bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaya Bahasa Habib Husein Ja’far dalam Video Youtube “Palestina dan Israel bukan Konflik Agama”
Authors: Zanuba Arrifah Fazzarina , Choirul Rofiq Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Dalam melakukan dakwah tentunya seorang dai memperhatikan strategi agar dakwah yang disampaikan dapat diterima masyarakat khususnya kalangan muda. Hanung Hisbullah sebagaimana dikutip Dewi Fitriani bahwa gaya bicara merupakan hal yang sangat penting bagi seorang pembicara agar dapat diterima masyarakat. Salah satunya Habib Husein Jafar, dalam dakwahnya tentu menggunakan gaya bahasa yang mampu menarik perhatian pendengar. penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui gaya bahasa seperti apa yang digunakan Habib Husein Jafar dalam video YouTube yang dapat menarik perhatian pendengar.
Peneliti menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif untuk memperoleh data. Kemudian observasi dengan cara mengamati video dakwah Habib Husein Jafar di YouTube dan dokumentasi berupa profil Habib Husein Jafar. Hasil penelitian ini yaitu: Berdasarkan pilihan kata, beliau menggunakan gaya bahasa tak resmi dan percakapan, berdasarkan nada suara menggunakan bahasa mulia dan bertenaga, berdasarkan struktur kalimat Habib Husein Jafar banyak menggunakan gaya bahasa klimaks, antiklimaks dan antitesis.
Enhancement of Rheological Properties of Nano-Fe2O3-Modified Drilling Fluids
Authors: Mahamadou Abdoulaye Seyni , Jun Gu
Published: August 2024

In this study, we explore the potential of using nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the properties of water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs). Specifically, we investigate the effects of nano-Fe2O3 on the rheological behavior of drilling fluid muds under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions to determine the optimal concentration of Fe2O3 NPs to maintain consistent rheology and improve drilling fluid systems. Results show that as temperature increases, the rheological properties of water-based muds (WBMs) decrease, leading to compromised structural integrity. To address this issue, nano-Fe2O3 is introduced into the system. We prepared and evaluated six WBM formulations with varying weight percentages of Fe2O3 NPs, and found that an optimal NP concentration of 2.5 g wt% resulted in a 13.8% reduction in American Petroleum Institute (API) filtrate volume and a 40% reduction in filter-cake thickness. Under conditions of 300°F temperature and 10,000 psi pressure, consistent reductions were observed in the rheological properties of plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), and gel strength with the addition of Fe2O3 NPs. The YP-PV span was measured at 2.7, and the yield strength was determined to be 11 lb/100 ft2. Regarding fluid loss, Drilling Mudcake A containing 0.5 wt% NPs experienced a loss of 6 mL of fluid after 30 minutes, whereas Mudcake E containing 3 wt% NPs exhibited a fluid loss of 5.1 mL in the API filter press test. According to the Bingham plastic model, Muds E and F, containing 2.5 wt% and 3 wt% NPs, respectively, displayed the maximum shear stress vs. shear rate. This highlights the efficacy of nano-Fe2O3 in adjusting the properties of drilling fluids, presenting opportunities for enhanced performance and efficiency in drilling operations.
Differential DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes from Patients with and without a History of Clozapine-Induced Myocarditis.
Authors: Bousman Chad , Marques Diogo , Spíndola Letícia , Narang Ankita , Vaziri Nazanin , Stavrum Anne-Kristin , Jayaram Mahesh , Thomas Naveen , Kobor Michael , Pantelis Christos , Hellard Stephanie Le , Hemberger Myriam , Dean Wendy , Greenway Steven C.
Published: August 2024

Clozapine is an effective antipsychotic medication for the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, the use of clozapine is limited due to severe and sometimes fatal adverse events, including cardiac inflammation (myocarditis). To date, studies of clozapine dosing and genetic studies have not identified robust risk markers. Our study aimed to identify potential epigenetic markers for clozapine-induced myocarditis using genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation and RNA sequencing in a novel in vitro model using patient-derived cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients with (case) and without (control) a history of clozapine-induced myocarditis were differentiated into beating cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). These cells were exposed to clozapine at a physiologically relevant concentration (2.8 µM) for 24 hours. Before and after clozapine treatment, RNA from the iPSC-CMs was sequenced (RNA-seq), and DNA was assessed for methylation using the EPIC array. Our analysis revealed that hypermethylation at the promoter regions of GSTM1 and ZNF559 are associated with reduced gene expression in cases relative to controls. Additionally, hypermethylation in the gene bodies of AKAP7 and HLA-DRB1 was associated with increased expression in cases relative to controls. Conversely, hypomethylation in the gene bodies of GAL3ST3 and PDPR correlated with lowered gene expression in cases relative to controls. These findings highlight a potential involvement of DNA methylation in gene expression regulation and its putative impact on clozapine-induced myocarditis. Additional studies are warranted to validate our findings and further elucidate a potential mechanism.
Synthesis and modification of waterborne polyurethane derived from hybrid CO2-based polyols
Authors: Chen Yueqing , Huang Zhenhong , Chen Haijian , Ai Jiaoyan , Song Lina , Liu Baohua
Published: August 2024

