bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Pluronic F68 is compatible with a plant root-colonizing probiotic, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6
Authors: Streeter Amanda R , Cartwright Anthony , Zargaran Mohammad , Wankhade Anagha , Anderson Anne J. , Britt David W
Published: November 2023

Plant probiotic bacteria are being increasingly used to maximize productivity and quality of field crops. Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 (PcO6) is a plant root colonizer with probiotic activities that produces metabolites such as phenazines functional in plant protection. This work reports responses of PcO6 to a non-ionic, triblock copolymer surfactant, Pluronic F68. This Pluronic exhibits membrane “healing” activity and improves cryopreservation recovery in eukaryotic cells. The product is FDA approved and is applied as an adjuvant in formulations used in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Growth of PcO6 on Luria broth at 25°C was unhindered by 0.1 and 1.0 g/L F68, reduced at 10 g/L, with more inhibition at 100 g/L F68; micelle formation could account for inhibited growth at higher doses. Phenazine production was not changed by F68, whereas an F68 dose-dependent, surfactant-induced spread of bacterial colonization on 0.5% agar was observed. Exposure of cells to fluorescently labelled F68 resulted in intense fluorescence, stable to washing, showing a direct association of the Pluronic with the bacterium. However, neither protection nor harm was found for PcO6 cells undergoing repetitive freeze (-20 °C)/thaw cycles with 0.1% or 1% F68. These findings suggest F68 could be compatible for use in agricultural formulations with little effect on probiotics such as PcO6.
SAHA Analogues Bearing Azaheterocycles in CAP Group and Variable Methylene Chain Length: Synthesis and HDAC Inhibitory Ability
Authors: Micheletti Gabriele , Boga Carla , Drius Giacomo , Bordoni Silvia , Calonghi Natalia
Published: November 2023

This review covers the last 25 years literature on analogs of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, known also as Vorinostat) acting as HDAC inhibitor. In particular, the topic has been focused on the synthesis and biological activity of compounds where the phenyl group (the surface recognition moiety, CAP) of SAHA has been replaced by an azaheterocycle through a direct bond with amide nitrogen atom, and the methylene chain in the linker region is of variable length. Most of the compounds reported displayed good to excellent inhibitory activity against HDACs and in many cases showed anti-proliferative activity against human cancer cell lines.
Antitumor Effect of Novel Berberine Analogues in a Canine Mammary Tumor Cell Line and in Zebrafish Reporters via Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways
Authors: Sammarco Alessandro , Beffagna Giorgia , Sacchetto Roberta , Vettori Andrea , Bonsembiante Federico , Scarin Giulia , Gelain Maria Elena , Cavicchioli Laura , Ferro Silvia , Geroni Cristina , Lombardi Paolo , Zappulli Valentina
Published: November 2023

The heterogeneous nature of human breast cancer (HBC) can still lead to therapy inefficacy and high le-thality and new therapeutics are needed as well as new spontaneous animal models to benefit translational HBC research. Dogs are primarily investigated since they spontaneously develop tumors which share many features with human cancers. In recent years, different natural phytochemicals including berberine, a plant alkaloid, have been reported to have antiproliferative activity in vitro in human cancers and in rodent animal models. In this study, we report the antiproliferative activity and mechanism of action of berberine, of its active metabolite berberrubine, and of eight analogues, on a canine mammary carcinoma cell line and in transgenic zebrafish models. We demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo the significant effects of specific analogues on cell viability, via induction of apoptosis, also identifying their role in inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and activating the Hippo signals with a downstream reduction of CTGF expres-sion. Particularly the berberine analogues NAX035 and NAX057 show the highest therapeutic efficacy, de-serving further analyses to elucidate their mechanism of action more in detail, and in vivo studies on spon-taneous neoplastic diseases aiming at improving veterinary treatments of cancer as well as translational cancer research.
Isolation and Characterization of Antimicrobial Constituent(s) from the Stem of Cissus populnea Guill. & Perr.
Authors: Alex-Asaolu Anita , Uba Ahmad , Birnin-Yauri Umar Abubakar , Yusuf Amina Jega
Published: November 2023

