bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing The Construct Validity of the Indonesian Basic Empathy Scale using the Rasch model
Authors: Diswantika Noviana , Suherman Uman , Rusmana Nandang , Suryana Dodi , Qurbi Abdullah , Noor Amelia Mohd
Published: October 2023

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to human social life. The ability for empathy plays an essential role in these changes because empathy enables the process of sharing experiences, needs, and desires between individuals. In this study, the author aims to evaluate, develop and modify the Basic Empathy Scale in Adults (BES-A) to adapt it to Indonesian culture, which will be transformed into Indonesian Basic Empathy Scale (I-BES).
Methods The methodology used in this research is a survey design. Research using a survey design, the participants, Indonesia (n= 101, male 17, female 84 regions 5 region), evaluation was done by analyzing the Indonesian Empathy Scale using the RASCH model.
ResultsShow that the instrument does not have unidimensionality. Based on the results of fitting the item model, several items on the I-BES were omitted because they were deemed inappropriate, including at least five items. The instrument has good dispersion reliability among items but low dispersion reliability among individuals. The Indonesian Basic Empathy Scale needs further improvement to obtain response categories based on its functions.
ConclusionThis study can be used as teaching material for counseling and guidance groups, and the personality theory of sharpening the material regarding the development of empathy, in addition to the measurement instruments for the development of empathy, which can be used as material for counseling and guidance assessment courses.
Electrochemical Properties of Electrospun Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Nanofibers as Novel Hybrid Electrode Materials
Authors: Sarkar Subhajit , Salleh Noordini Mohamad , Eroğlu Özay , Kuru Fatma , Özen Afike Ayça , Aslan Sema , Subasat Hulya Kara , Halim Siti Nadiah Abdul
Published: October 2023

This research focuses on exploring the electrochemical properties of UiO-66 and MOF-199 (metal-organic framework (MOFs)-based electrodes, in the form of nanofibers fabricated along with PVDF through electrospinning techniques on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE). SEM images obtained showed the UiO66/PVDF and MOF199/PVDF nanofibers have different morphology affected by addition of different MOF into the PVDF polymers with mean diameters of 750 nm and 750 nm respectively. TGA results indicated that the nanofibers possess a high thermal degradation temperature, exceeding 400°C, which indicates increased material robustness compared to the pure MOFs alone. Mechanical strength analysis of the nanofibers revealed contrasting mechanical properties. UiO66/PVDF exhibited a strain percentage of 309.4 but a relatively low stress value of 0.4299 MPa. On the other hand, MOF199/PVDF displayed a high stress value of 3.718 MPa but a lower strain percentage of 46.34%. Electrochemical studies were conducted on the electrodes; MOFs/PVDF/PGE and the MOFs/GCPE (carbon paste electrodes) to compare MOFs’ standalone electrochemical properties. Different scan rates were applied to all electrodes in the interval of 5, 20, 50 100, and 250 mVsec-1 and the best Cs values were obtained from the MOF199/PVDF/PGE nanofiber electrode. Furthermore, prolonged charge-discharge measurements were executed using a scan rate of 100 mV/sec across 200 cycles for all electrodes. This phase was extended to 3000 cycles exclusively for the MOF199/PVDF/PGE nanofiber electrode. The outcomes underscored remarkable stability, particularly notable in the case of the MOF199/PVDF/PGE nanofiber electrode, highlighting its potential as a reliable energy storage electrode.
Sadness influences brightness, amazement favours curvilinearity, tenderness sets the shades of green: how musical emotions shape image making
Authors: Cenerini Costanza , Vollero Luca , Stefano Nicola Di , Santonico Marco , Pennazza Giorgio , Keller Flavio
Published: October 2023

In the growing literature on audiovisual correspondences, the question of how music influences image making has receivedlittle attention. To fill this gap, in this study we investigated the effect of music-induced emotions on several key parameters thatdefine drawing. Hypothesising that drawing while listening to emotionally evocative music would result in emotionally coherentartwork, we designed a two-phase experiment to test this hypothesis. In the first phase, participants listened to ten originalsongs and were asked to create an image by changing various parameters (e.g., hue, shape, dimension). They were alsoasked to describe the emotional response elicited by the auditory stimuli by giving a score to a set of 9 musical emotions(amazement, solemnity, tenderness, nostalgia, calmness, power, joyful activation, tension, and sadness). In the second phase,participants were shown images in which one of the image parameter was set at a extreme value and the others were moderate,and asked to describe the emotions elicited by the images. This approach allowed us to gain data on the association betweenmusic and images, music and emotions, and images and emotions, and therefor assess whether paired audiovisual contentsare associated with the same emotional meaning. Findings reveal that auditory sadness correlates with visual brightnessand with the spatial dispersion of visual objects. Sadness also influences the saturation of light. Amazement shared manysimilarities with sadness in terms of influenced parameters, namely brightness and dispersion, and was correlated with thecolour green, typically evoking solemnity and tenderness. This study sheds novel light on the role of emotions in the mediationof auditory-visual associations.
Clinical Significance and Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zeng Da-Tong , Wen Jia-Ying , Fang Ye-Ying , Wei Dan-Ming , Chen Gang , Shi Lin , Huang Wei-Jian
Published: October 2023

