bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocular Loiasis in France: A Recent Case Report
Authors: KERKOURI Sarah , MONFORT Thomas , QUINIO Dorothée , Cochener-Lamard Béatrice
Published: May 2024

We report the case of a 21-year-old Cameroonian woman residing in France for one year, who presented in our department for left eye discomfort and itching. Examination revealed a mobile translucent cord beneath the nasal-inferior conjunctiva, prompting suspicion of loiasis. Anesthesia was administered for extraction, revealing a 31 mm male Loa loa. Positive serology confirmed the diagnosis and diagnostic workup excluded other locations. Treatment with diethylcarbamazine was well-tolerated. This case highlights the importance of considering loiasis in non-endemic regions and underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in its diagnosis and management.
The effect of birth weight on time to neonatal mortality in Silte Zone, Central Ethiopia: A survival analysis
Authors: Jemal Musa , Kemal Abdurezak , Mohammed Bekri , Bedru Delwana , Kedir Shemsu
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Globally, 2.4 million children died in the first month of life by 2019, approximately 6,700 neonatal deaths every day. Ethiopia is 4th leading country among the top 10 countries with the highest number of neonatal death. On the other hand, prospective studies regarding neonatal mortality are scarce in Ethiopia in general and the central Ethiopia part in particular which necessitates assessing survival status and predictors of mortality among neonates to design evidence-based locally specific intervention strategies.
Methods
An institution based prospective cohort study design was employed from May 01 to July 30, 2022. Data were collected from term neonates enrolled by their order of health facility visit then followed by data collectors in their home. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.1. Neonatal survival was presented using Kaplan-Meyers survival curve. Crude and adjusted association was evaluated using cox-proportional hazard model and presented with 95% confidence interval and P value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Result
1080 term neonates were followed for a total of 27643.6 neonatal day. The study showed a 95% cumulative probability of surviving the neonatal period. The incidence rate of neonatal death was 2.02 per 1000 neonatal days. Maternal history of neonatal death (AHR = 4.03; 95%CI: 2.28–9.52), complication during pregnancy (AHR = 3.08; 95%CI: 1.12–8.25), female sex (AHR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.25–0.84), birth weight (AHR = 0.27; 95%CI: 0.11–0.63), and low and intermediate Apgar score (AHR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.23–7.82 and AHR = 5.34; 95%CI: 1.63–17.51 respectively) were independent predictors of neonatal death.
Conclusion
It has been noted that neonatal mortality is higher than results from national and other study areas and thus needs strict attention, and interventions targeting both pre and post-natal periods. Promoting maternal nutrition thereby normal birth weight of the newborn increases the survival status of neonates.
Sociodemographic and clinical indicators associated with quality of life among parents of autistic children
Authors: John James Rufus , Lam-Cassettari Christa , Dissanayake Cheryl , Eapen Valsamma
Published: May 2024

Background:Evidence suggests that parents/carers of autistic children have lower subjective physical and mental health which in turn can affect their overall quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between behavioural and emotional profile of autistic preschool children, parental stress, and QoL using a sociodemographic lens.
Methods: A secondary analysis of the data collected from parents of autistic children from six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres (ASELCCs) across six states in Australia. The standardised Quality of Life in Autism scale (QoLA) scale was used as the primary outcome to ascertain the QoL of parents/caregivers. Primary exposure included child’s autism traits as well as cognitive, adaptive, and behavioural profile measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-second edition (ADOS-2), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Repetitive Behaviours Scale–Revised (RBS-R), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS), Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), and Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) whereas parental stress was assessed using Parent Stress Index-4 Short Form (PSI-4-SF). Several key child-specific (child’s age, gender, and other medical conditions) as well as parent-specific (parent’s age, multicultural status, education, occupation, and income) factors were also included. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine the significant predictors associated with parental QoL whilst adjusting for key sociodemographic factors.
Results: Among a sample of 518 participants, the mean (SD) QoLA Part A score was 95.9 (19.9) and mean (SD) QoLA Part B score was 69.8 (21.1). Findings of the regression analyses showed that autism traits as reported by parents (higher SCQ scores) and higher parental stress levels were negatively associated with the parental QoL (Part A) whereas high income had a positive effect on QoL. In terms of parental perceptions of children’s autism-specific difficulties (QoLA Part B), we found that higher internalising and externalising behaviours (CBCL) including repetitive behaviours (RBS-R) are more impactful.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that a child’s level of autism specific traits as reported by parents have an impact on parental QoL. Hence, targeted supports in these areas for families could be expected to have benefits not only for the child’s outcomes but also for parental QoL.
A flow cytometry method for quantitative measurement and molecular investigation of the adhesion of bacteria to yeast cells
Authors: Schiavone Marion , Dagkesamanskya Adilya , Vieu Pierre-Gilles , Duperray Maëlle , Duplan-Eche Valérie , François Jean Marie
Published: May 2024

