bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecotoxicological assessment of ammonium glufosinate (Finale®) on Eisenia andrei (Bouché 1972)
Authors: Silva Rafaela Oliva da , Schedenffeldt Bruna Ferrari , Dias André Lélis , Siqueira Bruno Barburgian Ramalho , Monquero Patricia Andrea
Published: May 2024

Amid rising pesticide use, particularly ammonium glufosinate, and the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds and glufosinate-tolerant transgenic crops, it is vital to understand the effects of herbicides on terrestrial ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the ecotoxicological effects of a commercial formulation of ammonium glufosinate (Finale®) on earthworms (Eisenia andrei), focusing on acute, avoidance, and chronic toxicity. The tests were conducted according to ISO standards (11268-1:1993; 11268-2:1998; 17512-1:2008). All trials adopted a completely randomized design (CRD), with six concentrations of the herbicide Finale® (acute: 0, 175, 340, 505, 670, and 835 mg ai kg− 1; chronic and avoidance: 0.0, 3.3, 5.0, 6.7, 8.3, and 10.0 mg ai kg− 1) and four replicates for acute and chronic tests, plus five replicates for the avoidance test. Results indicated significant impacts on the survival, biomass, reproduction, and avoidance behaviors of earthworms at certain concentrations. The LC50-14d was established at 611.68 mg ai kg− 1, indicating moderate toxicity of the herbicide. The EC50 for reproduction effects at 56 days and for inducing escape within 48 hours were determined to be 4.49 mg ai kg− 1 and 3.30 mg ai kg− 1, respectively. Concentrations of 8.3 and 10 mg ai kg− 1 induced the highest escape responses.
Mycoplasma synoviae elongation factor thermo stable is an adhesion-associated protein that enters cells by endocytosis and stimulates DF-1 cell proliferation.
Authors: Zhao Yunhai , Ma Haiyun , Wang Qing , He Xiaoxiao , Xing Xiaoyong , Wu Xiaochun , Quan Guomei , Bao Shijun
Published: May 2024

Mycoplasma synoviae is an important avian pathogen that causes respiratory infections and arthritis symptoms in chickens and turkeys, resulting in significant economic damage to the poultry farming industry worldwide. Cell adhesion is a vital stage of Mycoplasma infection, and the proteins associated with this process play an important role in its pathogenesis. Elongation factor thermo stable (EF-Ts) is an important factor in prokaryotic biosynthesis that serves as a guanosine exchange factor for elongation factor thermo unstable (EF-Tu). To date, little is known about the role of EF-Ts in Mycoplasma infection. In this study, we identified EF-Ts as an immunogenic protein in M. synoviae through liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) screening. We constructed an E. coli recombinant expression vector and prepared a highly efficient rabbit antiserum. Immunoblot analysis and suspension immunofluorescence revealed that the EF-Ts is located in both the cell membrane and cytoplasm. The prepared rabbit EF-Ts antiserum exhibited complement-dependent Mycoplasma-killing activity and inhibited the adhesion of rEF-Ts and M. synoviae to DF-1 cells. An in-vitro binding assay showed that EF-Ts could bind to fibronectin (Fn) and chicken plasminogen (cPlg) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EF-Ts could internalize into cells through lipid rafts and clathrin-dependent endocytosis and induce DF-1 cell proliferation. In conclusion, our studies demonstrated that MS EF-Ts is a potentially immunogenic, novel adhesion protein that acts as a critical virulence factor in M. synoviae adhesion to host cells during infection. These studies further deepen our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of M. synoviae.
From stigma to increased social acceptance? Living with Machado-Joseph disease in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Authors: Couto Daniela , Sequeiros Jorge , Lima Manuela , Sousa Liliana , Mendes Álvaro
Published: May 2024

This study describes the experiences with stigma attached to Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) in São Miguel Island, the Azores (Portugal). We draw on semi-structured interviews with persons with MJD, family members, healthcare professionals and direct care providers, recruited through the local patient’s association (n = 28). Qualitative thematic analysis revealed three main themes: i) intense stigma in the past; ii) current tendency towards increased openness; and ii) increased availability of information about MJD and support. The findings suggest that stigmatization was more frequent and intense in the past, but there is currently a decrease in the intensity of perceived stigma accompanied by an increasing awareness about MJD within the community. The local patient’s association is described as playing a key role in raising awareness about MJD in the community, as well as fostering increased confidence among people with MJD and their families to engage socially, which may help decrease or mitigate feelings of stigma. This raises questions into whether the diminished stigma towards MJD in São Miguel stems from heightened awareness about the condition, a decrease in the socially acceptability of stigma, or a gradual internalization and normalization of stigma among individuals with MJD as a coping mechanism.
Prediction performances of turbulence models in examining the flow characteristics of vegetated channels: CFD computations and experimentally validation
Authors: ŞİBİL Rahim
Published: May 2024

