bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the thermal stability of TPU modified by silicone rubber highly filled with MQ silicone resin
Authors: YANG RUI , Dai Zilin , Kong Zhenxing , Ou Juhua
Published: February 2024

Procuring silicone rubber composite with different content of vinyl MQ silicone resin was prepared and its thermal stability was evaluated. A total of 50wt% MQ resin containing 5wt% vinyl MQ exhibited optimal thermal stability and was consequently chosen. This silicone rubber composite was blended with TPU at high temperature using an internal mixer to produce a modified TPU. The TPU modified by silicone rubber was firstly investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The FTIR results indicated that negligible chemical reactions occurred between TPU and silicone rubber during the mixing process. Furthermore, the TGA results demonstrated that the silicone rubber composite positively influenced the thermal stability of TPU. Additionally, the modified TPU displayed satisfactory thermal stability even after aging. Moreover, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results indicated that uniform dispersion of silicone rubber was facilitated by the banburying method. The tensile strength of modified TPU initially increased and then decreased when the content of silicone rubber reached 3wt%. On the other hand, the elongation at break of modified TPU demonstrated continuous improvement. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the modified TPU were still acceptable after aging.
Uptake of mental health benefits in women before and during the perinatal period in Austria: An analysis of health insurance data
Authors: Zechmeister-Koss Ingrid , Kern Julia , Edlinger Michael , Hörtnagl Christine , Lampe Astrid , Buchheim Anna , Paul Jean
Published: February 2024

Background
Perinatal mental illness (PMI) is one of the major health problems during pregnancy and one year after birth (perinatal period), with strong evidence of its potential detrimental (future) effects on the health of children. However, many parents do not receive treatment for their mental health problems. In Austria, there is a lack of specialised services. The amount of mental health benefits uptake during the perinatal period is unknown.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed the uptake of five key mental health insurance benefits, one year before and during the perinatal period, by women who gave birth in 2017 and 2018. We used pseudonymised health insurance data, applying descriptive analysis to present overall uptake frequencies, and dissecting them into three life course periods: the year before birth, the pregnancy period, and the year after birth.
Results
131 025 insured women gave birth in 2017 or 2018, representing around 80% of all births in Austria. Almost 20% of women claimed at least one of the five benefits during the perinatal period; this increased to one in four women when the year before pregnancy was included. Most women claimed only one benefit, usually only during one of the three life course periods. Benefits were claimed more frequently by the youngest (≤ 20 years) and the oldest (≥ 41 years) women. After adjusting for the shorter period of pregnancy, the uptake of benefits was highest during pregnancy. The most often used benefit was psychotherapy, while hospital admissions occurred least frequently.
Conclusion
Although the results likely underestimate the true uptake, because more services are available than covered in our data, and service use is usually lower than the prevalence of PMI, our uptake data corresponds to international prevalence figures, indicating a high use of benefits. Considering the gaps in specialised perinatal mental healthcare infrastructure and healthcare staff, the results call for more training and education and ensuring enough capacity to meet the needs. Additionally, an in-depth investigation of the quality of care is warranted to determine whether the differences in uptake between the three life-course periods are based on unmet needs or inappropriate care.
Developmental prediction law of water-conducting fracture zones in shallow buried single coal seams.
Authors: Zhu wen qian , Feng lei , Liu jiang , Li shuai , Zhang chenchen
Published: February 2024

Taking the mining of shallow buried coal seam 2− 2 in Xiaobaodang coal mine as the background, the analysis methods of empirical formula calculation method, numerical simulation method, and algorithmic prediction method are comprehensively applied to study the influence of different mining heights, different working face lengths, and different mining depths on the development of water-conducting fissure zones in shallow buried coal seams. At the same time, the development of water-conducting fissure zone in Yushen mining area of northern Shaanxi Province is highly calculated and predicted by algorithmic model. The results of the study show that the PSO-SVR prediction model is more accurate and precise than the traditional empirical formulae and numerical simulations. The results of the study can provide a certain basis for water preservation mining in working face under similar geological conditions.
The prognostic value of combined uric acid and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with thrombolysis
Authors: Wang Chentao , Zhou Meili Meili , Kang Tingting , You Shoujiang , Cao Yongjun , Kong Weina , Shi Jijun
Published: February 2024