Cissus populnea Guill. & Perr. (Vitaceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat microbial infec-tions, venereal diseases, and infertility, among others. The aim of the research is to isolate and characterize the antimicrobial constituent(s) from the stem of C. populnea. The n-butanol fraction of C. populnea being most active was subjected to silica gel column chromatography which led to the isolation of a white solid and white crystalline substances coded compounds C1 and C4C5, respectively. Spectral analysis (1D & 2D-NMR) of the isolated compounds and comparison with literature data indicated C1 to be Bis-(2-ethyloctyl)-phthalate and C4C5 to be a mixture of stig-masterol and β-sitosterol; C4C5 exhibited zone of inhibition ranging from 24 – 29 mm against the test organisms with Candida albicans being the most sensitive organism while Trichophyton rubrum was the least sensitive organism. The standard drugs, Ciprofloxacin had 27 – 37 mm while Flu-conazole and Fulcin exhibited zone of inhibition ranging from 34 mm and 29 – 32 mm, respec-tively. The MIC and MBC/MFC values for C4C5 ranges from 12.5 – 25.0 µg/cm3 and 25.0 – 50.0 µg/cm3 against MRSA, S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, T. rubrum, and T. mentagrophyte, respectively. In conclusion, three bioactive compounds were identified for the first time from the stem of C. populnea
The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Outcomes and Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Rahman Tahsin M. , Shaw Jonathan H. , Mehaidli Ali , Hennekes Mary , Hansen Logan , Castle Joshua P. , Kulkarni Megha , Silverton Craig D.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are important factors in the delivery of orthopaedic care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and both the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI).

Methods:

The Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) database was utilized to identify TKA cases for inclusion. Demographic characteristics and medical history were documented. The SVI, its subthemes, and the ADI were analyzed. Outcome data included length of stay, discharge disposition, postoperative change in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR), 90-day incidences of emergency department (ED) visits, readmission, death, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE), periprosthetic fracture, implant failure, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and all-cause reoperation. Database cross-referencing was completed to document aseptic and septic revisions beyond 90 days postoperatively. Bivariate quartile-stratified and multivariable analyses were used to associate deprivation metrics with outcomes.

Results:

A total of 19,321 TKA cases met inclusion criteria. Baseline patient characteristics varied among the SVI and/or ADI quartiles, with patients of non-White race and with a greater number of comorbidities noted in higher deprivation quartiles. Higher SVI and/or ADI quartiles were correlated with an increased rate of discharge to a skilled nursing facility (p < 0.05). A higher SVI and/or ADI quartile was associated with increased incidences of ED visits and readmissions postoperatively (p < 0.05). DVT and/or PE and long-term aseptic revision were the complications most strongly associated with higher deprivation metrics. Upon multivariable analysis, greater length of stay and greater incidences of ED visits, readmissions, DVT and/or PE, and aseptic revision remained significantly associated with greater deprivation based on multiple metrics.

Conclusions:

Greater deprivation based on multiple SVI subthemes, the composite SVI, and the ADI was significantly associated with increased length of stay, non-home discharge ED visits, and readmissions. The SVI and the ADI may be important considerations in the perioperative assessment of patients who undergo TKA.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
School leadership attitudes towards EAL/D students and their commitment to professional learning for diverse contexts
Authors: Veliz Leonardo , Bonar Gary
Published: November 2023

Due to the increasingly diverse nature of classrooms in Australia, a great deal of attention has been understandably dedicated to the pedagogical approaches, resources and conditions needed to cater for the needs of English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) learners in mainstream settings (see Dobinson & Buchori, 2016; Taplin, 2017). However, research has demonstrated that while the practices that take place within the classroom are essential to supporting EAL/D students, the institutional practices of the school community driven and underpinned by school leaders’ positionings, views on and attitudes towards diversity are fundamental to the creation and facilitation of opportunities for teachers across the curriculum to support a socially-just environment for all learners, including EAL/D students (Brooks et al., 2010; Theoharis & O’Toole, 2011). To better understand the views of school leaders, this article reports on a study into principals’ perceptions about the diverse needs of EAL/D learners in mainstream settings. Grounded in the premises of qualitative research methodologies (Stake, 2010), data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews that explored (i) principals’ views on diversity, (ii) the perceptions and positioning of EAL/D students in schools, and (iii) the role of suitable pedagogical approaches and their commitment to opportunities for professional learning to enhance responsiveness to EAL/D learners’ needs in mainstream settings.  Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that principals’ views on diversity acknowledged the pervasive presence of Anglophone teaching and leadership staff in school communities which contributes to colourblind perspectives on and deficit framings of EAL/D students and of their needs. To address these systemic and structural issues which heavily impact the classroom, principals indicated that suitable pedagogical approaches are needed along with effective avenues for professional learning (PL) to support EAL/D students in mainstream classes. Though small scale in design, this study also contributes empirical data to this under researched area of principals’ attitudes towards EAL/D students.
The effect of the APOE4 genotype on physiological and cognitive health in randomised controlled trials with an exercise intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Spencer Felicity , Elsworthy Richard J. , Breen Leigh , Bishop Jon R. B. , Dunleavy Connor , Aldred Sarah
Published: November 2023

