bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical value of predicting lymphovascular invasion in patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma based on the intratumoral and peritumoral CT radiomics models
Authors: LIN Miaomiao , Zhao Chunli , huang haipeng , zhao xiang , Yang siyu , He xixin , Li Kai
Published: August 2024

Purpose: To investigate the clinical value of predicting lymphovascular invasion(LVI) in patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)based on the intratumoral and peritumoral CT radiomics models.
Materials and Methods: The 384 patients with invasive LUAD from Institution 1 were randomly divided into training (n=268) and internal validation (n=116) sets with a ratio of 7:3, and 251 patients from Institution 2 were used as the external validation set. Altogether, 1226 features were extracted from the tumor gross (GT), gross tumor and peritumor (GPT), and peritumor(PT), respectively. Clinical independent predictors for LVI in patients with invasive LUAD were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, a combined model that included clinical predictors and optimal Rad-score was constructed , and a nomogram was drawn.
Results: The GPT model showed better predictive efficacy than the GT and PT models, with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83, 0.79, and 0.75 in the training, internal validation, and external validation sets, respectively. In the clinical model, the preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, tumor diameter, and spiculation were the independent predictors. The combined model containing the independent predictors and the GPT-Radscore significantly predicted LVI in patients with invasive LUAD, with AUCs of 0.84, 0.82, and 0.77 in the three cohorts, respectively.
Conclusion: The CT scan-based radiomics model which including intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics features can effectively predict LVI in LUAD，and the predictive efficacy is further improved by combining clinically independent predictors.
Pan-cancer gene set discovery via scRNA-seq for optimal deep learning based downstream tasks
Authors: Jang Jongseong , KIM JONG HYUN
Published: August 2024

The application of machine learning to transcriptomics data has led to significant advances in cancer research. However, the high dimensionality and complexity of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data pose significant challenges in pan-cancer studies. This study hypothesizes that gene sets derived from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data will outperform those selected using bulk RNA-seq in pan-cancer downstream tasks. We analyzed scRNA-seq data from 181 tumor biopsies across 13 cancer types. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA) was performed to identify relevant gene sets, which were further refined using XGBoost for feature selection. These gene sets were applied to downstream tasks using TCGA pan-cancer RNA-seq data and compared to six reference gene sets and oncogenes from OncoKB evaluated with deep learning models, including multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) and graph neural networks (GNNs). The XGBoost-refined hdWGCNA gene set demonstrated higher performance in most tasks, including tumor mutation burden assessment, microsatellite instability classification, mutation prediction, cancer subtyping, and grading. In particular, genes such as DPM1, BAD, and FKBP4 emerged as important pan-cancer biomarkers, with DPM1 consistently significant across tasks. This study presents a robust approach for feature selection in cancer genomics by integrating scRNA-seq data and advanced analysis techniques.
Identification of a new frameshift homozygous variant of PEX3 gene in a preterm infant with profound global developmental delay and bilateral ptosis: a case report and update literature review
Authors: Su Jinfeng , Tao Yingbo , Zhang Lian , Luo Jun
Published: August 2024

Background Loss-of-function mutations in PEX3 have been associated with Zellweger syndrome (ZS), a severe form of peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD, OMIM: 601539) characterized by significant global developmental delay, muscle weakness with bilateral ptosis, cholestasis, hypotonia, and seizures. ZS can be life-threatening if manifested in the neonatal period.
Case presentation This study presents a unique case of a male infant with severe ZS whose condition deteriorated despite intensive supportive treatment. Through whole exome sequencing, an intronic variant NM 003630.2:c.288-10T>A, located 10 nucleotides before exon 4 of the PEX3 gene, was identified. Sanger sequencing revealed a homozygous variant in the infant and a heterozygous variant in both parents. Further analysis using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence confirmed the abnormal transcript of the PEX3gene caused by a frameshift variant resulting from the PEX3 gene c.288-10T>A mutation. This modification led to a splicing error that deleted exon 4, causing a direct splicing of exons 3 and 5. This alteration produced a truncated protein comprising 32 incorrect amino acids.
Conclusions We here report the first case of severe Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSDs) due to the PEX3 [c.288-10T>A: p.F97Pfs*33] variant in China. This study broadens the known range of severe ZSDs due to PEX3 pathogenic variants.
Improving Therapeutic Decision-Making through Risk-stratification of Severe COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Savvopoulos Symeon , Papadopoulou Anastasia , Karavalakis Georgios , Sakellari Ioanna , Georgolopoulos Grigorios , Yannaki Evangelia , Hatzikirou Haralampos
Published: August 2024

