bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frecuencia de bacteriuria a través de cistocentesis en gatos mayores de 10 años clínicamente sanos en una clínica veterinaria del distrito de Breña, Lima -Perú
Authors:   , Jimenez Segura Julio Andre
Published: November 2024

La frecuencia de infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) por bacterias en la especie felina, es baja, esto por las características propias de la orina, conllevando en algunos casos a la no aparición de signos clínicos. Pacientes mayores de 10 años presentan mayor predisposición a las infecciones urinarias por la presencia de enfermedades concomitantes, como, por ejemplo, hipertiroidismo, diabetes mellitus, enfermedad renal crónica, entre otros. Por lo cual el objetivo de este estudio es determinar la frecuencia de bacteriuria a través de la cistocentesis en gatos mayores de 10 años clínicamente sanos en una veterinaria del distrito de Breña. Las variables consideradas fueron la presencia de bacteriuria, la edad, la raza, el estado reproductivo, el sexo, el estilo de vida, las estaciones del año y el año de colectada la muestra de orina. Para determinar el tamaño de muestra, el muestreo fue de tipo no probabilístico y se utilizó la fórmula para poblaciones infinitas; teniendo en consideración que la prevalencia de ITU en felinos es de un 8%. Con apoyo del ecógrafo SonoScape S22-Pro se recolectaron 114 muestras de orina por cistocentesis ecoguiada en pacientes felinos clínicamente sanos, a los cuales se les realizaron urocultivos. Las colonias obtenidas en los cultivos de orina se obtuvieron entre 3 a 5 días después de cultivadas en los agares. En el 32.5% (37/114) de las muestras se llegaron a aislar bacterias en orina, entre ellas Staphylococcus aureus en 62.2% (23/37), E. coli en 16.2% (6/37), Staphylococcus aureus y E. coli en combinación en 8.1% (3/37), Proteus sp. en 8.1% (3/37) y Streptococcus sp. en 5.4% (2/37). En resultados de urocultivos positivos se obtuvieron entre >20.000 y >100.000 UFC/mL. Se encontró asociación entre la edad, las estaciones del año y el año de toma de muestra de orina con la presencia de bacteriuria.
Evaluación del volumen de la vía aérea faríngea en pacientes con patrón esquelético clase II y III por medio de tomografías de haz cónico
Authors:   , Nuñez Ochoa Kelly Johana
Published: November 2024

Introducción: Durante muchos años se ha dicho que la función respiratoria normal influye en el crecimiento dentofacial equilibrado del paciente, por lo tanto, la alteración del volumen de esta vía aérea puede desarrollar una respiración bucal junto a cambios adaptativos que afectarán el crecimiento y desarrollo normal no solo de los maxilares, sino también del estado general del paciente. Las alteraciones que causan la obstrucción de las vías aéreas, según su severidad, pueden desencadenar episodios de apnea en el paciente el cual podría llevarlo hasta la muerte, por eso es importante evaluar esta área antes de realizar cualquier tratamiento que la involucre. Objetivo: Comparar el volumen de las vías aéreas entre pacientes con patrón esquelético facial Clase II y Clase III. Métodos: Estudio de tipo retrospectivo, transversal, descriptivo y observacional. Se utilizaron 32 tomografías de haz cónico de pacientes de 18 a 22 años, las cuales se dividieron en dos grupos: Grupo 1 pacientes Clase II con longitud efectiva de la mandíbula disminuida y Grupo 2 pacientes Clase III con longitud efectiva de la mandíbula aumentada. Se evaluó el volumen de la nasofaringe, orofaringe y el total de estas utilizando el software Romexis viewer 5.3. Resultados: En ambos grupos se encontró que el volumen de la orofaringe fue mayor que la nasofaringe, también se observó una diferencia significativa en Grupo 2 al evaluar el volumen total según el sexo, donde los hombres presentaron un mayor volumen que las mujeres. Se encontró asociación entre el patrón esquelético facial y el volumen de la orofaringe y volumen total (P<0.05). Conclusión: Los pacientes con patrón esquelético facial Clase III presentaron un mayor volumen de vía aérea que los pacientes con patrón esquelético facial Clase II.
Características imagenológicas de la impactación canina mandibular en radiografías panorámicas. Un estudio multicéntrico
Authors:   , Cornejo Paz Roger Homero
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar las características imagenológicas de la impactación canina mandibular en radiografías panorámicas a través de un estudio multicéntrico. Materiales y Métodos: Este estudio transversal evaluó 250 radiografías panorámicas digitales en cinco centros radiológicos de Lima y Tingo María (Perú), Culiacán (México), Bogotá y Tunja (Colombia). Se incluyeron caninos mandibulares impactados a partir de los 11 años en ambos sexos. Un investigador capacitado y calibrado realizó todas las mediciones en dos momentos. Se midieron el ángulo alfa mandibular, el contacto con la basal mandibular, el sector de impactación, la presencia de transmigración, y la altura de impactación y se analizó la relación entre ellas. Se utilizaron las pruebas exactas de Fisher, Chi – cuadrado, y regresiones logísticas binarias (P<0.05). Resultados: Se encontró presencia de contacto con la basal mandibular (32.08%), transmigración dentaria (36.79%) y principalmente su ubicación estuvo a nivel apical (40.09%) y sub apical (36.79%). La transmigración principalmente se presentó en los sectores 6 (33.30%) y 10 (25.60%) (p<0.001). Se encontró que por cada año que aumentó la edad de una persona, disminuyó la posibilidad de contacto con la basal ósea mandibular (B=0.89, p=0.010), y a medida que aumentó un grado el ángulo alfa disminuyó la probabilidad del contacto con la basal mandibular (B=0.97, p=0.001) y aumentó la probabilidad de transmigración (B=1.05, p<0.001). Conclusiones: Un tercio de los caninos impactados contactan con la basal mandibular, otro tercio presentan transmigración dentaria y están ubicados principalmente a nivel apical y sub apical de las raíces de los incisivos. Estas consideraciones imagenológicas se deben tener en cuenta al momento de planificar el tratamiento ortodóncico.
Correspondencia del curso de conflictos socioambientales dictado en la Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental de la Universidad Científica del Sur respecto a las prácticas público-privadas de gestión social de conflictos en el Perú. Estudio de caso
Authors:   , Herrera Ore Fabiola , Yepez Lopez Miguel
Published: November 2024

