bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute kidney injury in children: incidence, awareness and outcome – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chisavu Flavia , Gafencu Mihai , Stroescu Ramona , Motofelea Alexandru , Chisavu Lazar , Schiller Adalbert
Published: May 2023

Background
The primary objective was to determine the epidemiologic influence of AKI awareness among physicians in a mixt paediatric population, including neonates.
Methods
This single-centre, multiyear, observational retrospective study included all admitted patients between first of January 2014 until 31 December 2021. AKI was identified in 2194 patients out of the 128 036 hospital admissions with 129 936 serum creatinine measurements. Matching comparisons were used between AKI aware and AKI non-aware patients.
Results
The overall incidence of AKI was 1.65%. Stage 1 was identified in 24.24% of the AKI cases, stage 2 in 31.03% and stage 3 in 44.71%. The most prevalent cause of AKI was represented by prerenal AKI in 85.64% of the cases, followed by 12.16% renal causes respectively 2.18% postrenal causes. Exposure to sepsis, critical illness, hypovolemic shock and mechanical ventilation increased mortality by 2.09, 4.69, 4.64- and 4.93-times (p = 0.001). Cancer and heart failure increased mortality by 4.22 (p < 0.001) respectively 2.17 times (p = 0.001). The presence of AKI increased mortality by 79.11 times while only half of the AKI associated deaths were recognized by physicians. AKI increased hospitalization more than 4 times the average stay. AKI awareness was dependent of lower age and severity. Also, awareness increased mortality and prolonged hospitalization.
Conclusions
1 in 3 neonates and 1 in 4 children were AKI aware. The physician’s awareness of AKI diagnosis is in general low due to lack of appliance of current guidelines in exploring exposures and susceptibilities for AKI screening.
Quasi-resonant tunneling states in triangular double-barrier nanostructures
Authors: Elabsy Abdelsalam , Attia Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Quasi-resonant tunneling energy states and their corresponding lifetimes were examined in symmetric triangular double-barrier nanostructures composed of GaAs-AlyGa1-yAs. The present study employs the complex energy technique that involves solving two transcendental equations. One of these equations is associated with the even-energy state, while the other is associated with the odd-energy state of the resonant tunneling. The quasi- resonant tunneling energy is determined from the real part of the complex root while as the associated lifetime is found from the imaginary part of the complex root through the uncertainty energy-time relationship. The numerical investigation imposes a single wavefunction attributed to the spatial probability density of the electron inside the triangular barrier region. The results demonstrate that the quasi-resonant tunneling energies enhance by diminishing the well width and increasing the aluminum concentration within the barrier material for a fixed barrier thickness. In addition, enhancing both the aluminum concentration and the barrier thickness yield longer quasi-resonant tunneling lifetimes. The findings of the current study indicate that resonant tunneling energies and lifetimes align closely with the published data in the literature.
A Novel Surface Treatment to Selectively Harden TI6AL4V Surfaces
Authors: WEI QI , SI SHANSHAN , Ji Xiaochao , Ju Yulin
Published: May 2023

Various surface treatments have been developed on Ti and its alloy to improve their tribological properties. However, for some components, only specific surfaces need to be hardened rather than the whole surfaces. This study develops a duplex heat treatment including selective surface hardening by pre-painting TiO2 powder and thermal oxidation. It is found TiO2 powdered layer can be used as an oxygen reservoir for boost diffusion treatment at a temperature of 800–900°C. The abundance of oxygen provides high potential and accelerates the diffusion process, deeply hardening the surface case. Moreover, the duplex treatment is optimal for selectively hardened surfaces with high load-bearing capacity and much improved tribological properties. Pre-painting the surfaces that need to be hardened is easily operated and has good potential to be applied in industry.
Bio-adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solution using the ZnO-modified date pits
Authors: Hummadi Khalid Khazzal , zhu Lin , He Songbo
Published: May 2023

The bio-adsorption of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ in aqueous solution using the ZnO-modified date pits (MDP) as the bio-adsorbent are investigated. The fresh and used bio-adsorbents were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, BET, and XRD. The bio-adsorption parameters (including the pH of solution, the particle size of MDP, the shaking speed, the initial concentration of heavy metals, the dosing of MDP, the adsorption time, and the adsorption temperature) were screened and the data were used to optimize the bio-adsorption process and to study the bio-adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Two adsorption models (Langmuir isotherm model and Freundlich isotherm model) and three kinetic models (pseudo-first-order model, pseudo-second-order model, and intra-particle diffusion model) were applied to model the experimental data. Results show that the maximum adsorption amount of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ on a complete monolayer of MDP are 82.4, 71.9, and 66.3 mg g-1, which are over 4 times of those of date pits-based bio-adsorbents reported in literature. The bio-adsorption of heavy metals on MDP is spontaneous and exothermic, and is regulated by chemical adsorption on the homogeneous and heterogeneous adsorption sites of MDP surface. This work demonstrates an effective modification protocol for the date pits-based bio-adsorbent for improved bio-adsorption performance.
Edge effects on tree architecture exacerbate biomass loss of fragmented Amazonian forests
Authors: Nunes Matheus , Vaz Marcel , Camargo José Luís , Laurance William , de Andrade Ana , Vicentini Alberto , Laurance Susan , Raumonen Pasi , Jackson Toby , Zuquim Gabriela , Wu JIn , Penuelas Josep , Chave Jerome , Maeda Eduardo
Published: May 2023

