bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of demographic changes in Poland on the development of the aesthetic medicine market
Authors: Tomaszewski Mateusz
Published: December 2023

The phenomenon of an "aging Polish society" is a multi‑faceted problem which includes, among others, an increase in average life expectancy, an increased proportion of older people in the population, as well as migration to large cities. These changes, which have been taking place for many years, have impacted the development of the aesthetic medicine market. Through analyzing the general population demographics against the demographics of the aesthetic medicine market, we believe that in the coming years there will be an increased demand for aesthetic treatments in people over 50 years of age, especially in offices located in large urban centers.
On the Equality of ‘Stopping Times’ of Hailstone Numbers
Authors: Dalal Aditya
Published: December 2023

This short technical note proves some observed novel corollaries of the Collatz Conjecture. For this, a unique ‘Collatz Representation’ of Hailstone numbers has been employed. After that, an extension of this corollary is explained using the fact that only certain differences in the last digit of the ‘Collatz Representation’ gives a whole number difference between numbers. A more general result is obtained. The final proof is for a corollary that some numbers the same number of steps to reach 1 if the Collatz Conjecture is true and all variables are whole numbers.
Effect of Curvature Radius on Single Droplet Dynamic Characteristic within Concave-Wall Jet
Authors: Gong Bin , Jian Aibo , Zhang Jing , Yang Guang , Liu Yifeng
Published: December 2023

The centrifugal force field in the hydrocyclone was affected by the concave-wall curvature radius R0, the mechanism of droplet deformation was closely related to the mass transfer efficiency. Numerical simulation and experimental data were collected to reveal the deformation characteristics and mechanism of single droplet crossing concave-wall jet. Normalized interfacial energy γ and stretching performance were provided to investigate the droplet deformation process. The results showed that the droplet was stretched along the streamwise and shrank along the spanwise in the concave-wall jet. The droplet interfacial energy and deformation were the largest when the droplet crossed the jet boundary at t = 0.20 s. Maximum γ value increased with the increase of R0 by 57.3% to 71.4%, and the distance between droplet and concave-wall increased with R0. Q-criterion was exported to show the vortex strength increasing as the decrease of R0 in the jet boundary. The pressure distribution inside the droplet showed that the pressure decreased as R0 increased, while the pressure difference increased along the streamwise and wall-normal direction. The study suggested that the droplet breakup was more difficult for the smaller R0, which was beneficial for liquid-liquid heterogeneous separation.
Energetic and Entropic Motifs in Vesicle Morphogenesis in Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Solutions
Authors: Liu Senyuan , Sureshkumar Radhakrishna
Published: December 2023

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations are employed to investigate spatiotemporal evolution of vesicles (polymersomes) via self-assembly of randomly distributed amphiphilic diblock copolymers in water. Vesiculation pathway consists of several intermediate structures such as spherical/rodlike aggregates, wormlike micelles, lamellae, and cavities. Lamella to vesicle transition occurs at a constant aggregation number and is accompanied by a reduction in the solvent accessible surface area. Simulation predictions are in qualitative agreement with the mechanism of vesicle formation in which the unfavorable hydrophobic interactions between water molecules and polymer segments along the edge of the lamella are eliminated at the expense of gaining curvature energy. However, rod-lamella-vesicle transition is accompanied by an increase in copolymer packing density. Hence, the change in the surface area accompanying vesiculation predicted by the simulations is significantly lower than theoretical estimates. Changes in information entropy, quantified by the expectation of the logarithm of the probability distribution function of the segmental stretch parameter s, defined as the difference between the maximum and instantaneous segmental extension, are statistically insignificant along the vesiculation pathway. For rods, lamellae and polymersomes, s follows a log normal distribution. This is explained based on the configurational dynamics of a single diblock chain in water.
A Semantic Framework to Detect Problems in Activities of Daily Living Monitored through Smart Home Sensors
Authors: Giannios Giorgos , Mpaltadoros Lampros , Alepopoulos Vasilis , Grammatikopoulou Margarita , Stavropoulos Thanos G. , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Lazarou Ioulietta , Tsolaki Magda , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: December 2023

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are fundamental routine tasks that the majority of physically and mentally healthy people can independently execute. In this paper, we present a Semantic Framework for detecting problems in ADLs execution, monitored through Smart Home sensors. In the context of this work, we conducted a pilot study, gathering raw data from various sensors and devices installed in a smart home environment. The proposed Framework combines multiple Semantic Web technologies (i.e. ontology, RDF, triplestore) to handle and transform these raw data into meaningful representations forming a Knowledge Graph. Subsequently, SPARQL queries are used to define and construct explicit rules to detect problematic behaviours in ADLs execution, a procedure that leads to generating new implicit knowledge. Finally, all available results are visualized in a clinician dashboard. The proposed framework can monitor the deterioration of ADLs performance for people in the spectrum of dementia, by offering a comprehensive way for clinicians to describe problematic behaviors in the every-day life of an individual.
Bibliometric Analysis on Genetic Factors of Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis: Characteristics and Trends from 2014 to 2023
Authors: Lu Yangguang , Ni Feitian , Bu Yiran , Lou Jialing , Yu Bohuai , Zhang Hongzhi , Li Haoyang , Zhang Yige , Hu Hantao , Lu Di
Published: December 2023

