bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPLC-PDA-ESI-QDA Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anxiolytic Activities of the Ethanolic Extract of Sarcomphalus joazeiro (Mart.) Hauenschild Leaves
Authors: Costa José Galberto Martins da , De Carvalho Natália Kelly Gomes , Pereira da Silva Mariana , Duarte Leite Débora Odília , Gerson Javier Gerson Javier , Da Silva Mendes Johnatan Wellisson , Kirley Marques Canuto Kirley Marques Canuto , Vasconcelos Ribeiro Paulo Riceli , Barros Amanda , Romão Ivana , Silva Hélcio
Published: May 2024

Anxiety is a multifactorial pathology associated with oxidative stress and changes in different neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Sarcomphalus joazeiro (Rhamnaceae) has a predicted effect on the CNS, being considered an alternative for pre-clinical investigations of anxiolytic drugs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition, analyze the antioxidant capacity and the anxiolytic effect of the ethanolic extract of S. joazeiro leaves (EEFSJ) in zebrafish. The chemical profile was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-ESI-QDA). Antioxidant action by DPPH• elimination and ABTS•⁺ capture assays. The 96 h acute toxicity and open field and light and dark tests, for sedative and anxiolytic evaluation, respectively, were applied in vivo, using zebrafish. It was possible to identify 11 compounds from the flavonoid and saponin class. EEFSJ exhibited a mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 185.2 ± 2.2 µg/mL and 74.17 ± 1.5 µg/mL against the DPPH• and ABTS•⁺ radicals, respectively. In vivo, EEFSJ demonstrated reduced locomotor activity and an anxiolytic effect similar to diazepam via GABAergic systems, without presenting toxicity within 96 h. These results suggest the safety of using EEFSJ for the development of clinical trials for the production of new anxiolytic drugs.
Sexual Rehabilitation Strategies and Outcomes among Cervical Cancer Survivors A
Authors: Mvandal Samson Peter , Sehemu Mashaka
Published: May 2024

Background: Sexual dysfunction is the most common side effect encountered by cervical cancer patients during and after treatment, and rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve their quality of life. A variety of rehabilitation strategies have been reported in previous studies, varying by country, race and even continent. However, the common rehabilitation strategies used by cervical cancer survivors in Tanzania and their outcomes are unknown. The study aimed to unfold sexual rehabilitation strategies and outcome practiced by cervical cancer survivors who experienced sexual dysfunction during and after treatment in North-western Tanzania. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study were employed. Phenomenology study design used with a sample of 7 participants and data corrected via in-depth interview guided by 11 questions. Audiotaped and transcribed to get main themes and sub themes through deductive analysis. Results: Most participants reported inability to achieve an orgasm and low libido and dyspareunia after treatment. Most participants were eagerly to have their sexual activity recovered. However, they were not familiar with any rehabilitation strategy after the experience of sexual dysfunction. Even though, some of the participants attempted various interventions, but all were unsatisfactory leading to a significant decline in sexual interest and activity. Conclusion: Cervical cancer survivors are not familiar with any sexual rehabilitation strategies. Health education concerning various sexual rehabilitation strategies should be provided to survivors during and even after treatment.
Use of the Drone for Cost-Effective Surveys In Natura 2000 Protected Areas: A Case Study on Monitoring Plant Diversity in Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Tavilla Gianmarco , Crisafulli Alessandro , Minissale Pietro , Tomaselli Valeria , Adamo Maria
Published: May 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, present a cost-effective solution for the swift collection of data from vast and remote areas that are otherwise difficult to access. The Mediterranean Basin, known for being a hot spot for plant biodiversity, hosts several habitats and taxa of significant naturalistic value. However, many of these areas are often inaccessible to botanists, making exploration and research challenging. The aim of this paper is to involve the utilization of drone surveys and open-source software for botanical research. Our primary goal is to show the effectiveness of these tools in the field and demonstrate their practical application in Natura 2000 sites. The protected area chosen for this research is Rocca di Novara, situated in northeastern Sicily. Thanks to our drone investigations, we were able to capture images of the mountain’s side that is inaccessible to humans. This allowed us to observe the habitat of some species in detail. One of the most fascinating discoveries was the reappearance of Saxifraga callosa subsp. australis, which had not been confirmed in this area for over 140 years. Using drones for botanical research can boost field research, making monitoring easier and more cost-effective over time, especially in Natura 2000 sites.
Human Skin as an Ex Vivo Model for Mycobacterium leprae Maintenance and Studies of Leprosy
Authors: de Paula Natália Aparecida , Leite Marcel Nani , Bertoluci Daniele Ferreira , Soares Cleverson Teixeira , Rosa Patrícia Sammarco , Frade Marco Andrey Cipriani
Published: May 2024