Background
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has emerged as a focal point in cancer research due to its potential protective role in cancer progression, generating significant interest because of its negative correlation with oncogenic pathways and positive association with antitumor immune responses in various cancers.
Objective
The role of ACE2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains poorly understood, meriting further investigation.
Methods
This study employed mRNA and protein analyses to comprehensively examine ACE2 expression in CRC tissues. An internal sample validation and the integration of data from 3,101 samples collected across multiple research centers support our findings. We evaluated ACE2’s ability to distinguish between CRC and non-CRC cases using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Additionally, we explored the associations of ACE2 protein expression with CRC pathologic type and PDL1 positivity and investigated potential mechanisms involving antiangiogenesis and immune response.
Results
Our study found a significant upregulation of ACE2 mRNA and protein expression in CRC tissues, which was substantiated by internal validation and data integration. ACE2 exhibited strong discriminatory capacity, with an AUC of 0.844, effectively distinguishing CRC from non-CRC cases. Furthermore, ACE2 protein expression closely correlated with CRC pathologic type and PDL1 positivity among patients. The implicated mechanisms include antiangiogenesis and immune response.
Conclusion
The protein expression of ACE2 shows a close correlation with pathologic type and PDL1 positivity among patients with CRC. The underlying molecular mechanisms of ACE2 may be related to antiangiogenesis and immune response.
Efficacy and safety of transrectal natural orifice specimen extraction compared with conventional laparoscopy surgery for selected patients with colorectal cancer: a propensity score matching analysis and literature review
Authors: Chan Li‐Yang , Chern Yih-Jong , Hsu Yu-Jen , Jong Bor-Kang , Tsai Wen-Sy , Hsieh Pao-Shiu , Liao Chun-Kai , You Jeng-Fu
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Conventional laparoscopy (CL) surgery requires mini-laparotomy to extract the pathological specimen. However, by using a natural orifice as the delivery route, natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) surgery avoids a large incision. This study analyzed the safety and efficacy of NOSE compared with CL surgery for colorectal cancer.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1,189 patients who underwent surgery for primary colorectal cancer between the cecum and upper rectum. Propensity score analyses were applied to the NOSE and CL groups in a 1:1 matched cohort.
Results
Compared with the CL group, the NOSE group experienced a shorter time to first flatus (1.6 ± 0.8 vs. 2.0 ± 1.2 days, p < 0.001), first stool (2.7 ± 1.5 vs. 4.1 ± 1.9, p < 0.001), liquid diet (2.3 ± 1.3 vs. 3.6 ± 1.8 days, p < 0.001), soft diet (3.9 ± 2.0 vs. 5.2 ± 1.9 days, p < 0.001) and a shorter hospital stay (5.1 ± 3.5 vs. 7.4 ± 4.8 days, p < 0.001). The NOSE group exhibited lower mean pain intensity and lower highest pain intensity on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3.
Conclusion
NOSE resulted in reduced time to oral intake, less postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay. We proposed a transrectal NOSE technique for right-sided colon cancer and left-sided colon cancer near the splenic flexure with comparable short-term outcomes. With this approach, we hope to expand the application of NOSE to colon cancer surgery irrespective of tumor location or patient sex.
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based landscaping of female infertility reveals genital Infections as a major contributor to reproductive tract anomalies, menstrual disorders, and infertility
Authors: PATNAIK NARESH , Sarkar Uttam , Jojula Malathi , Vaddiraju Hema , Dey Ruchi Jain
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Female infertility is a global health concern. The association of genital infections with female infertility is neglected due to their chronic but asymptomatic nature. Lack of routine diagnosis and delay in treatment further causes intractable pathological sequalae and consequential infertility. This study aims to identify the most significant prognostic symptoms of genital infection(s) that correlate strongly with reproductive tract anomalies, menstrual disorders, and infertility.
Methods
We designed a detailed questionnaire and conducted a cross-sectional study with 100 female subjects, categorized into infertile (n1 = 62) and healthy groups (n2 = 38). The data collected was documented and statistically analysed.
Results
This study highlights an early onset of infertility (21–30 years). Almost 27% of the infertile female subjects are symptomatic for genital infections and ~ 42% exhibit menstrual irregularities. Polycystic ovarian syndrome/disease (PCOS/PCOD, ~ 30%), are observed to be the most predominant disorders followed by endometrial disorders (~ 10%) and tubal damage (~ 8%) in infertile subjects. A multivariate correlation analysis revealed a highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) and strong association (0.15 < Φ ≤ 1.0) between menstrual disorders, endometrial disorders, uterine/tubal blockage, and hormonal disruption with infection-associated symptoms, such as vaginitis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID), dyspareunia, tuberculosis (TB), urinary tract infection (UTI).
Conclusions
Our study reveals genital infections to be a significant contributor to female infertility. The questionnaire designed here offers a useful tool for self or clinical assessment and may help in timely prognosis/diagnosis of genital infections which may contribute to improved management of reproductive health and fertility.
Probing distance effect between Cu and acid sites in zeolite catalysts for oxidation of methane
Authors: Yokoi Toshiyuki , Xiao Peipei , Wang Yong , Nakamura Kengo , Lu Yao , Huang Jun , Wang Lizhuo , Bekhti Samya , Gies Hermann
Published: October 2023