Background: Genetic factors are considered important risk factors for the occurrence of osteoarthritis (OA), which has received extensive attention. This study examined the research on the relationship between genetic factors and the pathogenesis of OA from a bibliometric perspective. Methods: We searched Web of Science Core Collection for original and review articles on genetic factors and OA. We used R package “bibliometrix” to perform statistical and visualization analysis of countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords. Results: A total of 1,127 articles met the inclusion criteria, with an average citation of 20.41 per article. From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of research in this field was 7.83%. The corresponding authors of the published articles were mainly from China, the USA, and the UK. Boston University emerged as the most active and important institution, while the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage published the most articles in this field. The keywords “polymorphism”, “genetic” and “mendelian randomization” indicate the future research directions. Conclusion: This bibliometric study provides an overview of the key topics and trends in genetic factors and OA pathogenesis research. The high-frequency keywords suggest the current and potential future focus of this field, involving methods, mechanisms, and populations.
Door Opening and Closing Considering Forces Using a Mobile Manipulator with an Admittance Controlled Arm
Authors: Fukumoto Yasuhiko , Jinnai Morio , Bando Shinnosuke , Takenaka Makoto , Kobayashi Hiroaki
Published: December 2023

This study achieved four door operations, namely push-opening, push-closing, pull-opening, and pull-closing movements, using a mobile manipulator consisting of a commercially available arm robot and a mobile robot. We assumed that the arm robot is controlled by position commands at intervals of a few milliseconds, and that the mobile robot is guided by a simple straightforward linear trajectory. Ott, Borst, Bäuml, and Hirzinger proposed a push-opening method using impedance control in a cylindrical coordinate system for the arm robot. With this control, when the mobile robot advances toward and through the door, the arm robot moves passively and properly pushes the door open. However, their method is unsuitable for the above type of robot. Thus, we propose a method with two modifications: the use of admittance control and the improvement of force relaxation by considering a force obtained through a novel force decomposition. Furthermore, the proposed method was demonstrated not only in the push-opening movement but also in the push-closing, pull-opening, and pull-closing movements.
Regulation of genetically modified organisms, food and feed in the EU with particular reference to Poland – protection of consumers and the environment or merely a response to public expectations?
Authors: Wojciechowski Paweł
Published: December 2023

This article aims to establish the rationale for its introduction within the European Union and subsequent changes to the legal regulation of its release into the environment, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the placement of genetically modified food and feed on the market. Following the presentation of the original regulation, public reactions to GMOs and the resulting changes in the European Union and national regulations are discussed based on cases before the European Court of Justice. The analysis leads to the conclusion that in the case of GMOs and genetically modified food and feed, the legislature has acted mainly based on public expectations, while neglecting a full scientific assessment of the solutions adopted to protect consumers and the environment.
Technological issues of manufacturing critical castings for the nuclear industry from ferritic cast iron with spherical graphite
Authors: Poddubny A. N.
Published: December 2023

The article describes technological solutions for casting blanks for containers for transportation of nuclear waste. As examples, calculations of external refrigerators are proposed to solve the issues of directional crystallization of the casting. Calculation of optimization of shrinkage processes is given. Specifically, the actual example shows a picture of the effect of shrinkage during the casting and cooling of the workpiece on the quality and density of the resulting casting material.
Development and implementation of grade 62PP steel production with special requirements for non‑metallic inclusions content
Authors: Levotchenko O. L. , Konovalenko S. V. , Bugrimov A. A. , Puteev V. S.
Published: December 2023

OJSC “BSW – Management Company of Holding “BMC” produces high‑quality steel used in the automotive, railway, and oil and gas industries. The production of these steel grades involves controlling a range of quality parameters for both continuous cast and hot‑rolled steel billets to ensure the required mechanical, technological, and operational properties of the finished products. The steelmaking process aims to obtain high‑quality steel with the desired microstructure – low levels of harmful impurities and non‑metallic inclusions (hereinafter referred to as NV). This article describes the work and results obtained in the development of the technology for producing hot‑rolled grade 62PP steel, using the example of low‑hardenability carbon steel intended for the production of springs used in vehicle suspension.
Based on the results of the 31st International Scientific and Technical Conference “Foundry and Metallurgy 2023. Belarus”
Authors: Sadokha M. A. , Nemenenok B. M. , Konstantinov V. M.
Published: December 2023

