bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Pulmonary Embolism to Reduce Unnecessary Computed Tomography Scans in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kim Joo Seong , Kwon Doyun , Kim Kyungdo , Lee Sang Hyub , Lee Seung-Bo , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Dongmin , Lee Min Woo , Park Namyoung , Choi Jin Ho , Jang Eun Sun , Cho In Rae , Paik Woo Hyun , Lee Jun Kyu , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae
Published: March 2024

Background
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most important complications in cancer patients. Gastrointestinal cancers entail an increased risk of PE. However, there were few researches on predicting pulmonary embolism using machine learning (ML) in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to develop an ML based prediction model for PE in gastrointestinal cancer patients.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study in which ML model was developed and subsequently internally and externally validated. We reviewed gastrointestinal cancer patients who had undergone computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) from 2010 to 2020. Demographic and predictor variables including the Wells score and D-dimer were investigated. The ML model was based on the random forest model. The area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of ML model.
Results
446 patients in hospital A and 139 patients in hospital B were analyzed in this study. The training set comprised 356 patients in hospital A. The ML model was validated both internally (90 patients) and externally (139 patients). AUROC was 0.736 in hospital A and 0.669 in hospital B. The number of patients classified as requiring CTPA was significantly reduced according to the prediction with ML (hospital A; 100.0% vs 91.1%, P < 0.001, hospital B; 100.0% vs. 93.5%, P = 0.003).
Conclusion
Prediction model based on ML might have advantages in reducing the number of CTPA compared to the conventional diagnostic strategy for PE in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Comparative Genomics of Giardia duodenalis Sub-assemblage A1 Beaver (Be-2) and Human (WB-C6) Strains Show Remarkable Homozygosity, Sequence Similarity, and Conservation of VSP Genes
Authors: Baptista Rodrigo de Paula , Tucker Matthew S. , Valente Matthew J. , Srivas Subodh K. , Chehab Nadya , Li Alison , Shaik Jahangheer S. , Ramirez Juan David , Rosenthal Benjamin M. , Khan Asis
Published: March 2024

Giardia duodenalis, a major cause of waterborne infection, infects a wide range of mammalian hosts and is subdivided into eight genetically well-defined assemblages named A through H. However, fragmented genomes and a lack of comparative analysis within and between the assemblages render unclear the molecular mechanisms controlling host specificity and differential disease outcomes. To address this, we generated a near-complete de novo genome of AI assemblage using the Oxford Nanopore platform by sequencing the Be-2 genome. We generated 148,144 long-reads with quality scores of >7. The final genome assembly consists of only nine contigs with an N50 of 3,045,186 bp. This assembly agrees closely with the assembly of another strain in the AI assemblage (WB-C6). However, a critical difference is that a region previously placed in the five-prime region of Chr5 belongs to Chr4 of Be-2. We find a high degree of conservation in the ploidy, homozygosity, and the presence of cysteine-rich variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) within the AI assemblage. Our assembly provides a nearly complete genome of a member of the AI assemblage of G. duodenalis, aiding population genomic studies capable of elucidating Giardia transmission, host range, and pathogenicity.
On the generation of force required for cell and bacteria motility
Authors: Salvadori Alberto , Bonanno Claudia , Serpelloni Mattia , McMeeking Robert
Published: March 2024

The fundamental quest of how forces are generated in a motile cell, a lamellipodium, and a comet tail is the subject this note. It is now well established that cellular motility is the result of the polymerization of actin, the most abundant protein in eukaryotic cells, into an interconnected set of filaments. We portray this process in a continuum mechanics framework, claiming that polymerization promotes a mechanical swelling in a narrow zone about the nucleation loci, which ultimately results in cellular or bacterial motility. To this aim, a new paradigm in continuum multi-physics has been designed departing the well-known theory of Larche-Cahn chemo-transport-mechanics. In this note, we set up the theory of network growth and compare the outcomes of numerical simulations with experimental evidence.
Dual Beam Scanning Antenna Using Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Transmission Line
Authors: Eltresy Nermeen A. , Zamel Hany M. , Attiya Ahmed M.
Published: March 2024

This paper presents dual beam scanning (DBS) antenna fed by two different spoof surface Plasmon Polaritons (SSPPs) transmission lines. Three rows of circular patches are placed on the two different planar SSPPs waveguide of the antenna. Whereas, the SSPP guided waves are converted into radiated waves by these patches. By using different shapes of unit cell different cut-off frequencies for the SSPP are generated. Consequently, two different propagation constants are obtained using the dispersion nature of SSPPs transmission line which leads to dual beam scanning feature of the proposed antenna. Two different simulation tools of CST and HFSS are used to simulate the antenna over the operating frequency band from 1 GHz to 6 GHz. The measured scanning angle of the first beam covers 35° and 33°, while covers 45° and 29° for the second beam, with maximum measured gain of 9.42 dBi for port 1 and 9.65 dBi for port 3, which makes. This flexibility allows for easier and more cost-effective deployment of 5G networks, as well as the potential for innovative use cases such as smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomous vehicles.
Metallic Conduction and Large Orbital Polarization in Ultrathin LaNiO3 Sublayer Achieved by Modulating Oxygen Octahedron Rotation in LaNiO3/CaTiO3 Superlattices
Authors: Sun Jirong , Shi Wenxiao , Zhang Jing , Yu Bowen , Zheng Jie , Wang Mengqin , Li Zhe , Liu Bang-Gui , Chen Yunzhong , Hu Fengxia , Shen Baogen , Chen Yuansha
Published: March 2024

