bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a National Health Insurance Coverage Benefit Extension Policy on Long-Term Outcomes of Ventilated Patients with Severe Pneumonia: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Yoo Wanho , Jang Hyojin , Lee Min Ki , Park Hye-Kyung , Kim Mi-Hyun , Kim Yeongdae , Son Jungmin , Kim Jinmi , Lee Kwangha
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between 1-year mortality and health insurance benefit extension policy items in severe pneumonia pa-tients requiring mechanical ventilation using a South Korean nationwide cohort. Methods: A nationwide population-based retrospective study was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance database. A total of 1,099 patients (542 patients in the health insurance benefit item group and 557 patients in the control group) were included. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Results: Among patients with health insurance benefit extension policy items, 203 patients (37.5%) were diagnosed with hemato-oncological disease, who were categorized as group A, and 339 patients (62.5%) were diagnosed with cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, or rare diseases, who were categorized as group B. Group B had lower 1-year mortality (50.7% vs. 62.5%, P
Fabrication of Sodium Alginate/Polyethyleneimine/ Polyvinyl Alcohol Multilayer Composite Electrospun Nanofiber Membrane for Cu2+ Removal
Authors: Xie Boshi , Zhang Ziao , Lu Yujie , Cui Lijuan , Xu Chao , Shi Weijian , Wu Shuping
Published: April 2024

In this study, multilayer composite nanofiber membranes of sodium alginate (SA) /polyethyleneimine (PEI)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was fabricated via electrospinning technique to enhance the adsorption of Cu2+ from wastewater. The preparation and adsorption mechanisms of the SA/PEI/PVA nanofiber membranes were analyzed by utilizing analytical techniques such as SEM, FTIR, EDS, UV-vis, XRD, and TG. The obtained nanofiber membrane characterized by small diameter, high uniformity, and extensive surface area, demonstrate significant potential for heavy metal ion filtration. Optimal spinning parameters were identified, including a voltage of 19.5 KV, a distance of 8 cm, and specific mass ratios (SA: PEI: PVA, 1:2:6) and injection speeds (8 μL/min) and. The resulting nanofibers with an average diameter of 112.5 nm exhibited excellent morphology and high efficiency, retaining over 85% adsorption capacity for Cu2+ in initial tests and maintaining above 80% efficacy through four successive filtration cycles.
Clinical Outcome of Patients with Escherichia coli Isolated from Catheter Lumens and/or Peripheral Blood Cultures: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Irigoyen-von-Sierakowsi Álvaro , Díaz-Navarro Marta , Visedo Andrés , Pérez-Granda María Jesús , Martín-Rabadán Pablo , Munoz Patricia , Guembe María
Published: April 2024

Background. Escherichia coli commonly causes catheter-related bloodstream infection (C-RBSI) in specific populations. The differential time to positivity (DTTP) technique is the recommended conservative procedure for diagnosing C-RBSIs. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study of episodes in which E. coli was isolated from catheter lumens obtained using the DTTP technique. We analysed microbiological and clinical data based on the DTTP technique as either catheter colonization, C-RBSI, or non-C-RBSI. Results. We included 89 catheter blood cultures classified as follows: catheter colonization, 33.7%; C-RSBI, 9.0%; and non-C-RBSI, 57,3%. Catheter withdrawal was 15.7% without positive catheter-tip cultures. We found no statistically significant differences in catheter type, antibiotic treatment, or clinical outcome among groups, except for the frequency of catheter lock therapy or in the frequency of successful treatment. Mortality was associated with C-RBSI in only 1 patient. Conclusion. E. coli bacteremia diagnosed by the DTTP technique was non-catheter related in most patients. As the majority of the catheters were retained, E. coli bacteremia could not be microbiologically confirmed or ruled out as catheter related by catheter-tip culture. Future studies are needed to assess the profitability of the DTTP technique for diagnosing E. coli C-RBSIs..
Non-syndromic and Syndromic Defects in Children with Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors (eGCT): Data of 2,610 Children Registered with the German MAKEI 96/MAHO 98 Registry Compared to the General Population
Authors: Schultewolter Judit , Rißmann Anke K. , Von Schweinitz Dietrich , Frühwald Michael , Blattmann Claudia , Fischer Lars , Lange Bjoern Soenke , Wessalowski Rüdiger , Fröhlich Birgit , Behnisch Wolfgang , Schmid Irene , Reinhard Harald , Duerken Matthias , Hundsdoerfer Patrick , Heimbrodt Martin , Vokuhl Christian , Schönberger Stefan , Schneider Dominik T. , Seitz Guido , Göbel Ulrich , Von Kries Rüdiger , Reutter Heiko M. , Calaminus Gabriele
Published: April 2024