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Influence of technological factors of melting on the structure and properties of modified heat‑resistant chrome bronzes
Authors: Lovshenko F. G. , Lozikov I. A.
Published: December 2023

The paper presents the results of a study of the influence of technological factors of open melting on the structure and properties of modified heat‑resistant chrome bronzes. The role of protective atmospheres and deoxidizers in the formation of the chemical composition of alloys is studied and their optimal combination is proposed, consisting in a combination of Cryolite and argon to protect the copper melt during alloying with its preliminary deoxidation with a modifier based on the composition “Cu – 10 % B”, developed and produced at a pilot production facility at the Belarusian‑Russian University. An idea of the kinetics of the dissolution process of a mechanically fused modifying ligature with a high content of an alloying component and its effect on the formation of the structure of cast materials is obtained. The optimal duration of the doping time and the base temperature, depending on the size of chromium inclusions and the state of the surface of its particles, are determined. The phase composition and physico‑mechanical properties of experimental bronzes have been studied.

It has been established that the use of a mechanically fused modifying ligature with a high content of alloying component having chromium particles close to micro‑/nanodisperse size with a non‑oxidized surface and a highly effective deoxidizer modifier reduces the temperature and duration of melting, obtaining alloys with a microcrystalline type of structure (2–5 microns) and a complex of physico‑mechanical properties not inferior to, and in terms of heat resistance superior analogues, which is confirmed by the data of production tests at JSC “Belcard” (Grodno, RB) of contact spot welding electrodes made of experimental bronzes, which are 3.8 times more resistant than those used by the plant.
Analysis of the nanoparticles formation mechanisms in the rock mass
Authors:   State National Technical University named after Academician M. D. Millionshchikov, VOROBYOV Aleksandеr , MADAEVA Maret ,   State National Technical University named after Academician M. D. Millionshchikov, KOZHOGULOVA Gulmira ,   Institute of Geomechanics and Geotechnology of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan, UDAEVA Milana ,   State National Technical University named after Academician M. D. Millionshchikov
Published: December 2023

Introduction. In recent years, issues of analyzing the mechanisms of formation of nanoparticles in rock mass have become increasingly relevant. It is necessary to take into account that nanoparticles have a fundamentally different genesis: they can be nanoparticles formed in various minerals, or formed in subsequent stages, through chemical synthesis and self-grinding. Research methods and materials. The main method for studying zircon grains is the use of scanning ion imaging of zircon, which allows one to detect the presence of lead-rich clots and, together with computed tomography data, confirm their size of tens of nanometers. Research results. The article briefly presents the morphology of the mechanism of formation of natural nano-sized particles formed due to the friction of rocks among themselves and the geometric destruction of their individual varieties, which are ubiquitous, global in nature. It has been determined that the variety of structures of nanoparticles with their corresponding properties of the minerals in question has begun to find wide application in industry. It has been established that, based on this trend in technological development, it is important to study the structure of nanoparticles in order to obtain them artificially without spending resources on their extraction in the natural environment. The mechanism of formation of gold nanoparticles in river waters and the presence of nanoparticles of various metals in them are sho wn. Discussion of research results. Through observations during analysis of crystallographic studies, it was established that spherical iron nanoparticles have the greatest magnetic saturation. Conclusion. It has been established that iron nanoparticles have a chemical and biological mechanism of formation, i.e. almost biosphere genesis. Conclusions on the article. Various types of nanoparticles found in rocks are considered and various mechanisms of their formation in the lithosphere are revealed. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. Future research is needed to prevent landslides in the Shatoi region in the village of Gush-kert in the Chechen Republic.
Assessment of the current state of the hydrochemical regime and water-environmental problems of the basin of the Gavaraget River flowing into Lake Sevan
Authors:   Yerevan State University, MARGARYAN Varduhi , SAYADYAN Hovik ,   German Agency for International Cooperation, SEDRAKYAN Armen ,   National Polytechnic University of Armenia
Published: December 2023

