bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential Surgical Techniques During Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Authors: So Jae-Young , Park Jeong-Yoon
Published: October 2023

Unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBE) is a popular minimally invasive method for various types of spinal disease. UBE is similar to full percutaneous endoscopic spinal surgery in that it uses endoscopic instruments and similar to microscopic spinal surgery in that it uses a floating technique. UBE is a useful surgical technique in unilateral or bilateral decompression for the treatment of spinal canal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, ossification of the ligament flavum, low-grade spondylolisthesis, and adjacent segment degeneration. This surgical technique has several advantages over conventional spine surgery, including less tissue damage, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. In addition, the early clinical outcomes are favorable, despite the potential for complications, such as dura tearing, nerve traction injury, and postoperative hematoma. The essential surgical techniques in UBE are patient positioning, portal creation, endoscopic visualization, decompression, and fusion. Postoperatively, patients may experience less pain, require fewer analgesics, and return to daily activities quicker. We present an overview of the essential surgical techniques used in UBE and the avoidance of complications.
Generalized Fractional-order Electrical Element: Modeling, Response Characteristic Analysis and Circuit Simulation
Authors: Gong Jiahui , Si Gangquan , Xu Xiang , Babajide Oresanya , Yang Chen , Xu Minglin
Published: October 2023

Fractional-order electrical properties are ubiquitous in physical devices, and investigating the features of fractional-order elements (FOEs) is imperative. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of a generalized FOE model with nonlinear fractional-order constitutive relation. We analyze the response characteristics of FOEs among the four basic integer-order electrical elements, and derive analytic expressions for the step input, zero input, and sinusoidal input responses. The step input response consists of a sequence of power functions, indicating that nonlinear FOEs exhibit an extended power-law step response. The zero input response manifests in three different modes: impulsive, discontinuous, and continuous. Moreover, the sinusoidal input response can be expressed as a series of harmonic additions with calculable amplitude and phase, suggesting a constant phase-shift characteristic of nonlinear FOEs. Our numerical examples demonstrate that FOEs with nonlinear constitutive relations exhibit more intricate dynamic characteristics than linear elements. Additionally, we propose an equivalent analog circuit to achieve the FOE model approximately. The circuit simulation results validate the equivalent circuit's effectiveness and the theoretical conclusion's accuracy. This generalized FOE model extends the existing integer-order nonlinear circuit theory and simplifies the modeling of physical devices in the real world.
Building capacities for Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIPM) in Brazil: an analysis of a graduate profile
Authors: Barreto Jorge Otavio Maia , Romão Davi Mamblona Marques , Machado Maria Lúcia Teixeira , Riera Rachel , Gomes Romeu , Silva Sílvio Fernandes da
Published: October 2023

Background
Institutionalizing Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIPM) in health systems requires capacity building through contextualized educational initiatives. The objective of this study was to characterize the profile of graduates of a postgraduate course in Management of Evidence-Informed Health Policies, within the scope of the ESPIE Project - Support for the Formulation and Implementation of Evidence-Informed Public Health Policies
Methods
A survey was carried out with the graduates of the three editions of the course through an online questionnaire, with three sections: i) socioeconomic and professional characteristics; ii) perceptions of previous expectations and effective application of the competencies developed; and iii) organizational arrangements and interest in EIPM.
Results
In total, 367 graduates responded to the questionnaire. The overall profile was characterized by a predominance of women, older than 35 years, with a background in health and working in the Brazilian Unified Health System, with more than five years of experience. The perceptions of previous expectations and effective contribution of the course indicated the development of competencies for EIPM and for the improvement of professional activities, professional insertion and organizational environments. However, the data also showed that there are important limitations for the full exercise of these competencies in IEPM in the different organizational environments in which graduates are inserted in their professional activities.
Conclusions
The graduates participating in this study consider that the courses were able to guide the development of competence in EIPM, but institutional limitations are imposed on the practice of these skills and knowledge. Barriers at the organizational level need to be recognized and addressed to advance the institutionalization of EIPM in healthcare systems.
Solution Combustion Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly Magnetic Composites Based on Iron Oxide and Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) waste for UV and Solar - Driven Heterogeneous Photocatalysis
Authors: de Castro Lucas Malone Ferreira , Huaman Noemi Raquel Checca , SOUZA MARLUCE OLIVEIRA DA GUARDA
Published: October 2023