Cu-exchanged aluminosilicate zeolite catalysts have widely been applied in direct oxidation of methane to methanol (DMTM). The Bronsted acid sites (BAS) may cause the tandem reaction of methanol to hydrocarbons (MTH). Unraveling the distance effect of bifunctional sites in tandem catalysis was particularly significant and challenging. However, it has not been well explored in direct oxidation of methane so far. Here, we probed the distance effect between Cu and BAS in Cu/AEI zeolite catalysis on the reaction performance of direct oxidation of methane. The distance between Cu and BAS was regulated by varying the concentrations of Cu(NO3)2 solution in the Cu loading process by ion-exchange method. It was revealed that the close distance between Cu and BAS was obtained in the low Cu density, which was beneficial for the formation of hydrocarbons. The close distance between Cu and Cu sites was achieved in the high Cu density, which was prone to generate CO and CO2. The equilibrium distance between Cu and BAS was favorable for the stable production of methanol. Moreover, a physical mixture of Cu/AEI zeolite and acidic zeolites in different integration manners also revealed that the close distance between Cu and BAS was advantageous for the formation of hydrocarbons. Noteworthy, the product distribution and formation rate were highly dependent on the acidic properties and structure of acidic zeolite. This work would provide guidance for designing efficient catalysts to prevent methanol from reacting and thus maintain high methanol yield, as well as open up a new avenue for direct oxidation of methane to hydrocarbons (DMTH) via methanol intermediate at low temperatures.
Biogeographic patterns of polyploidy in the spleenwort: bridging divergent perspectives over the evolutionary consequences of polyploidy
Authors: Heo Namjoo , Yun Seona , Sloan Evan
Published: October 2023

Despite substantial progress in genomic and phenotypic research on polyploidy, its broader eco-evolutionary implications remain elusive. We thus focused on spleenworts as a model system to investigate the impact of polyploidy on their biogeographic patterns. Contrary to the conventional expectation that polyploids would be more common at higher latitudes, our findings showed a higher prevalence in tropical regions, with their dominance gradually decreasing toward the poles. Both diploid and polyploid species richness in spleenworts displayed similar responses to biogeographic factors such as elevation and isolation from waterbodies that serve as indicators of stress tolerance. This suggested that the potential evolutionary advantages associated with polyploidy at the individual level may not necessarily translate to higher organizational levels. Instead, regional disparities in polyploid formation and extinction rates, particularly influenced by ecological interactions among species, may play a critical role in determining global biogeographic patterns. Our study therefore underscores the importance of understanding the geographic contexts in which polyploidy can either pose an evolutionary risk or contribute to success in plant diversification.
Does Krill Oil Have an Effect on Rapid Maxillary Expansion? A Micro-Ct and Immunohistochemical Analysis
Authors: Simsek Doga , Gok Gulay Dumanli , Delipinar Sibel Demirci
Published: October 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess systemically given krill oil (KO) effects on the development of new bone in the premaxillary suture following rapid maxillary expansion (RME).
Materials and methods: Twenty eight Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: Control (C),Only Expansion (OE) (no supplement but expansion and retention), KE (supplement during the expansion and retention), Krill Oil Nursery Group (KON) (supplement during nursery phase of 40 days and during the expansion and retention). A 5-day RPE was followed by a 12-day retention period was performed. All rats were euthanized at the same time. Micro-CT and immunohistochemical analysis were implemented. Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests were applied.
Results: Expansion and KO supplementation did not cause a statistically significant change in BMD, BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th. While expansion prosedure increased the trabecular seperation, KO supplemantation decreased the effect. KE group Tb.N was found to be statistically significantly higher than the OE group. Although RANKL/OPG results showed no significant difference between groups, KE and OE showed the lowest and highest value, respectively. KE showed decreased amount of TRAP when compared OE.
Conclusion: KO positively affected the architecture of the new bone formed in the midpalatal suture.
Knowledge and Barriers of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Bystander Intervention and Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Use in the Northeast of England. A Cross-sectional Survey Study.
Authors: Dew Rosie , Norton Michael , Aitken-Fell Paul , Blance Phil , Miles Steven , Potts Sean , Wilkes Scott
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Intervention by members of the public during an out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHAC) including resuscitation attempts and accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) has been shown to improve survival. This study aimed to investigate the OHCA and AED knowledge and confidence, and barriers to intervention, of the public of North East England, UK
Methods: This study used a face-to-face cross-sectional survey on a public high street in Newcastle, UK. Participants were asked unprompted to explain what they would do when faced with an OHCA collapse. Chi-Square analysis was used to test the association of the independent variables sex and first aid trained on the participants’ responses.
Results: Of the 421 participants recruited to our study, 82.9% (n=349) reported that they would know what to do during an OHCA collapse. The most frequent OHCA action mentioned was call 999 (64.1%, n=270/421) and 58.2% (n=245/421) of participants reported that they would commence CPR. However, only 14.3% (n=60/421) of participants spontaneously mentioned that they would locate an AED, while only 4.5% (n=19/421) recounted that they would apply the AED. Just over half of participants (50.8%, n=214/421) were first aid trained, with statistically more females than males being first aiders (p=0.01 χ2=7.41). Most participants (80.3%, n=338/421) knew what an AED was, and 34.7% (n=326/421) reported that they knew how to use one, however, only 11.9% (n=50/421) mentioned that they would actually shock a patient. Being first aid trained increased the likelihood of freely recounting actions for OHCA and AED intervention. The most common barrier to helping during an OHCA was lack of knowledge (29.9%, n=126/421)
Conclusion: Although most participants reported they would know what to do during an OHCA and had knowledge of an AED, low numbers of participants spontaneously mentioned specific OHCA and AED actions. Improving public knowledge would help improve the public’s confidence of intervening during an OHCA and may improve OHCA survival.
Prehospital Blood Gas Analyses in Acute Patients treated by a Ground-based Physician-manned Emergency Unit: A Cohort Study
Authors: Walther Louise Houlberg , Lassen Annmarie Touborg , Mogensen Christian Backer , Christensen Erika Frischknecht , Mikkelsen Søren
Published: October 2023

