bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First U-pb (CA-ID-TIMS) Radioisotopic Dating of the Uppermost Permian Coal Interval in the Minusinsk Coal Basin (Siberia, Russia)
Authors: Silantiev Vladimir V. , Arbuzov Sergey I. , Tichomirowa Marion , Käßner Alexandra , Izmailova Alsu Kh. , Ilenok Sergey S. , Soktoev Bulat R. , Nurgalieva Nouria G. , Gutak Yaroslav M. , Felker Anastasia S. , Porokhovnichenko Lyubov G. , Eliseev Nikolai A. , Zharinova Veronika V. , Nurieva Evgenia M. , Urazaeva Milyausha N.
Published: July 2024

This study presents the first U-Pb (CA-ID-TIMS) radioisotopic dating of zircon grains extracted from tonsteins (altered volcanic ashfalls) within the uppermost Permian coal interval of the Minusinsk Coal Basin (Siberia, Russia). Petrographic, structural, and mineralogical analyses confirm the volcanic ash origin of the tonsteins. The parent pyroclastic material is identified as rhyolite-pantellerite for tonstein I-22 and dacite-rhyodacite for tonstein I-12. Morphological analysis of zircon crystals, along with cathodoluminescence and melt inclusion studies, confirms their volcanic origin and crystallisation temperatures of 700–900ºC. New radioisotopic dates of 261.4 ± 0.7 Ma and 261.3 ± 0.4 Ma clarify the age of the Izykh Formation, enabling its direct correlation with the Capitanian Stage of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. The results emphasise the possible discontinuity of the coal-bearing succession of southern Angaraland and highlight the potential for further stratigraphic refinement through continued radioisotopic dating of tonsteins.
An Integrated Approach Based on Clinical Data Together with Metabolites and Biomarkers for the Assessment of the Postoperative Complications after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Meinarovich Peter , Pautova Alisa , Zuev Evgenii , Sorokina Ekaterina , Chernevskaya Ekaterina , Beloborodova Natalia
Published: July 2024

Background: Early diagnosis of postoperative complications is an urgent task, allowing timely prescribing of appropriate therapy and reducing the cost of patient treatment. Prognostic models based on various data could help in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine whether an integrated approach based on clinical data along with metabolites and biomarkers had greater predictive value than the models built on less data. Methods: The study included patients (n=62) admitted for planned cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass), who were retrospectively divided into two groups depending on the presence (n=26) or absence (n=36) of postoperative complications of all types. Clinical and laboratory data on the first day after surgery were analyzed. Additionally, patients' blood samples were collected before and on the first day after surgery to determine biomarkers (interleukin-6, procalcitonin, NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity troponin T) and metabolites (8 aromatic and 2 dicarboxylic acids were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Results: Patients before surgery, compared with healthy donors, differed in the concentration of metabolites (p < 0.05), and had concentrations of a number of biomarkers exceeding the corresponding reference values. Multivariate PLS-DA models, predicting the presence or absence of postoperative complications, were built using clinical data (ROC-AUC=0.71), concentrations of metabolites and biomarkers (ROC-AUC=0.60), and the entire data set (ROC-AUC=0.75). For comparison we built univariate models using the EuroScore2 (ROC-AUC=0.59) and SOFA (ROC-AUC=0.76) scales; concentrations of lactate (ROC-AUC=0.71), the dynamic changes of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (ROC-AUC=0.69), and the sum of three sepsis-associated metabolites (ROC-AUC=0.70). The proposed complex model using entire data set was comparable to the SOFA scale, which confirms the expediency of searching for new predictive models based on a variety of factors.
6′-Sialyllactose Enhances Exercise Performance via Increased Muscle Mass and Strength
Authors: Park Eun Jung , Kim Lila , Lee Jie-Oh , Lee Hayyoung , Kim Yong An , Go Hiroe
Published: July 2024

Sialyllactose (SL) is a functional human milk oligosaccharide essential for immune support,
brain development, intestinal maturation, and antiviral defense. However, despite its
established health benefits, the effect of SL on exercise performance and muscle mass in mice
remains unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate, for the first time, the effects of 6′-SL on
muscle functions. Seven-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were administered 100 mg/kg 6′-SL
for 12 weeks, after which exhaustive treadmill performance, muscle strength, and muscle
phenotype were examined. The administration of 6′-SL significantly improved exhaustive
treadmill performance metrics, including distance and exhaustion time. Grip strength was also
increased by 6′-SL administration. Additionally, 6′-SL increased muscle mass in both the
gastrocnemius (GAS) and soleus. 6′-SL administration led to an increase in the minimum
Feret’s diameter and the protein expression of total myosin heavy chain in the GAS muscle. In
conclusion, 6′-SL administration in vivo led to increased running distance and time by
increasing muscle mass and strength. These findings collectively indicate that 6′-SL is a
potential agent for improving muscle health and exercise performance.
Mineralogical and Textural Analysis of Natural Hercynite-Spinel Compounds
Authors: González-Jacquez Andrés I. , Murillo-Ramírez Jose G. , Modesto-Acosta Cesar , Herrera-Perez Guillermo , Campos-Venegas Karla , Leyva-Porras César
Published: July 2024