Materials based on iron oxide were prepared via closed system solution combustion synthesis (IOP), evaluating the effect of the addition of mango seed Husk (T) peel (C) and mixture of the portions (M) on the material properties obtained (IOT, IOC and IOM, respectively). The structural (XRD, Mössbauer), morphological (SEM and TEM), optical (UV-VIS diffuse reflectance), textural (BET) and magnetic (VSM) properties of the materials obtained were evaluated. Different phase compositions (hematite, magnetite and maghemite) were identified in the structure of the materials. The addition of mango residue favored the formation of magnetite with superparamagnetic particles in the IOC sample. The solids were evaluated in the methylene blue photocatalysis at different concentrations, observing different effects on the discoloration rate: the IOP sample presented a better performance at the lowest concentration (50 mg L-1) of the dye, with 98% discoloration after 90 minutes and a specific speed of 44.7 x 10-3 min-1, which can be explained by the heterojunction effect, which makes electronic recombination harder, increasing the quantum yield of the photocatalyst. At the concentration of 70 mg L-1, the best catalyst was the IOM with 82% of discoloration and specific speed of 15.8 x 10-3 min-1, which can be explained by the increase in the specific area due to the insertion of biomass, which improved adsorptive capacity, maintaining the observed heterojunction effects. Under Sunlight, the best composite was IOC, with 90.5% discoloration and activity of 29.8 x 10-3 min-1, justified by the combination of favorable textural and optical properties.
Exploring the Conformational Landscape of Cryo-EM Using Energy-Aware Pathfinding Algorithm
Authors: Chung Szu-Chi , Lin Teng-Yu
Published: October 2023

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful technique for studying macromolecules and holds the potential for identifying kinetically preferred transition sequences between conformational states. Typically, these sequences are explored within two-dimensional energy landscapes. However, due to the complexity of biomolecules, representing conformational changes in two dimensions can be challenging. Recent advancements in reconstruction models have successfully extracted structural heterogeneity from cryo-EM images using higher-dimension latent space. Nonetheless, creating high-dimensional conformational landscapes in the latent space and then searching for preferred paths continues to be a formidable task. This study introduces an innovative framework for identifying preferred trajectories within high-dimensional conformational landscapes. Our method encompasses the search for the shortest path in the graph, where edge weights are determined based on the energy estimation at each node using local density. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by identifying accurate transition states in both synthetic and real-world datasets featuring continuous conformational changes.
Topological Data Analysis and Image Visibility Graph for Texture Classification
Authors: Pal Rahul , Kumar Sanoj , Singh Manoj Kumar
Published: October 2023

The texture of an image is an important component that plays a significant role in
its recognition. The field of computer vision encounters various problems, including
tasks such as image segmentation and classification, which heavily rely on the
fundamental principles of texture analysis. Textures have facilitated the identification
of diverse images, such as those related to satellites, forestry, and medicine.
The objective of this study is to provide a method for classifying textures using
picture visibility graphs and topological data analysis. This study presents an
innovative strategy that integrates topological data analysis with image visibility
graphs. The current investigation entails analysing the degree distribution
derived from the visibility graph as well as extracting seven distinct topological
features. These features are then employed for classification purposes. The suggested
methodology has been assessed using two well-known established image
texture datasets: the Brodatz texture image dataset and the KTH-TIPS dataset.
The findings indicate the potential for incorporating graph-based methodologies
and topological attributes in the context of texture classification.
Characteristics and mechanism of landslides on highway landfill along Xiaolangdi Reservoir of the Yellow River:A case study
Authors: YANG xuanyu , Chen Yi
Published: October 2023

On February 17, 2023, a landslide occurred on a highway slope located on the bank of Xiaolangdi Reservoir of the Yellow River, with a volume of about 1,200 m3, which directly led to the interruption of the road and had a serious social impact. In this paper, the area where the landslide was located was studied and analyzed by means of field investigation, remote sensing images, laboratory tests and numerical simulation. The evolution pattern of landslide groups under the influence of human engineering activities is traced, and the disaster-causing mechanism of landslides is investigated in terms of climatic factors, water level changes, stress changes, and the nature of the fill. The results indicate that: (1) Water level changes can lead to a decrease in the stability coefficient of ancient landslides, but have no direct effect on the occurrence of landslides. The change of soil stress caused by artificial excavation will change the distribution of soil plastic region, which makes the potential sliding surface changing; (2) Rainfall and temperature are the key elements affecting the fill-type landslides, and the alternating period between winter and spring is the high susceptibility period of landslides; (3) Sandstone stratigraphy undergoes significant expansion and deformation under freeze-thaw action, so additional monitoring of bedrock deformation can be considered when monitoring fill-bedrock slopes.
Analysis on the policy text and implementation deviation of China's national fitness plan (2021-2025) from the perspective of policy tools
Authors: Wu Xinbo , Feng Xiu , Hu Yuwei , Dong Weixin , Lu Chunxia , Liang Junwen
Published: October 2023

