bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elasto-mechanical properties of black locust laminated veneer lumber
Authors: Hirschmüller Sebastian , Blumer Samuel
Published: November 2024

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) has great potential for weathered exterior applications due to its natural durability and density. In particular, the narrow sapwood range and the crooked trunk areas with strong fibre inclination make the production of veneer lumber from shorter logs very interesting, except for logs with a tension back. This paper describes selected elasto-mechanical properties of Robinia laminated veneer lumber, in particular the Young´s modulus (E) in tension, the Poisson´s ratios (µ), and the strengths (σ). The properties EL, ER, ET, µLT, µTR, µLR, and σL, σR, σT were determined experimentally by tensile tests, and the lateral strain coefficients µTL, µRT, and µRL were calculated from these values. The parameters were tested in a climate of 20°C and 60% relative humidity and at the moisture saturation point. The results show a significant decrease in Young's modulus and modulus of rupture with increasing wood moisture content in the longitudinal, radial, and tangential directions. No moisture dependence of the lateral strain coefficients was observed. No significant correlation was found between the properties investigated and gross density, nor between Young's modulus and tensile strength. Unlike Young's modulus and tensile strength, the lateral strain coefficients showed no clear trend with increasing wood moisture content. The strain coefficients are in good agreement with literature values, but further research with larger samples and different material sources is needed to complete the engineering constants. In addition, characteristic values of component size and material durability are of interest for future development.
Global cognitive function and allostatic load in older adults living in rural Ecuador: insights from the EcuAging study
Authors: Buller-Peralta Ingrid , Kulp Katherine , Sevi Baris , Supiyev Adil , Gutierrez Angela , Grijalva Mario , Marroig Alejandra , Massa Fernando , Rodriguez-Quintana Tamara , Muniz-Terrera Graciela
Published: November 2024

Background
Evidence about the association between global cognitive function and allostatic load, a measure of cumulative wear and tear resulting from chronic stress and life events, in older adults living in rural areas of Latin America is limited. This lack of knowledge obscures the current understanding of potentially modifiable risk factors for poor cognitive function.
Methods
We used data from 213 older adults who participated in the EcuAging study, a study of older adults living in rural inland areas of Ecuador. Using blood biomarkers, we derived an index of allostatic load and studied its association with global cognition measured using the Mini Mental State Exam, using linear regression models controlling for sociodemographic and lifestyle data.
Results
We found no evidence of an association between global cognitive function and allostatic load in univariate models or multivariable linear regression models.
Conclusion
Further research into psychosocial and biological factors associated with cognitive function in older adults living in rural areas of Ecuador may be needed to identify avenues to preserve cognition in this population.
Trial Registration:
The study protocol was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (Protocol Number CEISH-494-2023).
Uptake and completion of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy among people living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda, 2020–2023
Authors: Ssemanda¹ Innocent , Nakawuka Mina , Waako Susan , Migisha Richard , Kwesiga¹ Benon , Bulage Lilian , Nanziri Carol , Ario Alex Riolexus , Kadobera Daniel , Lukoye Deus
Published: November 2024

Introduction
In 2015, Uganda adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The country has implemented several initiatives to scale up TPT including the integration of TPT into HIV care services. The WHO target for both initiation and completion of TPT among PLHIV in care is 90% by 2035. We described trends and spatial distribution of TPT uptake and completion, and reasons for non-completion among PLHIV in Uganda to track progress towards meeting the targets.
Methods
We extracted and analyzed national and subnational aggregated data on TPT among PLHIV on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as reported through the District Health Information System Version 2 (DHIS2) from January 2020 to December 2023. TPT eligibility, initiation, and completion rates were calculated. Reasons for failure to complete TPT were categorized as loss to follow-up, TB diagnosis, stopping due to side effects, and death while on TPT. We analyzed trends using the Mann-Kendall test and described spatial distribution by region over time. P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results
By June 2023, 1,330,693 PLHIV on ART were eligible for TPT, of which 87% (1,157,703) had been initiated and 92% (1,065,086) of the initiated had completed TPT treatment. Between January 2020 and December 2023, uptake of TPT increased from 21% of eligible PLHIV to 89% and completion increased from 91–96%. Of the 92,617 (8%) ART clients who did not complete their TPT regimen, 29,435 (37%) were lost to follow-up, 2,356 (3%) died, and 1,589 (2%) were diagnosed with TB.
Conclusion
Uganda is close to achieving the WHO TPT initiation target and has already met the target for TPT completion among PLHIV. It is important for the Ministry of Health to maintain the high initiation rates of TPT among PLHIV who are newly enrolled in care.
Production and Characterization of Drywall Reinforced With Fiber From the Amazonian Palm
Authors: Vale Hekiciellen Pamella Nunes Do , Lourenço Yanka Beatriz Costa , Arantes Lorran De Sousa , Júnior José Benedito Guimarães , Mendes Lourival Marin , Ugucioni Julio Cesar
Published: November 2024

