bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Maxillary Sinus Anomalies on CBCT Scans: A Radiographic Study
Authors: Ahmed Junaid , Gupta Aditya , Shenoy Nandita , Sujir Nanditha , Muralidharan Archana
Published: August 2023

CBCT significantly impacts dental procedures and has brought significant reforms in our approach to diagnosis & treatment planning despite its limitations in differentiating soft tissues. It is an excellent imaging modality and quickly identifies sinus opacification and provides valuable in-sight into paranasal sinus pathologies with considerably lower radiation exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of maxillary sinus abnormalities in CBCT scans, identify the frequency, type, and location of these findings, and find the correlation between the distance of periapical lesions and radiographic changes in the maxillary sinus. Two examiners independently evaluated 117 patients to diagnose and classify the cases into different abnormality subtypes. The periapical lesions most closely related to the sinus were recorded. The diameters of the left and right maxillary sinus ostium and the distance of the ostium's lower border to the sinus's osseous floor were recorded. The findings were correlated with the age and gender of these patients. The present study revealed that sixty-one patients were diagnosed with mucosal thickening (52.1%). The sinus wall most affected by mucosal thickening was the maxillary sinus floor, followed by the medial and lateral walls. Of 19 patients with periapical lesions, 15 had maxillary sinus mucosal thickening and was statistically significant (p=0.004). The high occurrence of abnormalities in the maxillary sinus emphasizes the importance for the radiologist to comprehensively interpret the whole volume acquired in CBCT images, including the entire sinus. Incidental findings may be considered in the individual clinical context of signs and symptoms, reducing the risk of overes-timating the real impact of radiographic findings.
Synthesis of Metabolites and Metabolite-Like Compounds Using Biocatalytic Systems
Authors: Wohlgemuth Roland
Published: August 2023

Methodologies for the synthesis and purification of metabolites, which have been developed following their discovery, analysis and structural identification, have been involved in numerous life science milestones. The renewed focus on the small molecule domain of biological cells has also created an increasing awareness of the rising gap between the metabolites identified and the metabolites which have been prepared as pure compounds. Due to the large number and molecular diversity of metabolites the design and engineering of resource-efficient and straightforward synthetic methodologies for their production have attracted much interest. The variety of metabolic pathways in biological cells provide a wonderful blueprint for designing simplified and resource-efficient synthetic routes to desired metabolites. Therefore, biocatalytic systems have become key enabling tools for the synthesis of an increasing number of metabolites, which can then be utilized as standards, enzyme substrates, inhibitors or products, or for the discovery of novel biological functions.
In-Silico and In-Vitro Functional Validation of Imidazole Derivatives as Potential Sirtuin Inhibitor
Authors: Dindi Uma Maheswara Rao , Sadiq Suhadha Parveen , Al-Ghamdi Sammer , Alrudian Naif , Salman Bin Dayelb , Abuderman Abdulwahab A. , Mohammad Shahidc , Ramesh Thiyagarajan , Vilwanathan Ravikumar
Published: August 2023

Sirtuins are a family of Class III epigenetic modifying enzymes involved in regulating cellular processes through the removal of acetyl groups from proteins. They rely on NAD+ as a coenzyme in contrast with classical HDACs (Class I, II, and IV) that depends on Zn+ for their activation, linking their function to cellular energy levels. There are seven mammalian sirtuin isoforms (SIRT1-7), each located in different subcellular compartments. Sirtuins act as master regulators of cellular homeostasis, responding to changes in nutrient availability and energy status. They play vital roles in diverse physiological and pathological conditions, making them promising therapeutic targets for various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic diseases. High levels of SIRT6 are involved in the cancer progression of many tumor types and our previous studies revealed that sirtuin 6 was highly expressed in NSCLC cells and its inhibition potentially favored apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Sirt6 emerged as a promising target and inhibitors of natural and synthetic sources are highly warranted. Imidazole derivatives are often investigated as sirtuin regulators due to their ability to interact with the binding site and modulate their activity. Imidazole bestows many possible substitutions on its ring and neighboring atoms, to design and synthesize derivatives with specific target selectivity and improved pharmacokinetic properties, optimizing drug development. We recently developed imidazole-based derivatives that potentially inhibited classical HDAC enzymes. Therefore, we evaluated the Sirtuin inhibition activity of our in-house compound comprised of imidazole derivatives and the strongest inhibition was observed with Ethyl 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-H-Imidazole-4-yl) acetate against Sirt6 by in-silico and protein expression studies. Our results suggested that Ethyl 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-H-Imidazole-4-yl) acetate could be a potential novel sirt6 inhibitor.
Exogenous Selenium Enhances Cadmium Stress Tolerance by Improving Physiological Characteristics of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Capitata) Seedlings
Authors: Jia Kaiyue , Zhan Zhipeng , Wang Bingqian , Wang Wuhong , Wei Wenjing , Li Dawei , Huang Wei , Xu Zhongmin
Published: August 2023