The results of studies of the current hydro-chemical state and water-ecological problems of the Gavaraget River basin, which flows into Lake Sevan from the north-west, are presented. Extreme water discharge, ten-day flow, ecological output have been determined, water-ecological features have been identified, long-term dynamics of the main indicators characterizing the ecological state of the Gavaraget River, spatial-temporal changes in winter and summer-autumn ten-day flow have been shown, the hydro-chemical state has been presented, the main water-ecological problems of this basin and ways to solve them were proposed, the physical and chemical state of Gavaraget water was clarified in accordance with the standards and requirements for water quality, and the level of risk was indicated. It has been clarified that the annual runoff in the basin basically follows the general features of the annual precipitation regime: the minimum amount falls in winter, and the maximum in spring. It is shown that Gavaraget is one of the most polluted rivers in the Lake Sevan basin. It was revealed that it is mainly contaminated with untreated domestic wastewater and agricultural return water. It was found that as the impact of anthropogenic load increases, river water pollution increases from the source to the mouth of the river. The water quality in the upper part of Gavaraget (0.5 km upstream from the village of Tsaghkashen) is excellently characterized as “excellent” (I) and “good” (II), in the lower part (at the river mouth) with “moderate” (III) and “unsatisfactory” (IV) class. The research results can be useful in solving geo-ecological problems, managing aquatic ecosystems, determining ecological flow, assessing risks, predicting water disasters, protecting river ecosystems from degradation, etc.
Determination of parameters of elastic damping devices in mining shovel mechanisms
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, IOV Ivan , KUZNETSOV Nikolai ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, DOLGIH Evgeny ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, IOV Alexander ,   SLC-JH Ltd
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The aim of the work is to develop a procedure for synthesizing the parameters of elastic-damping devices for shovel based on the representation of these devices in the form of additional feedbacks and optimization of the transfer functions of these feedbacks, which allows abstracting from specific methods of their implementation and making a comparative assessment and reasonable choice of device parameters. Research method. Optimization of the parameters of elastic-damping devices is carried out on the basis of using the root method for studying the characteristic polynomial of the transfer function of the additional feedback and setting the desired nature of the transient process, which is the solution of the original differential equation of motion with given roots. Results. A procedure for synthesizing the parameters of elastic-damping devices based on the representation of these devices in the form of additional feedbacks and optimization of the transfer functions of these feedbacks using root methods is proposed, which allows one to abstract from specific methods of their implementation and make a comparative assessment and reasonable choice of device parameters. Analytical dependencies are obtained, that establish a relationship between the parameters of elastic-damping devices and the quality of transient processes, making it possible to determine the effective range of these parameters. Numerical modeling of the electromechanical system of the digging mechanism of a mining excavator was carried out based on the use of its real characteristics, which confirmed the high efficiency of the proposed method for the synthesis of stiffness and damping parameters of elastic-damping devices. Currently, an experimental unit equipped with a prototype of an elastic-damping device is being created, on which it is expected to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method for synthesizing parameters. After this, it is planned to contact potential consumers of such devices to determine the possibilities of practical application of both the devices themselves and the proposed method for synthesizing their parameters.
Satellite remote sensing shows maintenance of fish pond area improves persistence of Eurasian otters in Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Jamie , Ledger Martha J. , McMillan Sharne , Wu Jin , Lee Calvin K. F. , Bonebrake Timothy C.
Published: December 2023

Urbanization and land cover change are significantly affecting the availability of habitats for wildlife worldwide. However, linking species persistence to large-scale habitat changes is challenging, especially when wildlife monitoring data is lacking. In China, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a species of conservation concern and is listed as endangered as a consequence of declining populations across the country. Hong Kong is home to a small population of Eurasian otters, which are primarily restricted to a set of wetlands in the inner Deep Bay area. However, the drivers of their historical distribution changes are largely unknown. We combined otter spraint data from 2018-2019 with historical records of otter data spanning 1959-2018 to examine otter habitat preference and changes in their distribution, relating this with land cover changes measured by Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 satellite remote sensing in the past (1986 and 1995) and present (2018) using supervised random forest classification. We found that otters showed habitat preference for fish ponds and watercourses, and persisted in areas where fish pond area was more readily available. We also found no significant effect of the extent of land cover changes on otter persistence, suggesting that the species is resilient to some level of fish pond loss and find value in available terrestrial habitats. Our results demonstrate the utility of relating satellite remote sensing data to species distribution data over decadal time scales and highlight the importance of managing terrestrial and wetland habitats for otters and other key species in increasingly urbanized landscapes.
Selection of tool-hole size and development of cranial implants for Ti Gr.2 perforated sheet during the flexible die-less forming process
Authors: GURPUDE RAHUL RAMLAL , Mulay Amrut , Sharma Pawan
Published: December 2023

Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is a versatile and flexible technology for manufacturing sheet metal components in small series. However, SPIF in the biomedical field can be difficult because there are many challenges. One of the main issues is controlling the settings of the process and making sure the components meet the required size standards for production. The primary goal of this study is to determine the impact of various process parameters on the formability of perforated Titanium Grade 2. The geometrical parameters, such as tool and hole diameters, were initially investigated for the formability of sheet material. Later, SPIF parameters such as toolpath, feed, and step depth were varied at three levels, and the part responses were recorded in terms of roughness, maximum temperature, and accuracy. The results reveal that the hole diameter is a significant factor for formability and the highest temperature attained during the process. It is found that surface roughness begins to decrease as the tool diameter increases for the perforated sheet. In addition, the cranial implants were prepared at specific tool-hole diameters combinations, and all sound parts were evaluated for roughness, thickness deviation, and accuracy. The cranial implant, formed with follow periphery, feed rate of 300 mm/min, and a step depth of 0.2 mm, results in both improved forming accuracy and a reduction in surface roughness. The variation in microstructure and hardness for base and optimally formed sample were also investigated.
A Dark Energy Paradigm: IV. A Cause of the Baryon Asymmetry to Predict Quark Masses as Evidence
Authors: Moon Yong-Jae , Koh Wook
Published: December 2023

