bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Providers’ Mental Health: Experiences at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Ogello Vallery , Thuo Nicholas , Okello Phelix , Maina Gakuo , Kinuthia John , Ongeri Linnet , Mutua Paul , Mwenda Harrison , Mugo Nelly , Ngure Kenneth
Published: December 2023

Background: In 2020, health providers were expected to provide care to individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) putting them at risk of acquiring COVID-19. The possibility of acquiring poorly understood infectious diseases while providing care may have an impact on the mental health of providers. We conducted a study to explore the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare providers.

Methods: Between April and August 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with 60 health providers in the infectious disease unit (IDU) and other units in the hospital (non-IDU). Health providers completed an online self-administered survey form with demographic data (age, sex, average income, and known contact with a COVID-19 patient). We used semi-structured interview guides to understand health providers’ lived experiences with stress, anxiety, depression, and their associated factors. We transcribed interviews verbatim, coded and analyzed the transcripts to derive thematic concepts related to mental health experiences.

Results: Health providers had a median age of 37 years, [IQR 20.0-58.0], 56.7% were female, 30.0% nurses, 18.3% medical doctors, and 11.7% laboratory technologists. Health providers reported increased stress during the pandemic attributed to high demand for patient care, changes in social life, and fear of COVID-19 infection. They also reported experiences of anxiety and depression as a result of limited knowledge at the beginning of the pandemic and the perception that ‘COVID-19 resulted in death’. Testing positive for COVID-19, high exposure to COVID-19 risks, and death of patients and colleagues reportedly affected health providers’ mental health. Additionally, health providers reported mental health support through debriefing meetings, peer-to-peer support, and psychological counseling with privacy and confidentiality concerns.

Conclusion: Health providers faced mental health issues such as stress and anxiety while taking care of COVID-19 patients. An effective mental health response requires institutional practices that address context-specific challenges such as privacy and confidentiality.
TNF-α Inhibitors Rescue APS-Induced Dangerous Pregnancies by Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage: A Report of 7 Cases
Authors: An Ran , Wang Xiaolei , Xiong Ligui , Yang Yanqi , Li Peiling
Published: December 2023

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a group of autoimmune diseases caused by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) characterized by arteriovenous thrombosis and a morbid pregnancy. We deliberated a case report of seven cases to investigate whether inhibitors of tissue necrosis factor-α could reduce pregnancy dangers caused by APS.

The seven patients are with increased tumor necrosis factor, poor improvement after receiving traditional inhibitory drugs. To address these situations, the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors were prescribed after getting the patient's informed consent, and the state of illness was carefully watched for. After treatment, symptoms of contractions and abdominal pain disappeared and the B ultrasound examination showed embryo survived with good obstetric outcomes. Subsequently, maternal and neonatal health is compromised. An intervention by the administration of TNF-α inhibitors was posited to be an effective way of reducing dangerous pregnancies like preterm pregnancies, premature deliveries, abortions and miscarriages.

We reviewed outcomes from seven cases in an attempt to establish how TNF- α Inhibitors could save pregnancies. We focused on key pregnancy outcomes like birth weight, gestational weeks and preterm miscarriage to tell the outcomes of TNF- α Inhibitors in pregnancy. After careful evaluation of the results surrounding these aspects, we found that TNF- α Inhibitors could prolong gestational period. Other positive outcomes include the attainment of birth weights approach the threshold, zero incidence of preterm miscarriage.
Outcome Following Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures
Authors: Makaram Navnit S. , Sheppard James , Leow Jun M. , Oliver William M. , Keating John F.
Published: December 2023

Update

This article was updated on April 24, 2024 because of a previous omission, which was discovered after the preliminary version of the article was posted online. Specifically, the following blurb has been added to the first page of the PDF: “A Commentary by Thomas A. DeCoster, MD, is linked to the online version of this article.”

Background:

The primary aim of this study was to compare the radiographic parameters (nail insertion-point accuracy [NIPA] and fracture malalignment) of patients who had undergone tibial intramedullary nailing via the suprapatellar (SP) and infrapatellar (IP) approaches. The secondary aims were to compare clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between these approaches.

Methods:

All adult patients with an acute tibial diaphyseal fracture who underwent intramedullary nailing at a single level-I trauma center over a 4-year period (2017 to 2020) were retrospectively identified. The nailing approach (SP or IP) was at the treating surgeon’s discretion. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess NIPA (mean distance from the optimal insertion point) and malalignment (≥5°). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to evaluate the rates of malunion, nonunion, and other postoperative complications. The Oxford and Lysholm Knee Scores (OKS and LKS) and patient satisfaction (0 = completely dissatisfied, 100 = completely satisfied) were obtained via a postal survey at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

The cohort consisted of 219 consecutive patients (mean age, 48 years [range, 16 to 90 years], 51% [112] male). There were 61 patients (27.9%) in the SP group and 158 (72.1%) in the IP group. The groups did not differ in baseline demographic or injury-related variables. SP nailing was associated with superior coronal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] for IP versus SP, 1.17 to 3.60 mm) and sagittal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.97 mm) and with a reduced rate of malalignment (3% [2 of 61] versus 11% [18 of 158] for IP; p = 0.030). PROs were available for 118 of 211 patients (56%; 32 of 58 in the SP group and 86 of 153 in the IP group) at a mean of 3 years (range, 1.2 to 6.5 years). There was no difference between the SP and IP groups in mean OKS (36.5 versus 39.6; p = 0.246), LKS (71.2 versus 73.5; p = 0.696), or satisfaction scores (81.4 versus 79.9; p = 0.725).