Background: The prehospital patients treated by ambulances and mobile emergency care units (MECU) are potentially critically ill or injured. Knowing the risks of serious outcomes in these patients is important for guiding their treatment. Some settings allow for prehospital arterial blood gas analyses. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of prehospital patients in relation to their prehospitally measured lactate, pH, and CO2 levels. The primary outcome was 7-day mortality.
Methods: This register-based cohort study included patients with one or more prehospital blood gas analyses during their prehospital treatment by a physician-manned MECU, from January 2015 to December 2018. The blood samples were analyzed on an ABL90 Flex analyzer. Absolute values with percentages and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the primary and secondary outcomes within prespecified subgroups.
Results: The study included 745 patients, with an overall 7-day mortality rate of 20.0%.
Lactate level: The 7-day mortality rates were 11.5% in patients with normal lactate levels (<2.0 mmol/L), 14.4% with intermediate lactate levels (2.0-3.9 mmol/L), and 33.0% with high lactate levels (≥4.0 mmol/L). This corresponded to an OR of 1.30 (95% CI: 0.75-2.24) in the intermediate lactate group (2.0-3.9 mmol/L) and an OR of 3.77 (95% CI: 2.44-5.85) in the high lactate group (≥4.0 mmol/L), compared to the reference group with normal lactate.
pH level: The ORs of 7-day mortality rates were 4.82 (95% CI: 3.00-7.75) in patients with blood pH of <7.35 and 1.33 (95% CI: 0.65-2.72) in patients with blood pH >7.45, compared to the reference group with normal pH (7.35-7.45).
CO2 level: The ORs of 7-day mortality rates were 2.54 (95% CI: 1.45-4.46) in patients with blood CO2 of <4.3 kPa and 2.62 (95% CI: 1.70-4.03) in patients with blood CO2 >6.0 kPa, compared to the reference group with normal CO2 (4.3-6.0 kPa).
Conclusions: This study found a strong correlation between increasing 7-day mortality rates and high blood lactate levels, low levels of pH, and abnormal CO2 blood levels, in prehospital patients undergoing prehospital blood analysis. Prehospital risk stratification may be aided by Point-of-care blood gas analysis at the prehospital scene.
Feeling lonely and dissatisfied – Understanding Social Network Functioning in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Kam Jia En , Choo Pei Ling
Published: October 2023

Background: Post-stroke social networks are associated with functional recovery. However, there is little information on the social networks of stroke survivors and whether institutionalized and community-dwelling stroke survivors view their social relationships differently.
Purpose: To i) understand social networks of stroke survivors and any influencing sociodemographic factors, as well as to iii) compare differences between institutionalized and community-dwelling stroke survivors.
Methods: Stroke survivors were recruited from eight healthcare institutions in Singapore. Stroke Social Network Scale (SSNS) was administered to assess the social network functioning. Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) was used to evaluate state boredom levels.
Results: 160 stroke survivors completed the study. Stroke survivors reported a mean(SD) of 53.7(17.2) on the SSNS total score. Institutionalized stroke survivors reported significantly lower SSNS scores than community-dwelling stroke survivors, (U=1856.5, z=-4.234, p<.001). Nearly a third (30.6%, n=45) of the stroke survivors reported feeling lonely. Only 28.1% (n=45) stroke survivors reported being ‘Very Satisfied’ with their overall social network. Compared to community-dwelling stroke survivors, institutionalized stroke survivors felt more lonely (40.7%) and only 25% were very satisfied with their social networks with all p<.05.
Conclusions: Stroke survivors had poor functioning social relationships. This study identified that the perceived social support of institutionalized stroke survivors was poorer than community dwelling stroke survivors. A large proportion of stroke survivors reported feeling lonely and were not satisfied with their social networks. Identifying those at risk may be a means to prevent loneliness, increase social network satisfaction to improve well-being and quality of life.
Ecological sustainability assessment of agricultural production systems in the Sistan region using emergy footprint analysis
Authors: Tanakian Sanaz , Asgharipour Mohammad Reza , Ghanbari Ahmad , Ramroudi Mahmoud
Published: October 2023

