bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The significance of architectural attractiveness in creating property value - a case study of Poznań
Authors: Pawlicka Kinga
Published: September 2023

The aim of this article is to present the relationship between architectural attractiveness and property value. As a valuable asset of a city attractive architecture gives value added to an area, yielding economic and marketing benefits. Attractive buildings become factors determining investment attractiveness by building up the image, brand, and market position of the property. Analysis of the empirical material allowed the formulation of two valid conclusions. Firstly, architectural attractiveness has a marginal influence on the property value. Second, this feature has a competitive advantage when comparing several properties with similar attributes.(original abstract)
Competitiveness of Polish mid-tech and high-tech exports to the European Union (EU-27) in the first decade of the 21st century
Authors: Michalski Bartosz
Published: September 2023

The paper addresses the issue of structural changes in Polish exports to the European Union (EU-27) in the period 2001-2011 in terms of the revealed comparative advantages (RCA) and technological intensity (shifts in shares of mid-tech and high-tech industries) taking into account the context of the growing openness of the Polish economy and the substantial orientation to European markets. The principal aim of the research is thus an empirical examination by making use of trade data on the 4-digit level of desaggregation of the Harmonised System and whether the technological intensity of Polish exports was consistent with the evolution of comparative advantages and which of the mid-tech and high-tech sectors became the biggest winners (also losers) in the integration processes within the European common market. The results suggest a strong dependency of Polish mid-tech and high-tech exports to the EU-27 on the activity of foreign investors (multinational companies) and their technologies being transferred to Poland. (original abstract)
The relationship between quality of life and dietary fluid restriction non-adherence in hemodialysis patient
Authors: Yılmaz Eda Nur , Bal Cansev , Harbali Sevil Masat , Sağlam Zeynep , Koç Zelih
Published: September 2023

Hemodialysis is now the preferred method in the treatment of kidney failure. Patients who do not adhere to the diet during hemodialysis may experience negative changes in fluid-electrolyte balance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between restricted fluid intake and the quality of life of hemodialysis patients in our country. The study was conducted with 186 hemodialysis patients, treated as outpatients in the hemodialysis unit of a university hospital in Samsun and as inpatients in the nephrology clinic. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included 23 questions on patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the SF-36 Short Quality of Life Scale, and the Dialysis Diet and Fluid Restriction Nonadherence Questionnaire. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for analysis of quantitative data while Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. In line with the evidence obtained, it was established that there was a negative correlation between the status of non-compliance to dialysis diet and fluid restriction and the quality of life of individuals on hemodialysis treatment.

Keywords: Diet; hemodialysis; fluid restriction; quality of life.
Determining the use of herbal treatment by dermatology patients
Authors: Baş Zeynep , Çamlıca Tuğçe , Koç Zeliha
Published: September 2023

This descriptive study was conducted to determine the use of herbal treatment by dermatology patients. The study involved 146 patients who were treated in the dermatology department of a university hospital between 26/11/2017 and 26/05/2018 and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a 29-question information questionnaire prepared by the researchers based on the literature. In addition, a list of plants was given to the patients in the appendix of the information sheet. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Walli’s test were used to compare the data. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between the variables. The present study found that the majority of patients were satisfied with the medical treatment they received. It was found that patients who use complementary alternative methods in addition to medical treatment told health professionals about their current situation or felt that information should be given.

Keywords: Dermatology; herbal; nurses; therapy
Methods of Monitoring the Fulfillment of the Shunt Effect of Track Circuits
Authors: Shvalov Dmitriy
Published: September 2023

The value of the transient resistance "wheel — rail" is the determining factor for ensuring the shunt effect of track circuits. Taking into account the severity of consequences of failure to ensure the shunt effect — accidents or train derailments due to a switch being thrown under a train or opening of a traffic light fencing an occupied track section, continuous monitoring of the condition of track circuits (shunt sensitivity) is necessary for timely detection of critical values of destabilising factors or operating conditions. The article discusses ways to automate measurements of train shunt resistance and ways to prevent shunt loss (non-fulfillment of the shunt effect) by an occupied track circuit. The work also examines the possibility of implementing continuous monitoring of the shunt effect (monitoring of shunt sensitivity) based on a model of changing the values of their parameters during the movement of rolling units along a rail line. The obtained results can be used to solve such analytical and practical problems as: calculation and investigation of the dynamics of change in the sensitivity coefficient of the track circuit to the actual train shunt; construction of a classifier of the track circuit states invariant to external perturbations during the train movement from the moment of entry to the moment of release of the rail line; organisation of continuous monitoring of the shunt sensitivity of the track circuit.
Military Medicine and Medical Research as a Source of Inspiration and Innovation to Solve National Security and Health Challenges in the 21st Century
Authors: Dhillon Nanak , Jeon Nayeon , Gurkan Umut , Sen Gupta Anirban , Bonomo Robert , Drummy Lawrence , Zhang Mei , Chance Mark
Published: September 2023