This work reports a characterization of crystallographic phases and chemical composition of hercynite-spinel (FeAl2O4) natural long crystals and their powders using X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma mass spectrometry, and mineralographic/petrographic analysis. The samples studied show a high content of hercynite with Neumann bands/Widmanstätten patterns, coexisting with other crystallographic phases such as corundum, spinel (MgAl2O4), esseneite, kamacite, hedenbergite, pseudobrookite, and ulvospinel. The diffractograms of two of the samples examined exhibit an extraordinary sharpness of the diffraction peaks that determines a high degree of crystallinity, which is hard to obtain in hercynite synthesized by artificial methods. In addition, the hercynite natural samples are less porous than the artificially synthesized hercynite. The x-ray diffraction pattern of one of the pulverized crystalline samples allowed us to estimate the percentage of the main phases present. The crystallographic existent phases with the highest participation in one of the spinel samples were hercynite (43.4%), corundum (18.7%), spinel (18.4%), esseneite (17.2%), and kamacite with a 2.3 %. These results contribute to the structural characterization of this unique material widely used in many technological applications.
Prevalence of mycotoxins in raw materials and infant flours produced in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bayala-Yaї Léa K. A. , Nikièma Philippe A. , Bazié Raoul B. , Nikièma Fulbert , Simpore Jacques
Published: July 2024

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites secreted mainly by molds. The contamination of the raw materials used in the production of infant flours by these mycotoxins presents a risk to the health of infants and young children who are the main consumers of these flours. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of mycotoxins in raw materials and in infant flours from Burkina Faso. Analyses were carried out on 39 samples of raw materials and 26 samples of infant flour collected from artisanal and semi-industrial production units. The contents of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, FB1 and OTA were determined by LCMS/MS. The results indicated a variability in the contents of total aflatoxins (AFs), FB1 and OTA within the samples of raw materials. Also, 79.49% of the raw materials contaminated by total aflatoxins were above the maximum limit value and 61.54% of these raw materials had AFB1 levels above the recommended limit value. The highest levels of AFs were found in peanuts and maize. OTA was very present in soybean samples. The occurrence of mycotoxins was highly variable in infant flours within the same production unit (p < 0.001). and between different units (p < 0.001). Infant flours produced by artisanal production units had higher AFB1 contents than those produced by semi-industrial units. The need to control these mycotoxins is essential in order to considerably reduce their contamination and exposure in infants and young children and to preserve their health.
Large Language Models in Healthcare Decision Support: A Review
Authors: Vavekanand Raja , Karttunen Pinja , Xu Yue , Milani Stephanie , Li Huao
Published: July 2024

Large language models (LLMs) have recently garnered significant attention due to their remarkable ability to assimilate vast amounts of information and effectively process natural language. In healthcare, natural language constitutes a substantial portion of medical data, rendering LLMs highly promising for various healthcare applications. This study seeks to explore the potential of LLMs in healthcare and clinical decision support (CDS), following PRISMA guidelines for reviews. The analysis encompasses 44 LLMs, each influenced by several factors impacting their performance. Notably, the datasets utilized for pretraining and finetuning processes play a crucial role in determining the model’s domain specificity. Furthermore, distinct model architectures are tailored for specific tasks, while prompting strategies are frequently employed to refine and enhance the model’s performance. LLMs exhibit considerable promise for a wide array of healthcare applications. For instance, LLMs possess the potential to handle and analyze medical information efficiently, facilitate contextual understanding among clinicians and patients, as well as automate the documentation of clinical notes and reports. Presently, however, their implementation within the field remains limited. Notable improvements have been witnessed in the performance of current healthcare-oriented LLMs, with some achieving expert-level competence in medical question-answering (MQA). However, these LLMs face prominent challenges, encompassing ethical concerns, issues related to accountability, and a lack of appropriate regulations. Nevertheless, this study reveals numerous promising applications in healthcare where LLMs could significantly augment the efficiency, accessibility, and manageability of healthcare delivery. Addressing the challenges LLMs encounter is essential for their seamless integration into practical healthcare applications. As a relatively new technology, the development of LLMs is still in its early stages, but their potential is evident through this study. Consequently, fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, developers, regulators, and other stakeholders is imperative to cultivate dependable LLMs that align with the demands of the healthcare sector.
Principles of the Sub-Econ Dynamics The Econ-Dynamics and the Standard Model (Ⅲ)
Authors: Yang Yingrui
Published: July 2024

The sub-economic dynamics studies the relationship between people's economic impulses and market behavior. Using Bourbaki structuralism as a philosophical consideration and quantum chromodynamics as a conceptual and modeling method, sub-economic dynamics theory is constructed. In this theory, we discuss the deep structure of the free market and analyze the errors in Mises' anthropological arguments. Sub-economic dynamics is the psychological basis of market dynamics. Guided by the preface, this paper is divided into six sections: (1) The Free Market and Impulse Flavor Charge, including topics such as the fate of the free market, the food chain and psychology, and the flavor charge of economic impulses; (2) The Nature of Economic Impulses, including topics such as the flavor and generation of impulses and counter-impulses, and the bound state of impulses and fractional market charges; (3) Freud's Flavor Charge Space and Spin, including topics such as the Pauli exclusion principle and flavor charge, and Freud's personality theory; (4) Consciousness and Gluons; (5) Gauge Transformations and SU(3) Symmetry Group; and (6) General Discussion.
El potencial del veneno de araña para la prevención de enfermedades cardíacas
Authors: Irigoyen Chaparro Victor Alfonso
Published: July 2024