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) plays a very important role in the annual national vegetable supply and export trade. In recent years, the cadmium content of agricultural soils has increased. As a result, cabbage yields and quality have declined significantly. Studies have shown that selenium can counteract the harmful effects of cadmium on plants and can alleviate the stress caused by cadmium during the growth of plants. However, the mechanism of exogenous selenium application in the alleviation of cadmium stress in cabbage seedlings has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, exogenous selenium (10μMol/L) was applied under cadmium (25μMol/L) stress and the physiological mechanisms such as biomass, photosynthetic pigment, leaf stomata parameters, selenium and cadmium content, chloroplast ultrastructure, active oxygen accumulation, leaf membrane esterification and antioxidant enzyme activity were determined. The protective mechanism of exogenous selenium on cabbage seedlings under cadmium stress was investigated. The re-sults showed that exogenous application of selenium could effectively alleviate the decrease in growth, photosynthetic pigment and gas exchange characteristics of cabbage seedlings under cadmium stress, im-prove cabbage root vitality, reduce root leaf cadmium content and alleviate cadmium stress-induced damage. Ultrastructural observation showed that cadmium stress caused the disruption of the internal structure of chloroplasts of cabbage leaves, while exogenous selenium treatment alleviated the chloroplast damage to some extent, improved the stability of the inner capsule membrane and alleviated the cadmium stress-induced damage to photosynthetic organs. Cadmium stress also caused oxidative damage and ex-cessive accumulation of ROS in the leaves of cabbage seedlings as evidenced by significant accumulation of O2-, H2O2, MDA and electrolyte leakage. On the other hand, after exogenous selenium treatment, cadmium stress- induced oxidative damage could be reduced by up-regulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, POD and APX. At the same time, cadmium stress significantly increased GSH levels, and exogenous selenium treatment further increased GSH levels, thereby increasing the tolerance of cabbage to cadmium stress. In conclusion, by protecting the photosynthetic system, eliminating excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cadmium-stressed cabbage seedlings, alleviating oxidative stress and reducing cadmium levels in the plant, exogenous selenium can further improve cadmium tolerance in cabbage seedlings.
An FPGA-based Hardware Low-cost, Low-consumption Target Recognition and Sorting System
Authors: Wang Yulu , Han Yi , Chen Jun , Wang Zhou , Zhong Yi
Published: August 2023

In autonomous driving systems, high-speed and real-time image processing, along with object recognition, are crucial technologies. This paper builds upon the research achievements in in-dustrial item sorting systems and proposes an object recognition and sorting system for auton-omous driving. In industrial sorting lines, goods sorting robots often need to work at high speeds to efficiently sort large volumes of items. This poses a challenge to the robot's real-time vision and sorting capabilities, making it both practical and economically viable to implement a real-time and low-cost sorting system in a real-world industrial sorting line. Existing sorting systems have limitations such as high cost, high computing resource consumption, and high power consump-tion. These issues lead to the fact that existing sorting systems are typically used only in large industrial plants. In this paper, we design a high-speed, low-cost, low-resource-consumption FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) based item sorting system that achieves similar perfor-mance to current mainstream sorting systems at a lower cost and consumption than existing sorting systems. The recognition part employs a morphological recognition method, which segments the image using a frame difference algorithm and then extracts the color and shape features of the items. To handle sorting, a six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm is introduced in the sorting segment. The improved cubic B-spline interpolation algorithm is employed to plan the motion trajectory and consequently control the robotic arm to execute the corresponding actions. Through a series of experiments, this system achieves an average recognition delay of 25.26ms, ensures smooth operation of the gripping motion trajectory, minimizes resource consumption, and reduces implementation costs.
Rational combinations in pharmacotherapy for iron deficiency
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Shikh E.V. , Makhova A.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Eremenko N.N. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ramenskaya G.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Dorogun O.B. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