The history of military medicine and research is rife with examples of novel treatments and new approaches to heal and cure soldiers and others impacted by war’s devastation. In the 21st century, new threats, like climate change, are combined with traditional threats, like geopolitical conflict, to create novel challenges for our strategic interests. Extreme and inaccessible environments provide heightened risks for warfighter exposure to dangerous bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as exposure to toxic substances and extremes of temperature, pressure, or both providing threats to performance and eroding resilience. Back home, caring for our veterans is also a healthcare priority, and the diseases of veterans increasingly overlap with the health needs of an aging society. These trends of climate change, politics, and demographics suggest performance evaluation and resilience planning and response are critical to assuring both warfighter performance and societal health. The Cleveland ecosystem, comprising several hospitals, a leading University, and one of the nation’s larger Veteran’s Health Administration systems, is ideal for incubating and understanding the response to these challenges. In this review, we explore the interconnections of collaborations between Defense agencies, particularly Air Force and Army and academic medical center-based investigators to drive responses to the national health security challenges facing the United States and the world.
The development of digital tools to assess and enhance the ethic children development in early childhood development centers
Authors: Govittayangkull Pratana , Phutthima Benjamas , Muangmool Somchai
Published: September 2023

The research aimed to study the effects of digital tools on ethnic children in child development centers from four districts of Lamphun Province, Thailand. The samples were teachers, parents and health promoting hospital staff from the early childhood development centers 57 people in total from cluster sampling and randomized pretest-post-test control group design. The research instruments were interviewing form, focus group discussion recording form, questionnaire, and child development evaluation form. All digital tool assessment items were qualified with higher accuracy than the specified criterion of 0.50. Its correlation coefficient was higher than 0.85 at 0.05 significantly level. Conditions and needs for context analysis of digital tools had been conducted to develop and use it for evaluating the development of ethnic children in the centers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and T-test. The results revealed that the digital tools compared with documents was different in use between the experimental and the control group of the study with statistically significant at 0.05 and teachers’ satisfactions of using the digital tools were also in high level. The study outcomes demonstrated that the development of digital tools in early childhood could enhance the ethical development of young children and provide educators and parents with valuable insights into a child's progress.
The relationship between teacher candidates' lifelong learning tendencies and their digital competencies
Authors: Keskin Ismail
Published: September 2023

Digital competencies and lifelong learning tendencies are among the features that every teacher candidate should have. Therefore, carrying out research on both lifelong learning trends and digital competencies can contribute to the development and updating of teacher education programs. In this context, the aim of this research is to analyses the relationship between lifelong learning tendencies and digital competencies of teacher candidates. In this research, scanning model from descriptive research models and explanatory model from relational research methods were used. The sample of this research consists of 287 teacher candidates selected by simple random sampling method from among teacher candidates studying at this state university. In this study, two scales were used to determine the relationship between the lifelong learning tendencies of teacher candidates and their digital competencies. The first of these scales is the “Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale”. The second scale used in the research is the "Digital Competency Scale". There is a significant and moderate relationship between the lifelong learning tendencies scale in general and the competencies of using basic internet tools and the competencies of acquiring and using information in digital environment. Since there is a moderately significant relationship between lifelong learning tendencies and digital competence, these two concepts should be reflected in teacher education programs in a way that supports each other, without considering each other separately.
Pedagogical conditions for the development of cognitive independence in physical education lessons
Authors: Kairgozhin Dulat , Kuzembayeva Gulzhana , Maydangalieva Zhumagul , Bakhtiyarova Sayagul , Mugauina Gulbaram
Published: September 2023

Cognitive Independence (CI), which physical education has a high potential for fostering in students, is characterized by a developed set of cognitive skills, an ideal level of knowledge, a strong value attitude towards cognition, and competencies related to the ability and willingness to take the initiative and engage in professionally responsible activities. However, the biggest challenges for physical education teachers stem from a lack of program material that clearly defines the content of lessons for the development of students’ CI as well as the stages of their entrance into the educational process. The purpose of the study is to theoretically justify and methodologically support the process of developing students’ CI in physical education lessons. The methodology used in the study comprises a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design. The study participants included 210 students in grades 10 and 11 from two secondary schools in the city of Atyrau (the Republic of Kazakhstan) and teachers acting as experts. The study findings revealed substantial variations in the dynamics of students’ CI in the control and experimental groups, confirming the efficiency of the application of the built-in model and technology. Despite the limitations, which lie in the fact that not all aspects of the development of students’ CI in physical education lessons were considered, this study has provided the theoretical justification and methodological support for development of students CI in physical education lessons that might contribute to efficient specialists’ training.
THE ROLE OF HIERARCHICAL CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS OF THE CAUSE-OF-DEATH MORTALITY STRUCTURE
Authors:   East Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Angarsk, Russia, Leshchenko Yaroslav , Lisovtsov Alexandr ,   East Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Angarsk, Russia
Published: September 2023

