bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpolating many-body wave functions for accelerated molecular dynamics on near-exact electronic surfaces
Authors: Booth George , Rath Yannic
Published: March 2024

While there have been many developments in computational probes of both strongly-correlated molecular systems and machine-learning accelerated molecular dynamics, there remains a significant gap in capabilities in simulating accurate non-local electronic structure over timescales on which atoms move. We describe a practical approach to bridge these fields by interpolating the correlated many-electron state through chemical space, whilst avoiding the exponential complexity of these states. With a small number of accurate correlated wave functions as a training set, we demonstrate provable convergence to near-exact potential energy surfaces for subsequent dynamics with propagation of a valid many-body wave function and inference of its variational energy whilst retaining a mean-field computational scaling. This represents
a profoundly different paradigm to the direct interpolation of properties through chemical space in established machine-learning approaches. We combine this with modern electronic structure to systematically resolve molecular dynamics, highlighting qualitative improvements from traditional machine-learned potentials or dynamics on mean-field surfaces.
Adaptation and Validation of the Washington Group/UNICEF Child Functioning Module in a Nationally Representative Sample of Canadian Children and Youth
Authors: Nolan Emma , Cost Katherine , Miller Ryan , Wang Li , Chen Yun-Ju , Edwards Jordan , Duku Eric , Georgiades Stelios , Szatmari Peter , MacMillian Harriet , Waddell Charlotte , Georgiades Katholiki
Published: March 2024

Background: The Washington Group/UNICEF Child Functioning Module (WG/UNICEF CFM) was developed to assess functional difficulties among children and youth in national household surveys. The objective of this study was to examine the latent structure of the WG/UNICEF CFM using a graded response scale in a nationally representative sample of children and youth aged 5-17 years in Canada.
Methods: Data for analyses come from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (n=33,420). Survey data were collected by Statistics Canada using an electronic questionnaire that was either self-completed online or interviewer-administered by telephone. To assess the latent structure of the WG/UNICEF CFM, analyses were conducted in four linked phases focusing on the following 9 domains: self-care, communication, learning, remembering, concentrating, accepting change, behavior, relationships, and emotions. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted first, followed by, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), evaluations of measurement invariance across age and sex and external validity using structural equation modeling and instrumental variables.
Results: Results indicated that a two-factor model best described the data, χ2(26, N = 16,810) = 619.076, p < .002, CFI = .98, TLI= .97, RMSEA = .037). Factor one represented Cognitive, Behavioural and Interpersonal Functional Difficulties; while Factor two represented Emotional Functional Difficulties. The external validity tests supported the distinction between the two factors by demonstrating stronger associations with instrumental variables measuring similar underlying constructs.
Conclusions: The WG/UNICEF CFM has been predominantly evaluated in low-to-middle income countries. This study extends existing evidence by demonstrating the utility of the WG/UNICEF CFM for assessing childhood functional difficulties in a general population sample in a high-income country. The psychometric properties, including demonstrated reliability and validity, in combination with its ease of use and no cost, highlights the applicability of the WG/UNICEF CFM as a promising measure for assessing functional difficulties in in general population health surveys of children and youth.
Outcomes by Best Response With Hypomethylating Agent Plus Venetoclax in Adults with Previously Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Jain Akriti G , Volpe Virginia O , Wang Chen , Ball Somedeb , Tobon Katherine , Chan Onyee , Padron Eric , Kuykendall Andrew , Lancet Jeffrey E , Komrokji Rami , Sallman David A , Sweet Kendra
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
We aimed to compare outcomes of patients with AML treated with frontline hypomethylating agent and venetoclax (HMA+Ven) who achieved complete remission (CR), complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CRh), complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi), or morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS) as defined by ELN 2022.
Methods:
Patients with AML seen at Moffitt Cancer Center between 2018 and 2022 and treated with HMA+Ven were retrospectively evaluated.
Results:
About 120 patients achieved blast clearance with best response of CR in 52 (43.3%), CRh in 22 (18.3%), CRi in 31 (25.8%) and MLFS in 15 (12.5%) patients. Greater proportion of patients with MLFS had a prior myeloid malignancy (p=0.003) and were treated with prior HMA (p<0.001). Patients that achieved MLFS as their best response had inferior OS compared to the CR/CRh/CRi cohort (8 months vs 27 months; p<0.001). RFS was also worse for the MLFS cohort.
Conclusion:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study analyzing differences in outcomes of AML patients treated with HMA+Ven based on best response. We noted that prior myeloid malignancy and use of HMA led to more MLFS as best response compared to CR/CRi. The OS and RFS were inferior for MLFS cohort.
Informant characteristics are associated with the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes scores in the Alzheimer's Disease patients participating in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set
Authors: Vargas-Gonzalez Juan-Camilo , Chadha Antonella Santuccione , Castro-Aldrete Laura , Ferretti Maria Teresa , Tartaglia Carmela
Published: March 2024