Este trabajo busca analizar las percepciones de los estudiantes de la carrera de Ingeniería Ambienta de la Universidad Científica del Sul, así como la relación con las prácticas en los sectores público y privados respecto a la gestión social de los conflictos socioambientales en el Perú. Para este estudio se diseñó una metodología cualitativa, realizando entrevistas en profundidad a 13 especialistas relacionados con la gestión del conflicto socioambiental, 3 profesionales relacionados con el dictado del curso y la carrera y 1 encuesta dirigida a 92 estudiantes que llevaron el curso durante el período 2019 al 2021, así también se hizo una visualización aleatoria de videos de clases y revisión documentaria del curso. Dado el contexto por COVID-19, en la que se desarrolla el estudio, la fase de campo fue realizada de manera virtual. Finalmente, el estudio propone elementos clave para formar ingenieros ambientales con habilidades y capacidades para gestionar conflictos socioambientales en sus diferentes etapas.
Targeted protein degraders of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro demonstrate superior antiviral activity over enzymatic inhibition alone and potency against nirmatrelvir resistant virus
Authors: Warner Nadia , Pan Baolong , Mountford Simon , Anderson Danielle , Jarman Kate , Tilmanis Danielle , Maher Belinda , Shortt Jake , Thompson Philip , Greenall Sam , Papadakis Georgina , Tran Thomas , Kiso Maki , Yamayoshi Seiya , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: November 2024

Targeted viral protein degraders, which enable physical elimination of viral protein target to inhibit all its primary and ancillary functions, could provide a new avenue to more effective antiviral drugs, overcoming the limitations associated with conventional inhibition-based direct-acting antiviral approaches, such as the selection of antiviral resistance. We have adapted SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors into a panel of targeted protein degraders and found three compounds, derived from clinically approved nirmatrelvir and utilising VHL or IAP ubiquitin ligase recruiters, capable of degrading Mpro protein in a concentration, time and host proteasomal dependent fashion, whereas size matched non-degrading controls and nirmatrelvir could not. The compounds also degraded nirmatrelvir-resistant mutant Mpro protein and demonstrated enhanced anti-SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity against multiple wildtype and nirmatrelvir-resistant strains compared to precisely matched non-degrading control molecules. This work demonstrates the feasibility of generating targeted protein degraders from established viral protein inhibitors and confirms that degraders possess superior antiviral potency compared to size matched enzymatic inhibitors.
The Expected Impact of HIV Post-Treatment Control and HIV Elimination on Quality of Life, Sexual Satisfaction, and Stigma Among People With HIV and Key Populations
Authors: Romijnders Kim , Romero Franco , Matser Amy , Verburgh Myrthe , Dijkstra Maartje , Reiss Peter , Kretzschmar Mirjam , NIEUWKERK Pythia , LOEFF Maarten SCHIM VAN DER , Basten Maartje , Rozhnova Ganna
Published: November 2024

