bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design elements of simulation-based assessment for clinical reasoning in nursing students: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Chai Li Sze , Yusuf Azlina , Yusoff Muhamad Saiful Bahri
Published: October 2023

Background: Simulation-based assessments offer a promising alternative to workplace-based assessments in evaluating clinical reasoning skills. However, in developing a simulation-based assessment model for assessing clinical reasoning among Malaysian nursing students, there is a lack of clear guidance and diverse viewpoints regarding the design of the assessment plan. This scoping review aims to identify effective design elements of simulation-based assessments for clinical reasoning in nursing students worldwide. The review seeks to explore how simulation-based assessments can accurately evaluate clinical reasoning in nursing students, provide formative and summative feedback, and identify effective elements that can be applied in the Malaysian context.
Methods: The scoping review process recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) will be utilized. Online databases such as EBSCO Host (CINAHL and MEDLINE), PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Google Scholar will be searched for relevant literature using keywords pertaining to clinical reasoning, nursing students, and simulation-based assessment. The search will include literature published since 2002, and only English-language literature will be included in the search. EndNote software will be employed to screen the titles, abstracts, and full-text documents. A pilot study will be conducted to test the screening and document selection process, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the data extraction tool. Three reviewers will be responsible for source selection and data extraction. In addition to the JBI guidelines, PAGER framework will be used to analyse the data in this review.
Discussion: The objective of this review is to improve the comprehension of the diverse practices utilised worldwide for creating simulation-based assessments for clinical reasoning in nursing students. Elements of design that are relevant to the Malaysian context will inform the development of an assessment model that can be implemented for Malaysian nursing students.
Scoping review registration: Prospective registration of the protocol has been carried out on the Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/SK9J3).
Can medical education electives promote teaching and research interests among medical students?
Authors: Arja Sateesh Babu , Arja Sireesha Bala , Ponnusamy Kumar , Kottahveetil Praveen , Paramban Simi , Laungani Yoshita
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Although all residents routinely teach medical students, not all residents are involved in teaching or trained in teaching during undergraduate medical school, as accreditation bodies do not mandate the promotion of teaching skills to undergraduate medical students. With relatively inadequate formal training and residents' intrinsic time constraints, tactically incorporating formal medical education elective experiences in medical school curricula is understandable. This study explores if medical education electives at Avalon University School of Medicine (AUSOM) can enhance medical students' interest in teaching and research.
Methods
The medical education elective at AUSOM was developed to give interested medical students an elective experience. The course modules include accreditation/regulation, curriculum development, learning theories, assessments, and research methodology. Students can choose any one of the modules. We offered the medical education elective to twenty-five students in the year 2021. All of them gave feedback at the end of the elective. The data was analyzed qualitatively through framework analysis, which includes familiarization, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing, and defining and naming themes.
Results
Different themes emerged, enhancing the interest in academic medicine, understanding research methodologies, supporting learners, and awareness of learning theories.
Conclusions
Doing medical education electives at AUSOM enhanced students' interest in teaching, and students reported that they could understand research methodologies, especially those related to medical education. Medical students should have opportunities for electives in medical education, and more research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of medical education electives across medical schools.
The role of exposure to nature in perceived stress by veterinary students.
Authors: Cruz-Martinez Luis , Hervé-Claude Luis Pablo , Gallagher Christa Ann , Dzikiti Loveness , Little William Brady
Published: October 2023

Veterinary training is intense and represents a challenging time for students. Sadly, veterinary students are increasingly being diagnosis with a variety of concerning mental health issues including high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, often resulting in poor academic performance. Because of the disproportionately high risk of mental health problems in the veterinary field, it is important that students learn, understand, and utilize simple and effective techniques to cope with stress, and demands of the profession. Spending time in natural environments such as outdoor parks, green spaces, and urban forests is an effective strategy for improving mental health. In this study, a nature-based intervention was used to examine if stress levels in veterinary students would be affected by repeated, structured time in a natural setting. Participants in this study reported significantly lower perceived stress levels compared to a control group. Students overwhelmingly reported that they would recommend this stress reduction technique to their classmates, and they planned to continue using time in nature to improve their mindset and reduce stress.
Enhancing Endometrial Pathology Detection: Chromohysteroscopy vs. Conventional Hysteroscopy in Infertility Evaluation
Authors: jha sangam , . shalini , . JAFEESHA
Published: October 2023