Artificial oxide heterostructures have provided promising platforms for the exploration of emergent quantum phases with extraordinary properties. Here, we demonstrate an effective approach to stabilize a distinct oxygen octahedron rotation (OOR) characterized by a-b-c+ in the ultrathin LaNiO3 sublayers of the LaNiO3/CaTiO3 superlattices. Unlike the a-b-c- OOR in the LaNiO3 bare film, the a-b-c+ OOR favors high conductivity, driving the LaNiO3 sublayer to metallic state even when the layer thickness is as thin as 2 unit cells (u.c.). Simultaneously, strongly preferred occupation of dx2-y2 orbital is achieved in LaNiO3 sublayers. The largest change of occupancy is as high as 35%, observed in the 2 u.c.-thick LaNiO3 sublayers sandwiched between 4 u.c.-thick CaTiO3 sublayers. X-ray absorption spectra indicate that the a-b-c+ OOR pattern of LaNiO3 achieved in the LaNiO3/CaTiO3 heterostructures has significantly enhanced the Ni-3d/O-2p hybridization, stabilizing the metallic phase in ultrathin LaNiO3 sublayers. The present work demonstrates that modulating the mode of OOR through heteroepitaxial synthesis can modify the orbital-lattice correlations in correlated perovskite oxides, revealing hidden properties of the materials.
Detection and spread of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis among small holder farmers in Kalangala district, Uganda
Authors: Amugoli Otuba Moses , Masika Fred Bwayo , Ramathani Idd , Lugwana Nampera Esther , Osingida Francis , Asiimwe Alex , Ddamulira Gabriel
Published: March 2024

Fusarium wilt of oil palm is the most devastating disease of oil palm in Africa. It’s caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis, a soil borne pathogen that spreads through root contact, movement of infested soil, farm tools and plant materials. In Uganda, symptomatic palms were first observed in late 2018 in Kalangala. A study was conducted to confirm the disease and to monitor the trend of the disease in different production blocks in Kalangala. Plots of 100*100 m with typical Fusarium wilt symptomatic palms were selected for the study. Data on severity and percentage incidence was collected periodically from the marked plots. Stem, frond, root and soil from the marked plots was collected for pathogen analysis. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis was confirmed as the cause of wilts in Kalangala. After a period of 39 months, the periodic percentage incidence and average severity showed that Kagulube block was worst affected with an average severity score of 3.2 and percentage incidence of 8.5%. The soils in Kagulube were typically sandy (over 80% sand and less that 13% clay) compared to other areas (below 80% sand and over 20% clay). Sandy soils have poor nutrient retention capacity and are easily washed away under poor soil cover accelerating spread of the disease in the affected areas. The occurrence of Fusarium wilt of oil palm in Kalangala poses a threat to the growing oil palm industry in Uganda. With research in its initial stages, comprehensive testing of imported oil palm varieties for resistance to the local strains of Fusarium wilt before wide scale planting and adoption of best agronomic practices can offer a sustainable solution to Fusarium wilt in Uganda.
Increasing Trends of Laparoscopic Procedures in Non-obstetric Surgery during Pregnancy Over 17 Years at a Single Center
Authors: Na Eun Duc , Roh Minji , Baek Min Jung , Ahn Eun Hee , Jung Sang Hee , Jang Ji Hyon
Published: March 2024

Objective
This study aimed to examine the conditions that require surgery during pregnancy, how surgical methods change, and the characteristics of surgery by different trimesters.
Methods and Materials
A retrospective study conducted at Bundang Cha Hospital between January 2006 and June 2023 analyzed surgeries performed during pregnancy and compared laparoscopic and open approaches across the three trimesters of pregnancy. Additionally, general (appendicitis, cholecystitis) and gynecologic (heterotopic pregnancy, adnexal torsion) cases were compared.
Results
Among 36,181 delivery patients, 101(0.28%) underwent surgeries, including appendicitis (44.6%), cholecystitis (1.9%), heterotopic pregnancy (23.8 %), adnexal torsion (27.7%), and cancer (1.9 %). The laparoscopic group showed shorter operative time (41.5±19.3 vs. 57.9±33.9 min, p=0.009) and hospital stay (4.9±2.7 vs. 9.0±9.8 days, p=0.016). Heterotopic pregnancy (47.1%) and adnexal torsion (39.2%) were common in the first trimester, whereas appendicitis peaked in the second (80%) and third trimesters (66.7%).
With the increasing use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), there has been an increase in the number of gynecological patients in the first trimester, leading to more laparoscopic surgeries. In general surgery, an increase in laparoscopic surgery was also observed in the second and third trimesters. Postoperative tocolysis was more frequent (51.1% vs. 3.8%, p<0.001) and of longer duration (4.6±8.8 vs. 0.1±0.6 days, p=0.001) after general surgical procedures.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy offers several advantages, and the increase in ART has led to an increase in the number of laparoscopic procedures. Moreover, there is an increasing trend in laparoscopic surgery during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Understanding the Land Use Dynamics and Environmental Impacts of Urbanization in Thimphu, Bhutan: A Satellite-Based Analysis
Authors: Chhetri Indra Bahadur , Gyeltshen Sangay , Dema Kelzang
Published: March 2024

