bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plants Competitions Influence Carbon Partitioning Below and Above Ground Parts among Warm Season Cereals (Maize, Sorghum & Millets)
Authors: Amanullah
Published: May 2023

Increasing the efficiency of carbon (C) sequestration through cropping system e.g., intercropping and mixed cropping play an important role to increase total C accumulation and it’s partitioning into shoots above the ground and roots below the ground. Unfortunately, there is lack of research on carbon content (CC) accumulation and its partitioning into roots and shoots when the plants competes each other in mixed cropping. Therefore, a hypothesis on the CC accumulation and partitioning into shoots and roots of summer cereals crops as mixed cropping under two different water levels (low and high) was tested. The hypothesis was supported by the results, and considerable variation was observed in ACC, BCC and TCC under different stands and water levels. The corn plants in pure stand (T1) had higher ACC (7.82 g C plant− 1), BCC (1.43 g C plant− 1) and TCC (9.24 g C plant− 1) than the pure stands of sorghum (T2) and millets (T3). The ACC, BCC and TCC of the three crops mixed stand was lower than two crops mixed stand. Corn mixed either with sorghum (T4) or millets (T5) had higher ACC, BCC and TCC than sorghum and millets, and sorghum mixed with millets had higher ACC, BCC and TCC than millets plants. Among the three crops, the higher ACC, BCC and TCC of corn (T7) was attributed to its higher CGR, higher WUE, higher competition ratio, higher DM accumulation and greater partitioning into shoots and roots. Grain sorghum ranked second and foxtail millets ranked third in terms of ACC, BCC and TCC in the mixed (corn > sorghum > millets). Corn was found the best competitor to sequester more CO2 from atmosphere when grown mixed either with sorghum or millets, while millets was declared the least competitor that sequester the less atmospheric CO2 when grown mixed with corn or sorghum (corn > sorghum > millets i.e. 9.24, 2.17 and 1.31 g C plant− 1, respectively).
Controllilg Earth Quake Induced Torsional Irregularity and Lateral Displacement of Rc Building with Shear Wall
Authors: Banerjee Rajiv , Parashar Arun , Gupta Nakul , Srivas J. B.
Published: May 2023

Buildings with shear walls have substantially less sway in the direction of their orientation, which results in significantly less damage to the building. Additionally, shear walls keep the roof or floor from swaying to and from by providing lateral stiffness. Walls may be particularly effective in resisting lateral stresses from wind and earthquakes when they are placed in strategic locations within a building. In this study, we model and analyse the building with varying shear wall positions using ETAB Ver. 0.2 in an effort to discover the optimal site of the shear wall in an asymmetric, irregular, star-shaped G + 14 building in zone IV. Two models, one with a shear wall and one without, have been analysed. The bare frame model has been compared to analytical results for top story displacement, base shear, time period, static eccentricity, story drift, and torsional moment.
Pulsed Laser Ablation of Polymer-based Magnetic Nanocomposites for Oil Spill Remediation
Authors: Gera Tamás , Kondász Bence , Smausz Tomi , Kopniczky Judit , Szabó-Révész Piroska , Ambrus Rita , Hopp Béla , Csóka Ildikó
Published: May 2023

Oil spills pose a significant threat to marine life and finding cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions is crucial. In this study, pulsed laser ablation (PLA) was applied to produce polymer-based magnetic nanocomposites for oil spill remediation. The selected polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone, chitosan, and methyl cellulose) are known for their adsorptive removal of polluting residues from various oil species. PLA was performed on pressed tablets containing magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) and polymers, and the generated particles were collected using an external magnetic field. The chemical composition of the ablated products was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, while particle sizes were measured using Leica Image Processing and Analysis System. The study demonstrated that PLA is a single-step, green, and efficient technique for preparing magnetic nanocomposites for oil spill treatment. The average particle size of the composites was in the 1.5–4 µm range, considerably smaller than the initial size of the corresponding polymer. The oil/water separation process using these composites was demonstrated, with separation occurring ~ 1 s after applying the magnetic field. These findings suggest that PLA-generated magnetic nanocomposites have significant potential for oil spill remediation applications.
Hydraulic conductivity of the polymer modified bentonite -sand- phosphogypsum (PMB-S-PG) mixture under drying-wetting and freezing-thawing cycles
Authors: Yang Wei , Song Muyuan , Liu Xueying , Chen Wei
Published: May 2023