GCTs are developmental tumors and likely to reflect ontogenetic and teratogenetic determinants. The objective was to identify syndromes with or without congenital anomalies and non-syndromic defects as potential risk factors.
Patients with extracranial GCTs (eGCTs) registered in MAKEI 96/MAHO 98 between 1996 and 2017 were used. According to Teilum's holistic concept malignant and benign teratomas were registered. We used a case control study design with Orphanet as a reference group for syndromic defects and the Mainz birth registry (EUROCAT) for congenital anomalies at birth. Co-occurring genetic syndromes and/or congenital anomalies were assessed accordingly. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and p-values for Fisher’s exact test with Bonferroni correction if needed.
A strong association was confirmed for Swyer (OR 338.6, 95% CI 43.7-2623.6) and Currarino syndrome (OR 34.2, 95% CI 13.2-88.6). We additionally found 17 isolated cases of eGCT with a wide range of syndromes, however not significantly associated following Bonferroni correction. All these cases pertained to girls. Regarding non-syndromic defects, no association with eGCTs could be identified.
In our study we confirmed a strong association for Swyer and Currarino syndromes with additional congenital anomalies.
Unveiling the Nexus: Sulphur Dioxide Exposure, Proximity to Mining, And Respiratory Illnesses in Kankoyo: A Mixed-Methods Investigation
Authors: Chihana Sipiwe , Mbale Jameson , Chaamwe Nchimunya
Published: April 2024

The emission of sulphur dioxide (SO2) from mining activities presents a substantial risk to public health, especially in populations located near mine industrial regions. This study investigated the potential correlation between exposure to sulphur dioxide (SO2) and its effects on respiratory health in Kankoyo Township, Zambia. A variety of methodologies were employed in this study, encompassing community participation, expert interviews, spatial analysis, and a retrospective examination of health and SO2 data for Kankoyo spanning 15 years. The results of our research indicated a worrisome correlation between the community and the presence of SO2, which has had a significant impact on their lives. The expert interviews also emphasized the effects of SO2, with respiratory cases accounting for approximately 75% of the reported cases. Additionally, the clinic officer observed that asthma cases have decreased following the implementation of a monitoring station in the community. Furthermore, overall emissions of SO2 have decreased since the upgrade of the smelter operation. A probable association was identified in the retrospective analysis between exposure to SO2 and the occurrence of asthma, respiratory non-pneumonia, and pneumonia infections. The findings of the retrospective research revealed a substantial association between SO2 concentrations and the susceptibility of individuals aged 5 years and older to asthma, respiratory non-pneumonia, and pneumonia infections. The results of the spatial study indicated that Kankoyo exhibited a significant level of SO2 pollution, above the established limitations set by the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) by an alarming margin of 1713%. In response to the challenges identified, this study proposed several measures. These measures encompassed the implementation of a requirement for regulators such as ZEMA and local communities to have access to real-time pollution data from mines, to enhance transparency. Additionally, the deployment of affordable air quality sensors, the resolution of medication shortages, the establishment of specialized respiratory health clinics, the initiation of IT-driven public awareness campaigns, and the expansion of research to investigate additional pollutants and confounding factors were also recommended.
Calibration and Modelling of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament for Diabetic Foot Management
Authors: Castro-Martins Pedro , Coelho Luis , Campilho R.D.S.G.
Published: April 2024

Diabetic foot is a serious complication that poses significant risks for diabetic people. The resulting reduction in protective sensitivity in the plantar region requires early detection to prevent the imminent ulceration and amputation. The primary method employed for evaluating this sensitivity loss is the 10 g f Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, commonly used as a first-line procedure. However, the lack of calibration in existing devices often introduces decision errors due to unreliable feedback. In this paper, a new equipment designed to address these limitations and enhance the assessment of the sensitivity loss using the 10 g f monofilament is introduced. The proposed system automates metrological verification and evaluation processes, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Furthermore, it simulates the practitioner’s procedure, serving both as a valuable training tool and a means to provide force-feedback information. An analytical model of the monofilament buckling and deflection is also presented. The obtained results showed that the tested monofilaments had a very high error compared to the 10 g f declared by the manufacturers. It is aimed, by introducing this advanced equipment, to improve the precision and reliability of assessing the sensitivity loss. The integration of automated verification, simulation capabilities, and precise measurements shows great promise for diabetic patients, reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes such as ulceration and amputation.
Clip Closure and PuraStat for Prevention of Clinically Significant Delayed Bleeding after Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Ciocirlan Mihai , Bilous Dana , Gila Andrei , Leucuta Daniel Corneliu , Mihaila Daniela Elena , Tulin Adrian , Gheorghiu Anca , Tianu Elena , Vladut Catalina
Published: April 2024

Background and aims. Clinically significant delayed bleeding (CSDB) may complicate endoscopic colorectal submucosal dissection (ESD).
Methods. We assessed the results of a prospective registry of colorectal ESD. We evaluated the effect of clip closure and PuraStat application for prevention of CSDB.
Results. 40 patients with 41 colorectal ESD were included. ESD was successful in 38 lesions (92.7%), 35 with R0 resection (92.1%) and 33 with curative resection (86.8%). CSDB occurred in 3 out 38 lesions (7.9%, 95% CI [1.7 – 21.4%]), exclusively after rectal ESD (3 of 22 rectal lesions vs. 0 of 16 colonic lesions, p = 0.249).
Clip closure was more frequently used after colonic ESD (12 of 16 colonic lesions vs. 2 of 22 rectal lesions, p < 0.001) and was not protective for CSDB in univariate analysis, even though no events occurred after clip closure (0 of 14 lesions with clip closure vs. 3 of 27 lesions without, p = 0.283).
PuraStat was more frequently applied after ESD for rectal lesions (16 of 22 rectal lesions vs. 2 of 16 colonic le-sions, p < 0.001) and was not protective for CSDB, all three events occurring after PuraStat application (3 of 21 lesions with PuraStat application vs. 0 of 20 lesions without, p = 0.097).
Conclusions. CSDB occurred exclusively after rectal ESD, and no predictive factors were identified in uni-variate analysis. Clip closure and PuraStat application were not protective for CSDB.
A Heuristic Scheduling Algorithm in Cloud-Based Additive Manufacturing; an Approach to Using Critical Chain Buffer Management Technique
Authors: Zohrehvandi Shakib , Knapčíková Lucia
Published: April 2024