The interaction of bacteria with yeasts deserves great interest in animal and human welfare. To investigate these microbial interactions at the cellular and molecular level, a simple, reliable and quantitative method is proposed. We showed that flow cytometry enables the interaction to be measured at single cell level,by distinguishing single yeast cells with fluorescent bound bacteria from cell aggregates. free fluorescent bacteria Flow cytometry coupled with imaging showed that number of bacteria attached to yeast followed a Gaussian distribution with a maximum of 14, at a high bacteria: yeast ratio. Although the dynamic of adhesion resembles a Langmuir adsorption model, we found that this adhesion is a rapid and almost irreversible process that involves mannose-specific type 1 fimbriae, since mutants lacking these appendages no longer adhered to yeast. Furthermore, attachment of bacteria to yeast likely involved factors in addition to mannosyl sugars of the cell wall since yeast mutants with alteration in mannans content did not show difference in adhesion as compared to wild type. In summary, flow cytometry is an appropriate method for studying the mechanisms of interaction between bacteria and yeast, as well as for the high-throughput screening of candidate molecules likely to promote or counteract this interaction.
Influence of specialization from intensive care physicians on outcome in multiply injured patients – a matched-pair analysis at a level I trauma center
Authors: Aktas Gökmen , Rolfes Larissa , Pacha Tarek Omar , Mayor Jorge , Clausen Jan , Sehmisch Stephan , Mommsen Philipp
Published: May 2024

The treatment of severely injured trauma patients is a significant challenge for physicians and requires a qualified interprofessional team skilled in critical care medicine. Between 2005 and 2022 all multiple trauma patients admitted to our level I trauma center (age \(>\)16 and injury severity score \(\geq\) 16) were enrolled in a retrospective single-center cohort study, using a matched pair analysis to determine how the physicians specialization influences the outcome of these patients. 1.015 patients were included, of which 920 patients (90.6% ) were allocated to the T-ICU and 95 patients (9.4%) to the A-ICU. While no differences in age and gender distribution could be found between the groups. Patients admitted to the A-ICU tended to be in worse medical conditions before trauma (ASA 1.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.4 ± 0.7, p=0.044). However patients admitted to T-ICU tended to have more severe extremity and pelvic injuries according to the AIS (2.3 ± 1.4 vs. 1.8 ± 1.4, p = 0.006), and showed more often shock (18.9 % vs. 10.5 %, p = 0,043), while also receiving an increased amount of PRBC (10.4 ± 16.3 vs. 7.5 ± 11.3, p = 0.025) and TC (1.2 ± 3.4 vs. 0.7 ± 1.4, p = 0.008). After matching 52 patients remained, equally distributed (n=26) to each study group. No differences were found regarding age, gender distribution, pre-existing medical conditions, injury pattern and injury severity. Treatment parameters regarding duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care and in-hospital stay were comparable in matched T-ICU and A-ICU group. Transfusion requirements within the first 48 hours and throughout the entire hospital stay were also not different. The mortality in the matched overall population was 13.5 % (n=7) showing no statistically significant difference. Also, no differences were found concerning the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the intensive care medical specialty on the treatment and the resulting outcome of severely injured patients.However, the study faces limitations due to its small sample size, retrospective and monocentric design, and extended study duration. Consequently, further research is essential to provide more robust data.
Uptake of ultra-hypofractionated radiation therapy following breast conserving surgery among patients with early-stage breast cancer: A multi-institutional questionnaire survey
Authors: Uezono Haruka , Onoe Tsuyoshi , Shikama Naoto , Onoe Yuka , Hirata Hidenari , Ito Yoshinori , Yasuda Koichi , Imano Nobuki , Kikuchi Koyo , Kashihara Tairo , Kawamoto Terufumi , Nakamura Naoki
Published: May 2024

Background
In patients with early-stage breast cancer following breast surgery, ultra-hypofractionated (UHF) breast/chest wall radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to be non-inferior to a moderate-hypofractionated (MHF) regimen, with a minimal risk of breast induration, in the FAST-Forward trial, and UHF is now becoming the standard regimen in Europe. Herein, we aimed to investigate Japanese patients’ attitudes toward the UHF regimen.
Methods
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted at 13 RT centers in nine prefectures across Japan. All patients underwent breast-conserving surgery, followed by either conventional fractionation (2 Gy/fr) or MHF (2.66 Gy/fr) whole-breast irradiation (WBI) with or without a tumor bed boost. The questionnaire consisted of 12 questions mainly addressing quality of life during RT. Key questions included an 11-point scale (0–10) for rating the patients’ enthusiasm for the UHF regimen and prioritization of the following treatment-related effects: treatment efficacy, acute/late adverse effects, physical/emotional/financial burden, and breast cosmesis. The patient and treatment characteristics were assessed by a physician.
Results
In total, 247 questionnaires were administered between November 2022 and June 2023. The age distribution was as follows: <50:50s:60s:≥70 = 59 (24%):76 (30%):63 (26%):49 (20%). Sixty-nine percent of patients rated their enthusiasm for the UHF regimen at ≥ 6 out of 10 points (45% rated 10/10). Treatment efficacy was the highest priority for most patients (89%), whereas breast cosmesis the lowest priority (53%).
Conclusions
Patients’ enthusiasm for UHF-WBI was observed across the cohort. These results could motivate researchers and clinicians to introduce UHF regimens in clinical practice.
Reductional dysploidy and genome size diversity in Pooideae, the largest subfamily of grasses (Poaceae)
Authors: Winterfeld Grit , Tkach Natalia , Röser Martin
Published: May 2024