Trees adjust their architecture to acclimate to various external stressors, which regulates ecological functions that are needed for growth, reproduction, and survival. Human activities, however, are fragmenting natural habitats apace and could affect tree architecture and allometry, but quantitative assessments remain lacking. Here, we leverage ground surveys of terrestrial LiDAR in Central Amazonia to comprehensively assess forest edge effects on tree architecture and allometry, and their associated impacts on the forest biomass 40 years after fragmentation. We found that young trees colonising the forest fragments have thicker branches and architectural traits that maximise light capture, and can produce 50% more wood than their counterparts of similar stem size and height in interior forests. Large trees that have survived disturbances arising from forest fragmentation are able to acclimate and maintain their wood production, but damages that reduce tree height near the edges can lead to a 30% decline of their woody volume. Despite the large wood production of colonising trees, changes in tree architecture lead to a net loss of 6.6 Mg ha-1 of the forest aboveground biomass, which account for 20% of all edge-related aboveground biomass losses of fragmented Amazonian forests (34.3 Mg ha-1). Our findings show a strong influence of edge effects on tree architecture and allometry, and reveal an additional unaccounted factor that exacerbates carbon losses in fragmented forests.
Detection of Disseminated Tumor Cells in Patients with Early Breast Cancer is Associated with 21-Gene-Assay: Results from the Impact of Recurrence Score ® Result on Adjuvant Treatment Decisions and Tumor Cell Dissemination in Estrogen Receptor-Positive and HER2-Negative Patients with Early Breast Cancer (IRMA) Trial
Authors: Volmer Lea L. , Dannehl Dominik , Engler Tobias , Hahn Markus , Walter Christina B. , Wallwiener Markus , Brucker Sara Y. , Taran Florin-Andrei , Hartkopf Andreas D.
Published: May 2023

Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow (BM) are known to be of prognostic value for patients with early breast cancer (EBC). In addition to histopathological features, multigene expression assays, such as the commercially available 21-gene Breast Recurrence Score® assay, have been validated for evaluating prognosis and making decisions concerning adjuvant treatment in EBC. In a previous retrospective study from our group, the 21-gene assay was shown to be associated with DTC-detection. A key endpoint of the prospective IRMA trial was to evaluate the association between Recurrence Score® (RS) result and tumor cell dissemination in patients with EBC. DTC-status and RS result were assessed in patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative EBC with 0–3 pathologic lymph nodes who underwent primary surgical treatment at the Department for Women’s Health of Tuebingen University, Germany. Patients with a high RS result (≥ 26) were more frequently DTC-positive (22.6%) than patients with a low RS result (8.6%, p=0.034). The odds for DTC-positivity increased with rising RS values (p= 0.047). We therefore confirm that a high genomic risk is associated with tumor cell dissemination into the BM. Further trials are needed to investigate whether therapeutic decisions could be further individualized by combining DTC-status and prognostic gene signature testing.
Optimization of hydrothermal synthesis of nickel oxide with flower-like structure
Authors: Tran Thuy Thi Bich , Park Eui-Jeong , son jong tae
Published: May 2023

Herein, nano-flower NiO is successfully fabricated via a simple hydrothermal process using urea and nickel(II) nitrate as reactants, followed by a calcination reaction. Final products with different morphologies are obtained by varying the molar ratio of the reactants, varying the solvent, and using a surfactant. The results reveal that the NiO particles obtained using a molar ratio of 1:2 (Ni: urea) in a mixture of water and ethanol as the solvent and in the presence of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) exhibit the best uniformity and an excellent BET specific surface area of 62.97 m2 g–1. The increase in uniformity and decrease in particle size can be attributed to the ethanol in the solvent, which slows ion diffusion in the solution and CTAB, thereby controlling the growth of particles.
Dual-trait pleiotropic analysis in highly stratified natural populations using genome-wide association summary statistics
Authors: Shen Xia , Feng Xiao , Zan Yanjun , Ning Zheng , Xu Weilin , Wan Qianhui , Zeng Dongyu , Zeng Ziyi , Liu Yang
Published: May 2023

Genome-wide association analysis is a powerful tool to identify genomic loci underlying complex traits. However, the application in natural populations comes with challenges, especially power loss due to population stratification. Here, we introduce a bivariate analysis approach to a GWAS dataset of Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate the efficiency of double-phenotype analysis to uncover hidden genetic loci masked by population structure via a series of simulations. In real data analysis, a common allele, strongly confounded with population structure, is discovered to be associated with late flowering and slow maturation of the plant. The discovered genetic effect on flowering time is further replicated in independent datasets. Using Mendelian randomization analysis based on summary statistics from our GWAS and expression QTL scans, we predicted and replicated a candidate gene AT1G11560 that potentially causes this association. Further analysis indicates that this locus is co-selected with flowering-time-related genes. The discovered pleiotropic genotype-phenotype map provides new insights into understanding the genetic correlation of complex traits.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prevalence and Its factors Among Computer User Bankers of Dessie City, Northeast Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Temesgen Tegegne , Sisay Tadesse , Teym Abraham , Yirdaw Getasew , Adane Balew , Tegegne Eniyew , Kumlachew Lake
Published: May 2023