When identifying changes in the health status of the population, it is relevant to study the modern structure of diseases. The purpose of the study is to assess the quantitative and structural changes in mortality associated with factors of different origin in the process of evolution of the regional anthropological ecosystem. Material and methods. Rates and structure of male mortality in the Irkutsk region for the period from 1990 to 2020 have been analyzed. The study used standardized mortality rates according to the European standard population. The trends were evaluated through linear models using standard Excel tools. Significance of the trend equation was calculated using F-test (IBM SPSS Statistics 23). Results. At the 1st stage (1990-1991), the structure of mortality was dominated by: diseases of the circulatory system (34.9%), neoplasms (17.6%), external causes (27.7%), and respiratory diseases (7.4%). At the 2nd stage (1992-2005), the situation was mainly determined by psychogenic factors. Those impacts are indicated as follows: sharply increased mortality from acute vascular heart and brain damages, suicide, murder and accident. At the 3-d stage (2006-2019), along with improvements in the socio-economic situation, the mortality rate was decreasing, especially across the following disease classes: diseases of the circulatory system (from 1237.3 to 785.5o/oooo), external causes (from 553.3 to 228.4o/oooo), respiratory diseases (from 182.2 to 75.2o/oooo). A long-term trend towards increasing mortality from infectious and parasitic diseases was identified. No trend in the dynamics in mortality from diseases of the digestive system was registered. Significant changes in the structure of mortality were noted for infectious and parasitic diseases, respiratory diseases, and digestive diseases indicating a phenomena of pathomorphosis. Since 2020, a new socio-ecological situation has begun to take shape due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new coronavirus infection has become a powerful factor of pathomorphosis and restructuring of the entire socio-ecological system. Conclusion. Disease development and the relevant mortality are associated with hierarchical changes in the impact of factors of different origin (socio-economic, psychogenic, epidemiological) on the population. Pathomorphosis suggests unfavorable structural changes in the medical, demographic and socio-ecological status of the population.
Real-world multidisciplinary outcomes of onasemnogene abeparvovec monotherapy in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1: experience of the French cohort in the three first years of treatment.
Authors: DESGUERRE Isabelle , BARROIS Rémi , AUDIC Frédérique , BARNERIAS Christine , CHABROL Brigitte , DAVION Jean-Baptiste , DURIGNEUX Julien , ESPIL-TARIS Caroline , BANDA Marta GOMEZ-GARCIA DE LA , GUICHARD Marine , ISAPOF Arnaud , NOUGUES Marie-Christine , LAUGEL Vincent , GOFF Laure LE , MERCIER Sandra , PERVILLE Anne , RICHELME Christian , THIBAUD Marie , SARRET Catherine , SCHWEITZER Cyril , TESTARD Hervé , TROMMSDORFF Valérie , VANHULLE Catherine , WALTHER-LOUVIER Ulrike , ALTAZURRA Cecilia , CHOUCHANE Mondher , ROPARS Juliette , QUIJANO-ROY Susana , CANCES Claude
Published: September 2023

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is the most severe and early form of SMA, a genetic disease with motor neuron degeneration. Onasemnogene abeparvovec gene therapy (GT) has changed SMA1’s natural history, but real-world data is scarce.
Methods: A French national expert committee identified 95 newly diagnosed and treatment-naive SMA1 cases between June 2019 and June 2022, all genetically confirmed. A multicentric national-wide study was performed in those children treated by GT as first-line for more than one year-time, with particular focus in their motor, nutritional and respiratory outcomes, as well as their clinical complications and management (i.e.spinal bracing, enteral and respiratory support requirements) assessed at baseline and every 6 months after GT.
Results: Forty six SMA1 patients received GT.Twelve patients received other treatments. Patients with respiratory insufficiency were oriented toward palliative care after discussion with families. Among treated patients, 29 with more than 12 months follow-up were included in the follow-up analysis. Mean age at treatment was 7.5 (2.1 - 12.5). Twenty-two patients had two SMN2copies, 7 had three. The clinical phenotype was SMA1a (n=3), SMA1b (n=15) and SMA1c (n=11). Two infants died in the months following GT due to severe thrombotic microangiopathy and respiratory distress respectively. Among patients with 24 months follow-up (N=17), 90% of them required spinal bracing (15/17) due to axial hypotonia or scoliosis. Three required nocturnal non-invasive ventilation and two gastrostomy. Concerning motor milestones at 24 months follow-up, all patients acquired head holding, 15/17 sited 30 seconds unassisted, and 12/17 could stand with aid. Motor scores (CHOPINTEND and HINE-2) and thoracic circumference significantly improved in all cases.
Conclusions: Our study shows favourable motor, respiratory and feeding real-world outcomes with GT as first line in most SMA1 infants treated before respiratory and bulbar dysfunction occur, although almost all develop spinal deformities.
Clinical and biochemical characteristics of schizophrenia patients with and without COVID-19: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Liu Farong , Shi Lei , Dai Huirong , Bai Yixuan , You Pan
Published: September 2023