(1) Purpose: This study aims to systematically investigate policy documents from the perspective of implementation deviation, with the primary objective of providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance the advancement of inclusive policies with China's National Fitness Plan. It also seeks to access the appropriate application of relevant policy tools in this context.
(2) Methods: We selected 31 Chinese provincial policy documents, with a particular focus on the National Fitness Plan for 2021-2025, 21 core articles dedicated to the implementation of National Fitness Policy. Using a rigorous combination of content and qualitative analysis, we developed a comprehensive two-dimensional framework. This framework served as the basis for our in-depth analysis, which aimed to explore the relationship between the X-dimension (policy's role) and the Y-dimension (policy's developmental objective).
(3) Results: The study found that the majority of X-dimension tools were focused on environmental factors, amounting to 60.95% of the total. Supply-based tools accounted for 32.93%, while demand-based tools represented 6.12%. Dimension Y had a strong emphasis on establishing an effective and all-encompassing public service system, comprising 50.34% of the total. This focus notably exceeded the allocation of resources for activities and events (17.58%), venue facilities (12.67%), organizational networks (12.67%), and intelligent networks (6.74%). The deviation of policy implementation across four main dimensions: the policy itself, the implementing subject, the implementing environment and the objectives of implementation.
(4) Conclusions: Through this examination, we aim to uncover the underlying causes for the disparities observed in the execution of China's National Fitness Plan policy.
Subject classification codes: sport policy
interFLOW: maximum flow framework for the identification of factors mediating the signaling convergence of multiple receptors
Authors: Madi Asaf , Sheinin Ron , Salomon Koren , Yeini Eilam , Dulberg Shai , Kaminitz Ayelet , Satchi-Fainaro Ronit , Sharan Roded
Published: October 2023

Motivation:
Cell-cell crosstalk involves simultaneous interactions of multiple receptors and ligands, followed by downstream signaling cascades working through receptors converging at dominant transcription factors which then integrate and propagate multiple signals into a cellular response. Single-cell RNAseq of multiple cell subsets isolated from a defined microenvironment provides us with a unique opportunity to learn about such interactions reflected in their gene expression levels.
Results
We developed the interFLOW framework to map the potential ligand-receptor interactions between different cell subsets based on a maximum flow computation in a network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The maximum flow approach further allows characterization of the intracellular downstream signal transduction from differentially expressed receptors towards dominant transcription factors, therefore, enabling the association between a set of receptors and their downstream activated pathways. Importantly, we were able to identify key transcription factors toward which the convergence of multiple receptor signaling pathways occurs. These identified factors have a unique role in the integration and propagation of signaling following specific cell-cell interactions.
Pfizer COVID19 vaccine is not associated with acute cardiovascular events – A national self-controlled case series study
Authors: Boker Lital Keinan , Fluss Ronen , Dichtiar Rita , Rosenberg Alina , Lassan Maya Ben , Huppert Amit
Published: October 2023

Background
Despite publications assuring no increased risk for acute cardiovascular events (excluding myocarditis) and sudden death following administration of COVID19 vaccines, this issue still stirs much public ado. We assessed the risk for acute cardiovascular events that require hospitalization in the short-term following administration of the second dose of the Pfizer COVID19 vaccine in Israel.
Methods
Using a self-controlled case series (SCCS) study design and national databases (COVID19 vaccines; COVID19 tests; Hospitalizations; Population registry), all second-dose vaccinees, who had not been diagnosed with COVID19 and who had an acute cardiovascular event (acute myocardial infarction/acute stroke/acute thromboembolic event; myocarditis events excluded) that required hospitalization in the 60 days following vaccine administration, in the period from Jan 11th, 2021 to Oct 31st 2021, were included. The first 30 days following second-dose vaccination were defined as risk period while the next 30 days were defined as control period. The probability for an acute cardiovascular event between these periods was compared using a conditional logistic regression model, accounting for sex, age group, background morbidity and seasonal risk.
Results
Out of 5,700,112 second-dose vaccinees in the defined time period, 4,163 had an acute cardiovascular event in the 60 days following vaccine administration. Excluding 106 of them due to technical considerations, 1,979 acute cardiovascular events occurred during the risk period and 2,078 during the control period (Odds ratio, OR = 0.95, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.90–1.01, p = 0.12). Adjusted point estimate was similar (OR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.72–1.08). Stratifying by age showed no increased risk in any age group. These results were consistent in sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions
There was no increased risk for an acute cardiovascular event in the risk period compared to the control period following administration of the second vaccine dose of Pfizer COVID19 vaccine.
Unveiling Polyhydroxyalkanoates Producing Bacteria Isolated from Mangalore Environment: An Unearthing Study
Authors: Naik Neeksha , Rai Dhanyashree , Madival Shwetha , Sravya  , Mithoor Divyashree
Published: October 2023