The in vitro cultivation of M. leprae has not been possible since it was described as causing leprosy, and the limitation of animal models for clinical aspects makes studies on leprosy and bacteria-human host interaction a challenge. Our aim was to standardize the ex vivo skin model (hOSEC) to maintenance and study of M. leprae as an alternative animal model. Bacillary suspensions were inoculated into human skin explants and sustained in DMEM medium until 60 days. Explants were evaluated by RT-PCR-16SrRNA, and cytokines gene expression. Viability and infectivity of bacilli recovered from explant (D28 and D60) were evaluated using the Shepard’s model. All explants were RT-PCR-16srRNA positive. Viability and infectivity of recovered bacilli from explants, analyzed after 5 months of inoculation in mice showed an average positivity of 31%, being the highest positivity in the D28 groups (80%). Furthermore, our work showed different pattern in cytokines gene expression (TGF-β, IL-10, IL-8 and TNF-α) in the presence of alive or dead bacilli. Although changes can be made for improve future experiments, our results have demonstrated that it is possible to use the hOSEC to maintain M. leprae for 60 days, interacting with the host system, an important step in the development of experimental models for studies on the biology of the bacillus, its interactions, and drug susceptibility.
Eccentric Muscle Strengthening Using Maximal Contractions Is Deleterious in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Coudeyre Emmanuel , Pereira Bruno , Lechauve Jean-Baptiste , Girold Sébastien , Richard Ruddy , Dobija Lech , Lanhers Charlotte
Published: May 2024

Objectives. To show the superiority of eccentric versus concentric strengthening in terms of improving quadriceps strength in knee osteoarthritis (OA). A randomized controlled study was conducted to perform 12 sessions of either eccentric or concentric isokinetic muscle strengthening over 6 weeks Methods. We recruited males and females, aged between 40 and 70 years, with predominantly unilateral femorotibial OA. Exclusion criteria were having a prosthesis, inflammatory arthritis or flare-up of OA, symptomatic patellofemoral OA, cardio-vascular or pulmonary disease that could be a contraindication to the study treatment, and any pathology that could cause muscle weakness. The primary endpoint was the between-group difference in change in maximum concentric isokinetic knee extension peak torque (PT) at 60°/s on the OA side at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints were between-group difference in change in concentric hamstring PT at 60°/s; eccentric quadriceps and hamstring PT at 30°/s; 10 m and 200 m walking speeds; pain and functional status (WOMAC score) at 6 weeks and 6 months. Results. The sample consisted of 11 females and 27 males, with a mean age of 57.7 ±7.52 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 25.95 ±3.93 kg/m². Quadriceps strength increased more at 6 weeks in the concentric than the eccentric group with no statistical difference. There was a rate of 25% major adverse events in the eccentric group. Conclusion. Eccentric training resulted in a smaller improvement in quadriceps strength than concentric training and was associated with a high risk of muscle injury, particularly to the hamstring muscles.
New Lie Symmetries and Exact Solutions of a Mathematical Model Describing Solute Transport in Poroelastic Materials
Authors: Ab Roman Cherniha , Davydovych Vasyl' , Vorobyova Alla
Published: May 2024

A one-dimensional model for fluid and solute transport in poroelastic materials (PEM) is studied. Although the model was recently derived and some exact solutions, in particular steady-state solutions and their applications, were studied, special cases occurring when some parameters vanish were not analysed earlier. Since the governing equations are nonintegrable in nonstationary case, the Lie symmetry method and modern tools for solving ODE systems are applied in order to construct time-dependent exact solutions. Depending on parameters arising in the governing equations, several special cases with new Lie symmetries are identified. Some of them have a highly nontrivial structure that cannot be predicted from a physical point of view or using Lie symmetries of other real-world models. Applying the symmetries obtained, multiparameter families of exact solutions are constructed, including those in terms of elementary and special functions (hypergeometric, Whittaker, Bessel and modified Bessel functions). A possible application of the solutions obtained is demonstrated and it is shown that some exact solutions can describe (at least qualitatively) the solute transport in PEM. The obtained exact solutions can also be used as test problems for estimating the accuracy of approximate analytical and numerical methods for solving relevant boundary value problems.
Influencer Marketing Revolutionizes Culinary Businesses Globally
Authors: Rosyid V. M Mufti , Sampurno Feri D. , Arief Mochamad Fahmy , Mardhiyah Siti , Rahmawati Imelda Dian
Published: May 2024

This study explores the impact of influencer marketing on culinary businesses, focusing on Padang Payakumbuah restaurant. Through a literature study approach, it investigates influencer marketing's role in brand promotion, exposure, and consumer response. Data collection involves academic journals and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Results reveal that influencer marketing significantly enhances brand image and engagement. Padang Payakumbuah's success in influencer collaborations emphasizes the importance of aligning influencers with brand identity. Overall, this research highlights influencer marketing's crucial role in digital marketing for culinary businesses, providing insights for marketers to effectively engage consumers and strengthen brand promotion.
Highlights:

Enhanced Brand Image: Influencer marketing boosts brand image for culinary businesses.
Aligned Brand Identity: Successful collaborations align influencers with brand identity.
Effective Consumer Engagement: Insights for marketers to engage consumers in digital marketing.