Background
Serum uric acid (UA) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been reported to be associated with outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, whether UA is related to the prognosis of AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) remains inconclusive. We sought to explore the combined effect of UA and NLR on the prognosis of AIS treated with IVT.
Methods
A total of 555 AIS patients receiving IVT treatment were enrolled. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the levels of UA and NLR: LNNU (low NLR and normal UA), LNHU (low NLR and high UA), HNNU (high NLR and normal UA), and HNHU (high NLR and high UA). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the value of serum UA level and NLR in predicting prognosis. The primary outcomes were major disability (modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 3–5) and death within 3 months.
Results
After multivariate adjustment, a high NLR (≥ 3.94) increased the risk of 3-month death or major disability (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.42 to 3.55, p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant association between a high UA level (≥ 313.00 µmol/L) and clinical outcome. HNHU was associated with a 5.09-fold increase in the risk of death (OR, 5.09; 95% CI, 1.31–19.83; P value = 0.019) and a 1.98-fold increase in the risk of major disability (OR, 1.98; 95% CI 1.07–3.68; P value = 0.030) in comparison to LNNU.
Conclusions
High serum UA levels combined with high NLR were independently associated with 3-month death and major disability in AIS patients after IVT.
Enhancing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Resilience: A Comprehensive Review of Visibility and Demand Forecasting
Authors: Ghannem Abir , Nabli Hajer , Djemaa Raoudha Ben , Sliman Layth
Published: February 2024

Le problème croissant des pénuries de médicaments au sein de la chaîne d’approvisionnement pharmaceutique est devenu une préoccupation mondiale cruciale, posant des menaces importantes à la santé publique et à l’intégrité des systèmes de santé. Cet article propose un examen approfondi de l’origine des pénuries de médicaments, qui affectent une large gamme de produits pharmaceutiques et suscitent des inquiétudes accrues parmi les patients, les pharmaciens et la communauté des soins de santé. Cette étude examine en profondeur les causes sous-jacentes des pénuries de médicaments, soulignant l’importance cruciale de la visibilité de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et de la prévision de la demande dans la gestion de ce problème urgent. En explorant les lacunes actuelles dans la communication entre les parties prenantes, ainsi que les défis liés à une prévision précise de la demande, l'article propose des solutions innovantes. L'analyse se concentre particulièrement sur l'émergence de systèmes décentralisés de partage de données et l'intégration de technologies avancées telles que la blockchain, l'Internet des Objets (IoT) et apprentissage automatique. Ces avancées technologiques offrent des perspectives significatives pour renforcer la visibilité, la traçabilité et la modélisation prédictive au sein de la supply chain pharmaceutique. Soulignant le potentiel transformateur de ces solutions, cet article plaide en faveur d’une refonte des systèmes de santé, en prônant un accès équitable et continu aux traitements essentiels grâce à des approches collaboratives et technologiquement avancées.
The modification of the Hoek-Brown strength criterion considering the effect of particle breakage
Authors: Xie Yongbin , Dong Xuguang , Chen Bao , Li Xiaomei , Luo Chongliang , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

The extremely fractured surrounding inside have many internal microcracks, which are easily broken under external forces. When the generalized Hoek-Brown strength criterion is used to describe the extremely broken surrounding rock, the influence of breakage effect on the strength cannot be considered. In order to investigate the influence of particle breakage on the strength criterion, five different gradations of extremely broken phyllite samples were used to conduct large shear and sieving tests to determine the particle breakage rate of samples. The relationship between the breakage rate and the surrounding rock stress was obtained. The breakage ratio was introduced into the Hoek-Brown strength criterion in the form of damage content, and the Hoek-Brown strength criterion considering the breakage effect was established. By comparing the two strength criterion envelopes considering and not considering the particle breakage effect, it is known that when the surrounding rock pressure is greater than 2 MPa, the strength envelope begins to separate. The greater the surrounding rock pressure, the more obvious the influence of the breakage effect on the rock strength. By continuously increasing the stress state, it is concluded that when the surrounding rock stress is high (> 500 kPa), the strength envelopes of the Hoek-Brown strength criterion considering and not considering the breakage effect begin to separate significantly. The calculation results of the Hoek-Brown strength criterion considering the breakage effect are closer to the test results, and the modified Hoek-Brown strength criterion is more suitable for the extremely broken surrounding rock.
Improvement in water absorption property of Polyamide 6 (PA6) composites reinforced with borosilicate (BS)
Authors: Dandekar Sneha , Zingare Pooja , Pande Kavita , Chopra Swamini , Dalvi Nandkishor , Rathod Shilpa , Jadhav Y. G. , Peshwe Dilip
Published: February 2024

Though polymer composites are durable promising materials, their hydrophilicity is a genuine matter of concern in applications. However, the siloxane group in borosilicate structure is hydrophobic in nature, to better understand the impact of aggregation of different concentrations of borosilicate on the morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of PA6 thermoplastic composites for upcoming industrial applications, the current study focuses on the preparation and characterization of PA6/borosilicate composites. The interface between filler and matrix has a key effect on the composite properties, hence, the interface was analysed using theoretical calculation, which revealed an acceptable level of interfacial contact in the composites. The nucleating proficiency of borosilicate has been indicated by thermal analysis, which has suggested an increase in the commencement nucleation temperature and percent crystallinity. SEM analysis of the fracture surface revealed that an increase in filler content altered the micromechanical deformation process and, in comparison, improved the composite's hydrophobicity property.
Efficacy of Immersive Entertainment Glasses in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Diaz-Membrives Montserrat , Garrido-Ribas Ignasi , Caro-Benito Conxi , Monistrol Olga
Published: February 2024