The performance of turbulence models was investigated to predict the flow and turbulence features of the vegetated channel using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The Ansys Fluent, CFD software was implemented for the numerical studies. The flow was three-dimensional, incompressible, steady, and turbulent. Ten turbulence models, provided by Ansys Fluent were implemented for the comparative study. The numerical model was validated against an experimental study conducted in the literature. The numerical studies show that the renormalization group k-ε model (RNG) is the most successful model for predicting the flow characteristics of the vegetated channel with RMSE value of 0.2752. At the same time, the Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) gives the least successful predictive performance, indicated by an RMSE value of 0.4302. Moreover, the Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) model offers the shortest computation time with a value of 6652.393 sec, whereas the SST k-ω model proves to be the most time-consuming with a value of 11952.219 sec. The velocity of water flow in a channel is not uniform as it is slower at the surface of leaves and faster in the free zones. The maximum velocity is observed in the middle section of the channel, below the leaf, and between the roots with the value of u=0.1158 m/s. Furthermore, the characteristics of turbulence in a channel are influenced by various factors such as channel geometry, flow velocity, and vegetation distribution. As a result, the presence of vegetation in a channel affects the flow and turbulence characteristics of the water significantly.
The response to influenza vaccination is associated with DNA methylation-driven regulation of T cell innate antiviral pathways
Authors: Fu Hongxiang , Pickering Harry , Rubbi Liudmilla , Ross Ted M. , Zhou Wanding , Reed Elaine F. , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: May 2024

Background
The effect of vaccination on the epigenome remains poorly characterized. In previous research, we identified an association between seroprotection against influenza and DNA methylation at sites associated with the RIG-1 signaling pathway, which recognizes viral double-stranded RNA and leads to a type I interferon response. However, these studies did not fully account for confounding factors including age, gender, and BMI, along with changes in cell type composition.
Results
Here, we studied the influenza vaccine response in a longitudinal cohort vaccinated over two consecutive years (2019–2020 and 2020–2021), using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a targeted DNA methylation approach. To address the effects of multiple factors on the epigenome, we designed a multivariate multiple regression model that included seroprotection levels as quantified by the hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) assay test.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that 179 methylation sites can be combined as potential signatures to predict seroprotection. These sites were not only enriched for genes involved in the regulation of the RIG-I signaling pathway, as found previously, but also enriched for other genes associated with innate immunity to viruses and the transcription factor binding sites of BRD4, which is known to impact T cell memory. We propose a model to suggest that the RIG-I pathway and BRD4 could potentially be modulated to improve immunization strategies.
Extrapolating on Taylor Series Solutions of Homotopies with Nearby Poles
Authors: Verschelde Jan , Viswanathan Kylash
Published: May 2024

A polynomial homotopy is a family of polynomial systems in one parameter, which defines solution paths starting from known solutions and ending at solutions of a system that has to be solved. We consider paths leading to isolated singular solutions, to which the Taylor series converges logarithmically. Whether or not extrapolation algorithms manage to accelerate the slowly converging series depends on the proximity of poles close to the disk of convergence of the Taylor series.
Reliable Noninvasive Methods for Assessing Nutritional Status and Basal energy Expenditure in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Focus on Basal Energy Expenditure
Authors: Wang Jenn Yeu , Chen Shu- Chin , g Ming Chun Chian , Hu Hsiao Yun , Ｈwang Betau , Lin Yuh Feng
Published: May 2024

Our aim was to (1) evaluate the agreement between basal energy Expenditure (BEE) derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) immediately after hemodialysis (HD) and BEE determined using the Harris–Benedict equation and (2) identify the determinants of BEE in patients receiving HD. This cross-sectional study included 35 patients treated with HD two to three times a week from 2003 to 2004 at Taipei Municipal Zhongxiao Hospital. BEE was measured using BIA immediately after HD. Next, Altman–Bland analysis of BEE was performed to evaluate the agreement between the BIA method and the Harris–Benedict method. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association of BEE with demographic data, anthropometric data, and body composition. BEE derived from BIA immediately after HD exhibited poor agreement with BEE determined using the Harris–Benedict method and was nonsignificantly larger. BEE was also positively correlated with lean body mass. In the multiple linear regression analysis, lean body mass was the most powerful independent determinant of BIA-derived BEE. Gender-based differences, height and lean body mass were noted in the prediction of BIA-derived BEE. This study revealed that understanding of the changes of scheduled basal energy Expenditure is paramount and related to changes of lean body mass condition of maintenance hemodialysis patients.
A Gaussia luciferase reporter assay for the evaluation of coronavirus Nsp5/3CLpro inhibitors
Authors: Vlachou Asimenia , Nchioua Rayhane , Regensburger Kerstin , Kirchhoff Frank , Kmiec Dorota
Published: May 2024

