bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biometric evaluation of the freshwater snail Pila globosa (Swainson, 1822) from the river Ganga in Bihar, India
Authors: Ahirwal S. K. , Kamal Sarma  , Jaspreet singh  , Tarkeshwar Kumar  , Vivekanakand Bharti  , Deva Narayan  , Amrendra Kumar
Published: April 2023

Length-frequency distribution, morphometry, length-weight relationship, relative condition factor and sex ratio of the apple snail Pila globosa (Swainson, 1822) were studied from the river Ganga. A total of 922 specimens were collected during July 2020 to June 2021, ranging from 3.53 to 62.99 g and from 16.49 to 59.78 mm (shell length). Length-frequency distribution revealed that more than 50% of male and female specimens were within 35 to 45 mm in length and only few (1.58%) female specimens were observed in the higher length (>55 mm). Females have significantly longer shells and are heavier than males. Shell length has the strongest correlation with shell width (r=0.974) and the least with penultimate whorl length (r=0.855). Length-weight relationship, indicated that the species has negative allometric growth (b<3). The relative condition factor was 1.07 for males, 1.00 for females and 1.01 for pooled data. Sex ratio (M:F) statistically deviated from the hypothetical ratio of 1:1, indicating a heterogeneous snail population (1:1.9, p<0.05). Keywords: Ganga River, Growth pattern, Shell morphology, Snail Sex ratio
Comparative study on growth performance and survival of Indian major carps and male monosex tilapia in recirculating aquaculture system
Authors: Mukhsheet Ahmed Hazarika Mukaddim , Kumar Shivendra , Kumar Nayak Sujit , Kumar Brahmchari Rajive , Kumar Anirudh , Kumar Pravesh , H. S. Mogalekar  , Srivastava P. P.
Published: April 2023

An experiment was performed in a recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS) to carry out a comparative study on the growth performance and survival of Indian major carps (Labeo rohita and Gibelion catla) and monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings for a period of 90 days. Ten fingerlings each of L. rohita (average weight 30±0.1 g), G. catla(average weight 28±0.1 g) and O. niloticus (average weight 31.5±0.2 g) were distributed randomly into twelve cages, in quadruplicates. L. rohita and G. catla were fed commercial floating feed (30% crude protein and 5% crude lipid) ad libitum while O. niloticus were initially fed at 3% of the body weight upto 100 g size and was changed to 2% of the body weight. There was significant (p<0.05) increase of daily weight gain, percentage weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) in O. niloticus followed by L. rohita and G. catla. Significantly lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and higher (p<0.05) protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein productive value (PPV) and lipid productive value (LPV) were found in O. niloticus followed by L. rohita and G. catla. At the end of the experiment, survival was similar for all three fish species, however total biomass was significantly (p<0.05) higher in O. niloticus followed by L. rohita and G. catla. The findings of this study showed the potential of RAS as an alternative to the pond culture of monosex tilapia and rohu.Keywords: Growth performance, Indian major carps, Monosex tilapia, Survival, Recirculatory aquaculture system
Diode-Pumped Laser for Rangefinders Operating over Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Orekhova V. E. , Kisel V. E. , Orekhov K. A.
Published: April 2023

A prototype of a pulsed diode-pumped laser based on Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) crystal emitting at 1064 nm is presented for use in airborne rangefinders and atmospheric LIDARs without use of expensive production technologies and components.

Actively Q-Switched laser pulse energy was estimated. Spatial characteristics of laser beam and dependence of pulse energy on the pump pulse energy were obtained at room temperature. Results of diodepumped laser pulse energy measurements are provided within 2 min for pulse repetition rates of 1, 4, 12.5, 22 Hz at ambient temperature range from -40 to +60 °C. Laser diode arrays temperature stabilization was achieved by the use of Peltier module with cooling capacity of 30 W.

Pulse energy values not less than 80 mJ were achieved in the studied ranges of ambient temperature and pulse repetition rate. Laser beam divergence at room temperature does not exceed 1.9 mrad.
Methods for Creating Designs of Cardan Gears of Increased Resource for Land Vehicles and Agricultural Machinery
Authors: Kostukovic G. A. , Poprykailo A. V. , Auchynnikau Y. V. , Khvisevich V. M. , Chekan A. M. , Verameichyk A. I.
Published: April 2023

Spatial cardan mechanisms designed to transmit rotational motion between shafts, having angular displacement, differ in a variety of design solutions. Cardan gears are an articulation of one or more universal joints and tubular shafts.  They compensate for axial movements, and also transmit torque at constant or variable angles between the connected units. During operation, the cardan transmission must function satisfactorily during the established service life, i. e., meet all the requirements arising from the peculiarities of its use. Therefore, the problem of improving cardan gears, increasing their reliability and ergonomicity on the basis of new design solutions optimized for dynamic parameters, materials used, manufacturing, assembly and operation technologies is relevant for modern technology. The paper presents a systematic approach to the creation of a new generation of cardan gears based on research in the field of operating conditions, materials science, materials technology, optimal design. It is shown that according to the results of the research, a new series of gimbal gears with improved technical characteristics has been created.
Prevention of Incisional Hernia after Kidney Transplantation: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gómez-Dos-Santos Victoria , Plaza José Antonio López , Villar José Manuel Molina , Hernando Luis Blázquez , Nicolás Victor Diez , Cidre Miguel Jiménez , Guerrero Belén Porrero , Rodriguez-Patrón Rafael , Fúnez Fernando Arias , García Alfonso Muriel , Cebrián Jose Maria Fernández , Revilla Francisco Javier Burgos
Published: April 2023