Objective This study explored the expected impact of two hypothetical HIV cure scenarios on quality of life (QoL), sexual satisfaction, and stigma among people with HIV (PHIV) and key populations (i.e., partners of PHIV, family members, friends and other contacts, and MSM without HIV) in the Netherlands.
Design A cross-sectional survey was conducted among PHIV and key populations in the Netherlands from October 2021 until June 2022. Methods QoL, sexual satisfaction, and stigma were assessed with an online survey to compare participants’ current situation and for two hypothetical HIV cure scenarios: HIV post-treatment control (PTC), where HIV is suppressed without the need for ongoing antiretroviral treatment (ART), but the viral reservoir is expected to persist, and HIV elimination, where HIV is completely removed from the body.
Results PHIV (n=222) expected improved QoL and sexual satisfaction, as well as reduced stigma compared to their current situation following both PTC and elimination. Key populations (n=495) similarly expected improvements for both HIV cure scenarios, except no expected improvement was found for QoL following PTC. The expected impact of a cure on QoL, sexual satisfaction, and stigma varied by age. Participants aged between 18 and 34 years expected greater improvement following both cure scenarios compared to older participants.
Conclusion Both PHIV and key populations without HIV expect an HIV cure to have a positive impact on QoL, sexual satisfaction, and stigma. This impact is expected not only for HIV elimination but also for HIV PTC, the development of which appears more feasible.
Different types of cluster membership in parallel-group cluster-randomised trials, where the clusters are institutions: A classification system to aid identification, with six proposed designs
Authors: Marsden Laura E , Surr Claire A , Griffiths Alys W , Farrin Amanda J , Copas Andrew J , Walwyn Rebecca EA
Published: November 2024

Background: Four main types of cluster-randomised trial (CRT) are well known: parallel-group (PG), factorial, stepped-wedge and crossover designs. This established typology relates to how clusters are exposed to intervention(s) or control(s) during the trial. Published guidance is lacking on how to link design features to how individuals within clusters may be exposed and measured. Thus, the aim of this paper was to develop a classification system for different types of cluster membership in CRTs, focussing on PG designs and building on our experiences of delivering a care home trial.
Methods: The classification system was developed in seven stages: i) a scoping review was conducted to explore use of open-cohort PG-CRTs in a range of settings; ii) a version of the classification system was developed, using the stepped-wedge CRT typology; iii) this was tested using a sample of published trials from the scoping review; iv) a second version was developed, reviewed and further amendments made to aid clarity; v) 15 trialists with experience of CRTs in a range of settings provided feedback in a one-day, face-to-face user engagement workshop; vi) a wider group of 39 trialists completed an online survey, providing examples and additional feedback; and vii) all authors reviewed and approved the final version.
Results: Six types of cluster membership in PG-CRTs are proposed: the closed-cohort and cross-sectional designs already established, a new-admission-continuous-recruitment, open-cohort with discrete-recruitment, open-cohort with continuous-recruitment, and a non-standard closed-cohort design. The final classification system is made up of six core design features and five additional design considerations. Diagrams of each type of cluster membership are introduced and used to illustrate examples.
Conclusions: Implications of distinctions between the six types of cluster membership for the statistical analysis requires further research. CONSORT guidance needs updating to include specific guidance on reporting the type of cluster membership alongside the description of how design features apply to clusters. Further methodological research is required into both the statistical and the practical implications of adopting previously unlabelled but frequently used types of cluster membership.
Remote clinical decision support tool for Parkinson's disease assessment using a novel approach that combines AI and clinical knowledge
Authors: Rom Harel , Peleg Ori , Rom Yovel , Mirelman Anat , Blumrosen Gaddi , Maidan Inbal
Published: November 2024

Background
Early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can assist in designing efficient treatments. Reduced facial expressions are considered a hallmark of PD, making advanced artificial intelligence (AI) image processing a potential non-invasive clinical decision support tool for PD detection.
Objective
To determine the sensitivity of image-to-text AI, which matches facial frames recorded in home settings with descriptions of PD facial expressions, in identifying disease and disease severity.
Methods
Facial image of 67 PD patients and 52 healthy-controls (HCs) were collected via standard video recording. Using clinical knowledge, we compiled descriptive sentences detailing facial characteristics associated with PD. The facial images were analyzed with OpenAI's CLIP model to generate probability scores, indicating the likelihood of each image matching the PD-related descriptions. These scores were used in an XGBoost model to identify PD patients with "slight" and "mild" severity based on the total, motor, and facial-expression item of the MDS-UPDRS, a common scale for assessing disease severity.
Results
The image-to-text AI technology showed the best results in identifying PD patients based on the facial expression item (AUC = 0.78 ± 0.05), especially for those at the 'mild' stage (AUC = 0.87 ± 0.04). The motor MDS-UPDRS score followed (AUC = 0.69 ± 0.05), while the total MDS-UPDRS score showed the lowest performance in identifying PD patients (AUC = 0.59 ± 0.05). Regression analysis of PD severity scores revealed significant correlations across all MDS-UPDRS components (r > 0.23, p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using advanced AI in a clinical decision support tool for PD diagnosis, suggesting a novel approach for home-based screening to identify PD patients. This method represents a significant innovation, transforming clinical knowledge into practical algorithms that can serve as effective screening tools.
Crosstalk between gut microbiota and cancer chemotherapy: Current status and trends
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Hao Shaodong , Ye Hui , Zhang Xuezhi
Published: November 2024

