bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Pneumothorax on Mortality, Morbidity, and Hospital Resource Utilization in COVID-19 Patients: A Propensity Matched Analysis of Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: Nasrullah Adeel , Quazi Mohammed A. , Virk Shiza , Niranjan Sitara , Butt Muhammad Ali , Shakir Muhammad Hassan , Sohail Amir Humza , Bilal Muhammad Ibraiz , Muzammil Taimur , DiSilvio Briana , Sheikh Abu Baker , Cheema Tariq
Published: January 2024

Background Spontaneous pneumothorax (PTX) is more prevalent among COVID-19 patients than other critically ill patients, but studies on this are limited. This study compared clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes among COVID-19 patients with concomitant PTX to provide insight into how PTX affects health care utilization and complications, which informs clinical decisions and healthcare resource allocation.Methods The 2020 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used analyze patient demographics and outcomes, including age, race, sex, insurance status, median income, length of hospital stay, mortality rate, hospitalization costs, comorbidities, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor support. Propensity score matching was employed for additional analysis.Results Among 1,572,815 COVID-19 patients, 1.41% had PTX. These patients incurred significantly higher hospitalization costs ($435,508 vs. $96,668, p < 0.001) and longer stays (23.6 days vs. 8.6 days, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was substantially elevated for PTX patients (65.8% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001), with an adjusted odds ratio of 14.3 (95% CI 12.7–16.2). Additionally, these patients were more likely to require vasopressors (16.6% vs. 3.3%), mechanical circulatory support (3.5% vs. 0.3%), hemodialysis (16.6% vs. 5.6%), invasive mechanical ventilation (76.9% vs. 15.1%), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (19.1% vs. 5.8%), tracheostomy (13.3% vs. 1.1%), and chest tube placement (59.8% vs. 0.8%).Conclusions Our findings highlight the severe impact of PTX on COVID-19 patients, characterized by higher mortality, more complications, and increased resource utilization. Also, being Hispanic, male, or obese increased the risk of developing concomitant PTX with COVID-19.
Application of 32 Factorial Design of Loratadine-Loaded Nanosponge in Topical Gel system: In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Assessments
Authors: Sivadasan Durgaramani , Venkatesan Krishnaraju , Mohamed Jamal Moideen Muthu , Alqahtani Saud , Asiri Yahya I. , Faisal Mennatullah M. , Ibrahim Adel Ehab , Menaa Farid , Deeb Sami El
Published: January 2024

Loratadine (LoR) is a highly lipophilic and practically insoluble in water, hence having a low oral bioavailability. As it is formulated as topical gel, it competitively binds with the receptors, thus reducing the side-effects. The objective of this study was to prepare LoR loaded nanosponge (LoR-NS) in gel for topical delivery. Nine different formulations of emulsion were prepared by solvent evaporation method with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethyl cellulose (EC), and dichloromethane (DCM). Based on 32 Full Factorial Design (FFD), optimization was carried out by varying the concentration of LOR:EC ratio and stirring rate. The preparations were subjected for the evaluation of particle size (PS), in vitro release, zeta potential (ZP) and entrapment efficiency (EE). The results revealed that the NS dispersion was nanosized with sustained release profiles and significant PS. The optimized formulation was formulated and incorporated into carbopol 934P hydrogel. The formulation was then examined to surface morphological characterizations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicted spherical NS. Stability studies, undertaken for 2 months at 40 ± 2 ℃ and 75 ± 5% RH, concluded to the stability of the formulation. The formulation did not cause skin irritation. Therefore, the prepared NS hydrogel proved to be a promising applicant for LoR as a novel drug delivery system (NDDS) for safe, sustained and controlled topical application.
5-Methylcytosine immunohistochemistry for predicting cutaneous melanoma prognosis
Authors: Meevassana Jiraroch , Varophas Shananya , Prabsattru Piyawan , Kamolratanakul Supitcha , Ruangritchankul Komkrit , Kitkumthorn Nakarin
Published: January 2024

There is a correlation between DNA methylation and the diseased stage and poor survival. Formation of 5-methylcytosine is one of the epigenetic alterations that has received the most attention from researchers (5-mC). Staining with 5-mC immunohistochemistry was used to examine pathological samples taken from individuals diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. Between Breslow levels 2 and 4, there was a significant difference in the H-score of 5-mC expression (p = 0.046). A significant reduction in 5-mC expression H-scores was seen in patients who were diagnosed with ulcers (p = 0.039). It was shown that patients with low 5-mC had a significantly worse overall survival rate (p = 0.027).
Effects of Decision Making and Impulsivity on the addictive Characteristics of Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior in Adolescents with Depressive Disorders
Authors: Jiang Yulian , Yu Hang , Zheng Quanming , Zhu Yuqiong , Qin Qiyue , Zhang Jun , Cui Ruomeng , Wu Wei , Wu Chengcong , Li Tiancheng , Jiao Dongliang , Wang Wenjuan , Ji Chenguang
Published: January 2024

