bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicenter Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Electrocautery-Enhanced Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents for the Internal Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections
Authors: Chung Chen-Shuan , Kuo Yu-Ting , Chiu Yi-Chun , Lin Yang-Chao , Yang Chi-Ying , Chen Kuan-Chih , Liao Szu-Chia , Sun Cheuk-Kay , Lin Yen-Chih , Wang Hsiu-Po
Published: July 2023

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) including pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) and walled-off necrosis (WON) are complications after pancreatitis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) placement to manage PFCs. Between June 2019 and May 2023, patients with symptomatic PFCs who underwent EUS-guided electrocautery-enhanced LAMS drainage were enrolled retrospectively from eight tertiary centers in Taiwan. In total, 33 [14 (42.42%) PP and 19 (57.58%) WON] patients were enrolled. Gallstones (27.27%) and abdominal pain (72.73%) were the most common etiology and indication for drainage. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 96.97%, respectively. The mean procedure time of 30.55 (±16.17) minutes. Complications included one (3.03%) case of self-limited bleeding without mortality. There were seven (21.21%) patients with recurrence. Patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) had a higher recurrence rate than those without (71.43% vs. 38.46%, p=0.05). After replacing LAMSs with transmural double-pigtail plastic stents (DPSs) in the DPDS patients, the DPS migration rate was higher in the patients with recurrence (100% vs. 33.33%, p=0.04). In conclusion, drainage of symptomatic PFCs with EUS-guided electrocautery-enhanced LAMS is efficient and safe. Replacing LAMS with DPS in DPDS patients was associated with a lower recurrence rate.
Patient Interest in the Development of a Center for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder in the Chicagoland Region
Authors: Wagner Wendy , Doyle Tom , Francomano Clair , Knight Dacre , Halverson Colin
Published: July 2023

Background: The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a set of connective tissue disorders that are hereditary in nature and characterized by joint hypermobility and tissue fragility. The complex nature of this unique patient population requires multidisciplinary care, but appropriate centers for such care do not exist in large portions of the country. Need for more integrated services has been identified in the Chicagoland region. In order to explore and begin to address barriers to seeking out appropriate care facing EDS patients in this region, we developed an online survey which we circulated through EDS social media groups for Chicagoland patients.
Results: Three hundred and nine unique respondents participated. We found that there exists a strong medical need for and interest in the development of a center in the region, and participants reported that, if made available to them, that they would make extensive and regular use of such a facility.
Conclusions: We conclude that the establishment of a collaborative medical center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of EDS, HSD, and related disorders in the Chicagoland area would greatly benefit patients by providing comprehensive care, alleviate the burden on overworked healthcare providers, and generate revenue for medical facilities.
Bounds to electron spin qubit variability for scalable CMOS
architectures
Authors: Cifuentes Jesus , Tanttu Tuomo , Gilbert Will , Huang Jonathan , Vahapoglu Ensar , Leon Ross , Serrano Santiago , Otter Dennis , Dunmore Daniel , Mai Philip , Schlattner Freederic , Feng MengKe , Itoh Kohei , Abrosimov Nikolay , Pohl Hans-Joachim , Thewalt Michael , Laucht Arne , Yang Chih-Hwan , Escott Christopher , Lim Wee Han , Hudson Fay , Rahman Rajib , Dzurak Andrew , Saraiva Andre
Published: July 2023

Spins of electrons in CMOS quantum dots combine exquisite quantum properties and scalable fabrication. In the age of quantum technology, however, the metrics that crowned Si/SiO$_2$ as the microelectronics standard need to be reassessed with respect to their impact upon qubit performance. We chart spin qubit variability due to the unavoidable atomic-scale roughness of the Si/SiO$_2$ interface, compiling experiments across 12 devices, and develop theoretical tools to analyse these results. Atomistic tight binding and path integral Monte Carlo methods are adapted to describe fluctuations in devices with millions of atoms by directly analysing their wavefunctions and electron paths instead of their energy spectra. We correlate the effect of roughness with the variability in qubit position, deformation, valley splitting, valley phase, spin-orbit coupling and exchange coupling. These variabilities are found to be bounded, and they lie within the tolerances for scalable architectures for quantum computing as long as robust control methods are incorporated.
Long-term application of Chinese milk vetch return altered the distribution and species of phosphorus associated with soil aggregates in double-rice cropping system
Authors: Wang Hui , Tang Shan , Han Shang , Cheng Wenlong , Bu Rongyan , Li Min , ji wu , Cao Weidong
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Chinese milk vetch (MV) as green manure is utilized to improve rice yield and paddy soil fertility in China. However, the long-term effects of MV on the distribution and species of phosphorus (P) in soil aggregates is poorly understood.
Methods
There were four treatments including with (1) no chemical fertilizer and no MV (CK); (2) chemical fertilizer alone (F1); (3) 70% of chemical fertilizer alone (F2); and (4) 70% of chemical fertilizer and MV (F2M). The content and fractions of P in soil aggregates, and the mechanisms underlying relationships among MV, chemical fertilizer, and P species in paddy soil were investigated.
Results
The proportion in > 2 mm aggregates positively responded to MV, also enhancing soil aggregate stability. MV applied improved P content and storage in > 2 mm aggregates and increased the available P (AP) in all soil aggregates compared with F2. The MV applied increased significantly NaHCO3-P (NaHCO3-Pi and NaHCO3-Po) and reduced the residue-P (Res-P), and there were negative correlation between Res-P and MV in all aggregates. Furthermore, MV influenced the P species by influencing soil organic matter, total nitrogen and total P in aggregates.
Conclusions
Although the input of chemical fertilizer played more important role on the P species, yet the reduction of Res-P was attributed to MV applied. Therefore, the co-incorporation of MV and chemical fertilizer improved the aggregate distribution and the availability and supply of P effectively in the double rice-MV cropping system.
COVID-19 infection and women's health; which women are more vulnerable in terms of gynecological health?
Authors: Dirican Aylin Önder , Ceran Mehmet Ufuk , Özçimen Emel Ebru , Çulha Aysun Alparslan , Abasıyanık Mehmet Ali , Üstün Burcu , Akgün Seval
Published: July 2023

