bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cáncer de mama, un padecimiento más allá de lo físico
Authors: González Rubí Elías
Published: April 2024

El cáncer de mama afecta física y emocionalmente a las mujeres. La terapia endocrina, que bloquea el estrógeno, puede causar síntomas similares a la menopausia. Un estudio reveló los síntomas comúnes más presentados durante esta terapia, entre los cuales destacan trastornos del sueño, bochornos y ansiedad, mismos que llegan a afectar la calidad de vida. Es crucial brindar apoyo e información para ayudar a las pacientes a sobrellevar el tratamiento y mejorar su calidad de vida.
Extra-Articular Stabilization for the Treatment of Recurrent Sternoclavicular Joint Instability
Authors: Kobayashi Takayuki , Matsumura Noboru , Tasaki Atsushi , Kiyota Yasuhiro , Suzuki Taku , Iwamoto Takuji , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya
Published: April 2024

Case:

A 22-year-old man and a 14-year-old adolescent boy, who exhibited moderate general joint laxity, experienced recurrent sternoclavicular joint instability without traumatic events. The patients were successfully treated with extra-articular stabilization using autologous tendon grafts without surgical exposure of the sternoclavicular joint.

Conclusion:

Atraumatic instability of the sternoclavicular joint is rare but often results in recurrent instability accompanied by discomfort, pain, and limitations in activities. Extra-articular stabilization, which reinforces the anterior capsule of the sternoclavicular joint and prevents anterior displacement of the proximal clavicle at the elevated arm position, could be a viable surgical option for this pathological condition.
A Discricionariedade como um Pressuposto da Implementação de Políticas Públicas: um Ensaio Teórico
Authors: Boldrin Duljon Laerti , Da Rocha Soares Ferreira Vicente
Published: April 2024

Objetivo da pesquisa: o objetivo do ensaio é desenvolver proposições teóricas sobre a implementação de políticas públicas.
Enquadramento teórico: o estudo fundamenta-se na literatura sobre os fatores influenciadores da ação dos burocratas de nível de rua na implementação de políticas públicas.
Resultados: A primeira proposição defende que a discricionariedade, mais que um fator influenciador, é um pressuposto da implementação. Outra proposição deriva da percepção de que a ação da implementação das políticas públicas influencia de formas distintas os princípios que a regem — núcleo estável — e seus fatores intercontextuais — núcleo dinâmico. A última proposição sustenta que deve existir um esforço de parte dos policymakers em reconhecer a influência e conhecer os fatores que influenciam a forma como a burocracia de nível de rua implementa determinada política pública.  Como resultado, o framework normativo original da política pública possuiria maior aderência à realidade observada nos contextos em que a política pública é implementada, além de trazer para o bojo da política pública a consideração da multidimensionalidade como característica basilar da burocracia de nível de rua. Adicionalmente, apresenta-se um modelo integrativo de dimensões e categorias sobre o tema.
Originalidade: apresenta a discricionariedade como um pressuposto ao se estudar os fatores influenciadores da ação dos burocratas de nível de rua, diferenciando-a da ação discricionária. Além disso, o modelo proposto busca avançar no debate sobre a dinâmica existente entre a formulação e implementação de políticas públicas.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: do ponto de vista teórico, o conteúdo do ensaio suscita argumentos que contribuem qualitativamente na área de pesquisa. De uma perspectiva prática, fornece um modelo que pode servir de parâmetro para novos estudos e apresenta proposições que podem ser testadas em pesquisas empíricas futuras.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Burocracia de Nível de Rua, Fatores influenciadores da ação, Framework normativo, Dimensões e categorias.
Evaluating the Impact of Biochemical Reactions on H2 Storage in Depleted Gas Fields
Authors: Rivolta Giacomo , Maniglio Marco , Elgendy Ahmed , Panfili Paola , Cominelli Alberto
Published: April 2024

Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) is an emerging technology to store energy, produced by renewable sources, in subsurface porous formations. UHS efficiency in depleted gas reservoirs can be affected by H2 biochemical degradation due to interactions with rock, brine, and gas. In the reservoir, subsurface microorganisms can metabolize H2 with possible hydrogen losses, H2S production, clogging, and formation damage. In this work, we investigate the impact of hydrogen losses due to microbial activities on UHS operations in depleted gas reservoirs lying in sandstone formations.

We developed a workflow to exploit the chemical reactive transport functionalities of a commercial reservoir simulator, to model biochemical processes occurring in UHS. Kinetic chemical reaction formulation was used to replicate a Monod’s type microorganism growth, using PHREEQC to tune reaction parameters by matching a 0D process in an ideal reactor. Then, we applied the methodology to evaluate the impact of biotic reactions on UHS operations in depleted gas fields. Eventually, various sensitivities were carried out considering injection/production cycle lengths, cushion gas volumes, and microbial model parameters.