Objective
Non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviors pose a significant threat to the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents. This study investigated the addictive nature of NSSI behaviors and their association with impulsivity and decision-making, aiming to provide evidence-based insights for the development of multiple effective treatment interventions for adolescents with depressive disorders exhibiting addictive characteristics in their NSSI behaviors.
Methods
A total of 126 adolescent outpatients and inpatients diagnosed with depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria were selected and categorized into three groups: depression without NSSI (n = 42), depression with NSSI without addictive characteristics (n = 44), and depression with NSSI and addictive characteristics (n = 40). The present study employed the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), Chinese Revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI), and the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Questionnaire (ANSSIQ). Cognitive decision-making abilities were assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).
Results
There were no significant differences observed in blocks 1 and 2 of the IGT among the three groups. However, the depression with NSSI addictive characteristics group exhibited significantly lower net scores in blocks 3, 4, and 5 of the IGT compared to both the depression without NSSI group and the depression with NSSI non-addictive characteristics group. The addictive characteristics of NSSI behaviors were positively correlated with the severity of NSSI behaviors, depression, and cognitive impulsiveness, and negatively correlated with the total net score of the IGT. In the mediation model, depression played a partial mediating role between cognitive impulsiveness and NSSI behavioral addiction characteristics.
Conclusion
Adolescents with depressive disorders exhibiting addictive NSSI behaviors demonstrate heightened cognitive impulsivity and exhibit poorer decision-making when presented with choices. Timely modulation of depressive symptoms can be effective in reducing the occurrence of the addictive characteristics of NSSI behaviors.
Impacts of land use type on sampling methods for human and simian malaria vectors
Authors: de Straat Bram van , Kurniawan Ahadi , Sebayang Boni , Garjito Triwibowo Ambar , Lubis Inke Nadia D. , Russell Tanya L. , Burkot Thomas R.
Published: January 2024

Background
Malaria transmission to humans is increasing in complexity in Indonesia with simian malaria cases in humans increasing as human malaria incidence diminishes. Reliable, epidemiologically relevant, logistically feasible, and cost-effective collection methods are needed to define the transmission risk to humans and the efficacy of vector control for both simian and human malarias. Alternative and/or complementary representative mosquito sampling methods to the labour-intensive human landing collections (HLC) and animal-baited tent traps (ABT) currently used in Indonesia are needed.
Methods
Carbon dioxide gas from a compressed cylinder and from yeast/sugar fermentation were used as lures in Passive Box, CDC Light and BG Sentinel 2 mosquito traps and compared in Latin square trials to human landing catches (HLCs) and animal baited traps (ABTs) for sensitivity and specificity for anopheline vectors across three land use types (oil palm plantation, mixed-crop agricultural area and village) in North Sumatra.
Results
The ABT with cow as bait was the most sensitive sampling method for all anopheline species in a direct comparison to HLC and the BG-Sentinel 2 trap in North Sumatra. The Passive Box and CDC Light traps were not sensitive for anophelines regardless of the CO2 source. The HLC showed high specificity for members of the An. dirus complex, and also captured An. kochi, An. barbirostris complex, and An. maculatus Group mosquitoes.
Is pancreaticoduodenectomy justified for metastatic melanoma to the ampulla of Vater?
Authors: Hsi Chieh-Ning , Wang Shin-E , Shyr Bor-Shiuan , Chen Shih-Chin , Shyr Yi-Ming , Shyr Bor-Uei
Published: January 2024

Background
Metastatic melanoma to the ampulla of Vater is rare. The purpose of this study is to summarize the characteristics and outcomes of metastatic melanoma to the ampulla of Vater, and to highlight the impact of surgery on the prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma.
Methods
The pooled data from a case encountered at our institution and all the sporadic cases published on PubMed and MEDLINE from 1996 to 2023 were included for analysis.
Results
A total of 14 cases of metastatic melanoma to the ampulla of Vater were recruited. Seventy-three percent of the primary melanomas were cutaneous type, and 27% mucosal type. The most common symptom was jaundice (86%). The size of metastatic melanoma to ampulla ranged from 1.5 cm to 8 cm, with a median of 2.75 cm. Concomitant metastasis to other organs occurred in 82% at the diagnosis of this tumor, most commonly to the brain, lungs, and liver (36% each, respectively). Among all the reported cases, pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in five patients. The overall 1-year survival rate was 27.3%, with a median of 4 months. Wide excision of the primary lesion and chemotherapy significantly improve the survival rate (p = 0.048). There is a trend toward improved survival in those undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by chemotherapy.
Conclusions
Given the availability of effective systemic therapy, metastatic melanoma to the ampulla of Vater is not necessarily to preclude a major surgery.
Effects of different land use patterns on soil aggregate organic carbon in Hainan island, South China
Authors: Huo Yanru , wang junguang , zhao zhizhong
Published: January 2024