Waterborne polyurethanes emulsions (WPU) based on polyethylene carbonate diol (PECD) were synthesized, characterized and modificated by polypropylene carbonate diol (PPCD) and organosilicon KH-792. The mechanical, thermal and hydrolysis resistance properties of waterborne polyurethanes were comprehensively investigated. The results show that PECD based WPU has very excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength and the elongation at break the PU was up to 73 MPa and 1040%, which was much higher than that reported for similar types of PPCD-based WPU. It was found that water absorption of PECD based WPU can be decreased dramatically, from 40.9% to 21.1%, after 50% PECD was replaced by PPCD, while tensile strength only decreased from 73.0 MPa to 63.4 MPa. The addition of KH-792 has great influence on PECD based WPU, when 1% KH-792 was added, the water absorption rate decreased from 21.1% to 11.88%, the mechanical strength remains at 63.3 MPa, the WPU film still kept transparence after soaking in 80 ℃ hot water for 4 h.
From farm to table: Assessing the status and health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in rice in Henan province
Authors: Yan Yumeng , Mao Zhenxing , Wang Xinlu , Chen Zhiwei , Ma Cuicui , Wei Dandan , Yan Wenjing , Wu Xueyan , Guo Yao , Xu Haoran , Han Guozhen , Han Erbao , Lou Huilin , Chen Taimeng , Huo Wenqian , Wang Chongjian , Huang Shan , Zeng Xin
Published: August 2024

In recent years, industrial and agricultural advancements in Henan Province have increased heavy metal contamination in rice, raising public concerns. This study investigated heavy metal levels in rice from Henan Province and evaluated potential health risks. A total of 6,632 rice samples were collected from 18 regions between 2020 and 2022. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), we analyzed samples for cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and inorganic arsenic (As). Detection rates were compared using the chi-square test, and health risks were assessed per USEPA guidelines. Detection rates for Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, and As were 27.69%, 22.57%, 2.25%, 1.95%, and 99.59%, respectively. Cd levels were significantly higher in urban areas (30.42%) than rural areas (23.13%) (P < 0.001), with regional variations for Cd, Cr, and Pb (P < 0.001). The Hazard Quotient (HQ) for inorganic As exceeded 1. Heavy metal contamination was more prevalent in urban areas, especially in the central region, posing health risks due to elevated inorganic arsenic levels.
Semicoupled and fully coupled numerical models for morphodynamic flow simulation in river with irregular planforms
Authors: Goswami Avishek , Kalita Hriday Mani
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces one dimensional (1D) as well as two dimensional (2D) numerical models to simulate the morphodynamic processes in open channel flows. The models use the shallow water equations for hydrodynamics and the Exner sediment continuity equation for bed morphology. The governing equations are solved here using the finite difference method (FDM) based Lax-Wendroff scheme. The 1D model uses the fully coupled approach. The 2D model however solves the boundary fitted governing equations of water flow and sediment transport coupled using the semicoupled approach. The numerical oscillations produced due to second order accuracy of the proposed models are removed here by adopting an efficient Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) technique. The influence of helical flow intensity and lateral bed slope are integrated in the sediment transport model for correctly simulating the morphodynamics in channel bends. The practical applicability of the developed models is evaluated by replicating five benchmark test cases of known analytical and experimental results and promising outcomes are obtained. Three widely used statistical parameters are also calculated to check the robustness of the proposed models.
Stress and Resilience in the Nursing Profession: Staff and Supervisor Perceptions, Assumptions and Responsibility for Health: A Generic Qualitative Study
Authors: HELAß Madeleine , GREINACHER Anja , GENRICH Melanie , MÜLLER Andreas , ANGERER Peter , GÜNDEL Harald , JUNNE Florian , NIKENDEI Christoph , MAATOUK Imad
Published: August 2024

Background
Supervisor–subordinate relationship is high relevant in dealing with work-related stress and providing a compassionate, high-quality, and safe nursing care while meeting the needs of the hospital. Our aim was to identify and compare nurses’ work-related stress and the factors of resilience from the perspective of registered nurses and supervisors in clinical inpatient settings.
Design:
Generic qualitative study using half-standardized interviews.
Methods
Fifty nurses and supervisors from different departments from a German hospital of maximum medical care participated in this study between August and November 2018. Nineteen face-to-face interviews and five focus groups were conducted. Transcripts were subjected to structured qualitative content analysis.
Results
Systematised in Lazarus’s transactional model, nurses, and supervisors mentioned similar risk and resilience factors of stress. Disagreement in suggested responsibility for nurses’ stress or health and an evaluation of implemented measures meeting the nurses’ needs are discussed.
Conclusion
Nursing staff and supervisors should enforce exchange to reduce disagreements in perceptions and to improve mutual understanding. Furthermore, measures to meet nurses’ needs to minimize stress and to improve collaboration and job satisfaction should be developed in close coordination with the target group. The focus should be placed on restructuring training and education programs with supplementation of self-responsibility promotion.
Trail registration:
The study was registered with the German Register for Clinical Studies (DRKS00013482).
DE_HyART trial: Study protocol for phase 2 randomised controlled study assessing the role of dose escalation using [18F] FMISO PET CT in head and neck cancers
Authors: Tandon Sarthak , Gupta Manoj , Ahlawat Parveen , Nayak Apoorva , Bellige Akash , Rai Shreya , Arora Vikas , Yadav Vishal , Singh Abhishek , Chufal Kundan Singh , Sethi Jaskaran Singh , Pahuja Anjali , Simson David , Ahmad Irfan , Patodi Vibhor , Ansari Azhar , Gupta Priya , Vyas Harsh , Saha Rajat , Agarwal Mudit , Choudhary Partha S , Dewan Ajay Kumar , Gairola Munish
Published: August 2024