To improve the multi-path and multi-field exploitation of phosphogypsum (PG), a polymer modified bentonite-sand-phosphogypsum mixture is developed for application in anti-seepage of PG slag fields and roadbeds. In this research, the SEM tests, FSI tests, and hydraulic conductivity tests under different conditions are carried out. The PMB has a superior swell index (72 ml/2g) in water, but the PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture’s swell index is low (5.8 ml/2g) in water because the acidic PG. The SEM tests reveal that the PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture forms a dense honeycomb structure which can complicate the seepage channels and maintain the low hydraulic conductivity. Thus, the swell index is not an accurate indicator to hydraulic conductivity. The honeycomb structure in the PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture has elasticity, strength, and isotropy; it can effectively resist the effects of DW and FT cycles. During the DW cycles. The PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture has lower degree of crack development, superior crack self-healing properties and more tortuous seepage channels, resulting in lower hydraulic conductivity (4.14×10− 10 m/s) compared to the RB-S-PG0.5 mixture (6.90×10− 9 m/s) after 9 DW cycles. Due to the finer particles, the lower number of ice lenses, and the more seepage channels in PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture, the degree of ice nucleation in the PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture is lower than in the RB-S-PG0.5 mixture during the FT cycles. The PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture’s hydraulic conductivity was lower (9.72×10− 11 m/s) compared to the RB-S-PG0.5 mixture (3.26×10− 9 m/s) after 9 FT cycles. That is, the PMB-S-PG0.5 mixture is expected to be widely used to enable the resource reuse of PG.
A genome-wide survey of cnidarian Gcm-dependent genes suggests a neuronal origin of glial function
Authors: Sheloukhova Larisa , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

In bilaterian central nervous systems, coordination of neurotransmission by glial cells enables highly sophisticated neural functions. However, it is unclear when glial cells became functional in metazoan evolution. Because cnidarians are the closest outgroup to the Bilateria, we analyzed the function of glial cells missing (Gcm), the core bilaterian gliogenic transcription factor (TF), in the anemone, Nematostella vectensis. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nematostella Gcm altered expression of cell adhesion proteins, glutamate and GABA transporters, ion channels, metabolic enzymes, and zinc finger and Ets-related TFs. NvGcm and mRNAs of downstream genes are expressed in broad neural cell clusters. However, immunostaining of a NvGcm target protein, the glutamate transporter, NvEAAT1, visualized a novel class of neural cells with flat cell bodies and no clear neurite processes. Our study showed that Gcm drives expression of a glial gene set in N. vectensis, indicating that the evolutionarily conserved gliogenic program functions in cnidarian neurons. Together with the finding of unique morphological features of NvEAAT1-functioning cells, these data suggest that major glial functions, including extracellular glutamate metabolism, were already deployed downstream of Gcm in pre-bilaterian nervous systems.
A Novel Method for Solving Universum Twin Bounded Support Vector Machine in the Primal Space
Authors: Moosaei Hossein , Khosravi Saeed , Bazikar Fatemeh , Hladík Milan , Guarracino Mario Rosario
Published: May 2023

In supervised learning, the Universum, a third class that is not a part of either class in the classification task, has proven to be useful. In this study we propose (NUTBSVM), a Newton-based approach for solving in the primal space the
optimization problems related to Twin Bounded Support Vector Machines with Universum data (UTBSVM). In the UTBSVM, the constrained programming problems of UTBSVM are converted into unconstrained optimization problems, and a generalization of Newton's method for solving the unconstrained problems is introduced. Numerical experiments on synthetic, UCI, and NDC data sets show the ability and effectiveness of the proposed NUTBSVM. We apply the suggested method for gender detection from face images, and compare it with other methods.
Aberrant Brain Entropy in Posttraumatic Stress disorder Comorbid with Major Depressive Disorder during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Fu Shishun , Liang Sipei , Lin Chulan , Wu Yunfan , Xie Shuangcong , Li Meng , Lei Qiang , Li Jianneng , Yu Kanghui , Yin Yi , Hua Kelei , Li Wuming , Wu Caojun , Ma Xiaofen , Jiang Guihua
Published: May 2023

AimPreviously, neuroimaging studies on comorbid Posttraumatic-Major depression disorder (PTSD-MDD) comorbidity found abnormalities in multiple brain regions among patients. Recent neuroimaging studies have revealed dynamic nature on human brain activity during resting state, and entropy as an indicator of dynamic regularity may provide a new perspective for studying abnormalities of brain function among PTSD-MDD patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of patients with PTSD-MDD. We have decided to conduct research on resting-state brain functional activity of patients who developed PTSD-MDD during this period using entropy.Methods33 patients with PTSD-MDD and 36 matched TCs were recruited. PTSD and depression symptoms were assessed using multiple clinical scales. All subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. And the brain entropy (BEN) maps were calculated using the BEN mapping toolbox. A two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences in the brain entropy between the PTSD-MDD comorbidity group and TC group. Furthermore, correlation analysis was conducted between the BEN changes in patients with PTSD-MDD and clinical scales.ResultsCompared to the TCs, PTSD-MDD patients had a reduced BEN in the right middle frontal orbital gyrus (R_MFOG), left putamen, and right inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part (R_IFOG). Furthermore, a higher BEN in the R_MFOG was related to higher CAPS and HAMD-24 scores in the patients with PTSD-MDD.ConclusionThe results showed that the R_MFOG is a potential marker for showing the symptom severity of PTSD-MDD comorbidity. Consequently, PTSD-MDD may have reduced BEN in frontal and basal ganglia regions which are related to emotional dysregulation and cognitive deficits.
Microbial hitchhikers harbouring antimicrobial-resistance genes in the riverine plastisphere
Authors: Zadjelovic Vinko , Wright Robyn J. , Borsetto Chiara , Quartey Jeannelle , Cairns Tyler N. , Langille Morgan G. I. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. , Christie-Oleza Joseph A.
Published: May 2023

