bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sesquiterpenoids from The Stem Bark of Aglaia cucullata (Meliaceae) and Their Cytotoxic Activity Against A549 Lung Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mustaqim Iqbal Wahyu , Harneti Desi , Naini Al Arofatus , Hilmayanti Erina , Darwati Darwati , Nurlelasari Nurlelasari , Mayanti Tri , Maharani Rani , Farabi Kindi , Hidayat Ace Tatang , Supratman Unang , Fajriah Sofa , Azmi Mohamad Nurul , Shiono Yoshihito
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT. Sesquiterpenoids are a class of terpenoid compounds with a remarkable diversity of structures and biological activities. Sesquiterpenoids are primarily found in higher plants, such as the Meliaceae family's Aglaia genus. Aglaia cucullata is a species of Aglaia that is still rarely explored and can potentially contain sesquiterpenoid compounds with cytotoxic activity. Hence, the research intended to isolate sesquiterpenoids from the n-hexane extract of A. cucullata stem bark and evaluate their cytotoxic effect against A549 lung cancer cells. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated and purified from n-hexane extracts utilizing various chromatographic techniques. The structure of compounds 1 and 2 was determined by analyzing various spectroscopic methods (IR, MS, and NMR) and comparing them to previously reported spectral data. Compound 1 was identified as an isodaucane-type sesquiterpenoid, 10-hydroxy-6,10-epoxy-7(14)-isodaucane, and was first reported in Meliaceae family. Compound 2 was confirmed as an eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, eudesm-4(15)-ene-1β,6α-dihydroxy, and was first reported in Aglaia cucullata. Cytotoxic activity of 1 and 2 were investigated in vitro against A549 lung cancer cells using the PrestoBlue assay and resulted in inactive and low cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 292.77 and 90.55 μM, respectively.
 
Key words: Aglaia cucullata, , A549 cell lines, cytotoxic activity, Meliaceae, sesquiterpenoids.
Radial Forearm Flap for Esophageal Perforation After Anterior Cervical Hardware Removal
Authors: Gong Davin C. , Anaspure Omkar S. , Baumann Anthony N. , Forner David , Patel Rakesh D. , Jiang Katrina J. , Chinn Steven B. , Aleem Ilyas
Published: August 2024

Case:

A 51-year-old woman, who had previously undergone C5-C7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, presented with symptomatic hardware failure and subsequently underwent instrumentation removal. Her postoperative course was complicated by an esophageal perforation. Despite initial repair using a rotational flap, the leak persisted, prompting esophageal reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap (RFFF).

Conclusion:

Persistent esophageal perforation is exceedingly rare and difficult to treat. This report discusses the surgical technique for RFFF, an excellent option for revising failed sternocleidomastoid rotational flaps. The decision between rotational repair and free flap reconstruction depends on factors such as defect size, vascularization, wound condition, and donor site morbidity.
DESIGNING SALAM-MUZARA’AH LINKED WAQF TO FINANCING AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Authors: Majid Rifaldi
Published: August 2024

The main objective of this study is to propose an innovative integrated financing model at the microfinance level for the agricultural sector and how to mitigate the risk associated with the model. In the study, we perform in-depth interviews of experts and gather secondary data from relevant sources. The proposed model is called Salam-Muzara’ah Linked Waqf (SMW) as a sharia-compliant scheme that integrates Islamic commercial finance through the salam and muzara’ah contract with Islamic social finance through the utilization of cash waqf return as well as using the idle waqf land as agricultural lands to be implemented by Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT). In the model, the risk of commodities delivered by farmers to BMT is subsidized or borrowed by Nazhir of waqf land while the surplus of cash waqf is distributed to cover Murabaha margin of necessary agricultural equipment purchased from BMT. This research is expected to solve the problem of limited land and financing as well as to create innovation and inclusiveness of Islamic financial products through the synergy of all parties in the agricultural sector.
The RNA helicase LOS4 regulates pre-mRNA splicing of key genes (EIN2, ERS2, CTR1) in the ethylene signaling pathway
Authors: Dong Chun-Hai , Hou Xiaomin , Yang Jingli , Xie Yanhua , Ma Binran , Wang Kun , Pan Wenqiang , Ma Shaoqi , Wang Lijuan
Published: August 2024