The nuclear genome sizes of 59 species from 33 genera of the Poaceae subfamily Pooideae were investigated by flow cytometry (FCM). This subfamily is characterized by a wide range of holoploid (2C values) and monoploid (1Cx values) genome sizes and mean chromosome sizes (MC), including both the highest and some of the lowest values of the entire grass family. For example, the tribe Brachypodieae has the smallest monoploid genomes and chromosomes, followed by the majority of Stipeae and individual representatives of the tribes Ampelodesmeae, Duthieeae and Meliceae, which belong to the phylogenetically ‘early-diverging’ lineages. Comparatively large genome and chromosome sizes were found in the Lygeeae and some Meliceae. The ‘core Pooideae’ had the largest values in the subfamily, with the greatest variation in Aveneae, Festuceae and Poeae. The tribes Bromeae and especially Triticeae, which includes wheat and related crops, had larger minimum monoploid genome and chromosome sizes compared to the other ‘core Pooideae’ tribes. It appears that the occurrence of exclusively rather large monoploid genomes (> 3.4 pg/1Cx) and chromosomes (MC ≥ 0.5 pg) is restricted to Triticeae. The origin of x = 7 of the ‘core Pooideae’ from x = 12 of the ‘early-diverging’ Pooideae lineages was apparently not related to an increase in genome size, whereas chromosome fusion caused an increase in chromosome size. The evolutionary aspects of chromosome base number variation in Pooideae are discussed, and new chromosome numbers are presented, including the first polyploid (2n = 4x = 20) of the model plant Brachypodium distachyon s.s.
Examining the Influence of Personal eHealth Literacy on Continuance Intention towards Mobile Health Applications: A TAM-Based Approach
Authors: Ukaegbu Oscar Chidiebere , Mingyue Fan
Published: May 2024

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the influence of personal eHealth literacy (PEHL) on users' trust, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use of Mobile Health Applications (MHAs), utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework.
Methods
Data from 430 participants in Nigeria were collected and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This methodology enabled a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationships among PEHL, trust, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and continuance intention regarding MHAs. Statistical analyses within the TAM framework were conducted to rigorously evaluate the data and identify significant findings.
Results
Path analysis revealed significant positive associations between PEHL and trust, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use of MHAs. These results emphasize the role of individual competencies in shaping perceptions of digital health resources. Additionally, trust emerged as a key mediator in the relationship between PEHL and users' continuance intention to use MHAs, indicating its crucial role in sustaining engagement with these platforms.
Conclusions
The findings contribute to theoretical advancements in eHealth literature by elucidating the factors influencing users' continuance intention towards MHAs. Moreover, they provide practical insights for the design and implementation of MHAs to enhance user acceptance and engagement in digital healthcare ecosystems.
Machine learning-based identification of biomarkers associated with NEBL in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tao Yunxi , Xu Shenglong , Ge Xuhua
Published: May 2024

Patients with diabetes had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease by reporter, and the nebulette (NEBL) gene were closely related with cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of the NEBL gene on diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the underlying molecular mechanisms, have yet to be conclusively validated. Therefore, this study aims to mine NEBL related biomarkers in DN by bioinformatics analysis. A total of 157 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with DN and NEBL gene were excavated, and they were associated with biological processes of mesonephric development and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Besides, totally 19 candidate genes were screened by correlation and expression analyses, among which, MPP5, TGFBR3, PCMTD2 and C1orf21 related to NEBL were deemed as biomarkers via Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE), Boruta and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms, the ability of NEBL and biomarkers to distinguish DN from controls was accurate. Immunoinfiltration certified that the contents of 12 differential immune cells were significantly increased in DN group. Then, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that NEBL and biomarkers were observably enriched in ribosome, intestinal immune network for immunoglobulin A (IgA) production and so on. Finally, drug-gene network revealed bisphenol A and Valproic Acid might be pivotal drugs regulating the expression of NEBL and biomarkers.In this sutudy, totally four biomarkers (MPP5, TGFBR3, PCMTD2 and C1orf21) related to NEBL were screened by bioinformatic analysis, providing a novel reference for effective clinical diagnosis and treatment of DN.
Enhancement of systemic acquired resistance in rice by F-box protein D3-mediated strigolactone signaling
Authors: Kusajima Miyuki , Fujita Moeka , Takahashi Ikuo , Mori Takamasa , Nakamura Hidemitsu , Thanh Toan Le , Yoneyama Koichi , Akiyama Kohki , Buensanteai Natthiya , Asami Tadao , Nakashita Hideo
Published: May 2024

