bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participación Comunitaria en Sistemas y Programas de Apoyo al Desarrollo Infantil: una Revisión Sistemática de Literatura
Authors: Quiroz Saavedra Rodrigo , Riesco Muñoz Ximena
Published: November 2023

En la última década, las políticas y programas en primera infancia a nivel internacional han otorgado un lugar central a la participación comunitaria, sin embargo, aún se conoce poco sobre la forma en que esta ocurre y qué cambios consigue. Este artículo tiene como objetivo identificar evidencia sobre participación comunitaria en sistemas, programas y servicios de apoyo al desarrollo infantil y sus efectos en los participantes a través de una revisión sistemática de literatura científica y gris. Los hallazgos muestran la presencia de diversas categorías de participantes al interior de la comunidad, la adopción de estrategias de participación predominantemente conducidas por organizaciones externas a la comunidad y la ocurrencia de efectos principalmente positivos asociados a la participación comunitaria. La discusión aborda la introducción de nuevas dimensiones analíticas para entender los procesos de participación, la importancia de fomentar la influencia de la comunidad en los programas y la necesidad de considerar las condiciones que favorecen una participación efectiva. Se ofrece información valiosa a los tomadores de decisiones, investigadores y organizaciones de la sociedad civil que buscan formular, implementar y estudiar políticas, programas y servicios destinados a la primera infancia basados en la participación de la comunidad.
Analysis of Educational and Institutional Security among Dairy Farmers in Bundelkhand Region, India
Authors: Gautam Pawan Kumar , Jha Sujeet Kumar
Published: November 2023

Education plays an important role in the modernized farm environment rather than the traditional one. The ability of farmers to deal with disequilibrium produced by the use of modern technologies is primarily determined by their education.  Based on a thorough examination of the literature and discussions with extension professionals, an index was developed to assess the educational and institutional security of dairy farmers.  Data were gathered through personal interview method with the help of the structured interview schedule. After the collection of data, the results were analyzed by using some statistical tools like percentage analysis, correlation and regression. The majority (>75%) of the respondents among medium farmers had a low to medium level of institutional security, whereas among large farmers the majority (53.34%) of the respondents had a high level of institutional security. Education, land holding, annual income and mass media exposure had positive and highly significant relationship with educational security at the 1 percent level of significance. The beta coefficient and their corresponding value indicate varying level of contribution towards dependent variable under the study. When the data was put into a regression analysis for asserting the R2 value, then it was found that they were cumulatively responsible for accounting 53.90 percent variability towards dependent variable i.e. educational security. The fitted regression model was observed to be significant at 1 percent level of significance. The variables education, social participation and annual income were found to be highly significant (p<0.01) while, experience in dairying, land holding and extension contact was found to be significant (p<0.05).
Population Fluctuation with Climatic Condition of Gram Pod Borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) on Chickpea Crops in Sultanpur Region of Eastern U.P.
Authors: Pandey Bal Mukund , Kumar Rahul , Lakshmi Vijay , Chandra Awaneesh
Published: November 2023

Gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera is most serious insect pest of chickpea crop in Rabi season in eastern U.P., including Sultanpur district. The studies have been done on population fluctuation of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera on one local desi variety of chickpea with meteorological data take on ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, (U.P.). The incidence of pod borer Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea/ commenced from 1st standard week of January with 0.10 mean larval population per plant. The larval population started increase per decrease and reached the maximum with 15.30 mean larval population per plant during 12th standard week of 2022. The population of larvae showed positive correlation with maximum temperature (0.70) and minimum temperature (0.82) and rainfall (0.25), while negative correlation was obtained with relative humidity (-0.72).
An Investigation into the Effects of Organic Amendments in a Saline Environment on Soil Chemical Characteristics, Growth, and Yield of Rice in the South of Senegal
Authors: Diedhiou Sire , Diatta Yaya , Goudiaby Arfang O. K. , Bassene Jean , Sagna Yves Paterne , Sow Mamadou , Diallo Mariama Dalanda , Ndoye Ibrahima , Fall Saliou
Published: November 2023

Context of the Study: The use of organic amendments could help increase the resilience of lowland rice in Lower Casamance to salinity. The aim of this study was to test the effect of different organic amendments (biochar and compost) on the salinity tolerance of lowland rice in Basse Casamance.

Objective: The aim was to test the effect of different organic amendments on the salinity tolerance of rice in the lowlands of the villages of Selecky and Essyl in Lower Casamance.

Methodology: A split-plot design was adopted with two factors: the type of organic amendment with 4 treatments (biochar, compost, compost + biochar and the control) and salinity with two treatments (salted and unsalted zones). These treatments were repeated 3 times in two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021, at the Selecky and Essyl sites. Physico-chemical characteristics as well as rice growth and production parameters were studied.