Background
Previous studies have shown that patients with mental diseases such as schizophrenia are at high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical characteristics of patients with schizophrenia and COVID-19 remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in clinical biochemical values between schizophrenia patients with and without COVID-19.
Methods
We undertook an exploratory, retrospective review of patient data from Dec. 6, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023. A total of 1696 inpatients with psychosis (921 schizophrenia patients and 775 diagnosed with other mental diseases) during this period were identified. Finally, 60 schizophrenia patients were enrolled in our study, and 20 of them were infected with syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Results
The serum biochemical levels, blood cell counts and single-cell mitochondrial mass (SCMM) of the T lymphocytes of all schizophrenia patients were analyzed. Schizophrenia patients with COVID-19 (SCZ-C) showed higher serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin (Myo), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet counts and a significant decrease in lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil cell counts. In addition, positive correlations were found between the T-cell subpopulation counts and positive symptom scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Conclusion
Our study findings showed that schizophrenia patients with COVID-19 have a phenotype of mitochondrial damage in peripheral blood T lymphocytes and may have liver, heart and kidney damage compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative schizophrenia patients.
Incidence of hyperkalemia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and risk-factor analysis
Authors: Xie Chao , Kong Yaozhong , Liang Min , Liu Xiaoyi , Ye Peiyi , Zhang Ze , Mai Haoran
Published: September 2023

Objective: For patients on maintenance hemodialysis, hyperkalemia has now been
lowered from 5.5 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L. We undertook this study in order to clarify the incidence of hyperkalemia under this new criterion, to determine the associated risk factors, and to provide guidance for the prevention of hyperkalemia.
Methods: Data from all hemodialysis centers of Foshan City were included in a crosssectional survey, the overall incidence of hyperkalemia was determined and the risk factors were analyzed.
Results: Our study comprised 2582 patients from 34 dialysis centers. 107 patients (4.14%) with serum potassium levels at or below 3.5 mmol/L, 1473(57.05%) with serum potassium levels between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L, 494 (19.13%) with serum potassium levels between 5.0 and 5.5 mmol/L, and 508 (19.67%) with serum potassium levels above 5.5 mmol/L. The Incidence of hyperkalemia was significantly greater under the new criterion than the old criterion (38.81% vs 19.67%, P <0.001).
We divided the patients into non-hyperkalemia and hyperkalemia groups by the new criterion. Patients in the hyperkalemia group were younger, higher body-mass indices (BMIs), higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, higher serum creatinine, higher serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lower pre-dialysis carbon dioxide combining power (CO2CP), and less residual urine volume(RUV), higher proportion of using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Through multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that systolic blood pressure, RUV, ACEI/ARB usage, pre-dialysis CO2CP, and pre-dialysis BUN were independent risk factors for hyperkalemia.
Conclusion: In the Foshan area, the incidence of hyperkalemia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis is very high. Under the new criterion, the diagnosis rate of hyperkalemia would be significantly increased. Moreover, high systolic blood pressure,decreased RUV, decreased pre-dialysis CO2CP, increased pre-dialysis BUN, and the use of ACEIs/ARBs were found to be independent risk factors for hyperkalemia.
Recruiting students to rural Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships: A qualitative study of medical educationists’ experiences across continents
Authors: Pinidiyapathirage Janani , Heffernan Robert , Carrigan Brendan , Walters Sherrilyn , Fuller Lara , Brumpton Kay
Published: September 2023