Background
The widespread nature of plastic pollution has given rise to wide scientific and social concern regarding the capacity of these materials to serve as vectors for pathogenic bacteria and reservoirs for Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARG). In- and ex-situ were used to characterise the riverine plastisphere taxonomically and functionally in order to determine whether antibiotics within the water influenced the ARG profiles in these microbiomes and how these compared to those on natural surfaces such as wood and their planktonic counterparts.
Results
We show that plastics support a taxonomically distinct microbiome containing potential pathogens and ARGs. While the plastisphere was similar to those biofilms that grew on wood, they were distinct from the surrounding water microbiome. Hence, whilst potential opportunistic pathogens (i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter and Aeromonas) and ARG subtypes (i.e. those that confer resistance to macrolides/lincosamides, rifamycin, sulfonamides, disinfecting agents and glycopeptides) were predominant in all surface-related microbiomes, especially on weathered plastics, a completely different set of potential pathogens (i.e. Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Streptococcus) and ARGs (i.e. aminoglycosides, tetracycline, aminocoumarin, fluoroquinolones, nitroimidazole, oxazolidinone and fosfomycin) dominated in the planktonic compartment. Our genome-centric analysis allowed the assembly of 215 Metagenome Assembled Genomes (MAGs), linking ARGs and other virulence-related genes to their host. Interestingly, a MAG belonging to Escherichia –that clearly predominated in water– harboured more ARGs and virulence factors than any other MAG, emphasising the potential virulent nature of these pathogenic-related groups. Finally, ex-situ incubations using environmentally-relevant concentrations of antibiotics increased the prevalence of their corresponding ARGs, but different riverine compartments –including plastispheres– were affected differently by each antibiotic.
Conclusions
Our results provide insights into the capacity of the riverine plastisphere to harbour a distinct set of potentially pathogenic bacteria and function as a reservoir of ARGs. The environmental impact that plastics pose if they act as a reservoir for either pathogenic bacteria or ARGs is aggravated by the persistence of plastics in the environment due to their recalcitrance and buoyancy. Nevertheless, the high similarities with microbiomes growing on natural co-occurring materials and even more worrisome microbiome observed in the surrounding water highlights the urgent need to integrate the analysis of all environmental compartments when assessing risks and exposure to pathogens and ARGs in anthropogenically-impacted ecosystems.
Life cycle of gullies: A susceptibility assessment in the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift
Authors: Belayneh Liuelsegad , Kervyn Matthieu , Gulie Guchie , Poesen Jean , Stal Cornelis , Kasaye Alemayehu , Endale Tizita , Sekajugo John , Dewitte Olivier
Published: May 2023

Gullies experience varying states of activity during their life cycle. For example, their highest growth rates are commonly observed in the period that follows their initiation, whereas they are less active when reaching stability. Understanding the environmental conditions under which gullies initiate, expand, and stabilize is therefore vital to mitigate their impacts. Data-driven susceptibility assessments are key approaches to understanding these conditions at the catchment scale. However, such assessments commonly focus, at best, only on one part of the problem (e.g., on the gully heads) and do not cast a critical eye on the significance of the processes they would highlight. So far, no study has attempted to explicitly model the life cycle of gullies. Here we address this research gap through modelling separately the location where new gullies initiate and where they stabilize using both gully initiation points and gully heads. More specifically, we study over 4400 active and inactive gullies in the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift. Using logistic regression models, we assess the susceptibility to gully initiation points derived from slope-drainage area (S-A) thresholds. This is then compared with the susceptibility of active or inactive gully heads at the level of four catchments considered together and separately. Highly susceptible areas for gully initiation are mainly located in rejuvenated landscapes downslope of rifting-associated knickpoints, where steep hillslopes are more recent than those of the surrounding relict landscapes. Concave slopes with a higher surface runoff concentration favour initiation of gullies. In contrast, gullies stabilize in convex slopes with a more diffusive characteristic. The resulting susceptibility models are a step towards contributing to the decisionmaking process on the optimized locations of soil and water conservation measures during several stages of the life cycle of gullies.
Implementation of a Structured Robotic Colorectal Curriculum for General Surgery Residents
Authors: Unruh Kenley , Stovall Stephanie , Chang Lily , Deal Shanley , Kaplan Jennifer , Moonka Ravi , Simianu Vlad V
Published: May 2023