Background
The Clinical Dementia Rating® Sum of Boxes (CDR®-SB) is used to stage dementia severity; it is one of the most common outcome measurements in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) research and clinical trials. The CDR®-SB requires an informant to provide input to stage a patient’s dementia severity. The effect of the informant’s characteristics on the CDR®-SB is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the informant’s sex, relationship to the patient, and frequency of contact on the CDR®-SB scores in patients with Alzheimer's Disease with mild cognitive impairment or dementia included in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (NACC-UDS).
Methods
We included all participants from the NACC-UDS that had AD as diagnosis, and information about the Mini-Mental State Examination or Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, informant sex, relationship to patient and frequency of contact; we also analyzed the possible interaction between these characteristics on the CDR®-SB as the outcome. We performed a multilevel linear regression analysis.
Results
We included data from 20636 participants, totalling 47727 visits. Patients' age was 74.0 ± 9.4 years and 54.1% were females. Informant characteristics were mean age of 66.2 ± 13.2 years, 69.1% were females, and the relationship to patients was 60.5% spouse or partner, 26.7% children and 12.8% other relation. The CDR®-SB scores were 0.20 higher (CI 95%: 0.11 to 0.29) when the informant was female. When comparing to informant’s relationship with the baseline being spouse or partner, the CDR®-SB was 0.39 higher (CI 95%: 0.25 to 0.53) when the informant was the patient’s child and 0.18 lower (CI 95%: -0.35 to -0.01) if relationship was other. Regarding the frequency of contact, CDR®-SB scores were 0.38 higher (CI95%: 0.28 to 0.47) when contact was at least once a week, 0.65 higher (CI95%: 0.52 to 0.78) when contact was daily, and 0.57 higher (CI95%: 0.46 to 0.69) when informant was living with the patient, baseline was a frequency of less than once per week. Finally, the interaction between informant relationships other and female patients showed a 0.24 higher CDR®-SB score (CI95%: 0.03 to 0.46).
Conclusions
We found that the CDR®-SB scores are significantly modified by informant characteristics and frequency of contact in the NACC-UDS patients with AD diagnosis. These findings hold clinical significance as informant characteristics ideally should not impact the staging of AD patients, and any such effects could introduce bias into clinical evaluations in clinical trials. Future research endeavours should investigate strategies to address and mitigate the influence of these confounding variables.
Physics-Informed Neural Network Simulation of Thermal Cavity Flow
Authors: Fowler Eric , McDevitt Christopher J. , Roy Subrata
Published: March 2024

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are an emerging technology that can be used both in place of and in conjunction with conventional simulation methods. In this paper, we used PINNs to perform a forward simulation without leveraging known data. Our simulation was of a 2D natural convection-driven cavity using the vorticity-stream function formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations. We used both 2D simulations across the x and z domains for a constant Rayleigh (Ra) number and 3D simulations across the x, z, and Ra domains. This 3D simulation was a test of a PINN’s ability to learn solutions across the parameter space for simulations, which is one potential advantage of PINNs over conventional simulation methods. The simulation results were compared against known solutions at Ra values of 103 , 104 , 105 , and 106. Both the 2D simulations and 3D simulations successfully matched the expected results. For the 2D cases, more training iterations were needed for the model to converge at the higher Ra values of 105 and 106 than at 103 and 104. The 3D case was also able to converge but, as expected, it required more training than any of the 2D cases due to increased dimensionality. These results showed the validity of standard 2D simulations and the feasibility of higher-order parameter space simulations that are not possible using conventional methods. They also showcased the additional computational demand associated with increasing the dimensionality of the learned parameter space.
Targeted gene sequencing reveals disparate genomic mutations between young and older adults in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Baochao , Xie Tianlei , Li Hao , Yi Xiaoming , Ding Meng , Xue Song , Ji Changwei , Guo Hongqian
Published: March 2024

Background
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of cancer that can develop at any point in adulthood, spanning the range of age-related changes that occur in the body. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the connections between age and genomic mutations in RCC have not been extensively investigated.
Methods
Clinical and genomic data from patients diagnosed with RCC were collected from two prominent medical centers in China as well as the TCGA dataset. The patients were categorized into two groups based on their prognosticated age: young adults (YAs) and older adults (OAs). Univariate and multivariate analysis were employed to evaluate the relationships between age and genomic mutations. Furthermore, a mediation analysis was conducted to assess the association between age and overall survival, with genomic disparities serving as a mediator.
Results
Our analysis revealed significant differences in clinical presentation between YAs and OAs with RCC, including histopathological types, histopathological tumor stage, and sarcomatoid differentiation. YAs were found to have lower mutation burden and significantly mutated genes (SMGs) of RCC. However, we did not observe any significant differences between the two groups in terms of 10 canonical oncogenic signaling pathways-related genes mutation, telomerase-related genes (TRGs) mutation, copy number changes, and genomic mutations associated with clinically actionable targeted drugs. Importantly, we demonstrate superior survival outcomes in YAs, and we confirmed the mediating effect of genomic disparities on these survival outcome differences between YAs and OAs.
Conclusion
Our findings reveal previously unrecognized associations between age and the molecular underpinnings of RCC. These associations may serve as valuable insights to guide precision diagnostics and treatments for RCC.
Carboxymethyl cellulose-assisted reforming of poly (acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) for boost removal of dyeing wastewater and improved stabilization of Ag nanoparticles to eradicate microbes
Authors: Hamdy Ahmed , Darwish Atef Samir , Nageh Hassan , Hassan Salah , Mekewi Mohamed
Published: March 2024