The study explored the effects of different land use patterns on soil aggregate organic carbon in tropical island, and to provide scientific basis for further understanding in the characteristics and rules of soil carbon cycle in tropical island.Soil samples were collected from 0 to 30cm soil profile in farmland, vegetable fields, derelict land and economic woodland in the study area. Combination of dry and wet screening was adopted as the method to separate aggregates, and soil organic carbon and aggregate organic carbon content was determined by method of external heating by using potassium dichromate, to analyze the characteristics and variation rules of organic carbon in soil aggregates in 0-30cm soil profile. (1)In general, the SOC content of different land use patterns shows a following trend: farmland > vegetable fields > economic woodland > derelict land. (2) In 0-30cm soil profile, regarding to farmland, soil aggregate content increases as the particle size of soil aggregate decreases. In vegetable fields, the content is maximum when the particle size of aggregate is between 1mm and 2mm. In economic woodland, the content reduces as the particle size decreases. It suggests that the composition proportion of soil aggregate particle size is different greatly under different land use patterns. (3) Under different land use patterns, the SOC content of soil aggregates with different particle sizes also vary. Except farmland, the SOC content of soil aggregates under other land use patterns shows an increasing trend with the decrease of soil aggregate particle size. Under different land use patterns, the SOC content in soil aggregates with different particle sizes is different. The smaller the particle size is, the better the accumulation of SOC is. Soil aggregate organic carbon content is significantly different under different land use patterns. Farmland and vegetable fields are in favor of the accumulation of soil aggregate organic carbon.
Vibration analysis of dual rotor system equipped with active friction dampers based on harmonic balance method and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Jiang Minghong , Zhang Peng , Gao Xianghong , He Junxu , Zhu Changsheng
Published: January 2024

Numerical investigations are essential in appropriately determining normal forces for active dry friction dampers (ADFDs) within rotor systems, although existing methods suffer from the deficits of low-efficiency and over-simplifications. Within this paper, a harmonic-balance-based approach is proposed to efficiently obtain the responses of ADFDs-dual rotor system and a local sensitivity analysis is developed together with it to directly visualize the influences of ADFDs. The fixed-interface mode synthesis method and the trajectory tracing method are first utilized to reduce the system dimension. Then, a novel sampling strategy is proposed for the harmonic balance procedure to guarantee the orthogonality of Fourier basis. The resultant nonlinear equation is solved by the arclength continuation technique. To visually present the variation of rotor responses as the normal force of ADFD changes, a local sensitivity analysis method is developed together with the harmonic-balance-based solver. The frequency-domain sensitivity coefficients are derived analytically to facilitate computation of sensitivities. Numerical validations are carried to show the efficiency and accuracy of the developed method. The influences of ADFDs on rotor responses are discussed both numerically and experimentally. It is found that, due to the multiple excitations in dual rotor system, rotor whirl motions could exhibit the characteristics of multi-valued frequencies. The influences of ADFD on rotor responses are related to the rotational speeds, the ADFD normal forces and the ADFD installation positions. The developed method could intuitively show the influences of these factors on rotor vibration suppression, which provides an efficient tool for parameter optimization.
Transitioning Towards SysML v2 as a Variability Modeling Language
Authors: Epp Jordan , Robert Thomas , Ruch Olivier , Olechowski Alison
Published: January 2024

Systems engineers seek ways to reuse system models to accelerate the initial design development process on new complex projects. Despite its promise, one such solution -- the deployment of Model-based Product Line Engineering (MBPLE) -- presents challenges to practitioners. Not only is deployment costly, but an overwhelming number of variability modeling language options also lack interoperability. While research efforts work towards creating a universal variability modeling language and developing transformations between existing languages, this paper proposes incorporating variability modeling concepts into a system modeling language for a centralized management of product lines. In this work, we highlight SysML v2 as a promising language for variability modeling, arguing that it can orthogonally model systems and their variability. Further, we propose a novel metamodel that describes a SysML v2-based approach to modeling conceptual and asset variability spaces. We exemplify the deployment of this metamodel on a simple yet representative example found in a complex development environment. Since the SysML v2 specification is still in its early stages of standardization, this paper discusses how efforts in deploying MBPLE with existing approaches will translate to the new metamodel and includes considerations for transitioning from currently available commercial modeling tools to SysML v2. Ultimately, we hope the proposed metamodel will motivate SysML v2 tool vendors to support variability modeling by incorporating instantiation and constraint definition mechanisms and visualization capabilities in future tool releases.
The Northwestern Pacific corals unravel the NPGO/Victoria Mode-related temperature back to the 19th century
Authors: Ito Saori , Watanabe Takaaki K. , Yamazaki Atsuko , Shen Chuan-Chou , Watanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2024