Aims
Approximately 1% of the population that needs an MRI refuses or terminates it prematurely due to claustrophobia. Some researchers claim that 1.6% of patients finished the test prematurely due to claustrophobia, and, in addition, between 2.3 to 3.8% underwent conscious sedation. These procedures not only increase the risk of complications, but also the cost. The study aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of Immersive Entertainment Glasses (IEG) in the success of the performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and in the reduction of anxiety levels in patients who identify themselves as having claustrophobia.
Methods
A randomized clinical trial will be held at the Imaging Department in a tertiary University Hospital starting in 2021. Participants: patients who identify themselves as claustrophobic and should have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The sample will be made up of 206 individuals, divided between an intervention group and a control group expecting a 20% difference between the success of the test of the control and intervention group subjects. People who meet the inclusion criteria will be distributed into the control or intervention groups. The intervention group will use the Immersive Entertainment Glasses to perform the test and the control group will have the support of a nurse through educational techniques.
Discussion
Patients who report claustrophobia or fear of undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging due to feeling confined or being unable to be inside the machine are referred to an open magnet scanner. This test entails inferior technical quality since open magnets have a low magnetic field, which limits the quality of the studies. Implementing techniques to help reduce claustrophobia can avoid some sedation or anesthesia and, in addition, in some cases without pharmacological assistance and with higher quality images, which will, in turn, improve their diagnosis.
Trial registration:
The protocol was registered with the number NCT0530413 on ClinicalTrials.gov
Livelihood diversification strategies and food security in the Weaving-based livelihood system of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Dereje Desta , Tilahun Temesgen , Yirgu Teshome
Published: February 2024

This study investigates livelihood diversity, income, and association with food security status of weaving-based households in the Chencha district of Southern Ethiopia. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 303 randomly selected households using household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. The result revealed that subsistence farming (52.1%) and weaving (38.6%) activities were reported as the primary and secondary main income sources of households. A majority of households (90.7%) diversified their livelihood. Based on income share, non-farm, on-farm, and off-farm income sources contributed, 72.96%, 25.3%, and 1.74% of total household income, respectively. Formal employment, weaving, barber/hairdresser, cattle production and sale, cereal production, and vegetable production (Potato) were highly paying livelihood activities in order. Households who combined on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm have gained far larger mean income followed by on-farm and non-farm strategies. Ordered Probit model results showed that landholding size, livestock holding size, and access to farmer training center (FTC) services have positively affected the extent of livelihood diversification. Positive association was found between livelihood diversification and the food security status of households. Thus, the majority of weaving-based livelihood groups diversify their livelihood activities to on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm activities. Hence, supporting the activity, increasing other livelihood options, and modernizing the system with appropriate training, education, and market linkage seems inevitable.
Prospective ECUAging Observational study: cohort design and preliminary results
Authors: Vinueza Israel , Rodriguez Tamara , Masson Isabel , Marroig Alejandra , Massa Fernando , Grijalva Mario J. , Terrera Graciela Muniz
Published: February 2024

Background: The global phenomenon of increasing older adult populations is evident across diverse societies, including historically youthful middle- and low-income countries. Conducting population-specific research in low- and middle-income countries becomes imperative to gather pertinent evidence for crafting interventions tailored to the unique needs of each group. In this context, the present study centers on aging and frailty within rural communities situated in the Province of Loja, Ecuador, with the primary objective to analyze the aging process and assess the level of frailty, contributing valuable insights to scientific knowledge in this domain and establishing a robust foundation for future targeted health interventions.
Methods: The study, conducted in rural communities of Calvas and Gonzanamá counties in the Province of Loja, Ecuador, in individuals aged 55 and older, utilized mobile stations set up for health evaluations over a two-week period in June-July 2023. A total of 269 participants underwent extensive measurements, including anthropometrics, blood samples, and assessments of physical and cognitive function. The study covered sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related measures, along with mental health evaluations, quality of life, functional status, and global cognition, utilizing validated scales.
Results: A total of 269 individuals, mostly women (56.1%), aged 70.1 on average, participated in the study. Predominantly mestizo (93.7%), participants maintained healthy lifestyles, with minimal smoking (4.1%) and alcohol consumption (7.4%). While physical performance results indicated overall well-being, anxiety and depression levels were concerning, affecting approximately 75% of participants. No significant gender differences were observed in physical performance, independence, cognition, anxiety, depression, or well-being.
Conclusion: The ECUAging study will provide detailed clinical data and will substantially contribute to new information on the predictors of aging, senescence, and senility, particularly in frail and pre-frail outpatients from rural areas of Ecuador.
Intra-operative Hypertension as a Predictor of Surgical Outcomes in Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Gupta Bhavika , Sabahi Mohammadmahdi , Santos Romel Corecha , Sriniv Yatin , Santiago Raphael Augusto Correa Bastianon , Dabecco Rocco , Adada Badih , Borghei-Razavi Hamid
Published: February 2024