Benchmark against PHREEQC demonstrated that, by properly tuning the kinetic reaction model coefficients, we are capable of adequately reproducing Monod-like growth and competition of different microbial community species. Field-scale results showed that hydrogen losses due to biochemistry are limited, even though this may depend on the availability of reactants in the specific environment: In this work, we focus on gas reservoirs where the molar fraction of the key nutrient, CO2, is small (≤2%) and the formation is a typical sandstone. Operational parameters (e.g., storage cycle length) have an impact on the biochemical dynamics and, then, on the hydrogen degradation and generation of undesired byproducts. Similar considerations hold for the model microbial growth kinetic parameters: In this study, they were established using available literature data for calibration, but we envisage tuning them using experimental results on specific reservoirs. The current model setup does not account for rock-fluid geochemical interactions, which may result in mineral precipitation/dissolution affecting the concentration of substrates available for biotic reactions. Nonetheless, it can provide an estimate of hydrogen consumption during storage in depleted gas reservoirs due to microbial activities.

This study is among the first attempts to evaluate the impact of hydrogen losses by the presence of in-situ microbial populations during hydrogen storage in a realistic depleted gas field. The assessment was performed by implementing a novel workflow to encapsulate biochemical reactions and bacterial dynamic growth in commercial reservoir simulators, which may be applied to estimate the efficiency and associated risks of future UHS projects.
Ultrasound guided injection into the left ventricle of the mouse
Authors: Henning Nicole , Roberts Fred , Fowler Colin , Spanoudaki Virginia
Published: April 2024

In this protocol we demonstrate an approach to the left ventricle of the mouse for an injection of sterile saline; the injection can be done with cells, therapeutics, or other injectates, to suit research needs. This technique offers a minimally invasive yet highly reproducible approach for efficacious results with minimal impact on the mouse.
Food-washing monkeys recognize the law of diminishing returns
Authors: Dominy Nathaniel , Rosien Jessica , Fannin Luke , Yeakel Justin , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Tan Amanda
Published: April 2024

Few animal species have the cognitive faculties or prehensile abilities needed to eliminate costly tooth-damaging grit from food surfaces. Some populations of monkeys wash sandy foods when standing water is readily accessible, but this propensity varies within groups for reasons unknown. Spontaneous food-washing emerged recently in a group of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) on Koram Island, Thailand, motivating us to explore the factors that drive individual variation. We measured the mineral and physical properties of contaminant sands and conducted a field experiment, eliciting 1,282 food-handling bouts by 42 monkeys. Our results verify two long-standing presumptions, that monkeys have a strong aversion to sand and that removing it is intentional. Reinforcing this point, monkeys clean foods beyond the point of diminishing returns, a suboptimal behaviour that varies with rank. Dominant monkeys abstain from washing, balancing the long-term benefits of mitigating tooth wear against immediate energetic requirements, an essential predictor of reproductive fitness.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise Programme on Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Person with Paraplegia: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gera Ankush , Walia Shefali , Khanna Stuti , Wadhwa Garima
Published: April 2024

Background: Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) often suffer from neuropathic pain which is often disabling and negatively affects function, participation, and Quality of Life (QoL). Pharmacological treatments lack efficacy in neuropathic pain reduction hence studying alternatives to drug treatment is necessary. Preclinical evidence of various aerobic exercises has shown positive effects on neuropathic pain but scientific studies investigating its effect in the SCI human population are limited.
Methodology: This study is a double-blind, parallel, two-group, randomized controlled trial that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic exercise programme on neuropathic pain and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with chronic paraplegia. Thirty individuals with chronic paraplegia with the neurological level of injury from T2 to L2 will be recruited from the rehabilitation department at a super specialty hospital based on the inclusion criteria. Using a 1:1 allocation ratio the participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The intervention group will perform high-intensity interval training (HIIT) aerobic exercise using an arm ergometer based on their peak heart rate and the control group will perform free-hand arm aerobic exercise. In both groups, the intervention will be delivered as 30-minute sessions, four times a week for 6 weeks.
Outcome measures: International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set Version 3.0 will be used for diagnosing and assessing neuropathic pain and its interference with day-to-day activities, mood, and sleep. The International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) QoL basic data set will be used to assess QoL and 6 Minute Push Test distance will be used to assess peak heart rate and aerobic capacity.
Discussion: The effectiveness of the aerobic exercise Programme will be assessed based on the changes in neuropathic pain score and its interference with day-to-day activities, mood, sleep, QoL, and aerobic capacity after 3 weeks mid-intervention and after 6 weeks post-intervention. The trial will provide new knowledge about the effectiveness of the aerobic exercise Programme in improving neuropathic pain and QoL in individuals with chronic paraplegia.
Trial Registration: The trial is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry- India on 8 August 2023 with registration number CTRI/2023/08/056257.
Morphometric and molecular identification of Unionicola chelata (Acari: Hydrachnida: Unionicolidae) from Bellamya bengalensis, a gastropod mollusc in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, India
Authors: Bhowmik Biplab , Dey Bipasa , Das Shantanabha , Barman Gyan Deb , Chanda Sukanya , Mondal Riya
Published: April 2024