Human coronaviruses (hCoVs) infect millions of people every year. Among these, MERS, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-2 caused significant morbidity and mortality and their emergence highlights the risks associated with possible future coronavirus outbreaks. Therefore, broadly-active anti-coronavirus drugs are needed. Pharmacological inhibition of the hCoV protease 3CLpro (Nsp5) in COVID-19 patients is clinically beneficial as shown by the wide and effective use of Paxlovid (nirmaltrevir, ritonavir). However, further treatment options are required due to the emergence of drug resistance in some SARS-CoV-2 strains. To facilitate protease inhibitor discovery and evaluation, we developed an assay allowing rapid and reliable quantification of 3CLpro activity under biosafety level 1 conditions. It is based on an ACE2 receptor - Gal4 transcription factor fusion protein separated by a 3CLpro recognition site. Cleavage by 3CLpro releases the Gal4 transcription factor, which then induces the expression of Gaussia luciferase. Our assay is compatible with 3CLpro proteases from all hCoVs, and allows simultaneous measurement of inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of the tested compounds. Proof-of-concept IC50 measurements confirmed that nirmaltrevir, GC376 and lopinavir inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro function without inducing cytotoxicity. Overall, the Gaussia luciferase-based reporter assay is suitable for evaluating viral protease function and screening of potential 3CLpro inhibitors.
Clinical Efficacy of Macrolide Antibiotics in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia Carrying a Macrolide-resistant Mutation in the 23S rRNA Gene in Pediatric Patients
Authors: He Mengyuan , Xie Junfeng , Rui Pu , Li Xiaoyu , Lai Min , Xue Hongman , Chen Chun
Published: May 2024

Background. These global prospective surveillance data showed the re-emergence of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in Europe and Asia after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We sought to observe the effect of macrolide antibiotics in the treatment of MPP carrying a macrolide-resistant mutation gene and the potential of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) as a front-line diagnostic in MPP patients. Methods. The baseline characteristics of 91 children with MPP hospitalized from January to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to whether carrying the macrolide-resistant mutation or not. The logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine whether the mutation was a standalone predictive predictor of the duration of fever and hospital length of stay. Results. First, no patients had a fever for ≥ 7 days after macrolide treatment. But length of stay and hormone concentration were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). There were also no statistical association between the mutation and the duration of fever and hospital length of stay. Conclusion. Macrolides can be administered to MPP children carrying a macrolide-resistant mutation. tNGS can be seen as a front-line diagnostic in MPP.
Reducing Social Inequalities in Access to Dental Care in Senegal: Evaluation of a Flat-Rate Pricing Program at the Health District Level
Authors: Dieng Serigne Ndame , Dieng Amadou , Diallo Alimatou , Diop Mbathio , Kanouté Aïda , Diouf Massamba
Published: May 2024

Objectives In Africa, profound social inequalities exist in access to oral health care, with one of the principal determinants being financial factors. To overcome this financial barrier, Senegal has implemented the Program for Support of Supply and Demand for Care (PAODES). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the program on improving access to oral health for affected people.Methods This study was conducted in the health districts of Sokone, the intervention site where PAODES was established, and Bambey, the control site where routine activities were maintained. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 patients at each site who were consulted in oral health services. A questionnaire allowed us to collect sociodemographic data and data on the evaluation of intervention effects, including the renouncement of oral health and the cost of care. The relative risk (RR) and the attributable fraction (AF) were calculated.Results There was a significant difference of 13.6% at the intervention site compared to 39.1% at the control site (p = 0.0001). The relative risk (RR) was 0.33 (0.19–0.57). The fraction attributable to the intervention was 33.42% (21.77–42.05) among the general population and 67.14% (43.52–80.89) among those who received the intervention.Conclusion The results of the study showed that a flat-rate pricing program aimed at reducing the financial burden on access to oral health care services had a positive impact. This demonstrated that a decrease in social inequalities regarding access to oral health can surpass financial barriers.
Numerical modeling of Faulting effects on the behavior of the reservoir dam (case Ourkiss dam Algeria)
Authors: Karech Toufik , Beghzim Hassiba
Published: May 2024

The analysis of the shear failure due to the effect of the presence of faults on the behavior of the Oukiss dam is analyzed. Imposed displacements representing the faults are applied to the middle and the base of the dike with different angles of inclination. The study is made at the end of the construction of the dam, and at the state of filling of the reservoir using the method of finite difference with a nonlinear behavior in order to analyze the ruptures of propagation of the faults in the dam in the form of deformation of shear. The results obtained show that the values of the shear strains increase with the increase of the base displacement in the two conditions at the end of construction and in the filled state of the reservoir, under the effect of the two types of normal and reverse faults.
Subtle changes on electrocardiogram in severe patients with COVID-19 may be predictors of treatment outcome
Authors: Chaikovsky Illya , Dziuba Dmytro , Kryvova Olga , Marushko Katerina , Vakulenko Julia , Malanin Vladislav , Loskutov Oleg
Published: May 2024