The plant hormone ethylene plays diverse roles in plant growth, development, and responses to stress. Ethylene is perceived by the membrane-bound ethylene receptors complex, and then triggers downstream components, such as EIN2, to initiate signal transduction into the nucleus, leading to the activation of ethylene-responsive genes. Over the past decades, substantial information has been accumulated regarding gene cloning, protein-protein interactions, and downstream gene expressions in the ethylene pathway. However, our understanding of mRNA post-transcriptional processing and modification of key genes in the ethylene signaling pathway remains limited. This study aims to provide evidence demonstrating the involvement of the Arabidopsis RNA helicase LOS4 in pre-mRNA splicing of the genes EIN2, CTR1 and ERS2in ethylene signaling pathway. Various genetic approaches including RNAi gene silencing, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, and amino acid mutations were employed in this study. When LOS4 was silenced or knocked down, the ethylene sensitivity of etiolated seedlings was significantly enhanced. Further investigation revealed errors in the EIN2 pre-mRNA splicing when LOS4 was knocked down. In addition, aberrant pre-mRNA splicing was observed in the ERS2 and CTR1genes in the pathway. Biochemical assays indicated that the los4-2 (E94K) mutant protein exhibited increased ATP binding and enhanced ATP hydrolytic activity. Conversely, the los4-1 (G364R) mutant had reduced substrate RNA binding and lower ATP binding activities. These findings significantly advanced our comprehension of the regulatory functions and molecular mechanisms of RNA helicase in ethylene signaling.
WITHDRAWN: FXR-regulated COX6A2 triggers mitochondrial apoptosis of pancreatic β-cell in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shao Lianqi , Kong Xiangchen , Lv Simian , Shu Xing-sheng , Ai Xiaojiao , Yan Dan , Ma Xiaosong , Ying Ying
Published: August 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Bound state solutions of the radial Klein-Gordon equation: Application to D- dimensional quantum information theory under exponential-type plus Yukawa potentials
Authors: Horchani R. , Omugbe E. , Njoku I. J. , Pérez L. M. , Onate C. A. , Jahanshir A. , Feddi E. , Emeje K. O. , Eyube E. S.
Published: August 2024

The bound-state solution of the Klein-Gordon equation has been obtained under the interaction of an exponential-type and Yukawa potential functions. The Greene-Aldrich approximation has been used to overcome the centrifugal barrier and enable the analytical solutions of the energy and wave functions in closed form. The D-dimensional momentum space wave function has been constructed using the Fourier transform. The mean values have been conjectured for the position and momentum spaces using two equivalent equations. The effects of the potential parameters on the expectation values and quantum information measurement have been investigated. For the 1D case, the results obey the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Fisher, Shannon, Onicescu, and the Renyi entropic inequalities. Other information complexities measures, such as Shannon Power, Fisher-Shannon, and Lopez-Ruiz-Mancini-Calbet, have been verified. For the ground state, the 1D momentum expectation value \(\:{⟨{p}^{2}⟩\:}_{00}\) coincides with the 3D \(\:{⟨{p}^{2}⟩\:}_{000}\) values, which is an indication of degeneracy. The total energy of a particle in both 1D and 3D space may be degenerate due to the inter-dimensional degeneracy of the quantum numbers. However, in this present result, the degeneracy in 1D and 3D occurred for fixed quantum states at different momentum intervals. Thus, in 1D, a particle may transit an entire space (\(\:-\infty\:<p<\infty\:)\) with a certain kinetic energy, which must be equal to its kinetic energy if it moves through the interval \(\:0<p<\infty\:\) in 3D space. This may have implications for kinetic energy degeneracy in higher dimensions.
Mitigation of Early Blight in Tomato Plant: Evaluating Trichoderma harzianum, Cassia fistula and Azadirachta indica leaves powder
Authors: Shafqat Ayesha , Akthar Sundus , Shakir Rubina , Shah Anis Ali , Afzal Anza , Gatasheh Mansour K. , Shaffique Shifa
Published: August 2024

Early blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, is a significant challenge in tomato cultivation, often leading to yield losses. In this study, we investigated the potential of three natural substances: Trichoderma harzianum (spore suspension), Cassia fistula and Azadirachta indica (leaves powder) in mitigating early blight. These substances were applied individually and in combination with all of three substances as treatments to evaluate their efficacy in disease suppression in tomato seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. After 15 days of various growth parameters like root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight were studied. Furthermore, the biochemical (Catalase and Peroxidase activities) and physiological (Total protein content and reducing sugar) attributes of tomato plants were also investigated. The results revealed that the growth parameters of tomato seedlings were significantly declined by 70 to 80% when infested by early blight disease. However, soil amendments with T. harzianum + C. fistula nullify the effect of the pathogen and increased the plant growth. Furthermore, the physiological and biochemical traits exhibited more production (up to 90%) and less activity (~ 20 to 30%), respectively in plants when plants were grown in T. harzianum + C. fistula in comparison with control. The trend of better growth in plants was T. Harzianum + C. fistula > T. harzianum > C. fistula >. Therefore, the soil amendment with T. Harzianum + C. fistula in pathogen-infested soil could be implemented to combat the early blight of disease. The results indicated that bio-agents such as C, fistula and A, indica in combination with Trichoderma can be used in antifungal products. Overall, this study highlights the promising role of natural substances in integrated pest management strategies for sustainable tomato cultivation. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and optimize application protocols for maximizing efficacy while minimizing environmental impacts.
Realizing Giant Ferroelectricity in Stable wz-Al1-xBxN Alloys by Controlling the Microstructure and Elastic Constant
Authors: Su Jie , Xiao Zhengmao , Chen Xinhao , Huang Yong , Lin Zhenhua , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: August 2024