This research aimed to produce gypsum plasterboards by replacing gypsum matrices with varying concentrations of Miriti co-products and evaluating the resulting physical-mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. For composite production, gypsum mass was substituted with different proportions of Miriti: 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. The manual mixing of gypsum, water, and Miriti was conducted within a 2.5-minute timeframe, followed by molding into forms with dimensions of 200x200x15 mm. The board faces were coated with cellulose pulp, a common practice in the application of gypsum plasterboard in drywall systems. After a 24-hour period, the boards were removed from the molds and placed in a climate chamber with a temperature of 20 ± 2 °C and relative humidity of 65 ± 3% for 28 days. Subsequently, test specimens were extracted for the execution of physical-mechanical and thermal tests. The Miriti-containing gypsum plasterboards exhibited lower bulk density, resulting in lightweight materials. Both Miriti-reinforced and unreinforced gypsum plasterboards met the requirements specified in EN 13279-1 (2008) for flexural strength (MOR), which establishes a minimum value of 1 MPa for gypsum-based construction materials. Composites with 2.5% and 5% Miriti also fulfilled the demands of EN 13279-1 (2008) for compressive strength, which sets a minimum value of 2 MPa. Composites with 7.5% and 10% Miriti showcased the highest thermal resistance values. The use of Miriti co-products demonstrated promise for various applications in the construction industry, enabling value addition and appropriate final disposition of this lignocellulosic material.
Sheehan's syndrome complicated with graves' disease-a rare case report
Authors: Yan ManLi , Wang Yiting , Zhang Kaiyuan , Wei Hua
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND
Sheehan's syndrome refers to a series of conditions caused by the rapid restoration of the pituitary after childbirth, leading to a sudden decrease in blood flow to the adenohypophysis, resulting in peripheral circulatory failure and ischemic necrosis of the adenohypophysis. The clinical manifestations are characterized by the triad of hypofunction of the gonadal, thyroid, and adrenal cortices. As described below, the co-occurrence with graves' disease is extremely rare.
CASE SUMMARY
A 57-year-old female presented with chronic diarrhea persisting for over 30 years, worsening of diarrhea with weight loss for 6 months. Based on her medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging results, she was diagnosed with Sheehan's syndrome complicated with graves' disease. Subsequently, she received adrenal corticosteroid replacement therapy, anti-thyroid medication, and other symptomatic treatments. After treatment, the patient's diarrhea and weight loss symptoms were relieved. However, during the nearly 20 months of follow-up, dynamic re-examination still indicated hyperthyroidism and elevated thyrotropin receptor antibodies.
CONCLUSION
Regular assessment of axial function in patients with Sheehan's syndrome is needed to allow for timely adjustment of treatment regimens.
Combined analysis of the endophytic fungi and volatile oil content of different Aquilaria sinensis germplasms revealed the correlations between endophytic fungal abundances and agarwood production
Authors: Zhang Yuyin , Jiang Zixiao , Dou Hua , Fan Chenlu , Wei Jianhe , Chen Xuyu
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the endophytic fungi and volatile oil content in ordinary-type and Qinan-type Aquilaria sinensis. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyse the distribution of fungi in the healthy wood layer and the agarwood layer of Aquilaria sinensis (ordinary-type and Qinan-type), gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) was used to measure the volatile oil content of agarwood and healthy wood from ordinary-type and Qinan-type A. sinensis, and SPSS was used to analyse the correlation between the two. The results of the analysis revealed that the fungal community composition within the agarwood of ordinary-type and Qinan-type A. sinensis differed, the volatile oil content of the agarwood of ordinary-type and Qinan-type A. sinensis differed, and the contents in the healthy wood layer of ordinary-type and Qinan-type A. sinensis varied only slightly. The abundances of the genera Fusarium, Hermatomyces, and Rhinocladiella were correlated with the formation of the sesquiterpene constituents of agarwood. The abundances of the genera Microidium, Cladosporium, and Cephalotrichum were correlated with the levels of chromones in agarwood, and there was a correlation between the abundance of endophytic fungi and the chemical composition of agarwood. The differences among germplasms affected the distribution of endophytic fungi and the volatile oil composition of agarwood, and there was a correlation between the composition of the volatile oil of agarwood and the distribution of endophytic fungi.
Nurse educators’ experiences of the use of Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) at a university in South Africa
Authors: Serapelwane Maserapelo G , Mokgaola Onchebile I
Published: November 2024

Background
There is an ongoing global debate on the reliability of Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) as an assessment method at nursing education institutions, and South Africa is not exempt. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of nurse educators with the use of OSCE at a university in the North West province of South Africa.
Design and Methods:
The study applied a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual design. Purposive sampling was used to select nurse educators who were facilitating the teaching and learning of undergraduate nursing students. The study conducted two focus group interviews at two selected campuses. The Tesch’s eight steps of analysis were used to analyse the raw data. Trustworthiness was ensured by applying the principles of credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability. All ethics measures were upheld throughout the study.
Results
The themes that emerged from the findings include among others the perceived effect of OSCE on students. This was evident from the emotional and psychological distress and the challenges surrounding the implementation of OSCE.
Conclusion
It is clear from the findings that the use of OSCE should be improved at the university in the North West province of South Africa.
Considerations for adapting digital competencies and training approaches to the public health workforce: An interpretive description of practitioners’ perspectives in Canada
Authors: Iyamu Ihoghosa , Ramachandran Swathi , Chang Hsiu-Ju , Kushniruk Andre , Ibáñez-Carrasco Francisco , Worthington Catherine , Davies Hugh , McKee Geoffrey , Brown Adalsteinn , Gilbert Mark
Published: November 2024