Background:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is often treated with radiotherapy, frequently combined with chemotherapy, to improve overall survival (OS). Despite advancements, locoregional control (LRC) remains a significant challenge, with 15–50% of patients experiencing locoregional recurrence, negatively impacting OS and quality of life. Hypoxia within tumor cells is a critical factor contributing to treatment failure, necessitating higher radiation doses to achieve similar therapeutic effects as in normoxic cells. This study aims to investigate the role of dose escalation using [18F] FMISO PET CT to target hypoxic sub-volumes in HNC to improve LRC.
Methods:
The DE-HyART trial is an open-label, parallel, randomized, single-center, phase II study. Patients with HNC will undergo [18F] FMISO PET CT to identify hypoxic regions. Patients will be stratified into three arms based on their hypoxia status. Arm 1 will include normoxic patients receiving standard care and serving as external controls. Arm 2 will receive standard radiotherapy of 70 Gy in 2 Gy fractions, while Arm 3 will receive an additional boost to the hypoxic sub-volumes, delivering a total of 80 Gy (Phase 2). All patients in Arms 2 and 3 will also receive concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin. Patients will be monitored weekly for treatment tolerance, with acute adverse events recorded according to NCI CTCAE v5.0. The primary endpoint is LRC, defined as the time from randomization to the first histopathologically confirmed relapse of locoregional disease. Secondary endpoints include OS, acute and late toxicity, and patient-reported outcomes assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires.
Discussion:
This study addresses a critical gap in the management of HNC by targeting hypoxic regions within tumors, potentially improving LRC and, consequently, OS. The use of [18F] FMISO PET CT for identifying hypoxic sub-volumes allows for tailored radiation dose escalation, which could overcome the radioresistance associated with hypoxia. By comparing outcomes among normoxic patients (Arm 1), standard radiotherapy (Arm 2), and dose-escalated treatment (Arm 3), this trial aims to establish a more effective therapeutic strategy for HNC patients.
Trial Registration:
This trial is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2024/04/065373), registered on 08th April 2024 on ctri.nic.in and clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06087614) registered on 18th September 2023 on clinicaltrials.gov.
Four Weeks of 'Living Low-Training High' Enhances Anaerobic Capacity in Elite Sanda Athletes
Authors: Li Liang , Mei Tao
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Altitude training or normobaric hypoxic training is considered an effective method to enhance athletes' performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of “living low-training high” (LLTH) on the anaerobic exercise capacity of elite martial arts Sanda athletes.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial design was employed, dividing Sanda athletes into training (LLTH) and control (Con) groups. The LLTH group (n = 17) underwent hypoxic training sessions simulating altitudes of 2200 m (FiO2 ≈ 15.9%) and 2900 m (FiO2 ≈ 14.6%), while the Con group (n = 17) trained in a normoxic environment. Wingate anaerobic power and blood lactate were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Results
The LLTH group demonstrated marked improvements in anaerobic power parameters compared to their baseline values. Specifically, significant increases were noted in total work (from 297.9 ± 13.2 to 314.0 ± 14.5 J/kg, p = 0.01), peak anaerobic power (from 947.9 ± 38.2 to 1008.2 ± 38.4 W, p < 0.001), relative peak power (from 12.5 ± 0.7 to 12.7 ± 0.6 W/kg, p < 0.001), average power (from 573.3 ± 20.24 to 603.1 ± 18.3 W, p < 0.001), and a decrease in time to peak power (from 6.3 ± 0.6 to 6.2 ± 0.6 s, p < 0.001), along with a reduced power drop rate (from 21.5 ± 2.4 to 19.3 ± 2.2 W/s, p < 0.001). Furthermore, blood lactate levels measured in the quiet state post-intervention were significantly lower in the LLTH group compared to the Control group (1.13 ± 0.18 vs. 2.87 ± 0.82 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Similarly, within the LLTH group, blood lactate levels decreased significantly from pre- to post-intervention (2.90 ± 1.05 to 1.13 ± 0.18 mmol/L, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in other physiological parameters or measurement sites between the two groups.
Conclusion
Four weeks of LLTH intervention enhanced the anaerobic exercise capacity of elite martial arts Sanda athletes, aiding their performance in high-intensity, short-duration activities.
Improve the projection of East China summer precipitation with emergent constraints
Authors: Jiang Zhihong , Zhu huanhuan , Li Laurent , Wei Li , Sheng Jiang
Published: August 2024