The emerged wurtzite-type (wz) ferroelectric Al1 − xBxN alloys have drawn increasing attention due to superior ferroelectricity and excellent compatibility with microelectronics. Revealing and controlling the microstructure and ferroelectric origin is vital to design and fabricate stable wz-Al1 − xBxN alloy with giant ferroelectricity. We find that the β-BeO-like rather than h-BN-like structure is the non-polar intermediate phase in the polarization inversion process of stable wz-Al1 − xBxN alloy. The stability and ferroelectric switching pathway of wz-Al1 − xBxN alloy are dominated by the covalent bond strength and elastic constant C14. Due to the reduced internal parameter u and enhanced C14 of wz-Al1 − xBxN alloy, the spontaneous polarization and polarization switching barrier respectively raises and declines as the B concentration increases. Meanwhile, the spontaneous polarization is enlarged by the compression along horizontal direction and tension along c-axis direction, while the polarization switching barrier and band gap are reduced by the all the tension. Moreover, the polarization switching fields are lower than the breakdown fields of wz-Al1 − xBxN alloys with tension. As a result, the giant ferroelectricity with larger spontaneous polarization than wz-Al1 − xScxN alloy and comparable polarization switching barrier to the common ferroelectric oxide is designed in for wz-Al1 − xBxN alloy. It should be noted that the phase transformation concentration of about 0.1875 for wz-Al1 − xBxN alloy is reduced by both tension and compression. These findings give a deeply understanding of ferroelectricity wz-Al1 − xBxN alloy, and provide a guideline to design high-performance ferroelectric wz-Al1 − xBxN alloys.
Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Kahsay Hadush Tinsiae , Gebremariam Tewodros , Tadesse Iyasu , Tewelde Dagmawi , Mulaw Zeray , Alemu Kibrom
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome, one of the manifestations of chronic liver disease have become emerging problems of both low and middle-income countries and it is becoming the leading cause of morbidity and mortality both with the individual risk factors of dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension and central obesity. Currently there is no accepted central underling mechanism and researches have shown a link between metabolic syndrome and liver disease. Further studies are important to manage these risks of cardiovascular disease.
Objective: - This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among chronic liver patients attending at the gastroenterology clinic of Jimma medical center.
Materials and Methods: - 83 patients with chronic liver disease were included and Hospital based cross sectional study was used in the study. National cholesterol education program adult treatment panel III and international diabetic federation criteria was used to assess metabolic syndrome. Socio demographic characteristics were collected through interviewer-administrated questionnaire adapted from world health organization stepwise tools. Measurements for anthropometric characteristics and blood pressure were taken using aneroid sphygmomanometer and standard anthropometric measuring instruments respectively. Clinical history of patients was also reviewed from their chart. Laboratory test was done to assess biochemical parameters by taking blood sample of patients. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20. Ethical clearance from Jimma University institute of review board and formal written consent from study participants was obtained.
Result: Out of the total 83 participants metabolic syndrome was found in 26(31.3%) and 32(38.6%) according to the NCEP ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. Body mass index AOR (95% CI): 6.2(1.7-22.25) P-value = 0.005, Total cholesterol AOR (95% CI): 3.9(1.2-13.27), P-value = 0.024, Very low density lipoprotein AOR (95% CI): 6.04(1.58-23.09), P-value =0.008 were the variables that become associated with metabolic syndrome in the multivariate analysis.
Conclusion and recommendation: Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in patients with liver disease. A comprehensive medical care approach to liver patients is important to adequately assess and address the additional components of metabolic syndrome, which has known to potentiate cardiovascular disease.
The Pandemic Experience: Demographic Influences on COVID-19 Perceptions and Stress Levels
Authors: Metkari Hanmant , Kudale Tulshiram , Mishra Neha
Published: August 2024

This study uses a structured survey to collect detailed data on the opinions and experiences of 450 people during the COVID-19 epidemic. Twenty questions covering a range of topics, including the pandemic's personal effects, theories regarding its origins, and alterations in societal behavior, were included in the poll. To analyze the results, statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses. Significant variations in experiences and perceptions according to demographic characteristics are indicated by key results. A statistically significant difference was found, for example, between respondents' perceptions of the pandemic as a "Crisis" and a "Medical emergency," according to a t-test. A marginally significant correlation between gender and opinions on the virus's artificial origin was found using a chi-square test. Financial concerns and the absence of friends were found to be significant predictors of stress levels using regression analysis, which also explained 65% of the variation in stress levels. Additionally, the ANOVA revealed differing perspectives on crisis prevention strategies in the future. In order to help policymakers and healthcare practitioners create focused treatments, the data highlight the many psychological and social effects of COVID-19. The present study adds to the expanding body of knowledge about the diverse impacts of the pandemic and underscores the necessity of customized approaches to tackle the intricate problems presented by worldwide health emergencies.
No Association between Radiographic Findings and Response to Chiropractic Care in Older Adults with Back-related Disability: a secondary analysis
Authors: Maiers Michele , Albertson Andrea , Major Christopher , Mendenhall Heidi , Petrie Christopher
Published: August 2024