Background
Widespread digital transformation necessitates developing digital competencies for public health practice. We explored public health practitioners' experiences and perspectives on adapting digital competencies and training recommendations for Canada.
Methods
Between November and December 2023, we conducted an interpretive description using four focus groups with 19 public health practitioners in regional and federal health authorities across Canada, with at least 3 years’ experience in current roles and experience using digital technologies in practice. We explored practitioners’ experiences using digital technologies and sought their opinions on how digital competency recommendations previously identified could be adapted to Canada’s context. We analyzed verbatim transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
We identified three main themes: a) public health systems must evolve to support new digital competencies; b) strengthen the basics before extending towards digital competencies; and c) focus on building general digital competencies with options for specialization where necessary. Findings emphasized matching workforce digital competencies to public health system capabilities and meaningfully integrating digital competencies within existing curricula. Such integration can consider how digital technologies change current public health practice to ensure practitioners are better able to address contemporary public health problems. Findings demonstrated roles for specialized programs as resources for learning within health systems and emphasized hands-on real-world training approaches.
Conclusion
We need integrated, systems-focused approaches to digital competencies cutting across the current public health curriculum, while creating space for specialized digital public health competencies and roles. Further research is needed to understand requirements for enacting these recommendations in practice.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in low-income childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Iannini Natalia Gomes , RODRIGUES CARLOS EWERTON MAIA
Published: November 2024

Objective To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with childhood onset Systemic Lupus Erithematosus (cSLE) and controls from Northeastern Brazil and to verify its association with specific SLE parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.Methods The prevalence of MetS was assessed cross-sectionally in 58 patients with cSLE and 18 age -matched controls from the local community, using the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN). Information was collected by clinical examination and standardized questionnaires, investigating the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), personal and family history of cardiovascular disease and obesity and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.Results The prevalence of MetS according to ABRAN criteria was higher in cSLE than in controls (9% vs. 0%; p = 0.2) and according to IDF criteria was (10,3% vs 0%; p = 0.15), but without statistical significance. Importantly, 91.4% of patients were from a low-income household. Patients with MetS according to ABRAN also had lower ESR levels (p = 0.039), higher total cholesterol (p = 0.013), HDL-c (p = 0.007) and triglycerides (p = 0.001) and a lower albumin level (p = 0.016). Patients with MetS according to IDF had higher SDI scores (p = 0.036). Higher current dose of mycophenolate mofetil was noted (p = 0.033) and use of azathioprine was less frequent (p = 0.033) in the MetS.Conclusion The prevalence of Mets in the patients with cSLE seems to be low. There was association of MetS with higher cumulative damage indices. We did not observe any association with clinical manifestations, autoantibody profile and dose of corticosteroids.
Investigating the Impact of Plasma-Activated Water on Lentil Seed Sprouts Using Biochemical and Structural Properties
Authors: Asefi Narmela , Gone Sri S.J. Chandra , Singh Rakesh.K
Published: November 2024

This study aims to clarify the interactions and effects of plasma-activated water (PAW) treatment on lentil seeds. A jet plasma system produces PAW by interacting 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen with water. Various exposure times to cold plasma (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 15 minutes) were applied, and the resulting changes in the physical and chemical properties of the PAW were examined. The pH of the PAW ranged from 7.4 to 2.92, which caused a nearly sixteen-fold increase in nitrate (NO3−) concentrations, while hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels remained constant. The germination rate of seeds treated with water exposed to plasma for 10 minutes was significantly higher than that of other treatments (p < 0.05). The flour analysis derived from sprouted seeds irrigated with PAW showed that protein solubility was highest at pH levels below 3 and above 7, while it decreased between pH 4 and 6. Moreover, PAW treatment resulted in an increase in GABA content in all samples compared to the control. The activities of α-amylase and phytase decreased as pH levels lowered. Electrophoresis revealed similar protein bands (17–170 kDa) across all samples. Additionally, FTIR analysis showed the degradation of all structural components except for the antiparallel β-sheet in the control sample, with the β-turn present in the treated samples and the aggregate β-sheet observed only in the sample treated for 4 minutes. NMR analysis demonstrated the disappearance of α C1H and β C1H anomer signals and increased methyl groups in the treated samples.
Recombinant human collagen hydrogels with different stem cell-derived exosomes encapsulation for wound treatment
Authors: Zeng Xiaoman , Gan Jingjing , Huang Danqing , Zhao Yuanjin , Sun Lingyun
Published: November 2024