Conclusions:

Compared with IP nailing, SP nailing of tibial shaft fractures was associated with superior NIPA and a reduced rate of intraoperative malalignment but not of malunion at healing. However, the superior NIPA may not be clinically important. Furthermore, there were no differences in PROs at mid-term follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
DEEP LEARNING ARCHITECTURE BASED ON CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK (CNN) IN IMAGE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Fawaidul Badri  , M. Taqijuddin Alawiy  , Eko Mulyanto Yuniarno
Published: December 2023

In current technological developments, Deep Learning is one of the most popular studies today, especially in the fields of machine learning and computer vision, GPU Acceration Technology is one of the reasons for the development of Deep Learning. Deep Learning has a very good ability to solve classic problems in the field of computer vision, one of which is in the case of object classification in images. one of the deep learning methods that is often used in image processing is the Convolution Neural Network (CNN) which is a development of the Multi Layer Perceptron method. This study uses the CNN architecture which consists of a convolution layer, as well as a fully connected layer, and will also determine the appropriate Optimizer and Loss function for CNN. The implementation of this method uses Google Colab (Tensorflow and Keras) with the Python programming language. In the training process using CNN, setting the number of epochs is done to improve accuracy in image classification, in the first scenario using epoch 20 produces an average accuracy of 99.45 with a loss value of 1.66. In the second scenario using epoch 15 produces an average accuracy value of 99.00 with a loss value of 2.92. then in the third scenario with a number of epochs 10 it produces an average accuracy value of 95.55 with a loss value of 95.55, while in the last scenario with a number of epochs 5 it produces an average accuracy value of 73.6 with a loss value of 51.92. From the 4 trial scenarios using the CNN method gives effective results and produces a fairly good accuracy value with an average accuracy and loss value of 99.99%. As well as the results of an average loss of 4.
LONG SHORT-TERM MEMORY FOR PREDICTION OF WAVE HEIGHT AND WIND SPEED USING PROPHET FOR OUTLIERS
Authors: Baihaqi Galih Restu , Mulaab
Published: December 2023

The reason fishermen lose control is wave height and wind speed. The impact is also felt by all users of the marine sector. This research uses the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) method because this method has accurate values in the forecasting process with a lot of historical data and uses the Prophet method to detect outliers with Newton interpolation to replace the detected outlier data. The total number of data was 2074 obtained from BMKG Perak Surabaya from January 2020 to November 2022 at four research points, namely north, northeast, east and south points. The test results provide varying error values with MAPE as the model evaluation value. The error value for sea wave height at the north, northeast, east and south points is 13.32 respectively; 13.32; 9.32 and 8.85 with data without interpolation. Meanwhile, the error value in the wind speed data is 14.74; 14.85; 15.14 and 14.52 with a 3rd order Newton interpolation process at the northeast and east points. MAPE values below 20% prove that the LSTM model is good for predicting wave height and wind speed data at four points in Sumenep Regency. The system implementation is made into a web-based application.
¿Psicología Clínica y de la Salud, Psicología Clínica y Psicología de la Salud o Psicología de la Salud y Psicología Clínica?
Authors: Van-der Hofstadt Román Carlos Javier
Published: December 2023

La VI Convención del Consejo General de la Psicología, bajo el lema “La psicología al servicio de las personas”, se celebró en Tarragona los pasados días 17 y 18 de noviembre.
Además de las conferencias magistrales de inauguración y de clausura, la Convención se organizaba alrededor de 5 mesas de trabajo en las que, tras una conferencia, se realizaba un debate sobre el contenido propio de cada una. En el programa de la Convención, se relacionaban las siguientes mesas de trabajo: Ámbito de la Salud, Área de Psicología Educativa, Área de Psicología Jurídica, Área de Psicología del Trabajo, Organizaciones y Recursos Humanos y Área de Psicología de la Intervención Social (Consejo General de la Psicología [COP], 2023).
A facile Tn5-HTGTS protocol to clone chromosomal structural variants
Authors: Shang Yafang , Huang Min Emma , Qin Yining , Meng Fei-Long
Published: December 2023