Iron deficiency remains one of the most common deficiencies worldwide. An inadequate and unbalanced diet may cause a lack of other nutrients necessary for hematopoiesis, which increases the risk of iron deficiency and makes it difficult to treat. Various pharmacotherapeutic approaches are being studied and applied, including combination medications, which in addition to iron consist of folic acid, copper/manganese gluconate, ascorbic acid, multivitamins, serine, and cyanocobalamin. Folate is a component that affects both the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy for iron deficiency. Preclinical animal studies comparing the dynamics of hematological indices confirmed a more rapid achievement of target values with the simultaneous use of iron and folic acid. Clinical studies in a group of pregnant women with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) demonstrated that folic acid in combination with iron was more effective than iron as monotherapy. The combination of iron and folic acid is also rational in terms of increasing safety: folic acid prevents iron accumulation in the liver and the associated development of fibrosis. Ironinduced liver injury is related to oxidative stress catalyzed by iron overload. Folic acid regulates the transcription of genes involved in oxidative stress in the liver and the activity of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase. Key words: iron deficiency, folic acid, hematopoiesis, rational pharmacotherapy
A rare case of heterotopic pregnancy after a single embryo transfer
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Davydov A.I. , Pashkov V.M. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Chilova R.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Shakhlamova M.N. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Klindukhov I.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Lebedev V.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

This article presents a clinical case of heterotopic pregnancy in a 42-year-old patient after a single embryo transfer. One gestational sac implanted in the uterus and the other in the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube. In the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube, pregnancy stopped developing at 3–4 weeks’ gestation, and in the uterus – at 7–8 weeks’ gestation. The diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy was made 3 months after instrumental removal of non-developing uterine pregnancy. Operative hysteroscopy, hydrodissection and curettage with a resectoscope “cold” loop electrode, and electrodestruction of the chorionic plate were performed. The duration of surgery was 16 minutes, blood loss was minimal. Key words: heterotopic pregnancy, interstitial pregnancy, operative hysteroscopy, 3D ultrasound, power Doppler
Condiciones actuales del acoso sexual callejero contra las mujeres en la ciudad de Chihuahua
Authors: Martínez Ochoa Hugo , Chaparro-Medina Paola Margarita
Published: August 2023

Se retoma el perfil de catorce mujeres jóvenes, estudiantes universitarias, que viven en la ciudad de Chihuahua, quienes fueron partícipes de un estudio cualitativo de entrevista a profundidad, con la finalidad de identificar los espacios donde han sufrido acoso sexual callejero y aquellos que perciben como peligrosos. El aporte del presente estudio es dar cuenta de las experiencias de vida desde cómo habitan, ocupan y viven; desde la subalternidad, a partir de ser víctimas de acoso sexual en la ciudad y cómo ello deriva en su vida cotidiana.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и субвариантов Omicron, находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 12.08.2023 г. по 18.08.2023 г.
Authors: Чумачкова Елена , Краснов Ярослав , Дмитриева Людмила , Осина Наталия , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: August 2023

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 вызывающих интерес (VOI) и субвариантов Omicron, находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 12.08.2023 г. по 18.08.2023 г.
Calcitriol Alleviates AKI Via Inhibiting Intestinal Inflammation and Restoring Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Huo Aijing , Tian Zhihong
Published: August 2023

Background
The intestinal microbiota affects the inflammatory status of the host and the prognosis of diseases. Acute kidney injury (AKI) can lead to microinflammation of intestinal tract and changes of intestinal microbiota. Calcitriol (CAL) has a protective effect on the intestine.
Methods and Results
In the AKI rat model, intestinal infiltration of inflammatory cells and the deterioration of renal function were significantly alleviated by CAL pretreatment. By increasing the levels of Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, CAL significantly prevented the destruction of the intestinal barrier in AKI. In AKI rats, CAL decreased the concentration of Proteobacteria and enhanced the linear discriminant (LDA) score of beneficial bacteria (such as Lactobacillus). CAL increased the expression of butyric acid among intestinal metabolites. CAL supplementation decreased serum Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and downstream LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathways.
Conclusions
High-dose CAL may partly play a protective role in AKI by maintaining intestinal integrity. This mechanism is achieved by inhibiting intestinal LPS-activated TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway and restoring intestinal microbiota in AKI rats. The experiment revealed a close interaction between the intestine and the kidney. It provides new insights to the role of the intestine in the development of AKI.
Beyond the local climate change uplift – The importance of changes in spatial structure on future fluvial flood risk in Great Britain
Authors: Sayers Paul B. , Griffin Adam , Lowe Jason , Bernie Dan , Carr Sam , Kay Alison , Stewart Lisa
Published: August 2023