Background
Given gender-specific differences and ACE2 commonly expressed in the ovaries and uterus, it may be important to know which women are at greater risk of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this study sought to determine which women are more affected by COVID- 19 infection, especially in terms of gynecological pathologies.
Methods
This retrospective and descriptive study examined the effect and course of COVID-19 in terms of gynecological pathologies in a total of 380 women of reproductive age without systemic disease. General demographics, obstetric and gynecological conditions, and parameters related to COVID-19 were evaluated. All parameters were compared for three groups defined on the basis of COVID-19 severity (mild, moderate, and severe).
Results
A total of 380 women with a mean age of 35.39 ± 8.94 were included in the study. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the women was 24.35 ± 4.53. The proportion of women with at least one pregnancy history was 69.2%. The mean gravidity of the women was 1.47 ± 1.34 and the parity was 1.16 ± 1.02. Of the women, 112 (29.5%) mild, 207 (54.5%) moderate and 61 (16.0%) severe cases of COVID-19 were seen. The mean age and median BMI of the women were similar in all three groups (p = 0.163, p = 0.127, respectively). Severe disease rates (29.5%) were significantly higher in women with 2 or more cases of COVID-19 than mild disease (14%) (p = 0.018). Severe disease rates (57.4%) in women with at least one pregnancy history were statistically significantly lower than mild disease rates (78.6%) (p = 0.010). The median parity number was significantly higher in the mild disease group than in the moderate disease group (p = 0.021). The most common benign gynecological pathology in women was chronic urinary tract infection (13.2%). Other common pathologies were chronic vaginal infection (12.6%), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (11.6%). A history of chronic urinary tract infection was statistically significantly higher in the severe disease group (24.6%), mild (8.9%, p = 0.015) and moderate (12.1%, p = 0.024) disease groups. PCOS, endometriosis (6.3%), abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) (8.4%), and hormone therapy history (8.2%) were found to be higher in severe disease groups, although not statistically significant (p = 0.596, p = 0.074, p = 0.305, p = 0.059, respectively). The history of leiomyoma (7.1%) was higher in the mild and moderate disease groups than in the severe disease group, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.794). Benign gynecological operation history (31.3%) was significantly higher in mild (36.6%, p = 0.007), and moderate (33.3%, p = 0.007) disease groups than in the severe group (9, 14.8%).
Conclusion
Certain obstetric and gynecological conditions are thought to affect COVID 19 susceptibility and severity in women without systemic disease.
Removal of cyclosporine pollution from aqueous media using chitosan modified magnetic nanoadsorbent
Authors: youseftabar-miri leila , Andimeh Parinaz , Qomi Mahnaz , Divsar Faten , Bakhtiari Shadi
Published: July 2023

In this study, iron (III) oxide magnetic nanoparticle coated with chitosan biopolymer (Fe3O4@Cs) as an effective adsorbent was prepared. The structure of magnetic nano-adsorbent was completely characterized by vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The potential of Fe3O4@Cs for adsorption of cyclosporine drug from aqueous solution was investigated. The effect of several factors on the elimination of cyclosporine from the waste solution including amount of adsorbent, pH, temperature, and adsorption time were studied by response surface methodology (RSM) chemometric method. The kinetics of cyclosporine adsorption by Fe3O4@Cs was studied by zero order, first order, and Higuchi model. The results indicated Fe3O4@Cs (0.06 g) can successfully separate cyclosporin from aqueous media at optimum conditions (35˚C, 10 min, pH = 6) via first order kinetic (R2 = 0.9751), with the ability to recycle four times.
Atmospheric rivers drive monthly rainfall availability in New Zealand
Authors: Shu Jingxiang , Zorn Conrad , Li Tiejian , Shamseldin Asaad Y. , Melville Bruce W.
Published: July 2023