Background
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and has multiple causes, including modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Randomized controlled trials have investigated whether the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, APOE4, impacts the effectiveness of exercise on health outcomes. To date, there are no systematic reviews evaluating the effect of exercise on physical and cognitive outcomes in APOE genotyped participants. A thorough assessment of the quality of these randomised controlled trials is needed to understand the impact genotype has on the potential success of intervention. This systematic review aimed to determine if the APOE4 genotype influences the effectiveness of exercise-based randomised controlled trials.
Method
Searches on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO identified eligible exercise based randomised controlled trials incorporating participants with varied cognitive abilities. Quality assessments were conducted.
Results
21 studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, and 11 studies in the meta-analysis. Within the current review, six studies reported that, after exercise, APOE4 carriers showed improvement in cognitive (e.g., executive function and learning) and physical (e.g., relative telomere length, inflammatory markers) outcomes. The benefits for APOE4 non-carriers over carriers were limited to a smaller range of outcomes but were seen in physical (serum BDNF, gait speed) and cognitive (global cognition, verbal memory) markers in four studies. The meta-analysis indicated that physical activity levels (16.04% higher in exercise than control group), executive function (19.34% higher in exercise than control group), and quality of life (3.05% higher in exercise than control group) increased following exercise intervention. Physiological health outcomes were not dependent on APOE genotype. The overall quality of evidence was low-to-moderate, and several areas of study design and reporting were identified as needing improvement.
Discussion
This systematic review demonstrates that the physiological and cognitive health of both APOE4 carriers and non-carriers respond to exercise interventions, suggesting that exercise can be beneficial regardless of APOE status. Further randomised controlled trials, stratifying participants by APOE status, and exploring optimal exercise are required to better understand the relationship between carrying APOE and the effect of exercise on health-related outcomes.
Registration: This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420234368420).
A novel narnavirus from the entomogenous fungus Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin
Authors: Zhang Zheng-kun , Liu Hongyu , Jia Xue , Xu Mengnan , Lu Yang , Zou Xiaowei , Li Qiyun
Published: November 2023

A novel positive single stranded RNA (+ssRNA) mycovirus Beauveria bassiana splipalmivirus 1 (BbSpV1) was identified from Beauveria bassianaVuillemin, an entomogenous fungi used for pest biological control worldwide. The genome of the virus was determined by metagenomic sequencing, RT-PCR, and RACE cloning. Four open reading frames (ORF) distribute on three +ssRNA fragments, with the lengths of 2149 bp, 2133 bp, and 1266 bp, respectively. The ssRNA1 encodes a RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) motif, with 645 -amino-acid (aa) (73.07 kDa), sharing the highest identity of 66.61% to that of Plasmopara viticola lesion associated narnavirus 5 (PVaNarn5) according to a BLASTx analysis. The ssRNA2 encodes another predicted RdRp motif, with 640 aa (73.66 kDa), sharing the highest identity of 62.09% to that of Suillus luteus narnavirus 4 (SlNV4) according to a BLASTx analysis. The ssRNA3 encodes two proteins with undetermined function, which are 175 aa (19.91 kDa) and 154 aa (16.58 kDa), respectively. The virus peculiarly consists of two divided RdRp domains, possessing typical characteristic consistent with the splipalmiviruses. This virus is the first record of the splipalmivirus identified from B. bassiana.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Rural Sewage Treatment in China
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Wang Zixuan , Yu Xuezheng , Zhou Ziyu , Han Yunping , Yan Xu , Cao Yingnan
Published: November 2023

Sewage treatment processes are considered an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly N2O and CH4. In rural sewage treatment processes, GHG emissions are often neglected owing to the small scale of treatment and dispersed distribution. In this study the non-CO2 GHG emission quantity, spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, and influences factors were analyzed based on rural sewage from 2015 to 2020. Emissions from rural sewage treatment in 2020 were 122.72 Gg (CO2-eq), comprising 69.81 Gg N2O and 52.91 Gg CH4, an increase of 35.29%. There are large variations between province-level regions: more GHG was emitted from the eastern than the north-west of China. The treatment of rural domestic sewage can simultaneously purify water quality and decrease GHG emissions, and the improvement in the rate of treatment is beneficial to, ‘carbon peak and carbon neutralization’. GHG emissions from rural sewage treatment showed a positive correlation with both GDP and sewage discharge, and N2O was positively correlated with protein consumption per capita. This study would provide a theoretical basis for policy formulation, as it supplies basic data on carbon emissions for China's rural sewage treatment.
The Association Between Smoking and Clinical and Radiological Severity in Patients with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis: The First Cross-sectional Study in Syria
Authors: Hamsho Suaad , Almasri Imad-Addin , Alaswad Mohammed , Sleiay Mouhammed , Alabdullah Hadi , Aboud Majed
Published: November 2023