Background
Musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of occupational disability worldwide in computer users and impose a considerable burden on the individual, society, and industry in terms of absenteeism and cost of treatment. Studies on the risk of ergonomic exposure of computer users to the development of musculoskeletal disorder in banking industries are limited.
Objective
To determine the factors of musculoskeletal disorders and its prevalence among computer user bankers of Dessie city who regularly use computers at work.
Methodology
Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 269 bankers that use computer at work. They were selected from 21 bank branches by lottery method, and proportionally allocated. Then, the data was collected by self-administered questionnaire from each branch. After data clearance, data was entered into EPI software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25.0. The data was analysed using descriptive statistical method and using bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models. Variables with p-value < 0.05 with 95% CI was considered as statistically significant factor for developing musculoskeletal disorder.
Result
A total of 269 participants were included in this study with a response rate of 98.8%. The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder was found to be 63.2% (95% CI: 56.8–68.8). factors like absence of display screen coverings (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI:1.01, 3.83), fixed type chair (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.49), no enough working room (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI:1.47,4.58) and overtimes/unplanned work shifts (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI:1.06,3.25) were significantly associated factors to musculoskeletal disorder.
Conclusions
Based on our study, musculoskeletal disorder was a problem among computer user bankers, with an overall prevalence of 63.2%. We recommend that awareness creation through education and training on prevention and coping strategies for musculoskeletal disorders be made mandatory for bankers to reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.
Factors Predicting Oral Health Behaviors of Adolescents in Shushtar
Authors: Marashi Seyedeh Zahra , Heidarnia Alireza , Kazemi Seyedeh Somayeh , Zarei Fatemeh
Published: May 2023

Background: Tooth decay and other oral health (periodontal) diseases have a high global prevalence and are considered an important economic burden. Oral and dental hygiene is so important for the adolescent age group that the World Health Organization has declared tooth decay as one of the most important health problems in the world. Therefore, this study aims to determine the predictors of oral health behaviors of teenagers in Shushtar.
Methods: The current research is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted in Summer 2022 on 415 teenagers of the first secondary school in Shushtar. The data collection method was two standard questionnaires. The questionnaire included demographic information and questions related to measuring awareness, attitude, performance, and self-efficacy regarding the oral health behaviors of adolescents. The data was analyzed in spss22 statistical software and using descriptive statistics and ANOVA, T-test, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.
Results: The average score of knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy in brushing teeth, self-efficacy in flossing, self-efficacy in going to the dentist, and adolescents' performance on oral health behaviors are respectively 5.72 ± 2.06,36.40±6.36, 25.40±7.49, 6.06±14.15, 5.59±15.80 and 14.01±4.02. There has been a significant correlation between knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and performance. Also, there was a significant relationship between awareness, attitude, self-efficacy, performance, and brushing frequency (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of this research, the lack of awareness, performance, self-efficacy, and good attitude of teenagers regarding oral health, and on the other hand, the importance of the adolescent age group and the formation of oral and dental health behaviors and its impact on Adulthood, increasing the knowledge of teenagers and consequently improving health behaviors through holding educational classes in schools is suggested.
Uplifts and hassles are related to worsening in chronic fatigue syndrome A prospective study
Authors: Friedberg Fred , Adamowicz Jenna L. , Bruckenthal Patricia , Milazzo Maria , Ramjan Sameera , Zhang Xiaoyue , Yang Jie
Published: May 2023