Under global warming, summer precipitation over East China was projected to increase by current state-of-the-art climate models, but large inter-model spread exists. Here we try to reduce the projection uncertainty by imposing constraints. Our procedure consists of firstly decomposing the projected future precipitation into inter-model principal components. The two leading modes (region-wide uniform monopole and north-south dipole, accounting for 55% of variability), by emergent constraints, are then linked to the simulation of historical precipitation in the northwest Pacific and the tropical Pacific (constraining areas). This allows us to reduce the range of projected precipitation in East China by 24%, with a relatively uniform increase for the first mode and a larger increase in the north subregion for the second. It is also shown that the emergent relations of both modes are physically consistent, with an enhancement of future zonal land-sea thermal contrast and a La Niña-like pattern.
Clinical-pathologic classification of anti-HMGCR-positive immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy
Authors: Cao Yuyan , Li Wei , He Xiongjun , Liao Meiqi , Hu Kexin , Wu Shenghao , Zhang Xin , Liao Qianyi , Shen Ziqi , Liang Zaoxin , Zheng Chaoren , Jiang Haishan , Huang Qin , Zheng Hui
Published: August 2024

Anti-HMGCR-positive immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) was initially considered as an exclusively skeletal muscular disease characterized by predominant proximal muscle weakness, observed in elderly patients with an acute duration. However, an increasing number of patients presented extra-muscular involvements coinciding with other autoimmune antibodies. Moreover, some juvenile patients showed chronic weakness of shoulder and hip girdle musculature, resembling limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). The present study aims to develop the essential and easily available clinical-pathological classification for anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM patients. Eighteen anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM patients were from Nanfang Hospital and fifty were from published studies. We separated patients into two subgroups, including the overlap (with coexistence of other antibodies) and non-overlap groups (with only anti-HMGCR-positive patients). Medical information, including the clinical and pathological features, together with their treatments and prognosis were compared. We found that compared to the non-overlap anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM group, overlap patients had more extra-muscular symptoms, corresponding to the coexistence of other myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs) and resulting different treatments and prognoses. The early onset age and chronic process, together with the special pathology of resembling LGMD indicated that this is likely a different subtype in non-overlap anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM patients. The results revealed that the anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM patients can be separated into overlap and non-overlap anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM patients. The non-overlap group can be further divided into LGMD-like and non-LGMD-like anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM. However, the confirmed classification of anti-HMGCR-positive IMNM patients requires further proteomics and transcriptomics studies and could potentially be useful for individualized treatment decision making.
Cumulative incidence of chronic pain after visiting a Dutch Emergency Department with acute pain
Authors: MOL S. , BROWN A. V. , KUIJPER T. M. , BOUWHUIS M. G. , GROOT B. , OUT A. J. , Ibelings M. G. , Koopman J. S. H.A.
Published: August 2024

Background: Chronic pain is a substantial problem in modern healthcare resulting in health care overutilization. The cumulative incidence of developing chronic pain after visiting the emergency department with acute pain has been determined for specific patient groups only. If the cumulative incidence of chronic pain in emergency department patients with acute pain is high, more proactive measures are justified to limit development of chronic pain.
The primary objective was to study the cumulative incidence of chronic pain in patients visiting Dutch emergency departments with acute pain. In addition, we compared the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and pain related interference with work.
Methods: In this prospective multicenter cohort study data was collected from adult patients visiting the emergency department with acute pain. Chronic pain was defined by means of a numeric rating scale (NRS) of ≥1 measured 90 days after the initial visit. HRQOL was measured with European Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) and Short Form (SF-36) questionnaires.
Results: 1906 patients were included of which 825 had complete data. Of these, 559 patients (67.8%; 95%CI: 64.5% - 70.9%) scored an NRS ≥1 after 90 days. Incidence with completed analyses (with imputed data) was similar. Patients with chronic pain reported a significantly lower HRQOL; EQ-5D-5L index (median 0.82 vs. 1.00) and significantly more pain related hindrance (median 1.00 vs. 0.00).
Conclusions: 67.8% of the responders scored NRS ≥1 90 days after ED-visit with acute pain. Regardless of the used definition, chronic pain is associated with a lower HRQOL and more pain related hindrance.
Exploring the Vaginal Microbiome During Pregnancy: Microbial Diversity, E. coli pathogenicity, and Links to Urinary Tract Colonization
Authors: Boutouchent Nassim , Vu Thi Ngoc Anh , Landraud Luce , Kennedy Sean P.
Published: August 2024