Keywords: Influencer Marketing, Culinary Businesses, Brand Promotion, Digital Marketing, Consumer Engagement
A Study to assess the Effectivness of Planned Teaching Progamme on Dengue Fever in Terms of Knowledge
Authors:   Vibrant Nursing College, Vibrant campus, Surat, Olpa Road, Surat 394540, Gujrat, India, Tajne Alka , Patel Bhavana , Gamit Snehal , Gamit Sanjana , Gamit Suvarta ,   Vibrant Nursing College, Vibrant campus, Surat, Olpa Road, Surat 394540, Gujrat, India
Published: May 2024

The study was experimental in nature with one group pre-test post-test design. The Planned teaching programme on dengue fever was developed by reviewing the extensive. Literature on dengue fever in terms of knowledge. The samples of 60 people were selected through probability simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for generating necessary data was a structured knowledge questionnaire. The obtained data was analysed by using both descriptive and inferential statistical in terms of Mean, Standard Deviation, ‘t’value. In the overall content area, mean gain scores were comparatively higher after exposure to planned teaching programme on dengue fever findings indicate that the planned teaching programme is a suitable and effective method of instruction. On the basis of findings, the following recommendation were made: The study can be replicated on a large sample, there by findings can be generalised for a large population.
Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Millets and its Importance among Adolescents
Authors:   Associate Professor, SCPM College of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, Haripur, Gonda 271003, Uttar Pradesh, India., Beulah D. Jeya
Published: May 2024

This study entitled “Study to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding millets and its importance among adolescents in selected community area at Salempur” submitted in the year 2024. Aims: The objectives are to evaluate the pre-test knowledge regarding millets and its importance among adolescents; to evaluate the post-test knowledge regarding millets and its importance among adolescents; to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding millets and its importance among adolescents; to find out association between pre-test knowledge score with selected demographic variables among adolescents. Hypothesis: H1: There will be a significant difference between mean pre-test knowledge score than their mean post-test knowledge score regarding millets and its importance among adolescents. H2: There will be significant association between pre-test level of knowledge score and demographic variables. Design and Setting: Quasi - experimental approach with one group pre-test post-test design was adopted. Methods and Materials: 60 samples were selected by purposive sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was utilized to assess the knowledge of the samples. Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score of samples regarding was 11.95, whereas mean post-test knowledge score was 20.90 with a mean difference of 9.95 and SD pretest was 2.80 and post-test was 2.65. The calculated 't' value 38.34 was greater than tabulated 't'= 1.98 which was statistically proved at 0.05 level of significance. It revealed that the Structured Teaching Programme was effective in increasing knowledge among the participants. Conclusion: This indicates that the Structured Teaching Programme was effective to enhance the level of knowledge regarding millets and its importance among adolescents.
Effectiveness of Lakshadi Guggulu, Shatawari Churna & Abhyanga with Lakshadi tail on Menopausal Syndrome - R.C.T.
Authors:   Department of Kayachikitsa, GS Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Pilkhuwa, Hapur 245304, Uttar Pradesh, India,, Singhal Ankur , , Bhaskare Sunil ,   Department of Kayachikitsa, R.A. Podar Ayurved Medical College, Mumbai 400018, Maharashtra,
Published: May 2024