Background
Some chiropractors use spinal x-rays to inform care, but the relationship between radiographic findings and outcomes is unclear. This study examined the association between radiographic findings and 30% improvement in back-related disability in older adults after receiving 12 weeks of chiropractic spinal manipulation and home exercise instruction.
Methods
This IRB-approved secondary analysis used randomized trial data of community-dwelling adults age > 65 with chronic spinal pain and disability. Data was collected during the parent trial between January 2010-December 2014. The primary outcome was ≥ 30% improvement in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 12 weeks, determined to indicate a clinically important response to care. Two radiologists independently assessed digital lumbar radiographs for pre-specified anatomic, degenerative, and alignment factors; differences were adjudicated. The unadjusted association between baseline radiographic factors and 30% ODI improvement was determined using chi-square tests.
Results
From the parent trial, 120 adults with baseline lumbar radiographs were included in this study. Mean age was 70.4 years (range 65–81); 59.2% female. Mean baseline disability (ODI = 25.6) and back pain (5.2, 0–10 scale) were moderate. After 12-weeks of treatment, 51 (42.5%) participants achieved 30% improvement in back disability. Disc degeneration (53.3% moderate, 13.3% severe), anterolisthesis (53.3%), retrolisthesis (36.6%) and scoliosis (35.0%) were common. No alignment, degenerative, or anatomic factors were associated with ODI improvement at 12 weeks (all p > 0.05), regardless of severity of radiographic findings.
Conclusion
We found no association between radiographic findings, based on a predetermined subset of radiographic variables, and 12-week ODI recovery in this sample of older adults with back-related disability. This study suggests that, in the absence of red flags upon clinical exam, imaging may be unnecessary because of its inability to predict response to care.
Analysis of the influential factors on innovative behaviors among ophthalmic specialty nurses in China:a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ren Jie , Luo Hong-Mei , Zeng Ji-Hong , Tang jing
Published: August 2024

Objective
To investigate the current situation of innovative behavior and organizational structure authorization of ophthalmic specialty nurses in China, and analyze the influencing factors of innovative behavior.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 301 ophthalmic specialty nurses in China, representing Representing 82 hospitals in 25 provinces, using a general data questionnaire, Innovative Behavior Scale(IBS), and conditions of work effectiveness questionnaire(CWEQ-Ⅱ).
Results
The mean total score for innovative behavior among Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses was (4.73 ± 1.14), and the mean total score for organizational structure authorization was (61.65 ± 14.69). The logistic regression analysis revealed that organizational structure authorization, hospital grade, and ophthalmic nurses primarily engaged in clinical care and clinical research had statistically significant impacts on the level of innovative behavior (P < 0.05). The higher the organizational structure authorization score, the higher the innovative behavior level of ophthalmic specialty nurses, the level of innovation behavior of grade-B tertiary hospitals is higher than that of grade-A tertiary hospitals. The main positions are low level of innovative behavior in clinical care and high level of innovative behavior in clinical research.
Conclusions
The innovative behavior and organizational structure authorization of Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses are at a medium level, the innovative behavior of ophthalmic specialty nurses is influenced by factors such as organizational structure empowerment level, hospital grade, and main job position. Nursing managers are advised to develop tailored training programs based on the influencing factors of innovative behavior among Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses, in order to enhance their level of innovation and improve the quality of nursing services provided by Chinese ophthalmic specialty nurses.
Gut microbiome community structure correlates with different behavioral phenotypes in the Belyaev farm-fox experiment
Authors: Puetz Lara C , Delmont Tom O. , Mitchell Alex L. , Finn Robert , Zhang Guojie , Shepeleva Darya V. , Kharlamova Anastasiya V. , Kukekova Anna , Trut Lyudmila N. , Gilbert M Thomas P
Published: August 2024

Domestication represents one of the largest biological shifts of life on Earth, and for many animal species, behavioral selection is thought to facilitate early stages of the process. The gut microbiome of animals can respond to environmental changes and have diverse and powerful effects on host behavior. As such, we hypothesize that selection for tame behavior during early domestication, may have indirectly selected on certain gut microbiota that contribute to the behavioral plasticity necessary to adapt to the new social environment. Here, we explore the gut microbiome of foxes from the tame and aggressive strains of the “Russian-Farm-Fox-Experiment”. Microbiota profiles revealed a significant depletion of bacteria in the tame fox population that have been associated with aggressive and fear-related behaviors in other mammals. Our metagenomic survey allowed for the reconstruction of microbial pathways enriched in the gut of tame foxes, such as glutamate degradation, which converged with host genetic and physiological signals, revealing a potential role of functional host-microbiota interactions that could influence behaviors associated with domestication. Overall, by characterizing how compositional and functional potential of the gut microbiota and host behaviors co-vary during early animal domestication, we provide further insight into our mechanistic understanding of this adaptive, eco-evolutionary process.
The Dynamic Triage Interplay of Hsp90 with its Chaperone Cycle and Client Binding
Authors: Huang Chengdong , Qu Xiaozhan , Wang Simin , Zhao Shuo , Wan Chanjuan , Xu Weiya
Published: August 2024