Background
Chemotherapy is crucial in the management of tumors, but challenges such as chemoresistance and adverse reactions frequently lead to therapeutic delays or even premature cessation. A growing body of research underscores a profound connection between the gut microbiota (GM) and cancer chemotherapy (CC). This paper aims to pinpoint highly influential publications and monitor the current landscape and evolving trends within the realm of GM/CC research.
Methods
On October 1st, 2023, a comprehensive search for GM/CC publications spanning the past 20 years from 2004 to 2023 was conducted utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The scope encompassed both articles and reviews, and the data was subsequently extracted. To gain insights into the evolution and dynamics of this research field, we employed bibliometric analysis tools such as the Bibliometrix R package, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel to visualize and analyze various dimensions, including prominent journals, leading authors, esteemed institutions, contributing countries/regions, highly cited papers, and frequently occurring keywords.
Results
A total of 700 papers were obtained. The number of publications about GM/CC studies has increased gradually. China and the United States published the largest number of papers. The INSERM was in the leading position in publishers. The most productive authors were Zitvogel L from France. Cancers had the largest number of papers. Citation analysis explained the historical evolution and breakthroughs in GM/CC research. Highly cited papers and common keywords illustrated the status and trends of GM/CC research. Four clusters were identified, and the hot topics included the role of the GM in the efficacy and toxicity of CC, the targeting of the GM to improve the outcome of CC, the mechanism by which the GM affects CC, and the correlation of the GM with carcinogenesis and cancer therapy. Metabolism, GM-derived metabolites, immunity, intestinal barrier, tumor microenvironment, and tumor microbiota may become the new hotspots and trends of GM/CC research.
Conclusion
This study analyzed global publications and bibliometric characteristics of the links between GM and CC, identified highly cited papers in GM/CC, provided insight into the status, hotspots, and trends of global GM/CC research, and showed that the GM can be used to predict the efficacy and toxicity of CC and modifying the GM can improve the outcomes of chemotherapeutics, which may inform clinical researchers of future directions.
How Would Different Solar PV Systems Perform Under Tropical Environments?
Authors: Femin V. , Veena R , Petra M. I. , Mathew S.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we analyze and compare the performance of six different solar PV technologies in tropical environments, using three years of performance data from a 1.2 MW experimental solar facility. The technologies considered include single-crystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, microcrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, copper indium selenium (CIS), and hetero-junction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT). The field performances of these cells were initially assessed using standard performance indices such as Array Yield, Reference Yield, Capture Loss, Performance Ratio, and Efficiency Ratio. Among the technologies studied, amorphous silicon and HIT-based systems demonstrated superior performance, showing higher Performance and Efficiency Ratios, along with lower capture losses. This study also modelled the fluctuations in power production from these panels. Under probabilistic modeling, the ramping behavior of the systems was characterized using the Generalized Logistic Distribution. The HIT-based system showed the highest probability for fluctuations, while the ramp rates of the Micro-Crystalline Silicon and CIS-based systems were the lowest. To predict minute-wise and hourly ramping of the PV systems under varying levels of solar insolation, machine learning methods such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) were employed. With a Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) of over 96%, these models demonstrated high accuracy in capturing the ramping characteristics of the studied PV systems. The results of this study offer valuable insights into the performance of different PV systems in tropical regions, which can be used in efficiently designing and managing solar PV projects.
Identification and characterization of a heat shock transcription factor in the marine red alga Neopyropia yezoensis (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Wi Jiwoong , Choi Dong-Woog
Published: November 2024

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs), which play a pivotal role in the high-temperature response, are found in all organisms. Terrestrial plants, in particularly, possess a greater number of HSF genes, suggesting their necessity for adaptation to severe dry and extreme temperature environments. Red algae inhabit intertidal zones subject to periodic desiccation and extreme temperature changes. Despite this, HSF genes have not yet been reported in red algae. In this study, we identify an HSF gene, NyHSF, from the marine red algae Neopyropia yezoensis. NyHSF has a DNA binding domain, oligomerization domain, and motifs that are well-conserved in the HSFA family of angiosperms. Phylogenic analyses showed that HSFs from red algae were grouped into a distinctive clade separate from those of green plants. NyHSF is located in the nucleus. When the NyHSF gene was overexpressed in single-cell green algae, Chlamydomonas, the transcription levels of heat response genes including heat shock proteins increased under normal growth conditions without heat stress, demonstrating that NyHSF acts as a transcriptional activator of these heat response genes. Transgenic Chlamydomonas cells overexpressing NyHSF showed a higher growth rate compared to wild-type cells under heat-stress conditions. NyHSF responds to high temperatures and shows different expression patterns depending on the tissues in N. yezoensis. These results suggest that NyHSF has distinctive sequences compared to those of green plants and plays an important role in regulating the growth and life cycle of N. yezoensis, which are highly affected by temperature changes.
Quantum ensemble learning with a programmable superconducting processor
Authors: Song Chao , Chen Jiachen , Wu Yaozu , Yang Zhen , Xu Shibo , Ye Xuan , Wang Ke , Zhang Chuanyu , Jin Feitong , Zhu Xuhao , Gao Yu , Tan Ziqi , Cui Zhengyi , Zhang Aosai , Wang Ning , Zou Yiren , Li Tingting , Shen Fanhao , Zhong Jiarun , Bao Zehang , Zhu Zitian , Song Zixuan , Deng Jinfeng , Dong Hang , Zhang Pengfei , Li Daili , Zhang Wei , Li Hekang , Guo Qiujiang , Wang Zhen , Li Ying , Wang Xiaoting , Wang H.
Published: November 2024