Widespread, spatially coherent flood events can cause severe damage and disruption. Climate change has the potential to change the severity and frequency of such events. Despite this, climate change risk assessments of future fluvial flood risk typically give little to no consideration to potential changes in the spatial structure. To understand the significance of this gap, spatially coherent climate model simulations are coupled with a national hydrological model and a statistical Empirical Copula to develop a set of present and future fluvial flood events. The research finds that changes in the spatial structure of widespread fluvial flood events have the potential to materially increase projected changes in risk when compared to conventional approaches to climate change risk assessment that ignore them. Excluding changes in the spatial structure of events may mean projections of future expected annual damages maybe significantly underestimated by a factor of ~1.5. The event-based approach is also shown to provide new insights into the extreme distribution of single event damage, damage seasons, and damage years of fluvial flood risks across Great Britain. The results suggest the 1-in-100 year winter flood may increase from £1.3b to £2.1b and the 1-in-100 year single event damage may rise from £1.1b today to £1.7b by the 2080s given a 4°C rise in Global Mean Surface Temperature, assuming current adaptation policies continue and no population growth. Consequently, the findings suggest a much greater emphasis is needed on spatial ‘flood events’ if future risk is to be understood and adaptation responses appropriately framed.
TLR8 escapes X chromosome inactivation in human monocytes and CD4+ T cells
Authors: Youness Ali , Cenac Claire , Faz-Lopez Berenice , Grunenwald Solange , Barrat Franck J. , Chaumeil Julie , Mejia José E , Guéry Jean-Charles
Published: August 2023

Background. Human endosomal Toll-like receptors TLR7 and TLR8 recognize self and non-self RNA ligands, and are important mediators of innate immunity and autoimmune pathogenesis. TLR7 and TLR8 are respectively encoded by adjacent X-linked genes. We previously established that TLR7 evades X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female immune cells. Whether TLR8 also evades XCI, however, has not yet been explored.
Method. In the current study, we used RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) to directly visualize, on a single-cell basis, primary transcripts of TLR7 and TLR8 relative to X chromosome territories in CD14+ monocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes from women, Klinefelter syndrome (KS) men, and euploid men. To assign X chromosome territories in cells lacking robust expression of XIST compartment, we designed probes specific for X-linked genes that do not escape XCI and therefore robustly labeling the active X chromosome. We also assessed whether XCI escape of TLR8 was associated with a sexual dimorphism in TLR8 protein expression by western blot and flow cytometry.
Results. Using RNA-FISH, we show that TLR8, like TLR7, evades XCI in immune cells, and that cells harboring TLR7 or TLR8 transcript foci are more frequent in women and KS men than in euploid men, resulting in a 7-fold difference in frequency. These transcriptional biases were again observable when comparing the single X of XY males with the active X of cells from females or KS males. Interestingly, TLR8 protein expression was significantly higher in female mononuclear blood cells, including all monocyte subsets, than in male cells.
Conclusions. TLR8, mirroring TLR7, escapes XCI in human monocytes and CD4+ T cells. Co-dependent transcription from the active X chromosome and escape from XCI could both contribute to higher TLR8 protein abundance in female cells, which may have implications for the response to viruses and bacteria, and the risk of developing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Evaluating potential of leaf reflectance spectra to monitor plant genetic variation
Authors: Li Cheng , Czyż Ewa A , Halitschke Rayko , Baldwin Ian T , Schaepman Michael E , Schuman Meredith C
Published: August 2023

Remote sensing of vegetation by spectroscopy is increasingly used to characterize trait distributions in plant communities. How leaves interact with electromagnetic radiation is determined by their structure and contents of pigments, water, and abundant dry matter constituents like lignins, phenolics, and proteins. High-resolution ("hyperspectral") spectroscopy can characterize trait variation at finer scales, and may help to reveal underlying genetic variation – information important for assessing the potential of populations to adapt to global change. Here, we use a set of 360 inbred genotypes of the wild coyote tobacco Nicotiana attenuata: wild accessions, recombinant inbred lines (RILs), and transgenic lines (TLs) with targeted changes to gene expression, to dissect genetic versus non-genetic influences on variation in leaf spectra across three experiments. We calculated leaf reflectance from hand-held field spectroradiometer measurements covering visible to short-wave infrared wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (400-2500 nm) using a standard radiation source and backgrounds, resulting in a small and quantifiable measurement uncertainty. Plants were grown in more controlled (glasshouse) or more natural (field) environments, and leaves were measured both on- and off-plant with the measurement set-up thus also in more to less controlled environmental conditions. Entire spectra varied across genotypes and environments. We found that the greatest variance in leaf reflectance was explained by between-experiment and non-genetic between-sample differences, with subtler and more specific variation distinguishing groups of genotypes. The visible spectral region was most variable, distinguishing experimental settings as well as groups of genotypes within experiments, whereas parts of the short-wave infrared may vary more specifically with genotype. Overall, more genetically variable plant populations also showed more varied leaf spectra. We highlight key considerations for the application of field spectroscopy to assess genetic variation in plant populations.
Unified Metal-Free Regioselective Heck-Type Sulfonylation, Cyanation, Amination, Amidation of Alkenes by Thianthrenation
Authors: Liu Ming-Shang , Meng Huan , SHU Wei
Published: August 2023