The advent of cellular therapies, particularly the use of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells (CoV-2-STs), offers a promising avenue for the treatment of severe COVID-19. Presice stratification of COVID-19 patients is essential to identify those at high risk who may benefit from intensive therapeutic strategies. Utilizing longitudinal biomarker data from a randomized phase 1–2 trial which was implemented during the delta COVID-19 variant and compared the efficacy of treatment with CoV-2-STs plus standard-of-care (SoC) against SoC alone in severe COVID-19 patients, we conducted a post hoc, linear discriminant analysis to identify severely infected patients at increased risk of deterioration. We developed a feature importance strategy to detect key determinants influencing patient outcomes post-treatment. Our results demonstrated that crucial biological classifiers could predict treatment response with over 87% accuracy, validated through multiple-fold cross-validation. This predictive model suggested that the survival of the SoC-only, control group, patients, could have been improved by 30%, if they had received CoV-2-STs therapy. Additionally, in order to aid therapeutic decision-making, we generated a computational tool, capable of identifying those patients in whom an additional to SoC intervention, may be required to avert adverse outcomes. Overall, this computational approach represents a step forward in personalized medicine, offering a new perspective on the stratification and management of severe COVID-19 patients.
The role of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the longitudinal relationship between body image and disordered eating behaviors among Tibetan young adults: a moderating serial mediation model
Authors: Wu Ruipeng , Huang Yeen , Yan Xinya , Wang Yingting , Zhu Minxia , Chen Xiangjun , Guang Zixuan , Niu Qiong , Lu Ciyong , Wang Shaokang
Published: August 2024

Background: Body image significantly impacts emotional and behavioral health. This study investigates the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) among Tibetan young adults, considering the mediating roles of anxiety and depression and the moderating role of ethnicity.
Methods: A longitudinal survey was conducted among 2993 first- and second-year university students in Tibet, with initial data collection in September 2021 and follow-up in December 2021. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing body image, anxiety, depression, and DEBs. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and moderated serial mediation using the PROCESS macro.
Results: Body image satisfaction significantly negatively predicted DEBs (β= -0.031, 95% CI = -0.061~-0.001). Anxiety and depression independently and sequentially mediated this relationship (a1b1 = -0.008, 95% CI = -0.015~-0.001; a2b2 = -0.005, 95% CI = -0.010~-0.001; a1db2 = -0.017, 95% CI = -0.026~-0.009). Ethnicity moderated the direct effect, with body image significantly predicting DEBs among Tibetan students but not Han Chinese students.
Conclusions: This study highlights the critical roles of anxiety and depression in the link between body image and DEBs and the moderating effect of ethnicity. These findings suggest targeted interventions addressing body image and emotional health to mitigate DEBs, especially in ethnic minority populations.
Crude Oil Pre-refining Life Cycle Assessment to Compare the Effect of Energy Optimization– a Case Study of Cheshmeh Khosh Oil Operational Area in Iran
Authors: Naseri Kioumars , Noorpoor Alireza , Razavian Fatemeh , Khoshmanesh Behnoush
Published: August 2024

Purpose
One of the most eminent future challenges for humans is supplying energy needs. Therefore, the high energy consumption and resource discharge rate in industrial processes makes comparison and optimization of life cycle process assessment effective in quantifying the resource and energy consumption in different parts of the process.
Methods
First, the process is simulated using HYSIS software, and a life cycle assessment is performed using SIMAPRO software. Then, a suitable scenario is conducted to reduce exergy loss and energy management in the production unit, accompanied by a re-simulation and assessment of the life cycle. Finally, a comparison between the two states is performed using SIMAPRO software.
Results and discussion
evidently, comparing the life cycle assessment process between the two states (before and after optimization) by First Order Analysis shows that Non-Renewable fossil-resource consumption PJ 1398650.657 MJ and the total degradation of energy consumption 0.001407016 PJ decreased. In addition, using Second Order Analysis, Non-Renewable fossil-resources consumption of 1379623.728 MJ and total degradation of energy consumption of 0.001384628 PJ decreased.
Conclusions
The combination of simulation and assessment of the crude oil processing and optimization life cycle reduces energy consumption, pollutants emissions, and economic costs. It also increases production. Exergy loss compared to before optimization was reduced by 27.93%. Besides, crude oil production will increase by 55,658 liters per day (350 barrels per day) which is worth 23,300$.
The study explores the correlation between cultural influence and community engagement in fostering social safety for tourists.
Authors: HOSSAIN SAZIB , HENA HASNA
Published: August 2024

