bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and simulation study for mechanical properties characterisation of green natural reinforced composites
Authors: Phani Prasanthi P. , Raghavender V. , Venu Madhav V. V. , Sonia Pankaj , Sri Chaitanya Ch. , Bandhu Din , Saxena Ashish , Abdullaev Sherzod Shukhratovich
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on investigating the mechanical properties of a composite comprising jute fibers reinforced with a combination of cellulose and non-cellulose fillers. These fibers are infused with aloe vera gel and reinforced in an epoxy matrix. The process involves applying aloe vera gel to the jute fibers, followed by a 48-h cooling period. These treated jute fibers are then used to reinforce the epoxy matrix. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the tensile and flexural strengths of the composite. The epoxy matrix is reinforced with jute fiber composites that have been coated in aloe vera gel and include both cellulose- and non-cellulose-based particles. The cellulose-based fillers selected for this study are groundnut shell powder and teakwood powder, while graphene is chosen as the non-cellulose-based filler. The incorporation of graphene, teakwood powder, and crushed groundnut shell powder into the aloe vera gel-coated jute fibers improved tensile strength by 11.11%, 8.46%, and 53.43%, respectively, compared to a jute composite without particle reinforcement. Additionally, the study explores the behavior of a composite material containing two pre-existing cracks positioned differently, utilizing finite element methods. In all materials examined, transverse fractures consistently resulted in higher von Mises stresses and shear stresses compared to longitudinal cracks.
Determinants of the uptake of the uncinate process of pancreas in 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT: a retrospective study
Authors: Jallet Lucas , Othmani Wadi’ , Perrier Marine , Morland David
Published: December 2023

Purpose

an increased uptake of the uncinate process of pancreas (UPP) has been described in about one-third of somatostatin receptor imaging procedures and may hinder image interpretation. The determinants of this uptake are however poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cold somatostatin analogues (cSA) on UPP 68Ga-DOTATOC uptake. Age and diabetic status were also studied.

Methods

all adult patients who performed a 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT in our center between May 2021 and April 2023 were retrospectively screened. For each one, UPP uptake was visually assessed and measured using SUVmax. Clinical data including cSA medication, age and diabetic status were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression. SUVmax comparisons were conducted using a Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test.

Results

82 patients were included. UPP uptake was significantly lower in patients treated with cSA (OR 0.27, p = 0.015 in multivariate analysis), with a lower SUVmax (4.97 vs. 8.81, p = 0.001). No significant result was found regarding diabetic status or age.

Conclusion

cold somatostatin analog treatment decreased the physiological UPP uptake in 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT. This effect could be used to reduce interpretation errors in this location.
Synaptic Facilitation: A Key Biological Mechanism for Resource Allocation in Computational Models of Working Memory
Authors: Balagué-Marmaña Marta , Dempere-Marco Laura
Published: December 2023

Working memory (WM) is a crucial cognitive function required to maintain and manipulate information that is no longer present through the senses. Two key features of WM are its limited capacity and the emergence of serial order effects. This study investigates how synaptic facilitation and diverse display dynamics influence the encoding and retention of multiple items in WM. A biophysically inspired attractor model of WM, endowed with synaptic facilitation, is considered in this study. The investigation delves into the behaviour of the model under both sequential and simultaneous display protocols. Synaptic facilitation plays a crucial role in establishing the response of the WM system by regulating resource allocation during the encoding stage. It boosts WM capacity and is a key mechanism in the emergence of serial order effects. The synaptic facilitation time constant ($$\tau _F$$

τ
F

) is critical in modulating these effects, and its heterogeneity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) may contribute to the combination of primacy and recency effects observed experimentally. Additionally, we demonstrate that the WM capacity exhibited by the network is heavily influenced by factors such as the stimuli nature, and their display duration. Although the network connectivity determines the WM capacity by regulating the excitation-inhibition balance, the display protocol modulates its effective limit. Our findings shed light on how different stimulation protocol dynamics affect WM, underscoring the importance of synaptic facilitation and experimental protocol design in modulating WM capacity.
What Are You Hungry for? The 9 Hunger Mindful Eating Online Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Peitz Diana , Warschburger Petra
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Mindful eating (ME) has been receiving increased attention in the treatment of eating and weight disorders. In this context, the ME approach is assumed to help modify maladaptive eating behaviors. This work investigated the effects of a brief ME intervention that focused on the non-judgmental awareness of different motivations to eat in order to study this mechanism.

Method

Using a randomized controlled trial design, participants were allocated to an intervention group (IG; n = 87) or waitlist control group (W-CG; n = 137). For a 2-week training phase, participants of the IG were instructed to take a mindful moment to rate their different motivations to eat once per day. Self-report data on emotional eating, external eating, and loss of control eating (primary outcomes) and intuitive eating, ME, mental well-being, and self-compassion (secondary outcomes) were gathered online pre, post, and 3 months after the training. Latent change score (LCS) models were used to estimate shorter and longer term effects of the intervention.

Results

LCS revealed significant shorter and longer term effects of the training when comparing data of the IG with those of the W-CG regarding all primary (d = 0.38–0.61) and most secondary outcomes (d = 0.29–1.16).