With the improvement of health facilities, the elderly population is increasing. Consequently, the number of women experiencing menopausal syndrome is also increasing. Early menopause significantly contributes to this group. Symptoms of menopause may vary from somato-vegetative, psychological to uro-genital. But we do not have a specific protocol to efficiently manage all these symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an option, but the outcomes are not satisfactory. According to a community-based cross-sectional study in 400 middle-aged women (40–60 years) in Haryana, India, in the year 2020, the prevalence of menopausal symptoms was found to be 87.7%. The majority of the study subjects experienced anxiety (80%), followed by physical and mental exhaustion (71.5%), sleep problems (61.2%), irritability (60.7%), joint and muscular discomfort (56%), and heart problems (54%). The most classical symptom of menopause, i.e., hot flushes, was reported in 36.7% of the participants. The quality of life was impaired in 70.2% of the study subjects. The psychological symptoms are attributed to 70.8% of the poor quality of life. As per the need of the hour, this study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the Indian system of medicine in managing menopausal syndrome. In this study, the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) was used as an assessment tool. The study was conducted on 100 patients aged 40 to 65 attending the Ayurveda Institute OPD. The clinical comparative study was carried out with Lakshadi Guggulu, Shatavari Churna, and Lakshadi Tail for 2 months. After the study, it can be concluded that in women with mild to moderate symptoms of menopausal syndrome, a combined treatment (Lakshadi Guggulu + Shatavari Churna + Lakshadi Tail) yields better results in both somatic and psychological complaints compared to individual interventions.
Future Scope and Strategies for Preservation of Health through Ayurveda
Authors:   Department of Kayachikitsa, Major SD Singh P.G Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, Farrukhabad 209602, Uttar Pradesh, India., Panchal Bharti
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The progress of human life largely depends on healthy body. The labor for money, status in the society and honor is not possible for an unhealthy man. As Acharya says “Dharma Artha kama mokshanam Arogya mulamuttamam” Health is most important worldwide term for ‘developing and developed countries.’ But still a confused and unaware term for common people and world also. In present scenario despite of fast progress made by modern medical science, there are continues rise in health - related disorders and people start to give importance to health when they got any life style disease element. So many health - related issues we are facing in today's life in society and we can clearly explain that we are not conscious about the real meaning of health, its importance and its management in our life. The present study focus about following Aims & objectives: To explore future scope and strategies for preservation of health through Ayurveda. To study concept of health in Ayurveda classics and other contemporary health systems. to design practical guidelines for implementing concept of health in today's society. To set model health care system and its propagation for management of life style diseases. Discussion: In present era life style disorder are very common and the root cause is not focusing and understanding what health is and if a person understands this one there is nothing left to him or her to understand. Some life style disorder are Diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, over weight, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia. We may design some protocol for prevention and protection of life style diseases. Conclusion: The Swastha is not ideal state but process of continuous change and adjustment. It is the need of time to understand the actual meaning of health and preservation of life style disorders.
Strategies for DPYD Testing Prior to Fluoropyrimidine Chemotherapy in the United States
Authors: Tracksdorf Tabea , Smith D. Max , Pearse Skyler , Cicali Emily J , Aquilante Christina L , Scott Stuart A. , Ho Teresa T , Patel Jai N , Hicks J. Kevin , Hertz Daniel L
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency are at high risk for severe and fatal toxicity from fluoropyrimidine (FP) chemotherapy. Pre-treatment DPYD testing is standard of care in many countries, but not the United States (US). This survey assessed pre-treatment DPYD testing approaches in the US to identify best practices for broader adoption.
Methods
From August to October 2023, a 22-item QualtricsXM survey was sent to institutions and clinicians known to conduct pre-treatment DPYD testing and broadly distributed through relevant organizations and social networks. Responses were analyzed using descriptive analysis.
Results
Responses from 24 unique US sites that have implemented pre-treatment DPYD testing or have a detailed implementation plan in place were analyzed. Only 33% of sites ordered DPYD testing for all FP-treated patients; at the remaining sites, patients were tested depending on disease characteristics or clinician preference. Almost 50% of sites depend on individual clinicians to remember to order testing without the assistance of electronic alerts or workflow reminders. DPYD testing was most often conducted by commercial laboratories that tested for at least the 4 or 5 DPYD variants considered clinically actionable. Approximately 90% of sites reported receiving results within 10 days of ordering.
Conclusion
Implementing DPYD testing into routine clinical practice is feasible and requires a coordinated effort among the healthcare team. These results will be used to develop best practices for the clinical adoption of DPYD testing to prevent severe and fatal toxicity in cancer patients receiving FP chemotherapy.
The Causal Relationship between Obesity and Myasthenia Gravis: A Two-Sample and Multivariate Study
Authors: Yang Mingni , Li Miaoduan , Yang Yiqiang , Song Yehua , Peng Ruiqiang
Published: May 2024