Exosomes-loaded hydrogels have potential value in wound treatment. Current studies focus on improving hydrogels’ biocompatibility and optimizing different stem cell-derived exosomes for better therapeutic effect. Herein, we present a novel biocompatible recombinant human collagen (RHC) hydrogel loading with different MSCs-derived exosomes for promoting wound healing. We modify the RHC with methacrylate anhydride (MA) at optimal concentration, generating collagen hydrogel (RHCMA) with ideal physiochemical properties for exosome delivery (MSC-exos@RHCMA). Exosomes derived from human adipose-derived MSCs (ADSC-exos), bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSC-exos) and umbilical cord MSCs (ucMSC-exos) are harvested from the culture supernatants and are loaded into RHCMA, respectively. These three hydrogel systems exhibit desired sustained release features, and can significantly improve cell proliferation and migration. In addition, these MSC-exos@RHCMAs show excellent therapeutic performance in treating the wounds of rats. Notably, we have demonstrated that the healing effect occurs best under the treatment of ucMSC-exos@RHCMA, following inflammatory resolution, angiogenesis, and collagen formation. These results would supply important value for the clinical application of MSC-exos in wound treatment in the future.
The role of gut-liver axis in the heat susceptibility of Chinese giant salamander
Authors: Zhai Runliang , Zhao Chunlin , Chang Liming , Liu Jiongyu , Zhao Tian , Jiang Jianping , Zhu Wei
Published: November 2024

The Chinese giant salamander (CGS, Andrias davidianus), a flagship amphibian species, is highly vulnerable to high temperatures, posing a significant threat under future climate change. Previous research linked this susceptibility to liver energy deficiency, accompanied by shifts in gut microbiota and reduced food conversion rates, raising questions about the role of the gut-liver axis in mediating thermal intolerance. This study investigated CGS responses to a temperature gradient (10–30°C), assessing physiological changes alongside histological, gut metagenomic, and tissue transcriptomic analyses. Temperatures above 20°C led to mortality and delayed growth. Histological and transcriptomic data revealed metabolic exhaustion and liver fibrosis in heat-stressed salamanders, underscoring the liver's critical role in thermal intolerance. While heat stress altered the gut microbiota's community structure, their functional profiles, especially in nutrient absorption and transformation, remained stable. Both gut and liver showed temperature-dependent transcriptional changes, sharing some common variations in actins, heat shock proteins, and genes related to transcription and translation. However, their energy metabolism exhibited opposite trends: it was downregulated in the liver but upregulated in the gut, with the gut showing increased activity in the pentose phosphate pathway and oxidative phosphorylation, potentially countering metabolic exhaustion. These findings suggest that the gut and its microbiota are less sensitive to high temperatures than the liver, and the gut-liver axis may not be central to CGS thermal sensitivity. This study enhances mechanistic understanding of CGS heat susceptibility, providing a foundation for targeted conservation strategies in the face of climate change.
An integrated prognosis prediction model based on real-word clinical characteristics for immunotherapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Zhihao , Dong Liyuan , Ma Yue , Cao Guang , Chen Dongze , Dong Fengxiao , Jiao Xi , Cao Yanshuo , Liu Chang , Wang Yanni , Zhuo Na , Wang Fengyuan , Guo Yixuan , Dai Tingting , Zhang Shuwei , Jiao Hao , Zou Xingyue , Li Jian , Shen Lin , He Zhonghu , Zhang Yanqiao
Published: November 2024

Introduction
The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains suboptimal. This study aims to construct and validate a clinically accessible model to better identify populations that may potentially benefit from ICIs.
Methods
This study enrolled advanced ESCC patients treated with ICIs at Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 14, 2016, to January 26, 2024, forming the training cohort. Combined positive score (CPS) was recorded to evaluate the predictive value of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory test results were identified as predictors through a 2-phase selection based on Cox proportional hazard regression and minimization of Akaike information criterion (AIC). The prediction model was internally validated using bootstrapping and externally validated in patients from Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between January 10, 2019, and July 6, 2022.
Results
A total of 430 patients from Peking University Cancer Hospital and 184 patients from Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital were ultimately enrolled. PD-L1 expression failed to discriminate survival outcomes (HR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.74-1.19, P = .6). The final model incorporates 10 variables: stage, bone metastasis, line of therapy, treatment, lactate dehydrogenase, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 199, lymphocyte count, prognostic nutritional index, and systemic immune-inflammation index. The C-index was 0.725 (95%CI: 0.694-0.756) in the training cohort, 0.722 (95%CI: 0.688-0.751) after bootstrapping, and 0.691 (95%CI: 0.650-0.733) in the external validation cohort, outperforming PD-L1 in prognostic prediction and risk stratification. An interactive online prediction tool (https://escc-survival.shinyapps.io/shiny_app/) was subsequently developed.
Conclusions
This is the first model for individualized survival prediction in advanced ESCC patients treated with ICIs based on large-scale, high-quality real-world data, potentially guiding clinical decision-making and optimize treatment strategies.
Streamlined Protoplast Transfection System for In-vivo Validation and Transgene-free Genome Editing in Banana
Authors: Lakhani Hiralben , Kumar Naveen , Jangra Alka , Negi Sanjana , Dholariya Thobhanbhai , Tiwari Siddharth
Published: November 2024