Strigolactones (SLs) are butenolide-type plant hormones that play several roles in plants, such as suppressing shoot branching and promoting arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Recently, SLs have been reported to positively regulate disease resistance in plants. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the synthetic SL analog rac-4-bromodebranon (rac-4BD) on systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in rice. First, we demonstrated in vitro that rac-4BD, similar to the common SL analog rac-GR24, promotes the interaction of SL and karrikin receptor, D14 and D14-like (D14L), respectively, with signaling factor D3. Gene expression analysis and inoculation tests indicated that pretreatment with rac-4BD promotes the effect of the SAR inducer BIT. Activation of SAR was also significantly observed in the SL and karrikin signal-deficient rice mutant d3. These results suggest that D3-mediated SL signaling by rac-4BD treatment does not directly activate rice immunity but induces a priming state in the plant that enhances SAR induction.
Emergency medical services’ experiences with prehospital births in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Withanarachchie Vinuli , Dicker Bridget , Todd Verity , Maessen Sarah E
Published: May 2024

Objective: Births in the prehospital setting are infrequent yet associated with increased odds of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is limited understanding of the experiences of emergency medical services (EMS) staff in handling these potentially high-risk situations. We explored the perspectives of EMS personnel in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) when responding to out-of-hospital births.
Methods: Hato Hone St John Ambulance is the largest EMS provider in NZ. Between October and November 2023, all EMS staff were invited to complete an online survey including open text questions about their experiences and challenges attending unplanned birth. Data was coded and organized into themes using Nvivo software and the general inductive approach to thematic analysis.
Results: 147 responses were received and included in the survey. Analysis found participants encountered a range of challenges in providing intrapartum care in the prehospital setting. Two key themes were identified: 1. Navigating complexity and uncertainty in unplanned births, and 2. Practical challenges and unsuitable environments; with several subthemes demonstrating that EMS personnel in NZ respond to obstetric emergencies in diverse circumstances, diligently working to deliver optimal care for both mothers and neonates.
Conclusion:This study describes novel challenges faced by EMS attending unplanned births in NZ and obstacles previously reported by EMS in other jurisdictions. These findings will be invaluable in guiding further research, curriculum, and resource development to better prepare EMS for the challenging and uncertain situations that characterize prehospital birth events.
Knowledge of Neonatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Mothers in Fafan Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia (2021)
Authors: Ayehubizu Liyew , Yohannes Semehal , Roble Abdurahman , Aden Abdibaset
Published: May 2024

Introduction: there are different strategies to improve newborn health which was launch by the federal ministry of health in Ethiopia (FMOH). But the problem is high in Ethiopia 2019, 54.54% of under-five death is in the neonatal period. Due to different reasons the mothers’ practices about neonatal danger sign were not investigated in Somali region. So, if mothers have good knowledge and practices on their sick neonate they will save two-third of the neonate from preventable causes of neonatal death trough child survival strategies.
Objective: To assess mothers’ knowledge about neonatal danger signs and its associated factors in Fafan Zone, Somali Region 2021.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 505 respondents. Pre-tested structured Interviewer-administered data collection was applied. Systematic sampling technique was used. For analysis data was entered into EPI data 3.1 and exported to SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics was computed for selected variables and multivariable Binary logistic regressions was done and having P- value <0.05 at 95% CI is a significant variable. Results was presented in descriptive and inferential statistics.
Result: In this study, Mother’s knowledge of neonatal danger sign was low 100 (19.5%) and 37(61.7%) of mother’s only sought appropriate healthcare practices for their neonate who had danger signs.Accordingly, Maternal education (Formal education) [AOR =7.45, 95%CI:(3.89-14.25)], radio or tv presence in home[AOR=3.50, 95%CI: (1.07-11.49)] & having postnatal care [AOR=2.47, 95%CI: (1.11-5.2)], Neonate started vaccine) [AOR=3.5, 95%CI:(1.07-11.49)] and Exclusive breastfeeding [AOR=2.34, 95%CI:(1.19-4.58)] were factors showing significant association with knowledge of the mother on neonatal danger signs at P-value≤0.05
Conclusion & recommendation: In this study, Mother’s knowledge of neonatal danger sign was low 100 (19.5%) and 37(61.7%) of mother’s only sought appropriate healthcare practices for their neonate who had danger signs. Maternal education (Formal education), radio or tv presence in home,having postnatal care, neonate started vaccine and exclusive breastfeeding were factors showing significant association with knowledge of the mother on neonatal danger signs at P-value≤0.05. To increase their understanding and health-seeking behavior, health care provide has to provide health education and counseling (including NDSs, immunization and exclusive breastfeeding) to mothers after birth and during ANC follow-up.
A Numerical Modelling Approach for Designing of Capping Layer on Weak Subgrades with Geogrids
Authors: Jayakody Shiran , Gallage Chaminda
Published: May 2024