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease and a primary cause of disability globally. The most often impacted joints by OA are the knees. Furthermore; Smoking is a prevalent social behavior that has been linked to many illnesses. The purpose of this research is to ascertain whether smoking and knee OA are related in Syria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 236 patients with primary knee OA who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria. Exclusion criteria encompassed various secondary diseases. Detailed smoking behavior and general demographic features were assessed. The clinical characteristics of OA were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the radiological severity was assessed using Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grades for each patient. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25, including chi-square tests, ANOVA, and linear correlation coefficients to assess relationships between variables.
Results: The majority of OA patients (67.4%) were never smoking, which was followed by current smokers (27.1%) and former smokers (5.5%). There was no correlation between smoking status and total Womac, pain, stiffness, physical function, or radiographic severity, with p-values of 0.552, 0.437, 0.640, 0.796, and 1.109, respectively. The overall Womac score showed a significant gender difference (p-value = 0.002), with females showing an increase of 8.48 points over males. A correlation was found between average daily smoking, BMI, and gender, with p-values of 0.004 and 0.001, respectively. The difference in BMI was significant only between heavy smokers and never-smokers, with a difference of 3.54 (p-value =0.001)
Conclusion: In individuals with osteoarthritis, there was no significant correlation between cigarette smoking and radiological results; nevertheless, there was an inverse relationship with mean WOMAC scores (smokers have lower WOMAC scores than never-smokers). It seems implausible that smoking actually prevents the progression of OA, even though it was found to be negatively correlated with the disease's progression either clinically or radiologically in the analysis. It will need further research to identify the mechanism behind this correlation.
Aqueous pyruvate partly dissociates when exposed to deep ultraviolet irradiation, but is resilient to near ultraviolet excitation
Authors: Jensen Frank , Thøgersen Jan , Madzharova Fani , Weidner Tobias
Published: November 2023

The deep ultraviolet photochemistry of aqueous pyruvate is believed to have been essential to the origin of life, and near ultraviolet excitation of pyruvate in aqueous aerosols is assumed to contribute significantly to the photochemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the primary photochemistry of aqueous pyruvate is unknown. Here we study the susceptibility of aqueous pyruvate to photodissociation by deep ultraviolet and near ultraviolet irradiation with femtosecond spectroscopy supported by density functional theory calculations. The primary photo-dynamics of the aqueous pyruvate show that upon deep-UV excitation at 200 nm, about one in five excited pyruvate anions have dissociated by decarboxylation 100 ps after the excitation, while the rest of the pyruvate anions return to the ground state. Upon near-UV photoexcitation at a wavelength of 340 nm, the dissociation yield of aqueous pyruvate 200 ps after the excitation is insignificant and no products are observed. The experimental results are explained by our calculations, which show that aqueous pyruvate anions excited at 200 nm have sufficient excess energy for decarboxylation, whereas excitation at 340 nm provides the aqueous pyruvate anions with insufficient energy to break the decarboxylation barrier.
Cobalt sulfide flower-like derived from metal organic frameworks on nickel foam as an electrode for fabrication of asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Nasiri Farzaneh , Fotouhi Lida , Shahrokhian Saeed , Zirak Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Metal-organic frameworks, as a kind of advanced nanoporous materials with metal centers and organic linkers, have been applied as promising electrode materials in energy storage devices. In this study, we are successfully prepared cobalt sulfide nanosheets (CoS) derived from the metal-organic framework on nickel foam (NF). The prepared electrodes are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda and electrochemical methods like voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The CoS/NF electrode demonstrates a high specific capacity of 377.5 mA h g− 1 at the current density of 2 A g− 1, considerable rate performance and excellent durability (89.4% after 4000 cycles). A hybrid supercapacitor is assembled using CoS/NF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, it shows a high energy density of 57.4 W h kg− 1 at a power density of 405.2 W kg− 1. The electrochemical results suggest that the CoS nanosheet arrays would possess excellent potential for applications in energy storage devices.
Automatic renal carcinoma biopsy guidance using forward-viewing endoscopic optical coherence tomography and deep learning
Authors: Tang Qinggong , Wang Chen , Cui Haoyang , Zhang Qinghao , Calle Paul , Yan Yuyang , Yan Feng , Fung Kar-ming , Patel Sanjay , Yu Zhongxin , Duguay Sean , Vanlandingham William , Pan Chongle
Published: November 2023

Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) is commonly used for kidney cancer diagnosis. However, current PRB remains challenging in sampling accuracy. This study introduces a forward-viewing optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe for differentiating tumor and normal tissues, aiming at precise PRB guidance. Five human kidneys and renal carcinoma samples were used to evaluate the performance of our probe. Based on their distinct OCT imaging features, tumor and normal renal tissues can be accurately distinguished. We examined the attenuation coefficient for tissue classification and achieved 98.19% tumor recognition accuracy, but underperformed for distinguishing normal tissues. We further developed convolutional neural networks (CNN) and evaluated two CNN architectures: ResNet50 and InceptionV3, yielding 99.51% and 99.48% accuracies for tumor recognition, and over 98.90% for normal tissues recognition. In conclusion, combining OCT and CNN significantly enhanced the PRB guidance, offering a promising guidance technology for improved kidney cancer diagnosis.
Tensile characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced composite with preset interleaving plies
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Jiale , Geng Xiaoliang
Published: November 2023