Conclusions

The positive and sustainable effects of practicing this clearly outlined ME skill over a short period support the idea that ME might be a promising approach to enrich the current treatment of eating and weight disorders and aid in expanding our understanding of the underlying mechanisms on its application in the field.

Preregistration

This study was preregistered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00012351).
Old English Scholarship in the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Brackmann Rebecca
Published: December 2023

Old English scholars of the mid-seventeenth century lived through some of the most turbulent times in English history but, this book argues, the upheaval inspired them to produce some of the most famous landmark texts in early Old English studies.
Medieval Laments of the Virgin Mary
Authors: Poláčková Eliška Kubartová
Published: December 2023

Laments of the Virgin Mary represent a devotional genre that offered its clerical and lay audiences of the High and Late Middle Ages a deeply inspiring, yet at the same time ambiguous, religious experience. Through the deeply emotional and markedly animated representation of the Passion, seen as if through the eyes of the mother of God, audiences and performers were not only reminded of the redemptive power of the Cross, but encouraged to experience Christ's sacrifice in a more personal and intimate manner. In the pious practice of imitatio Mariae, believers mirrored the sorrow of the mother through their own bodies in order to develop a kind of visceral empathy towards, and hence a deeper understanding of, the divine.
The Chronicles of Fernão Lopes
Authors: Given-Wilson Christopher , Round Nicholas G. , Green David
Published: December 2023

Volume 1 of the first complete English translation of the chronicles of Fernão Lopes chronicles the reign of Pedro I (1357-67), dubbed both 'the Just' and 'the Cruel', including his dealings with the kingdom of Castile, the war between Castile and Aragon, and the revenge he took on the men who murdered the woman he loved, Inês de Castro.
Austerity
Authors: Fender John
Published: December 2023

Austerity has dominated economic debate since the financial crisis of 2008. Governments have implemented austerity policies by reducing their spending on goods and services, increasing taxation and cutting welfare budgets. John Fender explains how austerity (or 'fiscal consolidation') works in theory and how it has played out in practice especially in the UK and the eurozone. He provides a clear and rigorous guide to the principles and mechanisms of austerity economics and offers a balanced account of the economic thinking behind contentious policy decisions.

Boris Johnson has said that the UK government 'has absolutely no intention of returning to the 'A-word'', but with the Covid-19 crisis likely to result in much more government debt, it will be difficult to avoid more austerity. Understanding the impact of austerity policies is more important than ever and this book offers a first step on that path. For anyone seeking answers to such questions as: 'What can we learn from the UK's economic history that is relevant to current policy?', 'Is austerity ever necessary or desirable?' and 'Can the harmful effects of austerity programmes be mitigated?' then this book will be welcome reading.
Regulatory “Reliance” in Global Trade Governance
Authors: Lang Andrew
Published: December 2023

One of the most significant recent trends in global trade governance has been the increasing use of regulatory “reliance” arrangements as a significant element of trade alliances. Against this backdrop, an important set of questions are raised about how existing institutions of global trade governance – especially the World Trade Organization and international regulatory standards organisations – should respond. To what extent, and how, should such institutions facilitate reliance arrangements? And what role can they usefully play in overseeing and guiding their use? This paper begins to answer these questions through a focused case study of regulatory reliance in the agrifood sector. Four challenges are identified regarding the implementation of such arrangements: the high costs of establishment and maintenance; the lack of agreed and reliable assessment methodologies; the potential for arbitrary discrimination between trade partners; and the difficulties of dealing with regulatory change over time. In light of these challenges, the paper assesses the work of existing international organisations in governing reliance arrangements in the agrifood sector. The paper concludes with a number of preliminary suggestions as to how this architecture of global governance might be supplemented or harnessed to address some of the challenges posed by reliance arrangements.
Not So Quiet on the Western Front: German Reactions to Netflix's 2022 Remake
Authors: Geheran Michael , Gagnon Mark
Published: December 2023

In October 2022, Netflix's remake of All Quiet on the Western Front (Im Westen nichts Neues) opened to great acclaim in the United States, Great Britain, and other countries, receiving rave reviews from critics and movie-goers alike, eventually winning seven BAFTAs and four Oscars, the most awards ever for a German-language production. In Germany, however, reactions could not have been more different. The film was roundly panned by historians as “flawed, cliché-laden, and unauthentic [all translations from German by Michael Geheran],” and derided by critics as Oscar bait, an anti-American trope often used to disparage a cultural production. In what has now become something of a punchline, the Süddeutsche Zeitung quipped that “No book is so good you can't make a bad film out of it,” while the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung charged that the producers were “horny for an Oscar,” having removed “the inner plot, the brains of the story” and “replaced them with a Hollywood program.” How to make sense of such dramatically different reactions to the same film? Germans’ responses cannot simply be explained by the historical liberties taken by the director, Edward Berger, or disappointment with the plot differences between the movie and Erich Maria Remarque's novel, but arguably reveal deeper anxieties as the long shadow of Germany's past continues to weigh heavily on German minds. Does the film pander to popular images about war in a way that has different meaning in Germany than, say, in the US or the UK, with their different memory cultures? How much is German dislike of the film shaped by the legacy of the Second World War and not just the First? With these questions in mind, this essay will consider German reactions to the 2022 film and what they say about Germany's memory culture, paying close attention to the film's language, connotations, and imagery that may be particularly meaningful to German audiences. To be sure, film reviews are not the most reliable source for getting at popular attitudes and mentalities, but the stark divergence of opinion about Netflix's All Quiet say something important about how and whether memories of militarism and the Holocaust continue to shape how Germans think about war.
Investigation of Different ΣO/N2 Variations Observed by GOLD During a Minor Geomagnetic Storm From 2 to 4 August 2021
Authors: Cai Xuguang , Wang Wenbin , Eastes Richard W. , Qian Liying , Correira J. , McClintock William E.
Published: December 2023

