bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic vulnerability assessment of historical timber temples: a case study of the Hanging Temple in China
Authors: Yang Zhuoxin , Liu Dewen , Shen Luo , Mu Shian , Xie Fei , Liu Yang
Published: November 2024

Hanging Temple, one of the representatives of traditional wooden structure architectural heritage in northern China, is affixed to the cliff and closely connected to the rock wall. This complicates its structural analysis due to uneven foundation height and irregular lateral stiffness. This paper adopts a simplified simulation method based on Shear plastic hinge Dougong (DG), modified mortise-tenon joint (MTJ), and compressive constitutive model of wood for the example of a Hanging Temple in northern China. A finite element model of the Hanging Temple was established based on the results of field research and mapping. Its structural dynamic response to rare earthquakes was studied in depth to assess the structure's seismic performance. The results show that the simplified simulation method can accurately and effectively simulate the plastic behavior of DG and MTJ. Under the 3D ground motion excitation, the structural deformation and stresses were mainly concentrated at the foundations' embedded end, especially the dynamic response of the bottom column end and the cantilever beams at all levels was most significant. The Hanging Temple's force situation differs from that of general wooden structures. The existence of cantilever beams leads to the vertical asymmetry of the structure, which causes the uneven distribution of stiffness (the Y-direction stiffness is much smaller than the X-direction stiffness), and the middle columns, which are connected to multiple beams and DG, become the main distribution points of stiffness, and are subject to larger eccentric loads and tensile stresses, especially at the top of the columns where they are connected to the DG. They take up more internal forces to transfer and disperse the seismic forces. Historical wooden structures are a significant part of the world's architectural heritage. Establishing an accurate seismic performance assessment model to evaluate these historical buildings is still challenging. This study provides an effective method and basis for seismic performance assessment and modeling of ancient wooden structures.
RETRACTED: From green chemistry to clean water: Bi 2 O 3 Nanoparticles as Photocatalyst
Authors: V Lakshmi Ranganatha , S Shivaganga G , B Vasanth Patil H , S Pramila , G Nagaraju , P Parameswara , C Mallikarjunaswamy
Published: November 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Exploring parents' perceptions and experiences of childhood obesity and management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: An interpretive qualitative study
Authors: Almutairi Sarah Hamad , Alhamidi Sami Abdulrahman
Published: November 2024

Background
Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in Saudi Arabia that is influenced by parents' perceptions and attitudes. This study explores how Saudi parents perceive childhood obesity, the barriers they face in managing it, and their motivations for adopting healthier behaviours in their children.
Methods
A hybrid approach to thematic analysis was employed, combining deductive and inductive coding to allow for emergent themes directly from the data. Semistructured interviews were conducted with twelve parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, whose children were identified as overweight or obese. The data were analysed to identify key themes related to parental perceptions and childhood obesity management.
Results
Four themes emerged from the data: (1) perceptions towards childhood obesity; (2) perceived barriers to weight management; (3) perceived benefits to weight management; and (4) perceived motivators to addressing obesity.
Conclusion
Saudi parents' perceptions of childhood obesity are influenced by deep-rooted cultural norms but evolve as they become more aware of the associated health risks. This study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive, family-centered public health interventions in addressing childhood obesity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Interventions should focus on reducing barriers and enhancing parental motivation to support healthier behaviours in children.
Bone Cement Embolism Causing Right Ventricle Perforation
Authors: Dai Xiaoyi , Chen Liangwei , Pan Dihao , Zhao Haige , Ma Liang
Published: November 2024

Background: Bone cement embolism is one of major complications of percutaneous kyphoplasty. Although rare, the intracardiac cement embolism is potentially life-threatening, with a documented incidence of 3.9%, and it is even more infrequent if symptomatic (0.3%).
Case presentation: Herein, we reported an extremely rare case of intracardiac bone cement embolism after percutaneous kyphoplasty causing right ventricle perforation. A 70-year-old woman, experiencing sudden left chest pain with radiation to the shoulder for 9 hours, was transferred to our emergency department. Two hours before onset of her symptoms, she underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty at the local hospital. The chest computed tomography angiography revealed that an intracardiac foreign body penetrated her right ventricle. In light of her surgical history, bone cement embolism was suspected and thus, the patient was transferred to our center. Computed tomography and echocardiography confirmed the presence of intracardiac linear-shaped foreign body perforating the right ventricle. Therefore, the patient underwent open-heart surgery and the bone cement was removed successfully.
Conclusions: Symptomatic intracardiac bone cement embolism is potentially fatal, so the rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment measures based on the cement emboli characteristics and the patient's condition are crucial.
Application of a High-Throughput Swarm-Based Deep Neural Network Algorithm Reveals SPAG5 Downregulation as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Adult AML
Authors: Ajonu Chinyere I , Grundy Robert I , Ball Graham R , Zafeiris Dimitrios
Published: November 2024