Previously, no theory could explain what causes the baryon asymmetry and where the quark masses come from. In this paper, we propose that a cause of the baryon asymmetry can be explained in the dark energy paradigm a unified dark sector that is based on Planck’s dimensional analysis, ΛCDM , energy conservation, and force equilibrium to predict quark masses as evidence. We find that the quark confinement can be described by the Cornell potential. We find that the baryon asymmetry can be caused by “quark confinement with antiparticle conversion”. Finally, we find that quark masses can be predicted in the unified dark sector, which agree with the observed data with 1% differences (or within error ranges).
Release of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from cigarette butts into the aquatic environment: Levels and ecotoxicity
Authors: Soleimani Farshid , Masjedi Mohammad Reza , Alipour Vali , Dadipoor Sara , Rashidi Roshana , Asgariyan Rasoul , Jahantigh Anis , Maryamabadi Ammar , arfaeinia Hossein
Published: December 2023

Discarded cigarette butts (CBs) may leach toxic elements and can contaminate different environments. Here, the concentration levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in CBs leachates were determined, and the release rate of these pollutants from three types CBs including smoked CBs with and without tobacco (SCBs and SFs) and unsmoked filters (USFs) was examined. The mean levels of PCBs were < LOD-1.36, <LOD-1.02 and < LOD − 0.86 µg/L in SCBs, SFs, and USFs leachates, respectively. The concentrations of OCPs in SCBs and SFs leachates were < LOD-0.14 and < LOD-0.10 µg/L, respectively. The toxicity equivalent (TEQ) of the dioxin-like PCBs from the CBs leachate samples ranged from 2×10− 6-1×10− 4 ng/L. Despite the very low TEQs values in CBs leachates, continuous discharge and the toxicities of the PCBs in the aquatic environments could have unfavorably impacts on the the water boddies and/or human health. Regarding the globally great number of littered CBs and their chemical contents there should be a special facilitator attention on this global problem.
HMGA2 alleviates ferroptosis by promoting GPX4 expression in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: XI Yang , Luo Ziyang , Zheng Qingfang , Ye Shazhou , Li Yanguo , Fan Chengjiang , Chen Jianing , Lei Yuxin , liao qi
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumor types characterized by high metastasis ability and low survival rate. As a chromatin-binding protein, HMGA2 is widely overexpressed and considered an oncogene with various undefined regulatory mechanisms. Herein, we demonstrated that HMGA2 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and promotes tumor malignancy through cell proliferation, metastasis, and xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, HMGA2 enhanced the cellular redox status by inhibiting reactive oxygen species and promoting glutathione. Importantly, significantly ameliorated ferroptotic cell death was observed in cells overexpressing HMGA2. Conversely, HMGA2 deletion exacerbated ferroptosis. Mechanistically, HMGA2 activated GPX4 expression through regulation at transcription and translation levels. HMGA2 promoted cis-element modification in the promoter region of the GPX4 gene by enhancing enhancer activity through increased H3K4 methylation and H3K27 acetylation. Furthermore, HMGA2 stimulated GPX4 protein synthesis via the mTORC1-4EBP1 and -S6K signaling axis. The overexpression of HMGA2 alleviated the decreased GPX4 protein level resulting from the pharmacologic inhibition of mTORC1. Conversely, HMGA2 deletion more pronouncedly reduced the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and S6K compared to the control. A strong positive correlation between HMGA2 and GPX4 expression was confirmed using immunohistochemistry staining. We also demonstrated that HMGA2 mitigated the sensitivity of cancer cells to combination treatment with a ferroptosis inducer and mTORC1 inhibition or gemcitabine. In summary, our results revealed a regulatory mechanism by which HMGA2 coordinates GPX4 expression and underscores the potential value of targeting HMGA2 in cancer treatment.
RETRACTED: Real-world association between systemic corticosteroid exposure and complications in US patients with severe asthma
Authors: Casale Thomas B , Corbridge Thomas , Germain Guillaume , Laliberté François , MacKnight Sean D , Boudreau Julien , Duh Mei S , Deb Arijita
Published: December 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Comparison of efficacy of left bundle branch area pacing and biventricular pacing in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: He Qiang , li xiaoming , xu xilin
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a type of conduction system pacing (CSP), and is often used as an alternative to traditional biventricular pacing (BIVP).For patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, there is still a lack of comparison between the efficacy of LBBAP and BIVP, and the different efficacy of LBBAP in patients with left bundle branch block(LBBB) or atrioventricular block(AVB).
Methods
124 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were retrospectively collected and divided into LBBAP group (n = 66) and BIVP group (n = 58) according to different surgical methods. Preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, clinical cardiac function grading, intraoperative implantation parameters, and follow-up results at 1, 6, and 12 months after pacemaker implantation of all patients were collected. The two groups of data were compared and subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the different therapeutic effects of LBBAP on patients with CLBBB and patients with AVB respectively.
Results
Compared with BIVP, LBBAP produces lower and stable pacing threshold and shorter operation time. LBBAP reduced QRSd significantly more than BIVP (47.65 ± 17.94 vs 24.41 ± 15.80 ms, p < 0.001). It should be emphasized that LBBAP and BIVP improved left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), left atrial diameter(LAD), left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole(LVIDD) and New York Heart Association(NYHA) class of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy compared with baseline, but LBBAP improved more significantly than BIVP. In addition, the number of readmissions of patients receiving LBBAP was significantly lower than that of BIVP group (p = 0.004). Subgroup analysis showed that the improvement of cardiac function was related to the correction of electrical conduction asynchrony; In the LBBAP group, the improvement of LVIDD in CLBBB patients was significantly higher than that in AVB patients (11.30 ± 7.24mm vs. 6.61 ± 5.54 mm).
Conclusions
Compared with BIVP, LBBAP can better optimize electrical synchronization and improve cardiac function and clinical outcome and can be the first choice for patients with cardiac conduction pathway block. LBBAP has a better effect on improving left ventricular structure in patients with CLBBB than in patients with AVB.
Second thoracoscopic left lobectomy in a case of difficult single lung ventilation during left tracheobronchial intubation
Authors: Jiao Bo , Wang Jingyi , Song Zhuxuan , Si Wen , Han Yangdong
Published: December 2023