Results: In the saline zone, soil amendments significantly increased the number of tillers and the height of rice plants compared with controls (p<0.05). Average rice yield and plant biomass were significantly higher in the amended plots at Selecky in both experimental years (p<0.05). At Essyl, on the other hand, height, number of tillers, rice yield and plant biomass were lower in the 2nd year of experimentation. Organic amendments had a significant effect (p<0.05) on rice production and yield parameters in the salt zone.
Assessment of Effect of Sowing Dates and Genotypes on Chickpea Yield Using CROPGROW- Chickpea (DSSAT v 4.7) Model for Western Haryana
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Singh Raj , Kamboj Mohit , Godara Mohit , Kumar Anil , Bharti Rahul Raj
Published: November 2023

The study was conducted at Department of Agricultural Meteorology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University to assess the effects of sowing dates and genotypes on chickpea yield using CROPGROW- chickpea (DSSAT v 4.7) model for western Haryana. Thus three varieties of chickpea i.e. HC 1(V1), HC 7(V2) and HC 5(V3) each sown at four different dates of sowing i.e. 13th October (D1), 1st November (D2), 15th November (D3) and 2nd December in split plot design was replicated thrice. Maximum accumulated PAR was recorded for the crop sown on D1 at physiological maturity stage and least accumulation was recorded in D4. Variety HC 7 recorded maximum value of intercepted PAR while lowest value was recorded in HC 1 Delay in sowing time resulted in decrease in seed yield. Maximum seed yield was shown by the crop sown on D1 followed by D2, D3 and D4. Significant variation was shown in seed yield by among the varieties. Maximum seed yield was recorded in variety HC 7 while least value was recorded in variety HC 1. Simulated seed yield was in good agreement with the observed values of seed yield. Mean observed seed yield varied between 1177 kg/ha (D4V1) and 2477 kg/ha (D1V2) while simulated values ranged from 1057 kg/ha (D4V1) and 2234 kg/ha (D1V2).
Impact of Crude Oil Contamination on Soil Physicochemical Properties around the Sildubi Oil Spill, Borhola, Assam
Authors: Saikia Tarun , Bora Jhorna , Gogoi Cinu
Published: November 2023

Crude oil contamination can affect the soil physicochemical properties and it is a serious constraint on the rice ecosystem near the oil drilling sites. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of crude oil contamination through oil exploration on soil health and the horizontal distribution of soil nutrients in rice field soils in the Sildubi area, Jorhat district, Assam. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–15 cm from the drilling site and from the four directions (East, West, South and North) in a circular mode with a radius of 500 and 1000m away from the oil spill. Each sample was mounded with four replications. Samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties by using standard methods that reflect soil nutrient status.

The percentage of organic carbon, organic matter and soil pH are found to be higher at the drilling site compared to the results obtained in the rice field soils, apart by 500 and 1000m from the central zone. Similarly, bulk density, moisture percentage and electrical conductivity were found to be lowest in the soils of the drilling site. In our study, considerable variation in the horizontal distribution of soil nutrients was also observed. The highest P, Ca and nitrogen contents were recorded in the oil-contaminated soils compared to soils collected from 500 and 1000m radius. The total soil Fe was significantly higher in the samples collected at 1000m. Spilled crude oil is certainly responsible for alterations in soil physicochemical properties and the horizontal distribution of some plant-specific nutrients. High concentrations of Fe and P observed due to crude oil contamination have been developing Fe stress situations reducing crop production in nearby agricultural lands.
Effect of Phage Therapy on Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Taqi Ayesha , Soremekun Oluwamayomikun , Odugunwa Mayowa Nene , Anyiman Tope Mwuese , Ijishakin Olumide , Ezeamii Victor Chiedozie , Okezie Chidera Emmanuel , Haq Hassan Muhammed Ul , Ogunlaja Tiwalade O. , Amanze Ngozi , Razaq Saeed , Gopal Shwetha , Mesfin Kibrom Hailemariam , Okonkwo Chijioke , Nayab Khudija
Published: November 2023

Background: Antibiotic-resistant infections pose a significant challenge to global health, and innovative solutions are urgently needed. Phage therapy, the therapeutic use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections, has been suggested as a potential alternative to antibiotics. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of phage therapy on antibiotic-resistant infections.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published in the last twenty years. Studies were included if they assessed the impact of phage therapy on antibiotic-resistant infections. Data were extracted systematically, and a qualitative synthesis was performed.

Results: From the 5 studies that met our inclusion criteria, phage therapy demonstrated a consistent safety profile with no significant adverse events reported. Specific results included a treatment response in 18% of patients using intravesical Pyo bacteriophage, reduced bacterial burden in patients with burn wounds treated with anti-P aeruginosa bacteriophages, and significant reduction in P. aeruginosa counts in patients with chronic otitis using Biophage-PA.