Un grupo de investigadores de la Universidad de Queensland abordó una investigación sobre la molécula Hi1a, presente en el veneno de la araña de embudo K'gari, que demuestra un potencial prometedor como tratamiento innovador capaz de disminuir el daño al corazón y al cerebro en ataques cardíacos o accidentes cerebrovasculares, al prevenir la muerte celular ocasionada por la ausencia de oxígeno. Los resultados mostraron que esta molécula es capaz de evitar la disfunción cardíaca asociada con el infarto de miocardio. Asimismo, también se observó que solo interactúa con las células en la zona lesionada del corazón durante un ataque, sin unirse a regiones sanas.
Las bacterias y el cáncer, explorando la oculta relación
Authors: Olivares Muñoz Kevin Iván
Published: July 2024

Un estudio realizado por investigadores mexicanos muestra cómo las bacterias que viven en nuestro cuerpo podrían influir en la salud. Este estudio comparó las bacterias presentes en el tracto vaginal de mujeres mexicanas con y sin cáncer de cuello uterino. Los resultados mostraron diferencias en la composición de estas bacterias sugiriendo que estos microorganismos podrían tener un papel en el desarrollo de la enfermedad. Este descubrimiento abre la puerta a usar las bacterias como indicadores de salud y podría llevar al desarrollo de nuevos tratamientos, como los probióticos, para mejorar nuestra salud.
Analysis of designs of drive mechanisms of medium voltage vacuum contactors
Authors: Leliuk Mykola , Sereda Oleksandr , Sereda Olena , Lytvynenko Victoriia
Published: July 2024

One of the main elements of medium voltage vacuum contactors is the drive mechanism, which includes an electromagnet. In existing models of contactors, two types of electromagnets are used: monostable non-polarized electromagnets with a return spring or bistable polarized without a return spring. It was found that the use of polarized electromagnets in combination with a microprocessor control system expands the functionality of the contactor and makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the electromagnets, their overall dimensions and weight, while achieving significant armature holding forces. The designs of polarized electromagnets, which were developed at the Department of Electrical Apparatus in recent years, are considered. Their shortcomings were identified and a new design of a bistable polarized electromagnet was proposed, a computer model of the contactor developed in the KOMPAS-3D package was built. The counteracting characteristic of the mechanical system of the contactor, which is brought to the axis of the electromagnet and the stroke of the armature, is constructed, the forces that must be created by the electromagnet in the on and off position for reliable operation are determined. The FEMM model of the experimental sample of a bistable polarized electromagnet was developed and the calculation was carried out in the on and off positions. The possibility of using a new design of an electromagnet in a medium-voltage vacuum contactor has been confirmed.
Kollaboratív írás a tanárképzésben: egy részvételi pilotvizsgálat tanulságai
Authors: Szabó Gergely , Boda Virág Kata , Marczell Soma , Bodó Csanád
Published: July 2024

A kollaboratív írás két vagy több alkotó aktív részvételét jelenti egyetlen szöveg létrehozásában. Noha az oktatás általában a szövegírásra egyetlen szerző magányos tevékenységeként tekint, amelyhez egyéni íráskészségre van szükség, a kollaboratív írás technikája és pedagógiai módszere arra világít rá, hogy az íráson keresztül fejleszthető az együttműködési képesség, a közös tevékenységen keresztül pedig javítható az egyéni írásbeli teljesítmény is. A tanulmány egy részvételi pilotvizsgálatot mutat be, amelynek során tanár szakos egyetemi hallgatók maguk gyakorolták a reciprok kollaboratív írás technikáját narratív szövegek megalkotásakor, elemezték részvételüket az írás folyamatában, és megtervezték a módszer alkalmazását saját tanári praxisukban. A tanulmány egyfelől mérőeszközöket ismertet a kollaboratív írás folyamatának és eredményességének a vizsgálatára, másfelől arra keresi a választ, hogy az íráseseményeken részt vevő hallgatók viszonya az íráshoz hogyan változik a beavatkozás során.
What Are the Differences between Traditional Indian Epistemic Culture and Classical Western Epistemic Culture?
Authors: Kanaeva Nataliya ,   HSE University
Published: July 2024