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are elongated channels of enhanced water vapour transport in midlatitudes and contribute significantly to annual rainfall in northern and western New Zealand. Based on data from 529 rain gauge sites and detected landfalling ARs over New Zealand from 1950 to 2020, this study indicates that the presence of ARs generally leads to normal or wetter months, and a lack of ARs generally leads to dry months in the warm season in northern and western New Zealand. For eastern New Zealand, ARs do not generally dominate monthly rainfall availability in line with annual observations. Results in this study raise the need for continued understanding of the presence or lack of ARs on water resources month to month to provide further guidance on dealing with rising uncertainties in water supply, hydropower generation, and flood control in a changing climate.
Complex paths of magma propagation: the coexistence of circumferential and radial dikes at Fernandina (Galápagos) during the 2020 eruption
Authors: Galetto Federico
Published: July 2023

Understanding paths of magma propagation is fundamental to infer how magma could propagate in future volcanic eruptions. Here I studied the 2020 circumferential eruption occurred on the east flank of Fernandina volcano (Galápagos), using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data and geodetic modelling. Results show that a radial dike propagated southward, possibly triggering a submarine eruption, changing its geometry at each topographic change. No deformation matches in location with the circumferential eruptive fissures, likely associated with an ephemeral circumferential dike that have shared with the radial dike the same intra-caldera intruded sill. This eruption is the first documented event in Galápagos where circumferential and radial dikes occur simultaneously, suggesting that magma in these volcanoes can also propagate from the same intrusion in opposite directions, with different geometries. The volume lost by the deep reservoir mainly flowed in the radial dike, potentially explaining why the eruption lasted for 9 hours only.
Microbially generated H2S above 90 °C in the deep biosphere
Authors: Kingston Andrew , Scheffer Gabrielle , Ardakani Omid , Nightingale Michael , Mayer Bernhard , Hubert Casey
Published: July 2023

Thermophilic microorganisms play critical roles in sulfur cycling within the deep biosphere, but knowledge of these biogeochemical reactions at temperatures >80 °C is generally restricted to marine hydrothermal systems1,2. Hydrocarbon extraction activities routinely interact with the deep subsurface, providing access to thermophilic environments where the thermal limits of life within sedimentary basins can be explored. Paramount to this, is understanding of how microbial communities in deep, hot biospheres are activated by and respond to disturbances such as the introduction of fluids from the surface. Here we show through chemical, stable isotope and microbiological analyses that microbial populations can actively catalyze sulfur cycling in subsurface hotter than 90 °C generating H2S via microbial sulfate reduction. These temperatures exceed previously reported thermal limits of sulfate reducing microorganisms3 thus narrowing the gap between temperatures permissive for biogenic and thermochemical sulfate reduction4. Our analyses demonstrate that the introduction of surface-derived fluids into nutrient-limited deep environments stimulates microbial sulfate reduction at temperatures >90 °C previously considered too high for this process with implications for underground storage activities such as CO2 and hydrogen storage.
The three maternal delays in mothers receiving maternal care in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geta Temesgen , Merkine Merried , Nigussie Getachew , Kebede Christian
Published: July 2023

Background: In low-income countries like Ethiopia, delay in accessing maternal health care is one of the factors contributing to maternal mortality in developing countries. Several individual studies have been conducted on the prevalence of three maternal delays in Ethiopia. However, there is no pooled prevalence of the three maternal delays. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the overall prevalence of three maternal delays and associated factors in Ethiopian women.
Methods and materials
Only published articles were included in this review. Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, the Ethiopian University Repository Online, and the Cochrane Library were the primary databases. The review includes cross-sectional studies written in English that meet the eligibility requirements. The pooled prevalence of women’s preference for home delivery was calculated using a random effects model. In addition, the Eggers test and the funnel plot were used to investigate publication bias. STATA version 14 was used to perform all statistical analyses.
Result
This review includes nine studies with 4,501 participants. In Ethiopia, The estimated pooled prevalence of first, second, and third maternal delays in Ethiopia was 41.00% [95% CI (32.5, 49.49); I2 = 95.3%, P<0.001], 38.68% [95% CI (33.23, 44.01); I2 = 91.1%, P<0.001], and 49.05% [95% CI (30.72, 67.39.49); I2 = 99.3%, P<0.001]. Lack of antenatal follow-up [OR = 14.98 (6.6, 34.1), I2 = 85.3%, p = 0.001], traveling a long distance [OR = 41.7 (3.4, 65.9), I2 = 75.7%, p = 0.042], and an unavailable skilled maternity health care provider [OR = 31.95 (1.07, 95.7], I2 = 79.7%, p = 0.007] were statistically significant with the first, second, and third maternal delays, respectively.
Conclusion
According to this report, delay in receiving proper maternal care (third delay) was the most common type of delay among mothers in Ethiopia, followed by delay in seeking maternal care (first delay) and delay in reaching a health facility (second delay). Therefore, it is strongly recommended to improve health care in the facility, facilitate access to the health facility, and raise awareness of women, family, or community to avoid the three types of delays and related factors.
Comparing two Behavior Change Approaches in predicting the Intention and COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among the general population
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Sima , Maheri Mina , Khalkhali Hamid Reza , Fathi Behrouz , Yasamani Kajal , Didarloo Alireza
Published: July 2023