In this study, the conventional fibrous structure of poly (acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) chains is reoriented and significantly joined to form a layer-like morphology by being hybridized with carboxymethyl cellulose. Such innovative hybrid polymeric material is analyzed using various techniques, including, FTIR, XRD, swelling and contact angle studies, DLS, AFM, and SEM. Removal efficiency of such hybrid polymeric system is scrutinized in treatment of dyeing wastewater. Removal of cationic safranin dye from wastewater is best described by Langmuir model and pseudo-first-order kinetic approach, adopting exothermic adsorption progression with highly developed capacity (~ 59.47 mg/g) and accelerated rate (~ 1.06 h− 1). Such hybrid polymeric system exhibits elevated removal efficiency of ca. 90% within 10 min for at least five-consecutive cycles. Besides, such hybrid polymeric system considers a potential platform to stabilize Ag nanoparticles upgrading their accessibility to eradicate Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Increased demand for exploring innovative materials in the field of wastewater treatment requalifies the hybrid O-rich polymeric systems to a magnificent adsorbing and biocidal performance.
Detecting sorghum aphid infestation in grain sorghum using leaf spectral response
Authors: Craigie Grace , Hefley Trevor , Grijalva Ivan , Ciampitti Ignacio A. , Goodin Douglas G. , McCornack Brian
Published: March 2024

Sorghum aphids, Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) became a major economic concern in sorghum causing 70% yield loss without timely insecticide applications. The overarching goal is to develop a monitoring system for sorghum aphids using remote sensing technologies to detect changes in plant-aphid density interactions. We studied the effect of aphid density on sorghum spectral responses near the feeding site and on distal leaves from infestation and quantified potential systemic effects to determine if aphid feeding can be detected. A leaf spectrometer at 400–1000 nm range was used to measure reflectance changes by varying levels of sorghum aphid density on lower leaves and those distant to the caged infestation. Our study results demonstrate that sorghum aphid infestation can be determined by changes in reflected light, especially between the green-red range (550–650 nm), and sorghum plants respond systemically. This study serves as an essential first step in developing more effective pest monitoring systems for sorghum aphids, as leaf reflection sensors can be used to identify aphid feeding regardless of infestation location on the plant. Future research should address whether such reflectance signatures can be detected autonomously using small unmanned aircraft systems or sUAS equipped with comparable sensor technologies.
The high expression of immune checkpoint co-stimulators predicts a favorable prognosis in head and neck carcinomas
Authors: Chang Shi-Rou , Chou Chung-Hsien , Tu Hsi-Feng , Liu Chung-Ji , Chang Kuo-Wei , Lin Shu-Chun
Published: March 2024

Objectives: T cells require second immune checkpoint molecules for activation and immune memory after antigen presentation. In our previous study, we found ICOS a favorable prognostic factor amongst B7 immune checkpoint co-stimulators (ICSs) families in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and oral SCC (OSCC).
Materials and method: This study analyzed the expression of on-B7 TNF ligand/receptor superfamily ICSs in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC cohort, our OSCC cohort, and pan-cancer datasets. The correlation in expression, prognosis, and immune status was assessed.
Results: The higher expression of CD27, CD30, CD40L, DR3, and OX40, presumably on the T cell surface, defined better overall survival of HNSCC patients. Besides, CD27, CD30, CD40L, and OX40 were highly correlated with ICOS expression in tumors. CD27, CD40L, and DR3 expression are higher in HPV+ HNSCC tumors than in HPV- tumors. The combined expression level of CD27/OX40 or CD27/CD40L/OX40 enables the potent survival prediction of small, less nodal involvement, early stage, and HPV+ tumor subsets. In both HNSCC and our OSCC cohorts, tumors expressing high CD27, CD30, CD40L, ICOS, and OX40 exhibited enhanced immune cell infiltration. The high correlation in the expression of these ICSs is also noted in the vast majority of tumor types in addition to HNSCC in TCGA datasets.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the concordant stimulation of CD27, CD30, CD40L, ICOS, and OX40 could be a crucial strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
Investigating the Role of Thrombosis, Fenestration, and False Lumen Orbital Orientation in the Hemodynamics of Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Messou Joseph C. E. , Yeung Kelly , Sudbrook Eric , Zhang Jackie , Toursavadkohi Shahab , Ucuzian Areck A. , Tubaldi Eleonora
Published: March 2024