The paper presented to the reader’s attention pursues two goals. The first is a substantiation of the productivity of the concept “epistemic culture” (hereinafter – EC) as a tool of historico-philosophical intercultural research by the example of its application to the interpretation of the meanings of Indian logico-epistemological texts. The second is a demonstration of differences in understanding the purposes and ideals of cognition in traditional Indian EC, and in the Western classical EC with its scientific orientation. Wholeness of the foundations of traditional theoretical knowledge in India, and the leading role of religion in the process of its elaboration (1) led to a different understanding of the aims (2) and ideals (3) of cognition than those which took shape in Western theoretical knowledge, and which became the basis of the scientific revolution of the XVII century. The absence of the concept of the Divine Reason in Indian culture also prevented the formation in EC of the concepts of absolute (4) and objective (5) truth, human reason (6) and rationality (7) as criteria for the truth results of cognition. Indian philosophers placed the superintelligent comprehension (anubhava, pratibhāsa) (8) of the supreme truth (paramārtha) at the top of the hierarchy of cognitive abilities. The eight listed features of the Indian EC determined significant differences in the orientations of civilizational development in India and in the West: invariable orientation to the life “according to dharma”, getting rid of the suffering of the material world – in the Indian civilization, and to a material prosperous life based on technogenic development – in the West from the modernity.
Advancing Spatial Repellents for Malaria Control: Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a spatial repellent under operational use in Northern Uganda: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nakyaze Esther , VanHulle Suzanne , Hembling John , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Mbodji Momar T , Alwano Mary Grace , Lamwaka Felly C , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Gonahasa Samuel Gonahasa , Liu Fang , Grieco John P. , Achee Nicole L.
Published: July 2024

Background: Spatial Repellents (SRs) have been widely used for the prevention of mosquito bites, and preliminary findings suggest efficacy against both malaria (1) and Aedes-borne viruses (2)but their effectiveness in reducing mosquito borne diseases under operational use has never been evaluated. SRs have the potential of being critical tools in the prevention of mosquito borne diseases in contexts where typical vectors control strategies, such as Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying, are inaccessible or underutilized such as among displaced persons or in emergency relief settings.
Methods: Children will be enrolled in 3 separate cohorts to establish effectiveness of SRs in reducing malaria infection in different distribution channels. One cohort will estimate the direct effect of the SR distributed through a reference channel (study personnel distribution). The two remaining cohorts will estimate the protection of the SR distributed through a voucher channel and Village Health Team channel. Cohorts will be followed twice a month (approximately every 15 days): during the first scheduled household visit in the month, a blood sample will be taken for malaria rapid diagnostic test (Monthly Visit #1); and, during the second scheduled household visit, a blood sample will only be taken if the participant has a recent history of fever (Monthly Visit #2). The incidence of malaria in each cohort will be estimated and compared to the reference cohort to determine the benefit of using a SR in an area with high, year-round transmission of malaria.
Discussion: This study will address the knowledge gap of whether or not SRs are effective in reducing human malaria disease in humanitarian assistance and emergency response settings in sub-Saharan Africa where underlying transmission rates are historically high and ITNs may or may not be widely deployed. This research will inform policy makers on whether to recommend SRs as a means to further reduce malaria transmission for such operational programs.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06122142, registered November 8, 2023.
Botulinum Toxin Type A: Efficacy in the management of Lower Limb Spasticity in Children with Genetic Disorders
Authors: Saleh Dina Amin , Ashraf Mohamed , Halim George , Ali Mohamed , Nassef Marwa A , Farouk Nermine , Sabry Tamer M , Awad Ahmed Abdellatif , Ghany Walid Abdel
Published: July 2024

Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT) is a well-established therapeutic modality for the treatment of lower limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.
Objective: To assess the functional outcomes and tolerability of BoNT injection for the treatment of lower limb spasticity in children with neurometabolic/genetic disorders.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review for history, demographic data, comorbidities, neurological examination, and neuroimaging findings for all patients diagnosed with neurometabolic/genetic disorders from December 2020 to December 2022. The outcomes were assessed by recording the Gross Motor Function Classification system (GMFCS) for Cerebral Palsy "Initially and after 6 months' post-treatment", the Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) "initially and at 1,3,6 month post-treatment" and the achieved preset functional goals using the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) at 4-6 months post-treatment.
Results:
A total of 90% of the patients showed improvement in their GAS scores, with 20% achieving the preset goal, 55% achieving a better outcome than anticipated and 15% achieving the best possible outcome. Furthermore, the GMFCS and MAS scores showed a significant statistical improvement after six months post-injection (p=0.02, p=0.03), respectively. None of the patients developed serious adverse effects except one who had mitochondrial cytopathy.
Conclusion:
BoNT injections were effective and showed a high safety profile in children with neurometabolic/genetic disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first study that specifically targets this patient population, filling a gap in the literature and providing valuable insights into the potential benefits of BoNT injections for this group. However, further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
Comprehensive assessment of heavy metal leaching behavior and environmental risk from antimony mine tailings
Authors: Wang Yidan , Liu Pu , Zhang Yingdan , Chen Weixiao , Zou Shanshan
Published: July 2024