The atmospheric and oceanic phenomena in the Pacific Ocean, such as the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) and the Victoria Mode (VM), have significant implications for global climate change patterns. Although the relationship between surface temperature changes in the Central Pacific warming pool (CPW-ST), NPGO and VM has recently attracted attention, the historical relationships over the centuries remain unknown due to limited instrumental observations. Here, we present a long-term NPGO/VM-related temperature variability based on the Northwestern Pacific coral proxy from 1798 to 2014 AD. The coral skeletal Sr/Ca-inferred temperature record matched the CPW-ST time series, revealing extra-tropical propagation of NPGO/VM-related temperature variation from the central Pacific through an ocean-atmosphere bridge. Furthermore, we identified distinct negative NPGO/low-temperature phases in the late 1840s and during the 1860s-1900s and a positive NPGO/high-temperature phase in the 2000s-2010s. Additionally, a significant correlation between CPW-ST and high-frequency NPGO/VM variability was observed in the past 200 years. Our coral record indicates that the relationship lasted until the 1930s, except from the 1970s to the 1990s, and has strengthened from the 2000s to the present. The coral-based temperature record from the Northwestern Pacific provides important insights into the historical spatiotemporal changes in NPGO/VM-related temperature variability.
Urban Wastewater-based Surveillance of Sars-Cov-2 virus: A two-year study conducted in city of Patras, Greece
Authors: Anastopoulou Zoi , Kotsiri Zoi , Chorti-Tripsa Eleftheria , Fokas Rafail , Vantarakis Apostolos
Published: January 2024

Wastewater-based epidemiology, during the COVID-19 pandemic years, has been applied as a complementary approach, worldwide, for tracking SARS-CoV-2 virus into the community and used as an early warning of the prevalence of COVID-19 infection. The present study presents the results of the 2-year surveillance project, in the city of Patras, Greece. The purpose of the study was to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and implement WBE as an early warning method of monitoring Public Health impact. The presence of SARS-CoV-2, was determined and quantified in 310 samples using RT-qPCR assays. For the years 2022 and 2023, 93,5% and 78,7% of samples were found positive, respectively. Comparison of detection methods have been conducted to select the method with the highest recovery of the viral load. A seasonal variation of the virus was recorded, showing a recession in summer months confirming the country's epidemiological data as indicated by positive correlation of wastewater viral load with registered cases of COVID-19 infections during these years (p < 0.05) and moreover, sealed with a significant negative correlation observed with Daily Average (p < 0,01) and Daily Maximum Temperature (p < 0,01). More research was carried out to elucidate a possible association of physicochemical characteristics of wastewater with viral load showing positive correlation with Chlorides (p < 0,01) advocating possible increased use of chlorine-based disinfectants and Electrical Conductivity (p < 0,01) indicates that wastewater during periods of increased infections is more heavily loaded with ions from chemical and biological pollutants. No correlation found with rainfall and physicochemical indicators such as COD, BOD5, Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen and Total Suspended Solids. According to the findings, WBE represent a useful tool in the management of epidemics based on an environmental approach and it can also shed light on the interacting parameters that capture Public Health since any infections that may lead to epidemics lead to a parallel change in the use of pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, disinfectants and microbial load in urban wastewater.
Oncolytic Virotherapy Combined with Nivolumab Elicits Complete Responses in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in Association with the Formation of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures
Authors: Li Roger , Villa Nancy , Yu Xiaoqing , Johnson Joseph , Borjas Gustavo , Dhillon Jasreman , Moran Carlos , Kim Youngchul , Francis Natasha , Dorman Denise , Powers John , Sexton Wade , Spiess Philippe , Poch Michael , Zemp Logan , Gilbert Scott , Zhang Jingsong , Pow-Sang Julio , Anderson Alexander , Li Tingyi , Wang Xuefeng , Grass G , Burke James , Dinney Colin , Rodriguez Paulo , Jain Rohit , Mulé James , Conejo-Garcia Jose
Published: January 2024

There is a critical unmet need for safe and efficacious neoadjuvant treatment for cisplatin-ineligible patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. We launched a Phase 1b study using the combination of intravesical cretostimogene grenadenorepvec (oncolytic serotype 5 adenovirus encoding granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor) with systemic nivolumab in cisplatin-ineligible patients with cT2-4aN0-1M0 muscle invasive bladder cancer. The primary objective was to measure safety and the secondary objective to assess the antitumor efficacy of the combination. No dose limiting toxicity was encountered in 21 patients enrolled and treated. Combination treatment achieved a pathologic complete response rate of 42.1%, which was associated with baseline free E2F activity and tumor mutational burden. Although T cell infiltration was broadly induced following intravesical oncolytic virotherapy, the formation and maturation of tertiary lymphoid structures was specifically associated with complete response, emphasizing the importance of adaptive humoral immune responses. Together, these results highlight the potential of this combination regimen to enhance therapeutic efficacy in cisplatin-ineligible patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer, warranting additional study as a neoadjuvant therapeutic option. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04610671.
Species composition but not interspecific facilitation enhances zinc and selenium uptake in multispecies grasslands
Authors: Obasoro Omotola , Shackleton Jane , Grace Cornelia , Kennedy Jean , de Goede Ron , Hoffland Ellis
Published: January 2024