Background
Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, it became known that one of the complications of this disease is myocardial injury. Electrocardiography (ECG) and cardiac biomarkers play a vital role in the early detection of cardiovascular complications and risk stratification. The study aimed to investigate the value of a new electrocardiographic metric for detecting subtle myocardial injury in patients during COVID-19 treatment.
Methods
The study was conducted in 2021. A group of 26 patients with verified COVID-19 diagnosis admitted to the intensive care unit for infectious diseases was examined. The severity of a patient's condition was calculated using the NEWS score. The digital ECGs were repeatedly recorded (at the beginning and 2 to 4 times during the treatment). 240 primary and composite ECG parameters were analyzed for each electrocardiogram. Among these patients, 6 patients died during treatment. Cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients that differed significantly in terms of disease severity (NEWS), SрО2and integral ECG index (an indicator of the state of the cardiovascular system).
Results
Using analysis of variance (ANOVA repeated measures), a statistical assessment of changes of indicators in subgroups at the end of treatment was given. These subgroup differences persisted at the end of the treatment. To identify potential predictors of mortality, critical clinical and ECG parameters of surviving(S) and non-surviving patients (D) were compared using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. A decision tree model to classify survival in patients with COVID-19 was constructed based on partial ECG parameters and NEWS score.
Conclusions
A comparison of potential mortality predictors showed no significant differences in vital signs between survivors and non-survivors at the beginning of treatment. A set of ECG parameters was identified that were significantly associated with treatment outcomes and may be predictors of COVID-19 mortality: T-wave morphology (SVD), Q-wave amplitude, and R-wave amplitude (lead I).
Prevalence and Consequences of Anomalous Citation Styles in Ethiopian Academic Journals
Authors: Asefa Addisu , Debella Habte Jebessa
Published: May 2024

Background
Study investigating the prevalence of citation inaccuracies occurring due to intentional misuse or failed quality control has been growing, but citation inaccuracies driven by inappropriate journal policies have not been specifically addressed. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of journals’ policies requesting inconsistent citation formats between Ethiopian authors and non-Ethiopian authors for in-text citations and reference listings, and to evaluate consequences of inconsistent citation policy on publication practices and parties involved in publication.
Methods
We collected data on citation formats (author’s first, last, or full name) requested by 60 journals’ policies for citing Ethiopian authors and non-Ethiopian authors in the in-text and reference listing, and the number of references cited using each citation format type in 225 published articles published in 50 journals. We also conducted a survey of 18 Ethiopian scholars engaged in publication processes of Ethiopian journals to assess their experiences about the consequences of using inconsistent citation styles. We calculated frequencies and percentages to summarize data. We applied chi-square test and risk ratios, where appropriate, to examine the statistical significance of the prevalence of inconsistency between comparison groups and its effects on compliance with policy. We used thematic content analysis analyze the survey data.
Results
We found 19(32%) and 18(30%) citation inconsistencies between Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian authors requested by policies for in-text citation and reference listing, respectively. The corresponding inconsistencies in the published articles were 36% and 46%, respectively. In contrast, we did not find any such inconsistency for non-Ethiopian authors. Journals with inconsistent citation policies had 1.5–2.1 times risk of experiencing incompliance with policies for Ethiopian authors in the published articles than journals with consistent citation policies. Survey participants indicated that inconsistent citation formats requested and used for Ethipian authors can lead to loss of credit to cited authors and breaching scientific ethics.
Conclusions
Our study reveals a concerning inconsistency in citation styles within Ethiopian journals, sometimes deviating from established international standards. This is, to our knowledge, the first study on policy-driven citation inaccuracies that can inform national and international publishers and editors to review and amend their citation policies.
Understanding taphonomy through 3D and 2D records: a case study from the tropical Maya area
Authors: De Tomassi Mirko , Lercari Nicola
Published: May 2024

Mortuary archaeology in the Maya region is complicated by both cultural and natural factors. Distinctive funerary depositional and post-depositional secondary activities, in addition to tropical climate, contribute to the complexity of pre-Hispanic Maya funerary practices. This paper proposes to merge 2D and 3D recording data to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the taphonomic phenomena that affect heavily altered burials at the site of Palenque, Mexico. Employing an archaeothanatological approach, we argue that careful 3D imaging, integrated with earlier produced legacy data, provides additional insight into the formation processes of funerary contexts compared to previous methods. Digital photogrammetric analyses improve our capacity to reconstruct joint articulations of the body and its original funerary deposition in situ. The results of this research elucidate the intentional activities that led to the archaeological arrangement of the grave assemblage. By noticing the degree of articulation and clarifying the pace at which bodies decomposed, these results showcase the depositional sequence of one collective mixed burial from Group IV, a domestic compound in Palenque. These results suggest the viability of 3D methodologies in assessing post-depositional disturbances and movements of the body, both for illuminating funerary taphonomic practices and serving as important recording procedures for the future.
The impact of metformin on the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase3 signaling pathway in placental tissue of preeclampsia rats
Authors: HAO Huiniu , Wang Fang , Jia Ran , Chen Yinmin , Yang Hailan , Ma Huijing
Published: May 2024