Objective: The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) has traditionally been characterized by a sudden decrease in heart rate, asystole, or hypotension during the manipulation of the trigeminal nerve (MTN) or its branches. While this classical TCR is well-documented, there is limited literature on alternative forms of TCR, such as the development of intraoperative hypertension (HTN) or tachycardia, and the underlying pathogenesis. Furthermore, a gap exists in understanding the correlation between intraoperative blood pressure readings and postoperative outcomes, particularly regarding pain relief in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Our study aims to examine intraoperative blood pressure trends during microvascular decompression (MVD) for TN and assess their impact on postoperative outcomes.
Methods: We selected 90 patients who underwent MVD for TN treatment. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded both preoperatively and during the procedure, specifically during the MTN period, using an arterial line. The Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Scale was calculated for all patients both pre- and post-operatively to evaluate pain relief after surgery.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.0±12.35 years, with 64.4% being females. Classical TCR (hypotension) was observed in only 2.2% of patients, whereas 80% of patients developed hypertension (≥140/90) during MTN. The mean preoperative systolic blood pressure was 128 ± 22.25, and the mean intraoperative systolic blood pressure during MTN was 153.1± 20.2. An analysis of covariance, utilizing either preoperative BNI or duration of symptoms as covariate variables, revealed a statistically significant association between intraoperative HTN and postoperative BNI. A linear regression model demonstrated that intraoperative HTN following MTN significantly predicted a lower postoperative BNI score (p=0.006).
Conclusions: Intraoperative HTN during MTN, an observed yet underexplored phenomenon, demonstrated a correlation with improved postoperative outcomes. Furthermore, it is recommended to conduct additional investigations into potential neurovascular conflicts in patients not manifesting intraoperative HTN following MTN. A comprehensive understanding of TCR, encompassing its various forms, is vital for optimizing surgical management. This study underscores the imperative for further research to unravel the mechanisms linking intraoperative HTN to surgical outcomes in TN patients.
Alternative sulphur metabolism in the fungal pathogen Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Lombardi Lisa , Salzberg Letal , Cinnéide Eoin Ó , O’Brien Caoimhe , Morio Florent , Turner Siobhan , Byrne Kevin , Butler Geraldine
Published: February 2024

Candida parapsilosis is an opportunistic fungal pathogen commonly isolated from the environment and associated with nosocomial infection outbreaks worldwide. We describe here the construction of a large collection of gene disruptions, which we use to dissect the network regulating the assimilation of sulphur in C. parapsilosis. We identify a wide array of transporters/enzymes involved in the assimilation of organosulfur compounds. We find that, unlike in other yeasts, the two paralogous transcription factors Met4 and Met28 play divergent roles in sulphur acquisition. Surprisingly, Met28 – and not Met4 – controls the assimilation of inorganic sulphur (sulphate) and the synthesis of cysteine/methionine, whereas Met4 and the transcription factor Met32 induce the expression of genes required for assimilation of inorganic sulphate. Divergent regulation of sulphur metabolism is likely to be important for scavenging essential sulphur in the diverse environments that C. parapsilosis can colonize.
Mindful Self-Care among Oncology Nurses in China: a Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Shi Yan , Wang Peng , Liu Lamei , Li Mengmeng
Published: February 2024

Background
Oncology nurses are considered the group with the highest risk for moral distress, compassion fatigue and burnout. Mindful self-care may help oncology nurses improve their well-being and solve psychological problems and burdens. It is important to understand oncology nurses’ mindful self-care.
Objectives
To investigate the situation, possible types and influencing factors of mindful self-care among oncology nurses.
Design
Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Participants
A total of 839 oncology nurses were enrolled in this survey.
Methods
From January to May 2023, a cross-sectional study was carried out among oncology nurses using convenient sampling. The subjects were given the brief Mindful Self-Care Scale (B-MSCS) and the General Demographic Information Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to separate oncology nurses’ mindful self-care into a variety of subgroups. The SPSS 25.0 statistical program was used to analyze the data. One-way ANOVA and the chi-square test were performed to compare the score of each B-MSCS dimension in each class and the difference in sociodemographic characteristics among the subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the influence of the sociodemographic variables on each profile.
Results
The total score of the B-MSCS was 76.40 ± 13.19. The support structure dimension had the highest score, with an average mean value of 3.60, and physical care had the lowest score at 2.57. The findings of the latent profile analysis showed that respondents were divided into three profiles, low (n = 124), moderate (n = 430), and high mindful self-care (n = 285), which accounted for 14.8%, 51.2%, and 34.0%, respectively, of the total respondents. Across scale scores and dimensions, three groups demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the three profiles in terms of professional title, position, concern about self-care, interest in mindfulness, and experience with meditation (p < 0.05). Profile membership was predicted by 3 factors, namely, self-care status, interest in mindfulness, and experience with meditation.
Conclusion
The mindful self-care ability of oncology nurses, especially mindful relaxation and physical activities, should be improved. Three latent mindful self-care profiles were found, and nursing managers should pay more attention to oncology nurses in low-mindful self-care groups. Further interventions combined with mindfulness, self-care or meditation can be performed to improve the mindful self-care ability of oncology nurses.
An Optimized Intelligent Open-Source MLaaS Framework for User-Friendly Clustering and Anomaly Detection
Authors: ElDahshan Kamal A. , Abutaleb Gaber E. , Elemary Berihan R. , Ebeid Ebeid A. , AlHabshy AbdAllah A.
Published: February 2024

