case reporting forms were assessed for completeness. Statistics like frequencies and proportions are used to describe the findings between August - October 2022.
Results
lack of reporting guidelines through the REDCap was 22(61%). limited coordination between technical staff and health facilities 19 (53%). limited competency in the REDCap 23(64%). Timeliness, completeness, and validity were 89%, 87%, and 99% in the REDCap respectively. There was a lack of standard operating procedures during system interruptions. Overall representativeness was 368(49%) of 757. Acceptability was 100% due to reduced paperwork and the ability to generate simple reports. The information generated was used to identify new infection hotspots in 31(86%).
Conclusions
The HIV cases-based surveillance system was timely and acceptable. Representativeness was poor due to limited competency in the REDCap. We recommended health workers need further training.
Studying the evolution of Xinjiang local pear populations using SNP markers
Authors: Bi Qingrui , Cui Dongsheng , Fan Guoquan , Zhang Shikui , Wang Shaopeng , Wang Yatong , Niu Yingying
Published: August 2023

Background To elucidate the genetic basis of local pear varieties in Xinjiang, China, this study was conducted to scan the whole genome of 28 local pear varieties in Xinjiang using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular marker technology and analyze their genetic diversity and population structure. Result The pure SNP polymorphic loci obtained through screening were 2,045,692, which basically covered the pear genome. The genetic similarity coefficients between the varieties ranged from 0.3086 to 0.9977; when K = 4, the 28 varieties were divided into four groups, and there was general gene exchange between the populations. The cluster analysis results showed that the 28 varieties were classified into 4 taxa. The PCA results also divided the test material into 4 groups, which deviated from the evolutionary tree. The largest number of populations was found in pears between 2 and 10 million years ago, during which the reproductive development of pears developed rapidly. Conclusions The study showed that SNPs obtained polymorphism information among different pear varieties at the genome-wide level, which can be used for genetic diversity analysis between varieties and provide a reference for future molecular enhancement of pear breeding and systematic conservation of plant genetic resources.
The development of thermal error compensation on CNC machine tools by combining ridge parameter selection and backward elimination procedure
Authors: Chen Chien-Chang , Dai Hongjie , Lee Chunghong , Hsieh Tunghsien , Hung Weicheng , Jywe Wenyuh
Published: August 2023

The total processing error of CNC machine tools essentially comprises geometric errors and thermal errors. Therefore, reducing the influence of thermal errors is necessary. In this study, 13 temperature sensors were utilized to measure temperature variations of heat sources on a machine. These sensors work in conjunction with a non-contact optical measurement system to measure the positioning offset error of a rotating shaft. In this study, a ridge parameter selection method was devised and integrated into a backward elimination procedure to achieve ridge regression thermal error compensation modeling. The study considered three methods for selecting temperature variable combinations. The first method requires the use of all sensors, the second method selects the combination with the minimum mean-square error, and the third method considers the effect of diminishing returns. The ridge regression method, which considers the diminishing returns effect, is known as the “R–DR model”. The R-DR model is applied to the CNC machine used in this study to reduce the maximum peak-to-peak error on the Y-axis from 54.41 µm to 13.94 µm using only 3 temperature sensors, and on the Z-axis from 73.59 µm to 10.12 µm using 4 temperature sensors. Therefore, the R–DR model has two advantages: high precision (post-compensation peak-to-peak thermal error of less than 14 µm) and fewer temperature sensors, thereby allowing the thermal error compensation modeling method to demonstrate high engineering applicability and accuracy.
Comparison of the TEMPO Binocular Perimeter and Humphrey Field Analyzer
Authors: Nishida Takashi , WEINREB robert , Arias Juan , Vasile Cristiana , Moghimi Sasan
Published: August 2023