Gene-gene interactions play a pivotal role in disease pathogenesis and are fundamental in the development of targeted therapeutics, particularly through the elucidation of oncogenic gene drivers in cancer. The systematic analysis of pathways and gene interactions is critical in the drug discovery process for various cancer subtypes. SPAG5, known for its role in spindle formation during cell division, has been identified as an oncogene in several cancers, although its specific impact on AML remains underexplored. This study leverages a high-throughput swarm-based deep neural network (SDNN) and omics data—an approach that enhances predictive accuracy and robustness through collective intelligence—to augment, model, and enhance the understanding of the TP53 pathway in AML cohorts. Our integrative systems biology approach identified SPAG5 as a uniquely downregulated driver in adult AML, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic target. The interaction of SPAG5 with key hub genes such as MDM2 and CDK1 not only reinforces its role in tumor suppression through negative regulation but also highlights its potential in moderating the phenotypic and genomic alterations associated with AML progression. This study of the role and interaction dynamics of SPAG5 sets the stage for future research aimed at developing targeted and personalized treatment approaches for AML, utilizing the capabilities of genetic interventions.
Influence of Cu content on optical spectra of Cu/Mg co-doped ZnO films by Kramers–Kronig
Authors: fakharpour Mahsa
Published: November 2024

Mg and Cu co-doped ZnO thin films were fabricated on a FTO glass substrate by the electrochemical method at a constant current density of 3.5 mA/cm². Mg:Cu:ZnO films with a 3 wt.% Mg concentration and varying concentrations of 0, 2, 3, and 4 wt.% Cu are designated as ZM3, ZM3C2, ZM3C3, and ZM3C4, respectively. The thin films were subjected to analysis using XRD, SEM, FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The structural and optical parameters of Mg:Cu:ZnO thin films for photonic applications were investigated in detail. The results of the structural and morphological analysis demonstrated that the structural parameters and grain size are dependent on the concentration of dopants. The grain size was calculated to be 55.20, 36.43, 32.64, and 32.57 nm for the ZM3, ZM3C2, ZM3C3, and ZM3C4 films, respectively. The results of the spectroscopy analysis indicated a reduction in the band gap, from 3.9 eV to 3.6 eV, as the concentration of Cu in Mg:Cu:ZnO increased from 0–4%. The optical parameters of the films were obtained through the utilization of FTIR transmission spectrum data and the application of Kramers–Kronig (K-K) relations. The findings indicated that the ZM3C3 film exhibited the highest energy storage capacity and the lowest energy loss when compared to the other samples.
Relationship between helicobacter pylori infection and the incidence of dyslipidemia among asymptomatic adults in Jimma City, Ethiopia
Authors: Zawdie Belay , Abate Kalkidan Hassen , Tesfaye Solomon , Enkobahry Aklesya , Tadesse Mulualem , Tamiru Dessalegn , Belachew Tefera
Published: November 2024

Infection with H. Pylori triggers chronic inflammatory states along with dyslipidemia contribute of atherosclerosis. However, there is lack of emerging evidences of relationship of H. pylori infections and dyslipidemia among healthy adults. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and the incidence of dyslipidemia among asymptomatic adults in Jimma City, Ethiopia. A total of 865 asymptomatic adults aged > 18 years were enrolled in the study. From each study participants, 24-hrs dietary re-call, Rome-III based criteria abdominal pain symptoms, 5ml of venous blood and 20g of fresh stool was collected. From the study participants, positive H. pylori infection was, 170(19.7%) whereas dyslipidemia incidence was, 108(12.5). Factors significantly associated with the H. pylori positive test with an AOR (95% CI, p < 0.05) were chewing khat, less physical activity, dyslipidemia, being hypertensive, central obesity and functional dyspepsia as compared to their normal counterparts. However, H. pylori infection was not associated with any of the dietary diversity scores. H. pylori infection is detected among asymptomatic population living in our study area. Moreover, H. pylori infection is significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Therefore, early screening and decreasing the risk factors are highly recommendable.
Effect of Punch and Die Surface Texture and CoCrMo Die on Micro Backward Extrudability of Pure Magnesium
Authors: Funazuka Tatsuya , Nakamura Kairi , Shiratori Tomomi , Dohda Kuniaki
Published: November 2024

