bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Approach to Identifying Spatial Variability in Observed Infectious Disease Spread in a Prospective Time-Space Series with Applications to COVID-19 and Dengue Incidence
Authors: Chen Chien-Hsiun , Wang Shann-Rong , Shete Sanjay , Wu Chih-Chieh
Published: January 2024

Most of the growing prospective analytic methods in space-time disease surveillance and intended functions of disease surveillance systems focus on earlier detection of disease outbreaks, disease clusters, or increased incidence. The spread of the virus such as SARS-CoV-2 has not been spatially and temporally uniform in an outbreak. With the identification of an infectious disease outbreak, recognizing and evaluating anomalies (excess and decline) of disease incidence spread at the time of occurrence during the course of an outbreak is a logical next step.
We propose and formulate a hypergeometric probability model that investigates anomalies of infectious disease incidence spread at the time of occurrence in the timeline for many geographically described populations (e.g., hospitals, towns, counties) in an ongoing daily monitoring process. It is structured to determine whether the incidence grows or declines more rapidly in a region on the single current day or the most recent few days compared to the occurrence of the incidence during the previous few days relative to elsewhere in the surveillance period. The new method uses a time-varying baseline risk model, accounting for regularly (e.g., daily) updated information on disease incidence at the time of occurrence, and evaluates the probability of the deviation of particular frequencies to be attributed to sampling fluctuations, accounting for the unequal variances of the rates due to different population bases in geographical units.
We attempt to present and illustrate a new model to advance the investigation of anomalies of infectious disease incidence spread by analyzing subsamples of spatiotemporal disease surveillance data from Taiwan on dengue and COVID-19 incidence which are mosquito-borne and contagious infectious diseases, respectively. Efficient R programs for computation are available to implement the two approximate formulae of the hypergeometric probability model for large numbers of events.
Mutual inhibition of Aspergillus flavus and Auricularia auricula mycelium for the prevention of competing diseases during growth of fungi
Authors: Yang Mengjie , Zhang Haisheng , Burcar Ethan , Winchester William , Witherspoon Erin , El-Bahy Zeinhom , Helal Mohamed , Dang Hui , Amin Mohammed , Zhang Baoshan , Zhao Yu , Bu Xianpan , Wang Zhe
Published: January 2024

Auricularia auricula is one of the main edible fungi widely cultivated in China. Aspergillus flavus that is the most common class of pathogenic bacteria fungi produced the high toxicity of the aflatoxins, which is one of the fungal diseases of A. auricula. Morphological observation of A. flavus mycelium and A. auricula mycelium in plate confrontation, mutual inhibition of growth at different germination times, and the interaction of A. flavus liquid culture solution and A. flavus volatiles with A. auricula mycelium were used to investigate the mechanism of the interaction between A. flavus and A. auricula mycelium. Mycelium of A. auricula and A. flavus had a mutual inhibitory effect, but A. auricula mycelia had stronger inhibitory effect on the growth of A. flavus mycelia, besides that the results of the interaction between A. flavus volatiles and A. auricula volatiles were also the same and the inhibition of A. flavus by volatiles from A. auricula mycelium about 11%. After 240 h, the inhibition rate of A. flavus liquid culture solution on A. auricula mycelium reached up to about 20%. It was analyzed that some antimicrobial substances such as small peptides and organic acids produced in the metabolites of A. flavus liquid culture solution were the main reasons of the growth inhibition of A. auricula mycelium. The main inhibitory substances were 2-Butanone, 2-Butanone dimer, etc. Further study of AFT B1 and AFT B2 revealed that aflatoxins could migrate from the medium to the mycelia and the fruiting body of A. auricula, but the migration rate was basicly lower than 10‱. The mycelia of A. auricula had strong degradation of aflatoxins in the growth process. So the mechanism of antifungal activity of these substances was studied to provide a theoretical basis for future chemical synthesis.
Two Single Lung Transplantations from one Donor: Lung Twinning in the LAS Era
Authors: Langer Frank , Lepper Philipp M. , Weingard Bettina , Aliyev Parviz , Bals Robert , Wilkens Heinrike
Published: January 2024