Background
There is increasing demand for colorectal robotic training for general surgery residents. We implemented a robotic colorectal surgery curriculum expecting that it would increase resident exposure to the robotic platform and would increase the number of graduating general surgery residents obtaining a robotic equivalency certificate.
Methods
Our curriculum started in 2019 and consists of didactics, simulation, and clinical performance. Objectives are specified for both junior residents (post-graduate years [PGY]1-2) and senior residents (PGY3-5). The robotic colorectal surgical experience was characterized by comparing robotic to non-robotic operations, differences in robotic operations across post-graduate year, and percentage of graduates achieving an equivalency certificate. Robotic operations are tracked using case log annotation.
Results
From 2017-2021, 25 residents logged 681 major operations on the colorectal service (PGY1 mean = 7.6 ± 4.6, PGY4 mean = 29.7 ± 14.4, PGY5 mean = 29.8 ± 14.8). Robotic colorectal operations made up 24% of PGY1 (49% laparoscopic, 27% open), 35% of PGY4 (35% laparoscopic, 29% open) and 41% of PGY5 (44% laparoscopic, 15% open) major colorectal operations. Robotic bedside experience is primarily during PGY1 (PGY1 mean 2.0 ± 2.0 bedside operations vs 1.4 ± 1.6 and 0.2 ± 0.4 for PGY4 and 5, respectively). Most PGY4 and 5 robotic experience is on the console (PGY4 mean 9.1 ± 7.7 console operations, PGY5 mean 12.0 ± 4.8 console operations). Rates of robotic certification for graduating chief residents increased from 0% for E-2013 to 100% for E-2018.
Conclusions
Our study was limited by being retrospective and its limited ability to compare robotic experience between resident cohorts. Regardless, our robotic colorectal curriculum for general surgery residents has facilitated earlier and increased robotic experience for residents and increased robotic certification for our graduates.
Prospecting during egg laying informs incubation recess movements of eastern wild turkeys
Authors: BAKNER NICHOLAS W. , ULREY ERIN E. , COLLIER BRET A. , CHAMBERLAIN MICHAEL J.
Published: May 2023

Background Central place foragers must acquire resources and return to the central location after foraging bouts. During the egg laying (hereafter laying) period, females become constrained to a nesting location, and it is postulated that females familiarize themselves with resources available within their incubation ranges. Prospecting behavior allows individuals to obtain knowledge to determine profitable (e.g., resource rich) locations on the landscape.Methods Using GPS data collected from female eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) across the southeastern United States, we determined if prospecting behaviors were occurring during laying and what environmental factors influenced prospecting. We quantified prospecting using movements of females during incubation recesses to locations visited during laying.Results The average proportion of recess movements to previously visited locations was 56.9%. Nest fate was positively influenced by the number of patches (90-m radius buffer around a laying location) a female visited during incubation recesses. Females selected for areas closer to the nest site, secondary roads, hardwood forest, mixed pine-hardwood forest, water, and shrub/scrub, whereas they avoided pine forest and open-treeless areas.Conclusions Our findings suggest that having a diverse suite of patches available to support incubation recesses within an incubation range are impactful to nest fate. This research suggest prospecting could be important to other phenological periods during reproduction. Furthermore, research should evaluate how prospecting for brood-rearing habitat may occur prior to or during the incubation period.
Recruitment dynamics of Hiatella arctica within a high Arctic site (Young Sound Fjord, NE Greenland)
Authors: Veillard Delphine , Tremblay Réjean , Sejr Mikael K. , Chauvaud Laurent , Cam Emmanuelle , Olivier Frédéric
Published: May 2023

Recruitment dynamics including what determines success or failure of Arctic benthic invertebrates are poorly known despite their important role for population dynamics. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential influence of extreme seasonal/physical constraints, in particular freshwater discharge, on the recruitment of a dominant bivalve Hiatella arctica within a High Arctic fjord. We collected young recruits over several sampling periods from 2016 to 2018 at two contrasting sites (inner vs middle fjord) for 5-weeks to 12-months and measured their abundance, size at metamorphosis and lipid class composition. Young stages of H. arctica settled from June to the end of October, when trophic conditions are optimal. We hypothesize that growth stops during winter due to poor trophic conditions. Data suggest that abundance of recruits, their total lipid concentration and composition of lipid classes are similar in both sites. By contrast, analyses of size-class show differing temporal and spatial patterns with 6 cohorts detected in middle fjord and only one at the inner station, which can be attributed to discrete spawning events and possible secondary migration. Based on an assessment of their potential age, we hypothesize that spat batches recruiting earlier in the summer exhibit better growth performance probably because of higher food quality and availability.
Determination of Groundwater Potential Zone using AHP based on GIS for Konya, Türkiye
Authors: Baykal Tahsin , Taylan E. Dilek , Terzi Özlem
Published: May 2023

Groundwater provides most of the freshwater needs such as drinking, irrigation and industry. As a result of increasing population, urbanization and industrialization, groundwater resources are faced with the risk of decreasing and pollution. For this reason, Konya in Türkiye, having a lot of agricultural activities, was chosen as the study area. This research utilized the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a type of multi-criteria decision-making analysis, to assess the groundwater potential in Konya, Türkiye. For this purpose, land use, slope, rainfall, topographic wetness index, drainage density, elevation, plan curvature, profile curvature and stream power index thematic maps were created, and their weights were determined with AHP. Groundwater potential map (GWPM) was produced by overlay analysis in GIS environment. The GWPM was validated by comparing it with the groundwater zones (GWZ) map given in the report of “Konya Closed Basin Management Plan” project. As a result of the validation process, the accuracy value was found to be 0.87.
An object detection method for the work of an unmanned sweeper in a noisy environment on an improved YOLO algorithm
Authors: Huo JunLiang , Shi BaiJun , Zhang YiHuai
Published: May 2023