Direct and site-selective C-H functionalization of alkenes under environmentally benign conditions represents a useful and attractive yet challenging transformation to access value-added molecules. Herein, a unified protocol for a variety of intermolecular Heck-type functionalizations of Csp2-H bond of alkenes has been developed by thianthrenation for the first time. The reaction features metal-free and operationally simple conditions for exclusive cine-selective C-H functionalization of aliphatic and aryl alkenes to forge C-C, C-N, and C-S bonds at room temperature, providing a general protocol for intermolecular Heck-type reaction of alkenes with nucleophiles (Nu = sulfinates, cyanides, amines, amides). Alkenes undergo cine-sulfonylation, cyanation, amination to afford alkenyl sulfones, alkenyl nitriles and enamines.
Dichotomous Profile of Thoraco-lumbar Dislocation Fractures. Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Maoneo Israël Azabali , Beltchika Antoine Kalubye , Kabulo Dieu-Merci Kantenga , Mukuetala Pierre ili-apanda , Ntsambi Glennie Eba
Published: August 2023

Background. Dislocated thoracolumbar fractures are uncommon injuries following major trauma. However, the resulting spinal cord injuries do not always correspond to the radiological characteristics of osteo-discoligamentary injuries.
We report a case of thoraco-lumbar dislocated fracture of which radiological finding was in discrepancy with clinical aspect and postoperative evolution according to spinal cord injury.
Case presentation.
A 32-year-old congolese, female, admitted in Neurosurgery Department of the University Hospital of Kinshasa for low back pain and functional impotence of lower limbs and urinary
retention following a road traffic accident three weeks prior. The physical examination was normal. We found a painful swelling at level of T12-L2 spinous processes and Wagner's grade IV gluteal pressure sores. Neurologically, the sensation was preserved on both limbs, motor strength on lower limbs was graded 3/5 globally. She had urinary retention. We made a diagnosis of an incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA C) secondary to a thoraco-lumbar spinal trauma. CT-Scan showed a fracture of the vertebral body and pedicles of L2 with retrolisthesis of L1/L2 grade IV (Magerl B.3.3). She underwent posterior spinal decompression followed by spinal stabilisation with pedicle screws. The gluteal ulcers were debrided and sutured during the same surgery. Postoperatively, the pressure ulcers healed and the patient recovered full motor and urinary sphincter functions after several sessions of physiotherapy months.
Conclusion. This case report demonstrates the possibility of discordance between
radiological images of dislocated thoracolumbar fractures and spinal cord injury clinical.
Impact of particle shape of crushed natural and recycled fine aggregate on fresh and hardened mortar properties
Authors: Burgmann Sophie , Breit Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Increasing the amount of crushed natural and recycled fine aggregate in mortar and concrete can help reduce the depletion of resources and increase the recycling rate of construction and demolition waste. Differences in particle shape and angularity influence fresh and hardened mortar and concrete properties. Here a multiple linear regression analysis is performed to investigate the impact of particle shape and angularity on rheological and strength properties of mortar. Shape and angularity are quantified by micro computed tomography. Mortar mixtures with five different materials and varying other mix design parameters like water to cement ratio, binder to aggregate ratio and shape of grading curve are produced. Results indicate that particle shape and angularity have a complex impact on fresh and hardened mortar properties that often interact with other mix design parameters. Careful composition of the aggregate fraction with respect to shape and angularity is necessary to maintain sufficient mortar properties.
Registrars’ perspectives towards virtual teaching in an academic department during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Mpemnyama Lerato Nomonde , Moutlana Hlamatsi Jacob , Dingezweni Sithandiwe , Chakane Palesa Motshabi
Published: August 2023