The tourism industry in China is booming, and the relationship between cultural influence and community engagement (CICE) is crucial for tourists' safety. This study explores the relationship between CICE, cultural norm dynamics, social cooperation, and crisis perceptions of local communities in ensuring tourists' safety. The research uses netnography and social media content analysis to analyze cultural artifacts, utilizing data from diverse regions. The study reveals that traditional Chinese values, social norms, and practices influence safety perceptions among tourists. Cultural nuances influence community attitudes towards tourism safety, which manifest in local residents' engagement. Community engagement is essential for the social construction of safety, as local residents' willingness to participate in safety measures significantly shapes the overall tourism experience. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, tourism industry stakeholders, and community leaders to enhance tourists' safety in China. It aims to provide practical recommendations for a safer and culturally enriching tourism environment in China's diverse landscapes.
Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis by Balamuthia mandrillaris in Pediatrics: Description of Seven Cases in an Institution
Authors: Badaloni Maria eugenia , Blanco Rodrigo A , Marcelo Bartuluchi , Gisela Pascuetin , argañaraz romina alejandra
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris is a rare and frequently fatal infection of the central nervous system (CNS), especially in pediatric patients.
Objective
To describe a series of seven pediatric cases of GAE caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris and analyze the current literature on this pathology.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective review of pediatric cases diagnosed with GAE by Balamuthia mandrillaris at the Hospital de Pediatría J.P. Garrahan between 2000 and 2023 was conducted. Clinical, radiological, histopathological data, and therapeutic management of these patients were analyzed. A literature search was conducted in the virtual library Pub-Med in high-impact factor journals.
Results
Of the seven cases analyzed, six underwent biopsy and died despite receiving required treatment. The only survivor to date was the patient who had the amebic granuloma completely removed, including the capsule, and completed specific antiparasitic treatment.
Conclusion
GAE by Balamuthia mandrillaris has an extremely high mortality rate in pediatric patients, occurring very shortly after the onset of the disease. In this case series, we have demonstrated that the complete surgical resection of the granulomatous lesion allowed the patient to remain disease-free with a seven-month follow-up.
Examining the Effectiveness of the PAX-Good Behaviour Game in Improving the Mental Health and Academic Outcomes of First Nations Children in Canada: A Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial Using Administrative Data
Authors: Chartier Mariette , Turner Frank , Jiang Depeng , Au Wendy , McCulloch Scott , Brownell Marni , Santos Robert , Murdock Nora , Martinson Amanda , Boyd Leanne , Bolton James , Sareen Jitender
Published: August 2024

Purpose PAX Good Behaviour Game (PAX-GBG), a school-based mental health promotion approach, has been shown to improve children’s mental health outcomes and academic achievement. Given that these effects have yet to be shown in Indigenous populations, a partnership with First Nations communities was created to evaluate PAX-GBG’s effectiveness among First Nations children living in Canada.Methods In this clustered randomized controlled trial, we used population-based administrative data that allowed de-identified individual-level linkages. Our cohort from 20 First Nations schools was randomized to PAX-GBG (n = 469, 11 schools) or wait-list control (n = 256, 9 schools). We used multi-level regression modeling and propensity score weighting to estimate group differences in mental health and academic outcomes over time (2011–2020).Results PAX-GBG group children had significantly greater decreases in conduct problems (β:-1.08, standard error(se):0.2505, p < .0001), hyperactivity (β:-1.13, se:0.3617, p = .0018), and peer problems (β:-1.10, se:0.3043, p = .0003) and a greater increase in prosocial scores (β:2.68, se:0.4139, p < .0001) than control group children. The percentage of PAX-GBG group children meeting academic expectations was higher than control group children. However, only third-grade numeracy (odds ratio (OR):4.30, confidence interval (CI):1.34–13.77) and eighth-grade reading and writing (OR:2.78, CI:1.01–7.67) were statistically significant. We found no evidence that PAX-GBG was associated with less emotional problems, diagnosed mental disorders, or greater student engagement.Conclusion These findings suggest that PAX-GBG was effective in improving First Nations children’s mental health and academic outcomes. Examining what works in Indigenous communities is crucial because approaches that are effective in some populations may not be culturally appropriate for others.
A two-sample Mendelian randomization study to explore the causal relationship between immune inflammatory factors and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Mingying , He Junbing , Lin Zhibin , Cai Yubin , Wu Gengmao , Zhong Xiaoze , Liu Weijun , Lin Yuan , Qiu Zhanyi , Liang Ruihuang , Wu Wuzhong , Liu Qinghua , Wu Kefei
Published: August 2024