The ability of the land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to examine land surface change is regarded as an important climate variable. However, no significant systematic examination of urbanization concerning environmental variables has been undertaken in the narrow valley of Thimphu, Bhutan. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics on LST, NDVI, and elevation; using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data collected in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 2000 to 2020. The results showed that LSTs varied substantially among different land use types, with the highest occurring in built-up areas and the lowest occurring in forests. There was a strong negative linear correlation between the LST and NDVI in built-up areas, indicating the impact of anthropogenic activities. Moreover, elevation had a noticeable effect on the LST and NDVI, which exhibited very strong opposite patterns at lower elevations. In summary, LULC dynamics significantly influence LST and NDVI, highlighting the importance of understanding spatiotemporal patterns and their effects on ecological processes for effective land management and environmental conservation. Moreover, this study also demonstrated the applicability of relatively low-cost, moderate spatial resolution satellite imagery for examining the impact of urban development on the urban environment in Thimphu city.
Quantitative study of early-stage transient bacterial adhesion to bioactive glass and glass ceramics: Atomic Force Microscopic observations
Authors: Gour Shivani , Mukherjee Abhijit , Balani Kantesh , Dhami Navdeep K
Published: March 2024

Antimicrobial potential of bioactive glass (BAG) makes it promising for implant applications, specifically overcoming the toxicity speculation associated with traditional antibacterial nanoparticles. The 58S composition of BAG (with high Ca and absence of Na) has been known to exhibit excellent bioactivity and antibacterial behaviour, but the mechanisms behind have not been investigated in detail. In this first of a kind study, we are using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to gain insights into 58S BAG’s adhesive interactions with planktonic cells of both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria; along with the impact of crystallinity on antibacterial properties. We have recorded greater bacterial inhibition by amorphous BAG compared to semi-crystalline glass-ceramics and stronger effect against gram-negative bacteria via conventional long-term antibacterial tests. AFM force distance results data has illustrated substantial bonding between bacteria and BAG within the initial one second (observed at a gap of 250 ms) of contact, with multiple binding events. Further, stronger adhesion of BAG with E.coli (~6 nN) compared to S. aureus (~3 nN) has been found which can be attributed to more adhesive nano-domains (size effect) distributed uniformly on E.coli surface. This study has revealed direct evidence of impact of contact time and 58S BAG’s crystalline phase on bacterial adhesion and antimicrobial behaviour. Current study has successfully demonstrated the mode and mechanisms of initial bacterial adhesion with 58S BAG. The outcome can pave the way towards improving the designing of implant surfaces for a range of biomedical applications.
Quantum Transport through a Constriction in Nanosheet Gate-all-around Transistor
Authors: Kim Kyoung Yeon , Park Hong-Hyun , Jin Seonghoon , Park Soo-Young , Kwon Uihui , Choi Woosung , Kim Dae Sin
Published: March 2024

In nanoscale transistors, quantum mechanical effects such as tunneling and quantization significantly influence device characteristics. However, large-scale quantum transport simulation still remains a challenging field, making it difficult to account for quantum mechanical effects arising from the complex device geometries. Here we report the “quantum access resistance (QAR)” at the constriction as a hidden key bottleneck of the gate-all-around (GAA) transistors. Based on the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) formalism, we observe strong carrier reflection at the junction of bulk source/drain (S/D) and nanosheet (NS) channel, which substantially degrades the device performance. Various scenarios for the device shape, scattering rate, and doping profile demonstrate the peculiar device operations. We also evaluate the QAR in the realistic stacked NS GAAFETs with highly-parallelized 2/2.5 dimensional simulation. It is revealed that the complex geometrical effects result in several unusual phenomena and unique device optimization strategies. We propose that the dog-bone-shaped NS extension, with moderate contact depth, can maximize the carrier injection and device performance. As our results yield reliable on-current compared to the hardware data, full quantum simulation is readily applicable to the realistic device optimization, shifting the paradigm in design of future technology nodes.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor priming improves egg and embryo quality in patients with poor ovarian reserve: a retrospective case study
Authors: Zeng Xianghui , Liang Zhongzhen , Wang Fang
Published: March 2024