In the past few years, cloud-based additive manufacturing has shown its application and potential in industries. For this reason, when the demand for cloud-based additive products increases, efficient scheduling of related tasks becomes more important to achieve optimized duration. This research proposes a Heuristic Scheduling Algorithm (HSA) for use in Cloud-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) with an approach to Critical Chain Buffer Management (CC/BM). This research aims to schedule and optimize the time in cloud-based additive manufacturing, in addition to the parts production process, it also includes the steps of receiving online orders and informing the manufacturing unit and sending them to the customer. The HSA proposed in this research consists of three phases 1- Buffer sizing, 2- Additive manufacturing and logistics scheduling, and 3- Buffer controlling. To evaluate, the performance of the algorithm is simulated. The finding shows that the proposed HAS can effectively solve the CBAM scheduling problem.
Combustion Characteristics, Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Peanut Shell for Its Bioenergy Valorization
Authors: Lei Jialiu , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Biao , Liu Zicong , Fu Yongjun
Published: April 2024

To realize the utilization of peanut shell, this study investigates the combustion behavior, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamic parameters of peanut shell using TGA under atmospheric air. Results indicate that increasing the heating rate leads to higher ignition, burnout, and peak temperatures, as observed in the TG/DTG curves shifting to the right. Analysis of combustion performance parameters suggest that higher heating rates can enhance combustion performances. Kinetic analysis using two model-free methods, KAS and FWO, shows that the activation energy (Eα) ranges from 93.30 to 109.65 kJ/mol for FWO and 89.72 to 103.88 kJ/mol for KAS. The data fit well with coefficient of determination values (R2) close to 1. Pre-exponential factors using FWO range from 2.19×106 to 8.06×107 s–1, and for KAS range from9.72×105 to 2.25×107 s–1. Thermodynamic analysis indicates a low-energy barrier (≤ ±6 kJ/mol) between activation energy and enthalpy changes, suggesting easy reaction initiation. Furthermore, variations in enthalpy (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and entropy (ΔS) upon conversion (α) suggest that peanut shell combustion is endothermic and non-spontaneous, with the generation of more homogeneous or well-ordered products as combustion progresses. These findings offer a theoretical basis and data support for the further utilization of agricultural biomass.
First Account of Epibiotic Diatoms Taxa from the Shells of Green Swimming Crabs Callinectes bellicosus (Stimpson 1859) (Decapoda, Portunidae)
Authors: López-Fuerte Francisco Omar , Siqueiros Beltrones David Alfaro , Hernández Luis , Flores-Ramírez Sergio
Published: April 2024

Diatoms are among the most common epibionts and have been recorded on the surfaces of various living substrates, either plants or animals. However, said studies are still scarce in view of the many substrata available. In this study, epibiotic diatoms living on Callinectes bellicosus were identified for the first time from a subtropical coastal lagoon in northwest Mexico. We tested the null hypothesis that the diatom flora living on the shells of C. bellicosus would not be similar to that recorded for mangrove sediments, its typical habitat. The epibiotic diatoms were brushed off from the carapaces of two specimens, acid-cleaned, mounted in synthetic resin, and identified based on frustule morphology. In this way, 106 taxa from 45 genera were recorded, including 24 singletons, and six new records for the Mexican northwest region. The best-represented genera were Nitzschia (10 taxa), Mastogloia (9), Diploneis (7), Navicula (7), Amphora (5), Cocconeis (5), Tryblionella (4), and Gyrosigma (4). Species composition included 93% of local taxa, thus refuting the proposed hypothesis and supporting the alternate one. Although the estimated species richness was lower than in sediments, it deems the green crab carapace a favorable substrate for the growth of benthic diatoms.
Association of Hepatitis B Virus E Antigen With HBV Viral Load in Botswana
Authors: Othusitse Lebogang , Phinius Bonolo B. , Wateka Kutlo , Mpebe Gorata , Choga Wonderful T. , Bhebhe Lynnette , Phakedi Basetsana , Ditshwanelo Doreen , Ratsoma Tsholofelo , Baruti Kabo , Jongman Mosimanegape , Lebani Kebaneilwe , Moyo Sikhulile , Anderson Motswedi , Gaseitsiwe Simani
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load (VL) is useful in determining treatment eligibility, however, due to high costs associated with the test, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is recommended as a proxy for HBV VL in resource-limited settings. (2) Methods: We used 299 archived plasma samples with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg, and HBV VL (cut-off of 20,000 IU/mL and 200,000 IU/mL) results from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). HBeAg and HBV VL results were analyzed to evaluate the use of HBeAg to determine CHB treatment eligibility and qualification of HBV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) prophylaxis for the first time in Botswana. (3) Results: Approximately 70.8% and 87.5% of participants with HBeAg-positive serology had HBV viral loads ≥20,000 IU/mL and 200,000 IU/mL respectively. Using logistic regression, the odds of having a qualifying HBV VL for CHB treatment and PMTCT prophylaxis were respectively 55.5 and 110.4 times higher in participants with positive HBeAg serology indicating a statistically significant association between HBeAg status and HBV VL. (4) Conclusions: HBeAg detection may not always correlate with high HBV VL, warranting further research focusing on this association, and other biomarkers that correlate better with HBV VL.
Some Results on Coefﬁcient Estimate Problems for Four-Leaf-Type Bounded Turning Functions
Authors: Wen Chuanjun , LI Zongtao , Guo Dong
Published: April 2024