Magnesium, a biomaterial, is crucial in medical applications. Conventional forming processes such as extrusion are applied to micromedical parts such as stents. As the conventional forming process is micromachined, size effects due to the crystalline structure and friction of the work material must be controlled. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the tool surface properties, such as the punch and die surface nanotexture, on the microextrudability, including the extrusion load, product shape, and product crystalline structure, using pure magnesium billets as the test pieces. A CoCrMo die, which is suitable for microextrusion, was used as the new die material. The extrusion load increased rapidly as the stroke progressed under all the tool conditions. The extrusion load was significantly reduced for nanotextured punches and dies. The nanotextured punches and dies exhibited less adhesion to the tool surface. Using electron backscatter diffraction, the material analysis results demonstrated that the nanotextured tool promoted crystal refinement, improved material flowability, and uniformly introduced more strain. However, using a mirror tool resulted in lower material flowability and non-uniform strain. A comparison of the tool types revealed that the CoCrMo die reduces the degree of adhesion to the tool and the degree of the machining effect, which results in enhanced formability compared with the AISI H13 die. The CoCrMo die with the nanotexture exhibited the lowest forming load and tool adhesion. These results indicate that the die surface properties can be optimized to reduce the tool-material friction and adhesion when compared with the punch.
Digital Plating: A Universal and Versatile Microbiological Technique
Authors: Li Gang , Hu Tianbao , Han Xue , Wu Lei , Sun Bangyong
Published: November 2024

Traditional plate culturing remains the “gold standard” in microbiology labs, but it is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and resource-heavy. Here, we introduce a digital plating (DP) platform that integrates digital assays with traditional plate culturing. Using a high-density microwell array chip covered with an agar medium sheet, the DP platform not only enables accurate bacterial quantification but also facilitates the isolation of single bacteria from complex communities for further characterization. The high flexibility afforded by the replaceable agar medium cover allows the DP platform to support complex microbial culturing, thereby broadening its potential applications. We demonstrated its versatility in accurate bacterial quantification, efficient isolation, identification, and clonal culture of specific bacteria from complex communities, rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing, and detailed investigation of microbial interactions. The DP system’s simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and versatility demonstrate its potential to substitute traditional plating techniques and enable rapid and scalable bacterial assays that were previously unattainable.
Determination of the drivers of macro-scale ecosystem service values and the evolution of spatial patterns
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Xiao Hui , Wan Yu Xuan , Xu Bin
Published: November 2024

China's Yellow River Basin (YRB) is among the country's most intricate watersheds in terms of topographic and geomorphological features. Additionally, it poses a significant barrier for China's national ecological security and economic growth. An essential tool for scientific land use and management planning in the YRB, additionally for improving watershed system management, ecological protection, and restoration capacities, is examining the effects of land type conversion on the spatial variations of ecosystem service value (ESV). The spatial characteristic changes of ESV in the YRB were analyzed by using the grid method and the adjusted equivalence factor method. Using a geodetector, the geographical effects of the contributing factors on ESV were examined, and the correlations between the influencing factors and the changes in ESV were analyzed based on the grey correlation model temporally. The finding indicates that (1) The single motivation of ecological land in the YRB between 1980 and 2020 has a positive increase, and the single motivation of cultivated land, wetland and unutilized land has negatively increased. Its combined motivation is in a positively increasing state. (2) From 1980 to 2020, there was a change in the YRB ESV supply service, regulatory service, support service, and cultural service; these services first decreased and then increased. (3) The higher and lower delta regions of the YRB are the primary areas of elevated distribution and aggregated growth of ESVs; the Taihang Mountains and the Qinling Mountains are the dividing line of the spatial distribution of the various ESVs. The different ESVs in the YRB from 1980 to 2020 show a stepwise change in spatial distribution. (4) The effects of rainfall, habitat quality, population density, GDP and DEM on ESV were stronger in space, and soil type, slope, population density, GDP and nighttime light index were more highly correlated with ESV in time. Throughout the study period, as socioeconomic and anthropogenic activity intensities grew, so did their effects on ESV in the YRB. The ecological environment quality of the YRB's upstream and the delta at the mouth of the sea had greatly improved due to the successful ecological management of the region between 1980 and 2020, which made the region’s ESVs’ spatial aggregative differentiation of ESVs worse. This study provides the scientific basis and tools for decision-making on land use, management, and the spatial planning of socioeconomic development in the YRB.
The Impact of Primers for Wood Bonding on Beech Wood’s Young’s Modulus
Authors: BÖGER Thomas , ENGELHARDT Max , RICHTER Klaus , SANCHEZ-FERRER Antoni
Published: November 2024

When producing load-bearing timber products with one-component polyurethane adhesives and certain wood species, e.g., beech or larch, primers can be used to obtain stronger and more durable bonds. The active chemicals of three existing primer systems, hydroxymethylated resorcinol formaldehyde (HMR), polysorbate 20 (PS20), and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), were used to impregnate beech wood. Young’s modulus (E) in the radial direction was determined in tensile mode. A modified E can influence the deformation and stress distribution at the wood-glue interface. Compared to the untreated wood, the average E was reduced by 7% for the water-treated reference and the HMR treatment. With the PS20 treatment, the average E was reduced by 16%, compared to the untreated wood, and by 45% with the PEG treatment.
Gouty arthritis of accessory navicular-navicular-joint: a case report
Authors: yang long , Cao Guangchao , Cui Yundong
Published: November 2024