Aims
To understand the variations among grassland species in their ability to take up zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) when cultivated as monocultures and to assess the effect of species richness on Zn and Se uptake. Additionally, to examine whether interspecific facilitation or species composition of the mixtures contributes to the potential increase in Zn and Se uptake in mixtures.
Methods
We conducted a grassland diversity experiment at both pot and field scales. In the greenhouse pot experiment, three grasses, four legumes and five forb species were grown as monocultures and mixtures along a species richness gradient. In the field experiment, we compared a monoculture of Lolium perenne sward with two multispecies mixtures (comprising grasses, legumes, and forbs). At harvest, Zn and Se uptake values were determined for all the monocultures and mixtures in both experiments.
Results
The capacity of the monoculture species to take up Zn and Se varied significantly in the pot experiment. Zinc and Se uptake increased with increasing species richness (P < 0.05). Higher Zn and Se uptake in the multispecies mixtures was primarily due to the large aboveground biomass production and/or high tissue Zn and Se concentration of some of the component species in the mixtures. However, there was insufficient evidence supporting interspecific facilitation.
Conclusion
To optimize Zn and Se uptake by multispecies mixtures, it is suggested that the choice of forage species should be based on biomass production potential as well as Zn and Se concentrations of the component species in the mixture.
Numerical study of flow in open-channel bends partially occupied with vegetation
Authors: ZHAO WENHAO , ZHANG SHENGTANG , ZHANG JINGZHOU , BILAL AHMER , LAN YUFEN , ZHANG LILI
Published: January 2024

Curved channel is a common topographic pattern in rivers. Its water flow characteristics have an important influence on the ecological environment of rivers and the construction of water conservation projects. In this work, five bending angles of the river at 0°, 45°, 90°, 135° and 180° are studied by Reynolds stress turbulence model. The simulation results showed that:(1)An increase in the bend angle of the river will reduce the flow velocity of the concave bank and increase the flow velocity of the convex bank.(2)When water flows through meandering rivers with vegetation on the concave bank, the main flow area gradually shifts from the convex bank to the boundary between non-vegetated and vegetated areas, and this shift velocity increases with the angle of curvature.(3)The turbulent kinetic energy of the vegetated region is much larger than that of the non-vegetated region, and the energy at the exit of the curve increases significantly.
Identification of the hydrogeochemical processes and assessment of groundwater quality using Water Quality Index (WQI) in semi-arid area F'kirina eastern Algeria
Authors: Khaldia Si Tayeb , Belgacem Houha , Miyada Ouanes , Vincent Valles , Abdelghani Elhoussaoui , Barbieri Maurizio , Boschett Tiziano
Published: January 2024

Groundwater is the primary source for human life, intended for consumption and agricultural production, particularly in the F'kirina plain, a semi-arid region in eastern Algeria. The study aims to determine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater, including (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), CO3, HCO3−, Cl-, SO42−, NO3, PO4−, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). The results were analyzed using XLSTAT software (2016) with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Piper diagram, and four hydrochemical facies. Their suitability for human consumption was assessed by calculating the Water Quality Index (WQI) according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards (2011), with a WQI below 50 considered suitable for human consumption. Samples P3, P5, P6, and P15 were classified as excellent groundwater quality (WQI < 50), while samples P4, P7, P8, P9, P17, and P18 indicated good quality (50 < WQI < 100). However, 50% of the wells showed elevated levels of major elements exceeding the standards. The observed sequence of major element dominance is high quantities of Ca2 + > Mg2 + > Na + > K+, and the anions follow the order of Cl− > SO4 2 − HCO3 − > NO3 −> NO2 −. PCA results revealed two factors influencing overall hydrogeochemistry: geogenic impact attributed to the geological substrate and secondarily to prevailing geochemical (redox) conditions. Conversely, anthropogenic impact is primarily related to agricultural practices leading to nitrate enrichment and salinization. These factors contribute to groundwater quality degradation in f’kirina plain.
Assessment of soil liquefaction potential using genetic programming using a probability-based approach
Authors: Reddy Nerusupalli Dinesh Kumar , Gupta Ashok Kumar , Sahu Anil Kumar
Published: January 2024

