bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of medium efficacy of external fixation and internal plate fixation in the treatment of distal radius Type C
Authors: Jiao Zhichao , Gao Binli , Gao Bo , Lin Sen , Liu Qingliang , Liu Wei
Published: September 2023

Technique
To compare the short-term and mid-term effects of open reduction and internal plate fixation and external fixation for type C fracture of distal radius.Sixty confirmed cases in our hospital were collected and divided into plate internal fixation group (VLP group) and external fixation group (EF group). The time of operation was recorded, and the time of fracture healing in the two groups was recorded at 3 days, 3 months and 1 year after the operation, respectively. The wrist function of patients was scored and statistically analyzed.
Results
Both groups were followed up for 12 months.The operation time of EF group was significantly shorter than that of VLP group, which was statistically significant. The incidence of complications in VLP group was higher than that in EF group, but the difference was not statistically significant.Palmar inclination Angle, ulnar declination Angle and radial styloid height in VLP group were better than those in EF group, but the differences were not statistically significant.The good and good rate of wrist joint function in EF group was higher than that in VLP group, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusions
1. The results showed no significant difference between the two treatments.2. The operative time and fracture healing time of the external fixator group were shorter than those of the plate internal fixator group, and the incidence of complications was lower.3. Plate internal fixation is more conducive to the functional recovery of the wrist in the short term.
Geotechnical, Geochemical and Mineralogical Evaluation of Mine Spoils of the Jos- Bukuru Tin Field, Central Nigeria: Implications for Utilization as Road Construction Material.
Authors: DAKU SUNDAY SANI , Igwe Ogbonnaya
Published: September 2023

The use of locally available and accessible soils for the construction of roads, has become necessary due to the high cost associated with the procurement of soils with good engineering features. A geotechnical, geochemical and mineralogical approach has been adopted to evaluate the mine spoils of the Jos – Bukuru tin field for road construction. X–ray diffraction analysis indicates that mineral phases in the soil are quartz (77.38%), kaolinite (18.70%), hematite (1.57%), rutile (0.42%), goethite (1.56%), gibbsite (0.31%), and a negligible amount of montmorillonite (0.06%) which suggests that the undesirable problem of swelling and shrinking of the soil when utilized for road construction will not be expected. The geochemical test result shows that the investigated soils based on the silica–sesquioxide ratio are residual soils that are not ‘’true laterites’’ and have an average composition of 71.81 wt. % of SiO2, 17.56 wt.% of Al2O3, 9.03 wt. % of Fe2O3, 0.86 wt. % of TiO2 0.07 wt. % of P2O5 and less than 0.05% of CaO, MgO, K2O, MnO and Na2O. The oxides of silica, iron and aluminum help in cementing or binding the soil particles together. The results of geotechnical investigation show that the soils are poorly graded with an average fine (silt and clay) composition of 56.03%, California bearing ratio (CBR) of 34.64%, maximum dry density (MDD) of 1.65g/cm3, optimum moisture content (OMC) of 18.99%, angle of internal friction (ɸ) of 12.15O, cohesion of 30.77 KN/M2 and coefficient of permeability of 1.24x10− 3 mm/sec respectively. The Atterberg consistency limit shows that the liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index and linear shrinkage values have averages of 38.68%, 23.16%, 15.53% and 10.33% respectively. This investigation revealed that the soils can be utilized as subgrade in road construction and as sub-base only when adequately compacted. This is due to the high percentage of fines and plasticities of the soil.
Does attachment to a family physician reduce emergency department visits? A difference-in-differences analysis of Quebec’s centralized waiting lists for unattached patients
Authors: Smithman Mélanie Ann , Breton Mylaine , Haggerty Jeannie
Published: September 2023

Background
Patients without a regular primary care provider – unattached patients – are more likely to visit hospital emergency departments (ED), leading to poor patient and health system outcomes. In many Canadian provinces, policy responses to improve primary care access and reduce ED utilization of unattached patients have included centralized waiting lists to help find a primary care provider and formal attachment (rostering, empanelment, enrollment, registration) to a family physician. While previous work suggests attachment improves access and continuity of primary care (1), it is unknown whether this translates into fewer ED visits. The aim of this study was to determine whether the rate of emergency department visits significantly decreases in patients attached to a family physician through Quebec’s centralized waiting lists for unattached patients.
Methods
We used a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences approach, studying patients attached through Quebec’s centralized waiting lists in 2012–2014. We used administrative medical services physicians’ billing data from the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Attachment was determined based on fee codes used to formalize attachment. We compared the change in the rate of emergency department visits over two 12-month periods, for ‘exposed’ patients who became attached (n = 207,669) and ‘control’ patients who remained unattached during the study period (n = 90,637). To balance baseline patient characteristics in the exposed and control cohorts, we calculated a propensity score including age, sex, Charlson-co-morbidity index, medical vulnerability, and region remoteness and performed inverse probability of treatment weighting. We used descriptive statistics and estimated negative binomial regression models, fitted with generalized estimating equations.
Results
After weighting, cohorts had similar characteristics (standardized differences < 10%). Attached (exposed) patients’ mean annual ED visits decreased from 0.60 to 0.49 (18.3%) following attachment, while unattached (control) patients’ increased from 0.54 to 0.69 (27.8%). The difference-in-differences estimate (Time period*exposure) showed a significant 36% relative reduction (IRR = 0.64, p < 0.001) in the rate of ED visits for patients who were attached, compared to patients who remained unattached on the centralized waiting lists during the study period.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that attachment to a family physician through centralized waiting lists for unattached patients significantly reduces the rate of ED utilization.
Irrigation Combines with Nitrogen Application to Optimize Soil Carbon and Nitrogen, Increase Maize Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Wang Gui Yang , Khan Kashif , Yang Li , Wang Yong , Chi Yu Xin , Zhou Xunbo
Published: September 2023