Background
Endometrial pathology is a recognized contributor to infertility and recurrent implantation failure, but its detection during hysteroscopy, particularly in the absence of visible lesions, is challenging. Chromohysteroscopy, involving the use of methylene blue dye, has shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy.
Methods
This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of chromohysteroscopy and conventional hysteroscopy, using histopathology as the gold standard. A total of 100 consenting infertility patients were included, and methylene blue dye was instilled during hysteroscopy to enhance the detection of subtle endometrial pathologies.
Results
Among the 100 women who underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy, 76 exhibited normal findings, while 24 had abnormal findings. During chromohysteroscopy, 62 cases displayed a light staining pattern, and 38 cases exhibited dark staining. Histopathological analysis of biopsy tissue from the dark-stained areas revealed endometrial pathology in 84.2% (32/38) and normal endometrium in 15.8% (6/38) cases. In contrast, biopsies from the light-stained areas indicated abnormal endometrium in only 3.23% (2/62) cases, with the remaining 96.77% having a normal histology. Chromohysteroscopy demonstrated a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (92%) for endometrial pathology compared to conventional hysteroscopy (58%). Notably, chromohysteroscopy's sensitivity was 94.12%, and its specificity was 90.9%. The staining patterns observed during chromohysteroscopy correlated well with histological findings, highlighting its effectiveness in identifying structurally damaged endometrium.
Conclusion
Chromohysteroscopy emerges as a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing endometrial pathology, especially in infertility cases. This technique offers superior accuracy compared to conventional hysteroscopy, providing clinicians with a more precise means of diagnosis and potential targeted treatments
Documenting the first Record of Black fungus Gnat Lycoriella castanescens Lengersdorf (Diptera: Sciaridae) from Cultivated Mushrooms of Kashmir: An Illustrated Exploration
Authors: Sherwani Asma , Mukhtar Malik , Maqsood Saima , Mushtaq Tahmina , Anees Mehreen , Sufi Tariq Ahmad
Published: October 2023

The morphology, morphometry and biology of Lycoriella castanescens Lengersdorf (Diptera: Sciaridae) was studied at Mushroom Research and Training Centre, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K Shalimar during 2021-22 on mushrooms under temperate conditions of Kashmir. This pest was recorded from June to August. Head capsule width ranged between 0.051-0. 24 mm and increase about 4.70 times was the most reliable feature in identifying instars. The abdominal width of pupae, male and female was 0.87-0.90, 0.35-0.41 and 0.65-0.74 mm respectively. Their widths increased 1.03, 1.17 and 1.15 times. The average development time of egg, different larval instars and pupae in a biological oxygen demand (B.O.D) incubator held at 25± 10C was 2.43-2.92, different larval instars 0.399-7.52 and pupae 2.01-3.33 days respectively. The longevity of adult males and females ranged between 3.11-3.87 and 2.76-3.66 days respectively. The predatory mite, Hypoaspis aculeifer Canestrini (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) was found in association with the immatures of sciarid fly.
Theoretical modeling and transmission characteristics analysis of a novel double-roller hourglass worm drive based on enveloping principle
Authors: Gao Song , Wang Xiaolin
Published: October 2023

Traditional planar double-enveloping hourglass worm pairs have the characteristics such as the strong bearing capacity, high transmission efficiency and long life-span. However, the high relative sliding velocity and the serious agglutination or abrasion may also occur at the contact point on tooth surfaces. In this paper, a novel type of double-roller hourglass worm pair is proposed and analyzed, wherein, the worm part adopts from the planar double-enveloping worm pair, the corresponding meshing tooth surface of worm gear is replaced by two rows of cylinder rollers for reducing friction and enhancing meshing efficiency. That is, the original meshing tooth surfaces in worm gear are replaced by the common tangent plane of rollers to form a special type of meshing drive, the original line-contact form between tooth surfaces was changed to point-contact so that the sliding friction was transformed into rolling friction, and the meshing efficiency can be greatly improved. The theoretical model of double-roller hourglass worm pair was established based on spatial enveloping principle, the meshing equation and tooth surface equations were derived. The solid models of worm and gear were established and assembled. The parameters of enveloping surface angle, roller radius and friction coefficient, which affecting relative motion velocity at meshing contact point and efficiency during the whole transmission process was analyzed and discussed systematically. The results showed that comparing to the traditional worm pair, the roller’s rotation greatly reduced the relative sliding velocity and improved meshing efficiency at the contact point in this double-roller hourglass worm pair.
Major Mistakes or Errors in the use of Trial Sequential Analysis in Systematic Reviews or Meta-analyses – the METSA Systematic Review
Authors: Riberholt Christian Gunge , Olsen Markus Harboe , Milan Joachim Birch , Hafliðadóttir Sigurlaug Hanna , Svanholm Jeppe Houmann , Pedersen Elisabeth Buck , Lew Charles Chin Han , Asante Mark Aninakwah , Ribeiro Johanne Pereira , Wagner Vibeke , Kumburegama Buddheera W.M.B. , Lee Zheng-Yii , Schaug Julie Perrine , Madsen Christina , Gluud Christian
Published: October 2023