Introduction Many health systems struggle in the provision of a sustainable and an efficient rural health workforce. There is evidence to suggest that Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LIC) placing student learners in rural community settings have positively impacted the provision of rural health care services The recruitment and engagement of students in rural LIC have significant challenges. This study explored best practice methods of recruiting and supporting the transition of medical students into rural LIC. Methods The study took place during the 2021 Consortium of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships Conference, a virtual event hosted by Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Participants consisted of delegates attending the Personally Arranged Learning Session (PeArLS) themed ‘Secrets to success’. The session was recorded with the participants’ consent and the recordings were transcribed verbatim. Data was uploaded to NVivo software and coded and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Salient themes and patterns were identified. Results Thirteen attendees participated in the PeArLS representing a range of countries and institutions. Strategically marketing the LIC brand, improving the LIC program profile within institutions by bridging logistics, and the need to scaffold the transition to the rural LIC learning environment emerged as key themes for success. The attendees highlighted their experiences using peer groups, early exposure to rural LIC sites, and student allocation strategies for promotion. Unique learning styles adopted in LIC models, student anxiety and the importance of fostering supportive relationships with stakeholders to support students in their transition to the LIC environment were discussed. Discussion This PeArLS highlighted successful systems and processes implemented in rural settings across different countries to recruit and manage the transition of medical students to rural LICs. The process proved to be a quick and efficient way to elicit rich information and may be of benefit to educationists seeking to establish similar programs or improve existing rural LIC programs.
Parametric cohesive zone analysis of bi-adhesive single-step joints
Authors: Carvalho D. F.T. , Campilho R. D.S.G. , Vargas A. S. , Moreira R. D.F. , Madani K.
Published: September 2023

The industry has advanced in replacing traditional joining methods, such as screwing/riveting and welding, especially the aeronautical and automotive industries, which have adopted the adhesive bonding method. This method has the advantages of simplifying the process, improving performance in terms of fatigue load, and improving the union between dissimilar materials. In addition, the development of computational numerical methods, with greater precision, has contributed to the dimensioning of joints, as well as the prediction of the resistance of these joints, which has contributed to more reliable simulations of different adhesive bonding solutions and their industrial implementation. Different modifications to the conventional designs are addressed in the literature to achieve the best results, including geometrical and material modifications. In the present research, the strength of single and double-adhesive single-step joints in aluminium adherends of the AW 6082-T651 is experimentally and numerically studied for different overlap lengths (LO). Three commercial adhesives were studied, from brittle to ductile, along with different adhesive combinations in the bi-adhesive technique. The experimental work was mainly used for numerical model validation. The numerical analysis took advantage of triangular cohesive zone models (CZM) and included the study of peel and shear stresses, strength, and energy to failure. It was possible to validate the CZM accuracy by comparison with the experimental data. The analysis carried out showed that the bi-adhesive technique did not reveal significant increases in strength compared to single-adhesive joints. However, when damage tolerance and dissipated energy are analysed, a noticeable increase in performance is observed, especially in joints with greater length LO
Linking root-associated fungal communities, wheat evolutionary patterns, and productivity: overlooked roles of rare taxa
Authors: Kang Xia , Zheng Yuyin , Feng Zhihan , Yao Minjie , Han Dejun , Zeng Qingdong , Li Xiangzhen
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims
The intricate relationships between root-associated fungal communities and wheat plants can potentially impact plant health, crop yield, and quality. However, the interplay among various wheat varieties, fungal communities, and wheat productivity remains understudied.
Methods
In this study, 95 wheat varieties in China were selected. Plant and soil samples were collected during two wheat growth stages (regreening and heading). DNA extraction and genotyping were performed, and fungal ASVs were categorized based on abundance. Fungal community diversity, assembly mechanisms, and relationships were examined. Co-occurrence networks were used to identify keystone taxa. Relationships between wheat genetics, quality, yield, and fungal communities were assessed. Broad-sense heritability (H2) of root-associated ASVs was calculated.
Results
Abundant and core taxa significantly influenced fungal community structure, with stochastic processes mainly driving the assembly. Regreening stage's rhizosphere harbored keystone taxa, though a weak but meaningful connection existed between wheat genetic distance and rare taxa at the heading stage. Wheat quality and yield were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by rare rhizosphere taxa during regreening stage, while heading stage yield correlated positively with keystone taxa and Glomeromycota. Rhizosphere abundant subcommunity was more specialized in enriching taxa with low and moderate heritability, while rare subcommunity was better at recruiting high-heritability (H2 > 0.4) taxa.
Conclusions
Abundant and core taxa played a substantial role in shaping fungal communities during wheat growth, but less abundant rhizosphere species were also vital, as they attained keystone status, showed genetic ties to the host, and were related to wheat quality and yield with higher heritability.
Does inoculation of multifunctional microbial consortia contribute to compelling increases in soybean yields?
Authors: Rossetim Murilo Francisco Travençoli , Motta Antonio Carlos Vargas , Kondo Yanka Rocha , Ruthes Barbara Elis Santos , Hungria Mariangela , Salles Joana Falcão , Kaschuk Glaciela
Published: September 2023