Quantum machine learning is among the most exciting potential applications of quantum computing. However, the vulnerability of quantum information to environmental noises and the consequent high cost for realizing fault tolerance has impeded the quantum models from learning complex datasets. Here, we introduce Adaboost.Q, a quantum adaptation of the classical adaptive boosting (Adaboost) algorithm designed to enhance learning capabilities of quantum classifiers. Based on the probabilistic nature of quantum measurement, the algorithm improves the prediction accuracy by refining the attention mechanism during the adaptive training and combination of quantum classifiers. We experimentally demonstrate the versatility of our approach on a programmable superconducting processor, where we observe notable performance enhancements across various quantum machine learning models, including quantum neural networks and quantum convolutional neural networks. With Adaboost.Q, we achieve an accuracy above 86% for a ten-class classification task over 10,000 test samples, and an accuracy of 100% for a quantum feature recognition task over 1,564 test samples. Our results demonstrate a foundational tool for advancing quantum machine learning towards practical applications, which has broad applicability to both the current noisy and the future fault-tolerant quantum devices.
Studying the cases of heart and arteries nutrition for cardiac patients using bioinformatics tools
Authors: Alashoush Basma , Alkuddsi Yanal , Aleinikovas Marius , Silinskas Benas , Almogdad Mohammad , Skema Mindaugas , Almukdad Manal
Published: November 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most causes of death worldwide. Although of many habits like smoking and comorbidities are considered as a risk factors for developing CVD, poor eating habits should be taken into consideration. Bioinformatics tools provide powerful computational methods for analyzing CVD data. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a machine learning models to predict the deferent CVD to make the right decision in the protocol treatments of patients. The dataset was collected from Al-WATANI hospital in Sweida, Syria which included patients demographic, comorbidities, and dietary. The dataset was further split into training (60%) and test (40%) sets for building model and evaluating. Our study included 183 patients of which 111 patients were with hypertension, 33 patients with Infarction, 20 patients with congestive heart failure, and 19 patients with arrhythmia. Moreover, the accuracy of the algorithms varied, with support vector machine achieving the lowest accuracy of 71.62%, while it increased remarkably to 91.74% when applying the balanced weights. We also found that decision tree and random forest (tree depth = 5) achieved the same accuracies of 85.14%. However, when increasing the depth of the trees to 10, 15, or 20, the accuracy increased to 87.84% and remained steady. These models demonstrated high accuracy and reliability, making them valuable tools for clinical decision-making.
Prevalence, serotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from pregnant women in Khoy, Iran
Authors: Tabrizi Fatemeh Moghaddam , Najafinasab Elmira , Azarsa Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Background
Streptococcus agalactiae colonizes pregnant women and if transmitted to newborns during delivery, can lead to serious and fatal diseases such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, serotypes, and antibiotic resistance patterns of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from pregnant women’s vaginas.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 446 vaginal swab samples were collected from pregnant women. Suspected colonies were confirmed by conventional tests such as hemolytic activity, catalase, Gram staining, bile-esculin agar, CAMP, and hippurate hydrolysis. The antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus agalactiae strains was determined via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The presence of resistance genes (ermB, ermTR, mefA, and linB) was detected via Multiplex PCR method. The isolates were serotyped via the sequential multiplex-PCR method.
Results
A total of 42 strains were isolated from 446 vaginal swab samples. All the strains were sensitive to penicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin, and 45.2% and 28.5% of the isolates were not susceptible to erythromycin or clindamycin, respectively. The ermTR, ermB, mefA, and linB genes were detected in 11(26.19%), 9(21.42%), 2 (4.76%), and 4 (9.52%) isolates, respectively. The most common serotype in this study was III (61.9%) followed by II (14.28%), Ia (11.9%), V (7.14%), and Ib (4.76%).
Conclusions
Serotype III is highly prevalent in Iran and due to its association with invasive diseases, screening of pregnant women and prophylactic treatment of carriers are necessary. The most important resistance mechanism for macrolides is the ermTR gene and the M phenotype.
Investigations on the additive manufacturing of structures made of copper-zinc alloys using wire and arc-based welding processes
Authors: Schop Malte , Schäfer Matthias , Ungethüm Tim , Schmale Hans Christian
Published: November 2024