Background
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration increased ovarian preantral follicles in animal models with diminished ovarian reserve. We retrospectively investigated whether G-CSF priming on superovulation initiation day with assisted reproductive technology (ART) improved egg maturation and embryonic development in patients with poor ovarian reserve.
Methods
In this retrospective clinical case study, 174 patients aged 20 to 45 years were divided into a test group(40 patients each) and a control group (134 patients each) based on whether or not they used G-CSF. All patients in the priming group but not the control group received subcutaneous G-CSF priming injection on superovulation initiation day. Then, each group underwent 1 cycle of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), because all groups adopted PPOS protocol, which required freezing of all transferable embryos, and thawing embryos for transfer.
Results
Before propensity score matching, there were statistically significant differences in number of 2PN(6.4 ± 3.74 vs4.3 ± 2.44, P = 0.001), number of eggs retrievals(8.3 ± 4.16 vs 6.0 ± 3.26,P = 0.003), number of total fertilization(7.1 ± 3.69 vs 4.8 ± 2.54,P = 0), number of transferable embryos(6.6 ± 3.74 vs 4.3 ± 2.39,P = 0) and number of cleavage(7.1 ± 3.75 vs 4.6 ± 2.44,P = 0) were significantly improved by priming. After the propensity score matching(1:1),There were statistically significant differences in number of MII (4.9 ± 5.15 vs 6.4 ± 2.77 P = 0).The number of 2PN (5.9 ± 3.55 vs 4.6 ± 2.22,P = 0.1), number of eggs retrievals(7.9 ± 4.17 vs 6.6 ± 2.77,P = 0.3), number of total fertilization(6.9 ± 3.57 vs 5.3 ± 2.39, P = 0.1), number of transferable embryos(6.3 ± 3.58 vs 4.8 ± 1.92,P = 0.1) and number of cleavage(6.8 ± 3.64 vs 5.1 ± 2.24,P = 0.1) tended to be higher in 33 G-CSF patients than in 33 controls, although statistical significance was not attained respectively. After matching propensity scores(1:2),there were statistically significant differences in number of transferable embryos(6.4 ± 3.62 vs 4.8 ± 2.49,P = 0.045), were significantly improved by priming. The number of 2PN (5.9 ± 3.60 vs 4.8 ± 2.77, P = 0.17), number of eggs retrievals (8.0 ± 4.30 vs 6.9 ± 3.64, P = 0.285), number of total fertilization (6.9 ± 3.64 vs 5.5 ± 2.84, P = 0.087), and number of cleavage (6.8 ± 3.71 vs 5.3 ± 2.73, P = 0.08) tended to be higher in 31 G-CSF patients than in 52 controls, although statistical significance was not attained respectively. In addition, the G-CSF patients achieved more cryopreservation of transplantable embryos than the control group.
Conclusion
The administration of G-CSF during Superovulation day of ART cycle can improve embryonic development potential of patients with poor ovarian reserve, with a view to improving future clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates.
Analysis and application of pulsed aerator
Authors: chen duo , wu Ruijun , hu Changxin , wang Shibo , zhang zhen , yuan xin
Published: March 2024

In the application of hollow fiber membranes, in order to slow down the accumulation of pollutants on the surface of hollow fiber membranes, the aeration is usually used as an auxiliary in the operation of hollow fiber membranes. The application of aeration will increase the energy consumption of the treatment system for wastewater filtered using hollow fiber membranes, and the energy consumption of the treatment system for wastewater filtered using hollow fiber membranes is mainly reflected in the energy consumed by the working pump and blower. In order to reduce the energy consumption without affecting the amount of water strained by sewage treatment, a low-energy auxiliary aerator is required. The new auxiliary pulsed aerator is mainly to reduce the energy consumed by the blower, which can not only ensure the use of hollow fiber membranes, but also save energy and reduce consumption.
Optimization of Low-Temperature Catalytic Cracking of Polyolefin Waste in Open-Batch Reactors Using Zeolite Beta with Controlled Intrinsic Properties
Authors: Kang Jong Hun , Kang Hankyeul , Yoon Junghwa , Kang Ki Hyuk , Ro Insoo , Jeong Soohwa
Published: March 2024

Environmental problems are worsening due to the complexity in managing plastic waste. Chemical recycling emerges as a pivotal technology that can suppress additional carbon introduction into the carbon cycle and provide petroleum alternatives for current petrochemical processes, leading to value-added products. The utilization of zeolites can significantly reduce energy consumption by lowering the operation temperature required for pyrolysis. Here, we demonstrate low-temperature catalytic cracking of polyethylene (PE) utilizing an open-batch reactor configuration and *BEA-type zeolite catalysts, maximizing the liquid product selectivity. With the optimized open-batch setup and zeolite properties, high PE conversion (~ 80%) and liquid selectivity (~ 70%) were achieved at a low temperature of 330°C, effectively reducing the irreversible coke formation. We systematically explored the effects of aluminum (Al) site density and zeolite crystal size, revealing that zeolite crystal size is another critical factor determining the liquid production from PE due to its reactant shape selectivity. This work not only demonstrates that an effective combination and optimization of reactor and catalysts can enhance the overall catalytic activity but also offers insights into designing catalysis systems for the catalytic recycling of polyolefin wastes.
Meta-analysis of the prevalence and influencing factors of myopia in children and adolescents in mainland China
Authors: Guo Li , Liu QingWei
Published: March 2024