Objectives
The implementation of the Lung Allocation Score (LAS) in the Eurotransplant international collaborative framework decreased waiting list mortality, but organ shortage remains a significant problem. Transplantation of two single lungs from one donor into two recipients (lung twinning) may decrease waiting list mortality. We sought to analyze if this strategy can lead to an acceptable intermediate-term outcome.
Methods
Since the LAS-implementation we performed 32 paired single-lung transplantations from 16 postmortal donors. Data and outcome were analyzed retrospectively comparing recipients receiving the first lung (first twins) with recipients receiving the second lung (second twins), left versus right transplantation and restrictive versus obstructive disease.
Results
Survival at one year was 81% and 54% at five years. Veno-venous ECMO had been successfully used as bridge-to-transplant in three patients with ECMO-explantation immediately after surgery. Bronchial anastomotic complications were not observed in any patient. First twins and second twins exhibited similar survival (p = 0.82) despite higher LAS in first twins (median 45 versus 34, p < 0.001) and longer cold ischemic time in second twins (280 ± 83 vs. 478 ± 125, p < 0.001). Survival of left and right transplantation was similar (p = 0.45) with similar best post-transplant FEV1 (68 ± 15% versus 62 ± 14%, p = 0.26). Survival was similar in restrictive and obstructive disease (p = 0.28) with better post-transplant FEV1 (70 ± 15% versus 57 ± 11%, p = 0.02) in restrictive disease.
Conclusions
Performing two single-lung transplantations from one donor can be performed safely with encouraging intermediate-term outcome and good functional capacity. Lung twinning maximizes the donor pool and may help to overcome severe organ shortage.
Changes in L-phenylalanine concentration is a risk factor for NSCLC patients who received PD-1 Ab treatment: a case-control study
Authors: Liu Yaqing , Ping Yu , Zhang Liubo , Zhao Qitai , Huo Yachang , Li Congcong , Shan Jiqi , Qi Yanwen , Wang Liping , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2024

Background
Chemotherapy combined with checkpoint blockade antibodies that target programmed cell death protein (PD-1) has achieved remarkable success in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, only a small percentage of NSCLC patients experience long-term benefits. We aimed to design and validate a clinical predictive indicator based on serum metabolism for chemotherapy in combination with PD-1 treatment.
Methods
Here, we collected serial blood samples from 49 patients with NSCLC who underwent combined chemotherapy and PD-1 treatment and from 34 patients who received only chemotherapy. Samples were collected before treatment initiation (baseline) and after treatment. Non-targeted metabolomics was used to explore the different metabolites in patients.
Results
L-phenylalanine was identified as a predictor in patients with NSCLC during chemotherapy combined with PD-1, which was not found in patients receiving chemotherapy alone. An elevated ratio of L-phenylalanine concentration (two cycles after completion of treatment VS the initiation of treatment) was associated with improved progression-free survival [hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8000, 95% CI, 0.8566–3.7820, p < 0.0001] and overall survival (HR = 1.583, 95% CI, 0.7416–3.3800, p < 0.005). Furthermore, we recruited two validation cohorts (cohort 1:40 patients; cohort 2:30 patients) with blood samples taken at baseline and after one cycle of treatment to validate the sensitivity and specificity of L-phenylalanine prediction. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the L-phenylalanine concentration ratios in validation cohorts 1 and 2 were 0.8650 and 0.8400, respectively. Our results demonstrate that L-phenylalanine is a potential and novel predictive biomarker for chemotherapy combined with PD-1 in patients with NSCLC.
Conclusions
We constructed a serum metabolite prediction model for combined treatment by combining two independent predictors of patient response. This model can assess the risk of response to treatment in patients with NSCLC in the early stages of treatment and may help stratify and optimize clinical decisions.
Assessing the Synergistic Effects of Medetomidine and Meloxicam in Adult Horses: A Comprehensive Study on Clinical, Analgesic, and Sedative Outcome
Authors: Babolmorad Shahrzad , Ozmaie Saeed , Jahandideh Alireza , Asghari Ahmad
Published: January 2024

This study investigated medetomidine's clinical, analgesic, and sedative effects with meloxicam in adult horses. 20 horses were divided into four groups; healthy control, received 3.5 µg/kg medetomidine and 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam intravenously, received 5 µg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam, and received 7 µg/kg medetomidine and 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam. Heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, electrocardiographs, and sedation scores were monitored before and after the injection. In the fourth group, the heart rate had a statistically significant decrease after (15, 30, and 60 minutes), and the respiratory rate decreased after (1 and 120 minutes) compared to other groups. The body temperature compared to the first group (1, 30, and 120 minutes) and the second group (15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes) after injection showed a decrease. Response to contact stimuli was examined, and only sedation with 7 µg/kg medetomidine had no stimulation. There were no significant changes in the position of the limbs, anal reflex, perineal reflex, ataxia, abdominal auscultation, and abnormal sounds. Meloxicam and medetomidine induced appropriate relaxation and reduced side effects (e.g., respiratory depression and bradycardia) in horses.
Staurosporine as a potential treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis using mouse cornea as an ex vivo model
Authors: Rodríguez-Expósito Rubén L. , Sifaoui Ines , Salazar-Villatoro Lizbeth , Bethencourt-Estrella Carlos J. , Fernández José J. , Díaz-Marrero Ana R. , Sutak Robert , Omaña-Molina Maritza , Piñero José E. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: January 2024