Certain microorganisms in nature produce intracellular linear bio-esters called Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), under limited nutrient condition in the presence of excess carbon. PHAs are environment friendly macromolecules exhibit properties similar to petrochemical plastics. In the present study a total of 30 soil samples were collected from different sites and screened for PHA producing bacteria. Among them 30 isolates were showed positive for PHA production by preliminary screening methods. Growing conditions for the synthesis of PHA were optimized. The recovered bacteria were able to produce PHA after 72 hours of incubation at 30°C, pH 7, with 10% inoculum. The positive PHA-producing bacterial strains were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. The PHA accumulation was up to 59% by PHAD13 isolate, Bacillus subtilis isolated from the petrol bunk soil, NG6 isolate, Klebsiella spp. isolated from garden soil showed 33.5% and the maximum PHA accumulation was about 35.1% by NS1, Bacillus spp. isolated from sewage soil. Intracellular accumulation of PHA for the highest PHA producing isolate PHAD13 was analysed by Transmission electron microscope further characterized using FT-IR. All these diverse sources (Petrol bunk soil, Sewage soil, Garden soil) were shown to be rich sources variety of bacterial species with the ability to produce PHA thereby rendering the biodegradation.
Prostate cancer mortality time trends in BRICS, from 1990 to 2019: an age- period-cohort analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2019
Authors: Feng Lijuan , He Jing , Chen Qianjuan , Xie Shudong , Gao Ting , Wu Yuhang , Long Liling
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Currently, Prostate cancer contributes to a growing disease burden. However, limited research has assessed Prostate cancer trends in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). The objective is to report the trends in Prostate cancer mortality across BRICS from 1990 to 2019, along with the age-period-cohort effects.
Methods
The relevant data was sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and an age-period-cohort model was used to calculate net drifts (overall annual percentage change), local drifts (annual percentage change in each age group), longitudinal age curves (expected longitudinal age-specific rate), and period (cohort) relative risks.
Results
In 2019, the global mortality of Prostate cancer increased by 108.94% compared to 1990; but the age-standardized mortality rate has decreased by 9.46%. Between 1990 and 2019, India experienced the greatest reduction in age-standardized mortality rate. South Africa and Russia have experienced an increase in age-standardized mortality rate. The mortality rate of Prostate cancer increased with advancing age. The period and cohort risks of Prostate cancer mortality have generally shown improvement across BRICS. However, the temporal effect in the later periods for Russia is not significant, and the cohort risk of Prostate cancer mortality for the Brazilian cohort born in the 1980s is higher.
Conclusions
The BRICS have achieved commendable progress in controlling Prostate cancer mortality. However, the disease burden of Prostate cancer remains substantial in BRICS. The Prostate cancer mortality vary significantly among these countries; therefore, it is advisable for BRICS to formulate effective policies based on their national circumstances.
Macroscopic type is implicated in the prognostic impact of initial chemotherapy on peritoneal lavage cytology-positive gastric cancer with no other noncurative factors
Authors: Kano Yosuke , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Aizawa Masaki , Muneoka Yusuke , Usui Kenji , Hanyu Takaaki , Ishikawa Takashi , Yabusaki Hiroshi , Kobayashi Kazuaki , Kuwabara Shirou , Makino Shigeto , Kawachi Yasuyuki , Miura Kohei , Tajima Yosuke , Shimada Yoshifumi , Sakata Jun , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: October 2023

Background
Initial chemotherapy (Initial-C) followed by surgery is a promising treatment strategy for peritoneal lavage cytology-positive gastric cancer (CY1 GC) with no other noncurative factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival advantage of Initial-C compared to initial surgery (Initial-S) for this disease according to the macroscopic type, which was associated with prognosis and the efficacy of chemotherapy in GC.
Methods
One hundred eighty-nine patients who were diagnosed with CY1 GC with no other noncurative factors at four institutions from January 2007 to December 2018 were enrolled. The patients were divided into a macroscopic type 4 group (N = 48) and a non-type 4 group (N = 141). The influence of initial treatment on overall survival (OS) in each group was evaluated.
Results
In the type 4 group, the 5-year OS rates of Initial-C (N = 35) and Initial-S (N = 13) were 11.6% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.801). The multivariate analysis could not show the survival advantage of Initial-C. In the non-type 4 group, the 5-year OS rates of Initial-C (N = 41) and Initial-S (N = 100) were 48.4% and 29.0%, respectively (P = 0.020). The multivariate analysis revealed that Initial-C was independently associated with prolonged OS (hazard ratio, 0.591; 95% confidence interval, 0.375–0.933: P = 0.023).
Conclusions
Initial-C improves the prognosis of non-type 4 CY1 GC with no other noncurative factors. On the other hand, further development of effective chemotherapeutic regimens and innovative treatment strategies are required for type 4 CY1 GC.
How does Social Integration Affect the Health of the Older Floating Population in China: New Changes in the Structure of the Older Floating Population in China
Authors: Zhang Ping , Ao Yuqi
Published: October 2023