In the big data era, businesses are in dire need of intelligent solutions to rapidly extract valuable insights. However, not all companies possess the specialized expertise required to operate machine learning algorithms. To bridge this gap, this paper introduces a cost-effective, user-friendly, dependable, adaptable, and scalable solution for visualizing, analyzing, processing, and extracting valuable insights from data. The proposed solution is an optimized open-source unsupervised machine learning as a service (MLaaS) framework that caters to both experts and non-experts in machine learning. The framework aims to assist companies and organizations in solving problems related to clustering and anomaly detection, even without prior experience or internal infrastructure. With a focus on several clustering and anomaly detection techniques, the proposed framework automates data processing while allowing user intervention. Furthermore, the proposed solution is expandable; it may include additional algorithms. It is versatile and capable of handling diverse datasets by generating separate rapid artificial intelligence (AI) models for each dataset and facilitating their comparison rapidly. The proposed framework provides a solution through a Representational State Transfer (RESTful) Application Programming Interface (API), enabling seamless integration with various systems. Real-world testing of the proposed framework on customer segmentation and fraud detection data demonstrates that it is reliable, efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving. With this innovative MLaaS framework, companies may harness the full potential of business analysis.
Multi-sentence and multi-intent classification using RoBERTa and graph convolutional neural network
Authors: Ravi Kumar , Singh Ajay , Gautam Chandan
Published: February 2024

Citation analysis has garnered significant attention in academia, particularly in the realm of scientometrics analysis. Most studies related to citation analysis focus on quantitative aspects, assigning equal weight to every citation regardless of its placement within the paper. However, understanding the distribution of citation weight across different sections of a research article is crucial for citation analysis and impact assessment. Therefore, the analysis of citation intent becomes a pivotal task in determining the qualitative importance of a citation within a scientific article. In this context, we undertook two essential tasks related to citation analysis: citation length analysis and citation intent analysis. Through citation length analysis, we identified the optimal number of citation sentences to consider around a cited sentence. Simultaneously, citation intent analysis aimed to categorize citations into seven distinct types, namely background, motivation, uses, extends, similarities, differences, and future work. For the latter task, we introduced two novel architectures based on graph neural networks, namely CiteIntentRoBERTaGCN and CiteIntentRoBERTaGAT. The performance of these proposed models was evaluated on five multi-intent datasets curated from 1,200 research papers, considering different context lengths. The results demonstrated that the proposed models achieved state-of-the-art performance.
Combinatorial chemotherapy via poloxamer 188 surface-modified PLGA nanoparticles that traverse the blood-brain-barrier in a glioblastoma model
Authors: Madani Fatemeh , Morovvati Hassan , Webster Thomas J. , Asaadi Sareh Najaf , Rezayat Seyed Mahdi , Hadjighassem Mahmoudreza , Khosravani Masood , Adabi Mahdi
Published: February 2024

The effect of anti-glioblastoma therapies is dwindling due to insufficient delivery across the blood-brain-barrier. It has been stated that poloxamer 188-coated nanoparticles are able to circumvent the blood-brain-barrier. Building off of such success, this study presents the design, preparation, and evaluation of a combination of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with methotrexate (P-MTX NPs) and PLGA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (P-PTX NPs) that were surface-modified by poloxamer188. Cranial tumors were implanted using C6 cells in a rat model and MRI demonstrated that the tumors were indistinguishable in the two rats with P-MTX NPs+P-PTX NPs treated groups. Brain PET scans exhibited a decreased brain-to-background ratio which could be attributed to the diminished metabolic tumor volume. The expression of p53 and Ki-67 as a good and poor prognosis factor, respectively were significantly more and less, in P-MTX NPs+P-PTX NPs than in the control. Furthermore, the biodistribution of PLGA NPs was determined by carbon quantum dots loaded into PLGA NPs (P-CQD NPs), and quantitative analysis of ex-vivo imaging of the dissected organs demonstrated that 17.2 ± 0.6 % of the NPs were concentrated in the brain after 48 h. These results demonstrate the promising combinatorial nano chemotherapy for the treatment of glioblastoma which needs to be urgently investigated in human clinical models.
Pre-operative intra-aortic balloon pump insertion in coronary artery bypass grafting patients reduces in-hospital morbidity
Authors: Sazzad Faizus , Luo Hai Dong , Chang Guohao , Wu Duoduo , Ong Zhi Xian , Kofidis Theo , Kang Giap Swee
Published: February 2024