Background:Limitedpublished data suggests that absence of uplifts (minor pleasant events) is associated with clinical worsening in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The current study aimed to assess the relation of illness worsening to the trajectories of social and non-social uplifts and hassles in a six-month prospective study in CFS.Methods:Participants were primarily in their 40s, female, white, and ill for over a decade. All participants (N=128) met criteria for CFS. The interview-based global impression of change rating was used to classify individual outcomes as improved, unchanged, or worsened at six- month follow-up. Uplifts and hassles, both social and non-social, were assessed with the Combined Hassles and Uplifts Scale (CHUS). The CHUS was administered weekly in online diaries over six months. Linear mixed effect models were utilized to examine linear trends for hassles and uplifts.Results:No significant differences were found between the three global outcome groups for age, sex, or illness duration; however, work status was significantly lower for the non-improved groups (p<.001). Non-social hassles intensity showed an increasing slope for the worsened group (p=.03) and a decreasing slope (p=0.05) for the improved group. For the worsened group, a downward trend was found for frequency of non-social (p=0.01) uplifts.Conclusion:Individuals with worsening as compared to improving illness in CFS show significantly different six-month trajectories for weekly hassles and a deficit in uplifts. This may have clinical implications for behavioral intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02948556
Beginning of implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in Serbia: Case study of the first implemented rain gardens within suburban community Kać
Authors: Greksa Amela , Blagojević Boško , Grabić Jasna
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is being accepted as an integrated approach that provides multiple ecosystem services. Serbia is among many European countries with a growing interest for the implementation of the NbS. This paper presents the results of assessment of two rain gardens (RGs) taken as case studies, implemented as some of the first examples of NbS. The research methodology is based on evaluation of the hydrologic effectiveness through continuous visual inspection during the period after RGs construction in the first year, second and third year after RGs establishment. Visual inspection involved observations of the basic functions of RGs i.e. flow reduction during storm events, presence of standing water or overflows, time of infiltration, vegetation health and establishment. Mentioned items were monitored in order to understand the performances and test the functionality of RGs due to their further implementation. Findings based on visual assessment showed that: a) both RGs infiltrate runoff during rain and snow events with no presence of standing water after 24 hours and b) rain gardens can reduce peak flows and total flow volume in a short period of time for rainfall depths that are connected with different return periods and flood frequency. The RGs also showed excellent plant growth rate and rapid plant establishment within environmental conditions in the RGs. This study highlights overall good adaptation of RGs under local soil and typical continental climate and contributes to limited research about performances of RGs as NbS in Serbian practice.
Spatiotemporal visualization of CO2 electrolysis
Authors: Berlinguette Curtis , Lu Xin , Zhou Chris , Delima Roxanna , Lees Eric , Soni Abhishek , Dvorak David J. , Ren Shaoxuan , Ji Tengxiao , Bahi Addie , Ko Frank
Published: May 2023

We report here an electrolysis optical coherence tomography (eOCT) platform to visualize the chemical reactions occurring in a CO2 electrolyzer. The eOCT platform was designed to capture three dimensional images and videos at high spatial (~1 µm) and temporal (<1 µs) resolutions. We captured 12 h of footage of an electrolyzer, containing a porous electrode separated by a membrane, converting a continuous feed of liquid KHCO3 to reduce CO2 into CO at applied current densities of 50-800 mA cm−2. This video resolved the nucleation and formation of CO2 in the cathode compartment upon reaction of HCO3– with H+ delivered through the membrane, the formation of CO at the cathode|electrolyte interface, and H2 throughout the cathode compartment. The video captured the strikingly dynamic movement of the cathode and membrane components during electrolysis, and linked CO production to regions of the electrolyzer in which CO2 were in direct contact with both the membrane and the catalyst layers. This visualization enabled us to correlate the decrease in CO production to a buildup of CO2, CO, and H2, and (bi)carbonate salts at the cathode layer. The statistical analysis of phase distribution images allowed us to understand the competition between main (CO2 reduction) and side (hydrogen evolution) reactions in both time and space domains. We also show how a pulsing current liberates these residual bubbles and (bi)carbonates to recover CO production. These results highlight the power of using an eOCT platform to temporally and spatially resolve CO2RR electrolysis.
Anthelmintic activity of European fern extracts against Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Pavičić Antonio , Zajíčková Markéta , Šadibolová Michaela , Svobodová Gabriela , Matoušková Petra , Szotáková Barbora , Langhansová Lenka , Maršík Petr , Skálová Lenka
Published: May 2023

Most drugs used in the treatment of helminthiasis in humans and animals have lost their efficacy due to the development of drug-resistance in helminths. Moreover, since anthelmintics, like many pharmaceuticals, are now recognized as hazardous contaminants of the environment, returning to medicinal plants and their products represents an environmentally friendly way to treat helminthiasis. The goal of the present study was to test the anthelminthic activity of methanol extracts of eight selected European ferns from the genera Dryopteris, Athyrium and Blechnum against the nematode Haemonchus contortus, a widespread parasite of small ruminants. Eggs and adults of H. contortus drug-susceptible strain ISE and drug-resistant strain WR were isolated from experimentally infected sheep. The efficacy of fern extracts was assayed using egg hatch test and adults viability test based on ATP-level measurement. Among the ferns tested, only Dryopteris aemula extract (0.2 mg/ml) inhibited eggs hatching by 25% in comparison to control. Athyrium distentifolium, Dryopteris aemula and Dryopteris cambrensis were effective against H. contortus adults. In concentration 0.1 mg/ml, A. distentifolium, D. aemula, D. cambrensis significantly decreased the viability of females from ISE and WR strains to 36.2%, 51.9%, 32.9% and to 35.3%, 27.0%, 23.6, respectively in comparison to untreated controls. None of the extracts exhibited toxicity in precise cut slices from ovine liver. Polyphenol’s analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid and protocatechuic acid as the major components of these anthelmintically active ferns.
Left Ventricular Remodeling Response to SGLT2 inhibitors in Heart Failure: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies
Authors: Carluccio Erberto , Biagioli Paolo , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Mengoni Anna , Lauciello Rosanna , Zuchi Cinzia , D’Addario Sandra , Bardelli Giuliana , Ambrosio Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