Background Gouty arthritis is a periarticular inflammatory reaction caused by the deposition of urate crystals in the joint capsule, synovium, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous tissue, which occurs in men over 40 years of age, mostly in the metatarsophalangeal joints and other joints of the foot, followed by joints such as the ankle, knee, shoulder, and elbow [1]. The incidence of accessory navicular bone ranges from 10–14% [2], while accessory navicular – navicular joint complicated by gouty arthritis is extremely rare and easily misdiagnosed. Case presentation We present a case of gouty arthritis of the accessory scaphoid-scaphoid joint in a patient who completed a 1-year follow-up with no recurrence of symptoms, and we chose to share our experience with this rare case because gouty arthritis of the accessory scaphoid-scaphoid joint is a rare disease that usually presents with symptoms similar to those of accessory scaphoid pain of the foot, such as tenderness at the medial scaphoid junction of the foot. Especially when joint destruction is not severe in the early stages, it is also difficult to distinguish radiologically until the joint. Discussion and conclusion The patient in this report had gouty arthritis of both the accessory scaphoid and the accessory scaphoid-scaphoid joint, so the onset was insidious and it was easy to miss the diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Therefore, if accessory scaphoid pain occurs repeatedly in the outpatient department and cannot be relieved, careful reading is required after perfecting the X-ray examination, and whether it is associated with periarticular bone destruction manifestations, it is recommended to further improve the uric acid examination. In addition to rest, patients with mild joint damage, no clear history of trauma, and short duration of pain should be actively treated with uric acid lowering therapy. If the patient has recurrent pain, joint debridement and removal of the accessory navicular bone are feasible when conservative treatment is ineffective or joint destruction is evident, in order to more effectively improve the patient's symptoms.
Analyzing effects of cultural, regional, and demographic factors on nation brand: moderating and mediating dynamics
Authors: Jeon Geeho , Cho Dong-Sung
Published: November 2024

This study analyzes the impact of cultural, regional, and demographic factors on nation brand across 39 countries, and verifies the mediating and moderating effects. Firstly, the analysis was conducted using NBV (nation Brand Value) model which is a hybrid nation brand model incorporating both respondent’s perception surveys and secondary statistical data. Nation brand determinants of this model are categorized into five main components: national image, national relationships, nation brand strategy, national competitiveness, and nation brand earnings. National image includes leadership, human rights, stability, morality, and culture, while national relationships encompass current and past relationships, experiences, tourism, and physical distance. Secondly, the perception survey method involved investigating the nation brands of 39 countries through responses from 1,600 participants residing in 56 countries. Thirdly, the statistical survey method utilized data from international organizations on factors such as physical distance, corruption index, tourism, quality of citizens, and nation brand earnings. Lastly, this study statistically verifies that cultural factors play mediating role in the relationship between psychological proximity and nation brand, and identifies the moderating effects of regional and demographic factors by country. Furthermore, countries with similar or identical results regarding the moderating effects of regional and demographic factors were classified into five groups, and the characteristics of each group and country were analyzed. This research holds academic significance in that it verified the distinct role of cultural factors among the nation branding antecedent factors, and conducted case studies on groups and individual countries classified based on the moderating effects of regional and demographic factors. Practically, this enhances the understanding of cultural, regional, and demographic factors that influence nation brand, and helps to develop appropriate nation branding strategies tailored to each country.
Acute compartment syndrome due to skeletal muscle metastases from poorly differentiated upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Gentry Richard , Anand Prince Mohan , Abdelkader Ahmed I Kamal , Alqassieh Ahmad Saleh , Mahmood Ammar Obaid , Ayrapetyan Mesrop , Altiti Monther Amer Saud
Published: November 2024

