bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal Effect of Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Vitamin, and Mineral Intake on Kidney Function: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cho Jeong Min , Koh Jung Hun , Kim Seong Geun , Lee Soojin , Kim Yaerim , Cho Semin , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Yong Chul , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki , Park Sehoon
Published: June 2023

The causal effects of chondroitin, glucosamine, and vitamin/mineral supplement intake on kidney function remain unknown, despite being commonly used. We conducted a two-sample summary-level Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test for causal associations between regular dietary supplement intake and kidney function. Genetic instruments for chondroitin, glucosamine, and vitamin/mineral supplement intake were obtained from genome-wide association study of European ancestry. Summary statistics for the log-transformed estimated glomerular filtration rate (log-eGFR) were provided by the CKDGen consortium. The multiplicative random-effects inverse variance-weighted method showed that genetically predicted chondroitin and glucosamine intake was causally associated with a lower eGFR (chondroitin, eGFR change beta = -0.113 %, standard error (SE) = 0.03 %, P-value = 2E-04; glucosamine, eGFR change beta = -0.240 %, SE = 0.035 %, P-value = 6E-12). However, a genetically predicted vitamin/mineral supplement intake was associated with a higher eGFR (eGFR change beta = 1.426 %, SE = 0.136 %, P-value = 1E-25). Validation analyses and pleiotropy-robust MR results for chondroitin and vitamin/mineral supplement intake supported the main results. Our MR study suggests a potential causal effect of chondroitin and glucosamine intake on kidney function. Therefore, clinicians should carefully monitor their long-term effects.
Prevalence and Impact of Nutritional Risk and Malnutrition in Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology Patients: A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter and Exploratory Study
Authors: Durán_Poveda* Manuel , Suárez-de-la-Rica Alejandro , Cancer_Minchot Emilia , Ocón_Bretón Julia , Sánchez_Pernaute Andrés , Rodríguez_Caravaca Gil
Published: June 2023

A prospective, observational, multicenter, and exploratory study was conducted in 469 gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were used to assess nutritional risk. On admission, 17.9% and 21.1% of patients were at moderate (MUST score 1) and severe (MUST score ≥ 2) nutritional risk, respectively. GLIM criteria used in patients with MUST score ≥ 2 showed moderate malnutrition in 35.3% of patients and severe in 64.6%. Forty-seven percent of patients with MUST score ≥ 2 on admission had the same score at discharge, and 20.7% with MUST score 0 had moderate/severe risk at discharge. Small bowel, esophageal and gastric cancer, and diabetes were predictors of malnutrition on admission. Complications were significantly higher among patients with MUST score 1 or ≥ 2 either on admission (p = 0.001) or at discharge (p < 0.0001). In patients who received nutritional therapy (n = 231), 43% continued to have moderate/severe nutritional risk on discharge, and 54% of those with MUST ≥ 2 on admission maintained this score at discharge. In gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery, there is an urgent need for improving nutritional risk screening before and after surgery, as well as improving nutritional therapy during hospitalization
The Drought Regime in Southern Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chivangulula Fernando Maliti , Amraoui Malik , Pereira Mário Gonzalez
Published: June 2023

Drought is one natural disaster with the greatest impact worldwide. Southern Africa (SA) is susceptible and vulnerable to drought due to its type of climate. In the last four decades, droughts have occurred more frequently, with increasing intensity and impacts on ecosystems, agriculture and health. The work consisted of a systematic literature review on the drought regime’s characteristics in the SA, under current and future climatic conditions, conducted on the Web of Science and Scopus platforms, using the PRISMA2020 methodology, with usual and appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria to minimize/eliminate the risk of bias, which lead to 41 documents published after the year 2000. The number of publications on the drought regime in SA is still very small. The country with the most drought situations studied is South Africa and the fewer studies are Angola and Namibia. The analysis revealed that the main driver of drought in SA is the ocean-atmosphere interactions including the El Niño Southern Oscillation. The documents used drought indices, evaluating drought descriptors for some regions, but it was not possible to identify one publication that reports the complete study of the drought regime, including the spatial and temporal distribution of all drought descriptors in SA.
Tropical Trees Will Need to Acclimate to Rising Temperatures. But Can They?
Authors: Feeley Kenneth J. , Bernal-Escobar Manuel , Fortier Riley , Kullberg Alyssa T.
Published: June 2023