Background
Observational studies have identified a correlation between obesity and myasthenia gravis. Nonetheless, the causality of this relationship is debated. To address this, we employed Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) to investigate the causal influences of obesity-related metrics on myasthenia gravis and its subtypes.
Methods
We retrieved the summary statistics of exposure-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from publicly available genome-wide association study abstracts, and the aggregate data of myasthenia gravis and its subtypes came from the largest genome-wide association studies, to conduct univariate and multivariate MR analyses. In the primary MR analysis, we used the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, followed by weighted median, mode-based estimation, and MR-Egger regression. We further assessed the robustness of the results through a series of sensitivity analyses including MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test to detect the stability of the outcomes. Reverse MR analysis was also performed.
Results
Analysis revealed that obesity-related body composition metrics were initially linked to a heightened risk of myasthenia gravis. However, subsequent adjustments revealed that only hip circumference (Inverse Variance Weighted Odds Ratio (IVW OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.29 to 2.71, P < 0.001) and whole body fat mass (IVW OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.09, P < 0.001) exerted a significant detrimental causal effect on myasthenia gravis. In contrast, other obesity-related metrics did not demonstrate an increased risk for Late-Onset Myasthenia Gravis (LOMG) (IVW OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.24, P = 0.001), nor did obesity correlate with an increased risk of Early-Onset Myasthenia Gravis (EOMG). Further adjustments for genetic predisposition to diabetes in the multivariate analysis affirmed the significant association between hip circumference, whole body fat mass, and both types of myasthenia gravis. Additionally, reverse Mendelian Randomization analysis indicated that EOMG might elevate the risk associated with arm and leg fat mass.
Conclusion
Our findings reinforce the concept that obesity detrimentally influences myasthenia gravis, underscoring the imperative of incorporating obesity management into therapeutic strategies for this condition. Prospective investigations are essential to delineate the efficacy of obesity intervention in the prophylaxis of myasthenia gravis.
PRMT6 facilitates EZH2 protein stability by inhibiting TRAF6-mediated ubiquitination degradation to promote glioblastoma cell invasion and migration
Authors: Wang Ji , Shen Shiquan , You Jian , Wang Zhaotao , Li Yan , Chen Yanming , Tuo Yonghua , Chen Danmin , Yu Haoming , Zhang Jingbo , Wang Fangran , Pang Xiao , Xiao Zongyu , Lan Qing , Wang Yezhong
Published: May 2024

Invasion and migration are the key hallmarks of cancer, and aggressive growth is a major factor contributing to treatment failure and poor prognosis in glioblastoma. Protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6), as an epigenetic regulator, has been confirmed to promote the malignant proliferation of GBM cells in previous studies. However, the effects of PRMT6 on GBM cell invasion and migration and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that PRMT6 functions as a driver element for tumor cell invasion and migration in glioblastoma. Bioinformatics analysis and glioma sample detection results demonstrated that PRMT6 is highly expressed in mesenchymal subtype or invasive gliomas, and is significantly negatively correlated with their prognosis. Inhibition of PRMT6 (using PRMT6 shRNA or inhibitor EPZ020411) reduces GBM cell invasion and migration in vitro, whereas overexpression of PRMT6 produces opposite effects. Then, we identified that PRMT6 maintains the protein stability of EZH2 by inhibiting the degradation of EZH2 protein, thereby mediating the invasion and migration of GBM cells. Further mechanistic investigations found that PRMT6 inhibits the transcription of TRAF6 by activating the histone methylation mark (H3R2me2a), and reducing the interaction between TRAF6 and EZH2 to enhance the protein stability of EZH2 in GBM cells. Xenograft tumor assay and HE staining results showed that the expression of PRMT6 could promote the invasion of GBM cells in vivo, the immunohistochemical staining results of mouse brain tissue tumor sections also confirmed the regulatory relationship between PRMT6, TRAF6, and EZH2. Our findings illustrate that PRMT6 suppresses TRAF6 transcription via H3R2me2a to enhance the protein stability of EZH2 to facilitate GBM cell invasion and migration. Blocking the PRMT6-TRAF6-EZH2 axis is a promising strategy for inhibiting GBM cell invasion and migration.
Prevalence of Anodyspareunia and its Impact on Daily Life in a Population of Men Who Have Receptive Anal Sex: an Observational Study
Authors: Corral Javier , Gené-Škrabec Clara , Piqueras Ana , Bailón Lucía , Suñer Clara , Gámez Esther , Vela Sandra , Parés David
Published: May 2024

Background
Sexual dysfunctions (SD) may play a pivotal role in individuals' lives, impacting behaviour, lifestyle, and their ability to cope with challenges. Our aim was to analyze prevalence of anodispareunia (AD) as an important SD in Gay and Bisexual Men who have sex with Men (GB-MSM) in our environment and the factors that may influence the fact of not seeking attention.
Methods
A total of 3,629 GB-MSM participated in this cross-sectional study, recruited through an internet survey from February to April 2023.
Results
The study reveals a prevalence of pain during receptive anal intercourse (RAI) of 85.7%. Within the past 6 months, 66.8% of the participants reported experiencing pain during RAI, and 50.1% after RAI. A notable subset experienced high (7.9%) or very high (2.6%) levels of AD.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the importance of addressing AD as a critical health issue for GB-MSM and offers practical implications for healthcare professionals and policymakers. Future investigations should explore treatment for AD.
Integrated Text - Model Generation – Simulation – Machine Learning Framework for Developing a Temperature Field Model of 3-Side Protection Steel Beam
Authors: Li Yang
Published: May 2024