Currently, six different genera were reported to be pathogenic to humans and animals, which the most common being Acanthamoeba genus. Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous genus of amoebae that can trigger severe and progressive ocular disease kwon as Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK). Furthermore, actual treatment protocols are based on the combination of different compounds that are not fully effective in eliminating the parasite in ocular infections. Therefore, this leads to an urgent need to develop new compounds to treat Acanthamoeba infections. In the present study, we have evaluated Staurosporine as a potential treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis using mouse cornea as an ex vivo model, and to investigate its model of action by comparative proteomic analysis. Staurosporine altered the conformation of actin and tubulin cytoskeleton of treated trophozoites of A. castellanii. In addition, proteomic analysis of the effect of Staurosporine on treated trophozoites revelated that this molecule induced an overexpression and a down-regulation of proteins related to functions vital for Acanthamoeba infections. Additionally, obtained results in this study on the ex vivo assay using mouse corneas validate this animal model for the study of the pathogenesis of AK. Finally, Staurosporine eliminated the entire amoebic population and prevented adhesion and infection of amoebae to the epithelium of treated mouse corneas.
Titanate nanotubes coated with Ag nanoparticles: Effects of Annealing Temperature on Crystalline Structure, Morphology, and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Salama Tarek M. , El-Gawad Ahmed Abd , El‐Henawy Ahmed A. , Ali Ibraheem O.
Published: January 2024

AgNPs were first introduced into the hydrothermally produced sodium titanate nanotubes using a photoreduction method. By gradually raising the temperature of Ag-doped TNTs samples between 100 and 350 ºC, the impact of the annealing temperature was investigated. XRD, HRTEM, FT-IR and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to characterize the nanotubes. Through the interchange of Ag+ with extra-framework Na+ in TNTs, the XRD demonstrated. The establishment of the Silver Titanate. On the other hand, a partial state transformation from nanotabular Na-TNTs to anatase nanotubes occurred with a rise in temperature. The interaction between Ag and TNT particles was assigned to the FT-IR band that appeared at 1384 cm− 1. The higher particle size was explained by HRTEM, the investigation demonstrated that the process of annealing resulted in the formation of larger clusters by aggregating small particles. UV-Vis and band gap measurements were used to assess how annealed samples affected the liquid phase of MB dye's capacity to photocatalyzed sunlight. Based on the breakdown of MB dye in an aqueous solution under solar conditions, the Ag/NaTNTs nanostructures with annealing temperatures ranging from 70 to 350◦C were assessed for their photocatalytic activities. The degradation rate increased with increasing annealing. The amorphous cluster's HOMO-LUMO gap and singlet-singlet excited state energies are quite like those of a crystalline Ag/TNTs, according to the calculations. Additionally, our calculations demonstrate that Ag/NaTNTs' computed energetic data values and low energy gap demonstrated strong activity against dye removal.
Using a Machine Learning Algorithm to Analyze the Effectiveness of Pre-service Teachers’ Training Throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: YİĞİT Murat , KARAL Ömer , ERSOY Esen
Published: January 2024

The research was carried out in a state university located in the Turkey. For the purposes of the research, data were collected using a semi-structured interview form consisting of 18 questions, 16 of which were input data to the OCSVM algorithm, and two which were designed for content analysis. The current findings were finalized by analyzing the data obtained from the pre-service teachers who had received Writing Education (WE) course in both formal education and through distance education with the OCSVM algorithm, and, second in accordance with the content analysis. The results of the ML-based OCSVM analysis, with an accuracy value of 98.11%, highlighted the preference that the WE course be provided only in the formal education environment.
Timing of fracture fixation in ankle fracture-dislocations
Authors: Penning Diederick , Tausendfreund Jasper , Naryapragi Azad , Reisinger Kostan , Tanis Erik , Joosse Pieter , Schepers Tim
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Ankle fracture-dislocations are the result of high energy trauma with concomitant soft tissue damage and may require delayed internal fixation. Our aim was to compare the use of acute ORIF with delayed ORIF, using external fixation or cast splint in ankle fracture-dislocations. We identify which factors affect the rates of re-operation and SSI.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients with open and closed ankle fracture-dislocations treated with ORIF from two large peripheral hospitals and one academic centre in the Netherlands. We used binary logistic regression for univariate and multivariate analyses to calculate which factors influence outcome.
Results
We included 447 patients with an ankle fracture-dislocation. In the multivariate analysis, the difference between surgery <48 hours compared to bridging with cast or external fixation had no significant influence on unscheduled re-operation or SSI. Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and open fractures had a significant positive correlation with re-operation and diabetes mellitus (DM) and open fractures correlated with SSI. In patients with open fractures, there was also no significant difference in outcome between acute or delayed internal fixation.
Conclusion
We suggest that it is safe to perform primary ORIF on all dislocated ankle fractures if the soft tissue injury allows surgery within 48 hours. When significant swelling is present, temporary immobilization is a safe option to allow for surgery. Patients with well-reduced fractures and with no soft tissue injury could be treated safely with a cast until delayed ORIF is possible.
Personalized Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Insights from a Disulfidptosis-Related Signature
Authors: Wan Yi , Xu Dan , Zhou Zhiyong , Ouyang Yi , Zhang Zugui , Zhang Li , Chen Tao , Gong Zheng
Published: January 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant pathological type of liver cancer with an unfavorable prognosis. Disulfidptosis is the newest cell death form and plays a vital role in tumorigenesis. However, the role of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in HCC remains unknown. The RNA-seq and clinical data of HCC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Based on DRGs in TCGA cohort, the predictive model was established via regression analysis of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and subsequently validated using ICGC cohort. Moreover, we investigated the relationship between predictive model and clinical features, somatic mutations, molecular mechanism, immune microenvironment and drug response. This study created an eight-gene signature. Here, we noticed a higher level of those eight genes in HCC patients in both RNA and protein levels. The patients in the high-risk group had a poor prognosis. It was found the predictive model was an independent prognostic factor by Multivariate Cox analyses. Pathways involved in cancer, cell membrane, and metabolism was significantly enriched. In addition, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and immune checkpoint genes expression were higher in the high-risk group. Furthermore, the high-risk group was more sensitive to immunotherapy and some targeted therapy. We comprehensively and systematically identified a new disulfidptosis-related signature, which could serve as a valuable tool for predicting prognosis, immune cell infiltration and therapy response of HCC patients. Thus, these discoveries could have potentially clinical value in directing personalized therapies in the future.
Ampelopsin (AMP) preserves glutamate homeostasis between astrocyte and neuron against cerebral ischemia injury
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Fang , Song Wang , Long Chun-mei , Zeng Xin , Guo Wen-Kai , Chen Xuan-yi , Lu Li
Published: January 2024