Agriculture is a major source of rural income in Sistan. The viability of this industry depends on the health and ecological resilience of the agricultural systems and the ecosystems they rely on. The study covered various crops such as wheat, barley, corn (grain and forage), alfalfa, canola, watermelon, melon, mung bean, lentil, onion, garlic, fennel, cumin, and black seed. The study employed the stratified sampling method with proportional allocation. In this context, data pertaining to the inputs and outputs of production systems were gathered by means of interviews conducted with farmers and by utilising statistics obtained from meteorological stations. Subsequently, employing the emergy analysis methodology, the input and output flows were transformed into emergy units, denoted as sej. The investigation focused on assessing the ecological sustainability of production systems by using emergy footprint indicators. The study's findings revealed that the wheat cultivated in Zahak had the highest emergy carrying capacity, while the mung bean grown in Hamoun had the lowest emergy carrying capacity. The wheat production systems in Zahak have the highest ecological footprint due to their high input consumption compared to other crops. Moreover, it is noteworthy that Zahak wheat showed the largest ecological surplus, while Hirmand corn grain showed a production system characterised by high safety measures. The study's findings suggest that there is a lack of ecological and economic balance in all of the production systems examined. In general, the efficient use of resources can reduce both the economic and ecological costs associated with production systems.
Impacts of Physical Activity Interventions on Psychiatric Symptom Severity in Adults with Severe Mental illness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Todd Anika , Rhodes Ryan E.
Published: October 2023

Background
There is a well-established relationship between physical activity (PA) and improved mental and physical health. However, the focus has been on mild to moderate anxiety and depression, while there has been a paucity in the literature regarding the impacts of PA on psychiatric symptoms in individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), and the potential utility of PA as an adjunctive treatment for these conditions. The purpose of this narrative analysis was to examine the effects of PA interventions on psychiatric symptoms among individuals with SMI, which we defined as schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, and major depressive disorders.
Methods
A search was conducted in MEDLINE PsycInfo, and SPORTDiscus databases concluding in January 2023 that included studies published in an English peer-reviewed journal, with a PA intervention, conducted with adults (≥ 18yrs) diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. The search returned 119 articles, and 10 met eligibility criteria.
Results
Results clearly showed that PA caused no harm and that a small improvement in psychiatric symptom severity was achieved, with effect sizes ranging from 0.013 to 0.712.
Conclusions
Physical activity interventions can decrease psychiatric symptom severity in persons with severe mental illness and may be an efficacious adjuvant treatment to pharmacological management of schizophrenia, bipolar and major depressive disorders. Physical activity interventions did not have any adverse effects on individuals with severe mental illness. However, the current literature is heterogeneous in terms of PA types, frequency, duration, and intensity, and further research is needed before specific PA recommendations can be made as an adjunctive treatment for individuals with SMI.
Late In-Stent Restenosis of a Saphenous Vein Graft Treated with High Pressure Balloon Dilatation and Drug Eluting Balloon Dilatation: Case Report.
Authors: Rogowski Marek , Kara Kaffer
Published: October 2023

Introduction In the modern interventional treatment of degenerated saphenous vein grafts, the use of both bare metal and drug eluting stents have been described so far. Drug eluting balloons have been increasingly used in cases of in-stent restenosis and to some extent denovo stenosis of native coronary vessels. Based on pure logic approach, the use of drug eluting balloons in in-stent restenosis of the saphenous vein graft may be of great interest. Still, few high-quality data on this subject exist and no general recommendations can be made.Case presentation This paper illustrates a typical case of a symptomatic late in-stent restenosis of a saphenous vein graft occurred 15 months after a percutaneous coronary intervention with implantation of two drug eluting stents. Intravascular ultrasound revealed a mixture of stent underexpansion and severe neointima. This was treated safely with a prolonged high pressure balloon dilatation followed by dilatation with a drug eluting balloon. The primary result was very good. During the intervention the patient remained asymptomatic and was discharged the next day on dual anti-platelet therapy. During the 10-month follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic.Conclusion This case demonstrates the usefulness and clinical safety of drug eluting balloons in treating in-stent restenosis in the saphenous vein grafts.
The added value of the km-scale multimodel ensemble of the FPS-Convection to describe wind speed over the Alps
Authors: Molina María Ofelia , Careto JM , Gutiérrez C. , Sánchez E. , Goergen K. , Sobolowski S. , Coppola E. , Pichelli E. , Ban N. , Belusíc D. , Short C. , Caillaud C. , Dobler A. , Hodnebrog Ø. , Kartsios S. , Lenderink G. , de Vries H. , Göktürk O. , Milovac J. , Feldmann H. , Truhetz H. , Demory ME. , Warrach-Sagi K. , Keuler K. , Adinolfi M. , Raffa M. , Tölle M. , Sieck K. , Bastin S. , Soares PMM.
Published: October 2023