While much about the fundamental mechanisms behind the initiation and progression of Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is still unknown, predictive models based on patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can help in risk stratification and optimal clinical decision-making. Aiming at the development of personalized treatment, CFD simulations can be leveraged to investigate the interplay between complex aortic flow patterns and anatomical features. In this study, the hemodynamics of false lumen thrombosis, a large fenestration, and the orbital orientation of the false lumen is studied through image-based CFD simulations on three TBAD patient-specific geometries. A new pipeline was developed leveraging the open-source software SimVascular and Paraview to analyze multiple patients simultaneously and to achieve large-scale parallelization in CFD results based on patients’ computed tomography (CT) images. The results of this study suggest that the internal orbital orientation of the false lumen contributes to maintaining a positive luminal pressure difference ∆P T L−FL = P T L − P FL between the true lumen (TL) and the false lumen (FL), despite an impingement area in the false lumen near the entry tear. A positive and high luminal pressure difference is thought to promote TL expansion and FL compression. Moreover, it was also found that both FL thrombosis at the entry tear region, and the presence of a large fenestration in the descending thoracic aorta reduce the magnitude of the negative luminal pressure difference, which in turn may reduce FL expansion and the risk of unstable aortic growth.
Assessing the Use of Geospatial Data for Immunization Program Implementation and Associated Effects on Coverage and Equity in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ngo-Bebe Dosithée , Mechael Patricia , Kwilu Fulbert Nappa , Bukele Théophane Kekemb , Langwana Félicité , Lobukulu Genèse Lolimo , Kalonji Marcelo Ilunga , Kalalizi Bahindwa , Tschirhart Kevin , Luhata Christophe Lungayo , Gachen Carine
Published: March 2024

Background
The National Expanded Program on Immunization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo started using geospatial data at scale in 8 Provinces to strengthen the planning and implementation of vaccination services with a focus on the identification and immunization of zero-dose children, children who have not received the first dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis containing vaccine (DTP1).
Methods
The study used a mixed-methods research design including survey tools, in-depth interviews and direct observation to document the uptake, use, and perceived impact of georeferenced immunization microplans in the intervention provinces of Haut-Lomami and Kasai and in the control province of Kasai Central. A total of 113 health facilities in 98 Health Areas in 15 Health Zones in the three provinces were included in the study sample. A gender intervention in select Health Zones and Health Areas in Kasai Province was also evaluated through a targeted qualitative study. A secondary analysis of immunization coverage survey data was conducted to assess the associated effects on immunization coverage, especially for rates of zero-dose children.
Results
This research study shows that georeferenced microplans are well received, utilized, and led to changes in routine immunization service planning and delivery with perceived improvements in identification and reaching zero-dose children. In addition, the gender intervention is perceived to have led to a significant change in the approaches taken to overcome sociocultural gender norms and engage communities to reach as many children as possible, leveraging the ability of women to engage more effectively to support vaccination services. The quantitative analyses showed that georeferenced microplans may have contributed to a dramatic and sustained trend towards high immunization coverage in the intervention site of Haut Lomami, which rose dramatically from 8.9% in 2020 to 76.8% in 2021 and to 92% in 2022 for Pentavalent 3 antigen, while the DPT1-DPT3 drop-out rate changed little from 1% in 2020 to 1.7% in 2021 and 1.6% in 2022 after three years of implementation.
Conclusion
The overall study identified positive contributions of the georeferenced data in the planning and delivery of routine immunization services. It is recommended to conduct further analyses in Kasai in 2024 and 2025 to evaluate the effects of the gender intervention on immunization coverage and equity outcomes.
Deep Learning Insights into ASD: Classifying and Unveiling Behavioural Patterns through RoBERTa and Topic Modeling on QCHAT Data.
Authors: Bae Soo Kyung , Kim Hwiyoung , Lee Chaewon
Published: March 2024

This study leverages advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) models, including Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), A Robustly Optimized BERT Pretraining Approach (RoBERTa), and Topic Modeling, to analyze behavioral patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (QCHAT) dataset enhanced with ASD-related behavioral terms, we demonstrate the potential of these models to improve ASD vs. Typically Developing (TD) classification accuracy and uncover key behavioral themes indicative of ASD. Our findings highlight the value of enriching clinical datasets with domain-specific knowledge and showcase the power of adapting deep learning techniques for ASD research. This work contributes to developing more accurate and informative ASD diagnostic tools.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from the marine bacterium Marinobacter litoralis CARE V18 strain and evaluation of its antibacterial, antioxidant and acute toxicity properties using Zebrafish model
Authors: Sakthivel Vignesh , Narasimman Vignesh , Ravi Karthikeyan , Dhanya Gopika , Prasad Keerthana , Ramachandran Saravanan
Published: March 2024