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented times that resulted in measures of social distancing that had to be put in place. The Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Witwatersrand had to comply with these regulations and switched the teaching of registrars from in person format to a virtual platform. The study aimed to look at the perceptions registrars had towards virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Witwatersrand via an online self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to the registrars registered in the department. The used validated questionnaire was developed following a literature search and an adaptation from two validated questionnaires. The study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022.
Results
The department has a total of 100 registrars, and the response rate was 90%. The study highlighted that virtual teaching did have a positive impact in teaching in the academic department, with 91% (n = 81) finding virtual teaching to be effective and 63.9% (n = 53) of respondents preferring virtual teaching over in-person teaching.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a disruption to the academic programme in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Witwatersrand, resulting in virtual teaching being implemented. This move has been met with a positive response among the registrars in the department.
Zika purified inactivated virus (ZPIV) vaccine efficacy in pregnant human stat2 knock-in mice: neutralizing antibodies as correlates of protection
Authors: Kim In-Jeong , Tighe Mike , Lanthier Paula , Clark Madeline , Barrera Rafael De La , Dussupt Vincent , Mendez-Rivera Letzibeth , Krebs Shelly , Travis Kelsey , Low-Beer Timothy , Bernacki Derek , Cookenham Tres , Lanzer Kathleen , Szaba Frank , Schneck Amanda , Ward Jerrold , Thomas Stephen , Modjarrad Kayvon , Blackman Marcia
Published: August 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a significant threat to pregnant women and fetuses as it can cause severe birth defects and congenital neurodevelopmental disorders, referred to as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Thus, a safe and effective ZIKV vaccine for pregnant women to prevent in utero ZIKV infection is of utmost importance. Murine models of ZIKV infection are limited by the fact that immunocompetent mice are resistant to ZIKV infection. As such, interferon-deficient mice have been used in some preclinical studies to test the efficacy of ZIKV vaccine candidates against lethal virus challenge. However, interferon-deficient mouse models have limitations in assessing the immunogenicity of vaccines, necessitating the use of immunocompetent mouse pregnancy models. Using the human stat2 knock-in (hSTAT2KI) mouse pregnancy model, we show that vaccination with a purified formalin-inactivated Zika virus vaccine (ZPIV) prior to pregnancy successfully prevented vertical transmission. In addition, maternal immunity protected offspring against postnatal challenge. Furthermore, passive transfer of human IgG purified from hyper-immune sera of ZPIV vaccinees prevented maternal and fetal ZIKV infection, providing strong evidence that the neutralizing antibody response may serve as a meaningful correlate of protection.
The immediate risk of cancer and its precursor lesions in women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Yao , Lin Wanrun , Lv Weiguo , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2023

Objective
This study aims to assess the immediate risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade (CIN)3 + lesions in women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology.
Methods
A total of 403 women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology who underwent simultaneous HPV genotyping and cervical biopsy at the Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women’s Hospital, China, between 2016 and 2020, were included in this study. The probability of CIN3 + lesions among women in each group was further analysed.
Results
Subsequently, 26.8% of women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology were diagnosed with CIN3 + lesions. The immediate risk of CIN3 + lesions in the atypical glandular cells, not otherwise specified (AGC-NOS), AGC-favor neoplasia (AGC-N), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and adenocarcinoma (AC) groups were 12.7%, 55.7%, 88.9%, and 92.0%, respectively. The immediate risk of CIN3 + lesions in the AGC-NOS group was significantly lower than in any other groups. The positive rates of hrHPV in the AGC-NOS, AGC-N, AIS, and AC groups were 26.4%, 68.6%, 66.7%, and 56.0%, respectively. The prevalence of CIN3 + in the HPV-16 or 18/45 positive group was significantly higher than in the group of other 11 types positive and hrHPV negative group. Notably, women under 30 years old with AGC-NOS had a low risk of CIN3 + lesions (2.4%). When considering HPV status, the immediate risk of CIN3 + lesions in HPV-negative women was 0.0%.
Conclusion
hrHPV genotype and age are valuable indicators to assess the risk of CIN3 + in women with abnormal cervical glandular cytology. Women under 30 years old with AGC-NOS/HPV-negative may have the opportunity to delay colposcopy if appropriate.
Cervical Cancer Screening Adoption Behaviours among Nigerian Women in Academia: using a Health Belief Model
Authors: Iluno Adaobi C. , Oshiname Frederick O. , Adekunle Adeyemi O. , Dansou Justin
Published: August 2023

Background
Cervical Cancer is the commonest and one of the leading causes of death from cancer among women in developing countries. Screening has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from the illness, yet its uptake is low. This study investigated the pattern of utilization and preferences relating to the adoption of cervical screening among female postgraduate students at the University of Ibadan.
Methodology
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving the use of a multi-stage sampling technique to recruit 372 women undergoing postgraduate studies (20-52 years with a mean age of 27.3 ± 5.4) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and the coded data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20).
Results
Only 4.0% of the respondents had been screened for Cervical Cancer at the time of study while 86.3% expressed their desire to be screened if given the opportunity. Most participants showed a favourable perception with 70.4% disagreeing that cervical cancer is a mild disease and 50.5% agreeing that the benefits of cervical cancer screening outweigh the stress of the screening procedure. Female doctors (73.2%) topped the list of health professionals’ respondents who preferred to conduct the screening. A majority (70.7%) of the respondents preferred these screenings to be done during antenatal clinic visits. There is a significant association (p.value=0.0007) between cervical cancer screening behaviors and sexual activity among women.
Conclusion
Poor utilization of Cervical cancer screening services is seen among Nigerian women undergoing postgraduate studies but a high willingness to utilize the services in the future with consideration to professionals delivering the service and specific locations where it can be obtained. The poor rate of cervical cancer screening from the study depicts the large extent to which cases of this cancer go without being detected till the advanced stages. Rolling out more screening strategies that will explore different service delivery points/preferences as highlighted in the study is needed for larger coverage.
Full-Reference Image Quality Assessment Based on Spatial-Domain Combined with Frequency-Domain Analysis
Authors: shi zhiming , Wu Xinrong
Published: August 2023