Background
With the gradual liberalization of China's household registration system and the increasing rate of urbanization, the structure of its floating population has undergone significant changes. The once dominant group of migrant workers has given way to a new group of highly educated talents accompanying the older individuals, while the older floating population, including those accompanying the older people, often suffers from insufficient social integration, resulting in the migration attrition effect.
Methods
Based on CMDS2017 data, this paper explores the relationship between social integration and the physical and mental health of the older floating population through the entropy method and two-stage least squares.
Results
We have uncovered a significant positive association between the degree of social integration of China's older floating population and their physical and mental health status. Moreover, our analysis reveals that participation in health education and willingness to stay serve as mediating factors in the process by which social integration affects the physical and mental health of this population. Heterogeneity analysis further shows that the impact of social integration on health status is more pronounced among older migrants with labor migration experience, rural household registration, low educational attainment, and poor family economic status.
Conclusion
We recommend that the Chinese government take proactive measures to promote the social integration of the older floating population in areas experiencing net population inflow, through community mobilization and activities, and by raising awareness of the older floating population among society at large. Ultimately, to mitigate social inequality and the urban-rural gap, the household registration system should be gradually relaxed.
Calreticulin and JAK2V617F driver mutations induce distinct mitotic defects in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Holl Kristin , Chatain Nicolas , Krapp Susanne , Baumeister Julian , Maié Tiago , Scheufen Anja , Brock Nathalie , Koschmieder Steffen , Moreno-Andrés Daniel
Published: October 2023

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) encompass a diverse group of hematologic disorders driven by mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL. The prevailing working model explaining how these driver mutations induce different disease phenotypes is based on the decisive influence of the cellular microenvironment and the acquisition of additional mutations. Here, we report increased levels of chromatin segregation errors in hematopoietic cells stably expressing CALRdel52 or JAK2V617F mutations. Our investigations employing murine 32DMPL and human erythroleukemic TF-1MPL cells demonstrate a link between CALRdel52 or JAK2V617F expression and a compromised spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), a phenomenon contributing to error-prone mitosis. This defective SAC is associated with imbalances in the recruitment of SAC factors to mitotic kinetochores upon CALRdel52 or JAK2V617F expression. We show that JAK2 mutant CD34 + MPN patient-derived cells exhibit reduced expression of the master mitotic regulators PLK1, aurora kinase B and PP2A catalytic subunit. Furthermore, the expression profile of mitotic regulators in CD34 + patient-derived cells allows to faithfully distinguish patients from healthy controls, as well as to differentiate primary and secondary myelofibrosis from essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. Altogether, our data suggest alterations in mitotic regulation as a potential driver in the pathogenesis in MPN.
Enhancing Post harvest Longevity of Tomatoes through Synergistic interaction of nano-Clay and TiO 2 in an active packaging film: Mechanical, permeability and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Bodaghi Hojatollah
Published: October 2023

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), a valuable economic crop worldwide, often goes to waste due to improper packaging and handling. This study explores the potential of clay and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in the development of active packaging films for maintaining the quality of tomato fruits over a 42-day period at 4°C. Nanocomposite films were created by incorporating 3% clay (Closite 20A) and 3% TiO2 nanoparticles into low-density polyethylene (LDPE).Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the degree of dispersion and exfoliation of the nanoparticles. The mechanical properties of these films demonstrated significant improvements in Young's modulus and tensile strength. The addition of clay nanoparticles led to reduced permeability of CO2, O2, and water vapor. Ethylene production was reduced in fruits packed with nanocomposite films compared to those packaged in LDPE. The combination of clay and TiO2 nanoparticles effectively reduced weight loss, maintained pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and firmness. Additionally, it enhanced membrane stability, reduced membrane lipid peroxidation, and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in fruits. Overall, this study highlights the benefits of using clay and TiO2 in active packaging to preserve tomato quality and extend postharvest storage life.
Dual horizon peridynamic approach for studying the effect of porous media on the dynamic crack growth in brittle materials
Authors: Altay Ugur , Dorduncu Mehmet , Kadioglu Suat
Published: October 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of the stop-hole configurations on dynamic cracks using the Dual Horizon Peridynamic approach (DHPD). The traditional PD formulations require uniform discretization for the solution domain. Therefore, in order to investigate the effect of the stop holes with traditional PD, more densely spaced points are used to represent the holes. If less densely spaced points are used in traditional PD, this may lead to unexpected crack initiations around the stop holes due to strain concentrations originating from the shape of stair steps. If non uniform point spacing is used for representing the outer edge of stop hole accurately in traditional PD, ghost force problem may occur and the forces of the points in the bond may not interact in pairs. Moreover, the use of fine mesh causes high computational efforts. Therefore, the DHPD, which allows non-uniform point spacings unlike traditional PD, is employed for examining the characteristics of dynamic crack propagation in the presence of stop holes. Before stop-hole configurations are examined, the developed DHPD code is validated with the results of a reference solution for the Kalthoff-Winkler test. After the validation process for DHPD code is successfully completed, the crack paths in the stop hole configurations obtained by DHPD are compared with the experiments, and a good agreement between the test and simulation is achieved. Furthermore, the performances of the stop hole configurations are investigated by DHPD in terms of increasing fracture toughness of brittle material. Besides, the effect of crack branching on dynamic crack retardation is also examined. Results of dynamic crack propagation simulated by DHPD are compared with the experimental observations and reference results. The results of DHPD are in good agreement with the experimental observations available in the existing literature.
An Onsite Risk Assessment of Water Quality and Heavy Metal Contamination in Kandal Kampong Speu and Kampong Chhnang Province of Cambodia. (Invited article)
Authors: Song Minjung , Yang Daejeong , Ramu Adam Gopal , Choi Dongjin
Published: October 2023