Automating the modelling and simulation process benefits all related areas, such as research, design, manufacturing and especially the training of machine learning models. This approachsignificantly improves the modelling efficiency and speed, providing scalability in data generation, which motivates the discovery of new patterns. In addition, consistency and reproducibility through unified modellingmethods improve accuracy by eliminating manual mistakes in repetitive processes. Machine learning provides an efficient approach foraccessing large-scale simulation data and providing insights into unknown circumstances. Three-sided protection steel beams arecommon yet rarely investigated section types in offshore oil platforms. With the top side of the upper flange exposed to fire, large convective and radiative heat fluxes are induced, leading to a rapidly descending temperature diagram along the web. The increase in thelever arm caused by the decrease in the elastic neutral axis under this temperature distribution and the decrease in the elasticity of the compressed flange cause earlier lateral torsional buckling failure compared to that of the 4-sided protection beam. To provide a close temperature profile, an integrated framework automating modelling, simulation, data processing and machining learning sequence using the ABAQUS kernel scripting method, Python and MATLAB is proposed. The modelling method automates the model generation process with inputs from a parameter text file and establishes restraints using the edge contact-detection algorithm for unusual shapes. Second, the model files (.inp) are submitted to ABAQUS, and MATLAB controls the simulation process. The output data are extracted and written into .csv files. Third, the extracted data are divided by Python code into data batches and fed to machine learning models for training. All IPE, universal beam sections and 54 weldedsections from a realistic oil processing structure with different protection limits are tested with the protection thicknesses calibrated with an optimisation program with a 5 °C allowance. The gradient boosting method achieves a root mean square error of 1.34 °C compared to the simulation results. The calculation time of the developed software with a graphical user interface is also tested with various numbersof temperature points and output intervals.
Knowledge and Attitude of Final Year Medical Students, Bahri & Khartoum Universities, Toward Palliative Care , 2022
Authors: Ahmed Assmaa Hashim Ali , Hussein Ola Sharafeldin Mohamed Elhassan
Published: May 2024

Many people worldwide need palliative care for different diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and SLE. This need for palliative care must be met by proper training in this field at the undergraduate level, to improve future doctors’ knowledge and skills. Doctors and hospitals worldwide are not adequately equipped to manage palliative care, especially the psychosocial aspect that patients at the end of life may face, and medical schools are not adequately addressing palliative care in their curriculum. This research aimed to study the knowledge and attitude of final-year medical students at Bahri and Khartoum universities toward palliative care. Method and Materials: A self-administered questionnaire was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of final-year medical students toward palliative care and assess the methods of teaching it in the medical curriculum. The questionnaire is composed of three parts: knowledge, attitude, and teaching methods questions. The questionnaire was distributed online to final-year medical students at both the University of Bahri and the University of Khartoum in Sudan. Results: Out of 568 medical students enrolled in the two universities, 259 responded. The overall knowledge of the students was found to be good, with 73% of the students answering more than half of the questions correctly. The students were found to have a poor attitude toward palliative care, with a mean score of 3.84. The majority of the students reported taking palliative care as a topic and agreed that it is mandatory to include palliative care in the medical curriculum. Those who saw palliative care as mandatory were found to have good knowledge and attitudes toward it. Conclusion: Medical students' knowledge about palliative care is good. However, their attitude toward it is poor. Palliative care is approached in the two medical schools as a topic. The two universities should consider addressing this poor attitude in the medical curriculum.
Neurofeedback modulation of insula activity via MEG-based brain-machine interface: A double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial
Authors: Yanagisawa Takufumi , Wang Yuhao , Fukuma Ryohei , Seymour Ben , Yang Huixiang , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: May 2024