A large amount of abandoned antimony tailing slag piled up in the open air has been released and migrated to the surrounding environment under the weathering and leaching effects, causing heavy metal pollution. The evaluation of heavy metal contamination of antimony tailings slag is essential. In this study, the indices Igeo, Cf, and Er were used to evaluate the risk of heavy metal contamination of slag from an open antimony mine tailings pile in southwest China. These indices were weighted to produce a composite evaluation reflecting the level of risk of heavy metal contamination as:PERs(Sb)>PERs(As)>PERs(Zn)=PERs(Cd)>PERs(Ni)>PERs(Pb)>PERs(Cr)>PERs(Cu). To verify the accuracy of the comprehensive evaluation results, an experimental study was carried out on slag samples using static leaching experiments. The results indicate that the exact amount of release is related to its release mechanism and that it was found to be more accurate for the combined evaluation of Sb, Zn, and Ni. Additionally, water samples were evaluated using principal component analysis to refine the comprehensive evaluation. Ni and Zn contamination was also found to be of concern. Furthermore, this study highlights an optimization methodology for heavy metal pollution risk evaluation.
Engineering canopy architecture with enhanced yield through variety, geometry alterations and PGRs suiting mechanized cotton cultivation
Authors: Dhamodharan Paramasivam , Somasundaram SELVARAJ , Thirukumaran KANDASAMY , Kavitha RAMASAMY , Ravichandran VEERASAMY , Anantharaju POKKHARU
Published: July 2024

Background With increasing labor challenges, achieving complete mechanization in cotton cultivation has become an urgent necessity in India. For mechanized cotton cultivation, it is necessary to have appropriate variety with designed canopy architecture. The required canopy architecture with higher seed cotton yield may be attained through optimizing crop geometry and spraying of plant growth regulators like mepiquat chloride. Also, application of mepiquat chloride alters canopy architecture in cotton by creating a more compact canopy suited for mechanization. In this study, we have optimized the different crop geometries and also studied the growth and yield potential of different desi varieties viz., CO 17, VPT 2 and Suraksha with respect to plant growth regulators. This study mainly deals with growth, physiology, dry matter production and yield of each compact cultivars by application of plant growth regulators grown under diverse spatial patterns.Results Among the three varieties tested, Suraksha variety significantly recorded optimum plant height, accumulated more dry matter in fruiting bodies, produced more sympodial branches and boll numbers per plant, and higher seed cotton yield compared to CO 17 and VPT 2 varieties. Increased plant densities significantly increased the dry matter production because of higher plant population per unit area. However, wider spacing of 90 cm significantly recorded greater plant height, more sympodial branches and boll numbers per plant, and seed cotton yield compared to narrow spacing of 70 cm. The combined application of mepiquat chloride with cyclanilide @ 400 ppm at square initiation and boll development stages had significantly increased the sympodial branches and number of bolls per plant, accumulated more biomass content in fruiting bodies and increased seed cotton yield, whereas application of mepiquat chloride alone accumulated more biomass content in vegetative parts and recorded greater plant height, and internodal distance.Conclusion Suraksha variety sown under spacing 90 x 15 cm and treated with mepiquat chloride with cyclanilide @ 400 ppm at square initiation and boll development stages resulted in higher number of bolls per plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield under mechanized cultivation. This combination also produced a desired plant architecture suitable for mechanical harvesting.
Performance and safety of Kangduo surgical robot versus da Vinci robotic system for urologic surgeries
Authors: LI XUEXIN , wang fengjiao
Published: July 2024

Objective: Kangduo (KD) surgical robot is a novel robotic system in China, and some animal experiments and single-arm clinical trials have indicated its effectiveness, feasibility, and safety for urologic surgeries. This study intended to compare the performance and safety of the KD surgical robot with the da Vinci (DV) robotic system in patients who received urologic surgeries.
Methods: A total of 201 patients who received urologic surgeries were divided into the KD group (N=60) and the DV group (N=141) according to the actual surgical methods.
Results: The median (range) operation time [180.0 (30.0-540.0) minutes vs. 130.0 (70.0-360.0) minutes] (P<0.001) and indwelling time of abdominal drainage tube [5.0 (2.0-14.0) days vs. 3.0 (2.0-18.0) days] (P<0.001) were longer, but the intraoperative blood loss [50.0 (10.0-200.0) mL vs. 50.0 (10.0-400.0) mL] (P<0.001) was less in the KD group than the DV group. The median values of white blood cells at the 1st (P=0.032) and 3rd (P=0.022) day after surgery were decreased in the KD group compared to the DV group. The incidence of infection (11.7% vs. 29.1%) (P=0.008) and fever (15.0% vs. 30.5%) (P=0.023) was lower in the KD group compared to the DV group. Postoperative and follow-up parameters, including time of uracratia improvement, administration of hemostatic, pain numeric rating scale score, Barthel’s index score, and patient satisfaction, were not different between the two groups (all P>0.05).
Conclusion: The KD surgical robot unveils satisfactory surgical performance compared to the DV robotic system in patients receiving urologic surgeries.
Discovery of a major QTL for resistance to the guava root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii) in ‘Tanzania’, an African landrace sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Fraher Simon , Schwarz Tanner , Heim Chris , Gesteira Gabriel De Siqueira , Mollinari Marcelo , Pereira Guilherme Da Silva , Zeng Zhao-Bang , Brown-Guedira Gina , Gorny Adrienne , Yencho Craig
Published: July 2024

Sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (2n = 6x = 90), is among the world’s most important food crops and is North Carolina’s most important vegetable crop. The recent introduction of Meloidogyne enterolobii poses a significant economic threat to North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry and breeding resistance into new varieties has become a high priority for the US sweetpotato industry. Previous studies have shown that ‘Tanzania’, a released African landrace, is resistant to M. enterolobii. We screened the biparental sweetpotato mapping population, ‘Tanzania’ x ‘Beauregard’, for resistance to M. enterolobii by inoculating 246 full-sibs with 10,000 eggs each under greenhouse conditions. ‘Tanzania’, the female parent, was highly resistant, while ‘Beauregard’ was highly susceptible. Our bioassays exhibited strong skewing toward resistance for three measures of resistance: reproductive factor, eggs per gram of root tissue, and root gall severity ratings. A 1:1 segregation for resistance suggested a major gene conferred M. enterolobii resistance. Using a random-effect multiple interval mapping model, we identified a single major QTL, herein designated as qIbMe-4.1, on linkage group 4 that explained 70% of variation in resistance to M. enterolobii. This study provides a new understanding of the genetic basis of M. enterolobii resistance in sweetpotato and represents a major step towards the identification of selectable markers for nematode resistance breeding.
Evaluating the Impact of Water-Cement Ratios on the Compressive Strength and Water Absorption of Coal Bottom Ash Concrete
Authors: Meh Ku Muhammad Firdaus Ku , Omar Zaim
Published: July 2024

Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) is an industrial byproduct generated in significant quantities due to increased power consumption. Utilizing CBA as a sand replacement in concrete is considered a promising innovation for producing environmentally friendly concrete. However, determining the precise water-cement (WC) ratio is challenging due to the highly porous nature of CBA. This study examines the impact of WC ratio on the compressive strength and water absorption of CBA concrete. Concrete samples with WC ratios of 0.40, 0.45, and 0.50, incorporating 0%, 10%, and 20% CBA replacement, were evaluated. Results indicated that an increase in both CBA percentage and WC ratio led to a decrease in compressive strength and an increase in water absorption. However, with extended curing periods, compressive strength improved, and water absorption decreased. The target strength of CBA concrete was achievable with up to 20% CBA and a WC ratio between 0.40 and 0.45. A significant correlation between compressive strength and water absorption was identified for WC ratios of 0.40 and 0.45, as evidenced by the correlation coefficient (R2). Conversely, the R2 value for a WC ratio of 0.50 showed no clear relationship between these factors.
The Role of Digital Finance on FDI inflow: Facilitator or Inhibitor?
Authors: Jiang Min , Zhou Wei , Zong Jiani
Published: July 2024

Digital finance, as an innovative form of financing, has a distinct impact on FDI inflow compared to traditional finance. This paper provides a theoretical analysis of the impact of digital finance on FDI inflow from both supply-side and demand-side perspectives. Based on data from prefecture-level cities in China, this study reveals the significant role of digital finance in facilitating FDI inflow. The advancement of digital finance not only enhances financial market efficiency and attracts foreign investments through its financial effects but also stimulates regional innovation, entrepreneurship, and consumer spending, resulting in increased FDI inflow due to its economic effects. The comparative analysis suggests that traditional financial development impedes FDI inflow. Traditional finance can alleviate its inhibitory effect on FDI inflow by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, but it lacks financial effects and cannot attract FDI by expanding the consumer market. The divergent roles of these two financial forms may be attributed to China's traditional finance focusing on scale expansion, while digital finance enhances financial efficiency for qualitative development.
JEL classification : E44, F21, G10
Isolation and characterization of ɸEcM-vB1 bacteriophage targeting multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Abozahra Rania , Shlkamy Dina , Abdelhamid Sarah M.
Published: July 2024

Multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli has become a concerning issue for humans worldwide. Currently, scientists are considering the use of bacteriophages in medicine as a promising alternative to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to screen for, isolate, and characterize a novel bacteriophage with confirmed lytic activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli. A clinical MDR E. coli strain was selected among 65 isolates and identified by the VITEK2 system, and the disc diffusion method was utilized to evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity profile. A bacteriophage, designated ɸEcM-vB1, was isolated from sewage water via the enrichment method and double agar overlay technique. The lysis profile of the isolated phage against MDR E. coli was evaluated by a spot test. Transmission electron microscope was used to determine phage morphology. The growth kinetics (latent period and burst size), genomic analysis and total protein content were determined. ɸEcM-vB1 bacteriophage exhibited high lytic activity against different MDR E. coli isolates and maintained relatively high activity under broad environmental conditions of temperature (40–60°C) and in a wide pH range (3–11). It belongs to the Myoviridae family of the caudovirales order. Single-step growth curve analysis revealed that the latent period of our phage was 10 minutes, and its average burst size was 271.72 pfu/cell. Genomic analysis revealed that ɸEcM-vB1 contains dsDNA, which is susceptible to digestion by EcoRI. Ten structural proteins were detected by SDS‒PAGE. ɸEcM-vB1 is considered a promising candidate for phage therapy applications.
Microbial Identification of Kefir Grains and its Antimicrobial Effect against Gastrointestinal Pathogens
Authors: Naz Sheikh Saba , Malik Taqdees , Munir Iqra
Published: July 2024