This study explores the role of the vaginal microbiota (VM) in the pathophysiology of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), which requires systematic screening and antibiotic treatment during pregnancy. We hypothesize that disruptions in the VM composition may promote the ascending colonization of bacteria from the gut to the urinary tract, reinforcing the existence of a gut-urogenital axis. A healthy VM is typically characterized by low diversity and is dominated by lactic acid-producing species, notably those from the Lactobacillus genus. Diversity analyses of whole genomes metagenomic sequencing data from 1,553 pregnant women revealed a metagenomic signature characterized by an increase in phylogenetic diversity within the VM during ASB. This shift includes both a decrease in lactobacilli and an increase in the abundance of taxa associated with the gut microbiota, particularly Enterobacterales, with a substantial rise in Escherichia coli abundance. Worldwide, E. coli remains the most common etiological agent of bacteriuria during pregnancy and also a major causative agent of newborn infections. Given its importance and the limited data on its characterization within the VM during pregnancy, we performed genomic assembly and analysis of this species from pregnant women of this cohort. Molecular typing and antimicrobial resistance characterization of 72 assembled E. coli genomes revealed a genomic signature of Extra-Intestinal pathogenic E. coli (“ExPEC”) strains, which are involved in various extraintestinal infections such as urinary tract infections, newborn infections and bacteremia. Moreover, the presence of this species in the vaginal environment was associated with a substantial variation of the microbial diversity, primarily marked by a decrease in abundance of Lactobacillus species. Overall, our study shows how disruption in key bacterial group within the VM can disrupt its stability, potentially leading to the colonization by opportunistic pathogens.
Acute cholecystitis management at a tertiary care center: are we following current guidelines?
Authors: Spota Andrea , Hassanpour Amir , Shlomovitz Eran , Gomez David , Al-Sukhni Eisar
Published: August 2024

Purpose
After the Tokyo 2018 guidelines (TG2018) were published, evidence from the 2018 CHOCOLATE RCT supported early cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (AC), even in high-risk patients. This study aims to investigate AC management at our tertiary care center in the years following these publications.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients admitted from 2018–2023. AC severity was graded using TG2018 definitions. Comorbidities were summarized using Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and frailty using the 5-item modified Frailty Index (5mFI). Compliance with TG2018 recommendations for management strategy was investigated. Outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery versus NOM. Subset analysis based on patients’ age, frailty, and comorbidities was performed.
Results
Among 642 AC patients, 57% underwent cholecystectomy and 43% NOM (22% percutaneous cholecystostomy, 21% antibiotics only). NOM patients had greater length of stay (LOS), complications, deaths, readmissions, and discharge to nursing/rehab versus surgery patients. In 70% of patients managed non-operatively, TG2018 were not followed. Patients managed non-operatively despite TG2018 were more likely to undergo delayed cholecystectomy compared to those in whom guidelines were followed (17% vs 4%). In subset analysis, healthy octogenarians were significantly less likely to be managed according to TG2018 (9.4%); patients undergoing surgery had a trend towards shorter LOS (3.1 vs 4.8 days) than those managed non-operatively but no difference in other outcomes.
Conclusion
Most patients undergoing NOM could potentially undergo cholecystectomy if guidelines are considered. A more objective approach to risk assessment may optimize patient selection and outcomes.
Raman spectra DFT simulation of M.Tuberculosis cell wall components
Authors: Kundalevich Anna , Kapitunova Anastasia , Zyubin Andrey , Samusev Ilia
Published: August 2024