This paper designs a full reference image quality assessment method. Firstly, the image features are extracted from the spatial domain of the image to represent the edge information of the image. Secondly, the spatial frequency and texture features of the image are extracted in the frequency domain. Thirdly, the acquired features are grouped and fused into new features. Finally, the random forest is used to model full reference method. Through many experiments, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified, and the accuracy of the assessment is improved better than classical image assessment method.
Mindfulness, Teacher Mental Health, and Well-being in Early Education: A Correlational Study
Authors: Corthorn Carolina , Pedrero Víctor , Torres Natalia , Reynaldos-Grandón Katiuska , Paredes Paola
Published: August 2023

This study analyzed the relationship between mindfulness and variables considered relevant for teacher–student interactions: teacher burnout, general stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. We hypothesized that mindfulness would relate negatively with mental health variables and positively with quality of life. We also explored which specific aspects of mindfulness would predict burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life. Given the results of regression analyses, mediation models were performed to explore the mechanisms through which different facets of mindfulness affect quality of life. As predicted, the correlation analysis showed that mindfulness and its dimensions were positively associated with the quality of life of the teachers and burnout dimension of personal fulfillment and negatively associated with anxiety, depression, and stress (considering FFMQ total score and most of its dimensions). Consistently, regression analysis showed that the overall level of mindfulness, after controlling for the grade level at which the teacher works, showed significant associations with the level of personal fulfillment, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life. The results of the mediation analyses showed that the ability not to judge ourselves was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and stress and, through these pathways, positively affected quality of life. On the other hand, the ability not to react favored quality of life by reducing anxiety and stress. Finally, acting with awareness was the only facet of mindfulness that favored quality of life, affecting one of the dimensions of burnout.
Identifying essential procedural competencies for medical students: a modified Delphi survey
Authors: Kodikara Kaumudee , Seneviratne Thilanka , Premaratna Ranjan
Published: August 2023

Background
Although medical students need to acquire specific procedural skills during their undergraduate training, agreement on what skills they should be trained upon and the competency levels that need to be achieved in these skills is inconclusive. This study aimed to identify core procedural skills competencies for Sri Lankan medical students and establish the importance of pre-clerkship procedural training to improve these skills.
Methods
A three-round, online modified Delphi survey was used to identify consensus on essential procedural skills and competencies for graduating medical students in Sri Lanka. An initial questionnaire was developed using content identified from the literature and student logbooks. The expert panel included seventeen clinicians involved in undergraduate medical education and supervision of resident physicians. In Round 1, they rated their agreement on including 64 procedural skills, and 4 suggested additional procedures in undergraduate training. In Round 2, experts re-appraised 38 skills and rated the level of competency (i.e., Observer to Proficient). In Round 3, experts re-appraised the ratings of 35 essential procedures and rated the support for a pre-clerkship procedural curriculum for medical students.
Results
Consensus, defined as > 75% agreement, was established with 25 procedural skills across eight categories: cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, surgical, gynecology and obstetrics, urogenital, diagnostic, and injections. Nasogastric tube insertion, venipuncture, handwashing, nose/throat/wound swab, measuring capillary packed cell volume, surgical scrub, gown, and gloving were rated with the highest level of agreement as requiring a 'proficient' level of competency. A majority of the experts were in support of a pre-clerkship procedural curriculum for medical students.
Conclusions
The findings from this Delphi survey provide critical information about core procedural skills and competencies for Sri Lankan undergraduate medical curricula. The results support the importance of teaching these procedures within the pre-clerkship years of medical curricula. Including highly experienced clinician educators in the expert panel validates the study findings, which demonstrate the importance of aligning existing medical curricula with competency-based medical education.
Melamine Foam-Based Shape Memory Nanocomposite for High-Durable Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Khosroshahi Zahra , Karimzadeh Fathallah , Enayati Mohammad Hossein , NaderiKalali Ehsan
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Study on synergistic catalytic degradation of wastewater containing polyacrylamide catalyzed by low temperature plasma-H2O2
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxue , Guan Fengwei , Wang Xiaobing , Li Dong , Shi Meiqi
Published: August 2023