Efficient and accurate object detection is crucial for the widespread use of low-cost unmanned sweepers. This paper focuses on the low-cost sweeper in practical working scenarios and proposes a traffic participant detection method based on an enhanced YOLO-v5 model. To train the model on noise knowledge, three types of noise were added to the data set based on the mathematical model's vibration response. The loss function was optimized to balance detection accuracy and real-time performance while focusing on traffic participant detection using YOLO-v5. CTDS and BFSA modules were proposed based on the attention mechanism to enhance the YOLO-v5 model. Comparative experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method, with the enhanced YOLO-v5 model achieving a 4.5% higher mean average precision than the traditional YOLO-v5 network. Moreover, the proposed method can process images at a frame per second (FPS) of 89 while ensuring real-time performance, meeting the object detection requirements of actual sweeper.
The Cut-/Stab-Resistance of Protective Composite Textiles Reinforced with Particle Additives
Authors: Mao Lizhou , Yu Hang , Yao Lu , Shen Yue , Yan Xuefeng , Ma Yan
Published: May 2023

This study prepared a soft-rigid unified structure (SRUS) textile composed of inorganic powder (IP) reinforced epoxy resin block (EIPB) array and a soft textile substrate via a pattern-controllable integrated molding method. The effects of IP content and alumina particle size on the cutting and puncture resistance of the resulting SRUS textile were evaluated. The anti-puncture and anti-cutting mechanisms of the SRUS textile were assessed based on the damage morphology and process. The experimental results demonstrated a significant enhancement in the puncture and cut resistance of the SRUS textile after the addition of IP. Moreover, the cut/stab resistance of the SRUS textile increased with the increase of IP content and the size of Al2O3, and the optimal cut/stab resistance was observed at 60 mesh-50 wt.%. The maximum stab and cut resistance of the SRUS textile increased by approximately 19.2% and 62.1%, respectively, reaching the highest protection level when compared to pure SRUS textile. Additionally, the hard passivation at the EIPB and the friction self-locking at the interval were considered to be the anti-puncture mechanism of the SRUS textile, while the anti-cutting mechanism was attributed to the reverse cutting of hard particles on the blade.
Towards the definition of progressive disease in brain metastasis treated with Laser Ablation: an evidence-based study
Authors: Merenzon Martin A. , Levy Adam S. , Bhatia Shovan , Rivera Cameron , Morell Alexis A. , Semonche Alexa , Daggubati Lekhaj C. , Luther Evan , Komotar Ricardo J. , Shah Ashish H. , Ivan Michael E.
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The postoperative period after laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is marked by a temporary increase in volume, which can impact the accuracy of radiographic assessment. The current criteria for progressive disease (PD) suggests that a 20% increase in size of brain metastasis (BM) assessed in 6–12 weeks intervals should be considered as local progression (LP). However, there is no agreement on how LP should be defined in this context. In this study, we aimed to statistically analyzed which variations in tumor volume were associated with LP.
Methods
We analyzed 42 BM that underwent LITT between 2013–2022. For this study, LP was defined following radiographic features, while PD with a combined clinical and radiographic criterion. A ROC curve was generated to evaluate volume change as a predictor of LP and find the optimal cutoff point. A logistic regression analysis and Kaplan Meier curves were performed to assess the impact of various clinical variables on LP.
Results
Out of 42 lesions, 12 (26.7%) had LP. An increase in volume of 25.6% from baseline within 120–180 days after LITT presented a 70% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity for predicting LP (AUC: 0.78, p = 0.0412). The multivariate analysis showed a 25% increase in volume between 120–180 days as a negative predictive factor (p = 0.007). Volumetric changes within 60–90 days after LITT did not predict LP (AUC: 0.57; p = 0.612).
Conclusion
Volume changes within the first 120 days after the procedure are not independent indicators of LP of metastatic brain lesions treated with LITT.
Malaria, gastrointestinal parasite infection and nutritional status among febrile children in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Darko Bright Amoah , Owusu-Asenso Christopher Mfum , Addo-Osafo Kantanka , Appiah-Lawson Edith , Afrane Yaw Asare , Tette Edem Magdalene Afua
Published: May 2023