Objective
Systematic review of the prevalence and influencing factors of myopia in children and adolescents in mainland China.
Study design
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods
This study used computers to search multiple databases and include relevant literature. The search time limit was from January 1, 2013 to September 10, 2023. The cross-sectional study quality evaluation standards of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) were used to evaluate included The quality of the literature was evaluated, and Stata16.0 software was used for Meta analysis.
PROSPERO registration numbe
CRD42023489155
Where did they go? Understanding the effects of urbanization on bird diversity in a Brazilian coastal city
Authors: Penteado Homero Marconi , Barcelos Beatriz Mourão , Dario Fabio Rossano , Assis Julia Camara
Published: March 2024

Urbanization is recognized as an important cause of biodiversity loss. Urban areas present reduced number of bird species if compared to non-urban more pristine areas nearby. The goal of this research is to help improving the diversity of birds in urban areas by investigating why an urban area in the coast of Brazil sustains a small fraction of the species that could occur in the region. We conducted observations during two years in Serra, Brazil, resulting in the identification of 27 bird species visiting a residential garden. Studies in the region have reported 275 species. We used GIS maps and aerial photos to analyse the landscape, then discussed that numeric discrepancy and the possible reasons for the reduced diversity, contrasting it to the resources available in that landscape. Recent urbanization is likely to be a major cause of the low diversity, but the study area has been subject of change from the original ombrophilous dense forest to agriculture and pasture before the consolidation of the current urban land uses. Albeit the landscape is highly fragmented, diverse landcover types have recovered in recent decades, creating a mosaic of small isolated patches of forest, mangrove and restinga, the three major ecosystems in the region. We expect that our findings create a foundation for further exploration of measures and policies for implementing greenspace within cities that help reverting the current status and improving the diversity of birds in tropical cities.
Spatial-Temporal Graph Neural Networks for Groundwater Data
Authors: Taccari Maria Luisa , Wang He , Nuttall Jonathan , Chen Xiaohui , Jimack Peter K.
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a novel application of spatial-temporal graph neural networks (ST-GNNs) to predict groundwater levels. Groundwater level prediction is inherently complex, influenced by various hydrological, meteorological, and anthropogenic factors. Traditional prediction models often struggle with the nonlinearity and non-stationary characteristics of groundwater data. Our study leverages the capabilities of ST-GNNs to address these challenges in the Overbetuwe area, Netherlands.
We utilize a comprehensive dataset encompassing 395 groundwater level time series and auxiliary data such as precipitation, evaporation, river stages, and pumping well data. The graph-based framework of our ST-GNN model facilitates the integration of spatial interconnectivity and temporal dynamics, capturing the complex interactions within the groundwater system. Our modified Multivariate Time Graph Neural Network model shows significant improvements over traditional methods, particularly in handling missing data and forecasting future groundwater levels with minimal bias. The model's performance is rigorously evaluated when trained and applied with both synthetic and measured data, demonstrating superior accuracy and robustness in long-term forecasting. The study's findings highlight the potential of ST-GNNs in environmental modeling, offering a significant step forward in predictive modeling of groundwater levels.
Plant Encroachment Increase Microbial Diversity, Network Complexity and Multifunctionality in Bauxite Residue
Authors: Deng Dandan , Sun Wei , Wu Hao , Yang Xiyun , Zhu Feng , Jiang Yifan , Huang Shiwei , Xue Shengguo , Jiang Jun
Published: March 2024

Purpose Long-term weathering promotes the development of the microbial communities and increased microbial diversity in bauxite residue. However, the effect of different vegetation cover on the diversity and stability of microbial community are still poorly understood.
Methods In this study, residue samples from three typical vegetation cover including Artemisia (BA), Cynodon (BC), and Hedysarum (BH) were collected in a bauxite residue deposit area. Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology was applied to determine the microbial communities in bauxite residue.
Results Residues in vegetated sites exhibited lower alkalinity and higher nutrients level, as well as higher microbial biomass and activities, suggesting that plant encroachment significantly increased multifunctionality in bauxite residue. In addition, plant encroachment also induced the development of microbial communities and increased microbial and enhanced network stability. Furthermore, our results showed that the microbial diversity and network stability were significantly positive correlated with multifunctionality in bauxite residue. Long-term plant encroachment promoted functional bacterial assemblages (mostly Rhizobiaceae, Blastocatellaceae, Acidobacteriaceae, Sphingonmonadaceae, Frankiaceae), which were also the core species in microbial network.
Conclusions Plant encroachment could increase microbial diversity and network stability, thus promote the elevation of multifunctionality in bauxite residue. Rhizobiaceae, Blastocatellaceae, Acidobacteriaceae, Sphingonmonadaceae, Frankiaceae played important roles in the promotion of multifunctionality in bauxite residue. Our results highlight the necessity of conserving and augmenting the abundance of functional bacterial assemblages to ensure the stable provision of ecosystem functions in bauxite residue disposal areas.
Interactions in bryophytes using a new in vitro culture method reveal negative and positive interspecific effects in the sporelings of two moss species
Authors: Gómez-Molinero Miguel A. , Estébanez Belén , Medina Nagore G.
Published: March 2024