Background: The rising occurrence of gastrointestinal (GIT) cases and the escalation of antibiotic resistance underscore the critical need for effective alternative therapies. Kefir, a fermented dairy product derived from Kefir Grains (KGs), demonstrates varying antimicrobial spectra based on its geographical origins. This study aims to identify the predominant microbial isolates within USA-based KGs and assess their antimicrobial potential against pathogens responsible for GIT infections.
Methodology: The phenotypic screening tests for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) included assessments of cell morphology, CO2 production from glucose, sugar fermentation tests (specifically starch and lactose), and growth evaluations in 6.5% salt conditions. Genomic identification was conducted through PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by Sanger sequencing, Nucleotide BLAST (BLASTn) analysis, and phylogenetic tree construction. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using antimicrobial suspensions with varying concentrations of kefir milk supernatant (KMS) and suspensions of individual lactic acid bacteria (SILB).
Results: The presence of gram-positive coccobacillary rods, identified as homo-fermenters and capable of growing in a 6.5% NaCl solution, confirmed the presence of LAB. Genotypic identification revealed the presence of Lactococcus spp. strain SJ1, Lactococcus lactis, and Bacillus cereus. The antimicrobial analysis demonstrated that KMS concentrations of 50%, 60%, and 70% completely prevented the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi. In contrast, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholera, Helicobacter pylori, and Bacillus subtilis exhibited resistance, with no inhibition observed when using SILB.
Conclusion: This analysis provided valuable insights into the microbial composition of USA-based KGs and highlighted their synergistic antimicrobial effects, underscoring kefir as a potent alternative to antibiotics. Future studies are warranted to fully elucidate the metagenomic profile of USA-based kefir and to optimize dosing for the effective treatment of gastrointestinal illnesses.
Wide Field of View Large Aperture Meta-Doublet Eyepiece
Authors: Majumdar Arka , Wirth-Singh Anna , Fröch Johannes , Yang Fan , Martin Louis , Zhang Hualiang , Tanguy Quentin , Zhou Zhihao , Huang Luocheng , John Demis , Stamenic Biljana , Hu Juejun , Gu Tian
Published: July 2024

Wide field of view and light weight optics are critical for advanced eyewear, with applications in augmented/virtual reality and night vision. Conventional refractive lenses are often stacked to correct aberrations at wide field of view, leading to limited performance and increased size and weight. In particular, simultaneously achieving wide field of view and large aperture for light collection is desirable but challenging to realize in a compact form-factor. Here, we demonstrate a wide field of view (greater than 60°) meta-optic doublet eyepiece with an entrance aperture of 2.1 cm. At the design wavelength of 633 nm, the meta-optic doublet achieves comparable performance to a refractive lens-based eyepiece system. This meta-doublet eyepiece illustrates the potential for meta-optics to play an important role in the development of high-quality monochrome near-eye display and night vision systems.
Comparison between transtracheal and intravenous 2% lignocaine in attenuating hemodynamic stress response following direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pramanik Monotosh , Chattopadhyay Uddalak , Hussain Syed Sadaqat , Singh Nikhil Kumar , Chaudhuri Shalini , Banerjee Sandipan , Ray Shreyasi , Kirtania Jyotirmay
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims
Lignocaine is used through various routes to mitigate the hemodynamic surge associated with laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia. This study hypothesized that post-induction administration of transtracheal 2% lignocaine at 1.5 mg/kg would have a similar effect to intravenous 2% lignocaine at the same dosage, providing an alternative for attenuating the hemodynamic stress response.
Methods
A total of 138 consenting patients were randomized into two groups. Following induction, Group IV patients received 2% lignocaine at 1.5 mg/kg intravenously, while Group TT patients received 2% lignocaine at 1.5 mg/kg transtracheally. The primary outcome was the comparison of hemodynamic responses at different time points around intubation. The secondary outcome was the incidence of sore throat. Data analyses were done using the Statistical Software Jupyter Notebook, running in a Python 3.11 environment.
Results
The trend of vitals over time indicated that post-induction hypotension was less pronounced in the TT group. After intubation, patients in the TT group experienced a smaller surge in blood pressure and heart rate compared to the IV group. Notably, mean blood pressure (MBP) at 3 minutes post-intubation has significantly low values in patients who received transtracheal lignocaine [MBP (median with IQR) IV group 79(71-87) mm of Hg vs. TT group 73(65-81) mm of Hg, P = 0.009].
Conclusion
Transtracheal lignocaine is more likely to maintain stable hemodynamics at various stages of intubation during general anesthesia compared to intravenous lignocaine.
CTRI Registration
CTRI/2023/06/054125 [Registered on: 19/06/2023]. This trial is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php
Research on damage evolution mechanism of layered rock mass under blasting load
Authors: Xie Li-Xiang , Zhang Jia-hao , Yang Dong-yu , Qi Yan-jun , Wu Lin-jun , Chen Hong-yun
Published: July 2024