Background:
The aim of this study was to determine if pre-operative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion improves the surgical outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Methods:
Patients with EuroSCORE II > 1.2% who underwent CABG from 2009 to 2016 were included in the study. Patients who utilized intra-operative or post-operative IABP were excluded. The analysis included a total of 2907 patients, with 377 patients undergoing pre-operative IABP insertion and 1198 patients receiving no IABP support. Following propensity score matching, 250 patients from each group were eligible for further analysis.
Results:
30-day mortality events occurred in 9 (3.6%) non-IABP users and in 12 (4.8%) IABP users (OR: 1.33 95%CI: 0.52–3.58). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups in mortality up to one year after the operation (p = 0.72). On multivariate analysis, IABP usage among the PSM patients was associated with lower 30-day mortality (OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.07–0.92, P-value = 0.043), 90-day mortality (OR: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.08–0.78, P-value = 0.022) and reduced risk of developing severe respiratory disorders (OR: 0.10, 95%CI:0.01–0.50, P-value = 0.011).
Conclusion:
Pre-operative IABP use in high-risk patients reduces 30- and 90-day mortality rates, along with a notable decrease in rates of severe respiratory disorders.
Wearable Signal Fusion through Deep Learning: Discriminating Affective States Levels in the Wild among Healthy and Depressed
Authors: Vázquez Cristina Gallego , Eicher Corinne , Huber Reto , Kronenberg Golo , Landolt Hans-Peter , Seifritz Erich , Poian Giulia da
Published: February 2024

The increasing prevalence of depression underscores the critical need for improved monitoring and personalized treatment options. While traditional assessment methods exhibit limitations, smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment has demonstrated validity and reliability in capturing real-time experiences. However, challenges such as time consumption and perceived invasiveness remain. To address these limitations, our research explored the potential of deep learning and wearable sensors to classify self-reported affective symptoms such as valence, arousal, and sleepiness based on objective and continuous passive data. Our study spanned 35 days, incorporating a diverse cohort of 26 participants (14 female, age 29 $\pm$9.0), including sixteen depressed patients and ten healthy controls. We used deep learning techniques to classify high-quality physiological data collected from a wearable patch, combining electrocardiogram signals, raw accelerometer data, and respiration rates into 3-levels of affective states. We identified optimal time windows for prediction — 24 hours for valence and 12 hours for arousal and sleepiness - and showed that combining longitudinal heart rate and heart rate variability metrics with physical activity enhanced the predictive performance for affective states classification compared to individual modalities. Our models achieved notable classification metrics for the 3-level affective states, with a balanced accuracy of 0.65 for valence, 0.56 for arousal and 0.53 for sleepiness, demonstrating competitive performance with previous work. This research contributes to advancing mental health monitoring practices, providing valuable insights into the relationships between affective and physiological states.
Geometric Deep learning Prioritization and validation of cannabis phytochemicals as anti-HCV non- nucleoside direct-acting inhibitors
Authors: Charles Ssemuyiga , Edgar Mulumba Pius
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The rate of acute hepatitis C increased by 7% between 2020 and 2021, after the number of cases doubled between 2014 and 2020. With the current adoption of pan-genotypic HCV therapy, there is a need for improved availability and accessibility of this therapy. However, double and triple DAA-resistant variants have been identified in genotypes 1 and 5 with resistance-associated amino acid substitutions (RAASs) in NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B 1. The role of this research was to screen for novel potential NS5B inhibitors from the cannabis compound database (CBD) using Deep Learning.Methods Virtual screening of the CBD compounds was performed using a trained Graph Neural Network (GNN) deep learning model. Re-docking and conventional docking were used to validate the results for these ligands since some had rotatable bonds > 10. 31 of the top 67 hits from virtual screening and docking were selected after ADMET screening. To verify their candidacy, six random hits were obtained for FEP/MD and Molecular Simulation Dynamics.Results The top 200 compounds from the deep learning virtual screening were selected, and the virtual screening results were validated by re-docking and conventional docking. The ADMET profiles were optimal for 31 hits. Simulated complexes indicate that these hits are likely inhibitors with suitable binding affinities and FEP energies. Phytil Diphosphate and glucaric acid were suggested as possible ligands against NS5B.
On Some Extended Energy of Graphs and Their Applications
Authors: Sarkar Prosanta , Kumar Shiv , Pal Anita
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we dealt with extended energy of graphs namely first and second Zagreb energy, Randić energy, reciprocal Randić energy, and the atom-bond connectivity energy. We studied their relationship with some thermodynamic properties of benzenoid hydrocarbons. We have seen that these indices are well correlated to the boiling point (BP), Kovats retention index (RI), entropy (S), enthalpy of formation (ΔHf), octanol-water partition coefficient (logP), and acentric factor (ω) of benzenoid hydrocarbons. Significantly, the correlation coefficients of Randić energy with the boiling point, enthalpy of formation, Kovats retention index, octanol-water partition coefficient, and acentric factor are greater than 0.97.
Rising Sea Levels and the Increase of Shoreline Wave Energy at American Samoa
Authors: Barnes Austin T , Becker Janet M , Tagarino Kelley A , O'Reilly William C , Siegelman Mika , Thompson Philip R , Merrifield Mark A
Published: February 2024