Here we describe the protocol for Tn5-mediated high-throughput genome-wide translocation sequencing (Tn5-HTGTS). Tn5-HTGTS combines Tn5-tagmentation and translocation-cloning to capture genome-wide translocations from the intended bait sites (Fig. 1). Firstly, genomic DNA was tagmented with Tn5. Next, a biotin-tagged primer was used to enrich the translocation junctions. The products were subsequently amplified with an additional primer and digested to block uncut sequences. The translocation fragments were amplified and barcoded for next-generation sequencing using nested PCR and tag PCR.
Contrast-Free Super-Resolution Microvascular Imaging Based on Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound: Erythrocyte Ultrasound Localization Microscopy
Authors: Huang Chih-Chung , Li Cheng-Wei , Huang Hsin , Chen De-Quan
Published: December 2023

Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) has been proposed for super-resolution microvascular imaging but its limitations are low temporal resolution and microbubble injection requirements. To address these drawbacks, a contrast-free erythrocyte-ULM (eULM) was proposed based on high-frequency ultrasound here. We demonstrate eULM exhibts a comparable spatial resolution to ULM but with much higher temporal resolution. eULM is the first in vivo ultrasound microvascular imaging of achieving a microscopic resolution without microbubble injection.
How is tailored implementation undertaken using a self-guided toolkit? Qualitative study of the ItFits-toolkit in the ImpleMentAll project
Authors: Finch Tracy , Potthoff Sebastian , May Carl R , Girling Melissa , Perkins Neil , Vis Christiaan , Bührmann Leah , Etzelmueller Anne , Genugten Claire Rosalie van , Schuurmans Josien , Piera-Jiménez Jordi , Rapley Tim
Published: December 2023

Background.The process of tailored implementation is ill-defined and under-explored. The ItFits-toolkit was developed and subsequently tested as a self-guided online platform to facilitate implementation of tailored strategies for internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) services. In ImpleMentAll, ItFits-toolkit had a small but positive effect on the primary outcome of iCBT normalisation. This paper investigates, from a qualitative perspective, how implementation teams developed and undertook tailored implementation using the toolkit within the trial.Methods.Implementation teams in thirteen sites from nine countries (Europe and Australia) used the ItFits-toolkit for six months minimum. Sufficient engagement was evident. Descriptive data regarding goals, barriers, strategies, and implementation plans collected within the toolkit informed qualitative data collection in real time. Qualitative data included remote longitudinal interviews (n=55) with implementation team members (n=30) and observations of support calls (n=19) with study sites. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, using a team-based approach.Results.Implementation teams developed and executed tailored implementation projects across all steps in the toolkit process. Working in a structured way but with room for flexibility, decisions were shaped by team members’ ideas and goals, iterative stakeholder engagement, internal and external influences, and the context of the ImpleMentAll project. Although teams reported some positive impacts of their projects, ‘time’, both for undertaking the work, and for seeing project impacts, was described as a key factor in decisions about implementation strategies and assessments of success.Conclusion.This study responds directly to McHugh et al.’s (2022) call for empirical description of what implementation tailoring looks like in action, in service settings. Self-guided facilitation of tailored implementation enables implementers in service settings to undertake tailoring within their organisations. Implementation tailoring takes considerable time and involves detailed work but can be supported through the provision of implementation science informed guidance and materials, iterative and ongoing stakeholder engagement, and working reflectively in response to external influencing factors. Directions for advancement of tailored implementation are suggested.
Dechlorination of cellulose and polyvinyl chloride by torrefaction and characterization of product escape
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Lei , Chen Meng
Published: December 2023

Cellulose, which is the main constituent of both PVC and biomass, was chosen for investigation in this study. The process of torrefaction was employed to eliminate the elemental chlorine in PVC. Firstly, the co-pyrolysis process of cellulose and PVC was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis to determine the effect of different ratios and identify an appropriate torrefaction temperature. torrefaction experiments were then conducted on cellulose and PVC with various mixing ratios to assess the removal rate of chlorine in the co-mixed compounds. Additionally, the pyrolysis products of cellulose and PVC were analyzed using thermogravimetric-infrared coupling technique. The experiment demonstrated that when mixing cellulose with PVC in a ratio of 9:1, the blend experienced weight loss at temperatures ranging from 279.65-404.72°C. Moreover, the total weight loss was 94.32%, while chlorine removal reached 99.18% following torrefaction at a temperature of 300°C for 90 minutes. At 340°C during PVC pyrolysis, the HCl absorption degree was 0.1213. In the case of co-pyrolysis, the HCl absorption degree of the two co-pyrolysates was only 0.0037 at 322°C. This indicates that the combined pyrolysis of the two components would result in the early escape of HCl, while reducing the amount of HCl escaping.
Mitigation of legacy effects in invaded soil using alien plant-derived biochar
Authors: Li Weitao , Ning Hui , Li Yangping , Zhang Mingzhu , Wang Ruifang , Zheng Yulong
Published: December 2023