Aim and methods Staged water shortages and excessive nitrogen application lead to a decline in crop yield, and nitrogen loss, waste of resources and environmental pollution. In order to explore the appropriate water management in humid areas and to determine an efficient nitrogen rates for maize, we conducted a field experiment (2020-2021), with five nitrogen rates N0, N150, N200, N250, N300 (0, 150, 200, 250, 300 kg ha-1) under different water conditions (rainfed and irrigated).
Conclusion Consequently, under the irrigated conditions, the soil organic matter (SOM), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dry matter accumulation and grain yield were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 8.06%, 15.50%, 11.43% and 13.86%, respectively, compared with the rainfed conditions. And the total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) decreased significantly by 4.38%, 8.28%, 13.21%, respectively. Furthermore, compared with other nitrogen rates, N250 and N300 combined with irrigated significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil carbon and nitrogen content, dry matter accumulation and grain yield. However, N250 and N300 displayed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in TN, NO3--N, NH4+-N, SOM, MBC, dry matter accumulation and grain yield. Moreover, under the irrigated conditions, when the nitrogen rates increased more than 250 kg ha-1, the nitrogen use efficiency decreased. Hence, application of nitrogen rates of 250 kg ha-1 under irrigated conditions is the best choice to increase grain yield, improve nitrogen use efficiency, and ensuring safe and efficient production in maize.
Enhancing Noise Control System Design with Precise Flow Resistivity Estimation in Multilayer Porous Materials
Authors: Sadouki Mustapha
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a computational technique for estimating the equivalent flow resistivity in multilayer rigid porous materials, specifically for use in acoustic insulation systems. Existing models can predict sound transmission through individual layers, but lack a direct analytical link between the flow resistivity of multilayer materials and the properties of individual layers. To remedy this, the study makes use of equivalent fluid theory, which takes into account visco-inertial interactions between the material structure and the interstitial fluid. By establishing simplified expressions for the transmission coefficient of a bilayer medium under low-frequency Darcy conditions, the paper proposes a unique estimation approach. In addition, it derives a succinct law relating the resistivity of the bilayer medium to the resistivity and thickness of each layer, which extends to multilayer configurations. Experimental validation with bilayer samples demonstrates substantial agreement between the equivalent flux resistivity obtained directly and the theoretically predicted values, with relative errors ranging from 3–18%. The importance of the paper lies in its practical impact on acoustic insulation systems, for which accurate predictions of acoustic performance are crucial. The research proposes an efficient and reliable method for estimating equivalent flow resistivity, offering an alternative to labor-intensive experimental techniques and software. This contributes to acoustics by enabling accurate prediction and characterization of the acoustic properties of multilayer porous materials, facilitating the design of effective noise control systems.
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage and Sex Difference: Analysis of Epidemiology, Outcomes and Risk Factors
Authors: Peng Chao , Zhao Yan , Li Fan , Guo Tie-zhu , Wang Xiang-dong , Wang Bang-yue , Li Jian , Zhang Heng-rui , Yang Yi-fan , Liu Qing-guo , Ren Xin-liang , yang xinyu
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose
The differences in outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) between the different sexes remains controversial. This study aimed to study the differences in epidemiology, outcomes and risk factors between male and female aSAH patients.
Methods
We performed a multicentre retrospective study of aSAH patients from 2017 to 2020. We investigated epidemiology differences between the two sexes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare short-term outcomes in different sexes. Binary logarithmic regression was performed to investigate the odds ratio for dependent survival in different sexes.
Results
A total of 5407 consecutive aSAH patients were included in this study, and the female-to-male ratio was 1.8:1. The peak incidence of aSAH occurred in the 6th and 7th decade in males and females, respectively. Female patients had more ICA/PCoA aneurysms (53.2%), and male patients had more ACA/ACoA aneurysms (43.2%). The incidence of multiple aneurysms was higher in female patients (21.5% vs. 14.2%, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in outcomes before and after PSM at discharge. The dependent survival risk was only related to the clinical condition upon admission in females. In addition, age of more than 50 years (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.17-3.02; P=0.01) and hypertension (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.25-2.61; P=0.002) were also risk factors in male patients.
Conclusions
The number of female patients was higher than that of male patients. Most aneurysm locations were different between the two groups. There was no significant difference in discharge outcomes before and after PSM. The risk factors for dependent survival were different in female and male patients.
The ChickenGTEx atlas: the genetic regulation of multi-tissue and single-cell transcriptome signatures in chickens
Authors: Fang Lingzhao , Guan Dailu , Bai Zhonghao , Zhu Xiaoning , Zhong Conghao , Hou Yali , Li Houcheng , Lan Fangren , Diao Shuqi , Yao Yuelin , Zhao Bingru , Zhu Di , Li Xiaochang , Pan Zhangyuan , Gao Yahui , Wang Yuzhe , Zou Dong , Wang Ruizhen , Xu Tianyi , Sun Congjiao , Yin Hongwei , Teng Jinyan , Xu Zhiting , Lin Qing , Shi Shourong , Shao Dan , Degalez Fabien , Lagarrigue Sandrine , Wang Ying , Wang Ming-Shan , Peng Minsheng , Rocha Dominique , Charles Mathieu , Smith Jacqueline , Watson Kellie , Buitenhuis Albert , Sahana Goutam , Lund Mogens , Warren Wesley , Frantz Laurent , Larson Greger , Lamont Susan , Si Wei , Zhao Xin , Li Bingjie , Zhang Haihan , Luo Chenglong , Shu Dingming , Qu Hao , Luo Wei , Li Zhenhui , Nie Qing-Hua , Zhang Xiquan , Xiang Ruidong , Liu Shuli , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Zhang , Liu George , Cheng Hans , Yang Ning , Hu Xiaoxiang , Zhou Huaijun
Published: September 2023