The advancement in CRISPR/Cas system has significantly streamlined genome editing in plants, rendering it simple, reliable and efficient. However, the development of transgene-free crops is a challenging task for vegetatively propagated plants like banana. In the present study, we established banana protoplasts based versatile and efficient platform for genome editing to overcome this limitation. Herein, a protocol has been optimized for protoplast isolation by considering leaf and embryogenic cell suspension (ECS) of banana cultivar Grand Naine. Freshly prepared ECS was identified as the best source for protoplast isolation. The protoplast viability and competency were checked by transfection with plasmid and RNP complex. Polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast transfection using pCAMBIA1302 and pJL50TRBO vectors showed GFP expression with 30% and 70% efficiency, respectively, eventually proving the protocol's efficacy. Further, gRNAs targeting banana β-carotene hydroxylase gene are validated by in-vitro cleavage test and subsequently used for RNP complex formation with varied ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:5 and 1:10) of SpCas9 to gRNA1. Among these, 1:2 molar ratio proved best to generate indel frequency with 7%. Sequencing analysis of the target amplicon revealed mutations upstream of the PAM region, specifically with gRNA1, among the three in-vitro validated gRNAs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of gRNAs in-vitro and in-vivo, yielding inconsistent results that highlight the need for comprehensive in-vivo validation of their functionality. Conclusively, the optimized protocol for banana transfection has the potential to be harnessed for the generation of transgene-free genetically improved banana.
LncRNA-DRNPC competitively binds miR-27a to inhibit EBV-LMP1-mediated ER (Endoplasmic reticulum) stress-metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)
Authors: Cao Xianbao , Cai Lan , Li Tianshu , Feng Chun , Zhang Jinqian
Published: November 2024

Background
The details of the regulatory mechanism in metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma related to lncRNAs are unclear.
Methods
The bio-functions of LncRNA-DRNPC-miR-27a-FAM172A interaction net in the relationships between ER stress, NPC invasion were investigated.
Results
There was high expression of miR-27a and low expression of LncRNA-DRNPC in NPC tumor tissues. LncRNA-DRNPC regulated miR-27a as a ceRNA, and miR-27a inhibited FAM172A expression, which participated in the regulation of ER stress-related NPC invasion induced by EBV-LMP1.
Conclusion
LncRNA-DRNPC competes with miR-27a mediated by FAM172A and participated in the regulation of the NPC cell invasion associated with ER stress.
Study on the longitudinal protection of low-frequency transmission lines for offshore wind power based on the difference of the absolute value of the imaginary part of the integrated impedance
Authors: Wang Chenqing , Tao Yan , Zhou Jinyu , Wu Xinyu ,   Shuping Gao2*
Published: November 2024

For offshore wind power low-frequency transmission system fault, the fault current on both sides of the line by the influence of the control strategy of the amplitude is limited, the phase angle of the open swing increases, resulting in the failure of the traditional longitudinal differential protection criterion. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a longitudinal protection method for offshore wind power low-frequency transmission lines based on the absolute value difference of the imaginary part of the integrated impedance. The integrated impedance is defined as the ratio of differential voltage and differential current, and the corresponding protection criterion is proposed according to the characteristics of the integrated impedance during faults inside and outside the zone. By comparing the absolute value of the imaginary part with the integrating value, the in-zone and out-of-zone faults of low-frequency transmission lines can be recognized. Finally, the simulation model of offshore wind power low-frequency transmission system is constructed by using the PSCAD simulation platform, and the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed protection method is verified by processing the fault data through Matlab. The simulation results show that the protection method is theoretically almost independent of the control strategy at both ends, can be operated reliably and according to phase when different fault types occur at different locations of the line, and has a strong ability to withstand transition resistance.
Characterizing differences in the muscle transcriptome between cattle with alternative LCORL-NCAPG haplotypes
Authors: Rodrigues Fernanda Martins , Majeres Leif E. , Dilger Anna C. , McCann Joshua C. , Cassady Christopher J. , Shike Dan W. , Beever Jonathan E.
Published: November 2024

Background
The LCORL-NCAPG locus is a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on bovine chromosome 6 (BTA6) that influences growth and carcass composition in cattle. To further understand the molecular mechanism responsible for the phenotypic changes associated with this locus, twenty-four Charolais-sired calves were selected for muscle transcriptome analysis based on alternative homozygous LCORL-NCAPG haplotypes (i.e., 12 “QQ” and 12 “qq”, where “Q” is a haplotype harboring variation associated with increased growth). At 300 days of age, a biopsy of the longissimus dorsi muscle was collected from each animal for RNA sequencing.
Results
Gene expression analysis identified 733 genes as differentially expressed between QQ and qq animals (q-value < 0.05). Notably, LCORL and genes known to be important regulators of growth such as IGF2 were upregulated in QQ individuals, while genes associated with adiposity such as FASN and LEP were downregulated, reflecting the increase in lean growth associated with this locus. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed an overall trend of downregulation for pathways associated with adipogenesis, and upregulation of ribosomal and mitochondrial-related transcripts in QQ individuals.
Conclusions
The differences in the muscle transcriptome between QQ and qq animals imply that muscle hypertrophy may be metabolically favored over accumulation of fat in animals with the QQ haplotype. Our findings also suggest this haplotype could be linked to a difference in LCORL expression that potentially influences the downstream transcriptional effects observed, though further research will be needed to confirm the molecular mechanisms underlying the associated changes in phenotype.
Uneven Landscapes Inhabited by Middle Miocene Mammals From La Pava and Collón Cura Formations in North Patagonia
Authors: Kramarz Alejandro G. , Bellosi Eduardo S. , Bond Mariano , Forasiepi Analía M. , Fernández Mercedes , Fernicola Juan Carlos , Aguirrezabala Guillermo , Rezende Daniella Teixeira
Published: November 2024