Background:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported contrasting results about reverse left ventricular remodeling (LVR) after sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) therapy in patients with heart failure (HF).
Methods and Results:
We performed a metanalysis of RCTs of SGLT2i administration in HF outpatients published until June 2022 searching four electronic databases. The protocol has been published in PROSPERO. Primary LVR outcome was change in absolute LV end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (LVESV) from baseline to study endpoint. Secondary outcomes included changes in LVEDV and LVESV indexed to body surface area, LV Mass index (LVMi), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP). Mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs were pooled. A total of 9 RCTs (1385 patients) were analyzed. All of them reported data on LVEF. Six trials reported data on LVESV and LVEDV (n=951); LVMi was available in 640. SGLT2i treatment significantly reduced LVEDV [MD= -10.59 ml (-17.27; -3.91), P=0.0019], LVESV [MD= -8.80 ml (-16.91; -0.694), P=0.0334], and LVMI [MD= -5.34 gr/m2 (-9.76; -0.922), P=0.0178], while LVEF significantly increased [MD= +1.98% (0.67; 0.306), P=0.0031]. By subgroup analysis, the beneficial effects of SGLT2i on LVEF did not differ by imaging method used, time to follow-up re-evaluation, or HF phenotype. Reduction in LV volumes tended to be greater in HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) than in those with preserved EF (HFpEF), while the opposite was observed for LVMi.
Conclusions:
Treatment with SGLT2i significantly reversed cardiac volumes, improving LV systolic function and LV mass, particularly in HFrEF patients.
The Missing Voices in the Conscientious Objection Debate: UK Service Users’ Experiences of Conscientious Objection to Abortion.
Authors: Self Becky , Maxwell Clare , Fleming Valerie
Published: May 2023

Background The fourth section of the 1967 Abortion Act states that individuals (including health care practitioners) do not have to participate in an abortion if they have a conscientious objection. A conscientious objection is a refusal to participate in abortion on the grounds of conscience. This may be informed by religious, moral, philosophical, ethical, or personal beliefs. Currently, there is very little investigation into the impact of conscientious objection on service users in the UK. The perspectives of service users are imperative in understanding the real-world consequences and potential impact of conscientious objection and should be considered when creating policies and guidelines. This research provided a platform for women and those who can become pregnant to share their experiences and opinions at a time when these voices are largely excluded in the great tradition of western political philosophy and law-making processes.Method Five service users were interviewed using a narrative interview approach to uncover their abortion journeys and experiences of conscientious objection.Results Doctors are not always informing service users of their right to an abortion, giving service users enough information to access abortion (indirect referral), treating them non-judgmentally, and providing medically correct information. Service users did not experience burdens such as long waiting times and were still able to access legal abortion. However, service users did experience negative emotional effects, as they were often left feeling scared, angry, and hopeless when they were not referred and/or were mistreated.Conclusions Findings indicate that conscientious objection could work in practice. However, it is currently failing some individuals on an emotional level, as not all doctors are adhering to policy and guidelines. Conscientious objection in the UK needs to be addressed, to ensure service users receive fair, impartial, non-judgmental care.
Association between Alcohol and Urolithiasis: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yang Shijian , Tan Wenyue , Wei Baian , Gu Chiming , Li Siyi , Wang Shusheng
Published: May 2023

Background The causal relationship between alcohol and urolithiasis remains uncertain, despite previous observational studies reporting an association between the two. To determine the causality, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.Methods In this study, we aimed to investigate the causal relationship between alcohol and kidney stones using a two-sample MR approach. Two sets of genetic instruments were utilized in the analysis, both of which were derived from publicly available genetic summary data. The first set consisted of 73 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) robustly linked to alcohol intake frequency (AIF) and the second set was comprised of 69 SNPs associated with alcohol consumption (AC). Our MR analysis was performed using several methods including the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression, MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier test.Results Our results from the MR analysis revealed a borderline significant association between AIF and the risk of urolithiasis. This was established through the use of the IVW method (OR(95%CI) = 1.29(1.02,1.65), p = 0.036) and the weighted median approach (OR(95%CI) = 1.44(1.10,1.89), p = 0.008). The MR-Egger model also yielded similar risk estimates (OR(95%CI) = 1.39(0.66,2.93), p = 0.386), although the relationship was not statistically significant. Sixty-eight SNPs were identified as having a substantial and independent link with AC. However, the IVW approach revealed no significant effect of AC on the risk of urolithiasis (OR(95%CI) = 0.74(0.48,1.14), p = 0.173).Conclusions The MR analysis suggested a potential causal association between alcohol intake frequency and the risk of urolithiasis, but not alcohol consumption.
A Rare Clinical Case of Celiac Trunk Anatomy in a Patient with Siewert III Cardioesophageal Junction Cancer
Authors: Khorobrykh Tatyana , Ivashov Ivan , Spartak Alexey , Reiter Victoriia , Grachalov Anton , Pronina Polina
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The normal anatomy of the celiac trunk (CT) is characterized by splitting into three branches in approximately 80% of cases. In other cases, multiple anatomical variations can be observed. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical case featuring an extremely rare location of common hepatic artery (CHA) and to emphasize the importance of being familiar with possible anatomical variations of the hepatic artery through preoperative imaging in preparation for oncological surgery.
Methods: We report a rare anatomical variation of replaced common hepatic artery, when it is located as VI type of Hiatt’s classification – CHA branching from abdominal aorta (AA). It was discovered during contrast-enhanced computed tomography and illustrated by 3D reconstruction of vascular architectonics of the celiac trunk.
Results: A 71-year-old patient presented with Siewert III cardioesophageal junction cancer with liver metastases (T2N2M1, stage IV). Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed that the CHA branched from the AA. The operation included the proximal resection of the stomach and abdominal esophagus, D2 lymph nodes dissection, peritumoral liver resection, and extramucosal pyloroplasty.
Conclusion: This case shows the importance of preoperative preparation using CECT to identify anatomical variations of the CHA, particularly for patients with locally advanced and metastatic cancer. This is due to the fact that the CHA is an important intraoperative landmark in the process of lymph nodes dissection, and awareness of its rare anatomical variation allowed us to shorten the operation time and reduce the risk of intra- and postoperative complications.
Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater quality, East of Mount Cameroon and West of the Penda Mboko River, suitability for drinking and irrigation use
Authors: Jude Ngai N , Wotany Engome Regina , Agyingi Christopher , Ghomsi Kemgang , Maffo Kankeu Gisele Aurore , Menti Agbor Nelson , Armel Zacharie Ekoa
Published: May 2023