Background The COVID-19 is a highly contagious illness with high mortality rates worldwide. Due to the vaccine inability in creating permanent immunity, the merely way to combat with the illness is to adopt COVID-19 preventive behaviors (CPBs). To comprehend CPBs compliance, it's important to know factors affecting people’s decision-making about CPBs. The constructs of health promotion theories/models can predict behavior. Hence, this study aimed to compare Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in predicting intention and CPBs.
Methods This cross-sectional study examined 500 Urmia citizens who were chosen by utilizing snowball and available sampling method. Data were collected by applying a valid and reliable researcher-made electronic questionnaire including demographic variables, knowledge items, items of HBM and TPB constructs and CPBs. Data were analyzed by utilizing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression in SPSS software.
Results The mean and standard deviation of intention and CPBs were 21.53 ± 3.67 and 22.37 ± 3.22, respectively. The constructs of HBM and TPB predicted 47% and 65% of the variance of CPBs and 53% and 73% of the variance of the intention of CPBs, respectively. Based on HBM, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intention and behavior. Based on TPB, perceived behavioral control (β=0.604, P=0.001) and behavioral intention (β=0.345, P=0.001) were the strongest predictors of intention and behavior, respectively.
Conclusions The TPB better than the HBM can be used for predicting intention and CPBs. Hence, TPB especially perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention constructs can be utilized in developing educational programs and interventions to change citizens' behavior towards COVID-19.
Indigenous Fodder Tree Species Composition, Biomass Yield and Socioeconomic Contribution in Sidama South, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregiorgis Adugna , Nurfeta Ajebu , Negash Mesele , Bayssa Merga
Published: July 2023

Fodder trees are integral components of agroforestry system in the tropics. Indigenous fodder trees (IFT) are grown in Sidama, Ethiopia, for different purposes. However, their composition, biomass yield and socioeconomic importance are inadequately studied. The objective of this study was to assess species composition, biomass yield and socioeconomic contribution of IFT. Three districts and 12 kebeles were purposively selected, from which 273 households were randomly selected for household survey. Sixty households were randomly selected for inventory within nested quadrats of 20 x 20 m. Twenty eight IFT species belonging to 26 genera and 24 families were identified in three agro ecologies. Species richness in lowland (11.08) was significantly higher than highland (9.6) and midland (7.7) (p < 0.001). Similarly, lowland (1.5) was significantly more diverse than midland (1.2) and highland (0.8) (p < 0.001). Arundinaria alpine, Hygenia abyssinica and Erythrina brucei were dominant IFT, altogether accounted for 72.35% of the total basal area. In midland, Cordial africana, Ficus sur, Dracaena steudneri and Melleitia ferruginea were dominant species, and Acacia albida, Acacia tortolis, Balanites aegyptiaca and Cordia africana were dominant in lowland, altogether accounting for 56.1 and 76.72% of the total basal area, respectively. Biomass yield were significantly different (p < 0.05) among agro ecologies. E. brucei, D. steudneri and C. africana had the highest biomass yield in highland, midland and lowland, respectively. Farmers with large land size, small family size, practicing agroforestry, having awareness and interest about fodder trees had significantly affected the decision to have IFT. In addition to fodder supply, IFT contribute to soil fertility improvement, income source and timber production. Hence, the dominant IFT are important for maintaining biodiversity and contribute as a feed source. Further research is recommended to evaluate the nutritive value of IFT.
Arabic-language digital interventions for depression in German routine health care are acceptable, but intervention adoption remains a challenge
Authors: Reich Hanna , Hegerl Ulrich , Rosenthal Anja , Oehler Caroline
Published: July 2023

Migrants face many barriers to mental health care, such as different cultural concepts of distress, unfamiliar pathways to care, and language. Digital mental health interventions are effective and scalable in multi-language versions. However, their implementation into routine care is in its infancy. Here, we report on the Arabic- and German-language implementation of two digital interventions in Germany: The iFightDepression® website, providing information about depression to the public, and the iFightDepression® tool, offering guided self-management for depression. Their acceptability (time on page, usage behavior) was comparable between the two user groups. The website penetration of the target populations was nine times lower among Arab migrants in Germany than Germans (89 vs. 834 unique page views/ 100,000). The adoption of the tool was lower among Arabic than German users (conversion rate from invitation to completed registration: 30.8% vs. 59.0%, p < .001). Our results show that uptake of digital interventions for migrants requires facilitation.
Perception of healthcare and health information professionals on the usage of HIS for administrative and clinical work processes
Authors: Okronipa Amanda Q , Aboagye-Darko David , Nyame Jones Yeboah
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Health information systems (HISs) now make up a significant part of every healthcare system. While the HIS is generally embraced and used in many wealthy regions of the world, many developing nations are faced with huge challenges. For the recognition, adoption, and implementation of HIS to be successful, its utility must be perceived as such. In Ghana, the use of HIS for management and clinical operations will be analyzed in this study to determine how health workers perceive and hold these thoughts.
Method: Eighty (80) respondents were conveniently sampled from the research population of healthcare professionals in Ghanaian health facilities (hospitals) for quantitative cross-sectional survey design research
Results: The study showed that Ghanaian health workers were exposed to health information systems. The results showed that the majority of health workers perceived HIS to be working quite well, and they were easy to use and satisfied with its usefulness. Health workers perceived HIS to facilitate their work processes through the optimization of patient health information management which includes variouselements such as recording, sharing, storing, and transferring.
Conclusions: Ghana’s HIS is largely perceived to be a positive advantage to health facilities’ work processes. Most health workers lean towards the adoption of HIS due to its perceived usefulness and ability to facilitate work processes. There is a need to incorporate crucial factors that may impact users (health workers) to enhance a positive perception and increase acceptance and usage of HISs. Policymakers may need to consider the application of HISs within the healthcare infrastructure of Ghana.
Interaction between hypertension and frailty and its impact on the death risk among the elderly: a follow-up study
Authors: Shi Jing , Tao Yongkang , Chen Shuqiang , Zhou Ziyi , Meng Li , Duan Chunbo , Zhou Baiyu , Yu Pulin
Published: July 2023