Aims
The introduction of non-native plant species often leads to extensive colonization of land and poses a threat to the already limited resources of arable land. Restoring invaded land and improving soil fertility are therefore essential.
Methods
In this study, biochar from invader Chromolaena odorata and fungicide were jointly used to improve soil invaded by this species.
Results
The results show that fungicide increase the total biomass of the subsequent plants grown in the invaded soil. The soil fungicide reduces the occurrence of pathogenic fungi in invaded soil and at the same time promotes the recruitment of mycorrhizal fungi and saprophytic fungi by the plants. The addition of biochar to the invaded soil has a negative legacy effect on subsequent invasive plants, while it exerts a positive enhancement effect on native plants. The simultaneous application of biochar and fungicide to soils invaded by alien plants can effectively diminish the competitive advantage of invasive species, while biochar can markedly increase the competitive advantage of native plants.
Conclusions
This study proposes a remediation method for legacy effect after alien plant invasion that not only effectively controls the spread of alien plants, but also improves soil fertility and increases economic benefits.
Sedimentary distribution of particles in Malan loess under wind power
Authors: Yang Jinduo , Li Xi-An , Wang Weiping , Chai Hao , An Mingxiao , Dai Qianyi
Published: December 2023

The distribution law of dust particles under the action of wind is of great significance for the transport and settlement of loess in ancient environment and the study of modern sand and dust on environmental pollution. Based on wind tunnel test, physical model and numerical simulation, the particle transport deposition process was studied, and the following conclusions were obtained through mutual verification: (1) The particle size information in wind tunnel test shows that the smaller the particle size is. (2) Through the physical model, it is deduced that the ideal transport distance of dust particles is inversely proportional to the second square of particle diameter, which is well verified by the experimental results in this paper; (3) In the experiment, the grain size distribution curve of sedimentary particles is bimodal, which is a strong proof that the source area of particles and the transport path are the same in the loess area; The curve is a right-sided curve of normal distribution, which is the same as the grain gradation curve of undisturbed loess in northwest China. We believe that the reason for this trend is the different deposition rates of coarse and fine particles. (4) In the numerical simulation, we observed the influence of rising wind and other conditions on the distribution of sedimentary particles, which has certain reference significance for the actual dust transport process.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of 8-(piperazin-1-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine Derivatives as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Antioxidants
Authors: Wei Ben-Ben , Du Wen-Rong , Guo Xin-Yuan , Lan Yong , Shang Pan-Pan , Wang Xiao-Ke , Ma Zhengyue
Published: December 2023

A series of 8-(piperazin-1-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives were designed and synthesized as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and antioxidants for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, the biological evaluation results demonstrated that these synthesized compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory activities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and radical scavenging activities. Among them, 23l was the most potent AChE inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.55 µM, which was higherthe IC50 value 5.01 of galantamine as the reference compound; while 23g had the best antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 36.28 µM, which was lower than IC50 value of ascorbic acid as the control drug. Furthermore, the results of molecular docking studies indicate that 23l can simultaneously bind to both catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE, which was consistent with the mixed inhibition pattern shown by enzyme kinetic studies. The interaction’s stability of 23l-AChE/BChE were also assessed using a conventional atomistic 100 ns dynamics simulation study, which revealed the conformational stability of representative compound 23l in the cavity of the AChE. In addition, the molecular properties of all compounds were predicted online through the molinspiration server, and the best active compound 23l matched the properties of most orally administered drugs. Based on the biological activity and molecular properties, compound 23l as AChEIs is valuable for further development.
The study on the purification of waste graphite thermal field material of FZ-Si crystal
Authors: Zhang Yonghang , Chen Zhengjie , Xie Keqiang , Chen Xiaowei , Hu Yiyou , Ma Wenhui
Published: December 2023

The rapid development of the photovoltaic industry has led to increased demand for monocrystalline silicon. Numerous waste graphite devices are generated in the process of crystal pulling, and the waste graphite thermal field contains the largest proportion of graphite. Reports on graphite purification from the waste graphite thermal for photovoltaic crystal pulling are relatively rare. In this study, we purified waste graphite using a combined process of ferric induction roasting and acid-leaching. Overall, HPG with a fixed carbon content of more than 99.9% was obtained after the sample was subjected to HCl and HF leaching at a temperature of 1300℃, an iron ratio of 30%, and roasting time of 90 min through induction hardening roasting with ball milling mixture as raw material.The removal rates of Si, Fe, Al, Mg, Zn, Ni, Ti Ca, and Na were 99.58, 99.56, 99.89, 98.32, 99.26, 99.47, 99.62, 98.48, and 98.98%, respectively. Meanwhile, the high-purity graphite carbon (HPG) products with a purity of 99.98% were obtained.
A phase 2 trial of peri-operative avelumab and chemotherapy for locally advanced gastro-esophageal adenocarcinoma: Association of AGR2/AP-1 complex CD8 T-cells and M2-Tumour Associated Macrophages with treatment response
Authors: Ferri Lorenzo , Alcindor Thierry , Tankel James , Fiset Pierre , Pal Sanjima , Opu Touhid , Strasser Michael , Dehghani Mehrnoush , Bertos Nicholas , Zuo Dongmei , Mueller Carmen , Cools-Lartigue Jonathan , Hickeson Marc , Marcus Victoria , Camilleri-Broët Sophie , Spatz Alan , Evaristo Gertruda , Farag Mina , Artho Giovanni , Elkrief Arielle , Saleh Ramy , Park Morag , Huang Sui , Sangwan Veena
Published: December 2023