Background
The accessory bronchus is a physiological congenital malformation suggestive of abnormal bronchial growth that is present in 0.1%-2% of the general population. Providing adequate perioperative single-lung ventilation and airway management to affected patients remains a persistent challenge facing anesthesiologists.
Case presentation
In the present report, we describe a rare case of abnormal airway anatomy in a patient with lung cancer who exhibited a bronchial opening entering the right upper lobe and who had a history of right lower lobectomy for lung cancer. In addition to the normal opening, this patient exhibited a distinct tracheobronchial opening in the upper right lobe of the lung originating directly from the trachea and above the protuberans. However, the patient had two side tracheal bronchi that he could see above the bronchus. Using left single lumen endotracheal intubation and right lung single lung ventilation, the patient underwent left lower lung lobectomy, and no anesthetic complications were observed during recovery.
Conclusions
In this case, timely tracheobronchial identification and successful single-lung ventilation of the right lung while avoiding hypoxemia were central to appropriate anesthesia management.
Efficacy and Safety of African Medicinal plants in the treatment of mild or moderate COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial using Doubase C ®
Authors: Kabwe Benjamin Mwilambwe , Makulo Jean-Robert , Mandina Madone Ndona , Wumba Roger , Kasereka Selain Kabunga , Bepouka Benilde Izizag , Mangala Donat Sonzi , Odio Jerome Ossam , Nsitwayizatadi Bertin Munlemvo , Longokolo Murielle Mashi , Mukenge Eric Kasongo , Kamwiziku Guyguy , Situakibanza Hippolyte Nani-Tuma , Sengi Ntamabyaliro , Barhahiga Berthe Simire , Mesia Gauthier , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin , Kabanda Gilbert Kurhega , Mbungu Roger Mwimba
Published: December 2023

Introduction
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an herbal medicine Doubase C = Uvaria brevistipita + Haroungana madasgascariensis (DBC) had received authorization for clinical trials in DR Congo. We aimed to determine its efficacy and safety compared to hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin (HCQ-AZI), the national standard treatment for COVID-19 at that time.
Methods
We conducted an open randomized clinical trial between May 2021 and January 2022. Only mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 (WHO classification) were included. Asymptomatic, severe and critical cases were excluded.
Each patient's parameters (NEW score, Ordinale scale, viral load, EKG tracing) were evaluated sequentially and the proportion of changes was compared between the two arms on days 7 and 14.
Results
376 patients randomized (mean age = 40 years, 14 % ≥ 60 years, 90.7% mild case, 9.3% moderate case).
From day 7, 97.6 % of mild case had a marked improvement in their NEW score and Ordinal scale (p=ns). Among patients with moderate case, 5.8% progressed to the severe form of COVID-19 in the HCQ-AZI arm and no patient in the DBC arm (p=ns). The viral load was progressively negative (29.8 % negative viral load on day 7 and 86.7 % on day 14) (p=ns).
4.4 % of patients on HCQ-AZI experienced QTc interval prolongation and none in the DBC arm (p=0.021). We have not recorded any critical cases or deaths.
Conclusions
In both arms, most patients experienced clinical improvement but DBC offers better cardiac safety. The young age of the patients may have influenced the results.
Critical Period of Oxygen Supplementation and Invasive Ventilation: Implications for Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Choi Ho Jung , Shin Baek Sup , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Han-Suk
Published: December 2023