Insula activity has often been linked to pain perception, making it a potential target for therapeutic neuromodulation strategies such as neurofeedback. However, it is not known whether insula activity is under cognitive control and, if so, whether this activity is consequently causally related to pain. Here, we conducted a double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial to test the modulation of insula activity and pain thresholds using neurofeedback training. Nineteen healthy subjects underwent neurofeedback training for upmodulation and downmodulation of right insula activity using our magnetoencephalography (MEG) based brain–machine interface. We observed significant differences in insula activity between the upmodulation and downmodulation training sessions. Furthermore, resting-state insula activity significantly decreased following downmodulation training compared to following upmodulation training. Compared with upmodulation training, downmodulation training was also associated with increased pain thresholds, albeit with no significant interaction effect. These findings show that humans can cognitively modulate insula activity as a potential route to develop therapeutic MEG neurofeedback systems for clinical testing.
Suture reinforcement using a modified cyanoacrylate glue prevents anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery: A prospective multicentre randomised trial.
Authors: Tomasicchio Giovanni , Martines Gennaro , Tartaglia Nicola , Buonfantino Massimo , Restini Enrico , Carlucci Barbara , Giove Carlo , Dezi Agnese , Ranieri Chiara , Logrieco Gaetano , Vincenti Leonardo , Ambrosi Antonio , Altomare Donato Francesco , De Fazio Michele , Picciariello Arcangelo
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most frequent life-threating complication following colorectal surgery. Several attempts have been made to prevent AL. This prospective, randomised, multicentre trial aimed to evaluate the role of nebulised modified cyanoacrylate in preventing AL after rectal surgery
Methods
Patients submitted to colorectal surgery for carcinoma of the high-medium rectum across five high-volume centres between June 2021 and January 2023 entered the study and were randomized into group A (anastomotic reinforcement with cyanoacrylate) and group B (no reinforcement) and followed-up for 30 days. Anastomotic reinforcement was performed via nebulization of 1 cc of a modified cyanoacrylate glue. Preoperative features and intraoperative and post-operative results were recorded and compared. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID number: NCT03941938).
Results
133 out of 152 patients (control group, n = 72; cyanoacrylate group, n = 61) completed the follow-up. Clavien–Dindo complications grade >2 were significantly higher in the control group (12.5% vs. 3.3%, p=0.04). ALs were detected in nine patients (12.5%) in the control group (four grade B and five grade C) and in four patients (6.6%), in the cyanoacrylate group (three grade B and one grade C); however, despite this trend, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.36). No adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion
Use of modified Cyanoacrylate application to seal colorectal anastomoses is safe and could help to reduce severe post-operative complications; however, its role in the AL prevention remains unclear.
Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in indoor work environments by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Marchesiello Wadir Mario Valentino , Spadaccino Giuseppina , Usman Muhammad , Nardiello Donatella , Quinto Maurizio
Published: May 2024

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are continuously emitted into the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources and rapidly spread from the atmosphere to different environments. A large group of VOCs has been included in the class of air pollutants, therefore, their determination and monitoring using reliable and sensitive analytical methods represents a key aspect of health risk assessment. In this work, an untargeted approach is proposed for the evaluation of the exposure to volatile organic compounds of workers in an engine manufacturing plant by GC-MS measurements, coupled with Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME). The analytical procedure was optimized in terms of SPME fiber, adsorption time, desorption time, and temperature gradient of the chromatographic run. For the microextraction of VOCs, the SPME fibers were exposed to the air in two different zones of the manufacturing factory, i.e., in the mixing painting chamber and the engine painting area. Moreover, the sampling was carried out with the painting system active and running (system on) and with the painting system switched off (system off). Overall, 212 compounds were identified, but only 17 were always present in both zones (mixing painting chamber and engine painting area), regardless of system conditions (on or off). Finally, a semi-quantitative evaluation was performed considering the peak area value of the potentially most toxic compounds by multivariate data analyses.
Optimization of additively manufactured parts for direct screwing
Authors: Moritzer Elmar , Held Christian
Published: May 2024

The combination of additive manufacturing and direct screwing can reduce the limitations of the additive manufacturing such as long manufacturing times and high costs for expanding building spaces. Direct screwing allows components to be assembled into larger components and added to assemblies for functional integration. Therefore, large building spaces can be avoided and useful integration of additive components into serial production is possible. While guidelines for direct screwing of injection molded thermoplastic components are provided by the German Welding Society, there are no recommendations for additively manufactured components. Preliminary investigation at the Kunststofftechnik Paderborn have shown that recommendations for injection molded components cannot be applied to additively manufactured components. Since the layered manufacturing process additively manufactured components are anisotropic, the strength of the components depends on the build orientation. For the optimization, the geometry and the shape of additively manufactured screw domes are varied. To account for the anisotropy, the screw domes are built in three different orientations. The goal is to improve the strength of additively manufactured screw domes and to prevent delamination in critical orientations. The results show that a suitable shape optimization was found that improves the strength and neglects the occurrence of delamination.
Application of Machine Learning to Forecast Drought Index for the Mekong Delta
Authors: Duc Phong
Published: May 2024