Perioperative chemo-immunotherapy represents a promising treatment modality for locally advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). However, the potential of these novel treatments has yet to be realized and efforts to identify patients who would benefit for targeted therapies have been unsuccessful. Herein we present the clinical results of a phase 2 trial combining neoadjuvant docetaxel, cisplatin, 5FU and the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab for patients with locally advanced GEA and describe the tumor inflammatory microenvironment associated with response. Fifty-one patients were enrolled and received neoadjuvant therapy with 50 proceeding to surgery. Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 40% of patients. Major pathological response occurred in 9/50 patients (18%). No correlation was found between tumor regression and PD-L1, MMR protein expression or reduction in standard uptake values on PET. Multiplex immunohistochemistry revealed CD8+ T cell proliferation in post-operative specimens, particularly among individuals who responded well to the treatment, and a greater predominance of M2-Tumour Associated Macrophages in poor-responders. Single cell transcriptomic profiling of treatment naïve tumors also indicated differential gene expression among T cells, and in particular higher differences in CD8+ central memory T cells in responders when compared to non-responders to neoadjuvant therapy. We found the expression of AGR2 of genes belonging to the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, such as JUND, was closely associated with pathological response. This finding provides evidence of novel predictors of response to neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy and identifies potential direction to personalize neoadjuvant therapy with a view to improving treatment response.
Trial registration information: The study is registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03288350 (NCT03288350)
Efficiency vs. equity concerns in regulatory sandboxes
Authors: Crampes Claude , Estache Antonio
Published: December 2023

The paper makes the case for a more systematic ex-ante assessment of the distribution of gains and losses from efficiency enhancing innovations that regulatory sandboxes are expected to test. It shows how a prior formal modelling of tests can inform the regulators on the possible need to control better upfront in the design of the sandbox for some otherwise underestimated but predictable distributional effects. Failing to do so is likely to lead to underestimate efficiency-equity trade-offs and other distributional issues, across stakeholders or within groups of stakeholders. This may influence the political sustainability of otherwise potentially welfare enhancing innovation. Simple industrial organization models will often suffice to identify the potential issues at an early stage and allow better sandboxes design and hence more reliable policy relevant results.
Bacterial Isolates and their Sensitivity Profile from CSF Samples – A 5 Year Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Ali¹ Muhammad Moaaz , Kaleem Fatima , Farwa Umme , Ali Haider , Ishtiaq Saima , Javed Samina , Syed Saima , Abbasi Shahid Ahmad
Published: December 2023

The death rates of medical situations like bacterial meningitis are always quite high. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture is the most common and reliable test to confirm the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. All CSF samples that were received in the microbiology lab between January 2017 and December 2021 were included in the study. The study removed all duplicate samples and samples from patients who had recently started taking antibiotics. During the course of the trial, 2000 CSF samples were received. Just 157 of these samples successfully tested positive for the presence of infections. The results of the current investigation showed that the typical pathogens associated with meningitis were not isolated from CSF samples in our method. In contrast, in our setups, highly resistant microorganisms were isolated from CSF. primarily from patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
Magnetic Field Emulations of Small Inhibitor RNA: Effects on Implanted GL261 Tumors in C57BL/6 Immune Competent Mice
Authors: Figueroa Xavier A. , Vogeli Gabriel , Butters Mike
Published: December 2023

Background: EMulate Therapeutics has developed a system for emulating the effects of small solvated molecules via their magnetic field recordings. Recordings of magnetic field emissions of select small inhibitor RNAs (siRNAs; murine targeting CTLA-4 and murine targeting PD-1) were tested on C57Bl/6 mice implanted subcutaneously with the GL261 murine tumor cell line.
Methods: A signal composed of the concatenated recordings of siRNA molecules targeting the murine CTLA-4 and PD-1 receptors (labeled A2) was used in immune competent C57Bl/6 mice. The mice were flank implanted with the murine glioblastoma cell line GL261. Mice were exposed to the signal continuously (24 hours a day) until tumor volumes reached the designated volume limit. Tumors were excised and analyzed via PAGE/Western blot for the expression of CTLA-4, PD-1, Ki67, Caspase 3, CD4 and CD8. Terminal blood draws were used for CBCs.
Results: We report the down regulation of the checkpoint inhibitors CTLA-4 in the exposed mice. Significant tumor volume reduction was observed in mice exposed to the siRNA signal compared to control mice; no adverse events were recorded. Cell blood counts (CBC) and protein expression patterns were observed to correlate with the expected function of protein expression inhibition of the targets.
Conclusions: The effect of the magnetic field emission targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 demonstrates the ability to emulate the effects of siRNA and support previously published work using this technology.
The impact of moderate physical exercise, alone or combined with omega-3 supplementation, on apical periodontitis induced in rats.
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Paula Fernandes , Rodrigues Michely de Lima , Loureiro Caroline , Machado Nathalia Evelyn Silva , Silva Cristiane Cantiga , de Oliveira Pedro Henrique Chaves , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Jacinto Rogério Castilho
Published: December 2023