A capping layer is a conventional mechanism used to stabilize weak subgrade, particularly in platform design in the pavement industry, facilitating the operation of heavy machinery. The thickness of the capping layer depends on the in-situ CBR strength and the target strength and stiffness properties of the working platform. Geogrid reinforcement in subgrade stabilization has emerged as a sustainable solution, reducing the demand for quarry aggregates by decreasing the thickness of the capping layer. However, designing the capping layer on a weak subgrade when the strength is below 5% of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is difficult since conducting laboratory tests to investigate the properties of the weak subgrade proves challenging due to its poor workability and inconsistent behaviors. Therefore, this study used numerical analysis to assess the strength and stiffness with the parameters load bearing capacity and strain modulus of stabilized subgrades with a capping layer and, with and without geogrid in the interface of the subgrade and capping layer. The investigation focused on exploring different subgrade properties, considering various CBR values below 5%, and altering the thickness of the granular capping layer. To validate the developed numerical models, experimental data from large-scale model box tests were employed. The obtained results were further analyzed to introduce an efficient and effective mechanism for designing a capping layer thickness with and without geogrids, based on the subgrade strength conditions. The design curves are ultimately applicable to optimizing capping layer design on the weak subgrade of CBR below 5%.
Modified van Genuchten models for describing the entire soil water retention curve
Authors: Chi Chunming , Zhi Jinhu
Published: May 2024

This study presents a modified van Genuchten model that replaces the residual water content parameter (θR) with shift soil water content (∆θ) to fully characterize the soil water retention curve (SWRC). Derived from this, we introduce both two-segment and three-segment models. The single-segment model, despite high adjR2 (0.984–0.999) and low RMSE (0.005–0.031 cm³ cm⁻³), shows deviations for Dune-sand and Loamy sand soils in specific soil matric suction (h) intervals. The two-segment model, with adjR2 ≥ 0.970 and RMSE ≤ 0.020, fits loamy and clayey soils more accurately than sandy soils. The three-segment model excels with adR2 over 0.99 and RMSE below 0.010 cm³ cm⁻³, closely matching measured data, outperforming the other models in representing the SWRC across all soil types. The models' junctions at θFC and θMWC, representing field capacity and maximum molecular capacity, hold physical significance and correspond to hFC and hMWC, respectively. While hFC is optimally 102.5 cm, hMWC values of 103.5, 103.75, and 104.0 cm are suitable, with 104.0 cm being the most recommended for extending the dry segment equation to predict SWRD at h > 104.18 cm.
A three-headed plantaris muscle with a bipartite insertion of its two accessory heads
Authors: Triantafyllou George , Zielinska Nicol , Piagkou Maria , Koptas Krzysztof , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: May 2024

The plantaris muscle consists of a small muscular and a long tendinous part and is located at the superficial compartment of the posterior leg. The purpose of the current cadaveric report is to describe a rare variant of the plantaris muscle. During a routine dissection, a three-headed plantaris with two accessory heads was identified with a variant insertion of the two accessory heads. All heads originated from the femur popliteal surface, independently the one from the other. The first head contributed to the long and thin calcaneal tendon, and the two accessory heads were mainly inserted via their musculoaponeurotic expansion into the medial femoral condyle. The planatris muscle morphological variability has been extensively studied lately. The incidence of the two-headed muscle has been estimated at 1.6%, while the three-headed muscle corresponds to an even rarer variation.
Polyphenolic Bioactive Compounds from Larrea tridentata (DC.) Coville: Extraction, Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Bamidele Muyideen Olaitan , Pérez Olga B. Álvarez , Sandoval-Cortes José , Flores-López María L. , Chavez-González Mónica L. , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: May 2024

The significance of medicinal plants in inhibiting microbial growth in food and agricultural production as well as their economic viability cannot be overstated. These plants contain secondary metabolites, which are abundant in antimicrobial compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, and their extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial properties against a variety of plant pathogens.
The primary objective of this study was to explore the possibility of using bioactive compounds in plant defenses and their biological applications. To achieve this, antifungal polyphenolic bioactive compounds were extracted from the stems and leaves of L. tridentata using conventional methods. The total polyphenol and antioxidant potential of the extracts were assessed and characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
This study compared the polyphenolic constituents of extracts from emerging maceration and Soxhlet extraction techniques in the leaves and stems of Larrea tridentata. The extracts were evaluated for total polyphenolic content (hydrolyzable (HT) and condensed tannins (CT)) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH). Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization coupled with mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-MS) was used for qualitative identification of antimicrobial phytochemicals. Furthermore, the extracts were analyzed in vitro for antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata.
The results revealed that 60:40 ethanol:water macerated leaf extract gave the highest hydrolysable tannins (6.41 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g), while its equivalent showed the highest condensed tannins (2.81 mg CE/g). Soxhlet ethyl acetate leaf (SOX ELL) extract showed 1.14 times more condensed tannin content than that of the stems. The antioxidant potential of the extract increased with increasing polarity of the extraction solvent. SOX ELL had higher antifungal effects against F. oxysporum and A. alternata, whereas the 60:40 ethanol: water ratio resulted in 52% inhibition against A. alternata and 43% inhibition against F. oxysporum. Polyphenols with antifungal properties were found in the extracts, including caffeic acid 4-O-glucoside, rhamnetin, protocatechuic acid 4-O-glucoside, kaempferol, (+)-gallocatechin, luteolin, guteolin 7-O-(2-apiosyl-glucoside), gallic acid 4-O-glucoside, cumaric acid 4-O-glucoside, quercetin, NDGA, piceatannol 3-O-glucoside, pterostilbene, tetramethylscutellarein, and cirsimaritin.
L. tridentata leaf extracts exhibit potential effectiveness in the development of biological control agents, which can not only enhance crop protection, but also contribute to overall agricultural sustainability.
Prognostic and predictive significance of p53 and ATRX in neuroendocrine neoplasms of GIT and pancreas and their utility as an adjunct to accurate diagnosis
Authors: Ail Divya Achutha , Paulose Roopa Rachel
Published: May 2024