Background
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is characterized by increased pressure within the fascial network of any muscle, leading to impaired circulation and potential myonecrosis. Very rarely, soft tissue infiltration by metastatic disease can cause localized swelling that increases intercompartmental pressures. We report an unusual case of invasive, poorly differentiated upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma presented by acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity and subsequent acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by skeletal muscle metastasis.
Case Presentation
A 52-year-old male presented to the hospital with rapid onset unilateral right leg pain and tense edema accompanied by myonecrosis with no explicable etiology complicated by AKI. Surgical fasciotomy and subsequent muscle biopsy yielded poorly differentiated non-small cell adenocarcinoma. CT imaging identified diffuse adenopathy along with abnormal thickening of the distal esophagus, gastroesophageal (GE) junction, and gastric cardia. Further investigation via upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed an exophytic mass in the distal esophagus extending into the stomach. This lesion was confirmed via biopsy as primary invasive poorly differentiated upper gastrointestinal (UGI) adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion
This case highlights the need for clinicians to implement high-risk screening for UGI cancers and consider skeletal muscle metastasis as a cause of nontraumatic ACS. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing such complex cases and the role of timely surgical and oncological intervention in preventing long-term complications of ACS.
Adolescents' understanding of pain and their preferences for learning about pain at school: a cross-sectional survey.
Authors: Bogard Isabelle , Kamper Steven J. , Montgomery Laura R.C. , Williams Christopher M. , Leite Mariana Nascimento , Gorringe Jonah , Gordon Georgia , Yamato Tie Parma
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Pain contributes significant societal and economic burden, yet there are no well-resourced public education initiatives providing information about pain to the general population. Adolescence is an opportune time to deliver this information. Pain is prevalent in young people, and impacts their physical, social, and psychological health during adolescence and potentially throughout their life. Delivering pain education in schools ensures all adolescents have access to evidence-based information about pain, which could change the trajectory of pain across the lifespan. Few studies have delivered pain education to schoolchildren, and none have considered their preferences for learning about pain. We aimed to identify adolescents’ understanding of pain and their preferences for learning about pain in school to inform the development of a school-based pain education module.
Methods:
We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of 501 Australian students in grades 7–10 (mean age = 14 [SD 1.3]; 50.9% male) about their knowledge of pain using the Conceptualization of Pain Questionnaire, and preferences for pain education content and delivery mode when learning about pain at school.
Results:
On average, participants got approximately half (7.4) of the fifteen pain knowledge items correct. Participants preferred to learn about ways to treat pain (70.5%), different types of pain (67.1%) and the role of the brain and nerves in pain (62.1%). Most preferred to be taught about pain by health professionals (84.4%), followed by teachers (48.3%), through the combination educational video and class discussion (67.6%).
Conclusions:
Adolescents have some beliefs about pain and injury that do not align with current scientific understanding of pain. These misconceptions could be addressed in pain education at school. School-based pain education programs should include content that aligns with their preferences and use a combination of online and in-person approaches to engage adolescents.
Olfaction loss induces cognitive impairment and anxiety behavior in mice via the microbiota- gut-brain axis
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Xue Chao , Wang Yiming , Liu Xiwei , Li Ran , Yi Xianfeng
Published: November 2024

Olfactory dysfunction and cognition decline are frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, very little is known about whether olfactory disorders trigger cognitive impairment. Here, we induced olfactory loss in mice and investigated whether and how olfactory loss induces cognitive impairment and anxiety behavior. Olfactory loss not only causes a significant decrease in food intake and body weight and an increase in O2 consumption but also induces cognitive impairment and anxiety behavior. Alteration of the gut microbiota induced by olfactory loss is followed by changes in cecal short fatty acids and serum neurotransmitters. Hippocampus proteome and fecal microbial transplantation provides further support for the mechanisms by which olfactory loss triggers cognitive impairment and anxiety behavior via the microbiota–gut-brain axis. Our study is expected to provide some of the first evidence for olfactory dysfunction in triggering cognitive impairment through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Weakly Supervised Veracity Classification with LLM-Predicted Credibility Signals
Authors: Leite João Augusto , Razuvayevskaya Olesya , Bontcheva Kalina , Scarton Carolina
Published: November 2024

Credibility signals represent a wide range of heuristics typically used by journalists and fact-checkers to assess the veracity of online content. Automating the extraction of credibility signals presents significant challenges due to the necessity of training high-accuracy, signal-specific extractors, coupled with the lack of sufficiently large annotated datasets. This paper introduces Pastel (Prompted weAk Supervision wiTh crEdibility signaLs), a weakly supervised approach that leverages large language models (LLMs) to extract credibility signals from web content, and subsequently combines them to predict the veracity of content without relying on human supervision. We validate our approach using four article-level misinformation detection datasets, demonstrating that Pastel outperforms zero-shot veracity detection by 38.3% and achieves 86.7% of the performance of the state-of-the-art system trained with human supervision. Moreover, in cross-domain settings where training and testing datasets originate from different domains, Pastel significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art supervised model by 63%. We further study the association between credibility signals and veracity, and perform an ablation study showing the impact of each signal on model performance. Our findings reveal that 12 out of the 19 proposed signals exhibit strong associations with veracity across all datasets, while some signals show domain-specific strengths.
The Effect of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation with Different Frequencies on Surface Decontamination of Used Healing Abutments
Authors: Ehsani Sarah Sadat , Ghasemi Mahmood , Etemadi Ardavan
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the cleaning potential of Er:YAG laser at different frequencies. Reusing healing abutments is common practice among clinicians; however, ensuring complete surface decontamination is crucial to avoid further complications.
Methods
Forty contaminated healing abutments were divided into five groups. Negative control mechanical wiping and ultrasonic bath, Er:YAG laser (50 mJ/pulse, 100 µsec, water 30%, air 70%) at 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz with the powers of 1 W, 1.5 W, and 2 W respectively. Three unused healing abutments were used as the negative control group. Samples were stained with phloxine B and then photographed using a light microscope. The proportion of stained and contaminated areas on each healing abutment was then quantified using ImageJ.
Results
Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the amount of remaining debris among the groups (P < 0.05). The group treated with the Er:YAG laser at 40 Hz demonstrated the most effective decontamination, with the least residual debris observed across all HA surfaces. Higher laser frequencies correlated with reduced contamination, particularly in the body and top areas of the HAs.
Conclusion
The Er:YAG laser, particularly at 50 mJ/pulse and 40 Hz, proved to be an effective method for decontaminating used HAs. This laser treatment may offer a reliable protocol for reusing HAs, enhancing the safety and success of implant therapy.
Brewing Sustainability: Unveiling the Potential of Coffee Ground as Green Roof Medium
Authors: Yalçınalp Emrah , Demirci Özgür , Meral Alperen
Published: November 2024