Background
The effect of inflammatory factors on systemic lupus erythematosus has now been widely recognized, however, causal relationship between inflammatory factors and SLE pathogenesis is uncertain.
Methods
Aggregate statistics for each inflammatory factor and immune feature are publicly available from the Genome-Wide Association Study catalog. This dataset includes a total of 91 inflammatory factors and 731 immune phenotypes, The initial GWAS of immune features used data from 3,757 individuals of European descent. Correlations were examined after adjusting for covariates. The overall impact of inflammatory on SLE can be dissected into the direct and indirect effects. The inverse variance weighing method is a standard MR method for causal analysis. Sensitivity analysis was also perform to optimize the reliability and accuracy of the results.
Results
Potential association was identified between the levels of caspase 8, fractalkine, IL-2, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), T cell surface glycoprotein CD8 isoform, TNF ligand superfamily member 14, and TNF receptor superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9) and SLE occurrence.(P<0.05). Among 28 immune features analyzed, Nine and nineteen exhibited a positive and negative causal relationship with SLE. When selecting the inflammatory factors with the most significant P-values and 28 immune features in the MR analysis. IL-2 levels was significantly associated with increased SLE risk ( P = 0.029, β = 0.41, OR = 1.508, 95% CI = 1.040–2.185). Total effect of IL-2 levels on SLE was 0.410, The breakdown of this effect yielded an indirect effect of 0.024, mediated through the percentage of CD25hi CD45RA− CD4+ Tregs, and a direct effect of 0.386 with a mediation rate of 6.05%. MR-Egger intercept test showed that there was no significant horizontal pleiotropy (P > 0.05) among the IVs. Sensitivity analysis supported the validity of the analysis.
Conclusions
These study exhibited causal associations between Caspase 8, fractalkine, IL-2, SLAM, T cell surface glycoprotein CD8 isoform, TNF ligand superfamily member 14, and TNFRSF9 and the etiology of SLE. Immune features are probably involved in this process. Our study suggested that IL-2 may mediated through new regulatory mechanism and may likely be potential therapeutic targets for SLE.
Key laboratory variations in severe trauma, different natural evolution according to patient phenotype
Authors: Morales Adrián Marcos , Mendoza Jesús Abelardo Barea , Fernández Marcos Valiente , Fuentes Carlos García , Boyero Fernando Calvo , Cueto-Felgueroso Cecilia , Gutiérrez Judith Gutiérrez , Moya Francisco de Paula Delgado , Reche Carolina Mudarra , Aznárez Susana Bermejo , Fernández Mario Chico
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to describe the natural evolution of conventional laboratory parameters in four severe trauma patient phenotypes.
Methods
An observational analytical study in an intensive care unit (ICU). Patients with severe trauma were included, defined as those having at least one affected anatomical region with an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) of ≥ 3 points. After classification into four relevant groups according to the hemodynamic (HD) status and the presence or absence of major traumatic brain injury (TBI with AIS ≥ 3), evolution of laboratory parameters was described and plotted in a timeline going from patient ICU arrival to time points 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours later. Contrast hypothesis tests were performed for data at the 0 and 24 hour time points.
Results
A total of 1626 severe trauma patients were included, 80% in the two stable HD groups. Most laboratory differences were found between stable and unstable HD groups, such as lower hemoglobin and platelet count on arrival and after 24 hours, higher lactate and metabolic acidosis from arrival to 24 hours in the most severely ill, low ionized calcium up until 24 hours, and alteration of coagulation only in the most severe subgroup. Differences were also found in patients with major TBI compared with those without, especially in the leukocyte formula. A 24 hours peak in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was notable in all patients with major TBI, being highest in patients with both unstable HD and major TBI.
Conclusion
The natural evolution of laboratory parameters differs according to patient phenotype. It completes the picture of hemodynamic status and it also gives insight into the presence of major TBI both in hemodynamically stable or unstable contexts.
Novel mutation of NOTCH3 gene in a Chinese Patient with CADASIL: A case report
Authors: gao xiang , Wang Jie , Hou Lijing , Lin Jixiang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiao , Liu Xiaomin
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a monogenic cerebral small-vessel disease characterized by migraine, recurrent ischemic strokes, psychiatric disorder, and progressive cognitive decline. CADASIL is a cerebrovascular disease closely related to the NOTCH3 gene and to date, over 300 mutations in this gene have been reported. Herein, we describe a patient with CADASIL carrying a novel NOTCH3 frameshift mutation in exon 28. We present the results of a detailed clinical work-up and, in the light of the published literature, discuss the pathophysiological relevance of this genetic finding.
Case presentation:
A 56-year-old woman was hospitalized due to migraines and recurrent cerebral infarction. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple ischemic infarcts, microbleed lesions and demyelination of white matter around the bilateral ventricles. Mutation analysis identified a novel frameshift mutation, c.5171_5172delCA, p. (Thr1724fs17), in the NOTCH3 gene in a heterozygous state in this patient. Thus, this patient was diagnosed with genetically confirmed CADASIL.
Conclusions
We report a novel mutation, c.5171_5172delCA, p. (Thr1724fs17), in the NOTCH3 gene in a Chinese patient with CADASIL. This report broadens the NOTCH3 gene mutation spectrum.
Development of a patient-reported ONCOlogical-ROUTinE-Screening (ONCO-ROUTES) procedure and its digital implementation at the University Cancer Center Regensburg
Authors: Maurer Julia , Saibold Anna , Gerl Katharina , Koller Michael , Koelbl Oliver , Pukrop Tobias , Windschuettl Sandra , Einhell Sabine , Herrmann-Johns Anne , Raptis Georgios , Mueller Karolina
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The evaluation of treatment success and progression in oncology patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is playing an increasingly important role. Meanwhile, PROs are a component of the certification requirements of the German Cancer Society for oncology centers. PROs are used to provide supportive therapy. At the University Hospital Regensburg (UKR), a digital ONCOlogical-ROUTinE-Screening (ONCO-ROUTES) procedure was developed in order to assess the need for supportive therapy in a standardized way and to provide patients with supportive interventions tailored to their needs.
Methods
On the basis of already established processes and current requirements, the development of ONCO-ROUTES was supported by experts in focus groups and interviews, and digitalization was carried out in connection with the IT infrastructure.
Results
A Needs-based, Quality-of-life (QoL) and Symptoms Screening (NQS2) tool already established in the routine at the UKR was further developed into ONCO-ROUTES, which is made up of the domains therapy phase, nutrition, tobacco use, alcohol use, quality of life, general condition/functional status, physical activity, psychooncology, social services, and further support needs. By linking the digitized questionnaire to the hospital information system, the results are available for immediate use in routine operations and thus for the referral of patients for further supportive therapy.
Conclusion
Especially digital PROs enable a wide range of clinical applications in the context of oncology centers. ONCO-ROUTES is designed to include patients in their treatment and to provide supportive interdisciplinary treatment that is tailored to their needs.
Effects of temperature and food availability on feeding behaviour and metabolism in the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa.
Authors: Kabanova Ekaterina , Filgueira Ramón
Published: August 2024