Hsp90, a crucial molecular chaperone, significantly influences both normal biology and disease through its regulation of diverse client proteins. Central to its function is its remarkable conformational plasticity, driven by both ATPase activity and client interactions. However, comprehensive insights into Hsp90's dynamic transitions at the molecular level remain elusive. Using solution NMR spectroscopy, here we reveal how ATP binding, hydrolysis, and client engagement drive significant conformational and dynamic shifts in E. coli Hsp90, HtpG, throughout its chaperone cycle. We observe pronounced conformational fluctuations across the entire chaperone molecule, particularly in regions crucial for nucleotide binding and conformational transitions. ATP binding induces an ensemble of slow-exchanging conformations, representing discrete on-path transition states from open to closed forms. Subsequent ATP hydrolysis resolves this structural heterogeneity, shifting HtpG into a distinct, compact conformation. Furthermore, HtpG exhibits stage-specific mobility across the chaperone cycle, potentially enhancing client processing. Client binding acts as an allosteric switch, dynamically priming HtpG for elevated chaperone activity and, therefore, its efficient remodeling. These findings provide atomic-level insights into the functional interplay between Hsp90's conformation, dynamics, nucleotide, and client interactions, culminating in a refined model that elucidates the intricate machinery of Hsp90.
Remote Sensing Image Change Detection based on Swin Transformer and Cross-Attention Mechanism
Authors: Yan Weidong , Cao Li , Yan Pei , Zhu Chaosheng , wang Mengtian
Published: August 2024

With the advancement of Vision Transformer (ViT) in remote sensing image change detection, the most popular feature extraction methods involve using pre-trained ResNet or VGG networks. However, due to differences between the pre-trained datasets and remote sensing datasets, using ResNet or VGG as the backbone network does not yield optimal change detection results. Furthermore, current methods fall short in delivering comprehensive change detection regions and accurately delineating irregular change boundaries. To address these challenges, we propose using the Swin Transformer as our backbone network. This approach not only facilitates training on our custom remote sensing datasets but also enables the extraction of multi-scale and multi-level visual features. We also utilize the Cross-Attention mechanism to extract differential features and consider the interactive information between the two-branch features. By leveraging the attention mechanism, we can suppress non-changing information while effectively extracting changing information, thereby enhancing change detection results by prioritizing relevant changes. Additionally, we introduce a cascading feature fusion method to integrate features across different scales. This approach effectively mitigates information loss during fusion and maximizes the utilization of the extracted multi-scale features. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed approach achieves state-of-the-art performance on three widely used change detection datasets.
Perspectives on Performance Measurement Pressure and Telehealth Utilization in Free and Charitable Clinics: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Parks Ashley , Wear Andrew , Sakowski Julie , Russell Ian , Nunnery Danielle
Published: August 2024

Background

Free and charitable clinics, essential for providing healthcare to uninsured and underinsured populations, face significant performance measurement pressures. These pressures, derived from the need to demonstrate quality and efficiency, may hinder the adoption of telehealth services due to a dearth of resources to meet the demands met by in-person data collection. This study explores manager perspectives on how performance measurement pressure impacts the implementation and sustainability of telehealth.
Methods
An interdisciplinary research team conducted 13 key informant interviews with leaders from free and charitable clinics. The interviews, part of a larger research effort utilizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, aimed to understand free and charitable clinic implementation of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using MaxQDA 22.0. Fundamental attitudes and themes regarding telehealth implementation and utilization were elicited using a qualitative descriptive technique with all constructs, including performance measurement pressure, being coded according to model definitions. The research team utilized the Guidance for publishing qualitative research in informatics checklist for result reporting.

Results

An unexpected but prominent theme emerged: performance measurement pressure may be a limitation to wide scale telehealth implementation. All 13 interviewees highlighted this pressure as a notable concern. Performance metrics, often requiring in-person visits, were seen as barriers to the widespread adoption of telehealth. Some managers viewed these metrics as necessary for securing funding and ensuring quality but also reported that the current metrics were incompatible with telehealth, which posed challenges for sustainable telehealth integration.

Conclusions

The study reveals that while telehealth could enhance care access for underserved populations, existing performance measurement frameworks hinder its adoption in free and charitable clinics. To support sustainable telehealth integration, there is a need for flexible performance metrics that accommodate telehealth’s unique capabilities. Findings from this study suggest that policymakers and accrediting bodies should consider revising quality metrics to better accommodate telehealth modalities. Future research should focus on developing specific telehealth performance indicators and data collection methods that do not rely solely on in-person visits. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving healthcare access and quality in resource-constrained settings.
Trial registration
Not applicable
New Three-Dimensional Flat Band Candidate Materials Pb2As2O7 and Pb2Sn2O7
Authors: Hase Izumi , Higashi Yoichi , Eisaki Hiroshi , Kawashima Kenji
Published: August 2024