Conclusion: The evidence gathered in this systematic review shows that phage therapy could potentially serve as a safe and efficacious treatment alternative for antibiotic-resistant infections. The heterogeneity of the studies regarding design, interventions, and outcome measures underlines the necessity for more standardized, large-scale studies to validate these findings and further explore the potential of phage therapy. The development of a comprehensive framework for phage therapy application may offer a promising direction in combatting the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Violaceous Nodules on the Right Leg and Foot
Authors: Chen Tai-Li , Chuang Hao-Kai , Wu Chen-Yi
Published: November 2023

A patient with a history of bullous pemphigoid treated with oral prednisolone presented with multiple round, dark brown to violaceous-colored firm nodules on the right leg and 2 nodular masses with hemorrhagic crusts on the right foot. Complete blood cell count and creatinine and liver function test results were normal, and results of HIV antibody testing were negative. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?
Addressing Eldercare to Promote Gender Equity in Academic Medicine
Authors: Sosa Julie Ann , Mangurian Christina
Published: November 2023

This Viewpoint argues for an expansion of paid family leave policies to include eldercare as a way to support the well-being of faculty members, retain physicians, and promote gender equity in academic medicine.
App-Based Interventions for Moderate to Severe Depression
Authors: Bae Hayoung , Shin Hyemin , Ji Han-Gil , Kwon Jun Soo , Kim Hyungsook , Hur Ji-Won
Published: November 2023

Importance

Mobile mental health applications (apps) for moderate to severe depression are proliferating, likely owing to their capacity to overcome the limitations of conventional psychotherapy, but research on the potential moderators of treatment efficacy is lacking.

Objective

To examine the treatment efficacy associated with mobile app interventions for moderate to severe depression and identify the potential moderators associated with better treatment outcomes.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched from their inception to January 22, 2023.

Study Selection

Only randomized clinical trials evaluating mobile app treatments in adults with moderate to severe depression that published their results in English were included in the analysis.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Three independent researchers extracted and assessed relevant studies, their risk of bias, the characteristics of the population and study design, and the components of the intervention program following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guidelines. A fixed-effects model was used for data analysis, and exploratory post hoc meta-regression and subgroup analyses were also conducted. Data were analyzed from February 16 to March 25, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was changes in depression symptom severity from before to after treatment, measured by standardized depression assessment instruments. Secondary outcomes included study-, intervention-, and patient-level factors associated with app efficacy.

Results

Of 2128 studies identified, 13 studies evaluating 16 intervention apps with 1470 participants with moderate to severe depression were included in the analysis. The overall pooled effect size of mobile app interventions vs both active and inactive control groups was 0.50 (95% CI, 0.40 to 0.61). Interventions with in-app notifications were associated with significantly lower treatment outcomes (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29-0.60) than interventions without (SMD, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54-0.87; P = .02). In addition, app interventions delivered for less than 8 weeks were associated with a significantly greater effect size (SMD, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59-0.96) than interventions delivered for 8 weeks or longer (SMD, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30-0.57; P = .004).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the feasibility and efficacy of mobile app interventions were supported in treating moderate and severe depression, and practical implications were also provided for developing effective app-based interventions in clinical practice.
Streamlining Prior Authorization to Improve Care
Authors: Busis Neil A. , Khokhar Babar , Callaghan Brian C.
Published: November 2023

This Viewpoint addresses the challenges of prior authorization: decreased access, delayed care, decreased patient satisfaction and outcomes, and increased clinician burnout.
Holding Onto Our Hats—A Hmong Medical Student’s Reflection
Authors: Lee Viangkaeo
Published: November 2023

This On the Brain describes a Hmong student’s experience in medical school.
Reversible Cortical and Basal Ganglia Lesions in Late-Onset Methylmalonic Aciduria
Authors: Chu Xujun , Yan Haotian , Yu Meng
Published: November 2023

This case report describes reversible cortical and basal ganglia lesions in late-onset methylmalonic aciduria in a man in his mid-40s.
Multilevel Implementation Strategies for Adolescent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake
Authors: Finney Rutten Lila J. , Griffin Joan M. , St. Sauver Jennifer L. , MacLaughlin Kathy , Austin Jessica D. , Jenkins Gregory , Herrin Jeph , Jacobson Robert M.
Published: November 2023

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03501992
Sustainably Implementing Social Determinants of Health Interventions in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Assaf Raymen Rammy , Dolce Millie , Garg Arvin
Published: November 2023

This Viewpoint discusses 5 principal challenges and opportunities for the sustainable implementation of social determinants of health interventions in emergency department settings.
Rare De Novo and Inherited Genes in Familial and Nonfamilial Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Arnett Anne B. , Harstad Elizabeth , O’Connell Mia , Hayes Katheryn , Brewster Stephanie , Barbaresi William , Doan Ryan N.
Published: November 2023

This case-control study examines the prevalence of rare de novo and inherited sequence variations among children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and siblings and parents without ADHD.
Ophthalmic manifestations of Czech dysplasia
Authors: Soh Zack , Martin Howard , Richards Allan J. , Suri Mohnish , Snead Martin P.
Published: November 2023