Cucumaria frondosa is the largest and most abundant species of sea cucumber in the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. C. frondosa are commercially exploited in Maine and Atlantic Canada, and sustainable stock management requires addressing knowledge gaps in their ecophysiology and bioenergetics. While temperature is commonly assumed to be the principal factor affecting the metabolic rates of aquatic ectotherms, food availability determines the feeding ecology and ultimately, growth rates of suspension feeders such as C. frondosa. Effects of temperature and food availability on individual feeding rates, metabolism, and population-level feeding activity were investigated in C. frondosa collected in May-July of 2023 from Nova Scotia, Canada (44°40’41.2’’ N 63°36’30.4’’ W). In the first experiment, temperature was increased from 5°C to 16°C by 1°C every 3 days. Maximum tentacle insertion rates (TIR; a proxy for food intake) and cloacal opening rates (COR; a proxy for respiration) increased with temperature while the total proportion of feeding individuals generally decreased. Above 12°C, novel abnormal behaviors – rhythmic openings of the mouth and incomplete TIR – emerged, and became increasingly common at higher temperatures, suggesting thermal stress. In the second experiment, phytoplankton concentration was increased from 2,000 cells ml− 1 to 50,000 cells ml− 1 by 10,000 cells ml− 1 every 3 days. TIR increased until ~ 30,000 cells ml− 1, then plateaued. The proportion of feeding individuals increased with food availability, with all individuals feeding at 40,000 cells ml− 1. These findings provide insight into the physiological performance of C. frondosa under different environmental conditions and can help inform fisheries management.
Phytochemical mediated Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity
Authors: Yadav Shyam Raj , Prakash Jai , Kumari Manisha , Rinki Kumari , Sonkar Piyush Kumar , Kumar Narvadeshwar
Published: August 2024

A successful preparation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) by using leaves extract (PE) of plant Combretum roxburghii Spreng. (C. roxburghii Spreng.) and its application towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are reported here. The synthesized CuONPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‑ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), high reosolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). ICP-AES and SEM mapping confirmed the presence of Cu in synthesised NPs. The size of synthesized CuONPs had been found in the range of 2.06 to 6.20 nm with distorted spherical shape by HR-TEM. Both PE and CuONPs were coated on glassy carbon (GC) electrode to form modified electrodes, designated as GC/PE and GC/CuONPs respectively. These GC/PE and GC/CuONPs electrodes were subjected to cyclic voltammetry (CV) characterizations. It was found that GC/CuONPs displays good electrocatalytic activity for ORR. GC/CuONPs also exhibits outstanding operational stability up to 1000 CV cycles.
We want another job: A multi-country qualitative study on the self-reported health, social, and economic needs of female sex workers with children.
Authors: Weerasinghe Swarna D.S. , Fitzgerald Meghan , Macias-Konstantopoulos Wendy L. , Perttu Emily , Willis Brian
Published: August 2024

Background
The mothering role of female sex workers, as the sole provider, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is quite challenging and most of them turn into sex work to meet the basic needs of the family. Efforts to address their unique needs across the spectrum of matriarchy and often stigmatized occupational identity within the context of LMIC requires research-based evidence. The community-centric health and social care needs of 2657 female sex worker mothers (FSWM) in eight LMICs (Angola, Brazil, DRC, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa) were explored.
Methods
The data came from a community-participatory mixed method study conducted among 2657 women in 165 group discussions. The two-stage feminist ethics of care framework was applied to FSWM narratives to guide thematic analysis. In the first stage we focused on how sex work serves as means of survival and the second stage guided the duty to sacrifice for their children.
Results
Four major themes were identified using an inductive coding qualitative approach: assistance with alternative sources of income; healthcare needs; education needs for children; and equitable social respect/legal rights. Application of the feminist ethics of care framework, at the intersection of sex work and motherhood, revealed the leading priority for mothers in sex work is alternative sources of income. The findings reveled that engagement in sex work is for the survival of children and stigma and discrimination impede access to healthcare for female sex workers mothers and their children.
Conclusion
From a theoretical standpoint, our findings align with the two components of the feminist ethics of care; fulfilling self-care first and then making self-sacrifice in providing a nurturing environment for children. The most expressed need was support for alternative sources of income, to transition out of sex work, realizing the work-related threats and dangers for them and their children. This study suggests that legal and HIV protection may not be their highest priority. Local organizations should include the FSWM community as equal partners in addressing unmet health, social and economic needs to ensure that welfare program implementations are responsive to and prioritize the self-reported needs of FSWM.
Growth of trimetallic CeFeNi-MOF-74 on nickel foam as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Zhang Jun , Long Tao , Liu Yangwen , Zhong Zilang , Zhang Yang , Chen XuChang , Li Guanghuan
Published: August 2024