During a minor geomagnetic storm occurring from Aug 2 (day‐of‐year (DOY) 214) to Aug 4 (DOY 216), 2021, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission observed different column density ratio of O to N2 (ΣO/N2) variations in storm main and recovery phases. The percentage difference of ΣO/N2 between DOY 215 (disturbed day, main phase) and DOY 213 (quiet reference day) exhibits a depletion on the east side of the GOLD field‐of‐view (FOV). However, that of ΣO/N2 between DOY 216 (recovery phase) and 213 shows depletions on the west side of GOLD FOV. The National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model qualitatively reproduced the observations. Analysis of the model output illustrates that the ΣO/N2 patterns in the two days are both formed due to the classical thermospheric composition theory and formed on DOY 214 and 215, respectively. Further investigation found that the ΣO/N2 depletion on DOY 214 and 215 both initially formed near 120–180°E, but the one on DOY 215 then quickly moved westward into the GOLD FOV, from local post‐midnight to pre‐midnight, near 19 UT. Then it moves equatorward and slowly westward. This results in the observed depletion structure on the west side of GOLD FOV. Model simulations show that the quick westward movement near 19 UT is due to the dominant positive Interplanetary Magnetic Field east‐west component (By) conditions.
A continuation-dynamic constitution analysis approach based on digital stable marker tracing and study on simulation of ecological tidal water diversion
Authors: Xing Mengya , Qu Simin , Xu Hui , Shi Peng , Chen Xing , Ji Feifei , Liu Minton
Published: December 2023

Water Diversion Projects have become increasingly popular in improving water quality in various water ecosystems. However, these projects also require a more comprehensive evaluation. In this study, we introduced a digital stable marker tracing module and proposed a continuation-dynamic constitution analysis approach. We applied this approach to analyze the ecological tidal water diversion in Changshu town, China. The results showed that the mean diversion water age of the Yangtze River water source was 10.80 h, the residence time of the background water source in Baimaotang was approximately 4.0 h, and the contribution of inflow water sources from tributaries accounted for 15% of discharges. The results can demonstrate practicality of our approach in quantitatively evaluating water diversion impacts and optimizing cooperative diversion projects. Furthermore, our discussion led to the design of an ecological tidal water diversion based on optimized cooperative diversion, which showed element-complementary and whole-comprehensive effects. This indicates that the ecological tidal water diversion can extend the impact of cooperative diversion. The continuation-dynamic constitution analysis approach enhances the tracing capacity of inflow constitution and enables the distinction of different time-varying distributions of each inflow constitution. Therefore, this approach holds promise as an embedded “Digital stable marker tracing” module in the model.
Prevalence and clinical relevance of liver dysfunction after thoracic surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Villani Rosanna , Loizzi Domenico , Sacco Antonia Federica , Mirabella Lucia , Santoliquido Mariateresa , Mongiello Diletta , Sollitto Francesco , Serviddio Gaetano
Published: December 2023

Postoperative elevation of serum aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase levels after liver and heart surgeries has been widely reported. The prevalence and clinical significance of hypertransaminasemia/liver dysfunction after thoracic surgery remains largely unknown. Significant differences in surgical procedures between thoracic and extra-thoracic surgeries may suggest different risks of liver dysfunction. We retrospectively analyzed data from 224 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic surgery. Liver function tests were recorded the day before surgery, 12 h, 1 day, 5, and 10 days after the surgical procedure. Patients were studied to identify the frequency of hypertransaminasemia and/or hyperbilirubinemia and/or increase of INR levels. 37,5% of patients showed an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level after thoracic surgery, whereas an increase in gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) serum levels of any grade was observed in 53,6% of patients. Approximately 83% of patients who experienced an increase in the serum GGT or ALT levels showed a grade 1 or 2 change. Operative time was associated with hypertransaminasemia in the univariate and multivariate analyses, whereas the use of metformin was associated with a lower risk of ALT increase.
Facts in counterfactuals-cognitive representations of Chinese counterfactuals
Authors: Ren Yufei , Cui Gang , Christie Stella
Published: December 2023