Background
Systematic reviews and data synthesis of randomised clinical trials play a crucial role in clinical practice, research, and health policy. Trial sequential analysis can be used in systematic reviews to control type I and type II errors, but methodological errors including lack of protocols and transparency are cause for concern. We assessed the reporting of trial sequential analysis.
Methods
We searched Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 for systematic reviews and meta-analysis reports that include a trial sequential analysis. Only studies with at least two randomised clinical trials analysed in a forest plot and a trial sequential analysis were included. Two independent investigators assessed the studies. We evaluated protocolisation, reporting, and interpretation of the analyses, including their effect on any GRADE evaluation of imprecision.
Results
We included 270 systematic reviews and 274 meta-analysis reports and extracted data from 624 trial sequential analyses. Only 134/270 (50%) systematic reviews planned the trial sequential analysis in the protocol. For dichotomous outcomes, the proportion of events in the control group was missing in 181/439 (41%), relative risk reduction in 105/439 (24%), alpha in 30/439 (7%), beta in 128/439 (29%), and heterogeneity in 232/439 (53%). For continuous outcomes, the minimally relevant difference was missing in 125/185 (68%), variance (or standard deviation) in 144/185 (78%), alpha in 23/185 (12%), beta in 63/185 (34%), and heterogeneity in 105/185 (57%). Graphical illustration of the trial sequential analysis was present in 93% of the analyses, however, the Z-curve was wrongly displayed in 135/624 (22%) and 227/624 (36%) did not include futility boundaries. The overall transparency of all 624 analyses was very poor in 236 (38%) and poor in 173 (28%).
Conclusions
The majority of Trial Sequential Analyses are not transparent when preparing or presenting the required parameters, partly due to missing or poorly conducted protocols. This hampers interpretation, reproducibility, and validity.
Study registration: PROSPERO CRD42021273811
Removal of lanthanum and cerium from aqueous solution using chitosan-functionalized magnetite-pectin
Authors: Yacouba Abdoul-Rachid Chaibou , Oral Alpaslan Enes , Sert Senol , Kaptanoglu Ikbal Gozde , Natatou Ibrahim , Yusan Sabriye , Aytas Sule
Published: October 2023

In this study magnetite-pectin-chitosan (MPC) nanocomposite was synthetized using a partial reduction co-precipitation method. The structure and morphology of the material were characterized by scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The adsorption of Lanthanum and Cerium ions onto MPC was studied in a batch system as a function of initial pH of solution, contact time, initial concentration and temperature. The La(III)/Ce(III) ions was increased when the initial pH of the solution increased. The optimum pH for La/Ce adsorption was 5 and the maximum adsorption was reached within 30 min. The thermodynamics parameters such as enthalpy change (∆°H), entropy change (∆°S) and Gibbs free energy change (∆°G) were calculated. The results suggested that the adsorption was exothermic and spontaneous. To determine the adsorption characteristics, models of Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Freundlich, Temkin and Flory-Huggins adsorption isotherms were applied. Langmuir isotherm model described the data of adsorption very well. The adsorption capacity was found to be 8.17 mg/g and 9.72 mg/g for lanthanum and cerium, respectively.
Formaldehyde Levels and the Indoor Air Quality of Anatomy Dissection Hall with Different Ventilation Setups
Authors: Handady Ganesh , DSouza Anne , Nayak Vanishri S. , Abraham Joseph
Published: October 2023

During anatomy dissection, the release of formaldehyde (FA) from cadavers and embalming fluids can negatively affect the well-being of students and staff. To address this issue, a study measured the FA and air quality (CO2 and Total Volatile Organic Compounds- TVOC) in the breathing zone with different ventilation setups: natural, fan-based, and air-conditioned. The FA, CO2, and TVOC levels were estimated at the cadavers’ head and toe ends, in the pathway, and between the dissection tables. The levels were higher near the cadaver and lower in the pathway and between the tables, regardless of the type of ventilation. Fan-based ventilation had the lowest mean FA, CO2, and TVOC levels compared to AC and natural ventilation. However, there was no significant difference in these levels between the ventilation types, except for the toe-ends of the cadavers (p < 0.05), where the toe-end farther from the AC vents had higher levels. The study suggests that areas away from the source of ventilation are at risk of having lower air quality. Therefore, in addition to selecting an appropriate ventilation system, placing cadavers near the source of ventilation would help optimize FA levels and improve indoor air quality for better working conditions suitable for students and staff.
Half Quantum Mirror Hall Effect
Authors: Shen Shun-Qing
Published: October 2023

We report the discovery of the half-quantized mirror Hall effect,
a novel quantum-anomaly induced by mirror symmetry in a strong topological
insulator (TI) film. These films are known to host a pair of gapless
Dirac cones associated with surface electrons. Our findings reveal
that mirror symmetry assigns a unique mirror parity to each Dirac
cone, resulting in a half-quantized Hall conductance of $\pm\frac{e^{2}}{2h}$
for each cone. Despite the total electric Hall conductance being null
due to time-reversal invariance, the difference in Hall conductance
between the two cones yields a quantized Hall conductance of $\frac{e^{2}}{h}$
for the difference in mirror currents. The effect of helical edge
mirror current, a crucial feature of this quantum effect, can be measured
using two-terminal transport measurements. Overall, the half-quantum
mirror Hall effect reveals a new type of mirror-symmetry induced quantum
anomaly in a time-reversal invariant lattice system, giving rise to
a topological metallic state of matter with time-reversal invariance.
Tight Bounds for Chordal/Interval Vertex Deletion Parameterized by Treewidth
Authors: Wlodarczyk Michal
Published: October 2023