Aims: Inoculating multifunctional microbial consortia offers potential benefits for enhancing plant growth and grain yield formation. This study verified the feasibility of inoculating soybean (Glycine max) seeds with multifunctional microbial consortia to improve soybean productivity.
Methods: Seeds were inoculated with twelve combinations of inoculants [(1) Bradyrhizobium japonicum and B. diazoefficiens for biological N2 fixation, (2) Azospirillum brasilense for growth promotion via phytohormone release, (3) Bacillus megaterium (=Priestia megaterium) and B. subtilis for enhancing P uptake, and (4) Trichoderma harzianum as biopesticide] and grown in chamber, greenhouse, and field experiments. In the chamber, inoculated seeds were submitted to germination tests. In the greenhouse, inoculated seeds were sown in pots with non-sterile soil, and plant growth was monitored until the flowering stage. In the field, plants were cultivated until physiological maturity. Soil and plant samples were collected at three growth stages: vegetative (V4), reproductive (R1), and maturation. Measurements included shoot, root, nodules, grain masses, and grain yield, alongside analyses of seed N, P, lipid, protein, and carbohydrate contents.
Results: Excessive number of microbial inputs and the inclusion of T. harzianum in the microbial consortia impeded seed germination, hindered initial vegetative growth, and decreased plant densities in the plots. Nevertheless, plants may have adjusted because these treatments did not significantly impact grain yield; intriguingly, they even elevated soybean grain lipid content.
Conclusions: Inoculating multifunctional microbial consortia holds promise as a sustainable approach in agriculture. Still, care should be taken concerning an excessive number and compatibility of microorganisms composing the consortia.
Mining medicine prescriptions to enhance predictive management of COVID-19 patients in the UAE
Authors: AlBataineh Mohammad , Ruta Dymitr , Salameh Laila , Zalloua Pierre , Safar Habiba Al , Ibrahim Saleh , Mahboub Bassam
Published: September 2023

Data mining is becoming more popular in the healthcare industry to enhance decision-making and patient outcomes. In this study, we examined medication patterns in over 10,000 COVID-19 patients spanning over three years from the UAE. Prescriptions digitization enabled their utility as data evidence for analytical and predictive modeling tools including machine learning (ML). In this work, we attempt to utilize digitized free-text prescriptions associated with 10k + COVID-19-positive hospitalized cases, to first extract a three-layered hierarchy of administered medicines and then use them as data features to understand their administration patterns, reveal the impacts on and associations with patients' treatment to improve the performance of predicting the key treatment outcomes. We determined higher frequencies of certain medications during different stages of the pandemic and discovered correlations between medication co-administration habits and patient outcomes such as ICU admission, ventilator usage, prolonged hospital stays, and mortality. Next, we train ML models for forecasting targeted variables and found that MEWS and Age are associated with increased risk for ICU admission, ventilator use, lengthy hospital stays, and mortality. A singleton micro-predictor of the selected feature targets in connection with the likelihood of death reveals that VENTILATOR_USE and IS_SEPTIC feature elevates the likelihood of death to 60%. Remarkably, the use of ANTISPASMODIC and ANTIFUNGAL have high mortality rates and support (PX 0.151,0.055, P DEATH/X 0.379, 0.641, respectively). Underscoring the importance of data-driven approaches to inform clinical decision-making. The application of clustering and co-administration patterns generated from graph theory may offer cutting-edge pandemic control techniques in preparation for the next pandemic.
Influence of the Cellular Ultrastructure and Enzyme Activity of the Leaf Sheath Abscission Zone on Spontaneous Defoliation in Sugarcane
Authors: Hu Xin , Wang Tiantian , Liu Shaochun , Guo Jiawen , Dao Jingmei , Gao Xinxin , Li Rudan , Liu Gaoyuan
Published: September 2023

Spontaneous defoliation improves the harvesting efficiency and yield of sugarcane. In this study, the influences of ultrastructural changes in the abscission zone cells of the third, fifth, and seventh leaf sheaths below the fully expanded leaf and pectinase and cellulase activity on spontaneous defoliation were investigated in four sugarcane varieties with varying spontaneous defoliation performance during maturation. At the early and middle stages of spontaneous defoliation, the cells in the abscission zones of the third, fifth, and seventh leaf sheath abscission zones were degrading. At the late stage, no complete organelles and hollow or broken spots in the cell walls were observed in the abscission zone cells of defoliation-prone varieties, while complete organelles and intact cell walls were present in the abscission zone cells at the same leaf positions in defoliation-resistant varieties. From the early to late stages, defoliation-prone varieties had higher pectinase activity in the abscission zones of the fifth and seventh leaf sheaths. At the early stage of defoliation, defoliation-prone varieties had significantly higher cellulase activity in the abscission zones of the third, fifth, and seventh leaf sheaths. Correlation analysis showed that the spontaneous defoliation rate was significantly positively correlated with pectinase activity in the leaf sheaths abscission zones. In conclusion, the spontaneous defoliation of sugarcane was closely related to changes in cell morphology and pectinase activites in leaf sheath abscission zones.
Linkages between particulate and gaseous pollutants over two comparable environments
Authors: Yadav Saurabh , Devara Panuganti C.S.
Published: September 2023