Chicken is a valuable model for understanding fundamental biology and vertebrate evolution, as well as a major source of nutrient-dense and lean-protein-enriched food globally. Although it is the first non-mammalian amniote genome to be sequenced, the chicken genome still lacks a systematic characterization of functional variation. Here, through integrating bulk RNA-Seq of 7,015 samples, single-cell RNA-Seq of 127,598 cells and 2,869 whole-genome sequences, we presented an atlas of regulatory variants across 28 chicken tissues and 43 cell types, including millions of regulatory effects on primary expression (protein-coding genes, lncRNA and exon) and post-transcriptional modifications (alternative splicing and 3’ untranslated region alternative polyadenylation). We highlighted distinct molecular mechanisms underlying these regulatory variants and their context dependence and utility in interpreting genome-wide associations of 108 chicken complex traits. Finally, we illustrated lineage-specific features of gene regulation between chickens and mammals, and demonstrated how this resource can assist with cross-species gene mapping of complex traits.
Adaptive Learning Gain based Resilient Control of Multiagent Systems with Partial Uncertain Control Coefficients Under FDI Attacks
Authors: Yang Xiaowu , Long Fei , Lei Bangjun
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a novel approach to security resilient control in collective multiagent systems, incorporating an adaptive learning gain mechanism. The proposed method addresses challenges posed by bounded external disturbances, partial false-data-injection (FDI) attacks on the actuators, and partial unknown time-varying control coefficients. The presented synthesized control consists of following parts. Specifically, a robust adaptive control law with implicit learning is proposed to address the modeling parameterized uncertainties and disturbances. An adaptive learning gain-based control technique is designed to reduce the adversarial effect caused by mismatched disturbances with time-varying parameters, which curbs the cooperative errors to the assigned field. A resilient control approach is established to mitigate the detrimental impact of malicious attacks on actuators. An adaptive control strategy, utilizing a novel congelation of variables, is implemented to address the control issue pertaining to partially unknown control coefficients. This technique ensures that control inputs align with the practical actuators by establishing feasible control bounds. The property of the resulting closed-loop error multiagent systems is analyzed. Finally, the efficacy of the designed controller is illustrated by providing an illustrative example.
Chiral Kirigami for Bend-Tolerant Real-Time Reconfigurable Holograms
Authors: Choi Won Jin , Lee Sang Hyun , Cha Minjeong , Kotov Nicholas
Published: September 2023

Despite the commonality of static holograms, the holography with multiple information layers and reconfigurable grey-scale images at communication frequencies remain a confluence of scientific challenges1-4. One well-known difficulty is the simultaneous modulation of phase and amplitude of electromagnetic wavefronts with a high modulation depth5,6. A less appreciated challenge is scrambling of the information and images with hologram bending7,8. Here, we show that chirality-guided pixelation of plasmonic kirigami sheets enables tunable multiplexed holography at terahertz frequencies needed for 6G communications. The convex and concave structures with slanted Au strips exhibit gradual variations in local chirality facilitating modulation of light ellipticity reaching 40 deg. Real-time switching between three-dimensional images of the letter “M” and the Mona Lisa demonstrate the possibility of complex grey-scale information content. Unexpectedly, the microscale chirality of each pixel experiences little change with bending while retaining controllable reconfigurability upon stretching. The remarkable resilience of chiral holograms to bending and the simplicity of their design with local chirality measures open the door to information technologies with fault-tolerant THz encryption and wearable holographic devices.
Can a New National System Policy for Science and Technology Promote Industrial Restructuring in China's National Innovation Center Cities?
Authors: Song Zhendong , Xu Geni , Jiao Bing , Qu Chen
Published: September 2023