For tropical forests to survive anthropogenic climate change, the trees that comprise them will need to tolerate the newly emerging conditions through adaptation or acclimation, or they can avoid climate change through range shifts and “species migrations”. In this review, we show that the rapid pace and extreme severity of modern climate change makes it extremely unlikely that tropical tree species can adapt (with some possible exceptions). We also show that while many tropical tree species are shifting their distributions to higher, cooler elevations, the rate of these migrations are mostly insufficient to offset ongoing changes in temperatures, especially in lowland tropical rainforests where thermal gradients are shallow or nonexistent. We argue that the best hope for tropical tree species to avoid becoming “committed to extinction” is acclimation. While several new methods are being developed to test for acclimation, we unfortunately still do not know if tropical tree species can acclimate or what factors may prevent or facilitate acclimation. Until these questions are answered, our ability to predict the fate of tropical species and tropical forests – and the many services that they provide to humanity – remains critically impaired.
Influence of Customer Perception Factors on AI-enabled Customer Experience in the Ecuadorian Banking Environment
Authors: Tulcanaza-Prieto Ana Belen , Cortez-Ordoñez Alexandra , Lee Chang Won
Published: June 2023

This manuscript reviews the relationship between customer perception factors and AI-enabled customer experience in the Ecuadorian banking industry. The study employs a self-designed online questionnaire with five factors for customer perception (convenience in use, personalization, trust, customer loyalty, and customer satisfaction) and two categories for AI-enabled customer experience (AI-hedonic customer experience and AI-recognition customer service). The final valid dataset consisted of 226 questionnaires. The data analyses and the hypotheses tests were done using SPSS 26 and structural equation modeling, respectively. The main findings displayed that all five customer perception factors have a positive and significant effect on AI-enabled customer experience in the Ecuadorian banking industry. Study results are aligned with previous findings from other countries, particularly the banking environment in the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, and Vietnam. The AI techniques involved in the financial sector increase the valuation of customer experience due to AI algorithms recollecting, processing, and analyzing customer behavior. This study contributes with a complete statistical and econometric model for determinants of AI-enabled customer experience. The main restriction of the study is the particular analysis of the most demanded AI financial services (not all services and products are included) and the inexistence of a customer perception index. For upcoming research, the authors recommend performing a longitudinal study using quantitative data to measure the effect of AI-enabled customer experience on the Ecuadorian banks’ performance.
Marine PET Hydrolase (PET2): Assessment of Terephthalate- and Indole-Based Polyesters Depolymerization
Authors: Wagner-Egea Paula , Aristizábal-Lanza Lucía , Tullberg Cecilia , Wang Ping , Bernfur Katja , Grey Carl , Zhang Baozhong , Linares-Pastén Javier A.
Published: June 2023

Enzymatic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling processes are gaining interest for their low environmental impact, use of mild conditions, and specificity. Furthermore, PET hydrolase enzymes are continuously being discovered and engineered. In this work, we studied a PET hydrolase (PET2), initially characterized as an alkaline thermostable lipase. PET2 was produced in a fusion form with a 6-histidine tag in the N-terminal. The PET2 activity on aromatic terephthalate and new indole-based polyesters was evaluated using polymers in powder form. Compared with IsPETase, an enzyme derived from Ideonella sakaiensis, PET2 showed a lower PET depolymerization yield. However, interestingly, PET2 gave significantly higher polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyhexylene terephthalate (PHT) depolymerization yields. A clear preference was found for aromatic indole-derived polyesters over non-aromatic ones. No activity was detected on Akestra™, an amorphous copolyester with spiroacetal structures. Docking studies suggest that a narrower and more hydrophobic active site reduces its activity on PET but favours its interaction with PBT and PHT. Understanding the enzyme preferences of polymers will contribute to their effective use to depolymerize different types of polyesters.
EFFECT OF CHINESE MEDICAL HERBS- BURN LINIMENT ON DEEP SECOND DEGREE BURN IN RATS
Authors: Wang Xiong , Zhao Si Qian , Zhao Li Chao , Guo Hao , Peng Wei Si , Wu Hu Jin
Published: June 2023

Background: Burn Liniment (BL) is a popular traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting five herbal medicines (Flos Lonicerae, Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, Pericarpium Granati,Terminalia chebula Retz. and Galla Chinensis), that has been used in China for centuries to cure burn. This study investigated the healing effect of BL on deep second degree burn wounds in rats.

Materials and methods: The animals were divided into four groups including control group, model group,1% silver sulfadiazine (SSD) group and BL group. On days 0,3,7,14 and 21,animal weight, wound area as well as histo-pathological observations of the skin were evaluated in different groups. Serum anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1), IL-10 levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured on the 21st day. HPLC chromatography of BL was prepared and concentrations of active constituents were determined. Antibacterial test and toxicological test were also performed.

Results: The average wound area of BL treatment group was also significantly smaller than model control rats on days 14 and 21. Serum anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of BL group decreased significantly than in model rats on day 21 while IL-10 level of BL group increased remarkably than in model rats on the 21st day, showing that BL has strong anti-inflammatory activity on burned rats. The histological studies indicated that inflammatory cells disappeared significantly and were replaced by new granulation tissue, and epithelialization progressed quickly and was treated with BL on the 21st day. Meanwhile,

HPLC chromatography of BL was prepared and concentration of Chlorogenic acid, Polydatin and Gallic acid from BL were determined. Antibacterial test revealed that the MIC of BL on Staphyloccocus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were 1.56, 6.25 and 1.56 mg•mL-1 respectively. Toxicological test showed that BL does not induce skin irritation or sensitivity signs and has no acute toxicity reaction.