A variety of discontinuous fiber composite laminate layouts were designed to satisfy special structural needs. Corresponding composite tensile coupons having preset interleaving ply were tested to measure their strength and rigidity. The experimental results show the strength of the interleaving ply composite is significantly lower than that of the continuous one, whereas it has comparable rigidity. The internal load transferring mechanism was suggested to analyze the main factors affecting the ultimate tensile strength. Based on it, a statistical relationship has been built to reflect the dependence of the strength to the interleaving length.
Characterization of Urban Agriculture and Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of Urban Ghana
Authors: Naazie Godwin K. , Agyemang Isaac , Tampah-Naah Anthony M.
Published: November 2023

Urban agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to significantly improve urban food security and feed the underprivileged when promoted. In Ghana, urban agriculture has several characteristics that distinguish it from traditional farming practices. However, climate change poses a significant threat to urban agriculture, as changing weather patterns can lead to droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that damage crops and animals. This study explored the characteristics of urban food crops and livestock production in the Wa township, Ghana. Mixed methods of data collection and analysis were employed and 362 urban households supplemented with 12 key informants were interviewed. Descriptive and content analysis were done with the results presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The study found that in the era of climatic stressors, urban agriculture is characterized by the production of animals such as chicken, sheep, and goats and crops like maize, yam, beans, cabbage, and pumpkin. Land is acquired through purchasing though others obtain land from relatives and friends. There are strong relationships between the type of urban farming, land acquisition, and residential class. Land acquisition and type of urban agriculture are associated with residential classes. It is concluded that urban farming is characterized by mixed farming coupled with crop diversification with implications on climate change adaptation measures. To adapt urban agriculture to climatic stressors, the study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should streamline agricultural policy interventions on urban agriculture to promote agriculture intensification.
Duet Synchronization Interventions Affect Social Interactions
Authors: Bégel Valentin , Demos Alexander P. , Palmer Caroline
Published: November 2023

Humans’ complex behavior such as speech, music, or dance require us to coordinate our actions with external sounds as well as with social partners. The presence of a partner can influence individuals’ synchronization, and, in turn, social connection with the partner may depend on the degree of synchronization. We manipulated the quality of the synchronization in intervention conditions to address the causal relationship between observed temporal synchrony and perceived social interaction. Pairs of musician and non-musician participants first performed a turn-taking task consisting in alternating which partner tapped their melody in synchrony with a metronome (each tap generated the next tone in the melody). In two intervention conditions, participants attempted to synchronize their melodies simultaneously with their partner, either with normal auditory feedback (normal feedback) or with randomly placed delayed feedback on 25% of melodic tones (delayed feedback). After each intervention, the turn-taking condition was repeated, and participants completed a questionnaire about connectedness, relationship and feeling of synchronization with their partner. Results showed that partners’ asynchronies were larger following the delayed feedback intervention. In addition, non-musician partners’ tapping variability was larger following the delayed feedback intervention when they had the delayed feedback intervention first. Ratings of connectedness, relationship and feeling of synchronization with their partner were reduced for all participants after the delayed feedback Intervention. We modelled participants’ synchronization performance in the post-intervention turn-taking conditions using delay-coupling oscillator models. Reductions in synchronization performance after delayed feedback intervention were reflected in reduced coupling strength. These findings suggest that turn-taking synchronization performance as well as social connectedness are altered following short interventions that disrupt synchronization with a partner.
Volume development changes in the occipital lobe gyrus assessed by MRI in foetuses with isolated ventriculomegaly correlate with neurological development in infancy and early childhood
Authors: Liu Hongsheng , Zhang xin , Chen Zhaoji , Li Yuchao , Xie Chenxin , Liu Zhenqing , Wu Qianqian , Kuang Minwei , Yan Ren , Wu Fan
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to systematically assess the occipital lobe grey and white matter volume of Isolated ventriculomegaly foetuses with MRI and to follow up on the neurodevelopment of participants.
Method
MRI was used to evaluate 37 IVM group foetuses and 37 control group foetuses. The volume of grey and white matter in each foetal occipital gyrus was manually segmented and compared, and neurodevelopment was followed up and assessed in infancy and early childhood.
Results
Compared with the control group, the volume of gray matter in occipital lobes increased in IVM group, and the incidence of neurodevelopmental delay increased.
Conclusions
We tested the hypothesis that antenatally diagnosed IVM represents a biological marker for development in foetal occipital lobe. The IVM group showed differences in occipital grey matter development and had a higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay.
Comparative analysis of day surgery and elective operations in patients with thyroid tumors
Authors: wang ying , wu xia
Published: November 2023