Energy dispersion of electrons is the most fundamental property of the solid state physics. In models of electrons on a lattice with strong geometric frustration, the band dispersion of electrons can disappear due to the quantum destructive interference of the wavefunction. This is called a flat band, and it is known to be the stage for the emergence of various fascinating physical properties. It is a challenging task to realize this flat band in a real material. In this study, we performed first-principles calculations on two compounds, Pb2As2O7 and Pb2Sn2O7, which are candidates to have flat bands near the Fermi level. For Pb2As2O7, similar to the previously calculated Pb2Sb2O7, nearly flat bands were confirmed. In the case of Pb2Sn2O7, a complex band structure was observed; nevertheless, bands with minimal energy dispersion near the Fermi level were identified. These findings underscore the importance of investigating the influence of flat bands on electronic energy dispersion, providing a crucial step toward understanding the emergence and characteristics of flat bands in novel materials.
PACS numbers: 71.20.Nr, 71.20.-b, 75.47.Lx
Ultrahigh-mobility microbial cytochrome nanowires generate power from humidity
Authors: Dahl Peter , Neu Jens , Gu Yangqi , Shipps Catharine , Batista Victor , Malvankar Nikhil
Published: August 2024

Mixed electronic-ionic conductors are crucial for various technologies, including harvesting power from humidity in a durable, self-sustainable, manner unrestricted by location or environment1,2. Biological proteins have been proposed as mixed conductors for 50 years3,4. Recently, Geobacter sulfurreducens pili filaments have been claimed to act as nanowires to generate power5,6. Here, we show that the power is generated by G. sulfurreducens-produced cytochrome OmcZ nanowires that show 20,000-fold higher electron conductivity than pili7. Remarkably, nanowires show ultrahigh electron and proton mobility (>0.25 cm2/Vs), owing to directional charge migration through seamlessly-stacked hemes and a charged, hydrogen-bonding surface, respectively. AC impedance spectroscopy and DC conductivity measurements using four-probe van der Pauw and back-gated field-effect-transistor devices reveal that humidity increases carrier mobility by 30,000-fold. Cooling halves the activation energy, thereby accelerating charge transport. Electrochemical measurements identify the voltage and mobilities required to switch pure electronic conduction to mixed conduction for power generation. The high aspect ratio (1:1000) and hydrophilic nanowire surface captures moisture efficiently to reduce oxygen reversibly, generating large potentials (>0.5 V) necessary to sustain high power. Our studies establish a new class of biologically-synthesized, low-cost and high-performance mixed-conductors and identify key design principles for improving power output using highly-tunable electronic and protein structures.
Longitudinal declines in life-space mobility in community-dwelling older Brazilian people: REMOBILIZE study
Authors: de Amorim Juleimar Soares Coelho , Perracini Monica Rodrigues , Trombini-Souza Francis , Batista Patrícia Parreira , Moreira Miriam , Fittipaldi Etiene Oliveira da Silva
Published: August 2024

Objective: To investigate changes in life-space mobility and its relationship to health and functioning determinants on older Brazilian adults.
Methods: We conducted an online and phone survey using an adapted Life-Space Assessment version. Linear regression models were used to investigate patterns of LS mobility during the pandemic decline according to cultural (gender and age groups), health conditions (multimorbidity and pain), functional capacity (activities of daily living limitation), and physical activity (walking) determinants among community-dwelling older Brazilian adults.
Results: Regardless of gender, functioning, and clinical determinants of health, participants experienced significantly declines in life-space mobility since the COVID-19 pandemic. Life-space mobility reduction was higher among older people who had lower levels of walking, aged 80 and more years, women, two or more multimorbidities and limited functioning.
Conclusion: Social restriction measures significantly decrease older adults’ life-space mobility in Brazil.
An estimate of burnout prevalence among oncology nurses
Authors: Helaß Madeleine , Maatouk Imad
Published: August 2024

Background: Nurses in oncology must cope with the suffering of patients, the inevitability of death and their own transience. This poses a possible risk for the development of burnout, which can result in low job satisfaction and ultimately an increased intention to leave the job. Our aim was to assess psychological distress in registered nurses working in oncology.
Objective and method: A cross-sectional survey with the Oldenburger Burnout Inventory was presented to nurses within the German Cancer Society. It collected data on psychological distress via two subscales, exhaustion and disengagement. Socio-demographic data were assessed.
Results: Among 83 participating nurses, we found a prevalence of high disengagement in 17 RNs (20.48%) and high exhaustion (MExh>2.5 = burnout) in 44 (53.00%). Looking at the highest values of both scales, 18.08% of respondents were at high risk for psychological distress. There was a low correlation between disengagement and age (r=.331, p<0.01). The risk of high disengagement among nurses older than 50 (n = 9, 52.94%) was three times higher than for those who were 50 or younger (n = 8, 47.06%) (RR = 8.642, 95% CI: 1.475–5.749, p<0,01).
Conclusion: This survey highlights a high rate of burnout among German oncology nurses. Interventions should be developed, implemented, and delivered in an age-appropriate manner. To ensure high-quality care and patient safety, oncology nurses should be offered preventive mental healthcare services later in their careers.
Clinical trial registration number: The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS500018851).
Regulation of Spermatogenesis by Different Alternative Splicing Events of MEI1 in Mongolian Horse
Authors: Song Dailing , Weng Yajuan , Terigele Baterin , Wang Guoqing , Manglai Dugarjaviin , Li Bei
Published: August 2024