Conclusions: Our study revealed that BL could enhance cutaneous burn wound healing effectively. It also showed strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity in rats.
NEURO-PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CROCIN ON BRAIN AND CEREBELLUM TISSUES IN DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Altinoz Eyup , Oner Zulal , Elbe Hulya , Vardi Nigar
Published: June 2023

Background: Increase in free oxygen radicals and the disruption of defense system make the neurons and astrocytes more sensitive against oxidative damage.

Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into three groups containing 10, rats in each group namely: control (C) group, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) group, and Diabetes Mellitus + crocin (DM+crocin) group. Tissue samples were processed by routine histological and biochemical procedures. The sections were stained with Hematoxylen-eosin. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), blood glucose, HbA1c levels and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities were assayed.

Results: The histological appearence of the cerebrum and cerebellum were normal in the control group. DM group showed some histopathological changes including congestion, perivascular and perineuronal edema in cerebrum. In DM + crocin group, histopathological changes in cerebrum and cerebellum markedly reduced. MDA level and XO activities increased significantly in DM group (P
Demography of Censorship: Examining Correlations Between Community Demographics and Materials Challenges in Canadian Libraries
Authors: Nyby Michael
Published: June 2023

This study examines materials challenges in Canadian libraries, compiled by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA), with the intention of identifying demographic trends in patron challenge behaviour. By cross-referencing the CFLA data with five demographic fields from the 2016 Canadian census of population (median age, city size, educational attainment level, median income, and political representation), the study aims to determine whether challenges of a certain nature are more likely to occur in communities with certain demographic profiles. The study identifies twenty-two challenge categories derived from user complaints and three ideological alignments of challenges based on the political ideology standards set by moral foundations theory. Though the available sample is too small to draw any definitive conclusions, some strong trends were apparent. Findings show that the most common challenge types, challenges to racist content and sexual content, are fairly consistent throughout demographic groupings, but notable correlations were found between demographic profiles and materials concerning LGBTQIA+ issues. Progressive-leaning communities were far more likely to challenge homophobic/transphobic materials while conservative-leaning communities challenged more LGBTQIA+-positive works. From an ideological standpoint, young communities tend to be the most progressive in their challenge behaviour, while communities with a low level of educational attainment tend to be the most conservative in their challenge behaviour.
Educational Intervention on Character Gradation of Digital Muslim Adolescents According to Al-Qur'an Surah Adz-Dzariyat Verse 56.
Authors: Insyirah Yeni , Muthoifin Muthoifin , Mustofa Triono Ali
Published: June 2023

Education is the recognition of the truth that carried out by individuals, especially adolescent through formal, non-formal education and learning activities. The educational process that has the most influence on individual adolescents is the family, school, and community. The target of a life-long noble life can be achieved if Muslim youths able to get education that is right, appropriate, and in accordance with Islamic law so that all the knowledge they acquire always applies and maintains good morals which in the world of education are known as noble character. Guidance and training activities that take place inside and outside educational institutions play a role in accommodating the experiences of programmed Moslem adolescent aimed at optimizing self-efficacy appropriately. The basic problem in education that able to intervene in the formation of the character of young Muslims in the all-digital era like today is digitalization itself. This fundamental problem of digitalization will determine how Muslim adolescents will be in the future. Right and appropriate character education is very important to be applied in the lives of modern Muslim adolescents to find identity, overcome emotional instability, as well as anxiety and instability in asserting what is the chosen principle of life. This research is a scientific work which presents a discussion with reference to the library research method. The research object uses library data in the form of books as a data source, the holy book of the Koran surah adz-Dzariyat verse 56, and the subjectof the case is digital Muslim adolescent. The purpose of this research is to find educational interventions in shaping the character of the millennial Muslim generation who are actively involved in digitalization and are responsible as God-fearing servants in the perspective of the Qur’an surah adz-Dzariyat verse 56.
Implementasi Nilai-Nilai Islam dalam Pendidikan Jasmani dan Olahraga untuk Membentuk Karakter Ulul Albab
Authors: Hasnah Sitti , Susanto Nugroho , Syahrudin Syafruddin , Solehuddin Moh. , Yuniarti Elsa , Irawan Irawan
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan mendiskusikan implementasi nilai-nilai Islam dalam pendidikan jasmani dan olahraga untuk membentuk karakter Ulul Albab. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi literatur dengan mengumpulkan dan menganalisis literatur yang terkait dengan implementasi nilai-nilai Islam dalam pendidikan jasmani dan olahraga serta pembentukan karakter Ulul Albab. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan jasmani dan olahraga dapat menjadi sarana efektif dalam membentuk karakter Ulul Albab dengan mengintegrasikan nilai-nilai Islam dalam setiap kegiatan olahraga. Nilai-nilai Islam seperti kejujuran, disiplin, kerja keras, dan tanggung jawab dapat diterapkan dalam kegiatan olahraga sebagai sarana untuk membangun karakter yang kuat. Dengan demikian, implementasi nilai-nilai Islam dalam pendidikan jasmani dan olahraga dapat menjadi alternatif strategi dalam membentuk karakter Ulul Albab yang memiliki moralitas dan etika Islam yang baik. Kesimpulannya, pentingnya implementasi nilai-nilai Islam dalam pendidikan jasmani dan olahraga sebagai salah satu upaya untuk membentuk karakter Ulul Albab yang berkualitas dan bermoral.