American Samoa is experiencing rapid relative sea level rise due to increases in global sea level and significant post-2009 earthquake land subsidence, endangering homes and critical infrastructure. Wave and water-level observations collected over a fringing reef at Faga‘itua Bay, American Samoa, in 2017 reveal depth-limited shoreline sea-swell wave heights over the range of conditions sampled. Using field data to calibrate a one-dimensional, phase-resolving nonhydrostatic wave model (SWASH), we examine the influence of water level on wave heights over the reef for a range of current and future sea levels. Assuming a fixed reef bathymetry, model results predict rising sea levels will escalate nearshore extreme water levels that are dominated by an increase in nearshore sea-swell wave heights. Model results provide insight into how and at what reef depths rising sea levels reduce reef capacity to dissipate wave energy, compounding shoreline threats. This study aims to bring increased attention to the immediate threats to American Samoa’s way of life, and to demonstrate the utility of SWASH for extrapolating wave transformation to future sea level.
Construction and Validation of a Teachers’ Remotivational Strategies Measure: Ecological Systems and Self-Determination Theories in Perspective
Authors: Alavian Hadis Sadr , Asadollahfam Hassan , Yousefi Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2024

Given the paramount importance of motivation and the paucity of research into teachers’ remotivational strategies, this study constructed and validated a teachers' remotivational strategies questionnaire. In so doing, the present study built upon an integrative framework encompassing Ecological Systems Theory (EST) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The participants comprised 235 EFL teachers within the age range of 21 to 45 (M = 30.63, SD = 5.28) and teaching experience of three months to 23 years (M = 7.30, SD = 3.87). To gather data, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Following that, the interview contents became subject to thematic analysis, and the results along with the existing themes in the extant theoretical and empirical literature were used to develop the questionnaire. The results of thematic data analysis demonstrated that the emerging theme instances were situated within the integrative SDT/EST frame. The results of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) suggested a three-factor structure encompassing relatedness, competence, and autonomy. Moreover, the results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicated that the three-factor structure fits the Iranian EFL teachers' population. Based on the results, the teachers' remotivational strategies questionnaire can be safely used for developing professional programs aiming at determining and promoting EFL teachers’ understanding and use of remotivational strategies.
Monetary Policy with Heterogeneous Agents in Developing Countries : The Case of CEMAC zone
Authors: Signe Franck Xavier , Poutineau Jean Christophe , Gankou Jean Marie
Published: February 2024

This paper quantitatively assesses the role of farm households heterogeneity in the conduct of monetary policy in developing countries such as CEMAC zone. Using Bayesian estimation techniques via the SSJ (Sequence Space Jacobian) method, we estimate two models, one with heterogeneity of non- farm households (HANK without farmer model) and one with heterogeneity of farm and non- farm households (HANK with farmer model). We find that taking into account the heterogeneity of farm households in the conduct of monetary policy plays an important role in mitigating the transmission of asymmetric shocks. The models also reveal that farm households have an important role to play in the growth process, provided they are supported by monetary and fiscal authorities.
JEL Classification : E21, E31, E40, E50, E52, E61
Phenotypic spectrum of iron-sulfur cluster assembly gene IBA57 mutations: c.286T>C identified as a hotspot mutation in Chinese patients with a stable natural history
Authors: Jiang Huafang , Xu Chaolong , Duan Ruoyu , Liu Zhimei , Ren Xiaotun , Li Jiuwei , Chen Chunhong , Wang Hongmei , Han Tongli , Tian Xiaojuan , Duan Xin , Song Minhan , Li Tongyue , Fang Fang
Published: February 2024