The rapid depletion of the world's natural resources and the growing concerns about sustainability underscore the importance of environmentally friendly solutions more than ever. One such solution is green roofs, which offer numerous ecological benefits, particularly in urban areas, such as creating natural habitats, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving air quality. Recently, as access to safe food has become more challenging and economic conditions periodically worsen, the significance of green roofs as alternative urban agricultural spaces has also increased. In this context, using coffee grounds as a green roof plant growth medium and a waste product holds significant potential for waste management and sustainable agriculture. Coffee grounds support plant growth due to their high organic matter content and nutrient values. This article examines the environmental benefits that can be achieved by using coffee grounds on green roofs and the impacts of this practice on sustainable urbanization, focusing on plant development. The study found that increasing the coffee ground level in the growth medium increased plant height for Sedum spurium while enhancing fruit yield for Fragaria ananassa. Additionally, this practice contributes to the utilization of coffee waste, supporting the circular economy and helping to reduce waste. In this manner, using coffee grounds as a growth medium on green roofs promises an innovative and feasible solution promoting environmental sustainability.
In vivo targeted delivery of extracellular vesicle‒gold nanorod hybrids to metastatic melanoma lung tumors
Authors: Bolaños Karen , León Daniela , Jara Pedro , Contreras Pamela , Silva David , Riveros Ana , Montano Yanay , Pérez Damián , Araya Eyleen , Kogan Marcelo J. , Quest Andrew F. G.
Published: November 2024

Background
Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer characterized by rapid progression, resistance to chemotherapy, and metastasis to the lung. Conventional chemotherapy andradiotherapy are the principal approaches for treating metastasizing tumors, but the lack of targeting results in severe side effects and low treatment efficacy. Nanoparticles reportedly increase selectivity, given that they can accumulate at specific locations owing to the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. In this respect, plasmonic nanoparticles, such as gold nanorods (AuNRs), are interesting because of their photothermal and optical properties, making them suitable for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, tumor ablation and theranostics. To increase the tumor accumulation of AuNRs, extracellular vesicles (with sizes ranging from 40–150 nm) have attracted attention because of their remarkable biocompatibility and natural cell-accumulation selectivity. To further increase the targeting properties of the nanosystem, we functionalized the AuNRs with methotrexate (MTX), which is known to interact with the overexpressed folate receptors in cancer cells. We combined the inherent homing properties of exosomes from B16F10 cells with the active targeting properties of MTX to increase the accumulation of AuNRs in metastatic lung melanoma tumors.
Results
We obtained and exhaustively characterized B16F10 exosomes loaded with MTX-functionalized AuNRs (EXOS-AuNR-MTX). The safety of the complete nanosystem, as well as its specific and time-dependent accumulation in B16F10 cells, was determined using the mitochondrial MTS assay and fluorescence analysis, respectively. Surface functionalization with MTX in combination with B16F10 EXOS was used to promote the accumulation of AuNRs in metastatic lung nodules, with significantly greater amounts of gold in the tumors following EXOS-AuNR-MTX treatment than following only AuNR-MTX treatment, as was determined in vivo and ex vivo by quantitative gold measurements. Remarkably, 5.5% of the injected dose of the AuNRs was recovered at the tumor sites, whereas only 1% of the injected dose normally accumulated in tumors due to the EPR effect, as reported. We further confirmed the preferential accumulation of AuNRs from EXOS-AuNR-MTX rather than from AuNR-MTX in tumor vessels and tumor nodules rather than healthy tissues by histological analysis.
Conclusions
Our approach provides a valuable tool to improve the accumulation of gold nanoparticles in metastatic tumor nodules by combining the natural properties of exosomes to drive the targeting of AuNR-MTX.
Etiological patterns and risk factors for poor outcomes following lower limb amputation in Uganda: A multicenter study
Authors: Arab Abdikadar Mohamud , Weldemichael Demoz Abraha , Udosen Anthony M. , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Francis Mamadi Owera , Ibrahim Numan Omar , sharif Farhan Yusuf , Molen Selamo Fabrice , Zake Derick , Muhumuza Joshua
Published: November 2024