There is a need in the industry for a highly productive and cost-effective additive manufacturing process that is capable of processing copper-zinc alloys in such a way that acceptable material properties are achieved. To develop technologies that fulfill the requirements, wire and arc-based additive manufacturing with copper-zinc alloys is investigated. As part of the technology development, experiments on tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding with CuZn37 filler wire on CuZn37 substrates are carried out. By varying the arc length, it is shown that with shorter arcs fewer lacks of fusion occur at the seam edges. With further welding experiments, preferred parameters for the manufacturing of higher wall structures are determined. The investigations demonstrate that the reproducible build-up of 20-layer wall structures and cylindrical blanks made of CuZn37 is possible with a TIG process. The cross-sections of selected welds and wall structures are analyzed and measured using an optical microscope. Some samples are scanned using a laser scanner to create height profiles. To investigate the mechanical properties within the additive manufacturing technology, tensile tests are carried out as well.
Effects of storage time and temperature on coagulation factor and natural anticoagulant activities
Authors: Nakanishi Ryosuke , Sakayori Tasuku , Matsui Daichi , Kono Mai , Maki Minase , Dunois Claire , Komiyama Yutaka , Morisaki Hiromi
Published: November 2024

Coagulation test results are influenced by many pre-analytical variables, including clinical sample storage conditions. This study investigated the effects of storage time and temperature on coagulation factor (FII, FV, FVII, FX, FVIII, FIX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII) and natural anticoagulant (antithrombin, protein C, and free protein S) activities. Blood samples from healthy individuals were centrifuged and plasma was tested after room temperature (18 to 25°C) or refrigerated (2 to 8°C) for 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours, or after frozen storage (-15 to -25°C) for 1, 2, 3, and 4 months. For all storage conditions, the mean percentage change from baseline in evaluated activities was < 15%, except for FV and FVIII. For FV activities after frozen storage at -15 to -25°C and FVIII activities at all storage conditions, the mean percentage change was > 15%. For FV and FVIII activities, the mean percentage change was < 15% after frozen storage at -75 to -85°C for 1, 2, 3, and 4 months. These labile factors are associated with rapid decreases in plasma levels in vitro. To ensure appropriate clinical testing results, especially for FV and FVIII activity, storage condition and time should be critically controlled.
Assessing the Spatial Demand for PCS for EVs Using Multi-source Big Data: An Example from Jinan City, China
Authors: Ren Qimeng , Sun Ming
Published: November 2024

Under the pressure of carbon pollution and resource scarcity, electric vehicles (EVs) have gradually replaced fuel vehicles as a new trend of low-carbon transformation. However, public charging stations (PCS) face problems such as insufficient quantity and unreasonable distribution. By using multi-source big data, this paper comprehensively analyzes the population distribution, traffic organization, infrastructure, land use and regional economy in the urban area of Jinan, China, and constructs evaluation indicators and spatial demand evaluation model for PCS. We analyse: 1) Distribution of population activity areas on weekday and rest days, high road network accessibility, high density area, high travel road network, commerce, public service facilities, parks, transportation facilities, residential area, high building coverage, high floor area ratio, economic development area and housing price level. 2) The impact of 14 evaluation indicators on space demand. 3) Demand level distribution of PCS in Jinan. 4) The distribution of current PCS and the comparison with the spatial demand model. The method recovers for the lack of comprehensive consideration of factors, intuitiveness of mathematical models, and urban geographic spatial research. This is of significance for predicting the use of PCS in the future and further promoting the whole popularization of EVs.
Charting spatial ligand-target activity using Renoir
Authors: Zafar Hamim , Rao Narein , Kumar Tanush , Pai Rhea , Mishra Archita , Ginhoux Florent , Chan Jerry , Sharma Ankur
Published: November 2024

The advancement of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics has enabled the inference of cellular interactions in a tissue microenvironment. Despite the development of cell-cell interaction inference methods, there is a lack of methods capable of mapping the influence of ligands on downstream target genes across a spatial topology with specific cell type composition, with the potential to shed light on niche-specific relationship between ligands and their downstream targets. Here we present Renoir for charting the ligand-target activities across a spatial topology and delineating spatial communication niches harboring specific ligand-target activities. Renoir also spatially maps pathway-level activity of ligand-target genesets and identifies domain-specific ligand-target activities. Across spatial datasets with varying resolution (spot to single-cell) ranging from development to disease, Renoir inferred cellular niches with distinct ligand-target interactions, spatially mapped pathway activities, and identified context-specific novel cell-cell interactions. Renoir uncovers biological insights and therapeutically-relevant cellular crosstalk from spatial transcriptomics data.
Flutter Control of Aircraft Wing using Auxetic Structures: Numerical Investigation
Authors: Rudresh M , Prashanth K P , V Praveen Kumar M , Ravikumar M , Sivambika S.
Published: November 2024