Soil liquefaction is a substantial seismic hazard that endangers both human life and infrastructure. This research specifically examines the occurrence of soil liquefaction events in past earthquakes, with a special emphasis on the 1964 Niigata, Japan and 1964 Alaska, USA earthquakes. These occurrences were important achievements in the comprehension of harm caused by liquefaction. Geotechnical engineers often use in-situ experiments, such as the standard penetration test (SPT) to evaluate the likelihood of liquefaction. The attraction for this option arises from the difficulties connected in acquiring undisturbed samples of superior quality, as well as the related expenses. Geotechnical engineering specialists choose the deterministic framework for liquefaction assessment because of its clear mathematical approach and low needs for data, time, and effort. This work emphasises the need of integrating probabilistic and reliability methodologies into the design process of crucial life line structures to enable well-informed risk-based decision-making. The objective of this project is to create models that use deterministic, probabilistic, and reliability-based methods to evaluate the likelihood of soil liquefaction. The work presents a new equation that combines Bayes conditional probability with Genetic Programming (GP). and also in study is to identify the most suitable method for liquefaction analysis based on factor of safety and Performance Fitness Error Metrics (PFEMs), Rank analysis, Gini index, etc. The information provided in study data include soil and seismic characteristics, including the corrected blow count (N1)60cs, fines content (FC), mean grain size (D50), peak horizontal ground surface acceleration (amax), earthquake magnitude (M), and CSR7.5. The parameters are derived from the SPT measurements conducted at many global locations, together with field performance observations (LI) and probability of liquefaction has been assessed through the use of Gini Index (GI). A comparison was made between the novel methodology and the techniques proposed by Juang et al. (2002), Toprak et al. (1999), and Idriss and Boulanger (2006) status of case history data using Performance Fitness Error Metrices. The comparison included employing a confusion matrix for binary classification and doing a score analysis based on factor ranking. The proposed model exhibited superior performance, as the outputs of the constructed model increased for all positive factors and decreased for negative indicators.
Predicting long-term outcomes after primary PCI in Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with single-vessel disease
Authors: Yang Hai-tao , Liu Jing-Kun , Xie xiang
Published: January 2024

Background This study aimed to develop a predictive nomogram for long-term outcomes in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for single-vessel disease, integrating the cholesterol-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR) index with clinical data.Methods From April 2016 to December 2021, 1264 patients with acute STEMI were enrolled. They were divided into development (949 patients) and validation (315 patients) cohorts. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression identified potential risk factors, and multivariate Cox regression determined independent risk factors for the nomogram. The model was transformed into a web-based calculator for ease of use. Its performance was evaluated using ROC curve analysis, calibration curves,and C-index. In addition, individual risk assessment based on the model is conducted.Results The nomogram included age, diabetes, heart rate, and CLR index as variables. In the development cohort, ROC analysis yielded AUCs of 0.816, 0.812, and 0.751 for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. In the validation cohort, the AUCs were 0.852, 0.773, and 0.806. The C-index was 0.76 in the development cohort and 0.79 in the validation cohort. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a higher likelihood of MACEs in the high-risk group.Conclusions This predictive model, incorporating CLR index and electronic health record (EHR) data, reliably and accurately forecasts adverse cardiac events post-primary PCI in patients with acute STEMI and single-vessel disease, aiding in improved risk stratification and management.
Human decidual mesenchymal stem cells obtained from early pregnancy attenuate bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Ning Guangyao , Guo Xiaohui , Zhu Kechao , Cai Peian , Dang Yan , Lu Chen , Xu Feng , Shen Ruifang , Kang Ningning , Zhang Renquan , Chen Kegong
Published: January 2024

Background
Decidual mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are easily obtained and exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), their role in cell transplantation after idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear.
Methods
BMSCs and DMSCs were derived from healthy donors. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on both cell types were evaluated in vitro. The function of DMSCs in MLE-12 cells and mouse lung fibroblasts was examined using additional transwell coculture experiments in vitro. We investigated whether the transplantation of BMSCs and DMSCs could alleviate pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis. Twenty-one days after MSC transplantation, we examined the inflammatory factors in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, collagen content, pathology, fibrotic area, lung function, and micro-computed tomography of the lung tissue.
Results
DMSCs exhibited better anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects than BMSCs on MLE-12 cells in vitro. In addition, DMSCs inhibited tumor growth factor β-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MLE-12 cells and attenuated mouse lung fibroblasts fibrosis. Furthermore, transplantation of DMSCs in the mouse idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis model significantly attenuated pulmonary inflammation and lung fibrosis compared with BMSCs transplantation.
Conclusions
DMSCs exhibited better efficacy in improving pulmonary inflammation and lung fibrosis than BMSCs. Thus, DMSCs are a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.
Is double-J stent mandatory in complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (csPCNL) for patients with staghorn renal stones?
Authors: Falahatkar Siavash , Esmaeili Samaneh , Kazemi Samira , Sheikhi Fatemeh , Norouzi Hosna
Published: January 2024

Background Two different stenting techniques including double-J (DJ) stent and external ureteral catheter (EUC) are commonly used to postoperative drainage in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We aimed to compared the effectiveness of DJ stent and EUC in tubeless complete supine PCNL (csPCNL) for patients with staghorn stones.Methods Between May 2007 and August 2023, a total of 124 patients who underwent tubeless csPCNL for their staghorn stones were enrolled in this analytical cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (DJ stent; n = 24) and group 2 (EUC; n = 100). Perioperative and postoperative parameters were compared in both groups.Results There were not significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, type of comorbidity disease, stone burden, previous kidney surgery, number of stones, hydronephrosis and anesthesia. The mean operative time of group 1 was significantly longer than group 2 (67.92 ± 28.58 and 55.25 ± 22.81, respectively). (P = 0.05) Although stone free rate in group 1 was higher than group 2 (79.2% vs. 66%); the difference did not consider statistically significant (P = 0.21). The length of hospital stay in group 2 was longer than another group (P = 0.04). The post-csPCNL complications were not significant different between 2 groups (P > 0.05). In group 1, more decreasing changes in serum creatinine after operation was observed. (P = 0.006)Conclusions The insertion of DJ stent has been identified as a safe and effective approach in csPCNL for reducing the duration of hospitalization and serum creatinine for patients with staghorn stones.
Innovative Agrowaste Banana Peel Extract-Based Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Eco-Friendly Oxidative Shield and Freshness Fortification
Authors: Abdullah Johar Amin Ahmed , Lagos Silvia Nicole Pérez , Sanchez Emanuel Josué Estrada , Rivera-Flores Octavio , Sánchez-Barahona Marlon , Guerrero Antonio , Romero Alberto
Published: January 2024