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading complications affecting pregnant women globally during the perinatal period, with excessive apoptosis of trophoblast cells playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis. While Metformin (MET) has shown promise in preventing or treating PE, its mechanisms remain unclear.
Objective: We sought to establish a PE rat model and evaluate MET's impact on the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathway (Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase3) in placental cells. We investigated whether MET could reduce excessive trophoblast cell apoptosis through this pathway, thereby improving pregnancy outcomes in PE rats.
Methods: Thirty successfully impregnated Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal saline (NS), PE, and PE+MET groups. The NS group received physiological saline injections (200mg/kg/d) from gestational day 14 to gestational day 18 (GD14-GD18). The PE and PE+MET groups received L-NAME injections (200mg/kg/d) from gestational day 14 to 18 (GD14-GD18). The PE+MET group additionally received MET via gastric gavage from GD13 to GD18. Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase3 in placental tissues. ELISA was used to measure the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng), placental growth factor (PlGF), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in serum.
Results: MET treatment reduced blood pressure and proteinuria in PE rats and improved pregnancy outcomes. It lowered serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in PE rats. MET also restored the balance of angiogenic factors. Moreover, MET upregulated Bcl-2 expression and suppressed Bax and Caspase3 levels, suggesting its ability to suppress excessive trophoblast cell apoptosis.
Conclusion: MET effectively mitigated PE in L-NAME-induced rats by lowering blood pressure, proteinuria, inflammatory damage, and trophoblast cell death while improving pregnancy outcomes and restoring the balance of angiogenic factors. This effect appears to be mediated, at least partly, by modulating the Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase3 apoptotic pathway.
Validation of protein biomarker panel in peripheral blood leukocytes of juvenile and adult C57BL/6 mice up to seven days post-exposure for machine learning-based radiation biodosimetry
Authors: Nemzow Leah , Phillippi Michelle A. , Kanagaraj Karthik , Shuryak Igor , Taveras Maria , Wu Xuefeng , Turner Helen C.
Published: May 2024

Following a large-scale radiological event, timely collection of samples from all potentially exposed individuals may be precluded, and high-throughput bioassays capable of rapid and individualized dose assessment several days post-exposure will be essential for population triage and efficient implementation of medical treatment. The objective of this work was to validate the performance of a biomarker panel of radiosensitive intracellular leukocyte proteins (ACTN1, DDB2, and FDXR) and blood cell counts (CD19 + B cells and CD3 + T-cells) for retrospective classification of exposure and dose estimation up to 7 days post-exposure in an in vivo C57BL/6 mouse model. Juvenile and adult C57BL/6 mice of both sexes were total body irradiated with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 Gy, peripheral blood was collected 1, 4, and 7-days post-exposure, and individual blood biomarkers were quantified by Imaging Flow Cytometry. An ensemble machine learning platform was used to identify the strongest predictor variables and combine them for biodosimetry outputs. This approach generated successful exposure classification (ROC AUC = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.97) and quantitative dose reconstruction (R2 = 0.79, RMSE = 0.68 Gy, MAE = 0.53 Gy), supporting the potential utility of the proposed biomarker assay for determining exposure and received dose in an individual.
Numerical and analysis effects of rectangular prism rough beds on hydraulic jumps in open channels
Authors: Trinh Cong Ty , Tran Cong Trieu
Published: May 2024

A hydraulic jump is a highly turbulent flow that causes significant turbulence and generates efficiency energy loss in the open channel. This research used the Flow-3D model, which combines the renormalization group RNG k-ε turbulent model and the volume of fluid (VOF) method, to investigate the hydraulic jump characteristics on rectangular prism rough beds. The results indicated that the rough beds had positively affected the hydraulic jumps. Specifically, the conjugate depth and jump length are reduced by about 17% and 50%, respectively, compared to the classical jump. In addition, the vorticity production rates are also used to clearly explain energy dissipation, which shows that the rough bed configuration significantly influences the hydraulic jump length. The results clarify the relationship between the hydraulic jump characteristics and the rough bed types studied. Moreover, this research provides valuable guidelines for choosing the geometrical features of the rough bed when designing or repairing the stilling basin for irrigation works and highway sewers downstream.
Delicate and thin fibrous septa indicate a regression tendency in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis patients with advanced fibrosis
Authors: Tong Xiaofei , Sun Yameng , Wang Qianyi , Zhao Xinyan , Chen Wei , Zhang Mengyang , Ren Yayun , Zhao Xinyu , Wu Xiaoning , Zhao Jingjie , Sun Chenglin , Zheng Minghua , Ou Xiaojuan , Jia Jidong , You Hong
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)-related fibrosis is reversible. However, the dynamic morphology change in fibrosis regression remains unclear. We aim to explore the morphological characteristics of fibrosis regression in advanced MASH patients.
Methods
Clinical and histological data of 79 biopsy-proved MASH patients with advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) were reviewed. The second harmonic generation/two-photon excitation fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) image technology was used to quantitively identify the R (regressive) septa from P (progressive) septa and PS (perisinusoidal) fibrosis. Non-invasive tests were used to compare the fibrosis level of the with and without R septa groups. Transcriptomics was used to explore hub genes and the underlying mechanism of the formation of R septa.
Results
The R septa were different from the P septa and PS fibrosis in detail collagen quantitation identified by SHG/TPEF technology. The R septa were found in MASH fibrosis-regressed patients, which met the definition of the “Beijing classification”. Therefore, patients were divided into two groups according to septa morphology: with R septa (n = 10, 12.7%), and without R septa (n = 69, 87.3%). Patients with R septa had lower values in most non-invasive tests, especially for liver stiffness (12.3 vs. 19.4 kPa, p = 0.010), and FAST (FibroScan®-AST) score (0.43 vs. 0.70, p = 0.003). Transcriptomics analysis showed the expression of five hub fibrogenic genes including Col3A1, BGN, Col4A1, THBS2 and Col4A2 in the with R septa group were significantly lower.
Conclusions
The R septa can be differentiated from the P septa and PS fibrosis by quantitative assessment of SHG/TPEF, and it represents a tendency of fibrosis regression in MASH patients.
Deep Learning Techniques for Forecasting Emergency Department Patient Wait Times in Healthcare Queue Systems
Authors: Mishra R. K. , Sharma Geetanjali
Published: May 2024