The glutamate-glutamine(Glu-Gln) cycle between astrocytes and neurons is an essential component in balancing extracellular Glu levels during excitatory neurotoxicity. Glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutaminase (GLS) are the key mediators in keeping Glu balance. Ampelopsin (AMP) has an inhibitory effect on peripheral GLS. It is uncertain whether this effect of AMP could produce neuroprotective effects and affect glutamate balance. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/ reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was constructed to investigate the effect of AMP and CB-839 on glutamate-induced ischemic injury in vivo. The protein expression of GLS, GS, glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) was detected, and the distribution of GLS and GS in brain astrocytes and neurons was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Glu is the active molecule that mediates the upstream and downstream excitotoxic responses. The levels of Glu and Gln in the Glu-Gln metabolic cycle were also assayed. Our studies demonstrated that either AMP or CB-839 showed neuroprotective effects on MCAO/R mice through alleviating cerebral infarction area, relieving brain edema and neurological deficit function. They also reduced the necrosis of nerve tissue, rescued the damage of neurons and Nissl bodies undergoing ischemia. In addition, both AMP and CB-839 enhanced GS-mediated conversion of Glu to Gln on astrocytes by increasing ischemic brain GS activity and reducing Glu accumulation via facilitating GLT-1 expression and promoting Glu uptake. On neurons, the GLS-mediated hydrolysis of Gln to Glu is hindered by AMP and CB-839 through reducing the expression of GLS, which results in elevated Gln content and downregulated Glu levels in cerebral ischemia. At the same time, the expression of NMDAR was decreased to prevent the excitatory neurotoxicity caused by Glu's excessive activation. AMP exhibited neuroprotection in mice subjected transient focal cerebral ischemia via its ability to promote the dynamic balance of the glutamate concentration.
Hypoxia promotes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma cells via ROS- mediated up-regulation of TRPM2
Authors: Zhao yibo , peng dan , zhu xiang feng , Cai Yongqing , Wang Kai-Yang , li ziwei , li li , jiang li ning , Chen Jian-Hong
Published: January 2024

Background: Hypoxia, an essential feature of gliomas, is thought to promote chemo-resistance by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is one of the ion transport proteins and is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress. However, relationship between ROS and TRPM2 expression in hypoxia-induced temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of glioblastoma cells remains unclear.
Methods: U87MG cells were cultured with different concentrations of TMZ for the indicated times under normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (2.5% O2). Cell viability was detected with WST-1 test and observed by a neurite outgrowth assay. The intracellular ROS scavenging activity was detected according to the H2DCF-DA method. The cells were also treated with the scavenger of ROS NAC and the inhibitor of TRPM2 2-APB. Impaired mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and intensity of intracellular Ca2+ were measured under fluorescence microscope. Online database was used to assess the relationship between MGMT and TRPM2 expression level. Western blot was used to analyze the protein levels of TRPM2, MGMT, MSH3 and APNG.
Results: Compared with the normoxia group, hypoxia significantly promoted glioma cells survival after treatment by TMZ (200µM) for 24 h or 48 h, accompanied with reduction of mitochondrial dysfunction and intracellular ROS. However, the baseline levels of ROS were mildly increased under hypoxia, which had no impact on mitochondrial function in glioma cells. Additional, TRPM2 expression was obviously increased under hypoxia and inhibited by NAC in glioma cells. We found that the expression levels of TRPM2 were positively correlated with MGMT both in online database (rho=0.165, P < 0.05) and GBM cancer tissues (r=0.9302, P < 0.05). Over-expression of TRPM2 participated in the up-regulation of APNG and MGMT, but down-regulation of MSH3 in glioma cells under hypoxia. Our findings also demonstrated that the treatment group during NAC or 2-APB add-on could significantly attenuate calcium influx, followed by increasing mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity in glioma cells, in comparison with TMZ alone.
Conclusion: The hypoxia-induced up-regulation of baseline ROS levels contributes to the decrease in the sensitivity of glioma cells to TMZ via promoting demethylation and inhibiting DNA mismatch repair. Moreover, TRPM2-mediated Ca2+ influx attenuates mitochondria dysfunction and then protects glioma cells against TMZ damage. TRPM2 may be a potential target in adjuvant treatment with TMZ for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients.
Simulation of wood drying process with asensitivity analysis.
Authors: Saiz Fernando Rosales , Martínez Mágyuri Ávila , Arias Joaquin Matilla
Published: January 2024