Keywords: Nilai-Nilai Islam, Pendidikan Jasmani, Olahraga, Ulul Albab
Implication And Application MBKM’s Curriculum In Education (Madrasah And Universities)
Authors: Dian Dian , Ahmad Chyril Futuhana , Arsal Fathur Riyadhi , Mahmudah Siti
Published: June 2023

The Indonesian government has recently implemented a new education policy called "Kurikulum Merdeka". This policy aims to provide more flexibility and freedom for Madrasahs and teachers to develop their own curriculum and teaching methods that are better suited to the needs of their students. Kurikulum Merdeka is considered a departure from the previous centralized curriculum system, which was heavily focused on standardized testing and did not always reflect the diversity and local context of Indonesian society. This article aims to investigate the implications of Kurikulum Merdeka on Indonesian Madrasahs. The method used in this research was qualitative by collecting any literature related to Merdeka Belajar Curriculum. However, the implementer's attitude dimensions have a lower average value and require care. The implementer's attitude is crucial because support, resistance, and dedication are markers of the program's effectiveness. For teachers, lecturers, and students alike, MBKM is one of the crucial policies in the growth of higher institutions. There are eight Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka programs, as shown by the findings, including: 1) student exchange, 2) apprenticeship/work experience, 3) teaching in educational establishments, 4) projects in villages, 5) research, 6) entrepreneurial endeavors, 7) independent study, and 8) charitable endeavors.
Linearity of the position of prime numbers. The order of prime and
composite numbers
Authors: Berezowski Marek
Published: June 2023

In this paper it was shown that all prime numbers lie on 96 half-lines. At the same time,
it was shown that if a given number does not lie on any of the above half-lines, then it is a
composite number. A corresponding linear mathematical relationship was also derived and it
was shown that all prime numbers must satisfy it. If a given number does not satisfy the above
dependence, then it is a composite number. One linear equation and 8 numbers are enough to
carry out all of the above-mentioned analyses. In addition, the astonishing cyclical nature of the
occurrence of composite numbers in the set of natural numbers has been demonstrated.
Cognitive and physical age-gaps in relation to mild cognitive impairment and behavioral phenotypes
Authors: Yu Junhong , Ng Ted Kheng Siang , Mahendran Rathi
Published: June 2023

We can study how fast our biological aging clocks tick by calculating the difference (i.e., age-gaps) between machine learning estimations of biological age and chronological age. While this approach has been increasingly used to study various aspects of aging, few had applied this approach to study cognitive and physical age-gaps; not much is known about the behavioral and neurocognitive factors associated with these age-gaps. In the present study, we examined these age-gaps in relation to behavioral phenotypes and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling older adults. Participants (N=822, Agemean=67.6) were partitioned into equally-sized training and testing samples. Cognitive and physical age-prediction models were fitted using nine cognitive and eight physical fitness test scores, respectively, within the training samples, and subsequently used to estimate cognitive and physical age-gaps for each subject in the testing sample. These age-gaps were then compared among those with and without MCI, and correlated with 17 behavioral phenotypes in the domains of lifestyle, well-being, and attitudes. Across 5,000 random train-test split iterations, we showed that older cognitive age-gaps were significantly associated with MCI (versus cognitively normal) and worse outcomes across several well-being and attitude-related measures. Both age-gaps were also significantly correlated with each other. These results suggest accelerated cognitive and physical aging were linked to worse well-being and more negative attitudes about the self and others, and reinforce the link between cognitive and physical aging. Importantly, we have also validated the use of cognitive age-gaps in the diagnosis of MCI.
The effect of UV 365 /Fenton process on the removal of gaseous ethylbenzene in the bubble column reactor
Authors: Wang Yan , Sun Yanchen , Wang Zhen , Kong Qingduan , Wu Bo , Wan Junfeng , Guo Weiwei
Published: June 2023