In order to facilitate the industrial synthesis of hydrogen from electrolytic water on a wide scale, high-performance non-precious metal electrocatalysts that can substitute precious metal electrocatalysts must be developed. This paper reports a trimetallic CeFeNi-MOF-74 electrocatalyst grown on nickel foam (NF) by solvothermal method. The introduction of trimetallics gives the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) materials synergistic and complementary properties, resulting in better catalytic properties of the materials. Tuning the electronic structure of materials to optimize electrocatalytic performance by modulating metal ratios. It was found that the prepared Ce0.9FeNi-MOF-74 exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In 1 M KOH, the overpotential is only 262 mV for HER at a current density of 100 mA cm− 2 and 257 mV for OER at a current density of 100 mA cm− 2. For overall water splitting (OWS), a low voltage of only 1.68 V is required to achieve a 10 mA cm− 2 current density. The excellent catalytic performance of Ce0.9FeNi-MOF-74 exceeds that of many commercial catalysts. This study provides new insights into the synthesis of high-performance and stable MOF electrocatalysts.
Study of variation in physical and thermomechanical properties of Kevlar epoxy composite with bi-filler (NiCo2O 4 nanoparticles and wood sawdust) reinforcement
Authors: Balasubramanian Nivedha , Mahalingam Ashok
Published: August 2024

The advancement in the development of hybrid filler-reinforced composites widens its usability in structural applications as a replacement for conventional materials. Filler incorporation into the composites imparts out-of-the-ordinary enrichment to material properties and plays a significant role in enhancing its physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics. In this work, Kevlar epoxy composites are fabricated with bi-filler reinforcement viz, wood sawdust (natural filler – fixed as 5 wt%) and NiCo2O4 nanoparticles (synthetic filler – varying as 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 wt%) using open-mold hand layup technique. Sol-gel synthesized NiCo2O4 nanoparticles are characterized with XRD and FESEM to ensure their purity and spherical morphology. Among filler-loaded composites, 1.5 wt% of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles reinforced Kevlar epoxy composite shows a superior tensile strength of 61.9 MPa. High thermal stability is observed for 1.5 wt% of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles/ 5 wt% wood sawdust reinforced Kevlar epoxy composite, wherein, it can be potentially efficient for thermal applications. Physical properties seem to be better for 1 wt% of NiCo2O4 nanoparticle reinforcement that prevents the composite from microcracking due to low wettability.
Analysis and Interpretation the Effect of General Anisotropy on 3-D Marine CSEM Response Based on a Goal-oriented Adaptive FE Method
Authors: li jiankai , Cai Ji , Liu Ying , Liu Lihua , Huang Ling , Gao Jingyu , Liu Xiao , Fang Guangyou
Published: August 2024

The marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method offers a range of applications in marine geophysics, including mapping hydrocarbon reservoirs, studying seafloor geology, identifying potential mineral deposits, and investigating hydrate occurrences. Nevertheless, the interpretation of marine CSEM data becomes challenging when complex anisotropy is present. Therefore, we extend the scope of numerical simulations of 3-D marine CSEM responses from a specific case of dipping anisotropy to general anisiotropy based on a goal-oriented adaptive finite element (FE) method. We verify the upgraded argorithm using a 1-D anisotropic layered model with quasi-analytical solutions, and then apply the algorithm to compute marine CSEM responses over a set of 3-D anisotropic models. The behavior of the responses is explained by visualizing the flow of electromagnetic energy within the anisotropic conductivity structures using the Poynting vector, which helps explain how the energy propagates and interacts with the anisotropic media, providing insights into the observed response patterns. The numerical results clearly demonstrate that both the dipping and azimuthal anisotropy in the sediment have considerable impacts on marine CSEM responses, but their effects follow different patterns and highly dependent on the orientation of the electric dipole source utilized. However, the influence of the anisotropic reservoir can hardly be observed. This study emphasizes the significance of incorporating anisotropy into the interpretation of marine CSEM surveys. It contributes to the understanding of the impacts of general anisotropy on marine CSEM responses and provides a valuable approach for accurately modeling and interpreting marine CSEM data in the presence of anisotropic conductivity.
Enzymatic synthesis of structured DHA phospholipids in a solvent- free medium with potential effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: García-Quinto Ernestina , Guisan Jose M. , Fernandez-Lorente Gloria
Published: August 2024

Phospholipids containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) esterified at the sn-2 position of glycerol could contribute to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Optimizing the synthesis bioprocesses for these structured DHA lipids is essential to ensure their bioavailability, allowing them to cross the blood-brain barrier and be efficiently incorporated into neuronal membranes. Lipases and phospholipases are gaining attention due to their role as biocatalysts in selectively modifying and producing structured lipids. In particular, enzymatic processes in solvent-free media are highly valued for their ecological, economic, and technological benefits. Immobilization and post-immobilization techniques are indispensable for obtaining highly stable biocatalysts in solvent-free media. The immobilized derivative of phospholipase Quara® LowP (QlowP-C18) is the optimal catalyst for synthesizing di-substituted DHA phospholipids, achieving a yield of 58%. The post-immobilization technique increases the stability of QlowP-C18 threefold, allowing it to be reused for up to five reaction cycles at 40ºC.
Assessment of Rare Earth elements in Asejire Lake, Nigeria
Authors: Adeboye Ayodele Christianah , Omotoso Oladele Ajiboro , Afolabi Olukayode Adegoke , Akinwole Isreal Oluwatimileyin , Elabor Isa
Published: August 2024