We establish two types of difference-in-difference(DID) models to study the effects of the policy shocks of the new national system of science and technology on the rationalization and advancedization of industrial structure of national innovation center(NIC) cities. Meanwhile, considering the differences in resource endowment between NIC cities and general cities, we use propensity matching analysis(PSM) to establish matching data on the basis of benchmark data to empirically demonstrate the effect of this policy shock on the industrial structure of NIC cities. The study shows that the policy shock has a promoting effect on the level of industrial structure rationalization in the NIC cities, but not significant effect on the industrial structure advancedization, the improvement of the financing environment can promote the development of industrial structure advancement, the growth of personal wealth has a promoting effect on the industrial structure rationalization, and the increase of the government investment is not conducive to the advancement of industrial structure although it can promote the rationalization of the industrial structure in China's NIC cities. Compared with the eastern NIC cities, this policy shock has a greater effect on the rationalization of industrial structure in the Central-western NIC cities of China. In addition, the financing environment and per capita income of NIC cities have a moderating effect on the rationalization of industrial structure under the policy shock. Therefore, NIC cities should actively promote the promotion effect of this policy on the rationalization of industrial structure.
Multi-Task Unsupervised Question Retrieval Method with Enhanced Keyword Features
Authors: Aiguo SHANG , Xinjuan ZHU
Published: September 2023

Currently, a large number of question retrieval solutions rely on supervised methods, which require expensive manual annotations. However, existing unsupervised question retrieval methods lack the reinforcement of keyword features in question representations. To address this issue, this paper proposes an unsupervised question retrieval method called QRTM (Question Retrieval based on Topic Filtering and Multi-Task Learning). Firstly, a topic filtering algorithm called GF is designed, which calculates the distribution of topics and keywords using topic models. It sequentially extracts the topic keywords from the questions to construct unsupervised learning corpus data. Secondly, a multi-task learning approach is adopted to build the question retrieval model. Three tasks are designed in this paper: a short question contrastive learning task; a question generation task with corresponding sequential topic keywords; and the SDN (Similarity Distribution Network) task, which combines autoencoders and attention mechanisms to measure the similarity between questions and sequential topic keywords. These three tasks are trained in parallel to obtain enhanced embeddings of topic keywords in question representations, capturing accurate semantic information of the questions. Comparative and ablation experiments on publicly available question datasets validate that the proposed QRTM method outperforms baseline methods. When using the BERT pre-trained model, the P@1, MAP, and MRR metrics are respectively improved by 8.5%, 5.4%, and 5.0% compared to the baseline model. When using the Roberta model, the corresponding metrics are improved by 4.8%, 4.3%, and 4.4%. QRTM can be applied to transfer learning with pre-trained models such as BERT and RoBERTa, effectively enhancing the accuracy of unsupervised similar question retrieval, with the retrieved similar questions appearing at a higher rank.
Incorporation of Compost and Biochar Enhances Yield and Medicinal Compounds in Seeds of Water-stressed Trigonellia foenum-graecum L. Plants Cultivated in Saline Calcareous Soils
Authors: Shaaban Ahmed , Hemida Khaulood , El-Mageed Taia Abd , Semida Wael , AbuQamar Synan , El-Tarabily Khaled , El-Saadony Mohamed , Al-Elwany Omar
Published: September 2023

Background The combination of compost and biochar (CB) plays an important role in soil restoration and mitigation strategies against drought stress in plants. In this study, the impact of CB was determined on the characteristics of saline calcareous soil and medicinal productivity of fenugreek plants (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.). The field trials examined CB rates (CB0,CB10and CB20corresponding to 0, 10, and 20 t ha‒1, respectively) under deficit irrigation (DI0%, DI20%and DI40%receiving 100, 80 and 60% ETc, respectively) conditions on growth, seed yield (SY), quality, and water productivity (WP) of fenugreek grown in saline calcareous. Results In general, DI negatively affected the morpho-physio-biochemical responses in plants cultivated in saline calcareous soils. However, amendments of CB10or CB20improved soil structure under DI conditions. This was evidenced by the decreased pH, ECe and bulk density but increased organic matter, macronutrient (N, P and K) availability, water retention, and total porosity; thus, maintaining better water and nutritional status. These soil modifications improved chlorophyll, tissue water contents, cell membrane stability, leaf PSII efficiency, and nutritional homeostasis in leaves of drought-stressed plants. This was also supported by increased osmolytes, non-enzymatic, and enzymatic activities under DI conditions. Regardless of DI regimes, SY was significantly improved by 40.0 and 102.5%, seed alkaloids by 87.0 and 39.1%, trigonelline content by 43.8 and 16.7% and WP by 40.9 and 104.5% in plants treated with CB10and CB20, respectively. Conclusions Overall, application of organic amendments of CB can be a promising sustainable solution for improving saline calcareous soil properties, mitigating negative effects of DI stress, and enhancing crop productivity in arid and semi-arid agro-climates.
Development of a practical engineering tool for axially loaded piles calculation
Authors: Doghman Mirna , Mroueh Hussein , Burlon Sébastien
Published: September 2023