Czech dysplasia is an autosomal dominant type 2 collagenopathy that is caused by heterozygosity for the recurrent p.(Arg275Cys) COL2A1 variant. Affected individuals usually present with skeletal abnormalities such as metatarsal hypoplasia of the third and fourth toes and early‐onset arthropathy, as well as hearing loss. To date, no ophthalmic findings have been reported in patients with Czech dysplasia even though COL2A1 has been implicated in other ocular conditions such as type 1 Stickler syndrome. For the first time, we report the ocular findings in four families with Czech dysplasia, including type 1 vitreous anomaly, hypoplastic vitreous, retinal tears, and significant refractive error. These novel ocular findings expand the phenotype associated with Czech dysplasia and may aid clinicians as an additional diagnostic feature. Patients with congenital abnormalities of vitreous gel architecture have an increased risk of retinal detachment, and as such, patients may benefit from prophylaxis. Considering that many of the patients did not report any ocular symptoms, vitreous phenotyping is of key importance in identifying the need for counseling with regard to prophylaxis.
Lateral angle: A landmark‐based method for the sex estimation in human cremated remains and application to an Austrian prehistoric sample
Authors: Waltenberger Lukas , Heimel Patrick , Skerjanz Hannah , Tangl Stefan , Verdianu Domnika , Rebay‐Salisbury Katharina
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Estimating the sex of cremated human remains is difficult. The petrous bone frequently survives the cremation due to its density. Wahl observed the lateral angle to be sexually dimorphic in the 1980s. Previous studies showed various cut‐off points to separate females from males, which are hardly replicable and difficult to apply. We want to test the Wahl method and compare it to a new landmark‐based version.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we measured the lateral angle of 35 cremated petrous bones from late bronze age Austria using micro‐CT scans. Technical errors of measurement were calculated for two different methods to intersect the internal acoustic meatus virtually in the midline (manual or landmark‐based intersection). Furthermore, sex was estimated based on morphological features and metric measurements. This information was used in logistic regression modeling to define a cut‐off point in our sample.

Results

The technical errors of measurement suggested that a landmark‐based method was more precise in comparison to a manual intersection which was much more intuitive. Inter‐ and intra‐observer errors were low which improved reliability. The logistic regression model produced good results in our sample (p = 0.02, R2 = 0.38, accuracy = 0.8). The mean lateral angle was similar to studies which focused on prehistoric cremated petrous bones.

Discussion

The proposed landmark‐based method was precise, quick, and could be easily applied, even by unexperienced researchers. The size of the lateral angle seemed to be population‐specific but also dependent on the method applied. We recommend to use the proposed landmark‐based method which is more precise.
Evaluating modularity in the hominine skull related to feeding biomechanics
Authors: Jung Hyunwoo , Strait David , Rolian Campbell , Baab Karen L.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Modular architecture of traits in complex organisms can be important for morphological evolution at micro‐ and sometimes macroevolutionary scales as it may influence the tempo and direction of changes to groups of traits that are essential for particular functions, including food acquisition and processing. We tested several distinct hypotheses about craniofacial modularity in the hominine skull in relation to feeding biomechanics.

Materials and Methods

First, we formulated hypothesized functional modules for craniofacial traits reflecting specific demands of feeding biomechanics (e.g., masseter leverage/gape or tooth crown mechanics) in Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, and Gorilla gorilla. Then, the pattern and strength of modular signal was quantified by the covariance ratio coefficient and compared across groups using covariance ratio effect size. Hierarchical clustering analysis was then conducted to examine whether a priori‐defined functional modules correspond to empirically recovered clusters.

Results

There was statistical support for most a priori‐defined functional modules in the cranium and half of the functional modules in the mandible. Modularity signal was similar in the cranium and mandible, and across the three taxa. Despite a similar strength of modularity, the empirically recovered clusters do not map perfectly onto our priori functional modules, indicating that further work is needed to refine our hypothesized functional modules.

Conclusion

The results suggest that modular structure of traits in association with feeding biomechanics were mostly shared with humans and the two African apes. Thus, conserved patterns of functional modularity may have facilitated evolutionary changes to the skull during human evolution.
A rare case of 2q37 deletion syndrome presented with patent foramen ovale
Authors: Zaki Ahmed , Shaheen Nour , Hosny Mohamed , Ramadan Abdelraouf , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: November 2023