The Collón Cura Formation (CCF) bears a diverse assemblage of Middle Miocene terrestrial mammals (the Colloncuran fauna) known from the end of XIX century. The CCF along with the La Pava Formation (LPF) constitutes the main syntectonic infill of intermontane basins in the extra-Andean NW Patagonia. The study of paleosols and terrestrial ichnofacies of both units in these basins, particularly in the Jacobacci basin (Rio Negro Province, Argentina), document the progressive environmental change since the end of the Miocene Climatic Optimum, related to the drying and cooling of southern South America. This change is recognized in the andic Mollisols and mollic Andisols bearing Coprinisphaera ichnofacies formed in subhumid grasslands or wooded-savannas (LPF), and in the xeric-vertic Andisols and andic Aridisols bearing Celliforma ichnofacies developed in semiarid woodlands or bushlands (CCF). However, a new U-Pb date of 14.38 ± 0.19 Ma (late Langhian), for the LPF at the Huahuel Niyeu valley in the Jacobacci basin, indicates that both landscapes co-existed likely following a vertical rainfall gradient (orographic precipitation). In the present work, we report the first mammals from the LPF recovered from the Huahuel Niyeu associated to the dated strata. They include Palaeothentes intermedius, Prozaedius sp., Proeutatus sp., Propalaehoplophorinae indet., Glossotheriopsis pascuali, Massoiamys obliquus, Pliolagostomus friasensis, Eusigmomys cf. E. oppositus, Pachyrukhos moyani, Hemihegetotherium tantillum, Protypotherium australe, Protypotherium praerutilum, Palyeidodon obtusum, Hyperoxotodon sp. nov?, Toxodontidae indet., and Astrapotheriidae indet. All these taxa (except P. intermedius) also occur in sediments of the CCF in Jacobacci and other basins of NW Patagonia. We conclude that the heterogeneous landscape developed in Jacobacci basin was inhabited by diverse functional groups of Colloncuran mammals adapted to different climatic and floristic settings, and therefore they are not sensitive to small-scale environmental heterogeneity. These palaeoecologic inferences could be extended to other Miocene basins and to other Cenozoic mammal faunas of Patagonia, which paleohabitats were generally deduced from feeding behaviors.
The Relationship Between Ego Depletion and Career Resilience Among Chinese Midwives During Declining Birth Rates: A Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Jine , Han Minmin , Wang Shuang , Liu Min , Pan Siman , Huang Xiaoping , Xu Jingjing
Published: November 2024