The assessment of the head load-displacement response of a pile under axial loading is the key aspect for analysing the pile behaviour under such type of loading. Therefore, an adequate modelling of the soil-pile interface makes it possible for numerical investigations to give a relevant prediction of the pile response. The commonly used approaches for displacement analysis either consider that the soil resistance can be simulated by a series of discrete springs, or that the soil is a continuum. However, the use of either approaches presents some drawbacks related to the disregard of the rheological aspect of the problem, or to the need of time-consuming numerical techniques. This paper presents a practical 1D approach, based on the finite element method, for soil-pile interface modelling. This approach is coupled with a simplified flow rule, used to simulate the interface response, based on the analogy between the behaviour of the soil-pile interface and the interface of a direct shear test. The response of a theoretical pile using the developed approach is compared to results of a load-transfer analysis and results of a 3D analysis using the commercial finite difference software (FLAC3D). The results allow to estimate the change in pile shaft resistance induced by normal stress variations along the pile.
Relationship between paravertebral muscle degeneration and spinal -pelvic sagittal parameters in patients with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: BAO TIANLIAN , ZHAO KEYU , WANG CHUNMEI , YANG WUPENG , WANG YONGJIANG , WANG TIANTIAN , ZHANG QINGXIN , GAO FENG , LIU HAO , TAO XIAOYANG , GAO GANG , ZHANG TINXIN
Published: September 2023

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a clinically common degenerative disease of the spine, and spinal–pelvic sagittal balance and paravertebral muscle degeneration have been a research focus in recent years. To explore the relationship between the degeneration of paravertebral muscle and the changes in the spinal–pelvic sagittal parameters in LDH patients, 105 LDH patients (experimental group) and 63 healthy volunteers (control group) hospitalized in Ordos Central Hospital from January 2020 and January 2023 were included as study subjects. All the patients underwent lumbar magnetic resonance imaging and spinal X-ray using uniform criteria. The correlation between the paravertebral muscle and sagittal–pelvic sagittal parameters of the patients with LDH was obtained from two imaging examinations, and the data were organized and grouped to explore the correlation between these parameters. No significant difference in general data existed between the groups (P > 0.05). In the L4/5 LDH patients group, the ratio of fat infiltration (FIR) in the healthy side (multifidus (MF) and erector spinae (ES)) was negatively correlated with the lumbar lordosis (LL)(r = -0.461, r = -0.486, P < 0.05). The relative cross-sectional area (RCSA) of the bilateral MF was positively correlated with the pelvic tilt (r = 0.549, r = 0.515, P < 0.05). The bilateral ES RCSA was negatively correlated with the sagittal vertical axis (r = -0.579, r = -0.621, P < 0.05). A positive correlation existed between the RCSA and thoracic kyphosis in the healthy side ES (r = 0.614, P < 0.05). In the L5/S1 LDH patients group, a negative correlation existed between the FIR and LL in the healthy side ES (r = -0.579, P < 0.05). Thus, the paravertebral muscle parameters were correlated with the spinal–pelvic sagittal parameters in the patients with LDH.
Ecological Correlates and Predictors of Lassa Fever Incidence in Ondo State, Nigeria 2017 - 2021: An Emerging Urban Trend
Authors: Cadmus Simeon , Taiwo Olalekan , Akinseye Victor , Cadmus Eniola , Famokun Gboyega , Fagbemi Stephen , Ansumana Rashid , Omoluabi Anddy , Ayinmode Adekunle , Oluwayelu Daniel , Odemuyiwa Solomon , Tomori Oyewale
Published: September 2023

Lassa fever (LF) is a highly prevalent disease in many West African countries, including Nigeria. Efforts to combat the disease have primarily focused on rural areas where interactions between rodents and humans are common. However, recent studies indicate a shift in the occurrence of LF from rural to urban areas. We analysed secondary data of reported LF outbreaks from 2017 to 2021 in Ondo State, Nigeria, to identify the distribution pattern, ecological variations, and other determinants of disease spread from the ward level. Data utilised include LF incidence, ecological variables involving elevation, population, nighttime light intensity, vegetation, temperature, market presence, road length, and building area coverage. ArcGIS Pro 3.0 software was employed for spatial analysis. Results revealed a spatio-temporal clustering of LF incidents between 2017 and 2021, with an increasing trend followed by a decline in 2021. All wards in Owo Local Government Area were identified as hotspots for LF. The ecological variables exhibited significant correlations with the number of LF cases in the wards, except for maximum temperature. Notably, these variables varied significantly between wards with confirmed LF and those without. Therefore, it is important to prioritise strategies for mitigating LF outbreaks in urban areas of Nigeria and other West African countries.
Compliance with follow-up in patients with testicular cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: A novel study
Authors: Erkan Anil , Keten Tanju , Guzel Ozer , Barali Deniz , Basboga Serdar , Kilic Metin , Caglayan Volkan , Koc Akif , Tuncel Altug
Published: September 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the compliance with follow-up in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for testicular cancer at two academic hospitals.
Methods.
The study analyzed 104 patients with testicular tumors who had undergone surgery at least a year before and received ACT between March 2017 to March 2022. The mean follow-up was 29.2 ± 16.2 (12–73) months. Patients were classified as fully compliant (100% compliance), moderately compliant (50–99%), poorly compliant (1–49%), and non-compliant (no attendance) according to their compliance with the follow-up schedule.
Results
At the end of the first year, 76% of patients were fully compliant. By the end of the second year, this number dropped to 50%. Furthermore, 25% of patients were identified as non-compliant in the second year, and only 4.3% in the third year. When comparing patients who were compliant and non-compliant at first and second-year follow-up, no statistically significant difference was found according to age, tumor size, disease stage, or ACT regimen (p = 0.938, p = 0.784, p = 0.867, and p = 0.282, respectively).
Conclusion and Implications for Cancer Survivors
This study showed that full compliance with follow-up gradually decreased over the years and that the factors examined were not able to predict this decrease. Prospective studies can help to design individualized education and follow-up programs, taking into account the tumor stage of each patient.
Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of pyrazolone based Sm(III) and Dy(III) metal chelates against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans
Authors: Philip Surya , Mohanan Kochukittan
Published: September 2023

Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are most common bacterial and fungal agents responsible for blood stream infections. The studies have shown that about 20% of all Candida albicans infections occur with Staphylococcus aureus and are polymicrobial in nature. These species can lead to hospital-acquired infections as they have the ability to form persistent biofilms in medical devices. Development of novel therapeutic agents are required to target these polymicrobial infections. The present work focuses on synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of pyrazolone based lanthanide metal chelates. The Sm(III) and Dy(III) complexes showed promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans respectively.
Role of hypermethylated SLC5A8 in follicular thyroid cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction
Authors: Yang Yan , Liao Chenjin , Yang Qian , Li Yuxia , Tang Yunxiang , Xu Bin
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE Thyroid cancer is one of the most frequently reported endocrine system malignancies. It is difficult to distinguish follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) from follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) during pathological diagnosis in patients without lymph nodes or distant metastases. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to investigate the significance of SLC5A8 methylation and expression in the diagnosis and prognosis of FTC. METHODS We used 165 tissue samples, including FTC (n = 58), thyroid tumors of uncertain malignant potential (TT-UMP, n = 40), and FTA (n = 67), to explore the differences in SLC5A8 methylation and mRNA transcription in different pathological types. Survival analysis was conducted to evaluate the recurrence rate at a five-year follow-up. RESULTS The SLC5A8 methylation positive rate was higher in patients with thyroglobulin ≥ 40 µg/l and Chol ≥ 5.17 mmol/l, and it was higher in patients with FTC (n = 42, 72.4%) than those with FTA (n = 27, 40.3%) and TT-UMP (n = 23, 57.5%). The relative concentration of SLC5A8 mRNA was lower in patients with FTC than in those with FTA (p < 0.05). At five-year follow-ups, patients that were SLC5A8 methylation-positive had a higher recurrence rate than those who were methylation-negative. CONCLUSIONS Our current study indicates that SLC5A8 gene methylation occurs more commonly in patients with FTC than in those with FTA. The differences in SLC5A8 methylation and expression among FTA, FTC, and TT-UMP provide an important basis for further exploration of epigenetic changes in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of thyroid cancer. Our findings need to be further validated in larger populations with long-term follow-up in the future.
Integrated multiplex analysis of cell death regulators in stage II colorectal cancer suggests patients with ‘persister’ cell profiles fail to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Ginty Fiona , Sanghee Cho , McDonough Elizabeth , Graf John , Shia Jinru , Lindner Andreas , Salvucci Manuela , Matveeva Anna , Kisakol Batuhan , O’Grady Tony , Burke John , McNamara Deborah , McDade Simon , Surrette Christine , Longley Daniel , Prehn Jochen
Published: September 2023

Apoptosis is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic signaling orchestrated through multiple proteins that initiate or inhibit apoptosis. Inducing tumor cell apoptosis is a primary objective of chemotherapy, but to date, biomarkers of apoptosis sensitivity or resistance have shown mixed results. To understand the interplay between these proteins and whether the balance of apoptosis regulators influences chemotherapy responses and patient outcomes, we conducted multiplexed imaging of 16 proteins in the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways at single cell resolution on resected tissue from 194 stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who either received adjuvant chemotherapy (n=108) or were treated with surgery only (n=86). K-means clustering of >400,000 individual cancer cells and cell-level intensities of Apaf-1, procaspase-9, procaspase-3, XIAP, SMAC, BAX, BAK, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, MCL-1, procaspase-8, BID, FADD, FLIP, RIP3 and cIAP1 identified distinct cell cluster profiles and demonstrated profound patient-to-patient heterogeneity. In chemotherapy-treated stage II CRC patients, those with a higher percentage of cell clusters with low procaspase-3 and high XIAP had a higher risk of recurrence. The high risk cell cluster (low-procaspase 3, high XIAP) was validated in an independent cohort of adjuvant chemotherapy-treated high-risk stage II CRC patients. To further interrogate the apoptosis sensitivity of the cell clusters, we also applied two established systems models of apoptosis initiation and execution, the BCL-2 pathway (DR_MOMP) and the caspase activation pathway (APOPTO-CELL). Here we showed that cell clusters associated with increased recurrence risk do not appear have impaired MOMP sensitivity, but downstream procaspase-3 cleavage is compromised. This represents a key characteristic of drug-tolerant ‘persister’ cells. Our study represents the most comprehensive, integrated analysis to date of apoptosis protein distribution at single-cell level in CRC tumors and identifies a subgroup of stage II patients with an apoptosis resistant, ‘persister’ cell profile who do not benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
A new moduli for Banach spaces, Dunkl-Williams constant and Holder continuity of radial projection
Authors: Harandi Alireza Amini , Rahimi M. , Hafshejani A. Sadeghi
Published: September 2023