Background
Mongolian horses are characterized by cold resistance, resistance to rough feeding, good endurance, strong disease resistance, and strong gregariousness. The normal production of sperm in male mammals forms the basis of reproduction and spermatogenesis and involves mitosis, meiosis, and metamorphosis of sperm cells. The MEI1 gene is involved in the meiosis cycle and is required for normal chromosome association during meiosis. Previous studies have shown that alternative splicing of MEI1 can promote spermatogenesis in Mongolian horses. In this paper, the regulatory effects of different MEI1 alternative splicing events on Mongolian horse spermatogenesis are investigated.
Results
In this study, two overexpressed lentiviral vectors with mutually exclusive exon (MXE) and skipped exon (SE) events of MEI1 were constructed and successfully used to infect Sertoli cells. After 72 h of viral infection, the expression of MEI1 was higher in the SE event than in the MXE event, as shown by fluorescence quantification; transcriptomics and metabolomics were then used to screen and annotate the differential genes and metabolites, and 193 differentially expressed genes (comprising 109 genes, such as MEI1, and 84 genes with upregulated and downregulated expression, respectively) and 11360 differentially expressed metabolites (comprising 7494 and 3866 metabolites with upregulated and downregulated expression, respectively) were screened. Differential genes and metabolites were mainly enriched in several metabolic pathways related to spermatogenesis. Differential genes such as IL31RA, ATP2B3, and CASQ2 were highly expressed in SE events, while IL11, PRLR, and CCR7 were highly expressed in MXE events. Metabolites such as folic acid and spermine were highly expressed during SE events, while citric acid and glutathione were highly expressed during MXE events. This suggests that both MXE and SE events of the MEI1 gene can promote the activity of the spermatogenesis signaling pathway.
Conclusions
The MXE and SE events of the MEI1 gene can promote the expression of spermatogenesis-related genes and metabolites, and these genes influence spermatogenesis by regulating the expression of metabolites. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for exploring the regulatory mechanisms of alternative splicing events in spermatogenesis in Mongolian horses.
The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment Inflow on Agriculture Output in Somalia
Authors: Hassan Abas Mohamed , Nor Bile Abdisalan , Abdulle Abdikani Yusuf , Warsame Zakarie Abdi , Ahmed Mohamed Abdirahman , Mohamud Ibrahim Hassan
Published: August 2024

This study examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on agricultural output in Somalia, focusing on the period from 1990 to 2020. Emerging from prolonged political instability and economic challenges, Somalia presents a unique case for understanding FDI's role in its agricultural sector. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, this research explores short-term and long-term relationships between agricultural output and variables such as FDI, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, and trade openness. The findings indicate that FDI and GDP significantly influence agricultural output in the long run, underscoring the importance of economic growth and foreign investment for boosting productivity. Inflation also positively affects agricultural output, suggesting that increased government spending can enhance productivity despite leading to deficits. Conversely, trade openness has a slightly negative long-term effect on agricultural output, though this impact is not robustly significant. In the short term, all variables except trade openness positively influence agricultural productivity, with the latter presenting immediate challenges despite the benefits of global market integration. The study's limitations include focusing on economic factors, excluding political stability, social issues, and institutional quality, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding. A longitudinal analysis could offer deeper insights over time. Recommendations include policies and frameworks to attract FDI, such as incentives, land tenure security, streamlined procedures, and public-private partnerships. Establishing clear, consistent policies can build investor trust and foster a conducive investment atmosphere, enabling Somalia to overcome instability and realize its agricultural potential.
The impact of clarithromycin, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, on quinestrol inhibition of male mice reproduction
Authors: Ji Yu , Wang Yujie , Liu Yutong , Qin Jiao , Yuan Daohuan , Liu Quansheng
Published: August 2024

Pest rodents persistently undermine crop yields and food security. Fertility control could be a viable alternative for managing rodent populations. This study investigates the antifertility effects of various concentrations of clarithromycin combined with 1.0 mg/kg quinestrol on male rodents to determine an effective contraceptive dose that minimizes quinestrol usage, addressing concerns such as environmental residue and poor palatability. Male mice were divided into five groups and administered different doses of clarithromycin or clarithromycin and quinestrol for three consecutive days, while the control group received sunflower seed oil only. After seven days, organ weights, reproductive organ weights, sperm density, serum hormone levels, CYP3A4, and proteins in the liver and small intestine were measured to assess persistent effects. Compared with the control group, all treatment groups had significant reductions in epididymal weight, seminal vesicle weight, and serum T levels. Quinestrol, alone or combined with clarithromycin, increased liver and spleen weight. Co-administration of clarithromycin further reduced sperm density and serum LH levels compared to quinestrol alone. The combination of 2.0 mg/kg clarithromycin and quinestrol mitigates issues such as organ enlargement caused by quinestrol alone. Moreover, it reduces the elevation in total enzyme content, diminishing quinestrol's induction of the CYP3A4 enzyme, enhancing the sterilizing effectiveness and efficiency of rodent population control.
Obtaining HBV core protein VLPs carrying SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid conserved fragments as vaccine candidates
Authors: Lobaina Yadira , Musacchio Alexis , Ai Panchao , Chen Rong , Suzarte Edith , Chinea Glay , Zhang Miaohong , Zhou Zhiqiang , Lan Yaqin , Silva Ricardo , Guillén Gerardo , Yang Ke , Li Wen , Perera Yasser , Hermida Lisset
Published: August 2024

The Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) has been used as a carrierof several heterologous protein fragments based on its capacity to form virus-like particles (VLPs)and to activate innate and adaptive immune responses. In the present work, two chimeric proteins were designed as potential pancorona vaccine candidates, comprising the N- or C- terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein fused to HBcAg. The recombinant proteins, obtained in E. coli, were named CN-1 and CND-1, respectively. The final protein preparations were able to form 10-25 nm particles, visualized by TEM. Both proteins were recognized by sera from COVID-19 convalescent donors; however,the antigenicity of CND-1 tends to be higher. The immunogenicity of both proteins was studied in Balb/C mice by intranasal route without adjuvant. After three doses, only CND-1 elicited a positive immune response, systemic and mucosal, against SARS-CoV-2 N protein. CND-1 was evaluated in a second experiment mixed with the CpG ODN-39M as nasal adjuvant. The induced anti-N immunity was significantly enhanced, and the antibodies generated were cross-reactive with N protein from Omicron variant, and SARS-CoV-1. Also, an anti-N broadcellular immune response was detected in spleen, by IFN-g ELISpot. The nasal formulation composed by CND-1 and ODN-39M constitutes an attractive component for a pancorona vaccine, by inducing mucosal immunity and systemic broad humoral and cellular responses against Sarbecovirus N protein.
Highly electrostatic cellulose acetate-based composite electret nanofiber film for air filtration applications
Authors: Yan Ning , Gao Ting , Hua Li , Xie Fan , Liu Rui-Xin , Lu Zhao-Qing
Published: August 2024

Highly electrostatic cellulose acetate (CA)-based electret film for air filtration was fabricated by electrospinning method assisted with the corona-charging technique in this work. The highly polar and hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was chosen as the electrostatic reinforcement. The results showed that under the dual electric fields, the dipole charges generated from the conversion from non-polar α-phase to polar β-phase of the dipole inside PVDF and the space charge captured at the phase end traps of CA and PVDF give CA/PVDF films high static electricity. Especially, the composite film with 40 wt% PVDF exhibited an ultrahigh surface potential of 2.146 KV and excellent filtration efficiency of 97.27% for PM 0.3 with a pressure drop of only 88.7 Pa, which was 29.68% and 22.04%, respectively higher than that of pure CA film. It was noticed that the hydrophobicity and mechanical strength were also improved.
Sentiment Analysis for Amharic-English Code-Mixed Sociopolitical Posts Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ebabu Yitayew , Chalie Minalu
Published: August 2024

Sentiment analysis is crucial in natural language processing for identifying emotional nuances in text. Analyzing sentiment in natural language text is essential for discerning emotional subtleties. However, this task becomes especially intricate when dealing with code-mixed texts, such as Amharic-English, which exhibit language diversity and frequent code-switching, particularly in social media exchanges. In this investigation, we proposed employing CNN, LSTM, BiLSTM, and CNN-BiLSTM models to address sentiment classification in such code-mixed texts. Our approach involves leveraging deep learning techniques and various preprocessing methods, including language detection and code-switching integration. We conducted four experiments utilizing Count Vectorizer and TF-IDF. Our assessment reveals that incorporating language detection and code switching significantly increases model accuracy. Specifically, the average accuracy of the CNN model increased from 82.004–84.458%, that of the LSTM model increased from 79.716–81.234%, that of the BiLSTM model increased from 81.586–83.402%, and that of the CNN-BiLSTM model increased from 82.128–84.765%. Our study emphasizes the imperative of addressing language diversity and code-switching to achieve dependable sentiment analysis in multilingual environments. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights for future research, highlighting the importance of language-specific preprocessing techniques for optimizing model performance across diverse linguistic contexts.
Adaptive Fourier Transform Processing: A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach for Effective Signal Processing
Authors: Dubey Rishav , Teja Panduranga Ravi , Singh Shweta , Dubey Krati , Banda Sai Sandeep
Published: August 2024

The Fourier transform is essential, in signal processing as it converts signals from the time domain to the domain. Our study introduces a reinforcement learning technique to optimize Fourier transform parameters. By automating the selection of window length and wavenumber parameters our method enhances the accuracy and efficiency of signal processing. We extensively evaluate this approach using input signals and compare its performance with established methods. Our experiments reveal a reduction in error (MSE) indicating that our method achieves MSE values for various signal types compared to existing techniques. Importantly our approach demonstrates reliability under noise levels and signal characteristics. This innovative strategy provides a framework for signal processing allowing interpretations for applications in fields such as communications, biomedical engineering and audio processing. The integration of reinforcement learning represents progress, in automating and improving signal processing techniques.