This research aims to evaluate the onsite risk assessment of water quality and heavy metal pollution in Cambodia's remote Northeast. Tube wells (n = 20), and lakes/ponds (n = 20) were among the many water sources sampled in Kandal and Kampong province. A series of in-situ measurements such as pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity (NTU), conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, Total hardness, nitrate (NO32−), nitrite (NO2−) and heavy metals As, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured during the sample collections. The additional chemical assessment was analyzed by using Ion chromatography (IC). Furthermore, The E. coli and Total coliform were analyzed as per scientific guidelines. It was found that the pH of water in all sources was under Cambodian water standards. Water samples from 100% of tube wells, and 98% of lake/pond water exceeded the Cambodian standard of 5 NTU for turbidity. Additionally, parameters like turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TDS), and salinity in tube wells significantly surpass those in lake water. In particularly Kampong Chhnang province, trace metals arsenic (As) and Manganese (Mn) in all samples have been found to exceed Cambodian aesthetic values and the World Health Organization's. Iron (Fe) concentrations in tube wells and lake water samples were also higher than the Cambodian aesthetic standard of 300 ppb. The E. coli and Total coliform in the water samples were terribly higher than the World Health Organization's drinking water quality recommendation in Cambodia. To reduce the dangers to public health from drinking water contamination, it is advised that the people of Kandal and Kampong province have access to suitable treatment technology.
Evaluation of Medication Reconciliation Process Among Home Medication, Hospital Admission, Transition Across Different Wards, and Discharge in Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital South West Ethiopia: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dereje Mekuriaw
Published: October 2023

Background: - Medication errors are common to occur most frequently during the prescribing and administering transition of care, contribute to adverse drug events in part through medication discrepancies, and this is due to the absence or under-implementation of medication reconciliation, furthermore, Current evidence conducted across the world is limited only to evaluate medication reconciliation and to classify medication discrepancies at admission, discharge and home medication, missing discrepancies during admission to different ward of the hospital
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate of medication reconciliation process among home medication, hospital admission, transition across different wards, and discharge in Mizan Tepi university teaching hospital South West Ethiopia from July 03 to September 02, 2022.
Methods and Materials: - A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the medical ward of Mizan Tepi university teaching hospital. from July 03 to September 02, 2022. A total of 59 patients and medical records were included in the study. The data were collected using structured data collection tools developed from different literature and guidelines. The collected data were coded, entered, and analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23).
Result:Out of 59 study participants, medication discrepancies were detected in 56 of the study group, and from 893 medication patients taking 518 medication discrepancies were identified and 96,149 and 1 unintentional medication discrepancies were identified at transition A, B, and C respectively.
Conclusion; The medication reconciliation process should be implemented in terms of a multidisciplinary approach and also MR process should be incorporated in the hospital as one part of the standard treatment guideline in order to overcome good patient recovery outcomes, and patients should be aware of some home PO medication that should they continue while they are admitted.
Fabricating high-purity graphite disk electrodes as a cost-effective alternative in fundamental electrochemistry research
Authors: Spallacci Claudia , Görlin Mikaela , Kumar Amol , Cheah Mun Hon
Published: October 2023

Graphite electrodes offer remarkable electrochemical properties, emerging as a viable alternative to glassy carbon (GCE) and other carbon-based electrodes for fundamental electrochemistry research. We report the fabrication and characterization of high-purity graphite disk electrodes (GDEs), made from cost-effective materials and a solvent-free methodology employing readily available laboratory equipment. Analysis of their physical properties via SEM, EDX and XPS reveals no metallic interferences and a notably high porosity, emphasizing their potential. The electrochemical performances of GDEs were found to be comparable to those of GCE. Immobilization of peptides and enzymes, both via covalent coupling and surface adsorption, was used to explore potential applications of GDEs. Enzyme activity could be addressed both via direct electron transfer and mediated electron transfer mechanism, indicating the suitability of GDEs to address enzyme activity. These results highlight the interesting properties of our GDEs and make them a low-cost alternative to other carbon-based electrodes, with potential for future real-world applications.
A first assessment of community values, rules and knowledge of Mount Hermon, Lebanon: key perspectives towards biocultural conservation
Authors: Baydoun Safaa , Hani Nizar , Zein Hicham El , Zaidan Rouaa , Ghanem Hassana , Mhanna Mounir , Chalak Lamis
Published: October 2023