Background: Incisional hernia is a common complication after kidney transplantation with an incidence of 1.6-18%. Concerning non-transplant patients, a recently published meta-analysis describes a reduction of the incidence of incisional hernia of up to 85% due to prophylactic mesh replacement in elective, midline laparotomy. The aim of our study is to show a reduction of the incidence of incisional hernia after kidney transplantation with minimal risk for complication.
Methods/design: This is a blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing time to incisional hernia over a period of 24 months between patients undergoing kidney transplantation and standardized abdominal closure with or without prophylactic placement of ProGrip™ (Medtronic. Fridley, Minnesota. USA) mesh in an onlay position. As we believe that the mesh intervention is superior to the standard procedure in reducing the incidence of hernia, this is a superiority trial.
Discussion: The high risk for developing incisional hernia following kidney transplantation might be reduced by prophylactic mesh placement. ProGrip™ mesh features polylactic acid (PLA) microgrips that provides immediate, strong and uniform fixation. The use of this mesh combines the effectiveness demonstrated by the macropore propylene meshes in the treatment of incisional hernias, a high simplicity of use provided by its capacity for self-fixation that doesn´t increase significantly surgery time, and safety.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. ID: NCT04794582. Registered on 08 March 2021. Protocol version 2.0. (02-18-2021)
The Relationship Between Hospital Volume and Mortality for Acute Pancreatitis in the United States
Authors: Friedmann Patricia , Parides Michael , In Haejin , Melvin W. Scott , II Peter Muscarella , McAuliffe John C. , Ramos-Santillan Vicente
Published: April 2023

Objectives Previous reports demonstrate conflicting findings regarding the relationship between mortality and hospital volume for acute pancreatitis (AP). Here we seek to reevaluate the impact of hospital admission volume on AP-specific mortality based on disease severity.Methods Patient demographics, clinical data, and hospital factors were collected from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for patients with AP between 2008–2011. Hospitals were divided into five volume groups based on the number of admissions for AP and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) per year. The relationship between hospital volume and outcomes was evaluated with the primary endpoint being in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mortality.Results Data from 182,331 admissions for AP were included in the analysis. The median number of annual hospital admissions per year was 35. SAP was present in 18,708 patients. There were no differences in-patient mortality by hospital volume groups for AP (0.69–0.94%, p = 0.19) or SAP (5.43–7.21%, p = 0.06). Factors found to be associated with increased risk of inpatient mortality included age ≥ 75 (OR: 5.18, CI 4.33–6.20), male gender (OR: 1.30, CI 1.17–1.44) comorbidities (OR: 3.77, CI: 2.61–5.44), and SAP (OR: 17.7, CI: 15.7–19.9).Conclusions Hospital volume of AP and SAP does not appear to be associated with inpatient mortality. Increasing age, male gender, comorbidities, and SAP are associated with increased risk of mortality. The complex relationship between hospital volume, disease severity and disparities in health care delivery and outcomes requires further scrutiny.
Effect of molecular functionalization in carbon nanotube and graphene nanoribbon based atomic scale sensors
Authors: Bhat Manasa , Neeharika Manne Muddu , Ghosh Kaustab
Published: April 2023

Advancement in fabrication technologies has led to the possibility for synthesizing atomic scale structures of graphene nanoribbon (GNR) and carbon nanotube (CNT). The purpose of this paper is to model the electronic property and electrical characteristics of these structures by atomistic modelling using non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) and compare the effect of molecular functionalization and sensing. Within drain to source bias voltage of 1 Volts, armchair configuration based GNR (AGNR) is not found to be sensitive to functionalized molecule with lesser alteration in the density of states (DoS) and transmission spectra. Rolling of the AGNR into armchair CNT (ACNT) makes the performance worse and more insensitive. However, changing the configuration of GNR from armchair to zigzag shows remarkable alteration in the DoS and transmission spectra and significant improvement in sensitivity. This improves further on rolling the zigzag GNR (ZGNR) to zigzag CNT (ZCNT). However, this variation in sensitivity is found to fall with increase in width to length (W/L) ratio of the nanostructures. This specifies the importance of smaller atomic structures and the work provides a guideline for effectively utilization these structures for bio and chemosensing.
Bilateral RNFL thickness reduction in a 9 year old myopic boy suffering from unilateral optic neuritis
Authors: Zhao Fangfang , Yao Shi-Qi , Wang Yun , Li Taiping , Yang Jianfeng , Pang ChiPui , Cen Ling-Ping
Published: April 2023