Aircraft Flutter is one of the significant concerns in achieving the required performance. These undesirable vibrations arising from interaction of aerodynamic and structural loads can be destructive. Trailing-edge wing morphing is one of the effective ways to tackle flutter. This work has been solely carried out to emphasis the concept of using integrated compliant mechanisms in the airfoil, being much efficient than using tradition wings, which is made up of flaps, ailerons separately which can cause problems like aileron reversal, etc. Re-entrant auxetic structures being one of the meta-materials, with negative Poisson's ratio to enable an effortless morphing mechanism as it has high flexibility along in-plane direction (chord-wise), at the same time combining with its torsional bending stiffness in out-of-plane direction (span-wise) results in finite weight reduction and delay in flutter, thereby increasing the flight performance characteristics. The 3D CAD Models were designed and numerical analysis is carried out. Modal analysis was done to compute the Eigen-frequencies of the Auxetic wing. Then, air-pressure was generated using CFD analysis. Finally, the fluid-structure interaction was done by importing the air-pressure and performing harmonic analysis. About 14.5% increase in resonant frequency was observed when Auxetic Structure was used also by reducing weight. This strongly indicates that, the Auxetic Wing is capable of withstanding higher frequencies before failure than regular wing, which can be used to delay flutter. This implies that the Auxetic Structure has the potential to be used as a structure with a passive morphing airfoil.
Seasonality of Rainfall in the Lake Victoria Basin is Controlled by the Large-Scale Circulation
Authors: Cook Kerry H , Andrews Patrick C. , Vizy Edward K.
Published: November 2024

Despite relatively constant surface temperatures, seasonally varying rainfall in the Lake Victoria Basin is bimodal, similar to much of East Africa. Precipitation maxima occur during the equinoctial seasons. Rainfall amounts are lower during boreal winter, and boreal summer is dry. Explanations involving movement of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) are inadequate to explain this seasonal cycle since the ITCZ, with its low-level meridional moisture convergence, is not identifiable over the Lake Victoria Basin. The ERA5 reanalysis is evaluated and used to diagnose connections between the large-scale hydrodynamics of Lake Victoria Basin precipitation on seasonal time scales. A consideration of diurnal time scales is also included since averaging over the region’s pronounced diurnal cycles obscures physical processes. Primary analysis tools are a conservation of atmospheric water equation and moist static energy. Two large-scale circulation features are of primary importance for determining the seasonality of rainfall in the Lake Victoria Basin. One is the seasonality of the thermal low over the African continent, and the other is the seasonal formation and breakdown of the Somali jet. This basic understanding is needed for confident prediction on all time scales, and to assess the region’s vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change.
The role of Perception of Academic Stress and Emotion-focused Coping Style for International Medical Students’ Mental Health in China
Authors: Zhou Shisi
Published: November 2024

Lots of previous researches had suggested that medical students are higher rates of mental health problems than other age-matched groups, however, there was little attention caring about international medical students’ mental health status and influential factors. The research aims to investigate the present mental health status of international medical students and assess the role of perception of academic stress, emotion-focused coping style in international medical students’ mental health in China. By using data of international medical students (17-27 years old) providing information on their demographics, Perception of Academic Stress, The Coping Style Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R10), the WHO Well-being Index Scale (WHO-5), this study found that the depression (mean score=13.55, SD=5.85) and anxiety (mean score=9.78 , SD=4.49) was high among international medical students, perception of academic stress was a significant positive predictor of depression (β=0.22) and anxiety (β=0.17) , the emotion-focused coping style was a significant negative predictor of depression (β=-0.90) and anxiety (β=-0.69) and have positive association with well-being (β=0.97).
Reduced Hair and Salivary Cortisol Concentrations Associated with Improved Emotional Well-Being Following Repeated Forest Walking: A Randomized Intervention Trial in Older Adults
Authors: Jezova Daniela , Hlavacova Natasa , Karailievova Lucia , Lamatungga Kiki Ekiawan , Halamova Julia , Tamatam Dhanalakshmi , Pichlerova Magdalena , Pichler Viliam
Published: November 2024