Background
Lower limb amputations are a common procedure performed. The etiological patterns, outcomes of the amputation surgeries as well as the risk factors for these outcomes are not well documented in Uganda, with the only recent study available being a single centre retrospective study, with no report on risk factors. This study aimed to assess the etiological patterns and risk factors for poor outcomes following lower limb amputation at five referral hospitals in Uganda.
Methods
This was a multicenter prospective observational study conducted at five regional referral hospitals in Uganda (Mubende, Kayunga, Lira, Jinja, and Fortportal). Adult patients who underwent major lower limb amputation were assessed to determine the etiological patterns and followed up for 30 days to determine the outcomes including morbidity and mortality. The risk factors for both morbidity and mortality were determined using Poisson regression in SPSS version 26. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Of the 160 participants enrolled, 51.3% were older than 50 years. Majority of the participants were male (75.0%). The most common underlying causes for amputations was diabetic foot (56.3%) peripheral arterial disease (17.5%) and trauma (13.8%). About one third (30.0%) had poor outcomes, with an overall incidence of morbidity and mortality of 30.0% and 11.3% respectively. The commonest complication seen was stump infection. The independent risk factors for morbidity were: a positive history of smoking, having diabetes mellitus, being overweight/obese, and not closing the amputation stump primarily. The independent risk factors for mortality were: a history of smoking and being overweight/obese (P < 0.05 for all).
Conclusion
Morbidity and mortality were high. There is need to improve the care of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease which may reduce the rate of amputations. In order to improve outcomes following amputation, elective procedures should be delayed in smokers and the overweight/obese in order to allow them to stop smoking and lose weight respectively.
A spatial and social equity assessment of subway accessibility for vulnerable groups: A block level GIS approach
Authors: Baghestani Amirhossein , Delkhak Maryam , Mahpour Alireza , Vafaeinejad Alireza
Published: November 2024

Public transportation systems are essential for advancing social equity and sustainable urban growth. This study examines the spatial accessibility of Tehran’s subway network, focusing on vulnerable groups including the elderly and individuals under 18. Using a combination of the gravity-based accessibility index, Gini index, and Lorenz curve, the research quantifies disparities in subway access across Tehran’s statistical blocks. Data from the city’s subway network, statistical blocks, and street networks were integrated into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to accurately assess proximity and access levels. The analysis measured the distance from the centroid of each block to the nearest subway station within an 833-meter threshold, using train frequency data to calculate the gravity index. Population data from the Iranian Statistical Center was then used to compute the Gini index and Lorenz curves, assessing equity in access across different population groups. The findings reveal significant inequalities in subway accessibility, particularly in the peripheral neighborhoods where a large portion of the population resides. There are pronounced challenges for vulnerable groups in accessing the subway system, making it difficult for them to get to their destinations. The study underscores the need for expanding subway coverage to suburban areas and improving feeder services to enhance accessibility. Additionally, improving connectivity between subway lines, upgrading pedestrian infrastructure, and offering reduced or free fares for vulnerable groups are recommended to foster a more inclusive and equitable transport system. Future research should incorporate more detailed socio-economic data and explore multiple accessibility metrics for a deeper understanding of transportation equity.
SDrecall: A Scalable Approach for Sensitive Variant Detection in Segmental Duplications
Authors: Yang Xing Tian , She Chun Hing , Zhang CaiCai , Leung Daniel , Yang Jing , Chan Koon-Wing , Duque Jaime S Rosa , Lau Yu Lung , Yang Wanling
Published: November 2024

Next-generation sequencing is a formidable tool for molecular diagnosis. However, variant calling in segmental duplication regions remains a challenge for short-read sequencing, and no effective tools are available for these regions. We introduce SDrecall, a scalable method designed specifically for sensitive variant detection in segmental duplications using short reads. To enhance sensitivity, SDrecall initially constructs a comprehensive catalog of segmental duplications, identifying homologous sequence groups and mapping their intricate relationships. Within each group, SDrecall identifies segmental duplications overlapping functional coding regions and realigns all reads underlying the entire group to them. To mitigate false positives introduced by realignment, it subsequently phases and assembles the realigned reads into multiple haplotypes via an in-house graph-based algorithm, eliminating likely misaligned haplotypes for more accurate variant calling. When tested against long-read sequencing data benchmarks, SDrecall demonstrated a 95% sensitivity and maintained a low false-positive level. As such, SDrecall promises to be an indispensable tool for detecting causal mutations in homologous regions of the human genome.
Leveraging ONOS for Real-World Windfarm Process Automation Architecture: A Framework for Efficiency and Scalability
Authors: Kulkarni Raghavendra , Goswami Bhargavi , Kulkarni Sameer G , Kulkarni Manasa
Published: November 2024