How do people represent counterfactuals? As languages differ in expressibility of counterfactuals—some languages employ explicit grammatical marking for counterfactuals while others do not—are some speakers’ representations of counterfactuals less explicit? Prior studies examining this question with Chinese speakers—a language devoid of explicit counterfactual markings—found mixed results. Here we re-examined the issue by using a more sensitive test: people’s sensitivity to detect anomalies in sentences. We asked Chinese speakers to rate the acceptability of sentences employing “ruguo (if)…jiu (then)” configuration—the typical but non-unique, non-explicit marking of counterfactuals. Critically, we varied the semantic adherence to real-world facts [factuality], with some sentences containing made-up conditions [-fact as in “If fish had legs, then…”] versus real facts [+ fact: “If dogs had legs, then…”]. If speakers represent counterfactuals clearly, they should give higher acceptability ratings to [− facts] than to [+ facts] sentences, because the ostensible point of counterfactuals is to express non-factual situations. That is, expressing a true fact under a syntactic counterfactual construction makes the sentence anomalous. Instead, we found that Chinese speakers gave the opposite ratings: factual “if…then” sentences were rated as more acceptable than non-factual ones. This suggests that Chinese speakers find the processing of counterfactuals to be more challenging than processing facts, and that their representation of counterfactuals may be less explicit. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the link between linguistic markings and cognitive representations.
Sensory innervation of masseter, temporal and lateral pterygoid muscles in common marmosets
Authors: Hovhannisyan Anahit H. , Lindquist Karen A. , Belugin Sergei , Mecklenburg Jennifer , Ibrahim Tarek , Tram Meilinn , Corey Tatiana M. , Salmon Adam B. , Perez Daniel , Ruparel Shivani , Akopian Armen N.
Published: December 2023

Myogenous temporomandibular disorders is associated with an increased responsiveness of nerves innervating the masseter (MM), temporal (TM), and lateral pterygoid muscles (LPM). This study aimed to examine sensory nerve types innervating MM, TM and LPM of adult non-human primate—common marmosets. Sensory nerves were localized in specific regions of these muscles. Pgp9.5, marker for all nerves, and NFH, a marker for A-fibers, showed that masticatory muscles were primarily innervated with A-fibers. The proportion of C- to A-fibers was highest in LPM, and lowest in MM. All C-fibers (pgp9.5+/NFH-) observed in masticatory muscles were peptidergic (CGRP+) and lacked mrgprD and CHRNA3, a silent nociceptive marker. TrpV1 was register in 17% of LPM nerves. All fibers in masticatory muscles were labeled with GFAP+, a myelin sheath marker. There were substantially more peptidergic A-fibers (CGRP+/NFH+) in TM and LPM compared to MM. MM, TM and LPM NFH+ fibers contained different percentages of trkC+ and parvalbumin+, but not trkB+ fibers. Tyrosine hydroxylase antibodies, which did not label TG, highlighted sympathetic fibers around blood vessels of the masticatory muscles. Overall, masticatory muscle types of marmosets have similarities and differences in innervation patterns.
Quantitative gait analysis and prediction using artificial intelligence for patients with gait disorders
Authors: Ben Chaabane Nawel , Conze Pierre-Henri , Lempereur Mathieu , Quellec Gwenolé , Rémy-Néris Olivier , Brochard Sylvain , Cochener Béatrice , Lamard Mathieu
Published: December 2023

Quantitative Gait Analysis (QGA) is considered as an objective measure of gait performance. In this study, we aim at designing an artificial intelligence that can efficiently predict the progression of gait quality using kinematic data obtained from QGA. For this purpose, a gait database collected from 734 patients with gait disorders is used. As the patient walks, kinematic data is collected during the gait session. This data is processed to generate the Gait Profile Score (GPS) for each gait cycle. Tracking potential GPS variations enables detecting changes in gait quality. In this regard, our work is driven by predicting such future variations. Two approaches were considered: signal-based and image-based. The signal-based one uses raw gait cycles, while the image-based one employs a two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (2D FFT) representation of gait cycles. Several architectures were developed, and the obtained Area Under the Curve (AUC) was above 0.72 for both approaches. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to apply neural networks for gait prediction tasks.
A novel approach using nonlinear surfaces for dynamic aperture optimization in MBA synchrotron light sources
Authors: Sanchez Edgar Andres , Flores Alain , Hernandez-Cobos Jorge , Moreno Matías , Antillón Armando
Published: December 2023

MBA cell-based synchrotron light sources have enabled an unprecedented increase in beam coherence and brightness, greatly benefiting the scientific disciplines that rely on X-ray techniques. However, controlling the electron dynamics is a theoretical and technological challenge, due to the large number of parameters to adjust and constraints to satisfy when designing modern synchrotrons. Having versatile tools for the description and manipulation of electron dynamics could favor the design of these accelerators and lead to progress on several fronts in the understanding of matter. In this paper, a formalism based on the use of nonlinear geometric surfaces represented by polynomial quasi-invariants, to analyze and optimize the dynamic aperture of electrons in MBA storage rings, is introduced. The formalism considers on- and off-momentum particle dynamics. Within the optimization scheme, different objective functions defined in terms of the nonlinear surfaces, which are minimized using genetic algorithm methods, are proposed. A remarkable horizontal dynamic aperture exceeding 19 mm is obtained for the design particle of a synchrotron model with 86 pm $$\cdot $$
·
rad emittance along with a dynamic aperture above 5 mm for momentum deviations of ± 3$$\%$$
%
. According to the results presented, this formalism could be greatly useful for manipulating the dynamical properties of electrons in synchrotrons light sources close to the diffraction limit.
A comparative study of ultrasound cycloplasty and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of secondary glaucoma
Authors: Ruixue Wang , Wenjun Ding , Le Jiang , Fangfang Fan , Ning Li , Xiaoya Chen , Suyan Li
Published: December 2023