The article reflects the results of theoretical simulation using the DFT method for the components of the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Theoretical Raman spectra of mycolic acids (alpha, keto, methoxy) and arabinogalactan were obtained. The theoretical data were compared with experimental SERS results. The characteristic bands corresponding to markers of antibiotic resistance have been refined. The promise of the DFT-based approach for analyzing the complex structure of the mycobacterial wall has been demonstrated.
Distinctive Characterization of the Detoxification of Hexavalent Cr(VI) by Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Carbon (PBC, APBC, and BPBC)
Authors: SURYA S. , NANDHAKUMAR V. , VEERAVELAN K. , RAKINI A. , HERYANTO HERYANTO
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this research is to investigate the removal of Hexavalent-Chromium Cr(VI) ion using activated carbons prepared from the barks of Pterocarpus Marsupium Roxb. by phosphoric acid, specifically Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Carbon, Acid modified Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Carbon, and Base modified Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Carbon. Batch adsorption studies are performed by varying factors such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, starting concentration, and temperature. Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm equations were used to process equilibrium data. Isotherm constant values were found and their relevance was explained. The adsorption of Cr(VI) ions onto PBC, APBC, and BPBC was compared. The data collected from the influence of contact time for varying beginning concentrations were processed using the kinetic equations of Lagergren, ΔHo, and Webber Morris. The expected adsorption capacity and rate constants were determined. The adsorption capacities predicted were compared to experimental adsorption capacities. The statistical method Mean Summation of Error Squares (MSSE) was used to find the best-fitting model. The thermodynamic quantities ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° were calculated using equilibrium data collected at various temperatures. The conclusions drawn from these values were addressed. The ability of adsorbents loaded with Cr (VI) ions to regenerate in acidic, alkaline, and neutral mediums was examined. To understand the adsorbate-adsorbent interactions, the FTIR spectra and EDAX of adsorbents were examined before and after sorption of Cr (VI) ions.
Clinical and Biologic Profiles of Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Emphysema; A Cohort Study
Authors: Nath Sridesh , Qurashi Hafiz , Kitsios Georgios D. , Bain William , Suber Tomeka , Prendergast Niall , Hensley Matthew , Schaefer Caitlin , Zhang Yingze , Bon Jessica , McVerry Bryan J. , Evankovich John , Shah Faraaz Ali
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical care disorder characterized by diffuse lung injury. The impact of pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema on ARDS pathogenesis is not well characterized.
Methods: Secondary analysis of ARDS patients enrolled in the Acute Lung Injury Registry and Biospecimen Repository at the University of Pittsburgh between June 2012 and September 2021. Patients were categorized into two mutually exclusive groups by the prevalence of COPD or emphysema at the time of ARDS diagnosis. The COPD/emphysema group comprised ARDS patients with radiological evidence of emphysema, chart diagnosis of COPD, or both. Demographics, lung mechanics, and clinical outcomes were obtained from the electronic medical record. Host-response biomarkers known to have validated associations with ARDS were previously measured in plasma and lower respiratory tract samples using a customized Luminex assay. Continuous and categorical variables were compared between groups with and without COPD/emphysema.
Results: 217 patients with ARDS were included in the study, 57 (27%) had COPD/emphysema. Patients with COPD/emphysema were older (median 62 [interquartile range 55-69] versus 53 [41-64] years, p<0.01), more likely to be male (62% vs 44%, p=0.02) and had a higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (25% vs 4%, p<0.01) compared to patients without COPD/emphysema. Baseline demographics, laboratory parameters, and mechanical ventilatory characteristics were otherwise similar between the two groups. No difference in 90-day mortality was observed between groups; however, patients with COPD/emphysema had shorter duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (median 10 [7-18] versus 16 [9-28] days, p=0.04) and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (median 7 [4-16] vs 12 [6-20] days, p=0.01). Host response biomarkers in serum and lower respiratory tract samples did not significantly differ between groups.
Conclusion: ARDS patients with COPD or emphysema had similar respiratory mechanics, host response biomarker profiles, and mortality compared to those without COPD or emphysema but with a shorter median duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Future studies should address differences in clinical and biological responses by disease severity, and should investigate the impact of severity of COPD and emphysema on mechanical ventilation and targeted therapeutic strategies in ARDS.
Characteristics and mortality of patients categorised with non-specific symptoms when dialling the emergency medical number: A register-based cohort study
Authors: Smievoll Vilde Fosso , Folkedal Helene Monsen , Myrmel Lars , Brattebø Guttorm
Published: August 2024

Background
When calling medical emergency number 1-1-3 in Norway, operators in emergency medical communication centres use the decision support tool, the Norwegian Index for Medical Emergency, to categorise the problem and determine the correct handling and urgency level of the situation. The index holds 42 chapters, of which, one is the ‘Non-specific problem’. Studies in Denmark frequently use this chapter; however, there are no published Norwegian studies on the demographics of this patient group. We investigated the characteristics of the patients assigned to this chapter and their outcomes of 1- and 30-day mortality.
Methods
This was a registry-based, retrospective cohort study. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the two groups; t-tests were performed for continuous variables, and data were presented with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Overall, out of the 25.474 included calls to the emergency medical communication centre in 2022, 1.860 (7.3%) were categorised as ‘Non-specific problem’. Patients in this group had a higher mean age, were more often men, had a shorter hospital stay, and showed more comorbidities than the control group. The use of this chapter was associated with the allocation of a higher urgency level and a reduction in the use of these criteria was observed during the nighttime. Significantly higher 1- and 30-day mortality rates were observed in patients with non-specific symptoms (1.40% and 6.94%, respectively; p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The group presenting symptoms categorised as non-specific comprised older patients, more men, and more patients showing comorbidities than the control group. They typically perceived a high level of urgency. A majority of these patients had a non-specific main diagnosis after hospital admission and a significantly higher mortality rate than those presenting with symptoms categorised as specific.
Credentialed pharmacist-led home medicines reviews targeting treatable traits and their impact on health outcomes in people with COPD
Authors: Sarwar Muhammad Rehan , McDonald Vanessa Marie , Abramson Michael J , Wilson Sally , Holland Anne E , Bonevski Billie , Mahal Ajay , Paul Eldho , Meier Brian , George Johnson
Published: August 2024