The variations and relationship between mass concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, O3, CO, NOx, NO2, NO, NH3, and C6H6 were analysed based upon the data inventory from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitoring network stations at two neighbouring locations (Dharuhera and IMT-Manesar) with different environmental properties over a period of four years (January 2019 - December 2022). The results reveal an uneven pollutant concentration over these two sites, even though both locations are nearer (~ 28 km) but with different meteorology, environment, and industrial coverage. The daily concentration of air pollutants shows significant increase with time, suggesting the need of an early implementation of air pollution reduction and mitigation techniques at both sites. The results show a strong correlation within and between characteristic pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NOx (NO + NO2), O3, NH3, and CO. Also, more pollutants exhibit a significant correlation at IMT-Manesar than at Dharuhera site (quantitatively as well as qualitatively). As result, the inter-site and intra-site pollutant correlograms indicate the presence of common sources at the sites (for example, automobiles, industries). Thus, the above study plays an important role in devising mitigation methods to achieving environmental sustainability vis-à-vis minimizing human health hazards at both the study sites in the Haryana Sate.
Study of anthropogenic emissions in the life cycle of Body in White manufactured in new generation steels
Authors: Suski Cássio Aurélio , Ferreira Renan Rosa
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the life cycle of vehicles with Body in White developed in new generation steels (New BIW), in comparison to the current steels used (Current BIW), in order to reduce the mass of the vehicle and anthropogenic emissions. The method was based on the estimation of anthropogenic emissions through simulation in Module GREET2.7, where the life cycle of vehicles with BIW developed in new generation steels (New BIW) was compared with BIW in steels currently used (Current BIW), in order to reduce the mass of the vehicle and its respective emission. As a result, a 2.65% reduction in vehicle mass was obtained, which resulted in a reduction of 0.11 tons of greenhouse gases. Just as, in the comparison of simulated emissions, between the current BIW and the new one, there is a reduction in total GHG emissions of 2.8% during the life cycle of the materials, of 3.6% during the life cycle of the Body of vehicles (BIW, interior, exterior and windows), 2.04% over the complete life cycle of vehicles and 0.78 ℓ/100 km of consumption. The conclusions show that the mass reduction of vehicles developed in new generation steels (New BIW) provides a significant change with regard to anthropogenic emissions, mainly in the vehicle use phase, due to the reduction in the burning of fossil fuels and the study provides an important decision-maker regarding the mitigation of global warming, as it is essential to recognize that motor vehicles are significant air polluters.
Utilization of Activated Carbon Produced from Tea Waste in Composite Hydrogels for Water Treatment Applications
Authors: Pandey Rajan , Mir Irfan Ahmad
Published: September 2023

Hydrogel activated carbon composites are of fundamental importance for water purification applications globally. There are many sources for producing activated carbon but activated carbon from sustainable sources is the need of the hour. The main significance of this work is the use of tea waste to produce activated carbon which is a very low cost and more sustainable source and utilizing this activated carbon as filler to produce hydrogel composites. This study involves the chemical synthesis of acrylamide hydrogels filled with activated carbon and evaluation of their properties for water purification applications. The activity level of activated carbon produced from tea waste using sulfuric acid as an activating agent was determined by iodine number. The activated carbon produced with 1M sulfuric acid showed maximum activity. The effectiveness of the composite for water treatment was studied by the methylene blue absorption. The sample with 10% AC shows the best methylene blue extraction from the solution. The effect of adding activated carbon on swelling properties of hydrogels was also studied. The basic swelling properties of Hydrogels were unaffected by the addition of activated carbon. The overall properties of the composite hydrogel are suitable for its use as low cost option for waste water treatment.
Delayed diagnosis of early-stage placental site trophoblastic tumor: a case report and literature review
Authors: Qian Jing , Xu Song , Li Chen
Published: September 2023

Backgroud
Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is a rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease without typical presentations. The objective of this report is to present a case of PSTT with massive hemorrhage. The diagnosis of PSTT was delayed and ultimately confirmed by the pathology after uterine artery embolization combined with hysteroscopically guided lesion electrosection.
Case report
This case reports a delayed diagnosis of PSTT with severe uterine bleeding. It is difficult to make a clinical diagnosis of PSTT at an early stage. The case provides the ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopic, and pathologic findings of PSTT, highlights the value of uterine artery embolization combined with hysteroscope in the diagnosis of this rare condition.
Conclusion
Most patients of PSTT present with nonspecific symptoms and signs at diagnosis. Occasionally they will experience badly uterine bleeding. Uterine artery embolization followed by operative hysteroscopy plays a vital role in identifying the rare and ambiguous condition.
Case Report: An HIV-Positive Woman Diagnosed with ALK Rearranged Lung Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Cancer with Unusual Metastasis
Authors: Kang Hong , Li Fei , Ye Wangzhong , Wu Shizhen , Yang Tian
Published: September 2023