Background
Several studies have identified graded oxygen saturation targets to prevent retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a serious complication in preterm infants. We aimed to analyze the critical period of oxygen supplementation and/or invasive ventilation associated with severe ROP.
Methods
This retrospective case-control study included neonates with a gestational age (GA) < 29 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups: treated retinopathy and untreated/no retinopathy. Time-weighted average FiO2 (TWAFiO2) and weekly invasive ventilation were compared between groups by postnatal age (PNA) and postmenstrual age (PMA). The association of treated retinopathy with TWAFiO2 and invasive ventilation was analyzed.
Results
Data from 287 neonates were analyzed; 98 were treated for ROP and had lower GAs (25.5 vs. 57.4 weeks, p < 0.01) and lower birthweights (747.6 vs. 1014 grams, p < 0.001) than those with untreated/no ROP. TWAFiO2 was higher from PMA 26–34 weeks, except for PMA 31 weeks in treated ROP, and higher in the first nine weeks of life in treated ROP. On multiple logistic regression, TWAFiO2 and invasive ventilation were associated with ROP treatment during the first seven weeks PNA. Invasive ventilation was associated with ROP treatment from PMA 26–31 weeks; no association was found for TWAFiO2 and PMA.
Conclusions
Amount of oxygen supplementation and/or invasive ventilation during the first 7 weeks of life or up to 31 weeks PMA was associated with development of severe ROP. This period might be candidate timing for strict oxygen supplementation strategies in preterm infants, while concerns of mortality with low oxygen supplementation should be further explored.
Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of male goat kids supplemented by bitter vetch grains as an alternative protein resource
Authors: Boukrouh Soumaya , Noutfia Ali , Moula Nassim , Avril Claire , Hornick Jean-Luc , Cabaraux Jean-François , Chentouf Mouad
Published: December 2023

Bitter vetch is an underused alternative local feed resources in the Mediterranean area. The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of their incorporation into the diet of local goat kids on their growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Sixteen goat kids were divided into two groups. The control group received a conventional diet based on oat hay, barley, and fava bean. In the test group, fava bean was replaced by bitter vetch grains. At the end of the trial, the animals were slaughtered, and carcass characteristics and meat quality of Longissimus Dorsi and Semimembranosus muscles were determined. The diet did not affect slaughter body weight, hot carcass weight, and dressing percentage (15.6 kg, 7.2 kg, and 45.8%, respectively), but impacted average daily gain. The diets influenced several parameters but not in the same way on each muscle. Regarding meat quality, the diets influenced muscle protein content with less protein in the chevon from animals receiving bitter vetch. Bitter vetch decreased also medium chain fatty acids (C11:0, C14:0, C14:1, C16:1) with no major effect on SFA and PUFA. Bitter vetch grains can be safely incorporated into the fattening diet of goat kids.
Non-invasive optoacoustic imaging of glycogen-storage and muscle degeneration in Late-onset Pompe disease
Authors: Knieling Ferdinand , Tan Lina , Zschüntzsch Jana , Meyer Stefanie , Stobbe Alica , Bruex Hannah , Regensburger Adrian , Alves Frauke , Jüngert Jörg , Rother Ulrich , Li Yi , Danko Vera , Lang Werner , Türk Matthias , Schmidt Sandy , Vorgerd Matthias , Schlaffke Lara , Wölfle Joachim , Hahn Andreas , Mensch Alexander , Winterholler Martin , Trollmann Regina , Heiß Rafael , Wagner Alexandra , Raming Roman
Published: December 2023

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal-recessive glycogen storage disorder resulting in proximal muscle weakness and loss of respiratory function. While enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the only effective treatment, biomarkers for disease monitoring are scarce. After ex vivo biomarker validation in phantom studies, we applied multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), a molecular sensitive ultrasound approach, in a clinical trial (NCT05083806) to image biceps muscles of 10 late-onset PD patients (LOPD) compared to matched healthy controls. MSOT was compared to muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, spirometry, muscle testing, and quality of life score (QOL). Additionally, the results were validated in an independent LOPD patient cohort from a second clinical site. Our study demonstrated that MSOT enabled imaging of subcellular disease pathology with increases in glycogen/water, collagen and lipid signals providing higher sensitivity to detect muscle degeneration than current clinical and imaging methods. This translation approach suggests implementation in the complex care of these ultra-rare disease patients.
Phenotypic correlations between live body weight and linear body measurements and Regression Equations for prediction of live body weight in Tswana, Dorper, Damara, Meat-master and Karakul sheep breeds in Botswana
Authors: PELOTSHWEU KAELO , BOLOWE MONOSI ANDRIES , MOSWEU NICODEMUS PUNGI , THUTWA KETSHEPHAONE , KGWATALALA PATRICK MONAMETSI
Published: December 2023