Let $X$ be a Banach space and let $DW(X)$ denotes the Dunkl-Williams constant of $X$. In this paper, we first introduce moduli $ \gamma_{X}:[0,2] \to [0,1]$ and show that $DW(X)=\sup\limits_{0<\epsilon \leq 2}\frac{\epsilon}{\gamma_{X}(\epsilon)}$, which provides a simple formula for calculating $DW(X)$ in terms of $\gamma_{X}(\epsilon)$. Then, we compute $\gamma_{H}(\epsilon)$, where $H$ is a Hilbert space, $\gamma_{l_{\infty}-l_1}(\epsilon)$, $\gamma_{l_{2}^{\infty}}(\epsilon)$ and we conclude that $DW(l_{\infty}-l_1)=1+\sqrt{2}$. Furthermore, we obtain a generalized Dunkl-Williams inequality and we conclude that, for each $\alpha\in (0,1)$, the radial projection on $X$ is $\alpha$-H\"older continuous.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 46B20.
A Lifestyle Modification Program for Secondary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ashburner Jeffrey M. , Carmichael Taylor D. , Bhattacharya Romit , Bapat Aneesh C. , Natarajan Pradeep , Atlas Steven J. , Singer Daniel E. , Thorndike Anne N.
Published: September 2023

Background
Lifestyle modification programs, such as cardiac rehabilitation, may reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) burden and improve quality of life (QOL), but remain unproven. The objective of this pilot study was to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an exercise and nutrition-based cardiac rehabilitation-like program for AF patients.
Methods
We enrolled overweight adults aged ≥ 30 years with symptomatic AF in a 12-week cardiac lifestyle group program, including 6 virtual and 6 in-person visits. All visits included discussion and education about nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification. In-person visits included supervised aerobic exercise and strength training. Outcomes at baseline and 12 weeks included feasibility of participation, acceptability, change in weight and BMI, and changes in survey-based AF burden, symptoms, and QOL.
Results
From 84 invitees, 11 (13.1%) were enrolled (mean age 64; baseline BMI 38 kg/m2); 9 (82%) completed the program. Patients attended an average of 9.7 (81%) visits (Range: 6–11). Mean weight loss was 9.1 pounds (Range: 0–16); mean BMI decrease was 1.4 kg/m2 (Range: 0-2.6). Patients found the program helpful overall: all reported making diet and exercise changes during the program. Compared to baseline, patients reported decreased AF burden (12.9 vs. 11.7, p = 0.03) and symptom (10.1 vs. 5.6, p = 0.003) scores at the conclusion of the program. Patients also reported increased QOL overall (68.9 vs. 86.4, p = 0.001)
Conclusions
Participation in a cardiac rehab-like program was feasible and acceptable for overweight patients with symptomatic AF. Results suggest preliminary effectiveness of the program for reducing AF burden and symptoms and increasing QOL.
Brain glucose induces fungicidal tolerance during fungal meningitis
Authors: Wang Linqi , Chen Lei , Tian Xiuyun , Zhang Lanyue , Wang Wenzhao , Hu Pengjie , Ma Zhongyi , Li Yeqi , Li Shibin , Shen Zhenghao , Fan Xin , Ye Leixin , weixin ke , Wu Yao , Shui Guanghou , Xiao Meng , He Guang-Jun , Yang Ying , Bai Fan , Liao Guojian , Chen Min , Lin Xiaorong , Li Chong , Fang Wenxia
Published: September 2023

In bacteria, antibiotic tolerance, the ability of a susceptible population to survive high doses of cidal drugs, has been shown to compromise therapeutic outcomes. In comparison, whether fungicide tolerance can be induced by host-derived factors during fungal diseases remains unproven. Here, through a systematic evaluation of metabolite-drug-fungal interactions in the leading fungal meningitis pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, we found that glucose, on which the brain depends for fuel, induces fungal tolerance to amphotericin B (AmB) in mouse brain tissue and patient cerebrospinal fluid via the fungal glucose repression activator Mig1. Mig1-mediated tolerance limits treatment efficacy for cryptococcal meningitis in mice and occurs through inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, the target of AmB, and promoting the production of inositolphosphorylceramide, which competes with AmB for ergosterol. Furthermore, AmB combined with an inhibitor of fungal-specific inositolphosphorylceramide synthase, aureobasidin A (AbA), shows a better efficacy against cryptococcal meningitis in mice than do clinically recommended therapies. Our discoveries provide evidence of host metabolite-induced fungicidal tolerance, which limits treatment efficacy for fungal meningitis.
Putative hybrids between Indian giant squirrels (Ratufa indica) and grizzled giant squirrels (Ratufa macroura): a case study from the Western Ghats, India.
Authors: G SIVA SANKARI , THAMPY DENCIN RONS , MOTI AKSHAY
Published: September 2023