This study compared between TEMPO, a new binocular perimeter, with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA). Patients were tested with both TEMPO 24 − 2 AIZE-Rapid and HFA 24 − 2 SITA-Fast in a randomized sequence on the same day. Using a mixed-effects model, visual field (VF) parameters and reliability indices were compared. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was measured using Cirrus OCT, and coefficient of determinations for visual field and OCT parameters were calculated and compared using Akaike information criteria. 740 eyes (including 68 healthy, 262 glaucoma suspects, and 410 glaucoma) of 370 participants were evaluated. No significant differences were seen in mean deviation and visual field index between the two perimeters (P > 0.05). A stronger association between VF mean deviation and circumpapillary RNFL was found for TEMPO (adjusted R2 = 0.28; AIC = 5210.9) compared to HFA (adjusted R2 = 0.26; AIC = 5232.0). TEMPO had better reliability indices (fixation loss, false positive, and false negative) compared to HFA (all P < 0.05). Measurement time was faster for TEMPO compared to HFA (261sec vs. 429sec, P < 0.001). Further investigations are needed to assess the long-term monitoring potential of this binocular VF test.
Progressive Mechanical and Structural Changes in Anterior Cerebral Arteries with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Xiaozhu , Halvorsen Samuel , Blanke Nathan , Downs Margaret , Stein Thor D. , Bigio Irving J. , Zaia Joseph , Zhang Yanhang
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the main cause for dementia. The irreversible neurodegeneration leads to a gradual loss of brain function characterized predominantly by memory loss. Cerebrovascular changes are common neuropathologic findings in aged subjects with dementia. Cerebrovascular integrity is critical for proper metabolism and perfusion of the brain, as cerebrovascular remodeling may render the brain more susceptible to pulse pressure and may be associated with poorer cognitive performance and greater risk of cerebrovascular events. The objective of this study is to provide understanding of cerebrovascular remodeling with AD progression. A total of 28 brain donor participants with human anterior cerebral artery (ACA) from controls and pathologically diagnosed AD groups (early – Braak stages I-II; intermediate – Braak stages III-IV; and advanced – Braak stages V-VI) were included in this study. Mechanical testing, histology, advanced optical imaging, and mass spectrometry were performed to study the progressive structural and functional changes of ACAs with AD progression. Biaxial extension-inflation tests showed that ACAs became progressively less compliant, and the longitudinal stress in the intermediate& advanced AD groups was significantly higher than that from the control group. With pathological AD development, the inner and outer diameter of ACA remained almost unchanged; however, histology study revealed progressive smooth muscle cell atrophy and loss of elastic fibers which led to compromised structural integrity of the arterial wall. Multiphoton imaging demonstrated elastin degradation at the media-adventitia interface, which led to the formation of an empty band of 21.0 ± 15.4 µm and 32.8 ± 9.24 µm in width for the intermediate& advanced AD groups, respectively. Furthermore, quantitative birefringence microscopy showed disorganized adventitial collagen with AD development. Mass spectrometry analysis provided further evidence of altered collagen content and other extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule and smooth muscle cell changes that were consistent with the mechanical and structural alterations. Collectively, our study provides understanding of the mechanical and structural cerebrovascular deterioration in cerebral arteries with AD, which may be related to neurodegenration and pathology in the brain.
Carbon-Infiltrated Carbon Nanotubes Inhibit the Development of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Bowden Lucy C. , Wells Jocelyn G. , Miller Katelyn M. , Bowden Anton E. , Jensen Brian D. , Hope Sandra , Berges Bradford K.
Published: August 2023