Unionicola sp. is a parasitic aquatic mite known to infect freshwater aquatic organisms, especially the malacofauna species and few species of sponges. Unionicola chelata (Acari: Hydrachnida: Unionicolidae) generally infect the freshwater bivalves of the Genus Unio sp. They are usually facultative in nature and can be parasitic at any stage of their life cycle. They cause damage to the gills of the host which harms their normal respiration process. The present work portraits the morphological characters, morphometric details, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and sequence data of its mitochondrial gene “Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI)” and its taxonomic position was justified by obtaining a phylogenetic tree. The description regarding its morphological, morphometric characters and sequence studies has been presented here. This paper holds the report of a parasitic aquatic mite Unionicola chelata for the first time from a Gastropod molluscan host Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck, 1882), from Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India.
Non-inferiority, Randomised, Open-label Clinical Trial on the Effectiveness of Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy Compared to Prostatic Artery Embolisation in Reducing Severe Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Study Protocol for the TUMT-PAE-1 Trial
Authors: Kristensen-Alvarez Anna , Fode Mikkel , Stroomberg Hein Vincent , Nielsen Kurt Krøyer , Canas Albert Arch , Lönn Lars , Taudorf Mikkel , Widecrantz Steven John , Røder Andreas
Published: April 2024

Background:
One-fourth of men older than 70 years have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that impair their quality of life. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of LUTS caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that cannot be managed conservatively or pharmacologically. However, TURP is only an option for patients fit for surgery and can result in complications. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) and Prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) are alternative minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) performed in an outpatient setting. Both treatments have shown to reduce LUTS with a similar post-procedure outcome in the mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). It is however still unknown if TUMT and PAE perform equally well as they have never been directly compared in a randomized clinical trial. The objective of this clinical trial is to assess if PAE is non-inferior to TUMT in reducing LUTS secondary to BPH.
Methods:
This study is designed as a multicentre, non-inferiority, open label randomised clinical trial. Patients will be randomised with a 1:1 allocation ratio between treatments. The primary outcome is the IPSS of the two arms after 6 months. The primary outcome will be evaluated by a 95% confidence interval against the predefined non-inferiority margin of +3 points in IPSS. Secondary objectives include the comparison of patient-reported and functional outcomes at short- and long-term follow-up. We will follow the patients for five years to track long-term effect. Assuming a difference in mean IPSS after treatment of 1 point with an SD of 5 and a non-inferiority margin set at the border for a clinically non-meaningful difference of 3 points, the calculated sample size was 100 patients per arm. To compensate for 10% drop-out the study will include 220 patients.
Discussion:
In this first randomized clinical trial to compare two MISTs we expect non-inferiority of PAE to TUMT. The most prominent problems with MIST BPH treatments are the unknown long-term effect and the lack of proper selection of candidates for a specific procedure. With analysis of the secondary outcomes, we aspire to contribute to a better understanding of durability and patient selection for either treatment.
Trial registration:
NCT05686525 [ClinicalTrials.gov] [registered after the start of inclusion; 17 January 2023], https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05686525
Sequential and hierarchical single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations of a monomer to a 1D-polymer and then to a 2D-polymer
Authors: Sureshan Kana , Balan Haripriya
Published: April 2024

Designing and synthesizing flawless two-dimensional polymers (2D-Ps) via meticulous molecular preorganization presents an intriguing yet challenging frontier in research. We report here the single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) synthesis of a 2D-P via thermally induced topochemical azide-alkyne cycloaddition (TAAC) reaction. A designed monomer incorporating two azide and two alkyne units was synthesized. The azide and alkyne groups are preorganized in the monomer crystal in reactive geometries for polymerizations in two orthogonal directions. On heating, the polymerizations proceed in a hierarchical manner; at first, the monomer reacted regiospecifically in a SCSC fashion to form a 1,5-triazolyl-linked 1D polymer (1D-P), which upon further heating underwent another SCSC polymerization to a 2D-P through a second regiospecific TAAC reaction forming 1,4-triazolyl linkages. Two different linkages in orthogonal directions makes this an architecturally unique 2D-P, as determined, at atomic resolution, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The 2D-P reported here is thermally stable in view of the robust triazole-linkages and can be exfoliated as 2D-sheets.
Kimura Disease in Colombia. Case Report
Authors: Rueda Jhon Alexander Ávila , Manrique-Hernandez Edgar Fabián , Licht-Ardila Maricel , Hurtado-Ortiz Alexandra , Suárez Carmen Judith , Abreo Diego Gómez
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Kimura disease is a benign, chronic, and rare entity. Its etiology and pathogenesis are unclear, posing challenges for diagnosis and management. The aim is to report the case of a Colombian patient with Kimura disease.
Case Report: A 68-year-old male patient with no relevant medical history presented with a 6-month history of asthenia, night sweats, and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. An excisional lymph node biopsy was performed, revealing atypical paracortical hyperplasia with a Ki67 proliferation index of 60% in the paracortical region and 100% in residual germinal centers, suggesting a reactive process consistent with Kimura disease.
Discussion: This case highlights the importance of considering Kimura disease as a differential diagnosis in patients with symptoms consistent with this condition.
Corrosion Inhibitive Action of Hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) on Aluminum in H2SO4
Authors: Mohamed Mervate Mohamed , Alkorbi Faeza Hamad
Published: April 2024