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) hold great potential for preventing, treating, diagnosing, and controlling diseases. The primary objective of this study is on marine halophilic bacteria (Marinobacter litoralis CARE-V18) and their extracellular synthesis of Ag-NPs. The marine bacterial synthesized Ag-NPs is characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis (ZPA), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antibiofilm and antibacterial activity of the bacterially synthesized Ag-NPs against human bacterial pathogens are tested (A. baumannii, K. pneumonia, and MRSA). Furthermore, the acute toxicity effects of Ag-NPs in zebrafish embryos (ZFE) (Danio rerio) are also examined in this study. The acute toxicity of Ag-NPs at different time points of post-fertilization (3, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours) eggs of zebrafish. Results shows dose-dependent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, with significant inhibition observed at 100 and 200 μg/ml concentrations against A. baumannii, K. pneumonia, and MRSA. The lethal concentration (LC50) values determined as 12.5 and 50 μg/ml. The acute toxicity of Ag-NPs treated ZFE are displayed concentration-dependent mortality rates and increased hatching delay.
Thin delivery stents can obviate the need for additional fistula dilatation of large diameter in endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy
Authors: Ogata Tomoki , Kurita Yusuke , Sato Takamitsu , Yagi Shin , Hasegawa Sho , Hosono Kunihiro , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Endo Itaru , Kubota Kensuke , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: March 2024

Background
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) often requires fistula dilation owing to the placement of large diameter of the delivery stent. The recently developed delivery devices as thin as 5.9/6.0 Fr may save the need for fistula dilation. Therefore, we investigated whether the large fistula dilation would be required or not in case of this newly developed thin diameter delivery stents.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study involving 33 patients implemented with self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) during EUS-HGS. The patients were categorized based on the delivery device diameter into thin (n = 13; delivery device diameter: 5.9/6.0 Fr) and thick (n = 20; delivery device diameter: 8.5 Fr) groups. We compared the initial rate of success, technical success, and clinical success between the thin and thick groups. Initial rate of success was defined as successful stent placement without a balloon or large diameter mechanical dilation.
Results
The rate of initial stenting success was significantly higher in the thin group (100% [13/13]) compared with that in the thick group (65.0% [13/20]) (p = 0.027). In the thick group, seven cases with technical difficulty in stent placement could be successfully completed with additional fistula dilation with 9Fr bougie dilator, or 4mm balloon dilator; this resulted in a technical success of 100% in both groups ultimately. The rate of clinical success was 100% and 95.0% in the thin and thick groups, respectively (p = 1.00).
Conclusions
Thin-delivery stents may facilitate stent placement without the need for a balloon fistula or large-diameter mechanical dilation.
Acoustophoretic in situ 3D fabrication of multi-material and porous structures
Authors: Chen Hongyi , Bansal Shubhi , Plasencia Diego Martinez , Huang Jie , Subramanian Sriram , Hirayama Ryuji
Published: March 2024

Additive manufacturing is critical in modern production, from individualized prototyping to advanced applications across various domains1-5. However, it has several challenges, including the integration of multiple materials with diverse properties into a single print without cross-contamination6, printing on complex surfaces7, and generating customized porous structures8. Here, we present AcoustoFab, an acoustophoretic fabrication system that is capable of in situ multi-material 3D printing with customized porous structures on complex substrates in a contactless manner. Our system utilizes a phased array of ultrasound transducers to precisely control sound fields in 3D space, allowing acoustic levitation of diverse materials (e.g., edible, fluorescent, luminant, and ferromagnetic) and depositing them on complex or non-planar surfaces during the additive manufacturing process. Additionally, we utilize ultrasound focusing to create high-pressure points on the target locations to generate customized porous structures to tune the texture, appearance, and flexibility. AcoustoFab stands out not only as an independent fabrication system but also for its compatibility with existing platforms, such as stereolithography, demonstrated through multi-material printing experiments, which highlights its potential for augmenting current fabrication technologies. AcoustoFab offers opportunities for non-contact, multi-material in situ printing with customized porous structures for various applications, for example, in situ printing, food engineering, soft actuators, optical devices and bioprinting.
Impact of Infrared Pulsed Laser on Passivated-Textured Silicon Wafers
Authors: Rais Ahmad Rujhan Mohd , Sinin Nurul Aqidah Mohd , Hamid Siti Nor Fazlina Abdul , Sepeai Suhaila , Sopian Kamaruzzaman
Published: March 2024

A textured surface on a silicon solar cell effectively improves solar cell performance by reducing reflection losses. The standard process of pyramidal texturization on silicon wafers is widely implemented in manufacturing and laboratory wet chemical etching. Furthermore, the plasma etching process is usually used to create vertical hole texturization on the surface of silicon. In conjunction with that, laser texturization is known as an alternative method for plasma etching due to user-friendly equipment and a chemical-free process. The passivated pyramidal texturing on silicon wafers is classified as normal texturization. Meanwhile, an improvement of texturization with additional laser texturing on normal texturization Si is known as laser passivated-textured. The transmission of pyramidal textured silicon wafer demonstrates less absorption, and this is due to reflection losses on the front surface of the pyramidal textured silicon wafer. Any texturization will increase the short circuit current (Jsc), open circuit voltage (VOC) and efficiency by minimizing the surface reflection loss through effective photon trapping among textured structures. According to infrared (IR) transmission, a higher laser power of 114 W suggests lower reflection losses. Thus, the results from vertical hole texturization on silicon wafers via IR transmissions and cross-section Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) reveal a promising photo generation on the surface. The depth level of vertical holes created by laser due to deeper vertical holes that have been created will reduce the distance of minority carriers and trap more incident light among the walls. In addition, this procedure can be implemented as an alternative method to shorten the distance travel of minority carrier charges, and more light can penetrate deeper solar cells. This, ultimately, will overcome any problems related to optical losses.
A simple enzymatic process for the quercetin and rutinose preparations from rutin
Authors: Singh Shikha , Yadav Kamlesh Singh
Published: March 2024