This case report presents a 3‐year‐old female child diagnosed with 2q37 deletion syndrome and patent foramen ovale, and the improvement in hypotonia and gross motor delay after 1 year of physical therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough examination and diagnostic testing in identifying underlying causes of developmental delays.
Surgical tool entrapment in a young patient with recurrent lumbar spinal stenosis: a case report
Authors: Zali Alireza , Herfedoust Biazar Bijan , Saleki Kiarash , Akhlaghdoust Meisam
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a prevalent cause of leg and back pain. In the youth, LSS is not common and mainly results from hereditary musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, spinal fusion is a surgical approach to the treatment of LSS. Entrapment of surgical tools due to breakage is a rare yet important phenomenon in such operations. Therefore, neurological sequelae of these events need to be explored. The case was a 24‐year‐old male complaining of local back pain. Initially, he was diagnosed with LSS at L4 and L5. After the fusion of the vertebrae by the posterior spinal fusion (PSF) method, the patient's pain was resolved. However, the subject complained of worsening local back pain limiting his ability to do routine tasks. A few years later, radiographical evaluations indicated the possible presence of a surgical tool that could not be removed via surgery. During a third operation, the object was removed, and the patient's symptoms recovered. Immediate removal of entrapped surgical objects is necessary due to risks associated with migration and central nervous system damage. Comparing our results to other similar reports, we conclude that in cases of foreign object entrapment, neurological sequelae may be nonexistent or progressively worsen. Also, sequelae emerge either soon after the operation or emerge later. This complicates the diagnosis of such events and the decision of whether to subject the patient to additional neurosurgical operations to remove the tool. These variations may be observed due to the moving of the entrapped tool. Follow‐up of neurological sequelae in spinal surgery patients is recommended.
Prevesical hydatid cyst: A case report
Authors: Mesfin Telila , Taha Muhammadamin , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Nigusu Fikadu , Seyoum Kenbon , Geta Girma , Ejigu Neway , Zenbaba Demisu , Desta Fikreab , Gomora Degefa , Dadi Sisay , Bezaw Elias , Erdachew Tsegaye , Kusa Getu , Tsegaye Mesfin
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease caused by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus granulosus either in its adult or larval forms. Original pelvic cysts are rare; however, the majority of abdominal and pelvic hydatid cysts are believed to result from inadvertent surgical inoculation or spontaneous rupture from a primary hepatic focus. We present a 35‐year‐old female patient who visited our facility complaining of lower abdominal pain that had persisted for the last 5 months.
The Unexpected Leader: Discovering the Leader Within You
Authors: Johnson Vicky V.
Published: November 2023

In her book The Unexpected Leader: Discovering the Leader Within You, Jacqueline M. Baker makes the case that anyone can be a leader by declaring it so, committing to the process of growth, and customizing that growth to one's own unique approach. The book is structured in three large sections. Part I, titled “What to Expect When You’re Expecting Leadership,” This section seeks to dispel the typical default notion of a leader as only one who is already successful, accomplished, and visible. Leadership is characterized as being possible for anyone and indeed is already present in everyone, even if in more mundane forms. The author builds on this as a beginning and as assurance that developing the leader within is possible and accessible.
Exploring perceptions of frailty, resilience, and self‐efficacy in older adults and caregivers in acute care context
Authors: Lim Siew Hoon , Østbye Truls , Seah Vivian Q. H. , Aloweni Fazila
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to explore the experience and perceptions of frailty in hospitalized older adults and caregivers caring for older adults, in relation to resilience and self‐efficacy. A qualitative explorative descriptive study design was utilized. Face to face interviews were conducted from September 2020 to July 2021 with 24 older adults who were 65 years and above and hospitalized in the acute care hospital. Ten informal family caregivers were also recruited. Data were analysed using an inductive content analysis approach. Frailty encompassed physical elements as well as manifestations of psychological traits, fear of the unknown, and being in control. Resilience was determined by individual psychological traits and mindset, and the possession of a coping mechanism. Self‐efficacy could influence both frailty and resilience through inner motivation and assistance received. Older adults and family caregivers reported that considerable decline in physical health with age and level of perseverance can determine the level of frailty. Resilience and self‐efficacy play a pivotal role in the context of frailty. Understanding resilience in this context will assist nurses to facilitate the use of individual and sociocultural resources to improve the way resilience is experienced by older adults. Various coping strategies can enhance self‐efficacy and build greater resilience in older adults, including maintaining their active involvement in health management and social life.
Fabrication and characterization of PLLA/PCL/Mg‐Zn‐Y alloy composite stent
Authors: Srivastava Alok , Singh Shweta , Agrawal Mohit , Bhati Pooja , Kumari Nisha , Pandya Madhur , Vashisth Priya , Chauhan Pankaj , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: November 2023

Bioresorbable polymeric stents (BPS) can become a promising alternative over permanent stents, as it reduce in‐stent thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombogenicity. Although, a few limitations like uncontrolled degradation, inadequate strength, and lack of radiopacity restrict its application. Thus, a novel bioresorbable radiopaque Mg‐Zn‐Y Alloy (BRM) of high effective atomic number (Zeff) was developed to reinforce and attenuate X‐rays in the polymers. After that, the optimized BRM microparticles were blended with radiolucent poly (L‐lactide)/poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PLLA/PCL) polymer and extruded into biaxially expanded (BAE) tubes. Further, in this work, BAE tubes of PLLA/PCL/BRM and PLLA/PCL were cut using the optimized Femtosecond laser machine (FSLM) parameters for fabricating cardiovascular stents. These stent materials were assessed to sustain the angioplasty procedure, such as radial strength, crimping, recoil, expansion process, and performance under cycling loading.

Highlights

A novel biodegradable radiopaque Mg‐Zn‐Y alloy was developed.

Adding Mg alloy (5% wt.) in PLLA/PCL imparts X‐ray visibility.

Composite stents show better compressive radial strength and flexibility.

It also reveals low crimping recoil, expansion recoil, and foreshortening.