Natural hybridization, long considered insignificant, is now recognized as one of the major driving forces for the diversification of vertebrate groups. It often occurs when previously allopatric species are forced into sympatry due to anthropogenic or natural causes. The impacts of hybridization on many rare and threatened animal groups are not clearly understood. We present here a detailed account of the possible hybridization between two species of oriental giant squirrels endemic to the Indian Sub-continent; the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) and the grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) from the Western Ghats, India. A total of eleven putative hybrids could be recorded from the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. We present here the conclusive evidence for reproductive viability among the putative hybrids. The distribution of putative hybrids in the wildlife sanctuary is recorded, and the major factors contributing to the hybridization event are discussed.
Lamina Cribrosa Changes following Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Injection for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A contralateral Eye Study
Authors: Nikkhah Homayoun , Eshtahbanati Fatemeh Foroudi , Hooshmandi Sadid , Karimi Saeed , Sazgar Amir Keyvan , Nouri Hosein , Abtahi Seyed-Hossein , Forouhari Ali
Published: September 2023

Purpose
To assess changes in lamina cribrosa (LC) characteristics in eyes with silicone oil (SO) due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
Method
This cross-sectional contralateral eye study was conducted on 49 patients with unilateral RRD who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and SO injection. The contralateral eyes served as controls. Thickness and depth of LC of both eyes of the participants were evaluated using enhanced depth imaging technique via optical coherence tomography.
Results
The average age of the participants was 57.6 ± 10.5 years and the mean duration of post-op SO retainment was 1.7 ± 6.4 months. The mean LCD in eyes with SO tamponade was 347.6 ± 64.3 µm, whereas, in healthy eyes, it was 329.6 ± 76.7 µm (P = 0.232). On the other hand, the LC in eyes with SO tamponade was significantly thinner compared to that in healthy eyes (270.1 ± 45.1 µm and 303.2 ± 48.6 µm, respectively) (P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that after excluding patients who were underwent anti-glaucoma medications, similar findings was resulted.
Conclusion
We showed that eyes with silicone oil exhibit a significantly thinner LC compared to healthy eyes, with no difference in the depth of the LC between the two groups.
Data-Driven Reduced-Order Modeling of Blood Flow in a Constricted Channel with Magnetic Field Effect using Deep Learning
Authors: Farooq Hamayun , Ali Amjad , Umar Muhammad , Ahmad Naveed , Kazmi Syeda Zahra
Published: September 2023

In an era characterized by an unprecedented influx of data across various domains, the quest for efficient, accurate, and computationally feasible modeling or reduced-order modeling (ROM) techniques has become paramount. This paper embarks on an exploration of leveraging the power of artificial neural networks (ANNs) as a data-driven approach to constructing ROM for non-Newtonian blood flows with magnetic field effects in an artery with plaque (a two-dimensional channel with uniform constriction). Several highdimensional simulations are performed in the parametric space of the Reynolds number and Hartmann number to generate the dataset for the training of the deep-learning model. The parametric space constitutes a wide range of Reynolds numbers from 1.0×102 to 1.1×103 and Hartmann numbers from 0 to 30. The snapshots of the vorticity field have been utilized to construct the proper-orthogonal decomposition (POD) to reconstruct the data-driven lowdimensional version of vorticity. In the ANN model, the past-time temporal coefficients along with the case value of the Reynolds number and Hartmann number used as the input to predict the future-time temporal coefficients following through the deep neural networks. These coefficients, in turn, are used to reconstruct the vorticity in a Galerkin fashion. The accuracy of the trained ANN model is tested by predicting the coefficients of several unseen cases, those which were not used in the training process. Results show remarkable predictive accuracy of the trained model. Thus, the ANN-based ROM (ANN-ROM) can be used as a real-time device in the field of biomechanical engineering to accurately predict the flow field and shear stresses on the artery surfaces.
Consumers’ safety of some selected ready to eat and street vended foods in Wudil, Kano state as determined by microbial content
Authors: Garba Abubakar Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

Because of their cost, affordability, availability and simplicity to prepare, ready-to-eat foods are highly consumed in all over Nigeria, therefore critical to Nigerians’ health. This research aimed at ascertaining the consumers’ safety in terms of microbial load in ready-to-eat sell on the street Awara (Steamed Cowpea Beans Slurry) and Moin-moin (Bean pie) sold in three different vending locations retailed to the students of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, Kano state Nigeria. Total of 24 samples consisting of equal quantity of Awara (Bean pie) and Moin-moin (Steamed Cowpea Bean Slurry) were collected from three different location in Wudil town and analyzed for total aerobic bacteria, fungi and Staphyococcus count. Seven different species of microorganism of health concern were identified to include Micrococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureous, Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp., Mucor, Rhizophus stoonifer and Aspergillus flavus. The total mean of the aerobic bacteria, fungi and Staphylococcus count across all the location in all the samples were found to be withing the tolerable range with the standard set by the International Commission for Microbial Specification for Foods (ICMSF) and Food and Environmental Hygiene Standard (FEHD) as well as the South Wales Food Authority Standards for ready-to-eat foods. Higher microbial counts were founds on Moin-moin sample and this may be attributed to its high moisture content which is found to range from 64.2 to 70.0 %. The comparison of this research finding with international standard justified the safety of consumers and concludes the acceptability of these foods as safe to eat even though the presence of microorganisms such as Aspergilus spp. has been found to pose serious public health issue such as aflatoxin intoxication