Background Pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is an exceedingly rare and aggressive type of lung cancer, often associated with metastasis to the brain, bones, adrenal glands and lymph nodes. To date, only a few cases of lung LCNEC with breast metastasis have been reported. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements occur in lung adenocarcinomas, but they are not typical for LCNEC and the median survival of LCNEC patients is approximately 1 year.
Case presentation Here, we presented the case of an HIV-positive woman who was diagnosed with ALK-positive lung LCNEC from breast nodules. The patient responded dramatically to alectinib treatment. She showed an evidently longer median survival time than that reported previously, which suggests the benefit of using ALK inhibitors.
Conclusions Based on our case experience, we recommend next-generation sequencing (NGS) as a routine procedure for patients with LCNEC as it can provide more numbers of therapeutic alternatives.
Outcomes of Primary Tumor Resection in Patients with Stage IV Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Population-Based Survival Analysis
Authors: JIANG Yu , Li Jingfeng , FU Ningzhen , Weng Yuanchi , JIN Jiabin , DENG Xiaxing , Shen Baiyong
Published: September 2023

Background. Evidence is limited supporting the use of primary tumor resection (PTR) for metastasized pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs).
Methods. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset was queried for patients with stage IV pNENs. Landmark analysis was performed to elinimate guarantee-time bias. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses and propensity-score matching (PSM) were performed to compare overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients who received PTR versus no tumor resection (NTR).
Results. Of the 623 patients enrolled, 280 (44.9%) received PTR. Synchronous presentations of varied treatment paradigms revealed surgical intervention significantly increased OS and CSS. PSM analyses revealed improved OS and CSS among patients receiving PTR versus NTR (OS: 53 versus 27months, p<0.0001; CSS: 71versus 27 months, p<0.0001). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the elevated OS was associated with PTR (versus NTR) within subgroups including male, white, T1-3, location except for pancreatic body and Msite 1. The recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) analysis demonstrated Grade I-II (low-risk) and Grade III-IV with Msite 1 (intermediate-risk) but not Grade III-IV with Msite 0 or ≥2 (high-risk) were connected with OS benefits.
Conclusion. PTR improves OS and CSS in metastasized pNENs, provided that these surgical candidates are appropriately selected.
Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic renal cancer
Authors: Izmailov A. A. , Rakhimov R. R. , Sultanbayev A. V. , Menshikov K. V. , Gilyazova I. R. , Zabelin V. M. , Izmailov A. A.
Published: September 2023

Over the past 5 years, checkpoint inhibitors including anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 blockers have changed approaches to therapy of metastatic renal cell cancer. However, more than 55 % of patients with advanced kidney cancer remain resistant to immunotherapy. This paper refects the causes that lead to primary and acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors during the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying resistance to checkpoint inhibitors during the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer. Material and Methods. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed database in the time interval between 2010 and 2023. We identifed 286 publications of which 59 were relevant for our review. Results. There are many factors that contribute to primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy, including factors associated with the tumor cell as well as tumor microenvironment factors. Conclusion. Many innovative approaches to overcoming resistance to monoclonal antibodies are being investigated in clinical trials. In connection with the advent of new methods, the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment and its role in the emergence of tumor resistance to immunotherapy are becoming increasingly clear. New biomarkers are emerging to help identify the best candidates for immunotherapy in metastatic kidney cancer. However, they require further study.
A case report of long-term successful use of maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors in the primary treatment of advanced brca-associated ovarian cancer
Authors: Churuksaeva О. N. , Kolomiets L. А. , Villert А. B.
Published: September 2023

Background. Ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer of the female reproductive system after cervical and uterine cancer and is diagnosed at stage III–IV in 2 out of 3 cases. Maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors signifcantly prolongs disease-free and overall survival. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate long-term remission in a patient with advanced ovarian cancer using maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors (olaparib). Description of the clinical case. A 54-year-old female patient with verifed stage IV ovarian cancer, peritoneal carcinomatosis and left-sided pleurisy received combined modality treatment, including 2 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel/carboplatin, cytoreductive surgery and 6 courses of postoperative chemotherapy with docetaxel/cisplatin. The patient was diagnosed with a somatic BRCA2 gene mutation (c.3708delA), which was detected by tumor DNA sequencing. The patient received maintenance therapy with olaparib for 38 months, resulting in no evidence of disease progression. Conclusion. This clinical case demonstrates the feasibility of using maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors in a patient with initially disseminated platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Olaparib maintenance therapy provides stable long-term remission with no signs of adverse events and determined effect on quality of life of the patient.