Objective: To investigate the impact of moderate-intensity physical exercise (PE), alone or in combination with omega-3 supplementation (O), on apical periodontitis (AP) in rats, by analyzing the inflammatory profile, and the presence and distribution of bacteria within the root canal and apical region.
Methods: Thirty Wistar rats divided into 3 groups: C; PE and PE+O. The exercise protocol occurred in two stages, acclimatization and swimming training. Omega-3 was administered via gavage during 60 days. AP was induced on the 30th day and the rats were euthanized on the 60th day. Maxillary molars were processed and stained with Hematoxylin-and-Eosin, immunohistochemistry for IL-17 and TNF-α and Brown-Brenn. The analyses were carried out by assigning scores submitted to Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey tests, with 5% significance.
Results: The intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate was higher in C group (p<0.05). PE alone reduced immunostaining for TNF-α and limited the spread of bacteria (p<0.05). Combined with omega-3 PE reduced immunostaining for IL-17.
Conclusion: PE sensitized the defense mechanisms, attenuating inflammation, through the modulation of TNF-α and contained bacterial contamination. PE+O significantly improved the modulating the inflammatory pathway by controlling IL-17.
Clinical Relevance: Recommending physical activity and the use of omega-3 to patients can result in more successful endodontic treatment.
Response of faba bean plants to drought stress and different plant density
Authors: Maaty Ahmed E. , Saad Salah M. , El-Hadary Abd Alla , Saad Ahmed M.
Published: December 2023

This study was carried out to examine and assess how the faba bean cultivar Marriott 2 (Vicia faba L.) responded to water stress and plant density.The effects of different faba bean planting densities per fed. (D1 = 20 kg, D2 = 30 kg,and D3 = 40 kg) and varied levels of drought stress (i.e. single irrigation,double irrigation,triple irrigation, and conventional irrigation) were studied.The obtained results illustrated that the total amount of chlorophyll might be badly impacted by a shortage of water. Additionally, a water deficit raised the contents of nitrogen, proteins, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and proline while also, increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Furthermore,the outcomes demonstrated that it was significantly influenced by plant density,except calcium content and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. At the level of interaction, all traits were significantly affected except the calcium content, throughout the winter growing season (2021–2022). Generally, the overall performance of the faba bean variety (cv. Marriott 2)was good and the results confirmed the existence of variations in the chemical composition with water regimes and various plant densities. Water deficit(three irrigation treatments) of water supplied up to75% of water holding capacity may slightly retard crop composition, this did not restrict the crop's ability to respond to their deviations in the chemical composition.Also, faba bean responded well at the optimum density 30kg/fed in all examined traits.
Language Maintenance and Attitudes among Members of the Garo Community in Bangladesh
Authors: Lecturer Jiniya Bhoraty , Mahbub Rahman M.
Published: December 2023

Bangladesh is a culturally diverse nation, with a visible presence of numerous communities. The Garo community is one of them. The Garo people possess a culturally and linguistically diverse heritage. Despite facing significant pressure from national and global influences on language and culture, they persist in preserving and practising their own language and culture. The Garo language is primarily spoken and lacks a written form. Since its inception, they have been practising orally and there have been no language preservation issues. Following independence, the Bengali language was designated as the national language, obligating all individuals in Bangladesh, regardless of their linguistic heritage, including the Garo population, to communicate in the national language. Consequently, all ethnic languages, including Garo, are currently in danger. While a few researchers have begun to work on the Garo language, no studies have focused on the ways in which the Garo people themselves are maintaining their native language. Maintaining different languages and cultures in a monolingual society is a challenging endeavour. This study demonstrates the present state of the Garo language in Bangladesh, as well as the attitudes towards language preservation among its speakers. It is a comprehensive analysis. Collected data has been obtained using semi-structured interviews. In order to demonstrate language preservation, many domains such as family, friends, literacy, and religion have been chosen. Additionally, participants were asked additional questions regarding their attitudes to ascertain their levels of support or opposition towards the usage and preservation of the Garo language. It is found that the domain of relatives and family members plays a vital role in the preservation of the Garo language, whereas the influence of other domains is relatively less significant.
Development of TiN-Based Suspended Meander Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) for Visible and Near-Infrared Astronomy Applications
Authors: Appavou Maria , Ribeiro Lucas , Nicaise Paul , Hu Jie , Martin Jean-Marc , Firminy Josiane , Chaumont Christine , Bonifacio Piercarlo , Boussaha Faouzi
Published: December 2023