Composite stents can withstand arterial vasomotion better than PLLA/PCL.
Interfacial residues in protein–protein complexes are in the eyes of the beholder
Authors: Parvathy Jayadevan , Yazhini Arangasamy , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: November 2023

Interactions between proteins are vital in almost all biological processes. The characterization of protein–protein interactions helps us understand the mechanistic basis of biological processes, thereby enabling the manipulation of proteins for biotechnological and clinical purposes. The interface residues of a protein–protein complex are assumed to have the following two properties: (a) they always interact with a residue of a partner protein, which forms the basis for distance‐based interface residue identification methods, and (b) they are solvent‐exposed in the isolated form of the protein and become buried in the complex form, which forms the basis for Accessible Surface Area (ASA)‐based methods. The study interrogates this popular assumption by recognizing interface residues in protein–protein complexes through these two methods. The results show that a few residues are identified uniquely by each method, and the extent of conservation, propensities, and their contribution to the stability of protein–protein interaction varies substantially between these residues. The case study analyses showed that interface residues, unique to distance, participate in crucial interactions that hold the proteins together, whereas the interface residues unique to the ASA method have a potential role in the recognition, dynamics, and specificity of the complex and can also be a hotspot. Overall, the study recommends applying both distance and ASA methods so that some interface residues missed by either method but crucial to the stability, recognition, dynamics, and function of protein–protein complexes are identified in a complementary manner.
Topology of Fold Map Germs from $$\mathbb R^3$$ to $$\mathbb R^5$$
Authors: Moya-Pérez J. A. , Nuño-Ballesteros J. J.
Published: November 2023

Let $$f:(\mathbb R^3,0)\rightarrow (\mathbb R^5,0)$$

f
:

(

R
3

,
0
)

→

(

R
5

,
0
)

be an analytic map germ with isolated instability. Its link is a stable map which is obtained by taking the intersection of the image of f with a small enough sphere $$S^4_\epsilon $$

S
ϵ
4

centered at the origin in $$\mathbb R^5$$

R
5

. If f is of fold type, we define a labeled tree associated to its link and prove that is a complete topological invariant for it. As an application we obtain the complete topological classification of map germs contained in the $$\mathcal {A}^2$$

A

2

-class $$(x,y,z^2,xz,0)$$

(
x
,
y
,

z
2

,
x
z
,
0
)

.
Types of fish consumption differ across socioeconomic strata and impact differently on plasma fish-based omega-3 fatty acids: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhu Yinjie , Mierau Jochen O. , Riphagen Ineke J. , Heiner-Fokkema M. Rebecca , Dekker Louise H. , Navis Gerjan J. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

We investigated the associations of socioeconomic position (SEP) with total and type of fish intake in a large general population and validated whether types of fish intake were differently associated with plasma EPA and DHA in a subset of the population.

Methods

From the Lifelines Cohort Study, 94,246 participants aged 44 ± 13 years old were included to test the association of two SEP indicators, i.e., education level and household income level, with dietary intakes of total, oily, lean, fried, and other types of fish. In a subset of 575 participants (mean age: 50 ± 13 years), EPA and DHA levels were measured in plasma phospholipids and triglycerides. Dietary fish intake was assessed using Food Frequency Questionnaire. Linear regressions were applied and adjusted for relevant covariates.

Results

Compared to the high education level, lower education levels were negatively associated with total, oily, lean, and other fish intake (p < 0.001 for all), and positively associated with fried fish intake (β (SE): 0.04 (0.04), p < 0.001 for middle education; 0.07 (0.04), p < 0.001 for low education), independently of relevant covariates. Similar results were observed for income levels. In the subset population, total and oily fish intakes were positively associated with plasma EPA and DHA (p < 0.02 for all). Lean and other fish intakes were positively associated with only DHA (p < 0.008 for all), but not EPA, while fried fish was not associated with either EPA or DHA in plasma (p > 0.1 for all).

Conclusion

Lower SEP was associated with a lower total intake of fish, and of oily and lean fish, but with higher intake of fried fish. Fried fish was not associated with the fish-based EPA and DHA in plasma. Hence, SEP-related differences in fish consumption are both quantitative and qualitative.
Composition and evolutionary characterization of the gut microbiota in pigs
Authors: Zhang Shuhong , Zhang Huan , Zhang Cheng , Wang Guan , Shi Chuanxing , Li Zhiqiang , Gao Fengyi , Cui Yanyan , Li Ming , Yang Guangli
Published: November 2023