Background: Low birth rates pose significant challenges for Chinese midwives, which may lead to ego depletion and subsequently impact the quality of nursing care. Career resilience acts as a protective factor against ego depletion. However, previous studies have not confirmed the fine-grained relationship between ego depletion and career resilience, and the complex pathways between them require further investigation.
Methods: From December 2023 to January 2024, we recruited 571 midwives from hospitals in thirteen cities in Jiangsu Province to complete an online survey. The questionnaire included general information, the Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale, and the Chinese Employees' Career Resilience Scale. R software was used to construct network structures and compute expected influence (EI) and bridge expected influence (BEI) to compare the role of nodes in the network.
Results: (1) The majority of the connections between ego depletion and career resilience were negative. The most strongly negative associations were found between EC2 (Difficulty in setting goals) and CC2 (Confidence in facing challenges), EC4 (Difficulty with decision-making) and CC2 (Confidence in facing challenges), EC1 (Lethargy) and CE3 (Passionate work, overcoming challenges), and EE2 (Difficulty managing stress) and CC4 (Control of unpleasant emotions), with edge weight values of -0.07, -0.06, -0.05, and -0.05, respectively. (2) EE1 (Upset) and CB5 (Enhancing skills for adversity) had the highest EI values in the network (EI = 1.18, 1.11). (3) EE2 (Difficulty managing stress), EC5 (Difficulty maintaining relationships), and CC4 (Control of unpleasant emotions) had the highest BEI values within their respective communities (BEI = -0.11, -0.11, and -0.16).
Conclusions: This study revealed a generally negative association between ego depletion and career resilience. "Upset" and "Enhancing skills for adversity" were identified as core items of ego depletion and career resilience, respectively. Additionally, "Difficulty managing stress," "Difficulty maintaining relationships," and "Control of unpleasant emotions" functioned as bridge items connecting the ego depletion and career resilience communities, offering potential intervention targets for alleviating ego depletion and enhancing career resilience.
Outcome of glandular urethral Disassembly (GUD) Technique in Distal penile hypospadias Repair
Authors: Kasem Hesham , Elshahat Wael , Attia Amira , Ismail Mohamed , Alekiaby Omar
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Different surgical techniques have been described for repair of DPH included MAGPI, TIP, MATIU, GUD
TIP is the most commonly performed surgery for hypospadias, and the most common complications are urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, especially if the glans width 14 mm and urethral plate <6mm
The technique of urethral mobilisation was first described by Beck (1898) and was popularized by Koff in 1981 . The main advantage of the this procedure is the absence of urethroplasty and, consequently, a low risk of fistula . but the distance prone for mobilisation is up to 1.5 cm, all of the previous techniques focusing on urethral mobilisation only and the distance between the urethral opening and the tip of the glans ,but in GUD technique focusing on minimal urethral mobilisation and extensive glandular dissection like we do in epispedias repair
Aim of the study
to present the results of GUD technique for different types of distal penile hypospadias .
Patients and methods
This study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals from April 2021 to April 2023 , include 30 patients underwent repair of Distal penile hypospadias by GUD technique
Inclusion criteria
Primary cases of DPH
recurrent distal hypospadias
or urethral fistula cases
Exclusion criteria
presence of severe chordee,
Mid penile hypospadias
a proximal hypospadias and
Results
This study include 30 patients ,
5 patients (16.6%) presented with a complication after the procedure as follows: 2 cases (6.6%) with meatal stenosis., 1 dehiscence that was predisposed by infection
meatal retraction in 1 (3.3%)
One patient (3.3%) presented with a fistula that may be caused by accidentally injury of the urethra
No post operative Bleeding ,infection, iatrogenic chordee
10 (33.3%) of cases were coronal type , 7(23.3% )recurrent DPH ,6( 20% )subcoronal,3(10%) glandular, 2(6.6% ) urethral fistula 2 (6.6%) megameatus intact prepuce. The mean age at surgery was 2.7year, mean operative time was 38.1 minutes, mean Hospital stay 12.8h , mean duration for catheter removal 4.6 days and the follow up duration was 3.6 months.
Conclusion
GUD procedure is a is a simple , safe technique for distal penile hypospedias in selected cases with minimal complication
Pathology-based evidence and literature review of an association between adenovirus infection and appendicitis in children and adults
Authors: Lin Lung-Huang , Huang Chi-Jung , Lo Cheng-Yu , Hung Shih-Pin
Published: November 2024

The main cause of appendicitis is that the opening of the appendix becomes blocked. Some blockages are caused by fecalith, and others are caused by swelling of nearby lymph nodes. Appendiceal obstruction can lead to poor circulation, bacterial growth, and tissue hypoxia, leading to appendiceal necrosis, peritonitis, sepsis, and even death. In addition to fecalith, some reports have observed an association between appendicitis and lymphoid hyperplasia, which may be caused by infections such as adenovirus, but direct evidence is lacking.
A total of 360 patients with appendicitis: 240 adult patients, 120 patients <18 years and 40 control individuals without appendicitis for a retrospective study. Pathological tissues from appendectomies were processed into formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) slices. Adenovirus immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were analyzed to determine whether adenovirus was present in appendicitis tissue.
The positive rate of IHC detection (25.8%) and qPCR analysis (35.0%) in pediatric patients was higher with p<0.05, which was statistically significant. The positive rate of IHC detection (10.8%) and qPCR analysis(14.2%) in adults was low with p≥0.05, which was not statistically significant. Control subjects were negative for both IHC and qPCR analysis.
Our study directly demonstrates the relationship between adenovirus infection and appendicitis using retrospective pathological evidence from IHC analysis and qPCR detection.qPCR is more sensitive and reliable than IHC for the diagnosis of adenovirus in appendicitis, showing higher sensitivity than IHC. Adenovirus infection is more closely associated with appendicitis in children than in adults.
Fish community structure in accordance with environmental signatures in tropical river ecosystem, Eastern Himalayan eco-region
Authors: Ongh Shamyung O , Landge Asha Taterao , Ramteke Karankumar , Borah Simanku , Barman Jyotish , Akter Sahina , Yadav Anil Kumar , Das Pritam , Majhi Sullip Kumar , Chakraborty Nabanita , Das Basanta Kumar
Published: November 2024