Purpose Neuroendocrine neoplasm of GIT and pancreas are heterogenous tumors with varying spectrum of clinicopathological characteristics. WHO 2019 classification, introduced Grade(G) 3 neuroendocrine tumor(NET) distinct from neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC), to triage the patients for appropriate therapy. This distinction largely relies on morphology, which can be challenging at times. Genomic profiling has revealed TP53 and RB1 mutation in NECs while DAXX and ATRX in G3NET. Their role as biological markers in differentiating these entities and their significance as prognostic markers are not yet established. This study aims at analysing the diagnostic and prognostic role of p53 and ATRX in neuroendocrine neoplasms of GIT and Pancreas.Methodology: A single centre, ten year retrospective study. Tumour blocks of all G2, G3 NET and NEC were stained by immunohistochemistry for p53 and ATRX. Strong nuclear staining of > 50% of tumor cells for p53 was considered mutated. Nuclear staining of ATRX in < 5% of tumor cells was considered as ATRX loss.Results Mutated p53 was significantly associated with high grade tumors( NEC + G3NET) as compared to G2 tumors( p = 0.002). p53 mutation was frequent among NEC than G3 NET. Patients with mutated p53 had significantly lower survival irrespective of the grade(p = 0.001). There was no association of ATRX loss with grade or survival.Discussion G3NETs are genetically different from NECs. Molecular surrogates may play a role in accurately identifying these entities. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) for p53 has been used as surrogate for TP53 mutation in many tumors. Use of IHC for p53 in addition to histomorphology may facilitate accurate categorization NEC and G3 NET. Mutated p53 may also be used as an independent prognostic marker in Neuroendocrine tumors of GIT and Pancreas.
Prediction model for compressive strength of rice husk ash blended sandcrete blocks using a machine learning models
Authors: Sathiparan Navaratnarajah
Published: May 2024

Sandcrete blocks are popular for construction but their production relies on cement, a major greenhouse gas contributor. Rice husk ash (RHA), a waste product, can partially replace cement in sandcrete blocks. This study uses machine learning (ML) to predict the compressive strength of these blocks, influenced by factors like the ratio of fine aggregate to binder, RHA to binder ratio, water-to-binder ratio, and curing time. The data was collected from published literature on factors affecting compressive strength from various sources and analyzed 795 observations. The analysis showed that strength increases with longer curing but decreases with higher ratios of aggregate-to-binder, RHA-to-binder, and water-to-binder. The data was divided for training and testing ML models. Five algorithms were investigated, and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) model emerged as the best for predicting compressive strength. The XGB model strongly correlated with predicted and measured strength, with an R² value of 0.94 for training data and 0.89 for testing. It also displayed lower error metrics compared to other models. XGB's success is due to its ability to handle complex relationships and prevent overfitting. This study highlights the potential of ML for predicting the strength of RHA-blended sandcrete blocks.
De Novo Design of Hsp70 Inhibitors with Objective Reinforced Generative Adversarial Networks (ORGAN) and Docking
Authors: Li Xin , Li Miao , Liu Yihong , Wang Yuying , Hu Zhiyuan , Qiu Xinlong , Zhang Yanxin , Wang Siyao , Wang Ziqian , Zhang Zhichao
Published: May 2024

The rise of deep learning technology has brought paradigm shift to drug design, significantly reducing the economic and time burden in the drug development process. We herein report the Objective Reinforced Generative Adversarial Networks (ORGAN) algorithm on the PyTorch framework and combined it with Docking to design small molecules that inhibit the Hsp70/Bim protein complex. From this model, we obtained four compounds: compound 464, compound 759, compound 952, and compound 646, with binding energies of -8.6 kcal/mol, -8.0 kcal/mol, -7.16 kcal/mol, and − 6.7 kcal/mol respectively. This study successfully developed a method that combines ORGAN with Docking to design Hsp70 protein inhibitors for active sites of Hsp70.
Pathogenicity of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita on Muskmelon Plants at Different Inoculum Levels Under Glasshouse Conditions
Authors: V BASAVARAJ , SHARADA M S , R SAMPATHKUMAR M , M MAHESH H
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the impact of varying initial population densities of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on the growth of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.). Muskmelon, an important fruit crop with increasing global recognition, faces the threat of Meloidogyne spp., particularly Meloidogyne incognita, which significantly affects plant growth and yield. The experiment, conducted in a controlled glasshouse environment, involved inoculating muskmelon plants with different population densities of M. incognita ranging from 100 to 5000 J2 (infective second-stage juveniles). The study assessed growth and nematode reproduction parameters, at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days after inoculation. The results revealed that M. incognita became pathogenic to muskmelon at inoculum levels of 500 J2 and above per plant. The crop exhibited significant reductions in shoot and root lengths, as well as fresh and dry weights. The study also documented changes in the nematode population in the soil, reproductive rates, and other growth parameters. These findings offer crucial insights into the relationship between nematode density and muskmelon growth, contributing to a better understanding of the dynamics of M. incognita infestation. These findings can aid in developing targeted strategies for managing nematode-induced losses in muskmelon cultivation.
Peskas: Automated analytics for small-scale, data-deficient fisheries
Authors: Longobardi Lorenzo , Altarturi Hamza , Cagua E. Fernando , Sozinho Villiam , Tilley Alexander
Published: May 2024