The primary aim of this research is to leverage the Open Network Operating System (ONOS) to develop an efficient and scalable process automation architecture for real-world windfarm operations. The study focuses on enhancing network management, data processing, and operational optimization within the windfarm infrastructure. This research utilizes ONOS as the centralized control platform for managing the windfarm's network infrastructure. The proposed system integrates network virtualization, real-time data processing, predictive analytics using LSTM networks, and optimization algorithms to improve wind turbine efficiency and fault management. MATLAB simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance and reliability of the system. The simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in network performance, including reduced latency and increased throughput. The fault detection and recovery mechanisms show enhanced system reliability. Real-time data processing and predictive analytics lead to optimized turbine settings and increased operational efficiency. The system also exhibits robust security measures and compliance with regulatory standards. The implementation of ONOS in windfarm process automation presents a viable solution for efficient and scalable network management. The findings highlight the potential for improved operational performance, reliability, and security in windfarm operations, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies. The study's results offer valuable insights for future research and practical applications in the field of windfarm automation.
The Interaction of Healthy and Unhealthy Provegetarian Food Patterns with Melanocortin 4 Receptor Gene on Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors among Women with Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Khosravinia Darya , Mirzaei Khadijeh , Djazayery Abolghassem
Published: November 2024

Background
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality, influenced by genetics and diet. Provegetarian food patterns (PVG) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene polymorphisms are linked to CVD risk factors. This study aimed to determine the interaction of PVG with MC4R gene on CVD risk factors.
Methods
This study was conducted on 284 healthy overweight or obese women. Participants were assessed for PVG scores using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric measures, body composition, biochemical assessments, DNA extraction, and blood pressure measurements were assessed using standard methods.
Results
There was a negative interaction between healthy PVG and CC genotype with body fat (BF) (%) (β=-0.155; 95% CI=-0.440, 0.129; P = 0.074), trunk fat (TF) (kg) (β=-0.087; 95% CI=-0.280, 0.106; P = 0.075), and TF (%) (β=-1.624; 95% CI=-5.230, 0.082; P = 0.057) and positive interaction with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β = 0.222; 95% CI=-0.041, 0.485; P = 0.098). There was a positive interaction between unhealthy PVG and CC genotype with total cholesterol (T Chol) (β = 1.885; 95% CI=-0.178, 3.948; P = 0.073), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (β = 1.542; 95% CI = 0.114, 2.971; P = 0.034), and body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.203; 95% CI=-0.054, 0.459; P = 0.071).
Conclusions
CC genotypes showed significant negative interactions with hPVG on BF and TF, whereas positive interactions with uPVG on T Chol, LDL, and BMI.
Ibuprofen reduces inflammation, necroptosis and protects photoreceptors from light-induced retinal degeneration
Authors: Zhang Ping-Wu , Wan Zi-He , Li Weifeng , Vats Abhishek , Mehta Kunal , Fan Laura , Zhou Lingli , Li Sean , Li Gloria , Keuthan Casey J. , Berlinicke Cynthia , Qian Cheng , Esumi Noriko , Duh Elia J , Zack Donald J.
Published: November 2024

Background
The retinal degenerative diseases retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and atrophic age- related macular degeneration (AMD) are characterized by vision loss from photoreceptor (PR) degeneration. Unfortunately, current treatments for these diseases are limited at best. Genetic and other preclinical evidence suggest a relationship between retinal degeneration and inflammation. To further explore this relationship, we tested whether Ibuprofen (IBU), an FDA-approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), could promote PR survival and function in a mouse model of light damage (LD)-induced PR degeneration.
Methods
LD was induced by exposing mice to 4000 lux of light for 2–4 hrs. IBU (100 or 200 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered by daily intraperitoneal injection. Retinal structure and function were evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography (ERG). The cell death genes were analyzed at 24 and 72 hours (hrs) after LD by the Mouse Pan-Cell Death Pathway PCR Array (88 genes). The cellular location and protein expression of the key necroptosis gene was assessed by immunohistochemistry.
Results
Retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in the vehicle-injected animals was 8.7 ± 0.6% of retinas without LD (p < 0.0001). In IBU 200mg/kg treated mice, central ONL thickness was 74.9 ± 7.7% of untreated retinas (p < 0.001). A-wave and b-wave ERG amplitudes were significantly preserved in IBU-treated animals. IBU significantly inhibited retinal inflammation. Twenty-four hrs after LD, retinal mRNA expression for the inflammatory-factors tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), interleukin-1 beta (Il1b), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2) increased by 10, 17 and 533-fold, respectively; in IBU-treated animals, the expression levels of these inflammatory factors were not significantly different from no-LD controls. Expression of key necroptosis genes, including Ripk3 and Mlkl, were upregulated in LD vehicle-treated mice, but dramatically reduced to near the no LD levels in LD IBU-treated mice. Microglia activation and MLKL protein upregulation were observed primarily in photoreceptors 12 hrs after LD, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. IBU reduced the upregulation of MLKL protein and microglia migration in the ONL and outer plexiform layer (OPL) of treated retinas.
Conclusions
Systemic administration of the anti-inflammatory drug IBU partially protected mouse retinas from light-induced photochemical damage and inhibited both inflammation and the necroptosis cell death pathways. Our results suggest that NSAIDs may provide a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of the human retinal degenerative diseases.