Using both theoretical and experimental techniques, the impact of Hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) on Aluminum corrosion in 0.5M H2SO4 was examined at various temperatures. Measurements of weight loss revealed that the inhibitory efficiency rises with rising HMC concentrations and falls with rising temperatures. An inhibitor's overall rising inhibitory efficacy is ascribed to the bulk of the solution's adsorption onto the aluminum surfaces. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm is best fitted by the adsorption process model, as well as calculated thermodynamic parameters, were spoken about. Thermodynamic characteristics show that the HMC uses a combination of physisorption and chemisorption to adsorb spontaneously onto metal surfaces and delay corrosion. The effect of temperature on Aluminum's HMC inhibition efficiency in 0.5M H2SO4 is explained by the activation parameters. The experimental results are supported by the quantum chemical parameters, which likewise show good agreement with them.
Evaluating Serum Glucose Levels and Lipid Profiles in Adult Asthma Patients Taking Corticosteroid Therapy: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study at Bahir Dar Public Hospitals, 2023
Authors: Bayines Yenew , Fetene Getnet , Deress Teshiwal , Baynes Habtamu Wondifraw
Published: April 2024

Background: Corticosteroid drugs are widely used to manage asthma worldwide. However, their use can potentially lead to side effects like hyperglycemia, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Previous studies on steroid drug use have shown conflicting results regarding lipid profiles and glucose abnormalities.
Methods: An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among asthmatic patients receiving corticosteroid therapy and control subjects at Bahir Dar public hospitals between July 8 and November 10, 2023. A consecutive sampling method with age and sex-matched was used to recruit 304 study participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of fasting venous blood samples were drawn. An independent t-test and logistic regression were used to compare the burden of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia between the two groups and identify associated factors.
Results: Asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy had significantly higher mean values of serum glucose and lipid profiles, except for HDL-c, compared to the control group. The prevalence of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-c, and HDL-c abnormalities and dyslipidemia were higher in asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy. The prevalence of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia was 20.39% (95% CI: 14.3-27.7), 45.39% (95% CI: 37.3-53.7), and 4.6% (95% CI: 1.9-9.3), 26.31% (95% CI: 20-34) for asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy and the control group, respectively. The study also found that dyslipidemia was associated with overweight, obesity, combined corticosteroid use, and high-dose corticosteroids (AOR=7.28; 95% CI: 1.740-30.530, p=0.007, AOR=5.7; 95% CI: 1.447-18.474, p=0.011, and AOR=7; 95% CI: 2.015-24.610, p=0.015, respectively).
Conclusions: Asthmatic patients on corticosteroid therapy had higher mean values of serum glucose and lipid profile parameters, along with a significantly higher prevalence of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Further studies should be conducted on a large scale, with long follow-ups, to investigate the effects of steroid drugs on lipid profiles and glucose abnormalities.
Gate tunable MoS2 memristive neuron for early fusion multimodal spiking neural network
Authors: Tian He , Liu Yanming , Peng Yuyang , Wu Fan , Pan Zhoujie , Wu Jingtai , Jin Yuxin , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: April 2024