The advancement of computational resources has allowed researchers to conduct convection-permitting regional climate model (CPRCM) simulations. A pioneering effort promoting a multimodel ensemble of such simulations is the CORDEX Flagship Pilot Studies (FPS) on "Convective Phenomena over Europe and the Mediterranean" over an extended Alps region. In this study, the Distribution Added Value metric is used to determine the improvement of the representation of all available FPS hindcast simulations for the daily mean wind speed. The analysis is performed on normalized empirical probability distributions and considers station observation data as the reference. The use of a normalized metric allows for spatial comparison among the different regions (coast and inland), altitudes and seasons. This approach permits a direct assessment of the added value between the CPRCM simulations against their global driving reanalysis (ERA-Interim) and respective coarser resolution regional model counterparts. In general, the results show that CPRCMs add value to their global driving reanalysis or forcing regional model, due to better-resolved topography or through better representation of ocean-land contrasts. However, the nature and magnitude of the improvement in the wind speed representation vary depending on the model, the season, the altitude, or the region. Among seasons, the improvement is usually larger in summer than winter. CPRCMs generally display gains at low and medium range altitudes. In addition, despite some shortcomings in comparison to ERA-Interim, which can be attributed to the assimilation of wind observations on the coast, the CPRCMs outperform the coarser regional climate models, both along the coast and inland.
Establish the methods to verify the residue of nonanoic acid and sodium chlorate in red beans
Authors: Yang Zi-Ting , Chen Sz-Ying , Huang Chen-Hua , Shyu Tsyr-Horng , Tsen Chao-Ming
Published: October 2023

An analytical technique for residual sodium chlorate and nonanoic acid is proposed in this work to investigate the ranges of residue amounts in field-collected samples of red beans as well as the degradation of the compounds during storage conditions. The background value of endogenous nonanoic acid in red beans is also explored to provide evidence for verification of organic agricultural products or implementation of incentive measures for natural drying programs. In pretreatment, samples of sodium chlorate and nonanoic acid were extracted after oscillation via deionized water and acetone/n-hexane for corresponding ion chromatography (IC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was determined to be 0.5 µg/g for sodium chlorate and 0.05 µg/g for nonanoic acid, and the results of the recovery tests for both substances conformed to the performance requirements of the standard methods. After drying the test sample for 5 days, red bean pods (including both kernels and capsules) were detected to have > 50 µg/g sodium chlorate and > 6 µg/g nonanoic acid, and no degradation trend was found in the concentration of sodium chlorate or nonanoic acid during the 3 weeks when the samples were kept in an outdoor sunlight or indoor cold storage environment. Based on the nonanoic acid concentration range in 78 field samples, the average endogenous nweonanoic acid content in red bean pods was calculated to be 1.4 g/g and did not exceed 1.88 g/g at the 99.9% confidence level, the allowable value for nonanoic acid is thus 2 g/g.
Structure and ontogeny of inflorescence and flower of Bactris simplicifrons Mart. (Arecaceae, Arecoideae, Bactridinae)
Authors: Hidalgo Arnaldo Antonio Briceño , de Mendonça Maria Silvia , Jáuregui Damelis
Published: October 2023

The paper investigates the ontogeny and morphoanatomy of flowers and inflorescences of Bactris simplicifrons Mart. The objective was to provide useful biological information and add features that may be of interest in the taxonomy of the genus. To achieve this, we use light and scanning electron microscopy. The ontogenetic study reveals the acropetal development of the inflorescences, as well as the formation of one subtending bract for each flower of the triad and one for each triad, the latter being connate. Similarly, the sequence of centripetal development of the flower parts and the formation of the gynoecium were evident, synascidiate at the base, symplicate at the top and assimplicate at the apex. Additionally, the histological arrangement of each floral organ was characterized and all the appendages observed were described. The characters of possible diagnostic value are: length of stigmatic lobes, indumentum and morphology of trichomes, absence of rigid emergence, content of phenolic compounds, morphology of the staminal filament, among others.
Acute Abdomen in Crohn’s disease patients: short- and long-term outcomes
Authors: Opincans Janis , Rudzats Agris , Kecbaja Zurabs , Kaminskis Aleksejs , Ivanovs Igors , Iesalnieks Igors
Published: October 2023