The study was conducted to determine the relationship between body weight and other morphological traits, and the practicality of using linear body measurements to estimate body weight. Correlation coefficients were determined from a total of 595 sheep (Damara: 79, Dorper: 177, Karakul: 135, Meat-master: 156 and Tswana: 48), while regression equations were estimated from a total of 94 sheep (Damara: 20, Dorper: 30, Karakul: 16, and Meat-master: 28) using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.4. The highest, strong and positive correlation coefficients were found between body weight and heart girth in both sexes across the different sheep breeds, with males having high correlation coefficients than females. Body length in males across the breeds had a much higher correlation coefficient with body weight compared to height at withers. Linear body measurements like heart girth, body length, height at withers, neck length, cannon bone length, cannon bone circumference and scrotal circumference in males were used to estimate body weight of Dorper, Damara, Meat-master and Karakul sheep breeds. Heart girth accounted for most of the variability in the prediction models of all the breeds, irrespective of sex, except for Damara males. Heart girth and body length explained most of the variability in the model used to predict body weight of Damara males, which means these traits can be used as selection criteria for body weight. Addition of more independent variables increases the accuracy of the prediction equation.
Small-scale plantation forestry and actor’s inclusiveness in decision making on tax regimes
Authors: Tumaini Ubaldus , Mustalahti Irmeli , Maro Aristarik , Lwoga Edda
Published: December 2023

Globally, forest-based bioeconomy is expected to create alternative raw material and products to oil based products. Small-scale tree growers have become increasingly important producers of timber and other forest products. Small-scale plantation forestry has been accounting for an increasing share of the national timber supply since the beginning of the 2000s, especially in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Our research findings expose several inconsistencies in locally implemented tax rules in timber trade, which may discourage further investments in tree planting and timber trade. Further, our empirical data shows how government agencies control the decision-making process on taxes, levies, and charges. The concerns related to small-scale investments and timber trade are not recognized within decision making: Small- scale non-state actors may be consulted for comments, but the taxation authorities retain control over the final decisions and do not openly share information. One-sided decision-making leads to lack of actors’ inclusion and disappointment in financial performance. In addition, distrust between local level actors connected to small-scale forestry, where small-scale forest owners do not seek to engage with development as a process of social change, has created marginal and subordinate groups in plantation forestry. Based on our study in Tanzania, we conclude that the inclusion of the forest owners to the decision-making process for determining these taxes is needed not as form of discrete technocratic interventions but as underlying process of social change and potential home for democratic structures.
DNA i-motif levels are overwhelmingly depleted in living human cells: insights from in-cell NMR.
Authors: Trantirek Lukas , Viskova Pavlina , Istvankova Eva , Rynes Jan , Dzatko Simon , Loja Tomas , Zivkovic Martina Lenarcic , Rigo Riccardo , El-Khoury Roberto , Serano Israel , Damha Masad , Gonzalez Carlos , Mergny Jean-Louis , Foldynova-Trantirkova Silvie
Published: December 2023

I-Motifs (iM) are non-canonical DNA structures potentially forming in the accessible, single-stranded, cytosine-rich genomic regions with regulatory roles. Chromatin, protein interactions, and intracellular properties seem to govern iM formation at sites with i-motif formation propensity (iMFPS) in human cells, yet their specific contributions remain unclear. Using in-cell NMR with oligonucleotide iMFPS models, we monitored iM-associated structural equilibria in asynchronous and cell cycle-synchronized HeLa cells at 37°C. Our findings show that iMFPS displaying pHT <7 under reference in vitro conditions occur predominantly in unfolded states in cells, while those with pHT >7 occur as a mix of folded and unfolded states depending on the cell cycle phase. Comparing these results with previous data obtained using an iM-specific antibody (iMab) revealed that cell cycle-dependent iM formation has a dual origin, and iM formation concerns only a small fraction (possibly 1%) of genomic sites with iM formation propensity. We propose a comprehensive model aligning observations from iMab and in-cell NMR and enabling the identification of iMFPS capable of adopting iM structures under physiological conditions in living human cells. Our results suggest that many iMFPS may have biological roles linked to their unfolded states.
Fault Classification in Predictive Maintenance
Authors: Roehrich Guenter , Raffaele Davide
Published: December 2023

In the field of predictive maintenance, “smart condition monitoring” extends beyond merely assessing the present state of manufacturing equipment. In today's landscape, businesses and research endeavors strive for deeper insights into equipment conditions, seeking to uncover potential causes behind issues or anticipate the remaining lifespan. This paper examines an approach focused on classifying anomalous behavior of bearings and map them to historically similar fault patterns. This study aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of condition monitoring and predictive maintenance practices.