Neuromorphic computing systems, inspired by the brain’s parallel processing capabilities and efficiency, offer promising solutions for artificial intelligence. Spiking neural networks (SNNs), composed of neuron and synapse elements, are a key approach for neuromorphic systems. However, traditional hardware neuron implementations require auxiliary circuits to achieve good training performance of SNNs. Developing appropriate single device based neural components to enable efficient SNN implementations remains elusive. Here, we introduce a gate tunable MoS2 memristive neuron. This neuron possesses tunable refractory periods and firing thresholds, emulating key dynamics of neurons without external circuits. Leveraging these adaptable neurons, we develop an early fusion SNN architecture for multimodal information processing based on tunable neuron devices. Through cross-modality weight sharing, proposed neurons can learn common features across modalities and modality-specific features under different gate voltages. This architecture achieves seamless fusion of multisensory data while significantly reducing hardware costs. We demonstrate a 49% reduction in hardware usage along with a major boost in recognition accuracy to 95.45% on an image-audio digit recognition task. Our tunable neuron-enabled SNN provides a pathway for highly efficient neural computing and further integration of neuromorphic intelligence.
Targetable genomic profiling of breast cancer brain metastases identifies alterations and genomic signatures relevant to immune-checkpoint and PARP inhibitors
Authors: Palmieri Carlo , Giannoudis Athina , Sokol Ethan , Bhogal Talvinder , Ramkissoon Shakti , Razis Evangelia , Bartsch Rupert , Shaw Jacqui , McGregor Kimberly , Clark A;lison , Huang Richard
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Understanding the genomic landscape of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) is key to developing targeted treatments.
Materials and Methods
In this study, targetable genomic profiling was performed on 822 BCBMs, 11,988 local breast cancer (BC) biopsies and 15,516 non-central nervous system (N-CNS) metastases (all unpaired samples) collected during the course of routine clinical care by Foundation Medicine Inc (Cambridge, MA).
Results
Clinically relevant genomic alterations were significantly enriched in BCBMs compared to local BCs and N-CNS metastases. Homologous recombination deficiency as measured by BRCA1/2 alteration prevalence and loss-of-heterozygosity and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) biomarkers [Tumour mutation burden (TMB)-High, Microsatellite instability (MSI)-High, PD-L1/L2)] were significantly more prevalent in BCBM than local BC and N-CNS. High PD-L1 protein expression was observed in ER-negative/HER2-negative BCBMs (48.3% vs 50.0% in local BCs, 21.4% in N-CNS).
Conclusion
Collectively, our data highlights that a high proportion of BCBMs are potentially amenable to treatment with targeted therapeutic agents including PARP inhibitors and ICIs.
Low-threshold distributed feedback laser based on holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals through the oriented organic semiconductor films
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Liu Minzhe , Wang Qidong , Hu Hanmin , Zhang Feng , Kong Xiaobo
Published: April 2024

A specific optimized configuration for low threshold organic semiconductor laser based on a holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) transmission grating was demonstrated. Here the organic semiconductor films and phase separated liquid crystal (LC) molecules were oriented along the direction of the HPDLC grating grooves. The influence of the organic semiconductor chain orientation and the excitation polarization on the optical properties of the materials has been investigated. Especially, when polymer chain orientation, LC molecules and pump light polarization are consistent with the direction of the grating grooves, the performance of the outgoing laser is greatly improved. Up to 9.78% conversion efficiency with a threshold lower to 0.12 µJ can be obtained, indicating their potential for high-performance organic optoelectronics.
The Epidemiological Declining in the Human Fertility rate in the Arab World for 10 years period 2011-2021
Authors: MAHASNEH IHSAN , Ebrahim Ferdos
Published: April 2024

Background: In recent years, there has been a noticeable global decline in fertility rate, leading to increased attention toward reproductive health and fertility. Understanding fertility trends is crucial for addressing related challenges and maintaining natural balanced fertility rate for the community well-being. Therefore, the aim was to investigate and provide baseline dataset on fertility profiling of the Arab World for the 10 years period between 2011-2021. The Arab World was classified into three regional blocks; Block-1 Arabian Peninsula countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen. Block-2 Fertile Crescent Arab countries: Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and Gaza. Block-3 African Arab countries: Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia. Data on fertility rates for the 10 years period between 2011-2021 were collected from the World Bank for Arab countries. Statistical analysis along with decline in the fertility rates were determined.
Results: Fertility rates varied across Arab countries in 2011 and 2021, with notable decline ranging from 24.3% to 3.8%, except for Algeria, with zero decline. Countries that exhibited significant decline were Jordan (24.3%) followed by Iraq (22.2%) then Yemen (19.1%); Whereas, countries that exhibited slight fertility decline were Libya (3.8%), followed by Tunisia (4.5%), Lebanon (4.5%) and Kuwait (4.5%). On another note, lowest fertility rate was observed in UAE as maintained between 1.7% and 1.5% and the highest fertility rate was observed in Somalia as maintained between 7.3% and 6.3% for 2011 and 2021 respectively.
Conclusion: The present study reveals the declining-trend in fertility rate across Arab countries, influenced by variable factors. Therefore, we recommend to the Council of the Health Ministries in the Arab-League to focus on investigating the fertility decline as an important parameter for public health in the Arab world to maintain natural balanced fertility rate.
Preparation of High Temperature Vulcanized Fluorosilicone Rubber by Hydrosilylation Addition Reaction
Authors: Huang Lele , Wang Mingying , Zhang Yuqiang , Diao Shen
Published: April 2024