In Chordal/Interval Vertex Deletion we ask how many vertices one needs to remove from a graph to make it chordal (respectively: interval). We study these problems under the parameterization by treewidth (tw) of the input graph G. On the one hand, we present an algorithm for Chordal Vertex Deletion with running time 2^O(tw)*|V(G)|, improving upon the running time 2^O(tw^2)*|V(G)|^O(1) by Jansen, de Kroon, and Wlodarczyk (STOC'21). When a tree decomposition of width tw is given, then the base of the exponent equals 2^(omega-1)*3+1. Our algorithm is based on a novel link between chordal graphs and graphic matroids, which allows us to employ the framework of representative families. On the other hand, we prove that the known 2^O(tw log tw)*|V(G)|-time algorithm for Interval Vertex Deletion cannot be improved assuming Exponential Time Hypothesis.
A differential evolutionary algorithm for multi-threshold image segmentation based on adaptive parameter control strategy
Authors: Zhu Zong-Na , Liu Zhao-Guang , Wang Ning , Wang Yu , Chen Yu-Teng
Published: October 2023

Multi-threshold image segmentation is a simple and effective approach. Image segmentation techniques are significant in the fields of pattern recognition and computer vision. However, as the number of thresholds increases, the temporal complexity of selecting the best threshold increases exponentially. A meta-heuristic optimization approach called the differential evolution (DE) algorithm was utilized to address the optimization problem. This paper proposes an enhanced DE algorithm with adaptive control parameters (IJADE) for multi-threshold image segmentation. In this study, the enhanced DE algorithm optimizes five distinct thresholds for eight standard test images using the maximum between-class variance (OTSU) technique as the objective function. Comparison and analysis of IJADE with five other benchmark image segmentation algorithms demonstrated the viability and efficiency of the proposed method. The quantitative findings demonstrate that the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index measure of the image segmentation results under various thresholds can be significantly improved by IJADE compared with existing benchmark methods. Peak signal-to-noise ratios for image segmentation for fabric and crane images were 22.197 and 23.1786, respectively, at a threshold of 5, with both placing top. With superior segmentation performance for digital image segmentation, IJADE was proven to be more effective.
Remote modulation of sub-seasonal soil moisture on clustered extreme precipitation in Northern China
Authors: Liu Jiang , Zhang Jie , Miao Zishu , Hu Rui , Kan Heng , Sha Sha
Published: October 2023

Clustered extreme precipitation (CEP) draws worldwide attention due to its non-neglectable impacts on socio-economic activities. This study focuses on the typical circulations associated with CEP events in Northern China and investigates the role of hydro-thermal processes over Eurasia. Based on the Self-organizing map method, there are two types of circulations closely related to the occurrence of CEP events over Northern China. One of them features a short wave and a subtropical high. Another shows a northern cyclone and high pressure around the sea of Okhotsk. The anomalous soil moisture (SM) over the Eastern Caspian Sea (ECS) and Northern Tibet Plateau (NTP) at the quasi-biweekly time scale dominates the typical circulations and CEP events over Northern China, rather than local forcing. On the one hand, decreased SM over the ECS induces the eastward movements of short-wave disturbances, along with the westward extension of the strengthened Western Pacific Subtropical High, favoring the increased precipitation over Northern China. On the other hand, increased SM over the NTP contributes to the meridional circulation and enhanced long-wave ridge, coupled with the northern cyclone at the lower level, finally leading to increases in precipitation over Northern China. The results may be useful for the predictions of CEP events in Northern China.
Quality of Dry Extracts of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Juices
Authors: DE MENESES Lídia Cristina Merlin , NETA Maria Izabel LAMEGO , MINIUKI Jhenifer Luisa , FARIAS Ingrid Vicente , BENVENUTTI Larissa , GERLACH Otto Mauricio Santos , REGINATTO Flávio H. , MALHEIROS Angela , SANTIN José Roberto , Belle-Bresolin Tania
Published: October 2023

The juice of blood oranges, especially of the Citrus sinensis variety Moro, cultivated in the region of Sicily, Italy, is an increasingly popular drink due to its beneficial health properties, such as its ability to reduce abdominal fat, related to anthocyanin constituents, as demonstrated in pre-clinical and clinical studies. However, the dry extract of C. sinensis juice currently available on the compounding pharmacies in Brazil includes samples from various countries, some of which may not have adequate climatic conditions for the production of anthocyanins. In this work, we investigated three different samples (reference, A1 and A2) marketed in Brazil. We analyzed the composition of the samples by LC-UV and LC-MS, including determining the cyanidin-3-O-glycoside (C3G), total anthocyanin content (TAC), lycopene assay, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and in vitro anti-inflammatory effect, by NO production in macrophages. C3G was detected in the reference sample (1.6%) and absence in A1 and A2, similar to the TAC values of 1.45%, 0.1% and 0.01%, in reference, A1 and A2, respectively. The reference and A1 showed similar antioxidant activity with EC50 of 45.6 and 62.4 µg/mL, respectively, while A2 showed lower activity (EC50 315.1 µg/mL). Only the reference sample showed significant inhibition of NO release, demonstrating the necessity of quality control of these commercialized samples.
Impact of Ct-measured Sarcopenic Obesity on Postoperative Outcomes Following Colon Cancer Surgery
Authors: Bajawi Mariam , Corral Sara , Blazquéz Javier , Trill Javier Die , Muñoz Paula , Barranquero Alberto G , Juez Luz , Nisa Francisca Garcia-Moreno
Published: October 2023