The loss of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) could be caused by myopia and optic neuritis. We described a 9-year-old boy with optic neuritis in the right eye, pseudopapilledema in the left eye, and moderate myopia in both eyes. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was no light perception (NLP) in the right eye and 1.0 (logarithmic visual acuity chart) in the left eye. On steroid pulse therapy, vison of his right eye recovered. The RNFL thickness of both eyes and average macular ganglion cell (mGCL) thickness of the left eye was reduced in a 16-month follow-up. We speculated that apart from the myopic influence, optic neuritis might directly affect the RNFL thickness in the right eye and indirectly influence the RNFL and mGCL thickness in the left eye due to contralateral effect.
Who drives carbon emissions and what emission reduction potential in the resource curse agglomeration: a case of Xinjiang
Authors: Gu Kuiying , Yan Min , Dou Pengyue , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2023

The primary problem in achieving carbon emission reduction and carbon peak is to identify the key driving factors and emission reduction potential of the industrial sector, especially in resource-cursed regions like Xinjiang. This study aimed to explore the key driving factors and abatement potential of carbon emissions based on the "energy-environment-economy" hybrid input-output model of Xinjiang during 1997-2017. The result showed that: (1)Industrial carbon emissions have experienced three stages: slow growth-rapid growth-stable growth. (2)Demand change effect and energy intensity effect were the determinants of industrial carbon emission change; Capital formation and domestic trade were the biggest drivers of carbon emissions growth, and the driving force of imports in international trade increased gradually over time. (3) The coal-based energy structure was both the biggest obstacle and the best entry point in carbon emission reduction. (4) Of the 28 key industry sectors, heavy industry including the production and supply of electricity and heat (S22), petroleum processing, coking and nuclear fuel processing (S11), chemical industry (S12), metal smelting and rolling (S14), and energy industries had the greatest potential for carbon reduction. The research findings provide scientific decision-making reference for Xinjiang to accurately grasp the carbon emission reduction potential of the industry and formulate a targeted carbon peak action plan.
Soil mineral nitrogen, soil urease activity, nitrogen losses and nitrogen footprint under machine-planted rice with side-deep fertilization
Authors: Peng Jianwei , Zhong Xuemei , Zhou Xuan , Luo Gongwen , Huang Ying , Wu Yuanfan , Cao Ruliang , Tian Chang
Published: April 2023

Reduction of the nitrogen (N) footprint of agroecosystems is currently a hot topic in various research disciplines and fields. However, the effect of machine-plantedrice with side-deep fertilization (MRSF) on nitrogen loss and footprint of double-cropping rice fields in Hunan is still unclear. Here, we established a field experiment in which we applied various N compositions (N 135/148.5–90/99 kg ha− 1) to early-season rice (ESR) and late-season rice (LSR). The loss of different N forms during the whole growth period of double cropping rice was measured. The N footprint of double cropping rice in red soil region of South China was calculated by using life cycle assessment method. Compared with the conventional fertilizer (CF; N 150/165 kg ha− 1) treatment, the MRSF treatments significantly reduced NH4+-N and NO3−-N runoff by 26.2–40.9% and 9.0–36.5%, respectively, for ESR, and by 54.4–79.0% and 6.6–40.7%, respectively, for LSR. Moreover, relative to the CF treatment, the MRSF treatments significantly reduced leaching loss by 21.8–41.2% and 20.5–42.1%, respectively, for ESR, and 26.7–41.8% and 20.9–51.0%, respectively, for LSR. While urease activity decreased with increasing soil depth, MRSF treatments increased relative soil urease activity in the later stages of rice growth. Compared with the CF treatment, they also decreased the total N footprint by 42.3–53.5% and 45.1–57.1% for ESR and LSR, respectively. Correlation analysis further showed that mineral N loss and total N footprint increased exponentially with the N-application rate under the MRSF strategy. Overall, MRSF was found to reduce environmental risks associated with N loss caused by paddy field leaching and runoff while maintaining the topsoil N content. In this manner, MRSF can attenuate the total N footprint of double-cropping rice systems in Southern China.
PacBio next-generation sequencing uncovers Apicomplexa diversity in different habitats
Authors: Gad Mahmoud , Fawzy Mariam E. , Al-Herrawy Ahmad Z. , Abdo Sayeda M. , Nabet Noura , Hu Anyi
Published: April 2023

The phylum Apicomplexacomprises a large group of protozoan organisms that are obligatory intracellular parasites and can infect various vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, leading to several significant medical and veterinary pathologies, including toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, theileriosis and eimeriosis. However, information on their diversity and distribution in nature is still limited, particularly in rivers. To address this gap, the study employed next-generation high-throughput 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing based on PacBio technology to determine the diversity and composition of the microeukaryotic parasitic taxa group (i.e., Apicomplexa). Principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated the habitat heterogeneity for the physicochemical parameters and the Apicomplexa community. These results were supported by PERMANOVA (P < 0.001), ANOSIM (P < 0.001), Cluster analysis, and Venn diagram. Dominant apicomplexan parasites in inlet samples were Gregarina (38.54%), Cryptosporidium (32.29%), and Leidyana (11.90%). Outlet samples had Babesia, Cryptosporidium, and Theileria as dominant groups. Surface water samples had Toxoplasma(16%) and a lower relative abundance of Cryptosporidium (8.33%). The next-generation high throughput sequencing covered a wide range of parasites in Egypt for the first time to our knowledge, which could be useful for legislation of the standards for drinking water and wastewater reuse.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients’ Preferences on Riluzole Treatment in Europe
Authors: Ludolph Albert , Grandjean Harish , Reviers Evy , Cardosi Leonardo , Russ Hermann , Silani Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