This study evaluated the distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) in the Asejire Reservoir, Southwest Nigeria, a region lacking comprehensive REE assessment despite the growing concern over REE contamination due to industrial and technological advancements. Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), we analyzed 12 water samples to determine their REE concentrations. The total REE (∑REE) concentrations ranged from 10.35 to 13.44 µg/L. Cerium (Ce/Ce*), Europium (Eu/Eu*) and Gadolinium (Gd/Gd*) anomalies were 0.19–0.24, 0.18–0.24 and 0.94–1.23, respectively, indicating strong negative anomalies for Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu*, while Gd/Gd* showed a slight positive anomaly. These results suggest that the water in the study area is relatively pristine with respect to REEs. The enrichment factor (EF) analysis showed slight enrichment/contamination (1 ≤ EF < 2) for light REEs (LREEs) and middle REEs (MREEs), while heavy REEs (HREEs) mostly showed no enrichment (EF < 1). Notably, most samples had Lanthanum (La) and Cerium (Ce) concentrations above the indicative admissible drinking water concentration (iAC = 2.0 µg/L), implying potential adverse effects from ingestion. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that 71.2% of the variability is accounted for by the first two principal components (PC): PC1 (61.22%) is attributed to natural inputs of REEs, while PC2 (10.51%) suggests some anthropogenic input. In conclusion, this study reveals that the Asejire Reservoir is slightly impacted by anthropogenic influences and local authorities should implement appropriate measures to prevent further deterioration.
Analysis of individual plants reveals the genetic control for local adaptation in European maize landraces
Authors: Aiyesa Leke , Beissinger Timothy , Scholten Stefan , Link Wolfgang , Zumbach Birgit
Published: August 2024

European maize landraces encompass a large amount of genetic diversity, allowing them to be well-adapted to their local environments. This diversity can be exploited to improve the fitness of elite material in the face of a changing climate. We characterized the genetic diversity of 333 individual plants from 40 European maize landrace populations (EMLPs). We identified five genetic groups that mirrored the proximities of their geographical origins. Fixation indices (Fst) showed moderate differentiation among genetic groups (0.034 to 0.093). More than half of the genetic variance was observed to be partitioned among individuals. Nucleotide diversity of EMLPs decreased significantly as latitude increased (from 0.16 to 0.04), suggesting serial founder events during maize expansion in Europe. GWAS with latitude, longitude, and elevation as response variables identified 28, 347, and 68 significant SNP positions, respectively. We pinpointed significant SNPs near dwarf8, tb1, ZCN7, ZCN8, and ZmMADS69, and identified 137 candidate genes with ontology terms indicative of local adaptation in maize, regulating the adaptation to diverse abiotic and biotic environmental stresses. This study suggests a quick and cost-efficient approach to identifying genes involved in local adaptation without requiring field data. The EMLPs used in this study have been assembled to serve as a continuing resource of genetic diversity for further research aimed at improving agronomically relevant adaptation traits.
Contrasting effects of symbiont inoculation on soil microbiota functionalities in a rehabilitation program of salt-affected lands
Authors: Djighaly Pape Ibrahima , Diagne Nathalie , Tournier Estelle , Ngom Mariama , Cissoko Maimouna , Tisseyre Pierre , Ngom Daouda , Hocher Valérie , Svistoonoff Sergio , Sanguin Hervé
Published: August 2024

Soil salinization has become a major global ecosystem sustainability issue. In Senegal, promising ecosystem restoration of salt-affected lands has been reached by the implementation of ecological engineering strategies based on beneficial associations between Casuarina species and salt-tolerant symbiotic microorganisms. However, the extent of impacts of symbiont inoculants on the native soil microbiota, and consequently soil functioning is fragmentary. The current study aimed at evaluating the changes in the native soil microbiota associated with the use of a symbiont inoculant in mixed Casuarinaceae plantations in salt-affected lands. The symbiont inoculation lead to a decrease of soil fungal diversity, but not bacteria. However, the whole soil microbiota structure was impacted by symbiont inoculation, as by salinity and Casuarina species. Casuarina species also impacted the diversity of dominant taxa constituting soil microbiota, but only salinity affected bacterial diversity. Important modifications of soil microbiota functionalities were revealed, notably a decrease of bacterial pathogens related to symbiont inoculation and increased abundance of fungal pathogens with salinity. Soil nutrient cycling was also impacted by symbiont inoculation, mostly micronutrient cycling and N fixation, but salinity and Casuarina species were the main factors affecting N cycling in soil.
WITHDRAWN: Contrasting effects of symbiont inoculation on soil microbiota functionalities in a rehabilitation programme of salt-affected lands
Authors: Djighaly Pape Ibrahima , Diagne Nathalie , Tournier Estelle , Ngom Mariama , Cissoko Maimouna , Tisseyre Pierre , Ngom Daouda , Hocher Valérie , Svistoonoff Sergio , Sanguin Hervé
Published: August 2024