The equations system of heat and mass transfer that govern the drying process forpine wood was simulated with finite element method, using the model proposed byLuikov (1966). Profiles of moisture potential and temperature were obtained andanalyzed at different drying times and positions on the sample. Also a sensitivitystudy of moisture non-uniformity was carried out over the parameters presentsin the boundary conditions. It shown a prediction for profiles of moisture non-uniformity for ranges of the more influential boundary conditions parameters.
Pseudoinvasion and squamous metaplasia/morules in colorectal adenomatous polyp:a case report and literature review
Authors: Shi Li , Li Huamin , Li Shulian , Lin Songyan , Wu Ying
Published: January 2024

Background
Submucosal pseudoinvasion and squamous metaplasia (SM) are incidental and special morphological findings in colorectal adenomas, and both can mimic invasive carcinoma. The coexistence of these two findings further increases the risk of misdiagnosis, posing a great diagnostic challenge to pathologists. From 1979 to 2022, only 8 cases have been reported, which was extremely rare. In this report, we presented a case of sigmoid colon adenoma accompanied by pseudoinvasion and SM. Additionally, relevant literature was analyzed to summarize the clinical and pathological characteristics.
Case presentation
A 51-year-old Chinese male patient presented with fresh blood after defecation. Electronic colonoscopy revealed multiple polyps, which were removed using a snare and subjected to high-frequency electrocoagulation resection. The largest polyp, located in the sigmoid colon, was a thick pedunculated and lobulated polyp with a maximum diameter of 2.8 cm. The surface of the polyp showed slight ruggedness and redness, and it was sent for pathological examination. Grossly, the polyp had a lobulated and slightly rough surface. Microscopically, it showed a tubulovillous adenoma with mucosal muscle hyperplasia. Glandular elements were observed in the submucosal layer, forming a well-defined lobular structure. Some of the glands displayed cystic change, and focal SM could be seen within the adenoma. SM could manifest as discrete solid cell nests of varying sizes or cribriform-morular-like structures. Immunohistochemical staining showed that SM cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6); P40, P63, and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) were negative; while caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) was weakly positive. β-catenin showed abnormal nuclear expression, and an extremely low Ki67 proliferation index was observed.
Conclusions
Our case, along with the cases reported in the literature suggest that the coexistence of SM and pseudoinvasion in colorectal adenomas is highly rare. It is more commonly observed in males and tends to occur in the sigmoid colon. It primarily manifests in tubulovillous adenoma and tubular adenoma, with a majority of cases exhibiting a pedicle. Histologically, it is similar to invasive lesions. Immunohistochemical markers play a crucial role in distinguishing them from true invasive lesions.
LITTORAL OUEST IVOIRIEN, UNE ZONE DE PECHE AUX MARCHES DE DISTRIBUTION DE PRODUITS HALIEUTIQUES FRAIS INSATISFAITS
Authors:   UFR Sciences De la Mer (Universite de San Pedro)., Soualiho ALADJI
Published: January 2024

The westIvoriancoastis a fishing zone whichcapitalizes four large departmentswhichconstitute landing centers for freshfisheryproducts in significantquantities. This sectorconstitutes a major source of fishconsumption due to itsdemographicdynamics. Indeed, from 1,227,464inhabitantsin 2014 (RGPH, 2014) the population size of all of thesedepartmentsincreased to 1,521,704 inhabitants, an increase of 24%. However, the observation of the scarcity of freshproducts on local marketsis a reality. This contribution aims to analyze the distribution of types of fishproductsthatpassthrough local markets. It isbased not only on the characteristicelements of the markets but also on the direction of flows in quantitative and qualitative terms.The data collection methodisbased on documentaryresearch and a fieldsurvey. The literature has made it possible to situate the role of markets and the games of distribution players, and to understand the difficultieslinked to access to fisheryproducts. In the field, production statistics (2020-2022) werecollected. A focus group wascarried out with 30 fish traders based on 5 people in the 6 marketsselected for the study. This same quota wasapplied to the collection of data fromfishermen.The markets of the westIvoriancoast are characterized by the distribution of smoked and frozenfishproducts. An intense distribution of fresh local peachesoutside the departments to the detriment of local marketsis a reality.
Previsão de Geração de Energia Fotovoltaica Utilizando Transformação de Séries Temporais em Imagens e Redes Neurais Convolucionais
Authors: Monteiro Diego , Castro Adriana
Published: January 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma nova abordagem baseada em Rede Neural Convolucional Bidimensional (Convolutional Neural Network CNN) e Gráfico de Recorrência (Recurrence Plot RP) para previsão em curto prazo da geração de energia elétrica de uma microusina fotovoltaica conectada à rede elétrica, localizada no Centro de Excelência em Eficiência Energética da Amazônia - CEAMAZON, da Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA). O gráfico de recorrência foi utilizado para transformação das séries temporais em imagens para serem utilizadas como entrada para a CNN. A previsão de geração de energia elétrica com maior precisão possibilita ao usuário conhecer com maior grau de acerto quais os possíveis custos para implantação da rede e os prazos para retorno financeiro, além de avaliar com maior assertividade a disponibilidade de carga que poderá ser conectada ao sistema. Os resultados da previsão com a utilização da CNN 2D e RP foram comparados com resultados utilizando outros tipos de rede neurais já consolidadas na área, tendo obtido valores RMSE satisfatórios, da ordem de 1,85% menor que o erro obtido com a Perceptron Multicamadas e 3,03% menor que o RMSE da CNN 1D, mostrando assim a sua aplicabilidade para o problema.
Analyzing the impact of environmental flow indices on protecting the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates
Authors: Sedighkia Mahdi , Abdoli Asghar
Published: January 2024