The Patient Preference Study aims to understand unmet needs related to riluzole management in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and which characteristics of a newly formulated product could better match their preferences. The survey involved 117 patients treated with riluzole, in four European countries. The dysphagic patients were least satisfied with both riluzole tablet and oral suspension and with ease in self-administration; up to 61% of respondents postponed or missed the treatment, due to swallowing difficulties and need for assistance. Overall, 56% of tablet and 53% of oral suspension users regularly crushed or mix riluzole with beverages, respectively; patients that always manipulate riluzole showed low patient satisfaction with the formulation and considered the risk of choking and pneumonia the most worrisome events. The study evaluated the driver factors in choosing/switching the therapy: 97% of ALS patients declared a low risk of choking. The study finally evaluated the level of preference of attributes of a new product: the most relevant were ease in use (4.3/5), convenient/portable packaging (4.0/5) and oral-dissolving properties without tongue motility (3.9/5). The Patient Preference Study suggests that patients have several unmet needs and preferences that could be addressed by new products, e.g. oral film technologies.
Developing a depression care model for the hill tribes: a family and community-based participatory research
Authors: Singkhorn Onnalin , Hamtanon Pawadee , Moonpanane Katemanee , Pitchalard Khanittha , Sunsern Rachanee , Leaungsomnapa Yosapon , Phokhwang Chananan
Published: April 2023

Background A high prevalence of depression has been detected among individuals from the hill tribes in Thailand. However, there is no proper intervention to improve this problem. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design, the study team developed a model of depression care for this population.Methods This study involved 45 people in the model development and 65 people in the model testing, who were patients, family members, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), community and religion leaders, healthcare personnel, NGOs, and local administrative staff. The model development was divided into three phases: understanding the current situation of depression and care, model development, and evaluation of its effectiveness using psychological and relevant outcomes. Questionnaires, observations, focus groups, and in-depth interviews were used. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze changes in VHVs knowledge and skills before and after training.Results The resulting model, ‘SMILE’, consisted of stakeholder's readiness (S), external and internal motivation (M), interpersonal relationship (I), life and community assets (L), and empowerment (E). VHVs were trained on the model. After training, VHV’s knowledge has increased from 3.50 ± 1.14 to 8.28 ± 0.81 (p < 0.001), and basic counselling and depression screening skills improved from 3.39 ± 1.23 to 7.64 ± 3.76 (p < 0.001).Conclusion The developed model can be applied to other hill tribe communities in northern Thailand to improve depression care.
Identifying circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks in juvenile spondyloarthropathies patients.
Authors: Wei Qijiao , Li Sun
Published: April 2023

Background Juvenile spondyloarthropathies (JSpA) are defined as a heterogeneous group of diseases that start before the age of 16. The study aimed to identify key genes and pathways that are influenced by circRNAs and to screen potential therapeutic agents for JSpA. The study likely involved the analysis of circRNA expression profiles, identification of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks, and functional annotation of differentially expressed genes. The results of the study may have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying JSpA and potential therapeutic targets for this disease.Methods In this study, sequencing data of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA were obtained from the GEO datasets. The data were then analyzed to identify candidates for constructing a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on circRNA-miRNA interactions and miRNA-mRNA interactions. Functional enrichments of genes were performed using the DAVID database. A PPI network was constructed using the STRING database and visualized using Cytoscape software. The MCODE plugin app was used to explore hub genes in the PPI network. The expression changes in immune cells were assessed using the online CIBERSORT algorithm to obtain the proportion of various types of immune cells. Finally, the Connectivity Map L1000 platform was used to identify potential agents for JSpA treatment. Overall, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying JSpA and to identify potential therapeutic agents for this disease.Results A total of 225 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), 23 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and 1324 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified. We integrated 5 overlapped circRNAs, 7 miRNAs and 299 target mRNAs into a circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network. We next identified 10 hub genes based on the PPI network. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly associated with JAK-STAT signal pathway. We found that neutrophils accounted for the majority of all infiltrating cells. In addition, we discovered several chemicals as potential treatment options for JSpA.Conclusions Through this bioinformatics analysis, we suggest a regulatory role for circRNAs in the pathogenesis and treatment of JSpA from the view of a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anaemia Among Women of Reproductive Age in a Ghanaian University
Authors: Tandoh Marina Aferiba , Agyemang Winifred Opoku , Brago Emmanuella Takyi , Attu Samuel Selorm , Domfeh Asare Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