Introduction
Malaria and intestinal parasite infection are common in developing countries. These Parasites causes anaemia and malnutrition mostly in children. For this reason, it is important to study these infections and their effects in order to monitor interventions to control them. This study aims to determine prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasite infections and their association with nutritional status among febrile children in Accra, Ghana.
Methods
The study was conducted among febrile children aged 6 months to 5 years attending three health facilities in Accra from May to October, 2022. A total of 315 children were selected for the study. Anthropometric measurement was done for each participant. Blood and stool samples were collected for investigation. Thick and thin blood smears stained with 10% Giemsa were prepared and examined for Plasmodium parasite using microscopy. Stool samples were processed using direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration method and examined for intestinal parasites using microscopy. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using automatic haematology analyzer.
Results
A total of 24% (76/315) were positive for malaria. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 77.6% (59/76) of parasitaemia, whereas Plasmodium malariae was 22.4% (17/76). Prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 10.7% (34/315). Giardia lamblia accounted for 17/315 (5.3%) of the entire children, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 8/315 (2.5%), Hookworm 6/315 (1.9%) and Trichuris trichiura 3/315 (0.9%). A total of 15/315 (5%) of the participants had co-infection of malaria and intestinal parasite infection. Prevalence of anaemia, malnutrition, stunting, wasting and underweight were (72%), (30.7%), (16.2%), (24.4%) and (57.1%) respectively. Malaria was significantly associated with anaemia (p = 0.000) and underweight (p = 0.013). Ascaris lumbricoides was significantly associated with wasting (p = 0.010). Giardia lamblia was significantly association with malnutrition (p = 0.000) and Stunting (p = 0.000), whereas Hookworm was found to be significantly associated with anaemia (p = 0.021).
Conclusion
Prevalence of IPI in this study was less than previously reported, most likely due to regular deworming of most of the children. However, Malaria and intestinal parasitic infection were significantly associated with anaemia and malnutrition including wasting, stunting, and underweight.
Variation of the Brachial Artery Emerging through an Opening in the Median Nerve: A Case Report
Authors: Rutkowski William E. , Howe Caitlin A.
Published: May 2023

The median nerve maintains a close relationship with the brachial artery in the upper limb. Variability in the formation and distribution of these vessels are frequently encountered during donor body dissections or surgical procedures. This case presents a rare anatomical variation of the brachial artery emerging through an opening in the median nerve. The median nerve formed a small opening without the contribution from additional nerve roots and the remaining vasculature of the upper limb was otherwise normal. An abnormal arrangement of neurovasculature in the arm can cause sensory and motor issues, as well as vascular implications. This variation has clinical significance in surgical interventions and potentially daily functioning. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a small median nerve opening pierced by the brachial artery.
Sonographic Diaphragm Abnormalities are an Unexpectedly Frequent Feature of Long COVID Outpatients with Unexplained Dyspnea and Fatigue
Authors: Deo Prabhav P. , Bailey Joseph I. , Jensen Alexandra S. , Farr Ellen , Fahey Meghan , Isherwood Matthew , Chakka Keerthana , Wolfe Lisa F. , Roy Ishan , Sala Marc A. , Franz Colin K.
Published: May 2023

Purpose The primary aim of this study is to define the sonographic diaphragm phenotype of Long COVID rehabilitation outpatients with non-specific dyspnea and fatigue. We analyzed patients referred from a pulmonary post-COVID clinic that were lacking a specific cardiopulmonary diagnosis for their symptoms. Additionally, we report the functional outcomes of subset of patients who completed an outpatient cardiopulmonary physical therapy program.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study (n = 58) of consecutive patients referred for neuromuscular ultrasound assessment of diaphragm muscle using B-mode technique. Patients were recruited from a single academic hospital between February 25, 2021 and November 22, 2022.Results Sonographic abnormalities were identified in 57% (33/58) of patients, and in the vast majority of cases (33/33) was defined by a low diaphragm muscle thickness. Thinner diaphragm muscles are correlated with lower serum creatinine and creatine kinase values, but there was no association with markers of systemic inflammation. Thirty three patients participated in outpatient cardiopulmonary physical therapy that included respiratory muscle training, and 75.8% (25/33) had documented improvement.Conclusion In the outpatient rehabilitation setting, patients with Long COVID display low diaphragm muscle thickness, but intact muscle contractility, with surprising frequency on neuromuscular ultrasound. We speculate this represents a form of disuse atrophy. Also, these patients appear to have a favorable response to cardiopulmonary physical therapy that includes respiratory muscle training.
Identification of Key Genes in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Development through Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Zhu Zhengwen , Wang Shihao , Nie Biao
Published: May 2023

Objective The prevalence of NAFLD has increased globally. We performed bioinformatics analysis to identify key biomarkers associated with NAFLD formation.Methods and results We conducted an analysis of differential expression genes in the GSE164760 dataset from the GEO database, comparing healthy controls, NASH, and NAFLD-HCC. Subsequently, we validated the expression levels of NAFLD-HCC differential genes in TCGA liver hepatocellular carcinoma and identified 7 differential expression genes. We developed a nomogram model to predict the progression from NASH to NAFLD-HCC and found that YWHAZ and pathological stage were independent factors affecting liver cancer prognosis. Based on this, we constructed a prognostic nomogram model. We also discovered a significant positive correlation between YWHAZ expression and obesity, insulin resistance, and NAFLD histological grade. Finally, we utilized various bioinformatics tools such as GEO, Xiantao, UALCAN, and HAP to conduct in-depth research on YWHAZ expression in liver cancer.Conclusion This study indicates that YWHAZ is closely related to the development of NAFLD disease, and these findings provide important references for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
Bifurcation and Dynamic Analyses of a Diseased Predator-prey Model With Prey Refuge
Authors: PRADEEP M SIVA , GOPAL T NANDHA , SIVABALAN M , YASOTHA A
Published: May 2023