Both the components of rutin, quercetin and rutinose are pharmaceutically important compounds of medicinal values. A simple process for the preparation of quercetin and rutinose from rutin based on a diglycosidase catalysed reaction has been reported. The diglycosidase is secreted by a fungal strain Fusarium moniliforme MTCC 2015. The enzyme solution as secreted by the fungal strain in its medium has been used for this transformation and purification of enzyme is not required. The potential of the process in the context of available literature has been discussed.
Knowledge of Accident and Emergency Regarding Triage, Initial Assessment of Patients and Resuscitation Among Nurses in Central Region of Ghana
Authors: ASIEDU CHRISTIANA , Mensah Monica , Erzuah Isaac Aidoo
Published: March 2024

Background
Road traffic accidents represent a global health challenge, with approximately 1.3 million fatalities annually, and a staggering 93% of these incidents occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Purpose
This research focuses on evaluating the level of emergency preparedness in trauma management in the Central Region of Ghana, considering the high prevalence of road traffic accidents in low- and middle-income countries.
Methods
The study utilized a quantitative research design, specifically a cross-sectional survey, to collect data from three public health facilities in the Central Region. All 65 nurses working in the emergency departments of these hospitals were included in the study using a census approach. A structured questionnaire consisting of checklists, true/false items, and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.
Results
The results revealed that nurses in the Accident and Emergency department had moderate knowledge in the initial assessment and resuscitation of patients, including CPR. However, the study also identified gaps in CPR knowledge among nurses working in the emergency department.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the need for further study and training in triaging for nurses, as well as regular refresher courses and hands-on training opportunities to enhance their skills.
Evaluation of Codium fragile and Turbinaria conoides seaweeds- extracts as a novel larvicidal agent against the Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Pachaan Kolanchinathan , Ravi Sujatha , Paramasivan Deepa , Dharmaraj Praveenkumar , Subbiah Vijayakumar Alagan
Published: March 2024

Marine algae possess abundant reserves of bioactive compounds that can host secondary metabolites exhibiting both structural and biological activity. In our present study, the aqueous, ethanol, methanol, and chloroform extract of seaweed such as Codium fragile and Turbinaria conoideswas employed to determine the phytochemical, GC-MS, antioxidant, and larvicidal activity. The phytochemical compounds showed C. fragile and T. conoides ethanolic extract revealed the existence of fourteen numbers of compounds compared to the others. The GC-MS analysis was performed on the ethanolic extract of C fragile and T. conoidesshowed the presence of each of twenty different compounds. C. fragile of Hexadecanoic Acid (27.79%), 4-Methanocycloocta[d]Pyridaz (7.39%), 1,1-Dimethoxy-2-Hepten-7-Al (7.04 %) and Octadecanoic Acid, (5.9%). The T. conaids of Dibutyl phthalate (69.56%), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid (14.01%) and Phthalic acid (2.58 %) were present as the major constituent with the highest area percentage. The antioxidant activity of different solvents the T. conoides ethanolic extract was found to have the highest DPPH (81.48 ± 1.0%), ABTS (88.29±1.0%) and Hydroxyl radical scavenging (86.51±1.0%) activity followed by other solvent extracts. The chloroform extract of C fragile and T. conoides showed effective Cx. quinquefasciatus larvicidal activity. Therefore, the bioactive substances derived from the ethanolic extracts could be used for the antioxidant and larvicidal activity of chloroform extract which will overcome the synthetic insecticides negative impact on the environment. The seaweed possesses the potential to serve as a promising alternative source for controlling mosquitoes due to its larvicidal properties.
Analysis of EWSR1-CREM fusion sarcoma with ALK protein overe xpression and response to alectinib therapy
Authors: Gao Xiaozhuo , Ma Lin , Zhang Enhao , Huang Bo
Published: March 2024