Background Anaemia is a clinical condition that results in the reduction of haemoglobin levels in the body and affects 33% of women of reproductive age worldwide (about 613 million women between 15 and 49 years of age). In Ghana, the occurrence of anaemia is reported to be 66% in children between the ages of 6 and 59 months, and 42% among women of reproductive age. This study determined the prevalence and risk factors of anaemia among women of reproductive age at a Ghanaian University.Method Two hundred and six non-pregnant women, aged 15–40years, randomly selected from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, participated in this cross-sectional study. Selected socio-demographics, anthropometrics and information on monthly blood flow (menstruation), awareness of anaemia, and dietary diversity scores were collected. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, oxygen saturation levels and malaria infection status were determined. The relationship between these independent variables and the anaemia status of the study participants was assessed using bivariate analysis.Results The overall anaemia prevalence was 67.5%, and the prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anaemia was 35.4%, 26.7% and 5.3%, respectively. The participants' dietary diversity score was 56.8% and more than half (57.8%) had normal body mass index (18- 24.9 kg/m2). There was no significant association between body mass index (p = 0.430), dietary diversity score (p = 0.711), oxygen saturation level (p = 0.761) and anemia. However, monthly blood loss significantly contributed to anaemia (p = 0.047).Conclusion This study has highlighted the high prevalence of anaemia among reproductive-age women. Body mass index, dietary diversity score and oxygen saturation level were not potential risk factors associated with anaemia. However, monthly blood loss was associated with anaemia. Due to the adverse consequences of anaemia on the health of reproductive women, proper interventions such as regular supplementations of the diet with iron and folate can be included to replenish the blood loss.
Clinical efficacy of bioactive restorative materials in controlling secondary caries: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Pinto Noeleni Souza , Jorge Gabriela Rebouças , Vasconcelos Jader , Probst Livia Fernandes , De-Carli Alessandro Diogo , Freire Andrea
Published: April 2023

Background: This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of bioactive and conventional restorative materials in controlling secondary caries (SC) and to provide a classification of these materials according to their effectiveness.
Methods: A search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, BBO, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, Scopus, IBECS and gray literature. Clinical trials were included, with no language or publication date limitations. Paired and network meta-analyses were performed with random-effects models, comparing treatments of interest and classifying them according to effectiveness in the permanent and deciduous dentition and at 1-year or 2/more years of follow-up. The risk of bias was evaluated based on the Cochrane guidelines.
Results: Sixty-two studies were included in the qualitative syntheses and 39 in the quantitative ones. In permanent teeth, resin composite (RC) (RR=2.00; 95%CI = 1.10, 3.64) and amalgam (AAG) (RR=1.79; 95%CI = 1.04, 3.09) showed a higher risk of SC than Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC). In the deciduous teeth, however, a higher risk of SC was observed with RC than with AAG (RR=2.46; 95%CI = 1.42, 4.27) and in GIC when compared to Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC=1.79; 95%CI = 1.04, 3.09). Most articles showed low or moderate risk of bias.
Conclusion: There is a difference between bioactive restorative materials for SC control, with GIC being more effective in the permanent teeth and the RMGIC in the deciduous teeth. Bioactive restorative materials can be adjuvants in the control of SC in patients at high risk for caries.
Evaluation of A Standard Handover Tool at A Pediatric Tertiary Care Unit in Oman
Authors: Riyami Hilal Al , Al-Makhmari Sharifa , Balushi Sarah Al , abri Saif Al , Jabri Majid Al
Published: April 2023

Background The handover system is a great communication tool used by physicians to transfer and receive patients’ care-related information. The introduction of structured handover tools has resulted in a dramatic reduction in hospital-acquired injury and death cases. We hypothesize that the I-PASS handover tool will improve both written and verbal communication without compromising the duration of the handover. The current study aims to improve the quality of care and patient safety by evaluating the applicability of I-PASS handover in the Child Health Department at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.Results A total of twenty trainees were enrolled in this study. After the implementation of I-PASS, 70% (14/20) of the respondents thought that the handover was well-structured, compared to 30% (6/20) prior to the implementation of I-PASS (P = .003). Due to I-PASS, about 80% of the participants could identify deteriorating patients and around 60% were confident in addressing emergencies. The I-PASS handover technique has raised participants’ satisfaction from 80–95%. Before I-PASS, the mean adherence rate across all 10 variables was 28.7/50 (57.4%), compared to post I-PASS rate of 47/ 50 (94%).Conclusion The I-PASS system is a feasible and flexible clinical handover tool. This study showed that I-PASS has improved on-call handovers and patient safety.
Super Efficiency and Sensitivity Analysis of the Indian Hotels and Restaurants
Authors: Sharma Neha , Mogha Sandeep Kumar
Published: April 2023