The intestinal microbiota plays significant role in the physiology and functioning of host organisms. However, there is limited knowledge of the composition and evolution of microbiota-host relationships from wild ancestors to modern domesticated species. In this study, the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 in the intestinal contents of different pig breeds was analyzed and was compared using high-throughput sequencing. This identified 18 323 amplicon sequence variants, of which the Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla and Bifidobacterium and Allobaculum genera were most prevalent in wild pigs (WP). In contrast, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes predominated in Chinese Shanxi Black pigs (CSB), while Firmicutes were the most prevalent phylum in Large White pigs (LW) and Iberian pigs (IB), followed by Bacteroidetes in IB and Proteobacteria in LW. At the genus level, Shigella and Lactobacillus were most prevalent in CSB and LW, while Actinobacillus and Sarcina predominated in IB. Differential gene expression together with phylogenetic and functional analyses indicated significant differences in the relative abundance of microbial taxa between different pig breeds. Although many microbial taxa were common to both wild and domestic pigs, significant diversification was observed in bacterial genes that potentially influence host phenotypic traits. Overall, these findings suggested that both the composition and functions of the microbiota were closely associated with domestication and the evolutionary changes in the host. The members of the microbial communities were vertically transmitted in pigs, with evidence of co-evolution of both the hosts and their intestinal microbial communities. These results enhance our understanding and appreciation of the complex interactions between intestinal microbes and hosts and highlight the importance of applying this knowledge in agricultural and microbiological research.
Chemical Composition Analysis and Multi-index Component Content Determination of Compounds in Goupi Plaster Based on UPLC–Q-Exactive-MS and UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Xue Yunfeng , Guan Tong , Liu Jia , Wang Jiajing , Yang Zhixin , Guan Feng , Li Weinan , Wang Yanhong
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study sought to evaluate and validate a method for chemical composition analysis and content determination of Goupi plaster components, a conventional prescription preparation of traditional Chinese medicine. This is geared toward providing a basis for quality control research and future development of Goupi plaster.

Methods

UPLC–Q-Exactive-MS was used to qualitatively analyze the chemical components of Goupi plaster from different manufacturers in positive and negative ion modes. UPLC–MS/MS method was used to establish the determination methods for the detection of sinomenine, osthole, and cinnamaldehyde in Goupi plaster from different manufacturers.

Results

A total of 291 chemical components were identified in Goupi plaster from four manufacturers, including 97 chemical components with known source and pharmacological activity. Further, we determined the contents of sinomenine, osthole, and cinnamaldehyde.

Conclusion

In summary, the UPLC–Q-Exactive-MS method was used to analyze the chemical components of Goupi plaster from different manufacturers. We established the UPLC–MS/MS method to determine the contents of sinomenine, osthole, and cinnamaldehyde in Goupi plaster from different manufacturers. The findings indicated that the method was comprehensive, rapid, and accurate, preliminarily revealing the material basis of Goupi plaster and providing a reference for follow-up development of Goupi plaster.
Identifying the motives for and against drinking during pregnancy and motherhood, and factors associated with increased maternal alcohol use
Authors: Fleming Kate M. , Gomez Katalin Ujhelyi , Goodwin Laura , Rose Abigail K.
Published: November 2023

Aim

Maternal drinking (alcohol use during pregnancy/motherhood) is a hidden public health concern which can have significant negative effects on the woman and child. This pilot survey explored several domains that might influence maternal drinking.

Subject and methods

Two cross-sectional, online surveys recruited (1) women who were pregnant and (2) mothers who were not pregnant. Surveys captured data on alcohol use and harmful drinking, attitudes on and motives for drinking/not drinking, and perceived barriers to drinking less. Content analysis of free text responses complemented quantitative data.

Results

In this convenience sample of 836 pregnant women and 589 mothers, 91% of pregnant women and 28% of mothers reported abstinence. Of those reporting alcohol use, median consumption was 2.3 units/week in pregnant women, and 6.9 units/week in non-pregnant mothers. Of mothers currently drinking, 25.1% reported hazardous or harmful levels. Heavier drinking was associated with numerous motives, including using alcohol as a coping strategy. Child welfare was a key motivating factor for not drinking, as were practical issues of motherhood. The stresses of motherhood were a perceived barrier to reducing drinking, and mothers reported more barriers than pregnant women.

Conclusion

Stress reduction motives may be a risk factor for heavier maternal drinking, while motives for not drinking seem to be focused on child welfare and maternal well-being. Stress and a lack of knowledge about how to reduce drinking appear to be barriers for mothers to change their drinking behaviour. These findings can inform the development of effective public health interventions to reduce maternal drinking.
Ecological Niche and Positive Clusters of Two West Nile Virus Vectors in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Talbot Benoit , Kulkarni Manisha A. , Rioux-Rousseau Maxime , Siebels Kevin , Kotchi Serge Olivier , Ogden Nicholas H. , Ludwig Antoinette
Published: November 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen associated with uncommon but severe neurological complications in humans, especially among the elderly and immune-compromised. In Northeastern North America, the Culex pipiens/restuans complex and Aedes vexans are the two principal vector mosquito species/species groups of WNV. Using a 10-year surveillance dataset of WNV vector captures at 118 sites across an area of 40,000 km2 in Eastern Ontario, Canada, the ecological niches of Cx. pipiens/restuans and Aedes vexans were modeled by random forest analysis. Spatiotemporal clusters of WNV-positive mosquito pools were identified using Kulldorf’s spatial scan statistic. The study region encompasses land cover types and climate representative of highly populated Southeastern Canada. We found highest vector habitat suitability in the eastern half of the study area, where temperatures are generally warmer (variable importance > 0.40) and residential and agricultural cropland cover is more prominent (variable importance > 0.25). We found spatiotemporal clusters of high WNV infection rates around the city of Ottawa in both mosquito vector species. These results support the previous literature in the same region and elsewhere suggesting areas surrounding highly populated areas are also high-risk areas for vector-borne zoonoses such as the WNV.
Bacterial cellulose produced by Medusomyces gisevii on glucose and sucrose: biosynthesis and structural properties
Authors: Digel Ilya , Akimbekov Nuraly , Rogachev Evgeniy , Pogorelova Natalia
Published: November 2023