As typical volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – gaseous ethylbenzene had adverse effect on human health and ecology, an effective degradation process was highly desirable. The UV365/Fenton process was first selected to remove gaseous ethylbenzene in the bubble column reactor. The effect of main parameters on the removal efficiency were systematically studied, such as H2O2 concentration, [H2O2]/[Fe2+], pH, UV wavelength, UV intensity, gaseous ethylbenzene concentration, gas flow rate and the process stability. Based on the optimum conditions, the removal efficiency achieved 76.3%. It was indicated that the UV365/Fenton process had excellent performance for the removal of gaseous ethylbenzene. According to EPR, radical quenching experiments, iron analysis, carbon balance, and GC-MS analysis, the degradation pathway and mechanism of gaseous ethylbenzene were proposed.
Forecasting Forex Rate Volatility with Cutting-Edge Fuzzy Time Series Models
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Aamir Muhammad , Abdullah Saleem , Khan Faisal
Published: June 2023

The performance of fuzzy time series (FTS) prediction algorithms is impacted negatively in the presence of outlier(s), heterogeneity, or contamination in the data. As a result of these issues, standard forecasting algorithms will fail to produce reasonable forecast error rates for defuzzified outputs in understudy data. In this article, we present a robust technique for FTS by assessing how the prediction performance of the techniques is influenced by the outlier, not only to tackle this problem but also to increase forecasting accuracy. We proposed two novel robust fuzzy time series models, i.e. Trimmed Fuzzy Time Series (TFTS) and Winsorized Fuzzy Time Series (WFTS), and implemented to annual exchange rates (AERs) between the Pakistani rupee and the US dollar for comparison to other competitive models. The proposed models consider sub-partitioning in the universe of discourse, optimization of parameters method(s), and interval forecasting, which makes the forecast accuracy more precise forecasting than previously studied methods. Such forecasting techniques will assist all stakeholders, whether directly or indirectly involved, in making sensible data-driven business decisions across the country.
Thermal conductivity in a vadose zone: a novel spectral solution and application by the implication of significant coherence of thermal condition in the shallow gravel formation
Authors: Shih David Ching-Fang
Published: June 2023

Due to the heterogeneity in the unsaturated or vadose zone, it is challenging to represent the analytical mechanism and actual in-situ water content in the soil layer. However, in the shallow layers, thermal conditions quickly change with surface temperature evolution. It expects that the water content can, more or less, be affected by the in situ heat mechanism. This research, therefore, suggests a novel design to theoretically discover the thermal conditions, such as soil temperature, soil temperature gradient, and heat flux in the shallow Quaternary gravel layer at various depths using spectral analysis of temporal observations. This research primarily proposes a stochastic inverse solution for estimating thermal conductivity using spectral analysis of soil heat flux and temperature gradient. It suggests that the thermal condition exhibits the most periodic fluctuations during the diurnal process over a 24-hour period. The soil temperature gradient and heat flux at depths of 10, 30, 60, and 120 (cm) can capture changes in soil temperature and air temperature to a certain extent in the frequency domain. The thermal conductivity within the soil-water system is determined across soil depths ranging from 10 to 120 cm using the derived inverse spectral solution. Consequently, the utilization of spectral analysis makes it feasible and attainable to assess the thermal conductivity of the soil layer in conjunction with the heat flux and temperature gradient.
Cerebral oximetry monitoring versus usual care for extremely preterm infants: a study protocol for the two-year follow up of the SafeBoosC-III randomised clinical trial
Authors: Rasmussen Marie Isabel Skov , Hansen Mathias Lühr , Pellicer Adelina , Gluud Christian , Dempsey Eugene , Mintzer Jonathan , Hyttel-Sørensen Simon , Heuchan Anne Marie , Hagmann Cornelia , Ergenekon Ebru , Dimitriou Gabriel , Pichler Gerhard , Naulaers Gunnar , Cheng Guoqiang , Tkaczyk Jakub , Fuchs Hans , Fumagalli Monica , Nesargi Saudamini , Fredly Siv , Szczapa Tomasz , Plomgaard Anne Mette , Hansen Bo Mølholm , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Greisen Gorm
Published: June 2023

Background: In the SafeBoosC-III trial, treatment guided by cerebral oximetry monitoring for the first 72 hours after birth did not reduce the incidence of death or severe brain injury in extremely preterm infants at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age, as compared with usual care. Despite an association between severe brain injury diagnosed in the neonatal period and later neurodevelopmental disability, this relationship is not always strong. The objective of the SafeBoosC-III follow-up study is to assess mortality, neurodevelopmental disability or any harms in trial participants at two years of corrected age. One important challenge is lack of funding for local costs for a trial-specific assessment.
Methods: Of the 1601 infants randomised in the SafeBoosC-III trial, 1276 infants were alive at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age and will potentially be available for the two-year follow up. Inclusion criteria will be enrollment in a neonatal intensive care unit taking part in the follow-up studyand parental consent if required by local regulations. We aim to collect data from routine follow up programs between the age of 18 to 30 months of corrected age. If no routine follow up has been conducted, we will collect informal assessments from other health care records from the age of at least 12 months. A local co-investigator blinded to group allocation will classify outcomes based on these records. We will supplement this with parental questionnaires including the Parent Report of Children’s Abilities - Revised. There will be two co-primary outcomes: the composite of death or moderate-or-severe neurodevelopmental disability; and mean Bayley-III/IV cognitive score. We will use a 3-tier model for prioritisation, based on the quality of data. This approach has been chosen to minimise loss-to-follow up assuming that little data is better than no data at all.
Discussion: Follow up at the age of two years is important for intervention trials in the newborn period as only time can show real benefits and harms later in childhood. To decrease the risk of generalisation and data driven biased conclusions, we present a detailed description of the methodology for the SafeBoosC-III follow up study. As funding is limited, a pragmatic approach is necessary.
Study registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05134116 (registered 24-11 2021), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05134116?term=safeboosc&draw=2&rank=2
Protocol version 1 (1st of May 2023)
Performance prediction and optimization of a combined PEMFC-ORC system
Authors: ABDI Hamid , KETFI Omar , MAPENGO Clement Ruvimbo , MIRI Noureddine
Published: June 2023