Purpose
to investigate the impact of sarcopenic obesity on anastomotic leak. Secondary outcomes included overall morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay.
Methods
This was a unicenter, retrospective observational study conducted from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2020. Conducted in a colorectal surgery referral center. A total of 544 consecutive patients who underwent elective colonic resection for non-metastatic colon cancer. Exclusion criteria included rectal cancer, urgent surgery, lack of anastomosis, lack of imaging, multivisceral resections and synchronic tumors.
Results
A total of 544 patients were included in the analysis with a mean age of 72.6 ± 10.8 years. Complications were noted in 177 (32.3%) patients, of which 51 (9.31%) were severe (Clavien Dindo > II). Sarcopenic obesity was seen in 24.8% of the sample, which was an independent indicator of increased overall morbidity (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.14–2.56, p 0.009), a predictor of 30-day mortality (OR = 6.29, 95% CI: 1.55–25.53, p 0.010) and was significantly associated with development of anastomotic leak (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05–1.92, p 0.024). Additionally, it increased the risk of reoperation and was related to a prolonged length of hospital stay.
Conclusions
CT-measured sarcopenic obesity is associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in colon cancer surgery.
Simultaneous Inhibition of PI3K
and PAK in Preclinical Models of Neurofibromatosis Type 2-related Schwannomatosis
Authors: Fernandez-Valle Cristina , Nagel Anna , Huegel Julianne , Petrilli Alejandra , Rosario Rosa , Victoria Berta , Hardin Haley
Published: October 2023

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)-related schwannomatosis is a genetic disorder that causes development of multiple types of nervous system tumors. The primary and diagnostic tumor type is bilateral vestibular schwannoma. There is no cure or drug therapy for NF2. Recommended treatments include surgical resection and radiation, both of which can leave patients with severe neurological deficits or increase the risk of future malignant tumors. Results of our previous pilot high-throughput drug screen identified phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors as strong candidates based on loss of viability of mouse merlin-deficient Schwann cells (MD-SCs). Here we used novel human schwannoma model cells to conduct combination drug screens. We identified a class I PI3K inhibitor, pictilisib and p21 activated kinase (PAK) inhibitor, PF-3758309 as the top combination due to high synergy in cell viability assays. Both single and combination therapies significantly reduced growth of mouse MD-SCs in an orthotopic allograft mouse model. The inhibitor combination promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in mouse merlin-deficient Schwann (MD-SCs) cells and cell cycle arrest in human MD-SCs. This study identifies the PI3K and PAK pathways as potential targets for combination drug treatment of NF2-related schwannomatosis.
Management of Fusarium fruit rot of Luffa cylindrical, a new occurred disease at North Egypt caused by Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium chlamydosporum
Authors: Abdel-Kader Mokhtar Mohamed , Khalil Mokamed Saied Ali , Gamal Nadia Gameel El , Mougy Nehal Samy El
Published: October 2023

Fusarium rot of Luffa cylindrical was detected at Kafr-El-Dawar province, Beheira governorate, North Egypt during the growing season 2021. Surveyed disease incidence at Beheira, Kafr El-Shekh and Sharkia governorate showed fruit rot incidence recorded as 18.33%, 16.12%, and 12.42%, respectively. Two fungal isolates of Fusarium spp. were tested for their pathogenic ability to induce Fusarium rot disease and proved typical disease symptoms. Online BLAST program was used for rapid identification and confirmation of identity performance of ITS and DNA sequencing, then compared with sequences available in GenBank. The two fungal isolates were identified as Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium chlamydosporum and registered under accession number MN480497 and MN480498, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, the tested organic acids, essential oils and organic salts had significant inhibitory effect against the linear growth of the two fungal isolates. Complete fungal growth (100%) was recorded at 0.75 g/l of Topsin-M70 (Thiophanate-methyl) and 0.5% of salicylic acid. Meanwhile, moderate effect was observed at benzoic acid, coumarine, and cinnamon, thyme oil and garlic oil treatments. Under field conditions for two successive seasons, similar trend was also observed. Foliar spray with the fungicide Topsin-M70 had superior effect on disease expression followed by all applied fungicide alternative treatments. The highest fruit rot disease reduction was recorded at salicylic acid and coumarin treatments followed by thyme oil, benzoic acid and potassium carbonate, garlic oil, boric acid and sodium bicarbonate, respectively. It may be concluded that the applied treatments are considered applicable, safe and cost-effective method for controlling such pre-harvest fruit diseases under field conditions.
Combinatorial Anticancer Effects of The Non-Invasive High Voltage micro-second Pulse Electric Field with Low-Dose Curcumin on A549 Cells
Authors: KUMAR GYANENDRA , Pai Ganesh , Singh Rajshri , Shelar Sandeep B , Patro Birija Sankar , Roy Amitava , Sarathi Ramanujam , Sharma Archana
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Novel, alternative and combinatorial approaches to combat cancers with minimal side effects is the need of the hour, owing to significant therapy-associated adverse effects. Natural molecule curcumin has shown to have significant anticancer action in lung cancers, a major cause of mortality world over. However, usage of curcumin is limited by its poor bioavailability. High voltage microsecond pulse electric field (HV-µsPEF) therapy is an emerging alternative option in cancer therapy which can be used as an effective adjuvant anti-cancer therapy. In the current investigation, we assessed the combinatorial effect of HV-µsPEF with low-dose curcumin on A549 lung cancer cell line with the main objective of minimization of the curcumin dose required for its anti-cancer action.
Method
HV-µsPEF was generated using a previously reported pulse-generator which was combined with low doses of curcumin to assess effects on A549 cell line. Phase-contrast microscopy based cellular morphology analysis, flow-cytometry based analyses to assess the mode of cell death, uptake of curcumin, assessment of reactive oxygen species and that of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss were carried out.
Results
Our work demonstrates a highly synergistic cell death induction in A549 cells as assessed by phase contrast microscopy and flow-cytometry based analysis due to the increased uptake of curcumin by cancer cells in the presence of HV-µsPEF. This led to increased ROS production and loss of MMP in cancer cells with the combinatorial treatment.
Conclusion
This study shows promising anti-cancer effects in the usage of low doses of curcumin, a natural molecule, with HV-µsPEF. Combined treatment of HV-µsPEF with curcumin in A549 cells increased the uptake of curcumin in the cells leading to effective induction of cell death via increased ROS production and MMP loss effectively minimizing the requirement of high doses of curcumin which are practically not achievable.
Parasitological and molecular characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi of triatomines and mammals from endemic areas for Chagas disease in Venezuela
Authors: Morocoima Antonio , Herrera Leidi , Rattia César , Figueroa Mario , Ferrer Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