This article considers an eco-epidemiological model involving infection and refuge in the prey population. The non-negativity of the solution, the existence, and the local stability of all feasible equilibrium points are investigated. Furthermore, the condition to satisfy the existence of Hopf bifurcation near the coexisting equilibrium is derived. Some simulation results were also done to support the primary analytical findings.
Application of Liquid-Phase Preparative Isoelectric Focusing for Comparative Analysis of Abundancy in Differentially Extracted Bacterial Protein of S.Typhi and Invasive Non-Typhoidal Salmonella
Authors: Khan Khairunnisa Abdul Lateef , Kader Zainoodin Sheik Abdul
Published: May 2023

Isolation, purification, and separation of complex mixtures is crucial in proteomic research. The conventional electrophoresis method for antigen characterization has limitations in separating low abundance components and selectively enriching important proteins with high degree of purity. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was introduced to overcome these limitations, but it also has inherent shortcomings in detecting hydrophobic proteins, low abundance proteins, or samples with proteins of various concentrations. Therefore, this study aims to develop an innovative approach for the enrichment and characterization of immunoreactive components found in differentially extracted whole cell bacterial protein derived from S.Typhi and S.spp. A modified liquid phase preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF) and SDS-PAGE method was used to purify and characterize the proteins. The modified liquid phase IEF efficiently fractionated the proteins into 20 fractions based on the pI value, providing a high-resolution power for protein separation, high throughput, and ease of performance. The fractionated proteins were then analysed by SDS-PAGE for their molecular weight, providing a simple and cost-efficient method for protein analysis. This innovative approach for the enrichment and characterization of immunoreactive components in differentially extracted whole cell bacterial protein derived from S.Typhi and S.spp has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of typhoid fever and other related diseases. By improving the sensitivity and accuracy of protein analysis, this study may lead to identification of exclusive disease biomarkers for early, accurate diagnosis of diseases, improved prognosis and treatment outcomes.
PyRINEX: A New Multi-Purpose Python Package for GNSS RINEX Data
Authors: Han Jinzhen , Lee Seungjun , Yun Hongsik , Kim Kwangbae , Bae Sangwon
Published: May 2023

Since the first receiver independent exchange format (RINEX) version was released in 1989, it has gone through several versions, making the existing software, such as TEQC, incompatible with certain later versions. This study proposes a new Python package named PyRINEX, which is developed to batch process the most generally used versions of RINEX files, namely 2.0 and 3.0. The proposed package can be used to manage and edit numerous RINEX files as well as perform a GPS sensing data quality check function. PyRINEX can be easily imported into any Python IDE similar to any other open-source Python package, it also makes secondary development easy for users.
Carbon labeling of restaurant meals: A virtual experiment
Authors: Lane Hakan , Pokutnia Oksana , Otto Philipp , Farias Ana Rita , Wezepoel Remco
Published: May 2023

The nutrition industry is characterized by high greenhouse gas emissions, as much as 25–30% of all worldwide climate. Deploying eco-labeling to increase people's awareness about the pollution caused by their dietary choices is being introduced to promote more sustainable consumption. The experiment aimed to explore the effectiveness of different eco-labeling approaches and quantify the expected effect on consumer behavior. The data were collected by conducting an online-based survey in the form of a restaurant visit simulation using the PsyToolkit development tool. A convenience sample of 144 participants was randomly assigned to four groups: a) no label, b) climate-friendly icon for low-emitting choices, c) the CO2 equivalent emissions per meal for all items, and d) a combination of an icon and numbers. This survey showed a 9% reduction in average CO2 equivalent per meal with the certificate alone, 4% with label and number, but no reduction in the group using only the CO emissions number. Female gender and green attitudes are associated with making a green dietary choice, and the graphical approach was more effective than providing the report on CO2 emissions as a pure number. Further research is needed to understand the impact of demographics, lifestyle, and attitudes on the possibilities of becoming greener.
Inhibition of the peptide translated from circPPP1R12A by Myricetin and its possible implication: An in-silicoapproach
Authors: Ghosh Rita , Bagchi Angshuman , Mookherjee Tanusree , Chowdhury Nilkanta , Mitra Anindita
Published: May 2023

Abstract:
CircPPP1R12A translates a unique seventy-two amino acid long peptide that is involved in the onset and progression of colon carcinoma by engaging itself in Mst pathway. The possible interaction of the peptide with Mst1/2 proteins can disrupt the activation of this pathway leading to abrupt cell proliferation. Myricetin, a natural flavonoid molecule, has been evaluated as a possible ligand for the peptide. The binding affinity of Myricetin towards the peptide was investigated through molecular docking and MD simulation studies. Molecular docking studies proposed that thirteen amino acid residues of the peptide were found to interact with Myricetin to bind to it. Different attributes of the dynamics simulation data further revealed that the interplay between Myricetin and the peptide could stabilize the binding. In-silicomutagenesis studies indicated that His40, Phe41, Arg43 and His46 are pivotal for the binding of the peptide to Myricetin. These residues were also taking part in the Mst1/2-peptide complex formation. The interaction of the peptide with the Mst proteins possibly deactivates the Mst pathway hence binding of Myricetin can prevent this deactivation. As a naturally occurring flavonoid, it could be a potentially beneficial dietary compound with therapeutic advantage against colon cancer.
Impacts of acute hypoxia on the short-snouted seahorse metabolism and behaviour
Authors: Gomes Matilde , Lopes Vanessa M. , Mai Monica G. , Paula José R. , Bispo Regina , Batista Hugo , Barraca Catarina , Baylina Núria , Rosa Rui , Pimentel Marta S.
Published: May 2023