A lot of hospitals make use of the duration of patients' stays in queue as a gauge for overcrowding in the emergency room (ER). Many emergency rooms have lengthy wait times, which make it more challenging to provide patients with appropriate care and increases overall expenses. In queuing system applications, Innovative techniques like machine learning and deep learning (DL) have become crucial. In order to forecast Waiting periods for patients in a system, this research will use deep learning techniques for historical queuing variables, either in addition to or instead of queuing theory .SGD, Adam, RMSprop, and AdaGrad were the four optimization algorithms that were applied. To determine which model has the minimum absolute mean error (MAE), there was an algorithmic comparison. To facilitate more comparisons, a traditional mathematical simulation was utilized.. The findings demonstrated that the DL model may be used to estimate patients' waiting times utilizing the SGD algorithm, with the lowest MAE of 09.60 minutes (23% reduction of errors) activated. In order to better priorities patients in a queue, this study contributes theoretically to the field of patient waiting time prediction using alternative methodologies by establishing the highest performing model. This study also makes a useful addition by utilizing actual data from emergency rooms. In addition, we suggested models that, compared to a conventional mathematical approach, produced more accurate predictions of patients' waiting times. Our method can be readily applied to the healthcare sector's queue system by utilizing data from electronic health records (EHRs). Since over 40% of people who are admitted to hospitals do so through the emergency rooms (ER), most hospitals suffer from extreme patient overcrowding. Since most ER departments in hospitals have lengthy patient wait times, they are an important component of healthcare facilities.
Utility of the Oxygenation Index in Management of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia – a Report From a Thai University Surgical Centre
Authors: Kulngamnetr Issariyaporn , Pongmee Paruhad , Losty Paul D , Aeesoa Suraida , Boonthai Ampaipan
Published: May 2024

Background :
Oxygenation index (OI) is associated with severity of newborn pulmonary hypertension (PH) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Higher OI may indicate worst degree(s) of PH.
Objectives :
This study reports OI dynamic(s) over the first 72 hours of life and its correlation with (i) perioperative morbidity and (ii) CDH mortality.
Methods:
Medical records of inborn CDH babies during 2002-2022 were examined. OI on Days (s) 1-3 and perioperative OI trends were recorded. Operation (primary vs patch repair) and survival rates (%) were studied.
Results:
55 CDH newborns (54.5% male : 45.5% female) - mean birth GA 37.5±2.7 wks. had a mean birth weight 2813 ±684 g with prenatal diagnosis in 32.7% cases. 52/55 (94.5%) were intubated at birth and HFOV deployed in 29 (55.8%). Those requiring HFOV had higher OI on DOL1 (24.8± 17 vs 10.3±11.5; p< 0.05), DOL 2 (26.3± 22.9 vs 6.7±12.1; p < 0.05) and DOL 3 (21.9± 33.8 vs 5.5±9.3; p =0.04). Operation was undertaken in 36/55 (65.5%). Preoperative mortality group had significant higher OI on DOL 2 (42.1 ±21.0 vs 14.9±9.3; p =0.04). CDH defects were - Type A N=27 (75%), Type B N=7 (19.4%) and Type C N= 2 (5.6%). Overall mortality was 40% (22/55). Statistically significant OI trends were recorded in Non-Survival vs. Survival Groups on DOL 1 (31.6 ±16.8. vs 10.5±9.0; p <0.05, DOL 2 (38.1 ±21.9 vs 6.3±7.1; p <0.05), and DOL 3 (38.8 ±39.4; p=0.012)
Conclusions:
OI dynamics are highly predictive for accurate monitoring of CDH cardiorespiratory physiology and crucially may guide ventilatory management as well as timing of surgery.
Unraveling hepatic consequences of intrauterine growth restriction and catch- up growth: Insights from histological, biochemical, and metabolomic analysis in rats
Authors: Eşrefoğlu Mukaddes , Selek Sahabettin , Koktasoglu Fatmanur , Bayindir Nihan , Hekimoglu Emine-Rumeysa , Kirmizikan Seda , Karakaya-Cimen Fatma-Bedia , Dulun-Agac Halime , Alim Mehtap , Elibol Birsen , Pasin Ozge , Bekiroglu Somer
Published: May 2024