The molecular changes in soft tissue sarcomas are complex. It has numerous fusion partners, and different fusion partner diseases exhibit different histological morphologies and biological behaviors. A 53-year-old female patient had sarcoma in the left thigh. Imaging revealed a sarcoma shadow in the intermuscular soft tissue of the medial left thigh, suggestive of malignancy. The patient underwent a left thigh mass resection and inguinal lymph node dissection. Pathological histology revealed sarcoma with epithelioid morphology and lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemistry showed ALK (D5F3) and ALK1 proteins were strongly expressed. NGS and FISH detection confirmed the fusion of exon 7 of EWSR1 and exon 6 of CREM in sarcoma. Without ALK molecular changes was observed. Five months after the visit, lung imaging revealed multiple lung masses suggestive of tumor metastasis. Despite the current insufficiency in the theoretical foundation for the experimental diagnosis of ALK targeted therapy in this particular case, patients afflicted with severe anemia are unable to endure chemotherapy, thus opting for oral alectinib treatment. The results of a 21-month follow-up revealed that the patient's lung nodules exhibited a slight increase in size compared to their initial measurements, indicating a gradual growth pattern. The present findings suggest that alectinib exhibits ineffectiveness in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma characterized by EWSR1-CREM fusion and abnormal ALK protein expression. Consequently, the exploration of novel targeted medications, such as pazopanib, is warranted.
Long-term Experience with AMS-700 CXR Inflatable Penile Prosthesis in High-risk Patients with Corporal Fibrosis
Authors: VanDyke Maia , Johnson Blake , Langford Brian , Cook Grayden , Franzen Bryce , Morey Allen
Published: March 2024

Despite the widespread use of narrow diameter inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) cylinders in patients with corporal fibrosis, outcomes data is sparse. We evaluated patients who underwent IPP placement with AMS™ 700 controlled expansion restricted (CXR) cylinders from 2007-2021. Patient characteristics, device details, and surgical outcomes were assessed. A non-validated questionnaire was also distributed to patients to assess satisfaction. Among 982 IPPs placed over the study period at our institution, 49 (5.3%) used CXR cylinders. Indications for narrow cylinders: prior explant for infection (67.3%), ischemic priapism (16.3%), and idiopathic fibrosis (16.3%). Median corporal length was 19cm (IQR 17-21cm). Discordant intraoperative corporal measurements (24.5%) and rear tip extender lengths (26.5%) were common. Post-operative complications occurred in 8 patients (16.3%) and included 3 infections (6.1%), 2 cylinder herniations (4.1%), 2 mechanical failures (4.1%) and one case of glans necrosis (2.0%). Five of these (10.2%) required explantation, while 4 (8.2%) were managed with revision. Over the follow-up period, 73% of patients reported satisfaction with rigidity. Primary drivers of dissatisfaction were perceived loss of penile length and girth. The AMS™ 700 CXR is a useful tool for challenging corporal fibrosis cases and shows acceptable surgical outcomes with moderate patient acceptability.
Nutritional Status of Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Case of a Regional Hospital
Authors: Boli ANNE ONGMEB , OWONA Cedric TSALA , FEUTSEU Charly , Hadja Inna Astasselbe , DJEUGOUE Paulette , Manga Arnaud Ndi , Tabi Crista , Mambap Alex , Eugene Sobngwi
Published: March 2024

Introduction
There is a higher risk of occurrence of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus as age increases. Given that data on the burden of undernutrition among these patients are scarce in our context, we aimed to assess the nutritional status of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus followed at Bamenda Regional Hospital.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the diabetic unit and the consultation unit of the hemodialysis center of the Bamenda Regional Hospital. The study population consisted of 146 outpatients aged 60 years and above, with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the consultation from February 1st to May 31st, 2023 who gave their informed consent during our study period. Nutritional status was assessed using MNA-SF and GLIM criteria. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the computer software SPSS version 26.
Results: The mean age was 68.7 years. Normal BMI was found in 35.6% (n=52) of participants whereas 1.4% (n=2) had a BMI below 18.5kg/m2. The prevalence of undernutrition in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 12.3% according to the MNA-SF and 15.1% according to the GLIM criteria. A poor fasting blood glucose status, a normal body mass index, waist circumference, and serum albumin levels summarized the clinical and biological presentation of the undernourished participants. There was a strong association between age above 70 years and undernutrition [OR 4.1(95% CI: 1.48-11.3)] but not with diabetes duration. An association between polypharmacy and undernutrition [OR 0.29 (95% CI: 0.12-0.74)] was also reported.
Conclusion: The prevalence of undernutrition in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 12.3% and 15.1% with respect to the screening tool used. (MNA-SF and the GLIM criteria). There was a four-fold increase in the risk of undernutrition in patients above 70 years.
Swaying Information about Care: Information-Sharing Challenges in Transitional Care of Older Adults
Authors: Kawasaki Ginji , Kawabe Mika , Suzuki Muneou , Sugihara Taro
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Despite the increasing importance of elderly care due to the aging global population, few studies have addressed information-sharing challenges in transitioning older adults between hospitals and care facilities. Medical facilities upstream primarily exchange information about treatment, whereas downstream care houses necessitate information to aid in maintaining or improving quality of life. Due to the lack of clarity surrounding the issues in information sharing from upstream to downstream, this exploratory study was conducted to identify the types of problems, primarily focused on the hospital discharge process.
Methods: This study conducted mixed-method research (interview, questionnaire, follow-up interview) involving staff in both types of facilities. Three investigations were conducted to identify the challenges of information sharing.
Results: The quantitative results showed a subjective assessment indicating that the information-sharing process was not functioning adequately overall. The qualitative findings underscored challenges in sharing information to support caregiving and quality of life rather than medical information for treatment. We revealed the absence of appropriate sharing methods, the failure to share information other than current medical information, and the fact that certain information can only be shared orally. Moreover, due to their different nature and roles, hospitals and care facilities consider different types of information important.
Conclusion: One of the empirical contributions was the cognition that the sharing of individual information items was not insufficient but that there was a lack of information as a whole. Our findings will contribute to research on aging issues and support for older adults in health information research communities.
Emerging Threat: Highly Resistant Serratia marcescens in Iraqi ICU Patients
Authors: AL-Kadmy Israa M.S. , Al-Saryi Nadal A. , Salman Istabreq Muhammed Ali , Garallah Eman Thamer , Aziz Sarah Naji , Al-Jubori Sawsan Sajid , Naji Eman Natiq , alhomaidi Eman
Published: March 2024