In this work, the effects of carbon sources and culture media on the production and structural properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized by Medusomyces gisevii have been studied. The culture medium was composed of different initial concentrations of glucose or sucrose dissolved in 0.4% extract of plain green tea. Parameters of the culture media (titratable acidity, substrate conversion degree etc.) were monitored daily for 20 days of cultivation. The BC pellicles produced on different carbon sources were characterized in terms of biomass yield, crystallinity and morphology by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Our results showed that Medusomyces gisevii had higher BC yields in media with sugar concentrations close to 10 g L−1 after a 18–20 days incubation period. Glucose in general lead to a higher BC yield (173 g L−1) compared to sucrose (163.5 g L−1). The BC crystallinity degree and surface roughness were higher in the samples synthetized from sucrose. Obtained FE-SEM micrographs show that the BC pellicles synthesized in the sucrose media contained densely packed tangles of cellulose fibrils whereas the BC produced in the glucose media displayed rather linear geometry of the BC fibrils without noticeable aggregates.
AIBugHunter: A Practical tool for predicting, classifying and repairing software vulnerabilities
Authors: Fu Michael , Tantithamthavorn Chakkrit , Le Trung , Kume Yuki , Nguyen Van , Phung Dinh , Grundy John
Published: November 2023

Many Machine Learning(ML)-based approaches have been proposed to automatically detect, localize, and repair software vulnerabilities. While ML-based methods are more effective than program analysis-based vulnerability analysis tools, few have been integrated into modern Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), hindering practical adoption. To bridge this critical gap, we propose in this article AIBugHunter, a novel Machine Learning-based software vulnerability analysis tool for C/C++ languages that is integrated into the Visual Studio Code (VS Code) IDE. AIBugHunter helps software developers to achieve real-time vulnerability detection, explanation, and repairs during programming. In particular, AIBugHunter scans through developers’ source code to (1) locate vulnerabilities, (2) identify vulnerability types, (3) estimate vulnerability severity, and (4) suggest vulnerability repairs. We integrate our previous works (i.e., LineVul and VulRepair) to achieve vulnerability localization and repairs. In this article, we propose a novel multi-objective optimization (MOO)-based vulnerability classification approach and a transformer-based estimation approach to help AIBugHunter accurately identify vulnerability types and estimate severity. Our empirical experiments on a large dataset consisting of 188K+ C/C++ functions confirm that our proposed approaches are more accurate than other state-of-the-art baseline methods for vulnerability classification and estimation. Furthermore, we conduct qualitative evaluations including a survey study and a user study to obtain software practitioners’ perceptions of our AIBugHunter tool and assess the impact that AIBugHunter may have on developers’ productivity in security aspects. Our survey study shows that our AIBugHunter is perceived as useful where 90% of the participants consider adopting our AIBugHunter during their software development. Last but not least, our user study shows that our AIBugHunter can enhance developers’ productivity in combating cybersecurity issues during software development. AIBugHunter is now publicly available in the Visual Studio Code marketplace.
Highly Accurate Densities and Isobaric and Isochoric Heat Capacities of Compressed Liquid Water Derived from New Speed of Sound Measurements
Authors: El Hawary Ahmed , Meier Karsten
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive and accurate measurements of the speed of sound in liquid water are reported. The measurements were carried out by a double-path-length pulse-echo technique and cover the temperature range from 273.65 K to 368.15 K with pressures up to 100 MPa. The relative expanded ($${ k}=2$$

k
=
2

) uncertainties are 2.1 mK in temperature, 45 parts-per-million (ppm) in pressure, and between 40 ppm and 70 ppm in speed of sound. Furthermore, values for the density and specific isobaric and isochoric heat capacities were derived from the speed of sound data in the measured temperature range up to 100 MPa by the method of thermodynamic integration. Very accurate values for the derived properties were obtained by using density data of Takenaka and Masui (Metrologia 27:165–171, 1990) and isobaric heat capacity data of Osborne et al. (J Res Natl Bur Stand 23:197, 1939) at ambient pressure as initial values in combination with an accurate correlation of our speed of sound. The relative expanded ($${ k}=2$$

k
=
2

) uncertainties of the derived properties are 2 ppm in density, 0.11% in isobaric heat capacity, and 0.12% in isochoric heat capacity. The experimental speeds of sound and derived properties are compared with experimental data of other authors from the literature, the IAPWS-95 (International Association of the Properties of Water and Steam) formulation for the thermodynamic properties of water, and a recent equation of state for supercooled water.