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for metabolic disorders in adulthood. Employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, Western-blotting, and metabolomics analyses, the study aimed to elucidate potential metabolite markers of IUGR, and catch-up growth-related metabolic disturbances and the underlying metabolic pathways implicated in IUGR pathogenesis. This study cohort comprised 54 male siblings from 20 Sprague-Dawley female young rats. On the 19th day of gestation, half of the pregnant rats underwent bilateral uterine artery ligation, while the remaining half underwent a simulated surgical intervention involving solely peritoneal incisions. Blood and liver samples were collected from the pups after attaining catch-up growth at the postnatal weeks 2, 4, and 8.
IUGR rats exhibited a spectrum of changes including histological abnormalities, altered apoptosis rates, oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Metabolomic analysis revealed dysregulation, in multiple metabolic pathways encompassing galactose, propanoate, glycerolipid, cysteine, methionine, and tyrosine metabolism, among others. Notably, disturbances were observed in butanoate, glutathione metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation, citrate cycle, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, as well as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Our metabolomics analysis provides insights into the potential disease susceptibility of individuals born with IUGR, including obesity, diabetes, heart failure, cancer, mental retardation, kidney and liver diseases, and cataracts. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between intrauterine conditions and long-term metabolic health outcomes, highlighting the need for further investigation into preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating the risk of metabolic diseases in individuals with a history of IUGR.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Adverse Reactions to Chinese Bacille Calmette- Guérin (BCG) Vaccine: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Shaomei , Chen Zhan , Guo Huilian , Zheng Shengkun
Published: May 2024

Background: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is widely used and considered to be the safest vaccine for preventing tuberculosis (TB). However, there are potential complications associated with BCG vaccination, such as adverse reactions at the injection site, regional lymphadenitis and disseminated BCG. Currently, there is limited research on the management of adverse reactions specifically related to the Chinese BCG vaccine. This article presents a detailed description of the clinical features, management strategies, and outcomes of BCG complications at a large TB-specialized hospital in Guangdong Province, China.
Methods: This observational study included all children who presented with complications of BCG vaccination between January 2016 and December 2020. Medical and electronic laboratory records were examined to ascertain clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes.
Results: A total of 76 children presented with adverse reactions following BCG vaccination. Among them, 14 (18.4%) had injection site adverse reactions classified as follow: ulceration, lichenoid lesions, superficial abscesses covered by a scab or deep abscesses. Only 5 cases (35.7%) with deep abscesses were treated with oral isoniazid and surgical interventions. 55 cases (72.4%) of all had regional lymphadenitis, with 32 patients (58.2%) being less than 6 months old. Suppurative lymphadenitis was seen in 31 of 55 cases (56.4%) who all recovered fully by oral antituberculosis drugs and surgery. 7 cases (9.2%) had disseminated BCG, among whom primary immunodeﬁciency (PID) was identiﬁed in two (28.6%). All disseminated cases received treatment involving at least three kinds of antituberculosis drugs and 6 cases (85.7%) were improved.
Conclusions: Injection site adverse reactions to the BCG vaccine can present with various cutaneous manifestations, and the majority of patients do not require antituberculosis drugs and surgery. Regional lymphadenitis is the most predominant complications, and more than half of these cases are suppurative. Surgical interventions combined with anti-tuberculosis medications for suppurative lymphadenitis tends to be effective and safe. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment for disseminated BCG disease are likely to contribute to a good prognosis.
Impact of airspace restrictions due to conflict zones on air traffic CO2 emissions in 2022 and 2023
Authors: Dannet Grégoire , Bellouin Nicolas , Boucher Olivier
Published: May 2024

As air traffic rebounds from its large drop during the Covid-19 crisis, civil aviation needs to continue addressing its climate impact. Knowledge of aircraft trajectories is essential for an accurate assessment of the CO2 (and non-CO2) climate impact of aviation. Here we combine an aircraft trajectory optimization algorithm and a global database of aircraft movements to quantify the impact of airspace restrictions due to conflict zones on CO2 emissions. Among current restrictions, we show that the Russian ban of its airspace to Western airlines following the invasion of Ukraine has the largest impact. Our analysis reveals an initial reduction of flights to and from East Asia that would have crossed the Russian territory. Routes then gradually reopened by making a detour, which led to an average increase in fuel consumption of 13% on the affected routes, with a greater impact for flights to and from Europe (14.8%) compared to flights to and from North America (9.8%). Although these flights represent only a small fraction of the daily flights, the large detours have increased global aviation CO2 emissions by 1% in 2023, equivalent to a quarter of the yet-to-be-achieved efficiency gain potential from improved air traffic management.
Effects of Lead Poisoning on the Development of Children Aged 1–5 Years in Yaounde: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ambomatei Calson , Ngarka Leonard , Ambomatei Jennifer E. , Monebenimp Francesca
Published: May 2024