The present paper is devoted to prediction of the performance of a combined system, consisting of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell integrated with an organic Rankine cycle (PEMFC-ORC). The PEMFC waste heat is recovered by an ORC system for electricity generation. The R123 was firstly selected as a working fluid which improved the net power and overall efficiency of the combined system by 13.76% and 5.19%, respectively, in comparison with the PEMFC system. Here, a validation study was conducted by comparing the obtained results with a literature based case. It was also outlined how stack operating pressures and temperatures affect the system performances. Moreover, an optimization study was performed to select the operating parameters values that maximize the system's power output. Accordingly, the net electrical output and overall efficiency of the system using the basic working fluid R123, have been improved by 16.17% and 5.47%, respectively.
Floridians’ Concern for the Everglades: the influence of environmental knowledge and cultural worldview on concern and perception of impact from various environmental threats
Authors: Hindsley Paul , Huxster Joanna K. , Morgan Ashton , Flower Hilary
Published: June 2023

Public support for restoration in sensitive ecosystems like the Everglades depends in part on individual-level concern and perceptions of impact from environmental threats. This study examines the roles of environmental knowledge and factors associated with motivated reasoning – cultural worldview (CWV), political ideology, and voting behavior – on Floridians’ concern and the perceptions of impact for five different threats to the everglades. Two of these threats, sea level rise and changes in precipitation, are associated with climate change and thus ideologically entangled. Analysis of our sample of 1432 Floridians reveals that: (1) CWV is the factor associated with motivated reasoning that has the largest influence on environmental concern and perceptions of impact, except for in the case of sea level rise, for which voting behavior had the greatest influence, (2) environmental knowledge has a larger influence on perceptions of impact for environmental threats that are not ideologically-entangled (e.g. water quality), (3) factors driving motivated reasoning have a larger influence on perceptions of impact from threats that are ideologically-entangled (i.e. sea level rise and precipitation), and (4) those with Communitarian-Egalitarian worldviews hold higher levels of concern and perceived greater risk impacts on all but one of the threats (invasive species), although some differences become more nuanced when viewed over the distribution of environmental knowledge. These findings improve our understanding of the relationship between environmental knowledge, motivated reasoning, and public concern and perceptions of environmental impacts to a local resource and ecosystem.
Health Sovereignty: A Historical and Political Analysis of Primary Healthcare Development and Idea Transfer in Iran and the Global Context
Authors: Bohloli Hamid
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This article examines the political aspects of health and its relationship with policy, politics, and polity. It emphasizes the significance of the primary healthcare (PHC) approach, rooted in anthropology, in driving societal health progress and the centrality of health in social policies, particularly concerning government legitimacy.

Methods

This qualitative, exploratory-historical study uses an inductive approach and a scope review to analyze PHC progress globally and in Iran. It involves 75 interviews with senior PHC policymakers and historical document analysis, focusing on power impact and policy transfer in the last 100 years.

Results

This paper highlights how different countries, including the Soviet Union, China, England, and Iran, have impacted the World Health Organization (WHO) and primary healthcare (PHC) literature through idea transfer. The study specifically focuses on Iran, showing how idea transmission, political economy, power centres and public culture influenced institutional health policy creation and control through the power of approval or veto.