It is estimated that 6–7 million people worldwide are infected withTrypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. In Venezuela, Chagas disease remains a public health problem. In this work,T. cruziisolates from six species of triatomines and mammals of the orders Didelphimorphia and Xenarthra, captured in rural communities of Monagas, underwent parasitological and molecular characterization. A total of 471 triatomines and 17 mammals were captured, with a natural infection rate of 41.4% and 70.6%, respectively. In the male NMRI mouse model used for parasitological characterization (Prepatent period, parasitemia curve, mouse mortality and tissular parasitism),T. cruziisolates exhibited high lethality due to their pronounced virulence, irrespective of the parasite load in each mouse, resulting in a mortality rate of 75%. Among the vector isolates, in the mouse model only 2 out of 6 remained alive, while the rest perished during the evaluation. Conversely, the isolates from mammals proved fatal for all the inoculated mice. All isolates were identified as belonging to DTU TcI, based on the molecular markers as intergenic region of the miniexon, D7 divergent domain of the 24Sα rDNA, size-variable domain of the 18S rDNA and hsp60-PCR-RFLP-EcoRV. This study demonstrates the presence of vectors and mammalian reservoirs naturally infected withT. cruziin communities of Monagas, the 9th largest and 9th most populous state in Venezuela. This situation represents a neglected epidemiological problem demanding urgent attention and imperative health care intervention.
Influence of fillets onto mechanical properties of octet-truss lattice structures
Authors: Doutre PIERRE-THOMAS , Grandvallet Christelle , Gobet Léa , Vignat Frederic , Dendievel Rémy
Published: October 2023

The development of Additive Manufacturing (AM) for the fabrication of metallic parts allows structures to be directly manufactured from 3D models. The Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology is an example of AM technologies that enables the manufacturing of new designs and sophisticated geometries. The process is particularly well suited for the fabrication of lattice structures. Octet-truss lattice structure has been a subject for research during the past 10 years. The potentials that it possesses attract enough interest for manufacturers to use it during the production of parts. Besides being lightweighted, the structure could provide solid mechanical properties. However, researchers always encounter the same issue regarding this particular structure. During Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation, stress concentration tends to appear at the struts intersection. This is due to the sharp edges that have very small surface area, thus provoking the presence of singularities. In this respect, the proposed solution is to integrate rounded-joints or fillets at the struts intersection. However, adding fillet entails a mass increase of octet-truss structures. To avoid this mass increase related to these fillets, it is necessary to reduce the size of octet-truss struts. This research work studies the influence of fillets onto the mechanical properties of structures with identical mass. To do so, a set of 15 octet-truss structures are designed with various fillet sizes and strut sizes and compared. Whereas some of them have thick struts and small fillets, others have smaller struts and bigger fillets. The main technical issue in this study remains the design of fillets for octet-truss structures. These latter can indeed be created for up to 12 struts that converge to the same point. Once designed, these octet-truss structures are fabricated by EBM technology and undergo static compression testing. Mechanical properties of each structure are finally determined. Results show that for the same relative density, octet-truss with fillets degrades the mechanical characteristics of the whole structures. This study shows that the strength/mass ratio is better for a structure without fillets. this result can be used in lightweighted applications.
Hypertrophic effects of low-load blood flow restriction training with different repetition schemes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Queiros Victor S. , Rolnick Nicholas , Schoenfeld Brad J. , França Ingrid M. , Vieira João G. , Sardeli Amanda V. , Kamis Okan , Neto Gabriel R. , Cabral Breno G.A.T. , Dantas Paulo M. S.
Published: October 2023