The physicochemical properties and impacts on water quality were evaluated in volcanic and sedimentary aquifer systems for management and sustainable development. Fifty (50) water samples were collected from hand dug wells, boreholes springs and rivers. The physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, T, and Salinity) were measured in situ. The pH ranged from 6.22 to 6.68 with a mean of 6.49 signifying slightly acidic. Slightly mineralized water sources with TDS that ranged from 11 to 211 mg / l. The mean concentration of the major ions indicated Ca2+ >Mg2+ > Na+ > k+ and HCO3− >CL− >NO3− >SO42− The hydrochemical facies were Ca-Cl type (74%), Ca-HCO3 type (20%), and mixed Ca-Mg-Cl (6%). The Gibbs plots indicated 86% dominance of rock weathering influencing the chemistry of the water sources, 14% by precipitation and cation-exchange as indicated by positive CAI values. Twenty-nine (58%) samples were classified as excellent water quality (Rank I) according to the Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI). At the same time, 13 (26%) samples had drinking water of good quality (rank II). In the research area, the distribution of groundwater physicochemical indicators and drinking water quality index (DWQI) was shown. According to the Wilcox diagram connecting sodium percentage with total concentration, all of the samples fell in the good to permissible for irrigation. Based on Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) and Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), the results indicated that the majority of the groundwater samples were suitable for irrigation.
Construction of five disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signature for predicting prognosis and immune activity in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Kangjie , Li Dongling , Zhang Minglei , Zhou Hai , Hou Xuefeng , Jiang Jian , Zhang Zihang , Dai Hua , Sun Hang
Published: May 2023

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a highly aggressive cancer. Disulfidptosis is a newly discovered mechanism of programmed cell death. However, the role of disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRlncRNAs) in KIRC remains unknown. This study aimed to develop a prognostic model of DRlncRNAs and explore their prognostic value in KIRC. RNA-seq and relevant clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate Cox regression, lasso algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis identified DRlncRNAs and established a prognostic model. Multiple methods to assess the reliability of the model. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune infiltration analysis, somatic mutation analysis, and drug prediction were performed on the model. qRT-PCR has identified the intracellular expression of DRlncRNAs. We constructed a prognostic model with five DRlncRNAs and proved that the model was a good predictor of survival and prognosis of KIRC patients. GSEA indicated that DRlncRNAs were associated with apoptosis and immune-related pathways. Immune correlation analysis suggested that low-risk patients had better immunotherapeutic outcomes. Besides, somatic mutation analysis revealed that low-risk patients had a lower somatic mutation rate and TMB score and better prognostic. Drug prediction showed that axitinib, ibrutinib, osimertinib, and ruxolitinib were more effective in the low-risk patients; Crizotinib, lapatinib, linsitinib, and nilotinib were more effective in the high-risk patients. Finally, qRT-PCR confirmed the expression of DRlncRNAs in normal kidney cells and KIRC cell lines. In summary, we constructed a risk model and provided a new direction for diagnosing and treating KIRC.
Organoid modeling of lung-resident immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Kuo Calvin , Choi Shannon , Unen Vincent van , Zhang Huimin , Rustagi Arjun , Alwahabi Samira , Santos António , Chan Joshua , Lam Brandon , Solis Daniel , Mah Jordan , Röltgen Katharina , Trope Winston , Guh-Siesel Alexander , Lin Zhongqi , Beck Aimee , Edwards Caitlin , Mallajosyula Vamsee , Martin Brock , Dunn James , Shrager Joseph , Baric Ralph , Pinsky Benjamin , Boyd Scott , Blish Catherine , Davis Mark
Published: May 2023