Serratia marcescens has gained attention as an emerging pathogen worldwide, which causes infections and outbreaks in immune comprised individuals and patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Antibiotics resistance has been shown to be increased worldwide, which limit the treatment options especially for patients in ICUs. In this study, 101 isolates of Serratia marcescens were collected from ICUs and identified by biochemical and molecular methods. The antibiotic susceptibility test showed that these isolates were resistant to most antibiotics tested as the following: 100% to Ampicillin, 93% to Ampicillin/Sulbactam, 69.3% to Ampicillin/ Clavulanic acid, 97% to Cefepime, 90.09% to Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid, 81.1% to Gentamycin, 77.2% to Tobramycin, 72.2% to Ciprofloxacin, 72.2% to Tetracycline, 63.3% to Cefotaxime, 61.38% to Ceftriaxone, 52.4% to Amikacin, 49.5% to Imipenem, 38.6% to Meropenem, 45.5% to Levofloxacin, 38.6% to Tigecycline, 57.4 to Piperacillin, 43.56% to and 24.7% to Colistin. Furthermore, PCR was used to detect antibiotics resistance genes for S. marcescens isolates. 100% of the isolates had blaCTX-M and blaSHV , 98% had blaCMY, 92% blaTEM genes. In addition, 69.3% of the isolates were positive for qnrB and 66.3% for qurS. aac(6')-Ib-cr gene was found in 44.5%, ant(4’)IIb in 41.5%, aph(3'')Ib in 40.5%, rmtC in 42.5% , and rmtD in 57.4% of the tested isolates. Furthermore, tet(A), tet(X), fasA, mpha, ompA, cat, mcr1 and Int1genes were found in 67.3%, 65.3%, 40.5%, 40.5%, 43.5%, 53.4%, 24.7% and 39.6% of the isolates, respectively. Phenotypic and genotypic detection for carbapenemase was carried out by Hodge test and PCR. The results showed that 23.7% of the isolates were positive for Hodge test. For PCR detection, 51 isolates were positive for blaIMP, 44 isolates for blaKPC, 91 isolates for blaVIM, and 14 isolates for blaNDM1, respectively. In addition, resistance phenotype-genotypic correlation and dendrogram phylogenetic analysis were performed for the isolates. This study showed S. marcescens in ICU associated with the high frequency of resistance genes, which shows the importance to eliminate the spread of these isolates and an urgent control protocol is needed. In conclusion, this study highlights the concerning levels of antimicrobial resistance among S. marcescens isolates from ICU patients in Baghdad City. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced infection control measures, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and surveillance strategies to combat the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens in healthcare settings. Further research is warranted to explore novel treatment options and strategies to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes.
Optimizing Foam Concrete Performance Using Mixed Foaming Method: Impact of Mixing Speed, Mixing Duration, and Foam Dosage
Authors: GALOUL Riadh , boumchedda Khaled , Mebtouche Farouk
Published: March 2024

Foamed concrete has gained significant attention, especially in the field of thermal insulation and acoustic insulation. However, all production methods are based on the pre-foaming method, while the mixed foaming method is an infrequent approach that should be considered and could be challenging. For this reason, this paper attempt to highlight this method and valuate it on par with the pre-foaming method in the production of foamed concrete, both in terms of structure and performance. These performances are directly dependent on the pore structure of this material (pore size, porosity rate, and pore distribution). Therefore, a process has been developed for sample preparation to achieve a final product with a well-controlled size and distribution of porosity, meeting the desired performance criteria. This process involves varying the following parameters: mixing speed (from 400 to 1000 rpm), mixing time (from 2 to 12 minutes), and the dosage of foaming agent (from 0.05 to 0.2%). The effect of mixing speed, mixing duration and the dosage of the foaming agent on the generated foam rate, density, structure at the millimeter scale, structure at the micrometer scale, and thermal conductivity was demonstrated. The obtained results show that with a generated foam rate extending to 79%, a density reaching 428 kg/m³, and a thermal conductivity achieving 0.181 w/k.m, the mixed foaming method becomes an important and competitive approach to the pre-foaming method in the production of foamed concrete.