Background
Hypertension and frailty are often occur together and are becoming more prevalent among elderly patients .Our study analyzed the frailty status in the elderly with hypertension and the impact of its interaction on the death risk.
Method
Frailty index (FI) model was used to assess the frailty status in the elderly based on the baseline data conducted in 2009; and death as outcome variables collected in 2020 were analyzed. The effects of hypertension prevalence on the frailty of the elderly with age and on the mortality of were analyzed. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves were applied to evaluate the influence on the risk of death.
Results
Ultimately, 1197 elderly people were included in the analysis, and by 2020, there were 443 deaths, with a mortality rate of 37.0% (443/1197); 593 of them had hypertension, with a prevalence rate of 49.5% (593/1197). At any age, the FI values were higher and the mortality rate was higher in the elderly with hypertension than in those without hypertension. Cox regression analysis showed that the death risk was highest in the elderly with hypertension and frailty compared to those without hypertension and frailty (HR = 1.792, P = 0.000), followed by those without hypertension but with frailty (HR = 1.484, P = 0.000), and finally those with hypertension but without frailty (HR = 1.406, P = 0.005). The results of the survival time analysis showed that the median survival time of the elderly with hypertension and frailty was the shortest at 38.98 (95%CI: 35.64–42.32) months, which was lower than that of 52.94 (95%CI: 46.61–59.27) months in those without hypertension but with frailty, 102.71 (95%CI: 98.65-106.78) months in those with hypertension but without frailty, and 127.90 (95%CI: 113.54-134.69) months in those without hypertension and frailty (Log-rank = 999.686, P = 0.000).
Conclusion
Frailty is common among elderly patients suffering from hypertension, and there is an increased risk of poor health outcomes among elderly patients suffering from hypertension and frailty. For elderly patients with hypertension, attention should be paid to screening and assessing frailty in hopes of identifying it early so that appropriate measures of intervention can be taken to avoid or delay the resulting adverse effects.
Sedimentary ancient DNA from the sympagic dinoflagellate Polarella glacialis as a sea-ice proxy
Authors: Hardardottir Sara , Haile James , Ray Jessica , Limoges Audrey , Nieuwenhove Nicolas Van , Lalande Catherine , Grondin Pierre-luc , Jackson Rebecca , Skaar Katrine , Heikkilä Maija , Berge Jorgen , Lundholm Nina , Massé Guillaume , Rysgaard Søren , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Schepper Stijn , Lorenzen Eline , Lovejoy Connie , Ribeiro Sofia
Published: July 2023

Sea ice is a critical component of the Earth’s Climate System and a unique habitat. Sea-ice changes prior to the satellite era are poorly documented, and proxy methods are needed to constrain its past variability. Here, we demonstrate the potential of sedimentary ancient DNA from Polarella glacialis, a sea-ice microalga, for tracing past sea-ice conditions. Our observations confirm that this cyst-forming species is common in first-year sea ice and sinking particulate matter following sea-ice melt. Using species-specific primers targeting the nuclear ribosomal ITS1 region, we quantified Polarella glacialis DNA (Pgla-DNA) by digital PCR in marine and fjord surface sediments. Inferred Pgla-DNA gene copy numbers in sediments reflect the spatial variability of recent sea-ice cover, they increase for sites with 20-80% sea-ice concentration and decrease for sites with concentrations > 80%. Furthermore, Pgla-DNA was detected in a sediment core from northern Baffin Bay spanning ca. 12,000 years. Its detection is more efficient following a molecular approach than standard micropaleontological methods. Given that the species inhabits coastal and marine environments in the Arctic and Antarctic, Pgla-DNA has the potential to become a useful tool for circum-polar sea-ice reconstructions both in marine and glaciated fjord environments, where biomarker and microfossil approaches are limited.
Evaporated fraction of thujopsene from Thujopsis dolabrata starves cancer cells via PKM2 Anti-tumor effect of the volatile components of Thujopsis dolabrata
Authors: Nagata Takuya , Satou Tadaaki , Sasaki Aya , Watanabe Manabu , Saida Yoshihisa
Published: July 2023