Rock mass consisted of lots of discontinuities, such as faults, joints, etc, and the layered joints are a common kind of rock mass structure. The joints affected the stress wave propagation, and blasting is one economical and efficient rock breaking method for rock mass engineering. So, rock mass fragmentation effect and construction progress are affected by these layered joints. The numerical studies were carried out to analyze the damage evolution process of intact rock and rock mass with layered joints subjected to blasting load based on the RHT model in the LS-DYNA software, and the effect of the location of initiation points, fracture distribution on dynamic damage evolution of the rock mass was discussed. It is useful to know the damage mechanism of the rock mass with layered joints and to improve the effect of rock mass fragmentation by blasting. These results have very important theoretical significance and application value for optimization of the blasting construction technology.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MH-301 reduces Helicobacter pylori treatment-related adverse events via gut-vaginal axis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Han Xiaoni , Liu Hui , Zhang Kaige , Zeng Yuyu , Liu Peng , Gan Lihong , Zheng Li , Liu Zhiguo , Fang Nian , Chen Tingtao
Published: July 2024

Background: Adverse events and microbiota dysbiosis resulting from Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy have become increasingly evident. This study investigates the adjunctive therapeutic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MH-301 in H. pylori eradication therapy, along with its effects on the gut and vaginal microbiota.
Method: 257 sexually active, premenopausal women aged 18-50 years, diagnosed with H. pyloriinfection alongside chronic gastritis, were randomly allocated to undergo either bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (amoxicillin, furazolidone, potassium bismuth citrate, rabeprazole) combined with probiotics (L. plantarum MH-301) or a placebo for 14 days. Stool samples and vaginal swabs were collected before and after treatment to facilitate high-throughput sequencing analysis.
Result: The probiotic group exhibited lower incidences of bloating (10.2% vs 19.4%, P=0.037), constipation (2.3% vs 7.8%, P =0.048), and excessive vaginal discharge (3.1% vs 9.3%, P=0.040), and showed better treatment tolerability compared to the placebo group (P<0.05), although no statistically significant difference in eradication rates between the two groups. High-throughput sequencing revealed that H. pylori eradication therapy led to a decrease in the relative abundance of Prevotella in the gut microbiota, and an increase in Streptococcus and Haemophilus. In the vaginal microbiota, Lactobacillus decreased while Gardnerellaincreased. Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic group showed a higher relative abundance of Megamonas, Prevotella, and Lactobacillusin the gut microbiota, and lower levels of Streptococcus and Haemophilus. In the vaginal microbiota, Gardnerella was significantly lower (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between gastrointestinal and vaginal adverse events, and a positive correlation of Lactobacillusin both gut and vaginal microbiota (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate at the clinical level that L. plantarumMH-301 reduces H. pylori treatment-related adverse events via gut-vaginal axis. In addition, microbiota modulation could be the possible mechanism through which it achieves its clinical efficacy.
The Effects of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices in Enhancing Sorghum Yields
Authors: Mututa Millicent Kawira. , Kingori Gathungu Geofrey , Jayne Mugwe
Published: July 2024

Sorghum stands as a fundamental food and cash crop in Tharaka-Nithi, yet its production remains suboptimal due to soil fertility limitations. Globally, sorghum yields hover around 2.5 t/ha, indicating an untapped potential given its maximum yield potential of 5 t/ha. Kenya has witnessed a decline in sorghum yields from 0.95 t/ha to 0.78 t/ha, primarily attributed to inadequate soil fertility management and agronomic practices. Most soil management interventions have traditionally focused on singular practices, leaving gaps in understanding the efficacy of integrated approaches. This study sought to evaluate the impact of integrated soil fertility management practices on sorghum and green gram yield in Tharaka-Nithi County. The study was conducted in Nairobi Ndogo and Kairini Farm, the study employed a 3 x 5 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design, different fertilizer types and cropping systems. Results, analyzed using Statistical Analysis Software version 9.4, demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) effects of integrated soil fertility management on sorghum yield. Stover yields ranged from 1.93 t/ha to 0.28 t/ha and 7.18 t/ha to 1.35 t/ha at Nairobi Ndogo and Kairini farm, respectively, with the MBILI intercropping technique and NPK fertilizer yielding highest stover. Similarly, grain yields varied from 0.68 t/ha to 0.08 t/ha and 4.01 t/ha to 0.25 t/ha at Nairobi Ndogo and Kairini farm, respectively, with conventional intercropping and NPK plus Zinc fertilizer emerging as optimal treatments. In green gram yields, monocrop green gram and NPK fertilizer demonstrating superior performance. The analysis of treatment effect showed that the means for green gram stover yield ranged from 0.47 t/ha to 0.07 t/ha and 6.70 t/ha to 1.62 t/ha for Nairobi Ndogo and Kairini farm, respectively. The treatment with monocrop green gram, NPK fertilizer had the highest stover yield at both sites. The means for green gram grain yield ranged from 0.22 t/ha to 0.07 t/ha and 1.07 t/ha to 0.11 t/ha for Nairobi Ndogo and Kairini farm, respectively. Overall, the study underscores the potential of integrated soil fertility management in enhancing sorghum and green gram production, ensuring food security, and improving soil health in Tharaka-Nithi County. The findings advocate for the adoption of conventional intercropping systems supplemented with appropriate fertilization strategies to optimize crop productivity and soil fertility management in similar agro-ecological contexts.