In vitro culture experiments are crucial for the studies of chemical-mediated interactions in plants. However, distinguishing spores and sporelings of different species of bryophytes in mixed cultures poses a serious drawback for research on early developmental stages. Here we propose a modification of the sandwich technique, a standard method to explore allelopathic effect of plants, and present a case-study using two common mosses. As in the standard sandwich method, we have created a physical barrier using gelled medium, and inoculated spores of Tortula muralis and Syntrichia ruralis in two layers. To assess their intra- and interspecific interactions, we measured protonemata green coverage using image analysis, and degree of sporeling development using a categorical index. We successfully obtained physically separated sporelings of target and emitters from spores of these two species. The green-coverage analysis showed no differences in any of the comparisons. However, the developmental index shows a negative effect of T. muralis on S. ruralis, while S. ruralis apparently promotes the development of T. muralis. The method here proposed is successful for culturing moss spores, so that the different inocula are physically separated while allowing diffusion of water-soluble and volatile substances. For testing interactions in these early stages of the gametophyte, we recommend measuring the degree of development of moss sporelings rather than their coverage. Our results have revealed the existence of both positive and negative interspecific relationships between T. muralis and S. ruralis sporelings, supporting that positive interactions in bryophytes might be more common than previously thought.
Is Disinformation More Likely to Spread? Infodemic of Emerging Infectious Diseases Research on China’s Short Video Platform
Authors: Xu Yongbin , Wen Sanmei , Zhang Liwen , Su Jing
Published: March 2024

Background
People are increasingly focusing on the infodemic related to EIDs on social media. Concerns about infodemics have focused on managing health-related rumors on social media platforms. The infodemic has garnered attention due to the assumed logic that applies in the case of an EID outbreak: disinformation spreads faster and further than fact-checked information. However, it is worth scrutinizing whether this assumption is unchallengeable.
Methods
Focusing on Douyin (TikTok in mainland China), this study collected data from the top 500 trending short videos using “monkeypox” as the keyword from May 1 to December 31, 2022. Under the guidance of Health Belief Model (HBM), the videos were coded using two sets of variables: type variables that distinguished between fact-checked information and disinformation; and content variables that were used as condition variables. Moreover, in the information content variable, this study combined the characteristics of audiovisual media and Chinese public demand, introducing efficacy information into the content variable. The study then used fsQCA to analyze the correlation and consistency between the video contents and the level of public sharing, which was the outcome variable.
Results
The results showed that there are three configurations of short video content related to monkeypox which can trigger a high level of sharing among the general public. It has been found that the number of fact-checked cases in the most widely disseminated short videos of monkeypox is 21.8:1 to the number of disinformation cases. Therefore, it can be concluded that fact-checked information is more likely to spread than disinformation in the case of an outbreak of EIDs on China's short video platforms. Based on the analysis of the three configurations, we also found that they separately form three paths of the short video communication model, and each path has a more significant variable playing a central role. We named each pathway after the core variable, which are Authoritative Source Path, Personal Efficacy Path, and Disinformation Path.
Conclusions
This study developed a model for information dissemination of EIDs and found that instead of disinformation, fact-checked content is more likely to spread on Chinese short video platforms. It also explores public demand for guidance on EIDs precautions.
LncRNA TUG1 mitigates renal interstitial fibrosis through miR-542-3p / HIF-1α/VEGF axis
Authors: Qian Luoxiang , Hu wanru , Wang Yanping , Waheed YousufYousuf Abdulkarim , Hu Shuqun , Sun Dong , Li Shulin
Published: March 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been discovered to be closely associated with both long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), while the precise molecular processes behind this relationship are still unclear. This study evaluated the impact of miR-542-3p and lncRNA-TUG1 on renal fibrosis, along with the regulatory mechanisms that underlie them. Through tube formation assays, in vitro research showed that TUG1 knockdown might both improve angiogenesis and heal damaged endothelial cell-cell connections. We used Western blot and q-PCR methods in the UUO model to identify tissue hypoxia and fibrotic lesions. Additionally, we employed a cutting-edge method known as fluorescence microangiography (FMA) to find damage to the peritubular capillaries (PTCs), and MATLAB software was utilized to evaluate the data. Furthermore, by looking at the coexpression of CD31 and a-SMA, we were able to identify cells in the obstructed kidney that were transitioning from endothelium tomyofibroblasts.Moreover, the reduction of tissue hypoxia brought on by lncRNA TUG1 knockdown was dramatically reversed by inhibition of miR-542-3p, which also decreased the expression levels of fibrotic indicators. To sum up, our findings offer fresh perspectives on how TUG1 and the miR-542-3p / HIF-1α / VEGF axis are regulated as renal fibrosis advances.
Validation of AERMOD prediction accuracy for particulate matters (PM10, PM2.5) for a large coal mine complex: A Multisource Perspective
Authors: Prasad Navin , Mishra Akash , Bhattacharya Tanushree , Lal Bindhu , Jha Prakash Chandra , Kumar Abhishek
Published: March 2024