Small-scale fisheries account for almost 90 percent of global fisheries employment and are responsible for landing more than 40% of the world’s fish catch. Yet their importance to livelihoods and food and nutrition security in Least Developed Countries are only recently emerging due to the logistical, financial, and capacity challenges of gathering and interpreting data in this diverse, dispersed and informal sector. Peskas was designed as a low-cost solution to tackle this problem, providing a template workflow for ingestion and analysis to a decision dashboard, which can be adapted to different contexts and needs.
Face Recognition Based Smart Attendance System
Authors: Patel Prof. Javed , Rasalkar Prateek
Published: May 2024

Face Recognition based attendance is a modern- day technique to take attendance. It can be used in various places such as schools, offices, parliaments, etc. The main aim of this system is to enhance and upgrade the present attendance system which would be biometric r signature based. The current system has a lot of faults and inaccurate in taking attendance and has various disadvantages. This is the reason behind face recognition- based attendance system. We are using the natural traits of human body that is human face. As each has unique and different identity therefore the possibility to deviate from the result is very low
Radiological manifestations in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Bardan Hussam Al , AlBarghash Rahma , Alhawiyeh Safa
Published: May 2024

Background
Lung cancer is a common disease; as more than 200 lung cancer patients were admitted during the 6 months of the second half of the year 2023 in Damascus (Al-Mujtahid) Hospital. Lung cancer is also a common cause of death throughout the world, so early and accurate diagnosis contributes to Start early and appropriate treatment.
Methods and Materials:
A sample of patients from Damascus Hospital was selected from the hospital’s archives and records in outpatient clinics, with review and study of plain radiographs and CT scans on the Radiology Division’s Radiology Archive Network (PACKs), following up on the patients and obtaining the results of the final biopsies. The study was conducted in half The second of 2023, over a period of 6 months, 128 samples were collected.
Results
The ages in our study ranged between 27 and 83 years, and most cases were between 50 and 70 years. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma 46.9%, followed by squamous cell carcinoma 39%. The presence of a 3 cm shadow mass, ectropion, and atelectasis, and the presence of a peripheral tumor, were the most common in adenocarcinoma. While the presence of a central lung tumor, the presence of neoplastic pleural effusion, pulmonary atelectasis, and pulmonary condensation are common in squamous cell cancer, the most common location of the lesion is the right lung and segmental bronchus, and calcifications are common in patients with squamous cell and small cell lung cancer in equal proportions.
Conclusion
The radiological impression of the presence of secondary metastases supports the radiological diagnosis that a lung mass with the previously mentioned characteristics is cancerous and vice versa, that is, the presence of a lung mass that gives a radiological impression that it is cancerous supports the radiological impression that the other lesions of the brain, liver, bone, and others are secondary metastases.
Impact of Linkage to Financial Institutions among the Unbanked Rural People in Bangladesh: Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Morshed Md Monzur , Maharjan Keshav Lall
Published: May 2024

Despite having advantages and options of formal savings, the poor are inclined to save informally because of their not having formal-financial accounts. This risky and costly informal savings mode needs to be changed since formal savings has multidimensional effect on national economy. Previous studies showcased the poor people’s savings inclination based on savings instruments such as money box, zip box, lock box, commitment and goal settings. This study aims to highlight the impact of linkage to financial institutions among the unbaked people in opening formal-financial accounts and the subsequent impact on savings. Based on our cross-sectional data from 505 unbanked people at Raiganj sub-district under Sirajganj district in Bangladesh, we found that linkage to financial institutions positively impacts on savings. For instance, the respondents are able to deposit 131.19 taka and 103.33 taka (Bangladeshi currency) in banks and micro-financial institutions after six months respectively. In addition, no accounts are found as inactive. The savings rate increased at 11.75% and 53.88% between the two quarters among the bank and micro-financial account holders respectively. The findings of the study have policy implications on financial inclusion and enhancement of domestic savings.
Erosion Susceptibility Analysis in Bingöl (Türkiye) using Logistic Regression, Frequency Ratio, Weight of Evidence and Shannon’s Entropy methods
Authors: İNİK orhan , UTLU Mustaf
Published: May 2024