Conclusion

This study highlights the flow of ideas within the PHC domain and the connection between countries' efforts and the role of the WHO in shaping the health system globally. This article theorizes that health is a sustainable global goal separating health as a political issue from politicization. It makes it a historical territorial political issue beyond regime constraints, with historical identity and historical accumulative sovereignty. Therefore, health should be seen beyond the interests of political regimes. Such a campaign can link health policies with global politics; in this case, it can play a role in global polity.
The comparison between multiple linear regression and machine learning methods in predicting cognitive function in Chinese type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Chi-Hao , Peng Chung-Hsin , Huang Li-Ying , Chen Fang-Yu , Kuo Chun-Heng , Wu Chung-Ze , Cheng Yu-Fang
Published: June 2023

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been increasing drastically in recent decades. In the same time, it has been noted that dementia is related to T2D. In the past, traditional multiple linear regression (MLR) is the most commonly used method in analyzing these kinds of relationships. However, machine learning methods (Mach-L) have been emerged recently. These methods could capture non-linear relationships better than the MLR. In the present study, we enrolled old T2D and used four different Mach-L methods to analyze the relationships between risk factors and cognitive function. Our goals were first, to compare the accuracy between MLR and Mach-L in predicting cognitive function and second, to rank importance of the risks for impaired cognitive function in T2D.
There were 197 old T2D enrolled (98 men and 99 women). Demographic and biochemistry data were used as independent variables and the cognitive function assessment (CFA) score was measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment which was regarded as independent variable. In addition to traditional MLR, random forest (RF), stochastic gradient boosting (SGB), Naïve Byer’s classifier (NB) and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were also applied.
Our results showed that all the RF, SGB, NB and XGBoost outperformed than the MLR. Education level, age, frailty score, fasting plasma glucose and body mass index were identified as the important factors from the more to the less important.
In conclusion, our study demonstrated that RF, SGB, NB and XGBoost are more accurate than the MLR and in predicting CFA score. By these methods, the importance ranks of the risk factors are education level, age, frailty score, fasting plasma glucose and body mass index accordingly in a Chinese T2D cohort.
Constructed a novel of Znln2S4/S-C3N4 heterogeneous catalyst for efficient photodegradation of tetracycline
Authors: yang qian , Wang xueting , shi jing , wei jiaqi , he yangqing
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a novel efficient photo-catalyst have been fabricated by hybridizing ZnIn2S4 and S-C3N4 through hydrothermal method. The SEM and HRTEM images, together with XPS analysis revealed that the combination of ZnIn2S4 and S-C3N4 was successful and the structure of ZnIn2S4 was well preserved, which played a crucial role for improving the photocatalytic performance. The optimum 18% ZnIn2S4/S-C3N4 nanocomposites exhibit dramatically enhanced photocatalytic performance for degradation of tetracycline with 86.3% removal rate within 120 minute, higher than 50% degradation efficiency of pure S-C3N4. The corresponding enhanced mechanism for 18% ZnIn2S4/S-C3N4 can be attributed to the effective interfacial electron-hole pairs separation and migration between ZnIn2S4 and S-C3N4. And in the process of photodegradation for tetracycline, the largest contribution rate is the photo-excited cavity (h+), followed by ∙O2− and ·OH. Herein, we have provided a good example for removing antibiotic residues by using S-C3N4 based heterojunction towards environmental remediation.
Comparing single-target with dual-target rTMS for the treatment of post stroke cognitive impairment – clinical effects and neuroscientific insights: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Bingshan , Lin Chunrong , Guo Cailian , Wang Hong
Published: June 2023

Background: Although increasing evidence suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may help improve cognitive impairment after stroke, its clinical efficacy is still limited. This limitation may be due to the fact that the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is only one of several brain areas involved in post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). The aim of the present study is to reveal whether dual-target stimulation is superior to single-target stimulation in the treatment of PSCI.
Methods: A single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted, and fifty-seven PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups based on the stimulating site. The primary outcome is cognitive function, measured using montreal cognitive assessment Beijing Version (MoCA-BJ) and mini-mental status examination (MMSE). The secondary outcomes are modified barthel index (MBI), trail-making test (TMT), digital span test (DST). Futhermore, changes in brain activity are assessed using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) examination and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) closely related to nerve and vascular repair after brain injury. All outcomes will be measured at baseline and post-treatment.
Discussion: If dual-target rTMS in significant improvements on cognitive function, this method could be considered as a first-line clinical treatment for PSCI. This proposed study has the potential to identify a new, evidence-based intervention that can enhance cognition and independent living in patients with cognitive impairment after stroke.
Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200066184. It was registered on 26 November 2022.
A Population-based Analysis of Hematological Malignancies from a French- West-Indies Cancer Registry’s Data (2009-2018)
Authors: Houpert Rémi , Almont Thierry , Belahreche Rostom , Faro Mamadi , Okouango Jennie , Vestris Mylène , Macni Jonathan , Pierre-Louis Olivier , Montabord Chirstelle , Beaubrun-Renard Murielle , Soumah Naby , Boisseau Martial , Veronique-Baudin Jacqueline , Joachim Clarisse
Published: June 2023