Over the course of COVID-19, the global growth of the hospitality and restaurant (H&Rs) sector has declined. During this difficult period, this sector's overall performance declined. As a result, this industry must adopt fresh approaches to seize the potential and overcome the obstacles at this pivotal moment. One of these difficulties is figuring out how to evaluate H&Rs' effectiveness using a variety of factors. This study evaluates the performance of 45 significant H&R businesses operating in India using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. The Basic DEA models usually do not disclose the improvement in the capability of different DMUs as these models calculate only radial efficiency. In this paper, the New Slack Model (NSM) of DEA has been employed to examine the efficiency of the different 45 large-scale Indian Hotels and Restaurants (H&Rs). The NSM model cognate the input and output slacks straight away. In this study, four inputs: Capital employed, Gross fixed assets, Current assets, and Operating costs, and two outputs: Operating income and Profit before depreciation, interest, and tax (PBDIT) are considered. The data for the study has been collected from the Prowess database of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The study indicates that only 65.58% of H&R are technically efficient which shows that some resources are unutilized and therefore there is a huge scope for an upswing. To validate the stability of results sensitivity analysis is also carried out.
Improvement of the stability of the electricity network of the Republic of Congo by PSS and STATCOM controllers
Authors: MIMIESSE Mavie Grace , GOGOM Mathurin , LILONGA Désiré
Published: April 2023

PSS power stabilizers are one of the most common ways to improve the stability of electrical networks. In addition, FACTS control devices, thanks to their flexibility and their fast response times, can be used in addition to power stabilizers. In this paper, we investigated the stability of the power grid of the Republic of Congo using Lyapunov's first method based on the eigenvalue analysis of the power grid state matrix. We have shown in this article the contribution of PSS-STATCOM controllers in improving the stability of the RC electrical network. Finally the factor of participation, highlighted the modes of critical oscillations associated with the generators.
Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Complications among recovered COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Seyoum Abebaw Bekele , Tegegnework Sisay Shine , Mengistu Mahider Molla , Mekonnen Tenbite Daniel , Asabel Abdurahman Mohammedamin , Dagnaw Alazar Gizate , Deribe Abenet Girma , Derese Tadios Niguss , Hundie Tsegaye Gebreyes , Getahun Bisrat Kassa , Huluka Dawit Kebede
Published: April 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to chronic pulmonary complications all over the world. Respiratory complications such as chronic cough, dyspnea, increased respiratory rate, and oxygen support demand are prevalent in recovered COVID-19 patients. These problems are long-term and have a negative impact on one's quality of life. Patients must be evaluated for potential complications, and risk factors must be found. Some reports around the world explain the factors that contribute to the development of these complications. However, to the best of our understanding, no reports of post-COVID-19 complications have been reported from Ethiopia.
Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study was done among 405 participants selected by simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire which includes participants’ demographic, clinical and 3rd month visit characteristics was collected by ODK and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Percentage with frequency and median with IQR was used in descriptive statistics. The association between variables was analyzed with bivariate and multi variable logistic regression. A statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05, with 95% confidence interval.
Results: The median (IQR) age of participants was 57.0 (43.0, 65.0) years, 63.2% were males. The prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary complication in recovered COVID-19 patients was 14.1% (95% CI: 10.8%, 17.8%). After adjusting for possible confounders on multivariate analysis, older age [AOR=0.227, 95% CI (0.08 – 0.66)] and consolidation [AOR=0.497, 95% CI (0.258 – 0.957)] were shown to have significant association with post COVID-19 pulmonary complications.
Conclusion: The prevalence of post COVID-19 pulmonary complication was observed to be lower than other reports globally. Older age and the presence of consolidation on lung imaging were associated with those complications.
Changes in the urine proteome after massage in healthy people
Authors: Bao Yijin , Pan Xuanzhen , Gao Youhe
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to explore the effect of massage on the urine proteome of healthy people. In this study, participants underwent 1-hour whole body massage. Urine samples were collected at 0, 2, and 24h after the massage and urine proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Compared with the control (before massage), 41 differential proteins were identified in the group 2h after the massage, the random mean number of differentially produced proteins was 11 with 73% confidence, and the biological process of protein enrichment was catecholamine biosynthesis, which was related to the promotion of metabolism and the regulation of neural activities. While 29 differential proteins were identified in the group 24h after the massage, the random average number of differential proteins produced was 10, with the confidence of the difference decreased to 65%, and the effective biological process could not be enriched at this time. The results suggested that the difference in urine protein was greater at 2h after the massage and gradually decreased at 24h after the massage. The proteome of urine may reflect changes in the body following minor massage stimuli, providing a potential way to evaluate the effects of massage therapy.
Ecophysiological characteristics of the nematophagous fungus, Plectosphaerella plurivora, with biocontrol potential on Nacobbus aberrans s.l. in tomato.
Authors: Girardi Natalia Soledad , Sosa Ana Laura , García Joaquín Loyola , Passone María Alejandra
Published: April 2023