To compare the clinical efficacy of ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the treatment of secondary glaucoma. In a 12-month prospective single-center study, 22 patients with secondary glaucoma were treated by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and 23 patients with secondary glaucoma were treated by a semiconductor laser. At the final follow-up, the two groups’ surgical outcomes were compared. A complete success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of at least 20% from baseline and an IOP of > 5 mmHg and ≦ 21 mmHg, while a qualified success was defined as an IOP reduction of at least 20% from baseline and an IOP of > 5 mmHg. The secondary outcome was the average IOP, number of drugs, and complications at each follow-up compared with the baseline. The average preoperative IOPs in the UCP and ECP groups were 36.4 ± 9.5 mmHg (n = 2.3 drops, n = 0.2 tablets) and 34.5 ± 11.7 mmHg (n = 2.0 drops, n = 0.3 tablets), respectively. In the last follow-up, the success rate of UCP was 54% (with a decrease of 32%) and that of ECP was 65% (with a decrease of 35%), and the P-value between the two groups was > 0.05. However, there was a difference in the average IOP between these two groups 1 day and 1 week after the operation, and the IOP reduction efficiency in the ECP group was better. However, the amount of drug used after these two surgeries was significantly reduced. There were fewer postoperative complications in the UCP group (18 cases) than in the ECP group (35 cases). Both UCP and ECP can effectively reduce IOP in secondary glaucoma, and ECP has a better effect at the early stages. However, UCP has higher safety and tolerance for patients.
Lithospheric delamination as the driving mechanism of intermediate-depth seismicity in the Bucaramanga Nest, Colombia
Authors: Pérez-Forero Diego , Koulakov Ivan , Vargas Carlos A. , Gerya Taras , Al Arifi Nassir
Published: December 2023

The Bucaramanga nest (BN) is an area of exceptionally strong intermediate-depth seismicity localized in a narrow zone at 150–170 km depth beneath the continental plate in Colombia. To explain the very unusual mantle seismicity cluster in this area, we built a seismic velocity model in the vicinity of BN with the use of local earthquake tomography and developed a numerical hydromechanical model. Our seismic model shows a strong high-velocity anomaly at 130–167 km coinciding with the BN seismicity. The relocated seismicity can be separated in two clusters. We propose that the upper BN cluster at ~ 130 km depth is attributed to dehydration embrittlement, whereas the lower BN cluster at ~ 150 km depth coinciding with the high-velocity body is caused by lithospheric delamination, creating a “drip” that falls down over the subducting oceanic plate, enhancing fluid release from the slab, potentially increasing seismicity.
Citrullinated and MMP-degraded vimentin is associated with chronic pulmonary diseases and genetic variants in PADI3/PADI4 and CFH in postmenopausal women
Authors: Bager Cecilie Liv , Blair Joseph P. M. , Tang Man-Hung Eric , Mortensen Joachim Høg , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Frederiksen Peder , Leeming Diana , Christiansen Claus , Karsdal Morten Asser
Published: December 2023

Citrullinated vimentin has been linked to several chronic and autoimmune diseases, but how citrullinated vimentin is associated with disease prevalence and genetic variants in a clinical setting remains unknown. The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the genetic variants and pathologies associated with citrullinated and MMP-degraded vimentin. Patient Registry data, serum samples and genotypes were collected for a total of 4369 Danish post-menopausal women enrolled in the Prospective Epidemiologic and Risk Factor study (PERF). Circulating citrullinated and MMP-degraded vimentin (VICM) was measured. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and phenome wide association studies (PheWAS) with levels of VICM were performed. High levels of VICM were significantly associated with the prevalence of chronic pulmonary diseases and death from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). GWAS identified 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a significant association with VICM. These variants were in the peptidylarginine deiminase 3/4 (PADI3/PADI4) and Complement Factor H (CFH)/KCNT2 gene loci on chromosome 1. Serum levels of VICM, a marker of citrullinated and MMP-degraded vimentin, were associated with chronic pulmonary diseases and genetic variance in PADI3/PADI4 and CFH/ KCNT2. This points to the potential for VICM to be used as an activity marker of both citrullination and inflammation, identifying responders to targeted treatment and patients likely to experience disease progression.
Antibiotic quality and use practices amongst dairy farmers and drug retailers in central Kenyan highlands
Authors: Muloi Dishon M. , Kurui Peter , Sharma Garima , Ochieng Linnet , Nganga Fredrick , Gudda Fredrick , Muthini John Maingi , Grace Delia , Dione Michel , Moodley Arshnee , Muneri Caroline
Published: December 2023