Soil erosion is one of the most important and critical processes occurring in Turkey, as in all parts of the world. It is of great importance to understand the processes that occur as soil erosion continues. The aim of this study is to determine the erosion susceptibility occurring in the Çapakçur Stream basin, one of the important erosion areas of Turkey. In the study, erosion susceptibility analysis was used using 19 conditioning factors based on 4 different methods (Shannon Entropy (SE), Logistic Regression (LR), Frequency Ratio (FR) and Weight of Evidence (WoE)), which are actively used today in erosion susceptibility analysis and determination of critical areas in terms of erosion. has been made. Model performances of the Analysis Results were evaluated based on a data set of 840 training (70%) points and 360 validation (30%) points using ROC and AUC values.. According to result of the ROC and AUC values show that Logistic regression seems to perform well on both training (AUC = 94.7%) and validating datasets (AUC = 93.5%). On the other hand, Weight of Evidence training (AUC = 93.5%) and testing datasets (AUC = 91.4%), Frequency Ratio training (AUC = 93.5%) and testing datasets (AUC = 92.4%). of the Weight of Evidence resault show that AUC and ROC values smilar to Logistic Regression result, but slightly lower than Logistic Regression. Additionally, Shannon Entropy shows that it performs lower than other methods on both training (AUC = 55.7%) and testing datasets (AUC = 56.3%). Conducting analyzes based on these methods, especially in erosion susceptibility studies, will facilitate both planning and the accuracy of the results obtained.
A survey of results of St.Petersburg State University research school on nonlinear partial differential equations I
Authors:   RUDN University, Apushkinskaya Darya E. ,   St. Petersburg Department of Steklov Mathematical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (POMI RAS), Arkhipova Arina A. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Nazarov Alexander I. ,   St. Petersburg Department of Steklov Mathematical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (POMI RAS),   St. Petersburg State University, Osmolovskii Victor G. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Uraltseva Nina N. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: May 2024

The article contains a review of the most important results obtained in the framework of the St.Petersburg State University research school on nonlinear PDEs (the O.A. Ladyzhenskaya - N.N. Uraltseva school). The main attention is paid to the works carried out at our university over the past 50 years. The first part of the review concerns the solvability and qualitative properties of solutions to boundary value problems for the second order scalar quasilinear elliptic and parabolic equations, as well as variational problems. The planned second part of the review will include sections on fully nonlinear equations and systems of equations and on free boundary problems.
Remarks and a generalization of Hedudus-Szilagyis fixed point theorem
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Touail Youssef , El Moutawakil Driss ,   Universit´e Chouaib Doukkali
Published: May 2024

A new generalization of the so-called Hedud¨us-Szil´agyi’s fixed point theorem by introducing a new contractive condition in the framework of complete metric spaces. As application, we get a new fixed point theorem which generalizes and improves many known results in literature.
Stability of floating vessels with cross sections in the form of elliptic and hyperbolic segments
Authors:   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Smirnov Аleksey S. ,   Institute for Problems in Mechanical Engineering of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kravchinsky Igor A. ,   Institute for Problems in Mechanical Engineering of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   “CMT-Engineering”
Published: May 2024

The paper considers two problems on the stability of the trivial equilibrium position of floating vessels with cross sections in the form of elliptic and hyperbolic segments. A review of examples on the stability of floating bodies is given and the key principles of its study by methods of analytical statics are outlined. For each of the presented problems, by means of rather serious mathematical constructions, an exact expression for the potential energy is obtained within the framework of the accepted configuration, and its quadratic approximation is calculated near the equilibrium state under study. On its basis, stability conditions of the equilibrium position are established in terms of three dimensionless parameters, and limit cases are also analyzed. A comparison of intermediate expressions and final results obtained in the process of discussing each of the problems is carried out, and their common features and distinctive features are revealed. The found solutions are illustrated as families of boundaries of stability regions on the plane of two dimensionless parameters for different values of the third parameter. These results are of fundamental theoretical importance and may be useful for practical applications.
Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors
Authors: Bressani-Ribeiro T. , Chernicharo C. A. L.
Published: May 2024

This chapter addresses the use of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors for mainstream sewage treatment in warm climate regions. The first section presents the status of the application, highlighting the development of the third-generation UASB reactors concerning the efforts of more than three decades of continuous implementation. Next, a brief background is provided based on functioning principles and typical configurations. The following section on design procedures summarizes the most relevant criteria, in which modular gas–liquid–solid (GLS) separators play a crucial role. Based on suggested standardized dimensions and integrated process control (gas pressure and hydrostatic scum withdrawal), modular GLS separators improve the reliability of the design of (third-generation) UASB reactors treating sewage. Performance prediction for chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand removal is addressed, as well as for effluent total suspended solid concentration. A dedicated section on the operation of full-scale UASB reactors discusses the management of sludge, scum, biogas and diffuse emissions. Aspects related to design, construction and operation are explored, pointing out the main hurdles and consolidated solutions. The chapter ends with final reflections on the advances made so far and the remaining bottlenecks, stressing the key role of mainstream sewage treatment for circular economy models.