Fluorsilicone rubber as a new type of special functional rubber has attracted attention, which combines the advantages of the organic silicone materials and the organic fluorine materials. Herein, we reported fluorosilicone rubber vulcanized at high temperature by the hydrosilylation addition reaction. The silicone oil containing hydrogen in the pendant group and the perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether (PFCBAE) group in the backbone (S-H-Oil-PFCBAE) was prepared by the hydrolytic polycondensation and ring opening reaction of silane with PFCBAE (M4), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), and tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4H) by the traditional catalysis of concentrated sulfuric acid. And S-H-Oil-PFCBAE was used as the crosslinker to vulcanize fluorosilicone rubber. The mechanical property, the thermal stability, the hydrophobicity, and the solvent resistance of vulcanizates were studied in detail. The result showed that S-H-Oil-PFCBAE could improve the comprehensive performances of fluorosilicone rubber.
Stress responses in an Arctic microalga (Pelagophyceae) following sudden salinity change revealed by gene expression analysis
Authors: Freyria Nastasia , de Oliveira Thais , Chovatia Mansi , Johnson Jennifer , Kuo Alan , Lipzen Anna , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor , Lovejoy Connie
Published: April 2024

Marine microbes that have for eons been adapted to stable salinity regimes are confronted with sudden decreases in salinity in the Arctic Ocean. The episodic freshening is increasing due to climate change with melting multi-year sea-ice and glaciers, and greater inflows from rivers, and increased precipitation. To investigate algal responses to lowered salinity, we analysed the responses and acclimatation over 24h in a non-model Arctic marine alga (pelagophyte CCMP2097) following transfer to realistic lower salinities. Using RNA-seq transcriptomics, here we show rapid differentially expressed genes related to stress oxidative responses, proteins involved in the photosystem and circadian clock, and those affecting lipids and inorganic ions. After 24h the pelagophyte adjusted to the lower salinity seen in the overexpression of genes associated with freezing resistance, cold adaptation, and salt tolerance. Overall, a suite of ancient widespread pathways is recruited enabling the species to adjust to the stress of rapid salinity change.
Metabolomics and transcriptomics combined with physiology reveal key metabolic pathway responses in tobacco roots exposed to NaHS
Authors: Yang Wenjuan , Wen Dingxin , Yang Yong , Li Hao , Yang Chunlei , Yu Jun , Xiang Haibo
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a new endogenous gas signaling molecule alongside nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). In recent years, many studies have shown that it is involved in a variety of physiological activities, promoting root organogenesis, regulating stomatal movement and photosynthesis, and playing an important role in promoting plant growth and development and improving the stress resistance of the plant Plants can play. Tobacco is a special and an important cash crop whose growth usually determines the economic income of farmers. Tobacco root development directly affects leaf growth, disease resistance, chemical composition and yield. However, to date, there are limited studies on the mechanism of H2S in promoting tobacco growth. In this study, tobacco seedlings were exposed to NaHS (exogenous H2S donor) at concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/L. With the gradual increase of NaHS concentration, the root length, wet weight, root activity and antioxidant enzymatic activities of CAT (catalase), SOD (superoxide dismutase) and POD (peroxidase) of tobacco roots showed an increasing tendency. The transcriptome and metabolome showed that NaHS mainly affected 162 key genes, 44 key enzymes, and two metabolic pathways (the brassinolide synthesis pathway and the aspartic acid biosynthesis pathway) in tobacco seedlings after treatment with 600 mg/L NaHS. On the one hand, the addition of exogenous NaHS can promote the development of tobacco roots as the basis of tobacco planting. On the other hand, the use of NaHS can reduce the use of pesticides and better protect the ecological environment. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the main metabolic pathway in the response of tobacco roots to NaHS and new genetic clues for further investigation- of plant root development.
Research on Policy Effect and Regional Difference of Allocation Efficiency of Rural Preschool Education Resources
Authors: Tang Miao miao , Lan Qiang
Published: April 2024

Rural preschool education is an organic part of rural society, and improving the public service system of rural preschool education is an important guarantee for the implementation of rural revitalization strategy. This paper uses input-oriented three-stage DEA model and Malmquist index to conduct static and dynamic analysis of rural preschool education resource input performance from 2012 to 2020 in nearly 30 provinces in eastern, central and western China. The results show that urbanization level, birth rate, social consciousness, kindergarten scale and other external factors have a significant impact on the performance of rural preschool education resources input; After stripping the influence of environment and random factors, the overall trend of average performance of rural preschool education resources has been improved, and presents a descending regional pattern of "middle, east and west". Therefore, in order to further improve the performance of rural preschool education resources input, we should make overall planning to promote the rational and effective resource input and allocation; we should adjust dynamically to ensure the basic quality of educational resource allocation; we should learn from each other to realize the complementary advantages of resources in the eastern, western and central regions.
Gamma-glutamyl Transferase to Aspartate Aminotransferase Ratio (GSR) Predicts Prognoses in Patients with Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis after Microwave Ablation
Authors: Huang Mingzhe , Chen Zhiliang , Qin Si , Zhou Jiaming , Huang Yan , Peng Shaoyong , Huang Pinzhu , Alenzi Maram , Huang Jun , Lin Jing , Chen Zhiyong , Huang Meijin , Liu Guangjian
Published: April 2024