The plant-parasitic nematode, Nacobbus sp., is responsible for significant economic losses in horticultural production centers in Argentina and other countries in America, alone or in combination with other biotic and abiotic factors. Although the genus distribution is restricted to the American continent, it has quarantine importance and is subject to international legislation to prevent its spread to other regions. The management of phytoparasitic nematodes through biological control strategies is a promising eco-compatible alternative, allowing the sustainability of the crop horticultural system. Results of this study, firstly allowed ecophysiologically characterize Plectosphaerella plurivora SRA14, a strain with nematophagous activity on N. aberrans s.l. This fungal strain developed in vitro under a wide temperature range (20-30 °C), nevertheless the highest levels of water stress (Ψ: -7 and -10 Mpa; aW: 0.95 and 0.93) inhibited its growth. Notwithstanding, the production of extracellular enzymes by this strain was low, P. plurivora SRA14 was able to develop in the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere of the tomato and basil crops without affecting the plant vigor parameters and producing phytotoxicity signs. Secondly, this study evidenced the biocontrol activity of P. plurivora SRA14 on N. aberrans s.l. population in tomato implanted both on sterile (artificially inoculated) and naturally infested soils via greenhouse pot experiments. The results of this work revealed for the first time the potential of P. plurivora SRA14 to consolidate itself as a biological control agent of the phytoparasitic nematode, N. aberrans s.l., in horticultural crops.
Real-time monitoring of sports performance based on ensemble learning algorithmand neural network
Authors: Zhou Yucheng , Lu Wen , Zhang YingQiu
Published: April 2023

In order to improve the performance of sports performance prediction, based on computational learning algorithms, this article builds a sports performance prediction model based on ensemble learning algorithms under the guidance of machine learning ideas. Moreover, this article applies the cascade principle to improve the accuracy of the model and determines the cascade structure, studies the characteristics of spatio-temporal sequence data and the modeling methods of spatio-temporal sequence models, and combines the idea of selective integration learning to improve the spatio-temporal neural network model. In addition, this paper uses the L1 regularization method to sparsely weight and combine multiple STELM models to achieve selective integration. Finally, this paper designs experiments to predict the performance of this model in sports performance prediction. The research results show that the prediction results of the sports performance prediction model constructed in this paper are accurate.
Influence of the morphology and size of SiC particles on the mechanical characteristics of SiC-ceramics
Authors: Frolova Marianna G. , Lysenkov Anton S. , Kravchuk Konstantin S. , Zakorzhevsky Vladimir V. , Kim Konstantin A. , Kargin Yury F.
Published: April 2023

The hot press method obtained the SiC composite from different morphology and partial size powder. The starting SiC powder was: 1) fragmentation particle shape industrial charge of silicon carbide obtained by the Acheson method with sintering additive (9 wt.% Y2O3 − Al2O3) by Saint Gobain, 2) spherical particles SiC obtained by SHS in a laboratory. Bending strength, critical stress intensity factor, density, the friction coefficient of samples of the obtained ceramics were determined. It has been established that the properties of ceramics obtained from SHS silicon carbide powder (spherical particles with sizes of 100–400 nm), due to better compaction, were at least 10% higher than samples from Saint Gobain powder: bending strength 400 ± 22 MPa, density 3.23 ± 0.01 g/cm3, critical stress intensity factor К1С = 4.8 ± 0.3 MPa∙m1/2, friction coefficient 0.1126 ± 0.0031.
AHNAK Downregulation Contributes to Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Tumorigenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Lu Xingxing , Mei Yan , Fan Chunmei , Chen Pan , Li Xiayu , Zeng Zhaoyang , Li Guiyuan , Xiong Wei , Xiang Bo , Yi Mei
Published: April 2023

Purpose
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive head and neck disease with a high incidence of distant metastases. Enlargeosomes are cytoplasmic organelles marked by, desmoyokin/AHNAK. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of AHNAK in NPC and its effect on enlargeosomes, and to investigate the correlation between AHNAK expression levels and clinical NPC patient characteristics.
Methods
Primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and NPC specimens were evaluated by analyzing public data, immunohistochemistry. Systematic in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed using different NPC-derived cell lines and mouse models.
Results
In this study, we detected AHNAK and Annexin A2(ANXA2), a protein coating the surface of enlargeosomes, in NPC samples. We found that AHNAK was down-regulated, whereas Annexin A2 was upregulated in human NPC tissues. Down-regulation of AHNAK was associated with poor overall survival in NPC patients. Upregulation of Annexin A2 was associated with lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis in NPC patients. Functional studies confirmed that silencing of AHNAK enhanced the growth, invasion, and metastatic properties of NPC cells both in vitro and in vivo. In terms of mechanism, loss of AHNAK led to increase of annexin A2 protein level in NPC cells. Silencing ANXA2 restored the migrative and invasive ability of NPC cells upon loss of AHNAK. Moreover, transcription factor FOSL1-mediated transcriptional repression was responsible for the low-expression of AHNAK by recruiting EZH2.
Conclusion
Here, we report AHNAK as a tumor suppressor in NPC, which may act through annexin A2 oncogenic signaling in enlargeosome, with potential implications for novel approaches to NPC treatment.
The Structural Equation Model of the Spatial Distribution of Hydraulic Facilities on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and its Correlation with Natural Factors
Authors: Wang Cheng , Tan Lifeng , Zhang Yiwen , Li Liang , Yan Yihua , Hu Yang , Zeng Yangqinxue
Published: April 2023