Background:Lead poisoning affects the central nervous system of children, leading to developmental delay. There are multiple environmental sources of lead exposure in Yaounde, and this exposure could have a negative impact on child development. Herein, we aimed to determine the negative effects of lead poisoning on the development of children aged 1–5 years in Yaoundé.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included children whose blood lead levels had been measured in a previous study entitled “Blood Lead Levels among Children in Yaoundé Cameroon.” Using the Denver II developmental screening test and a pre-tested questionnaire, we assessed the psychomotor development of our participants. We collected relevant data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, nutrition, perinatal history, and schooling. We used Epi info version 3.5.4 and WHO Anthroplus for all data analyses. P <0.05 was statistically significant.
Results:Of the 70 participants included in this study, 22 (31.43%) had blood lead levels of ≥10 μg/dL. Nine (12.86%) of them had developmental delay. We found a significant association between developmental delay and prematurity, low birth weight, artificial milk consumption, postnatal resuscitation, antenatal consultations, prenatal HIV testing, schooling, and high blood lead levels (≥10 μg/dL). However, none of these factors was found to be independently associated with developmental delay.
Conclusion:A blood lead level of ≥10 μg/dL was found to be a risk factor for developmental delay in children aged 1–5 years in Yaoundé. However, developmental delay was found to be a multifactorial outcome. Further prospective studies should be conducted to further investigate our findings.
Estimation of Levels of Caveolin-1 and Azurocidin in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: ABHILASHA KUMARI , D JAYANTHI , VIVEKANANDA LALITH
Published: May 2024

Background- Periodontitis occurs as a result of complex interactions between bacterial plaques and the host immune system. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for periodontitis and leads to inflammatory changes within periodontal tissue. Caveolin-1 is an integral membrane protein that has diverse functions, such as regulating inflammatory mediators and insulin signaling. Azurocidin is a microbicide protein present in the azurophilic granules of neutrophils. It plays a role in innate immunity and is secreted during inflammatory conditions, and its functions are influenced by the glycaemic state. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the levels of caveolin-1 and azurocidin in the GCF of individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic individuals with chronic periodontitis. Method- A total of 45 subjects were divided into three groups of 15 each. Group I included periodontally healthy subjects, Group II included chronic periodontitis patients, and Group III included chronic periodontitis patients who were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Periodontal parameters such as the PI, BI, GI, PD and CAL were recorded, and GCF samples were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression. Results- The GCF levels of caveolin-1 and azurocidin were significantly greater in Group II and Group III than in Group I (p ≤ 0.001). Caveolin-1 and azurocidin were significantly positively correlated with various periodontal parameters and GCF values (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion- The GCF levels of caveolin-1 and azurocidin were greater in chronic periodontitis patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus than in periodontally healthy subjects. Hence, both of these molecules may be considered as biomarkers for periodontitis and diabetes mellitus.
S-box smart agricultural image protection scheme based on annealing algorithm to enhance two-dimensional hyperchaos
Authors: Zhou Lingzhi , Zhou Xunming , Yuan Yuan , Zhu WanNing , Zhou Man
Published: May 2024

Addressing image security challenges in smart agriculture, this study introduces an encryption algorithm fortiffed by an S-BOX, which is enhanced by integrating chaotic systems and annealing techniques. Initially, we innovated a novel chaotic system by combining the Volterra equations with the Lorenz attractor (LV-LA-2DHC). Subsequently, an annealing algorithm was employed to augment the S-BOX, creating a robust mechanism for image encryption. This new SBox is speciffcally designed to leverage chaos-based cryptography, thus bolstering the performance and security of the encryption process. Furthermore, the algorithm incorporates specialized pixel shufffing and row-column transformations, complemented by XOR operations, to further secure the images. Through rigorous testing and multiple comparative experiments, our ffndings conffrm that the proposed encryption algorithm for bright agricultural imagery is secure and dependable.
No Increased Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Patients with Celiac Disease; A Population- Based Study
Authors: Jossen Jacqueline , Lebwohl Benjamin , Söderling Jonas , Duberg Ann-Sofi , Aleman Soo , Sharma Rajani , Hagström Hannes , Green Peter HR , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Celiac disease (CeD) has been associated with a low response to hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination, but guidelines for testing and revaccination among individuals with CeD are sparse. We examined the risk of future HBV among individuals with CeD in a population-based Swedish cohort. Furthermore, we examined the rate of prior HBV infection in CeD patients.
Methods: All individuals in Sweden diagnosed with biopsy-verified CeD between 1990-2017 were identified through the ESPRESSO cohort. Each individual with CeD was matched by age, sex, calendar year, and birth country (Nordic vs. other) with up to 5 reference individuals.
Results: We identified 44,721 CeD and 222,238 reference individuals. The incidence rates of diagnosed HBV were 2.3 and 2.9 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. This represented no association with CeD (HR 0.77 (0.45-1.30)). This null association was similar for those with a Nordic (HR 0.80 (0.40-1.60)) and non-Nordic ((HR 0.31 (0.09-1.08)) country of birth.
Rates of prior HBV infection were low (CeD 0.08%, controls 0.06%). This corresponded to a small but insignificant increase among individuals with CeD (odds ratio, OR 1.41 (0.97-2.05).
Conclusion: In a population based Swedish cohort, there was no increased risk of developing HBV in individuals with CeD. This finding does not support current practices of testing and revaccination for HBV. Additional studies should be completed in areas with higher endemic rates of HBV. Slightly higher rates of prior HBV infection in CeD may be secondary to increased testing in those seeking medical care for another disease process.