Let BT4l denotes a subclass of bounded turning functions connected with a four-leaf-type domain. The goal of the study is to probe into coefﬁcients of |b6|, |b7|, |b8|, the bounds of the logarithmic coefﬁcients and the third-order determinants of H3,1, H3,2, H3,3 for functions in this class.
How to Cristallize a Glass with a Femtosecond Laser
Authors: QUE Ruyue , Lancry Matthieu , Cavillon Maxime , Poumellec Bertrand
Published: April 2024

Crystallization of glass through conventional thermal annealing in a furnace is a well-understood process. However, crystallization by femtosecond (fs) laser brings another dimension to this process. The pulsed nature of the irradiation necessitates a reevaluation of parameters for optimal crystallization and to understand the particularities in the case of using fs laser. This includes adjusting the laser pulse energy, the repetition rate, and the writing speed to either initiate nucleation or achieve substantial crystal growth. Therefore, a key challenge to this work is to establish reliable calculations for understanding the relation of the size of the crystallized region with respect to an ongoing transition (e.g., solid-to-solid, liquid-to-solid), and accounting for the aforementioned laser parameters. In this context and based on previous work, we simulate a temperature distribution (in space and time) to model the thermal treatment at any point in the glass. By setting the condition that the temperatures are between the glass transition and melting temperature, we can deduce the crystallized region size to be compared with experimental observations. For that purpose, the knowledge of the beam width at the focal point and of the absorbed beam energy fraction are critical inputs that were extracted from experiments found in the literature. After that, management of the crystallization process and the width of the crystallization line can be achieved according to pulse energy e.g. crystallite size, and also the effect of the scanning speed can be understood. Among the main conclusions to highlight, we disclose the laser conditions that determine the extent of the crystallized area and deduce that it is never interesting to increase the pulse energy too much but rather the repetition rate for uniform crystallized line.
Techno-Feasibility Assessment of a Floating Breakwater Concept for Supporting Marine Renewables in Deep Waters
Authors: Borg Andrew , Cutajar Charise , Sant Tonio , Farrugia Robert N. , Buhagiar Daniel
Published: April 2024

Previous research has proven that one of the fundamental requirements for ensuring increased profitability and economic competitiveness of offshore-based projects is co-locating different technologies within the same marine space. This paper presents a number of techno-feasibility analyses for floating offshore technologies for the Maltese Islands, located in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The first part compares the feasibility of offshore-based solar photovoltaic prices with those onshore, taking into consideration Malta’s land prices. The second part considers the use of a novel floating breakwater design that integrates energy storage. The breakwater is used to create a sheltered water area in deep waters for a multi-use marine park. Different revenue streams for the floating break water are considered, including renting the sheltered marine space out to operators of floating solar farms, aquaculture cages and vessel berthing facilities, and the provision of energy storage services. It is found that the combined income from the multiple revenue streams is still insufficient to justify the investment and that financially support from Government is essential to render the floating breakwaters viable.
Impact and Mechanism of High Standard Farmland Construction on Farmland Abandonment: A Moderated Mediating Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Zhang Xu , Zhou Wangyue , Li Jianfu , Weng Zhenlin , Gao Xueping
Published: April 2024

At present, farmland abandonment（FA）is a severe phenomenon in China, imposing a serious restriction on agricultural production. In this context, it is of great significance to explore the logical relationship between high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) and FA to optimize land resource allocation and guarantee national food security. Based on 838 samples of farmers in the main rice production area of the Yangtze River Basin in China, this paper employs the Tobit model, the mediating effect model, and the moderated mediating effect model to analyze the impact of HSFC on FA at the micro level. The results show that (1) HSFC inhibits FA, and FA proportion decreases by 1.14% for every 1% increase in HSFC proportion, and the robustness test and endogeneity treatment also yield consistent conclusions. (2) Agricultural socialization services (ASS) play a positive mediating role in the influence path. HSFC promotes farmers' purchase of ASS, which in turn inhibits FA. (3) The agricultural labor transfer distance (ALTD) plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between HSFC and FA. The farther the distance, the more likely HSFC can promote farmers' purchase of ASS and inhibit FA. The results provide enlightenment on how to precisely implement HSFC policy, that is, to inhibit FA by improving the construction of high-standard farmland and the post-construction management as well as protection system. Moreover, this study helps guiding the development of ASS and optimizing the institutional environment for agricultural labor transfer, creating conditions for agricultural scale management.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Among HIV-1 Patients From Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sebastião Cruz , Rafael Carlos , Pimentel Victor , Abecasis Ana , Morais Joana
Published: April 2024