Hydraulic facilities are an important part of the Ming and Qing Dynasty's Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and their distribution is closely related to the hydrological terrain in which they are located. This paper reconstructed the distribution map of the canal network and hydraulic facilities database during the Ming and Qing dynasties using ArcGIS, and used Amos 26.0 software to explore the impact of natural environmental factors on the selection of hydraulic facility locations. The results showed that the slope and slope direction of the main stream were directly related to the spatial distribution of hydraulic facilities. The estimated value of the slope of the main stream was -0.166, which was negatively correlated with the spatial distribution of hydraulic facilities, and the estimated value of the slope direction of the main stream was -0.112, which was negatively correlated with the spatial distribution of hydraulic facilities. The estimated value of the watershed area where the hydraulic facilities were located was -0.096, which was also negatively correlated with the spatial distribution of hydraulic facilities. The slope and slope direction of the tributaries indirectly affected the spatial distribution of hydraulic facilities through the watershed area where the hydraulic facilities were located and did not have a direct correlation. The effect value of the slope of the tributaries was -0.017, which was negatively correlated with the spatial distribution of hydraulic facilities, and the effect value of the slope direction of the tributaries was 0.010, which was positively correlated with the spatial distribution of hydraulic facilities.
Association of the presence of a COVID-19 infection at the time of birth and the rates of exclusive breastfeeding upon discharge in BFHI hospitals: a multicenter, prospective cohort study
Authors: GABRIEL MIGUEL ÁNGEL MARÍN , LOZOYA SERGIO MARTIN , IBARRA SUSANA DE LAS HERAS , COMECHE LAURA DOMINGO , CARRASCO ERSILIA GONZÁLEZ , MALLADA PAULA LALAGUNA , SIREROL NATALIA VILLÓ , FERNÁNDEZ LUCÍA GARCÍA , MARTÍNEZ JOSÉ JIMÉNEZ , VICENTE ANA ROYUELA
Published: April 2023

Background There are very few studies assessing the association between a COVID-19 infection and the rates of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) upon discharge following the first waves of the pandemic and after the initiation of vaccination. The primary objective of this study is to compare the rates of EBF upon discharge in mothers diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection at the time of the birth versus a group of non-infected mothers in maternity hospitals with Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) accreditation. The secondary objectives include determining the rates of BF at 3 and 6 months of life in both groups, as well as determining the possible factors involved in the rates of EBF observed upon discharge.Methods An observational, multi-center, prospective cohort study conducted from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 and with follow-up during the first six months of life. Follow-up was performed via telephone contact with calls performed at three and six months. A multivariate logistic regression analysis model was performed to identify the factors related to a lower probability of EBF upon discharge.Results 308 mother-infant pairs participated in the study, 111 in the cohort of exposed patients and 197 in the cohort of non-exposed patients. Exposure to COVID-19 during the birth (AOR 5.28; 95% CI 2.01, 13.86), not practicing BF previously (AOR 36.3; 95% CI 7.02, 187.74), birth via cesarean section (AOR 5.06; 95% CI 1.62, 15.79) and the weight of the newborn (AOR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01, 1.01) were associated with a greater risk of not performing EBF upon discharge. At three months, 52.4% of exposed patients vs. 57% of non-exposed patients (p = 0.33) were performing EBF, with the rates of EBF at six months being 43% vs. 39.3% (p = 0.45) respectively.Conclusions Mothers with a mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection at the time of the birth had a lower probability of feeding their babies with EBF at the time of discharge from hospital in a group of BFHI-accredited hospitals.
Abdominal pain accompanied by elevated serum inflammatory markers and biliary enzymes for diagnosing immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Yamamoto Takafumi , Mizuno Kazuyuki , Ito Takanori , Yokoyama Shinya , Yamamoto Kenta , Imai Norihiro , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Ishikawa Takuya , Kanamori Akira , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yokota Kenji , Hase Tetsunari , Nishio Naoki , Maeda Osamu , Ishii Makoto , Sone Michihiko , Ando Yuichi , Akiyama Masashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: April 2023

Background: Immune-related sclerosing cholangitis (irSC) is relatively rare and its clinical characteristics are not well known. In this study, we aimed to summarize the clinical features of irSC.
Methods: Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 1,393 patients with advanced malignancy treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) between August 2014 and October 2021. We analyzed patients with immune-related adverse events of liver injury (liver-irAEs) and compared irSC and non-irSC groups.
Results: Sixty-seven patients (4.8%) had a liver-irAE (≥ grade 3) during the follow-up period (median, 262 days). Among these, irSC was observed in eight patients (11.9%). All patients in the irSC group were treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Compared with the non-irSC group, the irSC group showed mainly non-hepatocellular liver injury (87.5 % vs 50.8 %, P = 0.065), and had elevated serum inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP and NLR) and biliary enzymes (e.g., GGTP and ALP) at the onset of liver-irAEs. Furthermore, most patients with irSC had abdominal pain. In the non-irSC group, the liver injury of 23 patients improved only with the discontinuation of ICIs, and 22 patients improved with medication including prednisolone (PSL). Conversely, almost all patients (n=7) in the irSC group were treated with PSL, but only two patients experienced an improvement in liver injury.
Conclusion: We found that irSC is characterized by a non-hepatocellular type of liver injury with abdominal pain and a high inflammatory response and is refractory to treatment. Further examination by imaging is recommended to detect intractable irSC in cases with these characteristics.