Background
Microwave ablation (MWA) is widely used to eliminate colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, the risk of tumor recurrence is difficult to predict due to lack of reliable clinical and biological markers. Elevation of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) provides signals for liver inflammation and cancer progression. The present study evaluated the association between pre-ablation GGT to AST ratio index (GSR) and hepatic recurrence in patients with CRLM after MWA.
Methods
A retrospectively analyzed 192 CRLM patients who underwent MWA from January 2013 to January 2017. Pre-ablation GSR was classified into high (≤ 2.34) or low (> 2.34) using the upper quartile value. The prognostic value of GSR and other risk factors for liver progression-free survival (LPFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results
High GSR was significantly associated with males (P = 0.041), the presence of cholelithiasis (P = 0.012), but not pre-ablation chemotherapy (P = 0.355), which caused significantly increased levels of GGT (P = 0.015) and AST (P = 0.008). GSR showed a significant association with LPFS and CSS through univariate analysis (P = 0.002 and 0.006) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.043 and 0.037). The subgroup analysis demonstrated no interaction between GSR and all variables except for distribution in the sub-analysis of LPFS.
Conclusions
Measuring GSR in CRLM patients before MWA was a convenient and economical way to predict prognosis.
The interval time for the St. Thomas cardioplegia solution in mitral valve surgeries
Authors: Tang Sitong , Chen Na , Zhong Jiajun , Yan Hangfei , Jiang Nan , Wang Chiyin , Omotolani Afolabi Mariam , Xu Min , Wang Jue
Published: April 2024

Background
There is a lack of consensus on the appropriate St. Thomas cardioplegia solution interval for cardiac surgeries. The objective of this study was to determine a safe cardioplegia interval.
Method
A total of 340 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery with St. Thomas solution were assessed and divided into 2 groups according to the average cardioplegia interval. In Group A, the average cardioplegia interval was < = 30 minutes; in Group B, the average cardioplegia interval was greater than 30 minutes. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounders between the two groups. After propensity score matching, Groups A and B contained 125 patients each. The primary endpoints were creatine kinase MB, left ventricular ejection fraction, and troponin levels after surgery. Threshold effect analysis was used to assess the association of the cardioplegia interval with the postoperative CK-MB mass level.
Results
After propensity score matching, postoperative CK-MB mass significantly differed between the two groups, and CK-MB levels were significantly greater in group B than in group A(Group A vs. Group B: 46.1 [46.1;48.3] ng/ml vs 49.0 [40.0;60.0] ng/ml, p < 0.001). According to the threshold effect analysis, the interval needs to be above 27.6 minutes before it is associated with an increased risk of CK-MB mass level, and the interval needs to be above 31 minutes before it is associated with an increased risk of CK-MB mass level 7 hours after surgery. There were no other significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusions
The multidose cardioplegia interval above 30 minutes during mitral valve surgery is associated with a greater risk of myocardial damage. The relationships between the cardioplegia interval and other myocardial markers require further research.
Metabolic remodeling in arthropod embryonic cells under starvation
Authors: Nogueira Cintia Lopes , Arcanjo Angélica F. , Lima Maria Elisa , Moraes Bruno , Silva Renato Martins da , Gondim Katia C. , Konnai Satoru , Santos Samara , Filardy Alessandra D'Almeida , Pinto Kamila Guimarães , Junior Itabajara Silva Vaz , Logullo Carlos
Published: April 2024

In this study, we explore the adaptive mechanisms through which the tick Rhipicephalus microplus can deal with a period of starvation, using as a model the BME26 cell line. Our findings reveal that these cells not only exhibit an impressive ability to withstand starvation but also undergo subtle structural changes in response to this nutritional restriction. Additionally, our assessment of glycogen levels in these cells demonstrates a significant drop in response to fasting, both at the 24-hour and 48-hour marks. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) transcription was increased in response to starvation. Hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) had their transcriptional levels reduced, demonstrating that in these conditions, cells would be prioritizing the gluconeogenic pathway over the glycolytic pathway. Next, we checked the transcription levels of autophagy-related genes (ATG4, ATG6 and ATG8). All examined ATG transcripts were up-regulated in response to starvation, demonstrating a possible role for the autophagic pathway in supplying gluconeogenic substrates. These observations shed light on the metabolic adaptations that allow these cells to endure extended periods of starvation. Our findings not only advance our understanding of metabolic regulation in R. microplus ticks but also have broader implications for arthropods in general. Given the high conservation of these metabolic pathways among important disease vectors, this research provides valuable insights for the development of strategies aimed at controlling the populations of medically and economically relevant arthropods.
Constitutive Relationship of Soil in Contact with Mortar under Continuous Loading
Authors: Wang Fengfeng , Li Lei
Published: April 2024