Particulate matter (PM) emission from coal mining activities is inevitable and a significant concern worldwide. American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) is one of the most widely used dispersion models for predicting air PM dispersion in coal mines. However, validation of AERMOD-predicted PM concentration in a large mine complex has not been reported. So, in this study, AERMOD predicted PM concentration was validated against the PM concentrations measured by nine continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) stationed in the Singrauli coal mining complex. The complex contains nine coal mines across 438 square kilometers, with around 129 pollution sources chiefly from the area, pit, and line categories. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations peak during summer (204.58 µg/m3) and winter (67.67 µg/m3), respectively. The AERMOD model predicts peak dispersion of PM10 (500–1200 µg/m3) and PM2.5 (100–800 µg/m3) during the winter season. The AERMOD model reveals that the region's wind movement caused by land and lake breezes was the predominant driver of PM surface dispersion. In the winter season, atmospheric inversion increases ground-level PM concentrations in the region. The AERMOD cannot represent the vertical dispersion of PMs in the summer, resulting in an underestimation of PM concentration. The statistical validation shows that AERMOD underestimates PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations across all seasons and years. The AERMOD model's prediction accuracy for PM10 (R2 = 0.38) and PM2.5 (R2 = 0.56) is also low. Finally, it can be concluded that AERMOD-predicted PM concentrations are not accurate for large mining complexes but more suitable for individual mines.
Isavuconazole Pharmacokinetics in Critically Ill Patients: Relationship with Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Safety
Authors: Martín-Cerezuela María , Maya-Gallegos Cristina , Miñana María Remedios Marqués , Porcar Maria Jesus Broch , Pardo Juan Carlos Mateo , Sanchez Andrés Cruz , Gimeno Ricardo , Ortega Alvaro Castellanos , Andrés José Luis Poveda , Galleymore Paula Ramírez
Published: March 2024

Background
Isavuconazole is a new drug used to treat fungal infections. This study aims to describe isavuconazole pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients, assess the potential influence of patient covariates, and evaluate the relationship with clinical efficacy and patient safety.
Methods
We conducted a prospective, observational study in critically ill patients treated with intravenous isavuconazole for at least 48 hours. Samples were collected between 48–96 hours of onset of treatment, at predose (Cmin), 1 hour (Cmax) and 12 hours (C50) after last dose. Plasma concentration was determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. The relationship between plasma concentration and clinical and microbiological outcome, and safety was evaluated. The influence of covariates such as age, sex, weight, SAPS3, creatinine, bilirubin, liver enzymes and extracorporeal devices (continuous re-emplace renal therapy (CRRT) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)) was analysed. Population pharmacokinetic modelling was performed using NONMEN®.
Results
A total of 71 isavuconazole samples from 24 patients were analysed. Mean Cmin was 1.76 (1.02) mg/L. Twenty-one patients (87.5%) reached the optimal therapeutic target, while three patients (12.5%) were below 1 mg/L. Population pharmacokinetic was best described by a one-compartimental model with first-order elimination. No factor, including CRRT or ECMO support, had a significantly impact on plasma concentration or pharmacokinetic parameters. No relationship was observed between isavuconazole plasma level and clinical effectiveness or adverse event appearance.
Conclusions
Isavuconazole use in critically ill patients at established doses was accompanied by plasma levels within the therapeutic range. This pharmacokinetic confidence remained independent of demographic, clinical, or therapeutic factors and did not affect the drug´s efficacy and safety.
RETRACTED: Electromagnetic Sensing of Fluid Acceleration in Conduits Using Single Electrical Coil
Authors: Jarrah Asem AL , Aljabarin Nader Y. , Perez Soraya M. , Sharadqah Suhail , Ananzeh Nada Al
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Comparative Efficacy of Peptide-Based versus Standard Polymeric Enteral Nutrition in ICU Patients at High Nutritional Risk: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bhurayanontachai Rungsun , Wacharasint Petch , Somboonviboon Dujrath , Sawawiboon Chaiwut
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Within intensive care units (ICU), the administration of peptide-based formulas (PBF) may confer nutritional advantages for critically ill patients identified with heightened nutritional risk. This investigation aimed to ascertain the efficacy of PBF in comparison to standard polymeric formulas (SPF) among this patient cohort.
Methods
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted across three ICUs, encompassing 63 adult patients characterized by elevated modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) scores. Enrollment occurred promptly subsequent to ICU admission, with participants allocated to receive either PBF or SPF. Primary outcome was the duration to achieve caloric targets. Secondary outcomes involved the evaluation of mean daily gastric residual volume, mechanical ventilation period, infection rates within the ICU, length of hospitalization, mortality rates, nutritional status and inflammatory markers, specifically serum albumin and interleukin-6 levels.
Results
Patients in the PBF group reached their caloric targets more expeditiously compared to the SPF group (2.06 ± 0.43 days versus 2.39 ± 0.79 days; p = 0.03). No significant differences were discernible between the groups regarding gastric residual volume, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, mortality, or infection rates. Both cohorts exhibited minimal adverse effects and were devoid of any instances of abdominal distension. While not reaching statistical significance, the observed trends in albumin and interleukin-6 levels suggest a potential advantage of PBF utilization.
Conclusions
The implementation of PBF enabled swifter attainment of caloric goals in ICU patients at high nutritional risk without adversely impacting other clinical parameters. Given its favorable tolerance profile and potential immunomodulatory properties, PBF may be considered a valuable nutritional intervention in this setting.
Trial Registration
Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20220221006. Registered 21 February 2022, https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20220221006
The impact of perfluoroalkyl substances on the clinical manifestations of primary Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Zhao Yun , Jin Hangbiao , Hu Shetuan , Zhang Sunzhao , Zhao Meirong , Xue Jing
Published: March 2024