Objective:In recent years, day surgery has gained widespread attention from the medical industry and has been recognized and promoted as a new service model that enhances medical service efficiency and reduces medical expenses. With the rapid increase in the incidence of thyroid tumors, medical institutions are exploring day surgery for thyroid patients in order to meet their needs. This study compared the length of hospital stay, payment methods and costs of thyroid day surgery and general elective surgery, so as to understand the advantages and limitations of day surgery, improve the efficiency of medical resources, and provide reference for other medical institutions to promote day surgery.
Methods:In total, 624 day surgery cases and 1,078 inpatient cases underwent the same cataract surgery in the day care surgery and ordinary ward respectively, and were defined as two groups. General information, distribution of surgery, hospitalization time, total costs and especially payment method were analyzed to compare day care versus inpatient.
Results:There were no significant difference in these main payment methods and distribution of sex between these two groups(P＞0.05).The period of stay in hospital was significantly different (P < 0.05). The total costs were lower for day surgery than for inpatients (P < 0.05). Day surgery patients were younger than inpatients. Patients with day surgery had a higher proportion of unilateral thyroidectomy, and patients with elective operations had a higher proportion of total thyroidectomy..
Conclusion:Day surgery for patients with thyroid tumors is more cost-effective and efficient than inpatient surgery. As a new service model, day surgery not only reduces the burden of patients, but also improves the efficiency of medical insurance funds, helps to relieve the pressure of medical insurance funds, so as to improve social benefits, which should be further promoted with the support of policies.
Oral health literacy and patient delays among patients receiving endodontic treatment in stomatological hospitals: a correlation study
Authors: Zhou Honghui , Zheng Chunyuan , Tan Xiaoni , Peng Lifang , Xue Mei , He Yanwen
Published: November 2023

BackgroundOral health literacy is closely related to the oral health-related behaviours of a population, and patient delays greatly influence the oral health of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of patient delays, oral health literacy, and influencing factors among patients receiving endodontic treatment in a stomatological hospital, and to analyse the correlation between them. In addition, to investigate current treatment delays, oral health literacy, and influencing factors among patients visiting the endodontic department of a stomatological hospital, and to analyse the correlation between them.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients who visited the endodontic department of a tertiary stomatological hospital in Changsha, China from March to July 2023. The patients’ responses were gauged via a questionnaire that included general information, patient delay information, and the short-form Health Literacy Dental Scale. The factors influencing patients’ oral health literacy were studied using multiple linear regression analysis, and the correlation between patient delays and oral health literacy was studied using logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 204 subjects were included in this study. Age, education level, location of residence, and frequency of oral examinations affected the level of patients’ oral health literacy. About 43.3% of the patients had patient delays, with a per capita delay of about 90 days. The total score for oral health literacy was negatively correlated with the number of treatment-delay days.ConclusionsOlder age was associated with lower education level, lower administrative level of the place of residence (i.e., more remote and unpopulated areas), lower frequency of oral examination, and poorer oral health literacy among the patients. Lower oral health literacy scores correlated with a higher number of treatment-delay days. To avoid patient delays, dental nurses should strengthen their assessments of patients’ oral health literacy and develop targeted care measures for key populations.
Cattaneo-Christov heat and mass model for radiative EMHD Aluminum Alloys (7072/7072+7075 T6) with Transformer base oil hybrid nanofluid over an exponentially stretching sheet
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Sangtani Virendra , Jain Chandra Prakash , Jain Pawan Kumar
Published: November 2023

This correspondence, a three-dimensional radiative magnetohydrodynamic flow of hybrid nanofluid across an exponentially stretching surface is discussed. In this study we contemplate aluminium alloys of 7072 and 7072 + 7075 T6 type with transformer oil base liquid. AA7070 is composition of Zinc and aluminium in the ratio of 98 & 1 with supplementary metals Copper, Magnesium, Zinc and Aluminium in the proportion of, ~ 1, ~3, ~ 6, and ~ 90 correspondingly. AA 7075 is a composite of 90% Al, 5.5% Zn, 2.6% Mg, 0.24% Cr and 1.5% Cu. The density of these alloys’ mixture is 3.81 gm/cm3. It is one of the strongest aluminium alloys having reinforce process (heat treatment up to 300-500o C) to reconfigure any metal’s crystal structure to provide the mechanical deformation at low density than others metal alloys. These alloys mixture found some applications in Missile parts making, Aerospace system, Défense, Aircraft designing and fittings, Steel worm gears and in many others discipline. These alloy mixtures are treated in conventional fluid to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluid. Flow is induced by Cattaneo-Christov heat mass flux model perception. The solutions of reduced dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equations are handled through Mathematica built-in ND Solve scheme. Significant role of several physical parameters govern by the equation of motions are discussed through plots. Comparisons with the previously published article also validate the efficiency of the technique as well. Results, shows that the heat transfer rate of the AA7072/ AA7075 hybrid nanofluid is remarkably enormous as compared with the usual nanofluid.
A Liouville principle for the random conductance model under degenerate conditions
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: November 2023