Mutations in IBA57 disrupt iron-sulfur clusters maturation, causing a rare mitochondrial disease. Clinical manifestations vary from neonatal lethality to childhood-onset spastic paraparesis, yet the ethnic heterogeneity and natural history remain unclear, necessitating further exploration. This study aimed to delineate the genotype-phenotype correlation of IBA57 mutations by analyzing diverse clinical presentations. We report 11 Chinese patients and include literature-reported cases, totaling 61 patients enrolled for analysis. Clinical, neuroimaging, genetic and disease progression information were collected. Among these, 46 presented as multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 3 (MMDS3), with 58.7% originating from Chinese population. Based on disease course, we propose three clinical subtypes: neonatal, infant and childhood subtypes. Neonatal cases universally displayed hypotonia and respiratory distress at presentation, deceased within three months. Most infancy and childhood cases exhibited developmental regression and impaired motor function. Cavitating leukoencephalopathy was a typical neuroimaging finding in MMDS3 patients. The c.286T > C mutation was reported in 85.2% of Chinese patients. A significantly lower mortality rate was observed compared to the non-Chinese group (P = 0.002), with a survival rate exceeding 90% at 5 years, indicating a relatively stable disease progression. Fifteen cases from three families manifested the spastic paraplegia 74 phenotype, demonstrating normal development before onset, with common clinical manifestations including spastic paraplegia (14/15), visual impairment (10/13), and peripheral neuropathy (9/13).
Conclusion: Despite a diverse phenotypic spectrum, neonatal-onset cases exhibit severe symptoms and a poor prognosis. More than half of the patients were Chinese, and c.286T > C variant was a hotspot mutation in Chinese population, associated with a stable natural history.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Risk of Mouth Ulcers: Insights from a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: AO Man , LIU Shu , Ting ZHANG , feng hongchao
Published: February 2024

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. However, IBS is often associated with a variety of comorbidities, and the causal relationship between IBS and oral ulcers is currently unclear.Methods A Two-sample Mendelian randomization study was used to investigate the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and oral ulcers, with Cochran's Q test testing for heterogeneity between instrumental variables (IV). Horizontal pleiotropy was tested by MR-Egger regression intercept analysis and MR-PRESSO analysis.Results MR analysis revealed a significant causal relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and increased risk of developing oral ulcers for IVW (OR = 1.023, 95% CI: 1.007–1.040; p = 0.003). Similar results were observed in the weighted median (OR = 1.022, 95% CI: 1.003–1.042; p = 0.018). Sensitivity analyses and Cochran's Q test did not reveal the presence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity.Conclusions The present study suggests that oral ulcers may be a complication of irritable bowel syndrome and the results have important clinical implications, however, the biological mechanisms of this association need to be further explored.
Chronic constipation and diarrhea are associated with depression in the elderly: Insights from a large cross-sectional study
Authors: 陈 明骏 , Dai Hengheng , Tong ZhanQi
Published: February 2024

Background: This study was to investigate the relationship between chronic constipation, diarrhea, and depression among the elderly, as the extent of their association remains elusive despite the well-established impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on depression.
Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using data from the 2005-2010 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), focusing on adults aged 60 and above with a sample size of 4878. Depressive symptoms were measured using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) scale. Information about chronic diarrhea or constipation was retrieved from the bowel health questionnaire. Multivariable weighted logistic regression analysis models were employed to estimate the relationship between gut health and depression status, adjusting for potential confounders (e.g., age, gender, race, education, marital status, education level, smoking status, drinking habits, and medical history).
Results: Probable depression (PHQ-9≥10) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9≥5) were more prevalent among elderly individuals with diarrhea or constipation than among those without them (P <0.05). After adjusting for all-cause, the elderly with chronic diarrhea were more likely to have significant increases in their scores for several subtypes of depressive symptoms (P <0.05, six out of nine depressive symptoms). We observed a significantly positive correlation between patients with chronic constipation and the depressive symptoms for low mood/despair, appetite, and lack of concentration (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The elderly with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥5) may be associated with chronic constipation and diarrhea based on a nationally representative sample of the elderly in the U.S. from 2005 to 2010. These findings suggest that elderly individuals experiencing chronic diarrhea and constipation may have a higher prevalence of psychological depression symptoms.
Association Between Hemoglobin-to-Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio and Bone Mineral Density in the Elderly in the United States: Evidence from NHANES
Authors: Xiao Yongchun , Pan Huawen , Huang Ruihua , Wu Ping , Peng Cheng , Luo Jianxian , Wu Jianxiong , Wang Zhifeng , Zhang Guowei , Yang Hua , Lin Hongsheng , Liang Junze , Ji Zhisheng
Published: February 2024

Background
The Hemoglobin-to-Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio (HRR), a key element of blood cell counts, emerges as a novel biomarker linked to various diseases and adverse health outcomes. However, its correlation with Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and osteoporosis in the elderly remains under-researched.
Methods
This study used NHANES data to examine the link between HRR and Bone Mineral Density (BMD), and osteoporosis in U.S. seniors. It involved 9,128 participants aged 50+, assessing their BMD and blood cell counts. A weighted linear model was used to assess HRR's influence on BMD, while weighted logistic regression examined its connection to osteoporosis, supported by an extensive subgroup analysis.
Results
The study utilized weighted linear regression to reveal a significant positive correlation between higher HRR levels and increased BMD. Additionally, weighted logistic regression indicated an inverse relationship between HRR levels and osteoporosis risk, consistently observed across subgroups and independent of confounders.
Conclusion
HRR may be an important marker for bone density and osteoporosis risk in the elderly, offering new insights for potential preventive and treatment strategies. However, these findings necessitate further validation and research due to study limitations.