This study presents the synthesis of agrowaste banana peel extract-based magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (BPEx-MIONPs), emphasizing antioxidant capacity and food preservation. Using iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3 · 6 H2O) as a precursor and a reducing agent from agrowaste peel extract, a precisely controlled process yielded BPEx-MIONPs. Characterization involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD revealed tetragonal Fe2O3, cubic magnetite structure, and monoclinic FexOy-NPs with an average size of 14.8 nm. TEM and SEM showcased diverse morphologies—cubic, quasi-spherical, and elongated microdomains. FTIR confirmed Fe–O bonds (1000 − 400 cm-1). Antioxidant assessment showed robust DPPH free radical scavenging; BPEx achieved 100% inhibition at 18 min, and BPEx-MIONPs had an IC50 of ~ 136 µg/mL. BPEx-MIONPs, stabilized with banana-based bioplastic, effectively preserved grapes, reducing weight loss to 6.2% on day 3, compared to the control (19.0%). This pioneering study combines banana peel antioxidants with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, providing sustainable solutions for food preservation and nano-packaging. Ongoing research aims to refine conditions and explore broader applications of BPEx-MIONPs.
The effectiveness of mosquito-proof storm drains on adult mosquito and mosquito larvae abundance: protocol of the IDAlErt storm drAin randomiSed controlled trial (IDEAS) in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Treskova Marina , Montalvo Tomás , Rocklöv Joacim , Hatfield Charles , Bartumeus Frederic , Dasgupta Shouro , Encarnação João , Lowe Rachel , Semenza Jan C. , Stiles Pascale , Noya Jordi , Valsecchi Andrea , Bärnighausen Till , Palmer John , Bunker Aditi
Published: January 2024

Background: Climate change is creating newly habitable environments in European cities for mosquitoes of the Aedes and Culex genera, known vectors of arboviruses such as dengue and West Nile. Urban infrastructure interventions can be effective adaptation measures for future-proofing cities, although empirical evidence of their effectiveness is scarce. The Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB) is structurally modifying urban storm drains in 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water necessary for Aedes and Culex mosquito reproduction.
Methods: In partnership with ASPB, we are conducting the IDEAS randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Barcelona to investigate the effects of mosquito-proofing storm drains on the abundance of adult Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens mosquitoes encompassing and in the vicinity of drains. Using a parallel-arm design, we have randomised 44 drains to receive mosquito-proofing modification (intervention) or not (control). The primary outcome is the combined counts of total adult Ae.albopictus and Cx.pipiens mosquitoes captured using an entomological aspirator. Secondary outcomes include the presence and total counts of mosquito larvae in water samples. We are measuring these outcomes weekly at each drain starting on 26 June 2023 until no mosquitos are detected.
Results: We will quantify outcomes comparing mosquito-proofed and control drains using generalised linear mixed models. We will also conduct stratified analyses by species, sex, and sensitivity analyses, including environmental and sociodemographic factors.
Conclusion: Our trial is motivated by the importance of testing urban infrastructure interventions to inform investments for future-proofing European cities against climate change-driven proliferation of infectious disease vectors.
Trial registration: This trial is registered as a trial in Open Science Framework Registry. Registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JZQAH
On the Applications of Neural Ordinary Differential Equations in Medical Image Analysis
Authors: Niu Hao , Zhou Yuxiang , Yan Xiaohao , Wu Jun , Shen Yuncheng , Yi Zhang , Hu Junjie
Published: January 2024