Background. To determine long-term outcome in Crohn’s disease patients hospitalized for acute abdominal pain. Methods. Retrospective chart review of consecutive Crohn’s disease patients hospitalized for acute abdominal pain at the tertiary referral centre in Eastern Europe. Results. Between 2015 and 2020, 65 patients with Crohn’s disease were admitted at least once to hospitals’ emergency room because of acute abdominal pain. 13 patients were admitted twice, 8 three times, 3 patients four times and 3 patients five times. Also, the intake of immunosuppressive medication was apparently rare, thus, most patients have been treated by 5-ASA medication only. Most patients had ileal involvement. Two patients presented with an intraabdominal abscess. 53 of 65 patients underwent abdominal imaging during the hospitalization. After hospital admission, 45 patients were treated with antibiotics (65%),17 with steroids (17%), 8 patients received a nasogastric tube and 3 were put on parenteral nutrition. Six patients underwent an intestinal resection during the initial hospitalization (9%). The length of the hospitalization was median 8 days (range, 1 to 115) and it was significantly longer in those, who underwent surgery (mean 28 days vs. 9 days, p = 0.003). Follow-up information was obtained for all patients, and the median follow-up time was 42.8 months. During the follow-up period, 26 patients (40%) readmitted for abdominal emergencies. 14 patients underwent surgery – either at the initial or later hospitalization (21%). Thirteen out of 14 surgeries were emergencies, three were concluded by ostomy formation (21%). One patient developed postoperative intraabdominal complication, however, two patients died postoperatively (14%). By multivariate analysis, complicated disease (stricturing or penetrating) was associated with hospital readmission (Hazard ratio, 5.8, 95% CI: 1.4–23.3; p = 0.013). An elevated C-reactive protein level was associated with a decreased risk of hospital readmission (Hazard ratio,0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.55; p = 0.010). Also, complicated disease (stricturing or penetrating) was associated with enhanced probability to undergo intestinal surgery (Hazard ratio, 10.3, 95% CI: 2.4–44.1; p = 0.002) Conclusion. Ileocolic disease is the main cause of hospitalization for acute abdominal pain. Complicated (structuring or penetrating) disease should be diagnosed early and surveilled closely.
Annexin A1 conveys neuroprotective function via inhibiting oxidative stress in diffuse axonal injury of rats
Authors: Zheng Fengwei , Li Weixin , Su Shaobo , Hui Qiaoyan
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a critical pathological facet of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Oxidative stress plays a significant role in progress of DAI. Annexin A1 has been demonstrated benefit for recovery of neurofunctional outcomes after TBI. However, whether annexin A1 exhibits neuronal protective function through modulating oxidative stress in DAI remains unknown.
Methods
Expression of annexin A1 was evaluated via real time PCR and western blot analysis in rat brainstem after DAI. Neurological effect of annexin A1 following DAI through quantification of modified neurologic severity score (mNSS) was compared between wild-type and annexin A1-knockout rats. Brain edema and neuronal apoptosis, as well as expression of oxidative factors and inflammatory cytokines was analysed between wild-type and annexin A1 deficiency rats after DAI. Furthermore, mNSS, oxidative and inflammatory cytokines were assayed after timely administration of recombinant annexin A1 for DAI rats.
Results
In brainstem of DAI, the expression of annexin A1 remarkably increased. Ablation of annexin A1 increased mNSS score and brain water content of rats after DAI. Neuron apoptosis in brainstem after DAI was exaggerated by annexin A1 deficiency. In addition, annexin A1 deficiency significantly upregulated level of oxidative and inflammatory factors in brainstem of DAI rats. Moreover, mNSS decreased by annexin A1 treatment in rats following DAI. Expression of oxidative and inflammatory molecules in rat brainstem subjected to DAI inhibited by annexin A1 administration.
Conclusions
These results demonstrated that annexin A1 exhibits neuronal protective function in the progression of DAI mainly dependent on suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Isolation and characterization of forty-two polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers from Mastacembelus armatus
Authors: Luo Laifu , Chen Chen , Ji Liqin , Wu Congcong , Li Wei , Liu Xiaoli , Hong Xiaoyou , Zhu Xinping , Zhang Jiping
Published: October 2023

A total of 42 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been developed and characterized from genome sequences of Mastacembelus armatus to safeguard its natural resources. Polymorphisms of these SSR markers were evaluated in a natural population of 35 individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to fourteen, observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.031 to 0.813, and from 0.091 to 0.852, respectively. Three SSR loci signiﬁcantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. These loci are the first time to be characterized and will be useful for genetic conservation and marker-assisted breeding for M. armatus.
Subspace algorithms for detecting a definite Hermitian matrix pair
Authors: Pandur Marija Miloloža
Published: October 2023

The Hermitian pair (A,B) is called definite if some real linear combination of the matrices A and B is a positive definite matrix. There are several reasons why it is important to detect whether a given matrix pair is definite. Determining whether a given matrix pair is definite is not straightforward. There exist different kinds of algorithms for that task. Most of them are not appropriate for medium-size or large-size matrix pairs. We propose subspace algorithms for medium-size or large-size matrix pairs that are based on iterative testing of small compressed Hermitian matrix pairs formed by using subspaces of small dimensions. First, we propose a new basic subspace algorithm for detecting definite matrix pairs. Furthermore, we propose a specialized algorithm and its preconditioned variant. In this preconditioned variant, we need to solve several systems of linear equations. These systems can be solved only approximately and not necessarily in every iteration step. Numerical experiments demonstrate the efficiency of our specialized algorithm.
Micro analysis of rock fracturing under the impact of high-temperature and high-pressure fluid
Authors: Pang Shuogang , Hu Shaobin , Yan Zhengyong , Cai Yukang
Published: October 2023