Two decades after the antiretroviral therapy (ART) introduction, several challenges still prevail in maintaining people living with HIV (PLHIV), even with "Test and Treat" and/or "Rapid Start of ART" initiatives, as well as the scale-up of ART worldwide to promote access and adherence to treatment. This review examined articles on ART adherence in Africa between 2016 and 2023, published in English and indexed in PubMed. A total of 16 articles out of 2415 were eligible and included for analyses. Overall, ART adherence rates in SSA regions ranged from 43% to 84%. Rates in the centre of the SSA region ranged from 58% to 80%, in the north from 50% to 83%, in the south from 77% to 84%, in the west from 43% to 60% and in the east from 69% to 73%. Most African countries use the self-report to assess treatment adherence, although unreliable. The main factors with negative influence on ART adherence were comorbidities, lack of motivation, socioeconomic difficulties or side effects. Conclusion: Adherence to ART is a good indicator for controlling the spread of HIV. It is important to overcome the barriers that make it difficult to comply with ART and reinforce the factors that facilitate the accession of medication.
Short-Term Clinical Results of Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) Procedure
Authors: Alaj Eissa , Seidiramool Vahid , Ciobanu Veaceslav , Bakhtiary Farhad , Monsefi Nadejda
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is an alternative for revascularisation of isolated left anterior descending (LAD) or as multi-vessel (MV) procedure for diagonal branch (RD) or circumflex artery (RCX) region.
Methods: From 2021 to 2022 91 patients underwent MIDCAB procedure in our heartcenter. 80% were male. Eighty percent of the patients had two or three vessel coronary artery disease. Mean age was 65±10 years. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was anastomosed to the left anterior descending via left minithoracotomy approach in all patients. Fourteen patients received multi-vessel MIDCAB (15%) with two or three anastomoses a saphenous vein graft (as T-graft to LIMA) was anastomosed to RD or RCX.
Results: Mean operation time was 2.6±0.8 hours. The 30-day mortality was 0. Mean required packed red blood cells (pRBC) was 0.4±1.2 unit. The intensive care unit stay (ICU) was 1.5±1.6 days mean. We observed two patients (2%) with wound infections postoperatively. Four patients underwent rethoracotomy because of bleeding. Mean follow-up time was 1.5±0.5 years. Seventy-eight patients (86%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 1, 11 patients (12%) were in NYHA class 2. One patient received percutaneous coronary intervention due to de novo stenosis of the RCA. Late mortality was 2%. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 98.8% at 1 and 2 years.
Conclusion: MIDCAB is technically demanding. Our postoperative and short-term clinical results demonstrate that this procedure is safe and feasible. Optimal patient selection and an experienced surgical team are mandatory.
Prebiotic, probiotic and marine algae suplementation in juvenile tilapia diet
Authors: Ranzani-Paiva Maria José T. , Dias Danielle de Carla , Cavalcante Raissa Bertoncello , Telli Guilherme , Oshiro Eliana , Ishikawa Carlos Massatoshi , Petesse Maria Letizia , Fernandez-Alarcon Miguel Frederico , Natori Mariene Miyoko , Moriñigo Miguel Angel , Tapia Silvana , Hamed Said Ben , Tachibana Leonardo
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated the probiotic mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), and marine algae for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) feeding. The parameters analyzed were fish-growth rate, hematological and immunological parameters, and intestinal microbiota. Also, fish were submitted to experimental infection challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila to evaluate the immune response. Nile tilapia juveniles (weight 8.86 ± 3.22 g) were used in the six treatments with four replicates, for 63 days. The treatments were: control basal diet; PAS-TR: basal diet plus 0.04 g·kg-1 of the probiotic (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis); MOS: basal diet plus 4 g·kg-1 of the prebiotic mannooligosaccharide, 4 g·kg-1 of the prebiotic Kappaphycus alvarezii. Two more diets were formulated by a combination of PAS-TR + MOS (4 +4 g·kg-1), and PAS-TR + KAP (4 +4 g·kg-1). For the challenge experiment, the fish were fed for 21 days, infected via intraperitoneal injection with A. hydrophila (1 x 106 UFC·mL-1), and the mortality rate was registered for 15 days post-infection. Results indicated the capacity of probiotic to remain in the gut for 63 days, and it was inhibited neither by autochthonous microbiota nor by prebiotics used. The feed additives tested for Nile tilapia did not cause a beneficial or adverse effect on growth or hematological variables. However, these treatments protected the fish from A. hydrophyla infection, proved by higher survival rate, and relative protection levels. We concluded that probiotic PAS-TR and prebiotics MOS and KAP, combined or not as symbiotics, may promote immune protection and reduce the mortality rate of A. hydrophyla infection.
China’s Contribution Through Belt and Road initiative in The New Era
Authors: Jastacia Bella
Published: April 2024

In recent years, China's swift economic growth has played a larger role in the global economy. Implemented innovation categories include manufacturing production centers, technological innovation, infrastructure and investment, space exploration, financial technology, the e-commerce revolution, and electric vehicles. China will continue to invest in research and development, high technology, and other strategic sectors to maintain sustainable eco-nomic growth and play a larger role in the global economy in the new era, as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has had a significant impact on the future of the world, such as the construction of infrastructure, education, culture, and also for agriculture.
SEO: TIPS to Minimize Bounce Rate of Website User
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Noman , Iqbal Muhammad , Manzoor Amir , Muneeb Abid Malik , Raza Talpur Samar
Published: April 2024