Soil salinization has become a major global ecosystem sustainability issue. In Senegal, promising ecosystem restoration of salt-affected lands has been achieved by the implementation of ecological engineering strategies based on beneficial associations between Casuarina species and salt-tolerant symbiotic microorganisms. However, the extent of the impacts of symbiont inoculants on the native soil microbiota and, consequently, soil functioning is fragmentary. The current study aimed to evaluate the changes in the native soil microbiota associated with the use of a symbiont inoculant in mixed Casuarinaceae plantations in salt-affected lands. Symbiont inoculation led to a decrease in the diversity of soil fungi but not bacteria. However, the whole soil microbiota structure was impacted by symbiont inoculation, as was the case for salinity and Casuarina species. Casuarina species also impacted the diversity of the dominant taxa constituting the soil microbiota, but only salinity affected bacterial diversity. Important modifications of soil microbiota functionalities were revealed, notably, a decrease in the abundance of bacterial pathogens related to symbiont inoculation and an increase in the abundance of fungal pathogens with increasing salinity. Soil nutrient cycling, mostly micronutrient cycling and N fixation, was also impacted by symbiont inoculation, but salinity and Casuarina species were the main factors affecting N cycling in the soil.
Experimental and numerical assessment of the effect of speed and loading conditions on the nominal wake of a containership
Authors:   University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Ivana Lučića 5, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia, Grlj Carlo Giorgio , Degiuli Nastia , Martić Ivana
Published: August 2024

An important aspect of the design of the propeller is the determination of the nominal wake. In this study, the nominal wake of a Post Panamax containership is determined numerically and experimentally at different speeds and loading conditions. The numerical simulations are based on the Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes equations, which are discretized using the finite volume method and the system of equations is closed using the Shear stress transport turbulence model. The nominal wake is determined with numerical simulations that model the effects of the free surface and without the free surface included, i.e., double body simulations. The verification study is conducted to assess the numerical uncertainty for the grid size and time step. The validation study includes a comparison of the contours of the dimensionless axial velocity component, the radial distributions of the circumferentially averaged dimensionless axial velocity components, and the integral values of the nominal wake. The effect of speed is more noticeable for the results obtained with EFD in comparison to the numerically obtained results, which is especially pronounced for the integral value of the nominal wake. The integral value of the nominal wake increases with the increase in the trim angle.
Plant species richness (PSR) along island biogeographical gradients in inhabited islands of Shinan-gun, Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Jin-Won , Son Dong-Ho , You Changhoon , Hong Sun-Kee , Kim Jae-Eun , Kim Min-Jae , Ko Seok-Yeol , Kim Jong-Wook
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study is assess the influences of 8 environmental factors, population, coastline length, island area, vegetated area, highest peak, distance to the mainland, longitude, latitude on vascular plant species richness (PSR) of 10 inhabited islands of Shinan-gun, South Korea. In simple regression, the relationships between PSR and distance to the mainland, longitude and latitude were significant at the 5% level. When distance increases, longitude and latitude decrease, plant species richness increases. The relationship between PSR and coastline length, island area and highest peak were not significant at 5% level. But coastline length, island area and vegetated area showed negative relation with plant species richness and highest peak showed positive relation. Relationship between population and PSR was not statistically significant and showed negative relation. This may indicate PSR decrease by the effects of human dynamics, but further research is needed. In stepwise regression method three variables, distance, longitude and latitude, explained 98.0% of the variation in PSR.
Allelopathic Influence of Artemisia lancea Essential Oil on Selected Broad and Narrow Weeds
Authors: Shan Zixiang , Zhou Shixing , Arafat Yasir , Shi Kai , Shao Hua
Published: August 2024

The present study analyzed the chemical composition and phytotoxic activity of Artemisia lancea essential oil (EO). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results showed the presence of 55 compounds, representing 82.36% of the entire EO, with eucalyptol (18.7%) being the most abundant constituent. Phytotoxic bioassay results indicated that the EO (concentration ranging from 0.25-5 mg mL-1) inhibited the growth of Amaranthus retroflexus and Setaria viridis. Root length of A. retroflexus and S. viridis were reduced with the increasing concentration of the EO, especially when the EO was applied at 1-5 mg mL-1. When treated with 1-5 mg mL-1 EO, shoot length of A. retroflexus and S. viridis were also significantly suppressed. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for inhibiting root and shoot growth of A. retroflexus by the EO were 0.284 and 0.246 mg mL-1; for S. viridis, the EO showed IC50 values of 0.44 and 0.262 mg mL-1 for root and shoot inhibition, respectively. The most promising findings were observed when A. lancea EO concentration reached 1 mg mL-1 and higher, which completely inhibited seed germination of A. retroflexus and S. viridis. These findings suggest A. lancea EO has potential as an eco-friendly bioherbicide for agricultural weed control.