Background: The impact of environmental factors on genetically susceptible individuals constitutes a fundamental link in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren Syndrome (pSS). Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of synthetic organic fluorine chemicals that have been extensively manufactured and widely utilized over the past six decades, and they have also been identified as significant pollutants with adverse effects on human health. The impact of fluoride on the development of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the correlation between common fluoride exposure and clinical manifestations of pSS.
Results: We designed a population-based case-control study in China and evaluated the association. A cohort of 136 patients with SS and 148 health controls in Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were investigated. There were 4 male patients and 132 female patients in the pSS cohort. The concentrations of perfluoroundecanoate (PFUdA) in the pSS group exhibited statistically higher levels compared to those in the healthy control group. The concentration of perfluorononanoate (PFNA) was significantly lower in patients with leucopenia and thrombocytopenia compared to those without this condition. The serum levels of PFNA and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) were found to be lower in patients with a high ANA titer compared to those with a low ANA titer. The serum levels of PFNA were found to be lower in patients with Anti-SSA positive compared to those with anti-SSA negative.
Conclusion: The levels of serum fluorides may be correlated with the disease activity in patients with pSS, and there might be an association between fluoride and the onset of pSS.
Evaluation of the Performance of a Pcbn Tool in Turning Aisi D2 Hardened Steel in Continuous and Interrupted Cutting
Authors: Dias Ernane Felipe , Barroso Caio Cesar Gonçalves Coutinho , Santos Sandro Cardoso
Published: March 2024

Important technological advances in the mechanical manufacturing industry have increasingly generated good results with the turning of hardened materials, using polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) tools, mainly replacing abrasive processes. Tool steels play varied and essential roles in various industrial applications, such as dies and punches for forming and cutting. This work involves the evaluation the performance of a PCBN tool in turning quenched and tempered AISI D2 steel, both in continuous cutting and interrupted cutting conditions, in the finishing operation with dry machining. The surface roughness was evaluated in the parameters (Ra, Rt and Rz), the wear suffered by the tools, their mechanisms and morphological analysis of the chips. Tests were carried out with different cutting speeds (60, 130, 200 and 240 m/min), maintaining a constant feed rate of 0.15 mm/rev and a cutting depth of 0.2 mm. The results indicated that the most evident wear was crater and flank in the continuous cut, while in the interrupted cut there was the presence of chipping and catastrophic failure. Wear mechanisms, such as adhesion (attrition), abrasion and diffusion were prominently observed. Furthermore, the tests showed that the increase in flank wear did not necessarily result in an increase in surface roughness, and that the wear mechanism changed with the increase in cutting speed. In the continuous cutting condition, the tool achieved more satisfactory performance, especially at higher cutting speeds (130, 200 and 240 m/min). In interrupted cutting, there is a predominance of catastrophic failure mainly in the ranges of 60 and 130 m/min and better performance at 200 m/min within the ranges evaluated.
The Lip Split: A Retrospective Outcomes Study and Case Series following Central and Lateral Lip Split Access for Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Gearing Peter , Devine Maxim , Pang Siyuan , Sim Felix , Ramakrishnan Anand
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
Surgical resection of oral cancers requires meticulous planning to achieve clear margins and minimize potential morbidity. This study aimed to compare postoperative surgical and functional outcomes following central and lateral lip-split approaches used for resection and reconstruction of oral tumours.
Methods:
A retrospective review of 79 cases involving lip-split procedures for head and neck cancers was conducted. Data were collected from a prospectively recorded database (December 2015 to December 2022). Statistical analyses compared patient demographics, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes between central and lateral lip-split cohorts.
Results:
Lateral lip splits were associated with higher rates of postoperative complications (p = 0.008), including return to theatre (p = 0.015), and functional issues including asymmetric smile (p = 0.009). No significant differences were observed in readmission rates, length of stay, or time to oral diet commencement (p > 0.05). Six cases were selected to highlight the potential advantages and disadvantages of central and lateral lip split procedures.
Conclusions:
Lip-split procedures remain valuable for resection and reconstruction of oral and oropharyngeal tumours. Lateral lip splits are associated with poorer outcomes when compared to central approaches. Appropriate selection of lip splitting approaches should consider tumour location, resection margins, patient comorbidities and preferences, and surgical preferences.