Due to extensive use of the Internet, the WEB holds an immeasurable amount of data, and Search Engines (SE) are essential tools for finding, sorting, and ranking the value of that data on the web. The potential of SEs is very significant because a major portion of web traffic is driven by SEs, such as Google, Bing, Baidu, Yahoo, etc., and their results route end-users to specific websites. Due to the vital role of SEs, search results are becoming decisive for the website owners to compete with their rivals. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a key process for getting better online visibility on search results from search engines. The objective of this study is to technically justify the importance of search engines and SEO. More specifically, the main emphasis is to quantify the importance of bounce rate and load time of retaining users on the website. Data from the web development blog “MLT” has been extracted to demonstrate the impact of SEO on website performance, bounce rate, and loading time. Google Analytics and Page Speed Insight have been employed to get the impact of SEO. Finally, the addition of SEO elements on an experimental project and the positive impact on websites are explained. Results attained from the experimental work demonstrate the significance of key SEO factors in minimizing the Bounce rate.
Structure of the Hydrothermal System of Thermal Fields Inferred from Geological-Geophysical Modeling: A Case Study of the Kambalny Volcanic Ridge (Kamchatka)
Authors: Nuzhdaev I.А. , Rychagov S.N. , Feofilaktov S.О. , Bukatov Yu.Yu.
Published: April 2024

––Based on integrated structural and geophysical studies and generalization of geophysical, hydrogeological, mineralogical, geochemical and other data, it is shown that the southern cluster of thermal fields of the Kambalny volcanic ridge (South Kamchatka) is included in the modern hydrothermal system. New data on the structure of the steam hydrotherm discharge area investigated to a depth of about 300 m have been obtained. The structural and hydrodynamic connection between two thermal fields from this group has been established. The Kambalny Ridge geothermal system embracing all major clusters of thermal fields is assumed to have a single deep-seated source of heat supply.
Conditions for Generation, Accumulation, and Preservation of Oil and Gas in Permian Strata, Northwestern Anabar–Khatanga Oil and Gas Region
Authors: Larichev A.I. , Bostrikov O.I. , Khabarov A.N.
Published: April 2024

—Integrated seismic, drilling, and generalizing scientific research in the southeastern Anabar–Khatanga oil and gas region (OGR) since the early 1930s led to discoveries of small oil and gas occurrences and one large Central Olgino oil field. However, the petroleum potential of the northwestern part of the region remains poorly investigated and evaluated. To assess the prospects for the oil and gas potential of this territory, all seismic and geological and geochemical information was used, including four new wells drilled in the Sopochnoe uplift and the Zhuravliny swell. The scales of oil and gas formation, accumulation and destruction of hydrocarbon accumulations in the Permian deposits, which are the most promising in terms of the initial potential of the source rocks included in their composition, is given. The source rocks of the Upper Kozhevnikovo, Lower Kozhevnikovo, and Tustakh formations have been characterized in terms of thickness, contents of organic carbon and chloroform bitumen, maturity (catagenesis) of organic matter, and density of oil migration and gas generation. The maximum possible estimates of oil and gas resources that can potentially accumulate in structural traps, without migration losses, are obtained for each of the three reservoir formations by basin modeling. Judging by geological and geochemical criteria, the Upper Kozhevnikovo Formation can preserve only a minor portion of initially accumulated hydrocarbons, while the oil and gas accumulations, as well as the petroleum generation potential of organic matter in the Lower Kozhevnikovo and Tustakh formations, were destroyed by late Permian–Early Triassic trap magmatism and Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonic activity.
Two Types of Symplectites in a Lower Crust Granulite Xenolith from the Zarnitsa Kimberlite (Yakutia): A Record of Si-Metasomatism and Decompression
Authors: Sapegina A.V. , Perchuk A.L. , Shatsky V.S.
Published: April 2024

––The paper presents data on a granulite xenolith from the Zarnitsa kimberlite pipe (Yakutia, Russia), which stores a record of two metasomatic events in addition to the main stage of metamorphism. The granulitic mineral assemblage consists of garnet, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase as main phases. The granulite xenolith contains kyanite–clinopyroxene and later orthopyroxene–plagioclase symplectites. Kyanite–clinopyroxene symplectites appear as short veins inside or between grains of rock-forming minerals. Orthopyroxene–plagioclase symplectites form kelyphite rims in all garnets or occur as veins in garnet grains. The P–T conditions for granulite in the lower crust reconstructed by Perple_X phase equilibrium modeling are 700–750 ℃ and 1.2–1.3 GPa. According to TWQ thermodynamic calculations, the kyanite–clinopyroxene symplectites were produced by Si-metasomatism at invariable Р–Т parameters. The growth of orthopyroxene–plagioclase symplectites after garnet was maintained by Ca inputs upon heating and decompression (200 ℃ temperature increase and 0.6 GPa pressure decrease) while the xenolith was transported by ascending kimberlite melt.
The Growing Trend of Degenerative Spine Surgery Under Spinal Anesthesia in the Elderly: Empowering Patient Safety: A Series of 83 Cases
Authors: Nair Vishnu Vikraman , Kundnani Vishal , Patel Jenil , Chodavadiya Sunil , Patil Maitreya , Dewnany Nikhil
Published: April 2024