We propose high-Q factors sub-stoichiometric TiN-based Lumped Element MKIDs on sapphire with vacuum gap suspended meander. The aim is to improve detector response by trapping phonons within the meander to increase the number of Cooper pairs breaking into quasiparticles. Furthermore, either Nb/Au or Nb/Al reflective thin bilayer can be placed beneath \textcolor{black}{the meander} to respectively improve the photon peak absorption at the near-infrared and visible wavelengths.
Prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among Sudan ebolavirus disease survivors and family members, Uganda, January 2023: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Agaba Brian , Nelly Hellen Naiga , Wanyana Mercy Wendy , Zalwango Jane Frances , Simbwa Brenda , Akunzirwe Rebecca , Zavuga Robert , Kawungezi Peter Chris , Zalwango Marie Gorreti , Migamba Stella Martha , Kadobera Daniel , Bulage Lilian , Migisha Richard , Ario Alex Riolexus , Harris Julie R.
Published: December 2023

Background
Communities affected by Ebola disease (EBOD) may face resulting increases in mental health disorders. We evaluated the prevalence of and factors associated with mental health disorders among persons affected by the 2022 Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak in Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among SVD survivors and family members of survivors and fatal cases from 15–31 January 2023 (six weeks after the last case was discharged). We included only laboratory-confirmed, consenting SVD survivors and family members who lived with or cared for confirmed SVD patients during their illness and who were home at the time of our visits. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate anxiety and depression. The post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition was used to evaluate PTSD. We used modified Poisson regression (adjusted for clustering by household) to determine factors associated with each mental health disorder.
Results
We enrolled 54 survivors and 82 family members from 96 households; median participant age was 30 years (range, 15–73), and 54% were female. The prevalence of anxiety (55%) and depression (50%) was higher than PTSD (17%); 64% had ≥ 1 mental health disorder. The prevalence of anxiety among persons from households with 2–4 members (aPR = 0.54, 95%CI:0.31–0.92) was lower than among persons who lived alone. The prevalence of PTSD was lower in persons from households with 2–4 members (aPR = 0.24, 95%CI:0.08–0.66) and > 4 members (aPR = 0.32, 95%CI:0.13–0.78) compared to persons who lived alone. Persons from households with ≥ 1 SVD death had a higher prevalence of depression (aPR = 1.8, 95%CI:1.1–3.3) and anxiety (aPR = 1.9, 95%CI:1.1–3.5) compared to households with no EBOD deaths. The prevalence of all mental health disorders was similar between survivors and family members.
Conclusion
Approximately two-thirds of SVD survivors and family members of patients in the 2022 outbreak in Uganda had ≥ 1 mental health disorder shortly after the outbreak ended. Strengthening mental health services during and after Ebola virus outbreaks for survivors and family members of patients may enhance the quality of outbreak response.
Deep learning-based computed tomography assessment for lung function prediction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Shimizu Kaoruko , Sugimori Hiroyuki , Tanabe Naoya , Wakazono Nobuyasu , Ito Yoichi , Takahashi Keita , Makita Hironi , Sato Susumu , Suzuki Masaru , Nishimura Masaharu , Hirai Toyohiro , Konno Satoshi
Published: December 2023