Background
Patients with COPD should engage in self-management strategies targeting behavioural traits and lifestyle risk factors for optimal outcomes.
Aim
To evaluate the impact of credentialed pharmacist-led home medicines review (HMR) targeting treatable traits (TTs) on health outcomes in COPD in primary care.
Methods
A pre- and post-intervention study was nested within a cluster-randomised controlled trial. A total of 81 participants with COPD from 21 Australian general practices received an HMR with a credentialed pharmacist targeting TTs. Changes in health outcomes at 6 and 12 months from baseline were assessed.
Results
Ten TTs were assessed and targeted during the HMR. At baseline, no-one had a written action plan for managing exacerbations, and medication adherence was sub-optimal in 85% of patients. In addition, 53% of participants demonstrated inadequate inhaler device technique, while 52% were current smokers. At 6-months follow-up, significant improvements were observed in HRQoL (mean SGRQ score = 34.6 versus 39.1 at baseline, p = 0.006), health status (median CAT score = 12 versus 16, p = 0.002), anxiety (median HADS-A score = 2.5 versus 5.0, p < 0.001), depression (median HADS-D score = 1.0 versus 5.0, p < 0.001), self-reported smoking (current smokers 47% versus 51.9%, p = 0.031) and adherence to treatment (median TABS score = 12.5 versus 9.0, p = 0.002). At 12-months: health status, anxiety, depression, smoking abstinence and adherence to treatment, continued to show statistically significant improvements compared to baseline measurements.
Conclusion
HMRs targeting TTs improved health outcomes in people with COPD. Credentialed pharmacists in primary care can work alongside GPs to optimise management of COPD.
Ecological Implication of Changing Irrigation Sources and Farming Practices: Experiences from West Bengal, India
Authors: Pani Amartya , Mishra Pulak , Dutta Mrinal Kanti
Published: August 2024

It is widely acknowledged that the rural economy's agrarian nature, combined with policy biases and institutional limits, has contributed to low productivity and slow growth in the Indian agriculture sector. With changing climate and market conditions, the Indian agriculture sector requires an adequate transition in cropping patterns to ensure the sector's viability and the inclusion of land-constrained farmers in the intensification process. The necessity for crop pattern shift has been emphasized further. Furthermore, input-intensive agricultural practices have resulted in biodiversity losses, groundwater depletion, and soil degradation, raising severe worries about the sector's sustainability, particularly in rainfed areas. This study makes an attempt to do so in the setting of West Bengal, India, which has a substantial population of land-constrained farmers. The objectives of the study include examining the changes in irrigation sources and cropping practices, understanding their implications for the agriculture sector with its local ecology, and assessing the role of the local level institutions in management and use of irrigation facilities and conservation of natural resources. Using standard descriptive statistics from various secondary sources for the period 2004-05 to 2014-15 and graphical techniques, the paper identifies crop diversification, crop concentration, cropping intensification, irrigation source, fertilizer use, rainfall pattern, and changes in wetland area as the major drivers of the agrarian transition in favor of non-food grains. The study, therefore, suggests that initiatives should be taken for guiding the farmers towards appropriate farming practices for judicious use of water and other natural resources. Moreover, the findings appear to point to the need for additional infrastructure development, they also provide insights into designing organic and more resilient policies and institutions to promote ecology-centric and participatory irrigation and farming practices for the agriculture sector's long-term growth.
The proteomic changes induced by Norcantharidin were quantified using LC-MS/MS in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Wu Yi-Lin , Li Yuan-Ting , Liu Gan-Bin , Wu Jin-Lin , Liu Xiao-Ran , Gao Xin-Xuan , Huang Qi-Dan , Liang Jin , Ouyang Jia-Yi , Ding Yi-Ran , Wu Jun-Yi , Lu Yuan-Bin , Gao Yu-Chi , Cai Xiao-Zhen , Zhang Jun-Ai
Published: August 2024

Tuberculosis drug resistance contributes to the spread of tuberculosis. Immunotherapy is an effective strategy for treating tuberculosis, with the regulation of macrophage-mediated anti-tuberculosis immunity being crucial. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a drug used in tumor immunotherapy, has significant immunomodulatory effects. Thus, NCTD may have an anti-tuberculosis role by regulating immunity. Understanding how NCTD affects the proteome of Mtb-infected macrophages can provide valuable insights into potential treatments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of NCTD (10 μg/mL) on the proteome of macrophages infected with Mtb H37Ra using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. A total of 69 differentially regulated proteins (DRPs) were identified, with 28 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated in the NCTD-treated group. Validation of six DRPs (CLTCL1, VAV1, SP1, TRIM24, MYO1G, and WDR70) by Western blot analysis confirmed the accuracy of the LC-MS/MS method used in this study. NCTD modulates various protein expressions involved in chromatin-modifying enzymes, RHO GTPases activating PAKs, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, T cell receptor signaling pathway, and antigen processing and presentation. Overall, the research provides new insights into the effects of NCTD on the proteome of Mtb-infected macrophages. The identified changes highlight potential targets for future therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing host immunity against Mtb infection or developing new anti-TB drugs based on these findings.
Improving germinability leads to enhanced seedling establishment at low temperatures in rice through QTL pyramiding
Authors: Satoh Tomohiro , Kawamoto Tomohiko , Takahasgi Hidekazu , Watanabe Akio , Ueda Kenji , Sakurai Kenji , Akagi Hiromori
Published: August 2024