Environmental characteristics significantly influence the distribution of fish communities in aquatic ecosystems. This study examined the relationship between fish community structure and ecological characteristics in the Dhansiri River, a tropical river within the Eastern Himalaya eco-region. Sampling was conducted across three seasons (monsoon, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon) at four stations representative of the whole river stretch. Highest number of species was recorded along upper stretch S1 (54), followed by S2 (45), S3 (41) and least in S4 (37). Seasonally, the number of species peaked during monsoon (64), decreased in post-monsoon (59) and was lowest in pre-monsoon (54). Shannon diversity index (H') ranged from 3.327 to 3.750, with higher values upstream and gradually declining downstream. Species diversity was lowest at S4, likely due to poor environmental conditions and high anthropogenic pressure. Cyprinids emerged as the most dominant fish group, with relative family abundance varying from 0-5.63%. Non-metric dimensional scaling indicated a distinct separation of S4 from S1, S2 and S3. Analysis of water quality revealed a pristine nature at S1, with gradual deterioration downstream. Significant relationships were identified between most water quality variables and fish community structure. Principal component analysis showed that pH (20.96%), total alkalinity (13.80%), specific conductivity (9.92%), NO2 (12.19%), and TDS (6.22%) contributed significantly to Dim1, while NO3 (53.43%) and water temperature (6.05%) influenced Dim2. BIO-ENV analysis reflected that NH3, NO3, CO2, TDS, total alkalinity, pH, specific conductivity, DO and water temperature significantly correlated with fish abundance and community composition. This study provides critical insights into the role of environmental parameters in shaping the fish community structure in a less-explored tropical river of the Eastern Himalayan and offers valuable information for the sustainable management of riverine fish diversity.
Human exposure to intensifying wildfires under near-term climate change
Authors: Cunningham Calum , Abatzoglou John , Ellis Todd , Williamson Grant , Bowman David
Published: November 2024

Fire weather is increasing under climate change, but there is limited knowledge of how this will affect fire intensity, a critical determinant of socioecological wildfire effects. We reveal widespread predicted growth in fire radiative power under near-term warming (1.5°C and 2°C above preindustrial levels). Predicted increases were three times larger in disaster-prone than non-disaster-prone areas of the wildland-urban interface, emphasising the urgent need to proactively manage these wildland-urban ecosystems to reduce fire intensity.
Challenges in treating Urethral Diverticulum Giant Calculus Post-Hypospadias repair: A Case-Based Approach
Authors: Saini Abhishek , Paighan Nitin M , Saxena Shrrey A
Published: November 2024

Background
Urethral diverticula are a rare but recognized complication following hypospadias repair, often predisposing patients to calculi formation due to urinary stasis. Giant urethral calculi are uncommon, particularly within the anterior urethra, and present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Case Presentation
We report a case of a 30-year-old male with a history of hypospadias repair, who presented with a two-year history of lower urinary tract symptoms, including dysuria, weak urinary stream, and increased frequency. Physical examination identified a hard mass in the penile urethra, and imaging confirmed a large, 6 x 2 cm urethral calculus within an anterior urethral diverticulum. After initial treatment for urinary tract infection, the patient was counseled for surgical intervention. He underwent Stage I Johansson’s Urethroplasty, which involved longitudinal urethral incision, calculus removal and urethral diverticulectomy. Postoperative recovery was smooth, with planned Stage II urethroplasty to follow.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of surgical management in cases of giant urethral calculi within diverticula, particularly in patients with prior hypospadias repair. Such cases require a tailored surgical approach to address both stone burden and anatomical complications, ensuring effective long-term outcomes and symptom relief.
An Union Method Combining the Stitching of Normal Images and the Supervised Semantic Segmentation of Stitched Image
Authors: Hu Xing , Li Xinjian , Wang Zhengguang , Ren Jie , An Yi , Shao Cheng , Tian Hongsheng
Published: November 2024

The union combining the stitching of normal images and unsupervised semantic segmentation of the stitched image is an important region, which is crucial for autonomous driving, intelligent robots, and vehicle detection. This paper designs an union method combining the stitching of normal images and unsupervised semantic segmentation of the stitched image. The normal images are stitched by using the image stitching method designed by Ribeiro D.. The semantic segmentation method for the stitched image uses the method opened in the github. The stitched image contains image distortion. The distortion of the stitched image will make the feature extraction unreasonable. The distortion form of the stitched image is different from the distortion form of the panoramic image combined by line images. Therefore, the DCM proposed by Xing Hu is useless to extract features of the stitched image reasonable. This paper improves the DCM as the improved distortion convolution module (IDCM) by using the deformable convolution, the clamp module, the type transformation module, and the gather module. The IDCM is added before the unsupervised semantic segmentation method opened in the github to extract features reasonable. The IDCM-NUSSM method and the ISM-IDCM-NUSSM method are proposed. The experimental results show the better performance of the designed methods.
Promises of Prosperity: The Burden of Freebies on India's Fiscal Health
Authors: Mukhi Sushree Sangeeta , Tiwari Bhupendra Bahadur , Ghosh Sneha
Published: November 2024

This research paper examines the increasing the distribution and declaration of freebies by political parties in India as a strategy to gain electoral support, analysing their detrimental effects on State’s economy. While welfare schemes (subsidies) target specific vulnerable groups, whereas freebies are often discriminately offered to generate offered to general public, leading to fiscal strain. With help of trend analysis and linear regression methods, significant impact of social sector expenditure, Outstanding liabilities and subsidies on the gross fiscal deficit has been studied. The research has used secondary data from the RBI, where the paper conclude that these factors significantly contribute to fiscal imbalances. The advocates clear distinction between Subsidies and freebies to prevent economic disorder because of unchecked financial allocation towards freebies leading to inefficiencies and undermine the nation’s fiscal health.