Deep learning models based on medical imaging enable numerical functional predictions in combination with regression methods. In this study, we evaluate the prediction performance of a deep learning-based model for the raw value and percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To this end, ResNet50-based regression prediction models were constructed for FEV1 and %FEV1 based on 200 CT scans. 10-fold cross-validation was performed to yield ten models in aggregate. The prediction model for %FEV1 was externally validated using 20 data points. Two hundred internal CT datasets were assessed using commercial software, producing a regression model predicting airway [%WA] and parenchymal indices [%LAV]. The average Root Mean Squared Error(RMSE) value of the 10 predictive models was 627.65 for FEV1 as per internal validation and 15.34 for %FEV1. The externally validated RMSE for %FEV1 was 11.52, whereas that for %FEV1 was 23.18. The predictive model for %FEV1 yielded significant positive correlations corresponding to both internal and external validation. The proposed models exhibited better prediction accuracy for %FEV1 than for FEV1. Further studies are required to improve the accuracy further and determine the validity of longitudinal applications.
Study of the Side effects resulting from inhalation sprays among patients in Damascus Hospital
Authors: Kasas Kholud , Al-Gusain Rama , Mardini Heba
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
The side effects of inhalation sprays are minimal or non-existent if they are used correctly and in low doses, but if they are used randomly, many side effects occur, including inflammation of the mouth or throat, a hoarse or croaking voice, coughing, and oral thrush.
Materials and methods:
Observational study with the type of cross-sectional study. This study targeted patients attending Damascus Hospital. The sample was selected randomly, and about (113) patients were elected who met specific acceptance criteria, the most important of which was the presence of sufficient information in the file, while all patients were excluded according to specific exclusion criteria. Data related to this study were collected using paper Questionnaire forms. These forms were designed by the researcher responsible for the research under the supervision of the professor responsible for the thesis. The information necessary to fill out these forms was collected by returning to the files of the Thoracic Department in the archives of Damascus Hospital. This data from paper questionnaires was entered into a SPSS file, version 25, to be analyzed and results for this study were generated.
Results:
What we found in this study is that the appearance of side effects from inhalation sprays is not correlated to the gender of the patient. There is an important correlation between the age of the patient and the appearance of side effects from inhalation sprays. There is an important correlation between the patient’s profession and the appearance of side effects from inhalation sprays. The appearance of side effects from inhalation sprays is not related to the environment where the patient lives, and there is also an important correlation between smoking and the appearance of side effects from inhalation sprays, and there is an important correlation between the patient’s suffering from a chronic disease and the appearance of side effects from inhalation sprays, and the appearance of side effects is not related to the type of inhaler, and there is an important correlation between the number of times the inhaler is used ( daily dose) and the appearance of side effects from inhaler sprays, and the appearance of side effects is not related to following preventive behaviors.
Recommendations:
We recommend quitting smoking and staying away from it, adopting protective behavior, being away from allergens and dust in the workplace, and reviewing the doctor periodically and adjusting the appropriate dose of the inhaler.
Effects of Nanographene oxide on adipose-derived stem cell cryopreservation
Authors: Li Zifei , Qi Jun , Fu Su , Luan Jie , Wang Qian
Published: December 2023

Cryoinjury mitigation is key in cell cryopreservation. Here, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of nanographene oxide (nano-GO) for improving cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) in human adipose stem cell (hADSC) cryopreservation. For in vitro experiments, nano-GO (5 µg/mL) was added to the CPAs in the control, and passage (P) 2 hADSCs were collected and cryopreserved for around two weeks. We compared cytotoxicity, cell viability, immunophenotypes, proliferation, cell apoptosis, and tri-lineage differentiation. In vivo studies used lipoaspirate to create non-enriched or hADSC-enriched fat tissues by combining it with PBS or hADSCs cryopreserved with the aforementioned CPAs. Each nude mouse received a 0.3 mL subcutaneous injection of the graft. At 12 weeks, the grafts were harvested. Histology, adipocyte-associated genes and protein, vascular density and angiogenic cytokines, macrophage infiltration, and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Nano-GO CPA contributed to increased cell viability, improved cell recovery, and lowered levels of early apoptosis. Nano GO at concentrations of 0.01 to 100 µg/mL caused no cytotoxicity to hADSCs. The absence of nano GOs in the intracellular compartments of the cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The fat grafts from the CPA-GO group showed more viable adipocytes and significantly increased angiogenesis compared to the PBS and CPA-C groups. Adding hADSCs from the CPA-GO group to the graft reduced macrophage infiltration and MCP-1 expression. Nano-GO plays an anti-apoptotic role in the cryopreservation of hADSCs, which could improve the survival of transplanted fat tissues, possibly via improved angiogenesis and lower inflammatory response in the transplanted adipose tissue.
Black TiO 2 -based nanoparticles as Toll-like receptor stimulators delivery system for enhanced photothermal-immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Xu Liu , Wu Ruoyu , Ni Jiajing , Jin Lufei , Xu kaiwei , Zhu Yuchao , Hong Lu , Chen Chunqu , Wang Linwei , Zhu Lubing , Zhou Weijian , Shen Wenqi , Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2023

Background
The tumor-specific immune responses, essential for removing residual lesions and preventing tumor metastases, can be stimulated by tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) released following photothermal therapy (PTT). However, due to the immunosuppressed microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the TAAs released by PTT are difficult to induce an effective immune response. In this work, we prepared the mesoporous silica (mSiO2) coated black titanium dioxide (bTiO2) photothermal nanoparticles (NPs) for enhanced photothermal-immunotherapy toward PDAC, in which resiquimod (R848) was loaded and DOTA-Gd was conjugated. The NPs are specified as bTiO2@mSiO2@Gd/R848 and abbreviated to NPs/R848. R848 as a kind of Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist can induce a strong immune response against tumors. Furthermore, DOTA-Gd serves as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent to improve the T1-weighted MRI performance of the NPs.
Results
In vitro results of this study show that NPs/R848 could thermally ablate tumor cells and efficiently trigger dendritic cells (DCs) maturation. The results of in vivo investigations demonstrate that the combined use of photothermal-immunotherapy exhibits a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Besides, it promoted maturation of DCs and enhanced infiltration of CD8+, CD4 + T cells to improve the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions
Our study anticipate that by encouraging the maturation of DCs, this strategy will enhance the tumor microenvironment and enable the successful photothermal-immunotherapy of PDAC.