This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed the effect of low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle hypertrophy focusing on the repetition scheme adopted. Four databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of LL-RT with BFR versus HL-RT on muscle hypertrophy. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were pooled in a random effects meta-analysis. The overall analysis did not demonstrate significant differences between conditions (SMD = 0.0364; p = 0.196). A similar result was observed when we separately analyzed studies that used sets to momentary muscle failure (SMD = 0.034; p = 0.522), sets of 15 repetitions (SMD = -0.019; p = 747) and a fixed repetition scheme composed of 75 repetitions (SMD = 0.088; p = 0.177). Subgroup analysis on body region indicates no difference in lower limb exercise between HL-RT and LL-RT with BFR (SMD = 0.00065; p = 0.978) while upper limb exercise favors HL-RT (SMD = 0.2313; p = 0.005). In conclusion, LL-RT with BFR elicits muscle hypertrophy similar to HL-RT regardless of the employed repetition scheme, although there appears to be a small beneficial effect in favor of HL-RT in upper limb exercise.
Can strength training or tai ji quan training reduce frailty in postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy? A secondary data analysis of the GET FIT trial
Authors: Winters-Stone Kerri M. , Stoyles Sydnee , Dieckmann Nathan , Eckstrom Elizabeth , Luoh Shiuh-Wen , Horak Fay , Roeland Eric J. , Li Fuzhong
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To determine whether strength training or tai ji quan can reduce frailty in older, postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy for cancer.
Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis from a 3-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial where older (50+ years), postmenopausal women cancer survivors were randomized to supervised group exercise programs: tai ji quan, strength training, or stretching control for 6 months. We assessed frailty using a 4-criteria model consisting of weakness, fatigue, inactivity, and slowness. Using logistic regression, we determined whether the frailty phenotype (pre-frailty or frailty) decreased post-intervention, how many and which frailty criteria decreased, and what characteristics identified women most likely to reduce frailty.
Results: Data from 386 women who completed baseline and 6-month testing were used (mean age of 62.0 ± 6.4 years). The odds of improving overall frailty phenotype over 6 months was significantly higher in the strength training group compared to controls (OR [95%CI]: 1.86 [1.09, 3.17]), but not for for tai ji quan (1.44 [0.84, 2.50]). Both strength training (OR 1.99 [1.10, 3.65]) and tai ji quan (OR 2.10 [1.16, 3.84]) led to significantly higher odds of reducing >1 frailty criterion compared to controls. Strength training led to a three-fold reduction in inactivity (p <0.01), and tai ji quan to a two-fold reduction in fatigue (p=0.08) versus control. Higher baseline BMI, comorbidity score, and frailty status characterized women more likely to reduce frailty than other women.
Conclusions: Strength training appears superior to tai ji quan and stretching with respect to reducing overall frailty phenotype among postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy for cancer, but tai ji quan favorably impacted the number of frailty criteria.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: Supervised, group exercise training that emphasizes strength training and/or tai ji quan may help combat accelerated aging and reduce frailty after cancer treatment.
Facile and low-cost fabrication of Fe3O4@CNTs nanocomposites for effective absorption of electromagnetic waves with high efficiency
Authors: Heydari Farhood , Afghahi Seyad Salman Seyed , Gholizadeh Ahmad , Valmoozi Ali Asghar Ebrahimi
Published: October 2023

In this paper, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites of Fe3O4 NPs and functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under different weight ratios have been made for use in electromagnetic waves (EMW) absorbers in the frequency range of 18-8GHz. Therefore, their structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties were investigated. At first, iron oxide NPs with the chemical formula Fe3O4 were successfully synthesized by the nitrate-citrate method. Then ,CNTs are combined with Fe3O4 NPs under different weight ratios until the desired nanocomposite is formed. After determining the crystal structure of the samples by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Surface morphology and elemental analysis by scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectrum attached to it (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Determining the magnetic properties using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), And checking the dielectric properties of all the samples were done by vector network analyzer (VNA) at room temperature. Fe3O4 NPs /carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4/CNTs) nanocomposites were prepared in six different weight ratios and fully characterized. That among the examples, Sample NC3 under thickness d = 2.25 mm had the best loss in the X frequency band, which came − 27.07 dB. Also, sample NC4 under thickness d = 5.00 mm had the best loss in the Ku frequency band, which came − 38.21 dB.
Distributed Formation Control and Obstacle Avoidance of Nonholonomic Mobile Robots with Unknown Orientation
Authors: Wang Siqi , Wang Heng , Che Weiwei , Li Qing
Published: October 2023