Tissue-resident immunity underlies essential host defenses against pathogens, but analysis in humans has lacked in vitro model systems where epithelial infection and accompanying resident immune cell responses can be observed en bloc. Indeed, human primary epithelial organoid cultures typically omit immune cells, and human tissue resident-memory lymphocytes are conventionally assayed without an epithelial infection component, for instance from peripheral blood, or after extraction from organs. Further, the study of resident immunity in animals can be complicated by interchange between tissue and peripheral immune compartments. To study human tissue-resident infectious immune responses in isolation from secondary lymphoid organs, we generated adult human lung three-dimensional air-liquid interface (ALI) lung organoids from intact tissue fragments that co-preserve epithelial and stromal architecture alongside endogenous lung-resident immune subsets. These included CD69+CD103+ tissue-resident and CCR7- and/or CD45RA- TRM, B, NK and myeloid cells, with conservation of T cell receptor repertoires, all corresponding to matched fresh tissue. SARS-CoV-2 vigorously infected organoid lung epithelium, alongside secondary induction of innate cytokine production that was inhibited by antiviral agents. Notably, SARS-CoV-2-infected organoids manifested adaptive virus-specific T cell activation that was specific for seropositive and/or previously infected donor individuals. This holistic non-reconstitutive organoid system demonstrates the sufficiency of lung to autonomously mount adaptive T cell memory responses without a peripheral lymphoid component, and represents an enabling method for the study of human tissue-resident immunity.
In-silico and in-vitro study reveals Ziprasidone as a potential aromatase inhibitor against breast carcinoma
Authors: Sahu Ankita , Ahmad Shaban , Imtiyaz Khalid , Kumaran Ajeeshkumar Kizhakkeppurath , Islam Mojahidul , Raza Khalid , Eswaran Murugesh , Kunnath Asha Kurukkan , Rizvi Moshahid A. , Verma Saurabh
Published: May 2023

Aromatase enzyme plays a fundamental role in the development of estrogen receptors and due to this functionality, the enzyme has gained significant attention as a therapeutic for reproductive disorders and cancer diseases. The aromatase inhibitors, currently in clinical use, have such serious side effects that it is crucial to find novel aromatase inhibitors with more selective, less toxic, and more effective drug potency. The research framework of this study is to identify a potent inhibitor for the aromatase target by profiling molecular descriptors of the ligand and to find a functional pocket in the target by docking and MD simulations. For assessing cellular and metabolic activities as indicators of cell viability and cytotoxicity, in-vitro studies were performed by using the colorimetric MTT assay. Aromatase activities were determined by a fluorometric method. Cell morphology was assessed by phase-contrast light microscopy. Flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay determined cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. This study reports that CHEMBL598797 (Ziprasidone) is the most promising compound that showed excellent aromatase inhibitory activity. By using better drug design methods and experimental studies, our study identified a novel compound that could be effective as a high-potential drug candidate against aromatase enzyme. We conclude that the compound ziprasidone effectively blocks the cell cycle at the G1-S phase and induces cancer cell death. Further, in-vivo studies are vital for developing ziprasidone as an anticancer agent. Lastly, our research outcomes based on the results of the in-silico experiments may pave the way for identifying effective drug candidates fortherapeutic use in breast cancer.
Comparison of applicability of Novel PNR-Bleed Classification with the traditional Goligher’s classification in the management of hemorrhoidal disease
Authors: Khan Mohammad Abrar , Parray Fazl Q. , Banday Imad , Bari Shams ul , Mir Rayees Ahmad , Qari Duha , Bashir Rakhshanda , Fatima Nayyara , Mir Taifoor Aali , Khan Mudassir Ahmad
Published: May 2023

Background: Goligher’s classification has been traditionally used to define and classify hemorrhoids and also guide their treatment, however with certain limitations, which can be overcome by the novel Prolapse-Number-Relation-Bleed/Hemorrhoid Severity Score Classification (PNR-Bleed/HSS Classification) by Khan M.A. et. al. The more comprehensive, elaborate, objective and easily reproducible nature of PNR Bleed classification makes it an ideal candidate to be used in management of hemorrhoidal disease.
Purpose: To compare PNR-Bleed/HSS Classification with Goligher’s Classification for hemorrhoidal disease with respect to classification, treatment and follow-up of hemorrhoidal disease.
Methods: This study was conducted at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura and SKIMS Medical College and Hospital (MCH), Bemina, J & K, India, from 1st September 2020 to 1st August 2022. Patients were classified according to Goligher’s classification as well as PNR-Bleed/HSS Classification and treatment administered according to most recent guidelines and surgeons experience. The association between the two classifications was compared. This study was conducted after taking permission from the original publisher of the PNR-Bleed/HSS by Khan M.A. et al.
Results: A total of 112 patients who were included in the study completed it. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between Goligher’s Grade and PNRB/HSS at presentation and each follow up (P value <0.05, Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.7). Change in pre-treatment and post treatment (6 month) Goligher’s Score as well as HSS was found to be statistically significant with respect to each treatment (P value < 0.05).
Conclusion: The traditional Goligher’s method of classification of hemorrhoidal disease has a number of limitations, which is overcome by the novel PNRB/HSS classification and can help guide the treatment and follow-up of this not-so-simple disease.
Application of fuzzy group decision-making Selecting Green Supplier: A case study of the manufacture of natural laurel soap
Authors: Mohamed Alaa Alden Al , Mohamed Sobhi Al
Published: May 2023