Low temperature plasma technology shows promise in sewage treatment with its advantages of high degradation efficiency, simple operation, and fewer by-products. In this study, a self-built Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma degradation experimental platform was utilized to simulate polymer-containing wastewater from an oilfield using a polyacrylamide (PAM) solution. The PAM solution was treated with low temperature plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge combined with H2O2 and a Mn + Cu/AC composite catalyst. The effects of different catalyst dosage, H2O2 addition amount, DBD voltage on the degradation rate of polyacrylamide, molecular weight of solution, PH value of solution and solution viscosity were studied. The characterization of the polyacrylamide and composite catalyst before and after degradation was also conducted. The optimal conditions for the oxidation degradation of a PAM solution using low temperature plasma-H2O2-Mn + Cu/AC were determined as follows:: initial concentration 1000 mg/L, discharge voltage 18 kV, H2O2 addition of 2% and catalyst addition of 810 mg. Increasing the catalyst dosage resulted in higher degradation rates, as well as decreased dynamic viscosity, pH value, and molecular weight of the solution. Under these conditions, the degradation rates of 60 min, 180 min and 300 min were 71.4%, 97.6% and 98.6%, respectively.
Robot-assisted mobilisation in the intensive care unit - does it offer relief to mobilising specialists? A qualitative longitudinal study at three data collection points at a German university hospital
Authors: Mehler-Klamt Amrei Christin , Huber Jana , Köstler Natascha , Warmbein Angelika , Rathgeber Ivanka , Fischer Uli , Eberl Inge
Published: August 2023

Intensive-care patients are often forced into extended immobility, bringing with it a high risk of long-term damage. Reasons for this include the shortage of specialist staff in healthcare, lack of aids and the high safety risk involved in transferring patients to a therapy device. However, early mobilisation can positively affect patient outcome and counteract complications. Robotic systems may also help relieve mobilising staff and make mobilisation more feasible. A qualitative longitudinal study was performed to investigate how mobilising specialists perceive the use of a robotic system for mobilisation and which stress and relief factors occur in this context. A total of 29 guided interviews were conducted at three data collection points for this. The evaluation was performed using qualitative content analysis.
Results show that mobilisation using the robotic VEMOTION® system was perceived as less physically stressful or physically relieving when compared to conventional mobilisation. The psychological stress was higher than the psychological stress during conventional mobilisation (T1), in particular in the non-routine users (T2) of robot-assisted mobilisation. The greatest challenges were the high time requirements for preparation as well as the integration of mobilisation into the daily routine. The lack of routine and the associated uncertainty in dealing with the system were named as a major problem. These aspects meant that some users who hadn`t yet been able to develop a routine (T2) with the device didn`t accept the system and didn`t use it as a result. Users with routine (T3) described robot-assisted mobilisation as causing little psychological stress.
Trial registration:clinicaltrials.org TRN: NCT05071248, Date: 2021/10/21 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05071248
A Case of Anti-IgLON5 Disease with Aplastic Anemia and review of the literature
Authors: Tafakhori Abbas , Ebadi Seyyed Reza , Amirifard Hamed , Karima Saeed , Amani Kiana , Hasani Arian , Esmaeili Nazanin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: The Anti-IgLON5 disease was first described as an abnormal neurological condition explained by a dual etiology hypothesis of neurodegeneration and autoimmunity.
CASE: A 64-year-old man with a 2-year history of aplastic anemia presented with neurological symptoms and signs including symmetrical parkinsonism, fluctuation in consciousness, supranuclear gaze palsy, mild fasciculation, and muscular atrophy. Three months earlier, he was referred to a sleep clinic, and polysomnography (PSG) revealed a sleep efficiency of 63.6%, increased sleep stages 1 and 2, and the absence of N3 stage or REM sleep. Brain MRI showed extensive cortical atrophy with significant Virchow-Robin spaces. CSF analysis was unremarkable, except a positive test result was achieved later for the IgLON5 antibody. Immunotherapy was initiated with high-dose methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin followed by treatment with rituximab. A mild to moderate response to treatment was observed in this case.
REVIEW OF THE LITERTURE: In this study we reviewed 29 published case reports about anti-Iglon 5 and examined all of the clinical manifestations that patients experienced with detail. None of the cases showed aplastic anemia, which was the main finding in our case. All of the patients experienced sleep disturbances in the course of their disease, but other symptoms were heterogeneous.
CONCLUSION: Correlation of cognitive symptoms in the absence of sleep disturbances at the beginning of the course of the anti-IgLON5 disease may lead to a late diagnosis and a worse prognosis. This study also had a unique impression on available documents, which could cause further changes to the notion of an association between other autoimmune disorders, such as anemia in this case and anti-IgLON5 disease.