Understanding antibiotic use in dairy systems is critical to guide antimicrobial stewardship programs. We investigated antibiotic use practices in small-holder dairy farms, antibiotic quality, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness among veterinary drug retailers in a mixed farming community in the central Kenyan highlands. Data were collected from 248 dairy farms and 72 veterinary drug stores between February 2020 and October 2021. A scale was developed to measure knowledge about AMR and antibiotic use using item response theory, and regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with antibiotic use and AMR knowledge. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) content of 27 antibiotic samples was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence and levels of 11 antibiotic residues in 108 milk samples collected from the study farms were also investigated using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Almost all farms (98.8%, n = 244) reported using antibiotics at least once in the last year, mostly for therapeutic reasons (35.5%). The most used antibiotics were tetracycline (30.6%), penicillin (16.7%), and sulfonamide (9.4%), either individually or in combination, and predominantly in the injectable form. Larger farm size (OR = 1.02, p < 0.001) and history of vaccination use (OR = 1.17, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher frequency of antibiotic use. Drug retailers who advised on animal treatments had a significantly higher mean knowledge scores than those who only sold drugs. We found that 44.4% (12/27) of the tested antibiotics did not meet the United States Pharmacopeial test specifications (percentage of label claim). We detected nine antibiotics in milk, including oxytetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. However, only three samples exceeded the maximum residue limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Our findings indicate that antibiotics of poor quality are accessible and used in small-holder dairy systems, which can be found in milk. These results will aid future investigations on how to promote sustainable antibiotic use practices in dairy systems.
Reduced HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates and increased AIDS mortality due to late diagnosis in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Andrade Lucas Almeida , de França Amorim Thiago , da Paz Wandklebson Silva , do Rosário Souza Mariana , S. Camargo Emerson Lucas , dos Santos Tavares Débora , M. A. Lima Shirley Verônica , Vieira de Melo Enaldo , de O. Góes Marco Aurélio , Feliciano do Carmo Rodrigo , Dornels F. de Souza Carlos , Dantas dos Santos Allan , L. de Sousa Álvaro Francisco , C. Mendes Isabel Amélia , Silva-Júnior Abelardo , N. Porto Wagnner José , Bezerra-Santos Márcio
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected global health, leading to the suspension of numerous routine healthcare services and posing challenges in efforts to control other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV/AIDS diagnoses and mortality rates in Brazil during 2020 and 2021. The percentage change was calculated to determine whether there was an increase or decrease in HIV/AIDS diagnoses and mortality, considering the average numbers from the last 5 years. Additionally, a Joinpoint regression model and an interrupted time series analysis were applied to assess time trends before and after the onset of the pandemic. Lastly, choropleth maps were prepared. We observed a reduction of 22.4% (2020) and 9.8% (2021) in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in Brazil. Conversely, there was a significant increase in the percentage change of late diagnosis of AIDS deaths in 2020 (6.9%) and 2021 (13.9%), with some states showing an increase of over 87%. Decreasing time trends in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS were identified before the pandemic in Brazil, especially in the Southeast and South regions, and then time trends stabilized after including the pandemic years. Along with the dissemination of COVID-19, there was a reduction in the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and an increase in late diagnosis AIDS deaths, signaling a serious impact of the pandemic on HIV/AIDS control strategies in Brazil. Therefore, we highlight the need for continuous efforts to control both diseases, that is, maintaining regular health services even in crisis situations.
Establishment and validation of nomogram models for overall survival and cancer-specific survival in spindle cell sarcoma patients
Authors: Qi Weihui , Ren Yanyun , Wang Huang , Wan Yue , Wang Dong , Yao Jun , Pan Hao
Published: December 2023

Spindle cell sarcoma (SCS) is rare in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to establish nomograms to predict the OS and CSS prognosis of patients with SCS based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The data of patients with SCS between 2004 and 2020 were extracted from the SEER database and randomly allocated to a training cohort and a validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen for independent risk factors for both overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Nomograms for OS and CSS were established for patients with SCS based on the results of multivariate Cox analysis. Then, we validated the nomograms by the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Finally, Kaplan‒Meier curves and log-rank tests were applied to compare patients with SCS at three different levels and in different treatment groups. A total of 1369 patients with SCS were included and randomly allocated to a training cohort (n = 1008, 70%) and a validation cohort (n = 430, 30%). Age, stage, grade, tumour location, surgery, radiation and diagnosis year were found to be independent prognostic factors for OS by Cox regression analysis, while age, stage, grade, tumour location and surgery were found to be independent prognostic factors for CSS. The nomogram models were established based on the results of multivariate Cox analysis for both OS and CSS. The C-indices of the OS model were 0.76 and 0.77 in the training and validation groups, respectively, while they were 0.76 and 0.78 for CSS, respectively. For OS, the 3- and 5-year AUCs were 0.801 and 0.798, respectively, in the training cohort and 0.827 and 0.799, respectively, in the validation cohort; for CSS, they were 0.809 and 0.786, respectively, in the training cohort and 0.831 and 0.801, respectively, in the validation cohort. Calibration curves revealed high consistency in both OS and CSS between the observed survival and the predicted survival. In addition, DCA was used to analyse the clinical practicality of the OS and CSS nomogram models and revealed that they had good net benefits. Surgery remains the main treatment method for SCS patients. The two nomograms we established are expected to accurately predict the personalized prognosis of SCS patients and may be useful for clinical decision-making.
Handheld ultrasound-assisted versus palpation-guided combined spinal-epidural for labor analgesia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bae Jinyoung , Kim Youngwon , Yoo Seokha , Kim Jin-Tae , Park Sun-Kyung
Published: December 2023