The selection of suppliers alone is one of the most important competitive challenges facing organizations today. With today's increasing awareness and facing many significant environmental pressures, the process of selecting the right suppliers for green supply chain management even more difficult for decision makers. The process of developing and implementing decision-making tools seek to face these challenges is rapidly evolving, especially in a fuzzy environment whose data is incomplete. The purpose of this article is to investigate prospective green chain suppliers for a laurel soap producing company based on a framework using MCDA fuzzy technologies such as Fuzzy GRA, Fuzzy TOPSIS, and Fuzzy VIKOR. During this paper, a discussion of fuzzy set was discussed with Fuzzy MCDM Within a realistic case study, where a comparison was made between the tools, and it was noted that the results were consistent between the two tools fuzzy TOPSIS and Fuzzy GRA, and the arrival of similar results and a slight difference with results was observed in Fuzzy VIKOR interpreted. The most detailed analyses were conducted on distance measurements, linguistic variables, assembly functions, and confusion processing. This study introduces the Fuzzy MCDM method to help researchers choose a more effective approach for green supplier selection and the Conclusions and other study directions are offered towards the conclusion of the paper.
Primary care utilisation, adherence to guideline-based pharmacotherapy and continuity and in primary care patients with chronic diseases and comorbidities. A registry study
Authors: Maun Andy , Björkelund Cecilia , Wessman Catrin , Arvidsson Eva
Published: May 2023

Background: To determine the prevalence of common chronic diseases and comorbidities in a in whole primary care population and to analyse the associations between primary care utilisation, adherence to guideline-based pharmacotherapy and continuity of care.
Methods: Retrospective statistical analysis of routine care data of the whole population of the Swedish county of Jönköping (345 916 inhabitants using primary care services) covering 4.3 years. Participants: 25 829 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria of ≥1 of 10 common chronic conditions and ≥3 visits to primary care between 2011 and 2015. Primary outcome measures: In order to determine diseases and comorbidity, primary care utilisation, adherence to guideline-based pharmacotherapy, frequencies and percentages, interval and ratio scaled variables were described using means, standard deviations, and various percentiles in the population. Two continuity indices were used (MMCI, COC) to describe continuity.
Results: The number of diseases increased with increasing age, and multimorbidity was much more common than single diseases (mean 2.0 per patient). There was a slight positive correlation (0.29) between number of diseases and visits, but visits did not increase proportionally to the number of diseases. Patients with physical conditions combined with anxiety and/or depression made more visits than others. The number of diseases per patient was negatively associated with the adherence to pharmacotherapy guidelines. There was no association between continuity and healthcare utilisation or adherence to pharmacotherapy guidelines.
Conclusions: Multimorbid patients are common in primary care and receive efficient services concerning healthcare utilisation. Adherence to pharmacotherapy guidelines is a questionable measure for aged multimorbid patients and existing continuity indices revealed limitations. Holistic and patient-centered measures should be used for quality assessment of care for multimorbid patients in primary care.
Development and validation of two nomograms for predicting overall survival and Cancer-specific Survival in Prostate cancer patients with bone metastases: a population- based study
Authors: li Baochao , Wang Zhongyuan , Gong Zixuan , Xu Aiming , Wang Zengjun
Published: May 2023

Background: Prostate cancer with bone metastasis has significant invasiveness and markedly poorer prognosis. The purpose of this study is to establish two nomograms for predicting the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis.
Methods: From January 2000 to December 2018, a total of 2683 PABM patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database. These patients were then divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort, with OS and CSS as the study endpoints. Correlation analyses were employed to assess the relationship between variables. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were utilized to ascertain the independent prognostic factors. Calibration curves and the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC) were employed to evaluate discrimination and calibration of the nomogram. DCA was applied to examine accuracy and clinical benefits. The clinical utility of the nomogram and the AJCC Stage System was compared using net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Lastly, the risk stratifications of the nomogram and the AJCC Stage System were compared.
Results: There was no collinearity among the variables that were screened. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that seven variables (age, surgery, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, Gleason score, marital status) and six variables (age, surgery, lung metastasis, liver metastasis, Gleason score, marital status) were identified to establish the nomogram for OS and CSS, respectively. The calibration curves, time-dependent AUC curves, and DCA revealed that both nomograms had pleasant predictive power. Furthermore, NRI and IDI confirmed that the nomogram outperformed the AJCC Stage System.
Conclusion: Both nomograms had satisfactory accuracy and were validated to assist clinicians in evaluating the prognosis of PABM patients.