Background: Staphylococcus aureus forms biofilms that cause considerable morbidity and mortality in patients who receive implanted devices such as prosthetics or fixator pins. An ideal surface for such medical devices would inhibit biofilm growth. Recently, it was reported that surface modification of stainless steel materials with carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotubes (CICNT) inhibits the growth of S. aureus biofilms. The purpose of this study was to investigate this antimicrobial effect on titanium materials with CICNT coated surfaces in a variety of surface morphologies and across a broader spectrum of S. aureus isolates.
Results: Study samples of CICNT-coated titanium, and control samples of bare titanium, a common implant material, were exposed to S. aureus. Viable bacteria were removed from adhered biofilms and quantified as colony forming units. Scanning electron microscopy was used to qualitatively analyze biofilms both before and after removal of cells. The CICNT surface was found to have significantly fewer adherent bacteria than bare titanium control surfaces, both via colony forming unit and microscopy analyses. This effect was most pronounced on CICNT surfaces with an average nanotube diameter of 150 nm, showing a 2.5-fold reduction in adherent bacteria. Since S. aureus forms different biofilm structures by isolate and by growth conditions, we tested 7 total isolates and found a significant reduction in the biofilm load in six out of seven S. aureus isolates tested. To examine whether the anti-biofilm effect was due to the structure of the nanotubes, we generated an unstructured carbon surface. Significantly more bacteria adhered to a nonstructured carbon surface than to the CICNT surface, suggesting that the topography of the nanotube structure itself has anti-biofilm properties.
Conclusions: The CICNT surface possesses antimicrobial properties that result in fewer adherent S. aureus bacteria. These antimicrobial properties are consistent across multiple isolates of S. aureus and are affected by nanotube diameter. The experiments performed in this study suggest that this effect is due to the nanostructure of the CICNT surface.
Effect of minocycline, methyl prednisolone, or combination treatment on the colonic bacterial population in a state of colonic inflammation using the murine dextran sulfate sodium model
Authors: Khajah Maitham A. , Hawai Sanaa
Published: August 2023

Background
several reports demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties of minocycline in various inflammatory disorders including colitis. We have experimental evidence suggesting synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of minocycline with methyl prednisolone in reducing colitis severity in mice, but if this effect is in part related to modulating the composition of colonic microbiota is still unknown.
Methods
the effect of vehicle (V), minocycline (M), methyl prednisolone (MP), or combination (C) regimen on the composition of the microbiota of mice in a state of colon inflammation compared to untreated (UT) healthy mice was determined using 16s metagenomic sequencing, and the taxonomic and functional profiles were summarized.
Results
Overall, the bacterial flora from the phylum Firmicutes followed by Bacteroidota were found to be predominant in all the samples. However, the composition of Firmicutes was decreased relatively in all the treatment groups compared to UT group. A relatively higher percentage of Actinobacteriota was observed in the samples from the C group. At the genus level, Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus were found to be predominant in the samples treated with both drugs (C). Whereas “Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group” and Helicobacter in the M group, and Helicobacter in the MP group were found to be predominant. But, in the UT group, Weissella and Staphylococcus were found to be predominant. Eubacterium siraeum group, Clostridia vadinBB60 group, Erysipelatoclostridium and Anaeroplasma genera were identified to have a significant (FDR p < 0.05) differential abundance in V compared to C and UT groups. While at the species level, the abundance of Helicobacter mastomyrinus, Massiliomicrobiota timonensis and uncultured Anaeroplasma were identified as significantly low in UT, C, and M compared to V group. Functional categories related to amino acid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism, cell motility and cell cycle control were dominated overall across all the samples. Methane metabolism was identified as an enriched pathway. For the C group, “Colitis (decrease)” was among the significant (p = 1.81E-6) associations based on the host-intrinsic taxon set.
Conclusion
combination regimen of minocycline plus methyl prednisolone produces a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect which is part related to alternation in the colonic microbiota composition.
Exploring the Conformational Dynamics and Key Amino Acids in the CD26-Caveolin-1 Interaction and Potential Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Hu Xiaopeng , Jiang Chunmei , Gu Yanli , Xue Xingkui
Published: August 2023