Low-temperature germinability is a crucial trait for seedling establishment at low temperatures, which is essential for the direct-sowing culture of rice. We pyramided four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for germinability at low temperatures in the genetic background of the Japanese cultivar Akitakomachi. In the QTL pyramiding lines, the accumulated QTLs additively increased the low-temperature germination rate, despite the weak effects of the individual QTLs. This can be observed when considering the QTL qLTG3-2, which alone did not increase the germination rate at low temperatures but further enhanced the germination rate when combined with either qLTG3-1 or qLTG11-1. Low-temperature germinability remarkably improved in proportion to the number of accumulated QTLs. Thus, QTL pyramiding was an effective method to enhance this trait. Furthermore, the improved low-temperature germinability in the lines that accumulated the four QTLs also enhanced the seedling establishment compared to Akitakomachi. Seedling establishment at low temperatures is a complex trait that involves continuous growth from seed germination to seedling development. The remarkable improvement in low-temperature germinability is likely to contribute to the improved seedling establishment at low temperatures. However, the four QTL pyramiding line exhibited a reduced brown rice appearance quality. To avoid the introduction of undesirable traits, pyramiding using new QTLs for low-temperature germinability is expected to develop a superior rice variety suitable for direct-sowing cultivation.
Building Clinician Well-Being in Academic Family Medicine: A Mixed-Methods Study of Physician Wellness through Voice and Organizational Redesign
Authors: Çelebi Julie , Ruiz Jonathan , Tai-Seale Ming
Published: August 2024

Background
Physician burnout is a pervasive challenge facing most health care organizations. The objective of this study is to document perspectives of family medicine physician faculty and administrators on institutional factors contributing to physician burnout and efforts to change organizational structure and processes to enhance physician wellness.
Methods
Twenty family medicine physicians at an academic health system completed semi-structured interviews between November 2021 and January 2022. Interview transcripts were coded thematically. Additional data came from a survey of physicians’ perceptions and experience with departmental wellness-oriented activities and two research needs assessment surveys in 2020 and 2022.
Results
Interviewees reported that faculty leaders’ advocacy regarding a collaborative physician-administration shared governance model was essential in organizational decision-making that directly affected faculty wellness. Joint accomplishment of a well-organized, successful primary care response to the pandemic proved the effectiveness of this new partnership. New programs such as prescription refill support, nurse practitioner inbox coverage, and support from the population health program were regarded as effective in reducing burnout and improving wellness. Wellness survey respondents reported improved levels of wellness. Noted areas for improvement included centralized appointment scheduling and uneven support for the tripartite mission of academic medicine due to competing clinical demands.
Conclusions
Despite the mounting challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, faculty in the Department of Family Medicine noted enhancement of their well-being. More holistic support for academic physicians, including mentorship and compensation for teaching and research, is needed. Advocacy and subsequent organizational changes provide a model for academic family medicine departments to use to turn pandemic-related adjustments into long-term, wellness-inducing changes.
Target rule exploration of drug combination based on directed weighted network
Authors: Bai Jinwei , Xiang Rongwu , Li Yuhang , Shen Zhenhua , Huang Can , Xiao Shen
Published: August 2024

Background
In the realm of drug discovery, deciphering the interaction rules of drug combinations at the target level within biological networks is pivotal for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This study introduces a novel method for identifying drug combinations using a directed weighted network model. This model is developed by analyzing drug-directed information, target-directed information, and potential dynamic global changes in drug action within the network.
Results
By leveraging network topology relationships, the target regularity of drug combinations is investigated, and a corresponding discriminant algorithm is designed. Comparative analysis with existing models demonstrates the superior prediction accuracy of our approach. The results highlight the efficacy of our method in identifying various types of drug combinations, bridging the gap between current research on biological network-based drug combinations and actual drug action information. Furthermore, our approach reveals potential synergistic or antagonistic mechanisms underlying these combinations, providing valuable insights for the development of combination therapies.
Conclusions
Our findings confirm that the proposed method effectively identifies different types of drug combinations and provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind these combinations. The study offers a robust tool for the rational design of drug combinations, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing adverse effects.
Knowledge and Perceptions of men towards Vasectomy among men of reproductive age in Otuke District-a cross-sectional study
Authors: Auma Anna Grace , Madira Emmanuel , Namukwana Beth , Izaruku Ronald , Kabunga Amir , Wmicheal Tamrat Endale
Published: August 2024

Objective:This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of vasectomy as a family planning method among men in rural northern Uganda.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 624 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, use of vasectomy, number of children, and knowledge of vasectomy were assessed. Perceptions of vasectomy were measured, focusing on cultural, religious, and gender-related aspects.
Results:The study revealed a predominantly adult, married, and Catholic population with low educational attainment. Only 2% of participants had undergone vasectomy, indicating limited utilization. While approximately half demonstrated awareness of vasectomy, negative perceptions prevailed, with 63.5% expressing unfavorable opinions. Cultural and religious beliefs, along with concerns about promiscuity, played a significant role in shaping negative perceptions. The majority believed in male dominance in family planning decisions, and a considerable portion endorsed sterilization exclusively for women.
Conclusion: This study highlights the low utilization and predominantly negative perceptions of vasectomy among men in rural northern Uganda, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address cultural and religious misconceptions and enhance education on family planning options. Public health campaigns should focus on dispelling misconceptions about vasectomy, particularly addressing cultural and spiritual concerns. Educational programs should target men and their communities, emphasizing the benefits of shared family planning decisions. Further research incorporating qualitative methods could provide a deeper understanding of the cultural aspects influencing vasectomy perceptions in this population.