Objective
Many cancer patients need for new treatment options with lower side effects. Herein, we report on the antitumor effect of thujopsene derived from the volatile components of Thujopsis dolabrata(asunaro).
Methods
The antitumor effect of the asunaro essential oil was analyzed using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and in vivo cancer metastasis model. Thujopsene was isolated from asunaro essential oil by liquid chromatography, and the tumor growth inhibitory mechanism of thujopsene was assessed using Western blotting and DARTS (Drug affinity responsive target stability) analysis.
Results
The volatile components of asunaro essential oil exhibited an antitumor effect on MCF7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells as well as on MKN45 gastric and DLD1 colon cancer cells. Thujopsene was identified as an antitumor factor that tended to have a stronger tumor growth inhibitory effect. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) was found to be associated with thujopsene in cancer cells. The reaction of thujopsene with MKN45 cells reduced intracellular lactate production. These results indicate that thujopsene binds to PKM2 in cancer cells and inhibits the nutritional metabolic pathway, and causing apoptosis. In conclusion, thujopsene may suppress tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting the trophic metabolism pathway of cancer cells.
Miniature landfills: Excavating Seaweeds in Byxelkrok, Öland Island (southeastern Sweden)
Authors: Garazhian Omran , Papoli-Yazdi Leila
Published: July 2023

The acceleration of consumption and trash disposal during the past century is responsible for the quick conversion of natural landscapes into landfills and dumpsites. Among the spots where discarded items land, studying coastlines is vital since these are areas where wind, water, land, and humans interact, causing discarded objects to land, get buried, and undergo other changes. According to the fact that the Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world, the authors conducted a garbological survey to explore the patterns of waste disposal and accumulation of garbage in Öland Island (south-eastern Sweden) in 2022–2023. Visiting Byxelkrok on the northern side of the Island, we found out that the seaweeds absorbed pieces of discarded objects. This initial observation was followed by three sets of excavation/extractions of six seaweeds in the summer and autumn of 2022. The primary purpose of this article is to introduce the studied seaweeds as sources of absorbing discarded items and explain the process of identifying and researching them. Our primary method for studying these seaweeds is through garbology, where we inquire about human behaviors that lead to the buildup of waste on beaches and in the sea.
Effect of Ultrasound on the Physical, Biochemical, Anti-oxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of Industrial Iranian Honey
Authors: Rabbani Safa , Anvar Seyed Amir Ali , Allahyaribeik Sara , Jannat Behrooz , Ahari Hamed
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to determine the effect of ultrasound (in two different frequencies of 30, 42 kHz) on the physical, biochemical, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial properties of industrial Iranian honey. All samples (except control) were treated using 30 or 42 kHz ultrasound at (20 and 45°C for 1, 5, and 10 minutes). Then the changes related to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, pH, acidity, proline, total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, diastase, moisture, sucrose, fructose, glucose, the ratio of fructose to glucose, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), osmophile, phenol, regenerating sugars and total sugars were evaluated on days 1, 30, 90, and 180. In both treatment groups (affected by 30 or 42 kHz ultrasound) there were physical, biochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial parameter changes. These changes in the group treated with 42 kHz ultrasound were reduced with a decrease in humidity, pH, acidity, glucose-fructose ratio, sugar, clostridium, total microbial count, mold, osmophiles, HMF, and an increase in diastase, proline, and phenol. In both treatment groups, the changes were more significant on days 90 and 180. Using 42 kHz ultrasound at 45 ºC for 10 minutes could lead to an increase in the quality and shelf life of industrial honey. Therefore, this technique can be used in the food industry to provide a higher quality product as well as a more successful export.
Effectiveness of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coated on wood blocks to deter termites and optimized concentration and application
Authors: Park Sanha , Koo In Soo , Rhee Seog Woo , Kim Jinkwon
Published: July 2023

This study investigated techniques of coating zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles on the surface of blocks of pine (Pinus densiflora) and a method for effectively preventing termite access. ZIF-8 was synthesized by the reaction of 2-methylimidazole (2-MeIm) and Zn2+ in methanol media. Treatment of the wood blocks was carried out by immersing wood blocks in aqueous dispersions of ZIF-8 (0.1 ~ 0.3%) and in aqueous solutions of 2-MeIm (0.01 ~ 0.3%). Subterranean termite (Reticulitermes speratus) prevention experiments were carried out using choice and no-choice tests according to AWPA standard (E1-17). In the no-choice test, termites would not eat the wood block treated with aqueous dispersions of ZIF-8 prepared at a concentration of 0.1% or more, and all died within 28 days of the experiment, 100% mortality. In the choice test performed for 28 days, the termites did not eat the treated block, and ate only the untreated wood block, and showed the same low mortality as the control group, and there was no damage to the treated wood block. The results of experiments performed with wood blocks treated with 2-MeIm aqueous solutions were similar to those of ZIF-8. In conclusion, ZIF-8 and 2-MeIm showed very effective anti-termite agent performance.
Emphysematous change as a red flag sign preceding rapid progressive infectious aortic disease: two case reports
Authors: Higuchi Yusuke , Nomura Tetsuya , Yoshida Shiori , Kitamura Michitaka , Ono Kenshi , Shoji Keisuke , Wada Naotoshi , Keira Natsuya , Tatsumi Tetsuya
Published: July 2023

Background

Infectious aortic disease is a rare and fatal disease, that requires the appropriate intervention. An accurate diagnosis should be promptly established. However, this is difficult because the clinical manifestations of this disease vary and are non-specific.