Medical image analysis tasks are characterized by high-noise, volumetric, and multi-modality, posing challenges for the model that attempts to learn robust features from the input images. Over the last decade, deep neural networks (DNNs) have achieved enormous success in medical image analysis tasks, which can be attributed to their powerful feature representation capability. Despite the promising results reported in numerous literature, DNNs are also criticized for several pivotal limits, with one of the limitations is lack of safety. Safety plays an important role in the applications of DNNs during clinical practice, helping the model defend against potential attacks and preventing the model from silent failure prediction. The recently proposed Neural Ordinary Differential Equation (NODE), a continuous model bridging the gap between DNNs and ODE, provides a significant advantage in ensuring the model's safety. Among the variants of NODE, the neural memory ordinary differential equation (nmODE) owns the global attractor theoretically, exhibiting superiority in prompting the model's performance and robustness during applications. While NODE and its variants have been widely used in medical image analysis tasks, there is a lack of a comprehensive review of their applications, hindering the in-depth understanding of NODE's working principle and its potential applications. To mitigate this limitation, this paper thoroughly reviews the literature on the applications of NODE in medical image analysis from the following five aspects: segmentation, reconstruction, registration, disease prediction, and data generation. We also summarize both the strengths and downsides of the applications of NODE, followed by the possible research directions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review regards the applications of NODE in the field of medical image analysis. We hope this review can draw the researchers' attention to the great potential of NODE and its variants in medical image analysis.
Substantiation, directions and results of using whey processed products in ice cream production
Authors: Sitnikova P. B. , Kazakova N. V.
Published: January 2024

The deficiency of protein is an important global problem. Whey, as a by-product of the production of cheese and cottage cheese, can be an additional source of protein. The feasibility of using whey for food purposes due to its composition and biological value is substantiated in the review. Besides, the usage of whey for food purposes reduces threat of environmen‑tal pollution existing when disposing it into the sewer. The aim of the article was to collect, analyze and summarize data on the use of whey and products of its processing in the technology of ice cream and whipped frozen desserts. The analysis of the data of the International Dairy Federation (IDF) on the global volumes of milk whey production as well as the amount of high-value protein, to which they are equivalent, is given. The modern world experience in processing technologies of whey and the product assortment made with its usage has been analyzed. Attention is concentrated on the characteristics and properties of whey processed products (concentrates, isolates, milk hydrolysates, first of all, whey proteins) and micellar casein. The research experience in studying the possibility of their use in the production of ice cream and other foods is assessed and summarized. The influence of these products on the technological, structural-mechanical, microstructural and organoleptic characteristics of ice cream and on its biological value is considered. The presence of positive and negative experience in the usage of dairy proteins, including whey proteins, on the consumer characteristics of frozen food is noted. The necessity of more detailed study of results of using each particular source of milk protein in relation to different types of ice cream and whipped frozen desserts is substantiated.
Influence of pH on protein extraction from Sus scrofa pancreas
Authors: Polishchuk E. K. , Aryzina M. A. , Spirina M. E. , Kotenkova E. A.
Published: January 2024

The porcine pancreas contains various enzymes, structural, regulatory, secretory, receptor and other biologically active substances that ensure both the functioning of the organ and its biological role in the organism. The aim of this work was to study the influence of pH changes in 0.9% sodium chloride solution used as an extractant on the efficiency of bioactive protein isolation from the porcine pancreas. The extraction was carried out with the 0.9% NaCl, 0.9% NaCl pH=4 and 0.9% NaCl pH= 8.5 with a stirring speed of 400 rpm for 150 min at 4 ºC; the ratio of pancreas: extractant was 1:5, the supernatant was separated by centrifugation. The protein concentration was measured by a biuret reaction on a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer Biochem SA. The proteomic composition of extracts and native pancreas was evaluated by 10% SDS-PAGE according to Laemmli method in the “VE10” chamber. Digital images of electrophoregrams were obtained using a Bio-5000 Plus scanner, edited in a graphic editor and analyzed using ImageJ software. When determining the intensity of protein fractions, it was noted that the use of 0.9% NaCl contributed to a greater yield of proteins with molecular weights of 200 kDa, 150 kDa, 69 kDa, 52 kDa and 33 kDa into the extractant; a pH shift to the acidic area stimulated the yield of fractions with molecular weights of 130 kDa, 50 kDa, 49 kDa, 45 kDa, 40 kDa, 30 kDa and 27kDa, and a pH shift to the alkaline area — only 47 kDa and 42 kDa. Most pancreas proteolytic enzymes have a molecular weight in a range of 34–23kDa, excepting the immature form of carboxypeptidases with MW 45–47kDa. The greatest intensity of protein bands was observed in the region with MW less than 33kDa on the obtained electrophoregrams. The presence of intense protein fractions in the region of molecular weights of less than 50–52kDa and 40kDa was also noted, which may correspond to enzymes such as pancreatic lipase and phospholipase A2, and the presence of protein fractions with MW above 130 kDa corresponding to various types and isoforms of collagen and laminin. In addition, such processes as protein aggregation and proteolysis can also influence the molecular weight distribution of protein fractions.
Creativity, Promotion of Creativity and Destruction of Creativity
Authors: Segalerba Gianluigi , Bouvot Kathrin
Published: January 2024

In our analysis we would like to expose some ideas on creativity, promotion of creativity and destruction of creativity. Our general intent is to show that creativity is not reserved to geniuses but, on the contrary, belongs to all individuals. Moreover, we aim to describe how creativity can be promoted in the individuals in the different ages of their life. Finally, we wish to expose that creativity is a disposition which always needs to be cultivated with all possible care: for creativity can be easily damaged or even destroyed because of a false education of the individuals or due to negatively organised work environments.