Mount Hermon, Lebanon, is a biodiversity hotspot of high cultural value making biocultural perspective highly relevant towards conservation context of this mountain territory. This study aims at identifying a community values, rules and knowledge (VRK) framework heuristic for decision-making. Semi-structured interviews with 126 local informants were conducted during 2022–2023. Findings illustrate that while instrumental values (e.g. water source through snow melt and rain, tourism and recreational activities, land and soil for crop production) were most frequently expressed by informants (63% of expressions), relational values (e.g. social identity, sense of place, spiritual way of life) representing preferences, principles, and virtues about human-nature relationships scored second but still high (41.72%) and subjective intrinsic values of nature (e.g. right to exist) as an end in itself followed last (7.65%). Co-occurrence of formal (indicated by 62.26% of the informants) and informal rules (indicated by 37.74% of the informants) with informants having prevalent local ecological knowledge in resource use were identified in a 70.27% of the informants. Grouping by PCA method demonstrates five strong correlations of enabling or conflicting interactions within the VRK framework that merit close consideration for a meaningful participatory conservation strategy of both biodiversity and cultural diversity in a key hotspot.
On a roll – a direct comparison of extraction methods for the recovery of eDNA from roller swabbing of surfaces
Authors: Guthrie Austin M. , Nevill Paul , Cooper Christine E. , Bateman Philip W. , Heyde Mieke
Published: October 2023

Objective
Roller swabbing of surfaces is an effective way to obtain environmental DNA, but the current DNA extraction method for these samples is equipment heavy, time consuming, and increases potential contamination through multiple handling. Here, we used rollers to swab a dog kennel and compared three DNA extraction approaches (water filtration, roller trimming and direct buffer) using two different platforms (Qiacube, Kingfisher). DNA extraction methods were evaluated based on cost, effort, DNA concentration and PCR result.
Results
The roller trim method emerged as the optimal method with the best PCR results, DNA concentration and cost efficiency, while the buffer-based methods were the least labour intensive but produced mediocre PCR results and DNA concentrations. Additionally, the Kingfisher magnetic bead extractions generally ranked higher in all categories over the Qiacube column-based DNA extractions. Ultimately, the ideal DNA extraction method for a particular study is influenced by logistical constraints in the field such as the size of the roller, the availability of cold storage, and time constraints on the project. Our results demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, allowing for informed decision making by researchers.
The effect of RDP on cell proliferation and apoptosis of porcine Leydig cells with hypoxia
Authors: Luo Jin-Ting , Xu Fafang , Wang Lei , Luo Xuan , Ma Yuhong , Zhang Jianbo , Huang Weihua Huang , Shang Yuejun , Wu Guofang
Published: October 2023

Rhodiola polysaccharides (RDP) has antioxidant effect on cells, but the underlying role of RDP in Leydig cells remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate the contribution of RDP to proliferation and apoptosis of porcine Leydig cells in hypoxia (1% O2, 4% CO2, 94% N2) and explore the mechanism.The porcine Leydig cells were divided into three groups: normal group, hypoxia group, and hypoxia+RDP group. Cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8, Biosharp, China). The activities of Superoxide Dismutase(SOD), Malondialdehyde(MDA) and Glutathione Peroxidase(GSH-PX) was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Detection of cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis was using Flow Cytometry. The gene and protein expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assay, respectively. CCK-8 assay results showed that RDP can relieve the decrease in cell viability caused by hypoxia. The optimal treatment of porcine Leydig cells was as follows: porcine Leydig cells were cultured with 0.0125 mg/mL RDP polysaccharide in normoxia for 18 h, and then cultured in hypoxia for 18 h. Flow cytometry results showed that RDP can relieve that hypoxia induced cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase and decrease apoptosis in porcine Leydig cells. RDP exerted anti-inflammatory effects via inhibiting TNF-α and IL-6 expression and conferred anti-apoptotic effects by upregulating the Bax, CCND1, CDK4 and downregulating Bcl-2, Caspase-3,p21, p53 and pJNK expression.RDP may regulate p53 and JNK pathways to promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis, thus effectively alleviating the adverse effects of hypoxia induction on porcine Leydig cells.
FASTKD1 is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for STAD associated with m6A modification and immune infiltration
Authors: Yang Yi , Gao Yan , Liu Xu-Sheng , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yao-Hua , Liu Zi-Yue , Chen Yu-Xuan , Pei Zhi-Jun
Published: October 2023