To reveal the mechanism of high-temperature and high-pressure fluid thermal shock rock breakage and the formation mechanism of microcracks, this paper carried out an experimental study of supercritical (SC)-CO2 thermal shock rock breakage by using a self-developed hard rock true triaxial aerodynamic pulse fracturing experimental system and studied the micro-characteristics of different kinds of cracks after high-temperature and high-pressure fluid impact cracking by scanning electron microscopy. This study discovered three main actions in the process of rock breaking by SC-CO2 thermal shock. 1) The stress wave generated by thermal shock forms radial tensile stress and radial cracks during stress wave propagation and circumferential tensile stress and circumferential cracks during unloading. At the same time, spherical particles appear on the fracture surfaces of radial cracks and circumferential cracks; these particles are features of vertical and horizontal gullies. 2) The splitting action of high-temperature and high-pressure fluid further expands radial and circumferential cracks and promotes the generation of shear cracks (branch cracks). The fracture surfaces of branch cracks appear flat and smooth and have bedded and river shapes. 3) Collapse pits are formed by scouring. Although the collapse pits have different shapes and depths, all the pits are flat and smooth. The research results are significant for revealing the rock breaking mechanism of SC-CO2 thermal shock and play an important role in quantitatively controlling directional pre-cracking, hole layout parameter design, and crack type, size and complexity.
Evaluating Intra and Inter-observer bias in the Cosmetic rating for random vs. serial assessment of Breast photographs
Authors: Belani Preeti , Pathak Rima , Kenekar Shraddha , Pokale Gaurika , Rane Pallavi , Chalke Ashwini , Wadasadawala Tabassum
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND
This study was done to assess inter and intra-rater bias in rating of cosmesis, when breast photographs were evaluated serially or randomly by a panel of six members having varying years of experience.
METHODS
Cosmetic assessment was done subjectively for 175 images [of 50 unilateral breast cancer patients for whom at least 3 images were collected], that were arranged serially from baseline to follow up in chronological order termed ‘serial assessment setting’ [SAS]. For ‘random assessment setting’ [RAS], all images was randomly arranged for assessment. Objectively assessment was also done using BCCT.core. Kappa index was calculated for agreement between the RAS and SAS rating for the 3 panellists’ groups and with BCCT.core.
RESULTS
Good agreement [kappa 0.659] was found between the mean panel cosmetic scores for both SAS and RAS. Fair agreement was found when subjective RAS [k=0.301] and SAS [k=0.343] scores were compared with the BCCT.core, which was highest for the most experienced panellists with SAS k=0.387 and RAS k=0.436. Both SAS and RAS had good intra-rater reliability.
CONCLUSIONS
SAS improves the agreement with BCCT.core rating and may be used if validated in a larger cohort. The clinical experience of the panellist impacts cosmetic rating and must be considered before forming a panel.
Epidemiological investigation of equine herpesvirus in large-scale donkey farms in Liaocheng area and its effect on immunity and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Ji Yanfei , Xu Dandan , Zhao Xia , Liu Wenqiang
Published: October 2023

Background
Equine herpesvirus (EHV) may cause respiratory, reproductive and neurological diseases in equine animals, including donkeys, of which EHV type 1 (EHV-1) and EHV-4 are the main pathogens. To investigate the prevalence of EHV in donkeys in the Liaocheng area (an important donkey breeding areas in China), and the effect of EHV infection on immunity and antioxidant capacity in donkeys.the epidemiological investigation of EHV was proceed by detected the EHV-1 and EHV-4 in 230 donkey serum collected from 27 large-scale donkey farms, and the serum samples of 10 normal (without EHV-infected) and 10 EHV-infected donkeys with similar age were used to detect the immune and antioxidant related indexs.
Result
The results showed that 62.96% (17/27) of farms were positive for EHV, and the total positive rate of EHV was 12.61% (29/230) with 7.82% (18/230) for EHV-1, 9.57% (22/230) for EHV-4 .Conclusion: Moreover, The differences of EHV infection among different regions in Liaocheng were not significant (P > 0.05), but the highest positive rate was found in Dong'e County (21.28%,10/47). The highest positive rate of EHV-1/4 was 21.18% (18/85) in adult donkeys aged 1–4 years, which was significantly different from other age groups (P < 0.05). The difference in seasons was not significant (P > 0.05), but the highest positive rate was 19.61% (10/51) in winter. Furthermore, EHV infection increased the levels of the immune related indexs IgA, IgG, IgM and IL-6, inhibited the activities of SOD and T-AOC, and improve the activities of GSH-PX and content of MDA.
Consclusions:
These results indicated that EHV infection is prevalent in large-scale donkey farms in the Liaocheng area, and EHV infection could interfere immune, cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which facilitate early warning of EHV epidemic risk.