This study evaluates the impact of environmental flow regimes in the river habitats on the biodiversity index of macroinvertebrates. A multiple linear regression model was developed to simulate the biodiversity index of macroinvertebrates in which two combined indicators were considered as the inputs. A combined water quality index that can integrate the impacts of all key water quality parameters as well as a combined physical flow index were considered as the inputs of the biodiversity model. Based on the case study results, some hydrological indices of environmental flows such as 10% of mean annual flow would remarkably weaken the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates. By contrast, some environmental flow indices such as the physical habitat index can mitigate the impacts of changing flow regimes by minimizing the differences between the biodiversity index in the natural flow and environmental flow regimes. Furthermore, some hydrological indicators such as 60% of mean annual flow performed similarly to physical habitat methods. However, the results demonstrated that the degradation of water quality due to human activities has considerably weakened the biodiversity even in the natural flow regime, which means implementing an environmental flow regime without water quality improvement might worsen biodiversity. This study highlights that environmental flow studies should be incorporated within the biodiversity modeling of macroinvertebrates.
Factors influencing the adoption and utilization of latrines in Babille Woreda, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Belete Biniam Endale , Ambelu Argaw , Addis Taffere
Published: January 2024

The primary objective of this research was to identify the factors that influence sanitation behaviors toward the adoption and use of latrines in Babille woreda, Fafan zone, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional community-based study design was used. Household survey was used to collect quantitative data. Qualitative data were also gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. A total of 383 respondents were included in the study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the quantitative data. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a logistic regression model. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. In the study area, 228 (59.5%) households had adopted latrines. However, only about one-third of them (111, 29.0%) consistently used the latrine. Sex, occupation, income, being aware of latrine construction, use and maintenance, and sources of information were significantly associated with household latrine adoption. Interventions to increase latrine adoption and utilization should account for differences in latrine adoption disparities by sex of the household head, occupation, and household income.
Virtual water flows and drivers in the international trade of agricultural products of the regional comprehensive economic partnership
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Yu , Tian Qing , Man Xiaojie , Wang Mengfan
Published: January 2024

The regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP) is today the largest free trade area in the world. This paper examines agricultural trade in the RCEP from 2010 to 2019 through the perspective of virtual water. And the drivers of the virtual water flow between China and the RCEP are also explored. The results are as follows: the virtual water flow during the study period was 2,576.51 billion m3. From a temporal perspective, the annual virtual water flow over the study period is characterized by a slow rise–significant fall–slow rise. It has the characteristics of concentration in spatial distribution and water resources and product structure. However, the concentration degree showed a downward trend during the study period. Then, we have divided the major trading into four categories based on whether there is a shortage of water on both sides of the trade. In terms of the drivers of virtual water flows between China and the RCEP, we have used the gravity model to arrive at the following findings: crop yields, bilateral economic scale, and agricultural labor resources are the main drivers. Our research results have reference values for adjusting bilateral agricultural trade and water conservation.
Contribuições das abordagens crítico-dialéticas para um Ensino Escolar Desenvolvente
Authors: Casagrande Fernanda Couto Guimarães , Girotto Cyntia Graziella Guizelim Simões , Franco Sandra Aparecida Pires
Published: January 2024