The study focused on the interaction between CD26 and caveolin-1, and employed zDOCK to identify two binding conformations, con1 and con4. Molecular dynamics simulations and alanine scanning were performed to analyze the contribution of key amino acids in the CD26 and caveolin-1 interaction. The 100ns simulation trajectories revealed that con1 exhibited smaller fluctuations and displayed more stable thermodynamic characteristics compared to con4. In con1, specific interactions were observed, including CD26's GLU237 forming a hydrogen bond with F chain's TYR151, CD26's TYR24 engaging in a π-π interaction with F chain's PHE160, CD26's TYR248 forming π-π interactions with G and H chains' PHE160, CD26's ARG147 forming a π-π interaction with I chain's TYR148, CD26's GLY99 participating in a cation-π interaction with J chain's TYR151, and CD26's PHE98 forming a hydrogen bond with J chain's TYR151. In con4, CD26's ARG253 formed a hydrogen bond with J chain's THR95, CD26's LYS250 interacted with the J chain's PHE99 through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions, and CD26's TYR248 engaged in a π-π interaction with J chain's TRP98. Based on the information about the key amino acids involved in the CD26 and caveolin-1 interaction, a high-throughput virtual screening of small molecule compounds was conducted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Library and the Anti-diabetic Compound Library. Crocin, Poliumoside, and Canagliflozin were identified as compounds with high docking scores and favorable binding modes to CD26 and caveolin-1. These compounds primarily interacted with CD26 and caveolin-1 through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Interestingly, Canagliflozin was also found to interact through π-π interactions with CD26 and caveolin-1 binding sites. This study represents the first elucidation of the preferred conformations and key amino acids involved in the CD26 and caveolin-1 interaction. The identification of these key amino acids contributes to a better understanding of the structure-function relationship in protein binding and provides important insights for further research and drug design. Additionally, the virtual screening identified potential small molecule compounds (Crocin, Poliumoside, and Canagliflozin) that have the potential to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, alleviate inflammatory responses, and regulate metabolic processes by targeting the CD26 and caveolin-1 interaction. However, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are required to validate these findings before the research can progress into clinical translation. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the CD26 and caveolin-1 interaction contributes to the elucidation of the pathological mechanisms underlying relevant diseases and provides new targets and strategies for disease treatment and intervention.
Combined endoscopic endonasal and transcranial approach for internal carotid artery aneurysms: usefulness and safety of endonasal proximal control
Authors: Sato Ryota , Akiyama Yukinori , Mikami Takeshi , Kawata Yuka , Kamada Chie , Kimura Yusuke , Komatsu Katsuya , Mikuni Nobuhiro
Published: August 2023

It is necessary to secure both the proximal and distal sides of the parent artery to prevent premature rupture when clipping cerebral aneurysms. Herein, we describe four cases in which the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA), affected by a paraclinoid aneurysm, was secured using an endoscopic endonasal approach. We used various tools, including a surgical video, cadaver dissection picture, artist's illustration, and intraoperative photographs, to elucidate the process. No patient experienced postoperative complications at our institution. Compared to the cervical or cavernous ICA, the ICA adjacent to the clivus (paraclival ICA) can be anatomically safely and easily exposed using an endoscopic endonasal approach because there is no need to consider cerebrospinal fluid leakage or hemorrhage from the cavernous sinus. Securing the proximal side of the parent artery using an endoscopic endonasal approach may be a viable method for clipping selected ICA aneurysms, such as paraclinoid aneurysms especially for upward or outward aneurysms of the C2 portion.
A Seismic Retrofit Method for Non-Seismically Designed Reinforced Concrete Columns Using Steel Rods
Authors: Kim Min Sook , Lee Young Hak
Published: August 2023

This paper presents experimental results of combined cyclic load testing on a reinforced concrete (RC) column that was retrofitted with newly designed steel rods. The steel rods were installed around the column longitudinally and then anchored. The proposed steel rods utilize simple components and installation to enhance both the strength and ductility of RC columns. One column was tested as a reference specimen, while two were tested after retrofitting using steel rods. All specimens were tested under eccentric constant axial load and incrementally increasing lateral loading cycles with eccentricity. The test parameters include the retrofitting length, a specimen that was retrofitted to the entire length of the column, and a specimen that was retrofitted to the plastic hinge length. The implementation of steel rods resulted in significant improvement in ductility and an up to 60% increase in ultimate loading capacity.