We prove a Liouville-type theorem for a random conductance model on the $d$-dimensional lattice under degenerate conditions. In the proof we construct the sublinear correctors in the discrete case and adapt the boundary estimates for harmonic extensions from the work in the continuum by Bella, Fehrman, and Otto (2018) to the discrete case.
Outcome prediction for adult mechanically ventilated patients using machine learning models and comparison with conventional statistical methods: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Ong Wei Jun Dan , How Chun Hung , Chong Woon Hean Keenan , Khan Faheem Ahmed , Ngiam Kee Yuan , Kansal Amit
Published: November 2023

In this retrospective single-centre study spanning five years (2016–2021) and involving 2,368 adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients requiring over four hours of mechanical ventilation (MV) in a tertiary care hospital, we investigated the feasibility and accuracy of using machine learning (ML) models in predicting outcomes post-ICU discharge compared to conventional statistical methods (CSM). The study aimed to identify associated risk factors impacting these outcomes. Poor outcomes, defined as ICU readmission, mortality, and prolonged hospital stays, affected 40.2% of the discharged MV patients. The Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost) ML model showed superior performance compared to CSM (Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.693 vs. 0.667; p-value = 0.03). At 95% specificity, XGBoost displayed enhanced sensitivity (30.6% vs. 23.8%) and accuracy (0.706 vs. 0.703) compared to CSM. Risk factors such as Glasgow Coma Score at ICU discharge, GCS best motor score during ICU admission, MV duration, ICU length of stay, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were identified. While both ML and CSM exhibited moderate accuracy, the study suggests ML algorithms have the potential for better predictive capabilities and individual risk factor identification, potentially aiding in the improvement of patient outcomes by identifying high-risk patients requiring closer monitoring. Further validation in larger studies is necessary, but the study underscores the potential for real-time application of ML algorithms developed from the increasing availability of electronic medical records (EMR).
Planning of Microgrids Coalition Considering Renewable Energy Prediction Based on Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Mahmoudabadi Negar Dehghani , Khalaj Mehran , Jafari Davood , Herat Ali Taghizadeh , Ahranjani Parisa Mousavi
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an energy management plan to schedule of different generation resources in a smart distribution system comprised of multi-microgrids in normal and abnormal condition. In this regard, after detecting the main characteristics for a management scheme, a suitable framework is planned and the functions of various management entities in a multi-microgrids system are initiated. The microgrids schedule their generation resources in the first step using a new model based on the framework. In the second step, distribution system operator determines the possible power transmits between the microgrids and uses the remained capacities of microgrids’ resources for supplying the unserved loads in step I. In order to determine the amount of available capacity for renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energy, Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is used to predict the value of solar radiation and wind power. The proposed plan is implemented on a test system under normal and different abnormal events via realistic case studies.
Critical-sized marginal defects around implants treated with xenografts in rabbits
Authors: Asano Akihisa , Xavier Samuel Porfirio , Silva Erick Ricardo , Morinaga Kenzo , Botticelli Daniele , Nakajima Yasushi , Baba Shunsuke
Published: November 2023

Background: Healing of critical-size defects is a well-known problem that has been challenged in several studies. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate bone formation and osseointegration of implants installed in critical defects of the mandibular body simultaneously grafted with Bio-Oss® or Cerabone®.
Material and methods: Defects, 10 mm wide and 3 mm deep, were prepared at both lateral aspects of the mandible in 12 rabbits. One implant was installed in the center of the defect, and bovine xenografts produced either at low (Bio-Oss®; Low-T) or high (Cerabone®; High-T) temperatures were used to fill the defects. A collagen membrane was placed to cover the sites. Healing was evaluated 10 weeks after surgery.
Results: In both groups, most sites showed optimal healing with closure of the coronal entrance of the defects. However, residual defects occupied by soft tissues and biomaterial particles were observed, even though generally limited to some regions of the defect. Osseointegration of the implant surface in the region of the defect was poor in both groups.
Conclusions: Circumferential marginal critical-size defects around implants filled with bovine xenografts presented regions with a complete healing in both groups. However, the healing was not complete at all regions in most defects; therefore, a complete optimal healing of critical-size marginal defects cannot be predicted.
Evaluation on liquefaction effect of potassium dissolution extraction from low-grade solid potash ore in Qarhan Salt Lake, northern of Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Song Yachao , Hu Han , Ye Chuanyong , Zhao Yuanyi , Ma Lichun , Zhang Juan , Yan Qunxiong , Lin Yuhan
Published: November 2023