Droughts have a substantial effect on water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems on a worldwide scale. In the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, droughts exacerbated by climate change are significantly endangering the region's agricultural sustainability and output. Conventional forecasting techniques frequently do not capture the intricate dynamics of meteorological phenomena associated to drought effectively, prompting the exploration of more advanced methodologies. This work utilises artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning methods like Gradient Boosting and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), to enhance drought prediction in the Mekong Delta. The study utilises data from 11 meteorological stations spanning from 1990 to 2022 to create and evaluate Machine Learning models based on several climatic factors. We utilise Gradient Boosting and XGBoost algorithms to estimate the Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and evaluate their effectiveness in comparison to conventional forecasting techniques. The results show that Machine Learning, particularly XGBoost, surpasses traditional approaches in predicting SPEI accuracy at various time scales. XGBoost demonstrates skill in understanding the complex relationships between climatic factors, with R² values falling between 0.90 and 0.94 for 1-month forecasts. The progress highlights the potential of Machine Learning in improving drought management and adaptation tactics, proposing the incorporation of Machine Learning forecasting models into decision-making processes to enhance drought resistance in susceptible areas.
Pre-analytical validity of arterial blood gas samples: A prospective experimental study on changes derived from time delay and mechanical stress
Authors: Gutermuth Max , Ihmsen Harald , Krischke Frederick , Moritz Andreas , Prottengeier Johannes
Published: May 2024

Background: Time delays and mechanical stress of samples obtained for Point of Care (POC) blood gas analyses are common; however, their influence on the results of these analyses has not been systematically investigated. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of prolonged time before analysis and mechanical manipulation on pre-analytical stability of biomarkers and thus the validity of the results of blood gas analyses.
Methods: We collected blood samples from 240 patients in a university surgical intensive care unit. These samples were immediately analyzed following the clinical standard operating procedures. Subsequently, the sample containers were allowed to rest for 60 min, then subjected to standardized mechanical forces, and analyzed again. We analyzed 13 typical blood gas biomarkers, comprising respiratory gases, electrolytes, and protein biomarkers. Bland–Altman plots were prepared to analyze the differences between the test runs. The differences between the test groups were compared against the official limits of accuracy specified in the German requirements for quality assurance of medical laboratory tests.
Results: For hemoglobin, creatinine, glucose, and electrolytes (including calcium, sodium, chlorine, and bicarbonate), the agreement between the immediate and post-interference-treatment analyses was within the ranges specified in the official requirements. For pH and potassium, the deviations were outside the quality assurance ranges but within a clinically acceptable measurement accuracy. Only oxygen partial pressure and lactate levels were altered to such an extent that they can no longer be used for clinical purposes.
Conclusion: Even after a 60 minutes time delay and excessive mechanical stress, selected blood gas analysis biomarkers such as Hemoglobin, Glucose, Sodium, Calcium, Chloride, and Bicarbonate could be considered valid. Potassium and pCO2 were altered but suitable for approximation purposes. Findings for pO2 and Lactate were generally incorrect. In the future, in selected settings, these findings can aid in reducing unnecessary blood sampling in vulnerable patients.
Structural Basis of Frizzled 7 Activation and Allosteric Regulation
Authors: Schulte Gunnar , Bous Julien , Kinsolving Julia , Grätz Lukas , Scharf Magdalena , Voss Jan , Slecuk Bercay , Adebali Ogün
Published: May 2024

Frizzleds (ten paralogs: FZD1 − 10) belong to the class F of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which remains poorly understood despite its crucial role in multiple key biological functions including embryonic development, stem cell regulation, and homeostasis in the adult. FZD7, one of the most studied members of the family, is more specifically involved in the migration of mesendoderm cells during the development and renewal of intestinal stem cells in adults. Moreover, FZD7 has been highlighted for its involvement in tumor development predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract. This study reports the structure of inactive FZD7, without any stabilizing mutations, determined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at 1.9Å resolution. We characterized a fluctuating water pocket in the core of the receptor important for FZD7 dynamics. Molecular dynamics simulations were then used to investigate the temporal distribution of those water molecules and their importance for potential conformational changes in FZD7. Moreover, we identified lipids interacting with the receptor core and a conserved cholesterol-binding site, which displays a key role in FZD7 association with a transducer protein, Dishevelled (DVL), and initiation of downstream signaling and signalosome formation.
Teaser
Structural analysis of FZD7 reveals a water pocket and a functional cholesterol critical for receptor signaling.
An early warning of the risks of crossing global warming thresholds
Authors: Jackson Lawrence , Schleussner Carl-Friedrich , Rosen Debbie , Forster Piers
Published: May 2024

The question of if or when the 1.5°C Paris Agreement threshold is crossed is of great public and scientific interest. A single year above 1.5°C does not necessarily imply that the Paris Agreement threshold is reached but may provide warning of crossing 1.5°C. We find that, under current emissions policies, annual temperatures exceeding 1.5°C in three individual years suggests that it is very likely (90-100% chance) that human-induced global warming has reached 1.5°C. A single year above 1.5°C could occur up to 12 years (very likely range) before the Paris Agreement threshold is reached. A single year above 1.4°C, as occurred in 2023, suggests a crossing of the Paris Agreement threshold within 7-14 years (likely range) under current policies. The observed global temperature change in 2023 is an urgent warning of the need for stringent emissions reductions in this critical decade to keep the Paris Agreement 1.5°C threshold within reach.