Objective: Awake spine surgery has improved patient outcomes in common orthopaedic procedures. Integrating it into spine surgery is of interest to surgeons since it may reduce the difficulties and complications associated with general anaesthesia. The demand for safe spine surgery is rising due to healthcare improvements and increasing ageing population. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of spine surgery under spinal anesthesia for elderly patients aged 65 and older.Methods: In a retrospective review, 83 lower lumbar spine surgeries performed under spinal anesthesia by a single surgeon at a single hospital from 2015 to 2019 were examined. All procedure-related data was collected prospectively for analysis. This study explored demographic characteristics, surgical features, perioperative concerns, and anesthesia-related obstacles in spine surgery under spinal anaesthesia.Results: This study included 83 patients aged 65 years and older. Following follow-up, visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores considerably improved (p<0.05). Patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical characteristics classification grade II had the highest count. The most common level was L4–5. About 7.2% of patients needed multiple spinal procedures. The average induction time was 20.2±9.6 minutes. The average intraoperative operation lasted 84.0±17.20 minutes. The shifting-out process took 7.95±2.10 minutes to start. The mean intraoperative arterial blood pressure was 70.7±10.8 mmHg, and the mean heart rate was 69.0±7.2 beats per minute. The average postoperative analgesia initiation time was 79.9±7.7 minutes. The average postoperative stay was 3.02±0.83 days. In 10.8% of individuals, cerebrospinal fluid was found. 1.2% of patients experienced postoperative hypotension, 12% experienced nausea and vomiting. Infection occurred in 2.4% of patients, and 14.5% experienced post-operative urinary retention.Conclusion: This case series shows that older patients can undergo lumbar fusion, decompression surgeries under spinal anesthesia with a skilled anaesthesia team. Additionally, spinal anaesthesia substantially minimised dangers and concerns related with general aanaesthesia.
A new objective diagnostic method for CHF that lays the foundation for objective classification and precision medicine for chronic heart failure
Authors: Vanni Rosalba
Published: April 2024

Objectives
To compare blood flow in the pulmonary microcirculation (Qp), cardiac output (Qt), the Qp/Qt ratio, and shunt blood flow (Qs) among three different age groups, healthy individuals and patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) class III. The purpose of this comparative and methodological study, utilizing equations from a mathematical model and different analytical techniques, was to objectively diagnose CHF.
Method
Experimental data obtained through various techniques from three groups of subjects were entered into equations measuring Qt (L/min), Qp (L/min), Qs (L/min), and the Qp/Qt ratio.
Results
At rest: Group I, healthy and young subjects aged 26.3 ± 4.6 years, Qp = 4.15 L/min; Group II, non-CHF normal controls aged 62.3 ± 10.3 years, Qp = 4.595 L/min; Group III, CHF patients aged 62.4 ± 8.3 years, who had New York Heart Association functional class III failure, Qp = 5.51 L/min.
During exercise: CHF patients (Group III) at 50 W during exhaustive exercise, Qp = 8.45 L/min; non-CHF normal controls (Group II) at 50 W during nonexhaustive exercise, Qp = 15.372 L/min. Group I, at 340 W during exhaustive exercise, Qp = 23.22 L/min.
Conclusions
This new diagnostic method performed an initial objective characterization of CHF class III patients, laying the foundation for an objective classification of the four classes of CHF patients and subsequent precision medicine.
Instilling the perception of weight in augmented reality using minimal haptic feedback
Authors: Watkins Alexandra , Ghosh Ritam , Ullal Akshith , Sarkar Nilanjan
Published: April 2024

Humans perceive gravitational forces on their surroundings through a mix of visual and sensorimotor cues. The accurate presentation of such cues is a difficult task in Mixed/Augmented Reality (MR/AR), technological paradigms that blend physical and virtual elements to enhance the way we interact with our environment. Realistically perceiving the weight of virtual elements within a MR/AR scenario aids in the embodiment of those elements within the user's reality, further blurring the lines between what is real and virtual. Unfortunately, current force feedback devices are not designed for or are entirely compatible with MR/AR experiences. To address this need, we explore minimal haptic feedback for weight perception in MR/AR, aiming to simplify the rendering of gravitational cues that are crucial to an immersive experience. Our benchtop device, focused on wrist feedback, showed improved user experience even within an implicit weight feedback task, i.e., a task where weight perception was not required for task completion. However, challenges arose in mixed real-virtual environments, a cornerstone of MR/AR interaction, where weight discrimination was observed to be less accurate. To address this, we developed a compensation scheme for virtual weights, leading to performance on par with a purely virtual environment. Our work demonstrates the viability of minimal haptic feedback in MR/AR applications and highlights the importance of integrating weight perception for increased realism. Our work also fills a research gap in MR/AR development, providing insights for designing future MR/AR systems that integrate with human sensory mechanisms to create virtual interactions that more closely mirror the physical world.
Networking the desert plant microbiome, bacterial and fungal symbionts structure and assortativity in co-occurrence networks
Authors: Maurice Kenji , Laurent-Webb Liam , Bourceret Amélia , Boivin Stéphane , Boukcim Hassan , Selosse Marc-André , Ducousso Marc
Published: April 2024