Preprocedural ultrasound assistance can enhance the efficacy of neuraxial anesthesia in obstetrics. We investigated whether the use of handheld ultrasound can shorten the procedural time of labor combined spinal-epidural (CSE) analgesia compared with conventional landmark-guided methods. Eighty-four women requesting labor analgesia were randomly assigned to either handheld ultrasound-assisted or palpation-guided CSE analgesia. Primary outcome was procedure time of the CSE analgesia. Secondary outcomes included identification time, performance time, number of needle manipulations required for epidural/spinal success, first-attempt success rate, periprocedural pain scores, the incidence of accidental dural puncture, and patient satisfaction. Total procedure time did not significantly differ between the ultrasound and palpation groups (median [IQR], 191.5 [167–224] vs. 204.5 [163–358] s; P = 0.442). However, the performance time was significantly shorter in the ultrasound group (134.5 [115–177] vs. 183 [129–296] s; P = 0.011), although identification time was longer in the ultrasound group (53 [41–72] vs. 30.5 [21–45] s; P < 0.001). The epidural success rate at first insertion attempt was higher in the ultrasound group (85.7% vs. 59.5%, P = 0.014). Preprocedural handheld ultrasound assistance resulted in equivalent total procedure times but reduced performance times and higher first-attempt success rates. Therefore, clinicians may consider this technique for labor CSE analgesia.

Trial registration: NCT04759547.
Characteristics of gut microbiota in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) from infant to elderly
Authors: Klinhom Sarisa , Sriwichaiin Sirawit , Kerdphoo Sasiwan , Khonmee Jaruwan , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Thitaram Chatchote
Published: December 2023

Gut microbiota play an important role in the health and disease of Asian elephants, however, its characteristics at each stage of life have not been thoroughly investigated in maintaining and regulating health of elephants. This study, therefore, aimed to characterize the profiles of the gut microbiota of captive Asian elephants from infants to the elderly. Gut microbiota were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing from the feces of captive Asian elephants with varying age groups, including infant calves, suckling calves, weaned calves, subadult and adult elephants, and geriatric elephants. The diversity of the gut microbiota was lowest in infants, stable during adulthood, and slightly decreased in the geriatric period. The gut microbiota of the infant elephants was dominated by milk-fermenting taxa including genus Bifidobacterium of family Bifidobacteriaceae together with genus Akkermansia. The fiber-fermenting taxa such as Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group were found to be increased in suckling elephants in differential abundance analysis by Analysis of Compositions of Microbiomes with Bias Correction (ANCOM-BC). The gut microbiota profiles after weaning until the adult period has been uniform as indicated by no significant differences in beta diversity between groups. However, the composition of the gut microbiota was found to change again in geriatric elephants. Understanding of the composition of the gut microbiota of captive Asian elephants at various life stages could be beneficial for promoting good health throughout their lifespan, as well as ensuring the welfare of captive elephants.
A decision-making model for prediction of a stable disease course in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Ofri Imri , Peleg Noam , Leshno Moshe , Shlomai Amir
Published: December 2023

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are regularly monitored for HBV DNA and liver enzymes in order to assess disease progression and the need for antiviral therapy. Identifying patients with a stable course of disease can potentially prolong the intervals between visits, withhold unnecessary tests and save money. Accordingly, we aimed to find predictors for a stable disease course in patients with CHB. 579 patients with CHB, who were followed in a tertiary referral center between January 2004–December 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with low and steady viral load titer (< 2000 IU/ml) and normal ALT levels (< 40 IU/ml) in 6 consecutive clinic encounters were considered to have a stable course of CHB. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis and a decision tree model were used to identify predictors of a stable disease course. Following exclusion of ineligible patients, a total of 220 patients were included in the final analysis. 64/220 patients had a stable disease course. Patients with a stable disease were older (62.99 ± 12.36 Vs. 54.07 ± 13.64, p < 0.001) with a higher percentage of women (53% vs. 38%) and had lower baseline levels of AST, ALT and viral load (VL). In a multivariate analysis, age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.98), baseline ALT (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.1) and VL (OR 1.05 95% CI 1.02–1.08), were significantly associated with a stable disease. In a decision tree model, patients 46–67 years old, with baseline VL < 149 IU/mL and ALT < 40 IU/mL had the best probability (91%) for a stable disease course over 4.4 ± 2.2 years. We conclude that integrating patients’ age with baseline VL and ALT can predict a stable disease course in patients with CHB off treatment.
Spatial and temporal evolution and influencing factors of tourism eco-efficiency in Fujian province under the target of carbon peak
Authors: Wu Yizhen , Xu Anxin , Wang Chao , Shi Yuting
Published: December 2023