Mortars will remain critical in future land wars due to their flexibility and versatility. When mortars are fired continuously, the contact soil is gradually compacted by the mortar base plate, and dynamic research into this process is the basis for innovative mortar design. However, the discontinuity and nonlinearity of soil contact absolutely necessitate the constitutive relationship of soil contact, which is difficult to study. Therefore, this study conducted experimental research and theoretical derivation to establish an accurate dynamic model of the mortar system. First, based on the nonlinear elastic-plastic theory and the stress-strain relationship of soil under cyclic loading, a theoretical analysis method for the constitutive relationship of contact soil under continuous loading was proposed. Second, an experimental and testing system was designed to simulate launch loads, and the stress-strain response of soil under continuous impact loads was obtained experimentally. Subsequently, based on theoretical analysis and experimental data, the stress-strain relationship during the gradual compaction of soil was established using the least squares method. Finally, a constitutive relationship model of the contact soil in the mortar system was established in ABAQUS using the VUMAT subroutine interface, and the calculated results were compared and analyzed with traditional calculation results. The results indicated that studying the constitutive relationship of mortar in contact with soil during continuous firing using this method can improve the accuracy of dynamically modeling mortar systems. Moreover, this study has practical value in the engineering design of mortar systems.
Postoperative patient-reported outcomes in intraoperative sensor-assisted versus manual primary total knee arthroplasty: a scoping review
Authors: Zhu Jinyu , Xie Tianshun , Chen Junjie
Published: April 2024

Purpose
To compare postoperative patient-reported outcomes between intraoperative sensor-assisted and manual primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by reviewing the available literature on this topic.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases from their inception until April 2023 to identify clinical studies comparing postoperative patient-reported outcomes between intraoperative sensor-assisted and manual primary TKA. We excluded nonclinical studies and conference abstracts without full-text. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists were used for critical appraisal of the eligible clinical studies.
Results
Out of the nine clinical studies that met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, six were cohorts and three were randomized controlled trials. Eight studies found no significant difference in postoperative patient-reported outcomes between intraoperative sensor-assisted and manual primary TKA. One study reported significantly higher Knee Society Score and Oxford Knee Score in sensor-assisted TKA as compared to manual primary TKA. None of the included studies satisfied all of the criteria outlined in the JBI checklists.
Conclusions
This review finds that there is no evidence to support the claim that sensor-assisted TKA is superior to manual primary TKA in terms of short-term postoperative patient-reported outcomes. Future clinical studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are required to assess the potential benefits of intraoperative sensor-assisted TKA.
Clinical features and prognostic factors of Cardiorenal anemia syndrome in China: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Zhu Mengyue , Liu Min , Lu Chunlei , He Dafeng , Li Jiao , Xu Xia , Cui Ying , Zhao Chuanyan , Xu Jun , Zhou Gang , Mou Hongbin , Bi Guangyu , Liu Changhua , Wang Rong
Published: April 2024

Background
There is little research on cardiorenal anemia syndrome (CRAS) in China. This study was to describe the characteristics of patients with CRAS and to explore predictive risk factors of all-cause mortality.
Methods
A total of 81795 patients were hospitalized from August 2012 to August 2021 in the nephrology department and cardiology department, of which 820 patients with CRAS met the inclusion criteria and were recruited into this study. The 820 patients with CRAS were divided into three groups based on New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class: a NYHA Class II group (n = 124), a NYHA Class III group (n = 492), and a NYHA Class IV group (n = 204). Demographics and laboratory tests were collected and risk factors of death events were analyzed. The primary endpoint of the study was death.
Results
820 patients were included, with a median age of 65.00 (51.00–75.00) years and 61.2% were men. The median follow-up was 27.0 (13.0–51.0) months. 416 (50.7%) patients died during follow-up. Age, smoking history, cerebral infarction, NYHA functional class, albumin, serum creatinine (SCr), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remained independent predictors in patients with CRAS (P < 0.05) after adjusting to the potential confounders.
Conclusions
Heart failure and renal dysfunction are a fatal combination and are associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRAS.
Mean Performance and Stability of Open Pollinated Tomato Varieties in Multi-Environment Trials: Selection Based on Yield
Authors: Masoodi Ummyiah H , Shah Immad A
Published: April 2024

Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis revealed significant impact of environment (E), and consequently a significant GE interaction of tomato genotypes at major locations of Kashmir Division. The environment (E), genotype (G), and GEI significantly affect the plant yield/ha (p < 0.001). The environment explains approximately 47.5% of the total sum of squares due to treatments (G + E+GEI). Assuming the weight of 50:50 (i.e. having equal importance for plant yield and stability), Arka Meghali, NDF-9, VTG-93 had high values for WAAS and were the stable genotypes. The plot based on the MTSI shows the rankings of the genotypes as per the multi-trait stability index and indicates Arka Meghali and NDF-9 as the selected genotypes. The evaluation based on various stability indicators are in agreement with the results from the Multi Trait Stability Index. This study underscores the significance of understanding the complex interplay between genotype, environment, and their interaction on crop yield, providing valuable insights for tomato cultivar selection and agricultural practices in the ecologically important region of Northern Himalayas.