Case presentation

(CASE 1) An 87-year-old male, presenting with generalized malaise and weight loss, was admitted for further examination. A chest computed tomography (CT) showed mediastinal emphysema. Empirical intravenous antibiotics were administered to address the non-specific infectious findings in the laboratory data. The treatment was effective, and the patient fully recovered. However, he was in shock due to the impending rupture of a rapidly progressive thoracic infectious aneurysm several days later. An emergency total aortic arch replacement was performed, and the patient was discharged. (CASE 2) An 82-year-old male was admitted due to general malaise and anorexia. The patient underwent Y-graft replacement in the abdominal aorta. Abdominal CT revealed emphysematous changes adjacent to the abdominal aorta. The patient responded favorably to empirical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and was discharged 19 days after admission. Four days after discharge, he was admitted again due to epigastric pain. He suddenly went into a state of shock. After an episode of hematemesis, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Abdominal CT revealed an enlarged stomach and duodenum, filled with massive high-density contents proximal to the abdominal aorta. He died of hemorrhagic shock despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Conclusion

Although emphysematous change is rare, it is a red flag sign during the early stage of infectious aortic disease. Thus, physicians should remain vigilant for this kind of critical sign.
Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Rc School Buildings With Under-designed Joints by Means of Reinforced Jacketing of High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HP-FRCC)
Authors: Bianco Vincenzo
Published: July 2023

The existing Reinforced Concrete (RC) School buildings are often characterized by low-rise height, very long beams, and relatively large-valued uniformly distributed loads. Beams present a large amount of longitudinal reinforcement so that they exert huge shear stresses, on the joint panels into which they frame, during a seismic event. For this reason, the main cause of seismic inadequacy of these buildings is often the premature shear failure of the joints. These latter can result either a) completely devoid of reinforcing stirrups, or b) not suitably reinforced, or c) under-dimensioned. In some cases, due to either the results of the feasibility study or to instructions given by the Contracting Authority, the seismic rehabilitation of such buildings must be obtained by local interventions. To rehabilitate an existing RC building with under-dimensioned joints, by means of local interventions, the availability of pourable and self-compacting High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (HP-FRCC) renders the RC jacketing the ideal solution. In cases in which an aggressive environment is concomitant with the susceptibility to earthquakes, an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) designed ad hoc could be an even better option. The RC jacketing of the joint allows to enlarge it, thus making it work in uncracked regime. However, when the joint panel is enlarged, the appropriate hierarchy of resistances must be restored throughout the length of the column, to guarantee the activation of the desired global dissipative mechanism. In this article a calculation strategy to follow in these cases, in compliance with the Building Regulations, is proposed and described by referring to a case-study. Finally, a discussion is provided on some aspects, which are still susceptible to improvement, to refine the intervention technique.
A Different Approach to the Evaluation of the Genotype-Phenotype Relationship in Biotinidase Deficiency: Repeated Measurement of Biotinidase Enzyme Activity
Authors: Kara İlknur Sürücü , Köse Engin , Yekedüz Merve Koç , Eminoğlu Fatma Tuba
Published: July 2023

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the genotype-phenotype relation in patients with biotinidase enzyme deficiency based on repeated biotinidase enzyme measurements. The hospital file information of patients with biotinidase, enzyme deficiency was assessed retrospectively, and the relationship between the BTD gene mutations analysis results and biotinidase enzyme activity following the first and repeated enzyme activity assessments was analyzed. One-hundred-ten patients were included. In the first enzyme evaluation, profound biotinidase enzyme deficiency was identified in 15 (13.6%), partial biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 63 (57.3%), and heterozygous biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 32 (29.3%) of the patients. The BTD genetic analysis revealed 42 (38.2%) homozygous, 42 (38.2%) heterozygous, and 26 (23.6%) compound heterozygous variants. The most common homozygous variant, p.Asp444His, was evaluated with 130 repeated enzyme measurements and was consistent with a partial biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 55.4% of cases, heterozygous biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 43.8% of cases, and profound biotinidase enzyme deficiency in one (0.8%) case. Clinical symptoms developed in 17 patients during follow-up, of which 70.6% were related to neurodevelopment. The most common variant was homozygous p.Asp444His (29.4%) among the patients who developed symptoms. Conclusion: This is the first study to date to evaluate the genotype-phenotype relationship in patients with biotinidase deficiency through repeated measurements of biotinidase enzyme activity. The study reveals that biotinidase enzyme activity alone is inadequate for diagnosing biotinidase enzyme deficiency or evaluating disease severity, as genetic investigations are also required for a definitive diagnosis of biotinidase enzyme deficiency.
A Data Guided Approach for the Evaluation of Zeolites for Hydrogen Storage with the Aid of Molecular Simulations
Authors: Manda Timothy , Barasa Godfrey Okumu , Louis Hitler , Irfan Ahmad , Agumba John Onyango , Lugasi Solomon Omwoma , Pembere Anthony M.S.
Published: July 2023

Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations have been used to evaluate the hydrogen storage performance on 233 zeolites. LTA had the highest capacity with a hydrogen capacity of 4.8%wt. The second ranked zeolite is JBW with a hydrogen uptake capacity of 3.25% wt, while RTH was the third with 2.89% wt. A machine learning algorithm was used to rank the importance of various structural features such as mass (M), density (D), helium void fraction (HVF), accessible pore volume (APV), gravimetric surface area (GSA), and largest overall cavity diameter (Di) and how they affect the capacity of the zeolites. The results show that Di, D and M have a negative effect on the percentage weight capacity, while GSA and VSA have the highest positive contribution to the percentage weight. From this, the best material could be achieved by reducing the mass and density while increasing both gravimetric and volumetric surface area. Further quantum chemical calculations were also performed to calculate the adsorption energy, global reactivity electronic descriptors, and natural bond orbital analysis in order to provide insights into the interaction of the zeolites with hydrogen. This study therefore, provides new insights into the factors that affect their hydrogen storage capacity by exhibiting the importance of considering multiple factors when evaluating the performance of zeolites and demonstrates the potential of combining different computational methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of materials.
RETRACTED: Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesis from Catechin Extract Produced Using the Process of Supercritical Extraction
Authors: SERDAR Gönül , KILINÇ Gülşah Gül
Published: July 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Isolation and characterization of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from a large panel of murine antibodies against RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Authors: D'Acunto Emanuela , Muzi Alessia , Marchese Silvia , Donnici Lorena , Chiarini Valerio , Bucci Federica , Pavoni Emiliano , Ferrara Fabiana Fosca , Cappelletti Manuela , Arriga Roberto , Serrao Silvia Maria , Peluzzi Valentina , Principato Eugenia , Costanzo Antonella , Bulfaro Giovanni , Compagnone Mirco , Pinto Eleonora , Luberto Laura , Stoppoloni Daniela , Lahm Armin , Gross Ruediger , Seidel Alina , Wettstein Lukas , Muench Jan , Goodhead Andrew , Parisot Judicael , De Francesco Raffaele , Marra Emanuele , Aurisicchio Luigi , Roscilli Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in late December 2019 and was declared pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization, causing clinically acute respiratory manifestations and corresponding symptoms, pathological inflammation and multi-organ dysfunctions. The total commitment of the scientific community to develop therapeutics to deal with this global emergency in the shortest possible period was unprecedented. In a very short time, several vaccines were approved by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Despite this, it is conceivable that COVID-19 will continue to spread globally through evolving variants in more or less cyclic waves. With these perspectives, it is essential to quickly develop additional therapeutic tools to deal with the next wave of infection.
Methods In the present study we describe the development and characterization of neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein.
Results The mAbs identified are able to specifically detect the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in all tested applications, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry (FACS) and bio-layer interferometry. In addition, we show that these mAbs efficiently block entry of both SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles carrying the spike protein of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and a broad set of variants of concern (VOC).
Conclusions Here we report a panel of monoclonal antibodies that target RBD and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants infection and enable the isolation of novel therapeutic tools to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 virus
Rapid detection of Ceftazidine/Avibactam sensitivity in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Huang Ya , Chen Huixin , Gong Chengfang , Yang Congzhu , Zhang Ting , Zheng Quan , Xie Ruiwen , Lv Fei
Published: July 2023

Currently, ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) is the primary antibiotic for treating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections in KPC and OXA-48 families. However, due to rising CZA resistance, a fast, simple, and effective technique is needed to detect CRE sensitivity to CZA. The rapidCZA test proposed in this study only takes 4 hours to determine the CRE sensitivity to CZA. In the presence of sufficient CZA (low concentration: 8 mg/mL ceftazidime and 4 mg/mL avibactam, high concentration: 16 mg/mL ceftazidime and 4 mg/mL avibactam), glucose metabolism of CZA-resistant bacteria changes bromocresol purple from purple to yellow. After K-B testing of CZA, 83 of 241 CRE strains were resistant (< 21 mm), and 158 were susceptible to CZA (≥ 21 mm). Furthermore, eCIM testing revealed that all 83 CZA-resistant strains were NDM type, while 121 of the 158 CZA-sensitive strains were KPC type and 37 were non-enzyme producing. After the rapidCZA test, 83 CRE strains (NDM type) were resistant to CZA, and 158 CRE strains (including KPC and non-carbapenemase production) were sensitive. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values and negative predictive values of this test were all 100%. This assay is fast, accurate, and offers clinical feedback on CRE strains' CZA sensitivity in 4 hours.