China, being the world's largest consumer of potassium fertilizer, faces significant challenges due to limited potassium reserves. Qarhan Salt Lake stands out as a reservoir containing 296 million tons of low-grade solid potash ore (KCl), establishing itself as the premier potassium fertilizer production base in China. The extraction of low-grade solid potash ore via liquefaction technology, leading to the generation of potassium-rich brine, emerges as a pivotal strategy for sustainable potash exploitation in the region. This approach offers a promising solution to mitigate the potassium salt shortage in China. This paper systematically examines the transformation in KCl content of solid potash ore within the Bieletan section of Qarhan Salt Lake before (2007) and after liquefaction (2022). The study employs quantitative assessments to determine liquefaction volume and efficiency. Results reveal that, at a shallow depth of 23.20m, the average KCl content of solid potash ore decreases from 2.15% before liquefaction to 1.00% after liquefaction. This observed decrease of 1.15% (53% reduction) underscores the substantial impact of liquefaction. A total of 136.94 million tons of KCl are dissolved, providing a sustainable resource for approximately 15 years or more. During the initial stages of liquefaction (2007-2008), a rapid decline in the KCl content of solid potash ore is noted, with liquefaction efficiency significantly influenced by the positioning of the brine mining channel. As liquefaction progresses, efficiency diminishes, although the overall efficiency surpasses that of the Huobuxun section at the eastern extremity of Qarhan Salt Lake. This study holds significant implications for refining the solid potash liquefaction mining strategy in Qarhan Salt Lake, providing valuable guidance for future optimization efforts.
Contrast Enema for neonatal distal bowel obstruction: The diagnostic and pathological yield
Authors: -Women’s Mark Fitzgerald , Taranath Ajay , Goh Day Way
Published: November 2023

Purpose:
Neonatal distal bowel obstruction (DBO) can present a diagnostic challenge [1, 2] As different aetiologies have similar clinical manifestations with not all surgical intervention [2, 3]. Contrast enemas (CE) can help differentiate the aetiology avoiding the need for surgery [2–4]. We reviewed 20years of CE to evaluate their diagnostic and pathological yield in neonatal DBO.
Method:
CE for DBO undertaken in neonate between 2001 and 2021 were reviewed with studies. Medical records for 98 patients (109 CE) were accessed to review the results, the definitive diagnosis, birth weight, gestation and age at time of CE.
Results:
Meconium plug syndrome (MPS) (n = 32) was the commonest radiological diagnosis followed by bowel atresia (n = 20), Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) (11) and meconium ileus (10). Of the CE 16% were normal, 14% were non diagnostic. One third of patients with a radiological diagnosis of MPS had a eventual definitive diagnosis that required surgical intervention, either HD, meconium ileus or SBO. The definitive diagnosis was most commonly MPS (n = 29), followed by HD (21) and bowel atresia (16). There were no statistically significant differences in demographics among the definitive diagnoses.
Conclusion:
CE in neonatal DBO has a high diagnostic and pathological yield aiding in determining which patients require surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV
Heart rate variability as a predictor of intraoperative autonomic nervous system homeostasis
Authors: Keim Ole C. , Bolwin Lennart , Feldmann Robert E. , Thiel Manfred , Benrath Justus
Published: November 2023

Purpose
The aim of the proof-of-concept study is to investigate the level of concordance between the heart rate variability (HRV), the EEG-based Narcotrend Index as a surrogate marker for the depth of anesthesia, and the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of the inhalation anesthetic sevoflurane across the entire course of a surgical procedure.
Methods
This non-blinded cross-sectional study recorded intraoperative HRV, Narcotrend Index, and MAC in 31 male patients during radical prostatectomy using the Da-Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system at Mannheim University Medical Center. The degree of concordance was calculated using repeated measures correlation with the R package (rmcorr) and presented using the rmcorr coefficient (rrm).
Results
The Narcotrend Index correlates significantly across all measures with the time-dependent parameter of HRV, the standard deviation of the means of RR intervals (SDNN) (rrm = 0.2; p < 0.001), the frequency-dependent parameters low frequency (LF) (rrm = 0.09; p = 0.04) and the low frequency/high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) (rrm = 0.11; p = 0.002). MAC correlated significantly negatively with the time-dependent parameter of heart rate variability, SDNN (rrm = -0.28; p < 0.001), the frequency-dependent parameter LF (rrm = -0.06; p < 0.001) and the LF/HF ratio (rrm = -0.18; p < 0.001) and the Narcotrend Index (rrm = -0.49; p < 0.001) across all measures.
Conclusion
HRV mirrors the trend of the Narcotrend Index used to monitor depth of anesthesia and the inhibitory influence of the anesthetic sevoflurane on the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, HRV can provide essential information about the homeostasis of the autonomic nervous system during general anesthesia.
Trial registration number:
DRKS00024696, March 9th, 2021