The main hypothesis of this study in older adults is that repeated walks in a forest but not an urban environment for one month lead to reduced chronic stress compared to the previous month without any intervention. This was achieved by the measurement of cumulative cortisol concentrations in hair. Older adults of both sexes (n=54; 71±6.2 years) participated in a randomized, parallel-group trial. They were randomly assigned to a forest or an urban walking group. They completed two 40-minute walking sessions per week over one month. Hair samples and morning, as well as afternoon salivary samples, were collected at baseline and following one month of walking interventions.
A significant reduction in cumulative hair cortisol was observed during the month of repeated forest but not urban walking compared to the previous month, indicating decreased chronic stress. Salivary cortisol concentrations decreased in the forest group only. No differences in salivary alpha-amylase activity and state anxiety scores were noticed. Walking activities had no negative impact on the diurnal rhythmicity of stress markers. Quality of life measures showed improvements in emotional well-being in the forest group. A negative correlation was found between hair cortisol and certain quality of life dimensions in urban but not forest groups. Repeated forest walks affect objective measures of chronic stress in older adults evidenced by lower cumulative hair cortisol concentrations and improved emotional well-being. These findings encourage incorporating forest-based interventions into mental health programs for older adults to enhance well-being, cognitive functions, and stress coping.
Preoperative serum Albumin and BMI as Predictors of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Emergency Abdominal Surgeries.
Authors: Kamarsu Vishnupriya , Veerabhadrappa Bharath S , Rodrigues Gabriel S
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To evaluate how preoperative serum albumin levels and BMI correlate with surgical outcomes in emergency abdominal surgery patients and to identify reliable predictors of postoperative complications and mortality for enhanced risk stratification and patient care optimization.
Methods: This prospective observational study included patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery at our tertiary care facility between January 2021 and November 2023. We measured each patient's body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin levels before surgery. We then tracked postoperative outcomes, including complications, duration of hospital stays, and mortality, analyzing their relationships with these preoperative measurements.
Results:Postoperative complications and mortality rates were highest in the underweight group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) and in patients with hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL). Surgical site infections, sepsis, and pneumonia were the most frequent complications observed. Patients with moderate hypoalbuminemia exhibited significantly higher rates of complications and more extended hospital stays. While trends relating BMI to outcomes were observed, these associations did not reach statistical significance in our cohort.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that serum albumin is a valuable, readily available, and independent predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in emergency abdominal surgery patients. In contrast, BMI did not demonstrate statistically significant predictive value in this study. These results underscore the importance of preoperative nutritional assessment and serum albumin levels in risk stratification and clinical decision-making for emergency abdominal surgical patients.
Trial registration number: CTRI/2021/02/030891
Registered on: 01/02/2021
Determinants of Accessibility to Maternal Health Information in Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women in Selected Primary Health Centers, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olajide Adetunmise , Adeniyi Dorcas , Odelola Tomilola , Oyeronke Olubunmi , Ogunmodede Eunice , Olabisi Oluwaseyi , Awotunde Abisola , Odunola Ganiyat , Yetunde Oyedeji , Esan Deborah
Published: November 2024

Background
Maternal health information (MHI) is a cornerstone for building healthy and productive populations, particularly in developing countries where maternal and infant mortality rates remain high. The study aimed to examine the determinants of accessibility to maternal health information (MHI) in pregnancy among pregnant women in selected primary health centers, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. 137 respondents were recruited using a simple random technique. A self-structured questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.805 was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Descriptive statistics (frequency and table) was used to answer the research questions while inferential statistical tool (Chi-square) was used to test hypotheses.
Results
Most respondents 41(29.9%) were aged30-35years and 100(78.8%) was accessible to maternal health information. There was a significant relationship between lack of time to attend ANC (0.000), unavailability of health facilities (0.011), illiteracy (0.000), cultural beliefs (0.001), lack of transportation (0.011), fear about seeking care (0.007), dissatisfaction with the health information (0.028), cost of accessing information (0.000), distance from health facilities (0.025), lack of support from family (0.001), poor quality of care (0.035) ignorance (0.046) and accessibility to MHI.
Conclusions
It is recommended that more continuous awareness on addressing the identified determinants particularly through targeted education, health system improvements and cultural sensitivity can further accessibility to maternal health information. Further research is needed to guide policy reforms contributing to universal access to maternal health information.
Developing a novel conceptual model of how UK food and drink tax policy impacts on consumption, health, environmental and economic outcomes.
Authors: Breeze Penny , Lake Amelia , Moore Helen , Connor Natalie , Burrows Andrea , Pidd Katharine , Reynolds Christian , Wells Rebecca , Vogel Christina , Brennan Alan
Published: November 2024

Background Food taxes have been proposed to encourage people to choose healthier foods and reduce diet-related disease. Rising obesity in the UK has been explained through various causal mechanisms and systems. Economic evaluation of obesity interventions would benefit from a documented understanding of system complexity. We aimed to describe the parts of the system affected (components), the causal pathways through which the effects work (mechanisms), and the individual and system-level factors that impact on food tax impacts (context).Methods We developed the conceptual model through an iterative process to develop the diagrammatic representation of the conceptual model. We first undertook a synthesis of reviews of food taxes and a rapid review of economic evaluations of food and drink taxes. The research team synthesised these results to describe mechanisms and outcomes for inclusion in the conceptual model. Secondly, the conceptual model was validated and revised according to feedback from 14 stakeholders across academia, policy, and third sector organisations.Results Our final conceptual model illustrates system components which were grouped into eight sub-systems including policy infrastructure, industry behaviour, consumer behaviour, household expenditure, nutrition outcomes, health outcomes, environmental outcomes, and macroeconomic outcomes. Food taxes will influence consumption through price changes impacting purchases of taxed food and other purchases resulting in changes to consumption. Industry may modify the effects by absorbing the tax burden, marketing and product development and reformulation. We identify health, macroeconomic and environmental outcomes linked to food, and explore complex feedback loops linking health and macroeconomic performance to household finances further modifying food purchasing. We identify individual and contextual factors that modify these mechanisms.Conclusions When developing a health economic individual simulation model of the impact food taxes, researchers should consider the mechanisms by which individuals and industry can modify the effects of food taxes, and the extent to which these actions can be anticipated. System-wide factors can be documented so that the modelled evidence can be interpreted considering these factors even if they are not explicitly modelled. The conceptual model v3.0 remains dynamic and can be updated as evidence and perspectives on the food tax policy system develop over time.