Seahorses are one of the most unique and enigmatic animals, recognized as flagship species for several conservation issues. Unfortunately, seahorses’ populations have been declining worldwide and their unique lifestyle may constrain the ability of these animals to evolve in the future climate scenarios. They inhabit shallow coastal waters that display daily or seasonal environmental fluctuations, Yet, few studies have scrutinized the impacts of climate changes on these iconic species. Within this context, the objective of this work was to test the effects of an extreme hypoxia exposure (~ 27% dissolved oxygen) on the metabolism, behaviour and food intake of the temperate seahorseHippocampus hippocampus. Regarding metabolism, hypoxia exposure led to a significant reduction in metabolic and ventilation rates. Seahorses showed signs of movement lethargy under oxygen depletion. The results show that hypoxia induces metabolic and behavioural changes that may jeopardize the development and survival of these iconic organisms.
Moderate or major anxiety and depression versus high alcohol consumption in women in Honduras.
Authors: Turcios Eleonora Espinoza , Mendoza Carlos Antonio Sosa , Zambrano Lysien Ivania , Ramos Henry Noel Castro , Pacheco José Manuel Armada , Mejia Christian R.
Published: May 2023

Objective
To determine whether anxiety and moderate or major depression were associated with high alcohol consumption in Honduran women. Methodology: Cross-sectional and analytic study, using the SRQ test as a screening test for anxiety, depression and alcohol consumption, confirmed with the Hamilton test for anxiety and depression. The crossing of these variables was carried out to obtain descriptive, bivariate and multivariate results.
Results
Moderate or greater anxiety was more frequent among those with high alcohol consumption (PRa: 1.49; CI95%: 1.09–2.04; p-value = 0.013), was also frequent among those reporting violence at home (PRa: 1.63; CI95%: 1.36–1.94; p < 0.001) and some history of mental pathology at home (PRa: 1.64; CI95%: 1.44–1.87; Value p < 0.001). Moderate or major depression was more frequent among those reporting violence at home (PRa: 1.54; CI95%: 1.30–1.83; p < 0.001) and having some history of mental pathology at home (PRa: 1.38; CI95%: 1.18–1.63; Value p < 0.001).
Conclusion
A strong association was found between anxiety and high alcohol consumption in this population of women from Honduras, Central America. Intensify screening programs for alcohol consumption in the female population and provide psychological support, as well as conduct future research on a larger scale.
Evaluation of Activated Moringa Oleifera Leaf Green Powder as a Natural Biosorbent for Safranin Dye Removal from Synthetic Wastewater
Authors: Ahmed Harez Rashid , Radha Fuad Hama Sharif , Agha Nian N.M. , Amin Khanda F.M. , Shwan Dler M.S
Published: May 2023

This research investigates the potential of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Green Powder (MOLGP) as a low-cost and efficient biosorbent for removing dye, metals, and bacteria from water. Specifically, Safranin dye's adsorption capacity on MOLGP was examined, and MOLGP underwent base activation with sonication to enhance its adsorption capacity as a nanoparticle. The biosorbent surface characteristics were analyzed using FTIR, SEM, BET, and EDX techniques. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a semi-crystalline form, and changes in surface morphology and elemental composition were observed after NaOH treatment. The maximum removal efficiency of Safranin was 56.17% under the given conditions, but it significantly improved to 98.96% after undergoing treatments. The adsorption process was exothermic, and there was a decrease in system entropy during treatment. The results showed that Safranin adsorption onto MOLGP was unfavorable at all temperatures, but adsorption onto BAMOLGP was favorable at all temperatures. Eleven statistical functions were employed to estimate the error deviations between experimental and theoretically predicted kinetic adsorption values and isothermals. The data indicated that the first-order and second-order equations best matched MOLOPG and BAMOLOPG, while Freundlich is the best match for isothermal BAMOLOPG.
Knowledge, Attitude and Associated Factors Towards Instrument Processing Among Nurses Working in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wake Addisu Dabi
Published: May 2023

Introduction and Objectives
Globally, hospitals have faced substantial problems because of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This study was intended to assess knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards instrument processing among nurses working in Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey was done on 335 nurses working at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. The data were collected from December 20 to 29/2021 by face-to-face interview.
Result
A total of 335 nurses were participated in the study and the response rate was 99.11%. This study showed that the level of good knowledge and attitude towards Instrument processing among nurses working at Asella referral and teaching hospital was 61.8%, and 65.4% respectively. The Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that; average monthly income, working experience, awareness on Instrument processing methods, availability of guideline on instrument processing and department currently serving were factors significantly associated with knowledge towards instrument processing. Gender, awareness on instrument processing, department currently serving and knowledge towards instrument processing were factors significantly associated with attitude towards instrument processing.
Conclusions
The level of good knowledge and positive attitude towards instrument processing among nurses was low. Health educational programs, training, and demonstrations on instrument processing are essential to solve these problems.