In nature, microbes do not thrive in seclusion but are involved in complex interactions within- and between-microbial kingdoms. Among these, symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria are namely known to improve plant health, while providing resources to benefit other microbial members. Yet, it is not clear how these symbionts interact between each other or how they impact the microbiota network architecture. We used an extensive co-occurrence network analysis, including rhizosphere and roots samples from six plant species in a natural desert in AlUla (KSA) and described how these symbionts were structured within the plant microbiota network. We found that plant species was a significant driver of its microbiota composition and also of the specificity of its interactions at the taxa level. Despite this specificity, a covariance motif was conserved across all networks, i.e., mycorrhizal fungi highly covaried with other mycorrhizal fungi, especially in plant roots — this pattern is known as assortativity. This structural property might reflect their ecological niche preference or their ability to opportunistically colonize roots of plant species considered non symbiotic. Furthermore, these results are consistent with previous findings regarding the architecture of the gut microbiome network, where we also identified a high level of assortativity at the level of bacterial and fungal orders, suggesting the existence of general rules of microbiome assembly. Otherwise, the bacterial symbionts Rhizobiales and Frankiales covaried with other bacterial and fungal members, and were highly structural to the intra- and inter-kingdom networks. Our extensive co-occurrence network analysis of plant microbiota and study of symbiont assortativity, provided further evidence on the importance of bacterial and fungal symbionts in structuring the global plant microbiota network.
Holistic Analysis of Ganga Basin Water Quality: A Statistical Approach with WQI, HMCI, HMQI,and HRI Indices
Authors: Tiwari Dipti , Kumar Rajendra , Yadav Monika , rai Sarojni , Singh Santosh kumar
Published: April 2024

One of the biggest perpetual streams, the Ganga, preserves the cultural legacy of the Indian subcontinent while providing millions of people who live along its banks. As a result of its unlimited utilization, the rivers also get contaminated by untreated wastewater discharged from various sources. The current study assesses water samples at regular intervals for analyzing variations in physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and the potential health risk of heavy metals at 8 monitoring sites in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, Prayagraj, India, during the years 2021–22. The outcomes were compared with the drinking water guidelines suggested by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Water quality index findings showed that the water quality had significantly decreased in several areas, such as S2 in the Ganga region and S8 in the Yamuna region. Although the levels of heavy metals Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Mn, and Cr in rivers water varied from "low" to "high, Pb and Cd particularly were beyond the permissible limit. The analyzed findings of the Health Risk Assessment (HRI) show the same: Ganga Region at S4 and Yamuna Region at S-8 show health risks due to increased levels of Pb and Cd. Similarly, the Heavy Metal Contamination Index (HMCI) ranged from 733.78 to 981.33, which shows that all Ganga Rivers and Yamuna samples were graded as highly polluted, and the Heavy Metal Quality Index (HMQI) indicated almost identical patterns. Among all the samples collected from the study area, there is a warning level of HMQI > 1, especially Site 4 and Site 8, which show the most elevated values and high-risk factors for the local population if they utilize rivers water as their primary source of drinking water. Moreover, to find any possible correlations between the measured water quality indicators, a Pearson's correlation matrix was established, followed by a heat map that showed DO, pH, alkalinity, and SO4 are positively corelated at the same time, except Zn and Mg, all heavy metals are strongly corelated with each other.
Prevalence and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease According to the Lyon Consensus in Patients With Morbid Obesity
Authors: Pulido Laura , Carrión Sílvia , Mans Esther , Sánchez Emma , Martínez Miguel , Mundet Lluís , Palomera Elisabet , Clavé Pere
Published: April 2024

Background: Morbid obesity (MO) is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) through little-known mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and pathophysiology of GERD in patients with MO.
Methods: Fifty-one patients with MO selected for bariatric surgery underwent clinical questionnaires, endoscopy, high-resolution manometry and 24-hour-pH-impedance. Patients were classified according to the Lyon Consensus: 1) with GERD (Acid exposure time, AET ≥ 6%), 2) without GERD (AET ≤ 4%), and 3) borderline (AET 4 – 6%).
Results: Patients with GERD (21.6%) had more episodes (93.4 ± 47.8 vs 47.1 ± 29.1, p = 0.000), longer duration (39.5 ± 30.6 vs 6.6 ± 6.0 min, p = 0.000), higher proximal involvement (17.4 ± 12.3 vs 5.7 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001) and lower mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) (1635 ± 1075 vs 2666 ± 1515 Ω, p = 0.035). Manometry found higher prevalence of hiatal hernia in GERD patients (27.3 vs 3.0% type-II and 27.3 vs. 18.2% type-III, p = 0.031) but similar low esophagogastric junction contractile integral (18.6 ± 23.1 vs 32.4 ± 30.5 mmHg·s·cm, p = 0.113) and prevalence of dysmotility (27.3 vs 33.3%, p = 0.510). Esophagitis A-B was found in 7.9% of patients, without differences between groups.
Conclusion: Non-erosive GERD is highly prevalent in MO and associated with hiatal hernia, increased number and proximal extent of reflux episodes and low MNBI, important pathophysiologic information for the surgical approach for MO patients.