This paper studies the leader-following formation control problem for a group of nonholonomic mobile robots. Different from existing literature, the orientation of each robot is not required to be known, whose accurate value is usually difficult or expensive to obtain via direct measurement. A nonlinear observer is proposed to estimate the orientation of each robot, based on which an obstacle-avoidance constraint using observer-based control barrier function (CBF) is presented, such that the formation problem is converted into a constrained quadratic program (QP), and the desired formation is guaranteed with both static and dynamic obstacles being around. In addition, in order to make the state information of the leader be available to each follower, a new adaptive distributed observer is developed, which eliminates the requirement for leader's acceleration, and avoids the system chattering. Finally, simulation examples and comparisons are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
NEDD8-conjugating enzyme E2 UBE2F deficiency promotes lung cancer metastasis by stabilizing Snail
Authors: Lin Xiongzhi , Sun Dongsheng , Yang Shuhan , Cheng Kai , Meng Weijia , Liang Yong , Zhou Lisha , Chen Baofu
Published: October 2023

Lung cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor, resulting in the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Approximately 30–40% of lung cancer cases progress to distant metastasis, significantly affecting patient quality of life and survival. However, the mechanisms driving this metastasis remain incompletely understood. Our study aims to investigate the impact of the NEDD8-conjugating enzyme UBE2F on lung cancer metastasis. We established a nude mouse model of lung cancer metastasis with stably silencing the UBE2F protein of human lung cancer cells by tail vein injection. In in vivo animal experiments, we observed a significant increase in the number of metastatic micronodules on the lung surface of nude mice following UBE2F knockout compared to the control group. Moreover, the results of cell scratch and transwell chamber assays indicated that UBE2F knockout enhanced the invasion and migration capabilities of lung cancer cells. Western blot analysis further revealed that UBE2F knockout impeded the degradation of Snail protein, a critical factor in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in its accumulation. Together, these findings suggested that the downregulation of UBE2F expression inhibits the degradation of Snail protein, thereby promoting the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells.
Improving wood carbon fractions for multiscale forest carbon estimation
Authors: Doraisami Mahendra , Domke Grant M. , Martin Adam R.
Published: October 2023

Background
Wood carbon fractions (CFs)—the proportion of dry woody biomass comprised of elemental carbon (C)—are a key component of forest C estimation. Traditionally, a generic wood CF of 50% has been assumed in forest C estimation analyses and protocols, but in recent decades, studies have specifically quantified differences in wood CFs across several different forest biomes and taxonomic divisions (angiosperms vs gymnosperms), negating the need for generic wood CF assumptions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its 2006 “Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories”, published its own multitiered system of protocols for estimating forest C stocks, which included wood CFs that were 1) based on the best available literature (at the time) and 2) a significant improvement over the generic 50% wood CF assumption. However, a considerable number of new studies on wood CFs have been published since 2006, which allow for more accurate, robust, and spatially- and taxonomically- specific wood CFs for use in forest C estimation.
Main text
Despite the availability of large wood CF datasets and evidence that suggests that using data-driven wood CFs may help correct nontrivial errors in forest C stock estimates, the IPCC did not update its recommended wood CFs in its most recent refinement to the 2006 guidelines. In this commentary, we argue that the IPCC’s recommended wood CFs differ substantially from, and are less robust, than wood CFs derived from recently published data-rich studies, and may lead to nontrivial errors in forest C estimates, particularly for countries that rely heavily on Tier 1 methods and recommended wood CFs, i.e., countries of the Global South, many of which are heavily forested. Using our previous studies on this topic, we propose an alternative set of refined wood CFs for use in multiscale forest C estimation studies and protocols. Additionally, we propose a novel decision-making framework for integrating species- and location-specific wood CFs into forest C estimation models.
Conclusion
The refined wood CFs that we present in this commentary may be used by the IPCC to update its recommended wood CFs for use in forest C estimation. Additionally, we propose a novel decision-making framework for integrating data-driven wood CFs into multitiered forest C estimation protocols and studies.
Factors Affecting Fatigue Progression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Machtoub Dima , Fares Callie , Sinan Hassan , Hariri Moustafa Al , Nehme Rim , Chami Joelle , Joukhdar Ronny , Tcheroyan Raya , Adib Salim , Khoury Samia
Published: October 2023

Background Fatigue is one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms among patients with MS, but there is limited research investigating the longitudinal determinants of fatigue progression.Objectives This study aims to identify the sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical characteristics, and therapeutic regimens that are correlated with worsening fatigue over time in patients diagnosed with MS.Methods This is a retrospective chart review of 483 patients. The primary outcome was a change in the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) score from first to last visit during the study interval, from November 2018 to November 2020.Results The study found that progressive MS subtypes, worsening depression, worsening pain, use of antidepressants, and use of fatigue medications were significantly associated with negative fatigue outcomes. Meanwhile age, sex, smoking frequency, use of pain medications, disease-modifying therapies, BMI, number of relapses, visits, steroid courses, and co-morbidities did not show an association.Conclusion The clinical predictors of worsening fatigue include progressive MS subtypes, worsening depression, worsening pain, use of antidepressants, and use of fatigue medications. Thus, the management of fatigue in patients with MS should include interventions that address the aforementioned variables, optimizing patient care and improving quality of life.