Background
Fas Activated Serine/Threonine Kinase Domains 1 (FASTKD1), a known modulator of mitochondrial-mediated cell death and survival processes, has garnered attention for its potential role in various biological contexts. However, its involvement in gastric cancer remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between FASTKD1 expression and key factors including clinical pathologies, immune infiltration, and m6A modification in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD).
Methods
We analyzed the expression of FASTKD1 in stomach adenocarcinoma and normal adjacent tissue to assess its significance in clinical pathologies and survival prognosis. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used in this study. Additionally, the findings were validated through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Co-expression analysis of FASTKD1 was performed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (GO/KEGG) enrichment analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and LinkedOmics database. An in-depth analysis was conducted using reputable databases such as TIMER, GEPIA, and TCGA to explore the potential correlation between FASTKD1 expression and immune infiltration in STAD. Additionally, we analyzed TCGA and GEO data to explore the correlation between FASTKD1 expression levels and m6A modifications in STAD.
Results
FASTKD1 demonstrates significant upregulation across different tumor types, including STAD. Notably, it can distinguish between tumor and normal tissue samples with accuracy. The expression level of FASTKD1 correlates significantly with clinical stage and survival prognosis. Through GO/KEGG enrichment analysis, associations of FASTKD1 have been identified with nuclear chromosome segregation, chromosomal regions, catalytic activity (acting on RNA), ATPase activity, as well as cell cycle and spliceosome pathways. The GSEA analysis revealed that in STAD, FASTKD1 is linked to gene enrichment pathways, mainly including the retinoblastoma gene, activation of ATR in response to replicative stress, resolution of D-loop structures, PLK1 pathway, homologous DNA pairing and strand exchange, and nuclear pore complex disassembly. Within the TIMER, GEPIA, and TCGA databases, a notable inverse correlation has been observed between FASTKD1 expression and the abundance of immune cell subsets, such as CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Of particular interest, significant correlations are established between FASTKD1, and m6A modification genes YTHDF1 and LRPPRC in both TCGA and GEO datasets.
Conclusion
FASTKD1 plays a significant role in m6A modification and immune infiltration processes, making it a potential valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in stomach adenocarcinoma.
Early screening of colorectal cancer using feature engineering with artificial intelligence-enhanced analysis of nanoscale chromatin modifications
Authors: Chang Andrew , Prabhala Sravya , Daneshkhah Ali , Lin Jianan , Subramanian Hariharan , Roy Hemant Kumar , Backman Vadim
Published: October 2023

Colonoscopy is accurate but inefficient for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention due to the low (~ 7–8%) prevalence of target lesions, advanced adenomas. We leveraged rectal mucosa to identify patients who harbor CRC field carcinogenesis by evaluating chromatin 3D architecture. Supranucleosomal disordered chromatin chains (~ 5–20 nm, ~ 1 kbp) fold into chromatin packing domains (~ 100–200 nm, ~ 100–1,000 kbp). In turn, the fractal-like conformation of DNA within chromatin domains and the folding of the genome into packing domains has been shown to influence multiple facets of gene transcription, including the transcriptional plasticity of cancer cells. We deployed an optical spectroscopic nanosensing technique, chromatin-sensitive partial wave spectroscopic microscopy (csPWS), to evaluate the packing density scaling D of the chromatin chain conformation within packing domains from rectal mucosa in 256 patients with varying degrees of progression to colorectal cancer. We found average packing scaling D of chromatin domains was elevated in tumor cells, histologically normal-appearing cells 4 cm proximal to the tumor, and histologically normal-appearing rectal mucosa compared to cells from control patients (p < 0.001). Nuclear D had a robust correlation with the model of 5-year risk of CRC with r2 = 0.94. Furthermore, rectal D was evaluated as a screening biomarker for patients with advanced adenomas presenting an AUC of 0.85 and 85% sensitivity and specificity. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced csPWS improved diagnostic performance with AUC = 0.90. Considering the low sensitivity of existing CRC tests, including liquid biopsies, to early-stage cancers our work highlights the potential of chromatin biomarkers of field carcinogenesis in detecting early, significant precancerous colon lesions.
The association between uric acid and erectile dysfunction in US adults: NHANES 2001– 2004
Authors: Wang Yijun , Chen Yinghe , Fan Lailai
Published: October 2023

Background—
Recent evidence suggests that hyperuricemia may serve as independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED), in addition to the already established factors. The exact evidence supporting this relationship is currently insufficient.
Methods and Results—
A total of 3,810 participants from the NHANES pool between 2001 and 2004 were included in our study, comprising 1,093 individuals with ED and 2,717 individuals without ED. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between uric acid (UA) and the prevalence of ED. In the fully adjusted model, we did not observe a significant association between UA and ED (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.84–1.24), and there were no significant differences among the different UA levels (P = 0.5). In our sensitivity analyses, where we applied a stricter definition for ED, no significant results were found in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.60–1.19). Additionally, no significant differences were observed among the different UA levels (P = 0.083).
Conclusions—
Our study did not find correlation between UA levels and ED. However, further research with large sample cohorts is needed to confirm these findings.