Tourism eco-efficiency is an important indicator to measure the sustainable development of tourism with the core objective of "minimum resource input and environmental damage, maximum economic and social output". This paper explores the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of tourism eco-efficiency and its influencing factors in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2020 by combining the unexpected output Super-SBM model, gravity center model, standard deviation ellipse, and optimal parameters-based geographical detector model. The results are as follows. Tourism eco-efficiency in Fujian Province showed an overall fluctuating growth trend with an increase of 160.065% during the study period. The coefficient of variation of tourism eco-efficiency tends to fluctuate and decrease, and regional differences narrow. The spatial differentiation is remarkable, and it presents the spatial distribution characteristics of "Xiamen > Nanping > Quanzhou > Fuzhou > Longyan > Ningde > Sanming > Zhangzhou > Putian". The spatial pattern of tourism eco-efficiency is obvious in the direction of "northeast-southwest", and the trajectory of the center of gravity is "southwest-northeast-northwest", with spatial characteristics tending towards agglomeration. Tourism industry structure has the greatest impact on tourism eco-efficiency, followed by education level, urbanization level, technology innovation level, infrastructure investment, and economic development level. This study provides reference suggestions for improving tourism eco-efficiency which helps to promote adequate, balanced, and sustainable development of the regional tourism industry.
Selective identification of p-nitroaniline by bromine-mediated polarization of carbon dots
Authors: Li Feng , Liu Kai-Qi , Wang Wen-Juan , Jiang Zhen-Tao , Kong Fen-Ying , Li Heng-Ye , Wang Zhong-Xia , Wang Wei
Published: December 2023

A fluorometric method based on boron, bromide-codoped carbon dots (BBCNs) was developed for the first time for the highly selective detection of p-nitroaniline (PNA) in wastewater samples.
Hydrothermal synthesis, morphology control and tunable luminescence properties of AgTbW2O8:Eu3+ phosphors
Authors: Du Huimin , Yang Jie , Liu Xingzuo , Yang Jun , Hu Shanshan
Published: December 2023

In this work, AgTbW2O8:Eu3+ phosphors were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method and multicolor luminescence was achieved in a single matrix.
Natural resonance-theoretic conceptions of extreme electronic delocalization in soft materials
Authors: Weinhold Frank , Glendening Eric D.
Published: December 2023

We show how NRT analysis can be modified to unify Pauling-type resonance-theoretic description of electronic interactions from the localized Lewis-structural “molecular” limit to the extreme delocalized limit of supramolecular “soft-matter” aggregation.
Two isostructural Zn/Co-MOFs with penetrating structures: multifunctional properties of both luminescence sensing and conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates
Authors: Liu Nana , Liu Tingting , Liu Guangning , Mi Xiuna , Li Yunwu , Yang Lu , Zhou Zhen , Wang Suna
Published: December 2023

Two new isomorphic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been developed as multifunctional materials for carbon dioxide fixation and fluorescence detection.
Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides ameliorate ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating gut microbiota and its metabolism
Authors: Liu Wen , Wang Liju , Yuan Qin , Hao Wei , Wang Yitao , Wu Dingtao , Chen Xiaojia , Wang Shengpeng
Published: December 2023

Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides, especially low-molecular-weight fraction, represent novel prebiotics for treatment of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.
Liquid-phase catalyst pre-seeding for controlled growth of layered MoS2 films over a large area via chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Lyu Zhiyi , Qian Yongteng , Zhang Qianwen , Fang Zhenxing , Kang Dae Joon
Published: December 2023

We introduce an innovative method that facilitates precise control of high-quality molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) growth, extending up to three layers, on a large scale.
Recent advances in hydrogen atom transfer induced C(sp3)–H functionalizations initiated by radical addition to alkynes
Authors: Zhou Yulu , Gu Zhenyu , Hong Yuwei , Chen Huiqin , Luo Jinmin , Zheng Hanliang , Zhu Gangguo
Published: December 2023

Recent advances in HAT-induced C(sp3)–H functionalizations triggered by radical addition to alkynes, including 5-exo-trig, 5-endo-trig, 4-exo-trig and 6-endo-trig cyclization cascades, and intermolecular functionalizations, are summarized.
A living neutrophil Biorobot synergistically blocks multifaceted inflammatory pathways in macrophages to effectively neutralize cytokine storm
Authors: Gao Ya , Zhou Anwei , Chen Kerong , Zhou Xinyuan , Xu Yurui , Wu Shuangshuang , Ning Xinghai
Published: December 2023

A smart neutrophil neutralizer is developed for alleviating hyperinflammatory cytokine storm through simultaneously inhibiting multiple inflammatory pathways in macrophages.