Background: A worldwide increased incidence of HM has been marked in recent decades. Therefore, to update epidemiological characteristics of HM in a French West Indies territory, we have performed analysis through Martinique's population-based cancer registry database.
Methods: We included cancer case data, from 2009-2018, coded in strict compliance with international standards set by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). We calculated standardized incidence (SIR), cumulative incidence at age 74, and temporal distributions using the global population standard, by sex and five age group. Mortality rates (SMR) were obtained from CépiDc.
Results: 1047 new cases and 674 deaths from HM were recorded, of which 501 MM (47.8%), 377 LMNH (36%), 123 LAM (11.8%), and 46 LH (4.4%) were reported in both sexes. MM is one of the hematological malignancies with the highest incidence in Martinique among men. Temporal distribution of trends in standardized incidence of all HM decreased overall in both sexes, except for MM in men. There is significant variability in mortality rates for both sexes. In addition, over the period, the temporal distribution of mortality trends for all HMs has decreased overall. Gender-specific rates, between 2009 and 2018, showed that all lymphoid HM have a multimodal distribution curve that increased with age.
Conclusions: Characteristics of HM in Martinique over the reporting periods differ from mainland France. Higher incidences have been observed, particularly for MM, and non-significant sub-mortality is observed compared to mainland France. Moreover, temporal distribution of mortality and incidence trends had decreased over the reporting periods except for MM. Our results showed similarities with African-Americans groups in United States and in particular an equivalence in the frequency distribution of diagnosed HM. However, SMR remains lower compared to US black ethnic groups. Our results contributed to expanding knowledge on the epidemiology of HM with Caribbean data.
Assessing, updating and utilising primary care smoking records for lung cancer screening
Authors: McCutchan Grace , Engela-Volker Jean , Anyanwu Philip , Brain Kate , Abel Nicole , Eccles Sinan
Published: June 2023

Background. Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography for high-risk populations is being implemented in the UK. However, inclusive identification and invitation of the high-risk population is a major challenge for equitable lung screening implementation. Primary care electronic health records (EHRs) can be used to identify lung screening-eligible individuals based on age and smoking history, but the quality of EHR smoking data is limited. This study piloted a novel strategy for ascertaining smoking status in primary care and tested EHR search combinations to identify the lung screening-eligible population.
Methods. Seven primary care General Practices in South Wales, UK were included. Practice-level data on missing tobacco codes in EHRs were obtained. To update patient EHRs with no tobacco code, we developed and tested an algorithm that sent a text message request to patients via their GP practice to update their smoking status. The patient’s response automatically updated their EHR with the relevant tobacco code. Four search strategies using different combinations of tobacco codes for the age range 55-74+364 were tested to estimate likely impact on the total lung screening-eligible population in Wales. Search strategies included: BROAD (wide range of ever-smoking codes); VOLUME (wide range of ever-smoking codes excluding “trivial” former smoking); FOCUSED (cigarette-related tobacco codes only), and RECENT (current smoking within the last 20 years).
Results. Tobacco codes were not recorded for 3.3% of patients (n=724/21,956). Of those with no tobacco code and a validated mobile telephone number (n=333), 55% (n=183) responded via text message with their smoking status. Of the 183 patients who responded, 43.2% (n=79) had a history of smoking and were potentially eligible for lung cancer screening. Applying the BROAD search strategy resulted in an additional 148,522 patients eligible to receive an invitation for lung cancer screening when compared to the RECENT strategy.
Conclusion. An automated text message system could be used to improve the completeness of primary care EHR smoking data in preparation for rolling out a national lung cancer screening programme. Varying the search strategy for tobacco codes may have profound implications for the size of the lung screening-eligible population.
Application accuracy of a frameless optical neuronavigation system as a guide for craniotomies in dogs
Authors: Gutmann Sarah , Heiderhoff Miriam , Möbius Robert , Siegel Tanja , Flegel Thomas
Published: June 2023

Background: Optical neuronavigation systems using infrared light to create a virtual reality image of the brain allowing the surgeon to track instruments in real time. Due to the high vulnerability of the brain, neurosurgerical interventions must be performed with a high precision.
The aim of the experimental cadaveric study was to determine the application accuracy of a frameless optical neuronavigation system as guide for craniotomies by determining the target point deviation of predefined target points at the skull surface in the area of access to the cerebrum, cerebellum and the pituitary fossa.
On each of the five canine cadaver heads ten target points were marked in a preoperative CT scan. These target points were found on the cadaver skulls using the optical neuronavigation system. Then a small drill hole (1.5 mm) was drilled at these points. Subsequently, another CT scan was made. Both CT data sets were fused into the neuronavigation software and the actual target point coordinates were identified. The target point deviation was determined as the difference between the planned and drilled target point coordinates. The calculated deviation was compared between two observers.
Results: The analysis of the target point accuracies of all dogs in both observers taken together showed a median target point deviation of 1.57 mm (range: 0.42 to 5.14 mm). No significant differences were found between the observers or the different areas of target regions.
Conclusion: The application accuracy of the here described system is similar to the accuracy of other optical neuronavigation systems previously described in veterinary medicine, in which mean values of 1.79 to 4.3 mm and median target point deviations of 0.79 to 3.53 mm were determined.