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi compreender como as contribuições da Teoria Histórico-Cultural, Teoria da Atividade e Teoria da Atividade de Estudo oportunizam um ensino escolar desenvolvente por apresentar a importância de colocar o aluno em necessidade de aprender. Ao pensarmos os processos de ensino e de aprendizagem nos Anos Iniciais, verificamos que muitas práticas pedagógicas exigem apenas ações de repetição e memorização, em que o foco é apenas cumprir atividades propostas no livro didático, distanciando-se de um ensino escolar desenvolvente. Para tanto, o problema elencado foi: Como as contribuições das teorias acima oportunizam um ensino escolar desenvolvente? A investigação foi bibliográfica, elegendo como aspectos de análise as seguintes expressões: a) ensino; b) teoria da atividade; e, c) teoria da Atividade de Estudo. Trata-se, de uma pesquisa descritiva, do tipo documental e com abordagem crítico-dialética. Concluímos que o ensino escolar é alvo de muitas discussões, sempre na intenção de impulsionar o desenvolvimento dos estudantes.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Cholic Acid Tagged Piperazine Derivatives
Authors: Alshawabkeh Dima W. , Rasras Anas J. , Abushattal Saqr , Al Zubi Mohammad S. , Shakdofa Mohamad M. , Younes Eyad A. , Al-Qawasmeh Raed A.
Published: January 2024

Diseases caused by bacteria are a big challenge for scientists worldwide. These
bacteria can be resistant through the adaption of new ways to protect themselves against
antimicrobial drugs and thus become multidrug resistance. In this work, new derivatives of
1,3,4-oxadiazole- cholic acid were synthesized and fully characterized using different techniques,
such as 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HRMS. Their biological activity, along with the
measuring of their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), was studied and reported. The
antimicrobial activity of the new library was assessed via in vitro screening against both
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The compounds showed selectivity against
Gram-positive bacteria. Among the new analogues, compounds 4F and 5h were found to be
potent against S. aureus with MIC of 47 μg/mL. Compounds 4f, 5g and 5h were active
against MRSE with MIC of 188, 99, and 23 μg/mL, respectively.
Scalable, Chromatography-Free Synthesis of 1,7-dimethylxanthine
Authors: Sun Shaoguang , Jiang Yucheng , Mao Hui , Cui Shuya
Published: January 2024

1,7-dimethylxanthine is a critical intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry. In this
paper, a scalable route for the synthesis of 1,7-dimethylxanthine was developed. The method included
two steps: (1) acylation reaction of ethyl 4-amino-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-5- carboxylate
was carried out by using commercially available methylcarbamoyl chloride as the starting material;
(2) through cyclization of pyrimidine ring with aqueous sodium hydroxide, 1,7-
dimethylxanthine was obtained with a total yield of 80%, and its HPLC purity was 99% by area.
The method is very efficient and readily adaptable to kilogram scale, and because of the cyclization
reaction process in aqueous conditions, this route is worthy of exploration for industrial application.
Electrospun Biopolymer as a Therapeutic Agent in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Rustagi Prachi , Verma Swati , Malviya Rishabha , Mishra Shuchita
Published: January 2024

This article highlights the therapeutic use of electrospun biopolymers in cancer treatment.
An overview of cancer and electrospun is presented at the beginning. The reasons for electrospinning,
the elements that influence electrospinning, and the most recent breakthroughs in the utilization of
electrospun nanofibers in cancer research are then explored. The insertion of drugs, managing emission
kinetics, alignment and proper arrangement of nano range fibers, and the production of 3D nanofibers
are all discussed as essential characteristics of electrospun nanofibers that are extremely important
for cancer research.
Breast Cancer Subtypes and Current Promising Genetic Engineering Tools for Breast Cancer Treatment - An Overview
Authors: Chong Eric Tzyy Jiann , Ngiam Adlar Ryan , Lee Ping-Chin
Published: January 2024

:

Breast cancer poses a significant global health challenge, and if current trends persist, the
burden of breast cancer is projected to escalate, yielding over 3 million new cases and 1 million fatalities
annually by the year 2040. Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, presenting a spectrum
of subtypes, each characterized by unique clinical behaviors and responses to treatments. Understanding
these breast cancer subtypes is of paramount importance in the fields of oncology and
personalized medicine. In addition to conventional breast cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy,
radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy, recent scientific advancements have
introduced a range of genetic engineering tools with noteworthy potential. Zinc finger nucleases
(ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), clustered regularly interspaced
short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and small interfering RNA (siRNA) have emerged as promising
components of breast cancer treatment. These tools offer encouraging applications due to their precision
in targeting and manipulating genes. This review presents a comprehensive exploration of the
various subtypes of breast cancer, along with an examination of the current promising genetic engineering
tools in treating breast cancer. It sheds light on their roles in the evolving landscape of breast
cancer treatment.
Review on Advances in Pediatric Endoscopy in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Isoldi Sara , Mallardo Saverio , Quitadamo Paolo , Leter Beatrice , Cucchiara Salvatore
Published: January 2024

:

Over the past decades, an increased importance has been given to gastrointestinal (GI)
endoscopy in the management of children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), considering
that mucosal healing has been recognized as the optimal endpoint in the treat-to-target paradigm.
The recent advances in technology and anesthesia have facilitated the comprehensive evaluation
of the GI tract. In this review, we will discuss the role of ileocolonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy,
and device-assisted enteroscopy in the work-up and management of pediatric Crohn’s disease
(CD) and ulcerative colitis, with particular attention on non-invasive endoscopic techniques, such
as wireless capsule endoscopy. We will also analyze the most commonly used endoscopic scoring
systems, including small bowel scoring systems and endoscopic recurrence grading of neo-terminal
ileum CD. Moreover, we will focus on the endoscopic management of complications, such as
strictures, that commonly require surgery. Lastly, we will discuss cancer surveillance in children
with IBD, with particular consideration of the role of high-definition endoscopic equipment and
chromoendoscopy in dysplasia detection rates.
Azathioprine-induced Veno-occlusive Hepatotoxicity in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Dongre Nikhil , Kalita Jayantee , Misra Usha K.
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of post-synaptic
neuromuscular junction characterised by fatigable muscle weakness and is treated with prednisolone
with or without other immunosuppressants, including azathioprine (AZA). Veno-occlusive
hepatotoxicity of AZA is a rare complication in MG.

Case Report:

We report a 35-year-old man with MG, was treated with pyridostigmine, prednisolone,
and AZA for 5 years. He presented with abdominal pain and increased fatiguability for 7
days. His serum bilirubin and liver enzymes were elevated, and ultrasound revealed a dilated
hepatic vein and portal vein suggestive of veno-occlusive liver disease. The clinical symptoms,
liver functions, and ultrasound of the hepatobiliary system normalized after withdrawal of AZA.

Conclusion:

A possibility of AZA veno-occlusive hepatoxicity should be considered in a MG
patient if presented with abdominal pain, elevated bilirubin and transaminases, and ultrasound
showing dilatation of hepatic veins. Physicians should be aware of this complication because this
toxicity is reversible following dose reduction or withdrawal of AZA.
Salmonella Typhi: A Review of Antibiogram Journey in Developing
Countries
Authors: Singhal Lipika , Sandhu Diljot , Gupta Varsha , Kour Ivneet
Published: January 2024

Background: Typhoid fever poses a significant health challenge in low- and middleincome countries (LMiCs), impacting millions of individuals across various age groups. Its
prevalence is particularly pronounced in South Asia. Factors contributing to its transmission in
South Asia include rapid unplanned urbanization, urban-rural disparities, provision of poor water and sanitation facilities, and open defecation.
The mortality rate of typhoid fever is up to 1%, and those who survive have a protracted period
of poor health and carry an enormous financial burden. The treatment is further complicated by
the emerging antibiotic resistance leaving few treatment options in hands. This issue has become
more urgent due to the further emergence of extended drug-resistant (XDR) and multidrugresistant (MDR) typhoid strains, as well as their subsequent global spread. Fluoroquinoloneresistant Salmonella spp. is currently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a
high (Priority 2) pathogen. As a result, establishing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)
according to the latest guidelines may prove effective in treating typhoid fever and minimizing
the rising threat of drug resistance.
Disease X: Beyond Fear, Toward Preparedness
Authors: Awasthi Rajendra
Published: January 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the increasing incidence of
infectious diseases with potential global transmission [1]. The World Health Organization
(WHO) coined the phrase "Disease X" to denote a theoretical infectious disease that has not
yet been detected but has the capacity to cause a global pandemic. Disease X denotes an
unidentified pathogenic agent with the potential to instigate a forthcoming global outbreak
[2]. Commencing with a convened gathering on the 18th of November 2022, the WHO has
initiated a comprehensive assembly of more than 300 esteemed experts. The primary objective of this assembly is to meticulously examine the available information pertaining to over
25 virus families, bacteria, and a hypothetical pathogen referred to as "Disease X." The initial publication of the list occurred in
2017.
Development of Effective Antileishmanial Herbal Drug from Withania
Somnifera and Tinospora Cordifolia Extract
Authors: Tiwari Ritesh K , Kumar Ashish , Singh Veer , Rai Sachchida N , Singh Santosh K , Ahmad Ghufran , Vamanu Emanuel , Singh Meenakshi
Published: January 2024

Background::

Visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne immune-related disease that
manifests mainly by lowering of immune protective T-helper-1 cells and onset of diseasepromoting
T-helper-2 cells therefore the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis depends on boosting
the immune status of the host.

Methods::

In this study, two traditional medicinal plants Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia
were selected, and their whole plant extracts were used for treating visceral leishmaniasisinfected
BALB/c mice. Observing the case of immune suppression and balance of Th-1/Th-2
dichotomy during visceral leishmaniasis in mind, the efficacy of these combined herbal drugs
against visceral leishmaniasis infected mice was evaluated by monitoring the restoration of Thelper-
1 type protective immune response.

Results::

To evaluate the effectiveness of these drugs against visceral leishmaniasis, reactive nitrogen
species and reactive oxygen species were measured. Biochemical parameters were also
performed from blood serum samples during this study, and normalized results were obtained in
visceral leishmaniasis-infected mice treated with Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia
subgroup. The Amphotericin B treated subgroup was considered as standard positive control
during the experiment.

Conclusion::

A combination of herbal drugs resulted in a successful clearance of Leishmania
parasite as well as increased immune protective T-helper-1 cells, suggesting these drugs as efficient
antileishmanial agents.